bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-Dimensional Printed Annular Ring Aperture-Fed Antenna for Telecommunication and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Alhassoon Khaled , Malallah Yaaqoub , Alsunaydih Fahad N. , Alsaleem Fahd
Published: February 2024

The design of the aperture-fed annular ring (AFAR) microstrip antenna is presented. This proposed design will ease the fabrication and usability of the 3D-printed and solderless 2D materials. This antenna consists of three layers: the patch, the slot within the ground plane as the power transfer medium, and the microstrip line as the feeding. The parameters of the proposed design are investigated using the finite element method FEM to achieve the 50 Ω impedance with the maximum front-to-back ratio of the radiation pattern. This study was performed based on four steps, each investigating one parameter at a time. These parameters were evaluated based on an initial design and prototype. The optimized design of 3D AFAR attained S11 around 17 dB with a front-to-back ratio of more than 30 dB and a gain of around 3.3 dBi. This design eases the process of using a manufacturing process that involves 3D-printed and 2D metallic materials for antenna applications.
Lung-DT: An AI-Powered Digital Twin Framework for Thoracic Health Monitoring and Diagnosis
Authors: Avanzato Roberta , Beritelli Francesco , Lombardo Alfio , Ricci Carmelo
Published: February 2024

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with Digital Twins (DTs) has emerged as a promising approach to revolutionize healthcare, particularly in terms of diagnosis and management of thoracic disorders. This study proposes a comprehensive framework, named Lung-DT, which leverages IoT sensors and AI algorithms to establish the digital representation of a patient’s respiratory health. Using the YOLOv8 neural network, the Lung-DT system accurately classifies chest X-rays into five distinct categories of lung diseases, including “normal”, “covid”, “lung_opacity”, “pneumonia”, and “tuberculosis”. The performance of the system was evaluated employing a chest X-ray dataset available in the literature, demonstrating average accuracy of 96.8%, precision of 92%, recall of 97%, and F1-score of 94%. The proposed Lung-DT framework offers several advantages over conventional diagnostic methods. Firstly, it enables real-time monitoring of lung health through continuous data acquisition from IoT sensors, facilitating early diagnosis and intervention. Secondly, the AI-powered classification module provides automated and objective assessments of chest X-rays, reducing dependence on subjective human interpretation. Thirdly, the twin digital representation of the patient’s respiratory health allows for comprehensive analysis and correlation of multiple data streams, providing valuable insights as to personalized treatment plans. The integration of IoT sensors, AI algorithms, and DT technology within the Lung-DT system demonstrates a significant step towards improving thoracic healthcare. By enabling continuous monitoring, automated diagnosis, and comprehensive data analysis, the Lung-DT framework has enormous potential to enhance patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and optimize resource allocation.
Omnidirectional Sensor Design for Distributed Laser Measurement Systems
Authors: Liu Fei , Liu Qing , Zhi Yaohui , Shang Ting
Published: February 2024

Distributed laser measurement systems, widely used in high-end equipment such as airplanes, ships, and other manufacturing fields, face challenges in large spatial measurements due to laser plane obstructions and weak intersections. This paper introduces a novel omnidirectional sensor with enhanced adaptability to complex environments and improved measurement accuracy. Initially, an integrated omnidirectional measurement model is established, followed by the analysis of the optical path of the front-end detector, and the design of a signal-conditioning circuit for the photoelectric conversion of the front-end laser signal, Subsequently, a circuit testing platform is established to validate the detection functionality, and the corresponding results indicate that the symmetry of the output waveform is under 10 ns, the response time is under 100 ns, and the maximum detection distance is 22 m. Further, experimental results demonstrate the superiority of omnidirectional sensors over planar ones in complex environments, successfully receiving 360° laser signals. The positional accuracy of the common point to be measured on the top of the omnidirectional sensor is confirmed to exceed 0.05 mm, and the accuracy of the angle of attitude exceeds 0.04°. Using the laser tracker, the measurement accuracy of the system is verified to be better than 0.3 mm. When rotating in the horizontal and pitch directions, the measurement accuracy is better than 0.35 mm and 0.47 mm, respectively, fulfilling the sub-millimeter precision requirement and expanding the application scope of distributed laser measurement systems.
Effects of Different Wearable Resistance Placements on Running Stability
Authors: Promsri Arunee , Deedphimai Siriyakorn , Promthep Petradda , Champamuang Chonthicha
Published: February 2024

Stability during running has been recognized as a crucial factor contributing to running performance. This study aimed to investigate the effects of wearable equipment containing external loads on different body parts on running stability. Fifteen recreational male runners (20.27 ± 1.23 years, age range 19–22 years) participated in five treadmill running conditions, including running without loads and running with loads equivalent to 10% of individual body weight placed on four different body positions: forearms, lower legs, trunk, and a combination of all three (forearms, lower legs, and trunk). A tri-axial accelerometer-based smartphone sensor was attached to the participants’ lumbar spine (L5) to record body accelerations. The largest Lyapunov exponent (LyE) was applied to individual acceleration data as a measure of local dynamic stability, where higher LyE values suggest lower stability. The effects of load distribution appear in the mediolateral (ML) direction. Specifically, running with loads on the lower legs resulted in a lower LyE_ML value compared to running without loads (p = 0.001) and running with loads on the forearms (p < 0.001), trunk (p = 0.001), and combined segments (p = 0.005). These findings suggest that running with loads on the lower legs enhances side-to-side local dynamic stability, providing valuable insights for training.
Assessing Ionizing Radiation and Chlorine Dioxide (ClO2) as Potential Aseptization Treatments for Yeast Recycling on Mixed Wort of Corn and Sugarcane in Brazil
Authors: Douradinho Rafael , Sica Pietro , Oliveira Matheus , Uchoa Pinto Alana , Mota Layna , Mattos Eduardo , Perecin Danilo , Garcilasso Vanessa , de Almeida João Monnerat Araujo Ribeiro , Piedade Sonia , Alves Lucílio , Arthur Valter , Coelho Suani , Baptista Antonio
Published: February 2024

Yeast recycling, which is a common practice in sugarcane ethanol plants, could be expanded if it could be successfully implemented in corn-based ethanol production. However, the process of recycling the yeast remaining after fermentation is hampered by contaminating microorganisms that reduce the fermentation efficiency and compete with the yeast for the fermentable sugars. Currently, antibiotics are used to control microbial contamination. This study proposes chlorine dioxide and electron beam irradiation as alternative control methods for completely inactivating contaminants and minimizing their effect on recycled yeast. For that, wort sterilization using electron radiation (20 kGy) and treatment with a chemical biocide, namely chlorine dioxide (125 mg kg−1), were compared with non-treated wort. Five fermentation cycles were performed using fed-batch systems with 300 g L−1 of fermentable sugars. The results obtained in this study showed the inactivation of contaminants under the effect of electron beam irradiation, which led to an increase in the productivity, yield, and efficiency of fermentation by 0.21 g L−1h−1, 2.6%, and 4.7%, respectively. However, ClO2 did not show promising results in reducing contamination or improving fermentative parameters. Thus, electron beam irradiation of contaminated wort may be a suitable alternative to chemical biocides and would allow the use of recycled yeast in corn-based ethanol plants.
Micro-Environmental Variation in Soil Microbial Biodiversity in Forest Frontier Ecosystems—Implications for Sustainability Assessments
Authors: Álvarez Valeria Esther , El Mujtar Verónica Andrea , Falcão Salles Joana , Jia Xiu , Castán Elisa , Cardozo Andrea Gabriela , Tittonell Pablo Adrián
Published: February 2024

Soil health indicators based on microbial biodiversity are increasingly used in agricultural sustainability assessments. However, little is known about how microbial communities vary within micro-environmental gradients across different land uses, which is crucial for designing field sampling and monitoring protocols. Our objective was to assess how soil microbial communities changed with soil depth and spatial distance across land-use types. We sampled soils in four spatial distances (within 0.1–70 m) and four depths (within 0–40 cm) in forests, grasslands, and horticultural lands, and combined 16S rRNA gene sequencing, DNA quantification and soil chemical characterization to explore micro-environmental variation in microbial biomass, α-β-diversity, and communities’ assembly processes. Depth and spatial distance had differential effects on microbial biodiversity within different land uses. Microbial biomass was most sensitive to depth, α-diversity to spatial distance, and β-diversity to both depth and spatial distance. Deterministic processes dominate microbial communities’ assembly along depth in all land uses, which is a promising result for developing soil quality indicators based on microbial biodiversity. Overall, our results suggest that collecting soil samples separated by at least 12 m is adequate to capture biodiversity changes across land uses. However, collecting randomly within the first 10 cm is recommended for native forests, while systematic sampling within the first 20 cm is advised for grasslands and horticultural lands. Our findings underscore the need for land use-specific sampling frameworks in soil life-based sustainability assessments for meaningful regional comparisons.
Multi-Objective Optimization for Sustainable Pavement Maintenance Decision Making by Integrating Pavement Image Segmentation and TOPSIS Methods
Authors: Chong Dan , Liao Peiyi , Fu Wurong
Published: February 2024

To provide a low-carbon economy maintenance strategy is the most challenging problem faced by pavement management authorities under the restricted budget and significant environmental repercussions. The development of a multi-objective optimization model for pavement maintenance decision making is essential to formulate pavements. Nevertheless, the existing automatic detection can only recognize and classify pavement distress. However, few studies are able to accurately determine the precise dimensions of specific distresses such as cracks and potholes, especially combined with the actual size of the image. This limitation hinders the ability to provide specific maintenance recommendations and make optimal maintenance decisions. Therefore, this paper develops a comprehensive and effective multi-objective decision-making framework for pavement maintenance. This framework consists of four distinct components: (1) recognizing the dimensions of pavement distresses based on the pavement image segmentation technique; (2) compiling a list of viable pavement maintenance strategies; (3) assessing the costs and carbon emissions of these strategies; and (4) optimizing decisions on pavement maintenance. We used the U-Net algorithm to accurately recognize the dimensions of pavement distresses, while an improved entropy-weighted TOPSIS model was proposed to determine the optimal pavement maintenance strategy with the lowest cost and carbon emissions. The results indicated that the pavement distress dimension recognition model achieved a high accuracy of 96.88%, and the TOPSIS model identified the optimal maintenance strategy with a score of 99.16. This maintenance strategy achieved a substantial reduction of 30.80% in carbon emissions and a cost reduction of 20.81% compared to the highest values among all maintenance strategies. This study not only provides a scientifically objective method for making pavement maintenance decisions but also offers specific, quantifiable maintenance programs, marking a stride towards more environmentally friendly and cost-effective road maintenance. It also contributes to the sustainability of pavement maintenance.
Low-Order Moments of Velocity Gradient Tensors in Two-Dimensional Isotropic Turbulence
Authors: Luo Chensheng , Yang Ping-Fan , Fang Le
Published: February 2024

In isotropic turbulence, symmetry of different directions can reduce the number of independent components for velocity gradient tensors. In three-dimensional isotropic turbulence, the independent components under either incompressible or compressible conditions have already been analyzed in the literature. However, for two-dimensional isotropic turbulence, they are still unclear. We derive rigorously the independent components for velocity gradient tensors of two-dimensional isotropic turbulence and give physical explanations. These theoretical results are validated using high-resolution direct numerical simulations (DNSs) of two-dimensional compressible turbulence. Results show that the present DNS setup is still not sufficient to capture the isotropy of third-order moments, suggesting that more investigations on determining the smallest scale and improving the numerical schemes for two-dimensional compressible turbulence are required.
Assessing the Safety of Mechanically Fibrillated Cellulose Nanofibers (fib-CNF) via Toxicity Tests on Mice: Single Intratracheal Administration and 28 Days’ Oral Intake
Authors: Yamashita Yoshihiro , Tokunaga Akinori , Aoki Koji , Ishizuka Tamotsu , Uematsu Hideyuki , Sakamoto Hiroaki , Fujita Satoshi , Tanoue Shuichi
Published: February 2024

Mechanically fibrillated cellulose nanofibers, known as fib-CNF (fiber length: 500 nm; diameter: 45 nm), are used in composites and as a natural thickener in foods. To evaluate their safety, we conducted a 28-day study in mice with inhalation exposure at 0.2 mg/body and oral administration of 400 mg/kg/day. Inhalation exposure to fib-CNF caused transient weight loss, changes in blood cell counts, and increased lung weights. These changes were attributed to adaptive responses. The oral administration of fib-CNF for 28 days resulted in no apparent toxic effects except for a slight decrease in platelet counts. The fib-CNF administration using the protocols studied appears to be safe in mice.
Spatial and Temporal Variability of Saxitoxin-Producing Cyanobacteria in U.S. Urban Lakes
Authors: Jeon Youchul , Struewing Ian , McIntosh Kyle , Tidd Marcie , Webb Laura , Ryu Hodon , Mash Heath , Lu Jingrang
Published: February 2024

Harmful cyanobacterial blooms (HCBs) are of growing global concern due to their production of toxic compounds, which threaten ecosystems and human health. Saxitoxins (STXs), commonly known as paralytic shellfish poison, are a neurotoxic alkaloid produced by some cyanobacteria. Although many field studies indicate a widespread distribution of STX, it is understudied relative to other cyanotoxins such as microcystins (MCs). In this study, we assessed eleven U.S. urban lakes using qPCR, sxtA gene-targeting sequencing, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to understand the spatio-temporal variations in cyanobacteria and their potential role in STX production. During the blooms, qPCR analysis confirmed the presence of the STX-encoding gene sxtA at all lakes. In particular, the abundance of the sxtA gene had a strong positive correlation with STX concentrations in Big 11 Lake in Kansas City, which was also the site with the highest quantified STX concentration. Sequencing analysis revealed that potential STX producers, such as Aphanizomenon, Dolichospermum, and Raphidiopsis, were present. Further analysis targeting amplicons of the sxtA gene identified that Aphanizomenon and/or Dolichospermum are the primary STX producer, showing a significant correlation with sxtA gene abundances and STX concentrations. In addition, Aphanizomenon was associated with environmental factors, such as conductivity, sulfate, and orthophosphate, whereas Dolichospermum was correlated with temperature and pH. Overall, the results herein enhance our understanding of the STX-producing cyanobacteria and aid in developing strategies to control HCBs.
A Canadian Survey of Research on HIV-1 Latency—Where Are We Now and Where Are We Heading?
Authors: Abdalla Ana Luiza , Guajardo-Contreras Gabriel , Mouland Andrew J.
Published: February 2024

Worldwide, almost 40 million people are currently living with HIV-1. The implementation of cART inhibits HIV-1 replication and reduces viremia but fails to eliminate HIV-1 from latently infected cells. These cells are considered viral reservoirs from which HIV-1 rebounds if cART is interrupted. Several efforts have been made to identify these cells and their niches. There has been little success in diminishing the pool of latently infected cells, underscoring the urgency to continue efforts to fully understand how HIV-1 establishes and maintains a latent state. Reactivating HIV-1 expression in these cells using latency-reversing agents (LRAs) has been successful, but only in vitro. This review aims to provide a broad view of HIV-1 latency, highlighting Canadian contributions toward these aims. We will summarize the research efforts conducted in Canadian labs to understand the establishment of latently infected cells and how this informs curative strategies, by reviewing how HIV latency is established, which cells are latently infected, what methodologies have been developed to characterize them, how new compounds are discovered and evaluated as potential LRAs, and what clinical trials aim to reverse latency in people living with HIV (PLWH).
Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic and Lockdown on the HRSV Circulation: Experience of Three Spoke Hospitals in Northern Italy
Authors: Parola Francesca , Brach del Prever Adalberto , Deut Virginia , Costagliola Giulia , Guidi Carla , Ragusa Neftj , Tuscano Antonella , Timeus Fabio , Berger Massimo
Published: February 2024

The SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic affected the global epidemiology of respiratory infections, including Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV), thanks to state governments’ implementation of mitigation strategies, like the promotion of face masks and lockdowns. However, after the Pandemic, the dramatic resurge of these diseases was reported worldwide. Our retrospective study, involving three Spoke Pediatric Departments, includes all the infants under one year of age hospitalized for HRSV bronchiolitis in a period before the Pandemic period (2017–2020), during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic (2020–2021), and after the Pandemic (2021–2023). The primary aim was to analyze the temporal trend of HRSV in these three periods. Then, the clinical and epidemiological characteristics were analyzed to highlight the clinical differences in the affected patients, in the severity of the infections, and in the short-term outcomes. Ultimately, we analyzed the HRSV prevalence in the global bronchiolitis hospitalization over the reported periods. Overall, we included 237 patients. Before the Pandemic, the peak was recorded in January and February, while after the Pandemic, the peak was in November and December. A higher prevalence of HRSV was demonstrated after the Pandemic compared to the period before the Pandemic; overall, no difference in severity was reported. In conclusion, an increase in HRSV cases after the Pandemic has been demonstrated with an anticipated peak, while no differences were recorded in severity.
An Engineered M13 Filamentous Nanoparticle as an Antigen Carrier for a Malignant Melanoma Immunotherapeutic Strategy
Authors: Brišar Nuša , Šuster Katja , Brezar Simona Kranjc , Vidmar Robert , Fonović Marko , Cör Andrej
Published: February 2024

Bacteriophages, prokaryotic viruses, hold great potential in genetic engineering to open up new avenues for vaccine development. Our study aimed to establish engineered M13 bacteriophages expressing MAGE-A1 tumor peptides as a vaccine for melanoma treatment. Through in vivo experiments, we sought to assess their ability to induce robust immune responses. Using phage display technology, we engineered two M13 bacteriophages expressing MAGE-A1 peptides as fusion proteins with either pVIII or pIIII coat proteins. Mice were intraperitoneally vaccinated three times, two weeks apart, using two different engineered bacteriophages; control groups received a wild-type bacteriophage. Serum samples taken seven days after each vaccination were analyzed by ELISA assay, while splenocytes harvested seven days following the second boost were evaluated by ex vivo cytotoxicity assay. Fusion proteins were confirmed by Western blot and nano-LC-MS/MS. The application of bacteriophages was safe, with no adverse effects on mice. Engineered bacteriophages effectively triggered immune responses, leading to increased levels of anti-MAGE-A1 antibodies in proportion to the administered bacteriophage dosage. Anti-MAGE-A1 antibodies also exhibited a binding capability to B16F10 tumor cells in vitro, as opposed to control samples. Splenocytes demonstrated enhanced CTL cytotoxicity against B16F10 cells. We have demonstrated the immunogenic capabilities of engineered M13 bacteriophages, emphasizing their potential for melanoma immunotherapy.
Assessing Vaccination Delivery Strategies for Zero-Dose and Under-Immunized Children in the Fragile Context of Somalia
Authors: Bile Ahmed Said , Ali-Salad Mohamed A. , Mahmoud Amina J. , Singh Neha S. , Abdelmagid Nada , Sabahelzain Majdi M. , Checchi Francesco , Mounier-Jack Sandra , Nor Barni
Published: February 2024

Somalia is one of 20 countries in the world with the highest numbers of zero-dose children. This study aims to identify who and where zero-dose and under-vaccinated children are and what the existing vaccine delivery strategies to reach zero-dose children in Somalia are. This qualitative study was conducted in three geographically diverse regions of Somalia (rural/remote, nomadic/pastoralists, IDPs, and urban poor population), with government officials and NGO staff (n = 17), and with vaccinators and community members (n = 52). The data were analyzed using the GAVI Vaccine Alliance IRMMA framework. Nomadic populations, internally displaced persons, and populations living in remote and Al-shabaab-controlled areas are three vulnerable and neglected populations with a high proportion of zero-dose children. Despite the contextual heterogeneity of these population groups, the lack of targeted, population-specific strategies and meaningful engagement of local communities in the planning and implementation of immunization services is problematic in effectively reaching zero-dose children. This is, to our knowledge, the first study that examines vaccination strategies for zero-dose and under-vaccinated populations in the fragile context of Somalia. Evidence on populations at risk of vaccine-preventable diseases and barriers to vital vaccination services remain critical and urgent, especially in a country like Somalia with complex health system challenges.
Optimization of RT-QuIC Assay Duration for Screening Chronic Wasting Disease in White-Tailed Deer
Authors: Yilmaz Gokhan , Morrill Tamara , Pilot William , Ward Cian , Mitchell Gordon , Soutyrine Andrei , Dan Hanhong , Lin Min , Guan Jiewen
Published: February 2024

Real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) assays have become a common tool to detect chronic wasting disease (CWD) and are very sensitive provided the assay duration is sufficient. However, a prolonged assay duration may lead to non-specific signal amplification. The wide range of pre-defined assay durations in current RT-QuIC applications presents a need for methods to optimize the RT-QuIC assay. In this study, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was applied to optimize the assay duration for CWD screening in obex and retropharyngeal lymph node (RLN) tissue specimens. Two different fluorescence thresholds were used: a fixed threshold based on background fluorescence (Tstdev) and a max-point ratio (maximum/background fluorescence) threshold (TMPR) to determine CWD positivity. The optimal assay duration was 33 h for obex and 30 h for RLN based on Tstdev, and 29 h for obex and 32 h for RLN based on TMPR. The optimized assay durations were then evaluated for screening CWD in white-tailed deer from an affected farm. At a replicate level, using the optimized assay durations with TStdev and TMPR, the level of agreement with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that when using a 40 h assay duration. These findings demonstrate that the optimization of assay duration via a ROC analysis can improve RT-QuIC assays for screening CWD in white-tailed deer.
Vibrational Analysis of a Splash Cymbal by Experimental Measurements and Parametric CAD-FEM Simulations
Authors: Brezas Spyros , Kaselouris Evaggelos , Orphanos Yannis , Tatarakis Michael , Bakarezos Makis , Papadogiannis Nektarios A. , Dimitriou Vasilis
Published: February 2024

The present study encompasses a thorough analysis of the vibrations in a splash musical cymbal. The analysis is performed using a hybrid methodology that combines experimental measurements with parametric computer-aided design and finite element method simulations. Experimental measurements, including electronic speckle pattern interferometry, and impulse response measurements are conducted. The interferometric measurements are used as a reference for the evaluation of finite element method modal analysis results. The modal damping ratio is calculated via the impulse response measurements and is adopted by the corresponding simulations. Two different approximations are employed for the computer-aided design and finite element method models: one using three-point arcs and the other using lines to describe the non-smooth curvature introduced during manufacturing finishing procedures. The numerical models employing the latter approximation exhibit better agreement with experimental results. The numerical results demonstrate that the cymbal geometrical characteristics, such as the non-smooth curvature and thickness, greatly affect the vibrational behavior of the percussion instrument. These results are of valuable importance for the development of vibroacoustic numerical models that will accurately simulate the sound synthesis of cymbals.
Worldwide Distribution, Health Risk, Treatment Technology, and Development Tendency of Geogenic High-Arsenic Groundwater
Authors: Guo Jiju , Cao Wengeng , Lang Guohui , Sun Qifa , Nan Tian , Li Xiangzhi , Ren Yu , Li Zeyan
Published: February 2024

The presence of high concentrations of geogenic arsenic (As) in groundwater poses a serious threat to the health of millions of individuals globally. This paper examines the research progress of groundwater with high concentrations of geogenic As through a comprehensive literature review and analysis, covering distribution, health risks, in situ remediation, regulatory technologies, and development trends, to establish a reference for future research. The global distribution of geogenic high-As groundwater is mainly in inland basins and river deltas of countries in South Asia, East Asia, and South America. High-As risk areas can be modeled using hydrogeologic data and field measurements. This modeling approach allows for assessing and measuring potential areas of high-As groundwater. In order to provide safe drinking water promptly and effectively to areas affected by high-As groundwater, in situ rapid detection and remediation techniques have been given significant attention. This paper introduces household- or community-scale As removal technologies, including flocculant–disinfectant, bucket treatment units, use of activated alumina, use of nano zero-valent iron, aquifer iron coating technology, and bioremediation, summarizing the basic mechanisms of arsenic removal for each technology. Guaranteeing the sustainability of site-scale remediation technologies, reasonable aquifer management, and exploring alternative water sources are crucial for combating high-As groundwater contamination. Future studies should aim to elucidate the mechanisms of As’s coexistence with other pollutants in groundwater, effectively treating As-containing wastes or sludge produced during the treatment process and exploring better treatment options.
Identifying the Most Discriminative Parameter for Water Quality Prediction Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Chatterjee Tapan , Gogoi Usha Rani , Samanta Animesh , Chatterjee Ayan , Singh Mritunjay Kumar , Pasupuleti Srinivas
Published: February 2024

Groundwater quality is one of the major concerns. Quality of the groundwater directly impacts human health, growth of plants and vegetables. Due to the severe impacts of inadequate water quality, it is imperative to find a swift and economical solution. Water quality prediction may help us to manage water resources properly. The present study has been carried out considering thirty-seven water sample data points form the Pindrawan tank command area of Raipur district, Chhattisgarh, India. A total of nineteen physicochemical parameters were measured, out of which seventeen parameters were used to compute the weight-based groundwater quality index (WQI). In this present work, the primary goal is to identify the most effective parameters for WQI prediction. Out of the seventeen parameters tested, the Mann—Whitney—Wilcoxon (MWW) statistical test has revealed that five parameters Fe, Cr, Na, Ca, and Mg hold a strong statistical significance in distinguishing between drinkable and non-drinkable water. Out of these five parameters, Cr is the only parameter that maintains a different range of values for drinkable water and non-drinkable water. To validate the efficiency of these statistically significant parameters, machine learning techniques like Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Logistic Regression (LR) were used. The experimental results clearly demonstrate that out of all the seventeen parameters tested, utilizing only Cr yields remarkably high classification accuracy. ‘Cr’ achieved an accuracy of 91.67% using artificial neural networks. This is much higher than the accuracy of 66.67% obtained using a parameter set with all seventeen parameters. The proposed methodology achieved good accuracy when classifying water samples into drinkable and non-drinkable water using only one parameter, ‘Cr’.
Role of Flexible Operation of a Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Reduction of Its Indirect Carbon Dioxide Emissions—A Case Study
Authors: Topuz Nilüfer , Alsmeyer Frank , Okutan Hasan Can , Roos Hermann-Josef
Published: February 2024

The increasing share of renewables in electricity grids comes with a challenge of energy surpluses and deficits, which needs be handled by demand side management (DSM) and storage options. Within this approach, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), with flexible energy consumption and production processes and storage units, can contribute to stabilizing the grids and integrating more renewables. In this study, the operation of a real WWTP was optimized by mixed integer linear programming (MILP) to minimize its indirect carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The operation of the WWTP was shown to be flexible in following the CO2 emission factor of the electricity grid, which was possible with the utilization of the WWTP’s storage units and flexible co-substrate feeding. As a result, by changing only the operational behavior of the WWTP, its indirect CO2 emissions decreased by 4.8% due to the higher share of renewables in the electricity grid. The CO2 emissions were shown to decrease further up to 6.9% by adding virtual storage units.
Optimization of Chlorine Injection Schedule in Water Distribution Networks Using Water Age and Breadth-First Search Algorithm
Authors: Frederick Flavia D. , Marlim Malvin S. , Kang Doosun
Published: February 2024

Chlorine decay over time and distance travelled poses challenges in maintaining consistent chlorine levels from treatment plants to demand nodes in water distribution networks (WDNs). Many studies have focused on optimizing chlorine booster systems and addressing dosage and location. This study proposes a chlorine injection optimization model for maintaining spatial and temporal chlorine residuals within an acceptable range. First, the approach involves identifying potential pathways from the source to demand nodes using a breadth-first search (BFS) algorithm. Subsequently, the required chlorine injection to maintain a 0.2 mg/L residual chlorine level at demand nodes is estimated based on water age. Finally, a single-objective genetic algorithm optimizes the chlorine injection schedule at the source. The results demonstrated that chlorine estimation based on water age exhibited promising results with an average error below 10%. In addition, the four-interval injection scheme performed well in adapting to changing demand patterns, making the method robust to varying demand patterns. Moreover, the model could accommodate fluctuating water temperature conditions according to operating seasons. This study provides valuable insights into effectively managing chlorine levels and operations of WDNs, and paves the way for using water age for chlorine estimation.
Caracterización del Programa de intervención domiciliaria del Centro Nacional de Control del Dolor y Cuidados Paliativos de Costa Rica, enero 2017 a agosto 2021
Authors: Zuñiga Rodríguez Ana Catalina , Cordero-Villanueva Lucia , Espinoza-Marín Francini , Arce-Ortega Jesús Gilberto , Roselló-Araya Marlene
Published: February 2024

Objetivo: caracterizar el Programa de Atención Domiciliaria (PAD) del Centro Nacional de Control del Dolor y Cuidados Paliativos (CNCDyCP) de Costa Rica. Metodología: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo que contempló la base de datos oficial del PAD del CNCDyCP de enero del 2017 hasta agosto del 2021, incluyendo una población de 1.869 personas que fueron admitidas por primera vez al programa por un diagnóstico de enfermedad oncológica, enfermedad no oncológica y esclerosis lateral amiotrófica. Además, se aplicaron dos encuestas a los profesionales que iniciaron los Cuidados Paliativos en la institución y a los profesionales de diferentes disciplinas que ejecutan las visitas al hogar en esta institución. Resultados: el PAD del CNCDyCP sumó durante el periodo de estudio 1.869 personas nuevas ingresadas que cumplieron con criterios de inclusión en la zona de San José y las personas diagnosticadas con Esclerosis Lateral Amiotrófica en todo el país. El 91% de las personas se concentraron en San José, provincia que demográficamente es la de mayor población. La causa de ingreso más frecuentes fueron enfermedades oncológicas (68%), enfermedades neurodegenerativas con (14,6%) y enfermedades crónicas avanzadas (10,9%). Según el grado de complejidad y las necesidades requeridas, se permitió ubicar que la mayoría son aquellas personas con enfermedades oncológicas y en categoría roja (45,7%), las cuales requieren atención prioritaria en menos de una semana. El PAD fue incorporado al CNCDyCP desde 1991, a cargo de una enfermera coordinadora, una enfermera general y el apoyo del médico paliativista de la consulta externa; así como tres equipos de atención al hogar (enfermera, médico y chofer). Las terapias especializadas (Terapia Física, Terapia Respiratoria, Trabajo Social, Nutrición y Psicología) brindan atención según la necesidad de las personas atendidas, las cuales realizan visitas una vez a la semana con una agenda programada. Los criterios de inclusión al PAD identificados son: cáncer en fase avanzada, enfermedad crónica terminal con limitación funcional o problemática social para trasladarse, Esclerosis Lateral Amiotrófica, enfermedad terminal con condición de vida limitada, presentar algún impedimento real que impida desplazarse al centro de atención; pertenecer a la región o área de atracción a visitar, además de otros criterios específicos por patología. Conclusión: el PAD del CNCDyCP cuenta con más de dos décadas de brindar atención en esta modalidad, atendiendo a una población principalmente de personas adultas mayores y con diagnóstico de enfermedades oncológicas en categoría rojo de prioridad de atención. La descripción de este programa permitió conocer las bases de su consolidación como ente institucional y ser un marco de referencia para la comprensión del escenario domiciliario en Costa Rica.
Somnifobia en Cuidados Paliativos ¿Es este un trastorno que debemos investigar?
Authors: Vargas Bermúdez Alejandro
Published: February 2024

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La educación y la persona adulta mayor
Authors: Valverde-Gallegos María del Rocío
Published: February 2024

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Contribuições das expressões artísticas Kaingang para a Educação Ambiental
Authors: Pedroso Natalie Alana , Ferreira Lucila Kawana Nunes , Ayres Ariadne Dallacqua , Antiqueira Lia Maris Orth Ritter
Published: February 2024

Este trabalho apresenta a relevância da arte do povo indígena Kaingang para a etnoconservação, como forma de expressão cultural e preservação de valores, pois a visão deste povo indígena é de respeito e conexão do homem com o meio ambiente e com os outros seres vivos. Por meio de uma pesquisa exploratória e bibliográfica, busca-se contribuir com a discussão do tema, apresentando-se como produto educacional a proposta de um vídeo. Ao explorar as contribuições artísticas dos Kaingang, este material educacional não apenas apresenta aspectos da cultura indígena, mas também demonstra como a arte pode ser um veículo para expressar valores de conservação ambiental e a importância das tradições culturais.
O uso de recursos naturais como princípio para a Educação Ambiental
Authors: Pinheiro Thoyme Rodrigues , Paixão Antonio Jorge Paraense da
Published: February 2024

Recursos adequados podem representar instrumentos facilitadores capazes de estimular e enriquecer a vivência diária não só dos educadores, mas também dos educandos, constituindo-se elementos agregadores da aprendizagem. O presente estudo teve como objetivo produzir e aplicar alguns recursos didático-pedagógicos em aulas de ciências na EMEIF Felipe Santiago Campelo, localizada no Rio Piquiarana, nas Ilhas de Abaetetuba (PA). A metodologia utilizada foi a Pesquisa Participante, sob o enfoque qualitativo, pois buscou-se uma intervenção construtiva na realidade educacional dos estudantes da escola investigada. A coleta de dados envolveu a produção dos recursos didático-pedagógicos construídos a partir da realidade local dos educandos, a oferta de uma aula de ciências e a aplicação de um questionário aos discentes e docentes da escola pesquisada, como forma de avaliar a atividade docente desenvolvida com o auxílio dos recursos didático-pedagógicos. Os resultados mostraram que, tanto na visão dos alunos quanto dos professores, a aula de ciências ministrada com o auxílio dos recursos didático-pedagógicos contribuiu para uma aprendizagem mais interacionista, significativa e transformadora.
Projeto Oceamo: uma aplicação da Educação Ambiental costeira e oceânica na Baixada Santista (SP)
Authors: Silva Marina Carrato Galuzzi da , Bettim Marina , Fernandes Juliana Bertolazzi
Published: February 2024

A interação do ser humano com o ambiente marinho é constatada desde os tempos primórdios. O Projeto Oceamo revela uma tenra contribuição à construção de um perfil ambientalmente consciente de alunos da Unidade Municipal de Educação Florestan Fernandes, do município portuário de Santos (SP/Brasil), abordando a interdisciplinaridade da oceanografia em consonância aos Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável e ao escopo da Agenda 2030. A metodologia envolve métodos qualitativos e quantitativos que abrangem os ideais construtivistas e progressistas da educação, apresentação de aulas e práticas socioambientais e aplicação de método avaliativo por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas. O produto do projeto revelou evolução e amplitude da absorção de conceitos e vocabulários, maior sensibilização e conscientização às questões ambientais locais e regionais que impulsionam a mudança do comportamento e disseminação das experiências adquiridas.
O tema da água na sala de aula: investigação de pesquisas acerca de metodologias de ensino
Authors: Paro Emilyn , Teixeira Elaine Cristina Oliveira Amorim
Published: February 2024

A água é crucial para a vida, e a discussão sobre sua escassez na sala de aula é vital para a formação cidadã. Este estudo analisou publicações acadêmicas sobre a abordagem do tema água na escola nos últimos 20 anos. Dos 126 artigos levantados, apenas 14 investigaram métodos de ensino, revelando uma lacuna na pesquisa. A maioria dos artigos prioriza atividades práticas, como experimentos, jogos e oficinas, focando na "importância da água". Embora não se possa afirmar a escassez de abordagens diferenciadas, observa-se uma carência de estudos nessa perspectiva. É crucial promover mais pesquisas no ensino-aprendizagem, colaborando com a concepção dos professores para aprimorar a educação no Brasil.
Reflexão da segurança publica e a inteligencia policial
Authors: Tolentino Paulo Sergio Medrades
Published: February 2024

O presente estudo foi elaborado com o objetivo de analisar, avaliar e de mostrar de maneira legal e doutrinária a Inteligência Policial. Para tanto foi realizada pesquisa exploratória com base bibliográfica e documental. Inicialmente serão feitas abordagens de caráter legal em relação à questão Constitucional e demais legislações concernentes ao tema. Em seguida expostos alguns conceitos sobre Segurança Pública e Ordem Pública, e de quem tem a obrigação legal de preservá-la. Visa ainda demonstrar que a Inteligência Policial utilizada em auxílio ao policiamento ostensivo tem efeito positivo na preservação da Ordem Pública bem como melhora a sensação de segurança. Evidenciar o conceito da atividade de inteligência e a legislação que a instituiu no âmbito da Segurança Pública. Demonstrar dentro da Segurança Publica os ramos da inteligência Policial e desmistificar sobre o tema em relação aos objetivos da atividade no âmbito interno.
Implementasi Metode Simple Additive Weighting pada Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Endorsement Melalui Instagram
Authors: Raufani Hasnadhia , Munggaran Lulu Chaerani
Published: February 2024

Penelitian ini merancang Sistem Pendukung Keputusan (SPK) untuk menemukan pilihan influencer terbaik untuk tujuan endorsement untuk mendukung Glowbe Beauty. Kriteria yang digunakan untuk sistem adalah how-to-rate, average likes, followers, engagement rate, dan rate card, dan data diperoleh dari website Social Blade. Metode Simple Additive Weighting digunakan sistem untuk melakukan perhitungan dengan mengevaluasi skor dari setiap alternatif dengan mengalikan nilai yang diskalakan. Nilai yang diskalakan diberikan kepada keseluruhan atribut alternatif dengan bobot kepentingan relatif. Pengujian sistem digunakan dengan menggunakan metode Black Box Testing. Hasil perhitungan manual dan sistem akan dibandingkan untuk mengetahui keakuratan sistem. Hasil yang diperoleh dari perhitungan menunjukkan bahwa Dilla Jaidi memiliki skor tertinggi yaitu 0,7826 dan disimpulkan sebagai alternatif influencer pilihan terbaik untuk endorsement.
Evaluating the User-Friendliness of a Mobile Application for Outpatient Food Monitoring: A System Usability Scale (SUS) Approach
Authors: Sulistiyono Mulia , Habib Dwi Prajoto  , Bernadhed
Published: February 2024

To maintain and enhance the quality of the Mobile Food Intake Control Application for Outpatients in the Hospital, usability testing must be conducted using the System Usability Scale (SUS). This research aims to evaluate usability and analyze user-friendliness for further action by the Hospital. The respondents consist of 138 outpatient patients. Testing is carried out by requesting respondents to perform scenarios on the Mobile Food Intake Control Application, observed directly by the examiner. Subsequently, respondents fill out a questionnaire containing ten statements with Likert scale responses. The average SUS score of 87.0471 indicates excellent acceptance of the application, and the user rating suggests that the application meets user expectations sufficiently. However, user speed in using the application and focusing on its features are still considered normal, and the error rate falls within acceptable limits.
AMILOIDOSE RENAL FAMILIAR EM DOIS CÃES DA RAÇA SHAR-PEI
Authors: Gaia de Sousa Felipe , Beier Suzane Beier , Masiero Juliana Masiero , Queiroz Fabiana  Silva Fádel
Published: February 2024

A amiloidose renal familiar é uma doença incomum em cães, que afeta os rins e está associada ao acúmulo anormal de proteínas amiloides, com capacidade de promover danos orgânicos progressivos com comprometimento de funcionalidade. Caracterizada pela presença de conteúdo proteináceo glomerular, a amiloidose frequentemente está associada a quadros de falência renal, com presença de sinais clínicos variados, sendo uma condição grave e complexa. O presente artigo tem como objetivo descrever os achados clínico-laboratoriais, de imagem e histopatológicos de amiloidose familiar em dois cães da raça Shar-pei. Os animais apresentavam parentesco direto e evidenciavam sinais de cansaço, prostração e emagrecimento progressivo. As evidências clínico-laboratoriais e ultrassonográficas sugeriram a presença de glomerulonefropatia, sendo esta confirmada por exame histopatológico. Os dois cães, diante da gravidade do quadro, foram a óbito. A análise histopatológica evidenciou deposição de material proteináceo fibrilar na região glomerular e tubular, bem como infiltrado linfoplasmocítico, característicos de amiloidose renal. É essencial lembrar que a amiloidose renal familiar em cães é uma doença complexa e que as origens devem ser investigadas. O tratamento é desafiador, diante da inexistência de um manejo terapêutico definido para a doença, sendo este muitas vezes ineficaz. A empatia e o cuidado no manejo dessa condição podem ajudar a melhorar a qualidade de vida do paciente e fornecer conforto ao proprietário durante esse processo desafiador.
Introduction: Law and the family at the crossroads of democratisation and transnationalisation
Authors: Struelens Olivier , De Munck Jean
Published: February 2024

In this introduction, the authors present the ambition that guided the composition of this edition devoted to family law. They first highlight the interest in addressing the intersection between the process of democratisation and the process of transnationalisation of families. These two processes are refracted in family law. They find their origin in the same refusal of a substantial moral definition of the “good family”. However, all normative perspective is not abandoned. A new normative and effective relationship is established between interactions and institutions. The new regulation of the family gives an important place to interactions and their immanent normativity. Legal principles (human rights, procedural standards) give expression to this mutation. Institutions are no longer given before the interaction, but rather constitute instruments for repairing the interactional order. This trend in the evolution of the law is particularly visible in the two cases treated in the issue: homosexual marriage and international child abduction. The close analysis of these two situations, however, suggests the persistence of obstacles to these transformations, due to the persistence of the principle of national sovereignty.