bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PyDwCA: A Tool for Integrating Biodiversity Data
Authors: Sáez-Hidalgo Juan , Segovia Ricardo , Squeo Francisco , Guerrero Pablo
Published: September 2024

The Darwin Core Archive (DwC-A) format, based on the Darwin Core standard (Wieczorek et al. 2012), facilitates the exchange, management, and integration of biodiversity data from multiple sources. This ability to collate biodiversity data allows datasets to be aggregated at community-supported infrastructures, merged in different combinations, meta-analyzed and submitted to public repositories (Baker et al. 2014). Thus, the DwC-As serve as unifying archives in concatenated collective efforts, such as biodiversity inventories at different spatial and taxonomic scales.

Here we describe PyDwCA*1, 2, a Python library implemented to handle the "star scheme" of DwC-A. This new library reads compressed zip files containing the expected meta.xml and uses it to assign the core component and its extensions. It also provides Python classes to define the core, the extensions, and the metadata file for creating an archive and writing it into a compressed zip file. PyDwCA also implements functionality to select, filter and merge DwC-A files.

We present this new tool in the context of the construction of the Chilean National Biodiversity Inventory (Fig. 1), but PyDwCA serves as a versatile technical solution applicable to different contexts in the field of biodiversity informatics (e.g., integration of datasets from biological collection and sampling events). To exemplify how PyDwCA works, we present the step-by-step integration of the Chilean Catalogue of Vascular Plants (Rodriguez et al. 2018) on a matrix provided by the Catalogue of Life (Banki 2024), filtered with the species with occurrences recorded for Chile in the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) (GBIF.Org 2023).
Integrative taxonomy revealed a new species of Lefua (Teleostei, Nemacheilidae) from Fukui Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Katayama Yuta , Sawada Naoto
Published: September 2024

Eight-barbel loaches belonging to the genus Lefua have diverged into seven species in freshwaters of East Asia. Recent studies have discovered a new population in the Kuzuryu River drainage system of Fukui Prefecture, central Japan. Based on the results of the genetic analyses and morphological comparisons, we describe this population as a new species, Lefua nishimuraisp. nov. Body width, interorbital width, orbit diameter, preanal length, snout length, and the newly examined head width greatly contributed to the discrimination between L. torrentis, L. tokaiensis and L. nishimuraisp. nov. The new species can be distinguished from other congeners by combining the following characteristics: 1) eyes positioned dorsally on the head; 2) a narrow conspicuous longitudinal mark between the base of the outer rostral barbel and the eye; 3) small dark spots on the body, dorsal, and caudal fins; 4) a small dorsal fin and eye diameter; and 5) black spots above and below the base of the caudal fin. Based on the phylogenetic relationships of the genus, L. nishimuraisp. nov. is estimated to have diverged early from its common ancestor in central Japan. Understanding the natural history of this new species and implementing conservation measures are crucial because of its narrow, fragmented distribution and presence in vulnerable habitats.
Accessibility Barriers for Blind Students in Teaching-learning Systems
Authors: Soares Michele dos Santos , Furukawa Cássio Andrade , Cagnin Maria Istela , Paiva Débora Maria Barroso
Published: September 2024

The use of digital technology by educators has received increasingly higher focus in the recent years. In spite of this, students with disabilities still face many accessibility obstacles while using digital technologies. In this context, this paper has the main goal of identifying the accessibility barriers faced by the community of blind students and highlighting the main factors that hinder this community from accessing learning objects. For this purpose, initially, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was conducted, with which it was possible to collect the main accessibility problems identified by the scientific community. In order to complement and detail the information obtained in the SLR, a questionnaire was submitted to blind students, in which it was possible to discover new difficulties from a practical point of view. Finally, the accessibility barriers found in the SLR and in the questionnaire responses were analyzed and the results obtained were related to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the main document that explains how to make web content accessible for people with disabilities. This work seeks to explain the main factors that hinder or prevent access to learning objects in teaching-learning systems, promote a discussion on alternatives for improving these resources, identify gaps and guide more detailed studies on the subject.
Recognition of Real-Time Video Activities Using Stacked Bi-GRU with Fusion-based Deep Architecture
Authors: Thakur Ujwala , Vidyarthi Ankit , Prajapati Amarjeet
Published: September 2024

Recognizing and understanding human activities in real-time videos is a challenging task due to the complex nature of video data and the need for efficient and accurate analysis. This research pioneers a breakthrough in video activity recognition by introducing a robust framework leveraging the power of a stacked Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (Bi-LSTM) and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) architecture, harmonized within a fusion-based deep model. The stacked Bi-LSTM-GRU model capitalizes on its dual recurrent architecture, capturing nuanced temporal dependencies within video sequences. The fusion-based deep architecture synergizes spatial and temporal features, enabling the model to discern intricate patterns in human activities. To further enhance the discriminative power of the model, we introduce a fusion module in the proposed deep architecture. The fusion module integrates multi-modal features extracted from different levels of the network hierarchy, allowing for a more comprehensive representation of video activities. We demonstrate the efficacy of our approach through rigorous experimentation on UCF50, UCF101, and HMDB51 datasets. In experiments on the UCF50 dataset, our model achieves an accuracy of 97.01% and 95.86% on training and validation sets respectively, showcasing its proficiency in discerning activities across a diverse range of scenarios. The evaluation extends to the UCF101 dataset, where the proposed approach achieves a competitive accuracy of 97.62% and 96.93% on training and validation sets, surpassing previous benchmarks by a margin of approx 1%. Further-more, on the challenging HMDB51 dataset, the model demonstrates a robust accuracy of 89.71%and 88.88% on training and validation sets, solidifying its efficacy in intricate action recognition tasks.
Smart healthcare: developing a pattern to predict the stress and anxiety among university students using machine learning technology
Authors: Lotfi Farhad , Rodić Branka , Labus Aleksandra , Bogdanović Zorica
Published: September 2024

Background: Anxiety among students has become a fairly major problem. In the current era, Machine Learning (ML) can be used as a quick technology to predict students' anxiety with the high-level accuracy. 

Objectives: This research aims to predict university students' anxiety by using supervised learning algorithms with providing pertinent feedback. 

Methods: A total of 231 students from the University of Belgrade filled out the standard questionnaire called the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). In addition, deeper information related to students’ anxiety like physical activity, Grade Point Average (GPA), and smoking cigarettes were collected. The Linear Regression algorithm was chosen to examine STAI using Python.  

Results: Linear regression as an appropriate algorithm was exploited for this purpose. The accuracy metric obtained by using the Mean Absolute Error (MAE), was 7.86 for state anxiety and 5.68 for trait anxiety. In addition, the Mean Squared Error (MSE) has also been calculated with state anxiety at 7.80, and trait anxiety at 9.66. Moreover, to find the factor with the highest impact after training, a regression analysis method (LASSO) was used. K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN) algorithm also checked the accuracy of training by overfitting and underfitting. 

Conclusion: The purpose of this study was the analysis of anxiety factors with the highest impact as well as the analysis of the STAI by linear regression to improve a smart healthcare model by discovering an acceptable output with the highest accuracy.  
Discours et vérité à l’époque de l’hyperspectacle contemporain
Authors: Malaurie Christian
Published: September 2024

La transformation de la société du spectacle en société de l’hyperspectacle témoigne de l’importance des supports-espaces techniques d’énonciation et de visibilité dramatique du social dans la production historique des discours-vrais, qui a conduit à la mise en place du régime de vérité néolibéral. Par ailleurs, l’efficace de l’hyperspectacle a permis l’intensification de la jouissance consommatrice entraînant chez le plus grand nombre des conduites de plus en plus destructrices. Ce fait social total constitue l’un des symptômes majeurs provoqués par le discours des marchés. La pensée de Foucault où le concept de discours s’invente allié à celui de dispositif, s’avère ici incontournable pour analyser d’un point de vue philosophique, esthétique et politique le passage du spectacle à l’hyperspectacle contemporain.
La vérité du sexe ou sur le sexe ?
Authors: Croix Laurence
Published: September 2024

« On a une sexualité depuis le xviii e siècle, un sexe depuis le xix e . Avant, on avait sans doute une chair » (Foucault, 1977, p. 133). Nous examinons ici comment, au xxi e siècle, l’« identité de genre ou de sexe », en imposant sa vérité du et sur le sexe, tente d’annuler toutes les constructions théoriques sur la sexualité et de s’opposer aux conceptions freudiennes et foucaldiennes. Grâce à Foucault, dans la continuité des thèses freudiennes, nous considérons comment l’identité de genre introduit finalement un totalitarisme cultuel, une « gouvernementalité » (Foucault) qui s’apparente à un discours totalitaire. Notre travail suit le long développement des thèses foucaldiennes sur le sexe et la sexualité, et se confronte aux discours sur le sexe les plus récents (confessions, aveux, coming out, lynchages médiatiques, etc.) ou aux situations cliniques les plus intimes qui interrogent ces rapports entre sexualité, vérité et subjectivité.
La question de la ressemblance chez Michel Foucault : pouvoir, normes, discours et vérité
Authors: Micheli-Rechtman Vannina
Published: September 2024

Michel Foucault a assurément marqué la pensée du xx e siècle et continue aujourd’hui de nous interroger sur les rapports de pouvoir et de savoir qui traversent une société. Il a abordé la question de la ressemblance dans plusieurs de ses ouvrages. Pour Foucault, la ressemblance est un terme qui renvoie à des phénomènes complexes de pouvoir, de normes et de discours dans la société. Il a montré comment la ressemblance est utilisée pour réguler les comportements individuels et maintenir l’ordre social et joue un rôle crucial dans la construction de l’identité et de la normalité au sein d’une société
La féminité à l’épreuve de l’endométriose
Authors: Kerbiquet Virginie
Published: September 2024

L’endométriose est une pathologie complexe qui touche l’intimité d’environ une femme sur dix en âge de procréer. Les douleurs et l’infertilité en sont les principaux symptômes. Les répercussions de cette maladie peuvent toucher l’ensemble de la vie d’une femme et générer une souffrance psychique majeure. La conception psychanalytique du sujet et du corps permet une analyse précieuse des impacts de cette pathologie et de ses incidences. Ces impacts nous renvoient à la rencontre d’un réel (Lacan), à savoir le lieu d’un impossible qui surgit pour la femme endométriosique. Nous en avons isolé trois que semblent particulièrement rencontrer ces femmes. Trois réels que sont le réel de la médecine, le réel du corps malade et le réel d’une impossible maternité comme autant de boussoles pour s’orienter dans cette clinique singulière encore peu étudiée dans le champ de la psychopathologie d’orientation psychanalytique.
Le sexuel dans la déficience mentale : mythes et fantasmes des origines
Authors: Mathonnat Christine
Published: September 2024

Chez le parent d’un sujet porteur d’une déficience mentale, souvent atteint d’une pathologie pré-objectale, le trouble dans la transmission survient à l’endroit où, sous le primat d’une visibilité saisissante, a lieu la confrontation de l’enfant imaginaire avec l’enfant insolite du réel. Le corps du handicap génère chez le parent, l’analyste, le groupe institué, un effet paradoxal d’attraction/répulsion propice au déploiement de fantasmes inconscients par lesquels chacun se crée sa propre mythologie, mettant en scène sa théorie des origines. Le sujet lui-même se révèle, quel que soit son degré de déficience, en quête d’un savoir donnant sens à sa carence. Dans l’univers institutionnel, ces fantasmes et mythes à l’œuvre, modèlent le regard de l’accueilli et du soignant à travers leurs projections transféro-contre-transférentielles en attente d’élaboration. Générées par la clinique du sujet rencontrée dans notre pratique d’analyste en institutions médico-sociales, nous recenserons et interrogerons quelques-unes des fantaisies de l’excès, nées de l’étrangeté produite par le stigmate de la différence qui façonne la relation intersubjective.
Accompagnement des femmes qui consomment de l’alcool pendant la grossesse, passage du message pour le suivi du bébé
Authors: Souksi Isabelle , Chanal Corinne , Toubin Rose-Marie
Published: September 2024

L’alcool pendant la grossesse expose l’enfant à des troubles du neurodéveloppement. Les professionnels de périnatalité doivent questionner les femmes enceintes sur leur consommation d’alcool. En cas d’exposition prénatale à l’alcool, une consultation anténatale pédiatrique permettra d’informer les couples avec bienveillance et de préparer avec eux dès la grossesse un suivi du neurodéveloppement spécialisé et coordonné de l’enfant. Il sera organisé avec les parents avant la sortie de l’enfant en lien avec les professionnels déjà en place.
Accueillir/recevoir : côté face et côté pile de la symbolisation de la rencontre…
Authors: Prat Régine
Published: September 2024

À partir d’une hypothèse métapsychologique, Tact-Pulsion, recentrant la nature de la pulsion sur le contact, cet article propose de distinguer deux modalités indissociables et déterminantes dans les métiers du soin pour inscrire la démarche diagnostique et thérapeutique : la fonction d’accueillir et celle de recevoir. Recevoir est lié à la demande, dans une forme symbolisée ; accueillir rejoue les bases primitives du contact avec l’autre tel qu’elles ont été expérimentées dans l’enfance, la petite enfance et même la vie prénatale, et définissant une approche spécifique de prendre soin. La réflexion s’organisera autour de différentes situations cliniques d’accueil : temps d’accueil, lieu d’accueil, accueil en salle d’attente, temps en salle d’attente ; j’envisagerai également la nature des éprouvés accueillis, ainsi que le mode de passage psychique de l’accueilli à l’accueillant.
Besoins de l’enfant et statut de protection adapté – Repères juridiques et psychologiques
Authors: Roman Pascal , Douris Marie
Published: September 2024

Le repérage des défaillances parentales au regard des besoins fondamentaux de l’enfant représente une nécessité afin d’assurer les conditions d’une protection adéquate dans son développement. Le second volet de cette proposition s’attache à définir les contours de ces défaillances et des mauvais traitements qui en découlent et à en décliner les enjeux tout à la fois du point de vue psychologique (effets des différentes formes de violences au plan du développement psychologique de l’enfant ou de l’adolescent) et du point de vue juridique (cadre et dispositions juridiques à même de garantir la protection de l’enfant et de l’adolescent ainsi que les conditions de son développement).
Les comédiens de Voltaire, des théâtres de société à la Comédie-Française (et vice versa)
Authors: Ruimi Jennifer
Published: September 2024

Voltaire a entretenu des relations particulières avec plusieurs Comédiens Français, que ce soit avant que ces derniers n’entrent dans la troupe, ou lorsque ceux-ci étaient au contraire au firmament de leur carrière. Cet article entend étudier cinq cas d’actrices et d’acteurs ayant fréquenté Voltaire, afin de mesurer la complexité des transferts et des circulations entre scènes officielles – la Comédie-Française – et scènes de société – les petits théâtres privés de Voltaire.
De la condition sociale des personnes âgées immigrées (PAI) : une accumulation de facteurs défavorables
Authors: Dehas Mustapha
Published: September 2024

Cet article traite des conditions de vie des personnes âgées immigrées (PAI) originaires du Maghreb et d’Afrique subsaharienne vivant en France. À partir d’une recherche menée dans le cadre d’une thèse de doctorat dans le contexte de la pandémie de Covid-19, nous avons tenté de repérer de manière non exhaustive les difficultés vécues par les PAI, lesquelles se manifestent par une accumulation de facteurs défavorables, consubstantiels des conditions de vie. Si la période pandémique Covid-19 a été un terrain propice, les difficultés vécues par les PAI s’inscrivent dans un ensemble imbriqué de la condition sociale d’immigré.
Les défis du changement organisationnel pour l’intégration de l’intelligence artificielle générative : proposition d’un prototype de grille de maturité au changement
Authors: Le Goff Pascal , Guillard Alexandre
Published: September 2024

Cet article s’appuie sur les travaux réalisés par le groupe de travail sur l’intelligence artificielle générative, mis en place par la Chaire Essec du Changement en février 2024. Composé de grandes entreprises et d’ETI, ce groupe intitulé « Change IA » s’est engagé à définir les conditions nécessaires et les jalons essentiels pour l’intégration réussie de l’intelligence artificielle générative, avec un accent particulier sur la facilitation du changement. Dans le cadre de cet objectif, le groupe a développé un prototype de grille d’évaluation de la maturité, spécifiquement conçu pour mesurer la préparation d’une organisation à l’implémentation de l’intelligence artificielle générative. Ce prototype est désormais prêt à être testé et à fournir des indications précieuses sur les conditions requises pour un changement efficace.
Gut mucosal microbiota profiles linked to development of positional-specific human colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Chunze , Ma Mingqian , Zhao Zhenying , Feng Zhiqiang , Chu Tianhao , Wang Yijia , Liu Jun , Wan Xuehua
Published: September 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) continuously ranks as the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Based on anatomical classifications and clinical diagnoses, CRC is classified into right-sided, left-sided, and rectal CRC. Importantly, the three types of positional-specific CRC affect the prognosis outcomes, thus indicating that positional-specific treatments for CRC are required. Emerging evidence suggests that besides host genetic and epigenetic alterations, gut mucosal microbiota is linked to gut inflammation, CRC occurrence, and prognoses. However, gut mucosal microbiota associated with positional-specific CRC are poorly investigated. Here, we report the gut mucosal microbiota profiles associated with these three types of CRC. Our analysis showed that the unique composition and biodiversity of bacterial taxa are linked to positional-specific CRC. We found that a combination of bacterial taxa can serve as potential biomarkers to distinguish the three types of CRC. Further investigations of the physiological roles of bacteria associated with positional-specific CRC may help understand the mechanism of CRC progression in different anatomical locations under the impact of gut mucosal microbiota.
Teachers' perceptions of teaching mathematics topics based on STEM educational philosophy: A sequential explanatory design
Authors: Khalil Ibrahim , Zahrani Amirah AL , Awaji Bakri , Mohsen Mohammed
Published: September 2024

STEM education has gained significant attention in educational systems, and integrating mathematics into STEM education is a crucial issue in mathematics education. As teachers are considered highly influential in the educational process, we aimed to identify mathematics teachers' perceptions of teaching mathematics topics within the context of STEM education. We employed a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design. The quantitative sample included 248 mathematics teachers (99 males and 149 females) from the Bisha Governorate in Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire encompassing three dimensions (teachers' perceptions of teaching competence, teachers' perceptions of student interaction and motivation, and teachers' perceptions of the suitability of mathematics textbook content) was used to collect data, and its validity and reliability were verified. Qualitative data were gathered through interviews with eight participants. The results showed that mathematics teachers' perceptions of teaching mathematics topics based on the principles of STEM education were positive at the "agree" level, with an overall mean of 2.41. The dimensions were ranked as follows: Teachers' perceptions of their STEM teaching competence (M = 2.49), perceptions of the suitability of mathematics textbook content for STEM-based practice (M = 2.47), and perceptions of their students' interaction and motivation when teaching mathematics in line with STEM (M = 2.26). There were no statistically significant differences in perceptions due to gender, teaching experience, or educational stage. The qualitative findings attributed the positive perceptions of teaching competence to factors such as the integration of technology and the inherent connections between mathematics and other subjects. However, designing STEM-integrated tasks was challenging due to lack of STEM training and knowledge. Limitations in student interaction were linked to students' limited understanding of STEM, teachers' beliefs, and students' weak mathematics skills. The participants viewed textbook content positively, citing STEM-related components.
Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) for the Degradation of Micro and Nano Plastic
Authors: Rukhsar Aqsa , Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Iqbal Zeenat Fatima
Published: September 2024

Micro-nano plastics, or MNPs, are a growing concern due to their widespread presence in the environment. To tackle this issue, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) offer promising solutions. The focus on employing advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) to remove microplastic nanoparticles (MNPs) from water is increasing among scientists. This study compiles advancements in various AOPs such as photocatalysis, UV photolysis, ozone oxidation, electrocatalysis, Fenton oxidation, plasma oxidation, and persulfate oxidation for MNPs removal. It covers oxidation mechanisms, reaction pathways, removal efficiencies, and influencing factors. However, most AOPs achieve only modest mineralization rates, necessitating further optimization for improved performance. Exploring different AOPs is crucial for complete MNPs breakdown in water, highlighting the future importance of AOPs in MNP elimination
Waste-to-Energy Integration Strategies in the Tourism Industry
Authors: Sawon Md. Mehedi Hasan , Lina Farhana Yeasmin , Talukder Mohammad Badruddoza , Hossain Md. Akram
Published: September 2024

The Bangladesh tourism industry faces a growing challenge in waste management, which poses a threat to environmental and public health. Despite economic growth, Bangladesh struggles with managing solid waste, with traditional landfilling polluting soil and water. Hospitality waste management is particularly challenging due to the unique types of waste generated by hotels, resorts, restaurants, and eco-lodges. This chapter examines waste-to-energy (WtE) integration in the country's hospitality sector using secondary research, academic journals, industry reports, and government publications. WtE technologies, such as anaerobic digestion, gasification, and incineration, can help reduce landfilling and provide renewable energy for hospitality facilities. The chapter explores the challenges of solid waste management in Bangladesh, focusing on organic waste, paper, plastics, and glass. It evaluates WtE technologies' potential for hospitality establishments, highlighting their significance in resolving waste management issues and ensuring sustainable tourism development.
How Waste-to-Energy Solutions Influence Service Quality and Tourist Experiences in the Hospitality Sector
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Bhardwaj Aman Kumar , Singh Kuldeep , Paatlan Sandeep
Published: September 2024

The profitability and viability of the tourism sectors are important sector of the global economy that is dependent on visitor satisfaction. This research examines service quality, a deciding element in electronic word of mouth (eWOM), customer satisfaction and patronage of diverse tourist locations. Through a deliberate sampling procedure, a total of 443 questionnaires from passengers were gathered. The research looked at the impact of eWOM on travellers' happiness and loyalty to Travel Intermidiaries services. The use of SPSS, AMOS and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) methods enabled a thorough investigation. The complex interactions across WOF, service quality, visitor pleasure and service fidelity across travel businesses are highlighted by our results. This research shows the relationship between service quality and client loyalty to travel companies, which is mediated by both TS and eWOM.
Innovative Waste-to-Energy Applications and Its Future Trends and Opportunities in Tourism
Authors: Kanade Tarun Madan , Batule Radhakrishna Bhaskar
Published: September 2024

The chapter “Future Trends and Opportunities of Waste-to-Energy Innovations Drive in the Tourism Industry” explores the evolving landscape of waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies and their transformative potential within the tourism sector. With growing environmental concerns and the imperative for sustainable practices, WTE innovations present a viable solution to manage waste while generating energy, thereby enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of tourism operations. Initially, the chapter provides an overview of the current state of WTE in tourism, highlighting existing applications and their impact on the industry. It delves into the advancements in WTE technologies such as anaerobic digestion, gasification, and pyrolysis, and discusses the integration of smart technologies and IoT for optimizing these processes. The discussion extends to the policy and regulatory frameworks that support the adoption of WTE, emphasizing recent trends that favor sustainable tourism practices.
Technological Innovations in Sustainable Waste-to-Energy for Economic Revolution
Authors: Selvakumar P. , Pachar Sunita , Ponnapalli Harita , Chandel Pankaj Singh , Khokale Sagar Kashinath
Published: September 2024

“The Evolution of Waste-to-Energy Technologies” traces the development and transformation of methods aimed at converting various forms of waste into usable energy sources. Beginning with early methods such as incineration, which dates back centuries and primarily focused on reducing waste volume and managing sanitation, the evolution of waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies has been shaped by advancements in engineering, environmental science, and sustainability goals. Historically, incineration served as a fundamental technique to dispose of municipal solid waste (MSW) while producing heat and electricity. This approach, despite its efficiency in waste reduction, faced criticism for air emissions and environmental impacts, prompting a shift towards more advanced WTE methods. In the mid-20th century, technological innovations led to the development of mass burn incinerators, which increased combustion efficiency and reduced emissions through improved air pollution control systems.
Environmental and Economic Benefits of Waste-to-Energy in Tourism
Authors: Kabir Firoj , Sultan Md Tipu , Islam Md Shoriful , Hossain Md Azmir
Published: September 2024

Waste management is a comprehensive strategy aimed at economically and satisfactorily reducing waste while minimizing any negative effects on human beings and the natural world. The procedure may encompass several operations such as gathering, segregating, treating, minimizing, reusing, reutilizing, and recovering recyclables. Waste is currently seen as a result of ineffective utilization of materials and plays a crucial role in causing many both social and environmental consequences, including pollution and health problems. Furthermore, the economic evaluation of several destinations indicates that investments in WTE have the potential to substantially increase its financial growth through decreasing exchange and export shortages and decreasing imports of energy. This chapter contends that the promotion of environmentally friendly growth and energy conservation in territories that depend on tourism is facilitated by the prioritization of WTE throughout the tourism sector, which additionally tackles disposal difficulties but also provides significant natural and ecological advantages
Strawberry growth and dry matter partitioning due to fertigation systems
Authors: Webler Anderson Rafael , Diel Maria Inês , Pinheiro Marcos Vinícius Marques , Schmidt Denise , Thiesen Leonardo Antonio , Araújo Guilherme Massaro , Knapp Fábio Miguel
Published: September 2024

Strawberry cultivation possesses unique features, including the need for high-quality seedlings adapted to the cultivation environment and proper fertigation management. These elements influence plant growth and production. This study evaluated the growth and dry matter partitioning of strawberry plants of the cultivar "Albion" at different seedling ages (0, 14, 28... 196 DAT) using two fertigation methods: open-loop and closed-loop systems. Fifteen evaluations occurred throughout the cultivation cycle, spanning from planting to 196 days after transplanting (DAT), with the study replicated over two consecutive years. We evaluated dry matter partitioning among roots, stems, leaves, senescent leaves, flowers, commercial fruits, and non-commercial fruits. We also measured root volume and length, besides counts of leaves, flowers, and both commercial and non-commercial fruits. Despite no significant differences between fertigation systems for most variables, the closed-loop system shows promise, contingent on proper nutrient solution management. The partitioning analysis revealed that fruits, followed by leaves, were the primary consumers of photoassimilates.
Influence of breeders age on initial embryonic development (from 0 to 72 hours) of Japanese quails during incubation
Authors: Oliveira Marina Ximenes de Lima , Fontes Stefanye Araujo , Passos Rafaella Scaboro dos , Santos Tatiana Carlesso dos
Published: September 2024

The initial stages of early embryonic development were analyzed as a function of the incubation period and age of Japanese quail breeders. A total of 203 Japanese quails housed in 29 conventional laying cages with 5 females and 2 males at 31, 39, 48, and 59 weeks of age were used, and the fertile eggs from these breeders were selected and incubated. The eggs were opened, and the embryos were isolated, fixed in a glutaraldehyde solution, analyzed and classified according to the stage of development. For after laying and the incubation periods of 24, 48, and 72 hours, the embryos presented, on average, Hamburger-Hamilton stages XI, HH 6.1, HH 12.7, and HH 18.5, respectively, with no effect of breeder age. It was also observed that, between 31 and 59 weeks of age in Japanese quail breeders, the eggs become longer and wider, with greater weight, volume, and area. Therefore, it is concluded that the age of the Japanese quail mother influences the weight, length, width, volume, and area of the eggs but does not influence the embryonic development up to 72 hours.
Accuracy of goodness-of-fit criteria for nonlinear regression: a study via Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Silva Walleff da Silva e , Fernandes Felipe Augusto , Fernandes Tales Jesus , Muniz Joel Augusto
Published: September 2024

Nonlinear regression models are widespread in the literature, and one of their main applications is in the study of sigmoidal growth curves. There are several models for this purpose, and the most used are the logistic, Gompertz, von Bertalanffy, and Brody models. Each one of them has its own characteristics and is more suitable for a given curve shape. There are several criteria in the literature for selecting the most appropriate model, but there is no consensus on the best criteria. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the accuracy of the main selection criteria via Monte Carlo simulation, considering the logistic, Gompertz, von Bertalanffy, and Brody nonlinear regression models. Four simulation scenarios are used, each simulated with ideal curves of the logistic, Gompertz, von Bertalanffy and Brody models. Next, the 4 models are adjusted for each of the scenarios, and the main quality criteria found in the literature are calculated to assess the ability of the criteria to identify the most appropriate model for each scenario. The results show that the criteria asymptotic index, mean absolute error and coefficient of determination choose the correct model more often than the other criteria studied. Although the measures of the Battes and Watts curvature and box bias are important for the evaluation of the goodness-of-fit of the models, they are not indicated for the selection of the best model.
Difference Gai Sequences of Interval numbers with respect to Orlicz Function
Authors: Baruah Achyutananda , Dutta Amar Jyoti
Published: September 2024

In this article we have introduced some classes generalized difference () Gai sequences of interval numbers with Orlicz functions M. We have studied some algebraic and topological properties of the classes of sequences like, linearity, completeness, solid, symmetric and convergence free.
Characterization of SnO2-based gas sensors to analyze diesel and biodiesel blends
Authors: Mendonça Leonardo Tadeu Boaes , Vasconcelos Nazaré do Socorro Lemos Silva , Oliveira Marcelo Moizinho , Rangel José Hilton Gomes , Vasconcelos Jomar Sales
Published: September 2024

This study analyzed biodiesel blends using sensors constituted by SnO2 pellets with gold interdigitated contacts deposited on the surface. Tin dioxide was synthesized by the polymeric precursor method with further calcination treatment at 500°C, conformed and sintered at three temperatures to form three different samples: 700°C (Sn1), 900°C (Sn2) and 1100°C (Sn3). The samples were analyzed by X-Ray Diffraction, FEG-SEM (Field Emission Gun - Scanning Electron Microscopy), Raman spectroscopy, and electrical measurements. Results confirmed the formation of rutile-type tetragonal cassiterite phase, with quasi-spherical particles a moderate degree of heterogeneity in particle size 30-90 nm). Raman vibrational modes and infrared spectrum also confirmed the presence of tin oxide in high purity rutile phase. Sensorial measurements showed high sensitivity, response, and recovery time in tests with biodiesel/ethanol mixtures, allowing to distinguish between blends with a wide range of composition and serving as a potential device to detect adulterated fuel.
Solar Power and Demand Response for Greening Indian Lignite Power Plants: A CO2 Reduction Initiative
Authors: Saxena Vivek , Rajput Saurabh Kumar
Published: September 2024

This research paper delves into the prospect of curbing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by strategically deploying solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and orchestrating demand response (DR) mechanisms within Indian lignite power plants (LPP). The study responds to the critical imperative of mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions originating from coal-based electricity generation, a matter of substantial consequence in the context of climate change. In pursuit of optimal solar PV system allocation, this research employs the particle swarm optimization (PSO) technique, considering a spectrum of factors including solar resource availability, electricity demand patterns, and the CO2 intensity associated with coal power generation. The primary objective is to minimize CO2 emissions while maximizing the integration of solar PV and curtailing power losses, all while accounting for the intermittent nature of solar power and the dynamic nature of demand. The proposed approach is rigorously tested on the IEEE 33 bus system, supplied by the LPP. The results convincingly demonstrate a remarkable reduction in CO2 emissions, amounting to 29.69%, following the implementation of the proposed approach. This research presents a concrete step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy landscape, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in the energy sector.
Novel flaxseed mucilage-based probiotic film: Application to sheep Sicilian cheese preservation
Authors: Mahmoudi Imen , Boulares Mouna , Nabi Sedki , Fattouch Sami , Hassouna Mnasser , Moussa Olfa Ben
Published: September 2024

Edible probiotic films incorporated by probiotics can be used to keep away from undesirable microbes on the surface of the cheese to improve its quality and promote beneficial effects on consumer health. In this study, flaxseed, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus acidophilus as probiotics were used to produce active edible packaging and evaluate its application in the sheep Sicilian cheese surfaces stored 10 days at 4°C. Microbiological, physicochemical, sensorial quality, antibacterial and antioxidant effects of cheeses were studied. The flaxseed mucilage-probiotic film improved cheese preservation by reducing the weight loss, preserving the pH and colour. Advantageously, flaxseed coating allowed improving probiotic viability throughout storage period. Native microbiota counts remained under safe levels. Probiotic coating cheeses exhibited 12.8±0.25 mm of maximum diameter inhibition against Listeria monocytogenes and enhanced oxidation (maximum DPPH inhibition: 51±0.33%) with acceptable sensorial properties for consumers. Hence, flaxseed mucilage probiotic film has proved to be suitable for quality preservation of functional foods.
Preparation Method of a Metal Carrier for a Catalyst for the Recovery of Exhaust Gases from Nitrogen Oxides
Authors: Vekshyn Vitalii , Koloskov Volodymyr , Koloskova Hanna , Sincheskul Olexandr
Published: September 2024

The article shows the process of preparing an oxide layer on the surface of titanium for use in industrial catalysis. Data from physical and chemical studies are presented, namely microhardness, porosity, thickness, specific surface area, adhesion and thermal stability of the active layer.To determine the physicochemical characteristics of the resulting oxide layer, the following analysis methods were used: X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), X-ray diffraction phase analysis (XPA), X-ray absorption analysis (XRA), and X-ray fluorescence analysis. The thickness of the oxide layer depending on the duration of anodization was estimated by optical microscopy.
The Study of the Mechanical Strength of Polypropylene Filter Material for the Production of Disposable Respirators
Authors: Radchuk Dmitro , Cheberiachko Sergiy , Deryugin Oleg , Sharovatova Olena
Published: September 2024

Atmospheric air, which is a natural resource, significantly affects the health and disease level of the population [1, 2], as well as the quality of the environment [3, 4]. However, as a result of anthropogenic activity, the environmental condition of the air has a tendency of constant deterioration [5, 6]. The main anthropogenic source of atmospheric pollution is large industrial conglomerates, which include motor vehicles [7, 8]. Chemical pollution of the air on a global scale leads to the greenhouse effect, the appearance of acid rain [9, 10] and pollution of aquifers [11, 12], and as a result, an increase in diseases [13], pandemics [14]. The goal of the study is to investigate the relationship between the mechanical characteristics of polypropylene filter material and their deformation under external forces for stretching and determine the safe period of use of disposable respirators. Four types of samples have been used for experimental research. Operational properties were determined by three indicators: elongation from applied force, penetration coefficient by a test aerosol of paraffin oil, and air flow resistance in accordance with the requirements of the DSTU EN 149:2017 standard. The dependence of relative elongation on tensile force has been established for samples of Eleflen and Meltblown materials with an additional layer of coarse fiber material and without an additional layer. It has been shown that the presence of an additional layer increases the tensile force of the filter material sample by 1.5 times. It has been found that the longitudinal fibers of the filter material samples withstand 15 % more external force applied for stretching, allowing manufacturers to ensure the proper fit of respirator structural elements, which ensures a longer service life. Research results show that an additional layer of material increases the strength indicators of the main filter layer by 3 times. Scientific novelty lies in determining the relationship between the mechanical characteristics of polypropylene filter material for the production of disposable protective respirators and their protective properties and deformation under external forces by stretching. The practical value involves in determining the penetration coefficient, which ensures the appropriate protective efficiency of the respirator within the range of 0 to 10% elongation. The presence of an additional layer of coarse fiber material allows increasing this value based on the properties of the filter material (fiber thickness, packing density).
Improving the Quality of Heat Treatment Using Microwave Heating of Products with a Complex Profile of Hardened Surfaces
Authors: Pogribniy Mykola , Rebrova Olena , Shevchenko Svitlana , Vasilchenko Alexey
Published: September 2024

The current article provides the results of the study on the improving the procedure of induction heating of products with a curvilinear surface profile by hardening of steam turbine blades surface with a complex helical shape and requiring protection against erosive wear [9, 10] using a universal microwave heating device. A principally new device that uses the effect of the magnetic field's force action has been developed and constructed. That makes possible to provide a high-quality strengthening of product surfaces regardless of their geometric configuration and size. The advantages of thermal treatment technology on such device are substantiated based on the results of metallographic, X-ray structural, and hardness analysis.
Study of the Chemical Stability of Solidified Radioactive Waste Using Alkali Cement Through Long-Term Leaching
Authors: Guzii Sergii G.
Published: September 2024

The article presents the results of studies of the chemical stability of solidified radioactive waste with alkali cement through long-term leaching. Efficiency of application of alkaline slag Portland cement type LCEM IV as a matrix for reliable chemical and physical binding of caesium ions in the compound for long-term burial we confirmed. Modification of alkaline cement by additions of magnetite from 5 to 8.3% and zeolite in the amount from 4.2 to 5% promotes additional sorption of caesium ions in solidification products of alkaline matrix at maximum content of radioactive waste up to 17.5%. It they noted that the maximum values of sorption capacity of compounds (from 42000 to 68000 ml/g) we observed on the 14th day of the leaching process. They are characteristic for compounds containing magnetite from 5 to 8.3%, zeolite - from 4.2 to 7.5% and radioactive waste from 10 to 15%. It is shown that on the first day of leaching the highest rate (8.35E-02 g/сm2day) is characterised by compositions containing magnetite from 5 to 8.3%, zeolite from 4.2 to 5% and radioactive waste from 15 to 17.5%. At 56 days of the test, the leaching rate decreases exponentially to values of 3.45E-05 to 9.62E-06 g/сm2day. Characteristic of compounds, magnetite and zeolite up to 5% and radioactive waste 17.5%.
Chemical Constituents and their Nanoemulsion Properties of Ethyl Acetate Crude Extract from Black Galingale Rhizome
Authors: Boonkert Nuttacha , Sonklin Chanikan , Laongtiparos Cherdchai , Pranee Siriporn , Seeyangnok Samitthichai , Trongsiriwat Nisalak
Published: September 2024

Black galingale is a medicinal plant that has medicinal properties. The major constituents found in black galingale rhizomes are flavonoids, which display antioxidant activities. Therefore, in this research, the focus is to isolate and structurally determine bioactive compounds from the ethyl acetate extract of black galingale rhizomes and evaluate their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, The black galingale rhizomes were extracted by maceration using ethyl acetate as a solvent. the compounds were isolated by column chromatography using hexane: ethyl acetate as an eluent solvent system. The isolated compounds were examined and characterized using FT-IR, UV-Vis, and NMR techniques, examined antioxidant activity by DPPH assay, and antimicrobial activity. From the extraction of ethyl acetate extract, it was found that 4 pure flavonoid compounds could be extracted. The FT-IR spectral data of 4 compounds showed a unique vibration corresponding to OH stretching, CH stretching, C=O stretching, C=C stretching of an aromatic ring, and C-O-C bond. Antioxidant activity testing by DPPH assay found 5-hydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyflavone (1) to have the highest antioxidant activity at 73.79% compared to the standard Trolox with 133.37±1.60 mM. Antimicrobial activity testing found that 3,5,7-trimethoxyflavone (3) showed the best growth inhibition activities against B. megaterium and S.aureus, Moreover, it studies the nanoemulsion properties of 5-hydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyflavone (1) was found stable with a nanoparticle size of 21.1 nm, a zeta potential of-49.7 mV, and has PDI of 0.227. Therefore, this research shows that the extract from black galingale rhizome could be used as an active ingredient in the cosmetics industry.