bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiological Maturity and Harvesting Date on Seed Yield and Quality of Indigo (Indigofera suffruticosa Mill.)
Authors: Somrug K. , Timsuksai P. , Jenweerawat S.
Published: July 2024

Background: Indigo is used to dye many fabrics, which also needs a lot of indigo plants enough to dye the fabric. Indigo seeds were used for propagation, but the seed of indigo is not simultaneous. The physiological maturity and optimum harvesting date affected the yield and quality of indigo seeds. This research aims to study the physiological maturity and harvesting date of indigo on seed yield and quality. Methods: Indigo plants were grown in the dry season. The experiment was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 4 replications, consisting of 4 harvesting dates; 140, 150, 160 and 170 days after planting (DAP). Result: The results showed that the first indigo flower was at 51 DAP and matured to pods at 59 DAP. It takes 113 DAP for the indigo color to change from green to brown. The appearance of the pods changed from green to yellowish green, brown and black, respectively. As the indigo pods became 50% brown, they started harvesting. The weights of a dry pod, a fresh pod and a seed were different. When harvesting at 140 DAP, the fresh pod weight had the maximum of 82.60 g/plant and dropped as the indigo harvesting date grew (P less than 0.01). The dry pod weight was the lowest, at 27.58 g/plant (P less than 0.05). The seed weight per plant for harvesting at 170 DAP was 25.57 g. The harvesting date, however, did not differ statistically. The highest percentage of germination and vigor were from the indigo seeds, which were harvested at 140 DAP, 31.94% and 38.81%, respectively (P less than 0.01). Therefore, the optimum harvesting date at 140 DAP is the physiological maturity stage and harvesting of the pods when they turn brown for the highest seed quality.
The Alignment of Accounting Curriculum with Market Requirements: The Iraqi Case
Authors: Ramadhan Sherzad , Aridah Mamoun Walid , Alkoutaini Hasan , Ahmed Fareeba , Khorsheed Hariwan , Obaied Shamal , Amar Aldulaimi
Published: July 2024

This research investigates the alignment between Iraqi university accounting courses and industry demands to enhance the standard and relevance of accounting education. The primary research method was a questionnaire, aiming to understand how well accounting courses at Iraqi institutions meet market requirements. The study's methodology comprised two parts: examining the current accounting curriculum and conducting a follow-up survey using diverse sources and analytical techniques. A total of 350 surveys were distributed to academics and employers, yielding 87 responses from academic staff and 102 valid responses from employers. The study analyzed the latest accounting curriculum, demographic data, relevance ratings for courses, and assessments of essential work skills using SPSS software. Results revealed diverse demographics, with significant responses from academics (58%) and employers (51%). Findings indicate both convergence and divergence in the perceived importance of specific accounting courses, suggesting gaps between theoretical concepts and practical applications. The report underscores the need to align Iraq's accounting curriculum with business needs. Recommendations include systematic curriculum assessments, increased industry-academia collaboration, continual professional development for educators, and a broader focus on skills. This study provides evidence-based suggestions for improving accounting education in Iraq to meet evolving market demands.
Direito fundamental de acesso às Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (TIC) em relação à cibersegurança e segurança da informação: Evolução no planejamento nacional do Estado Mexicano (2007-2024)
Authors: Garita Rene Palacios
Published: July 2024

Esta análise evolutiva é dirigida a entender os processos para cumprir com a institucionalização de direitos fundamentais, dado que é preciso compreender a concepção digital que se apresentou no caso mexicano desde as instituições públicas e poder reconhecer as áreas de oportunidade que se podem gerar com respeito às Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (TIC) no geral, e fundamentalmente no que diz respeito à cibersegurança e segurança da informação em particular, isso é como política pública desde o enfoque da planificação nacional aplicada ao reconhecimento do direito fundamental de acesso a las TIC. Isso conlleva la hipótesis de determinar se em cuanto a la planeación nacional, o Executivo Federal mexicano tem contribuído para estabelecer as condições para assegurar o direito de acesso a las TIC a la población mexicana. A metodologia utilizada é a diacrônica evolutiva e a análise institucional desde a ótica da avaliação do desempenho. Os resultados nos fornecem uma ideia geral de como se situa a evolução e atualização da Estratégia Digital Nacional para desenvolver o potencial das TIC no governo digital, bem como no cumprimento do direito fundamental de acesso às tecnologias de informação e comunicação (TIC) de parte do estado mexicano. Embora a determinação não seja totalmente conclusiva, o que sim é que nos brindam com uma visão panorâmica da evolução do direito fundamental estabelecido em relação ao planejamento nacional e aos resultados obtidos. Com isso se confirma a necessidade de reconhecer no Estado de Direito o trânsito institucional que se deve à cibersegurança e a segurança da informação, desde a ótica programática, pressuposta e de avaliação do design, para fundamentar novas análises comparativas no mundo e no región latinoamericana, conform a los compromisos internacionales acaecidos en cuanto a desarrollo sostenible.
Os órfãos do feminicídio e o mínimo assistencial: A necessidade da intervenção estatal como contributo para o desenvolvimento humano e a erradicação da pobreza
Authors: Tsuruda Juliana Melo , Teles Renata Mahalem da Silva , Silva Roberta Soares da
Published: July 2024

A violência contra a mulher, fruto do machismo estrutural da sociedade, vem crescendo de forma exponencial. Objetivos. O trabalho tem por escopo chamar atenção para os órfãos do crime de feminicídio, crianças e adolescentes que sofrem consequências físicas, psicológicas, sociais e econômicas, por serem vítimas indiretas da violência, com prejuízo em seu desenvolvimento humano. Hipótese. O Estado, que já tipifica o crime de feminicídio, há que prestar assistência a esses órfãos e a essas órfãs. Metodologia utilizada. Pesquisa qualitativa, com método indutivo e procedimentos bibliográficos e documentais. Resultados. Fica demonstrada a necessidade de um olhar atento do Estado para esse grave problema social que tem permanecido na invisibilidade, contribuindo para situações de pobreza e marginalização. Considerações finais. Assim, identifica-se a necessidade de criação de um mecanismo assistencial para os órfãos do feminicídio, a fim de lhes garantir o mínimo necessário para a existência digna, propiciando-lhes o pleno desenvolvimento humano.
Proteção previdenciária e assistencial aos estrangeiros no Brasil
Authors: Mussi Cristiane Miziara
Published: July 2024

O presente artigo objetiva analisar a proteção previdenciária e assistencial conferida aos estrangeiros no Brasil. A importância do tema é latente, já que o Brasil passou historicamente por um fluxo migratório intenso e ainda recebe muitos estrangeiros que, em regra, trazem força de trabalho propulsora de desenvolvimento econômico no país. Como hipótese, destaca-se que se a proteção aos estrangeiros se mostrar adequada e efetiva no âmbito assistencial e previdenciário, estar-se-á protegendo a população brasileira como um todo, acarretando redução dos denominados riscos sociais. Neste contexto, o método de pesquisa adotado foi o bibliográfico e legislativo, com o escopo de proporcionar visão geral e próxima da importância de proteção aos estrangeiros no país por meio da assistência e previdência social. Como principais resultados alcançados, tem-se a necessidade de proteção pela assistência social a todo estrangeiro que resida efetivamente no Brasil, ainda que não seja considerado residente oficialmente e da proteção previdenciária ao estrangeiro que para o regime de previdência oficial brasileiro contribua, com expansão dos acordos internacionais em matéria previdenciária, proporcionadores da soma do cálculo contributivo entre países para os quais o estrangeiro trabalhou. Desta forma, o estudo apresenta reflexão acerca da necessidade de o Estado proporcionar proteção social aos imigrantes que chegam ao Brasil, vez que historicamente obtém-se força de trabalho e desenvolvimento econômico pela vinda de estrangeiros ao Brasil e é preciso responsabilidade social para garantia de padrões mínimos de segurança aos mesmos. Proteger o estrangeiro transcende sua nacionalidade, para proporcionar vida no Brasil digna à toda a população.
“Political engineering”: Continuity and novelty in political theory
Authors: Asfar Muhammad , Affandi Mochamad Arif , Asfar Ais Shafiyah
Published: July 2024

This article discusses the development of the study of “political engineering” and the theoretical discourse used to formulate the continuity and novelty of future studies. It begins by identifying previous studies that serve as the theoretical foundation, and a literature review method is employed to identify the similarities and differences among existing studies, which are then used to formulate new conceptions. The findings indicate that the perspective of “political engineering” has a strong basis and foundation to be developed as a major field of study in Political Science. This is not only due to the variety and development of studies in recent decades, but also because the needs for political science to transform into applicable, practical knowledge capable of addressing contemporary challenges are increasingly urgent. The conception of “new political engineering” focuses on behavior engineering, using psychological mechanisms referred to as hope and fear, directly targeting actors (with or through institutions) and no longer making political institutions the main object of study. Instead, it extends to campaign messages, marketing management, system functions, political institutions, policy products, and policymakers to explain and direct voter behavior.
Causes and impacts of domestic violence against women: Cases in Indonesia
Authors: Siregar Wahidah Zein Br
Published: July 2024

Domestic violence against women is still a common phenomenon in Indonesia. Data from Komnas Perempuan 2021 showed from 8,234 cases of violence against women handled by its partner institutions, 6,480 cases (79%) were happened at home. 3,221 cases of them (50%) are violence against wives. This article aims to uncover the causes and effects of domestic violence against women in Indonesia, what specific patterns are implicit in these causes, expressed by both perpetrators and victims, that could lead to a particular theory of domestic violence, and what perpetrators do to victims and what the consequences are. Using data gathered from 27 informants and 86 online news, this research finds that there are various causes of domestic violence. These causes lead to specific pattern that strengthen the use of social theories, in particular control, resource, exosystem and social isolation theories. Various forms of domestic violence done by offenders from light to heavy hits using bare hands or other tools. The impact of domestic violence can range from injury to death of the victim.
Flame made low Pt loading catalysts supported on different metal oxides for catalytic combustion of CO and CH4
Authors: Xu Zuwei , Zhang Ze , Gao Fuchang , Zhu Yuhan , Zhao Haibo
Published: July 2024

Catalytic combustion is an effective approach to remove air pollutants from various emission sources. For this purpose, supported noble metal catalysts are preferred in commercial applications due to their outstanding catalytic activity for eliminating CO, hydrocarbon compounds and NOx. In this paper, we employ the flame spray pyrolysis method to prepare a series of Pt-based catalysts with four different supports (TiO2, ZrO2, MgO and ZnO) and variable low Pt loadings for catalytic combustion of CO and CH4. The performance of 0.5 Pt/TiO2 is the best in all samples, in which the T90 temperatures are 107 and 500 °C for 90% conversion of CO and CH4, respectively. To examine its thermal stability, a time-on-stream test at 700 °C for 420 min is carried out, resulting in a decrease of about 5% in the final conversion of CH4. The X-ray diffraction results show that TiO2 support is a mixed phase with a major amount of anatase and a small amount of rutile other than a pure phase of ZrO2, MgO and ZnO. Furthermore, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis and high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy observation show that when the Pt loading is low, the Pt species exist as highly dispersed single atoms on the surface of the TiO2 support. As the Pt loading gradually increases, the state of the Pt species transitions from single atoms to Pt clusters, resulting in a decrease in dispersion. Ultimately, the Pt can successfully accumulate on the surface of the TiO2 nanoparticles, providing abundant active sites for efficient catalytic combustion reactions.
Penerapan PLTS Sebagai Sumber Energi Listrik Untuk UMKM Kerupuk Wanita Tani di Desa Tanjung Karawang
Authors: Satria Dika , Asmara Putri Clara Virnanda , Nasta Latu Mery Athonia , Bangun Elisa Athonia , Sutiyana Agus
Published: July 2024

Pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini bertujuan untuk menerapkan sistem fotovoltaik surya (PLTS) sebagai sumber energi listrik yang andal dan berkelanjutan bagi Usaha Mikro, Kecil, dan Menengah (UMKM) Kerupuk Wanita Tani di Desa Tanjung Karawang. Metode yang digunakan dalam kegiatan ini adalah  perencanaan pelaksanaan dan pelatihan pemasangan PLTS. Hasil dari kegiatan ini menunjukkan bahwa UMKM Kerupuk Wanita Tani telah memiliki sistem PLTS yang dapat memenuhi kebutuhan energi listriknya secara mandiri. Dampak dari kegiatan ini adalah meningkatkan produktivitas UMKM Wanita Tani Desa Tanjung, memberikan akses listrik kepada PAUD Desa Tanjung dan penerangan jalan warga. Selain itu, Pemasangan PLTS dapat meningkatkan pemahaman masyarakat untuk ikut serta mengimplementasikan PLTS sebagai desa mandiri energi dalam upaya mengurangi gas emisi rumah kaca.
Sosialiasi Pemilahan Sampah di Desa Kedungrandu: Solusi Pengeloaan dan Pemanfaatan Sampah Rumah Tangga
Authors: Khomsyi Syahid Nur , Ramme Mega Yuliani , Pandiangan Gabriella F , Wiyono Brian Nugraha , Putri Aina Latifa Riyana
Published: July 2024

Sampah merupakan material sisa baik dalam bentuk padat, cair, atau gas yang pasti ada dalam kehidupan masyarakat. Semua aktivitas manusia pasti menghasilkan sampah, termasuk di Desa Kedungrandu. Pengelolaan sampah dengan prinsip Kumpulkan-Angkut-Buang tidak relevan karena tidak menyelesaikan sumber permasalahan sampah rumah tangga. Sebagai penghasil sampah tertinggi, pengelolaan sampah rumah tangga sangatlah penting untuk mengurangi volume sampah yang dibuang ke TPA. Pengelolaan dan penanganan sampah rumah tangga paling tepat dilakukan dengan memilah sampah berdasarkan karakteristiknya. Kegiatan ini akan membentuk peran dan mendorong masyarakat untuk berpartisipasi dalam menangani sampah rumah tangganya sehingga diharapkan jumlahnya menjadi berkurang. Metode yang digunakan adalah survei deskriptif dengan rancang kajian mengisi kuesioner, observasi/metode survei lapangan. Hasil survei menunjukkan bahwa sistem pengelolaan sampah di Desa Kedungrandu belum baik karena tidak adanya tempat pembuangan sampah serta minimnya pengetahuan dan keterampilan pengelolaan sampah. Berdasarkan rata-rata hasil survei menunjukkan 100% peserta tidak mengerti perbedaan sampah organik dan anorganik serta 60% peserta kesulitan mengelola sampah rumah tangga. Manfaat sosialisasi ini adalah menjadikan masyarakat dapat memilah sampah sesuai karakteristiknya, memiliki kesadaran dan kepedulian terhadap lingkungan, serta menemukan solusi tepat dalam mengatasi masalah pengelolaan sampah. Solusi terkait edukasi pengelolaan sampah berbasis masyarakat serta perencanaan kegiatan selanjutnya penting untuk keberlanjutan pengelolaan sampah.
Analisis Perbandingan Penggunaan Resource pada Jaringan Wireless LAN Frekuensi 2.4 GHz dan 5.8 GHz (Studi Kasus Firmware OpenWrt)
Authors: Santosa Ria , Haq Abdul , Khanif M.
Published: July 2024

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis perbandingan penggunaan resource perangkat Wireless router Dual Band Pada Jaringan 2.4 GHz Standar 802.11n dan 5.8 GHz Standar 802.11ac menggunakan frekuensi 40 MHz menggunakan Perangkat Router Linksys EA7500 Versi 2 dengan Studi Kasus Firmware OpenWrt dengan pendukung aplikasi Iperf3 dan Htop. Metode penelitian yang digunakan pada penelitian ini menggunakan metode studi literatur dan observasi sebagai media pengumpulan data. Manfaat penelitiannya adalah mengetahui efektifitas penggunaan teknologi Wifi 2.4 GHz dan 5.8 GHz pada sebuah perangkat. Hasil penelitian yang didapatkan pada penelitian yaitu menemukan beberapa informasi terkait berapa kecepatan rill atau Throughput dan penggunaan resource menggunakan jaringan Wireless LAN pada frekuensi 2.4 GHz dan 5.8 GHz. Dalam kasus data yang diperoleh, penggunaan frekuensi 5.8 GHz pada rentang frekuensi yang sama menghasilkan Throughput yang lebih tinggi dan memiliki efisiensi penggunaan resource untuk transfer data yang lebih baik dibandingkan dengan frekuensi 2.4 GHz sehingga perlu dipertimbangkan dalam pemilihan frekuensi dan spesifikasi perangkat yang akan digunakan. Sedangkan dalam uji dalam penggunaan RAM, untuk frekuensi 2.4 GHz dan 5.8 GHz tidak terjadi perbedaan yang terlalu jauh dalam persentase penggunaan RAM.
Rancang Bangun Sistem Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) 1 Phase Berbasis Outseal PLC Mega V.3 Untuk Instalasi Listrik Rumah Tangga
Authors: Kurniawan Arif , Haryudo Subuh Isnur
Published: July 2024

Ketersediaan listrik yang kontinu menjadi kebutuhan utama dalam berbagai aspek kehidupan saat ini. Pemadaman listrik yang tidak terduga dari sumber utama (PLN), seringkali mengganggu aktivitas konsumen. Oleh karena itu diperlukan sumber listrik cadangan yang berfungsi sebagai back-up daya saat terjadi pemadaman. Sistem Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) berfungsi untuk menjaga aliran daya listrik dan membutuhkan daya lsitrik dari sumber cadangan (baterai) dalam waktu yang singkat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membuat sistem Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) 1 Phase berbasis Outseal PLC Mega V.3 untuk mengatur perpindahan sumber utama (PLN) ke sumber cadangan secara otomatis dan manual. Outseal PLC Mega V.3 dipilih sebagai kontrol utama dengan sensor tegangan PZEM-004T untuk mendeteksi gangguan tegangan dan proteksi keadaan overvoltage dan undervoltage. Metode pengendalian menggunakan program visual (ladder diagram) yang dibuat melalui software Outseal Studio. Penelitian ini mendukung pengembangan teknologi otomasi anak bangsa dan memberikan kemudahan akses serta pembelajaran bagi masyarakat dalam merancang dan memahami sistem ATS. Dari hasil pengujian menunjukkan bahwa sistem ATS mampu mengatur perpindahan sumber listrik secara manual atau otomatis dengan baik, serta mampu mendeteksi dan mengatasi gangguan tegangan dari sumber utama.
Development of a Model for Comprehensive Evaluation of Corporate Resilience Against Disasters (2)—An Examination Based on British Standard Institution’s Organizational Resilience Index
Authors: Tashiro Kuniyuki , Kitago Yoko
Published: July 2024

“Resilience” is the ability to recover from the effects of a disaster or accident. Companies are expected to be resilient against accidents and disasters; however, at present no method comprehensively evaluates corporate resilience. This study examines some models of organizational resilience already published as a preparation for developing such an evaluation method. This study examines the “Organizational Resilience Index” developed by the British Standards Institution to assess whether it comprehensively covers the factors that contribute to corporate resilience. This study compares these with cases of past disasters and accidents. The results suggest that the following six factors are not explicitly covered by the Organizational Resilience Index: (1) attitude toward fulfilling responsibilities to customers, (2) external cooperation/assistance, (3) prompt decision-making and action, (4) practitioners empowered with discretion, (5) loyalty of employees to the company, and (6) a never-give-up attitude. Although this cannot be considered a definitive conclusion because of the various forms of subjectivity involved in the examination process, this study identifies factors that should be considered while developing a model that comprehensively includes factors that contribute to corporate resilience.
USING THE GEOSPATIAL MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION ANALYSIS MODEL AND METHODS FOR SOIL DEGRADATION RISK MAPPING
Authors: Kuznichenko Svitlana , Ivanov Dmytro , Kuznichenko Dmytro
Published: July 2024

Modern methods of spatial analysis and modeling are increasingly being combined with decision-making methods and fuzzy set theory. The latter are actively integrated into the environment of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), such as well-known ones like ArcGIS or QGIS, in the form of separate tools, plugins, or Python scripts. Decision-making methods allow structuring the problem in geographical space, as well as taking into account the knowledge and judgments of experts and the preferences of the decision-maker in determining the priorities of alternative solutions. This paper provides a description of a geospatial multi-criteria decision analysis model, which allows addressing a wide range of ecological and socio-economic issues. An example of applying this model to map soil degradation risk in Ukraine is presented in the paper. According to the object-spatial approach, the properties of a territory are determined as the result of the action (impact) of a set of objects (processes) belonging to this territory. The territory is represented as a two-dimensional discrete grid, each point of which (local area) is an alternative. The set of local areas of the territory constitutes the set of alternatives. The representation of the territory model as a system of objects and relationships between them allows justifying the choice of a set of criteria (factors) for assessing soil degradation risk. Each criterion is a separate raster layer of the map. To build a hierarchical decision-making structure and calculate the importance coefficients of the criteria, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method is used. To account for uncertainty in assessments and judgments of experts at the stages of standardization of alternative attributes by different criteria and aggregation of their assessments, expert membership functions for fuzzy sets and fuzzy quantifiers are applied. The particular feature of the proposed multi-criteria decision analysis model is its low computational complexity and ease of integration into the GIS environment.
RESEARCH ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOLS FOR AUTOMATING THE SOFTWARE TESTING PROCESS
Authors: Vorochek Olga , Solovei Illia
Published: July 2024

The subject matter of the article is artificial intelligence (AI) tools for automating the software testing process. The rapid development of the software development industry in recent decades has led to a significant increase in competition in the IT technology market and, as a result, stricter requirements for corresponding products and services. AI-driven test automation is becoming increasingly relevant due to its ability to solve complex tasks that previously required significant human resources.
The goal of the work is to investigate the possibilities of using AI technologies to automate manual testing processes, which will increase testing efficiency, reduce costs, and improve software quality.
The following tasks were solved in the article: analysis of existing tools and approaches to test automation using AI; development of a conceptual model of a system that integrates AI into the testing process; exploring the potential of AI to automate various aspects of software testing, such as generating test scenarios, detecting defects, predicting errors, and automatically analyzing test results.
The following methods are used: theoretical analysis of the literature and existing solutions in the field of test automation, experimental study of the effectiveness of the proposed test automation methods.
The following results were obtained: the concept of a system that integrates AI technologies for automating software testing is presented. It has been found that the use of AI allows automating routine testing tasks, significantly reducing the number of human errors, and improving the quality of software products and the effectiveness of verification and validation processes.
Conclusions: The development and implementation of AI-based testing automation systems are extremely relevant and promising. The use of AI technologies makes it possible to significantly increase the efficiency of testing, reduce the costs of its implementation, and improve the quality of software. The proposed approach to the development of an AI-based test automation system can be used as a basis for further research and development in this field.
PRODUCT Product and Service Development Strategies on Murabahah Contracts to Improve The Existence of BMT Hasanah
Authors: Mukaromah Ni`matul Fitria , Rofiah Khusniati , Futaqi Faruq Ahmad
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Many financial institutions have developed in Ponorogo, conventional and sharia. BMT Hasanah is present as a Sharia microfinance institution that often helps households and UMKM. Even though there is much competition, BMT Hasanah can continue to show its existence. This research aims to determine product and service development strategies, especially in murabahah contracts. Research Methods: This research aims to determine product and service development strategies, especially in murabahah contracts. The research uses a qualitative approach using primary data in the form of interviews and observations and secondary data obtained from archival documents and the internet. Results: The results of this research show that BMT Hasanah is responsive in responding to customer product requests. The murabahah products provided are always up to date with straightforward guarantees. Apart from that, BMT Hasanah provides maximum service in terms of installment payments. Customers are visited using a pick-up system and also serve an installment system by transfer. Conclusion: With this strategy, BMT Hasanah not only increases competitiveness and revenue but also increases customer satisfaction, which ultimately strengthens its existence.
HDAC8 controls hypoxia-induced conversion of sensory Schwann cells into repair cells
Authors: Hertzog Nadège , Duman Mert , Bochud Maëlle , Brügger-Verdon Valérie , Gerhards Maren , Schön Felicia , Dorndecker Franka , Fledrich Robert , Stassart Ruth , Sankar Devanarayanan , Dengjel Joern , López Sofía Raigón , Jacob Claire
Published: July 2024

Schwann cells (SCs), the myelinating glia of the peripheral nervous system (PNS), react to a PNS injury by converting into repair cells that foster axonal regrowth, and then remyelinate or re-ensheath regenerated axons, thereby ensuring functional recovery. The efficiency of this mechanism depends however on the time needed for axons to regrow. Here, we show that ablation of histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8) in SCs accelerates the regrowth of sensory axons and sensory function recovery. We found that HDAC8 is specifically expressed in sensory SCs and regulates the E3 ubiquitin ligase TRAF7, which destabilizes hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1a) and counteracts the phosphorylation and upregulation of c-Jun, a major inducer of the repair SC phenotype. Our study demonstrates that this phenotype switch is regulated by different mechanisms in sensory and motor SCs and is accelerated by HDAC8 downregulation, which promotes sensory axon regeneration and sensory function recovery.
Isolated During Adolescence: Long-term Impact on Social Behavior, Pain Sensitivity, and the Oxytocin System in Male and Female Rats
Authors: Graf Akseli , Hansson Anita C , Spanagel Rainer
Published: July 2024

Background: Adolescent social isolation (ASI) has profound long-term effects on behavioral and neural development. Despite this, the specific long-term impact of ASI during different adolescent stages and across sexes remain underexplored.
Methods: Our study addresses this gap by examining the effects of early- and late- adolescent social isolation on both male and female rats. Rats were either isolated or group-housed starting from PD 21 (early) or PD 42 (late) for three weeks and then rehoused into groups. In adulthood (PD 90), rats underwent a battery of tests: elevated plus-maze, open field, novel object recognition, social interaction and social recognition memory and hotplate tests. Finally, we analyzed oxytocin receptor binding in several regions in the brains of a second cohort of rats.
Results: Both, male and female rats from the late adolescent social isolation (LASI) groups spent significantly less time interacting in the social interaction test. Additionally, we observed a general decrease in social recognition memory regardless of sex. Both male ASI groups demonstrated heightened thermal pain sensitivity, while the opposite was observed in early adolescent social isolation (EASI) female rats. In the brain, we observed changes in oxytocin receptor (OTR) binding in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) and paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) and central amygdala (CeA) with the largest changes in EASI and LASI female rats.
Conclusion: Our model demonstrates long-lasting alterations on the behavior and oxytocin receptor binding levels following ASI providing insights into the long-term effects of ASI in a time- and sex-specific manner.
Re-crystallization in Glass Supported MgO Quantum Dot Doped PMMA Film: Effect of Annealing Hours and Composition
Authors: Singh Satya Pal , Singh Archana , Vishwakarma Suraj
Published: July 2024

We have blended MgO nanoparticles with Poly (methyl methacrylate) thin films by solution casting method. MgO nanoparticles are doped in 5 wt %, 10 wt % and 15 wt % in PMMA film, and annealed for 02, 04, 06, 08, 10, 12, 14, 20, 24 and 28 hours at 130 0C. We have comprehensively investigated the molecular scale re-structuring and morphological evolution of the composite films and have accounted reasons based on the observations made on chemical bonding, crystallinity, bandgap, Urbach energy, and fluorescence and Raman spectra. We observe that the film loses its overall crytallinity in initial stages of annealing which latter improves slightly owing to the temperature induced limited diffusion of MgO QDs (sizes in the range of 7.0603 nm-9.5647 nm). The limited diffusion of MgO QDs allows for the formation of larger clusters, which in turn affects the local crystallinity of the composite films. We report local scale re-crystallization. We have discussed the role of competing forces. Evolution of nano-micro scale structures inside the films are governed by the reconciliation between inter and intra-molecular forces. The temperature of the film plays an intermediate role facilitating the whole process. To get molecular scale insights, we have estimated crystallinity, bandgap and Urbach energy of the pure and hybrid films. Dispersed MgO nanoparticles diffuse locally and nucleate to form larger spherical clusters. Anchoring of MgO nanoparticles on PMMA surface and vice-versa appears to provide thermal stability and mechanical strength to the nanocomposite films, as MgO nanoparticle doped PMMA film appears to form nano-micron-size particulates of PMMA. Contradictory to that, the overall crystallinity of the hybrid film drastically falls as the formation of boundaries, interfaces and voids overwhelms the whole process. Formation of larger nano-aggregates at latter stages of annealing slightly improves the crystallinity of the film. Estimation of bandgap and Urbach energy calculation confirm for the same. The micro-level phenomenological understanding of the diffusion process of nanodots in solid film atmosphere is technically important for ensuring the sustainability of such nanocomposites, which goes through a heating process.
CHAM: A Multi-Population Hybrid Metaheuristic Algorithm for Optimal Controller Placement in Multi-Controller Software-Defined Networks
Authors: Tasouji Ali Sabouhi , Solouk Vahid , Barshandeh Saeid
Published: July 2024

Software-defined Networks (SDNs) have become prevalent because of their augmentation in state-of-the-art networking technologies regarding scalability and deployment cost. While SDNs incur in actively reducing initial network design and implementation expenses, they leave significant challenges that may influence the overall performance. The Controller Placement Problem (CPP) is among the primary issues with considerable drawbacks on QoS parameters. However, CPP is known as an NP-Hard problem for which several approaches have been reported that introduce solutions. Due to the extreme volatility of the SDN size in terms of the number of switches and controllers, the CPP is deemed to compel extensive studies for a reliable solution. The current paper introduces a metaheuristic algorithm to achieve a solution for controller replacement. Accordingly, the CPP is formulated as an optimization problem, and an influential chaotic-based multi-population hybrid method (CHAM) is designed to find a solution. The proposed method encompasses two distinct algorithms: artificial ecosystem-based optimization (AEO) and marine predators’ algorithm (MPA). These discrete algorithms are then merged using a multi-population strategy. Next, a local search mechanism is introduced to exploit the existing solutions. As the next step, a chaotic neighborhood search mechanism is also provided in the CHAM to search for promising areas in the subpopulations. Finally, a migration procedure is presented to convey solutions between subpopulations. For evaluation purposes, CHAM was employed in ten real-world SDN networks with different sizes and configurations, and the results are compared with nine existing approaches. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method performs affordably well compared to the existing solutions. For example, the proposed method improves network performance by 25% by creating conditions close to related works.
From Node to Network: Weaving A Global Perspective on Efficacy and Costs of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions
Authors: Xu Chong , Kumar Sameer , Yang Muer , Ghildayal Nidhi , Chandra Charu
Published: July 2024

Non-pharmaceutical intervention (NPI) policies, ranging from mild intervention to total isolation, were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic across the globe. We adopt a systematic approach to guide policymakers in deployment of NPI policies to mitigate the pandemic's effects while maintaining a proper balance on their social and economic impacts. The optimal timings to enact and to end a policy depend both on the strictness of the policy and the transmissibility of the virus. Our results show that the strict policy is not always the most effective to mitigate the disease, while other modest NPIs can function better especially when the virus is highly transmissible. If an NPI can only be applied for a limited period due to economic and social constraints, it is always suboptimal to implement it at the pandemic's onset.
Improving the Care Outcomes of Traumatic Enucleation with Artificial Eye Implant: a case report
Authors: Adeleke Olumide , Aina Akinsola , Awe Oluseun , Aina ifeoluwasemilojo
Published: July 2024

Traumatic enucleation is a rare consequence of high-impact trauma. It is a severe injury leading to permanent loss of vision. One of the most common causes of traumatic globe enucleation is automobile accidents. This damage may have a severe effect on the patient's physical and mental health. Apart from the permanent loss of vision in the affected eye with traumatic enucleation, some complications, including pseudoptosis, orbital infection, hemorrhages, and scarring can occur. Traumatic enucleation may also be complicated by psychological problems like stigma, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. However, following enucleation, patients might be given a prosthetic eye to help them appear like normal eyes once more and prevent psychological problems. The goal of this case report is to highlight the potential occurrence of traumatic enucleation following a road traffic accident, as well as to describe the appropriate management of patients who present with this condition including the role of artificial eye implants in the management of such patients.
Safe subdural administration and retention of a neurotrophin-3-delivering hydrogel in a rat model of spinal cord injury
Authors: Meissner Svenja , Lopez Salvador , Rees Shaun , O’Carroll Simon , Barker David , Harland Bruce , Raos Brad , Svirskis Darren
Published: July 2024

Neurotrophic growth factor (GF) loaded hydrogels have shown promise as a treatment approach for spinal cord injury (SCI). However, SCI presents complex challenges for the direct administration of treatment due to the spinal cord’s intricate anatomy and highly sensitive environment. Many current hydrogel administration approaches overlook this complexity, limiting their translational potential. To address this, we propose a novel intrathecal administration method using an in situ gelling, hyaluronic acid-modified heparin-poloxamer hydrogel loaded with neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) for the direct delivery of NT-3 to the spinal cord. We injected a NT-3 loaded hydrogel into the intrathecal space immediately after contusion SCI in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Our results indicate that injecting the NT-3 loaded hydrogel into the intrathecal space was safe and that the gel was retained alongside the cord for at least one week. Additionally, no adverse effects were observed on rat behaviour. While functional improvement trends were noted, statistical significance was not reached, and immunohistochemistry results showed no significant difference between treatment groups. Overall, our findings suggest the feasibility, safety, and potential of the developed intrathecal administration technique for delivering diverse therapeutic molecules for SCI recovery.
Quasi-Real-Time Hypocenter Relocation and Monitoring in the Northeastern Noto Peninsula
Authors: Matsumoto Ryuta , Yoshida Keisuke
Published: July 2024

The seismicity rate markedly increased in the northeastern Noto Peninsula of Ishikawa Prefecture around the end of 2020, with an Mw6.2 event on 5 May, 2023, followed by many aftershocks. Previous earthquake relocation studies have detected upward migration of microearthquakes via multiple faults and clusters, suggesting the involvement of crustal fluids in this sequence. Since some active faults exist near the source region, there was concern that the sequence could lead to a larger earthquake; this became a reality with the Mw7.5 earthquake on 1 January 2024. The objective of this study is to develop an algorithm to precisely relocate the microearthquake hypocenters in quasi-real time for better monitoring. A fine view of seismicity requires relative relocation methods such as the Double-Difference (DD) method with numerous and accurate arrival time difference data derived from the waveform correlation analysis. However, the standard DD method has the disadvantage of huge computational costs when data increases, making it unsuitable for real-time monitoring in such situations. We developed a quasi-real-time algorithm that divides earthquake data into multiple time windows and performs the DD relocation each time new time window data is added. The major improvement is that our method incorporates a traditional simple relative relocation method and preserves constraints between different time windows; the relative locations of new events are constrained from reference events that were already relocated in the previous time windows. We tested a daily relocation algorithm on 11,546 events from 19 June, 2022, to 31 May, 2023, in the Noto Peninsula earthquake sequence. We found that our modification substantially reduced artificial hypocenter offsets between different time windows and succeeded in resolving the fine fault structures from the cloud-like distribution of initial hypocenters. If we do not impose constraints between different windows, the relocated hypocenters are scattered and do not show fine planar structures. Moreover, our algorithm greatly reduces the computational cost, allowing for quasi-real-time earthquake relocation and monitoring. We hope this algorithm will help monitor the spatio-temporal distribution of future earthquake sequences.
Enzymatic modification of cellulose nanofibers to enhance thermal resistance and hydrophobicity
Authors: Hideno Akihiro , Nouta Junpei , Yokota Daiki
Published: July 2024

Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), which is crystalline cellulosic fibers of 3-100 nm in width, are promising advanced materials. CNFs have attractive considerable attention due to their light weight, high strength, and large surface area. However, increasing thermal stability is a challenge in the application of CNFs. Generally, CNFs contain trace substances such as hemicellulose, which has a lower thermal degradation temperature than cellulose. Therefore, hemicellulose may decrease the thermal degradation temperature of CNFs. To increase the thermal stability of CNFs by removing hemicellulose, commercial CNFs were subjected to several cellulases and hemicellulases, and evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis. Our results showed that xylanase treatment for 1 h increased the pyrolysis temperature of the CNFs. Next, the basic sheet properties of enzyme-treated CNFs were investigated. The tensile strength of the CNF sheets decreased after enzymatic treatment, however, the contact angles of their sheets increased. These results indicate that the hydrophobicity of the surfaces of the CNFs was slightly increased by biomass-degrading enzymatic treatment.
Thermocouple-Integrated Resonant Microcantilever for On-chip Thermogravimetric (TG) and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) Dual Characterization Applications
Authors: Li Xinxin , Yang Yuhang , Jia Hao , Li Zechun , Cao Zhi , Xu Pengcheng
Published: July 2024

This work presents an integrated microsensor that combines the dual characterization capabilities of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). We integrated two pairs of thermocouples, heating resistors, and resonant drive/detection resistors into one microcantilever to achieve programmable temperature control, temperature change, and mass detection in a single chip. Our chip can achieve heating and cooling rates above 600°C/min, which is significantly faster than commercial instruments with satisfactory measurement accuracy. The integrated polysilicon thermocouples bring high power responsivity of 6V/W, making them suitable for highly sensitive DTA measurements on a chip. Moreover, the cantilever offers picogram (10-12g) level mass resolution, reducing sample consumption from milligrams to nanogram levels. Additionally, the on-chip sample heating allows for easy observation of sample morphological evolution during heating under an optical microscope. We validated the dual functionality by conducting TGA measurements on a standard sample of calcium oxalate monohydrate (CaC2O4∙H2O) and DTA measurements on high-purity indium (In) and tin (Sn). The results indicate consistent measurements with the true values of the standard sample and high measurement efficiency. Our integrated cantilever chip is anticipated to have broad applications in high-performance and efficient TGA and DTA characterization.
Enhancing Critical Care Training through Simulation-Based Education: A Comparative Study
Authors: Ma Xinyue , Zhang Weiting , Kang Kai , Yu Kaijiang , Zhao Mingyan , Yang Wei
Published: July 2024

Objective To evaluate the role of clinical scenario simulation teaching, anchored in a robust clinical case knowledge base, in augmenting the training of critical care medicine specialists.
Methods A total of 60 resident physicians from the Department of Critical Care Medicine participated in this randomized controlled trial from July 2021 to December 2022. Participants were randomly assigned to either the traditional teaching group, which received lectures and standard clinical practice, or the scenario simulation group, which engaged in simulation-based learning derived from a detailed clinical case knowledge base. The effectiveness of these educational strategies was measured using the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and comprehensive survey questionnaires addressing aspects such as learning interest and clinical skills.
Results Data analysis revealed that the scenario simulation group significantly outperformed the traditional teaching group in the OSCE, indicating enhanced clinical judgment and operational skills (P<0.05). Additionally, surveys reflected higher satisfaction rates in the simulation group, with marked improvements in learning engagement and practical skills application.
Discussion The findings align with existing research suggesting that scenario-based simulations offer a more effective training modality in critical care settings (Johnson et al., 2021). Such methods provide immersive, hands-on experiences that are critical for developing the quick decision-making and adaptability required in high-stakes environments.
Conclusion Clinical scenario simulation teaching, based on a comprehensive clinical case knowledge base, significantly enhances the training outcomes for critical care specialists. It proves to be a superior method in fostering the necessary skills for managing critical patient care effectively.
Disclosure of productive and stable sugarcane genotypes for cane yield and quality traits using various stability statistics
Authors: Kumar Ravinder , Meena Minturam , Dhansu Pooja , Chhabra Manoharlal , Appunu Chinnaswami , Sreeniv V , Durai A. Anna , Mahadevswamy HK , . Amaresh
Published: July 2024

Sugarcane an important agro-industrial crop, is cultivated under varied environmental regimes of the world. Development of stable performer better yielding varieties across multi environments is major concern to the breeders. The present study was planned to identify most stable sugarcane genotypes combining better cane yield and juice quality among the 52 genotypes developed over the years. Different stability statistics viz., AMMI, GGE and various others were executed on the experimental data recorded during six crop seasons (2015-16 to 2019-20) under subtropical India. The ranking of stable genotypes differed with different stability models. To draw a common consensus of stability, cumulative tend (CT) rank was calculated for each genotype based on the nine stability coefficients of different stability models. Combining cane yield and sucrose% Co 15023 (G48), Co 0238 (G8), Co 06037 (G21), Co 0331 (G12), G 0118 (G4) and Co 06034 (G18) were identified stable performer genotypes. Among them Co 0118, Co 0238, Co 06034 and Co 15023 are already gazette notified for commercial cultivation under NWZ of India. Cultivation of these varieties will sustain the sugarcane and sugar production in India and serves as valuable genetic resources for breeding programme utilizing them as one of the parent in developing cultivars for future sustainable global sugar production.