bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Novel Honey- and Oat-Based Cocoa Beverages—A Comprehensive Analysis of the Impact of Drying Temperature and Mixture Composition on Physical, Chemical and Sensory Properties
Authors: Tušek Kristina , Benković Maja
Published: October 2024

This research aimed to assess the influence of drying temperature (50, 60 and 70 °C), honey/oat flour ratio (60:40, 50:50 and 40:60) and cocoa contents (5, 6.25 and 7.5 g/100 g) on the physical (color, moisture content, bulk density, flowability (Hausner ratio, Carr index), dispersibility, solubility, and particle size), chemical (total dissolved solids, conductivity, pH, amount of sugar, color, total polyphenolic content, and antioxidant activity), and sensory properties (powder appearance, color, odor; and beverage appearance, color, odor, sweetness, bitterness, taste, texture) of a newly developed cocoa powder mixture in which honey was used as a sweetener and oat flour as a filler. Also, a further aim of this study was to optimize the composition of the mixture based on chemical, physical and sensory properties. Based on the optimization results, the highest total polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity were achieved at 70 °C with a honey/oat ratio of 50% and a cocoa content of 7.5 g. Drying temperature has a significant effect on powder odor and beverage odor, as well as on beverage bitterness, while the honey/oat flour ratio has a significant effect on color, with primarily values L* and a*. The cocoa contents mostly affect total polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity.
High-Density Capacitive Energy Storage in Low-Dielectric-Constant Polymer PMMA/2D Mica Nanofillers Heterostructure Composite
Authors: Bera Sumit , Thantirige Rukshan , Kadam Sujit A. , Sumant Anirudha V. , Pradhan Nihar R.
Published: October 2024

The ubiquitous, rising demand for energy storage devices with ultra-high storage capacity and efficiency has drawn tremendous research interest in developing energy storage devices. Dielectric polymers are one of the most suitable materials used to fabricate electrostatic capacitive energy storage devices with thin-film geometry with high power density. In this work, we studied the dielectric properties, electric polarization, and energy density of PMMA/2D Mica nanocomposite capacitors where stratified 2D nanofillers are interfaced between the multiple layers of PMMA thin films using two heterostructure designs of the capacitors, PMMA/2D Mica/PMMA (PMP) and PMMA/2D Mica/PMMA/2D Mica/PMMA (PMPMP). The incorporation of a 2D Mica nanofiller in the low-dielectric-constant PMMA leads to an enhancement in the dielectric constant, with ∆ε ~ 15% and 53% for PMP and PMPMP heterostructures at room temperature. Additionally, a significant improvement in discharged energy density was measured for the PMPMP capacitor (Ud ~ 38 J/cm3 at 825 MV/m) compared to the pristine PMMA (Ud ~ 9.5 J/cm3 at 522 MV/m) and PMP capacitors (Ud ~ 19 J/cm3 at 740 MV/m). This excellent capacitive and energy storage performance of the PMMA/2D Mica heterostructure nanocomposite may inform the fabrication of thin-film, high-density energy storage capacitor devices for potential applications in various platforms.
Nutritional Nesting (Nestrition): Shaping the Home Food Environment in the First Pregnancy
Authors: Peles Chagit , Shloim Netalie , Rudolf Mary C. J.
Published: October 2024

Objective: To investigate primiparous women’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the physical home food environment (PHFE) and to assess if the first pregnancy provides a teachable opportunity to enhance the PHFE of first-time pregnant couples. Design: Longitudinal in-depth qualitative study involving questionnaires and individual interviews during and after pregnancy. Participants: Fifteen primigravida women. Main outcome measures: Knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors concerning PHFE; lifestyle and dietary habits; and interest in guidance regarding healthy PHFE during the first pregnancy and the transition to motherhood. Analysis: Thematic analysis for qualitative data and descriptive statistics. Results: Key findings include the significance of health, nutrition, and spousal support in the transition to motherhood. The first pregnancy was recognized as a critical period for establishing a healthy PHFE, while noting the physical and emotional challenges involved. A gap was found in guidance regarding PHFE for first-time pregnant women despite their interest in practical advice. Conclusions and Implications: The first pregnancy presents a significant opportunity to improve PHFE. ‘Nestrition’ (nutritional nesting), a new health-promotion strategy, incorporates nutrition education to enhance this process. These data support future research encompassing partners and diverse at-risk populations prior to the development of effective nutrition education for PHFE in the first pregnancy.
Maternal Nutrition during Pregnancy and Offspring Brain Development: Insights from Neuroimaging
Authors: Na Xiaoxu , Mackean Philomena P. , Cape Gracie A. , Johnson Josiah W. , Ou Xiawei
Published: October 2024

Maternal nutrition during pregnancy is known to be important for offspring growth and health and has also been increasingly recognized for shaping offspring brain development. On the other hand, recent advancements in brain imaging technology have provided unprecedented insights into fetal, neonatal, and pediatric brain morphometry and function. This review synthesizes the current literature regarding the impact of maternal nutrition on offspring brain development, with a specific focus on findings from neuroimaging studies. The diverse effects of maternal nutrients intake or status during pregnancy on neurodevelopmental outcomes in children are discussed. Neuroimaging evidence showed associations between maternal nutrition such as food categories, macronutrients, and micronutrients including vitamins and minerals during pregnancy and child brain imaging features measured using imaging techniques such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and magnetoencephalography (MEG). This review demonstrates the capability of neuroimaging in characterizing how maternal nutrition during pregnancy impacts structure and function of the developing brain that may further influence long-term neuropsychological, cognitive, and behavioral outcomes in children. It aims to inspire future research utilizing neuroimaging to deepen our understanding of the critical impacts of maternal nutrition during pregnancy on offspring brain development.
Implications of the Spin-Induced Accretion Disk Truncation on the X-ray Binary Broadband Emission
Authors: Papavasileiou Theodora , Kosmas Odysseas , Kosmas Theocharis
Published: October 2024

Black hole X-ray binary systems consist of a black hole accreting mass from its binary companion, forming an accretion disk. As a result, twin relativistic plasma ejections (jets) are launched towards opposite and perpendicular directions. Moreover, multiple broadband emission observations from X-ray binary systems range from radio to high-energy gamma rays. The emission mechanisms exhibit thermal origins from the disk, stellar companion, and non-thermal jet-related components (i.e., synchrotron emission, inverse comptonization of less energetic photons, etc.). In many attempts at fitting the emitted spectra, a static black hole is often assumed regarding the accretion disk modeling, ignoring the Kerr metric properties that significantly impact the geometry around the usually rotating black hole. In this work, we study the possible implications of the spin inclusion in predictions of the X-ray binary spectrum. We mainly focus on the most significant aspect inserted by the Kerr geometry, the innermost stable circular orbit radius dictating the disk’s inner boundary. The outcome suggests a higher-peaked and hardened X-ray spectrum from the accretion disk and a substantial increase in the inverse Compton component of disk-originated photons. Jet-photon absorption is also heavily affected at higher energy regimes dominated by hadron-induced emission mechanisms. Nevertheless, a complete investigation requires the full examination of the spin contribution and the resulting relativistic effects beyond the disk truncation.
Hepatitis C in Children—An Asia–Pacific Concise Perspective
Authors: Goh Lynette , Hardikar Winita
Published: October 2024

Since the discovery of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 1989, we now have curative treatment options with direct-acting antiviral therapies. By increasing the rate of treatment and reducing transmission, the eradication of HCV is potentially achievable. Nonetheless, the feasibility and implementation of this goal remains challenging. This article sums up the approach to managing children with HCV in the Asia–Pacific region and lists some of the difficulties and complexities surrounding this issue.
Aerated Concrete, Based on the Ash of Thermal Power Plants, Nanostructured with Water-Soluble Fullerenols
Authors: Rudenko Olga V. , Charykov Nikolay A. , Kulenova Natalya A. , Sadenova Marzhan A. , Anop Darya K. , Kuldeyev Erzhan
Published: October 2024

This study is devoted to the synthesis of aerated concrete by a non-autoclave method using ash from thermal power plants and a nanopreparation. Fullerenol-m was used as a nanopreparation. The fullerenol-m content in the sealing water of aerated concrete changed in the range of 0.00 ÷ 0.03 mas.%. The main performance characteristics of the nanostructured aerated concrete were studied, namely the compressive strength, impact toughness, thermal conductivity, density and moisture content. A significant improvement in the performance characteristics of the nanomodified aerated concrete compared to unmodified samples was demonstrated, which was most clearly manifested as an increase in impact toughness by several (three to five) times. The best performance characteristics of the modified aerated concrete were observed at a fullerenol-m concentration relative to the added cement within 0.022–0.028 wt.%. The authors attribute such a strong change and improvement in the physical, chemical and operational properties of aerated concrete when modified with fullerenol-m to the fact that fullerenol-m (a few thousandths of wt.%) has a very strong structuring effect on the sealing water and, as a consequence, on the resulting aerated concrete.
An Efficient Method for Identifying Inter-Well Connectivity Using AP Clustering and Graphical Lasso: Validation with Tracer Test Results
Authors: Zhang Lingfeng , Liao Xinwei , Dong Peng , Hou Shanze , Li Boying , Chen Zhiming
Published: October 2024

Identifying inter-well connectivity is crucial for optimizing reservoir development and facilitating informed adjustments. While current engineering methods are effective, they are often prohibitively expensive due to the complex nature of reservoir conditions. In contrast, methods that utilize historical production data to identify inter-well connectivity offer faster and more cost-effective alternatives. However, when faced with incomplete dynamic data—such as long-term shut-ins and data gaps—these methods may yield substantial errors in correlation results. To address this issue, we have developed an unsupervised machine learning algorithm that integrates sparse inverse covariance estimation with affinity propagation clustering to map and analyze dynamic oil field data. This methodology enables the extraction of inter-well topological structures, facilitating the automatic clustering of producers and the quantitative identification of connectivity between injectors and producers. To mitigate errors associated with sparse production data, our approach employs sparse inverse covariance estimation for preprocessing the production performance data of the wells. This preprocessing step enhances the robustness and accuracy of subsequent clustering and connectivity analyses. The algorithm’s stability and reliability were rigorously evaluated using long-term tracer test results from a test block in an actual reservoir, covering a span of over a decade. The results of the algorithm were compared with those of the tracer test to evaluate its accuracy, precision rate, recall rate, and correlation. The clustering results indicate that wells with similar characteristics and production systems are automatically grouped into distinct clusters, reflecting the underlying geological understanding. The algorithm successfully divided the test block into four macro-regions, consistent with geological interpretations. Furthermore, the algorithm effectively identified the inter-well connectivity between injectors and producers, with connectivity magnitudes aligning closely with actual tracer test data. Overall, the algorithm achieved a precision rate of 79.17%, a recall rate of 90.48%, and an accuracy of 91.07%. This congruence validates the algorithm’s effectiveness in the quantitative analysis of inter-well connectivity and demonstrates significant potential for enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of inter-well connectivity identification.
Multi-Temporal Pixel-Based Compositing for Cloud Removal Based on Cloud Masks Developed Using Classification Techniques
Authors: Adugna Tesfaye , Xu Wenbo , Fan Jinlong , Luo Xin , Jia Haitao
Published: October 2024

Cloud is a serious problem that affects the quality of remote-sensing (RS) images. Existing cloud removal techniques suffer from notable limitations, such as being specific to certain data types, cloud conditions, and spatial extents, as well as requiring auxiliary data, which hampers their generalizability and flexibility. To address the issue, we propose a maximum-value compositing approach by generating cloud masks. We acquired 432 daily MOD09GA L2 MODIS imageries covering a vast region with persistent cloud cover and various climates and land-cover types. Labeled datasets for cloud, land, and no-data were collected from selected daily imageries. Subsequently, we trained and evaluated RF, SVM, and U-Net models to choose the best models. Accordingly, SVM and U-Net were chosen and employed to classify all the daily imageries. Then, the classified imageries were converted to two sets of mask layers to mask clouds and no-data pixels in the corresponding daily images by setting the masked pixels’ values to −0.999999. After masking, we employed the maximum-value technique to generate two sets of 16-day composite products, MaxComp-1 and MaxComp-2, corresponding to SVM and U-Net-derived cloud masks, respectively. Finally, we assessed the quality of our composite products by comparing them with the reference MOD13A1 16-day composite product. Based on the land-cover classification accuracy, our products yielded a significantly higher accuracy (5–28%) than the reference MODIS product across three classifiers (RF, SVM, and U-Net), indicating the quality of our products and the effectiveness of our techniques. In particular, MaxComp-1 yielded the best results, which further implies the superiority of SVM for cloud masking. In addition, our products appear to be more radiometrically and spectrally consistent and less noisy than MOD13A1, implying that our approach is more efficient in removing shadows and noises/artifacts. Our method yields high-quality products that are vital for investigating large regions with persistent clouds and studies requiring time-series data. Moreover, the proposed techniques can be adopted for higher-resolution RS imageries, regardless of the spatial extent, data volume, and type of clouds.
Estimation of Soil Salinity by Combining Spectral and Texture Information from UAV Multispectral Images in the Tarim River Basin, China
Authors: Zhai Jiaxiang , Wang Nan , Hu Bifeng , Han Jianwen , Feng Chunhui , Peng Jie , Luo Defang , Shi Zhou
Published: October 2024

Texture features have been consistently overlooked in digital soil mapping, especially in soil salinization mapping. This study aims to clarify how to leverage texture information for monitoring soil salinization through remote sensing techniques. We propose a novel method for estimating soil salinity content (SSC) that combines spectral and texture information from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images. Reflectance, spectral index, and one-dimensional (OD) texture features were extracted from UAV images. Building on the one-dimensional texture features, we constructed two-dimensional (TD) and three-dimensional (THD) texture indices. The technique of Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) was used for feature selection. Models for soil salinity estimation were built using three distinct methodologies: Random Forest (RF), Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR), and Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). Spatial distribution maps of soil salinity were then generated for each model. The effectiveness of the proposed method is confirmed through the utilization of 240 surface soil samples gathered from an arid region in northwest China, specifically in Xinjiang, characterized by sparse vegetation. Among all texture indices, TDTeI1 has the highest correlation with SSC (|r| = 0.86). After adding multidimensional texture information, the R2 of the RF model increased from 0.76 to 0.90, with an improvement of 18%. Among the three models, the RF model outperforms PLSR and CNN. The RF model, which combines spectral and texture information (SOTT), achieves an R2 of 0.90, RMSE of 5.13 g kg−1, and RPD of 3.12. Texture information contributes 44.8% to the soil salinity prediction, with the contributions of TD and THD texture indices of 19.3% and 20.2%, respectively. This study confirms the great potential of introducing texture information for monitoring soil salinity in arid and semi-arid regions.
A 3-D Near-Field Source Localization Approach Based on the Combination of a Phase Interferometer, the Centroid Algorithm and the Perpendicular Foot Algorithm
Authors: Qin Zhijun , Xie Tengfei , Xie Chen , Ma Ziwei , He Di , Chen Xin , Yu Wenxian
Published: October 2024

In this study, several 3-dimensional (3-D) parameter estimation and localization algorithms for wireless near-field (NF) sources are proposed employing the uniform circular array (UCA) structure. In the single-base-station case, the algebraic relation is demonstrated between the azimuth angle under the far-field (FF) assumption and the actual NF source firstly. Secondly, two groups of antenna pairs are selected with distances less than half the wavelength, which are called short baselines in the interferometer method. The foregoing short-baseline method is qualified to localize an NF source. In addition, a long-baseline method is also proposed with further research. Two groups of antenna pairs with distances greater than half the wavelength are selected as two long baselines. In the multiple-base-stations case, another two novel algorithms are also proposed. The first one is the centroid algorithm, which is based on the centroid calculation of three estimated source locations. And the second one is the perpendicular foot algorithm, which takes the perpendicular foot within three estimated source locations as the final positioning location. Simulation results illustrate that the proposed algorithms can achieve higher localization accuracy than the conventional 3-D Root MUSIC method. Moreover, the long-baseline method performs better than the short-baseline method. And it is also shown that the proposed perpendicular foot algorithm shows better performance than the proposed centroid algorithm.
A Temperature-Robust Envelope Detector Receiving OOK-Modulated Signals for Low-Power Applications
Authors: Elgani Alessia Maria , D’Addato Matteo , Perilli Luca , Franchi Scarselli Eleonora , Gnudi Antonio , Canegallo Roberto , Ricotti Giulio
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a passive Envelope Detector (ED) to be used for reception of OOK-modulated signals, such as in Wake-Up Receivers employed within Wireless Sensor Networks, widely used in the IoT. The main goal is implementing a temperature compensation mechanism in order to keep the passive ED input resistance roughly constant over temperature, making it a constant load for the preceding matching network and ultimately keeping the overall receiving chain sensitivity constant over temperature. The proposed ED was designed using STMicroelectronics 90 nm CMOS technology to receive 1 kbps OOK-modulated packets with a 433 MHz carrier frequency and a 0.6 V supply. The use of a block featuring a Proportional-to-Absolute Temperature (PTAT) current yields a 5 dB reduction in sensitivity temperature variation across the −40 °C to 120 °C range. Moreover, two different implementations were compared, one targeting minimal mismatch and the other one targeting minimal area. The minimal area version appears to be better in terms of estimated overall chain sensitivity at all temperatures despite a higher sensitivity spread.
Process Development of a Liquid-Gated Graphene Field-Effect Transistor Gas Sensor for Applications in Smart Agriculture
Authors: Lu Jian , Shiraishi Naoki , Imaizumi Ryo , Zhang Lan , Kimura Mutsumi
Published: October 2024

A compact, multi-channel ionic liquid-gated graphene field-effect transistor (FET) has been proposed and developed in our work for on-field continuous monitoring of nitrate nitrogen and other nitrogen fertilizers to achieve sustainable and efficient farming practices in agriculture. However, fabricating graphene FETs with easy filling of ionic liquids, minimal graphene defects, and high process yields remains challenging, given the sensitivity of these devices to processing conditions and environmental factors. In this work, two approaches for the fabrication of our graphene FETs were presented, evaluated, and compared for high yields and easy filling of ionic liquids. The process difficulties, major obstacles, and improvements are discussed herein in detail. Both devices, those fabricated using a 3 μm-thick CYTOP® layer for position restriction and volume control of the ionic liquid and those using a ~20 nm-thick photosensitive hydrophobic layer for the same purpose, exhibited typical FET characteristics and were applicable to various application environments. The research findings and experiences presented in this paper will provide important references to related societies for the design, fabrication, and application of liquid-gated graphene FETs.
The Intersection of Machine Learning and Wireless Sensor Network Security for Cyber-Attack Detection: A Detailed Analysis
Authors: Delwar Tahesin Samira , Aras Unal , Mukhopadhyay Sayak , Kumar Akshay , Kshirsagar Ujwala , Lee Yangwon , Singh Mangal , Ryu Jee-Youl
Published: October 2024

This study provides a thorough examination of the important intersection of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) with machine learning (ML) for improving security. WSNs play critical roles in a wide range of applications, but their inherent constraints create unique security challenges. To address these problems, numerous ML algorithms have been used to improve WSN security, with a special emphasis on their advantages and disadvantages. Notable difficulties include localisation, coverage, anomaly detection, congestion control, and Quality of Service (QoS), emphasising the need for innovation. This study provides insights into the beneficial potential of ML in bolstering WSN security through a comprehensive review of existing experiments. This study emphasises the need to use ML’s potential while expertly resolving subtle nuances to preserve the integrity and dependability of WSNs in the increasingly interconnected environment.
CNN-GRU-Attention Neural Networks for Carbon Emission Prediction of Transportation in Jiangsu Province
Authors: Wu Xiaohui , Chen Lei , Zhao Jiani , He Meiling , Han Xun
Published: October 2024

With the increasing energy use and carbon emissions in the transportation industry, its impact on the greenhouse effect is gradually being recognized. Therefore, this study aims to explore the achievement of carbon emission peak and carbon neutrality in transportation through prediction. The research employs a deep learning model, the CNN-GRU-Attention model, to predict carbon emissions in the transportation industry in Jiangsu, China. We select influencing factors through an extended STIRPAT model coupled with Lasso regression, and construct the CNN-GRU-Attention traffic carbon emission prediction model according to data indicators from 1995 to 2021. The model predicts carbon emissions from the transportation industry in Jiangsu Province between 2022 and 2035 under six distinct scenarios and proposes corresponding emission reduction strategies. The results show that the model in this study has higher prediction accuracy compared with other models, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.061582, root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.085025, and R2 of 0.91609 on the test set. Scenario-based predictions reveal that emission peak in the transportation industry in Jiangsu Province can be achieved under the clean development and comprehensive low-carbon scenarios, with technological innovation being the primary driver of low-carbon emission reductions. This study provides a novel approach for forecasting carbon emissions from the transportation industry and explores the implementation path of emission peak through this method.
Blockchain-Based Digital Asset Circulation: A Survey and Future Challenges
Authors: Zhu Konglin , Wu Fengjuan , Wang Fei , Shen Tingda , Wu Hao , Xue Bowei , Liu Yu
Published: October 2024

The circulation of digital assets has become increasingly crucial in today’s digital economy, reflecting both its growing importance and the challenges it faces. Blockchain technology, with its inherent symmetry, has emerged as a transformative force in facilitating digital asset circulation, addressing various issues related to security, efficiency, and transparency. This paper aims to advance the development of digital asset circulation technologies by focusing on four key blockchain-based technologies: smart contracts, consensus algorithms, cross-chain technology, and decentralized exchanges. These technologies embody symmetry in their structure and operation, ensuring balanced and secure asset management across decentralized networks. This paper reviews the evolution of these key technologies, highlighting their contributions to the digital asset ecosystem. It explores effective application cases and analyzes the current challenges each technology faces. Additionally, this paper provides insights into potential future developments and directions to address these challenges and enhance the overall efficiency and reliability of digital asset circulation.
Refinements in Clinical and Behavioral Management for Macaques on Infectious Disease Protocols
Authors: Martin Lauren Drew , Shelton Jaclyn , Houser Lisa A. , MacAllister Rhonda , Coleman Kristine
Published: October 2024

Providing optimal clinical and behavioral care is a key component of promoting animal welfare for macaques and other nonhuman primates (NHPs) in research. This overlap between critical areas of management is particularly important for NHPs on infectious disease protocols, which often have unique challenges. For example, traditionally these NHPs were often housed alone, which can have behavioral and clinical consequences. However, in the past decade or so, considerable effort has been directed at modifying procedures in an effort to improve animal welfare for this group of NHPs. In this review, we examine some refinements that can positively impact the clinical and behavioral management of macaques on infectious disease studies, including increased social housing and the use of positive reinforcement techniques to train animals to cooperate with procedures such as daily injections or awake blood draws. We also discuss ways to facilitate the implementation of these refinements, as well as to identify logistical considerations for their implementation. Finally, we look to the future and consider what more we can do to improve the welfare of these animals.
Mortality in Stray Kittens under Eight Weeks Old: Focusing on Congenital Malformations
Authors: Contreras Gael , Viegas Carlos , Gama Adelina , Silva Filipe , Pires Isabel
Published: October 2024

Neonatal and pediatric mortality in kittens could be associated with bacterial infections, complications from inadequate management, congenital malformations, neonatal isoerythrolysis, parasitic diseases, and viral diseases. The complexity of causes, coupled with kittens’ physiological and immunological immaturity, complicates the diagnosis and treatment of disease, highlighting the necessity for preventive measures. This study aimed to identify the leading causes of death and the occurrence of congenital malformations in stray kittens. Necropsies were performed on 68 kittens, all aged under two months. Results indicated that respiratory lesions were the leading cause of death in the youngest group, while gastrointestinal problems were more prevalent in older groups. Infectious causes were predominant across all age groups. Congenital malformations were observed in 40% of the animals, with megaesophagus, cardiovascular anomalies, bone defects, and kidney defects being the most prevalent. The findings underscore the critical importance of hygiene in preventing infections and related complications. Promoting sterilization and sanitary control in stray cats is essential to reduce overpopulation and improve living conditions.
Study of the Arrhythmogenic Profile of Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease in Stages B1 and B2
Authors: Santos Beatriz Almeida , Corrêa Jaqueline Valença , Latini Carolina Dragone , Tsunemi Miriam Harumi , Alfonso Angélica , Machado Luiz Henrique de Araújo , Lourenço Maria Lucia Gomes
Published: October 2024

Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most prevalent cardiac disease in dogs. This study aimed to compare the arrhythmogenic profile and heart rate variability (HRV) of dogs with MMVD in stages B1 and B2. Electrocardiographic exams and the medical records of 60 dogs were analyzed, and HRV, P wave dispersion, QT interval dispersion, and QT interval instability parameters were determined. The results showed significantly increased values in stage B2 compared with stage B1 (p < 0.05) regarding P wave maximum and minimum duration (Pmax and Pmin) and short-term instability (STI). In contrast, no statistically significant differences were observed regarding HRV parameters, P wave dispersion, or QT interval dispersion. Our findings showed that cardiac remodeling in stage B2 could not significantly alter the sympathovagal balance and showed little interference with the predisposition of arrhythmias in dogs with MMVD.
Molecular Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli from Fecal Samples of Wild Animals
Authors: Sabença Carolina , Romero-Rivera Mario , Barbero-Herranz Raquel , Sargo Roberto , Sousa Luís , Silva Filipe , Lopes Filipa , Abrantes Ana Carolina , Vieira-Pinto Madalena , Torres Carmen , Igrejas Gilberto , del Campo Rosa , Poeta Patrícia
Published: October 2024

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance in fecal Escherichia coli isolates from wildlife is crucial for monitoring the spread of this microorganism in the environment and for developing effective AMR control strategies. Wildlife can act as carriers of AMR bacteria and spread them to other wildlife, domestic animals, and humans; thus, they have public health implications. A total of 128 Escherichia coli isolates were obtained from 66 of 217 fecal samples obtained from different wild animals using media without antibiotic supplementation. Antibiograms were performed for 17 antibiotics to determine the phenotypic resistance profile in these isolates. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production was tested using the double-disc synergy test, and 29 E. coli strains were selected for whole genome sequencing. In total, 22.1% of the wild animals tested carried multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates, and 0.93% (2/217) of these wild animals carried E. coli isolates with ESBL-encoding genes (blaCTX-M-65, blaCTX-M-55, and blaEC-1982). The E. coli isolates showed the highest resistance rates to ampicillin and were fully susceptible to amikacin, meropenem, ertapenem, and imipenem. Multiple resistance and virulence genes were detected, as well as different plasmids. The relatively high frequency of multidrug-resistant E. coli isolates in wildlife, with some of them being ESBL producers, raises some concern regarding the potential transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria among these animals. Gaining insights into antibiotic resistance patterns in wildlife can be vital in shaping conservation initiatives and developing effective strategies for responsible antibiotic use.
The relationship between calcidiol and calcitriol and their role in evaluating the prophylactic intake of vitamin D preparations
Authors:   High Technology Park, Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia, Krivosheev V. V. , Kozlovsky I. V. ,   BU «District Clinical Hospital», Khant y- Mansiysk, Russia, Nikitina L. U. ,   3National Medical Research Center, specializing in pulmonology, Moscow, Russia, Fedorov A. V. ,   High Technology Park, Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia
Published: October 2024

The vast majority of measurements of vitamin D levels in the blood serum of patients at present, both in domestic and foreign practice, are reduced to the determination of the total concentration of calcidiol [25(OH)D] in the patient’s blood serum [25(OH)D2 + 25(OH)D3]. This is because the half-life of 25(OH)D occurs over a long period of time (two to three weeks). 25(OH)D analyses are well-established and quite economical. The biologically active metabolite of vitamin D calcitriol [1.25 (OH) 2D], is measured much less frequently because the half-life of 1.25 (OH) 2D occurs within ~four hours, and the cost of the test is quite high. These observations have led some authors to question the validity of the assessment of vitamin D levels 25(OH)D serum measurement. Our analysis of domestic and foreign literature, as well as the results of statistical studies, allow us to say that in the data set we studied, containing blood serum analyses of 67,254 inhabitants of European countries, the level of calcitriol is directly related to the level of calcidiol, and this relationship is very stable (p<0.00001). Moreover, in the case of cholecalciferol, ergocalciferol or calcidiol, the increase in the level of 25(OH)D is accompanied by an increase in 1.25 (OH) 2D, but the increase in 1.25 (OH) 2D is significantly slower than the increase in 25(OH)D, and the degree of association between these indicators is not as high (p=0.04). Thus, in most cases, the serum 25(OH)D concentration can be considered an adequate marker of vitamin D levels, however, in a number of cases, especially in the analysis of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, the level of the active vitamin D metabolite calcitriol 1,25(OH)2Dshould be determined much more often, along with the level of calcidiol 25(OH)D, the level of the active metabolite of vitamin D — calcitriol 1.25 (OH) 2D. Vitamin D deficiency among the population of the Russian Federation is extremely common, which is a generally recognized risk factor for insufficient activity of the immune system, a risk factor for the severity of the course and clinical consequences of a large number of diseases, so testing of vitamin D levels in blood serum should be mandatory as part of regular health checkups, especially in risk groups and especially in winter and spring.
Drug-induced liver injury in HIV-infected patients with active tuberculosis
Authors:   FSAEI HE N. I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Matin Abdul , Nikitin I. G. ,   FSAEI HE N. I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Vasilieva I. V. ,   FSAEI HE N. I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Vorontsova E. A. ,   FSAEI HE N. I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Published: October 2024

High prevalence, variability of clinical manifestations, limited knowledge about mechanisms of toxicity, and difficulty in diagnosis make drug-induced liver injury one of the unsolved problems in clinical medicine. Drug-induced liver injury during antiretroviral and antituberculosis therapy is a serious complication, which can reach a severe degree, leading to acute liver failure. Studies to identify the frequency, type, and severity of drug-induced liver injury in HIV-infected patients with active tuberculosis are essential. The article summarizes the current data of scientific publications on the frequency, type, and severity of drug-induced liver injury in patients treated with antiretroviral and antituberculosis drugs. A search and subsequent analysis of scientific publications in MedLine, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Scopus was performed. Available data indicate a high incidence of drug-induced liver injury and variation in types and severity among TB/HIV patients. This necessitates the need to examine patients taking ART and anti-TB drugs for the occurrence of liver damage, especially those with high-risk conditions such as viral hepatitis and alcohol use. It should remain a key component of TB/ HIV treatment.
Psychological research in vibration disease: level of alexithymia, psychological defenses
Authors:   FSBEI HE Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Babanov S. A. , Kiryushina T. M. ,   FSBEI HE Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Melentiev A. V. ,   FBSI F. F. Erisman Federal Scientific Centre of Hygiene of Rospotrebnadzor
Published: October 2024

Vibration disease ranks among the first in the structure of diseases in workers at mechanical engineering enterprises, metallurgical, mining, and construction industries, various branches of agriculture, and aircraft manufacturing. A change in the mental status of people working in vibration conditions was identified; the most common are «neurosislike states» with psycho-emotional disorders of anxiety type. Meanwhile, currently existing data on the state of the nervous system in vibration pathology are contradictory and scarce, which requires a more in-depth study. Purpose of the study: to investigate the psychological status of patients with vibration disease from the action of both local and general vibration. Research results. In patients with vibration disease from the action of both local and general vibration, a predominance of destructive psychological defenses (projection and repression) over constructive ones (compensation and rationalization) is observed.
TOOLS FOR MODELING AND DESIGN IN THE PROCESS OF TRAINING SPECIALISTS IN VOCATIONAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Sribna Yu. , Molchanov P. , Derkach D.
Published: October 2024

The relevance of the research lies in the growing need of future teachers for effective and productive tools for teaching design, which can significantly reduce the time of learning new progressive software tools. With the development of technology and increasing competition in the market, speed and quality of design are becoming critical success factors.
The purpose of the study is to study the effectiveness and productivity of using SolidWorks in the process of teaching design, as well as to determine its advantages over other CAD programs.
The article analyzes the use of SolidWorks in the modern engineering and pedagogical process, highlights its advantages compared to other CAD programs, and emphasizes its importance for educators in the process of creating and learning new products and technologies. SolidWorks is positioned as an innovative design program that has numerous advantages due to the interface and a wide set of tools that allow you to significantly increase the efficiency and productivity of learning for the work of future educators.
The program also provides the ability to perform various analyzes and simulations, which contributes to the improvement of product quality, allowing to identify potential problems in the early stages of design and reduce costs and risks in design.
In general, the use of SolidWorks during the educational process provides ample opportunities for training future teachers. This software significantly increases the efficiency and quality of the educational process, making it an integral part of modern pedagogical education. Future innovations and developments in SolidWorks promise to further improve the competitiveness of design at various stages of the educational process.
Percepção ambiental e nível de engajamento de produtores rurais no projeto produtor de águas de Mariana (MG)
Authors: Lopes Junior Antonio de Moraes , Sbampato Cristiane Gattini , Mendonça Alexandre Tourino , Nordi João Carlos
Published: October 2024

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a percepção ambiental dos produtores rurais nos distritos de Furquim e Águas Claras, em Mariana (MG), no processo de adesão e na execução das atividades do Projeto Produtor de Águas de Mariana (PPAM) e construir, a partir da escuta dos diversos discursos dos produtores rurais, meios de aproximação a fim de propiciar o máximo de engajamento na execução de projetos de conservação e recuperação de mananciais. Os resultados demonstraram que a maioria dos produtores que aderiu ao projeto já adotava práticas de conservação e optou em participar pela consciência ambiental que já tinham.
Jogo Novo Verde: uma abordagem lúdica sobre ecomercado
Authors: Coelho Natan Luiz de Souza Cabral , Victorio Cristiane Pimentel
Published: October 2024

Urge implementar estratégias de Educação Ambiental que sensibilizem as pessoas e as levem a refletir sobre suas atitudes em relação a produção e destinação dos resíduos sólidos urbanos (RSU). A prática do ecomercado foi o ponto de partida para a elaboração de um jogo de tabuleiro, contextualizado, sobre a problemática dos RSU para aplicação em prol da sensibilização de crianças e adolescentes em uma comunidade que tem a prática do ecomercado. Ao explorar os temas RSU e reciclagem, o jogo propõe discussões a fim de desenvolver uma compreensão reflexiva das relações entre a sociedade e o meio ambiente, e contribui para construção e perpetuação de alternativas diante da crise ambiental dos resíduos.
O estado da arte do campo temático “trilhas ecológicas no cerrado”
Authors: Mateus Jeferson Carvalho , Tavares Giovana Galvão
Published: October 2024

Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar o estado da arte do campo temático “trilhas ecológicas no Cerrado” enquanto um recurso para aprendizagem sobre as interações entre ser humano e natureza. Para tanto, foram inventariadas teses de doutorado e dissertações depositadas no catálogo de teses e dissertações da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) e outras produções acadêmicas disponíveis na base de dados Web of Science, produzidas entre os anos de 2017 a 2023, utilizando como descritores “Educação Ambiental”, “trilhas ecológicas”, “cerrado”. Foram analisadas cinco produções acadêmicas disponíveis no repositório da CAPES e vinte produções que compõem o banco da Web of Science, as quais permitiram a visualização de diferentes abordagens dentro da temática proposta na pesquisa. Como resultado, identificou-se que o tema ainda é pouco explorado e a realização de trilhas ecológicas no Cerrado como um recurso pedagógico é pouco discutida. Também busca-se demonstrar, neste estudo, uma abordagem capaz de auxiliar a prática da Educação Ambiental e a produção de um espaço de aprendizagem que possa promover cidadania.
Modelos didáticos como ferramenta na Educação Ambiental sobre pesticidas presentes na água
Authors: Maciel Marciana Rubira da Silva , Varela Junior Antônio Sérgio , Curcio Bruna da Rosa , Corcini Carine Dahl
Published: October 2024

Este estudo utilizou métodos didáticos para a Educação Ambiental, focando nos efeitos do herbicida Diuron na água no crescimento embrionário do peixe zebrafish. Modelos tridimensionais ilustraram a evolução dos peixes, evidenciando problemas causados pelo Diuron. Durante as aulas práticas, os estudantes tiveram contato com os modelos, o que os auxiliou a compreender os conceitos teóricos. Os feedbacks positivos dos educadores indicaram que os modelos permitiram uma conexão eficaz entre teoria e prática. Atividades complementares, como os guias didáticos, complementaram o aprendizado. As aulas-piloto incentivaram a curiosidade e o envolvimento dos alunos, o que contribuiu para uma compreensão crítica dos impactos ambientais dos pesticidas.
Dispersion of carbon nanotubes using multiple rapid expansion of supercritical suspensions
Authors: Воробей A.М. , Рубцов Я.П. , Зуев Я.И. , Паренаго О.О.
Published: October 2024

Была установлена зависимость степени деагломерации углеродных нанотрубок (УНТ) от количества обработок методом быстрого расширения сверхкритических суспензий (RESS) в различных условиях. Впервые показано, что двукратная обработка методом RESS позволяет увеличивать степень деагломерации УНТ более эффективно по сравнению с однократной. Трехкратная обработка в случае применения азота как растворителя приводит к незначительному увеличению степени диспергирования по сравнению с двукратной. В случае применения СО2 как растворителя трехкратная обработка приводит к уменьшению степени диспергирования по сравнению с двукратной. При использовании азота в качестве среды диспергирования изменение давления не приводит к изменению степени диспергирования УНТ. При использовании СО2 — снижение плотности флюида обеспечивает большую эффективность обработки УНТ. Таким образом, для эффективного диспергирования УНТ методом многократной RESS-обработки имеет смысл использовать либо двукратную обработку азотом, либо низкоплотным СО2.

The dependence of the degree of CNT deagglomeration on the multiplicity of their treatment by the method of rapid expansion of supercritical suspensions (RESS) under various conditions has been studied. It was shown that double treatment by the RESS method makes it possible to increase the degree of CNT deagglomeration more effectively than a single one. Three-fold treatment in the case of nitrogen leads to a slight increase in the degree of dispersion compared to two-fold. In the case of CO2, three-fold treatment can lead to both an increase and a decrease in the degree of dispersion compared to twofold. When nitrogen is used as a dispersion medium, changes in temperature and pressure do not lead to a change in the degree of dispersion of CNTs. When using CO2, a decrease in fluid density ensures greater efficiency of CNT processing.
Synthesis of pr-doped GeO2 aerogels by impregnation method
Authors: Хвощевская Д.А. , Веселова В.О. , Голодухина С.В. , Котцов С.Ю. , Сон А.Г. , Гайтко О.М.
Published: October 2024

Предложена простая в исполнении методика получения легированных GeO2-аэрогелей. На начальном этапе получали гель состава (NH4)3H(Ge7O16)(H2O)x путем растворения диоксида германия в водном растворе аммиака с рН 8,2. Введение ионов допанта осуществляли пропиткой гидрогелей раствором нитрата празеодима в диметилсульфоксиде (ДМСО). Были определены оптимальные условия синтеза, позволяющие достичь равномерного распределение иона-допанта в матрице. Соотношение Pr/Ge в полученных аэрогелях составляло 0,1. Образцы аэрогелей были подробно охарактеризованы методами ИК, ИСП-АЭС, низкотемпературной адсорбции азота и др. Установлено влияние празеодима на люминесцентные характеристики GeO2-аэрогелей при возбуждении излучением с длиной волны 240, 255 и 390 нм.

An easy-to-implement technique for obtaining REE-doped GeO2 aerogels is proposed. Optimal synthesis conditions have been determined to achieve a uniform distribution of the ion-dopant in the matrix. The effect of praseodymium on the luminescent characteristics of GeO2 aerogels when excited by radiation with wavelengths of 240, 255 and 390 nm has been established.