bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
QUANTIFYING THE SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL VARIABILITY OF CARBON-BIASED TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS AND ITS DRIVING FACTORS IN CHINA
Authors: PENG JIACHAO , CHEN HANFEI , FU SHUKE , TIAN JIALI
Published: August 2024

The carbon resource’s role in guiding energy conservation and emission reduction through technological progress has become a focal point in theoretical research and policy discussions. By introducing carbon resource as a production factor into the transcendental logarithmic function, this study comprehensively employs statistical methods and GeoDetector to investigate carbon-biased technological progress in China from 2010 to 2020. The findings reveal an overall U-shaped trend in carbon-biased technological progress. As technology advances, the high-level areas of DLC and DKC shift toward the inland northwest, and each region’s carbon-biased technological progress is demarcated by the Heihe–Tengchong Line, exhibiting higher levels in the northwest and lower levels in the southeast. The spatial variation of carbon-biased technological progress is influenced by multiple factors, with the level of economic development playing a dominant role in the earlier period and the role of R&D investment becoming more significant in the later stage. In-depth research on carbon-biased technological progress is of great significance for optimizing carbon factor market allocation and achieving sustainable green economic development in China.
THE IMPACT OF INSTITUTIONAL DISTANCE ON FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN RENEWABLE ENERGY
Authors: OUYANG SHANSHAN , LI YANXI
Published: August 2024

The importance of foreign direct investment (FDI) for the development of renewable energy (RE) in developing countries has been increasingly recognized. Preceding studies have tried to explain the determinants of RE investments mainly by looking at the effects of the institutional and macroeconomic factors, whereas factors of distance between two countries have not received extensive attention. In this study, based on the concepts of North’s ( 1990 ) institutional economics, we investigate the effect of formal and informal institutional distance on RE investments from developed countries to developing countries. Additionally, we study how RE policies issued by developing countries moderate the effects of institutional distance. Using data of RE investments from 2009 to 2018, we find that distance in both formal and informal institutions significantly reduce the RE investments. In addition, RE policies moderate the effects of institutional distance: the negative relationships between institutional distance and RE investments will be alleviated when developing countries promulgate more RE policies. These findings have important implications for promoting RE development in developing countries.
Behavioral swarms: A mathematical theory toward swarm intelligence
Authors: Bellomo Nicola , Ha Seung-Yeal , Liao Jie , Yoon Wook
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a mathematical theory of behavioral swarms, where the state of interacting entities, which are called active particles, includes in addition to position and velocity, an internal variable, called activity, which has the ability to interact with mechanical variables thus affecting the interaction rules. In turn, the mechanical variables can modify the dynamics of activity variable. This approach is useful for describing the dynamics of living systems with a finite number of interacting entities. This paper provides a general conceptual framework that extends the pioneering work [N. Bellomo, S.-Y. Ha and N. Outada, Towards a mathematical theory of behavioral swarms, ESAIM[Formula: see text] Control Theory Var. Calculus 26 (2020) 125, https:/[Formula: see text]/doi.org/10.1051/cocv/2020071]. The theory is firstly developed for the constant number of active particles. Then, it is considered for the case of particles tending to infinity. This theory is useful for describing the dynamics of living systems. Therefore, it provides the conceptual basis for developing a mathematical theory of behavioral swarms, which naturally lead to the study of a theory of swarm intelligence. A study of the dynamics of swarms shows how the theory can be applied to real world collective dynamics.
All for Winning the Next War: The Socio-Political and Technological Attributes of PLA Modernization through Continuing Force Transformation
Authors: YOU JI
Published: August 2024

Military modernization is a complicated process of force building by which a nation fulfills its defense requirements. Professionally, it is measured by the sophistication of the combat capabilities of a country’s armed forces as defined by the effectiveness of strategies and doctrines, commanding heights, soldier training, organization and structure, and the jointness of services and weapons systems. Technological progress is a primary driver for a military to modernize through transformation. More broadly, military modernization is an integral component of a country’s overall modernization, either facilitating or obstructing its socio-political, economic, and technological development. Military modernization is also affected by the nature of a country’s political system, as it determines the relations between civilian leaders and the top brass, the status of the military in society, and the internal shape of the organization, i.e., officer corruption and force cohesiveness. Yet, whether the system of state governance decisively impacts the patterns and pace of military modernization is a subject of debate. As discussed in detail in this paper, one-party rule is a specific political structure that can affect military modernization either positively or negatively. Positively as in the case of China, systemic factors such as the undisrupted CPC control of the military, concentrated inputs of resources into force building, and targeted capability acquisition contribute to the modernization of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) as a beneficiary of one-party rule. Negatively, one party-rule may disrupt military/society interactions and is prone to structural corruption, undermining the quality of military modernization.
Large Deflection of a Single-Phase-Lag Non-Simple Hygrothermoelastic Elliptic Plate Under Heat-Moisture Load
Authors: Sheikh Shahala , Khalsa Lalsingh , Lute Pranjali , Varghese Vinod
Published: August 2024

A novel mathematical model in hygrothermoelastic theory has developed to describe heat and moisture distribution in a nonsimple medium. The model incorporates non-Fourier and non-Fick laws using a single phase-lag model to establish a relation between hygrothermoelasticity and unstable conduction processes. The model is applied to an ellipse-shaped composite material subjected to humid-heat loading. The Laplace and Mathieu integral transform was employed to obtain an exact solution of linearly coupled partial differential equations in an elliptical coordinate system. The Gaver–Stehfest algorithm is utilized for the inversion of Laplace functions. Berger’s approximation equation was employed to simplify the calculation of significant deformations for elliptic plates. The model also provides quantitative results for the composition of T300/5208, which consists of epoxy resin reinforced with graphite fibers. The hygrothermal behaviors due to the single-phase-lag time, geometry dimensions, material type, and the two temperatures are explored. The results reveal that nonclassical theories with single-phase-lag time and two-temperature have significant influences on the hygrothermoelastic behaviors in elliptic-shaped objects. The investigation can be effectually led using micro- and nano-elliptic shape resonators in future research.
Cubic Soft Matrices with Some New Operations and Applications
Authors: Khan Madad , Khan Saqib , Zeeshan Muhammad , Hila Kostaq , Anis Saima
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we introduce cubic soft matrices and define some new operations on these matrices. Moreover, we develop a cubic soft decision-making model based on the cubic soft matrices and apply it to a decision-making problem.
Filter Theory in Pre-Ordered Residuated Systems Using Intuitionistic Fuzzy Points
Authors: Öztürk Mehmet Ali , Yılmaz Damla , Jun Young Bae
Published: August 2024

Using the notion of intuitionistic fuzzy points, the concept of intuitionistic fuzzy filters and [Formula: see text]-intuitionistic fuzzy filters in pre-ordered residuated systems are introduced, and several related properties are investigated. Characterizations of intuitionistic fuzzy filters and [Formula: see text]-intuitionistic fuzzy filters are studied. By forming sub-structures called intuitionistic level set, intuitionistic [Formula: see text]-set, intuitionistic [Formula: see text]-set, and [Formula: see text]-set, the conditions under which they can be filters will be tracked.
Investigation on Waveguide and Directional Transmission Properties of a Tunable Liquid–Solid Phononic Crystal Based on Rotation of Scatterer
Authors: Wang Kai , Yin Jia-Hao , Cao Lu , Guo Peng-Yu , Fan Guang-Teng , Qin Jiang-Yi , Yang Shuai
Published: August 2024

This study presents a tunable phononic crystal (PnC) composed of liquid–solid components, demonstrating adjustable waveguiding and directional transmission capabilities through the rotation of embedded scatterers. A two-dimensional model featuring grooved steel rods in water is analyzed using finite element simulations to evaluate band structures and transmission spectra. To achieve the widest full band gap, a genetic algorithm is integrated to optimize the structural parameters. By examining a supercell with a central defect, wave localization is achieved, facilitating tunable waveguide formation. Analysis of equifrequency contours reveals that, at a scatterer rotation angle of [Formula: see text], the structure enables directional transmission, with wave propagation preferentially aligned with specific crystal axes. This work pioneers a new strategy for designing tunable acoustic metamaterials with applications in advanced waveguiding and directed acoustic manipulation technologies.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Graphene Nanoplatelet-Based Nanofibers for Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Joshi Yogesh G. , Haque Mahelaqua A. , Gupta Vinit , Dehury Ranjit Kumar , Rashid Abira
Published: August 2024

The recent progress in nanofiber research has demonstrated the potential for improving the physical properties of materials through the integration of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP). This study involves the synthesis and characterization of novel GNP-infused polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) electrospun nanofibers. The required precursor solution was prepared using dimethylformamide (DMF) as a solvent, and that included 1.5[Formula: see text]wt.% concentrations of GNP with 20 wt.% of PVP in 10[Formula: see text]mL of DMF solution. The investigation using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed the morphology of the fibers with the distribution of graphene nanoplatelets. The zeta potential analysis demonstrates that the GNP/PVP nanofibers exhibit significant stability across a wide pH range, particularly in highly acidic and basic conditions. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis showed exceptional thermal stability, with minimal weight loss until 300–400[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]C. The degradation of the PVP matrix was observed beyond 400[Formula: see text]C. The results of the study show that GNP/PVP nanofibers have significant potential for specific applications in thermal management and energy storage under controlled temperature conditions.
Carbon-based Nanomaterials as Multifunctional Particles for Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Ahmed Naveed , Abusalah Mai Abdel Haleem A. , Absar Muhammad , Noor Muhammad Sajid , Bukhari Bakhtawar , Anjum Saira Ali , Singh Kirnpal Kaur Banga , Yean Chan Yean
Published: August 2024

Carbon-based nanomaterials (NMs) are a specific class of materials used in biomedical applications, such as the delivery of therapeutics, biomedical imaging, biosensors, tissue engineering, and genetic engineering. Carbon-based NMs are interesting tools with specific qualities, including strong mechanical structure, good conductivity, appealing visual qualities and great chemical versatility. Among these carbon-based NMs, graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are of great biological importance. In this paper, we discuss about graphene, CNTs, fullerene and carbon quantum dots (CQDs), the structure, properties, toxicity, mechanism of action and applications in cancer treatment and diagnosis. Graphene, fullerene, CNTs and CQDs are allotropic forms of carbon. The circle of biomedical engineering is increasing daily, and in recent years, carbon-based NMs have played a vital role as biomaterials. Carbon-based NMs attracted the attention of a wide range of researchers due to their multifunctional properties. In this paper, we discuss the function of carbon-based NMs in the detection and treatment of cancer and explore their role in controlling tumor-causing cells and damaging cancer-causing cells. If we use their derivatives as a source for cancer treatment and diagnosis, we can cease tumor growth to a tremendous level.
Formation Control with Feedback Nash Strategy for Multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Unknown Environments
Authors: Xue Wenyan , Huang Jie , Li Zeyi , Xin Bin
Published: August 2024

In the paper, the formation control problem in unknown environments for networked multi-unmanned aerial vehicle systems (UAVSs) is resolved under a nonlinear differential game (NL-DDG) framework. The main challenge of this framework is how to obtain feedback Nash strategies, which typically overly rely on global information and cannot ensure the existence of Nash strategies in unknown environments. Toward this goal, we initially design collision avoidance rules to ensure the safety of each UAV. Subsequently, we utilize an inverse optimal control method to construct the NL-DDG that incorporates both formation control and collision avoidance costs, enabling the derivation of analytical forms of Nash strategies relying solely on local information and minimizing performance metrics. In addition, the existence of feedback Nash strategy can be guaranteed with an undirected and connected information topology, which represents the optimality for the UAVSs. Moreover, we analyze the stability of the closed-loop system. Finally, the simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Integrated Localization Method for a Ground-Aerial Robotic System in Warehouse Inventory Scenarios
Authors: Yang Ruilan , Qi Yuhua , Pan Chong , Wang Jinbo , Li Xiong , Chen Hongbo , Jin Ren
Published: August 2024

In this study, we designed a ground-aerial robotic system for the warehouse inventory. The system fully exploits the advantages of UAV and UGV, giving it a stronger competitive edge than previous solutions. The sensors and hardwares used in this system also have modest requirements for computational resources and electrical power, which allows for long-term inventory. An integrated localization framework is established to achieve an accurate localization of this system. We proposed a LiDAR-Inertial Odometry and a target-based relative localization method to provide accurate pose estimation for the entire system. We conducted a series of tests using motion-capture cameras to validate the accuracy and robustness of the ground-aerial robotic system. In addition, we constructed inventory tasks in a real warehouse to demonstrate the effectiveness of our system. The experimental results confirm that the proposed system achieves comparable working efficiency and localization accuracy in the warehouse inventory.
Wettability of Quartz Sandstone in Contact with Supercritical CO2 and Aqueous Solutions — Novel Insights from Updated DLVO Model
Authors: Vinogradov Jan
Published: August 2024

CO2 geological storage (CGS) is suggested to be one of the most promising technologies to sequester anthropogenic CO2 to mitigate climate change. However, implementation of the method is still challenging due to lack of fundamental understanding of controls of wettability, which is responsible for residual trapping of the gas and its flow dynamics. Thermodynamics of wettability is described by a modified Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek (DLVO) theory, which is expanded to include the structural forces. However, due to lack of experimental data the model could not be accurately used for CGS systems, and previously published papers invoked multiple assumptions and used input parameters with a broad range of variation and sometimes contrasting values. In this study, all available data at CGS conditions were collated, the model was adjusted accordingly, a rigorous sensitivity analysis was performed and the produced results were compared against available experimental data. Furthermore, for the first the model was updated using recently published new insights into critical interfacial properties, thus improving our understanding of the CGS process. The modelled results helped in explaining the observations and shed light on physical mechanisms responsible for wettability variation within the range of tested parameters.
Hypothetical Answers to Continuous Queries Over Data Streams
Authors: Cruz-Filipe Luís , Gaspar Graça , Nunes Isabel
Published: August 2024

Answers to continuous queries over data streams are often delayed until some relevant input arrives through the data stream. These delays may turn answers when they arrive, obsolete to users who sometimes have to make decisions with no help whatsoever. Therefore, it can be useful to provide hypothetical answers—“given the current information, it is possible that

\(X\)

will become true at time

\(t\)

”—instead of no information at all.

In this work, we present a semantics for queries and corresponding answers that cover such hypothetical answers, together with an incremental online algorithm for updating the set of facts that are consistent with the currently available information. Our framework also works in a language supporting negation.
Classifying Presence Scores: Insights and Analysis from Two Decades of the Igroup Presence Questionnaire (IPQ)
Authors: Tran Tanh Quang , Langlotz Tobias , Young Jacob , Schubert Thomas W , Regenbrecht Holger
Published: August 2024

Presence, or the experience of being present in a computer-generated environment, is a defining element of virtual reality. While there are different methodologies to measure presence, questionnaires remain the most popular, particularly the Igroup Presence Questionnaire (IPQ). In this paper, we analyse the results of over 20 years of IPQ usage to develop a new comparative means of reporting presence scores and comparing them across existing and future work. We additionally report on correct and problematic usage of the questionnaire and, through this, present guidelines on how to administer the IPQ in future to aid further analysis. Finally, we present a new web-based tool to streamline the analysis and reporting of IPQ results, which we hope will facilitate more standardised usage of the questionnaire in future research.
Smooth approximations: An algebraic approach to CSPs over finitely bounded homogeneous structures
Authors: Mottet Antoine , Pinsker Michael
Published: August 2024

We introduce the novel machinery of smooth approximations to provide a systematic algebraic approach to the complexity of CSPs over finitely bounded homogeneous structures. We apply smooth approximations to confirm the CSP dichotomy conjecture for first-order reducts of the random tournament and to give new short proofs of the conjecture for various homogeneous graphs including the random graph (STOC’11, ICALP’16, JACM 2015, SICOMP 2019), and for expansions of the order of the rationals (STOC’08, JACM 2009). Apart from obtaining these dichotomy results, we show how our new proof technique allows one to unify and significantly simplify the previous results from the literature. For all but the last structure, we moreover characterize for the first time those CSPs that are solvable by local consistency methods, again using the same machinery.
A Complete Finite Axiomatisation of the Equational Theory of Common Meadows
Authors: Bergstra Jan A. , Tucker John V.
Published: August 2024

We analyse abstract data types that model numerical structures with a concept of error. Specifically, we focus on arithmetic data types that contain an error value

\(\bot\)

whose main purpose is to always return a value for division. To rings and fields, we add a division operator

\(x/y\)

and study a class of algebras called
common meadows
wherein

\(x/0=\bot\)

. The set of equations true in all common meadows is named the
equational theory of common meadows
. We give a finite equational axiomatisation of the equational theory of common meadows and prove that it is complete and that the equational theory is decidable.
GraphService: Topology-aware Constructor for Large-scale Graph Applications
Authors: Gan Xinbiao
Published: August 2024

Graph-based services are becoming integrated into everyday life through graph applications and graph learning systems. While traditional graph processing approaches boast excellent throughput with millisecond-level processing time, the construction phase before executing kernel graph operators (e.g., BFS, SSSP) can take up to tens of hours, severely impacting the quality of graph service. Is it feasible to develop a fast graph constructor that can complete the construction process within minutes, or even seconds?

This paper aims to answer this question. We present
GraphService
, a flexible and efficient graph constructor for fast graph applications. To facilitate graph applications with better service, we equip
GraphService
with a hierarchy-aware graph partitioner based on communication topology, as well as a graph topology-aware compression by exploiting a huge number of identical-degree vertices within graph topology. Our evaluation, performed on a range of graph operations and datasets, shows that
GraphService
significantly reduces communication cost by three orders of magnitude improvement to construct a graph. Furthermore, we tailor
GraphService
for downstream graph tasks and deploy it on a production supercomputer using 79,024 computing nodes, achieving a remarkable graph processing throughput that outperforms the top-ranked supercomputer on the latest Graph500 list, with construction time reduced by orders of magnitude.
Global Fixed‐Time Stability of General Stochastic Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Fang Liandi , Zhu Daohong , Long Zhenzhen
Published: August 2024

In this article, the fixed‐time stabilization issue is investigated for a kind of general p‐norm stochastic nonlinear systems. The feature of the considered systems is that all powers are any positive rational numbers, which means this type of systems includes many previously considered systems. Firstly, a higher accurate upper bounded estimation of settling time is given by applying an ingenious variable transformation and the definition of Gamma function, thereby obtaining an improved stochastic fixed‐time stability theorem. Then a continuous state‐feedback controller is designed for the general p‐norm stochastic systems by using the adding a power integrator method, and the designed controller is proved to ensure the fixed‐time stability of the considered systems in light of stochastic fixed‐time stability theorem. Finally, numerical simulation results of fixed‐time stabilizer and finite‐time stabilizer indicate the effectiveness of the developed scheme.
Potential Health Risks for Long‐Term Stays in Underground Parking Garages: Implications of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Surface Dust
Authors: Ge Shiji , Jiao Zhiqiang , Gao Chenyang , Zaib Muhammad , Ruan Xinling , Wang Yangyang
Published: August 2024

Surface dust in urban environments is an important carrier and potential source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). However, information regarding PAHs in underground parking garage (UPG) surface dust is still limited. In the present study, a total of 30 surface dust samples were collected from UPGs in apartment communities to assess the content, potential health risks to residents and sources of PAHs. The results showed that the total PAH content in the surface dust in the UPGs ranged from 636.27 to 25448.62 μg/kg, with a mean content of 4097.73 μg/kg. The distribution pattern of PAHs based on ring number exhibited the following order: 2–3 > 5–6 > 4 rings. All these surface dust samples were contaminated with PAHs, and 80% were heavily contaminated (ΣPAH > 1000 μg/kg). Health risk assessment revealed that the mean total carcinogenic risk (TCR) for children and adults was 1.33 × 10−6 and 1.01 × 10−6, respectively, indicating that residents suffered acceptable carcinogenic risk. The diagnostic ratios and positive matrix factorization results indicate that pyrogenesis was the primary source of PAHs in UPG surface dust, with diesel combustion, gasoline combustion, vehicular emission, and coal combustion contributing 8.2%, 42.8%, 27.9%, and 21.1%, respectively. These results indicate that effective measures should be implemented to protect local workers and residents from carcinogenic effects.
LncRNA H19 Promotes Gastric Cancer Metastasis via miR‐148‐3p/SOX‐12 Axis
Authors: Zhang Xin , Wang Ge , Li Xiaoru , Liu Yanqing , Wu Xue , Zhou Yazhe , Liu Jie , Wang Haiying , Jiao Rui , Chen Ying , Wang Qiang
Published: August 2024

Background. Gastric cancer (GC) is the most common malignant tumor and ranks third in the world. LncRNA H19 (H19), one of the members of lncRNA, is overexpressed in various tumors. However, many undetermined molecular mechanisms by which H19 promotes GC progression still need to be further investigated. Methodology. A series of experiments was used to confirm the undetermined molecular mechanism including wound healing and transwell assays. Key Results. In this study, a significant upregulation of H19 expression was detected in GC cells and tissues. The poor overall survival was observed in GC patient with high H19 expression. Overexpression of H19 promoted the migration of GC cells, while knockdown of H19 significantly inhibited cell migration. Moreover, miR‐148a‐3p had a certain negative correlation with H19. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed that H19 could directly bind to miR‐148a‐3p. As expected, miR‐148a mimics inhibited cell migration and invasion induced by H19 overexpression. The above findings proved that H19 functions as a miRNA sponge and verified that miR‐148a‐3p is the H19‐associated miRNA in GC. We also confirmed that SOX‐12 expression was upregulated in GC patient’s samples. SOX‐12 expression was positively correlated with expression of H19 and was able to directly bind to miR‐148a‐3p. Importantly, in vitro wound healing assay showed that knockout of SOX‐12 could reverse the promoting effect of H19 overexpression on cell migration. Conclusion. In conclusion, H19 has certain application value in the diagnosis and prognosis of GC. Specifically, H19 accelerates GCs to migration and metastasis by miR‐138a‐3p/SOX‐12 axis.
Risk Indicators of Peri‐Implant Diseases in Public and Private Clinics: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Kadkhodazadeh Mahdi , Amid Reza , Amirinasab Omid , Amirbandeh Omid , Moscowchi Anahita
Published: August 2024

Background and Objective. The success of implant treatment may be compromised by peri‐implant diseases. It would be advantageous to identify the factors that could make implants more susceptible to these conditions in order to prevent and manage peri‐implant diseases. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of peri‐implantitis, peri‐implant mucositis, and their potential risk indicators. Methods. Patients examined during postloading maintenance visits were included in this study. The presence of peri‐implant mucositis, peri‐implantitis and several patient‐ and implant‐related independent variables was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using the logistic regression analysis. The odds ratios (OR) of the potential association between each variable and the occurrence of peri‐implant diseases were evaluated. Results. Among the 114 participants with 403 implants, peri‐implantitis was found in at least one implant of nine individuals (7.89%), and a total of 13 implants were affected by peri‐implantitis (3.22%). The univariate regression analysis revealed a statistically significant association between arch (OR = 4.81; 95% CI = 1.27–31.36) and soft tissue thickness (OR = 4.07; 95% CI = 1.33–13.73) with the occurrence of peri‐implantitis. The multivariate analysis confirmed the significant impact of soft tissue thickness (OR = 3.60; 95% CI = 1.16–12.24). Conclusion. The occurrence of peri‐implant diseases can be influenced by various factors. However, in order to accurately identify risk indicators, it is necessary to conduct long‐term prospective studies.
Indoor Radon Monitoring in Building Types of a Periurban Area in Cape Coast Metropolis, Southern Ghana
Authors: Hood Christiana Odumah , Miyittah Michael K. , Odame-Ankrah Charles A. , Abaidoo Keren , Tulasi Delali , Ampontuah Ruth Serwaah , Adotey Dennis Kpakpo , Opoku-Ntim Irene
Published: August 2024

Radon is a source of ionizing radiation that shows a carcinogenic potential. Thus, tracking radon exposure levels in the environment and managing exposure conditions is necessary for reducing the hazards such as lung cancer, which is known to be the second largest impact of radon on humans worldwide. A LR‐115 Type II strippable detector for monitoring radon radiation was installed in 30 mud and 26 block houses in the periurban (Duakor) areas in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Central Region, for 3 months to determine the exposure levels. The results showed that block houses (n = 26) had a radon ionization concentration in a range of 125–356 Bq m−3 and mean of 221 ± 61.4 Bq m−3, which was significantly higher than that of mud houses (n = 30), which ranged from 50.8 to 349 Bq m−3, with a mean of 186 ± 13.3 Bq m−3. About 80% and 10% of both types of houses showed levels that were above WHO’s lower (100 Bq m−3) and upper (300 Bq m−3) limits of the annual residential guidelines. Moreover, over 70% of both building types showed annual effective doses of indoor radon levels that were within the action levels (3–10 mSv year−1). The data shows that the occupants have lived in their apartments for more than 10 years, while only about 3.0% have ever received some education on radon. Additional steps to manage indoor radon exposure in the community to avoid lung cancer are necessary.
Investigating the Prognostic and Oncogenic Roles of Membrane‐Associated Ring‐CH‐Type Finger 9 in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhang Jiayan , Jiao Qinghan , Chen Zhigang
Published: August 2024

Backgroundsand Aims. Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents a major global health challenge, necessitating comprehensive investigations into its underlying molecular mechanisms to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. This study focuses on elucidating the oncogenic role of Membrane‐Associated Ring‐CH‐Type Finger 9 (MARCHF9), a RING‐Type E3 ubiquitin transferase, in CRC. We aim to assess MARCHF9’s clinical significance, functional impact on CRC progression, and its potential as a prognostic biomarker. Methods. We leveraged data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort to evaluate MARCHF9 expression profiles in CRC. In vitro experiments involved siRNA‐mediated MARCHF9 knockdown in COAD cell lines (SW480 and LoVo). Cell proliferation and invasion assays were conducted to investigate MARCHF9’s functional relevance. Survival analyses were performed to assess its prognostic role. Results. Our analysis revealed significantly elevated MARCHF9 expression in CRC tissues compared to normal colorectal tissues (P < 0.05). High MARCHF9 expression correlated with advanced clinical stages, distant metastases, and the presence of residual tumors in CRC patients. Survival analyses demonstrated that high MARCHF9 expression predicted unfavorable overall and disease‐free survival outcomes (P < 0.05). In vitro experiments further supported its oncogenic potential, with MARCHF9 knockdown inhibiting COAD cell proliferation and invasion. Conclusions. This study unveils the oncogenic role of MARCHF9 in CRC, highlighting its clinical relevance as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target. MARCHF9’s association with adverse clinicopathological features and its functional impact on cancer cell behavior underscore its significance in CRC progression. Further research is essential to elucidate precise mechanisms by which MARCHF9 enhances tumorigenesis and to explore its therapeutic potential in CRC management.
Downstream Processing of Crude Ultrasound‐Extracted Pectin From Saba Banana (Musa acuminata x balbisiana (BBB Group) “Saba”) Peel
Authors: Rodulfo Rachel S. , Castillo-Israel Katherine Ann T. , Gaban Prince Joseph V. , Ilano Ma. Cristina R. , Benedicto Joshua B. , Badua Mark Anthony A. , Rivadeneira Joel P.
Published: August 2024

Ultrasound‐assisted extraction of pectin from Saba banana (Musa acuminata x balbisiana (BBB Group) “Saba”) peels produced crude pectin that requires further purification. Two downstream processes (alcohol washing (AW) and acid demethylation (AD)) were compared. AW involved gelatinous precipitate washing with 85% alcohol and pressing to squeeze out liquids, while AD involved a sequential AW of the dried pectin with 60% acidified alcohol, and 60% and 95% alcohol solutions. Results showed that both methods produced low methoxyl pectins with similar color, yield, and moisture content, with no significant (p > 0.05) differences observed. AD, however, produced pectin with better quality in terms of ash content and anhydrouronic acid (AUA) content relative to the control. Fourier transform infrared spectra revealed that the samples contain ‐OH, C‐H, COO−, COO, and C‐O groups, but only AD has COO‐R due to structural modification. Overall, AD has the potential to improve the quality of crude ultrasound‐extracted pectin from Saba banana peels. Yet, pre‐extraction processing methods are necessary to meet FAO color standards for pectin.
A Mother Gets Custody: The Legal Background to Genesis 21:14-21
Authors: Landman Yael
Published: August 2024

This article adopts a law and literature approach toward Genesis 21:14-21, focused on the legal themes within the narrative and how these themes shape the story. Genesis 21:14-21 records the expulsion of Hagar and her son from Abraham’s home. I identify multiple legal idioms and terms within this unit and argue that the narrative uses legal terminology in order to depict the child’s expulsion specifically as a transfer of custody from his father to his mother. In her marginalization from Abraham’s home, Hagar also gains legal rights, and this article examines these shifts in power from a law and literature perspective in order to interrogate Hagar’s parental rights within the biblical text and to demonstrate how they function within the ancestral narrative as a means of formalizing the rupture in Abraham’s household.
Morphological and genetic evidence of hybridisation between Mauremys mutica (Cantor, 1842) and Mauremys leprosa (Schweigger, 1812) in northeast Spain
Authors: Escoriza Daniel , Poch Santiago , Jablonski Daniel , Martinez-Silvestre Albert , Soler Joaquim , Donaire-Barroso David , Piris Alberto
Published: August 2024

Invasive species are one of the leading causes of biodiversity loss. During demographic monitoring of native turtle species in northeast Spain, we captured several alien species of semi-aquatic turtles, including Mauremys mutica. Among them, four individuals of this latter species showed external characteristics that were not fully consistent with the diagnosis of this species. These individuals showed a smaller postocular stripe and 2-3 lateral cervical lines and the typical plastral pattern observed in Mauremys leprosa. The analysis of mitochondrial DNA indicated that the maternal lineage was unequivocally M. mutica (pure or hybrid), but nuclear DNA revealed a heterozygote position at the C-mos gene, matching sequences for this gene in GenBank from both M. leprosa and M. mutica. These results highlight the negative impact of alien turtles, which can genetically contaminate vulnerable native turtle populations.
Frans de Waal’s lasting legacy: inspiring a new generation of animal behaviour scholars
Authors: Benítez Marcela Eugenia , Roth Tom Simon
Published: August 2024

The passing of Frans de Waal marked a significant loss for the field of animal behaviour and cognition. His groundbreaking scientific work transformed our understanding of animal behaviour and influenced many scholars. De Waal’s popular science books reached millions, shaping public perception of animal minds and inspiring many young scientists. This memorial article reflects on de Waal’s profound impact on a new generation of animal behaviour scholars and the lasting legacy he leaves in the field of animal behaviour and cognition.
Defining “Ottomans” and “Foreigners”: Venetian Merchants, Jurisdictional Conflicts, and Legal Belonging in Seventeenth-Century Istanbul
Authors: Stefini Tommaso
Published: August 2024

This article examines the creation of state membership, or legal belonging, for European merchant groups residing in the Ottoman Empire during the seventeenth century. It focuses on the Venetian community of Istanbul and a jurisdictional conflict during 1613–1617 between Ottoman and European authorities over the legal belonging of European merchants. Given the absence of an empire-wide and uniform regime of citizenship and identification in the early modern Ottoman Empire, the classification as either “Venetian” or “Ottoman” was not self-evident but rather frequently a matter of controversy and diplomatic negotiations. This essay argues that an international body of rules and practices concerning state membership developed through interactions between Ottoman and European actors during recurring jurisdictional conflicts in the early modern period.
Zinc mediated enhancement of key enzyme activities in leaves and protein content of wheat grain
Authors: Mathpal Bhupendra , Srivastava Prakash Chandra , Kumari Aradhana , Shankhdhar Shailesh Chandra
Published: August 2024

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a widespread problem in agricultural soils all over the globe. As an essential element, Zn plays a decisive role in realization of high yields of wheat, the changes in activities of Zn dependent enzymes and its accumulation in various plant parts of wheat varieties of differential susceptibility. The aim of the study was to examine the activities of Zn dependent enzymes, i.e. superoxide dismutase (SOD), carbonic anhydrase (CA); chlorophyll and grain protein content and to evaluate the pattern of Zn transport in two wheat varieties (UP2628-Zn efficient and UP262-Zn inefficient). All these parameters were evaluated in a pot experiment under different modes of Zn applications viz., control (C), soil application (S), foliar application (F), soil+foliar application (S+F). The accumulation of Zn in different plant parts of both wheat varieties under different Zn supply regimes was monitored in a separate autoradiography experiment where radiolabelled Zn was used. An increased activity of SOD, CA and total chlorophyll content in leaves, high protein content in grains and 65Zn accumulation was observed under S+F mode of Zn application. Zinc efficient variety (UP2628) showed higher SOD, CA activities, chlorophyll content in leaves and grain protein content as compared to UP262. Both soil application + foliar spray of Zn and cultivation of Zn efficient variety (UP2628) can be best approach for Zn biofortification of wheat.
Three Interpretations of the Moral Good and Bad in Islamic Philosophy and Theology and Their Impact on Legal Hermeneutics
Authors: Javadi Mohsen
Published: August 2024

In the Islamic moral discourse, the Muʿtazilī theologians are generally known to deem moral good (ḥusn) and bad (qubḥ) to be real and related to the action itself independently of the revelation. They also admit that the human intellect is capable of grasping moral principles. This position, however, was opposed by Ashʿarī theologians who consider good and bad to be recognizable only through revelation, as well as by philosophers who believe that ethical propositions carry a social normative function, and, hence, must be endorsed by a sufficient proportion of the population to be truly deemed ethical through praised opinions. According to Ibn Sīnā (Avicenna, d. 428/1037), the existence of a given proof is not a sufficient criterion for a moral proposition to be true.

After discussing these three views in the Islamic tradition, this paper looks at the impact of theological and philosophical views on legal hermeneutics (uṣūl al-fiqh), which has received little scholarly attention. The scope of my investigation is limited to Shīʿī uṣūl al-fiqh of the last century. More specifically, I shall focus on Ākhūnd al-Khurasānī (d. 1329/1911), a proponent of Muʿtazilī moral theory, as well as al-Muḥaqqiq al-Iṣfahānī (d. 1361/1942), a proponent of the philosophers’ position. In so doing, I argue that while some Shīʿī jurists have explicitly endorsed the theory of essential and rational goodness and badness, others defended Ibn Sīnā’s theory on moral propositions. Finally, I conclude that while Shīʿī jurists did not explicitly endorse the Ashʿarī position, one can observe some resonance with the epistemological claim of the Ashʿarī approach in their legal hermeneutics without necessarily endorsing the theory of divine and legislative goodness and badness. This leads me to underline the impact of both philosophical and theological doctrine on Islamic legal hermeneutics.
Surrealism in the Shadow of the French–Algerian War
Authors: Spiteri Raymond
Published: August 2024

The French–Algerian War (1954–1962) was a key event in post-WWII French history. It coincided with a renewal of the French surrealist movement, with the publication of a new review, Le Surréalisme, même (1956–1960), and a major group exhibition in 1959, Exposition intéRnatiOnale du Surréalisme (EROS). What effect did the French–Algerian War have on surrealism? The surrealists not only supported Algerian independence, but they were also involved in the intellectual opposition to the war, participating in numerous initiatives supporting the Algerian cause. Yet, despite this evidence, the picture that emerges is curiously fragmented, suggesting in retrospect that the war was more a shadowy presence than an overriding concern during this period.
The Differential Politics of Poetic Experience in Wartime and Postwar Surrealism
Authors: Harris Steven
Published: August 2024

Surrealism has always emphasized revelatory experience over abstract theory. The importance of art and poetry to the movement is the relation to the world they enact, as the images themselves are always relational, a rapprochement, and not simply mimetic of the look of things. The 1942 text “Prolegomena to a Third Surrealist Manifesto or Not” reconceptualizes politics away from the leadership of political parties and toward a time when politics, knowledge, and imagination are brought into and kept in relation to one another, and which are always seen through the prism of relationality: of how we live in the world.
Animated Femininities, Queer Discontent
Authors: Galbraith Patrick W. , Rose Megan Catherine
Published: August 2024

With the globalization of anime opening from a trickle in the 1970s to a virtual torrent at present, Japanese cute visual cultures have spread worldwide. Under this umbrella is the genre of magical girl, which tells sentimental and powerful stories of young hyperfeminine heroines who, through love, friendship and superpowers, solve global-scale problems. We interview Colin Armistead, a filmmaker located in California in the United States, and voice actress Phoebe Chan, who together tap into this genre as part of their queer short-film project, Angelic Kitty Miracle-chan. Central for our interviewees is moe, which today in global circulation means cute or anime cute, but in Japan refers to an affective response to any character. We discuss concepts of hyperfemininity in anime, its excess and boundless potential and what this can mean for those negotiating trans-feminine identities.
Vitamin D status in pregnancy and cord blood is associated with symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder at age 5 years: Results from Odense Child Cohort
Authors: Thinggaard Camilla Munk , Dalgård Christine , Möller Sören , Christesen Henrik Boye Thybo , Bilenberg Niels
Published: August 2024

Background:

Vitamin D status in pregnancy may affect offspring neurodevelopment.

Objective:

The objective was to investigate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in cord blood and pregnancy and symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in 5-year-old offspring.

Method:

In Odense Child Cohort, Denmark, 944 mother–child pairs had data on pregnancy or cord serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parent-rated attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptom score by Child Behavior Checklist for ages 1.5–5 years. Adjusted multiple linear regression and two-stage exposure analyses were performed for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D associations to the attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptom score.

Results:

The mean (standard deviation) serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in cord blood was 48.0 (21.8) nmol/L; early pregnancy was 65.5 (20.2) nmol/L and late pregnancy was 79.3 (25.7) nmol/L. The median (interquartile range) age of child at examination was 5.2 (5.1–5.4) years and median (interquartile range) attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptom score was 2 (0–3) points. In adjusted analyses, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D of <25 nmol/L and <32 nmol/L in cord blood and <25 nmol/L in early pregnancy was associated with 0.9 [95% confidence interval: 0.4, 1.3], 0.5 [0.1, 0.9] and 2.1 [0.8, 3.4] points higher attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptom score vs reference. In the two-stage exposure analysis, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptom score decreased by 0.4 points per 25 nmol/L increase in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Moreover, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D of <25 nmol/L in early pregnancy and cord was associated with a five-fold and a two-fold risk of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptom score ⩾90th percentile, adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] = 4.9 [1.3, 19.0] and 2.2 [1.2, 3.9].

Conclusion:

In this cohort, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D <25 nmol/L in cord blood and early pregnancy were risk factors for higher attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptom score in 5-year-old children, suggesting a protective effect of vitamin D on attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder traits at preschool age.