bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cosmological dynamical black hole solutions
Authors: Fahim Bardia H. , Ghezelbash A. M.
Published: December 2024

We find new classes of the dynamical black hole solutions in five- or higher-dimensional Einstein–Maxwell-dilaton theory, in which the dilaton field interacts nontrivially with the Maxwell field, and the cosmological constant, with two arbitrary coupling constants. The solutions which are nonstationary, and almost conformally regular everywhere, are constructed by embedding the four-dimensional self-dual geometries. We consider three different situations, where the two coupling constants are not equal, are nonzero equal and finally both are zero. We also consider the cases where one of the metric functions, depends on one coordinate only, and another interesting case where it depends on two spatial coordinates. We also find that the cosmological constant can take all possible negative, zero and positive values, hence our solutions are asymptotically anti-de Sitter, flat and de Sitter. We discuss the properties of the solutions which are the analytic description of coalescing black holes in any dimensions, greater or equal to five.
Thermodynamics of Brans–Dicke–Maxwell black holes in a (2+1)-dimensional spacetime
Authors: Dehghani M.
Published: December 2024

We study thermodynamics and thermal stability of three-dimensional (3D) charged black holes (BHs) in the Brans–Dicke (BD) gravity theory. The BD field equations, which are written in the Jordan frame, are nonlinear and too complex for direct solving. Thus, by utilizing the conformal transformations (CT), we translated them to the Einstein frame, where the equations are solved easier. In the Einstein–Maxwell-dilaton (EMd) theory, the number of unknowns is one more than the unique equations. Thus, we solved this problem by using an exponential ansatz function and introduced four novel classes of 3D EMd BHs with unusual asymptotic behavior. We proved validity of the first law of BH thermodynamics (FLT), and explored thermal stability of the EMd BHs by use of the canonical ensemble method. We introduced 3D BD-Maxwell BHs by applying the inverse CT on the Einstein frame counterparts. By using the plots, we showed that our solutions can produce BD BHs without horizon, with one or two horizons. By direct calculations, we proved that thermodynamic quantities are conformal-invariant and FLT is valid for the BD BHs too. Moreover, stability properties of the BD BHs are just like those of EMd ones.
Structural and linear/nonlinear optical characteristics of flexible polypyrrole/CuO polymeric composite films
Authors: Alrowaily Albandari W. , Alotaibi B. M. , Atta A. , Abdeltwab E. , Abdelhamied M. M.
Published: December 2024

The composite (PPy/CuO) films are created using the solution casting solution method by mixing the polymer polypyrrole (PPy) with copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) at different concentrations of CuO (4%, 6% and 8%). The XRD confirms the effective fabrication of the composite (PPy/CuO). The impact of CuO on the optical and structural characteristics was studied. The addition of CuO enhances the refractive indices ([Formula: see text] of PPy from 1.42 for pure PPy to 1.55 for PPy with 4% CuO, and further to 1.69 for PPy with 8% CuO. The dispersion energy of pure polypyrrole (PPy) is 4.55[Formula: see text]eV, which increased to 5.31[Formula: see text]eV when doped with 4% CuO. Furthermore, the increasing of CuO concentration to 6% and 8% resulted in higher dispersion energies, respectively, of 5.87 and 6.14[Formula: see text]eV. The oscillation energy [Formula: see text] decreased from 4.43[Formula: see text]eV for PPy to 3.76, 3.41 and 3.25[Formula: see text]eV for PPy/4%CuO, PPy/6%CuO and PPy/8%CuO, correspondingly. The introduction of CuO into the PPy polymer results in modifications to its optical characteristics. Additionally, there was an observed rise in the plasma frequency from [Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text] for PPy to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text] for PPy/8%CuO. The findings of this study offer empirical support for the possible use of PPy/CuO films in optical devices.
Collapsing dynamics of attractive Bose–Einstein condensates in random potentials
Authors: Kamel Madjda , Boudjemâa Abdelâali
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we study the stationary and dynamical properties of three-dimensional trapped Bose–Einstein condensates with attractive interactions subjected to a random potential. To this end, a variational method is applied to solve the underlying Gross–Pitaevskii equation. We derive analytical predictions for the energy, the equilibrium width, and evolution laws of the condensate parameter. The breathing mode oscillations’ frequency of the condensate has been also calculated in terms of the gas and disorder parameters. We analyze in addition the dynamics of collapse from the Gaussian approximation. Surprisingly, we find that the intriguing interplay of the attractive interaction and disorder effects leads to prevent collapse of the condensate.
Recent advances regarding the exactness of semiclassical methods inspired by supersymmetric quantum mechanics
Authors: Gangopadhyaya Asim , Bougie Jonathan , Rasinariu Constantin
Published: December 2024

Semiclassical methods are essential in analyzing quantum mechanical systems. Although they generally produce approximate results, relatively rare potentials exist for which these methods are exact. Such intriguing potentials serve as crucial test cases for semiclassical approximations. Recent research has demonstrated a deep connection between supersymmetric quantum mechanics and the exactness of semiclassical methods. Specifically, the mathematical form of conventional shape-invariant potentials guarantees exactness in several related situations. In this paper, we review these recent results and discuss their significance.
When Escalation is Inevitable: A Role of Thresholds in a Counterterrorism Game
Authors: Levitin Gregory , Hausken Kjell
Published: December 2024

A counterterrorism model is developed where a government and a terrorist allocate resources over two periods. Escalation to period 2 occurs if a threshold for the government’s period-1 damage is exceeded. Without escalation four scenarios exist, including deterrence and nonprovocation. With escalation and unitary contest intensity, both players’ fractions of their resources allocated to period 1 equal the sum of their potential period-1 damages divided by the sum of their potential damages in both periods. As the government’s resource superiority increases, the terrorist allocates all its resources to the period-1 attack, and the government deters escalation. Uniform distributions of the contest intensity and the government’s resource superiority over various intervals are considered. Observing that the terrorist’s utility may be U-shaped in the escalation threshold, the government is enabled to determine both its resource allocation and escalation threshold. The government prefers no threshold when it lacks resources and should always escalate, and when it has abundant resources and can deter. For intermediate resource superiority, the government prefers an intermediate threshold. Six game outcomes are shown where escalation is deterred for two disjoint intervals of the government’s resource superiority.
Large deviation principle for a 2D liquid crystal model with multiplicative noise
Authors: Medjo Theodore Tachim
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we consider a stochastic 2D liquid crystal system with a small multiplicative noise of Gaussian type, which models the dynamic of nematic liquid crystals under the influence of stochastic external forces. We derive a large deviation principle for the model. The proof relies on the weak convergence method that was introduced in [A. Budhiraja, P. Dupuis and V. Maroulas, Variational representations for continuous time processes, Ann. Inst. Henri Poincaré Probab. Stat. 47(3) (2011) 725–747] and based on a variational representation on infinite-dimensional Brownian motion.
Optimization of methods for mixed derivatives of bivariate functions
Authors: Semenova Y. V. , Solodky S. G.
Published: December 2024

The problem of optimal recovering high-order mixed derivatives of bivariate functions is studied. For numerical differentiation, a new version of the truncation method is proposed. It is established that this algorithm is order-optimal both in the sense of accuracy and in terms of the amount of involved discrete information.
Price and Quality Decisions in a Co-opetitive Supply Chain Considering Two-Dimensional Consumer Preferences
Authors: Ke Hua , Wang Xinting , Ralescu Dan A.
Published: December 2024

Co-opetition is a crucial strategy in modern supply chains. In this study, we investigate the price and quality decisions in a co-opetitive supply chain considering two-dimensional customer preferences. The supply chain comprises a key component supplier and an OEM, where the supplier decides whether to enter the end market. The Stackelberg game is employed to examine the optimal decisions of supply chain members. Through comparative analysis, we find that when the supplier’s quality cost coefficient is low, a higher proportion of price-sensitive consumers leads to an increase in the OEM’s final product price. In addition, the supplier consistently benefits from entering the end market and forming a co-opetitive relationship with the OEM. However, this market entry benefits the OEM only when the product substitutability is low and the supplier’s quality investment efficiency is relatively low. The results of this study provide guidance for market practices among supply chain participants.
On Urban Development Index of a Country: A Fuzzy Logic and Python Approach
Authors: Kerre Etienne E. , Ashraf Samina , Ghias Sadia , Ur Rehman Atiq
Published: December 2024

The development index (DI) of a region is defined by various elements such as geography, population density, gross domestic product (GDP), GDP per capita, natural resources, markets, economic development, and other relevant factors. The traditional approach to classification usually depends on the country’s total land area measured in square kilometers. Nevertheless, the transition points between different levels of development size (small, medium, and giant) are highly subjective, resulting in frequent inconsistencies and conflicts. Fuzzy logic, a superset of conventional (Boolean) logic, extends the framework to include partial truth values, ranging from “fully true” to “totally false”. This development is especially essential since human reasoning, particularly commonsense reasoning, is approximate rather than precise. This study offers a model that uses fuzzy logic and the Mamdani fuzzy inference system (MFIS) to evaluate nine main cities in Pakistan based on their populations (POPs), gross domestic products (GDPs), and literacy rates (LR). The model includes variables for the antecedents (inputs) and the consequences (outputs). The input variables are the population (POP), GDP, and LR, while the output variable is the DI. The MFIS is used with Python programming tools, including the scikit-fuzzy library for inference and aggregation and matplotlib for graphics.
Analysis of Ebola virus model using intelligent computing of a new stochastic neural network
Authors: Waseem  , Ali Sabir , ur Rahman Mati
Published: December 2024

In this research, we conducted an analysis using a stochastic neural network (SNN) approach to explore the dynamics of Ebola virus disease. Ebola virus, commonly referred to as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is initially transmitted to humans through contact with wild and domesticated animals. Subsequently, it spreads rapidly among individuals through person-to-person transmission. To control the spread of the Ebola virus, we employed a five-compartmental mathematical model comprising the following classes: susceptible ([Formula: see text]), exposed ([Formula: see text]), infected ([Formula: see text]), quarantined ([Formula: see text]) and recovered ([Formula: see text]). We utilized the aforementioned SNN method for this purpose. The primary aim of this study is two-fold: first, to assess the convergence and accuracy of our proposed method, and second, to elucidate the impact of Ebola disease control measures. Lastly, we conducted a comparative analysis of our findings with those obtained from the numerical solvers ode15s and ode23e, demonstrating the precision and efficacy of our technique in addressing the current disease challenge.
Double Roman domination in some graphs
Authors: Meena J. , Malini Mai T. N. M. , Suresh M. L. , Rathour Laxmi , Mishra Lakshmi Narayan
Published: December 2024

A double Roman dominating function on a graph [Formula: see text] is a function [Formula: see text] satisfying the conditions that if [Formula: see text], then every vertex v is adjacent to minimum one vertex u for which [Formula: see text] or two vertices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for which [Formula: see text] and if [Formula: see text], then v is adjacent to minimum one vertex [Formula: see text] for which [Formula: see text] or 2. The weight of a double Roman dominating function denoted as [Formula: see text] is defined as [Formula: see text]. The double Roman domination number denoted as [Formula: see text] is the minimum weight of double Roman dominating function on G. In this paper, we determine the [Formula: see text]-value of some graphs such as Comb, Closed Helm, Comet, Double Comet, Lollipop, Helm, Double Comb and Jelly fish graphs.
Electric field tunable diffraction optical element based on strontium–barium niobate single crystals
Authors: Shikhova Vera , Akhmatkhanov Andrey , Chuvakova Maria , Ivleva Ludmila , Pavelyev Vladimir , Nebogatikov Maxim , Shur Vladimir
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we present the electric field controllable diffractive optical elements in strontium–barium niobate single crystals with stable tailored spiral-shaped domain structure and demonstrate the generation of optical beam with orbital angular momentum. The required domain pattern was created in the sample with initial domain structure by electric field application using the photolithographically defined liquid electrode. A series of bipolar triangular electric field pulses were applied to the sample for determination of the optimal parameters for complete polarization switching under the electrode. The stable tailored domain pattern of the spiral shape was created by the application of the unipolar pulse of a special shape. The complete switching under the electrode and partial switching under the photoresist layer have been revealed. The imaging by Cherenkov-type second harmonic generation microscopy confirmed that the created domain structure reaches the opposite polar surface. The imaging of the diffraction pattern of the laser beam passing through a voltage-biased DOE confirmed the formation of the beam with orbital angular momentum. The half-wave voltages of 237[Formula: see text]V and 302[Formula: see text]V for wavelength 632.8[Formula: see text]nm and 532[Formula: see text]nm, respectively, for 2-mm-thick sample were measured. The obtained knowledge can be used for the development of domain engineering methods in strontium–barium niobate single crystals for the creation of tailored domain structures for manufacturing of electric field controllable diffractive optical elements.
A dielectric study on spark plasma sintered monoclinic HfO2 processed through precursor route
Authors: Lokesh Vendra S. S. , Koroleva Ekaterina , Filimonov Alexey , Vakhrushev Sergey , Kumar Ravi
Published: December 2024

This work investigated the structure and dielectric behavior of precursor-derived spark plasma sintered (SPS) hafnium dioxide (HfO2). X-ray diffractograms confirmed the presence of monoclinic HfO2 (m-HfO2) and scanning electron micrographs revealed micron/nanosized grains and grain boundaries in SPS m-HfO2. The theoretical density of ceramics is 94%, and the porosity is very low. In the temperature interval of 25–[Formula: see text]C, the real part of the permittivity ([Formula: see text]) is almost frequency- and temperature-independent and the [Formula: see text] value is about 21 in the frequency range 10[Formula: see text]106[Formula: see text]Hz. [Formula: see text] of SPS ceramics is higher than that of traditionally sintered HfO2 ceramics. At temperatures above 225∘C, there is a sharp increase in the permittivity and loss at low measuring frequencies. In order to comprehend the underlying conduction mechanisms, an analysis of the dispersion dependences of the dielectric response was undertaken. High permittivity values were attributed to the space charge polarization mechanism occurring at grain boundaries due to the thermally activated movement of oxygen vacancies. The DC conductivity of SPS m-HfO2 is thermally activated, and conductivity is determined by oxygen vacancies through hopping mechanism.
Long-Range Hydroacoustic Propagation Modelling Schemes on Distributed Memory Parallel Computers
Authors: Kushida Noriyuki , Lin Ying-Tsong
Published: December 2024

The complex nature of the ocean environment requires advanced computational acoustic models to gain insights into the dominating physical factors controlling the underwater sound propagation and scattering in the ocean. In this study, we explore the “ab-initio” approach to solve wave equations with numerical algorithms that can be implemented in distributed memory parallel computers. The goal is to improve the calculation speed so long-range global scale hydroacoustic wave propagation can be studied more efficiently and effectively. Two major algorithms: the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method and the Parabolic Equation (PE) method are investigated. Two PE-based numerical models are considered. One is the Split-Step-Fourier Parabolic Equation (SSFPE) model using split-step Fourier schemes in three-dimensional (3D) environments. The second PE model is a multi-frequency implementation of the Range-dependent Acoustic Model (RAM) that computes two-dimensional (2D) sound pressure fields.

One of the primary challenges in global-scale hydroacoustic propagation modeling with the “ab-initio” approach is the demand for significant computational resources on both memories and computational speeds. To address this, we employed parallel computing techniques using directive-based programming languages, such as OpenACC and XscalableACC, to leverage the power of multiple Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) systems and Central Processing Unit (CPU) cluster computers. Our performance evaluation revealed substantial speedup gains. For the FDTD method, we achieved approximately 3.5-fold and 4-fold speedups with four GPUs and four CPU cluster nodes, respectively. With the 3D SSFPE model, we obtained a speedup of 3.7-fold using four CPU cluster nodes. A significant result was observed with the 2D broadband multi-frequency RAM model, where we achieved a 110-fold speedup compared to one core original implementation.

These results demonstrate the promising potential of massively parallel computers for ocean acoustic propagation modeling and highlight the significant performance benefits of utilizing parallel computing techniques. Our findings emphasize the importance of efficient computational strategies.
Australian Media Perceptions of Confucius Institutes
Authors: Guo Dongnu
Published: December 2024

Confucius Institutes (CIs) are an important strategic instrument in promoting China’s soft power and public diplomacy. However, the establishment of the CIs in the West has been controversial because they receive financial and administrative support from China’s Ministry of Education. The primary concerns are that the presence of CIs on university campuses might “interfere” with academic freedom and that China’s chief goal of establishing CIs is to promote its political soft power. This paper adopts qualitative content analysis and longitudinal analysis to examine the Australian mainstream media’s perceptions of CIs. The findings reveal both positive and negative views on CIs. The positive views include recognition of CIs as a valuable source of funding and resources that provide opportunities to engage with China. The negative views focused on the possibility of China “interfering” in academic independence and exerting undue influence. Australian media views on CIs thus mirror their appreciation of China’s economic strength on one hand and their fear of China’s rise on the other.
Profession as Group: Understanding Profession-Oriented Group Representation Concept Among General Public in China
Authors: Yan Xingjian , Wan Andong
Published: December 2024

While formal rules of group representation in China and most other countries address underrepresented groups concerning gender, race, and ethnicity, China’s practice extends to encompassing occupation and profession. The speciality highlights an unstudied question in terms of the widespread profession-oriented group representation (POGR) concept among the general public. We apply a mixed approach based on our own dataset containing the text from 45 professional internet forums and reveal that the public’s POGR concept arises from two mechanisms. The first, known as the disadvantaged groups with shared demand, leads individuals to perceive their own profession as a disadvantaged group with shared interests, prompting the call for professional representation in the legislature to champion these interests. The second mechanism, referred to as misperceptions about representation, involves the public’s misperceptions regarding the electoral system, the model of representation, and the deputies’ professional qualifications required to hold such a position. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of group representation concept and practice in China.
The Wedge Strategy and China’s Response to the U.S.-ROK Semiconductor Alliance
Authors: Song Kejia , Li Yixin , Wang Hao
Published: December 2024

In a world of digital transformation and intensified great power competition, semiconductors, as the core of Information Technology industry, a strategic and pioneering sector that supports the economic and social development of the country and safeguards national security, have become a determinant of a country’s comprehensive national strength. Naturally, the Biden administration identified the semiconductor as the key battlefield of the U.S.-China strategic competition, and set up a semiconductor alliance with its allies and partners to contain China’s technological innovation. As a vital country in the global semiconductor supply chain and a major U.S. allies, South Korea has become a contributor of the U.S. efforts. After Yoon Suk-Yeol came into power, the country has turned its diplomatic attention to the U.S. by not only helping form the semiconductor alliance but also upgrading the diplomatic ties between the two countries. Given that the U.S.-ROK semiconductor alliance would reshape China’s economic, technological and security environment from the outside, Beijing’s perception of and response to the alliance is a matter of concern. While existing studies on China’s perceptions of this semiconductor alliance are mainly based on realism of International Relations theory, this paper argues that liberalism with a core of economic interests, and neoclassical realism centered on domestic politics should also be taken into consideration. On this basis, this paper further refines the theoretical framework of the wedge strategy and uses it to analyze the reasons for and the effectiveness of China’s response to this alliance through both internal and external policies.
A Hybrid CNN-BiLSTM-Based Approach for Roman Urdu Sentiment Analysis Using Enhanced Roman Urdu Corpus
Authors: Ali Mohabbat , Asghar Sohail , Mrhari Amine , Ullah Arif , Aleem Ubaid Ullah , Hassnae Remmach
Published: December 2024

The fast growth of the technology allowed for the easy and extensive dissemination of information on various topics, including business, marketing, news, and viewpoints on geopolitical situation. Although the number of studies on opinion mining is fast increasing, most of these studies focus on issues related to resource-rich languages. Resource-poor languages like Roman Urdu have been neglected for a long time, although having vast potential for research and the representation of almost 500 million people. This research in Roman Urdu is done using machine learning methods because of the nonavailability of the large and standard corpus. Due to research gaps in Roman Urdu sentiment analysis, there are few publicly available corpus for research purposes that are not large in size and not good in quality to get the promising results using Deep Learning (DL) methods. The key contributions of this research work are the enhancement of the existing Roman Urdu corpus and the use of hybrid Convolutional Neural Network-Bidirectional LSTM (CNN-BiLSTM) model on enhanced Roman Urdu corpus with fine tuning. For enhancement of the Roman Urdu corpus, the reviews are collected from multiple online sources such as politics, sports, entertainment, and food. Moreover, the enhanced corpus is annotated manually by two annotators A and B, following the guidelines given by researchers and statically validated by computing the Cohen’s Kappa score, which is moderate. The conflicted reviews are validated through another annotator C. Finally, the experiments are performed in binary class and multi-class using hybrid DL methods as well as the ML-based models. The experiments show the outperformance of hybrid CNN-BiLSTM model as compared to existing models of Recurrent Convolutional Neural Network (RCNN), RNN, LSTM, SVM, CRF, and Rule-based model as per the evaluation parameters such as with accuracy of 0.774 binary class and 0.721 multi-class on the enhanced Roman Urdu corpus.
Technical Report Column
Authors: Kelley Dean
Published: December 2024

Welcome to the Technical Reports Column. If your institution publishes technical reports that you'd like to have included here, please contact me at the email address above.
Opioid-induced respiratory depression: clinical aspects and pathophysiology of the respiratory network effects
Authors: Baldo Brian A.
Published: December 2024

Important insights and consensus remain lacking for risk prediction of opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD), reversal of respiratory depression (RD), the pathophysiology of OIRD, and which sites make the most significant contribution to its induction. The ventilatory response to inhaled carbon dioxide is the most sensitive biomarker of OIRD. To accurately predict respiratory depression (RD), a multivariant RD prospective trial using continuous capnography and oximetry examining five independent variables, age ≥60, sex, opioid naivety, sleep disorders, and chronic heart failure (PRODIGY trial), were undertaken. Intermittent oximetry alone substantially underestimates the incidence of RD. Naloxone, with an elimination half-life of ∼33 min (cf. morphine 2–3 h; fentanyl and congeners only 5–15 min), has limitations for the rescue of patients with severe OIRD. Buprenorphine is potentially valuable in patients being treated long term since its high µ-receptor (MOR) affinity makes it difficult for an opioid of lower affinity (e.g., fentanyl) to displace it from the receptor. In the last decade, synthetic opioids, for example, fentanyl, its potent analogs such as carfentanil, and the benzimidazole derivative nitazene “superagonists” have contributed to the exponential growth in opioid deaths due to RD. The MOR, encoded by gene Oprm1, is widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems, including centers that modulate breathing. Opioids bind to the receptors, but consensus is lacking on which site(s) makes the most significant contribution to the induction of OIRD. Both the preBötzinger complex (preBötC), the inspiratory rhythm generator, and the Kölliker-Fuse nucleus (KFN), the respiratory modulator, contribute to RD, but receptor binding is not restricted to a single site. Breathing is composed of three phases, inspiration, postinspiration, and active expiration, each generated by distinct rhythm-generating networks: the preBötC, the postinspiratory complex (PiCo), and the lateral parafacial nucleus (pFL), respectively. Somatostatin-expressing mouse cells involved in breathing regulation are not involved in opioid-induced RD.
An Optimization Model for Shell Plate Seam Landing Using Minimum Manufacturing Cost and a Solution by Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Pae Ho Rim , Jon Min Hyok , Pak Chol Jun
Published: December 2024

At present, the landing of seams and butts on the ship hull surface, which plays the important role in the shipbuilding process, is still carried out based on the designers’ skill and experience. In this paper, a new optimization model and its solution method for the landing of seams and butts (for convenience, seam and butt are simply called seam) on the ship hull surface are proposed in order to improve the shipbuilding efficiency. The minimum manufacturing cost of ship hull shell plates (SHSPs) is the objective function, the rules and requirements for the seam position and the size of a single shell plate are the constraints, and the position and shape of the seam are the design variables. The manufacturing cost consists of the costs of cutting, face cutting, bending, and welding, which are calculated for a seam landing, and the strip method is applied to develop the curved shell plate in the bending cost calculation. We consider a shape optimization problem that the optimal solution is searched among the possible alternatives when the position and shape of the seams are changed and apply the genetic algorithm to the solution of this shape optimization problem. The proposed method is applied to a 4200 DWT bulk carrier and a fishing vessel to find the optimal solutions, and compared with the existing seam landings of the ships and the optimum solutions by Taguchi method. The calculation shows that the manufacturing cost by the proposed method for 4200 DWT bulk carrier is reduced by 5.8% and 4.5%, respectively, compared to the existing seam landing and Taguchi method, and by 6.6% and 4.8% for the fishing vessel, respectively. This shows that the proposed method is more effective than the designers’ experience and Taguchi method.
On the Efficiency of the Newly Developed Composite Randomized Response Technique
Authors: Dlamini Senani P. , Molefe Wilford B. , Ewemooje Olusegun S.
Published: December 2024

In today’s data‐driven decision‐making era, acquiring accurate information is vital. However, survey research faces challenges with sensitive issues. To address this, the Composite Randomized Response Technique (CRRT) was introduced in estimating the proportion of respondents possessing sensitive attributes. This study revealed that as the model captures more and more people involved in the sensitive attributes (πs) from 0.1 to 0.4, the relative efficiency of CRRT increases from 2.2217 to 678.7843. Hence, CRRT was found to be more efficient than the conventional model, making it a robust approach for surveys targeting sensitive attributes, enhancing data accuracy, and supporting effective policy evaluation and resource allocation.
An Incidental Finding of Whipple’s Disease Masquerading as Nonspecific, Long‐Standing Symptoms
Authors: Tuggle Thomas , Orvin Alison I. , Caveness Christian , Ingram Christopher
Published: December 2024

Whipple’s disease is a rare bacterial infection that is often present for years prior to diagnosis. Symptoms are nonspecific in the early stages of presentation and are primarily gastrointestinal in nature. The disease may progress with more systemic symptoms including arthralgia, fever, lymphadenopathy, cardiovascular disease, and central nervous system involvement. This case describes a man with a history of long‐standing, nonspecific symptoms who only began to show significant improvement after an incidental finding of Whipple’s disease. Due to its rare nature, other instances of the disease have likely gone undiagnosed. A brief review of relevant literature is also included.
Effect of Cyclic Loading on the Fixture‐Abutment Microgap in Short Implants Versus Standard Implants: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Esfahanizadeh Gholamreza , Jalalian Ezatollah , Salehi Seyyede Niloufar , Ghasemi Mahsa , Golalipour Shaghayegh
Published: December 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effect of cyclic loading on the amount of fixture‐abutment microgap in short implants compared to standard implants.

Materials and Methods: This in vitro experimental study was conducted on two groups of short and standard implants (n = 10). The microgap at the fixture‐abutment interface was measured under a light microscope at ×75 magnification. The implants were mounted in an acrylic resin to simulate the jawbone. They were then subjected to cyclic loading by applying 75 N load with 1 Hz frequency along the longitudinal axis of each implant (perpendicular to the abutment surface). After 500,000 cycles, corresponding to 20 months of mastication in the oral environment, the implants were removed from the acrylic resin, and the microgap at the fixture‐abutment interface was measured again under a stereomicroscope by a blinded examiner. Data were then analyzed by t‐test using SPSS version 22 (α = 0.05).

Results: The mean microgap was 13.59 ± 3.80 µm in the standard and 20.41 ± 11.30 µm in the short implants before cyclic loading (p = 0.087). These values changed to 15.22 ± 5.44 and 24.53 ± 21.85 µm, respectively, after cyclic loading. No significant difference was noted in the amount of microgap between the standard and short implants after cyclic loading (p = 0.222).

Conclusion: Cyclic loading increased the amount of fixture‐abutment microgap in both the standard and short implants. However, the difference in this respect was not significant between the two implant lengths. Thus, short implants could be reliably used in patients with limitations for surgery to restore function and esthetics.
Multilocation Test of Prospective Composite Sticky Corn Varieties With High Production in Indonesia
Authors: Edy  , Makkulawu Andi Takdir , Aminah  , Subaedah St
Published: December 2024

Sticky corn is required to meet the demand for a national staple food, driven by population growth. In this context, different efforts are carried out to increase productivity by using new superior varieties with easy adaptation to specific and wider environments as well as high resistance to pests and diseases. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate composite sticky corn variety performance in several locations in Indonesia. The method used was the adaptation testing of 4 prospective and 3 comparative varieties of composite sticky (JPI‐1, JPI‐2, JPI‐3, and JPI‐4) and (Sticky Uri, White Srikandi, and local Sticky Takalar) in 6 districts serving as research locations, respectively. Each location was designed using a randomized block design, with 4 replications to obtain 28 experimental units. Meanwhile, observation data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Least significant difference (LSD) test was carried out at the 5% level when there was a difference in the average value and the data analysis was conducted using the DSAASTAT program. The stability of the results was analyzed using the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model through the PBSTAT program. Additionally, testing for resistance to downy mildew, rust, and leaf blight was carried out in a randomized block design with 4 replications. Proximate analysis testing was performed at the Animal Husbandry Integrated Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Hasanuddin University. The results showed that the prospective composite corn varieties JPI‐1, JPI‐2, JPI‐3, and JPI‐4 had the potential for yields significantly superior to the three comparative varieties, with 8.88, 8.54, 8.57, and 8.67 t·ha−1, respectively. In the context of the analysis, JPI‐1 and JPI‐4 reported stable results in all environments. Meanwhile, JPI‐3 showed increasingly better results in the optimum environment. Prospective varieties JPI‐1, JPI‐2 JPI‐3, and JPI‐4 offered the criteria for resistance to Downy mildew disease Peronosclerospora maydis, Peronosclerospora philippinensis type, Bipolaris maydis type blight, and leaf rust disease type Puccinia polysora. Based on the approximate test, JPI‐1, JPI‐3, and JPI‐4 had superior protein content of 11.64, 11.69%–11.86% than the 3 comparative varieties, respectively. The prospective variety JPI‐1 had a high amylopectin content of 85.10% equivalent to local sticky parents and higher than the two comparative varieties. Additionally, JPI‐2, JPI‐3, and JPI‐4 had higher amylopectin content than the 2 comparative varieties.
Prevalence and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Foodborne Bacterial Pathogens Isolated From Spoiled Vegetables at Wolaita Sodo Town, South Ethiopia
Authors: Sivalingam Krishna Moorthy , Sama Destahun Samuel , Vaithilingam Subramaniyan
Published: December 2024

Foodborne bacterial pathogens and related diseases are a major public health concern worldwide. Vegetables are a major healthy diet in our lives and an extraordinary dietary source of nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, vitamins, minerals, iron, and fiber. Because of their high moisture and low acidity, they provide a medium for foodborne pathogens. Foodborne bacterial pathogens or their toxins can affect consumer’s health and may even lead to death when foods are contaminated with them. However, there was no previous research in the study area related to spoiled vegetables and foodborne pathogens. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of foodborne bacterial pathogens by isolation and identification, and antibiotic susceptibility profile of foodborne pathogenic bacteria isolated from spoiled vegetables. A total of 96 samples of three different vegetables were randomly collected from vendors in the public market of Wolaita Sodo Town. All the samples were processed by standard microbiological techniques for enumeration of total viable count, selective media isolation and biochemical identification, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns using standard antibiotics. The total viable count was very high in cabbage (10.8 ± 0.29 × 105 cfu/gm) followed by tomato (8.1 ± 0.27 × 105 cfu/gm) and carrot (6.6 ± 0.26 × 105 cfu/gm). The most frequently isolated bacterial pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus with a 28.12% prevalence rate followed by Escherichia coli at 26%, Salmonella spp. at 14.58%, and Shigella spp. at 6.25%. The isolated E. coli, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and S. aureus strains were highly resistant to respective antibiotics cloxacillin, vancomycin, ceftriaxone, and ampicillin. All the bacterial isolates showed resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin, and cloxacillin and were highly susceptible to ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol. The presence of foodborne bacterial pathogens with resistance to several antibiotics is a serious public health concern in the study area. Therefore, regular monitoring of the quality of vegetables and enteric bacterial infections among vendors and farmers should also be informed about the sources of microbial contamination.
Roles of NET Peptides With Known Antimicrobial Activity and Toxicity in Immune Response
Authors: Cebeci Sinan , Polat Tuba , Ünübol Nihan
Published: December 2024

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are crucial components of the innate immune system in all living organisms, playing a vital role in the body’s defense against diseases and infections. The immune system’s primary functions include preventing disease‐causing agents from entering the body and eliminating them without causing harm. These peptides exhibit broad‐spectrum activity against bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and cancer cells. They are secreted by innate and epithelial cells and contribute to host defense by inducing cellular activities such as cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, cytokine production, angiogenesis, and wound healing. In response to the growing challenge of bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents, alternative drugs and new antibacterial molecules are being explored. In a previous study, NET AMPs were synthesized and their antimicrobial effects were determined. The current study extends this work by assessing the effects of these peptides on the immune system through cell culture experiments and ELISA. Specifically, the study investigated how different concentrations of these peptides influence the secretion of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) in mouse macrophages. Among the synthesized peptides, NET1 and NET2 demonstrated low cytotoxicity in TIB‐71 RAW 264.7 macrophages. These peptides induced an anti‐inflammatory response and reduced IL‐6 expression in the absence of LPS stimulation, while simultaneously increasing IFN‐γ and TNF‐α secretion. These findings suggest that NET1 and NET2 peptides possess both anti‐inflammatory and pro‐inflammatory properties, highlighting their potential role in modulating immune responses.
Unveiling the Role of Bovine Herpesvirus Type 4 (BHV‐4) in Dairy Cow Reproductive Disorders: Insights From a Multifaceted Study in China
Authors: Zhu Lingling , Dai Xinjun , Lai Yuxin , Guo Zhigang , Gu Yiping , Zhang Jianwei , Wang Hongyu , Chang Guangjun , Yao Huochun , Pan Zihao
Published: December 2024

Bovine herpesvirus type‐4 (BHV‐4) belongs to the gamma‐herpesvirus subfamily, and its association with reproductive disorders in dairy cows is controversial. In this study, 386 whole blood and reproductive swab samples from dairy cows across eight provinces in China were collected. BHV‐4 antibody levels in the serum were determined via ELISA, while real‐time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) was employed to detect the DNA of BHV‐4, BHV‐1, bovine viral diarrhea virus type‐I (BVDV‐1), and bovine viral diarrhea virus type‐II (BVDV‐2) in the samples. Additionally, the DNA content of BHV‐4 in various tissues of cows and stillborn fetuses was assessed via qPCR. Breeding information for the participating cows was gathered through farmer interviews, and correlation analyses were conducted between the detection results and breeding information. The findings revealed a BHV‐4 antibody positive rate of 57.8% and a nucleic acid positive rate of 36.3%. Chi‐square analysis revealed a correlation between BHV‐4 and BHV‐1 infections. Among several pathogens associated with reproductive disorders, only BHV‐4 was significantly correlated, whereas BHV‐1, BVDV‐1, and BVDV‐2 were not correlated. Furthermore, the study revealed elevated BHV‐4 DNA in the reproductive tracts of cows and stillborn fetuses. Histopathological sections revealed mucosal damage in the vaginal and uterine tissues of stillborn fetuses, a phenomenon not previously reported. In summary, our study provides novel insight into the correlation between BHV‐4 and reproductive disorders and presents new evidence that supports the vertical transmission of BHV‐4.
Supplemental Figure 2 from Identification of ncRNA Biomarkers in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer to Address Racial Disparities
Authors: Gao Lu , Dhilipkannah Pushpa , Jiang Feng
Published: December 2024

Supplemental Figure 2. Differential expression of 16 ncRNAs in plasma and sputum between WA lung cancer patients and cancer-free smokers.
The Effect of Audit Fees, Audit Tenure, and Leverage Ongoing Concerns Audit Opinion
Authors: Depari Cynthia Veronika , Wulandari Putu Prima
Published: December 2024

This research aims to determine the empirical evidence of the effect of audit fees and audit tenure and leverage ongoing concerns of audit opinion. This research uses secondary data in the form of annual financial reports of retail trade companies for 2020-2022. The population used in this research is retail trade companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) for 2020-2022. The samples in this research were selected using a purposive sampling method. The number of companies sampled in the study is 23 retail trade companies over 3 years, and the total research samples are 69. The data was analyzed using logistic regression and processed using SPSS version 25. This research suggests that audit tenure harms going concern audit opinion as the length of the agreement between the auditor and the client can affect the going concern audit opinion. Audit fees and leverage do not affect going-concern audit opinions because other factors may affect them.
The Influence of BOPO, Profit Sharing Financing, NPF, and FDR on UUS Profitability
Authors: Triyuwono Iwan , Windayani Erilla
Published: December 2024

This study aims to examine the effect of Operational Costs to Operating Income (BOPO), profit sharing financing, Non Performing Finance (NPF), and Financing to Deposit Ratio (FDR) on the profitability of Sharia Business Units as measured by Return On Assets (ROA). This study applies quantitative association method, analyzing data by multiple linear regression processed by SPSS 26. The population includes all sharia business units in Indonesia as recorded by the Sharia Banking Statistics (SPS) for December 2023, from which the samples of 15 sharia business units are selected through purposive sampling, involving data of the sharia business units’ quarterly published reports in December for the 2018-2022 period, obtained from the official websites of respective Sharia Business Units. The results of the study exhibit that profit sharing financing and NPF have a negative and insignificant effect on profitability; BOPO has a negative and significant effect on profitability; and FDR has a positive and significant effect on profitability.
Gobernar la vida: De la biopolítica a la gubernamentalidad en M. Foucault
Authors: Marín López Leydi Johanna , Jaramillo García Oscar Armando
Published: December 2024

El artículo se propone unirse a los homenajes dedicados al legado de Michel Foucault en el año 2024, marcando el cuadragésimo aniversario de su fallecimiento. Reconociendo la perdurable influencia de Foucault en las ciencias sociales y los estudios sociales durante las últimas cinco décadas. El texto se centra en dos de sus conceptos más resonantes y de amplio uso, con el objetivo de convocar rigor conceptual que a menudo se pierde de vista en los estudios sociales contemporáneos, se aborda la tendencia a desatender los dominios epistemológicos en las construcciones teóricas e interdisciplinarias. Se enfoca particularmente en las categorías de biopolítica y gubernamentalidad, ampliamente utilizadas en diversos marcos interpretativos e investigativos, destacando el peligro de su fetichización conceptual. Más que afirmar verdades absolutas sobre estas categorías, se busca situarlas en su densidad conceptual e histórica, fomentando diálogos informados y reflexivos que reconozcan su complejidad en el contexto de la analítica foucaultiana. En última instancia, el artículo aboga por diálogos que conserven su sentido epistemológico, generando un orden discursivo que respete la riqueza de las categorías foucaultianas, en línea con un enfoque de ontología crítica que busca profundizar en su significado y relevancia en el discurso contemporáneo.