bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of fixed dose combination of Sitagliptin, metformin, and pioglitazone in type 2 Diabetes (IMPACT study): a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Aashish Mondal , Arindam Naskar , Siddiqi Sheelu Shafiq , Bhosle Deepak , Mallikarjuna V. J. , Amol Dange , Sanket Sorate , Omkar Gavali , Parth Patel , Dhruvi Hasnani , Durga Prasad , Pradeep Dalwadi , Suresh Kumar , Vaishali Pathak , Mayura Chaudhari , Indraneel Basu , Jayashri Shembalkar , Arif Fariooqui , Raghavendra S. K. , Deepak Varade , Ravindra Thakkar , Shaishav Bhanushali , Vijay Gaikwad , Khan Kamran , Mahajani V. V. , Sharma A. D. , Mayabhate Mayur , Pawar R. R. , Aiwale A. S. , Vinayaka Shahavi
Published: February 2024

Background

Due to the progressive decline in β-cell function, it is often necessary to utilize multiple agents with complementary mechanisms of action to address various facets and achieve glycemic control. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fixed-dose combination (FDC) of metformin/sitagliptin/pioglitazone (MSP) therapy vs. metformin/sitagliptin (MS) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

In this phase 3, multicenter, double-blind study, patients with T2DM who exhibited inadequate glycemic control with HbA1c of 8.0–11.0% while taking ≥1500 mg/day metformin for at least 6 weeks were randomized to receive either FDC of MSP (1000/100/15 mg) or MS (1000/100 mg) per day for 24 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the change in HbA1c, and secondary outcomes included changes in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPG), and body weight from baseline to 24 weeks along with safety and tolerability.

Results

Among the 236 patients randomized, 207 (87.71%) successfully completed the study. All baseline characteristics were comparable between the FDC of MSP and MS groups. There was a subsequent significant reduction of HbA1c in FDC of MSP (− 1.64) vs. MS (− 1.32); between groups was [− 0.32% (95% CI, − 0.59, − 0.05)], P = 0.0208. Similar reductions were found in FPG [− 13.2 mg/dL (95% CI, − 22.86, − 3.71)], P = 0.0068, and PPG [− 20.83 mg/dL (95% CI, − 34.11, − 7.55)], P = 0.0023. There were no significant changes in body weight. A total of 27 adverse effects (AEs) and one severe AE were reported, none of which were related to the study drug.

Conclusion

The FDC of MSP demonstrated significant efficacy in managing glycemic indices and could serve as a valuable tool for physicians in the management of Indian patients with T2DM.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials Registry of India, CTRI/2021/10/037461.
Microstructure of the silk fibroin-based hydrogel scaffolds derived from the orb-web spider Trichonephila clavata
Authors: Sun Yan , Ku Bon-Jin , Moon Myung-Jin
Published: February 2024

Due to the unique properties of the silk fibroin (SF) made from silkworm, SF-based hydrogels have recently received significant attention for various biomedical applications. However, research on the SF-based hydrogels isolated from spider silks has been rtricted due to the limited collection and preparation of naïve silk materials. Therefore, this study focused on the microstructural characteristics of hydrogel scaffolds derived from two types of woven silk glands: the major ampullate gland (MAG) and the tubuliform gland (TG), in the orb-web spider Trichonephila clavate. We compared these spider glands with those of the silk fibroin (SF) hydrogel scaffold extracted from the cocoon of the insect silkworm Bombyx mori. Our FESEM analysis revealed that the SF hydrogel has high porosity, translucency, and a loose upper structure, with attached SF fibers providing stability. The MAG hydrogel displayed even higher porosity, as well as elongated fibrous structures, and improved mechanical properties: while the TG hydrogel showed increased porosity, ridge-like or wall-like structures, and stable biocapacity formed by physical crosslinking. Due to their powerful and versatile microstructural characteristics, the MAG and TG hydrogels can become tailored substrates, very effective for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
Induced seismicity data prep: Automate data processing and data set production in Texas and New Mexico using Python and ArcGIS Pro tools
Authors: Breton Caroline , Shensky Michael , Savvaidis Alexandros
Published: February 2024

Causal factors of induced seismicity in the Permian Basin are investigated by collecting and processing data on reported earthquakes, hydraulic fracture operations, and salt water disposal (SWD). Data are collected from five online sources: (1) the TexNet Earthquake Catalog, which provides earthquake data for Texas; (2) the TexNet Injection Volume Reporting Tool, which provides daily SWD data for select Texas wells; (3) the FracFocus Chemical Disclosure Registry, which provides hydraulic fracture data to the public; and (4) B3 Insight and (5) IHS Enerdeq Browser, which are proprietary database services that provide current and historical well data through paid subscriptions. TexNet makes their data available to the public at dynamic map websites. We automate data processing and data management using Python and ArcGIS Pro tools. The workflow produces quick, reliable, consistent, and reproducible output. We developed a Python script for each collected data table to filter, select fields, and write a new table. We created ArcGIS Pro Model Builder models for each new table to control format properties at import to the geodatabase. Further models contain customized ArcToolbox tools arranged to run geospatial, quality assurance, and quality control processing steps. In addition to discussing the source data and general workflow, we also review the results of the automated data processing. To illustrate our method, we create areas of investigation around the 5.4 magnitude Coalson earthquake to collect and process available data to create maps, charts, and data products for use in subsequent analysis. We make our Python scripts available on GitHub.
AURKA Enhances the Glycolysis and Development of Ovarian Endometriosis Through ERβ
Authors: Sun Yujun , Zhang Shucai , Zhang Xiaohui , Li Guotao , Sun Fangyuan , Wang Mengxue , Ren Chune , Jiang Aifang , Yang Tingting
Published: February 2024

Ovarian endometriosis (EMs) is a benign, estrogen-dependent gynecological disorder. Estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), a nuclear receptor for estradiol, plays an important role in the development of ovarian EMs. Here, we investigated the biological significance of aurora kinase A (AURKA) in ovarian EMs and the mechanism by which it regulates ERβ. We used immunohistochemical assays to verify that AURKA and ERβ were highly expressed in ectopic endometrial tissues. Cell proliferation and colony formation assays were used to demonstrate that AURKA promoted the proliferation of EMs cells. Wound-healing assay, Transwell migration assay, and Matrigel invasion assay further showed that AURKA enhanced the ability of EMs cells to migrate and invade. In addition, AURKA was shown to stimulate glycolysis in EMs cells by measuring the concentration of glucose and lactate in the cell supernatants. Moreover, the AURKA inhibitor alisertib was found to inhibit the progression of ovarian EMs and glycolysis in a mouse model of EMs by measuring ectopic tissues as well as by testing the peritoneal fluid of mice. Furthermore, coimmunoprecipitation assay showed that AURKA interacted with ERβ. The rescue experiments confirmed that AURKA regulated the development and glycolysis of ovarian EMs in an ERβ-dependent manner. AURKA contributed to the development of ovarian EMs by upregulating of ERβ. AURKA may represent a new target for the treatment of ovarian EMs.
DEVELOPMENT OF A MULTICRITERIA MODEL OF DISTRIBUTION OF ADMISSION QUOTAS
Authors: Amirkhanyan Liana G. , Amirkhanyan Anna G. , Saraev Aleksey A. , Smirnov Andrey V.
Published: February 2024

Objective. The main problem of higher education institutions is that there is a well-developed system of approval and distribution of admission control figures between educational organizations, but there is no unified system of distribution of budgetary and paid places within enlarged groups of directions and specialties (UGSS). In this regard, it is proposed to develop a multi-criteria model for the distribution of budgetary and paid places within the USGS, which will be a tool for analyzing the demand for certain directions among applicants and considering the risks of not filling the directions, which may be allocated more than the number of applicants.

Method or methodology of work. The research is based on multi-criteria optimization, data normalization, additive convolution, construction of the BCG matrix.

Results. The developed model makes it possible to compile the optimal distribution for the university, which can be used both for a specific USGS and for the whole university, which is ensured by multilevel optimization, which was used to solve the problem. Also the model allows to take into account the risks of not filling the places and minimize them.

Scope of application of the results. The results of the study can be applied in the field of enrollment forecasting.
Paraneoplastic pemphigus and reported, identified underlying diseases
Authors: Iwańczuk Paweł
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Pemphigus is a rare group of autoimmune diseases that promote development of various skin eruptions, the most commonly it presents with blisters. The several types of pemphigus are: pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, intraepidermal neutrophillic IgA dermatosis and especially rare type- paraneoplastic pemphigus, which is main topic of this publication. Paraneoplastic pemphigus is a disease which affects patients with developing carcinogenesis process. Usually it is a malignant process, but there are also some cases which describe paraneoplastic pemphigus associated with benign tumors. Because of its occurence our current level of knowledge about different aspects of paraneoplastic pemphigus is not final and as comprehensive as researchers and patients wish.
 
Aim of study: The main purpose of this publication is presentation a review of literature about paraneoplastic pemphigus- its epidemiology, physiopathology, pathomorfology, clinical features, and description of different types of benign or malignant processes which concomitence with paraneoplastic pemphigus.
 
State of knowledge: Paraneoplastic pemphigus is a rare autoimmune disease, which aspects are not widely described, but there are some reports about epidemiology, pathophysiology, histopathology, treatment and associated confirmed malignancies. The challenge for future is to formulate clear, formal, treatment protocols for paraneoplastic pemphigus.
 
Conclusion: Paraneoplastic pemphigus is a very fascinating disease for researchers because there are still very limited reports and statistics about this very rare disorder. Nonetheless year by year our level of knowledge about pathogenesis, clinical features, associated malignant and benign processes is growing and it can affect more personalized, effective treatment methods and protocoles.
Anticipatory prescribing
Authors: Robertson Deborah
Published: February 2024

Deborah Robertson provides an overview of recently published articles that may be of interest to non-medical prescribers. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided
Cockroaches and antibiotic resistance
Authors: Winter George
Published: February 2024

In this month's article, George Winter discusses efforts to identify measures to prevent antibiotic resistance across the world
A–Z of prescribing for children
Authors: Davies Kate
Published: February 2024

This series focuses on aspects of prescribing for neonates, children and young people, from A—Z. Aspects of pharmacokinetics will be considered, alongside legal considerations, consent and medications in schools
Management of stress urinary incontinence associated with perimenopause
Authors: Storm Susanne , MacVicar Sonya
Published: February 2024

Pelvic health physiotherapy is recommended as first-line treatment for those with lower urinary tract symptoms and pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic health physiotherapists treat a number of genitourinary conditions conservatively, including stress urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, pelvic organ prolapse and vaginal atrophy. When physiotherapy management alone does not fully resolve symptoms, medication may be required. Independent prescribing enables the physiotherapist to maintain continuity of care, allowing a smoother, more effective patient journey. This offers quicker access to medicines and helps avoid delays in commencing appropriate treatment, reducing waiting times across other services. In this article, the role of the pelvic health physiotherapy independent prescriber is detailed in a case study of a patient referred with symptoms of stress urinary incontinence associated with impaired pelvic floor function and episodic constipation, in addition to perimenopausal vaginal dryness causing dyspareunia.
Reducing the environmental impact of inhalers in primary care
Authors: Day Laura
Published: February 2024

Climate change is having a negative effect on our health and on our planet. The NHS has made a commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) by 2050 as a way of addressing this. Switching pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) to dry powder inhalers (DPIs) has the potential to significantly reduce GHGEs. The primary aim of this systematic review was to establish how to make sustainable inhaler changes in primary care that do not compromise patient care and outcomes. pMDI devices have a significantly higher global warming potential than DPIs, but the latter are not suited to everyone. In patients unsuited to DPI devices, changing prescribing habits can help to lower emissions. Returning inhalers to pharmacies for incineration also lowers global warming potential. DPI devices are easier to use and are linked with improved health outcomes. It is possible to lower the carbon footprint of inhalers by switching pMDI to DPI, and through education and changed prescribing habits.
The price is right in 2-sided markets: Review and hypothesis generation
Authors: Kesavan Ram , Mascarenhas Oswald , Bernacchi Michael D.
Published: February 2024

Price advantage distinguishes a sharing economy. Two-sided markets underlie sharing economies and contribute to price advantage. Airbnb employs a platform based on 2-sided markets which are lower in price than traditional hotels. Next, we investigate internet technology as a major disruptive innovation. We demonstrate the impacts of internet marketing as an outgrowth of internet technology. The continued growth of the sharing economy is examined within the framework of internet marketing evolution. We then study the growth of the sharing economy due to use of the Internet. The growing importance of access to consumption supersedes possession through ownership. The Airbnb case is our prime case study and it will be used to illustrate that most consumers benefit from 2-sided markets. Five major hypotheses are generated on the benefits of 2-sided markets, and implications for entrepreneurship are discussed.
Supply chain network design
Authors: Bhowmik Oyshik , Parvez Shohel
Published: February 2024

Goal: This study aims to minimize the total cost of a supply chain network and determine the optimal product flow under demand uncertainty.
Design / Methodology / Approach: A mathematical model is presented to minimize the total supply chain cost by identifying the optimal facility locations and product flows. The applicability of the proposed model is evaluated through a real-life case study of a multinational sporting goods retailer with sensitivity analysis. Moreover, Monte Carlo simulation is used to capture the demand uncertainty and test the robustness of the model.
Results: The minimized cost is achieved with optimal facility locations and product flows. The optimal result shows a 3% reduction in the total cost, making it the most robust solution under demand uncertainty.
Limitations of the investigation: The proposed model is only applicable to a single-commodity supply chain network. In addition, the cost components of the network are limited to facility costs and transportation costs, disregarding the other cost components.
Practical implications: This research demonstrates a methodology that can be used as a decision support system by managers to make strategic and tactical decisions in a supply chain network when demand is uncertain.
Originality / Value: The MILP and simulation techniques used together to construct a three-tiered supply chain under uncertainty receive little attention in the literature. In addition to developing a novel three-echelon MILP model, this research makes use of a real-world case study to illustrate the methodology's performance in the context of demand uncertainty through simulation.
Palestine and Israel, Still a Challenge to Justice
Authors: Grandi Barbara
Published: February 2024

According to ONU Resolution n. 181, approved on 1947 November the 29th, providing the establishment of two States, one for the Israeli people – who declared their independence on 1948 the 14th of May, and one for the Arab-Palestininas, having never established themeselves into the form of a distinguished State, Israel, as a sea land standing in the Middle Est region between the Mediteranean sea and Asia, is nowadays and since 1948 formally a State2 . It is opposed to be as such by some Palestinian organizations and authorities, intermittentely supported by foreign countries: Palestininas contest to Israel its legal establishment into such an independent nation, which is considered to be remedial to the persecution the Jewish people faced worldwide for their religious belief, and by followers of nazist ideologies particularly.
Determinants of Customers' Continuance Intention to Use Chatbots in e-Commerce
Authors: Quang Huy Tran
Published: February 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the e-commerce experience and opened up new ways for businesses to communicate with customers through chatbots. This study aims to investigate how factors of chatbots influence continuance intention in e-commerce. A quantitative approach was adopted to explore the impact of interactivity, compatibility, information quality, service quality on perceived usefulness, perceived enjoyment of chatbots. It also aims to explore the determinants of continuance intention in chatbot use. Empirical data is collected from 476 participants through an online survey using Google Form and analyzed using regression analysis by IBM SPSS software. The results of the study show that compatibility, information quality, service quality positively affect perceived usefulness and perceived enjoyment of chatbot. Perceived usefulness and perceived enjoyment are found to have significant influence on continuance intention. The study contributes to the literature of consumer behavior regarding technology adoption. It also contributes to the refinement of the TAM and presents practical insights to managers, chatbot designers, and customer service units in improving chatbots and enhancing continuance intention.
The Effect of Workload and Perception of Organizational Support on Job Satisfaction with Work-Life Balance as A Mediating Variable in the Shared Services Function of Pt Pertamina (PERSERO)
Authors: Fahmi Irfan , Riyanto Setyo
Published: February 2024

The aim of this research is to determine how workload and the perception of organizational support impact job satisfaction, as well as how work-life balance acts as a mediating variable in the Shared Services Function of PT Pertamina (Persero). The research strategy employed by the author is quantitative in character, as it is grounded in concrete, objective, quantifiable, logical, and methodical data. Because it contains samples from every permanent employee of PT Pertamina (Persero) as well as from the whole population of the Shared Services Function, the study's sample is known as a saturated sample, or full population. 321 individuals make up the entire population sample. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) is a data analysis methodology that was employed in this work to solve the limitations of the regression method. The Partial Least Square (PLS) software application is used in this study's analysis to process the data. Variant Based Structural Equation Modelling is then used to test the hypothesis and provide a viable model. The results showed that workload had a negative and significant impact on job satisfaction in the SS Function of PT. Pertamina (Persero). Job satisfaction with SS Function PT. Pertamina (Persero) is positively and significantly impacted by employee perceptions of organizational support. In SS PT Function Pertamina (Persero), work-life balance is adversely and significantly affected by workload. The perception of organizational support has a favorable and considerable impact on work-life balance, as per the SS function of PT. Pertamina (Persero). Work-life balance and job satisfaction have a somewhat positive association in SS Function PT. Pertamina (Persero). Work-life balance makes it possible for employee happiness at PT. Pertamina (Persero), an SS function, to be indirectly impacted by workload. The SS function PT. Pertamina (Persero) believes that work-life balance has an indirect effect on satisfaction through organizational support.
Entrepreneurial Competencies, Business Coaching and Business Success among Women Micro-entrepreneurs
Authors: Moin Shahrunnizan , Idris Mohd Mahfudz , Bakar Saridan Abu
Published: February 2024

The critical contribution of women micro-entrepreneurs to the growth and development of micro-businesses worldwide, particularly in Malaysia, cannot be overstated. These women generate income and employment opportunities, critical to economic progress. However, to ensure their continued success, it is essential to identify the key factors that contribute to this achievement. Additionally, the role of women micro-entrepreneurs has evolved, and they now require additional competencies beyond their traditional skill set to meet the challenges of the business world. Therefore, business coaching is an indispensable tool for enhancing these competencies, directly influencing their business success. For this study, we employed quantitative research methods to test sixteen hypotheses related to entrepreneurial competencies and the perceived usefulness of business coaching in influencing the business success of women micro-entrepreneurs. The data was collected through a selfadministered questionnaire completed by 261 women micro-entrepreneurs who participated in business coaching sessions. We used a cluster sampling technique to select the samples. Our findings showed that women microentrepreneurs typically start businesses between the ages of thirty-one and forty to achieve work-life balance and support their families. Many have children aged five to twelve and limited education, making entrepreneurship more appealing than traditional employment. Over half of the women micro-entrepreneurs had launched a business before and faced challenges sustaining their ventures. Moreover, our study demonstrated that commitment, conceptual, opportunity, and relationship competencies significantly influenced the business success of women micro-entrepreneurs, making them critical predictors of their success. This study also found that the perceived usefulness of business coaching plays a moderating role in the relationships of strategic, commitment, conceptual, and relationship competencies toward the business success of women micro-entrepreneurs. Therefore, strategic, commitment, conceptual, opportunity, and relationship competencies, along with the perceived usefulness of business coaching, are critical to the business success of women micro-entrepreneurs in Malaysia.
Social Entropy: An Information Measure of Institutional Complexity
Authors: Stokkum Rebecca van
Published: February 2024

Information theory has impacted disciplines across science and technology, including the 20th century’s IT revolution. However, information theory has been applied much less to the social sciences and has not been applied at all to theoretical social psychology. While information-based statistical programs are used to analyze data across social disciplines, information theory has not been used to analyze social structure and the self as an informational process related to the conflict reducing characteristics of institutions. The present paper addresses this gap by suggesting Shannon information as a measure of the complexity within institutional settings in relation to the formally rationalizing drives of industrialized societies in contrast to the informal social control experienced in simpler societies. The paper analyzes social theory related to institutional complexity from several disciplines arguing that it is synonymous with information as suggested by Shannon. A post structural methodology for measurement of social complexity and directions for future research are suggested.
Pseudometric spaces: From minimality to maximality in the groups of combinatorial self-similarities
Authors: Bilet Viktoriia , Dovgoshey Oleksiy
Published: February 2024

The group of combinatorial self-similarities of a pseudometric space

(

X
,
d

)

\left(X,d)

is the maximal subgroup of the symmetric group

Sym

(

X

)

{\rm{Sym}}\left(X)

whose elements preserve the four-point equality

d

(

x
,
y

)

=
d

(

u
,
v

)

d\left(x,y)=d\left(u,v)

. Let us denote by

ℐP

{\mathcal{ {\mathcal I} P}}

the class of all pseudometric spaces

(

X
,
d

)

\left(X,d)

for which every combinatorial self-similarity

Φ
:
X
→
X

\Phi :X\to X

satisfies the equality

d

(

x
,
Φ

(

x

)

)

=
0
,

d\left(x,\Phi \left(x))=0,

but all permutations of metric reflection of

(

X
,
d

)

\left(X,d)

are combinatorial self-similarities of this reflection. The structure of

ℐP

{\mathcal{ {\mathcal I} P}}

-spaces is fully described.
Human Capital Investments and Family Size in Italy: IV Estimates Using Twin Births as an Instrument
Authors: Ponzo Michela , Scoppa Vincenzo
Published: February 2024

Human capital investments at an early age appear crucial for individual outcomes. Family size might affect these investments influencing parental time and economic resources invested in children’s education. This feature is related to the children quantity-quality trade-off proposed by Becker that has been investigated only for a few countries because of data limitations. We investigate this issue for Italy – even in the absence of Census data relating family of origin to children’s educational outcomes – using many waves of the Survey on Household Income and Wealth of the Bank of Italy and focusing on the educational attainments of 19–23 years old. We use twin births as an instrumental variable to identify exogenous variations in family size. In contrast with the results from other developed countries, we find a significant negative effect of family size on children’s education, probably related to the low quality of education in some regions of the country and to the poor public assistance of families with children. We show that these findings are robust to a number of checks. The effects appear stronger for women, Southern regions, low-income families and when spacing between births is limited, suggesting that both time and financial constraints are mechanisms at work. We also find strong birth order effects.
The optimal allocation of thyristor-controlled series compensators for enhancement HVAC transmission lines Iraqi super grid by using seeker optimization algorithm
Authors: Jawad Ihsan Mousa , Abdulrasool Ali Qasim , Mohammed Abbas Q. , Majeed Wafaa Said , Salim ALRikabi Haider TH.
Published: February 2024

Meta-heuristic approaches evaluate the optimum size and position of flexible alternative current transmission systems power systems. The seeker optimization algorithm (SOA) technique was used to solve power engineering optimization problems with better performance than traditional approaches. This article shows the application of SOA for optimal setting and allocation of thyristor-controlled series compensators (TCSCs) in a transmission line. TCSC devices are used to improve transmission systems’ capacity and voltage profile by controlling the transmission line reactance. The IEEE 30 bus system, as well as the Iraqi Super Grid 400 kV system, is used as a test system to illustrate the technique used. Results showed that the installation of TCSC unites the aims to reduce the voltage deviation, reduce the losses of active/reactive power, and increase transmission line reserves over thermal limits. TCSC devices are very effective for the better use of existing installations without sacrificing the stability margin. SOA is intended to identify the best location and size of TCSC devices that resolve the technological difficulties of reducing the TCSC devices’ costs.
Gain enhancement of ultra-wideband hexagonal slot antenna using tessellated rhombic loops based reflector
Authors: Verma Ashish Kumar , Singhal Rahul
Published: February 2024

A simple technique for gain enhancement of irregular hexagonal shaped ultra-wide band (UWB) slot antenna by inclusion of closely packed tessellated rhombic loop (TRL) based FSS is presented in this paper. The slot antenna is designed to cover entire UWB (3.1–10.6 GHz) frequency range with stable bi-directional radiation pattern. Also, it exhibits non-uniform boresight gain in zenith (θ = 0°) and nadir (θ = 180°) directions. The slot antenna is further loaded with TRL FSS at both slot and feed side separately to study distinct configurations of antenna integrated with FSS and evaluate the impact of the configurations of FSS on antenna performance. Later, an antenna and antenna loaded with TRL FSS prototype are developed for experimental validations. Through measurements it is found that the slot antenna covers entire UWB frequency band and provides a maximum of 4.31 dB gain in zenith direction while 4 dB gain in nadir direction. A gain enhancement of 2.44 dB in zenith and 3.8 dB in nadir directions are achieved when the slot antenna is integrated with TRL FSS along feed side and slot side separately. The measured results confirm the simulated results well.
On the property-denoting clitic ne and the determiner de/di: a comparative analysis of Catalan and Italian
Authors: Espinal M.Teresa , Giusti Giuliana
Published: February 2024

The clitic pronoun ne and the functional element de introducing nominal constituents have many nominal and prepositional functions across Romance languages. In this article, we focus on the nominal functions, singling out three different bundles of semantic features that characterize both ne and de. They can denote properties of individual entities, properties of kinds, or predicate properties. The article shows that Catalan ne and de display the three types of denotation, while Italian ne and de only display the first one. This article further supports the hypothesis that the indefinite determiner de can be overt or silent, thereby unifying de-phrases (and the Italian partitive article) with bare nouns. The analysis of de as an indefinite determiner is then extended to adjectival de, which is claimed to mark concord features on adjectives in both Catalan and Italian.
Theoretical study of a highly fault-tolerant and scalable adaptive radiative cooler
Authors: Li Bin , Hu Jiaqi , Chen Changhao , Hu Hengren , Zhong Yetao , Song Ruichen , Cao Boyu , Peng Yunqi , Xia Xusheng , Chen Kai , Xia Zhilin
Published: February 2024

Conventional static radiative coolers have an unadjustable cooling capacity, which often results in overcooling in low temperature environment. Therefore, there is a great need for an adaptive dynamic radiative cooler. However, such adaptive coolers usually require complex preparation processes. This paper proposes an adaptive radiative cooler based on a Fabry–Perot resonant cavity. By optimizing the structural parameters of the radiative cooler, this adaptive radiative cooler achieves a modulation rate of 0.909 in the atmospheric window band. The net radiative cooling performance difference between low and high temperatures is nearly eight times. Meanwhile, the device is easily prepared, has a high tolerance, and can effectively prevent W–VO2 oxidation. This study provides new insights into adaptive radiative cooling with potential for large-scale applications.
A review of ternary polymer nanocomposites containing clay and calcium carbonate and their biomedical applications
Authors: Mohammadpour-Haratbar Ali , Zare Yasser , Munir Muhammad Tajammal , Rhee Kyong Yop , Park Soo-Jin
Published: February 2024

Patchy interactions and heterogeneous charge distribution make nanoclay (NC) a promising biomaterial to interact with different biomolecules, polymers, and biological components. Many researchers have studied the polymer/clay nanocomposites in recent years. However, some deficiencies, such as poor impact strength, limit the application of polymer/clay nanocomposites in different fields. As a result, many attempts have been made to resolve this problem. Also, researchers have developed calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanoparticles as biomedical materials. The nontoxic properties and biocompatibility of both CaCO3 and NC make their nanocomposites ideal for biomedical applications. In this article, a detailed review of the ternary polymer nanocomposites containing NC and CaCO3 is presented. The morphological, thermal, mechanical, and rheological characteristics, in addition to the modeling of behavior and foam properties, are studied in this article. In addition, the potential challenges for ternary nanocomposites and their biomedical applications are discussed.
Numerical analysis of thermophoretic particle deposition in a magneto-Marangoni convective dusty tangent hyperbolic nanofluid flow – Thermal and magnetic features
Authors: Li Shuguang , Ali Kashif , Algarni Salem , Alqahtani Talal , Ahmad Sohail , ElSeabee Fayza Abdel Aziz , Ullah Hameed , Jamshed Wasim , Irshad Kashif
Published: February 2024

In the current study, we focus on the Magneto-Marangoni convective flow of dusty tangent hyperbolic nanofluid (TiO2 – kerosene oil) over a sheet in the presence of thermophoresis particles deposition and gyrotactic microorganisms. Along with activation energy, heat source, variable viscosity, and thermal conductivity, the Dufour-Soret effects are taken into consideration. Variable surface tension gradients are used to identify Marangoni convection. Melting of drying wafers, coating flow technology, wielding, crystals, soap film stabilization, and microfluidics all depend on Marangoni driven flow. This study’s major objective is to ascertain the thermal mobility of nanoparticles in a fluid with a kerosene oil base. To improve mass transfer phenomena, we inserted microorganisms into the base fluid. By using similarity transformations, the resulting system of nonlinear partial differential equations is converted into nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Using a shooting technique based on RKF-45th order, the numerical answers are obtained. For various values of the physical parameters, the local density of motile microorganisms, Nusselt number, skin friction, and Sherwood number are calculated. The findings demonstrated that as the Marangoni convection parameter is raised, the velocity profiles of the dust and fluid phases increase, but the microorganisms, concentration, and temperature profiles degrade in both phases.
Yield performance and stability analysis of three cultivars of Gayo Arabica coffee across six different environments
Authors: Wardiana Edi , Randriani Enny , Dani  , Izzah Nur Kholilatul , Ibrahim Meynarti Sari Dewi , Sasmita Kurnia Dewi , Saefudin  , Pranowo Dibyo , Herman Maman , Supriadi Handi , Aunillah Asif , Purwanto Eko Heri , Listyati Dewi
Published: February 2024

The three cultivars of Gayo Arabica coffee (GAC) are distributed widely in the Gayo Highlands, Aceh Province, Indonesia, between 900 and 1,700 m above sea level (masl). The difference in altitude affects the yield and quality of coffee, and Arabica coffee has biennial bearing characteristics, so there are always annual yield fluctuations. This study aimed to determine the yield performance and stability level of the three GAC cultivars, Gayo 1, Gayo 2, and Gayo 3 (G3), across six different environments. The study used a randomized complete block design with three replications. The six environmental conditions are the combinations of two altitudes (900 and 1,500 masl) and 3 years of production (2019, 2020, and 2021). The estimation of coffee yields is based on the fruit value, which is calculated by the number of productive branches per tree, nodes per branch, berries per node, and the weight of a single cherry. An investigation of the genotype-by-environmental interaction using a combined analysis of variance and the yield performance and stability analysis performed using the Eberhart and Russell method, AMMI (additive main effects and multiplicative interaction) and GGE (genotype + genotype × environment) biplot analysis. Results showed that the yield performance of GAC was significantly affected by the interaction between genotype and environment. G3 was an ideal cultivar because it had high yield performance, was stable, and could adapt to broader environments in Gayo Highland. Therefore, G3 deserves high priority for Arabica coffee development in that region.
A new tool for studying seasonality and spatio-temporal structure of ENSO cycles in data and ESM simulations
Authors: Mukhin Dmitry , Safonov Semen , Gavrilov Andrey , Gritsun Andrey , Feigin Alexander
Published: February 2024

In this work, we present a new diagnostic tool for El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) simulations in Earth System Models (ESMs) based on the analysis of upper ocean heat content data. It allows us to identify the seasonally dependent structure of temperature anomalies in the equatorial Pacific Ocean in the form of a dominant spatio-temporal pattern. We demonstrate the results of applying a tool to analysis of real data as well as climate simulations in two versions of the Institute of Numerical Mathematics ESM. We find that the latest version of the model, with improved parameterizations of clouds, large-scale condensation, and aerosols, provides significantly better reproduction of ENSO-related structure of anomalies, as well as the phase locking of ENSO to the annual cycle. We recommend to use the tool for diagnostic analysis of ESMs regarding simulation of climate phenomena with strong seasonality.
Integrating Risk into the Analysis
Authors: Saretz Benedikt , Friedli Thomas
Published: February 2024

In times of global turbulence, risk management is key to ensuring competitiveness. For the management of manufacturing networks, the analysis of country risks is crucial. Operations managers must identify and manage risks arising from adverse country developments at an early stage. This paper presents a framework to map these risks and their impact on the manufacturing network. Two industry examples show how operations managers can use the approach to analyze and mitigate country-level risks.
Nachhaltige Produktionsoptimierung
Authors: Werner Andreas , Raidt Nicolai , Barwasser Adrian , Werner Matthias , Zimmermann Nikolas
Published: February 2024

In diesem Beitrag wird ein Konzept zur flexiblen Produktionsplanung und -steuerung vorgestellt, welches sich an der dezentral erzeugten und wetterabhängig fluktuierenden verfügbaren Solarenergie orientiert. Damit soll insbesondere produzierenden kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen eine Hilfestellung gegeben werden, wie sie die ökologische Nachhaltigkeit ihrer Produktion optimieren können. Der Ansatz wurde gemeinsam mit der Firma Haller-Jauch GmbH, einem Hersteller von Mikrodrehteilen und Federn, erprobt, prototypisch umgesetzt und validiert.
Geschäftsmodellentwicklung für Kreislaufwirtschaft und Nachhaltigkeit
Authors: Gellert Benjamin , Buxmann Henry Nicolai , Orth Ronald
Published: February 2024

Die Transformation zur klimafreundlichen Produktion erfordert neben der Reduktion von Treibhausgasemissionen auch eine verstärkte Anwendung von Kreislaufwirtschaftsprinzipien. Bisher liegt dabei der Fokus meist auf technologischen Lösungen. Dieser Beitrag zeigt, wie Zirkularität strategisch auf der Ebene von Geschäftsmodellen implementiert werden kann. Ziel ist, durch eine systematische Vorgehensweise und die Nutzung eines Geschäftsmodellmusterkatalogs, Potenziale zur Förderung der Kreislaufwirtschaft in Unternehmen zu identifizieren und diese auszuschöpfen.
Substitution von energieintensiven Primärmaterialien
Authors: Wallrapp Tobias , Vogt Elias Gebhard , Meyer Christian , Rössinger Markus , Juraschek Max , Herrmann Christoph
Published: February 2024

Als Beitrag zur nachhaltigen Automobilproduktion wird im Folgenden die Substitution mit umweltverträglichen Werkstoffen in Form von Holz und CO2-reduziertem Stahl im Karosserieanlagenbau evaluiert. Hierzu werden mittels einer Fallstudie bei einem Betriebsmittel des Anlagenbaus die Potenziale analysiert und resultierende Zielkonflikte identifiziert. Aus dieser geht hervor, dass die Werkstoffsubstitution eine wirksame Methode zur Reduzierung der Umweltwirkungen ist.
Integration eines ChatGPT-gestützten Part Vectorizers in das Trichter-Sieb-Modell
Authors: Hartig Sascha , Fette Marc , Wulfsberg Jens P.
Published: February 2024

Der ChatGPT-basierte Part Vectorizer transformiert durch Nutzerinteraktion physische Bauteileigenschaften in Komplexitätsvektoren, die für rechnergestützte Planungstools in Additiver Fertigung essenziell sind. Die Erweiterung des Trichter-Modells um ein Komplexitätssieb bildet das Kernstück des Trichter-Sieb-Modells, wodurch eine präzise Produktionssteuerung innerhalb eines Level-Systems ermöglicht wird. Dieser Ansatz kombiniert Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) mit fortgeschrittenen Planungsmodellen, um die Anpassungsfähigkeit an wechselnde Anforderungen in zeitweise autarken Systemen zu verbessern.
WPŁYW POLIDEKSTROZY NA CHARAKTERYSTYKĘ REOLOGICZNĄ ORAZ WŁAŚCIWOŚCI SENSORYCZNE DESERÓW SKROBIOWO- -MLECZNYCH O OBNIŻONEJ ZAWARTOŚCI SACHAROZY
Authors: GAŁKOWSKA DOROTA , POŁUDNIAK MONIKA , JUSZCZAK LESŁAW
Published: February 2024

Introduction. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of replacing sucrose with polydextrose (E 1200) on the rheological characteristics and sensory properties of starch-milk desserts sweetened with steviol glycosides (E 960). The study materials were desserts made of oxidized potato starch (E 1404), skimmed milk powder, curcumin, vanilla flavorsucrose and/or a mixture of polydextrose (E 1200) and steviol glycosides (E 960). As part of the rheological analyses, the pasting characteristics, viscosity curves and mechanical spectra of the desserts were determined. As part of the sensory analysis, palatability and texture were assessed using a quantitative descriptive analysis. The acceptability of the desserts was also assessed. Results and discussion. Based on the results, it was found that the partial or complete elimination of sucrose from the composition of desserts and replacing it with a mixture of polydextrose and steviol glycosides led to a reduction in their maximum viscosity determined at the heating stage in the pasting test, but did not change the starch pasting temperature. The desserts showed shear-thinning non-Newtonian fluid properties, and the modification of the recipe resulted in a reduction of the consistency coefficient and a reduction in the share of elastic properties without a significant impact on the viscous properties of the system. The desserts in which sucrose was completely, or in a greater degree, replaced with polydextrose and steviol glycosides had a cooling effect and had a licorice aftertaste in the sensory assessment, while retaining sweetness similar to the sweetness of the dessert sweetened with sucrose only. The modification of the dessert recipe did not affect the adhesiveness and mouth melting of the finished products, but contributed to a reduction in their viscosity and malleability assessed by the sensory analysis. Both the texture and palatability of the desserts prepared to the recipe, in which two-third of the amount of sucrose or its total amount was replaced with polydextrose and steviol glycosides, turned out to be less sensorily acceptable than the dessert which did not contain polydextrose.
BEZELYE KABUK PROTEİN KONSANTRATININ GIDA BİLEŞENİ OLARAK SUCUK ÜRETİMİNDE KULLANIMI
Authors: YILDIZ Semanur , YEMİŞ Oktay
Published: February 2024

Bu araştırmada, tarımsal bir yan ürün olan bezelye kabuklarından geleneksel alkali ekstraksiyon-izoelektrik noktada çöktürme tekniği ile %70 protein içeriğine sahip toz formda protein konsantratı (BKPK-N) üretilmiştir. Doğal haldeki bu protein konsantratı (BKPK-N) emülsiyon aktivitesini maksimize edilecek şekilde ultrases homojenizasyonu uygulanarak modifiye bezelye kabuk proteini konsantratına (BKPK-US) dönüştürülmüştür. Elde edilen hem doğal (BKPK-N) hem de modifiye protein konsantratları (BKPK-US) sucuğa %1 konsantrasyonlarında eklenerek, hem fermantasyon-kurutma (6 gün) hem de depolama (5 ay) sırasında lipit oksidasyonu üzerine etkileri incelenmiştir. Her üç uygulamada da hedeflenen pH değerine fermantasyonun 2. gününün sonunda ulaşılırken, hedeflenen nem (<%40) ve nem/protein (<2.5) değerlerine 6. günün sonunda erişilmiştir. Fermantasyon-kurutma sonunda, tüm sucuk örneklerinin (kontrol, BKPK-N ve BKPK-US) peroksit, TBARS ve karbonil değerlerinde istatistiksel olarak farklılık olmadığı tespit edilmiştir (P> 0.05). Fermantasyon-kurutma sonrası depolama başlangıcında gerçekleştirilen duyusal analizde, BKPK-N ve BKPK-US eklenmiş çiğ sucuk örnekleri kontrole yakın bir beğeni puanı alırken, pişmiş haldeki sucuk örneklerinde BKPK-US eklenmiş sucuklar daha fazla beğenilmiştir. Depolama sürecinde ise, ilk 1 ay içerisinde tüm sucuk örneklerinin peroksit değerlerinde artışlar saptanmıştır. Bu artış en fazla BKPK-US katılmış sucuk örneklerinde gerçekleşmiş, ancak 3. ayın sonunda tüm sucuk örneklerinde birincil oksidasyon ürünlerinin parçalanmıştır. Peroksit değerlerindeki bu azalışa karşın, TBARS değerlerinde paralel artışlar gözlenmemiştir. Depolama boyunca elde edilen karbonil sonuçları, eklenen protein konsantratlarının (BKPK-N ve BKPK-US) kontrol örneklerine kıyasla mevcut protein oksidasyonuna ek olarak kısmi artışlara neden olabileceği, ancak bu artışın istatistiksel olarak önemli olmadığını ortaya koymuştur. Genel anlamda, bezelye kabuk protein konsantratlarının sucuk üretiminde kullanımının hem 6 günlük fermantasyon-kurutma hem de 5 aylık depolama periyodu boyunca oksidatif stabilite üzerine herhangi bir katkısının olmadığı tespit edilmiştir.
Two New Species of Euscorpius (Scorpiones, Euscorpiidae) from Bulgaria and Greece
Authors: Tropea G. , Fet V. , Parmakelis A. , Stathi I.
Published: February 2024

Two scorpion species, Euscorpius petarberoni sp. n. (Bulgaria) and E. trichasi sp. n. (Greece), are described based on morphological and molecular evidence; E. petarberoni sp. n. is related to E. popovi Tropea et al., 2015, E. drenskii Tropea et al., 2015, and E. thracicus Kovařík et al., 2020, while E. trichasi sp. n. is related to E. kabateki Kovařík & Šťáhlavský, 2020.