bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overcoming The Difficulties Of Learning The Arabic Language Through Behavioral Counseling For University Students
Authors: Akla Akla , Hardiansyah Fadhil
Published: March 2024

Behavioral Counseling for students is currently being implemented as an alternative solution to the problem of difficulties in learning Arabic. Students learning difficulties are caused by high anxiety due to poor learning management. The process of overcoming Arabic learning difficulties through participatory Behavioral Counseling is described implicitly in this study. The goal of this study is to examine (1) the process of overcoming difficulties in learning Arabic using Behavioral Counseling, (2) the level of academic anxiety and learning attitudes of students before and after the implementation of Behavioral Counseling, and (3) whether Behavioral Counseling implementation can improve students' Arabic language skills. This study was designed employing a Mixed Method Research approach. The questionnaire respondents were 250 students from IAIN Metro and UIN RIL (Raden Intan Lampung) Indonesia. According to the questionnaire distribution results, 46 students of UIN RIL and 45 students of IAIN Metro Indonesia required counseling. Data were gathered through observation, questionnaires, interviews, and tests. The research findings are that behavioral counseling was given to two groups of students who had difficulty learning Arabic. The first step in providing Behavioral Counseling to both groups of students with learning disabilities was conducting an assessment. The primary objective of this assessment was to discover what behaviors respondents engaged in when learning Arabic. The observed behavior was a unique behavior related to the respondent's problems. The assessment results revealed some poor learning behaviors, such as being too lazy to study, lacking enthusiasm, and being confused, anxious, and depressed about learning tasks that were not understood. Thus, students needed to be more motivated to learn Arabic because they perceived it to be difficult. The second research finding shows that in both groups of respondents, the level of academic anxiety is in the low range. Following Behavioral Counseling, there was a significant change in learning attitudes and academic anxiety—respondents whose learning attitude was poor due to various factors improved after receiving Behavioral Counseling. Similarly, academic anxiety, which was initially high, decreased after behavioral counseling. The study's findings reveal that respondents' Arabic ability improves after receiving Behavioral Counseling. Respondents at UIN RIL have an average value of 64.57, while respondents at IAIN Metro have an average value of 62.71.
Principles Of Teaching Arabic Language In The Indian Context: Teachers’ View
Authors: Zubair K M A Ahamed , Nadwi A. Abdul Hai Hasani , Vijayakumar S , Sathikulameen A , Ali M.Yasar Arafath
Published: March 2024

Teaching a non-native language aims to equip students with fundamental language skills, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This investigation concentrates on enhancing the teaching of Arabic in India. Based on a qualitative study employing descriptive experiential analysis, this paper proposes strategies for teaching Arabic as a foreign language in Tamil Nadu, India, and discusses associated challenges. Papers presented at conferences in India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia, as well as relevant journal articles, books, and research papers, were mined for data. The study provides a comprehensive case analysis of a highly experienced Arabic instructor and identifies essential principles for effective Arabic instruction. Findings indicate areas for development in the pedagogical competence of Arabic professors in colleges and universities in Tamil Nadu, highlighting the need for greater teaching awareness. Nonetheless, the study highlights the ability of dedicated instructors to foster a rich learning environment. This research provides insights that can be implemented to enhance Arabic language education in India, leading to a more effective and engaging learning environment for students.
Arabic Grammatical And Lexical Cohesion Tools In Ramadhan Al-Buti’s Friday Khutbah/ آليات الاتّساق النحويّ والمعجميّ في خطبة الجمعة لرمضان البوطي
Authors: Musling Mohd Nizwan
Published: March 2024

The linguistic aspect is one of the essential components of the Khutbah, significantly impacting the text's formation as a coherent structure that contributes to persuasion and influence. However, it depends on fulfilling textual criteria, including syntactical and lexical cohesion. Thus, the research aims to examine the availability of linguistic cohesion tools in the Friday Khutbah text by Muhammad Said Ramadhan Al-Buti, with an indication of its function at the level of interdependence and correlation between the components of the Khutbah grammatically and lexically. The research utilizes the descriptive analytical method in reaching its primary objective by investing the textual linguistics or grammar in the light of the cohesion criteria that take the characteristic of consistency and continuity in the Khutbah. One of the study's most important findings is that the Khutbah was characterised by employing two main tools of grammatical cohesions, namely reference: indicative and conscientious, and linking with various forms: additional, affective, reversal, and causal. The tools of lexical cohesion in the Khutbah are represented in repetition (complete, partial, and parallel) and the link with the relationship of correspondence and antagonism, similarity, synonymy, and complementarity. These cohesion tools perform five functions: formation of the Khutbah and the connection between its parts, linguistic economy, confirmation of the meaning of a single idea, clarification and elaboration of the focus of the Khutbah, and expansion by integrating several ideas into one theme. Considering this, the preparation of the Friday Khutbah should consider these cohesion tools with other textuality criteria to ensure the success of the message delivered to its recipient.
Methods Of Teaching Creative Writing Among Educators And Literary Psychologists/ أساليب تدريس الكتابة الإبداعية بين التربويين وعلماء نفس الأدب
Authors: Almugim Tarig Muhmmad
Published: March 2024

This research aims to describe methods of teaching creative writing skills, and efforts are made to reveal the most prominent teaching methods. The research method used is qualitatively from creative writing classes, using teachers and students as data sources. The results of this research are studies focused on specific methods for creative writing. In contrast, in the classroom, without paying attention to studies related to observing the creators reveal new additions to their first creative attempts, these studies are similar to the efforts of psychologists when they studied the work mechanisms of creative people and artists. Naturally, such efforts must be carried out by all parties of the educational institution, starting with the curricula and passing through the teacher, then the student and his family members, by following up on the changes and additions that his creativity is going through in accordance. The known stages of creativity (preparation- the stage of incubation and latency - the stage of illumination - verification - the stage of determination and perseverance) Despite the challenges surrounding this follow-up, its impact is praiseworthy and significant on the individual and society. Also, monitoring the student’s written creativity at various stages does not negate the strategies used in teaching creative writing in the classroom, as it is the first stage of discovering the creative student.
The Impact and Adaptation of EMDR Therapy on the Taiwanese Deaf University Students
Authors: Jhai Zong-Ti
Published: March 2024

Deaf adolescents from schools for the deaf face a difficult challenge adapting to hearing-dominated universities. They harbor stress or trauma from past interactions with the hearing. To understand the impact and adaptation of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy on such students, a pilot study and a formal study were executed for this case study using Taiwanese sign language for all interactions. The client’s changes were documented through diverse sources, while adherence to the standard protocol was verified using the EMDR Fidelity Rating Scale. Results showed that EMDR therapy helped the client in the formal study to maintain calm with the hearing and become capable of overcoming communication barriers, stabilizing emotional arousal quickly, and finally appreciating his academic journey. This study examined the adaptation of EMDR’s various stages for the Deaf and the beneficial environmental support for Deaf university students.
La gobernanza urbana en Medellín desde el ejercicio de seguimiento y control a las actuaciones de construcción 2015-2022
Authors: Vásquez Santamaría Jorge Eduardo , Cataño Gómez Paola Andrea
Published: March 2024

The question, what has been the urban control implemented by the Undersecretary of Urban Control of the district of Medellín between 2015 and 2022 on the construction actions that require an urban license? Motivated the exploration of the evolution of the licensing process that has given rise to urban planning actions, as well as the role of the entities legally responsible for carrying out control. For this, a qualitative methodological design was used, with a hermeneutic method and documentary technique. The results highlight that the evolution of licensing in Medellín is concentrated in housing that is not social, predominantly in the form of apartments, with high levels of real estate units and licensed areas, which is contrasted with behaviors contrary to urban integrity by constructions on unsuitable land, especially for actions on property for public use and land affected by public space, as well as on land not suitable for carrying out these actions, land that did not have a license or had already expired.
Corpus Ayotzinapa
Authors: Reséndiz Ma. de Lourdes ,   Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México - Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Sociales
Published: March 2024

El Corpus Ayotzinapa es un corpus de titulares periodísticos sobre el caso Ayotzinapa, en particular los de discurso ajeno. El Corpus Ayotzinapa es el primer corpus de acceso libre y gratuito, y con motor de búsqueda propio, diseñado específicamente para el análisis del discurso periodístico mexicano. El Corpus Ayotzinapa es el resultado de un esfuerzo colectivo que busca fomentar los estudios del discurso periodístico mexicano y también facilitar el acceso a informes periodísticos sobre el caso Ayotzinapa. El Corpus Ayotzinapa es un proyecto de investigación del Instituto de Investigaciones Filológicas de la UNAM. Se está llevando a cabo con el apoyo informático de la Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Sociales. En su etapa actual, el Corpus Ayotzinapa contiene todos los titulares de discurso ajeno que se publicaron para encabezar notas informativas (o relatos noticiosos predominantemente informativos) sobre el caso Ayotzinapa entre el 27 de septiembre y el 31 de diciembre de 2014 en los siguientes periódicos impresos de la Ciudad de México: El Sol de México, El Universal, La Jornada, Milenio Diario y Reforma.
Enhancing fermentation performance through the reutilisation of wine yeast lees
Authors: Onetto Cristobal , McCarthy Jane , Solomon Mark , Borneman Anthony R. , Schmidt Simon A.
Published: March 2024

Extensive research has been dedicated to elucidating the role of various nitrogen sources, nitrogen concentrations and the timing of addition when modulating grape must fermentation using yeast. The wine industry invests substantial resources in both the vineyard and the winery to provide adequate nitrogen concentrations for fermentation. This approach ensures optimal yeast performance during fermentation and minimises the risk of negative sensory attributes associated with poor ferment nutrition. In addition to wine, the winemaking process produces a substantial quantity of nutrient-rich biomass, a poorly explored resource that, if appropriately recycled, could be used to support the nutrient requirements of other winery fermentations. This study explored the feasibility of using processed yeast lees generated during alcoholic fermentation as a nutrient supplement in subsequent fermentations. Three lees treatment options were assessed: accelerated autolysis, enzymatic lysis and mechanical lysis. The ability of these treatments to achieve complete lysis of yeast cells and release amino acids and trace elements is reported. The addition of processed lysates into grape juice was shown to improve fermentation timeframes and influence the production of yeast-derived fermentation volatile compounds in a dose-dependent manner. This study demonstrates that recycling spent lees from winery waste is feasible and provides some strategies for extracting nutrients from winery waste.
A realização humana a partir da coextensividade do espírito humano no contexto sociocultural atual
Authors: Mattar Dulcinea Dirce Salgado
Published: March 2024

Resumo: A caminhada humana traz questões em termos da realização enquanto ser humano no sentido de encontrar a vida ética, a liberdade autônoma, a verdade, o bem, a justiça, a beleza. Ao longo da história da filosofia esta questão foi abordada e reflexões profundas uniram Antropologia Filosófica, Ética Filosófica e Metafísica no sentido de indicar a possibilidade de um caminho. Num contexto sociocultural de controvérsias, crises vindas da modernidade, capitalismo neoliberal globalizado, sociedade de controle, domínio por paranótipos digitais, o ser humano se encontra imerso na imanência e eclode em conflitos internos buscando sentido na existência. Autores mostram que a coextensividade intencional do espírito humano (transcendência) entende a dimensão última ou suprema e o ser humano se realiza na relação de intersubjetividade, de alteridade com o outro, apresentando uma possibilidade de mudança do contexto.

Palavras-chave: Coextensividade do Espírito. Metafísica. Ética. Antropologia Filosófica. Lima Vaz. Crise da Modernidade.
Os medos da humanidade segundo David Le Breton: provocações à antropologia teológica
Authors: Sales Irineu Claudino
Published: March 2024

O presente artigo faz uma análise de alguns aspectos da humanidade no contexto atual, a partir de elementos da antropologia de David Le Breton que nos levam a descobrir os grandes medos que assombram os homens e as mulheres. O objetivo é estabelecer um diálogo entre a leitura de Le Breton sobre essa temática e a antropologia teológica, buscando perceber possíveis pontos de contato entre uma e outra. Concluímos que o diálogo das diversas ciências com a teologia é não só oportuno, mas mutuamente enriquecedor. E por fim, ainda resta a materialidade insistente do corpo e, por outro lado, a esperança cristã na glorificação da pessoa toda, que permanece criatura de Deus.

Palavras-chave: Corpo; Medos, Le Breton; Antropologia; Antropologia Teológica.
Da linguagem e do mundo para o silêncio e a mística: elementos do pensamento de Wittgenstein para uma melhor compreensão de Deus e da religião
Authors: Gonzalez Alejandro José Castejón
Published: March 2024

este artigo visa apresentar alguns aspectos essenciais do pensamento de Wittgenstein sobre a religião, Deus e a ética, considerando, principalmente, a obra do Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus e o período em que esta obra foi desenvolvida pelo filósofo. Para realizar tal tarefa serão apresentados, inicialmente, os principais elementos filosóficos do Tractatus, a relação existente entre mundo, linguagem e pensamento. Esta relação mostra limites da linguagem e estabelece a necessidade de fazer uma limitação na atividade filosófica. Em continuidade, será apresentada a ideia wittgensteiniana de místico, como uma realidade inexprimível e diante da qual o silêncio torna-se fundamental. Ideia que apresenta e mostra o outro lado do limite da linguagem onde se encontram os fundamentos da ética, da estética e da religião. Finalmente, será desenvolvida uma reflexão sobre a concepção de Deus e da religião no filósofo, a qual surge, coerentemente, das implicações de sua teoria do Tractatus.

Palavras chaves: Linguagem; Mundo; Mística; Ética; Religião.
A superabundância da graça em Rm 5,12-21: potencialização do humano para o bem
Authors: Pinto Elias Fernandes
Published: March 2024

O presente artigo trata do tema da superabundância da Graça a partir de Rm 5,12-21. A perícope destaca de modo veemente a unicidade de Jesus Cristo e sua salvação para o ser humano. Partiremos de uma análise preliminar da Carta aos Romanos apresentando as questões de autoria, datação e destinatários. Em seguida, apresentaremos a estruturação da perícope, notas da crítica textual e uma suscinta análise formal. Por fim, apresentaremos um comentário teológico do texto no qual destacaremos o tema da superabundância da Graça em relação ao pecado que potencializa o ser humano para o bem.

Palavras-chave: Carta aos Romanos. Jesus Cristo. Graça. Salvação Cristã.
Understanding the multifaceted nature of peptide hydrogels in biomedical research
Authors: Ghosh Srestha , Chaudhuri Shinjini , Guha Subhabrata , Das Gaurav
Published: March 2024

Hydrogels are networks of three-dimensional cross-linked polymers, which possess the capacity to absorb and retain water. Hydrogels have proven to be adaptable and versatile, making them useful in various biomedical applications such as tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Among the various types of hydrogels, peptide-based hydrogels are most suited for biological applications due to their special features, which include biodegradability, mechanical stability, biocompatibility, capacity to retain more water, injectability, and elasticity like that of tissues. In this review, we will present the recent advancements that have occurred in the field of peptide-based hydrogels concerning its biomedical applications especially delivery of targeted delivery, wound healing, tissue engineering, stem cell therapy, etc.
Modeling Volcanic Ash and Analysis of the SO2 Plume Emitted from the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai Volcanic Eruption
Authors: Snoun Hosni , Arif Abderrazak , Chérif Hatem
Published: March 2024

Since late December, the underwater Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano has been erupting for weeks and has seen sporadic activities in a series of pretty big eruptions. On Friday 15th January 2022, an explosion shot a massive cloud of ash high into the atmosphere and generated a tsunami that impacted much of the Pacific Rim, which makes it one of the most energetic explosions of the entire 21st century so far. Thus, the need to determine the significant impact of these generated volcanic aerosols on the environment is a prominent task. This study depicts the modeling of the volcanic ash dispersion from the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption while investigating the effects of incorporating radiative feedback effects within the inline Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with chemistry (WRF-Chem). Results for 4-day averaged values have proven that the basic run (No Feedback) produced higher ash concentrations than the one with aerosol radiative feedback effects (Feedback). The simulations highlighted also the significant volcanic ash biases concentrated around the ash cloud. Additionally, our data analysis from meteorological stations and Copernicus TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument Sentinel-5 Precursor (TROPOMI-S5P) mission indicates that total sulfur dioxide () emissions traveled west. We show also that the huge plume of on January 18 reached Australia, more than 7000 km west of the eruption. With the enormous ash cloud produced, its impact on the environment and global climate change would be considered an excellent exercise for atmospheric dispersion modelers, volcanologists, and the environmental scientists' community.
Assessment of the Coupled WRF-Hydro Model on Streamflow Simulations over the Source Region of the Yellow River
Authors: Chen Yaling , Wen Jun , Meng Xianhong , Zhang Qiang , Li Xiaoyue , Zhang Ge , Chen Run
Published: March 2024

The Source Region of the Yellow River (SRYR), renowned as the "Water Tower of the Yellow River", serves as an important water conservation domain in the upper reaches of the Yellow River, significantly influencing water resources within the basin. Based on the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model Hydrological modeling system (WRF-Hydro) model, the key variables of the atmosphere-land-hydrology coupling processes over the SRYR during the 2013 rainy season are analyzed. The investigation involves a comparative analysis between the coupled WRF-Hydro and the standalone WRF simulations, focusing on the hydrological response to the atmosphere. The results reveal that the WRF-Hydro model's proficiency in depicting streamflow variations over the SRYR, yielding a Nash Efficiency Coefficient (NSE) of 0.44 and of  0.61 during the calibration and validation periods, respectively. Compared to the standalone WRF simulations, the coupled WRF-Hydro model demonstrates enhanced performance in soil heat fluxes simulations, reducing the mean Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of surface soil temperature by 0.96 K and soil moisture by 0.01 m\textsuperscript{\textsuperscript{3}}/m\textsuperscript{\textsuperscript{3}}. Furthermore, the coupled model adeptly captures the streamflow variation characteristics with the NSE of 0.33. This underscores the significant potential of the coupled WRF-Hydro model for delineating coupled atmosphere-land-hydrology processes in regions characterized by cold climates and intricate topography.
Towards Better Predictive Models: The Role of Density in Pedestrian Trajectory Predictions
Authors: Korbmacher Raphael , Tordeux Antoine
Published: March 2024

Predicting human trajectories poses a significant challenge due to the complex interplay of pedestrian behavior, which is influenced by environmental layout and interpersonal dynamics. This complexity is further compounded by variations in scene density. To address this, we introduce a novel dataset from the Festival of Lights in Lyon 2022, characterized by a wide range of densities (0.2-2.2 ped/m2). Our analysis demonstrates that density-based classification of data can significantly enhance the accuracy of predictive algorithms. We propose an innovative two-stage processing approach, surpassing current state-of-the-art methods in performance. Additionally, we utilize a collision-based error metric to better account for collisions in trajectory predictions. Our findings indicate that the effectiveness of this error metric is density-dependent, offering prediction insights. This study not only advances our understanding of human trajectory prediction in dense environments but also presents a methodological framework for integrating density considerations into predictive modeling, thereby improving algorithmic performance and collision avoidance.
Heteronuclear Dual Metal Atom Electrocatalysts for Water-Splitting Reactions
Authors: Lu Lu , Wu Xingcai
Published: March 2024

Hydrogen is considered as an ideal substitute to the traditional fossil fuels because of its widespread sources, high calorific value of combustion, and zero carbon emissions. The electrocatalytic water-splitting to produce hydrogen is also deemed to be the best approach, however, it is a challenge to make high-efficient and low-cost electrocatalysts. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) are considered the most promising candidate to replace the traditional noble-metal catalysts. Compared with SACs, the dual-atom catalysts (DACs) are of greater attraction including higher metal loading, more versatile active sites, and excellent catalytic activity. In the review, several general synthetic strategies and structural characterization methods of DACs are introduced, and the mechanisms of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reactions (OER) are discussed. The authors hope that the review has given some insights and inspiration to the researchers about DACs in electrocatalytic water-splitting.
History, Architectural and Technological Characteristics, and Feasibility of Repurposing of Italy’s Ammasso Grain Storage Silos
Authors: Marcelo Víctor , Faugno Salvatore , López-Díez F. Javier , Pastrana Pablo , Valenciano José B.
Published: March 2024

The silos built in the 1930s for Italy’s ammasso (obligatory grain stockpile) stood as powerful symbols of the country’s fascist era. Many of them were destroyed in World War II; only a few remain today, and recent demolitions underscore the urgency of their preservation. This study adapts a methodology developed for inventorying Spanish silos based on their general features, construction, technological facilities, and socioeconomic aspects and applies it to the 30 remaining ammasso silos. These silos are located in grain-producing areas near communication routes and are mostly owned by agricultural consortia. Over half of them are disused and in disrepair. All of them have machinery for receiving, storing, and dispatching grain, and most have equipment for cleaning, sorting, weighing, and packaging if needed. These structures are part of Italy’s agro-industrial heritage and should be protected. Some have been made over into commercial spaces, leisure areas, museums, and even homes. Vertical-cell silos are challenging to convert, unlike horizontally-oriented silos and other open-plan agro-industrial buildings. Examples of silo reuse in other countries, such as Spain and Portugal, can offer useful insights for the ammasso silos. However, socio-economic indicators suggest that such projects are most viable in large population centres.
Body Composition and Nutritional Status in a Group of University Students
Authors: Jelea Stela-Gabriela , Jelea Oana-Corina , Jelea Marian
Published: March 2024

The anthropometric features offer an overall image of the nutritional status. The investigated groups were aged 19 and 21. The anthropometric measurements of height and weight were recorded following standard procedures. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the harmonious body development, the nutrition status and the body composition. The evolution of the stature increases until 20 years after which stagnation follows. The body mass index of subjects was found to be normal. The body fat may vary over time in subjects depending on age and gender. Body water and body muscle mass content increased with age. The harmony of body development was assessed by means of the Amar index. Regarding the constitutional index, the women subjects belong to the leptosome type and the male subjects belong to the picnic type. The status of the investigated subjects is within the average stature.
Taxonomic Identification and Antagonistic Mechanism of Streptomyces Luomodiensis Sp. Nov. Against Phytopathogenic Fungi
Authors: Qi Dengfeng , Liu Qiao , Zou Liangping , Zhang Miaoyi , Li Kai , Zhao Yankun , Chen Yufeng , Feng Junting , Zhou Dengbo , Wei Yongzan , Wang Wei , Zhang Lu , Xie Jianghui
Published: March 2024

Banana wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (Foc TR4) is a devastating fungal disease. Biocontrol strategies owned immense potential in inhibiting the spread of Foc TR4. Here, thirty actinobacteria were isolated from soils and screened for their antagonistic activity against Foc TR4. Strain SCA4-21T exhibited broad-spectrum antifungal activity against nine phytopathogenic fungi including Foc TR4. The strain was identified as the genus Streptomyces according to phenotypic characteristics and 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis. Multi-locus sequence analysis based on five house-keeping gene alleles (atpD, gyrB, recA, rpoB, and trpB) revealed that strain SCA4-21T clustered into S. hygroscopicus subsp. hygroscopicus NBRC 13472T with 100% of bootstrap value. Average nucleotide identity and dDDH were 98.49% and 44.30% above the threshold of novel species. Hence, strain SCA 4-21T represented a novel species within the genus Streptomyces, named as Streptomyces luomodiensis sp. nov.. The type strain is SCA4-21T (=GDMCC4.340T= JCM36555T). By the CAZymes analysis, 348 carbohydrate-active enzymes were detected, including 15 chitinases and 8 β-1,3-glucanases. The fermentation broth of strain SCA4-21T showed high activities of chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase, contributing to the antifungal activity. Our results showed an innovative potential biocontrol agent for managing plant fungal diseases, specifically banana fusarium wilt.
Markov Blankets and Mirror Symmetries. Free Energy Minimization and Mesocortical Anatomy
Authors: Wright James , Bourke Paul
Published: March 2024

A theoretical account of development in mesocortical anatomy is derived from the free energy principle, operating in a neural field with both Hebbian and anti-Hebbian neural plasticity. An elementary structural unit is proposed, in which synaptic connections at mesoscale are arranged in paired patterns with mirror symmetry. Exchanges of synaptic flux in each pattern form coupled spatial eigenmodes, and the line of mirror reflection between the paired patterns operates as a Markov blanket, so that prediction errors in exchanges between the pairs are minimized. The theoretical analysis is then compared to the outcomes from a biological model of cortical neurodevelopment, in which neuron precursors are selected by apoptosis for cell body and synaptic connections maximizing synchrony and also minimizing axonal length. It is shown that this model results in patterns of connection with the anticipated mirror symmetries, at micro-, meso- and inter-arial scales, among lateral connections, and in cortical depth, explaining the spatial organization and functional significance of neuron response preferences, and compatible with features of both columnar and noncolumnar cortex. Multi-way interactions of mirrored representations provide a preliminary anatomically realistic model of cortical information processing.
Predatory Behaviours in Science
Authors: Coccia Mario
Published: March 2024

Predatory research field in science is when an emerging scientific topic destroys current topics and characterizes a main scientific change. Predatory research field can be a basic driver of scientific and technological change that generates a 'creative destruction' in science and society in contexts of knowledge-based competition and rapid changes. The prediction of proposed theory of predatory research fields is that it destroys with a fast growth other research fields. The theoretical approach is tested here in research fields of large language models (LLM) by analyzing the transformers (a deep learning architecture based on the multi-head attention mechanism) proposed in 2017 and from November 2022 started main applications in generative artificial intelligence with innovations of BERT, ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot (launched on February 7, 2023) and other natural language processing tools driven by AI technology for engaging conversations, gain insights, automate tasks, etc., etc. Statistical evidence suggests that growth rate of transformer technologies is 80.58%, a high level compared to all other research fields in machine learning (having a growth rate of 13.83%). Moreover, predatory research field of transformers has a destructive power such that all other domains in LLM from 2021 to 2023 have a general reduction of scientific growth. The impact of transformers is much more drastic of previous radical technologies such as CNN having a temporal growth rate of 0.16%, lower than 0.38% by transformers, ceteris paribus. These analysis reveals that transformers have characteristics to generate a radical scientific and technological change in a not-too-distant future. Overall, then, the study suggests that predatory research field on emerging topics and technologies can generate path-breaking innovations and the examination here can clarify the essential elements of the science dynamics for a better theory of scientific and technological change, providing also main implications for knowledge policy to support promising research fields and technologies to guide economic and social change.
Data Quality of Different Modes of Supervision in Classroom Surveys
Authors: Stefes Till
Published: March 2024

Conducting quantitative research involving adolescents demands a thoughtful approach to the question of supervision, given that each option comes with its distinct set of implications. This study reviews these implications and empirically tests whether differences in data quality can be found among three modes of standardized survey research with medium sized groups of adolescents (12-17 years). Data basis is a quasi-experimental survey study testing different forms of digital, hybrid or in-person supervision, that took place in 2021 in secondary schools in Germany (N=923). Aim of this study is testing how aspects of data quality – item-nonresponse, interview duration, drop-out-rate and response patterns – differ between these forms of supervision. Results could help researchers surveying young people to decide (1) whether they allow confidants or other adults to be present during interviews, (2) if they can rely on teachers alone when surveying classrooms and (3) if it is cost-efficient to send out external supervisors for classroom sessions. While dropout-rates do not differ, item non-response, interview duration, and response patterns differ significantly, students supervised at home by external interviewers answered more questions, took more time to answer and are less likely to give potentially meaningless answers in grid questions. The implications drawn from the findings question the common approach to solely rely on teachers for survey administration without the support of external supervisors or adequate training. Recruiting respondents via schools and surveying them online in their homes during school hours shows to be a robust method with regard to the analyzed indicators.
Successful Needle Aspiration of a Traumatic Pneumothorax: a Case Report and Literature Review.
Authors: Bettoni Giuseppe , Gheda Silvia , Altomare Michele , Cioffi Stefano Piero Bernardo , Ferrazzi Davide , Cazzaniga Michela , Bonacchini Luca , Cimbanassi Stefania , Aseni Paolo
Published: March 2024

Traumatic pneumothorax (PTX) occurs in up to 50% of patients with severe polytrauma and chest injuries. Patients with traumatic PTX with clinical signs of tension physiology and hemodynamic instability are typically treated with an urgent decompressive thoracostomy, tube thoracostomy, or needle decompression. There is recent evidence that non-breathless patients with hemodynamically stable traumatic PTX can be managed conservatively through observation or a percutaneous pigtail catheter. We present here a 52-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with 55 mm traumatic PTX. Following aspiration of 1500 ml of air, clinical improvement was immediately observed, allowing the patient to be discharged shortly thereafter. In hemodynamically stable patients with posttraumatic PTX, without specific risk factors or oxygen desaturation, observation or simple needle aspiration can be a reasonable approach. We aimed in this article to review the available literature on needle aspiration and conservative treatment of traumatic pneumothorax. A total of 12 studies were selected out of 190 articles on traumatic PTX, where conservative treatment versus chest tube decompression was compared. Our case report demonstrated that even a large PTX in a hemodynamically stable patient without other risk conditions, can be successfully treated conservatively with simple needle aspiration to avoid tube thoracostomy complications.
FT-IR Analysis and Acute Toxicity of the Extracts of Wild-Growing Saussurea sordida, Saussurea alpina Native to Kazakhstan
Authors: Orynbassarova Kulpan , Karzhaubayeva Aishabibi , Ordabayeva Saule , Serikbayeva Aigul , Kozykeyeva Raushan , Shimirova Zhanar , Zhakipbekov Kairat , Raikhan Kozykeyeva , Kartbayeva Elmira , Turgumbayeva Aknur
Published: March 2024

Natural products from medicinal plants, either as pure compounds or as standardized extracts, provide unlimited opportunities for new drug leads because of the unmatched availability of chemical diversity. The objects of the study are medicinal plant raw materials Saussurea sordida Kar&Kir and Saussurea alpina DC. collected from South Kazakhstan during the flowering period in the spring-summer months of 2021. The present study was aimed to investigate the toxic effects acute administration of ethanol extracts from plants S. sordida and S. alpina in male Wistar rats. The ethanol extract by subjected to Phytochemical Screening, Fourier transform infrared spec-troscopy (FTIR) analysis. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of phenolic compounds. FT-IR spectroscopic analysis revealed various characteristic band values with various functional groups in the formulation extract such as amines, alcohol, phenol, alkane, alkene, and conjugated acid groups. FT-IR analysis of peak values with various functional compounds such as alcohols, phenols, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, amides, amino acids, anhydrides, esters, ketones, unsaturated aliphatic, aromatics, unsaturated heterocycles, amines, nitro compound, alkanes, al-kenes and sugars. Histological examination of organ samples after studying the chronic toxicity of ex-tracts of two plant species (S. sordida . and S. alpina) revealed no pathological changes. The acute toxicity study revealed no lethal effects and behavioral signs of toxicity at the tested doses indicating that LD50 is greater than 2000 mg/kg. These results show low toxicity of on short-term use and liver toxicity on long-term use. This study helps to predict the formula and structure of active molecules which can be used as medicinal drugs. This result also enhances the traditional usage of S. sordida and S. alpina , which possesses a number of bioactive compounds.
Molecular Dynamic Simulations for Biopolymers with Biomedical Applications
Authors: Garduño-Juarez Ramon , Tovar-Anaya David Octavio , Perez-Aguilar Jose Manuel , Lozano-Aguirre Luis Fernando , Zubillaga Rafael Arturo , Alvarez-Perez Marco Antonio , Villarreal-Ramirez Eduardo
Published: March 2024

Computational modeling (CM) is a versatile scientific methodology used to examine the properties and behavior of complex systems, such as polymeric materials for biomedical bioengineering. CM has emerged as a primary tool for predicting, setting up, and interpreting experimental results. Integrating in silico and in vitro experiments accelerates scientific advancements, yielding quicker results at a reduced cost. While CM is a mature discipline, its recent prominence in Bio-medical Engineering for biopolymer materials has recently gained prominence. In biopolymer biomedical engineering, CM focuses on three key research areas: A) Computer-aided design (CAD/CAM), B) Finite Element Analysis, and C) Molecular Dynamic Simulations.
This review centers on Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations in biopolymers, analyzing structural, functional, and evolutionary aspects of biomolecular systems over time. MD simulations solve Newton's equations of motion for all-atom systems, generating spatial trajectories for each atom, providing insights into properties like water absorption on biopolymer surfaces and interactions with solid surfaces, crucial for biomaterial assessment.
This review offers readers a comprehensive overview of the diverse applications of Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations on biopolymers. Furthermore, it emphasizes the flexibility, robustness, and synergistic relationship between in silico and experimental techniques.
Lunar Surface Resources Exploration: Tracing Lithium, 7 Li and Black Ice Using Spectral Libraries and Apollo Missions’ Samples
Authors: Fernández Susana del Carmen , Fernández Julia María , Díez Enrique , Rodríguez Javier , Muñiz Rubén , Calleja Javier F. , Cos Francisco Javier de
Published: March 2024

This is an exercise to explore the concentration of Lithium, Lithium-7 isotope and the possible presence of black dirty ice in the lunar surface using spectral data obtained from the Clementine mission. The main interest in tracing the lithium and presence of dark ice in the lunar surface are closely related to future human settlement missions in the Moon. We investigate the distribution of Lithium and 7 Li isotope on the Lunar surface, employing spectral data from the Clementine images. We utilized Visible (VIS-NIR) imagery at wavelengths of 450, 750, 900, 950, and 1000 nm, along with Near-Infrared (NIR-SWIR) at 1100, 1250, 1500, 2000, 2600, and 2780 nm, encompassing 11 bands in total. This dataset offers a comprehensive coverage of about 80% of the lunar surface, with resolutions ranging from 100 to 500 meters, spanning latitudes from 80°S to 80°N. In order to extract quantitative abundance of Lithium, ground truth sites were used to calibrate the Clementine images. Samples (12045, 15058, 15475, 15555, 62255, 70035, 74220 and 75075) returned from Apollo missions 12, 15, 16 and 17 have been correlated to the Clementine VIS-NIR bands and five spectral ratios. The 5 spectral ratios calculated synthesize the main spectral features of sample spectra that were grouped by their Lithium and 7 Li content using Principal Component Analysis. The ratios spectrally characterize substrates of anorthosite, silica-rich basalts, olivine-rich basalts and High-T mare basalts and Orange soils. Our findings reveal a strong linear correlation between the spectral parameters and the lithium content in the 8 Apollo samples. With the values of the 11 Clementine bands and the 5 spectral ratios for each of the 8 lunar soils we performed linear regression models to estimate the concentration of Lithium and 7 Li. Also, we calculated Digital Terrain Models (DTMs; Altitude, Slope, Aspect, DirectInsolation and WindExposition) from LOLA-DTM to discover relations between relief and spatial distribution of the extended models of lithium and 7 Li. The analysis was conducted in a mask polygon extracted from Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) and located around the Apollo 15 landing site. This analysis seeks to uncover potential 7 Li enrichment through spallation processes, influenced by varying exposure to solar wind. To explore the possibility of find ice mixed with regolithe (black ice) we used a spectral library (350-2500nm) form ices dirty with different concentration of volcanic particles.
Nature-Based Solutions for Optimizing the Water – Ecosystem – Food Nexus in Mediterranean Countries
Authors: Vanino Silvia , Baratella Valentina , Pirelli Tiziana , Ferrari Donato , Di Fonzo Antonella , Pucci Fabrizio , Nikolaidis Nikolaos P. , Lilli Maria A. , Doğan Zübeyde Albayram , Topdemir Tuncay , Awabdeh Sami , Al-Hadidi Luna , Bani Hani Nabeel , Panagopoulos Andreas , Pisinaras Vassilios , Chatzi Anna , Moya Estrella López , Papadaskalopoulou Christina , Tassopoulos Dimitris , Chatzitheodorou Efstathia , Pagano Alessandro , Giordano Raffaele , Portoghese Ivan , Henao Esteban , Osann Anna , Fabiani Stefano
Published: March 2024

Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) can help to achieve multiple Water-Ecosystem-Food Nexus Do-main Objectives & Nexus Resilience Qualities, facilitating the transition to more resilient agrifood systems and providing an evidence base for a broader Nexus policy dialogue. This paper de-scribes the stepwise methodology developed in the EU-funded LENSES project to carry out a comprehensive analysis of NBSs in 6 pilot areas in 5 Mediterranean countries, and presents the results of NBSs implementation in 4 pilot areas, highlighting obstacles and opportunities. The methodology includes the development of an analytical evaluation framework and of a com-prehensive catalogue of Nexus-related NBSs, whose suitability needs to be assessed at the local level to achieve better use of protected/natural ecosystems, increase the sustainability and mul-tifunctionality of managed ecosystems and design and manage novel ecosystems. Subsequently, in a collective learning process which supported the operationalisation of the WEF Nexus, NBSs were identified that address specific contextual vulnerabilities, improve water distribution and enhance food security, while preserving ecosystems and supporting adaptation to climate change. The added value of the proposed methodology lies in the multi-stakeholder participatory approach to gain in-depth knowledge of local agri-food systems, including their main WEF-related challenges, and to facilitate overcoming barriers to NBS implementation.
Agricultural Significance of Antibiotic Resistance Pattern in Selected Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria Strains
Authors: AJAYI Olaoluwa , Nwodo Deborah C. C. , Adedeji Temiloluwa , Oguguwa Vincent H. , DIANDA Mahamadi , Fagade Obasola E.
Published: March 2024

Rhizobia are biological nitrogen fixing non-pathogenic micro-organisms that make inert nitrogen available to legumes establishing symbiosis and living within their nodules and promoting their growth. Livestock farmers use antibiotics without prescriptions to prevent losses, death and economic wastes, resulting in indiscriminate release of excess, un-utilized antibiotics into the environment causing detrimental effects to soil microbes particularly rhizobia.This study evaluates the susceptibility pattern of selected rhizobia strains. The intrinsic antibiotic resistance (IAR) ability of common rhizobia strains including FA3, B574, RS15, USDA136, USDA9032, R25B, 532C, CC511, RANI22, RAUG1 were investigated. The antibiotics used included Ceftazamine , Florfenicol , Cefpodoxime, Sulphamethoxazole, Ciprofloxacin, Gentamycin , Kanamycin, Ertapenem, Tetracycline , Meropenem and Carbapenem. Results showed different resistance patterns among isolates where high resistance was shown against Carbapenem and least resistance was shown against Ciprofloxacin (40mm), Tetracycline (33mm), kanamycin (45mm) and Gentamycin (50mm). Rani 22 showed most resistant. Most strains showed no resistance to these antibiotics, but it is significant to note that those with resistance can be used for the recovery of antibiotics contaminated sites and may provide potential solutions for futuristic problems associated with AMR.This study suggests that using a consortium of symbiotic rhizobia strains is a strategy to achieve optimal yields in antibiotic contaminated fields as the strains showed differences in their susceptibility pattern. Also, the antibiotics produced or contained active compounds and substances that are detrimental for the growth of rhizobia and may therefore be a hindrance to these plant growth promoting bacteria when they are applied to aid plant growth used during agricultural practises.