bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analisa Karakteristik Curah Hujan Dari Data Curah Hujan Satelit GPM Menggunakan Klasifikasi Schmidt-Ferguson di Kabupaten Tanah Laut
Authors: Muhammad Chairi Munanjar  , Muhammad Rizan Adam  , Jihan Alya Nabillah
Published: January 2025

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi pola curah hujan dengan menganalisis karakteristiknya menggunakan metode Schmidt-Ferguson di Kabupaten Tanah Laut. Data yang digunakan berasal dari data curah hujan satelit GPM (Global Precitipation Measurement) yang disediakan oleh NASA melalui website https://giovanni.gsfc.nasa.gov/giovanni/ yang meliputi data sekunder dengan memasukan data tahun pengamatan dari tahun 2014 sampai 2023 dan titik koordinat lokasi penelitian. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pola curah hujan Kabupaten Tanah Laut selama periode tersebut adalah pola Monsoon, dengan peningkatan curah hujan pada bulan Desember, Januari dan Februari. Sebaliknya pada bulan Juli, Agustus, September, Oktober terjadi penurunan curah hujan namun tidak dianggap musim kemarau karena curah hujan masih tinggi. Berdasarkan klasifikasi Schmidt-Ferguson, karakteristik hujan di Kabupaten Tanah Laut termasuk tipe B (Basah) dengan nilai Q sebesar 16,33.
The Critical Role of Introspective Analysis in Modern Research Practices
Authors: Adeoye Moses Adeleke , Lere Omiwole Joseph
Published: January 2025

Introspective analysis is a crucial element in modern research practices, as it enhances the rigour, relevance, and ethical integrity of research practices across various disciplines. By examining the interplay between self-reflection and methodological approaches, introspective analysis fosters deeper understanding and critical thinking, encouraging researchers to confront biases, assumptions, and ethical dilemmas inherent in their work. Incorporating introspective practices into research design, data interpretation, and dissemination of findings can lead to a culture of accountability and transparency in research, promoting collaboration, and ultimately improving the quality and impact of scholarly outputs. This discourse underscores the necessity of integrating introspective analysis into the research process, positioning it as a vital component for advancing knowledge and addressing the challenges faced by the global research community. By engaging in introspective analysis, researchers can unearth underlying motivations that may affect their interpretation of data, selection of methodologies, and interactions with research participants. This reflective practice can lead to the refinement of research questions, ensuring they are not only relevant but also ethically sound. By engaging in self-reflection, researchers can confront their ethical responsibilities toward participants, stakeholders, and the broader community, fostering a culture of accountability and ensuring that researchers remain aware of their impact and obligations. In conclusion, the critical role of introspective analysis cannot be overstated as the research landscape continues to evolve. By embracing self-reflection as an essential component of research, researchers can contribute to more innovative and comprehensive solutions to complex problems.
Draíocht: Sparking Creativity, Proceedings of the 2024 International Graphic Medicine Conference
Authors: Burns Jane
Published: January 2025

Graphic Medicine Review partners with the Graphic Medicine International Collective to publish selected conference proceedings. This issue highlights some of the novel ideas, programs, and perspectives presented at the 2024 Annual Conference at the Technological University of Shannon, Athlone, Ireland.
Hacia una tipología de la violencia: la prostituta violentada en las continuaciones e imitaciones de La Celestina
Authors: Calvo Martínez Irati
Published: January 2025

Desde la publicación de la Tragicomedia de Calisto y Melibea, la violencia se convierte en un recurso habitual dentro del género celestinesco. Las agresiones pueden estar dirigidas a todos los personajes de las obras; no obstante, las prostitutas, por su condición de mujeres y por ser dependientes de sus proxenetas―tanto rufianes como alcahuetas―, suelen ser las principales receptoras de violencia. El objetivo de este artículo es establecer una tipología de la violencia contra la mujer prostituta en las principales continuaciones e imitaciones de La Celestina. Para ello, se analizarán algunas de las obras más representativas del género para determinar quiénes son las víctimas, quiénes los agresores, cuáles son los motivos que los llevan a ejercer dicha violencia y qué tipo de violencia ejercen. Se analizarán también las reacciones de las víctimas ante las agresiones y se tendrá en cuenta quiénes son testigos, cómplices y observadores de los actos violentos. En última instancia, se tratará de clarificar cuál es la función que ejerce un determinado episodio violento en la totalidad de la obra.
Incendios forestales, extractivismo y territorio mapuche en el Ngulumapu: Dinámicas sociohistóricas en lof de Llaima e Icalma, región de La Araucanía
Authors: Figueroa Burdiles Noelia , Marimán Quemenado Pablo
Published: January 2025

El ensayo relaciona el extractivismo, en tanto modo de producción capitalista, con el fenómeno de incendio forestal. Desde una perspectiva intercultural se analizan las dinámicas sociohistóricas que se han producido en los territorios Llaima e Icalma, que comparten la reserva forestal “China Muerta”, y que comprenden parte de las comunas de Lonquimay, Melipeuco y Cunco, Región de la Araucanía. Del análisis de diversas fuentes, se concluye que se trata de un territorio marcado por una historia de violencia sistemática sobre quienes han habitado el área de estudio -y que refleja el nombre de la reserva-, lo que se relaciona directamente con el colonialismo expresado en lógicas y prácticas extractivistas que incluyen el uso del fuego. Desde una perspectiva intercultural y decolonial se reconoce la existencia de una territorialidad mapuche-pewenche alrededor de la reserva natural “China Muerta” que permite la resignificación de este espacio, necesaria para sanar las heridas del colonialismo.
Desastre y desorden: las autoridades locales frente al terremoto de Port Royal, Jamaica (1692-1722)
Authors: Ramírez Sánchez Gonzalo
Published: January 2025

Este trabajo analiza las largas consecuencias del terremoto de 1692, acaecido en Port Royal (Jamaica), desde la perspectiva del desorden que ocasionó. Eventos destructores de tal magnitud suelen ir asociados a situaciones de enorme caos que alteran la cotidianidad de una sociedad, perturbando un orden preexistente. Ello acaeció el 7 de junio de aquel año, cuando se produjo uno de los sismos más devastadores de la historia del Caribe. Tras este, las autoridades locales de la Jamaica inglesa hubieron de hacer frente a una serie de amenazas que desafiaron el orden político, social y económico vigente. A través de la puesta en marcha de un conjunto de medidas y estrategias, estas trataron de aminorar sus peligrosos efectos, a corto y largo plazo. Entre estos, se encontraban el estado de anarquía más inmediato, el estallido de una rebelión de la población esclavizada, el ataque extranjero o la insalubridad. No sería hasta 1722 cuando, tras un nuevo desastre, Port Royal perdería definitivamente su categoría de ciudad y puerto preponderante en la isla, en favor de Kingston, siendo tal fecha el cierre de la presente investigación. Por me-dio del análisis de fuentes de consideración diversa, se pretende identificar de qué modo las autoridades locales percibieron aquel desorden suscitado y qué medidas implementaron en defensa de sus intereses y de su posición social.
Exploring River’s Flood Dynamics: Integrating HEC-RAS 1-D Modelling and Geospatial Techniques for the Karjan River in Gujarat’s Narmada Basin, India
Authors: Bhargav Anurag , R.Suresh
Published: January 2025

Floods rank among the most devastating natural disasters, causing extensive damage to property and severe impacts on communities. Effective management and mitigation of flood risks necessitate reliable data regarding flood depth, discharge, and extent. The Karjan River Basin’s low-lying regions experienced significant flooding in 2020. This research utilizes the latest new HEC-RAS version for one-dimensional hydrodynamic flood modelling for the Karjan River in low-lying areas and the merging point of the Karjan River Basin in Narmada River, emphasizing geospatial techniques. The study showcases the analytical process of the new HEC-RAS v6 in spatial analysis. River features like bank lines and cross-sections were derived from ALOS Palsar for flood modeling. An unsteady flow simulation was conducted to model water dynamics, yielding water depth results viewable in the HEC-RAS geospatial RAS mapper. Flood depth maps created for 2020 reveal that areas low lying area i.e. Dhamncha, bhadam, Juna Rundh and surrounding area near the merging point of Karjan River are prone to floods when river discharge surpasses 8836 cubic meters per second. Model accuracy was verified by comparing simulated outcomes with historical data from the mentioned events, demonstrating the model’s precision and reliability.
Influence of Climatic Parameters on the Incidence of Black Pod Rot of Cocoa Trees in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Balakissa FOFANA , Patrick Dao Jonas , Miyasi OUATTARA Bognan Winnie , Michel ZOUZOU , Daouda KONE
Published: January 2025

Cocoa farming is very important to Côte d'Ivoire’s economy, however the increasing pressure of black pod rot is significantly reducing causing production, which is unfavorable to sustainable cocoa production. This disease is caused by Phytophthora palmivora, which is prevalent in all cocoa-producing areas. The objective is to determine the effect of climatic parameters on the incidence of the disease in the study localities. To achieve this, three plots were selected in each locality, based on the presence of black pod rot and the accessibility of the field. A 900 m2 was delimited in each plot, then 100 trees were randomly numbered to monitor the disease's evolution. Over seven months weekly counts of the number of pods affected and healthy pods was carried out for to assess the incidence of the disease in the different localities. Climatic parameters such as temperature, humidity and rainfall were recorded in each locality to determine their effects on black pod rot. The results showed a positive correlation between black pod rot rates and climatic parameters. Hierarchical ascending classification separated the localities into three groups, with Azaguié having the highest rate of black pod rot (34.78%) and the lowest rate of rot (6.59%) recorded in Loviguié. The study highlighted the threat posed by black pod rot to cocoa production in the Agnéby-Tiassa region, and the urgent need to develop sustainable control strategies.
The Impact of X‐Ray Radiation on Chemical and Optical Properties of Triple‐Cation Lead Halide Perovskite: from the Surface to the Bulk
Authors: Vidon Guillaume , Dally Pia , Al‐Katrib Mirella , Ory Daniel , Kim Minjin , Soret Etienne , Rangayen Eva , Legrand Marie , Blaizot Alexandre , Schulz Philip , Puel Jean‐Baptiste , Suchet Daniel , Guillemoles Jean‐François , Etcheberry Arnaud , Bouttemy Muriel , Cacovich Stefania
Published: July 2023

Understanding the effects of X‐rays on halide perovskite thin films is critical for accurate and reliable characterization of this class of materials, as well as their use in detection systems. In this study, advanced optical imaging techniques are employed, both spectrally and temporally resolved, coupled with chemical characterizations to obtain a comprehensive picture of the degradation mechanism occurring in the material during photoemission spectroscopy measurements. Two main degradation pathways are identified through the use of local correlative physico‐chemical analysis. The first one, at low X‐Ray fluence, shows minor changes of the surface chemistry and composition associated with the formation of electronic defects. Moreover, a second degradation route occurring at higher fluence leads to the evaporation of the organic cations and the formation of an iodine‐poor perovskite. Based on the local variation of the optoelectronic properties, a kinetic model describing the different mechanisms is proposed. These findings provide valuable insight on the impact of X‐rays on the perovskite layers during investigations using X‐ray based techniques. More generally, a deep understanding of the interaction mechanism of X‐rays with perovskite thin films is essential for the development of perovskite‐based X‐ray detectors and solar for space applications.
Sustainable Nano‐Nonwoven Fabric Production from Recycled Polyamide 6 Waste via Electrospinning: Controlling Characteristics and Comprehensive Analytical Study
Authors: Metwally Bahaa S. , Zayed Ahmed M. , Rashed Samah A. , El‐Sheikh Mohamed N. , Hamouda Asmaa S.
Published: July 2023

This study investigates the recycling of polyamide 6 (PA 6) wastes to produce nonwoven fabrics based on nanofibers (PA‐NWNF) to promote sustainable textile solid waste management and generate a novel material with exceptional properties. PA‐NWNF characteristics can be controlled by adjusting the electrospinning parameters. A comprehensive characterization will be performed using various analytical techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), to evaluate the unique properties as a function of the electrospinning parameters. According to the SEM results, concentrations of 21% are suitable to produce nanofiber with a well‐defined morphology, provided that the applied voltage is maintained at 20 kV and the collecting distance is above 10 cm, irrespective of the flow rate in the established protocol. XRD and FTIR analysis indicate a gradual decrease in the α‐phase and a simultaneous increase in the γ‐phase as the solution concentration increases. Moreover, low applied voltage favored β‐form crystallization over γ and α‐forms predominant at the higher voltage. DMA and BET data reveal that the elongated droplets formed at lower concentration exhibit a low storage modulus, high damping factor, highest surface area, and smallest pore diameters.
Multifunctional Al2O3:Eu2+/Sm2+,3+ + Y2O3:Eu3+ Coatings Created by the Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation
Authors: Ćirić Aleksandar , Stojadinović Stevan , Dramićanin Miroslav D.
Published: July 2023

The industrial applications of luminescent coatings for temperature sensing and high‐security QR codes have multiple inherent problems in their application (speed, cost, industrial feasibility) or properties (poor adhesion, chemical, thermal stability, or thermal contact). Luminescent coatings created by the electrochemical Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) process have superior properties and can be grown directly within minutes, but are limited to the number of possible luminescent dopants. Having the unlimited possibility for doping on the PEO coatings would provide for superior coatings in all industrially appealing features. Herein, it is shown that adding any luminescent powder results in its partial dissociation and incorporation of its constituents, while it also gets incorporated as a whole. In this manner, alumina coatings are grown with various combinations and concentrations of divalent samarium and europium, and yttrium oxide with trivalent europium ions. These polycrystalline coatings whose microhardness is next to that of the diamond produce intense luminescence in the blue and red regions. Al2O3:Eu2+/Sm2+/3+ + Y2O3:Eu3+ coatings show an excellent temperature sensing performance from the cryogenic up to the high temperatures. Ultimately, the proof‐of‐concept of the luminescent QR code by the electrochemical process is realized creating a highly secure code with unprecedented environmental stability.
Goethite Mineral Dissolution to Probe the Chemistry of Radiolytic Water in Liquid‐Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Couasnon Thaïs , Fritsch Birk , Jank Michael P. M. , Blukis Roberts , Hutzler Andreas , Benning Liane G.
Published: July 2023

Liquid‐Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy (LP‐TEM) enables in situ observations of the dynamic behavior of materials in liquids at high spatial and temporal resolution. During LP‐TEM, incident electrons decompose water molecules into highly reactive species. Consequently, the chemistry of the irradiated aqueous solution is strongly altered, impacting the reactions to be observed. However, the short lifetime of these reactive species prevent their direct study. Here, the morphological changes of goethite during its dissolution are used as a marker system to evaluate the influence of radiation on the changes in solution chemistry. At low electron flux density, the morphological changes are equivalent to those observed under bulk acidic conditions, but the rate of dissolution is higher. On the contrary, at higher electron fluxes, the morphological evolution does not correspond to a unique acidic dissolution process. Combined with kinetic simulations of the steady state concentrations of generated reactive species in the aqueous medium, the results provide a unique insight into the redox and acidity interplay during radiation induced chemical changes in LP‐TEM. The results not only reveal beam‐induced radiation chemistry via a nanoparticle indicator, but also open up new perspectives in the study of the dissolution process in industrial or natural settings.
Evaluating the GeoSnap 13‐μ$$ \mu $$m cutoff HgCdTe detector for mid‐IR ground‐based astronomy
Authors: Leisenring Jarron M. , Atkinson Dani , Bowens Rory , Douence Vincent , Hoffmann William F. , Meyer Michael R. , Auyeung John , Beletic James , Cabrera Mario S. , Greenbaum Alexandra Z. , Hinz Philip , Ives Derek , Forrest William J. , McMurtry Craig W. , Pipher Judith L. , Viges Eric
Published: July 2023

New mid‐infrared HgCdTe (MCT) detector arrays developed in collaboration with Teledyne Imaging Sensors (TIS) have paved the way for improved 10‐m sensors for space‐ and ground‐based observatories. Building on the successful development of longwave HAWAII‐2RGs for space missions such as NEO Surveyor, we characterize the first 13‐m GeoSnap detector manufactured to overcome the challenges of high‐background rates inherent in ground‐based mid‐IR astronomy. This test device merges the longwave HgCdTe photosensitive material with Teledyne's GeoSnap‐18 (18‐m pixel) focal plane module, which is equipped with a capacitive transimpedance amplifier (CTIA) readout circuit paired with an onboard 14‐bit analog‐to‐digital converter (ADC). The final assembly yields a mid‐IR detector with high QE, fast readout (>85 Hz), large well depth (>1.2 million electrons), and linear readout. Longwave GeoSnap arrays would ideally be deployed on existing ground‐based telescopes as well as the next generation of extremely large telescopes. While employing advanced adaptive optics (AO) along with state‐of‐the‐art diffraction suppression techniques, instruments utilizing these detectors could attain background‐ and diffraction‐limited imaging at inner working angles <10 /D, providing improved contrast‐limited performance compared with JWST MIRI while operating at comparable wavelengths. We describe the performance characteristics of the 13‐m GeoSnap array operating between 38 45 K, including quantum efficiency, well depth, linearity, gain, dark current, and frequency‐dependent () noise profile.
HNRNPU's multi‐tasking is essential for proper cortical development
Authors: Sapir Tamar , Reiner Orly
Published: July 2023

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U (HNRNPU) is a nuclear protein that plays a crucial role in various biological functions, such as RNA splicing and chromatin organization. HNRNPU/scaffold attachment factor A (SAF‐A) activities are essential for regulating gene expression, DNA replication, genome integrity, and mitotic fidelity. These functions are critical to ensure the robustness of developmental processes, particularly those involved in shaping the human brain. As a result, HNRNPU is associated with various neurodevelopmental disorders (HNRNPU‐related neurodevelopmental disorder, HNRNPU‐NDD) characterized by developmental delay and intellectual disability. Our research demonstrates that the loss of HNRNPU function results in the death of both neural progenitor cells and post‐mitotic neurons, with a higher sensitivity observed in the former. We reported that HNRNPU truncation leads to the dysregulation of gene expression and alternative splicing of genes that converge on several signaling pathways, some of which are likely to be involved in the pathology of HNRNPU‐related NDD.
The entrainment and evolution of gas bubbles in bread dough—A review
Authors: Sun Xinyang , Scanlon Martin G. , Nickerson Michael T. , Koksel Filiz
Published: July 2023

Background and Objective

For control of bread quality to achieve high loaf volume and uniform crumb structure, gas bubble dynamics in dough needs to be better understood throughout different breadmaking processes. The objective of this review was to establish a solid theoretical basis on how flour type, water and salt content, and mixing conditions affected the incorporation, evolution, and stabilization of gas bubbles in a dough.

Findings

Bubble dynamics including entrainment, disentrainment, break‐up, disproportionation, growth, and coalescence were outlined and their effects on the gas phase of the dough were assessed. The application, advantages, and disadvantages of microscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X‐ray microtomography techniques for qualitatively or quantitatively characterizing the void fraction and bubble size distribution (BSD) in the dough at various stages of the breadmaking process have been discussed.

Conclusions

Since the BSD evolution in bread dough is associated with the quality of the resultant products, to devise strategies for improving the product quality, dough formulation, and mixing conditions need to be considered.

Significance and Novelty

Due to the obvious challenges of monitoring the fast evolution of BSD in yeasted dough, future research needs to focus on the effects of yeast activity on dough's BSD.
Individual tree segmentation of airborne and UAV LiDAR point clouds based on the watershed and optimized connection center evolution clustering
Authors: Li Yi , Xie Donghui , Wang Yingjie , Jin Shuangna , Zhou Kun , Zhang Zhixiang , Li Weihua , Zhang Wuming , Mu Xihan , Yan Guangjian
Published: July 2023

Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data can provide 3D structural information of objects and are ideal for extracting individual tree parameters, and individual tree segmentation (ITS) is a vital step for this purpose. Various ITS methods have been emerging from airborne LiDAR scanning (ALS) or unmanned aerial vehicle LiDAR scanning (ULS) data. Here, we propose a new individual tree segmentation method, which couples the classical and efficient watershed algorithm (WS) and the newly developed connection center evolution (CCE) clustering algorithm in pattern recognition. The CCE is first used in ITS and comprehensively optimized by considering tree structure and point cloud characteristics. Firstly, the amount of data is greatly reduced by mean shift voxelization. Then, the optimal clustering scale is automatically determined by the shapes in the projection of three different directions. We select five forest plots in Saihanba, China and 14 public plots in Alpine region, Europe with ULS or ALS point cloud densities from 11 to 3295 pts/m2. Eleven ITS methods were used for comparison. The accuracy of tree top detection and tree height extraction is estimated by five and two metrics, respectively. The results show that the matching rate (Rmatch) of tree tops is up to 0.92, the coefficient of determination (R2) of tree height estimation is up to .94, and the minimum root mean square error (RMSE) is 0.6 m. Our method outperforms the other methods especially in the broadleaf forests plot on slopes, where the five evaluation metrics for tree top detection outperformed the other algorithms by at least 11% on average. Our ITS method is both robust and efficient and has the potential to be used especially in coniferous forests to extract the structural parameters of individual trees for forest management, carbon stock estimation, and habitat mapping.
Predicting venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk in cancer patients using machine learning
Authors: Townsley Samir Khan , Basu Debraj , Vora Jayneel , Wun Ted , Chuah Chen‐Nee , Shankar Prabhu R. V.
Published: July 2023

Background

The association between cancer and venous thromboembolism (VTE) is well‐established with cancer patients accounting for approximately 20% of all VTE incidents. In this paper, we have performed a comparison of machine learning (ML) methods to traditional clinical scoring models for predicting the occurrence of VTE in a cancer patient population, identified important features (clinical biomarkers) for ML model predictions, and examined how different approaches to reducing the number of features used in the model impact model performance.

Methods

We have developed an ML pipeline including three separate feature selection processes and applied it to routine patient care data from the electronic health records of 1910 cancer patients at the University of California Davis Medical Center.

Results

Our ML‐based prediction model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.778 ± 0.006 (mean ± SD) when trained on a set of 15 features. This result is comparable with the model performance when trained on all features in our feature pool [0.779 ± 0.006 (mean ± SD) with 29 features]. Our result surpasses the most validated clinical scoring system for VTE risk assessment in cancer patients by 16.1%. We additionally found cancer stage information to be a useful predictor after all performed feature selection processes despite not being used in existing score‐based approaches.

Conclusion

From these findings, we observe that ML can offer new insights and a significant improvement over the most validated clinical VTE risk scoring systems in cancer patients. The results of this study also allowed us to draw insight into our feature pool and identify the features that could have the most utility in the context of developing an efficient ML classifier. While a model trained on our entire feature pool of 29 features significantly outperformed the traditionally used clinical scoring system, we were able to achieve an equivalent performance using a subset of only 15 features through strategic feature selection methods. These results are encouraging for potential applications of ML to predicting cancer‐associated VTE in clinical settings such as in bedside decision support systems where feature availability may be limited.
Exploring the anti‐corruption abilities of e‐procurement in Ghanaian mining companies
Authors: Barajei Chelteau , Obiri‐Yeboah Kwabena , Kusi Elijah , Mohammed Abdul Muhsin Z. , Osman Abdul Manaan , Gyimah Francis
Published: July 2023

The anti‐corruption capabilities of e‐procurement have not gotten any attention in Ghana, although the success factors of e‐procurement adoption have been thoroughly researched. The study's main objective is to assess how e‐procurement may reduce procurement fraud and corruption in Ghanaian mining enterprises. A self‐administered questionnaire was used to gather information on the extent to which e‐procurement anti‐corruption factors outlined in the literature reduced procurement fraud and corruption in Ghanaian mining firms from the perspectives of sector practitioners. The data was then analyzed using factor analysis. The study revealed the breaking of the monopoly of power, transparency and accountability, and breaking of information asymmetry, as e‐procurement anti‐corruption variables that combat procurement fraud and corruption in the mining companies. The most effective e‐procurement factor for preventing procurement fraud and corruption is the breaking of the monopoly of power, followed by transparency and accountability, and the least is the breaking of information asymmetry. To reduce procurement fraud and corruption, the government and organizations that manage procurement activities will now have a better understanding of the e‐procurement anti‐corruption activities and be guided as such.
Increasing amounts of midwestern Tibetan Plateau vortices and their response to soil moisture distribution coupled with different synoptic systems
Authors: Kuang Yuxin , Zhang Jie , Miao Zishu , Chen Zhiheng , Li Junjun , Niu Miaomiao , Wu Shiying , Hu Rui
Published: July 2023

Tibetan Plateau Vortices (TPVs) are important synoptic systems that affect precipitation over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and downstream weather. By using daily reanalysis data provided by ECMWF and the objective identification methods, the study identified the basic spatiotemporal changes of TPVs, clustered the TPVs by different dynamic circulation types and explored the dynamic circulation background of the classified TPVs in the midwestern TP and their relationship with thermal factors, such as sensible heat and soil moisture. The results show that TPVs in the midwestern TP exhibited an increasing trend from May to August, resulting from the coupling of dynamics with thermal forcing. The related synoptic circulations were divided into four types according to the dynamic circulations: the shortwave trough, the longwave trough, the shear line and the plateau anticyclone type. Among the TPVs, the percentage of TPVs in the shortwave and longwave trough type was relatively large, accounting for 48.7% and 31.5%, respectively, both of which were dominated by the coupling of increased sensible heat and decreased soil moisture. The shear line type was less affected by thermal factors, and mainly driven by dynamic factors, whereas the soil moisture gradient was responsible for the plateau anticyclone type. The simulation experiment also proved this conclusion.
The regulation function of intestinal microbiota by folate‐producing Lactiplantibacillus plantarumLZ227
Authors: Wu Hongchen , Huang Yingjie , Liu Manman , Zheng Xiaogu , Zhang Zihao , Chen Xiangfeng , Gu Qing , Li Ping
Published: July 2023

Background

Folic acid is a class of B vitamins that have the function of improving intestinal microbiota.

Result

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LZ227, which is a highly folate‐producing strain, was used as the research object, and the folic acid produced by LZ227 was further identified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, and the structural diversity, community composition, abundance difference, and short‐chain fatty acids content in fermentation broth were studied by the manure slurry fermentation model. The results showed that the folic acid produced by LZ227 was 5‐methyltetrahydrofolate.

Conclusion

LZ227 can increase the intestinal microbial diversity in the folate‐free state, regulate the intestinal flora, increase the abundance of Firmicutes in the intestinal flora, and inhibit the abundance of Bacteroidetes. LZ227 can inhibit the growth of Alistipes, Parabacteroides, and Bacteroides in the intestine. LZ227 significantly reduced the acetic acid content and significantly increased the butyric acid content in the folate‐free case. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Optimal needle electromyography approach to the serratus anterior muscle
Authors: Lim Hee Young , Kim Sang‐Hyun , Choi Jung‐woo , Chang So‐Youn , Kim Ga Hye , Kim In‐Beom , Nam Yong‐Seok , Lee Jong In
Published: July 2023

Introduction/Aims

There are two conventional needle electromyography (EMG) approaches to the serratus anterior (SA), both of which can result in erroneous insertion into adjacent structures such as the latissimus dorsi (LD), teres major, or external oblique abdominis muscles and pose a risk of long thoracic nerve (LTN) injury. Therefore, we identified a novel needle insertion point for the SA in cadavers that avoids other muscles and LTN injury.

Methods

This study included 17 cadavers: 12 to devise the new method and 5 to verify its accuracy. Novel landmarks were the inferior angle of the scapula (I), sternal notch (S), and xiphoid process (X). The relationships of the LD, pectoralis major (PM), SA, and LTN were determined relative to these landmarks.

Results

When inserting a needle into the proximal one third along the line connecting points I and X, there were adequate safety margins around the LD, PM, and LTN, and the new method had excellent accuracy.

Discussion

Compared to the conventional midaxillary method, our novel method improved the accuracy of needle EMG of the SA. Follow‐up studies using clinical imaging techniques are needed to verify whether above findings are equally applicable in living subjects.
Reduction of the reaching time with adaptive slope sliding mode control
Authors: Esmaeili Jajarm Ali , Dideban Abbas , Ozgoli Sadjaad
Published: July 2023

In this article, a method based on sliding mode control, named adaptive slope sliding mode control is proposed to increase the response speed of the system outputs. In this method, the difference between the surface and the state is maintained at its minimum value by constantly changing the slope of the surface, making the states converge faster. Compared to fixed slope methods, it can be said that by changing the slope of the system, not only the response speed of the system is increased, but also the output accuracy increases as well. To evaluate the effects of adding a variable slope to sliding mode controllers, the proposed controller is applied to the grid synchronization of a wind turbine system.
Functional biomaterials for the diagnosis and treatment of peritoneal surface malignancies
Authors: Qin Xiusen , Su Mingli , Guo Huili , Peng Binying , Luo Rui , Ye Junwen , Wang Hui
Published: July 2023

Peritoneal surface malignancies (PSM) can originate from tumors in many organs and are highly malignant, and difficult to diagnose and cure, posing a serious threat to the survival of patients. Although the diagnosis and treatment of PSM have made significant progress in the past two decades, numerous challenges remain. Recently, functionalized biomaterials have shown promise for PSM diagnosis and treatment. Hence, we review the progress of functionalized biomaterials for the diagnosis and treatment of PSM. We first introduce the classification and pathogenesis of PSM. We then discuss the applications of functionalized biomaterials for the diagnosis and treatment of PSM. In particular, we focus on functionalized biomaterials as drug carriers for the treatment of PSM, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, combination therapy, and other therapies. Finally, we summarized the current challenges and provided a perspective on the diagnosis and treatment of PSM.
Experimentelle Untersuchungen an hochfesten Rohren für den Kran‐ und Gerüstbau
Authors: Gubetini Drilon , Mensinger Martin
Published: July 2023

Für die Herleitung und Verifikation der Bemessungsgrundlagen für kaltgeformte, hochfeste Kran‐ und Gerüstbaurohre bis zu S960 liegen bisher kaum Versuchsergebnisse vor. In diesem Beitrag stellen die Autoren die Durchführung und Ergebnisse zentrischer Knickversuche an derartigen Rohren vor. Messungen von Eigenspannungen über das Sägeschnittverfahren an unverzinkten und verzinkten Rohren in S960 werden erläutert und diskutiert. Zudem werden die mittels 3D‐Scan erfassten geometrischen Imperfektionen der Prüfkörper evaluiert und mit den Ansätzen der Europäischen Knicklinien verglichen. Die Verformungen der Prüfkörper in den Knickversuchen wurden dabei über digitale Bildkorrelation (DIC) erfasst. Die Effekte der Verzinkung und der Knickrichtung auf die Traglast werden hervorgehoben und erläutert.
The Effects of Sintering Conditions and Processes on the Thermoelectric and Tribological Properties of High Manganese Silicide Mn4Si7
Authors: Li Liang , Chen Yuqi
Published: July 2023

Triboelectric nanogenerator as new energy technology needs to develop new triboelectric semiconductor materials with excellent electrical transport properties and friction properties for better electric output performance. High manganese silicide Mn4Si7 bulks were prepared from Mn powders and Si powders at 1273 K for 1 h. The residual Si phase and MnSi phase coexisted in the primary sintered Mn4Si7 compacts. The fine Mn powder obtained from mechanical pulverization and secondary sintering can accelerate the formation of Mn4Si7 bulks. MnSi disappeared and slight amount of Si phase remained in the secondary sintered Mn4Si7 bulks. Due to the slight decrease in the resistivity, ZT of Mn4Si7 bulks reached 0.43 at 813 K. The thermal conductivity of the secondary sintered Mn4Si7 compact increased due to the pulverization of the primary Mn4Si7 bulk and the growth of crystal grains. The thermoelectric properties of Mn4Si7 compact are reduced after heat treatment. Secondary sintering can increase the density of Mn4Si7 compact. For the friction property of Mn4Si7, secondary sintering and heat treatment can reduce the coefficient friction and mass loss of primary sintered Mn4Si7 compact. Based on the excellent thermoelectric properties and low wear loss at low loads of Mn4Si7, it is possible to be employed as new triboelectric materials for triboelectric nanogenerator. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Novel method to reliably determine the QCD coupling from Ruds measurements and its effects to muon g − 2 and $$ \alpha \left({M}_Z^2\right) $$ within the tau-charm energy region
Authors: Shen Jian-Ming , Qin Bing-Hai , Yan Jiang , Wang Sheng-Quan , Wu Xing-Gang
Published: July 2023

Abstract

We present a novel method for precisely determining the QCD running coupling from Ruds measurements in electron-positron annihilation. When calculating the fixed-order perturbative QCD (pQCD) approximant of Ruds, its effective coupling constant $$ {\alpha}_s\left({Q}_{\ast}^2\right) $$

α
s

Q
∗
2

is determined by using the principle of maximum conformality, a systematic scale-setting method for gauge theories, whose resultant pQCD series satisfies all the requirements of renormalization group. Contribution due to the uncalculated higher-order (UHO) terms is estimated by using the Bayesian analysis. Using Ruds data measured by the KEDR detector at 22 centre-of-mass energies between 1.84 GeV and 3.72 GeV, we obtain $$ {\alpha}_s\left({M}_Z^2\right) $$

α
s

M
Z
2

= $$ {0.1227}_{-0.0132}^{+0.0117}\left(\exp .\right)\pm 0.0016\left(\textrm{the}.\right) $$

0.1227

−
0.0132

+
0.0117

exp
.

±
0.0016

the
.

, where the theoretical uncertainty (the.) is negligible compared to the experimental one (exp.). Numerical analyses confirm that the new method for calculating Ruds removes conventional renormalization scale ambiguity, and the residual scale dependence due to the UHO-terms will also be highly suppressed due to a more convergent pQCD series. This leads to a significant stabilization of the perturbative series, and a significant reduction of theoretical uncertainty. It thus provides a reliable theoretical basis for precise determination of the QCD running coupling from Ruds measurements at future Tau-Charm Facility. It can also be applied for the precise determination of the hadronic contributions to muon g − 2 and QED coupling $$ \alpha \left({M}_Z^2\right) $$
α

M
Z
2

within the tau-charm energy range.
Novel Nanoaggregates from Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) for Inhalational Management of Cystic Fibrosis Using Dry Powder Inhalers
Authors: Aburass Hadeel , Dahshan Nisreen , Alyami Hamad , Iyire Affiong , Dahmash Eman Zmaily
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Phoenixdactylifera extracts have shown efficacy as antioxidants and antibacterials for the treatment of lung diseases; however, the choice of route of administration remains a problem. The use of natural antibacterial remedies for the management of cystic fibrosis (CF) is promising due to recurring bacterial resistance to current antibiotics. Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) have also been identified as a patient-friendly, noninvasive method for local delivery of drugs to the lungs. Therefore, this work, which is the first of its kind, aimed to formulate nanoparticles of date palm extracts as DPIs and evaluate their aerodynamic and antibacterial biofilm characteristics for the potential treatment of CF.

Method

Chitosan-based nanoparticles (CDN) comprising aqueous date fruit extract with increasing concentrations of chitosan (0.05, 0.1, and 0.2% w/v) were prepared. The in vitro aerosolization of the formulations was studied using a next-generation impactor (NGI), and good aerosolization profiles were achieved. The produced nanoparticles were characterized using FTIR and XRD to confirm physical properties and TEM and zeta sizer to confirm shape and size. The antimicrobial activity of CDN was evaluated using a Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm model cultured in an artificial sputum medium (ASM) mimicking cystic fibrosis conditions in the lungs.

Results

Nanoparticles containing 0.05% w/v chitosan demonstrated the highest encapsulation efficiency (55.91%) and delivered the highest emitted dose (98.92%) and fine particle fraction (42.62%). CDN demonstrated the first-time-ever reported significant 3.3 log-cycle inhibition of P. aeruginosa biofilm cultured in ASM. TEM images revealed the formation of spherical particles with an average size of 42.98 ± 19.19 nm. FTIR and XRD studies demonstrated the compatibility of the components with the presence of the characteristic features of chitosan and date powder.

Conclusions

This novel work showcases CDN as a prophylactic adjuvant for the management of cystic fibrosis using DPI.
Hesitant picture fuzzy linguistic prospects theory-based evidential reasoning assessment method for digital transformation solution of small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Wu Xiao-hui , Yang Lin
Published: July 2023

Due to the barriers of finance, talent, and technology, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have faced uncertainty and risks if they fail to engage in digital transformation (DT). A good choice is for SMEs to choose solutions already on the market, provided by professional DT solutions suppliers. However, how to choose the most suitable DT solution remains a major challenge for SMEs. Thus, to help SMEs to select an appropriate DT solution, we proposed a novel, prospect theory-based evidential reasoning (ER) assessment method under a hesitant picture fuzzy linguistic sets (HPFLSs) environment. First, the novel distance measures of picture fuzzy sets (PFSs) and HPFLSs are proposed, then, based on the proposed distance measures of HPFLSs, novel, prospect theory formula are constructed. Additionally, a novel HPFLS ER method was developed to aggregate the evaluation information. Afterward, an assessment and selection decision approach for DT solutions for SMEs, based on the prospect theory-based ER of HPFLSs, was conducted. Finally, actual examples of DT solutions for SMEs to illustrate the decision-making approach were used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, and the conclusions were summarized.
Remote Intensive Intervention for Young Children on the Autism Spectrum During COVID-19: the Experience of Caregivers and Service Providers
Authors: Wood de Wilde Hilary , Kojovic Nada , Robertson Céline , Karr Catherine , Akman Leyla , Caccia Florence , Costes Astrid , Etienne Morgane , Franchini Martina , Gentaz Edouard , Schaer Marie
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Community-based early autism intervention programs in Geneva, Switzerland, converted their in-person services to a telehealth format during the COVID-19 home confinement period. The current study was aimed at measuring the engagement and satisfaction of service providers and caregivers as they experienced telehealth services for the first time and at monitoring child progress.

Methods

Forty-five families from diverse backgrounds and their 45 service providers had daily videoconferencing sessions of primarily parent-mediated intervention. Satisfaction questionnaires were completed at three time points over a 2-month period. Session frequency and program participation were recorded. Caregiver and service provider’s answers were compared. Results were also analyzed by family annual income. Child progress was monitored using the Early Start Denver Model Curriculum Checklist.

Results

Caregivers and service providers maintained high levels of participation and satisfaction throughout the telehealth service period and appreciated how the telehealth format allowed them to meet more frequently. Lower-income families tended to be more unanimously positive about the services when compared with mid- and high-income families. We found significant group differences in service providers’ and caregivers’ perceptions of each other’s comfort level with the remote sessions. Child progress followed a pattern of continued significant improvement across most developmental domains during the telehealth service period.

Conclusions

These findings underscore the potential of telehealth as a promising and appreciated approach for delivering intensive early autism interventions in community settings. Further research is needed to determine optimal session frequency for remote parent-mediated intervention and to determine ways to make telehealth services more accessible for low-income families.
Changes in abundant and rare microbial taxa that dominated the formation of soil carbon pool during short-term dryland-to-paddy conversion
Authors: Zhu Yanfeng , Wang Liping , Song Xiaojun , Li Xiaoxiao , Ma Jing , Chen Fu
Published: July 2023

Land consolidation of dryland-to-paddy conversion (LC-DtPC) has rapidly changed the farmland ecological environment in the short term, thereby affecting the microbial community and its mediated soil carbon sequestration. It is crucial for the improvement and stabilization of food production capacity. However, there is currently a lack of necessary knowledge about the short-term effects of LC-DtPC on the ecological processes of abundant and rare microbial taxa as well as the formation of soil carbon pool. Therefore, this study used field experiments and high-throughput sequencing technology to explore the short-term effects of LC-DtPC on abundant and rare microbial taxa and the mechanism driving soil carbon pool formation. Our results revealed that (1) the alpha diversity of abundant and rare bacteria and rare fungi was decreased by 1.14%, 6.74% and 12.84%, respectively, in the process of LC-DtPC, but the diversity of abundant fungi was increased by 14.09%. LC-DtPC significantly altered the β-diversity of abundant and rare bacterial, and rare fungal communities (p < 0.05); (2) LC-DtPC lowered the number of core microbes in the network, and reduced the robustness and vulnerability of abundant and rare microbial networks; (3) LC-DtPC significantly reduced soil carbon pool index by 28.75% in the short term (p < 0.05), and it was closely correlated with bacterial exogenous degradation and metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and saprophytic fungal abundance; and (4) structural equation modeling revealed that rare bacteria played a bigger role in carbon pool formation than abundant bacteria, and bacteria played a greater role than fungi in the process of carbon pool formation under the synergistic effect of bacteria and fungi. This study explored the changes in abundant and rare microbial taxa and functions, and provided a theoretical basis for an in-depth understanding of soil carbon pool formation and mechanism during the LC-DtPC process.