bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Text and Image Reception on the Example of the Old Believer Synodicon of the XVIII century: on the Question of the Semantics of Thanatological Representations
Authors: Kolos R. A.
Published: October 2024

The study of the semantics of images and colors found in the Old Believer miniaturist helps to better understanding and revealing the meaning of thanatological representations of this confessional group. Special role belongs to the text that accompanies the miniature and often becomes a source of interpretation of certain symbols. The purpose of the article is to reconstruct the reception of the image through the text and the semantics of illustration colors by a representative of the XVIII cent. as a bearer of semiotic and semantic codes of historical and cultural tradition.

The article reveals the external ideas of the Old Believers about the afterlife through the description of the plot of the sinner’s soul in hell depicted on the miniature and represents an attempt to read and reveal the semantics of the images found in the miniature. An important place in the publication belongs to the study of color perception and its role in the description of images.

The author provides a brief overview of pre-revolutionary, Soviet and modern historiography devoted to interdisciplinary intersections in this issue, thereby actualizing the problem field under consideration, as well as forming the theoretical foundation of this research.

The article also describes the miniature contained in the manuscript, the plot and compositional basis is revealed, the characters are highlighted, and the connection of the handwritten miniature with the book tradition of Ancient and Medieval Russia is revealed.

When comparing the source under study with other sources (22 archival Old Believer manuscripts: 7 of them are Synodica, 7 are Collections of teachings, words, etc., the remaining ones include the lives of saints, apocalypses, etc.), the author tries to make correlation between the use of color in certain images and its meaning. Based on such a comparison, the semantics of colors is revealed: red is the color of saints and sinners, white is the color of the spiritual and bodily, the role of green and black is shown in preserving the book tradition and the depiction of animals. The conclusions of the article include highlighting of colors/images and patterns in their use.
State Regulation of Public Libraries’ Activities in Russia in the Second Half of the XIX-th Century
Authors: Popov D. I.
Published: October 2024

The purpose of the article is to present the evolution of state policy towards public libraries in Russia in the second half of the XIX century. As a result of the research, the author has established that the content of laws and by-laws regulating the work of public libraries was determined by their status as public organizations and reflected deep contradictions of the government course during the years of bourgeois transformations and in the post-reform era.

The government of Alexander II took the library initiative of education zealots as continuation and support of their own reformation attempts. The author shows how the legal status of public libraries was fixed in the legal field of Russia, acquisition rules were changing, the procedure for opening public libraries and supervision for their activities was carried out. The author notes how the repressive nature of legislation, aimed at protecting the urban reading public from unwanted literature, which intensified in the 1880s and 1890s, had a negative impact on public self-organization in the field of education. He concludes that circumstances formed significantly hindered the development of public libraries in Russia.
A Solution to the Collatz Conjecture Problem
Authors: Duan Baoyuan
Published: October 2024

Research Collatz odd sequence, change $(\times 3+1)\div2^k$ operation in Collatz Conjecture to $(\times 3+2^m-1)\div2^k$ operation. Expand loop Collatz odd sequence(if exists) in $(\times 3+2^m-1)\div2^k$ odd sequence to become $\infty$ steps non-loop sequence. Build $(\times 3+2^m-1)\div2^k$ odd tree model and transform position model for odds in tree.Via comparing actual and virtual positions, prove if a $(\times 3+2^m-1)\div2^k$ odd sequence can not converge after infinite steps of $(\times 3+2^m-1)\div2^k$ operation, the sequence must walk out of boundary of the tree.
RBD Specific B-Cell Memory Responses Among Individuals Vaccinated Against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Athavale Atharv , Gaur Anmol , Ahmed Nafees , Subramaniam Adarsh , Dandotiya Jyotsna , Raj Sneha , Upadhyay Santosh Kumar , Samal Sweety , Pandey Anil Kumar , Rai Ramesh Chandra , Awasthi Amit
Published: October 2024

During the last few years, the world witnessed one of the worst calamities affecting humankind- the COVID-19 pandemic. We also witnessed the development of vaccines at an unprecedented pace against the SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent. India, which was one of the countries most impacted by COVID-19, developed its indigenous vaccine in addition to utilizing the ones developed by other countries. Initially, the antibody level and the neutralizing antibody titer against the pathogen were considered as the correlates of immune protection from the disease. The long-term protection from the pathogen is provided by the immune memory cells viz. T and B memory cells and their ability of efficient recall responses. In this regard, global research focused mainly on the mRNA-based vaccines. The studies on immune memory response, particularly- the B cell memory response bestowed by the vaccines given to Indians is relatively obscure. In this work, we examined the level of RBD specific memory B cells in the peripheral circulation of the study participants and the ability of B cells to secrete antigen-specific antibodies among Indians vaccinated with Covaxin (BBV152), Covishield (AZD1222), Corbevax (BECOV2D) and Sputnik Light as well as unvaccinated individuals. Our study revealed that Corbevax and Sputnik Light conferred better antibody-secreting cell (ASC) responses.
Organizing the Chaos: Novel Insights into the Regulation of Z-3-Hexenal Production in Damaged Maize Leaves
Authors: Selman Samantha , Engelberth Marie , Engelberth Jurgen
Published: October 2024

Green leaf volatiles (GLV) are important signaling compounds that help to regulate plant defenses against pests and pathogens. Made through the hydroperoxide lyase (HPL) pathway, they are rapidly produced upon damage and can signal this to other parts of the same plant or even plants nearby, where they can induce rapid defense responses directly or prime them against the impending danger. In this primed state plants can respond faster and/or stronger should pests or pathogens attack. However, while all proteins and genes involved in the biosynthesis of GLV have been identified, little is still known about how the first two steps in the pathway, e.g., oxygenation by a lipoxygenase (LOX) and subsequent cleavage by HPL are facilitated within the damaged tissue, resulting in the production of Z-3-hexenal (Z3al) as the first committed product of the pathway. Here, we provide evidence that several factors might be involved in the production of Z3al including pH, Ca2+, and an environment that is highly hydrophobic. We present a model in which the extraordinary circumstances that are present at the site of Z3al production are considered and shine new light on potential regulatory mechanisms.
Quantum Relativity (Quantum World)
Authors: Ismail Ahmed Mohamed , E. Mohamed Samira Ezzat
Published: October 2024

This research answers the knowledge gap regarding the explanation of the quantum jump of the electron. This scientific paper aims to complete Einstein’s research regarding general relativity and attempt to link general relativity to quantum laws.
Fermented By-Products of Banana Wine Production Improved Slaughter Performance, Meat Quality of Broiler Chicken, and Flavor Fingerprint of Chicken Chest Meats
Authors: Li Zhichun , He Xuemei , Tang Yayuan , Yi Ping , Yang Ying , Li Jiemin , Ling Dongning , Chen Bo Jie , Khoo Hock Eng , Sun Jian
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to compare the effects of adding fermented feed to daily feed on slaughter performance, meat quality, and flavor compounds of cage chickens. Control group (CK) of the Guangxi Partridge chicken received a standard base diet (CK), pellets added with 10% fermented banana peel (Pe-10), 20% fermented banana peel (Pe-20), 10% fermented banana pulp residue (Pu-10) and 20% fermented banana pulp residue (Pu-20). The slaughter performance, meat quality, and flavor compounds in the meat samples of the chicken in these groups were evaluated. The results showed that the chicken in Pe-10, Pe-20, Pu-10, and Pu-20 had pectoral muscle percentages, thigh muscle percentages, and total fatty acids content of chest meat higher than CK. The moisture content, meat color, carcass weight, total net weight, and abdominal fat percentages of the meat samples in these experimental groups were not remarkably different. The flavor compounds in the meat samples of the chicken fed with the two concentrations of fermented banana peel and banana residue were significantly different from those in the control group. When the amount of fermented banana peel added to the daily feed increased from 10% to 20%, the flavor compounds in the chicken samples changed significantly. In conclusion, different proportions of fermented banana peels and dregs in diets can improve slaughter performance and chicken quality and affect its flavors.
Generalisation Increases the Adaptive Value of Mate-Choice Copying when Immediate Copying is Costly
Authors: Kushnick Geoff
Published: October 2024

When assessing potential mates is costly, there will be selection for copying others. Mate-choice copying, which is the increased chance of mating with another individual after observing them mating with someone else (i.e., individual-based copying), has been documented in several species, including humans. It is touted as an example of the influence of culture on animal and human mating, but alone it is unlikely to lead the cultural evolution of mating. Rather, it requires mate-choice copying with generalisation (i.e., trait-based copying), which is the effect of immediate observations on future mating. This sort of mate-choice copying has been documented in six species, including humans. Here, I extend an existing game-theory model of mate-choice copying to include generalization (Extension 1), a cost to immediate copying (Extension 2), and both previous extensions (Extension 3). The results show that Extensions 1 and 2 decrease the adaptive value of mate-choice copying when compared to the original model. Extension 3 suggests that adding generalisation to mate-choice copying with a cost to immediate copying is a more likely evolutionary trajectory than adding it to mate-choice copying without this cost These results have implications for illuminating the emergence of the cultural evolution of mating preferences.
Implication of Exclusive Breastfeeding in Early Childhood Dental Disorders: Large Cohort Evidence, US National Survey of Children Health
Authors: Holmes Jr. Laurens , Williams Janelle , Thompson Neyha , John Valescia , Depeeka Kerti , Ogundele Benjamin , Enwere Michael
Published: October 2024

Purpose/Objective: Frequent consumption of fermented carbohydrates and bottle feeding contribute to the development of early childhood caries (ECC). There are no substantial findings on the effects of breastfeeding patterns on oral health conditions in children in the United States. We aimed to assess the nexus between exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months and oral health disorders, namely toothache, decayed teeth, or unfilled cavities in early childhood.
Materials and Methods: Design: Cross-sectional epidemiologic design of nationally representative data collected via telephone surveys in the United States was utilized. Setting: National Survey of Children’s Health, 2012 Participants: Population-based random sample of parents/guardians of 24,655 children aged 6 months to 5 years. Main Outcome and Measure: Parent-reported oral health condition including toothache, decayed teeth or unfilled cavity in the past 12 months.
Results: A total of 2,392 (9.7%) children aged 6 months to 5 years experienced an oral health disorder, mainly toothache, decayed teeth, or unfilled cavity in the previous 12 months. Relative to non-Hispanic White children (7.7%), a greater proportion of non-Hispanic Black (12.9%) and multi-racial children (12.6%) experienced oral health disorders (OHD). In the univariable model, relative to children who never breastfed, those who were breastfed exclusively for 6 months were 28% less likely to present with OHD, Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.72, 95% CI, 0.52-0.98. After adjustment, the protective nature of exclusive breastfeeding against OHD did not remain, adjusted OR (aOR) =1.11, 99% CI 0.79-1.57. Children of mothers with fair/poor health were almost twice as likely to have poor OHD compared with children of mothers with excellent/very good health (aOR = 1.79, 99% CI 1.08-2.69).
Conclusions and Relevance: Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life improved pediatric OHD and remains mutually beneficial for mothers and children. These findings suggest the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and maternal health in relation to dental hygiene in children.
Ornamental Traits and Sensory Analysis of ‘Biquinho Vermelha’ Pepper Treated with Paclobutrazol
Authors: Morales Beatriz Romanini , Costa Lucas Cavalcante da , Verruma-Bernardi Marta Regina , Rodrigues Josiane , Sala Fernando Cesar , Finger Fernando Luiz , França Christiane de Fátima Martins
Published: October 2024

This work aimed to determine the effect of PBZ concentrations and application protocols on the ornamental quality and global preference of customers. PBZ was applied in five concentrations by three protocols (drench at transplanting, drench at 30 days after transplanting and immersion). At commercial maturity, the plants were evaluated for plant growth parameters related to height and canopy characteristics, fruits and leaves, in addition to sensory analysis. PBZ produced plants with darker green leaves and the drench method was more effective in modulating plant growth pa-rameters compared to immersion. Conversely, the sensory analysis showed a greater preference among evaluators for plants treated with PBZ at 2.5 and 5 mg L-1 via drench at 30 DAT or through immersion (IM), even though IM was not associated with any of the ornamental quality parameters evaluated. Likewise, the application of PBZ by drench during transplanting is not recommended as the plants showed a reduced number and size of fruits, which affected the ornamental value of the plants and global preference. Therefore, PBZ applied by drench 30DAT at concentrations of 2.5 and 5 mg L-1 produced ‘Biquinho Vermelha’ pepper plants with attractive ornamental characteristics being an alternative method for producers of potted ornamental plants.
Effects of Generative AI in Tourism Industry
Authors: Ilieva Galina , Yankova Tania , Klisarova-Belcheva Stanislava
Published: October 2024

In the dynamic and evolving tourism industry, engaging of stakeholders is essential for fostering innovation and improving service quality. However, tourism companies often struggle to meet expectations for customer satisfaction through interactivity and real-time feedback. While new digital technologies can address the challenge of providing personalized travel experiences, they can also increase the workload for travel agencies due to the maintenance and updates required to keep travel details current. Intelligent chatbots and other Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) tools can help mitigate these obstacles by transforming tourism and travel-related services, offering interactive guidance for both tourism companies and travellers. In this study, we explore and compare the main characteristics of existing responsive AI instruments, applicable in tourism and hospitality scenarios. Then, we propose a new theoretical framework for decision-making in the tourism industry, integrating GAI technologies to enable agencies to create and manage itineraries, and tourists to interact online with these innovative instruments. The advantages of the proposed framework are as follows: 1) providing a comprehensive understanding of the transformative potential of new generation AI tools in tourism and facilitates their effective implementation; 2) offering a holistic methodology to enhance the tourist experience; 3) unifying the applications of contemporary AI instruments in tourism activities and paves their further development. The study contributes to the expanding literature on tourism modernization and offers recommendations for industry practitioners, consumers, and local, regional, and national tourism bodies to adopt a more user-centric approach to enhancing travel services.
The Industrialization of Brazil: An Economical Historical Analysis until Modern Times
Authors: Montgomery Richard Murdoch
Published: October 2024

This article provides a comprehensive historical analysis of Brazil's industrialization, tracing its evolution from the 19th century to the present day. It examines key periods and policies that have shaped the nation's economic landscape, beginning with early industrial efforts during the Imperial era and the Old Republic. The analysis delves into the Vargas regime's Import Substitution Industrialization policies, post-war industrial expansion under developmentalism, the military regime's economic strategies during the "Economic Miracle," and the challenges posed by the 1980s debt crisis. The discussion highlights contemporary issues faced in the 21st century, including premature deindustrialization and the complexities during the administrations of Presidents Lula da Silva and Dilma Rousseff. It explores the impact of Operation Lava Jato on industrial development and assesses the ramifications of President Jair Bolsonaro's policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Central to this exploration is the critical examination of regional disparities, social inclusion efforts, and environmental sustainability initiatives. The article emphasizes that Brazil's most significant challenges lie in persistent inequality and structural racism, which serve as fundamental barriers to economic progress and industrial advancement. It argues that addressing these issues through comprehensive policies focused on education reform, economic inclusion, healthcare access, legal and institutional changes, community development, and cultural recognition is essential. By integrating social justice into economic strategies, Brazil can achieve sustainable and inclusive industrial development, fostering a more equitable and prosperous society.
Inhibition of Serum Amyloid A Protein Aggregation by a Five-Residue Peptidomimetic: Structural and Morphological Insights
Authors: Jankowska Elżbieta , Witkowska Julia , Wityk Paweł , Pilarski Marcel , Skibiszewska Sandra
Published: October 2024

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is a small, consisting of 104 residues, protein, which under physiological conditions exists mainly in hexameric form. It belongs to the positive acute-phase proteins, which means that its plasma concentration increases rapidly in response to injury, inflammation, and infection. The accumulation of SAA molecules promotes the formation of amyloid aggregates, which deposit extracellularly in many organs, causing their dysfunction. In our previous work, we successfully designed a peptidomimetic that inhibited the aggregation of amyloidogenic SAA fragments. In the present paper, we show how the same inhibitor, named saa3Dip, affects oligomerization and aggregation processes of MetSAA1.1 protein. The Thioflavin T assay showed that saa3Dip inhibits its fibrillization. The measurement of the internal fluorophore fluorescence (Trp) showed differences that occur in the tertiary structure of MetSAA1.1 in the presence of the inhibitor, which was also confirmed by CD spectra in the aromatic range. FTIR results suggested that saa3Dip can stabilize some fragments of the native structure of MetSAA1.1, which was confirmed by determining the melting temperature (Tm) of the protein-inhibitor complex. AFM images demonstrated that the presence of saa3Dip prevents the formation of large SAA aggregates. Our results suggest that saa3Dip stabilizes the native conformation of MetSAA1.1.
The Impact of Foreign Bank Entry on the Efficiency and Sustainability of Domestic Banks in Developing Countries: A Meta-Frontier Approach
Authors: Bouzidi Fathi , Nefzi Aida
Published: October 2024

This study, which investigates the impact of foreign bank entry on the efficiency and sustainability of domestic banks in developing countries using a Meta-Frontier analysis to estimate efficiency scores, presents findings of significant importance to banking and finance. By incorporating financial, social, and environmental sustainability proxies—such as efficiency, loan portfolio composition, and macroeconomic conditions—this study assesses whether foreign competition enhances or undermines the long-term stability of domestic banking sectors. The results show that while foreign banks can improve financial efficiency, they may destabilize domestic banks, notably smaller or less capitalized institutions. Additionally, the findings suggest that banks with higher investments in SME lending and green projects demonstrate better social and environmental sustainability. Policymakers and financial institutions must consider these dual effects when promoting foreign bank entry.
Microscopic Coherent Sources of Gravitational Radiation with Application to Forming a Stable Warp Field
Authors: Cornwall Remi
Published: October 2024

Recent US Congressional hearings on UAPs have made the study of exotic propulsion systems a matter of serious academic study and indeed, military necessity. This speculative paper looks at the possibility that microscopic sources could produce gravitational radiation with minimal energy requirements, whilst trapping the electromagnetic radiation stress-energy from being emitted. It may be possible to form an array of these micro-emitters of sufficient strength, acting with collective phenomenon, to allow non-linearities and the formation of soliton waves suitable for a putative warp field. Interestingly we find no need for exotic matter or negative energy. Moving onto the Alcubierre metric we ponder if the field could actually be made to travel superluminally by a repetitive stepped process of, expanding space just ahead of the craft initially to speed-up the propagation of the field, via the Shapiro Delay, so that a second field propagates that contracts space aggressively; the net effect being space contracting ahead of the craft faster than light.
Modeling SOS traffic using a CTMC
Authors: EL FAWAL Ahmad Hani , Mansour Ali , El Ghor Hussein , A. Ismail Nuha , Shamaa Sally
Published: October 2024

This paper aims to propose a novel SOS traffic and study its impact over Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Human-to-Human (H2H) traffic in Internet of Things environments specifically during disaster events. During such events (e.g., the spread COVID-19), SOS traffic, with its predicted exponential increase, will significantly influence all mobile networks. SOS traffic tends to cause many congestion overload problems that significantly affects the performance of M2M and H2H traffic. In our project, we developed a new Continuous-Time Markov Chains (CTMC) model to analyze and measure radio access performance in terms of massive SOS traffic that influences M2M and H2H traffic. Afterwards, we validate the proposed CTMC model through extensive Monte-Carlo simulations. By analyzing the traffic during an emergency case, we can spot a huge impact over the three traffic M2M, H2H, and SOS traffic. To solve the congestion problem while keeping the SOS traffic without any influence, we propose to grant the SOS traffic the highest priority over M2M and H2H traffic. However, by implementing this solution in different proposed scenarios, the system becomes able to serve all SOS requests, while only 20% of M2M and H2H traffic could be served in the worst-case scenario. Consequently, we can alleviate the expected shortage of SOS requests during critical events, which might save many humans and rescue them from being isolated.
Adsorptive Removal of Methylene Blue by Fe3O4/Fe2TiO5/TiO2 Nanocomposite Fabricated from Natural Ilmenite Sand
Authors: Thambiliyagodage Charitha , Gunathilaka Himasha
Published: October 2024

A novel nanomaterial was synthesized using natural ilmenite sand via a simple precipitation method, and its ability to remove dyes in wastewater was evaluated using methylene blue (MB). The nanomaterial was synthesized by neutralizing the acid leachate obtained by Ilmenite sand digestion, followed by drying at 180 °C. It was characterized by X-ray diffractometry, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller surface area analyzer. Synthesized nanoparticles are a composite of Fe3O4/Fe2TiO5/TiO2 with a surface area of 292.18 m2/g pore size distribution with an average pore size of 1.53 nm and pore volume of 0.202 cc/g. The maximum adsorption capacity of 24.573 mg/g was obtained at pH 10 for 10 mg of the nanomaterial used with 10 mg/L MB. Dye concentration was varied in the range of 10-25 mg/L with 5 mg/L increment where equilibrium adsorption capacities of 24.573, 31.012, 41.443, and 52.259 mg/g were obtained with 10, 15, 20, and 25 mg/L, respectively. The adsorbent dosage varied as 10, 25, 45, 65, and 100 mg, and the highest adsorbent capacity of 24.573 mg/g was obtained with 10 mg of the adsorbent and 10 mg/L MB. Adsorption of MB followed pseudo-second-order kinetics with an adsorption capacity of 24.863 mg/g. The intraparticle diffusion model revealed that the MB adsorb in three different stages, and corresponding intra-particle diffusion constants of 1.50, 2.71, 3.38, and 4.41 g/mg min1/2 were calculated with the above dye concentrations. Adsorption followed the Langmuir isotherm model. Thermodynamics parameters ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS were calculated to be -27.5521 kJ/mol at 298 K, 2.571 kJ/mol, and 0.101 kJ/mol, respectively, in the experiments carried out varying the temperature. Regeneration studies of the adsorbent were carried out for five cycles, indicating some activity loss after each cycle.
CRISPR-Cas Systems Associated with Electrolyte-Gated Graphene-Based Transistors: How They Work and How to Combine Them
Authors: Guermonprez Pierre , Nioche Pierre , Renaud Louis , Battaglini Nicolas , Sanaur Sebastien , Krejci Eric , PIRO Benoît
Published: October 2024

In this review, recent advances in the combination of CRISPR-Cas systems with graphene-based electrolyte-gated transistors are discussed in detail. In a first part, the functioning of CRISPR-Cas systems is briefly explained, as well as the most common ways to convert their molecular activity into measurable signals. Besides optical means, conventional electrochemical transducers are also developed. However, it seems that the incorporation of CRISPR/Cas systems into transistor devices could be extremely powerful, as the former provides molecular amplification, while the latter provides electrical amplification; combined, the two could help to advance in terms of sensitivity and compete with conventional PCR assays. Today, organic transistors suffer from poor stability in biological media, where graphene materials perform better by being extremely sensitive to their chemical environment while being stable. The need for fast and inexpensive sensors to detect viral RNA arose on the occasion of the COVID-19 crisis, but many other RNA viruses are of interest, such as dengue, hepatitis C, hepatitis E, West Nile fever, Ebola, polio, for which detection means are needed.
Evaluation of the Cooling Effect of an Outdoor Misting Fan for Workers in Hot Environments Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Authors: Farnham Craig , Yuan Jihui , Emura Kazuo
Published: October 2024

Heat stress on workers wearing PPE(Personal protective equipment) in hot outdoor environments is of rising concern, especially in cases when rest breaks and clothing changes are impractical. Mist fan evaporative cooling could provide low-energy continuous cooling even during work activity. The cooling effect of a misting fan was compared to that of a fan alone, as well as natural convection. A thermal mannequin with heat flux sensors at 8 body locations was exposed to an outdoor misting fan while clothed in typical work clothes and PPE. Work clothes were dry or saturated with water to simulate sweat. The distance from the misting fan ranged from 4m (wetting common) to 7m (wetting unlikely). On average, the misting fan had a cooling effect of 0.31met (18.3W/m2) higher than natural convection when PPE with wet work clothes are worn, and 0.35met (10.63W/m2) higher when dry work clothes with PPE were worn. This equates to reducing thermal metabolic load from light industrial work to walking about in office work, or from standing to reclining. Under international standards for workers in hot environments based on metabolic rate and WBGT(wet bulb globe temperature), such as ISO 7243, this equate to an average of about a 0.35ºC (dry clothes with PPE) to 0.61ºC (wet clothes with PPE) increase in acceptable WBGT.
Harnessing Multimodal Data and Mult-Recall Strategies for Enhanced Product Recommendation in E-Commerce
Authors: Li Siyue
Published: October 2024

Recommending products effectively based on historical transaction data and metadata is crucial for improving user satisfaction and increasing sales. This study presents a recommendation system evaluated using Mean Average Precision (MAP@12), leveraging a diverse dataset that includes apparel types, customer demographics, product descriptions, and images. Our approach integrates Mult-Recall methods and LightGBM Ranker, utilizing various recall strategies and advanced feature engineering techniques to enhance recommendation accuracy. By combining these advanced machine learning models and ensemble techniques, our proposed solution outperforms existing methods, providing a robust and efficient recommendation system tailored to diverse customer needs and product characteristics. This integrated approach not only addresses the challenges of data sparsity and cold start but also adapts to the dynamic nature of user preferences and market trends. The results demonstrate significant improvements in both recommendation precision and user satisfaction, highlighting the potential of our approach for real-world e-commerce applications.
Chemical Control of the Invasive Tree Ailanthus altissima
Authors: Soler Jordi , Izquierdo Jordi
Published: October 2024

Many natural areas are colonised by the invasive species Ailanthus altissima. Its presence in natural ecosystems damages the ecological richness while competing with native flora. A. altissima is one of the most widespread weed species in natural areas of temperate regions such as conservation parks, archaeological sites and communication corridors. Not many active ingredients are available to control this weed, being the most popular, the glyphosate, banned by many municipalities. In order to test the efficacy of alternative active ingredients, naturally occurring populations in Collserola Conservation Park of Barcelona (Catalonia, Spain) were treated with different herbicides using three different techniques. Aclonifen, metribuzin, flazasulfuron, metsulfuron-methyl, fluroxypyr, isoxaflutole + thiencarbazone-methyl and triclopyr mixed with 2.4-D, fluroxypyr, aminopyralid and clopyralid, were applied by stem injection, cut stump injection or basal bark techniques against trees of around 5 cm diameter. Both cut stump and stem injection gave almost total control of the trees while basal bark showed more varied results depending on the herbicide. Best control was achieved when flazasulfuron or triclopyr were present as active ingredients and poorer control was observed when using metsulfuron-methyl or isoxaflutole + thiencarbazone-methyl. Aclonifen showed no damage to the trees. Metribuzin worked better if the cut stump injection technique was used. These results showed that several alternatives are available to the use of glyphosate which is been banned for some uses due to environmental concerns.
Biomathematics in Cancer Research: Looking into How Mathematical Models Are Used to Understand Tumor Growth and the Effectiveness of Different Treatment Strategies
Authors: Olushola Akinbusola , Alao Victoria
Published: October 2024

This paper explores the critical role of biomathematics in cancer research, focusing on how mathematical models enhance our understanding of tumor growth and optimize treatment strategies. It begins with an overview of cancer biology, highlighting the complexities of tumor dynamics and the molecular mechanisms driving growth. The paper then delves into various mathematical modeling approaches, including deterministic, stochastic, and agent-based models, illustrating their applications in predicting tumor behavior and treatment responses. Case studies demonstrate the real-world impact of these models on optimizing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Challenges such as data availability, model complexity, and clinical translation are discussed, alongside future directions in the field, including advances in computational power and personalized medicine. Ultimately, this research emphasizes the transformative potential of biomathematics in improving cancer treatment outcomes and underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing the field.
Analysis of Studies on Digital Strategy: A Bibliometric Study
Authors: Cruz-Martínez Gustavo A. , Vega-Muñoz Alejandro , Salazar-Sepúlveda Guido , Toledo-Aceituno Pablo
Published: October 2024

This article examines empirically the research on digital strategy, addressing its temporal evolution, sources of scientific production, countries and organizations generating knowledge, and the topics investigated. It highlights key authors and journals from 1991 to 2023, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9. Methodologically, traditional bibliometric laws and computational tools (VOSviewer software) were applied for data processing. The results show an exponential increase in publications from 2005 to 2022 with a critical mass in digital strategy studies, concentrated in 11 journals and 83 authors with 2 or more publications. The main organizations leading scientific production in this field are in the USA. Finally, the primary Web of Science categories for the leading journals are Business, Management, and Psychology. The research examines the use and adoption of digital strategies in marketing, the impact of digital transformation on business models, and the challenges it poses for human resources. In addition, the challenges arising from the impact of COVID-19, the rise of artificial intelligence, and the integration of digital strategies in public administration should continue to be addressed. Finally, industrial digital transformation and the challenges of Big Data in higher education have less connection with other key concepts analyzed.
Biochar Filtration Systems for Improvement in Wastewater Quality for Irrigation
Authors: Acheampong Prince , Addo Rose , Henyo Boris , Senanu Nora , Amoatey Peace
Published: October 2024

Re-purposing wastewater is necessary to circumvent water shortage for vegetable farmers in urban areas and to reduce public health hazards associated with using contaminated water for irrigation. In this study, the efficiency of biochar filtration systems in removing contaminants from wastewater was investigated. The hydraulic retention time (HRT) and the cleaning mechanism of coconut biochar filtration systems were examined. The filtration systems were designed with biowastes, specifically coconut biochar, as an adsorbent to remove pollutants from wastewater. Two setups of bed, 40 cm and 30 cm thick, were examined under different HRTs. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imaging were used to ascertain the properties of the biochar that enhances the removal of pollutants in wastewater. For both setups, the removal of heavy metals (Lead, Pb and copper, Cu) as well as Total Coliform (TC) was judged satisfactory but appeared ineffective in removing E. coli.
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST): Exploring Perspectives of Trained Practitioners on Barriers and Facilitators to the Implementation of CST for People Living with Dementia
Authors: Kelly Michelle E , Byrne Saoirse , Lacey Roisin , Lemercier Antoine , Hannigan Caoimhe
Published: October 2024

Dementia is recognized as a disability under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). People with disabilities like dementia have the right to access specialized health and social care services, including interventions that support independence and community participation. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is an evidence-based psychosocial intervention that improves cognition, communication, confidence and quality of life for people living with dementia (PLwD), but an implementation gap means that CST is often not available. We recruited trained CST practitioners (n=62; 91.9% female) to a mixed methods study to examine facilitators and barriers to the implementation of CST in Ireland. Statistical analysis showed that 54.8% of practitioners had run CST following training; ratings of intervention efficacy predicted the likelihood of running CST groups (p=0.006); and seeing the benefits of CST first-hand predicted that practitioners would run a greater number of CST groups (p=0.01). Thematic analysis of qualitative data identified three key themes of ‘resources’, ‘awareness and education’, and ‘acceptability of CST’. Overall, the results show that while CST is acceptable and deemed highly effective, resources and staffing often impede implementation. The results are discussed in the context of prioritising the rights of people with disabilities and recommendations are made around improving access to evidence-based supports.
Amino Acid Content of Fallow Deer (Dama dama) Muscles from Organic and Conventional Feeding Grounds
Authors: Kasprzyk Anna
Published: October 2024

The study aimed to determine the protein content and amino acid profile of the longissimus lumborum and the semiomembranosus muscles of fallow deer originating from an organic feeding ground (OFG) and a conventional feeding ground (CFG). The amino acid content was determined using the ion-exchange chromatography method in accordance with AOAC. The present study provides the first published data on the nutritional value of fallow deer meat proteins. An analysis of the results revealed significant differences between the essential (EAA) and non-essential amino acid (NEAA) contents, depending on the feeding ground. A higher nutritional value was noted for the OFG fallow deer muscles, as indicated by the higher EAA and NEAA amino acid contents, a higher EAA proportion, a higher chemical score (CS) value, and the calculated expected protein efficiency ratio (PER) and biological value (BV). A significant effect of the muscle type on the histidine content and the feeding ground x muscle interaction for glycine was noted. All fallow deer muscle samples exhibited a complete profile of essential amino acids and a high-quality protein profile. The data presented in this overview show that the nutritional value of fallow deer meat represents an excellent source of proteins for humans.
Evaluating the Impact of Windowing Techniques on Fourier Transform Preprocessed Signals for Deep Learning-Based ECG Classification
Authors: Martono Niken Prasasti , Ohwada Hayato
Published: October 2024

(1) Background: Arrhythmia, or irregular heart rhythms, are a prevalent cardiovascular condition and can be diagnosed using electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. Advances in deep learning have enabled automated analysis of these signals. However, the effectiveness of deep learning models depends heavily on the quality of signal preprocessing. This study evaluates the impact of different windowing techniques applied to Fourier Transform-preprocessed ECG signals on the classification accuracy of deep learning models. (2) Methods: We applied three windowing techniques—Hamming, Hann, and Blackman—to transform ECG signals into the frequency domain. A 1D Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) was employed to classify the ECG signals into five arrhythmia categories based on features extracted from each windowed signal.(3) Results: The Blackman window yielded the highest classification accuracy, with improved signal-to-noise ratio and reduced spectral leakage compared to the Hamming and Hann windows. (4) Conclusions: The choice of windowing technique significantly influences the effectiveness of deep learning models in ECG classification. Future studies should explore additional preprocessing methods and their clinical applications.
A Reference Architecture for Smart Car Parking Management Systems
Authors: Ozkaya Mert
Published: October 2024

Finding out an available car parking space has been one of the most crucial problems for the crowded cities, which causes such issues as traffic congestions, air pollutions, and stressful drivers. To mitigate the issues here, smart car parking management system (SPMS) solutions can be used which digitalise the parking processes and maximise the drivers’ productiveness. However, the existing SPMS solutions are either domain-specific or address the applications of particular techniques and technologies. None of the solutions in the literature propose any generic approach that can be re-used for the analysis and design of any SPMSs. In this paper, we propose a reference architecture (RA) for the SPMS product family. Performing comprehensive domain analysis, we provide a feature model of the common and varying features for SPMSs. We designed 4 architectural viewpoints, which are context, module, component&connector, and allocation. Each viewpoint addresses a different concern and proposes a generic solution that can be re-used for any specific SPMSs. To validate our RA design, we used the commercial 4Park SPMS application and specified its architecture using our RA viewpoints. We strongly believe that our RA design for SPMSs can be useful for the SPMS domain who develop SPMS solutions.
Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk in Flight Crew
Authors: Amamri Ayatoulah , MILIANI Abedelghani , MELAL Youcef , Dib Mahmoud , HAFIDI Ilyes
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among Algerian aircrew, a population exposed to unique environmental and occupational stressors. By comparing these rates to the general population, we sought to identify specific health challenges faced by aircrew. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 154 Algerian aircrew participants. Prevalence rates for current smoking, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia were compared between the aircrew and a general population control group. Results: Our findings revealed significantly higher rates of current smoking among aircrew compared to the general population. Additionally, smoking, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes emerged as the most prevalent risk factors within the aircrew population. Conclusions: Despite the rigorous selection process for aircrew recruitment, our study confirms findings from previous literature, highlighting the high rate of normal qualifying examinations. The substantial sample size and homogeneous nature of the aircrew population enhance the reliability and generalizability of our conclusions. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions to mitigate CVD risk factors within this specific population, given the unique environmental and occupational factors associated with aircrew.
Implementing Fall Prevention Bundle in a Long-term Care Setting: An Evidence-Based Practice Improvement
Authors: Toquero Lei Marcelle , Klopp Audrey , Heid-Grubman Jeanne
Published: October 2024

Background: Falls in older adults are prevalent and can result in an injury affecting their quality of life. Whether a fall is fatal or not, it has a high financial impact. Older adults with dementia are more likely to fall than their cognitively healthy counterparts, increasing their risk of serious injury or even death. This quality improvement project developed, implemented, and evaluated an evidence-based fall prevention bundle to reduce preventable falls in a long-term memory care unit.; Methods: The interventions that were implemented includes fall risk screening, physical exercise, vitamin D supplementation, purposeful hourly rounds, and post-fall huddles. Kurt Lewin’s force field analysis guided the project’s implementation. Nurses, healthcare providers, certified nursing assistants, restorative aides, and life enrichment staff from all shifts at a long-term memory care unit participated in the project. The participants implemented the evidence-based fall prevention bundle based on their scope of practice. They participated for 12 weeks. The frequency of falls was compared three months before, during, and after implementation. Paired t-test and independent samples t-test were used to analyze statistically significant differences between variables.; Results: Thirty staff members attended educational sessions, and 22 residents received interventions. Fall rates dropped 50% during the project's implementation but increased subsequently. The difference in the number of falls before, during, and after implementation was not statistically significant.; Conclusions: Staff working in a long-term care facility may help reduce fall rates using evidence-based interventions, but measures should be taken to sustain the initiative's implementation.
Sports Analytics with Graph Neural Networks and Graph Convolutional Networks
Authors: Drexler Tim Todd
Published: October 2024

Graph neural networks and graph convolutional networks are effective at representing complex relationships. We attempt to apply them to sports analytics by reviewing existing applications in sports. These methodologies leverage the inherent graph structure of sports data, capturing interactions among players, teams, and game events. By systematically examining various studies, we highlight how GNNs and GCNs can enhance performance prediction, player evaluation, and tactical analysis in sports. Our review emphasizes the unique advantages these models offer over traditional analytical approaches, particularly in their ability to account for the dynamic and interconnected nature of sports activities. We conclude by identifying potential areas for future research and application, suggesting that the integration of advanced graph-based techniques could significantly advance the field of sports analytics.