bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generative Artificial Intelligence in Marketing: The Invisible Danger of AI Hallucinations
Authors: Yaprak Burak
Published: January 2025

This study explores the transformative impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) on the marketing highlighting both its significant opportunities and inherent challenges. GAI enhances marketing strategies through automated content creation, personalized customer experiences, and advanced data analytics, thereby increasing efficiency and engagement. However, the phenomenon of AI hallucinations—where AI models produce realistic yet incorrect or misleading information—poses substantial risks, including damage to brand reputation, erosion of consumer trust, and potential legal ramifications. To mitigate the risks associated with AI hallucinations, the study proposes comprehensive risk management strategies that include technical solutions to detect and correct erroneous outputs, human oversight to ensure accuracy, and adherence to ethical and regulatory frameworks. By balancing the advantages of GAI with robust measures to address AI-generated inaccuracies, organizations can harness its full potential while safeguarding their brand integrity and maintaining trust with customers.
SAFE-CAST: secure AI-federated enumeration for clustering-based automated surveillance and trust in machine-to-machine communication
Authors: Tuncel Yusuf Kursat , Öztoprak Kasım
Published: January 2025

Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication within the Internet of Things (IoT) faces increasing security and efficiency challenges as networks proliferate. Existing approaches often struggle with balancing robust security measures and energy efficiency, leading to vulnerabilities and reduced performance in resource-constrained environments. To address these limitations, we propose SAFE-CAST, a novel secure AI-federated enumeration for clustering-based automated surveillance and trust framework. This study addresses critical security and efficiency challenges in M2M communication within the context of IoT. SAFE-CAST integrates several innovative components: (1) a federated learning approach using Lloyd’s K-means algorithm for secure clustering, (2) a quality diversity optimization algorithm (QDOA) for secure channel selection, (3) a dynamic trust management system utilizing blockchain technology, and (4) an adaptive multi-agent reinforcement learning for context-aware transmission scheme (AMARLCAT) to minimize latency and improve scalability. Theoretical analysis and extensive simulations using network simulator (NS)-3.26 demonstrate the superiority of SAFE-CAST over existing methods. The results show significant improvements in energy efficiency (21.6% reduction), throughput (14.5% increase), security strength (15.3% enhancement), latency (33.9% decrease), and packet loss rate (12.9% reduction) compared to state-of-the-art approaches. This comprehensive solution addresses the pressing need for robust, efficient, and secure M2M communication in the evolving landscape of IoT and edge computing.
Constructing age-structured matrix population models for all fishes
Authors: Fujiwara Masami
Published: January 2025

Matrix population models are essential tools in conservation biology, offering key metrics to guide species management and conservation planning. However, the development of these models is often limited by insufficient life history data, particularly for non-charismatic species. This study addresses this gap by using life history data from FishBase and the FishLife R package, complemented by size-dependent natural mortality estimates, to parameterize age-structured matrix population models applicable to most fish species. The method was applied to 30 fish species common around oil and gas platforms in the Northern Gulf of Mexico, generating seven key metrics: damping ratio, resilience, generation time, stable age distribution, reproductive value, sensitivity matrix, and elasticity matrix. The damping ratio reflects how quickly a population returns to a stable age distribution after a disturbance, while resilience indicates the speed of recovery from perturbations. Generation time captures the average age of reproduction, and the stable age distribution represents the long-term proportion of individuals in each age class. Reproductive value quantifies future reproductive potential by age class. The sensitivity matrix highlights the age-class transitions most affecting population growth, and the elasticity matrix shows the proportional influence of these factors on population growth. The results demonstrate that robust population models can be constructed with limited species-specific data and reveal notable differences in population dynamics among species. For example, species with longer generation times, like the greater barracuda (Sphyraena guachancho), have lower damping ratios, indicating prolonged transient dynamics. In contrast, species such as the round scad (Decapterus punctatus) exhibit shorter generation times and higher damping ratios, suggesting faster returns to equilibrium. These findings underscore the importance of life history variability in shaping conservation strategies. Additionally, metrics like stable age distributions and reproductive values provide insight into population structure and individual contributions to future populations, while sensitivity and elasticity matrices inform management interventions such as size limits in fisheries. By integrating extensive databases and predictive tools, this study offers a scalable approach for developing matrix population models across diverse fish species. This methodology enhances our understanding of fish population dynamics, particularly for data-deficient species, and supports more informed conservation efforts. It also promotes ecosystem-based management by enabling species comparisons through standardized metrics, contributing to the sustainability of marine ecosystems.
Mapping species of greatest conservation need and solar energy potential in the arid Southwest for future sustainable development
Authors: Fleckenstein Kylee , Stein Adam , Bateman Heather L. , De Albuquerque Fabio
Published: January 2025

The need for renewable energy has become increasingly evident in response to the climate change crisis, presenting a paradoxical challenge to biodiversity conservation. The Southwest United States is desirable for large-scale solar energy development (SED) due to its high global horizontal irradiance (GHI) values and vast open landscapes. However, this region is also rich in unique ecological and biological diversity. Several distinct species have garnered special attention as human population growth, habitat alteration, and climate change have accelerated in recent decades (i.e., LeConte’s Thrasher (Toxostoma lecontei), Bendire’s Thrasher (Toxostoma bendirei), Sonoran Desert Tortoise (Gopherus morafkai), Mojave Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), and the Southwestern population of the Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia). As the United States prepares to increase its development in renewable energies, particularly solar energy, there has been a growing concern about how this development will further impact these species. In this study, we propose a novel combined approach to find areas of high habitat suitability for endangered species within areas of high SED potential. Specifically, we employed species distribution modeling (SDM) to identify areas with suitable habitats and likely species presence, and we conducted a site suitability analysis for potential SED locations within the Southwest. As a result, we found significant overlap between potential SED locations and the high-priority habitats of all target species, thus underlining the importance of prioritizing conservation efforts as more solar projects are reviewed in these Southwestern states. Our study aims to inform conservationists and developers in making sustainable decisions for the region’s future development.
The application of deep learning in early enamel demineralization detection
Authors: He Ketai , Zhang Rongxiu , Liang Muchun , Tian Keyue , Luo Kaihui , Chen Ruoshi , Ren Jianpeng , Wang Jiajun , Li Juan
Published: January 2025

Objective

The study aims to develop a diagnostic model using intraoral photographs to accurately detect and classify early detection of enamel demineralization on tooth surfaces.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted with 208 patients aged 14 to 44. A total of 624 high-quality digital images captured under standardized conditions were used to construct a deep learning model based on the Mask region-based convolutional neural network (Mask R-CNN). The model was trained to automate the detection of enamel demineralization. Its performance was compared to two junior dentists’ diagnostic abilities.

Results

The model achieved an F1-score of 0.856 for detecting demineralized teeth on the validation set, a metric that reflects comprehensive diagnostic performance, demonstrating performance close to that of senior dentists. With the the model’s assistance, the junior dentists’ average F1-scores improved significantly—from 0.713 and 0.689 to 0.897 and 0.949, respectively (p < 0.05). The model accurately segmented tooth surfaces and detected demineralized areas, allowing for precise detection of demineralized areas and monitoring of lesion progression.

Conclusion

Deep learning can accurately segment tooth surfaces and lesion contours, enhancing the precision, accuracy, and efficiency of enamel demineralization diagnosis and area delineation.
La discusión sobre el dominio de los bienes en el concurso: una precisión histórica del artículo 2466 del Código Civil
Authors: Goldenberg Serrano Juan Luis
Published: January 2025

Aunque es claro que los bienes ajenos no pueden integrar la masa activa del concurso, se ha tendido a reconducir esta cuestión únicamente al ejercicio de la acción reivindicatoria. Se sostiene que esta es una lectura errada, o, a lo menos parcial, donde la pretensión queda mejor resuelta por una acción declarativa, paralela a la tercería de dominio, que tendría como sustento el artículo 2466 del Código Civil. Un estudio de la evolución normativa revela que, más allá del modelo reivindicatorio dispuesto históricamente en el derecho concursal chileno, el citado artículo contiene la separatio ex iure domini, alejándose de la criticada construcción del “acreedor de dominio” entregada por la tradición hispana, funcionando como un derecho del dueño para obtener el reconocimiento de que un determinado bien es de su propiedad, y, consecuentemente, debe quedar liberado de los efectos del desasimiento, sin necesariamente exigir su restitución
Derechos fundamentales y relación laboral. A propósito de una sentencia del Tribunal de la Unión Europea, referida al ejercicio de la libertad religiosa en el trabajo
Authors: Aparicio Aldana Rebeca Karina
Published: January 2025

El presente artículo tiene como objeto plantear el alcance de la eficacia horizontal de los derechos fundamentales o Drittwirkung en las relaciones jurídico-laborales. Pone especial énfasis en la necesaria delimitación de estos derechos, atendiendo a las características principales de la relación de trabajo: el poder de dirección y el principio de buena fe laboral, aplicando dicho análisis al ejercicio del derecho a la libertad religiosa. Este artículo se detiene, particularmente, en el estudio de una reciente sentencia del Tribunal de Justicia de la Unión Europea en materia de “no discriminación” por razones religiosas dentro de la empresa.
Tribunales Ambientales y recurso de protección Dos impugnaciones coexistentes frente a decisiones administrativas
Authors: Méndez Pablo
Published: January 2025

En la institucionalidad ambiental, los tribunales ambientales fueron concebidos como un foro que concentrarían las discusiones ambientales, en particular, en la impugnación de actos de la Administración del Estado. Sin embargo, en paralelo a dicha institucionalidad se mantiene el recurso de protección. Este trabajo analiza el funcionamiento de esta acción en los diez años de funcionamiento del sistema (2013-2023), concluyendo (i) los costos más sustantivos de este sistema bifurcado es la uniformidad en las decisiones judiciales al hacer que la Corte Suprema conozca de asuntos ambientales por vía de casación y de apelación; y (ii) las críticas a la precariedad del procedimiento de protección son hoy injustificadas, al ser virtualmente el mismo procedimiento de reclamo ante los tribunales ambientales. Tras ello, se ofrecen buenas razones para predecir que esta bifurcación se intensificará en los próximos años con las nuevas leyes ambientales, y que hay también buenas razones para pensar en la unificación orgánica de los foros de impugnación.
Violeta Parra: Un Proyecto de Representación Intermedial
Authors: E. Mundaca Alejandro
Published: January 2025

En este artículo propongo leer los proyectos artísticos de Parra como uno de representación, desarrollado entre 1954 y 1967, definido por tres procedimientos intermediales: integración, transformación e interrelaciones. Para ello planteo una triple genealogía, musical, literaria y visual, a partir de la cual Parra presentó críticamente nuevos elementos, como la visibilización de cultores vivos a través de una mediación que comenzó con grabaciones sonoras, obras plásticas y audiovisuales. Luego, es representado en conferencias, cursos y libros, para finalmente formar parte del museo que creó en Concepción y que después reformuló en La Carpa de la Reina.
Efficacy of Intramuscular versus Intravenous Dexmedetomidine on Attenuation of Haemodynamic Responses to Laryngoscopy and Endotracheal Intubation: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Kumari Anupama , Anand Paras , Mehta Jigisha , Thomas Sara Mary
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation during anaesthesia administration provokes physiological stress responses like tachycardia, hypertension and can also lead to potential adverse events such as bronchospasm, myocardial ischaemia, arrythmias, cerebrovascular accidents etc. Dexmedetomidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist has been extensively used perioperatively for stabilising intraoperative haemodynamics. Intravenous dexmedetomidine can cause major adverse effects such as bradycardia, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias and biphasic response when used as premedication for attenuation of the laryngoscopy and intubation response which mandates exploration of other routes of administration of dexmedetomidine.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of intramuscular dexmedetomidine and intravenous dexmedetomidine to attenuate the stress response of laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation in patients undergoing general anaesthesia via these routes.

Materials and Methods: This prospective, randomised clinical trial was single-blinded study conducted in the Department of Anaesthesia, Shrimati Bhikhiben Kanjibhai Shah Medical Institute and Research Centre (SBKS MIRC) in Piparia, Vadodara, Gujarat, India over a period of six months from January 2024 to June 2024 on 64 adult patients of American Soceity of Anaesthesiology (ASA) physical status I and II, aged between 18-60 years, posted for surgery under general anaesthesia. The patients were divided in two groups: Group DIM (intramuscular Dexmedetomidine) received Inj. Dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg intramuscularly 45 minutes prior to induction. Group DIV (intravenous Dexmedetomidine) received Inj. Dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg intravenously as infusion in 100 mL Normal Saline (NS) over 10 minutes 45 minutes prior to induction. Haemodynamic changes during laryngoscopy and intubation, postoperative complications and sedation score were recorded.

Results: Demographic data and baseline haemodynamics were comparable between the two groups. Heart Rate (HR), Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) and Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) were raised from laryngoscopy and intubation in both groups. This increase was significant in Group DIV compared to Group DIM (p=0.0424, p=0.0235, p=0.0004, 0.0021, respectively). The rise in all haemodynamic parameters from laryngoscopy and intubation returned to baseline values at around three minutes in DIM group, while in DIV group they returned at around seven minutes, and remained comparable throughout. No patient experienced significant complications or sedation in postoperative period.

Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine administered via intramuscular route was more effective than intravenous route at same dosage in attenuating haemodynamic stress response to laryngoscopy and intubation.
Use of Information and Communication Technologies by the Farmers in Modernizing Agriculture at Barind Tract Area of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman M. R. , Rahman M. M. , Rahman M. M.
Published: January 2025

A study was carried out at Barind area of two upazilas (small administrative unit) under Chapainawabganj district in Bangladesh during January, 2024 to April, 2024 to find out the extent of use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), and explore the relationship between personal attributes and their use of information and communication technologies in modernizing agriculture. Information and communication technology in the districts of Chapainawabganj, Nachole, and Gomostapur are used by the populace. There are around 3500 and 5000 users of information and communication technology in Nachole and Gomostapur Upazilla, respectively. The study's population consisted of 386 ICT-using farmers from all 14 Pourasava and unions; 386 respondents were chosen using the Taro Yamane Formula. Out of 13 socio-economic characteristics of the farmers, education, agricultural knowledge, ICT ownership, ICT knowledge, farm size, cosmopoliteness, communication exposure and risk orientation had significant. In addition, age, family size, training experience, supervision of crop production and formal group affiliation are insignificant with use of information and communication technologies. Majority of the farmers had medium to high level of use of information and communication technologies
An Empirical Analysis on the Breeding and Feeding Behaviour of Estuarine Rice Fish Oryzias melastigma (McClelland, 1839)
Authors: Chakraborty Tushar , Giri Asim Kumar , Das Joydeep
Published: January 2025

The breeding and growth characteristics of Oryzias melastigma were investigated under controlled laboratory conditions to assess its suitability for aquaculture. The species exhibited a short-generation time of 2 to 3 months that thriving in artificial-seawater at 28°C with a 14-hour light/10-hour dark-cycle. Sexual-dimorphism became apparent after one-month; with males developing a prominent anal-fin, aiding sex identification for experimental-populations. Feeding-experiments revealed that Oryzias melastigma, preferentially consumed early instar mosquito-larvae, showing high feeding-efficiency, particularly on smaller-prey. Additionally, the species demonstrated increased reproductive-success when supplemented with Ulothrix, suggesting its effectiveness as a feed to enhance egg-production and hatchling-survival. The sensitivity of eggs and larvae to pollutants like ammonia and CO2 indicates the species' potential as a bio-indicator for water-quality. Statistical analysis of reproductive-output indicated that a mature-female, could produce over 1.5 million eggs annually; contributing to aquaculture-systems as a food-source for carnivorous-species. This potential-biomass, when applied to fish farming, could significantly enhance the production of species like Lates calcarifer. The study highlights breeding and feeding behaviour of estuarine rice fish, Oryzias melastigma.
Perceptions of Apple Growers on Impact of Climate Change on Apple Production in Mid and High Hills of Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Rani Shilpa , Sharma Subhash , Shivani
Published: January 2025

The present study entitled “Perceptions of apple growers on Impact of Climate Change on Apple pProduction in Mid and High Hills of Himachal Pradesh” had made an attempt to analyse the trends in temperarture, rainfall and apple productivity, and perceptions of apple growers on impact of climate change on apple production. The findings of the study revealed that the temperarure and rainfall has followed a fluctutating trend over the years which caused an negative impact on the productivity of apple since it had been reduced by 11 percent in last few decades, which meant that although apple growers are increasing their area under apple, but production per unit area is not increasing by much amount. there was indeed a change in climate in last decades (79.5%), as there was an increase in intensity of rainfall (77%), increase in hailstorm events (76%), snowfall events (70%), and there was not to mention long-term changes in mean temperature (75%) and mean rainfall (75%). Climate change had furthermore changed the cropping pattern of the study area (76.5%), as there were changes in sowing and harvesting of crops (79.5%). In apple, there were changes in flowering time (76.5%), increase in early fruit maturity (78.5%), decrease in fruit size (78.5%), disease incidence (72.5%), coupled with an observation of new pests (75.5%). So, it was concluded that the impact of climate change has increased in last few decades and it has negatively affected the yield of apple in our state. Therefore, there is a great need among apple growers to adapt their technologies to climate change like exploring new varieties which are high yielding and adaptable to climate change and also going for crop diversification to deal with financial losses. Additionally, government should improve their supportive policies and come up with effective mitigative and adaptive measures which are significant for safegurading the productivity of apple in Himachal Pradesh.
In vitro Evaluation of Plant Growth-Promoting Endophytes from Bambara Groundnut Nodules in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Raïssa GUEI Nassé Kaéda , Edouard KOUADIO Loukou , Ferdinand ZRO Bi Gohi , Kaoutar TAHA , Mathurin KOFFI , Dogniméton SORO , Abdelkarim FILALI-MALTOUF , Ibrahim KONATE
Published: January 2025

In the modern farming process, the misuse of synthetic fertilizers has led to significant pollution of soil, air and water. The excessive use of these chemicals has deleterious effects on soil microorganisms, affects soil fertility and also pollutes the environment. Now, one of the main challenges of agriculture in West Africa, particularly in Côte d’Ivoire, is to be able to ensure high agricultural productivity while preserving the environment. Therefore, the use of PGPR endophytic bacteria presents itself as an alternative to the use of chemical fertilizers to improve crop productivity.
Some endophytes which are considered as PGPR can promote plant growth trough mobilization of nutrients in soils, production of plant growth regulators, protection of plants from hytopathogens by controlling or inhibiting them, and improvement of soil structure.
In order to select the most effective endophytic bacteria to be used as biofertilizers, the objective of this study is to evaluate the PGPR potential of bacteria isolated from Bambara groundnut nodules in vitro. To accomplish this, 34 endophytic bacteria isolated from the nodules of 5 varieties of Bambara groundnut in soils from 5 localities of Daloa, which had been the subject of molecular characterization, were tested to evaluate their capacity to produce AIA and siderophores, to solubilize phosphate. The AIA production test was carried out on YEM supplemented with L-tryptophan, that of phosphate solubilization on Pikovskaya medium (PVK) and that of siderophore production on Chrome Azurol S medium (CAS medium).
Generally, all strains were able to produce a detectable amount of IAA which ranged from 16.3 to 275.5µg/ml, to solubilize phosphate in amounts ranging from 16 to 453,45µg/ml and produce siderophore with indexes ranged from 1,08 to 5,36.
In total, 19 strains showed multi-PGP traits and could be promising biofertilizers. These endophytic bacteria have the potential to be used in sustainable agriculture as biofertilizers and can help reduce the dependence on synthetic chemicals, which contributes to the preservation of the environment.
In perspective, it would be interesting to test the 19 strains with multi-PGPR traits under field conditions to determine the effectiveness of bacterial strains on the development and yield of Bambara pea plants in order to select the most efficient bacterial strains and propose them as biofertilizers.
Development of a Palm Oil Clarifier Unit for Small Scale Palm Oil Processors
Authors: NJESHU Godlove Nfor , NGWABIE Ngwa Martin , BUP Nde Divine , TSAMO Cornelius
Published: January 2025

In most palm oil processing countries in Africa, a huge quantity of the oil is processed informally by small-scale processors which contribute significantly to national production. Unfortunately processing losses by small-scale processors are very high, reaching 15% of total crude palm oil production. Such huge losses account for the fact that the sector contributes barely 50% of the total crude palm oil production despite occupying up to 70% of the cultivated area. Palm oil clarification as a unit operation generates more than 50% of the palm oil mill wastewater. It therefore contributes enormously to oil losses in palm oil processing. The objective of this research therefore was to design a more efficient palm oil clarifier suitable for use by small-scale processors in order to curb oil losses. A two-chamber prototype palm oil clarifier, integrated with a palm oil dryer has been developed. Performance evaluation with oil from a screw press puts the throughput, extraction rate and clarifier efficiency at 0.82, 16.33 and 74.24% respectively when the clarification temperature is 85oC at mole ratio1:2. This equipment can be very useful to non-industrial palm oil producers who are unable to afford sophisticated equipment. Adequate clarifier design can significantly improve on the performance of non-industrial palm oil mills.
Screening of Sesame Entries against Phyllody Disease under Field Conditions
Authors: Madhuri V. , Bharathi D. , Priya Bhagavatha , Chandrika V.
Published: January 2025

Phyllody is one of the major constraints causing economical yield losses and initially it was considered to be caused by a virus but later resulted it was associated with phytoplasma presence. In the integrated management of phyllody disease of sesame, host plant resistance only plays a key role. Keeping this in view, a total of 137 entries including susceptible check YLM-66 variety (sarada) were screened under field conditions during kharif, 2021 to identify the resistance sources in the cultivars and for further exploitation in resistance breeding programme. Among which, none of the sesame entries were found immune or resistant to the disease. However, 10 entries (UTS-6, UTS-29, UTS-39, UTS-32, UTS-35, RMT-498, RMT-496, RT-430, NIC-10621-B and GT-10 were found moderately resistant with disease incidence ranged from 13.61-19.59 per cent, 52 showed tolerant reaction, 63 showed moderately susceptible reaction, nine found susceptible and two found highly susceptible disease reaction to phyllody disease and per cent disease incidence of 70.50 per cent  was recorded in susceptible check, YLM-66 at harvest.
Remote Sensing and GIS Based Approach to Estimate the Monthly and Seasonally Evapotranspiration (ET) For Kharif Maize Using Landsat 8 Data and the QWaterModel
Authors: Thakor Devrajsinh I. , Gaur M. L. , Balas Duda B. , Ram Bhavin , Pampaniya Nirav , Kunapara Arvind , Dhakad Shubham
Published: January 2025

Evapotranspiration (ET) plays a crucial role in agricultural water management, particularly in semi-arid regions where efficient resource allocation is essential for sustainable production. This study utilizes remote sensing and GIS-based approaches to estimate monthly and seasonal ET for kharif maize using Landsat 8 satellite data from 2016 to 2020. The research was conducted at the Main Maize Research Station (MMRS) in Panchmahal, Gujarat, India, leveraging the QWaterModel plugin for ET calculations. Thermal and optical data from Landsat 8, including Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), were processed to derive ET values for the maize-growing season (July to October). The findings reveal distinct temporal trends in ET. Monthly ET progressively increases from July (early growth stages) to September (peak growth), followed by a sharp decline in October (maturity stage). Across the study years, July ET ranged from 42 mm in 2016 to 62 mm in 2018, while September ET peaked at 251 mm in 2020. Seasonal ET varied between 427 mm (2016) and 463 mm (2019), reflecting fluctuations in climatic conditions and management practices. Seasonal ET values exhibit slight variations across the years, ranging from a low of 427 mm in 2016 to a high of 463 mm in 2019. This study emphasizes the application of water to maize crops by the canal command authority, ensuring that the water provided aligns with the crop's growth stages. Initially, maize requires less water, followed by a substantial increase in demand during the mid-season, while towards the end of the season, water application becomes almost unnecessary. Remote sensing offers a cost-effective and scalable solution for large-area ET estimation compared to traditional methods which are limited in spatial coverage and resource-intensive.
Evaluation of Radiographic Methods for Detecting Left Atrial Enlargement in Dogs with Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Bodh Deepti , Harkal Prasad , Tyagi S.P. , Kumar Adarsh , Sharma Pradeep , Sharma Deepti
Published: January 2025

Aim: To evaluate the utility of four radiographic methods for assessing cardiomegaly and left atrial enlargement in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD)
Study Design: Thirty-one client owned dogs with varying severity of mitral valve disease were subjected to thoracic radiography and echocardiography.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, DGCN College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, between July 2023 to July 2024
Methodology:  Thirty-one dogs with varying MMVD severity underwent thoracic radiography and echocardiography. Vertebral heart size (VHS), vertebral left atrial size (VLAS), radiographic left atrial dimension (RLAD), and left atrial (LA) Width were measured and compared with echocardiographic parameters.
Results: Radiographic indices (VHS, VLAS, RLAD, and LA Width) increased progressively with MMVD stage (B1, B2, and C). RLAD, and LA Width correlated significantly with echocardiographic LA/Ao ratio (P < 0.01). VHS, VLAS, and LA Width were easier to measure than RLAD.
Conclusion: Radiographic VLAS, RLAD, and LA Width are reliable alternatives to echocardiography for identifying left atrial enlargement in MMVD-affected dogs, with VHS offering utility when other measures are unavailable.
Phytochemical Screening and Antibacterial Activity of Cassia Sieberiana DC. (Fabaceae) and Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides (Lam.) Zepernick et Timler (Rutaceae) Leaves Extracts on Escherichia Coli Involved in Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Monon Koné , Daouda Touré , Oumar Yéo Sounta , Christian Koné Nanwolo , Claude Kablan Ahmont Landry , Abdoulaye Touré , Karamoko Ouattara , Adama Coulibaly
Published: January 2025

Aims: Cassia sieberiana and Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides are plants identified during an ethnobotanical survey, to threat urinary tract infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from leaves of C. sieberiana and Z. zanthoxyloides. t.
Methodology: Phytochemical compounds were identified using colorimetric and precipitation methods. The sensitivity of isolates to plant extracts and their level of resistance to conventional antibiotics were assessed by agar diffusion on Escherichia coli isolates from patients with urinary tract infections. Antibacterial parameters were determined by culture in liquid medium coupled with spreading on Mueller Hinton agar.
Results: The investigations revealed a predominance of tannins, flavonoids, polyphenols, saponins, terpenes and sterols, but an absence of alkaloids and phenolic acids in the plants extracts studied. The bacteria selected for the study showed high levels of resistance to cephalosporins, quinolones, penicillins and cyclins, but high sensitivity to aminoglycosides. These isolates were found to be resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics, with an ESBL phenotype. C. sieberiana extracts achieved inhibition diameters ranging from 09.5 ± 0.5 to 22.33 ± 1.78 mm. All strains were sensitives to these extracts. E. coli strain (Ech Dam) was the most sensitive to the decoctate of the aqueous extract, with an inhibition diameter of 22.33 ± 0.89 mm. All strains studied were equally sensitive to aqueous extract and C. sieberiana decoctate, and to gentamicin as a reference molecule. No significant difference was observed between the inhibition diameters of gentamicin and those of crude C. sieberiana extracts.
Conclusion: Antibacterial activities of the extracts would justify the use of C. sieberiana leaves in traditional environments. However, Z. zanthoxyloides leaves extracts showed no activity on all the strains tested. Their use would therefore be unrelated to the roots and not the leaves.
Widespread Occurrence of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Bacterial Isolates from River Ala in Akure, Nigeria
Authors: S. O. Okunade, , A. O. Olalemi,
Published: January 2025

Antibiotic resistance genes can be naturally occurring in bacteria or can be acquired through horizontal gene transfer. This study investigated the antibiotic resistance genes in bacterial isolates from River Ala. Water samples were collected bi-weekly over a period of 24 weeks from three representative points in River Ala. The load and identities of bacteria in the water samples were determined using standard microbiological methods. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates were determined using disc diffusion method. Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were detected using molecular methods. Results showed that the total plate count ranged from 7.0 × 101 to 1.3 × 104 cfu/100 ml and total enterobacteriaceae count ranged from 9.2 × 102 to 4.2 × 104 cfu/ 100 ml. The bacterial isolates detected in the samples were Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis and Enterobacter cloacae Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of the isolates revealed that all the bacterial isolates had 100% resistance to penicillin, while 92.86% of the isolates were resistant to nalidixic acid and ceporex. ARGs such as blaNDM, blaTEM, blaSHV and tetA were detected in Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica and Enterobacter cloacae. There were positive correlations between Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica and Enterobacter cloacae, ARGs such as blaNDM, blaTEM, blaSHV and tetA. The findings of this study demonstrated the presence of ARGs such as blaNDM, blaTEM, blaSHV and tetA in Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica and Enterobacter cloacae in water samples from River Ala. Understanding the presence and dynamics of these genes in aquatic environments is essential for managing public health risks.
Geomorphotectonics of the Kathiawar (Saurashtra)- Kutchch outlier: A spatial statistical approach
Authors: Roy Amitabha
Published: January 2025

The present work explores the geomorphotectonics of the Kathiawar (Saurashtra)-Kutchch Outlier in Gujarat,
India north of the SONATA lineament. Using spatial statistics, the author explores intricate links between
spatially resolved data, reveal patterns and correlations that drive the region's geological history. The work
addresses an underlying issue, i.e., that of finding the spatial position of entities under study, which is a central
issue in spatial analysis. The methodology combines several spatial analytic methods in order to derive a
detailed representation of the geomorphotectonics of the area. Results of this study would make an important contribution to the ongoing task of understanding the geological history of the Kathiawar (Saurashtra)-Kutchch Outlier, providing insight to the complex processes that have created this peculiar geological unit.
Regulation of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition in hypoxia by the HIF‐1α network
Authors: Wang Hang‐Yu , Zhang Xiao‐Peng , Wang Wei
Published: December 2021

Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a significant role in cancer metastasis. A series of models have focused on EMT regulation by TGF‐β network. However, how EMT is regulated under hypoxia is less understood. We developed a model of HIF‐1α network to explore the potential link between EMT and the network topology. Our results revealed that three positive feedback loops, composed of HIF‐1α and its three targets SNAIL, TWIST, and miR‐210, should be sequentially activated to induce EMT under aggravating hypoxia. We suggested that the number of the positive feedback loops is critical for determining the number of stable states in EMT. Our work may advance the understanding of the significance of network topology in the regulation of EMT.
Infrared Spectroscopy of Biological Applications: An Overview
Authors: Stuart Barbara H.
Published: December 2021

Infrared spectroscopy has proved to be a powerful tool for the study of biological molecules, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. This spectroscopic approach enables such molecules to be identified and changes to their chemical structures to be characterized. The application of this technique to biological problems is continually expanding, particularly with the advent of increasingly sophisticated sampling techniques associated with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.

Biological systems, including animal and plant tissues, microbial cells, clinical samples, and food, have all been successfully studied using infrared spectroscopy. In particular, recent decades have seen a rapid expansion in the number of studies of more complex systems, such as diseased tissues. This article reviews the sampling methods available for biological molecules. The interpretation of infrared data, both qualitatively and quantitatively, for such systems is covered. The specific information to be obtained from the main types of biological molecules is detailed, and the application of biological infrared spectroscopy is reviewed.
Noble Metals, Analytical Chemistry of
Authors: Balcerzak Maria
Published: December 2021

Attractive physical, chemical, and biological properties of the noble (precious) metals – ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium, and platinum (so‐called platinum group metals (PGM)) and gold – result in their wide applications. The main demands for the metals are from autocatalysts; chemical, electrical, and electronic industries; jewelry and investment. Medical applications of some noble metal compounds, in particular those exhibiting anticancer activity, are of great importance.

The large variety and complexity of the examined (geological, environmental, industrial, and biological) materials, great chemical similarities and low stability of the noble metal species in solutions, and wide concentration (from sub‐ppb to >99.99%) ranges to be determined make the accurate determination of the metals a difficult analytical problem. Identification and quantification of various chemical forms (elemental, complex) of the metals in the examined samples require methods capable of separation of the analytes from the interfering matrix components and their detection. The choice of a suitable sample preparation procedure and its successful coupling with the detection technique of required selectivity and sensitivity are fundamental factors limiting the quality of the results. Analytical methods applicable in the analysis of the noble metal samples are presented in the article.
Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Authors: Cremers David A. , Multari Rosalie A. , Knight Andrew K.
Published: December 2021

Laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a method of atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) based on a laser‐generated plasma. Powerful laser pulses are focused on a sample to atomize a small mass of material resulting in the formation of a microplasma containing free atoms electronically excited to emit light. The plasma light is spectrally resolved and detected to determine the elemental sample composition based on the unique emission spectrum of each element. Because of the simplicity of the method, it is suited for analyses that cannot be carried out using conventional techniques of AES such as measurements that must be conducted outside of an analytical laboratory. A particular advantage of LIBS is the ability to analyze gases, liquids, and solids in situ, directly, with little or no sample preparation allowing rapid measurement capability. Although LIBS offers sensitive detection for many elements, it is not an ultrasensitive detection technique and, under field conditions, the method does not typically provide the high accuracy and precision offered by laboratory‐based AES methods. Although basically an element detection method, complex targets (e.g. explosives, pathogens, and chemical agents) can be identified through analysis of the LIBS spectrum using advanced mathematical methods (e.g. multivariate analysis, neural networks).
Effects of the 5‐HT1A receptor agonist 8‐OH‐DPAT on aggressive behavior in juvenile pufferfish, Takifugu rubripes
Authors: Hu Yu , Li Haixia , Zhou Cheng , Liu Ying , Ma Zhen
Published: December 2021

Severe aggressive behavior of juvenile pufferfish affects economic efficiency and fish welfare in aquaculture. 5‐HT plays an important role in regulating the aggressive behavior of fish in aquaculture environment. This study examined the effects of different concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1 mg/kg) of 8‐OH‐DPAT, a selective 5‐HT1A receptor agonist, on the aggressive behavior of juvenile pufferfish. Forty‐five minutes after drug injection, the aggressive behavior of juvenile fish was recorded for 20 min, including the latency to the first attack and the frequency of aggressive behaviors. The results showed no significant differences in the latency to the first attack of juvenile fish among treatment groups. During the first 10 min of the observation period, there was no significant difference in the total aggressive acts and locomotor activity among treatment groups. Total aggressive acts and locomotor activity were the least in the 1 mg/kg 8‐OH‐DPAT‐treated during the 20 min observation period. Both aggressive behavior and locomotor activity were negatively correlated with 8‐OH‐DPAT treatment overall, respectively. The above results suggested that the serotonergic system activation had suppressive effects on aggressive behavior and locomotor activity in juvenile pufferfish.
Preview repetitive control for linear discrete‐time periodic systems
Authors: Li Li , Lu Yanrong
Published: December 2021

A discrete‐time preview repetitive control (PRC) scheme was proposed for linear discrete‐time periodic systems that were subjected to previewable reference signals. First, the state augmentation technique was used to derive an augmented system that included future information on previewable signals. Second, a two‐dimensional (2D) model was developed for the augmented system so that the control and leaning actions can be adjusted preferentially by using control gains. Sufficient conditions that guarantee the closed‐loop stability of the augmented 2D systems were derived, and the design of a periodic controller with preview action and repetitive control was proposed using the linear matrix inequality approach. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed PRC was established by using two numerical simulation examples.
Room‐Temperature Crystallization of Ultralong (≈3.5 mm) CsCu2I3 Microbelt to Suppress Carrier Recombination for High‐Performance UV Heterojunction Photodetector
Authors: Li Ziqing , Zuo Chaolei , Liu Xinya , Ma Zhuangzhuang , Shi Zhifeng , Fang Xiaosheng
Published: December 2021

Lead‐free ternary copper iodide perovskite analogues demonstrate great potential in photodetector, due to their nontoxity and excellent photophysical properties. However, the fast carrier recombination limits the photoelectric conversion efficiency. Herein, a room‐temperature growth strategy with the selected raw ratio is adopted to enhance carrier dynamics. The optimized‐grown CsCu2I3 single crystal exhibits longer carrier lifetime of 157 ns, and its switch ratio and response time are enhanced by 20 000% and 600% compared with those of stoichiometric‐grown single crystal, respectively. Furthermore, space‐confined method is introduced to prepare ultralong single‐crystalline CsCu2I3 microbelt, with the aspect ratio up to 600. The sensitivity and self‐powered performance of the UV photodetector are improved through constructing heterojunction with p‐CuI and asymmetric electrodes. The enhanced performance is ascribed to superior type‐II band alignment between CsCu2I3 and CuI, which effectively promotes the separation of photogenerated carriers. This work not only provides an efficient way to boost the photoresponse in low‐dimensional metal halide perovskite analogue, but also displays 1D anisotropic growth for potential application in large‐area vapor‐assisted patterned devices.
Discovery of Lead‐Free Perovskites for High‐Performance Solar Cells via Machine Learning: Ultrabroadband Absorption, Low Radiative Combination, and Enhanced Thermal Conductivities
Authors: Cai Xia , Zhang Yiming , Shi Zejiao , Chen Ying , Xia Yujie , Yu Anran , Xu Yuanfeng , Xie Fengxian , Shao Hezhu , Zhu Heyuan , Fu Desheng , Zhan Yiqiang , Zhang Hao
Published: December 2021

Exploring lead‐free candidates and improving efficiency and stability remain the obstacle of hybrid organic‐inorganic perovskite‐based devices commercialization. Traditional trial‐and‐error methods seriously restrict the discovery especially for large search space, complex crystal structure and multi‐objective properties. Here, the authors propose a multi‐step and multi‐stage screening scheme to accelerate the discovery of hybrid organic‐inorganic perovskites A2BB′X6 from a large number of candidates through combining machine learning with high‐throughput calculations for pursuing excellent efficiency and thermal stability in solar cells. Followed by a series of screenings, the structure‐property relationships mapping A2BB′X6 properties are built and the predictions are close to reported experimental results. Successfully, four experimental‐feasibly candidates with good stability, high Debye temperature and suitable band gap are screened out and further verified by density‐functional theory calculations, in which the predicted efficiency for three lead‐free candidates ((CH3NH3)2AgGaBr6, (CH3NH3)2AgInBr6 and (C2NH6)2AgInBr6) achieves 20.6%, 19.9% and 27.6% due to ultrabroadband absorption region ranging from UVC to IRC with excitonic radiative combination rates as low as 10 ps, large or intermediate polarons form with properties similar to CH3NH3PbI3 and the calculated thermal conductivities are 5.04, 4.39 and 5.16 Wm−1K−1, respectively, with Debye temperatures larger than 500 K, beneficial for suppression of both nonradiative combination and heat‐induced degradation.
Branched Poly(Aryl Piperidinium) Membranes for Anion‐Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Wu Xingyu , Chen Nanjun , Klok Harm‐Anton , Lee Young Moo , Hu Xile
Published: December 2021

Anion‐exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) are a promising, next‐generation fuel cell technology. AEMFCs require highly conductive and robust anion‐exchange membranes (AEMs), which are challenging to develop due to the tradeoff between conductivity and water uptake. Here we report a method to prepare high‐molecular‐weight branched poly(aryl piperidinium) AEMs. We show that branching reduces water uptake, leading to improved dimensional stability. The optimized membrane, b‐PTP‐2.5, exhibits simultaneously high OH− conductivity (>145 mS cm−1 at 80 °C), high mechanical strength and dimensional stability, good processability, and excellent alkaline stability (>1500 h) in 1 M KOH at 80 °C. AEMFCs based on b‐PTP‐2.5 reached peak power densities of 2.3 W cm−2 in H2−O2 and 1.3 W cm−2 in H2‐air at 80 °C. The AEMFCs can run stably under a constant current of 0.2 A cm−2 over 500 h, during which the b‐PTP‐2.5 membrane remains stable.