bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Enhancing the Capabilities of Indonesian Migrant Workers in Taiwan through the Development of Soft Skills and Preparation for Self-Reliance
Authors: Wisnujati Andika , Wijaya Nur Hudha , Wardana Linda Kusumastuti , Rahaman Mosiur
Published: November 2024

Introduction Indonesian migrant workers in Taiwan play a crucial role in the labor market but often encounter challenges related to skill deficiencies and dependence on their employers. Addressing these issues through the development of soft skills and preparation for self-reliance. States benefit economically from the remittances sent by Indonesian migrant workers, but these workers often face vulnerability, especially when their contracts expire, and they return to their home countries.

Purpose This study aims to explore the enhancement of Indonesian migrant workers’ capabilities by focusing on the development of soft skills and fostering self-reliance. It seeks to understand how targeted training programs can bridge skill gaps and empower workers.

Methodology A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data collection. Surveys were distributed to a sample of Indonesian migrant workers to assess their current skill levels and training needs.

Findings The study found that Indonesian migrant workers possess varying levels of soft skills, with significant room for improvement in areas such as communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. Training programs tailored to these needs were shown to enhance workers’ job performance, confidence, and readiness for independent living.

Implications Integrating digital marketing into the enhancement of soft skills and self-sufficiency training for Indonesian migrant workers in Taiwan offers a substantial chance to empower them and promote their economic progress. Proficiency in digital marketing can augment one’s capacity to communicate proficiently, devise innovative solutions to challenges, and adjust to the ever-changing digital environment.
Utilization of the Strava Application for Reading and Fitness Literacy for Unesa Students
Authors: Ristanto Kolektus Okky , Bakti Ananda Perwira , Nugraha Testa Adi , Asteria Prima Vidya
Published: November 2024

This research aims to describe the use of the Strava application to develop Unesa students’ fitness literacy. The method used in this research is qualitative. The results of this research show that the process and results of using the Strava application can develop the fitness literacy of Unesa students. The Strava application can be integrated into the Semester Learning Plan (RPS), as a supplement to teaching materials, learning media, and training guides. This is proven by the results of its use, namely there is a summary of the results of the physical activities that have been carried out. The results of the student’s physical activity recap are the result of using the Strava application to develop the fitness literacy of Unesa students from the FISH, FE, FT, FMIPA, and FBS faculties who teach Physical Education and Fitness courses. The results of using the Strava application with a summary of physical activity results starting from distance, time, speed, and intensity of student sports show that students can achieve learning outcomes well using the Strava application so it can be stated that the Strava application can be used to develop the fitness literacy of Unesa students. The result of using the Strava application is the development of student fitness literacy which is proven by monitoring physical activity, consistency and commitment to exercise, analysis of physical activity progress data, selecting challenges and establishing goals, and awareness of the benefits of exercise felt by students after using the Strava application.
Grit Mediation: Effect of Teaching Experience and Training Participation on Self Efficacy for Special Education Needs (SEN) Teachers
Authors: Rachmahana Ratna Syifa’a , Chirzin Muhammad , Bashori Khoiruddin , Purnomo Halim
Published: November 2024

Teachers of Children with Special Needs in inclusive schools and Special Schools (SLB) often experience difficulties in carrying out their duties. The various challenges and obstacles that cause these difficulties have an impact on low self-efficacy, even though they have carried out their duties as children with special needs teachers for several years and have attended training. This research includes grit as a mediator in looking at the effect of teaching experience and training participation on their self-efficacy. This research is quantitative research using a correlational model. A total of 301 special education needs teachers participated in this research using a purposive sampling technique, consisting of 225 women and 76 men at various school levels. Data collection was carried out using questionnaires and scales that were tested using the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) method from Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Data were analyzed using path analysis in Jeffreys’ Amazing Statistics Program (JASP). The results of the research show that all variables are positively correlated. Teaching experience and participation in training increase the teaching efficacy of special education needs teachers, with the mediation of grit. The correlation between grit and self-efficacy has the highest coefficient compared to the variables of teaching experience and training participation. The implications of this research show the importance of grit in increasing the self-efficacy of teachers of children with special needs, beyond the teaching experience and training attended.
Developing Assesment Tools Based on Humanistic Approach to Improve Arabic Vocabulary
Authors: Febriani Erma
Published: November 2024

This research study investigates the development of assessment tools rooted in a humanistic approach to enhance Arabic vocabulary acquisition. Recognizing the important function of vocabulary in language proficiency, this study seeks to address the need for innovative assessment methods that align with student-centered learning and foster a deeper engagement with the Arabic language. The research aims to design and create assessment tools that are consistent with the principles of the humanistic approach. This study employed research and development methods. This research produced a media evaluation tool for Arabic learning. The Assessment Tools development process is like that of Lee and Owens. This development approach is divided into five steps: analyze, design, develop, implement, and evaluate. The study’s findings reveal that the application generates individual assignments, grades student responses, provides students with timely feedback, and tracks student actions. The student activity record sheds light on student learning patterns. It is a reference for assessment. This application fits the criteria for a learning medium. The development outcomes suggest that expert testing and qualifying trials are quite viable after passing through the product revision stage. The evaluation findings of the evaluation tool on the technical quality aspect or display reveal the results of student replies on the technical quality aspect or display for the small group trial, and the criteria are “Very Feasible” with a score of 91.87 percent. The large field trial assessment of the quality aspects of learning materials in application found that the quality features of learning materials in the field trials were “Very Feasible” with an average of 93.31%. From the results of this research, it is recommended that educational institutions implement assessment tools based on a humanistic approach to improve Arabic vocabulary acquisition. The use of quick feedback within the app can increase student motivation, while student activity logs provide insight into their study habits. Additionally, it is important to conduct ongoing evaluation of these assessment tools, involving feedback from students and teachers, so that they can be updated as learning needs evolve.
Postoperative Schmerzen nach ambulanten Operationen an der Hand und
am Handgelenk
Authors: Löw Steffen , Dervis Öznur , Kiesel Sebastian , Erne Holger C. , Spies Christian Karl , Unglaub Frank
Published: November 2024

Hintergrund Handchirurgische Operationen werden im besonderen Maße
zunehmend in den ambulanten Sektor gedrängt. Die postoperative
Schmerzmittelversorgung orientiert sich empirisch an der Schmerzhaftigkeit
einzelner Eingriffe, ohne dass diese systematisch untersucht worden wäre.

Patienten und Methoden Die postoperative Schmerzhaftigkeit (visuelle
Analogskala) von 722 Operationen an Hand- und Handgelenk (01.07.2021 bis
30.06.2023) wurde bis Tag 5 erfasst. Die Analgetikagabe erfolgte empirisch und
nach dem WHO-Stufenschema. Primärer Endpunkt waren Schmerzen nach Gelenk- oder
Knochenoperationen an Tag 1 verglichen mit Weichteil-, endoskopischen Eingriffen
oder Materialentfernungen. Sekundäre Endpunkte waren Schmerzen in Abhängigkeit
von Geschlecht, Alter, Operationsdauer und vorheriger Schmerzmitteleinnahme.

Ergebnisse Operationen an Knochen und Gelenken gingen mit signifikant
(p<0,001) stärkeren Schmerzen (5,42±2,8) einher als andere Operationen
(3,47±2,6). Weibliches Geschlecht (p=0,001), längere Operationsdauer (R>0,2)
und jüngeres Alter (R>0,2) korrelierten schwach mit stärkeren Schmerzen,
während vorherige Opioideinnahme mäßig mit erhöhtem Opioidbedarf (R=0,34)
postoperativ einhergingen. Insgesamt verringerten sich die Schmerzen vom
Operationsabend (4,4±2,8) bis Tag 5 (3,7±2,7; 2,8±2,4; 2,1±2,1; 1,6±1,9;
1,3±1,7) jeweils täglich.

Schlussfolgerung Die Daten geben eine wissenschaftlich fundierte
Orientierung für die Schmerzmittelversorgung bei ambulanten Operationen an Hand
oder Handgelenk. Dabei muss die teils breite Streuung des Schmerzempfindens auch
bei vermeintlich kleinen Operationen beachtet werden.
Orally Administered Peppermint Oil Solution in Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy: A Novel Approach to Improve Completion Rates in Patients at Risk of Dela
Authors: O'Hara Fintan John , Costigan Conor , Mc Namara Deirdre
Published: November 2024

Background and Study Aims
Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is crucial in diagnosing small bowel diseases, yet incomplete examinations often result from prolonged gastric transit time. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of orally administered peppermint oil solution as a prokinetic agent to improve SBCE completion rates in patients with delayed gastric transit risk factors.

Patients and Methods
Conducted as a single-centre, prospective, open-label, non-inferiority trial, the study involved 132 patients identified as at risk for delayed gastric transit. Participants were divided into three groups: a peppermint oil solution group (n=57), a real-time monitoring and intravenous prokinetics group (n=75), and a control group without risk factors (n=193). The primary outcomes included SBCE completion rates, gastric transit time (GTT), small bowel transit time (SBTT), diagnostic yield, and bowel preparation quality.

Results
Completion rates were high and comparable among groups, with 94.7% in the peppermint group, 90.7% in the real-time monitoring group, and 95.3% in the control group. The peppermint group exhibited a significantly shorter mean GTT of 42.3 minutes compared to 57.0 minutes in the real-time monitoring group (p=0.0423). However, the SBTT was longer in the peppermint group at 246 minutes versus 193 minutes in the real-time monitoring group (p=0.0081), though similar to the control group at 228.3 minutes (p=0.2612). Diagnostic yield and bowel preparation quality were consistent across all groups.

Conclusion
Oral peppermint oil solution is a safe and effective alternative to traditional prokinetics, enhancing SBCE completion rates while reducing time and resource use in the endoscopy unit.
PICL: Physics informed contrastive learning for partial differential equations
Authors: Lorsung Cooper , Barati Farimani Amir
Published: November 2024

Neural operators have recently grown in popularity as Partial Differential Equation (PDE) surrogate models. Learning solution functionals, rather than functions, has proven to be a powerful approach to calculate fast, accurate solutions to complex PDEs. While much work has been performed evaluating neural operator performance on a wide variety of surrogate modeling tasks, these works normally evaluate performance on a single equation at a time. In this work, we develop a novel contrastive pretraining framework utilizing generalized contrastive loss that improves neural operator generalization across multiple governing equations simultaneously. Governing equation coefficients are used to measure ground-truth similarity between systems. A combination of physics-informed system evolution and latent-space model output is anchored to input data and used in our distance function. We find that physics-informed contrastive pretraining improves accuracy for the Fourier neural operator in fixed-future and autoregressive rollout tasks for the 1D and 2D heat, Burgers’, and linear advection equations.
Viscoelastic particle focusing and separation in a microfluidic channel with a cruciform section
Authors: Jang Jaekyeong , Ahn Jiyeon , Kim Taehoon , Cho Younghak
Published: November 2024

Considerable attention has been given to elasto-inertial microfluidics, which are widely applied for the focusing, sorting, and separation of particles/cells. In this work, we propose a novel yet simple fabrication process for a microchannel with a cruciform section, where elasto-inertial particle focusing is explored in a viscoelastic fluid. SU-8 master molds for polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) structures were fabricated via standard photolithography, and then plasma bonding, following self-alignment between two PDMS structures, was performed for the formation of a microchannel with a cruciform section. The particle behaviors inside the fabricated microchannel were experimentally investigated for various flow rates and particle sizes and compared with those inside a microchannel with a square cross section. The experimental results revealed that 3D particle focusing was achieved in the center under viscoelastic fluid flow over a wide range of flow rates without any shear thinning. Even for small particles (∼2 μm), single-line particle focusing was observed in the microchannel with a cruciform section but not in a square microchannel with the same hydraulic diameter (Dh = 75 μm). The effects of four reflex angles (270°) on particle focusing were quantitatively evaluated through numerical simulation. The simulation revealed that the migration pattern of particles is governed by the combined effect of the reflex angles and fluid inertia, leading to characteristic particle focusing behavior within the cross section of the cruciform microchannel. These findings agree well with the experimental results, which highlight the superior capability of the cruciform microchannel for inertial particle focusing across a wide range of particle sizes.
The perspectives of people living with dementia and their carers on the role of the general practice nurse in dementia care provision: a qualitative study
Authors: Gibson Caroline , Goeman Dianne , Pond Constance Dimity , Yates Mark , Hutchinson Alison M.
Published: November 2024

Background Models that optimise the role of the general practice nurse have the potential to deliver cost-effective best-practice dementia care in the primary care setting. Patient experience is recognised as a vital contribution to the design, provision and evaluation of healthcare services. The aim of this study was to gain insights into the healthcare needs and experiences of people living with dementia and carers as relevant to the provision of dementia care by general practice nurses. Methods A qualitative design with semi-structured interviews was employed. Data were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Six carers and five people living with dementia who received care from a general practice nurse in the previous 12 months took part in the study. Results Five overarching themes were identified: (1) the general practice nurse and dementia care: a golden opportunity, (2) respectful communication: talk to me and hear what I am saying, (3) person-centred information: tell me what I want to know, (4) provide support: more than just information provision, and (5) include the carer: we are a team. Conclusion This study describes the experiences and healthcare needs of people living with dementia and their carer(s) with regard to the general practice nurse role. These findings can inform strategies to support the general practice nurse provision of dementia care that meet the healthcare needs of people living with dementia and carers.
Microtubule poleward flux as a target for modifying chromosome segregation errors
Authors: Risteski Patrik , Martinčić Jelena , Jagrić Mihaela , Tintor Erna , Petelinec Ana , Tolić Iva M.
Published: November 2024

Cancer cells often display errors in chromosome segregation, some of which result from improper chromosome alignment at the spindle midplane. Chromosome alignment is facilitated by different rates of microtubule poleward flux between sister kinetochore fibers. However, the role of the poleward flux in supporting mitotic fidelity remains unknown. Here, we introduce the hypothesis that the finely tuned poleward flux safeguards against lagging chromosomes and micronuclei at mitotic exit by promoting chromosome alignment in metaphase. We used human untransformed RPE-1 cells depleted of KIF18A/kinesin-8 as a system with reduced mitotic fidelity, which we rescued by three mechanistically independent treatments, comprising low-dose taxol or codepletion of the spindle proteins HAUS8 or NuMA. The rescue of mitotic errors was due to shortening of the excessively long overlaps of antiparallel microtubules, serving as a platform for motor proteins that drive the flux, which in turn slowed down the overly fast flux and improved chromosome alignment. In contrast to the prevailing view, the rescue was not accompanied by reduction of overall microtubule growth rates. Instead, speckle microscopy revealed that the improved chromosome alignment in the rescue treatments was associated with slower growth and flux of kinetochore microtubules. In a similar manner, a low-dose taxol treatment rescued mitotic errors in a high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma cell line OVKATE. Collectively, our results highlight the potential of targeting microtubule poleward flux to modify chromosome instability and provide insight into the mechanism through which low doses of taxol rescue certain mitotic errors in cancer cells.
La participation des enfants lors des interactions entre parents et
professionnel·le·s dans les structures d’accueil de la petite
enfance
Authors: Zogmal Marianne , Garcia Stéphanie
Published: November 2024

La formation des éducatrices·teurs est essentielle pour
implémenter l’encouragement précoce du langage dans les environnements
des structures d’accueil préscolaire. Afin de pouvoir ancrer les
dispositifs de formation dans les pratiques, cette contribution vise à étudier
les contextes institutionnels « ordinaires » et les pratiques interactionnelles
qui s’y déroulent. A partir de données vidéo-ethnographiques, elle
adopte une perspective interactionnelle en analyse du travail pour décrire la
participation des interactants, et notamment des enfants, dans les moments
d’arrivées et de départs. Une focale sur les formes d’adressages
et les ressources sémiotiques permet d’étudier le langage en tant que
processus collectif et distribué qui étaye l’acquisition du langage des
enfants. Dès lors, l’analyse des interactions peut constituer un outil
pour permettre aux professionnel·le·s de mieux comprendre les phénomènes
interactionnels favorisant l’acquisition du langage chez les jeunes
enfants.
Investigation on the density shoulder near the separatrix through monostatic reflectometry in EAST tokamak
Authors: Zhang J , Liu A D , Zhuang G , Zhang J , Zhou C , Yu Y D , Liu H Q , Zang Q , Zhong X M , Dai Z L , Wang M Y , Wang S F , Shi W X , Gao L T , Qiu S C , Li L X , Feng Y F , Chen X Y , Zhang Y Y , Long F F , Lan T , Li H , Mao W Z , Liu Z X , Ding W X , Xie J L , Liu W D
Published: November 2024

The density shoulder represents a universal physical phenomenon that is closely related to the particle and energy transports occurring within the scrape-off layer (SOL) region of tokamak devices. A novel method has been developed to identify the density shoulder through the analysis of the bump structure in the time delay spectra from monostatic microwave reflectometry in EAST tokamak, obviating the need for density profile reconstruction. The density shoulder in EAST is characterized by a number of distinctive features. The density shoulder is mostly situated at a distance of 0–3 cm from the last closed flux surface, with a width of a few centimeters. No significant correlation is observed between its occurrence and the auxiliary heating or the confinement state. In the case of H-mode with quasi-coherent mode (QCM), a significant and positive correlation is observed between the density shoulder amplitude and QCM intensity. In the case of grassy-edge localized mode (ELM)-like H-mode, a density shoulder is also observed during the inter-ELM stage. Furthermore, as supersonic molecular beam injection (SMBI) deposits occur within the range of ρ = 0.9 ∼ 1, the density shoulder is also enhanced during the SMBI fueling process. Moreover, it appears that the neutral pressure has a more pronounced impact on the overall offset of the density profile than the strength of the density shoulder. These results collectively indicate that the outward particle transport from the pedestal to the SOL region plays a crucial role in the evolution of the density shoulder.
Design of reconfigurable logic computing circuit for chaotic system
Authors: Qing Shanying , Ruan Zeyu , Ma Ben , Duan Shukai , Wang Lidan
Published: November 2024

Dynamic reconfigurable systems are an alternative or supplement to improve computer performance, offering advantages such as flexibility and controllability. With increasing attention to information security, the security performance of chaotic systems, as the core of reconfigurable systems, has become a key concern. Aiming at the problem of low safety performance caused by the small application space of the chaotic system, a chaotic system with a larger safety space is designed. Firstly, by improving the one-dimensional chaotic system, we obtain a system with larger chaotic space. The system exhibits simplicity in its structure while possessing a vast chaotic functional domain. Secondly, the dynamic reconfigurable system is designed with the chaotic system as the core, and the circuit simulation is carried out. Finally, a dynamic reconfigurable logic circuit with 16 kinds of complete logic functions is designed, which can realize the reconfigurable system as the core. After circuit simulation and result analysis, the circuit has a pure digital programming platform and rich logic functions. The circuit system provides potential possibilities for designing more efficient and energy-saving circuit schemes. At the same time, it provides solutions for improving the security performance of various applications.
Synthesis and photocatalytic activity of Ag/AgCl for removal of BTX vapors under visible light: modeling by ANN
Authors: Nakhostin Panahi Parvaneh , Fathi Mozhgan
Published: November 2024

Among volatile organic compounds, benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) are the most harmful organic compounds and the removal of these harmful compounds is mandatory. In the current study, Ag/AgCl composite was successfully synthesized via deposition–precipitation along with the photoreduction method. The scanning electron microscopy, x-ray powder diffraction, photoluminescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, and ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy were employed to characterize the synthesized products. The photocatalytic property of the products was investigated by evaluating on photodegradation of BTX vapors under the radiation of visible light. The results showed that Ag/AgCl exhibits enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity compared with AgCl. The strong surface plasmon resonance of metal Ag nanoparticles anchored on the AgCl surface can be responsible for the enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity of the Ag/AgCl. The influence of the basic operational parameters such as type of BTX, the concentration of BTX, photocatalyst shape, relative humidity, and radiation time on the removal efficiency of BTX was studied. The data obtained from removal tests were modeled by a three-layered feed-forward artificial neural network. The optimized ANN architecture was strong at predicting the removal efficiency of the BTX contaminants with R2 > 0.99 and a very low mean square error. The sensitivity analysis using Garson’s method displayed that all explored process parameters influence the photocatalytic removal of the BTX contaminants. The obtained ANN model is used to predict the photodegradation of BTX at different conditions.
The estimation of growth rate for excited MHD wave triggered by gravitational waves in the relativistic magnetized plasmas in binary merger of neutron stars
Authors: Rehman Umer , Khalid Tooba , Hafeez Hira
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we demonstrated that the gravitational wave and magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD) waves coherently interact in relativistic magnetized plasmas, where they also exchange energy with plasma flows. We developed the formulation for wave interaction moving either parallel or perpendicular to the background plasma magnetic field. In the model, we consider the plasma components to drift in the background and expanding the range of potential evolution. The typical time scales in terms of growth rate for the conversion of energy between gravitational and MHD waves are estimated by the analytical solution of the interaction equations. It is found in particular that there are explosive instabilities that result in the interaction of gravitational and the MHD waves. The process is a significant mechanism for the acceleration of baryons to high Lorentz factors seen in short Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) when the gravitational wave drives MHD modes and delivers energy to the plasma.
Ab initio study of phase stability, elastic anisotropy, and minimum thermal conductivity of MnB2 in different crystal structures
Authors: Wang 王 Xiao-Fan 小凡 , Wang 王 Yi-Xian 乙先 , Wang 王 Zhuo 卓 , Zhang 张 Yu-Xuan 宇轩 , Gu 顾 Jian-Bing 建兵
Published: November 2024

The phase stability, elastic anisotropy, and minimum thermal conductivity of MnB2 in different crystal structures have been investigated by first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. The results found that P63/mmc (hP6-MnB2), P6/mmm (hP3-MnB2), Pmmn (oP6-MnB2),

R

3
¯

m

(hR3-MnB2), Pnma (oP12-MnB2), and Immm (oI18-MnB2) all exhibit mechanical and dynamic stability under environmental conditions, and the sequence of phase stability was hP6 > hR3 > oP6 > oI18 > oP12 > hP3. In addition, Vickers hardness calculations indicated that hP6, hR3, oP6, and oI18 of MnB2 have potential as hard materials, while hP3 and oP12 are not suitable as hard materials. Moreover, the elastic anisotropy of different MnB2 phases were also comprehensively investigated. It is found that the anisotropic order of bulk modulus is oP12 > hP3 > hP6 > hR3 > oI18 > oP6, while that of Young’s modulus is oP12 > hR3 > hP6 > oP6 > hP3 > oI18. Furthermore, the minimum thermal conductivity of different MnB2 phases was evaluated by means of Clarke’s and Cahill’s models. The results suggested that these MnB2 diborides are all not suitable as thermal barrier coating materials.
The cosmic ray muons tomography system with wavelength shifting fiber and plastic scintillator plane and vertical borehole detectors and improved 3d image reconstruction algorithm: a simulation study
Authors: Zhao Yanwei , Guan Yuanfan
Published: November 2024

In this paper, a cosmic ray muon plane detector tomography
system based on wavelength shifting fiber and scintillation is built
in GEANT4, and the relevant experimental platform is established,
then the image reconstruction experiment based on the muon
scattering imaging principle is carried out. Finally, based on the
research above, a vertical drilling muon detector system is proposed
and the simulation studies is completed. The position resolution of
the fiber-scintillation detector system is studied in detail, and
the chamber position resolution of parallel fiber-optic grid with
different parameters is described and compared. Based on the
experimental data of the plane detector system, an image
reconstruction algorithm and correction method based on muon
scattering are proposed, and some engineering applications of the
vertical borehole detector system are simulated. The general guiding
theory applicable to fiber-scintillation detectors has not been
established and detailed simulation studies are required through
simulation programs. By using GEANT4, the photon-photon yield of
optical light in WLS fiber can be extracted and compared with the
existing experiments. The simulation results are in good agreement
with the experimental results, indicating that the detector system
modeled in the simulation study has high reliability and practical
value.
Underwater-to-air distorted image correction based on the reconstructed water surface
Authors: Cao Yiqian , Cai Chengtao , Meng Haiyang
Published: November 2024

The lights with spatial target information received by the underwater camera are refracted at the intersection with the water surface, resulting in geometric distortion of the image. Existing methods for correcting the water-to-air distorted images typically rely on a large amount of data, such as image sequences, making the restoration using a single frame challenging. To address the issue, we propose a spatial pixel correction algorithm based on the reconstructed water surface. Firstly, we introduce a gradient water surface reconstruction algorithm based on the discrete normal vector, ensuring high accuracy in the spatial position and amplitude of the reconstructed water surface. Thus, intersections of the lights with the reconstructed water surface can be solved based on the constructed water surface. Subsequently, we propose a camera’s reverse tracking algorithm, which skillfully links the images with the spatial pixel coordinates. Finally, based on the characteristics of pixel arrangement, we propose a spatial grid algorithm to separate the spatial coordinates obtained by the reverse tracking algorithm. This part can better handle the highly concentrated and over-dispersed pixels in the spatial coordinate system. The proposed correction algorithm has better correction performance. The similarity between the restored and real images is more than 80%, and the mean square error is less than 0.01.
Detection of antimicrobial-induced survival/dead bacteria via mEos4b photoconversion: a preliminary study
Authors: Yilmaz Ilknur , Demir Humeyra , Tureyen Aleyna Eslem , Ozbek Tulin
Published: November 2024

The escalating prevalence of hospital-acquired infections poses a critical challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. Effective management requires rapid identification of pathogens and their antibiotic resistance profiles. In this study, we utilized the photoconvertible mEos4b protein, which transitions from green to red fluorescence upon blue light exposure, to distinguish live from dead bacteria. The mEos4b gene was cloned into a prokaryotic vector and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the transgenic bacteria was determined for five antibiotics, followed by a post-antibiotic effect assessment over a two-hour exposure period. The optimal photoconversion time for mEos4b was established as 90 s, and confocal microscopy was used to visualize live (green) and dead (red) cells post-exposure. The mEos4b-TR system proved highly specific, accurately distinguishing live and dead bacteria without producing false positives, even in control groups, which is a common issue in commercial live-dead kits. By relying on cellular metabolic activity rather than dyes, this system minimizes nonspecific interactions and contamination, making it more reliable than traditional methods prone to false readings. These results highlight the potential of the mEos4b-TR system as a superior alternative for rapid, precise bacterial viability assessments, particularly in determining antibiotic susceptibility. This preliminary study demonstrates the system’s differentiation of viable and non-viable cells, suggesting its potential application in future studies involving novel antibacterial agents to refine antibiotic sensitivity testing.
Polarization-sensitive photoresponse in few-layer ZrSe3 photodetectors
Authors: Alcázar Ruano Pedro L , Vaquero Daniel , Sánchez Viso Estrella , Li Hao , Mompeán Federico , Domínguez-Adame Francisco , Castellanos-Gomez Andres , Quereda Jorge
Published: November 2024

We present an in-depth spectral characterization of the fundamental optical and optoelectronic properties of few-layer ZrSe3, a layered semiconductor of the group IV–V transition metal trichalcogenide family known for its in-plane anisotropic structure and quasi-1D electrical and optical characteristics. Our comprehensive analysis, conducted at both room temperature and in cryogenic vacuum, reveals that ZrSe3 exhibits pronounced excitonic features in its optical spectra, which are highly sensitive to light polarization. These features are also evident in photocurrent spectra, presenting a strongly dichroic photoresponse with dichroic ratios exceeding 4 for excitation on resonance with the main exciton level. By comparing optical and optoelectronic spectral measurements, we elucidate the contributions of optically generated excitons to photocurrent. This work addresses substantial gaps of information in earlier literature for ZrSe3 and advances the understanding of its unique symmetry and optical properties, paving the way for its application in nonlinear optoelectronic devices.
Highly electrically conductive polyether composites with modified graphene
Authors: Hu Faping , Nie Yongjie , Liu Ronghai , Cao Jinmei
Published: November 2024

With the continuous improvement in the voltage, power, and capacity levels of high-voltage transmission and substation equipment, the problems of power loss and equipment failure caused by the abnormal heating of electrical contact parts are becoming increasingly severe. In the present study, to address this problem, graphite was exfoliated into thin layers of graphene using liquid-phase mechanical exfoliation, ultrasonic dispersion, and spray-drying techniques and incorporated into polyether composites to increase its electrical conductivity. The effects of the graphene content on the electrical conductivity, high-temperature resistance, wear reduction, and antiwear properties of the polyether composites were investigated. The results indicated that when 4 wt% graphene was added, the high-temperature resistance of the graphene–polyether composite (GPC) increased to 330 °C, and the volume resistivity decreased to 6.5 × 103 Ω·cm. Moreover, the contact-resistance coefficient of the GPC was reduced to 0.87 and 0.73 after it was coated on Cu and Al rows, respectively, which significantly increased the electrical conductivity of the electrical contact area. The most significant improvements in friction-reduction and antiwear properties were obtained for the polyether composites from this formulation. GPC has excellent electrical conductivity, high-temperature resistance, wear reduction, and antiwear properties and thus can substantially improve the quality of electrical connections when applied to electrical contact tips.
Study on the effect of modification methods and content of attapulgite on the flame retardancy of polybutylene terephthalate
Authors: Ren Shibo , Xu Jianlin , Niu Lei , Yang Penghui
Published: November 2024

This paper examines the influence of modification methods and the content of attapulgite (ATP) on the flame retardancy of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). Different samples of ATP with varying modification methods and contents were blended with PBT to create composites. The composition, stability, flame retardancy, and mechanical properties of the composites were analyzed. The effect mechanism of ATP modification methods and content on the flame retardancy of PBT was analyzed. The results indicate that the addition of ATP enhanced the carbonization and flame retardancy of PBT. The addition of ATP reduced the impact strength of PBT. The inclusion of ball milled modified attapulgite (mp-ATP) resulted in an increase in the tensile strength of PBT. Furthermore, the inclusion of mp-ATP led to a mitigated decrease in the impact strength. The composites with 11%mp-ATP/PBT had the best comprehensive performance. Compared with pure PBT, the peak value of thermal release rate decreased by 70.2%, the total heat release decreased by 27.3%, and the tensile strength increased by 2.9%.
Advancing biomedical applications: antioxidant and biocompatible cerium oxide nanoparticle-integrated poly-ε-caprolactone fibers
Authors: Jahan Ummay Mowshome , Blevins Brianna , Minko Sergiy , Reukov Vladimir V
Published: November 2024

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are expressed at high levels in many diseases, can be scavenged by cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2NPs). CeO2NPs can cause significant cytotoxicity when administered directly to cells, but this cytotoxicity can be reduced if CeO2NPs can be encapsulated in biocompatible polymers. In this study, CeO2NPs were synthesized using a one-stage process, then purified, characterized, and then encapsulated into an electrospun poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) scaffold. The direct administration of CeO2NPs to RAW 264.7 Macrophages resulted in reduced ROS levels but lower cell viability. Conversely, the encapsulation of nanoceria in a PCL scaffold was shown to lower ROS levels and improve cell survival. The study demonstrated an effective technique for encapsulating nanoceria in PCL fiber and confirmed its biocompatibility and efficacy. This system has the potential to be utilized for developing tissue engineering scaffolds, targeted delivery of therapeutic CeO2NPs, wound healing, and other biomedical applications.
Performance optimization of ammonium dinitramide-based liquid propellant in pulsed laser ablation micro-propulsion using LIBS
Authors: JIANG 蒋 Luyun 陆昀 , CHEN 陈 Yutong 雨桐 , MAO 毛 Chentao 晨涛 , HAN 韩 Jianhui 建慧 , CHEN 陈 Anmin 安民 , YE 叶 Jifei 继飞
Published: November 2024

The efficacy of spacecraft propulsion systems significantly depends on the choice of propellant. This study utilized laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to investigate the impact of different fuel types, fuel ratios, and laser energies on the plasma parameters of ammonium dinitramide (ADN)-based liquid propellants. Our findings suggest that 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium dicyanamide (AMIMDCA) as a fuel choice led to higher plasma temperatures compared to methanol (CH3OH) and hydroxyethyl hydrazine nitrate (HEHN) under the same experimental conditions. Optimization of the fuel ratio proved critical, and when the AMIMDCA ratio was 21wt.% the propellants could achieve the best propulsion performance. Increasing the incident laser energy not only enhanced the emission spectral intensity but also elevated the plasma temperature and electron density, thereby improving ablation efficiency. Notably, a combination of 100 mJ laser energy and 21wt.% AMIMDCA fuel produced a strong and stable plasma signal. This study contributes to our knowledge of pulsed laser micro-ablation in ADN-based liquid propellants, providing a useful optical diagnostic approach that can help refine the design and enhance the performance of spacecraft propulsion systems.
Quantum state tomography based on infidelity estimation
Authors: Wang Yong , Liu Lijun , Dou Tong , Li Li , Cheng Shuming
Published: November 2024

Quantum state tomography is a cornerstone of quantum information technologies to characterize and benchmark quantum systems from measurement statistics. In this work, we present an infidelity-based least-squares estimator, which incorporates the state purity information and provides orders of magnitude higher tomography accuracy than previous ones. It is further enhanced with the randomized toolbox of direct fidelity estimation, making it applicable to large-scale quantum systems. We validate the proposed estimators through extensive experiments conducted on the IBM Qiskit simulator. The results also demonstrate that our estimator admits an

O

(
1

/

N
)

infidelity scaling with Pauli sample size N for (nearly) pure states. Further, it enables high-precision pure-state tomography for systems of up to 25-qubit states, given some state priors. Our method provides a novel perspective on the union of underlying tomography technique and state properties estimation.
The semi-linear representation theory of the infinite symmetric group
Authors: Nagpal Rohit , Snowden Andrew
Published: November 2024

We study the category

A

\mathcal {A}

of smooth semilinear representations of the infinite symmetric group over the field of rational functions in infinitely many variables. We establish a number of results about the structure of

A

\mathcal {A}

, e.g., classification of injective objects, finiteness of injective dimension, computation of the Grothendieck group, and so on. We also prove that

A

\mathcal {A}

is (essentially) equivalent to a simpler linear algebraic category

B

\mathcal {B}

, which makes many properties of

A

\mathcal {A}

transparent.
The Lottocratic Mentality
Authors: Lafont Cristina , Urbinati Nadia
Published: November 2024

In recent years, there has been great excitement about new forms of citizen participation, such as citizens’ assemblies or deliberative polls that involve ordinary citizens in political decision-making. Many see these innovations as the best solution to the current crisis of democracy. The most radical among them propose replacing elections with the random selection of ordinary citizens, transforming electoral democracy into a lottocracy. These developments are driven by a lottocratic mentality that is deeply transforming our understanding of democracy, political equality, representation, freedom, and much more. This mentality is catching on in public debates, inspiring the organization of citizens’ assemblies worldwide, and bridging democratic and nondemocratic regimes in the vision of a unified global order based on problem-solving allotted assemblies, free from electoral competition. The lottocratic mentality is the focus of this book. Our analysis shows that it amounts to a worrisome form of technopopulism that justifies conferring legislative power on randomly selected assemblies based on a mixture of populist and technocratic grounds. The lottocratic mentality legitimizes the antidemocratic idea that the many should be “ruled” by “the few” chosen by chance. Against this view, we show how lottery-based institutions could be used with the democratic aim of empowering the citizenry but only if the lottocratic mentality is rejected.
The Targets of Lottocracy Revisited
Authors: Lafont Cristina , Urbinati Nadia
Published: November 2024

This chapter focuses on the fundamental institutions that the lottocratic mentality holds responsible for the current crisis of democracy: elections and voting, representation, and political parties. According to lottocrats, these institutions are unreformable because they are inherently incompatible with political equality, foster corruption, and partisan divisions, and justify the need for compromise. Against this view, the chapter emphasizes the dimension of collective self-governing power associated with voting: the political nature of representation, its accountability to citizens, and its advocacy and representativeness function; and finally, it dwells on political parties to argue that they are not merely functional to electoral democracy but are the expression of political freedom in action. Parties grow as soon as citizens are free to express themselves in the light of day. Presumably, they would emerge even in a lottocratic regime. The problem is that once disconnected from electoral forms of accountability, parties would pose the polis the following dilemma: either falling into an arbitrary system of political influence or activating a censorious and repressive system.
The Technocratic Conception Of Politics
Authors: Lafont Cristina , Urbinati Nadia
Published: November 2024

In this chapter, we show that the flip side of the apolitical conception of representation as “embodiment” is a depoliticized conception of politics. If citizens are homogeneous and agree on what they collectively want, then the only question left to decide is how best to get there. The task of politics is just technical problem-solving. The lottocratic mentality is a peculiar form of technopopulism. What the technocratic view of politics misses is that political decisions are not only a matter of knowledge but also a matter of freedom: the freedom to decide in which political direction a community would like to go, which values and goals it aims to prioritize, which risks it is willing to take, and so on. This is the freedom that citizens would lose if lottocratic proposals were implemented: a few individuals would make political decisions as they see fit, and the citizenry would blindly obey them.
DeepRSMA: a cross-fusion-based deep learning method for RNA–small molecule binding affinity prediction
Authors: Huang Zhijian , Wang Yucheng , Chen Song , Tan Yaw Sing , Deng Lei , Wu Min
Published: November 2024

Motivation

RNA is implicated in numerous aberrant cellular functions and disease progressions, highlighting the crucial importance of RNA-targeted drugs. To accelerate the discovery of such drugs, it is essential to develop an effective computational method for predicting RNA–small molecule affinity (RSMA). Recently, deep learning-based computational methods have been promising due to their powerful nonlinear modeling ability. However, the leveraging of advanced deep learning methods to mine the diverse information of RNAs, small molecules, and their interaction still remains a great challenge.

Results

In this study, we present DeepRSMA, an innovative cross-attention-based deep learning method for RSMA prediction. To effectively capture fine-grained features from RNA and small molecules, we developed nucleotide-level and atomic-level feature extraction modules for RNA and small molecules, respectively. Additionally, we incorporated both sequence and graph views into these modules to capture features from multiple perspectives. Moreover, a transformer-based cross-fusion module is introduced to learn the general patterns of interactions between RNAs and small molecules. To achieve effective RSMA prediction, we integrated the RNA and small molecule representations from the feature extraction and cross-fusion modules. Our results show that DeepRSMA outperforms baseline methods in multiple test settings. The interpretability analysis and the case study on spinal muscular atrophy demonstrate that DeepRSMA has the potential to guide RNA-targeted drug design.

Availability and implementation

The codes and data are publicly available at https://github.com/Hhhzj-7/DeepRSMA.
Rosacea fulminans following initiation of deucravacitinib
Authors: Thomas Meryl , Paranjape Meghana , Sinclair Rodney
Published: November 2024

Rosacea fulminans developed in a middle-aged White man 10 days after initiating deucravacitinib for chronic plaque psoriasis. The painful papulopustular eruption resolved without scarring after discontinuation of deucravacitinib and treatment with a short course of oral prednisolone. To our knowledge, this case is notable as it is the first reported instance of rosacea fulminans linked to the use of a Janus kinase inhibitor.