bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Floral Buds before and after Opening in Walnut (Juglans regia L.)
Authors: Li Haoxian , Chen Lina , Liu Ruitao , Cao Shangyin , Lu Zhenhua
Published: July 2024

The walnut (Juglans regia L.) is a typical and an economically important tree species for nut production with heterodichogamy. The absence of female and male flowering periods seriously affects both the pollination and fruit setting rates of walnuts, thereby affecting the yield and quality. Therefore, studying the characteristics and processes of flower bud differentiation helps in gaining a deeper understanding of the regularity of the mechanism of heterodichogamy in walnuts. In this study, a total of 3540 proteins were detected in walnut and 885 unique differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified using the isobaric tags for the relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-labeling method. Among all DEPs, 12 common proteins were detected in all four of the obtained contrasts. GO and KEGG analyses of 12 common DEPs showed that their functions are distributed in the cytoplasm metabolic pathways, photosynthesis, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, which are involved in energy production and conversion, synthesis, and the breakdown of proteomes. In addition, a function analysis was performed, whereby the DEPs were classified as involved in photosynthesis, morphogenesis, metabolism, or the stress response. A total of eight proteins were identified as associated with the morphogenesis of stamen development, such as stamen-specific protein FIL1-like (XP_018830780.1), putative leucine-rich repeat receptor-like serine/threonine-protein kinase At2g24130 (XP_018822513.1), cytochrome P450 704B1-like isoform X2 (XP_018845266.1), ervatamin-B-like (XP_018824181.1), probable glucan endo-1,3-beta-glucosidase A6 (XP_018844051.1), pathogenesis-related protein 5-like (XP_018835774.1), GDSL esterase/lipase At5g22810-like (XP_018833146.1), and fatty acyl-CoA reductase 2 (XP_018848853.1). Our results predict several crucial proteins and deepen the understanding of the biochemical mechanism that regulates the formation of male and female flower buds in walnuts.
Using Eye-Tracking to Create Impactful Interpretation Signage for Botanic Gardens and Other Visitor Attractions
Authors: Spooner Sarah L. , Heath Nicola , Dymond Tee
Published: July 2024

Despite their prevalence in almost all publicly orientated conservation settings, sign design receives limited attention in the research literature. We used a remote eye-tracking device to test how visitors read educational signs, maps, and species signage. Three designs, plus a plain-text control sign, were tested for each sign type. Sign content was based on Brackenhurst Botanic Garden, Kenya, and included four different information texts (156–256 words long) and a species information text (64 words long). Four presentations of extinction threat status were also tested as were depictions of trail routes on maps. Data were collected from 51 participants at six cultural venues across Nottingham, U.K. Signs positioned centre-left of an exhibit were read first. Information on the left-hand side of signs was read first and dwelled upon the longest. Signs with a single large image and a single block of text were generally preferred, and images were most frequently recalled. Extinction threat status was most frequently viewed and best recalled from green–red thermometer diagrams and least from the IUCN red list diagram. Map routes were clearest when presented as coloured solid lines. This study indicates the potential benefit of eye-tracking research for measuring sign use and assisting in sign design.
Unprecedented High Probe-Reported Polarity of Deep Eutectic Solvents Composed of Lanthanide Salts and Urea
Authors: Patra Anushis , Khokhar Vaishali , Pandey Siddharth
Published: July 2024

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as viable alternatives to toxic organic solvents. The most intriguing aspect of these solvents is perhaps the widely varying physicochemical properties emerging from the changes in the constituents that form DESs along with their composition. Based on the constituents, a DES can be hydrophilic/polar or hydrophobic/non-polar, rendering a vastly varying spectrum of polarity a possibility. DESs formed by mixing urea (U) with hydrated lanthanide salts, lanthanum nitrate hexahydrate (La : U), cerium nitrate hexahydrate (Ce : U), and gadolinium nitrate hexahydrate (Gd : U), respectively, exhibit very high polarity as manifested via the probe-reported empirical parameters of dipolarity/polarizability (π*). The highest π* of 1.70 exhibited by the DES (Gd : U) in a 1 : 2 molar ratio is unprecedented. The π* ranges from 1.50 to 1.70 for these DESs, which is almost the highest reported for any solvent system. The π* decreases with an increasing amount of urea in the DES; however, the anomalous trends in H-bond donating acidity (α) and H-bond accepting basicity (β) appear to be due to the hydrated water of the lanthanide salt. The emission band maxima of the fluorescence probe of the “effective” dielectric constant (εeff) of the solubilizing media, pyrene-1-carboxaldehyde (PyCHO), in salt-rich DESs reflect higher cybotactic region dipolarity than that offered by water. Probe Nile red aggregates readily in these DESs to form non-fluorescent H-aggregates, which is a characteristic of highly polar solvents. The behavior of probe pyranine also corroborates these outcomes as the (lanthanide salt : urea) DES system supports the formation of the deprotonated form of the probe in the excited state. The (lanthanide salt : urea) DES system offers solubilizing media of exceptionally high polarity, which is bound to expand their application potential.
Diagnostic Value of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance T1 and T2 Mapping in Acute Myocarditis: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Gaizauskiene Karolina , Leketaite Kamile , Glaveckaite Sigita , Valeviciene Nomeda
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives: Over the past decade, there has been increasing attention paid to advanced and innovative cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) modalities, such as T1 and T2 mapping, which play a major role in diagnosing diffuse myocardial disease. There is little data summarizing the current evidence regarding the diagnostic accuracy of T1 and T2 mapping, and extracellular volume (ECV) in acute myocarditis. The aim of our study was to select, analyze, and systematically review the recent scientific literature on the diagnostic value of CMR T1 and T2 parametric mapping in clinically suspected acute myocarditis. Materials and Methods: The literature search was performed in the PubMed database. Articles published in the years 2014–2024 were included in the analysis. At the initial stage, 458 articles were reviewed, and 13 exploratory research studies were further analyzed and presented in this systematic literature review. Results: The analysis included 686 patients with clinically suspected myocarditis and 372 subjects in the control group. The average age of patients with suspected myocarditis was 40.25 years; 26% of them were women. Prolonged native myocardial T1 relaxation time provides diagnostic accuracy in the setting of suspected acute myocarditis ranging from 69 to 99%, with sensitivity from 64 to 98% and specificity from 87 to 100%. Diagnostic accuracy of prolonged T2 relaxation time ranges from 47 to 87%, with sensitivity being from 48% to 94% and specificity from 60% to 92%. ECV alone showed moderate diagnostic performance, with diagnostic accuracy ranging from 62% to 76%, sensitivity from 47% to 73%, and specificity from 76% to 90%. T1 and T2 mapping and ECV, combined with the late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) technique, increases the probability of detecting myocardial inflammatory changes at various stages of the disease, improving the diagnostic accuracy to 96%. Conclusions: New quantitative CMR techniques, i.e., T1 and T2 mapping, have an advantage over conventional CMR sequences in detecting inflammatory myocardial structural changes and play an important role in diagnosing acute myocarditis. Incorporating these sequences in daily clinical practice increases the diagnostic value of CMR in acute myocarditis and becomes an alternative to endomyocardial biopsy, which has been considered the gold standard until now.
A Shared Metrological Framework for Trustworthy Virtual Experiments and Digital Twins
Authors: Maculotti Giacomo , Marschall Manuel , Kok Gertjan , Chekh Brahim Ahmed , van Dijk Marcel , Flores Jon , Genta Gianfranco , Puerto Pablo , Galetto Maurizio , Schmelter Sonja
Published: July 2024

Virtual experiments (VEs) and digital twins (DTs), pivotal for realizing European strategic policies on sustainability and digitalization within Industry 4.0 and the European Green Deal, simulate physical systems and characteristics in a virtual environment, with DTs incorporating dynamic inputs from and outputs to the real-world counterpart. To ensure confidence in their use and outcomes, traceability and methods to evaluate measurement uncertainty are needed, topics that are hardly covered by the literature so far. This paper provides a harmonized definition of VEs and DTs and introduces a framework for evaluating measurement uncertainty. Furthermore, it discusses how to propagate the uncertainty of the contributions coming from the different parts of the DT. For the core part of the DT, the framework derived for VEs can be used. For the physical-to-virtual (P2V) connection and the virtual-to-physical (V2P) connection, additional sources of uncertainty need to be considered. This paper provides a metrological framework for taking all these uncertainty contributions into account while describing a framework to establish traceability for DTs. Two case studies are presented to demonstrate the proposed methodology considering industrially relevant measuring instruments and devices, namely, a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) and a collaborative robot arm (cobot).
CoalHeritage: Visualising and Promoting Europe’s Coal Mining Heritage
Authors: Krassakis Pavlos , Karavias Andreas , Zygouri Evangelia , Koukouzas Nikolaos , Szewerda Kamil , Michalak Dariusz , Jegrišnik Tadeja , Kamenik Matjaž , Charles Nicolas , Beccaletto Laurent , Bellenfant Gaël , Hildebrandt Robert , Jarosławska-Sobór Sylwia , Flores Hernan , Dogan Tansel , Haske Julia , Zarogiannis Theodoros , Badouna Ioanna , Manoukian Eleonora , Karampetsou Eleftheria , Karapanos Dimitrios , Marias Georgios-Orion , Maraslidis George S. , Karametou Rania , Giouvanidis Efstratios
Published: July 2024

Heritage and culture tourism involve features that commemorate a valued past. Mining heritage tourism allows visitors to experience the past, guided by former mining landscapes and engaging interactively with material artifacts. This paper introduces the CoalHeritage European project, focusing on the promotion of coal mining heritage through the production and design of the European Visual Map Journal (EVMJ). The EVMJ is a user-friendly, web-based, interactive storytelling platform that supports the transfer of industrial and geoheritage from former coal mining areas. It aims to collect and disseminate heritage assets from post-mining coal areas, informing stakeholders and promoting these sites as tourist destinations. To further enhance public awareness, several ESRI StoryMaps web apps are being created to highlight specific features of each case study across Europe. The aim of this work is to introduce coal mining heritage as a new term, present the coal heritage platform and its importance for disseminating coal heritage aspects to the public, describe the methodology used for its design, and provide a brief overview of its evolving content.
Structural Evolution of Small-Sized Phosphorus-Doped Boron Clusters: A Half-Sandwich-Structured PB15 Cluster
Authors: Wang Danyu , Yang Yueju , Li Shixiong , Chen Deliang
Published: July 2024

The present study is a theoretical investigation into the structural evolution, electronic properties, and photoelectron spectra of phosphorus-doped boron clusters PBn0/− (n = 3–17). The results of this study revealed that the lowest energy structures of PBn− (n = 3–17) clusters, except for PB17−, exhibit planar or quasi-planar structures. The lowest energy structures of PBn (n = 3–17), with the exceptions of PB7, PB9, and PB15, are planar or quasi-planar. The ground state of PB7 has an umbrella-shaped structure, with C6V symmetry. Interestingly, the neutral cluster PB15 has a half-sandwich-like structure, in which the P atom is attached to three B atoms at one end of the sandwich, exhibiting excellent relative and chemical stability due to its higher second-order energy difference and larger HOMO–LUMO energy gap of 4.31 eV. Subsequently, adaptive natural density partitioning (AdNDP) and electron localization function (ELF) analyses demonstrate the bonding characteristics of PB7 and PB15, providing support for the validity of their stability. The calculated photoelectron spectra show distinct characteristic peaks of PBn− (n = 3–17) clusters, thus providing theoretical evidence for the future identification of doped boron clusters. In summary, our work has significant implications for understanding the structural evolution of doped boron clusters PBn0/− (n = 3–17), motivating further experiments regarding doped boron clusters.
Shifting Mycobacterial Serine Hydrolase Activity Visualized Using Multi-Layer In-Gel Activity Assays
Authors: Goss Allison L. , Shudick Renee E. , Johnson R. Jeremy
Published: July 2024

The ability of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to derive lipids from the host, store them intracellularly, and then break them down into energy requires a battery of serine hydrolases. Serine hydrolases are a large, diverse enzyme family with functional roles in dormant, active, and reactivating mycobacterial cultures. To rapidly measure substrate-dependent shifts in mycobacterial serine hydrolase activity, we combined a robust mycobacterial growth system of nitrogen limitation and variable carbon availability with nimble in-gel fluorogenic enzyme measurements. Using this methodology, we rapidly analyzed a range of ester substrates, identified multiple hydrolases concurrently, observed functional enzyme shifts, and measured global substrate preferences. Within every growth condition, mycobacterial hydrolases displayed the full, dynamic range of upregulated, downregulated, and constitutively active hydrolases independent of the ester substrate. Increasing the alkyl chain length of the ester substrate also allowed visualization of distinct hydrolase activity likely corresponding with lipases most responsible for lipid breakdown. The most robust expression of hydrolase activity was observed under the highest stress growth conditions, reflecting the induction of multiple metabolic pathways scavenging for energy to survive under this high stress. The unique hydrolases present under these high-stress conditions could represent novel drug targets for combination treatment with current front-line therapeutics. Combining diverse fluorogenic esters with in-gel activity measurements provides a rapid, customizable, and sensitive detection method for mycobacterial serine hydrolase activity.
Research Progress on the Anti-Cancer Effects of Astragalus membranaceus Saponins and Their Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Sheng Feiya , Yang Siyu , Li Mi , Wang Jiaojiao , Liu Lianghong , Zhang Lele
Published: July 2024

Astragalus membranaceus saponins are the main components of A. membranaceus, a plant widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Recently, research on the anti-cancer effects of A. membranaceus saponins has received increasing attention. Numerous in vitro and in vivo experimental data indicate that A. membranaceus saponins exhibit significant anti-cancer effects through multiple mechanisms, especially in inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and induction of apoptosis, etc. This review compiles relevant studies on the anti-cancer properties of A. membranaceus saponins from various databases over the past two decades. It introduces the mechanism of action of astragalosides, highlighting their therapeutic benefits in the management of cancer. Finally, the urgent problems in the research process are highlighted to promote A. membranaceus saponins as an effective drug against cancer.
Mimicking Polymer Processing Conditions on the Meso-Scale: Relaxation and Crystallization in Polyethylene Systems after Uni- and Biaxial Stretching
Authors: Grommes Dirk , Bruch Olaf , Reith Dirk
Published: July 2024

Highly varying process conditions drive polymers into nonequilibrium molecular conformations. This has direct implications for the resulting structural and mechanical properties. This study rigorously investigated processing-property relations from a microscopic perspective. The corresponding models use a mesoscale molecular dynamics (MD) approach. Different loading conditions, including uniaxial and biaxial stretching, along with various cooling conditions, were employed to mimic process conditions on the micro-scale. The resulting intricate interplay between equi-biaxial stretching, orientation, and crystallization behavior in long polyethylene chains was reviewed. The study reveals notable effects depending on different cooling and biaxial stretching procedures. The findings emphasize the significance of considering distributions and directions of chain ordering. Local inspections of trajectories unveil that crystal growth predominantly occurs in regions devoid of entanglements.
A Transcriptomic Evaluation of Neuroactive Receptors in the Colon of a Dextran Sodium Sulphate Pig Model of Colitis
Authors: Ryan Marion T. , O’Doherty John V. , Sweeney Torres
Published: July 2024

The enteric nervous system (ENS) interacts bidirectionally with the local immune system, responding to inflammation within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In a previous study using the same samples, several gene targets were identified as being differentially expressed in the inflamed colonic tissue of pigs challenged with dextran sodium sulphate (DSS). Additionally, animals in the basal DSS group, exhibited reduced growth and increased fecal and pathology scores, while the relative abundance of beneficial taxa was reduced and harmful bacteria increased. While changes in the innate immune response and barrier function are widely cited regarding inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the effects of inflammation on the local structures of the enteric nervous system (ENS) are less well understood. Hence, the objectives of this study were to: (1) evaluate the expression of a range of functionally diverse neuroactive receptors, transporters and neurotrophic factors in RNA derived from the colonic tissue from the same pigs; (2) examine associations with these neuroactive components and inflammatory, barrier function and matrix remodeling targets. Mature pigs were split into two experimental groups: (1) basal diet (n = 10); (2) basal diet + DSS (n = 11). The pigs were orally challenged with DSS once daily for four days and sacrificed humanely. Colonic tissue was collected for gene expression analysis. Most of the targets evaluated in this study were present at low levels or in some cases were undetectable by QPCR, including the dopamine receptor DRD5 and the serotonin receptor HTR3A. The dopamine receptors (DRD1, DRD3, DRD4), serotonin receptor (HTR4), and other selected neuroactive receptors (GRM7, GABRA2) were down-regulated in the DSS-challenged animals relative to the basal group (p < 0.05). Most notably, DRD2, was up-regulated four-fold, suggesting an active process involving this receptor (p < 0.05). Relationships with (previously published) gene expression data from the same samples suggest that DRD1 and DRD2 are influenced by different pathways and may also be interlinked with matrix remodeling and, more specifically, genes relevant to the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (CDH1, CDH2, IL6, IL13, IL10, MMP1, MMP2) an important fibrotic process in the pathogenesis of IBD.
Quantum Theory of Lee–Naughton–Lebed’s Angular Effect in Strong Electric Fields
Authors: Lebed Andrei G.
Published: July 2024

Some time ago, Kobayashi et al. experimentally studied the so-called Lee–Naughton–Lebed’s (LNL) angular effect in strong electric fields [Kobayashi, K.; Saito, M.; Omichi E.; Osada, T. Phys. Rev. Lett. 2006, 96, 126601]. They found that strong electric fields split the LNL conductivity maxima in an α-(ET)2-based organic conductor and hypothetically introduced the corresponding equation for conductivity. In this paper, for the first time, we suggest the quantum mechanical theory of the LNL angular oscillations in moderately strong electric fields. In particular, we demonstrate that the approximate theoretical formula obtained by us well describes the above mentioned experiments.
Correction: Kim, M.-G.; Pan, S.B. A Study on User Recognition Using the Generated Synthetic Electrocardiogram Signal. Sensors 2021, 21, 1887
Authors: Kim Min-Gu , Pan Sung Bum
Published: July 2024

In the original publication [...]
Apple Watch 6 vs. Galaxy Watch 4: A Validity Study of Step-Count Estimation in Daily Activities
Authors: Hong Kyu-Ri , Hwang In-Whi , Kim Ho-Jun , Yang Seo-Hyung , Lee Jung-Min
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of two wearable smartwatches (the Apple Watch 6 (AW) and the Galaxy Watch 4 (GW)) and smartphone applications (Apple Health for iPhone mobiles and Samsung Health for Android mobiles) for estimating step counts in daily life. A total of 104 healthy adults (36 AW, 25 GW, and 43 smartphone application users) were engaged in daily activities for 24 h while wearing an ActivPAL accelerometer on the thigh and a smartwatch on the wrist. The validities of the smartwatch and smartphone estimates of step counts were evaluated relative to criterion values obtained from an ActivPAL accelerometer. The strongest relationship between the ActivPAL accelerometer and the devices was found for the AW (r = 0.99, p < 0.001), followed by the GW (r = 0.82, p < 0.001), and the smartphone applications (r = 0.93, p < 0.001). For overall group comparisons, the MAPE (Mean Absolute Percentage Error) values (computed as the average absolute value of the group-level errors) were 6.4%, 10.5%, and 29.6% for the AW, GW, and smartphone applications, respectively. The results of the present study indicate that the AW and GW showed strong validity in measuring steps, while the smartphone applications did not provide reliable step counts in free-living conditions.
A Wireless Network for Monitoring Pesticides in Groundwater: An Inclusive Approach for a Vulnerable Kenyan Population
Authors: Mutunga Titus , Sinanovic Sinan , Harrison Colin
Published: July 2024

Safe drinking water is essential to a healthy lifestyle and has been recognised as a human right by numerous countries. However, the realisation of this right remains largely aspirational, particularly in impoverished nations that lack adequate resources for water quality testing. Kenya, a Sub-Saharan country, bears the brunt of this challenge. Pesticide imports in Kenya increased by 144% from 2015 to 2018, with sales data indicating that 76% of these pesticides are classified as highly hazardous. This trend continues to rise. Over 70% of Kenya’s population resides in rural areas, with 75% of the rural population engaged in agriculture and using pesticides. Agriculture is the country’s main economic activity, contributing over 30% of its gross domestic product (GDP). The situation is further exacerbated by the lack of monitoring for pesticide residues in surface water and groundwater, coupled with the absence of piped water infrastructure in rural areas. Consequently, contamination levels are high, as agricultural runoff is a major contaminant of surface water and groundwater. The increased use of pesticides to enhance agricultural productivity exacerbates environmental degradation and harms water ecosystems, adversely affecting public health. This study proposes the development of a wireless sensor system that utilizes radio-frequency identification (RFID), Long-range (LoRa) protocol and a global system for mobile communications (GSM) for monitoring pesticide prevalence in groundwater sources. From the system design, individuals with limited literacy skills, advanced age, or non-expert users can utilize it with ease. The reliability of the LoRa protocol in transmitting data packets is thoroughly investigated to ensure effective communication. The system features a user-friendly interface for straightforward data input and facilitates broader access to information by employing various remote wireless sensing methods.
Advancing Non-Line-of-Sight Communication: A Comprehensive Review of State-of-the-Art Technologies and the Role of Energy Harvesting
Authors: Al-Ghafri Yasir , Asif Hafiz M. , Tarhuni Naser , Nadir Zia
Published: July 2024

Enhancing spectral efficiency in non-line-of-sight (NLoS) environments is essential as 5G networks evolve, surpassing 4G systems with high information rates and minimal interference. Instead of relying on traditional Orthogonal Multiple Access (OMA) systems to tackle issues caused by NLoS, advanced wireless networks adopt innovative models like Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA), cooperative relaying, Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), and intelligent reflective surfaces (IRSs). Therefore, this study comprehensively analyzes these techniques for their potential to improve communication reliability and spectral efficiency in NLoS scenarios. Specifically, it encompasses an analysis of cooperative relaying strategies for their potential to improve reliability and spectral efficiency in NLoS environments through user cooperation. It also examines various MIMO configurations to address NLoS challenges via spatial diversity. Additionally, it investigates IRS settings, which can alter signal paths to enhance coverage and reduce interference and analyze the role of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in establishing flexible communication infrastructure in difficult environments. This paper also surveys effective energy harvesting (EH) strategies that can be integrated with NOMA for efficient and reliable energy-communication networks. Our findings show that incorporating these technologies with NOMA not only enhances connectivity and spectral efficiency but also promotes a stable and environmentally sustainable data communication system.
Machine Learning Models and Applications for Early Detection
Authors: Zapata-Cortes Orlando , Arango-Serna Martin Darío , Zapata-Cortes Julian Andres , Restrepo-Carmona Jaime Alonso
Published: July 2024

From the various perspectives of machine learning (ML) and the multiple models used in this discipline, there is an approach aimed at training models for the early detection (ED) of anomalies. The early detection of anomalies is crucial in multiple areas of knowledge since identifying and classifying them allows for early decision making and provides a better response to mitigate the negative effects caused by late detection in any system. This article presents a literature review to examine which machine learning models (MLMs) operate with a focus on ED in a multidisciplinary manner and, specifically, how these models work in the field of fraud detection. A variety of models were found, including Logistic Regression (LR), Support Vector Machines (SVMs), decision trees (DTs), Random Forests (RFs), naive Bayesian classifier (NB), K-Nearest Neighbors (KNNs), artificial neural networks (ANNs), and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), among others. It was identified that MLMs operate as isolated models, categorized in this article as Single Base Models (SBMs) and Stacking Ensemble Models (SEMs). It was identified that MLMs for ED in multiple areas under SBMs’ and SEMs’ implementation achieved accuracies greater than 80% and 90%, respectively. In fraud detection, accuracies greater than 90% were reported by the authors. The article concludes that MLMs for ED in multiple applications, including fraud, offer a viable way to identify and classify anomalies robustly, with a high degree of accuracy and precision. MLMs for ED in fraud are useful as they can quickly process large amounts of data to detect and classify suspicious transactions or activities, helping to prevent financial losses.
The Multi-Visit Vehicle Routing Problem with Drones under Carbon Trading Mechanism
Authors: Xiao Qinxin , Gao Jiaojiao
Published: July 2024

In the context of the carbon trading mechanism, this study investigated a multi-visit vehicle routing problem with a truck-drone collaborative delivery model. This issue involves the route of a truck fleet and drones, each truck equipped with a drone, allowing drones to provide services to multiple customers. Considering the carbon emissions during both the truck’s travel and the drone’s flight, this study established a mixed integer programming model to minimize the sum of fixed costs, transportation costs, and carbon trading costs. A two-stage heuristic algorithm was proposed to solve the problem. The first stage employed a “Scanning and Heuristic Insertion” algorithm to generate an initial feasible solution. In the second stage, an enhanced variable neighborhood search algorithm was designed with problem-specific neighborhood structures and customized search strategies. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm was validated with numerical experiments. Additionally, this study analyzed the impact of various factors on carbon trading costs, revealing that there exists an optimal combination of drones and trucks. It was also observed that changes in carbon quotas do not affect carbon emissions but do alter the total delivery costs. These results provide insights for logistics enterprise operations management and government policy-making.
Study on the Carbon Emission Reduction Effect of China’s Commercial Circulation Industry
Authors: Li Qiang , Su Yanwen , Wang Yafei
Published: July 2024

The circulation industry, centered on the flow of commodities and supported by logistics, information, and capital flows, serves as a vital link between production and consumption, playing a pivotal role in enhancing production efficiency and facilitating economic transformation and upgrading. Through the spatial aggregation and interconnection of industries such as wholesale and retail, logistics, and catering, the circulation industry forms an economic system characterized by spatial cohesion and resource sharing, thereby significantly impacting carbon emissions through improved production efficiency. This study integrates both the “production side” and “consumption side” into an analytical framework examining the relationship between the circulation industry and carbon emissions. It looks into the mechanisms underlying the industry’s influence on carbon reduction and empirically tests these mechanisms using systematic estimation methods based on data from 30 Chinese provinces spanning 2011 to 2020. The results reveal a pronounced carbon reduction effect within the circulation industry, which intensifies across quantiles, exhibiting regional disparities with stronger effects in central regions compared to eastern regions and insignificant effects in western regions. On the production side, the circulation industry significantly reduces carbon emissions through scale, technology, and structural effects. Conversely, on the consumption side, while the upgrading of rural residents’ consumption structure exhibits a carbon emission suppression effect, the same upgrade among urban residents leads to an enhancement of carbon emissions. The primary contribution of this study lies in constructing an analytical framework that explores the nexus between the circulation industry and carbon emissions. It empirically validates the mechanisms through which the industry impacts carbon emissions at both the production and consumption ends, uncovering regional heterogeneities in carbon reduction efforts. This work provides novel theoretical insights and empirical evidence that can inform global carbon reduction strategies.
Rutaecarpine Aggravates Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Injury by Inducing CYP1A2
Authors: Wan Meiqi , Gao Hua , Liu Xiaoyan , Zhang Youbo
Published: July 2024

In this study, we investigated whether rutaecarpine could aggravate acetaminophen-induced acute liver damage in vivo and in vitro. CCK-8 and apoptosis assays were performed to verify the cytotoxicity of acetaminophen to L02 cells with or without rutaecarpine. The expression levels of the target proteins and genes were determined using Western blotting and qRT-PCR. The liver pathological changes were evaluated with hematoxylin and eosin staining, while the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (AST) levels in plasma were measured to assess the liver damage. Our results revealed that pretreatment of the cell and mice with rutaecarpine significantly aggravated the acetaminophen-induced liver damage. Mechanistically, rutaecarpine induces the CYP1A2 protein, which accelerates the metabolism of acetaminophen to produce a toxic intermediate, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), leading to severe liver inflammation. Rutaecarpine exacerbated the liver damage by upregulating CYP1A2 and proinflammatory factors. These findings highlight the importance of carefully considering the dosage of rutaecarpine when combined with acetaminophen in drug design and preclinical trials.
Study of an Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy Considering Split-Phase Voltage Quality
Authors: Yan Fulu , Hua Mian , Zhao Feng , Liang Xuan
Published: July 2024

Slow-charging electric vehicle (EV) loads are single-phase loads in the power distribution network (PDN). The random access of these EVs to the network brings to the forefront the split-phase voltage quality issues. Therefore, a two-layer EV charging strategy considering split-phase voltage quality is proposed in this paper. Issues with voltage unbalance (VU), split-phase voltage deviation (VD), and split-phase voltage harmonics (VHs) are included in the optimization objective model. An upgraded version of the multi-objective non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) is used in the inner layer of the model and to pass the generated EV phase selection scheme to the outer layer. The outer layer consists of a split-phase harmonic current algorithm based on the forward–backward generation method, and feeds the voltage quality calculation results to the inner layer. After several iterations, the optimal EV phase selection scheme can be obtained when the inner layer algorithm satisfies the convergence condition. The results gained for the example indicate that the suggested EV charging approach can effectively handle the PDN’s split-phase voltage quality. Furthermore, it enhances the energy efficiency of PDN operations and promotes further energy consumption.
Optimizing Electric Racing Car Performance through Telemetry-Integrated Battery Charging: A Response Surface Analysis Approach
Authors: Villa-Salazar A. F. , Gomez-Miranda I. N. , Romero-Maya A. F. , Velásquez-Gómez J. D. , Lemmel-Vélez K.
Published: July 2024

The link between the world of communications and the world of racing is provided by the telemetry systems in electric racing cars. These systems send real-time data about the vehicle’s behavior and systems to enable informed decisions during the race. The objective of this research was to integrate telemetry into the battery bank of an electric racing car in order to find the optimal values of current and voltage that optimize the charging process and thus improve the performance of the vehicle in competition using Response Surface Analysis. Specifically, the telemetry system consisted of an Arduino Mega, a digital wattmeter, and temperature sensors, all installed in the vehicle. Once the telemetry data were obtained, a response surface design was fitted with current, voltage, and temperature as factors varying from low to high values, with the objective function being to minimize the battery charging time. Using the response surface methodology and the steepest descent algorithm, it was found that all factors significantly affect the charging time, with the minimum charging time being 6961 s, obtained with a current of 2.4 amps and voltages of 50.5 volts and 43.6 volts.
LAPORAN KASUS: MANFAAT IASTM, TENS MODEL AKUPUNKTUR DAN LATIHAN FUNGSIONAL PADA PELARI AMATIR DENGAN ILIOTIBIAL SYNDROME
Authors: Putri Rafika Sakina , Rahman Farid
Published: July 2024

Salah satu cedera yang sering dialami pelari adalah Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) yang memengaruhi 54.5% pelari. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi dan menilai efektivitas teknik IASTM, Tens model akupunktur dan program latihan fungsional terhadap indeks nyeri, lingkup gerak sendi, kekuatan otot, dan panjang tungkai, dan aktivitas fungsional. Studi kasus dilakukan di Surakarta, 29 September 2023 pada seorang pelari amatir dengan Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) menggunakan metode fisioterapi berupa IASTM, TENS model akupunktur, dan program latihan fungsional dalam 12 sesi pertemuan selama 6 minggu dengan analisis data melalui evaluasi pengukuran menggunakan Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Goniometer, meterline. Setelah diberikan intervensi IASTM, TENS model akupunktur dan program latihan fungsional selama 6 minggu menghasilkan peningkatan yang signifikan dalam menurunkan tingkat nyeri dengan follow up 1 nyeri diam 3/10, nyeri tekan dan gerak 9/10 dan follow up 3 nyeri diam,nyeri tekan dan nyeri gerak 0/10, meningkatkan lingkup gerak sendi hip gerakan fleksi dari S: 15°- 0°-140° pada follow up 1, meningkat menjadi S: 15°- 0°-175° pada follow up 3, peningkatan kekuatan otot pada region hip dari nilai 4 menjadi 5, dan peningkatan aktivitas fungsional terutama ketika berlari. Implikasi dari penelitian ini memberikan informasi  efektivitas intervensi terhadap ITBS, pentingnya penggabungan pendekatan intervensi serta perlunya penelitian lebih lanjut
Corporate training systems in production companies of Russia
Authors: Abolmasov A. V. , Smirnov S. A. , Golubitskaya T. A. , Dolzhenko R. A.
Published: July 2024

In the context of constant changes and the need to quickly respond to challenges from the outside world, the need for constant training and development of personnel becomes mandatory for business. Identification of basic directions for the development of training and development systems, consolidation of best practices, including the example of Rosatom, will make it possible to formulate recommendations for domestic companies that are faced with the need to create and develop such effective systems. The methodological basis of the study was the work of a research group of scientists from the Higher School of Management of St. Petersburg State University under the leadership of E.K. Zavyalova and the Higher School of Business of the National Research University Higher School of Economics in the studies of V.S. Katkalo. In-depth interviews with managers of the training and development function of domestic large manufacturing companies, analysis of cases and documents of enterprises that have created a dedicated structure that implements the training and development function. The information base of the study consisted of materials from 20 interviews with HR directors and directors of corporate universities/educational centers, and the results of an analysis of the experience of 9 companies. The analysis showed that the functions of development and education, its representation and place in the organization’s system largely depend on the general director or HR director. Training is not a priority area for working with personnel; in most cases, the training and development function is a service function. The number of company personnel and the size of the training and development function are weakly related to each other, as is the connection of the latter with the effectiveness of the function. The findings of the study may be useful for organizational leaders and HR directors planning to develop the education and development function in the company.
A modern view of the future development of direct producer-consumer interaction under conditions of change
Authors: Tretiakov A. S.
Published: July 2024

The purpose of the article is to analyze the opportunities of direct interaction between companies with consumers in conditions of changes using D2C business model, to help trading organizations extract benefits from D2C model, to achieve a competitive advantage and satisfying customer needs. In recent years, D2C model has become more and more popular within the development of digital technologies and online sales. The tasks of this article are to investigate the main advantages of the D2C model, such as increasing the profitability of the company due to the lack of intermediaries and the possibility of managing prices for its products, creating its own brand and image by improving recognition and creating unique experience for their customers, scaling business by attracting new customers, the introduction of new products and innovations that allow you to quickly respond to changes in consumer demand, it is better to adapt to the requirements of the market and be more flexible in their business solutions. The article will also consider possible risks and the methods of their leveling are proposed. Trade companies that manage to effectively integrate D2C model into their business successfully interact with the consumer, improve the quality of their products based on the collected customer feedback. However, in conditions of changes that directly affect consumer needs, increase in competition and the need to build long-term relations, force trading companies to encounter challenges when introducing D2C model. The article will open up the problems and methods of solving them for the trading companies effective adaptation to any changes in the market. The object of research are different tools used for the effective implementation of D2C model in modern trading organizations. The subject of the study is the relationship between company and the consumer during the implementation of D2C strategy. The research methodology is based on objective trends, significant connections and dependencies. Key results are reduced to the analysis of the effectiveness of methods for the successful implementation of D2C strategy of a trading company. The conclusion declares the general conclusion that companies using D2C model have huge potential for development in Russia, and with competent strategic planning, competitive advantages increase significantly.
A Report on Teaching and Modelling Research Skills in a Classroom Setting: Social Work Students Using Their Learning and Experiences to Investigate the Link Between Modes of Learning Delivery and Social Work Core Competencies
Authors: Ayallo Irene , Akbar Nadia Mary , Burgess Faith , Celebrin Ben Francis , Colmore Melissa Jane , Davis Jon-Teen Shaunessy Rae , De Veyra Saso Jr Manuel , Dooms Stella Alex , Faiilagi Jane , Galvin Emma Siobhan , Greaves Renee Chanelle Hinemotu , Guthrie Olivia Katherine , Hindeshwar Ashley Shamita , Iefata Josephine Faaiu Toso , Kent-Ford Mckayla Joy , Laulu Brenda Ulalemamae , Leavasa Tuteru , Leech Ciara Rose , Malo Pelenatino Eliza , Masae Jecheala Lynette Tala , Khel Farishta Michan , Moore Kalisha Gay Erina , Narayan Leila , Petelo Desmond John , Robson Gregory Maurice , Russell Jade Renee , Salt Tiras Jaran Josiah Lolohea , Sayid Abdulkarim Ahmed , Sultani Ahmad Zia , Tasi Matthew , Tegegne Kidist Worku , Tomlinson Lisa Marie Frances , Vea-Malakai Kalofiama Mei Tonga , Wright Tyler Ngahuia , Yanez Courteney Daniela
Published: July 2024

In Semester 2 (July–November) 2022, Dr Irene Ayallo collaborated with the students in the Research Methods course in Unitec’s Bachelor of Social Practice to investigate the link between learning delivery modes and students’ ability to demonstrate the Aotearoa New Zealand Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) core competencies (see Appendix 1). The aim of the project was to teach research skills and, simultaneously, critically analyse whether the shift in learning delivery due to the Covid-19 pandemic could impact the students’ future competencies as social workers in the Aotearoa New Zealand context. The report describes the research design process and presents a literature review, findings from data, and a discussion of the findings. Findings from this research show that the learning environment within which social work education is delivered has changed significantly, provoked by the events during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. Rethinking social work education delivery models is inevitable and required in this new environment. Carefully designed flexible delivery models, such as a mix of in-person and online (blended), would be most effective in safeguarding against and minimising learning disruptions without compromising quality. The most impactful delivery model for social work students is characterised by engaging and interactive content, practical activities and group work, increasing and checking retention, clear structure and guidelines, consistency, flexibility, and capability building for staff and students. The extent to which these can be achieved depends on addressing individual student and staff factors, and broader institutional resources, guidelines and policies.
Hakekat Belajar dan Peranan Edutaiment Dalam Bingkai Pendidikan Islam
Authors: Sya’rani Muh.
Published: July 2024

An educator can only carry out his duties well if he obtains clear and correct answers through understanding the basic elements and concepts of education as a whole, including the nature of learning as one of the most urgent elements in the world of education. The research method uses Library Research (Library Study). In Islam, the essence of learning is at least seen as first; learning is a theo-anthropocentric necessity. Second; learning is an activity that can be done anytime and anywhere and third; that learning can not only be done by oneself, but also with the help of others, both in the form of asking questions and so on, and fourth: that the learning process can be designed or engineered in various forms and methods carried out by oneself and others in achieve these learning objectives, so that the results achieved can be better. Even though the edutainment method is believed to be a learning method that developed in the western world, essentially Islam, through the Koran and Hadith, has laid the foundation for enjoyable learning as the jargon of this edutainment method. This certainly shows that in Islam, especially the Koran which is humanity's guide, it is not only understood normatively as a text that regulates Sharia laws.
IMPLEMENTASI KURIKULUM K-13 YANG DISESUAIKAN DENGAN KURIKULUM MERDEKA DI SLB-A PRPCN PALEMBANG
Authors: Astuti Mardiah , Marlina Leny , Saprullah Saprullah , Irvan Indra Ari , Fitrianti Eka
Published: July 2024

Pendidikan anak berkebutuhan khusus adalah pendidikan yang disesuaikan dengan kebutuhan fisik, intelektual, emosional, dan sosial anak. Penelitian ini mengevaluasi implementasi Kurikulum K-13 yang Beradaptasi dengan Kurikulum Merdeka pada Anak Berkebutuhan Khusus di SLB-A PRPCN Palembang, dengan menggunakan metode kualitatif studi kasus. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan kemajuan yang baik, tetapi masih ada kendala seperti kurangnya guru berkualitas dan fasilitas pembelajaran yang memadai. Untuk meningkatkan mutu pendidikan anak berkebutuhan khusus, diperlukan upaya berkelanjutan dalam pengorganisasian, motivasi, dan koordinasi. Faktor pendukung meliputi kualifikasi guru yang sesuai dan kerjasama dengan sekolah lain, sementara faktor penghambat termasuk kualifikasi guru yang kurang memadai dan kekurangan media pembelajaran. Dalam kesimpulannya, penelitian ini menekankan pentingnya upaya berkelanjutan dalam mengatasi tantangan dalam implementasi Kurikulum untuk pendidikan anak berkebutuhan khusus. Ini dapat dicapai dengan meningkatkan kualifikasi guru, fasilitas pembelajaran, dan mempertimbangkan faktor pendukung dan penghambat. Upaya ini diharapkan dapat meningkatkan mutu pendidikan anak berkebutuhan khusus di SLB-A PRPCN Palembang