bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-Situ Microstructural Evolution and Precipitate Analysis of High-Nickel Shipbuilding Steel Using High Temperature Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy
Authors: Sun Guojin , Li Zhenggui , Wang Qi
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of high-nickel shipbuilding steel during thermal processing using High Temperature Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (HTCLSM). The in-situ observation of the heating and holding processes reveals critical insights into phase transformations, grain growth behavior, and the formation of precipitates. The experimental results demonstrate that austenitization begins at approximately 700°C, with significant grain boundary nucleation. At 900°C, the formation of black precipitates was observed, and their persistence up to temperatures exceeding 1000°C was confirmed. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) analyses identified these precipitates as chromium carbides (Cr7C3), which significantly contribute to the material's strength. The comprehensive analysis using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) confirmed the presence and distribution of Cr7C3 within the grains and along grain boundaries. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the microstructural dynamics in high-nickel steels, guiding the optimization of heat treatment processes to enhance mechanical properties for maritime applications.
Biologically Active Compounds of Tomato Fruits Affected by Application of Spirulina, Dunaliella and Chlorella Microalgae Extracts
Authors: Augšpole Ingrīda , Sivicka Irina , Kampuss Kaspars , Semjonovs Pāvels , Missa Imants
Published: August 2024

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of solution of ethanol extractions of different microalgae species: Spirulina sp., Dunaliella sp. and Chlorella sp. on the accumulation of biologically active compounds in tomato fruits. Ethanol solution as well as treatment with drinking water were used as a control. Tomato cultivar ‘Belle’ F1 (Enza Zaden) was grown in 25 L pots, in peat substrate (pHKCl 5.5, producer Laflora LTd), polycarbonate greenhouse. Chemical composition – total carotenoids, lycopene and β-carotene content, total phenolics and anthocyanins, organic acids, vitamin C as well as dry matter, pH and soluble solids content – was determined in tomato fruits at the stage of full ripen. The influence of tested extracts on biologically active compounds on quality parameters of tomatoes was different, but no negative effect was observed. As only pH values as well as total phenol content and total soluble solids had statistically significant differences, results can be described with genetical stability of the cultivar.
Prospects of Quantum Dots for Photodetection in LIGO and Other Interferometric Gravitational Experiments
Authors: Inioluwa Precious Adegbite
Published: August 2024

Quantum dots are semiconductor Nano-structures with Optical or photoelectric properties and Quantum mechanical properties such as Quantum confinement due to the Nano-scale size of the molecular structure where Quantum mechanical effects are dominant. Because of its Optical properties Quantum dots have found applications in the development of future Solar cells and Photovoltaic detectors. The developments of these Solar cells and detectors are made possible through the use of Spray-coated layering of colloidal solutions containing the quantum dots forming what can be regard as thin quantum dot films, of which the compound thickness of all the layers is in nanometers. These quantum dots are capable of detecting a very wide range of electromagnetic frequencies and even single photon sources with very fast response time overall promising enhanced sensitivity. The features of quantum dots films gives them desirable advantages for detecting minute phase changes in Laser interferometric observatories such as LIGO which was designed and developed to detect gravitational waves coming from distant astrophysical sources. However the detection of low frequency gravitational waves with longer wavelength and those of much lower amplitudes have been rather elusive even with the high sensitivity of LIGO, as its usual Photodetector may not be sensitive to the interferometric phase changes due to gravitational waves of longer wavelengths and low amplitudes. As a potential means of improving phase change detection in LIGO, the use of quantum dots as photodetectors is conceptually proposed exploiting the fast reaction times and its sensitivity to wider range of frequencies. Whether it detects the interferometric phase changes induced by subtle amplitude or low frequency gravitational waves or not, it still promises an improvement to the detection capabilities of LIGO. Other interferometric gravitational experiments can also be performed, such as interferometric detection of Phase difference due to gravitational time dilation, using two laboratory interferometers one of which is positioned at sea level and the other at much higher altitude leading to a difference in gravitational potential. Together with the use of Quantum dot films as Photo-detectors one can detect the small interferometric phase difference between both interferometers due to Gravitational time dilation at different altitudes.
Acoustic Transmission Measurements for the Mechanical Properties Extraction of Complex 3D MEMS Transducers
Authors: Becker Dennis , Littwin Moritz , Bittner Achim , Dehé Alfons
Published: August 2024

Recent publications on acoustic MEMS transducers present a new three-dimensional folded diaphragm that utilizes buried in-plane vibrating structures to increase the active area from a small chip volume. Characterization of the mechanical properties plays a key role in the development of new MEMS transducers, whereby established measurement methods are usually tailored to structures close to the sample surface. In order to access the lateral vibrations, extensive and destructive sample preparation is required. This work presents a new passive measurement technique that combines acoustic transmission measurements and Lumped-element modelling. For diaphragms of different lengths, compliances between 0.08 ∙ 10-15 and 1.04 ∙ 10-15 m³/Pa are determined without using destructive or complex preparations. In particular, for lengths above 1000 µm, the results differ from numerical simulations only by 4% or less.
Cell Biology of Knee Joint Injuries: Early Mechanical Loading Perspective
Authors: Kacprzak Bartłomiej , Stańczak Mikołaj
Published: August 2024

Knee joint injuries, including those affecting the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), meniscus, and cartilage, present significant challenges in sports medicine and orthopedics. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying these injuries is essential for developing effective therapeutic strategies. This systematic review explores the cell biology of knee joint injuries, focusing on the effects of early mechanical loading. We examine the types of knee injuries, cellular responses to mechanical loading, signaling pathways involved, and implications for treatment and rehabilitation. This comprehensive synthesis aims to provide insights into optimizing rehabilitation protocols and developing novel therapeutic approaches.
Horse Innate Immunity in the Control of Equine Infectious Anaemia Virus Infection: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Cardeti Giusy , Manna Giuseppe , Antonella Cersini , Nardini Roberto , Rosati Sergio , Reina Ramsés , Cittadini Marina , Sittinieri Stefania , Altigeri Alessia , Marcario Gaetana Anita , Scicluna Maria Teresa
Published: August 2024

The mechanisms of the innate immunity control on equine infectious anaemia virus in asymptomatic horses are not yet widely described. Horse monocytes from peripheral blood can be differentiated in vitro into macrophages, that generally gives rise to mixed populations, morphologically referable to M1 and M2. The addition of specific cytokines or of virus, results in a more specific differentiation. As stated for other species (Crespo et al, 2013), stimulation with equine recombinant cytokine IFNγ polarized horse macrophages towards the M1 phenotype while equine recombinant cytokine IL4 polarized towards the M2 phenotype. EIAV Wyoming and Miami strains infection resulted in morphological transformation of macrophages compatible with the M1 pattern of differentiation. In this study MMP13 represented a reliable target gene to evaluate proinflammatory status of macrophages in horses since IFNγ and EIAV infection considerably increased its expression.
A more in-depth study of the expression genes of both cytokine-induced and virus-induced markers of eMDM polarization may help us to understand whether these are the same in the horse as those found in other animal species with similar modes of activation of innate immunity. The identification of the markers of each population of macrophages would allow to analyze the differentiation profiles, and to check the control of virus infectivity in equid populations envisioning therapeutic strategies through the use of this information.
Molecular Characterization of Sterol C4-Methyl Oxidase in Leishmania major
Authors: Ning Yu , Basu Somrita , Hsu Fong-fu , Feng Mei , Wang Michael Zhuo , Zhang Kai
Published: August 2024

Background: Despite progress in access to family planning services in many sub-Saharan 11 African countries in recent decades, advances in early postpartum contraceptive adoption remain 12 low, and the unmet need for early postpartum contraceptives is high. According to the Ethiopia 13 Demographic and Health Survey report, early postpartum modern contraceptive method uptake is 14 still unacceptably low in Ethiopia. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the magnitude of 15 intention to adoption of early postpartum modern contraceptive methods and its associated factors 16 among pregnant women in Dessie and Kombolcha town zones, northeast Ethiopia. Methods: A 17 community-based cross-sectional study was deployed from January 15–February 15, 2023, in the 18 Dessie and Kombolcha zones, north-east Ethiopia among pregnant women. The study involved 780 19 pregnant women using the cluster sampling technique. A census was conducted in 20 randomly 20 selected clusters to identify eligible pregnant women. Actual data were collected home-to-home in 21 the community through face-to-face interviews. Data were collected by Open Data Kit (ODK) and 22 exported to STATA 17 for analysis. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was done and the 23 goodness of the model was checked by Hosmer-Lemeshow's test statistic and rock curve. An ad- 24 justed odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically sig- 25 nificant. Result: The study revealed that 49.6% of pregnant women lack autonomy and 50% lack 26 knowledge about early postpartum contraception, with participants' wealth index status ranging 27 from rich (36.6%) to poor (33.2%). The study found that 75.8% of pregnant women intended to adopt 28 early postpartum modern contraceptive methods early after childbirth. After controlling the poten- 29 tial confounder’s mothers age (AOR = 6.2 [2.6–14.6], birth interval (AOR = 2.5 [1.6–3.7]), have paid 30 work (AOR = 1.9 [1.3–2.8]), health facility from home (AOR=2.6[1.5-4.4]), last delivery 31 Place(AOR=2.4[1.1-5.7]), knowledge on (AOR = 1.5 [1.1-2.1]), and antenatal care follow-up (AOR = 32 1.9 [1.2-3.3]) were significant associated factors of intention to uptake early postpartum modern con- 33 traceptive methods among pregnant women. Conclusion: The study found that 75% of the partici- 34 pants had the intention to adoption of contraceptive methods during the early postpartum period. 35 Identified factors influencing this intention were age, birth interval, women's employment status, 36 area of residence, distance to health facilities, last delivery place, knowledge of early postpartum 37 modern contraception, gravidity, and antenatal care follow-up. These findings highlight the need 38 for targeted interventions to address these factors, framing the intended users and enabling access 39 to early adoption of postpartum contraceptive methods.
Green Scalar Function Method for Analyzing Dielectric Media
Authors: Bravo J. C. , Colomina-Martínez J. , Sirvent-Verdú J. J. , Mena E. J. , Álvarez M. L. , Francés J. , Neipp C. , Gallego Sergi
Published: August 2024

In this work we present a formalism based on scalar Green’s functions to deal with electromagnetic scattering problems. Although the formulations of the Mie theory and Born approximations in terms of electromagnetic scattering are well known and relevant, they have certain disadvantages; complexity, computational time, few symmetries, etc. Therefore, the study with scalar Green’s functions allows dealing with these problems with greater simplicity and efficiency. However, the information provided by the vector formulation is sacrificed. Nevertheless, different cases of electromagnetic scattering of dielectric media with different dimensions, geometries and refractive indices will be presented. Thus, we will be able to verify the capacity of this scalar method in predicting light scattering problems.
Machine Learning Monte Carlo Approaches and Statistical Physics Notions to Characterize Bacterial Species in Human Microbiota
Authors: Bellingeri Michele , Mancabelli Leonardo , Milani Christian , Lugli Gabriele Andrea , Alfieri Roberto , Turchetto Massimiliano , Ventura Marco , Cassi Davide
Published: August 2024

Recent studies have shown correlations between the microbiota's composition and various health conditions. Machine learning (ML) techniques are essential for analyzing complex biological data, particularly in microbiome research. ML methods help analyze large datasets to uncover microbiota patterns and understand how these patterns affect human health. This study introduces a novel approach combining statistical physics with the Monte Carlo (MC) methods to characterize bacterial species in the human microbiota. We assess the significance of bacterial species in different age groups by using notions of statistical distances to evaluate species prevalence and abundance across age groups and employing MC simulations based on statistical mechanics principles. Our findings show that the microbiota composition experiences a significant transition from early childhood to adulthood. Species such as Bifidobacterium breve and Veillonella parvula decrease with age, while others like Agathobaculum butyriciproducens and Eubacterium rectale increase. Additionally, low-prevalence species may hold significant importance in characterizing age groups. Finally, we propose an overall species ranking by integrating the methods proposed here in a multicriteria classification strategy. Our research provides a comprehensive tool for microbiota analysis using statistical notions, ML techniques, and MC simulations.
The Latest Innovations in the Flexural Capacity of Castellated Beams with Hexagonal Stiffener Variations
Authors: Barkiah Ida , Darmawan Arya Rizki , Agusniansyah Nursyarif
Published: August 2024

This research evaluates the effect of varying hexagonal opening angles on the flexural and shear capacity of castellated beams. This study is conducted through experimental and numerical approaches using WF 150.75.5.7 steel profiles. The hexagonal opening angles are varied to 20°, 30°, 45°, 55°, and 60°. Experimental testing results show that beams with a 20° opening angle have higher flexural and shear capacities compared to larger opening angles. Numerical testing results are consistent with experimental results, showing more uniform deformation patterns and stress distribution at smaller opening angles. These findings contribute significantly to the design of more efficient and effective castellated beams in modern structural applications, particularly in constructions requiring high flexural and shear capacities.
Cross-Sectional Study of the Fad Diet among Office Workers in Mongolia
Authors: Davaanyam Narkhajid , Róbert Bata
Published: August 2024

A fad diet is a trendy dietary pattern that promises quick and easy weight loss. It has become popular among people due to increasing obesity and social media. The aim of the study was to analyze the use of fad diets among office workers who spend most of the day sitting at a desk. The research design was cross-sectional in 152 office workers aged over 18 years. The survey consisted of 24 questions, and four sections. Pearson chi-square, Fisher's exact test and logistic regression analysis were used for data analysis. Of the 50 (32.89%) participants who tried a fad diet, the majority were female (86%). The ketogenic diet was more likely to follow a fad diet by participants (40%). The influence of person to person (50%) was commonly reported as a motivating factor for using fad diets by participants who tried them. In addition, the majority of participants (68%) who adhered fad diets reported that they achieved the desired result. Fad diet users and non-users differed by gender (p = .003), satisfaction with current weight (p <.000) and BMI (p= .021). The use of fad diets was positively correlated with some variables, including gender (p = .020), and satisfaction with current weight, body image (p = .006). In addition, when asked by 100 participants why they had not consulted qualified professionals, more than half (59%) replied: "I never thought about it.". Some participants described, "Because I did not know who and where to ask for advice" (27%), and "Because it's expensive" (7%). In summary, the ketogenic diet was the most common fad diet among office workers in Ulaanbaatar. Interpersonal influence was a motivating factor for participants to start the diet. A large percentage of respondents said they had never thought to ask a qualified person about fad diets.
Obtaining and Characterizing the Industrially Important Thermostable α-Amylases from B. amyloliquefaciens and B. subtilis, Which Are Extracellularly Expressed by Bacillus Cells and Capable of Generating Different End Products after Starch Hydrolysis
Authors: Soghomonyan Tigran Meruzhan , Hambardzumyan Artur , Mkhitaryan Anna Vardges , Khoyetsyan Lev Tigran , Paronyan Marina Hamlet , Izmailyan Marieta Sergey , Kinosyan Marina Hamazasp , Bagiyan Valeri Alexandr , Ghochikyan Vahe Tariel , Panosyan Hovik , Paloyan Ani Misha
Published: August 2024

The production of recombinant enzymes, mainly used for obtaining pure and functional target molecules, holds significant importance in modern biotechnology. This study aimed to produce recombinant α-amylases (Amy3500 and Amy1974), derived from B. amyloliquefaciens MDC1974 and B. subtilis MDC3500 respectively, using the pBE-S shuttle vector, and to characterize them.
Both α-amylase genes were molecularly cloned into the E. coli/B. subtilis pBE-S shuttle vector, both with (Amy1974sig and Amy3500sig) and without their own signal peptides (Amy1974 and Amy3500), along with a signal peptide originating from the plasmid, and tested in flask fermentations. For recombinant Amy3500, the amylase variants resulted in similar levels of volumetric activity (700-750 U/mL). In contrast, the expression of Amy1974 nearly doubled compared to Amy1974sig with double signal peptides, reaching 2000 U/mL. The SDS-PAGE estimated the molecular weight of Amy1974 α-amylase to be 54.6 kDa, which was in accordance with the theoretical molecular mass calculations. However, the estimated molecular weight of Amy3500 amylase was significantly reduced when exiting the producer cells.
Ca2+ had no significant activating effect on the activities of Amy1974 amylase and Amy3500 amylase, likely due to its tight binding to the protein scaffold. Both enzymes exhibited broad activity peaks between 45-70°C, with a maximum at 65°C. The Amy1974 and Amy3500 α-amylases demonstrated broad pH optima and pH-dependent thermostability, with optimum pH values at 6.5 and 5.8, and thermal stability peaks at pH 7.6 and 5.9, respectively. Both α-amylases displayed high relative activity against various starches, including corn amylopectin and potato amylose, while showing comparatively lower activity towards cyclodextrins. The Amy1974 amylase converts starch to dextrins of varying lengths, whereas Amy3500 almost entirely converts starch into glucose.
Serum and Plasma miRNA Expression Levels in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Nunez Desmond A , Abgoon Reyhaneh , Wijesinghe Printha , Garnis Cathie
Published: August 2024

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a rapidly developing acquired idiopathic disorder. Differential expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified in the acute serum of SSNHL patients. miRNAs are transmitted in both serum and plasma but it is unknown which better reflects changes associated with inner ear disease. Therefore, we sought to compare the serum and plasma miRNA expression levels in adult SSNHL patients. We extracted and reverse transcribed total RNA from serum and plasma, and analyzed the product with quantitative re-al-time PCR. hsa-miR-191-5p was used for normalization, and miRNA expression levels were calculated using the delta Ct method. Paired t-tests comparing serum and plasma samples from 17 SSNHL patients (mean age 51.9 years, Std. deviation 13.9 years) showed no significant differences in miR-128-3p, miR-132-3p, miR-375-3p, miR-590-5p, miR-30a-3p, miR-140-3p, miR-186-5p, and miR-195-5p expression levels. We conclude that, plasma and serum are equally suitable for investigating potential miRNA SSNHL disease markers.
Glioblastoma Multiforme: Sensitivity to Antimicrobial Peptides LL-37, PG-1 and Its Combinations with Chemotherapy for Prediction of Overall Survival of the Patients
Authors: Chernov Alexander N , Skliar Sofia S , Kim Aleksandr V , Tsapieva Anna , Pyurveev Sarng S , Filatenkova Tatiana A , Matsko Marina V , Ivanov Sergei D , Shamova Olga V. , Suvorov Alexander N
Published: August 2024

Glioblastomas (GBMs) are the most malignant and intractable of all cancers, with an unfavourable clinical prognosis for affected patients. The objective was analysis the sensitivity of GBM cells to the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) cathelicidin (LL-37) and protegrin-1 (PG-1), both alone and in combination with chemotherapy, to predict overall survival (OS) in the patients. The study was conducted on 27 GBM patients treated in the neurosurgical departments of the Almazov Medical Research Centre (Saint-Petersburg, Russia) from 2021 to 2024. The cytotoxic effects of chemo-therapy, AMPs and their combinations on brain tumor cells were assessed by MTT assay using 50%-inhibitory concentration (IC50). In GBM cells from the patients, LL-37 and PG-1 exhibited strong anticancer effects, surpassing those of chemotherapy drugs. These LL-37 and PG-1 anti-cancer effects were associated with a statistically significant increase in life expectancy and OS in GBM patients. These findings were confirmed by the experiments on rats with C6 glioma, where intranasal administration of LL-37 (300 μM) and PG-1 (600 μM) increased the life expectancy of the animals to 69 and 55 days, respectively, compared to 24 days in the control group (HR=4.139, p=0.0005; HR=2.542, p=0.0759). Additionally, the combination of LL-37 and PG-1 with chemo-therapy drugs showed that a high IC50 of LL-37 with cisplatin (cutoff >800 μM) in GBM cells was associated with increased life expectancy (19 vs 5 months, HR=4.708, p=0.0101) and OS in GBM patients. These combinations could be used in future GBM treatments.
The Effectiveness of Metaverse in e-Learning
Authors: Koppelaar Henk , Sayardoost Tabrizi Sina , Moeini Ali , Etaati Asal
Published: August 2024

On using a 3D model to teach students a topic in astronomy, feedback was evaluated via a questionnaire. Analysis of students' responses to the questions revealed that user interface had a significant impact on their attitudes, which in turn could increase users' willingness to use immersive technology in e-learning. The results also showed that improving visual features through immersive technology and augmented reality tools were effective. The results confirm all hypotheses about positive relationships between facilitating conditions and usability of metaverse technology for students' attention and study motivation.
High-Efficiency Extraction of Flavonoids from Flos Sophorae Immaturus Using Ultrasound-Assisted Deep Eutectic Solvent: Optimization and Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Yang Xinrui , Zhang Ziyan , Zhang Yifeng
Published: August 2024

In this study, a novel and efficient method was developed for the extraction of total flavonoids from Flos Sophorae Immaturus (FSI) using ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent (UAE-DES). Different DES formulations were first investigated and choline chloride/1,2-propanediol (ChCl/PD) was identified as the optimal solvent due to its highest flavonoid yield. The extraction process was optimized through single factor experiments and response surface methodology (RSM). An extraction temperature of 68 °C, a sonication time of 41 minutes, a water content of 21% and a liquid-solid ratio of 21 mL/g were identified as the optimal conditions. Under these conditions, a maximum flavonoid yield of 378.77 mg RE/g DW was achieved. The crude extract was further purified using a macroporous D-101 resin, resulting in a flavonoid extract with a purity of 83.11 ± 3.54%. The antioxidant activity of the purified extract (FSPE) was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays, showing significant antioxidant properties with IC50 values of 52.50 μg/mL and 49.47 μg/mL, respectively. The UAE-DES method developed in this study not only significantly improves the extraction yield of flavonoids from FSI, but is also in line with sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. This method offers an environmentally friendly, efficient and scalable approach for the extraction of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants and has potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical and dietary supplement industries.
Understanding the Adoption of Advanced Analytics in Supply Chain Decision-Making
Authors: Brown William , Wilson George , Johnson Oliver
Published: August 2024

This research explores the adoption of advanced analytics in supply chain decision-making, emphasizing its transformative impact on organizational efficiency and strategic advantage. The study investigates the key drivers behind the adoption of advanced analytics, including the growing complexity of data, the need for agility, and the pursuit of competitive advantage and cost reduction. It identifies significant challenges such as data integration difficulties, high implementation costs, and a shortage of skilled professionals, which organizations face when integrating these sophisticated tools. Despite these challenges, the research highlights the substantial benefits of advanced analytics, including enhanced forecasting accuracy, improved supply chain visibility, optimized processes, and cost savings. The findings indicate that while the implementation of advanced analytics varies across different sectors—such as retail, manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare—the overarching themes of improved efficiency and better decision-making are consistently observed. The study also discusses future trends, noting the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and blockchain, which promise to further enhance analytics capabilities and accessibility. The successful adoption of advanced analytics relies not only on technological advancements but also on fostering a data-driven organizational culture, investing in continuous learning, and ensuring robust data governance. As supply chain management continues to evolve, advanced analytics will play a crucial role in driving strategic success and maintaining a competitive edge in a complex and dynamic market environment.
Ecology of the Tibetan Antelope (Panthalops Hodgsonii) and Sympatric Ungulate Populations in a Cold Himalayan Desert
Authors: Ahmad Khursheed , Nigam Parag , Suhail Intesar
Published: August 2024

Sympatric mountain ungulates experience population fluctuations due to intra and inter-specific competition and climate variations. In this comprehensive three-year study (2012-2015), we investigated the population dynamics, spatial distribution, and habitat use of Tibetan Antelope (Chiru) (Panthalops hodgsonii) in relation to four other sympatric ungulates (Argali Ovis ammon, Wild Yak Bos mutus, Tibetan Wild Ass Equus kiang, and Greater Bharal Pseudois nayaur) in the cold arid Changchenmo Valley of Ladakh, India. We conducted 162 intensive surveys covering 918.60 km, we recorded 215 animal sightings, encompassing 1670 Chiru individuals, exclusively males. Chiru exhibited encounter rate of 1.19±1.17 S.D individuals/km walked and 1.53±1.37 S.D. individuals/hr and a typical group sizes of 13.69. Our findings suggest spatio-temporal resource partitioning through habitat selection which favour species coexistence under harsh climatic conditions. While resource sharing occurred during summer, competition was observed during peak winters and springs. Noteworthy in our study was the coexistence of Chiru and Tibetan Wild Ass in shared habitats, indicating facilitation rather than interspecific competition. However, significant habitat segregation was observed between Chiru and other ungulates, highlighting distinct ecological preferences. The study reports a stable Chiru population and reveals a novel phenomenon of some individuals remaining in the area during winters, a behavior not previously documented. The overlap of all species in limited winter habitats poses a potential threat to Chiru survival. Additional threats include climate change, infrastructure development, armed conflict, and livestock competition. Special management efforts, including awareness programs for armed forces and stringent development regulations, are crucial. Our findings provide critical insights into complex species interactions and habitat preferences, forming an essential foundation for the conservation and management of Chiru and other Tibetan ungulates in the Trans-Himalayan landscapes affected by climate change.
Revolutionizing Crisis Management: Innovative Supply Chain Strategies for Resilient Pharmaceutical Companies
Authors: Tomar Priyanka , Srivastava Supriya , Pandey Sadanand
Published: August 2024

Pharmaceutical companies use crisis management as a vital technique to lessen the effects of catastrophes. In this study, the author highlighted the significance of supply chain management for crisis management in the pharmaceutical industry. The study concludes by discussing the role that supply chain management plays in crisis management and offering pharmaceutical businesses advice on how to run their supply chains in an emergency. We conclude after conducting a thorough analysis of the literature review and regress research. These are actions that pharmaceutical organizations can take to strengthen their supply chain management skills and enhance their crisis readiness: Identifying possible supply chain risks through routine risk evaluations; Creating backup strategies in case the supply chain is disrupted; Establishing procedures to guarantee a smooth and efficient supply of medications in an emergency; and Collaborating with vendors and other stakeholders to increase the resilience of the supply chain. The pharmaceutical industry is critical to healthcare, providing safe and effective medicines to patients. Supply chain management is essential for maintaining the flow of medicines during crises. Proactive risk assessment, backup plans, teamwork, and efficient communication are all critical for crisis management in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in supply chain management. In India, inadequate transportation infrastructure leads to a significant expense for pharmaceutical businesses. To mitigate negative effects, such as reduced healthcare access and insurance coverage, the study suggests implementing multi-echelon, closed-loop green supply chain models. These strategies aim to minimize total costs and ensure efficient resource management. To improve the resilience of pharmaceutical and consumable medical equipment during crises, policymakers should integrate modern technologies and consider business complexity, economic development, intense competition, and changing customer needs. The relationship between manufacturers, distributors, prescribers, and insurance organizations as purchasers should also be considered.
Recreational Economic Value of Mexico’s Best Beach. A study for Balandra Protected Area
Authors: Moreno-Gutíerrez Mónica , Hernández-Trejo Víctor , Valdivia-Álcala Ramón , Juarez-Mancilla Judith , Cruz-Chávez Plácido Roberto
Published: August 2024

Balandra, one of the most popular beaches in La Paz, Baja California Sur, was declared a flora and fauna protection area in 2012 and, in 2021, was declared the best beach in Mexico. More recently, it was included among the ten most beautiful beaches in the world. Currently, this beach faces overcrowding. Formulating effective management policies depends, to a certain extent, on the knowledge of their recreational value and visitor characteristics. Recreational value allows us to know the benefits of the tradeoffs among the ecosystem services and society and exhibit the value of possible damages to marine ecosystems. Like the one caused in 2022 by the fire of a tourist boat inside Balandra. Using the individual travel cost method and applying 159 questionnaires to site visitors, four models were estimated to calculate the individual willingness to pay for accessing Balandra, which ranges between 3.86 and 10.38 US$/day/visitor. Recreational economic value (REV) for Balandra was estimated using two essential criteria. One, total of visitors registered in 2021. Two, daily maximum carrying capacity. We also calculated the REV as a proxy of the welfare loss derived from the site's closure. Finally, possible environmental and economic policy instruments that could be implemented are discussed.
Spectroscopic Investigation of Losartan and Glipizide Competitive Binding to Glycated Albumin in Polypharmacotherapy: A Comparative Study
Authors: Szkudlarek Agnieszka
Published: August 2024

Understanding the interaction between pharmaceuticals and serum proteins is crucial for optimizing therapeutic strategies, especially in patients with coexisting chronic diseases. The primary goal of this study was to assess the potential changes in binding affinity and competition between glipizide (GLP, a second-generation sulfonylurea hypoglycemic drug) and losartan (LOS, a medication commonly prescribed for hypertension, particularly for patients with concurrent diabetes) with non-glycated (HSA) and glycated (gHSAGLC, gHSAFRC) human serum albumin using multiple spectroscopic techniques (fluorescence, UV-visible absorption, and circular dichroism spectroscopy). The results indicate that FRC is a more effective glycation agent for HSA than GLC, significantly altering the albumin structure and affecting the microenvironment around critical amino acid residues, Trp-214 and Tyr. These modifications reduce the binding affinity of LOS and GLP to gHSAGLC and gHSAFRC, compared to HSA, resulting in less stable drug-protein complexes. The study reveals that LOS and GLP interact nonspecifically with the hydrophobic regions of the albumin surface in both binary (ligand-albumin) and ternary systems (ligand-albumin-ligandconst) and specifically saturate the binding sites within the protein molecule. Furthermore, the presence of an additional drug (GLP in the LOS-albumin complex or LOS in the GLP-albumin complex) complicates the interactions, likely leading to competitive binding or displacement of the initially bound drug in both non-glycated and glycated albumins. Analysis of the CD spectra suggests mutual interactions between GLP and LOS, underscoring the importance of closely monitoring patients co-administered these drugs to ensure optimal therapeutic efficacy and safety. Początek formularzaDół formularza
Omeprazole and Proteinoids in Neuron Models
Authors: Mougkogiannis Panagiotis , Adamatzky Andrew
Published: August 2024

This study examines a new approach to hybdrid neuromorphic devices by studying the impact of omeprazole-proteinoid complexes on Izhikevich neurone models. We investigate the influence of these metabolic structures on five specific patterns of neuronal firing: accommodation, chattering, triggered spiking, phasic spiking, and tonic spiking. By combining omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, with proteinoids, we create a unique substrate that interfaces with neuromorphic models. The Izhikevich neurone model is used because it is computationally efficient and can accurately simulate various behaviours of cortical neurones. The results of our simulations show that omeprazole-proteinoid complexes have the ability to affect neuronal dynamics in different ways. This suggests that they could be used as adjustable components in bio-inspired computer systems. We have noticed a notable alteration in the frequency of spikes, patterns of bursts, and rates of adaptation, especially in chattering and triggered spiking behaviours. The findings indicate that omeprazole-proteinoid complexes have the potential to serve as adaptable elements in neuromorphic systems, presenting novel opportunities for information processing and computation that have origins in neurobiological principles. This study makes a valuable contribution to the expanding field of biochemical neuromorphic devices and establishes a basis for the development of hybrid bio-synthetic computational systems.
Lessons Learned and Outcomes from Risk-Based Modernisation of Post-mortem Inspection and Disposition Criteria of Beef, Sheep, Goat, and Pig Carcasses in Australia
Authors: Pointon Andy , Kiermeier Andreas , Hamilton David , Allan Samantha , Jenson Ian , Stevens Daryl , McDonald Ann , Langbridge John
Published: August 2024

Lessons learned and risk-based outcomes from modernising the Australian Standard for post-mortem inspection and disposition judgement of beef, sheep, goat and pig carcases are described. Initial Risk Profiles identified priorities for quantitative assessments. The main difficulty encountered was the paucity of quantified performance of current inspection. Resolving this involved acquiring gross abnormality data representing regional production/proportional abattoir volumes, the range of gross abnormalities appearing nationally, proportional occurrence at carcase sites, and seasonality to enable comparisons. Evidence and discussion are provided for associated challenges experienced including preventing contamination, use of food chain information to support amendment, inspection as a part of industry Quality Assurance and opportunities to improve inspector training. Criteria considered by the Competent Authority for determination of equivalence of alternative post-mortem inspection techniques included comparisons of public health risk, non-detection rates for gross abnormalities, and microbial contamination resulting from inspection activities, as appropriate. Most gross abnormalities detected arose from animal health and welfare conditions affecting wholesomeness and did not present as food safety hazards. Non-detection rates between current and alternative inspection (observation) were negligible. A Quantitative Risk Assessment for Cysticercus bovis was conducted. Carcases with multiple gross abnormalities predominantly reflected historic infections (prior septicaemia) where trimming achieved wholesomeness unless cachexic.
3D Printing with Earthen Materials: A Settlement-Scale Design Experience
Authors: Giacomobono Leonardo , Argenti Maria , Ferretti Elena , Paparella Giulio
Published: August 2024

The research theme originates as a design experiment for a sustainable housing system built on-site. The context is Niamey, the capital of Niger. The study takes into account the environmental issues in the construction sector and aims to find a solution capable of meeting housing, environmental, and economic needs. In the field of earthen construction, the most important developments have been achieved in manufacturing methods. In particular, the use of an additive digital manufacturing system, such as large-scale 3D printing, allows the construction of complex shapes derived from structural and thermal studies, maintaining a high degree of automation in the construction process, reducing construction times and labor costs. The research investigates the possibility of responding to housing and environmental needs with a settlement system made entirely of printed earth, maintaining the highest possible degree of automation. Starting from a study on the state of the art of 3D printing in architecture and printable earthen compounds, the design choices of similar cases are analyzed to understand the construction techniques, potentials, and limitations of the medium. Finally, a design proposal is developed based on the definition of a fully printable functional module, which, upon aggregation, determines the characteristics of the final settlement.
Synergizing Phenomenological and AI-Based Models with Industrial Data to Develop Soft Sensors for a Sour Water Treatment Unit
Authors: Queiroz Danielle Gradin , Rodrigues Francisco Davi Belo , Nogueira Júlia do Nascimento Pereira , Melo Jr. Príamo A. , de Souza Jr. Maurício B.
Published: August 2024

Sour waters are one of the main aqueous byproducts generated during petroleum refining and require processing in Sour Water Treatment Units (SWTUs) to remove contaminants such as H₂S and NH₃ in compliance with environmental legislations. Therefore, monitoring the composition of SWTU effluents, including acid gas, ammoniacal gas, and treated water, is essential. This study aims to present an AI (artificial intelligence) hybrid-based methodology to develop soft sensors capable of real-time prediction of H₂S and NH₃ mass fractions in the effluents of SWTUs and validate them using real data from industrial units. Initially, a new database based on the dynamic simulation of a two stripping columns SWTU phenomenological model, developed in Aspen Plus Dynamics® V10, was generated, aiming at non-faulty runs, unlike our previous work [1]. Ensemble methods (Decision Trees), such as Gradient Boosting and Random Forest, and Support Vector Machines were compared for soft sensor creation using these simulated data. The best outcome was the development of six soft sensors based on Random Forest with R² greater than 0.87, MAE less than 0.12, MSE less than 0.17, and RMSE less than 0.41. Variable importance analysis revealed that the temperature of the second stage of Column 1 significantly influences the thermodynamic equilibrium of H₂S and NH₃ separation from sour waters, being critical for five of the six soft sensors. After this initial stage using data from the phenomenological model, data from an industrial-scale SWTU were used to develop real soft sensors. The results proved the effectiveness of the conjugated use of physical model and industrial data approach in the development of soft sensor for two-column SWTUs.
Using ASCON-Based Fuzzy Hashing for Efficient Malware Analysis
Authors: Minhas Noman , Naveed Maida
Published: August 2024

The rapid proliferation of digital devices and connectivity has seen an unprecedented rise in the threats of cyber-attacks, making cybersecurity a high research priority worldwide. Among the various forms of cyberattacks, malicious software or malware, significantly disrupts the privacy and integrity of data on millions of computing devices globally. It is already a well-established notion that robust malware analysis underpins successful protection systems in the rapidly changing threat landscape. Traditional malware detection techniques, although effective against known malware types, are often found wanting against new and sophisticated varieties. The situation necessitates the exploration of advanced techniques like cryptographic hashing and fuzzy hashing that have proven instrumental in handling malware's dynamic nature. Fuzzy hashing, by allowing a score-based match rather than an exact digital signature, enables the identification of unknown malware that are derivatives of known malwares. However, the efficiency of the fuzzy hashing algorithms comes to the forefront concerning the encryption used. The research paper titled, "Using ASCON-based Fuzzy Hashing for Efficient Malware Analysis," seeks to explore leveraging the ASCON encryption, a lightweight but secure encryption standard, in the application of fuzzy hashing for malware detection.
Digital Twin Approach for Operation and Maintenance of Transportation System – Systematic Review
Authors: Werbińska-Wojciechowska Sylwia , Giel Robert , Winiarska Klaudia
Published: August 2024

There is a growing need to implement modern technologies, such as digital twinning, to improve the efficiency of transport fleet maintenance processes and maintain the company's operational capacity at the required level. Therefore, the paper reviews the existing literature to present an up-to-date and content-relevant analysis in this field. The proposed methodology is a systematic literature review using the Primo multi-search tool following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) guidelines. The main inclusion criteria included the publication dates (studies published from 2012–2024) and studies published in English. This resulted in the selection of 201 of the most relevant papers in the area of investigation. Finally, selected articles in this review were categorized into seven groups: a) air transportation, b) railway transportation, c) land transportation (road), d) in-house logistics, e) water and intermodal transportation, f) supply chain operation, and g) other applications. One of the main advantages of the study is that the results are obtained from different scientific sources/databases thanks to using the multi-search tool. Moreover, a bibliometric analysis of the selected papers was performed. The results have led the authors to specify the main research problems and trends related to the analyzed area and to identify the main research gaps for future investigation from academic and engineering perspectives. In addition, based on the review results, a framework for DT in transportation system maintenance was developed. The study ends with conclusions and future research directions.
Advanced Cross-Modal Gating for Enhanced Multimodal Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Johnson Emily , Patel Rodolfo , Smith Michael
Published: August 2024

The rapidly evolving domain of multimodal sentiment analysis is crucial for unraveling the intricate layers of emotional expression in social media content, customer service interactions, and personal vlogs. This research introduces a cutting-edge Advanced Cross-Modal Gating (ACMG) framework that significantly enhances the precision of sentiment analysis by refining the interplay among textual, auditory, and visual modalities. Our approach addresses three foundational aspects of sentiment analysis: (1) Advanced learning of cross-modal interactions, which focuses on extracting and synthesizing sentiment from varied modal inputs, thus providing a holistic view of expressed emotions; (2) Mastery over the temporal dynamics of multimodal data, enabling the model to maintain context and sentiment continuity over extended interactions; and (3) Deployment of a novel fusion strategy that not only integrates unimodal and cross-modal cues but also dynamically adjusts the influence of each modality based on its contextual relevance to the sentiment being expressed. The exploration of these dimensions reveals that the nuanced modeling of cross-modal interactions is crucial for enhancing model responsiveness and accuracy. By applying the ACMG model to two highly regarded datasets—CMU Multimodal Opinion Level Sentiment Intensity (CMU-MOSI) and CMU Multimodal Opinion Sentiment and Emotion Intensity (CMU-MOSEI)—we achieve groundbreaking accuracies of 83.9\% and 81.1\%, respectively. These results represent significant improvements of 1.6\% and 1.34\% over the current state-of-the-art, showcasing the superior performance and potential of our approach in navigating the complexities of multimodal sentiment analysis.