bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic decision making in predatory pursuit of mice
Authors: Wang Jincheng , Zhang Yueting , Lv Songyan , Pang Ruiqi , Zhang Yanjie , Liu Xue , Deng Qiyue , Zhou Yi
Published: October 2023

Most animals must reserve their limited intelligence for the most important situations, such as predation and escape, in order to have a better chance of survival. As a highly sequentially programmed behavior driven by innate desire, one of the most challenging parts of predation is how the predator can pursue and capture an escaping prey that is also running for its own survival. This requires the predator to synthesize environmental and prey information to make dynamic decisions in real time to guide appropriate behavior. However, it is still largely unclear whether and how mice can cope with such challenge. Here, we developed a real-time interactive platform to study the pursuit behavior during predation in rodents. An artificial prey was magnetically controlled by a closed-loop system that attempts to escape an approaching predator (e.g., a hungry mouse) in real time. By recording the time costs, trajectories and other parameters of both predator and prey, we found that not only were the mice able to complete predation tasks of varying difficulty, but that they could also improve their predation efficiency over trials, mainly due to the improvements in the pursuit phase. Further investigation revealed that the increase in pursuit performance may not entirely achieved by physical improvement, but rather by optimization of velocity control as well as a change of navigation strategy. In conclusion, this study reveals that mice are capable of making dynamic decisions during predatory pursuit, and the transition from novice to veteran can be used to study the biological mechanisms of dynamic decision making in mice.
Public Libraries to Promote Public Health and Wellbeing: A cross-sectional study of community-dwelling adults
Authors: Karki Manisha , Asmar Marie Line El , Sasco Eva Riboli , El-Osta Austen
Published: October 2023

Purpose of research
To explore the potential of libraries as community hubs to promote mental and physical health and wellbeing.
Design
Cross-sectional online survey and interview-based study with community-dwelling adults and library staff.
Methods
We analysed data from 605 respondents using a 14-item electronic survey and conducted interviews with 12 library users and staff to gauge perceptions. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to identify key trends and emergent themes.
Results
Libraries remain popular and are considered a'safe place' by members of the community, irrespective of whether they are frequent users of services. Library users' lack of awareness of community-facing services could act as a hurdle to improving community health and wellbeing. Targeted engagement with residents is needed to increase awareness of libraries' services, including community interventions to help tackle loneliness and inequalities in digital and health literacy. Library staff often did not feel involved in important decision-making. Various barriers, drivers and practical recommendations were identified to leverage libraries as hubs to promote community health and wellbeing.
Conclusion
Libraries already offer a variety of resources that either directly or indirectly support the health and wellbeing of community-dwelling adults and young people, but public awareness of these services is limited. As we navigate postpandemic recovery, libraries can serve as platforms for community engagement, fostering resilience, mental health support, and reducing social isolation. Recognising libraries' untapped potential can lead to healthier communities and improved wellbeing.
Development of MAS-derived wheat genotypes with high GPC, PHST and rust resistance
Authors: Jan Irfat , kumar kuldeep , Kumar Anuj , Gautam Tinku , Singh Rakhi , Prasad Pramod , Kumar Sachin , Sharma Pradeep Kumar , Balyan Harindra Singh , Gupta Pushpendra Kumar
Published: October 2023

Improved wheat lines earlier developed by us using marker-assisted selection (MAS) were used for pyramiding of genes/QTL for resistance to all the three rusts, high grain protein content (GPC) and pre-harvest sprouting tolerance (PHST). SSR, SCAR, and KASP markers were used for foreground selection for five generations (F1 to F5) generations leading to production of improved lines carrying eight genes for resistance to the three rusts (Lr19/Sr25+Lr34+Yr10+Lr24/Sr24+Sr2+Yr36), a high GPC gene (Gpc-B1) and a PHST QTL (Qphs.dpivic-4A.2). A set of F7 lines containing targeted genes for all these traits in homozygous condition were selected and evaluated in replicated trials. Under artificial epiphytotic conditions, the pyramided lines were also tested against 15 pathotypes of three rusts and were found to be resistant against all the pathotypes of leaf, stem and stripe rusts. These selected lines are currently being tested in varietal development trials to assess their potential for future development of newer wheat varieties.
Scheme optimization study of leakage channel exploration based on transient Rayleigh wave
Authors: Xu Zengguang , Chen Rongshao , Cao Cheng
Published: October 2023

Numerical simulation method of finite element is used to study the Rayleigh wave response of underground leakage channel under different Rayleigh wave speeds. By calculating a series of finite element models with different depths of seepage channels and different offset distances and channel spacing, the influence of changes in channel spacing and offset distance on the characteristic signals of the Rayleigh wave response is obtained in the actual detection process. It is summarized that the optimal choice of channel spacing in the detection process is 1m, and the offset distance is 7m when the leakage location is 10m or less, and the relationship equation between the leakage channel location and the optimal offset distance is fitted out when the leakage channel location is more than 10m, which provides the program improvement for the detection of underground leakage channels, and is verified in the engineering examples, which provides the theoretical basis and reference for the reasonable choice of the offset distance and the spacing of the channel in the engineering investigation.
GUCY2C signaling limits dopaminergic neuron vulnerability to toxic insults
Authors: Waldman Scott , Cheslow Lara , Byrne Matthew , Kopenhaver Jessica , Iacovitti Lorraine , Smeyne Richard , Snook Adam
Published: October 2023

Mitochondrial dysfunction and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation within the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) are central drivers of dopaminergic (DA) neuron death in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Guanylyl cyclases, and their second messengers cyclic (c)GMP, support mitochondrial function, protecting against ROS and promoting cell survival in a number of tissues. However, the role of the guanylyl cyclase-cGMP axis in defining the vulnerability of DA neurons in the SNpc in PD remains unclear, in part due to the challenge of manipulating cGMP levels selectively in midbrain DA neurons. In that context, guanylyl cyclase C (GUCY2C), a receptor primarily expressed by intestinal epithelial cells, was discovered recently in midbrain DA neurons. Here, we demonstrate that GUCY2C promotes mitochondrial function, reducing oxidative stress and protecting DA neurons from degeneration in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of neurodegeneration. GUCY2C is overexpressed in the SNpc in PD patients and in mice treated with MPTP, possibly reflecting a protective response to oxidative stress. Moreover, cGMP signaling protects against oxidative stress, mitochondrial impairment, and cell death in cultured DA neurons. These observations reveal a previously unexpected role for the GUCY2C-cGMP signaling axis in controlling mitochondrial dysfunction and toxicity in SNpc DA neurons, highlighting the therapeutic potential of targeting DA neuron GUCY2C to prevent neurodegeneration in PD.
RookieScript: Constructive Programming Learning Space for Beginners
Authors: De Silva Dilshan , Vidhanaarachchi Samitha , Siriwardana Kithmina , Gunasekara Shehan , Piyumantha Udesh , Thilakaratne Sahan
Published: October 2023

Online programming platforms are essential for aiding beginners in learning programming. Those environments provide a systematic and valuable learning experience for novice programmers. This study presents RookieScript, a constructive programming learning space built for beginners in programming. The main obstacle for beginners to overcome is encountering compilation errors and difficulty understanding the compilation errors provided by most Integrated Development Environments. And novice programmers often face challenges in resolving compilation errors due to their limited knowledge. Therefore, RookieScript was developed inspired by successful coding environments like “CodeMage” and tried to address a series of drawbacks in the existing systems. RookieScript was designed mainly to provide a solution for the problems mentioned above. This web solution comes with innovative features like Error Resolution Guide - which replaces cryptic error messages with clear explanations and step-by-step solutions to fix the compilation error; Roadmaps - a customized sequence of lessons based on individual programming goals and preferences, and Code Generator - a resourceful tool with pre-defined code segments that helps novice programmers understand programming principles. This paper profoundly emphasizes the platform structure and features and how it positively affects the learning of programming beginners. By profoundly examining the relevant literature, RookieScript was developed to change the way of traditional education for novice programmers and encourage people who wish to be programming experts.
Online Spanish Medical Course for International Medical Students: Creating Online Course for peer-by-peer Medical Spanish Education
Authors: Martinez Juan Carlos , Fernandez Amado Estrada , Bieber Christine , Orellana Priscilla , Wheeler EmiliAnne , Fuentes-Rosales Juan Carlos
Published: October 2023

As of July 1st, 2021, the US Hispanic/Latinx community is estimated at 62.6 million, making up 18.9% of the population. Despite federal regulations requiring access to medical interpreters, clinicians often resort to alternative translation methods, increasing the risk of errors. Medical Spanish education lacks standardization in US medical schools, and information on curricula provided by International Medical Schools (IMGs) is limited. We aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of virtual, peer-led Medical Spanish education for an international medical school cohort. The course consisted of 10 weekly one-hour lectures via Zoom. From 2022 to 2023, three cohorts successfully completed the course. Through realistic clinical scenarios, students practiced and reinforced their clinical knowledge in Spanish. The final exam involved a 20-minute patient encounter on Zoom, with the instructor acting as the patient and the student as the physician. Performance evaluation followed a standardized checklist. Each question was worth 3 points, with a total of 63 potential points. The passing score ratio was set at 2, equivalent to 66.7%, calculated by dividing the score by 21 (the number of questions). Student’s self-reported comfort in obtaining a history and physical exam in Spanish, obtained before and after completion of the course post-comfort scores (median, 3), increased significantly compared to pre-course comfort scores (median, 0.5) - increased by an average of 2.5. This curriculum requires no prior Spanish background or exposure, providing a notable advantage. The majority of participants praised the convenient and effective online format. Despite its short duration, the course yielded significant benefits.
Quantitative Analysis Methods for Architectural Heritage’s Color Evaluation: Survey on Color Restoration and Perception of Wen Yuan Ge in the Forbidden City
Authors: Shao Jie , Li Luke , Jiang Yutong , Liu Xin , Yang Hong
Published: October 2023

The architectural heritage’s color evaluation has applied three methods: manual evaluation, instrumental measurement, and process restoration. Optical instruments can obtain relatively accurate chromaticity data from ideal surfaces. As the architectural heritage’s color has aged, the color data fluctuates. Researchers must screen the color data and analyze the featured ones with the color perception experience. This study combines the quantitative color analysis and scaled perception survey method to provide a new reference for the architectural heritage’s color research and design.
Revealing the meaning of fibrosis-related genes in the diagnosis, subtype and treatment of renal interstitial fibrosis
Authors: Jia Li , Liu Qin , Yu Bei , Wang Ruyi , He Jiangshu , Chen Bo , Zhang Hanchao
Published: October 2023

Background: During the course of CKD, the patient's renal function continues to deteriorate, eventually progressing to ESRD. Renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) is the end result of the progression of almost all types of CKD and a major cause of ESRD. However, effective and feasible treatments against RIF are comparatively rare in the clinic.
Methods: In the study, we obtained 299 samples from the GEO to investigate the significance of fibrosis-related genes (FRGs). To model RIF, we employed several methods, including SVM-RFE, RF, LASSO analysis, and PPI network analysis to identify crucial FRGs. We constructed a nomogram that included four FRGs to forecast the occurrence of RIF. Besides, we used the consensus clustering algorithm to recognize subtype classifications for RIF. We adopted the ssGSEA method to explore the immune landscape in RIF. Lastly, we performed the PCA method to investigate the FRG expression pattern in RIF patients.
Results: A total of 177 FRGs were identified from the genecards database, and the nomogram model was developed from the four hub FRGs (CCL5, TIMP1, ALB, and IFNG) to explore the underlying pathological mechanism of RIF. The calibration curve analysis suggested that the nomogram model possesses accurate predictive ability. The consensus clustering algorithm found that CCL5, TIMP1, and IFNG were more highly expressed in FRG cluster A, while ALB was expressed more highly in FRG cluster B. The ssGSEA results showed that apart from neutrophils, type 17 T helper cells, and immature dendritic cells, the abundance of other immune cells was higher in FRG cluster A. Our results found that FRG cluster A is closely related to RIF features.
Conclusion: We identified four hub FRGs (CCL5, TIMP1, ALB, and IFNG) and constructed a nomogram to forecast the occurrence of RIF. The FRG cluster A is strongly linked to RIF characteristics. Our findings provided new insights into identifying RIF progression and early prevention and treatment of CKD.
Sporadic inclusion body myositis-derived myotube culture revealed muscle cell-autonomous expression profiles
Authors: Suzuki Naoki , Kanzaki Makoto , Koide Masashi , Izumi Rumiko , Fujita Ryo , Takahashi Tadahisa , Ogawa Kazumi , Yabe Yutaka , Tsuchiya Masahiro , Suzuki Masako , Harada Ryuhei , Ohno Akiyuki , Ono Hiroya , Nakamura Naoko , Ikeda Kensuke , Warita Hitoshi , Osana Shion , Oikawa Yoshitsugu , Toyohara Takafumi , Abe Takaaki , Nagatomi Ryoichi , Hagiwara Yoshihiro , Aoki Masashi
Published: October 2023

Sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM) is a muscle disease in older people and is characterized by inflammatory cell invasion into intact muscle fibers and rimmed vacuoles. The pathomechanism of sIBM is not fully elucidated yet, and controversy exists as to whether sIBM is a primary autoimmune disease or a degenerative muscle disease with secondary inflammation. Previously, we established a method of collecting CD56-positive myoblasts from human skeletal muscle biopsy samples. We hypothesized that the myoblasts derived from these patients are useful to see the cell-autonomous pathomechanism of sIBM. With these resources, myoblasts were differentiated into myotubes, and the expression profiles of cell-autonomous pathology of sIBM were analyzed. Myoblasts from three sIBM cases and six controls were differentiated into myotubes. In the RNA-sequencing analysis of these “myotube” samples, 104 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found to be significantly upregulated by more than twofold in sIBM, and 13 DEGs were downregulated by less than twofold. For muscle biopsy samples, a comparative analysis was conducted to determine the extent to which “biopsy” and “myotube” samples differed. Fifty-three DEGs were extracted of which 32 (60%) had opposite directions of expression change (e.g., increased in biopsy vs decreased in myotube). Apolipoprotein E (apoE) and transmembrane protein 8C (TMEM8C) were commonly upregulated in muscle biopsies and myotubes from sIBM. ApoE and myogenin protein levels were upregulated in sIBM. Given that enrichment analysis also captured changes in muscle contraction and development, the triggering of muscle atrophy signaling and abnormal muscle differentiation via TMEM8C or myogenin may be involved in the pathogenesis of sIBM. The presence of DEGs in sIBM suggests that the myotubes formed from sIBM-derived myoblasts revealed the existence of muscle cell-autonomous degeneration in sIBM. The catalog of DEGs will be an important resource for future studies on the pathogenesis of sIBM focusing on primary muscle degeneration.
Enhancing Alphanumeric Based CAPTCHA Solving using Deep Learning Techniques.
Authors: Banerjee Kalyan , Keerthana Dinakar
Published: October 2023

Today, captcha is a common method for preventing automated programs from accessing online resources like websites, emails, etc. Captcha is an acronym for Completely Automated Public Turing test to differentiate between computers and humans. It is a challenge-response test that determines whether the user is a person or a computer. There are various varieties of captcha techniques, including audio-based, text-based, and image-based, etc. Image-based captchas, in which the user is required to recognize and enter a combination of letters and numbers displayed in an image, are extensively used among these techniques. In this endeavor, we’ve employed deep learning techniques to improve the precision of alphanumeric-based captcha solving. We used a real-time dataset to make predictions with Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Deep Neural Network (DNN), Combination of CNN and Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), and Neural Network with Nested Design model. TensorFlow, Keras, OCR, OpenCV, and Tkinter were used to create the model, and Tkinter is used for the image selection user interface. We used a dataset from Kaggle in which all the images are five-letter words that may contain digits, and noise (blur and a line) has been applied to the images. The images are PNGs measuring 200 by 50 pixels. We divided the dataset into train and test sets, calculated the accuracy, and provided an image captcha prediction. The goal of the project is to increase the accuracy of the model by comparing the outcomes of various deep learning techniques. This project aims to determine which deep learning technique provides the highest level of accuracy for solving alphanumeric-based captchas by comparing the accuracy of various deep learning techniques. This project’s outcomes can be utilized to improve the security of other captcha techniques.
The Effects of Various Dental Filling Materials on Fibroblast Cells
Authors: Duzyol Mustafa , Bayram Pinar , Duzyol Esra , Karamese Selina Aksak
Published: October 2023

Introduction: In this study, our aim was to investigate the effects of restorative materials such as composite, compomer and glass ionomer, which are frequently used in dentistry, on L929 fibroblast cells by evaluating the oxidative stress parameters, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis markers.
Methods: L929 fibroblast cells were cultured, and dental filling materials were applied in two doses (50 and 100 µl). Immunohistochemical staining was performed for experimental groups with Anti-Bax and Anti-Caspase 9 antibodies. Then, ELISA technique was used to detect the level of TNF-alpha, TGF-beta, IL-1-beta, IL-6, IL-10, LPO and CAT.
Results: In the light of the data, the examined dental filling materials were effective on increasing the TGF-beta, IL-10, LPO and CAT levels, and decreasing the TNF-alpha, IL-1-beta, and IL-6 levels. The histological micrographs were also support the issues. When the levels of H-score in Caspase 9 labeled micrographs were evaluated, the mean of the control group was lower than the mean of the experimental groups.
Discussion: Biocompatibility varies according to the content of the material, the amount of residual monomer, and its solubility. Although all the experimental groups have cytotoxic effects, the least effect is seen in the Omnichroma group.
Analysis of the Effects of Residential Characteristics on Residential Space Heating Costs in the United States of America with Machine Learning
Authors: Sevinç Volkan
Published: October 2023

Energy is one of the main concerns of humanity because energy resources are limited and costly. To reduce the costs and use the energy for residential space heating effectively, it is important to know which factors affect the residential space heating costs. This study aims to analyze the effects of residence characteristics on residential space heating costs in the United States of America by using Bayesian networks, which is a machine learning method. The constructed Bayesian network model shows that the residential space heating costs of the residences are affected mostly by the size of heated residential area. The second most important factor, on the other hand, appears to be major outside wall type, while the third factor is residence type. It is also seen that the insulation levels of the residences seem to have the least effect on the residential space heating costs.
Evaluation of a workplace physical exercise intervention on anxiety, job satisfaction and depressive symptomatology: a randomized pilot trial
Authors: Díaz-Benito Víctor Jiménez , Díaz Sara Zafra , Mateos María Espada
Published: October 2023

The prevalence of mental health disorders among workers is increasing and the significant rates of anxiety and depression have relevant implications as a consequence. Physical activity is a complementary treatment to traditional approaches and the workplace is where the adult population that does not engage in physical activity spends most of its time. Most of the studies have been carried out in the United States, but the evidence is still not clear about the characteristics that the most effective intervention program should have in Europe. This randomized pilot trial examined the effects of a supervised physical exercise intervention in the workplace on anxiety, job satisfaction and depressive symptoms. A randomized controlled trial was conducted among office workers with sedentary jobs (n = 99) in three private companies. Participants were randomly assigned to either a physical exercise intervention (n = 75; mean age 43 ± 8 years) or a control group (n = 24; mean age 43 ± 6 years). Job satisfaction, anxiety and depressive symptoms were measured with a standardized questionnaire. Trait Anxiety was higher in the pre measure than in the post mean (F 1.75 = 6.18, p = 0.015; η2p = 0.076). No effects on job satisfaction and depressive symptomatology were found. These results suggest that an intervention based in 20-week supervised aerobic and strength physical exercise program with 2 weekly alternate-day training sessions could be effective on Trait Anxiety.
The effect of antipsychotic treatment, during the perinatal period, on the neurodevelopment of children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Andrianopoulou Evagelia Theodora , Galanis Petros , Alevizopoulos Giorgos
Published: October 2023

Background
Managing mental disorders in the perinatal period is a challenge. The most common mental disorders encountered in this period are major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety and psychotic disorders.
Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the neurodevelopmental effects in children born to mothers who were on antipsychotic medication, during pregnancy.
Methodology:
Databases MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, PsychInfo, Google Scholar and Scopus searched according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. The studies involved mothers with preconception or relapsed mental illness receiving antipsychotic medication during the perinatal period and their children were screened for any neurodevelopmental disorders. From the initial search of the literature, 277 articles emerged and applying the criteria, according to the methodology, we identified 15 articles.
Results
Three studies were identified in which children were exposed and developed ADHD with a pooled odds ratio of 2.33 (95% CI = 1.69–3.20, p < 0.001) indicating that children exposed to antipsychotics are more likely to develop ADHD than unexposed children. Regarding socio-emotional and mental development, it was found that the pooled odds ratio was 2.33 (95% CI = 1.68–3.22, p < 0.001) indicating that exposed children are more likely to show delay compared to unexposed children. This relationship was statistically significant. Finally, it was found that children who were exposed and showed a delay in motor development had a pooled odds ratio of 2.93 (95% CI = 1.86–4.61, p < 0.001).
Discussion
Fetal exposure to antipsychotic medication can cause short-term developmental delays in motor, social-emotional, and adaptive behavior. However, further investigation is needed since the number of studies.
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC CORRELATION OF CARDIAC FUNCTION IN PATIENTS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM
Authors: Kashyap Aedunutala SreeVeena , Kuragayala Swarna Deepak , Kasam Krishna Prabhakar
Published: October 2023

Objective: The aim of the current study was to identify the echocardiographic changes in patients with hypothyroidism and correlation of these echocardiographic changes with the severity of hypothyroidism.
Method: A cross-sectional, and observational study was conducted on 60 treatment naïve patients of 18 to 60 years with hypothyroidism for 15 months from March 2021 to July 2022. The clinical demographic, treatment, ECG and echocardiographic profile were assessed in all patients. The association between categorical findings was determined using the chi-square test. Percentages and frequencies were also used for every parameter.
Results: 36.6% of the patients belonged to the age group 31 to 40 years. The mean age was 37.2±10.67 years and the majority of patients were females (76.67%). 33.3% of patients were overweight. 21.67% were obese and 45% had normal BMI. 21.67% had mild hypothyroidism, 56.67% had subclinical and 8.33% had severe hypothyroidism. There was a significant association between BMI and severity of hypothyroidism (p=0.0167). Abnormal lipid profile was seen in 61.67% of patients and a significant association was observed between total cholesterol and the severity of hypothyroidism (p=0.0031). LVPW thickness was normal in 78.33% of patients. Abnormal interventricular septal thickness was seen in 28.33% of patients. The cardiac chamber was more than 5.4cm in 3.33% of patients. Pericardial effusion was observed in 12 patients. There was a significant association between LVPW thickness, interseptal thickness, cardiac chamber size, ejection fraction, E/A ratio, and severity of hypothyroidism.
Conclusion: Increased interventricular septal and left ventricular posterior wall thicknesses with diastolic dysfunction are one of the earliest heart changes noted in patients with hypothyroidism. Early diagnosis in patients with hypothyroidism will definitely reduce the extent of cardiac complications that accompany it. ECG and echocardiography are useful noninvasive tools in assessing the response to thyroid replacement therapy. The study suggests screening of all patients with hypothyroidism using electrocardiography and ECG as most of the patients show impairment in cardiac functions, so that appropriate intervention can be taken earlier.
Konflikt hodowca-drapieżca. Studium przypadku ataków wilków na jeleniowate fermowe
Authors: DZIKI-MICHALSKA KATARZYNA , TAJCHMAN KATARZYNA , STEINER-BOGDASZEWSKA ŻANETA
Published: October 2023

Since the gray wolf (Canis lupus) was removed from the list of game animals and placed under strict protection, the number of these predators in Poland has increased significantly. As far as the preservation of biodiversity is concerned, this is a desirable phenomenon, but one should not lose sight of the increasingly frequent attacks of this large predator on livestock, companion animals, and even humans. The natural predation pressure by wolves on populations of various animal species often occurs on breeding farms. Therefore, the aim of the study was to analyze wolf attacks on farmed deer on the basis of data from the Research Station of the Institute of Parasitology of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Kosewo Górne. The documentation included corpse inspection reports prepared by a veterinarian and photographs showing wolf attacks. On that deer farm, wolves made eight attacks on fallow deer (Dama dama) between July and November 2018 and seven attacks on sika deer (Cervus nippon) between April and July 2019. In two years, a total of 51 animals (18 sika deer and 33 fallow deer) were killed. Wolves selected mostly hinds and fawns, which were most numerous, while stags accounted for a small percentage of victims, and most of them were young individuals up to 2 years of age. Wolves consumed their prey only partially, i.e. no more than 1 to 10 kg of the carcass. Excessive killing, although not very common, also occurs on other deer farms. Predators attack mainly juveniles. Methods used to protect the deer on the farm from wolf attacks were ineffective.
Nanoparticles associated with antimicrobial peptides (AMPs)  promising combination for biomedical and veterinary applications
Authors: NGOC DOMINIKA NGUYEN , SZYMCZAK BARTŁOMIEJ , KRAWCZYK ANTONINA , DRZEWIECKA BEATA , WESSELY-SZPONDER JOANNA , DOMAŃSKA ALEKSANDRA , BUKAŁA AGATA , KOSIOR-KORZECKA URSZULA
Published: October 2023

Bacterial resistance to classical antibiotics is a growing concern, and scientists are seeking alternative methods to combat bacterial infections. One promising option is the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with strong antibacterial activity provided with diverse mechanisms, including membrane disruption, intracellular interference, and inhibition of bacterial metabolic processes. They can also modulate inflammation, enhancing antimicrobial effects. Compared to antibiotics, AMPs can have a broader range of activity and are less prone to bacterial resistance. However, their use has limitations, such as a short half-life and proteolytic degradation. To address these challenges, researchers are developing strategies to enhance the stability and efficacy of AMPs, including the use of nanocarriers. Nanocarriers, such as inorganic particles, liposomes, polymeric particles, cubosomes, and quantum dots can improve the stability of AMPs, protect them from degradation, enhance their penetration into bacterial cells, and increase their antibacterial activity. Nanocarriers can also boost AMPs absorption by bacteria and stimulate their enzymatic function. While nanocarriers show promise in enhancing AMPs efficacy and stability, further research is necessary to determine their safety and effectiveness in practical medical applications. This review offers a succinct exploration of specific nanoparticles, their function as carriers for AMPs, and their potential significance in both medical and veterinary contexts.
Legal Strength of Peace Deeds Made by Notary in Efforts to Settle Civil Law Conflict in Indonesia
Authors: Wibowo Aulia , Kunarti Siti , Bintoro Rahadi
Published: October 2023

The peace that has been made by the disputing parties, in the presence of a notary with a notarial deed, is expected to end the dispute, provide legal certainty between those who are in dispute. The peace deed is also expected to provide legal certainty, benefit and provide justice between those who are in dispute and for their future descendants. Thus it will create a calm life, peace and harmony between those who are at odds. However, if the peace deed that has been made between them, especially what has been made before a notary with a notarized peace deed, can then be disputed again, the problem raised in this study is the legal force of the peace deed made by a notary in an effort to resolve civil law conflicts in Indonesia. In the example case of the Gianyar District Court decision No. 54/Pdt.G/2015/PN.Gir. To answer these problems, normative juridical legal research methods are used with prescriptive research methods. The results of the analysis and research are that the binding power of a notarial peace deed in proof is a deed that has the power of a judge's decision at the final level. The peace deed that was made was also useless and violated the sense of justice of the parties who made it in good faith. Of course this will also cause doubts both among the parties and in society. Therefore, understanding and clarity are needed regarding the nature of the peace itself and the binding power of the notarized peace deed in proof in court. Extensive knowledge so that the word published does not cause problems in the future for the parties involved.
Subjective Side (Mens Rea) of Aiding and Abetting War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity in the Context of the Alien Tort Statute
Authors: Karnaukh Bohdan
Published: October 2023

The American Alien Tort Statute (ATS) is a landmark instrument on a global scale, since, based on its provisions, plaintiffs in American courts have sought compensation for human rights violations committed on other continents. Many of these cases involved war crimes and crimes against humanity. And since such large-scale crimes are almost never committed by a single perpetrator, one of the key issues before the courts in these cases was the question of establishing standards of liability for aiding and abetting such crimes. In considering these cases, the American courts based their decisions on the provisions of international law and thus developed a substantial body of case law, the study of which will undoubtedly be valuable in light of the legal challenges posed by the war in Ukraine. The objective of the article is to examine the requirements for the mens rea of aiding and abetting war crimes and crimes against humanity through the prism of the case law applying the Alien Tort Statute. From a methodological point of view, the study focuses on the analysis of the case law of American courts through the prism of international law. An important component of the research is to determine the contents of customary international law, the provisions of which are subject to separate proof in the relevant cases. The article itself is a part of comparative legal research with the aim of drawing lessons that could be used to solve the complex legal problems arising from the war in Ukraine. The article examines two standards of aiding and abetting used by American courts in cases under the Alien Tort Statute, namely, the purpose standard and the knowledge standard. The author examines the American precedents in which the courts have used one or the other standard. It is argued that the origins of the disagreement should be sought in international law, since American courts in the relevant category of cases rely on international law. The author analyses the arguments of Judge Katzmann, whose position forms the basis for all subsequent decisions applying the purpose standard. The critical analysis of Judge Katzmann's arguments is complemented by a thorough examination of the practice of international criminal tribunals - from the Nuremberg Tribunal to the later tribunals for Yugoslavia, Rwanda and Sierra Leone. The author concludes that the standard of knowledge is predominant and should be considered a rule of customary international law and should define the criteria of liability for harm caused by gross violations of internationally recognised human rights.
Online Platforms and New Challenges for Modern Law on E-Commerce
Authors: Filatova-Bilous Nataliia
Published: October 2023

This article provides a legal analysis of the nature of online platforms. The subject of the article is widely discussed among modern legal scholars since the legal nature of online platforms is very controversial: it is hard to determine the very essence of services provided by platform operators as well as to ensure fair balance of interests between platform operators and their users. The aim of the article is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the relationships emerging between platforms and their users and to show the main challenges brought about by online platforms for the legal regulation and for legal practice. The author starts with analyzing the notion of online platforms and their role in the transformation of modern economy. A special attention is paid on the essence of sharing economy which is considered as a product of platforms’ activity. Then the legal nature of relationships between platforms and their users is explored, i.e. operator-supplier and operator-customer relationships. In this regard, various cases concerning these relationships as well as the most recent European legal acts regulating platforms are analyzed. The main problems arising in practice of platforms’ activities are discussed and the need to provide an appropriate regulation to address them is explained.
Problems of Normative Regulation of Investigative (Search) Actions Aimed at Verifying and Specifying Information Obtained During the Pre-Judicial Investigation
Authors: Kaplina Oksana , Hetman Halyna
Published: October 2023

The article raises questions related to the definition of the system of investigative (search) actions relevant to modern law enforcement practice and the doctrine of the criminal procedure. Namely, for a long time the 1960 CPC in art. 194 provided for an investigative action such as reconstructing situation and circumstances of a certain event. The lack of legal certainty of this article logically led to a discussion about its legal content, which led scholars to form an opinion regarding the coverage of its normative content by two independent investigative actions – an investigative experiment and verification of testimony on the site. However, such a conclusion was only a doctrinal approach. The legal content of art. 194 of the 1960 CPC of Ukraine remained not clearly defined, which led to a lack of unity in approaches to its understanding until the very adoption in 2012 of the new CPC of Ukraine. Such a defect in the norm of criminal procedural law did not meet the requirements of the rule-making technique, and even less the needs of law enforcement practice. With the adoption of the 2012 CPC and enshrined in art. 240 as a separate investigative (search) activity of an investigative experiment, the discussion regarding the necessity of adopting an additional investigative activity such as verification of testimony on the site has appeared. The aim of the article is to interpret the Art. 240 of the 2012 Criminal Procedure Code to understand its legal content for clarifying the essence of such an investigative action as an "investigative experiment", to establish the types of experimental actions, to distinguish them from similar investigative actions, to resolve the issue of the feasibility of enshrining in the current Criminal Procedure Code such an investigative action as checking testimony on the scene. In this article, the authors express an opinion about the inexpediency of transferring this Soviet-era debate, which has been going for almost 50 years, to the modern times. The author's position is determined by the conceptual provisions laid down in the 2012 CPC, the essence of which is that testimony is information provided during an interrogation. The CPC of 2012 contains a procedural mechanism by which an investigator, inquirer, and prosecutor can verify previously submitted statements. Such proper legal procedure is an interrogation, which, in accordance with the requirements of the CPC, can be conducted both at the place of the pre-trial investigation and at another place, which determines the inexpediency of unnecessary legislative duplication.
Relationship Between Collaborative Activities and Military Criminal Offenses
Authors: Kharytonov Sergiy
Published: October 2023

The article is devoted to setting up and solving the problem of the ratio of the composition of military criminal offenses and the composition of collaborative activities in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine against the background of military aggression by the Russian Federation. The relevance of the issues of this scientific article is that after the seizure of Crimea and parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the legislator repeatedly made changes to the current Criminal Code of Ukraine, which led to various points of view of scientists and law enforcement agencies (the police, the State Bureau of Investigation, the Security Service of Ukraine, prosecutor's office, court, etc.) to qualify the actions of citizens of Ukraine who remained in the temporarily occupied territories, while in some cases they intentionally committed actions (inaction) to the detriment of interests. The purpose of this article is to analyze the problematic aspects of the correlation of collaborative activities with military criminal offenses and to formulate rules for solving individual qualification problems arising from the correlation of the specified acts. The research is based on the use of general scientific, special legal and interdisciplinary methods of cognition. The obtained results make it possible to assert that collaborative activity, unlike military criminal offenses, encroaches, first of all, on the foundations of Ukraine's national security and is sometimes committed together with treason. The generic object of military criminal offenses is social relations in the sphere of normal activity of the military organization of Ukraine, which, although it plays one of the key roles in maintaining the appropriate level of security, territorial integrity and inviolability of the state, is not identical to the generic object of Section I of the Special Part of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Projection of monthly surface flows by an optimized SWAT–MLP: a case study
Authors: Furong Gao , Hossain Sarmistha
Published: October 2023

Recent investigations have noted that using a hybrid arrangement of Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and multi-layer perceptron (MLP) has high efficiency in runoff prediction. In this research, in addition to using the SWAT and MLP models, an optimized algorithm called Mutated SunFlower Optimization (MSFO) algorithm has been proposed to predict better runoff, which improves the results of prediction runoff by decreasing the error percentage in the MLP model. For this purpose, first, runoff modeling is used to assess the efficiency of the SWAT system. The model's verification and calibration have been performed using data from the previous 30 years of statistics. Then, the flow stream simulated by the SWAT method is evaluated with the observational data and applied as the inputs to the MLP model, and finally, runoff is predicted through the MLP model, and MSFO is used in the MLP model to obtain better results for runoff prediction. The results show that the values of statistical indices R2, RMSE, NSE, and RE give satisfying agreement for runoff forecast in the SWAT–MLP/MSFO model with values of 0.83, 1.68, 0.51, and −0.1.
Şemseddin Semerkandî’nin (Ö. 722/1322) Filozoflara Yönelik Eleştirisi: Hudûs Teorisi Bağlamında Bir İnceleme
Authors: Sadıker Ömer
Published: October 2023

Evrenin hakikati ve kaynağı problemi düşünce tarihi kadar eskidir. İnsanlık, ait olduğu ve her zaman karşı karşıya kaldığı evrensel olguları ve olayları keşfetmek için yoğun zihni faaliyetlerde bulunmuştur. Nitekim evrenin varlığıyla ilgili felsefi sorgulama; insanlık için hayatı daha anlamlı kılabilmek, karşılaşılan problemleri çözüme kavuşturabilmek ve hayatın amacını kavrayabilmek gibi önemli amaçlara hizmet edecektir. İslam düşünce geleneğinde Tanrı-evren ilişkisi ya da evrenin Tanrı aracılığıyla meydana geliş keyfiyetine yönelik çeşitli görüşler ileri sürülmüştür. Bu doğrultuda İslam filozofları, evrenin Tanrı’dan zorunlu olarak türediğini ifade eden sudûr teorisini; Sûfîler, evreni Tanrı’nın mutlak varlığına indirgeyerek Tanrı ile evren arasında birlik tesis eden vahdet-i vücûd nazariyesini; kelâmcılar ise evrenin Allah’ın iradesiyle uzay-zamanda yaratılmış, ilahi zâttan bağışık bir varlık olduğunu ifade eden hudûs delilini tasarlamışlardır. Biz de sözü geçen üç ekol çerçevesinde Tanrı-evren ilişkisini irdeleyeceğiz. İslam düşünce sisteminin önemli bir kurucu unsuru olarak Kelâm geleneği, evreni ve kaynağını keşfetmeye yönelik ciddi düşünsel faaliyetlerde bulunmuştur. Doğa felsefelerinin temeline cevher-araz kuramını yerleştiren kelâmcılar, evreni esasen metafiziksel gayelerine ulaştırması bakımından araştırma konusu yapmışlardır. Cevher-araz kuramı, bir metot olarak birçok kelâmî problemin çözümünde aktif rol oynamıştır. Kelâmcıların cevher-araz metodu sayesinde çözümledikleri problemlerden biri de âlemin hudûsüdür
Neopterin as a Potential Biomarker for the Early Diagnosis of Heart
Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Mahmoudvand Golnaz , Rouzbahani Arian Karimi , Kheirandish Ali , Saghazadeh Amene , Rezaei Nima
Published: October 2023

Background:

Neopterin (NEO) is an inflammatory biomarker with proposed
diagnostic value in cardiovascular diseases. Some correlations have been discovered between NEO levels and the incidence, severity, and adverse outcomes of heart failure (HF).
However, there are discrepancies in the results reported in the literature.

Methods:

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing urinary and blood NEO concentrations between individuals with HF, cardiac insufficiency,
or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with control groups or those monitoring the role of
NEO concentrations as a predictive marker of adverse outcomes in HF patients.

Results:

A total of 24 studies that met the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The studies
demonstrated the alteration of NEO in blood or urine samples in subjects with HF, cardiac
insufficiency, or DCM compared with control groups. Also, reviewing the studies suggested a link between reduced ejection fraction, higher NYHA classes, and a higher risk
of adverse cardiac outcomes with increased NEO levels. The meta-analysis of three studies revealed a significant increase in serum NEO levels in HF cases compared to that in
healthy controls with an effect size of 3.72 (95 % CI 0.16 to 7.28; p = 0.04).

Conclusion:

Meta-analysis demonstrated a significant difference between serum NEO
levels of HF cases and healthy subjects. This evidence implies the potential of serum NEO
as a valuable diagnostic biomarker in HF patients. Also, the review of the studies revealed
the prognostic potential of NEO. Further research is required to assess the usefulness of
NEO as a diagnostic/prognostic biomarker for HF.