bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Corrosion Inhibition of Aluminium in Acidic Environment Using Hibiscus sabdariffa Leaf Extracts
Authors: Okore Glory J , Okeke Pamela I , Ehirim Appolinus I , Ejiogu Blessing C , Okore Sunday , Amanze Kenneth O , Nleonu Emmanuel C
Published: February 2025

The study aimed at evaluating the potential of Hibiscus sabdariffa leaf extract (HSLE) to retard the corrosion of aluminum in 0.1 M and 1 M HCl. Weight loss measurements and potentiodynamic polarization techniques were employed for the study. The mechanism of corrosion was also determined using Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Ethanolic extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa leaves were obtained and used to prepare different concentrations ranging from 500 mg/L to 3000 mg/L and corrosion rate measurements were taken over time intervals of 24-120 hours for mild steel immersed in 0.1 M and 1 M HCl in the presence and absence of HSLE. The results showed that HSLE is a good inhibitor of aluminum corrosion under the studied conditions. Excellent inhibition efficiencies of 95.1 % and 96.2 % were obtained for 0.1 M and 1 M HCl respectively. The corrosion rate was retarded with an increase in concentration of HSLE and almost approached zero at 24 hours for 1 M HCl and at 96 and 120 hours for 0.1 M HCl. The mechanism of corrosion inhibition was physiosorption. Electrochemical result showed HSLE as a mixed-type inhibitor, retarding the corrosion potential and current density, and shifting the cathodic and anodic arms of the curve.
A New Epistemology of Intelligence: Rethinking Knowledge Through Noesiology
Authors: Moleka Pitshou
Published: February 2025

The evolving landscape of intelligence research necessitates a paradigm shift beyond conventional epistemological frameworks. Traditional cognitive models, rooted in reductionist perspectives, have struggled to encapsulate the complexity of intelligence, consciousness, and knowledge production in an increasingly interconnected world. This paper introduces noesiology, a transdisciplinary epistemological framework that integrates insights from cognitive science, artificial intelligence (AI), philosophy, neuroscience, and complexity theory to redefine intelligence as a multi-layered, dynamic, and emergent phenomenon.Noesiology, derived from the Greek noein (νοεῖν), meaning "to perceive by the intellect," and logos (λόγος), meaning "study" or "discourse," provides a novel perspective on knowledge by emphasizing embodiment, collective intelligence, transdisciplinary integration, and systems thinking. It critically evaluates the limitations of traditional epistemologies, including Cartesian dualism, Kantian transcendental idealism, and cognitive reductionism, arguing that intelligence is best understood as an emergent and systemic phenomenon that transcends anthropocentric biases.This study highlights the interconnections between natural, artificial, and collective intelligence, advocating for an epistemological framework that integrates ecological intelligence, indigenous knowledge systems, and the ethical implications of AI. Through a comprehensive literature review and empirical case studies, this paper demonstrates the applicability of Noesiology in education, AI development, social sciences, and ecological sustainability. It ultimately proposes a new model of intelligence—one that reflects the complexity, interconnectivity, and dynamic nature of knowledge production in the 21st century.The research concludes by discussing the practical implications of Noesiology for rethinking pedagogy, fostering ethical AI development, enhancing collective intelligence in governance, and promoting ecological sustainability. By advancing a transdisciplinary epistemology, this paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on intelligence, emphasizing the need for a holistic, integrative, and future-oriented approach to knowledge and cognition.
Adaptive Sparse Convolution with Background-Feature Fusion for Efficient Pest Detection
Authors: Meng Fei , Liu Honglin , Mao Qirong , Zhan Yongzhao
Published: February 2025

Fast and efficient pest detection in resource-constrained agricultural environments remains a critical yet challenging task, as most existing object detection methods prioritize accuracy over efficiency. This paper explores an optimization scheme for detection heads based on sparse convolution and proposes a novel adaptive sparse convolution network that effectively integrates background features. To enhance compact foreground representation, we introduce an adaptive multilayer mask-ratio strategy that dynamically extracts features at different scales. Additionally, an adaptive threshold segmentation method based on Otsu’s algorithm is developed to improve foreground feature segmentation accuracy. To further balance accuracy and efficiency, we propose a lightweight difference-guided feature fusion method, which enhances feature representation while reducing computational complexity. Experimental results on the IP102 public dataset demonstrate that the proposed module consistently improves performance across four base detectors, achieving a 0.6%–1.2% increase in mAP, a 26.7%–33.5% reduction in GFLOPs, and a 16.4%–30.2% improvement in FPS. Furthermore, while maintaining accuracy comparable to state-of-the-art methods, our approach significantly improves detection efficiency and speed, demonstrating strong potential for real-world agricultural applications.
Black Holes and Kullback-Leibler Divergence, Decomposing Path-Dependent Processes
Authors: Gauvin Shoshauna
Published: February 2025

This work develops an information geometric framework that unifies the principle of stationary action with the minimization of Kullback-Leibler divergence in stochastic systems to probe the shortcomings of General Relativity. By reformulating path probabilities using maximum entropy methods, we decompose complex, path-dependent distributions into symmetric sub-components, thereby isolating error terms that correspond to missing dynamics in black hole mechanics. Analytical and computational analyses reveal that an entropy-maximizing state ΔDKL=0 signifies an ideal match between theory and observation, while deviations expose hidden mechanisms underlying curvature evolution. Extending the approach with Fisher Information Geometry and Ricci flow, we derive a novel relation, γ(T·ds/dE)=dθ/dτ, which links thermodynamic quantities with spacetime expansion dynamics. This connection offers fresh insights into phenomena such as black hole evaporation and event-horizon viscosity. Our findings underscore the necessity of incorporating path-dependence into gravitational models, providing a possible avenue for reconciling classical and quantum descriptions of spacetime evolution.
Special Issue on Soft Mechanisms and Soft Elements
Authors: Sasaki Daisuke ,   Editorial Office, Nakamura Taro , Wakimoto Shuichi , Takaiwa Masahiro
Published: February 2025

Research on various types of soft robots has been conducted recently. Soft robots with flexible mechanisms are expected to contribute significantly to the development of robotics, not only in industrial applications but also in various other applications, such as those involving robot-human interactions. Flexible mechanisms cannot necessarily be realized using flexible materials alone; they can also be realized by adopting new approaches to conventional mechanisms. It is also desirable for sensors and other components to be flexible so that they do not reduce the flexibility of the mechanism. The development of these mechanisms and elemental technologies will lead to further development of soft robots.

This special issue will feature papers on the structures and applications of soft mechanisms and elements as well as on design and analysis methods and control techniques.
Multiple Power Laws and Scaling Relation in Exploratory Locomotion of the Snail Tegula nigerrima
Authors: Kagaya Katsushi ,   Editorial Office, Nakano Tomoyuki , Nakayama Ryo
Published: February 2025

One of the goals of soft robotics is to achieve spontaneous behaviors similar to real organisms. To gain insight into these behaviors, we examined the long (16-hour) spontaneous exploratory locomotion of Tegula nigerrima, an active foraging snail from an intertidal rocky shore. Specifically, we tested the critical brain hypothesis that the nervous system is inherently near a critical state that is self-organized to drive spontaneous animal behavior. The hypothesis was originally proposed for vertebrate species, but may also be applicable to other invertebrate species. We first investigated the power spectra of snail locomotion speed (N=39). The spectra exhibited 1/fα fluctuations, which are a signature of self-organized criticality. The α value was estimated to be approximately 0.9. We further examined whether the spatial and temporal quantities showed multiple power laws and scaling relations, which are rigorous criteria for criticality. Although these criteria were satisfied over a limited range and provided limited evidence of self-organization, multiple power laws and scaling relations were satisfied overall. These results support the generalizability of the critical brain hypothesis.
Control of Multiple McKibben Pneumatic Actuators Using Small Solenoid Valves and Dynamic Quantizer
Authors: Sugimoto Yasuhiro ,   Editorial Office, Naniwa Keisuke , Nakanishi Daisuke , Osuka Koichi
Published: February 2025

McKibben pneumatic actuators (MPAs) are soft actuators that exert tension by inflating a rubber tube with compressed air. Although electropneumatic regulators can control air pressure, their cost and size limit their applications. This study employs a dynamic quantizer to control an MPA using a small solenoid valve that can only open or close, as opposed to an electropneumatic regulator. A dynamic quantizer is a type of quantizer that converts continuous signals into discrete signals. Our previous study confirmed that the tension or length control of MPA can be achieved using a dynamic quantizer. As MPA exerts force only in the direction of contraction, multiple MPAs must be combined when using them as robot actuators. This study demonstrates that control using a dynamic quantizer is feasible, even when multiple MPAs are employed. We focused on a pendulum driven by two MPAs to achieve angle-tracking control using a dynamic-quantizer-based control method. The results of numerical simulations and experimental tests confirm that the angle of the pendulum can be controlled using MPAs with a dynamic quantizer.
Torsion as a Mechanism for Enhancing Torso Mobility by Increasing Instantaneous Torque Transfer Ratio
Authors: Nakamae Shunsuke ,   Editorial Office, Tanaka Takayuki , Murai Akihiko , Kusaka Takashi
Published: February 2025

This study analyzed upper torso rotation, which is crucial for improving pitch velocity and minimizing upper limb load during pitching. A simplified model was developed to facilitate the analysis which focused on torso torsion. In this model, the instantaneous torque transfer ratio and torso mobility were defined as key indices. We experimentally verified how these indices vary under three conditions: no torsion, static torsion, and dynamic torsion. The results demonstrate that torso mobility increases in conjunction with the instantaneous torque transfer ratio. Both static and dynamic torsion conditions resulted in higher instantaneous torque transfer ratios compared to the no-torsion condition. In static torsion, the maximum torso mobility was, on average, 26% greater than that observed under no torsion. In dynamic torsion, the maximum torso mobility was, on average, 69% greater than that observed under no torsion. These results indicate that torsion is effective in increasing both the instantaneous torque transfer ratio and torso mobility and that this effect is stronger in dynamic torsion. Therefore, torsion increased the angular velocity of the upper torso in response to torque input from the lower limb, potentially resulting in higher ball velocity and a reduction in upper limb strain. Additionally, the findings imply that the input required from the lower limbs to achieve a specified pitch velocity may be reduced. The simplified model and indices proposed in this study provide a foundation for designing exercise intervention techniques, evaluating athletic performance, and assessing injury risk related to torso rotation.
Strategi Penerimaan PBB Kota Jakarta Timur dan Kontribusinya Terhadap PBB DKI Jakarta
Authors: Khoirunnisa  , Jaya Tresno Eka , Hasanah Nuramalia
Published: February 2025

Pemungutan pajak di indonesia saat ini dipecah menjadi dua, yakni pajak pusat dan pajak daerah. Hal ini dilakukan untuk mencegah adanya pajak yang berat sebelah pada pemerintah pusat serta menyebabkan ketimpangan pada kekuatan pajak daerah. Penelitian ini berjutuan untuk mengetahui strategi yang dilakukan oleh BAPENDA dalam meningkatkan Pajak Bumi dan Bangunan Pedesaan dan Perkotaan (PBB-P2) serta kontribusinya terhadap penerimaan PBB-P2 di DKI Jakarta. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan yakni penelitian kualitatif deskriptif, dengan menggunakan data primer berupa wawancara secara langsung kepada petugas pajak BAPENDA DKI Jakarta sub bidang pendapatan 1 serta petugas pajak unit pelayanan pemungatan pajak daerah dan data sekunder. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan Tingkat kontribusi PBB-P2 untuk Kota Administrasi Jakarta Timur mengalami kenaikan yang fluktuatif dengan tingkat kenaikan penerimaan yang berbeda dan tidak beraturan.
The Role of Dee Lestari's Novel " Rapijali: Seeking, Becoming, Returning" in Increasing Reading Skills in the Digital Era
Authors: Cahyaning Choiril Indah , Riady Yasir
Published: February 2025

In the era of rapid technological development, maintaining interest in reading traditional literary works such as novels has become increasingly challenging. Despite the abundance of research on reading habits, studies examining how contemporary novels can sustain and enhance reading interest in the digital era remain limited. This research aims to explore the role of novels in fostering reading interest in the digital era, focusing on how literary elements can engage modern readers. This study employs a literature review method with a pragmatic approach, which examines literary works as tools for conveying specific messages or intentions to readers. The object of this research is Rapijali: Seeking, Becoming, Returning by Dee Lestari, a novel with the potential to stimulate reading interest across various age groups. Data were collected through intensive reading and note-taking techniques, followed by qualitative analysis to identify key themes and messages. The findings reveal that Rapijali conveys moral values such as hard work, mutual respect, and humility, subtly influencing readers' perspectives. Additionally, the novel’s accessible language, engaging storyline, and serialized format contribute to its appeal, making it an effective medium for promoting reading habits in the digital age. These results imply that well-crafted literary works can still play a significant role in cultivating a culture of reading, even amid technological distractions.
The Existence of CEFR Reception Competence of Communicative Language Activities in TikTok
Authors: Handayani Armitha , Santosa Imam
Published: February 2025

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) provides a standardized measure of language proficiency, guiding language learning and assessment globally. With the increasing use of digital media, videos have become an influential tool in language acquisition. TikTok, as a popular social media platform, offers engaging content that may support language learning. However, limited research has explored how TikTok videos align with CEFR communicative competence descriptors. This study aims to analyze the CEFR competence level of reception communicative activities in TikTok videos using the illustrative descriptor scale. Employing a qualitative approach, the research utilizes ATLAS.ti software to analyze 200 TikTok videos collected through the hashtag #learnenglish. The findings reveal that the most frequently occurring descriptor is overall oral comprehension, appearing in 62 videos, while the A1 level is the most represented, accounting for 25% (50 videos). These results suggest that TikTok videos predominantly cater to beginner-level learners. The study highlights the potential of TikTok as a supplementary language learning tool and provides insights for future research on optimizing digital platforms for CEFR-aligned language education.
Exploring the impact of globalization, economic complexity, urbanization, and real income on environmental degradation in E-7 countries
Authors: Şimşek Orhan , Güler İlkay , Özbek Sefa , Adalı Zafer , Naimoğlu Mustafa
Published: February 2025

Current society has been centered on the edge of calamity induced by environmental degradation. Providing comprehensive scientific evidence and designing reliable and accurate policies have been irreparable initiatives to mitigate and reverse the effects of environmental degradation and harmonize the economy with nature. Within this addressed objective, the study explores the impact of globalization, economic complexity, urbanization, and real income on CO2 emissions, the ecological footprint, and the load capacity factor in 7 Emerging countries (E-7). The study provides comprehensive evidence regarding environmental degradation and environmental quality by handling three environmental-related indicators. The second-generation panel methods involving Durbin–Hausman panel cointegration LM Panel Bootstrap Cointegration Test AMG and CCEMG estimators and Dumitrescu and Hurlin Panel Causality Test are performed on the data spanning from 1995 to 2020. According to the investigation, the explanatory variables are cointegrated with three dependent variables. The study proves that renewable energy and globalization are pivotal factors in lessening environmental degradation and enriching environmental quality. However, urbanization and economic growth impair the environment of E-7 countries, while economic complexity is found to be a statistically significant factor for all environmental-related variables.
WITHDRAWN: Favipiravir-induced bradycardia: A case report
Authors: Kashefizadeh Alireza , Ohadi Laya , Amiri Farbod , Abdolmaleki Maryam , Eslami Vahid , Fesharaki Mehrdad Jafari
Published: February 2025

19 February, 2025. Research Square has withdrawn this preprint as the content was [published in a journal](https://doi.org/10.1002/ccr3.9052) prior to preprinting.
Field evaluation of the Bioline Malaria Ag P.f/Pan Rapid Diagnostic Test: Causes of Microscopy Discordance and Performance in Uganda
Authors: Kabbale Kisakye Diana , Nsengimaana Bienvenu , Semakuba Francis D. , Kagurusi Brian A. , Mwubaha Caroline , Wiringilimaana Innocent , Katairo Thomas , Kiyaga Shahiid , Mbabazi Monica , Gonahasa Samuel , Kamya Moses R. , Tukwasibwe Stephen , Nsobya Sam L. , Asua Victor , Jjingo Daudi , Agaba Bosco , Maiteki-Sebuguzi Catherine , Opigo Jimmy , Hilton Kylie , Staedke Sarah G. , Dorsey Grant , Conrad Melissa D. , Greenhouse Bryan , Ssewanyana Isaac , Briggs Jessica
Published: February 2025

Background:
Histidine Rich Protein 2 (HRP2)/pan-Lactate Dehydrogenase (pLDH) combination Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) may address the shortcomings of RDTs that detect HRP2 alone. However, the relative contribution of the possible causes of discordant results (RDT-negative and microscopy-positive) and performance in field settings are poorly quantified.
Methods:
This study utilized samples from two cross-sectional surveys conducted in 32 districts at 64 sites across Uganda between November 2021 and March 2023 that enrolled 6354 febrile participants ≥ two years of age. Discordant samples (negative by HRP2/pLDH RDT and positive by microscopy) underwent quantitative PCR (qPCR) to detect and quantify parasitemia. Those confirmed to be positive for P. falciparum at > 1 parasites/microliter (p/µL) were tested for pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 deletions using digital PCR. Those that were negative or had P. falciparum detected at ≤ 1 p/µL underwent Plasmodium species testing using nested PCR. The performance of the Bioline Malaria Ag P.f/Pan combination RDT was evaluated by comparison with microscopy and qPCR.
Results:
There were 166 (8.4%) discordant samples out of 1988 microscopy positive samples. Of these, 90/166 (54.2%) were confirmed to contain P. falciparum at levels > 1 p/µL whereas 76/166 (45.8%) were negative or had P. falciparum levels ≤ 1 p/µL. Only one P. falciparum positive sample was confirmed to have a deletion in pfhrp3. The primary reasons for RDT-negative, microscopy-positive discordance in samples testing negative for P. falciparum were non-falciparum species (37/76, 48.7%) or false positives by microscopy (31/76, 40.8%). The sensitivity of the Bioline Malaria Ag P.f/Pan combination RDT was high (> 91%) using either microscopy or qPCR as the gold standard. However, specificity was low (56.7%) when microscopy was used as the gold standard; it improved to 64.0% when qPCR was used as the gold standard.
Conclusion:
The Bioline Malaria Ag P.f/Pan combination RDT was found to be highly sensitive in Uganda and reliable for ruling out malaria. False negative RDT results were primarily due to low density P. falciparum infections, non-falciparum infections, or incorrect microscopy results. In contrast, false positive RDT results were common due to persistent antigenemia; this may result in overuse of antimalarial drugs and missed diagnoses of non-malarial febrile illnesses.
Ultra-low-input rG4-seq reveals the RNA G-quadruplex regulome in gene expression and genome integrity
Authors: Sun Qing-Yuan , Meng Tie-Gang , Yue Wei , Li Chao , Gao Di , Zongchang DU , Yi Litao , Liu Shu-Chen , Xu Ke , Lu You-Hui , Guo Jia-Ni , Ma Xue-Shan , Zhou Chang-Yin , Ju Zhenyu , Luo Shi-Ming , Su Ruibao , Ou Xiang-Hong
Published: February 2025

RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s), formed through guanine self-recognition into stacked tetrads, serve as critical regulators of gene expression, yet their comprehensive mapping and dynamic regulation in physiological contexts remain technically challenging. Here we develop Ultra-low-input rG4-seq (ULI-rG4-seq), enabling precise rG4 detection in samples as small as 100 oocytes, and reveal notable enrichment of rG4s near crucial regulatory regions, particularly transcription start sites and end sites. This technological advance, combined with oocyte-specific knockout or Trim-away of DHX36 (an rG4 helicase), reveals acute and chronic loss of DHX36 leads to opposing effects on rG4 levels. This observation extends beyond the traditional view of helicases as unwinding enzymes and suggests sophisticated cellular mechanisms maintaining RNA structural homeostasis. Through integrated analysis of rG4 landscapes and DHX36 binding profiles, we demonstrate coordination between cytoplasmic rG4 regulation and nuclear gene expression, revealing how RNA structure dynamics orchestrate RNA stability and translation, thereby influencing transcriptional elongation, genome stability, and alternative splicing. Finally, we show that deletion of DHX36 resulted in decreased oocyte quality, premature ovarian failure and complete female infertility due to transcriptional defects and genome instability related to R-loop accumulation. These technological and conceptual advances not only deepen our understanding of RNA-based regulation but also open new therapeutic possibilities for diseases involving RNA structure.
Evaluation of Urban Tree Species for Air Pollution Control: Integrating Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI), Anticipated Performance Index (API), and Socioeconomic Value in Ghana’s Central Region
Authors: Nkansah Francis Kwaku , Belford Ebenezer J. D. , Hogarh Jonathan Nartey
Published: February 2025

Air pollution presents serious concerns to urbanized environments, necessitating the exploration of tree species capable of minimizing its affects. This study assessed the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) and Anticipated Performance Index (API) of four common tree species, Albizia lebbeck, Azadirachta indica, Khaya senegalensis, and Senna siamea along three major highways and a control road in the central region of Ghana. Physiological and biochemical parameters, including relative water content (RWC), leaf extract pH, ascorbic acid content, and total chlorophyll, were analyzed to calculate APTI, while API incorporated morphological and socioeconomic traits. One-way ANOVA and correlation matrices, were employed to evaluate variations across roads and relationships among some parameters. All the tree plants were classified as pollution-sensitive (APTI < 10), with Senna siamea showing relatively higher tolerance. Azadirachta indica exhibited significant resilience with consistent RWC and chlorophyll levels, earning the highest API score (81.25%) and an "Excellent" performance rating. In contrast, Albizia lebbeck showed significant reductions in chlorophyll and pH under polluted conditions, highlighting its potential as a bioindicator. These findings underscore the importance of integrating physiological, morphological, and socioeconomic criteria in urban tree selection. Azadirachta indica emerged as an ideal candidate for urban greenbelt development due to its adaptability and ecological benefits, while Albizia lebbeck and Senna siamea are valuable for bioindication of air pollution. This study provides a robust framework for sustainable urban greening and pollution mitigation in tropical regions. Further studies should include additional tree species and locations for a broader ecological perspective.
Pharmacist-led prescription writing educational intervention to final-year medical students: A pre-post nonrandomised longitudinal study
Authors: Mokrzecki Sophie , Gupta Tarun Sen , Pain Tilley , Perks Stephen , Mallett Andrew J
Published: February 2025

Background
The skill of writing a medication prescription is multifaceted, incorporating multiple layers and dimensions. Prescribing is a competency expected of all junior doctors, however, many medical students feel a lack of preparedness and confidence to complete a medication prescription once graduated. Teaching the practical and clinical components separately may enhance understanding of the practical skill of prescribing prior to integrating the clinical knowledge to complete a medication prescription.
The primary objective of this study is to determine if pharmacist-led multimodal education interventions change the prescribing skills of Australian final-year medical students. Our secondary aim is to review knowledge retention of prescribing skills in these same participants a year later as junior doctors. Thirdly, we aim to determine if there is an association between participants’ self-perceived confidence to prescribe and their practical ability to write safe and legal prescriptions. This manuscript will describe in detail the methods of this novel longitudinal study.
Methods
This is a nonrandomised pre-post longitudinal study to be conducted in two phases. The control for the study is students receiving curricula-based education throughout their medical degree. The intervention is pharmacist-led multimodal education (face-to-face, case-based learning with hands on experiences, online module, and placement) on prescription writing skills to final-year medical students.
This study has been approved by the James Cook University Human Research Ethics Committee (H9114).
Discussion
This paper presents the methods and protocol of an approved and funded nonrandomised longitudinal study to investigate the potential of pharmacist educators to durably improve prescribing knowledge and skills amongst Australian final year medical students. Prescribing skills education for medical students may reduce the probability of potential incorrect or unsafe prescribing habits as junior doctors. Education standards do not acknowledge adhering to local legal regulations when prescribing and do not recommend mandatory teaching or assessment criteria. This study will review the effectiveness and need for additional education on the practical skill of writing a medication prescription. If positive, the findings of this study will have practical and policy impacts that may result in long term improvement in safe medicines practice and ultimately benefit patient care.
Enhancing Brain Tumor Segmentation with Transformer-Based Models: A Study on the BraTS 2020 Dataset
Authors: Osei Isaac , Hayfron-Acquah James Ben , Asante Michael , Appiah Benjamin , Owusu-Agyemang Kwabena
Published: February 2025

Accurate segmentation of brain tumors from medical images is crucial for clin- ical diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient outcome prediction. While the UNet architecture has long been a standard in biomedical image segmentation, recent advancements in transformer-based models have opened new possibilities for improving segmentation performance. This study conducts a comparative analysis of three models for brain tumor segmentation: Standard 3D UNet, Swin Transformer-Enhanced 3D UNet, and Detection Transformer-Enhanced 3D UNet. The BraTS 2020 dataset is utilized to train and evaluate these mod- els. Experimental results reveal that the Detection Transformer-Enhanced UNet achieves the highest segmentation accuracy, showcasing its ability to effectively capture long-range dependencies and complex features, surpassing both the stan- dard UNet and the Swin Transformer-Enhanced UNet. These findings highlight the potential of integrating transformer architectures to advance the state of medical image segmentation.
Nonlinear Optical Vector Processing at 50 Gbs using Linear Silicon Photonic Circuits
Authors: Moschos Theodoros , Pappas Christos , Kovaios Stefanos , Roumpos Ioannis , Prapas Antonios , Tsakyridis Apostolos , Moralis-Pegios Miltiadis , Vagionas Christos , London Yanir , Tossoun Bassem , Vaerenbergh Thomas Van , Pleros Nikos
Published: February 2025

The need for high-speed, energy-efficient computing in machine learning and real-time communication necessitates innovations beyond conventional digital and analog electronics to sustain computational power advances without requiring prohibitive energy amounts. Photonics has emerged as a promising platform demonstrating significant highlights in the field of linear transformations. Adopting, however, the use of photons within a broad range of computing applications necessitates their successful employment also in nonlinear vector processing and matching functionalities, which still continue to comprise the stronghold of electronics. In this direction, we demonstrate nonlinear optical vector processing in the form of Hamming Distance (HD) calculation and Content Addressable Memory (CAM) bank operations using linear optical circuits on Silicon photonics (SiPho) at a record-high-speed of 50 Gb/s, enabling advances in pattern matching, error-correction and look-up tables. The processor employs a 4×4 crossbar architecture with 56 GHz SiGe electro-absorption modulators to compute HD between 2-bit optical vectors. It achieves error-rates of ~ 10⁻³ in CAM and ternary CAM applications that correspond to zero HD, improving state-of-the-art CAM speed performance by > 2.5x. Scalability is enhanced by employing space-wavelength multiplexing schemes via a WDM-enabled SiPho processor cell, which is experimentally demonstrated at 50 Gb/s and offers the potential to increase the computational capacity in a reduced insertion loss and power consumption envelope. The realization of HD calculation and CAM matchline operations via linear optical transformations can pave the inroad towards implementing additional nonlinear optical vector transformation processes at high data-rates via linear silicon photonic circuits, like the calculation of Euclidean distance and Cosine distance metrics.
Development of a clinical prediction model for sensitivity to combination therapy of Bcl-2 inhibitors and hypomethylating agents in elderly/unfit patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Du Yufeng , Li Chunhong , Chen Yonghong , Xie Fang , Yan Jinsong
Published: February 2025

Objective
This study aims to develop a clinical prediction model for sensitivity to Bcl-2 inhibitors combined with hypomethylating agents (HMAs) in elderly/unfit patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Methods
Clinical data, including French-American-British (FAB) classification, chromosomal karyotype, and second-generation sequencing results, were retrospectively collected from consecutive elderly/unfit patients with AML treated with Bcl-2 inhibitors in combination with HMAs between September 2019 and March 2024. Treatment efficacy was assessed in all patients. Logistic regression and Akaike information criterion were used to identify risk variables affecting efficacy. A nomogram was developed based on these variables to assess patient sensitivity to the treatment regimen. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration plot, and decision curve analysis (DCA).
Results
This study included 209 patients with AML. The FAB classification, AML type, AML status, prior HMAs exposure, chromosomal karyotype, and mutations in ASXL1, FLT3, IDH, NPM1, and CEBPA were screened to develop the nomogram. The area under the ROC curve indicated a discriminatory power of 0.900 (95% CI, 0.860–0.941). The calibration curve suggested favorable concordance between the predicted and actual occurrence probabilities (P = 0.849). DCA revealed a net clinical benefit when the threshold probability ranged from 0 to 0.98. Internal validation, performed 500 times using the bootstrap method, demonstrated a satisfactory model performance in the validation set.
Conclusion
A prediction model was developed and validated to serve as a decision-making tool for physicians treating elderly/unfit patients with AML prior to initiating therapy with Bcl-2 inhibitors combined with HMAs.
Assessment of the Knowledge of Thirdhand Smoke Awareness in Turkey: A Call to Action for Family Physicians
Authors: Aydemir Hacı Ahmet , Aydemir Seda , Alğan Abdulkadir
Published: February 2025

Objective
Thirdhand smoke (THS) refers to contaminants in cigarette smoke that contaminate surfaces and continue to be released for a long time. THS adversely affects human health. In this study, we aimed to investigate the level of knowledge and awareness of THS among individuals who applied to a family medicine unit in Turkey.
Method
This cross-sectional study included individuals over the age of 18 who were registered with a family medicine unit between October and December 2023. The questionnaire, which was created via Google Forms, asked individuals to provide demographic information and complete questions from the Beliefs About Third-Hand Smoking (BATHS-T) scale. The questionnaire was read to the individuals face-to-face by a clinician. Some individuals were asked to complete the questionnaire themselves in the virtual environment by reading the generated QR code.
Results
A total of 1025 participants were included in the study; the mean age was 34.24 ± 11.18 years, 74.24% (n = 761) were female, 79.22% (n = 812) were married, and 19.61% (n = 201) had chronic diseases. A total of 27.51% (n = 282) of the participants were smokers. Only 14,82% (n = 152) of the participants had information about thirdhand smoke. Those over 35 years of age had significantly lower total BATHS-T scores than did those aged 35 years and younger (p = 0.001). The total BATHS-T score of women was significantly greater than that of men (p < 0.001). The BATHS-T total score of those with chronic diseases was significantly lower than that of those without chronic diseases (p = 0,030). The BATHS-T total score of nonsmokers was significantly higher than that of smokers, those who had information about third-hand smoke were significantly higher than those who did not, and those who cared about the presence of cigarette smoke when buying a car or staying in a hotel room were significantly higher than those who did not (p < 0,001).
Conclusion
In this study, THS awareness levels were found to be quite low. Family physicians who have a preventive medicine mission have a great duty to increase this awareness.
Mapping the dimerization specificity of bZIP transcription factors in bread wheat
Authors: Kaur Raminder , Sharma Nishtha , Jain Prateek , Verma Mamta , Apkari Ashish , Rishi Vikas
Published: February 2025

Dimerization is pivotal in target-binding interactions among transcription factors (TFs), including bZIPs, bHLHs, and many zinc finger proteins. The bZIP family comprises an α-helix class of TFs that features a basic region binding to the major groove of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), followed by a leucine zipper motif that facilitates dimerization through coiled-coil structures, forming homo- or heterodimers. In allohexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum cv.), bZIPs and their homeologs utilize dimerization motifs to create specific bZIP pairs with distinct regulatory functions. The dimerization pattern of bZIPs is essential for gene regulation. Following a genome-wide analysis, we identified 265 bZIP TFs in bread wheat. By applying criteria from previous studies to evaluate bZIP dimerization across humans, Drosophila, and Arabidopsis, we categorized bZIP TFs into different groups based on their predicted dimerization propensity. Amino acid sequence analysis of wheat bZIP TFs led to several conclusions: unlike Drosophila and humans, wheat bZIPs are longer, with some reaching lengths of up to 14 heptads. Based on the amino acids at the a, d, g, and e positions in each heptad, wheat bZIPs are predominantly predicted to form homodimers. However, the mechanisms underlying wheat bZIP dimerization specificity and stability, particularly in plants, remain poorly understood. To experimentally validate the predicted dimer assembly, eight key bZIP TFs containing the bZIP domain were cloned and expressed for structural analysis. Using purified bZIP proteins, thermal denaturation studies demonstrated a change in dimerization stability as the length of the leucine zipper varies. In summary, this study enhances our understanding of the role of leucine zippers in determining the specificity and stability of bZIP dimers, which subsequently influence DNA binding and gene regulation in plants.
Quantitative Fluorescence Imaging of Porphyrin Phospholipid Photobleaching and Light Activated Liposomal Doxorubicin Release Using Wide-field and Laparoscopic SFDI in an Ovarian Cancer Model
Authors: Ahmmed Rasel , Kluiszo Elias , Aygun-Sunar Semra , Willadsen Matthew , Kutscher Hilliard L , Lovell Jonathan F. , Sunar Ulas
Published: February 2025

Chemophototherapy (CPT) is an emerging cancer treatment that leverages the synergistic effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and chemotherapy. This approach utilizes photosensitizers like Porphyrin Phospholipid (PoP) and Doxorubicin (Dox) to enable phototriggered drug release and targeted tumor destruction. In this study, we present the development and validation of a wide-field laparoscopic spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) system, designed to improve intraoperative quantitative fluorescence imaging and monitoring of PoP photobleaching, a PDT-driven effect for tumor destruction, and light-activated Dox release, which facilitates targeted chemotherapeutic drug delivery in an ovarian cancer model. Compared to previous flexible endoscopic imaging methods, our laparoscopic SFDI system offers enhanced spatial coverage, enabling accurate wide-field optical property quantification in minimally invasive surgical settings. Using this system, we performed quantitative fluorescence imaging in vivo to obtain absolute concentrations of PoP and Dox fluorescence, correcting for tissue absorption and scattering effects. This capability allows for precise assessment of PoP photobleaching and Dox release kinetics with improved spatial resolution. Fluorescence imaging revealed a significant reduction in PoP concentration in tumor regions post-illumination, demonstrating the PDT-mediated photobleaching effect and successful light-triggered drug release activation for chemo-induced tumor destruction. The ability to differentiate PoP and Dox fluorescence in a laparoscopic system underscores its potential for real-time intraoperative monitoring of CPT efficacy. These findings establish wide-field laparoscopic SFDI as a promising tool for guiding minimally invasive photodynamic therapy and targeted drug delivery in clinical settings.
Unveiling unknowns in flow slide mobility of high-end mine waste dumps using Bishop pore pressure coefficient and dynamic rheological models
Authors: Arrieta Marco
Published: February 2025

The high mobility of flow slides in coal mine waste dumps poses significant challenges to stability and operational safety. This paper investigates the factors contributing to extreme mobility in flow slides, focusing on the role of the basal bed friction coefficient, pore pressure, and path geometry. A database of 46 flow slide events was analyzed, utilizing the Bishop pore pressure coefficient to quantify undrained conditions and Voellmy rheology to model dynamic behavior. The results demonstrate that mobility is strongly influenced by basal shear resistance, with coefficients below 0.15 associated with extreme runout distances. Path aperture (a) is identified as a key factor affecting flow velocity and turbulence, where narrower paths amplify chaotic behavior, accelerating mobility. Findings based on the statistical analysis of these events reveal that mobility increases linearly with pore pressure coefficients (ru ) above 0.18, then shifts to an exponential trend when ru exceeds 0.40, indicating a heightened likelihood of liquefaction. These results offer practical guidelines for assessing mobility in waste dumps, emphasizing the interplay between pore pressure, path geometry, and basal friction. A new perspective on integrating field-measurable parameters into predictive models is presented, providing tools for proactive risk management in active mining operations. The methods and outcomes are applicable to a wide range of mine sites, supporting broader improvements in stability assessments and design practices.
Machine Learning Investigation of Electroporation of Cell Clusters in Cancer Therapy Using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference and Finite Element Modeling
Authors: Mirshahi Salim , Sazgarnia Ameneh
Published: February 2025

Exposing biological cells to an external electric field results in an induced transmembrane voltage (ITV) on the cell membrane, which, under the right conditions may result in reversible permeabilization. This process, called electroporation, has been used to deliver drugs during cancer therapy, DNA transfection or transformation, direct transfer of plasmids between cells and gene therapy. Given the broad importance of these applications, fundamental understanding and optimization of electroporation is critically needed. Towards this goal, this work utilizes machine learning techniques to study the influence of cell-cell interactions on ITV during electropermeabilization. In the first part of the study, the ITV of a cell positioned at the center of a cell cluster is studied. An adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) model combined with finite-element simulations is used to develop a tool to predict the electroporated cell surface area (ECSA) without the need for cumbersome measurements or time-intensive simulations. The finite-element simulations were used to compute the electric potential distribution in the media during electroporation of a single cell or cluster of cells. This approach is shown to be able to accurately predict the ECSA during electroporation. Results indicate that the packing ratio (PR) of the cell cluster plays a key role in determining the ITV, particularly when the PR is less than 3. The sensitivity is much reduced for larger values of PR. The ANFIS model showed a 96.6% coefficient of determination and 1.46 root mean square error, showing that the ANFIS model is a reasonably accurate and robust approach for prediction of ECSA. A key result from this work is that a higher amplitude of AEF is needed to have higher ECSA when PR decreases. Insights gained from this work may contribute towards investigating other types of cancer with various cell densities with the aim of determining optimal electric field parameters.
Zusammenhänge zwischen Religiosität und Mediennutzung sowie medienethischer Sensibilität bei christlich orientierten Jugendlichen
Authors: Pirner Manfred L. , Penthin Marcus , Meltzer Niklas , Fleischmann Augustine L.
Published: February 2025

Die Forschungsfrage, inwiefern die Religiosität von Jugendlichen mit ihrem medienbezogenen Handeln und Urteilen zusammenhängt, wird in der Regel weder in empirischen Jugendstudien noch in Medien- oder Religiositätsstudien verfolgt. Angesichts dieses Forschungsdefizits wurden in der vorliegenden quantitativen Untersuchung 210 christlich orientierte Jugendliche im Hinblick auf solche möglichen Zusammenhänge befragt. Dazu wurde einerseits mit einem mehrdimensionalen Messinstrument ihre Religiosität erhoben, andererseits nach Aspekten ihrer Mediennutzung und nach ihrer Beurteilung von moralisch problematischem Medienhandeln gefragt. Es ergaben sich empirische Hinweise darauf, dass sich ihre religiöse Orientierung v. a. auf ihr Verhalten in sozialen Netzwerken auswirkt und in einer erhöhten medienethischen Sensibilität (in bestimmten Bereichen, v. a. wenn es um Pflicht- oder Regelverletzungen geht) niederschlägt. Zudem wurde deutlich, dass (stärker) religiöse Jugendliche die digitalen Medien zu einem nicht unerheblichen Teil für spezifisch religiöse Interessen und Bedürfnisse nutzen (Information, Kommunikation, Anregungen für die eigene Glaubenspraxis). Demgegenüber scheint die Religiosität der Befragten kaum mit ihrer allgemeinen Mediennutzung (zeitlicher Umfang, Diversität, Nutzungsarten) zusammenzuhängen. Die Befunde unterstreichen die Sinnhaftigkeit und die Potenziale einer stärkeren Beachtung der Bezüge zwischen der religiös-weltanschaulichen Orientierung und dem medienbezogenen Handeln und Urteilen von Jugendlichen in Forschungs- und Bildungskontexten.
LHC effective model for optics corrections : measurements and corrections of high-order non-linear optics
Authors:   , Le Garrec Maël
Published: February 2025

This thesis investigates the crucial role of higher-order magnetic fields and non-linear optics in the stability and performance of particle accelerators, focusing on the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. The control of non-linear optics, which deals with the interaction of charged particle beams with complex magnetic fields such as sextupolar, octupolar, decapolar, and so on, is essential for managing beam dynamics. The LHC, as the world’s most powerful accelerator, provides a unique opportunity to study these high-order effects, serving as a testbed for future accelerator designs.
These higher-order fields significantly affect the beam’s dynamic aperture and lifetime, especially at injection energy, where precise correction of magnetic field errors is required. Managing these challenges is not only vital for optimizing LHC performance but also for guiding the design and operation of next-generation machines.
A key contribution of this work is the development of correction methods, based on a response matrix approach, for Resonance Driving Terms (RDTs), a critical factor in beam lifetime and dynamic aperture limitations. New corrective strategies for RDTs have led to notable improvements in beam lifetime and dynamic aperture at both injection and top energy operation. This thesis also addresses the discrepancies observed between experimental measurements and models of beam observables.
These findings highlight the importance of precise modeling and correction of non-linear magnetic fields, offering insights that will benefit both the LHC and future high-energy particle accelerators.