bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-harmonic Plasma Emission Induced by Electron Beams in Weakly Magnetized Plasmas
Authors: Li 李 Chuanyang 传洋 , Chen 陈 Yao 耀 , Zhang 张 Zilong 子龙 , Ning 宁 Hao 昊 , Li 李 TangMu 汤姆
Published: January 2024

Electromagnetic radiation at higher harmonics of the plasma frequency (ω ∼ n
ω
pe, n > 2) has been occasionally observed in type II and type III solar radio bursts, yet the underlying mechanism remains undetermined. Here we present two-dimensional fully kinetic electromagnetic particle-in-cell simulations with high spectral resolution to investigate the beam-driven plasma emission process in weakly magnetized plasmas of typical coronal conditions. We focused on the generation mechanisms of high-harmonic emission. We found that a larger beam velocity (u

d
) favors the generation of the higher-harmonic emission. The emissions grow later for higher harmonics and decrease in intensity by ∼2 orders of magnitude for each jump of the harmonic number. The second and third harmonic (H2 and H3) emissions get closer in intensity with larger u

d
. We also show that (1) the H3 emission is mainly generated via the coalescence of the H2 emission with the Langmuir waves, i.e., H2 + L → H3, wherein the coalescence with the forward-propagating beam-Langmuir wave leads to the forward-propagating H3, and coalescence with the backward-propagating Langmuir wave leads to the backward-propagating H3; and (2) the H4 emission mainly arises from the coalescence of the H3 emission with the forward- (backward-)propagating Langmuir wave, in terms of H3 + L → H4.
From Plan Gideon to Plan Tnufa: Israeli defense strategy and the buildup of the Israeli Defense Forces in the wider context of the Middle East after the Arab Spring
Authors: Zvada Ľubomír , Lach Jiří
Published: January 2024

Based on the content analysis method, this study analyzes the first ever published security strategy of the Israel Defense Forces, which was published in 2015. The main objective of the paper is not only to present the circumstances of its creation and discuss the main objectives of this strategic security document, but also to outline the broader geopolitical context from which it emerged. The authors argue that the document primarily emphasized two areas - the use of force and capacity building of the Israeli military. Among other things, the publication of the strategy was intended to have a deterrent effect. In the conclusion, the authors compare the Gideon Plan and its follow-up, the Tnufa Plan, and point to the considerable importance that consensus among political and military elites has in the implementation of such a document and reflect on what lessons and inspiration can be drawn from this case in our geographic space in the process of formulating or reformulating strategic security documents.
Conceptual Approach to Multi-Domain Operations
Authors: Petráš Zdeněk
Published: January 2024

This article delves into multi-domain operations in the context of future warfighting. A multi-domain approach to operations is being progressively implemented in allied nations and within NATO, as well. It should also become a core interest for the Czech Republic, even if the sea and space domains do not represent the crucial area of potential operational engagement of the Army of the Czech Republic. The complexity of operations in a complex operating environment requires mutual interaction across all operational domains. The integration of the physical and virtual spheres of operations suggests that operations planning cannot be strictly oriented to individual operational domains. The interaction between operational domains must be perceived as a sine qua non for effective planning and conducting military operations. This is also a fundamental prerequisite for the successful activity of forces in a complex operating environment.
Deficits in Strategic Communication for Armaments
Authors: Vyklický Vladimír , Pikner Ivo
Published: January 2024

The aim of this paper is to contribute to scientific research in the field of examining the shortcomings in the use of strategic communication for armaments. A comprehensive approach that rationalises the political, military, economic and technical decision-making process, as well as appropriate strategic communication with stakeholders, is required for the procurement of military equipment for the armed forces. The paper first analyses the existing shortcomings in the use of strategic communication in support of armaments, and then recommends a model for the adequate use of it. The results of a questionnaire survey and structured interviews with specialists in strategic communication and armaments show a high level of support for the use of strategic communication. However, the selected case studies on the Pandur and BVP modernization projects did not confirm the assumption of an improvement in the ability of the Czech Ministry of Defence to acquire new military equipment.
Long term management of people with post-tuberculosis lung disease
Authors: Seo Wan , Kim Hyung Woo , Kim Ju Sang , Min Jinsoo
Published: January 2024

Post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD) is emerging as a significant area of global interest. As the number of patients surviving tuberculosis (TB) increases, the subsequent long-term repercussions have drawn increased attention due to their profound clinical and socioeconomic impacts. A primary obstacle to its comprehensive study has been its marked heterogeneity. The disease presents a spectrum of clinical manifestations which encompass tracheobronchial stenosis, bronchiectasis, granulomas with fibrosis, cavitation with associated aspergillosis, chronic pleural diseases, and small airway diseases—all persistent consequences of PTLD. The spectrum of symptoms a patient may experience varies based on the severity of the initial infection and the efficacy of the treatment received. As a result, the long-term management of PTLD necessitates a detailed and specific approach, addressing each manifestation individually—a tailored strategy. In the immediate aftermath (0–12 months after anti-TB chemotherapy), there should be an emphasis on monitoring for relapse, tracheobronchial stenosis, and smoking cessation. Subsequent management should focus on addressing hemoptysis, managing infection including aspergillosis, and TB-associated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or restrictive lung function. There remains a vast expanse of knowledge to be discovered in PTLD. This review emphasizes the pressing need for comprehensive, consolidated guidelines for management of patients with PTLD.
Assessing crash severity of urban roads with data mining techniques using big data from in-vehicle dashcam
Authors: Park Nuri , Cho Junhan , Park Juneyoung
Published: January 2024

The factors that affect the severity of crashes must be identified for pedestrian and traffic safety in urban roads. Specifically, in the case of urban road crashes, these crashes occur due to the complex interaction of various factors. Therefore, it is necessary to collect high-quality data that can derive these various factors. Accordingly, this study collected crash data, which included detailed crash factor data on the huge urban and mid-level roads. Using this, various crash factors including driver, vehicle, road, environment, and crash characteristics are constructed to develop a crash severity prediction model. Through this, this study identified more detailed factors affecting the severity of urban road crashes. The crash severity model was developed using both machine learning and statistical models because the insights that can be obtained from the latest technology and traditional methods are different. Therefore, the binary logit model, a support vector machine, and extreme gradient boosting were developed using key variables derived from the multiple correspondence analysis and Boruta-SHapley Additive exPlanations. The main result of this study shows that the crash severity decreased at four-street intersections and when traffic segregation facilities were installed. The findings of this study can be used to establish a traffic safety management strategy to reduce the severity of crashes on urban roads.
HPCDNet: Hybrid position coding and dual-frquency domain transform network for low-light image enhancement
Authors: Chen Mingju , Li Hongyang , Peng Hongming , Xiong Xingzhong , Long Ning
Published: January 2024

Low-light image enhancement (LLIE) improves lighting to obtain natural normal-light images from images captured under poor illumination. However, existing LLIE methods do not effectively utilize positional and frequency domain image information. To address this limitation, we proposed an end-to-end low-light image enhancement network called HPCDNet. HPCDNet uniquely integrates a hybrid positional coding technique into the self-attention mechanism by appending hybrid positional codes to the query and key, which better retains spatial positional information in the image. The hybrid positional coding can adaptively emphasize important local structures to improve modeling of spatial dependencies within low-light images. Meanwhile, frequency domain image information lost under low-light is recovered via discrete wavelet and cosine transforms. The resulting two frequency domain feature types are weighted and merged using a dual-attention module. More effective use of frequency domain information enhances the network's ability to recreate details, improving visual quality of enhanced low-light images. Experiments demonstrated that our approach can heighten visibility, contrast and color properties of low-light images while better preserving details and textures than previous techniques.
An ensemble-acute lymphoblastic leukemia model for acute lymphoblastic leukemia image classification
Authors: Huang Mei-Ling , Huang Zong-Bin
Published: January 2024

The timely diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is of paramount importance for enhancing the treatment efficacy and the survival rates of patients. In this study, we seek to introduce an ensemble-ALL model for the image classification of ALL, with the goal of enhancing early diagnostic capabilities and streamlining the diagnostic and treatment processes for medical practitioners. In this study, a publicly available dataset is partitioned into training, validation, and test sets. A diverse set of convolutional neural networks, including InceptionV3, EfficientNetB4, ResNet50, CONV_POOL-CNN, ALL-CNN, Network in Network, and AlexNet, are employed for training. The top-performing four individual models are meticulously chosen and integrated with the squeeze-and-excitation (SE) module. Furthermore, the two most effective SE-embedded models are harmoniously combined to create the proposed ensemble-ALL model. This model leverages the Bayesian optimization algorithm to enhance its performance. The proposed ensemble-ALL model attains remarkable accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and kappa scores, registering at 96.26, 96.26, 96.26, 96.25, and 91.36%, respectively. These results surpass the benchmarks set by state-of-the-art studies in the realm of ALL image classification. This model represents a valuable contribution to the field of medical image recognition, particularly in the diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and it offers the potential to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of medical professionals in the diagnostic and treatment processes.
El rey español del tango argentino: Quinito Valverde, paradigma de compositor de la industria musical de comienzos del siglo XX
Authors: Perandones Lozano Miriam
Published: January 2024

Joaquín [Quinito] Valverde (Madrid, 1875-Ciudad de México, 1918) llega a París el año 1907, en un momento en que se está gestando conceptualmente la diferenciación entre música para las élites y música para las masas. Valverde está en la ciudad al mismo tiempo que Isaac Albéniz, Enrique Granados, Joaquín Turina o un joven Manuel de Falla, pero se mueve en círculos musicales alejados de las instituciones musicales en que estudian y triunfan sus compatriotas: Valverde no pisa la Schola Cantorum ni el Conservatorio, pero consigue el éxito de público y crítica en géneros populares urbanos y en teatros de opereta, salones y en music halls tan importantes como el Olympia o el Moulin-Rouge. Valverde, como compositor popular, está a la vanguardia de los géneros escénicos y del uso de los medios técnicos que permiten alcanzar el éxito internacional en las primeras décadas del siglo XX. El objetivo principal de este trabajo es demostrar que Quinito Valverde fue una estrella internacional de primer orden en el ámbito de las músicas populares, aunque hoy esté prácticamente olvidado y orillado por el canon. Pretendemos poner en valor a Valverde a partir su impacto como compositor de canciones y danzas en Francia, Alemania, el antiguo Imperio Ruso y Norteamérica. Para ello se ha realizado una revisión de archivos europeos y americanos e incorporamos un estudio cuantitativo de las grabaciones fonográficas de su obra sin entrar en su análisis, algo que merece un estudio aparte.
De l’exploitation de la vigne en Roussillon antique et médiéval
Authors: Ros Jérôme , Vaschalde Christophe
Published: January 2024

Une synthèse des données archéobotaniques sur les périodes historiques en Roussillon permet de replacer la vigne (Vitis vinifera) dans la gamme des plantes couramment consommées/exploitées, au cœur du trio méditerranéen qu’elle forme avec le blé nu et l’orge vêtue. Si la présence de restes de fruits et de charbons de bois signale bien l’exploitation de ce fruitier et la production de vin à partir du Ier s. apr. J.‑C., la nature de cette production et son évolution dans le temps long doivent être discutées. Grâce à la compilation et à la critique de différents indices archéobotaniques, cet article propose un premier bilan sur la question de la culture et de l’exploitation de la vigne en Roussillon de la période romaine à la fin du Moyen Âge.
Agribusiness Small and Medium Entrepreneurs’ Overall Perceptions of Institutional Support Towards Facing Technology Challenges: A Case of Sri Lanka
Authors: Bandara K. B. T. U. K , Prasanna R. P. I. R. , Gamage S. K. N. , Rajapakshe P. S. K. , Ekanayake E. M. S. , Jayasundara J. M. S. B. , Abeyrathne G. A. K. N. J.
Published: January 2024

Purpose: Technology challenges have been recognized as one of the growth retarding factors of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which further reduced their potential contribution to the national economy. Hence, this research aims to study the Sri Lankan agribusiness SMEs’ overall perception of institutional support towards facing technology challenges.Research Method: A qualitative case study-based methodology was adopted, and a series of key informant interviews were held with 10 SME owners in the Agribusiness sector, using purposive sampling. An in-depth thematic area analysis was used to analyze the data gathered from the interviews and identified five technology challenges faced by SMEs. Findings: SMEs repeatedly stated weak financial base, lack of technical know-how, lack of institutional support, and practical problems that arose when commercializing new products. Many respondents showed a low tendency towards adopting E-Commerce/M-Commerce/E-Marketing and database management systems. The study revealed that they had built network partnerships with other SMEs in the industry on their own. Most SMEs are currently facing difficulties in connecting with Multi-National Companies (MNCs)/ Trans-National Companies (TNCs)/ Large-scale companies.  According to the SMEs' overall perception of institutional support, many had low satisfaction in most of the areas. Value: This study is important for the government institutions and relevant policymakers to identify the requirements of SMEs, and thereby, organize customized supportive programs to overcome technology challenges.
Small-scale Farmers’ Adoptions of Climate-smart Agricultural Practices in the Guinean Savanna’s Agroecological Zones
Authors: Wahab B. , Taiwo O. J. , Diallo A. I. P. , Bishoge O. K. , Samoura D. A.
Published: January 2024

Purpose: Guinean Savanna is the largest agro-productive area in Guinea and the most vulnerable to climate-induced hazards that challenge farming practices and cause crop failures. Subsequently, small-scale farmers have recently lent themselves to climate-smart agricultural practices (CSAPs) as alternatives to maintain food security. Developing such practices has led this study to identify farmers’ know-how of CSAPs and factors motivating these practices. Research Method: Methods including household surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and field observations were used to collect data from a purposive random sample of 1,500 small-scale farmers in nine agroecological zones susceptible to drought and flood. Multivariate probit model was used to determine factors influencing small-scale farmers’ adoption of CSAPs. Findings: Results show that adoptions of CSAPs were influenced by farmers’ socio-economic characteristics including access to income sources from non-farm activities, holding of livestock and/or a plantation, perceived impacts of climate change, and membership to a farm-based organisation. Other factors such as farming experience, educational level, gender and age were also motivating farmers to adopt CSAPs. On the contrary, household size was not significant in adopting CSAPs in the Guinean Savanna. Limitation: This study only covers 9 of the 17 agroecological zones that make up the Guinea Savanna.Originality/Value: Being the first study that showed an interest in CSAPs in the study area, it provides information that could enhance food security and communities’ resilience.
Behavioural Responses of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to Paracoccus marginatus (Papaya Mealybug) Related Cues in Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Gunawardana D. M. U. , Sirisena U. G. A. I. , Hemachandra K. S.
Published: January 2024

Purpose: Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) is a well-known biocontrol agent that is widely used to control soft-bodied insects including papaya mealybug. This study aimed to evaluate the behaviour of C. montrouzieri to chemical simulants associated with honeydew (HD) and crushed papaya mealybugs (CPMBs), under laboratory conditions.Research Method: The larvae and adult stages of C. montrouzieri were introduced into a Petri dish containing HD or CPMBs treated and untreated Carica papaya (Papaya) leaf discs, and the behaviour was recorded for 20 minutes using video surveillance. Searching time, walking speed, and number of turns on leaf discs were quantified. Findings: Results revealed that the searching time of C. montrouzieri, on papaya leaf discs was significantly varied with different larval instars and adults (F(4,298) = 17.21, p<0.05) as well as leaf-coated substances (F(2,298) = 78.07, p<0.05). When considering all larval instars of C. montrouzieri searching time on CPMBs (690.7 ± 25.3 s) was significantly higher compared to HD (524.8 ± 33.5 s) and clean leaf disc (219.6 ± 34.4 s) (F(2, 227) = 60.61, p<0.05). The searching period of the first larva (L1) was significantly higher compared to adults in all treatments (p<0.05).  The walking speed of the fourth larva (L4) and adults of C. montrouzieri on HD and CPMBs leaf discs was significantly lower compared to that of clean leaf discs. The number of turns per unit path length was significantly higher in both HD (1.100 /cm) and CPMBs (1.129 /cm) leaf discs compared to the control (0.501 /cm) concerning larvae and adults.Originality/value: It leads to the conclusion that HD and CPMBs considerably change the searching behaviour of larvae and adults of C. montrouzieri. Further work should be focused on examining and utilizing these chemical cues for searching to enhance the efficacy of C. montrouzieri in controlling papaya mealybug.
Assessment of Bee Honey in some Districts in South-Western Nigeria for Agricultural Pesticide Residues and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Authors: Fasasi K. A. , Awodiran O. F. , Ayeni D. J. , Awoniyi O. I. , Awojide S. H.
Published: January 2024

Purpose: Honey are produced by honeybees which are expected to be free from contaminants or pollutants in the environment. But different degrees of anthropogenic activities in regions where apiaries domiciles have raised issues of primary health importance because of the increasing contents of pesticide residues, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and other related hydrocarbon compounds in honey. Osun State is an agrarian state where agricultural herbicides and insecticides are used. The study focused on organophosphate and organochlorine compounds and PAHs. Research Method: Honey samples sourced from selected zones in Osun State, were screened for organophosphate, organochlorine compounds, PAHs as well as other related hydrocarbon compounds using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Finding: There were no traces of highlighted pesticide residues except for PAHs and other related compounds. Ninety-two PAHs and other related hydrocarbon compounds were identified. The number of PAHs and related compounds per sample ranged from 9 to 35. While Cyclohexane, Decodane and Naphthalene were the most common with higher concentrations in all the samples. The Mn±S.D values of Cyclohexane, Naphthalene and Decodane obtained were 0.2976±0.1253µgkg-1, 0.471±0.119µgkg-1, and 12.516±3.120µgkg-1 respectively. Other PAHs and other related hydrocarbon compounds identified had insignificant concentrations. Originality/value: The study recommends that bee farmers should locate their apiaries 3km to 5km away from regions where there are serious hazardous anthropogenic activities including industrial areas. Also, there is need for strong understanding between the bee farmers and crop farmers on tolerable uses of agricultural pesticides, and herbicides on field crops during the flower bloom period where there are no options. Lastly, harvested honey should undergo quality assurance and control for safety reasons. All packaged honey for retail should bear labels including the compositions after quality analysis.
The First Report of GPS-based Mapping of Parthenium Beetle (Zygogramma bicolorata Pallister) Occurrence, Distribution and its Impact on Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) in Northern Sri Lanka
Authors: Pakeerathan K. , Venugoban K.
Published: January 2024

Purpose: Parthenium hysterophorus L. is a globally recognized one of the most invasive noxious weeds. It has invaded more than 17 districts in Sri Lanka, and is listed under weed of national significance for eradication. Biological control using parthenium beetle Zygogramma bicolorata is one of the promising eco-friendly strategies for Parthenium management and is successful in many countries.Research Method: The biennial survey was conducted to explore the potential biocontrol agent Z. bicolarata of the parthenium and its dispersal around Northern Sri Lanka. Preliminary survey data identified sampling sites that were chosen to draw the distribution and density maps of Parthenium beetle (Z. bicolarata) using GPS tools. The field and greenhouse damage incidence of Z. bicolarata on Parthenium was calculated and subjected to ANOVA using SAS 9.1. Tukey's HSD multiple comparison test to identify the best treatment combination at P <0.05.Findings: The results exhibit that the Z. bicolarata distribution is confined to the Jaffna district in Northern Sri Lanka, and occurrence was first time in Valikamam North in the year 2019/20. The highest density of the Z. bicolorata population was 35-62 per m2 in the Valikamam North DS division in the years 2019/20 and 2020/21, respectively. The damage incidence varied from <10%-100%, but maximum field damage was 25->50% in Valikamam North whereas in the greenhouse 10 grubs inflicted 75-100% defoliation in 9±0.75 days.Originality/Value: This is the first report of occurrence of Z. bicolorata and detailed study of its distribution, damage on Parthenium to decide the biological Parthenium control programme.
CL-K1 Promotes Complement Activation and Regulates Opsonophagocytosis of Macrophages with CD93 Interaction in a Primitive Vertebrate
Authors: Mu Liangliang , Yin Xiaoxue , Qiu Li , Li Jiadong , Mo Jinfen , Bai Hao , Zeng Qingliang , Ye Jianmin
Published: January 2024

Collectin is a crucial component of the innate immune system and plays a vital role in the initial line of defense against pathogen infection. In mammals, collectin kidney 1 (CL-K1) is a soluble collectin that has recently been identified to have significant functions in host defense. However, the evolutionary origins of immune defense of CL-K1 and its mechanism in clearance of pathogenic microorganisms remain unclear, especially in early vertebrates. In this study, the Oreochromis niloticus CL-K1 (OnCL-K1) protein was purified and identified, which was capable of binding to two important pathogens of tilapia, Streptococcus agalactiae and Aeromonas hydrophila. Interestingly, OnCL-K1 exhibited direct bactericidal activity by binding to lipoteichoic acid or LPS on cell walls, disrupting the permeability and integrity of the bacterial membrane in vitro. Upon bacterial challenge, OnCL-K1 significantly inhibited the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, reduced the inflammatory response, and improved the survival of tilapia. Further research revealed that OnCL-K1 could associate with OnMASPs to initiate and regulate the lectin complement pathway. Additionally, OnCD93 reduced the complement-mediated hemolysis by competing with OnMASPs for binding to OnCL-K1. More importantly, OnCL-K1 could facilitate phagocytosis by collaborating with cell surface CD93 in a lectin pathway–independent manner. Moreover, OnCL-K1 also promoted the formation of phagolysosomes, which degraded and killed ingested bacteria. Therefore, this study reveals the antibacterial response mechanism of CL-K1 in primitive vertebrates, including promoting complement activation, enhancing opsonophagocytosis, and killing of macrophages, as well as its internal links, all of which provide (to our knowledge) new insights into the understanding of the evolutionary origins and regulatory roles of the collectins in innate immunity.
Ethics in Artificial Intelligence: an Approach to Cybersecurity
Authors: López González Ariel , Moreno Mailyn , Moreno Román Ariadna Claudia , Hadfeg Fernández Yahima , Cepero Pérez Nayma
Published: January 2024

In the paper, an analysis is conducted on the intricate relationship between ethics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. The ethical principles that govern the advancement of AI are examined, alongside the security issues that arise from its implementation. The ethical utilization of artificial intelligence in the realms of cybersecurity and hacking is explored. Emphasis is placed on the significance of AI ethics, particularly in terms of transparency, accountability, and fairness. Additionally, the paper delves into the security challenges that emerge as AI is adopted, such as safeguarding user privacy and ensuring equitable access to the technology.
The EU AI Act: A pioneering effort to regulate frontier AI?
Authors: Bas Guillem , Salinas Claudette , Tinoco Roberto , Sevilla Jaime
Published: January 2024

The emergence of increasingly capable artificial intelligence (AI) systems has raised concerns about the potential extreme risks associated with them. The issue has drawn substantial attention in academic literature and compelled legislators of regulatory frameworks like the European Union AI Act (AIA) to readapt them to the new paradigm. This paper examines whether the European Parliament’s draft of the AIA constitutes an appropriate approach to address the risks derived from frontier models. In particular, we discuss whether the AIA reflects the policy needs diagnosed by recent literature and determine if the requirements falling on providers of foundation models are appropriate, sufficient, and durable. We find that the provisions are generally adequate, but insufficiently defined in some areas and lacking in others. Finally, the AIA is characterized as an evolving framework whose durability will depend on the institutions’ ability to adapt to future progress.
Bilateral Seminal Vesicle Invasion as a Strong Prognostic Indicator in T3b Prostate Cancer Patients Following Radical Prostatectomy: A Comprehensive, Multicenter, Long-term Follow-up Study
Authors: Suh Jungyo , Jeong In Gab , Jeon Hwang Gyun , Jeong Chang Wook , Lee Sangchul , Jeon Seong Soo , Byun Seok-Soo , Kwak Cheol , Ahn Hanjong
Published: January 2024

Purpose Pathologic T3b (pT3b) prostate cancer, characterized by seminal vesicle invasion (SVI), exhibits variable oncological outcomes post–radical prostatectomy (RP). Identifying prognostic factors is crucial for patient-specific management. This study investigates the impact of bilateral SVI on prognosis in pT3b prostate cancer.Materials and Methods We evaluated the medical records of a multi-institutional cohort of men who underwent RP for prostate cancer with SVI between 2000 and 2012. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and covariate-adjusted Cox proportional hazard regression for biochemical recurrence (BCR), clinical progression (CP), and cancer-specific survival (CSS).Results Among 770 men who underwent RP without neo-adjuvant treatment, median follow-up was 85.7 months. Patients with bilateral SVI had higher preoperative prostate-specific antigen levels and clinical T category (all p < 0.001). Extracapsular extension, tumor volume, lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001), pathologic Gleason grade group (p < 0.001), and resection margin positivity (p < 0.001) were also higher in patients with bilateral SVI. The 5-, 10-, and 15-year BCR-free survival rates were 23.9%, 11.7%, and 8.5%; CP-free survival rates were 82.8%, 62.5%, and 33.4%; and CSS rates were 96.4%, 88.1%, and 69.5%, respectively. The bilateral SVI group demonstrated significantly lower BCR-free survival rates, CP-free survival rates, and CSS rates (all p < 0.001). Bilateral SVI was independently associated with BCR (hazard ratio, 1.197; 95% confidence interval, p=0.049), CP (p=0.022), and CSS (p=0.038) in covariate-adjusted Cox regression.Conclusion Bilateral SVI is a robust, independent prognostic factor for poor oncological outcomes in pT3b prostate cancer.
Productivity of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) in an Integrated Aquaculture System
Authors: Tikue Teklay Gebru , Workagegn Kassaye Balkew , Pavanasam Natarajan
Published: January 2024

Integrated fish farming can be a solution to utilize the scarce resources efficiently and reduce waste disposal through recycling of waste. Hence, the main purpose of this experiment was to estimate the profitability and yield of vegetables (lettuce and spinach) from Oreochromis niloticus in an integrated fish farming system. A total of 114m2 lands for vegetable cultivation and a fish pond with a size of 10m×15m×1.7m were used. 200 fingerlings of Oreochromis niloticus with an average initial weight of 8.5 gram were stocked and reared at a stocking density of 1.3fish/m.2 The experimental design for vegetable production was 2×4 factorial design. The average final weight of Oreochromis niloticus after four months of rearing was 61.76g. Four treatments were used for vegetable production; treatment 1 (T1) was vegetable production using pond water, Treatment 2 (T2) was using fertilizer, treatment 3 (T3) was using compost and treatment 4 (T4) was using tap water (control group). Outcomes of the general linear model revealed that lettuce productions of T1, T2, and T3 were significantly higher than T4, while spinach productions of T1 were significantly higher than(p˂0.05), T2 and T4 but there is no significant difference from T3. Depending on the result T1 was 1.8 times more profitable than T2, 2.06 times more profitable than T3, and 11.06 times more profitable than T4. Based on the current finding, integrated fish farmers could improve fish production, vegetable yield, and net returns by integrating fish farming system with other on-farm activities.
Sexism in advertisements – a cross-cultural analysis
Authors: Riedl Joachim , Wengler Stefan , Czaban Marcin , Steudtel Simon
Published: January 2024

This paper examines the evaluation of advertising with particular reference to possible sexism and the differences in response among individuals of different religious affiliation, religiosity, and origin. Religion, religiosity and migration background make small explanatory contributions to the evaluation of advertising in four relevant dimensions, but in the overall picture prove to be less significant than sociodemographic and psychographic criteria beyond religion and origin.
Developing a growth marketing approach to B2B customer retention: Case Algeria
Authors: El Mokretar Lamia , Adman Mélia
Published: January 2024

Today, a new approach is emerging in the field of marketing and business growth: 'Growth Hacking'. This concept, popularised by innovative start-ups, involves applying agile and creative methods to stimulate growth and maximise results, particularly in terms of customer acquisition and retention. However, despite the abundance of resources and information on growth hacking, few studies have looked specifically at its application in the B2B context, and more specifically at how growth hacking can be used to retain customers, using the five phases of the customer lifecycle. This study aims to understand how companies can put growth hacking into practice, by identifying the specific strategies used. Until now, research has focused mainly on the technical aspects of business, leaving aside the necessary promotional strategies and their strategic exploitation. This qualitative study adopts an approach with a constructivist epistemological posture, collecting data through semi-structured interviews with 5 growth hacking experts, based on the analysis of multiple case studies to explore growth hacking strategies. It sheds light on the importance of these strategies and the mechanisms used to highlight the value of companies. The research findings enabled us to understand growth hacking, identify various growth hacking strategies and develop a growth hacking strategy for customer retention in B2B.
A generalization of the quadrangulation relation to constellations and hypermaps
Authors: Fang Wenjie
Published: January 2024

Constellations and hypermaps generalize combinatorial maps, $\textit{i.e.}$ embedding of graphs in a surface, in terms of factorization of permutations. In this paper, we extend a result of Jackson and Visentin (1990) on an enumerative relation between quadrangulations and bipartite quadrangulations. We show a similar relation between hypermaps and constellations by generalizing a result in the original paper on factorization of characters. Using this enumerative relation, we recover a result on the asymptotic behavior of hypermaps of Chapuy (2009).

Les constellations et les hypercartes généralisent les cartes combinatoires, $\textit{i.e.}$ les plongements de graphe dans une surface, en terme de factorisation de permutations. Dans cet article, nous généralisons un résultat de Jackson et Visentin (1990) sur une relation énumérative entre les quadrangulations ordinaires et biparties. Nous montrons une relation similaire entre les constellations et les hypercartes en généralisant un résultat de factorisation de caractère. Avec cette relation, on retrouve un résultat sur le comportement asymptotique des hypercartes dans Chapuy (2009).
Denominator vectors and compatibility degrees in cluster algebras of finite type
Authors: Ceballos Cesar , Pilaud Vincent
Published: January 2024

We present two simple descriptions of the denominator vectors of the cluster variables of a cluster algebra of finite type, with respect to any initial cluster seed: one in terms of the compatibility degrees between almost positive roots defined by S. Fomin and A. Zelevinsky, and the other in terms of the root function of a certain subword complex. These descriptions only rely on linear algebra, and provide simple proofs of the known fact that the $d$-vector of any non-initial cluster variable with respect to any initial cluster seed has non-negative entries and is different from zero.

Nous présentons deux descriptions élémentaires des vecteurs dénominateurs des algèbres amassées de type fini pour tout amas initial: l'une en termes de degrés de compatibilitié entre racines presque positives définis par S. Fomin et A. Zelevinsky, et l'autre en termes de la fonction racine d'un certain complexe de sous-mots. Ces descriptions ne reposent que sur l'algèbre linéaire et fournissent des preuves simples du fait (connu) que le $d$-vecteur de toute variable d'amas, qui n'est pas dans l'amas initial, a des entrées positives ou nulles et est différent du vecteur nul.
Ehrhart $h^*$-vectors of hypersimplices
Authors: Li Nan
Published: January 2024

We consider the Ehrhart $h^*$-vector for the hypersimplex. It is well-known that the sum of the $h_i^*$ is the normalized volume which equals an Eulerian number. The main result is a proof of a conjecture by R. Stanley which gives an interpretation of the $h^*_i$ coefficients in terms of descents and excedances. Our proof is geometric using a careful book-keeping of a shelling of a unimodular triangulation. We generalize this result to other closely related polytopes.

Nous considérons que la Ehrhart $h^*$-vecteur pour la hypersimplexe. Il est bien connu que la somme de la $h_i^*$ est le volume normalisé qui estégal à un nombre eulérien. Le résultat principal est une preuve de la conjecture par R. Stanley qui donne une interprétation des coefficients $h^*_i$ en termes de descentes et excedances. Notre preuve est géométrique à l’aide d’un attention la comptabilité d’un bombardement d’une triangulation unimodulaire. Nous généralisons ce résultat à d’autres polytopes étroitement liés.
Fully commutative elements and lattice walks
Authors: Biagioli Riccardo , Jouhet Frédéric , Nadeau Philippe
Published: January 2024

An element of a Coxeter group $W$ is fully commutative if any two of its reduced decompositions are related by a series of transpositions of adjacent commuting generators. These elements were extensively studied by Stembridge in the finite case. In this work we deal with any finite or affine Coxeter group $W$, and we enumerate fully commutative elements according to their Coxeter length. Our approach consists in encoding these elements by various classes of lattice walks, and we then use recursive decompositions of these walks in order to obtain the desired generating functions. In type $A$, this reproves a theorem of Barcucci et al.; in type $\tilde{A}$, it simplifies and refines results of Hanusa and Jones. For all other finite and affine groups, our results are new.

Un élément d’un groupe de Coxeter $W$ est dit totalement commutatif si deux de ses décompositions réduites peuvent toujours être reliées par une suite de transpositions de générateurs adjacents qui commutent. Ces éléments ont été étudiés en détail par Stembridge dans le cas où $W$ est fini. Dans ce travail, nous considérons $W$ fini ou affine, et énumérons les éléments totalement commutatifs selon leur longueur de Coxeter. Notre approche consiste à encoder ces éléments par diverses classes de chemins du plan que nous décomposons récursivement pour obtenir les fonctions génératrices voulues. Pour le type $A$ cela redonne un théorème de Barcucci et al.; pour $\tilde{A}$, cela simplifie et précise des résultats de Hanusa et Jones. Pour tous les autres groupes finis et affines, nos résultats sont nouveaux.
Matroids over a ring
Authors: Fink Alex , Moci Luca
Published: January 2024

We introduce the notion of a matroid $M$ over a commutative ring $R$, assigning to every subset of the ground set an $R$-module according to some axioms. When $R$ is a field, we recover matroids. When $R=\mathbb{Z}$, and when $R$ is a DVR, we get (structures which contain all the data of) quasi-arithmetic matroids, and valuated matroids, respectively. More generally, whenever $R$ is a Dedekind domain, we extend the usual properties and operations holding for matroids (e.g., duality), and we compute the Tutte-Grothendieck group of matroids over $R$.

Nous introduisons la notion de matroïde $M$ sur un anneau commutatif $R$, qui assigne à chaque partie d’un ensemble $E$ un $R$-module selon certains axiomes. Quand $R$ est un corps, on retrouve les matroïdes. Lorsque $R=\mathbb{Z}$, et lorsque $R$ est un anneau de valuation discrète, nous obtenons (structures qui contiennent toutes les données) respectivement des matroïdes quasi-arithmétiques et des matroïdes valués. En plus de généralité, quand $R$ est un anneau de Dedekind, nous étendons les propriétés et opérations habituelles pour les matroïdes (par exemple, la dualité), et nous calculons le groupe de Tutte-Grothendieck des matroïdes sur $R$.
Moments of Askey-Wilson polynomials
Authors: Kim Jang Soo , Stanton Dennis
Published: January 2024

New formulas for the $n^{\mathrm{th}}$ moment $\mu_n(a,b,c,d;q)$ of the Askey-Wilson polynomials are given. These are derived using analytic techniques, and by considering three combinatorial models for the moments: Motzkin paths, matchings, and staircase tableaux. A related positivity theorem is given and another one is conjectured.

Nous présentons de nouvelles formules pour les $n^{\mathrm{th}}$-moments $\mu_n(a,b,c,d;q)$ des polynômes Askey-Wilson. Ils sont calculés avec des techniques analytiques, et en considérant trois modèles combinatoires pour les moments: des chemins de Motzkin, des couplages, et des tableaux escalier. Un théorème de positivité liée est donné et un autre est conjecturé.
Type $A$ molecules are Kazhdan-Lusztig
Authors: Chmutov Michael
Published: January 2024

Let $(W, S)$ be a Coxeter system. A $W$-graph is an encoding of a representation of the corresponding Iwahori-Hecke algebra. Especially important examples include the $W$-graph corresponding to the action of the Iwahori-Hecke algebra on the Kazhdan-Lusztig basis as well as this graph's strongly connected components (cells). In 2008, Stembridge identified some common features of the Kazhdan-Lusztig graphs ("admissibility'') and gave combinatorial rules for detecting admissible $W$-graphs. He conjectured, and checked up to $n=9$, that all admissible $A_n$-cells are Kazhdan-Lusztig cells. The current paper provides a possible first step toward a proof of the conjecture. More concretely, we prove that the connected subgraphs of $A_n$-cells consisting of simple (i.e. directed both ways) edges do fit into the Kazhdan-Lusztig cells.

Soit $(W, S)$ un système de Coxeter. Un $W$-graphe est un objet qui décrit certaines représentations de l’algèbre de Iwahori-Hecke. Des exemples particulièrement importants sont les $W$-graphes correspondant à l’action de l’algèbre de Iwahori-Hecke sur la base de Kazhdan-Lusztig ainsi que ses composantes fortement connexes (cellules). En 2008, Stembridge a identifié quelques caractéristiques communes des graphes de Kazhdan-Lusztig et a donné une caractérisation combinatoire de tous ces $W$-graphes. Il a conjecturé, et a vérifié jusqu’à $n=9$, que toutes ces $A_n$-cellules sont des cellules de Kazhdan-Lusztig. Le présent article fournit la première étape d’une démonstration possible de cette conjecture. Plus concrètement, nous montrons que les sous-graphes connexes de $A_n$-cellules composées d’arêtes s’insèrent dans les cellules de Kazhdan-Lusztig.
«Prendre soin» de la création dans la logique chrétienne. Une lecture eco-théo-logique de Luc 10, 25-37
Authors: Kalamba Mupoyi Augustin
Published: January 2024

La crise écologique nous invite à prendre conscience de la fin d’un monde et non de la fin du monde. A partir d’une interprétation éco-théo-logique de la parabole du Bon Samaritain, l’auteur aborde la question de cette crise dans la logique de Dieu : celle de compatir et prendre soin. Voilà la mission chrétienne de l’homme éco-théo-logien afin de faire advenir le salut de Dieu en Jésus Christ pour la création tout entière.
Pengaruh Massage dengan Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) untuk Mencegah Luka Dekubitus pada Pasien Stroke Hemoragik
Authors: Anita Shinta Kusuma  , Agustian Billy Cahya
Published: January 2024

Stroke merupakan penyakit yang disebabkan karena adanya penyempitan pada pembuluh darah di otak sehingga aliran darah dan oksigen ke otak terhambat bahkan terhenti. Berdasarkan Riset Kesehatan Dasar tahun 2018 menyebutkan di Indonesia prevalensi penyakit stroke berdasarkan diagnosis pada penduduk umur ≥ 15 tahun mencapai 10,9%. Pasien stroke yang mengalami bedrest total memiliki risiko tinggi mengalami dekubitus. Tujuan penulisan ini adalah mengetahui efektifitas pemberian massage dengan Virgin Cococut Oil (VCO) untuk mencegah terjadinya dekubitus pada pasien stroke hemoragik. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode Literature Review. Database yang digunakan Google Cendikia, Garuda dan ProQuest dengan hasil penelusuran artikel sebanyak 32 artikel dan selanjutnya dilakukan pengecekan dan kesesuaian didapatkan 10 artikel yang direview dalam penelitian ini. Dari beberapa Literature Review memaparkan tindakan massage dengan VCO berpengaruh dalam mencegah terjadinya luka dekubitus. Prosedur massage dengan VCO dapat diterapkan pada pasien stroke karena terbukti efektif mencegah terjadinya luka dekubitus.
Kepercayaan Diri dengan Tingkat Kecemasan pada Mahasiswa Tingkat Akhir dalam Mengerjakan Skripsi di Institut Kesehatan Immanuel Bandung
Authors: Marbun Kristin Arta Feronica , Siagian Ira Ocktavia , Sinaga Herwinda
Published: January 2024

Kecemasaan menghadapi skripsi adalah perilaku khawatir yang membuat diri mahasiswa tidak nyaman. Rasa tidak nyaman ini yang membuat mahasiswa akan sulit untuk berkonsentrasi dalam menghadapi skripsi. Dalam menghadapi skripsi, perlu adanya kepercayaan diri yang berupa perasaan yakin individu terhadap kemampuan yang dimiliki. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan kepercayaan diri dengan tingkat kecemasan pada mahasiswa tingkat akhir dalam mengerjakan skripsi di Institut Kesehatan Immanuel Bandung. Jenis penelitian ini menggunakan penelitian kuantitatif dengan desain penelitian yang digunakan bersifat analitik korelasi melalui pendekaan cross sectional. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan total sampling yang berjumlah 75 responden. Data diambil dengan menggunakan kuesioner Lauster dengan nilai reliabilitas sebesar 0.946 dan validitas sebesar 0.377 dan kuesioner Zun self-rratin Anxiety Scale (ZSAS) dengan nilai reliabilitas sebesar 0,829 dan nilai validitas sebesar 0,918. Analisis univariat menggunakan distribusi frekuensi dan analisis bivariat menggunakan Spearman Rank. Hasil analisis data yang di peroleh bahwa ada hubungan yang signifikan antara kepercayaan diri dengan kecemasan pada mahasiswa tingkat akhir dalam mengerjakan skripsi yang ditunjukan dengan hasil kofisien korelasi rxy=-0,435 dengan p value 0,000<0,05. Artinya semakin tinggi kepercayaan diri maka semakin ringan tingkat kecemasaan ataupun sebaliknya. Penelitian ini diharapkan dapat memberikan informasi mengenai pentingnya mahasiswa mempunyai kepercayaan diri sehingga dapat meminimalisir kecemasan mahasiswa pada saat menghadapi skripsi, sehingga mahasiswa dapat menyiapkan dirinya dengan baik.