bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of a Mixture of Fly Ash and Solid Waste from Gas Treatment from Municipal Solid Waste Incineration in Cement Mortar
Authors: Pietrzak Alina , Ulewicz Małgorzata , Kozień Ewa , Pietraszek Jacek 
Published: November 2024

This paper analyzes the effective use of a mixture of fly ash (MSWI-FA) and solid waste from flue gas treatment (MSWI-SW), which are by-products of the municipal waste incineration process. MSWI-FA (19 01 13*) and MSWI-SW (19 01 07*) are classified as hazardous waste due to their toxic metal content and leaching potential and currently lack practical applications, unlike slag and bottom ash (19 01 12). This study tested these wastes as partial substitutes for natural sand within a range of 0–20% of cement mass. Statistical analysis of the experimental results allowed the creation of good quality models predicting the effect of substitution additives on compressive strength and flexural strength (correlation 0.91 and 0.93, respectively). The mixture with the highest share of substitution additives (40% = 20% + 20%) was characterized by a decrease in compressive strength by 1.3% and flexural strength by 25.8%. Cement mortars synthesized with the waste mixture (up to 20% of each component) showed slightly lower consistency and water absorption than the control mortars. After the frost resistance tests (25 cycle), the flexural and compressive strength showed ambiguous behavior, showing both increases and decreases, indicating that the percentage of waste components alone is an insufficient set of factors for predicting these strength properties. The concentration of metal ions, i.e. Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cu, Cr in the eluate after the leaching tests did not exceed the legal levels of pollutants introduced into waters, with the exception of barium. However, its content did not exceed the permissible levels required for waste intended for landfill. Using the mixing plant for this waste in the amount of 20% each, we save about EUR 10 in the cost of purchasing sand and EUR 8 in the cost of environmental fees when producing 1 m3 of mortar). The proposed technology is compatible with the objectives of a sustainable economy.
Preliminary evaluations of a upscaled falling film plasma reactor for the degradation of organic pollutants in water
Authors: Milardovich N. J. , Santamaría B. , Fina B. L. , Chamorro J. C. , Fischfeld G. , Prevosto L. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Preliminary evaluations of a upscaled falling film plasma reactor for the degradation of aqueous organic pollutants in batch operation mode are reported. A pulsed corona discharge in humid air is excited by short voltage pulses (< 100 ns) generated by a capacitive–storage power source and a high–pressure gas spark–gap. The number of wires of the high–voltage electrode as well as the interelectrode gap distance is selected in the experiments to improve the impedance matching between the pulsed power source and the reactor. Indigo carmine is chosen as the reference pollutant. 20 L of indigo carmine solution are completely decolored after 11 min treatment for a reactor mean power of 33 W. The electrical–energy efficiency per order of the processes is 0.25 kWh/m3. The generation of reactive species is also assessed in both the liquid and gas phases. Very low concentrations of NO2– and NO3– ions are found, practically not causing water acidification. The main gaseous species produced by the corona discharge are O3 and HO2 radicals. In addition, a kinetic model of the reactor is presented and compared with measured data. The results indicate that reactions in the stagnant liquid film next to the gas–liquid interface are essential to explain the measured removal rates. The rapid kinetic regime of the liquid film strongly accelerates the uptake rates of HO2 (rapidly converted to O2–) and O3, which far exceed the uptake rates predicted by the mass transfer coefficient for a reactionless film.
Determination of the time-frequency features for impulse components in EEG signals
Authors: Filimonova Natalia , Specovius-Neugebauer Maria , Friedmann Elfriede 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
Accurately identifying the timing and frequency characteristics of impulse components in EEG signals is essential but limited by the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. Inspired by the visual system's ability to identify objects and their locations, we propose a new method that integrates a visual system model with wavelet analysis to calculate both time and frequency features of local impulses in EEG signals.
Methods:
We develop a mathematical model based on invariant pattern recognition by the visual system, combined with wavelet analysis using Krawtchouk functions as the mother wavelet.
Results:
Our method precisely identifies the localization and frequency characteristics of the impulse components in EEG signals. Tested on task-related EEG data, it accurately detected blink components (0.5 to 1 Hz) and separated muscle artifacts (16 Hz). It also identified muscle response durations (298 ms) within the 1 to 31 Hz range in emotional reaction studies, offering insights into both individual and typical emotional responses. We further illustrated how the new method circumvents the uncertainty principle in low-frequency wavelet analysis.
Conclusion:
Unlike classical wavelet analysis, our method provides spectral characteristics of EEG impulses invariant to time shifts, improving the identification and classification of EEG components.
Effects of the global and regional climate events of the Eocene on the Pan-American provinces of marine molluscs
Authors: Morales-Ortega Priscila , Gonzalez-Barba Gerardo 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The phylum Mollusca is a well-studied group in the Eocene epoch due to the radiation and extensive redistribution of families globally. However, these phenomena were “interrupted” by progressive and abrupt events in the geological, environmental, and climatic global conditions during the Early Eocene (hyperthermal), Middle Eocene (cooling trend and sudden warming), and Late Eocene (‘cooling’). In recent years, attempts have been made to correlate faunal associations of molluscs to understand regional paleoenvironmental changes and changes in the geographical redistribution of species. In this study, we correlate the faunistic assemblages of marine molluscs among four provinces: Northeastern Pacific Ocean Province (NEPP), Southeastern Pacific Ocean Province (SEPP), Caribbean Province (CP or Caribbean), and Gulf Province (GP or Gulf). The provinces of the northern hemisphere (NEPP, GP, and CP) reflected a closer interprovincial relationship. The Tethys current, at least during the Ypresian and Lutetian stages, allowed this faunal exchange, where the 'Central American seaway' was crucial. Moreover, our study shows that the maximum marine biodiversity of molluscs coincides with hyperthermal events. For the NEPP during the Ypresian (Early Eocene Climatic Optimum), while for the GP during the Bartonian (Middle Eocene Climatic Optimum). The Priabonian of the NEPP was a period of redistribution, possibly due to the dynamics of the surface currents of the northwestern Pacific. Meanwhile, cooling caused a significant reduction of taxa in the GP. Moreover, the SEPP during the Bartonian and Priabonian is correlated to the provinces of the northern hemisphere, which could be explained by the displacement of the South American plate towards the north and by the persistence of affinity of the Tethys fauna (Tethys Realm).
Alleviating the salinity stress on strawberry using plant growth promoting micro-organisms
Authors: Santhoshkumar G , Bhowmick Nilesh , Chakraborty Aditi , Roy Ayon , Sinha Abhas , Mandal Somnath , Sindhu V , Prudveesh Kantamraju , Mandal Subhadeep , Ghosh Souvik 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Strawberry is a surface feeder, herbaceous plant and considered as nutrient responsive, salt sensitive crop which requires judicious amount of nutrients, moisture for quality fruit production. Strawberry is traditionally grown in north eastern and western India including Gangetic plains. However, salt affected areas in southern and western India limits the further commercial area expansion under this crop. It has been reported that under salt stress the beneficial micro-organisms lead to alter the growth and development of strawberry plants by adjusting hormonal balance, enhancing nutrient status, solubilization of mineral phosphates, and producing plant growth regulators. An experiment was conducted at the Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, India during 2020-21. The microorganisms and their combinations such as untreated control (T1), Azotobacter (T2), Phosphorous solubilizing bacteria (T3), Trichoderma (T4), Azotobacter + Phosphorous solubilizing bacteria (T5), Azotobacter + Trichoderma (T6), Phosphorous solubilizing bacteria + Trichoderma (T7), Azotobacter + Phosphorous solubilizing bacteria + Trichoderma (T8) were applied as soil drenching. The maximum growth characteristics was recorded with T1 (control) due to no salt stress condition. The soil drenching of Azotobacter + Phosphorous solubilizing bacteria + Trichoderma (T8) were found to be significantly most effective in increasing the plant height (11.96 cm), number of leaves per plant (5.80), shoot length (10.85 cm), root length (13.24 cm), shoot fresh weight (24.07 g), root fresh weight (6.42 g), shoot dry weight (4.59 g), root dry weight (1.01 g), leaf chlorophyll content (44.96 SPAD unit), number of crowns plant-1 (7.13), salt tolerance ratio (0.95), leaf nitrogen (1.64%), phosphorous (0.62%), potassium content (1.59%) and lowest sodium content in leaves was recorded with T1 (0.90%) followed by T8 (1.01%). The combined application of Azotobacter + Phosphorous solubilizing bacteria + Trichoderma showed positive results on plant growth, salt tolerance, phosphate solubilization and atmospheric nitrogen fixation under salt stress condition.
Assessment of neonicotinoids toxicity and their risk to honeybee under caged and open field ecosystem
Authors: Naseema H , R Harischandra Naik , Ratnamma P , Babu Kisan , Bheemanna M , R Badariprasad P , M Saraswathi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Neonicotinoids are known to affect the behavior of honeybees significantly leading to the loss of colony fitness. Most chemicals are not directly lethal to bees, but the sublethal doses of certain chemicals can adversely affect bees on olfactory learning and memory, as well as visual learning which has been reported globally. Keeping the objective of elucidating the effect two most used neonicotinoids in diverse ecosystems over a period of time, the present study was conducted to record the toxicity of imidacloprid, 17.8% SL at field application rate followed by the decreasing concentration (44, 4, 3, 2, and 1µL/mL) and clothianidin 50% WDG (125, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, and 2 µg/mL) on honeybee. A series of experiments such as ingestion test, ingestion after starvation test, indirect contact test, topical assay test, and semi-field test followed by field test was conducted and recorded an increase in the percent mortality for the increasing concentrations of the neonicotinoids with the exposure period. It was also recorded that the lethal concentration for neonicotinoid was found significantly lower. The LC50, LD50, LC99, and LD99 estimated through probit analysis recorded in similar trend along the exposure period. The Hazard Quotient (HQ) is significantly increased with the exposure period (11574 at 3 HAT and 18825 at 48 HAT) for both insecticides. This study highlighted the extremely low concentration of neonicotinoids could pose a potential toxic effect on bees and that could lead to the overall behavior of honeybee.
Optimization of Selection Agent Concentrations and Expanding G418 Utility for Gentamicin Resistance in Marchantia polymorpha
Authors: Poormassalehgoo Andisheh , Kaniecka Elżbieta , Mirzaei Mohamadreza , Goto-Yamada Shino 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Genetic transformation of plants is pivotal for advancing biotechnology, with success depending largely on effective selection methods. Marchantia polymorpha has emerged as a model plant due to its evolutionary importance, ease of manipulation, and simple genetic structure. However, inconsistent antibiotic performance and limited studies on optimal selection agent concentrations have posed challenges. This study aimed to optimize selection agent use in M. polymorpha genetic transformation. We assessed the effects of five antibiotics (hygromycin, kanamycin, G418, neomycin, and gentamicin) and the herbicide chlorsulfuron on M. polymorpha gemmae growth. For each agent, we identified the minimum lethal concentration for nontransgenic plants and safe thresholds for transgenics, balancing false-positive prevention with reduced toxicity. Hygromycin, G418, and chlorsulfuron exhibited broad selective concentration ranges, enabling efficient transformant selection. Notably, we observed cross-activity of the gentamicin resistance enzyme with G418, a phenomenon also seen in tobacco. This study effectively determined optimal concentrations of selective agents for M. polymorpha gemmae transformation. Additionally, the unexpected cross-activity underscores the need for careful marker selection and highlights potential for strategic antibiotic use. Our findings enhance transformation protocols for M. polymorpha and possibly other plant species.
Green synthesis and Characterization of Acacia nilotica derived silver nanoparticles and their insecticidal potential against three important mosquito vectors
Authors: Bruntha R. , Lokeshwaran S , Subala SP 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In the present study, the bark extract of Acacia nilotica plant was used to green synthesis and Characterization of Silver nanoparticles and check their insecticidal potential against three important mosquito vectors such as Aedes aegyptii, Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus. Our research aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of plant extract combined with nanoparticles. The synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Fourier transform infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with EDax techniques (EDAX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). UV-Vis confirms with the peak at 420 nm showed the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. SEM confirms the spherical shape of nanoparticles and EDAX revealed chemical components of Ag, N, and Oxygen with a strong elemental signal in association with distinct peak for Ag was confirmed at 3.15keV. XRD was determined the crystalline properties of the silver nanoparticles (AgNP). The antioxidant potential of Acacia nilotica bark extract using AgNP was determined by DPPH, hydroxyl and ABTS free radical scavenging assays. DPPH and hydroxyl activities of AgNP showed the highest inhibition of 63% and 84%, while ABTS analysis showed 58%. Antibacterial activity shows highest level of activity against S. pyrogens, P. aeruginosa and P.vulgaris. Larvicidal potential of AgNPs recorded good mortality rate against Aedes aegypti., Anopheles stephensi., Culex quinquefasciatus. This study confirms the maximum activity of AgNPs and acts as larvicidal, adulticidal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant agents.
Insight into perceived Positive Health of healthcare professionals. What can be done to improve and stabilize the perceived Positive Health?
Authors: Warta Sanne , Hoonte-Veehof Martine te , Schoonen Carlinde , Hogen-Koster Sandra 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
The shortage of healthcare professionals, combined with the aging population, is leading to increasing pressure on healthcare professionals. To ensure that healthcare professionals are able to do their work and ensure good patient care, it is important to focus on their own health. Positive Health is a health-oriented approach and can be used for understanding and enhancing the health and well-being of healthcare professionals. The aim of the study is to gain insight in the perceived health, personal goals and how to improve or stabilise the Positive Health of employees of a large tertiary hospital in the Netherlands.
Methods
A qualitative study design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with employees (n = 15) of the Cardiology and Rheumatology department, using the Positive Health tool. The data was analysed using thematic content analysis.
Results
Employees are satisfied with their health or a specific part of their health, also when there are health complaints as well. There were personal goals in several themes being: lifestyle changes, balance, self-development, meaningfulness and social interaction. What is needed to achieve personal goals varies, also within the themes. To enhance well-being, employers can provide supervisor support, empower control over hours, create a pleasant environment, offer fruit, provide challenging opportunities, and integrate Positive Health principles.
Conclusion
In general, the interviewed employees experienced good Positive Health despite the presence of complaints. To enhance employee health, both work-related and personal measures were needed. The Positive Health approach was appreciated by employees and can be valuable for employers to gain insight into how to support employee health. This is particularly important given the growing pressure on the healthcare system.
Vision-Driven Adaptive Welding Solutions for the Top Three Challenges in Welding Fabrication
Authors: Asadi Mahyar , Ashoori Ahmad , Afshar Mehrnoosh , Sheikhshab Ali , Scheerer Todd , Kaspardlov Austin , Bagheri Soroush , Firouz Sina , Karimzadeh Soroush 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

With experience in more than over 100 robotic deployments in pipe prefabrication and a decade-long dedication to welding automation, we've pinpointed the key challenges, notably fit-up variation, tack adaptation, and live seam tracking. We engineered an innovative adaptive welding solution that integrates the perceptual and cognitive abilities of welders into articulated robots. This system dynamically responds to real-time welding scenarios, effectively tackling associated challenges. Unlike existing methods reliant on pre-scanning or laser readings before welding, our vision-based adaptive welding technology operates instantaneously, replicating the expertise of proficient human welders. The outcome is a consistent delivery of high-quality welds. Given the widespread advancement of AI, the heart of the adaptive welding system must skillfully manage diverse welding conditions, covering different joint preparations, types, positions, thicknesses, materials, and beyond. Addressing the necessity of training the AI core requires navigating through diverse practical challenges in deployments. Leveraging our expertise in deploying various methodologies, we ultimately provide an efficient solution for training the welding AI, primed for widespread deployment across high-mix low-volume applications. This solution incorporates a data tracing and monitoring platform across deployments, enhancing ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) functionality, and providing insights into welding operations, historical performance analytics, and problem tracking with proactive improvements.
Assessment of current knowledge, attitude and practice of healthcare providers toward medical research in southwest Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Sulayyim Hadi Al , Alrashah Ali , Mansour Ali Al , Sleem Fahad Al , Alfaifi Yahiya , Alshahi Mansour , Alkhudeer Ali , Hutaylah Hassan Al , Allajam Yousef , Alkhurais Abdullah , Alfaifi Noura , Majrshi Mansour , Sulayyim Abdullah Al 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Medical research is an essential in the medical field, which refers to use scientific methods to obtain better information with respect of human diseases, optimal treatment, prevention of diseases, and health promotion
Objectives: the current study aims to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of healthcare providers (HCPs) toward medical research, motivating factors, and barriers that prevent them from conducting research, and identify associated factors with good knowledge and practice, and positive attitude.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a validated questionnaire was employed to gather data on the KAP of HCPs as well as the motivating factors and barriers that prevent from conducting research. Proportion (%), and median (IQR) were used to represent the data. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify associated factors with good knowledge, positive attitude, and good practice.
Results: A total of 285 HCPs were included in the final analysis. Median (IQR) of knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 43% (14%–57%), 100% (80%–100%), and 59% (33%–83%); respectively. The most reported motivators were strength the resume (91.80%) and fulfillment of work requirements (90.80%). The most reported barriers were lack of financial support (82.3%), poor time management (78.7%), no enough research facilities (75.2%), lack of motivation (74.8%), inadequate skills and knowledge (72.3%), and lack of rewards (71.6%). Good knowledge was significantly associated with taken research methodology course and qualification. Positive attitude was significantly associated with working place and qualification. Nationality and taken research methodology course were significantly associated good practice.
Conclusion: Although HCPs showed a positive attitude towards medical research, their knowledge and practice were poor. They are necessarily needed to amelioration. This amelioration can be achieved through effective and regular research methodology courses, workshops, and enhancement the research environment.
Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Novel Therapeutic Targets Uncovered by Integrative Analysis of Genetic Susceptibility and Spatial Transcriptomics
Authors: Chen Chun , Hang Lei , Zhang Linchao , Ullah Israr , Lv Jingrong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) presents a significant worldwide burden and with a poor prognosis. Nevertheless, the molecular characteristics of cancer cells remain inadequately investigated. This study integrated single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), mendelian randomization (MR), and spatial transcriptomic analysis to explore hereditary factors and critical gene expressions. Data were sourced from public databases. Our findings revealed significant associations of genes PODXL2, SNTA1 with HNSCC, acting distinct roles in pathways as muscle contraction. Spatial transcriptomics pinpointed localized gene expression variations across 8 tissue samples, with pseudo-time analysis capturing cellular developmental trajectories. Drug sensitivity testing further identified candidate therapeutics. This work provides a multi-modal approach to identify molecular landscape and potential targets in HNSCC.