bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical reflection of researchers on the external supervision of teaching practice for mathematics students’ teachers
Authors: Akintolu Morakinyo
Published: December 2024

This study reflects on the researchers’ experiences who conducted research in an open distance and eLearning (ODeL) institution with external supervisors of mathematics education pre-service teachers teaching practice. Despite the value placed on research in an open distance and eLearning environment, some researchers still have trouble accessing data when using the online web-based survey approach to conduct research, especially among supervisors of Mathematics education pre-service teachers' teaching practice (TP) exercise at a typical ODeL institution in South Africa. This insider research is born out of the fact that there is less research conducted in South Africa, that ascertains the experiences of researchers themselves on a project. In light of the foregoing, this study attempts to reflect on the experiences and challenges faced by researchers at the University of South Africa while working on a project that was centered on the supervision of pre-service teachers' teaching practice in a mathematics classroom context titled ODL-RSP Project. The study used a reflective method involving the observations and experiences kept by researchers to record detailed notes during initiation, data collection (interview process) and workshop attendance by the researchers. The reflection involved research team members focusing on the Quality of Mathematics Teaching Practice Supervision in the ODeL Environment. The analysis of the data was derived from the reflections.
The study used a reflective method involving the observations and experiences kept by researchers to record detailed notes during initiation, data collection (interview process) and workshop attendance by the researchers. The reflection involved research team members focusing on the Quality of Mathematics Teaching Practice Supervision in the ODeL Environment. The analysis of the data was derived from the reflections.
An online teaching approach for accounting students at a rural university
Authors: Reynolds Arthur , Munzhelele Freddy
Published: December 2024

South African government statistics have indicated that throughput rates for university students remain low with only 31% of students at public universities completing their degree qualifications in the shortest possible time. Students entering public universities from the high school level are often inadequately prepared for the challenges of a rigorous degree course in accounting. It was found in extant literature, that with a modified, tutor-intensive face-to-face teaching approach, accounting pass rates could be significantly improved. However, online teaching has become more prevalent in South African universities with a gradual shift towards blended teaching. The objective of the study was to develop a teaching approach based on sound principles as proven in past studies, but with due consideration for online teaching implementation. The study adopted a research approach/methodology comprising a systematic literature review and focus group designs; thematic content analysis facilitated the development of the online teaching approach. This approach then presented 4 core activities and 29 specific activities. The findings showed a large emphasis on pre-semester activities as well as support activities. The teaching approach can potentially be adapted for rural and public universities to potentially improve accounting throughput rates.
Does firm’s ownership structure matter to the impact of female directors on corporate social responsibility? Evidence from Taiwan
Authors: Chen Sheng-Hung , Ganbat Dariimaa , Hung Bai-Rui
Published: December 2024

Using yearly data on corporate social responsibility ratings from public-listed companies in Taiwan from 2013 to 2017, this paper empirically explores the impact of female directors ratio on corporate social responsibility rating, especially looking at whether the different impact of controlling ownership structure (public-dominated, co-governed, single-family) on corporate social responsibility rating. Our empirical results indicate that a higher the ratio of female directors significantly reduce the corporate social responsibility rating, especially for the family-controlled company. Although the public-owned controlling company improves the corporate social responsibility rating, however, the higher the ratio of female directors, regardless of the type of group, would significantly lower the corporate social responsibility rating.
DEBATE RACIAL NO BRASIL E O PCB (1922-1964)
Authors: De Almeida Reis Gustavo
Published: December 2024

Resumo:  O debate sobre questões raciais no Brasil perpassa a sua história. No entanto, a partir do último quarto do século XIX com o fim da escravidão, os problemas se colocaram de uma maneira qualitativamente diferente. Diversos atores sociais tentaram resolver, ao longo do século XX,  questões fundamentais que tocavam o problema da integração racial no Brasil e o Partido Comunista do Brasil (PCB), foi um desses atores. O presente artigo objetiva discutir as contribuições de dois teóricos importantes do pensamento marxista brasileiro, ambos ligados ao PCB, sobre as questões raciais: Édison Carneiro (1912-1972) e Clóvis Moura (1925-2003). Pretende-se, com isso, comparar as intervenções teóricas de ambos os autores com as contribuições e decisões do partido sobre tais questões, medindo-as em seus graus de independência e originalidade em relação à linha partidária.
INVENTOR PARAENSE VS. O HERÓI DA ARMADA:
Authors: Oliveira Neves Bruno Carlos
Published: December 2024

Este trabalho versa sobre a controvérsia entre o inventor paraense, João Francisco de Madureira Pará, e o, à época, Intendente do Arsenal da Marinha, Luiz da Cunha Moreira, no Rio de Janeiro, entre os anos de 1825 e 1831. Olhando todo o desenrolar da controvérsia pelo prisma da Teoria Ator-Rede, criada pelo sociólogo francês Bruno Latour, e pela Cartografia das Controvérsias, do italiano Tommaso Venturini, buscamos descobrir e entender todas as relações sociais estabelecidas pelo inventor na tentativa de se estabelecer como um letrado, dotado de conhecimentos técnicos, tentando convencer possíveis aliados de que sua invenção realmente funcionava, enquanto enfrentava a dura oposição do “Herói da Armada”. Nas controvérsias que envolvem a fabricação da “Máquina para o Melhoramento da Navegação” e nas relações pessoais de seu inventor, podemos analisar as várias tentativas do inventor de mudar seu status por meio de mercês e patentes. Falaremos também, no decorrer da escrita sobre temas como ciência, tecnologia, desenvolvimento, para uma melhor compreensão sobre este caso em especial, e dessa forma, poderemos entender melhor os embates e as controvérsias geradas pelo trabalho caótico de João Francisco de Madureira Pará, inventor sem formação e com poucos conhecimentos técnicos, em sua busca por algo muito maior que a melhoria da navegação.
Peculiaridades do imaginário europeu, séculos XVI e XVII
Authors: Ferreira Arcangelo
Published: December 2024

Neste ensaio, essencialmente, procuramos ponderar sobre o imaginário europeu acerca da Amazônia. Nosso corpus de análise são as crônicas e diários de viagens elaborados no século XVI e XVII. Concluímos que tal imaginário é fruto e produto de um tempo moderno, porém, fundamentalmente, caracterizado pela mentalidade medieval. .
AS RELAÇÕES ENTRE BRASIL E URUGUAI EM PERSPECTIVA HISTÓRICA E HISTORIOGRÁFICA
Authors: Nascimento Gomes Rafael
Published: December 2024

Nesse texto apresenta-se um esforço historiográfico de identificar obras significativas para o estudo da região do Rio da Prata no Brasil e no Uruguai, e por sua vez, compreender o Prata, segundo sua concepção geopolítica formulada por diplomatas, acadêmicos e militares como tema elementar da política externa de ambos os países desde os tempos da formação de seus respectivos Estados nacionais independentes. Nota-se que essas análises sofreram alterações ao longo dos séculos e, por isso, além do balanço historiográfico, apresenta-se um breve panorama das relações bilaterais entre Brasil e Uruguai desde meados do século XIX à década de 1930. A ascensão de Getúlio Vargas no Brasil, em 1930, e de Gabriel Terra no Uruguai, em 1931, intensificou as relações brasileirouruguaias. Com isso, espera-se contribuir para os estudos das relações entre Brasil e Uruguai, bem como estimular novas análises e pesquisas sobre essa temática.
Pengelompokan Daerah Rawan Bencana Tanah Longsor di Provinsi Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta Menggunakan Metode K-Means Clustering
Authors: Kartika Widyawati Dwi , Fauzy Akhmad
Published: December 2024

Tanah longsor sering dipicu oleh adanya curah hujan yang tinggi, lereng yang curam, tanah yang kurang padat, erosi, berkurangnya vegetasi dan getaran yang menyebabkan jatuhnya bebatuan atau potongan tanah yang luas sehingga mengakibatkan kerusakan bangunan rumah, talud (sungai kecil), jalan, fasilitas umum, dan lain-lain. Metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini adalah K-Means Clustering untuk mengelompokkan dan memetakan daerah rawan bencana tanah longsor di Provinsi Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta. Berdasarkan hasil analisis, terbetuk 3 cluster. Pada cluster pertama terdapat 13 kecamatan dengan indikator daerah rawan bencana tanah longsor sedang, cluster kedua terdapat 5 kecamatan dengan indikator daerah rawan bencana tanah longsor tinggi, dan cluster ketiga terdapat 60 kecamatan dengan indikator daerah rawan bencana tanah longsor rendah.
Pengelompokan Kecamatan di Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta berdasarkan Jumlah Pengguna Alat Kontrasepsi Tahun 2022 dengan K-Medoids Cluster
Authors: Maharani Shafira , Yotenka Rahmadi
Published: December 2024

Berdasarkan data pada website BPS, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY) turut serta menyumbang jumlah penduduk yang cukup banyak di Indonesia yaitu sebesar 4,021,816 jiwa dan memiliki kepadatan penduduk mencapai 1,186 jiwa/. Hal tersebut menjadikan provinsi ini dengan kepadatan penduduk terbesar keempat di Indonesia. Untuk mengatasi jumlah penduduk, kepadatan penduduk, dan angka kelahiran yang tinggi di DIY maka dapat diterapkan program Keluarga Berencana (KB) melalui penggunaan alat kontrasepsi (implan, IUD, kondom, MAL, pil, suntik, tubektomi, dan vasektomi). Dari data jumlah peserta KB aktif menurut alat kontrasepsi di DIY pada Tahun 2022, alat kontrasepsi yang paling banyak digunakan yaitu suntik dan paling sedikit yaitu MAL. Pada penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengelompokan kecamatan di DIY menurut pengguna alat kontrasepsi Tahun 2022 dengan metode k-medoids cluster. Penggunaan metode k-medoids karena pada data terdapat outlier. Selain itu, pada penelitian ini menggunakan teknik Principal Component Analysis (PCA) dalam mengatasi masalah multikolinearitas. Berdasarkan pengelompokan, didapatkan 8 cluster. Cluster tertinggi (partisipasi tinggi) menurut penggunaan alat kontrasepsi dalam menekan laju pertumbuhan penduduk berada pada cluster 5 yaitu: Kecamatan Gamping, Kasihan, dan Banguntapan. Sedangkan, cluster terendah (partisipasi rendah) berada pada cluster 7 yaitu: Kecamatan Gedongtengen, Gondokusuman, Wirobrajan, Kraton, Pakualaman, Mergangsan, Gondomanan, Mantrijeron, Ngampilan, Danurejan, Jetis Kota Yogya, Kotagede, dan Tegalrejo.
Peramalan Nilai Tukar Petani Kota Yogyakarta dengan Menggunakan Metode Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA)
Authors: - Rakha Bintang Pangestu , Handini Primandari Arum
Published: December 2024

Indonesia merupakan negara tropis yang memiliki potensi pertanian yang berkualitas. Mayoritas penduduk mengandalkan sektor pertanian sebagai sumber penghidupan, sehingga sektor ini menjadi motor penggerak pertumbuhan ekonomi nasional. Oleh karena pertanian memiliki peran yang sangat penting dalam ketahanan nasional, maka kesejahteraan para petani menjadi fokus pemerintah Indonesia. Hal tersebut tertera dalam agenda pembangunan menuju Indonesia Emas 2045 yaitu peningkatan produktivitas pertanian. Dalam melihat dinamika kesejahteraan petani, salah satu cara mengukurnya yaitu dengan Nilai Tukar Petani (NTP). Nilai tersebut adalah indikator yang digunakan untuk mengevaluasi tingkat kesejahteraan petani. Semakin tinggi NTP maka kesejahteraan petani meningkat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meramalkan Nilai Tukar Petani Kota Yogyakarta untuk mengetahui prediksi kesejahteraan para petani dalam 5 periode ke depan. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode runtun waktu Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA). Berdasarkan hasil analisis, didapatkan bahwa model ARIMA(1,2,1) merupakan model terbaik dalam melakukan peramalan Nilai Tukar Petani Kota Yogyakarta 5 periode ke depan dengan nilai AIC sebesar 173.9. Berdasarkan peramalan 5 periode ke depan, yaitu untuk bulan Januari 2023 sampai Mei 2023, diperoleh nilai NTP Kota Yogyakarta sebesar 105.7523 untuk bulan Januari, 105.8588 untuk bulan Februari, 105.9717 untuk bulan Maret, 106.0863 untuk bulan April, dan 106.2013 untuk bulan Mei,  dengan nilai kesalahan menggunakan Mean Absolute Percentage Error sebesar 0.61%.
Perbandingan Analisis Pengaruh IPM Versi BPS dan UNDP Terhadap TFR di Indonesia Menggunakan Model Koyck
Authors: R. Kasim Anandita
Published: December 2024

Sebagai salah satu negara berkembang dengan populasi terbesar di dunia, Indonesia menghadapi kompleksitas dalam mengelola pertumbuhan penduduk. Menurut proyeksi BPS dari sensus penduduk 2020, populasi Indonesia mencapai 278.696.200 jiwa pada tahun 2023. Salah satu hal yang sangat berkaitan erat dengan pertumbuhan penduduk adalah angka kelahiran atau fertilitas, yang diukur dengan Total Fertility Rate (TFR). Setiap tahunnya TFR Indonesia menurun 0.01 – 0.02 indeks. Penurunan ini memang tidak terlalu besar, dan jika dilihat dari sisi penerapan kebijakan program Keluarga Berencana yang dilaksanakan oleh Indonesia selama ini, justru memberikan suatu “hal positif”, karena itu artinya penerapan kebijakan tersebut seiring waktu berjalan sesuai target. Akan tetapi, apabila TFR terus dibiarkan menurun, jumlah anak masa depan Indonesia juga akan terus mengalami penurunan, yang kemudian juga pasti akan berdampak pada penurunan jumlah penduduk di masa depan, seperti yang terjadi di Korea Selatan. Dalam permasalahan ini, Indeks Pembangunan Manusia (IPM) menjadi salah satu tolak ukur yang penting. Penelitian-penelitian sebelumnya menunjukkan hasil yang beragam mengenai hubungan antara IPM dan TFR, sehingga perlu adanya pengkajian lebih lanjut. Terdapat perbedaan metode perhitungan antara IPM yang diukur oleh BPS dan UNDP. Perbedaan tersebut mempengaruhi analisis pengaruh IPM terhadap TFR. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode distributed time lag model koyck dengan memperhitungkan efek lag untuk memberikan gambaran yang lebih dinamis.
Peramalan dan Permodelan Volatilitas Harga Penutupan Crypto Tether dengan Metode GARCH pada Periode Januari - Juni 2024
Authors: Syaharani Nabbila Dyah , Khikman Muhammad Alvaro , Wahid Siti Nurasriyanti , Watur Annisa Cahyaningrum , Amri Ihsan Fathoni , HARIS M. AL
Published: December 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memodelkan dan meramalkan volatilitas harga penutupan cryptocurrency Tether (USDT) menggunakan metode Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GARCH) pada periode Januari - Juni 2024. Data diperoleh dari platform investing.com. Metode GARCH digunakan karena volatilitas tinggi dalam harga cryptocurrency. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa harga penutupan Tether memiliki rata-rata sebesar 1.000016 dengan standar deviasi 0.000446812. Uji Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) menunjukkan bahwa data harga penutupan sudah stasioner. Model Autoregressive Moving Average (ARMA) digunakan untuk mendukung model GARCH, dan model ARIMA terbaik yang ditemukan adalah ARMA (1,0). Uji signifikansi parameter, uji normalitas, dan uji autokorelasi menunjukkan bahwa model tersebut valid untuk prediksi. Model GARCH digunakan untuk mengestimasi volatilitas dan hasilnya menunjukkan bahwa model ini mampu menangani fluktuasi dan heteroskedastisitas dalam data. MAPE GARCH terbaik yang ditemukan sebesar 0.0264701, menunjukkan bahwa model ini sangat akurat dalam meramalkan volatilitas harga penutupan Tether. Penelitian ini memberikan panduan bagi investor dalam mengelola risiko dan mengoptimalkan return investasi di pasar cryptocurrency.
NMR probing of copper–amyloid β1–16 interactions and self-assembly
Authors: Sunanda Punnepalli , Raghothama Srinivasarao , Devi Palempalli Uma Maheswari , Krishnarjuna Bankala
Published: December 2024

Trace metal ions, such as copper, play an important role in the development of amyloid β (Aβ)-mediated Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Atomic-level investigation of Aβ interaction with copper ions is essential for understanding the metal-mediated peptide self-assembly. In this study, we investigated copper ion–Aβ1–16 interactions using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, circular dichroism, and transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, we examined the role of copper oxidation states in generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) using a 2′-7′ dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA) assay. 13C NMR data showed site-specific interactions between copper ions and Aβ1–16, with some differences observed in H2O compared to 2H2O. Aβ1–12, which lacks His13 and His14, was found to interact with copper ions; however, it exhibited increased NMR peak broadening due to nonspecific interactions. While both Cu(II) and Cu(I) delayed Aβ self-assembly, Cu(I) binding to Aβ1–16 or Aβ1–42 resulted in increased ROS production compared to Cu(II). The structural insights provided in this study could contribute to the design and development of new copper ion-specific chelators to reduce excess copper levels and mitigate Aβ-copper-induced neurotoxicity in AD.
Circulating tumor DNA in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma—current status and future prospects
Authors: Auger Samuel , Mishra Vasudha , Singh Alka , Miao Yuxuan , Agrawal Nishant , Izumchenko Evgeny
Published: December 2024

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common malignancy of the head and neck. Stagnating survival rates in recent decades, despite advances in the treatment paradigms, surveillance technologies, and multidisciplinary care, leave clinicians with a need for better options for screening, risk-stratifying, and monitoring patients. A growing proportion of patients with HPV-associated SCC have improved outcomes but continue to have a heterogenous response to treatment. Advances in the platforms and assays measuring circulating tumor DNA offer an opportunity to monitor disease status at the molecular level for both virally mediated and traditional risk-factor-driven SCC of the head and neck. This overview will discuss experimental, clinically used, and commercially available liquid biopsy platforms and their recent applications in patients with head and neck SCC malignancies.
Characteristics of patients with mood disorders and schizophrenia who attempt suicide: a 15-year cross-sectional study in Japan
Authors: Harada Kohei , Eto Nobuaki , Gotoh Leo , Masuda Masato , Ishida Masahiro , Okamoto Yuta , Hori Hikaru
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Psychiatric disorders are an important risk factor for suicide. The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of suicide attempts between patients with schizophrenia and mood disorders in Japan. Methods: From 596 patients treated after a suicide attempt in the Emergency and Critical Care Center (ECCC), during a 15-year period (2006 and 2021), two groups of patients were separated, 196 patients with mood disorders (21% bipolar mood disorder and 79% monopolar depression) and 112 patients with schizophrenia, who were compared according to sex, age, method of suicide attempt, and history of psychiatric treatment. We conducted multivariable logistic regression on the schizophrenia group and the mood disorder group, using those diagnoses as the dependent variable and age, suicide attempt method, sex, and history of psychiatric treatment as explanatory variables. Results: Patients with schizophrenia are significantly younger (39.4 ± 13.3 vs. 47.8 ± 17.9; p < 0.001) and significantly more frequently (89.3% vs. 64.3%; p < 0.001) had a history of psychiatric treatment than patients with mood disorders. Violent suicide methods were significantly more often used in the group of patients with schizophrenia (65.2% vs. 50.5%; p = 0.017) than in the group of patients with mood disorders. Jumping from a height was significantly more frequent in the group of patients with schizophrenia (36.6% vs. 16.8%; p < 0.001) than in the group of patients with mood disorders, while hanging was significantly more frequent in the group of patients with mood disorders (12.8% vs. 2.7%; p = 0.003) than in the group of patients with schizophrenia. As a result of multivariable logistic regression, the history of psychiatric treatment (OR = 0.25; 95%CI: 0.11–0.54; p < 0.001) was associated with high odds of the diagnosis of schizophrenia, while the use of the hanging method (OR = 7.25; 95%CI: 1.48–43.6; p = 0.014) was associated with high odds of the diagnosis of mood disorder. Conclusions: Patients with schizophrenia and mood disorders are groups with a high risk of suicidal behavior. Suicide prevention measures should consist of the urgent need for screening and evaluation of mental disorders by primary health care services, as well as successful treatment, successful follow-up of patients after hospitalization, improvement of adherence to therapy, and monitoring of risk factors.
Machine Learning Method for Approximate Solutions for Reaction-Diffusion Equations with Multivalued Interaction Functions
Authors: Kasyanov Pavlo O. , Kapustyan Oleksiy V. , Levenchuk Liudmyla B. , Novykov Vladyslav R.
Published: December 2024

This paper presents machine learning methods for approximate solutions of reaction-diffusion equations with multivalued interaction functions. This approach addresses the challenge of finding all possible solutions for such equations, which often lack uniqueness. The proposed method utilizes physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) to approximate generalized solutions.
Multicenter Perioperative Results with a New Endoscopic Powered Stapler in Bariatric Surgery: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Khan Athar , Layani Laurent , Kiran Nalini , Nasrullah Basel , Shchukina Lyudmila , Noel Patrick
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Advancements in surgical stapling devices play a crucial role in improving outcomes for bariatric procedures. This study evaluates the performance and safety of a new endoscopic stapler (EnDrive®BelugaTM) regarding perioperative results across multiple bariatric surgery types.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 112 patients who underwent bariatric procedures using the Beluga stapler at two centres in the UAE and Kenya over 6-month period (June-December 2023). Procedures included laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB), mini gastric bypass (OAGB-MGB), and revisions. Perioperative outcomes, complications, and haemoglobin changes were assessed.
Results: The cohort included 29 males and 83 females, with a mean age of 32.8 years and preoperative BMI of 41.1 kg/m². Procedures performed were 88 primary LSG, three primary LRYGB, 12 primary OAGB-MGB, and nine revision surgeries. No conversions, deaths, bleeding, or leaks occurred. Minor complications were observed in 4 patients. One patient required reoperation for intestinal obstruction. The mean hospital stay was 1.5 days. Haemoglobin levels showed minimal change from preoperative (12.8 g/dL) to postoperative day 1 (12.3 g/dL).
Conclusions: The new Beluga endoscopic stapler demonstrated safe and effective performance across various bariatric procedures, with low complication rates and minimal blood loss. Its enhanced articulation capabilities may offer advantages in specific cases. Further studies are warranted to compare long-term outcomes with established stapling devices.
A New Logical Basis for Variance and Covariance
Authors: Ellerman David
Published: December 2024

There is a fundamental duality that extends through the exact sciences. This paper briefly develops the relatively new logic of partitions dual to the Boolean logic of subsets. At a more basic level, the duality is between the elements of a subset and the distinctions (pairs of elements in different blocks) of a partition. Probability theory and information theory (based on logical entropy) start as the respective quantitative versions of the two dual logics of subsets and partitions. The subset side of the duality uses a one-sample (or one element) approach; the partition side uses a two-sample (or pair of elements) approach. The paper gives a new derivation of the variance and covariance based on that two-sample approach which positions those concepts on the partition and information-theory side of the duality.
The Future of Pathogen Detection in Aquaculture: Miniature Labs, Field-Compatible Assays, eDNA, CRISPR and Metatranscriptomics
Authors: Rieder Jessica , Berzeneko Anastasiia , Meziti Alexandra , Adrian-Kalchhauser Irene
Published: December 2024

Inland recirculating aquaculture is a thriving food industry providing sustainable and locally sourced high-quality protein. However, its expansion is accompanied by emerging challenges regarding the spread of pathogens and disease emergence. Detection and management of pathogens in aquaculture remain underdeveloped compared to other animal farming sectors due to the vast diversity of species involved, the use of wild animals, and limited knowledge regarding pathogens, host responses, and disease mechanisms. Furthermore, recirculating aquaculture systems are heavily dependent on beneficial bacterial communities for waste product removal and water quality maintenance, with opportunistic pathogens constituting an inherent component of these microbial communities. To enhance the potential of inland aquaculture as a sustainable source of protein, it is imperative to adopt advanced tools for pathogen detection and monitoring and for assessing the overall health of the microbial ecosystem. This paper presents an overview of promising current molecular and technological advancements that offer solutions for pathogen detection and system monitoring in aquaculture. We focus on recently developed point-of-care and on-site detection methods using miniaturized laboratory equipment and robust workflows that operate independently of cold chain logistics. We explore current methodologies for monitoring pathogens in the environment rather than through fish health assessments. Lastly, we discuss techniques from other scientific disciplines in aquaculture, including CRISPR-Cas protocols for pathogen detection and the implementation of "omics" approaches for comprehensive characterization of microbial states. These methods demonstrate considerable potential for pathogen surveillance and, subsequently, early responses in the dynamic aquaculture field. Understanding available options will help aquaculture managers optimize their systems and collaborate effectively with molecular scientists. This paper thus aims to facilitate communication between molecular scientists and aquaculture managers, equipping the next generation with the knowledge needed to enhance pathogen management techniques in their facilities.
Restoration of Genuine Sensation and Proprioception of Individual Fingers following Transradial Amputation with Targeted Sensory Reinnervation as a Mechanoneural Interface
Authors: Gardetto Alexander , Müller-Putz Gernot , Eberlin Kyle R. , Bassetto Franco , Atkins Diane J. , Turri Mara , Peternell Gerfried , Neuper Ortrun , Ernst Jennifer
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Tactile gnosis derives from the interplay between the hand’s tactile input and the memory systems of the brain. It is the prerequisite for complex hand functions. Impaired sensation leads to profound disability. Various invasive and non-invasive sensory substitution strategies for providing feedback from prostheses have been unsuccessful when translated to clinical practice, since they fail to match the feeling to genuine sensation of the somatosensory cortex.

Methods: Herein, we describe a novel surgical technique for upper limb targeted sensory reinnervation (ulTSR) and report how single digital nerves selectively reinnervate the forearm skin and restore the spatial sensory capacity of single digits of the amputated hand in a case series of seven patients. We explore the interplay of the redirected residual digital nerves and the interpretation of sensory perception after reinnervation of the forearm skin in the somatosensory cortex by evaluating sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs), somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and amputation-associated pain qualities.

Results: Digital nerves were rerouted and reliably reinnervated the forearm skin after hand amputation, leading to somatotopy and limb maps of the thumb and four individual fingers. SNAPs were obtained from the donor digital nerves after stimulating the recipient sensory nerves of the forearm. Matching SEPs were obtained after electrocutaneous stimulation of the reinnervated skin areas of the forearm where the thumb, index and little fingers are perceived. Pain incidence was significantly reduced or even fully resolved.

Conclusion: We propose that ulTSR can lead to higher acceptance of prosthetic hands and substantially reduce the incidence of phantom limb and neuroma pain. In addition, the spatial restoration of lost-hand sensing and the somatotopic reinnervation of the forearm skin may serve as a machine interface, allowing for genuine sensation and embodiment of the prosthetic hand without the need for complex neural coding adjustments.
A COVID-19 Call to Action: Addressing Race, Racism, and Health Equity in the Wake of a Global Pandemic
Authors: Grant Tiffany Joffrion
Published: December 2024

Historically, the attribution of biology to race has shaped societies and manifested in innumerable disparities and irreparable harm, especially in communities of color. From the earliest days of the United States to the present day, the dehumanization and “othering” of African Americans have caused deep racial inequities that have been perpetuated and embedded in American culture. The early months of the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the deep racial inequalities in the US, especially in health outcomes for communities of color. Structural racism has played a critical role in exacerbating disparities, with Black, Hispanic, Latinx, and Indigenous populations experiencing higher rates of severe disease and mortality. The interconnectedness of racism with the Social Determinants of Health concomitant with higher rates of chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension, increase vulnerability to severe COVID-19. Health disparities are compounded by implicit biases in the medical field, a lack of diversity among healthcare providers, and historical medical mistrust among marginalized groups. Underrepresentation in the medical field, biomedical sciences, and academia hinders efforts to address health disparities effectively. This review seeks to raise awareness of how the concepts of race and racism have resulted in racial hierarchies that perpetuate systems of oppression and impede efforts toward racial and health equity. This review will discuss how addressing these issues requires targeted efforts to increase diversity in healthcare and biomedical fields, improve cultural competence, and foster trust between medical professionals and communities of color. Achieving health equity demands addressing the root causes of disparities with an equity-focused mindset.
Quantitative Analysis Using PMOD and FreeSurfer for Three Types of Radiopharmaceuticals for Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Yoon Hyun Jin , Yoon Da-Ye , Jeong Young Jin , Kang Do-Young
Published: December 2024

In amyloid brain PET, after parcellation using the finite element method (FEM)-based algorithm FreeSurfer and voxel-based algorithm PMOD, SUVr examples can be extracted and compared. This study presents the classification SUVr threshold in PET images of F-18 florbetaben (FBB), F-18 flutemetamol (FMM), and F-18 florapronol (FPN) and compares and analyzes the classifica-tion performance according to computational algorithm in each brain region. PET images were co-registered after the generated MRI was registered with standard template information. Using MATLAB script, SUVr was calculated using the built-in parcellation number labeled in the brain region. PMOD and FreeSurfer with different algorithms were used to load the PET image, and after registration in MRI, it was normalized to the MRI template. The volume and SUVr of the individual gray matter space region were calculated using an automated anatomical labeling at-las. The SUVr values of eight regions of the frontal cortex (FC), lateral temporal cortex (LTC), mesial temporal cortex (MTC), parietal cortex (PC), occipital cortex (OC), anterior and posterior cingulate cortex (GCA, GCP), and composite were calculated. After calculating the correlation of SUVr using the FreeSurfer and PMOD algorithms and calculating the AUC, the classification ability was calculated, and the SVUr threshold was calculated using the Youden index. The cor-relation coefficients of FreeSurfer and PMOD SUVr calculations of the eight regions of the brain cortex were FBB (0.95), FMM (0.94), and FPN (0.91). The SUVr threshold was SUVr(LTC,min) = 1.264 and SUVr(THA,max) = 1.725 when calculated using FPN-FreeSurfer, and SUVr(MTC,min) = 1.093 and SUVr(MCT,max) = 1.564 when calculated using FPN-PMOD. The AUC comparison showed that there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in SUVr classification results using the three radiopharmaceuticals, specifically for LTC and OC regions in PMOD analysis, and LTC and PC regions in FreeSurfer analysis. The SUVr calculation using PMOD (voxel-based algorithm) has a strong correlation with the calculation using FreeSurfer (FEM-based algorithm); therefore, they are complement with each other. Quantitative classification analysis with high accuracy is possible using the suggested SUVr threshold. The SUVr classification performance was good in the order of FMM, FBB, and FPN and showed good classification performance in the LTC region, regardless of the type of radiotracer and analysis algorithm.
Reflectance Indices for Estimating Photosynthetic Activity of Wheat Plants Under Drought Stress
Authors: Abdullaev Firuz , Churikova Daria , Pirogova Polina , Lysov Maxim , Vodeneev Vladimir , Sherstneva Oksana
Published: December 2024

Global climate change and the associated increasing impact of droughts on crops challenges re-searchers to rapidly assess plant health on a large scale. Photosynthetic activity is one of the key physiological parameters related to future crop yield. The present study focuses on the search for reflectance parameters for rapid screening of wheat genotypes with respect to photosynthetic ac-tivity under drought conditions. Four normalized difference indices (NDIs) that showed a strong correlation with the level of photosynthetic activity estimated by the photochemical quantum yield of photosystem II (FPSII) were selected from different wavelength ranges (NDI610/450, NDI572/545, NDI740/700, and NDI820/630). The indices NDI572/545 and NDI820/630 showed the best combi-nation of sensitivity to soil moisture deficit and strong relationship with photosynthetic activity under drought stress. The use of such indices will allow to monitor in detail the specific features of wheat plant response and can serve as one of the criteria for selection of the most promising genotypes in breeding of drought-tolerant cultivars.
Application of Metaheuristics in Feature Selection for IoT Networks
Authors: Paucar Arias Branly Smith
Published: December 2024

Employing metaheuristics to optimize feature selection in IoT networks targets enhancements in system efficiency, security, and energy management. A survey of research from the Scopus database highlighted intrusion detection as a heavily investigated domain. By merging metaheuristics with machine learning approaches, advancements have been made in threat detection accuracy, energy consumption optimization, and cybersecurity enhancement. Continued exploration into adaptive algorithms and preprocessing techniques is advised to tackle computational challenges and unstructured data management.
Structural, Electronic, and Magnetic Properties of Neutral Borometallic Molecular Wheel Clusters
Authors: Perveen Saira , Gonzalez Szwacki Nevill
Published: December 2024

Atomic clusters exhibit properties that fall between those found for individual atoms and bulk solids. Small boron clusters exhibit planar and quasi-planar structures, which are novel materials envisioned to serve as a platform for designing nanodevices and materials with unique physical and chemical properties. Through past research advancements, experimentalists demonstrated the successful incorporation of transition metals in the middle of planar boron rings. In our study, we used first-principles calculations to examine the structure and properties of neutral boron clusters doped with transition metals, denoted as TMBn and TMB2n, where TM = Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Nb, or Mo and n=8−10. Our calculations show that the TMB2n structures, which involve sandwiching metal atoms between two rings (called the drum configuration), as well as clusters with the single ring configuration, TMBn, are stable. These clusters typically have relatively large HOMO-LUMO gaps, suggesting high kinetic stability and low chemical reactivity. Moreover, the clusters display interesting magnetic properties, determined not only by the metal atoms but also by the induced magnetism of the boron rings. These structures have potential applications in spintronics and sensing. This work also provides a basis for studying magnetism in the one-dimensional limit.
Indicators of Glucose Metabolism in Children and Adolescents Characterized as Having “Metabolically Healthy” and “Metabolically Unhealthy” Obesity
Authors: Baltogianni Maria , Dermitzaki Niki , Giapros Vasileios , Balomenou Foteini , Kosmeri Chrysoula , Ladomenou Fani , Kantza Evanthia , Serbis Anastasios
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Some individuals with obesity may exhibit fewer metabolic disturbances and face a lower long-term risk of complications. However, the existence of this so-called "metabolically healthy obesity" (MHO) compared to "metabolically unhealthy obesity" (MUO) remains a topic of debate. The aim of this study was to comparatively assess glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity markers between children and adolescents diagnosed with MHO and MUO. Methods: This study recruited prospectively 104 children and adolescents (aged 6–16 years, 47 boys) with obesity. All participants underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and a comparative analysis was performed on HOMA-IR, QUICKI, insulin sensitivity index (ISI), insulinogenic index (IGI), disposition index (DI), and oral disposition index (oDI). Glucose metabolism indices were compared in subgroups according to pubertal status. Results: Forty-seven children (45.2%) were diagnosed with MHO. The whole-body ISI differed significantly between MHO and MUO groups (4.02 vs. 2.7,p<0.01). The IGI was statistically lower in the MHO group compared to MUO (1.26 vs. 1.54,p<0.01), while neither the DI nor the oDI differed significantly between the two groups. A significantly higher ISI (4.5 vs. 3.9,p<0.01) was observed in prepubertal MHO individuals compared to MHO adolescents. Conclusions: Nearly half of the children with obesity were classified as having MHO. However, insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism markers indicated that these children do not exhibit a much better glycemic control overall compared to their MUO peers, suggesting that MHO patients could be at increased risk of developing obesity-related complications compared to their normal-weight counterparts.
Nutritional Intervention in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis, Correlation with Quality of Life and Disability- A Prospective and Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Metaxouli Konstantina , Tsiou Chrysoula , Dokoutsidou Eleni , Margari Nikoletta
Published: December 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a multifactorial disease, with diet and lifestyle playing an important role in its development. The Mediterranean Diet has been considered to be particularly beneficial for MS patients. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between diet and MS, as well as evaluate the effect of the Mediterranean Diet on patients’ quality of life and level of disability. The six-month study included 130 patients, divided into a control and intervention group. Data collection instruments were used for the collection of demographic and medical characteristics of the participants, as well as data with regards to disability [(Multiple Sclerosis Rating Scale-Revised (MSRS-R) and Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29 (MSIS-29)], nutrition [Mediterranean Diet Score (MedDiet Score) and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)] and quality of life [Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life - 54 (MSQOL-54)]]. The results indicated that the demographic characteristics of the groups were similar. The MNA score was positively associated with physical (p=0.002) and mental health (p=0.001). The intervention group reported an improvement in adherence to the Mediterranean Diet, an increase in the MedDiet Score in addition to a decrease in the MSRS-R Score, indicating thus an improvement in functional capacity, nutritional status and quality of life. In conclusion, the Mediterranean Diet can improve the functionality and quality of life of patients with MS. Nutrition education is therefore deemed critical, and further research is required to reinforce these findings.
Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Resistance of Thin Ceria and Phosphate Mono- and Multilayers Deposited on Technically Pure Al 1050
Authors: Cherneva Sabina , Andreeva Reni , Stoychev Dimitar
Published: December 2024

Effect of electroless deposited on (non-anodized and anodized) Al 1050 of: monolayer Ce2O3+Ce2O4; consecutive deposited be-layer Ce2O3+Ce2O4/Ca5(PO4)3OH or consecutive deposited be-layer Ce2O3+CeO2/(AlPO4+AlOOH+CePO4) systems on the indentation modulus (ЕIT) and hardness (HIT), as well as their corrosion-protective ability were investigated. For structural, chemical, electrochemical and mechanical characterization of the investigated systems following methods were used: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-rays analysis (EDXS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), polarization resistance (Rp), corrosion rate (CR) analysis, and Nanoindentation. It was found that the HIT and ЕIT of the coatings deposited on an anodized aluminum substrate were much higher than those deposited on a non-anodized alumi-num substrate. It is established a specific influence of the morphology and chemical composition of formed conversion layers on HIT and EIT as well as as on the improvement of corrosion-protective effect of these layers. The obtained results are valuable, since there are no data on the mechanical properties of such coatings in the literature up to this point.
Synthetic Biology-Based Approaches to Probe Host-Pathogen Interactions
Authors: Banerjee Rajdeep
Published: December 2024

The increasing prevalence of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens presents a critical global health threat, highlighting the urgent need for innovative approaches to understanding bacterial patho-genesis and developing effective therapies. This review explores the potential of synthetic biology as a promising tool for investigating host-pathogen interactions and offering alternative therapeutic solu-tions for MDR infections. We first examine the progress of CRISPR-based strategies that have enabled modulation of essential gene expression, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms underly-ing host-pathogen interactions. We then discuss the use of engineered microbial synthetic circuits for rapid pathogen detection, which identify molecular signatures involved in interspecies communica-tion and facilitate swift pathogen elimination. Additionally, we explore the potential of Phage Therapy (PT), which leverages bacteriophages to selectively target and eliminate specific bacterial pathogens, presenting a targeted and promising approach to combat MDR infections. Finally, we review the appli-cation of Organ-On-A-Chip (OOAC) technology, which overcomes the limitations of animal models in predicting human immune responses by using microfluidic devices that simulate organ-level physi-ology and pathophysiology, thereby enabling more accurate disease modeling, drug testing, and the development of personalized medicine.
Optimal Control of Heat Equation by Coupling FVM and FEM Codes
Authors: Baldini Samuele , Barbi Giacomo , Cervone Antonio , Giangolini Federico , Manservisi Sandro , Sirotti Lucia
Published: December 2024

In this paper, the optimal control theory is applied to a temperature optimization problem by coupling finite element and finite volume codes. The optimality system is split into the state and adjoint system. The direct problem is solved by the widely adopted finite volume OpenFOAM code and the adjoint-control equation using a variational formulation of the problem with the in-house finite element FEMuS code. The variational formulation of the problem is the natural framework to capture accurately the control correction while OpenFOAM guarantees the accuracy of the state solution. This coupling is facilitated through the open-source MED and MEDCoupling libraries of the SALOME platform. The code coupling is implemented with the MED libraries and additional routines added in the FEMuS and OpenFOAM codes. We demonstrate the accuracy, robustness and performance of the proposed approach with examples targeting different objectives using distributed and boundary controls in each case.
Fractional Optimal Control For Infinite Variables Parabolic SystemsWith Time Lags Given In Integral Form
Authors: Sebaq Mahmoud S , Qamlo Ahlam Hasan , Maohamed Bahaa Gaber
Published: December 2024

In this paper, the fractional optimal control problem for
distributed parabolic systems involving constant lags in the
integral form both in the state equations and in the boundary
condition is considered. The fractional time derivative is
considered in a Caputo sense. The system contains model operator of
second order with infinite number of variables. We first study the
existence and the uniqueness of the solution of the fractional
differential system with time delay in a Hilbert space. Then we show
that the considered optimal control problem has a unique solution.
The performance index of a (FOCP) is considered as a function of
both state and control variables, and the dynamic constraints are
expressed by a Partial Fractional Differential Equation (PFDE). The
time horizon is fixed. Finally, we impose some constraints on the
boundary control. Interpreting the Euler-–Lagrange first-order
optimality condition with an adjoint problem defined by means of
right fractional Caputo derivative, we obtain an optimality system
for the fractional optimal control. Some specific properties of the
optimal control are discussed. Some examples are analyzed in
details.