bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Directly measuring thrust from a superconducting applied field magnetoplasmadynamic thruster
Authors: Mallett Benjamin P P , Jane Celine , Webster Emile , Schmidt Jens 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Superconducting magnet technology can significantly improve the system-level performance of electromagnetic thrusters by reducing the size, weight and power of the magnet module. However, a superconducting magnet poses some unique challenges to accurate and direct thrust measurement, a key performance metric of any thruster. The Robinson Research Institute (Robinson) in New Zealand and the DLR Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology (DLR) in Gottingen, Germany, are working together on a project to directly measure thrust from a kW-class applied-field magnetoplasmadynamic thruster (AFMPDT) with a conduction-cooled superconducting magnet for its applied field module. This paper presents results of the characterization and modification of the thrust stands at DLR and Robinson to meet the additional challenges of stray magnetic fields, cryocooler vibrations and thermal gradients associated with the superconducting magnet system. We find that after some modifications to thrust stand parts and data analysis methods, the stray magnetic field and vibrations of a cryocooler, although large at approximately 1g peak acceleration, should have negligable impact on accuracy of thrust measurement. Moreover, the vibrations may improve the quality of the measurement by reducing hysteresis arising from bearing stiction. A variety of methods will need to be carefully employed to reduce sensitivity to temperature, particularly to an uneven temperature distribution across the pivot axis. As such, we deem it feasible to make direct thrust measurement in our facilities of a flight-like superconducting AFMPDT accurate to within a few mN. The key next stage of this project involves comparative measurements of a superconducting AFMPDT planned for 2025.
Optimization of free form surface in bulge formed joint based on isogeometric analysis
Authors: Luo Sen , Sun Yuantao , Zhai Jinjin , Zhang Qing , Chang Xiaoqing 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The bulge formed joint is a novel free-form surface thin-wall joint structure used in truss structure systems, and its shape characteristics strongly influence the bearing capacity of the structure. The isogeometric analysis method provides a new way to analyze and optimize these free-form surface structures. To enhance the aesthetic appearance such as smoothness of the form and increase the bearing capacity of the structures, an optimal design method of bulge formed joint based on isogeometric analysis is proposed in this paper. This paper proposes a joint shape evaluation index based on NURBS surface characteristics. It establishes an optimization model for shell surface shape within the isogeometric analysis framework, derives an analytical expression for the sensitivity of design variables, and employs h-refinement to propagate sensitivity across multiple mesh models. The optimization design of joint configuration is realized by combining the moving asymptote method. The optimization results of the T-type and K-type bulge formed joint show that the mechanical properties and morphological smoothness of the free-form surface joint are improved.
Toward Indigenous Knowledge Systems: The Role of Project-Based Learning in HigherEducation: Insights into Sculpture Students' Projects on Ghanaian Adinkra Symbols
Authors: Boakye-Yiadom Fredrick , Donkor Evans Kwadwo , Mensah Ronald Osei 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study explores the integration of Project-Based Learning (PBL) within the higher education context, focusing on sculpture students' projects based on Ghanaian Adinkra symbols and their engagement with Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS). The primary aim of this research is to examine how PBL enhances sculpture students' understanding and appreciation of Adinkra symbols while also assessing the broader impact of PBL on their interaction with indigenous knowledge systems. Sculpture students participating in this study were tasked with developing projects that incorporated Adinkra symbols, thereby connecting their creative practice with the rich cultural narratives embodied in these symbols. Through this process, students were not only encouraged to produce art but also to interpret, analyse, and engage with the cultural meanings and historical significance of the Adinkra symbols. A qualitative research methodology was employed, using semi-structured interviews, participant observations, and project evaluations to gather data. Findings from the study suggest that PBL significantly enhances students' appreciation for and understanding of indigenous knowledge systems by providing them with the tools to interpret cultural artefacts within their historical and social contexts. To collaborate with indigenous communities, art educational institutions should build partnerships with local indigenous communities, cultural experts, and artisans to co-create projects and learning experiences for students.
Socioeconomic and Environmental Predictors of Lassa Fever Transmission in Lower Bambara Chiefdom, Kenema District, Eastern Sierra Leone
Authors: Kamara Abu-Bakarr S. , Moseray Andrew , Fatoma Patrick , Lamin Joseph Morison , Sankoh Osman A , Rogers Mohamed Kemoh 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Lassa fever (LF), a viral hemorrhagic illness endemic to West Africa, poses significant health challenges due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. This study investigates the complex interplay of socioeconomic, and environmental factors contributing to the spread of LF in Lower Bambara Chiefdom, Kenema District, Eastern Sierra Leone.
Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative design was employed, targeting adult males and females in Lower Bambara Chiefdom. Data were collected through structured interviews focusing on participant demographics, community characteristics, and LF-related factors. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square tests, and bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to assess correlations and identify risk factors.
Results:The study involved 2,167 participants. Majority were males (54.60%); most dominant age groups were 34-41 years (27.00%) and 42-49 years (22.00%). Over half never attended school (61.70%) and were farmers (64.90%). More than 60% were married (monogamous) and heads of households. Sex, age, education, occupation and relationship to household head except marital status (p=0.08), were statistically significant with LF endemicity (p<0.05). Environmental markers like moderate bushy surroundings (53.90% to 73.50%), mixed farming practices (61.50%), standpipes (40.47%) as major water sources, and waste burning (77.34%) as the primary waste disposal method were identified as significant influencers. Mud walls (72.00%) and zinc roofing (90.00%) were common construction materials used. Almost all (85.5%) consume palm wine were purchased from the market. Logging activities occurred close to residential areas, with an average distance of 14.65 meters. Socioeconomic factors like asset ownership and livelihood activities (farming and palm wine consumption) were also significant.
Conclusion: The study found that factors like gender, age, education, occupation, environmental conditions, construction materials, and proximity to logging activities influence LF in Lower Bambara Chiefdom. High palm wine consumption and socioeconomic factors also highlight the need for tailored public health interventions.
A TaqMan qPCR for Precise Detection and Quantification of Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Xue Bingyu , Zhang Huanrong , Yan Xia , Su Xiaoyan , Zhou Yuling , Xie Junjin , Li Sheng , Zhou Yang , Li Lin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) are strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) that can induce diarrhea symptoms in the host, as well as cause disease through contaminated food. To accurately and efficiently identify the five types of DEC, this study conducted a search for corresponding gene sequences in NCBI based on Chinese national standard virulence genes. Subsequently, 11 pairs of specific primers were designed by targeting their conserved regions. The amplification system, temperature, and other parameters were optimized, respectively. A TaqMan®single-plex real-time PCR assay was established for simultaneous detection of Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC), Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), and Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC). The results demonstrated that the minimum detection limit for bacterial genomic DNA was 1.60×101 copies/µL (except for stx2 which was 1.60×102 copies/µL). The within-group variation rate ranged from 0.12–0.88%, while the between-group variation rate ranged from 0.67–1.62%. Moreover, R2 values for the standard curve generated by this method were between 0.999 and 1 with an amplification efficiency ranging from 98.4–100%. Therefore, this study successfully developed a Taqman real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR assay with high specificity, sensitivity, repeatability, and amplification efficiency as well as significant regression effect. This assay can be utilized for clinical detection of DEC.
Analyzing CASIS Policy Data with AI: Sentiment Trends and Topic Modeling
Authors: Wu Xiao , Han Yuexia , Yang Fang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Over the past two decades, particularly in low Earth orbit, the sustained operation of the International Space Station (ISS) has significantly promoted the growth of the U.S. commercial space industry. Specifically, the U.S. National Laboratory on the ISS, managed by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), has played a crucial role in advancing space commercialization. The effective operation of CASIS is also greatly influenced by government policies, particularly from NASA. However, there is limited research from a policy perspective that examines the role of CASIS and the U.S. National Laboratory in developing commercial space activities. To better understand the evolution of CASIS, this study utilizes CASIS policy data and employs artificial intelligence methods, such as sentiment analysis and topic modeling, to reveal CASIS's development trends and the sentiment of both government and public toward its initiatives. The findings indicate that, despite significant negative events, such as organizational restructuring and negative scrutiny, the overall sentiment of policies related to CASIS remains positive. CASIS has been criticized for mismanagement while also being praised for its contributions to space science innovation. Furthermore, this study highlights key themes related to CASIS's development, such as scientific innovation and international collaboration, emphasizing its leadership role in research projects, especially in microgravity. These findings lay the foundation for understanding how policy guides CASIS's development and its broader impact on the aerospace sector. Additionally, this study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of how policy influences CASIS's efficiency, governance, and strategic direction, contributing to broader discussions on space commercialization policy-making and offering insights for future policy interventions to enhance CASIS's role and capabilities.
Tradeoffs between proliferation and transmission in virus evolution – insights from evolutionary and functional analyses of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Tai Jui-Hung , Lee Ding-Chin , Lin Hsin-Fu , Chao Tai-Ling , Ruan Yongsen , Cheng Ya-Wen , Chou Yu-Chi , Lin You-Yu , Chang Sui-Yuan , Chen Pei-Jer , Yeh Shiou-Hwei , Wang Hurng-Yi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

To be successful a virus must maintain high between-host transmissibility while also effectively adapting within hosts. The impact of these potentially conflicting demands on viral genetic diversity and adaptation remains largely unexplored. These modes of adaptation can induce uncorrelated selection, bring to high frequency mutations that enhance certain fitness aspects at others' expense, and contribute to the maintenance of genetic variation. The vast wealth of SARS-CoV-2 genetic data gathered from within and across hosts offers an unparalleled opportunity to test the above hypothesis. By analyzing a large set of SARS-CoV-2 sequences (~ 2 million) collected from early 2020 to mid-2021, we found that high frequency mutations within hosts are sometimes detrimental during between-host transmission. This highlights potential inverse selection pressures within- versus between-hosts. We also identified a group of nonsynonymous changes likely maintained by pleiotropy, as their frequencies are significantly higher than neutral expectation, yet they have never experienced clonal expansion. Analyzing one such mutation, spike M1237I, reveals that spike I1237 boosts viral assembly but reduces in vitro transmission, highlighting its pleiotropic effect. Though they make up about 2% of total changes, these types of variants represent 37% of SARS-CoV-2 genetic diversity. These mutations are notably prevalent in the Omicron variant from late 2021, hinting that pleiotropy may promote positive epistasis and new successful variants. Estimates of viral population dynamics, such as population sizes and transmission bottlenecks, assume neutrality of within-host variation. Our demonstration that these changes may affect fitness calls into question the robustness of these estimates.
Enhancing Streamflow Forecasting in Glacierized Basins: A Hybrid Model Integrating Glacio-Hydrological Outputs, Deep Learning, and Wavelet Transformation
Authors: ougahi jamal hassan , Rowan John S 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Understanding snow and ice melt dynamics is vital for flood risk assessment and effective water resource management in highly populated river basins rising in inaccessible high-mountains. This study evaluated AI-enhanced hydrological modelling using a hybrid approach integrating glacio-hydrological model (GSM-SOCONT), with advanced machine learning and deep learning techniques framed as alternative ‘scenarios’, leveraging both physical processes and data-driven insights for enhanced predictive capabilities. The standalone deep learning model (CNN-LSTM), relying solely on meteorological data, outperformed both the machine learning and glacio-hydrological model. Additionally, a series of hybrid models (CNN-LSTM1 to CNN-LSTM15) were trained using meteorological data along with three additional feature groups derived from glacio-hydrological model outputs, providing detailed physical insights into hydrological processes for streamflow simulation. The hybrid model (CNN-LSTM14), which relied solely on glacier-derived features, demonstrated the best performance with high NSE (0.86), KGE (0.80), and R (0.93) values during calibration, and the highest NSE (0.83), KGE (0.88), R (0.91), and lowest RMSE (892) and MAE (544) during validation. Furthermore, the proposed hybridization framework involves applying permutation feature importance to identify key features, using wavelet transform to decompose them for multi-scale analysis, and integrating these into the hybrid model (CNN-LSTM19), which significantly enhances predictive accuracy, particularly for high-flow events, as evidenced by improved NSE (from 0.83 to 0.97) and reduced RMSE (from 892 to 442) during validation. The comparative analysis illustrates how AI-enhanced hydrological models improve the accuracy of runoff forecasting and provide more reliable and actionable insights for managing water resources and mitigating flood risks - despite the relative paucity of direct measurements.
Combined bio fortification of spinach plant through foliar spraying with iodine and selenium elements
Authors: Eslamiparvar Amirali , Hosseinifarahi Mehdi , Amiri Sedigheh , Radi Mohsen 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of combined biofortification of spinach with iodine (I) and selenium (Se). For this purpose, the spinach plant was cultivated in an open field (Dehdasht, Iran), biofortified with potassium iodide (KI) and sodium selenate (Na₂SeO₄) at different concentrations (Se 1 mg/L-I 1 mg/l; Se1-I1, Se2.5-I1, Se5-I1, Se1-I5, Se2.5-I5, and Se5-I5) through spraying the leaves twice during the growth season. Results indicated that while iodine did not have any effect on plant yield, selenium fortification at 2.5 mg/L significantly increased production (60.05 t/ha). However, both elements were successfully accumulated in the leaves of the plant. Therefore, the highest accumulation for both elements was noted by Se5-I5 sample. Meanwhile, the joint biofortification of spinach improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes, macro/microelements content, photosynthetic pigments, nitrate reductase activity, ascorbic acid, total phenol content, carotenoid compounds, TSS, and dry matter percentage, while decreasing the nitrate and malondialdehyde contents in the leaves, resulting in a plant with improved dietary properties and yield production. In this regard, treatment Se2.5-I5 was the best treatment in relation to various tests conducted.
Co-evolution Model of Traffic Travel and Disease Transmission under Limited Resources
Authors: Liang Zhanhao , Kudayberdievna Kadyrkulova Kyial , Wu Guijun , Isakunovich Batyrkanov Jenish , Xiong Wei , Meng Wei , Liang Zhantu , Li Yukai 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The outbreak of diseases is influenced by various factors such as the total amount of resources and individual contacts. However, the co-evolution mechanism between individual travel behavior and disease transmission under limited resources remains unclear. In view of this, we construct a disease transmission model on a two-layer transportation network, considering the comprehensive effects of the total amount of medical resources, inter-network infection delay, travel willingness, and network topology. The simulation results show that increasing the total amount of resources can effectively reduce the disease scale in the transportation network during outbreaks. Additionally, an increase in inter-network infection delay can effectively slow down the disease transmission rate but prolongs the persistence of the disease in the population, affecting the regulation of infection scale by travel willingness. Meanwhile, the more complex the topology of the transportation network, the greater the impact of travel behavior on disease transmission. More importantly, compared to single-factor control, multi-factor combined control is more effective in inhibiting disease transmission. This paper provides new insights into the co-evolution mechanism of traffic travel behavior and disease transmission, and will offer valuable guidance for governments to control epidemic spread through transportation networks.
Exploring digital support for physical activity and diet in breast cancer, a mixed methods service evaluation
Authors: Cowan-Dickie Siobhan , Fisher Abi , Shaw Clare 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this clinical service evaluation was to explore the experiences of people treated for breast cancer of physical activity (PA) and diet support, and how to improve support through digital interventions.
Methods: A mixed methods approach was used with a survey available online and in print, and two online focus groups. Participants were recruited through an online patient voices platform, in clinic, and through social media. Descriptive statistical analysis was used for survey responses, with thematic analysis for free text comments. Focus groups were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results:There were 97 survey respondents, mainly white British background, all female, 58% within the 50-59 age bracket, all on treatment or within two years of treatment completion for breast cancer. Whilst 70% wanted information on PA, only 29% of those received it. For diet this was 76% and 26% respectively. Most participants (66%) were very or extremely interested in digital support for PA and diet. Priorities for digital content were strengthening exercise, management of side effects and underlying research evidence. Two focus groups were held, with 13 attendees in total. The main themes from the focus groups were desire for personalised support, perceived importance of PA and diet, facilitators and barriers to access, and describing good digital support which included a hybrid approach with face to face and mechanisms for accountability.
Conclusion: Participants were open to support on PA and diet being delivered digitally, but with emphasis on a hybrid model with face-to-face, and with some synchronous elements such as feedback or checking in.
Evaluation of clinical characteristics and treatment appropriateness in patients receiving intravenous iron therapy
Authors: TOKATLI Mert , Gecici Neslihan Nisa , Peker Eray , Mavi Ezgi Aysu Sahin , Baran Berat , Uyaroglu Oguz Abdullah 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Intravenous (IV) iron is frequently used to treat iron deficiency, even though oral iron therapy is recommended as a first-line treatment in most cases. IV therapy provides various benefits but also has drawbacks, including high costs, potential allergic reactions, and the need for hospitalization. In this study, we assessed patient and disease-related factors of IV iron therapy and re-evaluated treatment appropriateness using an algorithm created by reviewing current guidelines and literature. A retrospective single-center study evaluated the appropriateness of IV iron replacement in 264 outpatients between May 2 and October 15, 2023, at a tertiary care hospital. Threshold values for iron deficiency based on a review of many current guidelines Ferritin < 30 µg/L or (when CRP ≥ 5 mg/L, ferritin < 100 µg/L, and TSAT < 20%) were determined. Patients were reassessed for IV iron treatment appropriateness with an algorithm based on the history of oral iron use, patient/disease-related factors, and current guidelines. According to the algorithm, 81 patients (31%) who received IV iron treatment were not considered appropriate. Oral iron was not preferred in 74 patients (28%), and 7 patients (3%) were not evaluated as iron deficient. The rate of inappropriate treatment was higher in the group over 65 years of age (p = 0.03). Inappropriate treatment was much higher in the group without anemia (p < 0.001). We have observed that IV iron therapy is unnecessarily preferred in first-line treatment. New algorithms incorporating patient-related factors, current evidence, and clinical experience are needed.