bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insecticide resistance of Miami-Dade Culex quinquefasciatus populations and initial field efficacy of a new resistance-breaking adulticide formulation
Authors: Unlu Isik , Buckner Eva A. , Medina Johanna , Vasquez Chalmers , Cabrera Aimee , Romero-Weaver Ana L. , Ramirez Daviela , Kendziorski Natalie L. , Kosinski Kyle J. , Fedirko T. J. , Ketelsen Leigh , Dorsainvil Chelsea , Estep Alden S.
Published: February 2024

Sporadic outbreaks of human cases of West Nile virus (WNV), primarily vectored by Culex quinquefasciatus Say in suburban and urban areas, have been reported since introduction of the virus into Florida in 2001. Miami-Dade County, Florida is part of one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States, supports Cx. quinquefasciatus year-round, and recently experienced over 60 human cases of WNV during one outbreak. To facilitate more effective integrated vector management and public health protection, we used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) bottle bioassay method to evaluate the susceptibility of adult Cx. quinquefasciatus collected from 29 locations throughout Miami-Dade County to pyrethroid and organophosphate adulticide active ingredients (AIs) used by Miami-Dade County Mosquito Control. We also determined the frequency of the 1014 knockdown resistance (kdr) mutation for Cx. quinquefasciatus from a subset of 17 locations. We detected resistance to two pyrethroid AIs in all tested locations (permethrin: 27 locations, deltamethrin: 28 locations). The 1014F allele was widely distributed throughout all 17 locations sampled; however, 29.4% of these locations lacked 1014F homozygotes even though phenotypic pyrethroid resistance was present. Organophosphate resistance was more variable; 20.7% of the locations tested were susceptible to malathion, and 33.3% of the populations were susceptible to naled. We subsequently conducted a field trial of ReMoa Tri, a recently approved multiple AI adulticide formulation labelled for resistant mosquitoes, against a mixed location field population of Miami-Dade Cx. quinquefasciatus. Average 24-hr mortality was 65.1 ± 7.2% and 48-hr mortality increased to 85.3 ± 9.1%, indicating good control of these resistant Cx. quinquefasciatus. This current study shows that insecticide resistance is common in local Cx. quinquefasciatus but effective options are available to maintain control during active disease transmission in Miami-Dade County.
A target enrichment approach for enhanced recovery of Synchytrium endobioticum nuclear genome sequences
Authors: Nguyen Hai D. T. , Ponomareva Ekaterina , Dadej Kasia , Smith Donna , Antoun Melissa , van der Lee Theo A. J. , van de Vossenberg Bart T. L. H.
Published: February 2024

Potato wart disease is caused by the obligate fungal pathogen Synchytrium endobioticum. DNA extraction from compost, purified spores and crude wart tissue derived from tuber galls of infected potatoes often results in low S. endobioticum DNA concentration or highly contaminated with DNA coming from other microorganisms and the potato host. Therefore, Illumina sequencing of these samples generally results in suboptimal recovery of the nuclear genome sequences of S. endobioticum. A hybridization-based target enrichment protocol was developed to strongly enhance the recovery of S. endobioticum DNA while off-target organisms DNA remains uncaptured. The design strategy involved creating a set of 180,000 molecular baits targeting both gene and non-gene regions of S. endobioticum. The baits were applied to whole genome amplified DNA samples of various S. endobioticum pathotypes (races) in compost, from purified spores and crude wart tissue samples. This was followed by Illumina sequencing and bioinformatic analyses. Compared to non-enriched samples, target enriched samples: 1) showed a significant increase in the proportion of sequenced bases mapped to the S. endobioticum nuclear genome, especially for crude wart tissue samples; 2) yielded sequencing data with higher and better nuclear genome coverage; 3) biased genome assembly towards S. endobioticum sequences, yielding smaller assembly sizes but higher representation of putative S. endobioticum contigs; 4) showed an increase in the number of S. endobioticum genes detected in the genome assemblies. Our hybridization-based target enrichment protocol offers a valuable tool for enhancing genome sequencing and NGS-based molecular detection of S. endobioticum, especially in difficult samples.
Physical activity status and its association with quality of life among children with down syndrome in Saudi Arabia: A comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Alqahtani Amani S. , Algabbani Maha F. , Alhammad Saad A. , Alwadeai Khalid S. , Alhusaini Adel
Published: February 2024

Background

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes physical and cognitive challenges. Identifying the impact of sedentary behavior and physical activity on people with Down syndrome is crucial for early intervention. The purpose of this study is to compare physical activity and sedentary behavior among children with Down syndrome and typically developing children, as well as assess their relationship with quality of life.

Methods

In the cross-sectional study, 67 children between the ages of 6 and 12 were enrolled: 29 in the Down syndrome group and 38 in the typically developing group. Each child wore an ActiGraph wGT3X-BT for seven days. Accelerometer data and quality of life data were analysed.

Results

Physical activity and sedentary behavior were not significantly different between the Down syndrome and typically developing groups (p ˃ .05). With large effect sizes (partial eta squares ranging from 0.21 to 0.59), typically developing children had a significantly better quality of life than children with Down syndrome. There was a weak positive correlation between moderate physical activity and school performance in children with Down syndrome. For typically developing children, there is a weak negative correlation between light physical activity and physical function, school function, and total paediatric quality of life scale scores.

Conclusions

This study indicates that children with Down syndrome have participated in more physical activities, resulting in a reduction in differences between them and typically developing children. Additionally, typically developing had higher quality of life than children with Down syndrome. For healthcare professionals and educators, these findings provide valuable insights into developing strategies to enhance physical activity for children with developmental disabilities.
Female vs. male relative fatality risk in fatal motor vehicle crashes in the US, 1975–2020
Authors: Abrams Mitchell Z. , Bass Cameron R.
Published: February 2024

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for young adults 18–29 years old worldwide, resulting in nearly 1 million years of life lost annually in the United States. Despite improvements in vehicle safety technologies, young women are at higher risk of dying in car crashes compared with men in matched scenarios. Vehicle crash testing primarily revolves around test dummies representative of the 50th percentile adult male, potentially resulting in these differences in fatality risk for female occupants compared to males. Vehicle occupants involved in fatal car crashes were matched using seating location, vehicle type, airbag deployment, seatbelt usage, and age. The relative risk for fatality (R) between males and females was calculated using a Double Pair Comparison. Young women (20s-40s) are at approximately 20% higher risk of dying in car crashes compared with men of the same age in matched scenarios. In passenger cars, 25-year-old female occupants in passenger car crashes from 1975–2020 exhibit R = 1.201 (95% CI 1.160–1.250) compared to 25-year-old males, and R-1.117 (95% CI 1.040–1.207) for passenger car crashes from 2010–2020. This trend persists across vehicle type, airbag deployment, seatbelt use, and number of vehicles involved in a crash. Known sex-based differences do not explain this large risk differential, suggesting a need for expanded test methodologies and research strategies to address as-yet unexplored sex differences in crash fatalities. These differences should be further investigated to ensure equitable crash protection.
Developing a PRogram to Educate and Sensitize Caregivers to Reduce the Inappropriate Prescription Burden in the Elderly with Alzheimer’s Disease (D-PRESCRIBE-AD): Trial protocol and rationale of an open-label pragmatic, prospective randomized controlled trial
Authors: Singh Sonal , Cocoros Noelle M. , Li Xiaojuan , Mazor Kathleen M. , Antonelli Mary T. , Parlett Lauren , Paullin Mark , Harkins Thomas P. , Zhou Yunping , Rochon Paula A. , Platt Richard , Dashevsky Inna , Massino Carly , Saphirak Cassandra , Crawford Sybil L. , Gurwitz Jerry H.
Published: February 2024

Context

Potentially inappropriate prescribing of medications in older adults, particular those with dementia, can lead to adverse drug events including falls and fractures, worsening cognitive impairment, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations. Educational mailings from health plans to patients and their providers to encourage deprescribing conversations may represent an effective, low-cost, “light touch”, approach to reducing the burden of potentially inappropriate prescription use in older adults with dementia.

Objectives

The objective of the Developing a PRogram to Educate and Sensitize Caregivers to Reduce the Inappropriate Prescription Burden in Elderly with Alzheimer’s Disease (D-PRESCRIBE-AD) trial is to evaluate the effect of a health plan based multi-faceted educational outreach intervention to community dwelling patients with dementia who are currently prescribed sedative/hypnotics, antipsychotics, or strong anticholinergics.

Methods

The D-PRESCRIBE-AD is an open-label pragmatic, prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing three arms: 1) educational mailing to both the health plan patient and their prescribing physician (patient plus physician arm, n = 4814); 2) educational mailing to prescribing physician only (physician only arm, n = 4814); and 3) usual care (n = 4814) among patients with dementia enrolled in two large United States based health plans. The primary outcome is the absence of any dispensing of the targeted potentially inappropriate prescription during the 6-month study observation period after a 3-month black out period following the mailing. Secondary outcomes include dose-reduction, polypharmacy, healthcare utilization, mortality and therapeutic switching within targeted drug classes.

Conclusion

This large pragmatic RCT will contribute to the evidence base on promoting deprescribing of potentially inappropriate medications among older adults with dementia. If successful, such light touch, inexpensive and highly scalable interventions have the potential to reduce the burden of potentially inappropriate prescribing for patients with dementia.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05147428.
Vibration characterization of rolling bearings with compound fault features under multiple interference factors
Authors: Wang Yaping , Yang Huimin , Zhao Songtao , Fan Yuqi , Dong Renquan
Published: February 2024

As a key component of rotating machinery power transmission system, rolling bearings in gas turbines are often required to serve in complex working conditions such as the high speed, the heavy load, the variable load, the variable rotational speed, and so on. The signals of bearing failures are easily drowned out by strong background noise and disturbances of related components. In the mechanical transmission system, the signals of bearing failures are easily submerged by the strong background noise and the disturbance of related components, especially for the composite bearing failures, which seriously hinders the effective identification of the vibration characteristics of the bearing operating state and increases the difficulty of fault diagnosis. In order to investigate the impact of interference on the bearing, through the establishment of rolling bearing composite fault vibration model, analyze the relationship between the vibration signals caused by different types of bearing failures and the corresponding vibration characteristics, to reveal the transmission system of the parts of the perturbation of the main multi-interference factors on the bearing fault signal influence law. The experimental verification shows that disturbance yp(t) caused by the sum of gear meshing frequency, and installation errors of the shaft, and coupling in the transmission system and background noise ni(t), which makes the fault frequency relatively weak and difficult to observe, and makes it difficult to accurately separate the fault information of the bearing. It provides a theoretical basis to solve the problem of damage identification and fault diagnosis of rolling bearings under multi-interference state.
Ceragenin-mediated disruption of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms
Authors: Wnorowska Urszula , Łysik Dawid , Piktel Ewelina , Zakrzewska Magdalena , Okła Sławomir , Lesiak Agata , Spałek Jakub , Mystkowska Joanna , Savage Paul B. , Janmey Paul , Fiedoruk Krzysztof , Bucki Robert
Published: February 2024

Background

Microbial biofilms, as a hallmark of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease and other chronic infections, remain a desirable target for antimicrobial therapy. These biopolymer-based viscoelastic structures protect pathogenic organisms from immune responses and antibiotics. Consequently, treatments directed at disrupting biofilms represent a promising strategy for combating biofilm-associated infections. In CF patients, the viscoelasticity of biofilms is determined mainly by their polymicrobial nature and species-specific traits, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa filamentous (Pf) bacteriophages. Therefore, we examined the impact of microbicidal ceragenins (CSAs) supported by mucolytic agents–DNase I and poly-aspartic acid (pASP), on the viability and viscoelasticity of mono- and bispecies biofilms formed by Pf-positive and Pf-negative P. aeruginosa strains co-cultured with Staphylococcus aureus or Candida albicans.

Methods

The in vitro antimicrobial activity of ceragenins against P. aeruginosa in mono- and dual-species cultures was assessed by determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC). Inhibition of P. aeruginosa mono- and dual-species biofilms formation by ceragenins alone and in combination with DNase I or poly-aspartic acid (pASP) was estimated by the crystal violet assay. Additionally, the viability of the biofilms was measured by colony-forming unit (CFU) counting. Finally, the biofilms’ viscoelastic properties characterized by shear storage (G’) and loss moduli (G”), were analyzed with a rotational rheometer.

Results

Our results demonstrated that ceragenin CSA-13 inhibits biofilm formation and increases its fluidity regardless of the Pf-profile and species composition; however, the Pf-positive biofilms are characterized by elevated viscosity and elasticity parameters.

Conclusion

Due to its microbicidal and viscoelasticity-modifying properties, CSA-13 displays therapeutic potential in biofilm-associated infections, especially when combined with mucolytic agents.
Re-thinking Chalcolithic landscapes in southeast Iberia: the case of the Middle Antas river (Almeria, Spain)
Authors: Herrero Borja Legarra , Murillo-Barroso Mercedes , Triguero Laura Vico , Caro Jesús Gámiz
Published: February 2024

Our understanding of Chalcolithic settlements in southern Iberia (c. 3200–2200 bce) has changed dramatically in recent decades. Instead of clearly bounded and dense settlements, archaeology is establishing a range of site types, some sparsely settled, some quite large. Such varied settlement typology is now understood as being part of a thriving period of development, which included monumental tombs, high-quality craft organisation and highly dynamic exchange networks. This article presents recent work around the River Antas in Almeria, Spain, which has revealed a complex settlement network along the river for the period in question. This new evidence challenges our understanding of prehistoric habitation in the area and poses new questions about major settlement pattern changes in the prehistory of the region.
Competencias y epistemología de la formación posgradual en psicología. Una revisión desde sus campos aplicados
Authors: Jiménez Ardila Luis Eduardo , Avendaño Prieto Bertha Lucía , Bejarano Aguado Gustavo Adolfo , Gómez Rada Carlos Alberto , González González Fernando Germán , Jiménez Molina José Raúl , Medina Arboleda Iván Felipe , López Cantero Ever José , Ocampo Villegas Héctor Balmes , Pardo Adames Carlos Antonio
Published: February 2024

Este libro explora las vías de formalización de la formación posgradual en Colombia y el estrecho vínculo de las rutas curriculares con las competencias en estos campos. Los capítulos son un cuadro histórico abierto que brinda al lector una mirada del trasegar de la formación en el país en tales campos y las dinámicas internas y externas de las respectivas perspectivas de formación posgradual en la Universidad Católica de Colombia. Las revisiones propuestas recuperan la discusión curricular para el nivel de formación posgradual, un campo que está subrepresentado en la discusión educativa, en contraste con los acercamientos a las competencias de formación en el nivel pregradual. Las perspectivas propuestas cobran especial importancia por cuanto las transformaciones sociales recientes requieren una revisión a la lógica formativa de las titulaciones posgraduales: primero, porque los cambios en la demografía apuntan a un crecimiento en los bloques etarios de personas que cuentan con titulaciones posgraduales y una disminución en la cantidad de estudiantes de ingreso a un primer pregrado durante la juventud temprana; y segundo, porque las transformaciones del mundo del trabajo conminan a la formación durante toda la vida en uno o múltiples posgrados y pregrados, ya sea por las necesidades de nuevas especialidades o por los cambios radicales en los soportes tecnológicos de los campos de actuación. Esta publicación reivindica además la reflexión en el espacio de docencia y diseño curricular en el nivel de formación de especialización. Se recupera aquí el principio de la reflexión que proviene de la práctica o la profesionalización, no vista como una acción repetitiva y sin deliberación, sino de la concienciación de que el carácter psicológico revestido de cientificidad se sustenta en una acción profesional que se reconoce en un continuo sociohistórico y disciplinar, de allí que la acción en los campos aporta en la comprensión de la vida académica común que nos vincula en el devenir de la ciencia de la psicología.
La acción de la pirámide epistémica que le da carácter científico a la psicología y las competencias
Authors: Pardos Adames Carlos Antonio , Medina Arboleda Iván Felipe , Avendaño Prieto Bertha Lucía
Published: February 2024

La corta trayectoria en el tiempo que ha tenido la disciplina de la psicología (por no llamarla ciencia, de una vez) hace evidente la fuerte discusión sobre su carácter científico desde su mismo comienzo. Es, tal vez, la materialización de la eterna lucha entre la ciencia y la pseudociencia (Hanson, 2008) y la necesidad de establecer dicha demarcación que separa las creencias epistémicamente garantizadas de las que no lo están. La connotación negativa de la palabra pseudociencia no lo es tanto en sí misma, sino que proviene de su contraposición directa con el sentido que tiene la palabra ciencia, que de alguna manera denota tanto una descripción como una norma; es decir, si una actividad es reconocida como científica, inmediatamente recibe un reconocimiento como una actividad positiva en el contexto de los esfuerzos relacionados con el conocimiento (Hanson, 2008).
Formación posgradual en Psicología Jurídica
Authors: Jiménez Ardila Luis Orlando , Jiménez Molina José Raúl , López Cantero Ever José
Published: February 2024

La Administración de Justicia en su complejidad requiere, además del Derecho, otras áreas de conocimiento para la predicción y control de la conducta jurídica, por ejemplo, las ciencias del comportamiento, que son útiles para las decisiones de los jueces; y son ellos mismos, como juristas, los que han de buscar el apoyo de los profesionales de la psicología, quienes con sus métodos y conocimientos pueden aplicar mejor los principios de la justicia. No se puede olvidar que el juzgador, como toda persona, tiene una limitada conciencia sobre la realidad que vive en su aquí y ahora y, ante la necesidad de emitir una decisión justa que ponga fin al conflicto que debe resolver de forma definitiva, la judicatura ha previsto —desde hace muchos años— la posibilidad de que un tercero, experto en la conducta y procesos cognitivos del sujeto procesal —el psicólogo— sea quien aporte esos conocimientos para permitir que la decisión del operador jurídico sea lo más objetiva, justa y rigurosa posible. Precisamente, el psicólogo alemán Hugo Münstenberg en 1908 señaló el camino para la relación de la psicología con el derecho al tener en cuenta los estudios psicológicos para la comprensión del fenómeno testifical en la Corte, y sus aportes a la Administración de Justicia, por lo que se le considera el fundador de la Psicología Jurídica.
“It is more than needed in our country”. Contemporary Czech images of Scandinavia through the lens of literary criticism
Authors: Březinová Helena
Published: February 2024

Before the age of mass media and mass travel (including tourism), cultural stereotypes were formed and communicated predominantly utilizing literature and other written sources (Fischer 1987). Nowadays, people travel extensively; they can get direct information from radio, television, and social media, yet stereotypes still seem to prevail. The general Czech contemporary notion of Scandinavian societies comes to the fore in the reviews of translated Scandinavian literature and Scandinavian (or Nordic) films, written by professionals and published in the edited press or the largely unedited social media. In these reviews, one can discern certain paradigms that doubtlessly amount to stereotypes. In this article, I will present a qualitative discourse analysis of Scandinavian stereotypes in the Czech reception of the Scandinavian arts, especially literature, taking into account the intertextual and contextual aspects of the Scandinavian ethnotypes occurring in reviews and paratexts in Czech mass media. I focus on two explicitly addressed images: The emancipated Scandinavian woman, and the alleged Scandinavian egalitarianism. Finally, I will resort to Tzvetan Todorov’s typology of relations to the Other. I will try to explain the activist criticism of Czech reviewers, who tend to compare the Czech situation with the Scandinavian one, using Todorov’s three axes describing the relation to alterity.
Somewhere between Malmö and Copenhagen: Inter-spaces in Marius Ivaškevičius’ play Close City
Authors: Räthel Clemens
Published: February 2024

In the drama Close City, first published in 2005, Lithuanian playwright Marius Ivaškevičius focuses on the (im)possible connections between Malmö and Copenhagen. The initially realistic setting of a failing marriage in the spirit of August Strindberg and Ingmar Bergman evolves gradually into an absurd spectacle that explores spatial and intertextual interstices. This article investigates how the drama, as a scenic kaleidoscope, elaborates on the influence of imagined geographies in the Baltic Sea region, discusses (gendered) power relations, and questions Scandinavian exceptionalism.
Electoral Dynamics for 2022: The House of Representatives in the Modern Era
Authors: Wagner Regina L. , Shafer Byron E.
Published: February 2024

Politically, the mid-term election of 2022 not only switched partisan control of one of the major branches of American national government but shifted party balance within that government as a whole. Yet analytically, this resulted from a shift in the House of Representatives so minute – 9 seats changed hands in a body of 435 members – that many of the usual tools for dissecting American elections had nothing to say. Which means at a minimum that analysis of this particular contest requires some larger, nested framework for its interpretation. This paper is an attempt to provide one such framework.
Insight into heating method and Mozafari method as green processing techniques for the synthesis of micro- and nano-drug carriers
Authors: Jalilian Zahra , Mozafari M. R. , Aminnezhad Sargol , Taghavi Elham
Published: February 2024

Drug delivery systems, also known as bioactive carriers, are currently an important contribution to the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. A leading category of these drug carriers is lipid- and phospholipid-based systems including liposomes, nanoliposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid vesicles, archaeosomes, and tocosomes. At present, there are several methods available for the preparation of the lipidic drug carriers at the micro- and nanoscales. There are some misunderstandings and confusion in the literature regarding two of the scalable and environment-friendly (green) techniques developed in our laboratory, namely the heating method and the Mozafari method. These methods are superior to conventional procedures used in the synthesis of drug carriers due to the fact that they do not involve utilization of potentially toxic solvents, detergents, or high-shear homogenizations. This entry is aimed to clarify differences between these methods to the peers and colleagues in academia as well as relevant industries. Some details of the industrially applied patented instrument used in the manufacturing of lipidic carriers are also provided.
Effect of copper powder addition on the product quality of sintered stainless steels
Authors: Yılmaz Mustafa Safa , Kayacan Mevlüt Yunus , Üzün Ahmet
Published: February 2024

Powder metallurgy and selective laser melting (SLM) methods are widely used in producing metal parts. Adding reinforcements can improve the mechanical and physical properties of the parts. This study uses the powder metallurgy method before SLM to investigate the effect of copper reinforcement (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 wt.%) on 316L and MS1 (maraging steel) material. The study started by thermochemical investigating the effects of copper addition on the phases during cooling. According to the thermochemical analysis, experimental sintering processes were carried out with the addition of copper in suitable mixing ratios. The findings show that 316L material is more convenient to the sinter than MS1 due to alloy ratios and powder sizes. Adding up to 2 wt.% copper to 316L results in a 36 wt.% reduction in linear shrinkage and improved mechanical and physical stability. The most satisfactory results were obtained by sintering the samples at 1200 °C for 1 h. This study shows that future research should focus on producing copper-reinforced 316L metal powders using SLM methods and parameter optimization and developing hybrid manufacturing methods that combine SLM with powder metallurgy.
Improved nonlinear model predictive control with inequality constraints using particle filtering for nonlinear and highly coupled dynamical systems
Authors: Ahsan Muhammad , Salah Mostafa M.
Published: February 2024

Motion planning and controller design are challenging tasks for highly coupled and nonlinear dynamical systems such as autonomous vehicles and robotic applications. Nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) is an emerging technique in which sampling-based methods are used to synthesize the control and trajectories for complex systems. In this study, we have developed the sampling-based motion planning algorithm with NMPC through Bayesian estimation to solve the online nonlinear constrained optimization problem. In the literature, different filtration techniques have been applied to extract knowledge of states in the presence of noise. Due to the detrimental effects of linearization, the Kalman filter with NMPC only achieves modest effectiveness. Moving horizon estimation (MHE), on the other hand, frequently relies on simplifying assumptions and lacks an effective recursive construction. Additionally, it adds another optimization challenge to the regulation problem that has to be solved online. To address this problem, particle filtering is implemented for Bayesian filtering in nonlinear and highly coupled dynamical systems. It is a sequential Monte Carlo method that involves representing the posterior distribution of the state of the system using a set of weighted particles that are propagated through time using a recursive algorithm. For nonlinear and strongly coupled dynamical systems, the novel sampling-based NMPC technique is effective and simple to use. The efficiency of the suggested method has been assessed using simulated studies.
A novel framework for effective structural vulnerability assessment of tubular structures using machine learning algorithms (GA and ANN) for hybrid simulations
Authors: Zain Muhammad , Prasittisopin Lapyote , Mehmood Tahir , Ngamkhanong Chayut , Keawsawasvong Suraparb , Thongchom Chanachai
Published: February 2024

Seismic vulnerability assessments are conventionally conducted by using sophisticated nonlinear analytical models, leading to aggressive computational demands. Previous attempts were made to reduce computational efforts for establishing vulnerability assessment of structures; however, the area of super tall and tubular structures still faces considerable lack. Advent of efficient machine learning (ML) has enabled engineering practitioners to automate the processes for fragility analysis; however, its application for high-rise tubular structures is not yet exploited, and most implementations are limited to basic ML. In this work, an attempt was made to reduce computational demand for the fragility assessment process for tubular structures by employing genetic algorithms (GAs) for nonlinear structural modeling, and development of artificial neural network (ANN) using deep learning for fragility development. Consequently, a simple lumped parameter model had been developed using open-source code of ZEUS-NL, containing parameters selected by GA to acutely account for convoluted interactive behavior of structural systems and dynamic demands. Subsequently, incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) was performed on the optimized model. A new framework has been established to develop and train ANN architecture by amalgamating Weka’s capability of data preprocessing with deep learning. The established ANN model resulted in correlation coefficient of 0.9972 and R
2 of 0.95, demonstrating adequate performance.
Preparation and characterization of nanocellulose acetate and acrylate polymer composite membrane
Authors: Wang Jiale , Qiu Xianglin , Lang Xukang , Gao Shanshan , Song Xiaoming , Chen Fushan
Published: February 2024

In the present study, a nanocellulose acetate and acrylate polymer composite membrane was formed by the phase transfer technique. The physical and mechanical properties, water flux, and desalination performance of the achieved composite membrane were investigated. When 3 % (w/w) acrylate polymer, 10 % acetylated nanocellulose, and 0.3 % mass fraction of TiO2 were used for the formation of the membrane, the obtained product could reach a tensile strength of 1.97 N/mm2 and a pure water flux of 51 L/(m2 h). Moreover, the composite membrane achieved a desalination rate of 92.4 %. Thus, the obtained composite membrane could meet the performance requirements for the treatment of industrial wastewater.
Aggrandisers and the first copper-base metallurgy in Southeast Asia
Authors: Higham Charles
Published: February 2024

The settlement of Ban Non Wat charts the transition from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age in north-eastern Thailand. Examination of grave inclusions and mortuary treatment at this important site allows insights into social change during this key period. Increasing complexity and the inclusion of exotic items in the mortuary treatment of some individuals early in the Bronze Age is suggested to show the rise of a lineage of aggrandisers who controlled access to these symbolic articles. But, the author argues, their elevated status was ephemeral, forfeited as local bronze casting became established.
Assessing the Realization of Speech Acts in the Conversation Section of “Interactive English 1” Textbook
Authors: Zulfa Millatuz , Puji Haryanti Rahayu
Published: February 2024

Understanding speech acts and their functions is crucial for effective communication. Therefore, conducting research on the speech acts in English textbooks holds significant importance as it enables educators and curriculum designers to gain valuable insights into how language is used in real-life interactions. This study aimed to assess the speech acts realization in the English textbook entitled "Interactive English 1" for Seventh Grade of Junior High School. Qualitative study was employed for data collection, analysis, and drawing conclusions based on the findings of the analysis. The data were analyzed utterance by utterance by applying Searle’s theory of speech act. This study analyzed 347 data (utterances) and found mostly stated in direct strategy with varying frequencies of speech act categories: assertive/representative (131 instances) as the most frequent with the functions of “informing”, “introducing”, “describing”, “stating”, “confirming”, etc. Directive (107 instances) with the function of "inviting," "commanding," "requesting," and "advising” and “offering”. Then, the speech act function of expressive (100 instances) observed in the conversations included "greeting", “parting", "stating pleasure", "thanking", etc. Followed by commisive (7 instances) with the function of “granting”, “promising” and “offering”. The least frequent was declaration (1 datum) in form of “declaring”. Based on the result, it is recommended that future English language teaching materials should emphasize pragmatic competence and provide adequate opportunities for learners to practice different speech act types to enhance their communicative abilities.
Investigating Undergraduate Students Discourse Markers Used in Final Project Article of English Department at Universitas Negeri Semarang
Authors: Alif Wening Nur Habibah , Rukmini Dwi , Fitriati Sri Wuli
Published: February 2024

Students' writing quality in academic writing must still be investigated. Especially in terms of coherence and arrangement between sentences, sometimes inaccuracies cause sentences written to be less meaningful. This study aims to: 1) describe the use of discourse markers in the final undergraduate student article projects, especially in the discussion section, and 2) explain how far the quality of undergraduate students' writing is in applying discourse markers. Discourse Markers are conjunctions used as hooks between sentences so that the linkages between sentences are maintained, and the meaning of the sentences can be easily understood. This study applies the theory of Discourse Markers by Fraser (2009), which is complemented by an explanation of material on Academic Writing based on the book Writing Academic English by Oshima and Hogue (2006). The instrument is in the form of documentation. This study's qualitative data for analysis came from 11 undergraduate students' final project articles focused on the discussion part only. Furthermore, the data is categorized into three types of Discourse Markers: contrastive, elaborative, and inferential. After that, the analysis results are also provided in the form of the quality of student writing which has been categorized as appropriate and less appropriate.
Power Relations Within Patriarchal Society in the Film Enola Holmes
Authors: Putri Bintang Priyanto , Haryanti Rahayu Puji , Widhiyanto Widhiyanto
Published: February 2024

The Enola Holmes film is a kind of film that mostly talks about patriarchal society, oppressions, stereotypes, and women’s power. This paper explores the power relations and patriarchal society portrayed in the film Enola Holmes. This research used a qualitative method focusing on dialogues and scenes that contained power relations and patriarchal society from Enola Holmes's film script. Using the Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) of Norman Fairclough and the power relations of Michel Foucault, I analyze the relation between patriarchal society and the power relations portrayed in the film. The finding of the data analysis showed that the discourse produced in this film script is that patriarchy is a very bad thing, and thus, it should be banished. Thus, women should be given more room and space in society.
Introduction to the Symposium
Authors:   Research & Development Centre, Reed Group Ltd., Emerton H. W.
Published: February 2024

It seems appropriate at the outset of an introduction to our week’s proceedings to spend a little time drawing attention to the particular characteristics of this series of meetings, the planning of which has now spanned 14 years.
Measurement for Sampled Data Control
Authors:   Stapleton Dowdeswell Kelly & Hunt Ltd., Canada, Brewster D. B. , Bjerring A. K. ,   Stapleton Dowdeswell Kelly & Hunt Ltd., Canada
Published: February 2024

Sampled data can arise in several ways-for example, from manual samples taken from the process at reel change, from discontinuous instruments such as scanning basis weight gauges, also from digital computer control. Sampled data in contrast with continuous data have the problem of how sampling should be carried out. This is discussed in relation to the spectral characteristics of the variable. The superiority of sampled data control for dead time processes and the relation between sampled data control and statistical quality control are mentioned. Sampled data control system analysis and synthesis is introduced. The z-transform and modified z-transform are included. Direct digital control is introduced, using sampled data forms as well as PID analog controller replacement. The relative features of pulse amplitude, pulse width and of velocity and positional algorithms are reviewed, also the selection of the sampling interval. A few of the applications to pulp and paper are reviewed.
Introduction to Session 4
Authors:   Chairman, Rydholm S. A.
Published: February 2024

Yesterday, we were grilled by the mathematics of the control engineers; today, it is the turn of the process engineers at least, to begin with. They will take you right out into the bush, then bring you back to the machine floor, for the session deals with growing plant to pulp. As papermakers, we all know that it is important for the pulp to arrive at the papermill in the right quantity and quality at the right time. It is equally important for the pulpmill to receive the wood, thus the integrated system starts in the forest. We will take the discussion in two parts one dealing with the wood system, the chemical pulping system and the interface between wood and pulp, the second dealing with computer applications to chemical and mechanical pulping and the interface between pulping and papermaking.
The Control of the Chemical Pulpmill
Authors:   Svenska Cellulosa AB., Sundsvall, Sweden, Annergren G. E. , Bohlin G. ,   Svenska Cellulosa AB., Sundsvall, Sweden, Tellvik A. ,   Svenska Cellulosa AB., Sundsvall, Sweden
Published: February 2024

The paper deals mainly with the control of α kraft mill for either unbleached or bleached pulp, with special emphasis on control of the quality and quantity of the pulp produced. Differences in control strategies and objectives for market pulp mills and pulp mills in integrated systems are elucidated.
Process Control at the Wet End Using an Analog Computer
Authors:   Wiggins Teape Ltd., Chartharn Paper Mills, Canterbury, Kent, Harris J. S. , Mummery G. J. ,   Wiggins Teape Ltd., Chartharn Paper Mills, Canterbury, Kent
Published: February 2024

No. I machine at Chartham Paper Mills produces a high grade of tracing at substances ranging 40-160 g/m2 . Increased process understanding of the wet end system led to the idea of using a simple analog technique to obtain a more uniform and more efficiently produced product from this machine. The computer system was installed in January 1968 and has been fully operational since then. It consists of two basic operations, feedforward and feedback control. The feedforward control uses process equations calculated from equilibrium conditions that link together stuff gate flow, breast box flow and efflux ratio with reel-up substance and dry end speed. The feedback control maintains the required substance by feedback to the stuff gate. Performance analysis of the computer has shown that broke at substance changes has been significantly reduced and wet end conditions are considerably more stable . Present development work consists of incorporating computer dynamic substance control on this machine.
Designing for Control
Authors:   Australian Paper Manufacturers Ltd., Smith B. W.
Published: February 2024

The best way to achieve a well-controlled process is to consider the control during design of the equipment. The steps in designing for control are stated, then expanded in a discussion of the design of flow boxes. An analysis shows how the control of a flow box is affected by the geometry of the box and the characteristics of the air pad supply system.
"The effect of gravity on the evolution of life on earth based on general relativity and the low of free fall "
Authors: Endre Nagy Tibor
Published: February 2024

The radius of the universe can be determined by combining the Einstein formulas, which determine the degree of gravitational redshift and describe the angle of refraction of a beam of light running along celestial bodies. The relationship between the two equations is made by the ratio of the total angle to the angle of deflection of the beam of light passing by the Earth according to the rules of Euclidean geometry (2∙π/α). The so-called Darwinian evolutionary distances measured from the color changes of the respiratory pigments of biological creatures (in connection with the phase of their circulation) can be paralleled with this. It is possible to measure these to the radius of the universe determined in this way. During the nearly 4-billion-year uninterrupted process of Darwinian evolution, living organisms presumably adapted to surface gravity during mutations as well as to any other environmental factor. In this way, they can accelerate continuously along the imaginary straight line from the origin of life to the appearance of the human race, i.e., within the short evolutionary distance, due to the attractive effect of gravity. During the free fall from the past to the present, the curvature of space-time may gradually appear in their physiological processes and anatomical structure. Specifically in their circulatory system, the rate of evolution would correspond to the most qualitatively advanced level, i.e., the velocity of human blood circulation. In this way, the evolution accelerating to almost the speed of light is reduced to 5.23 cm/s due to an enormous time dilation (as a proportion of angles; α/2/π). With this average human blood flow velocity, together with data from cardiac and circulatory procedures, a toroidal, or even more refined, ‘interlocking figure 8 model’ can be constructed. It reflects the dimensions, flow and pressure conditions of the pulmonary and systemic circulation, as well as the work of the heart.
Multifunctional role of the diaphragm: biomechanical analysis and new perspectives
Authors: Fogliata Arianna , Debernardi Franco , Garassino Alessandra
Published: February 2024

This study explores the complex role of the diaphragm, traditionally considered essential in respiratory physiology, expanding understanding of its multifunctionality. Beyond respiratory mechanics, the diaphragm contributes to postural stabilization, lumbar support, and regulation of intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). By analyzing the diaphragm's eccentric contraction, we introduce two innovative concepts: "Diaphragm Antagonist Muscles" (DAM) and "Centration". DAM represents an evolution of the abdominal belt concept, integrating the pelvic floor and lower posterior trunk muscles. This muscular synergy is vital for respiratory dynamics and functions such as posture and integrity of the musculoskeletal, pressure, and postural systems. Centration, proposed as a conscious modulation skill of IAP, activates a neurophysiological interaction between the diaphragm, lower posterior trunk muscles, and the pelvic floor, revealing new implications of the diaphragm in sports, health, and kinesiological contexts.
ВПЛИВ ІОНІВ Fe3+ ТА АНОДНОГО ПРОЦЕСУ НА ЛОКАЛЬНЕ ЕЛЕКТРООСАДЖЕННЯ МІДІ В СИСТЕМАХ ЕЛЕКТРОХІМІЧНОГО 3D-ДРУКУ
Authors: Ущаповський Дмитро Ю. , Васильєв Георгій С. , Лінючева Ольга В. , Плясовська Антоніна В. , Воробьйова Вікторія І. , Забалуєв Андрій С.
Published: February 2024

Досліджено вплив сторонніх катодних процесі та анодних матеріалів на вихід за струмом міді в сульфатному електроліті та точність електрохімічного 3D-друку. Встановлено, що наявність в електроліті 10 г/дм3 іонів Fe3+ по-різному впливає на вихід за струмом міді в комірках з активним мідним та інертним свинцевим анодами. В інтервалі густин струму 5…7 А/дм2 вихід за струмом міді в електрохімічній комірці з мідним анодом не перевищує 86…88 %, у той же час, для комірки зі свинцевим анодом він становить 96…97 %. За густини струму 1 А/дм2 навпаки в комірці зі свинцевим анодом вихід за струмом зменшується до 65 %, а в комірці з мідним анодом – до 72 %. Відмінність у значеннях виходу за струмом та ході отриманих логарифмічних залежностей виходу за струмом від густини струму може бути пов’язана з впливом анодного процесу виділення кисню на свинцевому електроді на побічний процес відновленні іонів Fe3+. Окисна дія анодно продукованого кисню по відношенню до останніх, а також підлуговування прикатодного шарупризводить до утворення малорозчинних сполук заліза (ІІІ) і пригнічення їх відновлення в області високих значень катодних густин струму. Таким чином, в комірці з інертним свинцевим анодом наявність у розчині іонів Fe3+ призводить до зниження виходу за струмом міді в області малих значень густин струму, це є фактором підвищення локалізації електроосадження та точності електрохімічного 3D-друку. Моделювання профілю тривалого росту локально електроосаджуваного фрагменту мідного осаду в середовищі COMSOL Multiphysics з урахуванням виходу за струмом та результатів поляризаційних вимірювань показало наступне. Введення в електроліт іонів Fe3+ зумовлює зменшення нахилу катодної поляризаційної кривої та відповідно призводить до збільшення розсіювальної здатності електроліту, що більш виражено проявляється в електролізері з мідним анодом. Зниження товщини осаду металу в області низьких значень густин струму відображується лише при моделюванні профілю росту металевого осаду для комірки зі свинцевим інертним анодом.
Ключові слова: електрохімічний 3D-друк; сульфатний електроліт; розсіювальна здатність; іони Fe3+; масоперенесення.
ВИКОРИСТАННЯ ДВОКАМЕРНОГО ЕЛЕКТРОЛІЗЕРУ ДЛЯ ОКИСНЕННЯ АМОНІЮ СУЛЬФАТУ
Authors: Трус Інна М. , Гомеля Микола Д. , Федченко Єлизавета П.
Published: February 2024

Для очищення води від сполук амонію використовували методи електролізу у двокамерному електролізері. За умови підвищення концентрації амонію сульфату спостерігається підвищення інтенсивності окиснення, що пов’язано як з концентраційним фактором, так і підвищенням електропровідності розчинів. Підвищення концентрації амонію від 0.56 до 6.67 мг-екв/дм3 дозволяє до певної міри збільшити вихід за струмом, проте підвищення густини струму призводить до зниження даного показника. У процесі електролізу за вихідних концентрацій амонію 0.56–6.67 мг-екв/дм3 та густині струму 86.2–172.4 А/м2 спостерігається зниження рН середовища в аноліті до ~2. Це пояснюється окисненням амонію до нітрату з послідуючим утворенням нітратної кислоти, що і призводить до підкислення. Встановлено, що на разі використання розчинів, приготованих на водопровідній воді, за однакових концентрацій амонію, окиснення останнього проходить швидше, ніж в розчинах, приготованих на дистильованій воді. Даний спосіб є високоефективним (99–100 %) та забезпечує надійне очищення води від йонів амонію.