bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Democracy through association councils? Associations’ involvement in local councils in culture and recreation
Authors: Thøgersen Malene , Petersen Frederik
Published: September 2024

It is widely assumed that associations can play a democratic role as a link between citizens and the political system, but associations do not always fulfill this role on their own. There are several local association councils, especially in culture and recreation, i.e., umbrella organizations for associations in the respective areas, and they can play a mediating role between associations and municipalities. However, to realize this potential, associations must engage in the councils, but this is not always the case. Based on a survey among cultural and leisure associations in four Danish municipalities, this article examines variation in the associations’ engagement in local association councils. Results show that more human resources in the associations and a higher degree of local orientation positively affect engagement, and that sports associations are more likely to engage than other types of associations.
F inansowanie sporów sądowych przez podmiot trzeci – perspektywa polska
Authors:   Szkoła Doktorska Nauk Społecznych, Uniwersytet Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej w Lublinie, Okońska Patrycja
Published: September 2024

Finansowanie sporów sądowych jest formą inwestycji komercyjnych podmiotów w postępowania o wysokich wartościach przedmiotu sporu, w szczególności postępowania grupowe. Globalny popyt na tego rodzaju usługi doprowadził do wykształcenia odrębnego sektora rynku finansowego związanego z procesami sądowymi. Potencjał instytucji zewnętrznego finansowania sporów, ale także zwiększone możliwości nadużyć, jakie ze sobą niesie, zostały zauważone w Unii Europejskiej. W Polsce wciąż jednak obowiązują niezaktualizowane przepisy ustawy o postępowaniu grupowym, które nie obejmują regulacją wszystkich narzędzi wykorzystywanych przez strony, w tym uzyskania inwestycji w spór od podmiotu trzeciego. Istnieje ryzyko, że w obecnej próżni prawnej zabezpieczenie interesów członków grupy, będących właścicielami roszczenia, okaże się niedostateczne. Dodatkowo możliwe jest wykorzystywanie stosunku finansowania do nieuczciwych praktyk rynkowych. Finansowanie sporu przez podmiot konkurujący z pozwanym przedsiębiorcą może nawet przejawiać znamiona czynu nieuczciwej konkurencji.
Glosa do postanowienia Sądu Najwyższego – Izby Kontroli Nadzwyczajnej i Spraw Publicznych z dnia 23 lutego 2022 r., sygn. akt I NSK 16/21
Authors:   Wydział Prawa, Uniwersytet w Białymstoku, Niesteruk Daria
Published: September 2024

Niniejszy komentarz do postanowienia poddaje krytycznej analizie orzeczenie Sądu Najwyższego – Izby Kontroli Nadzwyczajnej i Spraw Publicznych z dnia 23 lutego 2023 roku. W swoim postanowieniu Sąd Najwyższy orzekł, iż Prezes Urzędu Ochrony Konkurencji i Konsumentów nie jest bezwzględnie związany treścią postanowienia o wszczęciu postępowania. Oznacza to, iż w toku postępowania dozwolona byłaby zmiana lub uzupełnienie podstawy prawnej bądź też modyfikacja rynku właściwego, o ile strona miałaby możliwość ustosunkowania się do zmiany przed wydaniem decyzji. Celem niniejszej glosy jest krytyczna ocena argumentów przedstawionych przez Sąd Najwyższy. W świetle przedstawionych racji w doktrynie przedmiotu Sąd Najwyższy nie miał legitymacji do zmiany podstawy prawnej polegającej na jej rozszerzeniu, gdyż może to naruszać prawa jednej ze stron.
Maîtriser le Chat (ro)botté ou comment soumettre l’intelligence artificielle au service de nos usagers en milieu universitaire ?
Authors: Bascik Teresa , Pham-Dang Stéphanie
Published: September 2024

L’article explore la métaphore du Chat botté pour décrire les agents conversationnels animés par l’intelligence artificielle, en particulier les chatbots comme ChatGPT d’OpenAI. Ces outils utilisent le langage naturel pour simuler des conversations humaines et peuvent s’avérer pertinents dans les bibliothèques universitaires pour des tâches comme la création de métadonnées et le service de référence, ainsi que l’offre de formations. L’étude aborde une approche d’apprentissage interactif par interactivité avec ces technologies, mettant en évidence à la fois leur potentiel et leurs limites, notamment leur tendance à générer des « hallucinations » informatives sans fondement dans la réalité. Les compétences requises pour intégrer efficacement ces outils dans les pratiques professionnelles des bibliothécaires en milieu universitaire sont discutées, tout comme l’importance de comprendre et de maîtriser les requêtes (« prompts » en anglais) pour obtenir des réponses utiles et précises.
Les performances des grands modèles de la famille des transformateurs génératifs préentraînés en soutien aux services de référence virtuelle automatisés en bibliothèque
Authors: Léger-Rousseau Mireille
Published: September 2024

Cet article examine la littérature existante sur l’utilisation en bibliothèque des robots conversationnels basés sur les modèles de langage GPT, mettant l’accent sur leur viabilité, leur utilité et leurs performances en matière de réponse aux questions de référence. Les objectifs principaux sont de synthétiser la recherche actuelle, d’évaluer la performance des modèles GPT et de réfléchir au positionnement des bibliothécaires concernant l’intégration de ces technologies dans les services de référence en bibliothèque. La méthodologie comprend l’analyse de 11 études variées, avec une recherche effectuée dans diverses bases de données et une sélection rigoureuse des études pertinentes. Les résultats révèlent des performances prometteuses des modèles GPT, mais soulignent également des limites telles que leur incapacité à comprendre les nuances et les questions complexes. En outre, des défis persistent en matière de propriété intellectuelle, de confidentialité et de fiabilité des réponses. Les études comprennent des évaluations de performance, des revues narratives, une revue systématique et une étude de cas sur l’implémentation d’un chatbot basé sur ChatGPT dans une bibliothèque universitaire. Ces recherches offrent des perspectives intéressantes sur les avantages potentiels et les défis à relever pour l’intégration réussie de ChatGPT dans les services de bibliothèque.
Analyse qualitative du vécu des emprunteurs et des non-emprunteurs de livres à BAnQ et à d’autres bibliothèques publiques
Authors: Luckerhoff Jason , Lapointe Marie-Claude
Published: September 2024

Dans leur portrait des emprunteurs de livres numériques (LN) au sein de Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ), Lapointe, Luckerhoff et Niort (2023) les ont comparés aux emprunteurs de livres physiques (LP) et aux emprunteurs hybrides. L’exercice a permis de dégager des tendances et de soulever des questions, notamment : quel est le vécu des emprunteurs de LP qui font la transition vers le LN ? Comment se déroulent les expériences d’emprunts ? Quel sens les emprunteurs donnent-ils à la bibliothèque en tant que lieu ? Dans le cadre de la recherche dont fait état le présent article, nous avons animé plus de 70 entretiens individuels et de groupe auprès d’emprunteurs et de non-emprunteurs de BAnQ et d’autres bibliothèques publiques afin de mieux comprendre leur vécu à l’égard des LP et des LN, des lieux du livre comme la bibliothèque publique — y compris la Grande Bibliothèque de BAnQ —, leurs perceptions de l’ensemble de ces réalités ainsi que leurs expériences d’emprunts.
Fluid and solid inclusions in large halite veins in the Kłodawa Salt Dome (Central Poland) – insights into its development
Authors: Toboła Tomasz
Published: September 2024

Secondary rocks are often found in salt domes. Among these, large halite crystal (LHC) veins and nests are common, as in the Kłodawa Salt Dome of Poland. Mineralogical tests carried out on LHC here showed the presence of fluid and solid inclusions in the halite crystals. The halite itself commonly exhibits birefringence, suggesting lattice stresses. Among the solid inclusions, anhydrite is the most common. Three types of anhydrite crystals have been distinguished as regards their size and occurrence, while small, rounded inclusions of sylvite appear much less frequently. Fluid inclusions are generally rare and mostly of the secondary type. This type of fluid inclusion assemblage (FIA) comprises various kinds as regards their size and shape, as well as in their liquid-to-gas phase ratio. Primary FIAs are of two types: small, chevron-like inclusions containing sylvite daughter minerals, and large liquid-gas inclusions with carnallite and other daughter minerals. The melting temperature of sylvite ranged from 90 to 278°C, and for carnallite from 68 to 142°C. Complete homogenization of the inclusions took place at temperatures between 260 and 471.2°C. This indicates the high-temperature origin of the LHC and the presence of significant amounts of K+, Mg+2, Ca+2, and SO4-2 ions in the solutions.
Heavy aggregate and different admixtures efffect on parquets: chrome, magnetite, and quartz-based surface hardener
Authors: Ustabas Ilker , Erdogdu Sakir , Ucok Mustafa , Kurt Zafer , Cakmak Talip
Published: September 2024

This paper presents the mechanical and micro-structure results of concrete parquet blocks. The blocks were generated by utilizing the same part in the bottom part and by substituting different proportions (40%, 30%, 20%, and 10%) of heavy aggregate like chromite aggregate, magnetite aggregate, normal aggregate, and surface hardener in the upper part. The parquet sample tests were conducted on TS 2824 EN 1338. The test outcomes indicated that utilizing diverse aggregate and chemical materials boosted the abrasion resistance, 40% magnetite and quartz-based concrete parquet block samples demonstrated the best abrasion resistance values. Also, the minimum amount of mass loss was discovered in the samples that possess high water absorption at the freezing-thaw test. The different material substitutions in the sheet of the surface of the concrete parquet block samples altered the tensile strength of the samples, even though they did not bring about an outstanding variation in the compressive strength of the concrete parquet samples.
Numerical investigation of the behavior of reinforced concrete beams produced with self-compacting concrete
Authors: Cengiz Salih , Solak Abdulkadir , Ünal Alptuğ , Kamanli Mehmet
Published: September 2024

In this study, 1/2 scaled 16 reinforced concrete beams were compared in terms of concrete type, concrete strength, and stirrup spacing. The variables of this study consist of self-compacting concrete and normal concrete as concrete type, C30 and C60 as concrete strength, and without stirrup, 20 cm, 10 cm and 5 cm spacing as stirrup spacing. All elements were tested with 4-point bending mechanism. The stiffness, ductility, load bearing capacity and energy consumption capacity values of the beams were obtained from the load-displacement curves acquired from the experimental study and the elements were compared over them, and the damages of the beams during the experiments were interpreted. In addition to the experimental study, the numerical analyzes of the beams were conducted with the finite element analysis software. Experimental study results were validated by finite element analysis. When all the results were examined, it was concluded that although the initial stiffness of SCC (self-compacting concrete) was less than NC (normal concrete), the ductility of SCC was higher than that of NC, especially in high strength concretes.
Effects of low clay content on the anisotropic behavior of sand-clay mixtures: laboratory investigation using TSHCA
Authors: Mohammadi Vahid , Bahadori Hadi
Published: September 2024

Undrained behavior of sandy soil with fines content is a challenge in geotechnical research. In this article, the effect of low clay content (plastic Kaolin) on the anisotropic behavior of sand is studied. In the technical literature, there are different data about the effect of fine particles (generally high percentage), but there are not enough studies on low fines content (especially plastic fines) and anisotropic conditions. For this purpose, 30 undrained tests are performed using a torsional shear hollow cylindrical apparatus (TSHCA) with constant (αo) and (b) values on Firoozkuh sand. The specimens had Kaolin contents of 0, 3, 5, 7 and 10%, and the inclination angle (αo) is varied from 15o to 60o. The specimens are prepared by dry deposition method and are consolidated under P'c= 100 and 200 kPa. The results of the experiments show that increasing the (αo) leads to more contractive behavior in sand. By adding clay particles to the host sand up to 3%, the peak strength of the specimen is increased (7% and 6% for α=15°and 30°, respectively), and then with the increase of clay content up to 10%, the strength of the specimen is decreased (33% and 22% for α=15°and 30°, respectively). But at α = 60o, with the addition of 5% clay, decrease in the peak strength is observed (about 15%) and with a further increase in the clay content, unlike the angles of 15o and 30o, increase in the peak strength of the specimen is observed, so that at 10% clay, the strength of the specimen is higher than the host sand (about 7%), which can be attributed to the cohesion nature of the clay particles. With the increase of clay content, anisotropy degree is decreased. In other words, with the increase of fines content, the anisotropic behavior is decreased.
Strengthening of flexural behavior of reinforced concrete beams by using hybrid fibers: experimental and analytical study
Authors: Sasikumar P. , Candassamy K.
Published: September 2024

The research investigates the flexural behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams by incorporating hybrid fibers (a combination of glass and steel fibers). Ten specimens measuring 150 mm x 200 mm x 1500 mm were cast and tested under two-point loading. The specimens were divided into three groups, each containing three specimens. Additionally, a control specimen was examined. Comparing the strength performance of each group to the control specimen revealed that the hybrid fiber-reinforced beams exhibited increased strength. The optimal hybrid fiber composition was 0.4% steel and 0.2% glass fiber. Similarly, the optimal steel and glass fiber percentages were both 0.4%. Experimental results showed that the load-carrying capacity improved significantly: 28.80% with glass fiber, 63.74% with steel fiber, and 79.23% with hybrid fiber compared to conventional RC beams. The study evaluated load-carrying capacity, load deflection, ductility, stiffness, and failure modes of RC beams. An analytical study using finite element modelling was conducted, and the analytical results were compared to experimental findings. Fundamental statistical values included mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation for load and deflection. Finite element analysis (FEA) was employed to predict experimental outcomes, and the analytical results closely correlated with experimental data. The load mean, standard deviation and coefficient of variation were 0.98, 0.01, and 0.56, respectively. The deflection exhibited corresponding values of 0.97, 0.01, and 1.41. The graphical abstract of the present study is displayed in Figure 1.
Evaluation of mechanical characteristics of high strength steel fiber reinforced concrete with various concrete strengths
Authors: Sasikumar P.
Published: September 2024

The performance of concrete is robust in compression but lacks tensile strength, making it brittle. Steel fibres are added to enhance concrete properties. These fibres play a crucial role in construction by improving structural performance, preventing cracks, and increasing ductility. The study investigated high-strength steel fibre-reinforced concrete (HSSFRC) with varying concrete strengths. Three high-strength concrete grades (70 MPa, 80 MPa, and 90 MPa) and different water-cement ratios (WCR) (0.25, 0.30, and 0.35) were studied. Hooked-ended 50mm steel fibres were added at content levels of 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1.00%. As steel fibre content increased from 0.25% to 0.75%, the compressive strength (CS) improved by 3.37%, 7.29%, and 10.54%. At the same time, the split tensile strength (STS) increased by 20.86%, 24.07%, and 26.74%. Similarly, the flexural strength (FS) increased by 19.87%, 23.12%, and 25.82% for a WCR of 0.25 in 70 MPa grade of concrete. However, adding 1.0% steel fibre led to decreased mechanical properties. The optimal steel fibre content across all concrete mixes was 0.75%. Mechanical properties weakened with higher WCR (0.25, 0.30, and 0.35). Additionally, regression analysis explored the relationships between CS, STS, and FS in the concrete mixes. The comparison between the test results and the regression analysis was carried out alongside the previous empirical formulas. Remarkably, the empirical formulas exhibited strong alignment with the experimental findings.
Factors Affecting Knowledge and Adoption of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) Practices in Rice Wheat Cropping System (RWCS) in Haryana, India
Authors: Mohit  , Singh Satpal , Chikkalaki Anil Sidaray , M. S. Jagadeesh, , Veershetty
Published: September 2024

The study was conducted in 2022 in Haryana. Following the ex-post facto methodology, this study assessed the profile characteristics of farmers practicing the Rice-Wheat Cropping System (RWCS) and their knowledge and adoption of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) practices. The majority of respondents were middle-aged, with a significant portion possessing education up to the higher secondary level. Most respondents belonged to the general category and practiced farming as their primary occupation. The analysis revealed that larger landholdings positively influenced socio-economic status, leading to better adoption of INM practices. While the knowledge and adoption of INM practices varied among respondents, education, landholding, farming experience, social participation, and extension contacts were significantly correlated with higher awareness and adoption levels. The findings suggest the need for targeted educational and awareness programs to enhance the adoption of INM practices among farmers, particularly focusing on younger and more educated individuals.
Effect of Pruning and Micronutrient Sprays on Physico-chemical Properties of Ber
Authors: Sarma Bhaskarjyoti , Kotoky U. , Saikia A. , Sarma R. , Saha S. , Choudhury M. , Moshahary J.
Published: September 2024

An investigation was undertaken to study the effect of pruning height and micronutrients on the physicochemical properties of ber. The experiment was conducted in the farmer’s field at Manikpur area of Bongaigaon district, Assam (26026¢51² North latitude and 90046¢47² East longitude) for two consecutive years. Two types of Thailand ber were exposed to two different pruning heights and eight different micronutrient spray combinations. Results depicted that Roundish ovate reddish type variety performed better. The highest total sugar content (14.91%), TSS/acid ratio (44.07) and ash content (2.66%) were observed at a pruning height of 75 cm. Among micronutrients, borax at 0.5% and zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) at 0.5% in combination proved to be better in terms of total sugar (14.83%) and ash content (2.64%). So, the experiment proved that a pruning height of 75 cm from the ground level and spraying of borax 0.5% and zinc sulphate 0.5% in combination, were better compared to the other treatments.
Identification of Major Interfering Substances for Heavy Metal Determination in Northern Sea Areas of Sri Lanka
Authors: N Anoja. , Silva R. C. L. De , Prabagar J.
Published: September 2024

This study investigated the physicochemical characteristics of seawater from five locations along the northern Sri Lankan coast, encompassing areas with varying degrees of anthropogenic activity. The analysis revealed significant variations in several parameters, potentially influenced by human influences. The results reveal significant variations in several parameters. For instance, turbidity levels varied from 1.88 NTU in Thalaiyadi to 13.3 NTU in Pannai, with Pannai, Myliddy, and Kakkaithivu exceeding the recommended limit of 5 NTU. Total suspended solids (TSS) ranged from 3 mg/L in Thalaiyadi to 83 mg/L in Pannai, surpassing the recommended limit of 30 mg/L. Electrical conductivity (EC) ranged from 45,700 µS/cm in Nainathivu to 49,500 µS/cm in Pannai, exceeding the typical seawater range. Nitrate levels ranged from 10.4 mg/L in Thalaiyadi to 19.1 mg/L in Myliddy. Major cations such as calcium (361 mg/L to 417 mg/L), magnesium (1,222 mg/L to 1,327 mg/L), and sodium (10,140 mg/L to 10,530 mg/L) also showed significant differences across locations. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring and effective management strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of anthropogenic activities on these coastal ecosystems. Furthermore, the complex seawater matrix presents challenges for heavy metal determination using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (GFAAS) due to spectral interferences from major cations, non-specific matrix effects, and interferences from organic matter, turbidity, and suspended solids. Careful consideration of these factors through background correction techniques, matrix modifiers, sample pre-treatment, and optimization of analysis parameters is crucial for accurate heavy metal determination in these environments. This study contributes to a better understanding of the environmental conditions and emphasizes the need for further research on heavy metal contamination and the development of robust analytical methods tailored to address the challenges posed by the complex seawater matrix in northern Sri Lanka.
Integrating Genomics and Phenomics in Agricultural Breeding: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Shakshi  , Srivastava R P , Yadav Sachin , Singh Mukesh Kumar
Published: September 2024

One of the key roles of plant breeders is to improve crop productivity through development of varieties with desirable traits to feed the growing population. The merger of genomics and phenomics - where genomics refer to the study of an organism’s entire DNA sequence and phenomonics is the full explanation of observable characteristics has given a new face to breeding strategies. This paper provides information about this technique from beginning up to now, which implicates high-throughput phenotyping, genomic selection, artificial intelligence platform for crop improvement. It seems that coronal genomics and phenotypical imaging results in transgenic or super climate-resilient plants, therefore improving yield under sustainable conditions. Despite its bright future there are certain issues like data standardization, ethical concerns, and resource restraints that need considering. Development later on gets people thinking about technical fields such as inter-disciplinary researches as well as policy supports that have ability to bring these powerful technologies into assurance of food security together with sustainable agriculture initially collaboration doesn’t need manufacturing centres of technology including genome and phenome data can help breeders achieve wrists precisions in crops development which will result in having robust agricultural systems able to overcome environmental stressors.
Yield Gap and Impact Analysis of Rice Variety CAU R-1 in Different Location of Leparada District of Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Nongthombam Rita , Chongloi Khumlo Levish , Kumar Manoj , Lobsang Wangchu , Chiram Marter , Touthang Letngam
Published: September 2024

Front Line Demonstration on rice variety CAU R-1 was conducted in the Leparada District of Arunachal Pradesh in the year of 2019 to 2022 by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, West Siang during the Kharif season. The demonstration was conducted in 40 farmers’ field covering 18 hectares of area. The study was conducted for Grain yield, Yield gap, Technological gap, Extension gap, Economic gains and Technology Index. The demonstration showed that the average grain yield was lowest in 2019 (43.00 q/ha) and highest in 2022 (46.50 q/ha). The average grain yield of farmers’ practice was lowest with 30.00 q/ha in 2019 and highest in 2022 with 34.86 ql/ha. Percentage of increased yield of the demonstration over the farmers’ practice ranges from 33.30% to 43.30%. In case of Technological gap/yield gap, extension gap and technological index the value decreased from 2019 to 2022 with the value of 27.00 to 23.50 (Technological gap/yield gap), 13.00 to 11.64 (extension gap) and 38.60% to 33.60 % (technological index). In term of economic study, the benefit cost ratio of the demonstration ranges from 1.72:1 (2019) to 1.76:1 (2022) whereas the farmers’ practice benefit cost ratio ranges from 1.16:1 (2019) to 1.28:1 (2022). The yield potential of rice can be increased to a great extent by using high yielding varieties with improved technologies through front line demonstration. Accordingly, the production and the productivity of rice will be increased resulting in sustainable and profitable farming at the same time reducing the technology gaps.
Understanding Peer Sexual Norms, Attitudes, and Pressure: Correlates of Risky Sexual Behaviours among Secondary School Adolescents in Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Akude Azuka Edith , Azuji Ifeanyi Mathew , Akude Somtochukwu Doris
Published: September 2024

Aims: Sexual behaviour initiation often takes place throughout adolescence and is typically linked to engaging in unprotected sexual practices and other high-risk sexual behaviours. This research investigated the correlation between peer sexual behaviour, sexual attitudes, pressure to engage in sexual activity, and sexual risk behaviours among secondary school adolescents in Anambra State.
Methodology: The study was carried out with a correlational research approach. The research included 1,200 individuals from a population of 19,048 SS2 teenagers in public secondary schools. Cronbach's Alpha statistics were used to evaluate the internal consistency of three scales: the Brief Sexual Attitudes Scale (BSAS), the Pressure to Have Sex Questionnaire (PTHSQ), and the modified Sexual Risk Behaviour Scale (SRBS). The reliability coefficients for the Adolescent Sexual Behaviour Index (ASBI) were 0.86, 0.96, and 0.80, respectively. The reliability index of the ASBI was determined using Kuder Richardson statistics, resulting in a coefficient of 0.86. The data was obtained by directly administering the instruments and processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Pearson Product Moment Correlation is a statistical measure that quantifies the strength and direction of the linear relationship between two variables. Coefficients were used to address the research enquiries, while the null hypotheses were examined using a t-test to determine significant association.
Results: The results indicated a weak positive association between the sexual conduct of peers, sexual attitudes, and pressure to engage in sexual activity, and sexual risk behaviours among secondary school teenagers in Anambra State. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated a notable association between these variables and the sexual risk behaviours of secondary school adolescents in Anambra State.
Conclusion: Based on these data, it was determined that there is a weak positive link between peer sexual behaviour, sexual attitude, peer pressure to engage in sexual activity, and unsafe sexual behaviours among secondary school teenagers in Anambra State. Given this information, it is advisable for school administrators to establish health initiatives aimed at assisting young people in adopting enduring sexual habits that promote their overall health and well-being. These practices should also aim to minimise their susceptibility to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Stock Price Forecasting using N-Beats Deep Learning Architecture
Authors: Naik B. Samuel , Karthik V C , Manjunatha B. , Veershetty  , G. H. Harish Nayak, , Varshini B S , P Halesha , Rao S Govinda
Published: September 2024

Stock prices present unique forecasting challenges due to factors such as market volatility, investor sentiment, and economic indicators, which contribute to significant fluctuations in time series data. This paper addresses these complexities by applying Deep Learning (DL) models to predict stock prices, with a particular focus on the S&P 500 index. Although DL models have shown remarkable success in fields like image processing and natural language processing, they require specialized architectures to effectively handle time series forecasting. This study examines the Neural Basis Expansion Analysis for Interpretable Time Series Forecasting (N-BEATS) model, a novel DL architecture specifically tailored for time series data, using S&P 500 stock price data. The performance of N-BEATS is benchmarked against three baseline models: Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and Gated Recurrent Units (GRU). The evaluation metrics include Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). Results indicate that the N-BEATS model consistently surpasses the other models in all metrics. Additionally, the Diebold-Mariano (DM) test further validates the superior predictive accuracy of the N-BEATS model compared to the alternatives. This research underscores the potential of the N-BEATS model to significantly improve stock price forecasting, offering valuable insights for investors, financial analysts, and other market participants.
Malonate induces the assembly of cytoplasmic stress granules
Authors: Fu Xue , Gao Xingjie , Ge Lin , Cui Xiaoteng , Su Chao , Yang Wendong , Sun Xiaoming , Zhang Wei , Yao Zhi , Yang Xi , Yang Jie
Published: December 2015

Malonate, a classic inhibitor of respiratory electron transport chain, induces mitochondrial stress. Stress granules (SGs) are a kind of dynamic foci structure during stress. The study on the connection of mitochondrial stress and SG assembly is still limited. Here, we demonstrated that malonate treatment leads to SG formation and translation inhibition, apart from mitochondrial stress, including enhanced ROS formation, reduced mitochondrial Δψm and ATP level. The phosphorylation levels of eIF2α and 4EBP1 protein were affected upon mitochondrial dysfunction. However, knockdown of 4EBP1 affected SG formation, rather than eIF2α. In addition, an increase of ATP level under mitochondrial stress enhanced malonate‐induced SG aggregation. Overall, malonate stimulation triggers mitochondrial stress and induces the assembly of non‐canonical cellular SGs via 4EBP1 pathway.
Dynamic response of the Black Sea elevation to intraseasonal fluctuations of the Mediterranean sea level
Authors: Volkov Denis L. , Johns William E. , Belonenko Tatyana V.
Published: December 2015

Response of the Black Sea elevation to intraseasonal sea level changes in the Mediterranean is studied using satellite altimetry data and a linear analytical model. Satellite observations show that the nonseasonal sea level in the Black Sea (η1) is coherent with that in the Aegean and Marmara Seas (η0) but lags behind them by 10–40 days at subannual periods. The observed time lag is mainly due to friction that constrains the exchange through the Bosphorus Strait. Using realistic friction and characteristic η0 forcing in the model, we find that the amplitude of η1 reaches the amplitude of η0 at about 1 year period, and the time lag increases from 10 to 22 days at periods 50–250 days. Freshwater fluxes, atmospheric pressure, and to a smaller extent the along‐strait wind also influence the Black Sea elevation, but sea level fluctuations in the Mediterranean appear to be the dominant forcing mechanism.
Dual Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Allows for Microvascularized Bone Tissue‐Like Environments in PEG Hydrogels
Authors: Blache Ulrich , Metzger Stéphanie , Vallmajo‐Martin Queralt , Martin Ivan , Djonov Valentin , Ehrbar Martin
Published: December 2015

In vitro engineered tissues which recapitulate functional and morphological properties of bone marrow and bone tissue will be desirable to study bone regeneration under fully controlled conditions. Among the key players in the initial phase of bone regeneration are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) that are in close contact in many tissues. Additionally, the generation of tissue constructs for in vivo transplantations has included the use of ECs since insufficient vascularization is one of the bottlenecks in (bone) tissue engineering. Here, 3D cocultures of human bone marrow derived MSCs (hBM‐MSCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in synthetic biomimetic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)‐based matrices are directed toward vascularized bone mimicking tissue constructs. In this environment, bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) or fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) promotes the formation of vascular networks. However, while osteogenic differentiation is achieved with BMP‐2, the treatment with FGF‐2 suppressed osteogenic differentiation. Thus, this study shows that cocultures of hBM‐MSCs and HUVECs in biological inert PEG matrices can be directed toward bone and bone marrow‐like 3D tissue constructs.
Eine biokatalytische Kaskade für die vielseitige Eintopf‐Modifizierung von mRNA ausgehend von Methioninanaloga
Authors: Muttach Fabian , Rentmeister Andrea
Published: December 2015

Methyltransferasen sind nützlich, um funktionelle Gruppen ortsspezifisch in Biomoleküle einzubauen, wenn Analoga des Kosubstrates S‐Adenosyl‐l‐Methionin (AdoMet) verfügbar sind. Methyltransferasen wurden eingesetzt, um RNA‐Moleküle selektiv und ortsspezifisch zu adressieren, was für biophysikalische und mechanistische Studien sowie die Markierung in der komplexen zellulären Umgebung unerlässlich ist. AdoMet‐Analoga sind jedoch nicht zellgängig, sodass diese Strategie nicht in Zellen anwendbar ist. Wir präsentieren eine zweistufige enzymatische Kaskade zur ortsspezifischen mRNA‐Modifizierung ausgehend von Methioninanaloga. Unser Ansatz kombiniert die enzymatische Synthese von AdoMet mit der Modifikation der 5′‐Kappe durch eine spezifische mRNA‐Methyltransferase in einem Eintopfverfahren. Wir zeigen, dass eine Reihe von Substraten, unter anderem mit Alken‐, Alkin‐ und Azidoresten, eingesetzt werden kann und dass die weitere Derivatisierung mit Klick‐Reaktionen gelingt.
A Graphene Fibriform Responsor for Sensing Heat, Humidity, and Mechanical Changes
Authors: Zhao Fei , Zhao Yang , Cheng Huhu , Qu Liangti
Published: December 2015

Controllable and sensitive perception of environmental changes is essential for the development of smart material and device systems. Herein, a multi‐stimuli sensitive responsor has been fabricated on the base of the established double‐helix core‐sheath graphene‐based microfibers (GFs). By combining the tunable conductivity and mechanical robustness of GF coated with graphitic carbon nitride (GF@GCN), a fibriform smart environmental responsor (SER) is prepared by water‐assisted GFs‐twisting strategy, which can accordingly present conductive state‐dependent current responses upon exposure to a variety of stimuli. More importantly, this SER exhibits high current response to small perturbations induced by temperature variations, mechanical interactions, and relative humidity changes, thereby achieving an environmental perceptibility. Based on this finding, a multi‐functional respiratory monitor has been built under the stimuli of the human breath.
Reversible Guest Uptake/Release by Redox‐Controlled Assembly/Disassembly of a Coordination Cage
Authors: Croué Vincent , Goeb Sébastien , Szalóki György , Allain Magali , Sallé Marc
Published: December 2015

Controlling the guest expulsion process from a receptor is of critical importance in various fields. Several coordination cages have been recently designed for this purpose, based on various types of stimuli to induce the guest release. Herein, we report the first example of a redox‐triggered process from a coordination cage. The latter integrates a cavity, the panels of which are based on the extended tetrathiafulvalene unit (exTTF). The unique combination of electronic and conformational features of this framework (i.e. high π‐donating properties and drastic conformational changes upon oxidation) allows the reversible disassembly/reassembly of the redox‐active cavity upon chemical oxidation/reduction, respectively. This cage is able to bind the three‐dimensional B12F122− anion in a 1:2 host/guest stoichiometry. The reversible redox‐triggered disassembly of the cage could also be demonstrated in the case of the host–guest complex, offering a new option for guest‐delivering control.
A Biocatalytic Cascade for Versatile One‐Pot Modification of mRNA Starting from Methionine Analogues
Authors: Muttach Fabian , Rentmeister Andrea
Published: December 2015

Methyltransferases have proven useful to install functional groups site‐specifically in different classes of biomolecules when analogues of their cosubstrate S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine (AdoMet) are available. Methyltransferases have been used to address different classes of RNA molecules selectively and site‐specifically, which is indispensable for biophysical and mechanistic studies as well as labeling in the complex cellular environment. However, the AdoMet analogues are not cell‐permeable, thus preventing implementation of this strategy in cells. We present a two‐step enzymatic cascade for site‐specific mRNA modification starting from stable methionine analogues. Our approach combines the enzymatic synthesis of AdoMet with modification of the 5′ cap by a specific RNA methyltransferase in one pot. We demonstrate that a substrate panel including alkene, alkyne, and azido functionalities can be used and further derivatized in different types of click reactions.
Potential job creation in the cellulosic biofuel industry: the effect of feedstock price
Authors: Kim Seungdo , Dale Bruce E.
Published: December 2015

A large‐scale biofuel industry based on cellulosic materials would provide many new job opportunities. We model potential direct jobs generated by a cellulosic ethanol industry in the United States. These job projections are estimated via a bottom‐up approach based on the cellulosic feedstock supply chain systems as a function of the price farmers receive for the feedstock. The cellulosic feedstock types involved in the feedstock supply chain system are crop residues, perennial grasses, annual energy crops, and coppiced and non‐coppiced woody crops. Results show that the feedstock transportation sector is where most of the jobs are created, followed by the feedstock production sector. Jobs generated by the feedstock transportation sector account for around one‐third of total new jobs generated, while jobs generated by cellulosic feedstock production account for about one‐quarter of the new jobs. In the United States, most of the new jobs are created in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. At feedstock prices over US$ 55 per dry ton, more than 100 000 new direct full‐time equivalent jobs are potentially generated. The number of jobs potentially generated by the cellulosic ethanol fuel production system is highly sensitive to the feedstock price. At $60 per ton, a 50% increase in feedstock price, the system generates over 6 times more jobs than it does at a feedstock price of $40 per ton. Many more farmers produce cellulosic feedstock for ethanol production at higher feedstock prices, and thus more ethanol production leads to more job creation. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Simulation studies of substrate recognition by the exocellulase CelF from Clostridium cellulolyticum
Authors: Chen Mo , Himmel Michael E. , Wilson David B. , Brady John W.
Published: December 2015

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to study substrate recognition by the family 48 exocellulase CelF from Clostridium cellulolyticum. It was hypothesized that residues around the entrance of the active site tunnel of this enzyme might serve to recognize and bind the substrate through an affinity for the cellulose monomer repeat unit, β‐d‐glucopyranose. Simulations were conducted of the catalytic domain of this enzyme surrounded by a concentrated solution of β‐d‐glucopyranose, and the full three‐dimensional probability distribution for finding sugar molecules adjacent to the enzyme was calculated from the trajectory. A significant probability of finding the sugar stacked against the planar faces of Trp 310 and Trp 312 at the entrance of the active site tunnel was observed. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 1433–1440. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of Geometrical Parameters on the Pressure Drop for a Modified Cyclone Separator
Authors: Tan Fuat , Karagoz Irfan , Avci Atakan
Published: December 2015

Experimental results for a conventional cyclone and a modified cyclone with an adjustable vortex stopper are presented. The modified design is based on the idea of decreasing the surface friction by leaving a separation space between the cylindrical part and the vortex stopper. The measured pressure losses were compared for various exit pipe diameters, cylinder heights, cone bottom diameters, and inlet velocities for the conventional as well as for the modified design. The comparative studies indicate a similar behavior of the pressure loss coefficient for both cyclones. Additionally, the exit pipe diameter has a more significant effect on both cyclones compared to the other parameters. Increasing the length of the cyclone reduced the pressure losses for all cases examined.
Direct Synthesis of an α,ω‐Diester from 2,7‐Octadienol as Bulk Feedstock in Three Tandem Catalytic Steps
Authors: Ostrowski Karoline A. , Vogelsang Dennis , Seidensticker Thomas , Vorholt Andreas J.
Published: December 2015

A new tandem catalytic process was designed and developed as a tool for the direct conversion of the widely available feedstock 2,7‐octadienol into an α,ω‐diester. This innovative auto‐tandem catalysis is atom efficient and consists of three consecutive palladium‐catalysed reactions: ether formation, ether carbonylation and alkoxycarbonylation. By using the design of experiments (DoE) approach, significant parameters were determined and the yield of the desired α,ω‐diester was optimised. Model substrates allowed deeper insight into the progress of the reaction to be gained and, as a result, the reaction sequence was uncovered. Furthermore, by simply applying other ligands, a different reaction path was followed, allowing other, new tandem catalytic sequences to be explored and enabling new compounds to be obtained.
Rational Design for Complementary Donor–Acceptor Recognition Pairs Using Self‐Complementary Hydrogen Bonds
Authors: Sikder Amrita , Ghosh Boyli , Chakraborty Saptarshi , Paul Ankan , Ghosh Suhrit
Published: December 2015

An adaptable and efficient molecular recognition pair has been established by taking advantage of the complementary nature of donor–acceptor interactions together with the strength of hydrogen bonds. Such distinct molecular recognition propagates in orthogonal directions to effect extended alternating co‐assembly of two different appended molecular entities. The dimensions of the assembled structures can be tuned by stoichiometric imbalance between the donor and acceptor building blocks. The morphology of the self‐assembled material can be correlated with the ratio of the two building blocks.
Linear Tetraphenylmethane‐Based Thioether Oligomers Stabilising an Entire Gold Nanoparticle by Enwrapping
Authors: Lehmann Mario , Peters Erich Henrik , Mayor Marcel
Published: December 2015

The design and synthesis of a novel linear thioether‐based ligand subunit with a tetraphenylmethane core used in the stabilisation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are presented. Mono‐, tri, penta‐ and heptamers of the ligand have been synthesised and used to stabilise AuNPs by enwrapping. With the exception of the monomer, all ligands provide reliable long‐term stability and redispersibility for the coated nanoparticles in common organic solvents. Despite variation of the oligomer length, all stable particles were of the same size within error tolerance (1.16±0.32 nm for the trimer, 1.15±0.30 nm for the pentamer, 1.17±0.34 nm for the heptamer), as investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These findings suggest that not only the number of sulfur atoms in the ligand, but also its bulkiness play a crucial role in stabilising the AuNPs. These findings are supported by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), showing that AuNPs stabilised by the penta‐ or heptamer are passivated by a single ligand. Thermal stability measurements suggest a correlation between ligand coverage and thermal stability, further supporting these findings.
A Three‐Component Assembly Promoted by Boronic Acids Delivers a Modular Fluorophore Platform (BASHY Dyes)
Authors: Santos Fábio M. F. , Rosa João N. , Candeias Nuno R. , Carvalho Cátia Parente , Matos Ana I. , Ventura Ana E. , Florindo Helena F. , Silva Liana C. , Pischel Uwe , Gois Pedro M. P.
Published: December 2015

Invited for the cover of this issue are Uwe Pischel, Pedro Gois and co‐workers at the Universities of Huelva and Lisbon. The image depicts a puzzle, which symbolizes the multicomponent reaction used to prepare a series of boronic acid salicylidenehydrazone (BASHY) dyes that are applied in cell staining. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201503943.
Provide flexible options for faculty to boost online teaching skills
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2015

Faculty members know their subject areas well. But even if they're great teachers in the classroom, they need to learn new skills to be effective teaching online courses.
Reflecting on the career of the average bureaucrat
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: December 2015

I visited the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, in October while attending a conference on analytics. If you read my three‐part series “Leadership Is an Art” last year, then you know that visiting art museums is almost a spiritual activity for me.
Embrace dean opportunity after serving as provost
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: December 2015

After 25 years of being provost and senior vice president of academic affairs at Hofstra University, Herman Berliner expected to spend this year on sabbatical and then return to the faculty. Instead, he is serving as dean of Hofstra's Zarb School of Business for a year.
Interleukin‐1 antagonism moderates the inflammatory state associated with Type 1 diabetes during clinical trials conducted at disease onset
Authors: Cabrera Susanne M. , Wang Xujing , Chen Yi‐Guang , Jia Shuang , Kaldunski Mary L. , Greenbaum Carla J. ,   the Type 1 Diabetes TrialNet Canakinumab Study Group, Mandrup‐Poulsen Thomas ,   the AIDA Study Group, Hessner Martin J.
Published: December 2015

It was hypothesized that IL‐1 antagonism would preserve β‐cell function in new onset Type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, the Anti‐Interleukin‐1 in Diabetes Action (AIDA) and TrialNet Canakinumab (TN‐14) trials failed to show efficacy of IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra) or canakinumab, as measured by stimulated C‐peptide response. Additional measures are needed to define immune state changes associated with therapeutic responses. Here, we studied these trial participants with plasma‐induced transcriptional analysis. In blinded analyses, 70.2% of AIDA and 68.9% of TN‐14 participants were correctly called to their treatment arm. While the transcriptional signatures from the two trials were distinct, both therapies achieved varying immunomodulation consistent with IL‐1 inhibition. On average, IL‐1 antagonism resulted in modest normalization relative to healthy controls. At endpoint, signatures were quantified using a gene ontology‐based inflammatory index, and an inverse relationship was observed between measured inflammation and stimulated C‐peptide response in IL‐1Ra‐ and canakinumab‐treated patients. Cytokine neutralization studies showed that IL‐1α and IL‐1β additively contribute to the T1D inflammatory state. Finally, analyses of baseline signatures were indicative of later therapeutic response. Despite the absence of clinical efficacy by IL‐1 antagonist therapy, transcriptional analysis detected immunomodulation and may yield new insight when applied to other clinical trials.