bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WITHDRAWN: Feasibility of using Gag proteins to reawaken dormant HIV infection based on bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Chen S.
Published: October 2024

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors while they make corrections to the work. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Structural basis of circularly permuted group II intron self-splicing
Authors: Su Zhaoming , Wang Liu , Xie Jiahao , Zhang Chong , Zou Jian , Huang Zirui , Chen Xingyu , Yang Yang , Dong Haohao , Huang Dingming
Published: October 2024

The group II introns are self-splicing ribozymes intervened between two exons that undergo excision and exon ligation through lariat formation, which are considered as ancestral forms of spliceosomes. Circularly permuted (CP) group II introns comprise of rearranged structural domains separated by two tethered exons have been artificially designed long ago to generate branched intron and circular exon products via back-splicing, whose natural occurrence has also been recently identified. Although extensive studies have elucidated mechanisms of both forward and reverse splicing processes of canonical group II introns, structural and mechanistic understandings of circular RNA (circRNA) generation by CP introns remain elusive. Here we resolve cryo-electron microscopy structures of a natural CP group II intron with 3'- and 5'-exons at 2.65-2.97 Å resolution, which represent different states associated to two steps of the back-splicing process. Novel tertiary interactions are identified to play allosteric effects on catalytic activity. The branching helix D6 undergoes a 65º conformational change enabled by tertiary interactions with D6 terminal T-loop after the branching reaction to allow docking of 3'-exon for ligation. Local shifts of peripheral domains, exon binding sites, and metal ions in the catalytic core, including a novel metal ion M35 that stabilizes the 5'-exon, are also observed between two steps of splicing. These results elucidate the dynamics of CP group II intron back-splicing process and mechanism of circRNA generation with potential applications in circRNA research and therapeutics.
Synergistic efficacy of three botanical powders against Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in maize grain storage
Authors: Debrah Shadrack , Anyanor Andrews Akyenah , Asomah Shadrack , Adjei Remember Roger , Santo Kwadwo Gyasi , Anankware Jacob Paarechuga
Published: October 2024

Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky infestation causes severe post-harvest losses of grains in Ghana leading to a major reduction in the quality and economic value. The synergistic efficacy of three botanical powders against adult S. zeamais was assessed. The botanical powders of Aframomum melegueta, Pipper nigrum, and Zingiber officinale in unmixed forms as positive controls, and admixed forms and the synergy were evaluated against the adult Sitophilus zeamais in stored maize grains at different dosage rates. The botanical powders in admixed and unmixed forms were used to treat 100g of maize grains infested with 40 adult S. zeamais at dosage rates of 0g, 10g, 20g, and 30g. The treatments were kept in glass jars covered with muslin cloth for 28 days post-exposure. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design. The highest mean adult mortality was recorded from admixed alligator pepper + black pepper at 20g and 30g at day 21, followed by the admixed alligator pepper + black pepper at 30g at day 28. The lowest mean maize grain damage in the admixed botanicals was recorded from alligator pepper + black pepper at 30g exposure at day 28. From the results, we found that the admixed powders demonstrated anti-feedant properties. The study found synergy between the admixed botanical powders in affecting adult S. zeamais mortality and the prevention of grain damage. Their effectiveness in affecting adult S. zeamais mortality and maize grain damage is dose dependent. Farmers could apply the botanical powders in admixed forms to exert stronger efficacy against S. zeamais.
The Senegalese grasshopper Oedaleus senegalensis (Krauss, 1877): Dynamics and socio-economic impact in Senegal
Authors: Toure Mamour , Cease Ariane , Fall Amadou , Diop Amsata , Diouf Esther , Bal Amadou Bocar , Mady Ndiaye
Published: October 2024

This study conducted in Senegal from July to October 2021 aims to study the population dynamics of the Senegalese grasshopper, Oedaleus senegalensis (Krauss), estimate its economic impact and evaluate the implementation of a community-based control strategy. Two hundred and fifty (250) farmers, each with a one-hectare fertilized field and a control field of the same size, were selected in the regions of Fatick, Kaffrine, Thies and Saint Louis. The millet variety souna III was sown in both types of fields, and the fertilized fields received 150 kg of Nitrogen, Phosphate, Potassium (NPK) fertilizer and 150 kg of urea. Larval development stages and generations are determined by repeated sampling in time and space. The density of O. senegalensis was assessed in the fields using the quadrat method and the pedestrian transect method. Damage was estimated by determining the percentage of attack on millet leaves and ears, and by comparing field harvests. The 500 hectares were surveyed 1,500 times. Three generations were identified with all developmental stages except in Saint Louis, where two generations were observed. Oedaleus senegalensis movements and densities decreased in Kaffrine, Fatick, Thies and Saint Louis, following the rainfall gradient. It is more present in control fields, with an average density of 20.25 insects/are and attack rates of 15%, than in fertilized fields, with 8.5 insects/are and attack rates of 2%. Harvests averaged 813.95 kg/ha in fertilized fields versus 435.30 kg/ha in control fields. Fertilization, which increases the protein content of millet, is a means of controlling the insect.
Effect of Cylindrical Core and Pipe Samples Oriented in Different Orientations on Compressive Strength of Normal Concrete Using Various Sizes of Coarse Aggregate: An Experimental Study
Authors: Jabbar Noor Fadhil , Akhaveissy Amir Houshang
Published: October 2024

This study focuses on performing a series of comprehensive tests to analyze compressive strength, compressive fracture energy and failure angle of concrete samples with varying maximum coarse aggregate sizes in different material orientations. The study includes designing three mixtures of normal concrete for an approximately constant compressive strength using three sizes of rounded maximum coarse aggregate (4.75, 9.5 and 19) mm. Two types of samples are prepared for comparison: core samples and pipe samples. Core samples were extracted from unreinforced concrete cubes and lintels, along with three standard cylinders for each coarse aggregate size with diameter of (100) mm and height of (200) mm (high to diameter ratio 2). After a curing period of 28 days in water, by using core drilling machine (75) samples with diameter (54) mm and height (97) mm (high to diameter ratio 1.8) are drilled at five inherent orientations (0°, 22.5°, 45°, 67.5° and 90°). Pipe samples preparation of plastic pipes involves cutting and fixing them at five inherent orientations (0°, 22.5°, 45°, 67.5° and 90°). The pipes are then filled with a mixture for each size of coarse aggregate (4.75, 9.5 and 19) mm. After water curing for 28 days, cutting to obtain (75) samples with diameter (47) mm and height (95) mm (high to diameter ratio 2). The results show that the compressive strength and compressive fracture energy of concrete are significantly influenced by the maximum size of coarse aggregate and the material orientation. The lowest compressive strength values for core and pipe samples were recorded at angle 45, while the maximum compressive strength for core samples was recorded at angle 0 and for pipe samples at angle 90. The highest compressive strength was recorded for the sizes (19, 9.5 and 4.75) mm, respectively.
WITHDRAWN: Regional Slope Stability Modeling in Darjeeling-Sikkim Himalaya to Understand the Impact of Gravity Loading and Seismic Shaking
Authors: Sengupta Arnab , Nath Sankar Kumar
Published: October 2024

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors while they make corrections to the work. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Bengali Translation and Validation of Academic Resilience Scale in Bangladeshi School-going Students
Authors: Ahmed MD. Faisal
Published: October 2024

Introduction: This study aimed to translate and validate the Academic Resilience Scale (ARS) for use among Bangladeshi school students in Bengali. The ARS, developed by Martin and Marsh, measures students' ability to cope with academic challenges. This study addresses the gap in validated Bengali instruments for assessing academic resilience.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional design study involving 234 students aged 12-18 years from two schools in Dhaka, Bangladesh, was used. The ARS underwent a rigorous translation process, which included two forward translations, two back translations, and comparisons of the original and translated versions. The data collected were collected by administering both the original and translated ARSs, with a one-week interval between administrations. Analysis was conducted using SPSS 29.0, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, Cronbach’s alpha, and independent sample t-tests.
Results: Descriptive statistics revealed mean scores for the original ARS (M = 23.78, SD = 7.456) and the translated ARS (M = 23.77, SD = 7.516), indicating similar levels of academic resilience. Pearson correlations between the original and translated items ranged from .909 to .941 (p < .01). Cronbach’s alpha was 0.747 for the original scale and 0.754 for the translated ARS, demonstrating acceptable reliability. No significant sex differences in resilience scores were found for either version.
Conclusion: The Bengali-translated ARS is a reliable and valid tool for measuring academic resilience among Bangladeshi students. This validated scale offers a valuable resource for future research and interventions aimed at improving academic resilience. Future studies should address limitations and explore resilience factors in diverse contexts.
Distinct triggering mechanisms of the 2023 Türkiye earthquake doublet
Authors: Wang Zhi , qiu Qiang , Fu Yi , lin Jian , Pei Shunping
Published: October 2024

Despite advancements in understanding the rupture processes and surface deformations of the 2023 Türkiye earthquake doublet, their seismogenic mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we determined the three-dimensional fine-scale seismic and porosity structures in the rupture zones. We find that the first Mw 7.8 earthquake occurred in a brittle or near-brittle structure zone with low porosity and fluid saturation, offering a potential condition for brittle failure with supershear rupture. By contrast, the second Mw 7.6 quake initiated in a ductile belt characterized by high porosity and fluid saturation, explaining the observed sub-shear rupture behaviors. The former induces large decreasing normal stress, thus opening the Çardak fault, accelerating the migration of saturated fluids towards the fault zone through intra-crustal faults and extended cracks, increasing pore pressure, and delaying triggering a second earthquake. Our findings reveal the diverse seismogenic mechanisms of the Türkiye earthquake doublet, suggesting that fluid intrusion may have played a crucial role in triggering an earthquake.
Weld Quality Improvement using GMAW-GTAW Hybrid Welding Process for Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Methong Titinan , Komen Hisaya
Published: October 2024

One of the major challenges in welding aluminum alloys is the formation of porosity in weld metal, which diminishes mechanical properties and usability. Therefore, this research aims to study the feasibility of developing a welding technique using a hybrid welding to improve weld quality by minimizing porosity. The hybrid welding process consists of two techniques: gas metal arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding. High-speed video analysis examined metal transfer, weld pool behavior, and oxide cleaning action. Radiographic testing was employed to evaluate the porosity in weld metal. The results demonstrated a significant decrease in the number of porosities. Additionally, this research proposes guidelines for welding variable selection and equipment setup, offering a comprehensive strategy for achieving improved weld quality.
Research on three-roller bending of aluminum profiles considering roller center distance and radius
Authors: song zhihao , Xu Longkun , Zhao Ying , Sun Qun
Published: October 2024

The three-roller bending process is widely used in plate and profile processing owing to its versatility and high processing efficiency. Currently, the optimization of roll bending mainly focuses on the adjustment of the profile geometric parameters and the vertical displacement of the upper roller, ignoring the influence of the lower roller center distance and radius of the roll bending machine on the forming quality. Therefore, this paper considers the lower roller center distance and radius that affect the forming accuracy of metal profiles as the starting point and conducts an in-depth analysis of the three-roller bending process. Initially, a mathematical model of three-roller bending and the ABAQUS finite element model are established, and the mathematical model is subsequently fitted and refined through finite element simulation. The experimental results demonstrated that the average error is less than 10% when the refined roll bending function is used to calculate the profile forming radius. To further enhance the precision and quality of three-roller bending, this paper employed a finite element simulation to analyze the effects of lower roller center distance and radius on the profile springback rate, plastic strain, and remaining straight edge length. The results indicated that with a constant vertical displacement of the upper roller, increasing the lower roller center distance led to an increased profile springback rate, decreased plastic strain fluctuation, and increased remaining straight edge length. Conversely, increasing the lower roller radius resulted in a decreased profile springback rate, increased plastic strain fluctuation, and decreased the remaining straight edge length. Finally, the effect of each factor on profile formation is comprehensively analyzed using an orthogonal experimental method, and the optimal roll bending process parameters within the experimental range are determined.
Research on a novel SLAM method fusion of vision and LIDAR in indoor dynamic environment
Authors: Li Rui , Yang Shiqiang , Li Mingjing , Wang Jiaxiang
Published: October 2024

Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) is one of the core technologies for mobile robots. With the increasing complexity of the environment, the existing 2D laser SLAM has poor quality due to the interference of dynamic objects. Meanwhile, the single-sensor laser SLAM has the problem of insufficient positioning accuracy in a single-structured environment. To address the above drawbacks, this paper studied a novel SLAM method using vision and laser fusion in an indoor dynamic environment based on the Cartographer algorithm.In more details, the dynamic target removal method based on LiDAR (light detection and ranging) detection used to solve the dynamic object interference.Moreover, a laser and vision fusion localization method was proposed for improving the limitation of a single LiDAR sensor. LiDAR to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, experiments are conducted in the building scene and the long straight path scene respectively. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed method effectively removed the interference brought by dynamic objects during the map building and the absolute trajectory root mean square error was reduced by 85.45% on average in the structural single environment. The experimental results further verified that the proposed SLAM method improved the quality of map building and positioning accuracy in complex environments.
Impact of Smart City Composite Index on Economic Growth Evidence from Provincial Areas of Iran
Authors: Asayesh Fatemeh , Mahinizadeh Mansour
Published: October 2024

Urban management can transform smart cities across various dimensions, enhancing resource efficiency and driving economic growth. This study investigates the relationship between combined smart city index and economic growth in Iran's provincial areas, using the Hicks neutral technological progress model and log-threshold regression. Due to limited time series data related to the components of combined smart city index in provincial areas of Iran, 2016 data for 31 provinces were used. Results show that Tehran, Khorasan Razavi, and Fars rank highest according to the combined smart city Index, while Lorestan, Semnan, and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad rank lowest. The study finds that the impact of the smart city index on economic growth varies with the smartness threshold of 0.0128. Below this threshold, a 1% increase in the index significantly boosts GDP per capita by 0.496%. Above the threshold, a 1% increase results in a 0.244% rise in GDP per capita. Generally, when the index is below the threshold, its effect on economic growth diminishes. This pattern also holds for capital per capita and aligns with theoretical discussions.
JEL: R11, R10, O10, O18, O30
Novel Immune Drug Combination Induces Tumour Microenvironment Remodelling and Reduces the Dosage of Anti-PD-1 Antibody
Authors: Ozasa Takahiro , Nakajima Masao , Tsunedomi Ryouichi , Goto Shunsuke , Adachi Keishi , Takahashi Hidenori , Tamada Koji , Nagano Hiroaki
Published: October 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective in clinical settings; however, they present immune-related adverse effects and financial burden. Although dose reduction of ICIs may mitigate these limitations, it could compromise therapeutic efficacy. The combination of poly(I:C) and LAG-3-Ig is an effective immune adjuvant for cancer immunotherapy. Using these two adjuvants combined with three neoantigen peptides (Comb), we examined whether Comb could enhance the efficacy of reduced dose of αPD-1 monoclonal antibody (RD-αPD-1 mAb), which has limited efficacy. In a murine colorectal cancer model using an MC38 cell line, Comb addition to RD-αPD-1 mAb enhanced treatment efficacy. Analysis of the tumour microenvironment (TME) in mice treated with Comb using flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing revealed decreased macrophages with highly expressing immunosuppressive genes and increased plasmacytoid dendritic cells with highly expressing antigen-presenting genes. A potent infiltration of CD8+ tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) with an effector profile was only observed in RD-αPD-1 mAb with Comb. Additionally, single-cell T cell receptor repertoire analysis underscored an oligoclonal expansion of CD8+ TILs following treatment with RD-αPD-1 mAb with Comb. This novel immune drug combination may be a promising strategy for reducing αPD-1 mAb dosage while preserving antitumor efficacy through modulating the TME.
Integrated Scientific Analysis of a Graeco-Roman Cartonnage Mask from Saqqara, Egypt
Authors: Hussein Asmaa , Ewais Ashraf
Published: October 2024

methods
optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy coupled with attenuated total reflection (ATR-FTIR). Information about the stratigraphy of the cartonnage (support, plaster layer and polychrome layer) and the pigments and organic binder used in the paint layer was provided by this study. The results revealed that the cartonnage mask consisted of a single plaster layer made of calcite applied to double linen-based support layers and finally covered with a paint layer. The pigment colours used to decorate the cartonnage were orange, blue, light red, black, yellow and green. The orange pigment was identified as releagar, the blue pigment as Egyptian blue, the light red pigment as a red ochre admixture with lead white, the black pigment as carbon black, the yellow pigment as orpiment and pararealgar and the green pigment as a mixture of Egyptian blue and orpiment. Animal glue was the organic binder used with the plaster layer and most polychrome layers, while gum Arabic was an adhesive for the textile layers.
Partial protection of Bacillus subtilis spores on simulated Martian regolith media enhances survival against UV radiation
Authors: Davis Gregory M , Greenhill Andrew R , Munro Thomas W , Horner Jonathan , Marsden Stephen C , Carter Bradley D
Published: October 2024

Mars is known to have once sustained an environment that may have been habitable. This idea has often been combined with theories of panspermia, to suggest that any life on Mars may have had a common origin with life on Earth. These ideas typically involve meteorites produced as impact ejecta as vectors for the transport of life between planets. However, such meteorites would be subjected to the harsh conditions of space, most notably, Solar UV radiation. Some Gram-positive bacteria generate endospores, which provide protection from extreme conditions and are common models for understanding bacterial survival in space. In this study, the spore forming bacteria Bacillus subtilis and the non-spore former Staphylococcus aureus were used to investigate the survival of bacteria exposed to UVB and UVC radiation on simulated Martian regolith. Spore survival was limited upon excessive doses of UVB and UVC radiation, although this was minimised when spores were covered with lysed bacteria which provided partial protection. These results build upon previous studies and suggest that lysed bacteria from the same bacterial species might offer spores on Martian meteorites a partial shield from UV radiation and enhance their viability in panspermia models.
Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Using Machine Learning: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dejene Fitsum Mesfin , Debelee Taye Girma , Schwenker Friedhelm , Ayano Yehualashet Megersa , Feyisa Degaga Wolde
Published: October 2024

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) stands as a leading cause of global blindness. Early identification and prompt treatment are essential to prevent vision impairment caused by DR. Manual screening of the retinal fundus image is challenging and time-consuming. Additionally, there is a significant gap between the number of diabetic retinopathy patients and medical experts. Integrating machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques is becoming a viable alternative to traditional DR screening techniques. However, the lack of a quality-labeled retinal dataset, the complexity of DL models, and the need for high computational resources are challenges. Therefore, in this study, we studied and analyzed the research landscape in integrating ML techniques in DR screening. In this regard, our work contributes significantly in several aspects. Initially, we identify and characterize images of the retinal fundus that are readily available. Then, we discuss commonly used preprocessing techniques in DR screening. In addition, we analyze the progress of ML techniques in DR screening. Lastly, we discussed existing challenges and showed future directions.
Physical simulation-based analysis of multipass welding in S500 shipbuilding steel
Authors: Gáspár Marcell , Kovács Judit , Sainio Johannes , Tervo Henri , Javaheri Vahid , Kaijalainen Antti
Published: October 2024

Novel generations of shipbuilding steels have outstanding toughness due to the improved steel producing processes. Their microstructure mainly consists of ferrite and bainite, whilst the presence of acicular ferrite has a role in high impact energy of the welded joint. This research aims to analyze the effect of multipass welding on weld characteristics of S500 shipbuilding steel. A Gleeble 3500 simulator machine is used to produce the welding thermal cycles by the Rykalin-3D model on 70 x 10 x 10 mm samples manufactured in transversal direction from a submerged arc welded joint of 16 mm plate. For the simulation of the coarse-grained zone forming in the weld metal (CGHAZ-W) 1350°C and for the intercritical zone (ICHAZ-W) 815°C were selected, while the combination of these peak temperatures was applied for the intercritically reheated coarse-grained zone (ICCGHAZ-W). The examined t8/5 interval was 5…30 s. The weld properties were examined by microstructural examination, hardness test, and instrumented Charpy V-notch impact toughness test. The impact energy values of subzones were below the unaffected weld metal. Longer cooling time resulted in lower impact energy in ICHAZ-W. However, this tendency was not observed in CGHAZ-W. ICHAZ-W and ICCGHAZ-W resulted the lowest impact toughness, which was indicated by the large instable crack propagation.
Mineral origin of tremolite jade artifacts from the Guojiamiao Cemetery, Eastern Zhou Dynasty, Hubei, China: based on petrology, spectroscopy, and geochemistry
Authors: Liu Jifu , Cao Yi , Yu Xuan , Yang Mingxing
Published: October 2024

The origin of raw materials is a crucial area of study in jade archaeology, with significant importance for research on the interactions and exchanges of ancient cultures. The Guojiamiao Cemetery is situated in Zaoyang City, Hubei Province, China. It has undergone two protective excavations, one in 2004 and another in 2014. These excavations revealed that it is a large aristocratic cemetery of the Zeng State, dating from the late Western Zhou Dynasty to the early Spring and Autumn periods. The jade artifacts found at this site are of various types and exquisite in style, serving as significant burial objects. In this study, we used gemology, spectroscopy, and geochemistry methods to analyze 30 excavated jade artifacts in detail. We studied the types of minerals, the characteristics of their shapes, and the major trace elements of the materials. Additionally, we investigated where the tremolite jade artifacts found in this cemetery came from. We used a classification method to categorize different sources of tremolite jade based on the combinations of trace and rare earth elements associated with various regions. The study revealed that the raw materials for the jade artifacts found in Guojiamiao Cemetery originate from the northwest region of China, with a focus on areas from eastern Xinjiang to northwestern Gansu. The findings shed light on the origins of jade materials utilized by the Zeng State during various historical periods and their connection with the Chu State. Additionally, this research helps in understanding the evolution of civilization in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River.
Comparative gene expression analyses reveal developmental stage dependent immune adaptations of Spodoptera frugiperda
Authors: Wang Guangmin , Ran Jia , Jia Chen , Mohamed Amr , Zang Liansheng , Zhang Wei , Keyhani Nemat O. , Eleftherianos Ioannis
Published: October 2024

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a major agricultural pest responsible for substantial crop damage worldwide. Several critical physiological functions, including high reproductive and migratory abilities, a broad plant host range, coupled to the development of high resistance to various chemical pesticides, and a strong immune response to microbial pathogens, has made this insect particularly difficult to control. While various innate immune pathways are assumed to play crucial roles in microbial pathogen defense, a comprehensive analysis across different developmental stages has been lacking. This is particularly important as different developmental stages of S. frugiperda display differential sensitivity to chemical pesticides and/or microbial pathogens. Here, we performed a comparative transcriptomic analysis of S. frugiperda across ten developmental stages: egg, six larval instars (1–6), pupa, and adult (both female and male). We identified 56 gene families associated with insect immunity, with several exhibiting variable expression patterns across the developmental stages. Our findings provide new insights into the global gene expression landscape forming innate immune responses throughout development and between sexes in S. frugiperda. These results help explain the disparate innate immune responses of different developmental stages and provides clues for devising more effective pest control strategies.
ZmEMF1a is required for the maintainence of H2Aub and H3K27me3 modifications in maize kernel development
Authors: Zhou Yueheng , Li Jianrui , Li Yingshuang , Li Xiaojie , Wang Chunlei , Li Tong , Chen Jian , Song Weibin , Lai Jinsheng , Zhao Haiming , Yang Zhijia
Published: October 2024

Polycomb group (PcG) proteins can silence gene expression by modifying histones, such as H2Aub and H3K27me3, which is crucial for maintaining cell type and tissue-specific gene expression patterns. However, little is known about the impact of gene regulation by PcG proteins through H2Aub and H3K27me3 during maize kernel development.Here, we characterized a maize miniature seed mutant mn8, and map-based cloning revealed that Mn8 encodes a plant specific PcG protein, ZmEMF1a. Mutation in ZmEMF1a leads to significantly reduced kernel size and weight. Molecular analyses showed that ZmEMF1ainteracts with PRC1 component ZmRING1 and PRC2 subunit ZmMSI1, which is required for H2Aub and H3K27me3 establishment. ZmEMF1a deficiency causes significant reduced levels of H2Aub and H3K27me3 in the genome. The combined analysis of ChIP-seq and RNA-seq data revealed that H2Aub is negatively correlated with gene expression in maize, unlike the positive association with expression of H2Aub in Arabidopsis. Compared with WT endosperms, elevated expressions of homology genes of cell proliferation repressors, such as DA1, BB1, ES22, MADS8 and MADS14, accompanied with decreases in H3K27me3 or H2Aub levels at these loci in mn8endosperms, indicating that lack of ZmEMF1a function impedes the deposition of H3K27me3 or H2Aub mark at cell division repressor genes. Taken together, our results show that ZmEMF1a plays a crucial role in regulating the expression of genes associated with maize kernel development through maintaining the modification levels of H2Aub and H3K27me3.
Enhanced Helmet Wearing Detection Using Improved YOLO Algorithm
Authors: Wu Liuai , Lu Nannan , Yao Xiaotong , Yang Yong
Published: October 2024

To address the accuracy limitations of existing safety helmet detection algorithms in complex environments, we propose an enhanced YOLOv8 algorithm, called YOLOv8-CSS. We introduce a Coordinate Attention (CA) mechanism in the backbone network to improve focus on safety helmet regions in complex backgrounds , suppress irrelevant feature interference, and enhance detection accuracy. We also incorporate the SEAM module to improve the detection and recognition of occluded objects, increasing robustness and accuracy. Additionally, we design a fine-neck structure to fuse features of different sizes from the backbone network, reducing model complexity while maintaining detection accuracy. Finally, we adopt the Wise-IoU loss function to optimize the training process, further enhancing detection accuracy. Experimental results show that YOLOv8-CSS significantly improves detection performance in general scenarios, complex backgrounds, and for distant small objects. YOLOv8-CSS improves precision, recall, mAP@0.5, and mAP@0.5:0.95 by 1.67%, 5.55%, 3.38%, and 5.87%, respectively , compared to YOLOv8n. Our algorithm also reduces model parameters by 21.25% and computational load by 15.89%. Comparisons with other mainstream object detection algorithms validate our approach’s effectiveness and superiority.
Influence of Water Vapor and Local Gas Velocity on the Oxidation Kinetics of In625 at 900 °C: Experimental Study and CFD Gas Phase Simulation
Authors: Duthoit Guillaume , Put Aurélie Vande , Caussat Brigitte , Vergnes Hugues , Monceau Daniel
Published: October 2024

The effect of water vapor content on the oxidation behavior of In625 at 900°C in synthetic air was reported. The higher the water vapor content, the greater the oxidation and volatilization rates were. Increasing the water vapor content led to an increase in the proportion of spinel and rutile-type oxides in the oxide scale compared to chromia, and the proportion of Al-rich oxides within the alloy. A kp-kv mass variation model was used to quantify the experimental results, and Fluent Ansys® CFD simulations of the gas phase were used to predict volatilization rates. CFD simulations were used to calculate local gas velocity, temperature and composition along with local volatilization rates at each point on the sample surface. It was possible to explain not only the variations in volatilization between upstream and downstream samples, but also the increased volatilization at sample corners. For longer durations, it was shown experimentally that the rate of volatilization decreases. This was explained by the enrichment of the oxide scale with spinel and rutile-type oxides.
Exposure to a glyphosate-based herbicide does not alter maternal care and offspring quality in the European earwig
Authors: Pasquier Laura , Groutsch Julie , Verger Maïlys , Wallart Violette , Meunier Joël , Lécureuil Charlotte
Published: October 2024

Sublethal exposure to pesticides can affect the reproduction and population dynamics of many non-target organisms, such as insects. Among these pesticides, glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) were long thought to have no effect on insects because their active compounds can only affect plants and microorganisms. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that GBH can directly or indirectly alter a wide range of fitness-related traits in insects. In this study, we tested whether exposure to the GBH Roundup© affects maternal care behaviour and juvenile development, locomotion and immunity in the European earwig, an insect commonly found in vineyards and orchards. First, we exposed female earwigs to Roundup at concentrations ten times below, equal to and ten times above the normal application rate (NAR) and then measured the expression of maternal care in terms of egg collection, egg and juvenile care, and egg and juvenile defense. We also measured maternal self-grooming and locomotor activity, and the development time, weight and size of newly produced juveniles. In a second experiment, we exposed earwig juveniles to a control solution or to Roundup and then measured their locomotion, the expression of genes involved in their development (the juveniles hormone pathway), and their survival after exposure to a fungal pathogen. Overall, our results showed no significant effect of Roundup on any of the parameters measured. This finding suggests that direct exposure to a GBH may not necessarily induce behavioural, physiological and developmental alteration in this species. It also calls for future studies to explore the underlying mechanisms behind this apparent lack of sensibility. More generally, these results highlight the importance of assessing the impact of pesticide use and the factors driving potential resilience across a wide range of non-target organisms to ensure sustainable agricultural practices.
Evaluating the Impact of National Park Pilots on Carbon Emission Reduction: Evidence from a Quasi-Natural Experiment
Authors: Huang Jiashun , Wang Huiqing
Published: October 2024

The construction of national parks as a strategy for ecological protection and environmental governance has gained significant attention. To validate the impact of national parks on carbon alleviation, this study employs the staggered implementations of national parks as a quasi-natural experiment. Based on the difference-in-differences (DID) model, this study evaluates the impact of national park pilots on urban carbon emissions, with samples from 277 prefecture-level cities from 2010 to 2020. The results indicate that national park pilots significantly reduce carbon emissions, confirmed by a series of robustness checks. Further mechanism tests reveal that national park pilots contribute to reducing carbon emissions through expanding green spaces and curbing industrial activities. Additionally, heterogeneity analysis shows that certain types of cities experience more significant improvements in decreasing CO2 emissions after the establishment of national park pilots. This study provides new empirical evidence supporting the national parks’ role in environmental governance.
Residue-free wafer-scale direct imprinting of two-dimensional materials
Authors: Gao Weibo , Li Zhiwei , Liu Xiao , Shi Jiayu , Cai Xiangbin , Zhang Yan , Chen Wenduo , Jin Yuhao , Zhu Chao , Deng Ya , Liu Yanran , Wang Xiao , Cai Hongbing , Li Taotao , Liu Zheng
Published: October 2024

Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors hold great potential for next-generation electronics in extending Moore’s law beyond silicon. However, despite pioneering advances in proof-of-concept device demonstration and wafer-scale crystal synthesis, its industrialization will be hampered by the lack of a compatible residue-free patterning technology. To overcome this limitation, we demonstrate a facile metal-stamp imprinting method for patterning 2D film into wafer-scale arrays of intrinsic quality. The three-dimensional (3D) morphology of metal-stamp forms a local contact at stamp-2D interface, ensuring that the 2D material could be selectively exfoliated and leaving 2D arrays on grown substrate. Furthermore, detailed microscopy and spectroscopy characterizations are conducted to confirm their clean surface and undamaged crystal structure. A statistical analysis of the 100 back-gated transistors and 500 top-gated logic circuits shows a marked improvement in device uniformity (20 times lower variation of threshold voltage) than traditional method, and a high device yield of 97.6% on 2-inch wafer. This work achieves a residue-free, time-saving, and widely applicable patterning technique for 2D materials and lays the foundation for the future integration of 2D electronics in industry.
Two-photon absorption under few-photon irradiation for optical nanoprinting
Authors: Duan Xuan-Ming , Liang Zi-Xin , Zhao Yuan-Yuan , Chen Jing-Tao , Dong Xian-Zi , Jin Feng , Zheng Mei-Ling
Published: October 2024

Two-photon absorption (TPA) has been widely applied for 3D imaging and nanoprinting; however, the efficiency of TPA imaging and nanoprinting using laser scanning techniques is extremely low due to the trade-off shackle between resolution and efficiency. In this work, we unveil a novel concept, few-photon irradiated TPA (fpTPA), supported by a spatiotemporal model that describes the precise time-dependent mechanism of TPA under ultralow photon irradiance with a tightly focused femtosecond laser pulse. We demonstrate that a feature size of 26 nm (1/20 λ) and a pattern period of 0.41 λ with a laser wavelength of 517 nm can be achieved by performing two-photon digital optical projection nanolithography (TPDOPL) under few-photon irradiation using the in-situ digital multiple exposure (iDME) technique, improving printing efficiency by 5 orders of magnitude. Our work offers deeper insights into the TPA mechanism and encourages the exploration of new potential applications for TPA in nanoprinting and nanoimaging.
Feasibility and applicability of implementing the Framework for Comprehensive Understanding of Structural Stigma in Mental Healthcare Systems (FOCUS-MHS): A case example of Nepal
Authors: Gurung Dristy , Subedi Bhawana , Acharya Binita , Neupane Mani , Kohrt Brandon A. , Thornicroft Graham , Gronholm Petra C
Published: October 2024

Introduction
Mental health-related structural stigma is a multifaceted issue that significantly impacts access to quality mental healthcare, particularly in low-resource settings like Nepal. Therefore, there is a clear need to understand the complexities and identify gaps for targeted interventions through evaluations of various dimensions of structural stigma within healthcare systems. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and applicability of a mental health-related structural stigma measurement framework through its implementation in Nepal’s healthcare system.
Methods
A mixed-methods approach was employed, involving data mapping, key informant interviews, and rating exercises with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, health workers, and people with lived experience (PWLEs). A visual analogue scale or Red/Amber/Green (RAG) rating scale was used to rate each indicator within the framework for the level of structural stigma based on the mapped information and their experiences.
Results
Twenty key informants were interviewed for this exercise. Most indicators within the framework were endorsed as yellow, followed by red by participants referring to mid to high levels of structural stigma within the healthcare system. The findings also revealed that the stakeholders perceived the framework as acceptable and applicable for measuring mental health-related structural stigma in the healthcare system. However, challenges were noted regarding the clarity of some indicators, limitations of the 3-coloured visual analogue rating, and the need for comparator conditions.
Conclusion
The study underscores the measurement framework's value as a tool for identifying and addressing structural stigma in a mental healthcare system in a low-resource setting. Stakeholder engagement and contextual adaptation are crucial for its successful implementation. The insights gained can inform structural reforms and improve mental health service delivery, ultimately promoting greater equity and access for PWLEs.
Geological Characteristics of Chang’E-6 Landing Area in Micro-scale Unveiled by New Observation Data
Authors: Ren Xin , Yan Wei , Zeng Xingguo , Chen Wangli , Gao Xingye , Zuo Wei , Liu Bin , Zhang Zhoubin , Fu Qiang , Liu Jianjun , Li Chunlai
Published: October 2024

Chang'E-6 (CE-6) mission successfully achieved humanity's first sampling and returning from the farside of the moon. Here we developed a high-precision terrain dataset with millimeter-to-centimeter resolution near the CE-6 landing site comprehensively using multi-modal data. The precise location of the CE-6 landing site was determined to be (153.9776°W, 41.6251°S, -5273 m), and a micro-scale geological analysis of the landing area was conducted. Comparative analysis suggested that the surface exposure time of CE-6 landing area was likely between that of Chang'E-4 (CE-4) and Chang'E-5 (CE-5) landing areas. The surface of the CE-6 landing area was primarily covered by local mare materials excavated from a nearby crater approximately 50m in diameter (accounting for about40%). However, due to potential influence from younger ejecta, such as that from crater Chaffee S, its geological characteristics (e.g., surface roughness) are more closely aligned with those of the CE-5 landing area.
As Ferramentas de Análise de Texto de Livre Acesso são Capazes de Identificar a Escrita pela Inteligência Generativa em Manuscritos de Inteligência Artificial na Cefalometria?
Authors: Santos Leonardo de OLiveira , Trepiche Junior Adair , Mendonça Marcos Rogério de , Salzedas Leda Maria Pescinini , Alves Rezende Maria Cristina Rosifini , Takeshita Wilton Mitsunari
Published: October 2024

Introdução: Devido ao rápido desenvolvimento da inteligência artificial generativa, faz-se necessário o estudo acerca da possibilidade de detecção deste tipo de escrita. Para tanto, têm-se as ferramentas de detecção de escrita pela inteligência generativa, que realizam a leitura de documentos e buscam identificar padrões de escrita referentes a inteligência artificial generativa. Objetivo: Avaliar a capacidade das ferramentas de análise de texto de livre acesso de identificar a escrita pela inteligência artificial generativa em manuscritos de inteligência artificial na cefalometria. Materiais e métodos: Com o objetivo de responder ao questionamento: “As ferramentas de análise de texto de livre acesso são capazes de identificar a escrita pela inteligência generativa em manuscritos de inteligência artificial na cefalometria?” Foi realizada uma busca na plataforma de pesquisa Pubmed, e utilizada a estratégia PICOS. Com isso, foram selecionados 62 manuscritos. O processo de análise da escrita pela inteligência generativa foi avaliado por duas ferramentas de detecção de escrita por inteligência generativa de livre acesso: o ZeroGPT e Contentdetector.ai. Os resultados foram tabulados em planilha. As análises foram realizadas no programa IBM SPSS22.0 statistical software. Resultados: Nas análises das diferentes ferramentas de detecção não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas comparando os diferentes anos. Na comparação entre as duas ferramentas de detecção, houve diferença estatisticamente significativa. Com valores médios percentuais de detecção maiores que 26% para a ferramenta ContentDetector.ai. Conclusão: As ferramentas de detecção de escrita utilizadas não foram capazes de detectar corretamente, nem entrar em concordância entre si acerca do uso de inteligência generativa na escrita dos manuscritos.
CRYPTOCURRENCIES: ECONOMIC IMPACT AND REGULATORY CHALLENGES
Authors: Aarushi Dave
Published: October 2024

The rise of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, has stimulated international discussions over how the banking system will look in the future, especially by showing its important connection to issues of bank stability, interest rates, and monetary policy. This research paper delves into the numerous ways that cryptocurrencies affect the traditional financial ecosystem, basing its findings on central studies investigating their economic, legal, and environmental implications. The paper explores the potential for cryptocurrencies to disrupt conventional banking systems, monetary policies, and regulatory structures through an analysis of the challenges and opportunities posed by decentralization. Also, it looks at cryptocurrency mining from an environmental perspective, paying attention to sustainable practices and technological advancements required to minimize ecological outcomes. This study comprehensively examines how digital currencies intersect with traditional financial systems, among which some insights are given as regards to coexistence of different types of money in current monetary frameworks that may lead to more inclusive finance systems having higher efficiency levels as well as stability. Finally, it stresses that while benefiting from them on one side, there is also a need for an equilibrium approach that addresses the risks inherent in these currencies together with their surroundings.
LOW FREQUENCY DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF AGRICULTURE SOIL CONTAMINATED BY POTASH CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS
Authors: A. S. Biraris  , P. R. Chaudhari
Published: October 2024

Present paper investigates the impact of potash (KCl) contamination on the low-frequency (100 Hz - 1 MHz) dielectric properties of agricultural soil from the western Dhule district, India. Soil samples were spiked with varied KCl concentrations (0, 5, 10, and 20 mg) and analyzed using an LCR meter to measure  dielectric constant, impedance, dielectric loss, and admittance. Results demonstrate a proportional increase in dielectric constant with increasing KCl concentration, indicating enhanced polarization within the soil matrix. Conversely, impedance and admittance displayed opposite trends, with impedance decreasing and admittance increasing as KCl concentration rose. Dielectric loss also exhibited a positive correlation with KCl content. This comprehensive investigation sheds light on the dynamic interplay between soil composition and dielectric properties under varying potash concentrations, contributing valuable insights to agricultural and environmental sciences.
BOOK REVIEW: CURIOSITY TEXTBOOK OF SCIENCE FOR GRADE VI (ISBN: 978-93-5007-225-7)
Authors: Dheeraj Kumar  , Dr. Rajesh Kumar Nimesh
Published: October 2024

BOOK REVIEW: CURIOSITY TEXTBOOK OF SCIENCE FOR GRADE VI (ISBN: 978-93-5007-225-7)