bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The study of marigold, cosmos, and butterfly pea color properties on eco printing using cotton, linen, and silk fabrics
Authors: Zainuddin Nasaie , Rosli Nur Nilam Fitria , Tulos Najua , Zakaria Muhammad Hisyam , Aris Asliza
Published: December 2024

Fashion trends nowadays prefer synthetic dyes and fabrics in industry and these goods could not successfully connect environmentally friendly concepts with sustainability. As a substitution for synthetic dyes and fabrics, natural dyes, and fabrics can counter the existing problem by carrying out eco-print to minimize environmental pollution and risks to human health. Therefore, this study aims to explore the effect of eco-printing on three different types of fabrics (cotton, linen, and silk) by using three different types of flowers (Marigold, Cosmos, and Butterfly Pea). The Eco-print process was run by using the steaming method with different times taken to determine which time is the most appropriate to get a nice and clear print. This study focused on the colorfastness properties of eco-printed fabrics. These results were evaluated by performing color measurement and fastness tests towards washing and light referring to standard testing methods. As results, with the addition of Aluminium Potassium Sulphate mordants, the effect of eco-print of Marigold Flowers on silk fabric are the best results in fastness properties. The best time for steaming effect for eco-print in this study is 30 minutes. In terms of color measurement, it was discovered that mordants such Aluminium Potassium Sulphate enhance eco-print color on fabrics and provide the darkest colors which provided a colorfastness test with rating of moderate to good towards washing and light testing.
Proposed Vacuum Sealer Design Using Quality Function Deployment (QFD) Method
Authors: Azwar Ade Geovania , Nurwathi  , Gunawan Rudy , Kusmadi  , Fahrulrozi Muhamad , Rahmania
Published: December 2024

Some of the complaints from MSME actors in the food sector are in the packaging aspect. Packaging on food products is generally made of plastic. MSME is an organization or business enterprise that is managed directly by the business owner. One of the innovations carried out is the packaging aspect, namely using a vacuum sealer on the product. Vacuum machines or existing sealer machines (which are on the market) have very competitive prices. The objectives of this research are to explain and know the consumer needs analysts in designing vacuum sealers and providing proposals for vacuum sealers designed using the QFD method. The design method uses Quality Function Deployment (QFD) to integrate the Voice of the Customer and the Voice of the Company. The research produced a House of Quality (HoQ) from the packaging aspects required by MSME respondents. The research results using QFD, the target rankings was obtained namely (in sequence with the target scores obtained), plastic polypropylene general as the raw material (6.7), product Dimensions (6.2), there is an additional menu option on the vacuum sealer (5.7), has the function of a vacuum sealer product (such as vacuum only, sealer only, and time) (3.3), and increased product reliability (1.2). According to these results, a vacuum sealer machine was designed that met the needs of the research respondents, with adjustments to better suction power values.
Urban morphology and urban water demand: a case study in the land constrained Los Angeles region using urban growth modeling
Authors: Ferencz Stephen B , Yoon Jim , Capone Johanna , McManamay Ryan A
Published: December 2024

The interactions between population growth, urban morphology, and water demand have important implications for water resources and supply in urban regions. Water use for irrigation comprises a significant fraction of urban water demand, and is potentially influenced by long-term changes in urban morphology. To investigate this, we used spatially explicit projections of urban land development intensity (fraction impervious area) generated from a 30 m resolution urban growth model for the Los Angeles (LA) region. Recent historical data on water use and high resolution landcover were used to establish relationships between green area, urban development intensity, and outdoor water demand. These relationships were then used to project outdoor and total water demand in 2100 using the urban growth model outputs. We considered two different population scenarios informed by the shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) projections for the region (SSP3 and SSP5), and three scenarios of urban development intensification. Our analysis is resolved for over 80 water providers in the region, from the urban core to suburban fringe, and highlights diverse demand responses influenced by initial urban form and water demand attributes. Assumptions about outdoor water use factors based on recent water supply data were found to be nearly as influential on future outdoor demand as the urban growth scenario settings. Compared to previous studies, our work is unique in coherently linking high resolution SSP population scenarios, urban land cover evolution, and urban water demand projections, demonstrating the approach for the LA region—the largest population center in the western United States.
Subsurface Analysis of The Subsurface Architectural Design of Serut Temple in Batujaya Emple Area, Karawang, West Java, Indonesia using ERT (Electrical Resistivity Tomography) Method
Authors: Amalia Putri Utami , Agustine Eleonora , Fitriani Dini , Nurfaradila Fina
Published: December 2024

The Batujaya site, located in Karawang Regency, West Java, encompasses the Segaran and Talagajaya Villages and is situated near the North Coast of Java and the Citarum River. This area is prone to annual flooding, causes the ground level at this temple site to tend to rise over time which has buried much of the temple complex under 1-2 meters of soil. Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) was employed to explore the subsurface features of this archaeological site, offering a non-destructive and efficient means to uncover buried objects. In this research, acquisition was conducted using Marcapada resistivity meter with 48 electrodes, spacing each electrode along 0.5 m and the configuration used is Wenner. The measurement results are then processed using the Earth Imager application. ERT investigations on Line 1 identified a clay rock layer with high water content (1.3 Ωm, blue), corroborated by surface puddles. This layer lies beneath electrodes 21-36, with varying depths. A sandy clay layer (2 − 5 Ωm, green) was also detected, likely due to water and ion retention. Higher resistivity values (9 − 17.9 Ωm, orange to red) suggested buried temple structures, confirmed by ongoing excavations near electrodes 27-46. Line 2, intended as a baseline comparison, revealed unexpected anomalies (5−7.5 Ωm, yellow to red) indicative of possible buried objects, challenging archaeologists’ initial assumptions. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of ERT in revealing hidden subsurface features, providing valuable insights beyond surface observations alone.
Decision of Cost Estimation for Competitive Pricing of Modular Construction from China Manufacturer Perspective for Malaysian Industrialised Building System (IBS).
Authors: Diana Aziz Nor , Samsul Zamani Wan Hamdan Wan , Omardin Affendy , Hasan Ramly
Published: December 2024

The increase in the total number of construction projects has also resulted in great increases in the demand for IBS components. Due to the limited number of suppliers, the price of IBS components become exponentially high in recent years. It is critical to review that the IBS manufacturing players faced unforeseen obstacles to achieving economies of scale due to higher capital costs and this problem simultaneously caused high operational costs in manufacturing. Therefore, this vital problem has motivated us to explore cost control towards the identified parameters prior the manufacturers’ decision in estimating the cost of IBS output. Indirectly, the manufacturers can forecast pricing for the profit margin purposely. Even cost estimation is crucial at the production level as it is concerned with predicting the costs related to a set of activities before making a cost-effective decision, the aspect of considerations need to be addressed to ensure quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Therefore, the qualitative data for dependent variables consisted of four (4) elements was analyses via atlast.Ti based of case study from world leading manufacturing country, China. It is hoped that the key finding of the study will determine the cost control parameters needed for competitive pricing of IBS components in the Malaysian construction-based manufacturing industry.
Microstructural analysis of phases in cement mortars with quartz and limestone filler
Authors: Stoyanov Ventseslav , Petkova Vilma , Serafimova Ekaterina
Published: December 2024

The objects of the study were cement mortars prepared from white Portland cement, natural river sand, marble powder and a high range water reducing admixture. Microstructural analysis was carried out by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and differential thermal analyses, enhanced with evolved gas analysis. Analysis of the results showed that stable structure formed at early stages, with minimal changes in phase composition and quantity during subsequent aging in water. The mortars, in which the sand was completely replaced by marble powder with fine additive, was characterized by stability of composition, which gives reason to conclude for the preparation of cement mortars with high durability.
Modelling initial conditions of free vibrations in SAP2000
Authors: Todorov Teodor
Published: December 2024

The modelling of non-zero initial conditions in SAP2000 when considering free vibrations is not a standard operation. The current paper proposes a simple method of initial condition modelling in SAP2000 when said vibrations are considered. The basic principle of impulse of a particle is used as a reference in the theoretical background. The method is illustrated by a simple single degree of freedom problem that is solved both analytically and numerically in SAP2000. Results are compared. The method is applied to a multi-degree of freedom problem as well. The multi-degree of freedom problem is undamped. Conclusions are made.
PnP-epipolar optimization approach for VSLAM using robust pose prediction
Authors: Wu Xiru , Luo Wenhui , Wang Yaonan , Lu Yi , Wei Qingjin
Published: December 2024

Visual Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (VSLAM) is easily influenced by aggressive motion and low overlap images. Based on the challenge, we propose a VSLAM system with the robust tracking method. The feature tracking model is constructed by the robust pose prediction and PnP-Epipolar optimization. Firstly, as conventional VSLAM systems struggle with aggressive motion, we improve the constant acceleration prediction to estimate a dependable initial pose. The pose prediction takes into account the variation of the rotation axis, providing a more reliable initial guess for the pose optimization. Secondly, a novel global feature matching with BoW acceleration and map-point projection is performed to increase the number of matches. The matching method considers the points without map-point observation. Thirdly, according to the matches, we constitute the PnP-Epipolar constraint to optimize the pose with low overlap images. Finally, we compare our algorithm with several state-of-the-art VSLAM systems on KITTI dataset and EuRoC MAV dataset. The experimental results indicate that the proposed VSLAM reduces the RMSE by about 30% on average. For some sequences containing aggressive angle turning scene, the RMSE reduction even reaches 50%.
Current blocking layer enables enhanced NiO/β-Ga2O3 heterojunction vertical MOSFET with a higher power figure of merit
Authors: Ma Xiaoxuan , Luan Suzhen
Published: December 2024

To address the challenges of P-type doping in β-Ga2O3 material and the low breakdown voltage of junctionless MOSFETs, this study introduces the first investigation of a vertical enhanced heterojunction β-Ga2O3 metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) with a NiO current blocking layer (CBL), employing the Sentaurus TCAD software. The results demonstrate that by adjusting the thickness and concentration of the CBL and epitaxial layers, the threshold voltage of the device oscillates between 2.8 V and 5.1 V, and the enhancement structure is successfully realized. The optimised device exhibits a current switching ratio exceeding 109, a specific on-resistance (Ron,sp) of 9.01 mΩ·cm2, a breakdown voltage of 6061.6 V, and a power figure of merit as high as 4.08 GW cm−2. This work is instructive for the design of NiO/β-Ga2O3 heterojunction enhanced vertical MOSFET power devices and for the future development of β-Ga2O3 heterojunction power devices.
An intelligent and efficient CNN-AES framework for image block encryption with a multi-key approach
Authors: Saini Abhishek , Sehrawat Ruchi
Published: December 2024

The integration of cryptography and deep learning has become known as a promising way to improving image security in the context of escalating cyber threats, particularly in areas requiring secure image transmission. The proposed methodology involves a Convolutional Neural Networks model designed to encode 256 × 256 images, followed by partitioning the encoded output into 16 blocks and encrypting each block using the AES algorithm with 16 unique keys derived from an initial single key to secure image data. Extensive evaluation of the framework’s effectiveness is conducted using correlation analysis, which achieves a low correlation coefficient of approximately 0.03; high NPCR and UACI values of up to 99.4% and 51%, respectively; histogram analysis; PSNR; MSE; MAE; and the NIST test suite, among other metrics. The outcomes show that the framework is highly resistant to differential assaults and maintains minimal loss of image quality during the encryption and decryption processes. The approach addresses important issues in digital information security and unlocks the way to safer digital communications. It has major practical implications for private content sharing on social media platforms, secure medical imaging transmission, and the management of sensitive surveillance data. A comprehensive analysis shows that the proposed encryption algorithm works more effectively than the techniques presently in use for image encryption. This work highlights how deep learning and cryptography techniques can be combined to enhance image security as well as offer a robust solution to protect sensitive image data against cyber threats.
Impact of cold upset forging during heat treatment in Al-1.1Si-0.97Mg alloy
Authors: Kulkarni Rahul Ramesh , Poddar Vaishali Sushil
Published: December 2024

Al-Si-Mg alloys possess superior forgeability attributed to their silicon content and are heat-treatable, allowing for modification of mechanical properties. The AA6082 alloy, renowned for its medium strength and lightweight nature, finds extensive applications in the automotive and aerospace sectors. Researchers utilize thermomechanical processing to tailor microstructure and mechanical properties. This study delves into the effects of cold upset forging on AA6082 alloy behaviour post partial solutionizing and aging heat treatment, with variations in time and temperature. Subsequent analysis investigates microstructural alterations and their relationship with mechanical properties under diverse aging conditions post-forging. This investigation aims to elucidate the structure–property interplay for understanding 6082 alloy’s behaviour in better way. The internal stresses/residual stresses also play a pivotal role to change the AA6082 behaviour during thermomechanical processing. This is also investigated while relating microstructural aspects with mechanical properties and fractography.
Realtime ransomware process detection using an advanced hybrid approach with machine learning within IoT ecosystems
Authors: El Hariri Ayyoub , Mouiti Mohammed , Lazaar Mohamed
Published: December 2024

Cybersecurity faces significant challenges from malicious attacks, malware, and ransomware variants, posing serious threats to computer systems, infrastructure, data centers, web and mobile applications across diverse sectors. Conventional anti-ransomware systems struggle to keep pace with evolving sophisticated threats. Therefore, advanced methodologies, including both traditional and artificial intelligence based approaches, are becoming increasingly crucial in developing innovative ransomware countermeasures. This study presents a novel hybrid detection framework for ransomware, combining entropy and frequency analysis with various machine learning algorithms, including Multi-Layer Perceptron MLP, Decision Trees DT, Random Forests RF, K-Nearest Neighbor KNN, and Logistic Regression LR. We evaluate the classification performance of these models using a specialized ransomware dataset. Our approach also incorporates data augmentation techniques to enhance the detection capabilities, generating synthetic data based on the original ransomware samples. Our experiments demonstrate that the DT and RF classifiers significantly outperform other methods in terms of accuracy, F1-score, and precision. Specifically, the DT classifier achieved an accuracy of 98.89%, an F1-score of 98.81%, and a precision of 98.90%, while the RF classifier achieved an accuracy of 98.78%, an F1-score of 98.23%, and a precision of 98.99%. The integration of data augmentation further boosted the model’s performance, resulting in substantial improvements across all metrics.
Micro aerial vehicle flapping actuation: an experimental analysis of crank and sliding lever mechanisms
Authors: Singh Spoorthi , Ali Tanweer , Zuber Mohammad , Basri Adi Azriff , Mazlan Norkhairunnisa , Hamidon Mohd Nizar , Basri Ernnie Illyani , Ahmad Kamarul Arifin , Hegde Navya Thirumaleshwar , Vaz Aldrin Claytus
Published: December 2024

Artificial flapping-wing robots necessitate a lightweight transmission mechanism with minimal interconnected parts, posing challenges to their development. This paper explores the design and analysis of a flapping actuation mechanism utilizing a crank and sliding lever configuration to convert rotational motion into angular flapping. The proposed mechanism represents a minimalist design concept with lightweight components specifically tailored for mosquito-sized flapping wing applications, contrasting with traditional, heavier four-bar mechanisms. Flight control is achieved through the crank slider design, facilitating essential maneuverability. Moreover, variations in forward and return stroke velocities contribute to enhanced lift generation. Structural and kinematic analysis of the flapping actuation mechanism are conducted to determine parameters such as wing angular velocity, acceleration, flapping angle, and frequency under maximum input voltage. Experimental validation of the concept is performed using data from a designed prototype, or flapping-wing testbed. Flapping angle measurements, similar to those of a mosquito, are verified using an ultrasonic sensor. Frequency validation involves separate flapping measurements on the testbench model using an infrared sensor and a laser tachometer, with validation of forward and reverse stroke durations. The return stroke consumed 37 percent of the cycle period, making it significantly faster than the forward stroke, which takes up 63 percent. Consequently, the time ratio between the forward and return strokes is 2:1, generating a favorable lift force throughout the wing's flapping cycle. This validates the sliding lever movement concept, with variations in the time and speed of flapping for both strokes observed in analytical results, simulation outcomes, and real-time testing.The suitability of the sliding lever mechanism for Micro Aerial Vehicle(MAV) flapping-wing applications is confirmed through these analysis and experiments.
Self-adaptive physics-informed quantum machine learning for solving differential equations
Authors: Setty Abhishek , Abdusalamov Rasul , Motzoi Felix
Published: December 2024

Chebyshev polynomials have shown significant promise as an efficient tool for both classical and quantum neural networks to solve linear and nonlinear differential equations (DEs). In this work, we adapt and generalize this framework in a quantum machine learning setting for a variety of problems, including the 2D Poisson’s equation, second-order linear DE, system of DEs, nonlinear Duffing and Riccati equation. In particular, we propose in the quantum setting a modified Self-Adaptive Physics-Informed Neural Network approach, where self-adaptive weights are applied to problems with multi-objective loss functions. We further explore capturing correlations in our loss function using a quantum-correlated measurement, resulting in improved accuracy for initial value problems. We analyse also the use of entangling layers and their impact on the solution accuracy for second-order DEs. The results indicate a promising approach to the near-term evaluation of DEs on quantum devices.
Validation of the Arabic Version of the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29): a Rasch Analysis Study
Authors: Al-Qerem Walid , Basem Dunia , Khdair Sawsan , Jarab Anan , Eberhardt Judith
Published: December 2024

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord. This cross-sectional study aimed to validate the Arabic version of the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (MSIS-29) using Rasch analysis to assess quality of life in Jordanian MS patients.

Method

Rasch analysis was conducted to evaluate the suitability of the model for the present study. Model fit was assessed by computing item/person separation reliability, infit and outfit mean square (MSQ) values, Cronbach's alpha, and the Akaike Information Criterion.

Results

A total of 301 MS patients were enrolled in the study. Significant likelihood ratios for all three scales (MSIS-29-PHYSICAL, MSIS-29-PSYCHOLOGICAL, and MSIS-29-TOTAL) supported the use of a partial credit Rasch model. An issue with disordered thresholds was resolved by collapsing adjacent response categories. Item reliability scores for MSIS-29-PHYS and MSIS-29-PSYCH were 0.95 and 0.89, respectively, while person reliability scores were 0.92 and 0.84, respectively. Infit and outfit MSQ were within the acceptable range for all items on the MSIS-29-PSYCH scale. However, for the MSIS-29-PHYS scale, item MSIS-29_17 exceeded the acceptable range in both infit (1.93) and outfit (1.82) MSQs, and item MSIS-29_20 exceeded the acceptable range in infit (1.81). The Wright map also indicated that most items were considered relatively easy by the respondents, exhibiting various difficulty levels on the latent scale.

Conclusion

The Arabic version of the MSIS-29 is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating quality of life in Jordanian MS patients.
Predicting phage–host interactions via feature augmentation and regional graph convolution
Authors: Wei Ankang , Xiao Zhen , Fu Lingling , Zhao Weizhong , Jiang Xingpeng
Published: December 2024

Identifying phage–host interactions (PHIs) is a crucial step in developing phage therapy, which is the promising solution to addressing the issue of antibiotic resistance in superbugs. However, the lifestyle of phages, which strongly depends on their host for life activities, limits their cultivability, making the study of predicting PHIs time-consuming and labor-intensive for traditional wet lab experiments. Although many deep learning (DL) approaches have been applied to PHIs prediction, most DL methods are predominantly based on sequence information, failing to comprehensively model the intricate relationships within PHIs. Moreover, most existing approaches are limited for sub-optimal performance, due to the potential risk of overfitting induced by the highly data sparsity in the task of PHIs prediction. In this study, we propose a novel approach called MI-RGC, which introduces mutual information for feature augmentation and employs regional graph convolution to learn meaningful representations. Specifically, MI-RGC treats the presence status of phages in environmental samples as random variables, and derives the mutual information between these random variables as the dependency relationships among phages. Consequently, a mutual information-based heterogeneous network is construted as feature augmentation for sequence information of phages, which is utilized for building a sequence information-based heterogeneous network. By considering the different contributions of neighboring nodes at varying distances, a regional graph convolutional model is designed, in which the neighboring nodes are segmented into different regions and a regional-level attention mechanism is employed to derive node embeddings. Finally, the embeddings learned from these two networks are aggregated through an attention mechanism, on which the prediction of PHIs is condcuted accordingly. Experimental results on three benchmark datasets demonstrate that MI-RGC derives superior performance over other methods on the task of PHIs prediction.
A 50-year data-driven model of disability and lesion load trajectories in progressive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Oxtoby Neil P , Barkhof Frederik
Published: December 2024

This scientific commentary refers to ‘A data-driven model of disability progression in progressive multiple sclerosis’, by Garbarino et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcae434).
NAT2 Slow Acetylator Phenotype as a Significant Risk Factor for Hepatotoxicity Caused by Antituberculosis Drugs: Results From a Multiethnic Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Cheli Stefania , Torre Alessandro , Schiuma Marco , Montrasio Cristina , Civati Aurora , Galimberti Miriam , Battini Vera , Mariani Ilaria , Mosini Giulia , Carnovale Carla , Radice Sonia , Clementi Emilio , Gori Andrea , Antinori Spinello
Published: December 2024

Background

Under standard therapies, the incidence of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) in patients with tuberculosis ranges from 2% to 28%. Numerous studies have identified the risk factors for antituberculosis DILI; however, none have been conducted in a multiethnic real-world setting. The primary outcome of the current study was to identify the risk factors that could be used as the best predictors of DILI in a multiethnic cohort.

Methods

A nested case-control study was conducted in patients at the tuberculosis clinic of Luigi Sacco Hospital in Milan.

Results

The study included 102 patients (mean age [SD], 45.6 [15.6] years). For each patient with hepatotoxicity, 2 controls were matched for sex, age, body mass index, tuberculosis/tuberculosis infection diagnosis, and index date. We found that N-acetyltransferase 2 gene (NAT2) slow acetylator status was the best independent predictor of DILI (odds ratio, 5.97 [95% confidence interval, 1.38–25.76]; P = .02].

Conclusions

NAT2 genotype–guided dosing may help optimize antituberculosis drug treatment and prevent treatment failure.

Clinical Trials Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06539455
Understanding the role of oil and gas companies in the current sustainability trends: an application of the sustainable business model archetypes
Authors: Menéndez-Sánchez Jaime , Fernández-Gómez Jorge , Araujo-de-la-Mata Andrés
Published: December 2024

Oil and gas (O&G) companies face a complex process of adaptation to the new sustainability context. How their business models can successfully respond to sustainability requirements remains unclear. We studied the decarbonisation activities of relevant O&G companies and applied the sustainable business model archetypes (SBMAs) taxonomy to shed light on this transformation. Based on this, we focussed on one O&G firm with large socio-economic importance in northern Spain, gathering information via semi-structured interviews. Our analysis shows that O&G companies are developing innovative technologies aligned with the SBMAs. Multi-stakeholder collaboration and a regional focus on industrial clusters appear to be key elements of the sustainability strategies of O&G companies.
GeniePool 2.0: advancing variant analysis through CHM13-T2T, AlphaMissense, gnomAD V4 integration, and variant co-occurrence queries
Authors: Weintraub Grisha , Hadar Noam , Gudes Ehud , Dolev Shlomi , Birk Ohad S
Published: December 2024

Originally developed to meet the challenges of genomic data deluge, GeniePool emerged as a pioneering platform, enabling efficient storage, accessibility, and analysis of vast genomic datasets, enabled due to its data lake architecture. Building on this foundation, GeniePool 2.0 advances genomic analysis through the integration of cutting-edge variant databases, such as CHM13-T2T, AlphaMissense, and gnomAD V4, coupled with the capability for variant co-occurrence queries. This evolution offers an unprecedented level of granularity and scope in genomic analyses, from enhancing our understanding of variant pathogenicity and phenotypic associations to facilitating research collaborations. The introduction of CHM13-T2T provides a more accurate reference for human genetic variation, AlphaMissense enriches the platform with protein-level impact predictions of missense mutations, and gnomAD V4 offers a comprehensive view of human genetic diversity. Additionally, the innovative feature for variant co-occurrence analysis is pivotal for exploring the combined effects of genetic variations, advancing our comprehension of compound heterozygosity, epistasis, and polygenic risk factors in disease pathogenesis. GeniePool 2.0 is a comprehensive and scalable platform, which aims to enhance genomic data analysis and contribute to genomic research, potentially supporting new discoveries and clinical innovations.

Database URL: https://GeniePool.link
The meaning of Miles: knighthood as social signifier in Early Capetian France
Authors: Ó Súilleabháin Niall
Published: December 2024

The origins of knighthood are a much-debated topic in medieval history, with scholars divided on whether the emergence of milites (knights) in the documentary record of late tenth-century France represented a fundamental rupture in aristocratic society. This article argues that the emergence of the term should be understood as a social signifier, intended to identify its subject securely as a member of the social elite. The nuanced ways in which miles was deployed as an identifier is traced through a series of examples from the Loire valley and other regions of the Capetian kingdom, revealing the versatility of the term in claiming elite status. By viewing knighthood as a claim that was made, rather than a title that was conferred, the article argues that the aristocracy of early Capetian France was a social hierarchy characterized by flux and uncertainty, in which status needed to be constantly reasserted.
Under his protection: securing land, loyalty and sovereignty in thirteenth-century Champagne and Navarre
Authors: Bjerke Jillian
Published: December 2024

During the period 1234–74, when the counts of Champagne also ruled the Iberian kingdom of Navarre, dozens of monasteries, nobles, hospitals and city councils in both regions put themselves, their property and their belongings into the count–kings’ care. That they did so demonstrates the rulers’ perceived and actual power, for the count–kings could never be in both their principalities simultaneously. The people of Champagne and Navarre did not require the physical presence of their lord to benefit from his protection, which they sought primarily in times of precarity and in response to comital–royal movements. Likewise, through granting protection the count–kings established and reinforced bonds between themselves and their subjects that would endure even in their absence. For the count–kings of Champagne–Navarre, protecting their subjects was not just about securing their territory but also about engendering the loyalty of their subjects and maintaining (and sometimes extending) their sovereignty.
Dual clusters in dual economies: understanding innovation in clusters of developing countries
Authors: Galaso Pablo , Rodríguez-Miranda Adrián , Vázquez Barquero Antonio
Published: December 2024

In developing countries, clusters not only have a dual configuration with pronounced differences in company performance but are also embedded within the framework of dual economies. This restricts the capacity of networks to facilitate the innovation processes of local firms. We provide empirical evidence that supports this hypothesis by analyzing local and multinational firms in 18 Latin American clusters. Our findings can improve the understanding of innovation processes in underdeveloped countries, suggesting that dualism should be considered as a determining factor.
Urbanization as a Gendered Process: Theory, Evidence, and Implications
Authors: Anthony Robert M , Robison Kristopher K
Published: December 2024

This research note addresses the overlooked and undertheorized gendered dimensions of rural-urban migration in the developing world. Drawing on Ester Boserup's (1970/2007) framework, a macro-social theory is offered that links historic agricultural divisions of labor to gendered patterns of urbanization. Specifically, it is argued that nations with a history of male farming systems (MFS) are more likely to produce economic and cultural conditions that facilitate women's rural-urban migration when compared to nations with a history of female farming systems (FFS). From this, the notion of “open” and “closed” urban systems is conceptualized to help identify and categorize the gendered urbanization histories of developing nations, which are linked to women's rights. Empirical support for the concepts and their association with women's rights is presented using mapped data from 138 developing nations from 1985 to 2015. A nation-level t-test of the interactive proxy measure between nation-level male-to-female urban population ratios and the degree of women's exclusion reveals a significant difference between nations with open and closed urban systems (p < 0.01). The conclusion discusses the limitations of the theory and evidence, the implications of the findings, and future research directions.
Is the 99th Percentile Cutoff Still Relevant? A Single-Center Assessment of Different Thresholds for Diagnosing Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Dadelahi Alexis , Walker Brandon S , Banerjee Dipanwita , Mahler Michael , Saadalla Abdulrahman , Nandakumar Vijayalakshmi
Published: December 2024

Background

The 2023 American College of Rheumatology and modified Sapporo criteria for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) recommend ELISA to detect anticardiolipin (aCL) and anti-β2-glycoprotein I (aβ2GP1) IgG/IgM antibodies, focusing on moderate to high levels or exceeding the 99th percentile. This study aims to establish the 99th percentile threshold for anti-phospholipid (aPL) antibodies and compare the diagnostic accuracies of these thresholds with manufacturer cutoffs using 2 methodologies.

Methods

The 99th percentile cutoffs for aPL antibodies from 305 healthy donors were established using Aptiva, Particle-Based Multi-Analyte Technology (PMAT), and QUANTA Lite (QL) ELISA, following nonparametric reference interval estimation. Sera from 34 APS patients and 190 APS controls were tested. Diagnostic performances were compared at the 99th percentile-, manufacturer-, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) derived optimal-, and 95% specificity-optimized cutoffs. An expanded cohort of 61 APS patients and 1299 APS controls from a 2-year retrospective review was also included.

Results

For ELISA, the 99th percentile cutoffs for aCL (IgG/IgM) and aβ2GP1 (IgG) were at the assay limit of quantification. Optimal cutoffs from the ROC curves, 95% specificity-matched and manufacturer cutoffs, showed better diagnostic accuracy than the 99th percentile. On the Aptiva PMAT platform, the 99th percentile cutoffs were lower but provided comparable diagnostic accuracies to manufacturer and optimal cutoffs, although specificity was below 95%.

Conclusions

The clinical utility of 99th percentile cutoffs is assay dependent. For QL, these cutoffs were unsuitable, while Aptiva showed better alignment with clinical thresholds. Manufacturer-recommended cutoffs, supported by extensive validation, offer a reliable alternative when clinical studies are infeasible.
The International Criminal Court at a Crossroads
Authors: Zimmermann Andreas
Published: December 2024

More than 25 years after the adoption of the Rome Statute, the International Criminal Court (ICC) finds itself in the middle of turmoil between ambitious goals underlying its founding instrument and the increasingly diverse composition of its state parties, with both divergent interests and divergent perceptions of its role. At the same time, it is needed more than ever with a whole set of crimes committed during armed conflicts for which it has jurisdiction. It is against this background that the article focuses on the role of the Court in the international legal system, its interaction with the Security Council and states making referrals, as well as the development of substantive international criminal law through amendments to the Rome Statute and the Court’s jurisprudence. It argues for a somewhat cautious approach in order to safeguard its crucial role in the international legal system in the long term.
Management of intellectual property rights in Mainland Tanzania and Rwanda: reflecting on the one-stop centre strategy
Authors: Costantine Jovine
Published: December 2024

This article investigates how IP rights are managed in mainland Tanzania compared to Rwanda. Its main focus is exploring the significance of the one-stop centre strategy in managing IP. In Rwanda, since the year 2000, the one-stop centre has promoted IP and contributed to the economic growth of the country. On the other hand, in mainland Tanzania, the management of IP is mandated and controlled by various institutions responsible for implementing scattered legislation. Such institutions lack coordination and sufficient fund to manage IP. This situation prevents an effective exploitation of IP in mainland Tanzania. Thus, this article recommends the adoption of a one-stop centre strategy for managing IP in mainland Tanzania, learning from the experience of Rwanda.
Suicide deaths by occupation skill level and educational attainment in the United States
Authors: Messias Erick , Azasu Enoch K , Nayeem Nawar , Lin Ping-I , Grucza Richard
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To estimate the association between suicide deaths and both occupational skill level and educational attainment in the United States.

Methods

Suicide deaths, employment, education, and demographic data from the 2021 National Center for Health Statistics Multiple Cause of Death Files, for ages 18-64 with a lifetime history of employment, were combined with comparable participants from the 2020-2022 Current Population Survey. Outcomes of interest were associations between suicide death and occupational skill level, assessed as a 5-level variable, and educational attainment. Logistic regression models were used to estimate these associations before and after adjusting for educational attainment, age, and sex, in each racial/ethnic subpopulation.

Results

We found a significant gradient in suicide death across occupational skill levels, with lower-skill occupations associated with higher suicide rates than higher-skill occupations. This gradient was more pronounced among non-Hispanic White (NHW) people and non-Hispanic Black (NHB) people than Hispanic people. However, upon controlling for educational attainment, this association was attenuated, indicating that the initial link was likely confounded by education.

Conclusions

The results suggest that educational attainment is a more robust predictor of suicide risk than occupational skill level. Targeted interventions addressing educational and ethnic disparities within higher-risk occupational groups can mitigate suicide risk.
Increased precipitation weakens the role of Stipa breviflora as the keystone species in a desert steppe
Authors: Cui Yuan-yuan , Bai Liu , Hou Dong-jie , Wang Zhong-wu , Wang Jing , Qu Zhi-qiang , Wang Yun-bo , Han Guo-dong , Li Zhi-guo , Ren Hai-yan , Wang Hai-ming
Published: December 2024

Precipitation significantly influences the composition and structure of grassland ecosystems, particularly in arid desert steppes. Stipa breviflora, as a keystone species, plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the desert steppe. However, the response of Stipa breviflora's succession strategy to changes in precipitation within the community remains uncertain. Since 2016, this research was conducted in a desert steppe in Inner Mongolia, China, involving control precipitation (PCK), and increases of 50% (P50) and 100% (P100) in natural precipitation. We measured biomass, height, and canopy cover, calculated the importance value (IV) by species, and assessed the photosynthetic parameters and leaf elemental content of Stipa breviflora in 2021 and 2022. Results showed that the increase of precipitation significantly reduced the IV of Stipa breviflora. The net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance, aboveground biomass carbon (AGBC) content and aboveground biomass nitrogen (AGBN) of Stipa breviflora leaves grew considerably in experimental plots receiving more precipitation, while δ13C value of leaves decreased significantly. Linear regression analysis and structural equation model show that although the increase of precipitation improved the adaptability of Stipa breviflora functional traits and increased its IV, a higher transpiration rate significantly contributed to the decrease in its IV. Consequently, our research reveals the succession strategy of Stipa breviflora and provides a theoretical basis for studying the response mechanisms of desert steppe plant communities to climate change.
Ultra-high dose rate (FLASH) carbon ion irradiation inhibited immune suppressive protein expression on Pan02 cell line
Authors: Katsuki Shohei , Minami Kazumasa , Oniwa Karin , Yagi Masashi , Shimizu Shinichi , Hamatani Noriaki , Takashina Masaaki , Kanai Tatsuaki , Ogawa Kazuhiko
Published: December 2024

Recently, ultra-high dose rate (> 40 Gy/s, uHDR; FLASH) radiation therapy (RT) has attracted interest, because the FLASH effect that is, while a cell-killing effect on cancer cells remains, the damage to normal tissue could be spared has been reported. This study aimed to compare the immune-related protein expression on cancer cells after γ-ray, conventionally used dose rate (Conv) carbon ion (C-ion), and uHDR C-ion. B16F10 murine melanoma and Pan02 murine pancreas cancer were irradiated with γ-ray at Osaka University and with C-ion at Osaka HIMAK. The dose rates at 1.16 Gy/s for Conv and 380 Gy/s for uHDR irradiation. The expressed calreticulin (CRT), major histocompatibility complex class (MHC)-I, and programmed cell death 1 ligand (PD-L1) were evaluated by flow cytometry. Western blotting and PCR were utilized to evaluate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, DNA damage, and its repair pathway. CRT, MHC-I on B16F10 was also increased by irradiation, while only C-ion increased MHC-I on Pan02. Notably, PD-L1 on B16F10 was increased after irradiation with both γ-ray and C-ion, while uHDR C-ion suppressed the expression of PD-L1 on Pan02. The present study indicated that uHDR C-ion has a different impact on the repair pathway of DNA damage and ER than the Conv C-ion. This is the first study to show the immune-related protein expressions on cancer cells after uHDR C-ion irradiation.
Out of sync: temporal governance and agency in refugee families with temporary protection status in Denmark
Authors: Shapiro Ditte , Kohl Katrine Syppli , Jørgensen Rikke Egaa , Sandberg Marie
Published: December 2024

Over the past decade, a series of legal changes have intensified Denmark’s temporal governance of refugees. This development reflects a more widespread turn towards temporary protection and return across the Global North. Drawing on eleven months of fieldwork and interviews with thirty refugees in Denmark, the article applies a temporal lens to analyse how this development is experienced and navigated by refugee families subjected to conditions of prolonged uncertainty, with a focus on how it affects their intergenerational relationships. We find that temporal governance spurs three ‘temporal modalities’ that we call acceleration, entrapment, and rupture, the consequences of which refugees engage with through different tactics related to generational status and social situation. Furthering a conceptualization of displacement as ‘temporal dispossession’, the analysis shows how the temporal governance of refugee families in Denmark permeates the intimate domestic space, bringing family members out of sync, and raising well-founded fears of family separation.
Prevalence of detransition in persons seeking gender-affirming hormonal treatments: a systematic review
Authors: Feigerlova Eva
Published: December 2024

Background

Despite recent evidence of the benefits of gender-affirming medical procedures, data in the literature indicate emerging demands of detransition and regrets while suggesting potential sources of bias in different datasets, including a nonconsensual definition of detransition.

Aim

The present systematic review aims to summarize the existing research regarding the prevalence of detransition in transgender persons who requested or started receiving gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRHa) and/or gender-affirming hormonal therapy (GAHT).

Methods

A systematic literature search (CINAHL Plus, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Sage Journals, Science Direct, Scopus) for quantitative studies was conducted up to May 2024. All eligible studies were assessed using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement. The risk of bias was assessed using the National Institute of Health quality assessment tool. The present analysis follows the PRISMA statement for systematic review articles and the synthesis without meta-analysis recommendations.

Outcomes

The primary outcome was the point-prevalence proportion of detransition events as a percentage in the population of transgender persons who were considered eligible for treatment or had initiated GnRHa and/or GAHT.

Results

Fifteen observational studies involving 3804 children and adolescents and 3270 adult participants were included in the 3212 screened studies. Five studies reported a change in request before starting GnRHa, five studies reported GnRHa discontinuation, and nine studies reported GAHT discontinuation. The point-prevalence proportions of shifts in requests before any treatment ranged from 0.8–7.4%. The point-prevalence proportions of GnRHa discontinuation ranged from 1–7.6%. The point-prevalence proportions of GAHT discontinuation ranged from 1.6–9.8%. All of the included studies were heterogeneous regarding definitions of detransition used and the study design: their numbers were too small to be statistically relevant, their time frame was insufficient, they did not use patient-level data, or they did not consider confounding factors.

Clinical implications

Quality measurement tools are needed, as are monitoring standards, and both are important for health outcomes and guarantee the attention of health care providers and policy-makers.

Strengths and limitations

The unique features of this analysis are its restrictive inclusion criteria compared with those of previous reviews, such as a strict definition of detransition and a focus on empirical studies only. However, most of the studies were retrospective and unblinded, and most were not sufficiently powered to detect detransition rates.

Conclusion

Taken together, the results of the present analysis show that detransition in persons undergoing gender-affirming treatment has been insufficiently investigated, highlighting the need for long-term follow-up studies.