bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Assessment of Türkiye’s Public Diplomacy Activities after the Johnson Letter: Are Cultural Relations an Investment?
Authors: Baritci Fatih , Duman Melih
Published: December 2024

For Türkiye, the year 1964 witnessed a significant break in its long-standing foreign policy approach. During this period, Turkish foreign policy, which was shaped around the Cyprus Issue, sought alternatives after the Johnson Letter. This study aims to examine various cultural activities carried out by Türkiye in 1964 and evaluate them in the context of public diplomacy. In this direction, firstly, the international political atmosphere of the 1960s was evaluated from the perspective of Türkiye. Later, sections of Türkiye’s important public diplomacy activities in different fields in the period from 1920s to the Johnson Letter were revealed. Finally, the report on cultural relations published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1964 was examined by documentary scanning method, and in this context, various public diplomacy initiatives were put forward in which the Cyprus Issue was at the center. As a result of the study, it has been understood that Türkiye invests in cultural and artistic activities in accordance with its political objectives within the scope of the maximum benefit strategy with minimum cost and makes positive contributions to the image of the country.
CONCEPTUAL EVOLUTION OF CITY BRANDING: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND THE PROGRESS OF THE TERMS “SOCIAL MEDIA” AND “SMART CITY” IN LITERATURE
Authors: Albayrak Fakıoğlu Pelin , Oğuztimur Senay
Published: December 2024

The aim of this study is to examine the evolution of the city branding concept and to explore the development of smart city and social media terms in city branding literature, from January 1st, 2003, to August 1st, 2023. Conducting a systematic review of 325 peer-reviewed English articles from the Emerald, Proquest, and Web of Science (WoS) databases that feature "city branding" or "city marketing" in their abstracts, keywords, or titles, the study assesses the transition from simpler branding strategies to complex and integrated approaches over the two-decade period. The research reveals an uptick in concept-related research since 2010, particularly highlighting the growing significance of smart city and social media concepts within the city branding literature. Furthermore, it identifies an increased focus on city branding efforts in Chinese cities over the last decade. By providing a comprehensive review of the developments and changes in city branding, alongside the evolving roles of smart city and social media concepts, this article contributes valuable insights to the existing body of literature.
The Effects of Burnout Syndrome on Materialist Tendencies and Compulsive Buying Behavior
Authors: Yalçıntaş Deniz , Bozyiğit Sezen
Published: December 2024

Numerous factors influence the tendency for materialism and compulsive shopping. Burnout, one of these factors, is a frequently seen situation, especially in working individuals. This study aims to reveal the effect of emotional exhaustion, personal accomplishment, and depersonalization which are the three sub-dimensions of burnout, on individuals' materialism tendencies and obsessive-compulsive and impulsive purchasing behaviors. Data was collected from 390 consumers over the age of 18 who live and work in Türkiye voluntarily through a survey form prepared for the research. Structural equation modelling was used in the analysis to measure impact. According to the results of the analysis, while emotional exhaustion positively affects materialist tendencies and impulsive buying, it does not affect obsessive-compulsive buying. While personal accomplishment negatively affects materialistic tendencies and obsessive-compulsive buying, it does not affect impulse buying. Finally, while depersonalization does not affect the materialist tendency, it positively affects obsessive-compulsive buying and impulsive buying.
Towards An Efficient Internet of Things Intrusion Detection by Using Support Vector Machine
Authors: Abo Zidan Rawan , Karraz George
Published: December 2024

تعد أنظمة كشف التسلل ضرورية لحماية شبكات إنترنت الأشياء من التهديدات الأمنية، لقد كان تكامل آلات المتجهات الداعمة مع أنظمة كشف التسلسل الذكية بمثابة تقدم كبير في اكتشاف الأنشطة الشاذة. يساهم البحث في هذا المجال من خلال استخدام خوارزمية الهرم الغاوسي، مما يقلل بشكل كبير من كمية المعالجة ومساحة التخزين المطلوبة لمجموعات بيانات حركة مرور شبكة إنترنت الأشياء الكبيرة. يمكّن نموذج الهرم الغاوسي من تصنيف آلاف نقاط البيانات في المشكلات الواسعة النطاق مع مساحات إدخال عالية الابعاد. ومن الجدير بالذكر تفوق الهرم الغاوسي بمختلف احجام النواة يتفوق على آلات المتجهات الداعمة غير الخطية التقليدية وعلى الشبكات العصبونية الاصطناعية من حيث الكفاءة والدقة. على سبيل المثال مع أحجام النواة 5، 7 و9 أظهر نموذج الهرم الغاوسي أداءاً فائقاً على مجموعة بيانات NSL-KDD، محققاً الدقة والمنطقة أسفل المنحني أعلى من آلات المتجهات الداعمة التقليدية والشبكات العصبونية. في النواة ذات الحجم 9 حقق النموذج دقة قدرها 0.96 % على مجموعة بيانات CIC-DDoS2019 . تؤكد نتائجنا التجريبية أن تطبيق نموذج الهرم الغاوسي على حركة بيانات انترنت الأشياء يقلل بشكل كبير من تعقيد الوقت ويعزز أداء آلات المتجهات الداعمة الثنائية ومتعددة الصفوف، مما يمثل تقدماً كبيراً في اكتشاف التسلسل في إنترنت الأشياء.
Antioxidant Capacity of Benalu Duku Leaves Alcoholic Extract on SOD Level and Pancreatic Cytology in Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Syafitri Anggun , Yuandani  , Widiyawati Tri , Anggraini Dwi Rita , Waruwu Syukur Berkat
Published: December 2024

يتسبب داء السكري في تلف خلايا البنكرياس والإجهاد التأكسدي بسبب عدم توازن المواد المؤكسدة ومضادات الأكسدة في الجسم. إن السيطرة على ارتفاع السكر في الدم عن طريق إعطاء الأدوية التقليدية والاستخدام طويل الأمد ينطوي على مخاطر الآثار الجانبية، لذلك يوصى بالعلاج التقليدي. بينالو دوكو (Dendophthoe pentandra (L.) Miq) هو نبات يعتبر من النباتات الطبيعية. ومع ذلك، فمن الممكن تطويره كدواء لمرض السكري لأنه يحتوي على مستقلبات يمكن استخدامها كأدوية تأتي من الطبيعة. تهدف هذه الدراسة إلى اختبار المواد الكيميائية النباتية ودراسة تأثير المستخلص الإيثانولي لأوراق بينالو دوكو (EEBD) على مستويات فوق أكسيد ديسموتاز (SOD) في فئران ويستار البيضاء المصابة بداء السكري المستحث بالستربتوزوتوسين والنيكوتيناميد، كما تم فحص مستويات الجلوكوز في الدم، بالإضافة إلى إجراء التحليل النسيجي. تحليل خلايا البنكرياس. وأظهرت نتائج الفحص الكيميائي النباتي أنها تحتوي على قلويدات وفلافونيدات وجليكوسيدات وصابونين وعفص وترايتيربينويدات. تظهر الأبحاث أن إعطاء EEBD لمدة 28 يومًا يمكن أن يقلل بشكل كبير من مستويات الجلوكوز في الدم مقارنة بمجموعة Na-CMC. زادت مستويات SOD أيضًا بقيم 30.97 ± 0.84 و 21.99 ± 0.61 و 30.52 ± 1.30 و 28.55 ± 1.30 و 28.99 ± 0.95 و 29.00 ± 0.86 بيكوغرام / مل. وأظهرت أنسجة البنكرياس أيضًا اختلافات بين النوعية والكمية، مما يشير إلى إصلاح البنكرياس وزيادة مساحة سطح جزر لانجرهانس. يتمتع هذا النبات بإمكانية تطويره ليصبح مكونًا طبيًا جديدًا يأتي من الطبيعة.
Evaluation of DPP4, TNF, and Lipid Profile Levels as Early Indicators in Infertility Among Iraqi Women
Authors: Ghudhaib Kadhim K. , Khaleel Fayhaa M. , Ali Farah E.
Published: December 2024

العقم هو أحد المشاكل التي تواجه النساء والرجال. تعد السمنة واضطرابات مستوى الدهون، وكذلك مقاومة الأنسولين، من عوامل الخطر التي تسبب العقم، بالإضافة إلى العوامل الأخرى ذات الصلة. تهدف هذه الدراسة إلى معرفة تأثير السمنة واختلال توازن الدهون مع دراسة علاقة كل من ثنائي الببتيديل ببتيديز-4 وعامل نخر الورم-الفا لدى النساء المصابات بالعقم مقارنة بالنساء غير المصابات به، لتحديد مدى إمكانية اعتمادها كعوامل تشخيصية ودالة على المرض. شملت الدراسة 50 مشاركاً، الفئة العمرية (15-34) سنة، الذين راجعوا مستشفى كمال السامرائي في بغداد، العراق. تم تقسيم المشاركين إلى مجموعتين؛ مجموعة المرضى (30 امرأة تعاني من العقم) ومجموعة السيطرة (20 امرأة سليمة). تم تقييم مستويات FBS، وانماط الدهون، وDPP4، وTNF-α، وFSH، وLH، والأنسولين والتستوستيرون. وتم تحديد مستويات FBS والدهون على أساس الطرق الطيفية. و تقدير مستويات DPP4 وTNF-α وFSH وLH والأنسولين والتستوستيرون بواسطة كتات ELISA الخاصة بهم. تم حساب مؤشر كتلة الجسم، HOMO-IR، ومؤشر تصلب الشرايين. أظهرت النتائج ارتفاع مستويات FBS، الدهون (باستثناء HDL)، DPP-4، TNF-α، LH، التستوستيرون وانخفاض مستوى هرمون FSH لدى المرضى مقارنة بالنساء الأصحاء. تؤكد زيادة قيم مستويات الدهون ومؤشر تصلب الشرايين ومقاومة الأنسولين ارتباط العقم بالسمنة واضطرابات الدهون والسكري وتصلب الشرايين. علاوة على ذلك، فإن DPP-4 وTNF-α مفيدان كعوامل تشخيصية جيدة للعقم عند النساء.
On the ability to extract MLVA profiles of Vibrio cholerae isolates from WGS data generated with Oxford Nanopore Technologies
Authors: Ambroise Jérôme , Bearzatto Bertrand , Durant Jean-Francois , Irenge Leonid M. , Gala Jean-Luc
Published: December 2024

Multiple-Locus Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTR) Analysis (MLVA) is widely used by laboratory-based surveillance networks to subtype pathogens causing foodborne and water-borne disease outbreaks. The MLVAType shiny application was previously designed to extract MLVA profiles of Vibrio cholerae isolates from WGS data, and provide backward compatibility with traditional MLVA typing methods. The previous development and validation work was conducted using short (pair-end 300 and 150 nt long) reads from Illumina MiSeq and Hiseq sequencing. In this study, the MLVAType application was validated using long reads generated by Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing platforms. In silico MLVA profiles of V. cholerae isolates (n = 9) from the Democratic Republic of the Congo were generated using the MLVAType application on Nanopore WGS data. The WGS-derived in silico MLVA profiles were extracted from Canu (v.2.2) assemblies obtained through MinION and GridION sequencing by ONT. The results were compared to those obtained from SPAdes assemblies (v3.13.0; k-mer 175) generated from short-read (pair-end 300-bp) data obtained by MiSeq sequencing, Illumina, taken as a reference. For each isolate, the in silico MLVA profiles were concordant across all three sequencing methods, demonstrating that the MLVAType application can accurately predict the MLVA profiles from assembled genomes generated by long-reads ONT sequencers.
Enhancing Tuberculosis Care Quality in Karawang District: A Comparative Study Between Public and Private Hospitals
Authors: Dewi Inaz Kemala , Hairi Farizah Mohd , Andriani Helen
Published: December 2024

Background: Despite the World Health Organization's ambitious goal to eradicate tuberculosis by 2035, the three key indicators of the End TB Strategy have yet to reach their targets. Improving the quality of care is a critical factor in achieving better health outcomes. In Indonesia, both government and private hospitals are involved in enhancing the quality of tuberculosis services.
Methods: This study employs a mixed-method approach to assess the quality of tuberculosis care in public and private hospitals in Karawang District. The evaluation framework combines the High-Quality Health System (HQHS) and the Quality of Tuberculosis Service Assessment (QTSA). Primary data were collected through questionnaires and in-depth interviews with stakeholders, healthcare providers, and patients. Secondary data were gathered from tuberculosis patient visit records and tuberculosis control reports.
Results: The study reveals that low success rates in tuberculosis treatment, increased patient loss to follow-up, lack of evaluation, patient’s satisfication are consequences of structural problems and inadequate care systems foundational aspects such as budgeting, policy dissemination, and the establishment of internal and external networks face significant challenges. patient’s positive experience and access to follow up care have a significant impact on patient’s satification.
Conclusion: Enhancing the foundational elements of the tuberculosis health system and implementing a sustainable, integrated treatment approach will lead to increased treatment success rate, improved treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.
Triple coding in human SRD5A1 mRNA
Authors: Yordanova Martina M. , Slattery Conor , Baranova-Gurvich Mirriam , Engels Manon , Ting Oscar , Świrski Michał , Tierney Jack A. S. , Tjeldnes Håkon , Mudge Jonathan , Loughran Gary , Andreev Dmitry E. , Baranov Pavel V.
Published: December 2024

Background: Nucleotide sequence can be translated in three reading frames from 5’ to 3’ producing distinct protein products. Many examples of RNA translation in two reading frames (dual coding) have been identified so far.
Results: We report simultaneous translation of mRNA transcripts derived from SRD5A1 locus in all three reading frames that result in the synthesis of long proteins. This occurs due to initiation at three nearby AUG codons occurring in all three-reading frame. Only one of the three proteoforms contains the conserved catalytical domain of SDRD5A1 produced either from the second or the third AUG codon depending on the transcript. Paradoxically, ribosome profiling data and expression reporters indicate that the most efficient translation produces catalytically inactive proteoforms. While phylogenetic analysis suggests that the long triple decoding region is specific to primates, occurrence of nearby AUGs in all three reading frames is ancestral to placental mammals. This suggests that their evolutionary significance belongs to regulation of translation rather than biological role of their products. By analysing multiple publicly available ribosome profiling data and with gene expression assays carried out in different cellular environments, we show that relative expression of these proteoforms is mutually dependent and vary across environments supporting this conjecture. A remarkable feature of triple decoding is its resistance to indel mutations with apparent implications to clinical interpretation of genomic variants.
Conclusion: We argue for the importance of identification, characterisation and annotation of productive RNA translation irrespective of the presumed biological roles of the products of this translation.
The usefulness of percutaneous bile duct metal stent insertion for malignant biliary obstruction: a retrospective study
Authors: Izumi Hideki , Yoshii Hisamichi , Fujino Rika , Takeo Shigeya , Mukai Masaya , Kaneko Junichi , Makuuchi Hiroyasu
Published: December 2024

Background
Percutaneous transhepatic bile duct stent insertion is a useful alternative to the endoscopic approach for malignant biliary strictures. This study retrospectively reviewed the cases of percutaneous metallic stent insertion at our institution to evaluate its safety and usefulness.
Methods
The study included cases of percutaneous bile duct stent insertion performed between April 2016 and August 2024. The causes of biliary strictures and complications were examined.
Results
The study included 14 cases. Seven patients had pancreatic head cancer, including biliary tract cancer (n = 4) and postoperative gastric cancer (n = 3). The study included three patients who underwent a one-phase insertion. The number of inserted stents tended to increase in patients with postoperative cholangiocarcinoma recurrence. No complication occurred in any patient.
Conclusions
Percutaneous metal stent insertion is a useful alternative for treating malignant bile duct stenosis that is difficult to approach endoscopically.
Multiomics mapping and characterization of cellular senescence in aging human skeletal muscle uncovers a novel senotherapeutic for sarcopenia
Authors: Wang Huating , Li Yang , Li Chuhan , Zhou Qin , Liu Xingyuan , Qiao Yulong , Xie Ting , Sun Hao , Ong Michael
Published: December 2024

Cellular senescence is recognized as a hallmark of organismal aging but how it drives aging particularly in human tissues is not fully understood, partly due to the complex heterogeneous nature of senescence. Here in this study, we leverage single-nucleus multiomics to profile senescence in mononucleated cells of human skeletal muscle and provide the first senescence atlas. We demonstrate the intra- and inter-populational transcriptomic and epigenomic heterogeneity and dynamics of senescence in the cells. We also identify commonalities and variations in senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (SASPs) among the cells and elucidate the function of SASPs in mediating cellular interactions and niche deregulation. Furthermore, we identify targetable SASP factors and demonstrate the possibility of using Maraviroc as a pharmacological senotherapeutic for treating age-associated sarcopenia in muscle. Lastly, we define transcription factors that govern senescence state and SASP induction in aging muscle and elucidate the key function and the underlying mechanism of JUNB in regulating SASP activation in senescent cells. Altogether, our findings demonstrate the prevalence and function of cellular senescence in skeletal muscle and identify a novel pharmacological intervention for sarcopenia.
Relationship between Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 and Periodontitis: A PRISMA-Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Deng Yihong , You Hongxia , Zheng Yuyan , Jia Yiqun
Published: December 2024

Objectives: To determine whether the serum matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) level is elevated in periodontitis patients compared with that in periodontally healthy individuals, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess its diagnostic value. This study aims to provide insight into the increased prevalence and severity of systemic diseases in periodontitis patients, as well as the potential of serum MMP-8 in the rapid diagnosis of periodontitis.
Methods: A comprehensive search following the PECO criteria of PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library from their inception to October 8, 2024, was conducted to retrieve comprehensive relevant articles. The complete selection procedure was meticulously documented with transparency and was registered in PROSPERO CRD42024608648. The methodological qualities of the included articles were evaluated following the Newcastle‒Ottawa Scale (NOS) grading system. The level of serum MMP-8 was converted to a standard (mean ± standard deviation (SD)), and meta-analysis was conducted with Review Manager 5.4 software. Sensitivity analyses were performed with Stata 17.0 software.
Results: A total of 12 studies, including 10 case‒control studies and 2 cohort studies, were ultimately included, with a total of 871 participants. The results of the meta-analysis revealed higher serum MMP-8 levels in periodontitis patients than in healthy controls (SMD 0.64, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.01; 12 studies, 871 participants). High heterogeneity (I2 = 86%) indicated variability in outcomes, possibly influenced by regional factors. Duval and Tweedie’s trim and fill procedure was conducted, and no evidence of a small study effect was found. Sensitivity analyses revealed great stability of the data included.
Conclusions: Our meta-analysis revealed that the serum MMP-8 level in periodontitis patients was likely greater than that in healthy subjects, but further studies on regional factors are needed to clarify this conclusion considering the degree of heterogeneity.
Enhanced Improvement and Comparable Survivorship in Cementless vs. Cemented Total Knee Arthroplasty: A 2-Year Analysis of Patient Reported Outcomes and 5-Year Analysis of Implant Survivorship
Authors: Pasqualini Ignacio , Huffman Nickelas , Khan Shujaa , Zielinski Matthew , Shen Jianhua , Hampp Emily , Masini Michael , Noble John , Bhowmik-Stoker Manoshi , Piuzzi Nicolas
Published: December 2024

Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate patient-reported outcomes, functional recovery, satisfaction, and implant survivorship for cementless and cemented TKA.
Methods
A prospective, non-randomized, multicenter study was conducted on 453 patients. Cohort 1 (n = 373 knees) received a fully cementless construct with the Triathlon Tritanium Tibial Baseplate, Triathlon Tritanium Patella, Triathlon CR or PS Beaded Femur with Peri-Apatite, and the Triathlon Tibial Insert. Cohort 2 (n = 147 knees) received a fully cemented construct with identical implant design. Oxford Knee Score (OKS), 2011 Knee Society Score (KSS), and Short Form 12 (SF12) scores were recorded preoperatively and at six weeks, six months, one year, and two years postoperatively. Implant survivorship and adverse events were also recorded.
Results
OKS (p = 0.0123), KSS Symptoms for pain (with level walking p = 0.0007; with stairs or incline p = 0.0037), KSS Patient satisfaction (p = 0.0004), and KSS Functional Activities (p = 0.0108) were significantly greater in Cohort 1 out to two years postoperatively. The Kaplan-Meier estimated all-cause survivorship was 98.2% (95% CI: 95.7–99.3%) for Cohort 1 and 97.5% (95% CI: 92.6–99.2%) for Cohort 2 (p = 0.4366).
Conclusion
Cementless TKA exhibited similar or greater patient outcomes, satisfaction, and function up to two years postoperative, while both cohorts showed comparable rates of adverse events and survivorship at five-year follow-up. This evidence underscores the clinical value and safety of cementless TKA.
Ultra-tough and super-robust hydrogel constructed through carbon dots induced crystallization domains integrated orientation regulation based on “pinning effect”
Authors: Wan Jianyong , Huo Huanxin , Shen Jingjie , Shi Haoran , Yang Hongxing , Duan Xin , Gao Yihong , Chen Yumeng , Kuang Feng , Li Hongshan , Du Guanben , Yang Long
Published: December 2024

In this study, we present a novel strategy in which carbon dots (CDs) are employed to induce the formation of crystalline domains and further fabricated super-strong hydrogels with high crystallinity, distinct anisotropic structures and dense networks based on “pinning effect”, specifically, CDs act as nanofillers and heterogeneous nucleating agents. As-prepared hydrogels exhibited exceptional swelling resistance, ultra-high tensile strength (156 MPa) and toughness (225.2 MJ m− 3), surpassing most of other tough polymers, including natural tendons, plastic, synthetic rubber and artificial spider silk, etc. Notably, the hydrogel can support loads up to approximately 1.5×105 times its own weight, highlighting their exceptional load-bearing capacity. Moreover, this strategy can be generalized to other CDs and adapted to environments with more stringent mechanical loads. This work not only offers new insights into the fabricating of ultra-robust hydrogels but also lays a foundation for the design and development of smart materials for underwater sensing.
The claustrum is critical for maintaining working memory information
Authors: Carleton Alan , bhattacharjee anindya , Huber Chieko , Unsal Burak , renfer jean-rodolphe , Rodriguez Ivan
Published: December 2024

Working memory (WM) is an essential cognitive function allowing the brain to temporarily hold and manipulate information. Rather than residing in a single store, information is believed to be maintained in a distributed network spanning cortical and subcortical regions. Here, we recorded glutamatergic projection neurons of the claustrum, a nucleus reciprocally connected to all cortical regions, in mice engaged in various delayed non-match to sample WM tasks. Claustrum neurons exhibited cue-selective and delay-specific activity, persisting for tens of seconds after stimulus presentation. Population activity allowed decoding of cue identity post-stimulus, though this signal gradually declined, mirroring behavior. Chemo- and optogenetic inhibition of claustrum neurons severely impaired WM performance across tasks, underscoring the claustrum's role during cue encoding, delay maintenance, and target comparison. These findings challenge the notion that no single brain region is indispensable for WM storage and highlight the claustrum as a pivotal hub for the WM engram.
Autonomous Microscopy Experiments through Large Language Model Agents
Authors: Krishnan N M Anoop , Mandal Indrajeet , Soni Jitendra , Zaki Mohd , Smedskjaer Morten , Wondraczek Katrin , Wondraczek Lothar , Gosvami Nitya Nand
Published: December 2024

The emergence of large language models (LLMs) has accelerated the development of self-driving laboratories (SDLs) for materials research. Despite their transformative potential, current SDL implementations rely on rigid, predefined protocols that limit their adaptability to dynamic experimental scenarios across different labs. A significant challenge persists in measuring how effectively AI agents can replicate the adaptive decision-making and experimental intuition of expert scientists. Here, we introduce AILA (Artificially Intelligent Lab Assistant), a framework that automates atomic force microscopy (AFM) through LLM-driven agents. Using AFM as an experimental testbed, we develop AFMBench—a comprehensive evaluation suite that challenges AI agents based on language models like GPT-4o and GPT-3.5 to perform tasks spanning the scientific workflow: from experimental design to results analysis. Our systematic assessment shows that state-of-the-art language models struggle even with basic tasks such as documentation retrieval, leading to a significant decline in performance in multi-agent coordination scenarios.Further, we observe that LLMs exhibit a tendency to not adhere to instructions or even divagate to additional tasks beyond the original request, raising serious concerns regarding safety alignment aspects of AI agents for SDLs. Finally, we demonstrate the application of AILA on increasingly complex experiments open-ended experiments: automated AFM calibration, high-resolution feature detection, and mechanical property measurement. Our findings emphasize the necessity for stringent benchmarking protocols before deploying AI agents as laboratory assistants across scientific disciplines.
UAV Swarm GNSS Spoofing Defense Method Based on Consensus Artificial Potential Field
Authors: Gu Zhaojun , Zhao Huan , Chen Huitao , Wang Shuang
Published: December 2024

Current global navigation satellite system (GNSS) spoofing defense strategies for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) rely mainly on redundant antennas or inertial navigation systems during the action phase. However, the added payload and accumulated errors they introduce can adversely affect aircraft performance. To address the challenge of effective GNSS spoofing defense for UAVs, a defense method based on a consensus potential field was designed. First, the attack–defense interaction process was established as an artificial potential field problem with unknown repulsive sources. Then, a spatial relationship-based repulsive source prediction method was designed, allowing victim members to calculate the resultant force based on predicted repulsive sources. Finally, a consensus mechanism-based collaborative defense strategy was developed to correct the fight direction, reducing trajectory deviation and destination error. Experimental results show that compared with the game, random decision, particle swarm optimization, and vector proportion-integration-differentiation models, the consensus potential field model has smaller trajectory and destination deviations (12.91 ± 6.41m and 13.94 ± 2.77m, respectively). In addition, the proposed method demonstrates better time performance across different experimental environments than other methods and effectively helps the swarm reach a safe area under navigation deception attacks.
Mean arterial pressure is not associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Japan: a secondary retrospective analysis
Authors: Zheng Huabo
Published: December 2024

Background
The association between mean arterial pressure (MAP) has been explored in some studies, but the results have been controversial.
Methods
This longitudinal cohort study included 8,430 men and 7,034 women. The follow-up period lasted 13 years, from 1994 to 2016. We categorized the participants according to the quartiles of MAP. The association between MAP and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was investigated and expressed as hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) after adjustment for potential confounders.
Results
After multivariable adjustment, we found that MAP was not a risk factor for incident T2DM. The HR at the highest quartile of MAP was 1.10 (0.75, 1.61), p = 0.6363, compared to the lowest quartile of MAP. In the subgroup analysis, we did not find a relationship between MAP and T2DM incidence.
Conclusions
MAP was not associated with the incidence of T2DM in Japan.
MMS-YOLOv10: A fast and improved pavement surface defect detection model based on YOLOv10
Authors: Liu Jin , Zhan Guorui , Wang Diandian , Kang Yanqin , Wang Kun , Qiang Jun , Zhang Yikun
Published: December 2024

Pavement defect detection greatly affects pavement service life and vehicle operation safety. Current pavement defect detection models encounter difficulties in accurately detecting minor defects, handling imbalanced class samples, and maintaining speed. To overcome these issues, we propose a fast and improved pavement surface defect detection model named MMS-YOLOv10, which is based on YOLOv10n. This model includes three significant improvements. First, we incorporate the multidimensional collaborative attention (MCA) mechanism into the C2f module of the backbone network to enhance adaptability to objects of different scales and improve the feature extraction ability. Second, we design a multilevel feature fusion (MFF) module to enhance semantic and detailed information and improve the feature expression ability of the model with different levels of features. Third, the sample correlated weighting loss function is introduced during network training to solve the issue of sample imbalance through the dynamic weight mechanism. The performance of the MMS-YOLOv10 model is assessed through experiments conducted on the famous RDD2022 dataset. The qualitative and quantitative results show that the proposed model can lead to promising improvements in detection accuracy. Through further ablation experiments, the components of the proposed model are validated to achieve performance improvements.
Effect of Bushfire on the Structure and Composition of a Tropical Forest Reserve in Ghana
Authors: Likpalimor Obed
Published: December 2024

The increasing frequency of bushfires rapidly alters forest ecosystems by transforming their vegetation structure and composition. This phenomenon poses a significant threat to biodiversity, as it hinders the forest's ability to regenerate and enhances its variability. Despite the urgent need to understand these impacts, comprehensive studies documenting the effects of bushfires on vegetation, particularly in the Opro River Forest Reserve, remain scarce. This study aims to assess the influence of bushfires on the vegetation structure and composition within the Opro River Forest Reserve. The research was conducted at two distinct sites: burnt and unburnt sites of the forest reserve. Sampling involved the establishment of twenty 25 m × 25 m plots, with ten plots designated for each site. Trees with a diameter at breast height (dbh) of 10 cm or greater were recorded, alongside nested plots of 5 m × 5 m for shrubs (dbh < 10 cm and height > 1.5 m). A total of 75 plant species across 31 families were identified in both sites. In the unburnt forest site, trees were the dominant woody plants, with Broussonetia papyrifera being the most prevalent species. Conversely, the burnt site of the forest was primarily dominated by shrubs, particularly Chromolaena odorata. The Shannon diversity index was higher in the unburnt site (0.36) compared to the burnt site (0.34), although species evenness and the total number of individuals were greater in the burnt area. Notably, tree diversity significantly declined in the burnt site relative to the unburnt site.
Transperineal approach alone as minimally invasive surgery for pelvic recurrence of rectal cancer after abdominoperineal resection
Authors: Tokunaga Takuya , Kashikara Hideya , Yoshimoto Toshiaki , Ishikawa Daichi , Nishi Masaaki , Takasu Chie , Wada Yuma , Nakasu Chiharu , Shimada Mitsuo
Published: December 2024

Introduction: In this report, we describe a case of pelvic recurrence of rectal cancer invading a seminal vesicle after abdominoperineal resection, which was removed only by a transperineal approach with the addition of urethrography.
Case: The patient, a man in his 60s, underwent laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection for lower rectal cancer at another hospital. Thirty months after the surgery, he was referred to our department for surgery for a recurrent tumor in the pelvis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a tumor on the dorsal prostate that was suspected to have invaded a seminal vesicle.
Surgical findings: After incision in the previous perineal surgical wound, a subcutaneous incision was made and a GelPOINT mini was attached. Airflow was applied with the AirSeal system, and the surgery was performed laparoscopically. To accurately identify the dissection layers and avoid urethral injury, intraoperative urethrography was performed as necessary, and dissection was performed with an electrocautery and ultrasonic coagulation incision device while confirming the position of the urethra and forceps. The prostate was safely identified by urethrography and separated from the firm tumor. After dissecting the fatty tissue surrounding the tumor, the affected seminal vesicle was partially resected. The dorsal side of the tumor was dissected using the coccygeal bone and the levator ani muscle as guides, and the tumor was removed.
Conclusion: In select cases, the TaTME technique may allow minimally invasive surgery using only a transanal or transperineal approach.
Improving the anthelmintic effectiveness of Benzyl 4-Aminochalcone with polysaccharides nanoemulsions
Authors: Barbosa Matheus Luiggi Freitas , Braga Andreza Pereira , Ferreira Karin Vitoria Maia Mendonça , Oliveira Raphael Ferreira , Nascimento Joice Farias , Araújo Maria Rayanne Teixeira , Mendes Francisco Rogênio Silva , Cavalcanti Bruno Coêlho , Santos Hélcio Silva , Abreu Flavia Oliveira Monteiro Silva , Ribeiro Wesley Lyeverton Correia , Oliveira Lorena Mayana Beserra
Published: December 2024

Small ruminant farming in developing countries is hindered by gastrointestinal nematodes, such as Haemonchus contortus causing anemia, leading to weight loss and reduced productivity. The excessive use of synthetic anthelmintics has driven resistance. Therefore, natural compounds are being investigated as alternative control strategies. Hence, the present study investigates the anthelmintic activity and cytotoxicity of Benzyl 4-Aminochalcone (B4AM) and its nanoemulsions. Three nanoemulsions (sodium alginate-coated B4AM (CNAlg), gum arabic-coated B4AM (CNGA) and uncoated B4AM (UN)) were prepared and characterized physicochemically. B4AM and nanoemulsions were evaluated in the egg hatch test (EHT) using H. contortus and their cytotoxicity was evaluated on murine fibroblasts. The release kinetics of B4AM, CNAlg and UN were studied. The CNAlg and CNGA showed superior visual stability compared to UN. The CNAlg, CNGA and UN presented, respectively, 267.64, 234.3 and 144.56 nm (particle size); -56.64, -58.26 and − 46.06 mV (zeta potential); 0.751, 0.782 and 0.049 (polydispersity index). Encapsulation efficiencies were 87.5% (CNAlg), 43.8% (CNGA), and 69.87% (UN). In the EHT, CNAlg and UN were more effective. The effective concentrations to inhibit 50% (EC50) of eggs ranging from 0.02 to 0.10 mg/mL. SEM revealed more pronounced changes in eggs treated with the UN. No cytotoxicity was observed (IC50 > 120 µg/mL). Kinetics presented a faster release for UN followed by CNAlg and B4AM. CNAlg improved B4AM solubilization, stability and anti-helminthic efficacy, with ovicidal effect comparable to the pure chalcone. Nanoemulsions showed promise for ovicidal control, but further studies are needed to assess their effectiveness in other life stages.
Skibidi Toilet: Geburtstagsgrüsse aus dem Orkus
Authors: Knellessen Olaf
Published: December 2024

Skibidi-Toilet ist ein viraler Medienhype, der im Februar 2023 aufkam. Die Hauptfigur, eine Toilettenschüssel mit einem menschlichen Kopf, tanzt und singt zu "Dom Dom Yes Yes" von Bisser King. Die Videos, die von Alexej Gerasimov erstellt wurden, zeigen diese Toiletten in absurder Freiheit und mit witzigem Unsinn, die von Cyborgs mit Monitoren oder Kameras als Köpfen bekämpft werden.
Die Figur der Doppel-Null, "00", symbolisiert sowohl Unordnung als auch die „licence to kill“ und stellt das Unsinnige in den Vordergrund. Die Videos reflektieren tiefere menschliche und kulturelle Dynamiken, indem sie Freiheit, Unsinn und das Unbewusste inszenieren, ähnlich wie die psychoanalytische Praxis.
Knellessen ruft dazu auf, die Strenge der Psychoanalyse zu durchbrechen und mehr Freude und Freiheit zuzulassen. Die Skibidi-Toilets demonstrieren, dass Lust und Unsinn im Alltag Platz haben sollten und ermutigen dazu, das Leben ausgelassener und weniger ernst zu nehmen.
Morphological approach to understanding mineral alteration and nanoparticle formation under alkaline conditions using granitic rock thin sections
Authors: Kim Eungyeong , Hyun Sung Pil , Jo Ho Young
Published: December 2024

The cement components in deep geological disposal facilities (DGFs) for spent nuclear fuel can increase groundwater pH, potentially altering minerals within natural barriers. Mineral (biotite, quartz, plagioclase, chlorite, and K-feldspar) dissolution and secondary-phase precipitation were investigated to provide visually integrated understanding of multifaceted processes. This study was based on the morphological features of granitic rock thin sections exposed to alkaline aqueous solutions (initial pH: pHo 9 and 13) using atomic force microscopy (AFM), micro-X-ray fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Batch kinetic-alteration tests were conducted from 4 h to 20 d. The minerals exhibited more pronounced changes in surface roughness and Si release at pHo 13 than at pHo 9. Furthermore, precipitates were more abundant on the mineral surfaces at pHo 9 than at pHo 13. Fe (oxy)hydroxides and Al (oxy)hydroxides prevailed as precipitates at pHo 9, whereas Ca (oxy)hydroxides dominated at pHo 13 (pH ≥ 12.8). These findings indicate that the aqueous solutions were significantly involved in the formation of the secondary-phase precipitates. Interestingly, secondary-phase precipitates formed not only on the surface of mineral (i.e., biotite) providing constituent ions but also on the surfaces of adjacent minerals (i.e., quartz and plagioclase). Moreover, the possibility of a multistep process involving Al precursors for nucleation of gibbsite precipitates on the surface of K-feldspar at pHo 9 and colloidal particle formation through surface modification, often overlooked in mineral research, were identified via AFM image analysis. This methodological approach using rock thin sections can provide new visual insights regarding the dissolution–precipitation processes, including nucleation reactions, under conditions closely resembling the expected environmental settings within DGFs.
MATHEMATICS ANXIETY CAUSES, CONSEQUENCES, AND COPING STRATEGIES
Authors:   Research Scholar, Mathematics Education Department, Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa., Nandang Mustafa Ade
Published: December 2024

Mathematics anxiety is a common phenomenon that affects a significant portion of students and adults, hindering their ability to perform well in mathematical tasks and limiting their potential in related fields. This article explores the causes of mathematics anxiety, the various consequences it has on learners academic and personal lives, and the coping strategies that have been shown to mitigate its impact. Through a literature review, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of how mathematics anxiety develops, its effects on performance, and practical approaches for educators and students to address it.
Synthesis of PLA-PEG Copolymers Containing Folic Acid and Fluorescein by Ugi Reaction
Authors: S. von der Weid Joana , F. P. Gomes Taylor , P. Icart Luis , L. Dias Marcos
Published: December 2024

This work describes the synthesis of two poly(lactic acid)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)
copolymers (PLA-b-PEG), one containing folic acid, a targeting ligand, and the other containing
fluorescein, a marker, both important in drug delivery systems. The copolymerization was
carried out using the Ugi multicomponent reaction, which is a one pot reaction that involves the
condensation of four components, an aldehyde or ketone, an amine, a carboxylic acid and an
isocyanide. For this, poly(lactic acid) was functionalized with an aldehyde group (PLA-CHO)
and poly(ethylene glycol) with an amine (PEG-NH2) and a carboxylic acid group (PEG-COOH),
to be used in the Ugi reactions. From Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), hydrogen
nuclear magnetic resonance (1
H NMR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) analyses, it was possible
to confirm the synthesis of the block copolymers, in addition to the presence of both folic acid and
fluorescein in the chemical structure of the materials. The work demonstrates that the Ugi reaction
is an effective method to obtaining copolymers with different functionalities, and these materials
have the potential to prepare micro and nanoparticles to be used in the controlled release of drugs.
Examining Narrative Possibilities in Hyper-text Fiction: A Study Beyond the Territory of Print Fiction in Quibbling and Patchwork Girl
Authors:   Asst. Professor, Sibsagar Girls’ College, Sivasagar, Assam, Bhuyan Pooja , Dutta Rajashree
Published: December 2024

The paper is an attempt to examine the narrative elements present in the hyper-fictions Quibbling by Carolyn Guyer and Patchwork Girl by Shelley Jackson. In doing so, it shall consider how the narrative functions through different nodes and links in hypertext fiction, an element varied from traditional print fiction. In the process of this examination, the theories that signify narrative fluidity are taken into consideration. The reading shall examine how the role of the author and the reader switch places in advancing the hypertext narratives. It is an attempt to show how hyper-fiction closes the gap between the theory of post-structuralism and its practice. The essay also shall focus on the etymological journey of hyper-fiction with reference to its technological advancements as well as the contribution of its print precursors in channelling its development as a full-fledged and novel narrative form. The paper shall not only be analytical of the narrative of hyper-fiction, but it shall also focus on opening up further discussions of the area.
Comparative analysis of two decomposition methods for urban domestic water usage patterns
Authors: Xu Hao , Liu Huai-li
Published: December 2024

This study presents a method for analyzing urban water usage patterns using variational modal decomposition (VMD) with K-value optimization, which can improve the understanding of short-term urban water demand fluctuations. This method is compared to the fast Fourier transform (FFT) to evaluate its effectiveness in identifying periodic, daily, and weekly water usage patterns. VMD decomposes the original signal into multiple intrinsic mode functions. FFT is applied to analyze and reconstruct the different frequency components of the signal, transforming them back into the time domain. While FFT shows greater computational efficiency and higher reconstruction accuracy, VMD excels in handling nonlinear and non-stationary signals with better decomposition capabilities. However, VMD requires more computation time, and its performance is sensitive to parameter selection, indicating room for further optimization. Both methods successfully detect the main frequencies in short-term urban water usage patterns, particularly identifying cycles of 0.5 and 1 days. VMD demonstrates significant potential for capturing low-frequency fluctuations in urban water usage, making it a valuable tool for future research and prediction of water usage trends, particularly in short-term forecasts.
Visão baseada em recursos no setor público: uma análise dos desempenhos, recursos e capacidades de duas zonas eleitorais do tre-rn
Authors:   , Andrade Thiago Capistrano
Published: December 2024

A Justiça Eleitoral, desde a redemocratização do país, tem obtido, além de uma
evolução normativa e administrativa, um avanço tecnológico significativo,
especialmente, a partir da utilização da urna eletrônica, que tornou mais rápida a
apuração dos votos. Inserida no modelo gerencialista da Administração Pública, tem
exercido a gestão estratégica buscando, sobretudo, eficiência, eficácia e efetividade
de seus resultados. Uma das correntes teóricas que permeiam as pesquisas em
gestão estratégica é a da Visão Baseada em Recursos (VBR). É uma perspectiva
teórica com origem no setor privado, que se preocupa com recursos e capacidades
da organização como meio de alcançar a vantagem competitiva, e que ganhou
repercussão depois da criação do modelo de análise organizacional VRIO. Dessa
forma, considerando que a realização de eleições é um dos propósitos da Justiça
Eleitoral e que a apuração dos votos é uma atividade importante do trabalho das
eleições, a presente pesquisa objetivou analisar quais são os principais recursos e
capacidades estratégicos na atividade de encerramento e totalização dos resultados
da votação que empregam maior eficiência ao desempenho de duas Zonas
Eleitorais do TRE-RN. Logo, foi realizada, utilizando o modelo VRIO, uma análise
dos recursos e capacidades de duas Zonas Eleitorais do TRE-RN, relacionando-os
aos seus desempenhos em eleições passadas e comparando-os entre si, a fim de
identificar quais se apresentam como diferenciais para eficiência dos seus trabalhos.
O método aplicado tem uma abordagem qualitativa, com objetivo
exploratório/descritivo, realizada ex post facto, a partir de um estudo de caso único,
em duas Zonas Eleitorais do TRE-RN. Como resultados, foram descritas as tarefas
realizadas pelas Zonas, seus objetivos e desempenhos em eleições, seguido da
identificação de recursos e capacidades estratégicas, que foram submetidos à
análise VRIO. Dessa análise, foi descrita a importância dos recursos e capacidades
e como colaboram com a atividade do final do dia de votação. Ao todo foram
identificados cinco fontes de paridade competitiva, duas fontes de vantagem
competitiva temporária e seis fontes de vantagem competitiva sustentável,
evidenciando, assim, suas implicações competitivas e como impactam na eficiência
das Zonas estudadas. A presente pesquisa chegou a resultados que podem
contribuir para a gestão da Justiça Eleitoral, com uma metodologia capaz de ser
replicada em outras atividades e setores do TRE-RN. Sendo essa a sugestão para
novas pesquisas.
INCLUSIVIDADE EM WEBCOMICS: UM ESTUDO ANALÍTICO DE PRINCÍPIOS DE ACESSIBILIDADE
Authors: Tacila Fernanda Carneiro Evangelista  , Juliana Bueno
Published: December 2024

Ainda que a mídia webcomic se trate de uma representação híbrida de texto e imagem, sua visualização pode ser desafiadora para indivíduos com limitações visuais, em especial aqueles com baixa visão. O presente artigo visa compreender se existe acessibilidade visual para pessoas com baixa visão em tal tipo de mídia, utilizando a teoria de codificação dupla como referência para o entendimento da eficácia nas representações verbais e não verbais para o público selecionado. Como método de pesquisa, por meio de uma revisão bibliográfica narrativa, elegeu-se um guia com recomendações de acessibilidade para baixa visão como norteador da análise de três títulos populares no Webtoon, o mais famoso aplicativo de webcomics online. Como resultado, a síntese gerada reúne os dados levantados para a avaliação, a fim de compreender se webcomics podem fazer uso da teoria de codificação dupla, considerando indivíduos com baixa visão.