bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Analytical Framework for Dynamic Toll Booth Allocation: Reducing Queue Lengths and Wait Times Using Mathematical Optimization & IoT
Authors: Pandey Satendra Ch , P Dr. Vasanthi Kumari
Published: December 2024

This study presents a transformative approach to dynamic toll lane allocation, specifically tailored for the Neelamangala Toll Plaza on National Highway 48, India. The proposed system integrates Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, machine learning-based predictive analytics, and real-time traffic monitoring to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion. IoT sensors, RFID tags, and surveillance cameras continuously capture real-time data on vehicle count, traffic density, and queue lengths, which are processed by advanced predictive models to allocate toll lanes dynamically. The methodology incorporates a robust mathematical model for traffic flow optimization, leveraging historical and real-time data to forecast congestion patterns and improve lane utilization. A key feature of the system is a driver-centric assistance mechanism, including a digitized display board positioned one kilometer ahead of the toll plaza. This board provides real-time lane recommendations and estimated waiting times, empowering drivers to make informed decisions. Additionally, an automated SMS notification system linked to RFID-enabled vehicles ensures seamless communication, further enhancing the user experience and streamlining traffic operations. The implementation of this system has demonstrated significant improvements in toll plaza efficiency. Results show a substantial reduction in average waiting times, queue lengths, and vehicular idling, contributing to enhanced throughput and environmental sustainability. Fuel consumption and emissions are minimized, aligning the solution with global sustainability goals. Furthermore, the study highlights the system's scalability, making it adaptable to other high-traffic toll plazas and multi-lane highways, with potential integration into broader smart city infrastructure. This research provides valuable insights into the application of IoT and machine learning for dynamic traffic management. By addressing the limitations of traditional static toll systems, the proposed solution sets a new standard for operational efficiency, user satisfaction, and environmental responsibility. The findings offer a scalable and future-proof framework for policymakers, urban planners, and transportation authorities seeking to modernize toll plaza operations and enhance the overall efficiency of road transport systems [1,2,3,4].
Review of the Biology of Anopheles squamosus, an Understudied Malaria Vector in Africa
Authors: Nguyen Valerie T , Dryden Dalia , Broder Brooke A , Tadimarri Ayaan , Tanachaiwiwat Primrose , Mathias Derrick K , Thongsripong Panpim , Reeves Lawrence E. , Ali Reneé L.M.N. , Gebhardt Mary E. , Saili Kochelani , Simubali Limonty , Simulundu Edgar , Norris Douglas E. , Lee Yoosook
Published: December 2024

With ongoing global efforts to eliminate malaria, many countries have entered a pre-elimination stage, in which populations of the primary mosquito vector are reduced and the rates of malaria transmission are low. Efforts to eliminate malaria have changed the dynamics of disease trans-mission, causing a shift in anopheline community composition in some regions. One of the most abundant species of Anopheles found in pre-elimination areas, such as southern Africa, is Anopheles squamosus. Though An. squamosus has been documented across the African continent, limited in-formation is available about their biology. The aim of this review is to compile the information available for An. squamosus biology, ecology, distribution, behavior, and potential role in disease transmission. The review of current literature suggested that An. squamosus is abundant throughout the African continent. Studies indicate that this species occupies the same range and exhibits similar behaviors to primary malaria vectors in southern and eastern African countries like Zambia. Anopheles squamosus continues to be an understudied species that has circumvented disease control measures. Further studies are needed to develop resources to accurately identify this species from morphologically cryptic, closely related species and to effectively assess its role in malaria parasite transmission.
Chemometric Approaches for Sustainable Pharmaceutical Analysis Using Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Aboushady Dina , Samir Liza , Alaa Masoud Alaa , Elshoura Yasmin , Mohamed Abdelgawad , Hanafi Rasha S. , El Deeb Sami
Published: December 2024

Chemometrics, which applies mathematical and statistical methods to aid experimental design, data analysis, and process optimization, is gaining more importance. It plays an important role in enhancing the sustainability of analytical methods when integrated with green analytical chemistry. Applying chemometrics to liquid chromatographic methods can speed up the analytical method, saving time, energy, and solvent consumption. This would be reflected by a low energy footprint and environmental impact. This review briefly discusses the application of chemometric methods like multivariant data analysis, design of experiment, retention time prediction, and peak deconvolution in green liquid chromatographic analysis of pharmaceuticals. The integration of chemometrics in sustainable chromatographic analysis will continue to revolutionize the field and further whitening analytical methods with better performance.
Synthesis and Characterization of Insoluble Vanadium-containing Keggin-type Phosphomolybdates with nBu4N+ Counterion: Recyclable Catalysts for 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural Oxidation
Authors: Rodikova Yulia , Zhizhina Elena , Parmon Valentin
Published: December 2024

Mixed nBu4N+-substituted phosphomolybdovanadates of (nBu4N)2.5+xH0.5PMo12-xVxO40 (x = 1–4) gross composition have been prepared by a promising ecological method and investigated as catalysts for the transformation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. It has been shown that activation of vanadium(V) atoms in V2O5 using the H2O2-affected approach followed by their insertion into a Mo-containing framework provides a waste-free synthesis of mixed heteropoly anions. The resulting solids have been characterized by XRD, IR, ICP-AES, N2 adsorption-desorption, and TGA methods to estimate their structural and textural characteristics. The catalysts exhibit significant activity and good reusability (at least five times) in the oxidation of a biomass-derived precursor to produce 2,5-diformylfuran in yield above 90%.
An Original Presentation of an Old Theory: Lorentz Transformation Generalized to Allow for an Accelerating Coordinate System
Authors: Edmonds Larry D.
Published: December 2024

The traditional version of the Lorentz transformation is used to relate the coordinates of an event (a point in spacetime) between different inertial coordinate systems in the absence of any gravitational effects. It is limited to those cases in which both reference frames are inertial, so they have a constant velocity relative to each other. This report utilizes a familiar postulate, regarding the equivalence between coordinates measured in an accelerating reference frame and coordinates measured in a reference frame instantaneously at rest with the accelerating frame, together with the traditional version of the Lorentz transformation to derive a generalized version that allows one of the reference frames to be accelerating. This is not a new topic but the presentation and all derivations in this report are the author’s own inventions. By defining suitable quantities and introducing suitable notation, the generalized version can be written in a way that is almost as simple as the traditional (constant velocity) version when calculating the coordinates of an event in an inertial system when given the coordinates in an accelerating system. Unfortunately, calculations of the inverse transformation, i.e., calculating the coordinates in the accelerating system when given coordinates in an inertial system, are more cumbersome. Worse yet, while a suitably selected history and future ensure the existence of an inverse transformation, there can exist spacetime points for which it is not unique. However, the metric tensor can be derived in the accelerating system for the general case and is included in this report. This is used to calculate time dilations and Doppler effects that are outside the scope of inertial coordinate systems.
Entropy Production in an Electro-Membrane Process at Underlimiting Currents. Influence of Temperature
Authors: Maroto Juan Carlos , Muñoz Sagrario , Barragán V. María
Published: December 2024

The entropy production in the polarization phenomena occurring in the underlimiting regime, when an electric current circulates through a single cation-exchange membrane system, has been investigated in the 3-40 °C temperature range. From the analysis of the current-voltage curves and considering the electrolyte-membrane system as a unidimensional heterogeneous system, the total entropy generation in the system has been estimated from the contribution of each part of the system. Classical polarization theory and the irreversible thermodynamics approach have been used to determine the total electric potential drop and the entropy generation, respectively, associated with the different transport mechanisms in each part of the system. The results show that part of the electric power input is dissipated as heat due to both electric migration and diffusion ion transports, while another part is converted into chemical energy stored in the saline concentration gradient. Considering the electro-membrane process as an energy conversion process, an efficiency has been defined as the ratio between stored power and electric power input. This efficiency increases as both applied electric current and temperature increase.
Two-Stream Artificial Transpiration Device as Energy Source Using Molecular Properties of Water
Authors: Yakovenko Yury
Published: December 2024

Plants, in particular trees, derive energy to raise soil water to a height of many tens of meters by means of the phenomenon of transpiration. The development of the first two-stream artificial transpiration devices, started in recent years, becomes a motivating incentive for studying ways to turn such devices into energy sources of a new type. There is a prospect of using not only gravitational property of water, which allows to extract energy with the help of water wheels, dams and hydro stations, but also two molecular properties of water (property to create surface tension and property to evaporate easily), which manifest themselves in the phenomenon of transpiration and have not yet found application in the processes of technical energy production. The paper is devoted to a special analysis of the role played by molecular properties of water in two-stream artificial transpiration device and the issues of using such device as energy generator. Three typical models of device capable of performing the functions of an energy generator using molecular properties of water are proposed. The amount of energy generated by the devices in autonomous mode is estimated in the range from fractions of a watt to tens of kilowatts.
HDNLS: Hybrid Deep-Learning and Non-Linear Least Squares-Based Method for Fast Multi-Component T1ρ Mapping in the Knee Joint
Authors: Singh Dilbag , R. Regatte Ravinder , Zibetti Marcelo V. W.
Published: December 2024

Non-linear least squares (NLS) methods are commonly used for quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), especially for multi-exponential T1ρ mapping. It provides precise parameter estimation for different relaxation models in tissues, such as mono-exponential (ME), bi-exponential (BE), and stretched-exponential (SE). However, NLS may suffer from problems like sensitivity to initial guesses, slow convergence speed, and high computational cost. While deep learning (DL)-based T1ρ fitting methods offer faster alternatives, they often face challenges such as noise sensitivity and reliance on NLS-generated reference data for training. To address these limitations of both approaches, we propose the HDNLS, a hybrid model for fast multi-component parameter mapping, particularly targeted for T1ρ mapping in the knee joint. HDNLS combines voxel-wise DL, trained with synthetic data, with a few iterations of NLS to accelerate the fitting process, thus eliminating the need for reference MRI data for training. Due to the inverse-problem nature of the parameter mapping, certain parameters in a specific model may be more sensitive to noise, such as the short component in the BE model. To address this, the number of NLS iterations in HDNLS can act as a regularization, stabilizing the estimation to get meaningful solutions. Thus, in this work, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the impact of NLS iterations on HDNLS performance and proposed four variants that balance estimation accuracy and computational speed. These variants are Ultrafast-NLS, Superfast-HDNLS, HDNLS, and Relaxed-HDNLS. These methods allow users to select a suitable configuration based on their specific speed and performance requirements. Among these, HDNLS emerges as the optimal trade-off between performance and fitting time. Extensive experiments on synthetic data demonstrate that HDNLS achieves comparable performance to NLS and regularized-NLS (RNLS) with a minimum of 13-fold improvement in speed. HDNLS is just a little slower than DL-based methods, however, it significantly improves estimation quality, offering a solution for T1ρ fitting that is fast and reliable.
Integrated Design and Construction of a 50kW Flexible Hybrid Renewable Power Hydrogen Testbed
Authors: Love Jonathan G. , Gane Michelle , O'Mullane Anthony P. , Mackinnon Ian D.R.
Published: December 2024

The production of hydrogen via electrolysis, using renewable power and sustainable water sources, is critical to energy storage systems and the energy transition. There remain significant industry questions concerning efficiency and degradation of hydrogen production, component lifetimes, hydrogen storage, system maintenance, control methods and end-of-life refurbishment/recycle/salvage that, when answered, enable viable techno-economic analyses of scaled-up systems. Current knowledge of component and systems integration has uncertainty that requires a detailed technical analysis of these industry questions via research-based low regret testbeds. This study details exemplar design and construction of a flexible plug-and-play hybrid renewable power and hydrogen testbed with up to 50 kW electrolysis aimed at addressing these questions. The testbed configuration includes three different solar technologies, three different battery technologies, two different electrolyser technologies, hydrogen storage and a fuel cell for regenerative renewable power. Design constraints include the current limit of an AC microgrid, regulations for grid connected inverters, power connection inefficiencies and regulated hazardous area approval. These constraints can be overcome but additional time and resources are required to re-certify design and construction. We identify, and show resolution of, systems integration challenges encountered during construction that may benefit the energy transition.
Doxycycline Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Could Induce Cross-Resistance to Other Classes of Antimicrobials in Commensal Neisseria Species: An Analysis of Commensal Neisseria spp. in Japan
Authors: Kanesaka Izumo , Santhini Manoharan-Basil Sheeba , De Block Tessa , Kenyon Chris , Morita Masahiro , Ito Takamitsu , Yamane Natsue , Katsuse Kanayama Akiko , Kobayashi Intetsu
Published: December 2024

Objectives: We aimed to, for the first time, characterize the antimicrobial susceptibilities of commensal Neisseria species in the general population in Japan. We assessed if the tetracycline MICs of these isolates where changing over time and given the recent interest in doxycycline post exposure prophylaxis if the tetracycline MICs were associated with those of the other antimicrobials. Methods: Neisseria spp. were isolated from 1,679 patients visiting dental clinics in Japan, between 2018-2023. The MICs of tetracycline, ceftriaxone, cefixime, penicillin, azithromycin and ciprofloxacin against Neisseria spp. were determined using agar dilution. Linear regression was used to assess if there was an association between MIC and the year the isolate was obtained from, controlling for species identity. Results: Neisseria spp. were detected in 424 of 1,679 individuals sampled. Of these, 417 (98.3%) were identified as Neisseria subflava, and the remaining 7 (1.7%) as Neisseria mucosa. The median tetracycline MIC was 0.5 mg/L (IQR 0.5-1 mg/L). The MICs of penicillin, cefixime, ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin were lower in N. mucosa than N. subflava. The tetracycline MICs of Neisseria spp. were positively correlated with penicillin, azithromycin and ciprofloxacin. No significant correlations were found with cefixime or ceftriaxone. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the intensive use of doxycycline in populations could select for Neisseria spp. with higher tetracycline MICs and in so doing select for higher penicillin, azithromycin and ciprofloxacin MICs. This could in turn increase the probability of resistance associated mutations being passed on to the pathogenic Neisseria spp.
Caffeine: A Neuroprotectant and Neurotoxin in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Authors: Sharma Bharti , Agriantonis George , Brown Rolanda , Simon Whenzdjyny , Chapelet Jessica , Cardona Angie , Soni Aditi , Siddiqui Maham , Patel Brijal , Cheerasarn Sittha , Chang Justin , Cobb Lauren , John Fanta , Shaefee Zahra , Twelker Kate , D. Bhatia Navin , Whittington Jennifer
Published: December 2024

Caffeine is a weak, nonselective adenosine receptor antagonist. At low-to-moderate doses, caffeine has a stimulating effect, however, at higher doses, it can act as a depressant. It can act both as a neuroprotectant and a neurotoxin. In experimental Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), administration of this psychoactive drug has been associated with beneficial or detrimental effects, depending on the dose, model, and timing. In a healthy brain, it can boost alertness and promote wakefulness. On the other hand, its consumption during late adolescence and early adulthood disrupts normal pruning processes in the context of repetitive moderate TBI (mTBI), leading to changes in dendritic spine morphology resulting in neurological and behavioral impairments. Caffeine can potentially reduce TBI-associated intracranial pressure, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, cytotoxic edema, inflammation, and apoptosis. It can enhance alertness and reduce mental fatigue, which is critical for the cognitive rehabilitation of TBI patients. It has positive effects on immune cells and recovery post-TBI. It can improve cognitive function by antagonizing adenosine receptors involved in controlling synaptic transmission, synaptic plasticity, and synapse toxicity. On the contrary, studies have also reported caffeine consumers had significantly higher somatic discomfort compared to non-consumers. Therefore, we bring forth this review with the objective of exploring various studies and thoroughly examining the positive and negative role of caffeine in TBI.
Development of a Pentacistronic Ebola Virus Minigenome and Its Application to Model Mouse-Adapted Ebola Virus
Authors: Zell Brady N. , Swenson Vaille A. , Lu Shao-Chia , Wang Lin , Barry Michael A. , Ebihara Hideki , Yamaoka Satoko
Published: December 2024

Ebola virus (EBOV) causes hemorrhagic disease in humans with high case fatality rates. EBOV requires adaptation to cause lethal disease in mice by acquiring single mutations in both the nucleoprotein (NP) and VP24 genes. The role(s) of these two mutations in pathogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we modeled mouse-adapted EBOV (MA-EBOV) using minigenomes and transcription/replication-competent virus-like particles (trVLPs) for investigation under BSL-2 conditions. We engineered novel pentacistronic minigenomes (5xMG) containing reporter, VP40, and glycoprotein genes as well as the NP and VP24 genes from either EBOV or MA-EBOV to assess their impacts on the viral life cycle or the host’s antiviral response. The 5xMGs were constructed, optimized, and the produced trVLPs were demonstrated to infect both human and murine cell lines. Since macrophages are key cell types in EBOV infections, RAW264.7 mouse macrophages were infected with wild-type (WT) and MA-trVLPs and RNA-sequencing of their transcriptomes were compared. This revealed selective reductions in key innate immune response mRNAs following MA-trVLP infection when compared to WT-trVLP, suggesting that MA mutations may play a role in combating innate immune responses in mouse macrophages. This work demonstrates the utility of the 5xMG system as a new versatile tool to study EBOV biology.
Rural-Urban Disparity in Induced Abortion in Ghana: A Multivariate Non-Linear Decomposition Analysis of Ghana Maternal Health Survey
Authors: Owusu-Kwankye Sarah , Yeboah Isaac , Wiredu Agyekum Martin , Dwomoh Duah , Klu Desmond , Naana Essiaw Mary , Kweku Conduah Andrew
Published: December 2024

Globally, 73.3 million induced abortions were recorded between 2015 and 2019. There are significant disparities in induced abortions across the rural-urban divide which is necessary for the development of targeted policies and interventions. In this study, we decomposed the rural-urban disparities in induced abortion in Ghana. Data for the study was extracted from the most recent 2017 Ghana Maternal Health Survey. The sample for this study comprised of women who have ever been pregnant resulting in a weighted sample of 18,140. A multivariate non-linear decomposition model was employed to decompose the rural-urban disparities in induced abortion. The results were presented using coefficients and percentages. The results were presented using coefficients and percentages. The proportion of women who have had induced abortions in their lifetime in the study was 27.1%. Induced abortion was higher in urban areas (34.1%) than in rural areas (19.4%). Approximately 55% of the rural-urban disparities in induced abortion were attributable to differences in women's socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics. Hence, if women’s socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics were equalled, the rural-urban disparity in induced abortion would be decreased. Region of residence (25.4%), education (16.6%), and parity (9.4%) explained approximately 51% of the rural-urban inequality in induced abortion. This study shows significant rural-urban disparities in induced abortion, with the disparities being attributable to the differences in socio-demographic and obstetrics characteristics: region of residence, education, and parity. Policymakers could focus and work on intensifying sexual and reproductive health educational messages, particularly, among women residing in the middle and southern ecological zone of Ghana, and also targeting the educated.
Using Integrated Geodetic Data to Assess Drought Characteristics Across Four Provinces and Municipalities in Southwest China
Authors: Lu Liguo , Luo Xinyu , Chao Nengfang , Wu Tangting , Liu Zhanke
Published: December 2024

Southwest China (including Sichuan Province, Chongqing Municipality, Yunnan Province, and Guizhou Province) has abundant water resources and a complex climate. Water resources here are crucial to climate regulation and ecology. However, these regions have frequently encountered extreme climate events such as drought in recent years. Therefore, it is of great practical significance to accurately analyze the changes in terrestrial water storage (TWS) and its drought characteristics in Southwest China. Due to the incomplete data and insufficient spatial resolution of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) and its successor GRACE Follow-On (GFO), as well as the limitations in the station's distribution and number of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), these factors have affected their ability to monitor TWS changes independently. This study employs a methodology that integrates GNSS and GRACE/GFO data to assess long-term changes in TWS from December 2010 to June 2023 and combines hydrological and meteorological data (precipitation (P), evapotranspiration (ET), runoff (R)) to investigate the drought characteristics across four provinces and municipalities in Southwest China. The joint inversion results reasonably correlate with GNSS (0.98) and GRACE/GFO (0.69). The drought index Joint-DSI calculated by joint inversion indicates that Southwest China has experienced five drought events during the study period, of which the fifth drought event is the most serious between July 2022 and June 2023, with an average deficit of 86.133 km3 and a total severity of 861.332 km3. Extreme drought primarily impacts SCP and YNP, and we have found that the drought event is mainly affected by precipitation. The joint inversion results can integrate the characteristics of GNSS and GRACE/GFO, providing an alternative option for monitoring regional TWS changes and drought characteristics using geodetic data.
Research on the Differences of Oil and Gas Migration Systems in Hydrocarbon Source Rocks and Sandstone Reservoirs
Authors: Guan Qingfeng , Zhang Jingong
Published: December 2024

The migration system, serving as the direct carrier that connects hydrocarbon source rocks and traps, is an important aspect of the research on oil and gas migration, accumulation, and reservoir formation. This paper mainly relies on the relevant sample data collected from the Upper Paleozoic in the Ordos Basin. By measuring the permeability, porosity values, and ratios of mudstone (coal) samples and sandstone samples under different conditions, it explores the migration and conduction mechanism of oil and gas in different lithological strata. The results indicate that the permeability and porosity of mudstone (coal) and sandstone samples in the direction parallel to the bedding plane are higher than those in the direction perpendicular to the bedding plane, and the permeability and porosity of sandstone are higher than those of mudstone (coal). In the presence of fractures, the permeability and porosity of fractured mudstone (coal) and sandstone samples are significantly higher than those without fractures. Based on this, the following conclusions can be drawn: When there is no fracture development, the permeability and porosity of hydrocarbon source rocks and sandstone in the direction parallel to the bedding plane are better than those in the direction perpendicular to the bedding plane, and the permeability and porosity of sandstone are better than those of hydrocarbon source rocks (mudstone and coal rock). When fractures are developed, the permeability and porosity in the fracture direction are the best, followed by sandstone, and hydrocarbon source rocks are the worst. The research conclusions lay a foundation for further improving the relevant theoretical research on the oil and gas migration system and also play an important guiding role in the exploration and development of oil and gas reservoirs.
Effect of Tempering Temperature on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Cr–Ni–Mo–V Rotor Steel
Authors: Zhao Chao , Zhang Xinyi , Liang Xiaojie , Song Guowang , Wang Bin , Guo Liqiang , Zhang Pengjun , Zhang Shuguang
Published: December 2024

The influence of tempering temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Cr–Ni–Mo–V rotor steel for large rotors was investigated. The microstructure was characterized by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope and X-ray diffraction, and the mechanical properties were tested by uniaxial tensile test. The results show that as the tempering temperature increases from 450 ℃ to 700 ℃, the strength of Cr–Ni–Mo–V rotor steel first decreases, then increases and then decreases again, and the plasticity gradually increases. The main reason is that with the increase of tempering temperature, the gradual recovery and recrystallization of lat martensite lead to a decrease in dislocation density in the matrix, and the carbide gradually changes from a large number of rod-shaped continuous Fe3Mo3C distribution to a spherical Mo2C and VC distribution, resulting in Fe3Mo3C precipitation and resolution, and dispersion precipitation of Mo2C and VC. Therefore, the change in strength is mainly influenced by the balance between the strengthening of the solid solution, the strengthening of the precipitation and the strengthening of the dislocation in the matrix.
The Impact of Cloud-Based Information Systems on Collaboration and Productivity in Remote Teams
Authors: Holloway Samuel
Published: December 2024

This study explores the impact of cloud-based information systems on collaboration and productivity within remote teams. As remote work continues to rise globally, the adoption of cloud platforms has become critical for organizations aiming to maintain efficient communication, collaboration, and productivity. The research investigates how cloud-based systems, with their real-time capabilities, shared workspaces, and task management tools, contribute to enhancing team performance in a distributed work environment. Through qualitative analysis, data was gathered from remote teams across various industries, examining their experiences with cloud tools and the outcomes on their collaboration and overall productivity. Findings reveal that cloud-based systems significantly improve team coordination, streamline workflows, and foster transparency, enabling teams to work more efficiently. These tools also enhance flexibility, allowing team members to contribute and collaborate regardless of location or time zone. However, the study also identifies challenges, including concerns about data security, a learning curve associated with new technologies, and the potential negative effects of over-reliance on digital tools. The research emphasizes the need for balanced integration, where technology complements human interaction and organizational support. Ultimately, the study underscores the transformative role of cloud-based information systems in shaping modern remote teams, highlighting their potential to drive innovation, enhance team performance, and support organizational growth in an increasingly digital and distributed workplace.
Improvement in the Estimation of Inhaled Concentration of Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, Nitric Oxide Using Physiological Responses and Power Spectral Density from an Astrapi Spectrum Analyzer
Authors: Ruwali Shisir , Prothero Jerrold , Bhatt Tanay , Talebi Shawhin , Fernando Ashen , Wijeratne Lakitha , Waczak John , Dewage Prabuddha M.H. , Lary Tatiana , Lary Matthew , Aker Adam , Lary David
Published: December 2024

The air we breathe consists of contaminants such as particulate matter (PM), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitric oxide (NO) which when inhaled brings about several changes in the autonomous responses of our body. Our previous work showed that we can use the human body as a sensor by making use of autonomous responses (or biometrics) such as changes in electrical activity in the brain measured using electroencephalogram (EEG) and physiological changes such as skin temperature, Galvanic Skin Response (GSR), blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and few others can be used to estimate pollutants, in particular, PM1 and CO2 with high degree of accuracy using machine learning. In this study, we introduce a novel approach to obtain the power spectral density (PSD) from the timeseries of EEG developed by Astrapi called the Astrapi Spectrum Analyzer (ASA). The physiological responses of a participant cycling outdoors is measured using a biometric suite and ambient CO2, NO2 and NO is measured simultaneously. We made use of physiological responses and combined it with the PSD from an EEG timeseries using Welch Method (WM) and then with the PSD using ASA to estimate the inhaled concentration of CO2, NO2 and NO. This work shows that, indeed the PSD obtained from ASA combined with other physiological responses provides much better result (RMSE=9.28 ppm in an independent test set) in estimating inhaled CO2 compared to making use of the same physiological responses and PSD from WM (RMSE=17.55 ppm in an independent test set). Small improvements are also seen in the estimation of NO2 and NO when using physiological responses and PSD from ASA, which can be further confirmed by making use of large number of data collection.
Analysis of Anxiety Disorders and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders for Screening Anxiolytic Drugs and Linking Preclinical and Clinical Research
Authors: Kozłowska Anna , Ma Wan-Jiun , Shyu Bai-Chuang , Huang Andrew Chih Wei
Published: December 2024

How to determine suitable animal models of anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) for screening anxiolytic drugs and linking preclinical and clinical research is a crucial issue. This review paper provides background knowledge and critical determination to the animal models for discussing this issue. Moreover, this article analyzes the characteristics, properties, advantages, and disadvantages of various animal models of anxiety disorders and PTSD. It offers an overview of the pathophysiology, treatments, prevalence, and symptoms of anxiety disorders in the clinics. Furthermore, it comprehensively discusses pharmacological treatments and neural mechanisms, as well as the types and properties of the animal models of anxiety disorders in shaping and testing anxiety behaviors. In light of the previous literature discussion, we can understand the different functions of the animal models of anxiety disorders and PTSD to help us link preclinical and clinical research. Animal models are used in advanced drug discovery programs, specifically in psychiatry and neuroscience research. The challenge for the future will be to keep pace with developing the appropriate animal models of anxiolytic drugs to improve the translation of large datasets obtained to clinics.
Bioacaricides in Crop Protection – What’s the State of Play?
Authors: Marčić Dejan , Doker Ismail , Tsolakis Haralabos
Published: December 2024

Growing demands for environmentally-friendly and sustainable crop pest management increased the interest for biopesticides as an alternative to the synthetic chemical pesticides. This review presents the current status of bioacaricides defined as commercial biopesticide products based on microorganisms (microbial acaricides) and biologically active substances of microbial, plant or animal origin (biochemicals and semiochemicals), used in crop protection against spider mites (Tetranychidae) and other plant-feeding mites. The most important microbial bioacaricides are mycopesticides, products manufactured from living propagules of Beauveria bassiana s.l. and several other acaropathogenic fungi. Products based on avermectins and milbemycins, secondary metabolites of actinomycetes, are well-known examples of biochemicals of microbial origin. Among biochemicals of plant origin, the most widely used have been the products based on pyrethrum, obtained from the Dalmatian daisy, Tanacetum cinerariifolium (Asteraceae), and azadirachtin, obtained from the Indian neem tree, Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae). In the recent years, products based on the essential oils from aromatic plants belonging to the families Lamiaceae, Myrtaceae, Rutaceae and others, have also gained increasing importance in the market. Special emphasis in this review is given on the compatibility of bioacaricides with predatory mites from the family Phytoseiidae as natural enemies used in the integrated management of plant-feeding mites.
Retrospective Analysis Of A One-year Outcome Of Gastrostomy Tubes In Children: A Clinical Report In A Developing Country
Authors: Castillo-Ortega Ruben , Vega-Vargas Juan , Durán-Aguero Samuel
Published: December 2024

Background: Current data show a variety of negative aspects related to persistent use of a gastrostomy tube in developed countries: lack of scientific proof to indicate gastrostomy tubes (GT) over nasogastric tubes (NGT), GTs should only be considered on individuals unable to thrive, potential GT risks may outweigh its benefits, and caregivers’ opinions must be taken into consideration. Objective: To analyze the impact of chronic use of gastrostomy tubes in pediatric patients one year after its placement, through the assessment of anthropometric variables in a hospital of a developing country. Methods: This study had a cohort-type intervention. Biosocial and anthropometric parameters were assessed and compared through Paired T-Tests, before and after one year of gastrostomy tube feeding. Findings: 24 patients were assessed one year after gastrostomy tube (GT) placement. It was globally observed that, in all ages assessed, all anthropometric variables (weight, length and body mass index) improved. On average this sample gained 3.89 kilos (p<0.000), 8.87 cm. (p<0.000) and 1.72 kg/mt2 (p<0.001). Also, this cohort showed an undernourishment rate of 25% prior to GT placement, and it reduced to 4.1% after one year of enteral nutrition use. Likewise, normal nutritional status improved from 41.6% to 91.6% in this CP sample. Long-term parameters for nutritional assessment (length/age) were also improved, reducing short/age parameters by 8.33% (p<0.002). No overweight or obese children were found. Interpretation: This study has confirmed that enteral nutrition is vital to improve nutritional status of pediatric patients in long-term parameters. Gastrostomy tubes have been proven to reduce morbidity, mortality, and hospitalizations, as well as secure survival and improve quality of life in people with CP. Due to high prevalence of disabled people in developing countries, rehabilitation (including dysphagia management) is indispensable to recover and retrieve oral feeding, in order to reduce the costs of maintenance of enteral nutrition for families and the health system. Developing countries, like Chile, lack access to rehabilitation leading to chronic usage of gastrostomy tubes. Clinicians see themselves forced to secure survival with GTs, despite potential risks showed in developed countries.
Criteria for Evaluating Digital Technology Used to Support Computational Thinking via Inquiry Learning—the Case of Two Educational Software for Mathematics and Physics
Authors: Bounou Aikaterini , Tselios Nikolaos , Kaliampos George , Lavidas Konstantinos , Papadakis Stamatios
Published: December 2024

There is an ongoing need to evaluate whether commonly used educational software effectively supports inquiry-based learning and computational thinking skills development, which are key objectives in secondary STEM curricula. This research establishes criteria for characterising digital technologies, such as modelling and simulation software, virtual laboratories, and microcosms, to ensure their suitability in supporting students' computational thinking through inquiry-based activities in STEM courses. The main criteria focus on six key areas: (a) production of meaning, (b) support in problem formulation, (c) ability to manage processes easily, (d) support in expressing solutions, (e) support in executing and evaluating solutions, and (f) ability to articulate and reflect on processes and solutions. Using this evaluation framework, two widely used software tools, Tracker and GeoGebra, commonly employed in high school physics and mathematics, were assessed. The trial evaluation results are discussed, with recommendations for improving the software to support these educational objectives.
Australian Women in the Perinatal Period During COVID-19: The Influence of Self-Compassion and Emotion Regulation on Anxiety, Depression, and Social Anxiety
Authors: Cutajar Kayla , Bates Glen William
Published: December 2024

Objectives. This study examined how self-compassion and emotion regulation strategies have influenced perinatal anxiety, depression, and social anxiety during COVID-19.
Methods. A sample of 265 Australian perinatal women completed an online survey containing measures of depression, anxiety, social anxiety, COVID-19 experiences, self-compassion, and emotion regulation strategies.
Results. As hypothesised, correlation analyses showed that self-compassion and adaptive emo-tion regulation strategies were negatively related to anxiety, depression and social anxiety, and maladaptive strategies were positively related. Contrary to predictions, COVID-19 related experience showed little relationship with mental health outcomes. Parallel mediation analyses showed that self-compassion negatively predicted depression and anxiety and was partially mediated by specific emotion regulation strategies. For social anxiety, self-compassion was fully mediated by emotion regulation strategies. Different emotion regulation strategies were significant mediators of the relationship between self-compassion and each mental health outcome.
Conclusions. Findings suggest that reinforcing self-compassion and addressing certain emotion regulation deficits is important in alleviating mental health symptoms among perinatal women.
Melatonin Upregulates Sodium Channel NAV1.5 in Cultured Neonatal Rat Cardiomyocytes?
Authors: Durkina Aleksandra , Gonotkov Mikhail , Furman Arseniy , Bernikova Olesya , Sedova Ksenia , Mikhailova Valeria , Velegzhaninov Ilya , Azarov Jan
Published: December 2024

It has been previously demonstrated that melatonin exerts antiarrhythmic effects under conditions of ischemia and reperfusion in vivo by maintaining a relatively high conduction velocity in the myocardium. However, mechanistical details of this effect remain unclear, specifically whether melatonin affects myocardium directly or via systemic mediating signaling. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of melatonin on the expression of genes encoding proteins potentially responsible for maintaining myocardial conduction in cultured cardiomyocytes. Ventricular cardiomyocytes isolated from neonatal rats were incubated with melatonin (100 µM) for 24 hours. Melatonin at a concentration of 100 µM enhanced the mRNA expression level of Scn5a gene and increased the amplitude of INa sodium current in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, but did not affect the parameters of steady-state activation and inactivation of INa. Thus, the present study demonstrated the direct effect of melatonin on sodium current in cardiomyocytes.
MixCFormer: A CNN-Transformer Hybrid with Mixup Augmentation for Enhanced Finger Vein Attack Detection
Authors: Wang Zhaodi , Yang Shuqiang , Qin Huafeng , Liu Yike , Wang Junqiang
Published: December 2024

Finger vein recognition has gained significant attention for its importance in enhancing security, safeguarding privacy, and ensuring reliable liveness detection. As a foundation of vein recognition systems, vein detection faces challenges including low feature extraction efficiency, limited robustness, and a heavy reliance on real-world data. Additionally, environmental variability and advancements in spoofing technologies further exacerbate data privacy and security concerns. To address these challenges, this paper proposes MixCFormer, a hybrid CNN-Transformer architecture that incorporates Mixup data augmentation to improve the accuracy of finger vein liveness detection and reduce dependency on large-scale real datasets. First, The MixCFormer model applies baseline drift elimination, morphological filtering, and Butterworth filtering techniques to minimize the impact of background noise and illumination variations, thereby enhancing the clarity and recognizability of vein features. Next, finger vein video data is transformed into feature sequences, optimizing feature extraction and matching efficiency, effectively capturing dynamic time-series information and improving discrimination between live and forged samples. Furthermore, Mixup data augmentation is used to expand sample diversity and decrease dependency on extensive real datasets, thereby enhancing the model’s ability to recognize forged samples across diverse attack scenarios. Finally, the CNN and Transformer architecture leverages both local and global feature extraction capabilities to capture vein feature correlations and dependencies. Residual connections improve feature propagation, enhancing the stability of feature representations in liveness detection. Rigorous experimental evaluations demonstrate that MixCFormer achieves a detection accuracy of 99.51% on finger vein datasets, significantly outperforming existing methods.
RELATIONSHIP OF SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE AND INTENSITY OF DYSMENORRHEA IN MIDWIFE STUDENTS FACULTY OF MEDICINE SEBELAS MARET UNIVERSITY
Authors: Rafiqa Aprilya Anes , Kusmawati Iffah Indri , Putri Noviyati Rahardjo , Nurhidayati Siti , Nurinasari Hafi
Published: December 2024

Background: Dysmenorrhea is a menstrual syndrome disorder that generally occurs in women of reproductive age before or during menstruation in a form of pain and discomfort around the pelvis, lower abdomen, and back. One of dysmenorrhea factors is the lack of daily physical activity (sedentary lifestyle). Sedentary lifestyle can cause ischemia that blocks the blood flow to the reproductive organs and the production of endorphins which help in reducing pain during menstruation.

Objectives: To find out the correlation between sedentary lifestyle and the dysmenorrhea intensity among midwifery students, Faculty of Medicine, Sebelas Maret University.

Method: This study used a quantitative method by applying a cross-sectional approach. The population of this study were 107 midwifery students. The sampling used a purposive sampling technique with the result of 85 respondents. The univariate data analysis used frequency distribution, while the bivariate analysis used Spearman Rank test with 𝜌-value < 0.05.

Result: The result showed that the majority of midwifery students of Medical Faculty, Sebelas Maret University, with low sedentary lifestyle were 52 respondents (61.2%) and the majority of the students with low dysmenorrhea intensity were 53 respondents (63%). There was a significant and strong connection between sedentary lifestyle and dysmenorrhea intensity among midwifery students (ρ-value=0.000) and (r=0.930).

Conclusion: The positive value of the correlation showed a unidirectional relation between two variables where the higher sedentary lifestyle was, the higher dysmenorrhea intensity that would be experienced. There is a correlation between sedentary lifestyle and dysmenorrhea intensity.
Improving Sustainable Competitive Advantage through Knowledge of Sharia Banking in a Spiritual Well-Being
Authors: Nurcahyo Satria Avianda , Nurani Bulan Karima , Thoha Anis Malik , Jayanti Fitri Dwi
Published: December 2024

This research aims to analyze the influence of Knowledge of Sharia Banking, Spiritual Well-Being, and Sharia Compliance on Sustainable Competitive Advantage among employees of PT Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk. The research respondents were employees of PT Bank Syariah Indonesia Tbk in Semarang Residency and Salatiga City, which had a total of 250 people, consisting of 145 male employees and 105 female employees. The sampling technique employed was a census involving direct sampling of the entire population, resulting in 250 responses. The results of empirical testing in this research show that the overall hypothesis is accepted, and Spiritual Well-Being is proven to mediate each relationship between Knowledge of Sharia Banking with Sharia Compliance and Sustainable Competitive Advantage. Even though it has been proven to mediate between the two, the most significant mediating influence of Spiritual Well-Being is between Knowledge of Sharia Banking and Sustainable Competitive Advantage.