bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness and safety of alcohol-free minoxidil in the management of treatment-naive patients with androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Patwardhan Narendra G. , Bhide Dhanashree , Shendkar Sonal
Published: February 2024

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common dermatological condition in India, with potentially adverse psychosocial consequences. Here, we assess the effectiveness and safety of an alcohol-free, procapil-based formulation of minoxidil 5% in patients with AGA.
Methods: Treatment-naïve, male patients (aged 18 to ≤45 years) with AGA were enrolled in this open-label, single-arm, non-comparative, investigator-initiated study. The change in anagen/telogen ratio (ATR), hair density, and hair shaft thickness from baseline to days 45, 90, 135 and 180, investigator and patients’ global assessment for effectiveness and tolerability, and safety were assessed. A total of 53 men were enrolled.
Results: The mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of the study population was 28.3 (6.0) years. The mean (SD) ATR improvement post-treatment with minoxidil 5% was seen from day 90 (mean change: 0.4; p=0.009; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.1-0.7) till Day 180 (mean change: 0.4; p=0.011; 95% CI: 0.1-0.6). Improvement in hair density (p<0.01) and hair shaft thickness (p<0.01) across frontal, temporal, and occipital regions was also evident. The investigator assessment for effectiveness was ‘excellent’/’good’/’satisfactory’ for 90% of patients, which corroborated with patients’ assessment (90%) at day 180. All the investigators and patients indicated that minoxidil had ‘good’ tolerability for all patients. No adverse events were reported during the study.
Conclusions: Alcohol-free minoxidil 5% was found to have a good safety profile and was efficacious in Indian male patients with AGA, with a high level of patient acceptance.
Metabolic parameters in acne vulgaris: a case control study investigating fasting blood glucose and insulin levels in acne vulgaris
Authors: Palaniswami Saranya , Prakash Bhanu , Saminathan Praveen Vasanthi
Published: February 2024

Background: Influence of diet and lifestyle on acne among Indian population. Objectives were to identify the clinico-epidemiological profile of patients with Acne vulgaris and to assess the fasting plasma glucose and serum insulin levels in Acne vulgaris patients and the controls and correlate them.
Methods: This was a hospital-based case-control study conducted in the Department of Dermatology, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bangalore. Study included 60 cases of acne and 60 controls (age and sex matched), attending the outpatient department. After complete history, general physical, systemic and cutaneous examination, all cases were subjected to following investigation: fasting blood sugar and serum insulin levels.
Results: Acne was common in the age group 18-24 yrs (70%). In almost half the patients the age of onset was between 12-18 yrs. Commonly observed site for acne was cheeks (83.3%), forehead (66.7%), nose (55%) and chin (41.7%). The risk of developing acne was 3.5 times more among smokers than non-smokers. The mean fasting blood sugar values of cases and controls when compared showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). Our study did not find any statistically significant difference in fasting insulin levels between cases and controls.
Conclusions: There was only significant difference in the Mean fasting blood glucose in cases as compared to controls. Mean fasting serum insulin level though found to be raised in cases compared to controls, does not prove statistical significance. Fasting plasma glucose was significantly raised in grade III acne as compared to other grades.
Enhancing Public Transit System Through AI and IoT
Authors: Vemuri Naveen , Manoj Tatikonda Venkata , Thaneeru Naresh
Published: February 2024

The paper investigates the synergy between AI and IoT in revolutionizing public transit systems, emphasizing their role in addressing existing challenges and improving overall efficiency. It explores the application of IoT devices in creating a smart infrastructure that enables real-time data collection, monitoring, and management of transit operations.
The research delves into the realm of predictive maintenance, showcasing how AI algorithms, powered by IoT data, can anticipate potential issues in transit vehicles. By analyzing sensor data, transit authorities can proactively address maintenance needs, minimizing downtime, reducing repair costs, and ensuring a more reliable and sustainable public transit service.
Route optimization emerges as another crucial aspect of the study, highlighting how AI algorithms leverage historical and real-time data to recommend the most efficient transit routes. Factors such as traffic patterns, weather conditions, and passenger demand are considered to enhance overall system efficiency and reduce travel time for passengers.
The paper introduces the concept of dynamic scheduling, illustrating how AI-driven algorithms adapt transit schedules in real-time based on changing passenger needs and external factors. This dynamic approach aims to provide more responsive services, ultimately reducing wait times and improving overall user satisfaction.
Passenger information systems are explored as a pivotal component, illustrating how AI and IoT technologies enhance the passenger experience. Real-time communication through mobile apps, digital displays, and other channels ensures that passengers have accurate and timely information about arrival times, delays, and alternative routes, empowering them to make informed decisions.
The researchers also delve into fare optimization, examining how AI algorithms analyze data on passenger demographics, travel patterns, and economic factors to create fair and affordable fare structures. This approach aims to encourage ridership, increase revenue, and improve the financial sustainability of public transit systems.
The abstract presents a comprehensive overview of how the integration of AI and IoT technologies in public transit systems transforms urban mobility. The findings suggest that leveraging real-time data, predictive analytics, and dynamic solutions can significantly enhance the reliability, accessibility, and sustainability of public transit. As cities continue to explore innovative solutions, the abstract serves as a roadmap for developing smarter, user-friendly, and efficient urban transportation networks, ultimately contributing to improved quality of life for residents.
Cognitive Behavioral Counseling Vs Family Counseling: Which Motivational Interviewing Is More Effective to Reduce Game Addiction in Adolescents?
Authors: Wiryo Nuryono
Published: February 2024

Game addiction is a phenomenon that can interfere with adolescents' social relationships, leading to emotional, behavioral or mental disorders. The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to an increase in game addiction behavior, largely due to feelings of loneliness. The consequences faced by adolescents as a result of game addiction can significantly impact their personal, social, learning, and career aspects. Therefore, it is crucial to employ appropriate counseling techniques to effectively reduce this addiction. Empirical and practical evidence showed that Family Counseling and Motivational Interviewing Techniques were effective in addressing game addiction. This study aimed to show the effectiveness of the Family Counseling Motivational Interviewing (FCMI) technique in reducing game addiction, as compared to Cognitive Behavioral Counseling (CBC). A quantitative approach was utilized, with a randomized controlled trial as the study design. The hypothesis was analyzed using the Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney Tests. A total of 90 adult students participated in this study and were classified into FCMI as the experimental group and the CBC as the control. The results showed that the FCMI technique was more effective in reducing game addiction than CBC. Significant improvements were also observed in the aspects of tolerance and mood modification, which experienced a notable decrease.
Durabilité des ressources pédagogiques sur support mobile en génie électrique
Authors: Guillet Jean-Paul
Published: February 2024

L'éducation durable (Sterling, 2009) est un enjeu aux multiples dimensions, tant concernant l'impact social et humain, le rôle de l’électronique dans la transition liée aux enjeux climatiques et mondiaux, que des thématiques telles que l'obsolescence matérielle et logicielle. L'utilisation des applications mobiles dans l'enseignement supérieur se développe dans le monde entier dans de nombreuses disciplines telles que l'apprentissage des langues, la physique, le droit, les mathématiques, etc. Les solutions commerciales sont nombreuses, mais deux questions se posent : tout d'abord, quelle place l'enseignant peut-il prendre dans le développement de ces solutions ? Et quelle est la pérennité de ces solutions ? Cet article apporte un retour d'expérience de huit ans avec trois solutions de création d'applications pédagogiques qui ont été comparées et mises en œuvre avec des étudiants de l'enseignement supérieur.
The effect of fucoidan and inulin on the expression of Lactobacillus plantarum metabolism genes
Authors: Syromyatnikov M. Y. , Nesterova E. Y. , Gladkikh M. I. , Tolkacheva A. A. , Bondareva O. V. , Popov V. N.
Published: February 2024

The most stable reference gene in Lactobacillus plantarum was identified. It was found that the expression of the rpoD gene was most stable with the addition of fucoidan and inulin. The level of expression of the usp gene in L. plantarum bacteria increased by 4 times when fucoidan was added compared to the control sample, but when inulin was added to the culture medium, the expression of this gene decreased by 12 times compared to the control sample. The expression of the opuA gene with the addition of fucoidan increased by 6 times compared to the control sample, and with the addition of inulin decreased by 3 times compared to the control sample. The level of expression of the ATP gene in L. plantarum bacteria with the addition of fucoidan increased by 9 times in comparison with control sample. The expression of the lactate dehydrogenase (ldh) gene with the addition of fucoidan increased by 2 times compared with the control sample, whereas with the addition of inulin it decreased by 18 times compared to control sample. The expression level of the gacT gene with the addition of fucoidan decreased by more than 50 times compared to the control sample, and with the addition of inulin decreased by 12 times compared to the control sample. There were no significant changes in the expression of the GroEL and hsp1 genes. Thus, based on gene expression data, it can be assumed that when fucoidan is added to the culture medium, catabolic processes in L. plantarum bacteria are activated. It was found that the addition of inulin to the culture medium does not lead to an increase in the expression of catabolism genes in L. plantarum.
Determination of the fractional composition of the green mass of amaranth
Authors: Obraztsova S. V. , Bondareva O. V. , Sviridova T. V. , Shuvaeva G. P. , Meshcheryakova O. L. , Korneeva O. S.
Published: February 2024

Meeting the population's needs with high-quality food products is one of the main objectives of agricultural policy. Due to the high import dependence in feed production, the development of new domestic high-protein feed additives that ensure the production of high-quality, dietary and biosafe products is a current area of research. Recently, much attention has been paid to expanding the range of feed crops and obtaining cheaper, competitive poultry products. The leading place among high-protein fodder grasses used to obtain vitamin-grass meal is occupied by alfalfa and clover. In this regard, the work carried out a comparative analysis of the fractional composition of amaranth phytomass in comparison with alfalfa and clover. It has been established that amaranth is not inferior in the amount of nutrients to traditional types of high-protein fodder grasses used to obtain vitamin-herbal flour. The green mass of amaranth is characterized by a high content of crude protein (14.89%), fat (4.33%), and ash (11.15%). In terms of the amount of essential amino acids, amaranth protein is close to an ideal protein, and in terms of the content of arginine (4.52%) and lysine (0.72%) it exceeds these indicators for alfalfa and clover proteins. Thus, a comparative analysis of the chemical composition of the green mass of amaranth, alfalfa and clover showed that amaranth is not inferior to traditional types of forage high-protein grasses in terms of the amount of nutritional components; the protein has a more balanced amino acid composition, close to ideal protein, which characterizes the green mass of amaranth as a promising raw material for producing a high-protein feed additive for quail.
Influence of environmentally friendly Phytonorman oils on the adhesive properties of frost-resistant rubbers based on nitrile butadiene rubber
Authors: Bobrova I. I. , Kotova S. V. , Naumova Y. A.
Published: February 2024

The use of plasticizers based on esters of various acids most effectively improves the processing of rubber compounds and the frost resistance of NBR-based rubbers. In this work, as a plasticizer, products based on vegetable raw materials were tested - Phytonorman oils produced by the Biochemical Holding ORGKHIM, which are di- and triglycerides containing fatty acids of tall oil. Model rubber compounds based on BNKS-18AMN contained 10, 20, 30 wt. including eco-oils of the Phytonorman 212 and Phytonorman 213 brands, a mixture without oil and with 10 wt. including dibutyl phthalate (DBPh). To assess the effect of the type and dosage of eco-oils on the properties of rubbers and rubber compounds, methods for studying technological, physical-mechanical and adhesive properties were used. Determination of frost resistance, a comparison was made of methods for determining the glass transition temperature: differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermomechanical analysis (TMA, Fourier). When using vegetable oils Phytonorman -212 and Phytonorman -213, the technological properties of rubber compounds are significantly improved compared to the mixture without oil and are on the same level with DBPH traditionally used in nitrile rubbers. It has been established that the introduction of Phytonorman 213 eco-oil into the formulations of rubber compounds based on BNKS 18AMN up to 10 wt. hours allows you to improve the technological parameters, as well as lower the glass transition temperature of rubber. At the same time, the physical and mechanical parameters and adhesive properties of vulcanizates are reduced by an average of 10%. It is also worth noting that rubbers with Phytonorman 213 oil are not inferior to nitrile rubbers with DBPh in terms of basic characteristics, and they are superior in adhesive properties by 27%.
Effect of low current cold atmospheric plasma on grains surface structure and water absorption capacity
Authors: Shorstkii I. A. , Mounassar E. H.
Published: February 2024

The use of preparatory electrophysical methods of influencing food raw materials is one of the main trends in the development of innovative processes and technologies in the food and processing industry. Based on the physical effect of electron emission from a thermal emission source, a cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) was obtained, which was successfully applied to the grain material. Physical characteristics and evolution of low-temperature atmospheric plasma were considered as the main methods of analysis of electrophysical effects. To assess the effect of low-temperature plasma on grain material, measurements of water absorption capacity and analysis of surface modification by electron scanning microscopy were carried out. It has been experimentally established that CAP treatment contributes to a more intensive process of water absorption due to changes in the surface structure of the grain material. The total duration of the process of water absorption of grain material after processing of CAP decreased by more than three times until the equilibrium moisture content was reached. Scanning electron microscopy has shown that the processing of CAP leads to the appearance of a fine-mesh structure of the surface of the grain material. The effect of CAP treatment leads to modification of the seed surface, which consists in the manifestation of a fine-meshed structure on the surface of the seeds. Taking into account the advantages of CAP technology, namely the absence of the need for vacuuming and short processing time, the technology has a high practical potential.
Changes in the electrical impedance of goat meat in the process of autolysis
Authors: Antipova L. V. , Titov S. A. , Kumalagova Z. H. , Sanin V. N.
Published: February 2024

The data on the development of meat goat breeding are presented and the prospects of this sub-branch of animal husbandry in obtaining meat products are shown. The dynamics of electrical impedance of goat meat during autolysis is presented. For carrying out of researches the electrophysical method is offered, allowing on the basis of measurement of amplitude of a signal on a sample, phase shift between fluctuations of current and voltage in a circuit to calculate active and reactive components of impedance of a sample of meat and then, according to the equivalent electric scheme of a sample, to find parameters of this scheme - values of electric resistances and capacitances. The object of the study was the longest muscle of the back of goat meat, which has a special value for the production of meat food products, including functional purpose. Measurements were carried out in the frequency range of 10-100000 Hz. It was found that the modulus of complex resistance of muscle tissue samples decreases during storage time, and the phase angle dependence on frequency at frequencies 10 - 500 Hz shifts towards higher frequencies with time, with the value of the extremum at frequencies around 50000 Hz decreasing. Analysis of the dependence of the parameters of the equivalent circuit of the sample on the time of autolysis shows that these changes are associated with the synthesis of adenosine triphosphoric acid in the first hours after slaughter and an increase in the permeability of cell membranes. The results of the analysis have similarity with indicators in the study of microstructure and changes in the hydrogen index of meat during autolysis. The presented data can be used as a basis for the creation of electrophysical express-method of autolysis control and prediction of functional and technological properties of systems of animal origin.
Justification of the application and regulatory regulation of the quality of fish dishes and products as a healthy food element
Authors: Malova I. V. , Vasyukova A. T. , Lubetskaya T. R. , Moskalenko A. S. , Latyshev E. Y.
Published: February 2024

The results of a study of the importance of fish and fish dishes for a healthy diet are presented. Fish is a source of omega3 and omega6 fatty acids, which are a building material for brain cells and also help reduce bad cholesterol in the blood. Eating fish helps in the normalization of the thyroid gland – all because of the high content of iodine. The presence of trace elements in fish allows you to normalize the metabolism in the human body. The purpose of the development of new food products is to justify the use and regulatory regulation of the quality of fish dishes based on the nutritional and energy value of the main raw materials and additives of plant origin. The article defines the classification of fish by fat content, including cod, and gives examples of fatty (from 8% or more containing fat), medium-fat (from 4% to 8% fat) and low-fat (no more than 4% fat) fish species. Calculations of the nutritional and energy value of the fish dish "Marinated Cod" are presented and a comparison of the obtained results with the value of the dish of vegetable components "Croquettes of pasta with champignons and greens" is given. It has been established that fish dishes, in terms of their nutritional and energy composition, are less caloric and more complete than dishes from mushrooms and pasta, which, in terms of protein content, differ slightly from the dish "Cod under the marinade". However, fish dishes contain all the essential amino acids, so they are more suitable for dietary nutrition. The article also analyzes the regulatory framework governing the quality and safety of fish products in Russia. The basic legal documents regulating the requirements for the quality and safety of fish dishes have been identified.
Selection of a multienzyme complex to reduce the content of anti-nutrients in the green mass of amaranth
Authors: Obraztsova S. V. , Bondareva O. V. , Sviridova T. V. , Shuvaeva G. P. , Meshcheryakova O. L. , Korneeva O. S.
Published: February 2024

In recent years, the issue of improving the poultry feed base in order to increase productivity and resistance to bacterial infections has been acute. One of the promising fodder crops is amaranth, which has a unique chemical composition rich in nutrients, especially protein. However, along with this, opinions differ about the content of anti-nutritional substances in its composition. The purpose of the work is to determine the content of anti–nutritional substances, as well as the selection of a multi-enzyme complex to reduce them. The object of study was the green mass of amaranth of the Giant variety (harvest 2022). Generally accepted methods of studying the chemical composition and content of anti-nutrients were used in the work. The selection of the enzymatic complex was carried out by bioconversion of the green mass of amarate. The bioconversion of the green mass of amaranth with the KEMZAYM ® plus P dry enzymatic complex contributed to a decrease in phytic acid and its salts by 35.3%.
Shortbread Consumer Market Analysis in the Republic of Adygea
Authors: Beretar S. T. , Khatko Z. N. , Tazova Z. T. , Blagoz A. I. , Kolotiy T. B.
Published: February 2024

Flour confectionery products are attractive to buyers and producers. The index of industrial production of the Russian Federation, including "Production of bakery and flour confectionery products", as of May 2023 amounted to 107.7% compared to the same period in 2022. When evaluating the product, it is necessary to take into account consumer properties and hygienic standards. The main groups of flour confectionery products are weighted and packaged. There is no single method of market segmentation. Segmentation is divided according to geographical and demographic (gender, age, family size, income level, etc.) principles. Flour confectionery products with increased nutritional and biological value, functional purpose, as well as enriched are gaining more and more interest. The aim of the work is to study the consumer market of sand cookies in the Republic of Adygea: analysis of assortment and consumer preferences. The consumer market of shortbread cookies in the Republic of Adygea is studied, assortment and consumer preferences are analyzed. It is established that the domestic industry produces only a small number of names of dietary flour confectionery products including cookies. One third of consumers in the country (31%) use cookies daily, mostly satisfied with their assortment (82%), 22% prefer sandy cookies, more than half (62%) choose cookies without additives and weighted cookies. Two thirds of consumers are interested in information about cookies. However, about one fifth of cookies are interested in the functional orientation of the product, which confirms the need to develop the assortment of flour confectionery products in this direction and the formation of consumer demand for these products. In the republic there is a good raw material base for obtaining non-traditional sources of raw materials, for example, flour from white edible corn "Adygeyskaya", developed in the State Scientific and Research Institution "Adygeysky Research Institute of Agriculture", the use of which in flour compositions will allow to obtain sand cookies of functional purpose (for example, gluten-free, low-gluten, etc.).
Obtaining pectin from table beets as a raw material for functional products
Authors: Matvienko N. A. , Frolova L. N. , Yakovleva S. F. , Motina E. A. , Kovaleva T. S. , Yakovlev A. N.
Published: February 2024

Annotation. In conditions of deteriorating environmental conditions, radioactive contamination in the human body can enter with food radionuclides - products of radioactive decay, which in turn can decay with the emission of ionizing radiation. People who work with radioactive substances or are exposed to ionizing radiation are also susceptible. In the world there is an intensive search for effective environmentally safe methods of production of new types of food products of protective, health-improving, therapeutic and preventive purpose. Products of functional purpose are very popular recently, as people have started to pay more attention to their health and want to include useful elements in their diet. One of the components that can be used to create products is table beet pectin. Pectin is a substance that can be found in many fruits and vegetables. It is used in foods as a thickener and stabilizer. Pectin has unique properties that make it attract the attention of food manufacturers. It is able to bind water and solids, giving various products a certain consistency. In addition, pectin also has a number of health benefits. In this article, we will discuss the extraction of pectin from table beets by ECA solution as a valuable ingredient for creating functional products and improving their characteristics.
Modern aspects of the study of the influence of physical effects on the properties of polymers
Authors: Gubanova M. I. , Solovyova A. O. , Kirsh I. A. , Bannikova O. A.
Published: February 2024

The article is devoted to the analysis of modern aspects of physical impact on polymer materials and their qualitative characteristics. In the process of studying the literature, both positive and negative sides of physical impact on the structure and quality of polymer materials were identified. The following physical methods of exposure were considered: ultraviolet irradiation, ionizing and microwave radiation, laser exposure, mechanical loading, heat treatment and others. The experience of applying physical impact to expand the field of application of polymers, including increasing strength, heat resistance, corrosion resistance, etc., is described. The risks that may arise as a result of exposure to various structures of polymer materials, including those used for food packaging, are touched upon. The prospects of studying the effect of microwave radiation as a type of physical impact on polymers in order to reduce negative consequences are indicated. This article may be useful for specialists involved in the development and production of polymer materials, as well as for scientific researchers studying the physical properties of materials.
Development of technology for centrifugal hulling of grain seeds
Authors: Matskevich I. V. , Nevzorov V. N. , Teplyashin V. N. , Maltsev A. A.
Published: February 2024

The working operation of peeling wheat grain is the main one to increase the value of grain in the production of flour, because when processing grain into flour, flour of the highest and first grades is mainly used only endosperm, and fruit and seed shells, aleurone and subaleiron layers, the embryo go into bran, therefore 60-90% of B vitamins, groups of E, folic acid, niacin, as well as a large group of trace elements concentrated in the aleurone and subaleurone layers and the embryo. Modern flour mills do not carry out an effective wheat grain peeling process, in which only the fruit and seed shells would be removed, and the high-value aleurone and subaleiron layers, the embryo and endosperm would be completely left in the flour. The article presents materials on the development of technology for centrifugal peeling of grain seeds based on a new design of a centrifugal husker, the copyright of which is protected by the patent of the Russian Federation for utility model No. 114622 "Centrifugal husker". A new technical task solved in the design of the patented centrifugal husker is to make the working body oval, the inner surface of which is lined with elastic material, and the flexible chamber located inside the oval body is mounted on the drive shaft and on the outer surface is also covered with a textured elastic material. To ensure the efficiency of the grain peeling process, the necessary working gap is established in the developed design, due to the change in the number of revolutions of the electric motor and the calibrated grain divided into fractions, after washing and cooling, goes to peeling, in which only the fruit and seed shells are removed. Thus, the developed new technological equipment provides an increase in the efficiency of the peeling process by 90-92% by reducing the losses of the aleurone and subaleurone layers, the embryo and part of the endosperm, and also increases the yield of whole unbroken grain.
Multi-criteria optimization of Cook&Chill processes for network catering establishments
Authors: Eremin A. E. , Belyaeva M. A.
Published: February 2024

The article presents innovative Cook&Chill technologies, describes the stages of technological production of products. The nature of the technological processes of a catering company is the main factor that determines which types of automated thermal equipment should be used at this enterprise in order to ensure high economic efficiency of its use, facilitate the work of workers engaged in its operation, increase the level of labor automation, the optimization of Cook and Chill processes is shown to be associated with a variety of criteria for choosing the optimal option includes criteria for min deviations from the reference structures: amino acid composition of the product; fatty acid composition; vitamin content; composition of trace elements, as well as criteria for food digestibility, nutritional, biological and energy value of the product. Cook&Chill meets absolutely all the requirements in this regard, allowing you to rationally manage the cost of the product by reducing the cost of producing a dish. The effectiveness of the method has been proven by practical world experience. Cook and Chill technology allows you to increase the yield of batches by three or four times. When preparing dishes, no changes in recipes are required and the current technological standards can be used. Cook and Chill technology can be effectively applied at enterprises with any range of products, up to the widest, and of any capacity. This technology provides for the use of fairly familiar pieces of equipment, such as a convector or microwave oven, air-type intensive cooling systems (blast-chiller) or water-type (tumbler-chiller or turbojet-chiller).
Identifying Causes of Pressure Drop in Heat Exchanger E-204
Authors: Fernanda Ardhi Shefta , Firdaus Rachmat
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the efficacy of preventive maintenance measures on the E-204 Plate Heat Exchanger (PHE) to mitigate pressure drop issues affecting production efficiency and operational costs in the petrochemical industry. The research identifies gasket leaks and plate blockages as primary contributors, attributed to wear and dirt deposits. Through periodic inspections, gasket replacements, and mechanical and chemical cleaning, maintenance interventions were executed. Results demonstrate a significant reduction in gasket blockages and leaks, leading to improved fluid flow and operational efficiency. The findings underscore the importance of regular preventive maintenance in ensuring optimal PHE performance and cost-effective operations.
Highlight :

Maintenance Intervention: Periodic inspections, gasket replacements, and mechanical and chemical cleaning were implemented to address gasket leaks and plate blockages.
Enhanced Efficiency: The study resulted in a significant reduction in gasket blockages and leaks, leading to improved fluid flow and operational efficiency.
Implications for Industry: Regular preventive maintenance is crucial for optimal performance and cost-effective operations in petrochemical production processes.

Keywords: Plate Heat Exchanger, Preventive Maintenance, Efficiency Improvement, Gasket Leaks, Petrochemical Industry
Analysis of variation of iron coating rubber for upper punch moulds
Authors: Wahyu Rizky , Iswantoi Iswantoi
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the evolution of ceramic mold design and manufacturing processes, focusing on the role of punches in shaping ceramics through injection molding techniques. Key findings reveal diverse punch types—isostatic, pressure rubber, and exhaust punches—tailored to meet varying market demands. By employing ASTM 1045 high-performance 45 steel, we explore the impact of these punches on product quality and efficiency. Qualitative research methods, comprising literature review, observations, and interviews, were utilized to analyze the production process, formulation of ceramic bodies, and variations within ceramic molding tools and procedures. Our work contributes valuable insights into the advancements of injection molding technology, particularly in the context of rapid growth in polymeric materials' usage and their potential for mass production via fast cycle times and high quantities.

Highlight :

Diverse punch types tailored to meet market demands, including isostatic, pressure rubber, and exhaust punches

Utilization of ASTM 1045 high-performance 45 steel for improved product quality and efficiency

Employment of qualitative research methods, such as literature reviews, observations, and interviews, to examine the production process, ceramic body formation, and tool variations

Keywords: ceramic mold, punches, injection molding, ASTM 1045 steel, diversified punches, qualitative analysis
R scripts for Human Microbiome Analysis Toolset
Authors: Rosa Bruce A , Martin John , Mitreva Makedonka
Published: February 2024

A variety of statistical analysis methods to analyze microbiome data are provided in an R script, with formatted example input files. These methods include read count rarefaction, diversity calculations, NMDS clustering, Dirichlet Multinomial Mixtures (DMM) clustering, cluster validation with Silhouette scores and Prediction strength, random forest, and ANCOM-BC2. The script is a valuable tool for microbiome researchers and provides simple-to-use code with comments and properly formatted example input files, to perform a comprehensive set of methods for analyzing microbiome data. Version 2 adds code to filter out taxa that are detected in < 3 samples for the methods where that is appropriate. Version 3 cleans up some redundant code.
The Association Between Alcohol Use and Chronic Diseases’ Treatment Outcomes Among Adults Aged 40 Years and Above in Rural South Africa
Authors: Mupfuti Rumbidzai , Kabudula Chodziwadziwa , Francis Joel
Published: February 2024

Chronic diseases are significant problems in South Africa. Chronic diseases’ treatment outcomes are critical to the reduction of morbidity and mortality. There is limited data in South Africa on alcohol use and treatment outcomes of chronic diseases in older people. We analysed data from wave 1 of the Health and Ageing in Africa-a longitudinal Study in an INDEPTH community (HAALSI) study. We performed descriptive analysis to determine the prevalence of optimal chronic diseases’ treatment outcomes (suppressed HIV viral load, normal blood pressure and normal blood sugar) and applied multivariate modified Poisson regression to determine the association between alcohol use and chronic diseases’ treatment outcomes. The prevalence of optimal treatment outcomes were 87.4% for HIV, 42.7% for hypertension, 53.6% for diabetes mellitus and 52.4% for multimorbidity. Alcohol use did not negatively impact the treatment outcomes for HIV (aRR=1.00, 95%CI:0.93-1.09), hypertension (aRR=0.88, 95%CI:0.68-1.14), diabetes mellitus (aRR=0.73, 95%CI:0.44-1.22), and multimorbidity (aRR=1.00, 95%CI:0.93-1.09). Alcohol use was not significantly associated with treatment outcomes possibly due to underreporting of alcohol use. There is need to incorporate objective alcohol measurements in chronic diseases care settings. Furthermore, there is urgent need to strengthen the management of hypertension and diabetes, by adopting the strategies deployed for HIV management.
ZOom Delivered Intervention Against Cognitive decline (ZODIAC) COVID-19 pandemic adaptations to the Post-Ischaemic Stroke Cardiovascular Exercise Study (PISCES): protocol for a randomised controlled trial of remotely delivered fitness training for brain health
Authors: Brodtmann Amy , Billett Alex , Telfer Rachael , Adkins Kim , White Laura , McCambridge Laura J. E. , Burrell Louise M. , Thijs Vincent , Kramer Sharon , Werden Emilio , Cardoso Barbara R. , Pase Matthew , Hung Stanley Hughwa , Churilov Leonid , Bernhardt Julie , Hayward Kathryn , Johnson Liam
Published: February 2024

Background: Stroke increases subsequent dementia risk yet there are no specific post-stroke therapies to protect cognition. Cardiorespiratory exercise is recommended for secondary prevention of stroke and may be neuroprotective. The Post Ischaemic Stroke Cardiovascular Exercise Study (PISCES) aims to reduce post-stroke secondary neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. During the pandemic, we pivoted to a ZOom Delivered Intervention Against Cognitive decline (ZODIAC) protocol, reducing pandemic-amplified barriers to exercise.
Methods: We present pandemic adaptions for a multicentre Phase IIb assessor-blinded randomised controlled trial of ischaemic stroke survivors testing the efficacy and feasibility of an eight-week home-based exercise intervention delivered at two-months post-stroke. We compare cardiorespiratory exercise (intervention arm) versus balance and stretching (active control arm). Participants are assessed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fitness, blood, microbiome, and neuropsychological tests at three study visits: before and after the exercise intervention and at 12-months. Modifications to the original protocol include pre-exercise safety home visits, commercial delivery of exercise equipment to facilitate assessor blinding, and reconsideration of statistical plan to allow pooling of the studies. We have reduced in-person study visits from 27 to 3.
Study Outcomes: Primary outcome remains between-group (intervention versus control) difference in brain volume change; secondary outcome is between-group difference in global cognitive ability to allow remote administration of a validated cognitive scale.
Discussion: Remotely delivered exercise interventions reduce participant burden and may reduce barriers to recruitment. A decrease in the number of in-person study visits can be supported by greater information capture via self-reported questionnaires and phone surveys.
Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: 12616000942459
Analysis and research on electromechanical-pneumatic-mechanical braking performance of crane hoisting mechanism
Authors: WANG Quan-Wei , BU Xu-Yang , ZHOU Cheng , GUO Tong-Xing , WEN Hao
Published: February 2024

As an important actuator of the crane, the hoisting mechanism adopts the composite braking method of electrical + mechanical braking under normal working conditions, and usually adopts the mechanical braking brake under emergency working conditions. In emergency situations, mechanical brake systems are commonly used. Through theoretical analysis, a dynamic model of the hoisting mechanism was established. Simulation models were developed using MATLAB/SIMILINK software to simulate the actual braking process under both normal and emergency braking conditions. The braking performance under different conditions was analyzed. The results show that the control strategy of electromechanical composite braking can display the electromagnetic transition and mechanical transition in the braking process in real-time, and obtain the braking performance under multiple braking conditions. The analysis and study of the dynamic change process of braking performance has certain guiding significance for the actual braking working conditions.
Molecular cloning and functional analysis of ScHAK10 gene promoter from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.)
Authors: Luo Hai-Bin , Huang Cheng-Mei , Cao Hui-Qing , Xu Lin , Wu Kai-Chao , Deng Zhi-Nian , Wu Xing-Jian , Ye Li-Ping , Yi Xiao-Ping , Wei Yuan-Wen
Published: February 2024

Transcriptional regulation of the high-affinity K+ (HAK) transporter gene is an important mechanism of plant response to low potassium stress. Cloning and analysis of the promoter of potassium transporter gene is not only helpful to its expression pattern and regulation mechanism but also important to improve the potassium absorption efficiency in sugarcane. The potassium transporter gene ScHAK10 is highly expressed and induced by low potassium stress in sugarcane，but the functions of its promoter is still unclear. In the present article, the 1918 bp promoter region of the ScHAK10 gene (pScHAK10) was cloned by genomic walking technique. Computational analysis affirmed the existence of abiotic stress-responsive cis and core cis-elements, such as TATA box, CAAT box, phytohormone responsive, stress response and light response motifs. GUS histochemical staining of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings showed that the leaf, corolla, and root tip were deeply stained, and paraffin sections of root tip tissue showed GUS staining in ductal tissue of A. thaliana shallowly stained. The 5′-terminal deletion of the promoter was cloned, and the lengths of 1918 (full), 1623 (Q1), 1332 (Q2), 957 (Q3), 576 (Q4), and 357 bp (Q5) were cloned into the GUS reporter vector for A. thaliana transient transformation. The transgenic plants generated through a single event exhibited a promising expression of the GUS reporter protein, which was treated with salt, low potassium, IAA and cold stress conditions. The results showed that the promoter activity correlates with the promoter fragment's length, and the long promoter fragment exhibits higher training. The Q5 was the least active and could not drive GUS expression. Under abiotic stress, the expression of GUS enzyme activity varies among different promoter fragments. Under low potassium and high salt stress, Q3 and Q4 showed the highest promoter activity. The Q1 and Q4 led the highest promoter activity during IAA and cold stress. These findings help to understand the molecular mechanism of ScHAK10 expression regulation and could be an excellent tool for future crop improvement.
An IoT Based Water Quality Classification Framework for Aqua-Ponds through Water and Environmental Variables using CGTFN Model
Authors: AREPALLI PEDA GOPI , K Jairam Naik , Amgoth Jagan
Published: February 2024

Maintaining water quality in aquatic habitats is critical for the health of aquatic species, particularly for fish. This study pioneers an innovative method to water quality classification, leveraging IoT-driven data acquisition and meticulous data labelling with the Aqua-Enviro Index (AEI) by considering the fish habitats. Existing mechanisms fail to capture complex temporal dynamics and depend largely on large amounts of labelled data, exposing fundamental limits. In response, we describe the Deep learning based Convolutional Gated Recurrent Unit Tempo Fusion Network (CGTFN) model, which represents a considerable development in the evaluation of water quality. The model addresses these restrictions by seamlessly merging Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for spatial pattern recognition and Gated Recurrent Units (GRUs) for temporal interactions. The Tempo Fusion mechanism combines spatial, temporal, and contextual data harmoniously, allowing for more sophisticated classifications by recognizing subtle interdependencies among environmental elements. The pioneering CGTFN model outperforms previous models, achieving 99.71% and 99.81% accuracy on both public-env and real-time-env datasets, respectively, exceeding established models at 98.2%. These remarkable findings highlight CGTFN's disruptive potential in water quality evaluation, bridging the gap between technology and environmental management, with ramifications ranging from aquaculture to resource sustainability.
Microstructure and Mechanical Behavior of Resistance Spot Welded Joints in Advanced High-Strength Q&P 980 Steel
Authors: Nasiri Mahsa , Seyed-Salehi Majid , Ranjbarnodeh Eslam
Published: February 2024

The third generation of advanced high-strength steel has garnered significant interest from both industries and researchers due to the remarkable combination of high strength and ductility. In this study, the relationships between welding parameters, microstructure evolutions, mechanical properties, and failure modes of resistance spot-welded (RSW) joints of Q&P 980 steel sheets were investigated. The microstructure of the alloy, composed of a ferritic matrix with embedded martensite and retained austenite, is analyzed using optical and field emission scanning electron microscopes. The welding process for Q&P steel sheets was examined under different welding currents and durations. Geometric measurements indicate that higher welding current and duration lead to larger weld nuggets, wider HAZ, and greater indentation depth. Tensile-shear tests were conducted to evaluate the mechanical integrity of the welded joints. These tests elucidate different failure modes, predominantly full interfacial failure, but also partial interface failure and peripheral failure in medium welding currents. The results emphasize the importance of nugget size in determining joint strength, with larger nuggets correlating with higher ultimate shear loads. The FESEM analysis of fracture surfaces highlighted the fracture modes, such as shear-dominated plastic deformation and ductile fracture in joints welded at high welding current. The pre-existing central defects and interfacial notches contribute to interfacial failure. Fracture surface analysis of welding samples confirms ductile fracture in peripheral and interfacial regions.
Changing patterns of inequality in a global sample of cities
Authors: Ramos Frederico Roman , Uitermark Justus
Published: February 2024

Urban inequality is widely debated but a lack of data makes it challenging to examine developments over time and across cities. In this contribution, we examine trends in inequality from the 1980s onwards in a sample of 86 cities in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. We track trends in three domains: the labor market, education, and assets (including private goods and public amenities). With descriptive statistics, data visualization, and logistic regression analysis, we show that while inequality in educational attainment is decreasing across all cities in our sample, patterns in the other two domains are more complex. Even though the middle occupational groups is growing in the majority of cities in our sample, there are important exceptions and substantial regional variations. While we find that inequality in terms of assets more often decreased than increased, class position continues to predict access to private goods and public amenities. Although the observed patterns are complex, we find no proof of escalating inequalities in the three domains under study.