bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH FAILURE TO QUIT SMOKING AMONG SMOKING CESSATION CLINIC ATTENDEES IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Ismail Halim , Mohamed Hanan Mohd Fathulzhafran , Mohd Yusoff Hanizah , Bhuvanendran Pillai Anaanthan
Published: December 2024

Tobacco smoking is a major public health concern because it is a contributing risk factor of non-communicable diseases. Smoking cessation clinics are an intervention provided by the Ministry of Health Malaysia to help smokers quit smoking. We investigated the characteristics of the attendees of these clinics and the factors contributing to failure to quit smoking among the attendees in a primary health care setting in Malaysia. This was a cross-sectional study using retrospective secondary data from 245 attendees of smoking cessation clinics in the district of Hulu Langat, Malaysia from 2016 to 2017. Purposive sampling was used, and data were analysed using SPSS 22.0. Failure to quit smoking was defined as failure to abstain from tobacco smoking after at least 6 months’ attendance at the smoking cessation clinic. The majority of attendees were middle-aged, male, Malay, had at least secondary school education and were married. The quit smoking failure rate was 61.2%. The factors associated with failure to quit smoking were the clinic attended, being non-Malay, smoking more cigarettes per day, fewer attempts to quit, fewer visits and higher addiction level. The logistic regression model showed that non-Malays and those with higher modified FTND (Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence) scores were 49.6 times and 16.2 times more likely to fail, respectively, while smoking for >15 years had a lower failure rate. Emphasis should be placed on non-Malay smokers and smokers with higher FTND scores for better quit smoking outcomes.
Urban Flooding: A Case of Ng’ombe Settlement in the City of Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Tembo Royd , Kibuka-Sebitosi Esther , Nanyangwe Veronica
Published: December 2024

Urban flooding has become perennial in most African countries, inducing socio-economic miseries in affected communities. Climate-induced rainfall, community negligence and lack of coordinated infrastructural development policies remain a threat in Africa’s sub-Saharan cities. Zambia’s City of Lusaka and Ng’ombe settlement, in particular, have not been spared from floods. Using a mixed methods approach, the study investigated the causes and effects of flooding in Ng’ombe settlement in the City of Lusaka. A probability sampling method was used to select 147 respondents whose households were severely affected by floods. A non-probability method was used to select key informants. The key informants were the Provincial Disaster Management & Mitigation Coordinator, and Directors of Planning in the Lusaka City Council, Ministry of Local Government & Rural Development, and Ministry of Housing & Urban Development. Questionnaires and interview guides were used for data-gathering from the respondents and key informants, respectively. The study revealed that 43% attributed the cause of flooding to a lack of professionally constructed drainages while 25% mentioned unplanned settlements as a major cause. Unsupervised construction works and indiscriminate waste disposal came out third and fourth at 15% and 13%, respectively. Those who said their properties were damaged by floods stood at 69%, followed by 20%, whose households were affected by waterborne diseases. Out of the 69% of the respondents who had their properties damaged by floods, 24% of them, who were the majority, built the walls of their houses using sun-dried bricks meant for temporal structures. The study concludes that flooding triggers socio-economic miseries in the Ng’ombe settlement. To avert this, the study recommends the following; construction of professionally designed drainages; strict supervision of construction works by the Lusaka City Council; effective systems of solid waste management; regular clearing of drainages; and normalising illegally built houses, where possible
Practical Application and Management of Information Communication Technology (ICT) to Enhance the Performance of Ugandan Secondary Schools in West Nile
Authors: Wamusi Robert , Habibu Taban
Published: December 2024

This study focuses on the contribution that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can make to improving teacher and student performance in secondary schools in West Nile Region, Uganda. Examines the existing ICT implementation, assesses integration and potential benefits issues, and analyses the relationship between ICT usage and learning outcomes. The research is focused on showing that ICT can go global and how it connects Uganda’s secondary schools in West Nile to global education networks. ICT enhances global learning through active participation, innovation, and flexibility through access to international resources and embracing cross-boundary collaboration and virtual interchanges. This has improved student achievement but also endows students and teachers with the competencies to prosper in a globally connected environment. Ugandan schools have poorly developed ICT facilities, but schools embrace ICT education and facilities for operations. The study centers on specific ICT issues in West Nile schools and explores the possibility of using ICT to raise aggregate performance and efficiency in communication, collaboration, and organizational management. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 400 respondents, including teachers and students from 10 secondary schools. Data collection tools included questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative analysis was performed using SPSS, while NVivo was used for qualitative analysis. Ethical considerations were strictly adhered to protect participants' rights. While observing ICT integration in teaching across the ten selected secondary schools in West Nile and surveying 100 teachers, researchers found that 55.6% of them sometimes, 33.3% consistently, and 11% seldom integrate ICT in their teaching. This limited integration is due to a lack of ICT equipment, for example, computers, projectors, and internet connections; inadequate teacher education, where the majority of the teachers are found to be either lacking skills or self-confidence to incorporate ICT in teaching; and limited resource availability where even schools that have procured ICT tools are most often found to be having very few that are inadequacy for the needs of both teacher and students to make effective use of. These results raise concerns regarding the existing disparities in developments and funds for ICT training in West Nile’s secondary schools, with recommendations being made to enhance specific plans to reduce the digital divide. These include making ICT tools a focal area, increasing internet connection, and providing training activities that would increase and develop the competencies of the teaching staff. They seek to devise a technological learning atmosphere to enhance education, teacher, and student learning outcomes
FROM “THE RUSSIAN PIZARRO” TO “AN EPISODE AMONG THE GENERAL ... ASPIRATION OF THE RUSSIAN POPULATION”. THE DEBATE ON YERMAK IN ANNIVERSARY PUBLICATIONS, DEDICATED TO THE TERCENTENARY OF SIBERIA
Authors:   Siberian Federal University, Nadtochiy E. E.
Published: December 2024

The article is devoted to the analysis of jubilee publications dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the accession of Siberia to the Russian state. The article examines controversy about Yermak, which arose during the anniversary discussion. The image of the Cossack chieftain, presented by the authors of the capital’s press and updated in accordance with the context of the era, is analyzed. It is concluded that the authors of anniversary publications to demonstrate both the real problems of the region and to establish a model for the centralized authority exploit the image of Yermak.
THE THEME OF DESTRUCTION OF CHURCHES IN THE POEMS OF ALTAI POETS OF THE 1970–1990S
Authors:   Altai State Pedagogical University, Skokova D. S.
Published: December 2024

The article is devoted to the study of lyrical texts of Altai poets M. I. Yudalevich, N. V. Gaiduk, G. P. Panov; in particular the author analyzes the specifics of the implementation of the themes of desecration of the church and destruction of temples. The motives of breaking down the church, converting the temple (into an industrial building), throwing down bells, stealing icons appear in the poetry of Altai authors, on the one hand, in connection with oral stories about the desecration of religious buildings and symbols of religious faith that existed in Russian folk culture, on the other hand, the return of images of churches to the poetry of the 1970–90s was initiated by the “quiet lyricist” N. M. Rubtsov.
METAPHORS OF FAITH IN THE NOVELS OF Y. M. POLYAKOV
Authors:   Henan University, Xuesen Sun , Markina P. V. ,   Altai State Pedagogical University
Published: December 2024

The article is devoted to the problem of spiritual searches in the prose of Y. M. Polyakov (“I planned an escape...”, “A kid in milk”, “Mushroom King”, “Plaster trumpeter”). In a situation of breaking epochs, the characters try to find moral guidelines in the foundations of Orthodoxy and the spiritual traditions of Russian literature, which is expressed in expanded metaphors of faith. Biblical reminiscences help to emphasize the understanding of the new foundations of being.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMUNICATIVES OF AGREEMENT / WILLINGNESS TO PERFORM AN ACTION IN RUSSIAN
Authors:   Russian State University for the Humanities, Sharonov I. A. , Amir Kooshesh Zakariа ,   The Pushkin State Russian Language Institute
Published: December 2024

The article is devoted to special discursive units of dialogue – communicative elements and their interaction with the type of speech act within microdialogue. These units have important discursive and pragmatic characteristics that determine the choice of one or another unit depending on the type and subtype of speech act. The study is carried out on the basis of an example of communicative agreement in response to an urge to perform an action. The article argues that the description of the functioning of communicative agreements allows us to clarify the characteristics of incentive acts and their classification. Speech acts of request, proposal and order and their subtypes are identified with the assistance of communicatives of agreement, corresponding to each speech act. The research was carried out on the base of collection of microdialogues from the National Corpus of the Russian Language.
МОДЕЛИ И ПРОГРАММЫ ПРОФИЛАКТИКИ «АПТЕЧНОЙ» НАРКОМАНИИ В ШКОЛЕ
Authors: А.Т. Акматова
Published: December 2024

В статье рассматриваются модели и программы профилактики наркомании среди школьников, направленные на снижение риска употребления наркотических веществ в подростковой среде. Приведены основные подходы к профилактике, включая образовательные, поведенческие и социально-психологические модели. Описаны успешные программы и оценена их эффективность на основе показателей снижения уровня употребления наркотиков среди учащихся. Особое внимание уделено важности межведомственного взаимодействия и вовлечению родителей в процесс профилактики. Статья также содержит рекомендации по улучшению существующих программ, включая использование современных цифровых технологий и усиление роли семьи и сообщества в профилактике.
ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ ЭКЗОСКЕЛЕТОВ В МЕДИЦИНСКОЙ СФЕРЕ
Authors: С.В. Смирнов
Published: December 2024

В докладе приводится краткий обзор применения экзоскелетов в медицине для комплексной реабилитации пациентов. Представлены уникальные качества медицинских экзоскелетов для облегчения и восстановления пациентов с ограниченными физическими возможностями. Кратко рассмотрены их устройство и функциональные возможности применения.
ЦВЕТНОЙ ТЕСТ ДЛЯ РАННЕГО ВЫЯВЛЕНИЯ ЗАБОЛЕВАНИЙ СЕТЧАТКИ И ЗРИТЕЛЬНОГО НЕРВА
Authors: О.Д. Джумагулов , А.О. Джумагулова
Published: December 2024

В статье представлен разработанный авторами простой и доступный способ выявления заболеваний сетчатки и зрительного нерва на ранних стадиях.
AI-Powered Training Program for Enhancing Teachers’ Skills in Creating Educational Digital Games
Authors: Maydi Taghreed , Alharthi Majed
Published: December 2024

This research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of an artificial intelligence (AI)-based training program in developing electronic educational game production skills for teachers of students with learning disabilities. Data were collected using research tools, including an achievement test designed to measure cognitive skills and an observation checklist aimed at assessing performance in the production of electronic educational games. Using a quasi-experimental design with a single group, the research tools were applied and then the AI-based training program was implemented, with the tools being applied again afterwards. The research sample included all 50 teachers from public and private schools for students with learning disabilities in the Jazan region during the third semester of the academic year 1444 AH / 2023 AD. The results demonstrated that the AI-based training program helped teachers of students with learning disabilities improve their cognitive and performance skills in creating electronic educational games. In light of these findings, the researcher recommends employing AI-based programs in education and encourages collaboration between teachers and educational technology experts to achieve effective educational training methods and the continual development of technical skills among these teachers.
KEYWORDS
Chatbots, ChatGPT, e-learning, special education, learning disabilities, Make It
Analysis Of The Impact Of Tax Burden, Profitability, Sales Growth, And Company Size On Transfer Pricing
Authors: Tartila Nilda , Putri Wulan Wahyuni Rossa
Published: December 2024

The aim of this research is to determine the effect of tax burden, profitability, sales growth and company size on transfer pricing. The nature of this research is quantitative. The research sample used purposive sampling and obtained 30 companies is food and beverage subsector manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2021-2023. This research uses secondary data in the form of financial reports and company annual financial reports downloaded from www.idx.co.id and the websites of each company sampled in this research. Data analysis uses multiple linear analysis. The results of this research show that tax burden and profitability influence transfer pricing. Meanwhile, sales growth and company size have no effect on transfer pricing. Also, tax burden, profitability, sales growth and company size simultaneously influence transfer pricing.
Keywords : tax burden, profitability, sales growth, company size, transfer pricing
Fighting Judicial Corruption in Nigeria
Authors: Ediagbonuvie Sylvester G.
Published: December 2024

This paper examines the fight against judicial corruption in Nigeria. It analyses the arrest of judges and legal practitioners in respect of corrupt practices. It also re-echoes government effort at tackling judicial corruption through the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. It questions the powers of the Department of State Services in respect of investigation and arrest over corrupt practices. It further examines the sanctity of the judiciary in the effort at ridding the judiciary of corruption in Nigeria. The paper also makes comparison with some selected jurisdictions such as the United States of America and Ghana which provide some useful lessons for Nigeria. The paper concludes that there is the need for judicial officers and legal practitioners to shun corrupt practices because judicial corruption diminishes public confidence and interest in the judiciary.
Unlawful Termination of Employment Contracts in Nigeria: Legal Framework, Challenges, and Remedies
Authors: Okoli Eluma Izuchukwu , Emudainohwo Emuobo T.
Published: December 2024

Labour and industrial relations are vital for socio-economic development in Nigeria and globally. Employee working conditions and job security significantly influence productivity and national progress, making their protection essential. To enhance employee safety, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has established standards for terminating employment that protect workers' rights. This study analyzes employment contracts and the termination practices in Nigeria, focusing on wrongful termination as a major issue. The research reviews Nigerian Labour Law to promote job security and reduce wrongful termination instances. Findings highlight the need for improved legislation and institutional effectiveness in handling such cases. The researcher advocates for adopting ILO standards alongside necessary amendments to labour laws. Additionally, addressing obstacles like misinterpretations of the 1999 Constitution and the Third Alteration Act is crucial for successfully implementing these standards, ultimately fostering fair employment relations. The researcher also recommends enacting an Unfair Dismissal Act to further safeguard employees.
Evidencia Empírica de la Ecoeficiencia del Consumo de Energía de 19 Empresas que en Abril de 2021 Integraban el Índice S&P/BMV IPC
Authors: Fierros Pesqueira Emma Lilia , Espinosa Guillen Sergio  Samuel
Published: December 2024

La presente investigación confirma que las empresas que mejoran su desempeño medioambiental mejoran su desempeño económico, al recopilar, analizar e interpretar información de 2018 a 2022 de 19 de las 35 emisoras bursátiles que en abril de 2021 integraban el Índice S&P/BMV IPC de la Bolsa Mexicana de Valores, mediante el cálculo de la “fórmula de ecoeficiencia” y la obtención del índice de ecoeficiencia del consumo de energía. Con ello, se pretende contribuir al desarrollo de un marco experimental de la Teoría de la Ecoeficiencia, mediante un estudio documental con los informes financieros y de sustenbilidad publicados por las mismas empresas.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus as an Invasive Bird in Thailand, Natural Dispersion or Introduced Species?
Authors: Chankhao Andaman , Nakmuenwai Pisut , Pattanakiat Sura , Vongvassana Sirasit , Suksawate Warong , Kongsila Tanin , Duengkae Prateep
Published: December 2024

Passer domesticus holds the title of being the most widely distributed bird species globally, originating from Central-East Asia and spreading extensively due to human-mediated activities. While initially established as a native species about 10,000 years ago, their association with human-modified habitats has accelerated their expansion, particularly in urban areas.  In Thailand, sightings were initially rare but gradually increased, with the species establishing breeding populations, predominantly in urban and suburban areas. This expansion poses challenges as they compete with native species for resources and nesting sites. This study utilized citizen science data from the eBird platform to investigate the factors influencing the expansion of P. domesticus breeding areas in Thailand. Through occupancy modeling, spatiotemporal patterns of colonization were analyzed, revealing the influence of urbanization, vegetation indices, elevation, and proximity to infrastructure. Results showed a steady increase in territorial occupancy, particularly in urbanized regions, with roads and petrol stations acting as facilitators for dispersal. The study underscores the role of urban expansion in facilitating the spread of P. domesticus, raising concerns about its impact on native bird species and biodiversity in Thailand. Further research is warranted to assess the full extent of its ecological implications and to devise strategies for mitigating its potential adverse effects.
Review of Synthesis and Functionalization of Gold Nanobipyramids
Authors: Salsabiila Natasya , Morsin Marlia , Nafisah Suratun , Razali Nur Liyana , Mahmud Farhanahani , Tukiran Zarina , Omar Mohd Azwadi
Published: December 2024

Nanoparticles, as one of the nanotechnology implementations, have a potential application due to their advantages compared to bulk size. The type of nanoparticle widely used for many applications such as sensing, imaging, photothermal therapy and optical devices is a metal nanoparticle through their properties. The advantages of metal nanoparticles are unique plasmonic properties, size and shape control flexibility, low toxicity and the ability to be functionalized with other substances. Besides silver and platinum, gold become the most popular in recent decades because it is highly stable and does not quickly oxidize or corrode. Also, gold nanoparticles have a high extinction coefficient and efficient energy transfer properties, so they can enhance the detection signals, resulting in increased sensitivity and lower detection limits. Then gold nanoparticles are also biocompatible in the biomedical field. Several researchers successfully synthesize gold nanoparticles with different shapes for various applications using bottom-up methods, i.e., chemical reduction, electrochemical deposition, sol-gel and seed-mediated growth and top-down methods, i.e., mechanical milling, laser ablation, lithography, template-assisted synthesis, high-energy ball milling and plasma-based techniques. But, gold with a bipyramid shape is rarely reported, causing limited literature sources that discuss gold nanobipyramids (GNBPs). GNBPs have a stronger electric field enhancement than other shapes, so GNBPs are highly sensitive to surrounding medium change marked with the high value of Refractive Index Sensitivity (RIS) and Figure of Merit (FOM). Therefore, GNBPs have excellent potential to be implemented in various fields. This work discusses and overviews the synthesis method to produce GNBPs for further application. GNBPs can be fabricated through a synthesis process using microwave-assisted, one-pot, galvanic replacement and seed-mediated growth, with seed-mediated growth being the popular method. Then, GNBPs can be functionalized with several substances such as polymers, biomolecules, amine and thiol to bind with specific targeted analytes. Hence, due to their plasmonic properties, GNBPs are promising materials for many fields, especially sensing applications.
Forecasting the Critical Frequency of the Ionospheric F2 Layer by using a Neural Network with the Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Homam Mariyam Jamilah , Risal Noreen Nabilla , Mat Akir Rohaida , Suryadi Suryadi
Published: December 2024

This paper considers the prediction of the critical frequencies of the ionospheric F2 layer, foF2, by using two models: a backpropagation neural network (BPNN) model and a BPNN combined with particle swarm optimization (BPNN–PSO) model for different states of solar activity: low, medium and high. Nine-year critical frequency data from an ionosonde installed at the Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia in Johor (1.86° N, 103.80° E) were used. The efficiency of the models in predicting foF2 under different states of solar activity was explored. The output of the models was evaluated using root-mean-square error (RMSE) and mean average percentage error (MAPE). The BPNN–PSO model provided a better result compared with the BPNN model during low, medium and high solar activity. The BPNN–PSO model had RMSE and MAPE equal to 0.50 MHz and 5.27%, respectively, during low solar activity and RMSE and MAPE of 0.32 MHz and 4.16%, respectively, during medium solar activity. In addition, the BPNN–PSO model had the lowest RMSE (0.24 MHz) and MAPE (2.45%) during high solar activity. Overall, the performance of the BPNN–PSO model was higher than that of the BPNN model during any state of solar activity.
Physiomechanical of Residual Soil Contaminated with Zinc Heavy Metals
Authors: Henry Roy Hekinen , Osman Muhammad Hafeez , Albar Aniza , Ismail Badrul Nizam
Published: December 2024

The rapid industrialization and radical development that has taken place in today's modern society, be it agriculture, construction, industry, soil degradation or heavy metal contamination of soil, is one of the most serious ecological and environmental problems, which continuously poses a serious threat to sustainable development. Heavy metals may change the geotechnical properties of soils, making it difficult to reconstruct buildings on those sites because the parameters of the contaminated soil are unknown. Contamination by heavy metals will lead change soil’s structure, pore characteristics and behaviour, resulting in changes in soil permeability, plasticity, compressibility, in terms of strength and eventually affecting the structural integrity. The main objective of the present investigation is to enhance the understanding of the impact of the significant and hazardous heavy metal, zinc (Zn), on the geotechnical properties. The residual soil was subjected to Compaction Test and Atterberg Limit Test for each analysis, which was assigned a number up to six samples, one of which was left uncontaminated. The remaining samples were combined with a ZnSO4 solution, with values ranging from 0 mg/L to 4000 mg/L and increased by 500 mg/L intervals. The findings reveal that as the penetration increases in liquid limit test, moisture content also increases where at the same time, plasticity index increases proportional to concentration of zinc contaminant producing soil with high plasticity. This outcome is in contrast with the increasing of concentrations where the pattern is more likely to shift to a lower value of moisture content. Based on the findings, the presence of heavy metal contaminants in soils leads to degradation of geological properties, including changes in mechanical behaviour and geotechnical properties based on the double diffuse layer theory. Increased zinc heavy metal concentrations lead to reduced water adsorption capacity of soil particles.
FPGA-Based Design for Digital Speedometer to Detect Speed Limit of Vehicles
Authors: Tan Huat Heng , Ahmad Nabihah , Ngadengon Rafidah , Sia Phoebe Yun You , Muthu Arul Edwin Raj
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a proposed design for a digital speedometer using Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology. The speedometer is a crucial safety feature in vehicles, providing real-time information on the vehicle's speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). The objective of this design is to assist drivers in monitoring and controlling their velocity at regular intervals to ensure safe driving. The hardware platform chosen for implementation is the Altera DE2 Board with Cyclone IV E and the hardware description language used is Verilog HDL. The digital speedometer receives a square wave pulse as an input signal from a hall sensor, which is emitted based on the vehicle's speed. The designed system accurately detects and counts these pulses to convert them into the corresponding speed of the vehicle. This digital speedometer is specifically intended for vehicles with engine capacities (cc) ranging from 1000cc to 1300cc. It can detect speeds within the range of 0km/h to 255km/h. The speed value is displayed on a seven-segment display with precision. Additionally, if the vehicle's speed exceeds the expressway's speed limit of 110km/h, a red LED indicator turns on to alert the driver to control their speed.
Magnetic Field Level Improvement using the Composite Cross-Arm Method for Overhead Transmission Lines by Ansys Maxwell Finite Element Model
Authors: Ahsan Matiullah , Baharom Md Nor Ramdon , Zainal Zainab , Mahmod Luqman Hakim , Mohd Jamail Nor Akmal , Abdul Rahman Rahisham , Lam Hong Yin , Abu Hasan Omar , Bohari Azuwein Aida , Sahari Norain , Ayub Mustafa
Published: December 2024

Living near overhead transmission lines has become more common nowadays, where magnetic field radiation has always been a public concern regarding the effect of MF radiation from OTL on the occurrence probability of cancerous diseases. In addition to the increasing trend of electricity consumption, people are getting more exposed to magnetic field radiation. As an initiative, this study computes magnetic field improvement that can be achieved on existing 132 kV and 275 kV overhead transmission lines in Malaysia by implementing a composite cross-arms method. Computations are carried out through Ansys Maxwell 2D electromagnetic simulation software using parameters based on previous researchers. The results provide up to 36% (132 kV) and 48% (275 kV) of magnetic field improvement with the composite cross-arms method. Not only does this method offer a healthier environment, but it also provides the opportunity to improve ampacity in the future.
Hydroxyapatite (HAp) Extracted from Cockle Shells with Polylactic Acid (PLA) for Bone Implant Application
Authors: Zulkefli Nursyazwani , Mohamad Baharudin , Eti Indarti  , M. Yusup Eliza
Published: December 2024

Cockle shell waste has been utilized to produce HAp powders for biomedical applications. This research involves creating HAp powder through a precipitation method and analyzing the properties of CaCO₃, CaO, and HAp. A composite PLA/HAp material was produced with varying ratios of 10%, 20%, and 30% HAp for tensile test samples. The results show that HAp derived from cockle shells contains calcium and phosphorus, similar to commercial HAp. Samples with different weight percentage of HAp provides Young's modulus values comparable to cortical bone (7-30 GPa), with the sample containing 30% HAp achieving the highest value (8.17 GPa), where High Young's modulus values indicate increased stiffness. In summary, cockle shell-derived HAp is a promising material for biomedical applications.
Numerical Comparison of Three Rotors For Gravitational Water Vortex Turbine
Authors: Ruiz Sánchez Alejandro , Sierra Del Rio Jorge Andrés , Posada Montoya Jose Alejandro , Cardona Mancilla Cristian , Arrieta Carlos , Luna Del Risco Mario
Published: December 2024

Renewable energy sources have gained significant attention due to the increasing demand for clean energy production. The gravitational vortex turbine (GVT) is one of the emerging technologies in the field of renewable energy that has gained attention for its simple and low-cost manufacturing process. The turbine operates by utilizing the energy of wastewater or other liquid flows to generate power on-site, making it a potentially viable solution for small-scale power generation. However, the optimization of the turbine's design is necessary to improve its efficiency and to make it a more competitive source of renewable energy. Previous research on GVT has mainly focused on the chamber's design to improve the formation of the vortex. However, little attention has been paid to the rotor design, which is also a critical parameter affecting the turbine's performance. The current study aimed to investigate the performance of three different rotors for the turbine, including the Savonius, H-Darrieus, and a standard rotor with straight blades, using numerical simulations. The numerical simulations were performed using ANSYS software, with ICEM modules for discretization and CFX for simulation. The results showed that the straight-bladed rotor outperformed the other two rotors, with an increase in efficiency of 40% and 79% compared to the Savonius and H-Darrieus geometry blades, respectively. The study highlights the importance of considering the rotor design in the optimization of the gravitational vortex turbine. The results provide valuable insights into the design parameters that can be used to enhance the turbine's performance. These findings can contribute to the development of more efficient and cost-effective gravitational vortex turbines for on-site power generation and consumption.
Numerical Investigation of Underwater Vehicle Maneuvering Under Static Drift Conditions
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad Sajjad , Hasnan Muhammed Amirul Asyraf , Shaharuddin Nik Mohd Ridzuan , Muhammad Yazid Muhammad Noor Afiq Witri , Shah Imran , Bashir Nauman
Published: December 2024

The hydrodynamic behavior of underwater vehicles is crucial for achieving optimal maneuverability and energy efficiency in various underwater environments, thereby ensuring effective underwater operations. This research addresses the drift characteristics of an underwater vehicle by conducting Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. DARPA Suboff model was used to analyze its maneuvering characteristics under static drift conditions at a velocity of 3.34 m/s and drift angles ranging from 0 to 18 degrees with 2-degree intervals. The simulations replicate actual sea conditions using the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations combined with the k-ω Shear Stress Transport (SST) turbulence model. The computational domain and boundary conditions are carefully defined to optimize the computational cost. The results revealed a significant decrease in longitudinal force when the drift angle increased, while the lateral force and yaw moment showed substantial increases, indicating the complex interactions between drift angles and hydrodynamic performance. This research provides valuable insights into the hydrodynamic forces and moments acting on underwater vehicles, contributing to their design optimization for improved stability and efficiency.
Numerical Model Parameters Impact on Savonius Wind Rotor Performance
Authors: Lajnef Mariem , Mosbahi Mabrouk , Driss Zied , Amato Emanuele , Tucciarelli Tullio , Sinagra Marco , Picone Calogero
Published: December 2024

Global greenhouse gas emissions are mostly caused by the production of energy extracted from fossil fuels sources. Indeed, the use of renewable clean energy has become crucial to supply the world demand while protecting the planet. For many years, there has been a great deal of interest in wind energy because it is a clean, sustainable energy source. Because of its cheaper cost and independence from wind direction, the Savonius vertical axis wind rotor has the advantage of being suitable for certain implementations as an energy converter. Several studies have been carried out to increase its efficiency from this angle. This research work emphasizes on the Savonius wind rotor numerical model performances. The main goal is to explore the impact of setting the numerical model parameters on its aerodynamic and performance characteristics. Ansys Fluent software 17.0 was utilized to perform numerical simulations utilizing the unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) equations. The mesh sizing, the turbulence model as well as the time step parameters were investigated. The numerical model validation was realized through published experimental findings available in the literature for an inlet wind velocity of 6 ms-1. Good accordance was obtained. Thus the numerical model with the selected parameters was relevant for further investigations. For a tip speed ratio λ=0.64 it gave a torque and power coefficients equal to 0.328 and 0.2, respectively.
DEEP NEURAL NETWORK AND CNN MODEL OF DRIVING BEHAVIOR PREDICTION FOR AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES IN SMART CITY
Authors: Kuatbayeva Akmaral , Sergaziyev Muslim , Issenov Daniyar , Yedilkhan Didar
Published: December 2024

This research applies deep neural networks (DNN) and convolutional neural networks (CNN) to the modeling and prediction of driving behavior in autonomous vehicles within the Smart City context. Developed, trained, validated, and tested within the Keras framework, the model is optimized to predict the steering angle for self-driving vehicles in a controlled simulated environment. Utilizing a training dataset comprised of image data paired with steering angles, the model achieves autonomous navigation along a designated track. Key innovations in the model’s architecture, including parameter fine-tuning and structural optimization, contribute to its computational efficiency and high responsiveness. The integration of convolutional layers facilitates advanced spatial feature extraction, while the inclusion of repeated layers mitigates information loss, with implications for potential future enhancements. Clustering algorithms, including K-Means, DBSCAN, Gaussian Mixture Model, Mean-Shift, and Hierarchical Clustering, further augment the model by providing insights into driving environment segmentation, obstacle detection, and driving pattern analysis, thereby enhancing complex decision-making capabilities amid real- world noise and uncertainty. Empirical results demonstrate the efficacy of Gaussian Mixture and DBSCAN algorithms in addressing environmental uncertainties, with DBSCAN displaying robust noise tolerance and anomaly detection capabilities. Additionally, the CNN model exhibits superior performance, with lower loss values on both training and validation datasets compared to an RNN model, underscoring CNN’s suitability for visually driven tasks within autonomous systems. The study advances the field of autonomous vehicle behavior prediction through a novel integration of neural networks and clustering algorithms to support sophisticated decision-making in autonomous driving. The findings contribute to the development of intelligent systems within the Smart City framework, emphasizing model precision and computational efficiency.
Simulating Self-lensing and Eclipsing Signals due to Detached Compact Objects in the TESS Light Curves
Authors: Sajadian Sedighe , Afshordi Niayesh
Published: December 2024

A fraction of Galactic stars have compact companions that could be white dwarfs (WDs), neutron stars (NSs), or stellar-mass black holes (SBHs). In a detached and edge-on binary system including a main-sequence star and a compact object (denoted by WD main-sequence (WDMS), NS main-sequence (NSMS), and SBH main-sequence (BHMS) systems), the stellar brightness can change periodically due to self-lensing or eclipsing features. The shape of a self-lensing signal is a degenerate function of stellar radius and the compact object’s mass because the self-lensing peak strongly depends on the projected source radius normalized to the Einstein radius. Increasing the inclination angle i changes the self-lensing shape from a strict top-hat model to one with slowly increasing edges. We simulate stellar light curves due to these binary systems that are observed by NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) telescope and evaluate the efficiencies to detect their periodic signatures using two sets of criteria: (i) signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) >3 and N
tran > 1 (low confidence, LC), and (ii) SNR >5 and N
tran > 2 (high confidence, HC). The HC efficiencies for detecting WDMS, NSMS, and BHMS systems with the inclination angle i < 20° during different time spans are 5%–7%, 4.5%–6%, and 4%–5%, respectively. Detecting lensing-induced features is possible in only ≲3% and ≲33% of detectable WDMS and NSMS events. The detection efficiencies for closer source stars with higher priorities are higher and drop to zero for b ≳ R
⋆, where

b
≃
tan
(
i
)
a

is the impact parameter (a is the semimajor axis). We predict the numbers of WDs, NSs, and SBHs that are discovered from the TESS Candidate Target List stars are 15–18, 6–7, and <1.
A Testbed for Tidal Migration: The 3D Architecture of an Eccentric Hot Jupiter HD 118203 b Accompanied by a Possibly Aligned Outer Giant Planet
Authors: Zhang 张 Jingwen 婧雯 , Huber Daniel , Weiss Lauren M. , Xuan Jerry W. , Burt Jennifer A. , Dai Fei , Saunders Nicholas , Petigura Erik A. , Rubenzahl Ryan A. , Winn Joshua N. , Wang Sharon X. , Van Zandt Judah , Brodheim Max , Claytor Zachary R. , Crossfield Ian , Deich William , Fulton Benjamin J. , Gibson Steven R. , Halverson Samuel , Hill Grant M. , Holden Bradford , Householder Aaron , Howard Andrew W. , Isaacson Howard , Kaye Stephen , Lanclos Kyle , Laher 良主 Russ R. 嶺亞 , Lubin Jack , Payne Joel , Roy Arpita , Schwab Christian , Shaum Abby P. , Walawender Josh , Wishnow Edward , Yeh Sherry
Published: December 2024

Characterizing outer companions to hot Jupiters plays a crucial role in deciphering their origins. We present the discovery of a long-period giant planet, HD 118203 c (

m

c

=

11.79

−
0.63

+
0.69

M

J

,

a

c

=

6.28

−
0.11

+
0.10

au) exterior to a close-in eccentric hot Jupiter HD 118203 b (P

b
= 6.135 days, m

b
= 2.14 ± 0.12 M
J, r

b
= 1.14 ± 0.029 R
J, e

b
= 0.31 ± 0.007) based on 20 yr radial velocities (RVs). Using Rossiter–McLaughlin (RM) observations from the Keck Planet Finder, we measured a low sky-projected spin–orbit angle

λ

b

=
−
11

°

7

−
10.0

+
7.6

for HD 118203 b and detected stellar oscillations in the host star, confirming its evolved status. Combining the RM observation with the stellar inclination measurement, we constrained the true spin–orbit angle of HD 118203 b as Ψ
b
< 33.°5 (2σ), indicating the orbit normal of the hot Jupiter nearly aligned with the stellar spin axis. Furthermore, by combining RVs and Hipparcos-Gaia astrometric acceleration, we constrained the line-of-sight mutual inclination between the hot Jupiter and the outer planet to be

9

.°

8

−
9.3

+
16.2

at the 2σ level. HD 118203 is one of first hot Jupiter systems where both the true spin–orbit angle of the hot Jupiter and the mutual inclination between inner and outer planets have been determined. Our results are consistent with a system-wide alignment, with low mutual inclinations between the outer giant planet, the inner hot Jupiter, and the host star. This alignment, along with the moderate eccentricity of HD 118203 c, implies that the system may have undergone coplanar high-eccentricity tidal migration. Under this framework, our dynamical analysis suggests an initial semimajor axis of 0.3–3.2 au for the proto–hot Jupiter.
The Detectability of CH4/CO2/CO and N2O Biosignatures Through Reflection Spectroscopy of Terrestrial Exoplanets
Authors: Tokadjian Armen , Hu Renyu , Damiano Mario
Published: December 2024

The chemical makeup of Earth’s atmosphere during the Archean (4–2.5 Ga) and Proterozoic eon (2.5–0.5 Ga) contrast considerably with the present-day: the Archean was rich in carbon dioxide and methane, and the Proterozoic had potentially higher amounts of nitrous oxide. CO2 and CH4 in an Archean Earth analog may be a compelling biosignature because their coexistence implies methane replenishment at rates unlikely to be abiotic. However, CH4 can also be produced through geological processes, and setting constraints on volcanic molecules such as CO may help address this ambiguity. N2O in a Proterozoic Earth analog may be evidence of life because N2O production on Earth is mostly biological. Motivated by these ideas, we use the code

EXOREL

R

to generate forward models and simulate spectral retrievals of an Archean and Proterozoic Earth-like planet to determine the detectability of CH4, CO2, CO, and N2O in their reflected light spectrum for wavelength range 0.25–1.8 μm. We show that it is challenging to detect CO in an Archean atmosphere for volume mixing ratio (VMR) ≤ 10%, but CH4 is readily detectable for both the full wavelength span and truncated ranges cut at 1.7 μm and 1.6 μm, although for the latter two cases the dominant gas of the atmosphere is misidentified. Meanwhile, N2O in a Proterozoic atmosphere is detectable for VMR = 10−3 and long wavelength cutoff ≥1.4 μm, but undetectable for VMR ≤ 10−4 . The results presented here will be useful for the strategic design of the future Habitable Worlds Observatory and the components needed to potentially distinguish between inhabited and lifeless planets.
Strong Coupling of Hydrodynamics and Reactions in Nuclear Statistical Equilibrium for Modeling Convection in Massive Stars
Authors: Zingale Michael , Chen Zhi , Johnson Eric T. , Katz Max P. , Smith Clark Alexander
Published: December 2024

We build on the simplified spectral deferred corrections (SDC) coupling of hydrodynamics and reactions to handle the case of nuclear statistical equilibrium (NSE) and electron/positron captures/decays in the cores of massive stars. Our approach blends a traditional reaction network on the grid with a tabulated NSE state from a very large,

O
(
100
)

nuclei network. We demonstrate how to achieve second-order accuracy in the simplified-SDC framework when coupling NSE to hydrodynamics, with the ability to evolve the star on the hydrodynamics time step. We discuss the application of this method to convection in massive stars leading up to core collapse. We also show how to initialize the initial convective state from a 1D model in a self-consistent fashion. All of these developments are done in the publicly available Castro simulation code and the entire simulation methodology is fully GPU-accelerated.
Dynamics Around Supermassive Black Holes: Extreme-mass-ratio Inspirals as Gravitational-wave Sources
Authors: Rom Barak , Linial Itai , Kaur Karamveer , Sari Re’em
Published: December 2024

Supermassive black holes and their surrounding dense stellar environments nourish a variety of astrophysical phenomena. We focus on the distribution of stellar-mass black holes around the supermassive black hole and the consequent formation of extreme-mass-ratio inspirals (EMRIs). We derive a steady-state distribution, considering the effects of two-body scattering and gravitational-wave emission, and calculate the EMRI formation rate, eccentricity distribution, and EMRI-to-plunge ratio. Our model predicts: (a) a stronger segregation than previously estimated at the outskirts of the sphere of influence (at ∼0.01–2 pc for a Milky Way–like galaxy); (b) an increased EMRI-to-plunge ratio, favoring EMRIs at galaxies where stellar-mass black holes are scarce; (c) a detection of about 2 × 103 resolvable EMRIs, with a signal-to-noise ratio above 20, along a 4 yr LISA mission time; and (d) a confusion noise, induced by a cosmological population of unresolved EMRIs, reducing the LISA sensitivity in the 1–5 mHz frequency range by up to a factor of ≈2, relative to the instrumental noise.
Detection of Diffuse Hot Gas around the Young, Potential Superstar Cluster H72.97–69.39
Authors: Webb Trinity L. , Rodriguez Jennifer A. , Lopez Laura A. , Rosen Anna L. , Lancaster Lachlan , Nayak Omnarayani , McLeod Anna F. , Pandey Paarmita , Olivier Grace M.
Published: December 2024

We present the first Chandra X-ray observations of H72.97–69.39, a highly embedded, potential superstar cluster in its infancy located in the star-forming complex N79 of the Large Magellanic Cloud. We detect particularly hard, diffuse X-ray emission that is coincident with the young stellar objects identified with JWST, and the hot gas fills cavities in the dense gas mapped by the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. The X-ray spectra are best fit with either a thermal plasma or power-law model, and assuming the former, we show that the X-ray luminosity of L
X = (1.0 ± 0.3) × 1034 erg s−1 is a factor of ∼20 below the expectation for a fully confined wind bubble. Our results suggest that stellar wind feedback produces diffuse hot gas in the earliest stages of massive star cluster formation and that wind energy can be lost quickly via either turbulent mixing followed by radiative cooling or by physical leakage.