bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Penguin colony georegistration using camera pose estimation and phototourism
Authors: Wu Haoyu , Flynn Clare , Hall Carole , Che-Castaldo Christian , Samaras Dimitris , Schwaller Mathew , Lynch Heather J.
Published: October 2024

Satellite-based remote sensing and uncrewed aerial imagery play increasingly important roles in the mapping of wildlife populations and wildlife habitat, but the availability of imagery has been limited in remote areas. At the same time, ecotourism is a rapidly growing industry and can yield a vast catalog of photographs that could be harnessed for monitoring purposes, but the inherently ad-hoc and unstructured nature of these images make them difficult to use. To help address this, a subfield of computer vision known as phototourism has been developed to leverage a diverse collection of unstructured photographs to reconstruct a georeferenced three-dimensional scene capturing the environment at that location. Here we demonstrate the use of phototourism in an application involving Antarctic penguins, sentinel species whose dynamics are closely tracked as a measure of ecosystem functioning, and introduce a semi-automated pipeline for aligning and registering ground photographs using a digital elevation model (DEM) and satellite imagery. We employ the Segment Anything Model (SAM) for the interactive identification and segmentation of penguin colonies in these photographs. By creating a textured 3D mesh from the DEM and satellite imagery, we estimate camera poses to align ground photographs with the mesh and register the segmented penguin colony area to the mesh, achieving a detailed representation of the colony. Our approach has demonstrated promising performance, though challenges persist due to variations in image quality and the dynamic nature of natural landscapes. Nevertheless, our method offers a straightforward and effective tool for the georegistration of ad-hoc photographs in natural landscapes, with additional applications such as monitoring glacial retreat.
An analysis of the effects of sharing research data, code, and preprints on citations
Authors: Colavizza Giovanni , Cadwallader Lauren , LaFlamme Marcel , Dozot Grégory , Lecorney Stéphane , Rappo Daniel , Hrynaszkiewicz Iain
Published: October 2024

Calls to make scientific research more open have gained traction with a range of societal stakeholders. Open Science practices include but are not limited to the early sharing of results via preprints and openly sharing outputs such as data and code to make research more reproducible and extensible. Existing evidence shows that adopting Open Science practices has effects in several domains. In this study, we investigate whether adopting one or more Open Science practices leads to significantly higher citations for an associated publication, which is one form of academic impact. We use a novel dataset known as Open Science Indicators, produced by PLOS and DataSeer, which includes all PLOS publications from 2018 to 2023 as well as a comparison group sampled from the PMC Open Access Subset. In total, we analyze circa 122’000 publications. We calculate publication and author-level citation indicators and use a broad set of control variables to isolate the effect of Open Science Indicators on received citations. We show that Open Science practices are adopted to different degrees across scientific disciplines. We find that the early release of a publication as a preprint correlates with a significant positive citation advantage of about 20.2% (±.7) on average. We also find that sharing data in an online repository correlates with a smaller yet still positive citation advantage of 4.3% (±.8) on average. However, we do not find a significant citation advantage for sharing code. Further research is needed on additional or alternative measures of impact beyond citations. Our results are likely to be of interest to researchers, as well as publishers, research funders, and policymakers.
Shining light on the Mary Rose: Identifying chemical differences in human aging and handedness in the clavicles of sailors using Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Shankland Sheona Isobel , Hildred Alexzandra , Taylor Adam Michael , Kerns Jemma Gillian
Published: October 2024

The Mary Rose, for many years the flagship of the Tudor king, Henry VIII, sank during the battle of the Solent on the 19th July 1545. 437 years later, the remains of the hull and associated contents were recovered following a four-year excavation, all dated to a precise point in history. The assemblage is a valuable resource, as the environment preserved over 19,000 objects and the remains of a minimum of 179 crew members. This remarkable preservation allows for the crew of the Mary Rose to be studied holistically; their belongings, appearance, and even their health. Using Raman spectroscopy, this study investigated the clavicle bone chemistry of 12 men, aged 13–40, who died on the Mary Rose. Specifically looking at any changes with age or that could be linked to handedness. Results found that bone mineral increased with age and bone protein decreased. The mineral increase was found to be more substantial than the protein decrease. When the left and right side were considered, these findings maintained and were more pronounced in the right clavicle. This suggests that handedness influences clavicle bone chemistry; offering an important modern consideration for fracture risk. These results enhance our understanding of the lives of Tudor sailors, but also contribute to modern scientific investigation in the drive for a clearer understanding of changes in bone chemistry and potential links to aging related skeletal diseases such as osteoarthritis.
DKVMN&MRI: A new deep knowledge tracing model based on DKVMN incorporating multi-relational information
Authors: Xu Feng , Chen Kang , Zhong Maosheng , Liu Lei , Liu Huizhu , Luo Xianzeng , Zheng Lang
Published: October 2024

Knowledge tracing is a technology that models students’ changing knowledge state over learning time based on their historical answer records, thus predicting their learning ability. It is the core module that supports the intelligent education system. To address the problems of sparse input data, lack of interpretability and weak capacity to capture the relationship between exercises in the existing models, this paper build a deep knowledge tracing model DKVMN&MRI based on the Dynamic Key-Value Memory Network (DKVMN) that incorporates multiple relationship information including exercise-knowledge point relations, exercise-exercise relations, and learning-forgetting relations. In the model, firstly, the Q-matrix is utilized to map the link between knowledge points and exercises to the input layer; secondly, improved DKVMN and LSTM are used to model the learning process of learners, then the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve function is introduced to simulate the process of memory forgetting in learners, and finally, the prediction strategies of Item Response Theory (IRT) and attention mechanism are used to combine the similarity relationship between learners’ knowledge state and exercises to calculate the probability that learners would correctly respond during the subsequent time step. Through extensive experiments on three real-world datasets, we demonstrate that DKVMN&MRI has significant improvements in both AUC and ACC metrics contrast with the latest models. Furthermore, the study provides explanations at both the exercise level and learner knowledge state level, demonstrating the interpretability and efficacy of the proposed model.
Investigation of intrafractional spinal cord and spinal canal movement during stereotactic MR-guided online adaptive radiotherapy for kidney cancer
Authors: Yamamoto Takaya , Tanaka Shohei , Takahashi Noriyoshi , Umezawa Rei , Suzuki Yu , Kishida Keita , Omata So , Takeda Kazuya , Harada Hinako , Sato Kiyokazu , Katsuta Yoshiyuki , Kadoya Noriyuki , Jingu Keiichi
Published: October 2024

Background and purpose

This study aimed to investigate the intrafractional movement of the spinal cord and spinal canal during MR-guided online adaptive radiotherapy (MRgART) for kidney cancer.

Materials and methods

All patients who received stereotactic MRgART for kidney cancer between February 2022 and February 2024 were included in this study. Patients received 30–42 Gy in 3-fraction MRgART for kidney cancer using the Elekta Unity, which is equipped with a linear accelerator and a 1.5 Tesla MRI. MRI scans were performed at three points during each fraction: for online planning, position verification, and posttreatment assessment. The spinal cord was contoured from the upper edge of Th12 to the medullary cone, and the spinal canal was contoured from Th12 to L3, using the first MRI. These contours were adjusted to the second and third MR images via deformable image registration, and movements were measured. Margins were determined via the formula “1.3×Σ+0.5×σ” and 95% prediction intervals.

Results

A total of 22 patients (66 fractions) were analyzed. The median interval between the first and third MRI scans were 38 minutes. The mean ± standard deviation of the spinal cord movements after this interval were −0.01 ± 0.06 for the x-axis (right–left), 0.01 ± 0.14 for the y-axis (caudal–cranial), 0.07 ± 0.05 for the z-axis (posterior–anterior), and 0.15 ± 0.08 for the 3D distance, respectively. The correlation coefficients of the 3D distance between the spinal cord and the spinal canal was high (0.92). The calculated planning organ at risk volume margin for all directions was 0.11 cm for spinal cord. The 95% prediction intervals for the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis were −0.11–0.09 cm, −0.23–0.25 cm and −0.14–0.03 cm, respectively.

Conclusions

Margins are necessary in MRgART to compensate for intrafractional movement and ensure safe treatment delivery.
Kurdistan + 100: Stories from a Future State, Orsola Casagrande and Mustafa Gundogdu (eds) (2023)
Authors: Havolli Din
Published: October 2024

Review of: Kurdistan + 100: Stories from a Future State, Orsola Casagrande and Mustafa Gundogdu (eds) (2023)

Manchester: Comma Press, 236 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-91269-736-6, p/bk, £10.99
Seriously Mad: Mental Distress and the Broadway Musical, Aleksei Grinenko (2024)
Authors: Barr Lindsey R.
Published: October 2024

Review of: Seriously Mad: Mental Distress and the Broadway Musical, Aleksei Grinenko (2024)

Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 271 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-47205-644-6, p/bk, $39.95
Redwood, directed by Tina Landau (2024)
Authors: Meffe Robert
Published: October 2024

Review of: Redwood, directed by Tina Landau (2024)

La Jolla Playhouse, San Diego, CA, USA, 25 February 2024
Da Personalização Algorítmica à Mediação Jornalística: Mudanças nas Preferências dos Jovens Portugueses no Consumo de Notícias Online
Authors: Couraceiro Paulo , Paisana Miguel
Published: October 2024

O crescente domínio das plataformas digitais na disseminação de notícias tem introduzido uma nova dimensão na mediação, particularmente através da recomendação algorítmica de conteúdos. Este estudo visa explorar as dinâmicas de consumo de notícias entre os jovens portugueses, com foco na personalização algorítmica. Utilizando dados do Digital News Report, investigamos como a preferência dos jovens por fontes algorítmicas de acesso a notícias digitais se acentuou entre 2016 e 2023, mas também se diversificou, passando a incluir, além de redes sociais, motores de busca e agregadores de notícias. O artigo explora ainda atitudes sobre a receptividade à seleção algorítmica de notícias, destacando uma transformação significativa nas preferências dos jovens entre os 18 e os 24 anos, de uma forte inclinação para a personalização algorítmica baseada no histórico de consumo individual, para uma maior valorização do papel dos editores e dos jornalistas. Paralelamente, a ubiquidade dos algoritmos revela-se na diminuição das preocupações dos jovens sobre as consequências da personalização algorítmica. A discussão e as conclusões suscitam reflexões sobre a crescente utilização de sistemas algorítmicos por parte de órgãos de comunicação social e as consequências da personalização algorítmica para uma esfera pública plural e informada.
Inhibitory Potential of N-Methyl Formanilide on Mild Steel Corrosion in Sulfuric Acid: Quantum Chemical and Experimental Perspectives
Authors: Gupta Meenakshi , Azad Neeta , Chaudhary Mansi Y. , Sharma Yudhvir S. , Yadav Shramila
Published: October 2024

Technological progress has led to increased use of metals and alloys such as aluminum, brass, bronze and mild steel. While mild steel is favoured for its availability, low cost and excellent mechanical properties, it is prone to corrosion. This study aims to reduce the corrosion of mild steel in sulfuric acid using N-methyl formanilide (NMF) as an inhibitor. The effectiveness of NMF was evaluated using gravimetric method (weight loss) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Surface analyses were conducted using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The study examined the performance of NMF at different temperatures (298 K to 338 K) and varying inhibitor concentrations. The results indicated that the percentage inhibition efficiency (%IE) of NMF increased with higher concentration but decreased with temperature. The NMF formed a protective layer on mild steel through physical adsorption, which was confirmed by El-Awady adsorption isotherm and comparing it with other adsorption models. The kinetic and thermodynamic studies were also performed, with activation energy (Ea) and adsorption free energy (ΔG°ads) being calculated. These findings were further validated using the AM1 quantum mechanical method, revealing the promising results for the investigation.
Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of Some Novel Pyrido[2,3-b]indole, Morpholine and Chalcone Hybrid Compounds
Authors: Bhaskar J. Udaya , Rao G. Srinivasa , Chatterjee Pranab , Sahoo D.K. , Rao S. Srinivasa , Rao B. Pulla
Published: October 2024

In present investigation, a novel series of (E)-3-(2-morpholino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indol-3-yl)-1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one and its derivatives (5a-f) were synthesized by condensation reaction from the final intermediate, 2-morpholino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indol-3-carbaldehyde (4). The synthesis of the title compounds commenced from commercially available 21H-indol-2-amine (1) and by involving N-(1H-indol-2-yl)-acetamide (2) and 2-chloro-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole-3-carbaldehyde (3) as reactive intermediates. The chemical structure of synthesized compounds was characterized by IR, 1H NMR, mass spectral data and elemental analysis. The final compounds were used to screen for their antibacterial activity against various strains of bacteria.
Biomedical Applications of Some Schiff Bases and Their Transition Metal Complexes: A Review
Authors: Bhowmik K.R. Nath
Published: October 2024

A diverse class of compounds known as Schiff bases and their metal complexes are synthesized via condensation of amino and carbonyl compounds. Schiff bases and their metal complexes have several applications in analytical, pharmacological, organic, bioinorganic, and material research, which has increased interest in this class of molecule. In a variety of reactions, even in the presence of moisture, many Schiff base metal complexes have outstanding catalytic activity. Schiff bases serve as versatile pharmacophores due to their ability to bind with metals of different oxidation states to form complexes. Over the past few decades of metal-based drug research, Schiff base metal complexes have been the focus of much coordination chemistry research due to their utility across multiple scientific scenarios. As therapeutic agents, they may be beneficial in numerous circumstances, including infections, tumors, viruses, inflammation, pain and fungus. The focus of medicinal chemists is currently on the development of novel chemotherapeutic Schiff bases and their metal complexes. This review summarizes some of the most promising antimicrobial and anticancer activities of Schiff bases and their transition metal complexes. A possible relationship between structure and activity in some cases is also discussed.
Synthesis of Lactic Acid via Palladium-Catalyzed Carbonylation of Vinyl Acetate
Authors: Tonde S.S. , Rajurkar K.B. , Pagar N.S.
Published: October 2024

The methoxycarbonylation of vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) was studied with Pd-catalysts at 5.4 MPa CO partial pressure and 373 K. The effects of several acidic and basic ligands in the presence and absence of a promoter were investigated. Using pyridine as ligand in the [PdCl2(PPh3)2]-TsOH catalyst system resulted in 90.01% conversion of VAM and 76.12% selectivity for carbonylation products (methyl-2-acetoxypropionate and methyl lactate). The VAM methoxycarbonylation could be facilitated in a non-polar solvent media and produces methyl-2-acetoxypropionate and methyl lactate, which can be easily converted to lactic acid via hydrolysis.
Structure, Optical Properties and Magnetocaloric Effects in Gd3Fe5O12 Garnet Synthesized by Solid State Method
Authors: Reshmi C.P. , Ramesh A.R.
Published: October 2024

In this work, gadolinium iron garnet (Gd3Fe5O12) was synthesized using the solid-state ceramic method. The structural analysis, confirmed through Rietveld refinement, indicated the formation of a single-phase garnet structure. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed uniform grain size and homogeneity in the sintered material, while UV-vis absorption studies showed a peak at 300 nm, indicating strong ultraviolet interaction and an optical band gap of 3.64 eV, suggesting optoelectronic potential. The fluorescence emission spectrum shows a band at 435 nm, while the excitation spectrum exhibits bands at 275 and 360 nm. The magnetic measurements demonstrated Gd ion ordering at low temperatures, with a compensation temperature around 290 K. Arrott plots confirmed the second-order magnetic phase transition. Importantly, Gd3Fe5O12 exhibited both normal and inverse magnetocaloric effects, with a maximum magnetic entropy change of 1.05 J kg–1 K–1 at 230 K under 9 T magnetic field. These properties indicate Gd3Fe5O12 material as a promising candidate for magnetic refrigeration and optoelectronic applications.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Cationic Phosphinoamine-Pd(II) Complexes of Imidazole
Authors: Boruah Devajani
Published: October 2024

Two new cationic Pd(II) complexes [PdCl{η2-(P,N)PPh2py}{η1-(N)DiphIm}](PF6) (1) and [PdCl{η2-(P,N)PPh2Etpy}{η1-(N)DiphIm}](PF6) (2), where PPh2py is 2-(diphenylphosphino)pyridine and PPh2Etpy is 2-{2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl}pyridine), have been synthesized by reacting 4,5-diphenylimidazole (4,5-DiphIm) with the respective complexes [PdCl2{η2-(P,N)PPh2py}] and [PdCl2{η2-(P,N)PPh2Etpy}] in 1:1 molar ratio by stirring in dichloromethane in presence of NH4PF6 under N2 at room temperature. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, ESI(+)MS, UV-vis, FTIR, conductivity measurements, thermal analysis and 1H and 31P{1H} NMR studies.
Synthesis and Characterization of Quinoxaline Anchored Bis(1,2,3-triazole) Derivatives as Potent Anticancer Agents
Authors: Etnoori Sharada , Chilakala Nagendra Babu , Barothu Raju , Krishna A.M.S. , Thumma Vishnu , Kokku Premalatha
Published: October 2024

The synthesis of 1,4-bis((1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl)-1,4-dihydroquinoxaline-2,3-dione derivatives (6a-l) was accomplished through click chemistry protocol. The synthesized compounds were screened for their in vitro anticancer activity against MCF-7, PC-3 and HeLa cancer cell lines by MTT assay using doxorubicin as standard reference. Compounds 6g (4-cyano), 6l (4-bromo), 6c (4-chloro) and 6i (4-methyl) demonstrated promising percentage growth inhibition against all the three cell lines in comparison to doxorubicin. The determined IC50 value proved their efficacy against all cell lines, serve as effective inhibitors of MCF-7, PC-3 and HeLa cancer cells and should be considered in the development of chemotherapeutics during the drug discovery process.
Investigation of the transcallosal ventral premotor cortex connection in humans using transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Park Jung E , Srivanitchapoom Prachaya , Mathew Pawan , Thirugnanasambandam Nivethida , Wu Tianxia , Hallett Mark
Published: October 2024

Background: The premotor cortex plays a role in the planning of movement. Previous transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies have shown ipsilateral premotor-to-motor inhibition in healthy subjects at rest. Moreover, this premotor-to-motor inhibition has been found to be modulated during preparation for movement, such as precision grip and whole hand grasp. Cooperation between the bilateral ventral premotor cortices may play a functional role. We aimed to investigate the influence of the contralateral on the ipsilateral ventral premotor cortex.Methods: Fourteen right-handed healthy subjects (six women and eight men; mean age, 37 years; standard deviation, 14 years) completed the study. We used a three single-pulse TMS paradigm (preconditioning, conditioning and test pulse) to sequentially stimulate the right ventral premotor cortex, left ventral premotor cortex and left primary motor cortex.Results: We found that in healthy subjects at rest, stimulating the contralateral ventral premotor cortex resulted in reversal of the resting premotor-to-motor inhibition.Conclusions: Our results suggest that the contralateral ventral premotor cortex exerts an inhibitory influence on the ipsilateral ventral premotor cortex, which may be a component of bi-hemispheric control of manual tasks. This is the first study to evaluate the functional connectivity between the bilateral ventral premotor cortices.
COMPETENCY EVALUATION IN LEGAL SETTINGS.
Authors: Agu Emmanuel Tochukwu
Published: October 2024

Competency evaluation in the legal settings justice system, ensuring that individuals who engage with legal processes possess the requisite abilities to understand and participate meaningfully. This paper explores the multifaceted nature of competency evaluations, emphasizing their ethical implications, methodological approaches, and the impact of mental health on legal determinations. We highlight the importance of standardized assessment tools and the role of mental health professionals in conducting thorough evaluations that adhere to legal standards. Additionally, we discuss the challenges of bias, cultural considerations, and the need for ongoing training for evaluators to enhance the reliability and validity of competency assessments. By examining case studies and current practices, this study aims to illuminate best practices in competency evaluation, fostering a more just and equitable legal process. Ultimately, our findings underscore the necessity of integrating psychological insights into legal frameworks to ensure that competency evaluations not only uphold legal integrity but also respect the rights and dignity of individuals involved in the legal system.
One Village, Three Houses of Worship: Exploring the Dynamics of Religious Tolerance in Indonesia
Authors: Maryono Maryono , Nur Anna Dian , Musthofa Muhammad Wakhid
Published: October 2024

Indonesia has a long history of religious tolerance, yet the recent increase in incidents of intolerance reflects that this value requires renewed attention from scholars. This study aims to explore how the people of Sayidan interpret and practice tolerance in their daily lives, examining the mechanisms and social structures that have allowed this harmony to persist. Understanding how tolerance is embedded in the life of the Sayidan community is crucial for uncovering broader strategies to sustain religious tolerance in Indonesia.This research employs a phenomenological approach to uncover the meaning and structure of lived experiences related to religious tolerance. The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) method was applied to analyze data gathered from interviews with community leaders, RT/RW heads, religious figures, and youth representatives. The analysis involved several stages, including data familiarization, initial coding, theme development, and interpretative analysis. The findings reveal that tolerance in Sayidan is shaped by strong social and religious elements, further reinforced by economic interactions and a shared political struggle. While the study is limited in terms of generalizing to other contexts, the insights from Sayidan offer important lessons on how religious harmony can be maintained.
Indonesia memiliki sejarah panjang toleransi beragama, peningkatan insiden intoleransi dalam beberapa tahun terakhir merefleksikan bahwa hal ini perlu mendapatkan perhatian dari akademisi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi bagaimana masyarakat Sayidan menafsirkan dan mempraktikkan toleransi dalam kehidupan sehari-hari, dengan menelaah mekanisme dan struktur sosial yang memungkinkan kerukunan tersebut bertahan. Memahami bagaimana toleransi tertanam dalam kehidupan komunitas Sayidan penting untuk mengungkap strategi yang lebih luas dalam mempertahankan toleransi beragama di Indonesia. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode fenomenologis untuk mengungkap makna dan struktur pengalaman hidup yang terkait dengan toleransi beragama. Metode Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) diterapkan untuk menganalisis data yang diperoleh dari wawancara dengan tokoh masyarakat, kepala RT/RW, pemimpin agama, dan perwakilan pemuda. Analisis dilakukan melalui tahapan pengenalan data, pengkodean awal, pengembangan tema, dan analisis interpretatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa toleransi di Sayidan terbentuk melalui elemen-elemen sosial dan agama, serta didukung oleh interaksi ekonomi dan perjuangan politik bersama. Meskipun studi ini memiliki keterbatasan dalam hal generalisasi ke konteks lain, temuan dari Sayidan memberikan wawasan penting tentang bagaimana kerukunan beragama dapat dipertahankan.
Chitosan-modified fly-ash/kaolin ceramic membrane for enhancing FOG-water separation performance
Authors: Apriyanti Eny , Susanto Heru , Widiasa I Nyoman
Published: October 2024

Ceramic membranes with efficient construction can save costs and simplify the wastewater treatment process. The price of raw materials and the amount of energy used during the sintering process are the two key factors that affect the final cost of ceramic membranes. This work used kaolin and fly ash recovered from power plants as the support membrane and chitosan as selective layer of composite ceramic membranes. Rigid alumina particles were added to the supports to bring them into alignment with the sintering temperature of the fly-ash/kaolin support. Additionally, the chitosan layer coating increased the supports' bending strength. By simple surface coating, chitosan with different molecular weights was spread over the fly-ash/kaolin supports. The membranes' average pore size radius and porosity were 20 nm and 49%, respectively. The oil removal rate was over 99.8% and the stable permeance was close to 20.5 Lm2h1 when treating oil-water emulsions with 400 mg/L oil content. This is most likely because of the super-hydrophilic performance of kaolin and the electrostatic repulsion between the membrane and oil droplets. The fabricated membranes also demonstrated high antifouling performance by enhancing FRR up to 88% and reduced the reversible fouling ratio. This study suggests that modified membrane has great potential for practical application in oily wastewater treatment.
Identification of Isocyanate Number on IPDI and TDI Due to Storage Period and Their Impact on Composite Solid Propellant
Authors: Pinalia Anita , Ratnawati Ratnawati
Published: October 2024

Isocyanate compounds serve as a curing agent in the production of composite propellants, playing a crucial role in determining their characteristics. Due to its high reactivity with moisture, it is essential to determine the isocyanate number of stored samples after a specific duration. The investigation identified the isocyanate number of IPDI and TDI that had been held for 84 and 90 months. The FTIR analysis identified the presence of the NCO group at 2240 cm-1 for TDI and 2243 cm-1 for IPDI samples held for 84 and 90 months. The isocyanate number identification decreased by 1-2% after being stored for six months. This reduction in isocyanate quantity undoubtedly impacts the development of propellant compositions. The reduction in isocyanate content will alter the propellant formulation, leading to propellants with different characteristics due to its impact on the curing ratio (NCO/OH). The curing ratio greatly impacts the mechanical properties of composite propellant.
Influence of cam profile errors in a modulator on the dynamic response of the heald frame
Authors: Yin Honghuan , Yu Hongbin , Zhang Weiye
Published: October 2024

This research endeavors to analyze the dynamic characteristics of the dobby, particularly the influence of a modulator on the dynamic response of the heald frame. By constructing precise kinematic and dynamic mathematical models and employing efficient computational algorithms, this study delves into the motion behavior of dobby. Component elastic deformation is considered, and a detailed analysis of the heald frame’s vibrational properties is conducted. With the establishment of dynamic and kinematic equations, coupled with Taylor series expansion and partial derivative techniques, the displacement errors were accurately calculated. The implementation of the fourth-order Runge–Kutta method facilitated numerical simulation, allowing for the analysis of the effect of cam profile errors on vibrational characteristics. The findings indicate that cam profile machining and system errors significantly influence the vibration amplitude under high-speed conditions. Consequently, this research highlights the imperative to control operating speeds in the design and operation of dobby and enhance vibration stability through precise machining of cam profiles, using high-precision equipment, and regular maintenance, which are essential for optimized design and improved stability and reliability.
Utility of dairy microbiome as a tool for authentication and traceability
Authors: Alvanou Maria V. , Loukovitis Dimitrios , Melfou Katerina , Giantsis Ioannis A.
Published: October 2024

Milk microbiome contributes substantially to the formation of specific organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics of dairy products. The assessment of the composition and abundance of milk microbiota is a challenging task strongly influenced by many environmental factors. Specific dairy products may be designated by the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) labeling, which however, occasionally fail to differentiate them according to specific quality characteristics, which are defined by different microbiota-driven reactions. Combining the above limitations, the scope of the present study, was to summarize the existing information toward three main issues. First, to assess the influence level of the diet type and grazing to rumen–GI tract, mammary gland, and udder microbiome formation in ruminants. Second, to discuss the factors affecting milk microbiota, as well as the effect of the endo-mammary route on milk microbial taxa. Lastly, to evaluate “milk microbiome” as a tool for product differentiation, according to origin, which will contribute to a more robust PDO and PGI labeling. Although the limitations are still a matter of fact (especially considering the sample collection, process, evaluation, and avoidance of its contamination), significant progress has been made, regarding the identification of the factors affecting dairy products’ microbiota and its core composition. In conclusion, although so far not totally efficient in dairy products molecular identification, with the progress in soil, water, plant, and animal host’s microbiota assembly’s characterization, microbiomics could provide a powerful tool for authentication and traceability of dairy products.
Floer homology and right-veering monodromy
Authors: Baldwin John A. , Ni Yi , Sivek Steven
Published: October 2024

We prove that the knot Floer complex of a fibered knot detects whether the monodromy of its fibration is right-veering.
In particular, this leads to a purely knot Floer-theoretic characterization of tight contact structures, by the work of Honda–Kazez–Matić.
Our proof makes use of the relationship between the Heegaard Floer homology of mapping tori and the symplectic Floer homology of area-preserving surface diffeomorphisms.
We describe applications of this work to Dehn surgeries and taut foliations.
Time dependent model to analyze the magnetic refrigeration performance of gadolinium near the room temperature
Authors: Niu Jimei , Zheng Zhigang
Published: October 2024

A practical time-dependent model has been constructed to forecast the effectiveness and productivity of a magnetic regenerative refrigerator, as well as to assess its cycle efficiency. The model incorporates many irreversible factors, including the cycle frequency, heat transfer efficiency, and heat leak. Furthermore, it is utilized to scrutinize a magnetic refrigerator that employs spherical Gd particles as the magnetic substance and water as the heat transfer medium. The different cycle steps of the magnetic refrigerator are examined, while the cooling capacity and temperature differential between the two heat exchangers are appraised. The results also show that the magnetic refrigerator can obtain a temperature span of 5 K under 0.8 T magnetic field after 30 cycles in a particular situation. The findings provide valuable information for the future planning and advancement of magnetic refrigeration technology at room temperature.
Nanoscale engineering of semiconductor photocatalysts boosting charge separation for solar-driven H2 production: Recent advances and future perspective
Authors: Khan Khakemin , Rehman Zia Ur , Yao Shanshan , Bajpai Om Prakash , Miotello Antonio , Nawaz Mohsan , Orlandi Michele , Khan Khalid Ali , Alanazi Abdulaziz A. , Zaki Magdi E. A.
Published: October 2024

Photocatalytic hydrogen (H₂) production is regarded as an efficient method for generating renewable energy. Despite recent advancements in photocatalytic water splitting, the solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of photocatalysts remains well below the 10% target needed for commercial viability due to ongoing scientific challenges. This review comprehensively analyzes recent advancements in nanoscale engineering of photocatalytic materials, emphasizing techniques to enhance photogenerated charge separation for efficient solar hydrogen production. Here we highlight the nanoscale engineering strategies for effective charge separation including crystal engineering, junction engineering, doping-induced charge separation, tailoring optoelectronic properties, hierarchical architecture, defects engineering, various types of heterojunctions, and polarity-induced charge separation, and discuss their unique properties including ferroelectric on spatial charge separation along with the fundamental principles of light-induced charge separation/transfer mechanisms, and the techniques for investigation. This study, critically assesses strategies for effective photogenerated charge separation to enhance photocatalytic hydrogen production and offers guidance for future research to design efficient energy materials for solar energy conversion.
The Pastoral Usefulness of Female Scriptural Speech in Origen of Alexandria
Authors: De Cock Miriam
Published: October 2024

In this article, I wish to build on the little work previously done on the theme of Origen and women by focusing on Origen’s exegetical treatment of the speech uttered by a selection of female scriptural characters. I focus on their speech as a way of applying the observations made by Mark Randall James in his 2021 monograph, Learning the Language of Scripture: Origen, Wisdom, and the Logic of Interpretation, concerning one of Origen’s primary exegetical goals, namely, to teach his pastoral-exegetical audience to become those who speak the words of scripture. I therefore focus on Origen’s exegetical treatment of Mary and Elizabeth in his Homilies on Luke, the mother of the 7 martyrs in his Exhortation to Martyrdom, the Samaritan woman at the well in the Commentary on John, the Canaanite woman in the Commentary on Matthew, and finally the bride of the Song of Songs in the Commentary on the Song of Songs. I demonstrate that Origen’s approach to this female scriptural speech was textured and complex. In some cases, Origen was not prepared to provide fitting contexts in which their words might be spoken by his audience, but in others, he could be found teaching his audience to use female characters’ words as exemplary prayers, as words of encouragement in the face of a situation that may lead to martyrdom, as exemplary modes of proclaiming Christ, and even in difficult exegetical contexts. This focus on female utterances in the scriptural record allows us to see how thoroughly pastoral was Origen’s exegesis, thus moving us beyond the idea that Origen used “the feminine” only for the sake of understanding complex theological and philosophical ideas.
The Impact of Competition Intensity on Software Security: An Empirical Analysis of Web Browser Patch Releases
Authors: Jo Arrah-Marie
Published: October 2024

This paper investigates the relationship between competition intensity and the security level provided by software vendors, in particular when the software is free of charge to users. We examine the case of web browsers, a key component of internet security where vendors compete on quality and generate revenue through advertising. Using a pooled cross-sectional dataset on web browser security patch releases from 2009 to 2018, we analyze how competition affects the promptness of these releases. Our findings reveal that higher market concentration can enhance a vendor’s responsiveness in addressing vulnerabilities, though this positive effect weakens when a vendor becomes excessively dominant.
Fertility decisions and alternative types of childcare
Authors:   University of Turin, Pronzato Chiara , Picco Sharon ,   University of Florence, Ottone Stefania ,   University of Turin
Published: October 2024

Increasing population age and low fertility rates, which characterize most modern societies, compromise the balance between people who can participate in the labor market and people who need care. This is a demographic and social issue that is likely to grow in importance for future generations. It is therefore crucial to understand what factors can positively influence fertility decisions. Policies related to the availability and costs of different kinds of childcare (e.g. formal care, grandparents, childminders) should be considered after an evaluation of their effects on the probability of women having children.
A Comparison of Characteristics of Students of Korea’s Seowon and Medieval University Students of the West : Focusing on the Special Privilege of Seowon Students and University Students
Authors:   Institute of Korean Cultural Studies Yeungnam University, Yi Gwang-woo
Published: October 2024

This thesis is a comparative review of students in Korea’s Seowon and medieval university students of the West with the focus on special privilege. The institutions of the two sides were one of the highest education institutions for respective region to educate the national elites. Therefore, the national and regional powers provided social and economic special privilege to the students in respective institution. However, there are extremely clear differences in the special privilege granted to the specific class on the level of influence on the actual national advancement and development into modern educational institution. First of all, those students in medieval western universities had taken the extremely public benefit position regarding the functions of universities. Namely, those medieval universities were the self-autonomous organization of students who had strong drive on academic freedom and professional occupation, not as a facility of church or state power. The kept demanding on right of self-autonomy to the Pope and kings, and such demands were materialized due to the realistic needs. Such self-autonomy of universities and special privilege of students were symbolized as so-called ‘freedom of university’, and it was the foundation to establish them to grow into professional education institution to accommodate diversified academic fields after the modern era. On the other hand, the special privilege of Seowon students of Korea was distanced from the educational efficacy. Those special privileges granted for the purpose of encouraging the academic endeavors had turned into a mean to secure social and economic interests that are represented as an avoidance of national duties. Under the situation, the educational function of Seowon was greatly declined after the 17th century, but the special privilege represented for exemption of military service. In such aspect, it would be attributable as one of important factors that Seowon was unable to transit or advance as a modern educational institution in Korea.
The Contemporary Neo-Confucianism and Transmission of the Confucian Academy
Authors:   Institute of Korean Cultural Studies Yeungnam University, Jung Byung-Seok
Published: October 2024

Mayifu(馬一浮), Liangshuming(梁漱溟), Xiongshili(熊十⼒) and Zhangjunmai (張 君勱), who belong to the first generation of the Contemporary NeoConfucianist, established Confucian Academy or taught there, respectively. What they have in common is that they are the first generations of the Contemporary Neo-Confucianism school, criticizing the shortcomings of Chinese university education at the time and attempting to transmit the spiritual essence and academic tradition of traditional Confucian Academy to the modern world. In other words, it shows the idea of the Contemporary Neo-Confucianism to restore traditional Confucianism through the medium of Confucian Academy while modernly interpreting it anew. In this paper, I would like to discuss Fuxing Confucian Academy founded by Mayifu in Sichuan, Mianren Confucian Academy in Sichuan founded by Liangshuming and taught by Xiongshili, and Minzuwenhua Confucian Academy established by Zhangjunmai in Dali Yunnan. There are differences in the goals and educational content of these three Confucian Academies. Fuxing Confucian Academy was so retro that there was almost no difference from an ancient Confucian Academy. Mianren Confucian Academy instilled practical nationalist ideas in students in line with the needs of the times, and Minzuwenhua Confucian Academy opened many Western studies courses to show the same character as a kind of research institute. Based on this point of view, this paper first examines the characteristics and genealogy of modern Confucianism, and analyzes the purpose of establishment, mental pursuit direction, and educational content of the three Confucian Academies mentioned above. In addition, I would like to look at the paths of the three Confucian Academies after its establishment.
Japanese Teachers' Observation Trip to Manchuria·North China during the 1910s and 1920s
Authors:   Institute of Korean Cultural Studies Yeungnam University, Chang In Mo
Published: October 2024

This article examines the observation trip to Manchuria·North China of Japanese teachers in colonial Korea during the 1910s and 1920s. The observation trip was conducted under the following background. At that time, it was popular in Japan for students and teachers to travel to Manchuria. And in colonial Korea the teacher retraining policy was actively being implemented.
In the beginning, the trip group visited only Manchuria. However, the area of the visit gradually expanded to Qingdao, Beijing and Tianjin. The members of observation trip observed the natural environment, cityscapes, facilities of South Manchuria Railway Company, the Russo-Japanese War sites, the battlefield of the war between Germany and Japan, historic sites of China and a variety of schools. As a result, the observation trip to Manchuria·North China contributed to the improvement of Japanese teachers' qualities. In addition, it provided information about the situation of education for Koreans in South Manchuria and the current state of education in China to colonial authorities of Korea.
Politeness on Public Signs in Japanese And Indonesian Train Cars - A Study Of Linguistic Landscape
Authors: Mubarok Muhammad Habib , Hayati Novia , Haristiani Nuria
Published: October 2024

The study reports on the comparison of the esxpressions of politeness used in Japanese and Indonesian train cars. It aims to compare how politeness is expressed and in what situations or contexts politeness patterns are formulated on public signs in mobile public space, specifically inside Japanese and Indonesian train cars. This research is conducted under the framework of Linguistic Landscape approach, involving 36 photos of train cars signs in Japanese (19 photos) and in Indonesian (17 photos). This descriptive qualitative study analyzes signs by involving three types of public signs, including prohibitions, warnings, and instructions. The research results in some findings as follows. First, politeness marker in Japanese in any types of public signs of train cars involves the expressions kudasai or 'please' while that in Indonesian includes the use of the prefix 'di-' and the addition of lexical item of 'Mohon'. Second, in Japanese train cars signs, direct expressions appear almost in all types of signs but still using politeness, and explicitness is applied based on the situational needs of the signs, rather than the types of the signs. Similarly, in Indonesian train car signs, direct expressions appear in all types of signs and all signs use two types of politeness markers (lexical item of 'mohon' and the prefix 'di-'). The study found that he degree of politeness in sign expressions varies depending on the situation. Signs indicating danger or threats are typically less polite but more explicit, while those in regular areas are more polite but less explicit. This variation is evident in warning and instructional signs where the severity of the situation dictates the level of politeness and explicitness.