bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Prefrontal EEG-Derived Theta Cordance to Predict the Response to Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (atDCS) in Female Patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Ruhollah , Roghieh Nooripour , Ghanbari Nikzad
Published: December 2024

Background: In this study, we investigated how theta cordance patterns from the prefrontal (PF), midline left (MLF), and midline right frontal (MRF) cortex can predict the effectiveness of Anodal Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (atDCS) in treating female patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD).
Methods: Our quasi-experimental design included 30 women with TRD, whom we evaluated at the start, after one week (post seven tDCS sessions), and after two weeks (post 14 sessions). The participants were selected through the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-V-Clinical Version and assessed their depressive symptoms and brain electrical activity using Beck's Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) and electroencephalography (EEG). We identified early responders and non-responders after one week based on a decrease of at least 30% in their BDI scores from baseline, ensuring blinded assessments.
Results: Our findings revealed a significant decrease in PF and MLF cordance after one week of tDCS, while changes in MRF cordance were not significant. Notably, MRF cordance changes emerged as a potential predictor of early tDCS response when compared to BDI scores, PF, and MLF cordance. By integrating changes in theta cordance and BDI scores from baseline to the first week (ΔBDI+ΔPF, ΔBDI+ΔMRF, ΔBDI+ΔMLF), we developed predictive models that were statistically significant. The ΔBDI+ΔMLF model showed the highest significance, suggesting it may be a superior predictor of treatment response.
Conclusions: Our study highlights the potential of combining EEG-derived theta cordance from different frontal regions with symptom-based assessments to predict early responses to tDCS in female patients with TRD. These findings underscore the value of precise and tailored interventions in the treatment of treatment-resistant depression.
Analysis of planetary boundaries for waste valorization in the biorefinery context: Case study of the corn value chain in Sucre, Colombia
Authors: Hernandez-Arango Juan Felipe , Ortiz-Sanchez Mariana , Solarte-Toro Juan Camilo , Salcedo-Mendoza Jairo , Cardona-Alzate Carlos Ariel
Published: December 2024

The environmental impact generated by the excessive use of energy and petrochemical products has become a current problem addressed by considering the valorization of waste from a Value Chain (VC) under the biorefinery concept. At a global level, international organizations have proposed different tools to control the environmental impact of VC. the Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is the most representative tool. However, the LCA results do not allow defining a VC impact in a territory. The Planetary Boundaries (PB) approach contextualizes the results of an LCA with the maximum limits allowed for a defined activity. This research aimed to propose and apply a methodology integrating the LCA and PB approach (PBA-LCA). For this, waste valorization under the biorefinery concept was considered. The conceptual process analysis, economic optimization of biorefineries, LCA, and PB approach tools were combined and applied to a representative case study (the corn VC in Sucre, Colombia). First, the corn VC was analyzed to define different valorization alternatives for Corn Stover (CS). The valorization alternatives were simulated and evaluated using Aspen Plus V9.0., and Aspen Economic Analyzer V9.0. and SimaPro V8.3. The LCA impact categories were used to define the PB. The economic optimization of CS biorefineries resulted in the technical and economic limitations of the cellulose valorization fraction due to high capital and operating costs. The LCA results demonstrated the advantages of using CS in agricultural activities. In the biorefinery, the split of CS scenarios for biorefineries had a higher environmental impact. Finally, the PB results demonstrated the advantage of the CS current use. On the other hand, the PB analysis determined the appropriate split of CS scenario to be implemented in Sucre, Colombia. In conclusion, the results demonstrated the need to contextualize the results of an LCA with the PB in a given region to analyze the processes environmental viability.
Highly Reliable Forming-free Conductive-Bridge Random Access Memory via Nitrogen-doped GeSe Resistive Switching Layer
Authors: Kim Ji-Hoon , Park Jea-Gun
Published: December 2024

Conductive-bridge random access memory (CBRAM) is gaining attention as a non-volatile memory device for next-generation storage-class applications. However, CBRAM cells exhibit stochastic natures during continuous bi-stable resistive switching, stemming from the randomness of high-mobility metal ions in the resistive switching layer. This randomness limits wafer-scale integration with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) circuits. In this study, we fabricated a reliable forming-free CBRAM cell consisting of a Pt capping layer, a Cu active source layer, a nitrogen-doped GeSe resistive switching layer, and a W bottom electrode. We compared the continuous resistive switching loops with and without nitrogen contents in the GeSe layer, demonstrating that the nitrogen-doped GeSe CBRAM cell improved electrical variation for the forming and set voltages to below 10%. Using this nitrogen-doped GeSe-based CBRAM cell, we achieved outstanding synaptic plasticity characteristics compared to un-doped GeSe-based CBRAM cells. Finally, we designed a small-scale deep neural network trained with a hardware-based backpropagation learning rule, achieving recognition accuracy of up to 95.57% on handwritten image datasets. Our study demonstrates that the nitrogen-doped GeSe-based CBRAM cell can achieve high reliability and stable synaptic plasticity, thereby contributing to the advancement of next-generation memory technologies.
AI-enhanced guidance demonstrated improvement in novices’ Apical-4- chamber and Apical-5-chamber views
Authors: Karni Ofri , Shitrit Itamar Ben , Perlin Amit , Jedwab Roni , Wacht Oren , Fuchs Lior
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Artificial Intelligence (AI) modules might simplify the complexities of cardiac ultrasound (US) training by offering real-time, step-by-step guidance on probe manipulation for high-quality diagnostic imaging. This study investigates real-time AI-based guidance tool in facilitating cardiac US training and its impact on novice users' proficiency.
Methods: This independent, prospective randomized controlled trial enrolled participants who completed a six-hour cardiac US course, followed by a designated cardiac US proficiency exam. Both groups received in-person guided training using the same devices, with the AI-enhanced group receiving additional real-time AI feedback on probe navigation and image quality during both training and testing, while the non-AI group relied solely on the instructor’s guidance.
Results: Data were collected from 44 participants: 21 in the AI-enhanced group and 23 in the non-AI group. Improvement was observed in the assessment of the AI-enhanced group compared to the non-AI in acquiring the Apical-4-chamber and the Apical-5- chamber views [mean 88% (±SD 10%) vs. mean 76% (±SD 17%), respectively; p=0.016]. On the other hand, a slower time to complete the echocardiography exam was observed by the AI-enhanced group [mean 401sec (±SD 51) vs. 348sec (±SD 81) respectively; p=0.038].
Discussion: The addition of real-time, AI-based feedback demonstrated benefits in the cardiac POCUS teaching process for the more challenging echocardiography views. It also has the potential to surpass challenges related to in-personPOCUS training. Additional studies are required to explore the long-term effect of this training approach.
The side effects of levetiracetam monotherapy in pediatric epilepsy patients
Authors: bilge serap , Baskaya Nevzat
Published: December 2024

Purpose: Levetiracetam is a new medicine that is used for the treatment of focal and generalized seizure control. Several side effects can be observed during treatment with levetiracetam . Studies testing the tolerability and safety of levetiracetam monotherapy in pediatric epilepsy patients are limited. We retrospectively evaluated the side effects of levetiracetam monotherapy and whether there are any clues to predict these side effects in the pediatric epilepsy population.
Materials and Methods: Patients aged 1-17 years with epilepsy treated with levetiracetam monotherapy were included in the study. Age, gender, body weight, blood pressure, duration of levetiracetam use, dose, semiology, epilepsy type, EEG and MRI findings, hemogram and biochemical laboratory findings, and observed side effects were recorded.
Results: Eighty-five patients were included in the study. Twenty-five (29%) patients had side effects. Treatment was discontinued in 11 patients due to side effects. The three most common side effects were agitation (8 patients, 9%), headache (5 patients, 5%) and fatigue (3 patients, 4%). There was no relationship between side effects and gender, body weight, seizure type, levetiracetam dose, duration, EEG, and MRI findings. Vitamin B12 Levels were lower in the group with side effects. The side effects are experienced more frequently in the older age group.
Conclusion: Physical-behavioural side effects were observed in levetiracetam treatment. The age of the group with side effects was older. Lower B12 levels might have a role in initiating some side effects
Optimization of Smithsonite Flotation Using ZnO and Al2O3 Nanocollectors: A Definitive Screening Design Approach
Authors: Meshkini Mohamad , Gharabaghi Mahdi
Published: December 2024

Conventional flotation techniques ores, often encounter challenges when applied to oxidized minerals. This limitation highlights the necessity for developing or improving flotation methods. In this study, the impact of ZnO and Al₂O₃ nanocollectors on smithsonite flotation was examined, and the process was optimized using a comprehensive Definitive Screening Design (DSD). Initially, ZnO and Al₂O₃ nanoparticles were synthesized and modified with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Characterization through TEM, XRD, and FTIR techniques confirmed the successful synthesis and modification of these nanocollectors. The flotation results indicated that ZnO and Al₂O₃ nanocollectors significantly enhanced recovery rates compared to conventional collectors, attributed to their increased surface area and improved interaction with smithsonite particles. The optimal flotation conditions were identified as a pH of 6.0, a pulp density of 7.0%, an air flow rate of 1.0 L/min, 360 g/t oleic acid, 180 g/t ZnO nanocollectors, 250 g/t Al₂O₃ nanocollectors, and 17 g/t A65 frother, achieving a peak recovery rate of 91.1%.
Aloe polysaccharide promotes keratinocyte proliferation, migration, and differentiation by upregulating the EGFR/PKC-dependent signaling pathways.
Authors: Cheng Ching-Yuan , Hsu Shao-Hsuan , Dai Yang-Shia , Chokkalingam Uvarani , Shih Pei-Chun , Ekambaranellore Prakash , Lin Wan-Wan
Published: December 2024

Aloe vera is a popular medicinal plant in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Acemannan (ACE), a β-(1,4)-acetylated mannan, is one of the bioactive compounds isolated from the A. vera gel. The pharmacological effects of ACE have been reported regarding digestive disease protection, antimicrobia, and prebiotic activity. Here, we used HaCaT cells as a model to uncover the potential biological functions of ACE in keratinocytes. ACE increased cell growth in a concentration-dependent manner, and a higher incorporation of BrdU was detected in ACE-treated cells than in vehicle-treated cells, indicating ACE promotes cell proliferation. Furthermore, ACE concentration-dependently promoted cell migration in the wound scratch model. ACE regulated cell differentiation by transiently decreasing p63α expression, but increasing the expression of involucrin, loricrin, and TGase 1, and these effects were non-additive to those induced by PMA, but additive by EGF, which are complete and incomplete differentiation agents of keratinocytes, respectively. Moreover, ACE activated EGFR, PKC, and AKT. PKC inhibitor Ro320432 enhanced cell growth and migration, while EGFR inhibitor osimertinib blocked both responses. In summary, ACE is a potential therapeutic agent in wound healing. ACE activates PKC, leading to keratinocyte differentiation and activates EGFR, contributing to keratinocyte proliferation and migration.
Rheology of Lunar Regolith Simulant Under Varying Gravitational Conditions
Authors: Madden Ian P. , Muruganandam Sathyashri , Missaoui Amine , Gries Oliver , Kollmer Jonathan , D’Angelo Olfa , Sinha-Ray Suman
Published: December 2024

Understanding structure-property-process relationship aka rheology of regolith in varying gravity conditions is critical for exploration and future missions. In this work, a framework for studying rheology of lunar regolith simulant in varying gravity conditions (Terrestrial, Lunar and Martian) is described theoretically/numerically, where the driving force of flow of simulants was gravitational acceleration. In the analysis particle-particle interaction forces were included. It was found that the dynamic behavior of granular material is extremely sensitive to external conditions by virtue of the myriad of forces present between particle grains. The results obtained were validated against results obtained in earth and Lunar gravity conditions. The theoretical/numerical and experimental results showed that the complex interaction of these forces can drastically change the dynamics of the material, which is not captured by standard design rules, generally used in industry, for variable gravity applications.
RETRACTED: Supramolecular Networks with High Shear Stiffening Enabled by Metal
Ion-Mediated Hydrogen Bonding Enhancement Strategy
Authors: He Rui , Chen Zhuo , Chen Heng , Li Yuxi , Wang Binli , Chen Shuhan , Chen Zhi , Huang Qianhua , Yu Xuefeng
Published: December 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
The role of SH3RF2 in lung squamous cell carcinoma and M2 polarization: insights into LZTS2 ubiquitination
Authors: Yang Jie , Jia Zhongfei , Li Juan , Jiang Chao , Zhao Xin , Wang Yuxiang , Ma Xiaoguo , Xu Xinjian
Published: December 2024

Background: Although the treatment of lung cancer has been well developed, the survival rate for lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is still low. It is meaningful to explore new molecular targets and develop new treatment strategies. SH3RF2 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase containing 3 SH3 domains and has not been reported in LUSC.
Results: SH3RF2 promoted the proliferation of LUSC cells, and the nuclear translocation of β-catenin, increased Arg-1, CD163 and IL-10 RNA levels and the proportion of CD206+ cells in M0 THP-1 cells, and enhanced the migration and invasion of M0 THP-1 cells. ICG-001 alleviated the above effects of SH3RF2 on M0 THP-1 cell. In vivo tumorigenesis experiments found that SH3RF2 promoted tumor growth and increased the proportion of M2 cells. IP found that SH3RF2 interacted with LZTS2 and regulated the ubiquitination of LZTS2 with RING domain. LZTS2 overexpression reduced the nuclear translocation of β-catenin, cell migration and invasion, and M2 polarization promoted by SH3RF2 overexpression. The combination of SH3RF2 overexpression and radiotherapy inhibited the growth of tumor.
Conclusions: This study elucidates the cancer-promoting role of SH3RF2, its positive effect on M2 polarization, and its relationship with LZTS2 and β-catenin. It provides new candidate molecular targets for the treatment of LUSC.
Deep Learning-based Prediction of Peptic Ulcer Diseases Caused by Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Using Longitudinal Electronic Health Records
Authors: Kim Joo Seong , Kim Junmo , Chung Hyunsoo , Shin Chaiho , Kim Sae-Hoon , Yoo Sooyoung , Lee Sang Hyub , Kim Kwangsoo , Lee Jun Kyu
Published: December 2024

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are widely used to treat musculoskeletal disorders but are associated with peptic ulcers (PUs). Predicting the risk of PU in NSAID users is essential to minimize serious adverse effects such as bleeding and perforation. We developed and validated a deep learning-based model to predict the occurrence of NSAID-induced PU within 180 days after starting NSAID treatment using longitudinal electronic health records. The cohort included 125,930 patients prescribed NSAID for at least seven days. We used laboratory tests, medication history, and demographic information to train several machine learning and deep learning models, including random forests, gradient boosting machines (GBM), recurrent neural networks (RNN), long short-term memory networks (LSTM), gated recurrent units (GRU), and transformers. Endoscopy reports comprising free-text were used to more accurately determine the incidence of PU. The GRU model achieved the highest performance, with an AUROC of 0.941 for internal validation and 0.964 for external validation. Hemoglobin level, medication duration and aspirin use were significant predictors. Risk scores showed a sharp increase in risk two months before PU. We developed and validated robust predictive models for NSAID-induced PUs using longitudinal EHR data. These models may help inform clinical decision making for NSAID management and prevention of PU. Further studies are needed to improve these models and extend their application to diverse datasets.
Molecular Dynamic Simulation Study on the Influence of Heating Rate on the Thermal Decomposition Process of 1,3,5-Triamino- 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzene (TATB)
Authors: Wei Xianfeng , Sha Shan , Duan Qingying
Published: December 2024

To clarify the effect of heating rate on the thermal decomposition process of 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB), this study employs molecular dynamic simulations to investigate the thermal decomposition of TATB at heating rates of 20, 40, 60, and 80 K/ps. The initial temperature is uniformly set to 300 K, while the final temperature is set to 3000 K. Results indicate that within the temperature range of 300–3000 K, the thermal decomposition rate of TATB decreases with increasing heating rate, whereas the initial decomposition temperature of TATB increases, consistent with the experimental pattern. Within the studied temperature range, a lower heating rate results in a longer decomposition time, leading to increased collision reaction time of decomposition products, a higher probability of formation, and more stable products, such as H2O, CO2, and N2. Conversely, at higher heating rates, the quantities of H2O, CO2, and N2 are reduced.
Methods：The Gaussian09 software was used to calculate the BDEs of TATB molecules, while the MD simulation was performed using the LAMMPS package. Visualization and postprocessing were conducted using the OVITO software, and a custom script was developed to analyze the reaction products and frequencies.
Extensive Longitudinal Transverse Myelitis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Case Report and Review of Current Literature
Authors: AJERTIL Abderrazzak , QUESSAR Abdeljalil EL
Published: December 2024

Acute transverse myelitis (TM) is an inflammatory condition that presents with quickly advancing motor, sensory, and autonomic symptoms, which can have severe consequences. The three leading causes of acute TM are demyelinating diseases, infections, and autoimmune inflammatory conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) includes TM as one of the 19 neuropsychiatric conditions linked with SLE, with an incidence rate of about 1–2% among SLE cases. Misdiagnosis is common, often resulting in high morbidity and mortality. This report examines the case of a 23-year-old woman with progressive muscle weakness in her lower limbs, dysesthesias from the abdomen to the feet, and loss of sphincter control. On examination, severe paraparesis with sensory level at T8 was identified. MRI of the thoracolumbar spine showed hyperintensity on T2 and STIR sequences from T7 to L1, consistent with TM. Due to resistance to initial treatment, cyclophosphamide was administered. After a week in the hospital, the patient showed partial neurological improvement. Recognizing TM in SLE patients requires high clinical suspicion, and early intervention is crucial to minimize severe complications and reduce the rates of morbidity and mortality.
Comprehensive Transcriptomic Analysis of Carbohydrate utilization in Ruminiclostridium papyrosolvens DSM2782
Authors: You Mengcheng , Ren Zhenxing , Ye Letian , Zhao Qiuyun , Liu Ziyi , Song Houhui , Xu Chenggang
Published: December 2024

Background
Lignocellulose is the most abundant renewable bioresource on earth, and its biodegradation and utilization would contribute to the sustainable development of the global environment. Ruminiclostridium papyrosolvens, an anaerobic, mesophilic, and cellulolytic bacterium, produces an enzymatic complex known as the cellulosome. As one of the most highly evolved species among Ruminiclostridium-type species, R. papyrosolvens is particularly relevant for understanding how cellulolytic clostridia modulate their biomass degradation mechanisms in response to diverse carbon sources.
Results
Our study investigates the transcriptional responses of Ruminiclostridium papyrosolvens to different carbon sources to understand its lignocellulose utilization. Using RNA-seq, we analyzed gene expression under cellulose, cellobiose, glucose, xylan, and corn stover, identifying distinct metabolic preferences and regulatory responses. We found significant gene expression changes under corn stover compared to other carbon sources, with enrichment in ABC transporters and cell growth pathways. CAZyme gene expression was regulated by TCSs, affecting sugar transporter systems. Metabolic profiling showed R. papyrosolvens produced more complex metabolites during corn stover fermentation, revealing its adaptability to various carbon sources and implications for metabolic engineering.
Conclusions
The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the responding mechanism of R. papyrosolvens to the most abundant natural polysaccharides, as well as a roadmap for biomass utilization and the industrial application of gene resources or as a host for the process and genetic engineering of cellulolysis.
The Influence of Rural Roads on the Urban-rural Income Inequality
Authors: CUI Yuxin , Wu Zixi , Ma Xiaochen
Published: December 2024

This paper uses data from 212 prefecture-level cities in China from 2014 to 2022, to examine the relationship between rural roads and the urban-rural income inequality. The findings reveal that rural roads can effectively narrow the income inequality between urban and rural areas. The study also uncovers an inverted U-shaped relationship between rural roads and urban and rural income. A spatial Durbin model is used to further understand the potential temporal and spatial impacts, demonstrating that rural road construction has a significant spatial spillover effect on the urban-rural income inequality. Specifically, the construction of rural roads in nearby areas initially expands the urban-rural income inequality in the region. However, with the continuous improvement of rural roads, an inflection point appears, further narrowing the region's urban-rural income inequality. These findings provide a reference for local governments in their efforts to build rural roads.
Potentially damaging variants’ analysis in autism subgroups uncovers early brain-expressed gene modules relevant to autism pathophysiology
Authors: Scaccabarozzi Gaia , Fumagalli Luca , Mambretti Maddalena , Giorda Roberto , Villa Marco , Ceccarelli Silvia Busti , Villa Laura , Mani Elisa , Nobile Maria , Molteni Massimo , Pozzoli Uberto , Crippa Alessandro
Published: December 2024

Background
Understanding the functional implications of genes’ variants related to autism heterogeneity represents a crucial challenge. Gene set analysis examines the combined effect of multiple genes with convergent biological functions. Here we explored whether a multi-step analysis could identify gene sets relevant to autism subtyping in terms of different loads of possibly damaging variants (PDVs) among two subgroups of autistic children.
Methods
After subdividing our sample of 71 autistic children (3-12 years) in two subgroups with higher (>80; n=43) and lower (≤80; n=28) intelligence quotient (IQ), a gene set variant enrichment analysis identified gene sets with significantly different incidence of PDVs between the two subgroups. Significant gene sets were then clustered into modules of genes. Their brain expression was investigated according to the BrainSpan Atlas of the Developing Human Brain. Next, we extended each module by selecting the genes that were spatio-temporally co-expressed in the developing brain and physically interacting with those in the modules. Last, we explored the incidence of autism susceptibility genes within the original and extended modules.
Results
Our analysis identified 38 significant gene sets (FDR, q<0.05), which clustered in four gene modules involved in ion cell communication, neurocognition, gastrointestinal function, and immune system. Those modules were highly expressed in specific brain structures across different developmental stages. Spatio-temporal brain co-expression across development and physical protein interactions identified extended clusters of genes where we found an over-representation of autism susceptibility genes.
Limitations
The sample size of this work is limited. Our analysis was also limited to a disease-associated subsection of the exome.
Conclusions
Our unbiased approach identified modules of genes functionally relevant to autism pathophysiology in a relatively small set of participants, providing evidence of their implication in the phenotypic differences of autism subgroups. The findings of interconnections between different modules and with autism susceptibility genes suggest that diversity in autism likely originates from multiple interacting pathways. Future research could leverage the present approach to identify genetic pathways relevant to autism subtyping.
Hierarchical Contextual Embedding Through Neural Modulation for Advanced Text Comprehension
Authors: Underwood Alishah , Rutherforth Benjamin , Featherly Sophia , Vanderburg Edward , Saffron Lucas
Published: December 2024

Innovative architectures integrating neural modulation layers with hierarchical embeddings have emerged as a powerful framework for enhancing linguistic comprehension and text generation capabilities. Through dynamic regulation of information flow, the proposed approach enables large-scale language models to balance local and global contexts effectively, overcoming challenges associated with long-range dependencies and hierarchical structure processing. The incorporation of modulation mechanisms within transformer-based architectures introduces adaptive signal routing, which prioritizes semantically relevant features while suppressing less significant elements, improving overall representational fidelity. Experimental evaluations demonstrated superior performance across various text comprehension and generation benchmarks, with significant improvements in contextual coherence and semantic alignment. Quantitative analysis revealed that the model achieved higher accuracy and robustness in tasks involving ambiguous or syntactically complex inputs compared to baseline architectures. Error recovery in sequential tasks highlighted the framework's ability to adaptively correct inconsistencies, further validating the efficacy of modulation-enhanced architectures. Qualitative assessments provided additional evidence of enhanced fluency and logical consistency in generated text, underlining the system’s capacity for complex linguistic representation. The modularity and scalability of the architecture were evident through its successful application to diverse datasets and computational setups, ensuring broad applicability and practical utility. By integrating hierarchical embeddings with neural modulation, the framework offers a compelling solution to address existing bottlenecks in the processing of extended text sequences. Furthermore, the adaptive attention mechanisms embedded within the model demonstrated an ability to retain critical contextual elements over long input sequences without degrading computational efficiency. Results suggest that the methodological advancements presented here could serve as a robust foundation for developing more context-aware and semantically coherent language modeling systems. The research contributes to expanding the boundaries of computational linguistics through a novel synthesis of adaptive mechanisms and hierarchical structures, opening pathways to more efficient and interpretable language understanding frameworks.
Effect of UV B Rays on the Specific Phytochemical Synthesis in Trigonella Foenum-Graecum L. And Raphanus Sativus L.
Authors: J JERSHIA HADRIN , SOOSAIRAJ S.
Published: December 2024

The investigation of phytochemical properties in medicinal plants is pivotal for the identification and isolation of potential drug candidates and bioactive compounds from various plant tissues. These properties are integral in elucidating the distinctive biological activities associated with specific plant species. Typically, key plant parts such as leaves, roots, stems, bark, and fruits are extensively analyzed to uncover their phytochemical profiles and therapeutic potential.Mutagenesis entails the exposure of biological materials to mutagens—physical or chemical agents that elevate the mutation rate beyond natural, spontaneous levels. Plant breeding programs to artificially induce genetic variation, facilitating the development of novel plant varieties with desirable traits such as higher yields, early maturation, reduced height, and improved resistance to diseases by producing secondary metabolites.
Income inequality has increased for over two-thirds of the global population
Authors: Chrisendo Daniel , Niva Venla , Hoffmann Roman , Sayyar Sina Masoumzadeh , Rocha Juan , Sandström Vilma , Solt Frederick , Kummu Matti
Published: December 2024

Income inequality is one of the most important measures to indicate economic health, social justice, and quality of life. Yet, especially at the subnational level, comprehensive global data on the distribution of incomes is widely missing. Such data is essential to assess patterns in inequality within countries and their development over time. We created seamless global subnational Gini coefficient and gross national income (GNI) PPP per capita datasets for 1990-2021 and used these to assess the status and trends of income inequality and income as well as their interplay. We show that while gross national income has increased for most (96%) people globally, inequality has also increased for around 68% of the global population. We illustrate heterogeneities in inequality trends between and within countries and analyse plausible confounding factors related to inequality. Our dataset and analyses reveal new insights into the issue, opening novel research avenues at the global, regional or national level and providing comprehensive evidence for policymakers to make informed decisions.
Quantum correlation-enhenced dual-comb spectroscopy
Authors: Yan Ming , Wan Zhuoren , Chen Yuan , Zhang Xiuxiu , Zeng Heping
Published: December 2024

Dual-comb spectroscopy (DCS) is a powerful technique for spectroscopic sensing, offering exceptional resolution, precision, and speed. However, its performance is fundamentally limited by quantum noise inherent to coherent-state optical combs. Here, we overcome this barrier by introducing quantum correlation-enhanced DCS using correlated twin combs generated via seeded four-wave mixing. One comb acts as a local oscillator to decode molecular signals, while the twin suppresses shot noise through intensity-difference squeezing, achieving a 2 dB signal-to-noise ratio improvement beyond the shot-noise limit—equivalent to a 2.6× measurement speed enhancement. Notably, when paired with up-conversion spectroscopy, our approach achieves comb-line-resolved, high-resolution spectra (0.0067 cm⁻¹, 7.5 pm) in the critical 3 μm region for molecular fingerprinting. These results bridge quantum optics and frequency comb spectroscopy, offering great potential for trace gas detection, precision metrology, and chemical analysis. Future developments in detector efficiency and nanophotonic integration could further enhance its scalability and impact.
Bostelmann, Antje (2021). Einfach machen! Den digitalen Wandel im Kindergarten gestalten. Berlin: Bananenblau. 96 S., 19,80 €.
Authors: Emlinger Ulrike
Published: December 2024

Smartphones, Computer und Internet gehören zur aktuellen Lebens- und Erfahrungswelt von Kindern. Dennoch wird zum Teil kontrovers diskutiert, ob und wie digitale Medien sinnvoll im Bildungsalltag von Kitas integriert werden sollen. Antje Bostelmann geht dieser Fragestellung nach. In ihrem Buch ‚Einfach machen! Den digitalen Wandel im Kindergarten gestalten‘ lädt sie dazu ein, sich der Herausforderung zu stellen und erklärt, welche Schritte notwendig sind, um Veränderungsprozesse erfolgreich zu gestalten.
Mit der Anschaffung digitaler Geräte ist es nicht getan. Lernen ist für Bostelmann „ein diskursiver Prozess, der im Austausch mit anderen stattfindet“ (S. 41). Dies bringt nicht nur eine veränderte pädagogische Rolle mit sich, sondern auch die Notwendigkeit, pädagogische Settings weiterzuentwickeln. Sogenannte ‚Makerspaces‘ könnten klassische Raumkonzepte ablösen und Kindergärten den Charakter von Lernlaboren verleihen, in denen Kinder eigene Projektideen, Hypothesen und Fragestellungen entwickeln und Ergebnisse reflektieren.
Lesenswert ist das Buch nicht zuletzt wegen seiner zahlreichen didaktischen und methodischen Vorschläge. Bostelmann versäumt zudem nicht, explizit auf Sorgen von Eltern und Pädagog*innen einzugehen und Möglichkeiten aufzuzeigen, diesen zu begegnen. Damit macht sie allen im Berufsfeld Tätigen Mut, die Veränderungen, die sich durch die Digitalisierung für die pädagogische Arbeit ergeben, anzunehmen und diesen Weg selbstbewusst zu gehen.
Fruit Bagging Enhances Peel Color and Affects Fruit Quality of Citrus Under Protected Screen-grown Grapefruit-like Hybrid ‘914’
Authors: Pareek Shalini , Volpe Joseph H. , Worbington Emily S. , Schumann Arnold W. , Yu Yuan , Hurtado Alma D. , Grosser Jude W. , Gmitter Fred G. , Chater John M.
Published: December 2024

Fruit external color is one of the primary factors associated with consumer choice at the market level. Grapefruit, pomelos, and grapefruit-like hybrids are fruits that can develop different external colors based on horticultural practices. The fruit of ‘914’, which is a grapefruit-like hybrid, is similar to grapefruit in flavor and appearance; however, it has a higher total soluble solids content. The fruit rind tends to be green-yellow to yellow with a pink blush, depending on the harvest date and site conditions. Fruit bagging is a horticultural practice that has been used for more than a century to improve the product quality and appearance of various fruit crop species. During our experiments, fruits of ‘914’ were bagged at two locations in Central Florida to determine the effects of bagging on external fruit color and internal fruit quality. Both locations had fruit-bearing trees in citrus under protected screen structures to exclude Asian citrus psyllid from the cropping system. Fruits were bagged in Jul 2023 and followed until harvest. At the Alturas, FL, USA site, there was one harvest date; however, at the Citrus Research and Education Center site, there were two harvest dates. Data trees were strip-harvested on each harvest date. Fruit weight, diameter, length, and peel color as well as total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and maturity index (soluble solids:acid) were measured. The results indicated that bagging ‘914’ positively influences external peel color and can affect internal fruit quality. More research is needed to determine the optimal windows of fruit bagging of ‘914’ grapefruit-like hybrid and the effects of bagging on consumer sensory perception and postharvest quality.
Himalayan Leucogranites: A Minimal Role in Deformation
Authors: Kohn Matthew J. , Long Sean P. , Harrison T. Mark
Published: December 2024

A popular model of Himalayan metamorphic and structural evolution argues that partial melting of deeply buried rocks triggered crustal weakening, ductile flow, orogenic collapse, and genesis of leucogranites. Here, we review the origins and evolution of partial melts and leucogranites to demonstrate that they are largely incidental to deformation. Although a pulse of orogenic collapse and leucogranite crystallization occurred at 15–25 Ma, pervasive partial melts formed as much as 20 My earlier. Thus, leucogranites date extraction and transport, not necessarily melting onset. Extensional structures and distributed extensional strain occur in many rocks that lack partial melt and leucogranites, indicating these are not prerequisite to facilitate orogenic collapse. Most mass transfer appears to occur via thrusting, even in partially molten rocks.
HI analysis of resolved galaxies in the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey
Authors:   , Maina Eric Kamau
Published: December 2024

This doctoral thesis examines two galaxy groups, Klemola 31 and UGC439, leveraging the observational capabilities of the MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS). The focus was on studying the interstellar medium, specifically the neutral hydrogen (H i) content, distribution, density, and dynamics, through high spatial resolution observations of these groups, and therefore offering insights into the complex processes affecting galaxy evolution in different environments. To make use of an additional tool, the absorption line characteristics of Hi in the two observed systems were analysed and compared with the kinematics and the morphology as induced by the observation of the Hi emission line in the same systems. For Klemola 31, this thesis identifies significant Hi deficiencies and interactions between member galaxies, with notable evidence of tidal interactions between Klemola 31 A and Klemola 31 B as well as ESO400-11 and LEDA2807038; and possible ram-pressure stripping in ESO400-13. The combined analysis of the Hi in emission and absorption indicates the presence of an extraplanar and potential intra-group medium in the group. The UGC439 group was observed in the commissioning phase of the MeerKAT array, revealing contrasting Hi distributions, with the central three galaxies indicating Hi excess while the peripheral galaxies indicating Hi deficiencies. There are two Hi clouds, one close to the central three galaxies and the other to the north. In this case, the observations are consistent with an Hi absorption system from within the disk of a galaxy. This thesis also highlights the necessity for further high spatial and spectral resolution observations to further reveal the intricacies of gas dynamics and its critical role in the life-cycle of galaxies. It serves as an outlook for further studies of the Hi environment of galaxies by combining absorption and emission line studies as first provided by MALS and ultimately by deep Hi surveys with the Square Kilometre Array. This thesis is organised into four chapters. The first chapter details a few concepts and background information about the physics of galaxy evolution. Chapter two talks about Klemola 31 galaxy group, where we start by describing our observation, data reduction and source finding. Thereafter, we explore the Hi morphology and kinematics of this group. In Chapter Three, we turn our attention to UGC439 galaxy group and organise it in a similar manner. A summary and comparison of the two groups is presented in Chapter 4.
Biological control of torch cactus in South Africa: finding a suitable agent for a non-native weed with an unknown indigenous distribution
Authors:   , Griffith Tamzin Camilla
Published: December 2024

Trichocereus spachianus is an invasive cactus species in South Africa and poses challenges as a target for biological control due to confusion around its taxonomy and origin. Adapted to arid environments, this cactus is of particular concern in dry savannah and Karoo biomes, where its invasion of rangelands reduces grazing capacity for both indigenous wildlife and livestock. While previous records indicate that T. spachianus is indigenous to Argentina, recent field surveys have failed to verify its presence. Determining the origin of the target weed was important in developing a biological control programme since it enables the collection of potential agents directly from native populations of the target plant. Successful biological control programmes against cactus species in South Africa have often involved utilising both new associations and oligophagous insects, made possible because of the lack of indigenous and valued cacti in the region. Lack of T. spachianus locations in the native distribution, meant direct collection of insects from the target weed was not possible. Efforts to find biological control agents were focused on new associations between closely related cacti and their oligophagous herbivores. Suitability of multiple Hypogeococcus (mealybug) entities and a cochineal species, Dactylopius confertus, were investigated for their efficacy on various South African weedy cactus species, including T. spachianus. Findings revealed that none of the Hypogeococcus entities (species or lineages) were effective biological control agents, but D. confertus demonstrated potential as a biological control agent with a relatively high fecundity and survival rate on T. spachianus. Efficacy trials indicated that D. confertus could reach population densities sufficient to cause mortality of T. spachianus plants. Limited host specificity trials revealed that D. confertus was suitably host specific for release in South Africa, provided host specificity testing was conducted on additional plants. Approval and release of D. confertus has the potential to reduce the invasiveness of this damaging cactus in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
Decompositional Method of Modal Synthesis at Controlling a MIMO-system with Feedback by State Derivatives
Authors:   Bauman Moscow State Technical University (Bauman MSTU), Zubov Nikolay Evgenievich , Ryabchenko Vladimir Nikolaevich ,   Bauman Moscow State Technical University (Bauman MSTU), Lapin Alexey Vladimirovich ,   Bauman Moscow State Technical University (Bauman MSTU)
Published: December 2024

In this article a method of pole placement in a deterministic linear dynamic MIMO-system at controlling with feedback by state derivatives is developed. The method is based on the special decomposition of the original system by means of matrix zero divisors. The method is applicable for both continuous and discrete cases of describing a MIMO-system, has no restrictions on the dimensions of state vector and input vector of the MIMO-system, algebraic and geometric multiplicity of specified poles, provides the possibility of analytical synthesis of controllers.
Singularly Perturbed Problems with Kernes Depending on Fundamental Solutions of Integro-differential Equations
Authors:   National Research University «Moscow Power Engineering Institute», Bobodzhanov Abduhafiz Abdurasulovich , Bobodzhanova Mashkhura Abduhafizovna ,   National Research University «Moscow Power Engineering Institute», Safonov Valeriy Fedorovich ,   National Research University «Moscow Power Engineering Institute»
Published: December 2024

The paper considers a system of two singularly perturbed integro-differential equations (IDEs), the first of which is a homogeneous equation, and the second is an inhomogeneous one, with an integral operator whose kernel contains the fundamental solution of the first IDE. The classical case, when the kernel depends on a rapidly changing scalar exponential, is the subject of a large number of papers (see bibliography at the end of the article). The case of the dependence of the kernel on the fundamental solutions of differential systems was studied in detail in the monograph by A.A. Bobodzhanov and V.F. Safonov “Singularly perturbed integral and integro-differential equations with rapidly changing kernels and equations with digonal degeneration of the kernel”, published by Sputnik+ in 2017. As shown in this paper, the difficulty of constructing a regularized (in the sense of Lomov) asymptotics of IDEs is due to the complex structure of asymptotic solutions of fundamental solutions of homogeneous differential equations. The problem of constructing the asymptotics of the fundamental solution of a homogeneous IDE and its influence through the kernel on the regularized asymptotics of a nonhomogeneous IDE has not been studied so far. In the present work, this gap is filled. It first constructs a regularized asymptotics of the fundamental solution of a homogeneous IDE, and then develops an algorithm for constructing an asymptotic solution of a nonhomogeneous IDE. It is shown that (in contrast to the asymptotics with a kernel depending on the fundamental solution of a homogeneous differential equation), the asymptotics of the solution of an inhomogeneous IDE will contain, in addition to rapidly changing terms, also slowly changing components induced by the asymptotics of the fundamental solution.
Using Bellman Optimality Principle for the Generative Autoencoder Architecture for the Problems of the Attribute Data Typesetting and Semantic Description in Data Management
Authors:   Unidata LLC, Kuznetsov Sergey ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: December 2024

The publication presents the problems of identifying data types (typesetting) and semantic description of the attributes when managing structured data and master data (Master Data Management). A formal definition of the generalized attribute typesetting problem is given, which allows generation of the additional data types. This problem allows using the discrete Bellman optimality principle under special criteria of the target function. A unified architecture of the deep generative neural network addressing simultaneously the generalized attribute typesetting and semantic description generation problems is proposed. The architecture is based on the generative adversarial autoencoder architecture (AAE) using the mechanisms of soft-attention, and long-term memory (SCRN). The effectiveness of such implementation, in particular, is achieved through the application of the principles of dynamic programming within each epoch of the network training.
Individualized metering and the influence of other endogenous and exogenous factors on water consumption in social housing
Authors: Sborz Julia , Cominato Carolina , Kalbusch Andreza , Henning Elisa
Published: December 2024

Individual water metering allows consumers to pay for the water volume actually consumed, promoting the efficient use of water resources. This case study aims to evaluate the impact of consumption billing based on individual water meters in a social housing complex in the city of Joinville, southern Brazil. The residential complex under study consists of 20 four-story buildings with four units per floor, each with a floor area of 40.17 m2. Statistical analyses were conducted in 158 households, whose residents agreed to participate in the interview stage. Data were collected over a period of 1,429 days. The water billing system was initially based on a collective consumption meter, with subsequent apportionment of the consumption charges between the households. An individual billing system was then implemented, using one water consumption meter per household. The impact of individual water billing on the water consumption data from the households in the sample was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney nonparametric test, and Prais–Winsten regression model. The results showed that the water billing system influences the per capita water consumption in the social housing complex under analysis.