bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Levels of Satisfaction Consumer Herbal Slim Product: An Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Approach
Authors: Nafi'ah Aminatun , Munambar Siwitri , Sadiyah Fitria Naimatu
Published: January 2024

Marketing activities on slimming herbal products have not been optimized. The condition of intense competition and the lack of purchasing power of products, shows that consumers are increasingly selective in determining product choices. This study aims to (1) analyze the level of importance and performance of slimming herbal product attributes and (2) measure the level of satisfaction of slimming herbal products. This research was conducted from January to July 2023. Location determination was carried out by purposive sampling and a total of 30 respondents were determined by convenience sampling. The data collection technique was carried out by filling out questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using the Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) method in 4 quadrants, with the x-axis stating performance and the y-axis describing importance. describes importance. While the calculation of Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) calculations are used to determine customer satisfaction criteria. The results of the study obtained the level of performance and importance that require improvement, namely in quadrant I (high level of importance with low performance) and quadrant III (low level of importance with low performance),, while the attributes that need improvement are price and promotion. The results of level customer satisfaction shows 83.6% in the criteria very satisfied.
Consumo energético
Authors: Corica Ana Rosa
Published: January 2024

La cultura actual de la información y las tecnologías exigen nuevos enfoques en educación acordes a las demandas de la sociedad. El currículo actual y las prácticas de estudios en secundaria no favorecen desarrollar estos requisitos, necesarios para cualquier ciudadano. En particular, en Argentina se reportan resultados desalentadores con relación al desempeño de los estudiantes en matemática. En este trabajo, con fundamento en la Teoría Antropológica de lo Didáctico, se propone el análisis de una situación para el estudio funcional de la matemática. Esta propuesta se encuentra en correspondencia con el plan de renovación de la escuela secundaria argentina. En este trabajo se traza un posible recorrido de preguntas y respuestas en torno a una situación real, vinculada al ahorro energético. Se procura que se formulen preguntas en sentido fuerte, es decir que no solo demanden información como respuesta, sino del estudio de herramientas útiles para abordarlas y generar nuevas preguntas.
(De)formação de professores e o que podem portfólios na produção de diferenças em identidades movediças
Authors: Tizzo Vinícius Sanches , Xavier Ana Claudia Molina Zaqueu , Silva Heloisa da
Published: January 2024

Este artigo aborda aspectos do processo formativo de professores (de Matemática) e de ações voltadas a ele a partir da noção de deformação. Para tanto, operam-se alguns conceitos das filosofias da diferença, relacionando tal noção à ideia de devir professor. Dentre outras problematizações, questiona-se: Quais práticas mostram-se potentes para um processo de reterritorialização da formação de professores, que promovam descentramentos e desapego do “ser” e façam emergir um devir professor (de Matemática)? Com base em narrativas de professores formadores sobre seus trabalhos com portfólios na formação de futuros professores, buscou-se, sob uma perspectiva cartográfica, uma análise do potencial desse recurso para problematizações de afetações que operem junto à composição de uma docência em devir.
Planejar para ensinar e aprender Matemática
Authors: Batista Carolina Cordeiro , Paulo Rosa Monteiro
Published: January 2024

O objetivo deste texto é trazer aspectos das aprendizagens do professor que se envolve com o planejamento de uma aula de matemática, elaborando tarefas para serem realizadas com o GeoGebra. O tema da aula é “posição relativa de retas” e o contexto do planejamento é o de um grupo de três professores de matemática de uma escola de Tempo Integral da rede pública estadual paulista que foi constituído para o desenvolvimento do estudo de aula, tema que se investigou em uma pesquisa de doutorado. As reuniões do grupo ocorreram semanalmente durante um ano e meio. Os professores analisaram as possibilidades de exploração do conteúdo com o GeoGebra e evidenciaram aprendizagens, como a compreensão de que, com o aplicativo, os alunos podem mobilizar conhecimentos para resolver as tarefas e constituir um modo próprio de entender as ideias matemáticas. Essa compreensão leva-os a reconhecer a importância de dar ao discente a oportunidade de fazer investigações tendo, no software, uma possibilidade.
Aprendizagem criativa na educação matemática
Authors: Lima Jeferson Moizés , Santos Luciane Mulazani dos
Published: January 2024

Neste artigo será apresentado uma prática que foi desenvolvida como parte de uma pesquisa qualitativa em Educação Matemática e que vêm discutindo dificuldades dos alunos na solução de situações-problemas que envolvem conhecimentos financeiros. O objetivo da prática foi aplicar a espiral da aprendizagem criativa proposta por Resnick (2020) para a promoção do letramento financeiro, em um grupo de alunos do Ensino Médio. Os resultados apontam que a utilização da espiral da aprendizagem criativa pode despertar no aluno a capacidade de ser o sujeito de sua própria aprendizagem e responsável pela criação de produtos criativos, os quais são importantes na medida em que se convertem em impulsos para os processos de aprendizagem e desenvolvimento de atitudes favoráveis à criatividade.
Criatividade coletiva em matemática
Authors: Carvalho Alexandre Tolentino de , Gontijo Cleyton Hércules , Fonseca Mateus Gianni
Published: January 2024

Em um contexto que exige habilidades voltadas para o trabalho coletivo e criativo, a pesquisa apresenta-se como alternativa incomum, focando na dimensão coletiva da criatividade. Objetivou-se evidenciar características de interações comunicativas favoráveis à emersão da criatividade compartilhada em matemática e possibilitadas pela mediação docente de alunos do 5° ano do ensino fundamental. Guiou-se pela metodologia qualitativa, utilizando-se como instrumentos de coleta de dados um teste de criatividade e um roteiro semiestruturado para condução de grupos focais. Analisaram-se os dados por meio da Análise do Discurso Crítica, sendo elencadas categorias do compartilhamento criativo dado na resolução mediada de problemas matemáticos abertos. Notou-se que o trabalho coletivo é caracterizado pela negociação de sentidos, afeto positivo, oferecimento de feedbacks, liderança, conscienciosidade e aproveitamento de ideias. Conclui-se que o docente tem papel importante na garantia de padrões de interação voltados para a construção coletiva de conhecimentos matemáticos.
Significados e sentidos sobre pensamento criativo e criatividade em Matemática
Authors: Oliveira Sandra Alves de , Carneiro Reginaldo Fernando
Published: January 2024

Esta revisão sistemática de literatura discute significados e sentidos sobre pensamento criativo e criatividade em Matemática, apresentados nas produções científicas nacionais e internacionais, entrelaçadas às vivências na formação e na prática docente; descreve e analisa as contribuições das pesquisas sobre o pensamento criativo e a criatividade em Matemática para a formação e a prática docente e para os processos de ensino-aprendizagem. Utilizou-se a revisão sistemática como uma modalidade de pesquisa que possibilitou a busca de dados bibliográficos em diferentes bases. Os dados revelam a necessidade de proporcionar a vivência do pensamento criativo e da criatividade em Matemática, considerando as contribuições dos significados e dos sentidos desses termos, compartilhados na revisão sistemática de literatura e tecidos nas experiências formadoras, nos lugares de encontros formativos e dialógicos na universidade e na escola básica.
Understanding non-English Major’s Students’ Motivation in Learning English via Photovoice: Insights from Tertiary EFL Students
Authors: Kholili Achmad , Febrianto Aziza Restu
Published: January 2024

Despite various studies on the motivation in the ELT context, there is a lack of study that centers on the learners’ motivation of non-English majors through photovoice research. The current study attempts to fill this gap. This study was conducted in a private university in Indonesia, involving five non-English major students. A photovoice study was utilized so as to capture and understand their learning motivation. It was found that the photographs the students took illustrated that the students have now been learning English in much more critical ways. Various reasons for their learning English include the ideas that English is a beautiful and a useful language. They also perceived that learning English can help us get a better job; traveling is much easier with a good knowledge of English; and having knowledge of English can help you study abroad. They perceived that they should study English harder to achieve such goals. The findings also show that they belong to non-English majors. Suggestions for future studies are also offered in this paper.
Assessing the Impacts of Domestic Lithium Processing Capacity Expansion on the Battery Supply Chain
Authors: Biney Jeshurun , Jones Jnr Erick C. , Jones Erick C.
Published: January 2024

Lithium-ion batteries are vital to society due to the global shift toward renewable energy sources and electric mobility. Lithium batteries' sustainability, availability, and resilience have become key concerns as a critical component of electric vehicles and energy storage systems. This paper comprehensively assesses the impacts of domestic lithium processing capacity expansion on the broader battery supply chain.
Utilização de Bacillus subtilis como promotor de crescimento na cultura do tomate e alface
Authors: Junior Aloisio Freitas Chagas , Chagas Lillian França Borges , Nobrega Gabriel Soares , Giongo Marcos , Moura Dalilla Moreira de Oliveira , Ferreira Ana Licia Leão , Almeida Leticia Bezerra de , Portella Augustus Caeser Franke , Scheidt Gessiel Newton
Published: January 2024

Rizobácterias do gênero Bacillus que são encontrados na rizosfera vivem em colônias, promovem o crescimento vegetal e apresentam potencial para o controle de fitopatógenos através da liberação de compostos voláteis. Diante disso o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a eficiência do Bacillus subtilis Bs10 na promoção de crescimento de plantas de tomate e alface. O experimento foi realizado em bandejas com 25 plantas por tratamento. A inoculação de B. subtilis foi realizada no momento do plantio utilizando 1 mL de suspensão em cada célula. Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado com dois tratamentos, com e sem a inoculação de Bacillus. As avaliações para ambas as culturas foram realizadas aos 28 dias após a germinação onde foram determinadas a altura de plantas, massa seca da parte aérea (MSPA) e massa seca da raiz (MSR). A hipótese de igualdade entre as médias dos dois tratamentos avaliados foi feita pelo teste F da análise de variância para p = 0,05, utilizando o programa estatístico SISVAR. Durante as avaliações o tratamento com B. subtilis obteve os melhores resultados em todos os quesitos apresentando diferenças significativas com relação a testemunha. O tratamento com a inoculação de B. subtilis Bs10 apresentou maior MSPA nas mudas de alface e tomate, obtendo diferença significativa com relação a testemunha sem inoculação, sendo uma diferença superior, na alface com 21,67% a mais de MSPA comparando com a testemunha, e no tomate com 18,61%. Por tanto, de acordo com os resultados obtidos, o B. subtilis Bs10 é eficiente na promoção de crescimento de plantas de tomate e alface.
Spectroscopic properties and optoelectronic parameters of ternary composites incorporating poly(L-Tryptophane):P(TER-CO-TRI) and Sudan dye
Authors: Rahim Barham Kamal , Muhammadsharif Fahmi F. , Saeed Salah Raza , Ketuly Kamal Aziz
Published: January 2024

In this study, the spectroscopic properties and optoelectronic parameters of a ternary composite containing poly(L-Tryptophane): P(TER-CO-TRI) and Sudan dye were thoroughly investigated. Poly(L-Tryptophane) and P (TER-CO-TRI), the electron acceptor and donor, were solution processed and doped with different ratios of Sudan dye to form ternary composite systems. The FTIR technique, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were utilized to study the broad properties of the samples. Results showed that with the help of dye doping, the non-dispersive refractive index and energy gap of the ternary system were increased to 2.00 and decreased to 2.11 eV, respectively. The optical band gap, refractive index, dielectric constant, and optical conductivity of the samples were elaborated. The nature of the electronic transition in the studied samples was found to be a direct allowed transition, which was derived from the application of Tauc’s equation. The combination of CV test and absorption spectroscopy was successfully used to determine the molecular energy levels, HOMO and LUMO of the polymer samples.
Experiments in nuclear physics using inexpensive instruments
Authors: Saminan Saminan , Silviana Fitria , Prayogi Soni
Published: January 2024

The scarcity of experimental activities is one of the challenges of teaching current physics. This study resolves these issues and suggests three nuclear physics experiments using a low-cost ion chamber, whose construction is explained: the measurement of 222Rn progeny collected from the indoor air; the measurement of the range of alpha particles emitted by the 232Th progeny, present in lantern mantles and in thoriated welding rods, as well as by the air filter containing 222Rn progeny; and the measurement of 220Rn half-life collected from In this study, the experimental methods and anticipated findings are presented, showing that the experiments could help nuclear physics curricula. These procedures may provide broad access to either academic laboratories in high schools or colleges and the equipment may be used to create novel nuclear physics teaching strategies
Measurement of Specific Heat of Organic Materials Using Non-Isolating Container and Arduino
Authors: Erol Mustafa , Göl Damla
Published: January 2024

This study reports a novel method for specific heat measurements of organic materials namely potaoes, quinces and radishes. The method proposed in this work is novel in the sense that it employs a non-isolated container and an Arduino microprocessors. The actual measurements are simply managed by placing the organic materials within hot water in a non-isolating container and by monitoring the temperature and time by means of Arduino UNO microprocessor. The heat leakage due to the non-isolated container is determined by using the heat versus time graph of the system and by mathematically modeling the temperature decrease by the time due to the heat exchange between the hot water and the environment. The measurements have revealed that the relative errors for the measurements are approximately % 4.75 for potatoes, % 21.50 for radishes and % 1.30 for quinces. The approach described in this work is inexpensive, very easy to apply and can potentially be beneficial for basic physics, science and engineering research activities.
Monitoring system ammonia concentration using fiber optic sensor based surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Ficrah Huda Erin
Published: January 2024

A monitoring system for ammonia concentration in waters has been created using fiber optic sensors based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Monitoring is carried out to measure the decline in water quality due to the toxic compound ammonia from floating net cages (KJA) activities used as aquaculture sites. The sensor performance was improved by replacing the cladding using gold nanoparticles to increase the sensitivity of the fiber optic sensor based on the SPR phenomenon. The sensor consists of a laser diode as a light source, optical fiber as a waveguide and OPT101 as a photodetector. The Arduino Nano microcontroller is used as a data processor, LoRa as a transmission system and the MCU node as a data receiver. The results of measuring the ammonia concentration received by the MCU node are displayed on a Google spreadsheet in real time. Testing of measuring instruments is carried out by comparing the measurement results with a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The test results obtained an accuracy value of 94.09% for optical fibers using the dip coating method and 78% for optical fibers using the thermal evaporation coating method.
Population and Species Composition of Rodents and Insectivores in Settlements of the West Kazakhstan Region Located in the Plague Enzootic Territory
Authors: Tanitovsky V. A. , Gabbasov A. A. , Surov V. V. , Meka-Mechenko V. G. , Sayakova Z. Z. , Maikanov N. S.
Published: January 2024

The aim of the study was to analyze the abundance, species composition, dissemination of mouse-like rodents and other small mammals in the settlements of the West Kazakhstan Region over the past 6 years and the factors contributing to the change in the numbers in the long-term aspect.

Materials and methods. We utilized the data obtained by employees of the Uralsk Plague Control Station, affiliated branch of the Republican State Enterprise “National Scientific Center of Particularly Dangerous Infections named after Masgut Aikimbaev” during a scheduled epizootiological survey of plague foci located in the West Kazakhstan Region.

Results and discussion. The average annual number of rodents and insectivores in the settlements on the plague-enzootic territory of the West Kazakhstan Region was 5.1 in spring season, 8.1 in autumn, with 30.0 % occupancy of the facilities. In outbuildings, the number of rodents was three times higher than in residential buildings and amounted to 11.5 (residential buildings – 3.7). The general species composition of small mammals caught in the settlements was represented by seven species, among which the house mouse was a predominant one (97.5 %). The second place was occupied by the small shrew (1.7 %). There is a downward trend in the number of rodents in the steppe foci of plague (over 18 years – an average of 22.0 %). A slight increase in the number of animals by 2.0 % has been registered in the sandy focus.
Whole-Genome Sequencing and Search for Determinants of Resistance to Benzalkonium Chloride in Burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Luchinin D. N. , Ustinov D. V. , Shpak I. M. , Molchanova E. V.
Published: January 2024

The aim of the study was to carry out whole-genome sequencing and comparative analysis of the original and benzalkonium chloride-resistant strains of Burkholderia pseudomallei.

Materials and methods. We used the strain B. pseudomallei 134 and resistant to benzalkonium chloride B. pseudomallei 134K. Whole-genome sequencing was conducted on the MiSeq Reagent Kit v3 platform (600-cucle).Genome assembly for both strains was performed with the help of SPAdes v3.11.1. In order to compare genome sequences of the studied strains, Snippy v4.6.0 software was applied. MEGA X program was used to align the nucleotide and amino acid sequences.

Results and discussion. The search and analysis of determinants responsible for the emergence of resistance to biocides in B. pseudomallei 134K have revealed two genes: the TetR transcriptional repressor gene and the AmrAB-OprA efflux pump gene. A single nucleotide polymorphism has been found in the TetR regulator, which led to the replacement of serine by proline in the mutant protein, and, as a result, a change in its secondary structure. It is believed that this mutation causes the loss of regulatory protein functionality, resulting in an increased expression of the efflux pump genes (AcrB/AcrD/AcrF) regulated by it. This follows by both, decrease in the level of sensitivity to benzalkonium chloride and the emergence of resistance to ceftazidime. In the AmrAB-OprA efflux pump gene, an insertion of 16 nucleotides has been detected at the position 544 of the amrA operon, which led to an increase in the length of the cistron, a shift in the reading frame, a change in the amino acid composition, and, as a result, a change in the secondary structure of the encoded protein. It is most likely that this mutation contributes to the loss of AmrAB-OprA operon function and the failure of normal outflow of xenobiotics from the cytoplasm of the microorganism. This assumption is evidenced by the loss of resistance to gentamicin in the mutant strain.
Ragam Cerita Di Desa Kuripansari Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat Di Desa Kuripansari Kecamatan Pacet
Authors: Iswanto Iswanto
Published: January 2024

Puji syukur kami panjatkan kehadirat Allah SWT atas limpahan rahmat dan hidayah-Nya kepada kita semua, sehingga program Kuliah Kerja Nyata Pencerahan 2020 Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo di Desa Kuripansari ini dapat terlaksana dan terselesaikan dengan baik. Program Kuliah Kerja Nyata merupakan pelaksanaan Catur Dharma Perguruan Tinggi yang terdiri dari pengembangan ilmu pengetahuan, penelitian dan pengabdian pada masyarakat. Laporan KKN ini disusun sebagai bentuk pertanggungjawaban tertulis kami selama pelaksanaan KKN di Desa Kuripansari, Kecamatan Pacet, Kabupaten Mojokerto yang dilaksanakan pada 21 Januari hingga 23 Februari 2020. Adapun topik garapan dalam pelaksanaan KKN ini adalah “Penguatan Tata Kelola Potensi Unggulan Desa Mitra Berkelanjutan Berbasis Sosiokultural dan Teknologi.
Kinetic deflection change due to target global curvature as revealed by NASA/DART
Authors: Hirabayashi Masatoshi , Raducan Sabina , Sunshine Jessica , Farnham Tony , Deshapriya Prasanna , Li Jian-Yang , Tancredi Gonzalo , Chesley Steven , Daly Ronald , Ernst Carolyn , Gai Igor , Hasselmann Pedro , Naidu Shantanu , Nair Hari , Palmer Eric , Waller C. , Zinzi Angelo , Agrusa Harrison , Barbee Brent , Syal M. Bruck , Collins Gareth , Davison Thomas , DeCoster Mallory , Jutzi Martin , Kumamoto Kathryn , Moskovitz Nicholas , Lyzhoft Joshua , Schwartz Stephen , Abell Paul , Barnouin Olivier , Chabot Nancy , Cheng Andy , Dotto Elisabetta , Fahnestock Eugene , Michel Patrick , Richardson Derek , Rivkin Andrew , Stickle Angela , Thomas Cristina , Beccarelli Joel , Brucato John , Dallora Massimo , Corte Vincenzo Della , Epifani Elena Mazzotta , Ieva Simone , Impresario Gabriele , Ivanovski Stavro , Lucchetti Alice , Modenini Dario , Pajola Maurizio , Palumbo Pasquale , Pirrotta Simone , Poggiali Giovanni , Rossi Alessandro , Tortora Paolo , Tusberti Filippo , Zannoni Marco , Zanotti Giovanni , Ferrari Fabio , Glenar David , Herreros M.I. , Jacobson Seth , Karatekin Ozgur , Lazzarin Monica , Lolachi Ramin , Lucas Michael , Makadia Rahil , Marzari Francesco , Merrill Colby , Migliorini Alessandra , Nakano Ryota , Ormö Jens , Sánchez Paul , Senel Cem , Soldini Stefania , Stubbs Timothy
Published: January 2024

Kinetic deflection is a planetary defense technique that delivers spacecraft momentum to a small body to deviate its course from Earth. The deflection efficiency depends strongly on the impactor and target. Among them, the contribution of global curvature was poorly understood. The ejecta plume created by NASA's DART impact on its target asteroid, Dimorphos, exhibited an elliptical shape almost aligned along its north-south direction. Here, we identify that this elliptical ejecta plume resulted from the target’s curvature, reducing the momentum transfer to 44±10% along the orbit track compared to an equivalent impact on a flat target. We also find lower kinetic deflection of impacts on smaller Near-Earth objects (NEOs) due to higher curvature. A solution to mitigate low deflection efficiency is to apply multiple low-energy impactors rather than a single high-energy impactor. Rapid reconnaissance to acquire a target's properties before deflection enables determining the proper locations and timing of impacts.
Removal of Metal(oids) from Acid Mine Drainage Using Manganese Oxide Wastes from a Mining-Metallurgical Process
Authors: Flores Luis F. Piñon , Gutiérrez-Ruiz Margarita E. , González-Chávez José L. , Amaro Daniel Emmanuel , Aguirre-Gómez Arturo , Reyes Marco A. Molina
Published: January 2024

The study addresses Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) in Central Mexico from iron-sulfur ore mine which poses environmental risks. The initial passive treatment using alkaline minerals improved pH and reduced metal concentrations but exceeded permissible limits (MLP) for Zn2 + and Cd2+, set by Mexican regulations (Zn = 10 and Cd = 0.2 mg/L). This study aimed to improve the original process by utilizing waste materials from a manganese mine (Mn-wastes). These materials contain carbonates (R3) and oxides and clays (R6) with a high sorption capacity to reduce Zn2+ and Cd2+ concentrations below the permissible level (MPL) or to directly treat the AMD without using other alkaline materials. The original pH of the AMD was 2.99, with the following contents: Al (445 mg/L), Fe (263 mg/L), Mn (364 mg/L), Cd (2.82 mg/L), and Zn (4,830 mg/L). After the pre-treatment at pH 6.31, concentrations in mg/L were found to be below the limits of detection (LODs) for Al and Fe, while Mn = 279, Cd = 0.39, and Zn = 1,110 mg/L. The results indicated that using R3 and R6, with or without the alkaline pre-treatment, allows compliance with the MPL, but the technical-economic viability is greater with the pre-treatment. Waste R6 is more efficient than R3. The addition of R6 (Mn-waste) to pre-treated AMD in a ratio of 0.75 (R6/AMD) with 30 hours of contact or with a ratio of 0.2 and 60 hours, resulted in Cd2+ and Zn2+ soluble concentrations decreasing below their MPL. The Zeta Potential of both wastes after contact with AMD increased to positive values, indicating that sorption occurred during the removal of metal(oids).
BioLLMBench: A Comprehensive Benchmarking of Large Language Models in Bioinformatics
Authors: Mangul Serghei , Sarwal Varuni , Munteanu Viorel , Suhodolschi Timur , Ciorba Dumitru , Eskin Eleazar , Wang Wei
Published: January 2024

Large Language Models (LLMs) have shown great promise in their knowledge integration and problem-solving capabilities, but their ability to assist in bioinformatics research has not been systematically evaluated. To bridge this gap, we present BioLLMBench, a novel benchmarking framework coupled with a scoring metric scheme for comprehensively evaluating LLMs in solving bioinformatics tasks. Through BioLLMBench, we conducted a thorough evaluation of 2,160 experimental runs of the three most widely used models, GPT-4, Bard and LLaMA, focusing on 36 distinct tasks within the field of bioinformatics. The tasks come from six key areas of emphasis within bioinformatics that directly relate to the daily challenges and tasks faced by individuals within the field. These areas are domain expertise, mathematical problem-solving, coding proficiency, data visualization, summarizing research papers, and developing machine learning models. The tasks also span across varying levels of complexity, ranging from fundamental concepts to expert-level challenges. Each key area was evaluated using seven specifically designed task metrics, which were then used to conduct an overall evaluation of the LLM’s response. To enhance our understanding of model responses under varying conditions, we implemented a Contextual Response Variability Analysis. Our results reveal a diverse spectrum of model performance, with GPT-4 leading in all tasks except mathematical problem solving. GPT4 was able to achieve an overall proficiency score of 91.3% in domain knowledge tasks, while Bard excelled in mathematical problem-solving with a 97.5% success rate. While GPT-4 outperformed in machine learning model development tasks with an average accuracy of 65.32%, both Bard and LLaMA were unable to generate executable end-to-end code. All models faced considerable challenges in research paper summarization, with none of them exceeding a 40% score in our evaluation using the Recall-Oriented Understudy for Gisting Evaluation (ROUGE) score, highlighting a significant area for future improvement. We observed an increase in model performance variance when using a new chatting window compared to using the same chat, although the average scores between the two contextual environments remained similar. Lastly, we discuss various limitations of these models and acknowledge the risks associated with their potential misuse.
Evaluating the impacts of earthquake in Ezgele, Kermanshah (Iran)(occurred on 2017/11/12)
Authors: Ganjaeian Hamid , Yamani Mojtaba , Gorabi Abolghasem , Maghsodi Mehran
Published: January 2024

Earthquake is one of the most important environmental hazards associated with massive casualties and pecuniary losses. The earthquake of November 12th, 2017 in Ezgele, Kermanshah has been one of the most destructive earthquakes ever happened in Iran; in this study, considering the importance of the issue, we have evaluated its tangible and intangible effects. Our research data include radar images from Sentinel 1, statistical information on earthquake stress and damage estimates obtained via extensive fieldworks. ARCGIS and GMT software were used as research tools. Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) was also used to analyze data. To achieve the desired goals, first the tangible effects of earthquakes were estimated using results obtained from fieldwork and documentary data from relevant organizations. Then, radar images were used to evaluate the intangible effects of earthquakes and the effects of stresses on urban areas, plains and slopes. The obtained results show that longitudinal cracks, slips and building collapses have been the most significant reported tangible impacts. Also, the most important intangible impacts of the earthquake across the study area are +917 to -613 mm vertical displacement, in cities, plains and slopes, which can cause a lot of damage in the near future.
Diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance imaging features to differentiate adrenal pheochromocytoma from adrenal tumors with positive biochemical testing results
Authors: Huang Rukun , Lin Tingsheng , Chen Mengxia , Li Xiaogong , Guo Hongqian
Published: January 2024

Background
It is extremely essential to accurately differentiate pheochromocytoma from Adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) before operation, especially biochemical tests were inconclusive. We aimed to evaluate the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features to differentiate pheochromocytomas among adrenal tumors, among which the consequences of biochemical screening tests of catecholamines and/or catecholamine metabolites are positive.
Methods
With institutional review board approval, this study retrospectively compared 35 pheochromocytoma (PHEO) patients with 27 non-pheochromocytoma(non-PHEO) patients between January 2022 to September 2023, among which the consequences of biochemical screening tests of catecholamines and/or catecholamine metabolites are positive. T test was used for the independent continuous data and the chi-square test was used for categorical variables. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were applied to find the independent variate of the features to differentiate PHEO from non-PHEO and ROC analysis was applied to evaluate the diagnostic value of the independent variate.
Results
We found that the T2-weighted (T2W) signal intensity in patients with pheochromocytoma was higher than other adrenal tumors, with greatly significant (p <​ 0.001). T2W signal intensity ratio (T2W nodule-to-muscle SI ratio) was an independent risk factor for the differential diagnosis of adrenal PHEOs from non-PHEOs. This feature alone had 91.4% sensitivity and 81.5% specificity to rule out pheochromocytoma based on optimal threshold, with an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC‑ROC) of 0.910(95% C I: 0.833–0.987).
Conclusion
Our study confirms that T2W signal intensity ratio can differentiate PHEO from non-PHEO, among which the consequences of biochemical screening tests of catecholamines and/or catecholamine metabolites are positive.
Association study between biomarkers of metabolites and its relevance genes for hypertension in Korean adults
Authors: Hwang Dahyun , Jung Jaemee
Published: January 2024

Metabolites are the intermediate and end-products of metabolic pathways that reflect ongoing biological processes. Unlike genes and proteins, metabolites are closely related to biochemical activities and clinical phenotypes, which can serve as indicators and characterize their impact on disease. Hypertension (HTN) is among the most important preclinical conditions of metabolic syndrome and remains the top risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Pathophysiological mechanisms for the development of HTN are well known. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the metabolite changes that promote disease development. Therefore, we investigated HTN-related metabolites using the cohort data of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES). As a result, phosphatidylcholine (PC)-derived metabolites were found to have the highest correlation with HTN. In linear regression analysis between metabolites and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the SNPs belonging to the HECT domain E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 4 (HECTD4), myelin regulatory factor (MYRF), and fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1) genes showed a significant correlation. Among them, rs11066280 of the HECTD4 gene was found to be related to HTN (p = 0.03). This result was consistent with the reported association of HECTD4 with systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In conclusion, PC-derived metabolites and HECTD4 are associated with HTN in the Korean population. With the identification of HTN-related metabolites, the results of this study could be very useful in the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of HTN. Finally, if in vitro and in vivo data are added in the future could help in the formulation of new guidelines for the treatment of HTN.
Salinity Distribution in a Tropical River-Estuary Continuum through Numerical Modelling: Case of the Wouri-Nkam River Estuary, Cameroon
Authors: Besack Felix , Ebonji Seth Rodrigue , Ajonina Gordon , Tchogom Josué Manga , Essome Landry Mbang , Onguene Raphael , Tomedi Minette , Olesugun Dada
Published: January 2024

In estuaries environments, the distribution of salinity controls the resourcing of freshwater for agriculture, aquaculture and human consumption; it also regulates the functioning of critical natural habitats. Consequently, there is a particular need for a better understanding of the salinity distribution along river estuaries continuum and for simple predictive relationships linking salinity to estuarine characters and hence environmental conditions. Despite numerous global insightful studies, there are limited studies regarding the spatial patterns of salinity distribution in African estuarine systems. The present study fills this gap using idealized 1-dimentional (1-D) modelling of the Wouri-Nkam River Estuary, Cameroon under various seasonal and tidal conditions. The model results reveal a seasonal tidal excursions varying from 21.4 km (dry season), 18.1 km (transition season), and 14.66 km (wet season). The model performs best during the wet and transition seasons. The year 2050 and 2100 predictions reveal salt intrusion distance of 21 km and 41 km, respectively, indicating that the whole estuary and its surrounding environment will be polluted by marine water in the latter year. The results of this study are important for the region's water resource managers and decision-makers in mitigating the effects of climate change and associated Sea Level Rise (2100 scenario) on the coastal ecosystems since their continuous modification will negatively impact the living standard of Cameroon’s growing population, and the sub region at large.
Multi-trait ridge regression BLUP with de novo GWAS improves genomic prediction for haploid induction ability and agronomic traits of haploid inducers in maize
Authors: Chen Yu-Ru , Frei Ursula , Lübberstedt Thomas
Published: January 2024

Key message Employing multi-trait and de novo GWAS in a ridge regression BLUP model increases the predictive ability of haploid induction rate of haploid inducers in maize. Ridge regression BLUP (rrBLUP) is a widely used model for genomic selection. Different genomic prediction (GP) models have their own niches depending on the genetic architecture of traits and computational complexity. Haploid inducers have unique trait performances, relevant for doubled haploid (DH) technology in maize (Zea mays L.). We herein compared the performance of single-trait (ST) and multi-trait (MT) GP models (rrBLUP, BayesB, Random Forest, and xGBoost) and employed multi-trait and de novo GWAS in the ridge regression BLUP model for four traits of interest (Days to flowering, DTF; haploid induction rate, HIR; plant height, PHT; primary branch length, PBL) of the multifamily DH inducers (DHIs), and next tested the GP models in multi-parent advanced generation inter-cross (MAGIC) DHIs. The average predictive abilities (PA) of different GP methods across traits were 0.44 to 0.65 in multifamily DHIs. ST/MT de novo GWAS rrBLUP methods increased PA of HIR when using five-fold cross-validation. In addition, MT GP models improved PA by 13% on average across traits relative to ST GP models in MAGIC DHIs. These results provide empirical evidence that employing multi-trait and de novo GWAS in rrBLUP model in genomic selection could benefit the genetic improvement of haploid inducers.
Liquid-liquid extraction equilibrium study of vanadium(V) from nitrate medium by technical grade D2EHPA dissolved in kerosene
Authors: Karmakar Aneek Krishna , Hossen Amzad
Published: January 2024

The titled system was investigated as functions of aqueous pH, [V (V)] and [NO3−], and organic [D2EHPA]. The system is non-ideal as the log D value decreases with [V (V)]. Two types of mechanisms were identified through the pH dependence study; below pH 2.5, the log D value increases with increasing pH value with a limiting slope of 0.35, whereas, above pH 2.5, the limiting slope is -0.32. The extractant dependence is 0.24. The extraction ratio increases with increasing [NO3−], showing the salting out effect. Kerosene appears as a suitable diluent. The system is exothermic with ΔH =-12.34 kJ/mol. The loading capacity was 6.11 g V (V)/100 g extractant. A 0.5 mol/L H2SO4 solution appeared to be a suitable stripping agent.
Artificial Neural Networks Applied in the Classification of Radionuclides from Gamma Spectroscopy and Computational Simulation
Authors: de Azevedo Ary Machado , Silva Márcio Magalhães de Andrade , Nunes Wallace Vallory , Morales Rudnei Karam , Cardoso Domingos D'Oliveira , Monteiro Sérgio Neves
Published: January 2024

The present study seeks to develop a classifier of radioactive sources based on gamma spectroscopy and artificial intelligence, which makes use of Keras and TensorFlow [, both free and open-source technologies. Through these technologies, an artificial neural network (ANN) was developed, which makes use of supervised machine learning and the backpropagation algorithm. The neural network was trained with a dataset of spectra from simulations performed by the Monte Carlo N-Particle 5 code (MCNP5). To achieve the objective of functioning as a classifier within the proposed scope, several versions of the neural network were evaluated, to study its performance, to determine important parameters such as a learning rate, and the optimizer used, among others, where RNA performance was evaluated by analyzing the network accuracy and loss curves. The generalization capacity was assessed by submitting spectra raised experimentally by an apparatus composed of a NaI(Tl) detector, a multichannel analyzer, and the Maestro software for the experimental data acquisition, which were used with the use of sealed radioactive sources of Co-60, Cs-137, and Eu-152. Six versions of the ANN were selected, capable of solving the proposed problem, with accuracy greater than 95%.
Metabolic abnormalities in the bone marrow cells of young offspring born to obese mothers
Authors: Alina Maloyan , Phillips Elysse , Alharithi Yem , Kadam Leena , Coussens Lisa , Kumar Sushil
Published: January 2024

Intrauterine metabolic reprogramming occurs in obese mothers during gestation, putting the offspring at high risk of developing obesity and associated metabolic disorders even before birth. We have generated a mouse model of maternal high-fat diet-induced obesity that recapitulates the metabolic changes seen in humans born to obese women. Here, we profiled and compared the metabolic characteristics of bone marrow cells of newly weaned 3-week-old offspring of dams fed either a high-fat (Off-HFD) or a regular diet (Off-RD). We utilized a state-of-the-art targeted metabolomics approach coupled with a Seahorse metabolic analyzer. We revealed significant metabolic perturbation in the offspring of HFD-fed vs. RD-fed dams, including utilization of glucose primarily via oxidative phosphorylation. We also found a reduction in levels of amino acids, a phenomenon previously linked to bone marrow aging. Using flow cytometry, we identified a unique B cell population expressing CD19 and CD11b in the bone marrow of three-week-old offspring of high-fat diet-fed mothers, and found increased expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) on myeloid CD11b, and on CD11bhi B cells. Altogether, we demonstrate that the offspring of obese mothers show metabolic and immune changes in the bone marrow at a very young age and prior to any symptomatic metabolic disease.
Novel hydrogel based on natural hybrid backbones: Optimized synthesis and effective adsorbent for the removal of dye from an aqueous solution
Authors: Kumawat Yogesh Kumar , Nair Abhigith , Choudhary Sonal , Nath Jyotendra , Sharma Kashma , Rasool Tanveer , Sharma Vishal , Mishra Yogendra , Kumar Vijay
Published: January 2024

In this study, we synthesized a novel hydrogel, GG/LBG-g-poly(AAm), utilizing a hybrid backbone composed of guar gum, locust bean gum, and acrylamide. The cross-linker N, N-Methylene-bis-acrylamide, and the initiator ammonium persulfate were employed in the synthesis process. Response surface methodology and a full factorial rotatable central composite design were used to optimize various reaction parameters to enhance the percentage swelling of the synthesized hydrogel. This optimization resulted in a notable increase in swelling capacity, reaching 1050%. The incorporation of acrylamide chains onto the guar-locust bean gum-based hybrid backbone, as well as crosslinking between different polymeric chains, was confirmed through various characterization techniques, including FTIR, TGA, XRD, FE-SEM, wettability studies, and zeta potential analysis. We investigated the hydrogel’s adsorption performance for malachite green (MG), varying pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, and dye concentration. Under ambient conditions, GG/LBG-g-poly(AAm) demonstrated a maximum adsorption capacity of 52.96 mg g− 1 and achieved a removal efficiency of 98%. The adsorption data best fit the Freundlich model (R2 = 0.99) and followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, indicating a consistent agreement. Positive values for ΔHo (61.23 KJ/mol) and ΔSo (239.80 J/mol. K) suggest an endothermic adsorption process with a strong affinity for dye molecules. Overall, the synthesized material exhibits significant potential for effectively removing toxic dyes from wastewater.
Validation of the Chinese Version of the Revised Community Advancing Resilience Toolkit (CART) Survey Instrument: Evidence from Three Chinese Provinces
Authors: Yan Cunling , Zhang Ning , Ning Ning , Liu Ying , Wang Bingjie , Liu Xiaoyu , Sun Caihong , Tang Yunli , Qi Yue , Yu Bingyan , Zhang Luhao
Published: January 2024

Background Reliable and valid instruments are essential to understand and enhance community resilience in China, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study analyzed the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Communities Advancing Resilience Toolkit (CART-C), in order to provide a measurement that can further enhance community resilience in China. Methods A cross-sectional data was collected from three provinces of China from November to December 2022 using an online platform for questionnaire surveys. The total of 1,936 valid questionnaires were collected. Internal consistency reliability and convergent and discriminant validity were assessed, and confirmatory factor analysis was performed. Results The results showed the CART-C had adequate internal consistency, with the sub-scales and total scale presenting with good reliability values (Cronbach’s alpha coefficients ranged from 0.819 to 0.886 and 0.960, respectively), and the results of confirmatory factor analysis showed that adequate fit to data, yielding a 24-item, five-factor structure (all intercorrelated) as follows: χ2/df = 2.812, comparative fit index = 0.992, goodness-of-fit index = 0.981, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.989, Adjusted goodness-of-ft index(AGFI) = 0.973, and root mean square error of approximation = 0.027. Conclusion The findings suggest that CART-C is a valid and reliable measure to assess community resilience and will be useful in policy making for community preparedness for disaster events.
Accurate and efficient boundary method for isogeometric shape design sensitivity analysis considering tangential divergence of non-smooth boundary
Authors: Ko Keun-Hyeong , Kim Hyun-Seok , Cho Seonho
Published: January 2024

Even though the conventional finite element analysis (FEA) based boundary method for shape design sensitivity analysis (DSA) has the advantage of low computation costs, the accuracy of computed sensitivity is not satisfactory due to the inaccurate consideration of boundary geometry. To overcome this difficulty, employing an efficient adjoint method, we propose an isogeometric analysis (IGA) based boundary method for shape DSA that can exactly handle the normal and curvature on a non-smooth boundary. The required computational costs for the boundary method is much less than that of the domain method since the computation is performed only on the boundary. Furthermore, the shape sensitivity of performance measure defined by a boundary functional on the non-smooth boundary can be precisely obtained using the curvature of boundary, the normal component of design velocity, and the tangential divergence of design velocity. Through numerical examples, the accuracy and efficiency of the IGA-based boundary method for DSA are compared with other methods such as FEA-based boundary and domain methods. It is demonstrated that the IGA-based shape design sensitivity of the boundary functional could accurately represent the tangential divergence on the boundary that the linear shape function in the FEA-based one cannot properly represent.