bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Methodology for Selecting Foreign Open Access Journals to Publish Research Results
Authors: Volkova Irina
Published: September 2024

The article provides a methodology for selecting and further ranking foreign open access journals. This methodology takes into account several bibliometric indicators, as well as an article processing charge. The analysis of applying the methodology was carried out using the example of journals indexed in Scopus (thematic category – “Cell Biology”). Proceeding on this basis, the author has compiled a ranked list of foreign open access journals recommended for publishing research articles. The methodology is universal and can be applied to selecting journals in different subject areas. The Bradford distribution was used to distinguish the “core” and leading journals. While ranking the journals selected by this distribution, a final list of 17 foreign open access journals in the field of cellular biology was compiled (two of them do not charge a publication fee). It is an additional guide for researchers when choosing a journal to publish their works.
On the Harm of Science Popularization
Authors: Vaganov Andrey
Published: September 2024

The article discusses some aspects of the relationship between science and society through the prism of such a social phenomenon as the popularization of science. The usual narrative around science popularization today assumes the availability of scientific knowledge and its results for the whole society. However, the academic community quite clearly expresses its concerns about the need and, most importantly, the possibility of conveying scientific knowledge to laypeople in a simplified form. It is this opposition that is playing an increasingly prominent role today, including in the development of state science and technology policy. At the same time, as the author shows, the problem of science popularization turns out to be much more multilayered than it seems at first glance. The popularization of science is only a good indicator of the attitude of the state and society towards science and is a derivative of a more fundamental problem – the relationship between science and the democratic structure of society. Usually, they note several positive trends associated with the popularization of science: helping people to learn about new scientific discoveries and research, which can lead to an increase in interest in science in general; scientific knowledge becomes more accessible to a wide range of people (this contributes to an increase in the general level of education and development of society); science popularization can help to reduce anti-science prejudices and stereotypes as well as to increase the level of scientific literacy and critical thinking in society. However, as the author demonstrates using numerous characteristic examples, this is only one side of the coin. Popularization has another, negative side, which has a no less powerful influence on both society in general and the scientific community in particular. Thus, it is the popularization of science that can lead to the “wildness”of society, to ignoring expert scientific opinion. Due to the need to transfer scientific information in an accessible form, there is a simplification or even distortion of scientific data. This can lead to misunderstandings of science and the spread of myths and false beliefs. Obviously, it is important to find a balance between the availability of scientific information and the preservation of its quality and accuracy. But is it possible to find a balance in such a situation? Or is scientific popularization destined to become part of the entertainment business?
Imitation games. Review of the book “Ethnography of Bogus. Who and How Writes Custom Academic Papers in Russia” by A. Davydov and P. Abramov
Authors: Ablazhey Anatoly
Published: September 2024

The reviewed book is based on field research supported by the Khamovniki Foundation for Social Research. The unique nature of the material is emphasized, since this type of activity cannot be viewed externally, representing illegal practices in Russian higher education. The review briefly outlines the main sections of the monograph. A social portrait of authors of commissioned works is described in detail (in the terminology proposed by Aleksandr Davydov and Pavel Abramov – scriptors, i.e. literally the creators of text arrays). Methods identified by the authors for searching customers and the rules for interacting with them are presented. The basic approach of the authors is discussed. They consider imitation practices, including the presence of custom-made works, as a reflection of the shortcomings of higher education in Russia. The review concludes that the approach proposed by the authors certainly deserves public discussion. At the same time, the reviewer expresses confidence that the practices under study are not widespread; the atmosphere existing at a university plays a big role, especially informal internal rules of behavior of students and professors, the level of teaching staff, etc.
The Scientific and Technological Development Strategy of Russia: Context, Opportunities, Prospects
Authors: Shastitko Andrey
Published: September 2024

The article presents comments on certain points of the Scientific and Technological Development Strategy of the Russian Federation (STD) and explains the priority in the scientific policy aimed at encouraging the formation of synthetic scientific disciplines in the light of the need to respond to large challenges, as well as at discussing the ethical aspects of the STD. The author clarifies the importance of public procedures to gain access to resources controlled by the state. These resources are necessary for advancement in the field of STD. Issues related to the development of international cooperation in academic research are noted.
Scientific and Technological Development Strategy as a New Paradigm of Socioeconomic Modernization of Russia in the Context of Global Challenges
Authors: Kirillovykh Andrey
Published: September 2024

The article analyzes the provisions of the new Scientific and Technological Development Strategy of the Russian Federation. Attention is drawn to the reasons for changing the course of the state science and technology policy. It outlines the essence of the goals, priorities and prospects of scientific and technological development of Russia and gives an assessment of the key directions of state policy in the field of scientific and technological development, as well as mechanisms and tools for their implementation. Using analytical and formal legal methods, we consider the practice of regulating the issues related to organizing the directions of strategic scientific and technological development in Russia and reveal the systemic connections in law as well features of legal acts in the sphere of Russian public relations. The author believes that thoughtful and balanced government decisions in the development of an innovative economy might play a positive role in ensuring the national security of Russia and stabilizing the sociopolitical system of the country. In turn, the dominant ideas outlined in the Strategy are a part of the mechanism for countering existential threats towards contemporary Russia and ensure its national sovereignty in the long term.
Challenges to Public Administration Related to the Implementation of the Scientific and Technological Development Strategy of the Russian Federation
Authors: Barabashev Alexey
Published: September 2024

The author considers the requirements of the Decree of the President of Russia “On the Scientific and Technological Development Strategy of the Russian Federation” to the characteristics and principles of functioning of the public administration system in Russia. It is shown that the list of these characteristics and requirements is incomplete and insufficient for the implementation of the Decree. The main gaps in the requirements formed by the Decree relate to limiting the reconfiguration of the management system to only one subsystem, management in the field of scientific and technological development.
The article argues that the complex nature of grand scientific and technological challenges implies profound changes in the public administration system as a whole, the transition from a structural and functional management system (a combination of meritocratic and client-oriented models) to a project management system (indicative and public-state models). The changes should affect the nomenclature and the scheme of interaction between structural divisions of state bodies, increase the level of project intra- and interdepartmental coordination.
In addition, significant changes must be made in the public service system. We should organize training of specialists capable of using data analytics tools and data-based decision-making technologies as well as of carrying out an indicative assessment of project implementation indicators. The structure of the civil service should be associated with project offices and temporary performance of duties in these offices, and not only with permanent functions, taking into account the specifics of project service activities and project teams within government agencies. Civil servants should actively interact with independent expert structures and with civil society, which is the ultimate beneficiary of science and technology projects.
Analysis of the influence of local electrodeposition conditions on the accuracy of electrochemical 3D-printing
Authors: Vasyliev Georgii , Kotyk Mykhailo
Published: September 2024

Problem. Additive manufacturing of metal parts by local electrodeposition is a new promising area with several unique features. The use of electrolysis makes it possible to manufacture metal parts at room temperature with high accuracy and low energy consumption. The accuracy and speed of electrochemical 3D printing are inversely related, and therefore it is important to find optimal electrodeposition conditions at maximum speed without degrading accuracy.
The aim of the study. The purpose of this work was to analyse the influence of electrodeposition parameters (electrode distance, electrical conductivity and electrolyte polarization) on the accuracy of metal deposit formation in a computer model and to conduct experimental verification of optimal conditions for electroforming a real object from copper sulphate electrolyte.
Methodology of implementation. To achieve the goals of the study, computer simulation of the electrochemical deposition process in the COMSOL Multiphysics software and electrochemical measurements of the characteristics of copper sulphate electrolytes were used.
Research results. Computer simulation established optimal conditions: the distance between the edge of the capillary and the surface on which deposition occurs is not more than 0.5 mm, the electrolyte in which the inverse slope of the cathode polarization curve is not lower than 2000 mA/(V×cm2) and the electrical conductivity is not higher than 0.02 S/сm. The influence of the electrolyte composition on the inverse polarization of the cathode process and its electrical conductivity was investigated. The optimal composition of the electrolyte was selected,  containing 200 g/L CuSO4, 60 g/L H2SO4, 0.2 g/L KCl and RUBIN T-200 additive. In the selected electrolyte, the value of the inverse slope of the cathode polarization curve is 2120 mA/(V×cm2). Verification of the process of local electrodeposition in the selected electrolyte during the electroformation of a cylindrical object with a diameter of 4 mm and a height of 100 μm was carried out. It was determined that no more than 5 % of metal was deposited outside the capillary of the working electrode.
Conclusions. The results of the work can be used to create an electrochemical 3D printing system. Further research should be aimed at approbation of the obtained parameters of local electrodeposition in an installation that simulates the operation of a 3D printer and establish the accuracy and speed of printing of a three-dimensional object.
Key words: additive manufacturing, electrical conductivity, electrolyte composition, polarization, local electrodeposition.
REASONS AND REGULARITIES OF THE INFLUENCE OF MAGNETIC FIELDS ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND STRUCTURE OF DEFORMABLE METALS
Authors: Dong Chenjian , Zhang Yibiao , Zhang Lei , Kraiev Maksym , Geichuk Volodymyr
Published: September 2024

Background. The strength of metals greatly limits the possibility of obtaining products by plastic deformation. The electromagnetic nature of the processes of structure formation and plastic deformation provided the basis for the application of additional influence of the magnetic field. A fairly large volume of research material has been accumulated on the topic of additional influence of the magnetic field on ferro-, dia- and paramagnetic metals. The researches of recent years have an applied nature of studying the magnetoplasticity of technical alloys. Their generalization will make it possible to move from laboratory research to the development of equipment and technologies for combined pressure processing of metal products in a weak magnetic field.
Objective. Generalization and analysis of the results of laboratory and theoretical studies of the additional application of the magnetic field in the processes of mechanical testing of metals and alloys.Methods. Literary review of materials of articles, monographs, dissertations.
Results. Reasonable use of a magnetic field for plastic deformation of metals. The explanation of the mechanism of the influence of the magnetic field on the structural elements of metals based on the effect of magnetoplasticity has been made. The description of changes in the mechanical properties of metals and alloys under the additional influence of a magnetic field is given.
Conclusions. The phenomenon of magnetoplasticity has been studied for a wide range of materials such as pure metals and their alloys, including industrial steels and alloys. Various types of positive effects of a magnetic field on the mechanical properties of metals have been established: a decrease in the yield strength and deformation resistance, an increase in strain, relaxation of internal stresses, and a decrease in dislocation density. There is also a reverse, negative effect of the influence of a magnetic field: increased rate of hardening, embrittlement, increased creep of metals. What will be the effect of a magnetic field on a specific metal cannot be guaranteed with high accuracy.
Seweryn Gałęzowski among the Polish refugees in Paris in the mid-nineteenth
Authors: Magowska Anita
Published: September 2024

Listy Seweryna Gałęzowskiego (1801-1878) są ciekawym źródłem wiedzy o życiu codziennym polskich uchodźców politycznych w Paryżu w połowie XIX w. Nadawca listów ukończył studia lekarskie w Wilnie, uczestniczył w powstaniu listopadowym i po jego klęsce musiał uciekać na Zachód. Adresatem listów był Józef Bohdan Zaleski (1802-1886), polsko-ukraiński poeta. Po powstaniu tysiące ludzi opuszczało ojczyste strony w obawie przed represjami. Listy pokazują ich życie publiczne.
Stefania Perzanowska (1896-1974), a doctor and prisoner of the concentration camp in Majdanek
Authors: Ciesielska Maria
Published: September 2024

Artykuł opisuje życie, zwłaszcza wojenne lata, Stefanii Perzanowskiej (1896-1974), absolwentki Wydziału Lekarskiego Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego. Jako lekarz uczestniczyła w obronie Warszawy we wrześniu 1939 r. W następnych latach uczestniczyła w akcjach polskiego ruchu oporu, za co w 1942 r. została aresztowana i przetransportowana do obozu koncentracyjnego w Majdanku koło Lublina, gdzie zorganizowała prymitywny szpital dla kobiet. Artykuł opisuje zbrodnie popełnione w obozie w Majdanku, zwłaszcza eksperymenty na ludziach w szpitalu obozowym.
Alfons Gdyra (1909-1977), a gynecologist and obstetrician, the first manager of the hospital in the town of Ostrów Wielkopolski
Authors: Sukiennicki Antoni
Published: September 2024

Artykuł przedstawia historię życia Alfonsa Gdyry (1909-1977), absolwenta Wydziału Lekarskiego Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego. Był ginekologiem i położnikiem, który praktykował głównie w Ostrowie Wielkopolskim. Podczas drugiej wojny światowej został aresztowany i uwięziony za przynależność do ruchu oporu. Jego wspomnienia zostały opublikowane w niniejszym numerze „Acta Medicorum Polonorum”
Financial planning among Islamic economics students in Yogyakarta
Authors: Putri Ida Kurnia
Published: September 2024

This article analyses financial planning for students who studying Islamic economic two universities in Yogyakarta, that is UIN Sunan Kalijaga and Universitas Islam Indonesia. This study is conducted by convenience sampling on 30 samples of each group.Â  The questionnaire is then distributed to collect data related to financial planning, knowledge, and control. The results show that 60 respondents (53% men) generally had low Islamic financial planning. Statistically there is no difference between the two groups of samples. In addition, this study also shows that financial knowledge variables statistically affect the financial planning of the students, while the control variables do not significantly influence it. However, both variables, the variable knowledge and control variables, significantly affect financial planning.
An analysis of factors affecting the investment growth of Indonesian Islamic insurance
Authors: Abdullah Zaki
Published: September 2024

The development of Islamic insurance undergoes a noticeable growth of investment. As Islamic insurance companies have a better ability to manage investments, it is predictable that the companies will be able to better grow assets. The objective of this study is to analyze the factors that influence the growth of Islamic insurance investment in Indonesia. This study used an Ordinary Least Square (OLS) method along with the monthly timeline data from January 2014 until October 2016. The results of this study show that a variable yield of mudharabah and an industrial production index enhance a positive impact on the Islamic insurance investment growth. While the inflation, BI rate, and oil price variables negatively affect the growth of Islamic insurance investment.
Doğrudan İndirgemeler Üzerine İki Değerli Mantık Açısından Bir İnceleme –II: Aynı Basit Önermelerden Oluşturulan Bileşik Önermelerin Birbirine İndirgenmesi
Authors: Osman Fikret
Published: September 2024

“Denizin ne sisli olduğu ne de sisli olmadığı doğru değildir” şeklindeki tümel değilleme önermesiyle “denizin hem sisli olduğu hem de sisli olmadığı doğru değildir” şeklindeki bağdaşmazlık önermesi; “öğrenci çalışkandır veya çalışkan değildir” şeklindeki tikel evetleme önermesiyle “öğrencinin çalışkan olduğu ve çalışkan olmadığı doğru değildir” şeklindeki tümel evetleme önermesi; “Paris şehrinin hem Fransa ülkesinin sınırları içerisinde yer aldığı hem de Fransa ülkesinin sınırları içerisinde yer almadığı doğru değildir” şeklindeki bağdaşmazlık önermesiyle “Paris şehrinin Fransa ülkesinin sınırları içerisinde yer aldığı ve Fransa ülkesinin sınırları içerisinde yer almadığı doğru değildir” şeklindeki tümel evetleme önermesi aynı basit önermelerden oluşturulan ve iki değerli mantık bağlamında birbirine indirgenebilen birer bileşik önermedir. Bu önermeler gibi aynı basit önermelerden oluşturulan pek çok bileşik önerme birbirine indirgenebilir. Bu makalede aynı basit önermelerden oluşturulan bileşik önermelerin iki değerli mantık bağlamında tüm birbirine indirgenme varyasyonları ortaya konulmaya çalışılmaktadır. Çalışmanın birinci bölümünde değilleme eklemi kullanılmadan oluşturulan aynı basit önermeli bileşik önermelerin birbirine indirgenmesine, ikinci bölümünde değilleme ekleminden yararlanılarak oluşturulan aynı basit önermeli bileşik önermelerin birbirine indirgenmesine, üçüncü bölümünde ise değilleme eklemi kullanılmadan oluşturulan aynı basit önermeli bileşik önermelerle değilleme eklemi kullanılarak oluşturulan aynı basit önermeli bileşik önermelerin birbirine indirgenmesine yer verilmektedir.
From Boom to Bust: Unpacking India’s Fertility Decline
Authors:   UGC Senior Research Fellow, Department of Studies in Anthropology, Karnatak University, Dharwad, Karnataka 580001, India, Nayana V. , Sandeep J. ,   Freelance Anthropologist and Consultant, Department of Studies in Anthropology, Karnatak University, Dharwad, Karnataka 580001, India
Published: September 2024

As the world grapples with shifting demographics, India stands at the epicentre of a profound transformation. This research delves into the intricate interplay of culture, fertility, and policy, dissecting the enigma of declining Total Fertility Rates (TFRs). Global trends are juxtaposed with the Indian context. The paper challenges the validity of Malthusian principles and explores the multifaceted causes behind India’s dwindling fertility rates. Consequences ripple across generations: an aging populace, labour shortages, and an impending birth crisis. Drawing insights from international experiences, the paper proposes tailored policy interventions. It advocates for the adoption of a nationwide Two-Child Policy in states with TFRs nearing or exceeding 2.0, while recommending a Three-Child Policy to promote sustainable growth in regions where rates fall below 1.0. As India navigates through this intricate terrain, the pursuit of equilibrium emerges as the overarching goal a future where cultural heritage, fertility aspirations, and pragmatic policy converge harmoniously.
Socio-economic Impacts of Forests Rights Act on the Individual Title Holders: An Analytical Study among the Lanjia Saoras of Odisha
Authors:   Research Assistant, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Research and Training Institute, Odisha 751012, Bhubaneswar, India,, Singh Kalandi , Kumar Sahoo Prasant ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, F.M. Autonomous College, Balasore 756001, Odisha, India.
Published: September 2024

The present study examines the socio-economic impacts of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 on Individual Forest Rights (IFR) title holders from the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) of Lanjia Saora in the Gumma block of Gajapati district, Odisha. It analyses the socioeconomic status, land use patterns, occupations, and convergence of government schemes for IFR households across 4 villages through household surveys and focus group discussions covering 52 households. Key findings i.e reveal livelihood dependence on agriculture, agricultural wage labour and lack of basic amenities like pucca housing, electricity and toilets for majority of households. While some support have been provided through rural housing, land development and horticulture schemes, the coverage remains limited. The study therefore recommends increasing awareness about FRA, promoting cash crops, horticulture, Non Timber Forest Products (NTFP) collection and marketing, skill development for off-farm livelihoods, improving connectivity and public infrastructure etc. It conlude the need to address developmental gaps of tribal IFR holders through appropriate policies and convergence of government schemes at the district level.
RETRACTED: A Heuristic With Multiple Search Strategies for the Gtsps in Different Environments
Authors: DUTTA PRASANTA , KHAN INDADUL , BASULI KRISHNENDU , MAITI MANAS KUMAR
Published: September 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
WITHDRAWN: An Experimental Study on Quantitative Evaluation of Cognitive Features in Indian College Students with Yoga and Rajyoga Meditation as Intervention
Authors: Madhu Shobhika , KUMAR PRASHANT , CHANDRA SUSHIL
Published: September 2024

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors while they make corrections to the work. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Field evaluation of germplasm lines of extra-long staple cotton (Gossypium barbadense) for Tobacco Streak Virus (TSV) resistance based on symptoms expression
Authors: P Valarmathi , Mari Amutha
Published: September 2024

Background
The necrosis disease caused by Tobacco streak virus (TSV) is highly destructive. Conventional management practices for TSV includes cultural methods such as crop rotation, maintaining field sanitation, rouging of infected plants, intercropping with non-host crops of short duration, eliminating weed hosts like Parthenium and insecticide application to control vectors. However, the most efficient and convenient approach to combat this devastating disease is to cultivate resistant varieties.
Results
TSV distribution in the germplasm of ELS cotton, Gossypium barbadense, appears to be significant. In a consecutive two-season screening at ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Regional Station, Coimbatore, total of three hundred G. barbadense germplasm lines were evaluated for natural occurrence of TSV. Among them, fourteen germplasm lines were categorized as Resistant (R), twenty-two as Moderately Resistant (MR), one hundred and sixty-eight as Moderately Susceptible (MS), and ninety-four as Susceptible (S) lines.
Conclusion
The identified fourteen resistant germplasm lines of G. barbadense can be valuable resources in breeding programs as donor parents to develop TSV-resistant lines. Utilizing these lines in breeding efforts can contribute to the development of resistant varieties against TSV.
Using GIS Model to Evaluate the Industrial Pollution in the Coastal Area of Rabigh Governorate, KSA.
Authors: Gheith Amin , Dawoud Islam
Published: September 2024

Rabigh area is one of the most promising areas in the Southwestern province in Saudi Arabia. Forthcoming governmental developments and vigorous activities are planned to be located in and around Rabigh area. Pollution rates have increased significantly in Rabigh Governorate recently due to industrial development in the region, as well as the presence of landfills designated for hazardous industrial waste, and unqualified sewage landfills. In addition, marine environment pollution is caused by direct industrial discharge into the sea in the coastal area of ​​Rabigh. As a result, there is an urgent need for many studies that must clarify the pollution hotspots in the city, as well as determine the nature of pollutants on site. In the present study, samples of soil, groundwater, seawater and sediment were collected and analyzed to measure the concentration of pollutants in soil and water. Also, air quality measurements were made in the study area. Arc GIS software was used to analyze the data and identify pollution hotspots in the study area. The environmental land-water quality map (Fig. 15) assesses five classes with varying degrees (very low, low, moderate, high, and very high) of environmental quality zones. The environmental quality map (Fig. 15) shows that the study area is in a high environmental quality zone, but most of the areas surrounding it are in a very high to moderate environmental quality zone Except the southern part of the study area (Landfill area) it is in the moderate quality to low quality zone. The low-quality zones in the seawater among the study area, especially the southern part of the study area because of the increasing development therein.
An Experimental Infection of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Its Effects on Hematology and Histopathology of Nile Tilapia, Ethiopia
Authors: Abdi Alemu kebede , Pavanasam Natarajan , Rufael Tesfaye , Bedewi Zufan , Urgesa Tewoderos Arega , kassa Nebiyu
Published: September 2024

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) one of the commercially important fast-growing and well-adapted freshwater fish is cultivated extensively worldwide (FAO 2018). The present study was conducted on 36 apparently healthy Nile Tilapia (130 ± 10 g. body weight and average 19.5 cm length) collected from the National Fisheries and Aquatic Life Research Center (NFARC), Sebeta. Fish were adapted for one week in the experimental greenhouse of NFARC before starting the experiment Fish were divided into two groups (18 fish per each), inoculated intraperitoneally using 0.2 ml of saline, and the pathogen, Pseudomonas fluorescens at a concentration of 3 x 106 CFU/ml. The inoculated fish were observed for 21 days for pathogenicity. The clinical signs observed on the second day post injection were loss of balance, excessive mucus secretions on skin and gills, ascites with slightly protruded reddish vent, hemorrhages all over the body surface, frayed fins, and an empty intestine. This study showed that Pseudomonas infection caused 55.4% (10) mortality, with severe alterations in RBC and WBC counts with severe histopathological changes in muscle, gills, liver, kidney, spleen, and intestine. The histopathological changes observed include hemorrhages, tubular cell necrosis, congestion, mononuclear cell aggregation and infiltration in the kidney; hepatocyte vacuolization in liver; lamellar fusion in gills; sloughed and mucosal necrosis in intestine; mononuclear cell aggregation and infiltration in muscle and hemosiderin accumulation in spleen.
A new method for counting and sizing microplastic particles in water: investigating the presence of microplastics in Iranian bottled water
Authors: Moshtaghizadeh Paria , Shekarforoush Seyed Shahram , Eskandari Mohammad Hadi
Published: September 2024

The ubiquity of microplastics (MPs) in various foodstuffs and beverages has raised substantial public health concerns. This study aimed to develop a novel method for counting and sizing MP particles in bottled water using Nile Red staining combined with Direct Microscopic Count (DMC). A filtration process with a 0.25 µm mixed cellulose ester (MCE) membrane filter was employed, followed by dissolving the filter with acetone to avoid background interference, and staining MPs with Nile Red. MPs were counted and measured using a fluorescent microscope, and their polymer nature was confirmed via Raman Confocal Spectroscopy. This study tested 60 plastic bottled water samples from 20 brands produced in Iran for MP contamination. The concentration of MPs varied between 0 and 608 particles per mL, with an average of 109.5 particles per mL. The number of MP particles with size < 10, 11–100, 101–200 and > 200 µm was 74.3, 34.6, 1.5 and 0.9 per mL, respectively. Afterward, by exposing particles stained with Nile Red to laser using Raman Confocal spectroscopy it was found that 94% of the particles were PET, 5.7% were PE, and only 0.3% were PP.
MicroElectroThermoForming (μETF): One-step Versatile 3D Shaping of Flexible Microelectronics for Enhanced Neural Interfaces
Authors: Jeong Joonsoo , Lee Dong Hyeon , Park Younghoon , Seo Yoon , Jeong Hyunbeen , Seo Jong-Mo , Seo Min-Ho , Eom Kyungsik
Published: September 2024

Increasing the proximity of microelectrode arrays (MEA) to targeted neural tissues is crucial for establishing efficient neural interfaces for both recording and stimulation applications. This has been achieved by constructing protruding three-dimensional (3D) structures on top of conventional planar microelectrodes via additional micromachining steps. However, this approach adds fabrication complexities and limits the 3D structures to certain shapes. We propose a one-step fabrication of versatile microscopic 3D structures for thin-film MEAs via “microelectrothermoforming (µETF)” of thermoplastics, by utilizing 3D-printed molds to locally deform planar MEAs into desired protruding and recessing shapes. Electromechanical optimization of the µETF process enabled a 3D MEA with 80 µm protrusions and/or recession for 100 µm diameter. Its versatile shaping capabilities are demonstrated by simple and simultaneous forming of diverse 3D structures on a single MEA. The benefits of 3D MEA are evaluated in retinal stimulation through numerical simulations and ex vivo experiments, confirming a threshold lowered by 1.7 times and spatial resolution enhanced by 2.2 times.
Childhood Predictors of Perceptions of Social Trust: A Cross-National Analysis in the Global Flourishing Study
Authors: Kim Young-IL , VanderWeele Tyler , Johnson Byron
Published: September 2024

Despite several decades of research on social trust, empirical evidence on the impact of childhood experiences on generalized trust in later life has long been lacking. This is surprising because mounting evidence suggests that trusting disposition is largely determined during the formative periods of childhood. Using nationally representative samples from 22 countries of six continents (N = 202,898), we identified several childhood predictors associated with perceptions of generalized trust in adulthood. The quality of the relationship with one’s mother and father, childhood socioeconomic status, childhood health, and childhood religious service attendance are significantly associated with greater levels of social trust perceptions later in life. Conversely, experiences of abuse during childhood are significantly associated with lower levels of social trust perceptions. We also find that the strength of these associations markedly vary across countries, highlighting diverse societal influences and cultural contexts that characterize each country. The results of the current study suggest that family environment plays a significant role in the formation of perceptions of generalized trust.
Development of a Ground Motion Model for Taiwan Using XGBoost and Its Implementation in Seismic Hazard Assessment
Authors: Chang Chih-Yu , Chan Chung-Han , Gao Jia-Cian , Ma Kuo-Fong
Published: September 2024

This study utilizes the XGBoost model integrated with the Flatfile database, strong ground motion records derived from the Taiwan Strong Motion Instrumentation Program (TSMIP), to establish a crustal ground motion model (GMM) in forms of PGA, PGV, and spectral acceleration. When evaluating the performance of these models, particular attention is paid to the standard deviation of residuals and the R² score, as well as multiple analysis methods such as distance response, response spectra, and residual distribution to thoroughly assess the effectiveness and rationality of the models. Additionally, a key aspect of the methodology is the application of SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) values to validate the importance of different predictors within our model. This approach not only clarifies the impact of various factors on strong ground motion but also highlights the interpretability of the model, addressing the traditional demands of engineering seismology for model rationality and explainability. Considering the imbalance in the earthquake dataset, especially lack of larger-scale and near-field events, the Smoter and Gaussian Noise (SMOGN) method is used for data augmentation. This method effectively balances the dataset, thereby enhancing the model to learn from rare but significant large-scale and/or near-field seismic events. The study also demonstrates the applicability of the model in seismic hazard assessment using the seismic hazard analysis software, incorporating our strong motion attenuation model for seismic motion simulation. The incorporation of machine learning techniques into the development of GMM marks a significant step forward in the advancement of seismic hazard assessment in Taiwan. This research could have a substantial impact on earthquake preparedness strategies, infrastructure resilience planning, and public safety protocols, demonstrating the potential of machine learning in engineering seismology.
Exploring the mechanism of Pim-1 upregulation of tissue factor to initiate hypercoagulable state in sepsis
Authors: Wang Qing , Wang Ying , Hong Yun , Zhang Rongrong , Zhou Chen , Pan Jingye
Published: September 2024

Background
During sepsis-induced coagulopathy (SIC), the balance of coagulation, anticoagulation, and fibrinolysis is disrupted, and endothelial dysfunction plays a key role in the disease progression. Current studies have indicated that the Proviral integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus 1 (Pim-1) can promote thrombosis and activate an autoimmune response. This study aimed to assess the relevance of inhibiting Pim-1 as a potential therapeutic target for SIC.
Methods
Wild-type, Pim-1-KO, and TLR4-KO mice were categorized into the sham and cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) groups. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were classified into the control, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, and intervention groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect plasma coagulation index in mice. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were employed to examine protein expression in tissues or cells. Additionally, immunohistochemistry and hematoxylin and eosin staining were conducted to detect liver/lung tissue damage. Tissue factor (TF) promoter activity was detected using a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Moreover, the correlation between variables was determined using Pearson correlation analysis.
Results
Pim-1 inhibition can decrease the coagulation response of sepsis mice and improve the survival rate. Pim-1 administration activated LPS-induced endothelial injury via mTOR/Sp1/TF signaling pathways, and Pim-1 acts in endothelial cells via the TLR4 pathway.
Conclusions
These findings indicated that Pim-1 promotes TF upregulation, leading to the initiation of a hypercoagulable state in sepsis. Therefore, inhibiting Pim-1 activity may be a therapeutic approach for SIC.
Characteristics of Transition to Turbulence in a Thoracic Aorta Using Large Eddy Simulation
Authors: Cheng Kuiyu , Akhtar Shehnaz , Lee Kwan Yong , Lee Sang-Wook
Published: September 2024

This study employed Large Eddy Simulation (LES) with the wall-adapting local eddy-viscosity (WALE) model to investigate transitional flow characteristics in an idealized thoracic aortic model. The OpenFOAM solver pimpleFoam was used to simulate blood flow as an incompressible Newtonian fluid, with the aortic walls treated as rigid boundaries. Simulations were conducted for 30 cardiac cycles and ensemble averaging was employed to ensure statistically reliable results. Main hemodynamic parameters, such as velocity fields, turbulence intensity and wall shear stress (WSS) were analyzed throughout the circulatory system. Through 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) visualization, we explained the transition from laminar to turbulent flow and its development throughout the cardiac cycle. Results demonstrated that turbulence originates in the aortic arch following the peak systole phase and further develops in the aortic arch and descending aorta during the mid-deceleration and end-systole phases. The WSS at the aortic arch is relatively high, which may be related to the development of various diseases, such as type A aortic dissection and atherosclerosis.
Efficacy of a Continuous Dean Flow UV-C System in Almond Milk Pasteurization Using Computational Fluid Dynamics and Biodosimetry
Authors: Singh Amritpal , Sharma Aakash , Pendyala Brahmaiah , Balamurugan Sampathkumar , Patras Ankit
Published: September 2024

A continuous Dean flow UV-C system was designed using fluorinated ethylene propylene tubing with UV-C transmission ≈ 60% wrapped in a serpentine path to improve axial mixing with a Dean number > 140. The microbial inactivation efficiency of the system was evaluated using Salmonella Typhimurium, E. coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, and T1UV inoculated in almond milk (AM) and treated at various fluence levels at an optimized flow rate of 515 ml/min. In addition, a detailed examination of the velocity magnitude at various locations in a dean flow system, especially at the bends, was quantified. The findings indicate that a reduction > 4 log was attained for all specified microorganisms with a reduction equivalent fluence of 22.05 mJ/cm2. Additionally, computational fluid dynamics were employed to examine the velocity magnitude and incident radiation field within the tubing. In summary, the system demonstrated effectiveness in inactivating target microorganisms present in almond milk.
Bounded Satisfiability Checking of FOL * Formulas with Aggregations
Authors: Feng Nick , Marsso Lina , Kholodetska Yuliia , Chechik Marsha
Published: September 2024

Software systems handling data are increasingly required to comply with legal properties (LPs) aimed at ensuring security and data privacy. Automated reasoning of LPs can be carried out by solving constraint satisfiability problems in first-order logic. However, the current logic-based reasoning approaches have limited support for capturing and reasoning about LPs with aggregation constraints, which are commonly found in financial and privacy policies. In this work, we extend first-order logic with quantifiers over relational objects (FOL *) to support aggregation, resulting in a language FOL * + , and propose a satisfiability checking algorithm, LEGOS-A, for FOL * + which supports reasoning about aggregation by over-and under-approximating the aggregated values and incrementally refining these approximations to derive the satisfiability result. Running LEGOS-A on real world and academic examples with aggregation from various domains showed that LEGOS-A was able to solve many previously intractable problems and provided substantial speed-ups compared to the state-of-the-art FOL * satisfiability checker and other SMT-based alternatives.
Soft sensor modeling for the fermentation process of Pichia pastoris based on the transfer modeling of substructural domain
Authors: Wang Bo , Wei Jun , Zhang Le , Jiang Hui , Jin Cheng , Huang Shanwei
Published: September 2024

Aiming at the problem that traditional transfer methods are prone to lose data information in the overall domain-level transfer, and it is difficult to achieve the perfect match between source and target domains, thus reducing the accuracy of the soft sensor model, this paper proposes a soft sensor modeling method based on the transfer modeling framework of substructural domain. Firstly, the Gaussian mixture model clustering algorithm is used to extract local information, cluster the source and target domains into multiple substructural domains, and adaptively weight the substructural domains according to the distances between the sub-source domains and sub-target domains. Secondly, the optimal subspace domain adaptation method integrating multiple metrics is used to obtain the optimal projection matrices Ws and Wt that are coupled with each other, and the data of source and target domains are projected to the corresponding subspace to perform spatial alignment, so as to reduce the discrepancy between the sample data of different working conditions. Finally, based on the source and target domain data after substructural domain adaptation, the least squares support vector machine algorithm is used to establish the prediction model. Taking Pichia pastoris fermentation to produce inulinase as an example, the simulation results verify that the proposed soft sensor modeling method can accurately predict Pichia pastoris concentration and inulinase concentration online under different working conditions, and has higher prediction accuracy than the traditional soft sensor modeling method.
Experimental Investigations of Fluid-to-Vehicle Interactions during a Reusable Launcher’s Touchdown Impact
Authors: Krämer Caroline , Witte Lars
Published: September 2024

Several programmes are dedicated worldwide to the development of reusable vertical take-off vertical landing (VTVL) launch vehicles. Thereby, the touchdown event with its associated impact forces and shocks poses load cases to the vehicle being new in the launcher domain. Furthermore, the application of related knowledge from planetary, exploration-type landers has to be taken cautiously due to the differences between those types of vehicle, particularly with regard to their tank configuration and structural sizing. Depending on flight test conditions and operational concept, non-neglectable amounts of liquid propellant can still be inside the tanks at landing and interact with the vehicle. These interactions cause dynamic and structural effects that affect the landing stability and structural integrity of the vehicle. This study aims to experimentally investigate the fluid-vehicle interactions of a fully functional touchdown demonstrator during touchdown. For this, a vehicle landing engineering model is equipped with a circular cylindrical tank and a series of touchdown test with varying horizontal landing velocities and fill levels is conducted. Thereby, the main objectives are to prove repeatable landing behaviour under sloshing impact for constant landing conditions, characterise the fluid impact on landing stability and investigate the fluid-structure interactions on the tank. Therefor test data of different test cases is compared and analysed with regards to dynamic behaviour and structural responses.
Self-supervised Anomaly Detection Pretraining Enhances Long-tail ECG Diagnosis
Authors: Zhang Ya , Jiang Aofan , Huang Chaoqin , Cao Qing , Xu Yuchen , Zeng Zi , Chen Kang , Wang Yanfeng
Published: September 2024

Current computer-aided ECG diagnostic systems struggle with the underdetection of rare but critical cardiac anomalies due to the imbalanced nature of ECG datasets. This study introduces a novel approach using self-supervised anomaly detection pretraining to address this limitation. The anomaly detection model is specifically designed to detect and localize subtle deviations from normal cardiac patterns, capturing the nuanced details essential for accurate ECG interpretation. Validated on an extensive dataset of over one million ECG records from clinical practice, characterized by a long-tail distribution across 116 distinct categories, the anomaly detection-pretrained ECG diagnostic model has demonstrated a significant improvement in overall accuracy. Notably, our approach yielded a 94.7% AUROC, 92.2% sensitivity, and 92.5% specificity for rare ECG types, significantly outperforming traditional methods and narrowing the performance gap with common ECG types. The integration of anomaly detection pretraining into ECG analysis represents a substantial contribution to the field, addressing the long-standing challenge of long-tail data distributions in clinical diagnostics. Furthermore, prospective validation in real-world clinical settings revealed that our AI-driven approach enhances diagnostic efficiency, precision, and completeness by 32%, 6.7%, and 11.8% respectively, when compared to standard practices. This advancement marks a pivotal step forward in the integration of AI within clinical cardiology, with particularly profound implications for emergency care, where rapid and accurate ECG interpretation is crucial. The contributions of this study not only push the boundaries of current ECG diagnostic capabilities but also lay the groundwork for more reliable and accessible cardiovascular care.
Demographic Variation and Childhood Predictors of Perceived Discrimination Across 22 Countries
Authors: Yancey George , Grigoropoulou Nikolitsa , Emerson Michael , VanderWeele Tyler , Johnson Byron
Published: September 2024

Discrimination remains widespread around the globe, but less is known about the prevalence, variability, and determinants of perceived discrimination across diverse cultures. This study investigates the variation in perceived discrimination across 22 countries and identifies key demographic and childhood factors shaping these perceptions. Using data from the Global Flourishing Study, we document substantial cross-national differences in perceived discrimination, with countries like Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria reporting higher levels, while Sweden, Poland, and Tanzania exhibiting lower levels. Demographically, younger adults, separated individuals, the unemployed, frequent religious service attenders, and Muslims are more likely to report discrimination, although patterns vary by country. Importantly, we also identify significant childhood predictors of perceived discrimination in adulthood. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including abuse and feeling like an outsider within the family, significantly increase the risk of perceived discrimination later in life. However, childhood predictors’ effects vary across countries, suggesting both universal and culturally specific influences. Our study underscores the enduring impact of early life experiences on adult perceptions of discrimination and highlights the need for targeted interventions to address these root causes globally. The findings provide crucial insights for policymakers and scholars aiming to reduce discrimination and promote social equity across diverse cultural contexts.