bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contribution to School Design through Assessment of Corridor Conditions in Foundation Schools in Erbil, Iraq
Authors: Zewar Sardar Suwar
Published: August 2024

School buildings are essential in catering to children’s psychological and educational needs. They enable children to learn, teach, play, and interact with peers. The corridor space within a school’s structure is also significant, serving multiple purposes. The community in Erbil, Iraq, has expressed concerns about the economic challenges of constructing and designing new school buildings. Therefore, this research aimed to identify unused spaces in these corridors to ensure usability and flexibility while reducing the cost of building construction. A comprehensive approach was taken to achieve this, employing both qualitative and quantitative analysis techniques. The qualitative analysis was conducted through surveys and documentation to provide an intense understanding of the issues. This research employed two distinct quantitative methods: first, the study used the Revit engineering software to compare the circulation ratio of pre-existing buildings with that recommended by the BB 103 guidelines, and second, student feedback was collected through a questionnaire to provide a holistic view of the situation. This study found that the built-up corridor area in the L-shaped school accounted for 34% of the total area, 11.5 percentage points more than the BB 103 guideline. Meanwhile, the built-up corridor area in the O-shaped school was 20.5 percentage points higher than the recommendation. According to the student feedback, the extra corridor space in the selected schools is not being efficiently utilized. Therefore, the proposed redesigns for the L-shaped and O-shaped schools focus on eliminating traditional corridors and integrating outdoor spaces to create functional areas, enhancing natural lighting and ventilation. These redesigned concepts ensure cost-effective, adaptable, and engaging educational spaces that support the well-being and academic success of students. This paper recommends that school designers and architects re-evaluate existing school designs with a focus on reducing corridor spaces and prioritizing outdoor learning areas. By adopting these strategies, schools can improve space utilization, foster healthier and more efficient learning environments, and promote sustainability.
Visual Acuity Thresholds in Preterm Newborns: An Experimental Study
Authors: Fagundes Ruth Batista Bezerra , Silva Pedro Ykaro Fialho , Barboni Mirella Telles Salgueiro , da Fonseca Filho Gentil Gomes , Almeida Valeria Azevedo de , Azevedo Ingrid Guerra , Pereira Silvana Alves
Published: August 2024

Purpose: Visual acuity plays a role in mediating neurological development in infants by enabling the differentiation of shapes and discriminating objects. Given the rapid structural development of the brain in the first days of life, this aspect is particularly significant for preterm infants, who typically experience this developmental phase while hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Therefore, this study aimed to assess visual acuity thresholds in preterm infants during hospitalization and to evaluate possible correlations between visual acuity and clinical parameters. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in an NICU in Northeast Brazil. The visual acuity thresholds were tested using the Teller Acuity Cards II, comprised of 17 gray cards, with one 4 mm diameter peephole at the center and presented with about 35% reflectance. Preterm infants were positioned supine, at 30° elevation on the laps of their caregivers. The evaluator presented both sides of the cards and observed the eye fixation and reactions on both sides. Results: A total of 42 preterm infants with corrected gestational age between 30 to 36 weeks and 6 days were included. Visual acuity ranged from 0.23 to 0.64 cycle per degree. The mean visual acuity threshold was 0.32 cycles per degree for preterm infants at around 32 weeks of corrected gestational age. The visual acuity was not correlated with gestational age (p = 0.18), and neither were birth weight (p = 0.83) or duration of respiratory support (p = 0.98). However, days of phototherapy were inversely correlated with visual acuity (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Despite the challenges of hospitalization, it was possible to carry out a psychophysical test to assess visual acuity in preterm infants. The visual acuity showed no correlation with clinical parameters such as gestational age, birth weight, and duration of respiratory support. However, there was an inverse correlation between the number of days in phototherapy and visual acuity. Understanding the visual acuity levels in preterm infants during their NICU stay can contribute to tailoring interventions and care strategies that specifically address their visual developmental needs. This knowledge may guide healthcare professionals in optimizing the NICU environment to provide appropriate visual stimuli that support neurological development.
Exploring the Unmet Needs of Teachers of Young Children with ADHD Symptoms: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Aldabbagh Reem , Daley David , Sayal Kapil , Glazebrook Cris
Published: August 2024

Background/Objectives: Children with Attention and Hyperactivity Deficit Disorder (ADHD) and those at risk of ADHD typically exhibit challenging behaviours that may disrupt the classroom environment and be frustrating for teachers. This study aimed to explore teachers’ experiences and emotions regarding teaching children with high levels of ADHD symptoms and their perceptions of what might help to meet their unmet support needs. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 primary educational practitioners for children aged between four and eight years in the UK. Interview scripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Six main themes and 8 subthemes were developed. These included: (1) ADHD behaviours can disrupt the learning environment; (2) teachers face practical demands on their expertise and particular skills; (3) managing ADHD behaviours can be overwhelming for teachers; (4) teachers and children may treat children with ADHD negatively, which can impact on children’s emotions and lead to labelling; (5) existing support for teachers is limited; and (6) teachers need more specific training about ADHD. Results: The analysis revealed that teachers working with children with externalising behaviours such as ADHD can feel overwhelmed. Conclusions: The findings from this study suggest that teachers require more training in managing externalising behaviour in the classroom.
Extensions of Bicomplex Hypergeometric Functions and Riemann–Liouville Fractional Calculus in Bicomplex Numbers
Authors: Bakhet Ahmed , Fathi Mohamed , Zakarya Mohammed , AlNemer Ghada , Saleem Mohammed A.
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we present novel advancements in the theory of bicomplex hypergeometric functions and their applications. We extend the hypergeometric function to bicomplex parameters, analyse its convergence region, and define its integral and derivative representations. Furthermore, we delve into the k-Riemann–Liouville fractional integral and derivative within a bicomplex operator, proving several significant theorems. The developed bicomplex hypergeometric functions and bicomplex fractional operators are demonstrated to have practical applications in various fields. This paper also highlights the essential concepts and properties of bicomplex numbers, special functions, and fractional calculus. Our results enhance the overall comprehension and possible applications of bicomplex numbers in mathematical analysis and applied sciences, providing a solid foundation for future research in this field.
Developments in Nanostructured MoS2-Decorated Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite Aerogel as an Electrocatalyst for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Thangarasu Sadhasivam , Bhosale Mrunal , Palanisamy Gowthami , Oh Tae Hwan
Published: August 2024

Developing lightweight, highly active surfaces with a high level of performance and great stability is crucial for ensuring the dependability of energy harvesting and conversion devices. Aerogel-based electrocatalysts are an efficient option for electrocatalytic hydrogen production because of their numerous benefits, such as their compatibility with interface engineering and their porous architecture. Herein, we report on the facile synthesis of a nanorod-like molybdenum sulfide–reduced graphene oxide (M-rG) aerogel as an electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The 3D architecture of the network-like structure of the M-rG hybrid aerogel was created via the hydrothermal technique, using a saturated NaCl solution-assisted process, where the MoS2 was homogeneously incorporated within the interconnected rGO aerogel. The optimized M-rG-300 aerogel electrocatalyst had a significantly decreased overpotential of 112 mV at 10 mA/cm2 for the HER in alkaline conditions. The M-rG-300 also showed a higher level of reliability. The remarkable efficiency of the HER involving the M-rG-300 is principally attributed to the excellent connectivity between the rGO and MoS2 in the aerogel structure. The efficient interconnection influenced the achievement of a larger electrochemically active surface area, increased electrical conductivity, and the exposure of more active sites for the HER. Furthermore, the creation of a synergistic effect in the M-rG-300 aerogel is the most probable mechanism to boost the electrocatalytic activity.
Acid Hydrolysis of Quinoa Starch to Stabilize High Internal Phase Emulsion Gels
Authors: Li Songnan , Sun Chaohui , Sun Ye , Li Enpeng , Li Ping , Wang Jun
Published: August 2024

Starch nanocrystals (SNCs) to stabilize high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) always suffer low production efficiency from acid hydrolysis. Due to its small granule size, Quinoa starch (QS) was selected to produce SNCs as a function of acid hydrolysis time (0–4 days), and their structural changes and potential application as HIPEs’ stabilizers were further explored. With increasing the acid hydrolysis time from 1 day to 4 days, the yield of QS nanocrystals decreased from 30.4% to 10.8%, with the corresponding degree of hydrolysis increasing from 51.2% to 87.8%. The occurrence of QS nanocrystals was evidenced from the Tyndall effect and scanning electron microscopy with particle size distribution. The relative crystallinity of QS subjected to different hydrolysis times (0–4 days) increased from 22.27% to 26.18%. When the acid hydrolysis time of QS was 3 and 4 days, their HIPEs showed self-standing after inversion, known as high internal phase emulsion gels (HIPE gels), closely related to their densely packed interfacial architecture around oil droplets, seen on an optical microscope, and relatively high apparent viscosity. This study could provide a theoretical guidance for the efficient production and novel emulsification of SNCs from QS to HIPE gels.
Transcriptome Analysis of Multiple Plant Parts in the Woody Oil Tree Camellia drupifera Loureiro
Authors: Shen Hongjian , Liao Boyong , Deng Jinqing , Liu Biting , Shen Yang , Xiong Wanyu , He Shan , Zou Peishan , Chen Fang , Srihawech Thitaree , Lee Shiou Yih , Li Yongquan
Published: August 2024

Camellia drupifera is mainly used in forestry for its high-value industrial products; however, limited information is available on its transcriptome. This study aimed to construct a full-length transcriptome sequence based on the PacBio sequencing platform for various plant parts of C. drupifera, including flower buds, leaves, leaf buds, branches, the pericarp, and seed kernels. The transcriptomes were annotated with 23,207 genes, with 58 subgroups in the GO classification. The KEGG database revealed 10,407 genes involved in the metabolic pathway analysis, with 68,192 coding sequences, 3352 TF families, 48,541 SSRs, 1421 IncRNAs, and 2625 variable shears predicted. The transcriptomes of different parts were analyzed and compared. The majority of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found between the pericarp and seed kernels, followed by leaves and the pericarp with 5662 DEGs, and flower buds and leaf buds with 1616 DEGs. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that KEGG differential genes were significant in microbial metabolism, carbon metabolism, and other functions. The data annotation and analysis of the full-length transcriptome and the comparative analysis between different plant parts provided a theoretical basis for studying gene function, metabolic pathway regulation, and gene expression analysis in KEGG.
A New Azide-Bridged Polymeric Manganese (III) Schiff Base Complex with an Allylamine-Derived Ligand: Structural Characterization and Activity Spectra
Authors: Talebi Aynaz , Salehi Mehdi , Jesus A. J. Lopes , Kubicki Maciej , Fausto Rui , Golbedaghi Reza
Published: August 2024

This paper reports the synthesis and structural characterization of a novel azide-bridged polymeric manganese (III) Schiff base complex, using 2-((allylimino)methyl)-6-ethoxyphenol as a ligand. The crystal structure of the synthesized compound, elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, indicates that it crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c. The complex is found to display an octahedral geometry in which the central manganese Mn(III) coordinates with two bidentate donor Schiff base ligands via oxygen and nitrogen atoms. In addition, the metallic centers are linked together to form a one-dimensional chain bridged by end-to-end azide ligands. To offer a more thorough characterization of the synthesized compound, the study incorporates experimental data from FT-IR, UV-Vis, and cyclic voltammetry, alongside computational results from Hirshfeld surface analysis and DFT calculations conducted for both the ligand and complex. The computational analyses provided valuable insights into the intrachain and interchain interactions within the crystal structure, clarified the conformational characteristics of the isolated ligand molecule, and aided in the interpretation of the experimental IR spectra. Furthermore, an assessment of the compound’s drug-like properties was conducted using activity spectra for substances (PASS) predictions, revealing potential pharmacological activities.
CREC Optical-Fibre Sensors for Hydrodynamic Studies in Gas−Solid Fluidized Beds
Authors: Torres Brauer Nicolas , Medina-Pedraza Cesar , de Lasa Hugo
Published: August 2024

Optical probes can be employed in dense and dilute fluidized beds. Their application is useful to determine particle volume fraction, bubble velocity, bubble size, and solid segregation in dense-phase fluidized-bed reactors, as well as particle-cluster velocity, size, and shape, in downer/riser units. The CREC-UWO team has developed a unique and miniaturized CREC Optiprobes System (CREC-GS-OPS) equipped with a GRIN (graded refraction index) lens. The GRIN lens creates a small volume of high light irradiation by focusing a laser a few millimetres away from the front of the probe tip. This design minimizes sensor intrusiveness and, as a result, provides trustworthy measurements of hydrodynamic parameters. Through the application of the CREC-GS-OPS, advances have been achieved, leading to (a) the development of a “Y-back” unit with graphite ferrules that protects the optiprobes from fibre-optic stresses and prevents the loss of sensor calibration and (b) the establishment of statistically-based data analysis. It is envisioned that through the introduction of a few design changes, the CREC Optiprobes will be made suitable for high-temperature applications. This will allow the measurement of catalyst flow recirculation (among other measurements), in industrial-scale fluidized-bed catalytic cracking units involving fluidized riser crackers and catalyst regenerators.
Characteristics, Treatment, and Prognosis of Heart Failure Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the Colombian Heart Failure Registry (RECOLFACA)
Authors: Sandoval-Luna Jorge Alberto , Rivera-Toquica Alex , Saldarriaga Clara , Martínez-Carreño Erika , Llamas Alexis , Moreno-Silgado Gustavo Adolfo , Vanegas-Eljach Julián , Murillo-Benítez Nelson Eduardo , Gómez-Palau Ricardo , Arias-Barrera Carlos Andrés , Mendoza-Beltrán Fernán , Hoyos-Ballesteros Diego Hernán , Plata-Mosquera Carlos Andrés , Echeverría Luis Eduardo , Gómez-Mesa Juan Esteban
Published: August 2024

The impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on heart failure (HF) has yet to be well assessed in the Latin American population. This study aimed to analyze the impact of COPD on HF patients from the Colombian Heart Failure Registry (RECOLFACA). The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. A Cox proportional-hazards regression model was used to assess the impact of COPD on mortality. From the total of 2528 patients in the registry, 2514 patients had information regarding COPD diagnosis. COPD diagnosis was associated with a worse functional class and higher use of diuretics than non-COPD patients (p < 0.001). Patients with this comorbidity had a significantly better ejection fraction (median ejection fraction 35% vs. 32% in non-COPD patients; p = 0.004), with a higher occurrence of HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) in the COPD group (p = 0.000). Finally, patients with COPD had a significantly higher risk of mortality in the multivariate regression model (HR 1.47; 95% CI 1.02, 2.11). COPD is a prevalent comorbidity among patients with HF in Colombia, showing a different clinical profile and a worse functional class than patients without this condition. Patients with COPD and HFpEF have a high mortality risk according to our results.
Subjective Cognitive Impairment and Physical Activity: Investigating Risk Factors and Correlations among Older Adults in Spain
Authors: Franco-García Juan Manuel , Denche-Zamorano Ángel , Carlos-Vivas Jorge , Castillo-Paredes Antonio , Mendoza-Holgado Cristina , Pérez-Gómez Jorge
Published: August 2024

Subjective cognitive impairment in older persons has a substantial influence on their quality of life and can progress to serious illnesses such as dementia. Physical activity level can help prevent cognitive decline and improve cognitive performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between frequency of physical activity and subjective cognitive impairment in Spanish adults aged 65 and over, and to identify different risk factors. Using data from the EHSS20 survey, the study focused on 7082 participants who provided information on cognitive impairment and physical activity. Key predictor variables included age, gender, BMI, marital status, and education level. A significant relationship was found between BMI category and gender, with 66.5% of the population being overweight or obese. Men were more likely to be overweight than women. Socio-demographic factors such as educational level, marital status, and physical activity frequency showed dependent associations with sex. Women had a higher prevalence of subjective cognitive impairment than men. A strong association was found between frequency of physical activity and subjective cognitive impairment, with inactive older people having the highest prevalence of subjective cognitive impairment. Older women who engage in little physical exercise and have less education are at risk for subjective cognitive impairment. Furthermore, for both men and women, being overweight was associated with a more reduced risk than obesity. Significant relationships were also discovered between subjective cognitive impairment, frequency of physical exercise, gender, BMI, and degree of education. In conclusion, older, sedentary women with high BMI and less education are more likely to experience subjective cognitive impairment.
Mini-Reactor Proliferation-Resistant Fuel with Burnable Gadolinia in Once-Through Operation Cycle Performance Verification
Authors: Bess John D. , Chang Gray S. , Moo Patrick , Foster Julie
Published: August 2024

A miniature nuclear reactor is desirable for deployment as a localized nuclear power station in support of a carbon-free power supply. Coupling aspects of proliferation-resistant fuel with natural burnable absorber loading are evaluated for once-through operation cycle performance to minimize the need for refueling and fuel shuffling operations. The incorporation of 0.075 wt.% 237Np provides favorable plutonium isotopic vectors throughout an operational lifetime of 5.5 years. providing 35 MWe. Core performance was assessed using a verification-by-comparison approach for core designs with or without 237Np and/or gadolinia burnable absorber. Burnup Monte Carlo calculations were performed via MCOS coupling of MCNP and ORIGEN to an achievable burnup of ~62.5 GWd/t. The results demonstrate a minimal penalty to reactor performance due to the addition of these materials as compared against the reference design. Coupling of a proliferation-resistant fuel concept with a uniform loading of natural gadolinia burnable absorber for LEU+ fuel (7.5 wt.% 235U/U UO2) provides favorable excess reactivity considerations with minimized concerns for additional residual waste and more uniform distribution of un-depleted 235U in discharged fuel assemblies.
Metarhizium caribense sp. nov., a Novel Species of Entomopathogenic Metarhizium Fungi Associated with Weevils Impairing Coffee, Sugar Cane and Sweet Potato Cultivation
Authors: Baró Robaina Yamilé , Schuster Christina , Castañeda-Ruiz Rafael F. , Gato Cárdenas Yohana , Márquez Gutiérrez María Elena , Ponce de la Cal Amaia , Leclerque Andreas
Published: August 2024

(1) Background: Insect pathogenic fungi of the genus Metarhizium are under study and in application as highly solicited, more eco-system friendly substitutes for chemical insecticides in many countries and in different agricultural contexts. In Cuba and Florida, Metarhizium strains have previously been isolated from economically important coffee and sugar cane pests. (2) Methods: Unambiguous species delineation within the Metarhizium anisopliae species complex is methodologically challenging. Recently, a species-discriminating PCR approach has been developed based on ribosomal intergenic spacer (rIGS) sequences that covered the prominent four “PARB” species within the complex. This approach is combined here with further genetic markers and is extended to a further species. (3) Results: Metarhizium isolates from Cuba, found to be more naturally associated with the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei, were morphologically, microscopically and molecular taxonomically characterized. Multilocus sequence analysis based on 5TEF, MzIGS3 and rIGS markers delineated these weevil-associated strains from all previously established Metarhizium species. (4) Conclusions: The isolates under study represent a new fungal taxon proposed to be designated Metarhizium caribense. The rIGS-based species-discriminating diagnostic PCR is a suitable tool for the identification of new Metarhizium species and can be productively combined to approaches using further genetic markers.
Rad6 Regulates Conidiation by Affecting the Biotin Metabolism in Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Guo Yuhan , He Haomin , Guan Yi , Zhang Longbin
Published: August 2024

Rad6 is a canonical ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme known for its role in regulating chromosome-related cellular processes in yeast and has been proven to have multiple functions in Beauveria bassiana, including insect-pathogenic lifestyle, UV damage repair, and conidiation. However, previous studies have only reported the key role of Rad6 in regulating conidial production in a nutrient-rich medium, without any deep mechanism analyses. In this study, we found that the disruption of Rad6 leads to a profound reduction in conidial production, irrespective of whether the fungus is cultivated in nutrient-rich or nutrient-poor environments. The absence of rad6 exerts a suppressive effect on the transcription of essential genes in the central developmental pathway, namely, brlA, abaA, and wetA, resulting in a direct downregulation of conidiation capacity. Additionally, mutant strains exhibited a more pronounced decline in both conidial generation and hyphal development when cultured in nutrient-rich conditions. This observation correlates with the downregulation of the central developmental pathway (CDP) downstream gene vosA and the upregulation of flaA in nutrient-rich cultures. Moreover, single-transcriptomics analyses indicated that irregularities in biotin metabolism, DNA repair, and tryptophan metabolism are the underlying factors contributing to the reduced conidial production. Comprehensive dual transcriptomics analyses pinpointed abnormal biotin metabolism as the primary cause of conidial production decline. Subsequently, we successfully restored conidial production in the Rad6 mutant strain through the supplementation of biotin, further confirming the transcriptomic evidence. Altogether, our findings underscore the pivotal role of Rad6 in influencing biotin metabolism, subsequently impacting the expression of CDP genes and ultimately shaping the asexual life cycle of B. bassiana.
Antioxidant Defenses, Oxidative Stress Responses, and Apoptosis Modulation in Spontaneous Abortion: An Immunohistochemistry Analysis of First-Trimester Chorionic Villi
Authors: Vornic Ioana , Nesiu Alexandru , Ardelean Ana Maria , Todut Oana Cristina , Pasare Victoria Cristina , Onel Cristina , Raducan Ionuț Daniel , Furau Cristian George
Published: August 2024

Oxidative stress (OS) and apoptosis are critical factors in placental development and function. Their interplay influences trophoblast proliferation, differentiation, and invasion, as well as vascular development. An imbalance between these processes can lead to pregnancy-related disorders such as preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, and even spontaneous abortion. Our study seeks to elucidate the associations between preventive antioxidant/protective OS response factors—glutathione (GSH), MutT Homolog 1 (MTH1), and apoptotic regulation modulators—tumor protein p53 and B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2) transcripts, in the context of spontaneous abortion (30 samples) versus elective termination of pregnancy (20 samples), using immunohistochemistry (IHC) to determine their proteomic expression in chorionic villi within abortive fetal placenta tissue samples. Herein, comparative statistical analyses revealed that both OS response factors, GSH and MTH1, were significantly under-expressed in spontaneous abortion cases as compared to elective. Conversely, for apoptotic regulators, p53 expression was significantly higher in spontaneous abortion cases, whereas Bcl-2 expression was significantly lower in spontaneous abortion cases. These findings suggest that a strong pro-apoptotic signal is prevalent within spontaneous abortion samples, alongside reduced anti-apoptotic protection, depleted antioxidant defenses and compromised oxidative DNA damage prevention/repair, as compared to elective abortion controls. Herein, our hypothesis that OS and apoptosis are closely linked processes contributing to placental dysfunction and spontaneous abortion was thus seemingly corroborated. Our results further highlight the importance of maintaining redox homeostasis and apoptotic regulation for a successful pregnancy. Understanding the mechanisms underlying this interplay is essential for developing potential therapies to manage OS, promote placentation, and avoid unwanted apoptosis, ultimately improving pregnancy outcomes. Antioxidant supplementation, modulation of p53 activity, and the enhancement of DNA repair mechanisms may represent potential approaches to mitigate OS and apoptosis in the placenta. Further research is needed to explore these strategies and their efficacy in preventing spontaneous abortion.
Causal Analysis to Explain the Performance of Algorithms: A Case Study for the Bin Packing Problem
Authors: Vázquez-Aguirre Jenny Betsabé , Carmona-Arroyo Guadalupe , Quiroz-Castellanos Marcela , Cruz-Ramírez Nicandro
Published: August 2024

This work presents a knowledge discovery approach through Causal Bayesian Networks for understanding the conditions under which the performance of an optimization algorithm can be affected by the characteristics of the instances of a combinatorial optimization problem (COP). We introduce a case study for the causal analysis of the performance of two state-of-the-art algorithms for the one-dimensional Bin Packing Problem (BPP). We meticulously selected the set of features associated with the parameters that define the instances of the problem. Subsequently, we evaluated the algorithmic performance on instances with distinct features. Our analysis scrutinizes both instance features and algorithm performance, aiming to identify causes influencing the performance of the algorithms. The proposed study successfully identifies specific values affecting algorithmic effectiveness and efficiency, revealing shared causes within some value ranges across both algorithms. The knowledge generated establishes a robust foundation for future research, enabling predictions of algorithmic performance, as well as the selection and design of heuristic strategies for improving the performance in the most difficult instances. The causal analysis employed in this study did not require specific configurations, making it an invaluable tool for analyzing the performance of different algorithms in other COPs.
Effect of Fine Particle Content on Solution Flow and Mass Transfer of Ion-Adsorption-Type Rare Earth Ores
Authors: Zhou Lingbo , Yu Hongdong , Kang Shijie , Sun Guidong , Deng Yang , Wang Xiaojun , Zhao Hanlin , Xu Jingtao
Published: August 2024

Fine particle content significantly affects the in situ leaching of ion-adsorption-type rare earth ores. This study investigated the effect of fine particle content on solution flow and mass transfer in leaching. The results showed that with the increase in fine particle content, the peak concentration and peak time of rare earth increased. When the fine particle content exceeded 20%, all ion-exchangeable-phase rare earth ions could be replaced with a low dosage of the leaching solution. The leachate flow rate exhibited multi-stage variation, influenced by solution permeation, ion exchange, and fluctuations in accumulated liquid height. A mass transfer analysis showed that a higher fine particle content corresponded to a smaller plate height and a larger plate number of theoretical plates. As fine particle content increased, the final rising height of capillary water decreased, with rising rates varying across different stages for the samples. Moreover, an increase in fine particle content from 5% to 20% resulted in a 94% decrease in the samples’ permeability coefficients. A mechanism analysis showed that when the fine particle content was higher, the fine particles were embedded in the gaps between coarse particles, and the ore particles in the sample were arranged continuously, resulting in a lower permeability coefficient. Then, the leaching solution could penetrate uniformly, which was beneficial for reducing leaching blind spots and improving leaching efficiency. However, excessive fine particle content might have detrimental effects. Based on these results and considering actual mining conditions, the optimal fine particle content for rare earth leaching is 20%.
Synthesis and Electrochemical Study of Gold(I) Carbene Complexes
Authors: Rodríguez-Rubio Andrea , Yuste Álvaro , Torroba Tomás , García-Herbosa Gabriel , Cuevas-Vicario José V.
Published: August 2024

In this work, we have prepared and characterized some gold compounds wearing a N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand as well as alkynyl derivatives with different substituents. The study of their electrochemical behavior reveals that these complexes show an irreversible wave at potentials ranging between −2.79 and −2.91 V, referenced to the ferrocenium/ferrocene pair. DFT calculations indicate that the reduction occurs mainly on the aryl−C≡C fragment. The cyclic voltammetry experiments under CO2 atmosphere show an increase in the faradaic current of the reduction wave compared to the experiments under argon atmosphere, indicating a possible catalytic activity towards the carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR).
Experiments and Calculation on New N,N-bis-Tetrahydroacridines
Authors: Hrubaru Madalina-Marina , Draghici Constantin , Ngounoue Kamga Francis Aurelien , Diacu Elena , Egemonye ThankGod C. , Ekennia Anthony C. , Ungureanu Eleonora-Mihaela
Published: August 2024

Tetrahydroacridines arouse particular interest due to the potential possibilities of application in the medical field and protection against corrosion. Bis-tetrahydroacridines were newly synthesized by Pfitzinger condensation of 5,5′-(ethane-1,2-diyl) diindoline-2,3-dione with several cyclanones. NMR, MS, and FT-IR were used to prove their molecular structure. In addition, a computer-aided study was performed for the lowest energy conformers of each structure, in vacuum conditions, at ground state using DFT models to assess their electronic properties. UV–Vis and voltammetric methods (cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and rotating disk electrode voltammetry) were used to investigate their optical and electrochemical properties. The results obtained for these π-conjugated heteroaromatic compounds lead to the conclusion that they have real potential in applications in different fields such as pharmaceuticals and especially as corrosion inhibitors.
Advances in Intelligent Sports Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Ding Zhengbing , Wang Xing , Huang Chenyao , Choi Kyungwho , Choi Dukhyun
Published: August 2024

In the realm of intelligent sports, the integration of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) marks a transformative approach toward energy sustainability and more advanced athletic monitoring. By leveraging the principle of triboelectricity, TENGs ingeniously convert mechanical energy from athletes’ movements into electrical energy, which offers a green and efficient power solution for wearable technology. This paper presents an innovative study on the application of TENG technology in sports science, with the results illustrating the potential utility of TENGs in revolutionizing the way we monitor, analyze, and enhance athletic performance. Through the development of self-powered wearables and equipment, TENGs facilitate real-time data collection on physiological and biomechanical parameters, ultimately enabling personalized training adjustments and injury prevention strategies. Our findings underscore the dual benefit of TENGs in promoting environmental sustainability by reducing the overall reliance on traditional energy sources and growing the capabilities of intelligent sports systems. This research contributes to the burgeoning field of nano-energy sports applications while setting the stage for future explorations into the optimization of TENG integration in athletic performance enhancement. Finally, the paper concludes by discussing remaining challenges in this area and opportunities for further research.
Detection and Classification of Cannabis Seeds Using RetinaNet and Faster R-CNN
Authors: Islam Taminul , Sarker Toqi Tahamid , Ahmed Khaled R. , Lakhssassi Naoufal
Published: August 2024

The rapid growth of the cannabis industry necessitates accurate and efficient methods for detecting and classifying cannabis seed varieties, which is crucial for quality control, regulatory compliance, and genetic research. This study presents a deep learning approach to automate the detection and classification of 17 different cannabis seed varieties, addressing the limitations of manual inspection processes. Leveraging a unique dataset of 3319 high-resolution seed images, we employ self-supervised bounding box annotation using the Grounding DINO model. Our research evaluates two prominent object detection models, Faster R-CNN and RetinaNet, with different backbone architectures (ResNet50, ResNet101, and ResNeXt101). Extensive experiments reveal that RetinaNet with a ResNet101 backbone achieves the highest strict mean average precision (mAP) of 0.9458 at IoU 0.5–0.95. At the same time, Faster R-CNN with ResNet50 excels at the relaxed 0.5 IoU threshold (0.9428 mAP) and maintains superior recall. Notably, the ResNeXt101 backbone, despite its complexity, shows slightly lower performance across most metrics than ResNet architectures. In terms of inference speed, the Faster R-CNN with a ResNeXt101 backbone demonstrates the fastest processing at 17.5 frames per second. This comprehensive evaluation, including performance-speed trade-offs and per-class detection analysis, highlights the potential of deep learning for automating cannabis seed analysis. Our findings address challenges in seed purity, consistency, and regulatory adherence within the cannabis agricultural domain, paving the way for improved productivity and quality control in the industry.
Investigating Access to Schools through Walking: A Study of Built School Road Networks
Authors: Salvo Giuseppe , Sanfilippo Luigi , Brignone Alberto
Published: August 2024

The scientific literature commonly states that walking to and from school can provide a regular source of physical activity for children and young people. Transport planners emphasise the importance of interventions in the road network to improve walking practices among this younger population. The Walking School Bus is an initiative that can have a positive impact on traffic management while simultaneously promoting physical health. It is a transportation service used by elementary school students to walk the home–school route accompanied by parent volunteers. It is a similar mode to the school bus in which there are several lines, each consisting of several stops, and each line is associated with a predetermined route that must go through all the stops and then arrive at the school. This paper aims to propose and implement a microsimulation traffic flow model leading to a local solution. The study has two primary purposes: (1) to evaluate the impact of Walking School Bus demands on traffic performance and (2) to examine the effect of different routes on traffic flow delay. Finally, after the implementation, the model will be applied to analyse the situation of an existing school, which will consider this mode of transport.
First Results of the CREDO-Maze Cosmic Ray Project
Authors: Wibig Tadeusz , Karbowiak Michał , Dam-O Punsiri , Jȩdrzejczak Karol , Joutsenvaara Jari , Puputti Julia , Sorri Juha , Leppänen Ari-Pekka
Published: August 2024

The CREDO-Maze project is the concept for a network of stations recording local, extensive cosmic ray air showers. Each station consists of four small scintillation detectors and a control unit that monitors the cosmic ray flux 24 h a day and transmits the results to the central server. The modular design of each array allows the results to be used in educational classes on nuclear radiation, relativistic physics, and particle physics and as a teaching aid in regular school classrooms and more. As an example, we present here some preliminary results from the CREDO-Maze muon telescope missions to the Arctic and down into a deep salt mine, as well as the first shower-particle correlation measurements from a table-top experiment at Walailak University. These experiments show that the different geometric configurations of the CREDO-Maze detector set can be used for projects beyond the scope of the secondary school curriculum, and they can form the basis of student theses and dissertations at universities.
Effects of Exogenous Regulation of PPARγ on Ovine Oocyte Maturation and Embryonic Development In Vitro
Authors: Yu Hengbin , Zhang Yue , Zhang Yidan , Chen Shuaitong , Li Zhenghang , Pi Wenhui , Zeng Weibin , Hu Guangdong
Published: August 2024

Lactating oocytes consume a lot of energy during maturation, a large part of which comes from lipid metabolism. PPARγ is a key regulator of lipid metabolism. In this study, rosiglitazone (RSG), an activator of PPARγ, was added to a mature medium to investigate its effects on the levels of spindle and the chromosome arrangement, lipid deposition, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and glutathione (GSH) levels, oocyte secretion factors, apoptosis and lipid metabolism-related gene expression, and subsequent embryonic development during the maturation of sheep oocytes. The oocyte secretion factor affects gene expression related to apoptosis and lipid metabolism and subsequent embryonic development. The results showed that the proportion of spindle and normal chromosome arrangements increased in the 5 μM RSG treatment group, the lipid content increased after cell maturation, the ROS level decreased, and the GSH level increased. The expressions of oocyte secretion factor (GDF9 and BMP15), anti-apoptosis gene (BCL2), and lipid metabolism-related genes (ACAA1, CPT1A, PLIN2) were increased in the 5 μM treatment group. Finally, the development of blastocysts was examined. After the oocytes were treated with 5 μM RSG, the blastocyst rate and the gene expression of the totipotency gene (OCT4) were increased. It was concluded that increasing PPARγ activity during ovine oocyte maturation could promote lipid metabolism, reduce oxidative stress, and improve the ovine oocyte maturation rate and subsequent embryo development.
Continuous Wavelet Transform Analysis of Climate Variability, Resiliency, and Restoration Strategies in Mesohaline Tidal Creeks
Authors: Muller Andrew C. , Muller Keaghan A. , Muller Diana L.
Published: August 2024

This research article employs the continuous wavelet transform analysis to identify the climatological effects among various water quality parameters to identify the successfulness of upland stream restoration on the receiving mesohaline tidal creeks. Estuaries and their corresponding tidal creeks have been impacted by human anthropogenic influences for decades, allowing a variety of restoration practices to be implemented in upland streams. In the face of climate variability and continuous human development pressures, this research performs statistical analysis and a wavelet coherence on, before, and after stream restoration for water quality changes in Chesapeake Bay’s tidal tributaries in the Lower Western Shore to identify if the restoration strategies have been effective in the mesohaline tidal creeks. Statistical analysis showed that currently, the receiving tidal basins are not seeing the required positive improvements in water quality after years of upland stream restoration. Compounding this is the fact climate variability cannot be ignored. Results indicate that the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) has significant wavelet coherence with bottom dissolved oxygen, precipitation, and nutrients. This suggests that current restoration efforts may not be able to keep up with climate variability, and other techniques (restoration or policies) may need to be implemented.
Sex differences and trends in managing cardiovascular risk factors in primary care: a dynamic cohort study
Authors: Smits Geert , Bots Michiel L , Hollander Monika , van Doorn Sander
Published: August 2024

Background

Treatment targets for cardiovascular risk management (CVRM) make no distinction between women and men.

Aim

To explore sex differences in achieving treatment targets in patients who participated in a nurse-led, integrated CVRM care programme in primary care between 2013 and 2019.

Design & setting

We conducted a dynamic cohort study in the Eindhoven region, which is the south-eastern part of the Netherlands.

Method

We assessed outcomes of three biological risk factors (systolic blood pressure [SBP], low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol, and estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]) and four lifestyle factors (smoking, physical activity, alcohol intake, and body mass index [BMI]). Points (1 = on target; 0 = not on target) were assigned for biological risk factors, lifestyle factors, and an overall score. Using the annual results, we applied multivariable regression models to study trends over time and differences in trends between women and men.

Results

The number of participants increased from 24,889 to 38,067, mean age increased from 67.3 years to 71.5 years, with around 52 % women each year. The average of seven risk factors on target increased significantly from 4.6 to 4.9 in women, and from 4.7 to 5.0 in men, with no statistical difference between women and men. Differences between women and men in 2013 in the number of both biological and lifestyle factors on target did not materially change over time.

Conclusion

Integrated cardiovascular management care led to improvements in cardiovascular risk factors on target, equally well in women than in men. Differences in risk factors on target between women and men in 2013 were still present in 2019.
Pandawa App: Student Guide Application after the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rafdhi Agis Abhi , Bachtiar Adam Mukharil , Hayati Euis Neni , Mega Raiswati Untsa
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this research is to design a mobile-based application that functions as a pre-lecture socialization platform so that the post-Covid-19 transition period can be maintained and carried out well.  The research method used in this research is descriptive analysis with a qualitative approach.  We used an object-oriented approach with the System Development Life Cycle Prototyping in the application development process.  The results show that the Pandawa application development can provide lecture guidance properly using a digital platform that can be accessed via smartphone.  The main concept of this application is to contain procedures or guidelines for implementing face-to-face lectures during the transition period from the Covid-19 pandemic in the New Normal era.  In addition, this application also has a feature integrated with the local government for reporting if there are residents who test positive for Covid-19. Therefore, it can be followed up directly and quickly.  In the end, this application is present as an information medium to adapt new habits in the world of education, especially at the tertiary level.
Project Management and File Management in Multimedia Applications Version of ActionScript 2.0
Authors: Hardiyana Bella , Effendi Diana
Published: August 2024

Multimedia is a key focus within the Information Systems Study Program at Universitas Komputer Indonesia. With increasing student interest and certification from the National Professional Certification Agency, more students are producing quality multimedia theses. However, many lack understanding of theoretical principles such as project and file management, which this research aims to address for both academic and real-world applications. This research was conducted at PS-SI UNIKOM. The research data was taken from the collection of thesis students of the UNIKOM PS-SI even semester academic year 2019/2020. The focus of this research is using the Adobe Flash CS 6 version ActionScript 2.0 approach. This study expects students to understand multimedia scientific principles and implement them in a real thesis and multimedia project. Implementing project management and file management in the multimedia field will help developers develop multimedia application products effectively and efficiently.
Distributed Systems for Artificial Intelligence in Cloud Computing: A Review of AI-Powered Applications and Services
Authors: Zangana Hewa Majeed , Zeebaree Subhi R. M.
Published: August 2024

The synergy of distributed frameworks with Artificial Intelligence (AI) is pivotal for advancing applications in cloud computing. This review focuses on AI-powered applications in distributed systems, conducting a thorough examination. Analyzing foundational studies and real-world applications, it extracts insights into the dynamic interplay between AI and distributed frameworks. Quantitative measures allow a nuanced comparison, revealing diverse contributions. The survey provides a broad overview of the state-of-the-art, spanning applications like performance optimization, security, and IoT integration. The ensuing discussion synthesizes comparative measures, significantly enhancing our understanding. Concluding with recommendations for future research and collaborations, it serves as a concise guide for professionals and researchers navigating the challenging landscape of AI-powered applications in distributed cloud computing platforms.