bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological and Cytological Studies in the Genus Lantana L.
Authors: Raghavan R. S. , Arora C. M.
Published: May 2024

1. Chromosome numbers in L. wightiana and L. montevidensis have been recorded for the first time. These plants have a basic number of n = 12 which is the same for all the species studied so far except L. camara.2. Of the plants studied, polyploid races were observed in L. camara var. mutabilis only. In this variety there is no correlation between flower colour and chromosome number. In nature tetraploids and to a lesser extent triploids are predominant.3. Stomata are confined to lower epidermis only. The number of stomata per square millimetre varies at the species level, but is more or less constant in all the three varieties and polyploid races of L. camara. The diploid forms of all the three varieties of Lantana camara have smaller stomata when compared to the higher polyploids.4. In all the plants studied, 4-8 microspores were found due to laggards forming small micro-nuclei.5. In spite of a regular meiosis in L. camara var. nivea and Lantana montevidensis pollen grains were found to be completely sterile. Conversely, in spite of irregular meiosis in some of the triploids of var. mutabilis, pollen fertility was very high. In var. crocea partial sterility prevails, though meiosis is normal. Sterility in Lantana is not merely due to chromosomal aberrations but is also gene controlled.6. Even completely male sterile species produced viable seeds. Preliminary studies seem to indicate the prevalence of apomixis in this genus.
Pteridophytes of the Eastern India: I. Enumeration of the Species Collected and their Nomenclature
Authors: Panigrahi G.
Published: May 2024

Beddome's Handbook on Ferns of British India with supplement though published in 1892, and contains outmoded classifications and out of date nomenclature, still serves as the standard source of reference for all Indian workers on the fern flora of the country.In this communication Copeland's (1947) classification has been followed in presenting 16 of his 18 families occurring in India. Thirty-two of the 47 genera have heen tabulated according to their respective positions in the classifications of Copeland and Beddome to illustrate the striking changes brought about in the concept of fern systematics between 1892 and 1947.About 150 species collected from parts of Orissa, Bihar, Assam and N.E.F.-Agency have been listed with correct nomenclature followed by basinym and important synonyms. Species names used by Beddome (1892) are indicated by the abbreviation 'Bedd' followed by a numerical to facilitate reference back to the respective page in his Handbook and supplement.Some new combinations have been made and new records established.
A Note on Aleuritopteris grisea (Blanford) Panigrahi Comb. Nov. and A. anceps (Blanford) Panigrahi Comb. Nov.
Authors: Panigrahi G.
Published: May 2024

The "Silver Ferns" of Asia and Africa are ascribed correctly to Aleuritopteris farinosa (Forsk.) Fee complex. Within the scope of this complex three taxonomic entities are recognised out of which two, viz. A. grisea (Blanford) Panigrahi Comb. nov. and A. anceps (Blanford) Panigrahi Comb. nov. are new species combinations. Cytology of the species and existence of F1 sterility in them have been indicated.The herbarium specimens identified to these two species and located in the Herbarium of British Museum (Nat. Hist.), London, Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh and Rijksherbarium, Leiden, have been cited.
Rosenvingea intricata (J. Agardh) Borgs., a Phaeophyceae New to Chilka Lake in India
Authors: Srinivasan K. S.
Published: May 2024

Rosenvitigea intricala (J. Agardh) Borgs, a brown sea-weed is reported here for the first time from Chilka Lake in Orissa. The structure of the alga is described in detail. The habitat and geographical distribution of the alga are briefly discussed. A Chaetophoraceous alga occurring as an endophyte in Rosenvingea intricala (J. Agardh) Borgs, is referred to.
Studies on the Flora of Singampatti Reserve Forest in Tirunelveli District, Madras State
Authors: Sebastine K. M. , Henry A. N.
Published: May 2024

A detailed study of the flora of Singampatti Reserve Forest has not been made so far and four seasonal exploration trips were made for the collection of plants in the year 1957-58.The vegetation of this region consists of the scrub jungle type which extends to a height of about 300 M, the deciduous and grassland regions lying between 300 M to 1000 M and the evergreen forests appearing at a height of about 1000 M. The evergreen forests, however, get changed into the monsoon type above 1500 M. The Kakachi region which forms the highest peak in this area is the typical monsoon forest.Plant collections were made at various places that had distinctly different ecological conditions and in all a total of 92 families represented by 320 genera, 432 species, native to or naturalized in the forest was found. The families with quite a large number of species are: Gramineae, Euphorbiaceae, Leguminosae, Acanthaceae, Cyperaceae, Compositae, Poly-podiaceae (sensu lato), Rubiaceae, Labiatae and Verbenaceae. These ten families contain 54.4 per cent of the total flora of the forest. The collections include species which are endemic to this area.
Botanical Exploration in Car Nicobar and Nancoury Islands
Authors: Thothathri K.
Published: May 2024

The vegetation of Car Nicobar and Nancoury Islands are discussed. Car Nicobar is a flat island with an area of 126.8 square kilometres, while Nancoury is still a smaller island with hills and ridges. Evergreen forests and tidal mangrove forests are absent in Car Nicobar Island and the vegetation consists of beach forest, scrub jungle, low forest in the interior, and grass land. Unlike Car Nicobar, Nancoury Island has dense forest growth of the evergreen type. Plants growing near the shores constitute the beach forest here, while the tropical ever green forest is situated in the interior at a higher elevation. Plants of economic and medicinal importance are also described.
On a Collection of Plants from Lahul
Authors: Rau M. A.
Published: May 2024

The paper gives an account of the vegetation as observed by the author during a recent plant collection tour in the Chandra and Bhaga river valleys of Lahul (Kangra District, Panjab) beyond the Rohtang Pass. Plants were collected in the altitude range 3000 to 4000 metres and the paper includes a list of plants collected with brief descriptions, altitude of occurrences and uses, if any.
Observations on the Germination of Spores of Padina tetrastromatica Hauck
Authors: Srinivasan K. S.
Published: May 2024

The germination of the spores of Padina tetrastromatica Hauck from Mohaballipuram, South of Madras is described in detail for the first time from India for any member of the Dictyotaceae. The tetrasporangium, instead of forming the usual tetraspores, liberates its entire contents which germinate immediately on settling down on the thallus of Padina tetrastromatica, Hauck. The liberated body is spherical in shape and on germination it produces at first a protuberance which on growing for some length as a tubular structure is cut off by a transverse wall from a spherical upper portion. The lower tubular portion, by a few divisions, forms a filamentous structure, the end cell of which produces a sort of a branched haptera on coming into contact with any foreign body. In the upper spherical portion cell divisions occur to result in a somewhat nodular structure. One of the superficial cells of this nodule grows out and by a transverse wall in this, an apical cell in cut off. By the activity of this apical cell new shoots of Padina are developed at first as cylindrical structures. By the growth and division in all cells, later a flattened structure and then a fan shaped thallus is formed characteristic of the Padina plant. In the sequence of divisions and the formation of the rhizoid like structures, Padina tetrastromatica Hauck shows some differences from the other members of the Dictyotaceae reported earlier from abroad.
Taxonomic Studies on Indian Guttiferae I. the Genus Calophyllum L
Authors: Maheshwari J. K.
Published: May 2024

This revision of the genus CalophyllumL. is precursory to the treatment of the family of Guttiferae as occurring in India. No particular attention was paid of late years to this important timber plant in India. It was, therefore, thought necessary to undertake taxonomic their studies on the genus.Nine species occur in India, of which three are restricted to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The rest occur in Southern and Eastern India. These are described in detail and their synonymy, distribution, uses, vernacular names, etc. are ascertained.The nomenclature of plants have been adjusted to the latest findings in botanical literature, and aims to be completely in accordance with the 1956 edition of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. For one species of Calophyllum, viz., C. apetalum Willd. (Syn. C. wighfianum Wall, ex Pl. et Tr.), Wallich 4847 (in Herb. Calc.) is selected as the neotype of the species. This is done in accordance with the provisions of Article 7 of 1956 edition of the Code.The present treatment of the genus differs in some respects regarding the circumscription of species, from that of T. Anderson (1874) in the Flora of British India. T. Anderson has united C. amoenum Wall, with C. retusum Wall., and C. elatum Bedd. with C. tomentosum Wight. However, a careful study leads me to conclude that these species should be kept separate and of these only C. amoenum Wall., and C. elatum Bedd. occur in India. The details are discussed in this paper.
The Pteridophytes of Cumbum Valley and Pachakumatchi Hills, Madurai District, Madras State
Authors: Subramanyam K. , Balakrishnan N. P. , Saroja T. L.
Published: May 2024

The Cumbum Valley and Pachakumatchi Hills are situated to the south-west of Madurai Town and lie between 77Â°12' and 77Â°30' E and 9Â°30' and 9Â°50' N. Three seasonal explorations were conducted in the months of June 1959, October 1959 and April 1960. The Pteridophyte vegetation is rich in the Pachakumatchi Hills where the humidity is high and the altitude reaches 1600 m. A total number of 50 species representing 14 families and 35 genera were collected and enumerated. The classification of Copeland is followed. Out of the plants listed, Pteridaceae is well represented, and next in order being Aspidiaceae and Polypodiaceae (sensu stricto).
A New Report on Spirogyra rugulosa Iwanoff from Senchal Lake, Darjeeling, India
Authors: Das C. R.
Published: May 2024

No Abstract.
Notes on the Flora of Pravarasangam Area, Maharashtra State
Authors: Subramanyam K. N. , Rolla Seshagiri Rao
Published: May 2024

This paper deals with the general floristic account of Pravarasangam area, Maharashtra State. A brief description of the grassland in the moist river banks and the scrub jungle in the dry plains is given. 150 species belonging to 118 genera and 35 families are enumerated, out of which Gramineae, Papilionaceae, Compositae and Amaranthaceae are the dominant ones.
Additions to the Flora of Mount Abu in Rajasthan
Authors: Kanodia K. C. , Deshpande U. R.
Published: May 2024

The present paper gives the occurrence, distribution and habitat of 45 species of plants not reported by earlier workers from Mt. Abu area, comprising 41 species of Angiosperms (excluding Gramineae), 3 species of ferns and 1 species of liverwort. Some of these plants are common to the Himalayas and the hills of south India. Rumex crispus Linn. has been recorded for the first time in India.
Additions to the Flora of Laccadives, Minicoy and Aminidives Groups of Islands
Authors: Wadhwa B. M.
Published: May 2024

In this paper 11 (eleven) species of Cygeraceae and Gramineae are recorded-as additions to the Flora of Laccadives, Minicoy and Aminidives groups of Islands. These species have not yet been recorded so far by earlier workers.
Critical Notes on the Rubiaceae of Bombay
Authors: Santapau H. , Merchant Y.
Published: May 2024

This is a revision of the family Rubiaceae for Bombay State, and gives the more important changes to be introduced in published floras; Anotis calycina is reported as a new record; the genus Oldenlandia is split into, among others, Oldenlandia proper and Exallage: new combinations made are Canthium dicoccum vat. umbellatum, Kohautia nagporensis, and Tarenna asiatica. The genus Pavetta is discussed and P. concanica and P. crassicaulis added to the flora of Bombay.
Monocotyledonous Plants of Manipur Territory
Authors: Deb D. B.
Published: May 2024

This paper gives an account of the monocotyledonous plants growing in Manipur. In all 426 species (+ 8 varieties) representing 219 genera and distributed over 33 families have been dealt with. Hutchinson's system has been followed in arranging the families. Efforts have been made to find out the correct names m accordance with the latest International code of Botanical nomenclature. Only relevant and commonly used synonyms have been cited wherever required, immediately below the valid names. Citation of the original publication of the valid name has been made excepting several cases where the original paper concerned was not available to the author, for scrutiny.A short description indicating the characteristic of the species has been given. A short ecological note has been added. In citation of the herbarium specimens, preference has been given to the author's personal collection. Others collections have not been cited completely. Species recorded by earlier workers from Manipur, but not examined by the author have also been cited in this paper.
The Food-Producing Crops in the Tropics
Authors: Maheshwari J. K.
Published: May 2024

The paper deals with some aspects of tropical agriculture, together with notes on the origin, diffusion, and domestication of important food-producing crops in the tropics of Old and New World. The utilization of tropical fungi and sea-weeds as sources of human food is briefly discussed. It is concluded that in light of current world food-shortages, improvement of the established tropical food-crops is most necessary at the present time.
Studies in Leguminosae: 1. A Taxonomic Revision of the Genus Derris Lour. in India
Authors: Thothathri K.
Published: May 2024

The taxonomic revision of the genus Derris Lour. in India is a preliminary step towards the revision of the tribe Dalbergieae of the order Leguminosae. The tribe is represented in India by the following genera-Dalbergia, Pterocarpus, Pongamia, Derris and Euchresta.Twenty five species of Derris are described in this paper which include 2 species (Derris pseudo-robusta, D. macrocarpa), 3 varieties (D. rohusta Benth. var. assamica, D. cuneifolia Benth. var. longipedicellata, D. elliptica Benth. var. chittagongensis) and 2 forms (D. elegans Benth. f. andamanensis, D. cuneifolia Benth. f. assamica) described for the first time.Derris heyneana Benth. var. paniculata Baker is raised to the status of a species with a new name D. bakeri while D. eualata Bedd. and D. wallichii Prain are reduced to varieties of D. thyrsiflora Benth. (D. thyrsiflora Benth. var. eualata. D. thyrsiflora Benth. var. wallichii). The nomenclature of Derris laxiflora Haines is changed, the correct name being D. hainesiana. D. thyrsiflora Benth. is reported for the first time from the Andaman Islands.
Occurrence of Alectra parasitica A. Rich. in India a New Variety from Banda Distria, U.P.
Authors: Rau M. A.
Published: May 2024

Alectra parasitica A. Rich., with a wide distribution in Eastern & North-Eastern Africa but hitherto not recorded from this country has now been collected in the Banda District of Uttar Pradesh. Since the Indian plant differs from the African specimens in the strongly rhizomatous development of the underground parts of the stem, it has been described as a new variety and is named A. parasitica A. Rich., var. chitrakutensis M. A. Rau, var. nov.
A Note on an Abnormal Nymphaea pubescens Willd
Authors: Bose Rash Behari
Published: May 2024

No Abstract.
A Contribution to the Flora of Mirzapur-I some New Records for the District and for the Upper Gangetic Plain
Authors: Bhattacharyya U. C.
Published: May 2024

Buettneria herbacea Roxb. (Sterculiaceae), Crotalaria ramosissima Roxb. (Leguminosae), Hardwickia binata Roxb. (Leguminosae), Plectranthus mollis (Ait.) Spreng. (Labiatae), Leucas clarkei Hook. f. (Labiatae), Cyanotis fasciculata Schult.f. (Commelinaceae), and Eriocaulon setaceum Linn. (Eriocaulaceae) are described here as new records for the Upper Gangetic Plain. Rauvolfia tetraphylla Linn. (Apocynaceae) and Plantago pumila Willd. (Plantaginaceae) are also recorded for the first time from Mirzapur District.
Taxa of Indian Acanthaceae, Verbenaceae and Labiatae Amending and/or Supplementing Calder's (1926) and Razi's (1959) Lists of Additions to Hooker's Flora of British India
Authors: Srinivasan K. S. , Agarwal V. S.
Published: May 2024

Since the publication of the Flora of British India by Sir J. D. Hooker during the years 1872-1879, quite a number of additional species have been described from various parts of India by several botanists in different publications. The nomenclature of quite a number of species in Hooker's Flora has also changed with the result that several names therein have now come to be regarded as invalid. Calder et al (1926) and Razi (1959) published two lists as additions to species in Hooker's Flora of British India. The present account is an attempt at supplementing and/or amending the lists of Calder and Razi, with reference to the families Acanthaceae, Verbenaceae and Labiatae. In this account, altogether 232 taxa belonging to these three families alone are given under two separate lists. In the first list 54 taxa are included. They comprise of 53 taxa as additions to Hooker, Calder et al and Razi's account of the species under these three families, and one species of Hooker, earlier reported by him from outside India proper, since reported from Indian territory. In the second list, 178 taxa are included, wherein changes in nomenclature, including changes in status have been reported.
Studies on Indian and Burmese Annonaceae
Authors: Das Debika
Published: May 2024

Many names of the species of Annonaceae in Flora of British India by J. D. Hooker & T. Thomson Vol. I, 1872 have been changed by subsequent authors working on the plants of that family. In the present paper new names for 6 species and one variety have been proposed giving reasons for the change in nomenclature.
Nomenclatural Changes in Indian Plants
Authors: Santapau H. , Wagh S. K.
Published: May 2024

The nomenclature of a large number of Indian plants is adjusted in conformity with the Rules of Nomenclature. Some of the changes refer to changes in attribution, which have been necessitated by the strict application of Art. No. 33 of the Code, Edition 1961. Several new combinations we proposed in this paper.
Ecological Studies on the Soil and Vegetation of Krusadi Group of Islands in the Gulf of Manaar
Authors: Ananda Rao T. , Aggarwal K. R. , Mukherjee A. K.
Published: May 2024

The account presents the plant ecology with a description of soils and other related features of the Krusadi group of islands situated in the Gulf of Manaar approximately between 9Â°14'-9Â°15'N and 79Â°10.5'-79Â°14.5' E. Data on pH, organic matter contents, total soluble salts, sodium chloride contents and calcium carbonate contents in the soils of different habitats are presented in tabular form and an attempt made to correlate vegetation with the soil features. A classification of vegetation situations rather than strictly vegetation type has been brought out and comparison made with the main neighbouring island of Rameswaram with similar climate. The paper includes a vegetation map of the area prepared during the field work.
Andreaea rupestris Hedw. A New Record from Western Himalayas
Authors: Vohra J. N. , Wadhwa B. M.
Published: May 2024

Andreaea rupestris Hedw. has been recorded for the first time from Western Himalayas. The only previous record of this species is from Sikkim Himalayas. In this note a detailed description of this taxon with illustrations and a key for the Indian taxa of Andreaea are given.
A Botanical Tour in the Sikkim State, Eastern Himalayas
Authors: Rolla Seshagiri Rao
Published: May 2024

The paper gives an account of the collections of Angiosperms and other lower group of plants made and studied by the author from the Sikkim State of the Eastern Himalayas during 1955. The area under study lies between 27Â°10'-28Â°5' N and 88Â°30'-89Â° E and includes the Lachen and Lachung river valleys, the upper Tista river valley and the neighbouring mountain slopes and meadows of the Northern Sikkim and the mountain ranges and meadow on way to Nathu La from Gangtok and Jelap La from Rongli, covering an altitude between 1400 and 4400 m. During the period under study, nearly 5000 specimens comprising 471 species of flowering plants, 6 species of Gymnosperms, 38 species of Pteridophytes and 14 species of algae, were collected. Notes on several medicinal and economic plants growing in wild condition, based on the data collected from the villagers and forest guards, are also incorporated in the paper.
PERKAWINAN LGBT PERSPEKTIF HUKUM ISLAM DAN HUKUM POSITIF
Authors: Rohmawati Rohmawati , Chakim Abdulloh , Rofiqoh Lilik
Published: May 2024

Recently, marriage among lesbian, gay, bi-sex and transgender inIndonesia became a phenomenal issue discussed by the society. The effort tolegalize such a marriage in Indonesia is conducted in the name of freedomof choice and the human rights that should be upheld. This has evoked prosand cons among the community. Therefore, the researchers are interestedin discussing this marriage in depth, based on the perspective of Islamic andpositive laws. This is a study on normative laws (doctrine) using deductivelogic in analyzing primary and secondary legal materials. The results of thisstudy are (1) in the perspective of Islamic laws, same-sex marriage amongLGBT is forbidden since it violates the nature and is contrary to maqasid shari’ain the sense that it could threaten the essential needs of existence of humanbeings such as not preserving religion, soul, descendants, mind and honor; (2)in the perspective of positive laws in Indonesia, the state allows merely themarriage between male and female and that it should be in accordance withtheir religion. Meanwhile, all religions in Indonesia, including Islam, forbidsame-sex marriage. Therefore, marriage among LGBT is unlawful and as aresult the state does not guarantee their prosperity.
Akhir-akhir ini, isu fenomenalperkawinan LGBTdi Indonesiasemakin mencuat ke permukaan dan marak diperbincangkan diberbagaikalangan.Upaya legalisasi perkawinan LGBT di Indonesia semakin marakdilakukan atas nama kebebasan dan hak-hak asasi manusia yang harusdihormati dan dijunjung tinggi. Hal ini tentunyamenimbulkan pro dankontradi kalanganmasyarakatBerdasarkan hal tersebut, peneliti tertarik untukmelakukan kajian mendalam tentang bagaimana sebenarnya perkawinanLGBT dalam perspekif hukum Islam dan hukum positif Indonesia.Penelitianini merupakan penelitian hukum normatif (doktriner), dengan menggunakanlogika deduktifdalam menganalisis bahan hukum primer dan sekunder. Hasildari penelitian ini adalah: (1) Dalam perspektif hukum Islam, perkawinansesama jenis oleh kaum LGBT adalah dilarang karena menyalahi kodrat danbertentangan dengan maqâshid al-syar?’ah, karena dapat mengancam eksistensikebutuhan esensial bagi kehidupan manusia, yaitu tidak terpeliharanya agama,jiwa, keturunan, akal, dan kehormatan; (2) Dalam perspektif hukum positifIndonesia, Negara hanya membolehkan perkawinan yang dilakukan antaralaki-laki dan perempuan, dan pelaksanaannya harus sesuai dengan agamanyamasing-masing. Sementara semua agama di Indonesia, termasuk Islam,tidak membolehkan adanya perkawinan sejenis. Jika dilakukan perkawinansesama jenis oleh kaum LGBT, maka perkawinannya dianggap tidak sahyangberimplikasi kepada tidak diperolehnya jaminan kesejahteraan sosial dariNegara bagi kaum LGBT yang melakukan perkawinan.
The Carbon-Based Evolutionary Theory (CBET)
Authors: Chen Ji-Ming , Chen Ji-Wang
Published: May 2024

Why did unordered, simple substances on Earth evolve into orderly, complex, and diverse organisms and social organizations? This is a fundamental scientific question that has captivated humans for millennia. Here we propose the Carbon-Based Evolutionary Theory (CBET) to provide novel, direct, explicit, and relatively comprehensive answers to this question. The CBET identifies three key mechanisms based on some well-known principles of physics and chemistry (e.g., laws of thermodynamics) and some features of Earth and carbon-based substances (CBSs): the driving force mechanism that provides energy, the structure-function mechanism that generates new functions, and the natural selection mechanism that accumulates orderliness, all for the evolution of CBSs. These mechanisms lead to the progression from chemical to biological and social evolution, marked by the escalating hierarchy of CBSs and the increase in the quantity, diversity, and orderliness of high-hierarchy CBSs. The CBET clarifies the natural roots of multiple pivotal and seemingly paradoxical social notions, such as inclusiveness versus elimination, collaboration versus competition, altruism versus selfishness, and freedom versus restriction. It advocates for the balanced, harmonious, and peaceful development of human society as well as the integration of all countries into a single harmonious social collective. The CBET unifies biology with physics and chemistry and could be a basic theory shared by the natural sciences and the social sciences. It could also be significant in the rational development of human society.
Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Electrochemical Properties of Copper(II) Complexes with Functionalized Thiosemicarbazones Derived from 5-Acetylbarbituric Acid
Authors: Castiñeiras Alfonso , Fernández-Hermida Nuria , García-Santos Isabel , Gómez-Rodríguez Lourdes , Frontera Antonio , Niclós-Gutiérrez Juan
Published: May 2024

The reaction between 5-acetylbarbituric acid and 4-dimethylthiosemicarbazide or 4-hexamethyleneiminyl thiosemicarbazide produces 5-acetylbarbituric-4-dimethylthiosemicarbazone (H2AcbDM) and 5-acetylbarbituric-4N-hexamethyleneiminyl thiosemicarbazone (H2Acbhexim). Eight new complexes with different cooper (II) salts have been prepared and characterized using elemental analysis, molar conductance, UV–vis, ESI-HRMS, FT-IR, magnetic moment, EPR and cyclic voltammetry. In addition, three-dimensional molecular structures of [Cu(HAcbDM)(H2O)2](NO3)·H2O (3a), [Cu(HAcbDM)(H2O)2]ClO4 (4), and [Cu(HAcbHexim)Cl] (6) were determined by single crystal X-ray crystallography, and was carried out an analysis of their supramolecular structure. The H-bonded assemblies were further studied energetically using DFT calculations, MEP surface and QTAIM analyses. In these complexes, the thiosemicarbazone coordinates to the metal ion in an ONS-tridentate manner, in the O-enolate/S-thione form. The electrochemical behavior of the thiosemicarbazones and their copper(II) complexes has been investigated at room temperature using the cyclic voltammetry technique in DMFA. The Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox system was found to be consistent with the quasi-reversible diffusion-controlled process.
Immuno-Haematologic Aspects of Dengue Infection: Biologic Insights and Clinical Implications
Authors: Tan Cherie , Choong Clarice Shi Hui , Abid Muhammad Bilal , Weber Matthew W , Yap Eng Soo , Seneviratne Suranjith L , Abeysuriya Visula , de Mel Sanjay
Published: May 2024

Dengue infection is caused by the Dengue virus (DENV) and is transmitted to humans by infected female Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. There are nearly 100 million new dengue cases yearly in more than 120 countries with a five-fold increase in incidence over the past four decades. While many patients experience a mild illness, a subset suffer from severe disease which can be fatal. Dysregulated immune responses are central to the pathogenesis of dengue, and haematologic manifestations are a prominent feature of severe disease. While thrombocytopaenia and coagulopathy are major causes of bleeding in severe dengue, leucocyte abnormities are emerging as important markers of prognosis. In this review, we provide our perspective on the clinical aspects and pathophysiology of haematologic manifestations in dengue. We also discuss the key gaps in our current practice and areas to be addressed by future research.
Exploration of Climate Data and Temperature Forecasting using Machine Learning
Authors: AlBalawi Eman
Published: May 2024

In this short communication, a concept has been presented to model geographical data to predict future temperature of Tabuk, region. Machine learning has been applied to the weather station data to develop a prediction model. The preliminary results are promising and encouraging and are envisaging to further this research towards the determination of unknown temperature rise in the region. This is important to mention here, that the problem has been formulated as a Regression problem, NOT as a classification problem. Hence, applying Convolutional neural networks is not possible, due to the non-existence of classes or converting the temperature values to classes does not make any sense. Hence, this is defined as a regression problem which achieved encouraging desirable results.
Prediction of Students' Adaptability Using Explainable AI in Educational Machine Learning Models
Authors: Nnadi Leonard Chukwualuka , Watanobe Yutaka , Rahman Md. Mostafizer , John-Otumu Adetokunbo Macgregor
Published: May 2024

As the educational landscape evolves, understanding and fostering student adaptability has become increasingly critical. This study presents a comparative analysis of (XAI) techniques to interpret machine learning models aimed at classifying student adaptability levels. Leveraging a robust dataset, we employed several machine learning algorithms with a particular focus on Random Forest, which demonstrated a 91% accuracy. Our study utilizes (SHAP), (LIME), Anchors, (ALE), and counterfactual explanations to reveal the specific contributions of various features impacting adaptability predictions. Consistently, 'Class Duration' and 'Financial Condition' emerge as key factors, while the study also underscores the subtle effects of 'Institution Type' and 'Load-shedding'. This multi-faceted interpretability approach bridges the gap between machine learning performance and educational relevance, presenting a model that not only predicts but also explains the dynamic factors influencing student adaptability. The synthesized insights advocate for educational policies accommodating socioeconomic factors, instructional time, and infrastructure stability to enhance student adaptability. The implications extend to informed and personalized educational interventions, fostering an adaptable learning environment. This methodical research contributes to responsible AI application in education, promoting predictive and interpretable models for equitable and effective educational strategies.
Environmental Cadmium Exposure Induces an Increase in Systolic Blood Pressure Partly by Its Effect on GFR
Authors: Satarug Soisungwan , Vesey David A. , Yimthiang Supabhorn , Khamphaya Tanaporn , Pouyfung Phisit , Buha Đorđević Aleksandra
Published: May 2024

Chronic exposure to the nephrotoxic metal pollutant, cadmium (Cd), has been associated with hypertension, but the mechanism by which it raises blood pressure is not understood. We hypothesize that exposure to Cd reduces the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which in turn, causes a rise in blood pressure. Data were collected from 447 Thai subjects with a mean age of 51.1 years, of which 48.8% had hypertension, 15.4% had diabetes and 6.9% had an estimated GFR (eGFR) below 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (low eGFR). The mean blood and urinary Cd concentrations were 2.75 and 4.23 µg/L, respectively. The prevalence odds ratio (POR) for hypertension rose twofold in those with blood Cd levels of 0.61-1.69 µg/L or urinary Cd excretion levels ≥ 0.98 µg/g creatinine. In the hypertensive group, the eGFR was inversely associated with age (β =−0.517), the Cd excretion rate (β = −0.177), and diabetes (β = −0.175). Mean eGFR in the normotensive group was 7.5 mL/min/1.73 m2 higher than the hypertensive with a similar Cd body burden. Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) in those with low or medium eGFR plus heavy Cd body burden was 9.5 mmHg higher than those with the same Cd body burden and a normal eGFR. By mediation analysis, a 22.7% increase in SBP and a 5% increase in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were attributable to the effect of Cd on GFR. Thus, a rise of blood pressure appears to be a consequence of GFR loss due to Cd-induced kidney damage. This finding is consistent with a well-known role of the kidney in long-term blood pressure regulation.
A BIM Package with NEC4 Contract Option to Mitigate Construction Disputes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abougamil Reda Abdelshafy , Thorpe David , Heravi Amirhossein
Published: May 2024

The construction sector of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), valued at USD 152 billion and employing 2.54 million people by 2023, is crucial to its economy. However, it faces challenges such as delays, disputes, and cost overruns. This study aims to address these issues by implementing Building Information Modeling (BIM) in the KSA, based on an extensive literature review highlighting the role and significance of BIM in mitigating construction claims. BIM improves collaboration, communication, and data integration among stakeholders. Hence, this study proposes a comprehensive BIM package framework comprising Revit Architecture, Microsoft Project, and Cost-X to reduce claims effectively. Validated through a KSA claims case study with a USD 1,870,000 claims value and 360-day delay, the BIM package significantly reduced the claims value to USD 188,000 and saved 275 days. Interview sessions were conducted to validate the effectiveness of the BIM package; 95% favored the use of BIM, 86% supported NEC4 contract adoption alongside BIM, 100% acknowledged BIM's potential in reducing design errors, 95% were confident in the case study's accuracy, and 82% were satisfied with data accuracy. This study confirms that BIM is an effective approach for minimizing construction claims in the KSA.
Synthetic Ecosystems: From the Test Tube to the Biosphere
Authors: Sole Ricard , Maull Victor , Amor Daniel R. , Pla Mauri Jordi , Conde-Pueyo Nuria
Published: May 2024

The study of ecosystems, both natural and artificial, has historically been mediated by population dynamics theories. In this framework, quantifying population numbers and related variables (associated with metabolism or biological-environmental interactions) plays a central role in measuring and predicting system-level properties. As we move towards advanced technological engineering of cells and organisms, the possibility of bioengineering ecosystems (from the gut microbiome to wildlands) opens several questions that will require quantitative models to find answers. Here, we present a comprehensive survey of quantitative modelling approaches for managing three kinds of synthetic ecosystems, sharing the presence of engineered strains. These include test tube examples of ecosystems hosting a relatively low number of interacting species, mesoscale closed ecosystems (or ecospheres), and macro-scale, engineered ecosystems. The potential outcomes of synthetic ecosystem designs and their limits will be relevant to different disciplines, including biomedical engineering, astrobiology, space exploration and fighting climate change impacts on endangered ecosystems. We propose a space of possible ecosystems that captures this broad range of scenarios and a tentative road map for open problems and further exploration.
Reducing Model Complexity in Neural Networks by Using Pyramid Training Approaches
Authors: Kıvanç Şahım Giray , Şen Baha , Nar Fatih , Ok Ali Özgün
Published: May 2024

Throughout the evolution of machine learning, the size of models has steadily increased as researchers strive for higher accuracy by adding more layers. This escalation in model complexity necessitates enhanced hardware capabilities. Today, state-of-the-art machine learning models have become so large that effectively training them requires substantial hardware resources, which may be readily available to large companies but not to students or independent researchers. To make the research on machine learning models more accessible, this study introduces a size reduction technique that leverages stages in Pyramid Training and Similarity Comparison. Our results demonstrate that pyramid training can reduce model complexity while maintaining accuracy of conventional full-sized models, offering a scalable and resource-efficient solution for researchers and practitioners in hardware-constrained environments.
3D – 2D Crossover and Phase Shift of Beats of Quantum Oscillations of Interlayer Magnetoresistance in Quasi-2D Metals
Authors: Mogilyuk Taras Igorevich , Grigoriev Pavel Dmitrievich , Kochev Vladislav Dmitrievich , Volokhov Ivan Sergeevich , Polishchuk Ilya Yakovlevich
Published: May 2024

Magnetic quantum oscillations (MQO) are traditionally applied to investigate the electronic structure of metals. In layered quasi-two-dimensional (Q2D) materials the MQO have several qualitative features giving additional useful information, provided their theoretical description is developed. Within the framework of the Kubo formula and the self-consistent Born approximation, we reconsider the phase of beats in the amplitude of Shubnikov oscillations of interlayer conductivity in Q2D metals. We show that the phase shift of beats of the Shubnikov (conductivity) oscillations relative to the de Haas - van Alphen (magnetization) oscillations is larger than expected previously and, under certain conditions, can reach the value of π/2, as observed experimentally. We explain the phase inversion of MQO during the 3D - 2D crossover and predict the decrease of relative MQO amplitude of interlayer magnetoresistance in a strong magnetic field, larger than the beat frequency.
High Prevalence of Myositis-Specific and Associated Antibodies in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Tobal R. , Potjewijd J. , Doorn D. P. C. van , Empel V. van , Damoiseaux J. , Paassen P. van
Published: May 2024

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a serious condition linked to immune-system dysfunction. Myositis-specific/associated antibodies (MSA/MAA) play a role in idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) and interstitial lung disease (ILD), but their significance in PH remains unclear. We believe the presence of these antibodies, may be underestimated. This study analyzed adult PH patients without pre-existing IIM for MSA/MAA prevalence using a line-blot assay. We compared PH patients with and without ILD signs to a cohort clinically suspected of IIM/ILD (n=558). Our PH cohort (n=121) showed a significantly higher prevalence of overall weak positive MSA/MAAs and positive overlap syndrome-associated MAAs than the suspected IIM/ILD group (p
Machine Reading Comprehension Model Based on Fusion of Mixed Attention
Authors: Wang Yanfeng , Ma Ning , Guo Zechen
Published: May 2024

To address the problems of insufficient semantic fusion between text and questions and the lack of consideration of global semantic information encountered in machine reading comprehension models, we proposed a machine reading comprehension model called BERT_hybrid based on BERT and hybrid attention mechanism. In this model, BERT is utilized to separately map the text and questions into the feature space. Through the integration of Bi-LSTM, attention mechanism, and self-attention mechanism, the proposed model achieves comprehensive semantic fusion between text and questions. The probabilities distribution of answers is computed using Softmax. Experimental results on the public dataset DuReader demonstrate that the proposed model achieves improvements in BLEU-4 and ROUGE-L scores compared to existing models. Furthermore, to validate the effectiveness of the proposed model design, we analyze the factors influencing the model’s performance.
The Virtual Reality (VR) Based Methodology Examining the Efficacy of Cognitive‐Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Interventions. The Significance for Adolescent Scoliosis Females’ Body Image and Mental Health Before and Following Spinal Fusion
Authors: Misterska Ewa , Tomaszewski Marek , Górski Filip , Gapsa Jakub , Słysz Anna , Głowacki Maciej
Published: May 2024

Background/Objectives: The aim of the project is a longitudinal assessment of body image and mental health in scoliosis females pre-, postoperatively and in a follow-up, and implementation (one group-CBT scoliosis sample, CBTSS) or not (second group-control scoliosis sample, CSS) of CBT interventions. A healthy female sample (HFS) was also selected for comparative purposes. Methods. 36 in total AIS patients participated in the 1st and 2nd study phases, whereas 23 were eligible in the follow-up. Regarding HFS, 18 participants were included in the study. The CBT intervention took place pre- and postoperatively, during the patients' stay in hospital. Participants completed the Spinal Appearance Questionnaire (SAQ), Body Esteem Scale (BES) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire-25 (SDQ-25). Body image was also assessed using a virtual reality-based application “Avatar Scoliosis 3D”. Results: The difference between the desired and objective, actual body shape is significant preoperatively both in the CBTSS and CSS at p
Efficacy and Mechanisms of Antioxidant Compounds and Combinations Thereof Against Cisplatin Induced Hearing Loss in a Rat Model
Authors: Carles L. , Gibaja A. , Scheper V. , Alvarado J.C. , Almodovar C. , Lenarz T.L. , Juiz J.M.
Published: May 2024

Cisplatin is an election chemotherapeutic agent for many cancer treatments. Its cytotoxicity against neoplastic cells is mirrored by that taking place in healthy cells and tissues, resulting in serious adverse events. A very frequent one is ototoxicity, causing hearing loss which may permanently affect quality of life after successful oncologic treatments. Exacerbated oxidative stress is a main cytotoxic mechanism of cisplatin, including ototoxicity. Previous reports have shown antioxidant protection against cisplatin ototoxicity, but there is a lack of comparative studies on the otoprotectant activity and mechanism of antioxidant formulations. In this paper we report that a combination of vitamins A, C, E and Mg++ (ACEMg), previously shown to protect against noise-induced hearing loss, reverses auditory threshold shifts, promotes outer hair cell survival, and attenuates oxidative stress in the cochlea after cisplatin treatment, thus protecting against extreme cisplatin ototoxicity in the rat. The addition of 500 mg N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which administered individually also shows significant attenuation of cisplatin ototoxicity, to the ACEMg formulation, results in degradation of ACEMg otoprotection. Mg++ administered alone, as MgSO4, also prevents cisplatin ototoxicity, but in combination with 500 mg NAC, otoprotection also is greatly degraded. Increasing the dose of NAC to 1000 mg, also results in dramatic loss of otoprotection activity compared with 500 mg NAC. These findings support that single antioxidants or antioxidant combinations, particularly ACEMg in this experimental series, have significant otoprotection efficacy against cisplatin ototoxicity. However, an excess of combined antioxidants and/or elevated doses, above a yet to be defined “antioxidation threshold”, results in unrecoverable redox imbalance with loss of otoprotectant activity.
Prediction of COVID-19 Hospitalization and Mortality Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Halwani Marwah Ahmed , Halwani Manal Ahmed
Published: May 2024

COVID-19 has substantially influenced healthcare systems, requiring early prognosis for innovative therapies and optimal results, especially in individuals with comorbidities. Healthcare practitioners have used AI systems for investigating, anticipating, and predicting diseases, through means including medication development, clinical trial analysis, and pandemic forecasting. This study proposes the use of AI to predict disease severity in terms of hospital mortality among COVID-19 patients.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted the approval from the Research Ethics Committee of King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Saudi Arabia. The study used sequential sampling approaches to include 50 Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) positive COVID-19 patients from KAU's coronavirus isolation wards. A pre-designed form was used to collect each patient's demographic information, including age and gender, signs and symptoms, illness severity (mild, moderate, severe), and laboratory findings. Furthermore, the length of the hospital stay and the result, whether the patient recovered or died, were reported.
Results: The study involved 50 patients with varying degrees of disease severity, most of whom suffered from fever, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and diarrhoea. Laboratory analysis of COVID-19 patients showed increased white blood cell and platelet counts, with C-reactive protein levels above normal. Elevated LDH levels indicated possible tissue damage, while ferritin levels were elevated. Other enzymes were in the normal range, but bilirubin levels were slightly elevated. Overall, the patient's lab results indicated inflammation and possible blood clot formation. The study evaluated the predictive accuracy for outcomes and mortality of COVID-19 patients based on factors such as CRP, LDH, Ferritin, ALP, Bilirubin, D-dimers, and hospital stay (p-value ≤0.05). The predictive accuracy mortality of patients with COVID-19 using AI showed Hospital stay, D-Dimers ALP, Bilirubin, LDH, CRP, and Ferritin significantly affected hospital mortality. (p ≤ 0.0001).
Conclusion: Artificial Intelligence is crucial for identifying early coronavirus infections and monitoring patient conditions. It improves treatment consistency and decision-making via the development of algorithms. AI can track the crisis at various scales, facilitate research, and aid in developing treatment regimens, prevention strategies, and drugs and vaccines. It also aids in monitoring health and facilitating research on the virus.
The Spatiotemporal Surface Velocity Variations and Analysis of Amery Ice Shelf, East Antarctica
Authors: Yuan Ma yuan , Jun Zhang Bao , Min Wang Ze , Fei Li , Hong Geng
Published: May 2024

The surface velocity of the Amery Ice Shelf (AIS) is vital to assessing its stability and mass balance. Previous studies have shown that the AIS basin has a stable multi-year average surface velocity. However, spatiotemporal variations in the surface velocity of the AIS and the underlying physical mechanism remain poorly understood. This study combined offset tracking and DInSAR methods to extract the monthly average surface velocity of the AIS and obtained the inter-annual surface velocity from the ITS_LIVE product. An uneven spatial distribution in inter-annual variation of the surface velocity was observed between 2000–2022, although the magnitude of variation was small at less than 20.5 m/yr. The increase and decrease in surface velocity on the eastern and western-central sides of the AIS, respectively, could be attributed to the change in the thickness of the AIS. There was clear seasonal variation in monthly average surface velocity at the eastern side of the AIS between 2017–2021, which could be attributed to variations in the area and thickness of fast-ice and also to variations in ocean temperature. This study suggested that changes in fast-ice and ocean temperature are the main factors driving spatiotemporal variation in the surface velocity of the AIS.