bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intra- and Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinomas Display Differing Sensitivities to NK Cell Lysis and Modulate NK Cell Function through Shared and Distinct Pathways
Authors: Nguyen Ngan , Henrich Ian C.
Published: October 2024

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare cancer that arises from the bile duct and is broadly classified by the location of the tumor as either intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) or extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCCA). Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, yet its utility in CCA has been limited as the tumor microenvironment (TME) in CCA is poorly understood compared with other common cancers. Utilizing previously published transcriptome data, our reanalysis has revealed that CCA has one of the highest relative levels of NK cells, a potent cytotoxic immune cell, compared with other cancers. However, despite iCCA and eCCA having comparable relative levels of NK infiltration, NK cell infiltration only correlated with survival in patients with eCCA. Our subsequent investigation revealed that although iCCA and eCCA profoundly altered NK activity, eCCA had a significantly reduced impact on NK functionality. Whereas iCCA was resistant to long-term NK coculture, eCCA was markedly more sensitive. Moreover, although both iCCA and eCCA dysregulated key NK-activating receptors, eCCA coculture did not impact NKp30 nor NKp44 expression. Furthermore, tumor transcriptome analysis of NKHigh CCA samples revealed a modulation of multiple immune and nonimmune cell types within the TME.

Implications: These studies are the first to investigate how iCCA and eCCA impact NK cell functionality through shared and distinct mechanisms and how elevated NK cell infiltration could shape the CCA TME in a subtype-dependent manner.
Nahrungsmittelallergien: IgE-Antikörper verbessert die Verträglichkeit von Erdnüssen und anderen Nahrungsmitteln
Authors: Treudler Regina
Published: October 2024

In der Studie von Wood et al. wurde untersucht, ob Omalizumab, ein monoklonaler Anti-IgE-Antikörper, als Monotherapie bei Patientinnen und Patienten mit mehreren Nahrungsmittelallergien wirksam und sicher ist. Personen im Alter von 1 bis 55 Jahren, die gegen Erdnüsse und mindestens zwei weitere festgelegte Lebensmittel (Cashew, Milch, Ei, Walnuss, Weizen und Haselnuss) allergisch waren, wurden gescreent. Für die Teilnahme war eine Reaktion auf eine Nahrungsmittelprovokation mit maximal 100 mg Erdnussprotein und 300 mg der beiden anderen Lebensmittel erforderlich. Die Teilnehmer wurden nach dem Zufallsprinzip im Verhältnis 2:1 eingeteilt, um entweder Omalizumab oder ein Placebo subkutan zu erhalten (Dosis basierend auf Gewicht und IgE-Werten), alle 2 bis 4 Wochen über einen Zeitraum von 16 bis 20 Wochen. Anschließend wurden die Provokationstests wiederholt. Der primäre Endpunkt war die Einnahme von mindestens 600 mg Erdnussprotein ohne dosislimitierende Symptome. Die drei wichtigsten sekundären Endpunkte waren der Verzehr von Cashew, Milch und Ei in Einzeldosen von jeweils mindestens 1000 mg ohne dosislimitierende Symptome. Die ersten 60 Teilnehmer (davon 59 Kinder oder Jugendliche), die diese erste Phase abgeschlossen hatten, wurden in eine 24-wöchige Open-Label-Verlängerung aufgenommen. Ergebnisse: Von den 462 gescreenten Personen wurden 180 randomisiert. Die analysierte Population bestand aus 177 Kindern und Jugendlichen im Alter von 1 bis 17 Jahren. Insgesamt erreichten 79 der 118 Teilnehmer (67 %), die Omalizumab erhielten, die Kriterien für den primären Endpunkt, verglichen mit 4 der 59 Teilnehmer (7 %), die ein Placebo erhielten (P<0,001). Die Ergebnisse für die wichtigsten sekundären Endpunkte waren mit denen des primären Endpunkts konsistent (Cashew: 41 % vs. 3 %; Milch: 66 % vs. 10 %; Ei: 67 % vs. 0 %; P<0,001 für alle Vergleiche). Bei den Sicherheitsendpunkten gab es keine Unterschiede zwischen den Gruppen, abgesehen von mehr Reaktionen an der Injektionsstelle in der Omalizumab-Gruppe. Schlussfolgerung: Bei Personen ab einem Jahr mit mehreren Nahrungsmittelallergien war die Behandlung mit Omalizumab über 16 Wochen im Vergleich zu Placebo überlegen, indem sie die Reaktionsschwelle für Erdnüsse und andere häufige Nahrungsmittelallergene erhöhte.
Security analysis and evaluation of mobile banking applications in Nigeria
Authors: Imam Abdullahi Yahya , Usman Hamisu Ibrahim , Abba Abdulrazaq
Published: October 2024

Rapid fintech adoption across the world is so ubiquitous. To facilitate more adoption in Nigeria, recently the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introduced several policies that support cashless banking. Nowadays, Nigerian banks users could perform most of their daily transactions from any desired location using mobile banking applications. In the literature, there are insufficient studies that comprehensively evaluate the security strength or risks of these applications. Generally, insecure mobile banking applications could lead to financial fraud, violations of privacy, identity theft and eroded user confidence. Considering the situation, there is need to conduct research which comprehensively assess security of the applications. Consequently, in this paper we analyzed and evaluated the security of identified popular mobile banking applications in Nigeria. We conducted the analysis work using automated and manual static analysis methods. Then, we evaluated the security of the applications using multi-criteria decision-making technique. Our results revealed that most of the applications have several security challenges in form of vulnerabilities and insecure coding practices. Hence, our findings have shown the applications need further improvements for better security and safety.
Utilizing deep learning algorithms for the resolution of partial differential equations
Authors: Nouna Soumaya , Nouna Assia , Mansouri Mohamed , Boujamaa Achchab
Published: October 2024

Partial differential equations (PDEs) are mathematical equations that are used to model physical phenomena around us, such as fluid dynamics, electrodynamics, general relativity, electrostatics, and diffusion. However, solving these equations can be challenging due to the problem known as the dimensionality curse, which makes classical numerical methods less effective. To solve this problem, we propose a deep learning approach called deep Galerkin algorithm (DGA). This technique involves training a neural network to approximate a solution by satisfying the difference operator, boundary conditions and an initial condition. DGA alleviates the curse of dimensionality through deep learning, a meshless approach, residue-based loss minimisation and efficient use of data. We will test this approach for the transport equation, the wave equation, the Sine-Gordon equation and the Klein-Gordon equation.
A novel Hj-index based model to assess the researchers using scopus database
Authors: Lakshmi Devi Voora V. V. Eswari , Amiripalli Shanmuk Srinivas
Published: October 2024

There are many factors that can influence the impact and influence of research, including the quality and originality of the research, relevance and importance of the research, clarity and effectiveness of the research communication, placement of the research in high-impact journals, collaboration and networking, and timing of the research. Identifying active genuine researcher is a sub problem of raising stars in a research area. This problem was addressed by enhancing H-index in Scopus database. Researchers should consider these factors when conducting and communicating their research to maximize its impact and influence. Additionally, there are several metrics used to evaluate the impact and influence of journals and researchers such as H-index, SNIP, CiteScore, and SJR. These metrics take into account different aspects of productivity and impact, and can provide a more comprehensive view of a journal or researcher's influence within their field. In addition to the above metrics, Hj-index was proposed and compared with the H-index to find active genuine researcher in a group.
Implementing gamification in campus canteen using MDA framework: an overview
Authors: Wibowo Florentia Novena , Wang Gunawan
Published: October 2024

This study describes the creation of a mobile-based gamification design for an online canteen system. Long lunch queues make students feel uncomfortable ordering food in the canteen, although student comfort is very important. The increasing number of students causes long queues, resulting in significantly shorter lunch hours and causing discomfort for students. To address this issue, the campus might develop an online canteen using gamification. Gamification is a method that applies gaming knowledge to create experiences that encourage and engage people in non-game environment. Compared to traditional canteen systems, an online canteen that uses gamification can provide students with new experiences by offering attractive rewards, increasing motivation to order food and beverages online, and minimizing the perception of long lineups. Although this proposed design has not yet been tested, researchers believe it has practical applications.
Blockout 2024: digital mobilization movements’ role in raising global awareness and fostering change
Authors: Sutikno Tole , Handayani Lina
Published: October 2024

Blockout 2024, a social media mobilization campaign, gained traction in response to celebrities’ and powerful people’s silence following the Met Gala in New York. Users who have remained silent or unconcerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza are encouraged to block influencers’ accounts. The review seeks to investigate the Blockout 2024 phenomenon and how it affects celebrities’ social media. This review examines the impact of social media on power dynamics. On social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and X, users have blocked the accounts (especially celebrities’ account) of those who have not responded to the humanitarian disaster. The movement emphasizes the importance of implementing change and making underrepresented voices heard in digital environments. While some celebrities have expressed their support, others have chosen to remain silent, which has resulted in criticism and lost followers. Finally, the Blockout 2024 campaign has gained significant traction on social media platforms such as X, Instagram, and TikTok. Users of social media are becoming more aware of their responsibility to denounce crimes and fight for justice, as evidenced by this group effort. The Blockout 2024 movement has highlighted the potential of digital mobilization to raise global awareness, address humanitarian crises, and hold influencers accountable.
Pronunciar les será fácil: sonidos lingüísticos a través de la incorporación de las TIC
Authors: Jaramillo Valencia Bairon , Castaño Barreneche Liliana , Lemus Moreno Betty Marcela , Misas Múnera María Alejandra
Published: October 2024

El objetivo de este artículo es llevar a cabo un rastreo y documentación de múltiples fuentes, para entender todo lo relacionado con los sonidos lingüísticos a través de la incorporación de las Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones (TIC) en un laboratorio del lenguaje. La metodología utilizada para la búsqueda fue la conocida como revisión documental; asimismo, es imperativo mencionar que se desarrolló un rastreo de revistas indexadas y libros, con los reconocidos operadores booleanos and, or y not. Los ejes categoriales que soportaron la búsqueda fueron: ‘Sonidos Lingüísticos’ y ‘Tecnologías de la Información y las Comunicaciones’, y dicha elección y análisis se filtraron por medio de criterio y contenido. En lo referente a resultados, se obtuvo un grado representativo de significación en cuanto a conceptos rastreados se refiere; y de forma similar, la información localizada posibilitó comprender mucho mejor la praxis en la emisión de los sonidos lingüísticos con lo telemático. Como conclusión, se establece que los sonidos lingüísticos y las TIC traen consigo unas subcategorías (sonidos lingüísticos consonantes, puntos de articulación, modos de articulación, producción de sonidos lingüísticos a través de las TIC y herramientas TIC en la producción de sonidos lingüísticos), las cuales determinaron la comprensión sobre la falta de cohesión que se efectúa en la vida real entre las dos categorías planteadas para este estudio.
Associations Between Vision and Hearing Impairment and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Longitudinal Cohort of Middle‐Aged and Older Adults in China
Authors: He Jie , Tang Xiaoyu , Jiang Minglan , Zheng Xiaowei
Published: October 2024

Background

Based on the severity of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and sensory impairment in China and the lack of research on this, the aims of our study were to assess the impact of hearing impairment (HI), visual impairment (VI), and concurrent HI and VI (termed dual sensory impairment) on CVD in elderly people, based on a representative sample of China.

Methods and Results

We used data from the CHARLS (China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study) for our survey of 11 332 participants. We calculated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% 95% CIs for CVD, stroke, and cardiac events by using Cox proportional hazards models. HI and VI status were collected through self‐reported questions. During the 7‐year follow‐up, a total of 2156 participants experienced CVD (including 745 stroke and 1605 cardiac events). Compared with the reference, individuals with VI had higher risk of CVD (HR, 1.24 [95% CI, 1.09–1.40]). Individuals with HI also had higher risk of CVD than those without HI (HR, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.09–1.33]). Compared with participants without VI and HI, individuals with dual sensory impairment had a 1.35‐fold increased risk of CVD (HR, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.16–1.57]). In addition, individuals with dual sensory impairment also had increased risk of stroke and cardiac events.

Conclusions

Our study shows that HI and VI have a combined effect on the incidence of CVD. Based on the high prevalence of CVD around the world, early detection of sensory disorders and the adoption of appropriate measures may contribute to prevent CVD and reduce the burden of clinical diagnosis and treatment of CVD.
Real‐Time Ambulatory ECG Does Not Expedite Care
Authors: Feuerborn Melissa , Torre Michael , Lyons Ann , Bunch Thomas Jared , Steinberg Benjamin A.
Published: October 2024

Background

Ambulatory ECG (AECG) monitoring is pivotal to the diagnosis of arrhythmias and can be performed with near “real‐time” notification of abnormalities. There are limited data on the relative benefit of real‐time monitoring compared with traditional Holter monitoring.

Methods and Results

This is a retrospective observational analysis of University of Utah Health patients who underwent ambulatory ECG studies from 2010 to 2022. The study cohort was stratified by patients with an ambulatory ECG that provides real‐time event notification (non‐Holter) versus those who do not (Holter). The outcomes were cardiac implantable electronic device procedure, ablation procedure, emergency department/hospitalization visit, and initiation of anticoagulation out to 6 months. We identified 20 259 patients, 16 650 with non‐Holter studies and 3609 with Holter studies. Holter patients were younger (mean 52 versus 55,
P
<0.001), more often women (60.2% versus 57%,
P
<0.001), and had lower mean CHADS
2
‐VA
2
Sc scores (1.7 versus 2.1,
P
<0.001). The median time to ablation procedure was 74 versus 72 (
P
=0.5), for Holter versus non‐Holter, respectively. Median days to new cardiac implantable electronic device implantation was 54 days versus 52 (
P
=0.6); initiation of anticoagulation among patients not already treated was 42 versus 31 days (
P
=0.03). Time to first emergency department visit or hospitalization was 63 versus 57 (
P
=0.6). In multivariable models, there were no significant differences in time to intervention between Holter and non‐Holter for each outcome.

Conclusions

Real‐time monitoring demonstrates mixed results in terms of reducing time to intervention, with the significant benefit limited to oral anticoagulation initiation. It is time to revisit clinical scenarios where real‐time ambulatory monitoring may not improve health care efficiency.
Functional localization of the human auditory and visual thalamus using a thalamic localizer functional magnetic resonance imaging task
Authors: Williams John C. , Tubiolo Philip N. , Zheng Zu Jie , Silver-Frankel Eilon B. , Pham Dathy T. , Haubold Natalka K. , Abeykoon Sameera K. , Abi-Dargham Anissa , Horga Guillermo , Van Snellenberg Jared X.
Published: October 2024

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of the auditory and visual sensory systems of the human brain is an active area of investigation in the study of human health and disease. The medial geniculate nucleus (MGN) and lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) are key thalamic nuclei involved in the processing and relay of auditory and visual information, respectively, and are the subject of blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) fMRI studies of neural activation and functional connectivity in human participants. However, localization of BOLD fMRI signal originating from neural activity in MGN and LGN remains a technical challenge, due, in part, to the poor definition of boundaries of these thalamic nuclei in standard T1-weighted and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging sequences. Here, we report the development and evaluation of an auditory and visual sensory thalamic localizer (TL) fMRI task that produces participant-specific functionally-defined regions of interest (fROIs) of both MGN and LGN, using 3 Tesla multiband fMRI and a clustered-sparse temporal acquisition sequence, in less than 16 minutes of scan time. We demonstrate the use of MGN and LGN fROIs obtained from the TL fMRI task in standard resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) fMRI analyses in the same participants. In RSFC analyses, we validated the specificity of MGN and LGN fROIs for signals obtained from primary auditory and visual cortex, respectively, and benchmarked their performance against alternative atlas- and segmentation-based localization methods. The TL fMRI task and analysis code (written in Presentation and MATLAB, respectively) have been made freely available to the wider research community.
The Mechanisms and Neural Signature of Time-averaged Numerosity Perception
Authors: Togoli Irene , Collignon Olivier , Bueti Domenica , Fornaciai Michele
Published: October 2024

The animal brain is endowed with an innate sense of number allowing to intuitively perceive the approximate quantity of items in a scene, or “numerosity.” This ability is not limited to items distributed in space, but also to events unfolding in time and to the average numerosity of dynamic scenes. How the brain computes and represents the average numerosity over time, however, remains unclear. Here, we investigate the mechanisms and EEG signature of the perception of average numerosity over time. To do so, we used stimuli composed of a variable number (3–12) of briefly presented dot arrays (50 msec each) and asked participants to judge the average numerosity of the sequence. We first show that the weight of different portions of the stimuli in determining the judgment depends on how many arrays are included in the sequence itself: the longer the sequence, the lower the weight of the latest arrays. Second, we show systematic adaptation effects across stimuli in consecutive trials. Importantly, the EEG results highlight two processing stages whereby the amplitude of occipital ERPs reflects the adaptation effect (∼300 msec after stimulus onset) and the accuracy and precision of average numerosity judgments (∼450–700 msec). These two stages are consistent with processes involved with the representation of perceived average numerosity and with perceptual decision-making, respectively. Overall, our findings provide new evidence showing how the visual system computes the average numerosity of dynamic visual stimuli, and support the existence of a dedicated, relatively low-level perceptual mechanism mediating this process.
The Suppression Mechanisms of Passive Memory in Visual Working Memory: The Evidence from Electroencephalography
Authors: Li Ziyuan , Guo Wenjin , Zhao Na , Liu Qiang
Published: October 2024

Recent studies of visual working memory (VWM) underscore a structured hierarchy of storage states. Memories that are not immediately relevant to the task at hand but are essential for later use are transferred to a passive state, which operates independently of actively maintaining and manipulating current memories. Note that stimulating passive memory forcefully can reactivate it into an active state, resulting in a competition with active memory. Thus, to remain stable representations for both states within VWM, passive memory might involve sustained suppression during activity-silent maintenance to prevent reactivation from disrupting the current active storage. To investigate this, we analyzed lateralized EEG signals while human participants (both women and men) were engaged in a sequential presentation memory task across two experiments. The results revealed positive contralateral delayed activity components and lateralized alpha enhancement for passive memory, neural indicative of suppression on passive storage. In addition, the suppression effect was independent of the memory load in both the active and the passive states. These findings support the notion of sustained suppression during activity-silent maintenance of passive memory, facilitating the stable maintenance of distinct storage states and advancing our understanding of the dynamic coding framework in VWM.
Hobbes is Not Who We Think He Is
Authors: Hillani Allan M.
Published: October 2024

This contribution to a symposium on Samantha Frost’s Lessons From a Materialist Thinker discusses its groundbreaking approach to Hobbes’s thought and raises two questions that are still to be answered by future scholars: what does a materialist politics or a materialist ethics look like, and how can we understand juridical relations from a materialist standpoint?
Reconceptualizing Security and Political Economy in the Modern Middle East
Authors: Moore Pete , Yom Sean
Published: October 2024

We prioritize reorienting prevailing concepts of security within the contemporary Middle East and North Africa through a critical political economy framework. The practices of both waging war and preparing for war – that is, war-making – generate profound consequences for regional societies, but they also remain poorly understood. We advance a more reflexive paradigm that emphasizes how political actors define notions of security on their own terms, and then make appropriate choices based upon their own understandings. In turn, those choices can generate long-term implications, which must be carefully understood by exploring how governments and social communities respond to conflict.
Syrian War Economies
Authors: Dahi Omar S.
Published: October 2024

Accounts of the Syrian conflict tend to emphasize “top-down” geopolitics or “bottom-up” local-national conflict dynamics. As a contribution to this roundtable on rethinking war economies, I argue that political economy and comparative approaches can help explain the connections between global-regional processes and domestic institutional transformations brought by war. Institutional development under Asad left a contradictory legacy: the Syrian regime was incapable of compromise with domestic opposition in 2011, but it proved resilient in the ensuing devastating war that subjected the government to international sanctions, external interventions, and territorial fragmentation. The Syrian regime responded to these shocks by reconfiguring its elite networks of power, which further blurred the lines between formal and informal institutions. As its financial resources dropped, the regime initiated new economic policies, but these attempts were refracted through the distortions of the war, and either became predatory or were paradoxically blocked by the elite networks crafted earlier as a survival strategy.
Reflections on Researcher’s Positionality and the Evolving Role of Research Participants
Authors: Stepaniuk Nataliia , Niazi Golrokh
Published: October 2024

In this piece, we reflect on the unforeseen conditions and interactions that shaped our research experiences, bringing into focus the fluidity of one’s positionality and the evolving role of research participants across the research continuum. By drawing on ethnographic fieldnotes, Nataliia Stepaniuk (Ukrainian-Canadian) reflects on returning to her home country of Ukraine in 2015 to study civilian mobilization amidst the Donbas war, highlighting multiple roles of her interlocutors in molding her research. Next, Golrokh Niazi (Iranian-Canadian) discusses conducting fieldwork in 2016–2017 in post-revolutionary Tunisia while being confronted with the complexities of her shifting “insider/outsider” status, as well as the central role of her local network in guiding the trajectory of her project towards a new line of inquiry. Jointly, these reflections offer insights into the fundamental role of research participants and the importance of our interpersonal relationships in successfully navigating the field and generating ethnographic findings.
The Fortress State: Extreme Militarization in Jordan
Authors: Yom Sean , Moore Pete
Published: October 2024

Jordan is one of the most militarized states in the world. Why? Traditional explanations hold that the kingdom’s bloated armed forces and security institutions reflect authoritarian dynamics and frequent regional wars. However, such popular arguments falter. Jordan has not been a primary combatant to any major conflict for a half-century, and it is no more authoritarian than other Arab autocracies. This essay instead suggests that militarization begets militarization. In political terms, Jordan’s coercive apparatus underpins the tribal coalitional bargain that sustains the Hashemite monarchy. It also paradoxically breeds the very domestic insecurity that it purports to prevent. By exhausting the economy, extreme militarization has spawned public unrest spurred by high unemployment and fiscal crises. And by necessitating a pro-Western foreign policy, it has attracted regional terrorism and triggered further domestic dissent. In sum, Jordanian militarization persists not from exogenous structural forces, but the deliberate choices of its political architects.
Exploring the Anomala fuscosignata-complex: discovery of two new species from southern China (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae)
Authors: ZHAO MING-ZHI , ZORN CARSTEN , LIU WEI-XIN
Published: October 2024

An investigation towards taxonomy of the Anomala fuscosignata-complex from southern China and northern Vietnam was conducted through direct morphological comparison and molecular phylogenetic analysis, which results in discovery of two new species: A. nanlingensis Zhao, Zorn & Liu, sp. nov. and A. zhengyucheni Zhao, Zorn & Liu, sp. nov. The morphological differences in female genitalia and low genetic divergence as well as their taxonomic implications within Anomalini are discussed.
Immature stages of Pleuronota rufosquamosa (Fairmaire, 1893) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae), with notes on its biology
Authors: WEN HUI , ZHANG XIN-YUAN , QIU JIAN-YUE
Published: October 2024

Pleuronota rufosquamosa (Fairmaire, 1893) is a little-known flower beetle from southern China and northern Vietnam, and due to taxonomic changes, the genus Pleuronota Kraatz, 1892 and the species became new records of China. Morphological characteristics of adults are redescribed. Descriptions of the 3rd instar larvae and pupae are also provided, and the morphological differences of the larvae are compared with four genera of the subtribe Taenioderina. All morphological structures are supplemented by photographs. The life history of P. rufosquamosa is briefly summarized based on field observation and artificial breeding.
A new species of Apecholinus Bernhauer, 1933 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae) from Mangshan, China
Authors: SUN WAN-WAN , JIANG FEI-YAN , CHEN GANG , HE LIN , LIU ZHI-PING
Published: October 2024

A new species, Apecholinus speciosus Sun & Liu, sp. nov. collected from Mangshan, Hunan Province, China, is described. Illustrations of taxonomically important characters and photographs of the habitus are provided. The new species is compared to Apecholinus imitator Smetana & Hu, 2019. The complete mitochondrial genome of A. speciosus was sequenced, assembled, and annotated. Phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial genomes showed that two Apecholinus species form a clade sister to Ocypus and Dinothenarus, and they all belong to the Ocypus lineage.
Review of the genus Novius Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) from China with description of four new species
Authors: TAO XUN-HONG , LÜ LAN-LAN , LIN LI , ZHOU JIN-HONG , WEI XUE-YUAN , WANG XING-MIN
Published: October 2024

N/A
A review of the genus Satonius Endrödy-Younga from China with description of seven new species (Coleoptera: Myxophaga: Torridincolidae)
Authors: LIANG ZU-LONG , JIANG ZHUO-YIN , BERGSTEN JOHANNES , JIA FENG-LONG , GE SI-QIN
Published: October 2024

Species of the genus Satonius Endrödy-Younga from China are briefly reviewed. Seven new species are described: Satonius cheni sp. nov. from Guangdong, Satonius nigriventralis sp. nov. from Shaanxi, Satonius panghongae sp. nov. from Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangxi and Zhejiang, Satonius quzhouensis sp. nov. from Zhejiang and Anhui, Satonius xinhuiensis sp. nov. from Guangdong, Satonius zhangi sp. nov. from Hunan, and Satonius zhenhuai sp. nov. from Hubei. Species diagnoses of the new species are provided, along with images of the habitus and illustrations of the aedeagus and metatrochanters for all available Chinese species. Additionally, further faunistic data of known Chinese species is supplemented. A key to all known species of the genus is also included.
Unravelling the Enigmatic Nexus: Black Holes, Dark Matter, and the Interplay of Light, Gravity, and Electromagnetic Forces in Astrophysics and Astronomy
Authors: Vegt Wim
Published: October 2024

This research introduces a mathematical model positioning our physical reality within a ten-dimensional hyperspace, in which time acts as the unifying coordinate linking three-dimensional electric, magnetic, and gravitational spaces. Each domain is characterized by its respective field—electric, magnetic, or gravitational—and governed by intrinsic divergences and rotations, leading to a universal property known as Force Density, expressed in [N/m³]. This Force Density facilitates interactions among the distinct spaces while adhering to the principle of equilibrium, which posits that cumulative force densities from disturbances must consistently sum to zero. Building upon Einstein's General Relativity—which describes the curvature of spacetime by gravitational fields and assumes a constant light speed—this study proposes a perspective wherein light speed may vary during coherent laser beam interactions, prompting a re-examination of gravitational and luminous interactions across scales. The proposed model integrates the Stress-Energy Tensor and Gravitational Tensor, introducing a new tensor representation for black holes, termed Gravitational Electromagnetic Confinements, incorporating electromagnetic energy gradients and Lorentz transformations. This framework transcends traditional General Relativity, particularly evident in gravitational lensing. By reinterpreting Einstein's incorporation of the Gravitational Constant within the Energy-Stress Tensor, this work harmonizes gravity and light, offering insights into black hole solutions resonating with John Archibald Wheeler's 1955 research. Empirical data from Galileo satellites and MASER frequency measurements underscore discrepancies between established theories and this new model, enhancing the precision of gravitational observations. Through the confluence of Quantum Physics and General Relativity, as seen in approaches like String Theory, this interdisciplinary endeavor revisits the gravitational constant "G," redefining it while bridging theoretical frameworks, thus paving the way for breakthroughs in astronomical and astrophysical sciences.
Ecological Impact Assessment of Permanent Site of Federal Polytechnic Oko Using Topographic Survey Method
Authors: Ogundeji Ayodele , Nnamdi Ezugwu
Published: October 2024

Topographic survey based ecological impact assessment provides a mechanism for data integration, development, management and output presentation in a spatial environment. This research involved incorporating spatial data of all salient points at the Permanent Site of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra state to find a solution to the erosion menace. Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) receiver was used to acquire spatial data of buildings, roads, spot height, drainages, catchment pits, etc. The topographic data were processed using ArcGIS software to analyze and produce the topographic maps. Presentations from the topographic survey revealed that the catchment topography runs between 160m – 198m height above the datum, the total area of the catchment area being 216320.653m2, perimeter is 2604.449m and the length of the mainstream is 1125.428m. Topographic maps of the area were used to assess the impact of the ecology on the area of study by analyzing the built up area, surface roughness, impervious and pervious surfaces. Hydraulic design of the drainage using best hydraulic section principle for most economic section to carry the flow was determined to solve the erosion problems in the catchment area. The flow rate obtained was 2.55m3/s and dimensions of the channel to be 1.1m depth and 2.2m width. The design of the selected structural members was done to mitigate against the erosion menace in the study area.
Assessment of Husbandry Practices, Production and Reproductive Performance of Indigenous Cattle in Urban and Peri -urban Areas of Gambella City, Ethiopia
Authors: Deng Yien , Galmessa Ulfina
Published: October 2024

The objective of the present study was to characterize cattle husbandry practices, production and reproductive performance of cattle in the urban and peri-urban areas of Gambella city. Sample of respondents from each selected kebele were selected randomly using simple random sampling technique. A total of 133 household (70 from urban and 63 from peri-urban) were selected for questionnaire interview. Data was analyzed using SPPS version 23 software. The overall mean of the respondents revealed that, the management system practiced was semi-intensive (87.2%), extensive system (12.8%) and there was no intensive management system practiced. the overall mean daily milk yield was 1.58± 0.017 Littre/cow/day. The overall mean daily milk yield analysis of variance was significantly (P<0.05) difference among urban and peri-urban areas. The current result also indicated that, the overall average lactation length was and 10.59± 0.15 months, and was not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the study areas. The overall average age at first services, age at first calving and calving interval was 46.31±0.33, 51.51±0.54, and 19.01±0.11 months respectively. In Addition, disease prevalence, poor animal health service delivery, grazing land and feed shortage were among the major constraints affecting production and productivity in the study areas. In conclusion, Age at first services, age at first calving and calving interval of indigenous cow was low compared to some of the indigenous breed in other regions, animal health and health services delivery are the problems affecting cattle productivity. Hence, all concerned stakeholders need to take urgent interventions in order to improve production and productivity of cattle.
Latin Challenges: Perceptions, Policy and Curriculum for Excellence. Barriers to Teaching Latin in Scottish Schools
Authors: O’Reilly Mary
Published: October 2024

Over the last decade, the number of Scottish learners presented for National Qualification exams in Latin has declined. There are a number of factors contributing to this decline. Some of these relate to the study of Classics generally, such as perceptions around the subject being socially and academically elitist, while others are specific to the study of Latin and the challenges arising from it being a language. Some factors are relevant to the situation of Latin internationally, for example the desire for education which is more explicitly relevant to the demands of modern societies, while others relate to specific features of the Scottish education system. Examination of the impact of Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) and of the Scottish Language Learning policy on education will give context to the current position of Latin within primary and secondary schools. Significant institutional support for the learning of Gaelic and Mandarin and the challenges currently facing all language learning in Scotland in the senior phase of formal schooling must also be considered in any discussion of the barriers to the provision of Latin. The decision of the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), the body responsible for the accreditation of educational awards in Scotland, to cease offering a National Qualification in Ancient Greek in 2015 was based on low uptake of the subject, making the provision of external assessment no longer viable. It is, therefore, crucial to examine the current status of Latin within Scottish education and to determine the reasons for its decline in order to better understand how to address those issues, where possible, so as to secure the sustainability of the subject in the curriculum as well as its accreditation through National Qualifications.
Adsorption of Chromium (VI) and Lead (II) in Synthetic Solutions Using Tamarindus Indica Fruit Peel
Authors: Barrera Radames , Horruitiner Taimi , Silva Rosa
Published: October 2024

The problem of water pollution persists and, in some cases, has been getting worse since many of the industries that are currently installed in developing countries do not comply with established standards. In order to reduce water pollution, various environmental standards have been established that aim to regulate the introduction of contaminating agents into water and, thereby, control the degree of alteration of the quality of the vital liquid. Adsorption allows minimizing the generation of toxic waste and the recovery of the metal. The objective of the work was to study the bioadsorption of Cr (VI) and Pb (II) using the dry peel of Tamarindus indica. We worked at different pH values and concentration levels. The determination of the chemical-physical parameters was carried out at the Empress Geominera Oriente. Adsorption isotherms were performed using the Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich models, resulting in the maximum bioadsorption capacity of Cr (VI) and Pb (II) by biomass being 3.83 and 15.63 mg/g, respectively. reaching maximum removal percentages of 90.8%. The values of mean free energy of adsorption obtained from the Dubinin-Radushkevich model in Cr (VI) and Pb (II) were 10,000 kJ/mol, respectively, showing that, for these experimental conditions, the adsorption process is of a chemical nature.
Modeling and Simulation of Fractional PID Controller for Under-actuated Inverted Pendulum Mechanical System
Authors: Boucherma Djamel , Cherrad Mohamed , Chettah Khaled , Achour Toufik , Chaour Mohamed , Boulkroune Sofiane , Hamadi Billel
Published: October 2024

The stabilization of the non-linear inverted pendulum system requires a robust control strategy, as this system is inherently unstable and sensitive to disturbances. This research utilizes Lagrangian mechanics, a powerful technique in analytical dynamics, to derive the mathematical representation of the system. By applying the principles of Lagrangian dynamics, we can accurately model the energies involved and derive the equations of motion that govern the pendulum’s behavior. Following this, state-space feedback is employed to determine the Proportional, Integral, and Derivative (PID) values essential for effective control. This control strategy is particularly useful due to its ability to minimize error over time and ensure stability. To further enhance the control process, a comprehensive mathematical model is developed to establish the transfer function that correlates the pendulum's angle with the displacement of the cart. This relationship is crucial for understanding how changes in the cart's position affect the pendulum's stability. To validate the proposed control law, extensive simulations are conducted, allowing for comparative analysis against an Integer Order Controller. These simulations not only highlight the effectiveness of the PID controller but also provide insights into the dynamic behavior of the system under various conditions. The results demonstrate significant improvements in settling time and overshoot, showcasing enhanced performance metrics for the selected objective functions. This research contributes to the broader field of control systems engineering, suggesting that advanced control strategies can effectively manage complex, non-linear systems.
Characterization of Some Local Clay Minerals and Fabrication into Ceramic Floor-Tiles
Authors: Oragwu Ifeoma , Okolo Azubuike , Okwuego Obinna , Ntokah Kosisochukwu
Published: October 2024

Clay minerals deposits, which include, kaolin, ball-clay, fireclay and zircon, were investigated and used in fabrication of ceramic floor tiles. X-ray diffractometer (XRD-6100, Japan), was used to examine the various compositions and structures of the clay samples. 2000 grams of 0.005 mm grain size of each sample were homogeneously mixed into dough, compressed in metallic mould of 12 mm × 36 mm dimension, and allowed to dry for about 5 hours. Kiln draught oven, at 1200°C was set for glazing and firing of the moulded tiles, to ensure glossy appearance, smoothness and improved strength. XRD test showed higher content of alumina (Al2O3) and Silicon (iv) oxide (SiO2) in all the clay samples. The percentage composition of Critobalite, Diphosphorus trioxide (P2O3), Potassium Oxide (K2O) and Sodium Oxide (Na2O), were reasons for their excellent workability, improved mechanical and rheological properties of ceramics floor-tiles. Water absorption, chemical resistance, shrinkage properties of the different ceramic tiles were compare to some commercial products. This investigation had shown that locally available clay minerals could be fully integrated into ceramic industries to reduce cost of ceramic importation and create job opportunities for youths.
Non-Parametric Fuzzy Regression Discontinuity Design in Modelling Viral Load Suppression Among People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA)
Authors: Miano Caroline , Mwalili Samuel , Malenje Bonface
Published: October 2024

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a significant determinant of viral load suppression in HIV patients. There are inadequate statistical models that bring out the direct effects of ART on the suppression of HIV/AIDS. Traditional regression models address the general determinants of viral load suppression. Regression discontinuity designs, on the other hand, bring out the causal effects of ART on viral load suppression based on various thresholds. This study used the non-parametric fuzzy regression discontinuity design (FRDD) to model viral load suppression in PLWHA. The study began with developing a non-parametric FRDD, simulating the model to assess its performance, and applying the model to the Quality-of-Care dataset from Kaggle. The study focused on viral load suppression as the outcome variable, CD4 count and age as the running variables, gender, and whether a patient received counseling as additional covariates. The optimal thresholds were 40.5 years and 320 cubic millimeters for the CD4. There was an increasing negative treatment effect of ART on viral load suppression as the cutoff points for CD4 count increase. At the same time, there was an increasing negative treatment effect of ART on viral load suppression with increasing age. The compliance ratios for respondents increased with the negative increase in the treatment effect. Other analyses, such as the McCrary density test, bunching test, and manipulation test, indicated that the non-parametric fuzzy regression discontinuity design is effective in modeling viral load suppression.
Comparative Analysis of Cross-Validation Techniques: LOOCV, K-folds Cross-Validation, and Repeated K-folds Cross-Validation in Machine Learning Models
Authors: Lumumba Victor , Kiprotich Dennis , Mpaine Mary , Makena Njoka , Kavita Musyimi
Published: October 2024

Effective model evaluation is crucial for robust machine learning, and cross-validation techniques play a significant role. This study compares Repeated k-folds Cross Validation, k-folds Cross Validation, and Leave-One-Out Cross Validation (LOOCV) on imbalanced and balanced datasets across four models: Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-Nearest Neighbors (K-NN), Random Forest (RF), and Bagging, both with and without parameter tuning. On imbalanced data without parameter tuning, Repeated k-folds cross-validation demonstrated strong performance for SVM with a sensitivity of 0.541 and balanced accuracy of 0.764. K-folds Cross Validation showed a higher sensitivity of 0.784 for RF and a balanced accuracy of 0.884. In contrast, LOOCV achieved notable sensitivity for RF and Bagging at 0.787 and 0.784, respectively, but at the cost of lower precision and higher variance, as detailed in Table 1. When parameter tuning was applied to balanced data, the performance metrics improved. Sensitivity for SVM reached 0.893 with LOOCV and balanced accuracy for Bagging increased to 0.895. Stratified k-folds provided enhanced precision and F1-Score for SVM and RF. Notably, processing times varied significantly, with k-folds being the most efficient with SVM taking 21.480 seconds and Repeated k-folds showing higher computational demands where RF took approximately 1986.570 seconds in model processing, as shown in Table 4. This analysis underscores that while k-folds and repeated k-folds are generally efficient, LOOCV and balanced approaches offer enhanced accuracy for specific models but require greater computational resources. The choice of cross-validation technique should thus be tailored to the dataset characteristics and computational constraints to ensure optimal model evaluation.