bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
أثر قبول انضمام اليمن لمنظمة التجارة العالمية على كفاءة التجارة الخارجية
Authors: سلطان نبيل
Published: December 2024

كان هدف انضمام اليمن لمنظمة التجارة العالمية هدفاً للحكومات اليمنية المتعاقبة وفي سبيل تحقيق ذلك الهدف دخلت في مفاوضات طويلة وشاقة وقد اخذت اليمن نحو ثلاث عشر سنة من تاريخ تقديم طلب الانضمام رسمياُ وقد استمرت في العمل الشاق والجهد الوطني المتواصل لتحقيق ذلك الهدف، وفي ديسمبر 2013 تم قبول طلب اليمن لتصبح العضو رقم 160 في منظمة التجارة العالمية. هدفت هذه الدراسة الى استكشاف وضع التجارة الخارجية اليمنية من خلال دراسة المؤشرات الاقتصادية لوضع التجارة الخارجية ومعرفة أثر قبول انضمام اليمن للمنظمة من خلال التعرف على اهم مؤشرات كفاءة التجارة الخارجية ومع التركيز على دراسة تلك المؤشرات خلال فترتي الدراسة والتي قسمت الى ما قبل قبول انضمام اليمن لمنظمة التجارة العالمية كفترة أولى وما بعد قبول انضمام اليمن الى المنظمة كفترة ثانية. وقد اعتمدت الدراسة على المنهج التحليلي الوصفي والكمي إضافة الى استخدام أساليب بحثية تخدم البحث. واستندت الدراسة على البيانات الثانوية المنشورة وغيرها والمجمعة من التقارير والاحصائيات الصادرة من الجهات الحكومية. وقد توصلت الدراسة الى أن الفترة الثانية شهدت تناقص في متوسط الصادرات بينما تزايد متوسط الواردات لذلك ارتفع عجز الميزان التجاري، كما تبين ان متوسط معظم المتغيرات الاقتصادية ومؤشرات الدراسة في الفترة الثانية قد تناقصت باستثناء الواردات والناتج المحلي، كما اتضح ان هناك ارتفاع في درجة التركز للصادرات والواردات في فترتي الدراسة، وتبين ان اليمن لم تستفيد من توفير بعض الفترات الزمنية الانتقالية ولا من أي مميزات كانت ستقدم لليمن في اثناء الفترة الانتقالية والتي أعقبت تاريخ قبول اليمن من الدول الأقل نمواً. توصى الدراسة بضرورة المصالحة الوطنية وانهاء الحرب والعمل على إعادة النظر في السياسات المتبعة في مجال التجارة الخارجية لما يكون في مصلحة اليمن والعمل مع المجتمع الدولي لإزالة الاثار وتحسين الوضع الاقتصادي والتجاري، والعمل مع الجهات الدولية المختصة باعتبار الفترة التي تعرضت لها اليمن من قلاقل وحرب لا تؤثر على المميزات التي كانت اليمن موعودة بها.
Gross, histological and histochemical investigation of the stomach of the Eurasian stone curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus) and pied king fisher (Ceryle rudis)
Authors: Abdul-Mughni Aref , Abdelwahab Walaa , Basha Abdeghani , Abdellatif Ahmed , SA Hassan
Published: December 2024

The structure of the stomach is correlated to the type of the food of the organism. This study investigated the gross, microscopic, histochemical and ultrastructure of the stomach of the stone curlew and pied king fisher. Six adult stone curlew and six adult pied kingfisher of both sexes were used. The results revealed that, the proventriculus was truncated cone- shaped organ in curlew; while, it is very short tube-like in kingfisher. The mucosal surface of the proventriculus has proventricular papillae over its entire surface.  The ventriculus was biconvex lens in shape in curlew; while, in kingfisher it is sac-like organ. The thick muscular wall in curlew consisted of the Crassus caudodorsalis, C. cranioventralis muscles, tenuis craniodorsalis and caudoventralis; while, the wall is thin in kingfisher so this organization is unclear. The proventriculus and ventriculus in both studied birds have folds of the tunica mucosa lined by columnar epithelium.  Simple tubular glands occupied the lamina propria. The ventricular glands were lined by simple columnar cells. The proventricular glands were situated between the inner and outer layers of the lamina muscularis mucosae. The tunica submucosa was very thin in the proventricular wall; while, in the ventriculus, it was not separated from the lamina propria due to the absence of any lamina muscularis mucosae. Musclosa of ventriculus in kingfisher consisted of three layers: an internal longitudinal layer, a middle circular layer and an external layer of longitudinal smooth muscle fibers; while, in curlew the outer longitudinal layer was absent. In conclusion, the study detected many variations in the stomach structures of birds subjected to study and these differences could be due to the differences in food habit. Further studies should be carried out for more understanding the physiological process of digestion and nutrient absorption in these birds.
The Labor Market Has Totally Changed: Are You Really Ready?
Authors: Westover Jonathan
Published: December 2024

The modern labor market has undergone significant changes in recent years, with shifts in worker expectations and demands that require organizations to adapt their strategies and cultures. This article examines the key ways the labor market has transformed, including the growing importance of flexibility, work-life integration, meaningful impact, and continuous development opportunities. Practical applications are discussed, such as establishing flexible work models, providing robust growth and learning programs, and fostering a culture of engagement and job crafting. Leading companies in the tech and professional services industries are highlighted as exemplars of these approaches, which maximize organizational readiness and the ability to effectively recruit and retain top talent in today's competitive environment. By understanding and responding to the evolving priorities of the modern workforce, businesses can position themselves as employers of choice and drive long-term success.
Renovación de la Acreditación Institucional en Alta Calidad como Impulso a la Calidad y la Investigación
Authors: Escorcia-Gutierrez José
Published: December 2024

La Escuela Naval de Cadetes “Almirante Padilla” (ENAP) cierra un año decisivo con importantes logros que reflejan su compromiso con la formación de excelencia y la generación de conocimiento aplicado. La renovación de su acreditación institucional en alta calidad ha sido un logro que consolida su prestigio como una de las instituciones líderes en formación marítima y fluvial, reforzando su compromiso con la excelencia académica, la investigación aplicada y el desarrollo sostenible del país. La reacreditación valida la solidez de los programas académicos de la ENAP, la alta cualificación de su cuerpo docente y la pertinencia de sus proyectos investigativos, elementos clave para abordar los desafíos contemporáneos de Colombia y la región. Este reconocimiento representa un pilar fundamental para el fortalecimiento de sus procesos formativos y científicos, proyectando a la ENAP como un referente académico y profesional a nivel internacional.
Adición de Bacillus subtillis en parámetros intestinales en aves expuestas a Lipopolisacarido de E.coli
Authors: Rodríguez Sandra Paola , López Herrera Albeiro , Parra Jaime Eduardo
Published: December 2024

Introducción. La exposición de los pollos a bacterias indeseables a través del contacto con alimentos y materia fecal puede causar alteraciones en el epitelio intestinal, los antibioticos promotores del crecimiento han sido utilizados en las producciones animales, pero el uso indiscriminado, ha llevado a generar resistencia en la salud humana y animal. 
Objetivo. Establecer el efecto de la adición de Bacillus subtillis sobre la morfométria intestinal en aves expuestas al Lipopolisacarido de E.coli. 
Metodología. Se utilizaron 144 pollos machos Avian Cobb500. El período experimental tuvo una duración de 42 días. 
Los animales se alimentaron con una dieta comercial con y sin adición de antibiótico, LPS y B. subtilis:(DB): Dieta comercial sin la adición de antimicrobiano, LPS y B. subtilis, (D2): DB más Avilamicina, (D3): DB y 1,0µg de LPS/mg , (D4): DB y B. subtilis (50gr/ton alimento), (D5): DB y 1,0µg de LPS/mg y antimicrobiano, (D6): DB y 1,0µg de LPS/mg y B. subtilis. 
Se realizaron eutanasias los días 14, 28, y 42, se disectaron los segmentos intestinales, se procesaron con la técnica de Hematoxilina-Eosina para medir el alto, ancho de la vellosidad y profundidad de la cripta. 
Resultados. Se encuentra diferencia significativa estadística (P<0.05), entre las dietas con D3 con los mejores resultados. 
Conclusión. La suplementación con B. subtilis influye de manera positiva en el desarrollo de la morfometría en aves que han sido retadas a LPS de E. coli.
La hoja de bijao (Calathea lutea) como estrategia pedagógica para la reducción del uso de plásticos en la Institución Educativa Técnica Agroambiental Bilingüe Awá (IETABA) del Municipio de Barbacoas Nariño, Colombia
Authors: Burgos Ángel María , Revelo Herman
Published: December 2024

El uso excesivo de plásticos en la Institución Educativa Técnica Agroambiental Bilingüe Awá (IETABA), ubicada en Barbacoas, Nariño, afecta negativamente el entorno por la contaminación en suelos y de fuentes hídricas, impactando la biodiversidad y la salud de los habitantes del resguardo el Gran Sábalo.
Por lo tanto, el objetivo de esta investigación es promover la hoja de bijao como una estrategia pedagógica para reducir el uso de plásticos en la institución, puesto que, se ha observado la necesidad de preservar tanto el medio ambiente como la salud de la comunidad educativa, además de fortalecer la cultura mediante la revalorización de conocimientos ancestrales. 
En ese sentido ha sido de vital importancia buscar alternativas como la hoja de bijao una planta, ampliamente conocida y utilizada por la comunidad Awá, no solo es biodegradable, sino que también puede sustituir al plástico en diversas aplicaciones, como el empaque de alimentos. 
La metodología empleada es de tipo cualitativa, basada en entrevistas, observación participativa y con un enfoque de investigación- acción y descriptiva que involucra activamente a estudiantes, personal educativo y líderes de la comunidad en la implementación de estrategias sostenibles. 
Los resultados determinaron que los programas educativos implementados en esta investigación han fomentado una mayor conciencia ambiental entre los estudiantes y la creación de un blog interactivo ha sido clave para promover la participación activa de la comunidad en la adopción de prácticas sostenibles, destacando el conocimiento ancestral sobre la hoja de bijao como alternativa biodegradable al plástico.
From Screens to Surveys: Exploring Pakistan's Smog Crisis through Media Analysis and Healthcare Perspectives
Authors: Mushtaq Ayesha , Ameen Maliha , Baloch Rizwan Bashir
Published: December 2024

Aim of the Study: This research aims to comprehensively understand the multifaceted impact of smog on public health and the role of media coverage in shaping public perception in the context of Pakistan's smog crisis.
Methodology: Utilizing framing theory and agenda-setting theory, this study employs content analysis of 69 news clips from three major news channels—City 42, SAMAA TV, and ARY News—to investigate their reporting patterns on smog-related issues. Additionally, 20 semi-structured interviews with medical professionals provide deeper insights into the medical perspective on smog's health impacts, diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures.
Findings: The study reveals the significant impact of smog on public health, with media coverage playing a crucial role in shaping public perception. While government initiatives and academic seminars contribute to awareness, media coverage often lacks depth and accuracy, potentially biasing public understanding of smog-related risks.
Conclusion: The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive and accurate media coverage to address the smog crisis effectively. Recommendations include enhancing media literacy, fostering collaboration between media outlets and healthcare professionals, and promoting evidence-based reporting to raise public awareness and foster informed decision-making.
Program łagodzenia kar (leniency) w Polsce i we Francji – analiza prawno-porównawcza
Authors:   Okręgowa Rada Adwokacka w Warszawie, Weinar Ewa
Published: December 2024

Opracowanie poświęcone jest programowi łagodzenia kar (leniency) w systemie prawa polskiego i francuskiego. Wprowadzeniem do analizy porównawczej jest geneza instytucji leniency w prawie wspólnotowym oraz wdrożenie Modelowego Programu Leniency przez Europejską Sieć Konkurencji. Niniejsze porównanie porządków prawnych pozwala dostrzec różnice w obu modelach łagodzenia kar, które pojawiają się, mimo że obydwa organy ochrony konkurencji należą do Europejskiej Sieci Konkurencji. Analiza przybliża program łagodzenia kar we Francji oraz sposób działalności francuskiego organu ochrony konkurencji.
White organic light-emitting devices based on phosphor-sensitized fluorescence
Authors: ZOU Wenjing , ZHAO Yukang , WU Youzhi , ZHANG Cairong ,   School of Materials Science & Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, China,   School of Science, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou 730050, China
Published: December 2024

Although phosphorescent organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) can have an internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of 100%, the IQE usually decays at high current densities due to triplet-triplet annihilation. Phosphor-sensitized fluorescence can realize the energy transfer between phosphorescent emitter and fluorescent emitter, and can be used to suppress the efficiency fluctuations and adjust the color of the device. With this in mind, white light emission including different colors of phosphorescent emitter and fluorescent emitter can be expected. Herein, phosphor-sensitized fluorescent white OLEDs are fabricated by combining ultra-thin layer insertion and doping, in which laser dyes DCM (4-(Dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(4-dimethyl-aminostyryl)-4H-pyran), iridium complexes Ir(ppy)3 (tris(2-phenylpyridine)iridium), and biphenyl ethylene derivatives BCzVB (1,4-bis[2- (3-N-ethylcarbazoryl)vinyl]benzene) are used as red, green and blue emitters, respectively. By adjusting the doping concentration of Ir(ppy)3 phosphorescent green emitter in CBP (4,4’-N,N’-dicarbazole-biphyenyl) host, with ultra-thin layers of BCzVB fluorescent blue emitter on both sides of CBP:Ir(ppy)3 doping system and with ultra-thin layer of DCM fluorescent red emitter inserting in CBP:Ir(ppy)3 layer, the three colors can be balanced. White emissions are obtained in the device, the highest external quantum efficiency is 2.5% (current efficiency of 5.1 cd/A), the maximum brightness is 12400 cd/m2, and Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) co-ordinates can reach the ideal white light equilibrium point (0.33, 0.33) at a current density of 1 mA/cm2. The acquisition of white light is attributed to the appropriate doping ratio of Ir(ppy)3 and the position of DCM, which effectively balances the emission ratio of three primary colors: red, green, and blue. The results indicate that the partially energy transfer of triplet excitons to singlet excitons by phosphor-sensitized fluorescence scheme can be used to realize high-efficiency white organic electroluminescent devices, thereby reducing energy consumption and providing more room for promoting OLED applications.
Label dependency modeling in Multi-Label Naïve Bayes through input space expansion
Authors: Chitra PKA , Balasubramanian Saravana Balaji , Khattab Omar , Al-Kadri Mhd Omar
Published: December 2024

In the realm of multi-label learning, instances are often characterized by a plurality of labels, diverging from the single-label paradigm prevalent in conventional datasets. Multi-label techniques often employ a similar feature space to build classification models for every label. Nevertheless, labels typically convey distinct semantic information and should possess their own unique attributes. Several approaches have been suggested to identify label-specific characteristics for creating distinct categorization models. Our proposed methodology seeks to encapsulate and systematically represent label correlations within the learning framework. The innovation of improved multi-label Naïve Bayes (iMLNB) lies in its strategic expansion of the input space, which assimilates meta information derived from the label space, thereby engendering a composite input domain that encompasses both continuous and categorical variables. To accommodate the heterogeneity of the expanded input space, we refine the likelihood parameters of iMLNB using a joint density function, which is adept at handling the amalgamation of data types. We subject our enhanced iMLNB model to a rigorous empirical evaluation, utilizing six benchmark datasets. The performance of our approach is gauged against the traditional multi-label Naïve Bayes (MLNB) algorithm and is quantified through a suite of evaluation metrics. The empirical results not only affirm the competitive edge of our proposed method over the conventional MLNB but also demonstrate its superiority across the aforementioned metrics. This underscores the efficacy of modeling label dependencies in multi-label learning environments and positions our approach as a significant contribution to the field.
Biyoloji ile Stil Sınıflandırma Yolculuğu: Zihinsel Stile Varış
Authors: Doğan Eda , Gerçek Cem
Published: December 2024

Eğitim alanında bugüne dek elde edilen bulgular, bireysel farklılıkların eğitim etkililiğini sağlamada en önemli bileşen olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır. Dolayısıyla stillerin ve stil konulu araştırmaların da bu doğrultuda önemi ortadadır. Literatürde birçok stil türü ve boyutları mevcuttur. Bugüne dek ortaya koyulan stil modellerinin ortak noktaları ve farklılıkları, stil sınıflandırmalarını doğurmuştur. Bireylerin kişilik tiplerine bağlı stil ve algısal tercihlerinin farkında olmaları da oldukça önemli bir konu haline gelmiştir. Dolayısıyla her disiplin stil temelli araştırmaları sistematik olarak incelemelidir. Bu sebeple bu çalışmada, özellikle biyoloji gibi anlaşılması güç bir disiplin için stil temelli araştırmaların dağılımlarını incelemek amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmada Türkiye’de 1990-2022 yılları arasında okul öncesi dönemden itibaren, ilköğretim, ortaöğretim, yükseköğretim düzeylerinde, biyoloji öğretimi çerçevesinde yapılan stil sınıflandırma araştırmalarının belirlenen ölçütlere göre dağılımlarının nasıl olduğu incelenmiştir. Çalışmanın amacı doğrultusunda biyoloji öğretimi çerçevesinde yapılan stil sınıflandırma araştırmalarının anahtar kelime, konu, kuramsal temel ve makale yazarları dağılımlarının nasıl olduğu betimsel içerik analizi ile ortaya koyulmuştur. Çalışma evreni ulusal tezler ve makaleler olarak belirlenmiştir. 1990-2022 yılları arasında toplam 237 araştırma akış modeli kullanılarak analize uygun hale getirilmiştir. Araştırmaların kuramsal temeli Grigorenko ve Sternberg stil sınıflandırmasına göre analiz edilmiştir. Makale bulgularına göre, biyoloji öğretimi çerçevesinde yapılan stil sınıflandırma araştırmalarında, en çok öğrenme stil(ler)i anahtar kelimesinin kullanıldığı, konuların çeşitlik gösterdiği, etkinlik temelli stillerin kuramsal temel olarak daha fazla çalışıldığı tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca çalışma problemi doğrultusunda literatürdeki yazar bağlantıları hesaplanmıştır. Sonuçlar biyoloji disiplinine özgü şekilde yorumlanarak, zihinsel stil kavram kullanımına vurgu yapılmıştır.
Chemical and Microbial Quality Assessment of Non-Branded Snacks Sold on the BSMRSTU Campus, Bangladesh
Authors: Bakshi Progati , Shourov Md. Mahamudul Hasan , Ahmed Raihan , Mofasha Azra Sadia , Munni Afiya Kaniz , Hasan Mahedy
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Non-branded street food provides affordable and quick meals for students around university campuses. However, concerns regarding their nutritional content have surfaced, particularly in comparison to branded alternatives. This study investigates the chemical composition and microbial quality of non-branded snacks (bread, cakes, cream rolls, and laddu) sold near the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University (BSMRSTU) campus.
Methodology: Samples of non-branded and branded food items, including bread, cakes, cream rolls, and laddu, were collected from vendors and nearby stores. Chemical and microbial analyses were conducted using standard AOAC methods. The nutritional data of non-branded items were compared with their branded counterparts to assess disparities.
Results and Discussion: The results revealed significant nutritional disparities between branded and non-branded food items. Non-branded bread contained 51.88% carbohydrates, while branded bread had only 23%, showing a 28.88% difference. Similarly, non-branded cakes exhibited a carbohydrate content 25.15% higher than branded cakes. Cream rolls showed the most significant variation, with non-branded versions containing 67.33% carbohydrates, 52.33% higher than branded versions. Protein analysis showed that branded food items consistently contained higher protein levels, with branded bread showing 20% protein compared to 10.21% in non-branded bread. Fat content was also lower in non-branded cakes, which contained 28.01% fat compared to 37% in branded cakes. All the samples exceeded the recommended level of acceptance for the total plate count while only cake showed growth in the MacConkey medium indicating the potentiality of harboring pathogenic bacterial species.  
Conclusion: The findings indicate that non-branded food items sold near the BSMRSTU campus contain higher carbohydrate content and lower protein levels compared to branded food items, posing potential nutritional risks. These differences underscore the need for improved nutritional standards and greater consumer awareness of food quality.
Summary of Research Status on Seismic Performance of Multi-tower Cable-stayed Bridge
Authors: Liu Yang
Published: December 2024

As one of the important forms of modern bridge structure, the research on the seismic performance of multi-tower cable-stayed bridge is of great significance to the safety and durability of bridge engineering. In this paper, the research status of seismic performance of multi-tower cable-stayed bridges is reviewed from three aspects: experimental research, numerical analysis and theoretical research. The methods of improving seismic performance through structural optimization and the technical means of improving seismic performance through constraint system are discussed. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the existing research results, identify the existing problems, and propose that future research should focus on the application of new damping equipment and the discussion of hybrid control system, so as to provide reference for the seismic design of multi-tower cable-stayed bridge.
Effect of Potassium Fertigation Levels on the Yield of Jalopeno Pepper Grown in Red Bole Soil under Polyhouse Conditions
Authors: Balpande Aishwarya V. , Gaikwad Suyash C. , Palve Shubham S. , Wagh Abhishek A. , Gaikwad Rani D. , Pondkule Reshma G. , Tambe Balasaheb N.
Published: December 2024

An experiment conducted at Instructional Farm Polyhouse, Department of Soil Science, Dr. Sharadchandra Pawar College of Agriculture, Baramati. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with four replications. The treatments were five, viz., T1- Control, T2- Recommended dose of fertilizer, T3- Recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus (RDNP) + 125% Recommended dose of potassium (RDK), T4- Recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus (RDNP) + 150% Recommended dose of potassium (RDK) and T5- Recommended dose of nitrogen and phosphorus (RDNP) + 175% Recommended dose of potassium (RDK). Data were taken on yield contributing characters and yield and the collected data were statistically analyzed for evaluation of the treatment effects. The yield contributing characters like fruit length (7.10 cm), fruit diameter (2.51 cm), no. of fruits per plant (28.19) and weight of fruit (20.56 gm) was obtained highest in treatment T5 i.e. RDNP + 175% RDK. The greatest fruit yield per hectare was obtained in T5 treatment (25.22 t/ha). The study revealed that, application of RDNP+ 175% RDK by fertigation from 10 DAT to 60 DAT was found to be optimum for growing of Jalo pepper in red bole soil under polyhouse condition.
Climate Change and Insect Ecology: Impacts on Pest Populations and Biodiversity
Authors: Yadav Sunita , Sarangi Satyabrata , Shafi Ali Assaba Mohammed , Pandey Kartikey , Thodusu Mamatha , Soni Suraj , Parmar Shradha
Published: December 2024

Climate change is significantly altering the dynamics of insect populations, with wide-ranging implications for agriculture, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Rising temperatures, shifts in precipitation patterns, and elevated atmospheric CO₂ levels are reshaping insect behavior, physiology, and distribution. These changes have led to altered pest population dynamics, with some species experiencing increased reproduction rates, extended breeding seasons, and expanded geographic ranges into previously cooler regions, intensifying agricultural damage. Conversely, many non-pest insects, such as pollinators and species with specialized habitats, face declines due to phenological mismatches, habitat loss, and reduced resilience to extreme weather events. These shifts threaten essential ecosystem services like pollination, nutrient cycling, and soil health, which are critical for food security and ecosystem stability. Despite efforts to mitigate these impacts through strategies like Integrated Pest Management (IPM), biocontrol, and habitat restoration, significant knowledge gaps remain in understanding the combined effects of multiple climate factors on insect ecology. Emerging technologies, including remote sensing, ecological modeling, and genomics, offer new avenues for studying insect responses to climate change,  while citizen science and big data can enhance monitoring efforts. Addressing these challenges requires interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, conservationists, and policymakers to develop adaptive management strategies that integrate climate resilience into conservation policies. Future research should focus on long-term studies to better predict the effects of climate change on insects and inform proactive measures to protect biodiversity. By leveraging a combination of technological innovations, policy frameworks, and community engagement, we can develop sustainable solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on insect populations and ensure the continued functioning of ecosystems that humans and other species rely on.
Genetic Engineering in Insect Management: New Frontiers in Pest Control
Authors: Yadav Sunita , Samreen  , Sarangi Satyabrata , Parmar Shradha , Thodusu Mamatha , Soni Suraj , Pandey Kartikey
Published: December 2024

Genetic engineering is transforming the landscape of pest management, offering innovative solutions to longstanding challenges in agriculture and public health. Traditional methods, such as chemical pesticides, have led to significant ecological harm and widespread resistance among pests, necessitating new strategies for sustainable control. Advanced technologies, including CRISPR-Cas9, RNA interference (RNAi), and gene drives, have emerged as powerful tools to precisely target pest species while minimizing off-target effects. CRISPR enables precise genome editing, offering ways to suppress populations of disease vectors like Anopheles gambiae, which transmits malaria, while RNAi provides species-specific pest control by silencing essential genes. Gene drives can propagate beneficial traits through populations to curb the spread of vector-borne diseases. Technical challenges like off-target mutations, resistance development, and delivery barriers for RNAi remain significant hurdles. Integrating these genetic tools with traditional Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches could enhance sustainability by reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and promoting ecological balance. The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in pest control also raises ethical and ecological concerns, particularly regarding the release of gene drive organisms that could irreversibly alter ecosystems. Addressing these challenges requires robust regulatory frameworks, international collaboration, and effective public engagement to foster trust. Public skepticism, often fueled by misinformation, poses a barrier to acceptance, highlighting the need for transparent communication and community involvement. Field trials, such as the release of genetically modified Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in Brazil and Florida, have shown promising results in reducing disease transmission, yet scaling up these efforts requires significant investment and regulatory clarity. Future research priorities include refining gene-editing precision, developing self-limiting gene drives, and enhancing RNAi delivery systems. By advancing interdisciplinary research and fostering global cooperation, the scientific community can harness genetic technologies to create more sustainable and effective pest control solutions, ultimately securing food systems and public health while mitigating environmental impact.
Ciliogenesis associated kinase 1: targets and functions in various organ systems
Authors: Fu Zheng , Gailey Casey D. , Wang Eric J. , Brautigan David L.
Published: September 2019

Ciliogenesis associated kinase 1 (CILK1) was previously known as intestinal cell kinase because it was cloned from that origin. However, CILK1 is now recognized as a widely expressed and highly conserved serine/threonine protein kinase. Mutations in the human CILK1 gene have been associated with ciliopathies, a group of human genetic disorders with defects in the primary cilium. In mice, both Cilk1 knock‐out and Cilk1 knock‐in mutations have recapitulated human ciliopathies. Thus, CILK1 has a fundamental role in the function of the cilium. Several candidate substrates have been proposed for CILK1 and the challenge is to relate these to the mutant phenotypes. In this review, we summarize what is known about CILK1 functions and targets, and discuss gaps in current knowledge that motivate further experimentation to fully understand the role of CILK1 in organ development in humans.
Growth and Puberty in Juvenile Dermatomyositis: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Nordal Ellen , Pistorio Angela , Rygg Marite , Giancane Gabriella , Maghnie Mohamad , Di Iorgi Natascia , Flemming Kristina , Hofer Michael , Melo‐Gomes Jose A. , Bica Blanca E. R. G. , Brunner Jurgen , Dannecker Günther , Gerloni Valeria , Harjacek Miroslav , Huppertz Hans‐Iko , Pratsidou‐Gertsi Polyxeni , Nielsen Susan , Stanevicha Valda , Ten Cate Rebecca , Vougiouka Olga , Pastore Serena , Simonini Gabriele , Ravelli Angelo , Martini Alberto , Ruperto Nicolino ,   for the Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation
Published: September 2019

Objective

To study growth and puberty in a multinational longitudinal prospective cohort of children with juvenile dermatomyositis (DM).

Methods

Children from 31 countries who were ages <18 years and had juvenile DM in active phase were studied, and analyses of height, weight, and pubertal development were conducted in those who had follow‐up visits during a 2‐year period and for whom anthropometric data was available.

Results

A total of 196 of 275 children (71%) were included. We found a significant reduction in parent‐adjusted height Z score over time in female patients (P < 0.0001) and male patients (P = 0.001), but with catch‐up growth at the final study visit. Median body mass index Z score peaked at 6 months (P < 0.0001) and was still significantly above baseline at the final study visit, which was at a median of 26 months after baseline (P = 0.007), with no difference between sexes. Female patients with a disease duration ≥12 months after onset had significantly lower parent‐adjusted height Z score (P = 0.002) and no 2‐year catch‐up growth. At the final study visit, growth failure was seen in 20 of 97 female patients (21%) and in 11 of 73 male patients (15%). Height deflection (∆height Z score less than –0.25/year) was observed in 29 of 116 female patients (25%) and 25 of 80 male patients (31.3%). Delayed puberty was seen in 20 of 55 female patients (36.4%) and in 11 of 31 male patients (35.5%). Children in early pubertal stage at baseline had the highest risk of growth failure.

Conclusion

Juvenile DM in the active phase and/or its treatment has a significant impact on growth and puberty in affected children. Children with recent onset of puberty or previous growth failure have the highest risk of delayed pubertal development and further growth retardation.
Combinatorial Development and In Vitro Characterization of the Quaternary Zr–Ti–X–Y (X–Y = Cu–Ag/Co–Ni) Metallic Glass for Prospective Bioimplants
Authors: Jabed Akib , Rahman Zia Ur , Khan Muhammad Mudasser , Haider Waseem , Shabib Ishraq
Published: September 2019

The prospect of Zr‐based metallic glasses (MGs) in achieving a combination of properties, such as excellent electrochemical properties and extended biocompatibility, has been studied in this work. The combinatorial method (magnetron co‐sputtering) has been adopted to fabricate two novel quaternary MG systems (Zr50Ti32Cu13Ag5 and Zr40Ti37Co12Ni11) with optimized compositions. The structural analysis has been performed by the grazing incidence x‐ray diffraction and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy to affirm the disordered structure of the MG systems. The electrochemical analysis demonstrates lower corrosion‐ (0.10 and 0.04 μA cm−2), and passive (2.93 and 1.88 μA cm−2) current densities of the MGs. In addition, the MGs are found to have higher charge transfer resistance (4.70 and 7.86 MΩ cm2) compared to the 316L stainless steel (SS) (0.15 MΩ cm2) and cp‐Ti (0.53 MΩ cm2). The electrochemical features are indicative towards higher corrosion‐resistance capabilities of Zr50Ti32Cu13Ag5 and Zr40Ti37Co12Ni11 MGs to prevent adverse biological reactions. Additionally, the cell proliferation analysis manifests higher cell proliferation on the Zr50Ti32Cu13Ag5 and Zr40Ti37Co12Ni11 MGs for the MC3T3‐E1 preosteoblast cells. Besides, the MTS assay analysis strengthens the prediction of cytocompatibility of the MGs. The integration of such unique properties makes these MG systems ideal candidates for biomedical implants.
Reticulated Alumina Replica Foams with Additional Sub‐Micrometer Strut Porosity
Authors: Carstens Simon , Dammler Kathleen , Scheffler Michael , Enke Dirk
Published: September 2019

Ceramic alumina foams are suitable catalyst supports with high temperature stability used, for example, in catalytic cracking processes or combined heat and power units. Herein, such replica foams are generated from macroporous α‐Al2O3 powder synthesized by a sol–gel process. The foam windows, constituting intrinsic (macroscopic) foam porosity, are supplemented by an additional porosity within the struts of the foams. These pores, originating from the sol–gel process, are preserved during sintering at 1350 °C. This results in less dense foams compared with foams from conventional alumina powders. Foams sintered at 1350 °C exhibit an increased strut porosity of ≈62%, of which ≈84% are open, with pore diameters in the range of 200–500 nm and a compressive strength of 0.2 MPa. Foams sintered at 1600 °C or higher possess an almost tenfold compressive strength but no additional strut porosity. Due to the use of carboxylic acids as porogenes in the sol–gel process, all samples generated from sol–gel‐derived alumina powder exhibit significantly higher porosity values than the respective reference foams made from commercial alumina powder. Although specific surface areas of ≈3 m2 g−1 are still small, this value is significantly improved by additional strut porosity.
Phase‐Changing Metamaterial Capable of Variable Stiffness and Shape Morphing
Authors: Poon Ryan , Hopkins Jonathan B.
Published: September 2019

Herein, a metamaterial is introduced that achieves tunable stiffness properties according to uploaded instructions, which control the phase of low‐melting‐temperature metals embedded in elastomeric spherical shells at selected locations within the lattice's microarchitecture. A macroscale cubic lattice of gallium‐filled silicone rubber spheres is fabricated as a proof of concept. Nickel–chromium (nichrome) wires are threaded through the spheres within each row in the lattice so that current can be applied to specific rows to melt their gallium cores, thereby achieving a drop in the lattice's stiffness. Using this approach, the lattice can achieve a 3.7× increase in stiffness at 7% strain when the gallium cores are all solid compared with when they are all liquid. Larger increases in stiffness are possible for larger compression strains and with thinner silicone shells. Lattices with solid gallium cores experience buckling when compressed, but lattices with liquid gallium cores do not. Simulations demonstrate that cores can be liquified and resolidified much faster as they are scaled down in size, thus enabling rapid metamaterial stiffness control. Shape reconfiguration is also possible by liquifying select gallium cores at desired locations within the lattice, deforming it, and then resolidifying the cores to passively retain the lattice's shape.
Al‐Doping‐Induced VO2 (B) Phase in VO2 (M) Toward Smart Optical Thin Films with Modulated ΔTvis and ΔTc
Authors: Wang Shuxia , Wei Wei , Huang Tiantian , Yuan Menghui , Yang Yan , Yang Wanli , Zhang Rui , Zhang Tianning , Chen Zhimin , Chen Xin , Shen Guozhen , Dai Ning
Published: September 2019

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) thin films are among the promising candidates for smart optical materials and energy‐saving devices with a metal–insulator transition (MIT) near room temperature. The modulation of hysteresis width (ΔTc) and optical characteristics of the solar spectral band (Tsol) during the MIT of vanadium oxides used for thermochromic devices is still challenging. In this article, we describe Al‐doped VO2 thin films with modulated visible spectral band (Tvis) and ΔTc. The control of the Al/V ratio and Al‐doping‐induced VO2 (B) phases in VO2 is achieved by combining atomic layer deposition and post‐annealing processes. With increasing Al/V ratio, the content of VO2 (B) phases increases in VO2 (M). ΔTvis, ΔTc, and Al‐doping‐induced VO2 (B) phases are found to be dependent on the aluminum content in thin films. ΔTvis up to 21.18% and ΔTc down to 3.3 K for Al‐doped VO2 may be attributed to the coordinated interaction of both Al doping and the VO2 (B) phases in the VO2 matrix during MIT. These modulations may allow an understanding of the essential physics behind the MIT of doped VO2 and thus fabrication of smart optical sensors, energy‐saving devices, and even ultrafast Mott transistors.
A Short Peptide Hydrogel with High Stiffness Induced by 310‐Helices to β‐Sheet Transition in Water
Authors: Hiew Shu Hui , Mohanram Harini , Ning Lulu , Guo Jingjing , Sánchez‐Ferrer Antoni , Shi Xiangyan , Pervushin Konstantin , Mu Yuguang , Mezzenga Raffaele , Miserez Ali
Published: September 2019

Biological gels generally require polymeric chains that produce long‐lived physical entanglements. Low molecular weight colloids offer an alternative to macromolecular gels, but often require ad‐hoc synthetic procedures. Here, a short biomimetic peptide composed of eight amino acid residues derived from squid sucker ring teeth proteins is demonstrated to form hydrogel in water without any cross‐linking agent or chemical modification and exhibits a stiffness on par with the stiffest peptide hydrogels. Combining solution and solid‐state NMR, circular dichroism, infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray scattering, the peptide is shown to form a supramolecular, semiflexible gel assembled from unusual right‐handed 310‐helices stabilized in solution by π–π stacking. During gelation, the 310‐helices undergo conformational transition into antiparallel β‐sheets with formation of new interpeptide hydrophobic interactions, and molecular dynamic simulations corroborate stabilization by cross β‐sheet oligomerization. The current study broadens the range of secondary structures available to create supramolecular hydrogels, and introduces 310‐helices as transient building blocks for gelation via a 310‐to‐β‐sheet conformational transition.
Low‐Voltage Operation of Ring Oscillators Based on Room‐Temperature‐Deposited Amorphous Zinc‐Tin‐Oxide Channel MESFETs
Authors: Lahr Oliver , Vogt Sofie , von Wenckstern Holger , Grundmann Marius
Published: September 2019

Schottky diode FET logic (SDFL) ring oscillator circuits comprising metal‐semiconductor field‐effect transistors (MESFETs) based on amorphous zinc‐tin‐oxide (ZTO)n‐channels are presented. The ZTO channel layers are deposited entirely at room temperature by long‐throw magnetron sputtering. Best MESFETs exhibit on/off current ratios as high as 8.6 orders of magnitude, a sub‐threshold swing as low as 250 mV dec−1, and a maximum transconductance of 205 µS. Corresponding inverters show peakge gain magnitude (pgm) values of 83 with uncertainty levels as low as 0.5 V at an operating voltage of 5 V. Single stage delay times down to 277 ns are measured for three‐stage ring oscillators, corresponding to oscillation frequencies as high as 451 kHz. Oscillations are observed at operating voltages as low as 3 V. These results prove the feasibility of room‐temperature‐deposited, amorphous semiconducting oxide based integrated circuits with SDFL layout. The presented approach provides more efficient as well as fail‐safe device fabrication and similar oscillation frequencies at significantly lower operating voltages compared to conventional, high‐temperature processed logic circuits based on insulating gates.
Optimal sensor placement for agro‐hydrological systems
Authors: Sahoo Soumya R. , Yin Xunyuan , Liu Jinfeng
Published: September 2019

The estimation of soil moisture is essential for developing advanced closed‐loop irrigation schemes. One associated problem is how to place the sensors appropriately in the soil to provide good measurements for state estimation. In this work, we address the problem of optimal sensor placement for state estimation of agro‐hydrological systems. A systematic approach is proposed to find the minimum number of sensors that ensures the observability of the entire system and then to find the best locations of the sensors in terms of degree of observability. The Richards equation that is used to describe the dynamics of the agro‐hydrological system is discretized into a large‐scale nonlinear state‐space model. In the proposed procedure, the key steps include order reduction of the large‐scale system model, exploration of the minimum number of sensors needed for state estimation and optimal placement of the sensors in the soil. Three different scenarios are considered and optimal sensor placement is addressed for all the scenarios using the proposed procedure. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed procedure and methods.
Magnetic Continuum Device with Variable Stiffness for Minimally Invasive Surgery
Authors: Chautems Christophe , Tonazzini Alice , Boehler Quentin , Jeong Seung Hee , Floreano Dario , Nelson Bradley J.
Published: September 2019

One of the challenges of minimally invasive surgery is the dexterous manipulation and precise control of small‐diameter continuum surgical instruments. Herein, a magnetic continuum device with variable stiffness (VS) is presented, whose tip is precisely shaped and controlled using an external magnetic field. Based on a low melting point alloy (LMPA), the serial segments composing the continuum device are independently softened via electrical current and remotely deformed under a magnetic torque, whereas the rest of the device is locked in place. The resulting system has the advantage of combining the precision of magnetic navigation with additional degrees of freedom provided by changing the segments stiffness. With a minimum diameter as small as 2.33 mm and an inner working channel, the magnetic continuum device with VS is adapted to use in several therapeutic scenarios, including radio‐frequency cardiac ablations and interventional endoscopy in the gastrointestinal tract. The magnetic torque is used to remotely control the shape of the soft sections, whereas the stiff sections remain unchanged, thus adding degrees of freedom to the magnetic continuum device.
Body shape: Implications in the study of obesity and related traits
Authors: Navarro Pablo , Ramallo Virginia , Cintas Celia , Ruderman Anahí , de Azevedo Soledad , Paschetta Carolina , Pérez Orlando , Pazos Bruno , Delrieux Claudio , González‐José Rolando
Published: September 2019

Objectives

The diagnosis and treatment of obesity are usually based on traditional anthropometric variables including weight, height, and several body perimeters. Here we present a three‐dimensional (3D) image‐based computational approach aimed to capture the distribution of abdominal adipose tissue as an aspect of shape rather than a relationship among classical anthropometric measures.

Methods

A morphometric approach based on landmarks and semilandmarks placed upon the 3D torso surface was performed in order to quantify abdominal adiposity shape variation and its relation to classical indices. Specifically, we analyzed sets of body cross‐sectional circumferences, collectively defining each, along with anthropometric data taken on 112 volunteers. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed on 250 circumferences located along the abdominal region of each volunteer. An analysis of covariance model was used to compare shape variables (PCs) against anthropometric data (weight, height, and waist and hip circumferences).

Results

The observed shape patterns were mainly related to nutritional status, followed by sexual dimorphism. PC1 (12.5%) and PC2 (7.5%) represented 20% of the total variation. In PCAs calculated independently by sex, linear regression analyses provide statistically significant associations between PC1 and the three classical indexes: body mass index, waist‐to‐height ratio, and waist‐hip ratio.

Conclusion

Shape indicators predict well the behavior of classical markers, but also evaluate 3D and geometric features with more accuracy as related to the body shape under study. This approach also facilitates diagnosis and follow‐up of therapies by using accessible 3D technology.
Methyl‐Selective α‐Oxygenation of Tertiary Amines to Formamides by Employing Copper/Moderately Hindered Nitroxyl Radical (DMN‐AZADO or 1‐Me‐AZADO)
Authors: Nakai Satoru , Yatabe Takafumi , Suzuki Kosuke , Sasano Yusuke , Iwabuchi Yoshiharu , Hasegawa Jun‐ya , Mizuno Noritaka , Yamaguchi Kazuya
Published: September 2019

Methyl‐selective α‐oxygenation of tertiary amines is a highly attractive approach for synthesizing formamides while preserving the amine substrate skeletons. Therefore, the development of efficient catalysts that can advance regioselective α‐oxygenation at the N‐methyl positions using molecular oxygen (O2) as the terminal oxidant is an important subject. In this study, we successfully developed a highly regioselective and efficient aerobic methyl‐selective α‐oxygenation of tertiary amines by employing a Cu/nitroxyl radical catalyst system. The use of moderately hindered nitroxyl radicals, such as 1,5‐dimethyl‐9‐azanoradamantane N‐oxyl (DMN‐AZADO) and 1‐methyl‐2‐azaadamanane N‐oxyl (1‐Me‐AZADO), was very important to promote the oxygenation effectively mainly because these N‐oxyls have longer life‐times than less hindered N‐oxyls. Various types of tertiary N‐methylamines were selectively converted to the corresponding formamides. A plausible reaction mechanism is also discussed on the basis of experimental evidence, together with DFT calculations. The high regioselectivity of this catalyst system stems from steric restriction of the amine‐N‐oxyl interactions.
Direct Arylation of α‐Amino C(sp3)‐H Bonds by Convergent Paired Electrolysis
Authors: Ma Yueyue , Yao Xiantong , Zhang Lei , Ni Pufan , Cheng Ruihua , Ye Jinxing
Published: September 2019

A metal‐free convergent paired electrolysis strategy to synthesize benzylic amines through direct arylation of tertiary amines and benzonitrile derivatives at room temperature has been developed. This TEMPO‐mediated electrocatalytic reaction makes full use of both anodic oxidation and cathodic reduction without metals or stoichiometric oxidants, thus showing great potential and advantages for practical synthesis. This convergent paired electrolysis method provides a straightforward and powerful means to activate C−H bonds and realize cross‐coupling with cathodically generated species.