bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anisotropic Hydrogel Microelectrodes for Intraspinal Neural Recordings in vivo
Authors: Rao Siyuan , Huang Sizhe , Xiao Ruobai , Lin Shaoting , Hong Eunji , Jang Geunho , Gupta Shovit , Lu Fake , Chen Bo , Liu Xinyue , Sahasrabudhe Atharva , Zhang Zicong , He Zhigang , Crosby Alfred , Sumaria Kaushal , Liu Tingyi , Wang Qianbin
Published: August 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Estimation of volume fraction percentage of the multiple phases flowing in pipes with limited access is a challenge in oil, gas, chemical processes, and petrochemical industries. In this research, the gamma backscattered spectra together with the machine learning model were used to predict precise volume fraction percentages in water-gasoil-air three-phase flows and solve the aforementioned challenge. The detection system includes a single energy 137Cs source and a NaI(Tl) detector to measure the backscattered rays. The MCNPX code was used to simulate the setup and produce the required data for the artificial neural network. The volume fraction was calculated with mean relative error percentage 13.60% and the root mean square error 2.68, respectively. Then, the results were compared with the acquired results of transmitted gamma-ray spectra. The proposed design is a suitable, safe, and low-cost choice for industries.
Optimization of electrical stimulation modalities for treating visceral pain in a rodent model of irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Alam Md Jahangir , Zhao Tingting , Wiley John , Chen Jiande DZ
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different electrical stimulation methods (bilateral electroacupuncture (BEA), unilateral EA (UEA), transcutaneous electrical acustimulation (TEA, stimulation via surface electrodes placed at acupoints), and sacral nerve stimulation (SNS)) on visceral pain in a rodent model of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Ten-day-old male and female pups were treated with 0.2 ml of 0.5% acetic acid (AA) solution. Visceral sensitivity was assessed using an electromyogram (EMG) in response to graded colorectal distension. In the first experiment, bilateral EA at ST36 acupoint was performed with different parameters in male rats to determine the best stimulation parameters. In the second experiment, male rats were randomly assigned into the Sham, BEA, UEA, TEA, and SNS groups to determine the best stimulation method. Lastly, the AA-treated female rats were randomly assigned into the BEA and sham groups to investigate a potential treatment difference between the sexes. Results: 1) The parameter set of 100Hz was found to be most effective in reducing visceral pain. 2) Both acute UEA and TEA effectively relieved visceral pain, whereas acute SNS did not exhibit such an effect. 3) Acute BEA improved visceral pain in both male and female rats. Conclusions: These findings suggest that transcutaneous ST36 stimulation is as effective as direct ST36 stimulation and unilateral ST36 stimulation is comparable to bilateral stimulation. Development of a novel therapy using unilateral transcutaneous ST36 stimulation is warranted.
Full-field, frequency-domain comparison of simulated and measured human brain deformation
Authors: Arani Amir HG. , Okamoto Ruth J. , Escarcega Jordan D. , Jerusalem Antoine , Alshareef Ahmed A. , Bayly Philip V.
Published: August 2024

We propose a robust framework for quantitatively comparing model-predicted and experimentally measured strain fields in the human brain during harmonic skull motion. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are typically caused by skull impact or acceleration, but how skull motion leads to brain deformation and consequent neural injury remains unclear and comparison of model predictions to experimental data remains limited. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) provides high-resolution, full-field measurements of dynamic brain deformation induced by harmonic skull motion. In the proposed framework, full-field strain measurements from human brain MRE in vivo are compared to simulated strain fields from models with similar harmonic loading. To enable comparison, the model geometry and subject anatomy, and subsequently, the predicted and measured strain fields are nonlinearly registered to the same standard brain atlas. Strain field correlations (\(\:{C}_{v}\)), both global (over the brain volume) and local (over smaller sub-volumes), are then computed from the inner product of the complex-valued strain tensors from model and experiment at each voxel. To demonstrate our approach, we compare strain fields from MRE in six human subjects to predictions from two previously developed models. Notably, global \(\:{C}_{v}\) values are higher when comparing strain fields from different subjects (\(\:{C}_{v}\)~0.6–0.7) than when comparing strain fields from either of the two models to strain fields in any subject. The proposed framework provides a quantitative method to assess similarity (and to identify discrepancies) between model predictions and experimental measurements of brain deformation, and thus can aid in the development and evaluation of improved models of brain biomechanics.
PGRN protects against serum deprivation-induced cell death by encouraging the ROS scavenger system in cervical cancer
Authors: Lu Yi , Feng Tingting , Xu Xiaoying , Wang Xiao , Tang Wei
Published: August 2024

Progranulin (PGRN), an autocrine growth factor with tumorigenic roles in a variety of tumors, is a putative survival factor for normal and cancer cells in vitro. However, the fundamental mechanism of PGRN-mediated survival of cancer cells suffering from various kinds of microenvironmental stresses, such as serum deprivation, remains unknown. We show here that serum deprivation decreases the protein level of PGRN in cancer cells. PGRN protects cancer cells against serum deprivation-induced apoptosis, and limits the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), maintains the integrity of mitochondria and reduces oxidative damage of protein, lipid and DNA in serum-deprived cancer cells. PGRN encourages the ROS scavenger system evidenced by enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase protein expression and activity, elevated GSH/GSSG and NADPH levels and increased phase II detoxification enzymes expression in cancer cells with serum withdraw. The role of PGRN in ROS clearance is mediated by PGRN-stimulated nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NFE2L2)-antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway. Our study suggests an antioxidant mechanism of PGRN in the survival of cancer cells under oxidant stress, and provides a new perspective for the adaptive mechanism of cancer cells to the microenvironmental shortages for cell viability that lead to the other malignant features of cancer.
Evaluation of Cytotoxicity, Antimicrobial, and Antifungal Properties of Ceragenins CSA-44 and CSA-131
Authors: Aslantas Kubra , Oz Cihan , Taghizadehghalehjoughi Ali , Genc Sidika , Erdogan Aziz Sahin , Savage Paul B. , Adiguzel Mehmet Cemal
Published: August 2024

A novel family of antimicrobial drugs is known as cationic steroid antimicrobials (CSA-ceragenin), which includes CSA44 and CSA 131. This work aimed to examine the antibacterial and antimycotic properties of CSA44 and CSA 131 against Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of these compounds was assessed on dental pulp stem cell lines. The CSA-44 compound with a concentration of 0.05% had the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.04 µg/ml against E. faecalis. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for all concentrations of CSA-44 and CSA-131 against S. aureus ranged from 2.50 to 5.00 µg/ml. Inhibitory action against C. albicans was found to be most pronounced in CSA-131 and CSA-44. The 0.20% of CSA-44 showed the highest minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value of 5.00 µg/ml against S. aureus. The 1xMIC of CSA-44 (0.2%) decreased the bacterial load against E. faecalis at 3 hours, even though the same effect was recorded at 6 hours against S. aureus. CSA-44 and CSA-131 prevented the growth at 1.5xMIC at 3 h, whereas 1xMIC concentration inhibited the growth at 6 h for all tested microorganisms. The lowest viability was observed at CSA-131 (0.2% 100%), whereas CSA-44 shows lower toxicity than CSA-131 at the same dose. This study presented herein showed that CSA44 and CSA131 have significant superiority, especially against yeast infections. Therefore, these agents can be used as alternative options in endodontic treatments.
Screening of promising molecules against potential drug targets in Yersinia pestis by integrative pan and subtractive genomics, docking and simulation approach
Authors: Chen Lei , Zhang Lihu , Li Yanping , Qiao Liang , Kumar Suresh
Published: August 2024

This study aims to identify novel drug targets in Yersinia pestis, the bacterium responsible for plague, using an integrative approach combining pan-genomic and subtractive genomics methods. The primary objective was to locate targets that do not share homology with human proteins, gut microbiota, or known anti-targets but are crucial for the pathogen's survival. These targets should also exhibit high levels of protein interaction, antibiotic resistance, and conservation across various pathogens. We identified two promising targets: the aminotransferase class I/class II domain-containing protein and 3-oxoacyl-[acyl-carrier-protein] synthase 2. These proteins were modeled using AlphaFold2, validated through several structural analyses, and subjected to molecular docking and ADMET analysis. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the stability of the drug-target complexes, indicating their potential as targets for new therapies against Y. pestis.
Peristaltic Transport of a Casson Fluid 0n Mhd Effect With Slip Conditions Bounded by Permeable Walls With Suction and Injection
Authors: Sivaranjani S. , Kavitha A.
Published: August 2024

This paper investigates on “The MHD effect of Partial slip on peristaltic transport of a Casson fluid bounded by permeable walls with suction and injection”. The analytical solution for velocity pressure rise and the frictional force (f) has been solved by Perturbation solution under the assumption of long wavelength and low Reynolds number. The difference for pressure rises and frictional force are shown in graphical method by using MATHEMATICA SOFTWARE. The frictional force is just opposite behaviour for the pressure rise.
Mobile phone access, usage patterns and perceptions of adolescents living with HIV on the use of gamified interventions to improve ART adherence in Eswatini
Authors: Hlophe Londiwe D. , Nyasulu Peter S. , Shumba Constance S.
Published: August 2024

Background
Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) often experience poor anti-retroviral therapy (ART) outcomes due to multiple barriers affecting medication adherence. Effective self-care interventions are needed to address these challenges. Mobile phones are widely used by the adolescent population, thus present an opportunity to be used as a tool to enhance ART adherence through the use of mobile phones as a targeted intervention. However, research on ALHIV's mobile phone access, usage patterns, and perceptions of mobile phone-based interventions has shown to be limited in Eswatini. This study thus explored these aspects to inform effective mobile health (mHealth) strategies for enhancing ART adherence among ALHIV.
Methods
We conducted a qualitative study using in-depth interviews in the month of December 2023. A total of 29 ALHIV purposively sampled were interviewed from five Teen Clubs in the Hhohho region in Eswatini. These adolescents were aged 10 to 19 years, aware of their HIV status, and were also on ART.
Results
Nearly 94% of the participants (28/29) had access to a mobile phone. Of these, 25 (89.3%) used their phone daily. Among participants with mobile phone access, all (100%) reported using their phones primarily for calling and receiving calls, while 21 (75%) used their mobile phones for social media. Three themes emerged regarding the use of gamified interventions to support ART adherence. Firstly, the use of gamified interventions aimed at ART adherence among ALHIV was deemed feasible, based on mobile phone access and past experiences with mobile game. Secondly, successful gamified interventions should consist of three qualities: being supportive, educational, and ensuring privacy in the design of the game. Lastly, two potential concerns (confidentiality and mobile phone access factors) should be considered when designing gamified ART adherence interventions.
Conclusion
There is wide use of mobile phones among adolescent living with HIV infection on ART in Eswatini. This provides an opportunity to leverage mobile technology to enhance ART adherence through use of gamified interventions. However, it is essential to carefully consider ALHIV-specific needs and concerns in the design of these interventions to ensure their successful implementation and sustainability.
Enhancing Quantum Machine Learning Performance via Transfer Learning Techniques
Authors: Zeynali A. , Bakhshi Z.
Published: August 2024

Quantum machine learning (QML) is a rapidly growing interdisciplinary field at the intersection of quantum computing and machine learning, aiming to harness the unique properties of quantum mechanics to address complex computational challenges and enhance algorithmic performance. Despite its potential, QML faces significant challenges such as computational complexity, data efficiency, and resource requirements. This paper introduces a novel transfer learning approach to improve the performance and efficiency of quantum models. By leveraging the knowledge from previously trained quantum models, our method reduces training time and enhances accuracy, making QML more practical for real-world applications. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of our approach, demonstrating substantial improvements in both accuracy and training time.
PACS numbers: 03.67.Ac,03.67.Lx,03.67.Mn,03.67.Pp
An Improved Quasi-Steady Model Capable of Calculating Flexible Deformation for Bird-Like Flapping Wings
Authors: Mao Tianyou , Guo Chuangqiang , Duan Bosong
Published: August 2024

Flapping wing air vehicles (FWAVs) are bio-inspired aerial robots that boast high flight efficiency, excellent maneuverability, and stealth capabilities. However, the dynamic modeling techniques for flapping motion remain underdeveloped, particularly for bird-like FWAVs. Traditional quasi-steady (QS) models' accuracy heavily relies on empirical coefficients, leading to unacceptable errors when analyzing flapping motion at different scales and wing flexibilities. This paper presents an improved QS model that incorporates the interaction mechanism between wing flexible deformation and relative flow state, enabling quantitative analysis of wing deformation's aerodynamic influence and significantly reducing reliance on empirical coefficients. The model comprises two solvers: an aerodynamic solver that outputs wing surface force distribution at each discrete time point, and a structural deformation solver that provides corresponding relative flow state distribution. In each iteration cycle, these solvers exchange their output data until they converge to a stable wing surface displacement distribution and output the predicted time-varying aerodynamic data. Wind tunnel experiments, utilizing high-speed cameras and six-dimensional force sensors, validated the reliability of both the structural deformation solver and the aerodynamic solver. This aerodynamic model, balancing speed and accuracy, shows strong potential for applications in FWAVs' structural and controller design, including but not limited to airfoil optimization and flight attitude stabilization.
Adaptive loss of shortwave sensitive opsins during genomic evolution in cartilaginous fish
Authors: Bao Baolong , Li Yunkai , Zhao Na , Zhang Yaolei , Zhang Bo , Feng Yidong , Lv Meiqi , Jia Lei , Sun Jinsheng , Fan Guangyi , Meyer Axel , Xu Xiaoyan , Liao Yongguan , Li Yumin
Published: August 2024

Widespread gene loss can occur during evolution. Cartilaginous fish (e.g., sharks, rays, and skates) cannot see blue or violet light, potentially because they lack the shortwave-sensitive cone opsin gene (sws). However, the evolutionary mechanisms underlying sws loss remain unclear. Here, we elucidated the whole-genome assembly structures of skate (Okamejei kenojei) and blue shark (Prionace glauca) and analyzed the distribution characteristics and intragroup differences of opsin-related genes in cartilaginous fish. By using a zebrafish model with sws deletion, we inferred that in the presence of SWS1 and SWS2, blue and violet light can induce cell aging, respectively; this is followed by photoreceptor layer thinning. Thus, sws loss aids in preventing shortwave light damage to the eye. In the retinas of numerous cartilaginous fish, the tapetum lucidum strongly reflects light. Thus, in cartilaginous fish, the existence of tapetum lucidum in the retina and loss of sws may be interdependent; in other words, this adaptive gene loss may increase cartilage fish fitness.
Level-Crossing Acquisition and Deep Convolutional Neural Network based Classification of Arrhythmia for Mobile Healthcare
Authors: Hussain Syed Fawad , Qaisar Saeed Mian , Sherjeel Muhammad
Published: August 2024

Mobile healthcare is an evolving area that typically employs cloud-connected wireless biomedical gadgets for diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis. In such environment, data compression, transmission, and processing are key issues. We propose a new method for the automated diagnosis of arrhythmia in an efficient and effective manner. The goal is to reach an efficient method by achieving a real-time data size reduction, computationally efficient signal preconditioning and a lower latency accurate classification. The Electrocardiogram (ECG) signal is sampled by using the level-crossing concept. The segmentation and adaptive-rate denoising with lower tap filters are realized. The denoised segments, without any handcrafted features extraction, are classified with one dimensional (1-D) deep Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). Five clinically important classes of arrhythmias, collected from the Beth Israel Hospital (MIT-BIH) dataset, are used to examine its applicability. Our experimental results show a 4.2-times reduction in the count of acquired samples on average compared to fix-rate counterparts. Similarly, data dimension reduction results in a more than 7.2 fold computational improvement of the post denoising stage over the conventional counterparts. Moreover, classification latency is also significantly reduced while still achieving an accuracy rate of 99%.
The timing of the release of bumblebees of the genus Bombus (Hymenoptera: Apidae) from the state of winter diapause in the Leningrad province
Authors: Байков М. В.
Published: August 2024

Важное значение для шмелей рода Bombus (Hymenoptera: Apidae), как насекомых-антофилов с растянутым периодом жизни семьи, является формирование такого фенологического календаря, который позволяет шмелям различных видов и обитателям разнообразных экотопов приспособиться к трофическому использованию произрастающих там растений. Анализ многолетних рядов фенонаблюдений показал: самая ранняя фиксированная дата вылета шмелей для западной и центральной частей Ленинградской области за период наблюдений с 1925 по 2023 годы - 3 апреля (Тосненский район), самая поздняя - 26 мая (Подпорожский район). Средние даты вылета лежат в интервале от 22 апреля до 11 мая. Самые поздние вылеты в пунктах наблюдений фиксировались в период с 5 мая по 26 мая. Интервал между самым ранним и самым поздним сроком вылета шмелей в разных пунктах наблюдений изменяется от 14 до 40 суток. Среднее значение этого интервала составляет 29,67 суток. Высокий и средний уровень зависимости сроков выхода шмелей из зимней диапаузы показан для широтной характеристики (бореальности) ареала обитания, влияние долготной характеристики (континентальности) ареала обитания имеет большей частью слабый уровень влияния на сроки вылета перезимовавших самок шмелей. Средний уровень зависимости от долготы отмечен только по средним срокам вылета (r=0,529, р = 0,615). Зависимость сроков вылета от высоты местности над уровнем моря не выявлена.

Important for bumblebees of the genus Bombus (Hymenoptera: Apidae), as anthophilic insects with a prolonged family life period, is the formation of such a phenological calendar that allows bumblebees of various species and inhabitants of various ecotopes to adapt to the trophic use of plants growing there. The analysis of long-term series of phenological observations showed that the earliest fixed date of departure of bumblebees for the Leningrad province during the observation period from 1925 to 2023 was April 3 (Tosnensky district), the latest was May 26 (Podporozhsky district). The average departure dates was in the range from April 22 to May 11. The latest departures at the observation points were recorded in the period from May 5 to May 26. The interval between the earliest and the latest departure time of bumblebees at different observation points varied from 14 to 40 days. The average value of this interval was 29.67 days. A high and average level of dependence of the timing of the release of bumblebees from the winter diapause is shown for the latitudinal characteristic (boreal) of the habitat, the influence of the longitude characteristic (continentality) of the habitat has for the most part a weak level of influence on the timing of the departure of overwintered female bumblebees. The average level of dependence on longitude is marked only by the average departure time (r = 0.529, p = 0.615). The dependence of the departure time on the altitude of the terrain above sea level has not been revealed.
Localized dopant motion across the 2D Ising phase transition
Authors: Knakkergaard Nielsen Kristian
Published: August 2024

I investigate the motion of a single hole in 2D spin lattices with square and triangular geometries. While the spins have nearest neighbor Ising spin couplings JJ, the hole is allowed to move only in 1D along a single line in the 2D lattice with nearest neighbor hopping amplitude tt. The non-equilibrium hole dynamics is initialized by suddenly removing a single spin from the thermal Ising spin lattice. I find that for any nonzero spin coupling and temperature, the hole is localized. This is an extension of the thermally induced localization phenomenon [Phys. Rev. Res. 6, 023325 (2024)] to the case, where there is a phase transition to a long-range ordered ferromagnetic phase. The dynamics depends only on the ratio of the temperature to the spin coupling, k_BT / |J|kBT/|J|, and on the ratio of the spin coupling to the hopping J/tJ/t. I characterize these dependencies in great detail. In particular, I find universal behavior at high temperatures, common features for the square and triangular lattices across the Curie temperatures for ferromagnetic interactions, and highly distinct behaviors for the two geometries in the presence of antiferromagnetic interactions due geometric frustration in the triangular lattice.
Constraints on the spectrum of field theories with non-integer $O(N)$ symmetry from quantum evanescence
Authors: Cao Weiguang , Lu Xiaochuan , Melia Tom
Published: August 2024

We identify constraints in the energy spectra of quantum theories that have a global O(N)O(N) symmetry, where NN is treated as a continuous parameter. We point out that a class of evanescent states fall out of the spectrum at integer values of NN in pairs, via an annihilation mechanism. This forces the energies of the states in such a pair to approach equality as NN approaches a certain integer, with both states disappearing at precisely integer NN and the point of would-be degeneracy. These constraints occur between different irreducible representations of the analytic continuation of O(N)O(N) and hold non-perturbatively. We give examples in the spectra of the critical O(N)O(N) model.
A STUDY TO COMPARE THE EFFICACY OF NARROWBAND-UVB ALONE VERSUS NARROWBAND-UVB WITH TOPICAL TACROLIMUS 0.1% IN TREATMENT OF VITILIGO
Authors: Patil Satish , V. Wali Vishal , S. Hogade Ashok
Published: August 2024

Background: Vitiligo is a chronic skin condition characterized by the loss of pigment-producing cells, resulting in white patches on the skin. It affects 0.1-2% of people worldwide, regardless of gender or race, and can be particularly distressing for those with darker skin tones. While various treatment options have been studied, there is limited research comparing the effectiveness of narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) therapy alone versus its combination with tacrolimus. This study aims to address this gap. Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of Narrowband-UVB therapy alone versus Narrowband-UVB therapy combined with topical tacrolimus 0.1% in treating vitiligo. Methods: This was a randomized, open-label, prospective, comparative study, conducted over 18 months at the dermatology outpatient department of Basaweshwara Teaching and General Hospital, affiliated toMahadevappaRampure Medical College, Kalaburagi. 100 patients were enrolled, and demographic data were recorded during the initial visit. A comprehensive clinical and dermatological assessment was performed, including evaluation of the percentage of body surface area affected by vitiligo. 50 patients in Group 1 received Narrowband-UVB thrice weekly, while 50 patients in Group 2 received once-daily topical tacrolimus 0.1% in addition to Narrowband-UVB thrice weekly. The primary efficacy measure, Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI), was assessed at baseline and every 2 months during the one-year follow-up period. Secondary efficacy was evaluated using Physician Global Assessment scores at the end of one year. Results: The study found that combination therapy with Narrowband-UVB and tacrolimus 0.1% resulted in earlier and more substantial treatment responses compared to Narrowband-UVB alone after 12 months. There was a statistically significant reduction in vitiligo area as measured by VASI (P=0.001) with combination therapy, particularly noticeable on the face and trunk. Physician Global Assessment scores indicated minimal improvement in VASI reduction for 40% of patients in the Narrowband-UVB group compared to 16% in the combination therapy group. Definite improvement was observed in 48% versus 52% of patients, and marked improvement in 8% versus 24%, respectively. Excellent improvement was noted in 4% of patients in the Narrowband-UVB group compared to 8% in the combination therapy group. Conclusion: Combination therapy using Narrowband-UVB with tacrolimus 0.1% appears to be more effective than Narrowband-UVB alone for treating vitiligo. It resulted in earlier and more significant repigmentation, particularly on the face and trunk, with minimal side effects observed for both treatments. These findings suggest that combining Narrowband-UVB with tacrolimus could offer an enhanced therapeutic option for patients with vitiligo.
INFLUENCE OF SCHOOL TENDER COMMITTEE PRACTICES ON STUDENTS PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN RWANDA: A CASE OF NGORORERO DISTRICT
Authors:   Research Scholar, Department of Education and Curriculum study, Mount Kenya University Rwanda., Theoneste Habumuremyi , Opiyo Andala PhD Hesbon ,   Lecturer, Department of Education and Curriculum Study, Mount Kenya University Rwanda.
Published: August 2024

The goal of this study is to look at the influence of school tender committeepractices on student performance in public secondary schools in Ngororero District, Rwanda.This study is important to the government of Rwanda and other educational stakeholders. The study used a descriptive survey approach where the target population was 106 parents, 195 secondary teachers and 15 school leaders for a total of 316 respondents within the sample size of 177 respondents has drawn using Taro Yamanes (1967) formula. Statistical findings were analysed in descriptive and inferential way where these findings indicate that school tender committee practices can influence academic performance and are positively and statistically correlated, as the majority of their level of significance was greater than 0.05 in association with school tender committee practices and academic performance in the Ngororero district of Rwanda. Regarding research findings, it is advised that the Rwandan school tender committee prioritise openness, accountability, and quality over cost in purchasing selections.