bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Panoptic Segmentation Through Comparative Analysis
Authors: Sara Cahide , Daşdemir İlhan , Altun Güven Sara
Published: September 2024

Image segmentation method is extensively used in the fields of computer vision, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. The task of segmentation is to distinguish objects in images either by their boundaries or as entire objects from the entire image. Image segmentation methods are implemented as instance, semantic, and panoptic segmentation. In this article, the panoptic segmentation method, seen as an advanced stage of instance and semantic segmentation, has been applied to three datasets and compared with the instance segmentation method. Experimental results are presented visually. Numerical results have been analyzed with the Panoptic Quality (PQ) and Semantic Quality (SQ) metrics. It has been observed that the segmentation outcome was best for the CityScapes dataset for panoptic segmentation.
Hybrid Optimal Time Series Modeling for Cryptocurrency Price Prediction: Feature Selection, Structure and Hyperparameter Optimization
Authors: Bülbül Mehmet Akif
Published: September 2024

The prime aim of the research is to forecast the future value of bitcoin that is commonly known as pioneer of the Cryptocurrency market by constructing hybrid structure over the time series. In this perspective, two separate hybrid structures were created by using Artificial Neural Network (ANN) together with Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm (PSO). By using the hybrid structures created, both the network model and the hyper parameters in the network structure, together with the time intervals of the daily closing prices and how many data should be taken retrospectively, were optimized. Employing the created GA-ANN (DCP1) and PSO-ANN (DCP2) hybrid structures and the 721-day Bitcoin series, the goal of accurately predicting the values that Bitcoin will receive has been achieved. According to the comparative results obtained in line with the stated objectives and targets, it has been determined that the structure obtained with the DCP1 hybrid model has a success rate of 99% and 97.54% in training and validation, respectively. It should also, be underlined that the DCP1 model showed 47% better results than the DCP2 hybrid model. With the proposed hybrid structure, the network parameters and network model that should be used in the ANN network structure are optimized in order to obtain more efficient results in cryptocurrency price forecasting, while optimizing which input data should be used in terms of frequency and closing price to be chosen.
Numerical Investigation of the Effects of Impactor Geometry on Impact Behavior of Sandwich Structures
Authors: Bozkurt İlyas
Published: September 2024

The aim of this study is to examine the impact performance and damage behavior of sandwich composite structures with a core material of aluminum and a facesheet of glass fiber composites using the finite element method. In the study, the effects of impactor shape, impact velocity and number of core layers on peak force, absorbed energy efficiency, maximum displacement and damage deformation were examined. For low velocity impact simulation, progressive damage analysis was performed based on the Hashin damage criterion using the MAT 54 material model in the LS DYNA finite element program. While providing the connection between the core structure and its surfaces, a Cohesive Zone Model (CZM) based on the bilinear traction-separation law was created and examined. At the end of the study, it was determined that the shape of the impactor had a significant effect on impact resistance. Energy absorption efficiency may vary as impact energy changes. However, as the impact energy increases, the energy absorption efficiency increases. It was determined that the largest and dominant damage type for all three impactors was matrix damage.
Study on Strength Properties of of Woven Fabrics Including Recycled Cotton Yarns.
Authors: Kalkancı Mihriban
Published: September 2024

In this study, plain fabrics were produced from yarns obtained from cotton fibers and recycled cotton fibers obtained from yarn waste. Within the scope of the study, yarns with cotton/recycled cotton fiber ratios of 100-0%, 90-10%, 80%-20%, 70-30%, 60-40% were used. All fabrics were subjected to finishing processes respectively under the same conditions. Breaking strength and tear strength tests were carried out to understand the effect of the recycling rate on the strength loss in fabrics. In the research, important findings were reached regarding these fabrics. It was determined that there was a decrease of nearly 45% in the tear strength of fabrics obtained by mixing 40% recycled fiber. Additionally, the loss in tensile strength was less than the loss in tear strength.
An Innovative Approach for Mission Sharing and Route Planning of Swarm Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Disaster Management
Authors: Aydın İlhan , Karakaş Çağrı , Altun Gökhan , Salur Mehmet Umut
Published: September 2024

Fast and effective response in disaster situations is critical for the success of rescue operations. In this context, swarm Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) play an important role in disaster response by rapidly scanning large areas and performing situation assessments. In this paper, we propose an innovative method for task allocation and route planning for swarm UAVs. By combining Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) techniques, this method aims to ensure the most efficient movement of UAVs. First, clusters are created using GA to determine the regions of the disaster area that need to be scanned. At this stage, factors such as the capacities of the UAVs, their flight times, and the breadth of their mission areas are taken into account. Each UAV is optimized to scan a specific area assigned to it. Once the clusters are formed, the routes of the UAVs within each cluster are determined by the Ant Colony Algorithm (ACA). The route planning is tested both on Google Maps and in a simulation environment. Google Maps is used to evaluate the accuracy and feasibility of route planning based on real-world conditions, while the simulation environment provides the opportunity to test the behavior of the UAVs and the effectiveness of the routes in a virtual setting. With real-time data integration, the UAVs' route planning can be updated instantly and quickly adapted to emergency situations.
Deep Learning Based Offline Handwritten Signature Recognition
Authors: Çiftçi Bahar , Tekin Ramazan
Published: September 2024

In our digitalized world, the need for reliable authentication methods is steadily increasing. Biometric authentication methods are divided into two main categories: physiological and behavioral. While physiological biometrics include features such as face, iris, and fingerprint, behavioral biometrics encompass dynamics such as gait, speech, and signature. Most of these methods require specialized equipment, whereas signatures can be easily obtained without additional tools, making them ideal for verifying the legality of documents. Although manual signature recognition is effective, it is resource-intensive, slow, and susceptible to errors. With advancements in technology, the need to automate the signature recognition process to enhance accuracy and efficiency has become increasingly important. Based on this need, in this study, five different DL techniques (GoogLeNet, MobileNet-V3 Large, Inception-V3, ResNet50 and EfficientNet-B0) are used to classify signature images with detailed analyses. DL methods have outperformed traditional techniques by leveraging the power of CNNs to automatically learn and extract complex features from signature data. The dataset used consists of a total of 12,600 images belonging to 420 individuals, each contributing 30 original signatures. The dataset is divided into training, validation, and test sets in different proportions to analyze classification performance. The pre-trained DL models were fine-tuned to optimize their parameters for the signature dataset. The results demonstrate that DL models achieve high accuracy in signature classification, with the GoogLeNet and Inception-V3 models reaching an accuracy of 98.77% at a 20% test rate. The study also highlights the impact of different test rates on model performance.
Etiological structure of acute respiratory viral infections in children hospitalized in infectious diseases hospitals in Saint Petersburg in 2017–2022
Authors: Sukhovetskaya Vera F. , Timchenko Vladimir N. , Kaplina Tatyana A. , Pavlova Elena B. , Chernova Tatyana M. , Bannova Svetlana L. , Subbotina Maria D. , Bulina Oksana V. , Afanasieva Olga I. , Leonicheva Olga A.
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND: The etiological structure of acute respiratory viral infections in children is diverse. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the problem of diagnosing infectious diseases of the respiratory tract in children has become particularly relevant.
AIM: The aim is to analyze the etiological structure of acute respiratory viral infections in children hospitalized in infectious hospitals in Saint Petersburg in 2017–2022.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The analysis of data on the etiology of acute respiratory viral infections obtained from 1,561 patients aged 1 month to 17 years hospitalized in children’s infectious diseases hospitals in St. Petersburg in the period 2017–2022 is presented. The children were divided into three age groups: group I — 1 month to 3 years (n = 600), group II — 3–6 years (n = 534), group III — older than 6 years (n = 427). The etiological interpretation was carried out by the PCR method. The observation period was divided into epidemic seasons: 2017/2018, 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021 and 2021/2022.
RESULTS: The viral etiology of the disease in children was diagnosed in 88.6% of cases. The predominance of influenza viruses was observed in 2017/2018 (22.6%) and 2018/2019 (23.8%), and 2019/2020, 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 — the dominance of new (SARS-CoV-2) and seasonal coronaviruses (CoV-OC43 and CoV-229E). Acute rhinopharyngitis was recorded in 33.5% of cases and acute bronchitis/bronchial obstruction syndrome in 25.2% of cases. Stenosing laryngotracheitis was more often observed in young children (5.6%), pneumonia — in all age groups (3.3–4.2%). Acute respiratory viral infections caused by coronaviruses was characterized by the involvement of both the upper (48.2%) and lower (51.8%) parts of the respiratory tract in the infectious process.
CONCLUSIONS: The study of the viral landscape in hospitalized children with respiratory infection during 2017–2022 revealed a change in the etiological structure of acute respiratory viral infections associated with the appearance of a new coronavirus in 2019 and the gradual displacement of other respiratory viruses from circulation.
Health state at the age of 12 months in preterm children who have suffered intraventricular hemorrhages I and II degree during early neonatal period. Risk factors for the formation of cerebral palsy
Authors: Kharlamova Natalia V. , Shilova Natalia A. , Ananyeva Maria A. , Matveevа Ekaterina A.
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND: The most significant pathology in very preterm newborns with very low body weight and extremely low body weight is intraventricular hemorrhage, which can subsequently lead to disability. It is necessary to identify risk factors for the formation of disabling pathology in very premature newborns for a personalized approach to their management.
AIM: The goal is to assess the health status of very premature children who have suffered intraventricular hemorrhage in the early neonatal period by the age of 1 year of life, to identify risk factors for the formation of disabling pathology.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 580 very premature infants with very low body weight and extremely low body weight who suffered intraventricular hemorrhage of grades I and II in the early neonatal period.
RESULTS: Risk factors for stage II intraventricular hemorrhage in very premature infants with very low body weight and extremely low body weight have been established: fetoplacental insufficiency, threat of miscarriage, pregnancy parity of 3 or more, premature abruption of a normally located placenta, severe asphyxia at birth. By the age of 1 year of life, only 10.2% of the examined children were neurologically healthy. Disability by the age of 1 year of life occurred in 19 children, and in first place among the causes of disability is cerebral palsy — 68.4%, in second place — bronchopulmonary dysplasia (15.8%), in third place — retinopathy of prematurity (10.5%). Risk factors for the formation of cerebral palsy by the year of life in very premature infants with very low body weight and extremely low body weight who have undergone intraventricular hemorrhage in the early neonatal period are: gestation period less than 28 weeks, birth weight less than 500 g, low Apgar score at 5 minutes of life, the need for artificial pulmonary ventilation lasting more than 4 days, the presence of stage 2 intraventricular hemorrhage in the early neonatal period.
CONCLUSIONS: Taking into account risk factors for the development of disabling pathology in very preterm newborns with very low body weight and extremely low body weight is necessary for a personalized approach to the management of such children to improve outcomes.
Current knowledge of bronchial asthma with low T2-inflammation in school-aged children (review)
Authors: Furman Evgeny G. , Alieva Yulia S. , Khuzina Ekaterina A.
Published: September 2024

Bronchial asthma in children is a heterogeneous disease; therefore, determination of the disease endotype is important for personalized therapy, overcoming refractoriness to bronchial asthma treatment, and selecting a targeted biologic drug. The endotype of the disease, which is not associated with eosinophilia and, therefore, characterized by an insufficient response to inhaled corticosteroids, may begin at school age. The prevalence of low T2-inflammatory bronchial asthma in school-aged children is poorly understood, but the evidence presented in this article supports the presence of this endotype. This endotype of bronchial asthma in children is characterized by clinical and pathogenetic features, including low degree of allergic sensitization, reduced level of total IgE, limited number of positive allergy tests, decreased concentration of nitric oxide in exhaled air and eosinophil content in blood. The role of neutrophils in the development and prognosis of bronchial asthma in children is currently insufficiently studied and defined, nevertheless, it is known that the neutrophilic type of inflammation is associated with a more severe course of the disease and inadequate control. It is important to emphasize the need for further research into the endotypes of bronchial asthma in children with the identification of novel biomarkers and molecular mechanisms underlying asthma with low T2-inflammation. This may further enable the achievement of control of bronchial asthma with different inflammatory endotypes.
A New Generic Record of Phyllanthaceae (Phyllanthus L.): Addition to the Alien Invasive Vascular Flora of Türkiye
Authors: Terzioğlu Salih
Published: September 2024

In this study, the genus Phyllanthus L. and its species P. tenellus Roxb. (Phyllanthaceae) are reported as a new record for the flora of Türkiye. The Turkish name of the species is suggested as sera nohutu (greenhouse chickpea). Technical drawings and photographs are given to facilitate the identification of the plant, which is an invasive weed in greenhouses in Türkiye. A description of the genus and species are also provided in detail. Specimens of the species were collected from research and application the greenhouse of the Faculty of Forestry in Karadeniz Technical University (KTÜ) and Of Forest Nursery Directorate greenhouses. NE Anatolia hosts many alien plant taxa, primarily due to its humid climate. Recent studies highlighted that many alien plant taxa have been recorded in the flora of Türkiye from this region.
Heat Waves in Bangladesh: Understanding the Threats and Finding Solutions
Authors: Miah Md. Shelim , Ullah Safayet , Siddique Mehedi Hasan
Published: September 2024

Bangladesh has seen a significant rise in the number and strength of heat waves in recent years. These heat waves are hazardous for health, farming, and the economy. This paper investigates why these heat waves are happening, how they affect different areas, and what can be done to lessen their harmful effects. By carefully studying weather data, climate models, and economic and social factors, this study aims to give valuable ideas on how to adapt and reduce the impact of heat waves. The results show that it’s essential to work together to deal with heat waves' many effects and help communities become stronger. With the right actions and policies, we can lower the risks of extreme heat, protect people’s health, and ensure the economy and environment stay strong.
Development of WIV-S Physics e-Learning to Improve Inquiry Abilities and Digital Literacy of Prospective Science Teacher Students
Authors:   Physics Education Study Program, Faculty of Tarbiya and Teacher Sciences, Universitas Islam Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia, Suwarna Iwan P.
Published: September 2024

Virtual inquiry has emerged as a new trend in science learning by conducting scientific investigations through digital platforms. The context of this study focuses on developing the Science Virtual Inquiry Web (WIV-S) to improve prospective science teacher students’ inquiry abilities and digital literacy. The development method in this study refers to the Hannafin-Peck model with three main phases: needs assessment, design, and development/implementation. Research instruments included interview guidelines, observations, and questionnaires, with a sample size of 58 participants. The research produced a WIV-S physics e-learning prototype, which was declared feasible according to expert judgment of content, media, and learning. Students responded positively to WIV-S, which has provided meaningful, exploration-based learning opportunities and ease of conducting virtual-based scientific investigations.
Evaluating System Usability and Acceptance of a Quiz Based Augmented Reality Interaction for Learning Solutions of Electrical Motor
Authors:   Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, FETBE, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Zhang Yong Cai
Published: September 2024

Learning of electrical motor is difficult as it’s understanding requires fundamental knowledge of multidisciplinary concepts such as mechanical, electrical and electromagnetism. At the same instance, the number of enrollment for students pursuing engineering programs in the higher education is declining. In response to this, there is a need to come out with a solution to stimulate the interest of students and improve their confidence in learning the subjected materials. This study proposed the development of an innovative Augmented Reality (AR) interaction environment for learning solutions related to basic principles of electrical motor operations. The AR system is built in Android platform for smartphone suitable to be placed into a virtual reality headset. The corresponding scenarios causing malfunction of the motor are projected as quiz scenario to the participants of the study. The participants are required to come up and select the appropriate solution to identify and troubleshoot the issues based on the appearance and movement of the virtual motor. The interactions between the participants and the developed system are made through vision capturing of the finger movement of the participants using the in-built smartphone camera. Based on the results, the proposed AR system is able to stimulate the interest of the users and applicable to enhance their learning experience and problem analysis skill through the outlined features. Overall, the developed system demonstrated much potential for enhancing the learning experience of engineering education and to attract students to involve in STEM related activities.
Exploring Reluctance in Halal Food Awareness among Millennials: A Modified TPB Approach
Authors: Razak Syaparuddin
Published: September 2024

Integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study adapts and augments the model with the concept of lacking halal awareness, establishing a robust theoretical framework. The investigation explores the impact of factors like lack of halal awareness, negative attitude, low subjective norms, and perceived low behavioral control on the formation of weak intentions. Furthermore, the study delves into the mediating role of weak intention, investigating its influence on the relationship between the proposed adoption factors and the reluctance among millennials to purchase halal food products. The analysis involves 203 responses gathered through an online survey. The results reveal nuanced insights. While the lack of halal awareness exerts no significant effect on weak intention, negative attitude, low subjective norms, and perceived low behavioral control significantly impact its formation. Interestingly, weak intention is not observed as a mediator between the lack of halal awareness and the reluctance to purchase halal food products among millennials. However, it fully mediates the link between negative attitude, low subjective norms, perceived low behavioral control, and the reluctance to purchase such products. These findings hold implications for consumers, producers of halal food products, and the Indonesian Government. By unraveling the complexities of halal food awareness reluctance, the study contributes to valuable insights for informed decision-making, strategic planning, and effective engagement within the halal market.
Islamic Banking and Financial Development: A Cross-Country Analysis
Authors: Baita Abubakar Jamilu , Umar Umar Habibu , Shawa Jamilu Sani
Published: September 2024

Islamic banking has become an integral part of the modern financial system. Therefore, this study examined the effect of Islamic banking on financial development in countries with a matured practice of Islamic finance. These countries include Iran, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Turkey, Bangladesh and Indonesia. Besides, we collected data on Islamic banks' assets and financial development indicators over nine (9) years between 2012 and 2020. The study applied heteroscedastic panel corrected standard errors (HPCSE) regression model to estimate results. The findings indicated that Islamic banks contribute significantly to improving financial development after controlling for banking characteristics (credit risk and capital adequacy ratio) and macroeconomic factors (real per capita GDP, inflation and trade openness). Due to data limitations, this study covers only nine countries over nine years (2012 -2020). The findings provided insight into the contribution of Islamic banks to financial development, which can motivate regulatory authorities and policymakers to improve the practice of Islamic banking and finance through the provisions of enabling and motivational regulations and policies. This study provided a novel contribution as this issue is underresearched. Most existing studies concentrate on the macroeconomic and institutional determinants of financial development, thus relegating the role of Islamic banking in spurring financial development.
What Drives Millennials' and Gen Z's Intentions to Participate in Cash Waqf Linked Sukuk? Perspectives from Islamic Altruism
Authors: Reyhanmulky Muhammad , Supriani Indri , Al-Ghifary Muhammad Syauqy
Published: September 2024

Waqf, in its conceptual essence, has the potential to enhance social and economic mobility, thus alleviating poverty. Nevertheless, the effective collection of waqf faces numerous challenges, particularly in adapting to the needs of Millennials and Generation Z. The objective of this research attempt is to examine how Islamic altruism moderates the impact of crucial determinants of cash waqf linked sukuk (CWLS) on fund collection. By employing the Structural Equation Model-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) method, data were collected from 283 respondents belonging to the Indonesian millennial and Gen Z demographics via a self-structured questionnaire. The results emphasize that Islamic altruism does not play a substantial role in moderating the determinants of CWLS among the economic variables associated with Islam. Regarding domain-based economic decisions, individual contributions to CWLS are not reliably moderated by Islamic altruism. Despite adhering to the waqf principle, Islamic altruism, which entails the voluntary provision of assistance to others without personal gain, does not exert any influence on economic motivations for participating in CWLS. Furthermore, this research indicates that income level, religiosity, sharia financial literacy, and a strong inclination towards CWLS significantly influence the intention of Millennials and Generation Z to participate. Indonesia, being a Muslim-majority nation, could potentially witness significant progress in the field of financial waqf, specifically in the area of CWLS. The research's practical implications offer significant insights and direction for stakeholders, aiding in the formulation of efficacious policies and initiatives that promote CWLS fundraising among Millennials and Generation Z. This is novel research, and from the perspective of Islamic altruism theory, there has been a dearth of studies examining the critical factors that determine individual contribution in CWLS.
Floral Morphological Variation in Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) Varieties and Hybrid Lines
Authors: Wahyuni Sri , Susilowati Mariana , Sirait Nursalam , Bermawie Nurliani
Published: September 2024

The inter-variety crossing is a promising approach to increase black pepper production. However, successful hybridization hinges on floral characteristics. This study investigated the floral morphology of diverse pepper varieties and their hybrid offspring. Eighteen genotypes, including parent varieties and F1 hybrids, were cultivated in pots under greenhouse conditions at the Indonesian Spice and Medicinal Crops Research Institute, Bogor. Flower and fruit traits were observed.  Results indicated variability in spike morphology. While most ripe spikes were yellowish-green, exceptions included LH 20-1 and LH 22-1. Ciinten and LH 4-5 displayed superior spike length and fruit set, contrasting with the shorter, less productive spikes of 20-1, 22-1, and 455-N2-97.  Stigma receptivity and another dehiscence coincided in Ciinten, N2BK, LH 6-2, and LH 4-5, simplifying the hybridization process. Conversely, earlier stigma receptivity in Petaling 1, Petaling 2, Natar 1, Natar 2, LH 44-9, LH 20-1, and LH 22-1 facilitated castration procedures. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing pepper breeding programs.
Physiological Characters of Vanilla Plant (Vanilla planifolia Andrew) in Various Types of Shade Trees
Authors: Suryanti Sri , Mawandha Hangger Gahara , Oktavianty Hera
Published: September 2024

Vanilla plants are CAM plants and are very sensitive to direct sunlight, so vanilla plants need shade plants to reduce the intensity of sunlight. Research on the physiological characteristics of vanilla plants on various types of shade trees was carried out to finding out the influence of types of shade trees on the physiological characteristics of vanilla plants. The research was conducted using a randomized completely block design with four groups. Planting was carried out using four types of shade plants, namely Gliricidia sepium, Syzygium aromaticums, Erythrina variegata and Leucaena leucocephala plants. To determine microclimate conditions, temperature, air humidity and sunlight intensity were observed three times a day (morning, afternoon and evening). Physiological observation parameters include content of chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B levels, total chlorophyll, proline, relative water content. The results of the research showed that temperature, air humidity and the intensity of sunlight received are different for each type of shade plant. Types of shade plants significantly influence content of chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, total chlorophyll, proline and relative water content. The conclusion was the type of shade plant affects the microclimatic conditions of the vanilla plant, thereby influencing the physiological properties of the vanilla plant.
Impact of diabetes mellitus on endodontic treatment outcomes
Authors: Alshargawi Waleed K. , Alghamdi Faris M. , Alziyad Saeed A. , Ramadan Feras L. , Alamoudi Asma I. , Alotni Soltan , Saad Raghad M. , Alsayegh Ali S. , Altwalah Abdullah A. , Alharbi Ruba F. , Alshehri Maram M.
Published: September 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects various systemic functions, including oral health. Its impact on endodontic treatment outcomes has become a significant concern for dental practitioners. The relationship between DM and endodontic outcomes is complex, involving several pathophysiological mechanisms. Hyperglycemia leads to the formation of advanced glycation end-products, causing vascular dysfunction and impaired blood supply to the pulp, which exacerbates pulpal inflammation and increases the risk of necrosis. Additionally, chronic low-grade inflammation and an impaired immune response in diabetic patients contribute to a higher susceptibility to infections, delayed healing, and compromised tissue repair after endodontic procedures. Diabetic patients often experience lower success rates and prolonged recovery following endodontic treatment due to these systemic challenges. Reduced bone healing, persistent periapical lesions, and altered microbial flora are common complications that can hinder treatment success. Effective management of endodontic treatment in diabetic patients requires a multifaceted approach that includes strict glycemic control, the use of enhanced antimicrobial strategies, and the adoption of minimally invasive techniques to reduce tissue trauma. Additionally, patient education and close monitoring of the healing process are essential for minimizing complications. Understanding the pathophysiological interactions between diabetes and pulpal inflammation, as well as the factors that influence healing and success rates, is crucial for optimizing endodontic care in diabetic patients. By addressing both systemic and local factors, dental practitioners can improve the prognosis of endodontic treatment and ensure better outcomes for patients with diabetes. Ongoing research into the mechanisms underlying these complications will further enhance the ability of clinicians to manage endodontic cases effectively in this growing patient population.
Long-term success of inlay and onlay procedures in dental repairs
Authors: Alakkad Tarik M. A. , Alshammari Naif M. , Alhertani Safaa M. R. , Rizq Ibrahim M. , Musawi Khadija A. , Alalwan Abeer A. , Alammari Khalid A. , Alhumaidan Sara A. , Asiri Yahya N. , Alkurbi Asma A. , Alshammari Reem R.
Published: September 2024

Inlays and onlays are vital restorative techniques in dentistry, offering a conservative alternative to full crowns while preserving more of the natural tooth structure. These restorations, typically made from ceramic or composite resin materials, provide both aesthetic and functional benefits and are increasingly favored for their durability and longevity. In contrast to direct restorations, inlays and onlays are fabricated outside the mouth, allowing for greater precision and a more customized fit. The clinical success of these restorations largely depends on factors such as material choice, bonding technique, and patient-related variables like oral hygiene and habits. Ceramic materials are particularly noted for their resistance to wear and their ability to closely mimic the natural appearance of teeth, making them an attractive option for both patients and clinicians. Composite resins, while slightly less durable, offer a cost-effective alternative with satisfactory long-term results. Proper bonding techniques and high-quality materials are essential for ensuring the durability of inlays and onlays, with many restorations lasting over a decade. Patient-related factors also play a significant role in the success of inlays and onlays. Effective oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and the avoidance of habits like bruxism are essential for maintaining the integrity of these restorations over time. Despite the challenges and technical demands associated with their placement, inlays and onlays are highly successful when properly executed, offering patients a durable, aesthetically pleasing solution for dental repairs. The discussion of this review focuses on the critical elements that influence the long-term success of inlays and onlays, including material selection, clinical technique, and patient management, highlighting their effectiveness as a restorative option in modern dentistry.
Key Figures 2023 Joint Report on Multilateral Development Banks Climate Finance
Authors:   European Investment Bank,   African Development Bank,   Asian Development Bank,   Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank,   Council of Europe Development Bank,   European Bank for Reconstruction and Development,   Inter American Development Bank,   Islamic Development Bank,   New Development Bank,   World Bank
Published: September 2024

This infographic contains key figures from the 2023 Joint Report on Multilateral Development Banks Climate Finance. For purposes of greater transparency and consistency, 2023 figures report climate finance in all economies where the MDBs operate, with a breakdown by income level.
An approach to dynamic visualization of heterogeneous geospatial vector images
Authors:   Geophysical Center of RAS, Vorobev A.V. ,   Ufa University of Science and Technology,   Ufa State Petroleum Technological University, Vorobeva G.R. ,   Ufa University of Science and Technology
Published: September 2024

One of the well-known problems of geoinformation software libraries in the visualization of geospatial data is the low efficiency and limited frame-by-frame change of a group of spatial layers with time reference. Among the most significant challenges of visualization is that the synchronous switching of a group of spatial layers is impossible to perform, which leads to less accurate estimates of the temporal anisotropy of the corresponding spatial data. The problem is further exacerbated by the heterogeneity of spatial information, which is expressed in sampling steps, formats used by geospatial primitives. The said problem significantly complicates the analysis of spatiotemporal information in many research and application areas. An illustrative example may be found in the problem of analyzing the spatiotemporal anisotropy of geophysical information. Here, for the visualization to be implemented, the dynamic evaluation of the retrospective data in a given time interval needs to performed. The paper proposes an approach that enables heterogeneous vector geospatial data to be integrated before subsequent processing, analysis and visualization. The effectiveness of the developed approach is confirmed by the example of a web application for visualizing a geospatial image as an array of spatial polylines of arbitrary data, as well as in the problem of analysis of spatiotemporal variations of geophysical data.
The spectrum broadening of a single-cycle terahertz pulse caused by phase self-modulation in a nonlinear medium and the spectrum of radiation generated in its field at tripled frequencies
Authors:   ITMO University, Artser I.R. , Melnik M.V. ,   ITMO University, Tsypkin A.N. ,   ITMO University, Kozlov S.A. ,   ITMO University
Published: September 2024

When the number of oscillations in an optical pulse decreases, the emission spectrum generated at triple frequencies and the spectrum of the fundamental pulse, broadened due to phase self-modulation during propagation in a medium with cubic nonlinearity, begin to overlap. This work demonstrates that the overlap magnitude of the spectrum broadening for a single-period terahertz pulse, caused by the emission of triple frequencies and phase self-modulation of the fundamental pulse, is |s| = 0.85. The complex spectra are phase-shifted by p, which mutually weakens these nonlinear effects. For a single-period pulse, the attenuation coefficient is 7.7. The frequency-dependent inhomogeneity of mutual attenuation of nonlinear effects results in the absence of radiation at the triple frequency relative to the frequency of the maximum spectrum of the single-period wave in the nonlinear medium, while the maximum spectrum of the generated high-frequency radiation shifts to quadrupled frequencies. Thus, for terahertz waves with a small number of oscillations, new possibilities for controlling their parameters during nonlinear processes in optical media open up.
Observatorios de Salud Mental: dispositivos en construcción
Authors: Campelo de Macedo Mauricio Ricardo
Published: September 2024

Este artículo trata de la emergencia y posibilidades de los observatorios de Salud Mental y presenta los resultados de una Revisión Integrativa de la producción científica sobre el tema de los observatorios, identificando conceptos, metodologías y categorías deanálisis, instrumentos de evaluación y tecnologías de información, comunicación y producción de memoria en el campo de la Salud Mental, orientados por los principios éticos de los Derechos Humanos. Es reciente el surgimiento de observatorios de esta subárea, en particular en América Latina, la mayoría de estos volcados para monitorear situaciones y procesos de sufrimiento psíquico y trastornos mentales en las poblaciones y territorios, y el desarrollo de políticas, modelos asistenciales, prácticas y cuidados para responder a los problemas de este campo.
La macrotemática principal priorizada por estos dispositivos es la de la "reforma psiquiátrica", y estos pueden constituirse como un puesto de observación estratégico para el monitoreo del campo de la salud mental en territorios, como catalizadores de procesos colectivos, como espacios de concertación entre los actores involucrados en este campo de acción para la toma de decisiones y formulación de políticas. Asimismo, surgieron de las publicaciones analizadas macrotemáticas como: políticas de salud mental, derechos humanos y ciudadanía, gestión del cuidado, rehabilitación psicosocial, participación, epidemiología y determinantes de los problemas, evaluación y monitoreo, uso problemático de sustancias psicoactivas, salud mental de niños y adolescentes.
Las publicaciones analizadas refieren la importancia de los observatorios para la construcción y validación de indicadores, sobre todo de evaluación de las condiciones de salud mental de la población, de los cuidados y servicios ofrecidos y de las violaciones de derechos humanos, como temas de gran complejidad. Además, se destacan como fundamentales el análisis del proceso de estructuración de estos dispositivos, sus posibilidades de sustentabilidad, sus proyectos teórico-conceptuales y metodológicos y acciones desarrolladas en el campo de la Salud Mental.
La financiación, la estabilidad de su inserción institucional, la credibilidad y legitimidad ante otras instituciones y la población del  territorio al que se vincula, son fundamentales para su factibilidad y viabilidad. Además de la importancia de quien opera el observa-torio, su disponibilidad, compromiso para actuar y su formación; claves para el desempeño de sus actividades con efectividad.
Thermal Properties of Epoxy-GNP Based Nano-Dielectrics
Authors: Shivakumar Hadimani , Umashankar M. , Gurumurthy G. D. , Renukappa N. M. , Parameshwara S.
Published: September 2024

This study highlights the thermal properties of nano-dielectrics materials composed of epoxy resin host and Graphene nano-platelets (GnP) have been studied. The introduction of the GnP nano-platelets (0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 5wt %) into the epoxy resin by the three roll mill technique following the Caframo mechanical mixer method is described. Asilane Coupling Agent (SCA) was used for the surface modification for better dispersion of filler in organic polymer matrix and for better compatibility between nano-platelets and host material. Thermal conductivity, glass transition temperature and thermal stability of nano-dielectrics were investigated based on the filler content. The synergistic effect was observed due to the introduction of GnP. The high-k nano-dielectric materials show better thermal conductivity and stability than that of the pure epoxy resins. The best performance of the composite is observed with 3wt% of graphene nano-platelets.
Modelling Substrate Analysis for Remanufacturing: Investigating the Plasma Beam Remelting Process (PBRP) in Surface Modification of Additively Manufactured SS316L
Authors: Chethan Kumar N. , Jhavar Suyog
Published: September 2024

Additively manufactured components often exhibit inferior surface quality and mechanical anisotropy, necessitating additional post-production processing, which in turn raises both manufacturing costs and lead times. This study investigates the impact of modifying plasma power and scanning speed in the Plasma Beam Remelting Process (PBRP) on SS316L. This technique induces a rise in contact surface temperature, which subsequently alters the mechanical characteristics and surface roughness of the additively fabricated SS316L. Grain size refinement down to the sub-micron level was observed after PBRP. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) will be employed in this study to analyse temperature distribution and fluctuations in thermal zones using commercially available software. The interrelationship of various parameters will be explored to determine the optimal conditions necessary for effective surface modification. The temperature distribution in the x-direction was measured, and zonal area identification was conducted at varied scanning speeds. The effective area for reducing thermal stresses was projected to be the length of the Heat Treatment Effect Zone (HTEZ) as an extended zone. Plasma powers ranging from 300 to 340 W, coupled with scanning speeds between 63 and 90 mm/min, yielded the best results for processing. These preliminary findings indicate that the PBRP technique holds promising potential as a post-processing tool for modifying the surfaces of additively manufactured parts.
A Review of the Effects of Injection Strategy and Combustion Chamber Geometry Modification and a Single - Cylinder Diesel Engine
Authors: Nath Sudipta , Kumar Ranjan , Khan Shahanwaz , Das Somnath
Published: September 2024

Diesel engines are extensively utilized in India's stationary power generation and agricultural pumping applications. Recent stringent government emission regulations necessitated modifications to existing engines. This study investigates a stationary, direct-injection, single-cylinder, 10 HP Diesel engine that initially did not comply with these norms. The original engine, featuring a hemispherical piston bowl and an injector with a finite sac volume, was modified to include a re-entrant combustion chamber and a sac-less injector. These modifications led to significant changes in emission levels. The study also highlights the critical influence of piston bowl shape on engine performance and emissions. Experimental and numerical analyses, including the use of multi-swirl piston bowls (MSB) and double-swirl piston bowls (DSB), revealed that these designs enhance in-cylinder swirl and turbulence, thereby improving the combustion process and reducing soot emissions by up to 81%. However, these modifications also increase NOx emissions due to elevated in-cylinder temperatures. Optimizing injection parameters could mitigate NOx emissions while maintaining engine performance. Thus, the proposed combustion chamber geometries and optimized injection strategies offer a promising approach to achieving compliance with stringent emission standards.
Continuous Wavelet Transform based Crack Detection in a Metallic Shaft
Authors: Kumar Bhupal , Kumar Ratnesh , Kumar Ramnivas
Published: September 2024

In metals, the probability of fatigue crack initiation is significant in high load and high-speed machinery. Once the crack is initiated, it will grow with time and cause critical failure to the system. The condition based monitoring or predictive maintenance of the metallic shaft is essential before the crack reaches its critical size. The presence of excessive measurement noise increases the complexity to detect the crack; hence, there is a need of crack detection algorithm to detect the crack in the presence of excessive measurement noise. In the present work a Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) based algorithm is used to locate the crack in metallic shaft. Finite element analysis is used to generate the Operating Deflection Shape (ODS) of the shaft. The presence of crack in the shaft creates additional slope discontinuity in the shaft’s ODS. This slope discontinuity is more dominant near the first natural frequency. However, exciting the shaft near the first natural frequency is hazardous. In order to make the algorithm more robust the excitation nearby the natural frequency is avoided. The CWT-based algorithm is developed to locate the crack by using the ODS at very low excitation frequency.
TEM Analysis and Insights into the Physicomechanical Characteristics of CeLa-Substituted Bio-Glass Ceramics
Authors: Ershad Md , Hrishikesh  , Mondal Priyam , Kumar Ranjan
Published: September 2024

Among rare earth metals, bio-glass ceramics have gained significant attention for their potential applications in bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to their biocompatibility and bioactivity. This research paper investigates the physico-mechanical properties of CeLa-substituted bio-glass ceramics using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis. The study aims to elucidate the microstructural features, crystalline phases, and mechanical behavior of CeLasubstituted bio-glass ceramics, providing valuable insights into their suitability for biomedical applications. The TEM analysis reveals intricate details of the material’s nanostructure, highlighting the influence of CeLa substitution on phase composition, grain morphology, and mechanical performance. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the structure-property relationships in CeLa-substituted bio-glass ceramics, guiding the development of advanced biomaterials for bone regeneration and tissue repair.
Physio-Mechanical Properties and Microstructural Characteristics of Friction Stir Welded Aluminium and Copper Plates Using Conical Unthreaded Tool
Authors: Harisha P. , Nanjunadaswamy H. M. , Divakar H. N. , Raju B. S.
Published: September 2024

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a type of welding used to join materials for high strength applications. FSW is a well-liked solid-state welding technique for joining aluminum alloys and other non-ferrous materials in the aerospace, automotive, and marine industries. Pure copper and aluminum from the 6082 series were welded together using a specially designed milling machine. Tests for hardness, flexural rigidity, and impact are performed to assess the welding strength. Material flow and weld defects have been investigated by analyzing the microstructure of the weld junction. The modified vertical milling machine has been used to execute FSW of pure copper and aluminum plates. The aim is to explore the produced welded joints and to comprehend the difficulties encountered while utilizing milling machines as a FSW equipment. Similarly, to optimize the welding parameters in order to accomplish sound welding. FSW can be carried out on a milling machine because the flexural strength of a conical unthread thread tool is 108.58N/mm2 and 92.16N/mm2, respectively, at rotational speeds of 500 rpm and 1000 rpm with welding feed rates of 16 mm/min and 50 mm/min.