bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The presence of virulence factor genes downregulates uterine AQP3 and alters glutathione peroxidase activity and uterine histopathology in canine pyometra
Authors: Yazlık Murat Onur , Müştak İnci Başak , Özkan Hüseyin , Vural Sevil Atalay , Kaya Ufuk , Özöner Özgür , Mutluer İpek , Altınbaş Yunus Furkan , Soylu Miray Sevde , Vural Mehmet Rıfat
Published: May 2024

Present study was designed to evaluate the role of virulence factor genes (papG, cnf1 and hylA) in the pathogenesis of canine pyometra. Antimicrobial susceptibility test and detection of virulence genes were performed Escherichia coli (E. coli) detected in uterine swab samples. Animals were divided into two groups based on the presence (VF+, n:14) or absence (VF−, n:7) of the virulence factor genes papG, cnf1 and hylA. Blood and tissue glutathione peroxidase activity, uterine histopathologic analysis and AQP3, ESR1, PGR, OXTR gene expressions were determined in both groups. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata version 15.1. All E. coli isolates were susceptible to amikacin, whereas resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and lincomycin. None of the isolates were susceptible to cefotaxime. E. coli isolates had at least one virulence gene. The most prevalent gene was fimH (100%), followed by fyuA (95.8%), usp (83.3%), sfa (75%), cnf1 and hlyA (70.8%) genes. Blood GPx activity was greater in VF+ animals. On the other hand, uterine tissue GPx activity was lower in VF+ group compared to the control group. Expression levels of AQP3 were upregulated more than fivefold in VF‐dogs compared to the control group. In addition, AQP3 expression levels were found approximately threefold higher in VF (−) than VF (+) group (p < .05). Varying degree of inflammation noted for all animals with pyometra, but the presence of bacteria noted only in VF+ animals. In conclusion, the presence of virulence factor genes does not play a role in the histopathological degree of inflammation, the presence of bacteria was found to vary. Serum GPx activity increased in VF+ animals. While the hormone receptor expressions were similar, AQP expression was upregulated in the absence of virulence factor genes.
Expression dynamics of adipokines during induced ovulation in the bovine follicles and early corpus luteum
Authors: Thaqi Granit , Berisha Bajram , Pfaffl Michael W.
Published: May 2024

The study aimed to assess the local gene expression of adipokine members, namely vaspin, adiponectin, visfatin, resistin and their associated receptors – heat shock 70 protein 5 (HSPA5), adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) and adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2) – in bovine follicles during the preovulatory period and early corpus luteum development. Follicles were collected before gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) treatment (0 h) and at 4, 10, 20, 25 and 60 h after GnRH application through transvaginal ovariectomy (n = 5 samples/group). Relative mRNA expression levels were quantified using real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). Vaspin exhibited high mRNA levels immediately 4 h after GnRH application, followed by a significant decrease. Adiponectin mRNA levels were elevated at 25 h after GnRH treatment. AdipoR2 exhibited late‐stage upregulation, displaying increased expression at 20, 25 and 60 h following GnRH application. Visfatin showed upregulation at 20 h post‐GnRH application. In conclusion, the observed changes in adipokine family members within preovulatory follicles, following experimentally induced ovulation, may constitute crucial components of the local mechanisms regulating final follicle growth and development.
The Trajectory of International and National Anti‐Terrorism Laws: An Appraisal of Counter‐terrorism Legislation in Kurdistan, Iraq
Authors: Omar Saman , Rahim Asmar binti Abdul , Rus Mukhriz Bin Mat
Published: May 2024

Terrorism is not a new phenomenon. Nevertheless, since September 11, 2001, it appears that there has been a global consensus on the need for a more uniform and comprehensive response to terrorism. Thus, countries develop their counter‐terrorism strategy that comprises different approaches, including using the criminal justice system. The criminal justice response to terrorism covers special legislation, strategies, policies, investigation, prosecution, and sentencing. To combat terrorism and improve the criminal justice system in response to existing threats of terrorism, KRI legislated a special anti‐terrorism law. This paper investigates the trajectory of international and national terrorism law in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Accordingly, this research was set to examine international and national terrorism law critically. The focus is placed on the Anti‐terrorism Act No. 3 of 2006, emphasizing the principle of legality. As such, this paper adopted the doctrinal legal methodology that utilized qualitative techniques in analyzing the secondary data. The gathered information and data were then analyzed thematically. Based on the legal analysis, this study found that local circumstances and international pressure influence the trajectory of the counter‐terrorism laws in KRI. The absence of uniformity in the definition indicates the complexity of conceptualizing the phenomenon. The KRI anti‐terrorism law did not define international terrorism and may affect the principle of legality in counter‐terrorism strategy. Consequently, the study will benefit law, security, and international relations researchers. It serves as a basis for future empirical research examining the effects of anti‐terrorism laws in KRI or other jurisdictions.
The effort to be neutral
Authors: Gaultier Benoit
Published: May 2024

My aim in this article is to elucidate the nature of a form of intellectual and practical neutrality that is not covered by existing accounts of suspension of judgment. After rejecting some inadequate characterizations of this attitude of neutrality, I provide a positive characterization of it: it is a successful effort to resist certain tendencies that are part of the dispositional profile of the doxastic state one is in on a given issue. I conclude by saying a few words about the reasons for which this effort can be made, and by answering in the negative the question of whether all the attitudes that can be characterized as attitudes of committed neutrality are of the same type.
Towards Social Europe? Obstacles and opportunities in the multi‐level governance of welfare states
Authors: Eick Gianna Maria , Im Zhen Jie , Leschke Janine
Published: May 2024

Social Europe, or the social dimension of the European Union (EU), has been receiving increasing attention in academic debates. This special issue introduction discusses Social Europe through the analytical framework of multi‐level governance while asking, perhaps controversially, whether Social Europe has the potential to become a fully‐fledged welfare state. This introduction also summarises the articles included in this special issue which focus on different governance levels, including EU institutions, member states, national parties, economic sectors, workers and the general public. On this basis, the introduction identifies sources of challenges and opportunities for Social Europe from various levels of governance. We conclude that the needs and demands become more diverse when we move from European institutions to the citizens. Notably, obstacles from one governance level often carry over to another governance level. Consequently, it becomes much more difficult to design welfare policies on the EU level that work for everyone. While a more evolved EU‐level welfare state may be possible in the future, substantial obstacles make it difficult to achieve in the short run. Hence, future research should examine the multi‐level structure of Social Europe in more detail to better grasp what Social Europe can and cannot deliver and why. Such research is not only relevant in the European Union but also in other multi‐level governance systems across the world.
Atypical granulation in neutrophils of a domestic shorthair cat
Authors: Cagle Laura A. , Casal Margret , Agnew Dalen , Skinner Stephanie , Lanier Christopher J. , Harvey John W.
Published: May 2024

A 13‐year‐old male domestic short‐hair cat presented for evaluation of labored breathing, hyporexia, and lethargy. Pertinent initial diagnostics yielded leukocytosis, characterized by neutrophilia and monocytosis. Numerous small, round, magenta granules were observed within all neutrophils in Wright‐Giemsa‐stained blood films on the day of presentation and the day thereafter. No other neutrophil morphologic abnormalities were present, making cytoplasmic toxicity highly unlikely. Hyperadrenocorticism was diagnosed based on the lack of suppression in a low‐dose dexamethasone suppression test, and without other diagnostics, the cat was discharged on trilostane therapy. Neutrophil granules did not stain with Alcian blue pH 1.0, periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS), PAS and Alcian blue pH 2.5, and toluidine blue. Electron microscopy identified no differences in the morphology of the secretory granules or other neutrophil features. Metabolic screening tests of the cat's urine did not identify a genetic metabolic disorder. However, serum α‐ and β ‐hexosaminidase (HexA and HexB) activities were 4.3% and 0% of normal controls, respectively, which is supportive of GM2‐gangliosidosis, that is, Sandhoff disorder. However, the historical, clinical, and electron microscopy findings did not provide evidence to confirm this genetic defect. To the author's knowledge, this is the first case of magenta‐staining granules within neutrophils in a breed other than a Birman, Siamese, or Himalayan.
A New Perspective on Internal Turbine Blade Cooling by Perforated Blockages and Pin-Fins
Authors: Schekman S. W. , Kim T.
Published: May 2024

The cooling configuration, sequentially combining perforated blockages (forming blockage jets) and a pin-fin array inside the trailing-edge of a turbine blade has been perceived unsuitable due to the presumed inferior thermal performance (η < 1.0). In the present study, we provide a new perspective on this particular cooling configuration, based on fluidic mechanisms, newly established in a better representative setup for blockage jets aligned with pin-fins, accounting for relevant heat transfer surfaces. To this end, heat transfer on the blockage, pin-fin, and end-wall surfaces was measured at a selected Reynolds number of ReD = 26,000 using a thermochromic liquid crystal technique. Flow field mapping by particle image velocimetry and oil–dye flow visualization were supplementally performed. We demonstrate, contrary to previous studies that the thermal performance of the blockage pin-fin configuration can be e.g., η = 1.1 if the blockages and pin-fins are arranged to maximize both elements' thermofluidic advantages. Our data further suggest that unlike conventional pin-fin configurations subjected to uniform coolant stream, the blockage pin-fin configuration can offer a better performance with fewer pin-fin rows used.
Stall Warning and Adaptive Control Subjected to Rotating Inlet Distortion in Axial Flow Compressor
Authors: Li Jichao , Liu Yang , Peng Feng , Zhang Hongwu
Published: May 2024

Adaptive stability control is experimentally implemented in a single-stage axial flow compressor subjected to rotating inlet distortion. Stall margin variations are examined as a function of the distorted area and rotational speed. A critical minimum value is identified when the distorted sector rotates at 0.5 times the rotor speed (P0.5RS), which remains independent of the size of the distorted area and induced frequency. Unsteady pressure measurements indicate that with the rotating inlet distortion at P0.5RS, the circumferentially propagating speed of the stall cell-induced downstream of the distorted region closely matches the rotational speed of the distorted sector, which causes the stall cell to undergo repeated cycles of generation, circumferential propagation, decay, and re-generation, ultimately leading to premature deep stall as the disturbance energy accumulates. In addition, tip air injection can suppress the repeated periodic disturbance energy accumulation, thereby delaying stall. Based on successful verification of the early stall warning under rotating inlet distortion through cross-correlation analysis, an adaptive stability control strategy is devised to sense the stall warning signal in real time and feed back the signal to control the injected valve once the alarm line is triggering. Even under the rotating distorted inflow at P0.5RS, the stall margin can be improved online by more than 10% while reducing the injected energy by 80% compared with that corresponding to steady injection. It provides insights for mitigating the adverse effects of rotating distortion on the compressor performance in multispool aero-engines.
Thermal Performance of a Pump-Assisted Capillary Loop Cooler
Authors: Lohan Danny J. , Sarma Bhaskarjyoti , Joshi Shailesh N. , Dede Ercan M. , Soto Anali , Sudhakar Srivathsan , Weibel Justin A.
Published: May 2024

The heat transfer and hydraulic performance of a flat evaporator, pump-assisted capillary loop cooler is evaluated for a 1cm2 heat source. The cooler consists of a copper manifold that houses a compensation chamber that feeds liquid to a sintered, flat evaporator wick below via a micro-tube array. Liquid evaporates from the copper wick as it is attached to the heater through a copper base plate. The custom cooler design offers separate flow routes for liquid and vapor phases during steady operation and thereby maintaining the pressure balance of the flow loop. The cooler performance is evaluated using de-ionized water as the coolant with an inlet volumetric flowrate of 322ml/min. The cooler achieves a steady convective heat transfer coefficient of >95kW/m2K with <2kPa pressure drop, tested up to a maximum heater temperature of 175 °C. An electronic valve installed on the cooler outlet controls the compensation chamber pressure and extends peak heat transfer performance. This control scheme has been experimentally verified to extend the range of peak heat transfer from [356,>537] to [356,>610]W/cm2 within the same temperature range. Such a cooler shows promise for systems of variable thermal load where system pressure is a key consideration.
Resonance Enhancement of the Faraday Effect in a Magnetoplasmonic Composite
Authors: Tomilin S. V. , Karavaynikov A. V. , Lyashko S. D. , Milyukova E. T. , Tomilina O. A. , Berzhansky V. N.
Published: May 2024

The paper presents the results of a theoretical and experimental study of the enhancement of the magneto-optical Faraday effect in a magnetoplasmonic nanocomposite, caused by localized plasmon resonance (LPR) in metal nanoparticles. The nanocomposite comprises a three-layer structure of self-assembled gold nanoparticles in a bismuth-substituted iron-garnet matrix. It is shown theoretically and experimentally that the enhancement of the magneto-optical Faraday effect is determined by the action of a magnetic field on the magnetoplasmonic composite as an effective medium as a whole. In this case, in the magnetoplasmonic nanocomposite, the Faraday effect is enhanced at the LPR wavelengths and is slightly weakened in the region of short wavelengths relative to the LPR. It is theoretically shown that the complex gyration index in the off-diagonal terms of the effective permittivity tensor for the magnetoplasmonic composite, in addition to rotation of the polarization plane, leads to the appearance of alternating ellipticity in the vicinity of the plasmon resonance, which is observed in the form of asymmetry of magneto-optical rotation.
Comparison of different definitions of traumatic brain injury: implications for cohort characteristics and survival in women, Philadelphia, USA
Authors: D'Alonzo Bernadette A , Bretzin Abigail C , Schneider Andrea LC , Morse Rebecca B , Canelón Silvia P , Wiebe Douglas J , Boland Mary Regina
Published: May 2024

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an acute injury that is understudied in civilian cohorts, especially among women, as TBI has historically been considered to be largely a condition of athletes and military service people. Both the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Department of Defense (DOD)/Veterans Affairs (VA) have developed case definitions to identify patients with TBI from medical records; however, their definitions differ. We sought to re-examine these definitions to construct an expansive and more inclusive definition among a cohort of women with TBI.

Methods

In this study, we use electronic health records (EHR) from a single healthcare system to study the impact of using different case definitions to identify patients with TBI. Specifically, we identified adult female patients with TBI using the CDC definition, DOD/VA definition and a combined and expanded definition herein called the Penn definition.

Results

We identified 4446 adult-female TBI patients meeting the CDC definition, 3619 meeting the DOD/VA definition, and together, 6432 meeting our expanded Penn definition that includes the CDC ad DOD/VA definitions.

Conclusions

Using the expanded definition identified almost two times as many patients, enabling investigations to more fully characterise these patients and related outcomes. Our expanded TBI case definition is available to other researchers interested in employing EHRs to investigate TBI.
Numerical simulations and analytical approach for three-component coupled NLS-type equations in fiber optics
Authors: Abbas Naseem , Shakeel Muhammad , Fouly Ahmed , Ahmadian Hossein
Published: May 2024

This work aims to look into the dynamic research of coupled NLS-type equations with three components. The optical solitons, including the periodic function, trigonometric function, exponential function, solitary wave, and elliptic function solutions are built using the Jacobi elliptic function (JEF) method. The investigations will aid in improving comprehension of the soliton dynamics system’s overall illustration. Using Mathematica software, we visually represent some solutions found in 3D, contour, and 2D graphs for tangible demonstration and visual presentation. These results are helpful in optical fiber, signal processing and data transmission.
COLOR IMAGE ENCRYPTION THROUGH MULTI-S-BOX GENERATED BY HYPERCHAOTIC SYSTEM AND MIXTURE OF PIXEL BITS
Authors: ALWAN NAWRES A. , OBAIYS SUZAN J. , NOOR NURUL FAZMIDAR BINTI MOHD , AL-SAIDI NADIA M. G. , KARACA YELIZ
Published: May 2024

The growing demand for maintaining secure communication channels with the advancements in digital technologies has led to an intensified interest in designing reliable image encryption schemes. Despite various encryption schemes that have been used, some are considered to have insecurity regarding data transmission and multimedia. Motivated by this concern, this paper proposes a new color image encryption algorithm of a multi-key generation-based nD-Hyperchaotic (HC) system. The new algorithm achieves Shannon’s confusion and diffusion principles using a two S-box generation approach, where the first S-box is generated from the proposed nD-HC system and the resulting sequence is used to increase encryption complexity, while the second S-box is generated from ([Formula: see text])D-HC system. Afterward, mathematical analysis is carried out to showcase the robustness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm, as well as its resistance to visual, statistical, differential, and brute-force attacks. The proposed scheme successfully passes all NIST SP 800 suite tests. The cryptographic system demonstrated by the proposed scheme has proven to have outstanding performance through simulation tests, which indicates promising potential applicability aspects in secure and real-time image communication settings.
Efficacy and Safety of Local Liver Radioablation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Lesions within and beyond Limits of Thermal Ablation
Authors: Ümütlü Muzaffer Reha , Öcal Osman , Puhr-Westerheide Daniel , Fabritius Matthias P. , Wildgruber Moritz , Deniz Sinan , Corradini Stefanie , Rottler Maya , Walter Franziska , Rogowski Paul , Seidensticker Ricarda , Philipp Alexander B. , Rössler Daniel , Ricke Jens , Seidensticker Max
Published: May 2024

Introduction: CT-guided interstitial brachytherapy (iBT) radiotherapy has been established in the treatment of liver tumors. With iBT, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions can be treated beyond the limits of thermal ablation (i.e., size and location). However, a comprehensive analysis of the efficacy of iBT in patients within and beyond thermal ablation limits is lacking. Materials and Methods: A total of 146 patients with 216 HCC lesions have been analyzed retrospectively. Clinical and imaging follow-up data has been collected. Lesions were evaluated in terms of suitability for thermal ablation or not. The correlation between local tumor control (LTC), time to progression (TTP), overall survival (OS), and clinical and imaging parameters have been evaluated using univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses. Results: LTC rates at 12 months, 24 months, and 36 months were 87%, 75%, and 73%, respectively. 65% of lesions (n = 141) were not suitable for radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The median TTP was 13 months, and the median OS was not reached (3-year OS rate: 70%). No significant difference in LTC, TTP, or OS regarding RFA suitability existed. However, in the overall multivariable analysis, lesion diameter >5 cm was significantly associated with lower LTC (HR: 3.65, CI [1.60–8.31], p = 0.002) and shorter TTP (HR: 2.08, CI [1.17–3.70], p = 0.013). Advanced BCLC stage, Child-Pugh Stage, and Hepatitis B were associated with shorter OS. Conclusion: iBT offers excellent LTC rates and OS in local HCC treatment regardless of the limits of thermal ablation, suggesting further evidence of its alternative role to thermal ablation in patients with early-stage HCC.
End-of-Life Care for Newborn Infants: A Multicenter Real-Life Prospective Study
Authors: Mariani Gonzalo Luis , Contrera Pamela Judith , Virasoro María de los Angeles , Portela María Constanza , Urquizu Handal María Ines , Ávila Aldana Soledad , Fernández Ariel Leonardo , Fernandez Riera Patricia , Cardigni Gustavo , Vain Néstor Eduardo ,   for the Argentine Neonatal End-of-Life Study Group
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Most neonatal deaths in industrialized countries follow a process of redirection of care. The objectives of this study were to describe how neonates die in a middle-income country, whether there was redirection of care, and the reason for this decision. Methods: This was a prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study. Neonates who died in the delivery room or in the neonatal intensive care unit in 97 hospitals over a 6-month period were included. After each neonatal death, one investigator interviewed a member of the healthcare team who had been involved in the end-of-life care process. Perinatal data, conditions that led to death, whether there was redirection of care, and details of the end-of-life process were recorded. Results: Data from 697 neonatal deaths were analyzed, which represent 80% of the total deaths occurring in Argentina in that period. The main causes of death were complications of prematurity (47%) and congenital anomalies (27%). Overall, 32% of neonates died after a process of redirection of care, and this was less frequent in the neonatal intensive care unit (28%) than in the delivery room (70%, p < 0.001). The reasons for withholding/withdrawing care were inevitable death (75%) and severe compromise of expected quality of life (25%). Redirection of care consisted in withholding therapies in 66% and withdrawal in 34%. A diagnosis of a major congenital anomaly increased the odds of redirection of care (OR 5.45; 95% CI: 3.59–8.27). Conclusion: Most neonates who die in Argentina do so while receiving full support. Redirection of care mainly follows a condition of inevitable death.
Molecular Cytogenetic Characterization of Rare but Repeatedly Observed Inversions in German Population
Authors: Seixas Joana , Padutsch Niklas , Kankel Stefanie , Liehr Thomas , Sy Alody
Published: May 2024

Introduction: The term inversion refers to an aberration caused by two breakage and fusion events found in one or both arms of a chromosome. The presence of such aberrations can but must not be associated with infertility or unbalanced products of conception. Normally, inversions are not associated with phenotypic alterations for the carrier. Despite the fact that most such inversions are de novo and unique, recurrent breakpoints have also been reported. Methods: Here two recurrent paracentric inversions in the long arm of chromosomes 11 and 12 and a pericentric one in chromosome 10 were studied in at least 10 unrelated (infertile) patients, each. Breakpoints were narrowed down by fluorescence in situ hybridization applying locus-specific bacterial artificial chromosome-derived probes. Results: Molecular cytogenetically identical breakpoints could be characterized for all three studied inversions. Pericentric inversion inv(10)(p11.21q21.2), previously reported to be of single origin and distributed mainly in Northern Europe, could be found to be present all over Germany, too. In the studied cases with paracentric inversion inv(11)(q21q23.3), recurrent breakpoints were found in all parts of Germany, as well; however, additional 2 cases with slightly different breakpoints were characterized besides. Most interestingly, inversion inv(12)(q14.1∼14.2q24.11∼24.13) had always the same recurrent breakpoints and presented an exclusive occurrence in North-Western part of Germany. Conclusion: Overall, (at least) three different cytogenetically detectable recurrent inversions were characterized here. This highlights that such events may be more frequent in human population than yet suggested. Accordingly, such events might even spread in (middle European) human population. Specific impact on reproduction and fitness of inversion carriers characterized here seems to be negligible. Nonetheless, such recurrent rearrangements need more attention as they may provide valuable information for genetic counseling in future.
Association of Diabetes with Changes in Blood Pressure during Hemodialysis: A Secondary Analysis of the Frequent Hemodialysis Network Daily Trial
Authors: Moloney Bróna M. , Chertow Glenn Matthew , Mc Causland Finnian R.
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a common cause of kidney failure and is often complicated by autonomic neuropathy, which may have implications for blood pressure (BP) homeostasis during hemodialysis (HD). Methods: In this post hoc analysis of the Frequent Hemodialysis Network (FHN) Daily Trial, we used random effects Poisson and linear regression models to estimate the association of diabetes (vs. not) with intra-dialytic hypotension (IDH) and peri-dialytic BP parameters, respectively. We tested for differential associations according to the randomized treatment (6/week vs. 3/week HD) and pre-HD systolic BP. Results: Of the 244 patients with intra-dialytic BP data, 100 (41%) had diabetes at baseline. The mean age was 51 ± 14 years; overall, 39% were female. In adjusted models, diabetes (vs. not) was associated with a 93% higher risk of developing IDH (IRR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.26, 2.95). There was no evidence that the randomized treatment assignment modified the association between diabetes and IDH (pinteraction = 0.32), but more potent associations were noted among those with higher pre-HD systolic BP (pinteraction < 0.001). Diabetes (vs. not) was associated with a lower adjusted nadir intra-HD BP (−4.2; 95% CI: −8.3, −0.2 mm Hg) but not with the pre- or post-HD systolic BP. Conclusions: Among participants of the FHN Daily Trial, patients with diabetes had a higher risk of IDH and lower nadir intra-HD systolic BP than patients without diabetes, even when undergoing HD up to 6 times per week.
Investigating South Korean Students’ Risk Perception Related to the Development of Science and Technology
Authors: Park Joonhyeong , Kim Minchul , Kim Jinhee , Na Jiyeon
Published: May 2024

The rapid progression of science and technology has brought both remarkable conveniences and innovations and potential risks to us. To address these risks within science education, this study aims to identify the tendency of students’ risk perceptions across different technologies. For this purpose, we developed a survey addressing three key components of risk perception (i.e., risk recognition, risk assessment, and risk management) and the educational need for risk education. 311 responses were collected from elementary, middle, and high school students and statically analyzed. The results indicated that students showed various risk perception patterns depending on the technology. There were significant perception gaps between boys and girls regarding vaccines and antimicrobial technology. It was also found that high school students’ perceptions of the benefits of the technologies were higher than elementary and middle school students’ perceptions. Based on these findings, we discuss pedagogical implications for risk education in science classrooms.
Reinstatement of Argostemma iriomotense (Rubiaceae: Argostemmateae)
Authors: HUANG WEI-JIE , HSU TIAN-CHUAN , CHUNG SHIH-WEN
Published: May 2024

Argostemma iriomotense, previously considered a synonym of A. solaniflorum shortly after its publication, is hereby reinstated based on both morphological and molecular evidence. It can be distinguished morphologically from the latter species by its dwarf plant size, stipules measuring less than 2 mm, leaves which are sparsely strigillose along veins or glabrescent adaxially, and brochidodromous secondary veins that are slightly elevated adaxially and slightly grooved abaxially. Through phylogenetic analysis, samples of A. iriomotense collected from its type locality, together with a newly discovered population in southern Taiwan, form a distinct group separate from A. solaniflorum. These findings support the reinstatement of A. iriomotense from A. solaniflorum. A comprehensive description of its morphology, accompanied by relevant photographs, is provided in this study.
Revision and Phylogeny of the Genus Phausis (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) with the Description of Three New Species
Authors: HODSON ALICIA M. , BRANHAM MARC A.
Published: May 2024

An updated revision of the firefly genus Phausis LeConte (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) and the first phylogenetic analysis of all assigned species is herein presented. This treatment includes the description of three new species (Phausis branhami sp. nov., Phausis christineae sp. nov., and Phausis milleri sp. nov.), designation of the neotype of Phausis reticulata (Say, 1825) and lectotype of Phausis inaccensa (LeConte, 1878), descriptions of male aedeagi, and a key to species. A phylogenetic analysis of 13 ingroup taxa and 2 outgroup taxa with a total of 67 morphological characters was also conducted. The resulting phylogenetic hypothesis supports the monophyly of Phausis as presently defined and the evolution of adult bioluminescence as a derived character. A discussion of whether Lamprohiza splendidula (Linnaeus, 1767) should be assigned to Phausis LeConte is also presented.
New species and new records of Chloropinae from Singapore (Diptera: Chloropidae)
Authors: RICCARDI PAULA RAILE , ANG YUCHEN
Published: May 2024

Chloropidae biodiversity in the Oriental region is remarkably diverse and yet poorly understood. In this study, we used integrative taxonomy to tackle the species diversity of the subfamily Chloropinae from Singapore. We describe the first Oriental species of Cryptonevra Lioy, C. argenteum Riccardi, sp. nov., a new species of Chloropsina Becker, C. flavipes Riccardi, sp. nov., provide the first record of Eutropha noctilux (Walker) from Singapore and DNA barcodes of Chloropsina minima (Becker), Ensiferella kanmiyai Nartshuk. In addition, we increased the number of Chloropinae records from Singapore from two (Anthracophagella Anderson and Chlorops Meigen) to nine (addition of Cerais van der Wulp, Chloropsina, Cryptonevra, Elliponeura Loew, Ensiferella Andersson, Eutropha Loew, and Thressa Walker) genera and from two to seven described species plus four morphospecies. The species were discovered using NGS barcodes and are part of an ongoing campaign to document the biodiversity of Singapore.
Darwin wasps of the subfamily Pimplinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) of Mexico: Polysphincta genus-group
Authors: KHALAIM ANDREY I. , RUÍZ-CANCINO ENRIQUE , CORONADO-BLANCO JUANA MARÍA
Published: May 2024

Mexican species of nine genera of the Polysphincta genus-group (Ichneumonidae: Pimplinae) are reviewed: Acrotaphus Townes (four species), Dreisbachia Townes (one species), Eruga Townes (four species), Flacopimpla Gauld (three species), Hymenoepimecis Viereck (two species), Oxyrrhexis Förster (one species), Polysphincta Grav. (seven species), Schizopyga Grav. (one species) and Zatypota Förster (four species). Two new species, Polysphincta sirena Khalaim, sp. nov. and P. xena Khalaim, sp. nov., are described and Eruga yehi Gauld, 1991 is found to be a junior synonym of E. lineata Townes, 1960 (syn. nov.). Two species, Schizopyga anseli Fernández-Triana, 2007 from Cuba and S. moreirae Loffredo & Penteado-Dias, 2008 from Brazil, are transferred to the genus Dreisbachia (comb. nov.). Three genera, Hymenoepimecis, Oxyrrhexis and Schizopyga, and ten species, Acrotaphus wiltii (Cresson), Eruga rufa Townes, E. straussi Gauld, Flacopimpla nigriceps (Walsh), Hymenoepimecis robertsae Gauld, H. tedfordi Gauld, Oxyrrhexis carbonator (Grav.), Polysphincta albipes Cresson, P. gutfreundi Gauld, Schizopyga circulator pulchra Walley and Zatypota crassipes Townes, are recorded for the first time from Mexico. Moreover, Dreisbachia avivae Gauld, Polysphincta purcelli Gauld, Zatypota alborhombarta (Davis) and Z. petronae Gauld are newly recorded from Guatemala, and D. avivae from USA. The male of Flacopimpla kasparyani Khalaim & Ruíz-Cancino is recorded for the first time. Identification keys to the species occurring in Mexico are provided.
Effect of Seed Storage Duration and Methods on Growth and Yield of Basil Variety
Authors: Mola Hailu , Kebele Betlhem
Published: May 2024

The experiment was conducted at Wondogenet Agricultural Research Center to determine the effect of seed storage period and methods on the growth and yield of basil. Basil seeds stored in three storage methods (Plastic jar, Polypropylene, and Cotton bags) for six storage periods (initial period, one, three, six, nine, and twelve months) were used to evaluate the impact of the treatments on the yield and performance in the field. The field experiment was arranged by using RCBD design with three replications. The data were taken at the 90% physiological maturity stage. The results showed a significant difference between the treatments. The results indicated that the interaction effects of basil seed storage time and methods had a significant (P<0.05) effect on Primary Branch Number, Plant Height, Umbrella length, Dry, and Fresh biomass. The umbrella number of the storage methods had an accelerating trend with raising storage duration to 3 months storage, after that it shows a declining trend with raising storage time. The two storage methods plastic jar and bag maintained the seed in good condition for 3 months further, storage of the seed leads to the shortest plant and umbrella length. The highest dry biomass was recorded at 3 months stored seed in a plastic bag which was not significantly different from 3 months stored seed in a plastic jar. Basil dry biomass for the jar stored seed ranged from 0.85 to 3.33, 0.91 to 3.42 ton/ha for plastic bag whereas for the cotton bag, it ranged from 0.6 to 2.26 ton/ha. In general, seeds stored for three months had shown better growth and yield.
Examining the Influence of Rice Farmers' Characteristics on Extension Service Sources: Insights from Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Gashu Ayele , Beyene Adane
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between farmers' characteristics and their access to agricultural extension services from multiple sources. The researchers collected cross-sectional data from a sample of 384 rice-farming households and analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and a binary Probit regression model. The result showed that age of the household, rice farming experience, plot number, cultivated rice land, dependency ratio, and crop diversification are drivers of receiving agricultural extension service. The study also explored the factors that drive farmers' choice of service providers for agricultural extension at the household level. The findings indicate that factors such as sex, education level, household size, dependency ratio, oxen number, crop income, and cultivated rice land are the main drivers of farmers' selection of service providers. This implies that farmers' socio-economic characteristics influence their choice of extension service providers. Given the current emphasis on demand-driven agricultural extension services, the findings of this study are particularly relevant. It is suggested that for better effectiveness of agricultural extension, it would be practical for providers of extension services to target a certain type of farmer that they can best serve.
Accuracy Assessment of Dimensionality Reduction Techniques in Novel Approach of Precise Noise Levels Prediction and Mapping
Authors: Baffoe Peter , Ziggah Yao
Published: May 2024

The increasing effects of noise pollution have necessitated the prediction of noise levels. In this regard, it has become very prudent to find models which are practically applicable and have the capability to predict noise levels with accuracy. In this project, two dimensionality reduction techniques namely the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares (PLS) were used in truncating the dimensions of observed noise levels data collected in the Tarkwa Mining Community (TMC) for which the data with reduced dimensions served as input data for a Back Propagation Neural Network noise prediction model. The accuracies of the techniques were determined using statistical indicators. The Partial Least Squares technique had a better accuracy with RMSE of 1.135 when hybridized with the Back Propagation Neural Network. The performance of the Principal Component Analysis was also with RMSE of 1.373 and that of the observed noise data produced an RMSE of 1.433. Graphical representations also showed the precision of individual predicted noise levels compared to the observed noise levels. The importance of the techniques used in predicting noise levels cannot be overemphasized based on the results obtained.
Construction of Twenty-Three Points Second Order Rotatable Design in Three Dimensions Using Trigonometric Functions
Authors: Matundura Dennis , Kosgei Mathew , Too Robert
Published: May 2024

In this paper, a novel twenty-three-point second-order rotatable design is formulated utilizing trigonometric functions. Design of experiments plays a crucial role in various industries and research fields to investigate the relationship between multiple variables and their effects on a response variable. In particular, second order rotatable designs are widely used due to their ability to efficiently estimate the main, interaction, and curvature effects. Nevertheless, creating designs with a substantial number of points poses difficulties. This study concentrates on developing a second-order rotatable design with twenty-three points utilizing trigonometric functions. Trigonometric functions offer a systematic approach to distribute the points uniformly in the design space, thereby ensuring the optimal coverage of the experimental region. The proposed construction utilizes the properties of sine and cosine functions to generate a balanced and efficient design. The methodology involves dividing the design space into equidistant sectors and assigning the points using the trigonometric functions. By carefully selecting the starting angle and the angular increment, a complete and orthogonal design is achieved. The design is rotatable, meaning it can be rotated to any desired orientation without impairing the statistical properties of the design. Through this construction, the design effectively captures the main effects, interaction effects, and curvature effects. This enables reliable estimation of the model parameters, leading to accurate predictions and efficient optimization. Additionally, the design is efficient in terms of minimizing the number of experimental runs required, thereby reducing costs and time. The suggested second-order rotatable design comprising twenty-three points and employing trigonometric functions exhibits its superiority when compared to conventional designs. It offers a systematic and straightforward approach to construct a balanced and efficient design for studying the relationships between multiple variables. The design's rotatability ensures flexibility in experimental settings, making it a valuable tool for researchers and practitioners in various fields.
Ntelligent Software Engineering System Analysis and Design
Authors: Bingjun Chen , Changshun Yan
Published: May 2024

Intelligent software engineering is a new development direction in software engineering. With the continuous exploration in the field of intelligent software engineering, many enterprises need to develop a learning system for intelligent software engineering to meet the needs of knowledge learning, communication, and assessment in this new field of intelligent software engineering. This paper combines the learning system with the Internet, develops the intelligent software engineering learning system by using the web page development technology of the Internet and cooperating with the relevant learning materials of intelligent software engineering, and goes deep into the actual needs of enterprise users. This system includes four major modules: information management, data management, exam management, and forum management. The system realizes the orderly and long-term preservation of various information and materials in intelligent software engineering; Learners can use this system to learn intelligent software engineering knowledge and share experiences anytime and anywhere, and management can also use this system to manage the learning progress and content of employees. The developed system can enhance the convenience and timeliness of enterprise employees in learning knowledge related to intelligent software engineering, and provide a communication and assessment system, thereby meeting the needs of enterprise employees in the field of intelligent software engineering learning, communication and assessment.
Narrating Violence and Its Attendant to Trauma in Immaculée Ilibagiza’s Left to Tell
Authors: Ayo-Afolayan Abimbola , Omobowale Emmanuel
Published: May 2024

The Rwanda genocide has spawned a great deal of new literary works that draw inspiration from its experience. Specifically, over the last three decades, violence and trauma are vital contributing thematic focuses in Rwandan post genocide literary works. This study was therefore designed to examine the representations of the experiences of the victims of the genocide in order to establish how violence induces trauma in the characters. Postcolonial theory and trauma were adopted as the framework basically to examine the challenges of violence perpetuated by the state against her citizens, as well as interrogate the traumatic state of the characters, while interpretive design was used for critical analysis of the text. Immaculée Ilibagiza’s Left to Tell inscribes different traumatic situations such as bereavement, grief, psychological dislocation, and physical threat to life, as influenced by interpersonal and collective violence to describe her experiences and that of other victims as they journey in isolation and silence as the perpetrators of the genocide lurk around their protector’s residence. The writer exposes the dangers of socio-political violence. This prose narrative helps to unburden the writer’s pains while helping others to have a grasp of the challenges Rwandans faced during the genocide. This study establishes the dangers of bad governance, the harsh realities of war and the intertwined relationship between violence and trauma.
Outcome of High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) Scan of Chest of COVID-19 Affected Patients: A Study in a COVID-19 Dedicated Hospital
Authors: Ahamed Marzuk , Sikder Mohammad , Rahman Mohammad , Sumon Sohel , Rahman Mohammad , Akanda Abdur , Abedin Mohammad
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Recent studies have assessed the importance of chest CT scans, particularly high-resolution CT (HRCT), in hospitalized COVID-19 patients who are suspected of having the virus or have had false negative test results. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) of chest of confirmed COVID-19 positive cases. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional prospective study carried out in the department of Radiology and imaging in collaboration with the department of Virology and COVID unit in IbnSina Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh during January, 2022 to June, 2022. A total of 300 confirmed COVID-19 positive admitted cases in the hospital, aged above 18 years were enrolled in this study. All the patients were under went High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) of Chest scan. The collected data were cleaned, edited and entered into computer for analysis. The data were analyzed by SPSS-23.0. The ethical clearance of this study was obtained from the Ethics Committee of School of Public Health & Life Science, University of South Asia, and Dhaka, Bangladesh. Results: In this study a total of 300 COVID-19 positive cases were enrolled. Among the patients, the majority203 (67.66%) patients belonged to the age group >52 years, which was the highest and followed by 44 (14.66%) age group (43-52) years, 36 (12%) (33-42) years, 14 (4.66%) (22-32) years and 3 (1%) <22 years. According to sex distribution, the majority cases 160 (53.33%) were male and 140 (46.66%) were female. According to the distribution of clinical presentation, the highest symptom was observed, general weakness 300 (100%) and followed by sneezing 288 (96%), fever 246 (82%), headache 239 (79.66%), cough 232 (77.33%), respiratory distress, 225 (75%), cough and SOB, 220 (73.33%), loss of smell, 222 (74%), lac of apatite, 216 (72%), asthma 130 (43.33) and pneumonia, 120 (40%). According to the distribution of HRCT findings of chest of the COVID-19 positive cases, 163 (54.33%) had Ground glass opacity, which was the largest observation and followed by 66 (22%), Ground glass opacity with pneumonia, 34 (11.33%) Ground glass opacity with consolidation, 31 (10.33) Ground glass opacity with fibrosis, and 6 (2%) Ground glass opacity with pleural effusion. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that doing a high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan of the chest is a valuable method for diagnosing and assessing the response to treatment in COVID-19 patients. Additionally, it serves as a significant predictor for future prognosis.