bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Dispersive and Distributive Mixing Effect of Screw Elements on the Co-Rotating Twin-Screw Extruder with Particle Tracking
Authors: Oldemeier Jan Philipp , Schöppner Volker
Published: October 2024

Compounding is an important step in processing base polymers and is used to incorporate various additives into a polymer. For this purpose, different screw elements are used for dispersive and distributive mixing on a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. Optimising the screw configuration requires precise knowledge of the screw elements’ mixing properties, which have not been thoroughly investigated. This study analyses the mixing behaviour of individual screw elements regarding dispersive and distributive mixing using 3D CFD flow simulations with subsequent particle tracking. For distributive mixing, the particle distribution behind the screw elements in the XY plane is analysed and the mixing index MQ, which relates the standard deviation and the mean value of the triangular areas between the particles, is calculated. For dispersive mixing, the maximum shear stress on the particle path and the integral of the shear stress over the residence time of each individual particle are determined. The results show that screw element geometry and rotation speed have a significant influence on dispersive and distributive mixing. In addition, better dispersive mixing is achievable with highly viscous materials. These findings enable the optimisation of the mixing zone of a co-rotating twin-screw extruder for the efficient mixing of mineral fillers.
Formulation of Thermo-Sensitive In Situ Gels Loaded with Dual Spectrum Antibiotics of Azithromycin and Ofloxacin
Authors: Alsheikh Raghad , Haimhoffer Ádám , Nemes Dániel , Ujhelyi Zoltán , Fehér Pálma , Józsa Liza , Vasvári Gábor , Pető Ágota , Kósa Dóra , Nagy Lajos , Horváth László , Balázs Bence , Bácskay Ildikó
Published: October 2024

In situ gels have been developed as an innovative strategy to prolong corneal residence time and enhance drug absorption compared to traditional eye drops. Our study aimed to formulate an ophthalmic in situ gel with a combination of two thermosensitive poloxamers, P407 and P188, in an optimal ratio not only to increase the time of action but also to increase the solubility of selected antibiotics for the treatment of ophthalmic infections. Two BSC II class substances, Azithromycin and Ofloxacin, with different mechanisms of action, have been incorporated into the in situ gel system after determining their solubility. The antibiotics-loaded in situ gel formulation was evaluated for its clarity, pH, rheological properties, and gel characteristics of gelling time, temperature, and capacity. The formulation demonstrated satisfactory clarity, appropriate pH, effective gelation properties in simulated tear fluid, and suitable rheological characteristics. In addition, APIs release insight has been studied through a dissolution test, and the effectivity against sensitive and resistant bacterial strains has been proved through the antimicrobial study. Therefore, our in situ gel system based on thermosensitive poloxamers, with two hydrophobic antibiotics, AZM and OFX, can be considered a valuable approach for ophthalmic drug delivery with an enhancement of the antibiotics bioavailability through increasing the contact time with the ocular surface and enhancing patient compliance.
Development of Novel Cardanol-Derived Reactive Dispersing Agents for Bio-Based Anionic–Nonionic Waterborne Polyurethane
Authors: Xia Jianrong , Wu Haobin , Chen Kaidong , Li Yanling , Lu Xin , Ding Sibo , Zheng Xuelin
Published: October 2024

This study successfully developed a bio-based, photocurable, anionic–nonionic dual-functional chain extender, and sulfonated cardanol-based polyethylene glycol (SCP), derived from renewable resources—cardanol and polyethylene glycol—for application in waterborne polyurethane dispersions (WPUDs). Utilizing SCP as a chain extender, WPUDs were prepared through a typical acetone process with poly(butylene adipate) (PBA), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), and ethylene diamine (EDA) at a constant NCO/OH ratio of 1:1. This research focused on the effects of polyethylene glycol molecular weight and SCP dosage on the particle size, stability, and film-forming properties of the WPUD. Optimal dispersion stability and film-forming performance were achieved with a polyethylene glycol molecular weight of 1500 and a PBA to SCP molar ratio of 4:1, yielding a particle size of 0.326 ± 0.010 μm and excellent storage stability over six months. The resulting WPU coatings exhibited a tensile strength of 11.4 MPa, which increased to 16.8 MPa after UV irradiation owing to the formation of a semi-interpenetrating network via the photopolymerization of cardanol’s unsaturated side chains. UV cross-linking also enhanced water resistance, reducing the water absorption rate (WAR) from 18.68% to 4.21% and the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) from 6.59 × 10−5 g·m⁻¹·Pa⁻¹·d⁻¹ to 2.26 × 10⁻⁵ g·m⁻¹·Pa⁻¹·d⁻¹, while also improving thermal stability. These findings demonstrate that SCP offers a sustainable and effective solution for developing high-performance WPU coatings.
A Real Time Delphi Study on the Challenges and Adverse Events to Percutaneous Osseointegrated Implant Integration and Long-Term Fixation in Limb Amputation
Authors: Ahmed Kirstin , Ortiz-Catalan Max
Published: October 2024

Percutaneous Osseointegrated Implants (POI) affix artificial limbs to the body after amputation. Several adverse events challenge mainstream uptake of this technology. This study aims to achieve a consensus regarding “the challenges and adverse events to POI integration and long-term fixation in limb amputation”. We sought a panel of clinical experts divided by profession into surgical, clinical, or clinical academic categories. We used a real time eDelphi method to develop consensus on both the challenges and adverse event items, enabling anonymity, iteration, controlled feedback, and statistical aggregation of group responses. The full panel agreed that the most impactful items are amongst 10 key challenges and eight adverse events. Panellists were in consensus regarding the five most impactful challenges, which were, in decreasing order: patient selection, absence of a multidisciplinary team, design of the implant, soft tissue stability and an experienced surgical team. Panellists considered the five most impactful adverse events, in decreasing order, to be the following: no biological fixation, deep infection, aseptic loosening, no mechanical fixation, and implant breakage. Consensus was obtained on implant breakage and deep infection items. The proportion of consensus from the whole panel across all items was in line with the literature, and we observed an improvement in consensus once the panel was stratified based on job, expertise and implant system.
Enhanced Crop Leaf Area Index Estimation via Random Forest Regression: Bayesian Optimization and Feature Selection Approach
Authors: Zhang Jun , Cheng Jinpeng , Liu Cuiping , Wu Qiang , Xiong Shuping , Yang Hao , Chang Shenglong , Fu Yuanyuan , Yang Mohan , Zhang Shiyu , Yang Guijun , Ma Xinming
Published: October 2024

The Leaf Area Index (LAI) is a crucial structural parameter linked to the photosynthetic capacity and biomass of crops. While integrating machine learning algorithms with spectral variables has improved LAI estimation over large areas, excessive input parameters can lead to data redundancy and reduced generalizability across different crop species. To address these challenges, we propose a novel framework based on Bayesian-Optimized Random Forest Regression (Bayes-RFR) for enhanced LAI estimation. This framework employs a tree model-based feature selection method to identify critical features, reducing redundancy and improving model interpretability. A Gaussian process serves as a prior model to optimize the hyperparameters of the Random Forest Regression. The field experiments conducted over two years on maize and wheat involved collecting LAI, hyperspectral, multispectral, and RGB data. The results indicate that the tree model-based feature selection outperformed the traditional correlation analysis and Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE). The Bayes-RFR model demonstrated a superior validation accuracy compared to the standard Random Forest Regression and Pso-optimized models, with the R2 values increasing by 27% for the maize hyperspectral data, 12% for the maize multispectral data, and 47% for the wheat hyperspectral data. These findings suggest that the proposed Bayes-RFR framework significantly enhances the stability and predictive capability of LAI estimation across various crop types, offering valuable insights for precision agriculture and crop monitoring.
Individual Tree Crown Delineation Using Airborne LiDAR Data and Aerial Imagery in the Taiga–Tundra Ecotone
Authors: Lin Yuanyuan , Li Hui , Jing Linhai , Ding Haifeng , Tian Shufang
Published: October 2024

The circumpolar Taiga–Tundra Ecotone significantly influences the feedback mechanism of global climate change. Achieving large-scale individual tree crown (ITC) extraction in the transition zone is crucial for estimating vegetation biomass in the transition zone and studying plants’ response to climate change. This study employed aerial images and airborne LiDAR data covering several typical transitional zone regions in northern Finland to explore the ITC delineation method based on deep learning. First, this study developed an improved multi-scale ITC delineation method to enable the semi-automatic assembly of the ITC sample collection. This approach led to the creation of an individual tree dataset containing over 20,000 trees in the transitional zone. Then, this study explored the ITC delineation method using the Mask R-CNN model. The accuracies of the Mask R-CNN model were compared with two traditional ITC delineation methods: the improved multi-scale ITC delineation method and the local maxima clustering method based on point cloud distribution. For trees with a height greater than 1.3 m, the Mask R-CNN model achieved an overall recall rate (Ar) of 96.60%. Compared to the two conventional ITC delineation methods, the Ar of Mask R-CNN showed an increase of 1.99 and 5.52 points in percentage, respectively, indicating that the Mask R-CNN model can significantly improve the accuracy of ITC delineation. These results highlight the potential of Mask R-CNN in extracting low trees with relatively small crowns in transitional zones using high-resolution aerial imagery and low-density airborne point cloud data for the first time.
System Integration Design of High-Performance Piezo-Actuated Fast-Steering Mirror for Laser Beam Steering System
Authors: Kim Jung-Gon
Published: October 2024

This paper presents an innovative piezo-actuated fast-steering mirror (FSM) that integrates control design and system operation to improve the tracking performance of laser beam steering (LBS) systems. The proposed piezoelectric FSM is centered on two pairs of stacked actuators functioning in the tip-tilt direction via novel flexible hinges with strain-gauge sensors for position measurement. The suggested flexible hinge scheme allows the first fundamental resonance mode with the optical mirror to exceed 400 Hz while achieving an actuation range of ±5 mrad. Thus, the design offers a wider mechanical actuation range than conventional piezoelectric FSMs. Moreover, LBS systems that use fast-steering motion controllers should be robust against dynamic disturbances, such as periodic external vibrations. Such disturbances, inherently associated with the operating conditions for LBS systems, typically reduce the stability of the tip-tilt motion. To attenuate the effects of such disturbances, a high-precision control system is necessary for the tip-tilt motion. Therefore, a control method integrating a proportional–integral controller with an adaptive feedforward control (AFC) algorithm is outlined to enhance tip-tilt tracking performance during high-speed scanning, compared with conventional LBS systems. Based on experimental findings, the AFC algorithm boosted control performance under dynamic disturbances, such as sinusoidal vibrations with multiple frequencies.
Abstracts of the 44th Congress of the Société Internationale d’Urologie
Authors:   Société Internationale d’Urologie (SIU)
Published: October 2024

Thursday, October 24 [...]
Correction: Bui (2024). How Debt and Attainment Relate through the GPA of Non-White College Students. Social Sciences 13: 407
Authors: Bui Binh Chi
Published: October 2024

There were three errors in the original publication (Bui 2024) [...]
Thraustochytrids and Algae as Sustainable Sources of Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Aquafeeds
Authors: Parrish Christopher C.
Published: October 2024

There is limited ability to biosynthesize long-chain omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA in food webs leading to humans. Seafood is the key source of ω3 LC-PUFA, with aquaculture expected to meet rising global demand; however, marine fish have a high dietary requirement for EPA and DHA themselves. This was traditionally met using unsustainable dietary fish oil and fish meal, but limited supply and environmental concerns have dictated research on replacements. Among the industrial sources of EPA and DHA, microalgae and especially thraustochytrids stand out as resources with high concentrations. Although unicellular, thraustochytrids are not microalgae as they are not photosynthetic but instead are microheterotrophs. This removes the light requirement and facilitates high yields of monoculture for the production of single-cell oils. The availability, in high concentrations, of usually one or the other essential fatty acid permits a calibration of the EPA and DHA dose, which is especially useful as their effects have mainly been considered together in medical and aquaculture research. EPA and DHA have different effects on cell function and are precursors of different bioactive compounds. Using thraustochytrids, microalgae, and heterotrophic dinoflagellates, the importance of DHA has been investigated. DHA was essential for optimizing the growth of the early life stages of scallops and finfish and was preferentially incorporated into fish membrane phospholipids. The production of microalgae and microheterotrophs can contribute to the treatment of wastewater and waste gas, further enhancing their sustainability and reducing the environmental costs of aquaculture.
Dynamic Flexible Allocation of Slots in Container Line Transport
Authors: Wang Tingsong , Liu Jiawei , Wang Yadong , Jin Yong , Wang Shuaian
Published: October 2024

Due to the imbalance between supply and demand, liner container transportation often faces the problem of low slot utilization, which will occur in the shipping process, such as dry container demand exceeding the available dry slots and reefer slots not being fully utilized. This makes it important and challenging to maintain a balance between the actual demand and the limited number of slots allocated for liner container transport. Therefore, this study proposes a flexible allocation method: expanding the types of containers that can be loaded in the same slot. This method is suitable for handling each dynamic arrival container booking request by shipping enterprises, making decisions to accept or reject, and flexibly allocating shipping slots. In order to maximize the total revenue generated by accepting container booking requests during the entire booking acceptance cycle, we establish a dynamic programming model for the flexible allocation of slots. For model solving, we use the Q-learning reinforcement learning algorithm. Compared with traditional heuristic algorithms, this algorithm can improve solving efficiency and facilitate decision-making at the operational level of shipping enterprises. In terms of model performance, examples of different scales are used for comparison and training; the results are compared with the model without flexible allocation, and it is proved that the model proposed in this paper can obtain higher returns than the model without flexible allocation. The results show that the model and Q-learning algorithm can help enterprises solve the problem of the flexible allocation of shipping slots, and thus, this research has practical significance.
Environmental Justice and Sustainable Development: Cumulative Environmental Exposures and All-Cause Mortality in Colorado Counties
Authors: Pusker Stephanie M. , DeBie Kelly A. , Clark Maggie L. , Neophytou Andreas M. , Keller Kayleigh P. , Gutilla Margaret J. , Rojas-Rueda David
Published: October 2024

(1) Background: Colorado’s (CO) Environmental Justice mapping tool, CO EnviroScreen, quantifies environmental injustices through “EnviroScreen Scores”, highlighting areas likely affected by environmental health disparities. Identifying the specific scores most strongly associated with mortality could help prioritize interventions and allocate resources to address these issues. This study contributes to sustainable development goals by examining the relationship between environmental justice indicators and population health outcomes. By utilizing the CO EnviroScreen tool, we assess how cumulative environmental exposures and vulnerabilities impact mortality rates, providing insights for sustainable planning and public health policies. (2) Methods: We assessed the cross-sectional association between county-level all-cause mortality rates in CO, using 2019 data from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and three county-level component scores obtained from CO EnviroScreen: sensitive populations (i.e., health-related outcomes), environmental exposures (e.g., from air, water, noise), and climate vulnerability (i.e., risk of drought, flood, extreme heat, wildfire). A quasi-Poisson generalized linear model was utilized, incorporating covariates (county-level metrics for insufficient sleep, alcohol overconsumption, physical inactivity, and smoking) to explore associations adjusted for behavioral risk factors (n = 64 counties). (3) Results: The analysis revealed that a 10% increase in the “Environmental Exposures” component score was associated with a 3% higher all-cause mortality rate (95% CI: 1.00, 1.05), highlighting the importance of addressing environmental determinants for sustainable community health. No significant associations were observed for the “Sensitive Populations” or “Climate Vulnerability” component scores. (4) Conclusions: This study provides novel evidence of an association between the CO EnviroScreen score, particularly the environmental exposure component, and all-cause mortality rates at the county level in Colorado in 2019. The findings suggest that cumulative environmental exposures may contribute to geographic disparities in mortality risk, even after adjusting for key behavioral risk factors. These results underscore the importance of integrating environmental justice considerations into sustainable development strategies to promote equitable health outcomes and resilient communities. While our study demonstrates the utility of CO EnviroScreen in identifying areas at risk due to environmental factors, it does not establish a direct link to broader environmental justice outcomes. Further research is needed to explore specific environmental exposures and their direct impacts on health disparities to provide a more complete picture of environmental justice in Colorado.
Sustainable Tourism Development in Jeddah: Protecting Cultural Heritage While Promoting Travel Destination
Authors: Sampieri Sara , Bagader Mohammed
Published: October 2024

For a long time, tourism in Saudi Arabia has been predominantly religious and business-related. In 2019, the kingdom opened its door to tourism for the first time. It produced a significant change in the tourism industry. This research explores the balance between heritage conservation and tourism development, focusing on social, environmental, and economic aspects. The methodology is based on qualitative analysis through 15 in-depth interviews and on-field observations, with Historic Jeddah as a case study. The results confirm that tourism has profoundly changed the city of Jeddah, facilitating new opportunities and presenting new challenges. So, the new aspects that emerge, such as heritage value, economic growth, overtourism, and the travel experience, impose a new management strategy for upcoming opportunities and also challenges. These aspects highlight the management and the authenticity of the place but also provide evidence of the high costs and scarcity of services. Sustainability seems to be the framework that can guarantee an equilibrium in the development process, reducing the impact on the cultural heritage. The originality of this research is to provide a view on this tension between heritage conservation and tourism development from the perspective of an emerging travel destination.
Emergy-Based Evaluation of the Sustainability of Agricultural Ecosystem in Dazhou, China, from 2002 to 2022
Authors: Liu Yun , Ibrahim Johan Afendi Bin , Foo Yen Sin
Published: October 2024

Our aim is to analyze the emergy evaluation indicators of the agricultural ecosystem in Dazhou, northeastern Sichuan, and provide practical and effective recommendations for sustainable agricultural development. Using emergy analysis, the emergy inputs and outputs of an agricultural ecosystem from 2002 to 2022 were calculated. Five emergy indicators were selected for evaluation: emergy yield ratio (EYR), emergy self-sufficiency ratio (ESR), emergy input ratio (EIR), environmental load ratio (ELR), and emergy sustainable indices (ESI). The total emergy input of the agricultural ecosystem showed an upward trend from 2002 to 2017, thus the industrial auxiliary emergy input decreased, somewhat curbing its continued rise from 2017 to 2022. The structure of emergy inputs, in descending order, is as follows: industrial auxiliary > organic emergy > renewable environmental resources > non-renewable environmental resources. The total emergy output of the agricultural ecosystem was highest in 2007, reaching 2.31 × 1022 Sej, and lowest in 2012, at 1.83 × 1022 Sej. The structure of emergy outputs, in descending order, is as follows: livestock > planting > fishery > forestry. The emergy yield ratio fluctuated down from 3.12 to 2.51, with an average of 2.88, below the provincial average of 3.07. The emergy self-sufficiency ratio fluctuated down from 0.30 to 0.26, with an average of 0.27, above the provincial average of 0.13. The emergy input ratio fluctuated up from 2.31 to 2.91, with an average of 2.66, above the provincial average of 1.86. The environmental load ratio fluctuated from 3.8 to 4.75, with an average of 4.40, which is higher than the provincial average of 1.68. The emergy sustainable indices fluctuated down from 0.81 to 0.53, with an average of 0.67, below the provincial average of 1.17. The efficiency of resource utilization in the agricultural ecosystem of Dazhou has decreased, economic inputs have increased, and it is in a consumptive production process. The pressure on the local natural environment is increasing, and the capacity for sustainable development remains at a low level over the long term.
Tomato Waste as a Sustainable Source of Antioxidants and Pectins: Processing, Pretreatment and Extraction Challenges
Authors: Radić Kristina , Galić Emerik , Vinković Tomislav , Golub Nikolina , Vitali Čepo Dubravka
Published: October 2024

Tomato processing waste (TPW), a byproduct of the tomato processing industry, is generated in significant quantities globally, presenting a challenge for sustainable waste management. While traditionally used as animal feed or fertilizer, TPW is increasingly recognized for its potential as a valuable raw material due to its high content of bioactive compounds, such as carotenoids, polyphenols and pectin. These compounds have significant health benefits and are in growing demand in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Despite this potential, the broader industrial utilization of TPW remains limited. This review explores the influence of various processing, pretreatment and extraction methods on the concentration and stability of the bioactive compounds found in TPW. By analyzing the effects of these methodologies, we provide insights into optimizing processes for maximum recovery and sustainable utilization of TPW. Additionally, we address the major challenges in scaling up these processes for industrial application, including the assessment of their ecological footprint through life cycle analysis (LCA). This comprehensive approach aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and industrial implementation, facilitating the valorization of TPW in line with circular economy principles.
Examining the Influence of Renewable Energy Consumption, Technological Innovation, and Export Diversification on Economic Growth: Empirical Insights from E-7 Nations
Authors: Alhashim Mohammed , Rehman Mohd Ziaur , Ansari Shoaib , Ahmed Parvez
Published: October 2024

The present research focuses on the endogenous development theory and investigates the relationships between economic growth (dependent variable) and renewable energy consumption, technological innovation, and export diversification (independent variables) in seven emerging economies known as the E-7. Previous studies have examined these factors individually but have not explored their combined impact on the E-7 economies. Therefore, this study contributes to the existing literature on the effects of renewable energy consumption, technological advancement, and export diversification on economic development. This study analyses the dynamic connections among these variables in seven selected emerging countries: Brazil, China, Indonesia, India, Mexico, Russia, and Turkey. Panel data from 1990 to 2022 are utilised, and various methodologies, including panel cointegration, the pooled mean group–autoregressive distributed lag (PMG-ARDL) estimator, and robustness tests, such as the fully modified ordinary least square and dynamic ordinary least square tests, are employed. Empirical inferences are drawn using the Dumitrescu–Hurlin panel causality (DHC) test, and the long-run relationships among the variables are validated using the Westerlund residual cointegration tests. The results from the PMG-ARDL estimator show that renewable energy consumption, technological advancement, and export diversification have a significant and positive impact on economic expansion, confirming the validity of the endogenous growth model in the E-7 countries. The control variable of the financial sector has a positive but insignificant effect on economic growth, while trade openness has a negative and significant effect. The DHC test results indicate a neutral feedback effect of renewable energy consumption on economic growth. The findings also reveal a unidirectional causal relationship between technological innovation and economic growth. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights for economic policymakers in the E-7 countries. By removing barriers to renewable energy consumption, technological innovation, and export diversification, policymakers can promote sustainable economic development.
Time-Varying Spillover Effects Between Clean and Traditional Energy Under Multiple Uncertainty Risk: Evidence from the U.S. Market
Authors: Du Rui , Xu Pu
Published: October 2024

The global energy landscape is undergoing an unprecedented transformation with the rapid development of clean energy and the continued significance of traditional energy creating a complex dynamic relationship. This study employs the TVP-QVAR-DY model to systematically examine the dynamic spillover effects between clean and traditional energy markets in the United States, focusing on the impacts of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and geopolitical risk (GPR). The findings reveal (1) significant time-varying spillover effects between the two markets, with total spillover effects ranging from 30% to 50%, intensifying during extreme events; (2) increases in EPU and GPR exacerbate uncertainty in energy markets, particularly in the traditional energy sector, with spillover effects from crude oil to natural gas reaching 23.60% and vice versa at 24.30%; and (3) in the short term, the clean energy market is influenced by traditional energy, with spillover effects from oil to clean energy at 5.10%, while in the medium to long term it gradually becomes independent and inversely affects the traditional energy market, contributing 2.94% to oil spillovers. The results indicate that as the global energy transition deepens, the clean energy market is shifting from a risk receiver to a risk contributor. Based on these findings, the study proposes policy recommendations including accelerating energy structure transition, managing macroeconomic uncertainty risks, coordinating domestic and international energy markets, and leveraging market mechanisms.
Optimizing the Sweet Potato Supply Chain in Zimbabwe Using Discrete Event Simulation: A Focus on Production, Distribution, and Market Dynamics
Authors: Munyaka Jean-Claude Baraka , Gallay Olivier , Hlal Mohammed , Mutandwa Edward , Chenal Jérôme
Published: October 2024

This study leverages a Discrete Event Simulation (DES) model to optimize the sweet potato supply chain in Zimbabwe, focusing on production, distribution, and market dynamics under varying climate conditions. The integration of climate data into the simulation model reveals significant insights into the resilience of different sweet potato varieties, particularly highlighting the suitability of yellow-skinned sweet potatoes for harsh climates due to their high resilience and drought resistance. However, market preferences still favor white-skinned varieties despite their vulnerability to climate extremes. The DES model identifies key bottlenecks, particularly in cultivation and transportation, that hinder supply chain efficiency. To address these challenges, the study emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions, such as improving access to irrigation, strengthening pest management, and adopting community-based resource-sharing approaches. These strategies are critical for enhancing both the resilience and efficiency of the supply chain. Additionally, the study highlights the urgent need for adaptive strategies to mitigate the effects of drought on agricultural productivity, especially in regions that heavily rely on crops like sweet potatoes. Overall, this research offers strategic insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to improve food security and agricultural productivity in Zimbabwe, as well as in other countries with similar climate challenges.
Characterization of Stone Waste Sludge and Preliminary Investigation on Green Materials Based on Traditional Lime Putty for Sustainable Construction
Authors: Scioti Albina , Bernardo Graziella , Mecca Ippolita , Fatiguso Fabio
Published: October 2024

Very large quantities of stone waste sludge are disposed in exhausted quarries and have a very low reuse rate to date. The paper considers the possibility of using these types of industrial waste in partial substitution of natural aggregates for the production of lime-based plasters. Traditional materials based on lime, the only material with a carbon neutrality life cycle, have considerable potential for use as components of green materials for plastering and finishing building surfaces in both new construction and historic heritage conservation. The paper presents the preliminary results of a research activity aimed at developing pre-packaged products based on Traditional Lime Putty (TLP) by partially replacing natural aggregates with Stone Waste Sludge (SWS), with a low rate of recovery from the Apricena limestone production district in Apulia. The mineralogical and chemical analysis carried out using XRD (X-Ray Diffraction), TG-DTA (Thermo Gravimetry-Differential Thermal Analysis), and hydrochloric acid attack test showed that the SWS consisted of 98.4 % CaCO3 by mass. The particle sizes measured by laser diffraction technique are below 22.5 μm for the 92% mass of the sample. The high fineness of the stone waste was confirmed by the Blaine-specific surface method, which equals to 9273.79 cm2/gr. The behavior of three fresh mixtures for prepacked coarse plaster, fine plaster, and finishing plaster with 12.90%, 17.94%, and 18.90 by mass of SWS, respectively, was evaluated by spreading test and applicability tests on a perforated ceramic slab. The finishing plaster has the highest consistency value of 235 mm, while the fine plaster and the coarse plaster have values of 205 mm and 155 mm, respectively. The coarse plaster is suitable for use as base plaster (arriccio) or second layer rendering (tonachino) up to a thickness of approximately 1 cm. Both the fine plaster and finishing plasters can be used for the surfaces finishing with the application of layers of a few millimeters thick.
Special Issue: Nonlinear Analysis and Its Applications in Symmetry II
Authors: Zaslavski Alexander J.
Published: October 2024

Nonlinear analysis has been a rapidly growing area of research [...]
Evaluation of the Normal Measurements of Orbital Structures in Healthy Adult Individuals by Using a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Method
Authors: Kiliç Şafak Nazire , Tepecik Sibel
Published: October 2024

Background: This study aims to determine the normal values of orbital structures according to sex in healthy adults. Methods: Diameters of extraocular muscles, the width of the optic nerve sheath diameter, the length of the inter-zygomatic line, ocular bulb length, and globe position were measured in the T1-weighed MR (magnetic resonance) images in 204 orbits of 102 individuals. Results: The mean values of the diameters of the extraocular muscles in males and females were as follows: medial rectus, 3.96 ± 0.52 and 3.58 ± 0.53 mm; lateral rectus, 3.47 ± 0.61 and 3.15 ± 0.48 mm; inferior rectus, 4.47 ± 0.53 and 4.07 ± 0.48 mm; superior rectus, 4.44 ± 0.64 and 4.01 ± 0.56 mm; and superior oblique, 3.68 ± 0.49 and 3.45 ± 0.44 mm. The length of the interzygomatic line in males and females were 102.68 ± 3.89 and 96.95 ± 3.4 mm, the ocular bulb length was 23.33 ± 1.32 and 22.83 ± 1.1 mm, the globe position was 7.66 ± 1.33 and 7.3 ± 1.39 mm, and the width of the optic nerve sheath diameter was 4.65 ± 0.62 and 4.28 ± 0.51 mm, respectively. All measurements were significantly greater for males than for females (p < 0.05). Conclusions: We believe that a practical and quantitative method will be provided by this study for the diagnosis and determination of the normative values of orbital structures.
Differential Hepatic Expression of miRNA in Response to Aflatoxin B1 Challenge in Domestic and Wild Turkeys
Authors: Jorud Kade , Mendoza Kristelle M. , Kono Thomas , Coulombe Roger A. , Reed Kent M.
Published: October 2024

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a major foodborne mycotoxin that poses a significant economic risk to poultry due to a greater degree of susceptibility compared to other agricultural species. Domesticated turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) are especially sensitive to AFB1; however, wild turkeys (M. g. silvestris) are more resistant. A lack of functional isoforms of hepatic glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), an enzyme that plays a role in the detoxification of aflatoxin, is suspected as the reason for the increased sensitivity. Previous studies comparing the gene expression of domesticated and wild turkeys exposed to AFB1 identified hepatic genes responding differentially to AFB1, but could not fully explain the difference in response. The current study examined differences in the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the livers of wild and domesticated turkeys fed dietary AFB1 (320 μg/kg in feed). Short-read RNA sequencing and expression analysis examined both domesticated and wild turkeys exposed to AFB1 compared to controls. A total of 25 miRNAs was identified as being significantly differentially expressed (DEM) in pairwise comparisons. The majority of these have mammalian orthologs with known dysregulation in liver disease. The largest number of DEMs occurred between controls, suggesting an underlying difference in liver potential. Sequences of the DEMs were used to identify potential miRNA binding sites in target genes, resulting in an average of 4302 predicted target sites per DEM. These DEMs and gene targets provide hypotheses for future investigations into the role of miRNAs in AFB1 resistance.
Pneumaturia and Colonic Bleeding Post-Inguinal Herniorrhaphy: A Case Report
Authors: Dieter Raymond A.
Published: October 2024

Introduction: A 51-year-old male was seen complaining of pneumaturia and bowel complaints, including blood per rectum. The patient related a history of an open left inguinal hernia repair utilizing a Kugel mesh ten years before. Case Presentation: Cystoscopy and colonoscopy demonstrated a hemorrhagic mass due to a prosthetic mesh protruding into the bladder and colon. Following colonoscopy and cystoscopy, a large inflammatory mass involving both the colon and urinary bladder was resected, which contained a rolled-up “tubular” mesh structure. After primary repair of the urinary bladder and placement of a Foley catheter, the sigmoid colon and mesh were resected, and the colonic anastomosis was completed. Outcome: Postoperatively, the patient progressed well with normal colon and bladder function after the removal of the Foley catheter. Discussion: Historically, the patient demonstrated the risk of major multiorgan surgical complications of a newer inguinal hernia repair technique, which may occur even a decade or more after the initial surgical correction and is, therefore, presented.
Identification and Ranking of Binding Sites from Structural Ensembles: Application to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Lazou Maria , Bekar-Cesaretli Ayse A. , Vajda Sandor , Joseph-McCarthy Diane
Published: October 2024

Target identification and evaluation is a critical step in the drug discovery process. Although time-intensive and complex, the challenge becomes even more acute in the realm of infectious disease, where the rapid emergence of new viruses, the swift mutation of existing targets, and partial effectiveness of approved antivirals can lead to outbreaks of significant public health concern. The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, serves as a prime example of this, where despite the allocation of substantial resources, Paxlovid is currently the only effective treatment. In that case, significant effort pre-pandemic had been expended to evaluate the biological target for the closely related SARS-CoV. In this work, we utilize the computational hot spot mapping method, FTMove, to rapidly identify and rank binding sites for a set of nine SARS-CoV-2 drug/potential drug targets. FTMove takes into account protein flexibility by mapping binding site hot spots across an ensemble of structures for a given target. To assess the applicability of the FTMove approach to a wide range of drug targets for viral pathogens, we also carry out a comprehensive review of the known SARS-CoV-2 ligandable sites. The approach is able to identify the vast majority of all known sites and a few additional sites, which may in fact be yet to be discovered as ligandable. Furthermore, a UMAP analysis of the FTMove features for each identified binding site is largely able to separate predicted sites with experimentally known binders from those without known binders. These results demonstrate the utility of FTMove to rapidly identify actionable sites across a range of targets for a given indication. As such, the approach is expected to be particularly useful for assessing target binding sites for any emerging pathogen, as well as for indications in other disease areas, and providing actionable starting points for structure-based drug design efforts.
Posicionamiento comercial de PYMES mediante marketing digital de contenidos en Santo Domingo, Ecuador en 2023
Authors: Marcillo Fabricio , Naranjo Franklin , Guillén Jessica
Published: October 2024

Los comercios digitales son un nuevo mecanismo de emprendimiento dentro de la población, muestras pequeñas y medianas empresas requieren de sistemas digitales para la publicidad y gestión de recursos. El marketing con contenido digital es una alternativa para la reducción de gastos en marketing tradicional. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la satisfacción de usuario, registro de ventas, ingresos y rentabilidad económica de 6 PYMES de la ciudad de Santo Domingo, Ecuador. Se obtuvo como resultado que el plan de marketing con contenido digital presentó diferencias altamente significativas en las variables de estudio mencionadas, por cual, se concluye que es evidente que el marketing de contenidos digitales influye en el posicionamiento comercial de las pequeñas y medianas empresas optimizando sus recursos económicos, que el marketing tradicional contempla. Esta investigación hace hincapié en el uso de las herramientas digitales como promotores de marketing digital para generación de ingresos y empleo acorde a los parámetros estudiados.
Influencia de la producción de materia prima en el crecimiento económico ecuatoriano, 2018-2022
Authors: León-Serrano Lady Andrea , Loja-Zhagui Cristobal Josue , Alba-Carrillo Cristopher Geovanny
Published: October 2024

El comercio de materia prima se ha destacado a lo largo de los años por ser uno de los principales ingresos de la renta y presupuesto del estado, el cambio de los procesos productivos se debió a la transición del modelo agro exportador a la agro industrialización. De tal forma, el presente estudio analizó la influencia de la producción de petróleo, banano, cacao y café en el crecimiento económico de la economía ecuatoriana, durante el periodo 2018-2022. La metodología fue tipo descriptivo, y los datos fueron obtenidos de fuentes oficiales de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Alimentación y la Agricultura (FAO), y el Banco Central del Ecuador (BCE). Los resultados demostraron que los productos primarios de investigación a pesar de la volatilidad en los niveles de producción, contribuyeron significativamente al producto interno bruto del país, generando un aumento promedio de 1,623%, los estadísticos descriptivos demostraron valores a favor del crecimiento económico, ante un esquema de riesgo por los precios internacionales. Se concluye que la diversificación del sector primario ha sido una de las alternativas para el desarrollo del sector comercial, y atractivo para el resto del mundo, permitiendo la mejora de los productos con aplicación de políticas públicas de inversión y financieras ante la demanda global.
A Extensão que fizemos, a Extensão que faremos: um novo tempo para Universidade Pública na sociedade brasileira (volume 1)
Authors: Sousa Fernanda Cunha , Coimbra Ana Lívia de Souza
Published: October 2024

Esta é uma obra de caráter memorialista e de registro institucional das edições da Mostra de extensão de 2016 até 2023. A iniciativa desta produção é apresentar à comunidade acadêmica e externa os trabalhos desenvolvidos pelos programas e projetos de extensão da UFJF desenvolvidos nos seguintes eixos: Comunicação, Cultura, Direitos Humanos e Justiça, Educação, Meio Ambiente, Saúde, Tecnologia e Produção de Trabalho, promovendo a aproximação entre a UFJF e os demais seguimentos da sociedade.
A Extensão que fizemos, a Extensão que faremos: um novo tempo para Universidade Pública na sociedade brasileira (volume 2)
Authors: Sousa Fernanda Cunha , Coimbra Ana Lívia de Souza
Published: October 2024

Esta é uma obra de caráter memorialista e de registro institucional das edições da Mostra de extensão de 2016 até 2023. A iniciativa desta produção é apresentar à comunidade acadêmica e externa os trabalhos desenvolvidos pelos programas e projetos de extensão da UFJF desenvolvidos nos seguintes eixos: Comunicação, Cultura, Direitos Humanos e Justiça, Educação, Meio Ambiente, Saúde, Tecnologia e Produção de Trabalho, promovendo a aproximação entre a UFJF e os demais seguimentos da sociedade
الاستثمار الأجنبي المباشر في دول آسيا النامية طبقاً لنظرية الموقع
Authors: الشمري نايف نزال , السرحان عبدالوهاب عبدالقادر
Published: October 2024

تختبر الدراسة عوامل الموقع لتدفقات الاستثمار الأجنبي المباشر في الدول النامية الآسيوية، حيث تغطي البيانات الفترة الزمنية ما بين ١٩٧٥ إلى ٢٠٠٩. وقد تم في هذه الدراسة استكشاف محددات تدفق الاستثمار الأجنبي المباشر في تلك الدول، والذي اعتمد على حجم الدولة الاقتصادي، وتطور القطاع المالي، وتطور قطاع البنية التحتية، ومدى انفتاح الاقتصاد على العالم الخارجي، والنمو الاقتصادي للبلد، وأخيراً رأس المال البشري.
أثر العمر على الأداء عند تعلم الجزء الأول من مبادئ المحاسبة المالية: حالة الطلبة غير التقليديين في كلية الدراسات التجارية بدولة الكويت
Authors: العنزي خالد عبدالله , الجيران نادر حمد
Published: October 2024

تهدف الدراسة الحالية إلى التحقيق في العلاقة بين عمر الطالب وأدائه: هل يختلف أداء الطلبة غير التقليديين (كبار السن) عن أداء الطلبة التقليديين (صغار السن) عند تعلم الجزء الأول من مبادئ المحاسبة المالية؟ تكتسب الدراسة أهميتها كون الدراسات السابقة القائمة بهذا المجال شحيحة في مخزون أدبيات التعليم المحاسبي، بالإضافة إلى كبر حجم العينة التي شملت ٢٤٦٠ طالباً وطالبة. أظهرت اختبارات تحليل الانحرافات "ANOVA" اختلافاً ذا أهمية إحصائية بين أداء الطلبة غير التقليديين وأداء الطلبة التقليديين. وكان أداء الطلبة غير التقليديين أفضل من أداء الطلبة التقليديين. كما أظهر تحليل ارتباط العلاقات وجود علاقة ارتباط طردية ذات أهمية إحصائية بين عمر الطالب وأدائه. توصي الدراسة بالتوسع في دراسة هذا العامل ليشمل مقررات محاسبية أخرى وبيئات بحثية مختلفة.
تطبيق إستراتيجية الاستثمار "Dogs of the Dow" على المؤشر "Euro Stoxx 50"
Authors: فران رضا , شهروز محمد
Published: October 2024

يهدف هذا البحث إلى تقييم أداء تطبيق إستراتجية الاستثمار "دوغز أف ذا داو" على أداء مؤشر "يورو ستوكس ٥٠" وذلك بفحص أداء محفظة استثمار افتراضية. وقد اعتمدت تلك الإستراتيجية مقارنة بالمؤشر خلال الفترة من ١٩٩١ إلى ٢٠١٠. ويتبين من الدراسة أن أداء محفظة دوغز يتفوق على أداء "يورو ستوكس ٥٠" في١٣ سنة من السنوات العشرين. وإذا استخدمنا قياس الأداء السنوي تبين أن محفظة دوغز تعطي مردوداً صافياً يزيد على مردود المؤشر بحوالي ٦.٤١٪ أما أداء المخاطر المعدل لمحفظة دوغز ومن خلال قياسها باستخدام مؤشر شارب، فإنه يزيد على"يورو ستوكس ٥٠" بحوالي ٦٥٪.
MENYINGKAP CINTA KASIH ALLAH PASCA TRAGEDI SITUBONDO 10 OKTOBER 1996 DALAM PERSPEKTIF TEKS NABI YOЁL 2:23-27
Authors: Lamatokan Yohanes Victor Baro Bitan , Permiro Bonifacio Gendis
Published: October 2024

This research examines the efforts to capture God's love after the tragedy of the Situbondo riots, East Java, on October 10, 1996. The people of Situbondo and even the whole of Indonesia were shocked by the destruction and burning of 24 churches in the Situbondo area. The destruction and burning of churches in Situbondo began with the trial of Mohammad Soleh (Muslim). Soleh was a young man accused of spreading heresy and insulting the Islamic teachings of K.H. As'sad Syamsul Arifin, who is highly respected by the people of Situbondo. The court verdict that was too light for the masses caused Situbondo to become a sea of fire. This research uses a qualitative approach with a literature study. The theoretical framework used is the story of the Prophet Joel in his letter (Yl 2:23-27) about God's love for the Israelites after experiencing various disasters and other supporting sources. The results showed that the value of love was realized through the initiative of the Christian community (both Catholics and Protestants) by building dialogue between the two camps, both the majority group (Islam) and the minority group so as to create a tolerant situation between the two and thus, the relationship that had been tenuous could be restored.