bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Data-Independent Acquisition Mass Spectrometry (DIA-MS) for the Identification of Single Amino Acid Variants
Authors: Fierro-Monti Ivo , Fröhlich Klemens , Schori Christian , Schmidt Alexander
Published: November 2024

Proteogenomics integrates genomic and proteomic data to elucidate cellular processes by identifying variant peptides, including single amino acid variants (SAAVs). In this study, we assessed the capability of data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS) to identify SAAV peptides in HeLa cells using various search engine pipelines. We developed a customised sequence database (DB) incorporating SAAV sequences from the HeLa genome and conducted searches using DIA-NN, Spectronaut, and Fragpipe-MSFragger. Our evaluation focused on identifying true positive SAAV peptides and false positives through entrapment DBs. This study revealed that DIA-MS provides reproducible and comprehensive coverage of the proteome, identifying a substantial proportion of SAAV peptides. Notably, the DIA-MS searches maintained consistent identification of SAAV peptides despite varying sizes of the entrapment DB. A comparative analysis showed that Fragpipe-MSFragger (FP-DIA) demonstrated the most conservative and effective performance, exhibiting the lowest false discovery match ratio (FDMR). Additionally, integrating DIA and data-dependent acquisition (DDA) MS data search outputs enhanced SAAV peptide identification, with a lower false discovery rate (FDR) observed in DDA searches. The validation using stable isotope dilution and parallel reaction monitoring (SID-PRM) confirmed the SAAV peptides identified by DIA-MS and DDA-MS searches, highlighting the reliability of our approach. Our findings underscore the effectiveness of DIA-MS in proteogenomic workflows for identifying SAAV peptides, offering insights into optimising search engine pipelines and DB construction for accurate proteomics analysis. These methodologies advance the understanding of proteome variability, contributing to cancer research and the identification of novel proteoform therapeutic targets.
Who Am I? Exploring the Role of Religious Beliefs in Shaping the Ethnic Identity of Tibetan Muslims: A Case Study in Hebalin, Lhasa, Tibet
Authors: Wang Siyi
Published: November 2024

Tibetan Muslims, as a unique ethnic group, hold significant religious, anthropological, and sociological value. This article examines the social functions of Islamic beliefs through questionnaires and structured interviews, focusing on the Tibetan Muslim community in Hebalin, Lhasa, Tibet. We analyze how Islamic beliefs influence the evolution of Tibetan Muslim ethnic identity and explore the relationship between nationality and religion. The key factors discussed include the developmental history of local Tibetan Muslims, the status of their Islamic culture, their community interactions, and changes in their ethnic identity. Despite these changes, their Islamic beliefs have remained consistent, playing a crucial role in shaping their ethnic identity, which mirrors the developmental history of their beliefs.
Electroencephalography-Based Brain-Computer Interfaces in Rehabilitation: A Bibliometric Analysis (2013–2023)
Authors: Angulo Medina Ana Sophia , Aguilar Bonilla Maria Isabel , Rodríguez Giraldo Ingrid Daniela , Montenegro Palacios John Fernando , Cáceres Gutiérrez Danilo Andrés , Liscano Yamil
Published: November 2024

EEG-based Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) have gained significant attention in rehabilitation due to their non-invasive, accessible ability to capture brain activity and restore neurological functions in patients with conditions such as stroke and spinal cord injuries. This study offers a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of global EEG-based BCI research in rehabilitation from 2013 to 2023. It focuses on primary research and review articles addressing technological innovations, effectiveness, and system advancements in clinical rehabilitation. Data were sourced from databases like Web of Science, and bibliometric tools (bibliometrix R) were used to analyze publication trends, geographic distribution, keyword co-occurrences, and collaboration networks. The results reveal a rapid increase in EEG-BCI research, peaking in 2022, with a primary focus on motor and sensory rehabilitation. EEG remains the most commonly used method, with significant contributions from Asia, Europe, and North America. Additionally, there is growing interest in applying BCIs to mental health, as well as integrating artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning, to enhance system accuracy and adaptability. However, challenges remain, such as system inefficiencies and slow learning curves. These could be addressed by incorporating multi-modal approaches and advanced neuroimaging technologies. Further research is needed to validate the applicability of EEG-BCI advancements in both cognitive and motor rehabilitation, especially considering the high global prevalence of cerebrovascular diseases. To advance the field, expanding global participation, particularly in underrepresented regions like Latin America, is essential. Improving system efficiency through multi-modal approaches and AI integration is also critical. Ethical considerations, including data privacy, transparency, and equitable access to BCI technologies, must be prioritized to ensure the inclusive development and use of these technologies across diverse socioeconomic groups.
Research on a Joint Extraction Method of Track Circuit Entities and Relations Integrating Global Pointer and Tensor Learning
Authors: Chen Yanrui , Chen Guangwu , Li Peng
Published: November 2024

To address the issue of efficiently reusing the massive amount of unstructured knowledge generated during the handling of track circuit equipment faults and to automate the construction of knowledge graphs in the railway maintenance domain, it is crucial to leverage knowledge extraction techniques to efficiently extract relational triplets from fault maintenance text data. Given the current lag in joint extraction technology within the railway domain and the inefficiency in resource utilization, this paper proposes a joint extraction model for track circuit entities and relations, integrating Global Pointer and tensor learning. Taking into account the associative characteristics of semantic relations, the nesting of domain-specific terms in the railway sector, and semantic diversity, this research views the relation extraction task as a tensor learning process and the entity recognition task as a span-based Global Pointer search process. First, a multi-layer dilate gated convolutional neural network with residual connections is used to extract key features and fuse the weighted information from the 12 different semantic layers of the RoBERTa-wwm-ext model, fully exploiting the performance of each encoding layer. Next, the Tucker decomposition method is utilized to capture the semantic correlations between relations, and an Efficient Global Pointer is employed to globally predict the start and end positions of subject and object entities, incorporating relative position information through rotary position embedding (RoPE). Finally, comparative experiments with existing mainstream joint extraction models were conducted, and the proposed model’s excellent performance was validated on the English public datasets NYT and WebNLG, the Chinese public dataset DuIE, and a private track circuit dataset. The F1 scores on the NYT, WebNLG, and DuIE public datasets reached 92.1%, 92.7%, and 78.2%, respectively.
A Security Posture Assessment of Industrial Control Systems Based on Evidential Reasoning and Belief Rule Base
Authors: Song Huishan , Yuan Yanbin , Wang Yuhe , Yang Jianbai , Luo Hang , Li Shiming
Published: November 2024

With the rapid advancements in information technology and industrialization, the sustainability of industrial production has garnered significant attention. Industrial control systems (ICS), which encompass various facets of industrial production, are deeply integrated with the Internet, resulting in enhanced efficiency and quality. However, this integration also introduces challenges to the continuous operation of industrial processes. This paper presents a novel security assessment model for ICS, which is based on evidence-based reasoning and a library of belief rules. The model consolidates diverse information within ICS, enhancing the accuracy of assessments while addressing challenges such as uncertainty in ICS data. The proposed model employs evidential reasoning (ER) to fuse various influencing factors and derive security assessment values. Subsequently, a belief rule base is used to construct an assessment framework, grounded in expert-defined initial parameters. To mitigate the potential unreliability of expert knowledge, the chaotic mapping adaptive whale optimization algorithm is incorporated to enhance the model’s accuracy in assessing the security posture of industrial control networks. Finally, the model’s effectiveness in security assessment was validated through experimental results. Comparative analysis with other assessment models demonstrates that the proposed model exhibits superior performance in ICS security assessment.
Development of a DualEmission Laser-Induced Fluorescence (DELIF) Method for Long-Term Temperature Measurements
Authors: Toriyama Koji , Funatani Shumpei , Tada Shigeru
Published: November 2024

The fluorescence intensity of fluorescent dyes typically employed in the dual-emission laser-induced fluorescence (DELIF) method gradually degrades as the excitation time increases, and the degradation rate depends on the type of fluorescent dye used. Therefore, the DELIF method is unsuitable for long-term temperature measurements. In this study, we focused on the fluorescence intensity ratio of a single fluorescent dye at two fluorescence wavelengths and developed a DELIF method for long-term temperature measurements based on this ratio. The fluorescence intensity characteristics of Fluorescein disodium and Rhodamine B, which are typically used in the DELIF method, in the temperature range of 10–60 °C were comprehensively investigated using two high-speed monochrome complementary metal-oxide semiconductor cameras and narrow bandpass filters. Interestingly, the ratio of the fluorescence intensity of each fluorescent dye at the peak emission wavelength of the fluorescence spectrum, λ, to the fluorescence intensity at wavelengths very close to the peak wavelength (λ ± 10 nm) was highly sensitive to temperature variations but not excitation time. Particularly, when Rhodamine B was used, the selection of the fluorescence intensity ratios at a wavelength combination of 589 and 600 nm enabled highly accurate temperature measurements with a temperature resolution of ≤0.042 °C. Moreover, the fluorescence intensity ratio varied negligibly throughout the excitation time of 180 min, with a measurement uncertainty (95% confidence interval) of 0.045 °C at 20 °C. The results demonstrate that the proposed DELIF method enables highly accurate long-term temperature measurements.
Coil-Only High-Frequency Lamb Wave Generation in Nickel Sheets
Authors: Song Yini , Kang Yihua , Wang Kai , Guo Yizhou , Tu Jun , Feng Bo
Published: November 2024

This study presents a novel, coil-only magnetostrictive ultrasonic detection method that operates effectively without permanent magnets, introducing a simpler alternative to conventional designs. The system configuration is streamlined, consisting of a single meander coil, an excitation source, and a nickel sheet, with both the bias magnetic field and ultrasonic excitation achieved by a composite excitation containing both DC and AC components. This design offers significant advantages, enabling high-frequency Lamb wave generation in nickel sheets for ultrasonic detection while reducing device complexity. Experimental validation demonstrated that an S0-mode Lamb wave at a frequency of 2.625 MHz could be effectively excited in a 0.2 mm nickel sheet using a double-layer meander coil. The experimentally measured wave velocity was 4.9946 m/s, with a deviation of only 0.4985% from the theoretical value, confirming the accuracy of the method. Additionally, this work provides a theoretical basis for future development of flexible MEMS-based magnetostrictive ultrasonic transducers, expanding the potential for miniaturized magnetostrictive patch transducers.
The Efficacy of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Athletes for Injury Management, Training Response, and Athletic Performance: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pham Hy , Spaniol Frank
Published: November 2024

(1) Background: The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the prevalent use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in athletes and to comprehensively review the effectiveness and the results of these medications as it relates to injury management, training response, and overall sport performance. (2) Methods: An electronic literature search was performed in accordance with the recommendations and guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol. A total of 7 randomized controlled studies met the review’s specific inclusion criteria from the 2250 studies initially identified within the PubMed database. (3) Results: In total, 346 adult female and male athletes from a variety of sporting activities and fitness levels were observed, of which 175 athletes were treated with either oral, topical, or local muscular infusion of an NSAID. Depending on study design, the outcomes focused on results obtained through physical exam findings, questionnaires, various performance metrics, and direct tissue sampling from microdialysis or biopsies. Across the 7 total studies, 2 articles focused on injured athletes and their varying pain responses with NSAIDs; 2 studies assessed the limited impact of NSAIDs on performance; and 3 articles revealed the use of NSAIDs correlating to no increases in either collagen synthesis or satellite cell activity after exercise. (4) Conclusions: The systematic review affirmed that NSAIDs can be effective for managing acute pain. However, their value appears to diminish when treating chronic injuries or if NSAIDs are expected to improve performance or have other ergogenic effects in athletes, as the aggregate data did not support such benefits. (5) Practical applications: NSAIDs can be beneficial for athletes in the right situation, but the fact that there are risks and possible disadvantageous results with their use highlights the importance of promoting appropriate expectations and the judicious use of these medications with the athletic community.
Martínez–Kaabar Fractal–Fractional Laplace Transformation with Applications to Integral Equations
Authors: Martínez Francisco , Kaabar Mohammed K. A.
Published: November 2024

This paper addresses the extension of Martinez–Kaabar (MK) fractal–fractional calculus (for simplicity, in this research work, it is referred to as MK calculus) to the field of integral transformations, with applications to some solutions to integral equations. A new notion of Laplace transformation, named MK Laplace transformation, is proposed, which incorporates the MK α,γ-integral operator into classical Laplace transformation. Laplace transformation is very applicable in mathematical physics problems, especially symmetrical problems in physics, which are frequently seen in quantum mechanics. Symmetrical systems and properties can be helpful in applications of Laplace transformations, which can help in providing an effective computational tool for solving such problems. The main properties and results of this transformation are discussed. In addition, the MK Laplace transformation method is constructed and applied to the non-integer-order first- and second-kind Volterra integral equations, which exhibit a fractal effect. Finally, the MK Abel integral equation’s solution is also investigated via this technique.
Quantifying the Emergence of Basic Research Capabilities in Cluster Enterprises: An Analytical Framework Based on Information Entropy
Authors: Zhang Hongsi , He Zhongbing , Zheng Wenjiang
Published: November 2024

This study looks at how basic research capabilities develop within enterprise clusters, focusing on the complex and adaptive nature of these systems. It builds a conceptual model using systems theory and applies information entropy to measure how much these capabilities have emerged. This study introduces an innovative application of information entropy to model and quantify the emergence of research capabilities within enterprise clusters, offering a novel framework for assessing research development. To dive deeper, China Pingmei Shenma Group (Henan, China) was used as a case study. A case study approach was used to gather empirical data. This case—focused on a state-owned enterprise cluster in China’s coal-based energy and chemical industries—highlights the key factors that influence research capability growth. These factors include support from external systems, how internal resources are used, and their renewal over time. From 2017 to 2022, the study tracked how the organization of research capabilities evolved over time by tracking changes in entropy, revealing the process of research development driven by both internal and external forces. The methodology involves measuring system entropy to evaluate the degree of orderliness and innovation performance, incorporating entropy generation and exchange metrics, which allows for a more precise understanding of system emergence and complexity. The interactions within the system, such as knowledge exchange, research collaboration, and external input from government subsidies or tax incentives, are modeled to track how they influence the system’s overall entropy. This study finds that the ability of an enterprise cluster to bring in external resources and reduce internal inefficiencies is critical for enhancing research capabilities. This model can help policymakers and enterprises in strategic decision-making, particularly in industries undergoing technological transformation. This framework also provides practical insights for improving research collaboration and innovation in enterprise clusters, especially in rapidly evolving industries like energy and chemicals.
System Science Can Relax the Tension Between Data and Theory
Authors: Giuliani Alessandro
Published: November 2024

The actual hype around machine learning (ML) methods has pushed the old epistemic struggle between data-driven and theory-driven scientific styles well beyond the academic realm. The potential consequences of the widespread adoption of ML in scientific work have fueled a harsh debate between opponents predicting the decay of basic curiosity-driven science and enthusiasts hoping for the advent of a ‘theory-free’ objective science. In this work, I suggest how the system science style of reasoning could drastically de-potentiate this (sometimes deceptive) opposition through the generation of multi-purpose relational theoretical frames stemming from the network paradigm. The recognition of the virtual non-existence of purely ‘theoryfree’ approaches and the need for a careful balancing of theoretical and empirical contributions is the main claim of the present work.
Fake News Detection Revisited: An Extensive Review of Theoretical Frameworks, Dataset Assessments, Model Constraints, and Forward-Looking Research Agendas
Authors: Harris Sheetal , Hadi Hassan Jalil , Ahmad Naveed , Alshara Mohammed Ali
Published: November 2024

The emergence and acceptance of digital technology have caused information pollution and an infodemic on Online Social Networks (OSNs), blogs, and online websites. The malicious broadcast of illegal, objectionable and misleading content causes behavioural changes and social unrest, impacts economic growth and national security, and threatens users’ safety. The proliferation of AI-generated misleading content has further intensified the current situation. In the previous literature, state-of-the-art (SOTA) methods have been implemented for Fake News Detection (FND). However, the existing research lacks multidisciplinary considerations for FND based on theories on FN and OSN users. Theories’ analysis provides insights into effective and automated detection mechanisms for FN, and the intentions and causes behind wide-scale FN propagation. This review evaluates the available datasets, FND techniques, and approaches and their limitations. The novel contribution of this review is the analysis of the FND in linguistics, healthcare, communication, and other related fields. It also summarises the explicable methods for FN dissemination, identification and mitigation. The research identifies that the prediction performance of pre-trained transformer models provides fresh impetus for multilingual (even for resource-constrained languages), multidomain, and multimodal FND. Their limits and prediction capabilities must be harnessed further to combat FN. It is possible by large-sized, multidomain, multimodal, cross-lingual, multilingual, labelled and unlabelled dataset curation and implementation. SOTA Large Language Models (LLMs) are the innovation, and their strengths should be focused on and researched to combat FN, deepfakes, and AI-generated content on OSNs and online sources. The study highlights the significance of human cognitive abilities and the potential of AI in the domain of FND. Finally, we suggest promising future research directions for FND and mitigation.
Comparative Analysis of CT Fluoroscopy Modes and Gastropexy Techniques in CT-Guided Percutaneous Radiologic Gastrostomy
Authors: Brönnimann Michael P. , Tarca Mauro , Segger Laura , Kulagowska Jagoda , Fleckenstein Florian N. , Gebauer Bernhard , Fehrenbach Uli , Collettini Federico , Heverhagen Johannes T. , Auer Timo A.
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: This study was conducted to compare two modes of computed tomography fluoroscopy (CTF) and two gastropexy techniques used in CT-guided percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy (CT-PRG) aiming to identify the optimal techniques for image guidance and gastropexy and, thus, to overcome the current lack of consensus on the preferred modalities. Methods: We retrospectively identified 186 successful CT-PRG procedures conducted evenly across two university hospitals from January 2019 to December 2023. Patients were divided into two groups (intermittent multislice CT biopsy mode-guided technique (MS-CT BM) and retention anchor suture (T-fastener) versus real-time (RT-)CTF and gastropexy device) for descriptive analysis of demographics, indication for PRG, radiation exposure (DLP), procedural time, number of CT scans, gastropexy time, and complications. Differences were assessed for statistical significance using Fisher’s exact test and the Mann–Whitney U-test. Results: Our final study population comprised 100 patients (50 from each center; 62.52 ± 12.36 years, 73 men). There was a significant difference in radiation exposure between MS-CT BM (group 1) and RT-CTF (group 2), with an average dose-length product (DLP) of 56.28 mGycm×m ± 67.89 and 30.91 ± 27.53 mGycm×cm, respectively (p < 0.001). PRG with RT-CTF guidance was significantly faster than PRG with MS-CT BM, with an average difference of 10.28 min (p < 0.001). No significant difference in duration was found between the two gastropexy methods compared (retention anchor suture, 11.50 ± 5.239 s vs. gastropexy device, 11.17 ± 6.015 s; p = 0.463). Complication rates did not differ significantly either (p = 0.458). Conclusions: Our findings indicate comparable efficacy and safety of the two gastropexy methods and underscore that the choice of CTF mode for image guidance has only a small role in reducing radiation exposure in patients undergoing CT-PRG. Instead, it is essential to avoid control scans.
Factors Associated with the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Primary Healthcare Workers Regarding Neglected Tropical Diseases with Skin Manifestations in the Dakar Region, Senegal, 2022
Authors: Fall Lahla , Kourouma Karifa , Diop Assane , Diouf Abdoulaye , Sarr Mohamet Lamine Déthié , Sarr Abdoulaye Dethie , Manet Hawa , Meda Ivlabèhirè Bertrand , Kane Ndeye Mbacké , Delamou Alexandre , Kouanda Seni
Published: November 2024

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) with skin manifestations present a significant health and societal problems challenge worldwide. This study aimed to analyzed factors associated with the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAPs) of primary healthcare workers (HCW) concerning NTDs with skin manifestations in the Dakar region of Senegal. We conducted a cross-sectional study utilizing a semi-structured questionnaire which was administered to eligible HCW (general practitioners, nurses and midwives) working at the 24 health centers located in the Dakar region. Data were collected using the ODK Collect application (version 2022.3.6). KAPs measures were constructed from questionnaire responses, and bivariate analysis was used to identify associated factors. Of the 187 HCW surveyed, 75.9% were female, with a mean age of 35.1 years (SD: 8.56). The majority of HCWs had a bachelor’s degree (40.6%), were nurses (49.2%) and had between 1- and 10-years of professional experience (52.4%). Regarding their knowledge of NTDs with skin manifestations, only 43.3% of HCW had received initial training on NTDs. The most commonly reported NTDs with skin manifestations were leprosy (53.5%), lymphatic filariasis (51.3%), scabies (49.7%), onchocerciasis (45.5%) and schistosomiasis (42.8%). Television was the main source of information about these NTDs (38.5%). In term of practices, only 47.6% of HCW reported being able to diagnose NTDs with skin. Factors associated with good knowledge regarding NTDs with skin manifestations included having received training on NTDs (p = 0.0015) and more years of professional experience (p = 0.004). In summary, there is a need to strengthen and raise awareness about NTDs with skin manifestations among HCWs and promote quality management of patients in Senegal.
Application of Monoclonal Anti-Mycolate Antibodies in Serological Diagnosis of Tuberculosis
Authors: Truyts Alma , Du Preez Ilse , Maesela Eldas M. , Scriba Manfred R. , Baillie Les , Jones Arwyn T. , Land Kevin J. , Verschoor Jan A. , Lemmer Yolandy
Published: November 2024

Patient loss to follow-up caused by centralised and expensive diagnostics that are reliant on sputum is a major obstacle in the fight to end tuberculosis. An affordable, non-sputum biomarker-based, point-of-care deployable test is needed to address this. Serum antibodies binding the mycobacterial cell wall lipids, mycolic acids, have shown promise as biomarkers for active tuberculosis. However, anti-lipid antibodies are of low affinity, making them difficult to detect in a lateral flow immunoassay—a technology widely deployed at the point-of-care. Previously, recombinant monoclonal anti-mycolate antibodies were developed and applied to characterise the antigenicity of mycolic acid. We now demonstrate that these anti-mycolate antibodies specifically detect hexane extracts of mycobacteria. Secondary antibody-mediated detection was applied to detect the displacement of the monoclonal mycolate antibodies by the anti-mycolic acid antibodies present in tuberculosis-positive guinea pig and human serum samples. These data establish proof-of-concept for a novel lateral flow immunoassay for tuberculosis provisionally named MALIA—mycolate antibody lateral flow immunoassay.
Profile Variation in PSR B0355+54 over a Narrow Frequency Range
Authors: Jiang Shibo , Li Lin , Yuen Rai , Yuan Jianping , Yao Jumei , Shi Xun , Xu Yonghua , Chen Jianling , Wen Zhigang
Published: November 2024

We investigate changes in the shape of the averaged pulse profile in PSR B0355+54 (PSR J0358+5413) based on data obtained at the center frequency of 1250 MHz using the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST). Our dataset consists of 12 non-consecutive observations, each lasting between 1 and 2 h. Considerable variation is observed in the averaged profiles across the observations even though each is folded from thousands of single pulses. Changes in the profile are measured through the ratio (R) between the peak intensities of the leading and trailing components. We find that the averaged pulse profile exhibits significant variation across observations, but distinctive from typical profile mode-changing. By dividing the frequency bandwidth into eight sub-bands, we demonstrate that the shape of the averaged profile undergoes significant evolution with frequency. In general, the changes in R across the sub-bands are different in different observations, but its value is uniform at low frequencies implying a more consistent emission. We demonstrate that the profile stabilization timescale for this pulsar is much longer than commonly suggested for ordinary pulsars, which is likely due to non-uniform and varying arrangement of the emission sources in the emission region.
Systematic Review of Dimensions and Indicators in Sustainable and Smart Cities: Trends, Interdependencies, and Continental Variations
Authors: Parra-Pulido Roger Alejandro , Hernández-Peña Yolanda Teresa , Zafra-Mejía Carlos Alfonso
Published: November 2024

Accelerated urbanization challenges cities globally. Ensuring good quality of life and environmental protection requires innovative, data-driven solutions. Sustainable and smart cities (SSCs) offer a promising response, but effective implementation depends on selecting and using appropriate dimensions and indicators. The main objective of this article is to present a systematic review within the framework of SSCs to study trends in the use of dimensions and indicators. A citation frequency index (Q) considering quartiles is used to determine the importance of the variables considered in this study. A spatiotemporal analysis of the dimensions and indicators detected is also performed. The results suggest that the multifaceted nature of SSCs necessitates a holistic approach, with environmental (Q3 = 0.536) and social (Q2 = 0.403) dimensions being principal. Despite the lower ranking (Q1 = 0.080) of the information and communication technology (ICT) dimension, its pervasive influence highlights its evolving importance. Effective ICT implementation relies on robust social and environmental foundations, illustrating their interdependence. The governance (Q1 = 0.169) dimension is also essential for the creation of transparent and equitable urban policies. Key indicators related to energy systems (Q2 = 0.379), data analysis (Q2 = 0.327), and resource management (Q2 = 0.291) are crucial for operational efficiency and sustainability. Continental differences in prioritizing SSC dimensions highlight the importance of context-specific strategies, reflecting unique challenges and opportunities faced by different continental areas. By understanding and addressing these continental differences, policymakers and urban planners can more effectively promote sustainable and resilient urban development worldwide.
Playgrounds as Residual Areas—Case Study of a Playground Regeneration Proposal in Târgu-Mureș, Romania
Authors: Kentelky Endre , Dumitru Hadassa , Lihăt Ildikó , Szekely-Varga Zsolt
Published: November 2024

Playgrounds are envisaged as spaces designed to provide a safe and enjoyable environment that facilitates physical activity among children and adolescents. However, in various instances within cities formerly under socialist governance, these playgrounds have suffered neglect and lacked maintenance, coherent conceptual frameworks, professional oversight, suitable materials for playground structures, and attention to vegetation or potentially toxic elements. They became residual areas in the city’s built environment. Presently, the evaluation and the regeneration of playgrounds in cities have emerged as a significant task. Amidst the densely populated urban fabric, these spaces hold considerable importance for outdoor activities, social interaction, recreational pursuits, and the healthy development of future generations. Simultaneously, these places can play a crucial role in a city’s green infrastructure, local landscapes, and the challenges of sustainability prompted by climate change. The landscape analysis of 22 playgrounds classified them based on land use characteristics, location, functions, equipment, quality, and accessibility. A case study in Târgu-Mureș, scrutinized in detail within this analysis due to its proximity to the city center, within a densely populated urban area, and its multifaceted functionalities, underscores the need for a comprehensive approach encompassing diverse disciplines to address its manifold usage requirements.
PTD-FNK Alleviated LPS-Induced Oxidative Stress of Boar Testicular Sertoli Cells via Keap1-Nrf2 Pathway
Authors: Ji Weixia , Huang Qiuyan , Ma Qiqi , Song Xingxing , Zhang Xin , Li Xun , Wang Xiaoye , Wang Sutian , Wang Yanling , Xiao Zhengzhong , Hu Chuanhuo
Published: November 2024

PTD-FNK, a synthetic anti-apoptotic protein, has been shown to potently alleviate cellular injuries. However, the effects of PTD-FNK on oxidative defense in boar testicular Sertoli cells (SCs) against oxidative injury has not been explored. In this study, we show that exposure of SCs to 100 mg/L lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 12 h leads to decreased survival rate, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and increased malondialdehyde (MDA). Treatment with 0.01 nmol/L PTD-FNK for 4 h significantly enhanced the activity of SOD, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in SCs. Concurrently, PTD-FNK treatment effectively reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the levels of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in SCs. Moreover, using His pull-down and LC-MS techniques, we identified PTD-FNK-interacting proteins and confirmed that this protective effect may be mediated by the regulation of the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway by PTD-FNK. Therefore, PTD-FNK alleviates LPS-induced oxidative stress via the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, providing novel insights for the development of therapeutic agents targeting testicular oxidative damage.
Disseminated Neospora caninum Encephalomyelitis and Myositis in a 3-Month-Old Cane Corso Puppy
Authors: English Abigail L. , Klutzke Joshuah B. , Thomovsky Stephanie A. , Wakamatsu Nobuko
Published: November 2024

We present a case of fatal disseminated neosporosis in a 3-month-old Cane Corso puppy. The puppy presented to the Purdue Veterinary Hospital emergency service with a 1-week history of progressive left hindlimb lameness. On presentation, the puppy was nonambulatory paraparetic. Signs progressed over two days to nonambulatory tetraparesis, and decreased to absent limb reflexes, cranial nerve deficits, and dull mentation. Blood work showed eosinophilia, elevated ALT, and extremely elevated creatine kinase at 36,000 IU/L (reference interval 22–491 IU/L). Two days after diagnostics were performed, the puppy experienced acute cardiac arrest, and the body was submitted for necropsy. At necropsy, skeletal muscle in all four limbs was diffusely pale tan. Tan streaks were disseminated through the diaphragm, abdominal wall, and myocardium. Histologically, Skeletal myocytes and cardiomyocytes were frequently degenerative, with abundant lymphohistiocytic inflammation and fibrosis. White matter within the brain and spinal cord was inflamed and contained frequent dilated myelin sheaths and spheroids. A few protozoal cysts were within the brain and skeletal myocytes. Antemortem antibody titers were positive for IgG against Neospora caninum (dilution titer of 1:4096, baseline 1:32), confirming protozoal cysts as Neospora caninum. Disseminated neosporosis is an uncommon but important clinical differential for ascending paresis in young dogs.
A Retrospective Report on the Infestation and Distribution of Chiggers on an Endemic Rodent Species (Apodemus latronum) in Southwest China
Authors: Liu Qiao-Yi , Guo Xian-Guo , Fan Rong , Song Wen-Yu , Peng Pei-Ying , Zhao Ya-Fei , Jin Dao-Chao
Published: November 2024

Chiggers are the exclusive vector of Orientia tsutsugamushi, which is the causative agent of scrub typhus. Based on the field surveys in southwest China between 2001 and 2022, this paper retrospectively reported the chigger infestation and distribution on the large-eared field mouse (Apodemus latronum), an endemic rodent species in the region, for the first time. A total of 933 chiggers were collected from 501 mice, and these chiggers were identified as 2 families, 8 genera, and 61 species. The overall infestation prevalence (PM) and mean abundance (MA) of A. latronum with chiggers reached 19.76% and 1.86 mites/per mouse, respectively. The chigger infestation indices on adult A. latronum (PM = 38.28%, MA = 5.11) were higher than those on juvenile mice (PM = 12.63%, MA = 0.97) with p < 0.01, showing an age bias of infestation. The relative fatness (K) was used to reflect the nutrition status of the mouse host. The mouse hosts with good nutrition (K = 3.4 ± 0.89 g/cm3) harbored fewer chiggers than the hosts with poor nutrition (K = 2.2 ± 0.90 g/cm3) (p < 0.01). The infestation indices of chiggers on A. latronum obviously fluctuated along different altitude gradients (p < 0.01). With the increase in altitudes, the β diversity of the chigger community showed a gradually increasing tendency. The spillover chord diagram, which was based on indices of PAC (potential for apparent competition), revealed high spillover potentials of dominant chigger species dispersing from high altitude gradients to the lowest one. The chigger abundance was positively correlated with the mean monthly temperature (tmp), mean monthly humidity (hum), the mean monthly precipitation (pre), and the human footprint (hfp), and it was negatively correlated with the altitude (ele) (p < 0.05). The temperature and humidity are the most important factors which influence the chigger infestation.
Research on Energy Management Technology of Photovoltaic-FESS-EV Load Microgrid System
Authors: Xing Yahong , Qin Wenping , Zhu Haixiao , Liu Kai , Zhou Chengpeng
Published: November 2024

This study focuses on the development and implementation of coordinated control and energy management strategies for a photovoltaic–flywheel energy storage system (PV-FESS)-electric vehicle (EV) load microgrid with direct current (DC). A comprehensive PV-FESS microgrid system is constructed, comprising PV power generation, a flywheel energy storage array, and electric vehicle loads. The research delves into the control strategies for each subsystem within the microgrid, investigating both steady-state operations and transitions between different states. A novel energy management strategy, centered on event-driven mode switching, is proposed to ensure the coordinated control and stable operation of the entire system. Based on the simulation results, the PV system cannot cope with the load demand power when it is increased to a maximum of 2800 W, the effectiveness of the individual control strategies, the coordinated control of the subsystems, and the overall energy management approach are confirmed. The main contribution of this research is the development of a coordinated control mechanism that integrates PV generation with FESS and EV loads, ensuring synchronized operation and enhanced stability of the microgrid. This work provides significant insights into optimizing energy distribution and minimizing losses within microgrid systems, thereby advancing the field of energy management in DC microgrids.
Towards a Conceptual Approach on the Connections of Urban Metabolism and Entropy with the Human Habitat
Authors: Barón-Hernández José Alejandro , Baños-Francia José Alfonso , Gerritsen Peter Rijnaldus Wilhelmus , Quijas Sandra
Published: November 2024

The complexity of urban areas has motivated the search for integrative approaches. This paper addresses three topics—human habitat, urban metabolism, and urban entropy—to explore their links within the context of urban territory and sustainability. The lack of approaches, outlooks, and synergies motivates the search for an integrated conceptual framework, what I originated as a review of published works to contribute an interdisciplinary and multiscale outlook. From reviewing 41 articles, published from 1960 to 2020, definitions were extracted, original concepts were identified, synthetic definitions were formulated, and basic elements were identified to be integrated into a first synthetic approach, both illustrative and schematic. Eighteen binding key concepts, which were derived from 83 definitions, were incorporated into the proposed conceptual framework. We suggest that the human habitat, urban metabolism, and urban entropy are strongly interrelated, confirming the utility of the proposed conceptual framework and showing the potential to generate methodological approaches that integrate one or several conceptual elements that comprise it. Demonstrating the explicit bond between definitions, concepts, and components integrated systematically into the proposed conceptual framework is innovative in the field of scientific investigation, considering its applicability to public policy, resource management, or sustainable urban planning.
Kıbrıslı Halîmzâde Alî'nin Menâsikü’l-Hacc'ı
Authors: İnan Ömer Suat
Published: November 2024

İslam dininde Müslümanların yapmakla mükellef oldukları beş farz vardır. Bunlardan biri hac vazifesidir. Dine ait çeşitli mefhumlar edebî bir malzeme olarak edebiyat sahasında kullanılmıştır. Hac mefmuhu çerçevesinde oluşan edebî tür, menâsik-i hac şeklinde isimlendirilmiştir. Menâsik-i haclar, hac vazifesinin nasıl ifa edilmesi gerektiğini anlatan rehberlerdir. Bunlar manzum veya mensur şekilde kaleme alınmışlardır. Bu çalışmamızda mensur bir menâsik-i hac eseri incelenmiştir. 19. yüzyılda kaleme alınmış olan bu eserin müellifi Kıbrıslı Halîmzâde Alî’dir. Kıbrıslı Halîmzade Alî’nin Menâsikü’l-Hac adlı eseri Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti Milli Arşiv ve Araştırma Dairesi’nde yer almakta olup Türkçe yazmalar koleksiyonunda II. Mahmud Ktp. 759’da kayıtlıdır. 12 varaktan oluşan bir menâsik-i hactır. Kıbrıslı Halîmzâde Alî haccın farzları, vacipleri, sünnetleri ve hac esnasında okunması gereken dualara ilişkin bir eser meydana getirmiştir. Çalışmamızın girişinde haccın tanıtımı yapılmış, Türk edebiyatında mensur menâsik-i haclar hakkında bilgi verildikten sonra müellifin hayatı ve eserleri incelenmiş, çalışmanın sonunda da Menâsikü’l-Hac adlı eserin transkripsiyonlu metni verilmiştir.
Martin Bucer’in 16. Yüzyıl Reform Hareketiyle Bölünme Yaşayan Hıristiyanları Uzlaştırma Gayretleri
Authors: Keleş Hatice
Published: November 2024

16. yüzyılda meydana gelen reform hareketi, Martin Luther’in yanı sıra birçok farklı görüşe sahip olan din adamlarını da harekete geçirmiştir. Bu din adamlarından biri Martin Bucer’dir. Bucer, Schlettstadt’ın yerel prestijli hümanist Latin okulunda ileri derecede bir eğitim almıştır. Hayatının erken yıllarında Hümanist ve Erasmian bir kimlik kazanmıştır. Luther ile tanışmasıyla birlikte reformu destekleyen dini liderlerden biri olmuştur. Daha sonra reformun önemli bir dini merkezi olan Strasburg’un din adamları meclisinin başkanı olmuştur. Bucer’in, reforma destek verdiği en önemli görüşü gruplara/cemaatlere ayrılmış olan Hıristiyan alemini uzlaşmacı bir yöntemle tekrar bir araya getirmektir. Bunun için de birçok toplantı, tartışma ve kolokyuma katılmıştır. Öncelikle Protestanları kendi aralarında birleştirmek için çabalamıştır. Daha sonra da Protestanlarla Katolikleri uzlaştırmayı amaçlamıştır. Bu çalışmada Martin Bucer’in reform sürecinde görüş ayrılıkları sebebiyle çeşitli gruplara ayrılan Hıristiyanları birleştirme gayretleri ele alınmıştır.
TRANSNATIONAL LEVERS OF GLOBALIZATION: THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ASPECT
Authors:   Mariupol State University, Kalinin V.
Published: November 2024

The article is devoted to the scientific view’s systematization on the globalization’s processes and forms in the context of the role of the levers of transnationalization in ensuring global economic development. It was established that modern socio-economic changes that take place in the world indicate the formation of systemic manifestations of interconnection and interdependence at the global level. In the conditions of strengthening globalization processes, not only the global space is being formed, but also the corresponding global mechanisms that regulate their activities are developing: the formation of the global labor market, global scientific and educational space, etc. Based on the systematization of scientific views on the processes and forms of globalization, the multivariate approaches to the interpretation of this concept are defined. It is emphasized that modern theories and concepts of the globalization processes’ development rely on various aspects of the countries’ inclusion in global processes and structures. It is emphasized that today there are signs of transformation of the existing globalization paradigm. This is because of the fact that existing economic theories do not cover the latest trends of non-linear development of globalization processes - manifestations of hyperglobalization (expansion of social processes into new forms of spatiality) and deglobalization (reduction of spatiality of social processes). It was determined that the processes of economic activity’s transnationalization play a special role in the development of globalization: globalization, that creates prerequisites and incentives for the development of intra-sectoral international division of labor, also led to the creation of powerful transnational corporations as an independent economic force. It is substantiated that at the current stage, not only the global space is being formed, but also the corresponding global mechanisms that regulate its functioning is also forming. A prominent place among them belongs to the processes of transnationalization. The dominant role of TNCs is accompanied by the formation of systemic relationships and interactions, the essential understanding of which is a condition for the equal inclusion of national economies in the world economy. Key words: globalization, transnationalization, internationalization, global sociality, transnational corporations, transnational interactions.