bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taryfy pasażerskie w regionalnym transporcie kolejowym w Polsce: stan aktualny, skutki dla pasażerów, propozycje zmian
Authors:   Politechnika Lubelska, Wydział Zarządzania, Kowalik Przemysław
Published: January 2025

Regionalny transport kolejowy w Polsce w drugiej dekadzie XXI wieku charakteryzuje się znaczną złożonością rozwiązań taryfowych. Głównymi przyczynami tego faktu są istnienie wielu przewoź-ników z ich własnymi systemami taryfowymi oraz taryf „ograniczonych terytorialnie” stosowanych przez jednego lub wielu przewoźników. Powyższy stan rzeczy może mieć istotny wpływ na decyzje pasażerów dotyczące podróży kolejowych. Pierwsza kwestia związana z tymi decyzjami wynika z niejednokrotnie skomplikowanych zasad honorowania biletów wystawianych przez poszczególnych przewoźników w pociągach innych przewoźników (jedno- lub dwustronne, związane z kanałem sprzedaży, brak honorowania). Kolejna kwestia dotyczy swoistej dyskryminacji w dostępie do informacji taryfowej oraz sprzedaży niektórych rodzajów biletów, wynikającej z zasad działania internetowych systemów sprzedaży należących do przewoźników (które, poza funkcją sprzedażową, mogą być wykorzystywane w celach informacyjnych). Systemy te nie oferują informacji rozkładowej ani cenowej o połączeniach obsługiwanych częściowo lub całkowicie przez innych przewoźników nawet w przypadku honorowania przez nich biletów wystawianych przez danego przewoźnika. Podobny problem może zaistnieć również w przypadku wyceny połączeń pojedynczego przewoźnika stosującego różne taryfy. Najtańsze dostępne bilety dla wymaganej trasy – nawet, gdy są dostępne online – mogą nie być zaoferowane „automatycznie” a pasażerowie muszą wybrać je „ręcznie”, bazując na wiedzy na temat taryfy nabytej wcześniej. Informacja o niektórych opcjach taryfowych może być dostępna jedynie w dokumentach tekstowych, a nie zaimplementowana w systemie sprzedażowym. Poprawa dostępności informacji taryfowej w wyżej wymienionych przypadkach można być osiągnięta dwoma sposobami. Pierwszy to rozszerzenie obowiązków informacyjnych przewoźników o obsługę informowania o wszystkich połączeniach, na które sprzedają oni bilety, a realizowanych przez innych przewoźników. Drugi sposób odnosi się do niekiedy niedostępnej „automatycznej” wyceny najtańszych biletów oferowanych przez pojedynczego przewoźnika. Sposób ten polega na „przeprojektowaniu” zasad konstrukcji taryf w kierunku użycia – już wbudowanych w internetowe systemy sprzedaży – zasad wyceny biletów na podróże wykonywane pociągami różnych kategorii.
Satysfakcja użytkowników dworców kolejowych – perspektywa badawcza
Authors:   Akademia Leona Koźmińskiego w Warszawie, Antonowicz Mirosław , Kicińska-Jezierska Monika ,   Polskie Koleje Państwowe S.A., Lejk Patrycja ,   Polskie Koleje Państwowe S.A.
Published: January 2025

W artykule autorzy prezentują problematykę badań społecznych jako przykład procesów pozwalających określić poziom realizacji standardów wyznaczanych przez wewnętrzne i zewnętrzne regulacje. Kumulacja wiedzy następująca w wyniku powtarzalnych lub komplementarnych procesów badawczych pozwala organizacji występować także w roli doradcy podczas tworzenia regulacji na różnych poziomach ustawodawstwa. Autorzy wskazują istotne etapy kształtowania metodologii procesów badawczych, przytaczając przykłady monitoringu satysfakcji klientów i jakości usług mających centralne znaczenie w konkurencyjności na współczesnych rynkach.
La otredad tecnológica como compañía: The hybrid couple, una alternativa al desmantelamiento de los afectos
Authors: Cobo Arnal Esperanza
Published: January 2025

El individuo contemporáneo, en su cotidianeidad, se ha sumergido en una realidad virtual sustentada por el sometimiento a un hábito perenne con la utilización masiva e incesante de las nuevas tecnologías; asimismo el contexto tecnocientífico ha construido ubicuos lenguajes y sistemas de comunicación y representación los cuales redibujan nuevos modos de percibir y relacionarnos con el mundo. En una sociedad hiperconectada pero cada vez más aislada del otro los conceptos de cuerpo, identidad y subjetividad se dilatan y se redefinen, también, en el espacio de la tecnocultura que actualmente nos atraviesa. El presente texto pretende explorar la interacción humana desde un proyecto performativo y ontológico con agentes simulados tecnológicamente. La artista multidisciplinar, Alicia Framis, especula a través del arte medial sobre la interacción entre los humanos y la inteligencia artificial para así paliar la soledad que aflige al individuo moderno. Con el proyecto creativo y vivencial The hybrid couple, Framis, planea casarse con una escultura holográfica interactiva, AILex, su futuro compañero sentimental es un ente, simulado, creado a partir de características de exparejas de la artista. AILex, la alteridad incorpórea esbozada por Framis señala el paradigma tecnológico como elemento relacional en la creación de nuevos agentes no humanos y atisba un futuro que puede cambiar las estructuras sociales tradicionales construyendo contextos sociomateriales híbridos. El trabajo de Framis dialoga y anticipa modelos inéditos de relación, perfilados en la literatura y en el cine de ciencia ficción e imaginarios distópicos que abordan interrogantes y ofrecen alternativas, al mismo tiempo, a disyuntivas sociales que reformulan el papel de la tecnología a través del pensamiento poshumanista y los nuevos materialismos.
Effects of electron cyclotron resonance heating modulation on edge turbulence driving and spreading in HL-2A tokamak
Authors: HU Yingxin , ZHAO Kaijun , LI Jiquan , YAN Longwen , XU Jianqiang , HUANG Zhihui , YU Deliang , XIE Yaoyu , DING Xiaoguan , WEN Siyu ,   School of Nuclear Science and Engineer, East China University of Technology, Nanchang 330013, China,   Southwestern Institute of Physics, Chengdu 610041, China
Published: January 2025

The plasma flow generated by turbulent nonlinear interaction can improve plasma confinement by suppressing turbulence and its driven transport. Turbulence can be driven by local gradients and propagate radially from far beyond its relevant length. Effects of electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) modulation on edge turbulence driving and spreading are observed for the first time in the edge plasma of the HL-2A tokamak. These experiments are performed by a fast reciprocating Langmuir probe array. When ECRH modulation is applied, both the edge temperature and the edge plasma density are higher, and the radial electric field is stronger. The edge radial electric field, turbulence, and Reynolds stresses are all enhanced when the ECRH is applied, while the ion-ion collision rate is reduced. Figures (a)－(g) show the conditional averages of the ECRH power, turbulence intensity, turbulent Reynolds stress gradient, \begin{document}$ {\boldsymbol{E}}_{r}\times \boldsymbol{B} $\end{document} poloidal velocity, density gradient, turbulence drive rate and turbulence spreading rate, respectively. With ECRH applied, both the turbulence intensity and the Reynolds stress gradients increase. The maximum turbulence intensity appears at the beginning of the ECRH switch-off while the maximum stress gradient occurs at the end of the ECRH. The evolution of the \begin{document}$ {\boldsymbol{E}}_{r}\times \boldsymbol{B} $\end{document} poloidal velocity is very similar to that of the Reynolds stress gradient. This observation suggests that the poloidal flow is the result of the combined effect of turbulence nonlinear driving and damping. The enhancement of Reynolds stress during ECRH modulation mainly depends on the increase of the turbulence intensity, with the increase in radial velocity fluctuation intensity being more significant. The turbulence drive and spreading rates also increase with ECRH. The maximum drive rate appears at the beginning of the ECRH switch-off, while the maximum spreading rate occurs at the end of the ECRH. This analysis indicates that turbulence driving and spreading are enhanced, with the former being dominant. This result suggests that the enhancements of turbulence driving and spreading lead the turbulence and Reynolds stress to increase, and thus producing the stronger edge flows.
Investigation of the effects of temperature cycling on the leakage mechanism of Through-Silicon Via (TSV) insulation layer
Authors: Ren Yun-Kun  , Chen Si  , Qin Fei  ,   1 Institute of Electronics Packing Technology and Reliability, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China;,   2 China Electronic Product Reliability and Environmental Testing Research Institute, Science and Technology on Reliability Physics and Application of Electronic Component Laboratory, Guangzhou 511300, China
Published: January 2025

Through-silicon via (TSV), as a key technology for realizing interconnections in three-dimensional integrated circuits (3D ICs), critically depends on the integrity of its sidewall interfaces to maintain optimal leakage characteristics. This study conducted temperature cycling experiments, incorporating leakage current I-V testing, microstructural observations, and EDS elemental analysis to evaluate the effects of temperature cycling on the integrity of TSV sidewall interfaces and the leakage mechanisms in the insulation layer. The results indicate that, as the number of temperature cycles increases, the alternating cyclic loads progressively degrade the integrity of the TSV barrier layer, transitioning from an intact interface to the formation of micro-voids and micro-cracks. This results in a significant increase in leakage current. When through-thickness cracks appear at the interface, a sudden decrease in leakage current occurs. The TSV failure mode shifts from thermally induced leakage to mechanical cracking. The leakage mechanism of the insulation layer transitions from the Schottky emission mechanism (Cycle ≤ 60) to a combination of Schottky emission and Poole-Frenkel emission mechanisms (Cycle ≥ 90), and this shift becomes more pronounced under high electric field conditions. Further analysis of TSV interface integrity reveals that thermomechanical stress induced by temperature cycling generates defects at the interface between the TSV copper fill and the barrier layer. As thermally induced defects accumulate, the barrier height of the insulation layer continuously decreases, making it easier for electrons in the metal to overcome the Schottky barrier under thermal and electric field excitation, thereby forming leakage currents. Moreover, these defects facilitate the diffusion of copper atoms into the insulation layer, resulting in the formation of localized high electric field regions. These high-field regions in the insulation layer increase electron emission rates through the Poole-Frenkel emission mechanism, creating leakage paths. Therefore, copper diffusion emerges as one of the primary causes of dielectric performance degradation in the insulation layer.
Process development and characteristics of YBCO thin film for RF tranmission wire preparation
Authors: TIAN Qingwen , YUAN Pusheng , YU Huiqin , WANG Shuna , LIU Xiaoyu , LI Lingyun , YOU Lixing ,   School of Microelectronics, Shanghai University, Shanghai 201800, China,   Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinses Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, China
Published: January 2025

Low-temperature interconnection technology, especially RF signal transmission in the 40–4.2 K temperature range, is currently a focus of development. In this temperature range, the transmission line needs to have as little insertion loss and heat leakage as possible. A processing method of preparing coplanar waveguide flexible transmission lines by mechanically cold exfoliating superconducting tape thin films is introduced in this work. Especially YBCO thin films deposited through MOD are more easily exfoliate directly at room temperature. The superconducting transition temperature width of YBCO thin film after exfoliating processing is 0.79 K. Although it is increased by 0.3 K compared with the transition temperature width of the strip, the critical current density at 77 K and 0 T is 7.7 × 105 A/cm2, which is more than 75% of the critical current density of the strip. The exfoliated YBCO thin film is fabricated into a 12-cm-long and 1-cm-wide PI-YBCO-PI three-layer structure transmission line, and the heat leak value is measured to be 0.238 mW in a temperature range from 40 K to 4.2 K. Five signal channels are prepared on a 1cmwide YBCO thin film, and the simulation shows that the crosstalk between adjacent signal channels is <–40 dB, the insertion loss at 9 GHz is <–2 dB, and the heat leak value of each signal channel is 47.6 μW. Compared with the metal transmission lines currently used in this temperature range, the heat leakage is reduced by at least 5 times.
Experiment and simulation on spatiotemporal microscopic dynamics of self-pulsing discharge in micro-hollow cathode
Authors: LIANG Yuanyi , FANG Zhensong , HE Yafeng , LI Qing , HE Shoujie ,   College of Physics Science and Technology, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
Published: January 2025

To further explore the mechanism of self-pulsing discharge, a sandwiched microcavity cathode is used to study this phenomenon in argon. With the increases of discharge current, the discharge undergoes Townsend discharge, self-pulsing discharge and normal glow discharge. A complete self-pulsing discharge consists of the rising edge, the falling edge of the discharge current, and the waiting period of the discharge. The spatiotemporal dynamic characteristic of self-pulsing discharge is simulated by using a fluid model. The simulated results indicate that when the self-pulsing discharge current reaches its minimum value, the discharge is confined inside the cathode cavity. The electric field, electron density and electron generate rate are low, resulting in a Townsend discharge mode. As the discharge current increases, the discharge inside the cavity is strengthened, and the discharge gradually extends from the inside of the cavity to the outside. When the current reaches its maximum value, there exists a strong discharge outside the cavity, and an obvious cathode sheath is formed near the outer surface of the cathode, resulting in a high electron generate rate outside the cavity. When the discharge current decreases, the discharge shrinks from the outside to the inside of the cavity, and finally returns to the Townsend discharge mode. The simulated results also indicate that the ionization source varies depending on the stage of self-pulsing discharge, specifically, direct ionization is dominant when the current is high, and Penning ionization plays a major role in the pulse waiting period when the current reaches its minimum value. The experimental and simulation results indicate that the self-pulsing discharge in a micro-cavity cathode is essentially a process of mode transition between the Townsend discharge mode where the discharge is confined within the cavity and the normal glow discharge mode where the discharge region extends to the outside of the hole.
Effect of water conductivity on underwater microsecond pulsed streamer discharge type
Authors: LI Xiao , WEN Xiaoqiong , YANG Yuantian ,   School of Physics, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
Published: January 2025

Underwater streamer discharges have various potential applications in the fields of wastewater treatment, crop seed processing, etc. The underwater streamer discharge types have an important effect on e practical applications. In this work, the underwater microsecond pulsed streamer discharges are investigated by using an ultra-high-speed frame camera system at different water conductivities and applied voltages. It is found that there exist two different types of discharge under the same experimental conditions: the fan-shaped bush type and the long-single filament type. The water conductivity of 800 µS/cm marks the boundary point for the occurrence rates of the two discharge types: when the water conductivity is less than 800 µS/cm, the occurrence rate of the long-single filament type is 100%; when the water conductivity is larger than 800 µS/cm, the occurrence rate of the long-single filament type decreases, but the occurrence rate of the fan-shaped bush type increases with water conductivity increasing. When the water conductivity is larger than 1000 µS/cm, the dominant discharge type is the fan-shaped bush type, and the voltage required to reverse the appearance rates of the two discharge types increases as the water conductivity increases. The fan-shaped bush type streamer has a propagation velocity of ~1.7 km/s, and the long-single filament streamer has a propagation velocity of ~25 km/s in the early stage and a propagation velocity of ~0.8 km/s in the later stage. Neither of water conductivity and applied voltage has significant influence on the propagation velocities of the two types of streamers. The time lag of the fan-shaped bush-type discharge is about 8% larger than that of the long-single filament-type discharge. The injection energy per pulse of the fan-shaped bush-type discharge is about 20% smaller than that of the single filament-type discharge.
X-ray irradiation effects of carbon nanotube field-effect transistors
Authors: ZENG Tianxiang , LI Jifang , GUO Hongxia , MA Wuying , LEI Zhifeng , ZHONG Xiangli , ZHANG Hong , WANG Songwen ,   School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China,   Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology, Xi'an 710024, China,   Key Laboratory of Reliability Physics and Application Technology for Electronic Components, Fifth Institute of Electronics, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Guangzhou 511370, China
Published: January 2025

To further understand the patterns and mechanisms of total ionizing dose (TID) radiation damage in carbon nanotube field-effect transistor (CNTFET), the total dose effects of 10 keV X-ray irradiation on N-type and P-type CNTFETs are investigated in this work. The irradiation dose rate is 200 rad(Si)/s, with a cumulative dose of 100 krad(Si) for N-type devices and 90 krad(Si) for P-type devices. The differences in TID effect between N-type and P-type CNTFETs under the conditions of floating gate bias and on-state bias, the influence of irradiation on the hysteresis characteristics of N-type CNTFETs, and the influence of channel sizes on the TID effects of N-type CNTFETs are also explored. The results indicate that both types of transistors, after being irradiated, exhibit the threshold voltage shift, transconductance degradation, increase in subthreshold swing, and decrease in saturation current. In the irradiation process, N-type devices under floating gate bias suffer more severe damage than those under on-state bias, while P-type devices under on-state bias experience more significant damage than those under floating gate bias. The hysteresis widths of N-type devices decrease after being irradiated, and the TID damage becomes more severe with the increase of channel dimensions. The main reason for the degradation of device parameters is the trap charges generated in the irradiated process. The gate bias applied during irradiation affects the capture of electrons or holes by traps in the gate dielectric, resulting in different radiation damage characteristics for different types of devices. The reduction in the hysteresis width of N-type devices after being irradiated may be attributed to the negatively charged trap charges generated during irradiation, which hinders the capture of electrons by water molecules, OH groups, and traps in the gate dielectric. Moreover, the channel dimensions of the transistors also influence their radiation response: larger channel dimensions result in more trap charges generated in the gate dielectric and at the interface during irradiation, leading to more severe transistor damage.
Three-dimensional mesoscopic numerical simulation of the rising behavior of bubbles with large density ratio in porous media channels
Authors: ZHAO Ziqing , YAN Yu , LOU Qin ,   School of Energy and Power Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
Published: January 2025

In this paper, a three-dimensional numerical simulation of the motion behavior of bubbles in complex porous medium channels in a large density ratio gas-liquid system is conducted based on the lattice Boltzmann method. The Eötvös number (Eo), contact angle (θ) and Reynolds number (Re) are systematically discussed with emphasis on the law of their coupling effect affecting bubble velocity, morphological evolution and stagnation phenomenon. The results show that the increase of contact angle will reduce the bubble velocity but intensify the velocity fluctuations, making the bubbles tend flat, while the increase of Eo number significantly suppresses the influence of the contact angle, stabilizes the bubble velocity, and makes its shape close to a bullet head shape. When the contact angle is large (θ>90°) and the Eo number is small (Eo<10), the adhesion force is significantly enhanced and the bubbles will stagnate inside the porous medium. Re number and contact angle compete in the generation of resistance, and have mutually reinforcing effects on the average velocity of bubbles and interface evolution. The larger contact angle makes the deformation of the bubble tail intensify and becomes unstable, and as the Re number further increases, the tail tentacles are more likely to break, forming residual bubbles. It is also found in this work that the coupling between Eo number and Re number significantly affects bubble behavior in motion and morphological evolution. Under the conditions of high Eo number (Eo≥25) and high Re number (Re≥14), the bubble velocity increases with the Eo number rising, and the trend becomes more significant as the Re number increases; while under the conditions of low Eo number (Eo<25) and low Re number (Re<14), the speed change pattern is completely opposite. This phenomenon is due to the high instability of bubble morphology under the conditions of high Eo number and high Re number, which affects the buoyancy and speed performance. The research results provide important guidance for optimizing the flow behavior of bubbles in porous medium.
Complexes of vertebrate TMC1/2 and CIB2/3 proteins form hair-cell mechanotransduction cation channels
Authors: Giese Arnaud PJ , Weng Wei-Hsiang , Kindt Katie S , Chang Hui Ho Vanessa , Montgomery Jonathan S , Ratzan Evan M , Beirl Alisha J , Aponte Rivera Roberto , Lotthammer Jeffrey M , Walujkar Sanket , Foster Mark P , Zobeiri Omid A , Holt Jeffrey R , Riazuddin Saima , Cullen Kathleen E , Sotomayor Marcos , Ahmed Zubair M
Published: January 2025

Calcium and integrin-binding protein 2 (CIB2) and CIB3 bind to transmembrane channel-like 1 (TMC1) and TMC2, the pore-forming subunits of the inner-ear mechano-electrical transduction (MET) apparatus. These interactions have been proposed to be functionally relevant across mechanosensory organs and vertebrate species. Here, we show that both CIB2 and CIB3 can form heteromeric complexes with TMC1 and TMC2 and are integral for MET function in mouse cochlea and vestibular end organs as well as in zebrafish inner ear and lateral line. Our AlphaFold 2 models suggest that vertebrate CIB proteins can simultaneously interact with at least two cytoplasmic domains of TMC1 and TMC2 as validated using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of TMC1 fragments interacting with CIB2 and CIB3. Molecular dynamics simulations of TMC1/2 complexes with CIB2/3 predict that TMCs are structurally stabilized by CIB proteins to form cation channels. Overall, our work demonstrates that intact CIB2/3 and TMC1/2 complexes are integral to hair-cell MET function in vertebrate mechanosensory epithelia.
Interneuron FGF13 regulates seizure susceptibility via a sodium channel-independent mechanism
Authors: Lin Susan , Gade Aravind R , Wang Hong-Gang , Niemeyer James E , Galante Allison , DiStefano Isabella , Towers Patrick , Nunez Jorge , Matsui Maiko , Schwartz Theodore H , Rajadhyaksha Anjali , Pitt Geoffrey S
Published: January 2025

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs), a class of devastating neurological disorders characterized by recurrent seizures and exacerbated by disruptions to excitatory/inhibitory balance in the brain, are commonly caused by mutations in ion channels. Disruption of, or variants in, FGF13 were implicated as causal for a set of DEEs, but the underlying mechanisms were clouded because FGF13 is expressed in both excitatory and inhibitory neurons, FGF13 undergoes extensive alternative splicing producing multiple isoforms with distinct functions, and the overall roles of FGF13 in neurons are incompletely cataloged. To overcome these challenges, we generated a set of novel cell-type-specific conditional knockout mice. Interneuron-targeted deletion of Fgf13 led to perinatal mortality associated with extensive seizures and impaired the hippocampal inhibitory/excitatory balance while excitatory neuron-targeted deletion of Fgf13 caused no detectable seizures and no survival deficits. While best studied as a voltage-gated sodium channel (Nav) regulator, we observed no effect of Fgf13 ablation in interneurons on Navs but rather a marked reduction in K+ channel currents. Re-expressing different Fgf13 splice isoforms could partially rescue deficits in interneuron excitability and restore K+ channel current amplitude. These results enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that drive the pathogenesis of Fgf13-related seizures and expand our understanding of FGF13 functions in different neuron subsets.
D2C-WEBCRED
Authors: Banerjee Sayan , Verma Anil
Published: January 2025

Despite the fact that product and purchase related information on websites are one of the predominant factors in consumers’ decision-making processes to choose the right product, there exists limited research studies that assess the reliability of these information sources. Hence, this study is aimed at developing a multidimensional scale for assessing the credibility of direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand websites using source credibility theory. This study utilized a mixed-methods approach, including a comprehensive literature review, qualitative interviews with experts and consumers, and quantitative data analysis. The findings of the study supports the development of a new scale consisting of three dimensions viz., information precision, responsiveness, and usability experience to measure website credibility. Each dimension consisted of several items that were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. The scale’s psychometric properties were examined through exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, and the results indicated high levels of reliability and validity.
Leveraging Digital Tools for Enhancing Assessments in Early Childhood Education: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Kurian Aneesh , Sharma Monu Lal , Ashokan Varun
Published: January 2025

The acceptance and implementation of digital tools in Early Childhood Education (ECE) assessments is rapidly transforming traditional practices, introducing both opportunities and challenges for educators, researchers, and policymakers. This article examines the significance of assessments in ECE and the role of digital advancements in enhancing assessment practices, particularly in areas like real-time data collection, developmental tracking, and personalized learning. Supported by national and international frameworks the article discusses the scope of digital tools within policy imperatives, highlighting their potential to promote quality and inclusivity in early education. Exploring domains of child development—such as cognitive, social-emotional, and physical growth—the article elaborates the scope and impact of digital assessments on each domain of development. It also provides an overview of the major digital tools like Cognito, MindX, Peekapak, Reading Eggs and Speakaboos, Pearson’s CogAT etc. in accordance with their relevance to different domains of development. It further analyses the benefits digital tools offer, such as improved efficiency, data-driven insights, and scalability, while acknowledging practical challenges, including digital divide, practical constraints, and data privacy concerns. This article not only provides actionable recommendations to stakeholders to enhance assessment effectiveness but also ensure equity and accessibility for all children in early learning environments. By outlining future directions, this work contributes to the ongoing discourse on digital innovation in ECE, advocating for sustainable, child-centred strategies in digital assessment.
Effect of Improved Cultivars and Maturity Stage on Physical Parameters, Chemical Indices and Fatty Acid Composition of Coconut Oils from Ivorian Germplasm
Authors: Soro Pégnonsienrè Lacina , Kouadio Marcellin Konan , Koné Fankroma Martial Thierry , Doubi Bi Tra Serges , Konan Konan Jean Louis
Published: January 2025

Aims: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of improved Cocos nucifera cultivars and maturity on the physical, chemical indices, and fatty acid composition of coconut oils (COs) from Ivorian coconut germplasm for food purposes.
Methodology: Improved coconut cultivars were obtained from the experimental field West Tall African (WAT+), Rennell Island Tall (RIT+), and local hybrids (PB121+ and PB113+) were harvested at different stages of maturity :10, 11, and 12 months after pollination. COs from Low-heat extraction were obtained from ly prepared coconut milk. A total of 12 COs samples were evaluated for various physico-chemical quality properties.
Place and Duration of Study: Genetics and Plant Breeding Department of the Marc Delorme Coconut Research Station, Southern Côte d'Ivoire 2023.
Results: The two-way ANOVA showed a significant effect (P < 0.05) of improved variety and maturity of COs on the parameters studied. A high value of yield (82.75%), melting point (24.89 °C), density (0.921), acid value (0.71 mg KOH/g), saponification value (262.83 mg KOH/g), and lauric acid (53.73%) were found for CO from the improved cultivar WAT+. Hybrid (PB121+ and PB113+) coconut oils had higher iodine value (11.79 g I2/100 g), oleic acid (6.61%), and linoleic acid (2.22%) fat compared to Tall (RIT+ and WAT+). All the physico-chemical parameters studied increased with full maturity of the coconut at 12 months. All extracted coconut oils were clear in colour, which could be an important feature to attract consumers.
Conclusion: All chemical composition results meet the specifications of several standards, including the Asian Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) and Codex Alimentarius (CODEX STAN 210-1999). This suggests that Ivorian coconut oils could be an effective source of food ingredients that could have a positive impact on the agricultural market, thereby contributing to increasing the income of farming households.
Effects of Organic Manures, Iron and Zinc Enriched FYM on Nutrients Content and Uptake by Pearlmillet in Sardarkrushinagar, India
Authors: Chaudhary Kinjal , Patel N. I. , Chauhan Ankitkumar , Joshi R. V.
Published: January 2025

A field experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Instructional Farm, Department of Agronomy, Chimanbhai Patel College of Agriculture, Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar in India to study the effect of organic manures, iron and zinc enriched FYM on nutrients content and uptake by pearlmillet in loamy sand (Typic Ustipsamments) during the kharif season of 2022 and 2023. The pooled results indicated that application of castor cake @ 1 t ha-1 recorded significantly higher Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) content in both the grain and the straw and N, P, and Potassium (K) uptake by both grain and straw, while Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn) uptake by the straw of pearlmillet. Among different Fe and Zn supplementation, an application of 500 kg FYM ha-1 enriched with 1.25 kg Zn and 2.25 kg Fe recorded significantly higher P content in the straw, Fe and Zn content in the grain and straw and N, P, K, Fe and Zn uptake by the grain and straw of kharif pearlmillet.
Trend Analysis of Area, Production and Productivity of Banana in Anand District of Gujarat, India
Authors: Gundaniya H. V. , Darji V. B. , Suthar B. R. , Vekariya P. R.
Published: January 2025

Banana (Musa sp.) holds the second position in terms of significance among fruit crops in India, following mango. Gujarat is ranked second and third in the production and productivity of banana respectively. This research aimed to examine the patterns in the cultivation area, production, and productivity of banana in Anand district, Gujarat. Secondary time series data spanning 16 years (from 2005-06 to 2020-21) were utilized for this analysis, sourced from the Directorate of Horticulture, Gujarat. Eight distinct linear and non-linear models were applied, and the most suitable model was chosen based on the highest adjusted R2 and the lowest root mean square error (RMSE) values. The findings indicated that the cubic model demonstrated the best fit for depicting the trends in the area, production, and productivity of banana in Anand district, Gujarat. The study concluded that the cultivation area and production exhibited fluctuating trends, while productivity displayed a consistent upward trend throughout the analyzed period.
Impact of Cluster Front Line Demonstration on Yield and Economics of Kharif Sesame in Semi-arid Regions of Gujarat
Authors: Singh Traloki , Renjith P.S. , Singh S.P. , Anand K.B. , Nand Brihma , Rai K. N. , Rai T. N.
Published: January 2025

A field experiment was conducted by ICAR-CAZRI, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kutch-II, at farmers' fields to assess the impact of Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLDs) on yield gaps and the economic performance of kharif sesame during 2019-20 to 2021-22. The study involved 87 CFLDs on Integrated Crop Management (ICM) using the high-yielding, leaf spot-tolerant sesame variety GT-4, along with a full package of practices, covering 34.8 hectares across eight villages in the Bhuj, Nakhatrana, Anjar, and Rapar talukas of Kachchh district. This improved approach was compared with the farmer’s local practices. Over three years, the improved practice (IP) achieved an average seed yield of 640.33 kg ha¹, a 17.23% increase over the farmer’s practice yield of 545 kg ha⁻¹. The average extension gap, technology gap, and technology index were 99 kg ha⁻¹, 169 kg ha⁻¹, and 21.13%, respectively. Economic analysis showed a net return of ₹41,290 ha⁻¹ and a benefit-cost (BC) ratio of 3.07 for the improved practice, compared to ₹32,231.67 ha⁻¹ and a BC ratio of 2.66 for the farmer’s practice. The adoption of the improved variety with recommended practices significantly boosted sesame productivity and reduced extension and technology gaps.
Enhancement of the Small-Signal Stability of Nigerian 330 kV Transmission Network using Static Synchronous Compensator
Authors: Busari Majeed Oyewole  , Abiola Adepoju Gafari , Olajide Okelola Muniru
Published: January 2025

Aims: To analyze the small-signal stability of the Nigerian 330 kV transmission system and the performance of Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) controller in enhancing the system’s stability upon incorporation
Methodology: Newton-Raphson method of solution was adopted for the power flow analysis and Eigenvalues method was employed for small-signal stability analysis. Simulation was used for the analysis and was carried out on Power System Analysis Toolbox (PSAT) software version 2.1.11 in MATLAB environment.
Results: The voltage magnitudes from power flow results of Nigerian transmission network for five critical buses, buses Damaturu, Gombe, Jalingo, Maiduguri and Yola gave 0.8529, 0.8529 0.8299, 0.8249 and 0.83433 p.u respectively. While the corresponding magnitudes after incorporating STATCOM controller were 1.02, 0.9768, 0.9568, 1.05, 0.9607 p.u. Furthermore, the eigenvalues result for small-signal stability contains seven positive eigenvalues. After incorporating STATCOM controller, all positive eigenvalues changed to negative.
Conclusion: The Nigerian transmission network is weak with voltage limits violation but the incorporation of STATCOM was able to bring the voltage magnitudes of all buses within limits. Also, the network is small-signal unstable, however, STATCOM controller was able to enhance the stability when incorporated.
Effect of Edible Coating on Shelf Life and Physico-chemical Changes in Sapota (Achras sapota L.) cv Cricket Ball under Ambient Condition
Authors: MradulaBhadoria  , Sharma T R , Sharma Rajnee , Bajpai Deepali , Mishra Pradeep
Published: January 2025

A research experiment was conducted at Postharvest Laboratory, Department of Horticulture, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur (M.P.). The experiment was conducted to study the effect of edible coating on Shelf life and Physico-chemical changes in Sapota (Achras sapota L.) under ambient condition. The experiment was conducted in Factorial Completely Randomized Design with three replications. There were two factors i.e., Aloevera Gel and cornstarch each having 4 concentrations i.e., Aloevera gel (0%, 25%. 50% and 75%) and cornstarch (0%, 1%, 2% and 3%). Various physical and chemical parameters were observed for each treatment. Physical parameters like Weight loss (86.00 g), Fruit length (5.28 cm), fruit diameter (5.00 cm), decay percent (0.00%) and surface color values of L*, a* and b*(36.16, 9.36 and 20.44) decreased minimum under Aloevera gel (75%) and cornstarch (2%). Similarly, chemical parameters like Acidity decreased maximum (0.039%), ascorbic acid decreased minimum (8.68 mg/100g), TSS increased maximum (31.500Brix), Total sugars increased maximum (21.60%), reducing sugar increased maximum (15.25%) and non-reducing increased maximum (6.35%) under Aloevera gel (75%) and cornstarch (2%). As regards the individual the Aloevera gel (75%) and cornstarch (2%) was found superior over other treatments.
Mathematical Modelling and Corrosion Inhibition Studies of Psidium guajava Extracts on Mild Steel in Industrial Environments
Authors: Kevin Idu H. , Edennaya Idenyi N.
Published: January 2025

This study investigated the effect of Psidium guajava extracts as a green corrosion inhibitor on mild steel in different media (0.5 M NaOH and 1.0 M NaOH) environments. The mild steel samples were preweighed in each of the media with different inhibitor concentrations. The logarithmic, quadratic and cubic models were developed using a computer-aided statistical modelling technique. A critical analysis of the different models in terms of the coefficient of determination (R2) value shows that the cubic models had the best correlation of 1.0 (perfect correlation). Consequently, the various cubic model equations for corrosion rate profiles of leaf extracts in 0.5 M and 1.0 M NaOH environments were further transformed into two generalized forms using MATLAB 15.0 and the cubic model equations with a coefficient of determination (R2) value of 1.0 showing perfect correlation of the data obtained. Confirmatory, corrosion rates were calculated using the developed equations, compared with the experimental data and found satisfactory. The predicted corrosion rate of the samples was found to be close to the experimentally observed values. The results of the model equations showed that the trend represented in the experimental data was almost perfectly captured by the cubic function. The results show good potential for application in nanomaterials, metallurgical systems, biostructure and manufacturing industries. Therefore, controlling the corrosion of mild steel through novel inhibitor systems and developing a modelling tool that can mimic the exact corrosion process instead of costly experiments are important contributions of the work.
Improving Energy Efficiency with Energy Recovery for Propylene Production
Authors: Hurairah Andi Nadhif Athallah , Arkajaya Danu Pasa , Ramadhani Tenisyah , Fahrezi Virgi Achmad
Published: January 2025

Propylene production through the metathesis of 2-butene is a well-established method. However, energy efficiency in this process remains an area of improvement. This study focuses on optimizing energy consumption by integrating heat recovery and reducing the reliance on external energy sources. Simulations were conducted using Aspen HYSYS V11 to compare the basic and modified processes. Modifications included utilizing heat from condensers and coolers to power compressors and heaters, eliminating redundant heating units. Thermodynamic analyses confirmed the endothermic nature of the reactions. Results indicated a significant reduction in total heat flow, from 2.983×108 kJ/h to 1.564×108 kJ/h, leading to improved specific energy consumption. With a production capacity of 15,400 tons/year, the optimized process demonstrated enhanced energy efficiency and sustainability. This study highlights the potential of process modifications to achieve energy savings, lower production costs, and minimize environmental impact in the chemical industry. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by Universitas Diponegoro and BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Loss of EGFR contributes to high‐fat diet‐induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Shao Fang , Deng Hao , Zhang Wei , Ren Zhengrong , Kang Zhiqian , Ding Zhi , Zhang Junfeng , Zang Yuhui
Published: May 2023

Using a murine model of high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), we found that the expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) significantly decreased in hepatocytes. In vitro, free fatty acid influx decreased EGFR in hepatocytes. In HFD‐fed mice, ectopic expression of EGFR alleviated intrahepatic lipid accumulation and reduced serum triglyceride and cholesterol, whereas knockdown of EGFR aggravated hepatic steatosis. Notably, EGFR inhibited the induction of lipogenic genes, including Srebf1, Srebf2, Fasn, Acc1 and Ppara, both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, EGFR potentiates TGF‐β/Smad signalling and augments the inhibitory effects of TGF‐β1 on lipogenic genes in hepatocytes. Our findings suggest a hitherto unknown paradigm in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, thereby providing a rational basis for future therapeutic considerations.
Circadian transcriptome processing and analysis: a workflow for muscle stem cells
Authors: Sica Valentina , Deryagin Oleg , Smith Jacob G. , Muñoz‐Canoves Pura
Published: May 2023

Circadian rhythms coordinate biological processes with Earth's 24‐h daily light/dark cycle. In the last years, efforts in the field of chronobiology have sought to understand the ways in which the circadian clock controls transcription across tissues and cells. This has been supported by the development of different bioinformatic approaches that allow the identification of 24‐h oscillating transcripts. This workflow aims to describe how to isolate muscle stem cells for RNA sequencing analysis from a typical circadian experiment and introduces bioinformatic tools suitable for the analysis of circadian transcriptomes.
Accuracy and reliability of a commercial treatment planning system in nontarget regions in modern prostate radiotherapy
Authors: Danckaert Willeke , Ost Piet , De Wagter Carlos
Published: May 2023

Background

The currently available treatment planning systems (TPSs) are neither designed nor intended for accurate dose calculations in nontarget regions. The aim of this work is to quantify the accuracy and reliability of nontarget doses calculated by a commercially available TPS.

Methods

Nontarget doses calculated by the collapsed cone (CC) (v5.2) algorithm implemented in the RayStation (v6) TPS were compared to measured values. Different scenarios were investigated, from simple static fields to intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) treatment plans. Deviations and confidence limits (CLs) were calculated between results of calculations and measurements—applying both local (δ) and global (Δ) normalization—for various points of interest (POIs). Results were based on a single‐institution experience for one clinical test case (prostate) and evaluated against internationally accepted criteria.

Results

Overall, the TPS underestimated the nontarget dose by an average of −17.7% ± 25.3% for IMRT. Quantitatively similar results were obtained for VMAT (−17.6% ± 21.2%). POIs receiving < 5% of the prescription dose were significantly underestimated by the TPS (p‐value < 0.05 for both IMRT and VMAT). Dose calculation accuracy was also determined by the contribution of secondary radiation, with measured doses for out‐of‐field POIs being significantly different from calculated values (p‐value < 0.01 for both IMRT and VMAT). Although the CLδ in nontarget regions failed the proposed tolerance criteria (40%) for both IMRT (68.8%) and VMAT (52.6%), the CLΔ was within the tolerance limit (4%) for both treatment techniques (1.9% for IMRT and 1.3% for VMAT). No action levels (7%) were exceeded.

Conclusions

Based on the currently available benchmarks our TPS is considered acceptable for clinical use, although the dose in some POIs was poorly predicted by the CC algorithm. Some areas were pointed out where TPSs and linear accelerator control systems can be improved.
Effect of extended field‐of‐view approaches on the accuracy of stopping power ratio estimation for single‐energy computed tomography simulators
Authors: Lin Chang‐Shiun , Tsai Yi‐Chun , Chen Liang‐Hsin , Wang Chun‐Wei , Wu Chia‐Jung , Chen Wan‐Yu , Liang Hsiang‐Kung , Kuo Sung‐Hsin
Published: May 2023

Background

Extended field‐of‐view (eFOV) methods have been proposed to generate larger demonstration FOVs for computed tomography (CT) simulators with a limited scanning FOV (sFOV) size in order to ensure accurate dose calculation and patient collision avoidance. Although the efficacy of these strategies has been evaluated for photon applications, the effect of stopping power ratio (SPR) estimation on proton therapy has not been studied. This study investigated the effect of an eFOV approach on the accuracy of SPR to water estimation in homogeneous and heterogeneous phantoms.

Materials and Methods

To simulate patient geometries, tissue‐equivalent material (TEM) and customized extension phantoms were used. The TEM phantom supported various rod arrangements through predefined holes. Images were reconstructed to three FOV sizes using a commercial eFOV technique. A single‐energy CT stoichiometric method was used to generate Hounsfield unit (HU) to SPR (HU‐to‐SPR) conversion curves for each FOV. To investigate the effect of rod location in the sFOV and eFOV regions, eight TEM rods were placed at off‐center distances in the homogeneous phantom and scanned individually. Similarly, 16 TEM rods were placed in the heterogeneous TEM phantom and scanned simultaneously.

Results

The conversion curves derived from the sFOV and eFOV data were identical. The average SPR differences of soft‐tissue, bone, and lung materials for rods placed at various off‐center locations were 3.3%, 4.8%, and 39.6%, respectively. In the heterogeneous phantom, the difference was within 1.0% in the absence of extension. However, in the presence of extension, the difference increased to 2.8% for all rods, except for lung materials, whose difference was 4.8%.

Conclusions

When an eFOV method is used, the SPR variation in phantoms considerably increases for all TEM rods, especially for lung TEM rods. This phenomenon may substantially increase the uncertainty of HU‐to‐SPR conversion. Therefore, image reconstruction with a standard FOV size is recommended.
FDA focuses on preventing opioid overdoses
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2023

Below is a notice from Robert M. Califf, M.D., commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, on the opioid overdose epidemic.
Telemedicine prescribing extended by DEA and SAMHSA
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2023

Following the immense pushback against the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA's) proposal to require patients prescribed buprenorphine via telemedicine to see a physician within 30 days, the agency, along with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), has temporarily extended full telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances.