bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Research Trends in Multimodal Literacy Education using Topic Modeling: Exploring The Need for Critical Thinking Education
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim KyoungHwa , Seok HyeEun
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study is to examine research related to critical thinking in multimodal literacy education by analyzing research trends in multimodal literacy education. To this goal, we examined the quantitative change trends in 308 studies by publication period and then analyzed research trends using Topic Modeling. Domestic multimodal literacy education research has been published since 1990, and discussions began in earnest in 2005. In particular, a quantitative increase in research was confirmed in 2009, 2013, 2016, and 2021. For the Topic Model, a model consisting of four topics was selected by combining quantitative indicators and qualitative techniques, and was categorized into the areas of 'media education', 'educational content and area', 'curriculum', and 'teaching and learning materials'. did. Meanwhile, research related to critical thinking, which is emphasized in multimodal literacy education, is quantitatively very small, and it is hoped that this study will be used as basic data for related research.
Research and Application of Intelligent Weather Push Model Based on Travel Forecast and 5G Message
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Fu Fengchen , Li Yaling , Xing Yao , Wang Lei , Zheng Hao , Ye Wei
Published: November 2023

In the realm of daily activity planning, precise weather forecasting services hold paramount significance. However, the prevalent dissemination of weather forecasts through conventional channels like radio, television, and the internet often yields only generalized regional predictions. This limitation contributes to diminished forecast reach, inadequate accuracy, and a lack of individualization, thwarting the effective distribution of meteorological insights and inhibiting the fulfillment of personalized forecast demands. Addressing these concerns, our study proposes a personalized weather forecasting approach that harnesses machine learning techniques and leverages the 5G messaging platform. By amalgamating projected user travel data, we augment personalized weather reports and extend user coverage to achieve tailored, timely, and high-quality weather services. Concretely, our research commences with an extensive analysis of large-scale user travel behavior data to extract pertinent travel attributes. Subsequently, we construct a user’s future location prediction model—dubbed the Loc-PredModel—by employing the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm to forecast users’ trip destinations and arrival times. Anchored in the anticipated outcomes of user travel behavior, personalized weather data reports are formulated. Experimental results underscore the Loc-PredModel’s remarkable predictive prowess, demonstrating a root mean squared error (RMSE) value of 0.208 and a coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.935, affirming its efficacy in prognosticating users’ trip destinations and arrival times. Furthermore, our 5G message-driven platform, rooted in intelligent personalized meteorological services, underwent testing within Chengdu city and garnered positive user feedback. Our research effectively surmounts the limitations of conventional weather forecasting platforms by furnishing users with more precise and customized weather information predicated on behavioral analysis and the 5G information ecosystem. This study not only advances the theoretical groundwork of intelligent meteorology but also offers invaluable insights and guidance for future advancement. By providing users with a more personalized and timely intelligent meteorological service experience, our approach exhibits transferability, with the research methodology and model potentially extendable nationwide or even on a larger scale beyond the study’s Chengdu-based scope.
Smoothing of Binary Codes, Uniform Distributions, and Applications
Authors: Pathegama Madhura , Barg Alexander
Published: November 2023

The action of a noise operator on a code transforms it into a distribution on the respective space. Some common examples from information theory include Bernoulli noise acting on a code in the Hamming space and Gaussian noise acting on a lattice in the Euclidean space. We aim to characterize the cases when the output distribution is close to the uniform distribution on the space, as measured by the Rényi divergence of order α∈(1,∞]. A version of this question is known as the channel resolvability problem in information theory, and it has implications for security guarantees in wiretap channels, error correction, discrepancy, worst-to-average case complexity reductions, and many other problems. Our work quantifies the requirements for asymptotic uniformity (perfect smoothing) and identifies explicit code families that achieve it under the action of the Bernoulli and ball noise operators on the code. We derive expressions for the minimum rate of codes required to attain asymptotically perfect smoothing. In proving our results, we leverage recent results from harmonic analysis of functions on the Hamming space. Another result pertains to the use of code families in Wyner’s transmission scheme on the binary wiretap channel. We identify explicit families that guarantee strong secrecy when applied in this scheme, showing that nested Reed–Muller codes can transmit messages reliably and securely over a binary symmetric wiretap channel with a positive rate. Finally, we establish a connection between smoothing and error correction in the binary symmetric channel.
An Automatic PI Tuning Method for Photovoltaic Irrigation Systems Based on Voltage Perturbation Using Feedforward Input
Authors: Guillén-Arenas Francisco Jesús , Fernández-Ramos José , Narvarte Luis
Published: November 2023

This paper proposes a new automatic tuning method for the proportional-integral (PI) controllers of photovoltaic irrigation systems (PVIS) without the need for any other power source or batteries. It enables the optimisation of the values of the PI parameters (Kp and Ki) automatically, eliminating the requirement for skilled personnel during the installation phase of PVIS. This method is based on the system’s voltage response when a disturbance signal is introduced through the feedforward input of the PI controller. To automatically assess the response properties, two indicators are proposed: the total harmonic distortion (THD), used to evaluate the sine response, and the total square distortion (TSD), used to evaluate the square response. The results indicate that the tuning changes for different irradiance and temperature conditions due to the non-linearity of the system, obtaining the most conservative values at maximum irradiance and temperature. The robustness of the results of the new automatic tuning method to abrupt photovoltaic (PV) power fluctuations due to clouds passing over the PV generator has been experimentally tested and the results show that the obtained tuning values make the PVIS stable, even when PV power drops of 66% occur abruptly.
The Association between the Severity of Dysmenorrhea and Psychological Distress of Women Working in Central Tokyo—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Matsumura Kumi , Tsuno Kanami , Okamoto Masumi , Takahashi Akiko , Kurokawa Akio , Watanabe Yuko , Yoshida Honami
Published: November 2023

This study aims to clarify the association between the severity of dysmenorrhea and psychological distress among working women in central Tokyo and examine the effect modification of job stressors. The participants in this cross-sectional study were 312 women who had undergone health check-ups in the “Marunouchi Hokenshitsu” project. The severity of dysmenorrhea was defined as the degree of daily life disturbance with menstrual pain, and the outcome variable was the K6 scores. To assess the association of psychological distress with the severity of dysmenorrhea, multiple regression analyses were performed. The results revealed that 18.3% of the 289 working women were in the moderate/severe group of dysmenorrhea. In multiple regression analysis, moderate/severe dysmenorrhea was significantly associated with higher levels of psychological distress, but the significance disappeared after adjusting for gynecology such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and workplace-related factors. The degree of job control was significantly associated with lower levels of psychological distress and may modify psychological distress caused by dysmenorrhea. Moderate/severe dysmenorrhea may be associated with higher levels of psychological distress in working women, and psychological symptoms of PMS) and the degree of job control were possible effect factors, and there may be effect modification by the degree of job control.
Candidate Genes for IgA Nephropathy in Pediatric Patients: Exome-Wide Association Study
Authors: Buianova Anastasiia A. , Proskura Mariia V. , Cheranev Valery V. , Belova Vera A. , Shmitko Anna O. , Pavlova Anna S. , Vasiliadis Iuliia A. , Suchalko Oleg N. , Rebrikov Denis V. , Petrosyan Edita K. , Korostin Dmitriy O.
Published: November 2023

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is an autoimmune disorder which is believed to be non-monogenic. We performed an exome-wide association study of 70 children with IgAN and 637 healthy donors. The HLA allele frequencies were compared between the patients and healthy donors from the bone marrow registry of the Pirogov University. We tested 78,020 gene markers for association and performed functional enrichment analysis and transcription factor binding preference detection. We identified 333 genetic variants, employing three inheritance models. The most significant association with the disorder was observed for rs143409664 (PRAG1) in the case of the additive and dominant models (PBONF = 1.808 × 10−15 and PBONF = 1.654 × 10−15, respectively), and for rs13028230 (UBR3) in the case of the recessive model (PBONF = 1.545 × 10−9). Enrichment analysis indicated the strongly overrepresented “immune system” and “kidney development” terms. The HLA-DQA1*01:01:01G allele (p = 0.0076; OR, 2.021 [95% CI, 1.322–3.048]) was significantly the most frequent among IgAN patients. Here, we characterized, for the first time, the genetic background of Russian IgAN patients, identifying the risk alleles typical of the population. The most important signals were detected in previously undescribed loci.
Beyond Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein and Aquaporin-4 Antibodies: Alternative Causes of Optic Neuritis
Authors: Greco Giacomo , Colombo Elena , Gastaldi Matteo , Ahmad Lara , Tavazzi Eleonora , Bergamaschi Roberto , Rigoni Eleonora
Published: November 2023

Optic neuritis (ON) is the most common cause of vision loss in young adults. It manifests as acute or subacute vision loss, often accompanied by retrobulbar discomfort or pain during eye movements. Typical ON is associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and is generally mild and steroid-responsive. Atypical forms are characterized by unusual features, such as prominent optic disc edema, poor treatment response, and bilateral involvement, and they are often associated with autoantibodies against aquaporin-4 (AQP4) or Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG). However, in some cases, AQP4 and MOG antibodies will return as negative, plunging the clinician into a diagnostic conundrum. AQP4- and MOG-seronegative ON warrants a broad differential diagnosis, including autoantibody-associated, granulomatous, and systemic disorders. These rare forms need to be identified promptly, as their management and prognosis are greatly different. The aim of this review is to describe the possible rarer etiologies of non-MS-related and AQP4- and MOG-IgG-seronegative inflammatory ON and discuss their diagnoses and treatments.
Fracture of the Lumbar Spine Associated with Ureteral Injury Mimicking Spondylodiscitis Followed by Cervical Spine Fracture in Patient with Ankylosing Hyperostosis
Authors: Woźnica Michał , Kaczor Szymon , Poniatowski Łukasz A. , Raźniak Mikołaj , Ząbek Mirosław
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this case report is to describe the case of a patient with ankylosing spinal hyperostosis (ASH) and lumbar spine fracture complicated by ureteral injury mimicking spondylodiscitis with osteomyelitis features and retroperitoneal abscess formation followed by the cervical spine fracture. A consecutive analysis and summary of the medical history, radiological documentation, operative procedure, complications, and outcomes were performed. A 59-year-old man presented with abdominal pain three weeks after sustaining a low-energy fall. The performed CT scans demonstrated a three-column fracture at the L3/L4 level and features of ASH. Additionally, MRI scans demonstrated hyperintense fluid collection within L3/L4 intervertebral space communicating with both psoas major muscles, mimicking spondylodiscitis with osteomyelitis features and retroperitoneal abscess formation. An in situ instrumented lumbar fusion at the L2-L3-L5-S1 levels with implantation vertebral body replacement implant at the L3/L4 level was performed. Postoperative CT imaging revealed evidence of post-traumatic right ureteral injury. Following urological treatment covering nephrectomy and ureter ligation, the patient was maintained at a 2-year follow-up. After this period, the patient presented again with tetraparesis after sustaining a low-energy fall. The performed CT scans demonstrated a three-column fracture at the C5/C6 level. The combined anterior and posterior osteosynthesis at the C4-C5-C6-C7 levels was performed. This case report presents the rare clinical constellation regarding the lumbar spine fracture complicated by ureteral injury followed by a cervical spine fracture regarding the same patient. The potential injury of retroperitoneal structures, including the ureter after hyperextensive lumbar spine fracture, should be considered in ASH patients. In this case, one should be aware of the atypical clinical presentation regarding the observed spondylodiscitis- and osteomyelitis-like features.
Corrosion by Polythionic Acid in the Oil and Gas Sector: A Brief Overview
Authors: Vakili Mohammadtaghi , Koutník Petr , Kohout Jan
Published: November 2023

Polythionic acid (PTA) corrosion is a significant challenge in the refinery industry, leading to equipment degradation, safety risks, and costly maintenance. This paper comprehensively investigates the origin, progression, mechanism, and impact of PTA corrosion on various components within refinery operations. Special attention is afforded to the susceptibility of austenitic stainless steels and nickel-based alloys to PTA corrosion and the key factors influencing its occurrence. Practical strategies and methods for mitigating and preventing PTA corrosion are also explored. This paper underscores the importance of understanding PTA corrosion and implementing proactive measures to safeguard the integrity and efficiency of refinery infrastructure.
Recent Progress in Resonant Acoustic Metasurfaces
Authors: Liu Dongan , Hao Limei , Zhu Weiren , Yang Xiao , Yan Xiaole , Guan Chen , Xie You , Pang Shaofang , Chen Zhi
Published: November 2023

Acoustic metasurfaces, as two-dimensional acoustic metamaterials, are a current research topic for their sub-wavelength thickness and excellent acoustic wave manipulation. They hold significant promise in noise reduction and isolation, cloaking, camouflage, acoustic imaging, and focusing. Resonant structural units are utilized to construct acoustic metasurfaces with the unique advantage of controlling large wavelengths within a small size. In this paper, the recent research progresses of the resonant metasurfaces are reviewed, covering the design mechanisms and advances of structural units, the classification and application of the resonant metasurfaces, and the tunable metasurfaces. Finally, research interest in this field is predicted in future.
Algae Food Products as a Healthcare Solution
Authors: Tavares Joana O. , Cotas João , Valado Ana , Pereira Leonel
Published: November 2023

Diseases such as obesity; cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, myocardial infarction and stroke; digestive diseases such as celiac disease; certain types of cancer and osteoporosis are related to food. On the other hand, as the world’s population increases, the ability of the current food production system to produce food consistently is at risk. As a result, intensive agriculture has contributed to climate change and a major environmental impact. Research is, therefore, needed to find new sustainable food sources. One of the most promising sources of sustainable food raw materials is macroalgae. Algae are crucial to solving this nutritional deficiency because they are abundant in bioactive substances that have been shown to combat diseases such as hyperglycemia, diabetes, obesity, metabolic disorders, neurodegenerative diseases and cardiovascular diseases. Examples of these substances include polysaccharides such as alginate, fucoidan, agar and carrageenan; proteins such as phycobiliproteins; carotenoids such as β-carotene and fucoxanthin; phenolic compounds; vitamins and minerals. Seaweed is already considered a nutraceutical food since it has higher protein values than legumes and soy and is, therefore, becoming increasingly common. On the other hand, compounds such as polysaccharides extracted from seaweed are already used in the food industry as thickening agents and stabilizers to improve the quality of the final product and to extend its shelf life; they have also demonstrated antidiabetic effects. Among the other bioactive compounds present in macroalgae, phenolic compounds, pigments, carotenoids and fatty acids stand out due to their different bioactive properties, such as antidiabetics, antimicrobials and antioxidants, which are important in the treatment or control of diseases such as diabetes, cholesterol, hyperglycemia and cardiovascular diseases. That said, there have already been some studies in which macroalgae (red, green and brown) have been incorporated into certain foods, but studies on gluten-free products are still scarce, as only the potential use of macroalgae for this type of product is considered. Considering the aforementioned issues, this review aims to analyze how macroalgae can be incorporated into foods or used as a food supplement, as well as to describe the bioactive compounds they contain, which have beneficial properties for human health. In this way, the potential of macroalgae-based products in eminent diseases, such as celiac disease, or in more common diseases, such as diabetes and cholesterol complications, can be seen.
Novel Ca-Chelating Peptides from Protein Hydrolysate of Antarctic Krill (Euphausia superba): Preparation, Characterization, and Calcium Absorption Efficiency in Caco-2 Cell Monolayer Model
Authors: Ge Ming-Xue , Chen Ru-Ping , Zhang Lun , Wang Yu-Mei , Chi Chang-Feng , Wang Bin
Published: November 2023

Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) is the world’s largest resource of animal proteins and is thought to be a high-quality resource for future marine healthy foods and functional products. Therefore, Antarctic krill was degreased and separately hydrolyzed using flavourzyme, pepsin, papain, and alcalase. Protein hydrolysate (AKH) of Antarctic krill prepared by trypsin showed the highest Ca-chelating rate under the optimized chelating conditions: a pH of 8.0, reaction time of 50 min, temperature of 50 °C, and material/calcium ratio of 1:15. Subsequently, fourteen Ca-chelating peptides were isolated from APK by ultrafiltration and a series of chromatographic methods and identified as AK, EAR, AEA, VERG, VAS, GPK, SP, GPKG, APRGH, GVPG, LEPGP, LEKGA, FPPGR, and GEPG with molecular weights of 217.27, 374.40, 289.29, 459.50, 275.30, 300.36, 202.21, 357.41, 536.59, 328.37, 511.58, 516.60, 572.66, and 358.35 Da, respectively. Among fourteen Ca-chelating peptides, VERG presented the highest Ca-chelating ability. Ultraviolet spectrum (UV), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis indicated that the VERG-Ca chelate had a dense granular structure because the N-H, C=O and -COOH groups of VERG combined with Ca2+. Moreover, the VERG-Ca chelate is stable in gastrointestinal digestion and can significantly improve Ca transport in Caco-2 cell monolayer experiments, but phytate could significantly reduce the absorption of Ca derived from the VERG-Ca chelate. Therefore, Ca-chelating peptides from protein hydrolysate of Antarctic krill possess the potential to serve as a Ca supplement in developing healthy foods.
Particle Size Effect of Cyetpyrafen Formulation in the Pesticide Transmission Process and Its Impact on Biological Activity
Authors: Yu Lu , Liu He , Yu Miao , Zhang Qi , Chou Jingyu , Wu Yuanhua
Published: November 2023

Cyetpyrafen is a compound that lacks inherent uptake and systemic translocation activity. If mites do not come into direct contact with the pesticide solution on leaves, the efficacy cannot be achieved. Controlling the particle size can potentially play a crucial role in the manifestation of efficacy. In this study, high-throughput formulation technology was used to systematically screen a large number of adjuvants to obtain cyetpyrafen formulations. The particle size of the active ingredient in the formulation was measured. By examining the dynamic light scattering and contact angle, we simulated the actual process of the efficacy transmission of cyetpyrafen formulations against Tetranychus cinnabarinus. Our results showed that the activity of cyetpyrafen increases as the particle size decreases, suggesting that reducing the particle size can enhance the coverage and deposition on crop leaves, and further improve the dispersion efficiency and enhance spreading capabilities. Furthermore, controlling the particle size at 160 nm resulted in an LC50 value of 0.2026, which is approximately double than that of the commercial product. As a novel pesticide for mites, our study presents the most effective cyetpyrafen formulation in practice. Our findings provide valuable insights into controlling other mite species that pose a threat to agricultural products.
Effect of Nutrition Education on Health Science University Students to Improve Cardiometabolic Profile and Inflammatory Status
Authors: López-Moreno Miguel , Garcés-Rimón Marta , Miguel-Castro Marta , Fernández-Martínez Elia , Iglesias López María Teresa
Published: November 2023

The inadequate lifestyle associated with university life may have a negative impact on various cardiometabolic factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a one-year nutrition education course on cardiometabolic parameters in undergraduate health science students. During the 2021–22 academic year, 1.30 h nutrition sessions were conducted twice a week. Capillary blood samples were collected and centrifuged to measure cardiometabolic and inflammatory biomarkers in serum. The sample studied consisted of 49 students: 20.4% male and 79.6% female. The nutritional intervention resulted in changes in dietary patterns, with increased consumption of vegetables, nuts and legumes. After the course, females showed an increase in HDL-cholesterol levels (p = 0.007) and no change in LDL-cholesterol levels (p = 0.189). On the other hand, males showed significant changes in HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.001) and LDL-cholesterol (p = 0.043) levels. The atherogenic index was also significantly reduced (p < 0.001) in both males (p = 0.009) and females (p = 0.002). Differences were also observed in the increase in vitamin D levels in both males and females, although the magnitude of the increase was greater in the men (Δ = 7.94, p = 0.016 in men vs. Δ = 4.96, p = 0.001 in women). The monocyte-to-HDL ratio (MHR) showed a significant reduction, although these differences were only significant in males. Students with low vitamin D levels had higher LDL-cholesterol values (p = 0.01) and atherogenic index (p = 0.029). Adjusted linear regression analysis showed a significant association between post-course vitamin D MHR (β = −0.42, IC: −0.29, −0.06, p < 0.01). These findings suggest the importance of including nutrition education programs during the university stage for the prevention of long-term health problems.
Assessment of School Contributions to Healthy Eating, Physical Activity Education, and Support for Weight-Loss Attempts among Adolescents from Jazan, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Gosadi Ibrahim M.
Published: November 2023

This study evaluates the contribution of schools in Saudi Arabia towards the provision of education and support concerning weight management among adolescents. It also identifies adolescents who have attempted to lose weight and examines their preferred weight-loss methods and their sources of weight-loss support. This study is a cross-sectional investigation that targets adolescents in intermediate and secondary schools in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected via a self-administered questionnaire that looked at the involvement of the school in the provision of education pertaining to weight control and the weight-loss experiences of students who had attempted to lose weight. The study involved 501 adolescents, 45% of whom had attempted to lose weight, where the most common methods for weight loss being reducing food consumption (77%), exercising (75%), and fasting (49%). The assessment of the schools’ contributions indicated its suboptimal role in the provision of education concerning physical activity compared to education about eating habits. The most commonly reported sources of weight-loss support were the students’ families (54%), followed by community facilities (44%). The least common sources were the students’ schools (24%). These findings indicate that schools need to enhance their contribution to encouraging adolescents to adopt a healthy lifestyle, while also ensuring multi-sectorial collaboration with families and community members.
Heptanoate Improves Compensatory Mechanism of Glucose Homeostasis in Mitochondrial Long-Chain Fatty Acid Oxidation Defect
Authors: Nurjanah Siti , Gerding Albert , Vieira-Lara Marcel A. , Evers Bernard , Langelaar-Makkinje Miriam , Spiekerkoetter Ute , Bakker Barbara M. , Tucci Sara
Published: November 2023

Defects in mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO) impair metabolic flexibility, which is an essential process for energy homeostasis. Very-long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (VLCADD; OMIM 609575) deficiency is the most common long-chain mitochondrial FAO disorder presenting with hypoglycemia as a common clinical manifestation. To prevent hypoglycemia, triheptanoin—a triglyceride composed of three heptanoates (C7) esterified with a glycerol backbone—can be used as a dietary treatment, since it is metabolized into precursors for gluconeogenesis. However, studies investigating the effect of triheptanoin on glucose homeostasis are limited. To understand the role of gluconeogenesis in the pathophysiology of long-chain mitochondrial FAO defects, we injected VLCAD-deficient (VLCAD−/−) mice with 13C3-glycerol in the presence and absence of heptanoate (C7). The incorporation of 13C3-glycerol into blood glucose was higher in VLCAD−/− mice than in WT mice, whereas the difference disappeared in the presence of C7. The result correlates with 13C enrichment of liver metabolites in VLCAD−/− mice. In contrast, the C7 bolus significantly decreased the 13C enrichment. These data suggest that the increased contribution of gluconeogenesis to the overall glucose production in VLCAD−/− mice increases the need for gluconeogenesis substrate, thereby avoiding hypoglycemia. Heptanoate is a suitable substrate to induce glucose production in mitochondrial FAO defect.
GPU-Accelerated Monte Carlo Simulation for a Single-Photon Underwater Lidar
Authors: Liao Yupeng , Shangguan Mingjia , Yang Zhifeng , Lin Zaifa , Wang Yuanlun , Li Sihui
Published: November 2023

The Monte Carlo (MC) simulation, due to its ability to accurately simulate the backscattered signal of lidar, plays a crucial role in the design, optimization, and interpretation of the backscattered signal in lidar systems. Despite the development of several MC models for lidars, a suitable MC simulation model for underwater single-photon lidar, which is a vital ocean remote sensing technique utilized in underwater scientific investigations, obstacle avoidance for underwater platforms, and deep-sea environmental exploration, is still lacking. There are two main challenges in underwater lidar simulation. Firstly, the simulation results are significantly affected by near-field abnormal signals. Secondly, the simulation process is time-consuming due to the requirement of a high number of random processes to obtain reliable results. To address these issues, an algorithm is proposed to minimize the impacts of abnormal simulation signals. Additionally, a graphics processing unit (GPU)-accelerated semi-analytic MC simulation with a compute unified device architecture is proposed. The performance of the GPU-based program was validated using 109 photons and compared to a central processing unit (CPU)-based program. The GPU-based program achieved up to 68 times higher efficiency and a maximum relative deviation of less than 1.5%. Subsequently, the MC model was employed to simulate the backscattered signal in inhomogeneous water using the Henyey–Greenstein phase functions. By utilizing the look-up table method, simulations of backscattered signals were achieved using different scattering phase functions. Finally, a comparison between the simulation results and measurements derived from an underwater single-photon lidar demonstrated the reliability and robustness of our GPU-based MC simulation model.
Weathering Effects on Concrete Objects Based on 3D Scanned Examples and Geometric Features
Authors: Park Sang Il
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we introduce a method for simulating the deformation of concrete surfaces due to weathering employing an example-based approach to replicate shape changes observed in real-world objects. A key challenge in implementing this approach is the scarcity of opportunities to measure shapes both before and after the weathering process. To overcome this limitation, we utilize concrete bricks collected from real-world environments as standardized examples, allowing for an analysis of erosion. By measuring erosion based on the estimated original shape, we correlate the characteristics of erosion with geometric features such as curvature and accessibility. We then apply this analysis to simulate new weathering effects in a given input model in alignment with its own geometric features. Our method yields visually compelling results while reproducing the variation of geometric weathering effects.
Machine Vision System for Automatic Adjustment of Optical Components in LED Modules for Automotive Lighting
Authors: Satorres Martínez Silvia , Martínez Gila Diego Manuel , Rico Sergio Illana , Teba Camacho Daniel
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a machine vision system that performs the automatic positioning of optical components in LED modules of automotive headlamps. The automatic adjustment of the module is a process of great interest at the industrial level, as it allows us to reduce reworks, increasing the company profits. We propose a machine vision system with a flexible hardware–software structure that allows it to adapt to a wide range of LED modules. Its hardware is composed of image-capturing devices, which enable us to obtain the LED module light pattern, and mechanisms for manipulating and holding the module to be adjusted. Its software design follows a component-based approach which allows us to increase the reusage of the code, decreasing the time required for configuring any type of LED module. To assess the efficiency and robustness of the industrial system, a series of tests, using three commercial models of LED modules, have been performed. In all cases, the automatically adjusted LED modules followed the ECE R112 regulation for automotive lighting.
Low-Cost Optimized U-Net Model with GMM Automatic Labeling Used in Forest Semantic Segmentation
Authors: Andrei Alexandru-Toma , Grigore Ovidiu
Published: November 2023

Currently, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) are widely used for processing and analyzing image or video data, and an essential part of state-of-the-art studies rely on training different CNN architectures. They have broad applications, such as image classification, semantic segmentation, or face recognition. Regardless of the application, one of the important factors influencing network performance is the use of a reliable, well-labeled dataset in the training stage. Most of the time, especially if we talk about semantic classification, labeling is time and resource-consuming and must be done manually by a human operator. This article proposes an automatic label generation method based on the Gaussian mixture model (GMM) unsupervised clustering technique. The other main contribution of this paper is the optimization of the hyperparameters of the traditional U-Net model to achieve a balance between high performance and the least complex structure for implementing a low-cost system. The results showed that the proposed method decreased the resources needed, computation time, and model complexity while maintaining accuracy. Our methods have been tested in a deforestation monitoring application by successfully identifying forests in aerial imagery.
Allocation of PV Systems with Volt/Var Control Based on Automatic Voltage Regulators in Active Distribution Networks
Authors: Shaheen Abdullah M. , Elattar Ehab E. , Nagem Nadia A. , Nasef Asmaa F.
Published: November 2023

This paper presents an optimal allocation methodology of photovoltaic distributed generations (PVDGs) with Volt/Var control based on Automatic Voltage Regulations (AVRs) in active distribution networks considering the non-dispatchable mode of PVDG operation. In the proposed methodology, an intelligent coordinated Var control is activated via controlling the AVR tap position and the Var injection of PV inverters to achieve a compromise between reducing active and reactive power losses and enhancing voltage quality in a distribution network. Also, the scheduled power factor mode of operation is investigated for the PV inverters. Added to that, the proposed allocation methodology is handled on the basis of hourly loading variation under simultaneous control modes of PV inverters and AVR. Moreover, the impacts of the specified number of PVDGs are assessed on the distribution system’s performance. A recent effective optimizer of the slim mold algorithm (SMA) is dedicated to solving the proposed optimization framework. The simulation implementations are executed on a practical distribution network of the Kafr Rabea area related to South Delta Electricity Company in Egypt. Also, the application is conducted for a large-scale distribution network from the metropolitan area of Caracas. The proposed methodology provides superior performance in minimizing the active and reactive power losses and improving the voltage profile.
Spatial Variability Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Soil Fluoride in the Western Nansihu Lake Basin
Authors: Shi Huijian , Lv Ruixue , Liu Yingxiao , Xiao Dawei , Wang Zhen , Yuan Xia , Liu Lanyu , Yu Cuicui
Published: November 2023

The western plain of the Nansihu Lake Basin (NLB) is an important agricultural economic zone in Shandong Province, where there is a high content of fluoride in soils. Studying the content and influencing factors of fluoride in soils is of great significance for the maintenance of regional eco-logical security and human health. This study takes the farmland soils in the west of NLB as the research focus and uses a method based on GIS and geostatistics to quantitatively analyze the spatial variation characteristics of soil total fluoride and water-soluble fluoride contents to draw a map showing their spatial distribution. The effects on the spatial distribution of soil total fluoride and water-soluble fluoride were analyzed from the aspects of geomorphological type, soil parent material (stratigraphic lithology), crop type, and groundwater fluoride concentration, among others, and the correlation between groundwater and soil fluoride contents was also analyzed. Our study results in the following findings: (1) The average content of total fluoride in topsoil in the study area is 652.8 mg/kg, the national background value is exceeded in 99.5% of the sampling sites, and the background value of Shandong Province is exceeded in 98.7% of the sampling sites. The average water-soluble fluoride is 15.2 mg/kg and exceeds 5.0 mg/kg in 94.3% of the sampling sites. Topsoils have high values of total fluoride and water-soluble fluoride. (2) The total fluoride and water-soluble fluoride in topsoils exhibit moderate spatial variability, indicating that their spatial distribution is the result of structural factors such as soil parent materials and man-made random factors such as fluorinated fertilizers. (3) In the 2 m vertical profile of shallow soils, total fluoride and water-soluble fluoride increase with the increase in soil viscosity, and the water-soluble fluoride has the characteristics of surface aggregation due to the influence of soil adsorption. Because fluoride ions as ligands are easily adsorbed and form fluoride complexes with other ions such as aluminum ions, the water-soluble fluoride shows the characteristics of surface aggregation and fractionation. (4) The analysis of influencing factors reveals that the lithology of Quaternary strata, geomorpho-logical types, and planting crop types have significant effects on the distribution of the total fluoride and water-soluble fluoride in the topsoils, and the distribution of the groundwater soluble fluoride in the topsoils is not related to that in groundwater. Our study provides data and technical support for improving both the soil environmental quality and water quality of the eastern route of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project, thus helping to promote the sustainable development of the social economy and ecological environment in the NLB.
Analysis of Influence and Composition of the Metal Alloys of Two Implant Drill System
Authors: Aragão Lara Rabelo , Neri Jiovanne Rabelo , Holanda Amorim Pedro Henrique Gonçalves , Avelar Rafael Linard , Pereira Lima Isabelle Ramos , Martins Roque Soares , De Moura Alex Oliveira , Melo Thiago Vasconcelos
Published: November 2023

Purpose: The mechanical behavior of two different implant drill systems for osteotomy preparation using polyurethane foam models were evaluated.
Methods: Fourteen polyurethane foam models and 28 Neodent® drills and 28 Dentoflex® drills were used. In a controlled environment, the perforations were timed, and an infrared digital thermometer and a K-type sensor were used to measure the temperature before and after perforations. Each group was divided into 7 subgroups: S5 = 5 perforations, S10 = 10 perforations, S15 = 15 perforations, S20 = 20 perforations, S30 = 30 perforations, S40 = 40 perforations, and S50 = 50 perforations. Results: In the S5 and S10 subgroup, drilling time of the drills with three helical cutting edges was longer (p <0.05) and temperature 1 was lower (p = 0.034) in the S10 group.
Modifikasi dan Uji Kinerja Alat Pengering Tipe Rak Model Teta 22 Biji Pala (Myristica Fragrans Houtt) Menggunakan Sumber Panas Gas LPG
Authors: Amiri Nofri Abdul Azis , Longdong Ireine , Tooy Dedie
Published: November 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk: 1. Memodifikasi alat pengering tipe rak Model Teta’17,  2. Menguji kinerja alat meliputi suhu, kelembaban udara, kadar air dan laju pengeringan terhadap air. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode percobaan untuk peembuatan alat dan analisa data menggunakan metode deskriptif yaitu data dari pengamatan disusun dalam bentuk tabel, kemudian digambarkan dalam bentuk grafik, lalu dideskripsikan. Setiap rak yaitu rak atas dan rak bawah masing-masing menggunakan 500 sampel biji pala. Setiap percobaan dilakukan 2 (dua) kali ulangan. Variabel yang diamati adalah suhu, kelembaban udara, kadar air bahan dan laju pengeringan. Hasil dari penelitian ini modifikasi alat pengering tipe rak Model Teta’17 dengan cara menambahkan cerobong tidak menunjukan adanya kondensasi pada bagian permukaan dinding alat. Dari hasil penelitian rata-rata suhu rak atas sebesar 53°C dan rata-rata suhu rak bawah sebesar 55°C dan rata-rata suhu suhu dalam plenum sebesar 54°C. Rata-rata kelembaban udara dalam plenum sebesar 70%. Rata-rata kadar air biji pala rak atas sebesar 10.2% dan rak bawah 8.7%. Waktu pengeringan yang dibutuhkan untuk mengeringkan biji pala sampai dengan kadar air 8-10% yaitu 11 jam. Laju pengeringan terhdap kadar air ulangan 1 rak atas sebesar 2.55%, rak bawah 2,72% dan ulangan 2 rak atas sebesar 2.65%, rak bawah sebesar 2.75%..
Estudo do número de Ramsey R(3,10): análise de grafos de ordem 40
Authors: Zitzke Daniel Coswig , Azevedo Danielle Santos , Medeiros Jonas Francisco de , Bernardino Lenon Saturnino
Published: November 2023

O número de Ramsey R(k,l) é o menor número inteiro n tal que não exista (k,l,n,e)-grafo, sendo que um (k,l,n,e)-grafo denota um grafo G com n vértices e e arestas e com C(G)<k e I(G)<l, onde C(G) denota o maior clique em G e I(G) denota o maior conjunto independente em G. A teoria de grafos deu origem a vastas pesquisas, pois por mais simples que seja a definição, calcular os números de Ramsey é uma tarefa árdua e poucos são conhecidos. Exoo (1989), Goedgebeur e Radziszowski (2013) mostraram que 40<= R(3,10)<= 42. Assim, neste artigo, vamos expor proposições que serão úteis no cálculo deste número de Ramsey. Baseado nas ideias de Grinstead e Roberts (1982) e Cariolaro (2007), serão exibidas propriedades e características para um grafo bicolorido de ordem 40, tal que G seja livre de triângulos, isto é, C(G)<3, e não possua conjunto independente de ordem 10, ou seja, I(G)<10. Mostraremos, por exemplo, que dado G = (V,E) um grafo de ordem 40, tal que C(G) < 3 e I(G) < 10, então, para todo vértice v em V, tem-se que 4 <= deg(v) <= 9. Por fim, ressaltamos que os resultados inéditos obtidos pelos autores, em um projeto de pesquisa desenvolvido no IFRS, Campus Alvorada, encontram-se na Seção 4.
Evaluasi Tax Control Framework Perusahaan Dagang dalam Menghadapi UU HPP
Authors: Nababan Narwastu Angela
Published: November 2023

Clear and structured tax regulations are very important in a country's economic system, but they can change along with developments over time and economic policies. This change can be caused by the increasing complexity of tax regulations, which can trigger non-compliance and tax avoidance that is detrimental to the country. This research aims to evaluate the readiness of trading companies, especially PT. H, in facing the harmonization of tax regulations and to determine the impact. PT. H as a trading company was chosen because trading companies have a simpler financial structure compared to manufacturing companies and service companies. This makes it a good case study for understanding the impact of tax law changes without too many other complex factors involved. This research uses the Tax Control Framework indicators from the OECD, which include tax strategy, control, division of tasks, documentation of the tax implementation process, and monitoring of tax implementation. The evaluation results show that PT. H has taken strategic steps such as monitoring regulations, partnering with tax consultants, and implementing strict controls to ensure the accuracy of tax reporting. They also carry out focused division of tasks, detailed documentation, and regular internal monitoring and audits. Despite facing several challenges such as understanding complex regulations and lack of government outreach, PT. H remains committed to maintaining tax compliance and optimal company performance.
Implementing Brainwriting Strategy on Improving Writing Skills for English Intermediate Level Students
Authors: Goh Vanesse , Marsevani Maya
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study is to improve English intermediate level students in writing using brainwriting strategy. This is a Classroom Action Research which consisted in total of seven meetings; two meetings for test and 5 meetings for treatment. The population of this research were the students who have joined English tuition on Intermediate level which consisted of 7 students. The steps of this research were (1) observing students’ difficulties in writing, (2) implementing brainwriting strategy and (3) writing practice using brainwriting strategy. The instrument of this research was using pre-test and post-test as the comparison of their scores before and after implementing brainwriting strategy. The results of this research are students were able to improve their English writing skills and became more active in the classroom through brainwriting strategy which is shown by the average score of pre-test (1,95) with not enough category and post-test (2,42) with enough category.
Synthesis, characterization of a new series of thiohydantoin derivatives and study their biological activity against prostate cancer and microbes.
Authors: Hays Qusay , Dakhil Zughayir Mutlaq
Published: November 2023

Prostate cancer is one of the most common malignant diseases in men, and the design of new chemical compounds against prostate cancer is one of the challenges faced by modern medicine. In this study, we prepared and characterized a new series of thiohydantoin derivatives by reacting maleimide derivatives (1C-4) with cyclohexyl isothiocyanate.The prepared compounds were diagnosed using (FT-IR ,1H-NMR ,13C-NMR ).MTT assay was used to determine the activity of the prepared compounds against prostate cancer cell lines, as the data indicated, based on IC50 values, that the prepared compounds do not have anti-prostate cancer activity. The prepared compounds were also studied against selected types of bacteria and fungi, as the data indicated that some of the prepared series compounds had anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activity under study, as the compound 4C showed a high anti-staph activity.
Synthesis and Spectral identifications of new azo – Schiff base ligand(4Cl-2DIBP) derived from (para-aminobenzylamine) with its some metallic complexes
Authors: Wafaa Jumaah Imran  , Ibtihal Kadhim Kareem  , Ruba Riyadh Jaafar
Published: November 2023

The New Heterocyclic ligand 4-chloro-2-(((4-((4,5-diphenyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl) diazenyl ) benzyl)imino)methyl) phenol (4Cl-2DIBP) was prepared from the condensation of para-aminobenzylamine with 4,5-diphenyl imidazole, followed by the condensation of the resulting compound with 5- chloro-2- hydroxy benzaldehyde. Different analytical and characterization techniques including (Mass,1HNMR, FT-IR and UV-Vis. spectroscopy and C.H.N elemental analysis) in the investigation of Newly prepared ligand. A series of Novel solid metal complexes of this ligand with Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II), Zn ((II), Cd (II), and Hg (II) were prepared and all complexes were characterization by techniques above, excluding the Mass and the 1H-NMR spectroscopy of some prepared solid metal complexes and the use of flame atomic absorption spectroscopy to determine the percentages of metal ions in the prepared complexes also studied the magnetic susceptibility and molar conductivity of the metal complexes dissolved in DMSO at 1 × 10-3 M concentration laboratory temperature. The results of this studies showed that the coordination sites for the new Azo-Schiff base ligand with Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II), Zn ((II) , Cd (II) and Hg(II) were to be through nitrogen of the imidazole ring, and the nitrogen of azo group,. The Electronic spectral and magnetic measurement data predict octahedral structure of the complexes. All complexes showed that Non-electrolytes properties.