bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Volatilomics and Macro-Composition Analyses of Primary Wuyi Rock Teas of Rougui and Shuixian Cultivars from Different Production Areas
Authors: Zhang Lixuan , Zhou Chengzhe , Zhang Cheng , Zhang Mengcong , Guo Yuqiong
Published: August 2024

Wuyi Rock Tea (WRT) is cherished for its exceptional “rock flavor” and its quality shows obvious regional differences. However, the flavor characteristics of Primary Wuyi Rock Teas (PWRTs) from different production areas remain unclear. Here, the Camellia sinensis var. sinensis cv. ‘Rougui’ and ‘Shuixian’, two quintessential cultivars for making WRT, planted in Zhengyan, Banyan, at high elevations, and Waishan production areas were used to make PWRTs. We conducted a comprehensive comparison of the sensory attributes, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and macro-compositions of PWRTs of ‘Rougui’ and ‘Shuixian’ cultivars from different producing areas. Sensory evaluation indicated that both ‘Rougui’ and ‘Shuixian’ PWRTs from Zhengyan exhibited the best flavor qualities, followed by those from Banyan, at high altitudes, and Waishan production areas. The results of the determination and analysis of VOCs showed 680 VOCs in ‘Rougui’ and ‘Shuixian’ PWRTs, and that the different production areas mainly influenced the quantitative pattern of VOCs and rarely the qualitative composition. Integrated multivariate statistical analysis methods revealed that benzyl alcohol, hotrienol, butanoic acid, 2-methyl-, hexyl ester, benzene, (2-nitroethyl)-, and geranyl isobutyrate may be the key VOCs affecting the aroma differences in PWRTs from different production areas. In addition, water-extractable substances, tea polyphenols, caffeine, and free amino acids may be the important macro-compositions that distinguish PWRTs from different production areas. The metabolite basis for differences in the flavor qualities of PWRTs across production areas was elucidated, which may be helpful for the production of high-quality WRT.
Pore-Scale Modeling of Gas–Oil Two-Phase Flow Based on the Phase-Field Method—A Case Study of Glutenite Reservoirs in China
Authors: Tian Ya , Yang Li , Chen Yi , Bai Zhongkai , Yang Youxing , Wu Jianwei , Wang Suling
Published: August 2024

This work employs the phase field method combined with a realistic microscopic heterogeneous pore structure model to conduct numerical simulations of CO2–oil two-phase flow. This study investigates the diffusion behavior of CO2 during the displacement process and analyzes the impact of various parameters such as the flow rate, the contact angle, and interfacial tension on the displacement effect. The results indicate that, over time, saturated oil is gradually replaced by CO2, which primarily flows along channels with larger throat widths and lower resistance. The preferential flow paths of CO2 correspond to high flow rates and high pore pressures occupied by CO2. As the injection rate increases, the CO2 filtration rate increases, CO2 movement becomes more pronounced, and CO2 saturation rises. Beyond the optimal flow rate, however, the displacement effect worsens. The wettability of the porous medium predominantly determines the CO2 migration path during the displacement process. As the contact angle increases, CO2 wettability towards the rock improves, significantly enhancing the displacement effect. Under different interfacial tension conditions, the recovery rate increases with the amount of CO2 entering the porous medium, but no clear correlation is observed between interfacial tension and the recovery rate. Therefore, it is challenging to further improve the recovery rate by altering interfacial tension. The viscosity ratio affects wettability and thereby influences the displacement effect. Lower viscosity ratios result in reduced wettability effects, making CO2 diffusion more difficult. This study provides theoretical guidance and technical support for CO2-EOR (Enhanced Oil Recovery) in highly heterogeneous reservoirs on a field scale.
A Preliminary Study Looking at the Use of Mindful Compassion and Cannabis Suppositories for Anodyspareunia among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM)
Authors: Banbury Samantha , Chandler Chris , Erridge Simon , Olvera Javier del Rio , Turner John , Lusher Joanne
Published: August 2024

Research on the use of cannabis rectal suppositories for analgesia is limited. Few trials have evaluated the combined use of mindfulness and cannabis suppositories for anodyspareunia in men who have sex with men (MSM). This preliminary study, including a randomised control trial (RCT) and content analysis, assessed the effectiveness of an online mindful-compassion and cannabis suppository intervention among 52 British MSM (aged 18–50) who predominantly identified as bottoms (recipients of anal sex). Participants were randomly allocated to one of four groups based on whether they were using cannabis suppositories: adjunct cannabis suppository and mindful-compassion (CSMF), cannabis suppository only (CS), mindful compassion only (MF) and care as usual/control (CAU). Assessments measuring mindful compassion, sexual functioning, sexual self-efficacy, well-being, and anodyspareunia levels were completed at weeks 0, 4, and 12. Anodyspareunia levels were lower in the CSMF group compared to the other groups (CS/MF/CAU), p = 0.031. Feedback revealed that participants felt mindful compassion potentiated the effects of cannabis suppositories during sexual intimacy, reducing pain and enhancing sexual self-efficacy, sexual functioning, and well-being. This preliminary study warrants larger-scale investigation to establish the role of cannabis suppositories and mindful compassion in reducing anodyspareunia.
Coulomb Spike Model of Radiation Damage in Wide Band-Gap Insulators
Authors: Costantini Jean-Marc , Ogawa Tatsuhiko
Published: August 2024

A novel Coulomb spike concept is applied to the radiation damage induced in LiF and SiO2 with about the same mass density (~2.65 g cm−3) by Ni2860 and Kr3684 ions of 1.0-MeV u−1 energy for about the same electronic energy loss (~10 MeV µm−1). This is an alternative concept to the already known models of the Coulomb spike and inelastic thermal spike for the damage induced by swift heavy ion irradiations. The distribution of ionizations and electrostatic energy gained in the electric field by the ionized atoms is computed with the PHITS code for both targets. Further, the atomic collision cascades induced by these low-energy hot ions of about 500 eV are simulated with the SRIM2013 code. It is found that melting is reached in a small volume for SiO2 due to the energy deposition in the subthreshold events of nuclear collisions induced by the Si and O ions. For LiF, the phonon contribution to the stopping power of the lighter Li and F ions is not sufficient to induce melting, even though the melting temperature is lower than for SiO2. The formation of amorphous domains in SiO2 is likely after fast quenching of the small molten pockets, whereas only point defects may be formed in LiF.
Autocatalytic Acetylation of Crude Glycerol Using Acetic Acid: A Kinetic Model
Authors: Perez Federico M. , Pompeo Francisco , Santori Gerardo F. , Gatti Martín N.
Published: August 2024

The aim of this work was to develop a kinetic model based on the power law to describe the evolution of glycerol conversion and product distribution in the crude glycerol (G) acetylation reaction with acetic acid (AA) without the use of a catalyst. For this purpose, experimental tests were carried out with analytical glycerol under different reaction conditions (T = 80–160 °C, AA/G = 1–9 molar ratio, t = 0.25–2 h). The results showed the formation of mono- (MAG), di- (DAG) and tri- (TAG) acetylglycerols, liquid products with multiple applications in the chemical industry. From these results, a kinetic model based on the power law was implemented, which could acceptably estimate the experimental concentrations with an average relative error of 14.9%. Then, crude glycerol samples from different biodiesel industries were characterized by identifying and quantifying the impurities present in them (H2O, CH3OH, NaOH, NaCOOH, MONG and NaCl), and employed as reactants in the reaction tests. Given the significant differences observed in the glycerol conversion values compared to those obtained with analytical glycerol, further reaction tests were conducted to elucidate the effect of each impurity over the glycerol conversion. In these tests, the different impurities were added individually, maintaining the same concentration range as that of the crude glycerol samples. From the results obtained, global activity factors were introduced, which allowed us to modify the kinetic model to estimate glycerol conversions in the crude glycerol samples with an average relative error of 7%. It is hoped that this kinetic model will be a powerful tool useful for designing reactors on an industrial scale.
Finding the Creative Synergy between Spiritual Care and the Schwartz Rounds
Authors: Bradford Kate L. , Lele Kiran , Leung Kelvin C. Y.
Published: August 2024

The practice of spiritual care in health has included the goal of addressing the spiritual needs of healthcare staff. Spiritual-care practitioners have had some difficulty in fulfilling this goal, which has created the need for innovative approaches. Two approaches designed to address the spiritual and existential needs of staff are Value-Based Reflective Practice (VBRP) and Schwartz Rounds. Schwartz Rounds are a regular whole-hospital meeting where staff are invited to share and discuss the social and emotional aspects of their work. They are an evidence-based intervention to reduce psychological distress and improve staff wellbeing. This paper seeks to explore the role of spiritual care practitioners in addressing the spiritual and existential needs of staff. It then explores the synergy of these roles with the theory and practice of the above approaches, with a particular emphasis on Schwartz Rounds. The paper is grounded in the experience of the authors collaborating to establish Schwartz Rounds in a large and culturally diverse hospital while also playing a leadership role in the establishment and sustainability of Schwartz programmes in other settings.
Differentially Private Client Selection and Resource Allocation in Federated Learning for Medical Applications Using Graph Neural Networks
Authors: Messinis Sotirios C. , Protonotarios Nicholas E. , Doulamis Nikolaos
Published: August 2024

Federated learning (FL) has emerged as a pivotal paradigm for training machine learning models across decentralized devices while maintaining data privacy. In the healthcare domain, FL enables collaborative training among diverse medical devices and institutions, enhancing model robustness and generalizability without compromising patient privacy. In this paper, we propose DPS-GAT, a novel approach integrating graph attention networks (GATs) with differentially private client selection and resource allocation strategies in FL. Our methodology addresses the challenges of data heterogeneity and limited communication resources inherent in medical applications. By employing graph neural networks (GNNs), we effectively capture the relational structures among clients, optimizing the selection process and ensuring efficient resource distribution. Differential privacy mechanisms are incorporated, to safeguard sensitive information throughout the training process. Our extensive experiments, based on the Regensburg pediatric appendicitis open dataset, demonstrated the superiority of our approach, in terms of model accuracy, privacy preservation, and resource efficiency, compared to traditional FL methods. The ability of DPS-GAT to maintain a high and stable number of client selections across various rounds and differential privacy budgets has significant practical implications, indicating that FL systems can achieve strong privacy guarantees without compromising client engagement and model performance. This balance is essential for real-world applications where both privacy and performance are paramount. This study suggests a promising direction for more secure and efficient FL medical applications, which could improve patient care through enhanced predictive models and collaborative data utilization.
Improved Non-Negative Matrix Factorization-Based Noise Reduction of Leakage Acoustic Signals
Authors: Yu Yongsheng , Hu Yongwen , Wang Yingming , Cai Zhuoran
Published: August 2024

The detection of gas leaks using acoustic signals is often compromised by environmental noise, which significantly impacts the accuracy of subsequent leak identification. Current noise reduction algorithms based on non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) typically utilize the Euclidean distance as their objective function, which can exacerbate noise anomalies. Moreover, these algorithms predominantly rely on simple techniques like Wiener filtering to estimate the amplitude spectrum of pure signals. This approach, however, falls short in accurately estimating the amplitude spectrum of non-stationary signals. Consequently, this paper proposes an improved non-negative matrix factorization (INMF) noise reduction algorithm that enhances the traditional NMF by refining both the objective function and the amplitude spectrum estimation process for reconstructed signals. The improved algorithm replaces the conventional Euclidean distance with the Kullback–Leibler (KL) divergence and incorporates noise and sparse constraint terms into the objective function to mitigate the adverse effects of signal amplification. Unlike traditional methods such as Wiener filtering, the proposed algorithm employs an adaptive Minimum Mean-Square Error-Log Spectral Amplitude (MMSE-LSA) method to estimate the amplitude spectrum of non-stationary signals adaptively across varying signal-to-noise ratios. Comparative experiments demonstrate that the INMF algorithm significantly outperforms existing methods in denoising leakage acoustic signals.
TransNeural: An Enhanced-Transformer-Based Performance Pre-Validation Model for Split Learning Tasks
Authors: Liu Guangyi , Kang Mancong , Zhu Yanhong , Zheng Qingbi , Zhu Maosheng , Li Na
Published: August 2024

While digital twin networks (DTNs) can potentially estimate network strategy performance in pre-validation environments, they are still in their infancy for split learning (SL) tasks, facing challenges like unknown non-i.i.d. data distributions, inaccurate channel states, and misreported resource availability across devices. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a TransNeural algorithm for DTN pre-validation environment to estimate SL latency and convergence. First, the TransNeural algorithm integrates transformers to efficiently model data similarities between different devices, considering different data distributions and device participate sequence greatly influence SL training convergence. Second, it leverages neural network to automatically establish the complex relationships between SL latency and convergence with data distributions, wireless and computing resources, dataset sizes, and training iterations. Deviations in user reports are also accounted for in the estimation process. Simulations show that the TransNeural algorithm improves latency estimation accuracy by 9.3% and convergence estimation accuracy by 22.4% compared to traditional equation-based methods.
The Identification of Bioactive Compounds in the Aerial Parts of Agrimonia pilosa and Their Inhibitory Effects on Beta-Amyloid Production and Aggregation
Authors: Lee Chung Hyeon , Ko Min Sung , Kim Ye Seul , Hwang Kwang Woo , Park So-Young
Published: August 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition characterized by memory and cognitive decline in older individuals. Beta-amyloid (Aβ), a significant component of senile plaques, is recognized as a primary contributor to AD pathology. Hence, substances that can inhibit Aβ production and/or accumulation are crucial for AD prevention and treatment. Agrimonia pilosa LEDEB. (A. pilosa) (Rosaceae), specifically its aerial parts, was identified in our previous screening study as a promising candidate with inhibitory effects on Aβ production. Therefore, in this study, A. pilosa extract was investigated for its anti-amyloidogenic effects, and its bioactive principles were isolated and identified. The ethanol extract of A. pilosa reduced the levels of sAPPβ and β-secretase by approximately 3% and 40%, respectively, compared to the DMSO-treated control group in APP-CHO cells (a cell line expressing amyloid precursor protein), which were similar to those in the positive control group. In addition, the ethanol extract of A. pilosa also hindered Aβ’s aggregation into fibrils and facilitated the disaggregation of Aβ aggregates, as confirmed by a Thioflavin T (Th T) assay. Subsequently, the active constituents were isolated using a bioassay-guided isolation method involving diverse column chromatography. Eleven compounds were identified—epi-catechin (1), catechin (2), (2S, 3S)-dihydrokaempferol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), (-)-epiafzelechin 5-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), kaempferol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), apigenin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), dihydrokaempferol 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (7), quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (8), (2S, 3S)-taxifolin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (9), luteolin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (10), and apigenin 7-O-β-D-methylglucuronate (11)—identified through 1D and 2D NMR analysis and comparison with data from the literature. These compounds significantly decreased Aβ production by reducing β- and γ-secretase levels. Moreover, none of the compounds affected the expression levels of sAPPα or α-secretase. Further, compounds 1, 2, 4, 8, and 10 demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in Aβ aggregation and promoted the disaggregation of pre-formed Aβ aggregates. Notably, compound 8 inhibited the aggregation of Aβ into fibrils by about 43% and facilitated the disassembly of Aβ aggregates by 41% compared to the control group containing only Aβ. These findings underscore the potential of A. pilosa extract and its constituents to mitigate a crucial pathological aspect of AD. Therefore, A. pilosa extract and its active constituents hold promise for development as therapeutics and preventatives of AD.
Match Injury Incidence for a New Zealand Amateur Domestic Female Soccer Team over Two Consecutive Seasons
Authors: King Doug A. , Hume Patria A. , Clark Trevor N.
Published: August 2024

Objective: To determine the match injury incidence for a New Zealand amateur domestic female soccer team over two consecutive seasons. Methods: A descriptive, epidemiological observational study was conducted to determine match injury incidence for 49 players over two domestic seasons. Match exposure and injury burden were calculated. Results: A total of 84 match-related injuries resulted in a match injury incidence of 145.5 (95% confidence interval (CI): 117.4 to 180.1) per 1000 match h. Attackers had a higher incidence of injuries for total (200.0 per 1000 match h) and missed matches (152.4 per 1000 match h). The lower limbs had the highest injury incidence (105.6 per 1000 match h), with ankle injury being the most reported (43.3 per 1000 match h) lower limb injury. Over three quarters (75.3%) of the injuries recorded were missed match injuries. Sprains/strains were the most recorded total (86.6 per 1000 match h) injury type. Fractures were recorded as having the highest mean injury burden (68.7 ± 70.4 days). Discussion: Historically, there was a paucity of injury burden data for female football; however, the data presented within this study can be utilised to support the identification of injury patterns and areas to be included within injury reduction programmes.
Waste or Raw Material? Perlite Concrete as Part of a Sustainable Materials Management Process in the Construction Sector
Authors: Dzięcioł Justyna , Szlachetka Olga
Published: August 2024

Recent advancements in sustainable building practices include the integration of waste materials from various industries into construction materials. This approach is currently being evaluated, allowing us to view recycled material not as waste but as a valuable resource and raw material. Such an approach involves viewing this material as a separate resource with its own distinctive properties. This article investigates the use and environmental safety of perlite-based concrete. The research focuses on the properties of immobilizing potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soil and plants, and it examines the impact of adding activated carbon to different types of perlite concrete on these properties. Initial tests varied the content of perlite concrete (3%, 5%, and 10%) to better understand the immobilization process in soil, roots, and aboveground plant parts. The results after adding 10% activated carbon provide insights into the nature and direction of the immobilization process and in determining the optimal amount of perlite concrete to enhance this process. The soil analysis revealed that the application of PPC at a rate of 10% led to a notable elevation in soil zinc content, reaching 96.6 mg/kg—a considerable 304% increase. Similarly, the amendment of PBFC at a rate of 10% resulted in a significant enhancement in copper content, reaching 21.7 mg/kg—an 112% increase. This study also evaluates the environmental safety of using perlite concrete and activated carbon in construction projects, such as earthworks and road subbases, where the materials interact with the water–soil environment. The novelty of this research lies in its examination of the remediation potential and environmental safety of modified perlite aggregate, offering a fresh perspective on the impacts of these modifications on previously studied materials. By applying varying concentrations of the amendments, the research provides a deeper understanding of their effects, yielding significant findings that support the advancement of sustainable construction practices.
Resilience Evaluation and Renovation Strategies of Public Spaces in Old Communities from a Disaster-Adaptive Perspective
Authors: Li Qin , Peng Shaomin , Chen Zonghao , Du Han , Liu Yijun , Li Wenlong
Published: August 2024

Old community districts grapple with issues such as antiquated infrastructure and functional designs that fail to meet contemporary needs. These limitations lead to diminished disaster resistance and a reduced quality of life for inhabitants. Public spaces within these antiquated districts can function as sanctuaries during calamities, enhancing the community’s disaster response efficacy and expediting post-disaster recovery, which is vital for effective disaster management. Nevertheless, the disaster-resilience attributes of public spaces in these old districts have not been sufficiently researched. This study focused on three representative old communities in Beijing, analyzing and contrasting their disaster resilience attributes and various community types. Utilizing the Analytic Hierarchy Process, a hierarchical structural model was formulated, examining the public spatial structure, function, transportation, and ecology. A comprehensive analysis was then conducted to identify the resilience characteristics that public spaces in old communities should possess. The findings indicated that the prioritization of the four criteria—ecological space, transit space, spatial function, and spatial structure—in the development of disaster-resilient public spaces in communities increases progressively. The renovation to increase the disaster-resilience of old communities should concentrate on optimizing the spatial structure layout of the community, enhancing the integrity, openness, and coherence of public spaces; imbuing public spaces with versatile and multifaceted functions, and establishing hierarchical distribution systems; ensuring transit spaces cater to both everyday use and disaster exigencies, maintaining unimpeded traffic flow under all conditions; and creating multi-tiered ecological spaces to bolster resilience during disasters while enhancing daily aesthetics. This research enriches the strategies for the disaster-resilient renovation of public spaces in old communities, offering precise and scientific references to improve community disaster resilience and emergency response capabilities.
Synergistic Antitumor Effects of 177Lu-Octreotide Combined with an ALK Inhibitor in a High-Risk Neuroblastoma Xenograft Model
Authors: Romiani Arman , Pettersson Daniella , Rassol Nishte , Simonsson Klara , Bakr Hana , Lind Dan E. , Kovács Anikó , Spetz Johan , Palmer Ruth H. , Hallberg Bengt , Helou Khalil , Forssell-Aronsson Eva
Published: August 2024

Background/Objectives: Neuroblastoma (NB) is a childhood cancer with heterogeneous characteristics, posing challenges to effective treatment. NBs express somatostatin receptors that facilitate the use of somatostatin analogs (SSTAs) as tumor-seeking agents for diagnosis and therapy. High-risk (HR) NBs often have gain-of-function mutations in the receptor tyrosine kinase anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). Despite intensive multimodal treatment, survival rates remain below 40% for children with HR-NB. The aim of this work was to investigate the combined effect of the SSTA 177Lu-octreotide with the ALK inhibitor lorlatinib. Methods: Mice bearing human HR-NB CLB-BAR tumors were treated with lorlatinib, 177Lu-octreotide, and a combination of these pharmaceuticals or saline (control). Tumor volume was monitored and tumor samples were evaluated for cleaved caspase-3 and expression of 84 human genes involved in apoptosis. Results: Combination treatment with 177Lu-octreotide and lorlatinib demonstrated synergistic antitumor effects. An increased number of cleaved caspase 3-positive cells was observed in tumors from mice treated with 177Lu-octreotide alone and in combination with lorlatinib. Modulation of Bcl-2 family gene expression was observed only in the presence of both 177Lu-octreotide and lorlatinib, with BID down-regulated and HRK up-regulated on days 2 and 7, respectively. Conclusions: The data suggest that ALK signaling pathway inhibition may contribute to radiosensitization in radionuclide therapy with 177Lu-octreotide and could improve treatment outcomes in patients with HR-NB.
Revisiting Quantum Field Theory in Rindler Spacetime with Superselection Rules
Authors: Kumar K. Sravan , Marto João
Published: August 2024

Quantum field theory (QFT) in Rindler spacetime is a gateway to understanding unitarity and information loss paradoxes in curved spacetime. Rindler coordinates map Minkowski spacetime onto regions with horizons, effectively dividing accelerated observers into causally disconnected sectors. Employing standard quantum field theory techniques and Bogoliubov transformations between Minkowski and Rindler coordinates yields entanglement between states across these causally separated regions of spacetime. This results in a breakdown of unitarity, implying that information regarding the entangled partner may be irretrievably lost beyond the Rindler horizon. As a consequence, one has a situation of pure states evolving into mixed states. In this paper, we introduce a novel framework for comprehending this phenomenon using a recently proposed formulation of direct-sum quantum field theory (DQFT), which is grounded in superselection rules formulated by the parity and time reversal (PT) symmetry of Minkowski spacetime. In the context of DQFT applied to Rindler spacetime, we demonstrate that each Rindler observer can, in principle, access pure states within the horizon, thereby restoring unitarity. However, our analysis also reveals the emergence of a thermal spectrum of Unruh radiation. This prompts a reevaluation of entanglement in Rindler spacetime, where we propose a novel perspective on how Rindler observers may reconstruct complementary information beyond the horizon. Furthermore, we revisit the implications of the Reeh-Schlieder theorem within the framework of DQFT. Lastly, we underscore how our findings contribute to ongoing efforts aimed at elucidating the role of unitarity in quantum field theory within the context of de Sitter and black hole spacetimes.
CME Forecasting System: Event Selection Algorithm, Dimming Data Application Limitations, and Analysis of the Results for Events of the Solar Cycle 24
Authors: Kaportseva Ksenia , Shugay Yulia , Vakhrusheva Anna , Kalegaev Vladimir , Shiryaev Anton , Eremeev Valeriy
Published: August 2024

The modeling of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) arrival to Earth was carried out using a one-dimensional drag-based model (DBM) over the period from 2010 to 2018. The CME propagation model includes a simulation of the interaction of the CME with background solar wind via the quasi-stationary solar wind (QSW) model. An analysis of the results of forecasting CME speed and time of arrival to Earth was performed. Input data were obtained from the CACTus database. To ensure real-time operation, a new algorithm was established to select events that can reach Earth more likely. Coronal dimming data were used to obtain coordinates of the CME source location. Forecasting results have been compared with interplanetary CME (ICME) catalogs. The system has predicted 189 of 280 events (68%), with a tolerance of 48 h for the period of maximum solar activity (from 2010 to 2015). The average absolute error of predicted CME arrival speed is about 90 km/s. Our system has predicted 80% of ICMEs associated with extreme geomagnetic storms (Dstmin ≤ −100 nT) within a tolerance of 24 h.
Strange Dwarfs: A Review on the (in)Stability
Authors: Di Clemente Francesco , Drago Alessandro , Pagliara Giuseppe
Published: August 2024

White dwarfs are the remnants of stars not massive enough to become supernovae. This review explores the concept of strange dwarfs, a unique class of white dwarfs that contain cores of strange quark matter. Strange dwarfs have different sizes, masses, and evolutionary paths with respect to white dwarfs. They might form through the accumulation of normal matter on strange quark stars or by the capture of strangelets. The stability of strange dwarfs has been debated, with initial studies suggesting stability, while later analyses indicated potential instability. This review revisits these discussions, focusing on the critical role of boundary conditions between nuclear and quark matter in determining stability. It also offers insights into their formation, structure, and possible detection in the universe.
Minimizing Vaccine Wastage in Nigeria: A National Assessment of Vaccine Wastage Rates and Potential Determinants
Authors: Lambo Kikelomo , Prescott Martha , Wiwa Owens , Asolo Jude Adebowale , Daradara Kubura
Published: August 2024

High vaccine wastage can serve as a critical barrier to achieving the gains of vaccination, especially in a country like Nigeria, where data on vaccine wastage are sparsely available. We determined the country-wide vaccine wastage rates and their determinants through a mixed-methods study conducted across 576 health facilities (primary and secondary) in 24 states in Nigeria. We collected facility-based immunization records from June 2018 to May 2019, in addition to healthcare workers’ interviews and observations of fixed and outreach sessions. The results show that open-vial wastage ranged from 21.2% (95% CI: 20.2%, 22.2%) for the pentavalent vaccine to 72.6% (95% CI: 71.5%, 73.6%) for BCG. Open-vial wastage rates for BCG, measles, and yellow fever vaccines were higher during outreach sessions, with rates of 76.2%, 64.3%, and 65.2%, respectively. For the outreach and fixed sessions, PCV and Penta had the least wastages of 22.0% for fixed sessions and 20.4% for outreach sessions. This study identified vaccine presentation (liquid vs. lyophilized vaccines), vial size (4 dose vs. 5 dose vs. 10 dose vs. 20 dose), RI service delivery strategies (fixed vs. outreach sessions), number of children vaccinated, and human resources (healthcare workers position/cadre) as key determinants of vaccine wastages in Nigeria.
Long-Term Protective Immunity against Ehrlichia chaffeensis Infection Induced by a Genetically Modified Live Vaccine
Authors: Madesh Swetha , McGill Jodi , Jaworski Deborah C. , Ferm Jonathan , Liu Huitao , Fitzwater Shawna , Hove Paidashe , Ferm Dominica , Nair Arathy , Knox Cheyenne A. , Alizadeh Kimia , Thackrah Ashley , Ganta Roman R.
Published: August 2024

Human monocytic ehrlichiosis, an emerging tick-borne disease, is caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Infections with the pathogen are also common in the canine host. Our previous studies demonstrated that functional disruption within the E. chaffeensis phage head-to-tail connector protein gene results in bacterial attenuation, creating a modified live attenuated vaccine (MLAV). The MLAV confers protective immunity against intravenous and tick transmission challenges one month following vaccination. In this study, we evaluated the duration of MLAV protection. Dogs vaccinated with the MLAV were challenged with wild-type E. chaffeensis via intravenous infection at 4-, 8-, and 12-months post-vaccination. Immunized dogs rapidly cleared the wild-type pathogen infection and tested positive for bacteremia less frequently than unvaccinated controls. While immune responses varied among dogs, vaccinees consistently mounted IgG and CD4+ T-cell responses specific to E. chaffeensis throughout the assessment period. Our findings demonstrate that MLAV-mediated immune protection persists for at least one year against wild-type bacterial infection, marking a major advancement in combating this serious tick-borne disease. The data presented here serve as the foundation for further studies, elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying virulence and vaccine development and aiding in preventing the diseases caused by E. chaffeensis and other tick-borne rickettsial pathogens.
Assessing the Analgesic Efficacy of Lumbosacral Epidural Morphine in Cats Undergoing Ovariohysterectomy: A Comparative Study of Two Doses
Authors: Martins Ludimilla C. T. , Guimarães Jéssica B. , Ferraz Henrique T. , de Oliveira Flávia Augusta , Gomes Leidiane de S. , Chafes Clóvis Júnior C. , Santos Thalita de C. C. , Ogliari Kaline , de Moraes Reiner S. , Ribeiro Diego , Ramos Dirceu Guilherme de Souza , Rocha Thiago André S. de S. , Regalin Doughlas
Published: August 2024

Opioids are administered epidurally (PV) to provide trans- and postoperative analgesia. Twenty healthy female cats aged between 6 and 24 months and weighing between 2 and 3.7 kg, undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy (OVH), were induced with propofol (8 mg/kg), followed by continuous infusion (0.1–0.4 mg/kg/min). Three groups were defined: CG (0.1 mL/kg of iodinated contrast, n = 6), G0.1 (0.1 mg/kg of morphine, n = 7), and G0.2 (0.2 mg/kg of morphine, n = 7) per VP. All received 0.1 mL/kg of iodinated contrast per VP and injection water to obtain a total of 0.3 mL/kg. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), temperature, expired CO2, oxygen saturation, and number of rescue analgesics were monitored. Postoperatively, a multidimensional scale was used to assess acute pain in cats for 12 h. The mean HR and SBP in the CG were higher at the time of maximum noxious stimulation and required fentanyl in all groups. Postoperatively, 83%, 28%, and 7% of the animals in CG, G0.1, and G0.2, respectively, received rescue analgesia. In cats undergoing OVH, epidural morphine at doses of 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg did not prevent the need for intraoperative rescue analgesia but reduced the postoperative analgesic needed.
Hypoxia-Mediated Long Non-Coding RNA Fragment Identified in Canine Oral Melanoma through Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Hino Yasunori , Arif Mohammad , Rahman Md Mahfuzur , Husna Al Asmaul , Hasan MD Nazmul , Miura Naoki
Published: August 2024

Hypoxia contributes to tumor progression and metastasis, and hypoxically dysregulated RNA molecules may, thus, be implicated in poor outcomes. Canine oral melanoma (COM) has a particularly poor prognosis, and some hypoxia-mediated miRNAs are known to exist in this cancer; however, equivalent data on other hypoxically dysregulated non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are lacking. Accordingly, we aimed to elucidate non-miRNA ncRNAs that may be mediated by hypoxia, targeting primary-site and metastatic COM cell lines and clinical COM tissue samples in next-generation sequencing (NGS), with subsequent qPCR validation and quantification in COM primary and metastatic cells and plasma and extracellular vesicles (EVs) for any identified ncRNA of interest. The findings suggest that a number of non-miRNA ncRNA species are hypoxically up- or downregulated in COM. We identified one ncRNA, the long ncRNA fragment ENSCAFT00000084705.1, as a molecule of interest due to its consistent downregulation in COM tissues, hypoxically and normoxically cultured primary and metastatic cell lines, when compared to the oral tissues from healthy dogs. However, this molecule was undetectable in plasma and plasma EVs, suggesting that its expression may be tumor tissue-specific, and it has little potential as a biomarker. Here, we provide evidence of hypoxic transcriptional dysregulation for ncRNAs other than miRNA in COM for the first time and suggest that ncRNA ENSCAFT00000084705.1 is a molecule of interest for future research on the role of the transcriptome in the hypoxia-mediated progression of this aggressive cancer.
OVERCOMING EDUCATIONAL LOSSES OF JUNIOR CLASS SCHOOLCHILDREN THROUGH PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Authors: SHESTEROVA L. , PYATNYTSKA D. , SYNYTSYA S. , SYNYTSYA T.
Published: August 2024

The war in Ukraine has led to difficulties, including in the field of education. This is due, first of all, to educational losses, the level of which has not yet been established. One of the ways to overcome the educational losses of primary school students is the use of physical exercises as a means of influencing the visual analyzer. The authors consider it appropriate to use sensory-oriented tasks, exercises and outdoor games in physical education lessons and in small forms       of physical exercise. The article provides a classification of exercises and outdoor games, which, according to functional characteristics, are divided into means of restorative and training effects. The purpose of the study is to identify sensory- oriented tasks, exercises and games that can positively affect the functional state of the visual analyzer of primary schoolchildren and, as a result, overcome educational losses. The work provides examples of specially targeted exercises and games that directly affect the functional state of the visual analyzer. These exercises and outdoor games can be used in any part of the lesson as an addition to the main ones or to fill rest breaks. The proposed exercises and outdoor games are easily dosed depending on the age and fatigue of the students. The simplicity and small load when performing them provide an optimal effect on the body. Physical education teachers are recommended to constantly include such means of physical education in the content of lessons in order to increase the acuity and field of vision of primary school students. Primary school teachers are pointed out the need to conduct special restorative visual games in lessons with heavy loads on the visual analyzer (reading, writing, mathematics). This will help improve the perception of educational material and, as a result, overcome educational losses. All of the above, in our opinion, will have a positive impact on the functional state of the visual sensory system and, as a result, help overcome educational losses not only in physical education, but also in other disciplines studied in primary school.
At Home in the World: Remarks on the Bengali Sense of Belonging
Authors:   George Barițiu Institute of History, Department of Humanities, Romanian Academy; Center for Indian Studies Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Gligor Mihaela
Published: August 2024

Two Nobel laureates coming from the same geographic area, writing more than 100 years apart, using—more or less—the same concepts to describe the importance of cultural identity. What changed in these 100 years? Generally understood, cultural identity refers to a person’s sense of belonging to a particular culture. We often understand the construction of identity in terms of gender, class, age and ethnicity, language, and/or religion. But what happens when a person is forced to leave his/her culture and to live in a different environment, alongside people never met before, in a place where another language is spoken, and where God has a different name? What does cultural identity mean? How are the home and the world related nowadays? Where is home in the world? This essay views the Bengali sense of belonging in the current context of globalization, linking the determinants of the Bengali culture to the structural changes in the world.
India’s North Border Conflicts: Between Reality and Fiction
Authors:   Faculty of History and Philosophy, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Suciu Marian
Published: August 2024

Ever since the Republic of India became an independent nation in 1947, the Indian state has strived to keep its territorial integrity, in spite of the numerous territorial claims made by neighboring states. Firstly, the Kashmir region is home to both Muslim and Hindu populations; therefore, when the Indian and Pakistani states were created, the region was split between the two new states. However, both states hold the belief that the entirety of the Kashmir region should be part of their territory. This situation sparked numerous local conflicts and four local wars (1947, 1965, 1971, and 1999). Secondly, another disputed area is located on the border with the People’s Republic of China, as the Chinese state does not recognize the McMahon Line, which was agreed upon by British India and Tibet. This led to the conflict in 1962 and to a tension-filled relationship between China and India. This paper approaches both the historical evolution of the conflicts and the way in which these two conflict areas are portrayed in literature. While Veera Hiranandani, in The Night Diary (2018), and Khushwant Singh, in Train to Pakistan (1956), focus on the conflicts between Muslims and Hindus after the partition of India and Pakistan, Salman Rushdie, in Midnight’s Children (1981), analyzes the traumas of the conflict in Kashmir. Furthermore, Jon Cleary, in Pulse of Danger (1966), presents the context of the Sino-Indian war. The most disturbing novel about the Indian conflicts is Humphrey Hawksley’s novel, Dragon Fire (2000), because the author presents an apocalyptic war between the Republic of India, on one side, and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan allied with the People’s Republic of China, on the other side.
Starosts in the Principality of Moldavia: A Case Study (1387–1439)
Authors:   Faculty of Philosophy and History, Moldova State University, Chișinău, Bejenaru Alexandru
Published: August 2024

The starosts distinguished themselves among other state officials in the Principality of Moldavia as overseers of the northern counties, on the border with the Kingdom of Poland and the Great Duchy of Lithuania, as well as governors of Putna County, in the south. While this description accurately reflects their duties since the rule of Stephen the Great (1457–1504), it remains to be seen if the same could be said about the previous time periods. The study presents a detailed analysis of the political and administrative role of the starosts in the Principality of Moldavia between the end of the 14th century and the first half of the 15th century, showcasing the political careers of their holders during this period and attempting to pinpoint the exact area of the starosts’ projected territorial power.
Sustainable Tourism Implementation In Indonesia: Emphasizing Green Tourism, Community-Based Tourism, and Local Empowerment
Authors: Risfandini Andini
Published: August 2024

Several crucial concepts are integral to the successful implementation of sustainable tourism practices in Indonesia. Among these, Green Tourism, Community Based Tourism, and Local Empowerment stand out as pivotal frameworks. Green tourism has promise as an environmentally friendly offering, although it requires a deeper understanding of environmentally conscious advancement within the tourism sector. At present, difficulties remain in delineating the notion of sustainable tourism and in implement it in tourism destinations. This study is filling the gap of the existing research on sustainable tourism by providing recommendations to enhance environmental sustainability practices by focusing on Green Tourism, Community Based Tourism and Local Empowerment. This article aims to explore these concepts in depth and highlight the best practices associated with each one. This research employs a qualitative methodology, specifically employing an integrative literature review approach to investigate the implementation of green tourism in Indonesia. In conclusion, sustainable tourism implementation in Indonesia is a complex and multifaceted process. It involves the active participation of local communities, the development of sustainable policies and plans, and the promotion of a green economy. Government engagement and community involvement are crucial for the successful implementation of sustainable tourism. To comprehensively examine the role of stakeholders and prioritize variables crucial for devising strategies in sustainable tourism implementation, further research utilizing a quantitative approach is recommended. Additionally, it is imperative to test the concept of step-by-step local empowerment using quantitative methods to ensure its validity.
Role of Stakeholders in Developing Agricultural Educational Tourism Attractions in Tegalsumedang Village, Bandung Regency
Authors: Gusdi Taqiy , D. Dienaputra Reiza , Rakhman Cecep Ucu
Published: August 2024

Tegalwisata Village is one of the villages located in Rancaekek District, Bandung Regency, West Java. This village has topographic and demographic potential that can be developed into tourism, with the development of tourism villages, the right stakeholders are needed so that the village can be developed effectively and efficiently. Agricultural educational tourism itself is explained as educational tourism that focuses on business activities in an organization that manages biological assets and sells and converts related things into agricultural products and other biological assets. This research seeks answers to the problem of stakeholder positions in tourism development. The Pentahelix Stakeholder method is used in identifying stakeholders who play a role in village development. This method reviews each role of stakeholders ranging from government, local entrepreneurs, communities, academics, and the media. This research is a qualitative study taken with observation and interview methods. The main result of this research discusses the position of each stakeholder in the development of tourism villages. This research shows that each stakeholder has performed their roles well. However, the roles recorded have not yet led to the tourism sector. The results of the research show that there needs to be direction to the tourism sector for each stakeholder in Tegalsumedang Village. In addition, human resource development and media stakeholder development to meet the needs of the media role in Tegalsumedang Village.