bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Enhanced FGI-GSRx Software-Defined Receiver for the Execution of Long Datasets
Authors: Liaquat Muwahida , Bhuiyan M. Zahidul H. , Islam Saiful , Pääkkönen Into , Kaasalainen Sanna
Published: May 2024

The Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) software-defined receivers offer greater flexibility, cost-effectiveness, customization, and integration capabilities compared to traditional hardware-based receivers, making them essential for a wide range of applications. The continuous evolution of GNSS research and the availability of new features require these software-defined receivers to upgrade continuously to facilitate the latest requirements. The Finnish Geospatial Research Institute (FGI) has been supporting the GNSS research community with its open-source implementations, such as a MATLAB-based GNSS software-defined receiver ’FGI-GSRx’ and a Python-based implementation ’FGI-OSNMA’ for utilizing Galileo’s Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA). In this context, longer datasets are crucial for GNSS software-defined receivers to support adaptation, optimization and facilitate testing to investigate and develop future-proof receiver capabilities. In this paper we present an updated version of FGI-GSRx, namely FGI-GSRx-v2.0.0, which is also available as an open-source resource for the research community. FGI-GSRx-v2.0.0 offers improved performance as compared to its previous version, especially for the execution of long datasets. This is carried out by optimizing the receiver’s functionality and offering a newly added parallel processing feature to ensure faster capabilities to process the raw GNSS data. This paper also presents an analysis of some key design aspects of previous and current versions of FGI-GSRx for a better insight into the receiver’s functionalities. The results show that FGI-GSRx-v2.0.0 offers about 40% run time execution improvement over FGI-GSRx-v1.0.0 in case of sequential processing mode and about 59% improvement in case of parallel processing mode with 17 GNSS satellites from GPS and Galileo. In addition, an attempt is made to execute v2.0.0 with MATLAB’s own parallel computing toolbox. A detail performance comparison reveals an improvement of about 43% in execution time over v2.0.0 parallel processing mode for the same GNSS scenario.
Distribution and impacts of invasive plant species in Gullele Botanical Garden
Authors: Girmay Mehari , Abebaw Derib , Bekele Melese
Published: May 2024

Invasive species are non-native organisms that are introduced to a particular environment with a potential to spread from the place of introduction and cause biodiversity loss. This research was done in Gullele Botanical Garden with the objective of advancing management strategies for invasive and potentially invasive species by examining their abundance, distribution, impacts. Proportional number of plots with a size of 10m by 10m was laid at each land use types to collect vegetation and environmental data. The impact rank was analysed as a data frame using the R-statics packages, which shows the lower and higher impact rate ranges for the sampled land use types. ArcGIS was used to map the spatial distributions of each species. A total of 2550 individuals from 12 families comprising 16 invasive and potentially invasive species have been recorded in 40 sample plots across all sampled land use types. The highest species abundance appeared near the roadside among the sampled plots. Acacia decurrens, Cyathula uncinulata, and Acacia melanoxylon were the three most predominant species, had a substantial contribution to the high impact on the native species. Either intentionally by planting for their advantageous qualities or unintentionally associated with other seeds or other vectors, invasive and potentially invasive species were introduced into the garden. Although there are various techniques to control invasive species, mechanical controlling mechanisms like hand-weeding, uprooting, cutting, and rehabilitation with native species, along with regular monitoring, are highly recommended for the current challenge in the garden.
Optimizing Education with Data Analytics: A Feature Comparison of LMS and SIS
Authors: Rodríguez Jose Antonio Lagares , Díaz Norberto Díaz , González Carlos David Barranco
Published: May 2024

In the realm of educational technology, Data Analytics (DA) is reshaping teaching and learning. This paper investigates the impact of DA on education, specifically comparing Student Information Systems (SIS) and Learning Management Systems (LMS). Data-driven insights from SIS and LMS platforms enable educators to tailor instructional strategies to individual student needs effectively. While SIS manages student data for administrative tasks, LMS offers tools for content delivery and collaboration. Using the strengths of SIS and LMS, educators can optimise teaching and learning experiences, tracking student progress, and fostering collaboration. The comparison emphasises their distinct roles: SIS manages administrative tasks, while LMS focusses on content delivery and collaboration. Using both systems, educators improve the teaching and learning experience, leveraging DA for continuous improvement. In summary, this paper underscores the transformative role of DA in education, framed within the context of comparing the SIS and LMS functionalities. By examining the intersection of data-driven decision making and educational technology, educators are equipped with the tools and knowledge to harness the power of data for meaningful and impactful teaching and learning.
CT Effective Dose and Image Quality in Deep Learning Image Reconstruction in Intensive Care Patients
Authors: Quaia Emilio , Kiyomi Lanza de Cristoforis Elena , Agostini Elena Maria , Zanon Chiara
Published: May 2024

Deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) algorithms employs convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for CT image reconstruction to produce CT images with a very low noise level, even at low radiation dose. The aim of this study was to assess whether the DLIR algorithm reduces the CT effective dose (ED) and im-proves CT image quality in comparison with filtered back projection (FBP) and iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithms in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. We identified all consecutive patients referred to the ICU of a single hospital who underwent at least two consecutive chest and/or abdominal contrast-enhanced CT scans within a time period of 30 days using DLIR and subsequently FBP or IR algorithm (Advanced Mod-eled Iterative Reconstruction model-based algorithm [ADMIRE], or Adaptive Iterative Dose Reduction 3D [AIDR 3D]) for CT image reconstruction. The radiation ED, noise level, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were compared between the different CT scanners. The non-parametric Wilcoxon test was used for statistical comparison. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. A total of 83 patients (mean age, 59 ± 15 years [standard deviation]; 56 men) were included. DLIR vs FBP reduced ED (18.45 ± 13.16 mSv vs 22.06 ± 9.55 mSv, P < 0.05), while DLIR vs FBP and vs ADMIRE and AIDR 3D IR algorithms reduced image noise (8.45 ± 3.24 vs 14.85 ± 2.73 vs 14.77 ± 32.77 and 11.17 ± 32.77\, P < 0.05) and increased SNR (11.53 ± 9.28 vs 3.99 ± 1.23 vs 5.84 ± 2.74 and 3.58 ± 2.74, P < 0.05). CT scanners employing DLIR reduced radiation ED and im-proved SNR compared to CT scanners using FBP, whereas CT scanners using DLIR improved SNR com-pared to CT scanners using FBP or IR algorithms in ICU patients.
Dangling the Land as a Carrot’: The Bantustans and the Territorial Extension under the Apartheid Regime in South Africa
Authors: Twala Chitja , Ndlovu Ayanda Sphelele
Published: May 2024

The aim of this article is three-fold: firstly, it is to highlight how the different Bantustans with the focus to Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda, and Ciskei also know as the (TBVC) States secured extra territories. However, these Bantustans remained unrecognized in the international community because of their financial dependence to the apartheid regime. Secondly, the successes and failures of this process are fundamental in understanding the territorial monopolies of the Bantustans and thirdly we will interrogate how the Bantustan residents who were against the process mobilized other residents to reject the proposal and attempts of territorial expansion. Furthermore, this article contributes to the broader Bantustan’s historiography on the intended economic spin-offs with these endeavors. We contend that the above have received little scholarly attention. The methodology of this article draws from an historical approach and utilizes a range of different archival documentary sources, most importantly material housed in South Africa’s national archives and British Commonwealth archives. In conclusion, we argue in this article that these developments of territorial expansion had little benefits for the Bantustans and the extended territories adjacent to them.
Effect of Slaughter and Drying Temperatures on Protein Hydrolysis of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal
Authors: Rodriguez-Rodríguez Maria , Sánchez-Muros María José , Vargas-García María del Carmen , Varga Agnes Timea , Fabrikov Dmitri , García Barroso Fernando
Published: May 2024

In recent years, the potential of insects has been explored as a sustainable protein alternative to sustain the growing world population. Differences in the way insects are processed can affect their proximate composition and digestibility. This work studies the effects of the combination of different types of slaughter methods and drying temperatures on the proximate composition, organic matter digestibility (OMd), hydrolysis degree (DH/NH2 and DH/100 g DM), total hydrolysis (TH) and hygienic sanitary study of BSFL (black soldier fly larvae). Four types of slaughter methods were used: frozen (F), blanched + frozen (B), Melacide® + frozen (M) and liquid nitrogen (N), each with three drying temperatures (50, 70 and 90 °C). A negative correlation between acid detergent fibre (ADF) and protein digestibility parameters was obtained. 70 °C was the most suitable drying temperature, as it reported higher values of protein digestibility (DH, TH), resulting in hygienic and sanitary conditions suitable for food use. Slaughtering with liquid nitrogen and blanching were more convenient than traditional freezing or the use of Melacide® to achieve higher protein digestibility results.
SDC-Net++: End-to-End Crash Detection and Action Control for Self-Driving Car Deep-IoT-Based System
Authors: Tolba Mohammed Abdou , Kamal Hanan Ahmed
Published: May 2024

Few prior works study self-driving cars by deep learning with IoT collaboration. SDC-Net, which is an end-to-end multitask self-driving car camera cocoon IoT-based system, is one of the research that tackles this direction. However, by design SDC-Net is not able to identify the accident locations, it only classifies if it is a crash scene or not. In this work, we introduce an enhanced design for the SDC-Net system by 1) replacing the classification network with a detection one, 2) adapting our benchmark dataset labels built on the CARLA simulator to include the vehicles bounding boxes while keeping the same training, validation, and testing samples, 3) modifying the shared information via IoT to include the accident location. We keep the same path planning and automatic emergency braking network, the digital automation platform, and the input representations to formulate the comparative study. SDC-Net++ system is proposed to 1) output the relevant control actions, especially in case of accidents: accelerate, decelerate, maneuver, and brake, and 2) share the most critical information to the connected vehicles via IoT, especially the accident locations. A comparative study is also conducted between SDC-Net and SDC-Net++ with the same input representations: front camera only, panorama and bird-eye views, and with single-task networks: crash avoidance only, and multitask networks. Multitask network with a BEV input representation outperforms the nearest representation in precision, recall, f1-score, and accuracy by more than 15.134%, 12.046%, 13.593%, and 5%, respectively. SDC-Net++ multitask network with BEV outperforms SDC-Net multitask with BEV in precision, recall, f1-score, accuracy, and average MSE by more than 2.201%, 2.8%, 2.505%, 2%, and 18.677% respectively.
Nutrient Use Efficiency and Cucumber Productivity as a Function of Nitrogen Fertilization Rate and Wood Fiber Content in the Growing Media
Authors: Čepulienė Rita , Butkevičienė Lina Marija , Steponavičienė Vaida
Published: May 2024

: Greenhouse plants are usually grown in containers filled with growing media. Peat is the main component of the growing media used in greenhouses. However, peat substrate is made from peat from drained peatlands, which is a limited resource. Wood fiber can be an alternative to use as a growing media for controlled-climate crops. The chemical properties of the growing media interact and change continuously due to the small volume of the growing media, which is limited by the vegetative container. Therefore, this study aims to gain new knowledge on the impact of nutrient changes in the microbial degradation of carbon compounds in wood fiber and mixtures with peat substrate on the content and uptake of nutrients required by plants. Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus L.) were cultivated in growing media of peat substrate and wood fiber: (1) peat substrate (PS); (2) wood fiber (WF); (3) wood fiber and peat substrate 50/50 v/v (WF/PS 50/50); (4) wood fiber and peat substrate 25/75 v/v (WF/PS 25/75). The rates of fertilization were the following: (1) conventional fertilization (CF); (2) N13; (3) N23; (4) N30. Fertilization of cucumbers with different rates of nitrogen influenced the nutrient uptake. Plants grown in WF/PS 50/50 and WF/PS 25/75 growing media had the best Cu uptake when fertilized with N23. When the plants grown in the wood fiber media and the 50/50 media were fertilized with N13, N23, and N30, the Mn content in the growing media at the end of the growing season was significantly lower than the Mn content in the media with conventional fertilization. Thus, nitrogen improved the uptake of Mn by plants grown not only in the wood fiber but also in combinations with peat substrate. Growing plants in wood fiber and fertilizing them with N13 can result in optimum uptake of micronutrients. The number and mass of cucumber fruits per plant were influenced by the amount of wood fiber in the growing media and the application of nitrogen fertilizer. The highest number of fruits and mass of fruits per plant was obtained significantly higher when cucumbers were grown on WF/PS 50/50 growing media with additional N13 fertilization.
Stress-Induced Refractive Index Change of Eu:Y2SiO5: A Theoretical Approach
Authors: Mirzai Amin , Ahadi Aylin
Published: May 2024

The laser host materials undergo relatively small changes in their intrinsic properties due to various sources during an experiment. These sources are often related to temperature change or applied stress, which may cause change in optical properties of the material under study.
Consequently, the crystal experiences an optical anisotropy, which may affect the final outcome of the experiments. One way to reduce probable noises is to predict the change in optical properties with respect to load. To predict the changing pattern of the refractive index in a crystal, one needs to know both the elastic and photoelastic constants of the material. In this study, we utilized density functional perturbation theory (DFPT) to extract the photoelastic tensor of Y$_2$SiO$_5$ and Eu-doped Y$_2$SiO$_5$ crystals. Using the photoelastic and elastic constants calculated, a Finite Element (FE) model was developed, which allowed us to apply load and then post-process the results. This methodology enabled us to observe the variation in refractive index ($n$), and consequently, the shift in the resonance frequency of the cavity.
The results obtained were in agreement with experimental measurements, falling within a 3\% discrepancy across a temperature range spanning from cryogenic to room temperature. This correlation suggests the feasibility of using the current workflow as a predictive tool for evaluating variations in refractive indices over a specific interval.
Oncolytic Tanapoxvirus Variants Expressing mIL-2 and mCCL-2 Regress Human Pancreatic Cancer Xenografts in Immunocompromised and Immune Reconstituted CAnN.Cg-Foxn1nu/Crl Nude Mice
Authors: Haller Scott , Essani Karim
Published: May 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death in and presents the lowest 5-year survival rate for any form of cancer in the US. Only 20% of PDAC patients are suitable for surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy which remains the only curative treatment. Chemotherapeutic and genetherapy treatments are associated with adverse effects and lack specificity/efficacy. In this study we assess the oncolytic potential of immuno-oncolytic tanapoxvirus (TPV) recombinants expressing mouse monocyte chemoattractant protein (mMCP-1 or mCCL2), and mouse interleukin (mIL)-2, in human pancreatic BxPc-3 cells, using immunocompromised and CD-3+ T-cell reconstituted mice. Intratumoral treatment with TPV/∆66R/mCCL2 and TPV/∆66R/mIL-2 resulted in regression of BxPc-3 xenograft volume as compared to control in immunocompromised mice; mCCL-2 expressing TPV OV resulted in significant difference from control at p
Establishment of a Suitable Diagnostic Pipeline to Ensure Sensitive Detection of African Swine Fever Virus Genome in Porcine Semen
Authors: Friedrichs Virginia , Reicks Darwin , Zimmerman Jeffrey J. , Nelson Eric A. , Sauter-Louis Carola , Beer Martin , Christopher-Hennings Jane , Blome Sandra
Published: May 2024

The rapid spread of African swine fever virus (ASFV), causing severe and often lethal disease in domestic pigs and Eurasian wild boar, continues to be a threat for pig populations and dependent industries. Despite scientific achievements that deepen our understanding of ASFV pathogenesis, alternative transmission routes for ASFV remain to be elucidated. We previously demonstrated the efficient transmission of ASFV from infected boars to naïve recipient gilts via artificial insemination, thereby highlighting the importance of surveillance in boar semen prior to shipment. Since accurate and reliable detection of even low amounts of ASFV in boar semen is key for disease prevention and control, we established a suitable diagnostic pipeline to efficiently detect ASFV genome in boar semen. Here, we assessed sensitivity, specificity and overall performance of various routine nucleic acid extraction kits as well as qPCR protocols in detecting ASFV genome in blood and semen of boars. Feasibility of respective kits and methods for future use in boar studs was also considered. Variability in sensitivity mostly concerned samples with low to very low amounts of ASFV genome. Ultimately, we defined a well-suited pipeline to precisely detect ASFV genome in boar semen, as early as 2 days post ASFV infection.
Effect of Using Black Soldier Fly Larvae Thermocomposted Frass as a Germination Substrate on Phytotoxicity, Germination Index, Growth, and Antioxidants Content in Kale (Brassica oleracea)
Authors: González-Lara Hugo , Parra-Pacheco Benito , Gudiño-Calixto Armando , Feregrino-Perez Ana Angélica , García-Trejo Juan Fernando
Published: May 2024

Frass generated during the production of black soldier fly larvae is taking the interest of scientists and horticultural producers because it is a material from the biotransformation of organic waste, it has several nutrients that can be used by plants, and its recent focus on its biostimulant capacity. The thermal-composting process is a stabilization that improves physical and chemical properties of treated wastes, allowing better performance in plants compared to its fresh state. In this research, thermocomposted frass was evaluated as a germination substrate for kale seeds (Brassica olerasea). To achieve this, it was evaluated the phytotoxicity in different concentrations on the seeds, and seedlings were grown in a germination substrates mixed with 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% of frass. The treatment with 20% frass showed the highest values of seedling height, stem diameter, number of leaves, length, and width of first true leaf and length and width of cotyledons, reduced the content of phenols and tannins antioxidants but the content of flavonoids increased compared to the control and the rest of mixtures.
Manufacturing Competency: Roots of Competitive Advantage of Chinese Electric Vehicle Battery Industry
Authors: Zhao Wei , Luethje Boy
Published: May 2024

China’s leading development of a complete battery value chain for Electric Vehicles (EV) is restructuring the global automotive sector. The competitive advantage of China's EV battery industry lies on its firms’ core competency and political economic geography. Based on first-hand empirical material and data obtained from years of fieldwork in an EV battery cluster in South China, this paper identifies what the Chinese EV battery industry’s core competency is and details how it is built up from below. The current core competency of Chinese battery firms is their mass manufacturing capability to supply lithium-ion batteries vehicle manufacturers (OEMs) with stable and consistent quality as well as competitive prices. This competency is acquired by firms through technological learning at workshop level while taking use of their experiences accumulated in mass production of batteries for consumer electronics sectors. Furthermore, the rapid learning and accumulation of knowledge on battery manufacturing at large scale is also facilitated by the industrial cluster environment where firms are embedded. Supported and promoted by local government policies, Chinese EV battery clusters are composed of firms from different segments of a complete battery value chain. The findings illuminate the likely strategic strengths, weaknesses, and futures of the Chinese EV battery industry in global competition.
Evidence of Dextral Strike-Slip Movement of the Alakol Lake Fault in the Western Junggar Based on Remote Sensing
Authors: Yi Wenxing , Li An , Xu Liangxin , Hu Zongkai , Li Xiaolong
Published: May 2024

The NW-SE trending dextral strike-slip faults on the north side of the Tian Shan play an important role in accommodating the crustal shortening, which mainly includes the Karatau fault, Talas-Fergana fault, Dzhalair-Naiman fault, Aktas fault, Dzhungarian fault (also named Bolokenu-Aqikekuduk fault) and Chingiz fault. The classic viewpoint is that the strike-slip fault is the adjustment product caused by the difference of the crustal shortening from west to east. Another viewpoint attributes the dextral strike-slip fault to large-scale sinistral shearing. The Alakol Lake Fault is situated along the northern margin of the Dzhungarian Gate, stretching for roughly 150 km from Lake Ebinur to Lake Alakol. Our team utilized aerial photographs, Satellite Stereo-imagery, and field observation to map the distribution of the Alakol Lake fault. Our findings provided evidence supporting the assertion that the fault is a dextral strike-slip fault. In reference to its spatial distribution, Lake Alakol is situated in a pull-apart basin that lies between two major dextral strike-slip fault lines: the Chingiz and Dzhungarian faults. The Alakol Lake Fault serves as a connecting point for these two faults, resulting in the formation of a mega NW-SE dextral strike-slip fault zone. According to our analysis of the dating samples taken from the alluvial fan, as well as our measurement of the displacement of the riser and gully, it appears that the Alakol Lake fault has a dextral strike-slip rate of 0.8-1.5mm/yr. The strike-slip rate of the Alakol Lake fault is comparatively higher than that of the Chingiz fault in the northern region (~0.7 mm/yr), but slower than that of the Dzhungarian fault in the southern (3.2-5 mm/yr). The Chingiz-Alakol-Dzhungarian fault zone shows a gradual decrease in deformation towards the interior of the Kazakhstan platform. We contend that the rate of deformation observed is better explained by the crustal shortening adjustment model, rather than the large-scale sinistral shearing model.
Cross Sections for Electron Stripping, Electron Capture, and System Breakdown of C5+ and Li2+ Ions with Atomic Hydrogen
Authors: Al Atawneh Saed J
Published: May 2024

For many disciplines of science, all conceivable collisional cross sections and reactions must be precisely known. Although the recent decades were a trial of large-scale research to give these data, many essential atomic and molecular cross section data still missing, and the reliability of the existing cross sections has to be validated. In this paper, we present electron stripping, electron capture, and system breakdown cross sections in carbon (C5+) ions and lithium (Li2+) ions collisions with atomic hydrogen based on the Monte Carlo models of classical and quasi-classical trajectories. According to our expectation, the QCTMC results show higher results in comparison to standard CTMC data, emphasizing the role of Heisenberg correction constraint, especially in the low energy regime. On the Other hand, at high energy, the Heisenberg correction term has less influence as a projectile momentum increase. We present the total cross sections of electron stripping, electron capture, and system breakdown in C5+ ions and Li2+ ions collisions with atomic hydrogen in the impact energy range from 10 keV to 160 keV, which is of interest in astrophysical plasmas, atmospheric sciences, plasma laboratories, and fusion research.
Talent Identification In Football: Different Effects of Maturation on Sprinting, Change of Direction and Jumping in 13-Year-Old Players
Authors: Lehnert Michal , Holík Roman , Prycl David , Sigmund Martin , Sigmundová Dagmar , Malý Tomáš
Published: May 2024

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the influence of the maturity status on speed, explosive power and change of direction (COD) in 13-year-old football players. Ninety-eight male players (age: 13.1 ± 1.0 y) were divided into late, average, and early maturation groups. Physical fitness testing included the following variables: 10 and 30-meter sprint time and maximum speed in the 20-30 m segment of the 30-meter sprint test, the T-test time, countermovement jump height and horizontal distance in the triple jump. The data showed a significant effect of maturity status on performance in three parameters: in maximum speed in the 20-30 m section (p = 0,024), however, the only significant differences were found between the early-maturation group and average-maturation group (p = 0.033); in the COD (p = 0.024), where significant differences were confirmed between the late-maturation group and the average-maturation group (p = 0.033); in the unilateral triple jump distance of the dominant and non-dominant (p = 0,007 and p = 0.001, respectively) lower limb. For both limbs, significant differences between the late-maturation group and average maturation group (p = 0.005 and p = 0.013, respectively) as well as the late-maturation group and early-maturation group (p = 0.007 and p = 0.045, respectively) were proved. These results indicate that maximal speed, COD speed and unilateral lower limb reactive strength are moderated by biological age in football players aged 13 years.
Review on the Axial Hydrokinetic Turbines. Field of Application and Efficiency Enhancement Methods
Authors: Iliev Rossen Sashov , Todorov Georgi , Kamberov Konstantin , Zlatev Blagovest
Published: May 2024

Along with the increasing industrialization of contries and population growth, the global. With the thougth of overcoming climate change and renducing greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere, interest in alternative sloar, wind, water, geothermal, tidal and ocean wave energy has significantly increased. Hydropower is one of the most used inexhaustible sources of energy on a global scale. The efficiency of water turbines can be increased by optimizing the blade cascade and the casing. For this purpose, research is conducted on specialized laboratory benches. The purpose is to determine the influencing parameters which affecting the nature of the power and cavitaion curves This paper presents the results of numerical and laboratoty studies of axial hydrokinetic turbines. A detailed analysis of the influence of the geometric parameters of the blades on the operating curves is made. A mathematica model for synthesis of the blade cascade is derived. An assessment of water energy soures has been made and sites of high energy potential have been pointed. The present material can be used for development of a methodology for calculation of efficient axial hydrokinetic turbines.
Comparative study between the energy information system and the energy management system according to ISO 50001
Authors: KOUAHO Séraphin Ebagninin , N'GUESSAN Yao , MARVILLET Christophe
Published: May 2024

Energy management, especially in communities, is attracting growing interest, but is often marred by confusion between the terms "Energy Information System" (EIS) and "Energy Man-agement System" (EMS). This ambiguity hinders understanding of their use and role in improv-ing energy performance. Our objective is to clarify these terms and their contribution to energy management. We used a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach to evaluate and compare the criteria of definition, objective, functionality, role, as well as correlated elements such as or-ganizational structure, responsibilities, planning and policy, according to the requirements of ISO 50001, in addition to criteria specific to the two systems. The study reveals differences in the roles of the EIS and the SME, with a complementarity of 40% between the two systems, depend-ing on the positioning of the EIS in relation to the elements of the SME process. The EIS plays a crucial role in facilitating the implementation of the EMS according to ISO 50001. This clarifica-tion contributes to a better understanding of the respective roles of these systems in energy management, thus helping communities to improve their energy performance in an effective manner.
It is time to populate quantum multiverse.
Authors: Durand Jean-Olivier
Published: May 2024

At the beginning of our observations of relative universe, humanity believed that the earth was the center of the universe and that the sun was spinning around the earth. Claude Ptolémée (100-168), modelled the movements, in the geocentric referential. Then Nicolas Copernic (1473-1543) simplified the system by going to another referential, the heliocentric referential. We had to wait 14 centuries to understand that earth has been spinning around the sun and it was very difficult to change the believes. Then we observed solar system, and gravitation explained the movement of planets with Isaac Newton (1642-1727). Classical mechanics was born. At the end of 19th century, classical mechanics became very complicated. Then Albert Einstein (1879-1955) simplified the laws of gravitation with the spacetime referential and spacetime curvature, with general relativity. Gravitation became a spacetime curvature. Movements in the relative universe were explained, models of black holes and gravitational waves were predicted and experimentally observed. However, models of cosmos are divergent nowadays or very complicated because they include general relativity and gravitation combined with quantum theory. I propose in this article a new quantum theory of cosmos with a new referential: the quantum referential. I think this theory can completely change our believes. This theory does not take into account Einstein’s general relativity and gravitation. Therefore, the model of cosmos which results is highly convergent, simple, and it will be possible to populate quantum universes (multiverse) with bosons from matter and anti-matter annihilation. Indeed, we do not exist yet in this quantum theory as we are fermions. Therefore, by populating multiverse, and by transforming ourselves into bosons, we will not suffer anymore. If we populate quantum multiverse, it will be Love for everybody.
Dynamic Output Feedback of Second-Order Systems: An Observer-Based Controller with LMI Design
Authors: Gontijo Danielle , Araújo José Mário , Frezzato Luciano , Souza Fernando de Oliveira
Published: May 2024

This paper presents an observer-based dynamic output feedback controller design procedure using Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) optimization for second-order systems with uncertainty and persistent perturbation in the states. Using linear-quadratic criteria, cost functions are minimized in a two-stage procedure to compute optimal state feedback gains, and observer gains are coupled into a dynamic output feedback optimal controller. The LMI set used in the two stages is matrix inversion-free, a key issue for polytope formulation when uncertainty is present. The approach is tested in a mobile inverted pendulum robotic platform, and the effectiveness is verified in this underactuated and undesensed case.
Prognostic Evaluation of Piezo2 Channels in Mammary Gland Carcinoma
Authors: García-Mesa Yolanda , Rodrigues-Françoso Aline , García-Alonso Francisco Javier , Martín-Sanz Raquel , Gómez-Muñoz María Asunción , Malmierca-González Sandra , Salazar-Blázquez Rocío , García-Suárez Olivia , Feito Jorge
Published: May 2024

In the last decade a group of Ca2+ channels called Piezo were discovered, demonstrating a decisive role in the cellular response to mechanical stimuli and being essential in the biological behaviour of cells regarding the extracellular compartment. Several investigations have suggested a potential role in carcinogenesis with a tumor supressor role in some cases, but increased expression in several high grade neoplasms. Regarding Piezo2 expression in mammary gland neoplasms, early results suggested a protective role of Piezo2, but posterior works resulted in a relationship between Piezo2 expression and the highly-aggressive triple negative phenotype of breast carcinoma.
A cohort of 125 patients with clinical follow up was chosen to study Piezo2 expression and clarify its clinical implications, using the same immunohistochemical valuation performed for other breast carcinoma parameters. Fisher exact was chosen to identify potential relationships between the different variables. A significant association was found with the Ki67 proliferation index, but not with mitoses. The tendency of most proliferative tumors was to have a diminished score for Piezo2. A similar association was found between Piezo2 expression and perineurial invasion.
Conventional Manufacturing by Pouring versus Additive Manufacturing Technology of β-Tricalcium Phosphate Bone Substitute Implants
Authors: Zöller Tanja , Schmal Hagen , Ahlhelm Matthias , Mayr Hermann O , Seidenstuecker Michael
Published: May 2024

The aim of the study was the comparison of conventional sintering versus additive manufacturing techniques for β-TCP bioceramics, focusing on mechanical properties and biocompatibility. A "critical" bone defect requires surgical intervention beyond simple stabilization. Autologous bone grafting is the gold standard treatment for such defects but it has its limitations. Alloplastic bone grafting using synthetic materials is becoming increasingly popular. The use of bone graft substitutes has increased significantly and current research was focused on optimizing these substitutes, whereas this study compares two existing manufacturing techniques and the thereby produced β-TCP implants. The 3D-printed β-TCP hybrid structure implant was fabricated using two components, a column structure and a freeze-foam, which were sintered together. The conventionally manufactured ceramics were made by pouring. Both scaffolds were characterized according to porosity, mechanical properties and biocompatibility. The hybrid structure had a total porosity of 74.4 ± 0.5%. Microporous β-TCP implants had a porosity of 43.5 ± 2.4%, while macroporous β-TCP implants had a porosity of 61.81%. Mechanical testing revealed that the hybrid structure had a compressive strength of 10.4 ± 6 MPa, significantly lower than the microporous β-TCP implant’s with 32.9 ± 8.7 MPa. Biocompatibility evaluations showed a steady increase in cell proliferation over time for all β-TCP implants, with minimal cytotoxicity. This study provides valuable insight into the potential of additive manufacturing for β-TCP bioceramics in the treatment of bone defects.
Niche Sustainable Agricultural Production in Colombia: The Case of Territorial Development Agendas and Development Planning in the Province of García Rovira
Authors: Llanez Anaya Helmer Fernando , Sanchez Reyes Jimmy
Published: May 2024

This article addresses the emergence of a niche for sustainable agricultural production in the province of García Rovira, Colombia. It examines the intervention of the Colombian planning regime, which implements agendas for sustainable territorial development. However, these agendas are not adequately aligned with provincial realities, resulting in a productive decline. From a multi-level perspective, a niche of production linked to the landscape is identified, highlighting sustainable practices and innovation. The study seeks to understand how planning influences the emergence of such niches and what factors boost their transition to sustainability. Through a mixed methodology, growing sectors are highlighted, and the profiles of the producers involved are outlined. The main conclusion is that the planned intervention is inefficient, as the niche of sustainable production emerges without its clear influence. Therefore, it is proposed to re-evaluate planning using alternative analysis frameworks to detect emerging productive dynamics, serving as a basis for future plans.
The ‘LUCAN’ Concept, the Latest Universally Common Ancestral Network Stage of Early Life: From Molecular Cooperation and Horizontal Symbiosis to the Escape of Vertically Stabilized Lineages of Particulate Viral Propagules and Cellular Organisms
Authors: Egel Richard
Published: May 2024

The main objective is to offer a functionally coherent counter-narrative to the polarized views prevailing now about the complex ‘Eukaryogenesis problem’ versus the “primitive” nature ascribed to so-called “Prokaryotes” (termed Akaryotes herein). The paradigm shift presented aims at bridging the conceptual gap between the rudimentary beginnings of biomolecular cooperativity on a pristine Earth (the Origins of Life or OoL) and the beginnings of lineage-wise diversification toward Darwinean speciation in the Tree of Life (or ToL). Although the research field as a whole is not aware of a corresponding ‘Prokaryogenesis problem’, the evolutionary process resulting in the partly independent archaeal and bacterial cell types is not fully understood. The present paper provides an explanation for these problems based on coevolutionary complementarity at multiple levels. The unconventional model connects various stages from “neighborhood selection” in film-like layers of unbounded “surface protoplasm” based on short “statistical proteins”, via a closely knit “peptide/RNA partnership” in the “making of genes”, toward the “making of genomes” in several RNA-to-DNA transitions. Three virus-related plasmids carrying different DNA replicases may have initiated the vertical stability of hereditable lineages that led to the three “domains” of organismal life, with a fourth lineage ending in eukaryotic organelles. These partly independent transitions established DNA as a late-comer of fundamental biomolecules.
Thermostratigraphic and Heat Flow Assessment of the South Slave Region in the Northwest Territories, Canada
Authors: Rajaobelison Mirah , Thibault Michaël , Comeau Félix-Antoine , Raymond Jasmin , Smejkal Emily J , Terlaky Viktor
Published: May 2024

: Despite the elevated heat flow known in the Western part of the South Slave Region (Northwest Territories, Canada), a continuous and equilibrium geothermal gradient was never measured in boreholes below the communities where geothermal energy could be developed. This paper aims to predict the geothermal gradient and assess the Earth’s natural heat flow below the communities of Fort Providence, Kakisa, Hay River, and Enterprise. Temperatures from drill-stem test and bottom well logs were corrected for drilling disturbance and paleoclimates. Thermal conductivity and heat generation rate of the geological formations were determined from the literature and with new laboratory measurements. 1D models were developed to evaluate subsurface temperature through the sedimentary formations, based on a thermostratigraphic assessment. Results indicate a geothermal gradient varying from 44.1 ± 10.6 °C km-1 to 59.1 ± 14.9 °C km-1 and heat flow varying from 105.5 mW m-2 to 160.2 mW m-2 below the communities. These estimates are in agreement with the equilibrium geothermal gradients measured in the Cameron Hills, south of the four communities, and used to verify our predictions. Hay River appears to be the most promising community with the highest geothermal gradient estimated to be 59.1 ± 14.9 °C km-1.
Innovative Thinking in Volunteer Organizations and Leaders: Addressing the Impact of Psychological Ownership on Volunteer Commitment
Authors: HSIEH MingJIn , Chiu Shiu-Kuan
Published: May 2024

This study encourages volunteer managers to innovate when enhancing volunteers' organizational commitment by adopting the new variable of psychological ownership, thus creating new management practices and systems. The findings indicate that psychological ownership significantly affects organizational commitment and can also enhance it through the partial mediating effect of volunteer motivation. Evidently, psychological ownership can become a major factor influencing volunteer retention. Consequently, two innovative management strategies are suggested to foster volunteer organizational commitment: Firstly, construct a diverse knowledge base for volunteer managers, facilitating a cognitive shift in leaders to enhance leadership, achieve better information sharing, and collaboration using diverse knowledge. Secondly, treat the organization's volunteers as a subsystem, develop psychological ownership as the foundation for system operations, integrate the volunteer system with the staff system through a decentralized decision-making structure, 'empower' the volunteer system, and stimulate members' sense of participation and responsibility, thereby fostering innovation and continuous improvement.
Evaluating Double-Duty Actions in Rwanda’s Secondary Cities
Authors: Demekas Sophia , Prytherch Helen , Bayisenge Francine , Habumugisha Straton , Kraemer Klaus , Monroy-Gomez Jimena , Nabacu Immaculee , Speich Cornelia , Turinimigisha Innocente , Barjolle Dominique
Published: May 2024

The double burden of malnutrition (DBM) is escalating in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including in Rwanda, most notably in urbanizing areas. The 2019-2020 Rwanda Demographic Health Survey (DHS) revealed 33% of children under 5 are stunted while 42% of women in urban areas are overweight or obese. This coexistence has contributed to a surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly in secondary cities. Using the World Health Organization’s (WHOs) “double-duty action” (DDA) concept, this study aims to identify and evaluate interventions with double-duty potential in Rwanda, focusing on the districts of Rusizi and Rubavu. Guided by Hawkes et al.’s conceptual framework for identifying DDA entry points, a desk review of national policies pinpointed 4 programs with DDA potential: early childhood development (ECD) centers, the school feeding program, farmer field schools (FFS), and the provision of nutrition-sensitive direct support. In-person interviews with key stakeholders assessed their implementation and a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis informed context-specific recommendations for their improvement. Recommendations include targeting beliefs surrounding nutrition, improving trainings for community educators, enhancing parent – particularly father – involvement, and close follow-up. These findings offer actionable strategies for governments and nutrition stakeholders and may benefit similar interventions in other rapidly urbanizing LMICs.
Comparing High-Dose PPI Intravenous Infusion and Oral Acid Pump Inhibitors After Endoscopic Therapy for Bleeding Peptic Ulcers
Authors: Miao Chuhan , Dai Mengliang , He Jianxun , Li Zhiyun
Published: May 2024

This mini-review explores the comparative efficacy, safety, and clinical outcomes of high-dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) intravenous infusion versus oral acid pump inhibitor therapy following endoscopic treatment for bleeding peptic ulcers. Recent evidence suggests that intravenous PPIs can significantly reduce the rebleeding rates within the critical first 72 hours post-intervention, with a noted rebleeding rate of 6% compared to 14% in patients receiving oral Vonoprazan (VPZ) therapy. Additionally, the rapid onset of action associated with intravenous administration leads to faster stabilization of vital signs and a reduced need for subsequent blood transfusions. Safety profiles for both intravenous and oral VPZ were favourable, with minimal adverse effects, the most common being transient headaches.However, the findings from our single-centre study with a moderate sample size prompt consideration of more extensive, multicentre trials to enhance the generalizability of the results. Current limitations include potential biases, short-term focus, missing data issues, and a need for long-term outcome data, necessitating further research. Future studies should also explore the cost-effectiveness of intravenous versus oral VPZ and the impact on patient quality of life and long-term mortality rates.This review underscores the importance of tailored PPI therapy in managing bleeding peptic ulcers post-endoscopy. It suggests a potentially pivotal role for intravenous PPIs in high-risk patient groups, advocating for a shift towards more aggressive and immediate care protocols in specific clinical settings.
Biallelic Variants in LIPT2 as a Cause of Infantile-Onset Dystonia: Expanding the Clinical and Molecular Spectrum
Authors: Sen Kuntal , Zea Vera Alonso , Puronurmi Anna , Gropman Andrea , Wongkittichote Parith , Ganetzky Rebecca , Autio Kaija , Kastaniotis Alexander
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Lipoyl transferase 2 is involved in biosynthesis of the lipoate. Lipoate is the cofactor for the glycine cleavage system and four dehydrogenase enzymes. Biallelic variants in LIPT2 causing severe neonatal encephalopathy was first described in 2017. Methods: Clinical data was collected by retrospective chart review after obtaining consent from parents. The pathogenicity of these variants was further delineated using a yeast model. The YEp352-LIPT2 plasmid was used as a template to generate the two patient variants using QuickChange Lightning Site-Directed Mutagenesis Kit. Results: Patient was a 15-month-old female who presented at 1 month with dystonia, developmental delay and feeding difficulties. MR Brain showed cortical malformations including colpocephaly, polymicrogyria and heterotopia. Patient had elevations in lactate (6.1 mmol/L) and glycine. Exome sequencing showed 2 variants of uncertain significance in trans in the LIPT2 gene: c.346 G>T and c.418C>T. Patient was started on lipoic acid, thiamine and COQ10. Yeast complementation experiments indicate that both patient mutation variants result in diminished function versions of the LIPT2 protein. Conclusion: We report the fourth case of LIPT2-related disorder. Proband shared significant overlap with previous patients, however had a distinct movement disorder and brain malformations which have not been previously described. Unlike most neurometabolic disorders where dystonia develops later after metabolic stroke in basal ganglia, LIPT2- related disorder seems unique due to early onset of dystonia due to energy deficit in the developing brain. Lipoic acid supplementation has not led to significant clinical improvement. Analyses in yeast indicate that novel variants are deleterious but have retained some functionality.