bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Objective Optimization of Synergic Perchlorate Pollution Reduction and Energy Conservation in China’s Perchlorate Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Li Ying , Wang Hongyang , Zhu Guangcan
Published: August 2024

Perchlorate is a highly mobile and persistent toxic contaminant, with the potassium perchlorate manufacturing industry being a significant anthropogenic source. This study addresses the Energy Conservation and Perchlorate Discharge Reduction (ECPDR) challenges in China’s potassium perchlorate manufacturing industry through a multi-objective optimization model under uncertainty. The objectives encompass energy conservation, perchlorate discharge reduction, and economic cost control, with uncertainty parameters simulated via Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS). The optimization was performed using both the Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) and the Generalized Differential Evolution 3 (GDE3) algorithm, enabling a comparative analysis. Three types of decision-maker preferences were then evaluated using the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to generate optimal decision strategies. Results revealed: (1) The comprehensive perchlorate discharge intensity in China’s potassium perchlorate industry is approximately 23.86 kg/t KClO4. (2) Compared to NSGA-II, GDE3 offers a more robust and efficient approach to finding optimal solutions within a limited number of iterations. (3) Implementing the optimal solution under PERP can reduce perchlorate discharge intensity to 0.0032 kg/t. (4) Processes lacking primary electrolysis should be phased out, while those with MVR technology should be promoted. This study provides critical policy recommendations for controlling perchlorate pollution and guiding the industry toward cleaner and more sustainable production practices.
Development and Design Perspective of a Model for Analyzing the Social Life Cycle of Public Organizations: Examination of Existing Models
Authors: Libom Bernadette Sidonie , Traverso Marzia , Mankaa Rose Nangah , Manzardo Alessandro
Published: August 2024

This paper establishes a comprehensive framework for evaluating the social life cycle of public services through a thorough examination of existing literature published from 2013 to 2022. The central research question is to determine how insights from this literature review can contribute to the advancement of social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) methodologies within the public sector. Methods: To address this question, we conducted a mixed-methods analysis of data sourced from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. The quantitative analysis determined the total number of S-LCA and SO-LCA papers published by main journals, and main authors. The qualitative analysis highlighted the different themes and research objectives addressed in the work relating to the S-LCA of products/services and organizations. Our findings indicate that a total of 222 papers on S-LCA were published across 94 journals. However, there is a noticeable gap in research specifically targeting public services, with most studies concentrating on products, services, and organizations. Despite the absence of direct scientific data, our study identified 17 actors, 74 impact subcategories, and 178 indicators that are potentially relevant to the S-LCA of public services. Given the unique characteristics of public services, it is imperative to develop tailored stakeholder categories, subcategories, and performance indicators for each service type. This approach will facilitate more accurate assessments of the social impacts of public services, thereby aiding both the scientific community and S-LCA practitioners in their evaluations.
A Multi-Pollutant Air Quality Analysis with Environmental Justice Considerations: Case Study for Detroit
Authors: Yuan Hui , Jang Ji-Cheng , Long Shicheng , Zhu Yun , Wang Shuxiao , Xing Jia , Zhao Bin
Published: August 2024

Over the last two decades, substantial studies have been conducted to assess the feasibility of a multi-pollutant strategy for managing air quality in the United States. Given the inherent complexity of multi-pollutant air quality challenges, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone (O3), and air toxics, this paper undertook a multi-pollutant analysis at both national and local levels. Our analysis incorporated O3 and PM2.5 concentrations, air toxics that increase the risk of cancer, environmental justice (EJ) data, emissions data, and monitoring data. Initially, we identified counties across the continental U.S. with heightened multi-pollutant exposures and EJ concerns. Subsequently, a case study within the Detroit metropolitan area was conducted, revealing a clear overlap between multi-pollutant and EJ issues, underscoring the disproportionate burden on disadvantaged communities. The analysis of detailed emissions data unveiled potential co-control benefits in this region. Lastly, employing a proximity analysis method, we assessed environmental issues surrounding points of interest such as monitoring sites and emissions sectors, in the Detroit metropolitan area. The results demonstrated that monitoring sites with the highest monitoring value, alongside top-ranked emissions sectors such as electric utilities, coke ovens, and iron and steel production, were likely to exhibit elevated air pollutant concentrations/risks and associated EJ concerns in their vicinity.
The Review of Radiative Cooling Technology Applied to Building Roof—A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Guo Linlin , Liang Zhuqing , Li Wenhao , Yang Can , Wang Endong
Published: August 2024

In the continuous growth trend of global energy demand, the energy consumption of building cooling occupies a significant proportion. The utilization of alternative or partially alternative energy-input cooling methods in buildings, for example, the application of radiative cooling technology to building roofs, can effectively achieve better cooling performance. This has a positive impact on reducing energy consumption in the building field and slowing down global warming. This paper uses bibliometric analysis methods to systematically review the application of radiative cooling technology on building roofs. The development trajectory, hotspot issues, cutting-edge trends, and future research prospects in the research field over the past 20 years are analyzed and summarized. This study provides insights for the scaled application of radiative cooling technology in buildings and references for the application of radiative cooling technology in the field of architecture to reduce energy consumption, improve energy efficiency, achieve energy conservation, carbon reduction, and sustainable development.
Greenness Evaluation of Rural Residential Buildings Based on the Composite Perspective of Environment–Building–Resources
Authors: Xu Zhong , Tang Siqi , Wang Xiaoqi , Chen Yuhao , Luo Hangyu
Published: August 2024

Based on the composite perspective of environment–building–resource (EBR), influencing factors of the green performance of rural buildings were sorted out through brainstorming and Delphi methods, an innovative comprehensive evaluation system was constructed, and the weights of the indicators were calculated through the fuzzy analytic network process (FANP). The EBR green performance comprehensive scoring standards of each influencing factor were established by means of a questionnaire, field measurement, and numerical simulation. As typical representatives of human-populated areas in southwest China, 13 villages in the second circle of Chengdu were selected as case study areas by means of the regional average distribution theory and minimum sampling criteria. Through innovative combination of the obstacle degree model and spatial interpolation analysis, the key factors affecting the greening of rural buildings were diagnosed. The results showed that the indoor thermal environment (E21), the indoor light environment (E22), the popularity of biogas facilities (R12), and green building material usage (R13) have a significant impact on the EBR greenness score. The EBR score of the study area shows a spatial distribution pattern of high in the west and low in the east, with extremely uneven scores in various dimensions. Based on the key factors identified through system evaluation, a refined exploration was conducted of promotion strategies and measures, and greenness improvement suggestions were proposed to provide ideas for the sustainable transformation of rural residential buildings.
Further Results on Lusin’s Theorem for Uncertain Variables
Authors: Yang Deguo , Zong Zhaojun , Hu Feng
Published: August 2024

In order to treat the degree of belief rationally, Baoding Liu created uncertainty theory. An uncertain variable, as a measurable function from an uncertainty space to the set of real numbers, is a basic concept in uncertainty theory. It is very meaningful to study its properties. Lusin’s theorem is one of the most classical theorems in measure theory that reveals the close relationship between measurable and continuous functions, and has important significance. In this paper, we give three pairs of continuity conditions for uncertain measures, and present that every pair reveals duality, which is a kind of symmetry between objects. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that these continuity conditions are equivalent. And, we also prove that these three pairs of continuity conditions and the condition: if {Λn} is a sequence of open sets and Λn↘∅, then limn→∞M{Λn}=0 are equivalent in compact metric spaces. It is shown that Lusin’s theorem for uncertain variables holds if and only if the uncertain measure satisfies any of the above continuity conditions in a compact metric space. And, Lusin’s theorem can be applied to uncertain variables with symmetric or asymmetric distributions. Finally, we provide several examples to illustrate applications of Lusin’s theorem for uncertain variables. As far as we know, our results are new in uncertainty theory.
ATLAS Muon Spectrometer Upgrade for the HL-LHC Era’s Challenges
Authors: Gazis Evangelos N.
Published: August 2024

The High-Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) project aims to improve the performance of the LHC by increasing the proton–proton collision luminosity. New physics discoveries will be possible starting in 2027. The HL-LHC aims to improve the integrated luminosity by a factor of 10 concerning the current running LHC’s design value. The HL-LHC project foresees delivering proton–proton collisions at 14 TeV CM (Center of Mass) energy providing the integrated luminosity to a value of 3 ab−1 for the ATLAS and CMS experiments, 50 fb−1 for LHCb, and 5 fb−1 for ALICE. The increased integrated luminosity for the above LHC experiments will provide the potential to discover rare processes while improving these measurements’ signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio statistics. The ATLAS muon spectrometer has been upgraded to face the challenges of the luminosity at the HL-LHC run. The new sub-detectors are as follows: The New Small Wheel (NSW) has replaced the Cathode Strip Chambers (CSC) discs at the internal part of the ATLAS end cups. The new integrated small Monitored Drift Chambers (sMDT) with the Resistive Plate Chambers (RPC) are installed at the outer end of the ATLAS BI (Barrel Inner) layer, in the barrel–endcap transition region, at 1.0 < |η| < 1.3, where η is the pseudo-rapidity (pseudo-rapidity η is a commonly used spatial coordinate describing the angle of a particle relative to the beam axis, defined as η=−lntanθ2, where θ is the angle between the vector momentum p→ and the positive direction of the beam axis). The NSW is an innovative technological achievement, including the MicroMegas (MM) gas detectors in large areas and small-strip Thin Gap Chambers (sTGC), enabling high pT (high pT is the high value of the particles’ transverse momentum versus the beam collision axis) trigger and muon detection. The muon reconstruction, the background rate, other spectrometer parameters, and the NSW performance are also presented.
Entanglement and Bell Inequality Violation in B → ϕϕ Decays
Authors: Gabrielli Emidio , Marzola Luca
Published: August 2024

The decays of the B meson into vector mesons, observed during the LHCb experiment, provide an ideal laboratory to investigate particle physics phenomena with quantum information theory methods. In this article, we focus on the decays yielding a pair of ϕ mesons to investigate the presence of entanglement in the spin correlations of the system and quantify the amount of Bell inequality violation it entails. Our results show that the present LHCb data allow access to entanglement and to the Bell inequality violation with a significance exceeding the 5σ threshold in both the cases. This demonstrates that the strong and electroweak interactions responsible for the B meson decay act as a source of entanglement and the quantum mechanics nature of high-energy phenomena. Particular attention is paid to the assessment of loopholes: deficiencies in the experimental setup which could invalidate the results of the Bell test.
Nuclear Symmetry Energy in Strongly Interacting Matter: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Stone Jirina R.
Published: August 2024

The concept of symmetry under various transformations of quantities describing basic natural phenomena is one of the fundamental principles in the mathematical formulation of physical laws. Starting with Noether’s theorems, we highlight some well–known examples of global symmetries and symmetry breaking on the particle level, such as the separation of strong and electroweak interactions and the Higgs mechanism, which gives mass to leptons and quarks. The relation between symmetry energy and charge symmetry breaking at both the nuclear level (under the interchange of protons and neutrons) and the particle level (under the interchange of u and d quarks) forms the main subject of this work. We trace the concept of symmetry energy from its introduction in the simple semi-empirical mass formula and liquid drop models to the most sophisticated non-relativistic, relativistic, and ab initio models. Methods used to extract symmetry energy attributes, utilizing the most significant combined terrestrial and astrophysical data and theoretical predictions, are reviewed. This includes properties of finite nuclei, heavy-ion collisions, neutron stars, gravitational waves, and parity–violating electron scattering experiments such as CREX and PREX, for which selected examples are provided. Finally, future approaches to investigation of the symmetry energy and its properties are discussed.
Fast Detection of the Stick–Slip Phenomenon Associated with Wheel-to-Rail Sliding Using Acceleration Sensors: An Experimental Study
Authors: Popa Gabriel , Andrei Mihail , Tudor Emil , Vasile Ionuț , Ilie George
Published: August 2024

The stick–slip phenomenon, the initial stage when the traction wheel starts sliding on the rail, is a critical operation that needs to be detected quickly to control the traction drive. In this study, we have developed an experimental model that uses acceleration sensors mounted on the wheel to evaluate the amplitude of the stick–slip phenomena. These sensors can alert the driver or assist the traction control unit when a stick–slip occurs. We propose a method to reduce the amplitude of the stick–slip phenomenon using special hydraulic dampers and viscous dampers mounted on the tractive axles of the locomotive to prevent slipping during acceleration. This practical solution, validated through numerical simulation, can be readily implemented in railway systems. The paper’s findings can be used to select the necessary sensors and corresponding vibration dampers. By implementing these sliding reducers, a locomotive can significantly improve traction, apply more torque to the wheel, and increase the load of a carrier train, instilling confidence in the efficiency of the proposed solution.
Alzheimer’s Disease Mortality Rate: Correlation with Socio-Economic and Environmental Factors
Authors: Lima Valfran da Silva , Ferreira Yasmin Gabriele , de Oliveira Júlio Cezar , Raia Vanessa de Almeida , Rodrigues Emerick Ludmila Barbosa Bandeira , Albiero Lucinéia Reuse , Sinhorin Valéria Dornelles Gindri , Emerick Guilherme Luz
Published: August 2024

The progressive increase in the number of deaths caused by Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in Brazil and around the world between 2010 and 2020 raises questions in scientific society. At the same time, there is also an increase in life expectancy at birth (LEB). Thus, the aim of this study was, for the first time, to compare the increase in AD mortality rate (ADMR) in Brazilian regions over the years 2010 to 2020 with the increase in LEB, and investigate the possible correlation between these demographic transition phenomena and pesticide sales and exposure during this period. Data were extracted from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), from the Department of Informatics and Technology of the Brazilian Ministry of Health (DATASUS) and from the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA). There was a significant increase in life expectancy at birth and in ADMR over the years between 2010 and 2020 in all Brazilian regions, with the female population in the South region being the most affected. In conclusion, there is a strong positive correlation between the increase in ADMR and LEB; ADMR and Human Development Index (HDI) and ADMR and pesticide sales and exposure in Brazil over the years studied.
Mixtures of Micro and Nanoplastics and Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Environment: What We Know about Their Toxicological Effects
Authors: Bastante-Rabadán Marina , Boltes Karina
Published: August 2024

In real environments, pollutants do not occur in isolation. Instead, they can be found in complex mixtures with effects that are completely different from those of the individual components. In this review, articles from 2017 to May 2024 have been selected to provide an overview of the existing knowledge on complex mixtures between micropollutants and micro and nanoplastics in organisms in terrestrial and aquatic environments. It was found that the corresponding toxicological parameters to determine the interaction between the compounds were not calculated in most of the literature reviewed. Our analysis shows that, in aquatic environments, synergistic effects have been found more frequently than antagonistic effects. In terrestrial environments, the joint toxicological action of microplastics or nanoplastics with emerging contaminants has been less studied, but synergistic effects may also predominate. Future work should thoroughly investigate the nature of the interactions in order to properly assess the risk posed by this cocktail of compounds in ecosystems.
Multi-Messenger Connection in High-Energy Neutrino Astronomy
Authors: Sharma Ankur
Published: August 2024

Low fluxes of astrophysical neutrinos at TeV energies, and the overwhelming background of atmospheric neutrinos below that, render the current paradigm of neutrino astronomy a severely statistics-limited one. While many hints have emerged, all the evidence gathered by IceCube and ANTARES, over the course of almost a decade and a half of operation, has fallen short of providing any conclusive answer to the puzzle of the origin of high-energy cosmic rays and neutrinos. The advancement of the field is thus closely associated with not only the neutrino observatories coming online in the next few years, but also on the coordinated efforts of the EM, GW and cosmic ray communities to develop dedicated channels and infrastructure that allow for the swift and comprehensive multi-messenger follow-up of relevant events detected in any of these sectors. This paper highlights the strides that have been already taken in that direction and the fruits that they have borne, as well as the challenges that lie ahead.
Extreme Rainfall Events Triggered Loess Collapses and Landslides in Chencang District, Shanxi, China, during June–October 2021
Authors: Zhou Chang , Xia Zhao , Chen Debin , Miao Leqian , Hu Shenghua , Yuan Jingjing , Huang Wei , Liu Li , Ai Dong , Xu Huiyuan , Xiao Chunjin
Published: August 2024

In recent years, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events has exacerbated the severity of geological disasters. Therefore, it is important to understand the mechanisms of geological disasters under extreme rainfall conditions. From June to October 2021, Baoji City, Shanxi Province, China, experienced some extreme and continuous heavy rainfalls, which triggered more than 30 geological disasters. Those geo-disasters threatened the lives of 831 people and the safety of 195 houses. The field investigations found that most of these geological disasters were devastating collapses that occurred in the loess layer, primarily due to the cave dwelling construction. The shear strength, montmorillonite content, disintegration degree, and plasticity index of two typical loesses, namely the Sanmen Formation stiff clay and the Hipparion red clay, were analyzed, and their water sensitivities were evaluated. The failure mechanisms of the landslides, ground fissures, and collapses were analyzed and most of them were controlled by the cave dwelling construction and the strong water sensitivity of the loess. This study provides data for understanding shallow geological disasters induced by extreme rainfall in the loess area, which are more threatening than large geological disasters. We proposed an intensity–duration (I–D) rainfall threshold as I = 90 D−0.92, which relates the rainfall intensity (I) to the rainfall event duration (D). The empirical threshold provides some useful information for the early warning of collapses or landslides in similar geological settings in the loess area.
Machine Learning Enhanced by Feature Engineering for Estimating Snow Water Equivalent
Authors: Čistý Milan , Danko Michal , Kohnová Silvia , Považanová Barbora , Trizna Andrej
Published: August 2024

This study compares the calculation of snow water equivalent (SWE) using machine learning algorithms with the conventional degree-day method. The study uses machine learning techniques such as LASSO, Random Forest, Support Vector Machines, and CatBoost. It proposes an innovative use of feature engineering (FE) to improve the accuracy and robustness of SWE predictions by machine learning intended for interpolation, extrapolation, or imputation of missing data. The performance of machine learning approaches is evaluated against the traditional degree-day method for predicting SWE. The study emphasizes and demonstrates gains when modeling is enhanced by transforming basic, raw data through feature engineering. The results, verified in a case study from the mountainous region of Slovakia, suggest that machine learning, particularly CatBoost with feature engineering, shows better results in SWE estimation in comparison with the degree-day method, although the authors present a refined application of the degree-day method by utilizing genetic algorithms. Nevertheless, the study finds that the degree-day method achieved accuracy with a Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient of efficiency NSE = 0.59, while the CatBoost technique enhanced with the proposed FE achieved an accuracy NSE = 0.86. The results of this research contribute to refining snow hydrology modeling and optimizing SWE prediction for improved decision-making in snow-dominated regions.
Tecnologias no ensino de Matemática para crianças com TEA: o que dizem as pesquisas?
Authors: Menon Theysmara , Scortegagna Liamara , Nazar David José Maria
Published: August 2024

A inclusão de estudantes com Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) na sala de aula regular vem aumentando, mas apesar de ser amparada pela legislação brasileira está longe de ser uma realidade para todos. A inclusão, implica na oferta de matrícula e no pleno acesso ao currículo escolar, com as adequações necessárias, porém, muitas instituições ainda possuem práticas excludentes, que não levam em consideração as singularidades desses estudantes. A Matemática, por si só já é uma disciplina considerada complexa e para os estudantes com TEA, ela se torna supressora. Visto isso, o objetivo deste artigo, é apresentar o estado da arte das publicações, por meio de uma Revisão Sistemática de Literatura (RSL) sobre o uso de tecnologias no ensino de Matemática para alunos com TEA. A metodologia se baseou no protocolo de RSL consolidado por Kitchenham (2004), utilizando as bases de dados Google Scholar, CAPES e Biblioteca Digital de Teses e Dissertações (BDTD) num recorte temporal de 2008 a 2023. Após as análises das produções selecionadas, observou-se que a maioria das tecnologias para o ensino de Matemática para alunos com autismo, são jogos e também, a maioria dos professores não têm formação necessária para trabalhar com alunos com TEA.
AVERSÃO AOS POBRES: GRANDE DESAFIO PARA O BRASIL
Authors: Rojas Acosta Ana
Published: August 2024

Este texto explora a aversão aos pobres e os desafios que o Brasil enfrenta, dividindo-se em duas partes: análise conjuntural e desafios enfrentados pelo país. Examina-se o significado da aversão aos pobres, destacando a aporofobia e suas raízes sociais, políticas e midiáticas. Aborda-se também a pobreza no Brasil, afetando áreas como saúde, educação e mercado de trabalho, especialmente para grupos marginalizados. O texto levanta questões sobre políticas públicas, inserção no mercado de trabalho e recuperação educacional pós-crise sanitária, enfatizando a necessidade de superar o ciclo de pobreza. Reflete-se sobre os avanços e desafios no bicentenário da independência, destacando a importância de respeitar as emoções e reconhecer a resiliência dos pobres. O objetivo é incentivar uma análise crítica e estimular o debate para soluções e transformações sociais.
Palavras-chave: Aversão aos pobres, Apofobia, Desigualdade, Políticas públicas, Transformações sociais
EL CONTINUUM DE LAS VIOLENCIAS BASADAS EN GÉNERO - VBG: JÓVENES ENTRE LO PÚBLICO Y LO PRIVADO
Authors: OLAYA EUCARIS , PUYANA VILLAMIZAR YOLANDA , SALIVE MARÍA CLARA , BERNAL MARTINEZ ÁNGELA ROCÍO
Published: August 2024

La Universidad Nacional de Colombia, fundada en 1867, es la principal institución universitaria del país, con nueve sedes en diferentes regiones y alrededor de 60 mil estudiantes, con una población docente mayoritariamente masculina. Aunque cuenta con políticas de equidad de género, las cifras reflejan un liderazgo y participación predominantemente masculina, con ciertas áreas más masculinizadas que otras.
La universidad ha sido pionera en temas de género, implementando políticas de equidad y prevención de violencias basadas en género, como el Protocolo para la Prevención y Atención de Casos de Violencias Basadas en Género. Sin embargo, las denuncias de violencias contra mujeres y personas no binarias continúan aumentando, lo que requiere un mayor compromiso en la prevención y atención de estas violencias.
Se destaca la necesidad de trabajar con colectivos estudiantiles y representantes para abordar la naturalización de la inequidad de género y los silencios que persisten en torno a las violencias. La investigación muestra las experiencias de los estudiantes y sus acciones de resistencia frente a las violencias, evidenciando la importancia de comprender sus trayectorias de vida y los significados que atribuyen a sus experiencias.
Ampliar el análisis más allá del término "continuum" es necesario  para comprender las diversas dimensiones del sufrimiento y la impotencia experimentados por las personas afectadas.
APRIMORAMENTO DA INSPEÇÃO SANITÁRIA EM FARMÁCIAS DE MANIPULAÇÃO:
Authors: Pizzi Herrero Marins Priscila , Acosta Ana Rojas
Published: August 2024

Este estudo visa melhorar as ferramentas de trabalho dos inspetores de farmácias de manipulação do Sistema Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, focando na classificação das Não Conformidades detectadas durante inspeções por categorias de risco. Utilizou uma abordagem metodológica exploratória e qualitativa, com coleta de dados virtual através de questionários e grupos focais. A amostra intencional incluiu cinco inspetores selecionados de um grupo de dez especialistas. Adicionalmente, foram analisadas fontes secundárias como pesquisa bibliográfica, documental e relatórios de infração de 2019. Os resultados abordaram as principais "não conformidades" identificadas e as dificuldades enfrentadas pelos inspetores, além de examinar os instrumentos disponíveis. O estudo resultou na concepção de um Procedimento Operacional Padrão (POP) para farmácias de manipulação, incluindo a classificação das Não Conformidades por categorias de risco, cuja eficácia foi testada com os participantes. Reforçamos a necessidade de investimentos em políticas públicas de educação permanente em saúde para atender às demandas formativas dos inspetores e promover a qualidade nos serviços de saúde.
Clinical, Pathological, and Genetic Characteristics of Patients with Digenic Alport Syndrome
Authors: Inoki Yuta , Horinouchi Tomoko , Yamamura Tomohiko , Ishimori Shingo , Ichikawa Yuta , Tanaka Yu , Ueda Chika , Kitakado Hideaki , Kondo Atsushi , Sakakibara Nana , Nagano China , Nozu Kandai
Published: August 2024

Key Points

Patients with both COL4A3 and COL4A4 variants exhibited poor renal prognosis compared with those with autosomal dominant Alport syndrome.

The proportion of patients with digenic Alport syndrome was 1.7% among all patients with Alport syndrome.

Background

Digenic Alport syndrome could be associated with poor renal prognosis. However, the characteristics of patients with digenic Alport syndrome remain ambiguous.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated the clinical symptoms, pathological findings, genetic variants, and proportions of patients with digenic Alport syndrome. The ages at detection of proteinuria and development of ESKD were compared between patients with digenic Alport syndrome with disease-causing variants in COL4A3 and COL4A4 and those with autosomal dominant Alport syndrome (ADAS) previously analyzed by our group.

Results

Eighteen patients from nine families with digenic variants in COL4A3 and COL4A4 and four male and five female patients with digenic variants in COL4A5 and COL4A3 or COL4A4 were enrolled in this study. Next-generation sequencing revealed that the proportion of patients with digenic Alport syndrome was 1.7% among all patients with Alport syndrome. In patients with digenic variants in COL4A3 and COL4A4, the median ages at detection of proteinuria and ESKD were 10.0 and 57.0 years, respectively. Compared with the patients with ADAS, the age at detection of proteinuria tended to be earlier (10.0 versus 20.0 years; P = 0.073) and that at development of ESKD was significantly earlier (57.0 versus 72.0 years; P = 0.045) in patients with digenic Alport syndrome.

Conclusions

Overall, patients with digenic Alport syndrome harboring COL4A3 and COL4A4 variants exhibited poor renal compared with the patients with ADAS. Therefore, timely identification of the two disease-causing variants is critical for the renal prognostic assessment and early treatment of patients with digenic Alport syndrome.
حق المتهم في الاستعانة بمحام أمام المحكمة الجزائية في التشريع العماني: دراسة تحليلية مقارنة
Authors: قشطة نزار حمدي , العبري فاطمة خليفة
Published: August 2024

الأهداف: حق المتهم في الاستعانة بمحام يعد حقاً متفرعاً من حق الدفاع، وله أولوية كبيرة خاصة في مرحلة المحاكمة؛ لتحقيق ضمانات المحاكمة العادلة ومن ثم، هدفت الدراسة إلى توضيح مفهوم الاستعانة بمحام وأهميتها في مرحلة المحاكمة، وتبيان مدى إلزامية هذا الحق وفقاً للقانون بالنسبة للأحداث ولغير الأحداث، والأثر المترتب على عدم وجود هذه الضمانة للمتهم؛ الأمر الذي يثير إشكالية الدراسة؛ التي تتمحور حول مدى كفاية النصوص القانونية وتطبيقها فيما يتعلق بحق المتهم في الاستعانة بمحام أمام المحكمة الجزائية. المنهج:  اتبعت الدراسة المنهج الوصفي التحليلي للإجابة عن تلك الإشكالية إضافة إلى المنهج المقارن. النتائج: توصلت الدراسة إلى نتيجة مهمة، مفادها أن المشرع العماني لم ينص على إلزامية ندب محام للمتهم البالغ في مرحلة المحاكمة حتى ولو كان متهماً في جناية، في حين جاء النص على إلزامية ندب محام للمتهم بنص صريح وواضح إذا كان المتهم حدثاً، وأوصت الدراسة المشرع العماني بضرورة تنظيم هذا الحق ووضع آلية معينه لكفالة هذه الضمانة المهمة للمتهم؛ بما يحقق التوافق بين نصوص النظام الأساسي وقانون الإجراءات الجزائية. الخاتمة: تناولت الدراسة حق المتهم في الدفاع أمام المحكمة الجزائية، وألقت الضوء على إيضاح مفهوم حق المتهم في لاستعانة بمحامم أمام المحكمة الجزائية، وبينت التنظيم القانوني لهذا الحق في التشريع العماني.
الجرائم الإلكترونية الممارسة ضد المرأة الكويتية وآليات الحد منها: دراسة ميدانية
Authors: العجمي محمد منيف
Published: August 2024

الأهداف: هدفت الدراسة الكشف عن الجرائم الإلكترونية الممارسة ضد المرأة الكويتية وآليات الحد منها. المنهج: استخدمت الدراسة المنهج الوصفي، وطبقت الاستبانة على المشاركات، وهن 842 من النساء الكويتيات، موزعات وفق متغيرات الحالة الاجتماعية والمستوى التعليمي والعمر. النتائج: أشارت النتائج إلى أن درجة تعرض المرأة للتنمر الإلكتروني جاءت مرتفعة، وأن درجة تعرض المرأة الكويتية لجريمة التحرش الإلكتروني جاءت مرتفعة، وأن درجة تعرضها للإرهاب الإلكتروني جاءت مرتفعة، وأن موافقة المشاركات على آليات الحد من الجرائم الإلكترونية الممارسة ضد المرأة الكويتية جاءت مرتفعة، وأنه توجد فروق في استجابات المشاركات تبعاً لمتغير الحالة الاجتماعية لصالح غير المتزوجات، وأنه لا توجد فروق في استجابات المشاركات تعزى لمتغير المستوى التعليمي والعمر. الخاتمة: إن المرأة الكويتية تتعرض للجرائم الإلكترونية بدرجة مرتفعة، ولخطورة هذا الأمر فإنه من الأهمية تركيز الإعلام على التوعية بالجرائم الإلكترونية الممارسة ضد المرأة الكويتية، وكذلك كيفية الوقاية منها، تدعيم البرامج والمقررات الدراسية في مختلف المراحل التعليمية بمحتوى يرفع من الوعي بالجرائم الإلكترونية بصفة عامة وكيفية الوقاية منها، وتدريب الأسرة من خلال برامج تدريبية تسهم في رفع وعيها بالأمن السيبراني وكيفية وقاية أفرادها من الجرائم الإلكترونية.
توظيف مهارات التعلم والابتكار في الممارسات التدريسية ومعوقاته لدى معلمي ومعلمات الرياضيات من وجهة نظرهم
Authors: الرويشد نهى راشد
Published: August 2024

الأهداف: هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى تعرّف توظيف مهارات التعلم والابتكار في الممارسات التدريسية ومعوقاته لدى معلمي ومعلمات الرياضيات من وجهة نظرهم. المنهج: اعتمدت الدراسة المنهج النوعي باستخدام المقابلات الشخصية شبه المنظمة، وتكونت من 9 أسئلة عن توظيف مهارات التعلم والابتكار في الممارسات التدريسية لمادة الرياضيات. بلغ عدد المشاركين  31 من معلمي مادة الرياضيات في دولة الكويت. النتائج: توصلت النتائج إلى أن الممارسات التدريسية للمجموعة الأولى: مهارات التفكير الناقد وحل المشكلة، ظهرت في أربعة محاور، وهي تشجيع طرح الأسئلة والمناقشة، وربط المسائل الرياضية بالمواقف الحياتية، وإعطاء التوجيهات، وتنويع استخدام الإستراتيجيات وتوليد الأفكار. وبرز في نتائج المجموعة الثانية مهارات الاتصال والتشارك محوران هما: الممارسات التدريسية الموجهة للمتعلم والممارسات التدريسية الموجهة للجماعة. أما نتائج المجموعة الثالثة مهارات الابتكار والإبداع؛ فكانت في ثلاثة محاور: وهي ربط أفكار سابقة واستدعاؤها، وتوليد أفكار مميزة غير مألوفة، وتقديم إضافات وتفاصيل جديدة. وأوضحت نتائج المشاركين معوقات في ممارساتهم التدريسية لمهارات التعلم والابتكار، وهي معوقات تتعلق بالمعلم؛ مثل قلة تدريب المعلمين، والتقيد بخطة زمنية، ومعوقات تتعلق بالطالب؛ مثل ضعف اللغة العربية، قراءة المسائل اللفظية، ومعوقات تتعلق بطبيعة المادة؛ مثل صعوبة فهم المشكلة وتحديدها، وكتابة المعلومات الرياضية إلى لغة رياضية واضحة وتفسيرها، ومعوقات تتعلق بالمنهج؛ مثل كثافة محتوى المنهج بالنسبة لزمن الحصة، وكذلك التقيد بطرق الحل في المنهج، ومعوقات تتعلق بالبيئة الصفية؛ مثل كثافة الفصل، وقلة الموارد والأدوات. الخاتمة: من أهم توصيات الدراسة الاهتمام بالتواصل الرياضي في الممارسات التدريسية وبخاصة التواصل الرياضي الكتابي، وتوفير مصادر متنوعة ومبتكرة لإثراء وتعلم الرياضيات لتحفيز مهارات التعلم والابتكار.
Collagen Type II-Based Injectable Materials for In situ Repair and Regeneration of Articular Cartilage Defect
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Hu Xu , Jin Min , Mu Yulei , Zhou Huiqun , Ma Cheng , Ma Liang , Liu Bangheng , Yao Hang , Huang Ye , Wang Dong-An
Published: August 2024

Repairing and regenerating articular cartilage defects (ACDs) have long been challenging for physicians and scientists. The rise of injectable materials provides a novel strategy for minimally invasive surgery to repair ACDs. In this study, we successfully developed injectable materials based on collagen type II, achieving hyaline cartilage repair and regeneration of ACDs. Analysis was conducted on the regenerated cartilage after materials injection. The histology staining demonstrated complete healing of the ACDs with the attainment of a hyaline cartilage phenotype. The biochemical and biomechanical properties are similar to the adjacent native cartilage without noticeable adverse effects on the subchondral bone. Further transcriptome analysis found that compared with the Native cartilage adjacent to the defect area, the Regenerated cartilage in the defect area repaired with type II collagen-based injection materials showed changes in cartilage-related pathways, as well as down-regulation of T cell receptor signaling pathways and interleukin-17 signaling pathways, which changed the immune microenvironment of the ACD area. Overall, these findings offer a promising injectable approach to treating ACDs, providing a potential solution to the challenges associated with achieving hyaline cartilage in situ repair and regeneration while minimizing damage to the surrounding cartilage.
Monomeric, Oligomeric, Polymeric, and Supramolecular Cyclodextrins as Catalysts for Green Chemistry
Authors: Komiyama Makoto
Published: August 2024

This review comprehensively covers recent developments of cyclodextrin-mediated chemical transformations for green chemistry. These cyclic oligomers of glucose are nontoxic, eco-friendly, and recyclable to accomplish eminent functions in water. Their most important feature is to form inclusion complexes with reactants, intermediates, and/or catalysts. As a result, their cavities serve as sterically restricted and apolar reaction fields to promote the efficiency and selectivity of reactions. Furthermore, unstable reagents and intermediates are protected from undesired side reactions. The scope of their applications has been further widened through covalent or noncovalent modifications. Combinations of them with metal catalysis are especially successful. In terms of these effects, various chemical reactions are achieved with high selectivity and yield so that valuable chemicals are synthesized from multiple components in one-pot reactions. Furthermore, cyclodextrin units are orderly assembled in oligomers and polymers to show their cooperation for advanced properties. Recently, cyclodextrin-based metal–organic frameworks and polyoxometalate–cyclodextrin frameworks have been fabricated and employed for unique applications. Cyclodextrins fulfill many requirements for green chemistry and should make enormous contributions to this growing field.
Generation Y Perceptions Of The Traditional Career Model
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Kelliher Aoife
Published: August 2024

Generation Y will be expected to play the most significant role in the work place as their careers develop and older generations retire. Much of the research carried out on their work related values and career progression to date has relied on the viewpoints of Generation Y as undergraduates, prior to gaining substantial experience in the work place. This study responds to Ng and Gossett’s (2013) call for further research into the values, attitudes and expectations of young people as they will emerge as leaders of tomorrow. The purpose of the study is to examine if the traditional career model is still of relevance to Generation Y career progression, focusing on three particular aspects of careers. The study sought to identify what elements of career success Generation Y value, to determine if their career outlook is focused on short-term or long-term career goals and finally to investigate if Generation Y show characteristics of modem career models. A qualitative approach was taken in the fonn of nine semi-structured interviews of Generation Y employees in a case study organisation. The results of the study identified that elements of the traditional career model are still of value to Generation Y in their career progression, most notably recognition through pay rise or pay bonus. The study confirmed that subjective career success in the short- term is most important to Generation Y, however interestingly is only to form the basis of their desire for continual success. In line with the traditional career model, long-term career success is their ultimate goal. Their career progression is thoughtful and planned, and Generation Y are willing to be patient for the right career progression opportunities. Subjective factors were most prominent when considering new career opportunities. The study provided evidence of the new career models of which Generation Y displayed characteristics of, specifically the boundaryless and protean career models. Generation Y are willing to consider their career progression in more than one organisation. The type of role they undertake and subjective career success is more important than loyalty to their employer. Generation Y feel in control of the direction of their career and are proactive in building their career reputation, however there remains a strong reliance on the organisation to provide the individual with career support and development opportunities. It is at this point violation of the psychological contract is at risk, as unwritten expectations of support for career progression are not being met.
The Impact Of Relevant Work Experience On Third Level Accounting Students' View Of Learning
Authors:   ,   Cork Institute of Technology, Deehan Terese
Published: August 2024

The benefits of work experience in accounting education have been examined extensively in the academic literature. Extant literature cites skills development, putting knowledge into action, improved academic results, increased focus on study and career path and enhanced employability as the main benefits to students. Other than research on the impact on academic results, there is a dearth of research on the impact of work experience on students’ view of learning. In research conducted in Ireland, Byrne and Flood (2004) concluded that the majority of third-level accounting students only have a surface-level view of learning and that this will not be of benefit to them when they enter the work force. This study seeks to examine if relevant work experience has an impact on third-level accounting students ’ view of learning. In this study content analysis was carried out on fifty-four student participation sheets completed by final year Accounting degree students in Cork Institute of Technology. This explored their view of learning to ascertain if student with relevant work experience have a higher view of learning than those who had not. A hierarchical framework of learning, developed by Saljo (1979) and Marton et al. (1993), was used to measure the students ’ conception of learning. The main finding of this study is that relevant work experience during third-level Accounting education has a positive impact on students ’ view of learning. It appears to elevate the accounting students ’ view of learning from the more simplistic concepts of acquisition and memorising of knowledge to the use and understanding of that knowledge in practice. This suggests that relevant work experience begins to encourage a deeper approach to learning. This would support the growing call for relevant work placement as part of the formal curriculum of a third-level accountancy degree programme.
ARHGAP42 rs604723 Gene Polymorphism Is Associated With Pulse Wave Speed In Hypertension Diagnosed Subjects
Authors: Kosova Buket , Guler Kara Hale , Soydan Elton , Aygunes Jafarı Duygu Dondu , Tetik Vardarlı Aslı , Atay Gökhan , Özkahya Mehmet , Bozok Çetintaş Vildan , Seziş Meltem
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Hypertension is a systemic disease characterized by high blood pressure and an important threat for the population, as it is common and can cause serious complications. Genetic and environmental factors are involved in its development like the recently defined genetic risk factor ARHGAP42 that encodes the Rho GTPase activating protein 42. In the study, the intronic rs604723 (C/T) gene polymorphism of ARHGAP42 was investigated in relation to arterial stiffness.
Methods: Peripheral blood samples, taken from 63 study group subjects with hypertension and 100 healthy subject as control, were analyzed for the presence of the ARHGAP42 rs604723 gene polymorphism by a real-time PCR method following DNA isolation. Demographic data of the study group subjects were recorded and blood pressure, ambulatory blood pressure and arterial stiffness values were measured.
Results: The heterozygous polymorphic CT (~2-fold) and homozygous polymorphic TT (~1.6-fold) genotypes were found to be higher in study group subjects when compared to the control group subjects, whereby the increase of the CT genotype was statistically significant (p = 0.006). Similarly, the frequency of the polymorphic T allele was found to be higher (~1.9-fold) and statistically significant (p = 0.003) in the study group subjects. In addition, the heterozygous polymorphic CT and homozygous polymorphic TT genotypes were found to be associated with carotid-femoral pulse velocity, which is a measure of arterial stiffness (p = 0.025).
Conclusion: In this study, the ARHGAP42 rs604723 (C/T) gene polymorphism was found to be associated with pulse wave speed in subjects with hypertension. It will be of interest, to investigate its association with any specific drug or drugs commonly used in anti-hypertensive therapy. Thus, it would be possible to select the appropriate drug or drugs according to the hypertensive subjects’ genotype to carry out personalized medicine in future.
Strength Evaluation of Combined New and Old Plates Welded Joint: Case of Anggada XV Tug Boat
Authors: Nurcholik Samsu Dlukha , Wahyuda Wahyuda , Hidayat Taufik , Arifuddin Andi Mursid Nugraha , Kurniawati Diniar Mungil , Saadiyah Devy Setiorini , Awali Jatmoko , Rohimsyah Fikan Mubarok , Trimulyono Andi , Kusuma Andhi Indira
Published: August 2024

Naval grade plate is designed for shipbuilding due to its strength. In the shipyard, old plates have been used because surplusage of the previous project. However, the mechanical properties of old plate compared to new plate have not been clarified yet. In this study, a comparative investigation shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) of old plate and new plate was performed. A spectroscopy test was used to obtain the chemical properties of the old plate and the new plate. Furthermore, tensile and hardness tests were performed to investigate the mechanical properties It was concluded that (1) the chemical properties of the old and new plates are almost similar and (2) the average value of tensile strength of the old-old plate, new-new plate, and new-old plate are 451.3, 487, 454,3 N/mm2, respectively. (3) then, the average hardness test of HAZ of old plate, new plate, and weld metal are 73.2, 78.3, 83.2 HRB, respectively. From the results, it can be concluded that using old plates for shipbuilding is still reliable.
Deep learning model for predicting the spatial distribution of binding energy from atomic configurations
Authors: Saito Seiki , Sato Shingo , Nakamura Hiroaki , Takahashi Chako , Sawada Keiji , Hoshino Kazuo , Kobayashi Masahiro , Hasuo Masahiro
Published: August 2024

Understanding plasma-material interaction is crucial for achieving steady-state operation of magnetic confinement fusion devices. Kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) simulation is a powerful tool for investigating the motion of atoms in the plasma facing materials under the influence of this interaction. To predict trapping sites and migration energies necessary for kMC simulations, we developed a deep learning model based on pix2pix for predicting the spatial distribution of binding energy. Results show that the model can reproduce spatial distributions similar to the true values. However, larger errors occur in regions with steep value gradients.