bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient directions for oil-producing developing countries to technically achieve low-carbon transition
Authors: Aliyeva Simuzar , Yoon Naeun , Sohn So Young
Published: October 2023

The transition of oil-producing developing countries to low-carbon energy industry is an important issue in the era of climate change. However, their transition is difficult due to economic and technological issues. This study applied data envelopment analysis and topic modeling to help establish effective low-carbon energy transition strategies to ensure sustainable technological development. First, the technological innovation efficiency for transition of 22 oil-producing developing countries was compared using data envelopment analysis, where research and development investment ratio, amount of natural gas reserves, and oil production were used as input variables, and the number of low-carbon energy-related Patent Cooperation Treaty applications from 2015 to 2019, categorized into five technological fields, were considered as output variables. The countries were clustered based on the DEA peer weights. Then, the technical areas to be benchmarked by the followers per group were identified using topic modeling and technological strategies were suggested to improve the efficiency of transition. Our research suggests that patent trends in frontier countries show a strong relationship with relevant policies and standards, leading to the introduction of technologies that support these standards. The findings of this study can contribute to establishing national low-carbon energy policies in oil-producing developing countries.
The Properties of Absorbable Scaffold Harvested with Human Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells on Rat Model: Innovation for Pelvic Reconstruction Surgery
Authors: Lo Tsia-Shu , Chen Yi-Pin , Harun Fazlin , Shaw Steven W. , Lin Yi-Hao
Published: October 2023

The current practice of restoring the anatomical structure in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction includes implantation of synthetic sling, which carries complications. This study aimed to develop biological substitutes to improve tissue function using scaffolds as a support to the host cells, through formation of new tissue. Human amniotic fluid stem cells (hAFSCs) were seeded on synthetic mesh-scaffold of AlloDerm Regenerative Tissue Matrix (RTM), Poly-DL-lactico-glycolic acid (PLGA) mesh (VICRYL) and Polydioxanone (PDS) meshes. In vitro study evaluates the metabolic activity of hAFSCs seeded mesh-scaffolds. In vivo study involving Sprague-Dawley rats was performed by assigning into 7 groups of sham control with fascia operation, AlloDerm implant, PDS implant, PLGA implant, AlloDerm harvest with hAFSC (AlloDerm-SC), PDS harvest with hAFSC(PDS-SC) and PLGS harvest with hAFSC (PGLA-SC). In vitro study reveals cell viability and proliferation of hAFSC on mesh scaffolds varies between meshes, with AlloDerm growing the fastest. The biomechanical properties of tissue-mesh-complex tension strength declined over time, showing highest tension strength on week-1, deteriorated similar to control group on week-12. All hAFSC-seeded mesh provides higher tension strength, compared to without. This study shed the potential of synthetic mesh as a scaffold for hAFSC for the surgical treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction.
The Paradox of Noise: An Empirical Study of Noise-Infusion Mechanisms to Improve Generalization, Stability, and Privacy in Federated Learning
Authors: Jafarigol Elaheh , Trafalis Theodore B.
Published: October 2023

In a data-centric era, concerns regarding privacy and ethical data handling grow as machine learning relies more on personal information. This empirical study investigates the privacy, generalization, and stability of deep learning models in the presence of additive noise in federated learning frameworks. Our main objective is to provide strategies to measure the generalization, stability, and privacy-preserving capabilities of these models and further improve them.To this end, five noise infusion mechanisms at varying noise levels within centralized and federated learning settings are explored. As model complexity is a key component of the generalization and stability of deep learning models during training and evaluation, a comparative analysis of three Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architectures is provided.The paper introduces Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) as a quantitative measure of the trade-off between privacy and training accuracy of noise-infused models, aiming to find the noise level that yields optimal privacy and accuracy. Moreover, the Price of Stability and Price of Anarchy are defined in the context of privacy-preserving deep learning, contributing to the systematic investigation of the noise infusion strategies to enhance privacy without compromising performance. Our research sheds light on the delicate balance between these critical factors, fostering a deeper understanding of the implications of noise-based regularization in machine learning. By leveraging noise as a tool for regularization and privacy enhancement, we aim to contribute to the development of robust, privacy-aware algorithms, ensuring that AI-driven solutions prioritize both utility and privacy.
Intellectual Structure of Explainable Artificial Intelligence: a Bibliometric Reference to Research Constituents
Authors: Chen Hsin-Yuan , Sharma Chetan , Sharma Shamneesh , Sharma Komal , Sethi Ganesh Kumar
Published: October 2023

The need for easier-to-understand and more interpretable AI systems has led to the rise of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) in recent years. In the realm of explainable artificial intelligence, this paper briefly reviews the work carried out, along with a conceptual framework. The researchers conducted a systematic review of 4781 research publications obtained from the Scopus database spanning the years 2004 to 2023 using the VOSViewer tool. The research shows that there has been exponential growth in terms of publications from the year 2018. The study establishes its prominence by studying the publication activities based on the year of publication and region, citation analysis, research designs, data analysis techniques, and findings from the selected articles.
Reserpine-induced rat model of depression: behavioral, physiological and dopamine receptor PET based validation
Authors: Telega Lidia Miguel , Berti Raissa , Blazhenets Ganna , Domogalla Lisa-Charlotte , Steinacker Nils , Omrane M. Aymen , Meyer Philipp T. , Coenen Volker A. , Eder Ann-Christin , Döbrössy Máté D.
Published: October 2023

Background.
Reserpine, a monoamine depleting agent, has been used in preclinical research for many years to create animal models of depression and to test experimental antidepressant strategies. Nevertheless, evidence of the potential use and validity of reserpine as a chronic pharmacological model for depression is lacking, and there are no comprehensive studies of the behavioral effects in conjunction with molecular outcomes.
Results. Experiment 1.
Following baseline behavior testing sensitive to depressive-like phenotype and locomotion (Phase 1), 27 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats received i.p. either vehicle solution (0.0 mg/kg), low (0.2 mg/kg) or high (0.8 mg/kg) resrpine dose for 20 days using a pre-determined schedule and reassessed for emerging behavioral phenotypes (Phase 2). After a 10 days washout period, a final behavioral assessment was done (Phase 3), and the brains were collected for gene-expression assessment. Experiment 2. In a similar timetable as in Experiment 1 but without the behavioral testing, 12 SD rats underwent repetitive dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) PET scanning with [18F]DMFP post Phases 1–3. The binding potential (BPND) of [18F]DMFP was quantified by kinetic analysis as a marker of striatal D2R availability. Weight and welfare were monitored throughout the experiment. Significant, dose-dependent weight loss and behavioral deficits including both motor (hypo-locomotion) and non-motor behavior (anhedonia, mild anxiety and reduced socialization) were found for both the low and high dose groups with significant decrease in D2R mRNA expression in the accumbal region for the low reserpine group. In addition, both drug treated groups showed a substantial increase in [18F]DMFP BPND (in line with dopamine depletion) during injection phase and washout phases compared to baseline and Controls.
Conclusions.
The longitudinal design of the study demonstrated that chronic RES administration induced anxiety and depressive symptoms that were moderately maintained even after the wash out period. The data suggests that the low dose RES administration can induce a rodent model of depression with good face validity.
Comparative analysis of biochemical composition, amino acids, and fatty acids among diploid, triploid, and tetraploid Crassostrea gigas
Authors: FU jingjing , Zhang Enshuo , Yu Wensong , Wang Weijun , Sun Youmei , Dong Luyao , Zhang Yousen , Sun Guohua , Li Zan , Luo Qihao , Yang Jianmin
Published: October 2023

Tetraploid oysters are artificially produced oysters that do not exist in nature. The successful breeding of 100% triploid oysters resolved the difficulties with traditional drug–induced triploids such as the presence of drug residues and the low triploid induction rate. However, little is known concerning the biochemical composition and nutrient contents of such tetraploids. Therefore, we investigated compositional differences among diploid, triploid, and tetraploid Crassostrea gigas as well as between males and females of diploids and tetraploids. The findings indicated that glycogen, EPA, ∑PUFA and Omega-3 contents were significantly higher in triploid oysters than in diploid or tetraploid; tetraploid oysters had significantly higher C14:0, essential amino acid, and flavor-presenting amino acid contents than diploids or triploids, while diploid oysters had the highest protein content. For both diploid and tetraploids, females had significantly higher levels of glutamate, methionine, and phenylalanine than males but lower levels of glycine and alanine. In addition, female oysters had significantly more EPA, DHA, omega-3 and total fatty acids, a result that may be due to the fact that gonadal development in male oysters requires more energy to sustain growth, consumes greater amounts of nutrients, and accumulates more proteins. With these results, important information is provided for the production of C. gigas, as well as the basis and backing for genetic breeding of oysters.
A Nomogram for Predicting Coronary Artery Lesions in Patients with Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Xuan Wenjie , Liu Xiaoqun , Yao Yinping , Wang Yayun , Lin Jinjing , Chen Xiaohong , Yao Huanying
Published: October 2023

Background
As an acute systemic vasculitis, Kawasaki disease (KD) could develop coronary artery lesions (CAL) sometimes. However, its etiology was still unidentified. This study was to construct a predictive model based on clinical features and laboratory parameters, and then perform a rapid risk assessment of CAL.
Methods
We collected clinical and laboratory data retrospectively for all patients with KD who were hospitalized at our hospital from January 2016 to June 2023. All the patients were divided into CAL and non-CAL groups and then randomly assigned to a training set and a verification set. The independent risk variables of CAL were identified by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis of the training set. These components were then utilized to build a predictive nomogram. Calibration curve and receiver operating characteristic curve were used to evaluate the performance of the model. The predictive nomogram was further validated in verification set.
Results
In the training set, 49 KD patients (19.9%) showed CAL. The proportion of fever days ≥ 10, C-reactive protein, total bilirubin were significantly higher, whereas age was younger, hemoglobin and albumin were lower in the CAL group than the non-CAL group. Younger age, fever days ≥ 10, higher C-reactive protein, lower hemoglobin and albumin were identified as independent risk factors. The nomogram constructed using these factors showed satisfactory calibration degree and discriminatory power (the area under the curve, 0.764). In the verification set, the area under the curve was 0.798.
Conclusions
Younger age, fever days longer than 10, lower hemoglobin and albumin levels, higher C-reactive protein levels were independent risk factors for CAL in KD patients. The predictive nomogram constructed utilizing 5 relevant risk factors could be conveniently used to facilitate the individualized prediction of CAL in KD patients.
Antioxidant potential of resveratrol on plasmodium berghei-induced malaria in diabetic male Wistar rats
Authors: Jimoh A. , Abdullahi S. , Dawud F. A. , Jimoh A.O , Adamu Z.I , Muhammed Z , Abubakar A , Ahmad A , Danboyi T , Tanko Y , Ayo J.O
Published: October 2023

Objective The aim of this study was to elucidate the antioxidant and antimalarial effects of resveratrol in diabetes and malaria comorbidity.
Methods 40 males Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups. Induction of diabetes was done in 7 of the groups with high-fat diet (HFD) and 20% fructose solution as drinking water for 8 weeks. Thereafter, the seven groups were injected with single streptozotocin (30 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Inoculation of malaria was achieved by injecting 0.2 ml of Plasmodium bergheiparasite mixture into the rats intraperitoneally. Meaningful values were set at P < 0.05.
Results There were augments in mean body weight across the groups from day 0-6 after inoculation (day of sacrifice), but it was significantly reduced when compared to the normal control. The blood glucose levels (BGL)of the resveratrol groups significantly decreased on day 6 after inoculation, when compared with vitamin C and diabetic controls. For the average infected erythrocytes, the diabetic control had the greater (P < 0.05) count, when compared across the groups. The resveratrol groups had significantly (P < 0.05) lower values compared to the diabetic control. superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde levels were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in resveratrol 50 mg/kg rats, related to diabetic controls. Although malondialdehyde concentrations was markedly higher in resveratrol 100 mg/kg. Serum plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) enzymes concentrations of resveratrol groups were reduced (P < 0.05) when related with the diabetic controls.
Conclusion It was concluded that resveratrol reduced BGL and suppressed the proliferation of P. berghei parasites in diabetic Wistar rats. Resveratrol exerted some modulatory effects on the malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase and ameliorated adverse effect of P. berghei-induced malaria in diabetic Wistar rats.
Circular RNA circADARB1 enhances radiotherapy resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma via suppressing ferroptosis
Authors: Wang Dan , Tang Le , Chen Mingjian , Gong Zhaojian , Fan Chunmei , Qu Hongke , Liu Yixuan , Shi Lei , Mo Yongzhen , Wang Yumin , Yan Qijia , Chen Pan , Xiang Bo , Liao Qianjin , Zeng Zhaoyang , Li Guiyuan , Wu Steven Xu , Jiang Weihong , Xiong Wei
Published: October 2023

Background
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a prevalent head and neck malignancy in Southeast Asia. Radiotherapy is the primary clinical treatment for NPC, but radiotherapy resistance stands as the fundamental reason for treatment failure and patient mortality. Nevertheless, the mechanism underlying radiotherapy resistance in NPC remains elusive.
Methods
The expression of circADARB1 in NPC tissues was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization. Colonies assay, MTT, ROS and lipid peroxidation level measurement, and nude mouse tumor model were employed to explore the role of circADARB1 enhances radiotherapy resistance via suppressing ferroptosis in vitro or in vivo. The target proteins regulated by circADARB1 were screened using mass spectrometry. The interactions between HSP90B1 and SLC7A11 or GPX4 were verified through co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assay.
Results
We identified a novel circular RNA, circADARB1, which is significantly upregulated in NPC tissues, is closely associated with unfavorable prognosis and radiotherapy resistance in NPC patients. Intriguingly, in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that circADARB1 promotes radiotherapy resistance in NPC by inhibiting ferroptosis. Mechanistically, circADARB1 upregulates the expression of heat shock protein HSP90B1 through competitive adsorption of miR-615-5p. Elevated intracellular levels of HSP90B1 serve to repair misfolded proteins such as SLC7A11 and GPX4 which are typically affected by radiotherapy, thereby maintaining the stability and biological function of these proteins. In turn, SLC7A11 facilitates the transport of cystine into cells and the synthesis glutathione, while GPX4 utilizes glutathione to catalyze the reduction of intracellular lipid peroxidation induced by radiotherapy, which suppresses ferroptosis in cells and ultimately leads to radiotherapy resistance in NPC cells. Building on these findings, we have developed innovative polymer-coated quantum dot biomimetic nanoparticles that carry siRNA sequences targeting circADARB1 and ferrous ion (Fe2+). The results demonstrated that targeted inhibition of circADARB1, along with an increase in intracellular Fe2+, synergistically enhances ferroptosis of NPC cells following radiotherapy.
Conclusions
This work demonstrates that circADARB1 as a promising novel target for augmenting sensitivity of NPC to radiotherapy.
JCDS, A Hybrid Reanalysis-Forecast Meteorological Forcing Data for Advancing Climate Adaptation in Agriculture
Authors: Iizumi Toshichika , Takimoto Takahiro , Masaki Yoshimitsu , Maruyama Atsushi , Kayaba Nobuyuki , Takaya Yuhei , Masutomi Yuji
Published: October 2023

Variations in the growing season climate are well suited for testing agricultural adaptation measures. Adaptations for mitigating adverse events such as heatwaves and droughts allow stakeholders to plan for disruptions to production due to both seasonal extremes and long-term changes in climate. Climate impact models (e.g., crop models) can be used to develop adaptation responses. To run these models, historical records and climate forecasts need to be combined as a single daily time series. We introduce the JCDS dataset: a daily, 0.5°, global, reanalysis-forecast dataset comprising meteorological forcing data from 2010 to 2021. The dataset is a hybrid of the Japanese 55-yr Reanalysis (JRA55) and the Japan Meteorological Agency/Meteorological Research Institute Coupled Prediction System version 2 (JMA/MRI-CPS2) 5-member ensemble forecast that is issued twice per month. Both are bias-corrected using the delta method and integrated with a climatology derived from S14FD baseline meteorological forcing data. The JCDS dataset offers a framework for monitoring and forecasting applications, facilitating the transition of many climate-susceptible systems toward greater climate resilience.
A diagnostic model of polycystic ovary syndrome was constructed based on the genes associated with pyroptosis
Authors: Chen Xun , Zhang Wen , Ma Yu , Chen Yue , Xu Boqun
Published: October 2023

Background
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disease, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. It has been suggested that genes involved in pyroptosis may play a regulatory role in PCOS. However, the exact contribution of pyroptosis to PCOS is not fully understood.
Methods
To investigate this, we obtained three mRNA expression profiles from the Gene Expression Synthesis (GEO) database and analyzed the differential expression of pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) between PCOS patients and normal individuals. We employed four machine learning algorithms (GLM, RF, SVM, and XGB) to identify disease signature genes.
Results
A predictive model and a nomogram were developed based on PRGs to accurately predict PCOS. The XGB method demonstrated the highest accuracy in validating the model using two independent datasets, which was further supported by decision curve analysis. Consensus clustering revealed two distinct subgroups within PCOS cases, with Cluster2 exhibiting higher immune infiltration compared to Cluster1. Differential expression analysis identified DEGs between the two subtypes, and pathway enrichment analysis was conducted on the model genes.
Conclusion
This study provides preliminary insights into the association between PCOS and pyroptosis, and presents a precise predictive model for PCOS.
Genome-wide RNAi-based knockdown mutant library of microalgae reveals a distinct high-light adaptation mechanism in Nannochloropsis
Authors: Xu Jian , Liang Wensi , Gan Xiaolong
Published: October 2023

In microalgae,RNA interference (RNAi)-based genome-wide screening has not been established, due to the difficulty in obtaining a library of long hairpin RNAs (lhRNA) that trigger gene down-regulation. Here for the model industrial microalgae Nannochloropsis oceanica, we developed a rolling circle amplification-mediated lhRNA library for genome-wide knockdown and efficient mutation mapping. Among the targeted protein-coding genes, 60.3% feature successful insertion of inverted repeats, of which ~79.2% are down-regulated and their transcripts reduced by 26.3~91.6%. Such gene silencing is correlated with DNAmethylation induced by 24-nt small interference RNA, suggesting profound transcriptional regulation by epigenetic modification in microalgae. Phenotypic screening under high-light conditions unraveled a previously unknown, viola-/vaucheria-xanthin chlorophyll a binding light harvesting protein (LHCV1) that resists prolonged high-light stress by alleviating oxidative damage, and its photoprotection is independent of non-photochemical quenching. These suggest a high-light adaptation mechanism distinct from other heterokonts. Such genome-wide knockdown libraries should greatly accelerate algal functional genomics and feedstock development.
Study of the relationship between the size, location, and duration of tympanic membrane perforation with the value of Air-Bone Gap on pure-tone audiogram
Authors: Alfarra Mohammad , Almouazzen Omar , Nahas Louei Darjazini
Published: October 2023

Background
Tympanic membrane perforation can lead to hearing loss, infection, and negatively affect daily activities. Therefore, it is important to study this condition, and to further understand its causes and symptoms. We conducted this study in which we aim to evaluate the effect of the size, location, and duration of tympanic membrane perforation on the value of the air-bone gap.
Methods
a cross-sectional study in Damascus hospital, on cases from 2014 to 2023, including 83 cases of either sex, 22 cases were bilateral, so the total number of perforation cases was 105, aged 13 years and above, unilateral and bilateral, randomly selected.
Results
Our study included 83 cases, their ages ranged from [13–70] years, with an average of 31.84 ± 12.97. Of the 83 patients, 36 (43.4%) were male and 47 (56.6%) were female. Most cases of perforation were unilateral 61 (73.5%), with a preponderance of left-sided perforation 54 (51.4%). Inflammatory perforation was the most common 62 (59%). Duration of perforation was the most common (less than a year), with a rate of 22 (16.4%). For the size and location of the perforation, the largest percentage (for a central medium) was 26 (24.8%). Hearing loss was 86 (81.9%) as the most common symptom related to the perforation side, and vertigo 9 (10.8%) as the most common symptom not related to the perforation side. By studying the size and location of the perforation, we found that an increase in the size of the tympanic membrane perforation is associated with an increase in the value of the air-bone gap, and by comparing the posterior-inferior-central perforation with the anterior-inferior-central perforations, we found that the posterior-inferior-central perforations are associated with a greater value of the air-bone gap. We also found that as the duration of perforation increases, the value of the air-bone gap increases.
Effect of pattern fabrication methods on retentive strength in three-unit implant-supported frameworks: A comparative analysis
Authors: Giti Rashin , Bahrami Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2023

Objective
Given the significant role of retention in the long-term success of implant-supported prostheses, this study aimed to compare the retentive strength of three-unit implant-supported frameworks manufactured using the conventional, subtractive milling, and 3D printing methods.
Methods
In this in-vitro study, two fixture analogs were placed in the mandibular right first premolar and first molar region of a Dentiform model, and two prefabricated abutments were secured in the fixture analogs. A total of 27 three-unit frameworks were fabricated utilizing wax patterns prepared through conventional, milling, and 3D printing techniques (n = 9 per group). The frameworks were cemented with zinc oxide eugenol and subjected to thermocycling. The retentive strength of each specimen was evaluated through a pull-out test conducted with a universal testing machine. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test (P < 0.05).
Results
The three groups were found to be significantly different (P = 0.01). While the 3D printing and milling groups were not significantly different (P = 0.99), they yielded significantly higher retentive strength compare to the conventional group (P = 0.02 for 3D printing and P = 0.03 for milling group).
Conclusion
The utilization of 3D printing and milling technique for wax pattern preparation significantly increased the retention of the implant-supported framework, with no statistically significant difference between the two methods.
The shallow marine VMS copper deposit of Yushui, Eastern Guangdong, South China: Evidence from geology, geochronology and geochemistry
Authors: Chen Gang , Yang Xiuqing , Ke Changhui , Tang Yanwen , Chen Maohong
Published: October 2023

Many massive sulfide deposits have been discovered in the Upper Paleozoic rift-related volcaniclastic sequence in South China, among which the Yushui copper deposit is the most important due to its high grade. The deposit has been variably attributed as SEDEX (Sedimentary Exhalative) or MVT (Mississippi Valley Type). The Yushui copper deposit in Guangdong (South China) contains stratiform bornite-chalcopyrite orebodies (102.1 kt Cu @ 3.5%, 186.6 kt Pb @ 4.29%, 117.6 kt Zn @ 2.91% and 339 t Ag @ 112 g/t) developed along the contact between Upper Carboniferous dolostone and Lower Carboniferous pebbly quartz sandstone, which indicates a shallow marine deposition environment. The Yushui deposit comprises an upper massive sulfide orebody and a lower stockwork orebody with intense alteration. In this study, we newly identified Carboniferous tuffs and syn-volcanic faults in the footwall, and exhalites in the hanging-wall. Hematite from the Cu ores yielded a U-Pb age of 320 ± 15 Ma (MSWD = 2.1, n = 57), and hydrothermal dolomite yielded a Sm-Nd isochron age of 308.1 ± 4.6 Ma (n = 7; MSWD = 0.94), which constrains the timing of mineralization at Yushui. These ages are coeval with the Carboniferous host rocks. Combining the evidence from the geological features (syn-volcanic faults, volcanic rocks, exhalites) and hematite trace element compositions, we suggest that the Yushui is a shallow marine VMS (Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide) deposit. The Sr-Nd isotope composition of hydrothermal dolomite (εNd ~-12) indicates that the ore-forming materials were originated from the crustal basement. The Yushui copper deposit was likely formed during the Late Carboniferous continental backarc extension in eastern South China. The regional extension may have caused enhanced heat flow, which promoted fluid convection in the basement rocks. In addition, we suggest that volcanic rocks and disseminated chalcopyrite-pyrite mineralization in the Lower Carboniferous quartz sandstone and exhalites are good indicators for regional VMS prospecting.
Sexual violence and associated factors among high school female students in Shashemene town, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Nigusie Nardos , Endebu Tamrat
Published: October 2023

Background
Although sexual violence against schoolgirls is worse in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries, such as Ethiopia, the extent of the problem and its contributing factors have not been sufficiently studied to guide policy. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of sexual violence and associated factors among high school female students in Shashemene town, southern Ethiopia.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1 to February 14, 2023. A total of 508 study subjects were selected from different high schools using a mix of multi-stage and simple random sampling techniques. A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data. The data were checked, entered into Epi-Info version 7, and exported to SPSS version 26 for further data cleaning and analysis. Descriptive and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted, and the level of significance of the association was determined at a P-value < 0.05.
Results
A total of 508 female students participated, with a response rate of 98.1%. The prevalence of sexual violence was found to be 47.2% (95% CI: 43.3, 51.4). The associated factors were: age 18–20 years old (AOR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.59), lower family income (AOR = 6.13; 95% CI: 3.28, 11.47), ever seen when mother being beaten by her husband (AOR = 2.53; 95% CI: 1.57, 4.08), chewing khat (AOR = 3.79; 95% CI: 1.81, 7.92), ever initiating sexual intercourse (AOR = 4.59; 95% CI: 2.32, 9.08), having awareness about other raped female students (AOR = 3.57; 95% CI: 1.93, 6.58), and perceived vulnerability to sexual violence (AOR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.68).
Conclusion
The prevalence of sexual violence among high school female students was high. The problem needs due attention, and urgent multi-sectoral engagement is needed to address those identified factors, empower female students, and tailor remedial intervention for survivors of sexual violence.
Future variations of water stress over China will have impacts on the north-to-south shifts in agriculture and manufacturing sectors
Authors: Zhou Xiong , Liu Mengyu , G.H. Huang , Li Yongping
Published: October 2023

In this study, a fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution water stress prediction (FTOPWSP) index is developed to analyze spatiotemporal variations of water stress, and concomitant effects on the populace within China under climate change. The potential implications of water stress variations on the migration of the agriculture sector, manufacturing industry, and human population are further discussed. Our results show that the value of the FTOPWSP index could decrease by 7.17% from 2020 to 2099 under the representative concentration pathway 2.6-shared socioeconomic pathway 2 (RCP2.6-SSP2) scenario. Such a decrease signifies an augury of water stress in the ensuing eight decades. The primary causative factors are attributed to decreased water resources supply, such as groundwater recharge, groundwater runoff, and subsurface runoff. Moreover, future annual variations of the FTOPWSP index value are predominantly contributed by its variations during the spring and autumn seasons. The water stress in the southeastern provinces would be much lower than the northwestern ones, wherein more than 20% of the entire Chinese population would be severely impacted by water stress. More importantly, such variations of water stress could lead to the north-to-south migration of the agriculture sector, manufacturing industry, and human population.
A Comparative Analysis of Image Deblurring Techniques for Saturated Images
Authors: M Mahendra B , Sonoli Savita , Gowda Tarun , Srin Tanmai , Kiran Rutu
Published: October 2023

Image deblurring in low-level computer vision aims to restore a clear image from a blurry input. An important challenge in this field is deblurring images affected by over-saturated pixels. However, addressing this issue has proven to be difficult. Existing deblurring algorithms suffer from degraded performance when outliers such as saturation and noise are present. These outliers violate the linear image formation process, leading to undesired artifacts in the output image. This study thoroughly examines a range of non-neural approaches and algorithms that have been developed to tackle the presence of saturation in the deblurring process. A comparative analysis of these algorithms is conducted using various images captured under low-light conditions. The evaluation includes the use of appropriate image quality assessment metrics such as PSNR, SSIM, and BRISQUE Score. Additionally, a mathematical exploration is provided, highlighting the fundamental principles, advantages, and disadvantages of each algorithm. The findings of this review serve as a valuable resource for image deblurring researchers, offering insights and guidance for their current and future work.
Facial expression recognition is linked to clinical and neurofunctional differences in autism
Authors:   , Meyer-Lindenberg Hannah
Published: October 2023

Sprache Englisch Background Difficulties in social communication are a defining clinical feature of autism. However, the underlying neurobiological heterogeneity has impeded targeted therapies, and requires new approaches to identifying clinically relevant bio-behavioural subgroups. In the largest autism cohort to date, we comprehensively examined difficulties in facial expression recognition, a key process in social communication, as a bio-behavioural stratification biomarker, and validated them against clinical features and neurofunctional responses. Methods Between 255 and 488 participants aged 6-30 years with autism, typical development and/or mild intellectual disability completed the Karolinska Directed Emotional Faces task, the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Task and/or the Films Expression Task. We first examined mean-group differences on each test. Then we used a novel intersection approach that compares two centroid and connectivity-based clustering methods to derive subgroups based on the combined performance across the three tasks. Measures and subgroups were then related to clinical features and neurofunctional differences measured using fMRI during a fearful face-matching task. Results We found significant mean-group differences on each expression recognition test. However, cluster analyses showed that these were driven by a low-performing autistic subgroup (~30% of autistic individuals who performed below 2SDs of the neurotypical mean on at least one test), while a larger subgroup (~70%) performed within 1SD on at least 2 tests. The low-performing subgroup also had on average significantly more social-communication difficulties and lower activation in the amygdala and fusiform gyrus than the high-performing subgroup. Limitations Findings of autism expression recognition subgroups and their characteristics require independent replication. This is currently not possible, as there is no other existing data set that includes all relevant measures. However, we demonstrated high internal robustness (91.6%) of findings between two clustering methods with fundamentally different assumptions, which is a critical pre-condition for independent replication. Conclusions We identified a subgroup of autistic individuals with expression recognition difficulties and showed that this related to clinical and neurobiological characteristics. If replicated, expression recognition may serve as bio-behavioural stratification biomarker and aid in the development of targeted interventions for a subgroup of autistic individuals.
Perancangan Media Informasi Sentra Wisata Kuliner Wonorejo di Kota Surabaya Berbasis Website Menggunakan Metode Model View Controller
Authors: Mukhlis Iqbal Ramadhani
Published: October 2023

Surabaya possesses considerable potential for economic growth and the tourism industry. The Surabaya City Government is actively harnessing this potential, one of which involves establishing the Culinary Tourism Center to introduce a variety of traditional Surabaya cuisine. Specifically, the Surabaya City Government has initiated the creation of the Wonorejo Culinary Tourism Center (SWK) to showcase the iconic Surabaya dishes. In pursuit of this objective, an information platform, based on a website, has been developed using PHP programming technology and a MySQL database, employing the Model View Controller approach supported by the CodeIgniter framework. This website is intended to furnish information about the diverse Surabaya dishes accessible at the Wonorejo Culinary Tourism Center to the local community and visitors from beyond Surabaya. The research process encompasses various methodologies, including literature review, observation, interviews, and surveys. The research findings, which encompass both internal and external testing, indicate a success rate of 80.67%. These results signify that this information platform is a valuable tool for facilitating the acquisition of information about the legendary and other culinary offerings available at SWK Wonorejo, benefiting visitors from Surabaya and beyond.
Analisis Interaksi Guru dan Peserta Didik dengan Social Network Analysis yang Menumbuhkan Minat Belajar di SMK Negeri 1 Tengaran
Authors: Sukowati Joko Listiawan , Iriani Ade , Sembiring Irwan
Published: October 2023

School is a place where students gain knowledge and as a place where the process of interaction between teachers and students occurs.. The interaction between teachers and students greatly influences the learning interests of students. This study aims to find teachers and indicators that influence students' interest in learning in the school environment using Social Network Analysis (SNA). The research was conducted at Tengaran 1 Public Vocational School with the research object being teachers and class XI students. The results showed that the most dominant actor or teacher in degree centrality, which was chosen by the students, was the actor or teacher with the Cp code, with a value of 26. The next step after calculating the SNA and measure network is indicator validation and classification using Naïve Bayes. The results of the indicator validation show that the validation value for each indicator is more than 0.5, so the indicators can be said to be valid. The classification results using naïve Bayes, with a dataset divided by 80% training data and 20% test data showing an accuracy of 85%. It is hoped that the results of this research can be input to teachers so that in schools they are more active in participating in various kinds of activities held by schools, and are active in interacting with students in the teaching and learning process. So, it is hoped that students will be more active in learning.
NISQ algorithm for the matrix elements of a generic observable
Authors: Erbanni Rebecca , Bharti Kishor , Kwek Leong-Chuan , Poletti Dario
Published: October 2023

The calculation of off-diagonal matrix elements has various applications in fields such as nuclear physics and quantum chemistry. In this paper, we present a noisy intermediate scale quantum algorithm for estimating the diagonal and off-diagonal matrix elements of a generic observable in the energy eigenbasis of a given Hamiltonian without explicitly preparing its eigenstates. By means of numerical simulations we show that this approach finds many of the matrix elements for the one and two qubits cases. Specifically, while in the first case, one can initialize the ansatz parameters over a broad interval, in the latter the optimization landscape can significantly slow down the speed of convergence and one should therefore be careful to restrict the initialization to a smaller range of parameters.
Determinants of employee digital transformation readiness and job performance: A case of SMEs in Vietnam
Authors: Thi Thu Thuy Nguyen , Pham Thi Thanh Hong , Thi Bich Ngoc Tran , Tran Si Lam
Published: October 2023

The subject of stimulating employees toward digital transformation has always been one of the most significant topics, attracting the interests of scientists and decision-makers. This study analyzes the impact of critical factors, including self-efficacy, attitude, leadership, and employee characteristics on employee readiness for digital transformation and job performance. The variables were selected based on the extended theory of planned behavior and personal resource adaption models. To achieve the research objective, partial least squares structural equation modeling was employed. Data were collected from a survey of 302 employees of SMEs in Vietnam. Research findings showed that employees attitude (β = 0.1148; p < 0.05), self-efficacy (β = 0.3737; p < 0.05), and characteristics (β = 0.3328; p < 0.05) affected their readiness for digital transformation. Employees self-efficacy and characteristics also demonstrated direct impacts on job performance. Meanwhile, leadership showed no direct impact (p = 0.6430) but an indirect impact on job performance through readiness (β = 0.1360, p < 0.05). Additionally, among the factors, employee readiness is the most substantial predictor of job performance (β = 0.5152). The findings can benefit Vietnamese SME managers and policymakers, as they can better understand employees and develop effective strategies and measures to promote employee readiness and job performance in a digital transformation context.
AcknowledgmentThis article is a scientific product of the ministry-level project “Research on factors affecting digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises in Vietnam”, code B2022-BKA-22, funded by the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam.
Mechanical characteristics of a corset type structure with negative Poisson’s ratio
Authors: Song Yuchao , Yang Yanxin , Chi Changkuan , Li Guobin , Zhang Jiahui , Zhang Zhaowen
Published: October 2023

For mechanical metamaterials and their vibration isolation ability, a new corset type structure (CTS) is designed from the inward hexagonal steel structure by applying fillet at the inward corners. Ten CTS cells are born by using the different fillet radius. The fillet radius is 10 mm to 100 mm, but the cell mass remains constant when the plate has the same thickness. The static deformation, vibration modality and harmonic response of these NPR structures are analyzed in this paper. These CTS cells are modeled by using the finite element method (FEM) with a uniform grids. In static analysis, a surface load and a point load on the top plate are respectively considered to study the elastic deformation, the NPR and the stiffness of CTS cells with different fillet radii and thicknesses. These CTS cells have a greater NPR and a higher stiffness than the original inward hexagonal steel structure. In modal analysis, the natural frequency, the eigenmode and the fixed modality are numerically computed. These frequency values and displacement distributions of CTS cells show that these CTS cells have a higher vibration frequency than the origin inward hexagonal structure cell. In harmonic response analysis, the frequency domain is from 1 Hz to 1000 Hz, and the excitation force is on the top surface of the upper plate. All displacement responses of these CTS cells are analyzed. The harmonic response analysis result shows that the resonance magnitude can be significantly suppressed by these new CTS cells. The analysis result presents the characteristics of this new CTS, and it is beneficial for the vibration isolation in engineering application.
Prediction and evaluation of polymer turbulent drag reduction efficiency based on BP neural network
Authors: Chen Yang , He Minglan , Zhang Meiyu , Luo Jin
Published: October 2023

In the process of oil exploitation and transportation, in order to effectively predict and control energy consumption for drag reduction of oil flow, in this paper a BP neural network was proposed based method for predicting and evaluating the turbulent drag reduction efficiency of polymers, which can greatly improve the current situation of relying on empirical formulas and low generality in polymer turbulent drag reduction efficiency prediction. Based on the experimental data sets of four commercial polymer drag-reducing agents FLOXL, М-Flowtreat, Necadd-447, and FLO MXA, obtained at different polymer concentrations, viscosity, density, and Reynolds number, a BP neural network has been established and the optimal number of neurons in the hidden layer was selected using the root mean square error (RMSE) value to obtain the optimal BP neural network prediction model. The BP neural network prediction models for the four polymer drag-reducing agents all have a good fit of 0.98 or above, and the R2 of the trained BP neural network for the Necadd-447 drag-reducing agents is 0.9949, which is the best among the four polymer drag-reducing agents. The BP neural network established in this paper can be applied to the turbulent drag reduction transport of long-distance pipelines for oil products to achieve the prediction of the drag reduction efficiency of polymer additives.
Non-use of subjective rights in Russian criminal proceedings: Causes and consequences
Authors:   Southwest State University, Chebotareva Irina N.
Published: October 2023

The modern paradigm of criminal proceedings, which is based on the idea of the primacy of the protection of the individual, necessitates not only endowing the participants in the criminal process with a set of rights that allow them to defend their interests, but also ensuring the proper level of guarantees for the possibility of their implementation. The article examines the social and legal significance of the use of rights by participants in criminal proceedings, highlights and analyzes the possible causes and consequences of non-use. The author comes to the conclusion that the state and society are interested in the active use of their rights by authorized subjects. In criminal proceedings, the need for such an implementation is determined by the expansion of discretion and adversarial principle. As a result of the study, it was found that the non-use of subjective right in criminal proceedings can be both due to the will of the person (there is a waiver of subjective right), and not depend on it and be the result of lawful or unlawful behavior of representatives of public authorities conducting criminal proceedings. The reason for non-realization of a subjective right in a criminal process may also be the improper performance by officials of their duties to ensure that participants can exercise their rights, abuse of power or abuse of power. The article concludes that these reasons cause different social and legal consequences of non-use of subjective rights: both positive and negative.
Special rules against tax avoidance: Taiwan’s experience
Authors:   MGIMO University, Shepenko Roman A.
Published: October 2023

States and the territories implementation their tax rights in relation to the objects of taxation by concepts of taxation is determined. Tax conceptions to be applied primarily in relation to direct taxes are territorial and global. The territorial conception assumes that taxes are levied on the object of taxation originated or received in the state (territory). This conception is addressed to residents and non-residents. The global conception assumes that taxes are levied on the object of taxation regardless of the place of its origin. This conception is addressed to residents. Ideally, states and territories should limit their tax rights to income from national sources. Accordingly, the principle of non-double taxation will not be violated and there is no need for special rules. Initially, states and territories followed the territorial concept, but over time approaches have changed. As a result, the problem of tax avoidance has become the focus of attention. Their unilateral application does not give the desired result, and therefore international treaties are concluded or amended. Special rules against tax avoidance are on the agenda of the authorities of various states, including unrecognized ones. There is a certain specificity in the regulation in relation to unrecognized states and territories with a special status. Some of these entities are even members of international organizations, but do not have an extensive network of treaties containing tax provisions. In the given article, an attempt to systematize special rules against tax avoidance in Taiwan is made.