bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Will Africa meet the challenge of biodiversity conservation in the digital age?
Authors: GANGLO Jean Cossi
Published: October 2022

Digital accessible knowledge (DAK) is of utmost importance for biodiversity conservation; indeed, its use is indispensable to provide evidence and strategies to support decision-making on natural resource management and sustainable use. The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF, www.gbif.org) is a mega data infrastructure with more than two billion occurrence records as of 28 May 2022. It is by far the largest initiative assembling and sharing DAK to support scientific research, conservation, and sustainable development. We decided to analyze plant data published at the GBIF site at the scale of Africa. This will highlight the contribution of the continent to the GBIF and thereby underline data gaps across taxonomic groups, the basis of records, and geographic space. To achieve our purpose, we downloaded data from the Plantae kingdom from Africa. They are available at https://doi.org/10.15468/dl.f79228. We achieved data treatment and analysis using R, several packages and related functions. Although Africa is home to rich biodiversity with many hotspots, the global data contribution of Africa to the GBIF is still incredibly low (1.37%). Furthermore, there are huge disparities between African countries, with South Africa contributing alone for 65% of the data of the continent. The plant data of Africa (2,713,790 occurrence records) accounted for 9.11% of the data of the continent; this underlines huge gaps between taxonomic groups. Furthermore, Magnoliopsida was the dominant plant class with the highest number of records (79.62%) and the highest number of species (71.85%), followed by Liliopsida, with 15.10% of the records and 18.16% of the species. Two sources of records were dominant: preserved specimens (75.49%) and human observation (18.60%). In geographic space, plant data gaps are also quite large across the continent at either spatial resolution (half degree or one degree spatial grid cells); data completeness is more achieved in West Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa, and Madagascar. The large multidimensional data gaps identified in this study should be a priority addressed in future data collections. Accessibility either by roads or waterways and protected areas are underpinning factors of data completeness across the continent. We deplored important data loss during the process of data cleaning; indeed, the total number of records with adequate coordinates accounted for 71.03% of the initial data, while the data fitness for use in completeness analysis (records with adequate coordinates and full dates) was only approximately 65% of the total data records initially downloaded.
Study of a physiotherapy evaluation that applies the motor retraction phenomenon to auditory stimuli
Authors: Yamanaka Takumi , Takeuchi Shinta , Aoki Akino , Nishida Yusuke
Published: October 2022

The accuracy and precision of synchronization and phase coherence values have been used as evaluation measures of retraction. However, it has been pointed out that accuracy and precision of synchronization may show a discrepancy between neural entrainment and performance accuracy. Therefore, this study determined whether the phenomenon of motor retraction to auditory stimuli can be evaluated by using phase synchronization with tapping. For this purpose, we examined phase coherence values, surrogate data methods, and effect sizes from a mathematical perspective. The auditory stimulus interval at which retraction is most likely to occur was also identified. Specifically, tapping tasks at six tempi (400, 500, 600, 750, 1,000, and 2,000 ms) were performed on 20 young adults. A comparison of the data for each auditory stimulus condition revealed significant differences at 400, 500, 600, 750, and 1,000 ms. Moreover, the effect size was greatest at 400 ms. The results suggest that, among the five conditions in which retraction occurred, the 400 ms auditory stimulus interval had the lowest probability of being an error in retraction determination and was therefore deemed suitable for evaluation.
Shariah Board and Takaful Performance: Mediating Role of corporate social responsibility
Authors: sallemi nourhen , Zouari Ghazi
Published: October 2022

This study aims to investigate the impact of Shariah board characteristics ( Sahriah board size, cross-membership, qualification, and reputation) on the performance of takaful insurance providers of distinguishable Muamalah contracts (wakalah and mixt), mediated by corporate social responsibility. Our sample covers 30 Takaful insurances divided into two subsamples: 18 insurance wakalah contracts offered in Southeast Asia (SEA) and 12 insurance mixte contracts offered in GCC over the period 2010–2020. We used the PLSPM method for data analysis. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities contribute to the success of takaful insurance. In fact, CSR has a partial mediating effect on the relationship between Shariah board size, qualification, and Takaful performance based on Southeast Asian (SEA) countries and GCC. Furthermore, CSR has a full mediating effect on the relationship between cross-membership and takaful performance in SEA countries and a partial mediating effect on the relationship between cross-membership and takaful performance in GCC countries. Moreover, CSR has a partial mediating effect on the relationship between reputation and Takaful performance in both SEA and GCC countries. This study highlights that CSR is a source of efficiency that enhances Takaful’s performance. Regulators should appreciate this procedure for the formulation of suitable and useful ways to efficiently supervise the operations of Takaful insurance.
JEL classification – G22, G3
Looking for a needle in a haystack: Recovering tiny metal fragments of broken instruments during pediatric laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Lin Kaiwu , Zhang Bing , Bai Jianxi
Published: October 2022

Objective
The purpose of this study was to investigate the management of the rare case that tiny metal fragments of broken instruments falling into the abdominal cavity during pediatric laparoscopic surgery.
Methods
A retrospective review of patients with tiny metal fragments of broken instruments during pediatric laparoscopic surgery in our hospital. In addition, we searched and analyzed the relevant literature from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2021 from the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases.
Results
2 cases with tiny metal fragments of broken scissors during laparoscopic surgery were successfully recovered in our hospital. Together with our 2 cases, a total of 13 cases were reported instrument broken during laparoscopic surgery. 3 cases visible and other 10 cases underwent intraoperative fluoroscopy; 4 cases were taken out by the magnetic device; 1 case converted to a laparotomy; none of them result in retained surgical instrument. Management of the rare case mainly includ careful search, necessary fluoroscopy and magnet. First, stop the operation immediately. Then the environment was carefully viewed with unnecessary turning as much as possible. Next intraoperative fluoroscopys was used. A magnet was put into the abdominal cavity. After the metal foreign bodies were removed, fluoroscopy again for ensuring that the foreign body is removed without residue.
Conclusions
Management of recovering tiny metal fragments of broken instruments during pediatric laparoscopic surgery mainly includes careful view, necessary fluoroscopy and magnet.
Identifying liver metastasis-related hub genes in breast cancer and characterizing SPARCL1 as a potential prognostic biomarker
Authors: Chen Mingkuan , Zheng Wenfang , Fang Lin
Published: October 2022

Purpose: The liver is currently the third most common metastatic site for advanced breast cancer (BC), and liver metastases predict poor prognoses. However, the characterized biomarkers and mechanisms underlying liver metastasis in BC remain unclear.
Methods: The GSE124648 dataset was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between BC and liver metastases. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were conducted to annotate these DEGs and understand the biological functions they are involved in. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify hub genes. Clinicopathological correlation of hub gene expression in patients with BC was determined. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to explore DEG-related signaling pathways. SPARCL1expression in BC tissues and cell lines was verified (RT-qPCR). SPARCL1 knockdown was performed using siRNAs; its biological function in BC cells was then investigated.
Results: We identified 332 liver metastasis-related DEGs from GSE124648 and 30 hub genes, including SPARCL1, from the PPI network. SPARCL1was related to patient prognosis, and its expression in BC was associated with age, TNM stage, estrogen receptor (ER) status, progesterone receptor (PR) status, histological type, molecular type, and living status of patients. GSEA results suggested that low SPARCL1 expression in BC was related to the cell cycle, DNA replication, oxidative phosphorylation, and homologous recombination. In vitro SPARCL1 inhibition promoted BC cell proliferation and migration.
Conclusion: We identified SPARCL1 as a tumor suppressor in BC, which shows potential as a target for BC and liver metastasis therapy and diagnosis.
Knowledge-Graph-Enabled Biomedical Entity Linking: A Survey
Authors: Shi Jiyun , Yuan Zhimeng , Guo Wenxuan , Ma Chen , Chen Jiehao , Zhang Meihui
Published: October 2022

Biomedical Entity Linking (BM-EL) task, which aims to match biomedical mentions in articles to entities in a certain knowledge base (e.g., the Unified Medical Language System), draws dramatic attention in recent years. BM-EL can help to disambiguate medical terms and link to rich semantic information in the biomedical knowledge base, which can act as an essential means for many downstream applications.Although entity linking tasks have been investigated in the general domain and achieved great success, many challenges remain in the biomedical field, for instance, highly complex terminology, less training data, and entity ambiguity.In this survey, we categorize BM-EL methods into rule-based, machine learning, and deep learning models according to the development of the model paradigm and provide a comprehensive review of each approach.In-depth study of current BM-EL efforts, we group the model architectures into four categories: joint entity recognition and linking, graph-based global entity disambiguation, cross-lingual architectures, and model-efficiency improvement.We further introduce six well-established datasets that are commonly used for BM-EL tasks. Furthermore, we present a comparison of the different methods and discuss their advantages and disadvantages.Finally, we discuss the limitations of existing methods for BM-EL and discuss promising future research directions.
First steps toward the knowledge of macrofaunal assemblages in rose gorgonian gardens from Central Chile: opening the door for conservation actions
Authors: Camps-Castellà Judith , Prado Patricia , Tena-Medialdea José , Brante Antonio , Hinojosa Iván
Published: October 2022

Gorgonian gardens of a new species of the generaLeptogorgiasp. are found in Central Chile. Little is known about these populations including depth distribution, colony abundance, structural attributes, and associated macrofaunal assemblages. Hierarchical sampling was conducted at 20 m depth (maximum colony abundances) in order to assess spatial variability in abundance and colony attributes at two spatial scales (among sites and rocky walls). The abundance and composition of the associated vagile and sessile macrofauna were also examined using univariant (Taxa richness, and Shannon index (H’e)) and multivariant approaches, and were compared with adjacent bare rocky habitats. Our results showed a high abundance of gorgonians (ca. 28.9 to 36.5 colonies m-2) compared to other gorgonian gardens in the world. For structural attributes, our results showed smaller colonies with thicker holdfasts in more exposed sites, suggesting the influence of hydrodynamic forces on the colony morphology. Taxa richness andH’eof vagile fauna showed 3-fold and 2-fold, respectively, higher values in gorgonian gardens compared to bare walls, but no differences were observed for sessile fauna. In addition, PCoA and PERMANOVA evidenced a distinctive assemblages’ composition between habitats for both vagile and sessile fauna. Correlation analyses and dbRDA showed, however, little association between structural attributes and associated faunal assemblages (R2=0.06, and ca. 3 to 9.4 % of the total variation explained, respectively). Our results constitute the first assessment of structural habitat complexity and accompanying fauna in these gorgonian gardens and establish the baseline for understanding possible future changes associated to human activities.
Predictive Assessment of the Consistency of Pituitary Adenomas Using Signal Intensity In Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Fractal Dimension of Histopathological Features
Authors: Gaia Felipe , Cavalcante-Filho José Renan Miranda , Reyes Lorenna Capovilla Martins Gonzales , Cortez Gustavo Maldonado , Belfort Marco Aurélio Franco Godoy , Cruz Oswaldo Laércio Mendonça , Zymberg Samuel Tau
Published: October 2022

PURPOSE
Recent studies have evaluated the presence of correlations between the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of Pituitary Adenomas (PAs) and their intraoperative tumor consistency. In this sense, predicting the consistency of preoperative PAs can help in selecting the most appropriate surgical approach for patients. However, the current literature lacks valid conclusions, and few articles that addressed the topic showed conflicting results. This study aimed to determine whether there is a correlation between the consistency of PAs and conventional MRI sequences, such as ADC, DWI, and FIESTA, in addition to a histopathological study of collagen and reticulin in these lesions, using Masson’s trichrome, reticulin, and fractal dimension (FD).
METHODS
Preoperative assessment was performed using MRI sequences, surgeons' perception of intraoperative consistency, and histopathological features using conventional methods (Masson's Trichomium and Reticulin) and FD.
RESULTS
The correlation between the MRI sequences and intraoperative consistency of the tumors did not show statistical relevance, and it was not possible to establish a specific signal intensity (SI) value for hard, intermediate, or soft tumors. No statistically significant correlation between the consistency of the tumor and quantification of collagen fibers, in both FD and conventional analyses.
CONCLUSION
The analysis of traditional MRI sequences plus ADC and FIESTA was not able to predict the consistency of the PAs. Moreover, it was found that collagen fibers identified through Masson’s trichrome, reticulin, and FD methods were not statistically associated with tumor consistency.
Acute kidney injury is associated with soluble VCAM-1 levels and short-term mortality in ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Jaqueto Marcel , Alfieri Daniela Frizon , Araújo Maria Caroline Martins , Lehmann Ana Lucia Cruz Fürstenberger , Flauzino Tamires , Trevisan Emmanuelle Roberto , Nagao Maisa Rocha , Freitas Leonardo Bodner , Simão Andrea , Delfino Vinicius Daher , Lozovoy Marcell Alysson Batisti , Reiche Edna Maria Vissoci
Published: October 2022

An association between ischemic stroke (IS) and acute renal injury (AKI) has been reported. The aim of the study was to evaluate the occurrence of AKI and the potential prognostic validity of a panel of clinical and laboratory biomarkers in predicting AKI and short-term mortality after the IS. A prospective and longitudinal study enrolled 95 patients with IS, adults, both sexes. The severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). The disability was determined after three-month follow-up using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and categorized as mild (mRS < 3) and moderate/severe (mRS ≥ 3). The patients were also categorized as survivors and non-survivors after the follow-up. Baseline demographic, epidemiological, and clinical data were recorded, and blood samples were obtained up to 24 h for the determination of laboratory biomarkers. Fifteen (15.7%) patients presented AKI. The proportion of IS patients with vitamin D deficiency and increased soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) levels were higher among those with AKI than those without AKI (p = 0.011, and p = 0.023, respectively). sVCAM-1 were associated with AKI after IS (p = 0.027) and the mortality was higher among those with AKI than those without AKI (p = 0.009). AKI showed better prediction value for mortality than the disability (NIHSS). The study demonstrated AKI as a common complication after IS and its association with short-term mortality. Moreover, sVCAM-1 levels were independent associated with AKI, which suggest a plausible role in the pathophysiological mechanisms of AKI after IS, as well as a potential biomarker to predict AKI in IS patients.
Direct Leaf-Peeling Method for Areca Protoplasts: a simple and efficient system for protoplast isolation and transformation in areca palm (Areca catechu)
Authors: Wang Yaodi , Wang Linxi , Liu Hongjun , Gou Bei , Hu Weiyao , Qin Li , Shen Wentao , Wang Aiming , Cui Hongguang , Dai Zhaoji
Published: October 2022

Background: Areca palm (Areca catechu) is a woody perennial plant of both economical and medicinal importance grown in tropical and subtropical climates. Yet, the molecular biology study of areca palm is extremely impeded by its unavailability of a transformation method. An efficient protoplast isolation and transformation system could be highly desirable to overcome this barrier.
Results: Here, we described a simple and efficient method for protoplast isolation and transformation from the perennial plant areca palm. A high yield of protoplasts (2.5 × 107 protoplasts per gram of fresh leaf tissues) was obtained from the fresh light green leaflet from the newly-emerged leaf digested overnight in the enzyme solution [2% (w/v) cellulase R10, 0.5% (w/v) macerozyme R10, 0.7 M mannitol, 10 mM CaCl2, 20 mM KCl, 20 mM MES and 0.1% (w/v) BSA, pH 5.7] by the direct leaf-peeling method. The isolated areca protoplasts maintain viability and have been successfully transformed with a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged plasmid (pGreen0029-GFP, 6.0 kb) via the polyethylene glycol (PEG)-mediated transformation. Moreover, the mannitol concentration (optimal: 0.7 M) was determined as a key factor affecting areca protoplast isolation. We also demonstrated that the optimal density of areca protoplast for efficient transformation was at 1.5 × 106 cells/ml. With the optimization of transformation parameters, we have achieved a relatively high transformation efficiency of nearly 50%.
Conclusion: We have established the first efficient protocol for the high-yield isolation and transformation of areca palm protoplasts. This method shall be applied in various biological studies of areca palm, such as gene function analysis, genome editing, protein trafficking and localization and protein-protein interaction. In addition, the protoplast system offers a great genetic transformation approach for the woody perennial plant-areca palm. Moreover, the established platform may be applied in protoplast isolation and transformation for other important species in the palm family, including oil palm and coconut.
Thermoplastic Obturation of Flattened Canals with Ultrasonic Vertical Condensation: A Microtomographic Analysis
Authors: Carmo Caio Cesar Delfino Oliveira , Calefi Pedro Henrique Souza , Feitosa Alinne Patierry Pacifico de Oliveira , Vivacqua-Gomes Nilton , Alcalde Murilo Priori , Vivan Rodrigo Ricci , Duarte Marco Antônio Húngaro , Vasconcelos Bruno Carvalho
Published: October 2022

Objective
To evaluate the obturation quality of mandibular molars flattened distal canals using ultrasonic certical condensatio (UVC) compared to the continuous wave of condensation (CWC) technique through micro-computed tomographic (micro-CT) assessment.
Methods
Mandibular molars were micro-CT scanned for sample homogenization, and the volume and flattening (B-L/M-D > 4) of the distal canals were determined. Thirty-six canals were then prepared with Protaper Gold instruments up to #F3 associated with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite, followed by passive ultrasonic irrigation. After instrumentation, the canal volume was determined in a new scan, and the roots were randomly divided and allocated to UVC and CWC groups. Fourteen days after obturation with gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer, the specimens were scanned again to evaluate the filling quality.
Results
None of the fillings performed completely filled the canal area. Obturation values of 83.33% (UVC) and 89.97% (CWC) were observed; the Student’s t-test exhibited no significant difference between the techniques (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
Under the conditions of this study, it was observed that none of the evaluated techniques was able to completely obturate the canals; nevertheless, UVC achieved similar results compared to the CWC technique.
Clinical Relevance:
Despite not being able to completely obturate the complex root canal anatomy, both techniques yielded satisfactory fillings. Ultrasonic vertical condensation could be an interesting clinical option for filling flattened canals, achieving a similar outcome to that of the continuous wave of condensation technique.
Non-Chaotic Limit Sets in Multi-Agent Learning
Authors: Czechowski Aleksander , Piliouras Georgios
Published: October 2022

Non-convergence is an inherent aspect of adaptive multi-agent systems, and even basic learning models, such as the replicator dynamics, are not guaranteed to equilibriate. Limit cycles, and even more complicated chaotic sets are in fact possible even in rather simple games, including variants of the Rock-Paper-Scissors game. A key challenge of multi-agent learning theory lies in characterization of these limit sets, based on qualitative features of the underlying game. Although chaotic behavior in learning dynamics can be precluded by the celebrated Poincar\'e-Bendixson theorem, it is only applicable directly to low-dimensional settings. In this work, we attempt to find other characteristics of a game that can force regularity in the limit sets of learning. We show that behavior consistent with the Poincaré-Bendixson theorem (limit cycles, but no chaotic attractor) follows purely from the topological structure of the interaction graph, even for high-dimensional settings with an arbitrary number of players, and arbitrary payoff matrices. We prove our result for a wide class of follow-the-regularized leader (FoReL) dynamics, which generalize replicator dynamics, for binary games characterized interaction graphs where the payoffs of each player are only affected by one other player (i.e., interaction graphs of indegree one). Moreover, we provide simple conditions under which such behavior translates into efficiency guarantees, implying that FoReL learning achievestime-averaged sum of payoffs at least as good as that of a Nash equilibrium, thereby connecting the topology of the dynamics to social-welfare analysis.
Identify spatio-temporal properties of network traffic in cellular network by model checking
Authors: Yuan Zheke , Niu Jun , Lu Xurong , Yang Fangmeng
Published: October 2022

Cellular networks have been widely deployed and are under ever-growing communication pressure. Detecting traffic hotspots or other essential characteristics of network traffic distributions can help to adjust the base station control strategies of networks to save energy. Generally, existing approaches detect these characteristics by data analysis techniques, making the detection process generally inefficient and not automatic. Moreover, those approaches are also difficult to describe the dynamic spatio-temporal evolution characteristics of network traffics. In this paper, we propose a novel modeling and analysis approach by applying the spatio-temporal model checking technique to the detection of network traffic characteristics. First, we model the spatio-temporal evolution process of cellular network traffic by closure space model. Second, we give the logical characterizations of detection requirements by suitable Spatio-Temporal Logic of Closure Space (STLCS) formulas. Third, we verify the spatio-temporal properties in the closure space model by model checking algorithms. The experiments are illustrated on the Milan network traffic dataset and indicate that our approach can automatically and effectively detect desirable spatio-temporal properties of cellular network traffic.
DHODH inhibitors sensitize cancer cells to ferroptosis via FSP1 inhibition
Authors: Mishima Eikan , Nakamura Toshitaka , Zheng Jiashuo , Zhang Weijia , Mourão André Santos Dias , Sennhenn Peter , Conrad Marcus
Published: October 2022

The quest for novel targets breaking cancer therapeutic resistance has led to exciting efforts to leverage ferroptosis specifically in cancer cells, traditionally vulnerable to iron-dependent lipid peroxidation1. In a recent paper published in this venue, Mao et al.2 introduced mitochondrially localized dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) as an enzyme mediating ferroptosis resistance in tumor cells by reducing mitochondrial ubiquinone (CoQ10), which in turn facilitates scavenging of oxygen radicals in mitochondrial membranes.
The Gene Sequence of the Proteins of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Thomas Sunil
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has impacted the lives of every family on this planet. The SARS-CoV-2 virus has caused disease and death that is unprecedented in the recent memory. The vaccines against COVID-19 have provided protection against the disease; however new strains of the virus have lowered the efficiency of the vaccines. Annotation of the virus genome would provide better diagnostics, vaccines and therapies to protect against COVID-19. This paper provides the gene sequences of the proteins of SARS-CoV-2.
Association between personality and morphology of maxillary central incisors
Authors: Paixão Sandyla , Biz Djamily , Barros Beatriz , Gondo Renata
Published: October 2022

Objectives: to investigate the association between personality and morphology of maxillary central incisors.
Materials and methods: 39 males and 85 females (124 participants) answered a questionnaire on their degree of satisfaction with maxillary incisors shape (smile attractiveness self-perception) and were distributed into Satisfied or Dissatisfied groups. The personality type of the participants was determined through the Enneagram Classification Test. Each participant visualized images of oval-, square and triangular-shaped teeth models and chose the most attractive dental morphology (CDM). Six calibrated dentists determined the natural dental morphology (NDM) of each participant through intraoral photographs of the maxillary incisors. The associations among variables were analyzed using the Chi-square test (p<0.05).
Results: The CDM results showed 30 oval-, 8 square-, 66 triangular-, 4 oval/triangular-, 8 oval/square-, and 8 triangular/square-shaped maxillary incisors. The NDM analysis resulted in 55 oval-, 52 square-, and 17 triangular-shaped maxillary incisors. In contrast to the Dissatisfied group, a significant association between CDM and NDM was observed in the Satisfied group (p=0.028). The associations between personality and both CDM (p=0.642) and NDM (p=0.096) were not significant.
Conclusions: The participant's personality did not influence the morphology of maxillary central incisors; however, the participant’s smile attractiveness self-perception was found the most important factor to choose tooth shape. Patients should be encouraged to participate in their dental esthetic planning.
Clinical relevance: Personality is widely considered an important parameter for dental esthetic planning; however, tooth shape is the main factor that should be prioritized to optimize patient satisfaction.
Habitat drives body size evolution in Mustelidae (Mammalia: Carnivora)
Authors: Rodrigues Andre Vieira , Grossel Laís Aline , Servino Leonardo Matheus , Diniz-Filho José Alexandre Felizola
Published: October 2022

Body size of organisms is often associated with physiological demands and habitat structure. Several theories and models have been proposed to explain body size trends across geographical space and evolutionary time. It is proposed that herbivores are larger due to their more voluminous digestive system, allowing a longer retention time of the digested material. Simultaneously, for carnivores, it is expected that the bigger the prey, the larger the predator. Additionally, some body size trends have been attributed to climatic variation across space and habitat structure. Bergmann's Rule proposes that larger endotherms inhabit colder areas, once a larger body size promotes better heat retention due to reduced surface/volume ratio. Similarly, aquatic endotherms are larger than expected, due to analogous physiological demands to endotherms living in colder environments. Here we tested whether body size of the Mustelidae clade can be explained by diet, habitat structure or environmental temperature. We performed phylogenetic regressions to assess the relationships between body size and the aforementioned predictors in 53 species of Mustelidae. We found that neither diet nor temperature were related to body size evolution. However, habitat was related to body size, with semi aquatic species being. Mechanisms involving thermal inertia, predation pressure, better quality resources close to water and bone density are hypotheses that suggest larger body sizes evolution in semi-aquatic vertebrates. We highlight the importance of considering widely accepted ecological traits for large groups, at lower taxonomic levels, in order to expand our understanding of the maintenance of these standards on different scales.
Feature Extraction of Underwater Acoustic Signal Target Using Machine Learning Technique
Authors: P Ashok , Latha B.
Published: October 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Temperature Changes Caused by Light Curing Units on Dentine of Primary and Permanent Teeth of Different Thicknesses
Authors: Alfares Reem , Jabbour Obada
Published: October 2022

Aim
This study was performed in order to determine the temperature rise under human dentin discs of different thicknesses of primary and permanent teeth during the photo-curing process with conventional halogen lamp and LED.
Materials and methods
The current experimental study sample consisted of 160 dentin discs of different thicknesses (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 mm) of which 80 dentin discs were prepared from healthy lower second primary molars and the remaining 80 dentin discs were prepared from healthy lower third permanent molars extracted surgically for various reasons. A "K" type of thermal tentacle was placed in the center of an acrylic resin base followed by the placement of a dentin disc. Then, the thermal changes was measured during the photo-curing of the composite using a second generation of light-emitting diode (LED) and quartz-tungsten-halogen (QTH) light curing units.
Vanadium Selenide Nanobelt Electrocatalyst for Extremely High Dopamine-Selective Detection
Authors: Chae Sudong , Woo Chaeheon , Gu Geun Ho , Kim Tae Yeong , Jeon Jiho , Kwon Hyeok Jin , Oh Seungbae , Choi Kyung Hwan , Dong Xue , Ahn Jungyoon , Asghar Ghulam , Oh Hyung-Suk , Yu Hak Ki , Kim Hyo Won , Choi Jae-Young
Published: October 2022

Electrochemical dopamine (DA) detection has been extensively studied for the practical diagnosis of neurological disorders. A major challenge in this system is to synthesize selective and sensitive DA sensing electrocatalysts in extracellular fluids, because critical interferents such as uric acid (UA) and ascorbic acid (AA) exhibit oxidation potentials similar to those of DA. Herein, we report an extremely selective and sensitive electrocatalyst for DA sensing prepared by vanadium selenide (V2Se9). A solution-based process for the first time was introduced to synthesize the V2Se9, showing unique DA-philic characteristic caused by exposure negative charge of crystal Se. Owing to its distinctive features, the prepared V2Se9 electrode detected only DA in the presence of concentrated interferents. Electrochemical characterization and computing simulation provide strong evidence that the extreme DA selectivity stems from close physical affinity between Se and DA, leading to the outer sphere electron transfer mechanism. This is totally different from common catechol-based oxidation process. Furthermore, nano-structured V2Se9 electrode extremely improves DA sensing ability as low as practical detection limit with maintaining inactive interferent characteristic. More interestingly, an identical unique DA-sensing ability was also observed in a V2Se9 analogue—Nb2Se9. We believe that this finding provides new insights into the effect of the analyte-philic properties of electrode materials on the electrocatalytic response for selective analyte quantification.
Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in leaves samples of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell from different geographical regions in India
Authors: Ahmed Aziz
Published: October 2022

Background: To determine quantitative analysis of total phenolic compound and flavonoids content and evaluate antioxidant and antibacterial activity in leaves samples of Bacopa monnieri (L.) from four different geographical regions in India.
Result: Phytochemical analysis was performed on all four leaves samples and estimation of Total phenolic and flavonoid content were carried out. Evaluation of antioxidant activities such as DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) radical scavenging activity, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging activity, ferric reducing power and antibacterial activity in different solvent extracts of leaves samples from four different geographical regions in India were performed.
The highest content of total phenolics and flavonoids were observed in leaves sample of Jammu region. Highest DPPH radical scavenging activity, H2O2 scavenging activity and ferric reducing power were observed in leaves samples of Jammu. Maximum zone of inhibition against bacteria Staphylococcus aureus was reported with ethanol extract of leaves sample of Jammu. Maximum zone of inhibition against bacteria Bacillus subtilis was reported with chloroform extract of leaves sample of Kerala. Maximum zone of inhibition against bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa was reported with ethanol extract of leaves sample of Jammu. Maximum zone of inhibition against bacteria Escherichia coli was reported with ethanol extract of leaves sample of Kerala.
Conclusion: Excellent antioxidant activity was given by extract of leaves samples of Jammu. So they can be used as natural antioxidants after isolation and purification. Excellent antibacterial activity was reported in leaves samples of Jammu and Kerala.
Automating the Mapping of Course Learning Outcomes to Program Learning Outcomes using Natural Language Processing for Accurate Educational Program Evaluation
Authors: Zaki Nazar , Turaev Sherzod , Shuaib Khaled , Krishnan Anusuya , Mohamed Elfadil A.
Published: October 2022

Quality control and assurance plays a fundamental role within higher education contexts. One means by which quality control can be performed is by mapping the course learning outcomes (CLOs) to the program learning outcomes (PLO). This paper describes a system by which this mapping process can be automated and validated. The proposed AI-based system automates the mapping process through the use of natural language processing. The framework underwent testing using two actual datasets from two educational programs, and the findings were promising. A testament to the potential of the suggested framework was the precision of the mapping detected (83.1% and 88.1% for the two programs, respectively) compared to the mapping performed by the domain experts. A web-based tool was created to help teachers and administrators execute automatic mappings (https://bidac-uaeu.github.io/mapper.-html). The data and software used in this research project can be found at the following URL: https://github.com/-nzaki02/CLO-PLO
Rapid, artifact-reduced, image reconstruction for super-resolution structured illumination microscopy
Authors: Lei Ming , Wang Zhaojun , Zhao TianYu , Cai Yanan , Zhang JingXiang , Hao Huiwen , Liang YanSheng , Wang Shaowei , sun yujie , Chen Tongsheng , Bianco Piero , Oh Kwangsung
Published: October 2022

Super-resolution structured illumination microscopy (SR-SIM) is finding increasing application in biomedical research due to its superior capability to visualize the subcellular dynamics in living cells. However, during image reconstruction, the artifact problem, coupled with time-consuming postprocessing procedures, limits this technique from becoming a routine imaging tool for biologists. To address these issues, an accelerated, artifact-reduced reconstruction algorithm termed Joint-Space-Frequency-Reconstruction-based Artifact Reduction algorithm (JSFR-AR-SIM) was developed by integrating a high-speed reconstruction framework with a high-fidelity optimization approach designed to suppress the sidelobe artifact. Consequently, the resulting JSFR-AR-SIM algorithm produces high-quality super-resolution images with minimal artifacts, and the reconstruction speed is increased by 600-fold, without compromising the spatial resolution. We expect this algorithm to facilitate SR-SIM as a routine tool in biomedical laboratories.
A computational model of the integration of noxious and innocuous input in the dorsal horn
Authors: Ramne Malin , Ortiz-Catalan Max
Published: October 2022

The first site for a synaptic relay in the somatosensory nervous system is the spinal cord, where peripheral afferents synapse onto interneurons and projection neurons. Here, we present a model of the integration of noxious and innocuous somatosensory afferent input in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. This model specifically examines the interaction of nociceptive responsive, innocuous responsive, and inhibitory interneurons, all of which receive afferent input from the periphery and in turn synapse onto projection neurons that transmit information to supraspinal neural circuits for further processing. We modeled the dynamics of these neuronal populations using a rate-based Wilson-Cowan approach. The model successfully recreates common observations related to noxious and innocuous stimulation, as well as the resulting intensity of pain. Furthermore, we explored how modifications of the synaptic connections between the different neuron populations can give rise to aberrant pain. These explorations provide insights into the possible mechanisms of neuropathic pain conditions such as phantom limb pain, hyperalgesia, and allodynia.
Taxonomy and phylogeny of Diaporthales in Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Wang Yong
Published: October 2022

During a study of fungi isolated from plant material in Guizhou Province, China, we identified 26 strains of Diaporthales. These were identified from phylogenetic analyses of ITS, LSU, rpb2, tef1 and tub2 gene sequence data, coupled with morphological studies. The isolated fungi included a new genus in Foliocryphiaceae isolated from Acer palmatum and Hypericum patulum, a new species of Chrysofolia isolated from Coriaria nepalensis, and six new species of Diaporthe. Two species, Gnomoniopsis rosae and Coniella quercicola are new records for China.
Site Suitability Analysis for Surface Irrigation using GIS, Remote Sensing, and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Integration in Wama Watershed, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Burayu Dawit , Shiferaw Kitessa
Published: October 2022

The study integrates GIS, Remote Sensing and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to evaluate suitable sites for surface irrigation by taking eight parameters into account, including slope, elevation, distance to water source, land use, soil texture, soil type, soil depth, and soil drainage in Wama watershed. A numeric range was created by standardizing each parameter to a single measurement scale, with higher values denoting more suitable and lower values denoting less suitable one. The final site suitability map was prepared in GIS environment by using the weighted overlay method. Distance to streams (44%), slope (18%), elevation (13%), LULC (13%), and soil drainage (5%) scored highly in the pairwise comparison matrix. Additionally, they are the most crucial elements in evaluating eligible lands for surface irrigation, followed by soil depth (4%), soil type (3%), and soil texture (2%). The final suitability map, which will aid in supporting rain-fed agriculture by surface irrigation, was developed with four classifications highly suitable (16%), moderately suitable (49%), marginally suitable (34%), and not suitable (1%). Therefore, this study demonstrates a robust method of using GIS and remote sensing techniques, which is efficient and useful in mapping potential site suitability for surface irrigation and an important guideline for planners, and decision-makers to give the fast decision for irrigation management.
A RESEARCH ON THE RELATIONSHIP OF POLITICAL STABILITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN BRICS-T COUNTRIES
Authors: ARMUTCU Barış
Published: October 2022

In recent years, it is seen that studies on the strong relationship between political stability and economic growth have increased. Political stability is an important element in the policies that political actors or political parties will implement during their term of office. İn this study, 43 percent of the world's population and the world's economy is estimated to comprise 30% BRICS-T countries to investigate the relationship between political stability and economic growth performance is the main purpose of the study. For this purpose, the relationship between political stability and economic growth in the BRICS-T countries, which are among the developing countries, in the 1996-2020 period was tested with the panel data method. In the study, Durbin-Hausman cointegration tests were used for the cointegration relationship when determining the degree of stasis of variables with the second generation CIPS unit root test. Finally, the second generation AMG estimator test was used to determine the coefficient and direction of the long-term cointegration relationship of variables. According to the results of the analyzes, it was found that the impact of political stability, inflation and general government expenditures on economic growth in the BRICS-T countries is statistically significant and negative.
The Role of Parents' Content Sharing on Social Media for Digital Natives in the Development of Digital Personhood
Authors: ESGİN Yeşim , GEZMEN Başak , ÖZSÜRÜNÇ Recep
Published: October 2022

Dijital dünyada ebeveynlerin çocuklarına yönelik mahremiyet ihlaline yol açan sosyal medya paylaşımlarına sıklıkla rastlanmaktadır. Bu durumun dijital sahnede kimlik inşa sürecinde etkili olduğu ve çocuklar üzerinde memnuniyetsizlik yarattığı gözlemlenmektedir. Çalışmamızda sosyal medyada ebeveynlerin 18-21 yaş grubuna, dijital yerlilere yönelik içerik paylaşımlarının dijital kimlik inşasındaki rolü incelenmiştir. Elde edilen bulgulara göre; kadınların ebeveynleri tarafından kendileri ile ilgili sosyal medyada içerik paylaşılmadan önce izin alınmasını istedikleri ve paylaşımdan memnun olmadıkları takdirde kaldırılmasını talep ettikleri görülmektedir. Katılımcıların ebeveynleri tarafından kendileri ile ilgili içerik paylaşım sayısı arttıkça memnun olma durumlarının da azaldığı görülmüştür. Öte yandan katılımcıların ebeveynleri tarafından kendilerine yönelik eğitim-öğretim hayatları ile ilgili paylaşımlarından memnuniyetsiz oldukları ve bunu mahremiyet ihlali olarak gördükleri ortaya konmuştur. Yazılı bilgi içerik, fotoğraf ve video paylaşımıyla ilgili olarak ise, katılımcıların en çok video paylaşımından rahatsız oldukları görülmüştür. Çalışma bulgularına göre; katılımcıların ebeveynlerinin kendileriyle ilgili olarak daha çok sosyal motivasyon ve ebeveyn tavsiyesi motivasyonu için paylaşım yaptıklarını düşünmektedir. Bu bağlamda; çocuğun/bireyin benlik saygısının, kişisel bilgileri üzerindeki kontrol hakkının, kişiliğinin dijital dünyadaki temsiliyetinin ve bütünlüğünün korunması adına ebeveynlerin dijital yerlilere yönelik sosyal medyada içerik paylaşımlarında hassasiyet göstermelerinin bir zorunluluk haline geldiği görülmektedir.
Enerji Emtiaları Arasında Getiri ve Volatilite Yayılımı: VAR-EGARCH Modelinden Kanıtlar
Authors: ŞAHİN DAĞLI Sevinç , ÇELİK İsmail
Published: October 2022

Bu araştırmanın amacı enerji emtiaları arasında getiri ve volatilite yayılımı olup olmadığını incelemektir. Farklı makroekonomik gelişmeler neticesi varlık fiyatlarında meydana gelen getiri oynaklıkları emtialar arasında yayılım göstererek birbirlerinin getirilerini de etkileyebilmektedir. Enerji emtialarının fiyatlarını etkileyen unsurların ve aralarındaki yayılımın tespiti özellikle yatırım yapmak isteyenler ve enerji piyasası ile ilgilenenler açısından incelenmeye değer bulunmaktadır. Araştırma kapsamında 01.01.2008-31.12.2020 tarihleri arasındaki Brent Petrol, Heating Oil, Natural Gas ve WTI ham petrol verileri VAR-EGARCH yöntemiyle değerlendirilmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda enerji emtialarına ait getirilerin kısa dönemli etkileşim halinde olduğu bilgi şoklarının getiri ve volatilitede çoklu ve asimetrik olarak yayıldığı görülmüştür. Doğalgaz getiri serisinin diğer emtiaların fiyatlarından etkilendiği fakat kendisinin hiçbir enerji emtiasını etkilemediği ayrıca tespit edilmiştir. Volatilite yayılımında ise ısıtma yağından doğalgaz serilerine tek taraflı diğer emtialar arasında karşılıklı yayılım olduğu sonucuna varılmıştır.
Modeling of Natural Gas Consumption: An Analysis for Turkey with the MARS Method
Authors: AYDIN Rıdvan , YÜKSEL Serhat , SİLAHTAROĞLU Gökhan , DİNÇER Hasan
Published: October 2022

Bu çalışmada Türkiye’deki doğal gaz talebinin tahmin edilmesine yönelik model ortaya konması amaçlanmaktadır. Doğal gaz tüketimi bağımlı değişken olarak ele alınmış, buna bağlı olarak makroekonomik veriler, iklim koşulları, enerji ve fiyat verileri ile toplumsal ve kültürel veriler bağımsız değişken olarak kullanılmaktadır. Aylık verilerin değerlendirildiği bu çalışmada değişkenlere ait 2015 yılı ocak ayı ile 2021 yılı haziran ayı arasındaki 78 gözlem kapsama dâhil edilmiştir. Madelin analiz sürecinde MARS yönteminden faydalanılmıştır. Modelde 3 temel fonksiyon ile sıcaklık oranı ve yenilenebilir enerji oranı olarak 2 değişken yer almaktadır. Sıcaklık azalışları makul seviyelerde olduğu sürece yenilenebilir enerjideki artış oranının doğal gaz tüketiminin düşmesinde çok önemli etkiye sahip olduğu görülmektedir. %99 oranında ithalata bağımlı olan doğal gazın makroekonomik dengeler içerisindeki payını azaltmak için, sıcaklık değişikliklerimi kontrol edemediğimiz bir durum olduğundan, yenilenebilir enerji yatırımlarına hız kesmeden devam edilmesi gerektiği analiz sonucunda ortaya çıkmaktadır.