bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Inert Minerals and Botanicals on Adult Emergence of Pulse Beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius), in Stored Blackgram
Authors: Satwika Maharaj , Madhumathi Tirumalasetty , Kumari Bhimineni Ratna , Kumari V. Prasanna
Published: November 2024

Background: Pulses hold significant global importance as a food source, with the pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus, being a major pest affecting them. As consumer preferences shift towards insecticide residue-free food, pest management strategies are adapting. Inert minerals and botanicals offer a promising solution to address concerns about insecticide safety, resistance development, and regulatory standards. Hence, this study seeks to assess how these substances impact the emergence of C. maculatus adults. Methods: One kilogram of blackgram was taken in three replications and treated with inert minerals and botanicals. In each container, ten pairs of newly emerged adult beetles were introduced. A subsample of 50 g was taken in small plastic jars to record, the day when the first adult beetle emerged, the daily count of adult beetles, and the overall count of emerged adult beetles. Result: The research showed no significant difference between treatments and untreated control w.r.t day of first adult emergence of C. maculatus. The percentage of adult emergence of C. maculatus in blackgram seeds treated with diatomaceous earth was 21.06% which was significantly the lowest value when compared to untreated control (86.03%). The total count of emerged adult beetles from the main sample was less in diatomaceous earth (135.33 adults) against untreated control (751.67 adults). Among all the treatments tested, diatomaceous earth performed better in controlling the adult emergence of C. maculatus.
Exploring the Synergistic Effects of Biostimulant and Hydrogel Combinations on Brinjal Growth: An Assessment of Growth Parameters
Authors: Thakur Saloni , Verma Deven , Vijayvargiya Vishal
Published: November 2024

Background: This study at Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, evaluates the combined effects of hydrogel and Arka Vegetable biostimulants on brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) production. Brinjal’s high water and nutrient needs make it sensitive to water scarcity and seasonal variations. Hydrogel enhances soil moisture retention, reducing irrigation needs, while Arka Vegetable biostimulants improve plant growth and stress tolerance. Using both together aims to optimize water management and plant health, addressing key challenges in brinjal cultivation. Methods: In the study, the hydrogel was applied during the sowing stage, while Arka Vegetable Special was sprayed twice, with a 15-day interval after transplanting. The treatment designated as V2H2 (5 g/L + 1.5 kg/acre) was utilized, where ‘V’ represents concentration in grams per liter and ‘H’ denotes application rate in kilograms per acre. This treatment is aimed at optimizing vegetative growth. Various levels of Arka Vegetable Special and hydrogel application were tested to observe their effects on growth characteristics. Result: The study’s findings revealed the effectiveness of the V2H2 treatment in enhancing vegetative growth. Application of Arka Vegetable Special and hydrogel at different levels significantly improved all the studied growth characteristics. This suggests the potential of integrating biostimulants and Hydrogel practices to optimize Brinjal production, offering a sustainable solution to meet year-round vegetable demand and mitigate water scarcity challenges in agricultural systems.
Evaluation of Chickpea Production under Different Management of Irrigation and Nitrogen Fertilizer
Authors: Mahmoudi Majid , Amiri Seyedreza , Motlagh Bahareh Parsa
Published: November 2024

Background: Chickpea is a prominent leguminous crop cultivated in the West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region. Historically, it is planted during the spring season as a rainfed crop in the area, characterized by its unpredictable and frequently inadequate precipitation. Methods: To examine the impact of various levels of irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer on the yield and yield components of the Adel cultivar of chickpea, a factorial experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with four replications at the research farm in Esfarayen Region in Khorasan-Iran (36.92 N, 57.55E) throughout the 2022 and 2023 growing seasons. The experimental treatments included three levels of nitrogen: 30, 75 and 150 kg ha-1 as urea fertilizer. The irrigation was applied at three levels: full irrigation, one supplementary irrigation at the flowering stage and two supplementary irrigations at the flowering and pod filling stages. The studied traits included grain yield, biological yield, the number of pods per plant, and the number of seeds per pod. Result: Our results showed that different levels of irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer had a significant effect on the number of seeds per pod, pods per plant and biological and grain yield. The interaction effect of irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer was significant for all studied traits. In this study, the interaction between the full irrigation treatment and 75 kg N ha-1 resulted in a significant increase in all traits (except biological yield) compared to other treatments. Furthermore, one irrigation at the flowering stage with 150 kg N ha-1 caused a significant decrease in all of the studied traits. The combination of full irrigation and 150 kg N ha-1 treatment had the highest biological yield (8.9 t ha-1), while its grain yield was 1854 kg ha-1. Therefore, by maintaining moisture levels during the critical period of chickpea growth and utilizing balanced nutritional levels, particularly nitrogen at rates of 30 and 75 kg ha-1, the yield of chickpea can be increased.
ANALOGY AND HARMONY: AN ANALYSIS OF THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF ADOPTED CHILDREN IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF INHERITANCE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY
Authors: Alfida Laila , Azhari Aidul Fitriciada
Published: November 2024

This study examines an important comparative legal and religious issue regarding the rights of adopted children in inheritance distribution from Islamic and Christian perspectives. While the abstract summarises key findings, there is a risk of oversimplifying the complexities of religious doctrines and national legal systems governing inheritance laws. Although adopted children's rights are limited in Islamic law, the possibility of making a will can mitigate these restrictions; however, additional nuances arise from various schools of thought and interpretations that influence the scope of inheritance. Conversely, the Christian perspective is often generalised as uniformly granting equal rights to adopted children, which may only hold across some Christian denominations or legal systems influenced by Christian principles. The abstract would benefit from a more detailed analysis of internal variations within each religion and consideration of how different national laws operationalise religious principles. Furthermore, the notion of "harmony" between these two religious traditions in addressing justice for adopted children may be overstated, as the theological foundations guiding inheritance distribution differ fundamentally. A more critical engagement with potential conflicts or limitations in achieving harmonious legal frameworks would add depth to the analysis.
Lactobacillus johnsonii CCFM1376 improves hypercholesterolemia in mice by regulating the composition of bile acids
Authors: Chen Kexue , Dang Danting , Li Huizhen , Ross R. Paul , Stanton Catherine , Chen Wei , Yang Bo
Published: November 2024

Aim: Strains with high bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity have the potential to regulate cholesterol metabolism. This study aimed to assess the alleviating effect of Lactobacillus johnsonii (L. johnsonii ) CCFM1376, a strain with high BSH activity, on mice with hypercholesterolemia and explore the mechanism of its effect through the modulation of bile acid metabolism.

Methods: The BSH activity was measured using the ninhydrin method. C57BL/6J mice were given a high-cholesterol diet to induce hypercholesterolemia with simultaneous gavage of L. johnsonii CCFM1376 for 8 weeks. The biochemical parameters in the serum and liver of hypercholesterolemic mice were measured to assess the alleviating effect of L. johnsonii CCFM1376 on hypercholesterolemia. Bile acid content in the mouse liver, serum, distal ileum contents, and feces was determined using liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer (LC-MS). RNA was extracted from mouse ileum and liver, and the expression levels of relative genes implicated in bile acid metabolism were measured by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR).

Results: Compared to the model group, the group treated with L. johnsonii CCFM1376 exhibited significantly reduced levels of serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), along with a significant increase in high density lipoproteins cholesterol (HDL-C) level. Moreover, hepatic levels of TC and LDL-C in the CCFM1376 group also decreased significantly. Furthermore, the content and amount of unconjugated bile acids in the hepatic-enteric circulation of the L. johnsonii CCFM1376 group significantly increased, and the total bile acid content in the feces also significantly increased. In the L. johnsonii CCFM1376 group, the relative expression levels of ileal farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) were downregulated, while the relative expression level of CYP7A1 was upregulated.

Conclusion: These results indicated L. johnsonii CCFM1376 improves hypercholesterolemia in mice by regulating the composition of bile acids. This provides a reference for probiotic strategy to regulate cholesterol metabolism.
Assessing the grey water footprint of pesticide use in the Mendoza wine region (Argentina): implications for sustainable water resources management
Authors: Farreras Verónica , Lana Belén , Astorga Oscar
Published: November 2024

This paper assesses the impact of viticulture on water resource quality in the Mendoza wine region using the grey water footprint (GWF) approach to estimate the amount of water required to dilute pesticides commonly used in local vineyards. Our analysis indicates that to progress towards sustainable water management in viticulture, limiting or replacing pesticides with high GWF values is essential. We provide detailed results for 24 fungicides, 7 insecticides, and 7 herbicides, assessed at both microregion and district levels, offering insights into pesticide impacts across both detailed and broader spatial scales. At the microregion level, the herbicide Fluroxypyr-meptyl was found to have the highest GWF (1.10 m³ kg-1), followed by the fungicide Fosetyl-aluminium (0.59 m³ kg-1) and the insecticide Imidacloprid (0.41 m³ kg-1). Our findings also show that pesticide impacts vary at the district level, highlighting the need for localised management strategies. Additionally, the significant variability in GWFs at the local level underscores the necessity for region-specific water quality standards to more accurately assess and manage the environmental impact of pesticide use. This study provides a framework for similar assessments in other viticultural regions, aiding in the development of more informed pesticide management to enhance water resource sustainability.
Simultaneous in situ monitoring of belowground, trunk and relative canopy hydraulic conductance of grapevine demonstrates a soil texture-specific transpiration control
Authors: Delval Louis , Jonard François , Javaux Mathieu
Published: November 2024

Assessing the interrelationships between belowground, trunk and canopy hydraulics, under various edaphic conditions, is essential to enhance understanding of how grapevine (Vitis vinifera) responds to drought. This work aimed to quantify and compare in situ belowground and trunk hydraulic conductance of the soil-grapevine system to evaluate their coordination with the transpiration control during drought. We simultaneously monitored soil water potential, trunk xylem water potential, canopy xylem water potential, actual transpiration and atmospheric demand to quantify the evolution of belowground, trunk and relative canopy hydraulic conductance. By comparing stomatal regulation at the canopy scale and soil-grapevine system conductance, we assessed their coordination. Transpiration control was triggered by a decrease of belowground hydraulic conductance, and not by xylem cavitation in the trunk. Although the relation between canopy conductance and soil water potential is soil texture specific, where stomata at the canopy scale started to close at less negative soil water potential in sand than in loam, the onset of stomatal closure at the canopy level was at equivalent belowground hydraulic conductance, independently of the soil texture. These findings prove that in situ grapevines coordinate short-term hydraulic mechanisms (e.g., regulation of canopy hydraulic conductance) and longer-term growth (e.g., root:shoot ratio). These belowground and aboveground adjustments are, therefore, soil-texture specific.
Le génie végétal au secours de la connectivité écologique des berges de cours d’eau
Authors: BONCOURT Étienne , EVETTE André , BERGÈS Laurent , ALP Maria
Published: November 2024

Dans les zones urbanisées, les rivières et les écosystèmes riverains sont souvent les seuls corridors écologiques disponibles pour le déplacement de la faune. Cependant, les berges y sont souvent stabilisées par des ouvrages de génie civil, ce qui peut entraîner une dégradation de l'habitat et une perte de connectivité de ces habitats à l'échelle du paysage. Les ouvrages de génie végétal sont une alternative aux enrochements, car ils maintiennent la qualité des écosystèmes naturels en utilisant des espèces végétales indigènes au lieu de rochers, mais leur impact positif potentiel sur les mouvements d’animaux associés aux écosystèmes riverains reste mal connu. Avec le projet GéniTrame, nous avons conçu une méthode permettant aux gestionnaires de rivières d’évaluer le gain de connectivité possible grâce au génie végétal. Nous avons appliqué la méthode des graphes paysagers et le concept de quantité d'habitat atteignable afin d'évaluer la connectivité de l'habitat de quatre espèces de vertébrés cibles présentant une large gamme de capacités de dispersion et testé différents scénarios contrastés de gestion d'ouvrages le long des berges. Nous avons montré que la restauration de petites portions de berges bien choisies au moyen d’ouvrages de génie végétal pouvait conduire à des gains significatifs de connectivité pour certaines espèces (castor, crapaud commun) mais à aucun gain pour d’autres (chevalier guignette, couleuvre à collier). La méthode employée pourra aider les gestionnaires de rivières soucieux d'intégrer la dimension de la connectivité paysagère dans les travaux de restauration de berges.
Investigating the mechanistic role of oxidative stress in brain–gut axis disruption in rat model
Authors: Sikiru Akeem Babatunde , Egena Stephen Acheneje , Kilani Muhyideen Adio , Azeez Morufat Eniola , Adam Maryam Nahari , Abdullahi Ahmad
Published: November 2024

This study investigated the impact of endotoxin exposure on intestinal oxidative stress and white blood cell (WBC) subtypes in a rat model to understand its role in disrupting brain–gut communication. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-derived endotoxin was intraperitoneally injected into Sprague Dawley rats at varying doses of 250, 500, 750, and 1,000 μg per kg body weight four times weekly. The intestinal oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA)) and WBC differentials (WBCs, lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils) were measured. The endotoxin exposure significantly increased intestinal oxidative stress by decreasing the levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH, and it increased the level of MDA compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The endotoxin exposure caused nonspecific inflammatory response marked with increased counts of WBCs and neutrophils (p < 0.05). The monocyte percentage decreased (p < 0.05), while the lymphocyte percentage remained unchanged (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that endotoxin disrupts the gut’s antioxidant system and triggers inflammation, which could potentially lead to gut dysfunction. The findings also suggest a link between gut dysfunction and brain function, which implies a possible indirect effect of endotoxin on body reserve and reproduction via the brain–gut axis compromise. The study concluded that an understanding of oxidative stress and immune compromise, as reflected by changes in intestinal oxidative stress biomarkers and WBC subtypes, offers potential targets for therapeutic development against various diseases and performance issues related to the brain–gut axis.
Chloride Diffusion Investigation under Different Magnitudes of Hydrostatic Pressure for Pre-Cracked Concrete
Authors: Wu Chuangzhou , Liu Zhenyuan , Zhang Shixia , Ren Jie
Published: November 2024

The service life of the reinforced concrete structure in the marine environment can be impaired significantly due to chloride-induced corrosion. However, how the chloride diffusion in pre-cracked concrete structures is affected by the hydrostatic pressure magnitude is poorly understood. This study experimentally examined the effect of hydrostatic pressure on the chloride diffusion in pre-cracked concrete. Cracks with five different widths, i.e., 20 μm, 40 μm, 60 μm, 80 μm, and 100 μm, were manually created using a splitting tensile apparatus respectively. The chloride diffusion in the concrete with a certain crack was then studied under four different hydrostatic pressures of 0 MPa, 0.1 MPa, 0.3 MPa, and 0.5 MPa. Experimental results show that the chloride diffusion in concrete with a crack greatly relies on both the hydrostatic pressure and the crack width. The chloride concentration increases as the hydrostatic pressure grows, particularly for the wider cracks with width ranging from 60 μm to 100 μm. Surprisingly, the hydrostatic pressure has a negligible effect on the chloride distribution in the concrete with a crack width no larger than 40 μm. Both the chloride diffusion coefficient and the surface chloride concentration of concrete increased gradually as the hydrostatic pressure increased. The experimental findings enrich our understanding of the behavior of pre-cracked concrete when exposed to chloride-induced corrosion at different depths of marine environments.
Combined Effects of Drying-Rewetting and Ammonium Addition on Methanotrophs in Agricultural Soil: A Microcosm Study
Authors: Kravchenko Irina K. , Zverev Aleksei O. , Gogmachadze Liana G. , Stepanov Aleksey L.
Published: November 2024

Oxidation of methane by soil microorganisms is an important mechanism controlling the content of this potent greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. Agricultural soils operate under stressful conditions, and ammonium (N-fertilization) and drying (global warming) may have a significant impact on the methane oxidation. In order to investigate how soil methanotrophs respond to drying-rewetting (DW), ammonium addition (100 mg/g) (A) and their combined action (MS), agricultural soil microcosms were incubated over the three months and methane oxidation was measured before and after perturbations, while community composition was monitoring using the 16S rRNA gene sequencing. A significant decline in the methane-oxidation activity after perturbations was found, with subsequent restoration, and the combined treatment was more effective than the sum of individual treatments, indicating a synergistic effect. After rewetting the structure of the bacterial community returned to pre-dry-down levels, but the application of ammoni
“Impact of Zika and Chikungunya Viruses on Spontaneous Abortions: Insights from a Reference Maternity Hospital”
Authors: de Carvalho Anne Kerollen Pinheiro , Cruz Ana Cecília Ribeiro , Quaresma Juarez Antônio Simões , Filho Arnaldo Jorge Martins , Durans Darlene de Brito Simith , Cohen Patrícia Brazão , Amador Neto Orlando Pereira , de Lima Ligia do Socorro Oliveira , Assunçao Norma Suely de Carvalho Fonseca , Franco Edna Cristina Santos , da Silva Eliana Vieira Pinto
Published: November 2024

To investigate the association between spontaneous abortion and ZIKV and CHIKV infection. Methods: The study population consisted of pregnant women who had a miscarriage in 2015, 2016 and 2017, comprising a quantitative of 30 women who were treated at the referral hospital. The study material paraffin-embedded samples containing material from the, corresponding to placental and fetal remains tested by hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry techniques for ZIKV and CHIKV. Results: Regarding the sociodemographic, clinical and obstetric characteristics of the patients, they correspond to: the age group between 20 and 29 years of age; brown color; women who had abortions for the first time; miscarriages occurred in the first trimester of pregnancy; women belonging to the metropolitan region of Belém; diagnosed with incomplete abortion and who underwent uterine curettage procedure. Regarding the histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings, an inflammatory infiltrate rich in neutrophils and lymphocytes, among others, was found in endometrial fragments and chorionic membranes. In addition, placental areas consisting of edema, necrosis and hemorrhage were found. Conclusion: The study identified ZIKV and CHIKV in 40 % (n = 12) of samples from spontaneous abortion specimes, and CHIKV was the most prevalent virus in the study, representing 36.11 % of the total specimes, with reddish granular material in the cytoplasm of decidua cells and placental villi, that the viruses may be present in these regions of the placenta.
First and Second Integrals of Hopf–Langford Type Systems
Authors: Vassilev Vassil Mitev , Nikolov Svetoslav Ganchev
Published: November 2024

In the present work, we consider a seven-parameter, three-dimensional, autonomous, cubic polynomial system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations, generalizing the recently studied quadratic polynomial Hopf–Langford type systems. First, by introducing polar coordinates in its phase space, we show that the regarded system can be reduced to a two-dimensional Liénard system, which corresponds to a second-order Liénard equation. Then, we present (in explicit form) polynomial first and second integrals of Liénard systems of the considered type identifying those values of their parameters for which these integrals exist. It is also proved that a generic Liénard equation is factorizable if and only if the corresponding Liénard system admits a second integral of a special form. It is established that each Liénard system corresponding to a Hopf–Langford system of the considered type admits such a second integral and hence the respective Liénard equation is factorizable.
Polymer Recycling: An Comprehensive Overview
Authors: van den Tempel Paul , Picchioni Francesco
Published: November 2024

Polymer recycling is an essential and crucial topic in our sustainability-driven society. The depletion of oil and the increasing interest in biomass conversion clearly stimulate the search for alternative carbon sources. On the other hand polymeric products (plastic, rubber etc.) are ubiquitous and an integral part of our life. Recycling these products is then of paramount importance also, and perhaps crucially here, from an environmental point of view. In this work we will focus on the most common commodities , being the most important (in terms of production volume) thermoplastics, rubbers and thermosets. A consequence of this choice is also that the most common materials as well as chemical and biochemical recycling methods will be discussed. New advances in the corresponding technologies will be presented and critically evaluated. Finally, on the basis of this literature review, we will identify current trends and possible future developments.
Enhancing Sustainability Through Slum Settlement Upgrading. Case Study Outdoor Space of Kampung Mojo, Surakarta
Authors: Dewi Fikrian Rafika , Barus Yenni Yosita br , Nursyifa Findara Illa , Kinasih Asri Ambar , Nareswari Ardhya , Sarwadi Ahmad
Published: November 2024

The slum upgrading of Kampung Mojo is one collaborative program aimed at improving the quality of slum settlement by supporting basic infrastructure and providing housing. This study focuses on the sustainability of settlement based on three pillars of sustainability: social, economic, and environment by exploring the usage of outdoor space following the upgrading process. The objective is to gather insights that cater to the community's needs and foster the realization of sustainable settlement. The method used in this study is qualitative descriptive with data collection techniques through observation and interviews. The findings of this study underscore a diverse array of activities in outdoor spaces that yield positive implications for raising the sense of communities, creating new economic opportunities, and productive land usage to contribute in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
PDGF-A Strengthens the Neurovascular Unit and Inhibits Retinal Vascular Regression Under Hyperoxic Conditions
Authors: Yokota Kaito , Yamada Haruhiko , Mori Hidetsugu , Hattori Yuki , Omi Masatoshi , Yamamoto Yuichi , Toyama Keiko , Imai Hisanori
Published: November 2024

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is primarily caused by exposure of preterm infants with underdeveloped blood vessels to high oxygen concentrations. This damages the astrocytes that promote normal vascular development, leading to avascularity, pathological neovascularization, and retinal detachment, and even blindness as the disease progresses. This study aimed to investigate the differences in the characteristics of astrocytes and blood vessels between wild-type (WT) and genetically modified mice overexpressing platelet-derived growth factor subunit A (PDGF-A) in the retina immediately after high oxygen exposure, a protocol in the oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model of ROP. Our results showed that PDGF-A mice exhibited an increased population of astrocytes and higher vascular density than WT mice and that PDGF-A strengthened the resistance to hyperoxic conditions. In the OIR model, PDGF-A mice had reduced avascular zone area following hyperoxia exposure. Furthermore, immunostaining for NG2 and CD31 showed that pericytes tended to regress earlier than endothelial cells, particularly at the vessel edges in both WT and transgenic mice, indicating relatively higher susceptibility to hyperoxia-induced damage. These findings suggest that PDGF-A plays a crucial role in stabilizing retinal vessels and may serve as a novel therapeutic target for ROP, offering a more effective alternative to current treatments.
Teleworking and Its Impact on Travel Behaviour in Barcelona
Authors: Meija-Dorantes Lucia , Montero Lídia , Barceló Jaume
Published: November 2024

Two decades ago, information and communication technologies were expected to precipitate changes, manifesting in the reorganisation of mobility patterns. The pandemic led to a disruption in the established daily routines, prompting a surge in e-commerce, e-learning and remote working. However, reports indicate disparities in access to e-services and mobility reduction. Nowadays, the prevalence of e-commerce and the practice of remote work is indeed widespread but in-depth analyses are necessary. The objective of this study is to gain a better understanding of teleworking practices and their impact on everyday mobility considering individual’s sociodemographic characteristics in the Metropolitan Region of Barcelona. In this paper, we employ sequence analysis of individual profiles and clustering techniques to examine the impact of teleworking on mobility choices and spatiotemporal patterns. Our results show that there are significant differences in teleworking practices according to the area of residence, education, and having young children in the household. Interestingly, gender does not play a determinant role. This study highlights inequalities, individuals likely to have face-to-face working arrangements tend to have lower education levels, likely to live in poor-deserved public transport areas. The implications of this study are of relevance for transport and city planning policy interventions.
Development of a Portable Optomechatronic System to Obtain the Characterization of Transparent Materials and Dielectric Thin Films
Authors: Sánchez-Álvarez Araceli , Rodríguez-Quiroz Osvaldo , Quintanilla-Villanueva Gabriela Elizabeth , Rodríguez-Delgado Melissa Marlene , Villarreal-Chiu Juan Francisco , Silva-Hernández Oscar Javier , Luna-Moreno Donato
Published: November 2024

This paper describes the design and fabrication of a portable optomechatronic system based on the theta-2theta system that explores different optical characterization techniques of transparent materials and dielectric thin films, such as Brewster and Abelès-Brewster angle measurements, critical angle measurements, and surface plasmon resonance technique. The system consists of a mechanical system of rotating stages, a semiconductor laser, a photodiode with a data acquisi-tion card, and a user interface to control stepper motor rotation stages. After measuring with different samples, it is demonstrated that the system can perform fast, precise, non-invasive measurements and, being portable, it can be used in different environments and applications.
Integration of Lab Experiments and Simulation for Evaluating Rubberized Asphalt Mixtures Containing Recycled Asphalt
Authors: Noufal Amr Tarek , Elgendi Elbadr mohamed osman , Morsy Tarek mostafa
Published: November 2024

Road paving cost highly increased as a consequence of the increase of oil price globally on one hand which increased the price of bitumen, transportation, coarse aggregate and fine aggregate, and shortage of these virgin materials on the other hand globally, so it’s essential to find more sustainable and cost-effective road paving solutions, this research achieves the combination of recycled asphalt and crumb rubber, extracted from end life tires, into new asphalt mixtures to enhance the asphalt performance and reduce costs. This research focuses on finding the optimal percentage of mixing recycled asphalt with new asphalt including crumb rubber that achieves the highest performance, stability, and durability of pavement, while considering the economic and environmental impacts. The laboratory tests including universal machine test and Marshall stability test, were used to evaluate different mixing percentages of recycled asphalt and new asphalt including crumb rubber at different bitumen contents. The simulation which was made with Abaqus software was performed to determine the stress and deformation characteristics under different loading conditions. Results achieved by this research after testing more than 70 samples of asphalt with different percentages of mixing showed that the balanced mix of 50% mix of recycled asphalt with 50% new rubberized asphalt with 5% bitumen content achieved the optimal balance of stability, flow, density characteristics which will offer a promising solution for more sustainable and cost-effective road paving solutions.
PreKiCan: A PARAM Utkarsh-Powered Model for Early Kidney Cancer Identification
Authors: Ranswal Shubham
Published: November 2024

The early detection of kidney cancer significantly increases the chances of better and successful treatment and obviously impacts patient’s survival. We conducted research that leverages the cutting-edge capabilities of the PARAM Utkarsh supercomputer, maintained by C-DAC Bangalore, to enhance the accuracy and speed of kidney cancer detection from x-ray images. We developed a deep learning binary classification model, that demonstrates a remarkable peak prediction accuracy of 99.8%, achieved through training with 250 epochs in high performance computing environment. The model incorporates the ultimate processing power of supercomputing to efficiently manage large datasets and perform complex computations, providing a remarkable improvement over traditional diagnostic method. This paper demonstrates the model development process within the high-performance computing environment and highlights the potential impact for the same in medical field, focusing the power of supercomputing technology in improving medical diagnostic processes and their outcomes in healthcare, to be more accurate.
Particle Swarm Optimization for K-Coverage and 1-Connectivity in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Siamantas Georgios , Kandris Dionisis
Published: November 2024

Wireless Sensor Networks are used in an ever increasing range of applications, thanks to their ability to monitor and transmit data related with ambient conditions at almost any area of interest. The optimization of coverage and the assurance of connectivity are fundamental for the efficiency and consistency of Wireless Sensor Networks. Optimal coverage guarantees that all points in the field of interest are monitored, while the assurance of the connectivity of the network nodes assures that the gathered data are reliably transferred among the nodes and the base station. In this research article a based on Particle Swarm Optimization novel algorithm to assure coverage and connectivity in Wireless Sensor Networks is proposed. The objective function is derived from energy function minimization methodologies commonly applied in bounded space circle packing problems. The performance of the novel algorithm is not only evaluated through both simulation and statistical tests that demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed methodology but also compared against that of relative algorithms. Finally, concluding remarks are drawn on the potential extensibility and actual use of the algorithm in real-world scenarios.
Design of a System for Driver Drowsiness Detection and Seat Belt Monitoring using Raspberry Pi 4 and Arduino Nano
Authors: Oviedo Anthony Alvarez , Villanueva Jhojan Felipe Mamani , Espinoza German Alberto Echaiz , Villanueva Juan Moises Mauricio , Salazar Andrés Ortiz , Villarreal Elmer Rolando Llanos
Published: November 2024

This research explores the possibility of designing a system for monitoring driver drowsiness and supervising the use of seat belts in buses. Road accidents in long-distance bus transport in 2022 amount to 5449 only at the national level, where the human factor plays an important role. It is necessary to understand how the use of non-invasive sensors on passengers and drivers for monitoring and supervision can improve safety in interprovincial transportation. The objective of this research is to realize a system with the use of a Raspberry Pi 4 and Arduino NANO, which allows us to store such data. To achieve this, we used a conventional camera and MediaPipe to monitor driver drowsiness, while for passenger monitoring, we used different sensors available on the market and our own. RS485 communication was used for driver and passenger data storage. The simulations performed show a high-reliability rate in the detection of driver drowsiness under specific conditions and the correct functioning of the sensors for passenger monitoring. Therefore, it is possible to conclude the feasibility of the proposed system and that it can be implemented for real tests. The implications of this research indicate that the cost of the system is not an impediment to its implementation and thus improves safety in interprovincial transportation.
About One Algebraic Model of Spin Netwok, Fibers and Strings
Authors: Levi Daniel
Published: November 2024

We develop in this paper the mathematical structure of the model proposed in previous works where define a vacuum at Planck scale as anetwork with a high rigidity cubic crystal structure made of one fundamental object defined as a fermionic dark mater confined in cubic cells of Planck length. This fundamental object can couple in a way that swiftly connect and disconnect cells at Planck time in one given direction. The evolution of these connections build pathways which guide mater providing the dynamic of movement.
Valorization of Legume By-Products for Nutraceutical and Cosmetic Applications
Authors: Terenzi Cristina , Bermudez Gabriela , Medri Francesca , Montanari Serena , Bucar Franz , Andrisano Vincenza
Published: November 2024

A significant amount of agri-food by-products is generated by large food industry production lines. Aligned with the principles of a circular economy, this project aims to recycle and valorize legumes, green beans and soy by-products, which are still rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and proteins. The valorization of food waste involved the development of an ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method to isolate polyphenols. Analytical techniques, including UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn, were used to identify polyphenolic compounds in the legume, green beans and soy extracts obtained through UAE. Additionally, UV-Vis spectrophotometric assays measured the total phenolic content (TPC) and total antioxidant status (TAS), while the Kjeldahl method was employed to assess the protein content in each sample. The analyses revealed a variety of valuable polyphenols in legume, green beans and soy by-products. For instance, beans by-products contain feruloyl glucaric acid derivatives, green beans by-products have different types of flavonols such as quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, and soy by-product is rich in isoflavones. These findings demonstrate the potential for formulating nutraceuticals and cosmetics from these by-products extracts.
Impact of Legal Education Reform on Plastic and Reconstructive Procedure-Related Malpractice Litigation in South Korea
Authors: Kang Daihun , Hong Seung Eun
Published: November 2024

Background: Legal education reform, particularly the introduction of law schools in South Korea in 2009, may have significant implications for malpractice litigation, particularly in specialized fields such as plastic and reconstructive surgery. This study aims to assess the impact of this reform on malpractice litigation related to these procedures. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed civil court decisions from 2006-2012 (pre-law school period) and 2017-2021 (post-law school period). Data were collected from legal databases using terms related to plastic and reconstructive procedures. Statistical tests such as the Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test, and Monte Carlo simulations were employed to assess changes in case frequency, litigation duration, plaintiff success rates, adjudicated damages, and liability attribution. Results: A significant increase was observed in the annual frequency of cases (from 3.28 to 15, p < 0.001) and litigation duration (median increase from 969 to 1,570 days, p < 0.001) in the post-law school period. No statistically significant changes were found in adjudicated damages or liability attribution rates. However, a decrease in median consolation money awards was noted (p = 0.027). Conclusions: The legal education reform led to an increase in the frequency and complexity of plastic and reconstructive procedure-related malpractice litigation, but did not significantly alter financial outcomes or liability assignment. This suggests that while the reform influenced the litigation process, case outcomes remained stable in terms of damages and liability.
Smart Low-Light Image Enhancement For Emotion Detection
Authors: Babu Y. Sudheer , Mohan Reddy Jagan , Vardhan Reddy Sasi , N Teja
Published: November 2024

Facial expression-based emotion recognition has emerged as a key element of contemporary human-computer interaction (HCI), with uses in smart environments, entertainment, security, and healthcare. However, as bad lighting deteriorates image quality and blurs facial characteristics, low light levels in real-world situations provide serious obstacles to successful emotion recognition. In order to solve this problem, this research suggests a Smart Low-Light Image Enhancement for an Emotion Detection system that maximizes performance in low-illumination environments by fusing deep learning-based emotion detection models with sophisticated image preprocessing approaches. In order to improve image brightness, contrast, and noise reduction, the suggested system incorporates a number of image enhancement techniques, such as histogram equalization, Retinex algorithms, and deep learning-based models like convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and generative adversarial networks (GANs). After improvement, pre-trained models for detecting emotions such as ResNet, VGGFace, and bespoke CNN architectures—are used to categorise emotions such as fear, rage, sadness, and happiness. To ensure ideal quality for dependable emotion detection, an adaptive feedback loop is used to re-enhance images when the emotion recognition accuracy drops below a predetermined level. This system is ideal for use in smart home technologies, driver monitoring, mental health evaluation, and surveillance systems because it is made for real-time processing and delivers excellent accuracy with little computing overhead. According to experimental results, combining emotion identification models with smart picture enhancement greatly increases accuracy in low light, offering a reliable option for emotion-aware systems in demanding and dynamic contexts. By improving the accuracy of emotion detection, this work advances the field of HCI and promotes more sympathetic, context-aware interactions across a range of applications.
Clinical, Economical and Organizational Impact of Chronic Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease in Italy: Evaluation of 2019 Nationwide Hospital Admissions Data
Authors: Pietrantonio Filomena , Carrieri Ciro , Rosiello Francesco , Spandonaro Federico , Vinci Antonio , D'Angela Daniela
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Chronic ischemic cardiovascular disease (CICD) a common cardiovascular diseases and a frequent cause of hospitalization, with significant differences between men and women. It is also an important comorbidity, affecting hospitalization length and mortality. The purpose of this paper is to investigate clinical and economic impact of chronic ischemic cardiovascular disease on hospital admissions of non-surgical patients. Methods: all Internal Medicine, Cardiology, and Geriatrics admissions in Italy during year 2023 have been considered. to assess the impact of typical comorbidities in elderly patients and to better understand how users diversify across the three specialties and whether the differences are significant between males and females. Results: The typical CICD patient is elderly (average age 80y) and stays longer (+10.5 days) compared to the average one. They are also typically chronic patients with many comorbidities (respiratory and renal failure, as well as atrial fibrillation) in Geriatrics and Internal Medicine Departments, while in the Cardiology Departments atrial fibrillation and outcomes of acute cardiovascular events predominate. Conclusions: CICD is a condition that leads to more hospitalizations in Internal Medicine Departments than in Cardiology and Geriatrics Departments and generates an average hospitalization value in line with the average one in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics Departments. In Cardiology the average value level is higher also than the Department average. Gender differences were found in In Cardiology Departments; this data could suggest that the existing Guidelines are affected by studies carried out mainly on males which lead to fewer recommendations for interventional procedures on females.
Exposure to Waste Anesthetic Gases Throughout Surgical Interventions: A Case Study in a Portuguese Local Health Unit
Authors: Leal Leiddi , Yamanaka Vanessa , Pereira Ermelinda , Theodoro Joseane , Domingues Maria de Fátima , Fernandes Isabel , Gabriel Marta Fonseca , Feliciano Manuel
Published: November 2024

The accumulation of anesthetic gas residues in surgery units can pose health risks to healthcare professionals, highlighting the need for the establishment of effective protection measures. This study evaluated waste anesthetic gas levels in a Local Health Unit in Northern Portugal to identify high-exposure areas during surgeries with general anesthesia. Measurements of desflurane, sevoflurane, carbon dioxide, air temperature, and relative humidity were taken during 20 surgeries carried out approximately throughout six months. Results show that the existing HVAC system was able to efficiently control temperature but failed to maintain recommended humidity levels. The detected WAG concentrations fluctuated across different locations, with concerning peaks being detected in specific settings. Desflurane levels reached 8.79 ppm in the general surgery room (GSR) and averaged 3.13 ppm in the recovery room (RR), while sevoflurane averaged 2.06 ppm in the RR. High concentrations were notably observed after endotracheal tube removal, exceeding recommendations of U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). In short surgeries, anesthetic gas levels exceeded safety limits, while long surgeries caused sevoflurane peaks, highlighting the need for improved extraction/ventilation systems. Longer surgeries and higher occupancy were significantly linked to increased WAG and carbon dioxide levels, emphasizing the need for improving ventilation and environmental controls to safeguard healthcare professionals.
Cognitive Assessment and Training in Extended Reality: Multimodal Systems, Clinical Utility, and Current Challenges
Authors: González-Erena Palmira Victoria , Fernández-Guinea Sara , Kourtesis Panagiotis
Published: November 2024

Extended Reality (XR) technologies, including virtual, augmented, and mixed realities, offer groundbreaking opportunities for cognitive assessment and training. These immersive environments hold the potential to significantly enhance the ecological validity of cognitive tasks while providing real-time biometric data through multimodal systems such as GSR, EEG, eye tracking, hand tracking, and body tracking. However, despite the promise of XR, most current applications underutilize its full capabilities, particularly the integration of multiple modalities to enhance immersion and presence. This review examines the state of XR applications in cognitive assessment and training, focusing on ecological validity, user experience, and clinical utility. We also discuss the current issues with XR technologies, including cybersickness, usability, and under-exploitation of XR’s technological capabilities. The review concludes with a discussion of the future potential of XR in enhancing both cognitive evaluation and rehabilitation, offering insights for optimizing XR tools for diverse populations and clinical settings.
A Comparative Study of Sentiment Analysis on Customer Reviews Using Machine Learning and Deep Learning
Authors: Ashbaugh Logan , Zhang Yan
Published: November 2024

Sentiment analysis is a key technique in natural language processing that enables computers to understand human emotions expressed in text. It is widely used in applications such as customer feedback analysis, social media monitoring, and product reviews. However, sentiment analysis of customer reviews presents unique challenges, including the need for large datasets and the difficulty of accurately capturing subtle emotional nuances in text. In this paper, we present a comparative study of sentiment analysis on customer reviews using both deep learning and traditional machine learning techniques. The deep learning models include Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and Recursive Neural Networks (RNN), while the machine learning methods consist of Logistic Regression, Random Forest, and Naive Bayes. Our dataset is composed of Amazon product reviews, where we utilize the star rating as a proxy for the sentiment expressed in each review. Through comprehensive experiments, we assess the performance of each model in terms of accuracy and effectiveness in detecting sentiment. This study provides valuable insights into the strengths and limitations of both deep learning and traditional machine learning approaches for sentiment analysis.