bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
À propos de trois oeuvres poétiques de Carmelina Sánchez-Cutillas
Authors: Lépinette Brigitte
Published: December 2024

Dans cette étude nous prenons pour objet trois recueils de poèmes en catalan, oeuvresde Carmelina Sánchez-Cutillas (1921-2009). Nous considérons d’abord Conjugació en primera persona(Conjugaison à la première personne, 1969) et nous y ‘lisons’ les poèmes qui le constituent commeune autobiographie poétique au féminin. Nous considérons également l’énigmatique Els jeroglíficsi la pedra de Rosetta (Les hiéroglyphes et la pierre de Rosette 1976). Enfin, au dernier d’entre eux,le Llibre d’Amic e Amada (Le Livre de l’ami et de l’aimée, 1980), rappelant obligatoirement l’oeuvrepresque homonyme de Raymond Lulle, nous lui donnons comme sous-titre, pour nous, significatif:« Le coeur empli d’amour et de regrets », selon ce qu’annonçait déjà l’exergue de l’auteure.Mots clés: Carmelina Sánchez-Cutillas. Critique. Poèmes. Analyse. Poétique
Ressenya a Vicent Salvà, Poema Lo somni (1831), València, 2024
Authors: Martí-Badia Adrià
Published: December 2024

Ressenya a Vicent Salvà, Poema Lo somni (1831). Estudi i edició de Germán Ramírez Aledón, València, 2024, 35 pp.
Ressenya a Estel Aguilar Miró, Llengua i literatura catalanes a la Catalunya del Nord (1883-1941), Barcelona, 2024
Authors: Feliu Francesc , Ferrer Joan
Published: December 2024

Ressenya a Estel Aguilar Miró, Llengua i literatura catalanes a la Catalunya del Nord (1883-1941), Barcelona, IIFV - PAM,  2024, 288 pp, ISBN 978-84-9191-311-5
A two-phase transfer learning framework for gastrointestinal diseases classification
Authors: Ali Ahmed , Iqbal Arshad , Khan Sohail , Ahmad Naveed , Shah Sajid
Published: December 2024

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are common and often debilitating health issues that affect a significant portion of the population. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly computer vision algorithms, have shown great potential in detecting and classifying medical images. These algorithms utilize deep convolutional neural network architectures to learn complex spatial features in images and make predictions for similar unseen images. The proposed study aims to assist gastroenterologists in making more efficient and accurate diagnoses of GI patients by utilizing its two-phase transfer learning framework to identify GI diseases from endoscopic images. Three pre-trained image classification models, namely Xception, InceptionResNetV2, and VGG16, are fine-tuned on publicly available datasets of annotated endoscopic images of the GI tract. Additionally, two custom convolutional neural networks are constructed and fully trained for comparative analysis of their performance. Four different classification tasks are examined based on the endoscopic image categories. The proposed architecture employing InceptionResNetV2 achieves the most consistent and generalized performance across most classification tasks, yielding accuracy scores of 85.7% for general classification of GI tract (eight-category classification), 97.6% for three-diseases classification, 99.5% for polyp identification (binary classification), and 74.2% for binary classification of esophagitis severity on unseen endoscopic images. The results indicate the effectiveness of the two-phase transfer learning framework for clinical use to enhance the identification of GI diseases, aiding in their early diagnosis and treatment.
A novel trace-based sampling method for conformance checking
Authors: Marin-Castro Heidy M. , Morales-Sandoval Miguel , González-Compean José Luis , Hernandez Julio
Published: December 2024

It is crucial for organizations to ensure that their business processes are executed accurately and comply with internal policies and requirements. Process mining is a discipline of data science that exploits business process execution data to analyze and improve business processes. It provides a data-driven approach to understanding how processes actually work in practice. Conformance checking is one of the three most relevant process mining tasks. It consists of determining the degree of correspondence or deviation between the expected (or modeled) behavior of a process vs the real one observed and revealed from the historical events recorded in an event log during the execution of each instance of the process. Under a big data scenario, traditional conformance checking methods struggle to analyzing the instances or traces in large event logs, increasing the associated computational cost. In this article, we study and address the conformance-checking task supported by a traces selection approach that uses representative sample data of the event log and thus reduces the processing time and computational cost without losing confidence in the obtained conformance value. As main contributions, we present a novel conformance checking method that (i) takes into account the data dispersion that exists in the event log data using a statistic measure, (ii) determines the size of the representative sample of the event log for the conformance checking task, and (iii) establishes selection criteria of traces based on the dispersion level. The method was validated and evaluated using fitness, precision, generalization, and processing time metrics by experiments on three actual event logs in the health domain and two synthetic event logs. The experimental evaluation and results revealed the effectiveness of our method in coping with the problem of conformance between a process model and its corresponding large event log.
Transformer model-based multi-scale fine-grained identification and classification of regional traffic states
Authors: Zhang Jun , Hu Guangtong
Published: December 2024

To address the limitations in precision of conventional traffic state estimation methods, this article introduces a novel approach based on the Transformer model for traffic state identification and classification. Traditional methods commonly categorize traffic states into four or six classes; however, they often fail to accurately capture the nuanced transitions in traffic states before and after the implementation of traffic congestion reduction strategies. Many traffic congestion reduction strategies can alleviate congestion, but they often fail to effectively transition the traffic state from a congested condition to a free-flowing one. To address this issue, we propose a classification framework that divides traffic states into sixteen distinct categories. We design a Transformer model to extract features from traffic data. The k-means algorithm is then applied to these features to group similar traffic states. The resulting clusters are ranked by congestion level using non-dominated sorting, thereby dividing the data into 16 levels, from Level 1 (free-flowing) to Level 16 (congested). Extensive experiments are conducted using a large-scale simulated traffic dataset. The results demonstrate significant advancements in traffic state estimation achieved by our Transformer-based approach. Compared to baseline methods, our model exhibits marked improvements in both clustering quality and generalization capabilities.
Developing the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) awareness scale to assess an education module for improving dietary behavior among college students
Authors: İmre Kadriye Elif , Akyol Aslı
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study aimed to develop and validate the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) awareness scale and examine whether having a DOHaD education module may affect dietary behavior in college students.

Background

Some studies conducted within the scope of the DOHaD hypothesis show associations between early-life environmental factors, especially maternal health and nutritional status, with the next generation’s health and disease status. Despite the increase in elucidating of the underpinning mechanisms of early life determinants and chronic disease risk, there is limited knowledge on how public perceive and understand DOHaD concepts.

Methods

The study consisted of three phases: identification of DOHaD awareness scale components, development and validation, interrater reliability of the scale, and a confirmatory study. Two-hundred college students to confirm face validity of the scale, one-hundred for reproducibility and one-hundred for the confirmatory study. Confirmatory study included a pre-intervention period in which baseline parameters (such as anthropometric measurements, HEI-2015 (Healthy Eating Index-2015), physical activity levels, and DOHaD awareness scale scores) were measured at two different time points, and an educational module on DOHaD concepts was provided to the participants. The study was reported in accordance with the Guidelines for Reporting Reliability and Agreement Studies (GRRAS).

Results

Content validity ratio, exploratory factor analysis, and Cronbach’s alpha values indicated that a reliable and valid instrument to assess the awareness of DOHaD concepts in college students was developed. Despite the lack of a control group, DOHaD concept education was associated with improved anthropometric measurements, healthier eating parameters, increased physical activity levels, and a better understanding of DOHaD concepts.

Conclusions

Translating DOHaD concepts into healthier behaviors can support improvements in lifestyle, and the use of the DOHaD awareness scale may serve as a valuable tool to encourage healthy behaviors among college students.
Ferroptosis and its impact on common diseases
Authors: Zou Pengjian , He Qiuming , Xia Huimin , Zhong Wei
Published: December 2024

Ferroptosis is a novel form of programmed cell death characterized by iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and a decline in antioxidant capacity, all of which are regulated by gene expression. The onset of numerous diseases is closely associated with ferroptosis. Common diseases affect a large population, reduce the quality of life, and impose an increased burden on the healthcare system. The role of ferroptosis in common diseases, its therapeutic potential, and even its translation into clinical drug treatments are currently significant research topics worldwide. This study preliminarily explores the theoretical basis of ferroptosis, its mechanism and treatment prospect in common diseases including ischaemia-reperfusion injury, inflammatory bowel diseases, liver fibrosis, acute kidney injury, diabetic kidney disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, immune and cancer. This review provides a theoretical foundation for the further study and development of ferroptosis, as well as for the prevention and treatment of common diseases.
Leer las aguas en el Antropoceno: imaginarios acuáticos desde el Sur latinoamericano
Authors:   , Bobadilla Palacios Rodrigo
Published: December 2024

En las últimas dos décadas, la preocupación por el agua ha ocupado a una importante variedad de discursos sociopolíticos, económicos, ecológicos, filosóficos y estéticos. El constructo intelectual y cultural de una categoría como la de Antropoceno trae consigo un dramático impasse en el circuito de las aguas de la hidrósfera. Este desequilibrio se hace palpable en una larga lista de fenómenos que incluye el desorden climático, las inundaciones, las sequías, la escasez de agua dulce, el agotamiento de los acuíferos, la contaminación de las cuencas fluviales y la acidificación y “plastificación” de los océanos. El nuevo capítulo geológico de la Tierra abre también un inédito régimen hídrico: nos encontramos ahora rodeados y habitados por las problemáticas aguas del Antropoceno. En tal contexto, surge la necesidad de un “giro hidrológico” (Chen et al., 2013) en las humanidades ambientales que asuma la tarea de asentar imaginarios acuáticos alternativos que resitúen la importancia del elemento líquido en nuestras tramas vitales, simbólicas, culturales, ecológicas y políticas. Anclada en la matriz abierta por los paradigmas críticos y teóricos que en las últimas décadas han puesto sobre el tapete la relación de las producciones culturales con la espacialidad, el territorio, la naturaleza y los conflictos medioambientales, esta tesis se propone realizar una lectura transdisciplinaria de algunos imaginarios acuáticos presentes en ciertas escrituras emplazadas en la región del Sur global latinoamericano. En correspondencia con la consideración del “sentido de lugar” (Buell, 2005; Heise, 2008) que caracteriza a los estudios ecocríticos, se plantea una investigación que recorra distintos lugares o territorios simbólicos en los que un conjunto de discursos poéticos, narrativos y cinematográficos inscriben sugerentes imaginarios en los que la presencia del elemento líquido, en sus variadas formas, cobra una presencia determinante y abre perspectivas de reflexión en torno a nuestra vinculación con él.
Los espacios imposibles: una lectura comparativa de Comala de Pedro Páramo y
Santa Teresa de 2666
Authors:   , Tomić Marta
Published: December 2024

La presente investigación se constituye como un examen comparativo de las
representaciones espaciales de dos emblemáticos topos imaginarios de la
literatura hispanoamericana: Comala, creada por Juan Rulfo en Pedro Páramo y
Santa Teresa, diseñada por Roberto Bolaño en 2666. Partiendo del supuesto de que
el espacio es un concepto crucial de la configuración narrativa, vivo y activo,
hemos dividido nuestro estudio en tres grandes bloques temáticos: el desierto,
la frontera y la ciudad. El carácter uniforme e ilimitado del desierto, a
nuestro entender, está relacionado, por un lado, con la interminable y absurda
violencia comalense y santateresana, y por otro, con el particular sentido de
temporalidad, marcado por la supresión de la dimensión histórica. La noción de
frontera es abordada a partir de la lejanía o la ausencia de ambos lugares de un
centro concreto. Esta gran carencia es la causante de que Comala y Santa Teresa,
en vez de ser lugares de sentido y significado, sean espacios signados por la
incapacidad de situarse en el ámbito de la realidad. Así, se devela el carácter
irreal de los elementos claves del entramado narrativo de las novelas: la
inexistencia objetiva de los lugares en el mapa del mundo, las metas
inalcanzables de las principales búsquedas de los individuos, la presencia de
sujetos-fantasmas. En clave alegórica, mostramos, además, que la imposibilidad
del posicionamiento en el plano de lo real, retratada a través del motivo de una
pesquisa frustrada, refleja la fallida vía hacia la modernidad de Comala y Santa
Teresa. Analizando las representaciones espaciales de la ciudad, evidenciamos la
monstruosidad y la disfuncionalidad de los sistemas socioeconómicos reinantes en
Comala y Santa Teresa: caciquismo y capitalismo salvaje. Sostenemos que estos
proyectos políticos que apuntan contra la vitalidad del componente humano son
causantes directos del alejamiento de Comala y Santa Teresa de la noción
civilizadora de la polis. Como una continuación natural del análisis urbano, el
último capítulo de la investigación está dedicado al estudio de la locura, el
incesto y el amor erótico. La revisión de estas tres formas degradadas del
habitar humano, como nosotros las hemos definido, sirve para corroborar nuestra
tesis de que el espacio de los dos topos literarios es homogéneo y, por lo
tanto, caótico y vuelto barbarie.
Efficacy of Resorbable versus Non Eugenol Packs in Enhancing Early Wound Healing following Gingival Excisional Procedures: A Randomised Controlled Study
Authors: Ramachandran Lakshmi , Tadepalli Anupama , Cholan Priyanka , Umesh Santo Grace , Parthasarathy Harinath , Agarwal Chinmaya
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Conventionally, the raw wound after gingival excision is protected with non eugenol periodontal pack, in order to alleviate pain and preserve healing tissue which includes some potential disadvantages such as patient intolerance, pack loosening, speech difficulties and plaque accumulation.

Aim: To clinically evaluate wound healing following the use of a resorbable periodontal dressing following gingival excisional procedures and to compare the outcomes with the conventional COE-PAKTM periodontal dressing.

Materials and Methods: A randomised controlled trial was conducted in the Department of Periodontology, SRM Dental College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India from June 2022 to March 2023. Patients requiring gingival excision for gingival pigmentation, gummy smile correction and crown lengthening were included in this study, 36 patients in control group were treated with Laser assisted surgery followed by conventional COE-PAKTM and 36 patients in test group were treated with Laser assisted surgery protected with resorbable pack (RESOPAC®). Wound healing scores (Landry’s scale) and patient comfort assessment {Visual Analogue Score (VAS)} was recorded at 7, 14 days following therapy. Data were analysed with IBM Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) software 17.0 version using Independent t-test with level of significance 5%.

Results: A total of 72 patients (38 males and 34 females) with a mean age range of 32.6 years were randomised into two study groups. Following the intervention, two participants in the test group and one subject in the control group could not report for the seven day follow-up and hence, the data of 69 participants, control (n=35) and test (n= 34) was used for final analysis. Both test and control groups showed satisfactory healing. Results in the test group were significantly better with respect to both wound healing and VAS assessment. Statistically significant difference was noted in the Wound Healing Index (WHI), VAS and Pain Intensity (PI) scores at the 7th and 14th day follow-ups (p<0.001). VAS and PI scores at 7th and 14th day (p<0.001). No of analgesics consumed during the first week were also significantly higher in the control group as compared to the test group (p<0.001**).

Conclusion: RESO-PAC®, resorbable pack aided in wound healing following gingival excision and improved patient comfort during the initial healing phase. To add on the patients in the test group reported better compliance to the resorbable dressing and reported no adverse effects. Resorbable dressings could possibly facilitate secondary wound healing following surgical excision of gingiva.
Aggregation analysis of laser generated silver-109 nanoparticles
Authors:   Rzeszów University of Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, 6 Powstańców Warszawy Ave., 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland, Kołodziej Artur
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the aggregation behavior of stabilizer-free silver-109 nanoparticles synthesized via laser ablation synthesis in solution (LASiS) using a pulsed fiber laser equipped with a 2D galvoscanner. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR SEM) imaging and laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LDI MS) were employed to analyze changes in nanoparticle morphology and silver-109 clusters signal intensi-ty, providing insights into their stability and performance.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Earnings Reports: The Moderating Role of Market Volatility and Trading Opportunities
Authors: Styliadou Artemis A.
Published: December 2024

This study examines the complex relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and market performance, particularly during quarterly earnings releases for NASDAQ-100 companies. It challenges the notion that ethical companies with strong social performance necessarily offer lower returns. The research explores the concept of "CSR.mv functions" (trading tools based on social responsibility) as a potential way to improve the financial performance of socially responsible investments. Interestingly, the study also finds that companies with lower CSR ratings might offer surprisingly high returns during earnings releases, suggesting unique trading opportunities in this "psychological time." These findings offer valuable insights for the scientific community interested in sustainable investing and the interplay between social responsibility and financial markets. As paper’s main contribution could be considered the study of the relationship between the moderating (independent) variables “market volatility” (MV) and “trading opportunities” (TO) and the (dependent) variable “corporate earnings reports” released by NASDAQ-100 companies in the USA (quarterly), while CSR has been investigated as a dependent variable affecting the above relationship.
Rooted in Tradition: Exploring the Integration of Local Wisdom with Sustainability and Education for Future Research
Authors: Ernawati Hani , Syahlani Suci Paramitasari , Siswomihardjo Sari Winahjoe , Dewi Ike Janita
Published: December 2024

Purpose: This research aims to bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern educational frameworks by identifying key themes that categorize and summarize the main aspects of local wisdom in existing literature, examining the evolution of research on local wisdom over time with a focus on its intersection with sustainability and education, and suggesting areas for further research that can enhance the understanding and application of local wisdom in contemporary contexts.
Design/Methodology/Approach: This research is a qualitative study utilizing a literature review method, supported by Search Engine for Articles and Knowledge Maps to identify under-researched topics, particularly in the field of local wisdom in the tourism context.
Findings: In conclusion, the body of research underscores the transformative potential of local wisdom in enhancing cultural preservation, fostering sustainable development, empowering communities, improving education, and promoting effective environmental stewardship. By integrating traditional knowledge across various sectors such as governance, tourism, fisheries management, and agriculture, communities can reinforce their regional identity while addressing the challenges posed by globalization and modernization. This integration not only supports ecological sustainability but also encourages a sense of ownership and responsibility towards cultural heritage. The limitations and future research diection will we discussed.
Study of Endophytic Bacteria in Pearl Millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] Roots
Authors: Yadav Reetu , Chakraborty Dipjyoti
Published: December 2024

Aims: The current investigation aims to isolate and identify the root endophytic bacteria from Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) variety MSH-1970, as well as evaluate the qualities that promote plant growth.
Study Design: The study involves isolating endophytic bacteria, performing biochemical and molecular characterization, and evaluating their ability to stimulate plant development through biochemical tests.
Place and Duration of Study: Departmentof Bioscience and Biotechnology, Banasthali Vidyapith, Tonk, Niwai, Rajasthan, 2022–2023.
Methodology: Pearl millet MSH-1970 was planted in pots in the greenhouse of the Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology and endophytic bacterial strains were isolated. The isolates' morphological features were recorded using Bergey's Manual of Systemic Bacteriology, and biochemical testing was done. 16s rRNA gene PCR was used to do molecular characterization of the potential endophyte, and the PCR product was sequenced. Ammonia production, phosphate solubilization, and HCN production were used to identify the properties that promote plant development.
Results: The initial culture of endophytic bacteria isolated from the pearl millet variety MSH-1970 yielded 14 colonies on Nutrient agar medium. One of the colonies, BVCA-16 could solubilize phosphate, and generate hydrogen cyanide, and ammonia. Using 16f-16r and 63f-1244r primers, a molecular analysis of BVCA16 revealed 99.92% similarity with Pseudomonas sp. AUS22.The sequence was submitted to Genebank NCBI as Pseudomonas sp. strain BVCA-16, accession number OR350932.
Conclusion: In the Pearl millet variety MSH-1970, the endophytic bacteria Pseudomonas sp. strain BVCA-16 was identified and it showed potential to promote plant growth.
Role of Social Forestry Programme in the Livelihoods of Farmers in Thanjavur District, India
Authors: J Thilagam. , Angles S. , Fernandaz C. Cinthia , Selvi J. , Jahanmohan K. R. , Murugan P. P.
Published: December 2024

Social forestry programs have been implemented to restore ecological balance, improve livelihoods, and enhance the overall well-being of rural communities. This study aimed to assess the impact and social benefits of the social forestry program in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. A survey of 150 farmers was conducted in Orathanadu and Thanjavur blocks to gather data on socio-economic characteristics and perceived social benefits of the program. Data was collected through structured interviews and focus group discussions with farmers. Mean and simple percentage analysis were used to analyze the quantitative data. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents were middle-aged farmers with medium to high levels of education and economic status. Most farmers had a positive attitude towards the program and perceived it as a valuable source of additional income and environmental benefits. The study also highlighted the importance of extension services in facilitating the adoption of social forestry practices. The social forestry program in Thanjavur district has contributed to increased access to fuelwood, fodder, and timber, improved soil and water conservation, and enhanced biodiversity. To maximize the benefits of social forestry, it is essential to strengthen extension services, provide financial incentives, and promote community participation. By addressing these challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities, social forestry can play a crucial role in sustainable development and environmental conservation in the region.
The Role of Crop Straw and Biochar Amendments in Mitigating Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Clay Loam Soils: Insights from a Two-Year Study
Authors: Bah Hamidou , Akueson Adoté Hervé Gildas , Diallo Boubacar Laïla , Zhu Bo
Published: December 2024

Agricultural activities are significant contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, posing substantial risks for global warming. Amendments such as crop straw and biochar have emerged as potential practices for sustainable agriculture. However, their specific effects on GHG emissions and global warming potential (GWP) remain underexplored. This study conducted a two-year field-scale experiment to evaluate the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and methane (CH₄) in agricultural soils under a wheat-maize cropping system. Four treatments were implemented: control (CK, no amendment); synthetic nitrogen fertilizer (NPK); crop straw plus synthetic nitrogen fertilizer (CSNPK); and crop straw biochar plus synthetic nitrogen fertilizer (BCSNPK). GHG fluxes were measured using the static chamber gas chromatography method. Results showed that average annual cumulative CO₂ emissions ranged from 1180 to 2520 kg C ha⁻¹, N₂O emissions from 0.44 to 1.80 kg N ha⁻¹, and CH₄ fluxes from -2.60 to -2.93 kg C ha⁻¹. The average annual GWP of CH₄ and N₂O emissions ranged from 0.08 to 0.64 Mg CO₂ eq ha⁻¹ across treatments. While biochar amendments enhanced CH₄ absorption and improved crop productivity, they also led to increased CO₂ and N₂O emissions compared to crop straw. These findings highlight the dual role of biochar in mitigating GHG emissions and improving soil health, while emphasizing the need for further research on optimizing trade-offs. The study offers valuable insights for sustainable soil management practices aimed at reducing GHG emissions and supporting climate change mitigation.
Impact of Phytoremediated Sewage Water and Organic Inputs on the Growth and Yield of Okra
Authors: Kujur Reena , John Suchit A. , Bharose Ram , Khan Heba I.
Published: December 2024

Okra belongs to family Malvaceae, it is a good source of nutrition as well as for farmer economy. This experiment was based on two years field work. During the year 2021-22 and 2022-23 it was aimed to study the Effect of phytoremediated sewage water irrigation, organic manures & biofertilizers on growth and yield of okra var. Kashi chaman in Prayagraj agro climatic condition. The experiment was designed as Randomized block design consist of 16 treatments and 3 replicates of each. Among which the treatment T15 with the combination of Azotobacter @4 kg/ha + PSB(Pseudomonas) @2 kg/ha +Vermicompost + treated sewage water, emerged as most effective in promoting highest Number of branches (4.61) number of leaves (28.52) leaf area LAI (124.12 cm2) Root length per plant (15.15 cm) maximum fruit yield (464.72 g) was found significant at 0.05 level of critical difference. Whereas maximum plant height (127.11 cm) was recorded in T9 (Vermicompost+ Azotobacter @4 kg/ha and TSW). So it can be concluded that this treatment combination can enhance plant growth and yield attributes of okra variety Kashi chaman along with sustaining nutrient levels in the soil. Ultimately, by applying these practices it offers an alternative way for resource-limited farmers to achieve long-term productivity.
Introduction to Insect Pests of Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) and their Management: A Review
Authors: Dwarka  , Thakur Shobharam , Katara Vijay Kumar , Chadar Nisha , Parmar Shradha
Published: December 2024

Sesame (Sesamum indicum), a valuable oilseed crop, is affected by a variety of insect pests that cause significant yield losses. The most common pests include the leaf webber and capsule borer, gall fly, whiteflies, bud fly, bihar hairy caterpillar and hawk moth etc. These pests can damage sesame plants at various stages of growth, leading to reduced seed quality and productivity. This review discusses the key insect pests of sesame, their life cycles, and the economic damage they cause. Additionally, it highlights various pest management strategies, including cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical control methods, with a focus on integrated pest management (IPM) practices. The role of resistant varieties, organic products such as neem-based formulations, and biological control agents like fungal pathogens is explored. The review emphasizes the importance of eco-friendly and sustainable pest control methods to ensure higher yields and improved profitability for sesame growers.
Evaluation of the Use of Organic and Mineral Fertilisers on Amaranth Productivity in the Locality of Kombé, Republic of Congo
Authors: MOUEKOUBA Dalcantara Liana ONGOUYA , MAKOUNDOU Alaric , OSSIBI Grace Jokael ETOU , GACKOSSO Horta Rovicia , MPIKA Joseph , ATTIBAYEBA
Published: December 2024

The use and high cost of chemical fertilisers, as well as the dangers associated with their misuse, are leading growers to look for an alternative, sustainable form of fertilisation. A survey was carried out in the Kombé area of Brazzaville to assess the effectiveness and use of organic and mineral fertilisers on amaranth growth and yield. During the survey, 50 market gardeners growing amaranth were randomly selected and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The results obtained from our survey were analysed statistically, revealing significant differences between the different types of fertiliser used at Agricongo de Kombé (p˂0.05). The variance analysis revealed five (5) heterogeneous groups (a, b, c, d, cd), the most significant being poultry manure (group d) and NPK (group cd). The results of the survey revealed that amaranth (32.31%) was the dominant previous crop, poultry manure (34%) was the main and least expensive fertiliser, so it is capable of improving the growth and yield of amaranth, compared with other manures. Poultry droppings could be recommended for amaranth production.
Opportunities and Challenges of Working with Gifted Learners: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sharma Anjali , Kudei Ashutosh
Published: December 2024

Diversity is a unique characteristic of gifted learners who contribute significantly to developing their nations and innovation and reforming the world. However, existing studies show that these people need more proper handling of their emotional, social, and academic needs and teaching frameworks according to their needs. Teaching intervention is a specially designed program targeting individuals to improve their socio-emotional skills and academic performance. Thus, this study intends to explore various needs and challenges of gifted learners and address them with teaching interventions and frameworks explored by researchers in educational contexts. The study focused on two questions:  addressing the needs and challenges of gifted learners in academic canvas and researchers' efforts regarding teaching interventions for gifted learners in existing literature. The paper follows the Systematic Literature Review. Research papers were collected with the help of Google Scholar and Mendeley Search Engine. The reference management was done with the help of another engine, Zotero. A total of 25 research papers were reviewed out of 1478, published between 2020- 2024. The inclusion criteria for paper selection were (i) full-length accessible papers, (ii) papers published during 2020-2024, (iii) papers that worked on needs, challenges, and interventions for gifted learners, (iv) middle school, and (v) preferred in English language only. Findings can be concluded from various studies supporting their emotional needs, such as developing psychosocial skills, aspirational counseling, empathetic companionship, and positive interaction with teachers. Social needs were found in bridging the gap between school and home, social connectedness, social acceptance, developing social skills, social justice, and mixed-ability classrooms. Some studies supported the idea that need-based differentiation, goal orientation, good training and competition, self-regulated learning intervention, and challenging problems are the academic needs of gifted learners. It is found that interventions are essential to address needs and overcome challenges the gifted learners face.
Ecological Niches of Bacillus Species and their Multifaceted Mechanisms in Combatting Plant Pathogens
Authors: Kumar Sonal , Tiwari R. K. S. , Nirmalkar V. K. , Dayasagar  , Singh Yashowardhan
Published: December 2024

The Bacillus genus, an integral member of the Firmicutes phylum, is characterized by its rod-shaped structure and widespread presence in diverse ecosystems. Known for its resilience, Bacillus thrives in various environments, making it a versatile agent in agriculture. Several Bacillus species serve as biocontrol agents, effectively managing fungal and bacterial plant diseases. Their efficacy stems from a range of biochemical and metabolic actions, including the production of siderophores that suppress phytopathogens and promote plant growth. Bacillus spp. produce hydrolytic enzymes such as chitinases, glucanases, proteases, and cellulases, which degrade pathogen cell components, leading to cellular collapse. Additionally, Bacillus secretes antimicrobial compounds like bacillomycin, fengycin, iturin, surfactin, and difficidin, targeting multiple plant pathogens. The production of volatile antimicrobial compounds further enhances their biocontrol potential by inhibiting microbial growth and reproduction. Moreover, Bacillus plays a vital role in activating plant defense mechanisms, including Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR). Through the production of elicitor compounds, Bacillus triggers the jasmonic acid signaling pathway on host plant, fortifying the plant's biochemical and physical barriers against pathogen invasion. These multifaceted attributes position Bacillus as a promising tool for sustainable plant disease management and enhanced crop health.
Ratio Analyses Estimating Financial Risk: Econometric Study Retail Companies the Indonesia Stock Exchange 2020-2023
Authors: Yuniar Nisa Rizqi , Tubastuvi Naelati , Handayani Erna , Utami Restu Frida
Published: December 2024

Aims: This study analyses the effect of activity ratios, sales growth, profitability, and company size on the financial distress of retail companies on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2020 to 2023.
Study Design: The study uses data on activity ratios, sales growth, profitability, and company size as independent variables and financial distress as the dependent variable.
Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted in retail companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange with a population of retail company subsectors and using purposive sampling criteria. The research data used financial reports published in 2020-2023.
Methodology: This type of research is quantitative. The research was tested with SPSS 25 using logistic regression. The total population in the study was 32 types of companies in the retail subsector with several types of companies such as drug retail & distributors, food retail & distributors, supermarkets & convenience stores (minimarkets), department stores, apparel & textile, automotive retail, and electronic retail. Purposive sampling obtained 108 unbalance data for 4 years of observation listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2020-2023 financial distress was tested with the Altman Z-Score method through logistic regression test.
Result: Utilizing logistic regression and the Altman Z-Score, the study reveals that activity ratios and profitability significantly negatively affect financial distress, while sales growth and company size do not have a significant impact.
Conclusion: These findings provide valuable insights for stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of optimizing asset efficiency and profitability to mitigate financial distress.
Financial Inclusion in the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa: Analysis of its Effects on the Standard of Living
Authors: Mpele Esther Kipoh , Bobbo Oumarou
Published: December 2024

Aims: This study aims to examines the effects of financial inclusion on living standards as measured by per capita income and consumption in CEMAC countries. According to World Bank (2022) financial inclusion rate capted by the possession of mobile money for example is passed to 12% at 21%. We see an augmentation but the rate remains low.
Location and Duration: The paper uses a sample of 6 CEMAC countries from different sources for the period 2004-2017 to carry out the analysis.
Methodology: Using Generalized Method of Moments (GMM), we identify the causal relationship between financial inclusion and living standards, showing that the latter has a positive and significant effect on per capita income and consumption in the CEMAC region. To consolidate these findings, we subject our results to a robustness test using the generalized equation estimation (GEE) method, which confirms the beneficial effect of financial inclusion on living standards in the CEMAC zone.
Results: These results highlight the importance of implementing incentive policies aimed at reducing barriers to access to banking services, in order to enable low-income individuals to benefit from these services and thus improve their quality of life. In addition, inclusion of the policy implications of the results, including requirements for governance reforms and improved banking access could further strengthen the relationship between financial inclusion and standards living.
Conclusion: We conducted a robustness test using the Generalised Equation Estimation (GEE) method, and the results obtained confirm the positive impact of financial inclusion on the standard of living in the region. CEMAC. However, despite this rather satisfactory result, it should be noted that financial inclusion in the sub-region remains low compared to West African countries.
Serpin7 controls egg diapause of migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) by regulating polyphenol oxidase
Authors: Chen Jun , Cui Dongnan , Ullah Hidayat , Hao Kun , Tu Xiongbing , Zhang Zehua
Published: February 2020

Diapause is a state of arrested growth, which allows insects to adapt to diverse environments. Serine protease inhibitors (serpins) play an important role in various physiological processes, including blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, development, complement activation and extracellular matrix remodeling. We hypothesized that serpin may affect energy metabolism and thereby control diapause of migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) embryos by regulating protease cascades. A total of seven nonredundant serpin genes (named serpin1–serpin7) of L. migratoria were obtained through transcriptomic analysis. We further performed label‐free proteomic sequencing and analysis of diapause and nondiapause eggs of L. migratoria, revealing significant differences in serpin7 expression. A significant reduction in diapause rate under the short photoperiod was observed in insects treated with serpin7 double‐stranded RNA. Furthermore, knockdown of the serpin7 gene resulted in significant upregulation of the activity of polyphenol oxidase. We therefore propose that the observed serpin7 gene plays a crucial role in diapause, suggesting that control of energy metabolism may have potential as a future strategy for the reproductive control of insect pests.
Elucidating the Effect of Planar Graphitic Layers and Cylindrical Pores on the Storage and Diffusion of Li, Na, and K in Carbon Materials
Authors: Olsson Emilia , Cottom Jonathon , Au Heather , Guo Zhenyu , Jensen Anders C. S. , Alptekin Hande , Drew Alan J. , Titirici Maria‐Magdalena , Cai Qiong
Published: February 2020

Hard carbons are among the most promising materials for alkali‐ion metal anodes. These materials have a highly complex structure and understanding the metal storage and migration within these structures is of utmost importance for the development of next‐generation battery technologies. The effect of different carbon structural motifs on Li, Na, and K storage and diffusion are probed using density functional theory based on experimental characterizations of hard carbon samples. Two carbon structural models—the planar graphitic layer model and the cylindrical pore model—are constructed guided by small‐angle X‐ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy characterization. The planar graphitic layers with interlayer distance <6.5 Å are beneficial for metal storage, but do not have significant contribution to rapid metal diffusion. Fast diffusion is shown to take place in planar graphitic layers with interlayer distance >6.5 Å, when the graphitic layer separation becomes so wide that there is negligible interaction between the two graphitic layers. The cylindrical pore model, reflecting the curved morphology, does not increase metal storage, but significantly lowers the metal migration barriers. Hence, the curved carbon morphologies are shown to have great importance for battery cycling. These findings provide an atomic‐scale picture of the metal storage and diffusion in these materials.
Smart Tumor Microenvironment‐Responsive Nanotheranostic Agent for Effective Cancer Therapy
Authors: Guo Shi‐yan , Sun Di , Ni Da‐long , Yu Miao‐rong , Qian Kun , Zhang Wei , Yang Yi‐wei , Song Sha , Li Yang , Xi Zi‐yue , Wang Jie , Li Jing‐yi , Wei Yan , Chen Kai‐xian , Gan Yong , Wang Zheng‐tao
Published: February 2020

The tumor microenvironment (TME), which includes acidic and hypoxic conditions, severely impedes the therapeutic efficacy of antitumor agents. Herein, MnO2‐loaded, bovine serum albumin, and PEG co‐modified mesoporous CaSiO3 nanoparticles (CaM‐PB NPs) are developed as a nanoplatform with sequential theranostic functions for the engineering of TME. The MnO2 NPs generate O2 in situ by reacting with endogenous H2O2, relieving the hypoxic state of the TME that further modulates the cancer cell cycle status to S phase, which improves the potency of co‐loaded S phase‐sensitive chemotherapeutic drugs. After the hypoxia relief, CaM‐PB can sustainably release drugs due to the enlarged pores of mesoporous CaSiO3 in the acidic TME, preventing the drug pre‐leakage into the blood circulation and insufficient drug accumulation at tumor sites. Moreover, the Mn2+ released from the MnO2 NPs at tumor sites can potentially serve as a diagnostic agent, enabling the identification of tumor regions by T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging during therapy. In vivo pharmacodynamics results demonstrate that these synergetic effects caused by CaM‐PB NPs significantly contribute to the inhibition of tumor progression. Therefore, the CaM‐PB NPs with sequential theranostic functions are a promising system for effective cancer therapy.
Strongly Surface State Carrier‐Dependent Spin–Orbit Torque in Magnetic Topological Insulators
Authors: Che Xiaoyu , Pan Quanjun , Vareskic Božo , Zou Jingyi , Pan Lei , Zhang Peng , Yin Gen , Wu Hao , Shao Qiming , Deng Peng , Wang Kang L.
Published: February 2020

The topological surface states (TSS) in topological insulators (TIs) can exert strong spin–orbit torque (SOT) on adjacent magnetization, offering great potential in implementing energy‐efficient magnetic memory devices. However, there are large discrepancies among the reported spin Hall angle values in TIs, and its temperature dependence still remains elusive. Here, the spin Hall angle in a modulation‐doped Cr‐BixSb2−xTe3 (Cr‐BST) film is quantitatively determined via both transport and optic approaches, where consistent results are obtained. A large spin Hall angle of ≈90 in the modulation‐doped Cr‐BST film is demonstrated at 2.5 K, and the spin Hall angle drastically decreases to 0.3–0.5 as the temperature increases. Moreover, by tuning the top TSS carrier concentration, a competition between the top and bottom TSS in contributing to SOT is observed. The above phenomena can account for the large discrepancies among the previously reported spin Hall angle values and reveal the unique role of TSS in generating SOT.
Interfacial Superconductivity on the Topological Semimetal Tungsten Carbide Induced by Metal Deposition
Authors: Zhu Wenliang , Hou Xingyuan , Li Jing , Huang Yifei , Zhang Shuai , He Junbao , Chen Dong , Wang Yiyan , Dong Qingxin , Zhang Mengdi , Yang Huaixin , Ren Zhian , Hu Jiangping , Shan Lei , Chen Genfu
Published: February 2020

Interfaces between materials with different electronic ground states have become powerful platforms for creating and controlling novel quantum states of matter, in which inversion symmetry breaking and other effects at the interface may introduce additional electronic states. Among the emergent phenomena, superconductivity is of particular interest. Here, by depositing metal films on a newly identified topological semimetal tungsten carbide (WC) single crystal, interfacial superconductivity is obtained, evidenced from soft point‐contact spectroscopy. This very robust phenomenon is demonstrated for a wide range of metal/WC interfaces, involving both nonmagnetic and ferromagnetic films, and the superconducting transition temperatures are surprisingly insensitive to the magnetism of thin films. This method offers an opportunity to explore the long‐sought topological superconductivity and has potential applications in topological‐state‐based spin devices.
Metal Coated Conductive Fabrics with Graphite Electrodes and Biocompatible Gel Electrolyte for Wearable Supercapacitors
Authors: Pullanchiyodan Abhilash , Manjakkal Libu , Dervin Saoirse , Shakthivel Dhayalan , Dahiya Ravinder
Published: February 2020

Fabric‐based supercapacitors have received considerable interest as energy storage devices for wearable systems. This work demonstrates the use of metal coated fabrics as the active material and current collector with nontoxic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)‐KCl gel electrolyte for wearable supercapacitors (SCs). To evaluate the influence of the metal coating, the electrochemical and capacitive studies are carried out and results are compared with a newly developed metal free graphite printed textile (cellulose‐polyester) (CP‐Gr) based SC. It is evident that the homemade graphite paste electrode printed on the top of Armor FR (Ni/Cu coated polyester fabric) (AFR‐Gr) and Nora Dell (Ni/Cu/Ag coated polyamide) (ND‐Gr) based SCs with PVA‐KCl electrolyte exhibits the specific capacitance of 99.06 and 46.88 mF cm−2, respectively, at sweep rate of 5 mV s−1. These values are 24 and 52 times greater than that of CP‐Gr based SC. The AFR‐Gr and ND‐Gr based SCs have an excellent energy density of 8.81 and 4.17 µWh cm−2, respectively, at 5 mV s−1. The fabricated ND‐Gr based SC gives a stable response for more than 5000 charging/discharging cycles. Finally, the nontoxic nature of the PVA‐KCl gel electrolyte is evaluated and confirmed through in vitro cytocompatibility assessment with adult human dermal fibroblasts cells for wearable applications.