bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetically Compatible Brain Electrode Arrays Based on Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Long-Term Implantation
Authors: Xia Jie , Zhang Fan , Zhang Luxi , Cao Zhen , Dong Shurong , Zhang Shaomin , Luo Jikui , Zhou Guodong
Published: January 2024

Advancements in brain–machine interfaces and neurological treatments urgently require the development of improved brain electrodes applied for long-term implantation, where traditional and polymer options face challenges like size, tissue damage, and signal quality. Carbon nanotubes are emerging as a promising alternative, combining excellent electronic properties and biocompatibility, which ensure better neuron coupling and stable signal acquisition. In this study, a new flexible brain electrode array based on 99.99% purity of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) was developed, which has 30 um × 40 um size, about 5.1 kΩ impedance, and 14.01 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The long-term implantation experiment in vivo in mice shows the proposed brain electrode can maintain stable LFP signal acquisition over 12 weeks while still achieving an SNR of 3.52 dB. The histological analysis results show that SWCNT-based brain electrodes induced minimal tissue damage and showed significantly reduced glial cell responses compared to platinum wire electrodes. Long-term stability comes from SWCNT’s biocompatibility and chemical inertness, the electrode’s flexible and fine structure. Furthermore, the new brain electrode array can function effectively during 7-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging, enabling the collection of local field potential and even epileptic discharges during the magnetic scan. This study provides a comprehensive study of carbon nanotubes as invasive brain electrodes, providing a new path to address the challenge of long-term brain electrode implantation.
Evaluation of Sputtering Processes in Strontium Iridate Thin Films
Authors: Fuentes Víctor , Balcells Lluis , Konstantinović Zorica , Martínez Benjamín , Pomar Alberto
Published: January 2024

The growth of epitaxial thin films from the Ruddlesden–Popper series of strontium iridates by magnetron sputtering is analyzed. It was found that, even using a non-stoichiometric target, the films formed under various conditions were consistently of the perovskite-like n = ∞ SrIrO3 phase, with no evidence of other RP series phases. A detailed inspection of the temperature–oxygen phase diagram underscored that kinetics mechanisms prevail over thermodynamics considerations. The analysis of the angular distribution of sputtered iridium and strontium species indicated clearly different spatial distribution patterns. Additionally, significant backsputtering was detected at elevated temperatures. Thus, it is assumed that the interplay between these two kinetic phenomena is at the origin of the preferential nucleation of the SrIrO3 phase. In addition, strategies for controlling cation stoichiometry off-axis have also been explored. Finally, the long-term stability of the films has been demonstrated.
Population Pharmacodynamic Models of Risperidone on PANSS Total Scores and Prolactin Levels in Schizophrenia
Authors: Huang Zhiwei , Zhang Lei , Li Yan , Yu Yimin , Shen Yifeng , Sun Xiujia , Lou Kun , Luo Hongmei , Meng Zhibin , Li Huafang , Wei Yumei
Published: January 2024

Currently, research predominantly focuses on evaluating clinical effects at specific time points while neglecting underlying patterns within the treatment process. This study aims to analyze the dynamic alterations in PANSS total scores and prolactin levels in patients with schizophrenia treated with risperidone, along with the influencing covariates. Using data from an 8-week randomized, double-blind, multicenter clinical trial, a population pharmacodynamic model was established for the PANSS total scores of and prolactin levels in patients treated with risperidone. The base model employed was the Emax model. Covariate selection was conducted using a stepwise forward inclusion and backward elimination approach. A total of 144 patients were included in this analysis, with 807 PANSS total scores and 531 prolactin concentration values. The PANSS total scores of the patients treated with risperidone decreased over time, fitting a proportionally parameterized sigmoid Emax model with covariates including baseline score, course of the disease, gender, plasma calcium ions, and lactate dehydrogenase levels. The increase in prolactin levels conformed to the ordinary Emax model, with covariates encompassing course of the disease, gender, weight, red blood cell count, and triglyceride levels. The impacts of the baseline scores and the course of the disease on the reduction of the PANSS scores, as well as the influence of gender on the elevation of prolactin levels, each exceeded 20%. This study provides valuable quantitative data regarding PANSS total scores and prolactin levels among patients undergoing risperidone treatment across various physiological conditions.
Futuristic Silicon Photonic Biosensor with Nanomaterial Enhancement for PSA Detection
Authors: Okhai Timothy A. , Idris Azeez O. , Feleni Usisipho , Snyman Lukas W.
Published: January 2024

This article describes a novel electrochemical on-chip biosensor that utilises the anti-PSA antibody (Ab) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to enhance the sensing and detection capability of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. The AgNPs are prepared, characterised, and applied to a silicon photonic on-chip biosensing receptor platform designed to enhance the accurate detection of PSA. The AgNPs were synthesised by a chemical reduction method using silver nitrate (AgNO3) as the precursor. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and light microscopy were among the methods used in the characterisation and analysis of the AgNPs. Each stage of the immunosensor fabrication was characterised using cyclic voltammetry. The proposed immunosensor was applied in the detection of PSA, a prostate cancer biomarker, with a high sensitivity and a limit of detection of 0.17 ng/mL over a linear concentration range of 2.5 to 11.0 ng/mL. The immunosensor displayed good stability and was selective in the presence of interfering species like immunoglobulin (Ig) in human serum, ascorbic acid (AA), and diclofenac (Dic). The detectivity and sensitivity are significantly higher than previous reports on similar or related technologies.
Discussion and Proposal of Alternatives for the Ecological Environment from a Daoist Perspective
Authors: Kim Dugsam , Kim Taesoo , Lee Kyung Ja
Published: January 2024

Ecological thought and practice have a longstanding presence in the Daoist tradition, yet these principles are not adequately upheld in contemporary times. This can be attributed to two primary factors: firstly, adverse environmental conditions due to economic reasons have hindered the maintenance of a viable interconnection between humans and nature. Secondly, intense competition has impeded the preservation of human-to-human interconnections. In this regard, it is inappropriate to place the blame for ecological threats solely on the Daoist cultural sphere. Prior research has predominantly focused on Daoist ecological thought, often neglecting the real problems concerning ecological responsibilities and potential solutions. To address this, two theoretical bases were proposed. First, attention was given to the Daoist concept of “connection”, which emphasizes the relationship between humans and nature, and among humans themselves. As “connection” is a universal human concept, it carries significant weight even when discussed from a Daoist perspective. Second, through a critical reflection on “the myth of meritocracy” prevalent in Western discourse and the application of a “social model of disability”, understanding and assistance from developed countries were solicited. These theoretical underpinnings form the basis for advocating improvements within the fragile ecology of the Daoist sphere. Before criticizing the Daoist cultural sphere—often perceived as a global factory—it is crucial to confront the realities faced by both developed and developing countries and the disparities between corporate headquarters and impoverished factories. This study suggests that a portion of excessive profits should be invested in ecological improvement initiatives. This would enable entities within the Daoist cultural sphere to uphold its ecological thoughts and practices independently—an ethos deeply rooted in their long-standing practice of being one with nature. This philosophy is increasingly vital given our interconnected existence on Earth.
Stochastic Modeling of Wind Derivatives with Application to the Alberta Energy Market
Authors: Warunasinghe Sudeesha , Swishchuk Anatoliy
Published: January 2024

Wind-power generators around the world face two risks, one due to changes in wind intensity impacting energy production, and the second due to changes in electricity retail prices. To hedge these risks simultaneously, the quanto option is an ideal financial tool. The natural logarithm of electricity prices of the study will be modeled with a variance gamma (VG) and normal inverse Gaussian (NIG) processes, while wind speed and power series will be modeled with an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck (OU) process. Since the risk from changing wind-power production and spot prices is highly correlated, we must model this correlation as well. This is reproduced by replacing the small jumps of the Lévy process with a Brownian component and correlating it with wind power and speed OU processes. Then, we will study the income of the wind-energy company from a stochastic point of view, and finally, we will price the quanto option of European put style for the wind-energy producer. We will compare quanto option prices obtained from the VG process and NIG process. The novelty brought into this study is the use of a new dataset in a new geographic location and a new Lévy process, VG, apart from NIG.
Selection of an Algorithm for Assessing the Verticality of Complex Slender Objects Using Semi-Automatic Point Cloud Analysis
Authors: Matwij Wojciech , Lipecki Tomasz , Jaśkowski Wojciech Franciszek
Published: January 2024

Remote technologies, including laser scanning, are frequently employed to acquire data describing the geometric condition of engineering objects. The automation of point cloud processing becomes essential for promptly and reliably monitoring changes in their current shape. The article introduces a methodology for generating point clouds, focusing on detecting the shape of the object’s cross profiles and subsequently determining its inclination through simulations and real data recorded using terrestrial laser scanning technology. The simulations enabled the identification of variations in the characteristics of changes in the course of the axis of a slender structure, depending on the adopted calculation method. Point clouds derived from measurements of complex engineering objects facilitated the validation of the assumptions of the proposed methodology. The suggested solution enables the semi-automatic extraction of data from point clouds and the assessment of the geometric state of engineering object axes based on multi-temporal point clouds.
Hyperspectral Image Super-Resolution Based on Feature Diversity Extraction
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zheng Renjie , Wan Zekang , Geng Ruijing , Wang Yi , Yang Yu , Zhang Xuepeng , Li Yunsong
Published: January 2024

Deep learning is an important research topic in the field of image super-resolution. Problematically, the performance of existing hyperspectral image super-resolution networks is limited by feature learning for hyperspectral images. Nevertheless, the current algorithms exhibit some limitations in extracting diverse features. In this paper, we address limitations to existing hyperspectral image super-resolution networks, focusing on feature learning challenges. We introduce the Channel-Attention-Based Spatial–Spectral Feature Extraction network (CSSFENet) to enhance hyperspectral image feature diversity and optimize network loss functions. Our contributions include: (a) a convolutional neural network super-resolution algorithm incorporating diverse feature extraction to enhance the network’s diversity feature learning by elevating the matrix rank, (b) a three-dimensional (3D) feature extraction convolution module, the Channel-Attention-Based Spatial–Spectral Feature Extraction Module (CSSFEM), to boost the network’s performance in both the spatial and spectral domains, (c) a feature diversity loss function designed based on the image matrix’s singular value to maximize element independence, and (d) a spatial–spectral gradient loss function introduced based on space and spectrum gradient values to enhance the reconstructed image’s spatial–spectral smoothness. In contrast to existing hyperspectral super-resolution algorithms, we used four evaluation indexes, PSNR, mPSNR, SSIM, and SAM, and our method showed superiority during testing with three common hyperspectral datasets.
Decline in Planting Areas of Double-Season Rice by Half in Southern China over the Last Two Decades
Authors: Zhu Wenchao , Peng Xinqin , Ding Mingjun , Li Lanhui , Liu Yaqun , Liu Wei , Yang Mengdie , Chen Xinxin , Cai Jiale , Huang Hanbing , Dong Yinghan , Lu Jiaye
Published: January 2024

Accurately tracking the changes in rice cropping intensity is a critical requirement for policymakers to formulate reasonable land-use policies. Southern China is a traditional region for rice multi-cropping, yet less is known about its spatial–temporal changes under the background of rapid urbanization in recent decades. Based on images from Landsat and MODIS and multiple land cover products, the gap-filling and Savitzky–Golay filter method (GF-SG), the enhanced pixel-based phenological features composite approach (Eppf-CM), random forest (RF), and the difference in NDVI approach (DNDVI) were combined to map the rice cropping pattern with a spatial resolution of 30 × 30 m over Southern China in 2000 and 2020 through Google Earth Engine (GEE). Subsequently, the spatial–temporal changes in rice cropping intensity and their driving factors were examined by Getis-Ord Gi* and geographical detector. The results showed that the produced rice cropping pattern maps exhibited high accuracy, with kappa coefficients and overall accuracies exceeding 0.81 and 90%, respectively. Over the past two decades, the planting areas of double-season rice in Southern China decreased by 54.49%, and a reduction was observed across eight provinces, while only half of the provinces exhibited an increase in the planting areas of single-season rice. Compared to the year 2000, the planting area of the conversion from double- to single-season rice cropping systems in 2020 was 2.71 times larger than that of the conversion from single- to double-season rice cropping systems. The hotspots of the change in rice cropping intensity were mainly located in the central part of Southern China (excluding the Poyang Lake Plain). The decline in the rural labor force, coupled with ≥10 °C accumulated temperature and topographical factors, plays a crucial role in the decreased intensity of rice cropping. Our findings can be beneficial for realizing regional agricultural sustainability and food security.
Ship-Fire Net: An Improved YOLOv8 Algorithm for Ship Fire Detection
Authors: Zhang Ziyang , Tan Lingye , Tiong Robert Lee Kong
Published: January 2024

Ship fire may result in significant damage to its structure and large economic loss. Hence, the prompt identification of fires is essential in order to provide prompt reactions and effective mitigation strategies. However, conventional detection systems exhibit limited efficacy and accuracy in detecting targets, which has been mostly attributed to limitations imposed by distance constraints and the motion of ships. Although the development of deep learning algorithms provides a potential solution, the computational complexity of ship fire detection algorithm pose significant challenges. To solve this, this paper proposes a lightweight ship fire detection algorithm based on YOLOv8n. Initially, a dataset, including more than 4000 unduplicated images and their labels, is established before training. In order to ensure the performance of algorithms, both fire inside ship rooms and also fire on board are considered. Then after tests, YOLOv8n is selected as the model with the best performance and fastest speed from among several advanced object detection algorithms. GhostnetV2-C2F is then inserted in the backbone of the algorithm for long-range attention with inexpensive operation. In addition, spatial and channel reconstruction convolution (SCConv) is used to reduce redundant features with significantly lower complexity and computational costs for real-time ship fire detection. For the neck part, omni-dimensional dynamic convolution is used for the multi-dimensional attention mechanism, which also lowers the parameters. After these improvements, a lighter and more accurate YOLOv8n algorithm, called Ship-Fire Net, was proposed. The proposed method exceeds 0.93, both in precision and recall for fire and smoke detection in ships. In addition, the mAP@0.5 reaches about 0.9. Despite the improvement in accuracy, Ship-Fire Net also has fewer parameters and lower FLOPs compared to the original, which accelerates its detection speed. The FPS of Ship-Fire Net also reaches 286, which is helpful for real-time ship fire monitoring.
The Physical Behavior of Protected Coal Seams Based on Triaxial Unloading Conditions
Authors: Chen Zhiheng , Xue Junhua , Guo Lanlan , Cheng Renhui , Yang Quanlin , Xiao Jian
Published: January 2024

Protective seam mining is the most economical and effective measure for eliminating coal and gas herniation. To study the unloading effect of the mining of a protective seam on the protected layer, and to better grasp the effect of the protective layer on the abatement, conventional triaxial tests were conducted on coal samples with the unloading of the axial pressure and the peripheral pressure. The results showed that, under the unloading path, the bias stress–axial strain curve showed a sudden upward trend upon unloading, and the slope of the curve increased suddenly, which was more obvious after the peripheral pressure exceeded 10 MPa; stress unloading before the peak accelerated the yielding of the specimen. Under the unloading test path, the deformation modulus of the coal samples decreased with the decrease in the perimeter pressure, while the damage factor and Poisson’s ratio increased with the decrease in the perimeter pressure. Compared to the conventional triaxial test, under the unloading condition, the cohesion of the coal samples at peak stress decreased by 93.41% and the angle of internal friction increased by 37.41%, while the cohesion at the moment of residual strength decreased by 89.60% and the angle of internal friction increased by 37.44°. The brittleness index of the coal samples under unloading conditions with a peripheral pressure of 5 MPa, 10 MPa, 15 MPa, and 20 MPa increased by 178.83%, 159.18%, 87.93%, and 63.89%, respectively, compared to the conventional triaxial test. It can be seen that the greater the enclosing pressure, the smaller the difference in the brittleness index of the coal body.
Experimental Study of Thermal Conductivity in Soil Stabilization for Sustainable Construction Applications
Authors: Muhudin Abdullahi Abdulrahman , Zami Mohammad Sharif , Budaiwi Ismail Mohammad , Abd El Fattah Ahmed
Published: January 2024

Soils in Saudi Arabia are emerging as potential sustainable building materials, a notion central to this study. The research is crucial for advancing construction practices in arid areas by enhancing soil thermal properties through stabilization. Focusing on Hejaz region soils, the study evaluates the impact of stabilizers such as cement, lime, and cement kiln dust (CKD) on their thermal behavior. This investigation, using two specific soil types designated as Soil A and Soil B, varied the concentration of additives from 0% to 15% over a 12-week duration. Employing a TLS-100 for thermal measurements, it was found that Soil A, with a 12.5% cement concentration, showed a significant 164.54% increase in thermal conductivity. When treated with 2.5% lime, Soil A reached a thermal conductivity of 0.555 W/(m·K), whereas Soil B exhibited a 53.00% decrease under similar lime concentration, reflecting diverse soil responses. Notably, a 15% CKD application in Soil A led to an astounding 213.55% rise in thermal conductivity, with Soil B recording an 82.7% increase. The findings emphasize the substantial influence of soil stabilization in improving the thermal characteristics of Hejaz soils, especially with cement and CKD, and, to a varying extent. This study is pivotal in identifying precise, soil-specific stabilization methods in Saudi Arabia’s Hejaz region, essential for developing sustainable engineering applications and optimizing construction materials for better thermal efficiency.
Decarbonization Paths for the Dutch Aviation Sector
Authors: Davydenko Igor , Hilbers Hans
Published: January 2024

To reduce aviation’s climatic impact, there are international, regional and national policies in place and under development. The most firm policy measure to reduce net CO2 emissions from aviation is ReFuelEU Aviation, requiring 70% of fuel tanked in the EU to be net CO2-free in 2050. Considering the technological options available, expected improvements in airline operational efficiency and aircraft efficiency, as well as considering behavioral factors that influence aviation travel demand, a path for the complete decarbonization of the Dutch aviation market is provided. The path implies increasing the share of CO2-free energy carriers to 100% in 2050 for all departing and arriving flights. Methodologically, first, the aggregate ticket price increase as a result of this policy is estimated. Second, demand price elasticity factors are applied to the price increase to estimate the impact of complete decarbonization on the number of passengers carried by the Dutch aviation sector in 2050. The findings outline that a shift to exclusively CO2-free energy carriers will result in a 15% reduction in the number of passengers in 2050 compared to the market development under ReFuelEU Aviation obligations. The Dutch aviation sector will still grow from 81 million passengers in 2019 to between 98 and 138 million in 2050, but the growth rate will be significantly lower than before 2019. The expected sustainable energy requirements will be 171 PJ per year in 2050, with a likely range between 146 and 206 PJ, representing no substantial change from the 2019 level of 166 PJ.
A Study on the Impact of External Shocks on the Resilience of China’s Grain Supply Chain
Authors: Zheng Tao , Zhao Guiqian , Chu Siwei
Published: January 2024

Grain supply is the lifeblood of a country, and the stability of the supply chain is a crucial prerequisite for ensuring national grain security. This paper draws on the definition of resilience in physics and economics. It takes supply chain fracture resilience, impact resilience, and synergy resilience as the secondary indicators. It constructs a comprehensive evaluation indicator system of the grain supply chain resilience, measures the resilience indicator of China’s grain supply chain from 1996 to 2021, and analyzes the role of supply, cost, exchange rate, and other external shocks in influencing the resilience of China’s grain supply chain on this basis. The study found that the overall level of China’s total grain supply chain resilience has been growing year by year and can be divided into three stages: low-level stabilization stage, continuous growth stage, and high-level stabilization stage. Grain supply chain fracture resilience has been growing steadily, grain supply chain impact resilience fluctuation is more obvious, and grain supply chain synergy resilience has been changing more gently. In the inquiry of the impact of external shocks on the resilience of China’s grain supply chain, it was found that world grain exports and the RMB exchange rate have a significant positive impact on China’s grain supply chain resilience level, while the international oil price has a significant negative impact. Based on this, the paper puts forward suggestions for ensuring stable production and supply in the grain market, improving the structure of foreign trade in grain, and actively coping with international commodity price shocks.
Community Risk and Resilience to Wildfires: Rethinking the Complex Human–Climate–Fire Relationship in High-Latitude Regions
Authors: Villaverde Canosa Ivan , Ford James , Paavola Jouni , Burnasheva Daria
Published: January 2024

Community risk and resilience to high-latitude wildfires has received limited conceptual attention, with a comprehensive, integrated framework that unpacks the complex human–fire–climate relationship in high-latitude environments largely missing. In this paper, we use insights from both the climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction literature to build a conceptual framework to understand the factors and dynamics of risk and resilience to wildfires at the community level in high-latitude regions. Using an illustrative case study, the framework demonstrates how unique social and ecological features of high-latitude communities elevate their risk of wildfires and emphasizes the need to think holistically about the different spatial–temporal interactions and interdependencies between fire, humans, and climate in these regions. We find that remoteness, indigeneity, subsistence-based activities, and colonial practices, along with accelerated climate warming, are notable features influencing community risk and resilience to wildfires in high-latitude regions. This framework can help unravel the complex nature of wildfires, guide stakeholders through each phase of the disaster process, and facilitate the development and design of wildfire-related policies and strategies in high-latitude regions.
Identifying the Heat Source in Radially Symmetry and Axis-Symmetry Problems
Authors: Shen Yu , Xiong Xiangtuan
Published: January 2024

This paper solves the inverse source problem of heat conduction in which the source term only varies with time. The application of the discrete regularization method, a kind of effective radial symmetry and axisymmetric heat conduction problem source identification that does not involve the grid integral numerical method, is put forward. Taking the fundamental solution as the fundamental function, the classical Tikhonov regularization method combined with the L-curve criterion is used to select the appropriate regularization parameters, so the problem is transformed into a class of ill-conditioned linear algebraic equations to solve with an optimal solution. Several numerical examples of inverse source problems are given. Simultaneously, a few numerical examples of inverse source problems are given, and the effectiveness and superiority of the method is shown by the results.
Machine Learning Approaches to Predict Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Moltó-Balado Pedro , Reverté-Villarroya Silvia , Alonso-Barberán Victor , Monclús-Arasa Cinta , Balado-Albiol Maria Teresa , Clua-Queralt Josep , Clua-Espuny Josep-Lluis
Published: January 2024

The increasing prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and its association with Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE) presents challenges in early identification and treatment. Although existing risk factors, biomarkers, genetic variants, and imaging parameters predict MACE, emerging factors may be more decisive. Artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques (ML) offer a promising avenue for more effective AF evolution prediction. Five ML models were developed to obtain predictors of MACE in AF patients. Two-thirds of the data were used for training, employing diverse approaches and optimizing to minimize prediction errors, while the remaining third was reserved for testing and validation. AdaBoost emerged as the top-performing model (accuracy: 0.9999; recall: 1; F1 score: 0.9997). Noteworthy features influencing predictions included the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), diabetes mellitus, cancer, the Wells scale, and CHA2DS2-VASc, with specific associations identified. Elevated MACE risk was observed, with a CCI score exceeding 2.67 ± 1.31 (p < 0.001), CHA2DS2-VASc score of 4.62 ± 1.02 (p < 0.001), and an intermediate-risk Wells scale classification. Overall, the AdaBoost ML offers an alternative predictive approach to facilitate the early identification of MACE risk in the assessment of patients with AF.
Comparison of Shallow (−20 °C) and Deep Cryogenic Treatment (−196 °C) to Enhance the Properties of a Mg/2wt.%CeO2 Nanocomposite
Authors: Gupta Shwetabh , Parande Gururaj , Gupta Manoj
Published: January 2024

Magnesium and its composites have been used in various applications owing to their high specific strength properties and low density. However, the application is limited to room-temperature conditions owing to the lack of research available on the ability of magnesium alloys to perform in sub-zero conditions. The present study attempted, for the first time, the effects of two cryogenic temperatures (−20 °C/253 K and −196 °C/77 K) on the physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of a Mg/2wt.%CeO2 nanocomposite. The materials were synthesized using the disintegrated melt deposition method followed by hot extrusion. The results revealed that the shallow cryogenically treated (refrigerated at −20 °C) samples display a reduction in porosity, lower ignition resistance, similar microhardness, compressive yield, and ultimate strength and failure strain when compared to deep cryogenically treated samples in liquid nitrogen at −196 °C. Although deep cryogenically treated samples showed an overall edge, the extent of the increase in properties may not be justified, as samples exposed at −20 °C display very similar mechanical properties, thus reducing the overall cost of the cryogenic process. The results were compared with the data available in the open literature, and the mechanisms behind the improvement of the properties were evaluated.
Testing the Aquatic Toxicity of 2D Few-Layer Graphene Inks Using Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): In Vivo and In Vitro Approaches to Support an SSbD Assessment
Authors: Molés Gregorio , Connolly Mona , Valdehita Ana , Pulido-Reyes Gerardo , Fernandez-Cruz Maria L. , Flahaut Emmanuel , Navas José M.
Published: January 2024

Graphene-based conductive inks offer attractive possibilities in many printing technology applications. Often, these inks contain a mixture of compounds, such as solvents and stabilizers. For the safe(r) and sustainable use of such materials in products, potentially hazardous components must be identified and considered in the design stage. In this study, the hazards of few-layer graphene (FLG)-based ink formulations were tested in fish using in vitro (RTL-W1 cell line) and in vivo aquatic ecotoxicity tests (OECD TG 203). Five ink formulations were produced using different processing steps, containing varying amounts of solvents and stabilizers, with the end products formulated either in aqueous solutions or in powder form. The FLG ink formulations with the highest contents of the stabilizer sodium deoxycholate showed greater in vitro cytotoxic effects, but they did not provoke mortality in juvenile rainbow trout. However, exposure led to increased activities of the cytochrome P450 1a (Cyp1a) and Cyp3a enzymes in the liver, which play an essential role in the detoxification of xenobiotics, suggesting that any effects will be enhanced by the presence of the stabilizers. These results highlight the importance of an SSbD approach together with the use of appropriate testing tools and strategies. By incorporating additional processing steps to remove identified cytotoxic residual solvents and stabilizers, the hazard profile of the FLG inks improved, demonstrating that, by following the principles of the European Commission’s safe(r) and sustainable by design (SSbD) framework, one can contribute to the safe(r) and sustainable use of functional and advanced 2D materials in products.
Proteomic Investigation of Cape Cobra (Naja nivea) Venom Reveals First Evidence of Quaternary Protein Structures
Authors: McFarlane Lewis O. , Pukala Tara L.
Published: January 2024

Naja nivea (N. nivea) is classed as a category one snake by the World Health Organization since its envenomation causes high levels of mortality and disability annually. Despite this, there has been little research into the venom composition of N. nivea, with only one full venom proteome published to date. Our current study separated N. nivea venom using size exclusion chromatography before utilizing a traditional bottom-up proteomics approach to unravel the composition of the venom proteome. As expected by its clinical presentation, N. nivea venom was found to consist mainly of neurotoxins, with three-finger toxins (3FTx), making up 76.01% of the total venom proteome. Additionally, cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISPs), vespryns (VESPs), cobra venom factors (CVFs), 5′-nucleotidases (5′NUCs), nerve growth factors (NGFs), phospholipase A2s (PLA2), acetylcholinesterases (AChEs), Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor (KUN), phosphodiesterases (PDEs), L-amino acid oxidases (LAAOs), hydrolases (HYDs), snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), and snake venom serine protease (SVSP) toxins were also identified in decreasing order of abundance. Interestingly, contrary to previous reports, we find PLA2 toxins in N. nivea venom. This highlights the importance of repeatedly profiling the venom of the same species to account for intra-species variation. Additionally, we report the first evidence of covalent protein complexes in N. nivea venom, which likely contribute to the potency of this venom.
Seismic Safety Analysis of Interlaminar Rock Mass in the Distributed Underground Reservoir of a Coal Mine
Authors: Zhang Yong , Cao Zhiguo , Wang Lujun , Zha Ersheng , Li Shoubiao , Chu Zhaofei
Published: January 2024

This study focuses on the seismic safety of distributed underground reservoirs in coal mines, especially in scenarios involving the establishment of multiple reservoirs within the same mining area, spanning different coal seams. Dynamic similarity model tests and numerical simulations are employed to investigate the construction and operation of these reservoirs under extreme conditions, such as mine tremors or earthquakes. Utilizing the Daliuta coal mine underground reservoir as a case study, a similarity material model test platform is established to represent both upper and lower coal mine underground reservoirs. Stability tests are conducted on the interlayer rock mass under various levels of seismic intensity, and the safety of the interlayer rock mass at different safety distances is comparatively analyzed. Meanwhile, using the finite element method, the responses of the upper and lower coal mine underground reservoirs under different seismic intensity levels are simulated with the same conditions of model tests. Through the two types of simulations, the mechanical response and safety of the surrounding rock of the Daliuta coal mine underground reservoir under the influence of different seismic intensities are systematically analyzed, and the reasonable safety distances between the upper and lower reservoirs are obtained. This study provides a valuable scientific insight into the safe design of underground reservoir embankments in coal mines.
Comparative Analysis of Flood Prevention and Control at LID Facilities with Runoff and Flooding as Control Objectives Based on InfoWorks ICM
Authors: Cheng Xinyue , Wang Hao , Chen Bin , Li Zhi , Zhou Jinjun
Published: January 2024

Climate change and urbanization have led to an increase in the amount of water flowing into traditional drainage systems, which results in frequent urban flooding. Low–Impact Development (LID) facilities, with their distributed feature, are one of the important means to mitigate flooding and have been widely used. In this paper, based on integrated catchment management (ICM), we compare the abatement of runoff, flooding, and ponding under two durations of rainfall and eight different return periods with runoff as the control objective (RACO) and flooding as the control objective (FACO) for the deployment of LID facilities. The waterlogged area of FACO is higher by a range of 92.462 m2 to 24,124.39 m2 compared to RACO. Both percentage reduction of overflow volume and runoff volume tend to decrease gradually with the increase in the return period. For the percentage reduction of runoff volume per unit area, sometimes RACO is greater than FACO, and sometimes vice versa, while for the percentage reduction of overflow volume per unit area, the range where FACO exceeds RACO is between 0.29 to 10.95 (%/ha). The cost of FACO has decreased by 4.94% to 46.20% compared to RACO. This shows that FACO’s LID deployment method can fully utilize the capacity of LID facilities to mitigate inundation, reducing the cost of LID facilities to a certain extent.
Evaluating the Ecological Impact of Wastewater Discharges on Microbial and Contaminant Dynamics in Rivers
Authors: Jing Wenjie , Sajnani Shahdev , Zhou Mengting , Zhu Hongfei , Xu Ya
Published: January 2024

This study focused on assessing the impact of pollutants discharged from the Fuxin Meng Wastewater Treatment Plant (FMWWTP) on the microbial communities in the Xi River; specific comparison between upstream and downstream regions was made. Water samples were obtained by mixing morning, midday, and evening sampling at two points: one upstream and one downstream, each 500 m from the FMWWTP outfall. Utilizing metagenomic sequencing in conjunction with measured conventional physical and chemical properties, the research aimed to elucidate differences in microbial community structure, metabolic functions, potential biological contamination, and antibiotic resistance gene prevalence. The findings indicated a notable decrease in microbial diversity downstream compared to upstream; this was influenced primarily by the effluent from FMWWTP. This disparity in microbial diversity was evident at various taxonomic levels, with downstream samples showing higher diversity at the phylum level than at the genus level. Furthermore, downstream microbial populations demonstrated a broader range of metabolic and functional genetic diversity. Interestingly, the abundance of metabolic systems was generally greater downstream, with the notable exception of energy metabolism. This could be attributed to the stress imposed on downstream microorganisms by organic chemicals discharged from the treatment plant, and this prompts an enhanced metabolic decomposition function. The study also uncovered significant levels of potential biological contamination and antibiotic resistance gene pollution. This was more pronounced downstream of FMWWTP. In conclusion, discharge from FMWWTP has a substantial impact on the microbial communities of the Xi River, and this underscores the urgent need to optimize wastewater treatment processes to better comply with environmental quality standards.
Metodología para la asesoría psicopedagógica
Authors: Guerra Borrego Yunier
Published: January 2024

El profesional de Pedagogía-Psicología tiene entre sus funciones profesionales la asesoría psicopedagógica, la cual exige eficiencia para estar a la altura de las exigencias socioeducativas. Así, esta competencia profesional precisa de vías efectivas que orienten la actuación consciente de los participantes en la búsqueda de soluciones a problemáticas que se presenten. Este artículo emana de una investigación científica, donde se emplea como método general el dialéctico materialista y la consulta a especialistas, seleccionados de acuerdo con su coeficiente de competencia, para determinar la factibilidad de la propuesta práctica. Se ofrece una metodología para la competencia asesoría psicopedagógica que favorece el desempeño del profesional de Pedagogía-Psicología. Como resultado se constata que es una vía factible y eficaz para la asesoría, es en sí una guía para el profesional en Pedagogía-Psicología que precise asesorar y transformar formas de sentir, pensar y actuar de los sujetos en sus contextos de actuación profesional. Se aporta un método particular que dinamiza el proceso, el reflexivo-colaborativo. Se concluye que la metodología constituye una herramienta valiosa, organiza y traza el camino en la asesoría psicopedagógica.
Motivación de logro y comprensión lectora en estudiantes de secundaria de instituciones educativas, Huamarca, 2022
Authors: Mendieta Benavente Yolanda Jesus , Cueva Villavicencio Juanita Isabel , Arones Maritza , Condori Lazarte Yeny Flora , Espejo Pezo Eduardo Javier
Published: January 2024

Dado que la motivación desempeña un papel esencial en el proceso de aprendizaje, y la comprensión lectora constituye una habilidad fundamental en el desarrollo educativo de los estudiantes, esta investigación se centró en el propósito fundamental de establecer una relación entre la motivación de logro y la comprensión lectora en estudiantes de tercer grado de secundaria en el distrito de Huarmaca. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal y análisis correlacional, recolectando datos de 32 estudiantes mediante la administración de un cuestionario que evaluó ambas variables. Los resultados demostraron que tanto la motivación de logro como la comprensión lectora, incluyendo sus dimensiones, alcanzaron niveles considerables; en particular, la motivación de logro obtuvo un nivel alto, y la comprensión lectora se situó en una categoría de nivel bueno. Además, se validó la existencia de una relación significativa entre la motivación de logro y la comprensión lectora, respaldada por un coeficiente de correlación de Pearson de 0.429* con un valor p de 0.014. Por lo tanto, se concluyó que la motivación de logro guarda una asociación positiva con la comprensión lectora en los estudiantes de tercer grado de secundaria en Huarmaca.
Saúde única no contexto da contaminação ambiental por parasitas intestinais de cães com potencial zoonótico
Authors: Da Silva Laura Aparecida Carvalho , Leite João Batista Araujo , Da Silva Priscilla Nicácio , Rocha Izabella Chrystina , Katagiri Satie
Published: January 2024

A Saúde Única (One Health) é atualmente considerada uma abordagem integrada e unificadora com objetivo de equilibrar e otimizar de forma sustentável a saúde das pessoas, animais e ecossistemas, reconhecendo que a saúde humana, animal e meio ambiente estão diretamente ligados e são interdependentes. Desta forma, a identificação das espécies envolvidas na contaminação ambiental por parasitas de potencial zoonótico é importante para orientar ações de profilaxia em saúde única. Portanto, os objetivos do presente estudo foram verificar a frequência de contaminação ambiental por parasitas intestinais de cães com potencial zoonótico, por meio da coleta de amostras de fezes de cães de diferentes bairros do Município de Barra do Garças/MT no período de março a maio de 2023 e analisadas por meio da técnica de sedimentação espontânea. Um total de 151 amostras de fezes foram coletadas e analisadas, sendo 29 (19,20%) amostras positivas para Ancylostoma spp. e/ou Toxocara canis, duas importantes espécies capazes de causar doenças com quadros clínicos graves a outros animais e seres humanos. A identificação das espécies que contaminam o ambiente bem como sua distribuição nas diferentes áreas da cidade permitem que os gestores entendam a importância da implementação de ações para controle e profilaxia de infecções parasitárias zoonóticas e esclarecer a população em geral sobre os impactos destas parasitoses na saúde única.
DAMPAK SOSIAL PERENCANAAN DAN PENGEMBANGAN BANDAR UDARA INTERNASIONAL JAWA BARAT DAN KERTAJATI AEROCITY TERHADAP KEHIDUPAN SOSIAL MASYARAKAT
Authors: Din Haq Harun , Putro Heru Purboyo Hidayat
Published: January 2024

Pembangunan infrastruktur secara masif saat ini menimbulkan banyak megaproyek-megaproyek yang bermunculan di Indonesia. Walaupun bandara di beberapa studi telah disebutkan bahwa dapat meningkatkan kegiatan ekonomi, namun pada praktiknya seringkali mengabaikan aspek sosial masyarakat dalam partisipasinya dalam perencanaan, implementasi, maupun pengawasan terhadap megaproyek yang ada. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mengetahui dampak sosial dari perencanaan dan pengembangan Bandar Udara Internasional Jawa Barat dan Kertajati Aerocity terhadap kehidupan sosial masyarakat. Metode pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui pengumpulan data sekunder dalam dokumen-dokumen perencanaan milik Pemerintah Provinsi Jawa Barat maupun Pemerintah Kabupaten Majalengka serta wawancara dengan beberapa pemangku kepentingan yang berkaitan dengan BIJB. Metode analisis yang dilakukan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode analisis seperti yang digunakan pada artikel Yiftachel dan Mandelbaum (2017) dengan teori social impact assessment. Berdasarkan hasil analisis yang dilakukan oleh peneliti dapat diketahui bahwa beberapa komponen dalam analisis dampak sosial sudah menunjukan hasil yang cukup baik yang ditunjukan dengan 8 potensi pada variabel lingkungan terbangun dan 2 potensi kesenjangan sosio-spasial namun untuk beberapa komponen masih menunjukan kekurangan yang mencerminkan bahwa perencanaan BIJB dan Kertajati Aerocity masih belum memenuhi kaidah kota yang berkeadilan yang ditunjukan dengan 8 poin kekurangan pada variabel lingkungan terbangun dan 2 poin kekurangan pada variabel kesenjangan sosio-spasial. Berdasarkan analisis dampak sosial menggunakan sudut pandang teori Yiftachel dan Mandelbaum (2017) pentingnya analisa dampak sosial terhadap suatu proyek yang besar yang sangat berdampak pada kehidupan masyarakat sekitar menjadi hal yang tak kalah penting dari analisa dampak lingkungan.
بنية الأسرة القطرية ووظائفها: التوازن بين التقليد والحداثة
Authors: ملكاوي أسماء حسين , الصلابي سارة , الهاجري نورة , العتيبي أفراح
Published: January 2024

الأهداف: تهدف الدراسة إلى استكشاف واقع بنية الأسرة القطرية، ووظائفها والأدوار الاجتماعية، وقياس بعض السلوكات التي تعكس فهما حداثيًا أو تقليديًا للأسرة، ومعرفة فيما لو حدثت تحولات في موقف القطريين من الأسرة، وطبيعة تلك التحولات.
المنهج: استخدمت الدراسة الاستبانة لجمع البيانات الكمية من خلال أسئلة مغلقة حول مجموعة من القضايا الموزعة على عدة محاور باستخدام مقياس ليكرت الخماسي. خضعت البيانات للتحليل الإحصائي الوصفي باستخدام برنامج SPSS.
النتائج: خلصت الدراسة إلى أن قضايا الأسرة القطرية تتوزع بين ثلاث مراحل فكرية مختلفة. اولا، القضايا التي حافظت على الطابع التقليدي كارتداء الزي الوطني، وأداء الصلوات، وقيام الأسرة بوظائفها الثقافية والعاطفية، ومركزية دور المرأة في تربية الأبناء، وأن الأب هو صاحب الكلمة في البيت، وأن أدوار الذكور تختلف عن أداور الإناث. ثانيا، القضايا التي تراوح بين التقليدية والحداثة، وتمر في مرحلة انتقالية كشكل الأسرة، ومشاركة المرأة في توفير الحاجات المادية للأسرة. ثالثا، قضايا بدأت تأخذ طابعًا حداثيًا مثل قبول فكرة الزواج من خارج القبيلة، وإدراك أهمية مشاركة الأب في تربية الأبناء.
الخلاصة: لا يمكن وقف عجلة التحولات التي تواجه الأسرة القطرية والعربية عمومًا، ولا يمكن حصرها بين خياريّ الحداثة والتقليد، ويبقى الطريق الثالث خيارًا أمثلًا ومرنًا يعين الأسرة على التعامل مع معطيات الحداثة وفق أسس ثابتة.