bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Highly Porous Graphene Oxide–PEI Foams for Enhanced Sound Absorption in High-Frequency Regime
Authors: Jung Seung-Chan , Jang Wonjun , Beom Byeongji , Won Jong-Keon , Jeong Jihoon , Choi Yu-Jeong , Moon Man-Ki , Cho Eou-Sik , Chang Keun-A , Han Jae-Hee
Published: October 2024

High-frequency noise exceeding 1 kHz has emerged as a pressing public health issue in industrial and occupational settings. In response to this challenge, the present study explores the development of a graphene oxide–polyethyleneimine (GO-PEI) foam (GPF) featuring a hierarchically porous structure. The synthesis and optimization of GPF were carried out using a range of analytical techniques, including Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Braunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). To evaluate its acoustic properties, GPF was subjected to sound absorption tests over the 1000–6400 Hz frequency range, where it was benchmarked against conventional melamine foam. The findings demonstrated that GPF with a GO-to-PEI composition ratio of 1:3 exhibited enhanced sound absorption performance, with improvements ranging from 15.0% to 118%, and achieved a peak absorption coefficient of 0.97. Additionally, we applied the Johnson–Champoux–Allard (JCA) model to further characterize the foam’s acoustic behavior, capturing key parameters such as porosity, flow resistivity, and viscous/thermal losses. The JCA model exhibited a superior fit to the experimental data compared to traditional models, providing a more accurate prediction of the foam’s complex microstructure and sound absorption properties. These findings underscore GPF’s promise as an efficient solution for mitigating high-frequency noise in industrial and environmental applications.
Evaluating Benchtop Additive Manufacturing Processes Considering Latest Enhancements in Operational Factors
Authors: Kantaros Antreas , Petrescu Florian Ion Tiberiu , Brachos Konstantinos , Ganetsos Theodore , Petrescu Nicolae
Published: October 2024

With the evolution of additive manufacturing technologies, concerning their material processing techniques, range of material choices and deposition speed, 3D printers are extensively employed in academia and industry for a number of purposes. It is no longer uncommon to have a portable, desktop 3D printer and build specific designs in a matter of minutes or hours. The functionality, costs, materials and applications of desktop 3D printers differ. Among the several desktop 3D printers with a variety of characteristics, it might be challenging to choose which one is optimal for the intended applications and uses. In this study, a variety of commercially available thermoplastic and photopolymer resin desktop 3D printers are presented and compared for user selection. This article intends to provide end-users of desktop 3D printers with fundamental information and guidelines via a comparison of desktop 3D-printing technologies and their technical characteristics, enabling them to assess and select appropriate desktop 3D printers for a variety of applications.
Ethics of Artificial Intelligence a Purposeful and Foundational Study in Light of the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad
Authors: Al Kubaisi Abdel Aziz Shaker Hamdan
Published: October 2024

This study represents an attempt to establish the ethics of artificial intelligence in light of the second legislative source in Islam: the Sunnah of the Prophet. This study adopted the descriptive, analytical, and deductive approach through content analysis based on inferences from the Prophet’s hadiths with the aim of clarifying the underlying approach to these ethics in light of this. It concluded with a set of ethics related to artificial intelligence, which were rooted in the light of the Prophet’s Sunnah in a way that ensures its correct and disciplined use and achieves the integrity of the desired means and goals. These ethics were represented in the legitimacy of design and function; neutrality and impartiality; safety, control, and responsibility; respect for privacy; setting codified systems and regulations; environmental sustainability; respect for individual, institutional, and intellectual property; consideration of humanity; and achieving balance. The research established its roots in the honorable Sunnah of the Prophet and in light of the objectives of Islamic law.
Qurʾānic Exegesis and the Reshaping of Early Islamic History: A Case Study of Sura Q 107
Authors: Yahyaoui Yassine
Published: October 2024

This study examines the historiography of early Islam by assessing the reliability of Qurʾānic exegeses as sources documenting the early history of Islam and the biography of the Prophet Muḥammad in Mecca. Focusing on Qurʾānic exegetical practices from late antiquity to the medieval period, this article argues that there is a significant discontinuity in how Qurʾānic exegeses align with the historical context of the Qur’an, especially in relation to Meccan sūras such as Q 107. Significantly, this challenges the continuity of tradition, the fundamental concept upon which the “Islamic sciences” are based. This discontinuity is herein revealed through a historical–critical analysis of the exegesis of Q 107:4 that demonstrates how Qurʾānic exegetical practices have reinterpreted and reshaped early Islamic history in response to the pressures of new identity formation and made Qurʾānic exegeses more reflective of the social and political contexts of the exegetes than of the historical milieu of the Qurʾān itself. This analysis contributes to the ongoing discussion of the role exegesis played in reshaping the history of Islam. Indeed, it emphasises the importance of critically evaluating these sources in order to uncover a more nuanced historical narrative of early Islam.
Divine Medicine: Healing and Charity Through Spirit-Writing in China
Authors: Zheng Qijun
Published: October 2024

This study traces the evolution of religious healing practices associated with divine presence in China, from pre-modern traditions to the modern use of spirit-writing for obtaining divine prescriptions. It examines the continuity and transformation of these practices from the late imperial period to contemporary times. It argues that healing through divine prescriptions obtained via spirit-writing challenges the perceived dichotomy between religion and science, demonstrating that they have complementary roles, rather than being strictly opposing categories. For members of Jishenghui 濟生會, a lay Buddhist charity devoted to the Buddhist god Jigong 濟公 in Republican China, religion and scientific medical practice were integrated as complementary elements of daily life, combining doctrinal beliefs, ritual practices, and moral self-cultivation. This study examines how Jishenghui used spirit-writing to obtain and distribute divine prescriptions and medicines, demonstrating that the organization’s philanthropic activities and social standing were enhanced by the integration of religious beliefs with medical and charitable practices during the Republican period. This study bridges existing research on the histories of spirit-writing and Chinese medicine, and the distinctions made between “Buddhist medicine” and “Daoist medicine”. The article contends that, for ordinary people, no strict distinction existed between Buddhist and Daoist healing practices; instead, a shared religious culture regarding illness and healing was predominant. By contextualizing key analytical concepts such as “divine medicine”, especially “divine prescriptions” (jifang 乩方 and xianfang 仙方) within the broader history of Chinese medicine and religious practices, this article demonstrates the social significance of spirit-writing as a ritual technique to provide healing and charity by lay Buddhists in Republican China, and its enduring relevance in contemporary Chinese societies.
Gap Analysis of Ambient Electromagnetic Noise Measurements Stored in the ITU Data Banks
Authors: Witvliet Ben A.
Published: October 2024

For any radio frequency (RF) sensor (receiver) to function optimally, the ambient noise field strength, converted to electrical power by the transducer (antenna), must be lower than the in-ternal noise of that sensor. Therefore, knowledge of the expected ambient noise level is essential for the design of sensors for earth observation, atmospheric research, radio astronomy or navigation. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) provides a model that predicts ambient man-made noise levels, differentiated by frequency, origin and environment. This is entirely empirical model is based on data from the 1960′s and 1970′s. In recent years, 90,205 noise measurements have been collected to update the model. The analysis of that data set presented here is essential as it shows a pitfall to avoid: despite to size of the data set it is sparce over the parameter space, and unacceptable biases occur when a purely empirical model is based on them. The paper proposes another approach: to create a mathematical model based on physics that can be fine-tuned and validated using these collected measurements, without producing the biases. A revolutionary side effect of such a model would be the linking of two currently isolated domains, that of spectrum management and electromagnetic compatibility.
Assessing the Impact of Calendar Events upon Urban Vehicle Behaviour and Emissions Using Telematics Data
Authors: Xiang Junjun , Ghaffarpasand Omid , Pope Francis D.
Published: October 2024

Employing vehicle telematics data, this study investigates the transport environment across urban and major road networks during a two-week period encompassing the Easter holidays, considered as a case study. The analysis spans four distinct years: 2016, 2018, 2021, and 2022. Geospatial and Temporal Mapping captured the dependencies of vehicle speed, acceleration, vehicle-specific power (VSP), and emission factors (EFs) for air pollutants (CO2 and NOx) on the studied calendar period. The results showed that during the Easter holiday, the median vehicle speeds exceeded annual averages by roughly 5%, indicating a clear deviation from regular traffic patterns. This deviation was particularly stark during the 2021 lockdown, with a significant drop in vehicle presence, leading to less congestion and thus higher speeds and vehicle acceleration. The emissions analyses revealed that individual cars emit higher levels of CO2 and NOx during Easter. Specifically, the median values of CO2 EF and NOx EF were 9% and 11% higher than the annual norm. When combined with road occupancy data, the results demonstrate that the Easter holidays in 2022 had a variable impact on NOx and CO2 emissions, with significant reductions on major roads during weekday rush hours (15–25%) but slight increases on urban roads during weekend periods.
Negotiating Shared Lives: Territorialisation and Conviviality in an Urban Community Land Trust
Authors: Read Robert , Hirst Alison , Pooley Alison , Odeleye NezHapi-Delle
Published: October 2024

Urban Community Land Trusts (CLTs) have been acclaimed for their politically transformative potential: de-commodifying land and providing permanently affordable housing under community control. Few studies include CLT residents and this paper features two case studies to help fill the gap. St Clements in East London, UK, and Citizens House, Southeast London, both created by London CLT, collectively have 34 households living in them. Unlike more geographically focused CLTs, London CLT provides governance, knowledge, and skills to support people across London to build the affordable housing they campaign for. The selection criteria prioritised the needs of those failed by the existing housing market, who had long-standing connections to the borough, and contributed to community life. London CLT hoped residents would have a transformational impact on the neighbourhood, spreading the ethos of community control. Using the conceptualisations of territorialisation and conviviality, new knowledge has been produced about residents’ experience of negotiating shared lives. While residents are happy with their homes, and value the neighbourliness that comes from knowing others better, investing time and energy in more organised activity and decision making has been slow. The two spaces display both the affectivity and distancing associated with territorialisation and the ‘rubbing along’ and ambivalence of conviviality.
Quantifying Trunk Impact Dynamics and Workload with Inertial Sensors in Goalball Players
Authors: Comeras-Chueca Cristina , Bascuas Pablo J. , Berzosa César , Piedrafita Eduardo , Rabal-Pelay Juan , Gutiérrez Héctor , Bataller-Cervero Ana Vanessa
Published: October 2024

The aim of this study was to quantify trunk impact dynamics in goalball players using inertial sensors and evaluate the goalball players’ workloads, focusing on changes between the first and second halves of a match to enhance understanding of the demands experienced throughout the game. Utilizing inertial technology, trunk impacts during goalball gameplay were analyzed to provide a holistic insight into how these impacts influence athletes’ dynamic stress loads, which refers to the physical demands placed on the body during dynamic movements. Six goalball players were recruited to wear an accelerometer during a whole goalball game to quantify trunk impacts. The results showed a higher number of total impacts and a higher number of impacts at higher levels during the first half, compared to a higher percentage of impacts at a low impact level in the second half. These results suggest that the intensity of gameplay is related to the number of impacts sustained, with players experiencing significantly more impacts, particularly at very low, low, and very high impact levels, in the first half compared to the second half. This decline in impacts aligns with the reduction in game intensity as the match progressed, as indicated by a lower heart rate and a trend towards a lower dynamic stress load in the second half. Future research could explore targeted training interventions aimed at optimizing workload and performance in goalball players.
Perfectionism and Cognitive and Emotional Reactions to Climate Change and Psychological Distress
Authors: Pereira Ana Telma , Cabaços Carolina , Marques Cristiana C. , Araújo Ana Isabel , Macedo António
Published: October 2024

Psychological reactions to the climate change (CC) crisis, encompassing worry, distress, and impairment, are influenced by personality. Also, these psychological reactions to CC and future anxiety can impact an individual’s overall psychological distress. The role of perfectionism in psychological distress through CC reactions and future anxiety (FA) has not yet been explored. Our aim was to explore the mediator roles of CC worry, CC distress, CC impairment, and FA in the link between perfectionism and general psychological distress while controlling for the effect of gender. A path analysis was conducted on a sample of 577 adults (mean age = 32.62 ± 14.71) from the general population (64.5% women). The final model with all statistically significant path coefficients (p ≤ 0.01) presented an excellent model fit: χ2(6) = 1.56, p = 0.152; CFI = 0.995; GFI = 0.995; TLI = 0.986; RMSEA = 0.031, CI = 0.000–0.068, p = 0.764. Perfectionism was associated with general PD through several indirect pathways, including CC worry, CC distress, CC impairment, and FA, while controlling for the effect of gender. The model explained 3.89% of CC worry, 39.70% of CC distress, 20.64% of CC impairment, 23.73% of FA, and 20.20% of general PD. These findings suggest that cognitive and emotional responses to CC and future anxiety are exacerbated with higher perfectionism levels, which leads to higher overall psychological distress. These data underscore that individuals with high levels of perfectionism may require help to psychologically adapt to CC. Interventions aimed at lowering the maladaptive cognitive and emotional responses to climate threats should be implemented.
A Conditionally Parameterized Feature Fusion U-Net for Building Change Detection
Authors: Gu Yao , Ren Chao , Chen Qinyi , Bai Haoming , Huang Zhenzhong , Zou Lei
Published: October 2024

The semantic richness of remote sensing images often presents challenges in building detection, such as edge blurring, loss of detail, and low resolution. To address these issues and improve boundary precision, this paper proposes CCCUnet, a hybrid architecture developed for enhanced building extraction. CCCUnet integrates CondConv, Coord Attention, and a CGAFusion module to overcome the limitations of traditional U-Net-based methods. Additionally, the NLLLoss function is utilized in classification tasks to optimize model parameters during training. CondConv replaces standard convolution operations in the U-Net encoder, boosting model capacity and performance in building change detection while ensuring efficient inference. Coord Attention enhances the detection of complex contours in small buildings by utilizing its attention mechanism. Furthermore, the CGAFusion module combines channel and spatial attention in the skip connection structure, capturing both spatial and channel-wise correlations. Experimental results demonstrate that CCCUnet achieves high accuracy in building change detection, with improved edge refinement and the better detection of small building contours. Thus, CCCUnet serves as a valuable tool for precise building extraction from remote sensing images, with broad applications in urban planning, land use, and disaster monitoring.
Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of Bleached Pulp from Eucalyptus: Chilean Case
Authors: Carvallo Adolfo , Vega-Coloma Mabel
Published: October 2024

The forestry and pulp industry in Chile has been a significant contributor to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), accounting for over 1.2% between 2018 and 2022. This sector is expected to continue growing in the coming years. The purpose of this study was to assess the environmental performance of the production of 1 tonne of short fibre bleached cellulose using the Kraft process in Chile. The assessment focused on quantifying the impact in 10 life-cycle impact categories, utilising the ReCiPe 2016 Midpoint (H) V.1.03 impact method. The evaluation followed a cradle-to-gate approach, considering the various stages including forestry activities involving biocides, fertilisers, and machinery, as well as transportation, and the subsequent industrial stage encompassing chemicals consumption, electricity usage, fuel consumption, and waste disposal. The assessment adhered to the life-cycle assessment guidelines specified in ISO 14040-44:2006 and utilised primary data from 2017, with a base year production of 1,495,000 tonnes of pulp. The results revealed that the industrial stage had the most significant environmental impact in eight out of the ten categories studied. Notably, the Global Warming Potential (GWP) reached 784 kg CO2eq/tonne of cellulose, which is noticeably higher in comparison to other countries but consistent with domestic and Ecoinvent 3.4 results. Additionally, biogenic emissions reached 3140 kg CO2biogenic/tonne of cellulose, primarily due to the combustion of waste wood and black liquor for energy recovery and electricity generation delivered to the national grid. The forestry stage was found to be the primary contributor to marine eutrophication (MAEU) and stratospheric ozone depletion (SOD), accounting for up to 86% of this environmental impact category. These results can be attributed to the usage of chemicals such as nitrogen-based fertilisers and biocides (fungi and herbicides). These findings provide quantified information that can facilitate informed comparisons with similar processes and aid in decision-making to improve the forestry-industrial sector. Emphasis should be placed on those activities that have the most significant impacts on the Chilean pulp sector, thereby promoting sustainable practices and mitigating environmental consequences.
Perspectives, Challenges, and the Future of Biomedical Technology and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Tovar-Arriaga Saul , Pérez-Soto Gerardo Israel , Camarillo-Gómez Karla Anhel , Aviles Marcos , Rodríguez-Reséndiz Juvenal
Published: October 2024

Biomedical technologies are the compound of engineering principles and technologies used to diagnose, treat, monitor, and prevent illness [...]
Dilemmas in Diagnosis and Management of Temporal Bone Fractures and Their Sequelae
Authors: Powell Taylor , Robicheaux Cameron , Germany Rhian , Mankekar Gauri
Published: October 2024

Objective(s): The objective of this study was to report our experience with a series of patients with temporal bone fractures from 2019 to 2023 and to evaluate the dilemmas in diagnosing the extent of their ontological injuries through a narrative review of the literature focusing on the classifications of temporal bone fractures. Methods: Data were collected retrospectively from the electronic medical records of patients who presented to the emergency department and were diagnosed with temporal bone fractures using computed tomograms of the head and temporal bone between September 2019 and March 2023. A total of 117 patients were included in the study. Demographic data, fracture classification, mechanism of injury, and presence and/or repair of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, facial nerve injury (both immediate and delayed), and hearing loss (both immediate and delayed) were also recorded. Results: In total, 49.5% of our cohort were between the ages of 19 and 39, and the majority (66%) were males. The primary cause of the trauma was falls in 41% of patients, followed by motor vehicle accidents (29%), and 70% had a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) between 13 and 15 at presentation. In total, 92.3% of temporal bone fractures did not involve the otic capsule, and 79.3% were longitudinal fractures. In total, 89% of the CSF leaks were seen in patients with longitudinal fractures. Similarly, 70% of facial nerve deficits were seen in patients with longitudinal and otic capsule-sparing fractures. Conclusion: Diagnosis of facial asymmetry and hearing loss in patients with TBFs can be challenging in acute care settings but was less challenging in our cohort due to patients presenting with good GCSs. Dilemmas in clinical evaluation in the acute care setting are due to poor GCSs, heterogeneity of documentation of injuries, and classification of TBFs. Implementation of universal protocols with homogeneity in the documentation and classification of temporal bone fractures may help improve patient care and prediction of outcomes.
Neurological Manifestation Associated with Chikungunya Infection in a Pediatric Patient from Itacoatiara, Brazilian Amazon: A Case Report
Authors: Oliveira Samuel Benjamin Aguiar de , Chaves Barbara Aparecida , Lima Maurício Teixeira , Silva-Neto Alexandre Vilhena , Cordeiro Jady Shayenne Mota , Monteiro Wuelton Marcelo , Bastos Michele de Souza , Sampaio Vanderson de Souza
Published: October 2024

A 9-year-old male with autism and a history of well-controlled epilepsy presented with acute headache, fever, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Initial diagnostics, including imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, were inconclusive. However, further serological testing suggested the presence of the chikungunya virus, establishing a diagnosis of chikungunya-associated neurological manifestation. The patient was treated with anticonvulsants, antibiotics for secondary bacterial pneumonia, and supportive care, leading to a gradual recovery. This case highlights the importance of considering systemic viral infections in pediatric patients with neurological symptoms and underscores the potential for arboviruses like chikungunya to cause neurological manifestation.
Single-Cell Virology: On-Chip, Quantitative Characterization of the Dynamics of Virus Spread from One Single Cell to Another
Authors: Liu Wu , Wilke Claus O. , Arnold Jamie J. , Sotoudegan Mohamad S. , Cameron Craig E.
Published: October 2024

Virus spread at the single-cell level is largely uncharacterized. We have designed and constructed a microfluidic device in which each nanowell contains a single, infected cell (donor) and a single, uninfected cell (recipient). Using a GFP-expressing poliovirus as our model, we observed both lytic and non-lytic spread. Donor cells supporting lytic spread established infection earlier than those supporting non-lytic spread. However, non-lytic spread established infections in recipient cells substantially faster than lytic spread and yielded higher rates of genome replication. While lytic spread was sensitive to the presence of capsid entry/uncoating inhibitors, non-lytic spread was not. Consistent with emerging models for non-lytic spread of enteroviruses using autophagy, reduction in LC3 levels in cells impaired non-lytic spread and elevated the fraction of virus in donor cells spreading lytically. The ability to distinguish lytic and non-lytic spread unambiguously will enable discovery of viral and host factors and host pathways used for non-lytic spread of enteroviruses and other viruses as well.
Screening and Immune Efficacy Evaluation of Antigens with Protection Against Feline Calicivirus
Authors: Yang Yupeng , Qi Ruibin , Chen Mengru , Feng Kexin , Liu Zhe , Kang Hongtao , Jiang Qian , Qu Liandong , Liu Jiasen
Published: October 2024

Background: Feline calicivirus (FCV), a pathogen that causes upper respiratory tract diseases in felids, primarily leads to oral ulcers and various respiratory symptoms, which can be fatal in severe cases. Currently, FCV prevention and control rely primarily on vaccination; however, the existing vaccine types in China are mainly inactivated vaccines, leading to a single prevention and control method with suboptimal outcomes. Methods and Results: This study commences with a genetic evolution analysis of Chinese FCV isolates, confirming the presence of two major genotypes, GI and GII with GI emerging as the dominant form. We subsequently selected the broadly neutralizing vaccine candidate strain DL39 as the template for the truncation and expression of multiple recombinant proteins. Through serological assays, we successfully confirmed the optimal protective antigen region, which is designated CE39 (CDE). Further investigation revealed the location of the optimal protective antigen region within the CE region for both the GI and GII genotype strains. Capitalizing on this discovery, a bivalent recombinant protein, designated CE39-CEFB, was generated. Cat antisera generated against CE39 and CE39-CEFB proteins were used in cross-neutralization against various strains of different genotypes, yielding high neutralization titers ranging from 1:45 to 1:15 and from 1:48 to 1:29, respectively, which surpassed those induced by antisera from cats vaccinated with Mi-aosanduo (commercial vaccine, strain 255). Ultimately, in vivo challenge experiments were per-formed after immunizing cats with the CE39 and CE39-CEFB proteins, utilizing Miaosanduo as a control for comparison. The results demonstrated that immunization with both proteins effectively made cats less susceptible to FCV GI, GII, and VSD strains infection, resulting in superior immune efficacy compared with that in the Miaosanduo group. Conclusion: These results indicate that this study successfully identified the antigen CE39, which has broad-spectrum antigenicity, through in vivo and in vitro experiments. These findings pre-liminarily demonstrate that the optimal protective antigen region of FCV strains is the CE region, laying a theoretical foundation for the development of novel broad-spectrum vaccines against FCV disease.
Immunogenicity and Efficacy of Combined mRNA Vaccine Against Influenza and SARS-CoV-2 in Mice Animal Models
Authors: Mazunina Elena P. , Gushchin Vladimir A. , Bykonia Evgeniia N. , Kleymenov Denis A. , Siniavin Andrei E. , Kozlova Sofia R. , Mukasheva Evgenya A. , Shidlovskaya Elena V. , Kuznetsova Nadezhda A. , Usachev Evgeny V. , Zlobin Vladimir I. , Burtseva Elena I. , Ivanov Roman A. , Logunov Denis Y. , Gintsburg Alexander L.
Published: October 2024

Background. The combined or multivalent vaccines are actively used in pediatric practice and offer a series of advantages, including a reduced number of injections and visits to the doctor, simplicity of the vaccination schedule and minimization of side effects, easier vaccine monitoring and storage, and lower vaccination costs. The practice of widespread use of the combined vaccines has shown the potential to increase vaccination coverage against single infections. The mRNA platform has been shown to be effective against the COVID-19 pandemic and enables the development of combined vaccines. There are currently no mRNA-based combined vaccines approved for use in humans. Some studies have shown that different mRNA components in a vaccine can interact to increase or decrease the immunogenicity and efficacy of the combined vaccine. Objectives. In the present study, we investigated the possibility of combining the mRNA vaccines, encoding seasonal influenza and SARS-CoV-2 antigens. In our previous works, both vaccine candidates have shown excellent immunogenicity and efficacy profiles in mice. Methods. The mRNA-LNPs were prepared by microfluidic mixing, immunogenicity in mice was assessed by hemagglutination inhibition assay, enzyme-linked immunoassay and virus neutralization assay. Immunological efficacy was assessed in a mouse viral challenge model. Results. In this work, we demonstrated that the individual mRNA components of the combined vaccine did not affect the immunogenicity level of each other. The combined vaccine demonstrated excellent protective efficacy, providing a 100% survival rate when mice were infected with the H1N1 influenza virus and reducing the viral load in the lungs. Four days after the challenge with SARS-CoV-2 EG.5.1.1., no viable virus and low levels of detectable viral RNA were observed in the lungs of vaccinated mice. Conclusions. The combination does not lead to mutual interference between the individual vaccines. We believe that such a combined mRNA-based vaccine could be a good alternative to separated human vaccinations for the prevention of COVID-19 and influenza.
Predicting the Deformation of a Concrete Dam Using an Integration of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) Networks and Kolmogorov–Arnold Networks (KANs) with a Dual-Stage Attention Mechanism
Authors: Xu Rui , Liu Xingyang , Wei Jiahao , Ai Xingxing , Li Zhanchao , He Hairui
Published: October 2024

An accurate prediction model for dam deformation is crucial for ensuring the safety and operational integrity of dam structures. This study introduces a hybrid modeling approach that integrates long short-term memory (LSTM) networks with Kolmogorov–Arnold networks (KANs). Additionally, the model incorporates a dual-stage attention mechanism (DA) that includes both factor and temporal attention components, enhancing the model’s precision and interpretability. The effectiveness of the DA-LSTM-KAN model was validated through a case study involving a concrete gravity dam. A comparative analysis with traditional models, including multiple linear regression and various LSTM variants, demonstrated that the DA-LSTM-KAN model significantly outperformed these alternatives in predicting dam deformation. An interpretability analysis further revealed that the seasonal and hydrostatic components contributed significantly to the horizontal displacement, while the irreversible component had the least impact. This importance ranking was qualitatively consistent with the results obtained from the Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) method and the relative weight method. The enhancement of the model’s predictive and explanatory capabilities underscores the hybrid model’s utility in providing detailed and actionable intelligence for dam safety monitoring.
A Combined Method Utilizing Microseismic and Parallel Electrical Monitoring to Determine the Height of Water-Conducting Fracture Zones in Shengfu Coal Mine
Authors: Luo Bin , Zhang Chenghang , Zhang Peng , Huo Jiayi , Liu Shengdong
Published: October 2024

The development of a water-conducting fracture zone is a critical factor in understanding and predicting water inrush from coal mine roofs, as these zones facilitate the inflow of water from overlying aquifers. However, traditional methods such as empirical formulas and drilling, as well as single physical investigations (such as transient electromagnetic), can only estimate the height of these fault zones and often cannot accurately obtain precursor information of roof water inrush during the mining process. In this study, a comprehensive evaluation of the 13,101 working face of the Shengfu Coal Mine in Shaanxi, China, is being carried out using microseismic monitoring and parallel electrical methods. On the basis of the microseismic results, the height of the water-conducting fracture zone is obtained to be 57 m. The average variation of the natural potential of the coal seam roof was obtained by the parallel electric method, which was all less than 250 mV, with no obvious anomalous seepage electric field and no large centralized water-conducting channels found. However, the decrease in resistivity and natural potential indicates the precursor information of water seepage when the fracture zone develops to 40–50 m. This approach aims to monitor the development of water-conducting fracture zones by combining microseismic monitoring with parallel electrical methods while simultaneously capturing changes in roof seepage. This will enhance safety and facilitate more informed decision-making in complex hydrogeological environments.
Exploring Optimal Pretreatment Approaches for Enhancing Biohydrogen and Biochar Production from Azolla filiculoides Biomass
Authors: El-Qelish Mohamed , El-Shafai Saber A. , Mahmoud Mohamed
Published: October 2024

Mitigating the irreversible consequences of climate change necessitates the application of sustainable energy resources. Hereby, we investigated the biological anaerobic fermentation of Azolla filiculoides biomass for biohydrogen production as a clean renewable energy source. Azolla filiculoides is a widely growing aquatic plant in polluted freshwater streams. However, the high non-biodegradable organic matter content in Azolla filiculoides biomass remains challenging in efficiently producing renewable energy, especially when it is being used as the sole donor substrate. In order to overcome this challenge, different pretreatment scenarios (namely, alkali, autoclaving, and ultrasonication) have been employed for enhancing the hydrolysis of Azolla filiculoides biomass to maximize the anaerobic fermentation and, consequently, the biohydrogen production potential. The biohydrogen production potential was 250.5, 398, 414.5, and 439.5 mL-H2, giving a hydrogen yield of 60.1, 89.6, 92.9, and 107.9 mL-H2/g-VS, respectively. Gompertz kinetics were applied to estimate the growth parameters of the process, which revealed a good fit with R2 ranging from 0.96 to 0.98. The produced digestate was valorized for biochar production, a material that could be applied for water treatment purposes. The produced biochar was characterized using different physical analyses, including FTIR, SEM, EDX, and TEM. The physicochemical characterizations of biochar demonstrate a successful formation of biochar with a highly porous structure and a rough surface, as evidenced by the emergence of significant functional groups (e.g., O-H, C-H, C=C, and C=O) existing on the surface of the biochar. In conclusion, this study harnesses a sustainable approach for the treatment of organic waste streams, which represents a circular economy model by transforming waste materials into valuable products and reducing the reliance on non-renewable resources.
Estimation of Free-Product PCE Distribution in Thick Multilayered Aquifers as Possible Long-Term Pollution Sources for Shallow and Deep Groundwaters, Using High-Precision Numerical Simulations
Authors: Feo Alessandra , Pinardi Riccardo , Artoni Andrea , Celico Fulvio
Published: October 2024

Chlorinated organic compounds are Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) with high environmental continuity. These chemicals possess the ability to permeate into the environment across both unsaturated and saturated zones. This study examines the potential impact of perchloroethylene (PCE) releases in aquifer systems consisting of layers with varying permeability. The numerical simulations utilized the CactusHydro numerical code that employs a high-resolution shock-capturing flux conservative method to solve the non-linear partial differential equations of a three-phase immiscible fluid flow and study the migration of PCE into variably saturated zones to predict the spatial and temporal distribution of free products across multilayered aquifers. Two scenarios were simulated to predict how a first low-permeable horizon would affect the downward migration of PCE in its pure phase. The numerical simulations show that the multilayered aquifer system is vulnerable to an in-depth study of the PCE migration paths in the pure phase. However, very long times (about a year) are required for the DNAPL to be able to cross the semi-permeable horizons. The results in both scenarios show the quantity of mass (in kg and percentage concerning the initial one) that is left along the multilayered aquifer during the migration and after several years.
Ensuring medication safety on the case of a multidisciplinary hospital
Authors:   Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan, Russia, Kadyseva E. R. ,   Republican Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tatarstan, Kazan, Russia, Khaziakhmetova V. N. ,   Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan, Russia, Kulagina L. Yu. ,   Republican Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tatarstan, Kazan, Russia, Kurylev V. A. ,   Republican Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tatarstan, Kazan, Russia
Published: October 2024

The article discusses the process of management and control in matters of ensuring
medication safety at the Republican Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Health of the Republic
of Tatarstan. Registration of adverse drug reactions is a mandatory measure for monitoring
the safety of pharmacotherapy.
Dynamics assessment of free economic zones development in Russia in the system of the state investment strategy
Authors:   Bryansk Branch of Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, Sevryukova S. V.
Published: October 2024

The article considers the system of application of free economic zones in the formation of the investment potential of Russia at the present stage. Free economic zones are developing, and this is receiving crucial attention from the state, which provides support by financing and the provision of benefits and tariff preferences. Therefore, this direction of the state investment strategy allows increasing the number of zones and residents, despite the difficult economic relations in the foreign market.
Changes in Microbiome in Patients with Kidney Injury after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Abramson Matthew H. , Sathick Insara Jaffer , Knezevic Andrea , Perales Miguel-Angel , Jaimes Edgar A.
Published: October 2024

Key Points

Changes in microbiome diversity index are common in patients with stem cell transplant.

Changes in microbiome diversity do not explain the high incidence of AKI in patients with stem cell transplant.

Background

AKI is a common complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) that increases the risk of mortality. By contrast, higher diversity of intestinal microbiota at the time of neutrophil engraftment has been associated with lower mortality. We aimed to better understand kidney outcomes in relation to changes in gut diversity in this patient population, hypothesizing that patients with lower microbiome diversity at baseline and at engraftment were at higher risk of developing kidney complications.

Methods

We performed a single-center retrospective study of 419 hematopoietic cell transplant recipients from 2014 to 2017 at our institution whose gut microbiota were analyzed. We defined AKI and CKD on the basis of Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria and eGFR using the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration equation. We defined gut microbiome diversity using Shannon and Simpson reciprocal diversity indices, with higher levels indicating more diverse microbiota.

Results

Simpson reciprocal diversity index and Shannon diversity index were 21.8 (interquartile range [IQR], 13.7–35.2; range, 1.6–102.5) and 3.7 (IQR, 3.2–4.2; range, 0.7–5.2) in our cohort at baseline and 6.3 (IQR, 3.7–10.4) and 2.3 (IQR, 1.7–2.8) at periengraftment, respectively. Of the 419, 263 patients (63%) developed any grade AKI in 100 days after hematopoietic cell transplantation and 114 (27%) developed grade 2+ AKI. There were no significant differences in microbiome diversity at baseline or periengraftment in patients who developed post-transplant AKI or CKD, respectively, in comparison with those who did not develop kidney complications.

Conclusions

Our findings do not support the existence of a link between baseline or periengraftment gut diversity and the risk of development of AKI or CKD in patients undergoing allo-HCT. This study highlights the complex and multifactorial etiology of AKI in allo-HCT recipients and the need for additional prospective and mechanistic studies.
الشركات العائلية المصرية (I): دراسة ميدانية للخصائص المميزة والدلالات الإستراتيجية
Authors: زيدان عمرو علاء الدين
Published: October 2024

سعت هذه الدراسة إلى استكشاف الخصائص المميزة للشركات العائلية المصرية، والمتغيرات المؤثرة في تكوين هذه الخصائص وفي تطورها عبر دورة الحياة التنظيمية والعائلية لهذه الشركات. واعتمد تصميم الدراسة على نموذج الدوائر الثلاث للشركة العائلية (Gersick, Davis, Hampton and Lansberg, 1997) بوصفه إطاراً لتحليل بيانات الدراسة وتفسير نتائجها. واعتمدت الدراسة على صياغة واختبار لتسعة فروض رئيسة، كما استخدمت قائمة استقصاء لجمع البيانات الخاصة بمتغيرات الدراسة من عينة مكونة من 137 شركة عائلية مصرية تنتمي لشركات القطاع الخاص المصري. وتم استخدام عدة أساليب تحليل إحصائية متعددة المتغيرات في اختبار فروض الدراسة. وقد أوضحت نتائج الدراسة انتماء الشركات العائلية المصرية إلى الشركات العائلية التقليدية، أو ما يطلق عليه في المجتمعات الغربية (شركة الوالدين). وهي الشركات التي تتصف بطول البقاء عبر الأجيال، وبانخفاض تكلفة الوكالة، وبمحاباة الأقارب في العمل، والاعتماد على الأصول العائلية في تحقيق الكفاءة في الأداء التنظيمي. إلا أن الكفاءة التي تتحقق عن طريق انخفاض تكلفة الوكالة، عادة ما يتم إجهاضها بعدم تطوير الأصول العائلية، وإكساب المديرين الذين ينتمون للعائلة المهارات اللازمة لإدارة الشركة بكفاءة وفعاليةـ وعادة ما تتصف هذه الشركات بالتوجه الداخلي أكثر من توجهها الخارجي في تحقيق أهدافها وفعاليتها التنظيمية. واختتمت الدراسة بمناقشة النتائج ودلالاتها.
EFEK MEKANISME GOOD CORPORATE GOVERNANCE TERHADAP KINERJA KEUANGAN MELALUI MEDIASI MANAJEMEN LABA
Authors: Hendrik ES Samosir  , Christnova Hasugian  , Sri Ida Royani Simanjuntak
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this study is as follows. To determine the effect of Good Corporate Governance/GCG (Institutional Ownership, Managerial Ownership, Board of Commissioners Size) on Financial Performance (ROA). To determine the effect of Good Corporate Governance/GCG (Institutional Ownership, Managerial Ownership, Board of Commissioners Size) on Earnings Management. To determine the effect of Earnings Management on Financial Performance (ROA). To determine the effect of Good Corporate Governance/GCG (Institutional Ownership, Managerial Ownership, Board of Commissioners Size) on Financial Performance (ROA) through Earnings Management. The research method is quantitative method, associative research. The results of the study did not show a significant effect of Institutional Ownership on Earnings Management. There was no significant effect of Institutional Ownership on ROA. There was no significant effect of Managerial Ownership on Earnings Management. There was no significant effect of Managerial Ownership on ROA. There was no significant effect of Earnings Management on ROA. There is no significant influence of the Size of the Board of Commissioners on ROA. There is a significant influence of the Size of the Board of Commissioners on ROA.
A Systematic Review of Effective Herbal Medicine in Alleviating Hot Flashes During Menopause
Authors: Darabi Fatemeh , Motamed Soudabe , Saniee Nadia , Barati Majid , Ghasemi Vida
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Approximately three-quarters of menopausal women experience vasomotor symptoms, with hot flashes being one of their main complaints. Due to the side effects of hormonal treatments such as estrogen in controlling this condition, many women prefer to use herbal medicines. Therefore, this study was conducted to review clinical trials investigating the effects of herbal drug on hot flashes in menopausal women. Methods: This systematic review used the main search terms, including "hot flashes", "herbal medicine", and "menopause" along with their synonyms from medical subject headings (MeSH) and EMTREE. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across databases such as PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, covering studies from 2014 to 2024. Results: Thirty-one clinical trial studies, with a total sample size of 2660 menopausal women, were examined. The results indicated that herbal medicine such as Humulus lupulus L. (Hop), Rheum ribes root (Rhubarb), a combination of Agnus Castus, magnolia, and soy isoflavones, Hypericum perforatum, chlorogenic acids (CGAs), fennel, Silybum marianum, lavender, Saliva officinalis, Vitex agnus-castus, Black cohosh, Evening primrose, a combination of fennel-valerian, herbal tea, kudzu flower, licorice, Nigella sativa and Vitex combinations, Schisandra chinensis, grape seed proanthocyanidin, soy isoflavones, Fenugreek Husk, and Capsicum frutescens L. (Solanaceae) were effective in reducing the intensity, frequency, or duration of hot flashes through different mechanisms. Conclusion: Overall, herbal medicines seem to have a positive impact on menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and may be used as an alternative to hormonal treatments without having adverse effects on breast and uterine tissues. However, future research should consider both the effects and side effects of these herbal medicines.