bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic assessment of diverse rice germplasm for yield-related and stress tolerance traits
Authors: Shanmugam Sudha , Samonte Stanley Omar P. B. , Sanchez Darlene L. , Yabes Jonalyn C.
Published: May 2024

The development of stress-resistant crops without compromising their yield and nutritional quality is one of the major challenges in plant biology. Plant breeders have made considerable effort in developing cultivars with high yield and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. This research aimed to evaluate pre-breeding resources for favorable genes conferring good yield and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses for rice varietal improvement. Two hundred forty diverse rice cultivars from top countries with which the United States imports and exports rice were selected from the Germplasm Resource Information Network (GRIN) collection, and these were characterized using molecular markers for various desirable traits. Among the cultivars, 16 were used as checks. The genes of various traits evaluated were grain number (Gn1a), panicle weight (WFP), cold stress tolerance (qSCT-11 and qCTS-12), anaerobic germination (AG1 and AG2), rice blast disease resistance (PiB, Pi-ta, Ptr, and Piz), wide compatibility (S5-n), and restoring ability (Rf4). Out of these 240 accessions, 192 have the Gn1a gene, 168 possess the qSCT-11 cold tolerance gene, 139 carry the Rf4 gene, 152 have the qCTS12 cold tolerance gene, 87 have blast resistance genes, and 44 possess the WC gene. None of the 240 accessions possess the WFP (Wealthy Farmer’s Panicle) gene. The selections with favorable genes can be used by breeders as potential donor parents for varietal improvement programs to produce new and promising cultivars with desired specific traits that may contribute towards alleviating global issues related to food security.
Legal Dilemmas of Drone Development in Poland
Authors: Jasiuk Ewa , Chochowska Anna , Chochowski Krzysztof
Published: May 2024

This paper aims to discuss in detail the legal aspects of drone use in Poland and demonstrate the need to establish a legal act (Drone Code) that would comprehensively regulate the principles of safe drone use, whether aerial, land or sea, as well as to show the importance of creating a public administration body competent for drone-related issues, or perhaps even an entirely new international organization to safeguard the legal and ethical use of drones.
On the Performance of the Model-Free Adaptive Control For A Novel Moving-Mass Controlled Flying Robot
Authors: Heydari Mohsen , Darvishpoor Shahin , Novinzadeh Alireza Basohbat , Roshanian Jafar
Published: May 2024

In this paper, the performance of Model-Free Adaptive Control (MFAC) has been investigated on a novel and specific moving-mass controlled (MMC) flying robot system. The novel one-degree-of-freedom (1 DOF) MMC flying robot test bed presented in this paper has highly nonlinear and slow dynamics with a variable center of gravity (CoG) and moment of inertia. This makes the control of this system a challenging problem. One of the solutions to this challenge is the use of data-driven control methods, in particular, MFAC. This controller uses a data-driven model to control the system using only input and output (I/O) data. This paper compares this data-driven controller with proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control, and Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) as two model-free and model-based controllers which are widely used controllers in industry. The results of the comparison show that in the various scenarios applied, MFAC has a clear superiority over the PID and LQR, and its adaptive structure gives more freedom of action in the implementation of different scenarios and the presented noise. The results are obtained using the Integral Time Absolute Error (ITAE) criteria and the mean maximum error has also been compared in a Monte Carlo analysis. For a more detailed study, the amount of control energy consumption was also compared, which showed a clear superiority of the MFAC. Also, the robustness of the controller was demonstrated by introducing uncertainty in the plant parameters and by running 100 Monte Carlo simulations with random initial conditions. Finally, despite the PID controller, the MFAC followed the desired scenarios well and compared to LQR consumed less energy. The results demonstrate that the MFAC outperformed the PID and LQR controllers in the presence of random initial conditions and noise in terms of mean maximum error $$(70.4\%)$$

(
70.4
%
)

, mean ITAE $$(91\%)$$

(
91
%
)

, and energy consumption $$(46\%)$$

(
46
%
)

.
Impact of positive end-expiratory pressure on renal resistive index in mechanical ventilated patients
Authors: Fogagnolo Alberto , Grasso Salvatore , Morelli Elena , Murgolo Francesco , Di Mussi Rosa , Vetrugno Luigi , La Rosa Riccardo , Volta Carlo Alberto , Spadaro Savino
Published: May 2024

Purpose: Growing evidence shows the complex interaction between lung and kidney in critically ill patients. The renal resistive index (RRI) is a bedside measurement of the resistance of the renal blood flow and it is correlated with kidney injury. The positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) level could affect the resistance of renal blood flow, so we assumed that RRI could help to monitoring the changes in renal hemodynamics at different PEEP levels. Our hypothesis was that the RRI at ICU admission could predict the risk of acute kidney injury in mechanical ventilated critically ill patients. Methods: We performed a prospective study including 92 patients requiring mechanical ventilation for ≥ 48 h. A RRI ≥ 0.70, was deemed as pathological. RRI was measured within 24 h from ICU admission while applying 5,10 and 15 cmH2O of PEEP in random order (PEEP trial). Results: Overall, RRI increased from 0.62 ± 0.09 at PEEP 5 to 0.66 ± 0.09 at PEEP 15 (p < 0.001). The mean RRI value during the PEEP trial was able to predict the occurrence of AKI with AUROC = 0.834 [95%CI 0.742–0.927]. Patients exhibiting a RRI ≥ 0.70 were 17/92(18%) at PEEP 5, 28/92(30%) at PEEP 10, 38/92(41%) at PEEP 15, respectively. Thirty-eight patients (41%) exhibited RRI ≥ 0.70 at least once during the PEEP trial. In these patients, AKI occurred in 55% of the cases, versus 13% remaining patients, p < 0.001. Conclusions: RRI seems able to predict the risk of AKI in mechanical ventilated patients; further, RRI values are influenced by the PEEP level applied.

Trial registration: Clinical gov NCT03969914 Registered 31 May 2019.
Machine Learning Based Compton Suppression for Nuclear Fusion Plasma Diagnostics
Authors: Lennon Kimberley , Shand Chantal , Smith Robin
Published: May 2024

Diagnostics are critical on the path to commercial fusion reactors, since measurements and characterisation of the plasma is important for sustaining fusion reactions. Gamma spectroscopy is commonly used to provide information about the neutron energy spectrum from activation analysis, which can be used to calculate the neutron flux and fusion power. The detection limits for measuring nuclear dosimetry reactions used in such diagnostics are fundamentally related to Compton scattering events making up a background continuum in measured spectra. This background lies in the same energy region as peaks from low-energy gamma rays, leading to detection and characterisation limitations. This paper presents a digital machine learning Compton suppression algorithm (MLCSA), that uses state-of-the-art machine learning techniques to perform pulse shape discrimination for high purity germanium (HPGe) detectors. The MLCSA identifies key features of individual pulses to differentiate between those that are generated from photopeaks and Compton scatter events. Compton events are then rejected, reducing the low energy background. This novel suppression algorithm improves gamma spectroscopy results by lowering minimum detectable activity (MDA) limits and thus reducing the measurement time required to reach the desired detection limit. In this paper, the performance of the MLCSA is demonstrated using an HPGe detector, with a gamma spectrum containing americium-241 (Am-241) and cobalt-60 (Co-60). The MDA of Am-241 improved by 51% and the signal to background ratio improved by 49%, while the Co-60 peaks were partially preserved (reduced by 78%). The MLCSA requires no modelling of the specific detector and so has the potential to be detector agnostic, meaning the technique could be applied to a variety of detector types and applications.
Efficient WENO Schemes for Nonuniform Grids
Authors: Martí M. Carmen , Mulet Pep , Yáñez Dionisio F. , Zorío David
Published: May 2024

A set of arbitrarily high-order WENO schemes for reconstructions on nonuniform grids is presented. These non-linear interpolation methods use simple smoothness indicators with a linear cost with respect to the order, making them easy to implement and computationally efficient. The theoretical analysis to verify the accuracy and the essentially non-oscillatory properties are presented together with some numerical experiments involving algebraic problems in order to validate them. Also, these general schemes are applied for the solution of conservation laws and hyperbolic systems in the context of finite volume methods.
The current status of natural and artificial radiation in İstanbul 36 years after chernobyl, preceding a potential nuclear threat
Authors: Günay Osman , Özden Selin , Aközcan Pehlivanoğlu Serpil
Published: May 2024

In this study, the current status of natural and artificial radioactivity levels in soil samples from the Büyükçekmece and Silivri districts of Istanbul, as well as the Marmara Ereğlisi district in Tekirdağ, has been determined in anticipation of a potential nuclear leakage (e.g. the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant). Twenty soil samples were collected from the study area, and the radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs were measured using an HPGe detector. The average concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs were found to be 26 ± 2, 30 ± 2, 540 ± 29, 0.55 ± 0.07 Bq kg−1, respectively.
Investigations of the carbonization process of hybrid polymer microspheres using the TGA-EGA method: assessment of the impact of sulphanilic acid on the process
Authors: Sobiesiak Magdalena , Podkościelna Beata , Mazur Liliana
Published: May 2024

The TGA-EGA technique was used to study the influence of sulphanilic acid (SA) on the carbonisation process of the hybrid terpolymeric precursors composed of methacrylamide, divinylbenzene, and trimethoxyvinylsilane. The pristine polymers were impregnated with saturated solution of SA, dried, and carbonized at 600 °C under N2 atmosphere. The characteristic properties of both the pristine hybrid polymers and the resulting carbons were based on FTIR, Raman, and PXRD analyses, which revealed the materials were composed of amorphous polymeric or carbon phase interpenetrated by silica/silicate disordered network. The porosimetric analysis showed the resulted carbons possessed homogeneous supermicropores with the average pore width of 0.7 nm and reduced number of mesopores compared to pristine precursors. From the TGA results, it was followed that impregnated polymers decomposed in two stages, instead of one like pristine precursors did. Moreover, IDT of impregnated polymers was reduced by about 100 °C, and their Tmax was increased by 2–5.5 °C. Their decomposition proceeded slower by 22–37% that caused increase in efficiency of the process by 10–48%. The EGA showed the decomposition of the impregnated precursors started from the degradation of the amide groups, then SA destruction took place, followed by further decomposition of the polymer. The studies led to the conclusion that SA had the protective effect on the surface of the carbonized polymers. During impregnation and thermal treatment, SA produced a deposit in pores of the precursors. This resulted in narrowing of the pore width, delaying and slowing down the polymer thermal decomposition process, as well as increasing its efficiency.
Generating Function of q- and Elliptic Multiple Polylogarithms of Hurwitz Type
Authors: Kato Masaki
Published: May 2024

Ohno and Zagier (Indag Math 12:483–487, 2001) found that a generating function of sums of multiple polylogarithms can be written in terms of the Gauss hypergeometric function $${}_2F_1$$

2

F
1

. As a generalization of the Ohno and Zagier formula, Ihara et al. (Can J Math 76:1–17, 2022) showed that a generating function of sums of interpolated multiple polylogarithms of Hurwitz type can be expressed in terms of the generalized hypergeometric function $${}_{r+1}F_r$$

r
+
1

F
r

. In this paper, we establish q- and elliptic analogues of this result. We introduce elliptic q-multiple polylogarithms of Hurwitz type and study a generating function of sums of them. By taking the trigonometric and classical limits in the main theorem, we can obtain q- and elliptic generalizations of the Ihara, Kusunoki, Nakamura and Saeki formula.
Speeding up the Training of Neural Networks with the One-Step Procedure
Authors: Meskini Wajd , Brouste Alexandre , Dugué Nicolas
Published: May 2024

In the last decade, research and corporate have shown a dramatically growing interest in the field of machine learning, mostly due to the performances of deep neural networks. These increasingly complex architectures solved a wide range of problems. However, training these sophisticated architectures require many computation on advanced hardware. With this paper, we introduce a new approach based on the One-Step procedure that may fasten their training. In this procedure, an initial guess estimator is computed on a subsample that is then improved with only one step of the Newton gradient descent on the whole dataset. To show the efficiency of this framework, we consider regression and classification tasks using simulated and real datasets. We consider classic architectures, namely multi-layer perceptrons and show, on our examples, that the One-Step procedure is often halving the computation time to train the neural networks while preserving the performances.
Fractional optical normalization operator of magnetic field and electroosmotic optimistic energy
Authors: Ogrenmis Meltem
Published: May 2024

In this manuscript, we introduce optical fractional normalization and fractional recursive operators for a particle. The significance of this research lies in obtaining optical fractional recursive operators and normalized operators of magnetic fields through the utilization of a fractional spherical frame within spherical space. Throughout the study, we employ the general form of fractional derivatives, as it enables us to derive more generalized results compared to classical derivatives. Additionally, we derive the microfluidic optical fractional electroosmotic magnetic optimistic fractional energy. We propose a design for optical recursion-based fractional electroosmotic magnetic optimistic fractional energy. This innovative study holds significant potential for applications across various fields, including fluid dynamics, optics, and energy conversion.
The Body of “the Body of Christ”: An Introduction to Hyperscanning Research and a Discussion of Its Possible Implications for Understanding Social Experiences During Religious Gatherings
Authors: Forman Robert K. C. , Wald-Fuhrmann Melanie
Published: May 2024

Neuroscience has become a well-accepted methodological modality in the study of religion, especially of religious behavior, personal prayer, meditation, mysticism, spiritual experience, and personal religious experiences. However, such studies have been performed on individuals only; none have helped scholars understand the neuro-physiological correlates of religious communities, religious interactions, collective liturgical action, or the like. This article introduces the new field of social neuroscience, showing how its primary tool, hyperscanning, is revealing surprising levels of “brain-to-brain synchrony.” Though there are no hyperscanning studies of religious communities yet, the authors suggest that findings about shared attention, interpersonal coordination, and feelings of closeness all have clear parallels in and implications for religious communities. The authors then suggest both directions and cautions for future research.
Agree to agree: correcting acquiescence bias in the case of fully unbalanced scales with application to UK measurements of political beliefs
Authors: Swatton Phil
Published: May 2024

A methodologically important area in political science is measuring the ideology of voters. This task can be difficult, and researchers often rely on ‘off the shelf’ datasets. Many of these datasets contain unbalanced Likert scales, which risk acquiescence bias. This paper proposes a strategy for dealing with this issue. I first demonstrate using two comparable datasets from the UK how unbalanced scales produce distorted distributions and can affect regression results. Then, building on past research that utilises factor analysis to eliminate the influence of acquiescence bias, I demonstrate how researchers can utilise a person intercept confirmatory factor analysis model to obtain factor scores corrected for acquiescence in the case of fully unbalanced scales. I conclude with practical recommendations for researchers and survey designers moving forward.
Gender differences in oral appliance treatment of obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Fransson Anette , Nohlert Eva , Tegelberg Åke , Isacsson Göran
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Although overall success rates for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with an oral appliance (OA) are high, they are significantly higher among females. To verify published data, the study’s purpose was to evaluate a participant sample after one year of OA use. The primary outcome was treatment response, with responders defined as having an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) < 10 at follow-up and/or reduced by ≥50% of baseline. Secondary measures were from standardized questionnaires.

Methods

A sample of 314 participants, predominately with moderate-to-severe OSA, were enrolled and instructed to use an OA every night. At baseline and one-year follow-up, polygraphic recordings and questionnaires, including sleepiness (measured using the Epworth sleepiness scale) and quality-of-life (measured using the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire), were collected.

Results

Among the 314 participants, 192 completed the one-year evaluation: 51 females (27%) and 141 males (73%). Overall, OA treatment resulted in 78% and 77% responders among females and males, respectively. Neither the difference in improvement nor the absolute change in AHI differed significantly based on gender, at any OSA severity level. There were no significant gender differences in sleepiness or quality of life. Treatment-related adverse reactions were more common among females.

Conclusion

Both females and males with OSA respond well to OA therapy, with nonsignificant gender differences in outcomes. Thus, the hypothesis that females respond better to OA treatment is rejected.
Environmental impact of phytobiotic additives on greenhouse gas emission reduction, rumen fermentation manipulation, and performance in ruminants: an updated review
Authors: Ahmed Mariam G. , Elwakeel Eman A. , El-Zarkouny Samir Z. , Al-Sagheer Adham A.
Published: May 2024

Ruminal fermentation is a natural process involving beneficial microorganisms that contribute to the production of valuable products and efficient nutrient conversion. However, it also leads to the emission of greenhouse gases, which have detrimental effects on the environment and animal productivity. Phytobiotic additives have emerged as a potential solution to these challenges, offering benefits in terms of rumen fermentation modulation, pollution reduction, and improved animal health and performance. This updated review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the specific benefits of phytobiotic additives in ruminant nutrition by summarizing existing studies. Phytobiotic additives, rich in secondary metabolites such as tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and essential oils, have demonstrated biological properties that positively influence rumen fermentation and enhance animal health and productivity. These additives contribute to environmental protection by effectively reducing nitrogen excretion and methane emissions from ruminants. Furthermore, they inhibit microbial respiration and nitrification in soil, thereby minimizing nitrous oxide emissions. In addition to their environmental impact, phytobiotic additives improve rumen manipulation, leading to increased ruminant productivity and improved quality of animal products. Their multifaceted properties, including anthelmintic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects, further contribute to the health and well-being of both animals and humans. The potential synergistic effects of combining phytobiotic additives with probiotics are also explored, highlighting the need for further research in this area. In conclusion, phytobiotic additives show great promise as sustainable and effective solutions for improving ruminant nutrition and addressing environmental challenges.
Estimation of the level of anthropogenic impact based on the determination of radionuclides and heavy metals in sediments taken from Rybnik reservoir, Poland
Authors: Szarłowicz Katarzyna , Baran Agnieszka , Wójs Karolina , Wójcik Sylwia
Published: May 2024

The aim of the study was to estimate the degree of anthropogenic risk by evaluating the level of the contamination of sediments collected from the Rybnik reservoir. The results of the determination of radionuclides (137Cs, 40K, 228Th, 228Ra, 226Ra, 210Pb, 238U) and heavy metals (Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Ni) were presented. The Rybnik reservoir is located in a highly urbanised area, the Lower Silesian Voivodeship in Poland. Radionuclides (137Cs, 40K, 228Th, 228Ra, 226Ra, 210Pb, 238U) were measured using gamma spectrometry. The heavy metal (Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni and Cr) content was determined using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometer (ICP-OES). The classification of sediment pollution was made on the basis of geochemical and ecotoxicological indices. Radioactivity was varied with the highest for 40K (more than 200 Bq·kg−1). The concentrations for the remaining radionuclides were mostly below 20 Bq·kg−1. At the inlet zone (no. 9) an increase in radioactivity of each radioisotope was observed. The values of heavy metals from the lowest to the highest total amount in the sediments were as follows: Cd < Cr < Pb < Ni < Cu < Zn. The sediments of the reservoir are largely contaminated with Cu, but the sediments generally are contaminated to an average degree. Most pollutants accumulate in the inlet zone and near the dam wall. The content of artificial radionuclides, as well as the geochemical and ecological indicators used, can serve as an indicator of the level of anthropopressure in the vicinity of the Rybnik reservoir.
Occurrence and sources of hormones in water resources—environmental and health impact
Authors: Grzegorzek Martyna , Wartalska Katarzyna , Kowalik Robert
Published: May 2024

Within recent years, hormones have become emergent contaminants in the water environment. They easily accumulate in living organisms which in effect leads to numerous health problems (endocrine-disrupting mechanism is one of the most known toxic effects). Microbial resistance to antibiotics also became one of the emergent issues related to hormone presence. It was shown that the most common in the environment occur estrogens (E1, E2, E3, and EE2). It has been proven that large amounts of hormones are released from aquaculture as well as from wastewater treatment plants (due to the relatively low separation efficiency of conventional wastewater treatment processes). Within the article’s scope, the literature review was performed. The analysis was regarding the characterization of the hormone substances present in the environment, their influence on living organisms and the environment, as well as its potential sources classification.
A Very Compact Metamaterial-Based Triple-Band Sensor in Terahertz Spectrum as a Perfect Absorber for Human Blood Cancer Diagnostics
Authors: Hamza Musa N. , Abdulkarim Yadgar I. , Saeed Salah Raza , Hamad Muhamad A. , Muhammadsharif Fahmi F. , Bakır Mehmet , Appasani Bhargav , Haxha Shyqyri
Published: May 2024

Nowadays, early cancer identification and surveillance have become vital problems. This research paper explores the development of a small, three-band sensor harnessing the potential of terahertz (THz) technology and metamaterials (MTMs) to diagnose blood cancer. The proposed sensor holds the promise of a paradigm shift in the diagnosis of blood cancer by offering a non-invasive and highly accurate approach. Terahertz radiation, occupying the unique “THz gap” in the electromagnetic spectrum, is now accessible due to recent technological breakthroughs. This work simplifies the design of multiple-band metamaterial absorbers, enhancing their effectiveness and expanding their sensing capabilities. Through the integration of THz technology, metamaterial engineering, and cancer detection, the suggested sensor seeks to launch a new phase of rapid, precise, and non-invasive blood cancer diagnosis. The proposed structure is capable of distinguishing cancer and normal cell with 1 GHz sensitivity, which would be more pronounced when we consider the THz technology devices. This work represents a significant step forward in non-invasive, accurate diagnostics for blood cancer, promising to revolutionize the way this disease is diagnosed and treated. The proposed novel strategy has a lot of promise to advance medical diagnostics and enhance patients’ outcomes.
Glycyrrhizic Acid Alleviates Semen Strychni-Induced Neurotoxicity Through the Inhibition of HMGB1 Phosphorylation and Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Yu Changwei , Xiang Yalan , Zhang Min , Wen Jing , Duan Xiaoyu , Wang Lu , Deng Gongying , Fang Pingfei
Published: May 2024

The neurotoxicity of Semen Strychni has been reported recently in several clinical cases. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the role of HMGB1 in a model of neurotoxicity induced by Semen Strychni and to assess the potential alleviating effects of glycyrrhizic acid (GA), which is associated with the regulation of HMGB1 release. Forty-eight SD rats were intraperitoneally injected with Semen Strychni extract (175 mg/kg), followed by oral administration of GA (50 mg/kg) for four days. After treatment of SS and GA, neuronal degeneration, apoptosis, and necrosis were observed via histopathological examination. Inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β), neurotransmitter associated enzymes (MAO and AChE), serum HMGB1, nuclear and cytoplasmic HMGB1/ph-HMGB1, and the interaction between PP2A, PKC, and HMGB1 were evaluated. The influence of the MAPK pathway was also examined. As a result, this neurotoxicity was characterized by neuronal degeneration and apoptosis, the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and a reduction in neurotransmitter-metabolizing enzymes. In contrast, GA treatment significantly ameliorated the abovementioned effects and alleviated nerve injury. Furthermore, Semen Strychni promoted HMGB1 phosphorylation and its translocation between the nucleus and cytoplasm, thereby activating the NF-κB and MAPK pathways, initiating various inflammatory responses. Our experiments demonstrated that GA could partially reverse these effects. In summary, GA acid alleviated Semen Strychni-induced neurotoxicity, possibly by inhibiting HMGB1 phosphorylation and preventing its release from the cell.
Attachment in Young Adults and Life Satisfaction at Age 30: A Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Blake Julie A. , Thomas Hannah J. , Pelecanos Anita M. , Najman Jake M. , Scott James G.
Published: May 2024

Background

Satisfying close relationships are associated with higher levels of life satisfaction throughout the life course. Despite the fundamental role of attachment style in close relationships, few studies have longitudinally examined the association between attachment style in young adults with later life satisfaction.

Method

Data from 2,088 participants in a longitudinal birth cohort study were examined. At 21-years, participants completed the Attachment Style Questionnaire which comprises five domains reflective of internal working models of interpersonal relationships and attachment style: confidence (security), discomfort with closeness and relationships as secondary (avoidance), need for approval and preoccupation with relationships (anxiety). At 30-years, participants self-reported their overall life satisfaction. Linear regression was used to longitudinally examine the association between attachment domains at 21-years and life satisfaction at age 30.

Results

After adjustments, confidence was positively associated with life satisfaction (β = 0.41, 95% CI 0.25–0.56, p < 0.001), while need for approval was negatively associated with life satisfaction (β = -0.17, 95% CI -0.30 – -0.04, p < 0.001). Low income at 21, caring for a child by age 21, and leaving the parental home at 16-years or under were negatively associated with life satisfaction at 30-years.

Conclusion

Young adult attachment style is associated with later life satisfaction, particularly through confidence in self and others. Promoting positive internal working models of interpersonal relationships and fostering greater confidence in self and others in adolescence may be an effective strategy for improving life satisfaction later in life.
An optimal advertising model with carryover effect and mean field terms
Authors: Gozzi Fausto , Masiero Federica , Rosestolato Mauro
Published: May 2024

We consider a class of optimal advertising problems under uncertainty for the introduction of a new product into the market, on the line of the seminal papers of Vidale and Wolfe (Oper Res 5:370–381, 1957) and Nerlove and Arrow (Economica 29:129–142, 1962). The main features of our model are that, on one side, we assume a carryover effect (i.e. the advertisement spending affects the goodwill with some delay); on the other side we introduce, in the state equation and in the objective, some mean field terms that take into account the presence of other agents. We take the point of view of a planner who optimizes the average profit of all agents, hence we fall into the family of the so-called “Mean Field Control” problems. The simultaneous presence of the carryover effect makes the problem infinite dimensional hence belonging to a family of problems which are very difficult in general and whose study started only very recently, see Cosso et al. [Ann Appl Probab 33(4):2863–2918, 2023]. Here we consider, as a first step, a simple version of the problem providing the solutions in a simple case through a suitable auxiliary problem.
The effect of bee drone brood on the motility and viability of stallion spermatozoa—an in vitro study
Authors: Lenický Michal , Sidor Ewelina , Dianová Lucia , Tirpák Filip , Štefunková Nikola , Dżugan Małgorzata , Halo Marko , Halo Marko , Slanina Tomáš , Urban Iveta , Bažány Denis , Greń Agnieszka , Roychoudhury Shubhadeep , Schneir Eric Rendon , Massányi Peter
Published: May 2024

Bee drone brood is a beehive by-product with high hormonal activity used in natural medicine to treat male infertility. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of drone brood on stallion spermatozoa during a short-term incubation for its potential use in the equine semen extenders. Three different forms of fixed drone brood (frozen (FR), freeze-dried (FD), and dried extract (DE)) were used. Solutions of drone brood were compared in terms of testosterone, protein, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity. The stallion semen was diluted with prepared drone brood solutions. The computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) method was employed to evaluate the movement characteristics of the diluted ejaculate. To determine spermatozoa viability, the mitochondrial toxicity test (MTT) and Alamar Blue test were performed. In terms of testosterone content and antioxidant activity, a close likeness between FR and FD was found whereas DE’s composition differed notably. FR had a positive effect mainly on progressive motility, but also on sperm distance and speed parameters after 2 and 3 h of incubation. On the contrary, FD and DE acted negatively, depending on increasing dose and time. For the first time, a positive dose-dependent effect of fixed drone brood on spermatozoa survival in vitro was demonstrated.

Graphical Abstract
On the Equicontinuity of Generalized Quasiconformal Mappings by Prime Ends
Authors: Ilkevych Nataliya , Sevost’yanov Evgeny , Ukhlov Alexander
Published: May 2024

We study mappings satisfying the inverse Poletsky type inequality with respect to a non-conformal modulus. It was prove that such mappings, with some additional conditions, have a continuous extension to the boundary in terms of prime ends and form equicontinuous families of mappings.
Exploring the enablers for building resilience in solar photovoltaic Energy supply chains
Authors: Erol Ismail , Peker Iskender , Benli Tolga , Ar Ilker Murat , Searcy Cory
Published: May 2024

A solar photovoltaic energy supply chain (SPvESC) is a global network with several linkages, including mineral and metal mining, material processing, and module and panel manufacturing. Due to the wide range of uncertainties and the unfavorable environmental effects associated with current linear business models, this global network is vulnerable to disruptions. Strengthening the resilience of SPvESCs is crucial for addressing any disturbances. This requires identifying the key enablers of resilience in SPvESCs, an area that has been understudied in the existing literature. An enabler is an aspect that facilitates the achievement of a goal by another aspect. This research contributes to the existing literature by systematically investigating the enablers for SPvESCs to achieve resilience. Thus, the objective of this analysis is to identify enablers that have the potential to enhance the resilience of SPvESCs in Türkiye. This was done by applying the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) in conjunction with a review of the current literature. Neutrosophic (N)-DEMATEL was then utilized to determine the relationships between the identified enablers. Finally, the results were validated using N-DELPHI. The results revealed that sensing and seizing new business models, adaptability to changes in novel energy generation and information technologies, and business contingency plans for natural and man-made disasters were the most influential enablers. The findings provide implications for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers to help ensure improved resilience in SPvESCs.
HER2/neu 655 polymorphism, trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity, and survival in HER2-positive breast cancer patients
Authors: Blancas Isabel , Linares-Rodríguez Marina , Martín-Bravo Celia , Gómez-Peña Celia , Rodríguez-Serrano Fernando
Published: May 2024

Purpose

HER2 overexpression in breast cancer correlates with poor outcomes. The incorporation of Trastuzumab into the treatment regimen has notably improved patient prognoses. However, cardiotoxicity emerges in approximately 20% of patients treated with the drug. This study aims to investigate the association between the HER2 655 A > G polymorphism, Trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity, and patient survival.

Methods

The study involved 88 patients treated with Trastuzumab. Cardiotoxicity, defined as a reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from baseline or the emergence of clinical signs of congestive heart failure, was identified during treatment follow-up. Genotyping of HER2 655 A > G employed TaqMan SNP technology.

Results

Genotype frequencies of HER2/neu 655 (53 AA, 32 AG, and 3 GG) were consistent with Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. No significant differences were observed in mean baseline LVEF between patients who developed cardiotoxicity and those who did not. Within these groups, neither AA nor AG genotypes showed an association with changes in mean baseline or reduced LVEF levels. Logistic regression analysis, adjusted for hormonal status and anthracycline treatment, revealed that AG genotype carriers face a significantly higher risk of cardiotoxicity compared to AA carriers (OR = 4.42; p = 0.037). No association was found between the HER2/neu 655 A > G polymorphism and disease-free or overall survival, regardless of whether the data was adjusted for stage or not.

Conclusion

HER2 655 A > G polymorphism is significantly linked to an increased risk of Trastuzumab-induced cardiotoxicity but does not correlate with variations in disease-free survival or overall survival rates.
Neglected Components in Dominant Accounts of a Good Life? — Disagreements among Maasai Pastoralists
Authors: Pissarskoi Eugen , Singo Leiyo
Published: May 2024

Lists of basic needs necessary for a decent human life have found their way into approaches to sustainable development such as the “Safe and Just Space for Humanity” framework. The “dominant” conceptions of a decent human life have been criticised by social groups which find themselves at the margins of public debates such as the Degrowth or Post-colonial movements. According to the latter, the dominant conceptions neglect certain values which are necessary constituents of a decent human life: meaningful activities, convivial activities, and relationships of certain quality (love, respect, harmony, care) towards human and other-than-human beings. With this paper, we present results of interviews with male Maasai pastoralists in a village in Northern Tanzania in which we elicited what they consider as requirements for a good human life. According to our results, Maasai pastoralists disagree about the necessary constituents of a decent human life as well, replicating the controversy from the international debates between the proponents of the dominant approaches and their critics from Post-colonial and Degrowth movements.
A Foot in the Australian Employment Door: A Qualitative Study of Highly Skilled Migrant Women
Authors: Singh Jasvir Kaur Nachatar , Mutum Juliana
Published: May 2024

In the recent years, Australia has been seeking highly skilled migrants to close the skill gap and increase economic participation in the labour market. Although women are predominant among recent migrants in Australia, they experience higher unemployment rates than male migrants. Previous research has shown that one key challenge they face is their family responsibilities that hinder them in the employment market. In this study, factors in gaining Australian employment for highly skilled migrant women are highlighted. Drawing on 27 semi-structured qualitative interviews with such women, the analysis identified three main factors in gaining employment in Australia: (1) leveraging social capital; (2) accumulation of human capital; and (3) prior, home-country work experience. These factors are not mutually exclusive but interplay to assist highly skilled migrant women in obtaining employment in Australia. These findings have contributed to the migrant employment literature in filling an empirical gap and supporting human capital theory, as well as presenting micro, meso, and macro implications for policy.
Literary Neuroexistentialism: Coming to Terms with Materialism and Finding Meaning in the Age of Neuroscience through Literature
Authors: Høeg Mette Leonard
Published: May 2024

With the rise of the scientific authority of neuroscience and recent neurotechnological advances, the understanding of the human being and its future is beginning to undergo a radical change. As a result, a normative and existential vacuum is opening and hopes as well as fears about the future are flourishing. Some philosophers are anticipating a broad neuroscientific disenchantment, sociocultural disruption and a new existential anxiety related to the clash of the neuroscientific and humanistic image of humans. Others are expecting the technological and scientific developments to lead to human enhancement and existential emancipation. In the first part of this commentary, I outline these two contrasting responses to the rise of neurocentricism and non-anthropocentrism. In the second part, I argue that the divide between the old anthropocentric paradigm and the emerging neuroscientific is misconceived and that literature and fictional narrative are particularly illustrative of the possibility of integrating scientific materialism with humanism. I use the contemporary literary-philosophical work The Creative Act by Rick Rubin to show that humanist ideas can indeed cohere with anti-essentialist and neuroscientific notions of personal identity and self and how existential meaning and comfort can be found in a neuroscientifically and deterministically explained world.
CR Compactification for Asymptotically Locally Complex Hyperbolic Almost Hermitian Manifolds
Authors: Pinoy Alan
Published: May 2024

In this article, we consider a complete, non-compact almost Hermitian manifold whose curvature is asymptotic to that of the complex hyperbolic space. Under natural geometric conditions, we show that such a manifold arises as the interior of a compact almost complex manifold whose boundary is a strictly pseudoconvex CR manifold. Moreover, the geometric structure of the boundary can be recovered by analysing the expansion of the metric near infinity.
Cryptography-based location privacy protection in the Internet of Vehicles
Authors: Routis George , Katsouris George , Roussaki Ioanna
Published: May 2024

The evolution of the Internet of Things paradigm in recent years demonstrate a significant impact on the transportation sector, leading to the emergence of a new research field, known as the Internet of Vehicles (IoV). In the IoV, vehicles can exchange information with each other and with the roadside units making use of Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs). As this technology reaches near-to-market maturity levels, several issues arise related to the protection of users’ privacy, while the interest of adversaries for such private user data in IoV environments gets stronger. This paper aims to present a review of the state-of-the-art techniques tackling the protection of location privacy in IoV environments, as well as experimental evaluation findings regarding the usage of various cryptographic algorithms for the protection of information exchange in these networks. In the conducted evaluations, the AES algorithm has been used as the main standard, which has been coupled with several other encryption/decryption algorithms, such as RSA, ECC and NTRU. The metrics used for the evaluation include measurements over the key generation process, the certificate generation, the encryption/decryption times, the signature generation/verification times, etc. Moreover, the size of messages in the negotiation, the pseudonym exchange and the new pseudonym enabling phases has been recorded, while the energy consumption in the exchange pseudonyms phase has also been measured. All previous experiments have been carried out mainly on NS-3 and SUMO open-source software aiming to have an estimation of how the aforementioned algorithms behave under constrained resources such as CPU usage and power.
Geochemistry and mineralogy of modern floodplain Nile sediments of Sohag area, Egypt: an environmental perspective
Authors: Ali Mohammed H. , Aal Ahmed Abd El , Radwan Ahmed E. , Saber El Sayed A.
Published: May 2024

Understanding the characteristics of modern floodplain sediment (MFS) is important for geomorphological, paleoclimatic, sedimentation, and environmental investigations. We collected samples from present floodplain Nile sediments in Egypt’s Sohag area and used mineralogical and geochemical (i.e., major and trace elements) proxies to investigate the characteristics and establish their provenances, climatic conditions during deposition, and weathering influence. The study revealed that the Nile floodplain sediments are composed mainly of silt (26–77%), clay fraction (7–44%), and sand content (3–63%), and their texture is classified as clayey silt. These sediments are classified geochemically as greywacke to shale. The mineralogical studies revealed two main assemblages of heavy minerals: the first assemblage represented by magnetite, goethite, zircon, epidote, and garnet and reflects the basement complex in the Eastern Desert and its surrounding rocks; and the second assemblage of goethite, pyroxene, hornblend, and mica of fooldplain deposits derived from the Ethiopian highlands. The geochemical studies indicate that the Nile sediments are immature and formed due to the moderate degree and nonsteady chemical weathering of the parent rocks. The geochemical studies show different mixed sources of sediments, where fine sediments are mostly mafic igneous with a partial contribution from siliscic sedimentary rocks, while the coarser ones are derived mainly from siliscic sedimentary and acidic igneous rocks. The sediments of the presented modern fooldplain reflected two different tectonic setting source areas (collision and continental rift tectonic setting for high silica and low silica samples, respectively) that were shared in supplying the sediments to the present basin. The study revealed that the investigated area may become desertified as a result of climate change and human activities such as salinity, fertiliser use, sand encroachment, and pollution.
Celastrol inhibits mouse B16-F10 melanoma cell survival by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and repressing HIF-1α expression
Authors: Zhao Ping , He Xing-Bo , Chen Xin-Yue , Li Zhang-Long , Xing Wen-Jia , Liu Wei , Ren Cong , Han Xu-Dong , Guo Bin
Published: May 2024

Objective

Melanoma, with its high degree of malignancy, stands as one of the most dangerous skin cancers and remains the primary cause of death from skin cancer. With studies demonstrating the potential of traditional Chinese medicine to intervene and treat melanoma, we turned our attention to celastrol. Celastrol is a triterpene compound extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine derived from Tripterygium wilfordii. Previous studies have shown that celastrol exerts inhibitory effects on various malignant tumors, including melanoma. Hence, our goal was to clarify the impact of celastrol on cell viability, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression by elucidating its effects on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Methods

CCK-8 and wound healing assays were used to determine the effect of celastrol on the viability and migration of B16-F10 cells. Changes in cell apoptosis, cell cycle, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential were detected by flow cytometry. PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway proteins and HIF-α mRNA expression in B16-F10 cells were detected by western blotting and qPCR. Moreover, the addition of a PI3K activator demonstrated that celastrol could inhibit the function of B16-F10 cells via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Results

Celastrol inhibited the viability and migration of B16-F10 cells. Through the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway down-regulates the expression of HIF-α mRNA, thereby causing an increase of ROS in cells and a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential to promote cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. The inhibitory effect of celastrol on B16-F10 cells was further demonstrated by co-culturing with a PI3K activator.

Conclusion

Celastrol inhibits the function of B16-F10 cells by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR cellular pathway and regulating the expression of downstream HIF-α mRNA.