bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospects for Detecting Gaps in Globular Cluster Stellar Streams in External Galaxies with the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope
Authors: Aganze Christian , Pearson Sarah , Starkenburg Tjitske , Contardo Gabriella , Johnston Kathryn V. , Tavangar Kiyan , Price-Whelan Adrian M. , Burgasser Adam J.
Published: February 2024

Stellar streams form through the tidal disruption of satellite galaxies or globular clusters orbiting a host galaxy. Globular cluster streams are exciting since they are thin (dynamically cold) and therefore sensitive to perturbations from low-mass subhalos. Since the subhalo mass function differs depending on the dark matter composition, these gaps can provide unique constraints on dark matter models. However, current samples are limited to the Milky Way. With its large field of view, deep imaging sensitivity, and high angular resolution, the upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (Roman) presents a unique opportunity to increase the number of observed streams and gaps significantly. This paper presents a first exploration of the prospects for detecting gaps in streams in M31 and other nearby galaxies with resolved stars. We simulate the formation of gaps in a Palomar 5–like stream and generate mock observations of these gaps with background stars in M31 and foreground Milky Way stellar fields. We assess Roman's ability to detect gaps out to 10 Mpc through visual inspection and with the gap-finding tool FindTheGap. We conclude that gaps of ≈1.5 kpc in streams that are created from subhalos of masses ≥5 × 106
M
⊙ are detectable within a 2–3 Mpc volume in exposure times of 1000 s to 1 hr. This volume contains ≈150 galaxies, including ≈eight galaxies with luminosities >109
L
⊙. Large samples of stream gaps in external galaxies will open up a new era of statistical analyses of gap characteristics in stellar streams and help constrain dark matter models.
Segregation and Collisions in Galactic Nuclei: Rates of Destructive Events Near a Supermassive Black Hole
Authors: Balberg Shmuel
Published: February 2024

The centers of galaxies host a supermassive black hole (SMBH) surrounded by a dense stellar cluster. The cluster is expected to develop mass segregation, in which gravitational scatterings among the stars cause heavier objects to sink closer to the central black hole, while lighter objects will tend to be overconcentrated in the outer regions. This work focuses on the implications of mass segregation on the different channels for violent destruction of stars in the cluster: tidal disruptions, gravitational-wave-driven inspirals and high-velocity destructive collisions between stars. All such events occur close to the central black hole, where the heavier objects congregate. The analysis is based on a simplified Monte Carlo simulation, which evolves a two-mass population in a cluster surrounding a Milky Way–like SMBH. The simulation is based on the single-mass scheme used by Sari & Fragione and Balberg & Yassur, which has been extended to allow for the dynamical friction effects typical of unequal-mass populations. The effects of mass segregation on the rates of the different destruction channels are analyzed self-consistently in the overall evolution of the cluster. Also considered are stars which are injected into the cluster after being disrupted from a binary system by the SMBH. Such stars are captured in the inner regions of the cluster, and so their orbital evolution, as well as their destruction rate, are therefore influenced by heavy objects that might be abundant in the vicinity of the SMBH.
Reaction Pathway and Rovibrational Analysis of Aluminum Nitride Species as Potential Dust Grain Nucleation Agents
Authors: Palmer C. Zachary , Fortenberry Ryan C.
Published: February 2024

A dust nucleating agent may be present in interstellar or circumstellar media that has gone seemingly undetected and unstudied for decades. Some analyses of the Murchison CM2 meteorite suggest that at least some of the aluminum present within condensed as aluminum nitrides instead of the long-studied, but heretofore undetected suite of aluminum oxides. The present theoretical study utilizes explicitly correlated coupled cluster theory and density functional theory to provide a formation pathway from alane (AlH3) and ammonia to the cyclic structure Al2N2H4, which has the proper Al/N ratio expected of bulk aluminum nitrides. Novel rovibrational spectroscopic constants are computed for alane and the first two formed structures, AlNH6 and AlNH4, along the reaction pathway for use as reference in possible laboratory or observational studies. The ν
8 bending frequency for AlNH6 at 755.7 cm−1 (13.23 μm) presents a vibrational transition intensity of 515 km mol−1, more intense than the antisymmetric C−O stretch of carbon dioxide, and contains a dipole moment of 5.40 D, which is ∼3× larger than that of water. Thus, the present reaction pathway and rovibrational spectroscopic analysis may potentially assist in the astrophysical detection of novel, inorganic species which may be indicative of larger dust grain nucleation.
Properties of an Interplanetary Shock Observed at 0.07 and 0.7 au by Parker Solar Probe and Solar Orbiter
Authors: Trotta Domenico , Larosa Andrea , Nicolaou Georgios , Horbury Timothy S. , Matteini Lorenzo , Hietala Heli , Blanco-Cano Xochitl , Franci Luca , Chen C. H. K , Zhao Lingling , Zank Gary P. , Cohen Christina M. S. , Bale Stuart D. , Laker Ronan , Fargette Nais , Valentini Francesco , Khotyaintsev Yuri , Kieokaew Rungployphan , Raouafi Nour , Davies Emma , Vainio Rami , Dresing Nina , Kilpua Emilia , Karlsson Tomas , Owen Christopher J. , Wimmer-Schweingruber Robert F.
Published: February 2024

The Parker Solar Probe (PSP) and Solar Orbiter (SolO) missions opened a new observational window in the inner heliosphere, which is finally accessible to direct measurements. On 2022 September 5, a coronal mass ejection (CME)-driven interplanetary (IP) shock was observed as close as 0.07 au by PSP. The CME then reached SolO, which was radially well-aligned at 0.7 au, thus providing us with the opportunity to study the shock properties at different heliocentric distances. We characterize the shock, investigate its typical parameters, and compare its small-scale features at both locations. Using the PSP observations, we investigate how magnetic switchbacks and ion cyclotron waves are processed upon shock crossing. We find that switchbacks preserve their V–B correlation while compressed upon the shock passage, and that the signature of ion cyclotron waves disappears downstream of the shock. By contrast, the SolO observations reveal a very structured shock transition, with a population of shock-accelerated protons of up to about 2 MeV, showing irregularities in the shock downstream, which we correlate with solar wind structures propagating across the shock. At SolO, we also report the presence of low-energy (∼100 eV) electrons scattering due to upstream shocklets. This study elucidates how the local features of IP shocks and their environments can be very different as they propagate through the heliosphere.
Host Galaxy and Nuclear Properties of IR-selected AGNs with and without Outflow Signatures
Authors: Oio Gabriel A. , Dai 戴 Y. Sophia 昱 , Bornancini C. G. , Li Zi-Jian
Published: February 2024

Active galactic nucleus (AGN) driven outflows can have a significant impact on the evolution of the host galaxy. In this work, we compare the properties of galaxies that host AGNs with and without outflows. Our sample consists of 103 AGNs identified by mid-IR color–color selection and confirmed with optical spectroscopy at a redshift range of 0.3 ≲ z ≲ 0.9. We fit the [O iii] λ5007 line using spectra from the zCOSMOS survey to identify and study the occurrence of outflows. We find that ionized outflows are present in ∼25% of our sample, with the largest incidence at the highest [O iii] and X-ray luminosity bins. The fastest outflows are found in the more extended and massive galaxies. We do not observe a difference in the star formation rate of AGNs with outflows compared to AGNs without outflows. From visual inspection and nonparametric morphological studies, we obtain that outflows are preferentially observed in galaxies with disk-type and elliptical morphologies.
Dynamical Friction Models for Black Hole Binary Formation in Active Galactic Nucleus Disks
Authors: Qian Kecheng , Li Jiaru , Lai Dong
Published: February 2024

Stellar-mass black holes (sBHs) embedded in gaseous disks of active galactic nuclei (AGN) can be important sources of detectable gravitational radiation for LIGO/Virgo when they form binaries and coalesce due to orbital decay. In this paper, we study the effect of dynamical friction (DF) on the formation of BH binaries in AGN disks using N-body simulations. We employ two simplified models of DF, with the force on the BH depending on Δ
v
, the velocity of the sBH relative to the background Keplerian gas. We integrate the motion of two sBHs initially on circular orbits around the central supermassive black hole (SMBH) and evaluate the probability of binary formation under various conditions. We find that both models of DF (with different dependence of the frictional coefficient on ∣Δ
v
∣) can foster the formation of binaries when the effective friction timescale τ satisfies ΩK
τ ≲ 20–30 (where ΩK is the Keplerian frequency around the SMBH): prograde binaries are formed when the DF is stronger (smaller τ), while retrograde binaries dominate when the DF is weaker (larger τ). We determine the distribution of both prograde and retrograde binaries as a function of initial orbital separation and the DF strength. Using our models of DF, we show that for a given sBH number density in the AGN disk, the formation rate of sBH binaries increases with decreasing τ and can reach a moderate value with a sufficiently strong DF.
A Unified Model for Multiepoch Neutrino Events and Broadband Spectral Energy Distribution of TXS 0506+056
Authors: Wang Zhen-Jie , Liu Ruo-Yu , Wang Ze-Rui , Wang Junfeng
Published: February 2024

The blazar TXS 0506+056 has been proposed as a high-energy neutrino emitter. However, it has been shown that the standard one-zone model cannot produce sufficiently high neutrino flux due to constraints from the X-ray data, implying more complex properties of the radiation zones in the blazar than that described by the standard one-zone model. In this work, we investigate multiepoch high-energy muon-neutrino events associated with the blazar TXS 0506+056 that occurred in 2014–2015, 2017–2018, 2021–2022, and 2022–2023, respectively. We applied the so-called “stochastic dissipation model” to account for the neutrino-blazar associations detected in the four epochs simultaneously. This model describes a scenario in which the emission of the blazar arises from the superimposition of two components: a persistent component related to the quasi-stable state of the blazar and a transient component responsible for the sudden enhancement of the blazar’s flux, either in electromagnetic radiation or in neutrino emission. The latter component could form at a random distance along the jet by a strong energy dissipation event. Under such an assumption, the multiepoch broadband spectral energy distribution can be well explained, and the expected number of high-energy neutrino events is statistically realistic. The expected number of neutrino events in half year is around 8.2, 0.07, 0.73, and 0.41, corresponding to the epoch in 2014–2015, 2017–2018, 2021–2022, and 2022–2023, respectively. Hence, our model self-consistently explains the episodic neutrino emission from TXS 0506+056.
Broadband Multiwavelength Study of LHAASO-detected Active Galactic Nuclei
Authors: Wang Ze-Rui , Xue Rui , Xiong Dingrong , Wang Hai-Qin , Sun Lu-Ming , Peng Fang-Kun , Mao Jirong
Published: February 2024

Recently, the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) collaboration presented the first catalog of γ-ray sources using 508 days of LHAASO data, from 2021 March to 2022 September. This catalog contains four blazars and a possible LINER-type active galactic nucleus (AGN) counterpart. In this work, we establish averaged multiwavelength spectral energy distributions (SEDs) by combining data from the Fermi-Large Area Telescope, Swift, Zwicky Transient Facility, and Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) covering the same period as the LHAASO detection. In general, these five AGNs are found in low states at all wavelengths. To study the multiwavelength properties of these AGNs, several jet emission models, including the one-zone leptonic model, the one-zone leptonic and hadronuclear (pp) model, the one-zone proton-synchrotron model, and the spine-layer model, are applied to reproduce their averaged SEDs. We find that the one-zone leptonic model can reproduce most of the SEDs, except for the high-energy tail of the LHAASO spectra of Mrk 421 and Mrk 501. To improve the fitting, emission from pp interactions is favored in the framework of a one-zone model. The spine-layer model, which can be treated as a multizone scenario, can also provide good spectral fits. The influence of different extragalactic background light models on fitting a LHAASO energy spectrum is also discussed.
Classifying Optical (Out)bursts in Cataclysmic Variables: The Distinct Observational Characteristics of Dwarf Novae, Micronovae, Stellar Flares, and Magnetic Gating
Authors: Iłkiewicz Krystian , Scaringi Simone , Veresvarska Martina , De Martino Domitilla , Littlefield Colin , Knigge Christian , Paice John A. , Sahu Anwesha
Published: February 2024

Cataclysmic variables can experience short optical brightenings, which are commonly attributed to phenomena such as dwarf novae outbursts, micronovae, donor flares, or magnetic gating bursts. Since these events exhibit similar observational characteristics, their identification has often been ambiguous. In particular, magnetic gating bursts and micronovae have been suggested as alternative interpretations of the same phenomena. Here we show that the timescales and energies separate the optical brightenings into separate clusters consistent with their different classifications. This suggests that micronovae and magnetic gating bursts are in fact separate phenomena. Based on our findings, we develop diagnostic diagrams that can distinguish between these bursts/flares based on their properties. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach on observations of a newly identified intermediate polar, CTCV J0333-4451, which we classify as a magnetic gating system. CTCV J0333-4451 is the third highest spin-to-orbital period ratio intermediate polar with magnetic gating, suggesting that these bursts are common among these rare systems.
Development of a Field Diagnostic Tool for Schistosoma mansoni Praziquantel Resistant Markers in Selected Endemic Communities
Authors: Acquah Maame Ekua , Aboagye Frank , Ashong Yvonne , Mosi Lydia
Published: February 2024

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects more than 200 million people and 45% of infections have been shown to occur in school-aged children. A large percentage of the disease burden lies in Africa. In 2012, the WHO outlined a roadmap for the elimination of schistosomiasis by 2020; however, this was not achieved. Treatment for schistosomiasis is by the use of Praziquantel, a drug in use for over 30 years and there is a concern for emerging drug resistance. There are several species of the genus Schistosoma causing infection in humans. For this study, Schistosoma mansoni which causes intestinal schistosomiasis will be investigated. There are reports of lowering cure rates and suboptimal response to praziquantel following several cycles of mass drug administration (MDA). Praziquantel resistance has also been reported in some countries and laboratory-bred schistosome experiments. To address the concerns of resistance, this study aims to employ a two-part approach to assess the prevalence of S. mansoni. praziquantel resistance among school-aged children in schistosomiasis endemic communities in Ghana and develop a diagnostic tool to aid in field assessment of infections. To achieve this, the study will attempt to answer the following research questions: 1. Is there developing S. mansoni praziquantel resistance in communities that have undergone several mass drug administrations? 2. Is there an interplay between intermediate host exposure to praziquantel and the development of praziquantel drug resistance in the definitive host?
Updated taxonomy and new insights into the evolutionary relationships of the genus Sporonchulus Cobb, 1917 (Nematoda, Mononchida) after the study of two Vietnamese species
Authors: Vu Tam T. T. , Nguyen Anh D. , Le Thi Mai Linh , Peña-Santiago Reyes
Published: February 2024

Two known species of the genusSporonchulus, namelyS. ibitiensisandS. vagabundus, collected from natural areas of Vietnam, are characterized, including descriptions and illustrations of both species, as well as SEM observations and molecular (18S-, 28S rDNA) analyses ofS. ibitiensis. The identity of the two species is discussed, with detailed comparison with previously known populations. The taxonomy of the genus is updated, presenting a diagnosis, list of species, key to their identification, and a compendium of their main morphometrics. An integrative analysis, combining morphological data with a cladistic approach and the first molecular study for a representative ofSporonchulus, better supports a narrow relationship of this genus with Mononchidae than with Mylonchulidae members, however further research should be conducted to elucidate its phylogeny.
El fuerte romano republicano de Ses Salines (Mallorca): aportaciones a sus características y cronología
Authors: Vallori Márquez Bartomeu , Alcaide Silvia , Servera Jaume , Valenzuela Alejandro
Published: February 2024

Entre los yacimientos de las islas Baleares relativos a la presencia del ejército romano destaca el caso de Ses Salines. Conocido desde los años 80 del siglo XX, la información disponible de este yacimiento urbano, fruto de hallazgos casuales, era demasiado débil para hacer una interpretación fiable. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar los datos procedentes de trabajos realizados desde 2014, principalmente de la excavación del foso defensivo y de la revisión planimétrica del mismo. Para ello, entre otros métodos, se han utilizado dataciones ceramológicas y por C14 de huesos de fauna. Entre los resultados destaca su datación en 120-100 a. C., hecho que permite relacionarlo con la conquista romana del 123 a. C., así como su identificación como fuerte militar o castellum que podría haber alojado a una cohorte en el sur de la isla.
Skills needed for telecollaboration in a multilingual environment: framework and task
Authors: Chachkine Elsa , Salengros-Iguenane Isabelle
Published: February 2024

In this article, we propose a framework of skills for telecollaboration in a plurilingual environment. It can be used by language teachers in higher education to prepare students for telecollaboration, using plurilingual practices and digital resources. The framework we have designed is anchored in a humanistic conception of education (Maslow & Rogers, 1971; Ryan & Deci, 2017). More specifically, we place the skill of collaborating at distance (Henri & Lundgren-Cayrol, 2003; Daele & Charlier, 2006) at the very centre of the telecollaboration skill. Digital literacies (Ollivier et al., 2018) and plurilingual practices (CARAP, 2012; REFIC, 2019) complete the skills framework. An example of a task, which relies on the framework, is proposed. The task is intended for engineering students and doctoral students from two French higher education institutions.
Multimodal Literacy and Linguistic Landscape: A Digital Tandem Project in European Teacher Education
Authors: Krompák Edina , Hartmann Esa
Published: February 2024

This study investigated student teachers' reflections on the pedagogical affordances of digital media and digital citizenship education in the context of language teaching and learning in multilingual classrooms. The project Multimodal Literacy and Linguistic Landscape was carried out jointly in Switzerland and France to explore the novel interconnection between multimodal literacy and linguistic landscape research in the context of digital citizenship education. The purpose of this project was to carry out a digital exchange between student teachers of the two universities, in order to create several multimodal storytelling performances using digital media. These interactive digital storytelling performances were based on a selection of Tomi Ungerer's picturebooks and presented to preschool and primary classes in the two countries, with the aim of promoting pluriliteracy as part of digital citizenship education. The investigation was guided by the following research questions: What are the effects of the international digital exchange on student teachers' attitudes and beliefs towards creative and multimodal pedagogical approaches? What are the impacts of this intercultural exchange on their multimodal performances, as well as their linguistic, cultural and professional identities? How can digital citizenship education be implemented in language teaching and learning in multilingual classrooms and in multilingual teacher education at university?
Activité pédagogique appliquée à la traduction-révision : expérience de télécollaboration entre étudiants français et étudiants japonais
Authors: Higashi Tomoko , Frérot Cécile
Published: February 2024

C’est dans le contexte de l’enseignement de la traduction spécialisée et de l’enseignement du français que nous œuvrons à la conception d’un dispositif d’apprentissage en télécollaboration entre étudiants français (Université Grenoble Alpes) et étudiants japonais (Tokyo University of Foreign Studies). Le cadre expérimental mis en place s’applique à une activité de traduction-révision mobilisant les compétences visées par le Référentiel européen de compétences en traduction (EMT, 2022) et par le Cadre européen commun de compétences pour les langues (CECRL, 2020). Cette activité de traduction-révision déclinée en différentes étapes est réalisée par des apprenants natifs vers une langue étrangère (français-japonais et japonais-français) et elle se caractérise par des langues et cultures distantes ; elle implique notamment une communication avec les outils Zoom et Line et elle revêt un double objectif : développer les compétences linguistiques, interculturelles, interpersonnelles, mais aussi communicatives et pragmatiques. La question de recherche qui sous-tend notre travail consiste à explorer dans quelle mesure et sous quelles formes les dimensions interculturelles et langagières sont présentes dans les données collectées que nous analysons (interactions langagières issues des séances sur Zoom) et en quoi elles éclairent l’acquisition des compétences visées.
Where be dragons?
Authors: Andrade Miguel
Published: February 2024

Dragons are frequent presences in Old Norse-Icelandic sagas, composed between the 13th and 15th centuries. The locations where dragons appear have been so far observed mainly under the lens of their relation to centre/periphery dynamics and regarding the borders of the otherworldly. Less focus has been devoted to the physical environments that dragons occupy, whether the ones they habitually inhabit or the ones they turn uninhabitable. The habitat of dragons encompasses a variety of natural environments throughout Old Norse-Icelandic literature. In this article, we will focus on the literary landscapes (sometimes informed by real geographies familiar to the authors, depending on setting), which surround dragons in the sagas, namely topographical features, weather phenomena, times of day and seasons. The main goal will be to define which landscapes saga dragons are mainly found in, and reflect on how dragons interact with their surroundings, altering their landscapes, most often through destructive means and making spaces into non-shared zones. As descriptions of dragon surroundings are often scarce in detail, this study intends to take a broad-scope approach to the available corpus of sagas with dragons in them, combing 55 dragon occurrences across 38 sagas and þættir (“tales, episodes”) for landscape-oriented vocabulary. It will focus on “legendary sagas” and "chivalric sagas" due to prevalence of the material, but also include episodes from "sagas of Icelanders", "kings’ sagas" and other texts adjacent to those genres.
La fiscalidad sobre el consumo en una ciudad mediterránea
Authors: Favà Lluís Sales i
Published: February 2024

Este artículo profundiza en el conocimiento sobre la Lleuda de Mediona, una tasa sobre la compraventa de productos alimentarios, materias primas y ropa que fue aplicada en la ciudad de Barcelona en período preindustrial. Con el uso de documentación inédita de carácter contencioso o normativo, se presenta el origen y la evolución del impuesto entre los siglos XIII y XIV. Pare ello, se describen en sendas secciones gravámenes especiales ligados a la Lleuda: el mesuratge que afectaba la comercialización del aceite, y el quint del cuiram, aplicado sobre el comercio del cuero y de la cochinilla, materias generalmente importadas de las regiones islámicas del sur del Mediterráneo. El artículo subraya la importancia de estos productos en la economía urbana del momento. Finalmente, el estudio describe aspectos desconocidos sobre el origen de la Lleuda y de su mecánica.
Corrosion Evaluation and Inhibiting Effect of Chlorpheniramine Drug on Mild Steel in HCl Acid
Authors: Odunlami Olayemi Abosede , Ogunleye Oluwamayowa , Fayomi Ojo Sunday Isaac , Fajobi Muyiwa
Published: February 2024

The importance of non harmful inhibitors has informed the application of drugs as an agent to mitigate corrosion of metal materials. This research reveals the inhibitive reaction and adsorption mechanism of Chlorpheniramine drug (CD), on mild steel in an HCl solution using Potentiodynamic polarization, open circuit potential and weight loss method. The CD inhibitor was proportioned into 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10ml while molarity of HCl was varied in the proportion of 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5M at a temperature of 298 K. The reaction showed that as the CD concentration moves to higher concentration, the efficiency of the inhibitor increases, also the higher the concentration of the acid, the higher the corrosion rate. Observation from the result revealed that CD inhibitor protected the steel from corrosion destruction. The optimum efficiency occurred as 85.80% at 10ml CD concentration. CD inhibitor obeyed Freundlich law of isotherm with the average regression value of R2 = 0.9733, as R2 value gets close to unity. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectra (EDX) results also confirm strong adsorption mechanisms of CD inhibitor on the mild steel samples. Keywords: Chlorpheniramine Drug; Green Inhibitor; Open circuit potential; Potentiodynamic Polarization; Mild steel
Cardiopulmonary Vascular Odyssey and Haemodynamic Conundrum: A Case Report of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection
Authors: Nanavaty Anay , Brahmbhatt Dev , Patel Vrusti , Mudi Aatrayee , Likhi Deeksha
Published: February 2024

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a cyanotic congenital heart disease where all the pulmonary veins drain directly or indirectly into the right atrium. Each of these types can be further classified into two types based on the pulmonary veins – obstructive and non-obstructive. This case report describes a rare case of a 2-month-old male infant with an unobstructed supra-cardiac TAPVC. The patient presented with tachypnoea, cyanosis and feeding difficulties, which prompted a thorough examination. Unobstructed supra-cardiac TAPVC was revealed by the diagnostic evaluation using two-dimensional echocardiography. Supra-cardiac TAPVC repair surgery was performed, following which post-operative evaluations indicated that the patient had satisfactory biventricular functionality. This case emphasises the relevance of early detection of TAPVC, thereby highlighting the need for meticulous and prompt postnatal care. The primary insight lies in the crucial role of prenatal diagnosis in tertiary care facilities, which allows timely planning of delivery, postnatal surgical interventions and a better prognosis of the disease. By underlining the significance of early intervention in the management of such rare congenital cardiac diseases such as TAPVC, this case report offers valuable insights into the scientific community.
A Perfect Blend of ‘Palliative Heart’ and ‘Oncology Brain’ in an Advanced Cancer Patient
Authors: Verma Mrinalini , Kumari Puja , Kukreja Divya
Published: February 2024

Cancer of the oesophagus is the 9th-most common cancer worldwide and the 5th-most common malignancy in India amongst both genders. It usually presents in an advanced stage, and approximately half of them have metastatic disease at the time of presentation. For these patients, the median overall survival has been around 4–5 months only with the best supportive care, while it extends up to 7–8 months for those who can additionally receive palliative chemo/radiotherapy. Here, we share about one such patient with metastatic carcinoma of the oesophagus who completed 2 years after palliative chemoradiotherapy.
Examining trends in epidemic typhus using historical texts
Authors: Walker Mark David
Published: February 2024

Background & objectives:

Although associated with conflict, epidemic typhus was endemic across Europe into the modem period. The extent of the problem it caused is uncertain as record keeping in the most affected socioeconomic groups was rare. Google Ngram Viewer details the frequency of word usage in written language over time. The objective was to examine whether use of the word typhus reflected potential patterns in epidemic typhus.

Methods:

The frequency of the word ‘typhus’ was used in British English was studied between 1800 and 2019 and trends were examined.

Results:

Clear differences in word usage were apparent; use increased throughout the 19th century corresponding to increasing industrialization. Peaks coinciding with World Wars 1 and 2 were apparent. Strong correlations with the words “conflict”, “warfare” and “industry” were seen. Mean shifts corresponded to public health legislation in the UK and the introduction of antibiotics.

Interpretation & conclusion:

This study illustrates how examination of word usage can illuminate aspects of disease occurrence where official data sources are lacking.
Crime Prediction using Machine Learning
Authors: S Sridharan , N Srish , S Vigneswaran , P Santhi
Published: February 2024

The process of researching crime patterns and trends in order to find underlying issues and potential solutions to crime prevention is known as crime analysis. This includes using statistical analysis, geographic mapping, and other approaches of type and scope of crime in their areas. Crime analysis can also entail the creation of predictive models that use previous data to anticipate future crime tendencies. Law enforcement authorities can more efficiently allocate resources and target initiatives to reduce crime and increase public safety by evaluating crime data and finding trends. For prediction, this data was fed into algorithms such as Linear Regression and Random Forest. Using data from 2001 to 2016, crime-type projections are made for each state as well as all states in India. Simple visualisation charts are used to represent these predictions. One critical feature of these algorithms is identifying the trend-changing year in order to boost the accuracy of the predictions. The main aim is to predict crime cases from 2017 to 2020 by using the dataset from 2001 to 2016.
Framework for evaluating code generation ability of large language models
Authors: Yeo Sangyeop , Ma Yu‐Seung , Kim Sang Cheol , Jun Hyungkook , Kim Taeho
Published: February 2024

Large language models (LLMs) have revolutionized various applications in natural language processing and exhibited proficiency in generating programming code. We propose a framework for evaluating the code generation ability of LLMs and introduce a new metric,
, which captures the granularity of accuracy according to the pass rate of test cases. The framework is intended to be fully automatic to handle the repetitive work involved in generating prompts, conducting inferences, and executing the generated codes. A preliminary evaluation focusing on the prompt detail, problem publication date, and difficulty level demonstrates the successful integration of our framework with the LeetCode coding platform and highlights the applicability of the
metric.
Joint streaming model for backchannel prediction and automatic speech recognition
Authors: Choi Yong‐Seok , Bang Jeong‐Uk , Kim Seung Hi
Published: February 2024

In human conversations, listeners often utilize brief backchannels such as “uh‐huh” or “yeah.” Timely backchannels are crucial to understanding and increasing trust among conversational partners. In human–machine conversation systems, users can engage in natural conversations when a conversational agent generates backchannels like a human listener. We propose a method that simultaneously predicts backchannels and recognizes speech in real time. We use a streaming transformer and adopt multitask learning for concurrent backchannel prediction and speech recognition. The experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of our method compared with previous works while maintaining a similar single‐task speech recognition performance. Owing to the extremely imbalanced training data distribution, the single‐task backchannel prediction model fails to predict any of the backchannel categories, and the proposed multitask approach substantially enhances the backchannel prediction performance. Notably, in the streaming prediction scenario, the performance of backchannel prediction improves by up to 18.7% compared with existing methods.
Contribution of poultry farming to households’ welfare: A case of enterprise diversification strategy by livestock farmers in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: G.F. Okwuokenye  , F. Onyemekihian  , E. Jov
Published: February 2024

The study assessed the contribution of poultry farming to households’ welfare in Abuja, Nigeria.  Multistage sampling was used in selecting the respondents and data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Results revealed that average age, household size, farm size and farm experience were 43.30 years, 6 persons, 869 birds and 8.01 years respectively. Additionally, the study found that poultry farming was profitable based on an average earned income of N397,768.36. It was found that the income realized from poultry farming helped in alleviating the poverty status of the farmers. Furthermore, results of the logistic regression revealed that farmers’ age, household size, years of farming experience, educational level and income had significant influences on the income earned from poultry farming. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended that there is need for farmers to be vigilant and at all times be on the watch so that any suspected sick birds should be isolated from the others and that government should intervene to subsidize farm inputs such as feeds and vaccines so that they should not only be affordable but also try to stabilize their prices for the farmers.
Determining rural farmers' income: A case of mushroom farming in North Central Nigeria
Authors: S.M. Ayodele  , G.F. Okwuokenye  , M.N. Chukwu  , B.O. Ekute
Published: February 2024

The study appraised the involvement of rural farmers in mushroom farming as a paradigm shift for economic development in North Central, Nigeria. The study used 389 respondents sampled through multi-stage sampling technique from three States and the Federal Capital Territory. Descriptive statistics and t-test were used to analyse the data collected. Results showed that the farming of mushroom in the study area was dominated by males, who were married and were well educated. They were young and active with an average household size of 5 persons. The farmers had high levels of involvement in mushroom production and the average income earned by the farmers before and after adding mushroom to their crops were N360,539.58 and N426,092.55, respectively. It was found that mushroom farming attracted a reasonable amount of income because about N65,552.97 was the difference in the average income earned by the farmers after adding mushroom to their crop production activities. Several coping strategies like formation of cooperative groups and engagement of extension agents in training farmers on input use were very important strategies that could help boost mushroom production and the respondents also acknowledged that income generated from mushroom production can help them to alleviate their poverty levels. The study recommended that farmers that are into mushroom production should be encouraged to form cooperative groups so that they can be able to pull their resources together and build a strong base for information sourcing and dissemination as well as getting financial support for their farming activities.
Variability of micronutrients status along topographic positions and toxicity potential of soils under rice cultivation in Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: A.A. Panti  , Musa Audu  , M. Yakubu  , M. Haliru  , S.A. Imam  , B.A. Birma
Published: February 2024

Micronutrients are important for good crop performance. There is limited quantitative data on the content and distribution of micronutrients in soils under rice cultivation in Niger state, particularly, on the soils of Baddeggi and Makusidi. To achieve this, soil samples were purposively collected along topographic positions (upper-slope, mid-slope, lower-slope and bottomlands) in the two areas. To assess the distribution of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu), a total of sixty-four composite samples were collected at 0-15 and 15-30 cm depth and were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The results revealed that the mean values of available Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu were 182.40, 41.90, 7.90 and 6.50 mg/kg for Baddeggi and 254.30, 275.13, 16.25 and 7.88 mg/kg for Makusidi respectively. The very high Fe and Mn in the study sites may lead to toxicity of these elements. The Cu and Zn were also relatively high, and their deficiencies are unlikely to occur in the study area.
Constraints militating against the use of adaptation strategies to climate change effects by small-scale rice farmers in Northeastern, Nigeria
Authors: K.M. Malabe  , D.H. Yakubu  , A.K. Ango  , A.A. Barau  , S. Haruna
Published: February 2024

This study ascertained the constraints militating against the use of adaptation strategies to climate change effects amongst rice farmers in Northeastern Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 300 rice farmers. The analytical tools used to analyze the data obtained were descriptive and inferential statistics. The result shows the used and unused adaptation strategies for drought resistant rice variety were 33.0% and 67.0%, heat resistant rice variety were 30.7% and 69.3%, short rice cycle seeds were 2.3% and 97.7%, early maturing rice variety were 32.7% and 67.3%, early planting were 32.0% and 68.0%, late planting were 33.0% and 67.0%, early harvesting were 32.7% and 67.3%, late harvesting were 31.7% and 68.3. The result on  constraints militating against the use of adaptation strategies shows that the constraints with higher loading factors were low level of income (λ=0.799), low literacy level (λ=0.727), inadequate knowledge on how to cope with climate change related issues (λ=0.761), poor response to climate related issues (λ=0.782), poor financial support from NGOs (0.648), inadequate agricultural loans (0.655) and high administrative charges on loan (λ=0.555). Other constraints included inadequate extension workers (λ=0.583), inadequate extension contacts (λ=0.550), long bureaucracy in getting formal credit (λ=0.588), lack of reliable sources of information on climate change (λ=0.708), loans not readily available during farming season (λ=0.752), and inadequate financial support from government (0.428). Based on the findings of the study, it is concluded that low users of adaptation strategies were evident in the zone. Therefore, it is recommended that the government should encourage the use of adaptation strategies in the zone.
Prevalence and Predictors of Sexual Abuse among University Undergraduates in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Authors: Obi A.I. , Pop-Yornwin G. , Taiwo E.T. , Adayonfo E. , Obi J.N.
Published: February 2024

Background: Sexual abuse is a public health problem that poses serious challenge to health and wellbeing of young persons, globally.  This study assessed prevalence and predictors of sexual abuse among undergraduate students in the University of Benin, Benin City,  Nigeria in order to develop appropriate preventive intervention

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out among 500  undergraduate students of the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. Respondents were selected using multi-stage sampling  technique. Selfadministered questionnaires were utilized for the study. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: The mean age of the respondents was 21.4 ± 2.8 years  and 300 (60%) were females. Awareness of sexual abuse was 98.0%. Lifetime and period (one year) prevalence of sexual abuse was 320  (64.0%) and 200 (62.5%) respectively. Determinants of sexual abuse were female sex (OR=2.234, CI= 1.532 – 3.527, p<0.001), room sharing (OR=2.637, CI= 0.416 – 0.977, p = 0.039), self-support in school (OR = 2.587, CI= 0.416 – 0.977, p = 0.036), history of previous sexual abuse  (OR = 6.043, CI= 3.689 – 6.238, p = 0.001) and history of abusive relationship (OR= 5.010, CI= 1.321 – 3.234, p = 0.023).

Conclusion: Sexual  abuse is prevalent among study population, with more females than males affected. The University of Benin Management should develop  preventive measures that will aid prompt identification and reporting of sexual abuse with anonymity to appropriate authority
Box-Behnken optimization of pin-on-disc wear test process parameters
Authors: Aliemeke B.N.G. , Okwudibe H.A. , Omoakhalen A.I. , Major P.
Published: February 2024

The Full factorial and Box-Behnken Designs for determination of optimal values of wear rate using pin –on-disc wear test parameters  have been successfully carried out. The parameters used are track diameter of the disc, mass difference of specimen before and after the  test and speed of the disc. The mathematical model developed for the “smaller-the-better” wear rate response by the Full factorial  and Box-Behnken Design methods were adjudged adequate with a pvalue of 0.025 and 0.046 respectively. Also, the adjusted R2 values of  the Factorial and Box-Behnken Designs were determined to be 0.89 and 0.69 respectively. The statistical ANOVA analysis carried out on  the Box-Behnken Design showed that the track diameter and the mass difference were significant with a p-value of 0.041 and 0.007  respectively. Contour plots and response surface plot developed for the factorial method and the Box-Behnken Design displayed  appreciable level of similarity. It was noticed that a reduction of wear was occasioned by an increase in track diameter and speed of the  disc.
Estimating milk production and energy-use efficiency of pasture-grazed Holstein and Jersey cows using mathematical models
Authors: Bangani N.M. , Muller C.J.C. , Dzama K. , Cruywagen C.W.C , Nherera-Chokuda F.V. , Imbayarwo-Chikosi V.E.
Published: February 2024

The efficiency of feed use for milk production is critical for sustainable and profitable pasture-based dairy systems. The aim of this study was to estimate milk production and energy-use efficiencies of pasture-grazed Holstein and Jersey cows. Lactation records of 122 Holstein and 99 Jersey cows varying from parities 1 to 6 that were managed under similar feeding and environmental conditions were collected from 2005 to 2014. Feed intake and nutrient requirements of the cows were calculated using the National Research Council and the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System equations. Holsteins had a higher milk yield/kg dry matter intake (1.36±0.01 vs. 1.27±0.01 kg), whereas Jerseys had higher efficiencies in milk fat (52.4±0.3 vs. 58.4±0.4 g), milk protein (42.7±0.3 vs. 45.1±0.3 g), and energy-corrected milk (1.30±0.01 vs. 1.36±0.01 kg) per kg dry matter intake. Jersey cows also had a higher dry matter intake/kg body weight (3.13±0.02 vs. 3.51±0.02%). During transition and early lactation stages, Holstein and Jersey cows were in negative energy balance for 102.4±2.3 vs. 74.2±2.3 days, with the lowest energy reserves (-53.9 MJ vs. -39.7 MJ) reached at 22.3±0.9 vs. 24.6±0.9 days post-calving, respectively. Compared to Holsteins, Jersey cows used proportionally less net energy intake to produce 100 g milk fat (13.7±0.10 vs. 12.5±0.10), 100 g milk protein (16.7±0.14 vs.16.2±0.15) and a 1-kg energy-corrected milk (5.52±0.04 vs. 5.35±0.04), making them a better breed for pasture-based dairy systems as they possess more production and feed-use efficiency traits, which are desirable in pasture-based production systems.
Effect of herbal extracts as alternatives to antibiotics in the first week of age on broiler performance, serum biochemistry, and intestinal morphology under commercial farm conditions
Authors: Hassan W. H. , Mustafa M. M. , Isa R. H.
Published: February 2024

This study was performed to show the effect of two herbal extracts as alternatives to antibiotics in the first eight days of rearing on broiler performance, serum biochemistry, and the jejunum morphology of the broiler. A total of 264, one-day Ross 308 chicks were used. They were randomly distributed into four treatments including three replicates of each. T1 was the control (nothing in drinking water), T2 had antibiotics in the drinking water (1 g/L of Gentadox), T3 had ENTERIA in the drinking water (0.5ml/L), T4 had ICEN in the drinking water (0.5ml/L). These products were administered for the first eight consecutive days of rearing. In the first seven days, there was no substantial variation in performance found in all groups. From days 8–14, T3 markedly improved body weight gain (BWG). The feed conversion ratio (FCR), thyroid hormones, total protein, and globulin were substantially improved in T3 and T4. The edible internal organs and heart percentage was substantially increased in the herbal groups. All the jejunum histology parameters, except the crypt depth, were substantially increased in T3. The T3 recorded the best bodyweight uniformity and economic efficiency compared to other groups. Similarly, the yolk sac residual at days 4 and 7 was lower in this group compared to other groups. It can be concluded that herbal extracts can replace antibiotics in improving and enhancing general broiler performance.