Potential Impact Research Articles

Artificial Intelligence and future of higher education

Many engaged in the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) see education as a potential market for sales. They predict that AI will transform teaching, learning and assessment. In describing just how this will occur, AI advocates suggest a combination of individualized learning, adaptive and engaged assessment, and personal support for the learners' journey will be the hallmarks of the new reality for education. Harsh reality suggests something different. Using a simple framework of the potential impact of AI tools and the burden they require; a more incremental adoption is likely. This paper presents both the transformation framework and the more likely incremental approach as the choice for instructors, administrators, and policymakers.

Salinity as a key factor affecting viral activity and life strategies in alpine lakes

AbstractViruses are major players in the biosphere, yet little is known about their dynamics and life strategies in alpine lakes, particularly those on the Tibetan Plateau. We investigated microbial abundance, viral dynamics, and viral life strategies in 10 high‐altitude Tibetan lakes and found that they harbor high levels of active viruses. Salinity was identified as a crucial factor influencing viral abundance, dynamics, as well as viral life strategies. Lytic and lysogenic viral productions in moderate‐ and high‐salinity lakes were significantly higher than those in freshwater lakes. A trade‐off between viral life strategies resulted in a switch from lysis to lysogeny in high‐salinity lakes. Virus‐mediated cell lysis and virus decay in sampled Tibetan lakes could release about 162.72 and 2.84 μg C L−1 d−1, respectively. These findings revealed the crucial role of viruses in the carbon cycle of Tibetan lakes, and a switch in viral life strategies may impact their contribution to the carbon cycle. The potential impact of salinity changes triggered by climate change on the carbon cycle in alpine lakes worldwide is highlighted.

Advancements in MitraClip Intervention for Mitral Regurgitation: A Comprehensive Review and Comparative Analysis of Clinical Trials.

This comprehensive review explores the evolution and clinical impact of MitraClip intervention in the management of mitral regurgitation. Mitral regurgitation results from dysfunction in the mitral valve (MV) apparatus. The MitraClip Clip Delivery System was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2013. The discussion delves into the procedural foundation of MitraClip intervention, primarily based on Alfieri's technique of edge-to-edge leaflet approximation. As highlighted by key clinical trials, includingEndovascular Valve Edge-to-Edge Repair(EVEREST) II Trial, Cardiovascular Outcomes Assessment of the MitraClip Percutaneous Therapy for Heart Failure Patients with Functional Mitral Regurgitation (COAPT) Trial, and Percutaneous Repair with the MitraClip Device for Severe Functional/Secondary Mitral Regurgitation (MITRA-FR) trial, the efficacy and safety of MitraClip were evaluated in comparison to surgical interventions and guideline-directed medical therapy. Notably, the COAPT demonstrated significant benefits in reducing all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalization, while the MITRA-FR presented contrasting results, emphasizing the importance of patient selection. An analysis of the EVEREST II trial underscores MitraClip's potential to achieve comparable outcomes to surgical intervention, emphasizing its role in reducing mitral regurgitation and improving clinical status. However, limitations and complications, such as device-related issues and the potential impact on future MV surgery, are discussed. The study also explores the evolving landscape of MV interventions, reflecting advancements and the growing acceptance of MitraClip. In conclusion, the MitraClip device represents a significant advancement in the treatment of mitral regurgitation. The data presented highlights its promising results in terms of reduced hospitalization rates, improved in-hospital mortality, and enhanced quality of life for patients. However, challenges remain, and careful consideration of patient selection and underlying pathology is crucial in determining the optimal treatment approach. Ongoing research and clinical experience will continue to refine our understanding of MitraClip's role in the evolving landscape of MV interventions.

The contribution and therapeutic implications of IGHMBP2 mutations on IGHMBP2 biochemical activity and ABT1 association

Mutations within immunoglobulin mu DNA binding protein (IGHMBP2), an RNA-DNA helicase, result in SMA with respiratory distress type I (SMARD1) and Charcot Marie Tooth type 2S (CMT2S). The underlying biochemical mechanism of IGHMBP2 is unknown as well as the functional significance of IGHMBP2 mutations in disease severity. Here we report the biochemical mechanisms of IGHMBP2 disease-causing mutations D565N and H924Y, and their potential impact on therapeutic strategies. The IGHMBP2-D565N mutation has been identified in SMARD1 patients, while the IGHMBP2-H924Y mutation has been identified in CMT2S patients. For the first time, we demonstrate a correlation between the altered IGHMBP2 biochemical activity associated with the D565N and H924Y mutations and disease severity and pathology in patients and our Ighmbp2 mouse models. We show that IGHMBP2 mutations that alter the association with activator of basal transcription (ABT1) impact the ATPase and helicase activities of IGHMBP2 and the association with the 47S pre-rRNA 5′ external transcribed spacer. We demonstrate that the D565N mutation impairs IGHMBP2 ATPase and helicase activities consistent with disease pathology. The H924Y mutation alters IGHMBP2 activity to a lesser extent while maintaining association with ABT1. In the context of the compound heterozygous patient, we demonstrate that the total biochemical activity associated with IGHMBP2-D565N and IGHMBP2-H924Y proteins is improved over IGHMBP2-D565N alone. Importantly, we demonstrate that the efficacy of therapeutic applications may vary based on the underlying IGHMBP2 mutations and the relative biochemical activity of the mutant IGHMBP2 protein.

Conjugated linoleic acid from Suaeda salsa improves the intestinal health in T2DM mice by regulating colonic barrier function, intestinal glycolipid transporters and intestinal flora

Metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes are increasing rapidly, leading to adverse effects on patients’ intestinal function and health. In this study, high-purity conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was extracted using glycerol from Suaeda salsa, followed by purification using simulated moving bed chromatography technique. Subsequently, type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) mice were administered c9,t11-CLA (100 mg/kg), t10,c12-CLA (100 mg/kg), or varying doses of high-purity CLA diet (100, 600, or 1800 mg/kg) for a duration of five weeks. The impact on intestinal function was evaluated through morphological and tissue function studies combined with 16S rDNA sequencing technology and other techniques. The results demonstrated that the CLA was purified to 97.81% and significantly reduced blood glucose and lipid levels in T2DM mice by inhibiting the expression of small intestinal glucose and lipid transporters; enhanced colon barrier function by upregulating the expression of colon tight junction proteins; activated Jnk-c-Jun pathway to suppress intestinal cell apoptosis thereby improving survival rate; improved intestinal microecological health by modulating intestinal flora composition and metabolic function. These findings demonstrate the potential advantageous impact and mechanism of CLA derived from S. salsa in enhancing intestinal health among individuals with T2DM, providing a substantial theoretical and practical foundation for investigating the hypoglycemic effects of CLA and addressing global public health concerns.

The Phase-Dependent Regulation of Lux-Type Genes on the Spoilage Characteristics of Hafnia alvei.

Hafnia alvei, a specific spoilage microorganism, has a strong capacity to destroy food protein and lead to spoilage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phase-dependent regulation of lux-type genes on the spoilage characteristics of H. alvei H4. The auto-inducer synthase gene luxI and a regulatory gene luxR of the quorum sensing systems in H. alvei H4 were knocked out to construct the mutant phenotypes. On this basis, the research found that the luxI and luxR genes had a strong positive influence on not only flagella-dependent swimming ability and biofilm formation but also the production of putrescine and cadaverine. The luxR gene could downregulate putrescine production. The maximum accumulation of putrescine in wild type, ΔluxI, ΔluxR and ΔluxIR were detected at 24 h, reaching up to 695.23 mg/L, 683.02 mg/L, 776.30 mg/L and 724.12 mg/L, respectively. However, the luxI and luxR genes have a potential positive impact on the production of cadaverine. The maximum concentration of cadaverine produced by wild type, ΔluxI, ΔluxR and ΔluxIR were 252.7 mg/L, 194.5 mg/L, 175.1 mg/L and 154.2 mg/L at 72 h. Moreover, the self-organizing map analysis revealed the phase-dependent effects of two genes on spoilage properties. The luxI gene played a major role in the lag phase, while the luxR gene mainly acted in the exponential and stationary phases. Therefore, the paper provides valuable insights into the spoilage mechanisms of H. alvei H4.

Molecular characterization and environmental impact of newly isolated lytic phage SLAM_phiST1N3 in the Cornellvirus genus for biocontrol of a multidrug-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium in the swine industry chain

Salmonella Typhimurium is a highly lethal pathogenic bacterium in weaned piglets, causing significant treatment costs and economic losses in the swine industry. Additionally, due to its ability to induce zoonotic diseases, resulting in harm to humans through the transmission of the pathogen from pork, it presents a serious public health issue. Bacteriophages (phages), viruses that infect specific bacterial strains, have been proposed as an alternative to antibiotics for controlling pathogenic bacteria. In this study, we isolated SLAM_phiST1N3, a phage infecting a multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. Typhimurium wild-type strain isolated from diseased pigs. First, comparative genomics and phylogenetic analysis revealed that SLAM_phiST1N3 belongs to the Cornellvirus genus. Moreover, utilizing a novel classification approach introduced in this study, SLAM_phiST1N3 was classified at the species level. Host range experiments demonstrated that SLAM_phiST1N3 did not infect other pathogenic bacteria or probiotics derived from pigs or other livestock. While complete eradication of Salmonella was not achievable in the liquid inhibition assay, surprisingly, we succeeded in largely eliminating Salmonella in the FIMM analysis, a gut simulation system using weaned piglet feces. Furthermore, using the C. elegans model, we showcased the potential of SLAM_phiST1N3 to prevent S. Typhimurium infection in living organisms. In addition, it was confirmed that bacterial control could be achieved when phage was applied to Salmonella-contaminated pork. pH and temperature stability experiments demonstrated that SLAM_phiST1N3 can endure swine industry processes and digestive conditions. In conclusion, SLAM_phiST1N3 demonstrates potential environmental impact as a substance for Salmonella prevention across various aspects of the swine industry chain.

Patient prioritisation of items to develop the Patient-Reported Impact of Dermatological Diseases measure: A global Delphi study.

The Global Research on the Impact of Dermatological Diseases (GRIDD) project is developing the new Patient-Reported Impact of Dermatological Diseases (PRIDD) measure. PRIDD measures the impact of dermatological conditions on the patient's life. This study aimed to seek consensus from patients on which items to prioritize for inclusion in PRIDD. A modified, two-round Delphi study was conducted. Adults (≥18 years) with dermatological conditions were recruited. The survey consisted of a demographic's questionnaire and 263 potential impact items in six languages. Quantitative data used Likert-type ranking scales and analysed against consensus criteria. Qualitative data collected free text responses for additional feedback and a framework analysis was conducted. 1154 people representing 90 dermatological conditions from 66 countries participated. Items were either removed (n = 79), edited (n = 179) or added (n = 2), based on consensus thresholds and qualitative feedback. Results generated the first draft of PRIDD with 27 items across five impact domains. This Delphi study resulted in the draft version of PRIDD, ready for psychometric testing. The triangulated data helped refine the existing conceptual framework of impact. PRIDD has since been pilot tested with patients and is currently undergoing psychometric testing.

A reviewer-reputation ranking algorithm to identify high-quality papers during the review process

With the exponential growth in the number of academic researchers, it is crucial for editors of scientific journals to identify the highest-quality papers. While several measures exist to evaluate a paper’s impact post-publication, the challenge of determining the potential impact of a manuscript during the review process remains an understudied issue. In this paper, we propose a reviewer-reputation ranking algorithm to identify high-quality papers based on paper citations, where a reviewer’s reputation is computed from the correlation between their past ratings and the current number of citations received by the papers they have evaluated. During the review process, reviewers with high reputation scores are given more weight to determine the quality of papers. We test the algorithm on an artificial network with 200 reviewers and 600 papers, as well as on the American Physical Society (APS) data set, including in the analysis 308,243 papers and 274,154 mutual citations. We compare our approach with two existing methods, demonstrating that our algorithm significantly outperforms the others in identifying manuscripts with the highest quality. Our findings can help improve the impact of scientific journals, thereby contributing to academic and scientific progress.

The Potential Impact of Climate Change on Neural Health and The Development of Neurodegenerative Disorders.

Background: The study explores the impact of climate change on neural health and the development of neurodegenerative disorders, focusing on the rising global temperatures, pollution, and increased incidence of infectious diseases as key contributors to neurological decline. The research highlights the vulnerability of populations, particularly in climate-affected regions like the Maldives. It examines the correlation between environmental stressors and the prevalence of conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Methods and Materials: Utilizing a comprehensive review of current scientific literature from sources like PubMed and Hindawi, the study integrates findings from articles, case studies, and clinical trials published within the last five years. Keywords including "neurodegenerative diseases," "climate change," "neuroplasticity," and "omega-3- fatty acids" guided the literature search, aiming to uncover novel insights into the pathogenesis and potential mitigative strategies against neurodegeneration. Results: The investigation underscores the complex interplay between climate change and neural health, revealing significant findings on the exacerbation of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, cognitive impairments, and mental health issues due to environmental factors. Specifically, reductions in omega-3 fatty acids attributed to climate change emerge as a critical concern, given their crucial role in neurogenesis and neuroplasticity. Conclusion: This study establishes a clear link between climate change and the acceleration of neurodegenerative disorders, emphasizing the need for targeted research and intervention strategies. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, integrating environmental, nutritional, and therapeutic measures to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on neural health.

A novel approach for early gastric cancer detection using a hybrid of alexnet, extreme learning machine, and adjusted gorilla troops optimization

Gastric cancer is a prevalent and highly lethal form of cancer that affects individuals worldwide. The early detection of gastric cancer plays a vital role in ensuring successful treatment and improved patient outcomes. However, identifying this malignancy at an early stage can be challenging, and conventional diagnostic techniques often exhibit limited accuracy. To address this issue, a groundbreaking study proposes a novel methodology that combines the utilization of the Alexandria Net (Alexnet), Extreme Learning Machine (ELM), and a modified metaheuristic algorithm. The integration of these techniques aims to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of gastric cancer detection. Additionally, a Modified version of the Dynamic Gorilla Troops Optimizer (DGTO) is incorporated as a dynamic metaheuristic algorithm. This algorithm optimizes the arrangement and selection of features within the model, significantly contributing to improved performance. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology, the Alexnet/ELM-DGTO model is applied to a practical dataset known as GasHisSDB. Moreover, this approach outperforms several state-of-the-art methods in terms of precision, accuracy, recall, specificity, F1-score, and Area Under the Curve (AUC). This research paper makes a significant contribution to the field of early gastric cancer detection by introducing a novel methodology that overcomes the limitations of existing approaches. It offers a unique solution to the optimization problem of selecting the most suitable features for machine learning models. The effectiveness of the proposed methodology is further validated through its successful application on a practical dataset, highlighting its superiority over alternative methods. The results underscore the potential impact of utilizing the Alexnet/ELM-DGTO combination in the field of gastric cancer detection.

Magnetic micro-archaeology: a method for conducting rock magnetic microfacies analysis on archaeological soil micromorphology samples, with a case study from El Salt, Alcoy, Spain

For geoarchaeologists the use of multiproxy and multimethod integrative approaches has become common for studying the sedimentary context of archaeological materials. In this paper, we introduce a novel approach that combines rock magnetic analysis with micromorphological analysis. We first conduct a brief examination of the magnetic properties of organic resins used in micromorphology to understand the potential impact of the resin and manufacturing process on the magnetic signature. It is crucial to understand the original production of the samples to ensure that endothermic reactions do not compromise the magnetic data. We illustrate the advantages of this approach through a case study of a pit hearth from the Neanderthal archaeological site of El Salt in Alcoi, Spain. This study utilises archived micromorphological samples of a pit hearth (combustion structure H77) initially described by Leierer et al. (J Archaeol Sci 123:105237, 2020). Rock magnetic analysis of multiple magnetic parameters—including magnetic susceptibility, natural remanent magnetization, and progressive isothermal remanent magnetization—reveals that each microfacies type exhibits a unique magnetic pattern, even if there is overlapping in signatures across some magnetic parameters. The interpretation of the magnetic data aligns with the results and microfacies descriptions previously provided by Leierer et al. (J Archaeol Sci 123:105237, 2020), further supporting the interpretation of the combustion feature as being in situ with a history of repeated use. The approach presented here offers an enhanced tool for micromorphologists to better understand the magnetic characteristics of microfacies units in higher resolution and establish direct connections to the micromorphological results.

A cross sectional study on serum homocysteine levels in women with unexplained infertility at rural hospital setup and its correlation with ovulation

This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the serum homocysteine levels in women diagnosed with unexplained infertility at a rural hospital setup and its correlation with ovulation patterns. Unexplained infertility is a challenging clinical entity, with a limited understanding of its underlying mechanisms in resource-constrained healthcare settings. The study will include women between 21 and 45 years of age, diagnosed with unexplained infertility, who have not received any prior fertility treatments. Data will be collected through blood samples to measure serum homocysteine levels, and ovulation assessments using hormonal analysis and ultrasound monitoring of the menstrual cycle. Descriptive statistics will summarize participants’ characteristics, while comparison tests will be employed to assess the association between serum homocysteine levels and unexplained infertility. Correlation analysis will explore the relationship between serum homocysteine levels and ovulation parameters. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis will identify independent associations between serum homocysteine levels and ovulation, controlling for potential confounding variables. This study aims to provide valuable insights into the role of serum homocysteine in unexplained infertility and its potential impact on ovulation patterns in women in a rural healthcare setup. The findings may contribute to understanding the pathophysiology of unexplained infertilities and pave the way for targeted therapeutic interventions. Ethical considerations will ensure participant privacy, and all data will be managed with the utmost confidentiality. The study’s results will be reported transparently, adhering to ethical guidelines, to offer evidence-based guidance for managing unexplained infertility in rural healthcare settings.

The Russian Federation’s Response Strategy to Anti-Russian Western Sanctions as an Element of State Political Positioning

The article analyzes the impact of anti-Russian sanctions on the image and perception of the Russian Federation in the global political landscape. The consequences of sanctions on Russia’s current image and the potential long-term impact on its international reputation are considered. The imposition of sanctions is viewed as a step that has far-reaching consequences for Russia’s perception on the world stage, but so far it has had a limited practical effect. The measures taken by Russia in response to the sanctions pressure are considered, they are the search for alternative trading partners outside the Western world, investment in import substitution and the development of domestic industry. The effects of sanctions on the Russian economy are analyzed, the latter due to these measures has turned out to be in general more stable than it was expected by Western countries. Special attention is paid to the new opportunities for international cooperation that have opened up for Russia after the imposition of sanctions. The strengthened partnership relations of the Russian Federation with a number of non-Western countries that share Russia’s positions on key geopolitical issues are considered. The potential of these new ties for strengthening Russia’s international position and its role in shaping the new world order is analyzed.

Predicting the impact of CPAP on brain health: A study using the sleep EEG-derived brain age index.

This longitudinal study investigated potential positive impact of CPAP treatment on brain health in individuals with obstructive sleep Apnea (OSA). To allow this, we aimed to employ sleep electroencephalogram (EEG)-derived brain age index (BAI) to quantify CPAP's impact on brain health and identify individually varying CPAP effects on brain aging using machine learning approaches. We retrospectively analyzed CPAP-treated (n = 98) and untreated OSA patients (n = 88) with a minimum 12-month follow-up of polysomnography. BAI was calculated by subtracting chronological age from the predicted brain age. To investigate BAI changes before and after CPAP treatment, we compared annual ΔBAI between CPAP-treated and untreated OSA patients. To identify individually varying CPAP effectiveness and factors influencing CPAP effectiveness, machine learning approaches were employed to predict which patient displayed positive outcomes (negative annual ΔBAI) based on their baseline clinical features. CPAP-treated group showed lower annual ΔBAI than untreated (-0.6 ± 2.7 vs. 0.3 ± 2.6 years, p < 0.05). This BAI reduction with CPAP was reproduced independently in the Apnea, Bariatric surgery, and CPAP study cohort. Patients with more severe OSA at baseline displayed more positive annual ΔBAI (=accelerated brain aging) when untreated and displayed more negative annual ΔBAI (=decelerated brain aging) when CPAP-treated. Machine learning models achieved high accuracy (up to 86%) in predicting CPAP outcomes. CPAP treatment can alleviate brain aging in OSA, especially in severe cases. Sleep EEG-derived BAI has potential to assess CPAP's impact on brain health. The study provides insights into CPAP's effects and underscores BAI-based predictive modeling's utility in OSA management.

Model-based impact evaluation of new tuberculosis vaccines in aging populations under different modeling scenarios: the case of China.

The slow descent in TB burden, the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the rise of multidrug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, seriously threaten TB control and the goals of the End TB strategy. To fight back, several vaccine candidates are under development, with some of them undergoing the phases 2B and 3 of the development pipeline. The impact of these vaccines on the general population needs to be addressed using disease-transmission models, and, in a country like China, which last year ranked third in number of cases worldwide, and where the population is aging at a fast pace, the impact of TB vaccination campaigns may depend heavily upon the age of targeted populations, the mechanistic descriptions of the TB vaccines and the coupling between TB dynamics and demographic evolution. In this work, we studied the potential impact of a new TB vaccine in China targeting adolescents (15-19 y.o.) or older adults (60-64 y.o.), according to varying vaccine descriptions that represent reasonable mechanisms of action leading to prevention of disease, or prevention of recurrence, each of them targetting specific routes to TB disease. To measure the influence of the description of the coupling between transmission dynamics and aging in TB transmission models, we explored two different approaches to compute the evolution of the contact matrices, which relate to the spreading among different age strata. Our findings highlight the dependence of model-based impact estimates on vaccine profiles and the chosen modeling approach for describing the evolution of contact matrices. Our results also show, in line with previous modeling works, that older adult vaccination is a suitable option in China to reduce the incidence of TB as long as the vaccine is able to protect already exposed individuals. This study underscores the importance of considering vaccine characteristics and demographic dynamics in shaping TB control strategies. In this sense, older adult vaccination emerges as a promising avenue for mitigating TB transmission in China but also remarks the need for tailored intervention strategies aligned with demographic trends.

Anomalies of the right hepatic artery in periampullary cancer treatment: are pathological and clinical outcomes different? A single tertiary referral center retrospective analysis.

Anomalies of the right hepatic artery (RHA) may represent an additional challenge in pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). The aim of this study is to assess the potential impact of variations in hepatic arterial anatomy on perioperative outcomes. PDs performed for periampullary malignancies between 2017 and 2022 were retrospectively enrolled and subdivided in two groups: modal pattern of vascularization (MPV) and anomalous pattern of vascularization (APV). A propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was conducted to homogenize the two study populations. The two groups were then compared in terms of perioperative outcomes and pathological findings. Thirty-eight patients (16.3%) out of 232 presented a vascular anomaly: an accessory RHA in 7 cases (3%), a replaced RHA in 26 cases (11.2%), and a replaced HA in 5 cases (2.1%). After PSM, 76 MPV patients were compared to the 38 APV patients. The incidence rate of postoperative complications was comparable between the two study populations (p=0.2). Similarly, no difference was detected in terms of histopathological data, including margin status. No difference was noted in terms of intraoperative hemorrhage and vascular resection. When PDs are performed in high-volume centers, the presence of an APV of the RHA does not relate to a significant impact on perioperative complications. Moreover, no influence was noted on histopathological findings.

Separation of 241Am3+ from 154Eu3+ Using 3,3’-Butyloxy-Bis-1,2,4-Triazinyl-2,6-Pyridine as a Potent Receptor

ABSTRACT The effective partitioning and transmutation of the minor An from the Ln in spent nuclear fuel in a non-proliferative manner is critical to lowering potential impact to the environment, moderating concern over the increase of nuclear power as a green alternative to fossil fuels, and solving a grand challenge in separation science. Although present in less than .1 wt.%, Am and Cm represent half-lives of over 400 years and significantly contribute to heat load through radioactive decay. Separation of the minor An from the neutron-poisoning Ln can advance the nuclear fuel cycle further toward closure and decrease the volume and radiotoxicity of daughter nuclides stored in a geologic repository. Similar physical properties and metal-complexant binding phenomena render this separation difficult. In this work, a comprehensive liquid-liquid separations study using the recently discovered 3,3’-butyloxy-bis-1,2,4-triazinyl-2,6-pyridine in the polar aprotic solvent trifluoromethylphenyl sulfone is presented. Unlike contemporary bis-1,2,4-triazinyl-2,6-pyridine complexants, the current system is stable and performs well in highly acidic systems. Separation of 241Am3+ from 154Eu3+, acid range tolerance, complexant concentration, and decomplexation studies are presented herein.

Analisa Dampak Sambaran Petir pada Peralatan NDB JTM-30C di Jakarta Air Traffic Services Center

This study analyzes the impact of lightning strikes on the NDB JTM-30C equipment at the Jakarta Air Traffic Services Center (JATSC). NDB equipment is used in flight navigation, but lightning strikes can disrupt operations and flight safety. Data on lightning strikes and disturbances to the NDB were collected and analyzed. The results show a relationship between the frequency of lightning strikes and disturbances to the NDB. These disturbances can affect signal quality, cause temporary outages, or result in permanent damage to the equipment. The potential impact poses risks to flight safety and operational performance. Mitigation measures, regular maintenance, and early warning systems should be implemented to reduce the risks of disturbances caused by lightning strikes. This research provides a better understanding and a foundation for effective mitigation strategies to enhance flight safety.

How numbers influence students when solving linear equations

ABSTRACT Most students need to learn to solve equations as a part of their education, but far from all succeed. In this study we investigate the potential impact of variation in the choice of numbers as coefficients when students in upper secondary school solve linear equations. A test with linear equations was distributed to 111 16-year-old vocational students and phenomenographic interviews were performed with 23 of them. The findings show that exchanging coefficients (e.g., changing a and b in a = b ⋅ x ) from natural numbers to other numbers significantly changes how equations with the same structure are handled, despite access to a calculator. A framework of five conceptions is described explaining how numbers are experienced in the foreground or background of attention, partly depending on what meaning the equation is given. The results indicate that number types need to be considered, not only in teaching arithmetic, but also in algebra.