bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WITHDRAWN: Assessment of Wetland Ecological Restoration Effect Based on Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process: A Case Study of Tianjin Qilihai Wetland
Authors: Zhou Ran , Zhang Yi , Peng Shitao , Wang Yisheng , Dai Mingxin , Hong Ningning , Tong Hui , Liang Baocui , Lu Shaopeng , Hong Wu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Scientific evaluation of the effectiveness of ecological restoration could provide support for sustainable management and protection of wetlands. However due to the multiple and difficult to quantify factors affecting wetlands, commonly used spatiotemporal evaluation methods were difficult to scientifically reflect the actual effectiveness of ecological restoration. This paper took Tianjin Qilihai Wetland, a representative wetland in northern China, as the research object. Two representative time points, 2017 (before the start of the two-years restoration project) and 2023 (four years after the completion of the restoration project), were selected to construct a three-level monitoring and evaluation index system containing 8 specific indicators from three aspects — water environment, biological community, and landscape topography. And then a model based on fuzzy analytic hierarchy process was developed to systematically evaluate the ecological restoration effect. The evaluation results showed that after implementing a series of measures, the comprehensive evaluation index of wetland ecological environment increased by 37.68%. In addition, it was also found that compared to the water environment, the restoration of the ecosystem had a certain lag. It was recommended to further strengthen the follow-up and continuous monitoring and evaluation, as well as the monitoring and control of the stability of external water source quality. The method and model adopted in this paper further improved the theoretical and methodological system for evaluating the effectiveness of wetland ecological restoration.
Anisotropic Hydrogel Microelectrodes for Intraspinal Neural Recordings in vivo
Authors: Rao Siyuan , Huang Sizhe , Xiao Ruobai , Lin Shaoting , Hong Eunji , Jang Geunho , Gupta Shovit , Lu Fake , Chen Bo , Liu Xinyue , Sahasrabudhe Atharva , Zhang Zicong , He Zhigang , Crosby Alfred , Sumaria Kaushal , Liu Tingyi , Wang Qianbin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Creating durable, motion-compliant neural interfaces is crucial for accessing dynamic tissues under in vivo conditions and linking neural activity with behaviors. Utilizing the self-alignment of nano-fillers in a polymeric matrix under repetitive tension, here, we introduce conductive carbon nanotubes with high aspect ratios into semi-crystalline polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels and create electrically anisotropic percolation pathways through cyclic stretching. The resulting anisotropic hydrogel fibers (diameter of 187 ± 13 µm) exhibit fatigue resistance (20,000 cycles at 20% strain) with a stretchability of 64.5 ± 7.9%, and low electrochemical impedance (900 ± 149 kΩ @ 1kHz). We observe the re-constructed nanofillers’ axial alignment and a corresponding anisotropic impedance decrease along the direction of cyclic stretching. We fabricate fiber-shaped hydrogels into bioelectronic devices and implant them into wild-type and transgenic Thy1-ChR2-EYFP mice to record electromyographic signals from muscles in anesthetized and freely moving conditions. These hydrogel fibers effectively enable the simultaneous recording of electrical signals from ventral spinal cord neurons and the tibialis anterior muscles during optogenetic stimulation. Importantly, the devices maintain functionality with repeatable recording results over eight months after implantation, demonstrating their durability and potential for long-term monitoring in neurophysiological studies.
Assessing and Bridging the Digital Competence Gap: A Comparative Study of Lebanese Student Teachers and In-Service Teachers Using the DigCompEdu Framework
Authors: Momdjian Levon , Manegre Marni , Gutiérrez-Colón Mar 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the digital competence levels of Lebanese student teachers and in-service teachers using the DigCompEdu framework. The study employs a cross-sectional descriptive survey design, analyzing data from 170 in-service teachers with varying years of experience and 399 student teachers across five academic years. Results indicate that in-service teachers consistently outperform student teachers in all six areas of digital competence, with the most substantial gap in Digital Resources. However, significant improvements in digital competence were observed among student teachers from the first to the third academic year. The study highlights the necessity for enhanced digital competence training in teacher education programs and continuous professional development for in-service teachers. Recommendations include embedding digital tools into curricula, providing hands-on training, fostering collaborative cultures, and regularly monitoring competence development. These findings emphasize the importance of preparing teachers to meet the digital demands of modern classrooms.
Are productive capacities cursed? Evidence on the income from natural resources for African economies
Authors: Dongmo Aristophane Djeufack , Mignamissi Dieudonné , Tebeng Eric Xaverie Possi , TCHINDA Ulrich KEMBENG , Nyamou Jose Claude Mokompea 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Over the past few decades, numerous studies have emerged on questions of natural resources. Despite this abundant literature and the importance of productive capacities for sustainable development, there is almost no study on the effect of natural resources on productive capacity. In order to fill this gap, this study analyzes the effects of natural resources on the productive capacities of African countries. Using data from 42 African countries over the period 2000–2018, we show that natural resources have on average a negative effect on the productive capacities of African countries. By distinguishing between different natural resources, we see that the effect is more amplified on diffuse resources. Our results also show that there is a U-shaped relationship between natural resources and productive capacities. Nevertheless, we note that the threshold from which natural resources improve productive capacities is included in the interval [33.90–43.85]. We therefore recommend that the leaders of African countries establish institutional mechanisms to ensure effective management of revenues drawn from natural resources and allocated to productive capacities. This involves strengthening the institutional sphere that guarantees political stability.
JEL classification: O40, O55, O43.
Biomass production of the red macroalga Gracilariopsis tenuifrons (Gracilariales) using a low-cost commercial fertilizer and its additional benefits for carbon sequestration
Authors: Peixoto Mariana Ernani Otero , Chow Fungyi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Gracilariaceae species are economically good options for aquaculture in Brazil. High-quality seedlings produced by vegetative reproduction is necessary to decrease pressure on natural beds and can be achieved in controlled environments. Commercial fertilizers are a low-cost option to increase quality and growth. Furthermore, CO2 sequestration can be an added value to cultivation. This study aimed to analyze the biomass production and CO2 sequestration of Gracilariopsis tenuifrons (C.J.Bird & E.C.Oliveira) Fredericq & Hommersand under two concentrations of a low-cost commercial fertilizer. Growth, pigment content, proportion of dry biomass, C, H, and N contents, and CO2 sequestration were estimated. Gracilariopsis tenuifrons were kept for 28 days under two concentrations of the commercial orchid fertilizer Forth 30-10-10 (NPK), one with 250 µM of N (called 50%) and the other with 500 µM of N (called 100%). No significant differences were found in growth and growth rate between 50% and 100%, with maximal 4.4-times biomass at the end of the experiment. Significant increases were found in the concentrations of phycobiliproteins and N, which were 33% and 20% higher in the samples with Forth 100%, respectively. The C content was higher in the Forth 50% samples, with a CO2 fixation of 14.8% per unit of fresh mass. Gracilariopsis tenuifrons showed a CO2 sequestration rate equivalent to that of other macroalgae species, demonstrating its potential in culture. In addition, greater biomass production and CO2 capture could be stimulated by combining the addition of nutrients with higher luminosity to increase the rate of photosynthesis and growth.
Research on Robust Optimization of Double-Uncertain Multimodal Transport Route under Carbon Market
Authors: Deng Mingjun , Yang Lingwei , Dai Yuzhen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Taking the carbon market as the research background, considering the effect of the schedule and the time limit of receiving goods, aiming at the optimization problem of multimodal transport route with uncertain carbon price and demand, and using robust optimization to deal with the unknown probability distribution function of carbon price and demand, a robust optimization model of double uncertain multimodal transport path is constructed, and the effectiveness and rationality of the model are verified by examples and genetic algorithms, and the results show that: slight fluctuations in carbon price and demand will inevitably lead to changes in the optimal path. In order to resist operational risks caused by uncertain parameters and maintain the stability of the transportation system, operators prefer to choose high-cost and low-carbon transportation solutions. Multimodal transport operators can reasonably regulate robust level parameters according to their own conditions, improve their resilience to parameter fluctuations, improve operational efficiency, and respond to low-carbon transportation.
Identification of Cercospora species associated with the late cycle disease complex of soybean in Brazil
Authors: Fernandes Antônia Finkler Dias , Stilgenbauer Sarah , Stammler Gerd , Brahm Lutz , von Tiedemann Andreas 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Diseases of soybean caused by Cercospora spp. are endemic globally throughout the soybean production regions and are part of the late cycle disease complex. Research into the genus Cercospora in soybean has historically been underrepresented in terms of species diversity due to a dependence of differentiation on morphological characteristics, symptomology, and host associations. Previous studies indicated two species, C. kikuchii and C. sojina, to be infective on soybeans. However, recent research, including molecular analytical methods, shows that a broader range of species can be associated with the disease. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the predominant species of Cercospora associated with the late cycle disease complex in soybean in Brazil and investigate the pathogenicity of the identified species in greenhouse experiments. For this purpose, 43 isolates of Cercospora spp. from Brazil were analyzed using a multi-locus phylogenetic approach with five different loci from the gDNA. Furthermore, cloning was performed on 11 leaf samples, to correctly identify the species present. Of the 43 isolates, 41 were identified as Cercospora sp. Q, one as C. kikuchii and one as C. cf. sigesbeckiae. In all the 11 cloned leaf samples, C. sp. Q was the predominant species. However, C. kikuchii, C. cf. flagellaris, C. cf. nicotianae and C. sp. P were also detected in many samples, although at much lower frequencies. Furthermore, infection of soybean plants under greenhouse conditions was achieved for the predominant species (C. sp. Q). This study proofs the pathogenicity of Cercospora sp. Q on soybeans, shows that C. sp. Q is suggest to be the most frequent species of Cercospora infecting soybean in Brazil and confirms that the late cycle disease complex can involve more than one species of Cercospora simultaneously. However, further studies are required to identify and establish improved markers for the molecular differentiation between Cercospora species.
Structural, Electrical, and Optical Responses in Hybrid Perovskite Semiconductors: The Influence of Symmetry in Central Molecule Interactions
Authors: Karimi Majid 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Hybrid organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites (HOIPs) have recently attracted ever-increasing attention due to their usefulness in optoelectronic devices such as highly efficient solar cells. In this work, a first-principles theoretical study is performed to investigate the effect of the replacement of inorganic cesium cations by organic methylammonium and formamidinium cations on the structural, electrical, and optical properties of HOIPs. We showed that these replacements profoundly affect the cation-cation (Cs+, MA+, FA+- Pb2+) and cation-anion (Cs+, MA+, FA+- I-, Br-, Cl-) interactions in the structure of HOIPs. It was found that the symmetry/asymmetry of the distribution of central cation interactions influences the band structure (considering spin-orbit coupling), electron density, dielectric function, and optical absorption spectrum. Finally, it can be said that due to specific disorders in the distribution of interactions and subsequently the creation of specific energy levels, HOIPs have higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) in solar cells than pure inorganic perovskites.
Foliar application of Streptomyces sp. DLS2013 induces transcriptional changes on tomato plants and confers resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato.
Authors: Cassanelli Stefano , Bellameche Fares , Caradonia Federica , Cortiello Marina , Perez Set , Giovanardi Davide 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The genus Streptomyces (phylum Actinomycetota) is known to contain strains that are very prospective biocontrol agents, but limited research focused on their ability to enhance plant defence after foliar treatments, thus posing technical limits to their potential use. In this study, the Streptomyces sp. DLS2013 was able to epiphytically colonise tomato leaves under controlled conditions. Following plant colonisation by DLS2013, RNA-Seq analysis was conducted on tomato leaves for up to 24 hours after treatment to investigate possible changes in the transcriptome and to identify new putative marker genes associated with enhanced plant disease resistance. RNA-Seq data suggested that a DLS2013 treatment triggers plant defence by upregulating, in a time course manner, defence pathways dependent on either salicylic and jasmonic acids, and promoting the synthesis of antimicrobial metabolites, like polyamines (i.e., putrescine and spermidine) and phenolic compounds (i.e., stilbenoids and phenylpropanoids). Conversely, the downregulation of genes involved in photosynthesis metabolic pathways was highlighted, as a “compensation-marker” for the triggered defence response. Additionally, the ability of DLS2013 to elicit resistance in tomato against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomatowas investigated by assessing the transcription kinetics of six genes associated with distinct defence response pathways, highlighting the key role of PR-1 and JAZ 25 repressor in the tomato resistance to bacterial speck. Finally, our results propose JAZ 25 gene as additional benchmark for defence priming.
RETRACTED: Hybrid Firefly-Swarm Optimized Fractional Order Adaptive Interval Type-2 Fuzzy PID-based HSAPF for PQ Enrichment
Authors: Nanda Pradip Kumar , Mahakud Jeevan Jyoti , Das Kunal Kumar , Kamilla Sushanta Kumar , Mishra Alok Kumar 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Mass Transfer Rates in the Rotating Sieved Disc Extractor by Integrating of Extraction and Stripping of Zinc Ions from Chloride Solution
Authors: Asadollahzadeh Mehdi , Torkaman Rezvan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Mass transfer is a crucial part of the management procedure in the solvent extraction processes, and
the coefficients of mass transfer study assess the high efficiency. Therefore, the rate of mass transfer for the extraction and recovery of zinc ions from the chloride solution in the rotating sieved disc extractor was investigated under the influences of various factors. The variations showed that mass transfer in the aqueous or organic side-phases depends on the type of column hydrodynamics in the extraction and stripping section. The removal of the desired species between the two phases is achieved when the hydrodynamic conditions have the appropriate accompaniment in the rate of mass transfer. The increase of mixing in the column and approaching the rigid conditions for more droplets is accompanied by a diminishing in mass transfer. Still, hydrodynamics makes the column performance even higher in these conditions. Also, the reaction behavior affects the rate of mass transfer and changes in coefficients, which was identified by examining the behavior of the system with physical systems. Finally, new correlations for mass transfer for the droplet phase and the aqueous phase based on the operating conditions of the column were presented to determine and optimize the column evaluation with the standard reaction system (zinc extraction with D2EHPA extractant).
Nanofiltration Membrane Performance in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems: Modeling Permeate Concentration with Diverse Pre-Treatment Configurations
Authors: Hasby Ahmad Rijani , Saptomo Satyanto Krido , Hastuti Yuni Puji , Astuti Ariani Dwi , Setiawan Budi Indra , Kurniawan Allen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The nanofiltration (NF) membrane technology implemented in the recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) suffers from fouling issues, which cause a decrease in the flux value and performance of the NF membrane. Fouling can be reduced by incorporating pre-treatment units such as the multimedia filter unit (MMF) and activated carbon filter (CF). Therefore, this research aims to minimize fouling and maintain optimal membrane flux and performance by integrating pre-treatment units such as MMF and CF, as well as conducting detailed flux modeling. The models simulate transport phenomena within the NF membrane system, emphasizing the impact of concentration polarization and fouling on flux and overall performance across various pre-treatment configurations under non-steady state conditions. Configuration of MMF-CF-NF (V1) demonstrated the highest overall efficiency in reducing ammonia concentration by 97.5%, nitrite by 100%, and 100% by TSS. Furthermore, the values of the solvent transport coefficient (Aw), the solute transport coefficient (Bs), and the contaminant accumulation volume (X) varied for each configuration due to different treatments, leading to varying membrane workloads. Validation and statistical analysis of the permeate concentration model demonstrated that the developed model has a strong capability to accurately describe and predict the filtration process using the NF membrane, with Bs contributing most significantly to influencing the concentration permeate NF.
Strength Enhancement and Microstructural Analysis of Silty Sand Mixed With Biopolymer and Eggshell Powder.
Authors: Kalita Ajanta , Gida Ajuk 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly soil stabilization methods has led to exploring techniques that minimize ecological impact while optimizing engineering properties. Traditional stabilizers like cement and lime, though effective, have significant environmental drawbacks, including high carbon footprint, vegetation disruption, and health risks to workers. This study investigates the efficiency of biopolymer and eggshell powder, as a soil stabilizer, parameters, such as compaction characteristics, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), California bearing ratio (CBR), and micro-structural analysis, were assessed. The research evaluates soil samples treated with varying concentrations of biopolymer (1%, 2%, and 3%) and eggshell powder (4%, 6%, and 8%). Results indicated that biopolymer addition slightly decreased the maximum dry density (MDD) and increased the optimum moisture content (OMC), while eggshell powder slightly increased both MDD and OMC. The optimal mix, S+1%XG+6%ESP, enhanced UCS by 131.29% and CBR by 145.48%. Scanning electron microscope revealed that treated soil samples transformed into a hard solid matrix, demonstrating improved stability. EDX analysis revealed the mineralogical composition of the mixes. Overall, the use of biopolymer and eggshell powder not only enhances soil strength but also promotes environmental sustainability.
Ciprofloxacin induced Guillain- Barre Syndrome, Posterior reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome, Hepatotoxicity, and Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion, A Case Report.
Authors: Zammar Khaled , Al-Emadi Alghalya , Safan Abeer , Mesraoua Bolenouar , Melikyan Gayane 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We present a case of a 51-year-old lady presenting with abdominal pain and generalized weakness with working diagnoses of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), hepatotoxicity and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) following a short course treatment with ciprofloxacin for urinary tract infection. Although PRES and SIADH have been reported in relation with GBS but, hepatotoxicity was never linked to GBS in the literature. Despite the fact, each of these entities has been described in the literature is an attributable adverse effect of ciprofloxacin. However, this case, to the best of our knowledge, is the first to combine all these entities following its use.
Comparison of backscattered and transmitted gamma rays spectra for prediction of volume fraction of three-phase flows using machine learning model
Authors: rad Seyedeh Zahra Islami , Peyvandi Reza Gholipour 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Estimation of volume fraction percentage of the multiple phases flowing in pipes with limited access is a challenge in oil, gas, chemical processes, and petrochemical industries. In this research, the gamma backscattered spectra together with the machine learning model were used to predict precise volume fraction percentages in water-gasoil-air three-phase flows and solve the aforementioned challenge. The detection system includes a single energy 137Cs source and a NaI(Tl) detector to measure the backscattered rays. The MCNPX code was used to simulate the setup and produce the required data for the artificial neural network. The volume fraction was calculated with mean relative error percentage 13.60% and the root mean square error 2.68, respectively. Then, the results were compared with the acquired results of transmitted gamma-ray spectra. The proposed design is a suitable, safe, and low-cost choice for industries.