bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between self-consciousness levels and health literacy of sports sciences faculty students
Authors: Güngör Nuri Berk , Erol Yusuf İzzet , Soyer Alptuğ , Soyer Fikret
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to examine the relationship between selfconsciousness levels and health literacy levels of individuals studying at the Faculty of Sport Sciences. The data of the study were collected from a total of 214 individuals, 107 women and 107 men, through an online form in the 2023-2024 academic year. In the study, the Self-Consciousness Scale developed by Fenigstein et al. [1975] and adapted to Turkish language and culture by Rugancı [1994] and the Health Literacy Scale Short Form developed by Duong et al. [2019] and adapted to Turkish language and culture by Karahan Yılmaz and Eskici [2021] were used. It was established that the study data exhibited a normal distribution. Consequently, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and regression analysis were conducted. The research findings indicated a positive relationship between the self-consciousness levels and health literacy levels of the students in the Faculty of Sport Sciences, with self-consciousness predicting 7.9% of the variance in health literacy.
Half-century of Efros–Shklovskii Coulomb gap: Romance with Coulomb interaction and disorder
Authors: Shklovskii B. I.
Published: December 2024

The Efros–Shklovskii (ES) Coulomb gap in the one-electron density of localized states and the ES law of the variable range hopping conductivity were coined 50 years ago. The theory and its first confirmations were reviewed in the Shklovskii–Efros (SE) monograph published 40-years ago. This paper reviews the subsequent experimental evidence, theoretical advancements, and novel applications of the ES law. Out of hundreds of experimental validations of the ES law in a diverse range of materials, I focus on those where the dynamic range of conductivity exceeds four orders of magnitude. These include three- and two-dimensional semiconductors under both zero and high magnetic fields, localized phases in the quantum Hall effect, granular metals, nanocrystal arrays, and conducting polymers. Additionally, I discuss the non-ohmic ES law and the Coulomb gap near insulator–metal transition. Recent developments of other concepts of the SE book are also discussed.
Unsupervised techniques to detect quantum chaos
Authors: Nemirovsky Dmitry , Shir Ruth , Rosa Dario , Kagalovsky Victor
Published: December 2024

Conventional spectral probes of quantum chaos require eigenvalues, and sometimes, eigenvectors of the quantum Hamiltonian. This involves computationally expensive diagonalization procedures. We test whether an unsupervised neural network can detect quantum chaos directly from the Hamiltonian matrix. We use a single-body Hamiltonian with an underlying random graph structure and random coupling constants, with a parameter that determines the randomness of the graph. The spectral analysis shows that increasing the amount of randomness in the underlying graph results in a transition from integrable spectral statistics to chaotic ones. We show that the same transition can be detected via unsupervised neural networks, or more specifically, self-organizing maps by feeding the Hamiltonian matrix directly into the neural network, without any diagonalization procedure.
Topological solitons in amorphous magnets
Authors: Galkina E. G. , Ivanov B. A.
Published: December 2024

Amorphous magnets of the spin-glass type are characterized by completely disordered spatial distribution of magnetic ions, coupled by exchange interaction in such a way that the directions of the spins are also completely random, and the net magnetization is zero. The spin dynamics of such magnets can be described macroscopically by equations for a time-dependent non-uniform is space three-dimensional rotations of the spins. The non-commutative character of such rotations leads to the non-trivial topological properties of the space of dynamical variables, the rotations angles, and to a complex form of the significantly non-linear equations for them. For the disordered magnets of the type of spin glasses, stable three-dimensional topological solitons are found within this phenomenological approach. These solitons are characterized by internal precessional dynamics of the spins, from the quantum-mechanical viewpoint they can be treated as bound states of large number of linear excitations of this system, magnons.
A population-based model of indicators of allied health workforce needs: proof-of-concept in podiatry
Authors: Horsley Joshua , Nancarrow Susan
Published: December 2024

Objective Allied health workforce planning faces challenges because of insufficient metrics that accurately reflect population need for services. This paper presents a method and proof-of-concept in the podiatry profession for developing population-based need indicators and indices suitable for allied health workforce planning and comparative benchmarking. Methods Population-based indicators of podiatry need were selected and combined into an index of need by Statistical Area Level 3 (SA3) in Australia. Medicare patient age and sex distributions for relevant item numbers were used to determine the inclusion of specific population age groups and sex as indicators. Other indicators included diabetes, socioeconomic status, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status. The need index was calculated based by aggregating these indicators at the SA3 level. The resulting need index was compared with podiatry supply (per capita clinician counts) using a population-weighted correlation coefficient (pwCorr). Results Analysis of Medicare usage data led to the inclusion of indicators: population aged 65 and over, and female gender. The need index had a small but significant negative correlation with supply at the SA3-level (pwCorr = −0.12, P = 0.03) and positively, but not significantly, correlated at the state/territory-level (pwCorr = 0.42, P = 0.30). Conclusions Developing profession-specific population-based need indices provides a valuable tool for allied health workforce planners to benchmark need and supply within professions. Combining single need indicators with supply metrics offers a concise framework for effective workforce planning and advocacy.
Kinetic principles of chemical cross-link formation for protein–protein interactions
Authors: Kammer Kai-Michael , Eisgruber Terese , Heid Peter , Pellarin Riccardo , Stengel Florian
Published: December 2024

Proteins play a central role in most biological processes within the cell, and deciphering how they interact is key to understand their function. Cross-linking coupled with mass spectrometry is an essential tool for elucidating protein–protein interactions (PPIs). Despite its importance, we still know surprisingly little about the principles that underlie the process of chemical cross-link formation itself and how it is influenced by different physicochemical factors. To understand the molecular details of cross-link formation, we have set up a comprehensive kinetic model and carried out simulations of protein cross-linking on large protein complexes. We dissect the contribution on the cross-link yield of parameters such as amino acid reactivity, cross-linker concentration, and hydrolysis rate. Our model can compute cross-link formation based solely on the structure of a protein complex, thereby enabling realistic predictions for a diverse set of systems. We quantitatively show how cross-links and mono-links are in direct competition and how the hydrolysis rate and abundance of cross-linker and proteins directly influence their relative formation. We show how cross-links and mono-links exist in an “all-against-all” competition due to their simultaneous formation, resulting in a nonintuitive network of interdependence. We show that this interdependence is locally confined and mainly limited to direct neighbors or residues in direct vicinity. These results enable us to identify the optimal cross-linker concentration at which the maximal number of cross-links is formed. Taken together, our study establishes a comprehensive kinetic model to quantitatively describe cross-link formation for PPIs.
Intracortical recordings reveal the neuronal selectivity for bodies and body parts in the human visual cortex
Authors: Ramirez Jesus Garcia , Vanhoyland Michael , Ratan Murty N. A. , Decramer Thomas , Van Paesschen Wim , Bracci Stefania , Op de Beeck Hans , Kanwisher Nancy , Janssen Peter , Theys Tom
Published: December 2024

Body perception plays a fundamental role in social cognition. Yet, the neural mechanisms underlying this process in humans remain elusive given the spatiotemporal constraints of functional imaging. Here, we present intracortical recordings of single- and multiunit spiking activity in two epilepsy surgery patients in or near the extrastriate body area, a critical region for body perception. Our recordings revealed a strong preference for human bodies over a large range of control stimuli. Notably, body selectivity was driven by a distinct selectivity for body parts. The observed body selectivity generalized to nonphotographic depictions of bodies including silhouettes and stick figures. Overall, our study provides unique neural data that bridge the gap between human neuroimaging and macaque electrophysiology studies, laying a solid foundation for computational models of human body processing.
Climate warming drives population trajectories of freshwater fish
Authors: Brown Timothy M. , O’Connor Joseph , Genner Martin J.
Published: December 2024

Climate change has emerged as a key threat to biodiversity, leading to broad-scale shifts in distributions of marine and terrestrial species as they attempt to track thermally suitable habitat. By contrast, our understanding of climate responses of freshwater species is relatively undeveloped, limiting our knowledge of whether projected warming will lead to freshwater biodiversity loss. Here, we linked a multicontinental database of riverine fish population abundance time series collected from 1958 to 2019 to temperature data from the same period. Across the sampled localities, waters warmed by 0.21 °C per decade (annual maximum of monthly temperatures). We tested whether fish responded to this change by i) increasing abundance at the cooler poleward limit of species distributions—predicted if warming has opened new opportunities—and ii) decreasing abundance toward the equatorward limit of distributions—predicted if temperatures have exceeded tolerance thresholds. We found that observed population trends were consistent with both of these expected patterns from climatic warming and that the trends were more pronounced in time series covering the longer time periods of 30+ y. The responses consistent with climate change were most evident in species with larger body sizes, higher trophic levels, river–sea migratory behavior, and more widespread distributions. Moreover, positive abundance responses to warming were more likely at higher altitudes where conditions tend to be cooler. These findings indicate that projected future warming will likely lead to widespread shifts in riverine community structure, including abundance declines at the trailing edge of species distributions.
Architecture of the Sap S-layer of
Bacillus anthracis
revealed by integrative structural biology
Authors: Sogues Adrià , Leigh Kendra , Halingstad Ethan V. , Van der Verren Sander E. , Cecil Adam J. , Fioravanti Antonella , Pak Alexander J. , Kudryashev Misha , Remaut Han
Published: December 2024

Bacillus anthracis
is a spore-forming gram-positive bacterium responsible for anthrax, an infectious disease with a high mortality rate and a target of concern due to bioterrorism and long-term site contamination. The entire surface of vegetative cells in exponential or stationary growth phase is covered in proteinaceous arrays called S-layers, composed of Sap or EA1 protein, respectively. The Sap S-layer represents an important virulence factor and cell envelope support structure whose paracrystalline nature is essential for its function. However, the spatial organization of Sap in its lattice state remains elusive. Here, we employed cryoelectron tomography and subtomogram averaging to obtain a map of the Sap S-layer from tubular polymers that revealed a conformational switch between the postassembly protomers and the previously available X-ray structure of the condensed monomers. To build and validate an atomic model of the lattice within this map, we used a combination of molecular dynamics simulations, X-ray crystallography, cross-linking mass spectrometry, and biophysics in an integrative structural biology approach. The Sap lattice model produced recapitulates a close-to-physiological arrangement, reveals high-resolution details of lattice contacts, and sheds light on the mechanisms underlying the stability of the Sap layer.
The gas|liquid interface eclipses the liquid|liquid interface for glucose oxidase rate acceleration in microdroplets
Authors: Krushinski Lynn E. , Herchenbach Patrick J. , Dick Jeffrey E.
Published: December 2024

The curious chemistry observed in microdroplets has captivated chemists in recent years and has led to an investigation into their ability to drive seemingly impossible chemistries. One particularly interesting capability of these microdroplets is their ability to accelerate reactions by several orders of magnitude. While there have been many investigations into which reactions can be accelerated by confinement within microdroplets, no study has directly compared reaction acceleration at the liquid|liquid and gas|liquid interfaces. Here, we confine glucose oxidase, one of life’s most important enzymes, to microdroplets and monitor the turnover rate of glucose by the electroactive cofactor, hexacyanoferrate (III). We use stochastic electrochemistry to monitor the collision of single femtoliter water droplets on an ultramicroelectrode. We also develop a measurement modality to robustly quantify reaction rates for femtoliter liquid aerosol droplets, where the majority of the interface is gas|liquid. We demonstrate that the gas|liquid interface accelerates enzyme turnover by over an order of magnitude over the liquid|liquid interface. This is the first apples-to-apples comparison of reaction acceleration at two distinct interfaces that indicates that the gas|liquid interface plays a central role in driving curious chemistry.
The shard test and nanoporomechanics reverse classical paradigm of cement hydration being contractive
Authors: Rosa Raúl E. Marrero , Bhibho Tapiwanashe , Dőnmez Ahmet A. , Cusatis Gianluca , Bažant Zdeněk P.
Published: December 2024

Le Chatelier in 1887 and Powers in 1947 demonstrated that the volume of nanoscale C-S-H (calcium silicate hydrate) particles formed during hydration is smaller than the combined volume of the reactants—the anhydrous Portland cement and water. Hydration has thus been considered as contractive. An experiment shows that the opposite is true above the nanoscale. The porous skeleton of cement paste expands as the growing C-S-H particles push each other apart, similar to crystal growth pressure. This is significant for high-performance concretes (HPC) with low water-cement ratios (w/c

≤

0.4), where chemical self-desiccation lowers pore relative humidity by 40%, compared to just 1% in traditional concretes (w/c

≈

0.5). Standard American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) C1608 tests, using 10 mm thick water-immersed specimens, show large shrinkage because the half-time of water ingress is many decades, unable to offset shrinkage-causing self-desiccation. The present experiment, using a laser microscopy-topography technique, proves the opposite—expansion, evidenced by measuring the length changes of water-immersed HPC shards 0.5 mm thick in which the diffusion halftime, only about one hour, allows continuous resaturation of pores, canceling self-desiccation. The faster diffusion (halftime of one hour) enables continuous pore resaturation, preventing shrinkage. When sealed with paraffin oil, the shards self-desiccate and shrink. These findings align with studies since 2015, showing that models excluding hydration expansion cannot fit test data across various specimen sizes and sealing conditions. The results suggest that standardized ASTM tests for the so-called chemical shrinkage in modern concretes with very low water-cement ratios are misleading and need revision.
Nitrate toxicity and health hazards: Problems and mitigation challenges
Authors: Kesarwani Amit , Pramanick Biswajit , Chowdhury Arnab Roy , Rani Manisha , Kumar Rajeew , Jayara Alok Singh , Saini Ramesh Kumar
Published: December 2024

Nitrogenous fertilizers are considered an essential input for productive agriculture and the factor highly responsible for higher biomass production. Unfortunately, intensive mineral fertilization brings tremendous changes in soil fertility and productivity, but productivity decreases rapidly in cereal-based cropping systems or without legumes. The excessive use of mineral nitrogenous fertilizers reported an increase in potential health hazards and environmental problems such as groundwater contamination, eutrophication, acid rain, the greenhouse effect, and methemoglobinemia in humans. With future applications’ elevated use and prognosis, this problem may expand to several folds in the approaching decades. Large consumption of defiled water or food with higher concentrations of nitrates (according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the permissible limit is 7 mg.kg
−1
body weight per day) causes severe infant diseases such as Blue Baby Syndrome, respiratory ailments, gastric cancer, birth malformation and other health problems which earlier were rarely explained or explored worldwide. The unsustainable agronomic practices resulted in our soil being stripped of natural health and blind dependency on mineral fertilizers, ultimately leading to poor human and environmental health. There is an immediate need for new technologies related to farming systems to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in view of changing climate. Various sustainable practices such as applying organic manures, precision N management, Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) approach, and nitrogen (N) inhibitors hold tremendous potential to reduce the ill effects of nitrates and secure the food chain if adopted on a large scale.
Elastic Spherical Cloak Driven by Bayesian Optimization
Authors: Yang 杨 Zhiwei 志伟 , Wang 王 Xiaofan 笑凡 , Xu 徐 Hongbo 鸿博 , Li 李 Xiaochao 晓潮 , Zhu 朱 Shan 杉 , Chen 陈 Huanyang 焕阳
Published: December 2024

The introduction of machine learning algorithms has revolutionized the design of invisible devices, particularly in the intricate domain of elasto-dynamics. In this study, we proposed a core-shell configuration to realize elastic sphere cloaks driven by a Bayesian optimization algorithm to pinpoint the optimal configuration with high precision. Numerical simulations in solid and aqueous environments were performed to validate the cloaking efficacy of our design and the parameters identified by the algorithm. The results closely agreed with the theoretical predictions, underscoring the robustness of the proposed method. This approach provides new insights into the design of elastic wave invisibility devices and has potential applications in underwater communication and sonar detection.
Discussion on the Strength Calculation Method for Connecting Bolts between Head Cover and Stay Ring of Pumped Storage Power Station in Unit Runaway
Authors: Li Chengjun , Zhang Xin , Wang Changxin , Chen Liu , Chen Shunyi , Wang Delou , Hou Shanshan
Published: December 2024

The units of pumped storage power plants are frequently started and operate under complex modes. There have been many fracture accidents of connecting bolts between head cover and stay ring in China and abroad, resulting in flooding of the plants, affecting the safety of personnel and property. The unit runaway mode is one of the controlling modes in the calculation of head cover bolts. Due to the unstable flow in this mode, it is difficult to accurately obtain the head cover load, which affects the accuracy of bolt strength calculation. This article explores the relevant calculation methods through an example of the strength review calculation of the head cover and stay ring connecting bolts of a pumped storage power station. A method was proposed to perform CFD steady state calculations on several characteristic points of the runaway mode using one-dimensional transient calculation dates as boundary conditions, and then correct the result of head cover load calculation. The method in this article takes into account both the calculation time and accuracy, and has certain engineering practicality, which can be used as a reference for the industry.
A gear tooth side clearance adjustment device and measurement method
Authors: Qian Kaiwen , Chen Yang
Published: December 2024

The paper describes a gear tooth side clearance adjustment device structure principle, tooth side clearance adjustment and measurement calculation method, with simple operation, measurement accuracy is easy to ensure, adjustable range, can be adjusted continuously, and comparative test verification, proved the feasibility of the technology.
Lift augmentation of a circulation control airfoil in proximity to water waves
Authors: Su Yuanzhao , Li Daochun , Zhao Shiwei
Published: December 2024

Wave is an important factor affecting the takeoff and landing of seaplanes. In order to study the effect of waves on the moving airfoil in proximity to the water surface, the influence of different wave parameters on the aerodynamic characteristics of the airfoil is investigated through numerical simulation by solving the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. Moreover, the lift-augmentation effect of constant blowing on the circulation control airfoil in proximity to water waves is investigated. The results show that the higher the wave height and the longer the wavelength, the larger the fluctuation amplitude of the lift coefficient of the airfoil. the lift-augmentation efficiency of the circulation control airfoil decreases significantly after the blowing momentum coefficient exceeds a certain value. When the airfoil is close to water waves, the increase of the blowing momentum coefficient not only augments the lift of the circulation control airfoil, but also aggravates the fluctuation of the lift force.
Study on On-line Monitoring method for Local Slagging in the Coal-Fired Boiler Furnace
Authors: Zhang Qichao , Ye Nina , Wu Xiaojiang , Zhang Zhongxiao , Xu Jiaye
Published: December 2024

Slag formation in coal-fired boiler furnaces is an unavoidable issue, which is further exacerbated by the combustion of Zhundong coal. The accumulation of slag in the furnace can reduce the heat exchange capacity of the boiler, leading to a decrease in power generation efficiency and operational economy. However, there is currently a dearth of monitoring techniques to evaluate the local slagging status in the furnace. To address this gap, this study proposes an innovative approach by installing multiple thermocouples on water wall tubes and fins to establish an online monitoring model for local slagging based on temperature differences. The effectiveness of this model has been validated on a 660 MWe utility boiler. The monitoring results reveal that the slagging in the furnace is uneven and asymmetrical in both the circumferential and longitudinal directions. The central region of the water wall in the circumferential direction is particularly prone to slagging, and the main combustion zone exhibits the highest slagging rate, while the burnout zone experiences the lowest. Moreover, the slagging rate in various regions is influenced by the unit load. It is directly proportional to the load in the main combustion zone, inversely proportional in the furnace bottom zone, and relatively unaffected by the load in the burnout zone.
Analysis of prevention measures for the environmental effect of vacuum combined surcharge preloading
Authors: Lin Lujie , Liu Zhifang , Zhang Qinghua , Liang Zhu
Published: December 2024

Soft soil is widely distributed in the Pearl River Delta region of China. In the process of treating soft foundations, it is important to consider not only the effect of preloading consolidation but also the impact of construction on the surrounding environment. This article focuses on the soft foundation reinforcement treatment project of a municipal road in Hengqin, Zhuhai, and utilizes finite element software ABAQUS to establish a vacuum-combined preloading soft foundation reinforcement model. Six working conditions are set up for two prevention and control measures: digging side ditches and driving cement mixing piles. The changes in soil deformation caused by these measures are analyzed with different distances from the reinforcement area boundary, different ditch depths, and different pile lengths. The results indicate that excavating side ditches and installing cement mixing piles can effectively reduce deformation of the outer soil. As distance from the side ditch (or cement mixing pile) increases, their weakening effect on deformation gradually decreases. Excavating side ditches can achieve a weakening effect within 8-10 meters outside the ditch, while installation of cement mixing piles has an approximate range of 7-10 meters on both inner and outer sides of the piles. Furthermore, excavating side ditches shows better reduction in horizontal displacement compared to driving cement mixing piles at a lower cost. These research findings provide valuable insights for widespread application of vacuum-combined preloading methods in soft foundation treatment within the Pearl River Delta region.
Study on structural analysis technique of loess tunnel based on multi-index evaluation
Authors: Yao Guang
Published: December 2024

The geological environment of loess tunnel is very complicated in the process of construction and operation, and the actual supporting parameters and surrounding rock pressure of loess tunnel have great uncertainties, which increases the difficulty of performance evaluation. In this paper, a distributed optical fiber monitoring system for loess tunnel is established by means of field investigation, theoretical analysis and field monitoring, which can monitor the tunnel displacement rate, the initial steel arch stress, the axial force of the anchor bolt, the lining stress and the width of the lining crack. Based on the theory of extension, the long-term performance evaluation model of loess tunnel is established, which comprehensively and objectively considers the influence of various influencing factors on the long-term performance of the tunnel, makes a quantitative judgment on the long-term performance of the typical section of loess tunnel, and provides a theoretical basis for the next tunnel maintenance plan, which is of great significance for the improvement of the maintenance technology of loess tunnel.
Research on Properties of Friction Stir Welding Butt Joint of 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy Sheet
Authors: Cheng Rui , Zheng Zhenxing , Qin Lei , Gao Qun
Published: December 2024

The friction stir welding (FSW) butt joint of 2mm 6061-T6 aluminum alloy was tested. The effects of welding speed and lower shoulder pressure on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the joint were analyzed, and the possible problems in the welding process of thin plate were analyzed in depth. The results show that the yield strength of the welded joint of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy increases with the increase of welding speed, and the mechanical properties of the joint are not sensitive to the change of the pressure under the shoulder. The core area of the welded joint is the weakest area due to the softening of the welded joint and the insufficient amount of plastic metal transfer.
Unstable oscillation of a particle described by digits of pi
Authors: Rajilić Zoran , Malivuk Gak Dragana , Škrgić Enes
Published: December 2024

We ćonsider 3, 1, 4, 1, 5, 9, … as a time series desćribing osćillation of a partićle. The level of instability is defined using two of ten forće parameters assigned to the time series. Irrationality of the number p ćan then be seen through instability of motion, using Newton’s sećond law. If we intervene in digits, making a rational number, with termination or a repeating sequenće, level of instability slumps to zero. New rules for digits of p are found out. High instability is ćonnećted with strong damping and driving forćes. Tendenćy to a moderate instability is observed. Unrealised series of digits, ćlose to the realised series, derogate this tendenćy.
Effects of 660 nm red light and 850 nm near infrared light on human blood lymphocytes
Authors: Softić A. , Cipurković S. , Avdić A.
Published: December 2024

The applications of light emitting diodes (LED) as a red light therapy (RLT) source for the management of various conditions such as wound treatment, control of inflammation and pain have been growing continually. Despite its extensive medical application, the effects of RLT on living cells are still highly contested. This study is conducted to test the effects of RLT using combined LED source with 660 nm (red) and 850 nm (near infrared) light on cultured human lymphocytes in vitro. To analyze the effect of RLT on human peripheral blood lymphocyte’s proliferation, the mitotic index (cytostatic effect) is monitored under different irradiation exposure time parameters and conditions. This value indicates how a particular treatment affected cell division, either proliferatively, inhibitory, or had no effect at all. The interpretation of the results of the mitotic index is done in relation to the mitotic index of the untreated (unirradiated) control cells. Our data shows higher lymphocyte proliferation for all of the irradiated samples, and is particularly enhanced by multiple exposures to red light. The effectiveness of RLT on cell activity is of importance in determination of suitable treatment for diseases related to the immune system. To better understand the molecular and metabolic mechanisms involved in red LED-induced photobiomodulation, the study will be extended to investigate the RLT effect on cell protein synthesis.
Investigation of Topography and Electrical Properties of K0.3MoO3 Thin Films
Authors: Đekić Maja , Husković Belma , Spreitzer Matjaž
Published: December 2024

In this article we investigate topography and electrical properties of potassium blue bronze thin films by the means of atomic force microscopy. Thin films were prepared by pulsed laser depositions on two types of substrates (Al2O3 and SrTiO3) at different substrate temperatures and partial oxygen pressures. On the basis of topography measurements, granular nature of the films was revealed. Surface roughness, as well as the size and the orientation of grains was determined. Films deposited on SrTiO3 substrates are quite homogeneous and the grains display ordering in preferential directions. Films on Al2O3 contain randomly oriented grains. Roughness of the films increases with the increase of the deposition temperature. Electrical measurements provided qualitative information regarding the electrical properties of the films.
The Effects of AR-Based Physics Homework on Learning Circular Motion
Authors: Vidak Andrej , Movre Šapić Iva , Simić Bojana , Mešić Vanes
Published: December 2024

In this study, we compared the effectiveness of AR-based homework, traditional homework, and mixed-approach homework in learning about circular motion. To that end, we conducted a pretest-posttest quasi-experiment involving 135 first-year students enrolled in an introductory physics course at the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Croatia. The students in the experimental group completed augmented reality (AR)-based homework assignments. In these assignments, their learning about circular motion was supported by a meticulously designed worksheet that included four AR-supported activities. In the mixed-approach group, students were given a homework assignment that included three AR-supported activities and one quantitative textbook problem, whereas the traditional group’s homework consisted of four quantitative textbook problems covering the same content. Findings from our study suggest that the post-treatment scores for all groups were significantly higher than the pretreatment scores, with the largest pre-post gains observed in the mixed-approach group. We conclude that combining carefully selected quantitative problems with key AR activities is the most promising approach.
Observed trends in full-daytime and part-daytime thermal stress conditions in Asia
Authors: Yan Yechao , Xu Yangyang , Yue Shuping
Published: December 2024

Changes in environmental thermal conditions affect thermal comfort, work performance and human health. While many studies have focused on heat and cold extremes, which are typically stressful throughout the daytime hours, fewer have examined part-daytime thermal stress conditions, where hours of thermal comfort and discomfort both occur during the daytime. Using a recently developed dataset of the Universal Thermal Climate Index with high spatial (10 km) and temporal (hourly) resolution, we classify daytime outdoor thermal conditions of any day into the following types: full-daytime comfortable, full-daytime stressful (subdivided into ‘full-daytime cold’ and ‘full-daytime hot’), and part-daytime stressful (including ‘part-daytime cold,’ ‘part-daytime cool,’ ‘part-daytime warm,’ ‘part-daytime hot,’ and ‘wide thermal fluctuation’). We then analyze their trends and the balance between changes in heat and cold stress over the past three decades in mid- and low-latitude Asia. Here, we demonstrate that overall daytime outdoor thermal conditions have deteriorated in both low- and mid-latitude Asia. A key feature of the changes in low-latitude regions is the substantial increase in the number of full-daytime hot days and a pronounced escalation in heat stress intensity, which may make outdoor activities during the day increasingly uncomfortable and possibly unsafe. In contrast, notable aspects of the shifts in daytime thermal conditions in mid-latitude regions include a decrease in full-daytime comfortable days (conditions ideal for longer activities such as hiking and camping), and a significant rise in part-daytime hot days, which may lead people to favour shorter activities (e.g., morning walks or neighborhood biking).
Phenological multivariance of Betula pendula Roth in an anthropogenically transformed environment
Authors: Turmukhametova N V , Turmukhametov D B
Published: December 2024

The article presents the results of long-term biomonitoring based on the phenology of the arboreal species Betula pendula of the city of Yoshkar-Ola, Russia. The phenological multivariance of B. pendula was studied for the first time at different stages of the ontogenesis of the generative period, in the gradient of atmospheric air pollution by industrial and automotive toxicants. The rhythm of seasonal development of B. pendula depends on both individual and age characteristics, as well as on the influence of conditions of a specific urban microclimate and environmental pollution. Middle-aged generative individuals of B. pendula are characterized by earlier periods of the onset of phenophases, rapid leaf unfolding, prolonged flowering, yellowing of leaves and, in general, the growing season, compared with young and old generative trees. The asynchrony of seasonal development is characteristic mainly for trees located in the zone of medium pollution. Under conditions of a specific microclimate and air pollution, heterogeneity within ontogenetic groups B. pendula increases. The adaptation of B. pendula individuals to adverse weather factors and urban conditions is determined by the diversity of phenorhythmogroups in the generative period of ontogenesis.
Calculation of heat loss for choosing a heating system in the chamber
Authors: Denmukhammadiev A M , Pardaev A I , Abdullayev M X , Urinov B
Published: December 2024

The work studied the features of the chamber (linear dimensions, wall materials, etc.). It was revealed that the smaller the temperature difference between the environment and the air temperature inside the chamber, the lower the percentage of losses in the chamber. It has been established that due to the convective action, the hot air in the chamber predominantly rises upward. In this case, the heating elements were connected in series with each other. Power was supplied from a 220 V network through power lines. We have developed a system for monitoring the temperature inside the chamber and lamp operation in the Automation Studio 5.2 program. This system allows one to regulate the air temperature inside the chamber. Calculations were also carried out to identify the effect of temperature differences on heat loss in the chamber device. Experiments and engineering calculations have shown that in a small chamber the temperature required for seed germination cannot be achieved immediately. In the two - position closed chamber load plot, the energy consumption area is 9.4% larger than the energy consumption areas of the subsequent periodic energy consumption areas. It can be seen that heating the chamber itself requires additional electricity.
Durian waste valorization – some research tendencies: a review
Authors: Zhivkova Vanya
Published: December 2024

This review aimed to present a general framework of some recent research trends and highlights reflecting the current status of durian waste valorization opportunities, applying the descriptive approach. In this regard, research was conducted on the keywords “durian waste” among the most used scientific databases, and the selected and included scientific publications are far from exhausting all the available and accessible literature on the subject under consideration, the complete detailed bibliographic description of which is beyond the scope of the present review. At the forefront, as a priority in many of the diverse researches, is the pursuit of achieving basic circular goals and sustainable principles related to reducing the total amount of durian waste, the search for effective methods for their safe treatment and storage, the development of methods to add value, the implementation of strategies to transform those considered as waste into useful raw materials and resources that can be subjected to recovery to obtain material goods with a view to their effective ecological valorization. As a result of the literature survey, among the main areas that are intensively worked on in the current conditions for the utilization of durian waste, the following could be mentioned: chemical compounds extraction and bioactivity characterization; activated carbon and sorption properties; nanoparticles; anaerobic digestion and biogas production; biodiesel; bioethanol; briquettes and pellets; ink; packaging; animal feed; food systems; as well as some other valorization directions and research tendencies. Conducting numerous studies in such diverse directions shows the overall importance for society of the subject under consideration, related to the proper treatment of durian waste, the application of appropriate strategies for their effective and successful utilization, emphasizing the need to summarize and systematize the recent state in the current progress regarding the valorization of durian waste, which allows and enables periodic renewal and updating of information.
Determination of irrigation standards for winter wheat through monitoring of groundwater levels
Authors: Khojiyev A A , Narziev Sh M , Akhmedov I , Kholmatova N G , Yusupkhodjayeva E N
Published: December 2024

This article presents field experiments widely used in the irrigation of winter wheat, monitoring the groundwater level. Data indicate that groundwater use in the Republic of Uzbekistan increases by 23-25 km³ per year. There is also the possibility for widespread use of groundwater to irrigate land plots with close groundwater levels and mineralization between 1 and 3 g/L in the Syrdarya region. During the study, an experimental field was divided into 16 small areas and processed four times on each one. Groundwater was artificially raised to depths of 1.0 and 2.0 meters, blocking closed horizontal drainage. According to the results, during the non-growing season, closed horizontal drainage blocked at a height of 0.1 m, groundwater levels were 27.2-29.8 cm. In the version with overlap at 2 meters - 28.9-31.1 cm, and in the control - 31.4-32.5 cm. During the growing season, when the closed horizontal drainage is blocked at a height of up to 1.0 cm, the groundwater level is 286-288 cm. In the variant where groundwater is blocked to a height of 2.0 m, the ground water level is 270-304 cm, allowing the use of ground water to increase the capillary moisture content of soil when watering winter wheat during low water years.
Determination of the filtration consumption from the body of the soiled dam
Authors: Samiev L N , Ch Ulashov Q , Sh Suyunov A , Mamatova D N , Xusanov Sh Sh
Published: December 2024

This paper addresses the pressing issues of climate change, population growth, and the imperative for efficient water resource management. It emphasizes the importance of effectively utilizing water stored in reservoirs and accurately assessing water loss. Specifically, the study focuses on quantifying water lost through the filtration process in earthen dam bodies and examining its impact on structural integrity. Measurements were taken at the Chimkurgan reservoir when it reached the upper water level mark (Δ 480.43), assessing the filtration depression curve and the flow rate of water exiting from hydroposts at each piezometer within the dam. Statistical analysis of data collected during field research indicated an average loss of 90 liters per second through filtration from both the body and floor of the dam over a year. This article explores the relationship between filtration water consumption, the depression curve, and the geological characteristics of the dam, providing insights into effective water management strategies.
Development of the water regime of lakes and reservoirs in the Muynak region in order to improve their hydrological and hydrobiological condition
Authors: Kurbanbaev Sagit , Seytimbetov Allayar , Arzuov Maulenbergen , Akimbaeva Saltanat , Baymuratov Rashid
Published: December 2024

This paper presents the results of field studies to determine the actual morphometric characteristics of water bodies of the Amudarya River delta, in particular the Mezhdurechye reservoir, Muynak and Rybachy bays. In connection with the deteriorating environmental situation and the need to stabilize it, based on the research results, the main characteristics of reservoirs were determined, in particular their actual volumes, and a watering regime for these objects was developed, as well as an assessment of the productivity of reservoirs.
Slope Stability analysis based on rock mass rating (RMR) method at an open pit mine, east Java, Indonesia
Authors: Koriawan G P , Mawaleda M , Pachri H
Published: December 2024

A significant problem that often arises in open pit mining is slope instability. The hydrothermal processes allow mechanical and physical properties of the original rock mass to change, thus incurring challenges in open-pit mining operations. The purpose of this study is to analyze the slope stability of hydrothermally altered rocks in an open pit mine in Banyuwangi. Geotechnical investigations are crucial to obtain rock samples for laboratory testing. We employed the thin section method in petrographic analysis to determine the types of minerals present in the rocks, and the empirical Rock Mass Rating (RMR) classification to identify changes in hardness for each type of altered rock through the Point Load Index test. Based on the calculation results, the material properties required for the slope stability analysis were determined. This analysis was conducted using Rocscience software with the Limit Equilibrium Method to assess the Safety Factor, then the Total Displacement must be calculated using the Finite Element Method. This study highlights the importance of understanding alteration types and the characteristics of the rock mass. The stability of open pit slopes is significantly influenced by the type of alteration with low RMR values.
Physicochemical analysis and sequential extraction of rare earth elements from Malaysian ion-adsorption clays
Authors: Rukayah  , Marzani N F N , Saud A , Jabit N A
Published: December 2024

The growing demand for Rare Earth Elements (REEs) has spurred the search for new sources, including ion adsorption clays. This research focused on characterizing ion-adsorption clay minerals and sequentially extracting samples from Kelantan, Malaysia, to assess their potential for REE extraction. Techniques such as XRF, XRD, and ICP-MS were used to analyze the samples, which primarily consisted of Si, Al and Na. XRD results indicated that kaolinite and quartz were the main components of ion adsorption clay. Sequential extraction revealed that most REEs were in the ion exchangeable fraction, with lanthanum, cerium, and neodymium showing higher concentrations. This study advances REE extraction methods and lays the groundwork for future research
Characterization of the Pit Lake Area for Sustainable Management at a Coal Mine in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Tuheteru E J , Dwinagara B , Haq S R , Hartami P N , Jati V J , Suhaila  , Putri A S
Published: December 2024

A pit lake, formed at the end of mining activities, can potentially be sustainably utilized. Several mines in Indonesia have reached the end of post-mining, and some have been abandoned as voids that eventually become lakes. Pit lake planning needs to be conducted to ensure these lakes are useful and sustainable. One of the former mining areas that has become a pit lake is located in Central Kalimantan. The dimensions of the pit lake are 2,300 m long, 620 m wide, and approximately 68 m deep. The amount of water in the pit lake is estimated to be approximately 37.5 million m3. This research was conducted to determine the potential use of the pit lake by characterizing the factors affecting its sustainable use. Observations were carried out to comprehensively understand the characteristics of the pit lake area. Field measurements were carried out to assess water quality, while rock samples were taken to analyze their geochemistry. Measurements in the field indicated that the lake water pH was in the range of 5 to 6. Meanwhile, the area around the pit lake has several open areas where revegetation has failed, resulting in rock exposure around the pit lake area. Geochemical tests on 23 samples from around the pit lake area showed that 15 samples had pH values below 6. Mineralogical tests on 4 samples indicated the presence of secondary minerals generating acid mine drainage, such as jarosite. Based on the obtained results, efforts must continue for the long-term use of the pit lake, including the closure of open areas and water treatment, so that the water can be used for operational needs in the field.
Bioconversion of legume cover crop waste into organic fertilizer based on integrated composting-vermicomposting method
Authors: Ismadi R A , Apriawan R , Sidabutar J
Published: December 2024

Circle weeding is a mechanical strategy in controlling legume cover crop (LCC) entanglement at the reclamation area of PT Mitrabara Adiperdana Tbk, Indonesia. Circle weeding generates up to 3.83 tons/ha leavings of LCC biomass, serving as recycled raw material for compost but with poorly degraded biomass. This experimental study attempted to discover an effective procedure to generate LCC Fertilizer by testing the integration between composting and vermicomposting. The chopped LCC were fermented using bioactivator for 21 days, then added with cow manure at different ratios as bulking materials for vermicomposting. The results showed that the recovery value obtained from the composting stage was 64.43%. The most ideal composition was 50:50 LCC to cow dung with 12-day vermicomposting which resulted in 93.27% recovery value. Laboratory analysis on the nutrient content indicated the fertilizer was suitable for soil amendment. Parameters of heavy metals, micronutrients, and N are up to par, whereas P and K for solid organic fertilizer based on KEPMENTAN RI No. 261/KPTS/SR.310/M/4/2019 were subpar. Further development is advised.