bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategi Pengembangan Wisata Silangit-Langit dalam Peningkatan Pendapatan Masyarakat di Desa Singgersing Kota Subulussalam
Authors: Nura Ainun , Lisa Iryani  , Ritongga Nursakinah , Ameliany Nanda
Published: September 2024

his research aims to determine the government's strategy in developing the Lintasit-langit waterfall tourist attraction in the city of Subulussalam and to determine the increase in income felt by the community and the government, regarding the development of the Lintasit-langit waterfall tourist attraction in the city of Subulussalam. The problems faced by the government in developing tourism, such as road transportation to tourists only using water transportation, are the weaknesses of the Silangit-langit waterfall tourism. This makes researchers want to research the Silagit-Labgit waterfall tourism, about the government's strategy in developing the Lintasit-langit natural tourism and what opportunities there are for increasing people's income. The type of research used is descriptive qualitative, namely an analysis used to describe or solve problems systematically using the SWOT analysis method, namely the analysis is intended to see the extent to which the government's strategy is implemented in developing tourist attractions and increasing community income based on strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. , and threats. From the results obtained by researchers in this study regarding the strategy using SWOT analysis carried out by the youth, sports and tourism services in developing the Silangit-langit waterfall tourism, namely, promoting tourism by creating social media about Subulussalam city tourism and providing the necessary supporting facilities. to develop tourism at the Silangit-langit waterfall. Thanks to the development of waterfall tourism, income has increased for the people of Subulussalam City
Optimasi Kinerja Routing Dinamis Menggunakan Algoritma Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) dalam Topologi Mesh pada Jaringan LAN
Authors: Yulfiana  , Parenreng Jumadi M. , Kaswar Andi Baso
Published: September 2024

Aktivitas pertukaran data yang semakin padat sehingga menyebabkan overhead yang sulit dikendalikan, memberikan dampak negatif terhadap efisiensi dan kinerja keseluruhan jaringan dan meningkatkan resiko downtime. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membandingkan kinerja routing dinamis menggunakan Open Shoretst Path First (OSPF) dan penggunaan OSPF-MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching). Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian eksperimental. Perancangan yang dilakukan pada penelitian ini berhasil dilakukan, baik Open Shoretst Path First (OSPF) maupun OSPF-MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) mampu mengelola lalu lintas jaringan secara efektif. Pengujian Open Shoretst Path First (OSPF) dilakukan dengan parameter Quality of services (QOS), menunjukkan performa yang sangat bagus dengan delay rata-rata 0.005 ms, packet loss 0%, jitter 0.0911 ms dan throughput 1651 kbps kategori bagus, menandakan bahwa metode Open Shoretst Path First (OSPF) berjalan dengan baik. Sedangkan OSPF-MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) menunjukkan juga hasil yang sangat bagus dengan delay rata-rata 0.005 ms, packet loss 0%, jitter 0.852 ms, dan throughput 1721 kbps katgeori bagus, menunjukkan bahwa paket data dikirim dengan lebih konsisten dan stabil. Berdasarkan hal tersebut diketahui bahwa semua metode keduanya baik digunakan. Namun, OSPF-MPLS (Multi Protocol Label Switching) lebih optimal dibandingkan dengan Open Shoretst Path First (OSPF) yang dapat dilihat pada salah-satu hasil pengujian parameter yang digunakan seperti nilai throughput dan jitter, dengan menggabungkan Open Shoretst Path First (OSPF) dan Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) jaringan dapat dioptimalkan dengan lebih baik dalam hal skalabilitas, traffic engineering, mengoptimalkan performa, dan menangani permasalahan yang umumnya muncul pada lalu lintas Jaringan.
Türkiye’deki Ekonomik Büyüme Üzerine Gecikmesi Dağıtılmış Otoregresif Sınır Testi Yaklaşımı
Authors: Geçgel Karagöl Sinem , Aşıkgil Barış
Published: September 2024

Bu çalışmanın amacı, Türkiye’de 1960-2014 dönemleri arasında, ekonomik büyüme, elektrik tüketimi ve enflasyon arasındaki ilişkinin kısa ve uzun dönemdeki etkilerinin araştırılmasıdır. Genişletilmiş Dickey-Fuller (ADF) ve Phillips-Perron (PP) birim kök testlerinden faydalanılarak değişkenlerin birinci düzeyde durağan oldukları tespit edilmiştir. Böylece değişkenler üzerinde uzun dönem ilişkinin belirlenmesi için Pesaran vd. (2001) tarafından geliştirilen Gecikmesi Dağıtılmış Otoregresif (ARDL) Model yaklaşımı yapılmıştır. Uzun dönemde ARDL sınır testi katsayılarının incelenmesinden sonra kısa dönem dinamiklerine ilişkin hata düzeltme modeline (HDM) bakılarak katsayılar üzerinden yorum yapılmıştır. Model üzerinde yapısal kırılma olup olmadığını araştırmak için CUSUM ve CUSUM Kare testleri kullanılmış ve modelde yapısal kırılma olmadığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Bunun yanında, hata terimiyle ilgili varsayımların sağlanıp sağlanmadığı incelenmiştir. ARDL sınır testi yaklaşımı ile uzun dönemde Türkiye’deki enflasyon ve elektrik tüketiminin ekonomik büyümeyi olumlu veya olumsuz etkileyeceği üzerinde durulmuştur.
Anti-diabetes and anti-breast cancer of bioactive compounds-enriched fractions isolated from hemp (Cannabis sativa L. subsp.)
Authors: Damsud Thanakorn , Pothipongsa Apiradee , Saenjum Chalermpong , Sichaem Jirapast
Published: September 2024

Diabetes and breast cancer are connected via the presence of hyperinsulinemia, inflammation caused by obesity, and changes in sex hormones. The present study investigated the ability of enriched fractions isolated from hemp (Cannabis sativa L. subsp.) to inhibit α-glucosidase and exhibit cytotoxic effects on Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) and MD Anderson-metastatic breast-231 (MDA-MB-231) cells. The enriched fractions were found to include tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids. The phytochemical compositions of the extracts were evaluated for their correlation with α-glucosidase inhibitory activities and their effects on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. In the α-glucosidase inhibition studies, the α-glucosidase inhibitory activities (maltase and sucrase) of CL3 exhibited a greater inhibitory impact when compared with acarbose, with IC50 values of 3.36 ± 0.90 and 2.15 ± 0.17 mg/ml, respectively, with statistical significance (p < 0.05). The corresponding IC50 values were 2.15 ± 0.17 and 0.40 ± 0.09 mg/ml. According to a kinetic examination, intestinal maltase and sucrase were inhibited by CL3 in uncompetitive and noncompetitive manners. Cell viability assays after 24 hours of treatment of the cancer cells with enriched fractions using MTT were observed. Cancer cell proliferation was effectively inhibited by the enriched fraction at concentrations of 100–200 ppm, with statistical significance at the confidence level of p < 0.05. In addition, the results show that the high doses of CR5, CR6, CS7, and CS8 induced apoptosis. Our findings indicate that hemp has both anti-diabetic and anti-cancer capabilities, which might pave the way for future advancements in drug research.
Expiration day effects of stock and index futures on the Warsaw Stock Exchange before and in the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Suliga Milena
Published: September 2024

This paper examines the existence of expiration day effects of stock and index derivatives on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. Event study analysis is employed to high-frequency data to check the occurrence of four types of anomalies: abnormal increase in trading volume and in intraday volatility of underlying stocks, price reversal and price shock. The study confirms that on expiration days trading volume of underlying stocks increase unusually during the time when final settlement prices of expiring futures are being calculated. Intraday volatility of stock prices is also abnormally high on expiration days. However, before 2020 this price effect occurred on expiration days during triple withing hour, while in the initial phase of COVID-19 pandemic it has been visible on expiration days only at the close and additionally at the beginning of the next trading session. The analysis of price reversal and price shock effects revealed that only the second anomaly is a phenomenon which constantly appears after futures expiration, indicating the distortion of stock prices on expiration days and their return to normal levels at the beginning of the next trading session. Division of the research period (2018-2020) into two parts allow to find out that after the outbreak of the pandemic, when the importance of hedgers’ activity on the futures market have increased, some of the analyzed anomalies have weakened and their duration have been shortened. However, distortions of underlying stock prices have been still visible at the close of the trading session on expiration days. This suggests that as long as the final settlement prices of stock future are equal to closing prices of underlying stocks, expiration day effects will occur on the WSE.
The impact of markups and wages on changes in the level of inflation in Poland
Authors: Kosztowniak Aneta
Published: September 2024

This paper analysis of the impact of markups and wages of enterprises on changes in the level of inflation in Poland in the years 2007-2022. the impact of markups and wages on changes in CPI were assessed using the VECM model, the impulse responses, and the variance decomposition. The results indicate that industrial sector, including the mining and quarrying section, showed the highest dynamics of changes in markups and wages. In the years 2005–2022, the impact of markups on changes in CPI was stronger, although it was losing importance, with a weaker but growing impact of wages. Forecasts of the degree of clarification of the CPI in Poland indicate a greater importance of markups, with the impact of wages weaker by half, but growing over time. The paper extends the state of theoretical and empirical studies on the determinants of the CPI and the inflation expectations. It also considers the context of persistent exogenous and endogenous shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, and changes in demand and supply impulses. The results of this study may be valuable as a contribution to the literature on inflation and its forecasts, and for monetary policy makers.
Integration of ATAC and RNA-sequencing identifies chromatin and transcriptomic signatures in classical and non-classical zebrafish osteoblasts and indicates mechanisms of entpd5a regulation
Authors: Petratou Kleio , Stehling Martin , Müller Ferenc , Schulte-Merker Stefan
Published: September 2024

Two types of osteoblasts are required to assemble the zebrafish embryonic skeleton: classical osteoblasts homologous to the mammalian cell, and notochord sheath cells, which serve as non-classical osteoblasts. The gene
entpd5a
is critically required for ossification via both types of osteoblasts. Despite the indispensability of zebrafish models in vertebrate research, the genetic regulation of bone formation, as well as mechanisms of transcriptional control of
entpd5a
, remain largely unknown. Here, using a newly generated transgenic line, we isolate classical and non-classical osteoblasts from zebrafish embryos and performed both ATAC-seq and RNA-seq. We analysed results independently and integratively to understand those chromatin dynamics and accompanying transcriptomic changes that occur in different skeletal cell types. We show that although Dlx family factors are playing important roles in classical osteoblast regulation, Hox family factors are involved in governing spinal ossification via non-classical osteoblasts. We further present a resource-driven analysis of the
entpd5a
promoter, experimentally validating the ATAC-seq dataset and proposing mechanisms of regulating the complex
entpd5a
expression pattern during zebrafish osteogenesis. Our results thus provide a necessary comprehensive resource for the field of bone development and indicate spatio-temporally regulated promoter/enhancer interactions taking place in the
entpd5a
locus.
BCAS2 promotes primitive hematopoiesis by sequestering β-catenin within the nucleus
Authors: Ning Guozhu , Lin Yu , Ma Haixia , Zhang Jiaqi , Yang Liping , Liu Zhengyu , Li Lei , He Xinyu , Wang Qiang
Published: September 2024

Breast carcinoma amplified sequence 2 (BCAS2), a core component of the hPrP19 complex, plays an important role in RNA-splicing and DNA damage. However, whether BCAS2 has other functions within the nucleus remains largely unknown. Here, we show that BCAS2 is essential for primitive hematopoiesis in zebrafish and mouse embryos. The activation of Wnt/β-catenin signal, which is required for hematopoietic progenitor differentiation, is significantly decreased upon depletion of bcas2 in zebrafish embryos and mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Interestingly, haploinsufficiency of bcas2 has no obvious impact on the splicing efficiency of β-catenin pre-mRNA, while significantly attenuating β-catenin nuclear accumulation. Moreover, we find that BCAS2 directly binds to β-catenin via its coiled-coil domains, thereby sequestering β-catenin within the nucleus. Thus, our results uncover a previously unknown function of BCAS2 in promoting Wnt signaling by enhancing β-catenin nuclear retention during primitive hematopoiesis.
Cryo-electron tomography reveals the microtubule-bound form of inactive LRRK2
Authors: Chen Siyu , Basiashvili Tamar , Hutchings Joshua , Sanz Murillo Marta , Villagran Suarez Amalia , Alegrio Louro Jaime , Leschziner Andres E , Villa Elizabeth
Published: September 2024

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. Mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), a multi-domain protein containing both a kinase and a GTPase, are a leading cause of the familial form of PD. Pathogenic LRRK2 mutations increase LRRK2 kinase activity. While the bulk of LRRK2 is found in the cytosol, the protein associates with membranes where its Rab GTPase substrates are found, and under certain conditions, with microtubules. Integrative structural studies using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and
in situ
cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) have revealed the architecture of microtubule-associated LRRK2 filaments, and that formation of these filaments requires LRRK2’s kinase to be in the active-like conformation. However, whether LRRK2 can interact with and form filaments on microtubules in its autoinhibited state, where the kinase domain is in the inactive conformation and the N-terminal LRR domain covers the kinase active site, was not known. Using cryo-ET, we show that full-length LRRK2 can oligomerize on microtubules in its autoinhibited state. Both WT-LRRK2 and PD-linked LRRK2 mutants formed filaments on microtubules. While these filaments are stabilized by the same interfaces seen in the active-LRRK2 filaments, we observed a new interface involving the N-terminal repeats that were disordered in the active-LRRK2 filaments. The helical parameters of the autoinhibited-LRRK2 filaments are different from those reported for the active-LRRK2 filaments. Finally, the autoinhibited-LRRK2 filaments are shorter and less regular, suggesting they are less stable.
Coordinated regulation of chemotaxis and resistance to copper by CsoR in Pseudomonas putida
Authors: He Meina , Tao Yongxin , Mu Kexin , Feng Haoqi , Fan Ying , Liu Tong , Huang Qiaoyun , Xiao Yujie , Chen Wenli
Published: September 2024

Copper is an essential enzyme cofactor in bacteria, but excess copper is highly toxic. Bacteria can cope with copper stress by increasing copper resistance and initiating chemorepellent response. However, it remains unclear how bacteria coordinate chemotaxis and resistance to copper. By screening proteins that interacted with the chemotaxis kinase CheA, we identified a copper-binding repressor CsoR that interacted with CheA in
Pseudomonas putida
. CsoR interacted with the HPT (P1), Dimer (P3), and HATPase_c (P4) domains of CheA and inhibited CheA autophosphorylation, resulting in decreased chemotaxis. The copper-binding of CsoR weakened its interaction with CheA, which relieved the inhibition of chemotaxis by CsoR. In addition, CsoR bound to the promoter of copper-resistance genes to inhibit gene expression, and copper-binding released CsoR from the promoter, leading to increased gene expression and copper resistance.
P. putida
cells exhibited a chemorepellent response to copper in a CheA-dependent manner, and CsoR inhibited the chemorepellent response to copper. Besides, the CheA-CsoR interaction also existed in proteins from several other bacterial species. Our results revealed a mechanism by which bacteria coordinately regulated chemotaxis and resistance to copper by CsoR.
Bio-Rollup: a new privacy protection solution for biometrics based on two-layer scalability-focused blockchain
Authors: Yun Jian , Lu Yusheng , Liu Xinyang , Guan Jingdan
Published: September 2024

The increased use of artificial intelligence generated content (AIGC) among vast user populations has heightened the risk of private data leaks. Effective auditing and regulation remain challenging, further compounding the risks associated with the leaks involving model parameters and user data. Blockchain technology, renowned for its decentralized consensus mechanism and tamper-resistant properties, is emerging as an ideal tool for documenting, auditing, and analyzing the behaviors of all stakeholders in machine learning as a service (MLaaS). This study centers on biometric recognition systems, addressing pressing privacy and security concerns through innovative endeavors. We conducted experiments to analyze six distinct deep neural networks, leveraging a dataset quality metric grounded in the query output space to quantify the value of the transfer datasets. This analysis revealed the impact of imbalanced datasets on training accuracy, thereby bolstering the system’s capacity to detect model data thefts. Furthermore, we designed and implemented a novel Bio-Rollup scheme, seamlessly integrating technologies such as certificate authority, blockchain layer two scaling, and zero-knowledge proofs. This innovative scheme facilitates lightweight auditing through Merkle proofs, enhancing efficiency while minimizing blockchain storage requirements. Compared to the baseline approach, Bio-Rollup restores the integrity of the biometric system and simplifies deployment procedures. It effectively prevents unauthorized use through certificate authorization and zero-knowledge proofs, thus safeguarding user privacy and offering a passive defense against model stealing attacks.
Estrategia de gestión del cambio y plan de comunicación integral para educación contínua del Departamento de Ciencias de la Computación de la Universidad de Chile
Authors:   , Avilés Velasco Miguel Ignacio
Published: September 2024

Este proyecto de grado del Departamento de Ciencias de la Computación (DCC) de la Universidad de Chile se centra en desarrollar una Estrategia de Gestión del Cambio y un Plan de Comunicación Integral para fortalecer la Educación Continua (E.C.) en la institución. Los lineamientos estratégicos del proyecto son:Promover una comprensión compartida del Modelo de Desarrollo Educativo de E.C. en el DCC, destacando su importancia para la institución, e integrando una Red Alumni activa que apoye y potencie este modelo educativo.Aumentar la valoración de la E.C. y de los programas que ofrece dentro del DCC, mejorando la percepción y el reconocimiento de su valor en el desarrollo profesional continuo.Fomentar la colaboración y comunicación directa con stakeholders críticos, como las áreas de Comunicaciones del DCC y EPEC, para establecer relaciones beneficiosas y efectivas.El plan de acción específico del proyecto incluye la implementación de un proceso de gestión del cambio que integre activamente a la red de exalumnos (Alumni) del DCC, fortaleciendo así el compromiso y la participación en las iniciativas de educación continua. Este proyecto no solo busca optimizar la oferta educativa, sino también consolidar una red de colaboración y apoyo mutuo que beneficie a estudiantes, egresados, y la comunidad académica en general.
Entanglement phenomena in one-dimensional Quantum Walks
Authors:   , Rodríguez Vidal Sofía Catalina
Published: September 2024

The present work focuses on understanding entanglement in quantum walks. In particular, we analyse this property on a specific one-dimensional quantum walk model, the discrete-time quantum walk. For this, we address entanglement through a measure called quantum negativity. We highlight the relevance of entanglement and quantum walks in quantum information and computation, including a description of quantum information theory. Then, we show the results of an original simulation for negativity in quantum walks, and draw conclusions regarding the behaviour of negativity under a quantum walk evolution for several configurations. Lastly, we address mathematical aspects of these observations and provide formal proofs for some of the numerical re- sults. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this work, we aim to provide an insight of the behaviour of entanglement in quantum walks and the relevance of this property from a quantum information perspective, as well as shedding a light on the utility of the model and the flexible formalism it provides for testing this property and others.
Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Human Health: A Review
Authors: Sethuraman Vishnupriya , K.T. Hafeef Roshan , Shalini  , Niharika M. , Sampath V. , Rajeshwar J. R. , Lallawmkimi Michelle C.
Published: September 2024

Probiotics and prebiotics are essential components in maintaining and enhancing human health, primarily through their beneficial effects on gut microbiota. Probiotics, which are live microorganisms, and prebiotics, which are non-digestible food components, work synergistically to improve digestive health, enhance immune function, and support metabolic health. The historical evolution of probiotics and prebiotics has demonstrated their wide-ranging health benefits, from preventing gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to managing metabolic disorders like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Clinical applications highlight their role in reducing antibiotic-associated diarrhea, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and mitigating symptoms of allergies and autoimmune diseases. However, the field faces significant challenges, including the need for standardization and quality control, addressing individual variability in response, and ensuring safety and efficacy. The lack of uniform regulatory oversight further complicates the assurance of product reliability and effectiveness. Despite these challenges, emerging trends and innovations, such as next-generation probiotics and prebiotics, personalized nutrition based on microbiome profiles, and advances in biotechnology and bioinformatics, offer promising solutions. These advancements are poised to enhance the specificity and effectiveness of probiotic and prebiotic interventions. For example, genetically engineered probiotics and novel prebiotics derived from non-traditional sources are being explored for their unique health benefits. Personalized approaches can optimize dietary recommendations and supplement formulations based on individual gut microbiome compositions. Future research directions should focus on mechanistic studies to elucidate the specific pathways through which probiotics and prebiotics exert their effects, conducting robust and diverse clinical trials, and developing new strains and compounds from diverse sources. Regulatory frameworks need to be established to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of these products. By addressing these challenges and leveraging innovative approaches, probiotics and prebiotics can be optimized to provide personalized and effective health solutions, significantly impacting public health. Integrating these functional foods into daily dietary practices holds the potential for a new era of preventive and therapeutic nutrition, enhancing overall health and well-being.
Yield Gap Analysis and Impact Assessment of Frontline Demonstrations on Green Gram in Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Chaturvedi Abhimanyu , Chaturvedi S.K. , Mishra TS , Sharma Neha
Published: September 2024

The Krishi Vigyan Kendra Tirap, Arunachal Pradesh, India conducted frontline demonstrations (FLD) on green gram at 30 ha area of farmers’ field to exhibit latest production technologies and compared it with farmer’s practice during Kharif season of 2022. The study in total 75 frontline demonstrations were conducted on farmers’ fields in villages viz., Deomali, Namsang, Soha, Makat, Paniduria, Sipini and Chomoithung of Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh state during 2022-23 to demonstrate production potential and economic benefit of improved technologies. The FLD recorded a average yield of 640 kg/ha which was 20.75% higher than obtained with farmers’ practice (530 kg/ha). The better mean net income of Rs. 17500/ha with a Benefit: Cost ratio of 1.76 was obtained with FLD in comparison to farmers’ practices (Rs. 10300/ha). The farmers’ should be encouraged to adopt the recommended package of practices realizing for higher returns.
Winkler Titration Assessment of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5) in Oka Creek, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State
Authors: Bennett Victoria , MarkManuel Douye Parkinson
Published: September 2024

Aim: The aim of study was to investigate the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels in water samples from the Oka Creek.
Study Design: Qualitative study design.
Place and Duration of Study: Water samples were collected from the Oka Creek, located in Toru-Orua in Sagbama Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The study lasted for twenty days.
Methods: Water samples were collected from four different locations and depths in the Oka Creek, Toru-Orua, Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria, at various times. Each sample was transferred into 250 ml bottles labeled L1, L2, L3, and L4. The temperatures of the samples were recorded before transporting them to the chemistry laboratory for treatment.  Winkler titration method was employed in analyzing the samples.
Results: Location L1 recorded the highest BOD value, 28.38 ppm, measured at sunset (25 °C), from a relatively stagnant region. The high BOD at this location is attributed to minimal photosynthetic activity and significant oxygen consumption by microorganisms. In contrast, L2, collected from the same region at 35 °C during peak sunlight, exhibited a BOD value of 21.76 ppm. The lower BOD at L2 is due to increased photosynthetic activity. These high values suggest significant sludge deposits, domestic sewage and agricultural runoffs, which could lead to oxygen depletion and negatively impact aquatic life. Sample L3, taken from a deeper, stagnant region at sunset (25 °C), recorded a BOD value of 4.50 ppm. This moderate BOD level suggests the presence of moderate sludge deposits and agricultural runoff, but higher water flow speed helped mitigate these effects. Location L4, with the lowest BOD value of 3.74 ppm, was collected during peak sunlight (35 °C). Deeper location and high water flow speed contributed to reduced BOD levels, indicating better water quality and a healthier aquatic environment.
Conclusion: The BOD values at L1 and L2 (28.38 ppm and 21.76 ppm) exceed acceptable limits for fish growth. Conversely, BOD values at L3 and L4 (4.50 ppm and 3.74 ppm) fall within acceptable limits, suggesting healthier aquatic environment, as evidenced by the yearly bountiful fish harvests in these sections of the Oka Creek.
Modelling and Assessment of Flood Vulnerability of Settlements in Owerri West L.G.A in Imo State, Nigeria Using Remote Sensing and GIS
Authors: U. E Ahuchaogu , U.U Duru , G.O Ikwuemesi , A.C Okoroji , Ugwu.O  , I.G Uwandu
Published: September 2024

Mitigation of impact of flooding is successful only when detailed knowledge of vulnerability of people and facilities to flooding is available. Therefore, in this study, attempt has been made to demarcate the study area into different levels of flood vulnerability potential zones using remote sensing and Geographic information system (GIS). It identified spatial variations in flood vulnerability potential levels with a view of fostering the best approach for flood management. Software used include ArcGIS10.3, ERDAS Imagine and supher11. Data used include ASTER DEM of 30m resolution, LANDSAT imagery of resolution 30m, administrative map of the study area, GPS point locations of communities within the study area and population statistics of the study area. These datasets were populated in GIS window and flood causative factors such as slopes, elevation, land use, proximity to the river, population density, and flow accumulation were extracted and integrated to demarcate the study area into levels of vulnerability potentials and determine communities and population in different vulnerability categories. The study revealed that 15.729 (5.22%) square kilometers, 232.575 (76.97%) square kilometers, 53.747 (17.79%), square kilometers, and 0.093 (0.03%) square kilometers of the study area are under high vulnerability, moderate vulnerability, low vulnerability. and very low vulnerability potentials respectively. It further revealed that approximately, 7361, 108843, 25153 and 44 number of persons within the study area are respectively residing within these vulnerability zones.
Culture Feasibility, Domestication and Breeding Potentiality of Penaeus indicus in the Southwest Region of Bangladesh
Authors: Siddiky M.N.S Mamun , Islam H M Rakibul , Haque Md. Iqramul , Nima Akhery , Islam Md. Rakibul , Begum Mst. Aziza , Talukdar Anik , Begum Nasima
Published: September 2024

A preliminary observation was conducted on the culture potentiality, domestication at different stocking density and breeding competency of Chaka chingri (Penaeus indicus) in southwest region of Bangladesh from February to May in 2020 on Shrimp Research Station, Bagerhat for 120 days. There were three treatments with three replication of each where stocking density varied. Among the treatments, T3 (200 nos./dec) was found more suitable with higher growth than T2 (300 nos./dec) and T1 (400 nos./dec). In regular samples of wild Chaka taken from the regions of Bagerhat, Satkhira, and Khulna, histological investigation revealed that no oocyte was discovered during the reproductive period. The explanations for why the right big shrimp could not be located. Since P. indicus needs more salinity and profundity for the growth of gonadal tissue, the ecological conditions were similarly unfavorable. In this instance, the areas that have greater salinities and shrimp of a reasonable size ought to be chosen for a breeding program. After analysis, the approximate composition of P. indicus's flesh and shell was discovered to be below average. It's because P. indicus experiences prolonged stress and an adverse body condition due to reduced salinity, which has a significant impact on feeding and growth rates along with the rate at which dietary protein is converted to meat protein. Consequently, the current study suggests carrying out a breeding program and preserving the ideal natural conditions for Chaka chingri adaptation.
Phase Transfer Catalysis: New Technology to Boost Organic Farming
Authors: Hegde Narayan G.
Published: September 2024

Introduction of Phase Transfer Catalysis (PTC) technology, which was developed in the 1970s has revolutionised the dyes and pharmaceutical industries in many ways. PTC is a process that facilitates the organic compounds to move from one phase to another phase, without any change in the chemical qualities. Application of this technology was explored in the 1980s for agriculture, by using different plant extracts as PT catalysts. The objective was to facilitate increased absorption of nutrients by plants, by stimulating plant growth and easy availability of nutrients in the soil. Introduction of nano-carbon materials with nutrients and herbal growth stimulants could further support the crop growth by facilitating increased uptake of nutrients, apart from enabling the plants to develop resilience to harsh environmental conditions, resulting in higher crop yields. Some organic bio-stimulants developed recently by Snehasrusthi Group in India have been very successful in improving the growth, yield and quality of several seasonal and perennial crops in India. These bio-stimulants have excellent potential to boost organic agricultural production and income of farmers in the future.
Investigating the Protective Effects of Ascorbic Acid Against Paracetamol-induced Liver Toxicity in Wistar Rats
Authors: O. A. Udi, , A. Moronkeji, , I. C. Nwaokoro, , O. O. Ekakite, , G. O. Okoro, , O. M. Oshojobi,
Published: September 2024

Paracetamol is one of the most widely used analgesics and antipyretics but can cause severe liver damage at high doses. This study explores the potential protective effects of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats. For this experimental study, 25 mature male Wistar rats, weighing 140–180g, were divided into five groups: Group 1 stands for the Normal Control. Group 2 received 25 mg of PCM for 21 days, whereas Group 3 received 500 mg of ascorbic acid. Furthermore, after PCM was given, rats in groups 4 and 5 were given 500 mg and 1000 mg of ascorbic acid, respectively. Following PCM and Ascorbic acid treatment, biochemical parameters and histoarchitectural studies were examined. Histopathological examination of liver tissue was performed to evaluate cellular architecture and damage. Results indicated that treatment with ascorbic acid significantly mitigated the elevation of liver enzymes and histopathological changes compared to the paracetamol-only group. In conclusion, the research underscores the potential role of ascorbic acid in safeguarding liver function.
Analysing Consequences of Aquaculture in Coastal Water Bodies of Ba Ria– Vung Tau, Vietnam on Sustainable Development Goals for Environmental Management
Authors: Sang Huynh Minh , Minh-Thu Phan
Published: September 2024

Aquaculture is vital for global food security and economic growth, particularly in coastal regions like Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Vietnam. This province has seen significant aquaculture growth, with production rising from 10,687 tons in 2010 to 20,486 tons in 2022. Key species farmed include brackish water shrimp, marine finfish, and mollusks, using methods such as cage culture, pond farming, and Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA). However, aquaculture poses environmental challenges, including conflicts over coastal space, waste management, and habitat degradation. Species like oysters and mussels help improve water quality and support balanced ecosystems, while marine finfish farming can cause nutrient overload and eutrophication. Sustainable practices like IMTA, waste management, and sustainable feed use are essential to mitigate these impacts. Aligning aquaculture with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), is crucial for sustainable coastal management. This requires robust regulations, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and the integration of scientific research into policy. By ensuring aquaculture practices support SDGs, Ba Ria – Vung Tau can enhance environmental stewardship, economic resilience, and the sustainable coexistence of human activities with marine ecosystems.
An Investigation into Building Functional Failures in Akure South Local Government, Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Abiola Monsur Opeyemi , Omoyajowo Michael Olamide , Afolabi Boluwatife Adesola , Joseph Oke Temidayo , Tochi Nkwocha Stephen , E Nkwocha Janet , Audu Blessing Akum
Published: September 2024

Functional failures and faults are regular occurrences in buildings and construction industries. The rate of building collapse in Nigeria has increased dramatically over the last decade and shows no signs of abating which has led to massive losses causing loss of physical properties, destruction of movable properties, injury, and loss of life. Beyond this, building collapse always has far-reaching economic, financial, psychological, and sociological implications. This study reported the causes of functional failures of buildings in Akure South Local Government Area, Nigeria. As a result, this study aimed to investigate the causes of functional failures in buildings and their impact on the quality and functionality of a building to build a theoretical framework that can help address the functional failures in buildings. The study utilized a questionnaire-based survey in the Akure South Local Government area. Data was collected from residents occupying the buildings. Information obtained includes the type of building and the current physical condition of the houses they live in, and 90 responses were collected and analyzed. The analysis identified six factors of functional failures in buildings investigated; damp 30%, cracks 50%, poor plumbing 45%, poor electrical wiring 35%, roofing defects 25% and Inadequate maintenance 70% and four causes of building failures; poor construction materials 32.7%, human errors 20.7%, natural disasters 12.4%, and a combination of the three factors 34.2%. Based on the findings, the results showed that the combination of the three factors was the most significant cause of building functional failures in the Akure South LGA, while natural disasters were the least significant cause. To mitigate the functional failures in buildings, it is important to enforce stringent regulations and standards by involving Governmental bodies (architectural Engineers and structural Engineers) to check building drawings and structural analysis report properly and correctly before design approvals, conduct regular inspections and internal audits, to help detect and rectify errors and maintaining standards throughout the construction process in order to enhance the quality, safety, and resilience of buildings, ensuring their functionality and longevity.
Relationship between optimal precursory disturbances and optimally growing initial errors associated with ENSO events: Implications to target observations for ENSO prediction
Authors: Hu Junya , Duan Wansuo
Published: March 2016

By superimposing initial sea temperature disturbances in neutral years, we determine the precursory disturbances that are most likely to evolve into El Niño and La Niña events using an Earth System Model. These precursory disturbances for El Niño and La Niña events are deemed optimal precursory disturbances because they are more likely to trigger strong ENSO events. Specifically, the optimal precursory disturbance for El Niño exhibits negative sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) in the central‐eastern equatorial Pacific. Additionally, the subsurface temperature component exhibits negative anomalies in the upper layers of the eastern equatorial Pacific and positive anomalies in the lower layers of the western equatorial Pacific. The optimal precursory disturbance for La Niña is almost opposite to that of El Niño. The optimal precursory disturbances show that both El Niño and La Niña originate from precursory signals in the subsurface layers of the western equatorial Pacific and in the surface layers of the eastern equatorial Pacific. We find that the optimal precursory disturbances for El Niño and La Niña are particularly similar to the optimally growing initial errors associated with El Niño prediction that have been presented in previous studies. The optimally growing initial errors show that the optimal precursor source areas represent the sensitive areas for target observations associated with ENSO prediction. Combining the optimal precursory disturbances and the optimally growing initial errors for ENSO, we infer that additional observations in these sensitive areas can reduce initial errors and be used to detect precursory signals, thereby improving ENSO predictions.
The role of heating, winds, and topography on sea level changes in the North Atlantic
Authors: Zhang Jinting , Kelly Kathryn A. , Thompson LuAnne
Published: March 2016

Seasonal and interannual‐to‐decadal variations of large‐scale altimetric sea surface height (SSH) owing to surface heating and wind forcing in the presence of topography are investigated using simplified models. The dominant forcing mechanisms are time scale dependent. On the seasonal time scale, locally forced thermosteric height explains most of the SSH variance north of 18°N. First‐mode linear long baroclinic Rossby waves forced by changes in the winds and eastern boundary conditions explain most of the variance between 10°N and 15°N and are also important east of Greenland. On interannual‐to‐decadal time scales, local thermosteric height remains important at several locations in the middle and high latitudes. A topographic Sverdrup response explains interannual‐to‐decadal SSH between 53°N and 63°N east of Greenland. Farther south, the linear Rossby wave model explains SSH variations on interannual‐to‐decadal time scales between 30°N and 50°N from mid‐basin to the eastern boundary. Propagation of the eastern boundary condition into the interior dominates the interannual‐to‐decadal SSH signals south of 30°N. The effect from NAO‐related heat flux on SSH is small, but forcing the topographic Sverdrup models with NAO‐regressed winds gives slightly better agreement with the observed SSH in the subpolar gyre on interannual‐to‐decadal time scales than using the full winds.
Dynamical connection between Great Plains low‐level winds and variability of central Gulf States precipitation
Authors: Pu Bing , Dickinson Robert E. , Fu Rong
Published: March 2016

The Great Plains low‐level jet has been related to summer precipitation over the northern Great Plains and Midwest through its moisture transport and convergence at the jet exit area. Much less studied has been its negative relationship with precipitation over the southern Great Plains and the Gulf coastal area. This work shows that the southerly low‐level winds at 30°–40°N over the southern Great Plains are significantly correlated with anticyclonic vorticity to its east over the central Gulf States (30°–35°N, 85°–95°W) from May to July. When the low‐level jet is strong in June and July, anomalous anticyclonic vorticity over the central Gulf States leads to divergence and consequent subsidence suppressing precipitation over that region. In contrast, an enhanced southerly flow at the entrance region of the jet over the Gulf of Mexico, largely uncorrelated with the meridional wind over the southern Great Plains, is correlated with increased precipitation over the central Gulf States. Precipitation is large over the central Gulf States when the meridional wind over the southern Great Plains is weakest and over the Gulf of Mexico is strongest. This increase is consistent with the increased moisture transport and dynamic balance between loss of vorticity by advection and friction and gain by convergence.
Characteristics of lightning, sprites, and human‐induced emissions observed by nadir‐viewing cameras on board the International Space Station
Authors: Farges Thomas , Blanc Elisabeth
Published: March 2016

The Lightning and Sprites Observation (LSO) experiment was designed to test a new concept of nadir‐viewing sprite measurement on board the International Space Station using spectral differentiation methods for lightning and sprite identification. It was composed of two calibrated cameras: one equipped with a narrowband filter at 763 nm to maximize the contrast between sprites and lightning, and the other to monitor lightning. The LSO was operated at night during 15 days from 2001 to 2004 during which 197 lightning flashes, several sprites, hundreds of gas flares, and tens of cities were analyzed. The main strength of this experiment was its high spatial resolution of about 400 m. The structural details of some lightning are thus observed highlighting complex systems. Some features such as the nonlinear increase of the lightning‐illuminated cloud top area with the peak radiance and the radial decrease of the lightning flash radiance were quantified. The median area is 129 km2 with median minor and major axes of 12 and 16 km. Two methods of sprite identification are presented and applied to the most intense sprite events observed by LSO. The sprite diameter is 5 km and it is shifted of about 22 km from the center of the parent lightning. A ratio of 1.7% is deduced for lightning flashes between the radiances measured by both cameras. These observations should be useful for the preparation or the analysis of future space missions dedicated to nadir‐viewing observations of sprites.
Orbitally paced phosphogenesis in Mediterranean shallow marine carbonates during the middle Miocene Monterey event
Authors: Auer Gerald , Hauzenberger Christoph A. , Reuter Markus , Piller Werner E.
Published: March 2016

During the Oligo‐Miocene, major phases of phosphogenesis occurred in the Earth's oceans. However, most phosphate deposits represent condensed or allochthonous hemipelagic deposits, formed by complex physical and chemical enrichment processes, limiting their applicability for the study regarding the temporal pacing of Miocene phosphogenesis. The Oligo‐Miocene Decontra section located on the Maiella Platform (central Apennines, Italy) is a widely continuous carbonate succession deposited in a mostly middle to outer neritic setting. Of particular interest are the well‐winnowed grain to packstones of the middle Miocene Bryozoan Limestone, where occurrences of authigenic phosphate grains coincide with the prominent carbon isotope excursion of the Monterey event. This unique setting allows the analysis of orbital forcing on phosphogenesis, within a bio, chemo, and cyclostratigraphically constrained age‐model. LA‐ICP‐MS analyses revealed a significant enrichment of uranium in the studied authigenic phosphates compared to the surrounding carbonates, allowing natural gamma‐radiation (GR) to be used as a qualitative proxy for autochthonous phosphate content. Time series analyses indicate a strong 405 kyr eccentricity forcing of GR in the Bryozoan Limestone. These results link maxima in the GR record and thus phosphate content to orbitally paced increases in the burial of organic carbon, particularly during the carbon isotope maxima of the Monterey event. Thus, phosphogenesis during the middle Miocene in the Mediterranean was controlled by the 405 kyr eccentricity and its influence on large‐scale paleoproductivity patterns. Rare earth element data were used as a tool to reconstruct the formation conditions of the investigated phosphates, indicating generally oxic formation conditions, which are consistent with microbially mediated phosphogenesis.
Ice nucleation activity of diesel soot particles at cirrus relevant temperature conditions: Effects of hydration, secondary organics coating, soot morphology, and coagulation
Authors: Kulkarni Gourihar , China Swarup , Liu Shang , Nandasiri Manjula , Sharma Noopur , Wilson Jacqueline , Aiken Allison C. , Chand Duli , Laskin Alexander , Mazzoleni Claudio , Pekour Mikhail , Shilling John , Shutthanandan Vaithiyalingam , Zelenyuk Alla , Zaveri Rahul A.
Published: March 2016

Ice formation by diesel soot particles was investigated at temperatures ranging from −40 to −50°C. Size‐selected soot particles were physically and chemically aged in an environmental chamber, and their ice nucleating properties were determined using a continuous flow diffusion type ice nucleation chamber. Bare (freshly formed), hydrated, and compacted soot particles, as well as α‐pinene secondary organic aerosol (SOA)‐coated soot particles at high relative humidity conditions, showed ice formation activity at subsaturation conditions with respect to water but below the homogeneous freezing threshold conditions. However, SOA‐coated soot particles at dry conditions were observed to freeze at homogeneous freezing threshold conditions. Overall, our results suggest that heterogeneous ice nucleation activity of freshly emitted diesel soot particles are sensitive to some of the aging processes that soot can undergo in the atmosphere.