bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Buddhist Yŏnghŏm (Wonder) and Royal Power in Early Chosŏn Korea: The Political Use of Buddhism during the Reign of King Sejo
Authors: Ch’oe Kyŏng-hwan
Published: August 2024

With the establishment of Chosŏn, the adoption of the Cheng-Zhu learning as its official ruling ideology led to the suppression of Buddhism, and the role of Buddhism in the public domain gradually diminished. However, the importance and influence of Buddhism in both thought and faith since the period of the Three Kingdoms were so great that it was very difficult to reduce them in a short period of time. Moreover, the state policy regarding Buddhism was a very complicated issue, involving the practical interests of the political powers of early Chosŏn. As a result, for a period of time after the foundation of the new dynasty, Buddhism still remained rather influential in many areas, not only as an ideology but also as a religion, and the differences in positions toward Buddhism between the king and the Confucian literati sometimes led to tensions and conflicts. Under these circumstances, Sejo, the seventh king of Chosŏn, came to power through a coup, purging many officials as well as his own blood relatives. Consequently, it was difficult for him to legitimize his kingship through Confucianism, which emphasizes socioethical values. Although the official role of Buddhism in the state was diminished, King Sejo sought to capitalize on its sociocultural influence, especially by endowing the phenomena of Buddhist wonders with political significance and using them as a means to enhance his authority. During his 14-year reign, Buddhist wonders, such as the appearance of the Buddha or the dividing of śarīra in Wŏn’gaksa Temple, Sangwŏnsa Temple, are believed to have occurred approximately 40 times. The perception that King Sejo’s merits led to the manifestation of wonder and that his subsequent gifts generated new merits for him likely served to increase his authority and strengthen his political power. Officials hardly resisted Sejo’s use of Buddhism, and as a result, the phenomenon of Buddhist wonder and related royal pardons occurred during his reign more than any other reign period during Chosŏn. The Buddhist wonders, along with large-scale pardons and gifts, allowed King Sejo to portray himself as a monarch with great benevolence and authority and also to use as a public tactic to comfort his people. Therefore, Buddhism served as a religion that helped the king create an ideal public image for himself, and with this Buddhism, the king could increase his royal authority.
“Fruit of the Earth”, “Fruit of the Vine”, “Work of Human Hands”: A Logiké Latreía towards a Transformative Response to the Ecological Crisis? Liturgical and Pastoral Implications
Authors: Buttigieg Dorianne
Published: August 2024

This paper aims to explore how liturgical celebration can serve as a transformative response to the contemporary ecological crisis and its consequences. This is inextricably bound to the importance of addressing the pastoral needs of individuals who are hurting due to their interactions or lack thereof with the cosmos and the erosion of their relationship with nature in a technocratic consumerist society. Ritual, as a vehicle for personal and communal transformation, takes on heightened significance in a world wounded by ecological devastation. Rituals, often deeply embedded in cultural, religious, or personal practices, indeed have the capacity to facilitate personal transformation. They provide a framework for individuals to navigate life transitions, foster a sense of belonging, and connect with the overarching narrative. However, in an ecologically wounded world, where environmental degradation, climate change, and biodiversity loss are pressing concerns, the ramifications of ritual take on added significance and complexity. This paper seeks to address the urgency of the need to respond to this multifaceted crisis by paying attention to the pastoral needs of the individual and the community at large by redressing the real meaning of worship and reflecting on how, within a Christian tradition, this reconfiguration of worship can be provocative enough to instil change. However, this endeavour is not without inherent challenges and enduring questions. The pervasive influence of a technocratic worldview poses a significant threat not only to our relationship with the earth but also to the very essence of ritual itself. Can the liturgical experience, reaching its climax in the Eucharistic celebration, be truly a catalyst in asserting a proper relationship of humanity on various levels, which are concentric and, thus, dependant on each other, with humanity itself, with the cosmos, and with God?
Dulia or Latria: Revisiting the Catholic Missionaries’ View on Guishen in Late Ming and Early Qing
Authors: Sun He
Published: August 2024

Angels and guishen 鬼神, as entities distinct from humans, hold great importance in Chinese and Judaeo-Christian cultures, respectively. Since they share similar roles in providing moral guidance, Jesuit missionaries attempted to identify angels with the guishen to facilitate the introduction of the Catholic cult of angels to China. However, as the Chinese reverence for guishen differed somewhat from the Catholic cult of angels, this identification posed significant doctrinal questions. This article uses the issue of reverence for guishen to review the missionaries’ different understandings and interpretations of Chinese guishen. By distinguishing three different attitudes and positions towards Chinese guishen, it shows that both sides, adhering to their respective cultural centers, are unable to resolve the debates on these spirits, whether interpreting the West through Chinese perspectives, as “Sinicizing Christianity” 以儒化耶, or interpreting China through Western perspectives, as “Christianizing Confucianism” 以耶化儒. Therefore, this article argues that although the controversies over the nature and reverence of guishen between China and the West are unavoidable, there is still common ground in their understanding of sacred existence. As demonstrated by the missionaries’ recognition, interpretation, and understanding of Chinese guishen at different times, it reveals the inherent tension between Chinese and Western cultures.
Is It Necessary to Add the Feedback Insufflation Time in Manikins? A Simulation Pilot Study
Authors: Castro-Alonso Luis , Carracedo-Rodríguez Eloy , Otero-Agra Martín , Vázquez-Álvarez Sheila , Barcala-Furelos Roberto , Fernández-Méndez María
Published: August 2024

(1) Objective: This study aimed to assess the evolution of the quality of ventilations of a group of rescuers after two training sessions by taking into account inspiration times. (2) Materials and Methods: A pilot simulation study was carried out with a sample of 10 lifeguard students. Two training sessions were held three weeks apart, in which CPR skills were trained by means of feedback tools. Participants performed three tests in pairs on a ResusciAnne QCPR® manikin connected to SkillReporter QCPR software, namely one pre-training test and one test after each training session. CPR was performed in pairs for two minutes and began with five rescue breaths. (3) Results: One training session was enough to improve chest compression quality (T0: 48%; IQR 17–77/T1: 83%; IQR 59–88; p = 0.022/T2: 79%; IQR 64–92; p = 0.002). The quality of the ventilations increased progressively in each training session without reaching high-quality results (T0: 0%; IQR 0–0/T2: 15%; IQR 8–27; p = 0.011). (4) Conclusion: A two-session training program focused on inspiratory times achieved significant improvements in the quality of bag-mask ventilations performed by lifeguard students. Training focused on the insufflation time of ventilations and not only on the volume seems to be an important factor in improving the quality of ventilations.
Lebanon’s Economic Development Risk: Global Factors and Local Realities of the Shadow Economy Amid Financial Crisis
Authors: Abou Ltaif Samar F. , Mihai-Yiannaki Simona , Thrassou Alkis
Published: August 2024

The shadow economy’s size and impact remain subjects of extensive research and debate, holding significant implications for economic policy and social welfare. In Lebanon, the ongoing crisis since 2019 has exacerbated severe economic challenges, with the national currency’s collapse, bank crisis, and foreign reserve deficits. The World Bank reports Lebanon’s financial deficit surpassed $72 billion, three times the GDP in 2021. Despite a drastic decline in GDP, imports have surged to near-pre-crisis levels, exacerbating economic woes and indicating a constant outflow of foreign currencies. Considering such contracting facts, this paper aims to investigate global factors influencing the shadow economy and discern their manifestations in Lebanon during financial crises. Our methodology involves a comprehensive literature review, alongside a case study approach specific to Lebanon. This dual-method strategy ensures a detailed understanding of the shadow economy’s impact and the development of actionable insights for policy and economic reform. Through this approach, we seek to contribute to a nuanced understanding of Lebanon’s economic landscape and provide valuable guidance for policy decisions aimed at reducing corruption, promoting transparency, and fostering a robust formal economy. The increase in the shadow economy raises the formal economy risk, as resources and activities diverted to informal channels hinder the growth and stability of the official economic sector. Although focusing on Lebanon, this analysis deepens the comprehension of the economic landscape and provides valuable guidance for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders, aiming to address the root causes of informal economic activities and promote sustainable growth in developing countries in general.
The Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Based Estimation of Turbulent Heat Fluxes in the Sub-Surface of Urban Forests Using an Improved Semi-Empirical Triangle Method
Authors: Liu Changyu , Deng Shumei , Yang Kaixuan , Ma Xuebin , Zhang Kun , Li Xuebin , Luo Tao
Published: August 2024

Analysis of turbulent heat fluxes in urban forests is crucial for understanding structural variations in the urban sub-surface boundary layer. This study used data captured by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and an improved semi-empirical triangle method to estimate small-scale turbulent heat fluxes in the sub-surface of an urban forest. To improve the estimation accuracy, the surface temperature (TS) of the UAV-based remote sensing inversion was corrected using the hot and cold spot correction method, and the process of calculating ϕmax using the traditional semi-empirical triangle method was improved to simplify the calculation process and reduce the number of parameters in the model. Based on this method, latent heat fluxes (LE) and sensible heat fluxes (H) were obtained with a horizontal resolution of 0.13 m at different time points in the study area. A comparison and validation with the measured values of the eddy covariance (EC) system showed that the absolute error of the LE estimates ranged from 4.43 to 23.11 W/m2, the relative error ranged from 4.57% to 25.33%, the correlation coefficient (r) with the measured values was 0.95, and the root mean square error (RMSE) was 35.96 W/m2, while the absolute error of the H estimates ranged from 3.42 to 15.45 W/m2, the relative error ranged from 7.51% to 28.65%, r was 0.91, and RMSE was 9.77 W/m2. Compared to the traditional triangle method, the r of LE was improved by 0.04, while that of H was improved by 0.06, and the improved triangle method was more accurate in estimating the heat fluxes of urban mixed forest ecosystems in the region. Using this method, it was possible to accurately track the LE and H of individual trees at the leaf level.
Risk Analysis of Underground Tunnel Construction with Tunnel Boring Machine by Using Fault Tree Analysis and Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Koohathongsumrit Nitidetch , Chankham Wasana
Published: August 2024

Tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are preferred for constructing tunnels, particularly for underground mass transit railways, because of their speed, minimal environmental impact, and increased safety. However, TBM tunneling involves unavoidable risks, necessitating careful assessment and management for successful project completion. This study presents a novel hybrid risk-analysis method for tunnel construction using TBMs. The proposed method integrates fault tree analysis (FTA) and the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (fuzzy AHP). FTA was employed to calculate the probabilities of risk occurrences, while fuzzy AHP was utilized to determine the consequences of the risks. These probability and consequence values were used to calculate continuous risk levels for more accurate risk analysis. The proposed method was applied to a real case of metro line construction. The results demonstrated that the proposed method effectively analyzes the risks, accurately reflecting decision support data. The risks were categorized based on the continuous risk levels in descending order. The most significant risk was the deterioration of the TBM. The benefits of this study provide project managers and stakeholders involved in underground construction with a new risk-analysis method that enhances work safety and facilitates the timely execution of urban tunnel construction projects.
Characterisation of the Volatile Compounds and Key Odourants in Japanese Mandarins by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry and Gas Chromatography–Olfactometry
Authors: Li Lingyi , Goh Rui Min Vivian , Huang Yunle , Ee Kim-Huey , Pua Aileen , Tan Daphne , Zhang Shanbo , Jublot Lionel , Liu Shao Quan , Yu Bin
Published: August 2024

Japanese mandarins are becoming increasingly popular due to their pleasant aroma. The volatiles in four varieties of Japanese mandarins (Iyokan, Ponkan, Shiranui, and Unshiu mikan) were extracted by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and solvent extraction, then analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Principal component analysis (PCA) of the GC-MS data demonstrated distinct segregation of all four Japanese mandarin varieties. Esters, such as neryl acetate, distinguished Iyokan. Methylthymol uniquely characterised Ponkan, valencene was exclusive to Shiranui, and acids like hexanoic acid and heptanoic acid differentiated Unshiu mikan from the other three varieties. Aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) revealed 131 key odourants across four Japanese mandarins, including myrcene (peppery, terpenic), perillyl alcohol (green, spicy, floral), trans-nerolidol (sweet, floral), and trans-farnesol (woody, floral, green). Finally, sensory evaluation was conducted on the four Japanese mandarin peel extracts to describe the distinct aroma profile of each variety of Japanese mandarin: Iyokan had higher floral and juicy notes, Ponkan showed higher sulphury notes, Shiranui was perceived to have more albedo notes, and Unshiu mikan exhibited higher peely, green, and woody notes.
Addressing Urban Management Challenges for Sustainable Development: Analyzing the Impact of Neighborhood Deprivation on Crime Distribution in Chicago
Authors: Mansourihanis Omid , Maghsoodi Tilaki Mohammad Javad , Sheikhfarshi Shiva , Mohseni Fatemeh , Seyedebrahimi Ebrahim
Published: August 2024

Urban crime prevention remains a critical challenge intertwined with socioeconomic disparities. This study investigates the spatial nexus between urban deprivation and crime decline in Chicago from 2015 to 2022, addressing the question: How do changes in neighborhood deprivation relate to crime reduction patterns? Using comprehensive crime incident and census tract Area Deprivation Index (ADI) data, this study conducted exploratory spatial analysis, regression modeling, and local bivariate relationship analysis. The findings reveal persistent hotspots of concentrated deprivation on Chicago’s south and west sides, alongside a general citywide crime decline. However, the current research uncovered significant spatial heterogeneity in both deprivation patterns and crime reduction, challenging the achievement of equitable public safety outcomes. Surprisingly, while crime incidents in 2015 and 2022 significantly predicted crime change, ADI scores were not statistically significant predictors in our regression model. Local bivariate analysis exposed diverse relationships between ADI changes and crime rate changes across neighborhoods, with 72.2% of census tracts showing no statistically significant relationship. This underscores the complexity of urban crime dynamics and the importance of local context in understanding these patterns. Our research contributes a nuanced understanding of the intricate relationship between urban deprivation and crime patterns, providing valuable insights for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and urban planners. These findings highlight the need for integrated, long-term strategies that address both crime prevention and socioeconomic disparities, ultimately fostering safer, more equitable urban environments and informing evidence-based interventions tailored to specific neighborhood contexts.
Towards a Block-Level Conformer-Based Python Vulnerability Detection
Authors: Bagheri Amirreza , Hegedűs Péter
Published: August 2024

Software vulnerabilities pose a significant threat to computer systems because they can jeopardize the integrity of both software and hardware. The existing tools for detecting vulnerabilities are inadequate. Machine learning algorithms may struggle to interpret enormous datasets because of their limited ability to understand intricate linkages within high-dimensional data. Traditional procedures, on the other hand, take a long time and require a lot of manual labor. Furthermore, earlier deep-learning approaches failed to acquire adequate feature data. Self-attention mechanisms can process information across large distances, but they do not collect structural data. This work addresses the critical problem of inadequate vulnerability detection in software systems. We propose a novel method that combines self-attention with convolutional networks to enhance the detection of software vulnerabilities by capturing both localized, position-specific features and global, content-driven interactions. Our contribution lies in the integration of these methodologies to improve the precision and F1 score of vulnerability detection systems, achieving unprecedented results on complex Python datasets. In addition, we improve the self-attention approaches by changing the denominator to address the issue of excessive attention heads creating irrelevant disturbances. We assessed the effectiveness of this strategy using six complex Python vulnerability datasets obtained from GitHub. Our rigorous study and comparison of data with previous studies resulted in the most precise outcomes and F1 score (99%) ever attained by machine learning systems.
The Negative Binomial INAR(1) Process under Different Thinning Processes: Can We Separate between the Different Models?
Authors: Karlis Dimitris , Mamode Khan Naushad , Sunecher Yuvraj
Published: August 2024

The literature on discrete valued time series is expanding very fast. Very often we see new models with very similar properties to the existing ones. A natural question that arises is whether the multitude of models with very similar properties can really have a practical purpose or if they mostly present theoretical interest. In the present paper, we consider four models that have negative binomial marginal distributions and are autoregressive in order 1 behavior, but they have a very different generating mechanism. Then we try to answer the question whether we can distinguish between them with real data. Extensive simulations show that while the differences are small, we still can discriminate between the models with relatively moderate sample sizes. However, the mean forecasts are expected to be almost identical for all models.
Adopting the Materiality Principle in Sustainable Operations Management
Authors: Leseure Michel , Bennett David
Published: August 2024

This paper argues that operations management needs a commonly understood materiality principle to truly contribute to sustainability. A framework initially developed in international finance is generalized and used to model firms as borrowing resources from a common creditor, the environment, and to establish when a sustainable initiative is material in terms of impact. Our framework also solves the long-standing challenge of measuring impact at the level of an operations unit of analysis.
Maximization of Total Profit for Hybrid Hydro-Thermal-Wind-Solar Power Systems Considering Pumped Storage, Cascaded Systems, and Renewable Energy Uncertainty in a Real Zone, Vietnam
Authors: Ha Phu Trieu , Tran Dao Trong , Phan Tan Minh , Nguyen Thang Trung
Published: August 2024

The study maximizes the total profit of a hybrid power system with cascaded hydropower plants, thermal power plants, pumped storage hydropower plants, and wind and solar power plants over one operation day, considering the uncertainty of wind speed and solar radiation. Wind speed and solar radiation in a specific zone in Vietnam are collected using the wind and solar global atlases, and the maximum data are then supposed to be 120% of the collection for uncertainty consideration. The metaheuristic algorithms, including the original Slime mould algorithm (SMA), Equilibrium optimizer, and improved Slime mould algorithm (ISMA), are implemented for the system. ISMA is a developed version of SMA that cancels old methods and proposes new methods of updating new solutions. In the first stage, the cascaded system with four hydropower plants is optimally operated by simulating two cases: simultaneous optimization and individual optimization. ISMA is better than EO and SMA for the two cases, and the results of ISMA from the simultaneous optimization reach greater energy than individual optimization by 154.8 MW, equivalent to 4.11% of the individual optimization. For the whole system, ISMA can reach a greater total profit than EO and SMA over one operating day by USD 6007.5 and USD 650.5, equivalent to 0.12% and 0.013%. The results indicate that the optimization operation of cascaded hydropower plants and hybrid power systems can reach a huge benefit in electricity sales
Mapping Drivers, Barriers, and Trends in Renewable Energy Sources in Universities: A Connection Based on the SDGs
Authors: Skrzyzowski Vinicius dos Santos , Farinhas Felipe Neves , Teixeira Maria Cecília Ferrari de Carvalho , Barros Murillo Vetroni , Salvador Rodrigo , Neto Sebastião Cavalcanti , Lermen Fernando Henrique
Published: August 2024

Universities play a pivotal role in modern society and must lead the way in achieving energy efficiency, directly contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Like small towns in resource consumption and population mobility, many universities and research centers face significant challenges transitioning to renewable electricity systems. This study aims to (i) map the current scientific literature on renewable energy sources used by universities; (ii) discuss the drivers, barriers, and trends of implementing renewable energy; and (iii) establish a connection with the SDGs. More specifically, the authors conducted a systematic literature review based on three stages: (i) data collection, (ii) bibliometric analysis, and (iii) content analysis. Forty-two articles were obtained and defined as the studied sample. The findings of this review illuminate critical research themes, leading countries in renewable energy adoption, and the prevalent electricity sources, shedding light on the primary authors shaping the discourse. Wind and solar energy exhibit a notable growth trajectory, offering environmentally friendly alternatives compared to conventional sources. Furthermore, it is essential to highlight that the distribution of research documents in the sample is uneven, with a predominant concentration in European countries. Additionally, the study identifies the field’s key drivers, barriers, and emergent trends. The theoretical contributions encompass a comprehensive compilation of renewable energy sources, discernible research trajectories, and strategies to navigate obstacles. In practical terms, this work offers valuable insights for the selection of energy sources and stakeholder engagement, facilitating informed decision-making processes. This article’s novelty lies in its holistic examination of renewable energy adoption in university settings, providing a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and actionable insights for stakeholders seeking sustainable energy solutions within these institutions. This aligns with multiple SDGs, including Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and Goal 13 (Climate Action), underscoring the critical role of universities in driving sustainable development.
Exploring the Use of Avatars in the Sustainable Edu-Metaverse for an Alternative Assessment: Impact on Tolerance
Authors: Zaky Yara Ahmed Mohebeldin , Gameil Azza Ali
Published: August 2024

This article investigates how avatars in the metaverse can be used for peer evaluation in a sustainable educational setting. The goal is to find the best alternative modes of assessment (one-to-many/many-to-one) to evaluate the design of a sustainable educational environment. The research also explores how learners’ avatars influence the development of tolerance and respect for others within the metaverse. The study involved 36 female graduates from King Faisal University’s College of Education. A quasi-experimental design with two experimental groups was employed to assess performance. Through a product quality card and applying a tolerance (IPTS) scale for data collection. The preliminary findings indicate that the avatars within the (one-to-many) group demonstrated better performance and showed an increase in tolerance values after the intervention, compared to their counterparts (many-to-one) as an alternative mode of assessment, in the development of a sustainable Edu-Metaverse environment. The research validated that avatars enhance positive attitudes and behaviors, thereby providing insights for developing more effective educational interventions and contributing to enhancing the user experience and implementation of sustainable educational initiatives through a metaverse.
Direct Visualization of Organometallic Intermediates on Cu(111) with Bond-Resolving Non-Contact Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Hao Xiaoyu , Li Yan , Ji Hongyan , Wang Tingting , Fan Haolong , Zhang Quanzhen , Yang Huixia , Liu Liwei , Zhang Teng , Wang Yeliang
Published: August 2024

In this study, we investigated the surface-confined coupling reactions of 1,8-dibromobiphenylene (BPBr2) on Cu(111) to elucidate the details of the organometallic intermediates via Ullmann reactions. We used scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to characterize the resulting organometallic intermediates. Moreover, submolecular resolution of the non-contact atomic force microscopy (nc-AFM) qPlus technique enables the bond-resolving within the organometallic dimer product. Our findings reveal the debromination of BPBr2 on Cu(111), leading to the formation of an organometallic dimer intermediate at room temperature. Through nc-AFM measurements, we confirm and visualize the formation of the C-Cu-C bond. These insights enhance our understanding of Ullmann reaction and hold potential implications for the design of novel two-dimensional electronic devices.
Sustainable Production of Biosurfactant Grown in Medium with Industrial Waste and Use for Removal of Oil from Soil and Seawater
Authors: Lima Bruna G. A. , Santos Júlio C. V. , Silva Renata R. , Caldas Maria Catarina F. , Meira Hugo M. , Rufino Raquel D. , Sarubbo Leonie A. , Luna Juliana M.
Published: August 2024

Biosurfactants are amphipathic molecules with considerable potential for application in different industries due to their biochemical characteristics, low toxicity as well as greater biodegradability and stability compared to chemical surfactants when submitted to adverse environmental conditions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the production of a biosurfactant by Candida lipolytica UCP 0988 grown in a medium containing 4.0% molasses, 2.5% used soybean frying oil, and 2.5% corn steep liquor for 144 h at 200 rpm. The biosurfactant was characterized; its stability and toxicity were investigated, and the compound was applied in oil removal tests. In the C. lipolytica growth and biosurfactant production studies, the surface tension of the medium was reduced from 72 mN/m to 25 mN/m, the critical micellar concentration (CMC) was 0.5 g/L (w/v), and the yield was 12 g/L. Tests under extreme conditions of temperature, pH, and NaCl indicated the stability of the biosurfactant. Fourier-transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the chemical structure of the purified biosurfactant suggested that the biosurfactant is a glycolipid. The anionic biosurfactant exhibited no toxicity to the microcrustacean Artemia salina or vegetable seeds (Brassica oleracea). Dispersion tests in seawater demonstrated 100% efficiency of the biomolecule against motor oil. The biosurfactant was efficient at removing oil from sand in static and kinetic tests at concentrations of ½ CMC (0.25 g/L), CMC (0.5 g/L), and 2 × CMC (1.0 g/L), with removal rates of 70 to 96%, whereas the synthetic surfactants tested removed only 10 to 18% of the oil. Based on the findings, the biosurfactant analyzed has considerable potential for the remediation of contaminated coastal and marine environments due to oil spills.
MM-Transformer: A Transformer-Based Knowledge Graph Link Prediction Model That Fuses Multimodal Features
Authors: Wang Dongsheng , Tang Kangjie , Zeng Jun , Pan Yue , Dai Yun , Li Huige , Han Bin
Published: August 2024

Multimodal knowledge graph completion necessitates the integration of information from multiple modalities (such as images and text) into the structural representation of entities to improve link prediction. However, most existing studies have overlooked the interaction between different modalities and the symmetry in the modal fusion process. To address this issue, this paper proposed a Transformer-based knowledge graph link prediction model (MM-Transformer) that fuses multimodal features. Different modal encoders are employed to extract structural, visual, and textual features, and symmetrical hybrid key-value calculations are performed on features from different modalities based on the Transformer architecture. The similarities of textual tags to structural tags and visual tags are calculated and aggregated, respectively, and multimodal entity representations are modeled and optimized to reduce the heterogeneity of the representations. The experimental results show that compared with the current multimodal SOTA method, MKGformer, MM-Transformer improves the Hits@1 and Hits@10 evaluation indicators by 1.17% and 1.39%, respectively, proving that the proposed method can effectively solve the problem of multimodal feature fusion in the knowledge graph link prediction task.
Initial Coefficient Bounds for Certain New Subclasses of Bi-Univalent Functions Involving Mittag–Leffler Function with Bounded Boundary Rotation
Authors: Aldawish Ibtisam , Sharma Prathviraj , El-Deeb Sheza M. , Almutiri Mariam R. , Sivasubramanian Srikandan
Published: August 2024

By using the Mittag–Leffler function associated with functions of bounded boundary rotation, the authors introduce a few new subclasses of bi-univalent functions involving the Mittag–Leffler function with bounded boundary rotation in the open unit disk D. For these new classes, the authors establish initial coefficient bounds of |a2| and |a3|. Furthermore, the famous Fekete–Szegö coefficient inequality is also obtained for these new classes of functions.
State Reconstruction of Remote Robotic System Using Delayed Output and Torque Estimation
Authors: Shen Shaobo , Jin Liqiang
Published: August 2024

The state reconstruction problem for a remote robotic system with communication delay is investigated in this paper. A symmetric estimation scheme is proposed based on both input and output observers. First, a sliding-mode disturbance observer is designed to estimate the input torque of the robot on the remote side. Then, by using the received output and torque estimation subject to time delay, a novel predictive observer is proposed on the local side to reconstruct the real-time joint angles and velocities. Based on a Lyapunov approach, sufficient conditions are obtained to make sure that the estimation errors can converge exponentially to bounded regions through selecting proper observer gains. Simulation studies are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed strategy. The estimation error of state reconstruction is decreased by 14% in terms of the integral square error when compared to the standard high-gain predictor, and the simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of force estimation under disturbances and model uncertainties.
Non-Selective Reduction of P-Stereogenic Phosphinoylacetic Acid Esters and 3-Phosphorylated Coumarins to Phosphino-Boranes: Discovery of Unexpected 2,3-Dihydrobenzofuran Derivative
Authors: Dziuba Kamil , Walczak Natalia , Szwaczko Katarzyna
Published: August 2024

This paper presents the efficient reduction of phosphinoylacetic acid esters and 3-phosphorylated coumarin to their corresponding phosphino-boranes using BH₃-THF complexes. Optimized conditions for the reduction of phosphinoylacetic acid esters resulted in high yields of phosphinoborates. The straightforwardness and efficiency of the process were demonstrated for diarylphosphinoylacetic acid ethyl esters, as well as P-stereogenic L-menthyl esters, where the simultaneous reduction of the strong P=O bond and the ester group was exclusively observed for the first time. The study also highlighted the significant influence of steric effects with bulky substituents, such as the menthol group or the 1-naphthyl substituent at phosphorus, on the reduction efficiency. However, the reduction of 3-phosphorylated coumarins produced an unexpected reaction product: a 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran derivative. The present findings provide valuable information on the direct reduction of phosphine oxides and related compounds, demonstrating the versatility of borane complexes in synthetic chemistry, and provide new perspectives for studying the problems of symmetry and asymmetry in the chemistry of such transformations.
Design of Cell-Specific Targeting Peptides for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Chen Xiaoyong , Wang Di , Jiang Yun-Bao , Jiang Tao
Published: August 2024

The landscape of cancer therapy has gained major impetus through the development of materials capable of selectively targeting cancer cells while sparing normal cells. Synthetic peptides are appealing as scaffolds for the creation of such materials. They are small in size, amenable to chemical synthesis and functionalization, and possess diverse chemical and structural space for modulating targeting properties. Here, we review some fundamental insights into the design, discovery, and evolution of peptide-based targeting agents, with a particular focus on two types of cancer cell targets: unique/overexpressed surface receptors and abnormal physiological properties. We highlight the cutting-edge strategies from the literature of the last two decades that demonstrate innovative approaches to constructing receptor-specific cyclic binders and stimulus-responsive targeting materials. Additionally, we discuss potential future directions for advancing this field, with the aim of pushing the frontiers of targeted cancer therapy forward.
Diatom Flora from Time-Series Sediment Trap in the Kuroshio Extension Region of the Northwestern Pacific
Authors: Park Joon Sang , Kim Hyung Jeek , Lee Kyun-Woo , Ha Hyun Ju , Kim Yun Jae
Published: August 2024

Precise identification of diatom species is fundamental to correctly interpreting their roles in the marine ecosystems; the documentation of species records with illustrations is therefore essential to guarantee ecological works and the continuous use of compositional data in future works. We document the diatom flora in the Kuroshio Extension (KE) area of the northwestern Pacific. Samples were collected by sediment trap deployment from November 2017 to August 2018 and identified using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Eighty-two taxa belonging to 17 families and 38 genera were documented with representative references, morphological dimensions, brief diagnosis, distribution, and short taxonomic comments. All of the taxa were divided into three distribution patterns (cold, warm, and eurythermal taxa) based on the previous distribution records; each group may be transported by the Oyashio and Kuroshio Currents, respectively. The mixed occurrence of cold- and warm-water species indicates that the KE area is a crossroads for them. A preliminary checklist was compiled from previous studies, incorporating our records, and 206 diatom taxa occurred in the northeastern path of the Kuroshio Current. The diatom flora in the KE area will be used to understand the hydrology of the Kuroshio Current in future work.
Household Location (Urban, Peri-Urban and Rural Settlements) as an Associated Risk Factor for Toxoplasmosis during Pregnancy in Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Lima Maria Linda Ferreira , Sousa Ana Maria Anthônia Ferreira Lima Simão de , Marques Lucimara Lopes , Ferreira Isabella Braghin , Giuffrida Rogério , Kmetiuk Louise Bach , Biondo Alexander Welker , Santarém Vamilton Alvares
Published: August 2024

Background: Brazil has a high prevalence of toxoplasmosis. However, there is a gap in comparing seroprevalence for Toxoplasma gondii across different environments, particularly among pregnant residents of rural and urban areas. Methods: The prevalence of IgG and IgM for T. gondii was compared among pregnant residents of the urban, peri-urban, and rural settlement areas in a municipality in southeastern Brazil. Information regarding age and area of residence was compiled from January 2015 to December 2022. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the age and area of residence as risk factors. Results: A total of 1614 examinations were recorded, revealing 54.0% seropositivity, which was highest in the rural settlement (61.1%), followed by the peri-urban area (55.9%), and lowest in the urban area (49.2%). Conclusions: The high prevalence of IgG and presence of IgM in pregnant residents of rural, peri-urban, and urban areas highlights the significance of the results obtained for strengthening maternal health programs aimed at preventing toxoplasmosis, regardless of their residence.
The Prevalence and Molecular Epidemiology of Hepatitis Delta Virus in Nigeria: The Results of a Nationwide Study
Authors: Ifeorah Ijeoma M. , Gerber Athenais , Dziri Samira , Bakarey Solomon A. , Le Gal Frederic , Aglavdawa Gatuwa , Alloui Chakib , Kalu Stephen O. , Ghapouen Peyou-Amed B. , Brichler Segolene , Adewumi Olubusuyi M. , Gordien Emmanuel
Published: August 2024

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a satellite of hepatitis B virus (HBV), which requires the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) for its assembly and propagation. Although countries affected by HBV infection in Africa are well identified, data on HDV infection are still scarce, like in Nigeria, where HBV infection is endemic. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of HDV infection and identify the circulating genotypes/strains in the country. A nationwide study was performed on 1281 HBsAg-positive samples collected from patients across eleven sites drawn from the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Anti-HDV antibody (HDV-Ab) screening and HDV-RNA viral load quantification were performed using a commercial ELISA assay and real-time RT-PCR kit, respectively. HDV genotyping was performed by the Sanger sequencing of amplicons from the so-called R0 region of the viral genome, followed by phylogenetic analyses. Of the 1281 HBsAg-positive samples, 61 (4.8%) were HDV-Ab positive, among which, 12 (19.7%) were HDV-RNA positive. Genotypes were obtained for nine of them: seven “African” HDV-1, one “Asian/European” HDV-1 and one HDV-6. This study shows that Nigeria is a country of low HDV prevalence where mainly “African” genotype-1 strains are circulating.
Novel Pyrazino[1,2-a]indole-1,3(2H,4H)-dione Derivatives Targeting the Replication of Flaviviridae Viruses: Structural and Mechanistic Insights
Authors: Giannakopoulou Erofili , Akrani Ifigeneia , Mpekoulis George , Frakolaki Efseveia , Dimitriou Marios , Myrianthopoulos Vassilios , Vassilaki Niki , Zoidis Grigoris
Published: August 2024

Infections with Flaviviridae viruses, such as hepatitis C (HCV), dengue (DENV), and yellow fever (YFV) viruses, are major public health problems worldwide. In the case of HCV, treatment is associated with drug resistance and high costs, while there is no clinically approved therapy for DENV and YFV. Consequently, there is still a need for new chemotherapies with alternative modes of action. We have previously identified novel 2-hydroxypyrazino[1,2-a]indole-1,3(2H,4H)-diones as metal-chelating inhibitors targeting HCV RNA replication. Here, by utilizing a structure-based approach, we rationally designed a second series of compounds by introducing various substituents at the indole core structure and at the imidic nitrogen, to improve specificity against the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). The resulting derivatives were evaluated for their potency against HCV genotype 1b, DENV2, and YFV-17D using stable replicon cell lines. The most favorable substitution was nitro at position 6 of the indole ring (compound 36), conferring EC50 1.6 μM against HCV 1b and 2.57 μΜ against HCV 1a, with a high selectivity index. Compound 52, carrying the acetohydroxamic acid functionality (-CH2CONHOH) on the imidic nitrogen, and compound 78, the methyl-substituted molecule at the position 4 indolediketopiperazine counterpart, were the most effective against DENV and YFV, respectively. Interestingly, compound 36 had a high genetic barrier to resistance and only one resistance mutation was detected, T181I in NS5B, suggesting that the compound target HCV RdRp is in accordance with our predicted model.
Rotavirus A Infection Prevalence and Spatio-Temporal Genotype Shift among Under-Five Children in Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia: A Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Damtie Debasu , Gelaw Aschalew , Wondimeneh Yitayih , Aleka Yetemwork , Kick Maryssa K. , Tigabu Zemene , Sack Ulrich , Mekuria Zelalem H. , Vlasova Anastasia N. , Tessema Belay
Published: August 2024

Background: Globally, rotavirus (RV) A (RVA) is the most common cause of severe and sometimes fatal diarrhea in young children. It is also the major cause of acute gastroenteritis among children in Ethiopia. Currently, the WHO has prequalified four RVA vaccines for universal childhood immunization. Ethiopia introduced the monovalent Rotarix vaccine into its national immunization program in 2013. Since then, only a few studies on the burden and genotype distribution of RVA infection post-vaccine introduction have been conducted (mostly at sentinel surveillance sites). Therefore, this study aimed to assess RVA prevalence and genotype distribution among children under five years in Ethiopia (February 2021–December 2022). Methods: This multi-center hospital-based cross-sectional study involved 537 diarrheic children under-five years old. Rotavirus A detection was conducted using a one-step reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Genotyping was conducted by Sanger sequencing of the VP7 (complete) and VP4 (partial) genes. Descriptive analysis and Pearson’s chi-squared test were carried out using SPSS version 29. Phylogenetic analysis with 1000 bootstrap replicates was performed using MEGA version 11 software. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 for all analyses. Results: The prevalence of RVA infection among diarrheic children was 17.5%. The most prevalent G-types identified were G3 (37%), the previously uncommon G12 (28%), and G1 (20%). The predominant P-types were P[8] (51%), P[6] (29%), and P[4] (14%). The three major G/P combinations observed were G3P[8] (32.8%), G12P[6] (28.4%), and G1P[8] (19.4%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed clustering of Ethiopian strains with the globally reported strains. Many strains exhibited amino acid differences in the VP4 (VP8* domain) and VP7 proteins compared to vaccine strains, potentially affecting virus neutralization. Conclusions: Despite the high RVA vaccination rate, the prevalence of RVA infection remains significant among diarrheic children in Ethiopia. There is an observable shift in circulating RVA genotypes from G1 to G3, alongside the emergence of unusual G/P genotype combinations such as G9P[4]. Many of these circulating RVA strains have shown amino acid substitutions that may allow for neutralization escape. Therefore, further studies are warranted to comprehend the emergence of these unusual RVA strains and the diverse factors influencing the vaccine’s diminished effectiveness in developing countries.
Characterization of the Anti-Viral and Vaccine-Specific CD8+ T Cell Composition upon Treatment with the Cancer Vaccine VSV-GP
Authors: Hofer Tamara , Pipperger Lisa , Danklmaier Sarah , Das Krishna , Wollmann Guido
Published: August 2024

Numerous factors influence the magnitude and effector phenotype of vaccine-induced CD8+ T cells, thereby potentially impacting treatment efficacy. Here, we investigate the effect of vaccination dose, route of immunization, presence of a target antigen-expressing tumor, and heterologous prime-boost with peptide vaccine partner following vaccination with antigen-armed VSV-GP. Our results indicate that a higher vaccine dose increases antigen-specific CD8+ T cell proportions while altering the phenotype. The intravenous route induces the highest proportion of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells together with the lowest anti-viral response followed by the intraperitoneal, intramuscular, and subcutaneous routes. Moreover, the presence of a B16-OVA tumor serves as pre-prime, thereby increasing OVA-specific CD8+ T cells upon vaccination and thus altering the ratio of anti-tumor versus anti-viral CD8+ T cells. Interestingly, tumor-specific CD8+ T cells exhibit a different phenotype compared to bystander anti-viral CD8+ T cells. Finally, the heterologous combination of peptide and viral vaccine elicits the highest proportion of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in the tumor and tumor-draining lymph nodes. In summary, we provide a basic immune characterization of various factors that affect anti-viral and vaccine target-specific CD8+ T cell proportions and phenotypes, thereby enhancing our vaccinology knowledge for future vaccine regimen designs.