bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of process parameters variations and optimization of biodiesel production from waste cooking soya oil
Authors: Ugwu Hyginus Ubabuike  , Ezere Yagazie Prosper  , Igri O. Uket  , Okon  Jimmy Omini  , Jacob Ukeme  , Luke Uduak
Published: February 2025

Waste cooking soya oil (WCSO) in this study was transesterified with methanol in the presence of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) as catalyst. The effects of the process parameters (catalyst concentration, reaction time, reaction temperature, methanol/sample ratio and agitation speed) were studied individually and in matrix form to establish synergistic interactions. Process optimal conditions that gave the maximum bio-diesel yield of 94.70 % were: catalyst concentration (1 %), reaction time (60 minutes), reaction temperature (70 oC), methanol/sample ratio (6:1), and agitation speed (300 rpm), while those that caused the lowest yield of 66.20% were catalyst concentration of 0.25 % at reaction time of 30 minutes, under the reaction temperature of 50 oC with methanol to sample ratio of 2:1, and agitation speed of 150 rpm. The phys-iochemical properties of the yield investigated revealed that the developed biodiesel properties conformed within the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and European (EN) standard recommendations. From the analysis, Cetane index of 74.12, kinematic vis-cosity of 4.43 mm2/s, density of 876.6 kg/m3, flash point of 142 oC, fire point of 150 oC, cloud point of 8.5 oC and moistuure content of 0.04 % were obtained for the biodiesel. Overall, the findings demonstrated that the technique employed if harnessed and commercialized, is a safe clean energy technology which utilizes waste materials that would have been harmful to the environment for the enhancement of hu-man and environmental wellbeing.
Multi-Objective PSO-fuzzy Optimization Approach to Improve Interpretability and Accuracy in Medical Data
Authors: Batoul Rashed A Alwatben , Hamdan Hazlina , Sulaiman Md Nasir , Sharef Nurfadhlina Mohd , Yaakob Razali
Published: February 2025

Today, Decision Support Systems (DSS) plays a significant role in a medical and healthcare domain. Designing an Automatic FuzzyRule-based Classification Systems (FRBCSs) is considered as optimization problem associated to a result of high interpretability andaccuracy. Interpretability and accuracy are the two main objectives to be improved in the optimization measurement of FRBCSs. However, improving these objectives is found to be difficult in most of the existing systems due to the conflicting issues between accuracyand interpretability. In this work, we proposed an approach that can effectively handle accuracy- interpretability trade-off in constructingFRBCSs. We designed automated FRBCSs in the form of Multi-objective Particle Swarm Optimization with Crowding Distance. In theapproach, there will be a collection of solutions to FRBCSs that deem best global minimum or global maximum with respect to interpretability and accuracy. Our method is evaluated on a popular benchmark data sets being used in a medical domain for evaluations. Thesedatasets are Liver Disorders (BUPA), Pima Indians Diabetes and Thyroid Disease (New Thyroid). The result obtained shows that theproposed method yields an optimum solution in minimizing the trade-off between accuracy and interpretability. Moreover, the result ofthe comparison shows that our approach outperforms the alternate techniques in terms of accuracy of FRBCSs and also exhibits goodresult in terms of interpretability objective.
Prospects of carbon capture technologies for enhanced oil recovery in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector
Authors: Effiom Precious-Chibuzor , O. Effiom Samuel , E. Evareh John , O. Uket Igri , Osim-Asu Dane
Published: February 2025

Nigeria, a nation with abundance of natural resources, has over the years generated its major revenue from the export of crude oil, one of its leading natural resources, obtained from different Oil fields in various states of the country. Revenue generated from this export constitutes the greater percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) as a result of the local and international transactions involved in the transportation of this product. A good percentage of these Oil fields have been exploited while some are yet to be utilized. However, it has become an issue of great concern that approximately 40% of the original oil in place (OOIP) have not been recovered and hence allowed to fallow in the reservoir. Carbon (CO2) capture as an innovative technology to enhance the recovery of OOIP in Nigeria oilfields is proposed. Various oil recovery technologies as well as CO2 capture technologies were studied and their advantages outlined on how the latter can be significantly used in enhancing a greater percentage (40% - 60%) of oil recovery over a given period of time and fallow period. Technologies such as primary, secondary (chemical/binary) and tertiary oil recovery methods respectively, were reviewed. Oil recovery between 5 to 25% of OOIP, 6 to 40% of OOIP, and an additional (5 to 25) % totaling 40 to 60 % OOIP, were identified from primary, secondary, and tertiary oil recovery processes respectively. Conversely, modified CO2 injection EOR is suggested as a more suitable enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method for low-pressure reservoirs in Nigeria. Although it is capital intensive, CO2 capture for EOR have posed less threat to the atmosphere with an equivalent economic improvement and pollution reduction from studied literature.
Psychological Support in the Midst of VUCA Situations for Generation Z in the Finnish Education System
Authors: Latipah Eva
Published: February 2025

Purpose – This study aims to identify the forms of psychological support provided by the Finnish education system to Generation Z in facing VUCA situations and analyze the strategies applied within the Finnish education system to strengthen the psychological resilience and adaptability of Generation Z in the VUCA era.
Design/method/approach – The research uses a descriptive qualitative design to thoroughly describe the forms of psychological support and strategies applied within the Finnish education system. Data collection is conducted through in-depth interviews with teachers, school counselors, and education policymakers to explore their perspectives on the forms of support and strategies in place; participatory observation involving direct observation in schools to understand how psychological support is implemented in real educational settings; and documentation by analyzing Finnish education policy documents related to psychological support, learning guidelines, and student development programs. Data analysis is carried out thematically by identifying key themes related to forms of support and strategies relevant to supporting Generation Z in the VUCA era.
Findings – The findings reveal that: 1) The psychological support provided includes: a) emotional support through an individualized approach to understand each student's emotional needs; b) social support in the form of collaborative group activities to help students overcome social isolation; and c) mental and health support through life skills programs to strengthen students' mental resilience. 2) The strategies used include a) proactive strategies with curriculum integration to train emotional-adaptation skills and the use of technology to create a flexible and personalized learning environment; b) responsive strategies through regular monitoring and evaluation of students' mental health via surveys and interviews; and c) holistic strategies involving a Finland-specific cultural approach emphasizing work-life balance and a national education policy prioritizing student well-being.
Uma abordagem multicritério para a seleção de indicadores de desempenho em um centro de serviços compartilhados
Authors: Guimarães Tiago Lima , Tramarico Claudemir Leif
Published: February 2025

Diante da crescente adoção dos Centros de Serviços Compartilhados (CSC) por grandes empresas, impulsionada pela busca por centralização de processos e aumento da eficiência, emerge a necessidade de métricas rigorosas e precisas para monitorar e otimizar os serviços oferecidos. Este artigo investiga a priorização de indicadores de desempenho mais significativos para avaliar o nível de serviço em CSC utilizando o método Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). O objetivo é identificar e hierarquizar os indicadores mais relevantes para avaliar o desempenho dos CSC, fornecendo uma base para a tomada de decisões gerenciais. A relevância da pesquisa é destacada pela crescente importância dos CSC na otimização operacional das organizações e pela necessidade de ferramentas eficazes para a medição de desempenho. A abordagem adotada é multicritério, permitindo a seleção e priorização de indicadores financeiros e não financeiros, de acordo com as necessidades específicas dos CSC. Os achados revelam que a adaptabilidade e inovação são as dimensões mais críticas para o sucesso dos CSC, além de proporcionarem uma compreensão detalhada das áreas mais significativas para a gestão do desempenho dos CSC, estabelecendo uma base sólida para a tomada de decisões,  enriquecendo a literatura existente ao demonstrar a aplicação prática de método analítico na gestão de desempenho, oferecendo uma abordagem útil para a priorização de indicadores e sugerindo direções para pesquisas futuras.
DETECTION OF ROTOR FAULTS IN INDUCTION MOTOR IN NON-STATIONARY CONDITIONS USING THE MATRIX PENCIL METHOD
Authors:   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia, Eremeeva V.A.
Published: February 2025

Increasing the economic efficiency of production by reducing unplanned downtime and optimizing the maintenance of industrial equipment requires the development of diagnostic methods for such key equipment components as induction motors. In turn, the operating mode of the electric motor has a significant impact on the accuracy and reliability of diagnostics. In particular, the widely used method of motor current signature analysis (MCSA) has a number of limitations when the motor is operating at variable speed or load. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate frequency analysis methods that can extract motor defect signs from non-stationary current signals. Aim of the study: to apply matrix pencil method to motor current signals to extract signs of defect in the rotor bar of an induction motor under non-stationary mode of operation. Materials and methods. In this paper, the matrix pencil method is used, which has high spectral resolution and computational efficiency compared to Fourier transform based spectral analysis methods. Results. Numerical experiment shows that the matrix pencil method can extract frequencies and amplitudes of harmonics of the motor rotor defect with an accuracy of 2 % at low sampling rate (200 Hz) and small signal window length (0.25 s). Conclusion. The matrix pencil method allows to track the change in the frequency of the defect of the electric motor rotor and the increase in amplitude associated with an increase in the resistance of the rotor bar. Thus, the matrix pencil method can be applied in practice for diagnostics of induction motors.
Discriminant analysis of agricultural input dealer’s perceptions in fertilizer and secondary nutrient brands
Authors: Rokith S , Mahendran K , Moghana S L , Kiruthika N , Meenakshisundaram P
Published: February 2025

Agri-input dealers play an intermediary role between fertilizer manufacturers and farmers, serving as a crucial link in the agricultural value chain. This study investigates the perceptions of agri-input dealers regarding various fertilizer and secondary nutrient brands and develops a perceptual map to visualize their market positioning. Discriminant analysis is used as a method for categorizing entities into distinct groups. This analytical approach differentiates two or more collections of objects or individuals based on their specific characteristics. Perceptual mapping, on the other hand, is an attribute-centric strategy employed by brand managers to understand customer perceptions of their brands compared to rival brands. This study aims to explore how dealers associate various agriculture input companies with key factors influencing brand preferences, such as product quality, pricing, brand reputation, credit availability, profit margin and marketing support. By understanding dealers' perspectives, fertilizer manufacturers can gain valuable insights into their brand positioning, identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to enhance their market share and customer satisfaction within the agri-input dealer channel. Notable distinctions were observed in this study, particularly in terms of product quality and pricing.
Impact of organic and inorganic nutrient management on yield, nutrient uptake and fibre quality of coloured cotton (Vaidehi 1)
Authors: Selvakumar S , Ragavan T , Gurusamy A , Prabhaharan J , Gunasekaran M , Sivakumar T , Rani S , Arthirani B
Published: February 2025

Cotton is one of the most widely grown and important fibre crops in the world, serving as the backbone of the textile industry. However, Conventional white cotton has several environmental drawbacks, including high water comsumption, reliance on synthetic chemicals and the need for dyes, which lead to soil degradation, water pollution and health risks for farmers. In contrast, organic coloured cotton offers a sustainable alternative by producing colourful fibres naturally without synthetic dyes. It also enhances soil fertility, conserves water and reduces chemical inputs, benefiting both the environment and farming communities. Therefore, field experiments were conducted at the Central farm, Agricultural College and Research Institute, TNAU, Madurai, Tamil Nadu during Kharif 2023 and Summer 2024 to evaluate a comparative assessment of organic and inorganic nutrient management practices on yield, nutrient uptake and quality parameters of coloured cotton. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with nine treatments of nitrogen (N) on an equivalent basis, using different organic manures, compared with inorganic fertilizers and replicated thrice. A significant increase in yield and nutrient uptake of coloured cotton was recorded with 100% NPK applied through site-specific recommendations (T1), which was on par with 100% NPK through blanket recommendations (T2). Organic treatments that incorporated cover crops and green manure, along with vermicompost, poultry manure and FYM, also showed comparable results to inorganic treatments. However, no significant differences were observed in the quality parameters across the various nutrient management practices.
A Review on Uses of Ethno-Medicinal Plants for Treatment of Whooping Cough: A Highly Contagious Respiratory Tract Infection
Authors: Taran Tanujaya , Bharadwaj Alok , Majumdar Tapan
Published: February 2025

Phytotherapeutic medicinal plants are an important part of the world's widely distributed vegetation. One well-known technique for identifying the main constituents that can result in the development of trustworthy therapeutic agents is the evaluation of pharmacokinetics from the plant's resources. Since ancient times, ethnomedicine has been documented as being used in India's traditional medical systems. Therefore, this thorough review aims to look into the worldwide documentation of ethnomedical uses of various plant part extracts against whooping coughs, as well as the taxonomic distribution of medicinal plant species, methods for preparing remedies, and documented reports from various Indian states. Throughout this review, a total of 89 plant species are recorded from 41 families and 70 genera. This review also documented that Saussurea sp., Solanum sp., and Cassia sp. are the superior plant species that are applied to treat whooping cough disease in different states of India. Asteraceae is also the superior family, under which most ethnomedicinal plants are applied to treat whooping cough. This document outlines the traditional treatments for colds and whooping cough in various Indian provinces. According to the review, India has the greatest amount of ethnomedical evidence supporting using plant extracts as a therapy for whooping cough. This is why it is important to assess and document these valuable plant parts as well as the processing techniques of ethnomedicine plants so that the focus can be on their preservation and sustainability.
Coordinated Minimum Wage Policies: Impacts on EU-Level Income Inequality
Authors: Filauro Stefano , Grünberger Klaus , Narazani Edlira
Published: February 2025

Several studies have shown that minimum wage policies have the potential to mitigate income inequality. Both EU-level and national policies have sparked discussions regarding the adequacy of minimum wages and their impact on income inequality at the country level. However, the impact on EU-level income inequality of coordinated minimum wage policies remain uncertain. While upward convergence in minimum-wage settings across countries may reduce inequality within countries, it could also exacerbate disparities between them. This study assesses the EU-wide impact of minimum wage policies beyond national effects. Using a microsimulation model and assuming negligible employment effects, our results suggest that implementing a hypothetical minimum wage set at 60 % of the national median wage in EU countries would result in a limited yet significant reduction in EU-level income inequality (by 0.6 % in 2019, as measured by the Gini index). This reduction stems from a relative decrease in both within-country and between-country inequality, although the absolute reduction in Gini points is more pronounced for within-country inequality. Notably, the percentage reduction in inequality is broadly similar for both market and disposable incomes. However, the withdrawal of social benefits due to higher minimum wages appears to offset part of this reduction in market inequality.
Tree-based conditional copula estimation
Authors: Bonacina Francesco , Lopez Olivier , Thomas Maud
Published: February 2025

This article proposes a regression tree procedure to estimate conditional copulas. The associated algorithm determines classes of observations based on covariate values and fits a simple parametric copula model on each class. The association parameter changes from one class to another, allowing for non-linearity in the dependence structure modeling. It also allows the definition of classes of observations on which the so-called “simplifying assumption” holds reasonably well. When considering observations belonging to a given class separately, the association parameter no longer depends on the covariates according to our model. In this article, we derive asymptotic consistency results for the regression tree procedure and show that the proposed pruning methodology, i.e., the model selection techniques selecting the appropriate number of classes, is optimal in some sense. Simulations provide finite sample results, and an analysis of data of cases of human influenza presents the practical behavior of the procedure.
Enhancing adolescent health awareness: impact of online training on medical and community health officers in Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Gupta Arti , Aravindakshan Rajeev , Sharmila Vijayan , Reddy B. Venkatashiva , Naidu Navya Krishna
Published: February 2025

Objectives

The present study was done to study the knowledge change among Medical Officers (MO) and Community health officers (CHO) regarding menstrual hygiene, early marriages, and HIV/STI with emphasis on adolescents after online training.

Methods

This is a retrospective record-based analysis conducted in the State Adolescent Health Centre, AIIMS Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh in 2023–2024 over 10 months. Participants were selected based on their attendance at online training sessions involving MOs and CHOs on menstrual cups, menstrual hygiene, early marriages, and HIV/STI. The data from Google Forms for pretests and post-tests, containing a total of 30 questions in English and Telugu, covering menstrual hygiene, early marriage, and HIV/STI topics was retrieved. The study covered all 26 districts of Andhra Pradesh, India, with online training sessions conducted via Zoom. The proportion of correct responses to individual questions is given with a 95 % confidence interval. Statistical comparisons of scores of individual questions were done using the McNemar test. Statistical comparisons of total scores of pre-test and post-test were done using the paired t-test. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Of the total 13,432 MOs and CHOs, 9,897 participated in the training with a response rate of 73.6 %. Among those who participated the training 2,809 (28.38 %) completed both pretest and posttest. The majority were CHOs (85.3 %), females, and aged under 35 years. Statistically significant increases in knowledge were observed across various aspects of menstrual hygiene, early marriages, and HIV/STI. Increase in knowledge regarding menstruation 4.3 % (3.5–5.1 %), p-value:<0.001, first vaginal bleeding (first menstruation) 4.7 % (3.9–5.5 %), p-value:<0.001, complication seen in delivering babies in teen pregnancy 4.9 % (4.1–5.7 %), p-value:<0.001, the symptom of STI 7.0 % (6.1–7.9 %), p-value:<0.001, and others. The total pretest mean score was 16.73 ± 4.44 and the post-test mean score was 18.81 ± 4.39. There was a statistically significant difference between pretest and post-test mean scores p value<0.001.

Conclusions

The training program significantly improved knowledge regarding menstrual hygiene, early marriages, and HIV/STI among the participants indicating the effectiveness of educational intervention in addressing gaps towards adolescent Health.
Synthesis of an excellent red phosphor and photo luminescence studies of Eu3+ activated double perovskite phosphors NaSrBi1-x
Eu
x
WO6 (x = 0.0–0.24)
Authors: Tejeswararao Dharmana , Naidu Bonnada Nagamani , Koteswararao Kola , Datta Deepshikha , Das Bimal
Published: February 2025

The sodium magnesium contains double perovskite structure compound i.e. NaSrBi1-x
Eu
x
WO6 is synthesized by using citrate – gel method. This double perovskite structure compound is prepared at different concentrations i.e. (x = 0.0–0.24) at different temperatures 500, 600, 700 °C for 5 h. Further, the prepared samples are characterized through different tools like XRD (X-ray diffractro meter), UV Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectra, Photo luminescence spectra, FE SEM and CIE Software and the prepared sample shows different structures in various concentrations by using X-ray diffractrometer. Similarly, lattice parameters, peak positions are explained for all various concentrated samples at 700 °C sintered temperature for 5 h. However, the samples which are sintered at 700 °C for 5 h are excited at different wavelengths i.e. 395, 465, 540 nm, the corresponding emission intensities are also recorded. All the concentrated samples exhibits towards high intensity peaks at 595, 614 nm wavelengths in their emission spectra. The sample x = 0.12 shows highest red emission intensity out of all concentrations in the emission spectra. 5D0-7F1 & 5D0-7F2 are the major transitions formed in the emission spectra for every concentrated sample. In the same way the structural morphology is identified clearly by using FE SSEM. The CIE color coordinators are calculated and identified as very close to NTSC coordinators of red phosphor. Finally, the color purity is also calculated to analyze the quality of red light for the prepared red phosphor which is used in different W-LEDs applications.
Influence of gas nitriding on the surface layer of M50 NiL steel for aerospace-bearing applications
Authors: Anil Kumar Reddy C. , Rao Pothamsetty Kasi V. , Venkatesh Begori , Nageswara Rao Boggarapu
Published: February 2025

Currently, there is an increased demand for M50NiL steel from the aerospace, automotive, and nuclear industries to improve the characteristics of components, such as wear resistance, fatigue resistance, and surface hardness, while maintaining its corrosion resistance. Previous research has demonstrated that the nitride parameters are duration, temperature, and flow rate. The current investigation examines the efficacy of gas nitride on M50NiL steel from 500 to 550°C over 08–90 h according to the specific requirements of the specimens maintaining a gas ratio of 75:25 (NH3:NH3diss), a typical operational pressure within the range of 1–2 mbar, and an NH3 flow rate of 0.4–0.5 l min−1. Using a hydrogen chloride mixture as an activator for the steel surface, gas nitriding (GN) treatment is carried out in a partially dissociated ammonia atmosphere, resulting in the formation of the layers that are seen. In order to examine the phase transitions within the phase architecture and the chemical constituents of the gas-nitrided layer, methodologies such as energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed. The M50 NiL steel specimen, subjected to a thermal treatment at 550°C for a duration of 12 h, was found to possess an anomalously elevated concentration of nitrogen, according to the EDS evaluation. The results obtained from the XRD analysis of the gas nitrided layer indicated the existence of iron nitride phases, predominantly comprising α′-Fe, γ′-Fe4N, and α′N (nitrogen-enriched martensite). By micro-hardness assessment, it is apparent that at a temperature of 500°C over 24 h, the highest hardness value of 1,070 HV was achieved in the nitrided sample, which is approximately fourfold greater than that of the untreated specimen. In the case of case depth, it was observed that at 550°C for a duration of 24 h, the GN treatment resulted in a maximum case depth of 134 μm. The M50NiL specimen, designated GN 500, which underwent nitriding for 24 h, demonstrated the greatest wear resistance among the nitrided samples. Nitrided specimens are subjected to characterization along with electrochemical potentiodynamic corrosion assessment in an aerated 3.5% NaCl solution. The electrochemical evaluations indicated a substantial reduction in the corrosion current density of the specimen’s post-nitriding, accompanied by a shift in the corrosion potential toward the noble direction with the extension of nitriding duration. The results of M50 NiL steel surface characteristics are enhanced after applying gas nitride coating. The findings indicate that controlled pressure GN effectively inhibits the precipitation of chromium nitrides, which is advantageous for the attainment of a thicker nitrided layer.
Bound polariton states in the Dicke–Ising model
Authors: Román-Roche Juan , Gómez-León Álvaro , Luis Fernando , Zueco David
Published: February 2025

We present a study of hybrid light–matter excitations in cavity QED materials using the Dicke–Ising model as a theoretical framework. Leveraging linear response theory, we derive the exact excitations of the system in the thermodynamic limit. Our results demonstrate that the cavity can localize spin excitations, leading to the formation of bound polaritons, where the cavity acts as an impurity of the two-excitation band, localizing spin-wave pairs around single-spin domains. We derive the condition for the existence of these bound states and discuss its satisfiability in different regimes. Finally, we show that these effects persist in finite systems using exact-diagonalization calculations.
Polarization-independent narrowband photodetection with plasmon-induced thermoelectric effect in a hexagonal array of Au nanoholes
Authors: Kim Sehyeon , Kim San , Kim Jae-Young , Jeong Tae-In , Song Munki , Kim Seungchul
Published: February 2025

Photodetectors are crucial for modern technologies such as optical communications, imaging, autonomous vehicles, and machine vision. However, conventional semiconductor-based photodetectors require additional filtering systems due to their broad spectral response, leading to increased costs and complexity. Here, we present a narrow spectral response photodetector using hexagonally arranged plasmonic Au nanohole structures, eliminating the need for optical filters. The device achieves a full-width at half maximum (FWHM) bandwidth of ∼40 nm with a response peak at 760 nm and a linear photocurrent responsivity of 0.95 μA/W. The photothermoelectric effect, induced by the nonradiative decay of plasmonic resonance, converts optical radiation into an electric potential on the Au surface. The hexagonal nanohole design generates polarization-independent photocurrents and allows spectral tuning beyond the cutoff region of silicon photodetectors. This versatile approach enables customizable response characteristics across a broad wavelength range through geometric design, enhancing its potential for diverse applications.
Tunable holographic metasurfaces for augmented and virtual reality
Authors: Aththanayake Akeshi , Lininger Andrew , Strangi Cataldo , Griswold Mark A. , Strangi Giuseppe
Published: February 2025

Augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) is transforming how humans interact with technology in a wide range of fields and industries, from healthcare and education to entertainment. However, current device limitations have impeded wider integration. Tunable holographic metasurfaces represent a promising platform for revolutionizing AR/VR devices by precisely controlling light at the subwavelength scale. This article examines current challenges and opportunities from both the AR/VR and holographic metamaterial perspectives and explores how improvements to state-of-the-art approaches can address these challenges. In particular, we propose a focus on easily manufacturable and broadly electrically tunable metasurface technologies including liquid crystal integration and excitonic tuning in 2D materials. Advanced metasurface optimization techniques including machine learning will also be crucial for exploring the large design space.
Research on a path-tracking control system of unmanned rollers based on an optimization algorithm and real-time feedback
Authors: Ma Haosen
Published: February 2025

The unmanned double steel wheel vibration roller enhances high-quality unmanned compaction operations by ensuring precise walking control, thus avoiding human error-related issues like under- and over-compaction. However, its complex construction technology, cooperative operation challenges, and high construction quality demands present significant difficulties for unmanned operation. This study addresses the challenges associated with compaction mechanisms and construction technology. It analyzes the interaction between the vibrating roller and the compacted material using the U-K equation to develop a dynamic force model, which leads to a method for determining optimal compaction parameters. Simulations reveal that the compaction speed of the three rollers is approximately 0.3 m/s, and the parameter optimization module performs as anticipated. The simulated pilot roller effectively executes motion planning under various compaction conditions, with an overlap distance of about 0.2 m between adjacent rolling belts after lane changes. This overlap, which is 0.5 times the width of the 0.4 m steel wheel, successfully prevents both under-compaction and over-compaction. A cluster motion planning strategy, based on a pilot-following structure, is proposed for the roller cluster in the compaction area. The strategy includes designing the following roller formation based on the compaction operation range and roller group configuration parameters.
Recent developments in ultrasonic welding of similar and dissimilar joints of carbon fiber reinforcement thermoplastics with and without interlayer: A state-of-the-art review
Authors: Al Mahmoud Zummurd , Asmael Mohammed , Ahmad Rosli , Sahmani Saeid , Kotrasova Kamila , Mihaliková Mária , Hui David , Safaei Babak
Published: February 2025

Ultrasonic welding (USW) is utilized to join identical and non-identical materials, with and without a thermoplastic composites or thermoset composites coupling layer, or with different shapes of energy directors or adhesive materials. Due to its emerging structure, joining carbon fiber (CF)-reinforced polymer has become imperative due to the developed concerns in different industrial and manufacturing sectors. This review article covers all types of joined CF-reinforced polymers, including similar/dissimilar CF-reinforced thermoplastics or CF-reinforced thermosets joined by USW, considering different types of USW (spot welding, continuous welding). This review considers various welding process parameters and their impacts on welding quality, welding strength, and mechanical and microstructure characterizations of the welded joint. Also, improving the USW joints and their challenges are discussed. The fabrication processes of the polymer matrix composite and various polymers are addressed. In addition, the recyclability of CF-reinforced polymer is highlighted. A key finding from this review is that polyetheretherketone and both types of nylon (PA6 and PA66) show high exceptional characterizations, making them more favorable for developing CF-reinforced thermoplastics over other types of polymers. While a unique co-curing process must be completed for the adhesive material before performing the USW, welding energy is the most effective process parameter that enhances the mechanical properties when using adhesive bonding before USW.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Ambient Air Quality at Pitalganj Depot of Dhaka Metro Rail Line 1 Project
Authors: Sayeem Arafat Chowdhury , Islam Md. Anwarul , Mridha Masum
Published: February 2025

The Dhaka Metro Rail Line 1, also known as DMRT Line 1, is the first subterranean metro rail project in Bangladesh, and is currently undergoing depot construction work under contract package-1 (CP 01). The construction of depot work is mainly susceptible to ambient air quality due to the land development and soil improvement activities. The long-term construction period can significantly impact the surrounding air quality of the project area and so it is crucial to identify air pollution concerns and analyze the impact of air quality on the environment. This study evaluated ambient air quality in four distinct zones of the depot area from June 2023 to September 2024. There were several pollutants measured in the ambient air including Particulate Matters (PM10 and PM2.5), Ozone (O3), Lead (Pb), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO). The air quality monitoring machine Oceanus AQM-09 and Haz-Scanner (HIM, 6000) were used for 8 hours on the site. The power-law equation of Schroeder and Jugloff, 2012 was applied to provide 24-hour and 8-hour averages for the air quality parameters. It is observed that in pre-monsoon period of 2024, there is quite high intensity of particulate matter (PM2.5) present in the air, whereas other air pollutants values were found in all four zones are moderate in the air samples as prescribed by Air Pollution Control Rules, 2022.
Esophageal achalasia or gastroesophageal reflux? Pediatric cases analysis
Authors: Levin, MD, PhD, DSc Michael D
Published: February 2025

Classic idiopathic esophageal achalasia (EA) was a rare disease. In the last 30 years, its frequency has increased more than 1000 times. To find out the reason for these changes, 53 articles with EA in children under 18 years were selected from PubMed, including 29 articles with radiological diagnosis EA. Methods. All 29 radiographs were subjected to rentgenometric analysis to determine the true width of the esophagus and the length of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This allowed them to be compared with previously published standards and with the radiological characteristics of EA and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Results. 19 (66%) children had a typical picture of GERD. In 4 (14%) GERD was combined with secondary stenosis, in 3 (10%) cases congenital stenosis of the esophagus and/or LES was diagnosed at surgery and histologically. In one case, based on radiographic analysis, there was a typical picture of EA, and in 2 cases it was impossible to exclude EA. The conclusion of high-resolution manometry (HRM) in 4 patients about the presence of EA contradicted the wide opening of the LES. In 19 of 23 patients with GERD, the muscular layer of the LES and lower part of the esophagus was transected. In 3 cases balloon dilatation was performed. Discussion. Analysis literature indicates that recently have blurred the boundaries of classical EA and GERD. With GERD, complicated by rigid esophagitis and fibrous changes in the LES, there is difficulty in emptying the stomach with dysphagia syndrome. These cases are erroneously identified as true EA and operations are performed as if they were patients with EA. Thus, instead of treating the GERD and preserving the LES, sphincter is cut completely, resulting in a more severe form of GERD. Dissection of the muscular ring in the lower part of the esophagus in most cases leads to the formation of a pseudo-diverticulum, in which refluxant accumulates, causing additional severe damage to the esophagus. Neither high resolution manometry nor pH monitoring contributes to establishing the correct diagnosis. Conclusion. The increase in the incidence of EA is due to the diagnosis of EA syndrome in patients with GERD, and these patients are treated as if they had classic EA, which leads to severe complications.
New–onset ascites: a simplified diagnostic algorithm
Authors: Bahgat Monir , Mostafa Hany , Elhussieny Osama
Published: February 2025

Normally, around 2 mL of fluid is present in the peritoneal cavity. Ascites is defined as a pathological (excess) fluid accumulation within the peritoneal cavity.1 The commonest cause of new–onset ascites is liver cirrhosis (cirrhotic ascites) which is responsible for 85% of cases.2 The remaining 15% of cases occur due to causes other than cirrhosis (non–cirrhotic ascites). While malignancy, heart failure, and renal causes predominate in Western countries, malignancy and tuberculosis predominate in developing countries.2,3 Proper management of patients with new–onset ascites depends primarily on determining its cause which relies principally on proper analysis of ascitic fluid.4 To simplify the approach to diagnosis of ascites etiology, this review suggests a two–step approach:

Step [I]: Serum ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) plus total protein concentration.

Step [II]: Choice of further tests will depend on the results of step [I] including, but are not limited to, cell count with differential, cholesterol, cytology, adenosine deaminase (ADA), and triglyceride.
How to use alternative and natural medicine in the 21st century part VI
Authors: L Burkett Dr Rebecca
Published: February 2025

This article continues article V on treating depression while the patient is receiving oncology treatment. The modalities of alternative and natural medicine can be used for the client’s treatment and well-being.
Divorce and breakup distress: a narrative review
Authors: Field Tiffany
Published: February 2025

This narrative review is a brief summary of papers published on divorce and breakup distress research during 2024.The current divorce rate is as high as 42% in the U.S. and breakup distress is increasingly prevalent. The current literature reviewed here has highlighted many negative effects of divorce and breakups. These include relationship conflicts and income level changes. The conflicts are accompanied by negative emotions including loneliness, depression and suicidality, and eventually emotional adjustment for some. Behavioral effects include stalking and excessive alcohol use. Cognitive decline has primarily been described as decreased memory. Physical effects were focused on health problems and heartbreak syndrome including symptoms that mimic heart attacks. Many risk factors have also been the focus of recent research including parental divorce, neurological conditions and multiple premarital sex partners. Emotional risk factors have included psychiatric disorders, most frequently depression. Relational issues including conflict, hostility, withdrawal and sexual problems have also been considered risk factors for divorce. Surprisingly, only a few studies have focused on potential underlying biological mechanisms including elevated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activation, dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex and reduced volume of the hippocampus. Intervention trials have included psychotherapy and transcranial direct current stimulation. Methodological limitations are the many self-report and cross-sectional studies that cannot determine directionality of effects and risk factors.
Terrestrial water storage changes in the Bug river transboundary catchment observed by GRACE and water balance analysis
Authors:   Polish Geological Institute — National Research Institute, Rakowiecka 4, PL00975, Warsaw, Poland, Solovey T. , Śliwińska-Bronowicz J. ,   Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Bartycka 18a, PL00716, Warsaw, Poland, Janica R. ,   Polish Geological Institute — National Research Institute, Rakowiecka 4, PL00975, Warsaw, Poland, Brzezińska A. ,   Polish Geological Institute — National Research Institute, Rakowiecka 4, PL00975, Warsaw, Poland
Published: February 2025

Central and Southern Europe is undergoing a drying trend driven by increased evapotranspiration and rising air temperatures, even though precipitation levels remain stable. In the Bug River Basin, GRACE observations indicate that total water storage (TWS) declined at a rate of 8.8 ± 5.2 mm/year between 2012 and 2023. To validate this trend, we analysed spatial and temporal discrepancies between TWS-GRACE and water budget-based estimates (TWS-WB). Using ensemble data assimilation techniques, we integrated hydrometeorological data with TWS-GRACE. Regression models developed for TWS simulation were employed to adjust TWS-GRACE estimates. The results demonstrate that TWS fusion effectively mitigates uncertainties in TWS-GRACE caused by its low spatial and temporal resolution. Correlation analysis between TWS-fusion and TWS-GRACE identified errors in GRACE solutions and commonly used autoregressive methods for filling data gaps. Our findings show that model developed in this study significantly improved alignment between TWS-GRACE and TWS-WB, reducing RMSE from 34.7 to 14.9 mm/month. The proposed data fusion approach based on combining GRACE observations with precipitation, evapotranspiration, and runoff data, offers a viable alternative for extending TWS-GRACE time series beyond the GRACE observational period. Additionally, our research provides valuable insights for downscaling GRACE data and addressing challenges in spatial and temporal interpolation, which remain critical in water resource studies.
Manifestations of the interaction of riverine and marine waters in the statistical structure of salinity by the observations data at coastal stations of Ukraine
Authors:   Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute, Kyiv, Ilyin Yu.
Published: February 2025

Time series of water salinity observations from 1997 to 2010 at marine hydrometeorological stations on the northern coast of the Northwestern Black Sea from the mouth of the Dnipro-Buh Estuary (Kinburn Strait) to the Gulf of Odesa are analyzed. Empirical probability distribution functions of salinity were constructed for the Ochakiv, Pivdenny and Odesa-port stations for all months and year as a whole. Using the mixture analysis method, one-dimensional clustering of empirical salinity histograms is performed under the assumption that they consist of several normal distribution functions, each of which represents a separate water mass and is characterized by its own indicators - the average value, standard deviation and share (proportion) in the general distribution (mixture). To search for optimal solutions, the maximum likelihood method and the Akaike information criterion were applied. Experimentally, taking into account the peculiarities of the water dynamics in the northern part of the Northwestern Black Sea shelf, it was established that salinity histograms can be approximated by a set of 2-3 Gaussian functions. These functions, as a rule, correspond to waters of river origin, marine origin and intermediate waters as a result of the interaction of the first two. The approximation parameters (mean values, standard deviation and proportion in the mixture) vary in space depending on the distance to the source of desalination or salinization, as well as in time in accordance with the seasonal variability of the processes of supply and interaction of water masses on the North-Western Black Sea shelf. Numerical indicators of the components that make up the water mixture near the northern shores of the North-Western part of the Black Sea have been obtained. They can be used for probabilistic modeling (forecasting) of water salinity at different points both for separate months and for the whole year, for example, by means the method Monte Carlo.
Optimization methods for the creation of web-based atlas "Climate and Water Resources of Ukraine"
Authors:   Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute of State Emergency Service of Ukraine and National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Oreshchenko A.
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study is to summarize methods for optimizing the process of creating a web-based atlas “Climate and Water Resources of Ukraine”. The methods of optimizing the creation of the atlas web shell, the maps themselves, the drafting of the atlas and its implementation are considered. The literature review considers the peculiarities of creating fundamental cartographic works, the time spent on it, and shows the importance of using methods to optimize the production of cartographic products. The experience of atlas mapping of specialists involved in the creation of the atlas is also considered. The essence of serial mapping using an automatic mapping system, large-node assembly (web-based atlas shell), pyramidal project development algorithm, reduction of the number of production processes, method of map unification, grouping of the same or similar tasks, use of a “shortened technical project file”, automation of production processes, step-by-step progress with a predefined result are described in detail. As a result of using these methods, the time spent on the development of the atlas was reduced from 7 thousand working hours to 1.5 thousand. The development of the atlas was completed in 2023 and published here: https://maps.uhmi.org.ua. It is concluded that these optimization methods constitute a supercompetence responsible for the quality and productivity of labor. The atlas contains more than 5,000 maps, most of which were made using the developed methodology. These maps show the average, maximum, and minimum air temperature for the month, precipitation, climate temperature norm, climate change forecast, cold waves, heat waves and sudden changes in air temperature, and many other indicators.
MAKNA تحرير /TAHRIR/ DALAM TEKS BERITA MEDIA ARAB DARING AL-JAZEERA (KAJIAN SEMANTIK)
Authors: Aini Resty Syahrotul , Idris Mardjoko
Published: February 2025

Media is a channel for information that is still used today. There are many issues circulating with various media reporting them. One of the issues that is always widely discussed is the Palestinian-Israeli conflict which is heating up again at the moment. The discourse on Palestinian liberation has always been a hot topic. This gives rise to the emergence of lexemes or language units that are appropriate to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, such as the word tahrir. This research aims to explain the lexical and contextual meaning in the online Arabic media Al-Jazeera which highlights the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. This research is descriptive qualitative research. The data source comes from Al-Jazeera media with the help of AntConc and LancBox software in collecting data. The research results showed that lexical meaning was found by 64% and contextual meaning was found by 36%. Al-Jazeera reporting tends to use the word tahrir  in its lexical meaning as liberation. Meanwhile, using the word al-tahrir has a contextual meaning that is oriented towards the name of the liberation organization in Palestine.