bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of the Out-of-Hospital Adherence Questionnaire for Stroke Patients
Authors: Wu Meiting , Qu Jiayan , Lu Jianping
Published: October 2024

Background The extent of rehabilitation of stroke patients outside the hospital is contingent upon their dedication to rehabilitative exercises, adherence to a suitable diet, and medication protocols. Therefore, multiple aspects of compliance must be assessed. Questionnaires are indirect measurements that are economical and easy to use. However, questionnaires should meet specific criteria to minimize errors and ensure reprehensibility of the results.Objective To evaluate the psychometric properties and feasibility of an Out-of-Hospital Adherence Questionnaire for Stroke Patients, which has at least one measure of validity and one measure of reliability.Methods A preliminary "Out-of-hospital Adherence Questionnaire for Stroke Patients" was developed based on a literature review and two rounds of Delphi expert consultation. Between April 1 and July 2022, 308 stroke patients revisited the neurology departments of four Grade A tertiary hospitals in Shanghai using the convenience sampling approach. Various statistical methods, such as item analysis, correlation analysis, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and the internal consistency measure Cronbach’s α coefficient, were employed to assess the reliability and validity of the questionnaire.Results A total of 290 questionnaires were collected; the Cronbach’s α coefficients were 0.936, 0.862, 0.916, and 0.928 for the different sections, and the overall Cronbach’s α coefficient for the entire scale was 0.902. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis were CMIN/DF = 2.490, RMR = 0.05, GFI = 0.901, NFI = 0.927, IFI = 0.955, and RMSEA = 0.054. The standardized loading values varied between 0.717 and 0.916. The combined reliabilities of the four dimensions were 0.936, 0.864, 0.917, and 0.929, respectively. The average variance extraction values for the four dimensions are 0.676, 0.614, 0.611, and 0.652, respectively.Conclusion The Out-of-Hospital Adherence Questionnaire for Stroke Patients is a reliable and accurate instrument for evaluating medication use, nutritional status, and behavior throughout the out-of-hospital rehabilitation phase.
Encouraging Arm Use in Stroke Survivors: The Impact of Smart Reminders during a Home-Based Intervention
Authors: Mayrhuber Laura , Andres Sebastian D. , Legrand Mathilde L. , Luft Andreas R. , Ryser Franziska , Gassert Roger , Veerbeek Janne M. , Duinen Jannie van , Schwarz Anne , Franinovic Karmen , Rickert Christoph , Schkommodau Erik , Held Jeremia P. O. , Easthope Chris Awai , Lambercy Olivier
Published: October 2024

Background
Upper limb impairment post-stroke often leads to a predominant use of the unaffected arm and consequent learned disuse of the affected side, hindering upper limb outcome. Wearable sensors such as accelerometers, combined with smart reminders (i.e., based on the amount of arm activity), offer a potential approach to promote increased use of the affected arm to improve upper limb use during daily life. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of wrist vibratory reminders during a six-week home-based intervention in chronic stroke survivors.
Methods
We evaluated the impact of the home-based intervention on the primary outcome, the Motor Activity Log-14 Item Version scores Amount of Use (MAL-14 AOU), and the secondary outcomes MAL-14 Quality of Movement (QOM) and sensor-derived activity metrics from the affected arm. A randomized controlled trial design was used for the study: the intervention group received personalized reminders based on individualized arm activity goals, while the control group did not receive any feedback. Mixed linear models assessed the influence of the group, week of the intervention period, and initial impairment level on MAL-14 and arm activity metrics.
Results
Forty-two participants were enrolled in the study. Overall, participants exhibited modest but not clinically relevant increases in MAL-14 AOU (+ 0.2 points) and QOM (+ 0.2 points) after the intervention period, with no statistically significant differences between the intervention and control group. Feasibility challenges were noted, such as adherence to wearing the trackers and sensor data quality. However, in participants with sufficiently available sensor data (n = 23), the affected arm use extracted from the sensor data was significantly higher in the intervention group (p < 0.05). The initial impairment level strongly influenced affected arm use and both MAL-14 AOU and QOM (p < 0.01).
Conclusions
The study investigated the effectiveness of incorporating activity trackers with smart reminders to increase affected arm activity among stroke survivors during daily life. While the results regarding the increased arm use at home are promising, patient-reported outcomes remained below clinically meaningful thresholds and showed no group differences. Further, it is essential to acknowledge feasibility issues such as adherence to wearing the trackers during the intervention and missing sensor data.
Trial registration:
NCT03294187
Stereoacuity and ocular-associated factors in children aged 3-7 years in Guangxi, Southern China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xiao Xin , Huang Huiyao , Luo Yan , Luo Wuqiang , Li Lili , Lin Enwei , Kong Min , Xu Fan , Chen Qi
Published: October 2024

Purpose
To investigate the distribution of stereoacuity and its ocular-associated factors in children aged 3–7 years in Guangxi, Southern China.
Methods
This cross-sectional study recruited 4,090 children aged 3–7 years (mean: 5.12 ± 0.95 years) from 12 randomly selected kindergartens using cluster sampling in Nanning, Guangxi Autonomous Region, Southern China. Comprehensive assessments included visual acuity assessment, noncycloplegic autorefraction, anterior segment examination, cover/uncover and alternating cover tests, fundus examination, and the Titmus stereo test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the factors associated with subnormal stereoacuity (> 40 arcsec).
Results
The prevalence rates of anisometropia, astigmatism, and strabismus were 18.24%, 26.11%, and 0.20%, respectively. The mean stereoacuity was 1.88 ± 0.34 log units (median: 60.25 arcsec), with the majority (65.18%) having subnormal stereoacuity. The mean log units of stereoacuity decreased with age (F = 144.7, P < 0.001). Compared with girls, boys had a significantly greater mean log unit stereoacuity (1.90 ± 0.35 vs 1.87 ± 0.34, t = 2.589, P = 0.010). In the multivariate logistic regression, older age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.040–0.461 for years 4–7, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.018–0.613 for years 4–7, all P < 0.001) and female sex (OR = 0.672, 95% CI: 0.584–0.772, P < 0.001) were protective factors, whereas interocular acuity difference [IAD] (OR = 6.906, 95% CI: 3.133–16.01, P < 0.001), mean LogMAR acuity (OR = 11.491, 95% CI: 6.065–22.153, P < 0.001), mean cylindrical error [CYLmean] (OR = 1.201, 95% CI: 1.055–1.365, P = 0.005), and anisometropia (OR = 1.452, 95% CI: 1.202–1.760, P < 0.001) were risk factors for subnormal stereopsis.
Conclusion
Ocular factors, including higher IAD, worse acuity, greater astigmatism, and greater anisometropia, were identified as risk factors for subnormal stereoacuity, highlighting the importance and urgency of early screening for stereoacuity and ocular risk factors in children aged 3–7 years in Guangxi.
Reconfigurable 3D stacked oxide semiconductor devices for hybrid in-memory computing
Authors: Gong Xiao , Sun Chen , Liu Jialong , Zhang Dong , Xu Haiwen , Kong Qiwen , Liu Gan , Jiao Leming , Wang Xiaolin , Feng Yang , Chen Yue , Shao Rui , Zhang Jishen , Li Xueqing
Published: October 2024

Fluorite-structure ferroelectric field-effect transistors (FeFETs) are among the most promising candidates for in-memory computing (IMC) owing to the complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatible process, high scalability with decent remanent polarization, and ultra-fast response. However, for on-chip training, a major obstacle in implementing FeFETs is the limited endurance. Here, we demonstrate a run-time reconfigurable (RTR) device that enables mode switching between an unlimited-endurance dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) mode for on-chip training and a non-volatile FeFET mode for inference. Even more excitingly, the RTR device features a monolithically 3D stacked two-transistor structure, utilizing an oxide-semiconductor channel and Zr-doped HfO2 (HZO) ferroelectric with back-end-of-line and CMOS compatibilities. In addition to DRAM and FeFET modes, logic mode is also realized in the RTR device. Furthermore, a hybrid IMC system using RTR devices is proposed, achieving a high image classification accuracy of 91.6% with long-term retention and without endurance loss during 8-bit quantization training. Our work of 3D stacked multiple functional devices can be a game changer that unlocks new possibilities in device architecture for future data-intensive computing.
The Role of GenAI in EFL: Impact on Learning Motivation and Outcome
Authors: WANG TAO , Xue Bowen
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of GenAI (generative artificial intelligence) in EFL. Specifically, this paper focuses on its impact on learning motivation and outcome. With a total of five hundred and sixty-six students in four Chinese university, the questionnaire was shown to be reliable and valid. Research has revealed that GenAI has a strong effect on EFL learning motivation and outcomes in China; that GenAI plays an important role in learners’ personalized learning, learning interest and motivation through timely feedback and strong interactivity; and GenAI can enhance learner’s English listening and speaking skills, academic writing skills, vocabulary expansion and understanding of English-speaking countries' culture. The paper also revealed that personal factors such as grade, English proficiency and language environment in which students grew up have a strong effect on English learning outcomes. The research findings widens our understanding of Chinese student’s use of artificial intelligence in second language acquisition, and also reflect Chinese student’s AI anxiety in the era of information technology.
Effects of active and passive modified atmosphere packaging on extending the postharvest life of Gypsophila paniculata l. ‘Bristol Fairy’ flowers
Authors: Mohamad Asrar , Eissa Taghreed , Khella Evon , Barsoom Magdy , Ahmed Mohamed , Yang Chunmei
Published: October 2024

Gypsophila flowers hold significant economic value in the floriculture sector, used in cut flowers, decorations, and potted plants. Their lifespan is crucial for assessing quality, market value, and customer satisfaction. In the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons, this study was conducted in the Laboratory of Postharvest and Handling of Manufacturing Engineering and Food Packaging Res. Dept., Food Technology, Res. Inst., ARC at Giza and Post-Harvest Lab. of Ornamental Plants and Landscape Gardening Research Dept., Hort. Res. Inst.; Giza, Egypt to investigate the impacts of active and passive modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on several aspects of postharvest quality such as longevity, water loss, and water uptake on the quality characteristics of cut Gypsophila paniculata L. ‘Bristol Fairy’ flowers during storage. The following compositions of gases were examined: passive-MAP (78.97 N2, 0.03 CO2, and 21% O2), MAP1 (90 N2, 5 CO2, and 5% O2), MAP2 (85 N2, 10 CO2, and 5% O2), MAP3 (80 N2, 15 CO2, and 5% O2) and control (Unpacked cut flowers). The findings demonstrated that MAP2 and polyethylene bags significantly enhanced water absorption, fresh weight, carbohydrates production, and appearance quality. The average storage life of gypsophila flowers under passive MAP was 19.07 days, with the longest being 29.42 days with MAP2 and polyethylene bags.
How Ions and Pressure Affect Water Structure and Dynamics?
Authors: Zhou Yongquan , Jing Zhuanfang , Yamaguchi Toshio , Hattori Takanori , Tamatsukuri Hiromu , MATSUURA Masato
Published: October 2024

High-pressure aqueous saline solutions are pivotal in earth science, planetary modeling, and environmental science. Despite extensive research on the solution structure, the structure modification for solvent water induced by pressure and salt effects still need to be debated. In the present work, we adoped neutron scattering (NS), quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS), and molecular dynamics simulations (MD) to elucidate the changes in atomic-level structure and diffusion of water by applying pressure to 0.7 GPa and dissolving alkali metal ions. The peak shape and coordination numbers of the Ow⸱⸱⸱Ow (oxygen atoms of water molecules) pair distribution functions, spatial density distribution of water molecules, and the angle distribution of water oxygen atoms (∠Ow⸱⸱⸱Ow⸱⸱⸱Ow) show that applying pressure causes a weakening of the tetrahedral hydrogen-bonded structure of solvent water due to the collapse of the second coordination shell and the increase in the number of interstitial water molecules. However, the ion effect blocks a part of the hydrogen-bonded network of water. Therefore, the modification of tetrahedral network by applying pressure and dissolving ions originates from different physical mechanisms. The water dynamics shows that the soft hydrated K+, Rb+, and Cs+ at ambient conditions behave as a hard hydrated ion under gigapascal pressure. The present work is crucial for understanding geological processes in the Earth’s upper mantle and the salty ice formation in planetary science at the molecular level.
Lower extremity lymphedema in patients with gynecologic cancer: Validation of the Gynecologic Cancer Lymphedema Questionnaire (GCLQ) in German language and investigation of lymphedema real-world treatment
Authors: Meyer Henrike , Hinz Andreas , Weisgerber Christiane , Pilny Adrian , Dornhöfer Nadja , Mehnert-Theuerkauf Anja , Aktas Bahriye , Wolf Benjamin
Published: October 2024

Purpose: The Gynecologic Cancer Lymphedema Questionnaire (GCLQ) is an established patient- reported outcome measure for lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) in gynecologic oncology. We aimed to validate the GCLQ in German language (GCLQ-GER) for lymphedema detection in German- speaking patients and also investigated real-world patterns of lymphedema treatment.
Methods: The GCLQ was translated from English into German in accordance with the standards of a professional translation process. Subsequently, the questionnaire was administered in a prospective observational study including 102 patients who had undergone lymph node dissection (LND) within gynecologic cancer surgery. Various test quality criteria were calculated for the GCLQ-GER. As gold standard of testing methods, patients were clinically evaluated for LEL, and limb volume measurements were taken. Further data for lymphedema treatment were collected in patients with lymphedema diagnosis.
Results: Patients with LEL had increased GCLQ-GER total scores (mean 7.27) compared to patients without LEL (mean 1.81), p<0.001. High diagnostic accuracy was indicated by the large area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) of 0.874 (95% CI: 0.802- 0.946). Based on sensitivity and specificity values ≥79.0%, the GCLQ total score ≥4 was determined as the optimal cut- off value to identify LEL. Excellent internal consistency was demonstrated by Cronbach's alpha of 0.876. The clinical examination revealed a LEL prevalence of 48.0% (n=49), and 85.7% (n=42) of these patients received treatment.
Conclusion: The GCLQ-GER is a valid and feasible patient-reported outcome measure for lymphedema detection in German-speaking gynecologic cancer survivors. Its clinical introduction could improve secondary prevention of lymphedema and real-world treatment.
Employing RSM and ANN for Modeling Avicennia Marina Leaves in Dye Contaminant Removal
Authors: Namdeti Rakesh , Rao Gaddala Babu , Qahoor Noor Mohammed Said , Al-Kathiri Doaa Salim Musallam Samhan , Amri Lakhayar Amer Al , Qatan Muayad Abdullah Ahmed , Joaquin Arlene Abuda
Published: October 2024

In addressing the imperative need to treat toxic dyes in industrial effluent to prevent harm to human health and aquatic life, this study investigates the potential of Avicennia marina leaves as a biosorbent for removing methylene blue from synthetic solutions. Employing a central composite design, the study explores the influence of temperature, pH, sorbent dosage, and initial methylene blue concentration on the dye removal process. The optimal conditions identified include a temperature of 44.3°C, pH of 7.1, sorbent dose of 0.3 g, and an initial methylene blue concentration of 48.4 mg/L, resulting in an impressive 84.26% dye removal. The experimental biosorption percentage under these conditions is found to be 76.93%. The developed artificial neural network (ANN) model successfully predicts outcomes closely aligned with experimental results, showcasing the efficacy of Avicennia marina leaves as a promising biosorbent and the utility of ANN modeling for system optimization and prediction.
GPR75 knockdown alleviates mitochondrial dysfunction via AMPK in diabetic retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Liu Mengren , Cheng Xue , Liu Wenqiang , Yu HongDan , Yu Shengxue , Wang Yali , Chen Xinyuan , Miao Quanling , Yuan Yirong , Dai Wei , Hu Jiawei , Zhang Na , Sui Jiaheng , Liu Xuezheng , Zuo Zhongfu
Published: October 2024

Background
Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a crucial role in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) injury, the early pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). G protein-coupled receptor 75 (GPR75), an orphan receptor, is a novel regulator of metabolic diseases. However, the role and mechanisms of GPR75 underlying diabetic RGCs mitochondrial dysfunction has not been reported.
Methods
High glucose (HG)-treated RGCs and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced C57BL/6 diabetic mice were used in the present study. GPR75-knockdown adeno-associated virus (AAV), GPR75-overexpression (OE) plasmid, and AMPK-activator AICAR were utilized to investigate the role of GPR75 in DR. Retinal thickness and cell number were assessed with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Mitochondrial damage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and ATP production in the retina and RGCs were assessed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Mito-Tracker Red staining, dihydroethidium (DHE) staining, and ATP assay kits. We also assess the expression of GPR75, AMPK, p-AMPK, pyroptosis (NLRP3, Cleaved-Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18, GSDMD, N-GSDMD), apoptosis (Cleaved-Caspase-3, Cytochrome C, Bax, Bcl-2) and mitochondrial homeostasis (OPA1, NDUFS3, DRP1). The interaction between GPR75 and AMPK was detected through co-immunoprecipitation (CO-IP) and double immunofluorescence staining.
Results
Compared with control retina and RGCs, diabetic retina and HG-treated RGCs exhibited increased GPR75 expression and AMPK dephosphorylation accompanied by pyroptosis, apoptosis, and a decrease in retinal thickness and RGCs number. Moreover, we observed increased DRP1 expression, decreased expression of OPA1 and NDUFS3, reduced ATP production, abnormal mitochondrial morphology and quantity, and increased ROS accumulation in diabetic retina and HG-treated RGCs, indicating mitochondrial dysfunction. What’s more, GPR75-knockdown reversed these phenomena. Mechanistically, the upregulation of GPR75 inhibits AMPK, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction with increased ROS accumulation, ultimately resulting in RGCs pyroptosis and apoptosis. Additionally, double immunofluorescence demonstrated the presence of both GPR75 and AMPK located in RGCs, and CO-IP revealed an interaction between GPR75 and AMPK in RGCs. Notably, AICAR counteracted the effects of GPR75-OE on pyroptosis, apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction in RGCs.
Conclusions
GPR75 induces mitochondrial dysfunction by interacting with AMPK and inhibiting its phosphorylation, which contribute to RGCs pyroptosis and apoptosis in DR. These findings suggest that GPR75 can serve as a therapeutic target in DR treatment.
Autonomous UAV Inspection of Insulators Based on Improved Yolov7-Tiny
Authors: Huang Lingqin , Zhang Haoyu , Huo Chao , Gu Xiaogang
Published: October 2024

To address the issues of low detection accuracy, poor real-time performance and high model complexity of the existing insulator defect detection model, an improved insulator defect detection model based on YOLOv7-tiny is proposed. At the same time, based on Dronekit UAV development library, PyQT5 interface development library, F450 UAV, wireless mapping module and other hardware and software, a set of autonomous inspection system for insulator defect detection is developed. Firstly, a new network with a multiple detection head is developed to extract features at different scales. In addition, a novel model combined with dilated convolutions and Swin Transformer was designed and incorporated into the enhanced feature extraction network to improve the model’s receptive field. Moreover, based on the squeeze and excitation attention mechanism, improvements were made to the efficient layer aggregation network modules of both backbone and enhanced feature extraction networks. The ablation and comparison experiments were conducted on our constructed dataset based on the public Chinese Power Line Insulator Dataset (CPLID). The experimental results show that the mean average precision of the improved YOLOv7-tiny model reaches 89.6%, which is about 8% higher than that of the original YOLOv7-tiny model. In addition, our improved YOLOv7-tiny model has higher accuracy and lower parameter scale in detecting insulator-defects and partially-occluded insulators in complex backgrounds compared with other traditional models.
Adult Hymenolepis nana and its excretory-secretory products elicit mouse immune responses via Tuft/IL-13 signaling pathway
Authors: Mou Rong , Cui Xuan-Yin , Luo Yu-Si , Cheng Yi , Luo Qing-Yuan , Zhang Zhen-Fen , Wu Wen-Lan , Li Jinfu , Zhang Ke
Published: October 2024

Background
Hosts typically elicit diverse immune responses to the infection of various parasitic worms, with intestinal tuft cells playing a pivotal role in detecting parasite invasion. Hymenolepis nana (H. nana), a zoonotic parasitic worm, resides in the host's intestine. The contribution and underlying mechanisms of tuft cell-mediated immune reactions against H. nana remain unexplored.
Methods
This study endeavors to examine the immune responses in the mouse intestine elicited by the adult H. nana and its excretory-secretory products (ESP). Detection of various intestinal cell counts and cytokine changes using IHC, IF, RT-qPCR, etc.
Results
The presence of adult H. nana and its ESP enhances the population of tuft cells and goblet cells while fostering the production of type 2 cytokines, particularly IL-13. Furthermore, the surge in Paneth cells triggered by H. nana aids in maintaining intestinal stem cells homeostasis. Notably, RCM-1, the specific IL-13 inhibitor, dampens intestinal stem cells differentiation and type 2 cytokine secretion, potentially impeding the host's capacity to eliminate H. nana.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the adult H. nana and its ESP stimulate the immune responses from the mouse intestinal mucosa via the Tuft/IL-13 signaling pathway, facilitating the expulsion of H. nana from the host.
Intestinal Flora Modulates Blood Glucose via Regulating the Secretion of GLP-1 Induced by Propionate in mouse models of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Geng Huizhen , Zhou Wei , Zhu Baoping , Deng Songqing , Yang Juan , Zhao Shanshan , Wang Dongyu , Wang Zilian
Published: October 2024

Purpose: Intestinal flora has been reported to be associated with metabolic homeostasis. However, the detailed functions of intestinal flora in GDM pathogenesis have not yet been fully elucidated. To investigate the roles and mechanisms of intestinal flora in GDM development.
Materials and Methods: We used high fat diet (HFD) to induce mouse models of GDM. The composition, metabolic characteristics and roles of the intestinal florawere investigated using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, targeted metabolomics, and fecal microbiota transplantation. The specific mechanism was analyzed mainly using cell cultures, transfection, western blot.
Results: We found HFD successfully induced mouse models of GDM, particularly increased the weight, blood glucose, and decreased GLP-1 concentration in C57BL/6 female mice. The composition and metabolism of intestinal flora in GDM individuals were also significantly changed, including the increased Firmicutes and reduced α-diversity and propionate levels, which negatively correlated with blood glucose. After transplanting the intestinal flora of GDM mice, propionate, GLP-1 secretion and glucose had corresponding changes. By adjusting the diet, especially increasing the intake of OFS, the composition and metabolism of gut microbiota could be reshaped, which further affected GLP-1 secretion and blood glucose. Then, we found that wnt/β-catenin/TCF7L2 signaling pathway participated in the regulation of GLP-1 by propionate.
Conclusions: The composition of intestinal flora in GDM mice changed and thereby reduced its metabolite propionate in the intestine, further inhibiting of Wnt /β-catenin/TCF7L2 signaling pathway, resulting in decrease of GLP-1 secretion and increase of blood glucose. These findings suggested gut microbiota may be used as a potential target for the treatment of GDM.
Rapid Tactical Deployment Capability of a Transportable Optical Ground Station
Authors: McCann Ayden , Walsh Shane , Maron Nicolas , Gozzard David , McSorley Shawn , Schediwy Sascha
Published: October 2024

In this paper we present TeraNet 3 (TN-3), a transportable optical ground station (TOGS) comprising the third node of the TeraNet optical ground station network in development by the University of Western Australia (UWA). In an effort to improve on the versatility granted by existing TOGS systems, TN-3 is capable of rapid and precise star-based calibration in daytime conditions in the absence of stability hardware. By using a consumer-grade inertial measurement unit and dual camera system, the TOGS can be deployed and ready for free space optical communications (FSOC) to low Earth orbit (LEO) within 5-10 minutes from arrival on-site. In testing the system has demonstrated on-sky root mean square (RMS) pointing errors of 3.54 arcseconds (17.2 µrad) and a mean RMS closed-loop tracking error of 1.14 arcseconds (5.54 µrad) across multiple LEO satellite passes. By eliminating the need for site-specific requirements like external power or level terrain, the design of TN-3 facilitates flexible deployment in remote locations. These capabilities introduce a range of novel ’tactical deployment’ scenarios, such as rapidly re-establishing communications in disaster-affected areas, communications operations in contested or GPS-denied environments, disrupting adversarial quantum communications, and utilizing the system’s 17-inch telescope for strategic space situational awareness observations. The versatility of the system is further bolstered by direct compatibility with UWA’s existing pointing, acquisition, and tracking systems for FSOC links to land-, air-, and sea-based targets. Together, these capabilities greatly extend the operational versatility granted by existing TOGS systems.
Understanding the Bi-Axial Strain Influence on Mn3Si2Te6 : A DFT Study of Electronic, Magnetic, Optical, and Thermoelectric Properties
Authors: Awan Mazhar Haleem
Published: October 2024

The increasing focus on sustainable and renewable energy sources has boosted the demand for double perovskites in applications such as solar cells and thermoelectric energy converters. In the recent study, understanding the bi-axial strain influence on Mn3Si 2Te6 (MST): DFT study of electronic, magnetic, optical, and thermoelectric properties were systematically analyzed by using the WIEN2K code. The electronic nature was found to be highly sensitive to external electric fields under biaxial strain engineering. Experimentally, MST show the metallic nature while in DFT study of strain engineering the material become half-semimetal at 5% tensile strain with indirect bandgap of 0.732 eV at the Γ − κ symmetry point with SCF (self-consistent field) calculation and more accurate the indirect bandgap of 1.24 eV under TB-mBJ approximation. It was observed that, the compressive strain reduces the bandgap, while tensile strain increases it. The optical property predictions indicate that MST exhibits absorption in the ultraviolet and visible regions, with a blue shift under tensile strain and a red shift under compressive strain. In the absorption coefficient of SOC (Spin orbit coupling), the black line show the maximum absorption in xx plane in between visible region of 1.6 eV to 3.2 eV. The thermoelectric performance was evaluated over the temperature range of 300-800 K of MST compound under strain engineering were investigated by BoltzTraP Code including features i.e Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, power factor, and figure of merit (ZT). The Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity generally decrease with increasing temperature, while thermal conductivity typically increases. The thermoelectric performance was evaluated over the temperature range of 300-800 K using the figure of merit (ZT). The ZT values approached unity, and the ultralow lattice thermal conductivity enhances the significance of these double perovskites for use in thermoelectric generators. Under strain engineering of MST material, the highest value of ZT in n-type region at 0.723 while lowest value of ZT in p-type region at 0.716 by computationally anaylsis.
Binding mechanisms of Y and HREE sorption on birnessite: New insights into the formation and sustainable development of regolith-hosted REE deposits
Authors: Feng Yuzhou , Chen Huayong , Pan Yuanming , Deevsalar Reza , Cheung Leo Ka Long , Tunc Ayetullah , Cao Kenan , Zhu Yuxiang , Feng Renfei , Shakouri Mohsen , Xiao Qunfeng , Chen Ning , Xiao Bing , Zheng Hui
Published: October 2024

Regolith-hosted rare-earth-element (REE) deposits are the world’s primary source of heavy REEs (HREEs) critical to the global clean-energy transition. Previous studies suggested that REEs in regolith-hosted deposits are largely inherited from their parent granites. However, several HREE-dominated deposits occur in the weathering crusts of LREE-enriched granites, where the mechanisms of REE fractionation remain poorly understood. Also, the conventional mining method of regolith-hosted REE deposits has limited efficiencies in REE recovery while causing enormous environmental contaminations. Herein we have investigated the distribution and speciation of Y and REEs in three representative regolith-hosted REE deposits (i.e., Gucheng and Shangyou, HREE-dominated; and Renju, LREE-dominated) as well as Y-sorbed birnessite from batch experiments. Our results show that birnessite in all three deposits is a minor constituent but contains anomalously high REE concentrations, and contributes to 25.3%, 23.4%, and 26.5% of the HREE contents of mineralized saprolites. Measured Y K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopic data suggest that Y3+ (representing HREE3+) is adsorbed on birnessite as YO8 complexes in all three deposits but via different linkages: i.e., the bidentate corner-sharing mode in the HREE-dominated deposits but a mixture of both bidentate corner-sharing and edge-sharing modes in the LREE-dominated deposit. These binding mechanisms are also observed in Y-sorbed birnessite prepared at different ionic strengths. Therefore, different binding mechanisms of Y and HREE sorption on birnessite together with its preferential adsorption of HREE not only are responsible for the formation of HREE-dominated deposits from LREE-enriched granites but have important implications for the sustainable development of regolith-hosted REE deposits.
A nem egyetemi (iskolai) tanárképzők képzővé válásának elméleti kérdései: egy szakirodalmi áttekintés eredményei
Authors: Czető Krisztina , Rapos Nóra , Tókos Katalin , Lénárd Sándor
Published: October 2024

Tanulmányunk narratív szakirodalmi áttekintés, melynek célja az iskolai tanárképzők képzővé válásának folyamatát, szakmai/képzői identitásuk alakulását vizsgáló empirikus kutatások feltáró elemzése. Elemzésünkbe a 2000 és 2024 között, angol nyelven publikált, az EBSCO és a Web of Science keresőfelületeken és adatbázisokon keresztül elérhetőtanulmányokat vontunk be. Elméleti kutatásunk fő kutatási kérdései az alábbiak voltak: 1. Milyen elméleti keretben vizsgálják az empirikus kutatások az (iskolai) tanárképzők identitását és képzővé válását? 2. Mi jellemzi az iskolai tanárképzők képzővé válását feltáró kutatások módszertanát? 3. Melyek ezeknek a kutatásoknak a főbb eredményei? A vizsgált empirikus kutatásokban (n=18) az alábbi öt identitáselméleti modell rajzolódott ki: gyakorlatközösség és identitáselmélet (Caroll, 2006; Kwan & Lopez-Real, 2010; Walsh & Dolan, 2018; Wenger 1998, 2010; White,2014), a felépített világok és identitás-megközelítés (Chu, 2019; Holland et al., 1998; Olsen & Buchannan, 2017;Swennen, Volmann & van Essen, 2008), a pozícióelméletek (Bullough, 2005; Gee 2000; White, 2014), a dialogikusén-elmélet (Grimmet, 2018; Hermans 2013; White, 2014), illetve az ún. heurisztikus modellek (Andreasen, Bjørndal& Kovac, 2019; Richter, Brunner & Richter 2021). Eredményeink jelzik, hogy az elemzett kutatások a kvantitatív kutatási stratégiát kisebb arányban alkalmazták, míg a kvalitatív módszerek (esettanulmányok, félig strukturált interjúk, megfigyelések és dokumentum elemzések) a domináns kutatási módszerek ezen a területen. Kutatásunk feltárta, hogy a tanárképzővé válás folyamata összetett, többrétegű és számos tényező befolyásolja: a személyes és a szakmai életpálya, az intézményi kontextus és a közösség jellege, valamint a tanárképzés szereplői közötti szoros együttműködés és közös gondolkodás és nézetrendszer.
A közoktatásban és az árnyékoktatásban is dolgozó pedagógusok néhány szakmai jellemzője
Authors: Fehérvári Anikó , Gordon Győri János
Published: October 2024

A tanulmány elméleti hátterét az árnyékoktatás nemzetközi irodalma adja. A magyar neveléstudományban kevés az erre a területre vonatkozó kutatás, és a fogalomhasználat sem elterjedt. Írásunk ahhoz járul hozzá, hogy elméletileg megalapozzuk a jövőbeni hazai kutatásokat, hogy elterjesszük az e témához kapcsolódó fogalmakat. Elemzésünk egy országos nagymintás (n=5063) pedagóguskutatás adataira épül, melynek célja a tanárok tanulásának feltárása volt. Így e tanulmány igazodik ehhez a célhoz, és azt vizsgálja meg, hogy mi jellemzi a csak a közoktatásban, illetve a közoktatásban és az árnyékoktatásban is dolgozó pedagógusokat, és van-e különbség a két csoport között. Eredményeink a pedagógusok tanulásában, motivációjában és énhatékonyságában is mutatott eltéréseket a priváttanárként is dolgozók körében. A cikk hozzájárul ahhoz, hogy feltárjuk a hazai árnyékoktatás jellegzetességeit, valamint az abban tanítók identitás összetevőire is rávilágítsunk.
APLICAÇÃO DA LAMA DE BENEFICIAMENTO DE ROCHAS ORNAMENTAIS COMO CATALISADOR NO PROCESSO FOTO FENTON PARA A DESCOLORAÇÃO DE CORANTE EM SOLUÇÃO AQUOSO
Authors: N. Moura Mayra , S. Campos Ana C. , L. O. Neves Victor , P. Polonini Victória , R. Almeida Jenifer , B. Magnago Luma , A. D. Ferreira Sandra , C. Marques Fabielle , B. J. G. de Freitas Marcos , F. F. Lelis Maria
Published: October 2024

APPLICATION OF ABRASIVE MUD FROM THE PROCESSING OF ORNAMENTAL ROCKS AS A CATALYST IN THE PHOTO FENTON PROCESS FOR THE DECOLORIZATION OF DYE IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION. The extraction and processing of ornamental rocks generate a very significant amount of waste, representing an environmental and public health problem. The residue is a fine-grained compound by rock powder and inputs used in the processing process have a potential economic value. The present study was carried out to evaluate the efficiency of the waste generated in the discoloration of an aqueous solution containing methylene blue dye, such as alternative for treating textile effluents. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The catalytic properties of the samples were evaluated in the Fenton and photo Fenton reactions at pH 3 and natural pH. The best decolorization efficiency (≈ 95%) was achieved using the GRM catalyst at pH 3, after 5 min of photo Fenton reaction. Importantly, owing to its excellent structural and chemical stability, the samples showed a decolorization efficiency above 95% after 5 consecutive cycles of 30 min of reaction. This innovative strategy not only offers a new prospect for the rational disposal of abrasive mud waste, but also contributes to minimizing environmental impacts, promoting sustainable development in the stone industry.
Trajectory-based synthesis of a slider-crank mechanism for applications in inertial vibration exciters
Authors: Korendiy Vitaliy , Vilchynskyi Taras , Lozynskyy Vasyl , Kachmar Roman , Porokhovskyi Yurii , Litvin Roman
Published: October 2024

Slider-crank mechanisms are widely used in various industrial and technological machines. This paper considers a generalized diagram of a slider-crank mechanism, on the connecting rod of which an imbalanced mass can be fixed. In such a case, the slider-crank mechanism can be employed as an inertial vibration exciter. The aim of this research is to justify the geometric parameters of the mechanism to ensure a predetermined elliptical trajectory of the imbalanced mass motion. The research methodology involves the analytical derivation of the motion equations for a connecting rod point and solving the problem of synthesizing the geometric parameters of the mechanism based on the given trajectory of this point. The obtained results are presented in the form of displacements and trajectories for the connecting rod point of a specific slider-crank mechanism. The major novelty of this research lies in the further development of the theory of slider-crank mechanism synthesis for use in inertial vibration exciters. The derived analytical dependencies can be utilized by designers and engineers in the development of new types of vibration exciters for various industrial and technological vibratory equipment.
Agrophysiological responses of bread wheat to raised-bed planting and irrigation level
Authors: Momtazi Farahnaz , Miri Hamidreza , Jafari Haghighi Barmak , Jafari Abdolreza , Ebrahimi Hamidreza
Published: October 2024

To investigate the response of wheat to drought stress under different plantation systems, two field experiments were carried out in 2021/22 and 2022/23 in Arsanjan, Iran. The main plot was three different plantation systems (flat planting, 60, and 120 cm raised beds) and the sub plots were irrigation levels at 100% (control), 80% (medium stress), and 60% (severe stress) of crop evapotranspiration. Raised bed planting increased grain yield by 24% compared to flat cultivation. This increase for biological yield was about 17%, the number of ears was 7%, and the number of seeds per ear was 21%. Drought stress caused a significant decrease in grain yield (46.4%), number of ears (20.5%), seed number (30.3%), biological yield (45.9%), chlorophyll a (31.8%), chlorophyll b (28.1%) and relative water content (5.3%) and increased, proline content (24.3%) and ion leakage (147.3%). Water use efficiency was increased in raised bed planting and deficit irrigation treatments. The decrease in yield due to drought stress was moderated to some extent in the raised bed system and therefore cultivation on raised beds is suggested as a suitable planting pattern to improve yield and WUE in wheat under conditions similar to the experimental area, especially under water shortage conditions.
La dimensión transfronteriza de los planes territoriales y urbanísticos en el ámbito vasco (España-Francia)
Authors: Amado Alexander , Paül Valerià , Trillo-Santamaría Juan-Manuel
Published: October 2024

La cooperación transfronteriza se ha erigido como uno de los elementos clave de la llamada “desfronterización”. La función tradicional de las fronteras en tanto que límites infranqueables del territorio estatal se ha ido diluyendo, entre otros motivos, por las políticas de cooperación territorial impulsadas por la Unión Europea desde la década de 1990. Sin embargo, en lo que se refiere a la ordenación del territorio, la lógica estado nacional prevalece, pese a numerosas iniciativas en dirección opuesta. Por este motivo, la conformación de figuras de ordenación adaptadas a este nuevo marco sigue siendo un reto. En este sentido, la presente investigación busca dirimir el tratamiento del carácter (trans)fronterizo en las figuras de ordenación territorial del ámbito territorial vasco, tanto a escala regional como local. Los resultados del estudio constatan que las lógicas estatales siguen prevaleciendo a la hora de ordenar y gestionar un entorno territorial fronterizo.
Optimization of Injection Pressure and Fuel Temperature in a Diesel Engine Using Biodiesel B40
Authors: Romy Romy , Suwitno Suwitno , Ginting Yogie Rinaldi , Sembiring Ferdinandus Extranta
Published: October 2024

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel substitute for diesel engines produced from vegetable or animal oil through the transesterification reaction process between fatty acid, methanol, and catalyst. However, in its use in diesel engines, there is a decrease in engine performance. This is partly due to the higher viscosity value compared to diesel. Some ways to improve engine performance using biodiesel include adjusting injection pressure and increasing fuel inlet temperature. This study aimed to determine the effect of adding injection pressure and fuel inlet temperature on the performance of diesel engines using B40, such as power, thermal efficiency, sfc, and AFR. This study used a 1-cylinder diesel engine with constant rotation, using five variations of injection pressure 110-150 bar with a 10 bar interval, and five variations of fuel inlet temperature 30˚C-70˚C with a 10˚C intervals, and five loads from 5,000 kg/m2 to 25,000 kg/m2 with a 5000 kg/m2 interval. Testing and data processing were done using the Taguchi method. The results showed that the best diesel engine performance occurred at an injection pressure of 150 bar and a fuel temperature of 60˚C. The predicted performance value achieved under optimal conditions is a power of 2.9 kW at a load of 25000 kg/m2, thermal efficiency of 69.92% at a load of 25000 kg/m2, sfc of 3 x10-5 kg/kJ at a load of 25000 kg/m2, and AFR of 169.23 at a load of 5000 kg/m2. Temperature significantly affects engine performance power, sfc, thermal efficiency, and AFR compared to injection pressure.
Ceramic Membrane Made from Clay and Kaolin with a Mixture of Coconut Shell Activated Charcoal as a Groundwater Filter
Authors: Yulianto Bambang , Wahyudi Kristanto , Sudiapermana Elih , Saepudin Asep
Published: October 2024

Groundwater if the quality is not good if consumed will have an impact on health. The causes of poor groundwater quality include the value of Fe and Mn levels that exceed the established quality standards. Many methods can be done to overcome the quality of groundwater caused by high Fe and Mn levels, one of which is to use a ceramic membrane made from clay and kaolin with a variation of the coconut shell activated charcoal mixture in the composition of the ceramic membrane by 5%. 10% and 15%. The goal is to determine the effect of ceramic membranes with continuous flow systems on reducing content in clean water.  Results showed that the percentage of decrease in Fe and Mn content produced by variations in the composition of coconut shell activated charcoal of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% was, respectively for average Fe levels of 15.85%, 69.44%, 75.02%, and 80.83%, and for average Mn levels of 0.00%, 5.71%, 10.00%, and 18.67%. The best variation in the composition of coconut shell-activated charcoal in clay and kaolin-based ceramic membranes in reducing Fe and Mn content in clean water to meet the quality standards of coconut shell-activated charcoal composition by 15%. It is expected that this activity can be used as a basis for further development in groundwater treatment using ceramic membranes made from clay and kaolin with the addition of coconut shell-activated charcoal composition.
The Effect of Sediment Texture on the Composition and Abundance of Microplastics in Banjaran River, Banyumas Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Yuliana Andrie , Rahayu Nur Laila , Zaenuri Musyarif
Published: October 2024

Plastic waste is a serious environmental problem for all countries in the world, including Indonesia. Plastic waste of various sizes can have a negative impact, especially microplastics. Microplastic contamination can be found in aquatic sediments. One of the waters potentially polluted by microplastics is the Banjaran River, Banyumas Regency. This research was conducted to determine the composition and abundance of microplastics as well as the effect of sediment texture on the composition and abundance of microplastics in the sediments of Banjaran River, Banyumas Regency. The research location was determined using purposive sampling at four stations. At each station, samples were taken randomly at three different places with three repetitions. Analysis of the composition and abundance of microplastics in sediments was done in a laboratory using microscope observation. Sediment texture analysis was done using a dry sieve and pipetting method. Five types of microplastics were found in all sediment samples with a predominance of fiber (35%), followed by fragments (29%), films (19%), pellets (10%) and foam (7%). The abundance of microplastics in sediments ranged from 2.3 to 4.86 particles/50 grams of dry sediment. The sediment texture that dominated the four stations was sand, with an average fraction proportion value of 86.62%. Sediment texture had the strongest effect on the composition of fragment-type microplastic at 50.2% and had the same impact on the overall abundance at 56%, which indicated that the sediment texture had a significant effect on these two variables.
Selecting Indonesia’s Iron and Steel Industry Mitigation Pathways Based on AIM/End-use Assessment
Authors: Dewi Retno Gumilang , Zunita Megawati , Sevie Gissa Navira , Kifnasih Nirma Afrisanti , Syaftika Novi
Published: October 2024

The measurement of mitigation pathways is important for Indonesia’s iron and steel industry in terms of reducing GHG emissions. This study conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis to assess the economic impacts with associated emission reduction potential of different mitigation strategies by developing an Abatement Cost Curve (ACC) that selects the mitigation option based on the logic of the AIM/End-use model up to 2050. The model was established through the baseline scenario, and the following appropriate mitigation options: adjusting the production structure (CM1), increasing energy efficiency by promoting low carbon technology and non-blast furnace technology that is un-implemented early in modeling years in Indonesia will be included for future reference (CM2), and switching from fossil fuels to low emission fuels (CM3). Results show that the selected technology roadmap from the abatement cost curve below carbon tax 110 US$/tCO2e in 2050 could lead to the most optimal emission reduction of 19.8 MtCO2e, 50.2 MtCO2e, 54.84 MtCO2e with investment costs 93.55 million US$, 1086 million US$, and 1183 million US$ in the scenarios CM1, CM2, and CM3, respectively. The effectiveness of each mitigation action reveals that energy savings and emission reduction from energy will rely mostly on promoting low-carbon technologies. The most effective strategy to reduce emissions from IPPU is to adjust the production structure.