bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combustion Visualization and Liquid Jet in Crossflow Analysis of the H2O2/Kerosene Bipropellant Thruster
Authors: Choi Suk Min , Jung Sangwoo , Ugolini Vincent Mario Pierre , Kwon Sejin
Published: January 2025

In the H2O2/Kerosene bipropellant thruster, a liquid fuel jet is transversely injected into a crossflow of hot oxygen and water vapor, catalytically decomposed from a liquid oxidizer. Due to the high temperature and oxygen-rich environment, kerosene is auto-ignited without the need for an additional ignition source. Hence, fuel trajectory and breakup processes play a significant role in determining the performance of the rocket engine. However, little effort has been made to analyze these characteristics during actual rocket engine operation, mainly due to its harsh operating conditions of high temperature and pressure.In this study, an optically accessible combustion chamber was prepared to visualize the trajectory and breakup processes of the liquid jet during rocket engine operation. Physical and chemical processes inside the chamber were recorded using a high-speed camera utilizing a shadowgraph technique along with chemiluminescence suppression. Hot-fire tests were performed using 90 wt.% hydrogen peroxide and Jet A-1 in various jet-to-crossflow momentum ratios. Test cases with water injection replacing fuel were conducted with varying momentum ratios to identify the effect of the combustion process on the liquid jet. The study revealed that the existing correlations for the liquid jet trajectory commonly used for designing the H2O2/Kerosene bipropellant thruster in the past induced significant errors and suggested that the radiation heat transfer from the combustion flame downstream could affect the breakup processes upstream. A new correlation was suggested that accurately predicts the liquid fuel jet trajectory of the H2O2/Kerosene bipropellant thruster.
Presumed Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia in Foal with Rhodococcus equi Infection- Case Report
Authors: Tamulionytė-Skėrė Raimonda , Mickevičienė Indrė , Gruodytė Renata , Paulavičiūtė Barbora , Hinksman Jūratė , Driukė Marija Uršulė , Urbonavičiūtė Aistė
Published: January 2025

In foals, Rhodococcus equi infections are typically linked to a range of non-pulmonary conditions, with hemolytic anemia being an uncommon complication. The authors are aware of only one case report involving immune-mediated hemolytic anemia in foals infected with Rhodococcus equi, highlighting the need for further research. This report aims to describe the clinical presentation, progression, outcome, and pathological findings of 4-month-old Holstein foal with Rhodococcus equi infection concurrently with presummed immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. Due to severe sepsis and worsening clinical condition, the foal was euthanized and necropsy was performed.
Real-World Setting of Efficacy and Safety of 3 Years of Rifaximin Administration in Japanese Patients with Hepatic Encephalopathy: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Kawaratani Hideto , Namisaki Tadashi , Kondo Yasuteru , Tatsumi Ryoji , Kawabe Naoto , Tanabe Norikazu , Sakamaki Akira , Hoshikawa Kyoko , Uchida Yoshihito , Endo Kei , Kawaguchi Takumi , Oikawa Tsunekazu , Ishizu Yoji , Hige Shuhei , Takami Taro , Terai Shuji , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Mochida Satoshi , Koike Kazuhiko , Yoshiji Hitoshi
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Rifaximin is commonly used for patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE); however, there is little data on the effects of its long-term (>1 year) administration in Jap-anese patients with cirrhosis. Therefore, we examined the effects and safety of three-year rifaxi-min treatment on HE in Japan. Methods: A total of 190 patients with cirrhosis who were contin-uously administered rifaximin for more than one year developed overt or covert HE, which was diagnosed by a physician. Laboratory data were collected at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months following rifaximin administration. We examined the cumulative OHE incidences, overall survival rates, and hepatic functional reserves following rifaximin treatment. The occur-rence of adverse events was also assessed. Results: Ammonia levels improved significantly after 3 months of rifaximin administration, which continued for three years. Serum albumin and pro-thrombin activity also significantly improved after three years of rifaximin administration. Cumulative overt HE incidences were 12.1%, 19.7%, and 24.9% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. The survival rates following rifaximin treatment were 100%, 88.9%, and 77.8% at 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. In contrast, renal function and electrolytes did not change following rifaximin ad-ministration. Only three (1.6%) patients discontinued RFX therapy because of severe diarrhea after a year of RFX administration. No other serious adverse events were observed. Conclusion: Long-term rifaximin treatment (three years) is effective and safe for patients with HE and im-proves the hepatic function reserve and overall survival.
Optimizing Facilities Management Through Artificial Intelligence and Digital Twin Technology in Mega Facilities
Authors: Abdelalim Ahmed Mohammed , Essawy Ahmed , Salem Mohamed , Al-Adwani Manal , Sherif Alaa
Published: January 2025

Mega facility management has long been inefficient due to manual, reactive approaches. This study examines the transformative integration of AI and DT technologies into Building Information Modeling (BIM) frameworks using IoT sensors for real-time data collection and predictive analytics. The study uses case studies and simulation models for dynamic data integration and scenario-based analyses. Key findings show a significant reduction in maintenance costs (25%) and energy consumption (20%), as well as increased asset utilization and operational efficiency. With an F1-score of more than 90%, the system shows excellent predictive accuracy for equipment failures and energy forecasting. Practical applications in hospitals and airports demonstrate the developed the ability of the platform to integrate IoT and BIM technologies, shifting facilities management from reactive to proactive. This paper presents a demo platform that integrates the BIM model with DT to improve the predictive maintenance as HVAC systems, equipment, security systems, etc., by recording data from different assets which help streamline asset management, enhance energy efficiency and support decision-making for the buildings’ critical systems.
Transforming Sleep Monitoring: Review of Wearable and Remote Devices Advancing Toward Home Polysomnography and Their Role in Predicting Neurological Disorders
Authors: Vitazkova Diana , Kosnacova Helena , Turonova Daniela , Foltan Erik , Jagelka Martin , Berki Martin , Micjan Michal , Kokavec Ondrej , Gerhat Filip , Vavrinsky Erik
Published: January 2025

This paper explores the progressive era of sleep monitoring, focusing on wearable and remote devices, moving towards the concept of home polysomnography. We begin by examining the basic physiology of sleep, establishing a theoretical foundation for understanding sleep stages and associated changes in physiological variables. The review then moves on to analyse specific cutting-edge devices and technologies, emphasizing their practical applications, user comfort, and accuracy. Attention is also given to the ability of these devices to predict neurological disorders, particularly Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The paper highlights the integration of hardware innovations, targeted sleep parameters, and partially advanced algorithms, illustrating how these elements converge to provide reliable information on sleep health status. By bridging the gap between clinical diagnosis and real-world applicability, this review aims to clarify the role of modern sleep monitoring tools in improving personalized healthcare and proactive disease management.
Multi-Temporal Analysis of Cropping Patterns and Intensity Using Optical and SAR Satellite Data for Sustaining Agricultural Production in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Pazhanivelan Sellaperumal , Ramalingam Kumaraperumal , M V Priya , Rengabashyam Kalpana , Shankar Kanaka Shankar , Moorthi Nivas Raj , Yadav Manoj Kumar
Published: January 2025

Analyzing the spatial and temporal trends in cropping patterns and intensity on a larger scale is essential for implementing timely policy decisions and strategies in response to climate change and variability. By converting cropping intensity estimates, we can compute net and gross production values, indirectly indicating food security status in the study region. This study compared the utility of optical (MOD13Q1) and SAR (Sentinel 1A) datasets for determining cropping patterns and associated intensity estimates across multiple agricultural seasons from 2019 to 2023, with spatial resolutions of 250m and 20m, respectively. The analysis revealed that the highest and lowest gross cropped areas using Sentinel 1A data were 55.85 lakh hectares (2022-23) and 52.88 lakh hectares (2019-20), respectively. For MODIS data, the highest and lowest gross cropped areas were 62.07 lakh hectares (2022-23) and 56.87 lakh hectares (2019-20). Similarly, the highest and lowest net sown areas using Sentinel 1A data were 43.71 lakh hectares (2022-23) and 41.76 lakh hectares (2019-20), and for MODIS data, the values were 48.81 lakh hectares (2022-23) and 46.39 lakh hectares (2019-20), respectively. Regardless of the datasets used, the highest gross and net cropped areas were reported in Tiruvannamalai district and the lowest in Kanchipuram district. Thiruvarur district reported the highest cropping intensity, while Sivagangai district had the lowest. Among all seasons, the rabi season accounted for the maximum area, followed by the kharif and summer seasons. The study concluded that single cropping (51%) was the dominant cropping pattern in Tamil Nadu, followed by double cropping (31%) and triple cropping (17%) in both datasets. Sentinel 1A data showed better performance in estimating gross and net cropped areas than optical data, with deviations ranging from 7.02% to 11.01%, regardless of the year and cropping estimates derived. The results indicated that the spatial resolution of the datasets was not a significant factor in determining cropping patterns and intensity on a larger scale. However, this may differ for smaller study areas.
Advanced Electric Vehicle Powertrain Design and Analysis of Transmission Power Losses
Authors: Csobán Attila , Senatore Adolfo
Published: January 2025

The aim of this paper is to provide insight into the drivelines of today's electric passenger and heavy-duty vehicles and to understand the sources of power losses in these driveline gearboxes. Knowing the losses that occur in a gear drive gives us the opportunity to reduce them. This means longer range and longer lubricant life. It can be seen that it is important to address gear oil lubrication losses, reducing them means less frequent oil change intervals and therefore lower maintenance costs. The article also highlights further areas for research and provides a comprehensive insight into the design of electric vehicle powertrains.
Application of Cow Manure and Dolomite on Mung Bean (Vigna radiata L.) Plants
Authors: Oesman Roswita , Rahmaniah Rahmaniah , Indrawati Asmah , Rahman Abdul
Published: January 2025

The plant growth and yield could be influenced by the soil ameliorants. This study was to obtain the effect of cow manure, dolomite, and their interactions on the growth and yield of mung bean plants. This study was conducted at Marindal II Village, Patumbak Subdistrict, Deli Serdang District, North Sumatra from February to May 2022. A factorial randomized block design was selected in this study with the first factor being the dosage of cow manure (0; 2.5; 5 tons ha-1) and the second factor was the dolomite lime (0; 1; 2 kg plot-1) within three replications. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and further tested by Duncan at P<0.05. The results showed an increase in dry weight, seed weight plot-1, 100-seed weight, and yield ha-1 of mung bean were found in 5 tons ha-1 of cow manure dose by 19.06%; 103.62%; 6.48%; and 2.04 times. The plant height and dry weight of mung bean as well as soil pH also increased in 2 kg plot-1 of dolomite dose were 24.55; 15.68; and 7.68%. Their interaction of cow manure and dolomite had a slight impact on the growth and yield of mung bean plants
Konservasi Musuh Alami Melalui Pemanfaatan Gulma dan Tanaman Refugia di Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit
Authors: Rahim Abdul , Hidayah Andi Ikhsan , Faizal Faizal , Murtilaksono Aditya
Published: January 2025

The refugia and weeds have the potential as media for the conservation of natural enemies in oil palm plantations. The research aimed to compare the composition of natural enemies in plots of weeds and refugia plants' presence. Experiment one factor in a randomized block design (RCBD), which consisted of, (1) weed plots without refugia plants, (2) weeds and cosmos flowers, (3) weeds and zinnia flowers, and (4) weeds, cosmos, and zinnia flowers. Each treatment was repeated 4 times which were totally 16 experimental plots. The data were the species and the number of individual arthropods. In addition, it calculated the sum dominance ratio (SDR) of weeds, and the number and color of flowers. Data were analyzed descriptive, fisher's exact test (anova), duncan multiple range test (DMRT). Then, regression and correlation analysis for the relationship between the number of individual and flowers. The composition arthropod consisted of 5 Orders, 11 Families, and 14 Species. The species spider Bathyphantes nigrinus and insect Cosmolestes picticep are the dominant predator. There was no difference in the number of natural enemy species. However, there were differences number individuals in the plots of the combination of weeds and cosmos plants with weeds combined with zinnia flowers. Furthermore, the higher the number of flowers, the higher the number of individuals found at the observation site. The results of this study indicate that weeds and cosmos flowers are the best combinations for conserving natural enemies in oil palm plantations.
Access to, Use, and Effect of Open Educational Resources: The Perspectives of LIS Academics in Selected Nigerian Universities
Authors: TELLA Adeyinka , Owoeye Olufemi Peter , Dunmade Aderinola Ololade
Published: January 2025

This study investigated access to, use of, and the effect of Open Educational Resources (OER) on LIS academics in Nigeria. The study adopted a purely quantitative method, using a survey as the research design. The population of the study comprised LIS academic staff in Nigerian universities. Through a total enumeration method, a sample of 140 LIS academics from 15 universities in Nigeria was selected. A questionnaire developed for data collection was administered to the 140 respondents, of which 133 copies were returned. Seven objectives were developed to guide the study. The results demonstrated that office documents such as Word and PowerPoint, open textbooks, lecture notes, quizzes and tutorials, MOOCs, learning modules, and open courseware are the OER resources most frequently accessed by LIS academics. Mobile phones and laptop computers are the primary devices used by LIS academics for accessing OER. OER are used by LIS academics for teaching and learning, research, preparation for workshops, seminars, conference presentations, and class notes. The effects of OER on LIS academics include the ability to use materials created by other colleagues and customise course materials to create an ideal course packet or textbook. Policies guiding the use of OER include equal access, protection of intellectual property rights, and open licences such as Creative Commons. The challenges LIS academics encounter when using OER include frequent power outages, untimely updates of OER repositories, and prolonged periods spent searching for resources in institutional repositories.
Inventory and evaluation of 12 miscellaneous buildings for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) at Custer Hill Area, Fort Riley, Kansas : volume 1
Authors: Adams Sunny
Published: January 2025

The US Congress codified the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA), the nation’s most effective cultural resources legislation to date, mostly through establishing the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The NHPA requires federal agencies to address their cultural resources, which are defined as any prehistoric or historic district, site, building, structure, or object. Section 110 of the NHPA requires federal agencies to inventory and evaluate their cultural resources, and Section 106 requires them to determine the effect of federal undertakings on those potentially eligible for the NRHP. This two-volume report documents an architectural survey of 12 miscellaneous buildings and structures constructed from 1960 through 1976 in the Custer Hill area at Fort Riley, Kansas. Volume 1 includes an analysis of the eligibility of these buildings and structures to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and satisfies Section 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. Volume 2 contains individual building inventory forms, and its access is controlled by Fort Riley for security reasons. During the covered period, Fort Riley’s primary mission was training recruits for deployment to South Vietnam. As a result, the relevant theme developed for determining historical significance for these 12 buildings at Fort Riley is Recruit Training for Ground Combat in Vietnam. Of the facilities inventoried, none achieved significance under this theme for Criterion A. These buildings do not embody a distinctive characteristic of a type, period, or method of construction, do not represent the work of a master, and do not possess high artistic value under Criterion C. Therefore, no buildings were determined to be eligible to the NRHP. This work fulfills Section 110 requirements for these buildings.
IDENTIFICATION OF DUMBEG IN ETHNOSCIENCE STUDIES AS A SOURCE OF SCIENCE LEARNING IN REMBANG SOCIETY
Authors: Wahyuni Sri , Fawaida Ulya
Published: January 2025

Culture has a positive impact when studied more deeply. Culture is one of the characteristics of a region. Dumbeg is one of the typical foods that has ethnoscience studies in it. Contextual-based learning by utilizing phenomena that exist in nature such as local culture is very important so that students can preserve the existing local culture. The purpose of this study is to study ethnoscience in the manufacture of dumbeg in Rembang district as a source of science learning. The method in this study uses observation and interviews with informants. The results of this study are 1) Culture and science have a strong relationship so that ethnoscience can be used as a source of learning in the world of education. 2) The process of making dumbeg is one example of the correlation between science and culture. 3) Local dumbeg culture can be used as a source of science learning, both physics and biology.
WITHDRAWN: Pregnant Women’s Knowledge and Beliefs regarding the Affect of Obesity on the Continuation of Breast Feeding
Authors: Alotaibi Jazi Shaydied , AlAnazy Wdad , Mahmoud Fatma zaghloul
Published: January 2025

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors in order to comply with an institutional policy on preprints. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference.
Diversity of ants on Guabiroba trees (Campomanesia xanthocarpa O. Berg) of Mixed Ombrophilous Forest
Authors: Iasczczaki Rafael Stempniak , Correia Danielly Lisoski , Doline Rodrigo , Holdefer Roberta
Published: January 2025

There are many types of interactions between ants and plants, and many of these are first discovered by the observation and identification of the ants on particular plant species. Therefore, studying the diversity of ants on different strata of a plant species, for example, is indispensable to identify interactions and their ecological implications. In this study we evaluated the diversity of visitor ants on two strata of Guabiroba trees (Campomanesia xanthocarpa O. Berg), a tree species from Mixed Ombrophilous Forest that possess ecological, economical, medicinal, and for food importance. We sampled the ant species from lower plant strata (in the plant surroundings) by collecting them manually in 97 sites; and from higher strata through pitfall traps, suspended in branches and leaves of 117 Guabiroba trees. We identified 30 ant morphospecies on Guabiroba trees (Manual Sobs = 22; Sest = 46,74; Pitfall Sobs = 21; Seat = 21.89) and our results estimated increased ant richness if a higher sampling effort was applied. Nylanderia fulva was the most abundant species, followed by Camponotus crassus, Ca. rufipes, and Ca. melanoticus, which occurred very abundantly, frequently and constantly on Guabiroba trees, acording to the faunal analysis. More than half of the recorded species only occasionally visited Guabiroba trees. Our results indicated an overlap in composition of ant species from both studied strata, suggesting regular visitation of some ants and perhaps interactions between them and the plant. Our study contributes adding information on the ants from Mixed Ombrophilous Forest and ecological relations between Guabiroba trees and their visitor ants.
Characterization of the Sahelian and Guinea Savannah ecosystem of Nigeria based on land surface temperature and normalized difference vegetation index
Authors: An Ping , Aki Ene Emmanuel , Otie Victoria Oko , Isong Isong Abraham , Akpan Joyce Fidelis , Offiong Raphael , Afu Sunday Marcus , Yuanrun Zheng , Haruyuki Fujimaki , Eneji Anthony Egrinya
Published: January 2025

Drought and desertification are expected to increase in Sahelian Africa, where there are significant rainfall deficits and extreme temperatures. This study examined the trends in vegetation and climate variables during the period 1986–2023 in Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states, Nigeria. We used Landsat 5 TM, 7 ETM+ and 8 OLI/TIRS and processed spectral indices with Google earth engine platform. For the pilot site in Kano, the year 2015 had the highest minimum (40.19°C), maximum (43.04 °C) and mean (42.63 °C) land surface temperatures (LST), while 2005 had the lowest of these values. The LST for the three states showed a long-term increase over the study years but the normalized difference vegetation index in 1986 was generally low, being 0.19 in Kano, 0.15 in Katsina and 0.17 in Jigawa states, becoming lower still in 2010. Low vegetation condition index close to 0 was dominant in the three study sites, suggesting typically poor vegetation growth and coverage. Mild to severe drought was noticed in Jigawa state, while Kano and Katsina experienced mild drought. Continuous monitoring of these indices would be necessary to assess the overall health of the vegetation, providing insights into environmental changes and their potential impacts on the ecosystem.
Accident Prevention through Enhanced Visibility Prediction: A Sophisticated Approach Leveraging Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Ramrakhiani Nikita , Kumar Abhijeet
Published: January 2025

Weather reports are essential for a range of purposes, including pollution control and addressing weather-related issues. They help identify the dispersion of pollutants, enabling effective pollution management. Weather forecasts also aid in preparing for emergencies, optimizing agriculture practices, ensuring safe transportation, and promoting public health. These reports play a vital role in decision-making across sectors, enhancing safety, resilience, and overall well-being. Using machine learning, particularly the logistic regression algorithm, this study demonstrates its efficacy in predicting binary weather events like rain or sunny based on various weather parameters. Through accurate modeling and evaluation, the research highlights the algorithm's potential for practical weather forecasting applications. This research intends to analyze the significance of weather forecasting for advancing our comprehension of Indian weather dynamics and its role in enhancing predictive capabilities to address weather-related challenges effectively. Through our model and analysis, we attempt to predict the visibility index and identify the factors such as pollution, gas emissions, etc which affect visibility in specific regions which impact the number of accidents and mishaps
Identification and validation of mitochondrial dynamics-related genes in patients with acute myocardial infarction-a bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Yue Xiaolin , Wu Jinlei , Shi Xueyun , Xu Youshun , Han Xiaowei , Li Ruijian
Published: January 2025

Recent studies highlight the link between cardiovascular disease and mitochondrial dynamics. This study sought biomarkers of mitochondrial dynamics in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) to guide more precise clinical management. AMI-related datasets (GSE62646 and GSE59867) and 50 mitochondrial dynamics-related genes (MD-RGs) were derived from public databases. Firstly, based on MD-RGs, AMI samples in GSE62646 were classified into high- and low-scoring groups by single-sample gene set enrichment analysis. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were incorporated into machine learning algorithms. Subsequent expression level and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses identified biomarkers. Furthermore, the relationship between biomarkers and AMI was analyzed by enrichment analysis, immune infiltration analysis, correlation analysis of m6A regulators. Finally, biomarker expression was verified by reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). In this study, COX7B and SNORD54 were identified as biomarkers associated with mitochondrial dynamics in AMI. ROC curves showed that two biomarkers could better differentiate between AMI and control samples, and subsequent nomogram created by integrating two biomarkers were highly accurate in predicting AMI. Furthermore, enrichment analysis revealed that co-enrich pathways for COX7B and SNORD54 included “oxidative phosphorylation” and “Notch signaling pathway”. Notably, six m6A regulators (HNRNPC, KIAA1429, METTL3, WTAP, YTHDC1, and YTHDC2) were found to be significantly under-expressed in AMI samples. The RT-PCR demonstrated that the expression levels of COX7B and SNORD54 were significantly downregulated in AMI samples compared to controls. The study recognized COX7B and SNORD54 as biomarkers associated with mitochondrial dynamics in AMI, presenting potential clinical applications that could advance the understanding of AMI management.
Ellipse detection and positioning in complex vision measurement environments
Authors: Song Jin , Zeng Bowei , Ma Jun
Published: January 2025

Ellipses are often widely used as a visual positioning marker. Occluded ellipses in complex backgrounds are difficult to detect and locate accurately. Traditional ellipse detection methods are prone to missed detection and large edge positioning deviations. This greatly affects the accuracy of subsequent algorithms. A single-stage anchor-free ellipse detector is proposed in this paper, which achieves fast and high-precision detection and positioning of ellipses in complex occluded environments. According to the special shape of the ellipse, the attention mechanism is introduced to help the model more accurately locate the area containing the ellipse and pay more attention to useful channel information. Secondly, dynamic upsampling and variable convolution are used to design the decoder of the model to improve the positioning accuracy of the ellipse. Gauss-Wasserstein is used for IoU loss, and the center point deviation loss is modified to optimize the ellipse regression accuracy. Combined with real measurement applications, this paper builds an ellipsoidal sphere dataset for large-scale spatial camera calibration. Experiments on self-built datasets and public datasets show that the performance of the proposed method is better than the state-of-the-art model.
Study on the Influence of Dynamic Performance of Rail Pad on the Vibration Characteristics of E-type Fastener Clip
Authors: Wang Zhixuan , He Zhenxing , Liu Weixing , Xu Tianci , Xu Chang , Bai Yanbo , Zhao Pingrui
Published: January 2025

The issue of E-type fastener clip fracture due to high-frequency vibration has attracted widespread attention, with research focusing on the mechanisms leading to such failures. The rail pad, crucial to the fastener system for elastic vibration damping elastic vibration damping, exhibits significant variations in dynamic performance depending on the material and structure. Currently, there is a lack of studies on how the dynamic performance of the rail pad affects E-type fastener clip vibrations and fractures. To address this, the tests for the dynamic stiffness of rail pads under constant frequency and variable temperature conditions have been conducted using a universal testing machine fitted with a temperature control box, revealing its wide-band dynamic characteristics. These characteristics were represented using the Prony series. A detailed finite element model of the fastener system was developed, incorporating the nonlinear contact relationships among the components and the dynamic performance of rail pads. Frequency response analysis was performed to compare the dynamic steady-state responses of fastener systems with different rail pads. Finally, drop shaft impact tests were simulated to evaluate the vibration acceleration response of E-type fastener clip with various rail pads. The results indicate that the dynamic performance of rail pad significantly affects the vibration characteristics of E-type clips. Among the three rail pads with identical stiffness, the new mesh-type rail pad (NMTRP) demonstrated the best damping energy absorption capability, effectively reducing the vibration acceleration of the E-type Fastener clip.
Hydrogeochemistry and assessment of pollution indices for diagnosing drinking water quality in abandoned mining areas
Authors: Thimotheo Marina , Borba Ricardo Perobelli , Tognoli Francisco Manoel Wohnrath
Published: January 2025

Artisanal mining is responsible for extensive contamination of ecosystems, including humans and animals. Abandoned areas can present environmental problems related with potentially toxic metals and metalloids that are not bio(decomposed). This study focuses on the two-century-old Lavras do Sul Gold District, an Au-Ag-Cu mining area in southern Brazil abandoned 40 years ago. Currently, these areas are inhabited and used for agricultural and pasture activities. Based on chemical analysis of water for human consumption from homemade/private wells collected in two field campaigns, we evaluated the presence, distribution and quantity of potentially toxic elements. Furthermore, the determination of the pollution indices Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) and Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HEI), helped in the evaluation of potability. The proposed workflow includes hydrogeochemical analysis, mathematical modelling for element speciation, index calculation and spatial interpolation. The hydrogeochemical results indicate that source of anions and cations has influence of the agricultural activity and, to a lesser extent, geological activities. The elements in the highest concentrations are NO3-, Cl- and Cd2+, Pb2+, As(V), Al3+ and Fe2+, which made 70% and 100% of the water samples unsuitable for consumption, respectively from the first and second field campaigns. The analysis of the indices revealed significant discrepancies in potability diagnoses, with the HPI reaching a value 72.1 times higher than the HEI in the same sample. The index that best represented contamination by critical metals in the area was the HPI, as it favors small quantities of elements in defining the weights of these pollution indices.
B7-H3 regulates HK2 expression and promotes the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway
Authors: Han Shiyang , Wu Yuantao , Zhang Yan , Zhou Yan , Xia Qiuyan , Wu Yi , Liu Zhanguo , Yang Jing , Shen Ye , Zhou Shuru
Published: January 2025

Background
Lung cancer is the foremost cause of cancer-related mortality globally. B7-H3, an immune checkpoint, not only has immunomodulatory functions but also promotes tumor cell proliferation, drug resistance, metastasis, and aerobic glycolysis. The specific role of B7-H3 in aerobic glycolysis in lung cancer has not yet been elucidated.
Methods
B7-H3 expression was validated in lung cancer tissues and lung cancer cell lines. Overexpression and knockout experiments were conducted in lung cancer cell lines to assess cell proliferation, migration, lactate production, and glucose consumption. The expression of hexokinase 2 (HK2) and the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway were analyzed. Additionally, soluble B7-H3 (sB7-H3) along with lactate levels in the plasma of lung cancer patients were measured, and the clinical characteristics were analysed.
Results
B7-H3 was highly expressed in lung cance tissue and lung cancer cell lines, and enhanced the proliferation and migration, along with increased lactate production and glucose consumption rates. Our study also demonstrated that B7-H3 regulates the expression of HK2, thereby promoting the proliferation and migration of lung cancer cells through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, sB7-H3 levels was postively correlated with the lacte levels in the plasma of lung cancer patients, and high sB7-H3 levels were associated with a poorer prognosis.
Conclusion
The research suggests that B7-H3 affects lung cancer cell proliferation and migration by enhancing aerobic glycolysis via HK2, providing a new perspective for the application of B7-H3 in clinical prognosis and treatment.
Extracellular Vesicles Enhance Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells without any Chemical Agents
Authors: Anand Ganga , Gopala Srinivas , Urulangodi Madhusoodanan , Komath Manoj
Published: January 2025

The use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in bone tissue engineering is emerging as a promising alternative strategy to stem cells. For clinical application, EVs must be biomanufactured from suitable source cells, systematically characterized, and validated for their efficacy in bone regeneration. This study focuses on the possibility of this translation using in vitro methods with rat bone marrow stem cells (rBMSCs). Bone marrow was harvested from Wistar rats and cultured using the direct adherence method. The rBMSCs were characterized through trilineage differentiation, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and real-time PCR. The optimal isolation method of EVs derived from the rBMSC was investigated. EVs isolated through ultracentrifugation yielded homogeneous EVs with good quality and quantity. The EVs derived from rBMSCs were characterized through Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis, Dynamic Light Scattering, Transmission Electron Microscopy, and Western Blot analysis. The osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs was evaluated using the isolated EVs, confirmed by the MTT Cell Proliferation Assay and In vitro Osteogenesis Assays. The concentration- and time-dependent enhancement of osteogenic differentiation by rBMSC-derived EVs was also examined. Most importantly, EVs promoted osteogenic differentiation without adding any conventional chemical agents in the culture media. These findings will pave the way for further investigations to link EVs' therapeutic benefits in bone tissue engineering and related applications.
Perception of Face-To-Face and Virtual Educational Environment during COVID-19 Pandemic: Medical Undergraduates’ Experiences in Northern Borneo
Authors:   Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Mohd Bahar Farhana Harzila , Mohammad Jamilah Al-Muhammady ,   Department of Medical Education, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Kadir Fairrul ,   Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Ahmedy Fatimah ,   Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Jeffree Mohammad Saffree ,   Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Yusoff Muhamad Saiful Bahri ,   Department of Medical Education, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
Published: January 2025

Positive educational environments foster comfort, well-being, academic achievement and
collaboration among students, teachers and organisations, supporting the production of quality
graduates. Consequently, educational organisations must evaluate their educational environments.
This study explores the conditions of the physical and virtual educational environment at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). A cross-sectional study involving 456 medical students from year one to year five at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), UMS was conducted. Students’ perceptions of their educational environment were assessed using the shortened Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM-17) and Online Student Connectedness Survey (OSCS) questionnaires. Quantitative analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Human Research Ethics Committee at UMS. In total, 329 out of 456 medical students completed the questionnaires in this study. Students’ perceptions of the physical educational environment were mainly positive, with a mean score of 2.93 (SD = 0.76), while their perceptions of online connectedness in virtual learning were moderate, with a mean score of 2.60 (SD = 0.79). There was no significant difference in students’ perceptions of physical and virtual educational environments based on sex, but there was a notable difference between preclinical and clinical year students, with the latter having less favourable perceptions of virtual education. The preference for physical or blended learning over fully online learning was
evident. The low level of perceived support for students’ well-being suggests a need for improvement
in support systems in the FMHS, UMS.
Application of Internet of Things and Cloud Computing for Evaluation of Key Performance Indicators for Indian Construction Projects through Consistent Fuzzy Preference Relations Approach
Authors:   Department of Civil Engineering, School of Technology, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Gandhinagar, INDIA, Sarkar Debasis , Solanki Arpit ,   Department of Civil Engineering, School of Technology, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Gandhinagar, INDIA
Published: January 2025

The construction industry is considered one of the world’s most important industries.
However, it is also one of the most conservative industries when adopting new processes or
technologies. The internet of things (IoT) and cloud computing are the latest technologies
that have piqued the interest of several industries. This research paper aimed to identify key
performance indicators (KPI) of IoT and cloud computing for construction projects and then
evaluate the identified KPI through a multi-criteria decision-making tool, namely consistent
fuzzy preference relation (CFPR). After evaluation, the CFPR approach was relatively simple to
use, faster to execute and more efficient than the conventional analytic hierarchy methods.
The method also provided consistent solutions in the decision-making processes. A total of
109 KPI were evaluated using the CFPR approach. The result showed that the nature and
willingness of the organisation were the most severe KPI for the application of the IoT and cloud
computing for the construction project. The corrective and preventative mitigation measures
of the top ten KPI have also been proposed in this study in order to smoothly implement future
projects.
Factors Influencing Healing Space Design for the Enhanced Well-Being of Occupants: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Xia Fengyu , Mari Tamilsalvi , Gunasagaran Sujatavani
Published: January 2025

Healing space design can promote healing, foster a positive atmosphere, influence health-related outcomes, reduce stress, decrease healthcare expenditures and enhance well-being. However, a systematic literature review that identifies factors influencing healing space design for the enhanced well-being of occupants is lacking. The influencing factors in healing spaces play a crucial role in the healing process. Therefore, this study aimed to bridge the existing research gap by conducting a systematic literature review that comprehensively identifies and analyses the factors influencing healing space design for the enhanced well-being of occupants. This review synthesised research evidence from Google Scholar, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, Web of Science and Scopus (studies published between 2013 and 2023). Several critical influencing factors were identified, including nature, lighting, colour, social support, sense of control, privacy, safety, spatial layout, noise control, art and home-like environment. This study provides valuable guidance and insights for designers, environmental planners, architects and policymakers to improve people’s well-being through effective healing space design.
Assessing the impact of oil prices and inflation on bank deposits in Azerbaijan
Authors: Hasanov Ramil , Vasa Laszlo , Guliyeva Shafa , Giyasova Zeynab , Shakaraliyeva Zibeyda
Published: January 2025

Bank deposits are vital for the economy, serving as a primary source of funding for banks that facilitate lending, investment, consumption, and overall economic growth. This article aims to examine how oil price fluctuations and inflation, two critical macroeconomic variables, influence bank deposits in Azerbaijan, an energy-exporting country. The primary purpose is to reveal the extent to which these factors, particularly in the context of Azerbaijan’s role as an energy exporter, affect the stability and liquidity of the banking sector. Using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and Granger causality testing, the study analyzes the dynamic relationships among these variables. The findings demonstrate a significant long-term relationship and causal effects between oil prices, inflation, and bank deposits. Specifically, a one-unit increase in oil prices results in a 0.057-unit rise in bank deposits, underscoring the positive impact of oil price increases on banking sector liquidity. Conversely, a one-unit increase in inflation decreases bank deposits by 0.812 units in the long term, highlighting inflation’s detrimental effect on financial stability.
Influence of social responsibility management on the configuration of management control in Moroccan companies
Authors: Seghyar Nabil , Gouiouez Mounir , Achraf Nafzaoui Mohamed , Amane Meryem
Published: January 2025

In contemporary managerial aspects, corporate social responsibility (CSR) plays an important role in the societal commitment of businesses. The objective of this study is to clarify the level of influence of corporate social responsibility management on the configuration of management control systems. In this perspective, a quantitative empirical study was conducted with 77 Moroccan companies recognized for their CSR practices by the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises, demonstrating their commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire survey, offering significant insights into the effect of CSR management on management control systems. The results showed that certain aspects of CSR management significantly influence the configuration of management control, while others have no notable impact. Governance (β = 0.178, p < 0.05), consumer protection (β = 0.244, p < 0.05), and community development (β = 0.107, p < 0.05) have a positive effect, as does the CSR strategy (β = 0.393, p < 0.05), which has the greatest impact. This indicates that companies integrating CSR into their strategy generally adopt a more structured management system. On the other hand, working conditions and relationships (β = –0.019, p > 0.05) and environmental issues (β = –0.012, p > 0.05) did not show a significant effect, suggesting a limited integration of these aspects into corporate management.
A formação inicial em pedagogia e as emoções sobre a matemática: Uma articulação de pesquisas nos campos da educação e da engenharia biomédica
Authors: Dos Santos Lucio Vasconcelos , Paterno Aleksander Sade , Dos Santos Luciane Mulazani
Published: January 2025

Este artigo apresenta um estudo de caso que investiga emoções de estudantes de Licenciatura em Pedagogia sobre a matemática. Trata-se de uma pesquisa mista, com abordagem qualitativa realizada como pesquisa narrativa em grupo focal e com abordagem quantitativa feita a partir de um experimento que utilizou um dispositivo eletrônico vestível para detecção de batimentos cardíacos das estudantes participantes. Os resultados das análises dos dados mostraram como as narrativas constituídas impactaram na revelação das emoções das licenciandas em Pedagogia (manifestadas em seus relatos e nos sinais detectados pelo dispositivo que utilizaram); como as memórias em relação à matemática podem produzir o mal-estar docente e como esse mal-estar pode ser registrado, para ser discutido, com apoio de recursos tecnológicos criados a partir da Engenharia Biomédica. Além da discussão sobre como as emoções sobre a matemática afetam os professores em formação na escolha do campo de atuação em sua profissional, este artigo também apresenta um exemplo de parceria de pesquisa entre as áreas da Educação e da Engenharia para encontrar soluções para problemas relacionados à formação de professores.
Object localization of channel robot using laser triangulation
Authors: Zulkifal Muhammad , Bučinskas Vytautas , Dzedzickis Andrius , Ušinskis Vygantas
Published: January 2025

Trajectory tracking and Object Localization in robots are developing rapidly, but the tasks are becoming increasingly complex and significantly increasing the range of tasks for robotic systems. Cognitive tasks in domestic, industrial or traffic conditions require not only the recognition of objects but also their evaluation by classifying them without direct recognition. One of such spheres are tunnels that are physically difficult for humans to reach and require diagnostics. In such an environment, it is difficult to globally define the direction and goal, so it is necessary to interpret the locally obtained information. To solve such a problem, sensor fusion is widely applied, but sensors of different physical natures do not allow to obtain the necessary information directly, so there is a great need to use AI to interpret and control the received information and generate the robot's trajectory [1]. Local navigation systems require a wide range of sensors [4]. Various cameras and time-of-flight LiDAR lasers are widely used. For the aforementioned reasons, an economical local trajectory generation and tracking system is being developed, one of the most important components for object recognition is the laser triangulation method. The essence of this method is that the camera reacts to the projection of the laser light in front of it and interprets the obstacle depending on its distortion. In this way, the camera's resources are more concentrated, and at the same time, a simple RGB camera is enough for this method. Also, this method is perfect in the dark, when the laser light is more pronounced. In this paper, the laser triangulation method will be reviewed in detail, evaluating its advantages and disadvantages.
Navigating Utopian Waters: Dreams, Power, and Consequences in Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Lathe of Heaven and Octavia E. Butler’s “The Book of Martha”
Authors: Cameira Matilde Ribeiro
Published: January 2025

This articleaims to delve into the thematic intersections of Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Lathe of Heavenand Octavia E. Butler’s “The Book of Martha”, within the realms of dreams and their importance for utopianism. Toachieve thisgoal, crucial and relevant scenes in both works are analysed and compared against each other. Firstly, there is an exploration of the fact that the existence of a perfect world for everyone is impossible. Secondly, it scrutinizes how each narrative grapples with the ethical and moral implications of wielding extraordinary power. Thirdly, it reflects on the characters’ agency and free will. Lastly, it examines how the characters deal with the consequences of their actions as well as their sense of guilt. Other aspects are alsoexplored such as race, utilitarianism, and the ambiguity of utopia.