bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of composite fuel parameters in the operation of technogenic deposits of coal mining enterprises
Authors: Haidai Oleksandr , Ruskykh Vladyslav , Koveria Andrii , Firsova Valeriia , Sala Dariusz
Published: May 2024

The research provides the determining of the parameters for composite fuel in the operation of technogenic deposits at coal mining enterprises. The qualitative characteristics of technogenic raw materials are determined, and the parameters of technological processes to produce composite fuel are established: preparation (screening or grinding), physical and chemical influence on the state of raw materials, mixing, production, and drying (if necessary) to obtain suitable fuel. Based on the particle size distribution (as well as sedimentation analysis for waste fractions up to 50 μm) and chemical composition (with the determination of moisture, volatile matter, ash, and sulphur content) it was found that the physicochemical parameters for each type of industrial waste, when preparing them for use in the production of composite fuels, have been established. A technological classification of technogenic materials has been developed, which makes it possible to systematize technical issues in the implementation of preparation processes, physical and chemical influences, mixing, production, and drying to obtain suitable fuel.
Improvement of the stoping technology in mining magnetite quartzite by underground methods
Authors: Pysmennyi Serhii , Fedko Mykhaylo , Peremetchyk Andrii , Chukharev Serhii , Pilchyk Volodymyr , Mutambo Victor
Published: May 2024

The ore deposits in Kryvyi Rih iron ore basin are mined using bulk ore and overlying rocks caving systems. These mining systems have a significant drawback, namely a 2 – 5% reduction in the iron content of the mined ore mass when mining rich ores and up to 15% when mining poor ores. Current technological solutions enable improvement of ore extraction values while increasing economic costs by 15 – 20%. Therefore, the present article proposes a technological solution that will improve extraction values for poor ores. The study conducted results in determining the optimal distance between drawpoints of the receiving level and substantiates location of additional workings in the footwall, which reduces ore losses and increases ore mass extraction values. The proposed technological solution will reduce ore losses by 10 – 15% of the standard losses and increase ore extraction values by 5 – 15%, while reducing iron content by 5 – 7% of the initial one. Thus, the study conducted proves that the use of an additional level located 30 – 35 m above the main receiving level allows reduction of ore losses from 27.39% to 21.19%, and the iron content in the extracted ore mass – by only 3% instead of 12%.
Rationale of effective technological scheme for granite quarry mining
Authors: Chebanov Maksym , Sobko Borys , Zubets Yuliia , Pererva Andrii
Published: May 2024

The paper examines the technological scheme for granite mining with the use of rock chutes in the conditions of the Rybalsky Quarry. The research purpose is to substantiate effective technological schemes for mining the upper granite quarry horizons to reduce mining costs and improve the final product quality. Research is conducted using: the method of scientific analysis, theoretical research and practice of project and production organizations; mining-geometric calculations; variant method for comparing and selecting technological schemes for mineral mining. As a result, the dependence of the transportation cost of 1 ton of mineral on the transportation distance has been determined, due to which it became possible to assess the effectiveness of using rock chutes in the conditions of the Rybalsky Quarry. The dependence of the rock chute inclination angle on the friction coefficient when rolling down the mined mass has been revealed, which substantiates the rational inclination angle of the rock chute for quarry conditions. Practical value of the research results consists in reducing the cost of transporting minerals from the upper quarry horizons by applying a technological scheme with the mined mass movement using rock chutes.
Examples of using laser scanning as a support for traditional measuring methods in hard coal mining
Authors: Koś Mariusz , Frycz Tomasz , Kaczmarzewski Sylwester
Published: May 2024

In recent years, the growing interest in new techniques for spatial data acquisition, processing and analysis has also found applications in surveying and geological departments, where it is used in the process of developing documentation. In the conditions of mining operations, surveying measurements must be carried out quickly, safely and with sufficient accuracy. The use of laser scanning allows the collection of a significant amount of data, which requires time-consuming processing, but is necessary for accurate modelling of objects in 3D. The legal basis for the use of laser scanning in mining is the acts that regulate activities in the field of surveying, geological survey documentation and technical standards for surveying. The process of implementing laser scanning in underground mining requires compliance with occupational safety regulations and technical standards, as well as proper training of personnel. The laser scanners used in practice are equipped with the SLAM algorithm, enabling precise measurement and point cloud generation. Appropriate software is crucial for processing and analysing the collected data. The use of laser scanning makes it possible to efficiently perform non-standard measurements, which contributes to streamlining work at mining facilities. However, to realize its full potential, it is necessary to train personnel and raise the level of use of this technology.
Le rumen : un atout pour la transition agroécologique et un levier pour la gestion intégrée de la santé des élevages de ruminants
Authors: Blanchard Tiphaine , Le Graverand Quentin , Meynadier Annabelle
Published: May 2024

Le rumen, premier pré-estomac des ruminants, permet de répondre aux trois premiers principes de l’agroécologie :

Développer des pratiques de gestion intégrée pour améliorer la santé animale : du fait de sa production d’énergie, d’acides aminés et de vitamines B, et sa capacité de détoxification, le microbiote ruminal joue un rôle crucial dans la santé des animaux.

Potentialiser l’utilisation des ressources naturelles et des coproduits pour diminuer les intrants nécessaires à la production : le rumen permet aux ruminants de valoriser des ressources naturelles et des coproduits non consommables par l’Homme, comme les prairies et les végétaux riches en fibres. Par ailleurs, des relations fortes existent entre la digestion ruminale et l’efficacité alimentaire.

Optimiser le fonctionnement des systèmes d’élevage pour réduire les pollutions : le microbiote ruminal est un contributeur majeur à l’émission de méthane. Cependant, des solutions sont actuellement explorées pour réduire celle-ci.

L’optimisation du microbiote ruminal par l’alimentation, la sélection génétique et la programmation nutritionnelle des jeunes animaux ouvre la voie à une meilleure gestion de la santé animale et à une production agricole plus durable.
Les prairies au cœur de la transition agroécologique des systèmes d’élevage de ruminants
Authors: Michaud Audrey
Published: May 2024

L’élevage traverse de nombreuses crises (écologique, sanitaire, économique, sociale ou sociétale) qui nécessitent une évolution des modèles de production agricole, pour prendre en compte ces nouveaux enjeux. L’agroécologie est un modèle agricole qui peut apporter des réponses à ces enjeux. Les prairies, qu’elles soient temporaires ou permanentes, contribuent, par leurs propriétés, à intégrer les cycles biogéochimiques dans le fonctionnement de l’exploitation agricole : elles ont donc toute leur place dans la transition des systèmes vers l’agroécologie. Cet article a pour objectif de mettre en évidence en quoi et comment l’intégration de prairies dans les systèmes agricoles permet de répondre à des principes agroécologiques. Au-delà d’être un aliment peu coûteux dans les rations animales et de rendre de nombreux services, les prairies constituent un aliment équilibré pour les ruminants, qui permet de limiter l’usage des intrants, tant sur le plan de l’alimentation animale que sur la conduite des surfaces fourragères (diminution des engrais ou produits phytosanitaires). Elles constituent également une piste prometteuse en termes de santé des troupeaux.
Construction of human 3D striato-nigral assembloids to recapitulate medium spiny neuronal projection defects in Huntington’s disease
Authors: Wu Shanshan , Hong Yuan , Chu Chu , Gan Yixia , Li Xinrui , Tao Mengdan , Wang Da , Hu Hao , Zheng Zhilong , Zhu Qian , Han Xiao , Zhu Wanying , Xu Min , Dong Yi , Liu Yan , Guo Xing
Published: May 2024

The striato-nigral (Str-SN) circuit is composed of medium spiny neuronal projections that are mainly sent from the striatum to the midbrain substantial nigra (SN), which is essential for regulating motor behaviors. Dysfunction of the Str-SN circuitry may cause a series of motor disabilities that are associated with neurodegenerative disorders, such as Huntington’s disease (HD). Although the etiology of HD is known as abnormally expanded CAG repeats of the huntingtin gene, treatment of HD remains tremendously challenging. One possible reason is the lack of effective HD model that resembles Str-SN circuitry deficits for pharmacological studies. Here, we first differentiated striatum-like organoids from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), containing functional medium spiny neurons (MSNs). We then generated 3D Str-SN assembloids by assembling striatum-like organoids with midbrain SN-like organoids. With AAV-hSYN-GFP-mediated viral tracing, extensive MSN projections from the striatum to the SN are established, which formed synaptic connection with GABAergic neurons in SN organoids and showed the optically evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents and electronic field potentials by labeling the striatum-like organoids with optogenetic virus. Furthermore, these Str-SN assembloids exhibited enhanced calcium activity compared to that of individual striatal organoids. Importantly, we further demonstrated the reciprocal projection defects in HD iPSC-derived assembloids, which could be ameliorated by treatment of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Taken together, these findings suggest that Str-SN assembloids could be used for identifying MSN projection defects and could be applied as potential drug test platforms for HD.
Type VII secretion system extracellular protein B targets STING to evade host anti–
Staphylococcus aureus
immunity
Authors: Gao Lin , Tian Tian , Xiong Tingrong , Zhang Xiaomei , Wang Ning , Liu Luxuan , Shi Yun , Liu Qiang , Lu Dongshui , Luo Ping , Zhang Weijun , Cheng Ping , Gou Qiang , Wang Yu , Zeng Hao , Zhang Xiaokai , Zou Quanming
Published: May 2024

Staphylococcus aureus
(
S. aureus
) can evade antibiotics and host immune defenses by persisting within infected cells. Here, we demonstrate that in infected host cells,
S. aureus
type VII secretion system (T7SS) extracellular protein B (EsxB) interacts with the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) protein and suppresses the inflammatory defense mechanism of macrophages during early infection. The binding of EsxB with STING disrupts the K48-linked ubiquitination of EsxB at lysine 33, thereby preventing EsxB degradation. Furthermore, EsxB-STING binding appears to interrupt the interaction of 2 vital regulatory proteins with STING: aspartate-histidine-histidine-cysteine domain-containing protein 3 (DHHC3) and TNF receptor-associated factor 6. This persistent dual suppression of STING interactions deregulates intracellular proinflammatory pathways in macrophages, inhibiting STING’s palmitoylation at cysteine 91 and its K63-linked ubiquitination at lysine 83. These findings uncover an immune-evasion mechanism by
S. aureus
T7SS during intracellular macrophage infection, which has implications for developing effective immunomodulators to combat
S. aureus
infections.
On a dichotomy of question types
Authors: Huang Po-Hsuan , Her One-Soon
Published: May 2024

This paper reexamines the conventional classification of questions in the Formosan language Paiwan: polar, disjunctive,
and wh-questions and seeks to rectify some previous observations and offer a more insightful taxonomy. Specifically, we
support the position in Egli (1990) and Huang et al.
(1999) and demonstrate that polar questions are formed by a rising intonation alone and that the putative polar question particles
(ui) dri, (ui) pai, na, and ui lja are in fact polar
question tags, while a and ayau are non-interrogative interjection particles. There are thus no
morphosyntactically formed polar questions in Paiwan. Crucially, questions formed with the sentence-initial tuki and its
variants aki, ki, and tui are disjunctive questions, not polar questions. We argue that
manu, previously seen as a disjunctive interrogative conjunction, is actually an emphatic adverbial instead, meaning ‘in
the end,’ which can thus appear in all types of questions and declaratives. Disjunctive questions, in either A-or-B or
A-not-A form, can also be formed with a silent disjunctive interrogative conjunction. Finally, we demonstrate that
disjunctive and wh-questions share fundamental properties and should be recognized as two subcategories of constituent
questions, as opposed to polar questions. A two-way distinction is thus obtained for questions in Paiwan.
Nonlinear localized states near the interface with nonlinear response between the medium with a parabolic index spatial profile and Kerr-type medium
Authors: Savotchenko S E
Published: May 2024

The interface with nonlinear response separating the parabolic graded-index and the Kerr nonlinear media are considered. Exact solutions to the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with nonlinear short-range potential and a parabolic spatial profile are found applying to the theoretical description of the stationary states localized near interface with nonlinear properties. Localized states with continuous/discrete energy spectrum are described by the Whittaker function/Hermite polynomials in the medium with a parabolic profile of characteristic and the hyperbolic cosine (sine) in the medium with a self-focusing/defocusing Kerr nonlinearity. The field localization length is wider in the case of a self-focusing nonlinearity than in the case of a defocusing one. The maximum of the wave function is located in a nonlinear medium in the case of a self-focusing nonlinearity and at the interface in the case of a defocusing one. It is shown the possibility of a motion closer to the interface (or away from it) the maximum intensity of the localized state by changing the values of the interface response parameters at the fixed localization energy. A growth of the width of the parabolic graded-index layer adduced an increase in the maximum height of localized states of discrete spectrum and theirs localization length in the graded-index layer, but it had almost no effect on the profile of localized states of the continuous spectrum.
The effect of vacancy induced localized states on the thermoelectric properties of armchair bilayer phosphorene nanoribbons
Authors: Jalilvand Samira , Sodagar Shima , Noorinejad Zahra , Karbaschi Hossein , Soltani Morteza
Published: May 2024

We examine an armchair bilayer phosphorene connected to two leads, one hot and one cold, on both sides, investigating the thermoelectric properties of this system with periodic vacancies along the armchair direction and at the center of the nanoribbon. Initially, we analytically demonstrate that the creation of a vacancy results in the generation of a localized state around it. Subsequently, we illustrate that the presence of periodic vacancies leads to the formation of a new energy band in the energy bandstructure. Our calculations reveal that by varying the distance between vacancies, one can tune the width of the corresponding transmission channel, the generated electric power, and the thermoelectric efficiency.
A Hubble constant estimate from galaxy cluster and type Ia SNe observations
Authors: Colaço L.R. , Ferreira Marcelo , Holanda R.F.L. , Gonzalez J.E. , Nunes Rafael C.
Published: May 2024

In this work, we constrain the Hubble constant parameter, H
0, using a combination of
the Pantheon sample and galaxy clusters (GC) measurements from minimal cosmological
assumptions. Assuming the validity of the cosmic distance duality relation, an estimator is
created for H
0 that only depends on simple geometrical distances, which is evaluated from
Pantheon and a GC angular diameter distance sample afterward. The statistical and systematic
errors in GC measurements are summed in quadrature in our analysis. We find H
0 = 67.22 ± 6.07
km s-1 Mpc-1 in 1σ confidence level (C.L.). This measurement presents
an error of around 9%, showing that future and better GC measurements can shed light on the
current Hubble tension.
Optical bistability at lower photon number via photon and phonon interaction in the presence of Kerr nonlinearity
Authors: Wang Zhen , Jiang Xian-Kai , Li Heng-Mei , Yang Bao-Hua , Jiang Cheng , Yuan Hong-Chun
Published: May 2024

Optical bistability is theoretically analyzed in a hybrid optomechanical system consisting of an optical cavity including a Kerr medium and an optomechanical cavity coupled by direct tunnel coupling. The dynamics of the system is described by Heisenberg–Langevin equations. It is numerically shown that there is a critical value of the Kerr coefficient to observe the bistability of the intracavity intensity for a given coupling rate, and the changing of the Kerr coefficient will lead to the changing of the critical point to observe the bistability as well. In addition, the first critical value to observe bistability becomes larger with the increasing coupling rate between the two cavities. It is also demonstrated that the pump beam required to realize the bistable behavior in the blue sideband regime is significantly smaller than that in the red sideband regime. And the mean intracavity photon number is relatively larger in the red sideband case than that in the blue sideband case. It is remarkable to observe that the mean intracavity photon numbers in both cavities are much lower than that in ordinary situations.
The synthetic gauge field and exotic vortex phase with spin-orbital-angular-momentum coupling
Authors: Liu Yingqi , Chen Yun , Deng Yuangang
Published: May 2024

Ultracold atoms endowed with tunable spin-orbital-angular-momentum coupling (SOAMC) represent a promising avenue for delving into exotic quantum phenomena. Building on recent experimental advancements, we propose the generation of synthetic gauge fields, and by including exotic vortex phases within spinor Bose–Einstein condensates, employing a combination of a running wave and Laguerre–Gaussian laser fields. We investigate the ground-state characteristics of the SOAMC condensate, revealing the emergence of exotic vortex states with controllable orbital angular momenta. It is shown that the interplay of the SOAMC and conventional spin-linear-momentum coupling induced by the running wave beam leads to the formation of a vortex state exhibiting a phase stripe hosting single multiply quantized singularity. The phase of the ground state will undergo the phase transition corresponding to the breaking of rotational symmetry while preserving the mirror symmetry. Importantly, the observed density distribution of the ground-state wavefunction, exhibiting broken rotational symmetry, can be well characterized by the synthetic magnetic field generated through light interaction with the dressed spin state. Our findings pave the way for further exploration into the rotational properties of stable exotic vortices with higher orbital angular momenta against splitting in the presence of synthetic gauge fields in ultracold quantum gases.
A comparative lattice analysis of SU(2) dark glueballs*
Authors: Chu 楚 Min-Huan 旻寰 , Lai 赖 Jun-Hui 俊辉 , Wang 王 Wei 伟 , Zhang 张 Jialu 家璐 , Zhu 朱 Qianteng 潜腾
Published: May 2024

We study the mass and scattering cross section of

glueballs as dark matter candidates using lattice simulations. We employ both naive and improved

gauge actions in

dimensions with several β values, and we adopt both the traditional Monte Carlo method and flow-based model based on machine learning techniques to generate lattice configurations. The mass of a dark scalar glueball with

and the Nambu-Bethe-Salpeter wave function are calculated. Using a coupling constant of

as an illustration, we compare the dark glueball mass calculated from the configurations generated from the two methods. While consistent results can be achieved, the two methods demonstrate distinct advantages. Using the Runge-Kutta method, we extract the glueball interaction potential and two-body scattering cross section. From the observational constraints, we obtain the lower bound of the mass of scalar glueballs as candidates of dark matter.
A novel CNN-based image segmentation pipeline for individualized feline spinal cord stimulation modeling
Authors: Fasse Alessandro , Newton Taylor , Liang Lucy , Agbor Uzoma , Rowland Cecelia , Kuster Niels , Gaunt Robert , Pirondini Elvira , Neufeld Esra
Published: May 2024

Objective. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a well-established treatment for managing certain chronic pain conditions. More recently, it has also garnered attention as a means of modulating neural activity to restore lost autonomic or sensory-motor function. Personalized modeling and treatment planning are critical aspects of safe and effective SCS (Rowald and Amft 2022 Front. Neurorobotics 16 983072, Wagneret al2018 Nature 563 65–71). However, the generation of spine models at the required level of detail and accuracy requires time and labor intensive manual image segmentation by human experts. This study aims to develop a maximally automated segmentation routine capable of producing high-quality anatomical models, even with limited data, to facilitate safe and effective personalized SCS treatment planning.Approach. We developed an automated image segmentation and model generation pipeline based on a novel convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture trained on feline spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging data. The pipeline includes steps for image preprocessing, data augmentation, transfer learning, and cleanup. To assess the relative importance of each step in the pipeline and our choice of CNN architecture, we systematically dropped steps or substituted architectures, quantifying the downstream effects in terms of tissue segmentation quality (Jaccard index and Hausdorff distance) and predicted nerve recruitment (estimated axonal depolarization).Main results. The leave-one-out analysis demonstrated that each pipeline step contributed a small but measurable increment to mean segmentation quality. Surprisingly, minor differences in segmentation accuracy translated to significant deviations (ranging between 4% and 13% for each pipeline step) in predicted nerve recruitment, highlighting the importance of careful workflow design. Additionally, transfer learning techniques enhanced segmentation metric consistency and allowed generalization to a completely different spine region with minimal additional training data.Significance. To our knowledge, this work is the first to assess the downstream impacts of segmentation quality differences on neurostimulation predictions. It highlights the role of each step in the pipeline and paves the way towards fully automated, personalized SCS treatment planning in clinical settings.
The role of insect vector Pentalonia nigronervosa in spreading banana bunchy top disease in South Sumatera
Authors: Arsi  , Pujiastuti Y , Suparman  , Irsan C
Published: May 2024

Banana (Musa spp.) is widely cultivated by the people of South Sumatra. Banana Bunchy Top disease is caused by Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), which is transmitted by the vector Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and asymptomatic banana used for propagation. This study aimed to investigate the role of P. nigronervosa. in determining the distribution pattern of this disease in South Sumatra. The research used survey methods in several districts and cities in South Sumatra, namely Ogan Ilir, Ogan Komering Ilir, OKU East, OKU South, OKU Induk, Palembamg, Prabumulih, Banyuasin, Musi Banyuasin, and Lubuk Linggau. Samples were taken using purposive sampling method if BBTV-infected bananas in an area. The results showed P. nigronervosa was only found in Ogan Ilir and OKU Induk districts, but in fact this disease was spread in 10 districts and cities. A total of 14 banana cultivars in South Sumatera were infected by BBTV transmitted by P. nigronervosa, namely Mas, Cavendish, Putri, Lilin, Nangka, Ambon, Udang, Barangan, Kepok, Gedah, Rottan, Raja, Kapas and Raja Nangka. The highest banana population and percentage of banana plants infested by BBTV was found in the Ogan Ilir district in Mas and Lilin cultivars.
Aphid species found on citrus in Ogan Komering Ilir District, South Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: Irsan C , Riana N , Anggraini E , Mawarni A , Setiawan I T , Hamidson H , Harun M U
Published: May 2024

Citrus is an economically valuable plantation crop and has high market opportunities. In Southeast Asia, Indonesia is the second largest citrus importer after Malaysia, with an import volume of 160,254 tons; however, various obstacles limiting the cultivation of citrus plants cannot be separated from pests that can affect citrus quality and reduce citrus production. One of the obstacles is insect attacks such as aphids. Therefore, this study aims to determine the species of aphids in citrus. This research was conducted from May to June 2023 in Ogan Komering Ilir Regency using a direct observation method in the field. Observations were made on the parts attacked by aphids and symptoms of attack. The results showed that three species from 1 family of aphids were found. The species found were Toxoptera aurantii, Toxoptera citricidus, and Toxoptera citricola from the Aphididae family. The highest species found in the study was T. aurantii, with 861 individuals, and the lowest species found was T. citricola, with 29 individuals. Aphid species were found mainly on Citrus microcarpa and least on Citrus grandis.
Food preference of the Calliteara cerigoides Walker on several species of Shorea sp. leaves
Authors: Haneda N F , Rambe R A , Anggarawati S H
Published: May 2024

Shorea sp. (meranti) is a wood-producing tree from Indonesia that has many benefits in world trade. Meranti cultivation is carried out to rehabilitate and develop plantation forests. However, meranti cultivation is susceptible to various pest attacks, including Calliteara cerigoides. This study aimed to determine the food preferences of C. cerigoides and to analyze the phytochemical compounds in meranti leaves. Pest food preferences were tested by testing three meranti leaf species on C. cerigoides larvae. Three species of meranti were Shorea selanica, S. pinanga, and Shorea sp. Phytochemical tests were carried out by identifying seven secondary metabolic compounds in meranti leaves. The results showed that C. cerigoides larvae preferred S. selanica leaves and survived until the seventh instar. The content of tannin and hydroquinone phenolic compounds in the leaves of S. pinanga is thought to be an obstacle in the pest’s food preference, causing the larvae to die in the third instar. The content of alkaloid and flavonoid compounds in the leaves of Shorea sp. was suspected to be the cause of the larvae not surviving until the instar phase and only until the fourth instar. Morphological factors and the content of chemical compounds in meranti leaves affect the eating preferences of larvae.
Compatibility of Crown Flower Extract (Calotropis gigantea L.) and Aspergillus sp. to control Spodoptera exigua Hubner on Shallot Crops
Authors: Husain F , Saleh S , Umrah  , Anshary A , Pasaru F
Published: May 2024

Biopesticides are strongly recommended in pest management to mitigate the harmful effects of the chemicals. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effect of the crown flower extracts (CFE) and Aspergillus sp. in controlling Spodoftera exigua, a major pest of shallot. Three level concentrations of CFE (g/l) i.e. 0 (C0), 2.42 (C1), and 4.84 (C2), as well as Aspergillus sp., i.e. 0 % (A1), 0.5% (A1), and 1.0% (A2), were combined and set up in a Randomized Complete Block. Pest infestation and shallot yields were observed to assess the effectiveness of those biopesticides. The results showed that the application of CFE or Aspergillus sp. was more effective in suppressing the infestation of S. exigua than without biopesticides. However, the highest concentration of the combination of both biopesticides results in the best treatment, possibly suppressing the beet armyworm infestation by about 31,09 % compared to the control. It has the lowest values of the Area Under Pest Damage Curve (AUDPC) and the highest yield of shallots (5.50 t/ha). The study confirmed that a combination of CFE and Aspergillus sp. was suitable for managing S. exigua on shallot crops and supporting the integrated pest management of beet armyworms.
Application effect of rhizobacteria Bacillus strain on plant growth and pest insects in shallot plantation (Allium ascalonicum L.)
Authors: Hamid H , Yanti Y , Haryanda F , Yaherwandi  , Nurbailis  , Hidrayani
Published: May 2024

Rhizobacteria can enhance plant growth, yield, and resistance to pests. This study aimed to determine the effect of rhizobacteria Bacillus strain application on shallot plant growth and its effect on insect pests in the field. The research, conducted from September 2022 to January 2023, took place at the Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Andalas, and on the farm in Nagari Sungai Nanam, District of Lembah Gumanti, Solok Regency, West Sumatra. The research utilized a randomized group design with 12 treatments and three replicates. The treatments comprised ten rhizobacteria Bacillus strains, insecticide treatment (Siantraniliprol 20 g/L), and control (without Bacillus spp. and insecticide treatment). The results showed that shallot treated with Bacillus strain can increase plant growth. B. subtilis strain MRPLE3.1 enhanced plant height, B. welhenstephaenensis strain MRRDE3.4 increased leaf count, and B. cereus strain MRSNE5.1 effectively suppressed pest insect populations. Moreover, B. mycoides strain MRRZLL2.2 demonstrated the highest shallot production, particularly in dry weight. Overall, this research shows the promising potential of the rhizobacteria Bacillus spp. in increasing shallot yields and pest management. This research also offers a natural and sustainable approach to improving agricultural practices, especially shallot cultivation.
Variation of plant species as feed sources in honey beekeeping in Jambi and South Sumatera Indonesia
Authors: Pujiastuti Y , Herlin W , Meilin A
Published: May 2024

Plant species as a feed source for honey bees are an important factor in their survival. In addition to supporting the production process of honey bees, plants also affect the quality of honey produced. This study aimed to study plant species’ presence in honey bees’ lives and behaviors. The research used a survey method with honey beekeepers as respondents in Jambi and South Sumatra, asking about various plants grown around rearing boxes. Beekeepers have planted various plants producing pollen, resin, and nectar. Plants can also be categorized into three major groups: annual fruit, ornamental, and industrial plants. The distance between plants and rearing boxes will affect the different behaviors of honey bees. In honeybees such as Apis cerana, planting was done at a radius of 5–100 meters, while Apis mellifera in Jambi was mostly farmed around acacia and oil palm trees. For stingless bees, such as Heterotrigona itama, the presence of plants must be closer, considering their ability to fly was more limited than that of honey bees. Ornamental plants such as Antigonon flavescens were visited by honey bees in the morning (7–9 am) and afternoon (3–5 pm), while annual fruit plants were visited in the morning (7–9 am).
Austen’s Persuasion
Authors: Johns Alessa
Published: May 2024

Jane Austen recognized that the popular new genre, the novel, was an innovative technology of persuasion. She demonstrates this not only in her last-completed novel, Persuasion, but throughout her career starting with Lady Susan. Austen’s protagonists display skill at conversation—more than at classical forms of rhetoric—which reveals the social power of talk and civil discourse. I argue that Austen favors what feminist theorists have called “conversational” and “invitational” rhetoric, using persuasion in her novels to suggest how a print genre can successfully invite readers to foster civility in its broadest sense: of moral behavior, critical commentary, and psychological and social change. Ultimately, Austen allows her bright heroines to keep talking despite their mistakes; she endorses the power of dialogue over incivility, and of true conversation over what today is termed canceling or calling out.
Romantic Persuasion in American Antislavery Poetry
Authors: Fournier Jake
Published: May 2024

This chapter explores the way nineteenth-century American abolitionists incorporated Romantic tropes in their reform poetry. It first argues that the radical reformer William Lloyd Garrison adopts Wordsworthian subjectivist conventions in his early sonnets. This subjectivism, which primarily champions the growth of the poet’s own mind, is in tension with the persuasive ambitions of the antislavery project. Next, the chapter contrasts Garrison’s subjectivist strategy with another prevalent, Romantically inflected abolitionist trope: the adynaton. This hyperbolic figure of inexpressibility is a prominent locus of the slave sublime in Frances Ellen Watkins Harper’s ballads. The chapter argues that sentimental abolitionist poetry falters due to reformers’ efforts to instrumentalize these Romantic aesthetic protocols. The subjectivist conventions and sublime pleasure underpinning sentimental abolitionist verse come to interfere with reformers’ persuasive goals.
A multifaceted and standardized approach is needed to improve acne severity assessment in clinical practice: an online survey of UK health professionals
Authors: Masterson Niamh ,   Esther Burden-The and the Acne-ID Trial Development Team, Burden-Teh Esther , Healy Eugene , Hepburn Trish , Layfield Carron , Layton Alison , Leighton Paul , Leng Simon , Mitchell Eleanor , Northover Guy , Penzer-Hick Rebecca , Price William , Radley Kathy , Ramesh Grishma , Ravenscroft Jane C , Sach Tracey , Sadiq Shabina , Santer Miriam , Thomas Kim S , Thompson Andrew , White Jennifer , Whitehouse Heather , Williams Hywel C
Published: May 2024

We summarize the findings from a survey based on how health professionals assess acne severity in UK clinical practice. The survey findings suggest that there is interest in a multifaceted and standardized approach to grading acne severity.
Mycosis fungoides with long-standing localized palmar and axillary nodules with syringotropism: a case report
Authors: Senda Akiyoshi , Nakamizo Satoshi , Kaku Yo , Kabashima Kenji
Published: May 2024

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is recognized for its broad spectrum of cutaneous manifestations, often complicating its diagnosis. We report a 60-year-old patient with MF characterized by palmar and axillary nodules with syringotropism. The findings emphasize the diagnostic complexities of MF and the importance of considering atypical presentations.
A guide to prescribing systemic treatments for psoriasis during pregnancy, breastfeeding and in those trying to conceive: what does the current evidence suggest?
Authors: Hutchison Eliza , Eraifej Natalie , Moss Jake , Rolls Sophie , Wainman Hannah
Published: May 2024

Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin condition with an estimated prevalence of 1.5% in the UK. Its management has evolved rapidly over the past 15 years as our understanding of its pathogenesis has progressed. Treatment initiation often overlaps with peak reproductive years, posing specific therapeutic challenges for individuals hoping to conceive. Certain systemic agents are well established to be teratogenic during pregnancy, such as methotrexate and acitretin, but data on newer drug classes for psoriasis remain limited. This literature review evaluated recent data on the systemic agents for psoriasis, explicitly considering the context of male and female fertility, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Our goal was to equip clinicians with an accessible, concise summary of up-to-date evidence to help them educate patients and facilitate informed, shared decision-making aligned with their reproductive health.
In vivo neuropil density from anatomical MRI and machine learning
Authors: Akif Adil , Staib Lawrence , Herman Peter , Rothman Douglas L , Yu Yuguo , Hyder Fahmeed
Published: May 2024

Brain energy budgets specify metabolic costs emerging from underlying mechanisms of cellular and synaptic activities. While current bottom–up energy budgets use prototypical values of cellular density and synaptic density, predicting metabolism from a person’s individualized neuropil density would be ideal. We hypothesize that in vivo neuropil density can be derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, consisting of longitudinal relaxation (T1) MRI for gray/white matter distinction and diffusion MRI for tissue cellularity (apparent diffusion coefficient, ADC) and axon directionality (fractional anisotropy, FA). We present a machine learning algorithm that predicts neuropil density from in vivo MRI scans, where ex vivo Merker staining and in vivo synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A Positron Emission Tomography (SV2A-PET) images were reference standards for cellular and synaptic density, respectively. We used Gaussian-smoothed T1/ADC/FA data from 10 healthy subjects to train an artificial neural network, subsequently used to predict cellular and synaptic density for 54 test subjects. While excellent histogram overlaps were observed both for synaptic density (0.93) and cellular density (0.85) maps across all subjects, the lower spatial correlations both for synaptic density (0.89) and cellular density (0.58) maps are suggestive of individualized predictions. This proof-of-concept artificial neural network may pave the way for individualized energy atlas prediction, enabling microscopic interpretations of functional neuroimaging data.
Assessment of the excitation–inhibition ratio in the Fmr1 KO2 mouse using neuronal oscillation dynamics
Authors: Kat Renate , Linkenkaer-Hansen Klaus , Koopmans Marthe A , Houtman Simon J , Bruining Hilgo , Kas Martien J H
Published: May 2024

In vitro and ex vivo studies have shown consistent indications of hyperexcitability in the Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (Fmr1) knockout mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. We recently introduced a method to quantify network–level functional excitation–inhibition ratio from the neuronal oscillations. Here, we used this measure to study whether the implicated synaptic excitation–inhibition disturbances translate to disturbances in network physiology in the Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (Fmr1) gene knockout model. Vigilance-state scoring was used to extract segments of inactive wakefulness as an equivalent behavioral condition to the human resting-state and, subsequently, we performed high-frequency resolution analysis of the functional excitation–inhibition biomarker, long-range temporal correlations, and spectral power. We corroborated earlier studies showing increased high-frequency power in Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (Fmr1) knockout mice. Long-range temporal correlations were higher in the gamma frequency ranges. Contrary to expectations, functional excitation–inhibition was lower in the knockout mice in high frequency ranges, suggesting more inhibition-dominated networks. Exposure to the Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-agonist clonazepam decreased the functional excitation–inhibition in both genotypes, confirming that increasing inhibitory tone results in a reduction of functional excitation–inhibition. In addition, clonazepam decreased electroencephalogram power and increased long-range temporal correlations in both genotypes. These findings show applicability of these new resting–state electroencephalogram biomarkers to animal for translational studies and allow investigation of the effects of lower-level disturbances in excitation–inhibition balance.
Point-of-care Ultrasound in Infectious Diseases: Current Insights and Future Perspectives
Authors: Díez-Vidal Alejandro , Martínez-Martín Patricia , González-Muñoz Borja , Tung-Chen Yale
Published: May 2024

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a safe, noninvasive technique performed at the patient's bedside, providing immediate results to the operator. It complements physical examination and facilitates clinical decision-making. In infectious diseases, POCUS is particularly valuable, offering an initial assessment in cases of suspected infection. It often leads to an early tentative diagnosis enabling the prompt initiation of antimicrobial treatment without the delay associated with traditional radiology. POCUS provides direct visualization of affected organs, assists in evaluating fluid balance, and facilitates various interventions, all while reducing patient discomfort. For infectious disease specialists, becoming proficient in POCUS is a critical future challenge, requiring dedicated training for effective utilization.
Forest practitioners’ requirements for remote sensing-based canopy height, wood-volume, tree species, and disturbance products
Authors: Fassnacht Fabian Ewald , Mager Christoph , Waser Lars T , Kanjir Urša , Schäfer Jannika , Buhvald Ana Potočnik , Shafeian Elham , Schiefer Felix , Stančič Liza , Immitzer Markus , Dalponte Michele , Stereńczak Krzysztof , Skudnik Mitja
Published: May 2024

Despite decades of development, the uptake of remote sensing-based information products in the forestry sector is still lagging behind in central and southern Europe. This may partly relate to a mismatch of the developed remote sensing products and the requirements of potential users. Here, we present the results of a questionnaire survey in which we questioned 355 forest practitioners from eight central and southern European countries. We aimed to learn about forest practitioners' technical requirements for four remote sensing-based information products, including information on tree species, canopy height, wood volume/biomass, and forest disturbances. We asked for practitioners’ preferences with respect to thematic and spatial detail as well as the maximal acceptable error and the temporal frequency with which the information layers would be needed. We then examined whether the education, age, and professional background affect the requirements. Preferences with respect to spatial and thematic detail were comparably diverse while more homogenous patterns could be observed for demands with respect to errors and temporal frequency. Our results indicate that for some information products such as canopy height maps, existing remote sensing technology, and workflows can match all demands of practitioners. Remotely sensed information on forest disturbances partly fulfils the demands of the practitioners while for products related to tree species and wood volume/biomass the level of thematic detail and the accuracy of the products demanded by practitioners in central and southern Europe is not yet fully matched. We found no statistically significant differences between the demographic groups examined. The findings of this study improve our understanding of matches and mismatches of the technical requirements of practitioners for remote sensing-based information products.
Lack of evidence for GWAS signals of exfoliation glaucoma working via monogenic loss-of-function mutation in the nearest gene
Authors: Meyer Kacie J , Fingert John H , Anderson Michael G
Published: May 2024

Purpose: Exfoliation syndrome (XFS) is a systemic disease of elastin-rich tissues involving a deposition of fibrillar exfoliative material (XFM) in the anterior chamber of the eye, which can promote glaucoma. The purpose of this study was to create mice with CRISPR/Cas9-induced variations in candidate genes identified from human genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and screen them for indices of XFS. Methods: Variants predicted to be deleterious were sought in the Agpat1, Cacna1a, Loxl1, Pomp, Rbms3, Sema6a, and Tlcd5 genes of C57BL/6J mice using CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing. Strains were phenotyped by slit-lamp, SD-OCT imaging, and fundus exams at 1–5 mos of age. Smaller cohorts of 12-mos-old mice were also studied. Results: Deleterious variants were identified in six targets; Pomp was recalcitrant to targeting. Multiple alleles of some targets were isolated, yielding 12 strains. Across all genotypes and ages, 277 mice were assessed by 902 slit-lamp exams, 928 SD-OCT exams, and 358 fundus exams. Homozygosity for Agpat1 or Cacna1a mutations led to early lethality; homozygosity for Loxl1 mutations led to pelvic organ prolapse, preventing aging. Loxl1 homozygotes exhibited a conjunctival phenotype of potential relevance to XFS. Multiple other genotype-specific phenotypes were variously identified. XFM was not observed in any mice. Conclusions: This study did not detect XFM in any of the strains. This may have been due to species-specific differences, background dependence, or insufficient aging. Alternatively, it is possible that the current candidates, selected based on proximity to GWAS signals, are not effectors acting via monogenic loss-of-function mechanisms.
Comparing various neural network methods for temperature prediction of CRTS II slab track on transition sections
Authors: Zhou Rui , Zhang Yiyao , Xu Hongbin , Liu Hanlin , Feng Qingsong , Qi Jie
Published: May 2024

Based on the meteorological measuring data, the prediction of the temperature field is worthy of thermal performance evaluation of CRTS II slab tracks in bridge-subgrade transition sections. To find the best temperature prediction method, this present study shows a comparison of internal temperature predictions in CRTS II slab track by using three typical neural network methods (ANN, CNN, LSTM) subjected to different meteorological factors. Firstly, the distribution characteristics of four meteorological factors (e.g. ambient temperature, solar radiation, wind speed, and humidity) and internal temperature for the CRTS II slab track on three different foundations are analyzed. Moreover, temperature prediction effects of track slab and base plate on three foundations under five meteorological testing cases are compared by using three neural network models, respectively. The results show that the ambient temperature ranging from 15°C and 25°C accounts for about 7 percent and the solar radiation during daytime mainly ranges from 100W/m2 to 1100W/m2. The solar radiation has more effect on the temperature gradients of the CRTS II slab track on bridge and transition zone than that of the ambient temperature, and Case 5 with five different input variables has the best prediction accuracy for three predict models among five testing cases. Although the LSTM model has the best prediction accuracy among the three prediction models with R2 values of about 0.85, it costs the longest calculation time of about 180 s. In addition, the track slab on bridge has the worst prediction accuracy for the ANN and CNN models among the three foundations with RMSE values of 4.5 and 2.5 for Case 2, and the base plate on transition zone has the best prediction accuracy both for the CNN and LSTM models among the three foundations with RMSE values of 3 for Case 5.