bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Analysis of Interbedded Anti-Dip Rock Slopes Based on Discrete Element Modeling: A Case Study
Authors: Li Ming , Yue Zhufeng , Ji Hongguang , Xiu Zhanguo , Han Jianhua , Meng Fanzhen
Published: November 2023

Varying geological conditions and different rock types lead to complex failure modes and instability of interbedded anti-dip rock slopes. To study the characteristics of failure evolution of interbedded anti-dip slopes, a two-dimensional particle flow code (PFC2D) based on the discrete element method (DEM) was utilized to establish an interbedded anti-dip rock slope numerical model for the Fushun West Open-pit Mine based on the true geological conditions and field investigations. The slope model with an irregular surface consists of interbedded mudstone and brown shale as two different rock layers, and a number of small-scale rock joints are randomly distributed in the rock layers. The influence of different inclination angles (20° and 70°) of the rock layer and slope angles (60° and 80°) on the stability of interbedded anti-dip rock slopes was considered. The evolution of the failure progress was monitored by the displacement field and force field. The simulation results showed that the rock joints in the rock stratum promoted crack initiation and increased the crack density but did not change its shear-slip failure mode. A large inclination angle of the rock layers and slope angle can lead to topping slip failure along the slip zone. However, shear-slip instability generally occurs in interbedded anti-dip rock slopes with small inclination angles of the rock layer and small slope angles. These results can contribute to a better understanding of the failure mechanism of interbedded anti-dip rock slopes under different geological conditions and provide a reference for disaster prevention.
Multidimensional Data Analysis for Enhancing In-Depth Knowledge on the Characteristics of Science and Technology Parks
Authors: Francés Olga , Abreu-Salas José , Fernández Javi , Gutiérrez Yoan , Palomar Manuel
Published: November 2023

The role played by science and technology parks (STPs) in technology transfer, industrial innovation, and economic growth is examined in this paper. The accurate monitoring of their evolution and impact is hindered by the lack of uniformity in STP models or goals, and the scarcity of high-quality datasets. This work uses existing terminologies, definitions, and core features of STPs to conduct a multidimensional data analysis that explores and evaluates the 21 core features which describe the key internal factors of an STP. The core features are gathered from a reliable and updatable dataset of Spanish STPs. The methodological framework can be replicated for other STP contexts and is based on descriptive techniques and machine-learning tools. The results of the study provide an overview of the general situation of STPs in Spain, validate the existence and characteristics of three types of STPs, and identify the typical features of STPs. Moreover, the prototype STP can be used as a benchmark so that other STPs can identify the features that need to be improved. Finally, this work makes it possible to carry out classifications of STPs, in addition to prediction and decision making for innovation ecosystems.
Mineral Characterization Using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): A Review of the Fundamentals, Advancements, and Research Directions
Authors: Ali Asif , Zhang Ning , Santos Rafael M.
Published: November 2023

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a powerful tool in the domains of materials science, mining, and geology owing to its enormous potential to provide unique insight into micro and nanoscale worlds. This comprehensive review discusses the background development of SEM, basic SEM operation, including specimen preparation and image processing, and the fundamental theoretical calculations underlying SEM operation. It provides a foundational understanding for engineers and scientists who have never had a chance to dig in depth into SEM, contributing to their understanding of the workings and development of this robust analytical technique. The present review covers how SEM serves as a crucial tool in mineral characterization, with specific discussion on the workings and research fronts of SEM-EDX, SEM-AM, SEM-MLA, and QEMSCAN. With automation gaining pace in the development of all spheres of technology, understanding the uncertainties in SEM measurements is very important. The constraints in mineral phase identification by EDS spectra and sample preparation are conferred. In the end, future research directions for SEM are analyzed with the possible incorporation of machine learning, deep learning, and artificial intelligence tools to automate the process of mineral identification, quantification, and efficient communication with researchers so that the robustness and objectivity of the analytical process can be improved and the analysis time and involved costs can be reduced. This review also discusses the idea of integrating robotics with SEM to make the equipment portable so that further mineral characterization insight can be gained not only on Earth but also on other terrestrial grounds.
Robinia pseudoacacia L. (Black Locust) Leaflets as Biomonitors of Airborne Microplastics
Authors: Jafarova Mehriban , Grifoni Lisa , Renzi Monia , Bentivoglio Tecla , Anselmi Serena , Winkler Aldo , Di Lella Luigi Antonello , Spagnuolo Lilla , Aherne Julian , Loppi Stefano
Published: November 2023

Here we investigate the suitability of Robinia pseudoacacia L. (black locust) leaflets as a novel biomonitor of airborne microplastics (MPs) including tyre wear particles (TWPs). Leaflets were collected from rural roadside locations (ROs, n = 5) and urban parks (UPs, n = 5) in Siena, Italy. MPs were removed by washing, identified by stereomicroscope, and analysed for polymer type by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Daily MP deposition was estimated from leaf area. The mass magnetic susceptibility and the bioaccumulation of traffic-related potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were also analysed. The total number of MPs at ROs was significantly higher at 2962, dominated by TWPs, compared with 193 in UPs, where TWPs were not found. In contrast, total microfibres were significantly higher in UPs compared with ROs (185 vs. 86). Daily MP deposition was estimated to range from 4.2 to 5.1 MPs/m2/d across UPs and 29.9–457.6 MPs/m2/d across ROs. The polymer types at ROs were dominated by rubber (80%) from TWPs, followed by 15% polyamide (PA) and 5% polysulfone (PES), while in UPs the proportion of PES (44%) was higher than PA (22%) and polyacrylonitrile (11%). The mean mass magnetic susceptibility, a proxy of the bioaccumulation of traffic-related metallic particles, was higher at ROs (0.62 ± 0.01 10–8 m3/kg) than at UPs (–0.50 ± 0.03 10–8 m3/kg). The content of PTEs was similar across sites, except for significantly higher concentrations of Sb, a tracer of vehicle brake wear, at ROs (0.308 ± 0.008 µg/g) compared with UPs (0.054 ± 0.006 µg/g). Our results suggest that the waxy leaflets and easy determination of surface area make Robinia an effective biomonitor for airborne MPs including TWPs.
Subcutaneous Infusion of DNA-Aptamer Raised against Advanced Glycation End Products Prevents Loss of Skeletal Muscle Mass and Strength in Accelerated-Aging Mice
Authors: Mori Yusaku , Ohara Makoto , Terasaki Michishige , Osaka Naoya , Yashima Hironori , Saito Tomomi , Otoyama-Kataoka Yurie , Omachi Takemasa , Higashimoto Yuichiro , Matsui Takanori , Fukui Tomoyasu , Yamagishi Sho-ichi
Published: November 2023

We have developed DNA aptamers that can inhibit the toxic effects of advanced glycation end products (AGE-Apts). We herein evaluated the effects of AGE-Apts on muscle mass and strength in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice. Eight-month-old male SAMP8 mice received subcutaneous infusion of control DNA aptamers (CTR-Apts) or AGE-Apts. Mice in an age-matched senescence-accelerated mouse resistant strain 1 (SAMR1) group were treated with CTR-Apts as controls. The soleus muscles were collected after the 8-week intervention for weight measurement and histological, RT-PCR, and immunofluorescence analyses. Grip strength was measured before and after the 8-week intervention. AGE-Apt treatment inhibited the progressive decrease in the grip strength of SAMP8 mice. SAMP8 mice had lower soleus muscle weight and fiber size than SAMR1 mice, which was partly restored by AGE-Apt treatment. Furthermore, AGE-Apt-treated SAMP8 mice had a lower interstitial fibrosis area of the soleus muscle than CTR-Apt-treated SAMP8 mice. The soleus muscle levels of AGEs, oxidative stress, receptor for AGEs, and muscle ring-finger protein-1 were increased in the CTR-Apt-treated mice, all of which, except for AGEs, were inhibited by AGE-Apt treatment. Our present findings suggest that the subcutaneous delivery of AGE-Apts may be a novel therapeutic strategy for aging-related decrease in skeletal muscle mass and strength.
Cognition in Patients with Schizophrenia: Interplay between Working Memory, Disorganized Symptoms, Dissociation, and the Onset and Duration of Psychosis, as Well as Resistance to Treatment
Authors: Panov Georgi , Dyulgerova Silvana , Panova Presyana
Published: November 2023

Schizophrenia is traditionally associated with the presence of psychotic symptoms. In addition to these, cognitive symptoms precede them and are present during the entire course of the schizophrenia process. The present study aims to establish the relationship between working memory (short-term memory and attention), the features of the clinical picture, and the course of the schizophrenic process, gender distribution and resistance to treatment. Methods: In total, 105 patients with schizophrenia were observed. Of these, 66 were women and 39 men. Clinical status was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Dimensional Obsessive–Compulsive Symptom Scale (DOCS), scale for dissociative experiences (DES) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D)—cognitive functions using the Luria 10-word test with fixation assessment, reproduction and attention analysis. The clinical evaluation of resistance to the treatment showed that 45 patients were resistant to the ongoing medical treatment and the remaining 60 had an effect from the therapy. Results: Our study showed that, in most patients, we found disorders of working memory and attention. In 69.82% of the patients, we found problems with fixation; in 38.1%, problems with reproduction; and in 62.86%, attention disorders. Conducting a regression analysis showed that memory and attention disorders were mainly related to the highly disorganized symptoms scale, the duration of the schizophrenic process and the dissociation scale. It was found that there was a weaker but significant association between the age of onset of schizophrenia and negative symptoms. In the patients with resistant schizophrenia, much greater violations of the studied parameters working memory and attention were found compared to the patients with an effect from the treatment. Conclusion: Impairments in working memory and attention are severely affected in the majority of patients with schizophrenia. Their involvement is most significant in patients with resistance to therapy. Factors associated with the highest degree of memory and attention impairment were disorganized symptoms, duration of schizophrenia, dissociative symptoms and, to a lesser extent, onset of illness. This analysis gives us the right to consider that the early and systematic analysis of cognition is a reliable marker for tracking both clinical dynamics and the effect of treatment.
Comparing the Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasonography, CT, MRI, and PET/CT in Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Takamura Masaki , Nikkuni Yutaka , Hayashi Takafumi , Katsura Kouji , Nishiyama Hideyoshi , Yamazaki Manabu , Maruyama Satoshi , Tanuma Jun-ichi
Published: November 2023

(1) Background: In oral cancer staging, ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) with positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) are routinely used in clinical practice. The present study is a retrospective examination of the diagnostic accuracy of cervical lymph node metastasis using US, CT, MRI, and PET/CT, with histopathological diagnosis as a reference, to compare the different diagnostic imaging modalities. (2) Methods: The participants included 16 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma who underwent US-, CT-, MRI-, and PET/CT-based preoperative diagnostic imaging and simultaneous primary lesion resection and neck dissection, including 82 level regions and 424 lymph nodes. We compared the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of each imaging modality based on the imaging results and the pathology results of metastasis. (3) Results: Of the four diagnostic imaging modalities, PET/CT exhibited the highest sensitivity but the lowest specificity and accuracy. US, CT, and MRI had high specificities. Comparing each level region and lymph node showed that differences were observed in PET/CT. (4) Conclusions: PET/CT to diagnose lymph node metastasis requires a comprehensive evaluation because it produces more false positives than other diagnostic imaging modalities. Using US, CT, and MRI, which have excellent spatial resolution, improves diagnostic accuracy at the lymph node level.
Stem Cell Theory of Cancer: Clinical Implications of Epigenomic versus Genomic Biomarkers in Cancer Care
Authors: Tu Shi-Ming , Chen Jim Zhongning , Singh Sunny R. , Aydin Ahmet Murat , Gokden Neriman , Tam Neville Ngai Chung , Leung Yuet-Kin , Langford Timothy , Ho Shuk-Mei
Published: November 2023

Biomarkers play a crucial role in the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutics of cancer. We use biomarkers to identify, image, monitor, and target cancer. In many respects, the discovery of pertinent biomarkers that distinguish fulminant from indolent neoplasms and sensitive from refractory malignancies would be a holy grail of cancer research and therapy. We propose that a stem cell versus genetic theory of cancer may not only enable us to track and trace the biological evolution of cancer but also empower us to attenuate its clinical course and optimize the clinical outcome of patients with cancer. Hence, a biomarker that identifies cancer stem cells (CSCs) and distinguishes them from non-CSCs may serve to elucidate inter-tumoral and intra-tumoral heterogeneity, elevate the values and utility of current prognostic and predictive tests, and enhance drug versus therapy development in cancer care. From this perspective, we focus on CSC biomarkers and discuss stemness or stem-like biomarkers in the context of a unified theory and a consideration of stem cell versus genetic origin. We review their role in primary and mixed tumors, in the elaboration of tumor subtypes, and in the imaging and monitoring of minimal residual diseases. We investigate how scientific theories influence the direction of scientific research and interpretation of experimental results, and how genomics and epigenomics affect the dynamics and trajectories of biomarkers in the conduct of cancer research and in the practice of cancer care.
Influence of the Hypoxia-Activated Prodrug Evofosfamide (TH-302) on Glycolytic Metabolism of Canine Glioma: A Potential Improvement in Cancer Metabolism
Authors: Yamazaki Hiroki , Onoyama Seio , Gotani Shunichi , Deguchi Tatsuya , Tamura Masahiro , Ohta Hiroshi , Iwano Hidetomo , Nishida Hidetaka , Dickinson Peter J. , Akiyoshi Hideo
Published: November 2023

The transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) drives metabolic reprogramming in gliomas (GLs) under hypoxic conditions, promoting glycolysis for tumor development. Evofosfamide (EVO) releases a DNA-alkylating agent within hypoxic regions, indicating that it may serve as a hypoxia-targeted therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the glycolytic metabolism and antitumor effects of EVO in a canine GL model. Our clinical data showed that overall survival was significantly decreased in GL dog patients with higher HIF-1α expression compared to that of those with lower HIF-1α expression, and there was a positive correlation between HIF-1α and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1) expression, suggesting that glycolytic activity under hypoxia conditions may contribute to poor outcomes in canine GL. Our glycolysis assay tests showed that the glycolytic ATP level was higher than the mitochondrial ATP level in three types of canine GL cell lines by activating the HIF-1 signal pathway under hypoxia conditions, resulting in an overall increase in total cellular ATP production. However, treatment with EVO inhibited the glycolytic ATP level in the GL cell lines under hypoxia conditions by targeting HIF-1α-positive cells, leading to decrease in total cellular ATP production. Our in vivo tests showed that EVO significantly reduced tumor development compared to controls and temozolomide in murine GL models. A metabolic analysis demonstrated that EVO effectively suppressed glycolytic metabolism by eliminating HIF-1α-positive cells, suggesting that it may restore metabolism in canine GLs. The evidence presented here supports the favorable preclinical evaluation of EVO as a potential improvement in cancer metabolism.
RuO2@IrO2/C Core-Shell Structure Catalyst for Efficient and Durable Acidic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Teng Xin , Gao Junan , Yang Zuobo , Liang Xin , Wu Xiaokuan , Yun Jimmy , Zhang Jie
Published: November 2023

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis for hydrogen production has a high current density and overall efficiency, and is a very promising hydrogen production strategy. However, its application is limited by the high anodic overpotential for oxygen evolution and the instability of catalysts. Therefore, anodic catalysts with a high activity and durability under acidic conditions need further research. Herein, we first synthesized the key intermediate Ru@Ir core-shell structures by controlling nanocrystals, then loaded them onto a carbon support and calcined to obtain a RuO2@IrO2/C core-shell nanocatalyst with a size smaller than 5 nm, whose activity exceeded that of commercial RuO2 and commercial IrO2. After a 200 h stability test, the catalyst did not show significant performance degradation or structural degeneration. Finally, the prepared catalyst was assembled into a PEM electrolyzer showing the same results as the three-electrode tests, demonstrating its potential for practical applications and providing new insights for designing nanocatalysts suitable for industrialized PEM water electrolysis to produce hydrogen
Advances in Genome Sequencing and Natural Rubber Biosynthesis in Rubber-Producing Plants
Authors: Tan Yingchao , Cao Jie , Tang Chaorong , Liu Kaiye
Published: November 2023

Natural rubber (cis-1,4-polyisoprene, NR) is an important raw material utilized widely in the manufacturing of medical, agricultural, and industrial products. Rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) and several alternative rubber-producing plants (Taraxacum kok-saghyz, Lactuca sativa, and Parthenium argentatum) have the capability to produce high-quality NR. With the progress of genome sequencing, similar rubber biosynthesis pathways have been discovered among different rubber-producing plant species. NR is synthesized and stored in rubber particles, which are specialized organelles comprising a hydrophobic NR core surrounded by a lipid monolayer and membrane-bound proteins. The rubber transferase complex is considered to be the pivotal enzyme involved in catalyzing NR biosynthesis. However, the exact compositions of the RT complex in rubber-producing plants remain elusive and poorly understood. Here, we review the progress of genome sequencing, natural rubber biosynthesis, and the components of the RT complex in rubber-producing plants. We emphasize that identifying the detailed components of the RT complex holds great significance for exploring the mechanism of NR biosynthesis and accelerating molecular breeding in rubber-producing plants.
Application of Normal-Phase Silica Column in Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography Mode for Simultaneous Determination of Underivatized Amino Acids from Human Serum Samples via Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Németh Krisztina , Szatmári Ildikó , Tőkési Viktória , Szabó Pál Tamás
Published: November 2023

In neonatal screening, amino acids have a significant diagnostic role. Determination of their values may identify abnormal conditions. Early diagnosis and continuous monitoring of amino acid disorders results in a better disease outcome. An easy and simple LC-MS/MS method was developed for the quantitation of underivatized amino acids. Amino acids were separated using a normal-phase HPLC column having a totally porous silica stationary phase and using classical reversed-phase eluents. Mass spectrometry in multiple reaction monitoring mode was used for the analysis, providing high selectivity and sensitivity. A standard addition calibration model was applied for quantitation using only one isotope-labeled internal standard for all amino acids. Five calibration points were used for quantitation, and the method was successfully validated. The slopes of the calibration curves of the individual amino acids in parallel measurements were found to be similar. Since the measured slopes were reproducible, one serum sample could represent every series of serum samples of a given day. The method was tested on human serum samples and adequate results were obtained. This new method can be easily applied in clinical laboratories.
Characterization of Complete Mitochondrial Genome and Phylogenetic Analysis of a Nocturnal Wasps—Provespa barthelemyi (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: Liu Mandie , Luo Yifei , Jallow Binta J. J. , Meng Fanming
Published: November 2023

Genus Provespa contains nocturnal wasps mainly found in the southeastern region of Asia. There are no complete genome resources available of this genus, which hinders the study of its phylogenetic evolution and the origin of nocturnal behavior in the Vespidae family. Through high-throughput sequencing, we obtained the mitochondrial genome of Provespa barthelemyi (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), which is 17,721 base pairs in length and contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs, and two rRNAs. We identified four gene rearrangement events of P. barthelemyi that frequently occur in the Vespidae family. We used Maximum Likelihood (ML) methodologies to construct a phylogenetic tree based on the sequenced mitochondrial genome and the available data of reported species belonging to Vespinae. Our findings confirmed the monophyly of Vespinae. Our study reports the first complete mitochondrial genome of Provespa and compares its characteristics with other mitochondrial genomes in the family Vespidae. This research should shed light on the phylogenetic relationships and ecological characteristics of the Vespidae family.
Adsorption of SO2 Molecule on Pristine, N, Ga-Doped and -Ga-N- co-Doped Graphene: A DFT Study
Authors: Akhmetsadyk Dinara , Ilyin Arkady , Guseinov Nazim , Beall Gary
Published: November 2023

SO2 (sulfur dioxide) is a toxic substance emitted into the environment due to burning sulfur-containing fossil fuels in cars, factories, power plants, and homes. This issue is of grave concern because of its negative effects on the environment and human health. Therefore, the search for a material capable of interacting to detect SO2 and the research on developing effective materials for gas detection holds significant importance in the realm of environmental and health applications. It is well known that one of the effective methods for predicting the structure and electronic properties of systems capable of interacting with a molecule is a method based on quantum mechanical approaches. In this work, the DFT (Density Functional Theory) program DMol3 in Materials Studio was used to study the interactions between the SO2 molecule and four systems. The adsorption energy, bond lengths, bond angle, charge transfer, and density of states of SO2 molecule on pristine graphene, N-doped graphene, Ga-doped graphene, and -Ga-N- co-doped graphene were investigated using DFT calculations. The obtained data indicate that the bonding between the SO2 molecule and pristine graphene is relatively weak, with a binding energy of −0.32 eV and a bond length of 3.06 Å, indicating physical adsorption. Next, the adsorption of the molecule on an N-doped graphene system was considered. The adsorption of SO2 molecules on N-doped graphene is negligible; generally, the interaction of SO2 molecules with this system does not significantly change the electronic properties. However, the adsorption energy of the gas molecule on Ga-doped graphene relative to pristine graphene increased significantly. The evidence of chemisorption is increased adsorption energy and decreased adsorption distance between SO2 and Ga-doped graphene. In addition, our results show that introducing -Ga-N- co-dopants of an “ortho” configuration into pristine graphene significantly affects the adsorption between the gas molecule and graphene. Thus, this approach is significantly practical in the adsorption of SO2 molecules.
Reduced Psychosocial Well-Being among the Children of Women with Early-Onset Breast Cancer
Authors: Schliemann Antje , Teroerde Alica , Beurer Bjoern , Hammersen Friederike , Fischer Dorothea , Katalinic Alexander , Labohm Louisa , Strobel Angelika M. , Waldmann Annika
Published: November 2023

Background: Approximately 27% of female breast cancer patients are diagnosed before the age of 55, a group often comprising mothers with young children. Maternal psychosocial well-being significantly impacts these children’s psychosocial well-being. This study assesses the well-being of children with mothers who have early-onset breast cancer. Methods: We examined the eldest child (up to 15 years old) of women with nonmetastatic breast cancer (<55 years old, mean age: 40) enrolled in the mother–child rehab program ‘get well together’. Using maternal reports on children’s well-being (the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire; SDQ), we describe the prevalence of abnormally high SDQ scores and identify protective and risk factors via linear regression. Results: The mean SDQ scores of 496 children (4–15 years old, mean age: 8) fell below the thresholds, indicating psychosocial deficits. However, most SDQ scores deviated negatively from the general population, especially for emotional problems, with one in ten children displaying high and one in five displaying very high deficits. Female sex, more siblings, a positive family environment and maternal psychosocial well-being were protective factors for children’s psychosocial well-being. Conclusions: Children of mothers with breast cancer may benefit from improved maternal well-being and family support. Further research is needed to identify appropriate interventions.
Model Design and Applied Methodology in Geothermal Simulations in Very Low Enthalpy for Big Data Applications
Authors: Arranz-Revenga Roberto , Dorrego de Luxán María Pilar , Herrera Herbert Juan , García Cambronero Luis Enrique
Published: November 2023

Low-enthalpy geothermal installations for heating, air conditioning, and domestic hot water are gaining traction due to efforts towards energy decarbonization. This article is part of a broader research project aimed at employing artificial intelligence and big data techniques to develop a predictive system for the thermal behavior of the ground in very low-enthalpy geothermal applications. In this initial article, a summarized process is outlined to generate large quantities of synthetic data through a ground simulation method. The proposed theoretical model allows simulation of the soil’s thermal behavior using an electrical equivalent. The electrical circuit derived is loaded into a simulation program along with an input function representing the system’s thermal load pattern. The simulator responds with another function that calculates the values of the ground over time. Some examples of value conversion and the utility of the input function system to encode thermal loads during simulation are demonstrated. It bears the limitation of invalidity in the presence of underground water currents. Model validation is pending, and once defined, a corresponding testing plan will be proposed for its validation.
Rapidity and Energy Dependencies of Temperatures and Volume Extracted from Identified Charged Hadron Spectra in Proton–Proton Collisions at a Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS)
Authors: Yang Pei-Pin , Liu Fu-Hu , Olimov Khusniddin K.
Published: November 2023

The standard (Bose–Einstein/Fermi–Dirac, or Maxwell–Boltzmann) distribution from the relativistic ideal gas model is used to study the transverse momentum (pT) spectra of identified charged hadrons (π−, π+, K−, K+, p¯, and p) with different rapidities produced in inelastic proton–proton (pp) collisions at a Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS). The experimental data measured using the NA61/SHINE Collaboration at the center-of-mass (c.m.) energies s=6.3, 7.7, 8.8, 12.3, and 17.3 GeV are fitted well with the distribution. It is shown that the effective temperature (Teff or T), kinetic freeze-out temperature (T0), and initial temperature (Ti) decrease with the increase in rapidity and increase with the increase in c.m. energy. The kinetic freeze-out volume (V) extracted from the π−, π+, K−, K+, and p¯ spectra decreases with the rapidity and increase with the c.m. energy. The opposite tendency of V, extracted from the p spectra, is observed to be increasing with the rapidity and decreasing with the c.m. energy due to the effect of leading protons.
Educating Teachers for Sustainability and Social Justice: A Service-Learning Project in Physical Education Initial Teacher Education
Authors: Ribeiro-Silva Elsa , Amaral-da-Cunha Mariana , Batista Paula
Published: November 2023

The Sustainable Development Goals are a mission for all societies. Higher education has an essential role in preparing citizens for this global challenge by adopting student-centred approaches and active methodologies. Service Learning (SL) is recognised as having educative value in promoting values, teamwork, and social awareness. The pedagogical project reported in this study was built with the underpinnings of the SL and active learning methodologies and aimed to describe and analyse the experience built on the principles of SL for Society within the theme of Olympics values. This study took place during the school placement curricular unit of a master’s programme in the Physical Education Teacher Education programme at (blinded for review). Seventy-two preservice teachers, organised in groups, were invited to develop an SL for Society project subordinated to the theme of “No one should be left behind” (ASD 2030). An analysis of the 22 projects revealed a spectrum of seven themes: (1) Inclusion, (2) Environment and Sustainability, (3) Gender Equality, (4) Health and Wellness, (5) Olympic and Social Values, (6) Cultural Heritage and Intergenerational Relations, and (7) Learning Communities. While conceiving, planning, implementing, and evaluating the projects, the preservice teachers understood the importance of embracing inclusion, equity, sustainability, and social justice in teaching.
Wicked from the Start: Educational Impediments to Teaching about Climate Change (and How Geography Education Can Help)
Authors: Mitchell Jerry T.
Published: November 2023

Climate change is a wicked problem, defying simple resolution. Education in various forms and at various levels has sought to improve understanding and stimulate climate change action in young people. There exists, however, a certain wickedness in education systems as well that makes climate change education difficult to enact successfully. These include an unsupportive education environment where academic standards related to climate change are missing, the lack of an inquiry-based pedagogy that can be well-suited to investigating topics like climate change with no easy answers, and ill-prepared teachers who do not fully know both the physical science and social aspects of the topic. A review of education standards in the United States and the literature on the latter two issues is used to make the argument that it is the geography classroom that can serve as the best unifying space that is most supportive of holistic and meaningful climate change education. This future is possible should we be successful in amending standards, pedagogy, and teacher preparation.
Coverage Enhancement of Light-Emitting Diode Array in Underwater Internet of Things over Optical Channels
Authors: Liu Anliang , Yao Huiping , Zhao Haobo , Yuan Yingming , Wang Yujia
Published: November 2023

The construction of the underwater Internet of Things (UIoT) is crucial to marine resource development, environmental observation, and tactical surveillance. The underwater optical wireless communication (UOWC) system with its large bandwidth and wide coverage facilitates the high-capacity information interconnection within the UIoT networks over short and medium ranges. To enhance the coverage characteristics of the UOWC system, an optimized lemniscate-compensated layout of light-emitting diode (LED) array is proposed in this paper, which can ameliorate the received optical power and reliability at the receiving terminal. Compared with traditional circular and rectangular layouts, the received optical power and bit error rate (BER) performance of the proposed system are analyzed based on the Monte Carlo simulation method. The analysis results show that the proposed LED array achieves a smaller peak power deviation and mean square error of the received optical power under three typical seawater environments. Furthermore, the proposed LED-array scheme supports a better BER performance of the UOWC system. For example, in turbid seawater with a transmission depth of 9.5 m, the BER of the proposed LED array layout is 1 × 10−7, which is better than the BER of 3.5 × 10−6 and 1 × 10−4 under the other two traditional light source layouts.
A Light-Weighted Machine Learning Approach to Channel Estimation for New-Radio Systems
Authors: Lee Hyun Woo , Choi Sang Won
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we provide a light-weighted Machine Learning (ML) approach to channel estimation for New-Radio (NR) systems. Specifically, based on the equivalence between the Channel Impulse Response (CIR) in the time domain and its corresponding Channel Frequency Response (CFR) in the frequency domain, the light-weighted ML model for the channel estimation is shown to be established in comparison to the existing ML-based channel estimator. Furthermore, for practical use, the quantized weights for the light-weighted ML-based estimator are shown to be feasible without significant performance degradation in the sense of mean square error (MSE), which shows the effectiveness of the proposed approach from the perspective of memory overhead. Consequently, we show that there exists Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) gain in comparison with the existing ML-based estimator, which is validated by numerical results considering the Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) for NR in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).
Fine-Grained Modeling of ROP Vulnerability Exploitation Process under Stack Overflow Based on Petri Nets
Authors: Zhang Liumei , Zhang Wei , Wang Yichuan , Xia Bowen , Han Yu
Published: November 2023

Software vulnerability discovery is currently a hot topic, and buffer overflow remains a prevalent security vulnerability. One of the key issues in vulnerability discovery and analysis is how to quickly analyze buffer overflow vulnerabilities and select critical exploitation paths. Existing modeling methods for vulnerability exploitation cannot accurately reflect the fine-grained execution process of stack overflow exploitation paths. This paper, based on the discussion of buffer overflow exploitation techniques, proposes a fine-grained modeling and analysis method based on Petri nets for the selection and execution of exploitation processes, specifically focusing on the return-oriented programming in stack overflow. Through qualitative analysis, we compared the simulated time of the software with the execution time of existing exploitation tools, achieving timeout-based simulation experiments. We validated the model’s effectiveness using symbolic execution and dynamic analysis techniques. The results indicate that this model performs well for vulnerable programs with Position Independent Executable (PIE) protection enabled and has an advantage in selecting exploitation paths, enabling timeout-based simulation. This method provides a reference for rapidly constructing exploitation implementations.
Demand-Side Electricity Load Forecasting Based on Time-Series Decomposition Combined with Kernel Extreme Learning Machine Improved by Sparrow Algorithm
Authors: Sun Liyuan , Lin Yuang , Pan Nan , Fu Qiang , Chen Liuyong , Yang Junwei
Published: November 2023

With the rapid development of new power systems, power usage stations are becoming more diverse and complex. Fine-grained management of demand-side power load has become increasingly crucial. To address the accurate load forecasting needs for various demand-side power consumption types and provide data support for load management in diverse stations, this study proposes a load sequence noise reduction method. Initially, wavelet noise reduction is performed on the multiple types of load sequences collected by the power system. Subsequently, the northern goshawk optimization is employed to optimize the parameters of variational mode decomposition, ensuring the selection of the most suitable modal decomposition parameters for different load sequences. Next, the SSA–KELM model is employed to independently predict each sub-modal component. The predicted values for each sub-modal component are then aggregated to yield short-term load prediction results. The proposed load forecasting method has been verified using actual data collected from various types of power terminals. A comparison with popular load forecasting methods demonstrates the proposed method’s higher prediction accuracy and versatility. The average prediction results of load data in industrial stations can reach RMSE = 0.0098, MAE = 0.0078, MAPE = 1.3897%, and R2 = 0.9949. This method can be effectively applied to short-term load forecasting in multiple types of power stations, providing a reliable basis for accurate demand-side power load management and decision-making.
Rural-Urban Differences in Prevalence and Associated Factors of Underweight and Overweight/Obesity among Bangladeshi Adults: Evidence from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017–2018
Authors: Gupta Rajat Das , Frank Hanna A. , Akonde Maxwell , Mazumder Ananna , Siddika Nazeeba , Apu Ehsanul Hoque , Chakraborty Promit Ananyo
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to identify the differences in prevalence and associated factors of underweight and overweight/obesity among Bangladeshi adults (≥18 years) by analyzing the cross-sectional Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017–2018 data. Multilevel multivariable logistic regression was applied to identify the factors associated with underweight and overweight/obesity in urban and rural areas. The prevalence of underweight was 12.24% and 19.34% in urban and rural areas, respectively. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 50.23% and 35.96%, respectively, in urban and rural areas. In the final multivariable analysis in both urban and rural areas, 30–49 years of age, female sex, being educated up to college or higher level, living in the wealthiest household, and being currently married or being separated/divorced/widowed had higher odds of being overweight/obese compared to other categories. Residence in the Mymensingh and Sylhet region was associated with decreased odds of overweight/obesity in urban and rural areas. On the other hand, being educated up to college or higher level, living in the wealthiest household, and being married were associated with reduced odds of being underweight in both areas. These high-risk groups should be brought under targeted health promotion programs to curb malnutrition.
Stock Status of a Few Small Indigenous Fish Species Exploited in the River Ganga, India
Authors: Ray Archisman , Das Basanta Kumar , Bhakta Dibakar , Johnson Canciyal , Roy Shreya , Gupta Subhadeep Das , Panda Soumya Prasad , Baitha Raju
Published: November 2023

The River Ganga produces a substantial amount of its fish from small native species, defined here as those with a maximum length of 25 cm. The FiSAT program was utilized to estimate stock assessments of four important small indigenous species from the River Ganga: Johnius coitor, Cabdio morar, Salmostoma bacaila, and Gudusia chapra. Fish samples were collected monthly for a year (April 2020–May 2021) from four predetermined sampling sites along the River Ganga (Farakka, Berhampore, Balagarh, and Tribeni) in West Bengal, India. The estimated exploitation rate for Johnius coitor, Salmostoma bacaila, and Gudusia chapra was relatively lower than the optimum level of 0.5 and considerably lower than Emax values, indicating that their stocks are experiencing low fishing pressure in the region. The FiSAT results indicated that the species Cabdio morar was found to be heavily exploited. The total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M), and fishing mortality (F) rates for all four of the SIF species were examined, and they were contrasted with data from previous studies. On the lower stretch of the River Ganga, all of the fish stocks are optimally exploited (Eopt), except for the species Cabdio morar. The population dynamics of all of the species have been described for the first time on the lower stretch of the River Ganga. According to the findings, all of the fish stocks throughout the lower stretch of River Ganga are optimally exploited (Eopt), except for Cabdio morar. The study also emphasizes the importance of increasing sustainable fishing efforts, focusing on SIFs throughout the lower stretch of the River Ganga in order to safeguard the livelihood and nutritional status of fishermen.
The Intrinsic and Instrumental Values of Blockchain to Provide Beef Traceability in Hong Kong, South Korea, and the United States
Authors: Jo Jisung , Lusk Jayson L.
Published: November 2023

Although previous research has identified that consumers are willing to pay for traceability, it remains unknown which types of traceability information might have the highest value, and whether consumers have an intrinsic value for blockchain technology above and beyond the instrumental value of providing traceability. A choice experiment was conducted with over 1500 consumers in Hong Kong, South Korea, and the U.S. In all three countries, consumers were willing to pay premiums for beef with traceability related to all parts of the supply chain, country of origin, and temperature history; however, the preference ordering of beef from different countries varied across Hong Kong, South Korea, and the U.S. The intrinsic value of using blockchain to deliver traceability information differed by country and by attribute, and consumers in the U.S. were most sensitive to the information describing blockchain technology. Even when traceability conveys negative information, such as temperature rising above safe levels for a short period, we find that consumers prefer knowing to not knowing, suggesting uncertainty and ambiguity aversion.
The Influence of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Oenococcus oeni Starters on the Volatile and Sensory Properties of Black Raspberry Wine
Authors: Wang Changsen , Sun Shuyang , Zhou Haoran , Cheng Zhenzhen
Published: November 2023

Malolactic fermentation (MLF) by different lactic acid bacteria has a significantly influence on the aromatic and sensory properties of wines. In this study, four strains including two Oenococcus oeni (commercial O-Mega and native DS04) and two Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (commercial NoVA and native NV27) were tested for their performances over MLF and effects on the basic composition, volatile components and sensory property of black raspberry wine. Results of microbial growth kinetics showed Lactiplantibacillus strains had higher fermentation efficiency than Oenococcus. The volatile compounds were determined by GC-IMS; NoVA and NV27 had higher production of volatile esters, and DS04 synthesized more amounts of acetate esters and several alcohols. In terms of sensory evaluation, NV27 and DS04 showed great aroma properties due to the enhanced fruity and sweet aroma. Furthermore, PLS was used for the establishment of the relationship between volatiles and sensory odors and sensory data interpretation.
How Do Consumers Living in European Capital Cities Perceive Foods with Sustainability Certificates?
Authors: Rejman Krystyna , Kaczorowska Joanna , Halicka Ewa , Prandota Aleksandra
Published: November 2023

Certification aims at ensuring food quality and safety, as well as confirming other beneficial credence attributes, such as local origin and sustainability. In order to explore the visibility and credibility of such certification labels functioning in the European Union, a study was conducted among residents of two EU Member States, Poland and Belgium. Face-to-face questionnaire-based interviews and focus group interviews were conducted among 701 adults living in Warsaw and Brussels—the capital cities of these countries. Almost 44% of Belgian respondents and 33% of Polish respondents considered certified foods as being of better quality compared to unlabeled products. Focus group interviews demonstrated that Belgian consumers had more extensive knowledge and a higher level of trust in certified foods compared to Warsaw inhabitants. Our findings suggest that certificates are moderately important factors of food choice due to the wide variety of certificates, leading to consumer confusion, a lack of label uniformity, greenwashing, limited visibility and availability at points of sale, consumer price sensitivity and the prioritization of other factors. These constraints can be alleviated by introducing food labeling standards and regulations. Increasing consumer awareness and the availability and affordability of certified foods can also boost the demand for sustainable products in the region.