bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Study of Influence of Nanofluids on the Optimization of Heat Transfer in Immersion Cooling Systems
Authors: Makaoui Abdelilah , Admi Youssef , Moussaoui Mohammed Amine , Mezrhab Ahmed
Published: February 2025

The present study evaluates the heat transfer performance of an immersion liquid cooling system, utilizing copper-water (Cu-water) nanofluids under various flow and geometric conditions, including different Reynolds and Rayleigh numbers, nanoparticle volume fractions, and block spacing configurations. To this end, numerical simulations were conducted to assess the impact of these parameters on the system’s temperature distribution and overall cooling efficiency. The findings indicate that augmenting the Reynolds number from 100 to 500, and the nanoparticle volume fraction from 0% to 5%, at a Rayleigh number of 105, results in substantial enhancements in heat transfer, with improvements reaching up to 193.8%. Furthermore, an increase in the Rayleigh number from 103 to 106, in conjunction with elevated nanoparticle concentrations at a Reynolds number of 500, yielded a heat transfer enhancement of up to 36.3%. These findings demonstrate that higher Reynolds and Rayleigh numbers promote better heat dissipation through increased convective flow and buoyancy-driven convection. Furthermore, the study underscores the pivotal function of block spacing in maximizing cooling efficacy. While closer spacing results in higher temperatures, wider spacing improves heat transfer efficiency by reducing thermal interference between blocks. The study emphasizes the synergistic effect of an enhanced thermal conductivity, strong convective flow, and optimal geometric configurations in maximizing cooling efficiency. These findings are of crucial importance for the design of more efficient thermal management systems, with applications in electronics cooling, energy systems, and industrial processes.
Sheer Poison? Wittgenstein’s Philosophy of Religion
Authors: Richter Duncan
Published: February 2025

Anscombe once said to Anthony Kenny that “On the topic of religion, Wittgenstein is sheer poison”. This paper offers an assessment of that view. I take it that Anscombe meant that Wittgenstein was a bad influence rather than that his views were necessarily false, although she seems to have been uncertain about what exactly his views were. In “Paganism, Superstition and Philosophy”, she identifies five ideas that make up “a certain current in philosophy which has a strong historical connection with Wittgenstein”. I identify some of the sources of these ideas, in Wittgenstein’s writing and in work by some of his followers, and consider what Anscombe’s objections to them might have been. I also look at whether we should think of these ideas as belonging either to Wittgenstein’s philosophy of religion or to his personal beliefs. This will involve some consideration of how far we can, or should try to, separate the personal from the philosophical. So far as he held objectionable views about religion, I argue that these ought to be considered personal rather than philosophical.
Improving Ultrasound B-Mode Image Quality with Coherent Plane-Wave Compounding Using Adaptive Beamformers Based on Minimum Variance
Authors: Neves Larissa C. , Ribas Felipe M. , Maia Joaquim M. , Zimbico Acacio J. , Assef Amauri A. , Costa Eduardo T.
Published: February 2025

Medical ultrasound imaging using coherent plane-wave compounding (CPWC) for higher frame-rate applications has generated considerable interest in the research community. The adaptive Eigenspace Beamformer technique combined with a Generalized Sidelobe Canceler (GSC) provides noise and interference reduction in images, improving resolution and contrast compared to basic methods: Delay and Sum (DAS) and Minimum Variance (MV). Different filtering approaches are applied in ultrasound image processing to reduce speckle signals. This work introduces the combination of beamformer Eigenspace Based on Minimum Variance (ESBMV) associated with GSC (EGSC) and the Kuan (EGSCK), Lee (EGSCL), and Wiener (EGSCW) filters and their enhanced versions to obtain better quality of plane-wave ultrasound images. The EGSCK technique did not present significant improvements compared to other methods. However, the EGSC with enhanced Kuan (EGSCKe) showed a remarkable reduction in geometric distortion, i.e., 0.13 mm (35%) and 0.49 mm (67%) compared to the EGSC and DAS techniques, respectively. The EGSC with Enhanced Wiener (EGSCWe) showed the best improvements in contrast radio (CR) aspects, i.e., 74% compared to the DAS technique and 60% to the EGSC technique. Furthermore, our proposed method reduces geometric distortion, making it a good option for plane-wave ultrasound imaging.
A Brief Introduction to Intelligent Point Cloud Processing, Sensing, and Understanding: Part II
Authors: Wang Miaohui , Tian Sukun
Published: February 2025

Point cloud, which represents the three-dimensional (3D) digital world, is one of the fundamental data carriers in many emerging applications [...]
Preserving Privacy of Internet of Things Network with Certificateless Ring Signature
Authors: Zhang Yang , Duan Pengxiao , Li Chaoyang , Zhang Hua , Ahmad Haseeb
Published: February 2025

With the rapid development of quantum computers and quantum computing, Internet of Things (IoT) networks equipped with traditional cryptographic algorithms have become very weak against quantum attacks. This paper focuses on the privacy-preserving problem in IoT networks and proposes a certificateless ring signature (CLRS) scheme. This CLRS is constructed with lattice theories, which show promising advantages in resisting quantum attacks. Meanwhile, the certificateless mechanism reduces the key control ability of the key generation center (KGC) by adding personal secret keys to the private key generated by the system. Meanwhile, the ring signature mechanism protects users’ privacy information through a non-central control mechanism. Next, the security proof in a random oracle model is given, which shows that this CLRS scheme can obtain unforgeability and ensure the signer’s anonymity. Its security properties include non-repudiation, traceability, and post-quantum security. Then, the efficiency comparison and performance results show that this CLRS scheme is more efficient and practical than similar schemes. Moreover, this work presents an exploration of the post-quantum cryptographic algorithm and its application in IoT networks.
At-Home Stroke Neurorehabilitation: Early Findings with the NeuroExo BCI System
Authors: González-España Juan José , Sánchez-Rodríguez Lianne , Pacheco-Ramírez Maxine Annel , Feng Jeff , Nedley Kathryn , Chang Shuo-Hsiu , Francisco Gerard E. , Contreras-Vidal Jose L.
Published: February 2025

Background: Democratized access to safe and effective robotic neurorehabilitation for stroke survivors requires innovative, affordable solutions that can be used not only in clinics but also at home. This requires the high usability of the devices involved to minimize costs associated with support from physical therapists or technicians. Methods: This paper describes the early findings of the NeuroExo brain–machine interface (BMI) with an upper-limb robotic exoskeleton for stroke neurorehabilitation. This early feasibility study consisted of a six-week protocol, with an initial training and BMI calibration phase at the clinic followed by 60 sessions of neuromotor therapy at the homes of the participants. Pre- and post-assessments were used to assess users’ compliance and system performance. Results: Participants achieved a compliance rate between 21% and 100%, with an average of 69%, while maintaining adequate signal quality and a positive perceived BMI performance during home usage with an average Likert scale score of four out of five. Moreover, adequate signal quality was maintained for four out of five participants throughout the protocol. These findings provide valuable insights into essential components for comprehensive rehabilitation therapy for stroke survivors. Furthermore, linear mixed-effects statistical models showed a significant reduction in trial duration (p-value < 0.02) and concomitant changes in brain patterns (p-value < 0.02). Conclusions: the analysis of these findings suggests that a low-cost, safe, simple-to-use BMI system for at-home stroke rehabilitation is feasible.
An Intelligently Enhanced Ant Colony Optimization Algorithm for Global Path Planning of Mobile Robots in Engineering Applications
Authors: Li Peng , Wei Lei , Wu Dongsu
Published: February 2025

Global path planning remains a critical challenge in mobile robots, with ant colony optimization (ACO) being widely adopted for its swarm intelligence characteristics. To address the inherent limitations of ACO, this study proposes an intelligently enhanced ACO (IEACO) incorporating six innovative strategies. First, the early search efficiency is improved by implementing a non-uniform initial pheromone distribution. Second, the ε-greedy strategy is employed to adjust the state transition probability, thereby balancing exploration and exploitation. Third, adaptive dynamic adjustment of the exponents α and β is realized, dynamically balancing the pheromone and heuristic function. Fourth, a multi-objective heuristic function considering both target distance and turning angle is constructed to enhance the quality of node selection. Fifth, a dynamic global pheromone update strategy is designed to prevent the algorithm from prematurely converging to local optima. Finally, by introducing multi-objective performance indicators, the path planning problem is transformed into a multi-objective optimization problem, enabling more comprehensive path optimization. Systematic simulations and experimentation were performed to validate the effectiveness of IEACO. The simulation results confirm the efficacy of each improvement in IEACO and demonstrate its performance advantages over other algorithms. The experimental results further highlight the practical value of IEACO in solving global path planning problems for mobile robots.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Respiratory Pathogen Epidemiology: An Eight-Years Retrospective Study
Authors: Zanotto Elisa , Sidoti Francesca , Bondi Alessandro , Curtoni Antonio , Piccinini Giorgia , Genco Mattia , Zullo Federica , Garazzino Silvia , Corcione Silvia , Solidoro Paolo , Cavallo Rossana , Costa Cristina
Published: February 2025

Respiratory infections, particularly of the upper airways, play an important role in human pathologies, with them being the most common cause of disease in both children and adults, with a relevant impact on healthcare systems. Pathogen identification is particularly important in critical patients, with molecular assays being the most used methods. Herein, the molecular epidemiology of respiratory viruses in Northwestern Italy was studied by using an upper respiratory tract syndromic panel over a period of eight years, from January 2016 to December 2023, in order to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in this particular geographic area. Overall, over the study period, 22,270 tests were performed; in particular, 12,882 were performed in pediatric patients and 9388 in the adult population. Based on the analysis of the epidemiological trends, the complete disappearance of some viruses during the restriction periods was observed, as well as their resumption soon afterward; in particular, positive rates of Influenza A and B and Respiratory Syncytial Virus decreased at the end of 2020 and during 2021, whereas only Respiratory Syncytial Virus increased at the end of 2021. As expected, this study evidenced the relevant modifications that occurred in the typical epidemiology of respiratory viruses throughout the periods before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic and supported the role of syndromic panels in the diagnostic workflow of common respiratory infections.
Death Anxiety Among Peer Caregivers of Older Persons in Two US Prisons
Authors: Prost Stephanie Grace , Stewart Warren , Novisky Meghan A. , Parkkila Mary-Louise
Published: February 2025

Background: Death anxiety is marked by worrisome thoughts and feelings surrounding death. It can influence health care workers’ performance and increase workforce attrition, yet no study has examined death anxiety among persons who provide peer care in the correctional system. Methods: Two small samples of peer caregivers working in two US prisons were surveyed (N = 27). Using the 15-item Death Anxiety Scale, we first described death anxiety using descriptive statistics. We examined gender disparities using an independent sample t-test and explored the associations between death anxiety, caregiver burden, and depression using Kendalls’ Tau-b. Results: Average death anxiety for the sample was 6.30 (SD = 2.88) and while women reported greater death anxiety than men, (M = 6.82, SD = 2.77; M = 5.40, SD = 2.99, respectively), the difference was not significant (t(25) = 1.25, p = 0.111). Although death anxiety did not relate to care burden or depression, a significant relationship was found between care burden and depression for peer caregivers in this sample. Conclusions: This is the first study to examine death anxiety among correctional system peer caregivers. Further research with larger samples, and across multiple jurisdictions and facility types is required as is investigation of the influence of death anxiety on care outcomes.
Parent Perceptions of Inclusion in the Development of District Community Schools
Authors: Vogel-Campbell Kristin
Published: February 2025

During the 2023–2024 school year, a school district in Northern California was in its second year of implementing community schools at five elementary sites. District leadership strived to better understand families’ views and definitions of inclusion. Twelve listening sessions were held with target schools’ parents, families, and caregivers. Participants in the sessions emphasized that inclusion should be a mutual, universal process that fosters a sense of belonging. Concerns were expressed about how students in Special Day classes are excluded from their general education peers, with a call for increased inclusion in general education. Positive experiences included after-school programs, language representation, and awareness initiatives. The observed benefits of inclusion ranged from increased community engagement and positive updates to a joyful environment, academic and social development, enhanced parental involvement, confidence, and the promotion of understanding and empathy. Identified challenges included class size concerns, lowered expectations in Special Day classes, language barriers, funding disparities, and insufficient training for staff working with students with disabilities. Recommendations for improving inclusive practices involved providing enhanced parent information, advocating for smaller class sizes, ensuring highly trained paraprofessionals, and ongoing professional development on inclusion and Universal Design for Learning.
Measurement and Comparative Analysis of Chinese New-Type Urbanization and Eco-Environment System Coordination
Authors: Cao Na , Ling Shicong , Cui Xinlei
Published: February 2025

The coordinated relationship of new-type urbanization (NU) and the eco-environment (EE) is of great significance for high-quality and healthy development. A multi-dimensional index system of NU and EE was established to measure and compare the coordinated level of 30 Chinese provinces from 2009 to 2020 by the entropy method, coupling coordination degree model, and Markov chain. Furthermore, the regional differences in and distribution dynamic evolution of the coordination level of the four east, west, central, and northeast regions in China were analyzed using the Dagum Gini coefficient and the kernel density estimation method. The results showed that China’s NU and EE was in the low coordination state, and the distribution was uneven. In addition, the coordinated evolution was continuous. The study also revealed that intra-regional differences in coordination level were small and stable in China, and the overall difference in NU and EE coordination was mainly ascribed to inter-regional difference. The national coordination level rose, and the polarization phenomenon gradually disappeared. In the process of NU, the environmental capacity in China should be considered to promote the coordinated development of regions and fully reflect the sustainable development requirements of NU.
Municipal Fiscal Sustainability in the Face of Climate Disasters: An Analysis of the 2024 Floods in Southern Brazil
Authors: Tonetto Jorge Luis , Pique Josep Miquel , Rapetti Carina , Fochezatto Adelar
Published: February 2025

Natural disasters are becoming increasingly frequent, as evidenced by the catastrophic floods in 2024, which marked the worst disaster in the history of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This article explores fiscal sustainability through the budgetary capacity of municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul within the framework of Brazilian fiscal federalism. To assess this capacity, an indicator was employed to measure the proportion of current revenues allocated to current expenses and investments, alongside the degree of autonomy in resource transfers. The findings reveal significantly constrained fiscal sustainability among municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul, hindering their ability to respond to climate events in the region. Of the 453 municipalities analyzed, only 19% demonstrated sufficient budgetary space. Among those officially declared in a state of calamity, a mere 10% were eligible for a budgetary response. The economic losses associated with the disaster are estimated at 88.9 billion BRL, while collectively the municipalities of RS dedicated 5.6 billion BRL to investments in 2023. Given limited fiscal capacity and the enormous scale of losses from natural disasters, this article argues for financial solutions aimed at prevention and mitigation, involving federal cooperation and greater budgetary and financial commitments at the national level.
A Multi-Criteria AHP Framework for Solar PV End-of-Life Management
Authors: Alzahmi Wadhah , Ndiaye Malick
Published: February 2025

The global growth of solar power has led to a significant increase in solar photovoltaics (PV) waste, which is expected to rise significantly in the coming years. The recommended end-of-life (EOL) management techniques for wasted PV panels include landfill disposal, recycling, or panel reuse. However, a comprehensive decision-making strategy is necessary to assess the appropriate EOL plans from various perspectives, including economic, environmental, sociological, technological, regulatory, and business. This study aims to establish a comprehensive approach for examining disposition alternatives and suggest guidelines for PV EOL management. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used to prioritize disposition alternatives for solar PV waste, considering five key criteria: environmental impact, economic viability, social implications, policy and legislative compliance, and technical feasibility. The AHP Aggregating Individual Priorities (AIP) aggregation approach is used to analyze data using a pairwise comparisons matrix. The research indicates that recycling is the most preferred option based on the primary criteria, achieving the highest overall score compared to other alternatives. However, discrepancies were observed in the decisions among individual stakeholder groups and subfactor evaluations. To address these variations, this study provides policy recommendations to guide the sector in adopting optimal decision-making strategies for PV EOL management.
Critical Regulatory Characteristics for Sustainable Building Construction in South Africa
Authors: Emere Chijioke Emmanuel , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Oguntona Olusegun Aanuoluwapo
Published: February 2025

Despite continuous advocacy for sustainable building construction (SBC), it is hardly implemented in Africa. There have been varied views on whether regulatory characteristics concerning SBC should be voluntary or mandatory. Experts recommend customising regulatory characteristics to fit the specific country setting. This paper confirms the critical characteristics of implementing SBC in South Africa (SA) effectively. Using a structured questionnaire, data were collected from professionals in the built environment in SA. The data analysis included descriptive statistics, determining group opinion differences, model tests, and fit statistics for a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). It was revealed that mandatory enforcement of sustainable construction rules, mandatory assessment, mandatory sustainable building certifications, and mandatory incentive programs are necessary to implement SBC successfully. This study’s practical implications stem from its ability to provide stakeholders and policymakers with the necessary understanding of the key aspects to help them properly direct reform plans. Laws, regulations, and assessments that must be strictly enforced imply that all stakeholders must have a grave corporation or mandate for practical SBC to accomplish sustainable development goals. By confirming the critical regulatory characteristics, this study would drive and assist government agencies, construction companies, policymakers, and built environment stakeholders in properly guiding improvement initiatives.
Italian Consumers’ Perceptions and Understanding of the Concepts of Food Sustainability, Authenticity and Food Fraud/Risk
Authors: Fanelli Rosa Maria
Published: February 2025

The present study investigates consumers’ perceptions and knowledge of food sustainability, food authenticity and food fraud/risk in Italy and whether their perception and knowledge differ according to demographic factors, consumption choices and preferences. To address these issues, a network analysis technique was applied to analyse the theoretical framework. Subsequently, the primary online survey data of 328 respondents in Italy were explored using principal component analysis, canonical correlation analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. The results indicate that socio-economic determinants—above all, marital status, the presence of children, and annual net income—not only influence the propensity to seek information on the certification, sustainability labels and quality of products but also impact consumer perceptions of food fraud/risk. The findings provide a useful, informative tool for the protection of consumer health, which can be negatively impacted by the purchase of fraudulent food products. Despite the abundant literature on consumer perspectives and perceptions of food authenticity and the integrity of the food supply, to the best of this author’s knowledge, this study represents one of the first attempts to analyse consumer perceptions of certified food products and knowledge of food fraud/risk.
Wiring Network Diagnosis Using Reflectometry and Twin Support Vector Machines
Authors: Goudjil Abdelhak , Smail Mostafa Kamel
Published: February 2025

The identification and resolution of faults, along with the proactive maintenance of wiring networks, are essential for ensuring the reliable, safe, and energy-efficient operation of industrial systems. Research in this domain advances fault detection and prevention, thereby enhancing overall safety, reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Time-domain reflectometry (TDR) responses are extensively utilized for this purpose; however, their inherent nonlinearity and complexity pose significant challenges in interpretation. We propose an innovative solution to this problem that is aimed at diagnosing the state of the wiring network: integrating TDR responses with twin support vector machines (TWSVMs) by utilizing kernel functions. The effectiveness and feasibility of the TDR and TWSVM-based fault diagnosis methodology are substantiated through its application to two prevalent wiring network configurations, demonstrating superior performance compared to other fault diagnosis techniques.
The Impact of Environmental Social and Governance Performance on Systematic Tail Risk of Chinese Corporations
Authors: Fu Mingyue , Jia Yanyan
Published: February 2025

Based on the perspective of systematic tail risk, this study aims to explore the impact of environmental social and governance (ESG) performance on financial performance. At the same time, it also explores the mediating effects of financing constraints, information transparency, and corporate reputation in this relationship. This study uses the data from Chinese A-share listed companies from 2009 to 2022 as samples, uses two-way fixed-effect regression to test the benchmark model and mechanism model, and conducts a series of robustness tests and heterogeneity tests. The findings show that the following: (1) ESG performance significantly reduces systematic tail risk, with individual tail risk driving this negative relationship. (2) ESG performance lowers systematic tail risk through alleviating financing constraints, improving information transparency, and enhancing corporate reputation. (3) The inhibitory effect of ESG on systematic tail risk is more pronounced in the non-state-owned, low-pollution, high-liquidity, and high-information-efficiency samples. (4) Among the three dimensions of ESG, governance (G) has the most substantial impact in reducing systematic tail risk, compared to environmental (E) and social (S). This study is the first to explore the role of ESG performance on financial performance from the perspective of systematic tai risk. At the same time, we discuss for the first time how ESG performance affects tail system risk. This study contributes to an in-depth exploration of ESG’s role in financial performance, providing insights for preventing financial risk and achieving sustainable development.
Observer-Based Distributed Model-Free Adaptive Control for Nonlinear MASs Under FDI Attacks and Channel Fading
Authors: Peng Chang , Peng Lianghong , Chen Chao
Published: February 2025

This paper mainly studies the distributed resilient model-free adaptive control problem for a class of observer-dependent nonlinear multi-agent systems under FDI attacks and channel fading. Firstly, for multi-agent systems, we adopt a hierarchical control architecture. In this architecture, the observer used is a distributed observer and the corresponding controller is a distributed data-driven adaptive learning controller. This scheme of designing the controller and the observer separately takes symmetry into account and solves the problem of system heterogeneity. Secondly, under this observer, a distributed resilient controller is proposed for FDI attacks, enabling the followers to track the estimated leader information.
The Detection of COVID-19-Related Multivariate Biomarker Immune Response in Pediatric Patients: Statistical Aspects
Authors: Brimacombe Michael , Jadhav Aishwarya , Lawrence David A. , Carson Kyle , Lee William T. , Hogan Alexander H. , Herbst Katherine W. , Lynes Michael A. , Salazar Juan C.
Published: February 2025

The development of new point-of-care diagnostic testing tools for the detection of infectious diseases such as COVID-19 are a key aspect of clinical care and research. Accurate predictive classification methods are required to correctly identify and treat patients. Here, the onset of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), a more serious form of COVID-19, was predicted in a pediatric population using a set of multivariate immunological biomarker expression values. A first-stage bivariate detection of statistically significant biomarkers was obtained from a chosen set of standard cytokines and chemokine biomarkers considered relevant to COVID-19-related infection and disease. To incorporate the observed correlation structure among the resulting set of significant biomarkers, dimension reduction was then applied in the form of principal components. A second-stage logistic regression model using a small number of the principal component variables provided a highly predictive classification model for MIS-C. The resulting model was shown to compare favorably with an artificial neural network-based predictive model.
Turkey B Cell Transcriptome Profile During Turkey Hemorrhagic Enteritis Virus (THEV) Infection Highlights Upregulated Apoptosis and Breakdown Pathways That May Mediate Immunosuppression
Authors: Quaye Abraham , Pickett Brett E. , Griffitts Joel S. , Berges Bradford K. , Poole Brian D.
Published: February 2025

Infection with the turkey hemorrhagic enteritis virus (THEV) can cause hemorrhagic enteritis, which affects young turkeys. This disease is characterized by bloody diarrhea and immunosuppression (IMS), which is attributed to apoptosis of infected B cells. Secondary infections due to IMS exacerbate economic losses. We performed the first transcriptomic analysis of a THEV infection to elucidate the mechanisms mediating THEV-induced IMS. After infecting and sequencing mRNAs of a turkey B-cell line, trimmed reads were mapped to the host turkey genome, and gene expression was quantified with StringTie. Differential gene expression analysis was followed by functional enrichment analyses using gprofiler2 and DAVID from NCBI. RT-qPCR of select genes was performed to validate the RNA-seq data. A total of 2343 and 3295 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at 12 hpi and 24 hpi, respectively. The DEGs correlated with multiple biological processes including apoptosis, ER unfolded protein response, and cell maintenance. Multiple pro-apoptotic genes, including APAF1, BMF, BAK1, and FAS were upregulated. Genes that play a role in ER stress-induced unfolded protein response including VCP, UFD1, EDEM1, and ATF4 were also upregulated and may contribute to apoptosis. Our data suggest that several biological processes and pathways including apoptosis and ER response to stress are important aspects of the host cell response to THEV infection. It is possible that interplay between multiple processes may mediate apoptosis of infected B-cells, leading to IMS.
Novel Hybrid rGO-BC@ZrO2 Composite: A Material for Methylene Blue Adsorption
Authors: Tara Nusrat , Alzahrani Elham A. , Alsebaii Naha Meslet , Dwivedi Poonam , Al-Ghamdi Azza A. , Aldahiri Reema H. , Nguyen Hiep T. , Oh Seungdae , Chaudhry Saif Ali
Published: February 2025

This study reports the preparation of a novel hybrid composite and its application in adsorption. For this composite preparation, zirconia (ZrO2) was precipitated onto an integrated framework of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and black cumin (BC) seeds. Characterization using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the successful incorporation of ZrO2 nanoparticles (5–20 nm) into the integrated carbon framework of rGO and seed powder. The microscopic analysis further revealed that the ZrO2 NPs were dispersed throughout the integrated rGO-BC framework. Using the rGO-BC@ZrO2 composite, methylene blue dye was decontaminated from water through a batch adsorption process. The rGO-BC@ZrO2 composite achieved 96% MB adsorption at an adsorbent dose of 2.0 g/L, and nearly 100% when the adsorbent concentration was 3.0 g/L. Modeling of the experimental adsorption values was also established to verify the adsorption viability and mechanism. Thermodynamic modeling confirmed the feasibility and spontaneity of the present batch adsorption process. Isotherm modeling, which showed its compatibility with the Freundlich isotherm, suggested multilayer adsorption. rGO-BC@ZrO2 demonstrated good persistence and reusability for methylene blue for up to five consecutive adsorption cycles. Thus, this study presents optimistic results regarding water purification.
A Review on Cytotoxic Antibiotics: Occurrence in Water Matrices, Degradation by Advanced Oxidation Processes, and By-Product Formation
Authors: González-Burciaga Luis A. , Silerio-Vázquez Felipe de J. , Antileo Christian , Rosales-Castro Martha , Núñez-Núñez Cynthia M. , Proal-Nájera José B.
Published: February 2025

Cytotoxic antibiotics (CA) present a pressing environmental concern due to their persistence and potential adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. Conventional wastewater treatment methods often fail to effectively remove these compounds, making it necessary to explore advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) as promising alternatives. This review aims to synthesize global data on the dosages and environmental concentrations of common CA in diverse water sources, while evaluating the efficacy of AOPs in degrading these contaminants. Various AOPs, including photocatalysis, ozonation, and Fenton-like processes, or their combination, are discussed, highlighting their mechanisms and efficiency in eliminating cytotoxic antibiotics from aqueous environments. In addition, information about the degradation by-products is provided. The rising consumption of cytotoxic drugs underscores the need for this up-to-date review, as diseases were CA are used as treatment, show increasing numbers. By consolidating recent developments and outlining challenges and opportunities, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and policymakers involved in mitigating the environmental impact of cytotoxic antibiotics through AOPs.
Совместное окисление куриного помета и бурого угля в сверхкритической воде в проточном режиме
Authors: Федяева О.Н. , Алехин С.А. , Морозов С.В. , Сокол М.Я. , Артамонов Д.О. , Шишкин А.В. , Востриков А.А.
Published: February 2025

Представлены результаты совместного сверхкритического водного окисления (СКВО) смесей куриного помета (КП) и бурого угля (БУ), непрерывно подаваемых в виде суспензии, стабилизированной NaOH (0,8 мас. %), в трубчатый реактор при давлении 25 МПа, градиенте температуры по его вертикальной оси 390—600 °С, варьируемых расходах реагентов и концентрациях КП и БУ в суспензии. Добавление БУ приводит к снижению общего энергопотребления омическими нагревателями в 1,5—1,8 раза в зависимости от содержания горючего вещества в суспензии. Образующаяся газовая смесь содержит СО2, N2 и следовые количества N2O. В составе зольных остатков преобладают карбонаты, фосфаты и алюмосиликаты кальция и натрия. Суммарное содержание фенолов (17—32 мкг/дм3 ) и полициклических ароматических углеводородов (2—4 мкг/дм3 ) в эффлюенте зависит от концентрации КП в суспензии и не превышает уровня их максимально допустимых концентраций в сточных водах. Показано, что образование HNO3 и H2SO4 в процессе СКВО приводит к усилению коррозии конструкционных материалов и повышенному содержанию хрома, меди и никеля в эффлюенте. Обсуждаются механизмы превращения органических и минеральных компонентов, содержащихся в КП и БУ.

The results of joint supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) on the poultry manure (PM and brown coal (BC) mixtures continuously fed as a NaOH stabilized (0.8 wt. %) slurry into a tubular reactor at 25 MPa, temperature gradient along its vertical axis of 390— 600 °C, varied reactant flow rate and concentrations of PM and BC in the slurry are presented. The addition of BC leads to the 1.5—1.8-fold reduction of the total energy consumption by ohmic heaters depending on the content of combustible matter in the slurry. The forming gas mixture contains CO2, N2, and trace amount of N2O. Calcium and sodium carbonates, phosphates, and aluminosilicates are dominated in the composition of ash residues. The total content of phenols (17—32 μg/dm3) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (2—4 μg/dm3) in the effluent depends on the PM concentration in the slurry and does not exceed the level of their maximum permissible concentration in wastewater. The formation of HNO3 and H2SO4 during the SCWO process results in corrosion of construction materials and increases the content of chromium, copper and nickel in the aqueous effluent. The mechanisms of transformation of organic and mineral components of PM and BC are discussed.
Expectativas laborales de estudiantes de aeronáutica en relación con edad, semestre cursado, e interés en la certificación de la especialidad en despacho de vuelos de Bolivia
Authors: Mamani Oscar
Published: February 2025

University dropout is a critical phenomenon that affects students in various disciplines, including aeronautics. This study was conducted to understand the work expectations of students at the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, focusing on how age, semester enrolled, and interest in certification influence these expectations. A quantitative approach with an explanatory design was adopted, using a sample of 137 randomly selected students who completed a questionnaire. The results determined that the standardized coefficients for age (B = 0.011; p = 0.545) and semester enrolled (B = -0.014; p = 0.493) showed no statistically significant relationship with work expectations, suggesting that these factors are not determining in the students' perception of their professional future. In contrast, certification shows a significant positive coefficient (B = 0.466; p < 0.001), indicating that certification is an essential factor. Furthermore, there are no significant differences in work expectations between men and women (t = -0.822; p = 0.412). In conclusion, the importance of certification as a complement to professional development is emphasized, while age, semester enrolled, and gender appear to be less relevant.
Gestión de la información en emergencias: comunicación de malas noticias al entorno cercano en casos de personas desaparecidas por parte de los profesionales de la seguridad y las emergencias
Authors: Álvarez Aparicio Ana Isabel
Published: February 2025

Introducción: cada año se producen en España una media de 20.000 denuncias por desaparición de personas. El dolor e incertidumbre que generan suponen un impacto a muy diversos niveles. Familiares y allegados de la persona desaparecida son unos de los grandes afectados. Saber comunicar adecuadamente informaciones que se saben adversas al entorno más cercano por parte de los profesionales de la seguridad y las emergencias, se estima esencial por sus posibles implicaciones positivas para ambas partes. Objetivo: el presente artículo pretende evidenciar la importancia de una correcta comunicación de malas noticias al entorno cercano en casos de personas desaparecidas por parte de los profesionales de la seguridad y las emergencias, así como la necesidad de estudios e investigaciones que profundicen sobre la eficacia de protocolos específicos en la materia que faciliten el afrontamiento adaptativo de la situación. Metodología: se realizó una revisión con base en la evidencia científica recogida en la bibliografía existente sobre el tema. Se consultaron las bases de datos PubMed, Scopus, y el buscador Google Académico. Resultados: las malas noticias, cuando se produce la desaparición de una persona, se dan en distintos momentos y a diferentes niveles. Los profesionales de la seguridad y las emergencias deben estar formados no solo para transmitir la información al entorno de la persona desaparecida, sino para que esta sea capaz después de trasladarlo al suyo propio de la forma más adecuada, eficiente y eficaz posible, reduciendo en la medida de lo posible el impacto psicológico y emocional derivado. Conclusión: la trasmisión adecuada de información adversa requiere de unas buenas habilidades de comunicación y del manejo adecuado de unas pautas técnicas básicas de actuación, así como de la adaptación de la comunicación a la realidad imperante en cada momento y situación. El desarrollo de protocolos específicos puede facilitar los procesos de adaptación y afrontamiento. Se precisan estudios que arrojen luz sobre esta cuestión.
NOÇÕES BÁSICAS DE PROCEDIMENTOS DE VENDAS PARA A ADMINISTRAÇÃO PÚBLICA:
Authors: Azevedo Marco Antonio de Melo , Fuini Lucas
Published: February 2025

Este artigo investiga o conhecimento dos discentes do curso técnico integrado em Administração do Campus Pouso Alegre do IFSULDEMINAS sobre os processos de contratações e vendas para a Administração Pública. O estudo tem como objetivo analisar a compreensão das normativas e procedimentos licitatórios, promovendo uma formação cidadã e omnilateral. A pesquisa, de abordagem qualitativa, utilizou levantamento bibliográfico e documental, além da aplicação de questionários para avaliar os conhecimentos prévios dos alunos. Em seguida, foi apresentado o Guia Orientativo: Noções e Procedimentos de Vendas para a Administração Pública, abordando temas como legislações, princípios, participação em licitações, fiscalização e transparência. Após a aplicação do produto educacional, uma nova pesquisa foi realizada para mensurar seu impacto no aprendizado dos discentes. Os resultados demonstraram que a maioria dos alunos possuía pouco ou nenhum conhecimento prévio sobre o tema, mas, após o estudo, houve uma melhora significativa na compreensão dos processos licitatórios e da importância da fiscalização dos recursos públicos. Além disso, identificou-se a possibilidade de utilização do material em atividades extracurriculares e na formação inicial e continuada, ampliando as oportunidades dos estudantes no mercado de trabalho e fortalecendo sua atuação como cidadãos críticos e fiscalizadores.
Development of lactate sensing probe with deep trench structure for analyzing cancer cells in brain tissue
Authors: Qiu Chenxi , Iwanuma Naoki , Tsuji Kazushi , Oba Shutaro , Fukushima Takafumi , Tanaka Tetsu
Published: February 2025

To develop a real-time monitoring probe for lactate concentration in brain tissue, we have proposed a unique probe that increases detection area by deepening its structure. This probe, fabricated in a silicon substrate, features a rigid design with a finger-like deep trench to immobilize sufficient lactate oxidase to precisely detect lactate concentration within brain tissue. This article presents a micro-level lactate probe for monitoring brain tumors. An innovative deep-trench finger-like structure was designed and successfully fabricated on a silicon substrate to ensure sufficient enzyme quantities and increase the monitoring area. The manufacturing process proposed a bi-layer resist composed of parylene and photoresist, exploring the influence of the electroplating parameters of Prussian blue on detection. Biochemical detection was completed using chips with the same structure, achieving a good linear range. The detection limit also meets the requirements for lactate detection in brain tissue, validating the feasibility of this innovative design.
INFLUENCE OF PATIENT DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS ON TRIAGE DECISIONS IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
Authors: Babu S Prakash , Kumar M Naveen , Gupta K Rohith , Simha Reddy A Krishna
Published: February 2025

Triage in emergency departments (EDs) determines the prioritization of care. This study examines the inuence of
demographic factors-age, gender, socioeconomic status, and education level—on triage decisions, patient outcomes, and
satisfaction. The ndings reveal signicant associations, notably between age and higher urgency triage levels, and underscore the need for
equitable triage processes to improve patient care.
A STUDY OF ASSOCIATION OF EXERCISE INDUCED ASTHMA AND FAMILY HISTORY OF ASTHMA.
Authors: G Dayananda , MN Suchitra , R Pranitha
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Asthma is a chronic condition caused by narrowing of small airways. It can be triggered by exercise and is
called Exercise induced asthma (EIA). EIA causes a decline in FEV1, a Pulmonary Function Test (PFTs) parameter. The
aim was to study the association of EIA and family history or previous history of asthma. A cross se Materials And Methods: ctional comparative
study was done over 3 months including the student group of a rural Medical College and Hospital. The study included 90 asymptomatic subjects
- 30 normals (control group), 30 with family history but no previous history of asthma, 30 with previous history of asthma. Detailed history,
anthropometry and PFT (before, immediately after and following recovery from exercise) were performed. All acquired data was statistically
analyzed. The basic characteristics of the 3 groups were comparable. PFT parameters at baseline, aft Observations And Results: er exercise and
recovery - , FEV1/FVC, FEF 25-75, FEF 50, FEF 75 of individuals with family history / previous history of asthma were signicantly decreased
as compared to controls. FEV1 of cases was much lesser as compared to controls and showed a trend towards signicance. EIA is a Conclusion:
well established and often under diagnosed condition. PFT testing with a decreased FEV1, FEV1 / FVC, FEF 25-75 is fairly diagnostic of the
condition with a background family history / previous history of asthma. This implicates the scope towards the exercise training with knowledge
of the underlying pathophysiology to plan preventive measures to care for those subjects with EIA.
REVERSIBLE THROMBOCYTOPENIA: A DIAGNOSTIC DILEMMA
Authors: Maitra Somnath , Jaiswal Rukmani
Published: February 2025

Vivax malaria causes a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations .It is usually associated with benign symptoms and
responds promptly to anti malarial .But, sometimes it may present with some serious complications causing morbidity and
mortality. The case presented here depicts a severe presentation of vivax malaria in a 35 year old female who presented with fever and chills
associated with thrombocytopenia ,but responded promptly with injectable Artesunate with reversal of thrombocytopenia ,after exclusion of other
causes of thrombocytopenia. The importance of the case lies in the fact ,that thrombocytopenia may be a manifestation of malaria and reversible
thrombocytopenia due to malaria may cause diagnostic difculty with unnecessary investigations and treatment.
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AWARENESS, AND PREVALENCE OF LIFESTYLE PROBLEMS AMONG UNDERGRADUATES AT THE RISK OF POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN DISORDER (PCOD)
Authors: Sehgal Shweta , Behal Naisha , Khan Aalia
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Polycystic ovarian disorder (PCOD) is a condition of hormonal imbalance that disrupts the normal fertility
cycle in women, causing them lifestyle problems such as acne, hirsutism, alopecia, and metabolic issues. But it is such
that lifestyle changes in one's day-to-day life can lead to the reversal of the symptoms being caused by PCOD, due to which identifying the
symptoms, which are the lifestyle problems is so necessary. With regards to the prevalence of PCOD and associated mental and physical as well as
the effects of changes in sex hormones in the development of this disease, we aim to check the symptoms and do lifestyle interventions. Aims &
Objectives: This research aims to find out the Knowledge, Attitude, Awareness, and Prevalence (KAAP) of PCOD-caused lifestyle problems
among undergraduates. A self-reported Google questionnaire form with 15 questions was employed among Material & Methods: the 123
female undergraduate medical students. Our Study revealed critical insights into the challenges face Result: d by young women with PCOD.
Despite the high prevalence of PCOD symptoms in the sample, many participants demonstrated insufficient awareness and knowledge about the
disorder, which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. The findings also highlight the impact of lifestyle factors, such as poor eating habits,
irregular sleep patterns, and difficulty managing weight, which exacerbate the symptoms of PCOD.