bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Free vibration characteristics of functionally graded sandwich doubly curved shallow shells via an accurate finite element model
Authors: Benounas Soufiane , Belarbi Mohamed-Ouejdi , Vinh Pham Van , Garg Aman
Published: November 2024

Problems associated with sandwichs laminates, such as delaminates and stress concentrations, paved the way for functionally graded materials (FGM). The present work aims to predict the free vibration behavior of cylindrical, spherical, hyperbolic, and elliptical functionally graded sandwich shallow shells. The study was carried out via an improved first-order shear deformation theory in the framework of eight-noded C0 isoparametric finite element with five degrees of freedom per node. Four different layup arrangements of functionally graded material and isotropic materials are adopted during the present study. Comparisons with reference solutions for various FG sandwich shell configurations and boundary conditions verify that the proposed finite element model is accurate, presents a fast rate of convergence to the reference results, and is valid for both thin and thick FGM sandwich doubly curved shallow shells. Moreover, the influences of the power-law index, radius of curvature, material distribution, side-to-thickness ratio, face-to-core-thickness ratio, and boundary conditions on the natural frequencies of symmetric and nonsymmetric FGM sandwich shells are thoroughly discussed. The nature of the material adopted within the layers of the shell, i.e., isotropic or functionally graded material, widely governs the behavior of the shell along with the power-law coefficient. For shells with a functionally graded face layer along with a ceramic core or top metallic phase followed by an FGM and a ceramic phase for the bottom layer, the values for the nondimensional natural frequency decrease with increasing power-law coefficient. Several new results are also presented, which will serve as benchmarks for future studies. The results demonstrate that the developed C0 finite element model exhibits excellent accuracy and computational efficiency in capturing the free vibration characteristics of FG sandwich doubly curved shallow shells, making it a suitable tool for practical design and analysis.
A novel preparation method and performance evaluation polyacrylic acid high-carbon alkyl esters
Authors: Zhang Tiantian , Li Kunyu , Gao Yuwei , Liu Ting , Ma Zhengsheng
Published: November 2024

Polyacrylic acid high-carbon alkyl esters provide unique advantages in the field of diesel oil low-temperature flow modification, crude oil demulsification and heavy oil viscosity reduction, so these approaches have been widely considered. In this paper, a novel method is proposed for preparing polyacrylic high-carbon alkyl esters, which involves an initial polymerization step and a subsequent esterification step as opposed to the traditional approach encompassing initial esterification and subsequent polymerization. In the initial step, acrylic acid, methyl acrylate, maleic anhydride and methacrylic acid were selected as monomers are prepared separately via polymerization in aqueous solution, and a novel redox initiation system comprising ammonium persulfate (APS) and N, N-diethyl hydroxylamine (DEHA) is established for the first time to regulate the molecular weight distribution of the polymer. In the second step, the polymer is esterified with different high-carbon alcohols under catalyst to obtain products with various ester groups. Notably, the use of poly(tetradecyl acrylate) could reduce the cold filter point of base diesel to 4–5℃ and the freezing point to 1℃. The application of poly hexadecyl acrylate could reduce the viscosity of heavy oil. Moreover, the viscosity reduction rate of the oil sample was 32.5%, and the pour point of heavy oil was reduced from 5℃ to 3℃.
Coordinated Multi-Level Scheduling Method Considering Uncertainty of Renewable Energy and Load
Authors: Song Bingbing , Qin Kangping , Wen Min , Zhu Moyan , Zou Kaiming
Published: November 2024

As renewable energy continues to be widely integrated, the energy structure is gradually transforming. The increasing grid connection of wind and photovoltaic power signifies a major shift in the energy mix. This change is particularly evident in heavy load areas at the regional grid and provincial dispatch levels, where uncertainties on both the supply and demand sides impact the daily operation of power systems. New dispatch strategies are urgently needed to address these uncertainties. This paper introduces a two-stage day-ahead and intra-day coordinated multi-level dispatch method that considers both the regional-level and provincial-level power systems, addressing supply-demand uncertainties from the perspective of regional grid-level and unmet load peak shaving. Unmet load refers to the load that cannot be met solely by the output of regional grid units. At the regional grid level, a unit dispatch model for unmet load peak shaving is developed. We introduce the concept of unmet load and, based on peak-valley weighting, propose a multi-province load peak shaving method, improving the approach to unmet load considerations. At the provincial level, a two-stage robust optimization dispatch model is constructed based on regional grid dispatch, and it is solved using the Karush-Kuhn-Tucker (KKT) conditions and the Column-and-Constraint Generation (C&CG) algorithm. Finally, case study results validate the proposed model's effectiveness, demonstrating its ability to provide an optimized coordinated grid-provincial dispatch strategy under supply-demand uncertainty.
Artificial intelligence real-time automated recognition of the gastric antrum cross-sectional area and movement rhythm via bedside ultrasound: A pilot study
Authors: Zou Tongjuan , He Hao , Yang Jing , Wu You , Lv Cao , Zhao Lican , Yin Wanhong
Published: November 2024

Background
The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the gastric antrum and its motor rhythm reflect the gastrointestinal function of critically ill patients. Monitoring the CSA and motor rhythm is important but time-consuming and operator dependent. This study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) system for real-time automated recognition of the CSA and movement rhythm of the gastric antrum via bedside ultrasound.
Methods
Gastric antrum ultrasound videos were prospectively collected from West China Hospital, to serve as a training and validation dataset. The AI system’s predictions were compared with the judgments of senior doctors to determine its accuracy. Additionally, videos were collected to evaluate the performance of the AI system. The antrum motility rhythms of patients and volunteers were preliminarily classified to lay the foundation for the subsequent establishment of gastrointestinal motility rhythm phenotypes in critically ill patients.
Results
A total of 907 videos were collected, including 620 patients and 287 volunteers, to develop and validate the AI system from January 2022 to November 2023. 49240 images were used as training datasets to train the model's ability to locate and segment gastric antrum ultrasound images. The remaining 12309 images were used as the internal validation dataset, achieving a dice coefficient (mDice) of 87.36% and an intersection over union (mIOU) of 77.56%. For the external validation dataset, 2334 images were used, resulting in mDice and mIOU values of 86.82% and 76.26%, respectively. Moreover, the AI system performed well in video analysis, with an mDice of 90.23% and an mIOU of 85.16% across 105 videos. In terms of antrum motility rhythm phenotypes, we identified several distinct patterns, such as regular movement, minimal movement, and irregular movement, reflecting different statuses, such as fasting, postmeal, postexercise, and postduty.
Conclusions
We developed an AI system that is comparable to experienced clinicians in identifying the gastric antrum and measuring its CSA. Furthermore, the system can generate a curve representing the rhythm of antrum movement, reflecting the varying statuses of patients and volunteers. This system may guide the implementation of enteral nutrition, saving clinicians’ time and reducing operator dependence.
Trial registration
The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of West China Hospital Review Board for Human Research with the following reference number 2022 (1089) and was registered on Chinese Clinical Trials. Trial registration: ChiCTR2200062503. Retrospectively registered 9 August 2022. All methods were performed in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations.
A Comprehensive Survey of Specularity Detection: State-of-the-Art Techniques and Breakthroughs
Authors: Li Fengze , Ma Jieming , Liang Hai-Ning , Tian Zhongbei , Wu Zhijing , Wen Tianxi , Liu Dawei
Published: November 2024

Specularity poses significant challenges in computer vision (CV), often leading to performance degradation in various tasks. Despite its importance, the CV field lacks a comprehensive review of specularity detection techniques. This survey addresses this gap by synthesizing diverse definitions of specularity and providing a unified framework to enhance consistency. It also presents a systematic review of traditional and deep learning-based methods for detecting specularity. Comparative experiments on a standardized dataset enable in-depth evaluation of each method, highlighting their strengths and limitations. The survey further provides structured insights and guidance for selecting appropriate methods across diverse scenarios. Through this, it identifies key areas for future research, aiming to support the development of more advanced detection models. By integrating diverse methodologies and quantitative analyzes, this survey contributes to a deeper understanding of current advancements and potential innovations in specularity detection.
Roles of metformin and pioglitazone in regulating neurotoxic astrocyte activation in EAE mice
Authors: Qin Suping , Yuan Bohui , Guo Jing jing , Zhang Xuejiao , Ding Yi , Zhang Tianxin , Wang Xiaotian , Li Xiangyang , Hua Hui , Zhou Feng , Liu Xiaomei
Published: November 2024

Neuro-inflammation is a vital mediator involved in the pathology of multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model for multiple sclerosis. Neurotoxic A1 reactive astrocytes associate with neuro-inflammatory reactivity in MS/EAE. Although Metformin and Pioglitazone, two antidiabetic drugs, inhibit inflammation, the regulation mechanisms underlying A1 astrocytes in MS remain unclear. Herein, we show that Metformin and/or Pioglitazone downregulate inflammatory response, the activation of A1 astrocytes and the AKT/mTOR/STAT3 signaling pathway in primary mouse astrocytes treated with IL-17. In EAE mice, Metformin and/or Pioglitazone decreased significantly inflammation and demyelination and ameliorated the pathological process of disease. Overall, these findings uncover that Metformin and/or Pioglitazone suppress the inflammatory response in A1 astrocytes and alleviate the pathogenesis of EAE mice in vitro and in vivo. Targeting the cytotoxicity of A1 astrocytes may be a promising strategy for treating demyelinating diseases.
Study on the Aggregation Patterns of Fleas Parasitizing the Great Gerbil (Rhombomys opimus) in the Junggar Basin Plague Natural Focus
Authors: Li Fang , Zhao Guoyu , Wang Yu , Zhan Shang , Tang Xine , Luo Tao , Moming Abulimiti , Wang Huiqian , Chen Jianhui , Wang Qiguo , Wu Haiyan , Zhang Yujiang
Published: November 2024

Background
The great gerbil (Rhombomys opimus), its ectoparasitic fleas significantly influence the transmission and prevalence of plague, was the dominant rodent specie in the Junggar Basin in northwestern China. However, the distribution pattern of fleas parasitizing the great gerbils and whether that pattern affected the intensity of plague prevalence in different regions remain unclear.
Methods
A total of 17,780 fleas were collected from 2,258 great gerbils through 90 investigations. This study focused on analyzing the rate of flea infestation and the flea indices of species that parasitize the great gerbils. The aggregation patterns of fleas parasitizing the great gerbils were measured by the parameter b of Taylor's power law, and the differences in the aggregation index of plague epidemic areas were compared.
Results
We observed an aggregated distribution of ectoparasitic fleas in the great gerbils. The aggregation degree of combined fleas was higher (P > 0.05) in the eastern area of the Junggar Basin than in the western area. The primary species of ectoparasitic fleas of the great gerbils were X.skrjabini, X.minax, X.hirtipes, and N.laeviceps. The X.skrjabini exhibited the highest (P < 0.01) degree of aggregation in the eastern zone (Ⅲ), with an aggregation index of 1.61. Additionally, in the middle zone (Ⅱ), the aggregation index of X.minax and X.hirtipes reached their peak, with values of 1.53 and 1.56, respectively. Conversely, the degree of aggregation of N.laeviceps was more pronounced in the eastern zone than in the western zone of the Junggar Basin. Notably, the aggregation degree of the combined fleas of the great gerbils during the low-intensity plague epidemic period, with an index of 1.93, was significantly higher(P < 0.001) than that during the high-intensity epidemic period, with an index of 1.50.
Conclusions
Fleas exhibited an aggregated distribution of the great gerbil population. The levels of flea aggregation varied across zones characterized by differing intensities of plague epidemics. Additionally, the degree of flea aggregation was significantly correlated with the intensity of plague prevalence.
A robust fixed point method to solve system of nonlinear equations
Authors: Amattouch First M.R.
Published: November 2024

Solving nonlinear partial differential equations requires addressing systems of nonlinear algebraic equations. In this article, we propose a new fixed-point method for solving these systems. We assume that the method is both fast and globally convergent. Additionally, this method can be accelerated using Aitken or Anderson acceleration techniques. Several numerical test cases are presented to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
Experimental Determination of Giant Polarization in Wurtzite III-Nitride Semiconductors
Authors: Wang Xinqiang , Ye Haotian , Wang Ping , Wang Rui , Wang Jinlin , Xu Xifan , Feng Ran , Wang Tao , Tong Wenyi , Liu Fang , Sheng Bowen , Chen Zhaoying , Duan Chun-Gang , Ge Weikun , Shen Bo
Published: November 2024

Polarization engineering has revolutionized the photonic and electronic landscape of III-nitride semiconductors over the past decades. However, recent revelations of giant ferroelectric polarization in wurtzite III-nitrides challenge the long-standing paradigms. Here, we experimentally elucidate the polarization, including its magnitude and orientation, and its relationship to lattice polarity in III-nitrides. Those experimentally determined polarizations exceeding 1 C/m2 with an upward orientation in metal-polar wurtzite nitride compounds align with recent theoretical predictions. This unified framework redefines the polarization landscape in contemporary GaN heterostructures, quantum structures, and ferroelectric heterostructures. Furthermore, we predict significant tunability and a dramatic increase in sheet electron concentration in ferroelectric ScAlN/GaN heterostructures, heralding advancements in high-power, high-frequency, and reconfigurable transistors, and non-volatile memories. This work bridges the critical gap in the understanding of polarization in both conventional and ferroelectric wurtzite nitrides, offering fundamental insights and paving the way for next-generation photonic, electronic, and acoustic devices.
COVID-19 Induces Prolonged Immunological Exhaustion Leading To Relapse Of Hematological Malignancies Except In Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients
Authors: Chakrabarti Suparno , Banerjee Snigdha , Agarwal Mahak , Bhagawati Gitali , Saha Nilanjan , Jaiswal Sarita Rani
Published: November 2024

We studied the impact of COVID-19 on relapse in patients with hematological malignancies who had achieved complete remission (CR) and were either treatment-free or maintained on uninterrupted therapy over a 24-month period. Among 144 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria, the overall relapse rate was 30.9%, with a significantly higher incidence in COVID-19-positive patients (60.9%) compared to COVID-19-negative individuals (25.2%, HR- p = 0.0001). Stratification by disease risk index (DRI) revealed a pronounced effect of COVID-19 on relapse in the DRI-high cohort (64.3% vs. 20.1%, p = 0.0001). Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) appeared protective, with relapse rates of 22% in HCT recipients and 36.9% in the non-HCT cohort (p = 0.06), with no impact of COVID-19 on relapse in patients undergoing HCT. However, the effect of COVID-19 on relapse was predominantly observed in the non-HCT group (92.3% vs. 27.8%, HR-8.9, p < 0.001). Immune exhaustion markers, including PD-1 on T cells and NKG2A on NK cells, were significantly upregulated in COVID-19-exposed patients, particularly in those who relapsed, compared to recipients of allogeneic HCT with and without exposure to SARS-CoV2. These findings suggest COVID-19-induced immune dysregulation may facilitate relapse, particularly in non-HCT patients, warranting further exploration of the immunobiological mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon and possible immune-targeted interventions in this context.
Estimation of Atmospheric Haze Variability and Seasonal Variation of Convective Boundary Layer (CBL) Height Over Kasei Valles of Mars
Authors: Kalita Jyotirmoy , Pathak Binita , jain Sonal , Mishra Manoj Kumar , Guha Anirban
Published: November 2024

Images from Mars Color Camera (MCC) onboard India’s first Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) during Martian years 33 and 34 provides the evidence of dense haze, water ice cloud, and all scale dust storms over Kasei Valles. The clouds and haze contained both fine mode and coarse mode particles with effective radius of 0.3 to 2.8 microns, further contributing to the variation of Atmospheric Optical Depth (AOD). This variation temporally perturbs the atmospheric circulation process over the Valles. The Atmospheric Optical Depth (AOD) varies from ~ 1.2 to ~ 2.3, with a varying scale height optical depth of ~ 6 to ~ 10 km. Estimated temperature varies from 180K ± 10K up to 240 K ± 15K, creates a favorable condition for deep convection activity. A very high wind speed of ~ 70 to ~ 100 m/s is conducive for redistributing the aerosols over the Kasei Valles. This is further evidenced by the variation of Convective Boundary Layer (CBL) height. CBL height varies from ~ 3km to ~ 9km in the temporal range of Ls = 50° to Ls = 280°. During the non-dust storm season (Ls = 50° to Ls = 100°.), adiabatic perturbation and downward enhanced precipitation contribute to the appearance of water ice haze over the valley. We also reported the presence of carbon like elements in the fog/morning haze based on the analysis of green spectral channel with varying AOD from 1.8 to 2.3. Acidalia Storm Track (AST) puts significant input in the dust variability process over Kasei Valles at (24.6°N/ 65.0°W) during the observed period.
Food Insecurity Modifies the Association Between the Gut Microbiome and the Risk of Cognitive Impairment in Adults
Authors: Eggers Shoshannah , Hoggarth Zachary E. , Nagdeo Kiran , Banas Maria J. , Lane Jamil M. , Rechtman Elza , Gennings Chris , O’Neal Elizabeth , Peppard Paul E. , Sethi Ajay K , Safdar Nasia , Malecki Kristen MC , Schultz Amy A. , Midya Vishal
Published: November 2024

Background
Recent studies have shown associations between relative abundances of specific gut microbes and cognitive function; however, few studies have explored the potential interplay between the gut microbiome and food insecurity in association with the risk of cognitive impairment (RCI). This study investigated the role of food insecurity as an effect modifier between the gut microbiome, including groups of gut microbes (microbial cliques), and RCI.
Methods
Data came from the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin and its ancillary Wisconsin Microbiome Study. The analytical sample (n = 360) included adult participants with complete data on food insecurity, RCI, and 16S rRNA sequencing data from stool samples. A “mini-cog” memory test was implemented to assess RCI. Food insecurity was assessed using a set of survey-based questions. Alpha diversity and individual taxa associations with RCI were estimated using linear regression. Microbial cliques associated with RCI were identified using an interpretable machine-learning-based algorithm. All analyses were stratified by food insecurity level, and regression models were adjusted for relevant confounders.
Results
Food insecurity status was weakly associated with RCI (b = 0.06, 95%CI=[0.00, 0.12]). Gut microbiome a-diversity had an inverse association with RCI in both the food secure (b=-0.08, 95%CI=[-0.15, -0.02]) and insecure groups (b=-0.09, 95%CI=[-0.26, 0.07]). Bacteroides sp. was associated with RCI in the food secure group only (b = 0.09, 95%CI= [0.05, 1.36]. We identified two microbial cliques whose associations with RCI were modified by food insecurity status. The presence of the microbial clique with either Eisenbergiella or Eubacterium was more strongly associated with RCI for the food-insecure group (β = 0.29, p < 0.0001) than the food-secure group (β = 0.05, p < 0.001). Alternatively, a microbial clique representing the presence of Ruminococcus torques, Bacteroides, CAG-352F, and/or Eubacterium had a stronger association with RCI for the food-secure group (β = 0.1, p < 0.0001) than the food-insecure group (β = 0.07, p = 0.01).
Conclusions
Food insecurity may modify the relationship between the gut microbiome and RCI. These findings suggest environmental and lifestyle factors in potential prevention strategies against RCI.
Case Report: Smudge Cells as a Valuable Prognostic Marker in Infectious Mononucleosis
Authors: Kapshikar Rajvardhan
Published: November 2024

Infectious mononucleosis is a very common infection. It is caused mostly by Epstein‒Barr virus (EBV), which belongs to herpesviridae or sometimes by the other member, Cytomegalovirus (CMV). It spreads through saliva. It has typical symptoms such as fever, extreme fatigue, sore throat and tonsillitis, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, skin rashes, bodyache, and obstruction in the upper respiratory tract, and enlarged spleen and liver. It can lead to other complications such as anemia, encephalitis, meningitis, inflammation of the kidney, heart muscles, and rupture of the spleen. Laboratory diagnosis is costly. The physician may order heterophile antibody tests (monospot-test), EBV- or CMV- specific antibody tests, and viral DNA load. Patients with lower financial means do not want to go for such tests. This research indicates that a close examination of a blood sample for unusual lymphocytes and smudge cells (Downey cells) could also be the least expensive way to address this problem, although it is not a confirmatory test.
Gender-specific differences in depressive symptomatology associated with autistic traits in a non-clinical population
Authors: Siedler Agnieszka
Published: November 2024

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often presents comorbidity with depression, sharing similar characteristics between the two disorders with respect to social interaction, regulation of emotions, and flexibility in cognition. The current study investigates the relationship between autistic traits related to BAP and depressive symptoms in a general population sample, considering possible differences according to gender. In a sample of 239 adults, the results indicated that autistic traits, especially in the domains of communication and social skills, showed a significant association with depressive symptoms, with even more robust associations specifically in women. These results emphasize the presence of important sex differences in the associations found between autistic traits and specific depressive symptoms. In women, significant positive correlations were observed for autistic traits related to communication, social skills, and difficulties with attention-shifting, with depressive symptoms regarding thoughts of death, feelings of pessimism, experiences of alienation, cognitive impairments, and psychosomatic presentations. In contrast, males showed fewer significant associations, with only attention to detail significantly related to depressive symptoms such as cognitive deficits and decreased energy levels. It thus appears that there might be sex differences in the way the different dimensions of the autism spectrum relate to the various dimensions of depressive symptomatology. Furthermore, moderation analysis showed that gender influences the strength of these relationships, which highlights the need for gender-sensitive approaches both in research and clinical practice when assessing and targeting depressive symptoms in subclinical ASD populations. The implications for clinical practice as well as the limitations of the study are discussed.
A Novel Quantum-Backed Decision Vector Framework for Ransomware Detection Using Nonlinear Signal Entropy Mapping
Authors: Knaapen Pascal , Carter Henry , Davies Charlotte , Robinson George , Martin Thomas
Published: November 2024

The increasing complexity and sophistication of modern cyber threats need innovative detection mechanisms capable of adapting to rapidly evolving attack vectors. A quantum-inspired framework was introduced to address the challenges of identifying ransomware through advanced decision-making algorithms and nonlinear entropy analysis. The integration of entropy mapping allowed the detection system to capture subtle deviations in system behavior, facilitating early-stage identification of malicious activities. Quantum decision vectors provided a robust mechanism for evaluating and classifying ransomware patterns across diverse datasets without relying on static signatures. Experimental evaluations demonstrated superior performance in detection accuracy, latency, and resource efficiency compared to traditional heuristic and machine learning-based methods. Polymorphic ransomware variants, often evading conventional approaches, were effectively detected through the framework's generalized analytical capabilities. The system exhibited adaptability to imbalanced datasets, maintaining high reliability and precision across varying distributions of benign and malicious activities. Results highlighted its computational efficiency, with significantly reduced resource demands, enabling deployment in resource-constrained and high-throughput environments. The framework's modular design supports scalability and integration with existing cybersecurity infrastructures. Comprehensive analysis revealed substantial reductions in false positive rates, enhancing the reliability of automated detection processes. The study underscores the practical viability and theoretical contributions of advanced quantum-inspired methodologies in improving cybersecurity defenses.
Effect of Pretreatments and Temperatures on the Drying Characteristics, Thermodynamic and Functional Properties of Oven-Dried Green Mango Pulp (Mangifera indica L.)
Authors: Rayhan S. M. Johir , Boni SK Fahim Tahmid , Hossain Md. Sajjad , Rahman Mohammad Nurur , Rifat Tahmid Al , Mahmud Md. Zahir , Rahman Md. Bayjidur
Published: November 2024

This research investigates different pretreatments and drying temperatures influence on the dehydration kinetics, thermodynamic parameters, and functional properties of green mango pulp slices dried in an oven as sustainable preservation technique. Green mangoes were pretreated with hot water blanching and a 1% citric acid solution, then dried at 60°C, 65°C, and 70°C. Among these, HWB samples demonstrated the shortest drying times, with drying rates increasing with temperature. The Midilli model provided the best fit for describing thin-layer drying behavior. Effective moisture diffusivity ranged from 1.50 × 10⁻⁶ to 2.92 × 10⁻⁶ m²/s, following an Arrhenius-type temperature dependence, with activation energies of 28.67, 26.22, and 39.74 kJ/mol for control, citric acid, and HWB samples, respectively. Functional property analysis revealed significant impacts of temperature and pretreatment on bulk density (BD), water absorption capacity (WAC), and oil absorption capacity (OAC). HWB pretreatment, in particular, resulted in higher BD and WAC, while OAC was lower compared to control samples. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing pretreatment and drying conditions to enhance the quality and functional properties of dried green mango powder, contributing to its potential as a sustainable food ingredient.
Asynchronicity of deglacial permafrost thawing controlled by millennial-scale climate variability
Authors: Yan Xinwei , Zhang Xu , Liu Bo , Mithan Huw T. , Hellstrom John , Nuber Sophie , Drysdale Russell , Wu Junjie , Lin Fangyuan , Zhao Ning , Zhang Yuao , Kang Wengang , Liu Jianbao
Published: November 2024

Permafrost is a potentially important source of deglacial carbon release alongside deep-sea carbon outgassing. However, limited proxies have restricted our understanding in circumarctic regions and the last deglaciation. Tibetan Plateau (TP),the Earth's largest low-latitude and alpine permafrost region, remains underexplored. Using speleothem growth phases, we reconstruct TP permafrost thawing history over the last 500,000 years, standardizing chronology to investigateNorthern Hemisphere permafrost thawing patterns. We find that, unlike circumarctic permafrost, TP permafrost generally initiates thawing at the onset of deglaciations, coinciding with Weak Monsoon Intervals and sluggish Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) during Terminal Stadials. Modeling elaborates that the associated Asian monsoon weakening induces anomalous TP warming through local cloud–precipitation–soil moisture feedback. This, combined with high-latitude cooling, results in asynchronous boreal permafrost thawing. During the last deglaciation, however, anomalous AMOC variability delayed TP and advanced circumarctic permafrost thawing. Our results indicate that permafrost carbon release, influenced by millennial-scale AMOC variability, may have been a non-trivial contributor to deglacial CO2 rise.
Step-wise selection using high throughput phenotyping platform (HTTP) and stress tolerance indices as an approach for improving drought tolerance in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Wankhadea Ankush Purushottam , Purohit Ashutosh , Abady Seltene , Chimote Vivek Pandurang , Vemula Anilkumar , Garg Kaushal , Choudhary Sunita , Kholová Jana , Wright Graeme C. , Lenka Devraj , Pasupuleti Janila
Published: November 2024

Drought stress is a major production constraint of groundnut in Africa and Asia where it is largely grown as rainfed crop. The experiments aim to design an early testing approach for drought tolerance in the groundnut breeding pipeline to ensure sustainable production. A population of 600 multi parent advanced generation inter-cross (MAGIC) lines (MLs) (F8/9 generation) and 100 advance breeding lines (ABLs) were studied in LeasyScan, a high throughput phenotyping platform (HTPP) to assess early canopy growth, and under a managed stress environment (MSE). MSE ensures uniform water application in well-watered and water-stressed plots, while intermittent drought is imposed in water-stressed plots from 10000 cumulative thermal time (CTT) during pod-filling stage. Digital biomass, leaf area 3D and plant height measured under HTPP recorded high heritability along with high genetic gain and were identified for use as selection criteria for early canopy vigour. The second selection criteria is Mean Score Index (MSI) (1 to 10 scale), which accounts for both resilience and productivity capacity indices (RCI and PCI), with the MSI ranging from 1.4 to 8.4. Based on results, a two-step selection approach is proposed for selection of traits required for adaption under drought stress. The approach involves HTPP (LeasyScan) to select early canopy vigour followed by selection based on MSI under MSE. MSE is field based and expensive, hence screening of a large number of selection candidates under HTTP helps to select a relatively small subset of early vigour lines for screening under MSE for agronomic performance.
Factors Influencing Successful Adoption of Health Information Systems in Ethiopia: A UTAUT Framework Analysis
Authors: Kore Tamirat
Published: November 2024

Background: The adoption of health information systems (HIS) is crucial for improving healthcare delivery in Ethiopia. Despite the potential benefits, several factors influence the successful implementation and utilization of these systems. This study utilizes the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework to systematically review existing literature on the determinants affecting HIS adoption in Ethiopia.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant studies were identified through exhaustive searches in databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, IEEE Xplore, and Google Scholar. The inclusion criteria focused on empirical research published between 2019 and 2024 that explored factors influencing the adoption of Health Information Systems (HIS) in Ethiopian healthcare settings. Data were systematically extracted and analyzed to identify the key factors influencing HIS acceptance in Ethiopia, particularly through the lens of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT).
Results: The findings suggest that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, and social influence are the primary determinants affecting HIS adoption, respectively. Addressing these key factors is crucial for improving the adoption rates of health information systems, ultimately enhancing healthcare delivery in Ethiopia. Furthermore, this research enhances understanding of how cultural, economic, and infrastructural factors influence technology acceptance in resource-limited settings.
Conclusion: This study underscores the significance of key factors that significantly impact HIS adoption. Performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, and social influence are the primary determinants affecting HIS adoption, respectively. These critical areas highlight what stakeholders should prioritize to increase the likelihood of successful HIS implementation. Additionally, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of how cultural, economic, and infrastructural elements shape technology acceptance in resource limited settings.
Understanding the Dynamic Behavior of SDOF Systems: A MATLAB-Based Analysis
Authors: Noor Umar Ahmad
Published: November 2024

This report presents a comprehensive analysis of the dynamic response of a Single Degree of Freedom (SDOF) system under varying conditions of damping ratio (ζ), mass (m), and stiffness (k). Using MATLAB, displacement responses were simulated for undamped, underdamped (ζ < 1), critically damped (ζ = 1), and overdamped (ζ > 1) cases. Variations in mass and stiffness were studied to evaluate their impact on system dynamics. The results highlight critical differences in system behavior, demonstrating that damping significantly affects response attenuation, while mass and stiffness influence natural frequency and amplitude. The findings are essential for understanding and optimizing SDOF systems in engineering applications.
The Factors Influencing Brand Love and Willingness to Pay among iPhone Consumers in Indonesia
Authors: Soviyanti Efrita , Nofrizal Nofrizal
Published: November 2024

The iPhone has become a globally exclusive and luxurious item, including in Indonesia, and it even serves as ahigh social status symbol for its owners. Almost every launch of a new series product always garners attentionand sells out, despite its high price compared to competitors with slightly different specifications. The researchaimed to identify the factors influencing brand love and willingness to pay among iPhone consumers in Indonesia.Consumer behavior and personality factors, such as social status, self-expression, hedonism, and perceived quality,were utilized as determinant variables of brand love and willingness to pay. A total of 654 iPhone users participatedin filling out surveys on social media, in Apple stores, and through online forms via Google Forms. Smart-PLS 4.0software was employed for statistical data analysis, utilizing Partial Least Squares - Structural Equation Modeling(SEM-PLS). In the results, it is proven that the positive factors driving iPhone customers’ brand love come fromperceived quality, social status, and self-expression. Meanwhile, the factors driving willingness to pay are brandlove, perceived quality, social status, and self-expression. However, hedonism does not have a positive impact onbrand love and willingness to pay. The research results suggest that the hedonic experience of the product may notbe the main factor influencing consumers in the context of premium products such as the iPhone. The strong andluxurious branding of iPhone is the main reason for its customers. In addition, brand love is a key variable thatmediates willingness to pay.
The Difference between Consistent and Inconsistent Planned Impulse Buying Based on External Stimulus and Virtual Cart Use
Authors: Melati Ina , Purwanto Bernardinus M. , Rizqiyati Marwah , Widyaningsih Yulia Arisnani , Sutikno Bayu
Published: November 2024

Impulse-buying behavior is enjoyable for consumers and profitable for marketers. Selecting what they want and putting it in the shopping cart gives customers a sense of shopping enjoyment. However, the virtual shopping cart feature can be a barrier to impulse-buying behavior due to the abandonment of virtual carts. Sellers can overcome abandonment behavior in virtual carts by understanding consumer behavior, one of which is when exposed to external stimuli. The application of different external stimuli also produce different consumer behavior as well. The research aimed to validate the differences between Consistent Planned Impulse Buying (CPIB) and Inconsistent Planned Impulse Buying (IPIB) based on the influence of external stimuli: informativeness, appearance, and sales promotion, with the virtual cart used as the mediator variable using cognitive consistency theory. Data collection was carried out by distributing online questionnaires to 364 participants in Indonesia from October to November 2021 using a hierarchical linear model as the data analysis method. The analysis shows that sales promotion distinguishes between CPIB and IPIB. Sales promotions do not influence CPIB. Meanwhile, sales promotion affects IPIB. Hence, e-marketplace owners and their seller partners can apply the most appropriate external stimulus to induce impulse-buying behavior of different types. The research results also reveal a positive and significant relationship between the independent variables on virtual cart use and virtual cart on CPIB and IPIB.
Assessing the photodegradation efficiency of benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX): A comparative investigation using activated charcoal (AC), zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), and zirconium metal–organic framework (Zr-MOF)
Authors: Nikhar Shibyendu , Chakraborty Mitun
Published: November 2024

In this study, three different materials were investigated for their ability to degrade benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) using light energy. The materials studied were activated charcoal (AC), zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8), and zirconium metal–organic framework (Zr-MOF). Initially, AC, ZIF-8, and Zr-MOF were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and spectroscopic analysis techniques. Based on their excellent features, that is, band gap (5.5, 5.45, and 4.75 eV), surface area (711.5, 1,122.1, and 535.4 m2/g), and pore volume (0.291, 0.369, and 0.628 cm3/g), a comparative photodegradation analysis of BTX was performed in acetonitrile. We found that Zr-MOF is the best photocatalyst to degrade BTX, with degradation percentages of 97, 95, and 94% (B > T > X), respectively, followed by ZIF-8 and AC. Our study suggests that these photocatalysts can be used to degrade BTX using light energy, which could reduce the health and environmental impacts of BTX. Our results illustrate that advanced porous materials may be established as photocatalyst materials with the potential to address the long-standing challenges associated with pollutant degradation.
5 passos para a difusão do campo educação geográfica sob a perspectiva da teoria da ação comunicativa
Authors: Araújo Fábio Rodrigo Fernandes
Published: November 2024

A título de reflexão inicial, consideramos que a difusão de conhecimentos novos ou tradicionais dos campos da educação, em específico, da educação nas ciências humanas e sociais, são espacializados e ordenados por dimensões e fatores de natureza geográfica, filosófica e político-pedagógica. Geográfica porque obedece ao contexto de mudanças territoriais que os espaços de construção do saber, como escolas e universidades, perpassam ao longo de sua trajetória como instituições onde o ensinar, formar e aprender se modificam ao longo da história educacional. Filosófica ao serem representados por teorias e noções acerca da formação intelectual, estética e moral do indivíduo, isto é, saberes inerentes ao processo de constituição laboral e discursiva dos profissionais da educação e seus aprendizes. E político-pedagógica porque comportamentos, identidades e aprendizagens são pautados em projetos e objetivos críticos e mobilizadores de sociedade e educação, principalmente em elementos dinâmicos como concepções de cidadania, juventude, ciência e cultura. Pensando deste modo, pretendemos discutir como pode ocorrer a difusão do campo educação geográfica na perspectiva da teoria da ação comunicativa. Consoante a isso, as discussões das obras de Habermas serão de natureza interpretativa e produzidas mediante leitura de seus principais conceitos e categorias. Por conseguinte, formularemos, em cinco tópicos, orientações de caráter técnico-conceitual sobre como os preceitos dos estudos em educação geográfica poderão ser aludidos na forma e conteúdo da filosofia de Habermas. Logo, entender e territorializar comunicativamente o conhecimento educacional da Geografia significa empreender modificações nos sistemas de produção pedagógica e científica da própria Geografia, em específico, nos seus respectivos agentes e saberes didáticos e curriculares.
Epistemologia e hermenêutica na ciência da informação
Authors: Aguiar Niliane Cunha de , Louro Émerson Vieira Bragança
Published: November 2024

O presente artigo objetiva sintetizar aspectos epistemológicos na ciência da informação, a partir da teoria do agir comunicativo de Habermas, com vistas à elaboração de um modelo hermenêutico próprio para a ciência da informação. Objetiva, ainda, investigar a viabilidade da hermenêutica habermasiana como base de construção epistemológica da ciência da informação. Para isto, será realizada pesquisa com metodologia teórica, qualitativa e bibliográfica, por meio de revisão narrativa da literatura.
Contribuições de Habermas à ciência da informação
Authors: Leilah Santiago Bufrem  , Rafael Silva da Câmara
Published: November 2024

Esta pesquisa busca compreender como as reflexões do filósofo alemão Jürgen Habermas vêm influenciando os pesquisadores na Ciência da Informação (CI) no Brasil, em particular os historicamente contemplados com a bolsa de Produtividade em Pesquisa (PQ), do Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico. Adota metodologia apoiada nos estudos métricos da informação e análise de artigos em uma base de pesquisadores Bolsistas PQ da área e nas publicações indexadas na base Brapci. Identifica 27 PQs citantes de Habermas, em 82 artigos publicados em periódicos científicos da CI até 2022 e destaca Maria Nélida González de Gómez e Aldo Barreto como os PQs mais influenciados, sendo a publicação “Mudança Estrutural da Esfera Pública” a que apresenta uma distribuição de frequência de citação mais equilibrada entre os dois. Observa que, por eles Habermas é cocitado principalmente com Sandra Braman e Jason Farradane e, na produção dos PQs em geral, González de Gómez como a mais cocitada com Habermas. Identifica, na Brapci, 187 autores em 175 artigos científicos publicados até 2023. Destaca como principal canal de comunicação científica a revista “Logeion: filosofia da informação”. Observa que os assuntos predominantes perpassam temas como “epistemologia”, “sociedade da informação”, “produção colaborativa”, “apropriação da informação”, “regimes de informação”, “ação comunicativa”, “agir comunicativo”, “educação”, “discurso” e “esfera pública”. Constata a existência de conexões genealógicas e de transmissão de influência intelectual entre os autores mais citantes. Conclui reconhecendo o caráter interdominial da análise e o papel de Habermas na construção de um quadro teórico para a CI no Brasil.
Processo
Authors: Callegari José Antonio
Published: November 2024

Habermas (2023) analisa uma nova mudança estrutural da esfera pública. Em razão disso, supomos uma esfera pública processual em mutação. Para argumentar, optamos pela leitura do Código de Processo Civil (CPC) em sintonia com Habermas (2023). No plano normativo, o processo é regulado pela Constituição Federal e pelo Código de Processo Civil. Em termos físicos, ele é composto de peças processuais redigidas em papel ou de peças processuais digitalizadas, pois a maioria dos tribunais brasileiros adotou o processo 100% digital. Em termos funcionais, os tribunais adotam o processo como instrumento da jurisdição (devido processo legal). Nesse contexto, a regulação dos atos digitais importa para a existência válida e regular do processo. Por outro lado, a nova esfera pública processual regula a participação dos sujeitos processuais (autor, réu, juiz, servidores, promotores, advogados e defensores públicos, etc.). Essa participação vem sofrendo coerções normativas do tipo: interpretação conforme valores e normas fundamentais estabelecidas na Constituição Federal, solução consensual de conflitos, solução integral do mérito, comportamento de acordo com a boa-fé, dever de cooperação entre si, paridade de tratamento, ônus de argumentação das partes e ônus de avaliação dos argumentos pelo juiz. Podemos acrescentar a utilização das provas digitais e as audiências telepresenciais. Com esse aporte normativo e teórico, intuímos o processo como instrumento dessa esfera pública processual, na qual participam sujeitos com ônus argumentativos e a possibilidade de influenciar o convencimento e as deliberações judiciais. Portanto, a nova esfera pública processual denota o direito de participação e de influência, tal como deduzimos em Habermas.