bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aula virtual para los estudiantes de bachillerato técnico y el rendimiento académico asociados a la disfuncionalidad familiar
Authors: Tapia Espinoza Jessenia María , Zamora Huacón Luisana Mariuxi , Ordoñez Vivero Rosa Elena , Reigosa Lara Alejandro
Published: December 2024

Introducción.  La familia es el primer contacto social y afectivo que permite la interacción con otras personas en diferentes situaciones. No obstante, existen entornos familiares que influyen de manera negativa sobre los miembros que la conforman. En este contexto, pueden inestabilizar el hogar al no asumir los roles que les corresponden, especialmente el de brindar seguridad. En este sentido, se debe permitir la interacción donde se refleje el interés por los hijos, enfocados en el logro de su desarrollo en los diferentes ámbitos como el social, físico y educativo. Objetivo. El presente trabajo de investigación contribuye con el planteamiento de un aula virtual para mejorar el rendimiento académico y brindar apoyo a los estudiantes del bachillerato técnico en el proceso enseñanza aprendizaje; esto ayudará a mejorar su calidad de vida y su desarrollo social contando con el total soporte y la predisposición de toda la comunidad educativa. Para esto se sustenta el presente trabajo en alcanzar los objetivos planteados en base a las necesidades evidenciadas durante el desarrollo de este. Metodología. La metodología utilizada se basó en el trabajo de campo, no experimental, con un enfoque metodológico cualitativo que incluye el análisis de los instrumentos del Test R.H. Moos, encuestas y entrevistas, realizada a estudiantes, padres de familia y docente del Bachillerato Técnico, especialidad Contabilidad de la Unidad Educativa 8 de Noviembre de la provincia de Bolívar, cantón San Miguel, parroquia Balsapamba. Se utilizó un proceso metodológico participativo, incorporando técnicas de muestreo para extraer criterios de padres de familia, con un nivel de alcance correlacional con variables dependientes e independientes. Resultados.  Dentro de la información obtenida con los padres de familia, el mejor resultado fue la pregunta 8, puesto que muestra la aceptación de un aula virtual para fortalecer el rendimiento académico con la interacción de padres de familia, estudiantes y docentes; se establece que el 47.1% lo utilizaría. Del mismo modo, lo establece el 27.1% de los encuestados. Mientras que, el 17.1% indica que lo utilizaría a veces, el 2.9% casi nunca y el 5.8% nunca. Teniendo más del 80% de aceptación la implementación del aula virtual para reforzar las actividades académicas de los estudiantes con bajo rendimiento de los 70 estudiantes con disfuncionalidad familiar. Conclusión. Este estudio aborda la problemática de estudiantes con bajo rendimiento académico asociado con la disfuncionalidad familiar y, frente a ello, se plantea como estrategia metodológica el aula virtual que permita contrarrestar sus efectos. Área de estudio general: Educación. Área de estudio específica: Bachillerato Técnico Contabilidad. Tipo de estudio:  Artículos originales.
A novel hexagon-shaped interconnector for protonic ceramic electrolysis cells for large-scale green hydrogen production
Authors: Li Zheng , Ni Meng
Published: December 2024

Protonic ceramic electrolysis cells (PCECs) are the next generation of electrolysis technology for large-scale green hydrogen due to their lower power consumption but higher hydrogen production rate, compared with conventional alkaline electrolysis cells. The practical performance of PCEC stacks is still not satisfactory, and one key reason is the highly non-uniform distribution of H2O over large PCECs. To address the challenge of PCECs for practical application, a novel PCEC stack
design with a hexagon-shaped interconnector is proposed and evaluated by using a comprehensive 3D numerical model. It is found that the novel interconnector can achieve higher uniformity indices for H2O and O2 by 11.7% and 46.2%, respectively. An overall performance index, integrating seven metrics, effectively identifies the hexagon-shaped interconnector with an 80 μm baffle thickness as the top performer. The methodology employed to derive this index proves to be a valuable tool
for comprehensive performance evaluation, particularly in studies involving multiple metrics. This research lays a robust foundation for the optimisation of PCEC performance through an innovative interconnector design and advanced evaluation techniques.
MONITORING OF PERSONS RELEASED ON PAROLE FROM SERVING THEIR SENTENCES AND THEIR RE-SOCIALIZATION AS A DIRECTION OF PROBATION
Authors: Davydova Irina
Published: December 2024

The article, based on the conducted research, as well as taking into account the creation of a probation system in Russia, examines the areas of control over persons conditionally released from serving their sentences, factors affecting their re-socialization, confirms the idea that the activities of employees of penal inspections to control such persons should be a kind of post-penitentiary support. The article analyzes the main problems faced by parolees in the initial period after their release, the directions of interaction of penal inspections with government agencies and organizations. It is concluded that it is necessary to legislate the possibility of reducing and extending the term of performance of duties assigned to parolees, depending on the assessment of their behavior.
The roles of actors in sustainability transitions
Authors: Wittmayer Julia M.
Published: December 2024

Sustainability transitions involve complex, long-term societal changes driven by diverse actors embedded in dynamic structural contexts. This chapter adopts a role-based perspective to examine agency in sustainability transitions, distinguishing between social roles and transition roles. Social roles refer to societal positions and categories which constrain and enable human activities, which evolve with changing societal values and priorities. Transition roles reflect actors’ stances and actions within and their engagement with transition dynamics. The chapter explores the conceptual and empirical applications of these perspectives, providing an overview of research trends and gaps. While social roles offer insights into institutional change over time, transition roles highlight how actors strategically position themselves to influence or respond to transition dynamics. The analysis underscores the fluid and negotiated nature of roles, emphasizing their utility as heuristics for understanding institutional change and actor agency. The chapter concludes with recommendations for future research, advocating for longitudinal studies on social roles to deepen our understanding of institutional change and for using the transition roles as a boundary object for action-oriented, transdisciplinary sustainability transitions research.
Navigating change
Authors: Hof Christiane , Bernhard Michael
Published: December 2024

Although life course transitions are not a new topic – see for instance van Gennep’s (1909/2019) work on rites of passage or various studies on changes in the life course, their social conditions, and societal consequences – educational research has explored the topic of transitions in a rather segmented fashion. Transitions have been investigated according to age (e.g., youth transitioning to adulthood), according to pedagogical institutions (e.g., from family to day care), and pertaining to education subdisciplines (transitions in adult education). As a result, it is easy to lose sight of the connections between life course transitions and profound questions of education and learning. With the aim of further developing the educational learning discourse, this conceptual paper discusses life course transitions as an impetus and framework for learning and transformation processes.
IMPACT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE AT PT DAYA ADICIPTA
Authors: Gustaf Leonandri Dino , Erpurini Wala , Lesmana Asep
Published: December 2024

This study aims to explore how Information Technology (IT) and Management Information Systems (MIS) influence employee performance. The research involves 115 respondents who are employees of PT. Daya Adicipta Motora Honda Dealer Baros in Cimahi City, using a stratified random sampling technique, which divides the population into strata to select samples. Data was collected through questionnaires and analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The processing of the questionnaire data using IBM SPSS Statistics 22 software shows that the Information Technology variable is valid based on the validity test, and the reliability test results for this variable are also deemed acceptable. Based on calculations using SPSS, the F-table value is 13.4. The SPSS output indicates the F-calculated value is 58.449, with a significance level of 0.000. Since the F-calculated value is greater than the F-table value and the significance level is less than 0.05, it can be concluded that Information Technology (X1) and Management Information Systems (X2) have a simultaneous and significant impact on Employee Performance (Y). This supports Hypothesis 3 (H3) of this study.
Synthesis and characterization of silk fibroin-MXene composite electrospun fibers for biomedical applications
Authors: Liang Chengzhi , Fan Zaiwei , Zhu Yudan , Cao Yuan , Kang Jiawei , Tao Jun
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Two-dimensional (2D) MXene, recognized for its outstanding physical and chemical properties,has gained attention as a promising material in the biomedical field. However, its potential in tissue engineering applications remains underexplored. This study focuses on synthesizing SF-MXene composite electrospun fibers and evaluating their suitability for biomedical applications.

Methods

SF-MXene composite electrospun fibers were prepared through electrospinning. The fibers were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), mechanical testing, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and contact angle measurements.Protein adsorption capacity and biomineralization potential were assessed. Biocompatibility was evaluated using fibroblasts (L929) and preosteoblasts (MC3T3-E1), with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity measured in MC3T3-E1 cells to determine osteogenic potential.

Results

The SF-MXene composite fibers exhibited well-defined morphological and structural properties, as confirmed by FE-SEM, FTIR, XRD, and TGA analyses. Mechanical testing revealed enhanced mechanical stability. The fibers showed high protein adsorption and potential biomineralization activity. Both L929 and MC3T3-E1 cells displayed high viability on the composite fibers, with significantly increased ALP activity in MC3T3-E1 cells, indicating osteogenic potential.

Discussion

The findings demonstrate that SF-MXene composite fibers possess excellent structural, mechanical, and biological properties suitable for tissue engineering. The fibers’ ability to support cell viability, protein adsorption, and osteogenic activity highlights their potential in biomedical applications, particularly in bone tissue regeneration. These results suggest that MXene-based composites could be developed further for broader biomedical uses.
Fishing vessels as met-ocean data collection platforms: data lifecycle from acquisition to sharing
Authors: Manso-Narvarte Ivan , Solabarrieta Lohitzune , Caballero Ainhoa , Anabitarte Asier , Knockaert Carolien , Dhondt Charlotte A. L. , Fernandes-Salvador Jose A.
Published: December 2024

The collection of meteorological and oceanographic (met-ocean) data is essential to advance knowledge of the state of the oceans, leading to better-informed decisions. Despite the technological advances and the increase in data collection in recent years, met-ocean data collection is still not trivial as it requires a high effort and cost. In this context, data resulting from commercial activities increasingly complement existing scientific data collections in the vast ocean. Commercial fishing vessels (herein fishing vessels) are an example of observing platforms for met-ocean data collection, providing valuable additional temporal and spatial coverage, particularly in regions often not covered by scientific platforms. These data could contribute to the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) with Essential Ocean Variables (EOV) provided that the accessibility and manageability of the created datasets are guaranteed by adhering to the FAIR principles, and reproducible uncertainty is included in the datasets. Like other industrial activities, fisheries sometimes are reluctant to share their data, thus anonymization techniques, as well as data license and access restrictions could help foster collaboration between them and the oceanographic community. The main aim of this article is to guide, from a practical point of view, how to create highly FAIR datasets from fishing vessel met-ocean observations towards establishing fishing vessels as new met-ocean observing platforms. First, the FAIR principles are presented and comprehensively described, providing context for their later implementation. Then, the lifecycle of three datasets is showcased as case studies to illustrate the steps to be followed. It starts from data acquisition and follows with the quality control, processing and validation of the data, which shows good general performance and therefore further reassures the potential of fishing vessels as met-ocean data collection platforms. The next steps contribute to making the datasets as FAIR as possible, by richly documenting them with standardized and convention-based vocabularies, metadata and format. Subsequently, the datasets are submitted to widely used repositories while a persistent identifier is also assigned. Finally, take-home messages and lessons learned are provided in case they are useful for new dataset creators.
Optimizing tobacco quality and yield through the scientific application of organic-inorganic fertilizer in China: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Ruixuan , He Shijie , Ling Huarong , Liang Yongjin , Wei Beilei , Yuan Xiaomai , Cheng Wuyang , Peng Bo , Xiao Jinglin , Wei Jianyu , He Yi , Xiao Heyou , Wang Ziting
Published: December 2024

China is the largest producer and consumer of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) in the world, and the cultivation and production of tobacco have extremely high economic value and social influence. Applying organic-inorganic fertilizer is a key strategy for boosting tobacco yield and quality. This meta-analysis examines 632 observations from 169 articles to determine the precise influence of organic-inorganic fertilizer on tobacco. It evaluates the effects of different tobacco types and fertilizer compositions on yield and quality after fertilizer application. The application of organic-inorganic fertilizer significantly increased the yield (3.4%), but it mainly improved the balance of chemical composition and enhance the quality of tobacco (high-grade tobacco, 10.3%; reducing sugar content, 5.5%; nicotine content, –5.6%). The Y85 and Y87 varieties showed the most positive response to fertilization, with yield increases of 5.59% and 5.82%, respectively, and high-grade tobacco leaf rates increased by 14.92% and 11.04%, respectively. Fertilizers with a low organic nitrogen ratio (15%-30%) are more effective for increasing yield, while those with a medium to high ratio (50%-60%) improve tobacco’s chemical quality. The application of organic-inorganic fertilizer balanced the nutrient distribution within the tobacco plants, leading to simultaneous increases in both yield and quality. This study quantitatively assessed the effects of organic-inorganic fertilizer on the yield and quality of tobacco and provides a solid theoretical foundation for the scientific and high-quality application of organic-inorganic fertilizer in various tobacco cultivation areas.
Passive Aeroelastic Control of a Near-Ground Airfoil with a Nonlinear Vibration Absorber
Authors: Dhital Kailash , Chouvion Benjamin
Published: December 2024

This study explores the use of a passive control technique to mitigate aeroelastic effects on a wing operating near the ground. An aeroelastic model, based on a typical airfoil section, equipped with a nonlinear tuned vibration absorber (NLTVA), is established to study the interactions between the airfoil’s dynamics, aerodynamics, and the nonlinear energy dissipation mechanisms. Geometric nonlinearity is incorporated into the airfoil’s dynamics to account for possible large wing deflection and rotation. The flow is modeled based on the nonlinear unsteady discrete vortex method with the ground effect simulated using the mirror image method. Stability analyses are conducted to study the influence of NLTVA parameters on flutter mitigation and the bifurcation behavior of the airfoil near the ground. The numerical results demonstrate that the NLTVA effectively delays the onset of flutter and promotes a supercritical bifurcation in the presence of ground effect. Optimally tuning the NLTVA’s linear parameters significantly increases flutter speed, while selecting the optimal nonlinear parameter is key to preventing subcritical behavior near the ground and reducing the amplitude of post-flutter limit cycle oscillations. Overall, this study highlights the potential of the NLTVA in enhancing the aeroelastic stability of flying vehicles with highly flexible wings, especially under the influence of ground effects during takeoff and landing.
Feasibility of Conflict Prediction of Drone Trajectories by Means of Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Gordo Victor , Perez-Castan Javier A. , Perez Sanz Luis , Serrano-Mira Lidia , Xu Yan
Published: December 2024

The expected number of drone operations in the coming decades, together with the fact that most of them will take place in very-low-level airspace, will lead to a density of drone flights much greater than that of conventional manned aviation. In this context, the number of conflicts (i.e., 4D convergence of drone trajectories below the safe separation minima) will be much more frequent than in manned aviation and, therefore, conventional air traffic management methods or even the specific proposed mechanisms for drone traffic management are unlikely to be able to solve them safely. This paper considers a set of simulated drone trajectories in a high-density urban environment to analyze the applicability of machine learning regression and classification techniques to detect conflicts among such trajectory times in advance of their occurrence in order to provide new methods to manage the expected drone traffic density safely and efficiently. This would not be possible with current drone traffic management solutions. The obtained results suggest that the Random Forest, Artificial Neural Networks and Logistic Regression algorithms could detect nearly all near-collisions up to 10 s before they occur, and the first two algorithms could also detect a significant number of near-collisions more than 60 s earlier.
Analysis of Static Aeroelastic Characteristics of Distributed Propulsion Wing
Authors: Sun Junlei , Zhou Zhou , Tengis Tserendondog , Fang Huailiang
Published: December 2024

The static aeroelastic characteristics of the distributed propulsion wing (DPW) were studied using the CFD/CSD loose coupling method in this study. The momentum source method of the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equation based on the k-ω SST turbulence model solution was used as the CFD solution module. The upper and lower surfaces of the DPW were established using the cubic B-spline basis function method, and the surfaces of the inlet and outlet were established using the fourth-order Bezier curve. Finally, a three-dimensional parametric model of the DPW was established. A structural finite-element model of the DPW was established, a multipoint array method program based on the three-dimensional radial basis function (RBF) was written as a data exchange module to realize the aerodynamic and structural data exchange of the DPW’s static aeroelastic analysis process, and, finally, an aeroelastic analysis of the DPW was achieved. The results show that the convergence rate of the CFD/CSD loosely coupled method is fast, and the structural static aeroelastic deformation is mainly manifested as bending deformation and positive torsion deformation, which are typical static aeroelastic phenomena of the straight wing. Under the influence of static aeroelastic deformation, the increase in the lift characteristics of the DPW is mainly caused by the slipstream region of the lower surface and the non-slipstream region of the upper and lower surface. Meanwhile, the increase in its nose-up moment and the increase in the longitudinal static stability margin may have an impact on the longitudinal stability of the UAV. To meet the requirements of engineering applications, a rapid simulation method of equivalent airfoil, which can be applied to commercial software for analysis, was developed, and the effectiveness of the method was verified via comparison with the CFD/CSD loose coupling method. On this basis, the static aeroelastic characteristics of the UAV with DPWs were studied. The research results reveal the static aeroelastic characteristics of the DPW, which hold some significance for engineering guidance for this kind of aircraft.
Cloud PricingOps: A Decision Support Framework to Explore Pricing Policies of Cloud Services
Authors: Fragiadakis George , Tsadimas Anargyros , Filiopoulou Evangelia , Kousiouris George , Michalakelis Christos , Nikolaidou Mara
Published: December 2024

To maximize the business value of the cloud, the cost of cloud solutions is explored alongside technical quality and performance. To enable this form of exploration engineering, finance and business teams collaborate in the context of FinOps, the operational framework that provides the required decision-making. Prominent providers, such as Google and Microsoft, provide FinOps to their customers, integrating cost factors when designing a cloud solution. However, different providers apply different pricing policies for their products, and these policies also change through time. Therefore, there are numerous efforts to explore price evolution through time for different cloud products applying different decision-making methods using different datasets. In an effort to establish a systematic approach to support decision-making on alternative pricing policies for cloud services and compare them across services and providers, the CloudPricingOps framework is proposed in this paper. It constitutes a decision support system that provides alternative decision-making methods, such as hedonic models, time series, and clustering and machine learning techniques, to deal with problems related to cloud product pricing policy analysis, comparison and prediction. It also constitutes a systematic method of discrete steps to integrate additional decision-making methods to deal with these problems and input datasets to be used regardless of the method or the cloud pricing problem that needs to be solved. Two discrete examples based on real data are also presented in this paper to demonstrate the usefulness of the CloudPricingOps framework for cloud engineering and business teams.
Multidimensional Visualization of Sound–Sense Harmony for Shakespeare’s Sonnets Classification
Authors: Delmonte Rodolfo , Busetto Nicolò
Published: December 2024

In this article, we focus on the association of sound and sense harmony in the collection of sonnets written by Shakespeare in the XVI° beginning of the XVII° century and propose a new four-dimensional representation to visualize them by means of the system called SPARSAR. To compute the degree of harmony and disharmony, we automatically extracted the sound grids of all the sonnets and combined them with the semantics and polarity expressed by their contents. We explain in detail the algorithm and show the representation of the whole collection of 154 sonnets and comment on them extensively. In a second experiment, we use data from the manual annotation of the sonnets for satire detection using the Appraisal Theory Framework, to gauge the system’s accuracy in matching these data with the output of the automatic algorithm for sound–sense harmony. The results obtained with a 94.6% accuracy confirm the obvious fact that the poet has to account for both sound and meaning in the choice of words.
Innovation and Development in Whisky Production Around the World
Authors: Espitia-López Victor L. , Malpica-Sánchez Frida P. , Escalona-Buendía Héctor B. , Verde-Calvo José R.
Published: December 2024

Whisky is one of the leading distilled spirits and is produced in multiple countries under the regulatory standards of its country of origin. The spirit is usually produced from barley malt that may have other cereals present and produces a fermentable substrate by the addition of yeast. This substrate is then distilled in pot stills or distilling columns and matured in oak casks. The standard production workflows applied, and cereals utilised in the primary production regions, have been studied to aid understanding of the production process. Moreover, novel alternative grains and production means have been investigated, highlighting the spirits versatility. This review aims to present an in-depth summary of the complete production process from the selection of raw materials, the various production processes from across the globe, and an introduction to some of the newer more innovative methodologies utilised to produce whisky today.
Novel Eel Skin Fibroblast Cell Line: Bridging Adherent and Suspension Growth for Aquatic Applications Including Virus Susceptibility
Authors: Zheng Zaiyu , Chen Bin , Liu Xiaodong , Guo Rui , Chi Hongshu , Chen Xiuxia , Pan Ying , Gong Hui
Published: December 2024

Suspension growth can greatly increase the cell density and yield of cell metabolites. To meet the requirements of aquatic industries, a culture model derived from Anguilla anguilla skin was developed using the explant outgrowth and enzyme-digesting passaging methods. These cells were kept in vitro continuously for over 12 months and subcultured 68 times. This heteroploid cell line, designated as ES, can naturally adapt to adherent and suspension growth reversibly under certain temperatures, serum percentages, and inoculum densities, without the need for any microcarriers or special medium additives. The ES cells can continue being highly productive under a temperature range of 15–37 °C and a serum percentage ranging from 3 to 15%. An inoculum density higher than 5 × 105 cells·mL−1 is necessary for the ES cells to turn into suspension efficiently. The green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene was successfully expressed in the ES cells. The ES cells demonstrated susceptibility to Anguillid herpesvirus (AngHV) and red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV). ES is the first natural suspension growth model of aquatic origin; it does not require the processes of suspension domestication and carrier dissolution, making it a promising and cost-effective model for vaccine production, bio-pharmaceutical manufacturing, and cellular agriculture.
Life Cycle Transitions in the Freshwater Jellyfish Craspedacusta sowerbii
Authors: Winata Kent , Zhu Jonathan A. , Hanselman Katherine M. , Zerbe Ethan , Langguth Jensyn , Folino-Rorem Nadine , Cartwright Paulyn
Published: December 2024

Craspedacusta sowerbii is an invasive hydrozoan found globally in freshwater habitats. C. sowerbii has a complex life cycle that includes benthic, pelagic, dispersal and dormant stages. The distribution of the medusa (jellyfish) stage has been well documented, but little is known about the other life cycle stages, which are suggested to be more widespread. In addition, the conditions required for growth, reproduction and dispersal of the different life cycle stages, as well as the environmental cues that regulate life cycle transitions, are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to determine laboratory conditions for growth of, and transition to, different life cycle stages in order to improve our ability to culture all life cycle stages of C. sowerbii. In addition, insight into the environmental triggers that promote life cycle transitions will enable us to better predict the potential negative effects C. sowerbii could impose on freshwater ecosystems.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid and Vitamin D Supplementations Partially Reversed Metabolic Disorders and Restored Gut Microbiota in Obese Wistar Rats
Authors: Le Jan Dylan , Siliman Misha Mohamed , Destrumelle Sandrine , Terceve Olivia , Thorin Chantal , Larcher Thibaut , Ledevin Mireille , Desfontis Jean-Claude , Betti Eric , Mallem Yassine
Published: December 2024

Obesity is a global public health issue linked to various comorbidities in both humans and animals. This study investigated the effects of vitamin D (VD) and omega-3 fatty acids (ω3FA) on obesity, gut dysbiosis, and metabolic alterations in Wistar rats. After 13 weeks on a standard (S) or High-Fat, High-Sugar (HFHS) diet, the rats received VD, ω3FA, a combination (VD/ω3), or a control (C) for another 13 weeks. The HFHS diet led to increased weight gain, abdominal circumference, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and gut dysbiosis. VD supplementation improved their fasting blood glucose and reduced liver damage, while ω3FA slowed BMI progression, reduced abdominal fat, liver damage, and intestinal permeability, and modulated the gut microbiota. The combination of VD/ω3 prevented weight gain, decreased abdominal circumference, improved glucose tolerance, and reduced triglycerides. This study demonstrates that VD and ω3FA, alone or combined, offer significant benefits in preventing obesity, gut dysbiosis, and metabolic alterations, with the VD/ω3 combination showing the most promise. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms behind these effects and their long-term potential in both animal and human obesity management.
Vaccination as a Promising Approach in Cardiovascular Risk Mitigation: Are We Ready to Embrace a Vaccine Strategy?
Authors: Tsioulos Georgios , Vallianou Natalia G. , Skourtis Alexandros , Dalamaga Maria , Kotsi Evangelia , Kargioti Sofia , Adamidis Nikolaos , Karampela Irene , Mourouzis Iordanis , Kounatidis Dimitris
Published: December 2024

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading global health concern, with atherosclerosis being its principal cause. Standard CVD treatments primarily focus on mitigating cardiovascular (CV) risk factors through lifestyle changes and cholesterol-lowering therapies. As atherosclerosis is marked by chronic arterial inflammation, the innate and adaptive immune systems play vital roles in its progression, either exacerbating or alleviating disease development. This intricate interplay positions the immune system as a compelling therapeutic target. Consequently, immunomodulatory strategies have gained increasing attention, though none have yet reached widespread clinical adoption. Safety concerns, particularly the suppression of host immune defenses, remain a significant barrier to the clinical application of anti-inflammatory therapies. Recent decades have revealed the significant role of adaptive immune responses to plaque-associated autoantigens in atherogenesis, opening new perspectives for targeted immunological interventions. Preclinical models indicate that vaccines targeting specific atherosclerosis-related autoantigens can slow disease progression while preserving systemic immune function. In this context, numerous experimental studies have advanced the understanding of vaccine development by exploring diverse targeting pathways. Key strategies include passive immunization using naturally occurring immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies and active immunization targeting low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apolipoproteins, such as apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB100) and apolipoprotein CIII (ApoCIII). Other approaches involve vaccine formulations aimed at proteins that regulate lipoprotein metabolism, including proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), and angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3). Furthermore, the literature highlights the potential for developing non-lipid-related vaccines, with key targets including heat shock proteins (HSPs), interleukins (ILs), angiotensin III (Ang III), and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 7 (ADAMTS-7). However, translating these promising findings into safe and effective clinical therapies presents substantial challenges. This review provides a critical evaluation of current anti-atherosclerotic vaccination strategies, examines their proposed mechanisms of action, and discusses key challenges that need to be overcome to enable clinical translation.
The Effect of Tyre and Road Wear Particles on the Terrestrial Isopod Armadillidium pallasii
Authors: Torreggiani Giorgia , Manfrin Chiara , Giglio Anita , Dissegna Andrea , Chiandetti Cinzia , Giotta Paola , Renzi Monia , Anselmi Serena , Bentivoglio Tecla , Babczyńska Agnieszka , Battistella Silvia , Edomi Paolo , Giulianini Piero G.
Published: December 2024

(1) Car tyre microplastic particles (TMPs) significantly contribute to global microplastic pollution, with an estimated annual production of 6 million tonnes. However, the impact of TMPs, particularly tyre and road wear particles (TRWPs), resulting from tyre abrasion on the road on terrestrial organisms, is poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of TMPs and TRWPs on the growth, immune response, behaviour, and cognition of the woodlouse Armadillidium pallasii over 30 days; (2) TMPs and TRWPs were mixed together in the first experiment and provided at different concentrations of 1.25%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10% (w/w), and with soil at 5% and 10% (w/w) concentrations in the second experiment. (3) No differences in survival or immune responses were observed in both experiments. However, isopods exposed to TRWPs showed significant weight gain at lower concentrations but no gain at higher levels. Behavioural tests revealed increased vigilance in TRWP-exposed animals. Micro-FTIR analysis showed that the number of TMPs and TRWPs in the isopods correlated with soil concentrations, and particle size decreased during the experiment. (4) The study highlights the physiological and behavioural effects of TRWPs and the role of detritivorous species in the biofragmentation of TMPs and TRWPs, contributing to the biogeochemical plastic cycle.
Effect of Stress Relaxation and Annealing Treatment on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Steel Wire
Authors: Du Gaoming , Ni Ya , Shi Fangchang , Qi Jiqiu , Xu Bolong
Published: December 2024

Bridge cables composed of 1960 MPa steel wires can be damaged during vehicle fires. Therefore, it is necessary to study the high-temperature mechanical properties of steel wires under load-bearing conditions. In this paper, the mechanical properties and microstructure of 1960 MPa steel wire after stress relaxation and high-temperature annealing treatment at different temperatures are investigated. The results show that the stress relaxation limit is 422 MPa at 325 °C. The tensile strength of the steel wire after stress relaxation is 1975 MPa, which decreases by 5.73% compared with the initial state. When the annealing temperature is 300 °C, the tensile strength of the steel wire is 2044 MPa, accounting for 98.7% of the strength of the steel wire at room temperature. The tensile strength decreases by 9% when the annealing temperature is 400 °C, the steel wire strength decreases at a significantly higher rate. In addition, the spacing of the pearlitic sheet layers increases from 55 nm to 75 nm at the heat treatment temperature of 300 °C~350 °C. A passive fire protection temperature of 275 °C is recommended for cable wires if safer protection standards are considered.
Effect of Temperature on the Spread of Contagious Diseases: Evidence from over 2000 Years of Data
Authors: Balcilar Mehmet , Mukherjee Zinnia , Gupta Rangan , Das Sonali
Published: December 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in interest among scholars and public health professionals in identifying the predictors of health shocks and their transmission in the population. With temperature increases becoming a persistent climate stress, our aim is to evaluate how temperature specifically impacts the incidences of contagious disease. Using annual data from 1 AD to 2021 AD on the incidence of contagious disease and temperature anomalies, we apply both parametric and nonparametric modelling techniques and provide estimates of the contemporaneous, as well as lagged, effects of temperature anomalies on the spread of contagious diseases. A nonhomogeneous hidden Markov model is then applied to estimate the time-varying transition probabilities between hidden states where the transition probabilities are governed by covariates. For all empirical specifications, we find consistent evidence that temperature anomalies have a statistically significant effect on the incidence of a contagious disease in any given year covered in the sample period. The best fit model further indicates that the contemporaneous effect of a temperature anomaly on the response variable is the strongest. As temperature predictions continue to become more accurate, our results indicate that such information can be used to implement effective public health responses to limit the spread of contagious diseases. These findings further have implications for designing cost effective infectious disease control policies for different regions of the world.
Advanced Methodology for Emulating Local Operating Conditions in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Cornet Marine , Morin Arnaud , Poirot-Crouvezier Jean-Philippe , Bultel Yann
Published: December 2024

This work focuses on the study of operating heterogeneities on a large MEA’s active surface area in a PEMFC stack. An advanced methodology is developed, aiming at the prediction of local operating conditions such as temperature, relative humidity and species concentration. A physics-based Pseudo-3D model developed under COMSOL Multiphysics allows for the observation of heterogeneities over the entire active surface area. Once predicted, these local operating conditions are experimentally emulated, thanks to a differential cell, to provide the local polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectra. Coupling simulation and experimental, thirty-seven local operating conditions are emulated to examine the degree of correlation between local operating conditions and PEMFC cell performances. Researchers and engineers can use the polarization curves and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy diagrams to fit the variables of an empirical model or to validate the results of a theoretical model.
UAV Icing: Aerodynamic Degradation Caused by Intercycle and Runback Ice Shapes on an RG-15 Airfoil
Authors: Wallisch Joachim , Lindner Markus , Petersen Øyvind Wiig , Neunaber Ingrid , Bracchi Tania , Hearst R. Jason , Hann Richard
Published: December 2024

Electrothermal de-icing systems are a popular approach to protect unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from the performance degradation caused by in-cloud icing. However, their power and energy requirements must be minimized to make these systems viable for small and medium-sized fixed-wing UAVs. Thermal de-icing systems allow intercycle ice accretions and can result in runback icing. Intercycle and runback ice increase the aircraft’s drag, requiring more engine thrust and energy. This study investigates the aerodynamic influence of intercycle and runback ice on a typical UAV wing. Lift and drag coefficients from a wind tunnel campaign and Ansys FENSAP-ICE simulations are compared. Intercycle ice shapes result in a drag increase of approx. 50% for a realistic cruise angle of attack. While dispersed runback ice increases the drag by 30% compared to the clean wing, a spanwise ice ridge can increase the drag by more than 170%. The results highlight that runback ice can significantly influence the drag coefficient. Therefore, it is important to design the de-icing system and its operation sequence to minimize runback ice. Understanding the need to minimize runback ice helps in designing viable de-icing systems for UAVs.
Video Anomaly Detection with Hyperbolic Graph Embedding and Masked Normalizing Flows
Authors: Xu Yan , Huang Bowen , Zhou Chao , Wang Haoyuan , Li Xuening
Published: December 2024

Video anomaly detection plays a vital role in intelligent video monitoring systems. It has found extensive applications in the fields of public safety and social security. Nevertheless, the area of video anomaly detection continues to be a formidable task because of the intricate nature of actual data and the challenge of precisely identifying anomalies. Current anomaly detection approaches suffer from overpowered generalization ability, weak spatio-temporal feature extraction capability, and insufficient global information aggregation ability. Therefore, an unsupervised Hyperbolic Graph-based Normalizing Flows (HGNF) model is proposed in this paper, which is constructed with a Spatio-temporal Encoder (STEncoder) and stacked normalizing flows to reduce the overgeneralization of auto-encoder-based anomaly detection models. STEncoder consists of spatio-temporal attention and inter-frame feature aggregation. In normalizing flows, a Poincaré ball graph extractor is developed to improve the representation ability of the dynamic changes of the input data, and a masked affine coupling block is established to improve the performance of this model in global information aggregation. According to the experimental results obtained on four public datasets, HGNF achieves excellent performance and the best AUC (Area Under the Curve) score of 74.5% on the UBnormal dataset.
Hydrocarbon Potential Assessment Methods in Complex Fault Zones: A Case Study of the Southern Pinghu Structural Belt, East China Sea
Authors: Jiang Donghui , Yan Sujie , Pu Renhai , Guan Yunwen , Dong Xinxu , Chen Shuo , Su Siyu
Published: December 2024

Frequent tectonic activity in rift basins has led to complex fault zones, which have led to extensive hydrocarbon distributions and tremendous resource potential. This study investigated the hydrocarbon potential in the southern Pinghu structural belt, focusing on fault traps in complex fault zones. Through fault sealing analysis and gas detection attenuation methods, this study aims to improve exploration success rates. The application outcomes demonstrate that the Shale Gouge Ratio (SGR) threshold for achieving the lateral sealing of faults in the southern Pinghu structural belt is 34%, with a critical fault throw of 100 m. Regions where the fault’s lateral sealing zone corresponds with areas exhibiting anomalous gas responses are deemed promising for hydrocarbon accumulation. Additional analysis indicates that favorable fault trap development occurs along the foot walls of significant faults, particularly in the eastern sector of the study area. The findings are corroborated by actual drilling data, affirming the efficacy of these methods in pinpointing hydrocarbon traps within complex fault zones and offering valuable insights for their broader global application.
Application of Diverse Testing to Improve Integrated Circuit Test Yield and Quality
Authors: Yeh Chung-Huang , Chen Shou-Rong , Liao Kan-Hsiang
Published: December 2024

This paper utilizes the digital integrated circuit testing model to compute the test yield curve of future wafers and explore the influence of test guardband (TGB) on quality and yield. With the passage of three years since the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted semiconductor production lines, the semiconductor manufacturing industry still faces chip shortages. Although initiatives such as the CHIPS and Science Act in the United States have helped stabilize chip supply chains, manufacturers still face inventory shortages and delayed deliveries. Moreover, the backwardness and inaccuracy of semiconductor test equipment have led to a decline in both test yield and wafer quality, resulting in reduced shipments. Therefore, to mitigate yield losses and enhance the test yield and shipment volume of semiconductor products, this paper proposes a diverse test method (DTM) to improve test outcomes through the alteration of the testing strategy and TGB adjustment. Furthermore, according to the wafer estimation table published in the IEEE International Roadmap for Devices and Systems (2023), the proposed DTM can effectively enhance the test yield of wafers and improve the testing capabilities of ATE testers (automatic test equipment). Consequently, suppliers can stabilize the chip supply chain and enhance their companies’ profits and reputation by improving chip test yield.
Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Properties, and Antimicrobial Profiling of a Range of West Algerian Honeys: In Vitro Comparative Screening Prior to Therapeutic Purpose
Authors: Bereksi-Reguig Dalila , Allali Hocine , Taib Nadjat , Aissaoui Nadia , Wlodarczyk-Stasiak Marzena , Kowalski Radoslaw
Published: December 2024

Honey is a complex natural nutrient with well-established therapeutic properties recognized in traditional medicine. The purpose of the current work was to compare, in vitro, the bioactive compounds, antioxidants, and antimicrobial properties of 37 honey samples collected from the western region of Algeria and to identify the best sample for potential therapeutic purposes. Estimation of bioactive compounds was carried out by determining the total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Large variability among the samples was observed regarding the total phenolic content (from 24.17 ± 1.38 to 122.15 ± 3.55 mg GAE/100 g honey) and total flavonoid content (from 0.07 ± 0.01 to 33.49 ± 4.90 mg QE/100 g honey). Additionally, antioxidant activity, evaluated by four spectrophotometric assays, displayed fluctuating results among the samples. High positive correlations were observed between β-carotene and DPPH (0.766) and between β-carotene and ABTS (0.600), while inverse correlations were observed between bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity, except for the FRAP method. The antimicrobial activity, determined by well-diffusion assays, exhibited a dose-dependent antibacterial effect, with significant inhibition toward methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa reference strains. However, no activity was observed against Candida albicans strains. The MIC and MBC values were identical in most samples (range: 60 to 80% w/v) and predominantly exhibited bactericidal effects. The content of bioactive compounds played a significant role in the antibacterial properties. To summarize, the best honey sample for potential therapeutic purposes corresponded to mild white mustard (S6) and might be used as an alternative in therapeutic applications.