Areas Of Science Research Articles

SEMI GROUP IDENTITIES WITH APPLICATIONS TO SEMI GROUPS

This research paper explores the rich and intriguing world of semi-group identities, their properties, and their applications to various types of semi-groups. Semi-groups are algebraic structures that generalize the notion of groups, allowing for non-invertible elements. Despite their broader scope, semi-groups retain many important features found in group theory. This study investigates the identities that hold true in the context of semi-group algebra and sheds light on the underlying mathematical structures and relationships among these identities. By delving into specific applications, we illustrate the significance of these findings to various types of semi-groups, such as monoids, semigroups with zero, and cancellative semi-groups. Ultimately, our results not only deepen our understanding of the fundamental properties of semi-groups. But also provide valuable insights for researchers in the areas of algebraic structures, combinatorics, and theoretical computer science.

Lipazy roślinne – struktura molekularna, rola w ontogenezie oraz potencjał biotechnologiczny

Lipases are enzymes commonly found in microorganisms, fungi, plants and animals. Their main function in cell metabolism is the hydrolysis (lipolysis) of ester bonds between fatty acids and glycerol in mono-, di- and triacylglycerols. In plants, lipases play an important role in ontogeny, participating in both vegetative development and generative stages. These enzymes may also be a component of plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Based on the similarity of the amino acid sequence and vacuolar localization of some plant lipases to yeast Atg15, we present a hypothesis about the participation of lipases in autophagy (precisely, in the degradation of the autophagic body) in plants. Despite the narrow substrate specificity and the type of reactions catalysed in cells, lipases find numerous biotechnological applications. The physicochemical features of lipases, which determine, for example, wide substrate specificity in vitro or high stability in a wide range of pH and temperature, make these enzymes the subject of applied research, and plant lipases show an increasing potential in this area of science and industry.

Benchmarking Bayesian quantum estimation

Abstract The quest for precision in parameter estimation is a fundamental task in different scientific areas. The relevance of this problem thus provided the motivation to develop methods for the application of quantum resources to estimation protocols. Within this context, Bayesian estimation offers a complete framework for optimal quantum metrology techniques, such as adaptive protocols. However, the use of the Bayesian approach requires extensive computational resources, especially in the multiparameter estimations that represent the typical operational scenario for quantum sensors. Hence, the requirement to characterize protocols implementing Bayesian estimations can become a significant challenge. This work focuses on the crucial task of robustly benchmarking the performances of these protocols in both single and multiple-parameter scenarios. By comparing different figures of merits, evidence is provided in favor of using the median of the quadratic error in the estimations in order to mitigate spurious effects due to the numerical discretization of the parameter space, the presence of limited data, and numerical instabilities. These results, providing a robust and reliable characterization of Bayesian protocols, find natural applications to practical problems within the quantum estimation framework.

What do you think caused your ALS? An analysis of the CDC national amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient registry qualitative risk factor data using artificial intelligence and qualitative methodology

Objective: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an incurable, progressive neurodegenerative disease with a significant health burden and poorly understood etiology. This analysis assessed the narrative responses from 3,061 participants in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National ALS Registry who answered the question, “What do you think caused your ALS?” Methods: Data analysis used qualitative methods and artificial intelligence (AI) using natural language processing (NLP), specifically, Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) to explore responses regarding participants’ perceptions of the cause of their disease. Results: Both qualitative and AI analysis methods revealed several, often aligned themes, which pointed to perceived causes including genetic, environmental, and military exposures. However, the qualitative analysis revealed detailed themes and subthemes, providing a more comprehensive understanding of participants’ perceptions. Although there were areas of alignment between AI and qualitative analysis, AI’s broader categories did not capture the nuances discovered using the more traditional, qualitative approach. The qualitative analysis also revealed that the potential causes of ALS were described within narratives that sometimes indicate self-blame and other maladaptive coping mechanisms. Conclusions: This analysis highlights the diverse range of factors that individuals with ALS consider as perceived causes for their disease. Understanding these perceptions can help clinicians to better support people living with ALS (PLWALS). The analysis highlights the benefits of using traditional qualitative methods to supplement or improve upon AI-based approaches. This rapidly evolving area of data science has the potential to remove barriers to accessing the rich narratives of people with lived experience.

Recent Advances in Fractional Calculus

This Special Issue of the scientific journal Axioms, entitled “Recent Advances in Fractional Calculus”, is dedicated to one of the most dynamic areas of mathematical sciences today [...]

Big data in transportation: a systematic literature analysis and topic classification

AbstractThis paper identifies trends in the application of big data in the transport sector and categorizes research work across scientific subfields. The systematic analysis considered literature published between 2012 and 2022. A total of 2671 studies were evaluated from a dataset of 3532 collected papers, and bibliometric techniques were applied to capture the evolution of research interest over the years and identify the most influential studies. The proposed unsupervised classification model defined categories and classified the relevant articles based on their particular scientific interest using representative keywords from the title, abstract, and keywords (referred to as top words). The model’s performance was verified with an accuracy of 91% using Naïve Bayesian and Convolutional Neural Networks approach. The analysis identified eight research topics, with urban transport planning and smart city applications being the dominant categories. This paper contributes to the literature by proposing a methodology for literature analysis, identifying emerging scientific areas, and highlighting potential directions for future research.

Atomic Quantum Technologies for Quantum Matter and Fundamental Physics Applications

Physics is living an era of unprecedented cross-fertilization among the different areas of science. In this perspective review, we discuss the manifold impact that state-of-the-art cold and ultracold-atomic platforms can have in fundamental and applied science through the development of platforms for quantum simulation, computation, metrology and sensing. We illustrate how the engineering of table-top experiments with atom technologies is engendering applications to understand problems in condensed matter and fundamental physics, cosmology and astrophysics, unveil foundational aspects of quantum mechanics, and advance quantum chemistry and the emerging field of quantum biology. In this journey, we take the perspective of two main approaches, i.e., creating quantum analogues and building quantum simulators, highlighting that independently of the ultimate goal of a universal quantum computer to be met, the remarkable transformative effects of these achievements remain unchanged. We wish to convey three main messages. First, this atom-based quantum technology enterprise is signing a new era in the way quantum technologies are used for fundamental science, even beyond the advancement of knowledge, which is characterised by truly cross-disciplinary research, extended interplay between theoretical and experimental thinking, and intersectoral approach. Second, quantum many-body physics is unavoidably taking center stage in frontier’s science. Third, quantum science and technology progress will have capillary impact on society, meaning this effect is not confined to isolated or highly specialized areas of knowledge, but is expected to reach and have a pervasive influence on a broad range of society aspects: while this happens, the adoption of a responsible research and innovation approach to quantum technologies is mandatory, to accompany citizens in building awareness and future scaffolding. Following on all the above reflections, this perspective review is thus aimed at scientists active or interested in interdisciplinary research, providing the reader with an overview of the current status of these wide fields of research where cold and ultracold-atomic platforms play a vital role in their description and simulation.

Influence of the probiotic preparation immunofloor on the immune status of broiler chickens

In conditions of intensification of the livestock industry, to combat infectious pathology, antimicrobial drugs are most often, and in some cases haphazardly, used, which accumulate in raw materials and food products and contribute to environmental pollution. Antibiotics have a detrimental and pathogenic effect on the normal microflora of the gastrointestinal tract of animals and poultry. Against this background, dysbiosis is observed, leading to metabolic disorders, decreased digestibility of essential feed nutrients, and the development of immunological deficiency. One of the leading areas of agricultural science and practice is developing and introducing drugs and feed additives that are an alternative to antibiotics into livestock farming. Probiotics have a unique role in solving this problem. Probiotic preparations ’ therapeutic and prophylactic properties are based on maintaining normal flora at a physiologically necessary level, reducing diarrhea in animals, and improving digestion processes. Probiotics have thefunctions of improving metabolic processes, immunostimulating activity, adaptogenic effects, increasing all types of productivity offarm animals and poultry, and improving the quality of livestock products. Introducing probiotic preparations into poultry and livestockfarming requiresfurther study of their biological properties and immunostimulating activity. The influence of the probiotic drug Immunoflor on the state of natural resistance factors in poultry was studied. Four groups of day-old broiler chickens of the Arbor Acres cross were formed: a control group and three experimental groups. In addition to the main diet, the birds of the experimental groups received Immunoflor in amounts of 0.5, 0.7, and 1.0 kg/t of feed. It was established that the inclusion of aprobiotic drug in the diet of broilers contributed to the strengthening of humoral factors of natural resistance due to an increase in the lysozyme and bactericidal activity of blood serum by 10.5 - 17.2 and 8.5 - 12.1% by the end of cultivation. The phagocytic properties of chicken blood leukocytes have also improved. Under the influence of Immunoflor, an increase in the mass of immunocompetent organs was observed in 42-day-old broiler chickens. The maximum indicators of poultry population safety were established in the experimental groups.

A competência em informação no enfrentamento ao plágio no ambiente acadêmico

This article discusses information literacy in the face of plagiarism in academia. It reflects on the causes of plagiarism, such as the little incentive for students to produce authorial content and the absence of institutional policies that guide such productions. As a response to this context, the article suggests an education for authorship based on information literacy. Information literacy, among others, promotes a healthy relationship between people and the information universe. Thus, the objective is to discuss how promoting information literacy contributes to combating academic plagiarism and establishing authorship. The method involves bibliographical research in databases in the area of Information Science and argumentative construction in which the concepts of plagiarism and information literacy are related. The results include a demonstrative guide on how information literacy can be used in the production of academic work and guidelines for teachers to recognize and avoid plagiarism. The work concludes that the skills generated within the relationship between individuals and information can benefit the construction of authorship and be an effective element in combating plagiarism.

Properties of films and coatings added of tocopherol for food packaging: tool-based review for systematic reviews and bibliometric analysis

PurposeThe aim was not to perform a systematic review but firstly to search in PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science databases on the papers published in the last five years using tools for reviewing the statement of preferred information item for systematic reviews without focusing on a randomized analysis and secondly to perform a bibliometric analysis on the properties of films and coatings added of tocopherol for food packaging.Design/methodology/approachOn January 24, 2022, information was sought on the properties of films and coatings added of tocopherol for use as food packaging published in PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Further analysis was performed using bibliometric indicators with the VOSviewer tool.FindingsThe searches returned 33 studies concerning the properties of films and coatings added of tocopherol for food packaging, which were analyzed together for a better understanding of the results. Data analysis using the VOSviewer tool allowed a better visualization and exploration of these words and the development of maps that showed the main links between the publications.Originality/valueIn the area of food science and technology, the development of polymers capable of promoting the extension of the shelf life of food products is sought, so the knowledge of the properties is vital for this research area since combining a biodegradable polymeric material with a natural antioxidant active is of great interest for modern society since they associate environmental preservation with food preservation.

Conditions of the family environment conducive to children's life success in the opinions of war refugees from Ukraine

Life success is an essential area of social sciences and humanities research. The article's main goal is to present the factors of the family environment that contribute to children's success in life, in the opinion of surveyed war refugees from Ukraine. Additionally, information was presented on how war refugees from Ukraine understand life success. The concepts of success and life success were explained. The reasons for the arrival of war refugees from Ukraine to Poland were presented. Global, international, national and local aid is described. Based on the research results, it was found that in the process of educating children to succeed in life, the most critical factors are supporting the child’s self-confidence, frequent displays of parental love and developing planning skills (setting goals). The surveyed people most often understood success in life as: having a happy family, being happy and healthy. The situation of armed conflict, which is the reason for the arrival of war refugees from Ukraine to Poland, makes family life difficult for these refugees. Conducting scientific research in such a specific situation has, in addition to its descriptive nature, also a cognitive value. It allows you to learn about parents' opinions about their children’s success in life.

299 Building and maintaining an engaged undergraduate equine research team

Abstract An objective of the equine science program at Penn State is to provide the training and knowledge students need to solve problems in their lives and careers. The Equine Research Team at Penn State (PSERT) is a novel approach to meeting this objective, inspired by Dr. Max Kleiber’s “Tracer Team”, a group of faculty and graduate students that successfully studied kinetics of phosphorus and calcium metabolism in dairy cows at the University of California, Davis in the 1950s and 60s. The team allows us to address several objectives that are not easily approached using more traditional teaching environments found in the classroom or laboratory. These include 1) satisfying the demand for research experience from a large number of students, who come to research with an enormous range of ability and enthusiasm, 2) providing the hand on practice utilizing the scientific method to solve problems in the equine industry, 3) building a sense of personal responsibility and simultaneously cooperation by approaching research as a team, 4) creating an environment of academic and creative achievement outside the traditional grading system, and 5) blurring the lines that traditionally separate academic and social life at a university to create an environment much closer to what students will experience as graduates. In spring 2008, 10 undergraduate students sought formal research experience opportunities in the area of equine science. Students were organized into a team that met biweekly. Project leaders registered for independent study course credits and conducted 3 research studies in yr 1, while the rest of the team participated as volunteers. Fourteen years later, the team is still an important student organization with between 40 to 60 members on an annual basis. Over the years, the team has traveled to universities and important equine industry locations throughout the United States. Members have conceived, conducted, analyzed and presented research studies on a wide range of topics within the sphere of equine science. The team has two faculty advisors, an executive committee analogous to most student organizations, a group of research project leaders, and approximately 60 dues paying student members. The biweekly meeting is organized and led by the executive committee and generally contains the following components: update of activities, seminar provided by an outside speaker from industry or academia who has expertise in the area of equine research, presentation by one of the research project leaders, and group discussion of the project, planning of future research projects. This Equine Research Team has been and continues to be a model that can be utilized by others to successfully facilitate undergraduate student engagement in research.

A supervised weeding method to cluster high dimensional predictors with application to job market analysis

The clustering of high-dimensional predictors draws increasing attention in various scientific areas, such as text mining and biological data analysis. In standard clustering procedures, when predictors are clustered, they only showcase the inherent patterns within the predictor set, lacking the capacity to predict the response variable. To this end, a new supervised weeding algorithm is advocated to address the dual requirement of detecting sparse clusters and capturing the prediction effects. The proposed algorithm is based on an iterative feature screening and coherence evaluation procedure. It iteratively weeds off the unimportant predictors in a backward fashion, forming sequences of nested sets to determine data-driven optimal cut-offs. This study uses Monte Carlo simulation to assess the finite-sample performance of the proposed method. The findings demonstrate that both the clustering and prediction performance of the proposed method are comparable to existing methods that concentrate solely on one aspect of the dual targets. An analysis of a job description dataset is conducted to explore significant groups of keywords that affect employees' salaries.

A green analytical method for the simultaneous determination of 17 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in human serum and semen by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPCL-MS/MS)

The ubiquity of perfluoroalkyl substances has raised concerns about the unintended consequences of PFAS exposure on human health. In the present study, an eco-friendly ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 17 PFAS in human serum and semen samples. QuEChERS salts MgSO4:NaCl 4:1 (w/w) were used for the extraction. The separation of analytes was performed on an ACQUITY BEH C18 column (100 ×2.1mm, 1.7 μm), using water:methanol 95:5 and methanol as mobile phases A and B, respectively, both containing 2mM ammonium acetate. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in negative ion mode was used, selecting two transitions for each analyte, except for perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS). The analytical method was validated according to the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Sciences guidelines and AGREE approach software was used to evaluate the greenness of the method. The developed procedure was applied to the analysis of 10 paired human serum and semen samples, proving the suitability in high throughput laboratories due to the easy preparation and the reduced volume of toxic solvents. Moreover, it allows to perform further investigation on the correlation between serum and semen PFAS concentration, focusing on male reproductive system correlated pathologies, such as male infertility.

Bibliometric Mapping of Trends of Project-Based Learning with Augmented Reality on Communication Ability of Children with Special Needs (Autism)

This study aims to analyze the use of project-based learning with augmented reality (AR) on the communication skills of autistic children through systematic literature review and theoretical bibliometric analysis of research on autistic children's communication skills sourced from Scopus from 2013 to 2022. The research method is a systematic literature review with analysis theory and bibliometric analysis with VOSviewer and RStudio applications. This research was conducted in several stages, namely determining i) research questions; ii) inclusion and exclusion criteria; iii) quality assessment; iv) data collection; and v) bibliometric analysis. The results of this study note that research on the communication skills of autistic children is still a research trend that is of great interest to researchers with an increase in research occurring from 2015 to 2022. Countries from the Americas and Asia have contributed the most to research on the communication skills of autistic children. The subject areas of psychology and social science are the subject areas with the most contributions, namely 22% each of the 165 articles found. There is a relationship between the term project (P), communication skills (CS), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This relationship is shown by the link strength P→CS is 2 and the link strength CS→ASD is 4. The characteristic requirements for autistic children for project-based learning with AR are middle class autistic children. The characteristics possessed by project-based learning can help in training the level of communication skills of autistic children and it would be better if assisted with the use of AR.

Carbon nanotubes: properties, synthesis and applications

Carbon nanotubes (NTCs) represent one of the most intriguing and promising structures in the field of nanotechnology and materials science. Discovered in the 1990s, these hollow graphitic carbon cylinders possess unique mechanical, electrical, thermal, and chemical properties that make them suitable for a wide range of applications. Since their discovery, NTCs have revolutionized nu-merous fields, including electronics, medicine, materials engineering, and energy. The importance of NTCs lies not only in their exceptional properties but also in their potential to drive future tech-nological innovations. This monograph focuses on exploring the multifaceted nature of carbon nanotubes, covering their discovery, unique properties, synthesis methods, functionalization, ap-plications, and current challenges. The main objective is to provide an in-depth understanding of NTCs and highlight their transformative impact in various scientific and technological areas.

Enhancing Science Vocabulary and Content Knowledge of Thai EFL students through Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and English Science Textbooks Word Lists (ESTWL)

The development of subject-specific word lists to assist EFL learners is becoming popular, as is the utilization of CLIL to teach English in academic areas of science. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of the instruction of English Science Textbooks Word Lists (ESTWL) and the CLIL approach on the Science Vocabulary Knowledge and Science Content Knowledge of Thai EFL students. A mixed-methods research design was employed to gather both quantitative and qualitative data using ESTWL-CLIL lesson plans, a Science Vocabulary Knowledge test, and a Science Content Knowledge test. All research instruments were validated by both content and language experts. The target groups were 3 levels of secondary school students studying at a large secondary school in Bangkok. The research findings were as follows: 1) the mean scores of the students in the three groups increased by a statistical significance of 0.05 for both vocabulary knowledge and science content knowledge after the implementation of the intervention, and 2) the qualitative results indicated that all students perceived the instruction of ESTWL and the CLIL approach to be positive. The study suggested a vocabulary pedagogy for science and language teachers for use in CLIL environments.

Improved stochastic fractal search algorithm involving design operators for solving parameter extraction problems in real-world engineering optimization problems

The characteristic parameters of renewable energy sources (RESs) are changes over time under changing operating conditions. Therefore, the accuracy of the model is important in order to establish appropriate control and operating plans for the stable operation of such systems. Determining the parameters of RESs and creating an accurate model of them is an inevitable reality and plays an important role in the success of system modeling. Many methods have been used to determine these parameters in the literature. Furthermore, optimization algorithms are now considered to be among the most significant approaches for resolving problems pertaining to system parameter extraction in many scientific areas. In the study, this parameter extraction is done by a new optimization method called stochastic fractal search algorithm (FDB-NSM-SFS-OBLs), which includes natural survivor updating (NSM) and fitness distance balance (FDB) guiding mechanisms, and opposite based learning (OBL) methods. The performance of the proposed FDB-NSM-SFS-OBL algorithm has been tested in two different experimental studies. In the first experimental study, the proposed approach is tested on CEC2020 benchmark test functions and the algorithm structure containing the best OBL approach is determined using nonparametric Wilcoxon and Friedman statistical analysis methods. The second experimental study is carried out with the proposed optimization algorithm to estimate the parameters of the photovoltaic cell used in the modeling, which is the building block of photovoltaic panels used in renewable energy systems, proton-exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) that is another renewable energy source, and Li-Ion battery used as a backup power unit. The FDB-NSM-SFS-OBL algorithm, which is used both in the CEC2020 benchmark test functions and in determining the parameters of photovoltaic (PV) cells, PEMFC and Li-Ion batteries, performed better in searching and finding the global solution point during the optimization process.

From the Journal Editor

Haere mai! Welcome to volume 1, edition 1 of the New Zealand Journal of Health and Safety Practice! The Journal is open access and online and subscriptions are free. Although published in New Zealand we hope it will be read by workers everywhere who work in the field of health, safety and wellbeing. This edition is published at the time of International Workers' Memorial Day and the 29th anniversary of the New Zealand Cave Creek tragedy. I hope the Journal will grow to share practical, research-based knowledge that will help every worker (and visitors to workplaces) to go home physically and mentally unharmed. Much work went into the development of the Journal and I thank: the authors who spent time writing and revising the articles our anonymous reviewers who spent their time reading the submissions and making comments: you have helped set the standard for the Journal. Nik Crombie and Max Sullivan in the Victoria University of Wellington Library who helped with the backroom work and technology making the Journal free to publish. The editorial team also thanks HASANZ, Engineering New Zealand, Faculty of Asbestos Management of Australia & New Zealand, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of New Zealand, Institute of Organisational Psychology, New Zealand Institute of Safety Management, New Zealand Occupational Health Nurses Association, New Zealand Occupational Hygiene Society, New Zealand Safety Council, AVID Plus Limited and Risk Management Ltd for financial and other support to help establish the Journal. Terje Aven, a Norwegian academic, wrote that “safety science is multidisciplinary. Its contributors and its audience range from psychologists to chemical engineers”; that safety science “covers the physics and engineering of safety; its social, policy and organisational aspects; the management of risks; the effectiveness of control techniques for safety; standardization, legislation, inspection, insurance, costing aspects, human behaviour and safety and the like.” The founding organisations of NZJHSP are similarly drawn from those disciplines. A call for papers for the July 2024 edition will go out shortly. I look forward to submissions for future editions of this Journal those focused on the practice of workplace health and safety through implementing the broad subject area of safety science to help protect workers and others and achieve good work conditions. References  Aven, T. (2014). What is safety science? Safety Science, 67, 15-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2013.07.026

Evolution of hotspots and research trends in agricultural mulch film research: a bibliometric review

Agricultural mulch film (AMF) can increase the soil temperature, reduce the evaporation of water and soil erosion, control the number of weeds and pests, and improve the yield and quality of crops. However, the environmental pollution caused by AMF residues is becoming serious and has attracted increasing amounts of research. Research on AMF is a complex subject with diverse content and rich perspectives. Currently, there have been few systematic reviews of the use of AMF. To comprehensively and deeply understand the current status, hotspots, and trends of research on AMF, this paper conducted a bibliometric analysis of AMF literature from 1960 to 2022. Results are as follows: the overall publication volume in the field of AMF has increased 1960 to 2022. The top three countries contributing to publication volume include China, United States (US) and India, which are also the main collaborating nations. Notably, cooperation between China and US is the most frequent, and a cluster constituted by European nations serve as a primary collaborator for other countries. Owing to the introduction and development of the concept of degradable plastics, the field entered a period of rapid growth after 1970 and has primarily focused on continuous development in the areas of horticulture and environmental science. Current research on AMF primarily aims to: 1) develop applications that are aimed at enhancing the yield and quality of crops, and 2) improve the materials used to produce AMF to reduce its environmental impact. The persistent hotspots of research in AMF revolve around modifying the soil microclimate, promoting crop growth and development, and increasing crop yields. Frontier AMF research includes: exploring crop quality enhancement mechanisms, developing low-cost biodegradable film technologies and their natural degradation effects, and investigating AMF’s impact on soil nitrous oxide emissions and associated mechanisms.