bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Storm surge barrier performance—The effect of barrier failures on extreme water level frequencies
Authors: Mooyaart L. F. , Bakker A. M. R. , van den Bogaard J. A. , Jorissen R. E. , Rijcken T. , Jonkman S. N.
Published: December 2024

Sea level rise necessitates the upgrade of coastal flood protection including storm surge barriers. These large movable hydraulic structures are open in normal conditions, but close during a storm surge to prevent coastal floods in bays and estuaries. Barrier improvements lower their susceptibility to operational, structural, or height‐related failures. However, there is no method to determine the relative importance of these three barrier failure types. Here, we present a probabilistic method to systematically organize barrier failures and storm conditions to establish exceedance frequencies of extreme water levels behind the barrier. The method is illustrated by an assessment of extreme water level frequencies at Rotterdam (The Netherlands), which is protected by the Maeslant barrier. Four combinations of barrier states and storm conditions were analyzed and prioritized in the following order: (1) an operational failure with 1/100 year storm conditions, (2) a successful closure with an extreme (~1/1000 year) river discharge accumulating behind the barrier, (3) structural failure, and (4) insufficient height both with extreme storm conditions (10–6 year). The case study confirmed the method's ability to systematically explore promising barrier improvements to adapt to sea level rise, in this case, lowering the susceptibility toward operational failures.
Social life cycle assessment and its methodological challenges: A bibliometric and content analysis
Authors: Huang Qianwen , Sun Yue , Guo Qi , Li Qizheng , Zhang Ying , Li Xin , Wang Laili
Published: December 2024

Social life cycle assessment (S‐LCA) has garnered significant attention in academia and the business sector. To enhance the guidance of S‐LCA application and future research, it is imperative to conduct a thorough analysis of its research status and challenges, considering the extensive development of methodological approaches. Leveraging bibliometric and content analysis on 452 articles from the Web of Science database, this study examines publication trends and delineates the conceptual structure and coupling themes within the S‐LCA field. Through an amalgamation of bibliometric findings and a comparative analysis between life cycle assessment and S‐LCA, the study outlines prominent challenges. Five primary issues related to inventory construction and data conversion, as identified through content analysis, are presented. This article comprehensively reveals a deep understanding of research status and faced challenges, serving as a complement for future practitioners and researchers.
Perceptions and attitudes about advance care planning among healthcare professionals of cardiac care: A Q methodology study
Authors: Ko Hana , Hwang Yoon Young , Heo Seongkum , Cho KyungAh , Shin Mi‐Seung , Kim Mi Yeong , Kim JinShil
Published: December 2024

Aim

Healthcare professionals' perspectives on advance care planning (ACP) remain unclear, particularly among those who care for cardiac patients. Therefore, this study aimed to explore perspectives on ACP among healthcare professionals who provide care to patients with cardiovascular diseases.

Method

Using Q methodology, 40‐Q sample statements were derived from an extensive literature review and an in‐depth qualitative interview. The P‐sample (Q sorters) comprised 10 physicians and 14 nurses. The P‐sample filled each grid with a statement on the Q‐sorting table. The data were analyzed using the PQMethod.

Results

Four factors with 18 Q sorters emerged and explained 71% of the variance, each contributing 5%–53%. Four factors were labeled: healthcare professional‐led, communication‐focused ACP (n = 5); early application‐weighted, burden‐reducing ACP (n = 5); prognostic uncertainty‐based, negotiation‐focused ACP (n = 5); and patient‐value‐based, comprehensiveness‐focused ACP (n = 3); six Q sorters fell into either confounded or nonsignificant categories. Common perspectives on ACP across all factors emerged, including the conceptual definition of ACP, early employment of ACP as the right time, and needs for educational support and training.

Conclusions

Unique perspectives and common perspectives on ACP across factors emerged among Korean healthcare professionals of cardiac patients. The findings of this study provide initial information on perceptions of and attitudes toward ACP among Korean healthcare providers. Healthcare providers can use these findings to provide educational support and training.
Association Between Serum Trace Elements Level and Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wu Ruiying , Li Yuanwen , Peng Hongye , Yang Zhishan , Wang Ying , Lv Shuying , Yang Dingquan
Published: December 2024

Background

Alopecia areata (AA) is a prevalent autoimmune disorder in dermatology, impacting 0.5%–2% of the general population worldwide. More and more scholars are focusing on the important role of micronutrients in the occurrence and development of AA.

Aims

This research aimed to thoroughly and systematically assess the relationship between serum trace element levels and AA.

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched up to May 12, 2024. Two researchers independently screened and identified eligible studies. Depending on the heterogeneity assessed by the I2 statistic, either a random‐effects model or a fixed‐effects model was used to combine the effect estimates.

Results

34 papers, including 4931 participants from 16 countries, were analyzed. The results of meta‐analysis demonstrated patients with AA had a lower serum level of vitamin D (SMD = −0.93 ng/mL, 95% CI = 0.168–0.747, p < 0.05) and serum zinc (SMD = −0.69 μg/dL, 95% CI = −0.99 to −0.39, p < 0.05) than the healthy controls. Vitamin D deficiency was strongly associated to an elevated risk of AA (OR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.47–4.17, p < 0.05). However, there is no significant difference in serum copper levels between AA patients and the control group.

Conclusions

Our research provided evidence that the levels of serum VD and zinc were associated with the risk of AA. Supplementation with VD and zinc may become a potential treatment for AA.
Organized Crime, Corruption, and Economic Growth
Authors: Fioroni Tamara , Lavezzi Andrea Mario , Trovato Giovanni
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we study the relationship between organized crime, corruption, and economic growth on a data set from Italian regions for the period 1996–2013. Our working hypothesis is that organized crime can embezzle part of the public expenditure aimed at productive uses by threatening and bribing public officers. To assess the consequences for regional growth we estimate a finite mixture covariate measurement model and find that the relationship between public expenditure and per capita GDP is characterized by parameter heterogeneity. Specifically, regions are partitioned in clusters identified by the initial level of organized crime. The effect of public expenditure on per capita GDP differs across clusters of regions: in the regions with the higher levels of organized crime public expenditure has a negative effect on per capita GDP, and the estimated share of embezzled public expenditure is higher, amounting to approximately 10% of its book value. Differently, in the regions with lower levels of organized crime the effect of public expenditure on per capita GDP is positive and the estimated share of embezzled public expenditure is lower. The empirical analysis is shown to be consistent with a theoretical growth model à la Barro (1990) augmented by corruption orchestrated by organized crime.
New high‐pressure Fe‐Ti oxide minerals in the Shergotty Martian meteorite: Feiite, Fe2+2(Fe2+Ti4+)O5, liuite, FeTiO3, and tschaunerite, (Fe2+)(Fe2+Ti4+)O4
Authors: Ma Chi , Tschauner Oliver , Beckett John R. , Prakapenka Vitali B.
Published: December 2024

High‐pressure oxides like perovskite‐type FeTiO3, CaTi2O4‐type Fe2TiO4, and ferrous‐ferric oxides that form polysomes between wüstite and CaFe2O4‐type Fe3O4 are potential carriers of Fe, Ti, and other transition metals in the mantle and may play an important role in the redox budget of the deep Earth. Here, we report the occurrence of three of these phases as the new minerals: feiite (Sr2Tl2O5‐type Fe2+2(Fe2+Ti4+)O5), liuite (FeTiO3 with a GdFeO3‐type perovskite structure), and tschaunerite (CaTi2O4‐type (Fe2+)(Fe2+Ti4+)O4), along with wangdaodeite (LiNbO3‐type FeTiO3) in a transformed ulvöspinel clast entrained in a shock melt pocket in the Shergotty Martian meteorite. We show that reaction between the shocked ulvöspinel precursor and melt occurred at pressures between 20 and 25 GPa. The high‐pressure Fe‐, Ti‐minerals lost Fe and O to the surrounding shock melt in exchange for Si, Mg, and Ca. Concentrations of Si and Mg in all of these clast phases and of Na in liuite are significant. They substantiate chemical interaction of the clast with melt during the shock event and highlight potential elemental distributions in complex Fe‐ and Ti‐rich lithologies at pressures of the deep transition zone to shallow lower mantle.
Racing whiteness in Asian bodies: The influence of American conservatism on Singaporean anti‐colonial nationalism
Authors: Gelles‐Soh Wee Yang
Published: December 2024

In contemporary Singaporean sociopolitical discourse, comparisons with the West—particularly the USA and the UK—have become pervasive across a wide range of critical social issues. These comparisons often serve to reinforce the political positions of the Singaporean state by contrasting them with perceived shortcomings in the Western world. Utilizing a linguistic anthropological framework, this paper explores the phenomenon of anti‐colonial nationalism, wherein state representatives dismiss challenges to the Singaporean status quo as unpatriotic, Western‐influenced, and thus dangerously “white.” By demonstrating how Singapore's anti‐colonial politics is paradoxically shaped by the anti‐liberal and populist rhetoric of the contemporary American right, this paper argues that anti‐colonialism is a product of twenty‐first‐century neoliberal nationalism. Underscoring the importance of examining how political rhetoric crosses international borders, this study seeks to invite a conversation on the dynamics of nationalist discourses in the twenty‐first century, and how the language of decolonization can be co‐opted by new forms of state power and control through a racing of “whiteness.”
Polish non‐territorial autonomy in revolutionary Ukraine (1917–1918): A transitional experiment
Authors: Korolov Gennadii
Published: December 2024

This essay examines the brief history of the creation of the Polish national autonomy in revolutionary Ukraine, the ways it was received, and the different assessments, by Polish democratic activists, both of the theoretical concept of “national autonomy” and its implementation in 1917–1918. It mainly focuses on the figures of the Polish national movement in Ukraine, who were also officials of the Ministry of Polish Affairs, such as Stanisław Kalinowski, Roman Knoll and others. The paper is primarily based on their testimonies, which were collected by the Polish historian Henryk Jabłoński in the early 1930s.

This essay explores different aspects of the creation and functioning of Polish national autonomy in Ukraine based on three important elements. First, the historical context of political, national and ethnic transformations in revolutionary Ukraine in 1917–1918 is provided. Secondly, the essay is grounded in the primary sources, including personal testimonies of the creators and contemporaries of the Polish national autonomy. Thirdly, it places the Ukrainian Poles' experience with national‐personal autonomy within the broader history of the idea and its implementation in East and Central Europe after the First World War.
OsPIL15‐Induced Delay in Rice Heading Date via Direct Binding to the OsLF Promoter is Dependent on Functional Phytochrome B
Authors: Xie Lixia , Li Yaping , Sun Wei , Pu Menglin , Zhou Jinjun , He Yanan , Peng Yongbin , Zheng Chongke , Jiang Conghui , Xu Xiaohui , Xie Xianzhi
Published: December 2024

Heading date of rice (Oryza sativa) is a key factor determining rice production and regional adaptability. We analysed the molecular mechanism of OsPIL15, encoding phytochrome‐interacting factor‐like protein, in delaying rice heading date. Overexpression of OsPIL15 delayed rice heading date by upregulating Hd1 and inhibiting Hd3a and RFT1 expression. OsLF, encoding one rice heading repressor, was found to be the putative candidate regulated by OsPIL15 through a chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing assay and a transcriptome sequencing assay. OsPIL15 could directly bind to the OsLF promoter and activated its expression. Knocking‐out OsLF in OsPIL15‐overexpressing lines resulted in flowering 2–3 days earlier, partially rescuing the delayed phenotype. This indicates that overexpression of OsPIL15 overexpression delays heading date partially through OsLF. Protein–protein interaction assay of OsPIL15 or OsPIL15‐∆APB (OsPIL15 lacking the active phytochrome B [phyB]‐binding [APB] motif) with PHYB showed that the APB motif was required for the interaction between OsPIL15 and PHYB. Furthermore, overexpression of either OsPIL15‐∆APB in the wild type or OsPIL15 in the phyB mutant did not delay rice heading date under natural long‐day conditions, suggesting that phyB influences OsPIL15‐mediated delay in rice heading date.
Corner's Rules and Their Linkages With Twig Functions and Tree Productivity in Simple‐ and Compound‐Leaved Tree Species
Authors: Zhou Yong‐Jiao , Ning Qiu‐Rui , Cui Han‐Xiao , Hao Guang‐You
Published: December 2024

Corner's rules are well known in describing inter‐specific scaling relationships for plant organ size‐related traits, from species with thick terminal stems, large leaves, and sparsely branched twigs to species with opposite traits; however, the implications of organ size on physiological functions and growth performance of trees remain unclear. Moreover, whether Corner's rules spectra differ between tree species with simple and compound leaves is not known. Here, we measured key twig morphological traits, physiological characteristics, and radial growth rates of 27 simple‐ and 6 compound‐leaved tree species in a common garden in Northeast China. The size scaling relationships between leaf lamina and supporting structures were mostly allometric (slope < 1) in simple‐leaved species. In contrast, such relationships were predominantly isometric (slope = 1) in compound‐leaved species. Consistently, twig hydraulic conductance and photosynthetic rate increased significantly faster as twig size increased across the compound‐leaved species. Consequently, compound‐leaved species equipped with twigs of fewer but larger leaves have the potential to achieve remarkably high growth rates. Our study revealed divergent investment‐return strategies between the two functional groups, that is, ‘diminishing returns’ in simple‐leaved species and ‘stable returns’ in compound‐leaved species, and identified mechanistic associations among twig architecture, physiological characteristics and tree growth rate.
All About Carnap's Babylon
Authors: Osorio‐Kupferblum C. Naomi
Published: December 2024

Carnap's Logical Syntax of Language (1937) contains an unfortunate passage, the ‘Babylon passage’, explaining what it is for a linguistic expression to be about a subject matter. Past criticism has only addressed Carnap's mistaken claim that the occurrence of a denoting term is necessary and sufficient for a linguistic expression to be about the denotatum. But the passage contains further problems: a form‐object confusion due to the ambiguity of ‘lecture’; a use‐mention problem with the word ‘Babylon’; and finally, the fact that its key sentence 𝔖1 is a counterexample to Carnap's own definition of aboutness. These flaws notwithstanding, the passage's ‘non‐formal consideration’ that a statement's truth or falsity should matter to our knowledge about the subject matter's properties, is an important contribution to aboutness theory. This paper discusses all these pros and cons of the passage in depth with a view to their consequences for current work on subject matter.
Unexpected Twists: Electrophysiological Correlates of Encoding and Retrieval of Events Eliciting Prediction Error
Authors: Turan Gözem , Spiertz Veronika , Bein Oded , Shing Yee Lee , Nolden Sophie
Published: December 2024

According to the predictive processing framework, our brain constantly generates predictions based on past experiences and compares these predictions with incoming sensory information. When an event contradicts these predictions, it results in a prediction error (PE), which has been shown to enhance subsequent memory. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the influence of PEs on subsequent memory remain unclear. This study investigated the electrophysiological correlates during encoding and retrieval of events eliciting PEs. We employed a statistical learning task in which participants were presented with pairs of objects in sequence. Subsequently, while recording electroencephalography (EEG), we introduced PEs by replacing the second object of each pair with new objects and we then tested the participants' memory. Behaviorally, PEs did not enhance memory. During retrieval, we observed higher amplitudes in the recollection‐related late positive component for violation items that were remembered compared to those that were forgotten. In contrast, no evidence for the presence of the FN400 component associated with familiarity was found. These results suggest that recollection, but not familiarity, plays a crucial role in the interplay between PE and memory. Contrary to our hypothesis, we did not observe a relationship between PEs and the P3 component during encoding. In conclusion, our study contributes to the growing body of knowledge concerning the intricate relationship between PEs and episodic memory. It sheds light on the underlying neural mechanisms involved and emphasizes the importance of recollection in this context.
Accelerating forest landscape restoration monitoring in Africa: informing tangible actions from a practical perspective
Authors: Elias Faisal , Djenontin Ida N. S. , Kamoto Judith F. M. , Mansourian Stephanie
Published: December 2024

Forest landscape restoration (FLR) is purported to achieve socio‐ecological outcomes in addressing the interlinked crises of deforestation and land degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change. While several instruments exist to substantiate progress toward such outcomes and the effectiveness of FLR interventions, various challenges hinder monitoring. This study uses a proposed analytical framework that articulates elements of restoration monitoring feasibility to examine the realistic application and convenience of proposed restoration monitoring instruments, focusing on Africa, where continental‐level flagships are scaling up restoration actions. We applied a critical content analysis guided by our analytical lens to secondary data collected from top‐down and bottom‐up monitoring instruments. A survey was also used to explore the level of knowledge and identify the tools and guiding frameworks used by restoration practitioners, which we analyze using descriptive statistics. Our analysis reveals 34 restoration monitoring indicators spanning biophysical, socio‐economic, and institutional realms, along with 196 related metrics. The strong emphasis on biophysical metrics relative to socio‐economic and institutional ones reflects unbalanced attention to sustainability dimensions. Our analysis of the identified 39 monitoring tools and guiding frameworks indicates that most require essential (super)infrastructural capacities, appropriate knowledge, and tailored skills for their effective use. Confirming this, the survey reveals low awareness and use of these monitoring instruments, with the three most cited limiting reasons being inadequate funding, infrastructure deficits, and inadequate technical expertise. Overall, the results reaffirm the need for pragmatic, low‐cost, and accessible instruments to advance FLR monitoring in Africa, and we offer actionable suggestions for some limiting challenges.
Staggered Treatment Effects With Selection on Unobservables: The Case of Endogenous Preferential Trade Agreement Effects on Trade
Authors: Egger Peter H. , Huang Ruobing
Published: December 2024

This article combines insights from three strands of work: the one on self‐selection into treatments, the one on staggered treatment effects, and the one on preferential trade agreements (PTAs). We illustrate in a staggered treatment effects approach with selection on unobservables that in the phase since 1997, when exogenous staggered PTA effects had been found of insignificant importance, endogenous staggered PTAs exert positive effects that are statistically significant.
The effects of buprenorphine on ocular parameters in healthy dogs
Authors: Pohl James C. , Gonzales Cassin W. , Goldenberg Ruby B. , Chang Kunbee M. , Erickson Nicholas S. , Sheahan Jennifer E.
Published: December 2024

Objective

To investigate the effects of a 0.02 mg/kg dose of intravenous buprenorphine on various ocular parameters in healthy dogs. Animals: 25 healthy, client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Objective parameters (intraocular pressure [IOP], pupil size [PS]) and subjective parameters (menace response, dazzle reflex, corneal reflex, globe position, and third eyelid position) were measured prior to and following administration of buprenorphine. Baseline data was first established by measuring ocular parameters 20 min prior to (T−20) and immediately before (T0) intravenous administration of a 0.02 mg/kg dose of buprenorphine. Data was then collected again at 10, 20, 30, and 45 min post‐administration (T10, T20, T30, and T45 respectively).

Results

There was no significant change in any parameter measured in the baseline data, between T−20 and T0. No significant change was observed in the subjective parameters at any of the time points measured in the post‐drug administration period. There was a significant decrease in PS between T0 and T10 (p < .05) which continued to decrease significantly across timepoints. Both eyes showed a significant, but transient increase in IOP. This increase was followed by a significant decrease in IOP OD and an approaching significant decrease in IOP OS. All variations in IOP remained within the normal canine range.

Conclusions

A 0.02 mg/kg dose of intravenous buprenorphine impacts both PS and IOP and, therefore, should be used with caution in select diseases where effects on pupil size and intraocular pressure may cause additional harm.
Performance Comparison of Transparent and Non-Transparent Wineglass-Shaped Antenna at 28 GHz
Authors: Teguh Estu Topik , Noor Asniza binti Murad  , MOHD FAIRUS MOHD YUSSOF  , GANDI SUGANDI  , YUSUF NUR WIJAYANTO  , TEGUH PRALUDI
Published: December 2024

This paper discussed the performance of a wineglass-shaped antenna fabricated on transparent (indium tin oxide on glass) and non-transparent (Rogers RT6006) substrates. Simulated and measured results of coefficient reflection, VSWR, and radiation patterns are compared and analyzed. Both antennas are well matched at the designed frequency with good reflection coefficient. The non-transparent antenna minimum coefficient reflection is -35.45 dB, and the transparent antenna reached the value of -19.71 dB. The non-transparent antenna has higher gain and exhibits symmetrical radiation. The study demonstrates the feasibility of both transparent and non-transparent wineglass antennas at 28 GHz, with the non-transparent offering higher gain and better impedance matching from a better conductivity compared to the transparent material used.
Thickness-Dependent Electrical Simulation of Ternary Layer-by-Layer Organic Solar Cell
Authors: NITHYAGANESHAN  , Dr. Suhana bin Mohamed Sultan  , Dr. Nurul Ashikin binti Abdul Kadir  , Dr. Amirjan bin Nawabjan
Published: December 2024

Recently, researchers have been interested in incorporating a third component into the active layer of organic solar cells (OSC). Introducing a third component aims to improve the efficiency of light absorption, charge separation, and transport within the solar cell. It is widely observed that varying active layer thicknesses result in different device competencies due to the behaviour of charge transportation and charge collection in such volume morphology of active layer. This paper incorporated layer-by-layer (LbL) devices based on BTR-Cl as donor and IT-2Cl as acceptor with Y6 acceptor as a third component in the active layer. These devices had been electrically characterized using organic and hybrid material nano (OghmaNano) simulation tool. A thickness ranging between 40 nm and 100 nm of each material in the active layer was evaluated in this simulation. This simulation shows the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics for ternary LbL OSC devices at various thicknesses. The short circuit current density (Jsc), open circuit voltage (Voc), and fill factor (FF) for each device's active layer thickness were also provided. At a thickness ratio of 50:60:50 nm (BTR-Cl to Y6 to IT-2Cl) and 100 mW cm-2, AM1.5 incident solar radiance, the maximum attainable efficiency, 12.1%, was found.
A Review on Multi-Geometrical Antenna Reflector
Authors: Mohamed Omar Mohamad Faiz , Asrulnizam Abd Manaf  , Mohd Fadzil Ain  , Sharul Kamal Abdul Rahim
Published: December 2024

Parabolic antennas are among the most important devices for long-distance communications because of their significant advantages in terms of directivity, gain, and power handling capabilities. Hat feeds are frequently used as feeders for parabolic antennas because they exhibit low levels of cross-polarisation, low sidelobes, and low reflection coefficients. However, hat feeds possess a limited impedance bandwidth (IBW) range of just 30% and are not suitable for use in wideband applications. More work is being done with the objective of increasing the hat feed’s bandwidth capacity. The fundamental structure of a hat feed comprises a hat sub-reflector, circular waveguide, and dielectric material to provide structural support. The hat feeder had a bandwidth capacity of 10% at first. Later, the Chinese hat feed was introduced and used, resulting in a notable enhancement of the bandwidth, with an increase of 18%. The hat feed's geometric structure is redesigned with the help of a generic algorithm optimisation to further enhance the bandwidth, resulting in a 33% improvement.
Breakdown Properties of Polyethylene Nanocomposites Containing Calcined Zirconia
Authors: Razalie Khalida , Kwan Yiew Lau , Mansor Noor Syazwani
Published: December 2024

Electrical insulation is vital in high voltage apparatuses. The most common materials used in commercial high voltage power cable insulation are polymers such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE). Nevertheless, these insulation materials have their own advantages and disadvantages. The use of LDPE alone, for example, could not sustain high operating temperatures. Meanwhile, XLPE insulation has crosslinking byproducts that cause degradation of the material especially in the long run. Therefore, PE blends such as LDPE and HDPE blends have been proposed to exhibit material characteristics having good comprises. The composition of 80% LDPE and 20% HDPE often gives desirable results in the flexibility and dielectric properties of the material. Consequently, polymer nanocomposites have been proposed to enhance the performance of LDPE/HDPE blend power cable insulation materials. Although the addition of nanofillers to polymers can enhance the dielectric properties of nanocomposites, it can also otherwise degrade the dielectric properties of nanocomposites, especially the breakdown strength. The current work was conducted to investigate the effects of calcined zirconia (ZrO2) on the breakdown properties of polyethylene (PE) nanocomposites. The ZrO2 nanopowder used was uncalcined, calcined at 900 °C, and calcined at 1100 °C, to determine these effects on the breakdown strength of PE/ZrO2 nanocomposites. The results showed that PE/ZrO2 nanocomposites possessed similar breakdown strength to unfilled PE when ZrO2 was uncalcined and calcined at 900 °C. Nevertheless, calcining ZrO2 at 1100 °C led to a slight reduction in the breakdown strength of PE/ZrO2 nanocomposites compared to unfilled PE. This was ascribed to the agglomeration of ZrO2 upon calcining at 1100 °C. Therefore, nanofiller calcination temperatures had effects toward the breakdown strength of the final nanocomposites.
Physical Distance and Face Mask Wearing Surveillance System with Deep Learning
Authors: ABDULGADER RAMADAN GADAH  , Lau Jing Yi , Isaak Suhaila , Sulaiman Sarina
Published: December 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the world’s most critical global health catastrophe. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, people are encouraged to maintain 1 meter of physical distance and wear a face mask. However, many people refuse and forget to practice minimum physical distancing and wear their face masks. Besides, manual monitoring of physical distance and wearing face masks are impractical for a large population with insufficient manpower and resources. Hence, this project introduced a physical distance and face mask-wearing surveillance system utilizing deep learning at R&R Malaysia to ensure the safety of travelers during this COVID-19 pandemic. In this project, the system is implemented using the YOLOv4 algorithm to detect masked, non-masked, and incorrect mask-wearing faces and to calculate the physical distance between people. A total of 3,800 custom datasets were prepared to train the face mask detection model. As a result, this model achieved an average mAP of 95.86%, an F1-score of 0.93, and an average loss of 1.3972. The physical distancing detection model is employed on a pre-trained YOLOv4 algorithm to detect people. The Euclidean distance is calculated between the detected bounding boxes to compute the real distance between people.
Bokashi-Based Home Composter for Fertigation System
Authors: Abdul Razak Mohd Azhar , Najib Iqbal , Mahmood Nasrul Humaimi , Zakaria Nor Aini , Mat Safri Norlaili , Othman Mohd Afzan , Eileen Su Lee Ming
Published: December 2024

Organic waste management is a huge problem coming from residential homes throughout the country. Improper decomposition of waste generates methane, which contributes significantly to the environment in terms of greenhouse effects. The proposed solution is the Bokashi-Based Home Composter for Fertigation System as a medium of Internet of Things (IoT). This system is designed to help users initiate composting through Bokashi composting and automated fertigation. Bokashi composting involves using airtight containers, Bokashi bran, and organic waste, which undergoes anaerobic fermentation to produce Bokashi Tea - a liquid by-product used as a fertilizer. The system architecture features an ESP32 microcontroller, soil moisture, humidity, and temperature sensors, as well as pumps for dosing and irrigation, all controlled through an application dashboard. The final product assembly successfully achieved its objectives to produce Bokashi Tea in less than 14 days and utilize it by dosing it to water with ratio of 1:100 with flow a flow rate of 1.6 ml/s and main pump flow rate of 32.5 ml/s for fertigation purposes in residential homes. The system is complemented by an application dashboard that provides IoT functionality, where the hardware parameters can be monitored and controlled by the application through Wi-Fi connectivity. This paper explores the process of product design.
Trends and Collaborative Networks in Reflective Intelligent Surface (RIS)-Enhanced Free Space Optics (FSO): A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Mohd Razali Shahrizan , Ngah Razali , Al-Gailani Samir A.
Published: December 2024

This bibliometric analysis investigates research trends and collaborative networks in the emerging field of Reflective Intelligent Surface (RIS)-Enhanced Free Space Optics (FSO) to understand its growth and impact. With the rising complexity of modern wireless communication systems, RIS-enhanced FSO has gained attention for its potential to address challenges related to signal quality, energy efficiency, and resilience in diverse environments. Despite this potential, gaps remain in understanding collaboration patterns, influential contributions, and key research themes. Using Scopus Analyzer and VOSviewer software, a dataset of 1,449 publications was analysed to identify major contributors, popular keywords, and global collaboration trends. The methodology involved mapping co-authorship networks and keyword co-occurrences, enabling a detailed examination of prominent research areas and key geographical hubs. The results show a steady increase in publication volume from 2017 onward, indicating heightened research interest, particularly between 2022 and 2023. Popular keywords such as "signal to noise ratio," "bit error rate," and "atmospheric turbulence" highlight the focus on enhancing communication reliability and mitigating environmental impacts on FSO systems. Key contributors and collaborations were identified, with notable influence from researchers and institutions across multiple countries, underscoring the field’s interdisciplinary and global nature. This study concludes that RIS-enhanced FSO research is primarily driven by engineering and computational disciplines, with increasing attention to practical applications. The expanding collaborative network reflects a collective effort to overcome technical challenges and optimize RIS applications for future communication needs, establishing RIS-enhanced FSO as a vital area for next-generation wireless innovation.
Equational theories of idempotent semifields
Authors: Metcalfe G. , Santschi S.
Published: December 2024

This paper provides answers to several open problems about equational theories of idempotent semifields. In particular, it is proved that (i) no equational theory of a non‐trivial class of idempotent semifields has a finite basis; (ii) there are continuum‐many equational theories of classes of idempotent semifields; and (iii) the equational theory of the class of idempotent semifields is co‐NP‐complete. This last result is also used to determine the complexity of deciding the existence of a right order on a free group or free monoid satisfying finitely many given inequalities.
A Semi-Physical Model for the Dissipative Mechanisms Present in the Rail Grinding Process
Authors: Valdés-Canaval M. A. , Toro A. , Rudas J. S.
Published: December 2024

Rail grinding, a common maintenance operation in the railway industry, is not a fully efficient process, as energy not used for cutting dissipates into the participants' bodies. The energy dissipated into the rail surface can affect its engineering properties, potentially leading to malfunction and microstructural transformations. A phenomenological model was developed to study the dissipation mechanisms that take place in rail grinding. The model includes wear, thermal dissipation, and phase transformation, driven by the coupling of thermal and mechanical effects. Energy and mass balances were calculated within a controlled volume at the experimental grinding interface. Experiments were conducted in a lab built for experimental grinding. The model results were validated through statistical comparison with experimental data and findings from specialized literature. Additionally, the study explores white etching layer formation under grinding conditions and the influence of mechanical stress. By integrating theoretical modeling with experimental validation, this research enhances the understanding of energy dissipation in rail grinding, providing a foundation for optimizing grinding processes, reducing material degradation, and improving rail longevity.
Two gall-forming eriophyoid mites from Sichuan Province, China (Acari, Eriophyidae)
Authors: Huang Yi-Hua , Li Qian , Zhang Yan-Nan , Li Yan , Xue Xiao-Feng
Published: December 2024

A new mite species, Aculops schinifolius sp. nov. from Panzhihua, Sichuan Province, southwestern China, is described and illustrated. This new species causes deformed and necrotic fruits (flower-like galls) on Zanthoxylum schinifolium Siebold & Zucc. (Rutaceae). We redescribed Paracolomerus davidiae Kuang & Hong, 1995, which was found making galls on Davidia involucrata Baill. (Nyssaceae) for the first time. We provided mitochondrial cox1 gene sequences for A. schinifolius sp. nov. (PQ492665) and P. davidiae (PQ505669).
A new species of Tenuipalpus (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) associated with Vernicia montana in China, with a comprehensive ontogenetic analysis of setal additions
Authors: Xu Yun , Li Yan , Wu Hong-Yuan , Cai Shou-Ping
Published: December 2024

We describe a new species of flat mite from the genus Tenuipalpus, collected on the leaves of Vernicia montana Lour. (Euphorbiaceae), an important oil-producing tree widely distributed in southern China. This is the first species of flat mite from Vernicia. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of the ontogenetic development of the idiosoma and leg chaetotaxy are presented for both adult (female and male) and immature stages. This study adds to the known diversity of the genus Tenuipalpus.
Mites associated with world geotrupid beetles (Coleoptera: Geotrupidae)
Authors: Haitlinger Ryszard
Published: December 2024

The associations between mites and Geotrupidae (Coleoptera) are summarized. A total of 168 mite species have been found on 78 species of Geotrupidae. The mites belong to the Astigmata (17 species), Mesostigmata (104), Ixodida (2), Oribatida (1) and Trombidiformes (44). Among Mesostigmata, most species were in the Macrochelidae (36), Eviphididae (21), Parasitidae (16) and Leptolaelapidae (15); among Trombidiformes in the Athyreacaridae (19), Pygmephoridae (13) and Microdispidae (6); and in the Astigmata in the Acaridae (11) and Histiostomatidae (5). The largest numbers of mite species were collected from Anoplotrupes stercorosus (48), Geotrupes spiniger (40), G. stercorarius (35), Trypocopris verenalis (21), G. mutator (13) and Typhoeus typhoeus (10). Alliphis halleri (8 hosts), Macrocheles glaber (8), Sancassania geotruporum (8) and Geotrupacarus mycotrupetes (7) were carried by the largest number of beetle species. None of the mite species found on Bolboceratinae (38 species) has ever been found on Geotrupinae (145 species) (and vice versa). The relationships between mites and Geotrupidae are best known in Europe. Most species were found in Poland (30), Slovakia (24), Russia (24) and Ukraine (23).
Genome-wide association study of anterior uveitis
Authors: Koskimäki Fredrika , Ahokas Oona , Kajanne Risto , Saviauk Krista-Roberta , Elnahas Abdelrahman , Reigo Anu , Reis Kadri , Esko Tõnu , Palta Priit , Leinonen Sanna , Kettunen Johannes , Liinamaa Johanna , Karjalainen Minna K , Saarela Ville ,   Estonian Biobank Research Team Consortium
Published: December 2024

Background/aims

The purpose of this study is to define genetic factors associated with anterior uveitis through genome-wide association study (GWAS).

Methods

In this GWAS meta-analysis, we combined data from the FinnGen, Estonian Biobank and UK Biobank with a total of 12 205 anterior uveitis cases and 917 145 controls. We performed a phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) to investigate associations across phenotypes and traits. We also evaluated genetic correlations of anterior uveitis.

Results

We identified six anterior uveitis-associated loci. Genome-wide significant (p<5 × 10−8) associations were identified for the first time at three loci (innate immunity activator (INAVA), nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat family, pyrin domain containing 3 and nitric oxide synthase 2). We detected associations at three loci previously reported to be associated with uveitis (endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 (ERAP1), the trinucleotide repeat containing 18 (TNRC18)and theHLAregion) and also replicated associations at two loci previously associated with acute anterior uveitis (IL23RandHDAC2-AS2). In PheWAS, we further detected that lead single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at three of the anterior uveitis-associated loci (ERAP1,INAVAandTNRC18) are associated with other immunity-related phenotypes, including ankylosing spondylitis and inflammatory bowel disease. Additionally, we detected a moderate genetic correlation between anterior uveitis and inflammatory bowel disease (rg=0.39, p=8 × 10−5).

Conclusion

We identified six anterior uveitis-associated loci, including three novel loci with genome-wide significance. Our findings deepen our understanding of the genetic basis of anterior uveitis and the genetic connections between anterior uveitis and immune-related disorders, providing a foundation for further research and potential therapeutic interventions.
Association between obesity and thyroid nodules in children and adults living in iodine-sufficient areas: analysis of cross-sectional data from Tianjin, China
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Wang Yang , Li Wenfeng , Duan Yani , Li Fang , Cui Yushan
Published: December 2024

Objective

The main purpose of this study was to analyse the association between obesity and thyroid nodules in children and adults living in iodine-sufficient areas in China.

Design

Analysis of data from two cross-sectional surveys.

Setting and participants

921 children from 2016 to 2021 and 1505 adults from 2018 to 2021 living in iodine-sufficient areas from Tianjin, China were recruited.

Outcome measures

Anthropometric measures including height and weight were taken, and body mass index (BMI) and body surface area (BSA) were calculated. Thyroid ultrasonography was performed to assess thyroid nodules. A multifactor logistic regression model and a restricted cubic spline model were used to analyse the association between BMI/BSA and thyroid nodules in children and adults.

Results

Thyroid nodules were detected in 21.72% of children and 40.00% of adults. Compared with children in the low BMI and low BSA groups, children in higher BMI (OR=1.53, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.15) and higher BSA (OR=1.40, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.94) groups had significantly higher risks for thyroid nodules. High BMI and high BSA were also significantly associated with multiple thyroid nodules in children, withORsand 95% CIs of 1.51 (1.04 to 2.19) and 1.45 (1.01 to 2.08), respectively. The restricted cubic spline model indicated that the risk of thyroid nodules and multiple thyroid nodules in children increased with the increase of BMI-z-score and BSA. In adults, a high BSA (OR=1.34, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.77) was significantly associated with multiple thyroid nodules, but this association was not valid in the restricted cubic spline model.

Conclusion

Childhood obesity is associated with the risk of thyroid nodules; however, there is no clear association between adult obesity and thyroid nodules.
Ginsenoside Rb1 Relieves Cellular Senescence and Pulmonary Fibrosis by Promoting NRF2/QKI/SMAD7 Axis
Authors: Zheng Qing , Lei Feng-Ping , Hui Shan , Tong Ming , Liang Li-Hui
Published: December 2024

Cellular senescence is an adverse factor in the development of pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Ginsenoside Rb1 has been found to inhibit both cellular senescence and PF. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which ginsenoside Rb1 regulates cellular senescence and PF. A PF mouse model was established by Bleomycin (BLM) administration, and a cell model of senescence was constructed using MRC-5 cells treated with Adriamycin RD (ARD) administration. Hematoxylin and Eosin (HE) staining and Masson staining were employed to evaluate cellular structure and collagen fiber content. RT-qPCR and western blotting were used to detect mRNA and protein expression of the target genes. Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was applied to measure the protein concentration of IL-1[Formula: see text] and IL-18. SA-[Formula: see text]-gal staining was used to evaluate cellular senescence. Our results show that ginsenoside Rb1 effectively suppressed BLM-induced PF in mice. ARD administration to induce cellular senescence reduced NRF2, QKI, and SMAD7 expression in MRC-5 cells. By inducing NRF2 overexpression, ARD-induced cellular senescence and fibrosis in MRC-5 cells were relieved. Notably, NRF2 knockdown abolished the mitigating effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on ARD-induced cellular senescence and fibrosis in MRC-5 cells. Mechanistically, NRF2 increased SMAD7 mRNA stability through the transcriptional regulation of QKI. As expected, ginsenoside Rb1 alleviated ARD-induced senescence and fibrosis in MRC-5 cells by activating the NRF2/QKI/SMAD7 axis. Therefore, it was found that ginsenoside Rb1 mitigates cellular senescence and fibrosis during PF progression by activating the NRF2/QKI/SMAD7 axis. This study provides a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of PF and elucidates its mechanism of action.
Inverse Radon transforms: Analytical and Tikhonov-like regularizations of inversion
Authors: Anikin I. V. , Chen Xurong
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we study the influence of analytical regularization used in the generalized function (distribution) space to the Tikhonov regularization procedure utilized in the different versions of Moore–Penrose’s inversion. By introducing a new analytical term to the Tikhonov regularization of Moore–Penrose’s inversion procedure, we derive new optimization conditions that extend the Tikhonov regularization framework and influence the fitting parameter. This enhancement yields a more robust and accurate reconstruction of physical quantities, demonstrating its potential impact on various studies. We illustrate the significance of new term through schematic examples of physical applications, highlighting its relevance to diverse fields. Our findings provide a valuable tool for improving inversion methods and their applications in physics and beyond.
Modified Medial Capsulorrhaphy Using Figure‐of‐Eight Suture in Hallux Valgus Correction Surgery
Authors: Primadhi Raden Andri , Utoyo Ghuna Arioharjo , Budi Muhammad Naseh Sajadi , Prasetia Renaldi
Published: December 2024

Objective: Medial capsulorrhaphy is an important step in hallux valgus correction surgery; however, studies on this technique are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the viability and efficacy of modified medial capsulorrhaphy using figure‐of‐eight sutures for hallux valgus compared to the conventional technique.

Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed on patients with hallux valgus, comparing a group receiving standard longitudinal capsulorrhaphy (Group 1) and a group that underwent modified capsulorrhaphy using figure‐of‐eight sutures (Group 2). Basic anthropometry, preoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA), immediate postoperative HVA, and 6‐month postoperative HVA were recorded. An independent sample t‐test was performed to investigate differences between the groups.

Results: Thirty‐four feet were enrolled in the study and divided into Group 1 (19 feet) and Group 2 (15 feet). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of age, BMI, preoperative HVA, immediate postoperative HVA, and 6‐month postoperative HVA (p = 0.646, 0.752, 0.231, 0.792, and 0.933, respectively). However, we found that the average of HVA changes between immediate postoperative and 6‐month postoperative was dissimilar (1.73 ± 2.37° Group 1 vs. 0.33 ± 1.29° Group 2, p = 0.048)

Conclusion: While both techniques were efficacious in decreasing HVA, modified capsulorrhaphy using the figure‐of‐eight technique was better at maintaining corrected HVA until 6‐month postoperative period. This technique is recommended because of its efficacy and simplicity.