bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Fiber-Adhesive Composite on Bond Strength of Plastic Plates- Part IV: The Effect of Temperature on the Mechanical Behavior and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Noaman Abdelaziz
Published: December 2023

Composite truss core sandwich structures have the significant advantage in astronautic and aeronautic applications owing to their high specific stiffness and strength. In recent years, different composite sandwich panels have been designed, tested, and analyzed. The mechanical properties of composite materials may suffer when the material is exposed to high temperature, high humidity environments. Glass fiber reinforced plastics composite is extensively used as a structural material for pools, oil pipes and tanks because it has good corrosion resistance properties. In this work, the effect of temperature on PVC/PVC sandwich plates having 0.95 Wt.% glass fiber blended with different types of adhesives (epoxy, polyester, and polyvinyl chloride) is studied. Different temperatures (35 oC, 45 oC, 55 oC, 65 oC and 75 oC) as well as three times of exposure (2 hrs.,4 hrs. and 6 hrs.) is adopted. The mechanical properties such as tensile strength, ultimate strength, modulus of elasticity, energy to fracture, impact energy and adhesion shear at different temperatures are studied. The activation energy of PVC /PVC sandwich plates having glass fiber as reinforced material blended different adhesives was studied It has been found that the mechanical properties of PVC /PVC sandwich plates having 0.95 Wt.% glass fiber blended with different types of adhesives the mechanical properties are affected by temperature. In addition, it has been found that the activation energy of PVC /PVC sandwich plates having glass fiber as a reinforced material blended with polyvinyl acetate is the largest compared with epoxy and polyester.
The Combined Influence of Spin and Roughness Frequency on Sphere Aerodynamics
Authors: Elliott Jack , Smith Lloyd , Lyu Bin , Smith Barton
Published: December 2023

In this paper, the lift and drag of spinning spheres roughened with macro roughness elements are examined. The velocity field of these same spheres in flight is measured with Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). Several spheres with varying roughness are examined at various spin rates and fixed Reynolds number. Unlike previous studies where the roughness height is varied, in the present work the number of roughness elements is varied. The PIV datasets are used to determine the boundary layer separation points for each case. Comparing the lift and drag to the separation points reveals that 1) the separation points become more asymmetric with spin (the Magnus effect), 2) The drag increases with the size of the wake and 3) the drag increases with the asymmetry of the separation points, meaning that lift on spheres correlates to increased drag. Scant evidence of this third effect has been reported previously. Additionally, it is shown that, counter to smooth spheres, the force transmitted to the surface through the roughness elements leads to significant drag. The drag is shown to increase with the number of roughness elements while the lift decreases. Results have implications for understanding aerodynamic forces on bluff bodies with roughness and passive control of aerodynamic forces through roughness element frequency rather than the traditional roughness height.
Phenological variations of anemophilous species in an Atlantic-influenced Mediterranean environment: a long term study
Authors: Montiel Nuria , Hidalgo Pablo J. , Adame José Antonio , González-Minero Francisco
Published: December 2023

Numerous studies have shown that climate change is having an impact on the pollen production and emission of various anemophilous plant species, both herbaceous and woody. This study attempts to elucidate whether this trend, highly marked in Europe, is also occurring with species in the surrounding of the city of Huelva (south-western Spain), an area with a milder climate than the Mediterranean littoral due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. For this purpose, the factors influencing the main pollen season were studied for all local taxa with an occurrence of more than 1 % of the total, over the period 1993-2022, using an airborne pollen trap to determine the pollen concentration. A trend analysis of meteorological variables potentially affected by climate change, such as temperature (maximum, minimum and average), precipitation and the number of hours of insolation per day was also carried out.
Our results indicate that there is significant variation between herbaceous and woody taxa. Woody taxa show a trend towards increased pollen production, as noted in other areas in Europe, associated to temperature in previous seasons. By contrast, herbaceous taxa, are more dependent on meteorological variables, showing an acceleration in the end date of the main pollen season correlated with temperature and insolation. In conclusion, herbaceous taxa are the more sensitive group to climate alterations, and may be an immediate indicator of the consequences of climate change on biodiversity in this representative area of the Atlantic-influenced Mediterranean region.Our results indicate that there is significant variation between herbaceous and woody taxa. Woody taxa show a trend towards increased pollen production, as noted in other areas in Europe, associated to temperature in previous seasons. By contrast, herbaceous taxa, are more dependent on meteorological variables, showing an acceleration in the end date of the main pollen season correlated with temperature and insolation. In conclusion, herbaceous taxa are the more sensitive group to climate alterations, and may be an immediate indicator of the consequences of climate change on biodiversity in this representative area of the Atlantic-influenced Mediterranean region.
Large scale Multi-Labeled Aromatic Medcinal Plant Image classification using Deep Learnning
Authors: Asresa Tsega , Tigistu Getahun , Bayih Melaku
Published: December 2023

Computer vision is a subfield of artificial intelligence that allows computers and systems to extract meaning from digital images and video. It is used in a wide range of fields of study, including self-driving cars, video surveillance, medical diagnosis, manufacturing, law, agriculture, quality control, health care, facial recognition, and military applications. Aromatic medicinal plants are botanical raw materials used in cosmetics, medicines, health foods, essential oils, decoration, cleaning, and other natural health products for therapeutic and Aromatic culinary purposes. These plants and their products not only serve as a valuable source of income for farmers and entrepreneurs but also going to export for valuable foreign currency exchange. In Ethiopia, there is a lack of technologies for the classification and identification of Aromatic medicinal plant parts and disease type cured by aromatic medicinal plants. Farmers, industry personnel, academicians, and pharmacists find it difficult to identify plant parts and disease types cured by plants before ingredient extraction in the laboratory. Manual plant identification is a time-consuming, labor-intensive, and lengthy process. To alleviate these challenges, few studies have been conducted in the area to address these issues. One way to overcome these problems is to develop a deep learning model for efficient identification of Aromatic medicinal plant parts with their corresponding disease type. The objective of the proposed study is to identify the aromatic medicinal plant parts and their disease type classification using computer vision technology. Therefore, this research initiated a model for the classification of aromatic medicinal plant parts and their disease type by exploring computer vision technology. Morphological characteristics are still the most important tools for the identification of plants. Leaves are the most widely used parts of plants besides roots, flowers, fruits, and latex. For this study, the researcher used RGB leaf images with a size of 128x128 x3. In this study, the researchers trained five cutting-edge models: convolutional neural network, Inception V3, Residual Neural Network, Mobile Network, and Visual Geometry Group. Those models were chosen after a comprehensive review of the best-performing models. The 80/20 percentage split is used to evaluate the model, and classification metrics are used to compare models. The pre-trained Inception V3 model outperforms well, with training and validation accuracy of 99.8% and 98.7%, respectively.
Development of SiO2/rGO from Rice Husk for Photocatalysis, Antioxidant, Electrochemical and green sensor detection Studies
Authors: Swetha N , Lakshmi V Venkata , Mylarappa M , Chandruvasan S , Harisha K S
Published: December 2023

This study reports the extraction, characterization and development of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) doped silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanocomposite by simple reflux method. The nanocomposite was confirmed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-Visible spectroscopy techniques. The photocatalysis of malachite green (MG) was carried out for rGO, SiO2 and SiO2/rGO nanocomposite shows higher MG degradation about 97% compared to rGO, SiO2 and follows 1st order kinetics. The antioxidant action of SiO2/rGO nanocomposite was assessed using DPPH shows a more antioxidant activity (98%) and lower IC50 about 488.35 mg/mL. From electrochemical, the specific capacitance (Csp) value of SiO2/rGO (114 F/g) was exhibits higher compared to rGO (75 F/g) and SiO2 (96 F/g) respectively. The CV and sensor detection of bee pollen and cow urine samples were performed using nickel mesh electrode in 1M KCl in the potential range − 1 to 1 V. The SiO2/rGO was employed to analyze bee pollen and cow urine concentrations and the detection limits were found to be 0.260 mM and 0.413 mM respectively. The prepared electrode plays an important role for improving sensor detection of bee pollen and cow urine samples.
Flow regime identification of air-water two-phase counter-current flow in vertical annulus and eccentricity effect analysis：a machine learning approach
Authors: Cao Feng , Dang Ruirong , Dang Bo , Zheng Huifeng , Ji Anzhao , Chen Zhanjun , Zhao Jiaxuan , Sun Zhimeng
Published: December 2023

Gas-liquid two-phase counter-current flow has been involved in many industrial fields, due to the existence of the inner pipe and the variation of the eccentricity of the inner and outer pipes, the flow regimes are difficult to be visual identification. To solve this problem, a vertical annulus with adjustable eccentricity was designed. Experiments were carried out under different combination of gas-liquid flowrate and eccentricity. The feature vector was formed by PDF and principal components of PSD of two differential pressure signals. The clustering algorithm CFDP based on local density was used to cluster the experimental data, results show that this method can realize the identification of flow regimes without prior information, and the flow regime transition boundary agrees with the experimental results. The influence of pipe eccentricity on the flow regime transition is analyzed. The results show that, in most cases, pipe eccentricity has no obvious influence on the flow regimes. However, in the flow regime transition region, such as the bubbly flow to slug flow transition region, when the eccentricity is at a medium value, that is, e = 0.25,0.5,0.75, the flow is more likely to transit to slug flow, however, when e = 0,1. The flow tends to remain bubbly flow.
A proposed mathematical model to help preoperative planning between RIRS and MiniPerc for renal stones between 10 and 20 mm using Holmium:YAG laser (Cyber Ho): the Stone Management According to Size-Hardness (SMASH) score
Authors: Perri Davide , Mazzoleni Federica , Besana Umberto , Pacchetti Andrea , Morini Elena , Calandriello Mattia , Pastore Antonio Luigi , Romero-Otero Javier , Bruyere Franck , Sighinolfi Maria Chiara , Rocco Bernardo , Micali Salvatore , Gozen Ali Serdar , Liatsikos Evangelos , Roche Jean Baptiste , Bozzini Giorgio
Published: December 2023

Objectives
To evaluate the performance of a mathematical model to drive preoperative planning between RIRS and MiniPerc (MP) for the treatment of renal stones between 10–20 mm.
Methods
Patients with a renal stone between 10–20 mm were enrolled. A mathematical model named Stone Management According to Size-Hardness (SMASH) score was calculated: hounsfield units (HU) x stone maximum size (cm) / 100. Patients were divided into 4 groups: RIRS with score < 15 (Group A), RIRS with score ≥ 15 (Group B), MP with score < 15 (Group C), MP with score ≥ 15 (Group D). Cyber Ho device was always used. Stone free rate (SFR) was assessed after 3 months. Complication rate and need for auxiliary procedures were evaluated.
Results
Between January 2019 and December 2021, 350 patients were enrolled (87, 88, 82 and 93 in Groups A, B, C and D). Mean stone size was 13.1 vs 13.3 mm in Group A vs B (p = 0.18) and 16.2 vs 18.1 mm in Group C vs D (p = 0.12). SFR was 82%, 61%, 75% and 85% for Groups A, B, C and D. SFR was comparable between Groups C and D (p = 0.32) and Groups A and C (p = 0.22). SFR was significantly higher in Group A over B (p = 0.03) and in Group D over B (p = 0.02). Complication rate was 2.2%, 3.4%, 12.1%, 12.9% for Groups A, B, C, D.
Conclusion
RIRS and MP are both safe and effective. The mathematical model with the proposed cut-off allowed a proper allocation of patients between endoscopic and percutaneous approaches.
Registration number of the study: ISRCTN55546280
Enabling cation-exchange-based sorbents for high-capacity and efficient moisture-swing direct air capture of CO2
Authors: Wang Xueru , Deng Liyuan
Published: December 2023

Direct air capture (DAC) of CO2 is recognized to be a necessary complement to large point-source carbon capture due to the urgent need for a deep reduction in carbon emissions. As an energy-efficient regeneration mechanism, moisture-swing DAC (MSDAC) has received considerable attention in recent years. In this study, we extended the limited functional group types of MSDAC sorbent to most of the monovalent and divalent basic ions, and, for the first time, demonstrated experimentally the potential of cation-exchange-resins (CER) as MSDAC sorbents. Cation-exchange-resins loaded with various cations were tested, exhibiting an astounding CO2 capacity of 6.2 mmol/g in a chelating CER, significantly higher than the capacities of most MSDAC sorbents reported thus far. In addition, CERs can circumvent the common problem of hetero-ion contamination in MSDAC when using anion-exchange-resins (AER) as sorbents, thereby reducing the stringent need for high water quality, simplifying the MSDAC process and facilitating large-scale applications.
Spatial-temporal Traffic Imputation with Uncertainty Quantification on Highway with Generative Adversarial Network and Transformer
Authors: Shen Zhou (Eric)
Published: December 2023

The efficient management of traffic flow on highways is crucial for ensuring safety, reducing congestion, and optimizing transportation infrastructure. However, real-world scenarios often involve missing or incomplete traffic data, posing challenges for decision-making in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). In this paper, we present a novel methodology, the GAN-Transformer Imputer (GTI), for spatial-temporal traffic imputation. Our approach integrates Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and Transformers to address the limitations of existing methods. The GAN component generates realistic traffic data, while the Transformer captures long-range dependencies and temporal patterns. Through a series of experiments on synthetic and real-world datasets, we demonstrate the superior performance of GTI compared to state-of-the-art methods. GTI consistently outperforms traditional statistical methods, machine learning approaches, and deep learning methodologies in terms of Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), and F1 Score. The key contributions of this work lie in the seamless integration of GANs and Transformers, providing a robust solution for spatial-temporal traffic imputation. Our methodology, with its adversarial training and uncertainty quantification, holds promise for enhancing decision-making processes in ITS, contributing to the advancement of transportation systems and urban planning.
Post COVID-19 Pandemic and Intimate Partner Violence: Family Physician to Its Rescue
Authors:   Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, SEGi University, Selangor, Malaysia, Chidambaram Ramasamy , Sivakumar Indumathi ,   Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, SEGi University, Selangor, Malaysia
Published: December 2023

COVID-19 has created panic waves wherein the world is under test and Malaysia is no exception. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is one among the exhaustive list and seen rise in cases especially after the lockdown where families must spend more time with each other. Good news that the movement restrictions are lifted, meanwhile it is likely that family physicians can expect more admissions of IPV. Reports from the Ministry of Health Malaysia state the last year cases have noticed a spike of 42%. Thereby the present communication aims to keep the family physician informed on the rising IPV related injuries. Our prime concern is about the reluctant victims that remain undetected. In reality, situations become tougher especially when victim is accompanied by her perpetrator. Being the first person to contact victim, the family physician should utilise this post-pandemic as a potential strategy to identify the voiceless victims in perpetrators presence.
Analysis of past and projected changes in extreme precipitation indices in some watersheds in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Amichiatchi N'da Jocelyne Maryse Christine , Hounkpè Jean , Soro Gneneyougo Emile , Khadijat Ojelabi Oluwatoyin , Larbi Isaac , Limantol Andrew Manoba , Alhassan Abdul-Rauf Malimanga , Bi Tie Albert Goula , Lawin Agnidé Emmanuel
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study is to analyse trends in annual rainfall extremes over five watersheds within Côte d'Ivoire using observed (1976–2017) and projected (2020–2050) rainfall data from the fourth version of the Rossby Centre regional atmospheric model, RCA4, for the representative concentration pathways RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5. Four rainfall extreme indices, namely, the consecutive dry days (CDD), maximum annual rainfall (Pmaxan), very wet day (R95p), and maximum 5-day rainfall (Rx5days), were considered for trend analysis by using the non-parametric modified Mann–Kendall test and the distribution mapping bias-correction technique to adjust the simulated regional climate model of the simulated daily precipitation. As a result, it is found that during the period 1976–2017, there was a significant downward trend in the drought-related index (CDD) at the Bagoue, Baya, Agneby, and Lobo watersheds. The Baya and N'zo watersheds also experienced a significant downward trend under the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios. The flood-related indices (Pmaxan, R95p, and Rx5days) show a clear downward trend in the recorded data for almost all the considered watersheds and generally a significant upward trend for both cases. These findings indicate that the watersheds are vulnerable to climate-induced disasters.
Hydrogeochemical and qualitative assessment of groundwater in a southern Mediterranean region: an example of the Aïn Témouchent area (northwestern Algeria)
Authors: Hallouche Bachir , Hadji Fatiha
Published: December 2023

The present research aims to assess the hydrogeochemical processes, the suitability of groundwater for human consumption, and the influence degree of seawater intrusion of the coastal aquifers of the Aïn Témouchent region (northwestern Algeria). In this context, 29 groundwater samples were taken during April–May 2018 and analyzed for 11 physicochemical parameters. Piper and Chadha's diagrams allowed the identification of Na–Cl dominant hydrogeochemical facies and Ca (Mg)–Cl type facies, indicating the influence of salt water. Simpson's Index results highlighted that groundwater was slightly contaminated by saltwater. Obtained values of the seawater mixing index (SMI) and Cl−/(HCO3−), Na+/Cl− and Ca2+/Mg2+ ratios indicated the majority of the sampling sites are affected by seawater intrusion. The integration of the water quality index (WQI) spatial variation through the geographic information system (GIS) indicated that in the Southern part of the study region, and 55.2% of water samples are suitable as drinking water. Adversely, for the northern part, where groundwater is influenced by seawater intrusion, water sampling points fall into bad and very bad categories. The results of the study show that hydrogeochemical processes are responsible for the salinity of groundwater in the study area, in addition to marine intrusion.
Olhares nativos
Authors: Barros Fábio Júnior da Luz
Published: December 2023

O presente ensaio visual se trata de uma pesquisa etnográfica feita no II Encontro Estadual Quilombolas, ocorrido em 2020, na comunidade quilombola do Pratigi, localizado no município de Camamu-BA. O presente ensaio visa analisar, através das fotografias, as atuais problemáticas da comunidade quilombola do Pratigi. Metodologicamente falando, eu coletei dados em campo, tirei fotos e em seguida tratei adobe photoshop, além disso, consultei algumas referências bibliográfica, como: SANTOS (2020); FILHO et al. (2018) e EVARISTO (2018), para amarrar a prática com a teoria. Ficou evidente, que está havendo uma destruição do território quilombola do Pratigi, mas, a impressão, pós-encontro, é que estes povos estão se organizando para contrapor-se a estes tipos de invasões a seus territórios.
Análise dos fatores que influenciam a satisfação de estudantes de Medicina brasileiros nas modalidades de ensino remota e presencial
Authors: Gamba Lima Celimara , Alonso Denise de Oliveira , Machado Junior Celso
Published: December 2023

A satisfação do aluno decorre da comparação entre suas expectativas e a percepção pessoal de qualidade. Esta pesquisa quantitativa objetivou investigar quais fatores melhor explicam a satisfação dos estudantes submetidos a diferentes modalidades de ensino. A amostra é de um curso de Medicina brasileiro que utiliza aprendizagem baseada em problemas. Os recortes temporais foram o segundo semestre de 2020, durante o isolamento social e emprego da modalidade remota (n=249), e o segundo semestre de 2021, após o retorno às aulas presenciais (n=249). A análise de regressão indicou que a satisfação foi explicada por diferentes fatores em função da modalidade de ensino. Na modalidade remota, a satisfação foi influenciada pelo fator "Aluno" (57,1%), dependente do estímulo do professor. Já na modalidade presencial foi influenciada pelo fator “Aula” (57,3%), mais relacionada ao protagonismo do aluno e às atitudes do docente no processo de aprendizagem.
Review on the Artificial Intelligence-based Nanorobotics Targeted Drug
Delivery System for Brain-specific Targeting
Authors: Rai Akriti , Shah Kamal , Dewangan Hitesh Kumar
Published: December 2023

Contemporary medical research increasingly focuses on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to maintain
homeostasis in healthy individuals and provide solutions for neurological disorders, including brain cancer.
Specialized in vitro modules replicate the BBB's complex structure and signalling using micro-engineered perfusion
devices and advanced 3D cell cultures, thus advancing the understanding of neuropharmacology. This
research explores nanoparticle-based biomolecular engineering for precise control, targeting, and transport of
theranostic payloads across the BBB using nanorobots. The review summarizes case studies on delivering therapeutics
for brain tumors and neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis.
It also examines the advantages and disadvantages of nano-robotics. In conclusion, integrating machine learning
and AI with robotics aims to develop safe nanorobots capable of interacting with the BBB without adverse
effects. This comprehensive review is valuable for extensive analysis and is of great significance to healthcare
professionals, engineers specializing in robotics, chemists, and bioengineers involved in pharmaceutical development
and neurological research, emphasizing transdisciplinary approaches.
Physical Activity and Screen Time of Children Aged 5-13 Years during the COVID-19 Lockdown in Mongolia: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Badamjav Tegshjargal , Dondov Ganchimeg , Batsaikhan Ankhzaya , Batsaikhan Batbold , Lonjid Tulgaa
Published: December 2023

Background:

A novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has posed a significant threat to global health and the economy over the last two years. In December 2019, a novel coronavirus infection began in Wuhan, China, and quickly spread throughout the world. Since January 2020, the Mongolian government has enforced a social distancing policy, and the country has been one of the few where the disease has not spread. In the 143 days since the outbreak, 575 cases have been reported, resulting in three cases of public emergency preparedness and 50 days of lockdown. The new school year began in September 2021, but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, children will be required to study online from home again on 12th November. It was interesting how the pandemic lockdown affected screen time and physical activity in children.

Objective:

We aimed to assess the relationship between physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) of children aged 5-13 years’ Mongolian residents during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Methods:

The observational cross-sectional study was conducted during the COVID-19 lockdown between 5th Feb and 9th March 2021 which was the second lockdown of Mongolia, and we have studied 1005 children aged 5-13 years from the capital city. The questionnaire was used which was prepared by the study team and the questionnaire included 33 questions to evaluate screen time and physical activity. All parents reported the questionnaire to give some information about their children. We used appropriate statistical methods in SPSS software.

Results:

A total of 1005 children aged 5-13 years from 628 families were involved in the survey which included 51.9% boys and 44.1% girls. The median of PA and ST was 300 minutes [min, max: 0, 1260] and 30 minutes [min, max: 0,180]. The linear regression revealed a weak negative correlation (r2=0.005, p<0.0001) between PA and ST. When ST and PA analyzed in age by age groups, there was a statistically significant negative dynamic of ST mean time and PA mean score (p<0.0001). Older kids have more ST and lower PA during lockdown time. During this lockdown, 60.4% of the parents reported that their children showed a decrease in PA.

Conclusion:

The mean score of physical inactivity has decreased and ST increased dramatically among children 5-13 years as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown.
Annual Performance Evaluation of a Novel Industrial-scale Solar
Dryer for Phosphogypsum Waste
Authors: El-Ghetany H.H. , El Rafie Sh. , El-Awady M.H. , Osman Randa M. , Awad Abouelata Ahmed M.
Published: December 2023

Introduction:

Solar drying is considered one of the most promising technologies for
drying the phosphogypsum “Calcium Sulfate Dehydrate” material as a clean source of energy
and saving the environment from its negative impact if it is dried in an open landfill.

Method:

The dried phosphogypsum (PG) may be recycled and utilized in many useful applications.
The presented design of the trapezoidal-shaped greenhouse solar dryer is the preferable
solution to perform the drying process in the daytime with solar energy. It may be usable at
night, during cloudy and rainy periods, using evacuated tube solar collectors via sensible heat
solar thermal energy storage. The system can be operated for 24 hours by solar energy. From
theoretical calculations, it was found that the drying time decreased as the gypsum layer in the
drying trays decreased due to the improvement of the heat transfer mechanism. The designed
solar dryer was studied at various loading capacities depending on the gypsum thickness on the
dryer trays. Capacities were 8280 kg, 6624 kg, 4968 kg, 3312 kg, and 1656 kg, corresponding to
gypsum thickness of 5 cm, 4 cm, 3 cm, 2 cm, and 1 cm, respectively. The daily collected
amount of water and the daily moisture content were estimated with different gypsum thicknesses
during all months of the year.

Result:

It was found that the solar dryer with a capacity of 1,656 kg weight was technically and
economically feasible. It was also found that the maximum reduction of moisture content occurred
during the summer season, while the minimum values were achieved during winter.

Conclusion:

With a mass of gypsum equal to 1,656 kg weight, the moisture content of gypsum
started to decrease from its initial value (35%) until it reached the final value (10%) in 4 scenarios:
the first one, 2 days from April to September, 3 days from March to November, more than 3
days in other months while the minimum moisture content, i.e., 20%, was reported in the first
day in June.
Rosmarinic Acid as a Potential Multi-targeted Inhibitor for SAR-CoV-2:
An In silico Virtual Screening Approach
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Kumar Vikash
Published: December 2023

Background:

Rosmarinic acid, a natural compound found in various plants like rosemary
and lemon balm, may have potential as a multi-targeted inhibitor for SARS-CoV-2, a strain of virus
responsible for COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2, a fusion protein of S1 and S2 subunits, has multiple precursors
angiotensin-converting enzyme2 (ACE2), transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2),
papain-like protease (PLpro), and 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro). The chemical interaction
of Rosmarinic acid with SARS-CoV-2 is of major interest reported here.

Objective::

The quantitative study of Rosmarinic acid with various precursors of SARS-CoV-2 has
been accounted for in detail. Furthermore, the conformational flexibility of Rosmarinic acid has also
been investigated during the interaction with four different precursors of SARS-CoV-2.

Methods:

This investigation delves deeply into the analysis of various aspects, including geometric
parameters, atomic charge, the energy gap between the highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular
orbitals, dipole moments, and the analysis of non-covalent interactions (NCI). Furthermore,
the study incorporates molecular docking techniques in conjunction with thorough quantum chemical
calculations to provide comprehensive insights.

Results:

Rosmarinic acid shows promise as a versatile inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible
for COVID-19. It can target multiple key precursors of the virus, including TMPRSS2, angiotensin-
converting enzyme2, 3CLpro, and PLpro, found in the fusion protein comprising S1 and S2 subunits.
This study delves into the quantitative analysis of Rosmarinic acid's interactions with these
precursors. Its adaptable structure allows it to engage with them effectively. Various molecular parameters,
including atomic charge, energy gap between molecular orbitals, dipole moment, and noncovalent
interactions, are comprehensively explored.

Conclusion:

Combining molecular docking and quantum mechanics, the findings suggest Rosmarinic
acid's potential as a multi-targeted SARS-CoV-2 inhibitor.
Getting back to the real world
Authors: Zandvliet David Bryan
Published: December 2023

Today, STEM and/or STEAM frameworks dominate the discourse around science education and what constitutes a ‘scientific’ literacy.  While no one definition prevails in the literature, this literacy is often defined in the context of a current national concerns and focuses largely on Eurocentric (western) models of science and/ or scientific knowledge in terms of concepts, models, theories, or principles. As it currently stands, the term STEM is mostly used when addressing educational policy and curriculum choices in schools, aimed at improving competitiveness in science and technology with implications for workforce and economic development (often with some missing voices from women and Indigenous communities).  Without an important socio-cultural critique, education of this kind can maintain and promote hegemonic beliefs and values while ignoring collateral problems relating to scientific or technological development: many of which have been linked to social and environmental injustice.  In this paper, I offer three perspectives in an effort to decentre the discourse around the STEM movement.  Using the overlapping themes of biocultural diversity, two-eyed seeing and guided inquiry, I offer suggestions on how to reframe science education as an interdisciplinary practice centred on student and community needs.  In these ways, science education can ‘get back to the real world’ and promote creative approaches to science literacy, problem solving and cultural inquiry.
Scientific Dissemination Practices in Basic Education
Authors: Campani Daiana
Published: December 2023

This work assumes that it is a basic school commitment to contribute to scientific dissemination, scientific literacy, and the establishment of a culture of science in society, especially in Brazil, a country where scientific denialism is still very present. The purpose of this text is to reflect on the challenges and results of a practical experience with scientific dissemination at the Fundação Escola Técnica Liberato Salzano Vieira da Cunha, a public technical high school in Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Two actions carried out by a Portuguese language teacher at the institution are reported: the work with the discursive genre news for scientific dissemination in high school classes and the editorial of the journal Liberato Científica, the institution's journal for scientific dissemination.
New Day
Authors: Hartman Herbert Shane
Published: December 2023

In the spirit of Indigenous storytelling and cultural significance, the artwork portrays a profound narrative. At its core is the image of a radiant light bulb, its rays symbolizing the birth of a new idea, akin to the moment when a light bulb ignites in one's mind. Yet, within this light resides a Raven, a sacred and central figure in many coastal First Nations stories. Raven embodies the timeless tale of light, a story woven through the fabric of Indigenous cultures.
Review of Jean-Marie Beyssade, Études sur Spinoza (2023)
Authors: Moreno Heredia Jorge Ignacio
Published: December 2023

The papers that Jean-Marie Beyssade dedicated to the work of Baruch Spinoza have been recently published under the title Études sur Spinoza. This review offers a general presentation of the volume, as well as a summary of some of the papers seeking to bring to light their underlying continuity by emphasizing Beyssade’s methodological approach and his interpretative preoccupation with the problem of ethical salvation in the Ethics.
Patient Portal Use and Risk of Readmissions in Decompensated Cirrhosis: Retrospective Study
Authors: Louissaint Jeremy , Gibbs Jeffrey , Shenoy Abhishek , Cohen-Mekelburg Shirley , Lok Anna , Tapper Elliot
Published: December 2023

Background

Patient portals are a common electronic medical record tool that allow for the asynchronous exchange of health information between patients and their health care teams. Patients can leverage patient portals to perform tasks such as viewing test results, reviewing clinical notes, and messaging their health care team. The impact of patient portal use on clinical outcomes in cirrhosis is unknown.

Objective

In this study, we evaluated the relationship between patient portal use patterns and readmissions in cirrhosis.

Methods

We identified 131 patients with decompensated cirrhosis with an index cirrhosis-related admission between May 1, 2018, and May 1, 2019. We then examined patient portal enrollment and use data during the 6-month period preceding the study period. Portal functions evaluated included sending a message, reading a message, and reading a test result. Use was categorized as active (sending a message) and passive (reading a message or test result) and was further stratified as no, moderate, or frequent use based on the frequency of portal function use compared to the mean. The primary outcomes were 90-day and overall readmissions, adjusted for age, model for end-stage liver disease–sodium, alcohol-related cirrhosis etiology, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. Portal functions assessed included sending a message, reading a message, and reading a result; the total number of times a portal function was performed was divided by the number of months the patient was enrolled in the patient portal during the 6-month period.

Results

The study population was 50.4% (66/131) female, with a mean age of 58 years. Enrollment in the patient portal was 63.4% (83/131), and there was no significant difference in enrollment based on clinical or demographic characteristics. For the entire cohort, 14.5% (19/131) and 22.1% (29/131) of patients were moderate and frequent active users, respectively. Of those enrolled in the patient portal, 97.6% (81/83) of patients were moderate or frequent passive users for both reading a message and reading a test result. Moderate active users had less 90-day readmissions (odds ratio 0.77, 95% CI 0.60-1.00) and overall readmissions (subdistribution hazard ratio 0.42, 95% CI 0.21-0.84), compared to nonactive users. There was no relationship between readmissions and passive use.

Conclusions

Passive use of the patient portal is very high but is not associated with the risk of readmissions in people with decompensated cirrhosis. However, moderately active use of the patient portal is associated with a reduced risk of readmissions. Further work is needed to identify possible confounders and refine key use behaviors that may be protective with regard to the risk of readmission in this population.
Key Features of Smart Medication Adherence Products: Updated Scoping Review
Authors: Faisal Sadaf , Samoth Devine , Aslam Yusra , Patel Hawa , Park SooMin , Baby Bincy , Patel Tejal
Published: December 2023

Background

Older adults often face challenges in self-managing their medication owing to physical and cognitive limitations, complex medication regimens, and packaging of medications. Emerging smart medication dispensing and adherence products (SMAPs) offer the options of automated dispensing, tracking medication intake in real time, and reminders and notifications. A 2021 review identified 51 SMAPs owing to the rapid influx of digital technology; an update to this review is required.

Objective

This review aims to identify new products and summarize and compare the key features of SMAPs.

Methods

Gray and published literature and videos were searched using Google, YouTube, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. The first 10 pages of Google and the first 100 results of YouTube were screened using 4 and 5 keyword searches, respectively. SMAPs were included if they were able to store and allowed for the dispensation of medications, tracked real-time medication intake data, and could automatically analyze data. Products were excluded if they were stand-alone software applications, not marketed in English, not for in-home use, or only used in clinical trials. In total, 5 researchers independently screened and extracted the data.

Results

This review identified 114 SMAPs, including 80 (70.2%) marketed and 34 (29.8%) prototypes, grouped into 15 types. Among the marketed products, 68% (54/80) were available for consumer purchase. Of these products, 26% (14/54) were available worldwide and 78% (42/54) were available in North America. There was variability in the hardware, software, data collection and management features, and cost of the products. Examples of hardware features include battery life, medication storage capacity, availability of types and number of alarms, locking features, and additional technology required for use of the product, whereas software features included reminder and notification capabilities and availability of manufacturer support. Data capture methods included the availability of sensors to record the use of the product and data-syncing capabilities with cloud storage with short-range communications. Data were accessible to users via mobile apps or web-based portals. Some SMAPs provided data security assurance with secure log-ins (use of personal identification numbers or facial recognition), whereas other SMAPs provided data through registered email addresses. Although some SMAPs were available at set prices or free of cost to end users, the cost of other products varied based on availability, shipping fees, and subscription fees.

Conclusions

An expanding market for SMAPs with features specific to at-home patient use is emerging. Health care professionals can use these features to select and suggest products that meet their patients’ unique requirements.
Efficacy of Voclosporin in Proliferative Lupus Nephritis with High Levels of Proteinuria
Authors: Menn-Josephy Hanni , Hodge Lucy S. , Birardi Vanessa , Leher Henry
Published: December 2023

Background

In a phase 3 study of adults with active lupus nephritis, addition of voclosporin to mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and low-dose glucocorticoids led to significant improvements in the proportion of participants achieving complete and partial renal response as well as sustained reduction in proteinuria. This analysis examined the efficacy and safety of voclosporin in a subgroup of the phase 3 study with proliferative lupus nephritis and high levels of proteinuria.

Methods

Participants were randomized to oral voclosporin (23.7 mg twice daily) or placebo for 12 months; all participants received MMF and low-dose glucocorticoids. This analysis includes participants with class III or IV (±class V) lupus nephritis and baseline urine protein–creatinine ratio (UPCR) ≥3 g/g. Efficacy end points included complete renal response (UPCR ≤0.5 g/g with stable eGFR, low-dose glucocorticoids, and no rescue medication), partial renal response (≥50% reduction from baseline UPCR), and UPCR over time. Safety outcomes were also assessed.

Results

A total of 148 participants were in the voclosporin (n=76) and control (n=72) arms. At 12 months, 34% and 11% of participants in the voclosporin and control arms, respectively, achieved a complete renal response (odds ratio, 4.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.78 to >9.99; P = 0.001). A partial renal response was achieved by 65% of the voclosporin arm and 51% of the control arm at 12 months (odds ratio, 1.60; 95% CI, 0.8 to 3.20; P = 0.18). More voclosporin- than control-treated participants achieved UPCR ≤0.5 g/g (51% versus 26%), and voclosporin-treated participants met this end point significantly earlier (hazard ratio, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.19 to 3.60; P = 0.01). The incidence of adverse events was similar between the arms; mean eGFR values remained stable and within normal range in both arms.

Conclusions

Addition of voclosporin to MMF and low-dose glucocorticoids resulted in a significantly higher proportion of participants with proliferative lupus nephritis achieving complete and partial renal responses as well as earlier reductions in proteinuria, with no evidence of worsening kidney function.
A Study on the Role of Traditional Sports of Ethnic Minorities in University Education from the Perspective of Cultural Inheritance
Authors: Dai Duo
Published: December 2023

This study focuses on the role of cultural transmission of ethnic minority traditional sports in university education. As a rich and diversified cultural heritage, traditional sports of ethnic minorities carry profound historical and cultural connotations, which are crucial to the maintenance of cultural diversity. However, these traditional cultural elements are facing an increasingly weakening trend, especially under the wave of modernization. As an important cultural transmission platform, university education has great potential to promote the preservation, inheritance and dissemination of traditional culture. Through an in-depth study of traditional ethnic minority sports in university education, this study aims to explore how they can stimulate students’ interest in traditional culture and promote cultural identity, as well as potential ways to pass on and promote these valuable heritages on university campuses. Ultimately, our study aims to provide new perspectives in the field of cultural heritage and to promote cultural heritage in university education in order to ensure that these traditional cultural elements flourish in modern society.
New Thoughts on Guiding Students’ Values in the Microblog Era
Authors: Xu Xueke
Published: December 2023

With the popularization of the Internet, which promotes the arrival of the microblogging era, college students in today’s colleges and universities are the main population in the microblogging era. Microblog attracts college students with its popularity, flexibility and originality. Due to the complexity of microblogging information, the lack of attention to microblogging education in colleges and universities, as well as some factors of college students themselves, microblogging will have a certain impact on the values of college students, which is specifically manifested in the sense that it makes college students increase their awareness of social participation, realizes and vulgarizes their value orientation, and makes their value standards relatively loose. Therefore, in the era of microblogging, it is necessary to take effective strategies to guide college students to establish correct values.
The Inspiration of German Civic Education to China’s Ideological and Political Education Work
Authors: Ren Liang
Published: December 2023

German civic education has undergone a complex development process and has a long history. Through the analysis and study of the basic profile of German civic education, it is clear that the characteristics of German civic education: focusing on the democratic nature of education, focusing on the practical experience of the citizens, emphasizing the citizens’ sense of rights and responsibilities and strengthening the influence of religious education, has a multifaceted significance for promoting the further development of the theory and practice of ideological and political education in China.
A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW ON CAPLACIZUMAB FOR THE TREATMENT OF ACQUIRED THROMBOTIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA
Authors: KANNAN MUTHU KARUPPEE , DHAVANAM RAMESH BABU LOKESH KUMAR , VIJAYAGANAPATHY LOKESHWAR , MYLAINATHAN RUBAK KUMARAN , WIN MIN TUN DENNIS , Jayram Jayasutha
Published: December 2023

Objective: A systematic review of literature addressing the efficacy and safety of caplacizumab for patients with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP) was done.
Methods: The literature search for 5 years (2017–2021) was conducted using particular search terms in databases/search engines (PubMed, Cochrane), and articles were screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 394 peoples were involved in the selected studies.
Results: With caplacizumab, the median time to normalization of the platelet count was faster than with a placebo. In comparison to those who received a placebo, patients who received caplacizumab required fewer plasma exchanges and spent less time in the hospital. Mucocutaneous bleeding was reported by 65% of participants receiving caplacizumab and 48% of patients receiving a placebo as the most frequent side effect. Three patients died in the placebo group. After the trial period, one patient died due to cerebral ischemia in the caplacizumab group.
Conclusion: Caplacizumab was efficacious and well tolerated in patients with aTTP who experienced a diseases exacerbation.