bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UNDERSTANDING OF SPEED BEHAVIOUR IN RELATION TO ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT: A COMPARISON BETWEEN MALAYSIAN AND VIETNAMESE DRIVERS
Authors: Mohamad Farah Fazlinda , Abdullah Ahmad Saifizul , Mohamad Jamilah , Karim Mohamed Rehan
Published: July 2024

Speed behaviour has always been associated with road traffic accident in Malaysia andVietnam. The speed behaviour may vary from one moment to another depending on externalfactors or internal factors affecting the driver at that particular moment. Understanding the speedbehaviour between Malaysian drivers & Vietnamese drives are important to pin down the factorscausing the road traffic accident in each respective country, with a countermeasures proposal toimprove driverâ€™s speed behaviour in a long run. Following a set of questionnaire completed by150 Malaysian and Vietnamese drivers respectively, a certain degree of similarity betweenMalaysian and Vietnamese driverâ€™s speed behaviour were observed. The results revealedsimilarity in primary factors affecting the driverâ€™s speed choice which are road design (tendencyto speed on wide lane), circumstances of journey (time pressure to meet schedule or deadline),emotion (impatient and enjoying the feeling while speeding) and strong self-belief (confident inovertaking other vehicle safely and believing that speeding is normal). In conclusion, Malaysianand Vietnamese drivers have similar speed behaviour, with countermeasures to improve thespeed behaviour are proposed and discussed.
SEISMIC VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT OF MEDICAL FACILITIES: A GIS BASED APPLICATION FOR CHITTAGONG, BANGLADESH
Authors: Mazumder Ram Krishna , Uddin Utsob Mohammad Tais , Bhuiyan M. A. Rahman
Published: July 2024

Medical facilities are one of the most important lifelines that need to remain functionalduring and after an earthquake. Bangladesh is a multi-hazard prone country located in thesouthern part of Asia where a significant number of natural disasters are recorded each year. Thesecond largest city and economic hub, Chittagong, is located in the south-eastern part of thecountry, falls in the seismically moderate zone as per Bangladesh National Building Code(BNBC 2017) with a seismic zoning coefficient of 0.28g based on 2 percent probability ofexceedance in 50 years. Most of the buildings were built before implementation of seismic codepracticed in Bangladesh. Based on growing need for developing disaster risk plan, seismicperformance is evaluated for existing important medical facilities by applying simple visual riskassessment procedure. The structural database is developed through field survey and result ofseismic performance is presented in Geographic Information System (GIS).
EFFECTS OF CRUDE OIL CONTAMINATED CURING WATER ON STRENGTH PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE PREPARED FOR BRIDGE SUB-STRUCTURES
Authors: Ogbonna Alban Chidiebere , Abubakar Mikailu
Published: July 2024

In this study aggregate characteristics were studies and the cylindrical concretespecimens were prepared at the mix ratio of 1: 1Â½: 3 and cured in curing water of 0%, 5%, 10%,15%, 20%, 25% and 30% contamination with crude oil. The compressive strengths of theconcrete specimens were evaluated at the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 28th and 56th day age, split tensilestrengths and flexural strengths of the specimens were evaluated at the 7th and 28th day age. Thestrength properties evaluated increased with increase in age and decreased with increase inpercentage contamination of the curing water with crude oil. Concrete specimens cured withportable water containing 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% of crude oil contaminationsatisfied the minimum 28 days compressive strength. The research therefore concludes thatconcrete bridge sub structures exposed to crude oil contaminated environment should bemonitored and maintained regularly.
APPROPRIATE BASE STIFFNESS OF SMART BASE ISOLATION SYSTEM
Authors: Dadkhah Hamed , Noruzvand Mahsa
Published: July 2024

In this paper, the effect of base stiffness on the performance of hybrid control system of base isolation system and magnetorheological (MR) damper has been studied and its appropriate base stiffness has been determined. Many researches have been proposed that in the structure controlled by the single base isolation system without MR damper, the base stiffness should be designed such that the fundamental period of isolated structure is almost triple the fundamental period of fixed-base structure. To determine the appropriate base stiffness of hybrid control system, different values have been considered as base stiffness and MR damper has been also employed in two cases of passive form that voltage and dynamical behaviour of MR damper is constant (hybrid base isolation) and semi-active form that MR damper voltage is applied by H2/linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) and clipped-optimal control algorithms (smart base isolation). For numerical simulation, a three-story shear frame has been subjected to El Centro, Northridge and Tabas earthquakes. Results show that in the structure controlled by the single base isolation system, the peak responses of structure strongly depend on the base stiffness while the sensitivity of peak responses to the base stiffness is lower when the structure is controlled by hybrid base isolation system. According to results, it can be concluded that the peak base drift of hybrid base isolation system reduces with the increase of the base stiffness while this reduction trend is less considerable in the stiffness that are more than the proposed stiffness for the single base isolation system. Hence the proposed stiffness for single base isolation system is the appropriate stiffness for hybrid base isolation system, too. Results also show that under earthquakes considered in this paper, the smart base isolation system is mostly more effective than hybrid base isolation system in mitigating and controlling both root mean square and maximum of structure responses such as base drift, inter-story drift and acceleration.
POSSIBILITIES AND CHALLENGES IN IMPLEMENTATION OF TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT ALONG PROPOSED BRT CORRIDOR IN AN ALREADY DEVELOPED AND EXISTING CITY â€“ CASE STUDY DHAKA-GAZIPUR BRT LINE, BANGLADESH
Authors: Mukherjee Swarup , Bagui Swapan
Published: July 2024

Cities in the developing world are faced with a challenge from the transport intensive land use development focused on personalized modes. Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is considered to be one of the most promising alternative city development strategies focusing on use of public transport. However, most of the high capacity public transport projects in cities of developing countries are coming up at a stage where the city corridors are already developed. Success of a public transport system depends on accessibility of passengers to its nodes. Field data collected from Gazipur Bangladesh shows accessibility to proposed BRT stations depends majorly on access road widths, besides it also depends on road condition, distance of access roads from BRT stations. Potential access roads are ranked with a scoring system and in-situ improvements are proposed to yield achievable results. Retrofitting improvement measures can enhance accessibility and increase ridership. To retain a sustainable path in urban transport, a city needs to improve its accessibility to Public Transport nodes that will ensure a viable public transport system, which is a prerequisite to a successful TOD.
BIVARIATE FREQUENCY ANALYSIS OF FLOOD VARIABLES USING COPULA IN KELANTAN RIVER BASIN
Authors: Alamgir Mahiuddin , Ismail Tarmizi , Noor Muhammad
Published: July 2024

A copula-based methodology is presented in this study for bivariate flood frequency analysis of Kelantan river basin located in Northeast Malaysia. The joint dependence structures of three flood characteristics, namely, peak flow (Q), flood volume (V) and flood duration (D) were modelled using t-Copula. Various univariate distribution functions of flood variables were fitted with observed flood variables to find the best distributions. Cumulative joint distribution functions (CDF) of peak flow and volume (Q-F), peak flow and duration (Q-D) and volume and duration (V-D) revealed that return period of joint return periods are much higher compared to univariate return period. The joint probabilities of occurrence of 0.8, 0.6, 0.4, 0.2 and 0 can be expected when flood duration greater than 65 h, 54 h, 46 h, and 32 h, and the flood volume higher than 0.62 km3, 0.33 km3, 0.25 km3, and 0.22 km3 respectively.
ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF LAND USE CONVERSION ON RUNOFF AND NUTRIENT LOAD
Authors: Mohamad Khairul Anuar , Hashim Noorbaharim , Othman Ilya Khairanis , Faisal Mohd Mohd Syazwan
Published: July 2024

An agricultural land with intensive cultivation, large catchments with extended rivers and agricultural population of high-density are the primary reasons for higher pollutant loads in freshwater. However, there are problems in pursuing nutrient losses since several parameters, such as variability in soils and climate are associated with heavy rainfall, especially in tropic regions; plant management, limited resources, and insufficient technical support are not consistent in every crop management. Changes in agricultural practices and unmonitored point sources discharge from watershed, have led to algal bloom in abundance, and thus generated eutrophication at the downstream. The complex watershed processes and forecasting the effects of land use change on water quality can be determined by using tools of watershed models. The Hydrological Simulation Programme-FORTRAN (HSPF) uses lumped parameters, continuous model to predict the long-term evaluation, and deterministic for simulating the water quality and quantity process that occur at the watershed. Pervious land segments (PERLND), impervious land segments (IMPLND), and channel reach (RCHRES) modules were used to determine the general water quality and quantity on Johor watershed. Based on calibration and validation, the HSPF model was capable of simulating different runoff seasons. An increment of 60% in agricultural land had increased the annual mean total phosphorus (TP) load and total nitrogen (TN) load by 3.82% and 5.34%, respectively. A 2-fold increase in agricultural land would result in an approximately 2-fold increase in the quantity of annual TN and TP loads. Between TN and TP loads, TP load has potentially increased more than TN load during the dry, wet, and base-flow years. Upon the long-term of water quality and quantity simulation, this study provides essential knowledge for a method-based runoff and nutrient management plan for the Johor watershed.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF HYDRAULIC PARAMETERS OF A DEVELOPED DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM
Authors: Eric Omofunmi Olorunwa , Ayodele Ilesanmi Oluwaseun , Orisabinone Toluwalase
Published: July 2024

Experiment was carried out in the department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, during the period of August to October, 2017. The hydraulic performance of a developed drip irrigation system was assessed. The experimental work was conducted on field with irrigated field area of 7 m x 3 m and lateral spacing was 0.35 m. Sixty (60) hospital drip sets (given sets) were used for the experiment as improved emitters. Volumetric method was used to determine application rate (PR) and emitters discharge. The emission uniformity, emitter flow variation, co-efficient of uniformity and co-efficient of variation were determined accordance with the equations described by the American Society of Agricultural Engineering (ASAE). Soil chemical properties were determined accordance with the American Public Health Association (APHA). The findings revealed that the soil in the area is classified as sand clay loam and normal soil. Results indicated that the mean and standard deviation of the emitters were 9.639 L/hr and 0.07 L/hr respectively. There were no emitters clogging. The emitter flow variation was 2.5 % and less than 10 % which was desirable range, while coefficient of variation was 0.07 and less than 0.11 which was marginal. The application rate was 17 mm hr-1 which was within the recommended range of 15 â€“ 25 mm hr-1. The emission uniformity and coefficient of uniformity were 99.4% and 99.2% respectively, which shows that the system was well-designed. This finding indicated that hospital drip sets proved to the high quality. Therefore, it can be used as standard emitter.
DEVELOPMENT OF PROGRAM IN C++ FOR ANALYSIS OF NSV SURVEY DATA BY PCI METHOD FOR FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT
Authors: Bagui Soumadeep , Bagui Swapan Kumar , Saxena Anukul
Published: July 2024

This paper presents the development of software in C++ Language for the determination of Pavement Condition Index (PCI) based on the design procedure mentioned in ASTM D 4433 and future requirement of maintenance of existing road /road network. Presently in India, Manual Pavement Condition survey has been replaced by automated Network Survey Vehicle (NSV). PCI procedure mentioned in ASTM D 4433 which needs uses of several curves and same curves have been converted in regression equations. These equations are used to prepare a Program in C++ Language. This will be useful for Pavement Engineer to determine PCI and maintenance strategy.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF BREWERS DRIED GRAIN ASH-HYDRATED LIME IN CONCRETE
Authors: L.Z Tuleun, , A.A. Jimoh, , J. Wasiu,
Published: July 2024

Ordinary Portland cement (OPC), the world most used binder in concrete production is adjudged a non - environmental friendly material due to the CO2 gas that is emitted into the atmosphere during its production process. Also, with the future generation in mind, limestone resource needs to be adequately preserved and managed. Previous studies on the search for alternative binders had centred mostly on the use of Agro - waste pozzolans in concrete, with little emphasis on the use of the pozzolans with additives that may further enhance reaction in concrete. Hence, this paper explores the possibility of using OPC with brewers dried grain ash-hydrated lime (BDGA-HL) in concrete. Prior to testing for initial and final setting time, compressive, flexural and tensile strength; cubes, beams and cylindrical specimens containing BDGA-HL at 5, 10, 15 and 20 % cement replacement were cast (in a ratio of 1:1.5:3.2 and w/c of 0.61) and cured in water for 7, 14, 28, and 56 days. Based on the findings, a decrease in setting time of the paste was noticed when OPC was partially replaced with BDGA-HL. Also observed was an improvement in flexural and tensile strength up to 10 %; while the maximum compressive strength was attained at 15 %. The results obtained for BDGA-HL concrete were higher than that of plain concrete. It was concluded that BDGA-HL has an excellent pozzolanic potentials improving the properties of concrete
SOIL QUALITY INDEX AT PASIR GUDANG INDUSTRIAL AREA
Authors: Che Lat Diana , Mat Yusof Doris Asmani , Yasin Mohd Hanafie , Razali Roslizayati , Zainuddin Atiqah Najwa , Kasuan Nurhani , Mohamed Jais Ismacahyadi Bagus
Published: July 2024

Soil Quality Index (SQI) is a very useful and efficient method for assessing the quality of soil. It is a useful tool for obtaining information on overall quality of soil. Five soil attributes namely acidity (pH), Organic Matter (OM), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), and Electrical Conductivity (EC), have been combined to construct an index to represent the soil quality. Location characteristics were observed during the time of sampling, and it was categorized according to industrial, riverside residential and educational area. From the determination of heavy metals concentration, certain area especially nearby Pasir Gudang industry has recorded heavy metal concentration exceeded the world average value for a few types of heavy metal. Soil quality index at Sg Kim Kim recorded poor quality index whereas the other locations indicated good to average soil quality index.
EVALUATION OF GROUND BORNE VIBRATION WITH RESPECT TO PILE DRIVING
Authors: Sulaiman N , Adnan MA , Mat Isa Nurliza Amira , Lazi MKAM , Rafidah M. , Yaacob H , Hassan NA , Padil KH , Zolkepli MF , Shahrin MI
Published: July 2024

Construction activities contribute to ground-borne vibrations, leading to structural damage and adverse environmental effects like noise pollution and human discomfort. Piling, particularly dynamic piling using a hammer drop, is a common construction practice in Malaysia for erecting high-rise buildings. However, this activity, if conducted near urban or residential areas, can result in various issues such as soil settlement and structural damage. Pile-induced vibrations result from the energy transfer initiated by the hammer drop, transmitting through the pile and subsequently propagating into the surrounding soil.he damping effects of these waves decrease with increasing distance from the pile, while the energy transferred to the ground rises with the depth of pile penetration. The relationship between the distance of the pile from the vibration source and Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) is inversely proportional, indicating that as the distance increases, the PPV decreases. Conversely, the relationship between pile depth and PPV is directly proportional, implying that as the pile depth increases, the PPV also increases. The analysis reveals that Peak Particle Velocity (PPV), distance, and pile depth exhibit similar positively skewed distributions with negative kurtosis. Negative linear correlation exists between PPV and distance, while a positive correlation is observed with pile depth. The multiple linear regression equation, PPV = 1.803 – 0.0810 Distance + 0.1176 Pile Depth, highlights PPV's dependence on both variables, with significant P-values. The model's explanatory power, indicated by an 82.80% R-squared value, is notable. Validation shows minor discrepancies within 0.3 mm/s between on-site PPV measurements and regression predictions. Although the highest recorded PPV suggests potential damage, most data remain below 3 mm/s, emphasizing the importance of considering distance and pile depth in managing ground vibrations. The regression model proves reliable. The primary objectives of this study are to establish and analyze the relationships between PPV, pile depth, and distance from the vibration source. Additionally, the study aims to develop a ground-borne vibration model using multiple linear regression.
CRITICAL STATE OF KEUPER MARL SILT
Authors: Marto Aminaton
Published: July 2024

Research has been carried out to establish an experimentally based effective stress volumettic compression model for isotropically and anisotropically consolidated Keuper marl silt subjected to undrained cyclic loading with drainage rest-periods [Marto (1996)]. The experimental programme included monotonic strain controlled triaxial tests and three stages of undrained two-way cyclic loading wilh drained rest-periods. The monotonic strain controlled triaxial tests on both isotropic ally and anisotropically, normally and overconsoidatcd silt were carried out to establish the critical state boundary surface of the soil. This critical state boundary surface was used as a framework for cyclic loading tests. This paper will discuss the development of critical state parameters and the critical state boundary surface for the investigated material.
DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPUTER PROGRAMME FOR THE DESIGN OF MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES Part 5: Secondary Clarifier
Authors: Demun Amat Sairin
Published: July 2024

A computer programme was developed using Fortran programming language utilizing IBM-PC compatible microcomputers to design a secondary clarifier in a centralised municipal wastewater treatment plant. The programme is used to design the dimension and capacity of four circular secondary clarifiers including the influent and effluent structure to satisfy the specified design criteria such as the detention time, the overflow rate, solid-loading rates and weir loading. The programme was written in a subroutine called from the main programme which also be able to call other subroutines for designing other facilities in the treatment plant. The programme runs successfully given the right input data. The results are easy to interpret and automatically appear either on the computer screen or in an output file
ENGINEERING PROPERTIES OF POLYMER MORTAR COMPOSITES IN HOT HUMID ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Makhlar Ahmad Mahir
Published: July 2024

The understanding of environmental influenced on the properties of polymer mortar composites is still far from complete. This preliminary investigation is to provide some informative data to this unsettle topic. When cured in hot humid environment, it has been observed that the specified compressive strength is obtained as early as 1 day age but the modulus of elasticity is significantly less than the specified values. The flexural strength of polymer mortar composites has been expressed as a function of compressive strength. However, the compressive strength of polymer mortar composites cannot be used as a measure of the modulus of elasticity.
Aprendizagem-catálise-aprendizagem: Delineamento de um modelo teórico sobre as relações entre Constituição e sociedade
Authors: Gomes David F. L.
Published: July 2024

Este artigo aborda o problema fundamental das relações entre Constituição e sociedade. Seu objetivo principal é desenvolver um modelo teórico para pensar esse problema: o modelo A-C-A, aprendizagem-catálise-aprendizagem. Para tanto, como objetivos específicos, discute-se o conceito de aprendizagem e o conceito mais concreto de aprendizagem social, tendo como pano de fundo a teoria social habermasiana. Em seguida, apresentam-se os três momentos do modelo A-C-A e trazem-se alguns exemplos do tipo de fenômenos sociais a que tal modelo se refere. Finalmente, abordam-se duas objeções: a possibilidade de processos de desaprendizagem e a possibilidade de que uma Constituição, em vez de estimular a aprendizagem, bloqueie processos ulteriores de aprendizagem. De um ponto de vista metodológico, o artigo trabalha com a reconstrução categorial proposta por Jürgen Habermas.
Fake News, Financiamento e Regulação das Redes: Em Busca de uma Harmonização
Authors: Barreto Alana Maria Passos , Medrado Flavio Augusto Barreto , Jaborandy Clara Cardoso Machado
Published: July 2024

: Tendo presente a profusão de notícias falsas que permeiam o debate público brasileiro, notadamente por meio das redes sociais e aplicativos de conversas instantâneas, este artigo se propõe a contribuir para o debate sobre a regulação das fake news no Brasil, de modo que objetiva analisar o modelo negocial de financiamento da desinformação sob enfoque que leva em especial consideração a sua efetiva base fenomenológica. Para além da técnica da ponderação com contravalores que se anteponham ao seu exercício ilimitado, como a preservação da saúde pública, buscar-se-á um parâmetro categórico que permita concluir se o caso é ou não de limitação à liberdade. Far-se-á o presente estudo através do método qualitativo por meio de revisão bibliográfica e documental, lançando-se mão das abordagens racional argumentativa e racional especulativa como fios condutores ao atingimento do objetivo proposto.
CONJUNCTURES OF DEMOCRACY EROSION
Authors: Delgado Lucas , Thornhill Chris
Published: July 2024

The paper aims to examine and understand the recent developments in Brazilian democracy in a sociological perspective. It offers an analysis of the conjunctural preconditions for the recent rise of authoritarian populism, presenting ways in which Brazil can be viewed as paradigm of democratic erosion and/or resilience.  The article describes the foundational premises that made the development of contemporary democracies possible, and it proceeds from this description to explain how features common to authoritarian populist movements in Brazil and elsewhere are detrimental to these premises. It is argued that democracies are likely to thrive when welfare provisions and access to human rights are open to increasing sectors of the population, generating an inclusionary citizenship effect. The political polarization regarding the Brazilian welfare system and the discourse against international human rights, culminated in the weakening of the Brazilian welfare net and setbacks in the recognition of human rights by courts. These processes preceded, and were aggravated by, the rise of authoritarian populism in Brazil, generating an exclusionary view of citizenship that tended to intensify social conflict, with increasing militarization at both governmental and social levels. Arguably, the absence of warfare or an imminent warfare threat in the most recent democratic transition in Brazil reduced the capacity of welfare and constitutional human rights provisions to limit the influence of the military on democracy. While the efforts to build up the welfare system and protect human rights are still ongoing, the militarization element remains latent, posing a constant threat to democratic consolidation in Brazil.
A Comprehensive Method for Computing Non-Linear Elastokinematic Properties of Passenger Car Suspension Systems: Double Wishbone Case Study
Authors: Magri Paolo , Gadola Marco , Chindamo Daniel , Sandrini Giulia
Published: July 2024

Suspension and steering design play a major role in ensuring the correct dynamic behavior of road vehicles. Passenger cars are especially demanding from this point of view: NVH and ride comfort requirements often collide with active safety-related requirements such as road holding in steady-state conditions and stability in transients. Driving pleasure is also important for market success, therefore accurate steering feedback and predictable handling properties are additional priorities. Since flexible bushings are used as interface between the suspension arms and the chassis, extra degrees-of-freedom make the design process a complex task. While the use of a multibody software is common practice in the industry, a dedicated computational tool can be more practical and straightforward, especially when undertaking the design of a new suspension concept ground-up. The paper presents a computational methodology for the design of an independent suspension with the associated kinematic and compliance attributes. Typical elastokinematic properties like toe, camber, wheelbase, and track variations versus tyre forces and moments can be computed by means of a dedicated software tool. A sort of validation was performed either by means of a comparison with a MathWorks Simscape® Multibody based model. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is given as an example. Computationally, the method proposed is intuitively based on the equilibrium equations. The nonlinear equations are then solved with Newton–Raphson algorithm. The method can be also optimized for computational efficiency and is thoroughly described so that the reader can easily replicate it in the desired programing environment.
Swirls and scoops: Ice base melt revealed by multibeam imagery of an Antarctic ice shelf
Authors: Wåhlin Anna , Alley Karen E. , Begeman Carolyn , Hegrenæs Øyvind , Yuan Xiaohan , Graham Alastair G. C. , Hogan Kelly , Davis Peter E. D. , Dotto Tiago S. , Eayrs Clare , Hall Robert A. , Holland David M. , Kim Tae Wan , Larter Robert D. , Ling Li , Muto Atsuhiro , Pettit Erin C. , Schmidt Britney E. , Snow Tasha , Stedt Filip , Washam Peter M. , Wahlgren Stina , Wild Christian , Wellner Julia , Zheng Yixi , Heywood Karen J.
Published: July 2024

Knowledge gaps about how the ocean melts Antarctica’s ice shelves, borne from a lack of observations, lead to large uncertainties in sea level predictions. Using high-resolution maps of the underside of Dotson Ice Shelf, West Antarctica, we reveal the imprint that ice shelf basal melting leaves on the ice. Convection and intermittent warm water intrusions form widespread terraced features through slow melting in quiescent areas, while shear-driven turbulence rapidly melts smooth, eroded topographies in outflow areas, as well as enigmatic teardrop-shaped indentations that result from boundary-layer flow rotation. Full-thickness ice fractures, with bases modified by basal melting and convective processes, are observed throughout the area. This new wealth of processes, all active under a single ice shelf, must be considered to accurately predict future Antarctic ice shelf melt.
Quantum thermodynamics with a single superconducting vortex
Authors: Foltyn Marek , Norowski Konrad , Savin Alexander , Zgirski Maciej
Published: July 2024

We demonstrate complete control over dynamics of a single superconducting vortex in a nanostructure, which we coin the Single Vortex Box. Our device allows us to trap the vortex in a field-cooled aluminum nanosquare and expel it on demand with a nanosecond pulse of electrical current. Using the time-resolving nanothermometry we measure

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joules as the amount of the dissipated heat in the elementary process of the single-vortex expulsion. Our experiment enlightens the thermodynamics of the absorption process in the superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors, in which vortices are perceived to be essential for a formation of a detectable hotspot. The demonstrated opportunity to manipulate a single superconducting vortex reliably in a confined geometry comprises a proof of concept of a nanoscale nonvolatile memory cell with subnanosecond write and read operations, which offers compatibility with quantum processors based either on superconducting qubits or on rapid single-flux quantum circuits.
Assessment of pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics to support omadacycline dosing regimens for the treatment of patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections
Authors: Bhavnani Sujata M. , Hammel Jeffrey P. , Lakota Elizabeth A. , Liolios Kathryn , Trang Michael , Rubino Christopher M. , Steenbergen Judith N. , Friedrich Lawrence , Tzanis Evan , Ambrose Paul G.
Published: July 2024

Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) relationships for efficacy were evaluated using data from omadacycline-treated patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) enrolled in two phase 3 studies. Patients received omadacycline 100 mg intravenously (IV) every 12 hours for two doses, followed by 100 mg IV every 24 hours (q24h), with the option to switch to 300 mg oral (PO) q24h after 3 days or 450 mg PO q24h for two doses, followed by 300 mg PO q24h for a total duration of 7–14 days. Clinical response was evaluated at 48–72 hours [early clinical response (ECR)], end of treatment (EOT), and 7–14 days after EOT. Using a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model and PK data from patients with
Staphylococcus aureus
at baseline, omadacycline free-drug plasma area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) values were determined, and the relationships between free-drug plasma AUC:MIC ratio and dichotomous efficacy endpoints were evaluated. Using these relationships, the population PK model, simulation, and an omadacycline MIC distribution for
S. aureus
, mean percent probabilities of response were evaluated. Statistically significant PK-­PD relationships were identified for ECR (
P
= 0.016 and 0.013 for optimized two- and three-group free-drug plasma AUC:MIC ratios, respectively). At an MIC value of 0.5 µg/mL, percent probabilities of model-predicted success for ECR based on the univariable PK-PD relationships using continuous and two-group free-drug plasma AUC:MIC ratio variables were 91.9 and 95.6%, respectively, for the IV-to-PO dosing regimen and 89.3 and 88.4%, respectively, for the PO-only dosing regimen. These data support for omadacycline IV-to-PO and PO-only dosing regimens for ABSSSI and an omadacycline susceptibility breakpoint of 0.5 µg/mL for
S. aureus
.
A modular toolkit for environmental
Rhodococcus
,
Gordonia
, and
Nocardia
enables complex metabolic manipulation
Authors: Jansen Zachary , Alameri Abdulaziz , Wei Qiyao , Kulhanek Devon L. , Gilmour Andrew R. , Halper Sean , Schwalm Nathan D. , Thyer Ross
Published: July 2024

Soil-dwelling Actinomycetes are a diverse and ubiquitous component of the global microbiome but largely lack genetic tools comparable to those available in model species such as
Escherichia coli
or
Pseudomonas putida
, posing a fundamental barrier to their characterization and utilization as hosts for biotechnology. To address this, we have developed a modular plasmid assembly framework, along with a series of genetic control elements for the previously genetically intractable Gram-positive environmental isolate
Rhodococcus ruber
C208, and demonstrate conserved functionality in 11 additional environmental isolates of
Rhodococcus
,
Nocardia
, and
Gordonia
. This toolkit encompasses five Mycobacteriale origins of replication, five broad-host-range antibiotic resistance markers, transcriptional and translational control elements, fluorescent reporters, a tetracycline-inducible system, and a counter-selectable marker. We use this toolkit to interrogate the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway in
Rhodococcus erythropolis
N9T-4, a weakly carotenogenic environmental isolate and engineer higher pathway flux toward the keto-carotenoid canthaxanthin. This work establishes several new genetic tools for environmental Mycobacteriales and provides a synthetic biology framework to support the design of complex genetic circuits in these species.

IMPORTANCE

Soil-dwelling Actinomycetes, particularly the Mycobacteriales, include both diverse new hosts for sustainable biomanufacturing and emerging opportunistic pathogens.
Rhodococcus
,
Gordonia
, and
Nocardia
are three abundant genera with particularly flexible metabolisms and untapped potential for natural product discovery. Among these,
Rhodococcus ruber
C208 was shown to degrade polyethylene;
Gordonia paraffinivorans
can assimilate carbon from solid hydrocarbons; and
Nocardia neocaledoniensis
(and many other
Nocardia
spp.) possesses dual isoprenoid biosynthesis pathways. Many species accumulate high levels of carotenoid pigments, indicative of highly active isoprenoid biosynthesis pathways which may be harnessed for fermentation of terpenes and other commodity isoprenoids. Modular genetic toolkits have proven valuable for both fundamental and applied research in model organisms, but such tools are lacking for most Actinomycetes. Our suite of genetic tools and DNA assembly framework were developed for broad functionality and to facilitate rapid prototyping of genetic constructs in these organisms.
Environmental microbiology explains the largest positive carbon isotope excursion in Earth history, the Lomagundi-Jatuli Event
Authors: Prave A. R.
Published: July 2024

The geological record of stable carbon isotopes preserved in marine carbonate rocks spans nearly 4 billion years. Numerous perturbations mark this record, but one stands out for its magnitude, the Lomagundi-Jatuli Event, which spanned the transition of the Earth’s surface from an anoxic to an oxic state. An
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
article by D. Y. Sumner (90:e00093-24, 2024,
https://doi.org/10.1128/aem.00093-24
) provides, for the first time, a biological explanation for its initiation, cessation, environmental specific restriction, and geological singularity.
Draft genome sequences of three poultry
Salmonella
Shamba isolates from South Africa
Authors: Karama Musafiri , Lawal Opeyemi U. , Parreira Valeria R. , Soni Mitra , Chen Yanhong , Cenci-Goga Beniamino T. , Grispoldi Luca , Greyling Janita , Goodridge Lawrence
Published: July 2024

Nontyphoidal
Salmonella enterica
serovars are foodborne pathogens commonly transmitted through poultry products. Draft genome sequences of three
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Shamba isolates which were obtained from poultry house dust in South Africa are reported herein.
Chromosome-level genome assembly of an auxotrophic strain of the pathogenic yeast
Candida parapsilosis
Authors: Mutalová Sofia , Hodorová Viktória , Brázdovič Filip , Cillingová Andrea , Tomáška Ľubomír , Brejová Broňa , Nosek Jozef
Published: July 2024

We report the genome sequence of the pathogenic yeast
Candida parapsilosis
strain SR23 (CBS 7157) used in a number of experimental studies. The nuclear genome assembly consists of eight chromosome-sized contigs with a total size of 13.04 Mbp (N50 2.09 Mbp) and a G+C content of 38.7%.
Complete coding sequence of
Rift Valley fever virus
identified by metagenomic sequencing in patient with undifferentiated febrile illness at Marigat sub-district hospital, Kenya
Authors: Lemtudo Allan , Kimita Gathii , Awinda George , Mutai Beth , Waitumbi John
Published: July 2024

We report on the complete coding sequence of
Rift Valley Fever Virus
inadvertently identified through metagenomics in a child with undifferentiated fever at Marigat sub-county hospital, Kenya. On phylogeny, the genome clustered with sequences obtained during the 2017 human outbreak in Uganda and the 2021 cattle outbreak in Kiambu, Kenya.
Complete genome sequence of
Edwardsiella tarda
strain GBS0709 isolated from a Japanese patient with the acute motor axonal neuropathy subtype of Guillain–Barré syndrome
Authors: Imajoh Masayuki , Mori Masahiro , Shimizu Takeshi , Koizumi Yume , Kobayashi Yuma , Kawahara Miyu , Daibata Masanori
Published: July 2024

The complete genome sequence of
Edwardsiella tarda
strain GBS0709, isolated from an 81-year-old Japanese patient with the acute motor axonal neuropathy subtype of Guillain–Barré syndrome, was determined. It comprised a 3,632,068 bp circular chromosome and a 5,386 bp plasmid. The overall guanine and cytosine content was 57.3%.
Draft genome sequences of an
Enterobacter hormaechei
and
Providencia rettgeri
isolated from the urine of a male experiencing a catheter-associated urinary tract infection
Authors: Appleberry Helen , Brady Michaela , Webster Samantha , Wolfe Alan J. , Putonti Catherine , Kula Alex
Published: July 2024

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) can be caused by a variety of microbes. Here, we describe the draft genome assemblies of two species
—Enterobacter hormaechei
and
Providencia rettgeri
—purified from the catheterized urine sample of a male diagnosed with a CAUTI.
Implementing injury prevention training in youth handball (I-PROTECT) in Sweden: study protocol for a cluster randomised trial
Authors: Ageberg Eva , Donaldson Alex , Ström Axel , Lucander Karolina , Moesch Karin , Bunke Sofia , Linnéll Jennie , Wedberg Robert , Ekberg Per , Nilsen Per
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Efficacy trials show that evidence-based injury prevention training reduces injuries in youth athletes but effectiveness, that is, outside the controlled setting, is lower and, consequently this training has had limited public health impact. Insufficient involvement of end-users at the individual and organisational levels is identified as a main barrier to successful implementation. The ‘Implementing injury Prevention training ROutines in TEams and Clubs in youth Team handball (I-PROTECT)’ uses an ecological participatory design incorporating the perspectives of multiple stakeholders throughout the project. Within the I-PROTECT research project, the specific aim of this study is to investigate the implementation of the end-user-targeted I-PROTECT programme.

Methods and analysis

This pragmatic two-armed cluster randomised controlled trial is conducted collaboratively with the Swedish Handball Federation that has overall responsibility for handball in Sweden. Randomly selected clubs in Sweden offering handball for both female and male youth players are invited to participate. 18 clubs are randomised (stratified by club size) to intervention (I-PROTECT plus tailored implementation support) or control (injury prevention programme currently available through the Swedish Handball Federation). The anticipated total number of potential participants (players, coaches, club administrators, parents/guardians) is ~3500. The I-PROTECT programme includes end-user-targeted information and physical and psychological injury prevention training available in a specifically developed interactive mobile application. Implementation strategies were selected from the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change discrete implementation strategy compilation, based on feedback from end-users. Implementation outcomes will be investigated at the end of the handball season using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance implementation evaluation framework. A study-specific questionnaire, app downloads and/or workshops will be used to collect data.

Ethics and dissemination

The Swedish Ethical Review Authority approved the study. Results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed scientific journals, as popular science articles, at international conferences and communicated via the Swedish Handball Federation.

Trial registration number

NCT05696119.
Research and Practice on Instructional Methods for Piano Improvization Based on Computer Technology
Authors: Qian Liu
Published: July 2024

In the backdrop of evolving technological landscapes, this paper delves into the utilization of computer technology, specifically Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), in enhancing piano improvisation instruction. Recognizing the growing demand for innovative teaching methods, our study aims to evaluate the practical effectiveness of ANN-based teaching evaluation in real-world piano improvisation settings. Through rigorous testing, we found that ANN demonstrates remarkable precision and consistency in assessing piano improvisation skills. In comparison to the traditional decision tree algorithm, ANN excels in managing complex nonlinear relationships, providing more accurate and reliable scoring results. This integration of technology not only elevates students’ performance but also fosters their musical creativity and perception. Our findings suggest potential improvements in refining instructional methodologies and expanding the use of computer technology in piano teaching. This underscores the importance of personalized teaching, blended learning models, and technical proficiency training for educators. Overall, our research methodologies and findings significantly contribute to advancing the modernization and technological progress of music education, equipping piano instructors with cutting-edge teaching tools and strategies.
Application Analysis of Artificial Intelligence Virtual Reality Technology in Fitness Training Teaching
Authors: Cao Quyan , Yu Qiufen
Published: July 2024

The application of artificial intelligence virtual reality (VR) technology in fitness teaching and training is becoming increasingly widespread, and its significant advantages provide athletes with a more personalized, efficient and safe training experience. By simulating various fitness scenes, virtual reality technology enables athletes to train immersively, not only improving the fun of training, but also enhancing the training effect. At the same time, the introduction of artificial intelligence technology enables real-time monitoring and analysis of athlete performance during the training process, providing accurate data support for coaches and helping them develop more scientific training plans. This paper explores the application of virtual reality technology in physical education teaching and training, introduces the basic principles and characteristics of virtual reality and proposes several typical virtual reality application scenarios for the needs of physical education teaching and training. In football training, through virtual reality technology, athletes can conduct various technical and tactical exercises in simulated stadiums. At the same time, artificial intelligence systems can analyze the actions and decisions of athletes in real time, and provide feedback and suggestions. In track and field training, virtual reality technology can help athletes simulate competition scenes and improve their psychological adaptability during competitions. Through in-depth research, we have found that this technology provides athletes with a more personalized, efficient, and safe training experience. In football training, virtual reality technology can simulate real game scenes, allowing athletes to engage in various technical and tactical exercises in simulated sports stadiums. At the same time, artificial intelligence systems can analyze the actions and decisions of athletes in real time, provide accurate data support for coaches, and help them develop more targeted training plans.
Photodynamic antibacterial chemotherapy activities of P(V) and Ga(III) triarylcorroles and their silver nanoparticle conjugates
Authors: Soy Rodah C. , Macigane Pertunia R. , Mack John , Nyokong Tebello
Published: July 2024

Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) conjugates of two series of P(V) and Ga(III) corroles with 4-thiomethylphenyl- (1-PVCor-AgNPs and 1-GaIIICor-AgNPs), thien-3-yl- (2-PVCor-AgNPs and 2-GaIIICor-AgNPs), thien-2-yl- (3-PVCor-AgNPs and 3-GaIIICor-AgNPs) and 5-bromothien-2-yl- (4-PVCor-AgNPs and 4-GaIIICor-AgNPs) meso-aryl rings have been synthesized and characterized, so that their in vitro photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) properties could be investigated against S. aureus and E. coli. The 4-PVCor and 4-GaIIICor complexes are reported for the first time in this context, while 1-3-PVCorr and 1-3-GaIIICor were reported previously during a study of the photodynamic therapy (PDT) activity properties of their gold nanoparticle conjugates against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The heavy atom effects of the bromine atoms result in increases in the singlet oxygen quantum yield values for 4-PVCor and 4-GaIIICor to 0.59 and 0.72, respectively, from 0.47 and 0.69 for 3-PVCor and 3-GaIIICor. Conjugation to the AgNPs results in further slight increases due to an external heavy atom effect and significantly enhances the photostability of the dyes. 1-4-PVCor were found to have higher PACT activities than 1-4-GaIIICor due to lower aggregation effects since there is trans-axial ligation. Complete eradication of the E. coli and a Log[Formula: see text] reduction of 7.04 was achieved with 20μg.mL[Formula: see text] of 3-4-PVCor-AgNPs and 3-4-GaIIICor-AgNPs despite the difficulties that are typically encountered in this context with Gram-([Formula: see text] bacteria.
Solubilization of tetra-tert-butylphthalocyanine aluminum(III) in micellar surfactant solutions
Authors: Belousov Mikhail S. , Gradova Margarita A. , Wasserman Lyubov A. , Dubinina Tatiana V.
Published: July 2024

A comparative study of the aggregation behavior of tetra-tert-butylphthalocyanine aluminum(III) in micellar aqueous solutions of different surfactants was carried out. The maximum degree of tetra-tert-butylphthalocyanine aluminum(III) monomerization was found for the Cremophor EL micellar solution. In the range of the surfactant concentrations of 0.05–1%, the binding constant of the photosensitizer to the micelles (Kb) was determined and the solubilization coefficient fmic was calculated. The hydrodynamic diameters of Cremophor EL micelles with and without solubilized phthalocyanine were determined using the dynamic light scattering method. The change in the Gibbs free energy of binding between phthalocyanine and Crermophor EL micelles was determined.
Free and Open Source Software and Other Market Failures
Authors: Kamp Poul-Henning
Published: July 2024

Open source was not so much the goal itself as it was a means to an end: freedom.