bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aromatik bitki ekstraktları ile zenginleştirilmiş fonksiyonel elma suyu üretimi
Authors: Ersus Seda , Tekin İdil , Visali Rahila , Allahverdiyeva Zulfiya , Askerova İrada , Hasanova Aybeniz , Kamalov Rovshan , Aliyeva Dürdane
Published: April 2024

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, aromatik bitkilerden infüzyon tekniği ile ekstraktlar elde ederek farklı formülasyonlarda elma suyu ile karıştırılarak fonksiyonel olarak zenginleştirilmiş bir ürün geliştirilmesi ve ürünün fizikokimyasal analizlerinin yapılmasıdır.

Materyal ve Yöntem: Ihlamur çiçeği (Tilia cordata), kekik (Thymus collinus), kasnı otu (Ferula galbaniflua) ve yarpuz (Mentha pulegium) bitkilerinden infüzyon tekniği ile ekstraktlardan farklı oranlarda alınarak, elma suyuna ilave edilmiş ve fonksiyonel elma suyu üretimi gerçekleştirilmiştir. Farklı ekstraktların etkinliğini belirlemek amacıyla, elde edilen meyve sularına suda çözünür kuru madde, pH değeri, renk, berraklık, hidroksimetil furfural (HMF), toplam şeker, fenolik madde, antioksidan kapasite, askorbik asit analizleri yapılarak sonuçlar istatistiksel olarak değerlendirilmiştir.

Araştırma Bulguları: Farklı formülasyonlarla üretilen elma sularında artan bitkisel ekstrakt miktarına bağlı olarak HMF ve toplam şeker miktarları azalırken, ekstraktların içerdiği biyoaktif bileşenler sebebiyle toplam fenolik madde, antioksidan kapasite ve askorbik asit miktarlarında artış tespit edilmiştir.

Sonuç: Elde edilen bulgular, bitkisel ekstraktların elma sularının içeriğini etkin bir şekilde zenginleştirdiğini ve fonksiyonel özelliklerini arttırdığını göstermiştir.
Two new additions to the Flora of West Bengal from Neora Valley National Park
Authors: Krishna Gopal , Kumar Anant , Ranjan Vinay
Published: April 2024

No Abstract.
Trigonella occulta Delile (Fabaceae) - an addition to Legume Flora of Telangana State, India
Authors: Paramesh L. , Suresh Kumar B. , Vijaya Bhasker Reddy A.
Published: April 2024

No Abstract.
Description of Hanifin-Rajka Criteria and Skin Hydration in Adult Patients with Mild-Moderate Atopic Dermatitis at Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Umborowati Menul Ayu , Jastika Faradistiani Rakhmawati , Hendaria Made Putri , Anggraeni Sylvia , Damayanti  , Sari Maylita , Prakoeswa Cita Rosita Sigit
Published: April 2024

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that typically manifests in childhood and has a diverse etiology. In the United States, the prevalence of AD among adults was 4.9%, while in Japan it was 2.1%. The majority of people with AD have dry skin. Hanifin-Rajka criteria were the first to be established and are frequently used as diagnostic standards in research. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the Hanifin-Rajka criteria and skin hydration in adult patients with mild-moderate atopic dermatitis at Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya March-May 2022.  Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study included adult patients with mild to moderate AD according to Hanifin-Rajka aged 18-64 years who visited the Dermatology and Venereology Outpatient Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital Surabaya between March and May 2022. Skin hydration was measured using a corneometer on the volar side of the left forearm in the skin area.  Result: Based on the major criteria, all participants had pruritus, typical morphology and distribution, and chronic or chronically recurrent dermatitis. As for the minor criteria, more varied results were obtained, one of which was xerosis, which was experienced by all participants. The skin hydration shows that the mean value for skin hydration was 39.8 ± 12.1. The lowest skin hydration was 21.4 and the highest was 87.4, both found in subjects with mild AD. Conclusion: ..
Factors that Influence Stunting in the Maratua District of Berau, Indonesia
Authors: Risa Haryati Tambunan  , Elis Nurbaeti
Published: April 2024

Highlights:1. This study investigated the factors contributing to stunting in a remote area, which has not received sufficient attention from key stakeholders.2. The findings of this study can serve as a reference for the government in addressing stunting through intervention strategies that incorporate paternal roles to improve children's nutritional status.
AbstractStunting is a community health problem with significant impacts. The estimated prevalence rate of stunting was 24.4% in Indonesia and 25.7% in the Berau Regency. Stunting is a growth disorder caused by chronic malnutrition during the first 1,000 days of life. It is characterized by a height-for-age Z-score below -2 standard deviations from the child growth standards median of the World Health Organization, an insufficient growth rate, and a reduced potential final height. The contributing factors to stunting include maternal variables, as mothers are the primary caregivers. The objective of this study was to determine the factors for stunting and specifically investigate if there is a relationship between maternal employment and stunting in the Maratua District of Berau, Indonesia. This study used a cross-sectional research design. The sample size was determined using the Sample Size Calculator from the World Health Organization for a two-sided test (α = 0.05; β = 0.2; p1 = 0.63; p2 = 0.25; 95% CI). The data were collected from the nutrition report and anthropometric measurements at Maratua Primary Healthcare Center. The research was carried out at the Integrated Health Posts (Pos Layanan Terpadu/ Posyandu) in the Maratua District. The toddlers (n = 56) were examined with their parental consent. Toddlers with overnutrition, obesity, and acute infectious diseases were excluded from this study. The data were processed using Chi-square and Fisher tests (p < 0.05). In the analysis, no significant relationship was found between stunting and maternal employment. However, the results revealed that fathers who were not fishermen had a 6.3 times greater risk of having stunted toddlers compared to fathers who worked as fishermen. Fathers with a junior high school degree showed a 6.1 times higher risk of having stunted toddlers than fathers with different educational levels. In conclusion, stunting in the Maratua District is associated with the fathers' educational attainment and employment.
The Etiology of Paralytic Strabismus at an Indonesian Tertiary Hospital from 2017 to 2022
Authors: Aulia Rachma Nur Azizah  , Rozalina Loebis  , Hanik Badriyah Hidayati  , Indri Wahyuni  , Lely Retno Wulandari
Published: April 2024

Highlights:
1. This study investigated the etiology of paralytic strabismus, a condition that requires further research to prevent its incidence, particularly in adults.2. The findings of this study provided valuable insight into the primary etiology of paralytic strabismus and its underlying factors.
 
Abstract
Paralytic strabismus is the most common cause of adult-onset strabismus. It can result from paralysis of the third, fourth, or sixth cranial nerves, either separately or in combination, which are responsible for innervating the ocular motor muscles. Paralysis of these cranial nerves occurs due to congenital disorders, neoplasms, trauma, intracranial processes, idiopathic diseases, and other causes. This study aimed to determine the etiology of paralytic strabismus incidence at the Department of Ophthalmology of Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia, between 2017 and 2022. This study employed a retrospective methodology and utilized total sampling. The medical records of patients diagnosed with paralytic strabismus were used to collect secondary data. Out of the total of 282 cases, the most common condition was combined ocular motor cranial nerve palsy, which accounted for 102 (36.2%) cases. The main factors contributing to this condition were neoplasms (37.2%), intracranial processes (25.5%), trauma (25.5%), other causes (8.8%), idiopathic diseases (2%), and congenital disorders (1%). The incidence of third cranial nerve palsy and sixth cranial nerve palsy was equally prevalent, each accounting for 86 (30.5%) cases. Meanwhile, fourth cranial nerve palsy was the least frequent with just eight (2.8%) cases. This study concluded that the most frequent etiology of paralytic strabismus was combined ocular motor nerve paralysis, which primarily results from neoplasms.
Elevated Serum Levels of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase, Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1, And Cyclooxygenase-2 In Patients with Lung Cancer
Authors: Yağcı Emine , Özbayer Cansu , Ak Güntülü , Kurt Hülyam , Metintaş Selma , Metintaş Muzaffer
Published: April 2024

Lung cancer is a malignant lung tumor characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in lung tissue. Genetic and epigenetic abnormalities can be seen in lung cancer. These abnormalities can lead to activation of oncogene and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. Inflammation is a powerful mediator of cancer development. Pulmonary inflammation may play a role in the initiation or progression of cancer. The main mediator of inflammation is inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), which synthesizes nitric oxide from L-arginine. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) is one of the important chemokines that regulate the migration and infiltration of monocytes/macrophages. It has been determined that MCP-1 plays an important role in lung allergic inflammation, lung leukocyte infiltration and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in the pathogenesis of asthma. Cyclooxygenases (COX) are responsible for prostaglandin production from arachidonic acid. They contribute to inflammation-induced carcinogenesis. COX2 is the enzyme responsible for inflammation induced by inflammatory stimuli, hormones and growth factors. In line with the information given, in this study, serum levels of COX2, iNOS and MCP-1 were determined using the ELISA method in 90 (36 adenocarcinoma, 36 squamous cell, 18 small cell carcinoma) lung cancer patients and 90 healthy control individuals. It was determined that COX2, iNOS and MCP-1 serum concentrations in lung cancer patients were significantly higher than in control individuals (p<0.001). However, no statistically significant difference was detected between lung cancer histological subtypes (p>0.05). It is thought that our findings may contribute to early diagnosis and development of new treatments for lung cancer.
Formation and development of educational, professional and personal identity of students with disabilities
Authors: Koptyaeva S. V.
Published: April 2024

Introduction. The formation and improvement of the educational, professional and personal identity (self-attribution, self-definition) of students with disabilities is one of the important goals of educational processes in modern

universities and an important area of scientific research and practical and applied development.

Purpose setting. Purpose of the study is analysis of the problems of formation and development of educational, professional and personal identity of students with disabilities.

Methodology and methods of the study. Research methods are theoretical analysis and synthesis of research results on problems of formation and development of educational, professional and personal identity of students with disabilities. The methodological basis of the study was a systematic approach to understanding the formation and development of educational, professional and personal identity of students with disabilities.

Results. Currently, there are theoretical tasks to develop an integrative model of the formation and development of educational, professional and personal identity of students with disabilities. The leading role in this process is played by the value-semantic and activity aspects of the educational, professional and personal identity of students with disabilities, and their correlation.

Conclusion. The author summarizes the results of a study of the formation and development of educational, professional and personal identity of students with disabilities. The theoretical significance and scientific novelty of developments in the field of formation and development of educational, professional and personal identity of students with disabilities are noted. The prospects for theoretical and empirical study of the problem of formation and development of educational, professional and personal identity of students with disabilities are related to the tasks of improving the quality and effectiveness of higher professional education.
Disabled students professional self-determination
Authors: Vlasova S. V. , Kokhan S. T.
Published: April 2024

Introduction. Difficulty in choosing of the direction of study for prospective students with disabilities is the one of the problems in the implementation of higher inclusive education. Difficulties in professional self-determination are due to both objective (low efficiency of information and educational work of educational institutions’ administrations) and subjective (inability of personal transformation to determine the most adequate professions) reasons.

Purpose setting. The research aims to determine the professions in demand for girls and boys with disabilities, give a factorial assessment of determining the prestige of selected professions, depending on gender preferences.

Methodology and methods of the study. The article presents the results of a retrospective analysis of professional self-determination of 381st−2nd year with disabilities, taking into account gender and educational differences (school/college) before entering a university, obtained using the author’s questionnaire filled out in Google Forms.

Results. The obtained results revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0,05) in professional preferences of girls and boys. Post-college students made the most informed choices.

Conclusion. The results of the study indicate the need to adapt the information and career guidance of universities, taking into account the value demand of persons with special needs.
Statistical analysis of Gravimetric Composition of Municipal Solid Household Waste in the City of Belém-Pará-Brazil: A Systematic Study for Decision Making and Public Policies
Authors: Da Silva Gabriel Pereira Colares , Assunção Fernanda Paula da Costa , Pereira Diogo Oliveira , Ferreira Jorge Fernando Hungria , Mathews Josiane Coutinho , Sandim Débora Prissila Reis , Borges Higor Ribeiro , Do Nascimento Mel Safira Cruz , Mendonça Neyson Martins , De Sousa Brandão Isaque Wilkson , Menezes André Oliveira , Borges Luiz Eduardo Pizarro , Pereira José Almir Rodrigues , Machado Nélio Teixeira
Published: April 2024

This article aimed to evaluate, using statistical tools, the generation and composition of urban solid waste (MSW) in the city of Belém, Pará, from nine urban collection sectors in the municipality, and the average nominal income of the population. Approximately 900kg of urban solid waste were col-lected from the municipality in the period from 2021 to 2022. Statistical tests were carried out on hypotheses with 5% significance in comparative evaluations, and their respective average nominal incomes. The results indicated that the organic fraction corresponds to 55.57% of the waste generated in the municipality, 14.26% is inert waste (potentially contaminating) and 0.67% is miscellaneous waste. It was observed that the waste generated by families with high purchasing power tends to contain higher percentages of recyclables, while in families with lower purchasing power the highest percentages tend to be organic. Knowledge of the generation of MSW is fundamental for the choice and dimensioning of operations and processes involved in the management chain at the municipal level. The decentralization of services offered based on solid waste management would enable greater success in serving the population.
Rabies Realities: Navigating Barriers to Rabies Control in Rural Zambia—A Case Study of Manyinga and Mwansabombwe Districts
Authors: Misapa Muma Chipo , Muleya Walter , Bwalya Eugene C. , Moonga Ladslav , Zimba Josiah , Kabwali Emmanual S , Silombe Mwenya , Mulwanda Edgar Chilanzi , Mulenga Christopher
Published: April 2024

Rabies persists as a longstanding issue in Zambia, despite being preventable. The current control measures, including dog vaccination, population control, and movement restriction, guided by ‘The Control of Dogs Act Chapter 247 of the Laws of Zambia’, have not yielded the desired impact in many areas of the country including Manyinga and Mwansabombwe districts. These two districts continue to report low dog vaccination rates, unrestricted dog movements, and escalating cases of animal and human rabies, along with dog bites. Aligned with global aspirations to achieve zero human rabies cases by 2030, this study scrutinizes the determinants and obstacles hampering the execution of rabies control initiatives in Manyinga and Mwansabombwe. Spanning approximately 11 months, this cross-sectional study gathered pre- and post-vaccination data from 301 households in Manyinga and 100 households in Mwansabombwe. Questionnaires probed knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to rabies prevention and control. A transect survey, key informant interviews, and assessment of rabies vaccination and dog bite records complemented the data collection. Findings revealed that 88% of respondents from both districts possessed knowledge about rabies, confirming affected species and transmission. Moreover, 76.8% in Manyinga and 88.6% in Mwansabombwe were acquainted with rabies prevention and control methods. Concerning dog owners, 89% were aware of rabies, 66% understood its prevention and control, and the majority identified bites as the primary mode of transmission. Vaccination coverage stood at 64% in Manyinga and 21% in Mwansabombwe. Notably, education and occupation exhibited a positive significant association with rabies knowledge. In terms of dog bite cases, Manyinga recorded 538 dog bite cases from 2017 to June 2022 while Mwansabombwe recorded 81 dog bite and 23 jackal bite cases from 2021 to June 2022. The study underscores critical knowledge gaps in rural areas and emphasizes the imperative for enhanced public education and awareness programs, improved rabies surveillance, free mass vaccination campaigns, and community engagement to augment vaccination coverage and knowledge about rabies.
Quantum Dynamics under Gravitational Potential; Insights from Gravitational-Redshift
Authors: Inioluwa Precious Adegbite
Published: April 2024

This short paper briefly explores the interplay between quantum mechanics and gravity, drawing from the principle of gravitational redshift and bringing it into quantum mechanical frameworks. The exploration basically modifies quantum mechanical relations and equations such as Planck-Einstein relation, De-Broglie’s relation and the relativistic wave equations, accounting for the presence of gravitational fields through gravitational redshifts and the effect of gravitational potential on the quantum states of fields and particles. The general idea presented in this paper is conceptually similar to what we know as QFT in Curved Space-time, but is not entirely on based the same formulation. This paper also presents a reformulation of the mass-energy equivalence in the context of gravitational potential and redshift.
Understanding the Impact of Climate and Seismic Hazard Conditions on Multi-criteria Based Retrofitting of Existing Buildings
Authors: Couto Rita , Mucedero Gianrocco , Bento Rita , Monteiro Ricardo
Published: April 2024

A large share of the reinforced-concrete (RC) building stock in Mediterranean countries faces a dual challenge of seismic vulnerability and energy inefficiency, calling for urgent renovation ef-forts. While energy upgrades have been the focus of previous renovation policies, recent research highlights the critical need for integrated retrofitting solutions that address both structural integ-rity and energy performance. Multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) approaches are a promis-ing tool for optimizing the combined choice of these integrated interventions, considering various decision variables (DVs), of economic, social, environmental, and technical nature. To understand the impact of climate and seismic hazard conditions on multi-criteria based retrofitting assess-ment, a case-study RC school building is selected and assumed to be located in three distinct cli-mate conditions - cold, mild, and warm - and three seismic hazard levels – low, medium and high. Moreover, given the complexity and challenges of quantifying seismic performance metrics for practitioners, an available simplified (practice-oriented) approach is compared herein with a more thorough research-based one for quantifying the seismic performance of RC buildings with-in the MCDM framework. Both approaches are applied to the case-study building, considering twelve possible combinations of energy and seismic interventions. The accuracy of the practice-oriented approach and its impact on the retrofitting rankings is evaluated, emphasizing the im-portance of accessible and efficient evaluation methods in facilitating informed decision-making for building renovation.
The Platformisation of Cycling. The Development of Bicycle Sharing Systems in China between Innovation, Urban and Social Regeneration and Sustainability
Authors: Ferrari Giovannipaolo , Tan Yingxin , Diana Paolo , Palazzo Maria
Published: April 2024

In recent years, the widespread introduction of bike-sharing systems in China has had a profound impact on the daily lives of Chinese citizens and the development of the urban transport system. This article attempts to analyse the impact of this phenomenon on sustainability. The gradual improvement of related monitoring measures has facilitated the maturation of the bike-sharing industry from the initial stage of uncontrolled growth to the current stage of standardised management. By tracing the global development of bike-sharing systems with a special focus on China, this study sheds light on the platformisation of bicycles and its multiple impacts on technical, environmental, cultural, economic and social sustainability. Furthermore, the study provides a comprehensive analysis of the transformation of bicycles in China and highlights the diverse impacts of platform-based bike sharing on various facets of Chinese society. The development of different bike-sharing systems in China is a unique and crucial case to interpret the current situation of bike-sharing and imagine future scenarios. In contrast to the prevailing and uniform approach derived from the experiences of Northern European countries, the massive and widespread experimentation with different bike-sharing schemes in China reveals not only potentials and aspects of sustainability, innovation and urban and social regeneration, but also some hidden shadows similar to those in small-scale contexts such as Northern Europe. Furthermore, the study emphasises the crucial role of sustainable development principles in addressing urban challenges specific to China.
Between Struggle, Forgetfulness, and Placemaking: Meanings and Practices among Social Groups in a Metropolitan Urban Park
Authors: Rosenbluth Ana , Ropert Teresa , Rivera Vicente , Villalobos Matías , Molina Yerko , Fernández Ignacio C.
Published: April 2024

The spatial segregation is a characteristic of Latin American cities, resulting in distinct dynamics of social inclusion and exclusion at both spatial and identity levels. Then, specific green spaces may convert into appreciated and contested territories, where various actors negotiate their uses and regulations. Considering a case-study in a green icon of the metropolitan city of Santiago de Chile, the main objective of the present study was to describe and comprehend the uses and meanings of the Quebrada Macul park among different social groups over the past two decades. We employed qualitative methods including six in-depth interviews with key informants (social and ecological leaders, historical neighbors, and park workers), five participant observations in the park, and statistical analysis of visitors. Results reveal that (1) the transition of being a popularly used hill to a metropolitan park rises tensions between public and private statuses of place; (2) conflicts emerge regarding who uses the space and how, reflecting power dynamics among different social groups; (3) the park, beyond being a public space, holds significant identity value for its historical residents, both for those who fought for its recovery and those who have lived closely, so processes of forgetfulness might be resentful. We conclude on enduring meanings of the park associated with the struggle for the place among different groups, highlighting the role of memory for the social integration of groups among natural spaces.
The Nonlinear and Threshold Effect of Built Environment on Ride-Hailing Travel Demand
Authors: Yin Jiexiang , Zhao Feiyan , Tang Wenyun , Ma Jianxiao
Published: April 2024

While numerous studies have explored the correlation between the built environment and ride-hailing demand, few have assessed their nonlinear interplay. Utilizing ride-hailing order data and multi-source built environment data from Nanjing, China, this paper uses the machine learning method, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), combined with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) and Partial Dependence Plots (PDP) to investigate the impact of built environment factors on ride-hailing travel demand, including their non-linear and threshold effects. The findings reveal that dining facilities have the most significant impact, with a contribution rate of 30.75%, on predicting ride-hailing travel demand. Additionally, financial, corporate, and medical facilities also exert considerable influence. The built environment factors need to reach a certain threshold or within a certain range to maximize the impact of ride-hailing travel demand. population density, land use mix and distance to the subway station collectively influence ride-hailing demand. The results are helpful for TNCs to allocate network ride-hailing resources reasonably and effectively.
Polarization Coupling between Ferroelectric Liquids and Ferroelectric Solids: Effects of the Fringing Field Profile
Authors: Marni Stefano , Barboza Raouf , Oluwajoba Ayomide S. , Zamboni Riccardo , Lucchetti Liana
Published: April 2024

Recent experiments devoted to characterizing the behavior of sessile ferroelectric liquid droplets on ferroelectric solid substrates, showed the existence of a droplet electromechanical Rayleigh-like instability. The instability is induced by the bulk polarization of the ferroelectric fluid which couples to the polarization of the underlying substrate through its fringing field and solid-fluid interface coupling. With the aim of characterizing this phenomenon, namely the coupling between the polarizations of a fluid and a solid material, we studied the behavior of ferroelectric liquid droplets confined between two solid substrates, arranged in different configurations realized so to generate fringing fields with different profiles. Results show that the features of the droplets instability are indeed affected by the specific fringing field shape in a way dominated by the minimization of the electrostatic energy associated to the bulk polarization of the ferroelectric fluid.
Effect of Micro-cracks on Chloride Ion Diffusion in Concrete Based on Stochastic Aggregate Approach
Authors: Yang Qianfan , Wu Yu-Ching , Zhi Peng , Zhu Peng
Published: April 2024

For concrete structures exposed to offshore areas, chloride ion erosion is one of the main factors affecting the durability. It is crucial to evaluate chloride ion permeability resistance of concrete structures. In this article, a finite element simulation of the chloride ion diffusion process in concrete is conducted. A mass diffusion finite element model based on random aggregate approach is established to investigate the influence of aggregate, interface transition zone, and micro-cracks on chloride ion diffusion coefficients in concrete. The results show that the mass diffusion finite element analysis based on the exponential function model and power function model can effectively simulate the chloride ion diffusion process in concrete. In addition, the data reveal that coarse aggregate is the most important factor affecting chloride ion diffusivity in concrete. However, the interface transition zone significantly accelerates chloride ion diffusion in concrete. Moreover, this acceleration effect exceeds the barrier effect of aggregate.
How Does Cartilage Lubrication Mechanisms Fail in Osteoarthritis? A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Rajankunte Mahadeshwara Manoj , AL-JAWAD MAISOON , M Hall Richard , Pandit Hemant , El-Gendy Reem , Bryant Michael
Published: April 2024

Cartilage degeneration is a characteristic of osteoarthritis (OA) which is often observed in aging populations. This degeneration is due to the breakdown of articular cartilage (AC) mechanical and tribological properties, primarily attributed to lubrication failure. Understanding the reasons behind these failures and identifying potential solutions could have significant economic and societal implications, ultimately enhancing the quality of life. This review provides an overview of developments in the field of AC, focusing on its mechanical and tribological properties. The emphasis is on the role of lubrication in degraded AC, offering insights into its structure and function relationship. Further it explores the fundamental connection between AC mechano-tribological properties and the advancement of its degradation and puts forth recommendations for strategies to boost its lubrication efficiency.
Microbial Detoxification of Sediments Underpins Persistence of Zostera marina Meadows
Authors: Nakashima Yuki , Sonobe Takumi , Hanada Masashi , Kitano Goushi , Sonoyama Yoshimitsu , Iwai Katsumi , Kimura Takashi , Kusube Masataka
Published: April 2024

Eelgrass meadows have attracted a lot of attention not only for their ability to maintain marine ecosystems as feeding grounds for marine organisms, but also for their potential to store atmos-pheric and dissolved CO2 as blue carbon. This study comprehensively evaluated the bacterial and chemical composition data obtained from eelgrass sediments of different scales along the coast of Japan to investigate the sediment effect on the acclimatization of eelgrass. Regardless eelgrass habitat, approximately 1% Anaerolineales, Babeliales, Cytophagales, and Phycisphaerales were present in the bottom sediment. Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) were present at 3.69 % in eelgrass sediment compared to 1.70 % in bare sediment. Sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) were present at 2.81% and 1.10% in the eelgrass and bare sediment, respectively. Bacterial composition analysis and linear discriminant analysis revealed that sulfur-oxidizing bacteria detoxified H2S in the eelgrass meadows and that the larger-scale eelgrass meadows had a higher diversity of sul-fur-oxidizing bacteria. Our result indicated that one of the following systems detoxifies the H2S in eelgrass meadows microbial oxidation by sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, oxidation by O2 perme-ated by the physical diffusion of benthos. This study indicated the issues of maintaining sustain-able conservation of the eelgrass bed.
Dynamics Computational Sentiment Analysis in Financial Markets
Authors: Carter Jessica , Nasir Wyne , Lee Sophia , Parker Ethan
Published: April 2024

The flux of opinions in newsletters and social media platforms significantly influences market perceptions regarding corporate entities and their financial instruments. This paper introduces an advanced model, the Sentiment Dynamics Analyzer (SDA), which leverages a refined hierarchical architecture of Transformers to effectively discern the sentiment embedded within financial texts, ranging from news headlines to microblogs. We have enhanced a RoBERTa model with specialized sentiment lexicons and an augmented layer of Transformer models tailored for nuanced sentence-level sentiment detection, aiming to assign a sentiment score from -1 to +1. Our evaluations demonstrate that SDA not only surpasses the previous best methods but also exhibits superior performance over robust baseline models. This success underscores the utility of integrating tailored contextual analyses with sector-specific sentiment insights in improving predictive accuracy.
Evaluation of Effect of Different Insertion Speeds and Torques on Implant Placement Status and Removal Torque in Polyurethane Dense D1 Bone Model
Authors: Orhan Zeynep Dilan , Ciğerim Levent
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two different insertion speeds at 8 different insertion torque values ranging from 25-60 during implantation in a dense polyurethane D1 bone model on the placement status and removal torque of dental implants. In this study, 50 pcf single layer polyurethane plates were used. In the study, a total of 320 implant sockets were divided into 2 groups as Group 1 (30 rpm) and Group 2 (50 rpm) in terms of insertion speed. Group 1 and Group 2 were divided into 8 subgroups as 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 torques. There were 20 implant sockets in each subgroup. During the implantations, implant placement status and removal torque values were assessed. There was a statistically significant difference between the 30 and 50 RPM groups in terms of overall implant placement status (p<0.01). It was found that the removal torque values at 50 RPM were statistically significantly higher than those at 30 RPM (p<0.01). This study showed that in dense D1 bone, the minimum parameters at which all implants could be placed at bone level were 50 torque at 30 rpm and 40 torque at 50 rpm.
Wide-Band Low Phase-Noise Signal Generation Using Coaxial Resonator in Cascaded Phase Locked Loop
Authors: Blatnik Aljaž , Batagelj Boštjan
Published: April 2024

The generation of high-quality wideband frequency sweeps presents a significant challenge, particularly in modern telecommunication, radar, and measurement systems where miniaturization is paramount. While phase-locked loops (PLLs) have become the dominant technique for signal generation, their application in broadband sweeps necessitates fractional-N operation. This, in turn, degrades phase noise and introduces unwanted spurs. This paper proposes a novel approach for broadband signal generation. By cascading two PLLs and utilizing a coaxial resonator, we achieve a high-performance oscillator that operates without the excessive fractional spurs, maintaining their level below -80 dBc across the entire frequency band. The prototype demonstrates non-degraded phase noise performance, reaching -102 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset and -121 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset for signal at 10 GHz. Despite significant frequency jumps, our design achieves lock times below 41 µs. These results, supported by theoretical analysis, validate the proposed method's effectiveness in generating low-noise broadband frequency sweeps, ideal for local oscillator applications.
Machine Learning for Affordable Diagnosis of SARS-COV-2 from Hematological and Biochemical Tests
Authors: Silva Reginaldo José da , Júnior Carlos Roberto dos Santos , Abreu Thays , Minussi Carlos Roberto , Lopes Mara Lúcia Martins
Published: April 2024

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has spread around the world and killed around 6.9 million people. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential for preventing and controlling the disease, reducing transmission and consequently saving lives. RT-PCR is the gold standard test used to detect the disease. However, the test is expensive and the result is time-consuming, which makes mass testing difficult, especially in countries with limited resources. In addition, the test has high analytical specificity and low diagnostic sensitivity, which leads to false-negative results. Several studies in the literature report the presence of hematological and biochemical alterations in infected patients and use these alterations with machine learning algorithms to help diagnose the disease. Therefore, this article presents the results obtained by different neural network architectures based on Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART) for the diagnosis of COVID-19. The study was conducted in two distinct stages: the first consisted of selecting the best ART network among several, using three open-access datasets and comparing the results with the literature. In the second stage, the chosen model was tested on a dataset containing patients from various hospitals in four countries. In addition, the model was subjected to external validation, including data from a country not present during the training and adjustment of the model, in order to validate the robustness and generalization capacity of the model. The results obtained by the ART networks in this study are promising, outperforming not only classical models, but also the deep learning models often used in the literature. Validation on data from different countries strengthens the model’s reliability and effectiveness.
Towards a Remote Patient Monitoring Platform for Comprehensive Risk Evaluation for People with Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Cay Gozde , Finco M.G. , Garcia Jason , McNitt-Gray Jill L. , Armstrong David G. , Najafi Bijan
Published: April 2024

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) significantly affect the lives of patients and increase the risk of hospital stay and amputation. We suggest a remote-monitoring platform for better DFU care. This system uses digital health metrics (scaled from 0 to 10, where higher scores indicate a greater risk of slow healing) to provide a comprehensive overview through a visual interface. The platform features smart offloading devices that capture behavioral metrics such as offloading adherence, daily steps, and cadence. Coupled with remotely measurable frailty and phenotypic metrics, it offers an in-depth patient profile. Additional demographic data, wound characteristics, and clinical parameters, such as cognitive function, were integrated, contributing to a comprehensive risk factor profile. We evaluated the feasibility of this platform with 124 DFU patients over 12 weeks; 39% experienced unfavorable outcomes such as dropout, adverse events, or non-healing. Digital biomarkers were benchmarked (0-10), categorized into low, medium, and high risk for unfavorable outcomes, and visually represented using color-coded radar plots. The initial results of case reports illustrate the value of this holistic visualization to pinpoint the underlying risk factors for unfavorable outcomes, including a high number of steps, poor adherence, and cognitive impairment. Although future studies are needed to validate the effectiveness of this visualization in personalizing care and improving wound outcomes, early results in identifying risk factors for unfavorable outcomes are promising.
Study on Local Vibration Control of 100m X-BOW Polar Exploration Cruise Ship
Authors: Jiang Guo he , Chen Jia chen , Guo Hao , Wu Gang , Liu Zhen zhen
Published: April 2024

A finite element model of 100m X-BOW polar exploration cruise is established. The entire ship frequency response analysis was carried out, comparing the simulated values with the test values, the maximum error is 22%, but only 0.24mm/s difference, the error can be ignored from the perspective of comfort, therefore, the simulation results meet the requirements of engineering accuracy and verify the effectiveness of the model. According to the solution method for global modal equivalent mass, combing the spatial distribution principle of local modal mass, the method for solving the equivalent mass of a single local mode in mixed mode is proposed, the equivalent mass of the local vibration region of 100m X-BOW polar exploration cruise ship is solved by this method, tuned mass dampers mass ratio parameters are calculated using the equivalent mass. According to the analysis, tuned mass dampers has 31dB vibration absorption effect at 13.4Hz when the mass ratio is 0.05, it also has certain control effect at 10Hz and 18.8Hz, the control effect is 3dB and 2dB respectively, the overall control frequency band is flat and robust.
Optimization of the Factors Affecting Biogas Production Using Taguchi Design of Experiment Method
Authors: Sidi Habib Sidahmed , Torii Shuichi , S Kavitha  Mol , C. A. Ajimon
Published: April 2024

The present study analyzed the effect of temperature, pH, retention time, pretreatment and mixing ratio on the anerobic digestion process. The parameters during the anaerobic co digestion of cow manure and food waste were then optimized using the Taguchi experimental design method. ANOVA is carried out to find the significant parameters which influence the biogas production. Experimental tests were carried out at laboratory scale reactors kept at different temperatures (28 °C, 35 °C, and 50 °C). The specific methanogenic Performance (SMP) during anerobic digestion at higher temperatures was characterized with the analysis of acetate, propionate, butyrate, hydrogen, glucose, and formate. The improvement of biogas production with different pre-treatment i.e., ultrasonic, autoclave, and microwave techniques also analysed. The results showed that reactor that maintained at 35 °C showed the highest biogas production. While the reactor that maintained at lower temperature (28 °C) produced the lower volume of biogas. As the retention time increases, the amount of biogas produced increases. Methanogenic activities of microorganisms reduced at higher temperature conditions (65 °C). Biogas production increased by 28.1%, 20.23%, and 13.27 % when the of substrates treated with ultrasonic, autoclave, and microwave, respectively, compared to the untreated substrate. The optimized condition for the highest biogas production during anaerobic co digestion of food waste and cow manure is temperature of 35 °C, pH of 7 and mixing ratio (CM: FW=1.5:0.5). ANOVA showed that temperature is the most important input parameter affecting biogas production, followed by mixing ratio.
Harmonization of Soft Power and Institutional Skills: Montenegro’s Path to Accession to the European Union in the Environmental Sector
Authors: Sudar Srna , Cvetković Vladimir M. , Ivanov Aleksandar
Published: April 2024

This research investigates the alignment of soft power and institutional skills in Montenegro's journey towards accession to the European Union (EU), with a particular focus on the environmental sector. An online survey targeting individuals employed in state institutions directly engaged in negotiation processes, notably the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism and the Agency for Nature and Environmental Protection, was conducted. The research conducted an online survey, distributed before and after the summer recess to accommodate the transition of power following parliamentary elections, aimed at assessing the effectiveness of current personnel and identifying areas for improvement in staffing and negotiation strategies within Montenegro's environmental sector. Employing diverse methodologies, the survey's analysis delved into the demographic, social, and professional backgrounds of respondents. It explored their roles within institutions, involvement in environmental negotiations, and possession of relevant skills and expertise. Furthermore, respondents' knowledge of environmental issues, legislation, and challenges facing the country was assessed to gauge institutional capacity for environmental governance. Demographic data, including gender, age, education and regional origin, were collected to understand gender-specific attitudes and regional disparities in environmental perspectives. The sample of 84 individuals, comprising executives and employees from both institutions, provided insights into the age structure and regional diversity of personnel involved in negotiation tasks for Chapter 27. The selection of the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism and the Agency for Nature and Environmental Protection reflects their pivotal roles in shaping Montenegro's environmental policies and addressing climate change challenges. This study aims to illuminate the dynamics of environmental governance within Montenegro's state administration, contributing to the country's path towards EU accession. The research findings highlight the critical need for Montenegro to prioritize strategic initiatives in personnel management, skill development, and institutional capacity-building within its environmental sector. The implications of this research extend beyond academia to inform policymaking and societal action, emphasizing the urgency for Montenegro to bolster its environmental sector capabilities, fostering both EU alignment and sustainable governance practices for the benefit of present and future generations.
Well-Being and Perfectionism: Assessing the Mediational Role of Self-Compassion in Emerging Adults
Authors: Benedetto Loredana , Macidonio Stefania , Ingrassia Massimo
Published: April 2024

The study explores how different dimensions of perfectionism influence psychological well-being (PWB) in emerging adults. Literature has deepened the relationships between maladaptive perfectionism (e.g., excessive self-criticism, perceived discrepancy from the standards) and low PWB. Less is known about whether and how adaptive perfectionism (e.g., pursuing personal standards) relates to PWB. Secondly, the study has investigated whether self-compassion (i.e., self-benevolence, seeing personal imperfections as a common condition) may mediate the relationships between adaptive/maladaptive perfectionism and PWB. Participants (N=217, 18-35 y. o.) completed self-report questionnaires measuring: adaptive/maladaptive perfectionism (Almost Perfect Scale-Revised, APS-R: high standards and order/discrepancy, respectively), PWB, and self-compassion (SCS). Adaptive perfectionism resulted associated with PWB, particularly higher presence of purpose in life, environmental mastery, self-acceptance, and personal growth. Conversely, discrepancy resulted the most robust predictor of low PWB (β=-.68), followed by high standards with a positive direction (β=.23; Rc²=.514, p<.001). A strong negative association emerged between discrepancy and SCS (r=-.67, p<.001). A mediation analysis shows that self-compassion has an indirect effect reducing the strength of the relationship between discrepancy and low PWB. Results suggest focusing on self-compassion as a buffer factor that reduces the negative impact of maladaptive perfectionism on psychological well-being. Implications for education and health psychology are discussed.
Adobe Bricks of Champagne Region (France): Characterization of a Chalky Raw Earth Construction Material
Authors: Polidori Guillaume , Aras-Gaudry Adrien , Beaumont Fabien , Bogard Fabien , Murer Sébastien , Lachi Mohammed , Maalouf Chadi , Moussa Tala , Bliard Christophe , Fronteau Gilles , Hamard Erwan
Published: April 2024

Raw earth bricks made from the soil of the Chalky Champagne region (France) have been used for at least two millennia in construction, a promising heritage in the context of reducing the carbon emissions of buildings. The present experimental study aims at measuring the physical, mechanical, thermal, and hydric properties of adobes collected from a local village barn. Results show a high chalk content estimated at 71%, and a clay content, acting as binder, at 14%. Despite limited load-bearing capacity, these lightweight adobes are suitable for current single-story constructions, while their hydrothermal properties classify them as excellent moisture regulators for occupants. In association with other bio-sourced materials such as starch-beet pulp bricks, Chalky Champagne adobes yield promising insulating properties, and meet the criteria defined by current energy standards.