bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Powers of the Cartier operator on Artin–Schreier covers
Authors: Groen Steven R.
Published: April 2024

For a curve in positive characteristic, the Cartier operator acts on the vector space of its regular differentials. The a-number is defined to be the dimension of the kernel of the Cartier operator. In [a-numbers of curves in Artin–Schreier covers, Algebra Number Theory 14(3) (2020) 587–641], Booher and Cais use a sheaf-theoretic approach to give bounds on the a-numbers of Artin–Schreier covers. In this paper, I generalize that approach to arbitrary powers of the Cartier operator, yielding bounds for the dimension of the kernel. These bounds give new restrictions on the Ekedahl-Oort type of Artin–Schreier covers.
Arithmetic progressions in polynomial orbits
Authors: Sadek Mohammad , Wafik Mohamed , Yesin Tuğba
Published: April 2024

Let f be a polynomial with integer coefficients whose degree is at least 2. We consider the problem of covering the orbit [Formula: see text], where t is an integer, using arithmetic progressions each of which contains t. Fixing an integer [Formula: see text], we prove that it is impossible to cover [Formula: see text] using k such arithmetic progressions unless [Formula: see text] is contained in one of these progressions. In fact, we show that the relative density of terms covered by k such arithmetic progressions in [Formula: see text] is uniformly bounded from above by a bound that depends solely on k. In addition, the latter relative density can be made as close as desired to 1 by an appropriate choice of k arithmetic progressions containing t if k is allowed to be large enough.
Label-free in-vivo classification and tracking of red blood cells and platelets using Dynamic-YOLOv4 network
Authors: Guan Caizhong , He Bin , Zhang Hongting , Yang Shangpan , Xu Yang , Xiong Honglian , Zeng Yaguang , Wang Mingyi , Wei Xunbin
Published: April 2024

In-vivo flow cytometry is a noninvasive real-time diagnostic technique that facilitates continuous monitoring of cells without perturbing their natural biological environment, which renders it a valuable tool for both scientific research and clinical applications. However, the conventional approach for improving classification accuracy often involves labeling cells with fluorescence, which can lead to potential phototoxicity. This study proposes a label-free in-vivo flow cytometry technique, called dynamic YOLOv4 (D-YOLOv4), which improves classification accuracy by integrating absorption intensity fluctuation modulation (AIFM) into YOLOv4 to demodulate the temporal features of moving red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets. Using zebrafish as an experimental model, the D-YOLOv4 method achieved average precisions (APs) of 0.90 for RBCs and 0.64 for thrombocytes (similar to platelets in mammals), resulting in an overall AP of 0.77. These scores notably surpass those attained by alternative network models, thereby demonstrating that the combination of physical models with neural networks provides an innovative approach toward developing label-free in-vivo flow cytometry, which holds promise for diverse in-vivo cell classification applications.
Trade Dilemma of Global Hegemony: Analyzing the Transition in US Trade Policy from Globalization Deals to Hybrid Deals
Authors: Li Tian
Published: April 2024

This paper presents an analysis framework of the trade dilemma faced by global hegemony. It argues that maintaining global hegemony and addressing domestic conflicts simultaneously is a challenging task. Since the 1980s, the United States has prioritized the expansion of transnational capital, often at the expense of domestic vulnerable industries and the interests of low-skilled workers. This unbalanced development has led to intensified social contradictions within the United States. To resolve these conflicts, the US has shifted from reciprocal globalization deals to self-interested hybrid deals, aiming to uphold the interests of transnational capital while also addressing the concerns of workers. The negotiation experiences of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) demonstrate this mode of the US trade policy. While this strategy may repair the domestic political foundation, it leads to new challenges for the US, such as discontent and resistance from the international community, or encountering difficulties in promoting cooperation with US trading partners. These challenges will pose a threat to the long-term stability of the international economic order.
The Role of Think Tanks in the Foreign Affairs Work of the Taiwan Authorities
Authors: Chen Peichao , Xu Yue
Published: April 2024

“Public diplomacy” in Taiwan is led by the Taiwan authorities and joined by multiple actors. Due to the Taiwan authorities’ limited international engagement, they seek assistance from think tanks in expanding “public diplomacy”, as a complement to their “diplomatic” efforts or as a substitute when their intervention is deemed inappropriate. In this case, think tanks assume an active “diplomatic role”. Their main functions are to provide policy advice and decision-making counsel to the Taiwan authorities; cooperate with the Taiwan authorities in “Track II diplomacy”; disseminate Taiwan’s values and build a network of cooperative relations. Their fundamental purpose is to enhance Taiwan’s international influence through exchanges and dialogues, to tilt the international public opinion towards Taiwan, and ultimately to build a network of “diplomatic” relations.
A Turn-Off Fluorescent Sensor for Metal Ions Quantifies Corrosion in an Organic Solvent
Authors: Liu Lianlian , Pfaffenberger Zechariah , Siegel Mark , Saini Anuj , Kisley Lydia
Published: April 2024

We demonstrate that the corrosion of AISI 1045 medium carbon steel and pure aluminum can be quantified by the turn-off fluorescent sensor Phen Green-SK (PGSK) in ethanol-based solutions. We first evaluate the dependence of the chelation enhanced quenching of PGSK on iron and aluminum ion concentrations. Subsequently, we apply PGSK to examine the anodic dissolution of metal corrosion. The observed time-dependent PGSK-quenching quantifies the corrosion rates of two metals over 24 h of immersion in ethanol-based solutions. The PGSK-based quantification of corrosion is compared to scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical techniques, including open circuit potential and Tafel extrapolation. The corrosion rates calculated from PGSK-quenching and Tafel extrapolation are in agreement, and both indicate a decrease in corrosion rates over 24 h. Our work shows PGSK can efficiently sense and quantify anodic corrosion reactions at metal interfaces, especially in organic solvents or other non-aqueous environments where the application of electrochemical techniques can be limited by the poor conductivity of the surrounding medium.
Association between Interleukin-6 Gene Polymorphism (rs1800795 and rs1800796) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Ghanaian Population: A Case-Control Study in the Ho Municipality
Authors: Obirikorang Christian , Lokpo Sylvester Yao , Owiredu William K. B. A. , Ahenkorah-Fondjo Linda , Osei-Yeboah James , Duedu Kwabena Obeng , Adejumo Esther Ngozi , Ametepe Samuel , Asamoah Evans Adu , Coffie Shadrack Asiedu , Mawuli Emmanuel Nattah , Essandoh Priscilla , Kwadzokpui Precious Kwablah
Published: April 2024

Background. There is no conclusive evidence on the association between interleukin- (IL-) 6 gene polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM). Thus, this study is aimed at evaluating the role of rs1800795 and rs1800796 polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of type 2 DM among Ghanaians in the Ho Municipality. Materials and Methods. We recruited into this hospital-based case-control study 174 patients with type 2 DM (75 DM alone and 99 with DM+HTN) and 149 healthy individuals between 2018 and 2020. Demographic, lifestyle, clinical, anthropometric, and haemodynamic variables were obtained. Fasting blood samples were collected for haematological, biochemical, and molecular analyses. Genomic DNA was extracted, amplified using Tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (T-ARMS-PCR) technique, and genotyped for IL-6 gene polymorphism. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between IL-6 gene polymorphism and type 2 DM. Results. The minor allele frequency (MAF) of the rs1800795 and rs1800796 polymorphisms was higher in DM alone (57.5%, 62.0%) and DM with HTN groups (58.3%, 65.3%) than controls (33.1%, 20.0%). Carriers of the rs1800795GC genotype (aOR=2.35, 95% CI: 1.13-4.90, p=0.022) and mutant C allele (aOR=2.41, 95% CI: 1.16-5.00, p=0.019) as well as those who carried the rs1800796GC (aOR=8.67, 95% CI: 4.00-18.90, p<0.001) and mutant C allele (aOR=8.84, 95% CI: 4.06-19.26, p=0.001) had increased odds of type 2 DM. For both polymorphisms, carriers of the GC genotype had comparable levels of insulin, HOMA-IR, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) with those who carried the GG genotype. IL-6 levels were higher among carriers of the rs1800796GC variant compared to carriers of the rs1800796GG variant (p=0.023). The rs1800796 polymorphism, dietary sugar intake, and exercise status, respectively, explained approximately 3% (p=0.046), 3.2% (p=0.038, coefficient=1.456), and 6.2% (p=0.004, coefficient=−2.754) of the variability in IL-6 levels, suggesting weak effect sizes. Conclusion. The GC genotype and mutant C allele are risk genetic variants associated with type 2 DM in the Ghanaian population. The rs1800796 GC variant, dietary sugar intake, and exercise status appear to contribute significantly to the variations in circulating IL-6 levels but with weak effect sizes.
Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile of Salmonella from Poultry Farms and In‐Contact Humans and Associated Risk Factors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Akalu Aberaw , Tadesse Tekalign , Alemayehu Haile , Medhin Girmay , Woldeyohannes Desalegn , Eguale Tadesse
Published: April 2024

Poultry and poultry products are the common sources of Salmonella,which is one of the serious food‐borne bacterial diseases in humans. Little is known about the status of Salmonella and their antimicrobial susceptibility in poultry farms in Addis Ababa. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella isolates and to investigate possible risk factors for the occurrence of Salmonella in poultry farms in Addis Ababa. We recruited 58 poultry farms, from which 471 poultry‐related samples and 44 stool samples from in‐contact humans were collected. The isolates were tested for their susceptibility to 11 antimicrobials using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion assay. The farm‐level prevalence of Salmonella was 36.2% and the sample‐level prevalence was 6.4% for samples taken from poultry farms and 4.5% in human stool samples who have contact with poultry. On‐farm waste disposal practices and chicken being purchased from different multiplication farms were significantly associated with Salmonella positivity of the farms (p < 0.05). Eleven (34.4%) Salmonella isolates were resistant to streptomycin, and nine (28.1%) were resistant to tetracycline. Thirteen (40.6%) Salmonella isolates were resistant to two or more antimicrobials tested in this study, whereas resistance to 3 or more antimicrobials was detected in seven (21.9%) isolates. In conclusion, a high prevalence of Salmonella and a high rate of resistance to multiple antimicrobials were detected in poultry farms in Addis Ababa. Hence, implementation of strong biosecurity measures and rational use of antimicrobials are recommended.
A Deep Learning Approach to Classify Fabry Cardiomyopathy from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Using Cine Imaging on Cardiac Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Chen Wei-Wen , Kuo Ling , Lin Yi-Xun , Yu Wen-Chung , Tseng Chien-Chao , Lin Yenn-Jiang , Huang Ching-Chun , Chang Shih-Lin , Wu Jacky Chung-Hao , Chen Chun-Ku , Weng Ching-Yao , Chan Siwa , Lin Wei-Wen , Hsieh Yu-Cheng , Lin Ming-Chih , Fu Yun-Ching , Chen Tsung , Chen Shih-Ann , Lu Henry Horng-Shing
Published: April 2024

A challenge in accurately identifying and classifying left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is distinguishing it from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and Fabry disease. The reliance on imaging techniques often requires the expertise of multiple specialists, including cardiologists, radiologists, and geneticists. This variability in the interpretation and classification of LVH leads to inconsistent diagnoses. LVH, HCM, and Fabry cardiomyopathy can be differentiated using T1 mapping on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, differentiation between HCM and Fabry cardiomyopathy using echocardiography or MRI cine images is challenging for cardiologists. Our proposed system named the MRI short-axis view left ventricular hypertrophy classifier (MSLVHC) is a high-accuracy standardized imaging classification model developed using AI and trained on MRI short-axis (SAX) view cine images to distinguish between HCM and Fabry disease. The model achieved impressive performance, with an F1-score of 0.846, an accuracy of 0.909, and an AUC of 0.914 when tested on the Taipei Veterans General Hospital (TVGH) dataset. Additionally, a single-blinding study and external testing using data from the Taichung Veterans General Hospital (TCVGH) demonstrated the reliability and effectiveness of the model, achieving an F1-score of 0.727, an accuracy of 0.806, and an AUC of 0.918, demonstrating the model’s reliability and usefulness. This AI model holds promise as a valuable tool for assisting specialists in diagnosing LVH diseases.
Varying Properties of Extracellular Matrix Grafts Impact Their Durability and Cell Attachment and Proliferation in an In Vitro Chronic Wound Model
Authors: Harmon Katrina A. , Burnette Miranda D. , Avery Justin T. , Kimmerling Kelly A. , Mowry Katie C.
Published: April 2024

While acute wounds typically progress through the phases of wound healing, chronic wounds often stall in the inflammatory phase due to elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and proinflammatory cytokines. Dysregulated expression of MMPs can result in the breakdown of extracellular matrix (ECM) formed during the wound healing process, resulting in stalled wounds. Native collagen-based wound dressings offer a potential wound management option to sequester excess MMPs and support cellular interactions that allow wound progression through the natural healing process. Herein, we utilized commercially available ECM matrices, two derived from porcine small intestinal submucosa (PCMP, 2 layers; PCMP-XT, 5 layers) and one derived from propria submucosa (ovine forestomach matrix, OFM, 1 layer), to demonstrate the impact of processing methodologies (e.g., layering and crosslinking) on functional characteristics needed for the management of chronic wounds. Grafts were evaluated for structural composition using scanning electron microscopy and histology, ability to reduce MMPs using fluorometric assays, and durability in an in vitro degradation chronic wound model. Both intact (nondegraded) and partially degraded grafts were assessed for their ability to serve as a functional cell scaffold using primary human fibroblasts. Grafts differed in matrix substructure and composition. While all grafts demonstrated attenuation of MMP activity, PCMP and PCMP-XT showed larger reductions of MMP levels. OFM rapidly degraded in the in vitro degradation model (<3 hours), while PCMP and PCMP-XT were significantly more durable (>7 days). The ability of PCMP and PCMP-XT to serve as scaffolds for cellular attachment was not impacted by degradation in vitro. Three ECM grafts with varying structural and functional characteristics exhibited differential durability when degraded in a simulated chronic wound model. Those that withstood rapid degradation maintained their ability to function as a scaffold to support attachment and proliferation of fibroblasts, a cell type important for wound healing.
Listen to the Scientists: Effects of Exposure to Scientists and General Media Consumption on Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Mechanisms During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Szczuka Jessica M. , Meinert Judith , Krämer Nicole C.
Published: April 2024

Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, scientists around the globe have engaged in science communication to an unprecedented degree to convey first-hand epidemiological knowledge and information on preventive measures. The present work is aimed at empirically investigating the impact of direct exposure to scientists as compared to general COVID-19-related media consumption (N=698) on central cognitive, affective, and behavioral variables, based on the extended parallel process model (EPPM) and its adaptations. A segment of the sample comprises individuals recruited independently, while others were sourced from an online panel. Importantly, this study sample was conducted at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results revealed that direct exposure to scientists positively affected recipients’ knowledge and self-efficacy. General media consumption, by contrast, positively affected perceived threat as well as fear and uncertainty. Both sources positively affected the adherence to protective measures.
Role of Extracellular Vesicle-Derived Noncoding RNAs in Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Hu Miao , Shen Xiahong , Zhou Ling
Published: April 2024

Background: Diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a metabolism-related syndrome characterized by abnormal glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria, and renal microangiopathy, is one of the most common forms of chronic kidney disease, whereas extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been recently evidenced as a novel cell communication player in DKD occurrence and progress via releasing various bioactive molecules, including proteins, lipids, and especially RNA, among which noncoding RNAs (including miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs) are the major regulators. However, the functional relevance of EV-derived ncRNAs in DKD is to be elucidated. Summary: Studies have reported that EV-derived ncRNAs regulate gene expression via a diverse range of regulatory mechanisms, contributing to diverse phenotypes related to DKD progression. Furthermore, there are already many potential clinical diagnostic and therapeutic studies based on these ncRNAs, which can be expected to have potential applications in clinical practice for EV-derived ncRNAs. Key Messages: In the current review, we summarized the mechanistic role of EVs in DKD according to biological function classifications, including inflammation and oxidative stress, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell death, and extracellular matrix deposition. In addition, we comprehensively discussed the potential applications of EV-derived ncRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in DKD.
Incidence and Prevalence of Dementia: A 2015–2020 Population-Based Study in the Campania Region of Italy
Authors: Affinito Giuseppina , Salerno Vito , Di Gennaro Massimo , Scafa Luca , Russo Alessandro , Fumo Maria Grazia , Giordana Roberta , Falco Fabrizia , Della Pia Flavio , Di Cecca Angelica , Migliaccio Miriana , Ilardi Ciro Rosario , Criscuolo Chiara , Spisto Myriam , Triassi Maria , Brescia Morra Vincenzo , Palladino Raffaele , Salvatore Elena , Moccia Marcello
Published: April 2024

Objective: The aims of this study were to provide population-based estimates of prevalence and incidence of any dementia and Alzheimer’s dementia (AD) in the Campania region (South Italy) and to validate towards a clinical registry. Methods: This was a population-based study, using routinely collected healthcare data of individuals living in the Campania region (South Italy) from 2015 to 2020. We included individuals aged ≥65 years alive at the prevalence day (January 1, 2021) who had at least one administrative record for dementia and/or AD from 2015 to 2020. Age-and sex-standardised prevalence rates were calculated using direct standardisation method (European population in 2020 as the reference population). To estimate the incidence, we tested three possible algorithms, which differed for the duration of the time interval between study baseline (January 1, 2015) and index date (first record for dementia and/or AD in administrative databases). We employed a clinical database for the validation of our algorithms towards neuropsychological test results. Results: Among individuals aged over 65 years, 80,392 had dementia, of which 35,748 had AD. The age- and sex-standardised prevalence rates per 1,000 individuals for any dementia and AD were 77.64 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 77.57; 77.68) and 34.05 (95% CI = 34.01; 34.09), respectively. There were 82.10 incident cases of any dementia per 100,000 per year (0.79 sensitivity and 0.62 specificity) and 59.89 incident cases of AD per 100,000 per year (0.80 sensitivity and 0.59 specificity). The capture-recapture method showed a very low number of undetected cases (1.7% for any dementia and 3.0% for AD). Our algorithms showed acceptable performance with the area under the curve ranging from 0.59 to 0.72 and a double likelihood ratio of correctly identifying individuals above and below mini-mental status examination (MMSE) standard cut-offs (24 and 26). Conclusions: Prevalence and incidence of any dementia and AD in the Campania region (South Italy) from 2015 to 2020 are in line with previous estimates from other countries. Our algorithm, integrating administrative and clinical data, holds potential for assessing dementia’s epidemiological burden, identifying risk factors, planning healthcare access, and developing prevention strategies.
El que es Nasa resiste
Authors: Cetina Ramos Nury Marcela , García Donato Pablo Ariel , Hernández Castillo Camila Andrea
Published: April 2024

El artículo presenta los resultados de la investigación “Prácticas de resistencia en escenarios de emergencia social: comunidad Nasa Toribio–Cauca”. Esta investigación es de corte cualitativo, con enfoque hermenéutico, que busca identificar prácticas de resistencia generadas por la comunidad Nasa de Toribio-Cauca frente a las relaciones de poder que producen escenarios de emergencia social. Se realiza a partir de talleres de cartografía social resaltando las relaciones de poder, deseo y comunicación con grupos de adultos y los sitios de autoridad, miedo y gusto con grupos de niños y niñas. Adicionalmente, se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas.

La comunidad Nasa se configura a partir de un escenario de emergencia social producido por relaciones de poder a partir de cuatro conflictos en el territorio: armado, social, económico y étnico. Ante estas relaciones de poder, la comunidad Nasa genera prácticas de resistencia resumidas en el proyecto Nasa, a través de la permanencia en el territorio, la Guardia indígena, la salud y educación propia, los proyectos productivos, la organización política y social, el diálogo con actores armados, los planes de contingencia, entre otras. Con este trabajo se busca visibilizar el proceso organizativo de resistencia de la comunidad nasa y dialogar con los autores trabajados en los referentes teóricos.
Formación inicial de docentes en metodología a distancia en Colombia
Authors: Moreno Vizcaíno Gloria Liliana
Published: April 2024

Este artículo presenta hallazgos derivados de la investigación doctoral denominada “Formación inicial de docentes en metodología a distancia en Colombia”. El estudio está enmarcado dentro del enfoque socio-histórico de Lev Vygotsky, quien analiza el desarrollo de los procesos psicológicos superiores que propician el aprendizaje a partir de la internalización de las prácticas sociales específicas. La investigación cualitativa y el estudio de caso múltiple generan resultados con los cuales se caracteriza lo que sería un dispositivo pedagógico para el mejoramiento de la calidad en los programas de formación inicial en metodología a distancia.
Aquatic insects as bioindicators of stream water quality - a seasonal analysis on Western Ghats river, Muthirapuzha, in central Kerala, India
Authors: M. Harinagaraj  , Leenamma Joseph  , V.S. Josekumar
Published: April 2024

This study was conducted to assess the water quality of Muthirapuzha River, Idukki using aquatic insects as bioindicators. Insects were collected on a seasonal basis from February 2014 to January 2015 from 12 sampling stations. Insects were sampled using standard collection methods and were identified up to family level. A total of 3,278 individuals belonging to seven orders and 37 families were collected during the study period. The greatest number of taxa was represented by order Ephemetroptera during monsoon (27%) and post-monsoon (25%), while Diptera (22.7%) dominated the pre-monsoon season. Shannon Weiner diversity index, Simpson dominance index, and Margalef’s richness index was highest post-monsoon. The EPT score in Muthirapuzha was for normal waters, however, pre-monsoon values were lowest, indicating pollution load during this period. Hilsenhoff’s family biotic index (HFBI) was used to estimate the status of organic pollution along the river based on representative families of aquatic entomofauna; values were highest at pre-monsoon season. The overall organic water quality level in the Muthirapuzha was good to fair based on this study.
Checklist and comparison of the bird diversity from the Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, India
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Parmar Bharti , Kumar Pardeep
Published: April 2024

Agricultural ornithology plays a crucial role in managing and sustaining agroecosystems. In agriculture, birds such as insectivores and raptors serve as natural controllers of insect and rodent pests, contributing to integrated pest management strategies. In this study, a checklist of birds was compiled using data collected over three years (2019–2022) from the agricultural landscape surrounding Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur (HPAU), India. The study area comprises varied habitats including agricultural fields, forest patches, water bodies, and tea orchards. A total of 116 avian species, spanning 17 orders and 44 families were documented. Muscicapidae emerged as the most dominant family, comprising 16 species and exhibiting the highest relative diversity index value (13.79). A comparison with previous records revealed that 40 avian species were absent, while 34 bird species were reported for the first time in the study area. These finding revealed the significant shift in avian diversity at HPAU compared to previous assessments (HPAU 2019). The observed decline in avian diversity may be attributed to rapid habitat degradation driven by large-scale shrub trimming and other development activities, particularly construction projects.
First record of the phoretic association between Pediculaster sp. (Pygmephoridae) mites and Musca crassirostris (Muscidae) flies in India
Authors: Achint Ramandeep , Devinder Singh
Published: April 2024

This article reports for the first time a phoretic pygmephorid mite on a muscid fly from India, with pygmephorid mites classified under the order Prostigmata and the family Pygmephoridae. The mites, identified as species of the genus Pediculaster belonging to the family Pygmephoridae, were collected in July 2019 from Khajjiar town, located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The flies, identified as Musca crassirostris belonging to the family Muscidae, were also noted. While this study marks a significant step in Indian research, further investigation is warranted to comprehensively compile data on the species accuracy of mites and their habitat preferences.
Uniyala multibracteata (Gamble) H.Rob. & Skvarla (Asteraceae: Vernoniae): notes on its identity and rediscovery
Authors: Reshma Raju  , Joseph Joby , K.S. Divya  , Chethana Badekar  , Jomy Augustine
Published: April 2024

The genus Uniyala H.Rob. & Skvarla with 11 species got segregated from the genus Vernonia Scherb. All 11 species are distributed in India and Sri Lanka. In India, nine species of this genus are endemic to southern Western Ghats. During our recent floristic exploration in southern India, specimens of Uniyala were collected and one of them was identified as Uniyala multibracteata (Gamble) H.Rob. & Skvarla. In further analysis, it was found that this taxon was not reported after its type collection and it was assessed as an ‘Endangered’ species (Sasidharan 2004). Hence, it is now reported as the rediscovery of the species with a note on the correct identity of the species.
Addition of two wild jasmines (Jasminum caudatum and J. grandiflorum) to Sikkim Himalaya, India
Authors: Rai Pramod , Prakash Limboo
Published: April 2024

Two wild native Jasmines (Jasminum caudatum and J. grandiflorum subsp. grandiflorum) are added to the flora of Sikkim Himalaya. Their detailed description and color plates are provided.
Concurrent maintenance of both veridical and transformed working memory representations within unique coding schemes
Authors: Kandemir Güven , Wolff Michael J. , Karabay Aytaç , Stokes Mark G. , Axmacher Nikolai , Akyürek Elkan G.
Published: April 2024

In the dynamic environment we live in, the already limited information that human working memory can maintain needs to be constantly updated to optimally guide behaviour. Indeed, previous studies showed that leading up to a response, representations maintained in working memory representations are transformed continuously. This goes hand-in-hand with the removal of task-irrelevant items. However, does such removal also include the representations of stimuli as they were originally, prior to transformation? Here, we assessed the neural representation of task-relevant transformed representations, and the no-longer-relevant veridical representations they originated from. We applied multivariate pattern analysis to electroencephalographic data during maintenance of orientation gratings with and without mental rotation. During maintenance, we perturbed the representational network by means of a visual impulse stimulus, and were thus able to successfully decode veridical as well as imaginary, transformed orientation gratings from impulse-driven activity. The impulse response reflected only task-relevant (cued), but not task-irrelevant (uncued) items, suggesting that the latter were quickly discarded from working memory. By contrast, even though the original cued orientation gratings were also no longer task-relevant after mental rotation, these items continued to be represented next to the rotated ones, in different representational formats. This seemingly inefficient use of scarce working memory capacity was associated with reduced probe response times and may thus serve to increase precision and flexibility in guiding behaviour in dynamic environments.
Investigating the Factors Influencing User Loyalty, Purchase Intention, and Word-of-Mouth in Virtual Reality
Authors: Jo Hyeon , Jang Sokjong
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the determinants of loyalty, purchase intention, and word-of-mouth (WOM) recommendations in the context of virtual reality (VR) technology, focusing on sensory design components such as visual (color, navigation design, aesthetics, shape, and product design), tactile (touch), and auditory (audio) elements. Employing partial least squares structural equation modeling, data from individuals experienced with VR headsets were analyzed to explore how these sensory aspects influence user behavior. Contrary to expectations, color did not significantly influence attitude or satisfaction. Navigation design significantly impacted both user attitude and satisfaction, highlighting its importance in the VR experience. While aesthetics were found to positively affect user attitude, they did not significantly influence satisfaction. Interestingly, the shape of VR devices influenced satisfaction but not attitude. The product design of VR devices significantly affected both attitude and satisfaction, but audio factors did not significantly impact either. The results indicate that user attitude significantly influences loyalty, purchase intention, and WOM, as does user satisfaction. This reveals the critical role of design and sensory elements in shaping user experiences and preferences within VR environments, offering insights for developers and marketers aiming to enhance user engagement and loyalty.
Text-to-OverpassQL: A Natural Language Interface for Complex Geodata Querying of OpenStreetMap
Authors: Staniek Michael , Schumann Raphael , Züfle Maike , Riezler Stefan
Published: April 2024

We present Text-to-OverpassQL, a task designed to facilitate a natural language interface for querying geodata from OpenStreetMap (OSM). The Overpass Query Language (OverpassQL) allows users to formulate complex database queries and is widely adopted in the OSM ecosystem. Generating Overpass queries from natural language input serves multiple use-cases. It enables novice users to utilize OverpassQL without prior knowledge, assists experienced users with crafting advanced queries, and enables tool-augmented large language models to access information stored in the OSM database. In order to assess the performance of current sequence generation models on this task, we propose OverpassNL,1 a dataset of 8,352 queries with corresponding natural language inputs. We further introduce task specific evaluation metrics and ground the evaluation of the Text-to-OverpassQL task by executing the queries against the OSM database. We establish strong baselines by finetuning sequence-to-sequence models and adapting large language models with in-context examples. The detailed evaluation reveals strengths and weaknesses of the considered learning strategies, laying the foundations for further research into the Text-to-OverpassQL task.
Eliciting the Translation Ability of Large Language Models via Multilingual Finetuning with Translation Instructions
Authors: Li Jiahuan , Zhou Hao , Huang Shujian , Cheng Shanbo , Chen Jiajun
Published: April 2024

Large-scale pretrained language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT and GPT4, have shown strong abilities in multilingual translation, without being explicitly trained on parallel corpora. It is intriguing how the LLMs obtain their ability to carry out translation instructions for different languages. In this paper, we present a detailed analysis by finetuning a multilingual pretrained language model, XGLM-7.5B, to perform multilingual translation following given instructions. Firstly, we show that multilingual LLMs have stronger translation abilities than previously demonstrated. For a certain language, the translation performance depends on its similarity to English and the amount of data used in the pretraining phase. Secondly, we find that LLMs’ ability to carry out translation instructions relies on the understanding of translation instructions and the alignment among different languages. With multilingual finetuning with translation instructions, LLMs could learn to perform the translation task well even for those language pairs unseen during the instruction tuning phase.
J. T. Fraser and the Temporal Texture of Narrative, an Intersection of Disciplines
Authors: Huisman Rosemary
Published: April 2024

This paper tracks the intersection of three disciplinary areas: J. T. Fraser’s theory of time as nested temporalities, M. A. K. Halliday’s systemic functional linguistics, and English literary history. Narrative theorists claim that narrative is a use of language that organizes the human understanding of time. However, narrative is not limited to only one temporality but can include the multiple temporalities that appear in Fraser’s model. This approach repudiates studies of narrative, such as those in the structuralist tradition of dual discourse and story, which assume “time” has a singular meaning equivalent to Fraser’s “biotemporality.” Each temporality can be associated with a different type of coherent story, and thus the one narrative can weave together stories with different temporalities, its “temporal texture.” Fraser and Halliday both recognize Gerald Edelman’s dual model of the brain and the emergence of language through the evolution of the human brain from “primary consciousness” to “higher-order consciousness.” Language evolves in the “human umwelt” of everyday experience of material, mental and social worlds in the gravitational context of this earth. Thus pre-twentieth century narratives, with various textures, tell stories of Fraser’s temporalities of human earthly experience. Fraser’s model also describes the “unearthly temporalities” that, from the twentieth century, modern science and technology have added to human understanding, producing what he calls the “extended human umwelt.” The twentieth century narratives of modernism and postmodernism may include these temporalities in their texture. However, the digital culture of the twenty-first century already reshapes the human umwelt; the paper ends with some speculation on changes in organization of temporal meaning in the evolving context.
Tasting the Soil and Mobilizing the Future: Pedagogies of Hope in Timor-Leste’s Permaculture Youth Camps
Authors: Stodulka Thomas
Published: April 2024

This article localizes the traveling concept of permaculture in Timor-Leste as a pathway into studying the juventude permakultura (permaculture youth) movement, its pedagogies of hope, sensory learning, and emotional mobilization. Focusing on permaculture-based community gardening and water conservation projects in Timor-Leste in relation to projects implemented by the nation’s significant government-NGO nexus opens up anthropological inquiries into various social, political, and ecological phenomena. It contrasts divergent imaginaries of shaping young persons’ selves and futures and taps into issues of food security, environmental awareness, and alternative knowledge construction. Although ongoing research localizes the traveling concept of “permaculture” in Timor-Leste through tracing, exploring, and juxtaposing methodologies, this article focuses on the practice-oriented sensorial pedagogy of permaculture youth camps. It inquires how the eco-social youth movement contests the marginalization of vulnerable communities by acknowledging local knowledge and connecting it with translocal permaculture techniques. More precisely, the article focuses on the sensory and affective dimensions of learning in vulnerable communities and disaster-prone landscapes. It zeroes in on tasting the soil and mobilizing the future as pedagogies of hope and considers these powerful ways of securing (future) livelihood.
Cultivating Self-Transcendence Through Meditation Practice: A Test of the Role of Meta-Awareness, (Dis)identification and Non-Reactivity
Authors: De Oliveira Pierre , Juneau Catherine , Stinus Céline , Corman Maya , Michelli Noemi , Pellerin Nicolas , Shankland Rebecca , Dambrun Michael
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we present a study comprising two distinct stages to examine the extent to which metacognitive processes of decentering facilitate the emergence of self-transcendence experiences in everyday life (i.e., the frequency of self-transcendent emotions, flow proneness, and adopting an interconnected identity). In the course of conducting this research, the first stage ( N = 374) focused on assessing the structure and validity of the French version of the Metacognitive Processes of Decentering Scale (MPoD-t). Building on this, the second stage ( N = 294) examined the potential relationship between meditative practices and psychological decentering processes (i.e., meta-awareness, (dis)identification with internal experiences, and (non)reactivity to thought content) and explored whether these mechanisms explain the association between meditative practices and the experience of self-transcendent states. Overall, the results demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties of the French version of the MPoD and provided enhanced insights into the distinct mediating roles played by various decentering components in the manifestation of self-transcendence experiences in daily life. Indeed, the findings revealed that the relationship between practice and the occurrence of self-transcendent emotions or flow was mediated by the meta-awareness component, while the association between practice and the development of an interconnected identity was explained by the (dis)identification with internal experiences component. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Parenting Practices and Children’s Cognitive Effort: A Laboratory Study
Authors: Foley William , Radl Jonas
Published: April 2024

We examine the association between parenting practices (discipline and support) and children’s cognitive effort. Cognitive effort is hard to measure; hence, little is known about effort dispositions, and how parenting practices affect effort. We analyse data from 1,148 fifth-grade students from Berlin and Madrid (around 11 years of age). Cognitive effort is measured with tests of executive function, carried out under two reward schemes: an unincentivised and incentivised condition. We study two effort-related outcomes: “effort direction” – the child’s decision to voluntarily do a real-effort task – and “effort intensity” – the child’s performance on the task. In line with theoretical expectations, results indicate that both parental discipline and support are associated with effort direction when the moderating role of incentives is taken into account. However, only parental discipline is (weakly) associated with effort intensity. We conclude that parenting practices primarily influence deliberative rather than instinctual types of cognitive effort.
Jejunojejunal intussusception induced by a gastrointestinal stromal tumor: a case report and literature review
Authors: Nwagbara Victor Ikechukwu Canice , Ashindoitiang John Adi , Ugbem Theophilus Ipeh , Ukam Joseph Stephen , Asuquo Maurice Efana
Published: April 2024

Intussusception is defined as the invagination of a proximal segment of the bowel into the adjoining or distal segment. In most adults with intussusception, there is a demonstrable lead point with a definite pathologic abnormality. The clinical features of intussusception include chronic intermittent abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, constipation, and a palpable abdominal mass. The present case report describes a 62-year-old woman with a 2-week history of abdominal pain and 9-day history of vomiting. Clinical, imaging, and histologic evaluations revealed a jejunojejunal intussusception with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor as the lead point. A gastrointestinal stromal tumor should be considered as a possible lead point in adult patients with intussusception. The implication of reducing the intussusception prior to tumor resection requires further evaluation in view of the risk of venous embolism, including direct spread of malignant cells, in cases involving a large polypoid mass with a necrotic surface that extends to the serosa as shown by intraoperative examination. Accordingly, the rationale for adjuvant therapy with imatinib also requires further evaluation.
A combination of laparoscopy and bilateral uterine artery occlusion for the treatment of type II cesarean scar pregnancy: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Wang Hongyan , Xue Fangfang , Wang Wenying
Published: April 2024

Objective

We investigated the efficacy of a combination of laparoscopy and bilateral uterine artery occlusion (BUAO) for the treatment of type II cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP).

Methods

Patients with type II CSP underwent laparoscopy + bilateral uterine artery embolization (control group) or laparoscopy + BUAO (study group). Data regarding the duration of surgery, intraoperative hemorrhage, postoperative complications, the duration of the hospital stay, and the costs of hospitalization were retrospectively collected. One year later, the time to the return of the β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) concentration to normal and to the return of menstruation were compared.

Results

The duration of surgery, time to the return of menstruation, and incidence of postoperative complications in the study group were significantly less than in the control group, but there was no significant difference in the time for β-hCG to return to normal or the volume of intraoperative hemorrhage. The duration of hospitalization and costs for the control group were higher than those for the study group.

Conclusion

Laparoscopy in combination with BUAO is associated with minimal trauma, rapid recovery, a short duration of surgery, low cost of hospitalization, and a low postoperative complication rate. Thus, it represents a useful new surgical treatment for type II CSP.
Multispecies homescapes
Authors: Schuurman Nora
Published: April 2024

This paper proposes a change in the conceptualisation of home, as part of a wider paradigmatic transformation in the understandings of the boundaries between humans and animals, and nature and culture. A new concept of multispecies homescapes is suggested, building on recent work on human–animal relationships as well as writings on the home in human geography. Multispecies homescapes are approached as imaginary spaces, including experiences of sharing home with other species, the limits and liminalities of homeness, and the loss of a multispecies home. Imagining home as multispecies will widen the scope of research beyond anthropocentric understandings of domestic space.
Random load identification of cylindrical shell structure based on multi-layer neural network and support vector regression
Authors: Yang Xinliang , Guo Yanfeng , Chen Yawen , Zhao Jinwei , Dong Longlei , Lü Yanjun
Published: April 2024

A new-type identification method in the frequency domain by combining a multi-layer neural network and support vector regression is proposed to identify random load of a complex cylindrical shell structure. The kernel function of support vector regression has a great influence on the prediction accuracy of machine learning model, and it is effective to employ the linear function. As the penalty factor is large, the identification accuracy of the Gaussian kernel function is close to the linear kernel function. In the process of random load identification, the prediction accuracy of the neural network using the L-BFGS method is higher than the traditional Adam method. The number of hidden layers of the neural network has little effect on the L-BFGS algorithm, but a great effect on the Adam method. Different levels of noise are introduced to verify the robustness of the machine learning model. Both the support vector regression with linear kernel function and neural network model based on the L-BFGS method have strong robustness. For the noise percentage of 1%, the support vector regression has better prediction accuracy than the neural network, yet the case is contrary for the noise percentage greater than 5%. The verification shows that the neural network model trained by simulation data has better identification accuracy for real load at some frequencies. The load identification method is proposed based on the frequency points which may establish the machine learning model. The mean absolute percentage error shows that the method based on a multi-layer neural network and support vector regression has high identification accuracy.
Incorporation of hydroxyapatite and cerium oxide nanoparticle scaffold as an antibacterial filler matrix for biomedical applications
Authors: Das Sunita , Swain Subhasmita , Rautray Tapash Ranjan
Published: April 2024

Managing bone healing is essential for preventing problems such as non-union, bacterial infection, structural instability, psychological, and physical damage in patients. The need to use antibiotics less often has prompted researchers to look at possible substitutes, such as nanoparticles. In this investigation, we choose to employ cerium oxide nanoparticles due to their unique antibacterial properties based on redox reactions. The cerium oxide–hydroxyapatite composite was synthesized, calcined, and ball-milled to create a fine CeO2-HA powder. Luffa cylindrica sponge was used to prepare the scaffold, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to investigate the structural and morphological features. Rapid upregulation of osteogenesis marker genes confirmed that CeO2-HA nanoparticles in the scaffolds promoted osteoblast cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. The cell viability test was conducted by MTT assay. When the CeO2-HA composite was cultured with S. aureus, it showed signs of having more antibacterial efficacy than pure HA.