bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response of Greengram (Vigna radiata L.) as Succeeding Crop to Residual Effect of Micronutrients Mixture Administered in Preceding Sweet corn [Zea mays (L.) Saccharata]
Authors: Pravalika K.M. , Yogananda S.B. , Prakash S.S. , Fathima P.S. , Thimmegowda P.
Published: November 2024

Background: Maize followed by pulses is the predominant cropping system in many parts of India. After harvesting sweet corn, most farmers leave their land unplanted, even though it has significant potential for growing a second crop during the rabi season. Greengram is one of the best options for farmers, as it not only increases their income but also utilizes the soil¢s residual nutrients and moisture. Greengram, a short-duration crop, is one of the key pulse crops in India and serves as a protein-rich food. In light of the aforementioned considerations, an experiment was conducted to evaluate whether the foliar application of micronutrients mixture to the previous kharif sweet corn crop had any residual effects on the productivity and profitability of the subsequent greengram crop. Methods: The experiment, which included ten treatments was carried out in two consecutive rabi seasons during 2022 and 2023 at the College of Agriculture, V.C. Farm, Mandya, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, Karnataka, was designed using a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. After sweet corn stubbles were incorporated into the soil, greengram was planted as a follow-up crop to preserve soil fertility. With the exception of absolute control, the recommended dosage of NPK fertilizers (20:50:50 kg ha-1) for greengram was common. Result: The pooled data showed that the foliar application of MM2 (0.2%) + Humic acid @ 0.5% greatly enhanced growth parameters and yield attributes over absolute control, resulting in the highest net return (Rs. 45,203 ha-1) and benefit:cost ratio of 2.47 among the residual effect of micronutrients mixture.
Examination of The Relationship Between Teachers' Occupational Commitment and Job Satisfaction According to Various Variables
Authors: Mizrak Seyma
Published: November 2024

The aim of this study is to examine whether the relationship between job satisfaction and professional commitment levels of teachers differ according to various variables (gender, task (class / branch), professional seniority, task school level). Sample of the research 2018-2019 academic year 3 different levels (2 high schools, 3 secondary schools, 3 primary schools) located in Sahinbey district of Gaziantep province 255 (131 male, 124 female) teacher. Personal Information Form, Professional Commitment Scale and Minnesota Job Satisfaction Scale were used to collect the data of the study. Minnesota Job Satisfaction Scale was translated into Turkish by Baycan in 1985 and its validity and reliability studies were conducted (Cronbach’s Alpha= 0.77). Commitment Scale was adapted to Turkish by Tak and Çiftçioğlu (2008) who conducted its validity and reliability studies. The reliability of the scale is .82 for the affective commitment, .74 for the continuance commitment, and .83 for the normative commitment. As a result of the study, the highest relationship between occupational adherence sub-dimensions and job satisfaction was found between vocational normative commitment and occupational continuity commitment. The teachers' job satisfaction was determined as a significant predictor of professional emotional commitment and occupational continuity.
Keywords: Job satisfaction, Professional commitment, Career, Education, Teacher.
Numerical Simulations of an Al2O3-Water Nanofluid-Based Linear Fresnel Solar Collector
Authors: John Akpaduado , Oyekale Joseph
Published: November 2024

This study aims to numerically investigate the performance of Al2O3-water nanofluid as a heat transfer fluid (HTF) in a linear Fresnel solar receiver. Although a reasonable number of studies have investigated the thermal behaviors of different nanofluids as HTF in solar collectors, the focus has so far been on the parabolic trough collectors, with little or no research efforts available for the linear Fresnel collectors. ANSYS-fluent software was utilized for the simulation in this study, which converted the governing equations to algebraic forms based on the control-volume approach. The Nusselt number and wall temperature were used to characterize the thermal performance of the nanofluid, while the friction factor and eddy viscosity were considered to determine the flow features. The correlation equation proposed by Gnielinski was used to determine the Nusselt number, while the flow features were computed using the Darcy-Weisbach equation. Additionally, the thermal performance of the nanofluid was compared directly with that of pure water. Results showed that the nanofluid improved the thermal performance by about 6-19 % across the solar receiver length. Also, the Nusselt number increases non-uniformly across the length, with a significant rise towards the trailing edge of the nanofluid flow. Conversely, the pressure drop also increases with an increase in the solar receiver length, albeit uniformly. Designers should always factor into the design process to determine the optimum solar collector length when a nanofluid is considered as the HTF; to maximize heat transfer and minimize pressure drop and its attendant economic consequences.
Health Equity and Rights
Authors: Egid Beatrice
Published: November 2024

This rapid evidence review, drawing on academic and grey literature (e.g. technical documents, reports) finds that there are extensive calls for embedding and operationalising health equity principles across sectors, and many examples of where pro-equity approaches have been implemented. However, the current evidence base on the impact of these approaches is relatively weak, and there is little evidence on best practices for how equity impacts should be monitored and evaluated.
Planejamento, ação e reflexão no PIBID
Authors: Silva Rodrigo Sychocki da
Published: November 2024

O presente artigo traz como tema problematizar sobre as ações de prática de ensino desenvolvidas no âmbito do Programa Institucional de Bolsa de Iniciação à Docência (PIBID) em uma universidade pública brasileira. Para tal intento, utilizam-se, como fundamentação teórica, autores que dialogam sobre Estudos de Aula e Critérios de Adequação Didática, bem como suas conexões com a formação inicial docente. A metodologia de pesquisa utilizada para tanto seguiu uma abordagem qualitativa, de natureza exploratória, com caráter documental. Infere-se que uma reflexão produzida em conjunto a partir de um contexto de Estudo de Aula, a qual envolveu professores-bolsistas, professores supervisores e a coordenação do subprojeto, com vistas ao atendimento dos Critérios de Adequação Didática, tornou o processo educacional qualificado e aperfeiçoado conforme as práticas aconteciam. Isso oportunizou aos acadêmicos do curso de Licenciatura em Matemática e que participaram do PIBID construir uma formação plural, sendo capazes de refletir para além do conteúdo a ensinar.
Circularly polarized luminescence in chiral nematic liquid crystals based on photochromic molecules
Authors: Han Dongxue , Chen Guang , Peng Liang
Published: November 2024

Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) has emerged as a focal point in luminescent materials research, reflecting a growing field of study. Responding to the demand for practical applications across diverse sectors, there is a critical need for CPL materials with high luminescence dissymmetry factors (g lum) and adjustable optical performance, driving the development of novel materials and methodological approaches. Chiral nematic liquid crystals (N*-LCs) have attracted significant attention as promising candidates for producing high-performance CPL materials due to their ability to exhibit enhanced g lum and modulate circularly polarized light. This review comprehensively presents the stimuli-responsive CPL properties, utilizing N*-LCs as chiral templates doped with various photochromic compounds, particularly azobenzene, spiropyran (SP), diarylethene and overcrowded alkene. By elucidating the dynamic interplay between molecular structure, supramolecular organization, and optical response, it offers a profound understanding of the stimuli-responsive CPL behaviors. Additionally, the review also explores the multifaceted applications of photochromic N*-LCs materials, spanning advanced display technologies, optical data storage, and beyond. By examining diverse avenues for leveraging their unique optical properties, it highlights their pivotal role in driving innovation across photonic applications, facilitating transformative advancements in the field.
The polygenic risk score in the breast cancer treatment
Authors: Anaclerio Federico , Pilenzi Lucrezia , Minelli Maria , Giansante Roberta , Cicirelli Michela , Scorrano Vincenzo , Antonucci Ivana , Stuppia Liborio
Published: November 2024

Breast cancer (BC) remains the most common cause of death in women worldwide, but advances in science have allowed earlier diagnosis and more comprehensive treatment. This review highlights the impact of extensive molecular genetic testing in assessing the risk of BC susceptibility, as well as possible responses to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Studies in the literature show that several Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes involved in molecular pathways may become predictors of the risk of developing BC. For example, SNPs in genes such as RAD51 and XRCC3 , already known to be linked with high BC susceptibility, were also correlated with a different response to radiotherapy and related adverse effects. In addition, the SNP ESR1 PvuII (rs2234693), on the ESR1 gene, has been associated with a poor prognosis in advanced BC, but can be a good predictor of the therapeutic effect of hormonal treatment. Therefore, SNPs can be considered as possible new biomarkers for BC risk and prognosis. In this view, it is important to evaluate Polygenic Risk Score, an essential component for accurate BC risk prediction, which may potentially improve screening and prevention strategies. Bioinformatics tools are available to calculate polygenic risk by assessing the presence of SNPs and patients’ family and personal history. This represents an important step forward in the era of personalized medicine for BC.
Evaluating the Usefulness of a PNT Solution Using DGNSS-SBAS for Canoe Slalom: Simulated and Real-World Analysis
Authors: Macdermid Paul William , Irwin Mathew , Cochrane Darryl
Published: November 2024

This study investigated the accuracy and precision of a commercially available PNT solution that uses DGNSS-SBAS technology. Time and position data were sampled at a frequency of 20Hz during both short and long trajectory of a simulated controlled dry-land slalom, as well as during a real-world on-water slalom exercise. The primary objective was to assess the positional accuracy, availability, integrity, and service continuity of the PNT solution while evaluating its ability to differentiate between trajectories. Additionally, the simulated results were compared with an on-water real-world slalom test to validate the findings. The results of the controlled dry-land slalom test indicate that the PNT solution provided accurate measurements with an overall mean±SD Hrms of 0.20±0.02m. The integrity measures, HDOD and PDOP were found to be ideal to excellent, with values of 0.68±0.03, and 1.36±0.07, respectively. The PNT solution utilised an average of 20±1 satellites from the constellation, resulting in an accuracy of <1.5% when measuring the known trajectory of 50 simulated slalom runs. The data from the real-world on-water slalom test supported these findings, providing similar or improved results. Based on these findings, a PNT solution using DGNSS-SBAS can be considered effective means of tracking athlete trajectory in the sport of canoe slalom. Future research should be conducted to quantify its efficacy more precisely.
Aloe Vera as a Printed Coating to Demote the Wear of Textiles
Authors: Karypidis Michail , Stalika Amalia , Zarkogianni Maria , Korlos Apostolos , Andriotis Eleftherios G.
Published: November 2024

Aloe vera is well known for its biological properties as a bioflavonoid-anti-inflammatory, antibacterial agent. It has been used frequently in the food sector as food coating for its hygroscopic properties and as an ingredient in the lucrative industry. Studies have also included Aloe vera as an eco-friendly green solution based on these properties. The current research focuses on the use of Aloe vera gel in printing pastes as an alternative sustainable solution to synthetic thickeners, evaluating its wet performance and ease of fabric stitching, and has been inspired by studies that similarly used this substance measuring its effect on the fabric's coefficient of friction and antimicrobial action. In the current study, printing pastes with natural colourants and Aloe vera gel thickener derived from natural leaves from Crete increased the fabric's mechanical resistance to abrasion compared to the untreated pastes. The measured performance did not differ substantially from prints with traditional synthetic pastes, hence tolerating the substitution with the non-contaminant variant. The enhanced resistance to abrasion and wear prolongates the fabric's serviceable life and resulting garments, decreasing the need for high industry processing volumes and, as a result, reducing pollution. The resistance to wear was evaluated using the dominant method in textile testing of the Martindale apparatus, which measured the cycles to failure, weight loss, and general appearance deterioration using the official photographic standards.
A Review of Grouper Fisheries Management in the Southeastern and Caribbean U.S.: Challenges, Successes, and Future Directions
Authors: Coffill-Rivera Manuel E.
Published: November 2024

Groupers (Epinephelidae) are ecologically important mesopredators that support valuable fisheries across the globe. Many groupers display slow growth and maturity, high longevity, ontogenetic habitat shifts, spawning-related migrations and aggregations, and protogynous hermaphroditism, which make them susceptible to overexploitation. In this review, I synthesize available information related to the management of grouper fisheries across the southeastern and Caribbean U.S. I highlight current management challenges, such as managing multispecies reef fish fisheries with growing recreational fishing effort. I discuss management interventions with limited success, such as establishing marine protected areas to improve the populations of groupers that display protogynous hermaphroditism. I also highlight management successes, such as recovering historically depleted grouper stocks, and ecosystem-based considerations in grouper stock assessments. I discuss how climate change and anthropogenic effects are expected to affect groupers. Lastly, I provide examples of stakeholder involvement in monitoring and management efforts directed at grouper stocks. The purposes of this review are to demonstrate the complexities of managing grouper fisheries and provide a road map for future research and conservation efforts into these economically and ecologically relevant fishes within and beyond the region.
Magnesium and Longevity
Authors: Chambers Patrick
Published: November 2024

Magnesium (Mg) is not prominent among the list of well known anti-aging agents. Yet the signs and symptoms of aging mimic those of Mg deficiency. Mg is required for nearly a thousand enzymatic reactions. This narrative review does not correlate Mg status with clinical data on agents linked to longevity. The approach is more novel and highlights specific Mg dependent physiologic reactions required by these longevity linked biomarkers. Many of these share common pathways to extend healthspan. Mg is a required cofactor in the synthesis of vitamin D and melatonin and activation of six of the eight B vitamins. It is a required cofactor for all CYP450 enzymes. It is directly responsible for the appropriate methylation of proteins and DNA, which control the epigenome. The MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) 677T allele that compromises methylation is present in a majority of Americans. Aberrant methylation predicts the severity of Covid-19 and its persistence into long Covid. Mg is a silent benefactor that may indirectly link these longevity agents, but only if viewed in context with calcium (Ca), i.e., Ca:Mg. Both compete for the same receptor. To fully exploit these longevity agents sufficient Mg is required. The pertinent physiology is presented, although cause and effect awaits publication of supporting clinical data.
EIF-SlideWindow: Enhancing SLAM Efficiency and Accuracy with a Fixed-Size Dynamic Information Matrix
Authors: Léon Javier Lamar , Salgueiro Pedro , . Teresa Gonçalves , Rato Luis Miguel
Published: November 2024

This paper introduces EIF-SlideWindow, a novel enhancement of the Extended Information Filter (EIF) algorithm for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). Traditional EIF-SLAM, while effective in many scenarios, struggles with inaccuracies in highly non-linear systems or environments characterized by significant non-Gaussian noise. Moreover, the computational complexity of EIF/EKF-SLAM scales with the size of the environment, often resulting in performance bottlenecks. Our proposed EIF-SlideWindow approach addresses these limitations by maintaining a fixed-size information matrix and vector, ensuring constant-time processing per robot step, regardless of trajectory length. This is achieved through a sliding window mechanism centered on the robot’s pose, where older landmarks are systematically replaced by newer ones. We assess the effectiveness of EIF-SlideWindow using simulated data and demonstrate that it outperforms standard EIF/EKF-SLAM in both accuracy and efficiency. Additionally, our implementation leverages PyTorch for matrix operations, enabling efficient execution on both CPU and GPU. Additionally, the code for this approach is made available for further exploration and development.
Sperm Selection Methods in Art: Out with the New, the Old Is Better?
Authors: Tiptiri - Kourpeti Angeliki , Asimakopoulos Byron , Nikolettos Nikolaos
Published: November 2024

Male infertility, accounting for nearly half of infertility cases worldwide, has spurred significant research into its causes, diagnosis and treatment strategies. Genetic abnormalities, social causes, environmental exposures, lifestyle and further health conditions are key contributors. Essential to improving ART outcomes is among other, the selection of high-quality sperm, which requires methods that assess sperm motility, morphology, DNA integrity and oxidative stress levels. Traditional techniques such as semen analysis, Swim-Up, and density gradient centrifugation (DGC) are still widely used but disscussion takes place regarding the limitation in detecting DNA damage and oxidative stress. Advanced methods like magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) and microfluidic sorting have emerged as more precise tools for selecting sperm with better genetic integrity, although they face challenges in standardization, cost, and clinical adoption. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and Raman spectroscopy offer the potential for more automated, accurate sperm selection, minimizing human error and variability. However, the integration of these methods into clinical practice requires further validation through large-scale studies, including assessments of their long-term safety and cost-effectiveness. Future research should focus on refining sperm selection techniques, tailoring them to personalized infertility confrontation and addressing gaps in evidence to improve ART outcomes and patient care.
Person-to-Person Bacterial Transmission Can Influence Dry Eye Disease in Newly Married Couples: Six-Month Interim Results
Authors: Rastmanesh Reza , Gargiulo Isacco Ciro , Vellingiri Balachandar , Marotta Francesco , Sadeghinejad Abolfazl , Skokrollahi Siamak , Amizadeh Yashar
Published: November 2024

The aim of this prospective comparative study was to determine whether alterations in ocular microbiota composition affect dry eye disease (DED) in newly married couples. Methods: This study comprised 392 spouses with confirmed dry eye disease (DED) who were either insomniac or hypersomniac, and 196 spouses as controls. We prospectively collected data on ocular surface parameters including tear osmolarity, Schirmer’s test and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), sleep parameters and ocular microbiota composition on day 1 and after six months follow up. Results: The frequency of moderate-to-severe DED in spouses who had married with an insomniac person was significantly higher than healthy controls and hypersmoniacs (P<0.001). The DED phenotype was positively significantly correlated with species differences in each of the three groups (P value <0.001). At baseline, frequency of both mild and moderate-to-severe DED phenotype was significantly highest in insomniacs. Interestingly, in support of our hypothesis, the frequency of both mild and moderate-to-severe DED phenotype in healthy spouses was significantly increased after six months of marriage with an insomniac person (but not with a hypersomniac person), suggesting that there is a possibility that ocular microbiota alteration might have played a role in occurrence of DED in this group. Conclusions: We for the first time contribute to the existing literature by discovering an association between ocular gut microbiota and DED, possibly through person-to-person contact. In the framework of family medicine and personalized medicine, the practical and theoretical implications of this study cover vast areas of sleep therapy and microbiota-related ocular diseases.
Effect of Herbicide Mesosulfuron-Methyl + Iodosulfuron-Methyl and Salicylic Acid Treatment on the Chlorophyll Fluorescence and Chlorophyll Content in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Khatami Seyedeh Asieh , Alebrahim Mohammad Taghi , Korres Nicholas E.
Published: November 2024

The use of herbicides is one of the important factors affecting crop production. High concentrations of herbicides can cause damage not only to weeds but also to the crops by altering physiological processes in plant cells. When plants are exposed to herbicidal stress, they may resist stress by activating antioxidant defense responses or where antioxidant defense is not sufficient, stress resistance can be improved by treatment with various signaling molecules such as salicylic acid (SA). In this study, the effects of salicylic acid in improving the damage caused by the use of herbicide mesosulfuron-methyl + iodosulfuron-methyl in wheat plants is investigated. One day after treatment (DAT) no significant effects were observed by the application of herbicide and salicylic acid on minimal fluorescence (Fo). In general, the value of Fo was increased over time and significant differences between the treatments tested in this work were observed. More specifically, the highest amount of Fo was recorded at herbicide dose of 72 g a.i. ha-1 without salicylic acid 7 DAT, which was 28.48% higher of that recorded in untreated wheat plants. The lowest amount of maximum fluorescence (Fm) and the ratio between variable fluorescence over Fm (Fv/Fm) were recorded at 72 g a.i. ha-1 of herbicidal dose without salicylic acid, 5 DAT. More specifically, 0.5 and 1 mM of SA caused an increase of 9.48 % and 10.12 % in Fm value and 3.40% and 5.58% in Fv/m value, respectively. The content of chlorophyll α, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll decreased under 36 and 72 g a.i. ha-1 of herbicidal dose in all sampling occasions. The use of SA increased chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll in all concentrations and sampling occasions. Likewise, the content of carotenoids was also increased at all stages due to SA presence. The highest content of carotenoids was recorded when the plants exposed at 72 g a.i. ha-1 and had been pre-treated with 1 mM salicylic acid 7 DAT. On the contrary, the lowest amount was obtained under the treatment without herbicide and salicylic acid 3 DAT.
Applying Classification Techniques in Machine Learning to Predict Job Satisfaction of University Professors: A Sociodemographic and Occupational Perspective
Authors: Espinosa-Pinos Carlos Alberto , Acosta-Pérez Paúl Bladimir , Valarezo-Calero Camila Alessandra
Published: November 2024

This article investigates the factors that affect the job satisfaction of university teachers for which 400 teachers from 4 institutions (public and private) in Ecuador were stratifiedly selected, resulting in a total of 1600 data collected through online forms. The research was of cross-sectional design and quantitative type using machine learning techniques of classification and prediction, analyzing variables such as ethnic identity, field of knowledge, gender, number of children, job burnout, perceived stress and occupational risk. The results indicate that the best classification model is neural networks with a precision of 0.7304; the most significant variables for predicting the job satisfaction of university teachers are: the number of children they have, and scores related to perceived stress, professional risk and burnout, province of the university teacher surveyed in the university where he/she works, city where the teacher works; in contrast to marital status, which does not contribute to its prediction. These findings highlight the need for inclusive policies and effective strategies to improve teacher well-being in the university academic environment.
A Novel Hybrid Optimization Technique Using Greylag Goose Optimization and Crayfish Optimization
Authors: Gaitond Rekha S , Biradar Gangadhar S
Published: November 2024

Optimization techniques inspired by natural behaviors have demonstrated effectiveness in solving complex and high-dimensional problems. This work presents a novel hybrid optimization algorithm that combines Greylag Goose Optimization (GGO) and Crayfish Optimization (CO), designed to balance global and local search mechanisms. GGO, based on the social and migratory behaviors of geese, provides robust exploration, while CO offers refined local search capabilities inspired by crayfish foraging patterns. This hybrid approach leverages adaptive switching criteria, dynamically transitioning between GGO and CO to prevent premature convergence. Experimental results on standard benchmark functions demonstrate the superiority of this hybrid technique in terms of convergence speed, accuracy, and robustness when compared to individual algorithms and other optimization methods. This work contributes a new nature-inspired optimization model with potential applications in engineering, complex resource allocation and security in cloud environments.
Concise Synthesis of Naphthalene-Based 14-Aza-12-Oxasteroids
Authors: Srivastava Smriti , Luo Jun , Whalen Daniel , Robertson Katherine , Jha Amitabh
Published: November 2024

A concise, transition metal free four step synthetic pathway has been developed for the synthesis of tetracyclic heterosteroidal compounds, 14-aza-12-oxasteroids, starting from readily available 2-naphthol analogues. After conversion of 2-naphthols to 2-naphtylamines by the Bucherer reaction, subsequent selective C-acetylation was done via the Sugasawa reaction and reduction of the acetyl group using borohydride, resulted into corresponding amino-alcohols. The naphthalene based amino-alcohols underwent double dehydrations and double intramolecular cyclisation with oxo-acids leading to one-pot formation of a C-N bond, a C-O bond and an amide bond in tandem, to generate two additional rings completing the steroidal framework. A series of 14-aza-12-oxasteroids were synthesized by our developed synthetic strategy, in moderate yields and structure of one of the final products, 12a-Methyl-11-phenyl-11,12a-dihydro-1H-naphtho[2,1-d]pyrrolo[2,1-b][1,3]oxazin-3(2H)-one, was further confirmed by single crystal X-ray crystallography.
Mutation Sites Increase over Time in SARS-CoV-2 Variants
Authors: Luo Liaofu , Lv Jun
Published: November 2024

The evolution timeline of SARS-CoV-2 is examined. We found an approximately linear relationship between the number of mutated sites (x) on the spike protein of a variant and its first global sample collection time. By combining the emergence of novel strains at a given x with this linear relationship, we can predict the emergence time of macro-lineages. It is forecasted that macro-lineage Q will emerge shortly after the emergence of lineage P.
A Novel Deep Convolutional Network Based on Transfer Learning for lung Image Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Feng Shuo , Wu Ximei , Li Lixian
Published: November 2024

In this study, a deep learning model based on transfer learning is proposed, which uses the pre-trained ResNet50 architecture to automatically classify X-ray images of normal, bacterial and viral pneumonia. In the experimental process, after 20 rounds of training, the accuracy of the model is close to 100% in both the verification set and the test set. The changes of loss function and accuracy curve show that the model learns and converges rapidly, and the performance of verification set is consistent with that of training set, and there is no obvious over-fitting phenomenon. In addition, the classification results are further verified by confusion matrix and classification report, which shows that the classification accuracy of the model on three types of pneumonia is extremely high, with an overall accuracy rate of 99.6%, and the accuracy rate, recall rate and F1 score are close to 1.00. Although there is slight misclassification in a small number of samples of bacterial and viral pneumonia, the overall results show that the model has strong robustness and generalization ability in medical image classification tasks. The research results show that the model performs well in pneumonia classification, which provides an important reference for future medical image analysis and automatic diagnosis.
Children Suspected for Developmental Coordination Disorder in Hong Kong and Associated Health-Related Functioning
Authors: Eguia Kathlynne F. , Cheung Sum Kwing , Chung Kevin K.H. , Capio Catherine M.
Published: November 2024

Children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) have motor difficulties that interfere with their daily functions. The extent to which DCD affects children in Hong Kong has not been established. In this study, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of chil-dren suspected for DCD in Hong Kong and to examine the relationship between motor performance difficulties and health-related functioning. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of parents of children aged 5 to 12 years across Hong Kong (n = 632). The survey consisted of the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ) and short forms on global health, physical activity, positive affect, and cognitive function of the Pa-tient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) parent-proxy report scales. We found that the total DCDQ score categorized 18.29% of the children as suspect for DCD (sDCD). Logistic regression revealed that household income (OR 0.79, p = 0.001) and the child's age (OR 1.01, p = 0.002) contributed to being categorized as sDCD. Children categorized as sDCD had lower global health (p < 0.001), less positive affect (p < 0.001), and more impaired cognitive function (p < 0.001) than children categorized as probably not DCD (nDCD). The findings of this study contribute to clarifying the extent to which DCD might be affecting Hong Kong children and serve as a basis to advocate for programs that address motor, health, affective, and cognitive outcomes. Further research is recom-mended to estimate the prevalence of a DCD diagnosis in Hong Kong.
Antenna Design and Construction of a Free-Pass System for Hi-pass Type Ticket Gates in Subways for Transportation-Disadvantaged Individuals
Authors: Lee Yunsub , Lee Cholu , Yoon Cheol , Kim Woosu
Published: November 2024

This paper examines the design of antennas for Hi-pass type turnstiles needed to implement a subway free-pass system targeting transportation-disadvantaged individuals. The subway free-pass system allows individuals who have a free-pass card to approach the turnstile with the card on their person, which opens the gate automatically. This system, like the highway Hi-pass, allows users to pass through the subway gate without needing to scan a ticket. For the system to function, antennas are required at both the entrance and exit gates, with an additional antenna needed for the free-pass card, totaling three antennas. The free-pass card functions as a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, while the system uses Bluetooth communication. In this paper, we propose a square patch-type microstrip antenna that can be integrated within the turnstile, performing excellently in the Bluetooth band range of 2.420 to 2.485 GHz.
A Qualitative Study on Patient-Nurse Communication in an Oncology Hospital Setting
Authors: Iacorossi Laura , D'Antonio Giovanna , Condoleo Maria , Guariglia Lara , Petrone Fabrizio , Molinaro Simona , Caruso Anita
Published: November 2024

Background: Communication is an important aspect in making patients competent to define, process, and manage their disease condition as well as to intercept and satisfy psychosocial needs. Communication between patient and nurse is central in the learning and orientating process since the nurse has the greatest frequency and continuity of relationship with patients and their families. Objective: To investigate the quality of communication between patient and nurse and the factors that promote or hinder effective communication from the oncology patient's perspective within an inpatient hospital setting. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with one-to-one semi-structured interviews. The population consisted of oncologic patients admitted to the Medical Oncology Units of the Regina Elena National Cancer Institute in Rome. Data were analyzed using Ritchie and Spencer's Framework Analysis. Results: The sample comprised 20 patients, with an average age of 61.35, admitted to the Regina Elena Medical Oncology Units. Three themes emerged: positive communication as an element of care, factors fostering communication, and factors hindering communication. Conclusions: The sample interviewed deems the quality of communication satisfactory. Familiar communication style, direct language, and caring are factors fostering communication. In contrast, lack of communication between medical and nursing staff, shortage of staff, and lack of time are considered communication barriers. Advanced communication competencies in nurses are crucial for effectively addressing the emotional and psychosocial needs of cancer patients, fostering a more empathetic and supportive care environment.
Teachers, Learners and Edu-Business Co-Constructing Mathematics Curriculum Implementation: An In-Sider’s Lens in Cross-Phase Longitudinal Research
Authors: Golding Jennie
Published: November 2024

This paper draws on a five-component large-scale, longitudinal and cross-phase mathematics curriculum implementation study in England from the vantage point of an insider to overlapping school, policy and edu-business actor communities. It probed those actors’ emergent co-interpretation of, and response to, a new mathematics curriculum in England, analysing the ways in which edu-businesses, teachers and learners mediate mathematics curriculum policy documents through their own interpretations and schema. The combination of common ‘class-room-close’ research tools supported synergies of cross-phase and of longitudinal lenses. The paper contributes enhanced conceptualisation of inter-actor influence, theorisation of learner as policy-actor, and understanding of constraints on mathematics policy-driven change at teacher and learner levels, including challenges to communication of intended curriculum policy, across phases of schooling. The approach appears fruitful for analysis of the experience and mediation of mathematics curriculum policy by key policy actors.
The Impact of Digital Tools on Foreign Language Acquisition in Under-Resourced Educational Settings in Azerbaijan
Authors: Huseynova Sevda
Published: November 2024

The use of digital tools in foreign language acquisition has emerged as a crucial factor in overcoming challenges in under-resourced educational settings. This study investigates the impact of digital tools on foreign language learning in rural and remote regions of Azerbaijan. A survey was conducted across schools in Guba, Sheki, and Ganja, evaluating the use of digital tools such as Duolingo, Babbel, and Quizlet to support language learning. The results indicate that digital tools significantly enhance students' motivation, vocabulary retention, and speaking fluency. However, challenges such as limited internet access, insufficient teacher training, and lack of resources hinder the effective use of these tools. This research highlights the need for targeted educational policies and teacher development programs to fully integrate digital tools in under-resourced areas. The findings offer valuable insights into the pedagogical potential of technology in language acquisition and contribute to a growing body of research on technology-enhanced education in low-resource contexts.
Data-Driven Analysis of Supply Chain Integration's Impact on Procurement Performance in International EPC Projects
Authors: Huang Jiaxin , Li Shui Ming
Published: November 2024

Integrated supply chain management is essential for improving procurement effectiveness and project performance in multinational engineering procurement and construction (EPC) projects. Although supply chain integration is recognized as a critical factor, there is limited understanding of how it specifically impacts procurement procedures in this context. This study examines 45 projects from the top ten Chinese international contractors, addressing this gap in the literature. Through Pearson correlation analysis, the study finds strong relationships between key internal components of supply chain integration, procurement management procedures, and procurement performance. Operational performance, procurement contract management, and stakeholder participation are identified as crucial elements that drive project success. The findings support a theoretical model showing that supply chain integration enhances procurement performance, thus improving overall project outcomes. This research contributes valuable empirical data and insights for both academic study and business practice, providing a robust framework for optimizing procurement management in international EPC projects. Moreover, by emphasizing the efficiency and sustainability of procurement processes, this study aligns with broader sustainability goals, highlighting how optimized supply chain integration can reduce waste, improve resource use, and foster more environmentally and socially responsible procurement practices in global engineering projects.
BIO-OPT: Non-Linear Optimization Model for Maximizing Biogas Production from Organic Waste
Authors: Vesga Ferreira Juan Carlos , Florez Martinez Alexander , Barbosa Jaimes Jhon Erickson
Published: November 2024

The excessive use of fossil fuels and the increasing generation of solid waste, driven by population growth, industrialization, and economic development, have led to serious en-vironmental, energy, and public health issues. In light of this problem, it is crucial to adopt sustainable solutions that promote the transition to renewable energy sources, such as bi-ogas. Although progress has been made in optimizing biogas production, there is still no adaptable model for various environments that allows for the determination of optimal quantities of different organic wastes, simultaneously considering their composition, moisture content, control of critical factors for biogas production, as well as the biodigest-er's capacity and other relevant elements. In practice, the dosing of waste is done empiri-cally, leading to inefficiencies that limit the potential for biogas production in real scenari-os. The objective of this article is to propose a linear optimization model with nonlinear constraints that maximizes biogas production, taking into account fundamental parame-ters such as moisture percentage, pH, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C/N), substrate volume, or-ganic matter, volatile solids (VS), and the potential biogas production from different wastes. This model allows for the estimation of optimal quantities in kg of organic waste according to the capacity of the biodigester, aiming to achieve maximum biogas produc-tion. The results obtained for the proposed scenarios, complemented by a sensitivity anal-ysis using the Monte Carlo method, demonstrate that the model can be considered an effi-cient tool for optimizing biogas production and waste dosing in rural settings, with a con-fidence level of 95%. In addition to improving efficiency in biogas production, the model maximizes the utilization of organic waste, promoting clean and sustainable technologies. This model provides a distinctive value by offering a comprehensive methodology for bio-gas production, establishing a tool of great relevance for future research related to anaero-bic digestion processes.
Effect of Building Orientation and Raster Angle on Mechanical Properties of Selected Materials Used in FFF Techniques
Authors: Dziewit Piotr , Rajkowski Kamil , Płatek Paweł
Published: November 2024

Growth in the development of additive manufacturing materials (AM) and the low availability of studies on the impact response of AM specimens is the main reason for this paper. Therefore, the influence of the building orientation (vertical and horizontal) and the angle of the raster (15°/-75°, 30°/-60°, 45°/-45°, and 0°/90°) on the tensile and impact strength of the AM specimens was investigated. The PLA PolyMax, Mediflex and ABS filaments were chosen to provide comprehensive characterization for AM materials with versatile mechanical properties. The experimental results of this study show that the tensile strength and toughness of PolyMax PLA specimens are comparable to ABS specimens while Mediflex samples are characterized with higher toughness but lower impact force needed to break the samples. The Mediflex Charpy fracture surfaces exhibit ductile character compared to those of brittle ABS and PLA. Furthermore, fracture surface morphology shows the allocation of voids which helps to understand differences in mechanical properties and allows one to properly interpret the results of geometrical accuracy of AM specimens with various printing settings.
Synchronous Homebased Telerehabilitation of the Upper Extremity following Stroke – A Pyramid Review
Authors: Stangenberg-Gliss Kirsten , Kopkow Christian , Borgetto Bernhard
Published: November 2024

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, often resulting in upper extremity impairment. Telerehabilitation offers a promising approach to deliver therapy in home settings. This review aimed to evaluate the effects of home-based telerehabilitation interventions for upper extremity function in stroke patients. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the Pyramid Review methodology. Quantitative and qualitative studies examining home-based telerehabilitation for upper extremity function in stroke patients were included. Data were synthesized using meta-analysis where possible and narrative synthesis. Results: Thirty studies (24 quantitative, 4 qualitative, 2 mixed-methods) were included. Telerehabilitation interventions demonstrated improvements in upper extremity function for both subacute and chronic stroke patients, with varying effect sizes across intervention types. Constraint-induced movement therapy adaptations and some sensor-based approaches showed consistently positive results. Qualitative findings revealed generally positive effects, with convenience, gamification, and social support as key motivators for adherence. Conclusion: Home-based telerehabilitation shows promise for improving upper extremity function in stroke patients. However, heterogeneity in intervention designs and outcomes limits definitive conclusions. Future research should focus on larger trials, observational studies, standardized outcome measures, and long-term follow-up as well as qualitative studies with focus on perceived effectiveness to optimize telerehabilitation approaches for stroke recovery.
Revisions of the Phenomenological and Statistical Statements of the Second Law of Thermodynamics
Authors: Koczan Grzegorz Marcin , Zivieri Roberto
Published: November 2024

The status of the second law of thermodynamics, even in the 21st century, is not as certain as Arthur Eddington wrote about it a hundred years ago. However, it is not about the truth of this principle, but rather about its strict and exhaustive formulation. In the previous article it was shown that two of the three most famous thermodynamic formulations of the second law are non-exhaustive. However, the status of the statistical approach, contrary to common and unfounded opinions, is even more difficult. Well, it is known that Boltzmann did not manage to fully derive the second law from statistical mechanics, even though he did probably everything possible in this regard. In particular, he introduced deterministic chaos into the Liouville equation, obtaining the Boltzmann equation. Using the H theorem, Boltzmann transferred the second law thesis to the molecular chaos hypothesis, which is not considered to be fully true. Therefore, the authors presented a detailed and critical review of the issue of the second law of thermodynamics and entropy from the perspective of phenomenological thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. On this basis, Propositions 1–3 for the second law of thermodynamics were formulated in the original part of the article. It has been proven that Propositions 1–2 in thermodynamic terms are equivalent to the full entropic formulation of the second law. And the probabilistic approach to Proposition 3 was delivered directly. It has been argued that Proposition 3 is in some sense free from Loschmidt’s irreversibility paradox.
Multimodal Large Language Model-Based Fault Detection and Diagnosis in Context of Industry 4.0
Authors: Alsaif Khalid , Albeshri Aiiad , Khemakhem Maher , Eassa Fathy
Published: November 2024

In this paper, a novel multimodal large language model–based fault detection and diagnosis framework that addresses the limitations of traditional fault detection and diagnosis approaches is proposed. The proposed framework leverages the Generative Pre-trained Transformer-4-Preview model to improve its scalability, generalizability, and efficiency in handling complex systems and various fault scenarios. Moreover, synthetic datasets generated via large language models augment the knowledge base and enhance the accuracy of fault detection and diagnosis of imbalanced scenarios. In the framework, a hybrid architecture that integrates online and offline processing, combining real-time data streams with fine-tuned large language models for dynamic, accurate, and context-aware fault detection suited to industrial settings, particularly focusing on security concerns, is introduced. This comprehensive approach aims to address traditional fault detection and diagnosis challenges and advance the field toward more adaptive and efficient fault diagnosis systems. In this paper, a detailed literature review, including a detailed taxonomy of fault detection and diagnosis methods and their applications across various industrial domains is presented. This study discusses case study results and model comparisons, exploring the implications for future developments in industrial fault detection and diagnosis systems within Industry 4.0 technologies.