bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Pan-Asian Energy Transition? The New Rationale for Decarbonization Policies in Asia and the World’s Largest Energy Exporting Countries, the Case of Qatar, and Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abdallah Ismail , Alhosin Hamed , Belarabi Mohamed , Chaouki Sanae , Mahmoud Nousseiba
Published: May 2024

Climate change has become a major agenda item in international relations and in national energy policy-making circles around the world. This article studies the surprising evolution of the energy policy, and more particularly the energy transition, currently happening in the Arabian Gulf region, which features some of the world’s largest exporters of oil and gas. Qatar, Saudi Arabia and other neighboring energy exporters, plan to export blue and green hydrogen across Asia as well as towards Europe in the years and decades to come. Although poorly known and understood abroad, this recent strategy doesn’t threaten the current exports of oil and gas (still needed for a few decades) but prepares the evolution of their national energy industries towards the future decarbonized energy demand of their main customers in East and South Asia, and beyond. The world’s largest exporters of Liquefied Natural Gas, Qatar, has established industrial policies and projects to upscale CCUS, which can enable blue hydrogen production, as well as natural carbon sinks domestically via afforestation projects.
Social Support Is Associated with Fewer Mental Health Problems Among Japanese Nurses During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tsubaki Michihiro , Ito Yoshiyasu , Nagashima Takafumi , Tsujimoto Yoko , Anzai Toru , Yagome Susumu , Koizumi Hideko
Published: May 2024

This study aims to assess the relationship between the effect of the pandemic on the mental health of nurses and its association with their social support needs. Infectious disease pandemics have had a considerable impact on the medical healthcare industry and the global economy, and the construction of a sustainable medical system is essential for overcoming them. This cross-sectional study evaluated 2431 Japanese nurses who completed a survey using three mental health scales for depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. It was found that the odds of depression were lower among nurses who received sufficient infection prevention measures than those who felt that no preventive measures were implemented. Nurses who sought financial support and support against libel and slander were associated with a high risk of depression. These items were associated with a high risk of anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. The increased mental health problems among nurses require evidence-based social support, including countermeasures against infection in hospital, financial support for individual nurses, and support against libel and slander to improve their mental health.
Using the TSS-RESTREND Methodology to Diagnose Post-Reclamation Vegetation Trends on the Western Slope of Colorado
Authors: Di Stéfano Sean , Karl Jason W. , Duniway Michael C.
Published: May 2024

Reclamation Highlights:

A gradual positive increase in plant community response to precipitation occurred over time, indicating long-term recovery of plant communities in response to reclamation efforts. There was a diminishing effect of aridity on reclamation outcomes over time, suggesting that water availability has a reduced impact on long-term reclamation success. Variations were discovered in reclamation success among different management actions, highlighting the need for coordinated strategies and enhanced operator communication to maximize the effectiveness of reclamation.
Analisis Pengujian Karakteristik Organoleptik Dan Uji Texture Profile Analyzer Pada Nugget Ikan Dengan Penambahan Tepung Tulang Ikan Bandeng (Chanos chanos) dan Ubi Jalar Putih (Ipomea batatas linneaus).
Authors: Fadillah Mohammad Dimas , Woro Priatini  , Hurry Mega Insani
Published: May 2024

Tulang ikan merupakan limbah dari hasil perikanan dan menjadi salah satu limbah yang biasanya berada di antara sampah rumah tangga. Melalui penanganan khusus sampah tulang ikan dapat dibuat menjadi olahan tepung tulang ikan yang dapat dimanfaatkan kembali menjadi olahan pangan salah satunya yaitu adalah nugget. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dengan lingkup pendekatan kuantitatif dan melakukan eksperimental terhadap tiga formulasi standar resep yang memiliki kandungan tepung tulang dan tepung pengikat yang berbeda, antara lain : NPTTB 1 (70:30), NPTTB 2 (50:50), NPTTB 3 (25:75). Ketiga formulasi tersebut akan dilakukan uji organoleptik dari aspek rasa, aroma, bentuk, tekstur dan penampilan kepada 30 panelis semi terlatih dan datanya akan diolah dengan menggunakan SPSS uji ANOVA One-Way. Hasil penelitian didapati nilai signifikansi dari tiap-tiap aspek pengujian antara lain: Rasa= 0,264; Aroma= 0,500; Bentuk= 0,204; Tekstur= 0,052; Penampilan= 0,539. NPTTB 2 terpilih sebagai formulasi terbaik dengan total poin dari keseluruhan aspek adalah 3,69/5. Kesimpulan pada penelitian ini bahwa berdasarkan hasil uji keseluruhan produk nugget tulang ikan dapat diterima oleh masyarakat.
Kata kunci: Nugget Ikan, Tepung Tulang Ikan, Limbah Makanan
Subtitular la comunicación no verbal
Authors: González Royo Carmen
Published: May 2024

Trasladar a la lengua meta los referentes culturales propios de la lengua origen plantea inexorablemente dificultades al traductor y requiere la toma de decisiones de calado. Sin duda, estas cuestiones han sido objeto de reflexión de numerosos investigadores en el ámbito traductológico. Así, Nida (1945) y, posteriormente, otros autores han elaborado listados con tipologías de elementos marcados culturalmente. De forma explícita, la gestualidad figura entre los conceptos enumerados en la propuesta de Newmark (1988) o la definición de culturema de Nord (1997) o Molina (2006), que abarca fenómenos tanto verbales como no verbales. En esta contribución abordamos el nivel de comprensión/interpretación de la gestualidad simbólica (o emblemas) en italiano por individuos no nativos frente a nativos. Se interpreta la gestualidad para, después, subtitular verbalmente la interacción de un minuto de duración que dos personajes construyen gestualmente en un largometraje, sin que el espectador (ni los protagonistas mismos) perciba el audio de la emisión verbal. Este estudio nace de una experiencia de investigación-acción llevada a cabo en un entorno académico con dos grupos de aprendices de italiano como lengua extranjera, principiantes absolutos y usuarios de nivel de intermedio con alguna competencia en comunicación no verbal, a los que se incorpora un tercer grupo de informantes nativos. Gracias a la metodología propia de un trabajo de investigación empírico, se analiza el grado de comprensión en cada uno de los grupos. El cuadro de resultados nos ayudó a elaborar conclusiones y propuestas dirigidas a la transmisión de estos rasgos específicos de la cultura italiana a la lengua meta, con el objetivo de recuperar la información que transmiten para el receptor meta y que no quede diluida por la (presunta) omisión sistemática en el apoyo subtitulado.
Hydraulic load definitions for use in Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) analysis, including probabilistic load characterization, of 10 hydraulic steel structures : report number 1
Authors: Hite John , Ebeling Robert , White Barry
Published: May 2024

In the past, allowable stress design (ASD) was used to design steel structures. The allowable stresses used were determined from previous practice, with limited understanding of the reliability and risk performance provided by the structure. Engineering methods based on Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD) provide more accurate lifetime models of structures by providing risk-based load factors. Besides improved safety, cost savings can be provided through improved performance and, in some cases, by delaying rehabilitation. This research project develops LRFD-based engineering procedures for the evaluation and design of hydraulic steel structures (HSS). Hydraulic loads are a key element to the LRFD analysis. This report identifies the primary hydraulic loads and describes procedures that can be used to determine these hydraulic loads. Existing design guidance for HSS is described and presented in the individual chapters. The appendixes to the report provide examples of the procedures used to compute the hydrostatic, wave, and hydrodynamic loads. A new approach for determining wind-induced wave loads was developed. Design guidance for computing the hydrodynamic load was limited for many of the HSS. Additional research is recommended to improve capabilities for computing hydraulic loads. Details on these recommendations can be found in this report.
Prevalence and risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses and asymptomatic carriers among a cohort of 2,455 healthcare workers of a general hospital during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Barrufet Pilar , Serra-Prat Mateu , Palomera Elisabet , Ruiz Alicia , Tapias Gemma , Montserrat Noemí , Valladares Nicolau , Ruz Fran , Bolívar-Prados Mireia , Clavé Pere
Published: May 2024

Observational and prospective study to establish an immunological map of SARS-CoV-2 exposure of 2,455 healthcare workers (HCW) at the Maresme Health Consortium (CSdM), Catalonia, during COVID-19 pandemic, with serum sampling for antibody determination. In pre-vaccination serum samples, we performed an initial chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) to detect: IgG+IgM+IgA and, in those with positive results, a differential analysis of IgM+IgA vs IgG by ELISA to detect an acute or past infection. A PCR was performed in nasopharyngeal swabs in positive IgM+IgA to confirm the non-diagnosed carriers of the virus. In post-vaccination samples, we assessed IgG SARS-CoV2 SPIKE-TRIMERIC and total antibodies to the nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2. The individual occupational, social and health risk factors were assessed by a self-administrated epidemiological survey at each serum sampling period. Relatively large sample size, high participation rate in all phases of the study with four blood samples over time, high vaccination acceptance, and follow-up of the study cohort for 17 months (6-7 months before and 10-11 months after vaccination), represent important strengths of the study. As this is a study with an open cohort (with entrances and exits), it has made it possible to obtain an accurate picture of the epidemiological characteristics of the pandemic among CSdM HCW in real life. However, this open cohort design has made it difficult to assess risk factors that, on the other hand, have shown some changes over time due to progressive implementation of protective and preventive measures. Moreover, this is not a clinical trial but an observational study, so it is not the best design to assess the efficacy of a vaccine. However, it allows us to assess its effectiveness in terms of immunological response in real conditions.
Estimation of anti-OMV serum IgM level using indirect ELISA
Authors: Tamuly Shantanu , Sultana Anisha
Published: May 2024

This protocol is used for estimation of serum IgM level in mice using indirect ELISA.
Amplification and sequencing of HBV pol gene
Authors: Marcelino Rute
Published: May 2024

This is a homemade protocol designed to amplify and sequence a 943bp fragment of the HBV pol gene. The polymerase region amplified here can be used to analyze drug resistance mutations. We use this protocol with HBV nucleic acid extracted from 200 µl of plasma sample, using the QIAamp DNA Blood Mini Kit (Qiagen, USA) following the manufacturer's procedure.
A Global Systematic Review, Meta-analysis and Health Risk Assessment of the Concentration of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Bread: A Protocol for a Systematic Review with Meta-analysis
Authors: Touranlou Fateme Asadi , Sani seyedeh Belin Tavakkoli , Ghavami Vahid , Hashemi Mohammad
Published: May 2024

Background: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are formed during various industrial processes and activities, mainly through pyrolysis, especially when organic matter is incompletely combusted. There is evidence that PAHs affect host resistance, humoral immunity, and immune system development. These health problems may occasionally be linked to genotoxicity, chronic intoxication symptoms, and carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic effects. One of the most common food sources in human nutrition is bread . Bread can be contaminated with PAHs due to contamination of baking ingredients (mainly flour) and the baking process. So, this study describes a systematic review protocol with meta-analysis on the concentration of PAHs in bread on a global scale.
Methods: Literature searches will be conducted in Science Direct, PubMed, web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar will be searched from early to September 2022. Each database will be searched independently, and the reference lists of all studies will be manually searched for relevant literature, which may be omitted during the search. We will use keywords related to the terms “polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons” and “PAHs”. These keywords are then combined with the terms “bread” and “health risk” to be used.
Discussion: A systematic review with meta-analysis to assess the health risks associated with PAH levels in bread will be conducted. This study will be investigated all bread consumed on a global scale. In order to be able to compare the amount of PAHs in bread, the type of bread, the type of oven, and the geographical origin will be used to determine which Factor is most effective in raising PAHs concentration.
In situ neutral detergent fibre digestibility, in vitro organic matter digestibility and methane production of four Namibian rangeland encroacher bush species used as fodder
Authors: Shiningavamwe Katrina Lugambo , Mupangwa Johnfisher , Lutaaya Emmanuel , Halmemies-Beauchet-Filleau Anni , Vanhatalo Aila
Published: May 2024

Encroacher bush species have been undervalued due to insufficient information about their potential feeding value. This study evaluated the in situ neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility, in vitro organic matter digestibility (OMD) and methane production of Senegalia mellifera, Dichrostachys cinerea, Terminalia sericea and Rhigozum trichotomum. Leaves and twigs (≤ 20 mm) were harvested during late dry and early rainy seasons. The indigestible neutral detergent fibre (iNDF) and digestible neutral detergent fibre (dNDF) were determined by the in sacco nylon bag technique. The in vitro organic matter digestibility (OMD) of bush samples were based on the two-stage pepsin + cellulase solubility technique. Methane gas production was determined by in vitro method using the Gas Endeavour Automatic Gas Flow Measuring System. The iNDF for D. cinerea and S. mellifera decreased (P < 0.0001) from late dry to early rainy season, while that of R. trichotomum and T. sericea increased. Digestible NDF decreased (P < 0.001) from late dry to early rainy season for all species, except S. mellifera. Species and species x season interaction affected (P < 0.0001) OMD. Except for S. mellifera, the in vitro OMD decreased (P < 0.001) from late dry to early rainy season. In vitro methane gas production of all species was higher (P = 0.0004) during the late dry season compared to the early rainy season (147.6 versus 92.0 mL/g DM). In conclusion, based on the low OMD and high iNDF, the studied species may require further intervention to improve their digestibility and feeding value.
Imatinib mesylate reduces c-Myc translocation in double-hit lymphoma cells by suppressing inducible cytidine deaminase
Authors: Zhang JingCheng , Zhou Sheng , Jiang SiSi , He Fang , Tu Yan , Hu HuiXian
Published: May 2024

Double-hit lymphoma (DHL) with c-Myc gene translocation is highly aggressive and has a poor prognosis. In DHL cells, activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) promotes antibody class switch recombination (CSR), ultimately leading to c-Myc gene translocation caused by Myc/IgH DNA double-strand breaks. In this study, imatinib mesylate downregulated the AID and c-Myc proteins in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia associated with DHL. In addition, imatinib mesylate reduced AID expression and c-Myc gene translocation in SU-DHL-4 and OCI-Ly18 DHL cells with c-Myc gene translocation. Imatinib mesylate exerted significant inhibitory effects on the proliferation and metastasis of SU-DHL-4 and OCI-Ly18 cells. Finally, imatinib mesylate reduced not only tumor burden in DHL mouse models, but also AID expression and c-Myc gene translocation in vivo. These findings reveal that imatinib mesylate effectively reduces the carcinogenic function of c-Myc in DHL, providing novel strategies for developing therapies targeting c-Myc-driven DHL.
Neurological Considerations in Clavicle Fracture Fixation: A Retrospective Cohort Study on the Role of Supraclavicular Nerve Preservation
Authors: Zhang Weiliang , Tian Qian , Ge Qiaofeng , Yan Zhiliang , Zhang Jiyan , Zhao Guangyue , Zhu Yonggang
Published: May 2024

Background:
Clavicle fractures, frequently associated with sports and trauma, are prevalent injuries in the upper extremity. Surgical repair, a common intervention, aims to restore skeletal stability and facilitate functional recovery. The role of neural protection, particularly concerning the supraclavicular nerve, in clavicle fracture surgery remains an area of interest. The purpose of this study was to compare operative time, bleeding, postoperative hospitalization, postoperative pain, numbness, and upper extremity function between clavicle plastic surgery patients using supraclavicular nerve preservation and supraclavicular nerve sacrifice techniques.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort study spanning January 2021 to January 2023 involved patients with midshaft clavicle fractures treated with dynamic compression plates or locking plates at Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital). Patient data were extracted, and surgical outcomes were meticulously recorded. Parameters such as operative time, estimated blood loss, post-operative hospitalization duration, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick-DASH) score, and the occurrence of numbness were among the comprehensive outcomes analyzed.
Results:
Among the 241 eligible patients, the study categorized them into Supraclavicular Nerve Preservation (SNP) and Supraclavicular Nerve Sacrificing (SNS) groups. Baseline analysis revealed comparable demographic and injury-related characteristics. Surgical outcomes analysis demonstrated no significant difference in operative time between the SNP and SNS groups (64.28 ± 16.07 vs. 67.50 ± 17.53, p = 0.19). Strikingly, the SNP group exhibited significantly lower blood loss during surgery compared to the SNS group (28.43 ± 13.35 vs. 36.51 ± 16.54, p < 0.01). No substantial difference in post-operative hospitalization duration was noted between the two groups (3.07 ± 1.07 vs. 3.23 ± 41.06, p = 0.32). Evaluation of postoperative numbness consistently favored the SNP group at 1 month (94.1% vs. 8.1%, p < 0.01), 3 months (95.6% vs. 10.4%, p < 0.01), 6 months (98.5% vs. 11.6%, p < 0.01), and 1 year postoperatively (98.5% vs. 13.3%, p < 0.01).
Conclusion:
This study suggests that the Supraclavicular Nerve Preservation approach, while equivalent in operative efficiency, offers advantages in reducing blood loss (p < 0.01) and minimizing postoperative numbness (all p < 0.01). These findings contribute valuable evidence to the discourse on optimal clavicle fracture management, emphasizing the importance of nerve preservation in surgical interventions. Further research is warranted to validate and extend these findings for broader clinical implications.
Is there a sex difference in the association between pre-stroke physical activity and functional independence from ischemic stroke
Authors: Fang Shuangfang , Zhang Baixiang , Lei Hanhan , Zhang Yidan , Lin Huiying , Chen Qingfa , Huang Huapin , Liu Nan , DU Houwei
Published: May 2024

Whether physical activity is associated with functional outcomes from ischemic stroke remains poorly understood. We aimed to explore the association of pre-stroke physical activity and functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke according to sex. Pre-stroke physical activity was assessed using a four-level questionnaire named Saltin-Grimby Physical Activity Level Scale (SGPALS). Our primary outcome was functional independence, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2 three months after stroke onset. A prospective cohort study design was used to estimate the multivariable-adjusted odds of functional independence with pre-stroke physical activity. We analyzed 257 men and 142 women participants, including 230 physically inactive and 169 active ones in the final analysis. Physical active participants were at a higher odds of achieving functional independence at 3 months (adjusted OR 4.14, 95%CI 2.35 - 7.31). When stratified by sex adjusted point estimates from logistic regression models indicated that pre-stroke physical activity was significantly associated with 3-month functional independence in both men (OR 4.59, 95%CI 2.19-9.63) and women (OR 3.64, 95%CI 1.44-9.18). This study showed an association between physical activity and functional independence 3 months after ischemic stroke. Moreover, no indication of sex difference in this association were observed.
Host Genetic Background Affects the Brain Weight Influenced by Obesity and Diabetes Development in Collaborative Cross Mice
Authors: Paz Avia , Lone Iqbal M. , Midlej Kareem , Ghnaim Aya , Ben-Nun Nadav , Iraqi Fuad A.
Published: May 2024

The population is increasingly obese, which is linked to the emergence of numerous health issues. Numerous risk factors are present along with the metabolic syndrome. Genetic components, environmental factors, and psychosocial impacts are some of the causes that contribute to obesity. Increases in diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, some malignancies, and sleep-related breathing issues have all been linked to an increase in obese cases. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) mellitus due to obesity has been shown to cause brain alterations that may lead to cognitive impairment. A correlation between T2D and an increased risk for neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was observed. Thus, understanding the connection between these diseases may aid in halting or delaying their prevalence. In this report, we studied the impact of a high-fat diet (HFD) on the development of obesity and diabetes and its effect on brain weight. In the two experimental groups, an evaluation was conducted on a cohort of 143 mice from eight different collaborative Cross (CC) mouse lines. For the entire 12 weeks experiment period, the mice were kept on either the high-fat diet (HFD) or chow diet (CHD). Throughout the experiment, the body weight of each mouse was recorded on weeks zero, 6, and 12, while the host's response to a glucose load and clearance was measured using the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) at two time points, week 6 and 12. These results were then converted to the area under the curve (AUC) values. At week 12, mice were culled, their brains were removed, and then evaluated. The results have revealed that HFD has a different impact on obesity and T2D development, as well as on brain weight among the different CC lines, and varies depending on the sex. Finally, we applied machine learning (ML) approaches to explore aspects of brain weight changes, using sex, diet, initial body weight, and area under the curve (AUC) as an indicator for T2D development and severity at weeks 6 and 12 at the end-stage of the experiment, while variation in efficiency exists between different host genetic backgrounds. This emphasizes a personalized/precision medicine approach. Altogether, it illustrates the power of the CC mice in identifying susceptible genes to personalized/precision of co and multimorbidity of T2D and obesity in future studies.
Evaluating the Implementation of the Pediatric Acute Care Education (PACE) Program in Northwestern Tanzania: A Mixed-Methods Study Guided by Normalization Process Theory
Authors: Mwanga Joseph R , Hokororo Adolfine , Ndosi Hanston , Masenge Theopista , Kalabamu Florence S , Tawfik Daniel , Mediratta Rishi P , Rozenfeld Boris , Berg Marc , Smith Zachary H , Chami Neema , Mkopi Namala P , Mwanga Castory , Diocles Enock , Agweyu Ambrose , Meaney Peter A
Published: May 2024

Background
In low- and -middle-income countries (LMICs) like Tanzania, the competency of healthcare providers critically influences the quality of pediatric care. To address this, we introduced PACE (Pediatric Acute Care Education), an adaptive e-learning program tailored to enhance provider competency in line with Tanzania’s national guidelines for managing seriously ill children. Adaptive e-learning presents a promising alternative to traditional in-service education, yet optimal strategies for its implementation in LMIC settings remain to be fully elucidated.
Objectives
This study aimed to (1) evaluate the initial implementation of PACE in Mwanza, Tanzania, using the constructs of Normalization Process Theory (NPT), and (2) provide insights into its feasibility, acceptability, and scalability potential.
Methods
A mixed-methods approach was employed across three healthcare settings in Mwanza: a zonal hospital and two health centers. NPT was utilized to navigate the complexities of implementing PACE. Data collection involved a customized NoMAD survey, focus groups and in-depth interviews with healthcare providers.
Results
The study engaged 82 healthcare providers through the NoMAD survey and 79 in focus groups and interviews. Findings indicated high levels of coherence and cognitive participation, demonstrating that PACE is well-understood and resonates with existing healthcare goals. Providers expressed a willingness to integrate PACE into their practice, distinguishing it from existing educational methods. However, challenges related to resources and infrastructure, particularly affecting collective action, were noted. The short duration of the study limited the assessment of reflexive monitoring, though early indicators point towards the potential for PACE’s long-term sustainability.
Conclusion
This study offers vital insights into the feasibility and acceptability of implementing PACE in a Tanzanian context. While PACE aligns well with healthcare objectives, addressing resource and infrastructure challenges is crucial for its successful and sustainable implementation. Furthermore, the study underscores the value of NPT as a framework in guiding implementation processes, with broader implications for implementation science and pediatric acute care in LMICs.
Analysis of Rayleigh Wave Dynamic Response and Propagation Characteristics in Layered Site
Authors: Lv Hao
Published: May 2024

Rayleigh waves, as a type of surface waves, exhibit distinctive properties compared to body waves. Along the horizontal direction of the surface, the energy decay rate is much slower than that of a body wave as the distance from the source increases. Conversely, the energy decays rapidly along the depth direction, with most of the energy concentrated within a wavelength range near the surface. Research has indicated that Rayleigh wave energy accounts for approximately 67% of the total wave field energy during an earthquake, resulting in significant structural damage. Therefore, the synthesis of Rayleigh wave fields is crucial for earthquake prevention and mitigation efforts. In this study, we develop a FORTRAN program to synthesize the Rayleigh wave field in a uniform elastic half-space. Furthermore, we combine MATLAB and FORTRAN programs to synthesize the Rayleigh wave field in a horizontally layered elastic half-space. Finally, we validate the accuracy of our program using a numerical example.
Directional Latent Space Representation For Medical Image Segmentation
Authors: Liu Xintao , Gao Yan , Zhan Changqing , Wang Qiao , Zhang Yu , He Yi , Quan Hongyan
Published: May 2024

Efficient medical image segmentation plays an important role in computer-aided diagnosis (CAD). Deep mining of pixel semantics is crucial for medical image segmentation. However, previous works on medical semantic segmentation usually overlook the importance of embedding subspace, and lacked the mining of latent space direction information. In this work, we constructed global orthogonal basis and channel orthogonal basis in the latent space, which can significantly enhance the feature representation. We propose a novel distance-based segmentation method that decouples the embedding space into sub-embedding spaces of different classes, and then implements pixel level classification based on the distance between its embedding features and the origin of the subspace. Experiments on various public medical image segmentation benchmarks show the effectiveness of our model as compared to the state-of-the-art methods. The code will be published at https://github.com/lxt0525/LSDENet.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation to Investigate the Effect of the Molecular Structure of Warm-mix Additive on Its Adsorption Properties
Authors: Xu Haijiao , Zhou Xu , Zhao Pinhui , Cai Yu , Peng Bo , Zhuang XuZhe , Cao Yan , Zhang Wei , Yang Yansheng
Published: May 2024

In this study, the effect of the molecular structure of an asphalt warm-mix additive (WMA) on its adsorption characteristics was determined by a molecular dynamics simulation. Calculation models were established of the adsorption-film forming of an imidazoline WMA on the surfaces of the typical minerals (CaCO3) and quartz (SiO2). The effect of the change in the length of the WMA's hydrophobic carbon chain on system adsorption and lubrication was further investigated. The simulation results show that the HOMO and LUMO orbital distributions of the long-chain aliphatic imidazoline WMA are mainly delocalized on the imidazoline ring and hydrophilic group. As the length of the carbon chain at the hydrophobic end of the WMA increases, the EHOMO of the WMA gradually increases, the ELUMO gradually decreases, and the energy difference between HOMO and LUMO decreases. Also, as that length increases, the adsorption energy of the WMA on SiO2 (0 0 1) and calcite (1 0 4) surfaces, as well as the film's cohesive energy, all increase continuously. In addition, the adsorption energy of the WMA on the SiO2 (0 0 1) surface and the film's cohesive energy exceed those on the calcite (1 0 4) surface. In the adsorption films formed on the SiO2 (0 0 1) and calcite (1 0 4) surfaces, the MSD of the WMA in each system increases with time. Meanwhile, as the hydrophobic-end alkyl chain length of the WMA increases, the MSD and the self-diffusion coefficient gradually increase, and the molecular diffusivity is enhanced. Additionally, the MSD and self-diffusion coefficient of the WMA on the SiO2 (0 0 1) surface exceed those on the calcite (1 0 4) surface. In conclusion, the study researched the adsorption-film-forming behavior of the surfactant WMA on the aggregate surface, providing a theoretical basis for the mechanism of warm-mixing and the development of a new WMA.
Enhancing Online Yard Crane Scheduling through a Two-Stage Rollout Memetic Genetic Programming
Authors: Jin Chenwei , Bai Ruibin , Zhou Yuyang , Chen Xinan , Tan Leshan
Published: May 2024

Over the past decade, the surge in global container port throughput has heightened the demand for terminal efficiency, with the container yard operations being central to the overall port performance. However, the unpredictable arrival of external trucks poses significant challenges for yard cranes, requiring the simultaneous scheduling of internal and external loading tasks.Traditional yard crane scheduling methods often rely on outdated assumptions that fail to account for the dynamic impact of external tasks.In response, container terminals increasingly model the yard crane scheduling as an online problem. A notable advancement in online scheduling is the online rollout method, which evaluates the decisions based on the potential outcomes of their future rollout solutions rather than immediate priorities. Although this method outperforms the latter approach, it faces two main issues: the rollout is time consuming, and decisions based solely on objective of rollout solution may not align with long-term scheduling objectives.To overcome these limitations, we have developed a two-stage adaptive rollout decision model. In the first stage, less desirable tasks are dynamically filtered out to reduce the number of rollouts, while the second stage employs a genetic programming evolved evaluation functions to infuse forward-looking insights into the scheduling process. This approach has proven to significantly enhance yard scheduling efficiency and performance, as confirmed by experimental validation. Given the dynamic nature of yard crane operations, we believe this method could be beneficially applied to other dynamic scheduling contexts.
Mitigation of Forestation using Fuel-Saving Appliances
Authors: Ebissa Dawit Tessema , Getahun Eshetu
Published: May 2024

In this study, appropriate energy-saving cooking technologies were identified via comparison with traditional cooking technologies in the study area, Zenzelima Kebele, Amhara region, Ethiopia.
Primary and secondary data were collected through different data collection tools, such as interviews, questionnaires, observation, and focus group discussion (FGD), and compiled reports were also reviewed as secondary data. For this observation, the sample size was taken as 60 households in the kebele.
From this feasibility study, it was determined that the dominant fuel type was firewood, for which the percentage was 75%. According to the results of experimental performance tests and different research reviews, the efficiency of cookstoves was 10%, 25%, 48%, 50%, 54%, and 76% for 3-stone, lakech, mirt, gonze, tikikil, and pyrolysis stoves, respectively. From the total number of households with kebeles, i.e., 1986 households, only 87 households used improved cook stoves, and the rest used 3-stone stove types. The study showed that the highest fuel consumption rate and cooking time were observed for the 3-stone stove, and the lowest fuel consumption rate and cooking time were observed for the pyrolysis stove. The improvement stove reduced emissions, and the highest emission reduction stove was the gasifier stove, with a magnitude of 1.229 tons CO2/HH/Year. The majority of the societies did not utilize the biochar from the cook stoves. However, biochar is very important for soil amendment. Among cooking stoves, gasifier stoves have a great advantage in terms of the production of energy and biochar. The statistical analysis indicated that fuel consumption and cooking time are linearly related.
A ‘cool’ route to battery electrode material recovery
Authors: Chen Lin , Kishore Brij , Song Tengfei , Lakhdar Yazid , Liu Bowen , Omoregbe Osaze , Slater Peter , Kendrick Emma
Published: May 2024

Widespread adoption of alkali metal ion batteries poses a challenge for the recycling industry. Efficient recovery and reuse of valuable metals from end-of-life batteries and production scrap is paramount. A novel, cost-effective, fast, and scalable electrode delamination approach, 'ice-stripping,' is proposed. An electrode is wetted with water and frozen using a cold plate, then peeled. Volume expansion and the increased cohesive strength of the ice over the electrode adhesion results in 100% delamination from the current collector and recovery of electrode coatings with minimal water use, material waste, or damage. In stark contrast to conventional high-temperature methods. Its effectiveness is illustrated with Li-ion and Na-ion battery electrodes comprised of different binder systems, and the scalability is considered for scrap. A direct recycling case study for a Na-ion, hard carbon and Prussian white is presented. This innovation holds promise in meeting the escalating demand for efficient and sustainable battery recycling.
A Mixed-Method Study on the Factors Associated with Emigration of Nurses and its Impact on Nursing Profession and Health Sectors- A Preliminary Study
Authors: Burnett-Harry Samantha
Published: May 2024

Over the past decade, the increase in migration of Registered Nurses has been on the rise worldwide. There are numerous pull and push factors that force nurses to migrate. This study sought to assess the factors that contribute to the increased migration of Registered Nurses at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. A mixed method, cross sectional research design was adopted. 10 Registered Nurses were selected by purposive sampling technique and responded to the questionnaire on migration, followed by interviews. The findings of the study revealed that the majority of respondent 90% were females, 80% of respondent stated that outward migration has increased, 56% respondent stated that England was the main destination, 31% British Virgin Islands and 13% United States of America. 24% percent of respondents attributed this to poor working environment; 24% respondent indicated that wages were the main reasons for nurse’s migration. The results of this study prompted a recommendation that the Government need to implement better wages, working environment, better patient to staff ratio, more opportunities for upward mobility, specialization, and flexible working hours.
Prospek industri penerbitan di Kabupaten Rejang Lebong: Studi pada penerbit CV Andhra Grafika
Authors: Rodin Rhoni , Anjelika Vera , Wilawati Widiya , Ninsik Wyli Fitri
Published: May 2024

Purpose. This study aims to analyze the prospects for the publishing industry in Rejang Lebong district, by taking the research location at Andhra Graphic publishers.Methodology. This study used descriptive qualitative method. Data collection is done by observation, interviews, and documentation.Results and discussion. The results show that the prospects for publishing businesses in Indonesia may vary depending on various factors, including industry trends, technological developments, government policies, and consumer preferences. It is important to note that in any industry, including publishing, there are risks and opportunities. Doing careful market research, understanding your target audience and having a solid business strategy will help you take the right steps to grow your publishing business. The prospect of a publishing business like Andhra Graphica in Rejang Lebong Regency has exciting potential, especially given your focus on more localized publishing services and accessibility to education and local culture. There are several ways that the Andhra Graphic publishing business can develop and contribute positively to Rejang Lebong Regency, including: 1) Local curriculum development; 2) Literacy and interest in reading; 3) Publishing local works; 4) Cultural and historical publishing; 5) Partnership with schools and educational institutions; 6) Technology-based publishing; 7) Efficient local distribution; 8) Promotion of culture and education; and 9) Community involvement.Conclusions. The regional publishing industry has very good prospects. Moreover, if the area does not yet have a publisher or there are still very few publishers. One example is Andhra Graphic Publisher, even though it is located in remote areas in Rejang Lebong.
Estimation of the permafrost thickness of the New Siberia Island based on geothermal data and numerical modeling
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Gavrilov Anatoly V. , Malakhova Valentina V. ,   Institute of Computational Mathematics and Mathematical Geophysics SB RAS, Pizhankova Elena I. ,   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Popova Alexandra A. ,   LLC "Northern Research"
Published: May 2024

The current ideas about the permafrost thickness on the New Siberia Island are very ambiguous both in terms of forming factors and in its magnitude (from 240 to 370 m), and in general are based on the assumption of the Pliocene beginning of rock freezing. In the last 20 years, new data have been obtained on the history of the region’s development in the Neopleistocene. They include the long existence of the New Siberia Island in marine conditions, which excluded the rocks freezing at that time, as well as the development of glaciation in the Middle Neopleistocene. These data indicate a significantly later onset of freezing of the island, which correlates with the nonstationarity of the temperature field of the frozen strata. The authenticity of the data is debated. The article is devoted to assessing the thickness of permafrost in accordance with three possible scenarios, allowing to take into account different points of view on the geological development of the region. The assessment is made using numerical modeling of the formation of frozen strata over the past 200 thousand years. One scenario includes the existence of glaciation during the Middle Neopleistocene, while in the other two it is absent. The last two scenarios differ in the stratigraphic schemes used. The reliability of the scenarios is assessed based on a comparison of the modeling results for each of them with geothermal data in a well on the island of New Siberia, obtained in the 1970s. The comparison results show that only the version with the existence of a glacier is consistent with the geothermal data. According to the data obtained, freezing of the island began under the glacier at the end of the Middle Neopleistocene, which existed in coastal-marine conditions. The most active increase in the frozen strata thickness dates back to the late Neopleistocene due to the drainage of the island. The obtained result is in agreement with new data on the age of the main geological bodies of the region, as well as with the idea of the glaciotectonic nature of dislocations in the Cretaceous - Middle Neopleistocene rocks.
The spatio-temporal distribution of elements in the bottom sediments of Lake Onego and small lakes located on the catchment area of Onego Ice Lake
Authors:   Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IGM SB RAS), Strakhovenko Vera D. ,   Novosibirsk State University, Belkina Natalia A. ,   Northern Water Problems Institute of the Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Efremenko Natalia A. ,   Northern Water Problems Institute of the Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Potakhin Maxim S. ,   Northern Water Problems Institute of the Karelian Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Subetto Dmitry A. ,   Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, Malov Victor I. ,   V.S. Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IGM SB RAS), Ovdina Ekaterina A. ,   V.S. Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IGM SB RAS)
Published: May 2024

The work presents the results of a comprehensive mineralogical and geochemical study of Late Pleistocene-Holocene bottom sediments of Lake Onego and small lakes located in the territory belonging to Onego Ice Lake. Methods of ICP-MS, atomic absorption spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence analysis, X-ray phase method (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and gamma-spectrometric method were used. The geochemical composition of the terrigenous fraction reflects the mineral composition and is permanent for the all bottom sediments cores of Lake Onego and small lakes during time interval about 12,000 years. For the first time, detailed mineralogical studies of sediments have shown that the composition of mineral associations of the terrigenous fraction is similar in the bottom sediment cores of Lake Onego and small lakes. The association of authigenic minerals in bottom sediments is distinguished by the presence of pyrite framboids in small lakes, and crystalline aggregates of Fe-phosphate, ferruginous illites and chlorites in Lake Onego. Sedimentation rates established by the study of correlations the indicator technogenic radioisotope 137Cs and atmospheric 210Pb. In the bottom sediments of small lakes, sedimentation rates vary from lake to lake, as well as in various areas of Lake Onego in the range from 0.05 cm/year to 0.30 cm/year.
Ivan Vasilyevich Ekskuzovich — Architect and Theater Figure
Authors:   Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, Gordeev Petr N.
Published: May 2024

For the first time the article gives a biographical study of the major theatrical figure and St Petersburg architect I. V. Ekskuzovich. Having graduated from the Institute of Civil Engineers in his youth, he has built several buildings in the capital of the Russian Empire, but his lifework was the management of academic theaters in Leningrad and Moscow. In this article there was first established the existence of the “Ekskuzovich coterie” in 1917, which also included V. E. Meyerhold, conductor N. A. Malko and a certain number of the artists of the Mariinsky Theatre; the role of the coterie in the nomination of Ekskuzovich to the post of the head of the theater department at the end of 1917. The article summarizes the extensive material related to his administrative activities in theaters: the role of Ekskuzovich in the creation of the association of academic theaters, his official and personal correspondence with artists and the People’s Commissar of Education A. V. Lunacharsky. Based on the reviews of memoirists, private correspondence of artists and a number of anniversary addresses, a conclusion is made about the significant popularity of Ekskuzovich in the artistic environment. It is emphasized that the resignation of Ekskuzovich in 1928 took place against the will of Lunacharsky, who lost by the end of the 1920s his real power in the People’s Commissariat for Education. The activity of Ekskuzovich as a theorist and practitioner in mechanization of the theater stage, as well as one of the leading engineers in the park management of Leningrad in the 1930s, is also traced. The monograph “The Theater Stage in the Past and Present” published by him in 1930, Ekskuzovich’s work on the continuation of this research, as well as his work on equipping the stages of Soviet theaters, including the work on the theatrical part of the Palace of Soviets, are considered. The article is based mainly on archival data; materials used 13 archives and manuscript departments of museums and libraries.
The Theme of the High North in the Art of Krasnoyarsk Artist Stepan Fedorovich Turov
Authors:   Museum of 20–21 Century Art of St. Petersburg, Bulak Ksenia A.
Published: May 2024

Stepan Fedorovich Turov was drawing artist who has served an important purpose of the development of book illustration at the Krasnoyarsk Krai, he was an artist who has been famous in his own lifetime at home and abroad. Works of art on the theme of the North forms a large part of Turov’s heritage but no one research that characterized specificity of realization of the North at Turov’s creative work has been published until the present. There is very small amount of published works about the artist. I. M. Davydenko’s opening chapter of the catalogue of posthumous exhibition of Turov of the 1983 is only one attempt to bring comprehensive analysis of the art of the artist. At books and papers of T. M. Lomanova, E. D. Getmanski and V. Averikhin only a few artworks made by Turov are examined. The aims of this scientific paper are to summarize data about graphic works made by Turov and devoted to the North and to find specific pictorial patterns that are used at these works. At the paper the key aspects are contemplated where the theme of the North in the art of Turov was found out: book illustration, series of easel etchings, linocut landscapes, ex-libris. There was made a connection between book illustration and easel graphic works made by Turov on the theme of the North. This paper not only brings a coherent picture of the development of the theme of the North in art of Turov for the first time. It also put into scientific circulation an information about unpublished artworks made by Turov and new facts of the artist’s biography connected with the North. It was identified that the theme of the North is essential in art of Stepan Fedorovich Turov. Often he tried out new genres and composition patterns specifically within the theme of the North. There were denoted characteristic features of works of art made by Turov on the theme of the North such as individual method of describing a space and keen perception of the culture of indigenous northern people.