bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Faunal Extinction and Human Habitation in New Caledonia: Initial Results and Implications of New Research at the Pindai Caves
Authors: Anderson Atholl , Sand Christophe , Petchey Fiona , Worthy Trevor H.
Published: November 2024

Archaeological and palaeontological investigations occurred in 2003 at the Pindai Caves in New Caledonia, where remains of prehistoric settlement exist in conjunction with the richest fossil deposits found to date on Grand Terre. Among more than 45 bird taxa in our excavations at least 20 that are locally or globally extinct are represented at levels immediately below or within the era of human occupation. These include the giant megapode, Sylviornis sp., the flightless swamphen, Porphyrio kukuwiedei, and other rails, a kagu, pigeons, a large snipe, Coenocorypha sp., several taxa of owls, a nightjar, and an owlet-nightjar. Unresolved problems in dating and taphonomy, however, make it difficult to specify the strength of cultural associations and thus the extent to which human activities were responsible for extinctions or extirpations. We present the first radiocarbon dates upon Sylviornis bone, showing that, at least, the species survived into the late Holocene. Relatively frequent occurrence of Sylviornis bone in the cultural levels, coupled witha radiocarbon date on a bone sample of about 3000 calBP make a case for human contact.
Nukuleka as a Founder Colony for West Polynesian Settlement: New Insights from Recent Excavations
Authors: Burley David , Barton Andrew , Dickinson William R. , Connaughton Sean P. , Taché Karine
Published: November 2024

Previous archaeological studies in the village of Nukuleka, Tongatapu, Kingdom of Tonga proposed it as a founder colony for Polynesia. Additional excavation and survey were undertaken in 2007 to evaluate this status further and to gain new insight into the nature of the occupation and its role in the subsequent peopling of west Polynesia. A review of this project and its findings are presented. Decorated ceramics of western Lapita style, the presence of tan paste ceramics foreign to Tonga, and new radiocarbon dates support Nukuleka as a site of first landfall in the interval 2850 to 2900 cal BP. The ceramic assemblage is distinct from west and central Fiji, and an independent origin for Fijian and Polynesian colonizers is argued. The settlement quickly expanded on the Nukuleka Peninsula to 20 ha or more in size, forming a central place for the eastern Lapita province in Tonga, Samoa and the Lau islands of Fiji. Nukuleka, we believe, provides insight into the cultural if not biological base from which ancestral Polynesian society emerged.
New Evidence for Variation in Colonisation, Cultural Transmission, and Subsistence from Lapita (2900 BP) to the Historic Period in Southwest Fiji
Authors: Cochrane Ethan E , Rivera-Collazo Isabel C , Walsh Elizabeth
Published: November 2024

Fiji was colonised approximately 3000 BP by populations with intricately decorated Lapita pottery. At nearly the same time, culturally related populations also colonised nearby Tonga and Samoa and the archaeology of each archipelago indicates continued contact, but also cultural divergence over time. Previous research in the far western islands of Fiji has also identified late Lapita colonisation deposits and subsequent cultural changes that have raised further questions about regional variation in the Fijian archaeological record. Here we present results of the first survey, excavation, and archaeological analyses from the islands of southwestern Fiji and interpret these findings relative to current research on the colonisation of Fiji-West Polynesia, changes in the spatial scale of cultural transmission in the region, and changes in foraging practices and environments. Survey and test excavations identified eleven sites and pushes back the colonisation of the far western islands to 2900 BP. Preliminary analyses of cultural materials from these sites indicate a complexly structured colonising population in Fiji-West Polynesia, variation over time in the frequency of contact between populations in Fiji, and subsistence practices likely influenced by environmental change and human competition.
Marquesan Colonisation Chronologies and Postcolonisation Interaction: Implications for Hawaiian origins and the ‘Marquesan Homeland’ hypothesis
Authors: Allen Melinda S.
Published: November 2024

The research of Patrick Kirch, within the Hawaiian Islands and beyond, has forged understanding of Hawaiian origins and the chronology of Polynesian island settlement for more than four decades. As he outlines in his recent review of the Hawaiian sequence, improved radiocarbon chronologies, along with new archaeological and palaeoecological evidence, has led to a growing consensus that Hawai‘i was probably settled around the 11th to 13th centuries AD. Historically, archaeologists have considered the Marquesas Islands, some 3,500 km to the southeast, a likely Hawaiian homeland. This issue is revisited here, asking whether recent studies reinforce or undermine the Marquesas Islands as a source area. New sites and new chronometric data show that the Marquesas were settled as early as any other central East Polynesian archipelago (with the possible exception of the Societies) and perhaps early enough to have fostered Hawaiian colonists. Analysis of Marquesan 14C results on short-lived materials (lifespans of ≤10 yr ) unambiguously place Polynesians in the archipelago in the 13th century, while numerous dates on other materials point to the likelihood of colonisation from the 11th to 12th centuries. Less secure results intimate colonization could date from the 10th to 11th centuries AD. Other evidence (ceramics and stone tool geochemistry) indicates multiple and unusually far-ranging regional contacts between roughly the 12th to 15th centuries, a situation which suggests superior and sustained voyaging. The evidence reviewed here is sufficient to continue entertaining the possibility that the Marquesas Islands were a departure point for the Polynesian settlers of Hawai‘i, although many uncertainties remain.
The Source, Composition and Typology of ‘Limestone’ Adzes from Eastern North Island, New Zealand
Authors: Moore Phillip R. , Nelson Campbell S.
Published: November 2024

Collections of stone adzes (toki) from the eastern North Island of New Zealand include a number of typologically early (Archaic) forms made from what has been previously described as ‘siliceous or silicified limestone’. Seventy five finished adzes and preforms of this material were recorded in the present study. Their geographic distribution is primarily restricted to southern Hawkes Bay – Wairarapa, and they apparently originated from a single manufacturing centre at Owahanga, on the northern Wairarapa coast. Chemical and mineralogical analyses (by X-ray fluorescence, portable XRF, vacuum gasometry and X-ray diffraction) of two artefacts from Owahanga show they contain about 20–30 per cent CaCO3 (as calcite), while samples of the presumed local source rock have a slightly higher carbonate content but comparable silica (quartz) and Rb concentrations. The rock type used in the manufacture of adzes was therefore not a true limestone but calcareous mudstone, compositionally distinct from siliceous limestones in southern Wairarapa and probably derived from the Whangai Formation. Possible reasons for the use of this stone material are discussed.
Informelle Sprachmittlung in der Geschäftskommunikation: Von Forschungsergebnissen zur Entwicklung eines Unterrichtsmoduls
Authors: Breckle Margit
Published: November 2024

During recent years, several language needs analyses concerning business communication in Finland have been conducted. The studies show that plurilingual situations, where two or more languages are used in one and the same situation, are very common, that the bilingual situation (Finnish, Swedish) in the Finnish region Pohjanmaa/Österbotten has influence on plurilingual situations and that informal mediation plays an important role in business communication. Against this background, this paper illustrates the path from research results concerning plurilingual activities in business communication to the development of a teaching
module on informal mediation in business communication. The module has been developed within the project Kielivarannon vahvistaminen korkeakouluissa (KiVAKO). The B2-module in German Deutsch in mehrsprachigen Arbeitskontexten, which is available on the learning platform DigiCampus, consists of four situations in which informal mediation is trained: email, telephone, meeting and (company)presentation. In this paper, the development of the teaching module is illustrated by the situation meeting.
Työsopimus kuvina – oikeudellisen asiakirjan saavutettavuus
Authors: Pitkäsalo Eliisa
Published: November 2024

Traditional written contracts are verbally formulated legal documents especially for and by lawyers to protect their clients in the case of a dispute. However, the signing parties should understand the contents of the documents as well. If they are unable to comprehend that for some reason, the verbal format of an employment contract becomes problematic. In order to solve the problem, Robert de Rooy, a South African lawyer, developed a comic contract, a visualised format of a contract for his client. In my article, I examine how traditional contracts can be translated into comics without losing their value as legally binding documents. The main aim is to discuss, how a traditional employment contract has been translated into visuals in order to help people to access their rights. The analysis will indicate how the main contents of the labour law are transferred into a comic contract following the conventions of the visual language of comics. This leads to a clear, understandable and unambiguous – thus accessible – legal document, which helps the signing parties to understand their rights and duties as employees.
Sprachenwahl und Sprachkenntnisse zukünftiger Ökonomen in Finnland: Am Beispiel der Hanken School of Economics in Vaasa
Authors: Breckle Margit
Published: November 2024

This paper deals with language choice in terms of languages other than English and language skills of future economists at the Hanken School of Economics in Vaasa/Finland. German is the most frequently chosen language, followed by Spanish. With focus on German, it is investigated (i) how the future economists assess their own German skills, (ii) what objective language skills they have in German and (iii) what the relationship is between objective German skills and length of previous German language instruction. The paper shows that at the beginning of their studies at the Hanken School of Economics in Vaasa, the future economists attest themselves “no” to “very good knowledge” of German. The objective German language skills, measured by the C-test-based onSET Deutsch, typically increase from course level to course level. However, there is quite a large variation within each of the course levels German I, German II and German III. There is a tendency for objective German language skills to improve with the length of previous German language instruction. Nevertheless, it is possible that individual future economists achieve a better global language competence in German after two years of previous German language instruction than others after eight or nine years.
Uzasadnienie dla wprowadzenia rozporządzenia w sprawie gromadzenia i udostępniania danych dotyczących usług krótkoterminowego najmu lokali mieszkalnych na tle sytuacji mieszkaniowej w Unii Europejskiej
Authors:   Szkoła Główna Handlowa w Warszawie, Budny Paweł
Published: November 2024

Wobec priorytetowego znaczenia zapewnienia na poziomie UE powszechnego dostępu do godnych i przystępnych cenowo mieszkań, unijny ustawodawca wskazuje na potrzebę harmonizacji w zakresie gromadzenia danych dotyczących krótkoterminowego najmu lokali mieszkalnych poprzez platformy ekonomii współdzielenia. Obserwowany w ostatnich latach na poziomie całej UE dynamiczny rozwój zjawiska określanego anglojęzycznym terminem platform tourism uzasadnia potrzebę wprowadzenia tak zwanego rozporządzenia short-term rental (dalej: STR), nakładającego na platformy pośredniczące w krótkoterminowym najmie lokali mieszkalnych obowiązek przekazywania właściwym organom danych dotyczących wynajmujących oraz jednostek związanych ze świadczonymi usługami. W artykule omówiono kontekst mieszkaniowy UE, rozwój rynku krótkoterminowego wynajmu lokali mieszkalnych poprzez platformy collaborative economy oraz przeanalizowano korelację między wzrostem liczby noclegów typu platform tourism a czynszami najmu, cenami nieruchomości mieszkalnych oraz wskaźnikiem przeludnienia. W wyniku analizy stwierdzono niedostatek w zakresie dostępności danych, który dodatkowo uzasadnia wprowadzenie rozwiązania przewidzianego w propozycji rozporządzenia STR. Ponadto potwierdzono, że wzrost skali krótkoterminowego wynajmu lokali mieszkalnych w ramach UE uzasadnia potrzebę gromadzenia danych w tym zakresie, aby umożliwić skuteczną ocenę wpływu tego zjawiska na lokalne rynki mieszkaniowe oraz opracowywać adekwatne rozwiązania legislacyjne.
Selected aspects of the organization of tourism and recreation in natural areas with different status of legal protection
Authors:   Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Pasek Marcin , Borek Dominik ,   SGH Warsaw School of Economics
Published: November 2024

An important place in the strategy of promoting health of modern societies, especially in the post-pandemic world, is played by orienting recommendations on how to spend free time towards tourism and recreation in the natural environment. The utilitarian nature of this type of activity is associated with the need to respect legal provisions, relating to the use of statutory forms of nature conservation, as well as non-statutory protection areas. The aim of the study is to characterize the tourist-recreational use in both of the abovementioned types of ecological habitats, and to indicate the similarities and differences in the conditions of this use, taking into account legally recognized forms of activity, and the permissible scope of infrastructure investments. Within the statutory forms of nature protection, the analysis includes national parks, nature reserves, landscape parks, protected landscape areas and NATURA 2000 areas. The characteristics of non-statutory nature areas include forests with special natural values, promotional forest complexes, world biosphere reserves, and UNESCO natural heritage areas. The analysis carried out, regardless of the status of the nature areas, indicates a legislative desire to maintain harmony between human needs and the ecological stability of the surrounding sub-natural spaces.
Le rôle de la centralité dans la clique et de la popularité de la clique dans le développement de l’estime de soi au début de l’adolescence : identification des jeunes à risque
Authors: Gaudet Olivier , Véronneau Marie-Hélène , Saint-Charles Johanne , Mathys Cécile
Published: November 2024

Au début de l’adolescence, l’estime de soi est instable et les pairs deviennent de plus en plus importants. La théorie du sociomètre suggère que la position sociale des adolescentes et adolescents au sein du réseau de pairs est liée à leur estime de soi, ce qui pourrait aider à expliquer les variations de l’estime de soi à cette période de la vie. Nous avons émis l’hypothèse que l’interaction entre la position des jeunes au sein de leur clique et la popularité de leur clique influence les changements d’estime de soi sur un an. Les personnes participantes étaient 348 jeunes belges (âge moyen : 13 ans; 61 % de filles). Pour les jeunes des cliques normatives ou populaires, l’estime de soi a augmenté sur un an, quelle que soit leur position au sein de la clique (c’est-à-dire centrale ou périphérique). En revanche, la position au sein de la clique prédit des changements d’estime de soi pour les membres des cliques impopulaires. L’estime de soi des membres centraux est restée élevée, tandis que celle des membres périphériques a commencé à un niveau faible et a diminué avec le temps. Nos résultats soulignent qu’être inclus dans une clique normative ou populaire pourrait être un facteur de protection de l’estime de soi des membres périphériques, alors que la faible popularité de la clique en serait un facteur de risque.
Les enfants présentant des traits de personnalité limite en émergence sont-ils empathiques ?
Authors: Álvarez María Beatriz , Terradas Miguel M. , Didier Olivier , Guillemette Rosalie
Published: November 2024

Le trouble de personnalité limite est associé à des problèmes relationnels et de régulation des émotions, des habiletés liées à la capacité d’empathie. Néanmoins, certaines recherches suggèrent la présence d’une empathie élevée chez les personnes présentant ce diagnostic. Cette étude vise à : 1) documenter les traits de personnalité limite en émergence (TPLÉ), l’empathie et les comportements prosociaux (CP) des enfants maltraités et issus de la population générale; 2) examiner les relations entre ces variables et 3) comparer les deux groupes. Soixante-quatorze enfants âgés de 6 à 12 ans (maltraités : n = 35; population générale : n = 39) ont rempli des questionnaires concernant l’empathie et les TPLÉ. Les éducateurs référents (enfants maltraités) et les mères (population générale) ont rempli des questionnaires sur l’empathie et les CP des enfants. Les résultats montrent une relation positive et significative entre l’empathie et les CP, ainsi qu’une relation négative et significative entre les TPLÉ et l’empathie cognitive. Des relations négatives significatives ont été repérées entre les différentes mesures de l’empathie et certaines sous-échelles des TPLÉ correspondant aux comportements d’autodestruction et aux relations interpersonnelles négatives, ainsi qu’entre ces sous-échelles et les CP. La relation négative entre ces sous-échelles et les CP s’explique en partie par la moins grande empathie cognitive des enfants enclins à manifester des comportements d’autodestruction et à entretenir des relations interpersonnelles négatives. Les deux groupes d’enfants se sont distingués quant aux trois variables. Ainsi, les enfants de la population générale présentent un niveau plus élevé d’empathie et de CP que les enfants maltraités. Ces derniers ont également obtenu des scores de TPLÉ significativement plus élevés. Cette étude permet de mieux comprendre les facteurs de risque associés aux TPLÉ.
From words to worlds: Generative reconstruction of The Alchemist narratives
Authors: Tan Franseno Pujianto
Published: November 2024

This paper explores the creative translation of narratives into atmospheric qualities of space using artificial intelligence (AI). The study transforms the textual descriptions of events based on the notable works of Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist into generative architectural representations. Exploration of prompts in text-to-image generative technologies is still defined by the description of forms and context instead of based on events. The study argues that utilising stories of events as prompts creates possibilities for a more enriching and evocative visual of architecture. This study utilises the Microsoft Bing Image Generator DALL-E 3 to generate images based on prompts derived from key events of The Alchemist. Nine particular events of The Alchemist novel are transformed into images, which are further transformed into AI-generated prompts. The study follows by regenerating the prompts into another set of images.
The resulting AI-generated images reveal the potential of AI in creating architectural spaces that embody the atmospheric qualities of The Alchemist narratives, with varying degrees of details and nuances of the narrative events. Through annotating the generated forms, the contrast of lights, and the materiality of the generated images, the study creatively reconstructs the atmospheric qualities of The Alchemist events. In doing so, the study blurs the lines between textual and spatial storytelling, empowering the craft of meaningful and impactful spaces through the power of narrative. This paper highlights the potential of AI not just as a tool for visualisation but also as a catalyst for innovative and creative exploration in the design field.
Exercise training at different intensities induces heat stress, disrupts barrier function and alters microbiota in the gut of mice
Authors: Lian Puqiao , Kovynev Artemiy , Wang Lei , Pronk Amanda CM , Verhoeven Aswin , Giera Martin , Thijssen Suzan , Martínez Téllez Borja , Kooijman Sander , Rensen Patrick CN , Timmerman Harro , Wichers Harry J , Henricks Paul AJ , Folkerts Gert , Schönke Milena , Braber Saskia
Published: November 2024

Exercise is generally beneficial for health but strenuous exercise can have detrimental effects on the gastrointestinal tract. The combination of ischemia and heat shock during exercise is a crucial contributor to intestinal epithelial damage. Growing evidence points towards an important regulatory role of gut microbes in intestinal homeostasis. Here, we characterize and compare the effects of moderate and vigorous exercise training on intestinal epithelial damage, stress response, inflammatory response, and gut microbiota alterations in mice and investigate the mechanisms underlying exercise-induced intestinal injury. Exercise training for six weeks caused heat stress in the intestine, resulting in the disruption of the intestinal epithelial barrier and local inflammation. This was characterized by increased colonic HSP-70 and HSF-1 protein expression, increased epithelial permeability, decreased colonic expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin and intestinal morphological changes. Daily moderate exercise training caused hereby more severe injury than vigorous training on alternating days. Furthermore, exercise training altered the gut microbiota profile. The abundance of
Lactobacillaceae
was reduced, potentially contributing to the deteriorated intestinal status, while the abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing
Lachnospiraceae
was increased, especially following vigorous training. This increase in short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria following vigorous training possibly counteracted the impairment of the intestinal barrier function. In summary, exercise disrupts the intestinal barrier function, with vigorous exercise training with intermittent rest days being less damaging than daily moderate exercise training.
Chemokine expression profile of an innate granuloma
Authors: Amason Megan E , Beatty Cole J , Harvest Carissa K , Saban Daniel R , Miao Edward A
Published: November 2024

Granulomas are defined by the presence of organized layers of immune cells that include macrophages. Granulomas are often characterized as a way for the immune system to contain an infection and prevent its dissemination. We recently established a mouse infection model where Chromobacterium violaceum induces the innate immune system to form granulomas in the liver. This response successfully eradicates the bacteria and returns the liver to homeostasis. Here, we sought to characterize the chemokines involved in directing immune cells to form the distinct layers of a granuloma. We use spatial transcriptomics to investigate the spatial and temporal expression of all CC and CXC chemokines and their receptors within this granuloma response. The expression profiles change dynamically over space and time as the granuloma matures and then resolves. To investigate the importance of monocyte-derived macrophages in this immune response, we studied the role of CCR2 during C. violaceum infection. Ccr2–/– mice had negligible numbers of macrophages, but large numbers of neutrophils, in the C. violaceum-infected lesions. In addition, lesions had abnormal architecture resulting in loss of bacterial containment. Without CCR2, bacteria disseminated and the mice succumbed to the infection. This indicates that macrophages are critical to form a successful innate granuloma in response to C. violaceum.
Recurrent disruption of tumour suppressor genes in cancer by somatic mutations in cleavage and polyadenylation signals
Authors: Kainov Yaroslav , Hamid Fursham , Makeyev Eugene V
Published: November 2024

The expression of eukaryotic genes relies on the precise 3’-terminal cleavage and polyadenylation of newly synthesized pre-mRNA transcripts. Defects in these processes have been associated with various diseases, including cancer. While cancer-focused sequencing studies have identified numerous driver mutations in protein-coding sequences, noncoding drivers – particularly those affecting the cis-elements required for pre-mRNA cleavage and polyadenylation – have received less attention. Here, we systematically analysed cancer somatic mutations affecting 3’UTR polyadenylation signals using the Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes (PCAWG) dataset. We found a striking enrichment of cancer-specific somatic mutations that disrupt strong and evolutionarily conserved cleavage and polyadenylation signals within tumour suppressor genes. Further bioinformatics and experimental analyses conducted as a part of our study suggest that these mutations have a profound capacity to downregulate the expression of tumour suppressor genes. Thus, this work uncovers a novel class of noncoding somatic mutations with significant potential to drive cancer progression.
Simulation methods realized by virtual reality modeling language for 3D animation considering fuzzy model recognition
Authors: Zhu Yu , Xie Shifan
Published: November 2024

The creation of 3D animation increasingly prioritizes the enhancement of character effects, narrative depth, and audience engagement to address the growing demands for visual stimulation, cultural enrichment, and interactive experiences. The advancement of virtual reality (VR) animation is anticipated to require sustained collaboration among researchers, animation experts, and hardware developers over an extended period to achieve full maturity. This article explores the use of Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) in generating 3D stereoscopic forms and environments, applying texture mapping, optimizing lighting effects, and establishing interactive user responses, thereby enriching the 3D animation experience. VRML’s functionality is further expanded through the integration of script programs in languages such as Java, JavaScript, and VRML Script via the Script node. The implementation of fuzzy model recognition within 3D animation simulations enhances the identification of textual, musical, and linguistic elements, resulting in improved frame rates. This study also analyzes the real-time correlation between the number of polygons and frame rates in a virtual museum animation scene. The findings demonstrate that the frame rate of the 3D animation within this virtual setting consistently exceeds 40 frames per second, thereby ensuring robust real-time performance, preserving the quality of 3D models, and optimizing rendering speed and visual effects without affecting the system’s responsiveness to additional functions.
DeepEMPR: coffee leaf disease detection with deep learning and enhanced multivariance product representation
Authors: Topal Ahmet , Tunga Burcu , Tirkolaee Erfan Babaee
Published: November 2024

Plant diseases threaten agricultural sustainability by reducing crop yields. Rapid and accurate disease identification is crucial for effective management. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have facilitated the development of automated systems for disease detection. This study focuses on enhancing the classification of diseases and estimating their severity in coffee leaf images. To do so, we propose a novel approach as the preprocessing step for the classification in which enhanced multivariance product representation (EMPR) is used to decompose the considered image into components, a new image is constructed using some of those components, and the contrast of the new image is enhanced by applying high-dimensional model representation (HDMR) to highlight the diseased parts of the leaves. Popular convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures, including AlexNet, VGG16, and ResNet50, are evaluated. Results show that VGG16 achieves the highest classification accuracy of approximately 96%, while all models perform well in predicting disease severity levels, with accuracies exceeding 85%. Notably, the ResNet50 model achieves accuracy levels surpassing 90%. This research contributes to the advancement of automated crop health management systems.
Evaluation of traditional and bootstrapped methods for assessing data-poor fisheries: a case study on tropical seabob shrimp (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) with an improved length-based mortality estimation method
Authors: de Barros Matheus , Oliveira-Filho Ronaldo , Aschenbrenner Alexandre , Hostim-Silva Mauricio , Chiquieri Julien , Schwamborn Ralf
Published: November 2024

Background

Unrealistic model assumptions or improper quantitative methods reduce the reliability of data-limited fisheries assessments. Here, we evaluate how traditional length-based methods perform in estimating growth and mortality parameters in comparison with unconstrained bootstrapped methods, based on a virtual population and a case study of seabob shrimp (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, Heller, 1862).

Methods

Size data were obtained for 5,725 seabob shrimp caught in four distinct fishing grounds in the Southwestern Atlantic. Also, a synthetic population with known parameter values was simulated. These datasets were analyzed using different length-based methods: the traditional Powell-Wetheral plot method and novel bootstrapped methods.

Results

Analysis with bootstrapped ELEFAN (fishboot package) resulted in considerably lower estimates for asymptotic size (L∞), instantaneous growth rate (K), total mortalities (Z) and Z/K values compared to traditional methods. These parameters were highly influenced by L∞ estimates, which exhibited median values far below maximum lengths for all samples. Contrastingly, traditional methods (PW method and Lmax approach) resulted in much larger L∞ estimates, with average bias >70%. This caused multiplicative errors when estimating both Z and Z/K, with an astonishing average bias of roughly 200%, with deleterious consequences for stock assessment and management. We also present an improved version of the length-converted catch-curve method (the iLCCC) that allows for populations with L∞ > Lmax and propagates the uncertainty in growth parameters into mortality estimates. Our results highlight the importance of unbiased growth estimates to robustly evaluate mortality rates, with significant implications for length-based assessments of data-poor stocks. Thus, we underscore the call for standardized, unconstrained use of fishboot routines.
Propuesta de criterios determinantes para una fluida navegación de usuarios por el sistema de salud en Chile
Authors:   , Riveros Torres Sara
Published: November 2024

La alfabetización en salud de navegación afecta la vida de las personas, por ejemplo, en el acceso a los servicios de prevención o el costo de las atenciones, asociándose a resultados cómo el riesgo de hospitalización, entre otros. El presente estudio pretende identificar desde la perspectiva de los usuarios, un conjunto de criterios para su fluida navegación por el sistema y servicios de salud al momento de implementar políticas de salud en Chile. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cualitativo descriptivo con análisis temático bajo el enfoque de Braun y Clarke. Se seleccionaron 10 pacientes del seguro público FONASA mediante un muestreo no aleatorio por propósito. Los datos se recolectaron mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas. Resultados: Del análisis de datos se establecieron 4 dimensiones de las cuales se desglosaron 16 criterios que se deben cumplir para mejorar la navegación de los usuarios por el sistema de salud chileno, ya que se identificaron una baja comprensión de su funcionamiento y sus mecanismos de acceso, un bajo conocimiento de sus derechos como usuario, decisiones de salud mediada por la red de apoyo, la experiencia previa que tenga en el sistema y/o la relación con el personal de salud y el trato. Conclusiones: Para abordar las brechas identificadas es necesario que los tomadores de decisiones apliquen criterios enfocados en mejorar la fluidez de los usuarios por el sistema.
Touch Imprint Cytology in Oral Cancer Diagnosis: A Narrative Review
Authors: Jaiswal Shradha , Sinha Sumiran , Bagulkar Bhupesh , Bhat Atul , Sharma Rupa
Published: November 2024

Touch Imprint Cytology (TIC) is a simple, economical, and cost-effective method that can be used as a rapid tool for tissue diagnosis. It has been used for the intraoperative diagnosis of cancer, evaluation of surgical cut margins, evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes, diagnosis of head and neck lesions, and postmortem diagnosis. Intraoperative diagnosis includes both frozen section and TIC, which provide rapid pathological consultation. Brush biopsy can also be used for cytological diagnosis and acts as an adjunct to histopathological and TIC diagnosis. It has been found that TIC yields satisfactory and adequate material for diagnosis, allowing early counselling and preparation of the patient for further processes without having to wait for the results of histopathology. As technology continues to evolve, ongoing research aims to enhance the utility and accuracy of TIC in oral cancer diagnosis. Advancements in imaging techniques, such as confocal microscopy and molecular analysis of TIC samples, hold promise for improving diagnostic sensitivity and specificity
Effectiveness of Two Phytochemicals, P-Coumaric Acid and Quercetin in Reducing the Melanin Content of Pigmented Gingival Tissue: An Ex-vivo Study
Authors: Behl Shubhangi , Patil Vishakha , Dodwad Vidya
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Pigmented gingiva is an aesthetic concern for many individuals. Various treatment modalities have been developed to address this condition, but each carries certain disadvantages. Recently, the use of herbal products has been considered as a treatment modality, as they are safe and readily available. P-Coumaric Acid (p-CA) and Quercetin are two plant-based chemicals that have shown depigmenting effects on the skin. Given the similar cellular structure of skin and gingiva, the present study aimed to test their depigmenting effects on the gingiva. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of two phytochemicals, p-CA (3 μM) and Quercetin (20 μM), in reducing the melanin content of pigmented gingival tissue. Materials and Methods: The study was an ex-vivo study conducted in the Department of Periodontology at Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University Dental College and Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India, from January 2024 to April 2024. A total of 10 patients with a Dummet Oral Pigmentation Index (DOPI) score of two were selected for the study. A surgical depigmentation procedure was performed and the excised tissue was divided into three parts. The first part of the excised tissue served as a control group (Group A), while the second and third parts were treated with p-CA (Group B) and Quercetin (Group C), respectively. Histological analysis was conducted using Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemical analysis was performed using the Human Melanoma Black 45 (HMB-45) antibody test. The reduction in melanin content was recorded in all three groups and the results obtained were compared using a t-test. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 was used for statistical analysis, with a p-value of ≤0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Both p-CA and Quercetin demonstrated a reduction in the level of pigmentation. Comparative analysis indicated that p-CA had a stronger effect than Quercetin. Conclusion: The p-CA and Quercetin can be considered potential depigmenting agents.
The Silent Invader: A Case Report of Pulmonary and Cerebral Nocardiosis by Nocardia cyriacigeorgica in a Renal Transplant Recipient
Authors: Srirama Sanjana Paranji , Sundaresan Akshen , Kumar Palraj Kennedy , Sridharan Kopula Satyamurthy
Published: November 2024

Nocardia species primarily affect the lungs of immunocompromised individuals. The clinical presentation may mimic pulmonary tuberculosis. Accurate identification and high clinical suspicion are crucial for correct diagnosis and treatment, especially in tuberculosisendemic regions. A prolonged antibiotic regimen with two or more drugs is needed, and non adherence to the treatment protocol can lead to potentially fatal outcomes. A 37-year-old man with systemic hypertension and chronic kidney disease, who also underwent live-related renal transplantation, presented with fever, cough, and weight loss. No other significant complaints were noted. Physical examination revealed elevated body temperature and bilateral basal crepitations. Baseline investigations showed anaemia, leukopenia and elevated renal parameters. A chest X-ray indicated right lower zone opacity. A provisional diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis or mycosis was considered. Video bronchoscopy revealed thick mucoid secretions that were collected for staining, culture, and sensitivity testing. Gram stain and modified Acid-Fast Bacilli (AFB) stain showed microscopic features suggestive of Nocardia species, while the colonies that grew on culture were identified as N. cyriacigeorgica. Treatment was initiated with oral cotrimoxazole and intravenous imipenem. After 14 days, he was discharged with a continuation plan but did not adhere to the regimen. The patient eventually presented again 10 days later with seizures and altered sensorium, leading to a diagnosis of cerebral nocardiosis. Despite treatment, he progressed to septic shock and died. Effective treatment of nocardiosis requires a multidrug regimen, typically consisting of cotrimoxazole, amikacin, or imipenem, tailored to the severity of the infection. Early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and strict adherence to protocols are mandatory for successful treatment, as delays or non compliance can lead to fatal outcomes.
Optimizing Energy Efficiency in Smart Home Automation through Reinforcement Learning and Iot
Authors: Ajadalu Samson Oseiwe,
Published: November 2024

This thesis explores an innovative approach to optimizing energy efficiency in smart home environments by leveraging reinforcement learning (RL) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. As global energy demand rises and concerns over environmental sustainability intensify, smart homes offer a promising solution to reduce residential energy consumption while enhancing user comfort. The study presents a comprehensive architecture integrating IoT devices with RL algorithms, allowing for real-time monitoring and intelligent energy management. Through data collected from smart sensors, RL agents continuously learn and adapt to occupant behaviors and environmental changes, making optimal decisions to minimize energy usage without compromising user comfort. A real word-based analysis demonstrates that the proposed system achieves significant energy savings compared to traditional rule-based methods. The results underscore the effectiveness of combining RL and IoT for adaptive energy management, paving the way for scalable solutions that could extend to smart cities and renewable energy systems. This research provides valuable insights into how emerging technologies can contribute to sustainable energy practices in the residential sector.
Strengthening Cybersecurity Measures for the Defense of Critical Infrastructure in the United States
Authors: Obioha-Val Onyinye , Kolade Titilayo Modupe , Gbadebo Michael Olayinka , Selesi-Aina Oluwatosin , Olateju Omobolaji Olufunmilayo , Olaniyi Oluwaseun Oladeji
Published: November 2024

This study addresses critical cybersecurity vulnerabilities within U.S. infrastructure sectors, particularly energy, water, and healthcare, where high-severity vulnerabilities and ransomware continue to pose significant risks. The study applied a multi-method analytical approach comprising logistic regression, K-means clustering, Interrupted Time Series (ITS), Difference-in-Differences (DiD), and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to identify, prioritize, and evaluate vulnerabilities across these essential sectors to provide insights into sector-specific risks and framework effectiveness. Logistic regression models were specifically used to quantify the likelihood of incidents by examining vulnerability attributes. In contrast, K-means clustering was used to access insights into patterns of shared vulnerabilities unique to each sector. The ITS and DiD analyses were also used to measure the National Cybersecurity Strategy’s effect, showing a 3.7% reduction in incidents post-intervention, particularly within the healthcare sector. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess how long systems withstand attacks, highlighting that ransomware has the most immediate and costly impact, with average recovery costs reaching $540,000 per incident. These findings aver the need for proactive cybersecurity defences across critical infrastructure, where the potential for disruption directly impacts public safety and economic stability. To strengthen resilience, the study recommends tailored, sector-specific cybersecurity frameworks, the prioritization of high-risk vulnerabilities, a reinforced zero-trust architecture, and expanded public-private collaboration for real-time threat intelligence sharing, as adopting these strategies in the U.S. can contribute to developing a more adaptive cybersecurity infrastructure capable of countering evolving threats.
Association between Soil and Plant Nutrients in Pomegranate Productivity in Northern Karnataka, India
Authors: T Anusree , R Suma.
Published: November 2024

Pomegranate productivity and quality necessitate the optimum nutrient supply and for this, soil nutrient status and leaf nutrient concentration are very much required. Concerning this, a survey study was conducted to analyse the soil and plant nutrient status of 150 pomegranate orchards of northern Karnataka. Soil pH, EC, OC, available nutrients (K, P, S, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu), exchangeable calcium and magnesium, and corresponding leaf nutrient concentrations were analysed in orchards. The high yielding orchards with yield greater than mean productivity of Karnataka (11.71 t ha-1) were further categorized as category 1 (12.32-13.61 t ha-1), category 2 (14.32-22.64 t ha-1) and category 3 (22.84-25.63 t ha-1). The availability of soil nutrients viz., K, S, and Mn content were higher in category- 3 HYO whereas, available N, exchangeable Ca & Mg and Cu content were higher in category 1. Similarly, total P, K, S & Fe content in pomegranate leaf was higher in category 3 while leaf N, Ca, Mg & Cu content were found high in category 1 and category 2. These can be the basis for the application of the optimum dose of fertilizers.
The Incidence of Contrast-induced Acute Kidney Injury in Patients on Dapagliflozin Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Interventions
Authors: Ebaid Hany Hassan , Hafeez Ahmed Bahaa El Dein Abd El , Rabat Khaled Emad El Dein El , Elakabawi Karim
Published: November 2024

Background: Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 receptor inhibitor (SGLT2i) dapagliflozin protects the renal function of individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD) and reduces incidence of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) among individuals having percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). The purpose of this work was to assess the CI-AKI incidence across individuals on dapagliflozin underwent PCI.
Methods: This single-center, prospective observational work had been conducted on 200 diabetic individuals ranging in age between 25 and 80 years old, both genders, with CAD were going to have elective coronary angiogram and PCI. We identified CI-AKI by the ESUR and KDIGO definition. Patients were divided into two equal groups: Group I: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were on dapagliflozin (SGLT2i) and group II: T2DM were on non SGLT2i glucose-lowering drugs.
Results: CI AKI according to European society of urogenital radiology (ESUR) and kidney disease improving global outcome score were significantly higher among group II contrasted to group I (P<0.05). no significant correlations existed between contrast volume and creatinine post-PCI, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) post-PCI, high-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, and hemoglobin A1c in both groups. Dapagliflozin use was significantly correlated with 76.2% risk reduction of AKI. Dapagliflozin usage had been correlated with a 72.6% risk reduction of AKI but with borderline significance (P = 0.064). eGFR post-PCI was significantly greater among group I cootrasted to group II (P <0.05).
Conclusions: Regarding the predictors of AKI according to ESUR criteria, multivariate logistic regression analysis and demonstrated that using dapagliflozin was substantially correlated with 76.2% risk reduction of AKI controlling for age, sex, hypertension, smoking, and dyslipidemia.
Rice Production in Water-Scarce Environments: A Review of Conservation Agriculture Techniques
Authors: Krishna  , Nirala Hemlata , Suryavanshi Shashi Kant , Kumar Sachin , Kumar Harendra , Nath Amar
Published: November 2024

Rice is a critical crop for global food security, but its production is increasingly threatened by water scarcity. Conservation agriculture (CA) techniques have been identified as a promising approach to address this challenge. This review synthesizes the current state of knowledge on CA techniques for rice production in water-scarce environments, focusing on their effects on soil health, water productivity, and rice yields. We examine the evidence from various studies and identify the constraints and opportunities for adoption among smallholder farmers. Our review highlights the potential of CA techniques to improve rice production in water-scarce environments, but also emphasizes the need for further research and support to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers. By promoting the adoption of CA techniques, we can enhance the resilience of rice production systems and contribute to global food security.
Chemical Quality Parameters of Mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco.) Fruits Influenced by different Organic Sources
Authors: Yadav Vikram Kumar , Singh Virendra , Suman Mahaveer , Kumar Sandeep
Published: November 2024

A field experiment was carried out during the year 2021-22 and 2022-23 on 12 years old mandarin plants at the Instructional Farm, Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalawar. The experiment was consisting of 21 treatments of different organic source of NPK viz., vermicompost, cotton fortified vermicompost, neem cake, cotton cake, mustard cake and bio fertilizers such as PSB and VAM with three levels of recommendation dose of fertilizers. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. Among different treatments, treatment T9 (75 % RDF + 10 kg Vermicompost + 7.5 kg Neem cake + 50 g PSB) was found best with regards to maximum pooled TSS (11.74 0B), reducing sugar (6.30%) non-reducing sugar (2.62%), total sugar (8.92%) per cent, sugar/acid ratio (14.40), ascorbic acid (53.08mg/100g) and juice (46.57%). Therefore, based on two years experimentation, use of organic source of nutrients with bio-fertilizers favoured biochemical compounds of Nagpur Mandarin fruits.