bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Same calls, different meanings: Acoustic communication of Holocentridae
Authors: Banse Marine , Hanssen Noémie , Sabbe Justine , Lecchini David , Donaldson Terry J. , Iwankow Guillaume , Lagant Anthony , Parmentier Eric
Published: November 2024

The literature on sound production behaviours in fish in the wild is quite sparse. In several taxa, associations between different sound types and given behaviours have been reported. In the Holocentridae, past nomenclature of the different sound types (knocks, growls, grunts, staccatos and thumps) has been confusing because it relies on the use of several terms that are not always based on fine descriptions. Our study aims to ascertain whether holocentrids can produce a variety of sounds in the wild and if these sounds are associated with specific behaviours. Additionally, we aim to determine whether sounds produced by hand-held specimens, a common methodology to record sounds in standardised conditions in fishes, could correspond to some sounds produced by free-swimming individuals in natural conditions. Our study shows that all holocentrid species are able to produce sounds in 6 behavioural contexts of both agonistic (conspecific and heterospecific chases, competition) and social signalling types (acceleration, broadcasting, body quivering), in addition to previously described mobbing towards moray eels and symbiotic interactions with cleaner wrasses. In holocentrids, acoustic communication is not only based on single calls but can also involve series of sounds of different types that are arranged randomly. The large amount of combinations within acoustical events for each behaviour, resulting from both the quantity of sounds and their diversity, supports the absence of stereotypy. This suggests that sounds are produced to reinforce visual communication during the day in this family. Our results also suggest that sounds recorded by hand-held fishes are produced naturally in the wild. Our study challenges past nomenclatures and demonstrates sound critical function in augmenting visual communication, advancing our comprehension of acoustic ecology in teleost species.
Genomic prediction and genome-wide association studies of morphological traits and distraction index in Korean Sapsaree dogs
Authors: Haque Md Azizul , Kim Na-Kuang , Yeji Ryu , Lee Bugeun , Ha Ji-Hong , Lee Yun-Mi , Kim Jong-Joo
Published: November 2024

The Korean Sapsaree dog is a native breed known for its distinctive appearance and historical significance in Korean culture. The accurate estimation of breeding values is essential for the genetic improvement and conservation of such indigenous breeds. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of breeding values for body height, body length, chest width, hair length, and distraction index (DI) traits in Korean Sapsaree dogs. Additionally, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to identify the genomic regions and nearby candidate genes influencing these traits. Phenotypic data were collected from 378 Korean Sapsaree dogs, and of these, 234 individuals were genotyped using the 170k Illumina CanineHD BeadChip. The accuracy of genomic predictions was evaluated using the traditional BLUP method with phenotypes only on genotyped animals (PBLUP-G), another traditional BLUP method using a pedigree-based relationship matrix (PBLUP) for all individuals, a GBLUP method based on a genomic relationship matrix, and a single-step GBLUP (ssGBLUP) method. Heritability estimates for body height, body length, chest width, hair length, and DI were 0.45, 0.39, 0.32, 0.55, and 0.50, respectively. Accuracy values varied across methods, with ranges of 0.22 to 0.31 for PBLUP-G, 0.30 to 0.57 for PBLUP, 0.31 to 0.54 for GBLUP, and 0.39 to 0.67 for ssGBLUP. Through GWAS, 194 genome-wide significant SNPs associated with studied Sapsaree traits were identified. The selection of the most promising candidate genes was based on gene ontology (GO) terms and functions previously identified to influence traits. Notable genes included CCKAR and DCAF16 for body height, PDZRN3 and CNTN1 for body length, TRIM63, KDELR2, and SUPT3H for chest width, RSPO2, EIF3E, PKHD1L1, TRPS1, and EXT1 for hair length, and DDHD1, BMP4, SEMA3C, and FOXP1 for the DI. These findings suggest that significant QTL, combined with functional candidate genes, can be leveraged to improve the genetic quality of the Sapsaree population. This study provides a foundation for more effective breeding strategies aimed at preserving and enhancing the unique traits of this Korean dog breed.
Antinociceptive effect of Equisetum arvense extract on the stomatitis hamster model
Authors: Shiba Fumie , Maekawara Shiiko , Inoue Atsuko , Ohta Koji , Miyauchi Mutsumi
Published: November 2024

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis leads to ulcers that cause severe pain, which is a substantial burden on patients. Equisetum arvense extract (EA) is a crude drug that promotes wound healing of mucous membranes caused by perineal incision during childbirth and alleviates pain. Here, we elucidated the effects of EA on wound healing and pain in a stomatitis hamster model. After stomatitis induction, two different EA doses were continuously applied to the wound area through the intramucosal injection of acetic acid into the cheek pouch (stomatitis/100*EA group and stomatitis/EA group). The body weight and wound area were measured over time, and histological evaluation was performed after stomatitis induction. The wound area was harvested 10 h after stomatitis induction, and gene expression associated with pain and inflammation was analyzed using qPCR. The dorsal root ganglia of the rat spinal cord were isolated, dispersed, and cultured to examine the inhibitory effect of EA on the K+-evoked release of neurotransmitter substance P. In the stomatitis/100*EA group, a significant reduction in wound size was observed compared with the stomatitis/physiological saline (PS) group, and the weight gain rate was considerably higher. The stomatitis/EA group revealed similar histological changes in the wound and wound size as the stomatitis/PS group; however, the weight gain rate was considerably higher on day 7. The stomatitis/EA group suppressed the expression of inflammatory cytokine mRNA, such as Tnf-α and Il-6, and Cox-2 mRNA in the wound area compared with the stomatitis/PS group. EA treatment reduced the upregulated substance P release from the dorsal root ganglia following high-concentration K+ stimulation. EA alleviates pain in a stomatitis model by suppressing inflammatory cytokine expression in the wound area and substance P release from primary sensory neurons. Therefore, using oral care products containing EA is expected to suppress stomatitis pain.
Transcriptome analysis under pecan scab infection reveals the molecular mechanisms of the defense response in pecans
Authors: Bhattarai Gaurab , Rhein Hormat Shadgou , Sreedasyam Avinash , Lovell John T. , Khanal Sameer , Grimwood Jane , Schmutz Jeremy , Jenkins Jerry , Chee Peng W. , Pisani Cristina , Randall Jennifer , Conner Patrick J.
Published: November 2024

Pecan scab, caused by the fungal pathogen Venturia effusa, is the most devastating disease of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) in the southeastern United States. Resistance to this pathogen is determined by a complex interaction between host genetics and disease pathotype with even field-susceptible cultivars being resistant to most scab isolates. To understand the underlying molecular mechanisms of scab resistance in pecan, we performed a transcriptome analysis of the pecan cultivar, ‘Desirable’, in response to inoculation with a pathogenic and a non-pathogenic scab isolate at three different time points (24, 48, and 96 hrs. post-inoculation). Differential gene expression and gene ontology enrichment analyses showed contrasting gene expression patterns and pathway enrichment in response to the contrasting isolates with varying pathogenicity. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis of differentially expressed genes detected 11 gene modules. Among them, two modules had significant enrichment of genes involved with defense responses. These genes were particularly upregulated in the resistant reaction at the early stage of fungal infection (24 h) compared to the susceptible reaction. Hub genes in these modules were predominantly related to receptor-like protein kinase activity, signal reception, signal transduction, biosynthesis and transport of plant secondary metabolites, and oxidoreductase activity. Results of this study suggest that the early response of pathogen-related signal transduction and development of cellular barriers against the invading fungus are likely defense mechanisms employed by pecan cultivars against non-virulent scab isolates. The transcriptomic data generated here provide the foundation for identifying candidate resistance genes in pecan against V. effusa and for exploring the molecular mechanisms of disease resistance.
GC-MS metabolite profiling of Pseudocercospora fijiensis isolates resistant to thiabendazole
Authors: Maridueña-Zavala María Gabriela , Chong-Aguirre Pablo Antonio , Freire-Peñaherrera Andrea , Moreno Arturo , Reyes-De-Corcuera José Ignacio , Jiménez-Feijoo María Isabel , Cevallos-Cevallos Juan Manuel
Published: November 2024

Black Sigatoka is the most widespread banana disease worldwide. It is caused by Pseudocercospora fijiensis, a fungal pathogen known for developing resistance to fungicides such as thiabendazole. Despite the increasing costs associated with the use of chemicals to control this disease, the pathogen’s mechanisms for fungicide resistance are not fully understood. The metabolite profiles of P. fijiensis isolates with different levels of resistance to thiabendazole were characterized by GC-MS. A total of 33 isolates were obtained from symptomatic banana plants and the sensitivity of each isolate to thiabendazole was assessed at 0, 1, 10, 100, 1000, and 10000 μg.mL-1. Then, the metabolite profile of each isolate was assessed using GC-MS. Metabolites such as hexadecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, octadecadienoic acid and octadecanoic acid were significantly over-accumulated in the presence of thiabendazole at 10 μg.mL-1. Phosphoric acid, L-proline, and D-allose increased in concentration with time in the presence of 100 μg.mL-1 of thiabendazole, and mannonic acid, 1-hexadecanol, D-sorbitol and tetracosanoic acid were only detected in the presence of the fungicide. Metabolic pathways including that of fructose, mannose metabolism, the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, and ABC transporters were upregulated in resistant isolates. Our findings show an increment of tetracosanoic (myristic) acid suggesting a possible β-tubulin-compensation mechanism in resistant isolates. The presence of myristic acid promoted the generation of diacylglycerol kinase δ which facilitated the production of β-tubulin in other studies. Additionally, important changes in the metabolite profiles were observed as soon as six hours after exposure to the fungicide showing an early response of the pathogen. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that describes the changes in the metabolite profile of P. fijiensis resistant to thiabendazole when exposed to the fungicide.
Exploring physician leadership perceptions: Insights from first- and final-year medical students
Authors: Huikko-Tarvainen Sari , Tuovinen Timo , Kulmala Petri
Published: November 2024

Background

Leadership competence is increasingly recognized as a critical priority for all physicians, but new graduates often feel only partially prepared for leadership roles. However, integrating more leadership education into the already saturated medical curriculum poses challenges regarding timing and implementation. This study explores this issue by comparing perceptions of medical students during their academic journey to determine if leadership education could begin at the onset of medical studies.

Methods

In 2021, internet-based questionnaires were administered to first- and final-year medical students at the University of Oulu, Finland. Participation rates were 100% (116/116) for first-year students and 98% (107/109) for final-year students. Responses to the open-ended question, "How should physicians be led?" were analyzed using qualitative inductive content analysis with thematization.

Results

The study identified three main thematic categories common to both groups: (1) traits, (2) leadership approach, and (3) healthcare culture. The theme of leadership approach was further divided into two subcategories: science-oriented leadership based on practice approach and goal-oriented leadership with support as needed. The theme of traits was divided into seven subcategories: education, role model, communication, empowerment, ethics, autonomy, and collegiality. No notable differences emerged between the two groups.

Conclusions

Consistent perceptions about physician leadership throughout medical education suggest that leadership education could commence from the first year. It can thus be integrated throughout the existing longitudinal learning of the medical curriculum. Integration into the existing curriculum could facilitate the development of leadership skills without extending the curriculum’s content.
Dietary folate intake and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in American adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Data from NHANES 2003 to 2018
Authors: Dong Jinsheng , Li Zhiqiang , Wang Chenlu , Zhang Runshun , Li Yilin , Liu Mingkun , Chen Qiuye , Bai Yuning , Lv Wenliang
Published: November 2024

Background

The relationship between dietary folate intake and prior mortality in adult patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) has not been clearly studied. We aimed to examine the relationship between dietary folate intake and all-cause and cardiovascular (CVD) mortality in adult NAFLD patients in the US.

Methods

Using data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2018 and associated mortality data we conducted a cohort study of US adult NAFLD subjects. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between dietary folate intake and both all-cause mortality and CVD mortality, accounting for potential confounders. The study employed restricted cubic spline analysis to investigate the non-linear association between dietary folate levels and mortality from all causes and cardiovascular disease.

Results

Our final cohort consisted of 3,266 NAFLD patients, with a median follow-up of 10.3 years, 691 deaths were observed, including 221 cardiovascular deaths. Compared to participants with a folate intake in Quartile 1 (≤250 μg/d), those in Quartile 4 (≥467.5 μg/d) had multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios of 0.69 (95% CI, 0.51–0.94) for all-cause mortality (p for trend = 0.028) and 0.55 (95% CI, 0.29–1.04) for CVD mortality (p for trend = 0.107). A non-linear relationship between dietary intake and risk of death was not observed.

Conclusion

Greater dietary folate intake is associated with a reduced risk of all-cause in American adults with NAFLD. Higher dietary folate intake not found to be associated with lower CVD mortality. These findings suggest that dietary folate may improve the prognosis of adult NAFLD patients. The measured-response relationship between dietary folate intake and mortality in patients with NAFLD requires further investigation.
Characteristics and driving factors of spatiotemporal changes in soil erosion in the karst plateau mountainous region over 20 years
Authors: Bai Yi , Zhang Yiyang , Zhang Sujin , Wu Jianfeng , Zhao Xiaoqing , Zhao Fei
Published: November 2024

Soil erosion is one of the main issues that endangers global ecosystems. This study explored the spatiotemporal distribution of soil erosion and its drivers in the karst plateau mountainous region. A detailed examination of topography, soil, vegetation, land use, and precipitation data from 2000 to 2020 was conducted in Bijie City using the revised universal soil loss equation model. We also explored the driving forces using a geographical detector. The findings show that between 2000 and 2020, soil erosion first decreased, followed by an increase. The southwest, south, and northern regions contained the highest intensity of soil erosion. Land use, slope, and precipitation are the primary factors influencing soil erosion, with slopes having the greatest impact. By improving our understanding of the dynamics of soil erosion and the primary variables that influence it in karst plateau mountainous environments, our findings can assist in the development of strategies and technical support for sustainable soil and water conservation.
Complex regional pain syndrome after distal radius fracture: A survey of current practices
Authors: Wang Alice (Wei Ting) , Lefaivre Kelly A. , Potter Jeffrey , Sepehri Aresh , Guy Pierre , Broekhuyse Henry , Roffey Darren M. , Stockton David J.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a common complication following distal radius fractures that is difficult to diagnose and can lead to permanent disability. While various proposed prophylaxis and treatment modalities exist, high-quality evidence guiding practice is limited. This survey of Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) and Canadian Orthopaedic Association (COA) members was conducted with the primary aim of assessing practice patterns in distal radius fractures complicated with CRPS.

Methods

An electronic survey was distributed to practicing orthopaedic surgeons in the COA and OTA. Questions assessed practice setting, preference in management of distal radius fractures and CRPS, comfort level in managing CRPS, and identification of gaps in management. Responses were anonymized and collected over 8 months. Response data was analyzed using descriptive statistics; thematic analysis was used on free text response.

Results

134 survey responses were completed. 84% of respondents felt the incidence of CRPS in distal radius fractures was 1–10%, while 15% felt it was closer to 11–20%. 24% of respondents utilized the “Budapest Criteria” to diagnose CRPS. 40% offered prophylaxis in patients felt to be at high risk of developing CRPS. 66% of surgeons felt neutral, uncomfortable, or very uncomfortable managing CRPS in distal radius fractures. When asked to consider adopting a prophylactic therapy, 38% of surgeons indicated that a therapy that reduced the absolute risk of CRPS by 6–10% would change their practice. Gaps in current practice included lack of evidence-based treatment and prevention strategies and diagnostic uncertainty.

Conclusion

This study identified that amongst orthopaedic surgeons in the COA and OTA, diagnosis, treatment, and prophylaxis strategies for CRPS in distal radius fractures are heterogeneous. Surgeons are not confident in their treatment of CRPS. Future studies using rigorous research methods are warranted to improve management.
Massive entry of BK Polyomavirus induces transient cytoplasmic vacuolization of human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells
Authors: Lorentzen Elias Myrvoll , Henriksen Stian , Rinaldo Christine Hanssen
Published: November 2024

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a ubiquitous human virus that establishes a persistent infection in renal tubular epithelial cells and mainly causes disease in kidney transplant recipients. The closely related simian polyomavirus SV40 is known to cause cytoplasmic vacuolization in simian kidney cells, possibly increasing progeny release and cell death. This study aimed to determine whether BKPyV causes cytoplasmic vacuolization in primary human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTECs) and to investigate its potential role in the replication cycle. Using a large infectious dose (MOI 100–1000), a fraction of RPTECs (10–72%) showed early-wave vacuolization from 3 hours post-infection (hpi), which was mainly reversed by 36 hpi. Independent of the infectious dose, late-wave vacuolization occurred around the timepoint of progeny release. BKPyV receptor binding and internalization were required, as neuraminidase pretreatment and preincubation or treatment with a BKPyV-specific neutralizing antibody prevented early or late-occurring vacuolization. Microscopy revealed that the vacuoles were enlarged acidic endo-/lysosomal structures (dextran, EEA1, Rab5, Rab7, LAMP1, and/or Lysoview positive) that contained membrane-bound BKPyV. Time-lapse microscopy and quantitative PCR revealed that cell death and progeny release preceded late-wave vacuolization, mainly affecting cells directly neighboring the lysed cells. Thus, vacuolization had little impact on cell death or progeny release. Addition of the V-ATPase inhibitor Bafilomycin A1 at 0 hpi blocked vacuolization and BKPyV replication, but addition at 2 hpi only blocked vacuolization, suggesting that continuous endosomal acidification and maturation is needed for vacuole formation, but not for BKPyV replication. Our study shows that a massive uptake of BKPyV in RPTECs induces transient enlargement of endo-/lysosomes and is an early event in the viral replication cycle. Vacuolization gives no clear benefit for BKPyV and is possibly the result of a transiently overloaded endocytic pathway. Focal vacuolization around lysed cells suggests that the spread of BKPyV is preferably local.
Expanding narratives
Authors: de León Yong Tania , Hernández María Lorenzo
Published: November 2024

This issue addresses the historical invisibility of women and genderqueer animators. It is part of several continued efforts to document their contributions, raise awareness about their animated work, and centre the voices of female and genderqueer animators in the academic discourse of animation. The editorial provides brief overviews of each article, making emphasis on their shared themes and connections. In this issue we can find a wide range of critical perspectives, that examine how these animators face conventional representations. The authors analyse independent filmmaking and animated documentaries that break conventional animation practices, using feminist approaches and defying dominant narratives. Furthermore, our articles offer a wide range of points of view, including feminist critiques on the construction of iconic Disney princesses and the impact of gender-inclusive writing in contemporary animated series. We aim to contribute to a more inclusive appreciation and wider understanding of the present and future of animation.
Creation of texts as sites of resistance and assertion of women’s agency: A study of Sultana’s Dream as a literary text and a film
Authors: DasGupta Sudhanya
Published: November 2024

Women are largely marginalized from mainstream written cultures under patriarchy. They, however, always tell stories and sing songs, creating alternative narrative spaces. In 1905, Rokeya Hossain, a woman from colonial India, wrote a futuristic feminist utopia called Sultana’s Dream. It became an iconic feminist text, a torchbearer of the women’s movement for the Indian subcontinent. More than a century later, filmmaker Isabel Herguera created an animation feature finding resonance of Rokeya’s text in the struggles of women of contemporary times and generations of women before her. The proposed article involves a close reading of Rokeya’s text, an interview of Isabel Herguera and an analysis of the production of the film. It situates both the texts as important sites of resistance for patriarchy. The collective process lying at the heart of the film juxtaposes diverse styles, collaborations of professionals and non-professionals across continents creating a shared space and ‘agency’.
Animated erotica: An analysis of the films and archive of Guadalupe Sánchez Sosa
Authors: Lagunas Cerda Samuel , Murillo Tenorio Ilse Mayté
Published: November 2024

The objective of this article is the study of the short films ¿Y si eres mujer? (1976) and Niño de mis ojos (2008) by the animator Guadalupe Sánchez Sosa (Córdoba, Veracruz, Mexico, 1955–present), as well as the archive material preserved by the artist, where the filmmaking process is documented. ¿Y si eres mujer? is relevant for the history of animation in Mexico because it is the second animated film directed by a woman and the first realized with techniques like cut-out and collage, steering away from the dominant cartoon tradition. In Niño de mis ojos, Sánchez Sosa experiments with the use of rotoscoping, a very unusual technique in Mexican animation. Using the ‘animated erotica’ category, we want to show how Sánchez Sosa takes a coherent aesthetic and political approach towards the depiction of desire and the bodies of women on screen through animation.
Ink-stained women: Animation reference performers and the body of the Disney princess
Authors: Hester Jennessa
Published: November 2024

This article argues for a reconsideration of the developmental processes behind Disney’s iconic hand-drawn princess characters. It does so by examining the reference performances for Cinderella, Ariel and Tiana, whose live-action actors inspired the iconic designs and mannerisms that made it to screen yet are so rarely recognized for their contributions. Through sustained analysis of these women’s work as well as how that work was understood and utilized by Walt’s artists, this article reveals previously unseen aspects of patriarchy built into the creative structures of traditional Disney animation. Ultimately, by foregrounding the labour of the women who portrayed these characters in their earliest stages of conceptualization, this piece argues for greater awareness of the multifold layers of performance that the Disney princesses embody.
The role of non-governmental organization in the growth of animation in Ghana: Girls in Animation as social innovation
Authors: Dadzie Ramatu Mustapha
Published: November 2024

Steadily gaining grounds as a professional practice, several associations have emerged aiming to cooperate in terms of financing and skills support for independent animation production. Such corporations have created benefits for practitioners such access to growing pool of talented artist and increasing access to technology. Yet still, the participation and visibility of women have consistently been low or non-existent. Even though the participation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the agenda for social change has championed women empowerment for decades, Girls in Animation (GIA), is the only Indigenous NGO that has ever emerged to cater for the needs of women practising animation. Using a cases study approach, this study explores GIA and examines the concept of social innovation adopted by GIA in its purpose to effect change in promoting and supporting female animators.
Representing craft as cultural commodity in its cultural economy
Authors: Rausch Anthony S.
Published: November 2024

Defining craft has proven troublesome in craft-related research, with existing definitions either failing to reflect the expanse and variety of crafts or creating artificial boundaries, which constrain the fullest extent of how crafts can be recognized, viewed, interpreted, preserved and promoted. This research presents an examination of a place-based lacquerware craft of rural Japan, which offers an alternative approach to representing craft based on the idea of conceptual and operational space for both craft categories and craft items. Such a combined way of viewing craft – conceptually and operationally – offers the fullest interpretation of what craft is both in its original and ideal sense and in terms of its contemporary, social and economic realities. Further, the article proposes that by extending such conceptual and operational views of a particular craft category or item by linking them with the circumstance of their respective host locale, the resulting representation yields the craft as a cultural commodity, through which it ultimately constitutes its own independent cultural economy. The conclusion of the research proposes how such an approach extends the practice of static definitions by connecting craft through its conceptual and operational realities to the contemporary reality of both cultural and economic commodities.
Constraints of assignments for learning the textile craft through the design process
Authors: Urdziņa-Deruma Māra
Published: November 2024

As a result of the general education reform in Latvia in 2020, the new subject of design and technology replaced home economics and technology. This reform changed the content and organization of training, including the structure of assignments; this article outlines a study which develops an approach for structuring learning assignments and creating constraints for the design process and product creation for future design and technology teachers. It also looks at the development of products that require crafting skills in textile techniques. In the remote study process, four open-ended multi-step assignments were validated using the MS Teams platform and the e-study environment. It proved appropriate to develop open-ended assignments that include constraints covering all stages of the design process, including constraints relating to the use of sources of inspiration, materials, techniques, colour and other means of artistic expression as well as volume, timing and location constraints, in order for students to acquire experience in the design process and in creating products. It is important to use a structured design diary form according to the steps of the design process and the specific assignment. If the source of inspiration is an object using the same technique as the product, a condition should be included to make a certain number of changes in order to avoid reproductive work. The findings also show no correlation between investment in making sketches, models and mood boards and created products (n = 16).
BioColours 2024 Conference, University of Helsinki, Finland, 4–7 June 2024
Authors: Dierker Urs Axel Georg
Published: November 2024

Review of: BioColours 2024 Conference, University of Helsinki, Finland, 4–7 June 2024
A quantum mechanical analysis of time and motion in relativity theory
Authors: Aerts Diederik , Sassoli de Bianchi Massimiliano
Published: November 2024

An operational approach to quantum mechanics has been developed in the past decades in our group in Brussels. A similar approach is taken in this work, making use of the extra operational depth offered by this approach, to show that the construction of spacetime is specific to each observer. What is usually referred to as the block universe then emerges by noting that parts of the past and future are also contained in the present, but without the limitations that a four-dimensional block universe usually implies, of a reality in which change would be impossible. In our operational approach, reality remains dynamic, with free choice playing a central role in its conceptualization. We also show that, when operationally analyzed, the theory implies that objects move not only in space, but also and especially in time, and more generally in spacetime, with their rest mass being a measure of their kinetic time energy. We therefore claim that Einstein’s relativity revolution has not been fully realized, since most physicists are not ready to accept these consequences of the theory although the formula’s showing them, when operationally analyzed, are in every relativity textbook. In particular, when relativistic motion is revisited as a genuine four-dimensional motion, it becomes possible to reinterpret the parameter c associated with the coordinate speed of light, which becomes the magnitude of the four-velocity of all material entities. We observe that this four-dimensional motion in Minkowski space can also be better understood if placed in the broader perspective of quantum mechanics, provided that non-locality is interpreted as non-spatiality, thus indicating the existence of an underlying non-spatial reality, the nature of which could be conceptual, consistent with the conceptuality interpretation of quantum mechanics. This hypothesis is reinforced by noting that when observers, or experiencers, as they will be referred to in this article, are described by acknowledging their cognitive nature of entities moving in a semantic space, Minkowski metric emerges in a natural way.
Diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for development retinopathy of prematurity. Review
Authors: Makogon S. I. , Gorbacheva N. V. , Khlopkova Y. S.
Published: November 2024

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a complex and unresolved problem in pediatric ophthalmology, leading to visual disability. Low birth weight and prematurity are the main risk factors, and they form the basis of clinical recommendations for screening for ROP in all children under 35 weeks of gestational age and weighing less than 2000 g. However, many researchers point to other risk factors that can be divided into maternal, prenatal and perinatal. In this review, we consider maternal diabetes mellitus as a risk factor for ROP. Changes in the retina in premature infants and mothers with diabetes mellitus have some common features, since pathological angiogenesis occurs at the basis of these diseases. In addition, diabetes is a risk factor for preterm birth, and prematurity is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity, including the development of ROP. This suggests that maternal diabetes mellitus may have both direct and indirect effects on the development of ROP. To develop predictive models, an understanding of risk factors for ROP, the pathophysiology of retinal vascular diseases, and diseases of prematurity is necessary.
Features of insulin therapy in combination of long-term type 1 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Samsonova M. D. , Trubitsyna N. P. , Severina A. S. , Shamkhalova M. S.
Published: November 2024

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) continues to struggle with medical and social problems due to its high prevalence, polymorphism, development of severe diseases and irreversibility of changes. Despite four options for algorithms and choice of insulin therapy, the difficult task of switching to the insulin resistance (IR) scheme due to the impossibility of using drugs from the biguanide and glitazone group, since their use in T1DM is not provided for by the instructions. The presented observation shows the clinical picture of IR against the background of metabolic syndrome and prolonged hyperglycemia in patients with T1DM and special attention is paid to the importance of prescribing adequate insulin therapy and an individual approach to patient management. The main strategy in this case is a gradual increase in the insulin dose until the target glycemic indicators are achieved. At the same time, after achieving adequate doses and the patient staying within the near-target indicators for a certain period of time, it is possible to use insulin restrictions against the background of neutralizing the effect of glucotoxicity on peripheral tissues.
Cambios en propiedades del suelo y su influencia en la macrofauna en secuencias de cultivos que incluyen cultivos de cobertura
Authors: Scaglione Josefina , Montico Sergio , Montero Guillermo Alberto
Published: November 2024

Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron evaluar el efecto de los cultivos de cobertura (CC) y las secuencias de cultivos sobre algunas propiedades del suelo y la abundancia de la macrofauna edáfica; y la influencia de estas propiedades sobre la presencia de las principales familias de macroinvertebrados. Se trabajó en un experimento instalado en Zavalla (Santa Fe) cuyos tratamientos incluyeron CC de vicia y triticale como antecesores de maíz y soja, respectivamente, además de dos tratamientos de barbecho con los mismos cultivos de cosecha sucesores. Los muestreos se realizaron después del ciclo de los CC (Mcc-b) y de los cultivos de cosecha (Mf). Entre las propiedades edáficas, el carbono orgánico particulado registró un incremento en las secuencias que incluyeron CC, en tanto que la resistencia mecánica a la penetración y el porcentaje de agregados estables al agua presentaron variaciones a corto plazo que estuvieron vinculadas con la actividad de las raíces de los CC, particularmente luego de la supresión de la vicia. Por su parte, los cambios en la abundancia de macrofauna se asociaron con las condiciones edáficas generadas por los distintos tratamientos. En el Mcc-b existió una diferenciación entre ambos CC, y de éstos con respecto al barbecho, en tanto que en el Mf las muestras que incluyeron CC mostraron condiciones edáficas más favorables respecto a las del barbecho. Finalmente, los CC indujeron la presencia de organismos de la macrofauna pertenecientes a distintos grupos tróficos debido a la cobertura generada y al aporte de recursos alimenticios.
Administrative Procedure for Making an Airport Pass at The Manado Region VIII Airport Authority Office
Authors: Mandulangi Jufrina , Silaban Suri Yanti
Published: November 2024

The Manado Regional VIII Regional Airport Authority Office is a government agency that has the task of carrying out the regulation, control and supervision of flight activities at airports, one of which is service in the administration of making airport PAS (Public Address System). PAS services at airports are public services with the largest number of user services at the Airport. This is because many people other than passengers who will carry out activities in the limited security area of the airport must have an airport pass. Feedback submitted by service needs to be responded to and repaired so that the quality of services and procedures can be improved. Satisfaction of service users can be used as a benchmark to see an increase in service quality. The purpose of this study is to find out how the procedure for making airport passes. Descriptive research methods through literature study observation interviesws by collecting and collecting data from previous researchers, relevant articles and journals as well as data analysis methods, namely by describing, describing, and summarizing the results of data collection. The results of this observation indicate that services in making airport passes have a very important role in improving security in limited airport areas.
La virtualidad en el magisterio del papa Francisco
Authors: Ospina Hernández Carlos Arturo
Published: November 2024

En la Carta Encíclica Caritas in Veritatis el papa Benedicto XVI advertía cómo la tecnología ha venido evidenciándose como un poder ideológico que menosprecia y tiende a la extinción del ser y la verdad. También se refiere a un horizonte cultural ordenado a una mentalidad tecnicista cuyo criterio de verdad se centraría únicamente en lo fáctico. Así lo eficiente y lo útil reducirían a la persona humana a un engranaje a imagen y semejanza de sus propios avances tecnológicos, olvidada de su plenitud como imagen y semejanza de Dios y por tanto de su llamado al amor, a la sabiduría, al significado y al sentido de su propio obrar, y, lo más grave, de su responsabilidad moral. El papa Francisco ha continuado desarrollando un magisterio frente a los aportes y riesgos cada vez más crecientes que la virtualidad y la inteligencia artificial han venido ocasionando en estos tiempos. Las reflexiones de ambos pontífices se referencian en este trabajo vinculado al Grupo de Investigación Philosophia Personae de la Universidad Católica de Colombia.
A Matter of Minutes: Unexpected FOMC Communication and Fed Credibility
Authors: Venade João , Grilo Filipe
Published: November 2024

Unexpected revelations in the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting minutes may provide critical information and hinder the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) credibility. Our analysis explores the impact of unanticipated content on FOMC policy discussions, revealing that more-hawkish-than-expected minutes reduce daily stock market returns by raising the risk premium. We also find a non-linear relationship between the unexpected minutes’ sentiment and the Fed’s credibility: surprise hawkish revelations can worsen credibility, with larger deviations further de-anchoring long-term inflation expectations from the 2 % target. Our findings suggest that the Fed should continue refining its communication strategies to avoid the damage of unexpectedly hawkish minutes in its credibility.
Enhancing IoT device security: CNN-SVM hybrid approach for real-time detection of DoS and DDoS attacks
Authors: Al-Na’amneh Qais , Aljaidi Mohammad , Nasayreh Ahmad , Gharaibeh Hasan , Al Mamlook Rabia Emhamed , Jaradat Ameera S. , Alsarhan Ayoub , Samara Ghassan
Published: November 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) has expanded into a realm of cutting-edge integrated solutions across numerous applications, following three stages of development: communication, authentication, and computing. However, each layer inside the three tier IoT architecture faces a spectrum of security concerns due to the IoT’s openness, scope, and resource limits. Therefore, developing a secure IoT system is vital, shielding against attackers leveraging IoT devices to obtain network access and maintaining data security during transmission between these devices. Despite developments in Intrusion Detection Systems, identifying Denial-of-Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks in real-time remains a significant issue, especially in the environment of IoT devices, which are diverse and resource restricted. This study provides a Convolutional Neural Network-Support Vector Machine (CNN-SVM) hybrid technique, targeted at overcoming these limits by enhancing detection speed and accuracy, thus addressing this substantial gap in the area. This research offers a hybrid model that combines CNN for feature extraction with SVM as a classifier. This model employs a CNN to extract essential elements from the data and classifies attacks as either DDoS or benign. Our results highlight the potential performance of our model, which was trained on the real Canadian institute for cybersecurity (CIC) IoT dataset in 2023. Notably, our hybrid model outperformed classic machine learning (ML) alternatives such as CNN, SVM, K-nearest neighbors, Naïve Bayes, and Logistic Regression. During testing, our model attained a remarkable accuracy rate of 99% and an F1-score of 99%, outperforming the highest-performing SVM ML model with an accuracy of 98% and the other ML methods.
Utilization of deep learning in ideological and political education
Authors: Cai Sulong
Published: November 2024

As society develops and educational needs continue to change, the traditional way of teaching ideology and politics is facing challenges in terms of efficiency and effectiveness evaluation. In response to the low efficiency of ideological and political education (IPE) methods and the difficulty in accurately and comprehensively evaluating students’ ideological and political literacy and moral qualities, this article used the Long Short-Term Memory with Self-Attention Mechanism (LSTM-SAM) model to conduct experiments on the evaluation of IPE effectiveness. First, by collecting information on IPE from a research center of a certain university in 2023, and then using the LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) model to catch the long-term dependencies of IPE, the learning trajectory and changing trends of students can be better understood. The self-attention mechanism was applied to dynamically learn and distinguish the importance of different parts in the input sequence, better weighting key features such as student learning behavior and participation level, thereby enhancing the accuracy and robustness of effectiveness evaluation. Finally, the splicing method was adopted to integrate the LSTM model and self-attention mechanism for the experiment, and the teaching efficiency of different teaching methods was statistically analyzed through a questionnaire survey. The test results indicated that the classification accuracy of the LSTM-SAM model reached 98.41%, which was 1.61% higher than the LSTM model. The teaching efficiency was the highest under the gamified teaching method, providing an effective method for evaluating the effectiveness of IPE and providing useful reference for optimizing teaching methods.
Analyzing the performance of the SD-WDM system with varying channel spacing
Authors: Kumar Ghanendra , Kumar Chakresh
Published: November 2024

In this paper, the performance of 300 × 10 super dense wavelength division multiplexing (SD-WDM) system has been evaluated with unequal channel spacing. Further, evaluation is carried out for the proposed system to consider the effect of different modulation formats, input power, and high speed data rate. Massive impression is recorded by RZ modulation format with the support of Raman-EDFA hybrid optical amplifier (HOA) for acceptable characteristics of super dense communication system.
A predictive human model of language challenges traditional views in linguistics and pretrained transformer research
Authors: Torres-Martínez Sergio
Published: November 2024

This paper introduces a theory of mind that positions language as a cognitive tool in its own right for the optimization of biological fitness. I argue that human language reconstruction of reality results from biological memory and adaptation to uncertain environmental conditions for the reaffirmation of the Self-as-symbol. I demonstrate that pretrained language models, such as ChatGPT, lack embodied grounding, which compromises their ability to adequately model the world through language due to the absence of subjecthood and conscious states for event recognition and partition. At a deep level, I challenge the notion that the constitution of a semiotic Self relies on computational reflection, arguing against reducing human representation to data structures and emphasizing the importance of positing accurate models of human representation through language. This underscores the distinction between transformers as posthuman agents and humans as purposeful biological agents, which emphasizes the human capacity for purposeful biological adjustment and optimization. One of the main conclusions of this is that the capacity to integrate information does not amount to phenomenal consciousness as argued by Information Integration Theory. Moreover, while language models exhibit superior computational capacity, they lack the real consciousness providing them with multiscalar experience anchored in the physical world, a characteristic of human cognition. However, the paper anticipates the emergence of new in silico conceptualizers capable of defining themselves as phenomenal agents with symbolic contours and specific goals.
Review on removal of heavy metals from industrial effluents by adsorption
Authors: Iyer Srivastan , Deshmukh Satyajit M. , Tapre Ravi W.
Published: November 2024

Industrial activities generate significant amounts of wastewater containing toxic heavy metals, posing severe environmental and health risks. This review explores the efficient removal of heavy metals from industrial wastewater through adsorption techniques. Adsorption stands out as a promising method due to its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and high efficiency in reducing metal concentrations to permissible levels. The review systematically examines various adsorbents used in industrial effluent treatment, including activated carbon, zeolites, and biochars, highlighting their mechanisms and performance in metal ion removal. Factors influencing adsorption efficiency, such as pH, temperature, adsorbent dosage, and metal ion concentration, are critically evaluated. Recent advancements in adsorption technologies, such as hybrid materials and functionalized adsorbents, are discussed in terms of enhancing removal efficiencies and addressing specific challenges in industrial wastewater treatment. This review provides comprehensive insights into the current state of heavy metal removal by adsorption, emphasizing technological advancements, challenges, and future research directions aimed at sustainable and effective wastewater treatment practices.