bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leveraging mobility data to analyze persistent SARS-CoV-2 mutations and inform targeted genomic surveillance
Authors: Spott Riccardo , Pletz Mathias W , Fleischmann-Struzek Carolin , Kimmig Aurelia , Hadlich Christiane , Hauert Matthias , Lohde Mara , Jundzill Mateusz , Marquet Mike , Dickmann Petra , Schüchner Ruben , Hölzer Martin , Kühnert Denise , Brandt Christian
Published: January 2025

Given the rapid cross-country spread of SARS-CoV-2 and the resulting difficulty in tracking lineage spread, we investigated the potential of combining mobile service data and fine-granular metadata (such as postal codes and genomic data) to advance integrated genomic surveillance of the pandemic in the federal state of Thuringia, Germany. We sequenced over 6500 SARS-CoV-2 Alpha genomes (B.1.1.7) across 7 months within Thuringia while collecting patients’ isolation dates and postal codes. Our dataset is complemented by over 66,000 publicly available German Alpha genomes and mobile service data for Thuringia. We identified the existence and spread of nine persistent mutation variants within the Alpha lineage, seven of which formed separate phylogenetic clusters with different spreading patterns in Thuringia. The remaining two are subclusters. Mobile service data can indicate these clusters’ spread and highlight a potential sampling bias, especially of low-prevalence variants. Thereby, mobile service data can be used either retrospectively to assess surveillance coverage and efficiency from already collected data or to actively guide part of a surveillance sampling process to districts where these variants are expected to emerge. The latter concept was successfully implemented as a proof-of-concept for a mobility-guided sampling strategy in response to the surveillance of Omicron sublineage BQ.1.1. The combination of mobile service data and SARS-CoV-2 surveillance by genome sequencing is a valuable tool for more targeted and responsive surveillance.
Endocytic recycling is central to circadian collagen fibrillogenesis and disrupted in fibrosis
Authors: Chang Joan , Pickard Adam , Herrera Jeremy A , O'Keefe Sarah , Garva Richa , Hartshorn Matthew , Hoyle Anna , Dingle Lewis , Knox John , Jowitt Thomas A , Coy Madeleine , Wong Jason , Reid Adam , Lu Yinhui , Zeltz Cédric , Venkateswaran Rajamiyer V , Caswell Patrick T , High Stephen , Gullberg Donald , Kadler Karl E
Published: January 2025

Collagen-I fibrillogenesis is crucial to health and development, where dysregulation is a hallmark of fibroproliferative diseases. Here, we show that collagen-I fibril assembly required a functional endocytic system that recycles collagen-I to assemble new fibrils. Endogenous collagen production was not required for fibrillogenesis if exogenous collagen was available, but the circadian-regulated vacuolar protein sorting (VPS) 33b and collagen-binding integrin α11 subunit were crucial to fibrillogenesis. Cells lacking VPS33B secrete soluble collagen-I protomers but were deficient in fibril formation, thus secretion and assembly are separately controlled. Overexpression of VPS33B led to loss of fibril rhythmicity and overabundance of fibrils, which was mediated through integrin α11β1. Endocytic recycling of collagen-I was enhanced in human fibroblasts isolated from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, where VPS33B and integrin α11 subunit were overexpressed at the fibrogenic front; this correlation between VPS33B, integrin α11 subunit, and abnormal collagen deposition was also observed in samples from patients with chronic skin wounds. In conclusion, our study showed that circadian-regulated endocytic recycling is central to homeostatic assembly of collagen fibrils and is disrupted in diseases.
Enabling smart parking for smart cities using Internet of Things (IoT) and machine learning
Authors: Alymani Mofadal , Almoqhem Lenah Abdulaziz , Alabdulwahab Dhuha Ahmed , Alghamdi Abdulrahman Abdullah , Alshahrani Hussain , Raza Khalid
Published: January 2025

With the escalating number of vehicles and the lack of parking spaces, the issue of parking has become a significant problem in major cities as it is a daily occurrence for educational institutions, companies, and government facilities, resulting in fuel wastage and time inefficiencies. In their work lives, employees often face problems when parking their cars in the work parking area. Finding a space for their vehicle can take a lot of time and effort, leading to late arrival for work. On the other hand, security guards have difficulty entering their employees’ cars. In this context, our proposed system attempts to address this pressing issue, which consists of two parts: one is a camera at the parking gate that recognizes the license plate using the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) algorithm, where the camera captures the license plate and outputs the plate number using the optical character recognition (OCR) technique. After that, the resulting data is cross-referenced with database records for seamless entry authentication. This eliminates the need for security personnel to verify vehicle identities or stickers manually, streamlining access procedures. The second part is a camera in the car parks that distinguishes between vacant and available parking spaces and stores the data collected by the camera in the centralized database, enabling the real-time display of the nearest available parking spots on digital screens at entrance gates, significantly reducing the time and effort spent in locating parking spaces. Through this innovative solution, we aim to enhance urban mobility and alleviate the challenges associated with urban parking congestion, thereby resolving the problem of intelligent parking for smart cities with the help of machine learning.
Nominaciones étnicas, arcaísmo y extranjerización: representaciones de indígenas del norte de Chile en textos escolares (1845-1987)
Authors: Mercado Guerra Javier , Campos Astorga Sebastián , Echiburú Díaz Patricio , Martínez Vigorena Valentina , Torres Casanova Yuliana
Published: January 2025

Se analizan desde una perspectiva de larga duración las representaciones de los pueblos indígenas del norte de Chile, presentes en los textos escolares de Historia y Geografía. La investigación cubre desde los primeros registros de esta herramienta pedagógica publicados a partir del año 1845, hasta los estertores de la última dictadura militar en Chile hacia fines de la década de 1980. A través de una metodología de análisis documental y hermenéutica, se identifican tres estrategias discursivas de representación. La primera responde a las nominaciones étnicas, las cuales transitan desde un enfoque homogeneizante del indígena a uno que describe y clasifica las diferencias culturales entre uno y otro pueblo. Para ello, juega un papel preponderante la consolidación de las disciplinas científicas de la arqueología y la etnología en Chile. La segunda estrategia se refiere a la representación del indígena situado en una temporalidad pasada. En el caso de los indígenas del norte de Chile, el discurso arqueológico sobre el cual se sostienen buena parte de las nominaciones étnicas, desempeña una función relevante en la consolidación de la visión “arcaizante” en torno a estos pueblos. Finalmente, se identifica una estrategia de representación “extranjerizante”, la cual sitúa a la población indígena del norte del país como imagen de alteridad para el imaginario nacional chileno. Se sostiene que estas representaciones han contribuido a respaldar acciones estatales de asimilación excluyente respecto de la población indígena del norte de Chile.
Historizar la nación: descolonización epistemológica y política Frantz Fanon, Ranajit Guha e intelectuales mapuche.
Authors: Alvarez Osses Ingrid
Published: January 2025

Este ensayo es una parte de mi avance de tesis doctoral que hace un recorrido teórico en autores como Frantz Fanon, Ranajit Guha e intelectuales mapuches sobre la construcción de la historia en contextos colonizados. A  pesar del peso de la historia colonialista de los Estado Nación, los sujetos subalternizados por el despojo y la verdad colonial irrumpen desde la sujetividad en perspectiva de la filosofía latinoamericana hacia la descolonización. Se destacan elementos como historizar, la nación, la crítica a la normatividad, la ética moderna, la desregulación de la historia colonial y el disputar la política desde el reconocimiento y la valoración propia que proponen los filósofos Arturo Roig y Enrique Dussel. Asimismo, la relación entre la historicidad y la sujetivación en Fanon, Guha e intelectuales mapuche es ineluctable para la descolonización. Este ensayo trabaja el historizar la nación desde los sujetos que valoran su historia y su cultura para actualizar el presente. Por último, se esbozan desde los parlamentos mapuche, el rakizuam y la sujetivación la posibilidad para la reconstrucción de su nación.
Agricultural Transformation and its Contribution to Economic Development in South Asian and African Countries
Authors: Sarker Md Mizanur Rahman , Aleen Mahbuba Jannat , Datta Tanmay
Published: January 2025

Agricultural transformation is central to economic development, driving modernization, productivity enhancement, and integration into broader economic systems. This study compares South Asia and Africa, analyzing their distinct trajectories influenced by sustainable practices, policy reforms, and technological advancements. In South Asia, agricultural employment declined sharply, with Bangladesh dropping from 80% in 1973 to 35% in 2023, and India from 70% to 37%. Africa saw a more gradual decline, from 70% to 48% during the same period. Productivity improvements highlight regional progress, with agricultural productivity growth rising in Bangladesh (3.3% to 4.1% by 2023) and Kenya (3.3% to 4.1%), while manufacturing productivity surged in Kenya (6.6%) and India (5.2%). South Asia's growth leverages high-yield crops and market integration from the Green Revolution, while Africa focuses on climate-smart agriculture, diversification, and community-based solutions to address climate vulnerabilities and infrastructure gaps. Both regions emphasize sustainability as a resilience strategy. Using a four-stage paradigm of agricultural transformation, the study underscores the significance of transitioning from subsistence to high-value, technology-driven agriculture for economic diversification and resilience. By analyzing labor productivity, GDP per capita, and crop production indices, the research demonstrates agriculture's critical role in fostering sustainable development and economic growth across both regions.
Estimation of Actual Evapotranspiration and Crop Coefficient to Improve Water Use Efficiency of Sesamum (Sesamum indicum L.) in Kharif Season Using Digital Weighing Lysimeter
Authors: Bhosale M. S. , Kadam S.A. , Danwale N J , Mane M.S , Malunjkar V. S. , Joshi J. K.
Published: January 2025

The study was conducted on Estimation of Actual Evapotranspiration and Crop Coefficient to Improve Water Use Efficiency of Sesamum (Sesamum indicum L.) in Kharif Season Using Digital Weighing Lysimeter,” was conducted during the 2023-24 Kharif season with the aim of enhancing sesamum water use efficiency.  For estimation of actual evapotranspiration and crop coefficient following are the objectives were to calculate and compare reference evapotranspiration (ETr) using various methods, measure crop evapotranspiration (ETc) using a digital weighing lysimeter, estimate crop coefficient (Kc) value. ETr was calculated using six different methods: Penman-Monteith, Modified Penman-Monteith, FAO Radiation, Priestly-Taylor, Hargreaves-Samani, and Pan Evaporation. The result obtained from that is the seasonal ETr was found 328.53, 395.47, 369.37, 430.26, 416.04, 372.90 mm respectively. While calculating or estimating reference evapotranspiration it is observed that The Modified Penman Monteith method had the highest correlation (R²=0.98) with the standard Penman-Monteith method, while the FAO Radiation and Pan Evaporation methods also performed well. crop Evapotranspiration (ETc) of Sesamum crop, measured using a digital weighing lysimeter, ranged from 0.61 to 5.65 mm/day, with a total of 244.94 mm for the season and the Crop coefficients (Kc) values were calculated by ratio of crop Evapotranspiration (ETc) with Reference Evapotranspiration (ETr), from that polynomial regression models were developed to estimate daily Kc values based on the crop growth ratio (t/T). The daily Kc values determined by using the  best fit polynomial equations were averaged over initial, development, mid-season and end-season stage, the Kc values  developed by using different methods i.e (Penman-Monteith method) are  0.58, 0.77, 1.00, and 0.36; Kc values (Modified Penman Monteith method) were 0.48, 0.64, 0.84 and 0.32; Kc values (FAO Radiation method) were 0.61, 0.73, 0.91 and 0.33; Kc values (Priestly Taylor method) were 0.26, 0.61, 0.98 and 0.33; Kc values (Hargreaves Samani method) were 0.36, 0.58, 0.92 and 0.28; and Kc values (Pan Evaporation method) were 0.48, 0.65, 0.93 and 0.32, respectively. On an average Kc determined by Penman Monteith method, Modified Penman Monteith method, FAO Radiation method and Pan Evaporation method overestimated the Kc by 26.17, 7.00, 21.92 and 9.38 per cent, respectively compared to FAO-56 values. However, Priestly-Taylor method and Hargraves-Samani method underestimated Kc by 5.55 and 5.78 per cent, respectively.
Comparing ARFIMA and ARIMA Models in Forecasting under Five Mortality Rate in Tanzania
Authors: Mwijalilege Sadock Aron , Kadigi Michael Lucas , Kibiki Castory
Published: January 2025

Tanzania has been taking various measures to drop the Under-Five Mortality Rate (UFMR), but the pace to meet national and global UFMR targets has been slow. Nevertheless, the decline for the past years has continued to be low as compared to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target which is set at 25 deaths/1000 live births by 2030. The lack of statistical modeling-based forecast values of UFMR results into setting targets that are not SMART towards the realization of national and international goals of the health sector. Thus, the current study uses both ARFIMA and ARIMA to make forecasts of UFMR in Tanzania from 2021 to 2030 by using data extracted from the World Databank - World Development Indicators (WDI). Also, an accuracy comparison between the ARFIMA and ARIMA best-fit models in forecasting UFMR was conducted. The forecasts from the best ARFIMA (1, 0.284243, 2) model indicate that by June 2026 the rate will on average be 41 deaths/1,000 live births as compared to the Tanzanian Five Year Development Plan Phase III (TFYDP-III) target of 40 deaths/1,000 live births; whereas the best fit ARIMA (1, 2, 0) model forecasts depict that the rate will be 40.1 deaths/1,000 live births as compared to the TFYDP-III target. In relation to the UN SDGs target of 25 deaths/1,000 live births by 2030, the ARFIMA (1, 0.284243, 2) model forecast values indicate that by 2030, Tanzania will experience a decrease in UFMR to 35.2 deaths/1,000 live births. The ARIMA (1, 2, 0) forecast values indicate that by 2030, Tanzania will experience a decrease in UFMR to 32.9 deaths/1,000 live births. The results of using RMSE and MAPE forecasting model accuracy measures reveal that the ARFIMA (1, 0.284243, 2) model performs better than ARIMA (1, 2, 0) in forecasting UFMR.
Desirability of Reduced Mass Concept, Conflicting CODATA Values of Some Constants: Variants of Fine Structure Constant and Rydberg Constant Equations
Authors: Udema Ikechukwu Iloh
Published: January 2025

The use of the reduced mass concept as opposed to the rest mass seems to give conflicting results. The objectives were to derive variants of the equation of the Rydberg constant (R∞), fine structure constant, and wave number that relate with the Rydberg constant. The derived R∞ equations are variants of each other and of those known in the literature; this is also applicable to the fine structure constant (a). The values of R∞ range between 10973731.6 and 10973733.89 /m for the rest mass case, while for the reduced mass case, the range is between 10966253.06 and 10967784.63 /m; regarding ‘a’, the derived equations gave results that are the same. The use of rest mass and reduced mass gave conflicting values for physical constants. Other variants of the equation for R∞ may be determined in the future.
 
Classification numbers: 32.10.Bi; 32.10.Dk
Exploring the Pollinator Community: Diversity and Abundance of Flower-Visiting Insects on Cowpea in Bilone, Obala, Cameroon
Authors: A. Pharaon Mbianda , M. Mohammadou , Taimanga  , A. S. Kenne Toukem , S. J. Tsekane , A. V. Tchiaze Ifoue , X. A. Nyoumi Ongolo , Dounia  , N. E. Otiobo Atibita , C. Douka , J. B. Pando , F.-N. Tchuenguem Fohouo , M. Kenne
Published: January 2025

Aims: Investigations in cowpea fields allowed the characterization of the community structure of flower-visiting insects.
Study Design: Seeds were sown in 15 plots (6x5.5 m each).
Place and Duration of Study: Campus of Obala Higher Institute of Agriculture and Management (OHIAM), Bilone agroecological farm (Obala-Cameroon), from May to June 2016 and 2017.
Methodology: Insects were identified in-situ or captured and stored in papillotes (Lepidoptera adults) or labelled vials containing 70° ethanol (other insects). Abundances allowed the determination of 11 alpha diversity indices. Beta diversity was tested using Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index and the correlation between species occurrences.
Results: A total of 929 specimens belonged to five orders, 10 families, 13 species were recorded. Hymenoptera was the most family-rich and abundant (four families, 94.3% of the collection) followed by Diptera and Lepidoptera (two families each). Neuroptera and Orthoptera (one family each). Apidae was the most species-rich and abundant (three species; 72.9%), then Formicidae (one, 10.1%), Megachilidae (two; 9.8%). Apis mellifera (Apidae) was the most abundant (35.5%), then Xylocopa olivacea (Apidae) (22.3%), Amegilla calens (Apidae) (15.1%), Myrmicaria opaciventris (Formicidae) (10.1%), and Megachile (Chalicodoma) cincta (Megachilidae) (8.2%). The afrotropical useful predator Ascalaphus africanus (Ascalapidae) and the phytophagous pest Pteropera carnapi (Acrididae) were recorded. Exotic myasigenic species Calliphora vicina (Calliphoridae) and Musca domestica (Muscidae) were recorded. Acrididae, Nymphalidae and Pieridae cumulatively represented 3.1% pest species in the collection. Assemblages showed low species richness, high species diversity, and highly even community. Numbers of simply abundant species were close to that co-dominants. A negative correlation was noted between Acraea acerata (Nymphalidae) and Apis mellifera adansonii (Apidae), Ap. mellifera and Calliphora vicina (Calliphoridae), Ap. mellifera and Synagris conuta (Vespidae). Several positive correlations were recorded.
Conclusion: In Bilone, results highlighted the importance of flower-visiting insects for the cowpea pollination and crop yield. Species were moderately abundant and assemblages functioned on the base of niche partitioning nomocenosis (log-linear model) of more or less disturbed environments with strong competition between pioneer species for the available resources.
A Comprehensive Review on Application of Conventional and Mutation Approaches in Genetic Improvement of Ornamental Crops
Authors: Gangwar Rohit , Chaudhary Prajwal , Kumar Dipak , Bisht Neha , Raj Anurag , Kumar Deepak , Saini Manisha
Published: January 2025

Effective mutagenic treatment techniques for different species are of tremendous interest due to the exciting potential of mutation breeding in ornamental plants. The present article addresses the mutagenesis treatments of numerous ornamental genera, the benefits and drawbacks of different methods, and the potential for enhancing the related protocols. There are several techniques for non-targeted mutagenesis, from chemical treatment with alkylating chemicals to dose-dependent exposure to X-rays, gamma rays, neutron or heavy ion beams. All of these have been shown to be efficient mutagens in a wide range of different species and are reasonably priced. However, due to the high cost and lack of understanding required to efficiently transform and regenerate attractive crops, genetic engineering is still generally impracticable for many ornamental breeding operations. The most widely used non-targeted mutagen currently in use is gamma radiation. Although it appears to have a lower mutagenic efficacy than chemical mutagens, it offers excellent consistency. Although chronic irradiation over a longer period of time induces less harmful mutations than the routinely employed acute irradiation protocols, changes in the radiation dose rate may boost the efficiency. Because of the high particle energy associated with these treatments, heavy ion beam irradiation may also offer extremely consistent mutation induction at greater efficiencies. Additionally, there are chances to enhance chemical mutagenesis. It is still highly beneficial to use mutation breeding, and there are plenty of chances to make the current techniques better.
Sustainable Intensification and Climate Resilience in the Rice-wheat Cropping System of North-Western India: Challenges and Strategies
Authors: Yadav Ravina , Yadav Shivam , Krishna  , Devi Geeta , Jyoti  , Rubal
Published: January 2025

In northwestern India, the rice-wheat cropping system (RWCS) is a key component of agriculture. However, the region's ongoing usage of it has resulted in serious problems and a halt in productivity. Similar problems are also present in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan's Indo-Gangetic Plains. Key issues include the loss of soil nutrients, deteriorating soil health, groundwater depletion, increased production costs, a lack of workers, pollution from burning crop residue, increased greenhouse gas emissions, climate vulnerabilities, and plants that are resistant to herbicides. To address these issues, a number of sustainable intensification methods have been proposed, such as crop diversification, zero tillage, or residue retention, which reduce tillage, handle straw more efficiently, and use less labour and irrigation. In order to adopt successful, context-specific tactics, it is necessary to concentrate on increasing awareness, developing stakeholder capacity, and coordinating policies. The current status of the RWCS and its problems in northwest India are summarised in this report, along with specific management strategies for boosting output, profitability, and sustainability.
Bio-efficacy of Selected New Generation Insecticides and Azadirachtin against Legume Pod Borer (Maruca vitrata) Infesting Cowpea
Authors: Kavitha Zadda , C.Vijayaraghavan
Published: January 2025

In the present study, various combinations of newer generation insecticides and azadirachtin were tested and among them, chlorantraniliprole followed by flubendiamide and novaluron followed by emamectin benzoate were found to be equally effective in reducing the inflorescence and pod damage by Maruca vitrata in cowpea. The treatments in which botanicals were alternated with insecticides i.e., azadirachtin followed by chlorantraniliprole and azadirachtin followed by novaluron were found to be on par in efficacy with chlorantraniliprole followed by flubendiamide and novaluron followed by emamectin benzoate. Natural enemy population i.e., wasp, spider and coccinellids was more in plots received no insecticide sprays. Next to these, azadirachtin included treatments have recorded more natural enemy population. In insecticides sprayed plots, wasps were not noticed but spiders were found here and there. High yield was recorded in the treatment, chlorantraniliprole followed by flubendiamide with high BC ratio followed by novaluron followed by emamectin benzoate. Treatments in which azadirachtin was alternated with newer insecticides, BC ratio was slightly lower than the chemicals alone sprayed treatments. However, combining the sprays of novel insecticides with azadirachtin was proved to be ecologically safe as these treatments supported natural enemy population.
Impact of Exchange Rate Volatility on Sectoral Output in Liberia
Authors: Gayweh Delino
Published: January 2025

This paper investigates the effects of exchange rate volatility on sectoral output in Liberia, focusing on agriculture, mining, and manufacturing.  Using  monthly time series data ranging from 2010 to 2022 and estimating the volatility in exchange rate using the ARCH model, the study found a strong sector-specific impact along with an overall economic impact on output with a significant coefficient of (-2.868) at 10%, 5% and 1% level of significance .We found that the agriculture with a coefficient of (-0.2127) and manufacturing sectors (-0.5171) proxy by value-added as % of GDP are negatively affected by exchange rate fluctuations due to their heavy reliance on imported raw material, which increases production costs and reduces output. Conversely, the mining sector, particularly gold production as measured by key output volume, shows a positive relationship with exchange rate volatility with a coefficient of (3.9677) significant at 10% level of significance, as global demand for gold rises in response to currency instability. The findings underline that policy interventions are needed to stabilize the exchange rate, particularly for agriculture and manufacturing. In fact, given the dual currency system of the country and the high level of dollarization, the country needs targeted policies to enhance sectoral resilience in its way to attain economic growth.
Building Inclusive Growth Frameworks through Strategic Community Engagement in Energy Infrastructure Development Projects
Authors: Oladipo Olusola Temidayo , Dienagha Ikiomoworio Nicholas , Digitemie Wags Numoipiri
Published: January 2025

Energy infrastructure development is pivotal in driving economic growth and improving societal well-being. However, the benefits of such projects often fail to reach marginalized communities, exacerbating social and economic inequalities. This paper explores the concept of inclusive growth as a framework for equitable development in the energy sector, emphasizing the role of strategic community engagement in fostering participation, mitigating risks, and ensuring sustainable outcomes. The discussion outlines the principles and challenges of inclusivity, identifies key socio-economic and environmental considerations, and proposes actionable frameworks for policy alignment, stakeholder collaboration, and technological integration. By addressing potential risks and highlighting governance structures that facilitate equitable decision-making, the paper underscores the importance of inclusivity as a cornerstone of sustainable energy development. Practical recommendations for policymakers, developers, and community leaders are provided to create energy projects that prioritize shared progress and environmental stewardship.
Predictors of Academic Anxiety among Secondary School Students
Authors: Rehman Atieq Ul
Published: January 2025

Background: Academic anxiety is a feeling of worry, tension, or dread that's related to schoolwork, exams, assignments, or subjects. It can also be caused by social pressures from peers or parents, or by feeling uneasy about studying or working in groups. Academic anxiety is a prevalent issue that students must address to achieve academic success. It becomes a critical problem requiring immediate attention when it intensifies to the point where a student can no longer function productively. While feelings of anxiety are not inherently abnormal, they can become so severe in some individuals that they impair day-to-day functioning, potentially leading to the diagnosis of one or more anxiety disorders. This investigation focuses on identifying the factors that trigger academic anxiety among students. The pressure of competition is particularly evident during adolescence, especially when students transition to secondary school. At this stage, streams such as science and non-science are often allocated based on students' preferences and academic performance in previous classes. Science students frequently aspire to pursue engineering or medical courses after secondary schooling, while arts students aim for admission to prestigious colleges and universities. The intense competition for admission to these programs can heighten anxiety levels. Recognizing the impact of this issue, the researcher has sought to explore the various factors contributing to academic anxiety among secondary school students and to identify strategies for reducing it to manageable levels.
Aim: The study aimed to determine the influence of intelligence, study habits, socio economic status and school environment on academic anxiety of total sample, male & female samples.
Method & Procedure: A Descriptive research design was adopted and subsequently stratified random sampling technique was adopted to select 677 students from both science and non-science streams were chosen for the present investigation.
Results: The results of the present investigation have revealed that personal factors like intelligence, study habits familial factors like Socio-Economic Status and institutional factors like school environment have a significant impact on academic anxiety among all sampling groups under study.
Integrating Corneal Collagen Crosslinking with Refractive Procedures (LASIK and PRK): A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Balakrishnan Neelima , Vijayaraghavan Prabhu , Sundaram Vandhana , Reddy Jagadeesh Kumar
Published: January 2025

Corneal collagen crosslinking is primarily carried out as a treatment modality for the management of corneal ectasias such as keratoconus, keratoglobus, pellucid marginal degeneration etc, as well as for the management of post refractive surgery corneal ectasias. However, it has evolved into a tool to strengthen the cornea in patients with borderline topography, who desire spectacle independence. This combined technique aims to enhance corneal strength and stability while maintaining visual acuity. However, careful patient selection, precise surgical planning, and understanding the biomechanical effects of crosslinking on the refractive outcome are essential to optimize the results. This article reviews the current evidence, risks, and considerations of simultaneous corneal collagen crosslinking and refractive surgery, highlighting its role in modern corneal and refractive surgery practices.
Prevalence of Atopic Diseases Among Sexually Diverse Adults in the US
Authors: Rypka Katelyn J. , Woldu Abel , Boos Markus D. , Maguiness Sheilagh M. , Mansh Matthew D.
Published: July 2023

This cross-sectional study assesses the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis among sexually diverse adults compared with heterosexual adults in the US.
Trends in Acute Care Use for Mental Health Conditions Among Youth During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Overhage Lindsay , Hailu Ruth , Busch Alisa B. , Mehrotra Ateev , Michelson Kenneth A. , Huskamp Haiden A.
Published: July 2023

Importance

Understanding how children’s utilization of acute mental health care changed during the COVID-19 pandemic is critical for directing resources.

Objective

To examine youth acute mental health care use (emergency department [ED], boarding, and subsequent inpatient care) during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional analysis of national, deidentified commercial health insurance claims of youth mental health ED and hospital care took place between March 2019 and February 2022. Among 4.1 million commercial insurance enrollees aged 5 to 17 years, 17 614 and 16 815 youth had at least 1 mental health ED visit in the baseline year (March 2019-February 2020) and pandemic year 2 (March 2021-February 2022), respectively.

Exposure

The COVID-19 pandemic.

Main outcomes and measures

The relative change from baseline to pandemic year 2 was determined in (1) fraction of youth with 1 or more mental health ED visits; (2) percentage of mental health ED visits resulting in inpatient psychiatry admission; (3) mean length of inpatient psychiatric stay following ED visit; and (4) frequency of prolonged boarding (≥2 midnights) in the ED or a medical unit before admission to an inpatient psychiatric unit.

Results

Of 4.1 million enrollees, 51% were males and 41% were aged 13 to 17 years (vs 5-12 years) with 88 665 mental health ED visits. Comparing baseline to pandemic year 2, there was a 6.7% increase in youth with any mental health ED visits (95% CI, 4.7%-8.8%). Among adolescent females, there was a larger increase (22.1%; 95% CI, 19.2%-24.9%). The fraction of ED visits that resulted in a psychiatric admission increased by 8.4% (95% CI, 5.5%-11.2%). Mean length of inpatient psychiatric stay increased 3.8% (95% CI, 1.8%-5.7%). The fraction of episodes with prolonged boarding increased 76.4% (95% CI, 71.0%-81.0%).

Conclusions and relevance

Into the second year of the pandemic, mental health ED visits increased notably among adolescent females, and there was an increase in prolonged boarding of youth awaiting inpatient psychiatric care. Interventions are needed to increase inpatient child psychiatry capacity and reduce strain on the acute mental health care system.
Identifying social behaviours related to disease transmission in banded mongoose from accelerometer data
Authors: Van de Vuurst Paige , Alexander Kathleen A.
Published: July 2023

Current methods for identifying and predicting infectious disease dynamics in wildlife populations are limited. Pathogen transmission dynamics can be complex, influenced by behavioural interactions between and among hosts, pathogens and their environments. These behaviours may also be influenced directly by observers, with observational research methods being limited to habituated species. Banded mongoose Mungos mungo are social, medium size carnivores infected with the novel tuberculosis pathogen Mycobacterium mungi. This pathogen is principally transmitted during normal olfactory communication behaviours. Banded mongoose behavioural responses to humans change over the landscape, limiting the use of direct observational approaches in areas where mongoose are threatened and flee.

The accelerometers in bio‐logging devices have been used previously to identify distinct behaviours in wildlife species, providing a tool to quantifying specific behaviours in ecological studies. We deployed Axy‐5X model accelerometers (TechnoSmArt) on captive mongoose to determine whether accelerometers could be used to identify key mongoose behavioural activities previously associated with M. mungi transmission.

After two collaring periods, we determined that three distinct behavioural activities could be identified in the accelerometer data: bipedal vertical vigilance, running and scent marking activity; behaviours that have been shown to vary across land type in the banded mongoose.

Results from this work advance current data analytics and provide modifications to data analysis works flows, updating and expanding upon current methodologies. We also provide preliminary evidence of successful mathematical classification of the target behaviours, supporting the future use of these devices. Methods applied here may allow model estimates of M. mungi transmission in free‐ranging mongoose to be refined with possible application to other systems where direct observation approaches have limited application.
Inflection Class Systems
Authors: Beniamine Sacha , Bonami Olivier
Published: July 2023

This entry describes the state of knowledge on how inflection systems are structured in terms of classes. After defining inflection classes as sets of lexemes that share some inflectional behaviour, various points of variation of how inflection classes are conceptualized in the literature are discussed first. Next, the entry shows how inflection classes tend to group lexemes that are otherwise similar in their linguistic properties, for reasons relatable to their diachronic origins. This is followed by the study of the structure of inflection class systems, arguing that it is much richer and intricate than traditional accounts suggest. The entry closes by outlining research on the limits on inflectional variability.
Metathesis
Authors: Chandlee Jane
Published: July 2023

This entry examines metathesis in morphology, which refers both to the transposition of segments to mark inflection and the transposition or displacement of morphemes. Neither manifestation is widely attested, leading many to question the need for actual movement operations in the morphology itself. Instead many analyses account for metathesis effects as either not involving actual movement or as being underlyingly phonological in nature. Given that metathesis in morphology is indeed never fully independent of the phonology, the entry presents a series of metathesis examples in four categories along a phonology–morphology continuum. These categories are phonological metathesis, morphologically triggered metathesis, morphological metathesis and morpheme metathesis. Competing analyses of the patterns are briefly surveyed to demonstrate the controversial nature of morphological movement and the reluctance to admit it as a primitive morphological operation. In addition, the entry discusses metathesis in the context of various theories of representation and the morpho‐phonological grammar and also compares the nature of movement operations in morphology to those found in phonology and syntax.
Prominence Hierarchies in Agreement, with Special Reference to Menominee
Authors: Macaulay Monica
Published: July 2023

This entry describes the role of prominence hierarchies in agreement, focusing on the Algonquian language Menominee (ISO mez). Thorough consideration of the data shows that there are four hierarchies rather than just one, each corresponding to a different affix slot. A brief look at other Algonquian languages shows that additional configurations of the hierarchy exist. Reasons why such hierarchies are usually rejected in certain kinds of formal approaches are also explored, as well as the kinds of generalizations they do capture. The entry concludes that despite at least three decades of attempts to account for these generalizations without reference to hierarchies, the problem still awaits an elegant and definitive solution.
Pluralia tantumandsingularia tantum
Authors: Acquaviva Paolo , Gardelle Laure
Published: July 2023

Pluralia tantumandsingularia tantumare nouns that are, respectively, only plural or only singular. When considered as a single linguistic phenomenon rather than as a set of anomalies, these nouns reveal aspects that go beyond the simplicity associated with defective number paradigms. This entry offers an overview of the various empirical facets of this phenomenon, coveringpluralia tantumandsingularia tantumas well as examining aspects of number defectivity that concern other values, in particular the dual. An initial typology organizes the empirical landscape of plural‐only and singular‐only nouns and identifies what is systematic, common or irregular about them. This typology highlights some semantically based clusters, which point to a semantic motivation behind cross‐linguistically recurring notions; it brings out the partial asymmetry betweensingulariaandpluralia tantum– a feature related to the greater predictability of the singular for mass nouns; and it places the few attested cases of dual and other values in this general context. The empirical overview paves the way for a deeper theoretical discussion, which (i) considers to what extentpluraliaandsingularia tantummay correlate with a choice of gender or of noun class; (ii) distinguishes the syntagmatic reflexes of the paradigmatic lack of a number value; and (iii) argues that number defectivity is best understood via a conceptualization that induces misalignment between the morphological, the morphosyntactic and the semantic characterizations of a noun. The final section concludes that, if at one level the lack of a number value is a grammatical property of some lexical choices, at a deeper level it reflects how a particular conceptualization finds linguistic expression in the grammar and content of a word. What looks like a list of lexical exceptions is, then, a coherent linguistic phenomenon.
Expectation‐maximization algorithm for bilinear state‐space models with time‐varying delays under non‐Gaussian noise
Authors: Wang Xinyue , Ma Junxia , Xiong Weili
Published: July 2023

In this paper, the parameter identification of bilinear state‐space model (SSM) in the presence of random outliers and time‐varying delays is investigated. Under the basis of the observable canonical form of the bilinear model, the system output can be written as a regressive form, and a bilinear state observer is applied to estimate the unknown states. To eliminate the influence of outliers and time‐varying delays on parameter estimation, we employ the Student's distribution to deal with the measurement noise and use a first‐order Markov chain to model the delays. In the framework of expectation‐maximization (EM) algorithm, the unknown parameters, delays, noise variance, states and transition probability matrix can be estimated iteratively. A numerical simulation and a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) process demonstrate that the proposed algorithm has good immunity against outliers and time‐varying delays and offers good estimation accuracy for the bilinear SSM.
Effect of Rough‐Surfaced Diamond Content on the Microstructure, Tribological Behavior, and Corrosion Resistance of Ni/Diamond Composite Coatings
Authors: Hong Qiu , Wang Siyuan , Yin Shaohui
Published: July 2023

This study fabricates certain Ni/diamond composite coatings using a coelectrodeposition method and then evaluates the effect of diamond content on the morphology, phase structure, microhardness, wear, and corrosion resistance of such coatings, while exploring their tribological and anticorrosion mechanisms. It is demonstrated that the addition of diamond can change the preferred orientation of Ni from (200) to (111), and its texture coefficient value can be boosted from 23.3% to 64.4% with the increase of diamond content. In the experiment, at a diamond content of 3 g L−1, the deposited diamond particles are more and evenly dispersed across the composite, with the microhardness of nickel‐based coatings reaching an optimum value of 613 HV. In addition, the coefficient of friction is reduced to a minimum value of 0.627, while the wear rate is kept at only 1.79 × 10−5 mm3 Nm−1, indicating a high wear resistance. Electrochemical test results demonstrate that the Ni/diamond composite coatings produced at 3 g L−1 create the maximum charge transfer resistance (5429.3 Ω cm2) and the minimum corrosion current density (2.19 μA cm−2), features that can deliver the best corrosion resistance.
Corrosion Resistance Enhancement of Selective Laser Melted Cost‐Effective Interstitial Medium‐Entropy Alloy via Deep Cryogenic Treatment
Authors: Zhou Shengxuan , Yi Shuo , Du Xiaojie , Xu Zhenlin , He Yinsheng , Zhang Hui , He Yizhu
Published: July 2023

An economically interstitial FeMnCrNiCu medium‐entropy alloy (MEA), which exhibits preferable corrosion resistance in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution, is fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM). Compared with annealing, which is one of the posttreatments for additive manufacturing, deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) also contributes significantly to the alloy properties and is expected to improve corrosion resistance. Herein, the corrosion behavior of SLM‐MEA after DCT in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution is investigated. DCT improves corrosion resistance by promoting the uniform distribution of precipitates in SLM‐MEA and changing the cation ratio in the passive film. After DCT, the corrosion current density of the SLM‐MEA in original and annealed state decreases by 27.07% and 62.69%, respectively. The annealed SLM‐MEA exhibits the worst corrosion resistance as a result of the precipitation of continuous Cr‐rich M23C6 carbides at grain boundaries. The face‐centered cubic structure of MEA does not change after annealing or DCT. Significantly, the number, size, and distribution of the precipitates are greatly affected. DCT after annealing promotes the uniform diffuse distribution of M23C6 carbides and nanoscale Cu‐rich particles while increasing the Cr+Ni/Fe+Mn ratio in the passive film, resulting in a significant improvement in corrosion resistance.
In Situ Fabrication of Constraints for Multicellular Micro‐Spheroids Using Two‐Photon Lithography
Authors: Taale Mohammadreza , Schamberger Barbara , Taheri Fereydoon , Antonelli Yasmin , Leal‐Egaña Aldo , Selhuber‐Unkel Christine
Published: July 2023

2‐photon polymerization is a promising technology for creating complex, microscale 3D matrices for biomedical and also bioprinting applications. Cancer research provides compelling uses for this strategy, in particular, for generating a 3D constraint around multicellular spheroids. Because these spheroids are inhomogeneous in size and shape, the ability to target a spheroid composed of a few living cells requires geometrical control of the printing shape in situ. In this study, it is presented that two‐photon lithography can be used to study complex phenomena involved in cancer progression, such as collective 3D cell migration in situ in vitro. This method allows the spatial and temporal control of cancer cell migration from single spheroids, using dome‐shaped confinements with micrometer‐sized openings. The confinement of the spheroids leads to a decreased migration speed and affects actin dynamics. Furthermore, this methodology provides a novel way of analyzing the behavior of specific regions of multicellular structures, by enabling the separation of multicellular structures, while keeping them alive. Ultimately, this study demonstrates a new way to use two‐photon lithography for controlling the growth, migration and morphological cues of live cells, thus opening new avenues toward the dynamic in situ control of living 3D structures.
N‐P Reconfigurable Dual‐Mode Memtransistors for Compact Bio‐Inspired Feature Extractor with Inhibitory‐Excitatory Spiking Capability
Authors: Leong Jin Feng , Fang Zihang , Sivan Maheswari , Pan Jieming , Tang Baoshan , Zamburg Evgeny , Thean Aaron V‐Y
Published: July 2023

Competitive‐learning‐based spiking neural networks are capable of rapid, highly accurate pattern recognition with minimal data through denoising mechanisms provide by adaptive interneuron inhibition. However, hardware implementations of such networks are currently area‐inefficient due to the high device count require to execute dual excitatory‐inhibitory synapses. To mitigate this, n‐/p‐ reconfigurable tungsten diselenide memtransistors is introduced that can execute excitatory and inhibitory synapses in a highly compact bio‐inspired feature extractor hardware architecture. The reconfigurability is realized through a dual mode memory device with a flash‐memory‐like floating‐gate for n‐/p‐ programing and a memristor‐like selenium vacancy‐based resistive switching that varies in memristive output with majority carrier modulation. Through a device‐system codesign, an effective 27% device count reduction in the peripheral circuits is achieved , which ameliorates circuit component congestion and circuit complexity. Compared to the prevalent winner‐takes‐all approach, the proposed machine learning with adaptive interneuron inhibition achieves high‐accuracy convergence with up to five times smaller training dataset. This accelerated learning can potentially enable edge‐artificial intelligence (AI) processors capable of ultra‐low‐energy training with limited data.