Potential Solutions Research Articles

Generative adversarial networks (GANs): Introduction, Taxonomy, Variants, Limitations, and Applications

AbstractThe growing demand for applications based on Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) has prompted substantial study and analysis in a variety of fields. GAN models have applications in NLP, architectural design, text-to-image, image-to-image, 3D object production, audio-to-image, and prediction. This technique is an important tool for both production and prediction, notably in identifying falsely created pictures, particularly in the context of face forgeries, to ensure visual integrity and security. GANs are critical in determining visual credibility in social media by identifying and assessing forgeries. As the field progresses, a variety of GAN variations arise, along with the development of diverse assessment techniques for assessing model efficacy and scope. The article provides a complete and exhaustive overview of the most recent advances in GAN model designs, the efficacy and breadth of GAN variations, GAN limits and potential solutions, and the blooming ecosystem of upcoming GAN tool domains. Additionally, it investigates key measures like as Inception Score (IS) and Fréchet Inception Distance (FID) as critical benchmarks for improving GAN performance in contrast to existing approaches.

Nitro-PAHs: Occurrences, ecological consequences, and remediation strategies for environmental restoration

Nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (nitro-PAHs) are persistent pollutants that have been introduced into the environment as a result of human activities. They are produced when PAHs undergo oxidation and are highly resistant to degradation, resulting in prolonged exposure and significant health risks for wildlife and humans. Nitro-PAHs' potential to induce cancer and mutations has raised concerns about their harmful effects. Furthermore, their ability to accumulate in the food chain seriously threatens the ecosystem and human health. Moreover, nitro-PAHs can disrupt the normal functioning of the endocrine system, leading to reproductive and developmental problems in humans and other organisms. Reducing nitro-PAHs in the environment through source management, physical removal, and chemical treatment is essential to mitigate the associated environmental and human health risks. Recent studies have focused on improving nitro-PAHs' phytoremediation by incorporating microorganisms and biostimulants. Microbes can break down nitro-PAHs into less harmful substances, while biostimulants can enhance plant growth and metabolic activity. By combining these elements, the effectiveness of phytoremediation for nitro-PAHs can be increased. This study aimed to investigate the impact of introducing microbial and biostimulant agents on the phytoremediation process for nitro-PAHs and identify potential solutions for addressing the environmental risks associated with these pollutants.

A Study on the Antibacterial, Antispasmodic, Antipyretic, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of ZnO Nanoparticles Using Leaf Extract from Jasminum sambac (L. Aiton).

The green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using plants has grown in significance in recent years. ZnO NPs were synthesized in this work via a chemical precipitation method with Jasminum sambac (JS) leaf extract serving as a capping agent. These NPs were characterized using UV-vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, TGA, and DTA. The results from UV-vis and FT-IR confirmed the band gap energies (3.37 eV and 3.50 eV) and the presence of the following functional groups: CN, OH, C=O, and NH. A spherical structure and an average grain size of 26 nm were confirmed via XRD. The size and surface morphology of the ZnO NPs were confirmed through the use of SEM analysis. According to the TEM images, the ZnO NPs had an average mean size of 26 nm and were spherical in shape. The TGA curve indicated that the weight loss starts at 100 °C, rising to 900 °C, as a result of the evaporation of water molecules. An exothermic peak was seen during the DTA analysis at 480 °C. Effective antibacterial activity was found at 7.32 ± 0.44 mm in Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) and at 15.54 ± 0.031 mm in Gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria against the ZnO NPs. Antispasmodic activity: the 0.3 mL/mL sample solution demonstrated significant reductions in stimulant effects induced by histamine (at a concentration of 1 µg/mL) by (78.19%), acetylcholine (at a concentration of 1 µM) by (67.57%), and nicotine (at a concentration of 2 µg/mL) by (84.35%). The antipyretic activity was identified using the specific Shodhan vidhi method, and their anti-inflammatory properties were effectively evaluated with a denaturation test. A 0.3 mL/mL sample solution demonstrated significant reductions in stimulant effects induced by histamine (at a concentration of 1 µg/mL) by 78.19%, acetylcholine (at a concentration of 1 µM) by 67.57%, and nicotine (at a concentration of 2 µg/mL) by 84.35%. These results underscore the sample solution's potential as an effective therapeutic agent, showcasing its notable antispasmodic activity. Among the administered doses, the 150 mg/kg sample dose exhibited the most potent antipyretic effects. The anti-inflammatory activity of the synthesized NPs showed a remarkable inhibition percentage of (97.14 ± 0.005) at higher concentrations (250 µg/mL). Furthermore, a cytotoxic effect was noted when the biologically synthesized ZnO NPs were introduced to treated cells.

Frequency-Adaptive Pan-Sharpening with Mixture of Experts

Pan-sharpening involves reconstructing missing high-frequency information in multi-spectral images with low spatial resolution, using a higher-resolution panchromatic image as guidance. Although the inborn connection with frequency domain, existing pan-sharpening research has not almost investigated the potential solution upon frequency domain. To this end, we propose a novel Frequency Adaptive Mixture of Experts (FAME) learning framework for pan-sharpening, which consists of three key components: the Adaptive Frequency Separation Prediction Module, the Sub-Frequency Learning Expert Module, and the Expert Mixture Module. In detail, the first leverages the discrete cosine transform to perform frequency separation by predicting the frequency mask. On the basis of generated mask, the second with low-frequency MOE and high-frequency MOE takes account for enabling the effective low-frequency and high-frequency information reconstruction. Followed by, the final fusion module dynamically weights high frequency and low-frequency MOE knowledge to adapt to remote sensing images with significant content variations. Quantitative and qualitative experiments over multiple datasets demonstrate that our method performs the best against other state-of-the-art ones and comprises a strong generalization ability for real-world scenes. Code will be made publicly at https://github.com/alexhe101/FAME-Net.

Periodic electroosmotic flow of nanofluids with slip-dependent high zeta potential

The time periodic electroosmotic flow of nanofluids is investigated analytically in a hydrophobic microchannel. In this study, we consider the interdependence relationship between the wall electrical potential and slip. According to the non-linear slip-dependent zeta potential, we obtain an analytical solution of electrical potential for arbitrary value of wall electrical potential. Subsequently, we give the analytical integration expression of time periodic electroosmotic velocity of nanofluids. Based on the obtained electrical potential distribution, the oscillating flow velocity and rate are calculated numerically. The flow characteristics are determined by the oscillating frequency of electrical field, the volume fraction of nanoparticles and wall electrical potential. The noteworthy results are that, the oscillating electrical field can result in the oscillation of nanofluids. However, such oscillation is strongly dependent on the electrical field frequency and the flow characteristics are significantly different for various frequencies. Moreover, when the nanoparticles are introduced into the time periodic electroosmotic flow, the oscillation can be restrained. This may be helpful to understand the electrohydrodynamic instability of nanofluids.

Addressing privacy concerns with wearable health monitoring technology

AbstractThe growing popularity of wearable health devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches enables continuous personal health monitoring but also raises significant privacy concerns due to the real‐time collection of sensitive data. Many users are unaware of vulnerabilities that could lead to unauthorized access or discrimination if health information is revealed without consent. However, even informed users may willingly share data despite understanding privacy risks. The recent implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU and states taking initiatives to regulate privacy shows growing regulatory efforts to address these threats. This paper evaluates the key privacy threats posed specifically by consumer wearable devices. It provides a focused analysis of how health data could be exploited or shared without users' knowledge and the security flaws that enable such risks. Potential solutions including improving protections, empowering user control, enhancing transparency, and strengthening regulations are examined. However, it is argued that effective change requires balancing privacy risks with health benefits while also considering human decision‐making behaviors. The paper concludes by proposing a multifaceted approach to enable informed choices about wearable health data.This article is categorized under: Application Areas > Health Care Commercial, Legal, and Ethical Issues > Fairness in Data Mining Commercial, Legal, and Ethical Issues > Legal Issues

Multiagent robotic systems and exploration algorithms: Applications for data collection in construction sites

AbstractThe construction industry has been notoriously slow to adopt new technology and embrace automation. This has resulted in lower efficiency and productivity compared to other industries where automation has been widely adopted. However, recent advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence offer a potential solution to this problem. In this study, a methodology is proposed to integrate multirobotic systems in construction projects with the aim of increasing efficiency and productivity. The proposed approach involves the use of multiple robot and human agents (HA) working collaboratively to complete a construction task. The methodology was tested through a case study that involved 3D digitization of a small, occluded space using two robots and one HA. The results show that integrating multiagent robotic systems (MARS) in construction can effectively overcome challenges and complete tasks efficiently. The implications of this study suggest that MARS could revolutionize the industry.

Rainwater harvesting as a sustainable solution for the production of urban hydroponic crops

ABSTRACT Population growth and poor agricultural practices demand an improvement in the efficiency of food production. Urban hydroponic crops represent a potential solution to this challenge. However, the use of drinking water for urban agriculture is not a priority. Consequently, rainwater harvesting can reduce the use of drinking water for other purposes than human consumption. This study evaluated the efficiency of rainwater harvesting for the production of hydroponic crops in an Andean city. We developed a rainwater harvesting model to analyze the efficiency and optimization of two hydroponic production scenarios: (1) domestic production (30 plants) and (2) small-scale commercial production (200 plants). We found an efficiency of 99.71 and 75.79%, for scenarios 1 and 2, respectively. The 75.79% efficiency is given by the presence of low precipitation periods, which in the case of the study area are sporadic. Furthermore, scenario 2 could reach efficiencies of 100% if the roof capture area increases up to 40 m2. Rainwater harvesting in Andean cities, with sustained precipitation throughout the year, is enough to supply water for domestic and small-scale commercial hydroponic production with basic household modifications. We show promising results by combining rainwater harvesting and hydroponic crops for improving urban food and water security.

Selected aspects of perceptions of critical thinking among Polish and Czech primary school principals

The article concerns Polish-Czech research carried out as part of the project co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the state budget, We are crossing borders. 'Key competences in teaching and education' project was implemented under the Praděd Microprojects Fund. The descriptive purpose of the research was to prepare a detailed description of the level of competence of the surveyed people and the relationships between the dependent variable and independent variables.The explanatory purpose of the research was to find out why certain independent variables differentiate the respondents' answers.The study used the diagnostic survey method, the survey technique. They were attended by, among others, 49 principals from primary schools from Poland and the Czech Republic. The data analysis was carried out using the statistical program STATISTICA, in which statistical methods related to the study of the statistical significance of differences between variables were used using the Student's T-test for independent samples, to compare the means of two independent samples. Also the chi-square test was used.The results show how the management staff of educational institutions from Poland and the Czech Republic confidently perceive potential solutions to various difficult situations in their institutions and what critical thinking requirements they have for future teachers.

Learning Innovation based on seTARA daring in the Community Learning Activity Center

This study aims to describe learning innovations based on seTARA daring at (Community Learning Activity Center) PKBM Sunan Kalijaga Lirboyo Kediri, which includes planning, implementation, and evaluation stages, including identifying supporting and inhibiting factors and improvement efforts made. This study used a qualitative approach with a case study. In-depth interviews with leaders, teachers/tutors, and students, as well as observations of the learning process and online classes, were used to gain an in-depth understanding of experiences in the educational environment. Supporting data were obtained from official documents such as the e-learning curriculum, teaching records, and learning outcome evaluation. The results show that the learning innovation based on the seTARA daring application is practical and can benefit the students. At the planning stage, meetings were held to design implementation strategies, discuss policies, and announce the strategies and policies to students. The implementation stage involves implementing the policy and practical guidance and improving tutor innovation. The evaluation stage assessed the success of learning innovations based on the seTARA daring application by collecting feedback from tutors and students, becoming the basis for future improvement and enhancement. This research provides an essential contribution to understanding the challenges and potential solutions to optimize e-learning in the equivalency education program in PKBM.

Light on Alzheimer's disease: from basic insights to preclinical studies.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), referring to a gradual deterioration in cognitive function, including memory loss and impaired thinking skills, has emerged as a substantial worldwide challenge with profound social and economic implications. As the prevalence of AD continues to rise and the population ages, there is an imperative demand for innovative imaging techniques to help improve our understanding of these complex conditions. Photoacoustic (PA) imaging forms a hybrid imaging modality by integrating the high-contrast of optical imaging and deep-penetration of ultrasound imaging. PA imaging enables the visualization and characterization of tissue structures and multifunctional information at high resolution and, has demonstrated promising preliminary results in the study and diagnosis of AD. This review endeavors to offer a thorough overview of the current applications and potential of PA imaging on AD diagnosis and treatment. Firstly, the structural, functional, molecular parameter changes associated with AD-related brain imaging captured by PA imaging will be summarized, shaping the diagnostic standpoint of this review. Then, the therapeutic methods aimed at AD is discussed further. Lastly, the potential solutions and clinical applications to expand the extent of PA imaging into deeper AD scenarios is proposed. While certain aspects might not be fully covered, this mini-review provides valuable insights into AD diagnosis and treatment through the utilization of innovative tissue photothermal effects. We hope that it will spark further exploration in this field, fostering improved and earlier theranostics for AD.

Paving the Way for the Electrified Future of Flight: Safety Criteria Development for Integrating Structural Batteries in Aircraft

AbstractWithin the global push towards environmental sustainability, the aviation industry is increasingly investigating electrification as a potential solution to reduce emissions and combat climate change. However, traditional battery integration faces significant drawbacks due to their limited energy and power densities, which negatively impact aircraft weight and performance. In this scenario, structural batteries are gaining interest, since they combine energy storage and load-bearing capabilities in multifunctional material structures, thus potentially eliminating barriers to the electrification of the air transport sector. While this novel technology holds immense potential, its integration raises new and unique airworthiness concerns. The present activity aims to support the development of aircraft certification requirements for structural batteries. Recognizing the dual nature of this technology, the proposed approach seeks to maintain or even enhance the current level of safety in both normal and emergency flight conditions.

MITIGATING COGNITIVE CHALLENGES FACED BY TEACHERS OF ENGLISH IN TEACHING AND LEARNING READING IN NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Teachers, especially teachers of English language face considerable challenges when teaching reading at the various school levels. Reading is the act or process of receiving and interpreting information in language via the medium of print. This paper identifies some of the challenges encountered by English teachers while instructing and facilitating the teaching and learning reading among secondary schools generally special focus on Nigeria. It highlights the multifaceted nature of the challenges, encompassing area such as diverse student intellectual abilities, insufficient cognitive engagement, language barriers. This paper review various studies on reading and in Nigerian schools, identify recurrent problems and the gaps relating to cognitive challenges. It explores potential solutions to mitigate these flaws, emphasizing the pivotal importance of tailored instructional strategies and tooling, collaborative approaches between parents/guardian and managements of school, and the integration of active technological apparatus to the system. The paper recommended that, regular workshops with a cognitive approach should be organized for all teachers of English to enable them handle reading effectively, this training will create a drive-in teacher to ensure that students under their tutelage are fluent readers. More so, in- service training should also be an integral part of continuing teacher education and teachers should be supported in order to increase their level of confidence when teaching reading.

People Living with HIV/AIDS are Nothing to be Afraid of: A Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) of HIV/AIDS Stigmas and Mythologies in One Selected IsiXhosa Short Story

ABSTRACT HIV/AIDS stigmas and mythologies continue to sabotage and delay the South African government’s attempts to manage and mitigate this epidemic. As a result of this, many people are reluctant to test, seek help, and speak about their HIV/AIDS statuses because of the very same stigmas and mythologies. In view of this reality, this article uses one selected isiXhosa short story to examine how HIV/AIDS stigmas and mythologies are depicted, and how such depictions could be benchmarked against social realities. Over and above this, the aim of this article is to underscore that stigmas and mythologies concerning this epidemic are profoundly rooted in many South African communities and elsewhere in the global village. The selected isiXhosa short story is titled Ndinetyala kusini na? (Am I guilty?) and English translations of the used pieces of textual evidence are provided. By the same token, critical analysis is used as a qualitative research technique, while Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) is applied as a theoretical approach. The findings and discussions indicate that these notable stigmas and mythologies are perpetuated by different factors that include society’s negative comments and attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS, public political discourse, media coverage, and family dynamics. The closing remarks of this article underscore some of the potential solutions that may be considered to address challenges that are associated with HIV/AIDS stigmas and mythologies.

Sacrificial anode materials to protect marine grade steel structures: a review

Abstract Marine structures are constantly exposed to the corrosive effects of seawater, making effective corrosion protection crucial for their longevity and performance. Sacrificial anodes, commonly made of zinc, aluminum, or magnesium alloys, are widely employed to mitigate corrosion by sacrificing themselves to protect the steel structures. However, the selection and implementation of sacrificial anode materials present various challenges that need to be addressed. This paper explores the challenges associated with sacrificial anode materials for steel structures and provides potential solutions. To overcome these challenges, the paper proposes solutions such as using advanced alloy compositions, protective coatings, hybrid anode systems, and improved design considerations. Furthermore, the importance of monitoring techniques to assess the performance and remaining lifespan of sacrificial anodes is emphasized. Several case studies and experimental findings are discussed to illustrate the effectiveness and limitations of sacrificial anode materials based on zinc alloys, aluminum alloys, and magnesium alloys. The paper highlights the need for ongoing research and development efforts to address the evolving demands of corrosion protection in marine environments.

Long-Term Effects in Structures: Background and Recent Developments

This article addresses the often overlooked but critical long-term factors of creep, shrinkage, ageing and corrosion in civil engineering structures. The paper emphasizes their substantial impact on structural mechanical resistance and safety, drawing attention to key examples like the Civic Tower in Pavia, the Koror-Babeldaob Bridge and dams in the USA. By exploring the challenges faced in modern engineering, the article sheds light on the need to consider these effects. Various models for predicting creep and shrinkage in concrete structures are introduced as potential solutions. In conclusion, the paper highlights the necessity for engineers to navigate the intricacies of material behaviour for successful construction amidst evolving challenges.

Analysis of Waste Tire Particle Movement in a Single Horizontal-Axis Stirred Reactor Based on the Eulerian Discrete Element Method

The pyrolysis of waste tires has been considered a potential sustainable solution in light of escalating carbon dioxide emissions. Nevertheless, current research indicates a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the movement of waste tire particles in a single horizontal-axis stirred pyrolysis reactor. This study employed EDEM 2021.2 software to perform comprehensive numerical simulations of a single horizontal-axis stirred pyrolysis reactor, examining the impact of three main production factors—particle size, feed rate, and central axis speed—on particle motion. By acquiring contact data between particles and reactor walls, we illustrated the persistent motion of particles during the operation of the equipment. The research findings suggest that with the rise in rotational speed, there is a corresponding increase in particle accumulation. In high-speed conditions, the interaction between particles and the reactor wall is intensified. The contact level increased by 15.54% (at 3 r/min) and 25.66% (at 5 r/min) with the rise in rotational speed. Furthermore, at an identical rotational speed, the interaction between the larger particle group and the wall surpassed that of the smaller particle group. Doubling the feed rate led to a reduction of over 10% in the contact level between particles and the reaction wall at varying speeds. Through a thorough analysis of various factors influencing particle motion, our objective is to elucidate the motion traits of particles in the reactor, offering crucial theoretical direction and technical assistance to enhance production efficiency and ensure the secure and steady operation of pyrolysis reactors.

Education Inequality in China: Comparison of Family Background in Shanghai and Jinzhai

This research aims to compare different aspects of family environment influence from both academic and economic perspectives between Shanghai, an urban city, and Jinzhai, a rural region. This research also attempts to present some potential solutions to lessen the education inequalities between urban and rural areas.

A scoping review of Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca: Mapping the health concerns and proposed solutions.

To map the current evidence about the health concerns and the potential solutions related to the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. A scoping review was applied. Papers published in English between 2012 and 2023 were included but non-human research and sources without any related data were excluded. Data charting and extraction were used to map the current evidence. The total of 36 papers were included with the total number of pilgrims of 17,075,887. The majority of studies were published in the Asia Pacific region (36.11%) as original articles (88.89%). The health concerns were grouped into five main aspects. There were 7603 deaths recorded or about 44 incidences of deaths per 100,000 pilgrims during the pilgrimage. There were recorded 11,018; 6178; 3393; and 17,810 cases for communicable diseases; non-communicable diseases; injuries and trauma; and health services (i.e., cardiac catheterization) and vaccination, respectively. Relating to the five health concerns, this study identified the top seven issues in each category (i.e., hypertension, influenza vaccination), except for the death record. Moreover, there were three solutions (for general health, non- and communicable-diseases) presented. Stakeholders could use this evidence to improve healthcare quality particularly related to the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.

Restaurants without Bins: How Does a Circular Restaurant Operate?

The circular economy is seen as a potential solution to tackle the environmental concerns of the restaurant industry, offering a set of practices to support the industry in achieving more efficient use of resources and becoming more sustainable. However, studies that focus on the circular economy as a theoretical framework in the restaurant context are scarce. Thus, this study aims to increase understanding of how a circular restaurant operates in practice and provide insight into the circular transformation of restaurants. This article adopts a qualitative, multiple case study methodology, assessing six pioneer restaurants fully embracing a circular economy. The results show that a circular restaurant can be defined as a restaurant based on a systemic design that eliminates waste and keeps materials in circulation. A circular restaurant redesigns and reverses the supply chain, designs circular menus, is committed to closed-loop cooking, and reprocesses the remaining waste. In addition, a circular restaurant features a circular approach to interior design and embraces its social capital. The article includes various practical implications for chefs who can lead the transition to a more circular food system by adopting relevant practices.