bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The CAPM: Exploring its Empirical Evidence on NSE Nifty-From the Period 2008 to 2023
Authors: Bangur Peeyush , Kumar Sant , Malhotra Nidhi
Published: November 2024

The issue of forecasting or predicting asset returns is fundamental to financial economics and most often the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) is adopted for estimating the expected rate of return based on systematic risk. This paper focuses on the empirical testing of the CAPM in the Indian market based on the Nifty 50 index from April 2008 to March 2023, which covers the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms and demonetisation. In the context of this study, Lintner, Miller and Scholes, Black, Jensen and Scholes tests are used with a new dataset to examine the CAPM. This study examines the empirical validity of the CAPM in the context of the Indian market, more specifically the Nifty 50 index, during a period of significant economic change. Thus, the analysis is centred around the interaction of systematic risk, residual variance and average returns. The study identifies a positive but non-significant relationship between average returns with systematic risk and a slightly higher risk-free return compared to that of Lintner. The variance of residuals also helps to explain average returns, while at the same time, actual returns are higher than market returns. The findings of the current study partially support Lintner, Miller and Scholes’ earlier work while not supporting Black, Jensen and Scholes’(BJS) conclusions. In the context of the BJS methodology, 38 per cent of the securities have significant non-zero alphas, which means CAPM does not operate perfectly in the Indian market. The findings that alphas are non-zero indicate the inefficiency of the National Stock Exchange (Nifty 50), therefore, the need for regulation by agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) arises. Equity analysts and portfolio managers must not only use CAPM for asset valuation blindly without appreciating its empirical flaws. This paper revisits the CAPM with recent data thus enriching the limited literature on the CAPM in the Indian scenario where CAPM has however a very restricted application in explaining asset returns in the context of the Nifty 50.
Enhancing Data Quality and Integrity in Machine Learning Pipelines: Approaches for Detecting and Mitigating Bias
Authors: Arjunan Gopalakrishnan
Published: November 2024

Machine learning (ML) has become a cornerstone of innovation in numerous industries, including healthcare, finance, marketing, and criminal justice. However, the growing reliance on ML models has revealed the critical importance of data quality and integrity in ensuring fair and reliable predictions. As AI technologies are deployed in sensitive decision-making areas, the presence of hidden biases within data has become a major concern. These biases can perpetuate systemic inequalities and result in unethical outcomes, undermining trust in AI systems. The accuracy and fairness of ML models are directly influenced by the data used to train them, and poor-quality data—whether due to missing values, noise, or inherent biases—can degrade performance, skew results, and exacerbate societal inequalities.
This paper explores the complex relationship between data quality, data integrity, and bias in machine learning pipelines. Specifically, it examines the different types of bias that can emerge at various stages of data collection, preprocessing, and model development, and the negative impacts these biases have on model performance and fairness. Furthermore, the paper outlines a range of bias detection and bias mitigation techniques, which are essential for developing trustworthy and ethical AI systems. From data preprocessing methods like imputation and normalization to advanced fairness-aware algorithms and post-processing adjustments, several approaches are available to improve data quality and eliminate bias from machine learning pipelines.
Additionally, the paper emphasizes the importance of ongoing monitoring and validation of ML models to detect emerging biases and ensure that they continue to operate fairly as they are exposed to new data. The integration of regular audits, fairness metrics, and data drift detection mechanisms are discussed as crucial steps in maintaining model integrity over time. By focusing on the processes and strategies required to enhance both data quality and integrity, this paper aims to contribute to the development of more equitable, transparent, and reliable AI systems. The goal is to ensure that machine learning technologies can be used responsibly and in ways that promote fairness, equality, and trust, ultimately benefiting all sectors of society.
Voices of the Forcibly Displaced: Transition, Resettlement and Education
Authors: Duran Marcela S. , Stewart Jan , Dippo Don , Duale Mohamed , DePass Cecille
Published: November 2024

Call for Submissions for the Summer 2025 (Volume 17, No. 1) Special Issue of Cultural and Pedagogical Inquiry entitled Voices of the Forcibly Displaced: Transition, Resettlement and Education with Guest Co-Editors Marcela S. Duran,  Jan Stewart, Don Dippo, Mohamed Duale  and Cecille DePass.
Nieoficjalne nazewnictwo miejskie Łodzi
Authors: Groblińska Justyna
Published: November 2024

Zasadniczą część publikacji stanowi słownik nieoficjalnego nazewnictwa miejskiego Łodzi. Na podstawie badań ankietowych wśród mieszkańców miasta reprezentujących trzy grupy wiekowe i różniących się wykształceniem autorka zgromadziła i zbadała prawie czterysta nieoficjalnych nazw miejskich.
W zwięzłych analizach towarzyszących słownikowi autorka zwraca uwagę na walor zgromadzonego materiału – umożliwia on nie tylko zachowanie pamięci językowej, lecz także badanie miasta w świadomości jego mieszkańców. Nazwy nieoficjalne wynikają najczęściej z cech charakterystycznych danych miejsc i ze szczególnego stosunku mieszkańców do nich. Słownikowi towarzyszy czterdzieści sześć kolorowych fotografii Jana Groblińskiego przedstawiających miejsca opisane prezentowanymi nazwami.
Alfabetización Computacional en Educación: Contribuciones al Desarrollo del Pensamiento Crítico y Participación Social
Authors: Monjelat Natalia Gabriela , Echeveste Maria Emilia , Martinez Cecilia , Torres Martín Ignacio , González Valeria Carolina
Published: November 2024

En los últimos años se observa una reformulación de programas para incluir las Ciencias de la Computación (CC) en la escolaridad obligatoria. La expansión de sistemas computacionales a todos los espacios de la vida humana permite no solo ampliar la capacidad de cognición, sino que ubica a saberes y prácticas de este campo como componentes claves de una formación ciudadana integral. Este desafío se presenta en un contexto de profundas brechas, que contribuyen a desarrollar desigualmente las posibilidades de alfabetización, pensamiento y participación computacional entre la población. Este trabajo analiza, desde una revisión sistemática, cómo se han definido estas nociones en el ámbito escolar. Los resultados arrojan que la alfabetización computacional se asocia mayormente con la inteligencia artificial y la programación, con el riesgo de reducir la mirada disciplinar a esas áreas hegemónicas. A su vez, se destaca la participación computacional desde propuestas con impacto social. Estos aportes son insumos para discutir, definir y analizar los procesos de alfabetización computacional en las escuelas, sobre todo en el contexto latinoamericano, donde no se han relevado estudios sobre el tema.
The Challenges of Human Rights Advocacy on Social Media in the Context of Legal Clinics
Authors: Schiocchet Taysa , Muller Maria Luiza G. , Martinuzzi Castilho Natalia
Published: November 2024

The consolidation of social media as a medium of information and social mobilisation reinforces the importance of using this resource to base advocacy strategies undertaken by legal clinics, especially those regarding human rights education aimed at elucidating concrete issues that are dear to democracy. This research intends to identify, describe, and discuss the main challenges related to communication on human rights by legal clinics, based on the experience developed at the Paraná’s Federal University Human Rights Clinic (CDH/UFPR). If, in theory, Instagram had proved to be the most pertinent tool for disseminating research — even considering the digital exclusion of a significant quantity of Brazilians — the experience revealed the first major challenge to be the incongruity between the parameters governing the algorithmics functioning in the app and the academic and scientific nature of the clinic’s content. By subverting and re-signifying a space governed by market interests — that impose themselves every day as a communication hub — we sought to promote the dissemination of evidence-based scientific knowledge to our channel's community of followers.  In which we  paid special attention to the adaptation of legal and technical language to a more accessible approach while still preserving the quality of the information being disseminated; the efforts to ensure knowledge transit and theoretical alignment in a team made up of researchers from different areas; the need to involve third parties in collaborating on the joint production of publications; and, finally, obstacles related to the scarcity of financial resources and project management.
Keywords: digital advocacy; legal clinics; human rights; social media.
Empowering Ukraine’s First Legal Responders: Ukrainian-US Collaboration and Clinics
Authors: Felstiner Susan , Finger Davida , Greenberg-Kobrin Michelle , Tsypiashchuck Maria
Published: November 2024

At the onset of the full-scale Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, U.S. law clinic professors worked alongside the leadership of the Association of Legal Clinics of Ukraine. The mutual objective was to support Ukrainian law professors and facilitate the continued legal education of their students, particularly the acquisition of skills typically taught in law clinics. Ultimately, the online partnership that developed focused on skills training and included seven Ukrainian law schools, faculty from over six U.S. law schools and one private law firm, and USAID Justice for All Activity in Ukraine. The overall goals of this collaboration were to support the teaching and skills training for Ukrainian students as they pivoted their work to grapple with accessing an entirely new set of skills to navigate lawyering during the war.
Fiches techniques avec planche couleur : Bossé
Authors: Rédacteur de la revue Bois et Forêts des Tropiques
Published: November 2024

Pas de résumé
SrSnO3 perovskite vs. Nd2Sn2O7 pyrochlores for oxidative coupling of methane: deciphering the reactive sites difference
Authors: Ouyang Rumeng , Xu Junwei , Zhong Xusheng , Gong Ying , Liu Yameng , Fang Xiuzhong , Shen Jiating , Wang Xiang
Published: November 2024

Herein, SrSnO3 perovskite and Nd2Sn2O7 pyrochlore with definite structures have been synthesized using a hydrothermal method, and the differences in their reactive sites for the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) are investigated. The primary products of perovskite and pyrochlore are C2 hydrocarbons and COx, respectively. The C2 selectivity of perovskite is primarily affected by basic sites and chemisorbed oxygen species O22-. For pyrochlore, the key factors affecting methane conversion and COx selectivity are the acidic sites and reactive oxygen species (chemisorbed oxygen species and weakly bonded lattice oxygen). The chemisorbed oxygen species of pyrochlore are directly generated through intrinsic oxygen vacancies, whereas those of perovskite are generated through oxygen vacancies created under high-temperature lattice distortions. The tightness of the stacking between [SnO6] octahedra is the main factor affecting the acidic sites and oxygen vacancies of the two composite oxides. The stacking of [SnO6] octahedra in pyrochlore is loose, resulting in a relatively weak Sn–O bond strength. During the OCM reaction, the Sn–O bond is prone to breakage, resulting in abundant acidic sites and oxygen vacancies. Additionally, the influence of basic sites on the amount of chemisorbed oxygen species is more important than that of oxygen vacancies, which is attributed to the fact that basic sites can stabilize chemisorbed oxygen species on the catalyst surface.
Engineered extracellular vesicles as “supply vehicles” to alleviate type 1 diabetes
Authors: Wang Fei , Li Zhenhua
Published: November 2024

Recent findings have indicated that the deficiency of inhibitory programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and galectin-9 (Gal-9) in pancreatic β-cells is associated with the progression of type 1 diabetes (T1D). This suggests that exogenous PD-L1 and Gal-9 may have promising potential as therapeutics for the treatment of T1D. In light of these reports, a recent work investigated the potential of artificial extracellular vesicles (aEVs) with the presentation of PD-L1 and Gal-9 ligands (PD-L1–Gal-9 aEVs) as a treatment for T1D, with the findings published in Diabetes . Notably, the PD-L1–Gal-9 aEVs demonstrated the capacity to induce apoptosis of T cells and the formation of regulatory T (Treg) cells, thereby maintaining immune tolerance. Furthermore, the in vivo administration of PD-L1–Gal-9 aEVs resulted in a reduction in T cell infiltration in the pancreas, an increase in β-cell integrity protection, a significant decrease in blood glucose levels, and a delay in the progression of T1D. In conclusion, this study proposed an innovative approach to the treatment of T1D progression through the use of immunosuppressive EVs. This highlight provides a comprehensive analysis and discussion of the pivotal findings of this study.
Aislamiento de Brucella melitensis en suelo agrícola, Puebla, México
Authors: Castañeda-Roldán Elsa I. , Cruz-Aviña Juan R. , Tenorio-Arvide María G. , Valera-Pérez Miguel A. , Villa-Mancera Abel E. , Díaz-Larrea Jhoana , Cabrera Rubén
Published: November 2024

La brucelosis es una enfermedad zoonótica importante debido a su distribución mundial, su potencial infectocontagioso (medio millón de nuevos pacientes cada año) y su gran variedad de nichos (ganado, humanos, fauna silvestre, agua, aire). Se atribuye a Brucella gran parte de la alta afectación en los rendimientos productivos de ganado vacuno y caprino en la comunidad Emilio Portes Gil del municipio de Puebla, México. Por ello, el objetivo de este estudio fue aislar a Brucella sp. en muestras de suelo agrícola (n = 90) en una zona de alta incidencia en humanos y ganado. Por medio de métodos microbiológicos estándares se aisló, detectó y confirmó la presencia de Brucella melitensis en las muestras analizadas, con una efectividad del 100 % durante el primoaislamiento (total de muestras), 69.8 % para la resiembra y 57 % en las pruebas confirmatorias PCR de punto final (PCR-PF) utilizando BM16 y E. coli como testigos. Se amplificó el gen bp26 con 1024 pb y los perfiles microbiológicos resultaron comparativamente idénticos para B. melitensis. Este es el primer registro de detección, aislamiento y confirmación de B. melitensis en suelo agrícola en México. Se reconoce al sistema suelo como una extensión del nicho para B. melitensis. Estos datos constituyen una herramienta útil para mejorar la comprensión sobre la patogénesis y virulencia del género Brucella en el medio natural, así como su efecto potencial en la salud pública y animal.
Development of problem-based learning virtual laboratory on human digestive system material to improve digital literacy and critical thinking students
Authors: Prasetya Wanda Agus , Pratama Anggi Tias , Safitri Wulan
Published: November 2024

This research was conducted to know the characteristics of the media and produce a feasible, practical, and effective problem-based learning virtual laboratory application to improve digital literacy and critical thinking skills of grade XI students of SMA Negeri 1 Depok Yogyakarta. This research is a research and development using the ADDIE model, which involves analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. Field trials were conducted by the quasi-experimental method using a pretest-posttest control group design. A total of 72 students from two classes XI of SMA Negeri 1 Depok Yogyakarta became the subjects of field trials, divided into control classes (36 students) and experimental classes (36 students), with the application of cluster sampling techniques. Data was collected through digital literacy observation sheets and critical thinking skills test questions and then analyzed using the Manova test. The results showed that; (1) Virtual laboratories based on problem-based learning developed have the characteristics of interactive, collaborative, and emphasize independent/group research, which can motivate students by providing new learning experiences. (2) this media is suitable to be used from the aspect of media and material to improve digital literacy and critical thinking skills of students with very good categories, (3) and practical in improving digital literacy and critical thinking skills of students with very good categories, (4) and effective in improving these two aspects, by the results of the MANOVA test which indicate a significant difference In the application of these media to digital literacy and critical thinking skills of students.
Anterior Glenohumeral Instability
Authors: Marcaccio Stephen E. , Kaarre Janina , Steuer Fritz , Herman Zachary J. , Lin Albert
Published: November 2024

➢ Anterior glenohumeral instability is a complex orthopaedic problem that requires a detailed history, a thorough physical examination, and a meticulous review of advanced imaging in order to make individualized treatment decisions and optimize patient outcomes.

➢ Nonoperative management of primary instability events can be considered in low-demand patients, including elderly individuals or younger, recreational athletes not participating in high-risk activities, and select in-season athletes. Recurrence can result in increased severity of soft-tissue and osseous damage, further increasing the complexity of subsequent surgical management.

➢ Surgical stabilization following primary anterior instability is recommended in young athletes who have additional risk factors for failure, including participation in high-risk sports, hyperlaxity, and presence of bipolar bone loss, defined as the presence of both glenoid (anteroinferior glenoid) and humeral head (Hill-Sachs deformity) bone loss.

➢ Several surgical treatment options exist, including arthroscopic Bankart repair with or without additional procedures such as remplissage, open Bankart repair, and osseous restoration procedures, including the Latarjet procedure.

➢ Favorable results can be expected following arthroscopic Bankart repair with minimal (<13.5%) bone loss and on-track Hill-Sachs lesions following a primary instability event. However, adjunct procedures such as remplissage should be performed for off-track lesions and should be considered in the setting of subcritical glenoid bone loss, select high-risk patients, and near-track lesions.

➢ Bone-grafting of anterior glenoid defects, including autograft and allograft options, should be considered in cases with >20% glenoid bone loss.
Richard Swinburne’s Cartesian Dualism and Eleonore Stump’s Hylomorphism: Comparative Analysis
Authors:   Faculty of Humanities, National Research University “Higher School of Economics”, Vasiliev Nikolay
Published: November 2024

The article makes a comparative analysis of R. Swinburne’s Cartesian dualism and E. Stump’s Thomistic hylomorphism. These authors are among the few contemporary philosophers who argue for strong dualist positions contrary to physicalism in the philosophy of mind. The main motivation for the comparative analysis lies in the fact that Swinburne’s and Stump’s projects compete both with strong physicalist tendencies and with each other. The author of the article analyses the content of Swinburne’s and Stump’s systems, and provides the main criticism of Cartesian dualism and Thomistic hylomorphism. The distinction between Cartesian dualism and Thomistic hylomorphism is examined. A number of similarities between the positions of Swinburne and Stump are highlighted, but philosophically significant differences are also observed. The author concludes that, despite having its own significant philosophical problems, Stump’s Thomistic hylomorphism is superior to Swinburne’s dualism in a number of aspects and has more prospects for defense.
The rural elderly's perception of the decline in intrinsic capacity and their needs for intervention: a qualitative study
Authors: Su Hong , Li Qi , Zhang Yuke , Zhou Yuqiu
Published: November 2024

Backgronud:The decline in intrinsic capacity is widespread among the elderly in rural areas.This study explored the cognitive and intervention needs of the decline in intrinsic capacity among rural elderly individuals from the perspective of the Social-Ecological Systems Theory.
Methods: 14 rural elderly individuals in Dongfeng Village, Daqing City, China, were selected for semi-structured interviews from September to December 2023. The interview recordings were transcribed by the research team, and transcripts were analyzed by two independent coders with Colaizzi's descriptive analysis framework. The process employed NVivo 12 software.
Findings: Three themes were extracted regarding the cognitive and intervention needs for the decline in intrinsic capacity among rural elderly individuals. Microsystem: The needs for intervention content of intrinsic capacity (knowledge needs; promotion motivation). Mesosystem: The needs for health behaviors (family involvement needs; neighborhood companionship needs). Macrosystem: The need for social and information support (social support needs; scientific and systematic health promotion information needs; diverse information formats).
Conclusion: The rural elderly have insufficient awareness of intrinsic capacity and intervention, with intervention participation influenced by various factors. The needs for intrinsic capacity intervention are multidimensional and require targeted programs based on the facilitators and barriers of intervention to meet the needs of rural elderly individuals for intrinsic capacity intervention.
Characteristic Earthquake Recurrence and Time-Dependent Seismic Hazard Modeling for the North and East Anatolian Faults
Authors: Koca Cem , Şeşetyan Karin
Published: November 2024

Until now, many probabilistic seismic hazard analyses (PSHA) have been conducted for Turkey. However, except in a limited number of cases, characteristic fault source modeling was not used. Since the North and East Anatolian Faults (NAF and EAF) tend to rupture in characteristic earthquakes, the first objective of this research is to develop a sound hybrid characteristic recurrence model for the NAF and EAF. The so-called hybrid model involves a composite characteristic model (i.e., an exponential part for the smaller and a characteristic part for larger magnitudes) developed for each segment combined with a characteristic recurrence proposed for multi-segment ruptures. Two different hybrid earthquake recurrence models are developed with time-independent (or Poissonian) and time-dependent (or renewal) characteristics. The North Anatolian Fault has also been known for its capacity to generate multi-segment ruptures, evidenced in the 20th century by the 1939 Erzincan and the 1999 Kocaeli earthquakes. The EAF, on the other hand, had not produced any multi-segment rupture in the recent past. The occurrence of the February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş-Pazarcık earthquake (Mw 7.8, rupture length of 350 km) shed new light on the earthquake hazard-related analyses of this fault zone. In the present study which also allows for multi-segment ruptures on both faults, the effects of characteristic modeling, as well as those of seismic gaps along the NAF and EAF on seismic hazard are assessed, including a pre- and post-2023 modeling comparison for the EAF. The model also allows for evaluating the results of the fully exponential model of the NAF and EAF, which usually produces an overestimated seismic hazard compared to the Poissonian hybrid model. Slip deficits on some fault segments can increase the seismic hazard dramatically. Although the overestimated results of the fully exponential model can compensate for the high hazard based on the renewal model, the time-dependent hazard may exceed the hazard obtained in the fully exponential model. If there is a huge seismic gap along a fault, a renewal seismic hazard model should be developed to handle the worst case. In any case, the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake has also shown that modeling for the really (even inconceivably) big one is never an overestimation, especially for the major plate-boundary faults.
Loss of Exoc1 in dormant oocytes perturbs the subcellular localization of c-KIT and GDF9 and causes female infertility in mice
Authors: Mizuno Seiya , Nguyen Chi , Yumeno Kuba , Le Hoai , Shawki Hossam , Mikami Natsuki , Aoki Madoka , Yasuhara Nanako , Suzuki Hayate , Iijima-Mizuno Saori , Ayabe Shinya , Osawa Yuki , Fujiyama Tomoyuki , Dinh Tra , Ishida Miyuki , Daitoku Yoko , Tanimoto Yoko , Murata Kazuya , Kang Woojin , Ema Masatsugu , Hirao Yuji , Ogura Atsuo , Takahashi Satoru , Sugiyama Fumihiro
Published: November 2024

A limited number of female germ cells support reproduction in many mammals. The follicle, composed of oocytes and supporting granulosa cells, forms the basis of oogenesis. Crosstalk between oocytes and granulosa cells is essential for the formation, dormancy, re-awakening, and maturation of oocytes. The oocyte expresses c-KIT and growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9), which are major factors in this crosstalk. The downstream signallingpathways of c-KIT and GDF-9 have been well-documented; however, their intra-oocyte trafficking pathway remains unclear. Our study reveals that the exocyst complex, a heterotetrameric protein complex important for tethering in vesicular transport, is important for proper intra-oocyte trafficking of c-KIT and GDF9 in mice. We found that depletion of oocyte-specific EXOC1, a component of the exocyst complex, impaired oocyte re-awakening and cyst breakdown, and inhibited granulosa cell proliferation during follicle growth. The c-KIT receptor is localised on the oocyte plasma membrane. The oocyte-specific Kit conditional knockout mice were reported to exhibit impaired oocyte re-awakening and reduced oocyte cyst breakdown. GDF9 is a protein secreted extracellularly in the oocyte. Previous studies have shown that Gdf9knockout mice impaired proliferation and granulosa cell multilayering in growing follicles. We found that both c-KIT and GDF9 abnormally stuck in the EXOC1-depleted oocyte cytoplasm. These abnormal phenotypes were also observed in oocytes depleted of exocyst complex members EXOC3 and EXOC7. These results clearly show that the exocyst complex is essential for proper intra-oocyte trafficking of c-KIT and GDF9. Inhibition of this complex causes complete loss of female fertility in mice. Our findings build a platform for research related to trafficking mechanisms of vital crosstalk factors for oogenesis.
Green Synthesis and Characterization of SmVO4@g-C3N4 with investigation of Photocatalytic and Antioxidant Properties
Authors: KUMAR T ARUN , Ramkumar J. , Kiruthikha M. , Rajeswaran P.
Published: November 2024

Samarium Vanadate nanoparticles (SmVO4 NPs) were synthesised eco friendly and quickly utilising Phyllanthus amarus leaf extract. These nanoparticles were then adhered onto the surface of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). The synthesized nanoparticles were described by UV– Visible, XRD, SEM, TEM,EDAX, FT-IR and BET assured the growth of SmVO4 nanoparticles anchored over the g-C3N4 surface. The synthesized catalyst was used for chromium VI (Cr VI) and Naphthol Blue Black (NBB) degradation through visible light radiation. The influence of catalyst dosage, H2O2 concentration, and pH were among the operating parameters that were optimised. The results indicated that the photo catalytic effectiveness of SmVO4@g-C3N4 was two times greater than that of pristine g- C3N4. It was also discovered that the composite with a 20% wt of SmVO4 concentration had the maximum photo activity among the SmVO4 contents of 5%,10% and 20% wt. The high effectivity was showed by degradation efficiency of 95% toward Cr(VI) and 82% towards NBB. Scavenger effect analysis indicates that the Z-scheme is part of the photo catalytic mechanism that enables effective separation of photo generated electron-hole pairs in the presence of visible light. Centrifugation was employed to extract the catalyst from the reaction solution, which allowed it to be utilised five more times. The outcomes demonstrated that the catalyst's efficiency had not significantly decreased. These findings indicated the possible benefits of the greenly synthesised SmVO4@g- C3N4 for the degradation of organic contaminants.
Quality Appraisal and Hydrochemical Analysis of Groundwater for Domestic and Irrigation Aspects
Authors: Kushwah Vinod , Singh Kunwar
Published: November 2024

Aim of this study was to analyze the geochemical mechanisms that influence the composition of groundwater and determine the suitableness of groundwater quality for farming and domestic uses in the agricultural area of Mathura, India. This study also emphasized the significance of using a comprehensive approach which includes water pollution evaluating indexes and multivariate statistical techniques to investigation of hydrochemical analysis of groundwater quality and identification of contamination sources. Water samples were collected from different sampling sites and analyzed. 81.25% and 62.50% of the sampling sites of groundwater above the maximum allowable levels for the concentration of fluoride and nitrate as per BIS, 2012. Cluster analysis categorized sixteen sampling locations into three clusters based (High, moderately and less polluted) on observed data. Piper diagram concluded that the calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, are predominate ions showing its unsuitability for irrigation. According to the Wilcox diagram, US salinity laboratory diagram, Kelly index, Magnesium adsorption ratio, Permeability index, 6.25%, 31.25%, 25%, 93.75%, 18.75% respectively, the study area is classified as an unsuitable for irrigation. The present investigation provided useful information of suitable water management resource for healthy crop growth, human health, water resources management, and ultimately the sustainable development of the environment.
Nitinol rod driven discrete continuum robot for transoral surgery assistance and planar path planning with segmented CT images
Authors: Kim Yeoun-Jae , Oh Jieun , Wi Daehan
Published: November 2024

To address the possibility of assisting the clinicians to perform transoral surgery, a Nitinol rod driven discrete continuum robot with 3 sections and 9 units is developed by authors. The overall length of the discrete continuum robot mechanism is 120 mm and the unit diameter is 15 mm with 20 mm height. The distal and proximal sections are designed to be bendable independently in 2 degree of freedom (DOF) with four Nitinol rod each. To investigate the Nitinol rod displacement change to section bending angle relationship, 2D section bending tests and ANSYS simulation are performed. Moreover, to address the design feasibility of the discrete continuum robot in clinical environment, 11 patients' head and neck CT images are manually segmented to render 11 3D oral cavity and made a fictituous 11 reference passage from lips to oropharynx. Using the 11 fictituous reference passage, planar path planning simulations are performed with the designed 2 sections 8 units discrete continuum robot. To verify the simulations, path following tests are conducted with 3 reference passages. The simulation results show that the average reference path following error is within RMS (root mean square) 1.9705 mm in maximum introducing length and the test results presents that the maximum bending angle difference between the simulation and test is 9.6 degree.
Clinical Features of High Myopia with Optic Nerve Head Prelaminar Schisis: Wuhan High Myopia Study
Authors: Chen Changzheng , Wu Qiuyan , Hu Ruihan , Liu Qihong , Li Fang , Tsering Lhamo , Xiao Di , Abdulla Sawut , Yi Zuohuizi , Yuan Jiajia , Shao Yilei , Shen Meixiao
Published: November 2024

Purpose:To investigate the clinical features of prelaminar schisis (PLS) in highly myopic eyes.
Methods: This cross-sectional studyincluded 245 eyes with high myopia and 93 eyes with low to moderate myopia. PLS was classified on a 3-point scale from 0 to 2. Clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared. Factors associated with the presence and severity of PLS and its correlation with visual field were evaluated.
Results: Highly myopic eyes presented a higher frequency (P= 0.019) and severity (P = 0.009) of PLS compared to controls. Among them, 33.47% (82/245) had Grade 0, 56.33% (138/245) had Grade 1 and 10.20% (25/235) had Grade 2. The presence of Bergmeister papilla (OR = 2.232, P= 0.007), a larger Bruch membrane opening (BMO) (OR = 1.927, P = 0.001) and a longer axial length (OR = 1.715, P= 0.003) were correlated with the severity of PLS. Additionally, the severity of PLS was associated with visual field defects (OR = 1.481, P = 0.012).
Conclusion: The presence of Bergmeister papilla, a larger BMO and a longer axial length were associated with the severity of PLS. The relationship of the severity of PLS and visual field defects in high myopic eyes suggests ONH prelaminar schisis may indicate traction and myopic deformation of the ONH, potentially reflecting ongoing functional damage.
Mercury Removal Mechanism of Elemental Sulfur-Modified Activated Carbon Based on Density Functional Theory
Authors: Chen Cong , Wang Rui , Liu Xiaoshuo , Duan Yufeng , Shi Weidong , Wang Zhenxiong , Fang Guofeng , Yan Linpeng , Cai Huatong
Published: November 2024

Sulfur-modified activated carbon is a mercury removal adsorbent with broad application prospects. However, research on the mercury adsorption mechanisms and the influence of different adsorption sites on mercury adsorption on sulfur-loaded activated carbon is limited. In this study, the mechanism of mercury adsorption on sulfur-modified activated carbon and the influence of the adsorption were investigated using quantum chemical calculations. A cluster model of the activated carbon surface was established to determine the bonding characteristics, adsorption energy, electrostatic potential, and molecular orbitals of Hg0 for different activated carbon substrate structures. The results indicated that one to two C-S bonds were formed when a single sulfur atom was loaded onto the surface of a carbon cluster in a process involving both chemisorption and physisorption. Among several configurations, the SAC-Arm-1 configuration had the highest adsorption energy (-65.47 kJ/mol). Electrostatic potential analysis revealed that when adsorption occurred at the adsorption site of this structure, Hg was surrounded by a positive electrostatic potential, whereas S was surrounded by a negative electrostatic potential. Under the action of electrostatic forces, sulfur, and mercury tend to move closer to each other, indicating chemisorption between them. Frontier orbital analysis revealed a noticeable change in the orbital spin direction at this adsorption site, with similar changes in the post-adsorption orbitals. Orbital overlap in the system was slightly more frequent, indicating easier electron exchange, further proving that the adsorption reaction is prone to occur. By comparing the adsorption energies and exploring the adsorption mechanisms of the different sulfur-loaded carbon cluster models and different adsorption sites, this study provides guidance for the future development of efficient sulfur-modified carbon-based adsorbents.
Evaluation of vegetable oil as oviposition deterrent for management of old-world bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) in cotton
Authors: Pande Rachna , Vivek Shah , T Prabhulinga , Thube Shivaji , Ghonge Pooja , Behere GT , Prasad YG
Published: November 2024

Oviposition deterrents are the semiochemicals that provide the first line of defense by modifying the behavior of conspecific females. In the present study, the oviposition deterrent effect of four fatty acids (linoleic, palmitic, myristic, and stearic acid) and six vegetable oils (groundnut, rice bran, safflower, sesame, soybean, and sunflower) having fatty acids was confirmed in bioassay under laboratory condition at different concentration against the old-world bollworm Helicoverpa armigera. The value of the avoidance index (AI) and percent effective deterrence (PED) confirmed the role of fatty acids and vegetable oils as an oviposition deterrent. It was found that there was a negative correlation between the ratio of the number of eggs laid and the concentrations of fatty acids tested against H. armigera. The efficacy of fatty acids and vegetable oil as oviposition deterrents concerning AI and PED was observed as palmitic acid (AI= 0.57, PED= 73%) > myristic acid (0.53, 69%) > stearic acid (0.52, 68%) > linoleic acid (0.51, 67%) and sunflower (0,50, 66%) > safflower (0.48, 65%) > groundnut (0.46, 63%) > sesame (0.44, 61%) > rice bran and soybean (0.43, 60%) respectively. Validation of the present findings was demonstrated by the field studies conducted during 2019-2020, 2020-21, and 2021-22. The results of the field study ensured the effectiveness of vegetable oils as an oviposition deterrent by reducing egg-laying. Hence, the present work manifests vegetable oils as a promising oviposition deterrent and proves their proficiency in the ethological pest management of H. armigera.
Effectiveness of jasmonate stimulation on attraction of Cotesia marginiventris via olfactory cues on BT- and non-BT-cotton plants
Authors: EL-WAKEIL NABIL , GAAFAR NAWAL , ALKAHTANI SAAD
Published: November 2024

It is well documented that plants damaged with insect species can attract specific biocontrol agents throughout the emission of insect-induced volatiles. A four-armed olfactometer was used to inspect olfactory reactions of Cotesia marginiventris. Behavioural tests for studying parasitoid attraction to specific odours are assessed. Flying tunnel investigations could be evaluated with three odour sources plus control plants at a time. The attractiveness of female parasitoid C. marginiventris was tested by applying several treatments: jasmonate induced plants and plants fed by Spodoptera exigua on Bacillus thuringiensis (BT)(genetic modified GM) and non- GM cotton plants. Three criteria were compared and studied. Search time and choose time and visit numbers for each zone.
The obtained outcomes showed that the plants induced with jasmonate were more attractive than those plants fed by two larvae, while those plants fed by one larva were the least attractive. Whereas, it was found that females of C. marginiventris significantly chose more jasmonate feeding areas than larval feeding areas on GM cotton plants, and the equivalent effect was detected on non-GM cotton plants. Whereas C. marginiventris females spent more time in the jasmonate areas than the rest of the treatments; While the time spent on transgenic cotton plants was longer than the time spent on non-transgenic cotton plants. Whereas in the non-Jasmonate treatments, females spent more time using the GM cotton than the non-GM cotton, the same trend of effects had been detected in the choice of time and visit frequency for that treatment.
Jasmonate stimulation of volatile substances is a good way to increase the attractiveness of parasitoids to their insect hosts to maximize the efficacy of the role of biological control agents. It is proposed that a genetic modification approach to modify the volatiles in these plants could enhance the attractiveness and increase the role assigned to natural enemies. This procedure will cause a more drastic change in the volatiles of those plants. This scientific direction is a complementary role, with transgenic resistance, which will lead to selection of inducible promoters with tissue-specific expression.
Loss of cadherin 17 downregulates LGR5 expression, stem cell properties and drug resistance in metastatic colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Casal J. Ignacio , Bartolome Ruben , Pintado-Berninches Laura , Robles Javier , Calvo-Lopez Tania , Boukich Issam , Otero-Nuñez Pablo , González-Sancho Jose Manuel
Published: November 2024

Cadherin 17 (CDH17) plays a crucial role in the metastatic progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) through its interaction with α2β1 integrin. To further elucidate the molecular mechanisms involving CDH17 functions in CRC, we examined global expression alterations following CDH17 silencing in various metastatic cell lines. Loss of CDH17 resulted in a marked down-regulation of the cancer stem cell (CSC) marker LGR5, leading to the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, suppression of pluripotency genes like MYC, and a subsequent reduction in stemness properties. Mechanistically, treatment with CDH17-blocking antibodies produced similar effects, decreasing both, LGR5 expression and Wnt signaling. CDH17 silencing also down-regulated various transporters associated with drug-resistance, including the glutamine-transporter SLC38A5, thereby enhancing sensitivity to 5-FU, irinotecan, oxidative stress and anoikis. Silencing of SLC38A5 via siRNA further amplified the effects of CDH17 on drug sensitivity, oxidative stress, and anoikis. Furthermore, treatment with amiloride, an SLC38A5 inhibitor, significantly reduced cell viability in response to 5-FU and irinotecan, and improved survival in mouse metastasis models. In conclusion, CDH17 expression is critical for maintaining the signaling cascade Wnt/MYC, responsible of the CSC traits, and drug resistance properties (mediated by SLC38A5) in CRC. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of targeting CDH17 in metastatic CRC and support the use of amiloride as a promising strategy for inhibiting liver metastasis.
Linking Newborns and Mothers to Enable the Study of Inter-generational Health Outcomes: Evidence from Nationwide Medicaid Data
Authors: Orr Lilla , Seif Basil , Jeon Sun Young , Cascardi Elisa , Bhatt Sakshina , Swartz Jonas , Rodriguez Maria , Mendoza Fernando , Sanders Lee , Hainmueller Jens
Published: November 2024

Linking mothers to their newborns in health records is crucial for understanding the impact of policies, programs, and medical treatments on inter-generational health outcomes. While previous studies have used shared identifiers like names or addresses for linkage, such data are often unavailable in Medicaid records due to privacy concerns. We present a scalable framework and linking algorithm using Medicaid MAX and TAF claims data—lacking direct identifiers—that connects mothers and infants while ensuring privacy protection. Our method accommodates variations in Medicaid records over time and across states, supporting matches at different levels of stringency. Using data from all 50 states over 19 years, our algorithm linked 11.68 million mother-infant dyads, covering 68% of Medicaid-enrolled infants, over 30% of all U.S. infants. We provide our code to facilitate research on social determinants of health and the inter-generational effects of U.S. public policy.
Sparse Annotation is Sufficient for Bootstrapping Dense Neuron Segmentation
Authors: Manor Uri , Thiyagarajan Vijay , Harris Kristen , Sheridan Arlo
Published: November 2024

Producing dense 3D reconstructions from biological imaging data is a challenging instance segmentation task that requires significant ground-truth training data for effective and accurate deep learning-based models. Generating training data requires intense human effort to annotate each instance of an object across serial section images. Our focus is on the especially complicated brain neuropil, comprising an extensive interdigitation of dendritic, axonal, and glial processes visualized through serial section electron microscopy. We developed a novel deep learning-based method to generate dense 3D segmentations rapidly from sparse 2D annotations of a few objects on single sections. Models trained on the rapidly generated segmentations achieved similar accuracy as those trained on expert dense ground-truth annotations. Human time to generate annotations was reduced by three orders of magnitude and could be produced by non-expert annotators. This capability will democratize generation of training data for large image volumes needed to achieve brain circuits and measures of circuit strengths.
Marine garbage identification algorithm based on MGYOLOv7-Tiny network
Authors: ZUO Guanfang , Gu Sirui , REN Xiaotian , Hao Changliang , Ruan Yiyang , SHA Yanyou
Published: November 2024

Aiming at the problem of marine garbage types detection on YOLOv7-Tiny network, a 2-IDetect network named MGYOLOv7-Tiny is proposed to relieve the contradiction between parameter quantity and detection accuracy. Firstly, the number of detection heads is reduced to balance the demands of accuracy improvement and network slimming. Secondly, local feature information is exchanged by light-weight convolution named GSConv. Model parameter quantity is reduced by the training-time and inference-time illating with different Re-parameterization Visual Geometry Group (RepVGG) structures. The activation function of Global Attention Mechanism (GAM) is changed to Hard Swish, so the problem of parameter update near the origin is completely solved. The pixel continuity of upper sampling feature maps is improved by the use of Content-Aware ReAssembly of Features (CARAFE). The prior box size conforming to small marine debris is obtained by using the Kmeans++ algorithm. Finally, Alpha-IoU is used to improve the bounding box regression accuracy of small samples by adjusting the power parameter of . Experimental results show that MGYOLOv7-Tiny has the detection precision of 91.72% and the parameter quantity is 6.7MB on trash\_ICRA19. The universality of MGYOLOv7-Tiny is demonstrated in a small target dataset named Visdrone2019.
Insulation optimization of aluminum profile for high-speed train based on RBF neural network model of sound insulation
Authors: Hao Yuxiang , Song Leiming , Yu Hanyang , Hu Xiaojun , Lin Hao
Published: November 2024

Improving the sound insulation of the car body structure is an important technical means to reduce the noise inside the high-speed train. Without reducing the sound insulation of the structure, lowering the mass of the sound insulation structure is an important way to the lightweight of the high-speed train. The model based on radial basis function neural network (BRF) is established by taking the parameters such as the upper plate, the lower plate, the rib plate, the thickness of the aluminum profile and the angle of the rib plate as the design factors, and the weighted sound insulation Rw and the mass of the aluminum profile as the output response. The RBF model is used to optimize the sound insulation performance of the aluminum profile by using the hybrid algorithm of Multi-island Genetic Algorithm (MIGA) and nonlinear programming quadratic line (NLPQL), which greatly improves the optimization efficiency of the sound insulation performance of the aluminum profile. The sidewall aluminum profile of a high-speed train is optimized, and the Rw is increased by 3.6dB under the condition of constant mass. The mass is reduced by 18.5% when the Rw is constant.