bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whakapapa, Mauritau, and Placefulness to Decolonise Indigenous Minds
Authors: Angeli-Gordon Joni Māramatanga
Published: October 2024

This article explores the relationship between genealogy and the environment as a pathway towards decolonising indigenous minds. In Māori worldviews, everything is categorised, organised, and understood through whakapapa, or genealogy. Whakapapa resides within the land and water, safeguarding ancestral stories as they weave through time, space, and place. The environment serves as a powerful tool for maintaining, reclaiming, and reinforcing indigeneity. Strengthening the connections between whakapapa and the environment offers significant avenues for decolonising Indigenous minds, by recalibrating and releasing colonised ways of being to embody mauritau (mindfulness) through whenua kura (placefulness). Unlike Cartesian dualism, which separates the body and mind, the Māori conception of the mind is multifaceted and embodied. The mind is thought to be situated in the solar plexus, emotions in the gut, and connection to spirit in the head, all of which are deeply rooted in whakapapa and the enduring ties to ancestors and place. Whakapapa’s connections to the land, water, animals, and spiritual entities are imbued with narratives that aid in recollection and provide profound cultural context to place. These narratives offer pathways for communion with the land and water, enabling sensitivity to environmental cues, such as changing seasons, solstices, moon phases, star cycles, and natural rhythms within our inner landscapes of body, heart, and mind, fostering a sense of placefulness.
Proximity, Family Lore, and False Claims to an Algonquin Identity
Authors: Leroux Darryl
Published: October 2024

This article examines the type of family lore that leads white Canadians and Americans to claim Indigenous identities. Using a case-study approach, I demonstrate how 2000 descendants of a French-Canadian couple, born in the early 1800s near Montréal, joined one of the largest land claims in Canadian history as “Algonquins”. The tools of critical settler family history provide the necessary theoretical scaffolding to unpack how genealogical and geographical proximity to Indigenous people in the past are the bases for the family lore that propelled these individuals to become card-carrying, voting members of the land claim. Despite continued opposition to their inclusion by the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation, the only federally recognized Algonquin community involved in the land claim, these fake Algonquins remained potential land claim beneficiaries for over two decades, until an independent tribunal finally removed them in 2023. Family lore resolves the crisis in the family: no longer the colonizers responsible for Indigenous displacement and dispossession, white pretendians become the victims of settler colonial violence.
Weaving Our Kuwentos (Stories) toward Ginhawa (Aliveness): Pilipinx American Social Work MotherScholars Enacting Praxes of Survival and Thrivance in the Academy
Authors: La Torre Joanna C. , Sevillano Lalaine , Mason Lisa Reyes , Trinidad Alma M. Ouanesisouk , de Leon Cora
Published: October 2024

Five Pilipina American (PA) social work MotherScholars, from a doctoral student to an interim dean, used kuwentuhan (Pilipinx methodology) to amplify their survivance and thrivance despite attempted exclusion, reduction, and distortion as Pilipinos by coloniality/modernity. Grounded in decolonial feminism (the view that oppressions such as sexism and racism co-constitute coloniality and that unsettling oppressions disrupts hegemony) and Pinayism (an integrated framework revaluing the labor, intellect, and nurturance of mothering through a cultural lens), the authors work coalitionally across their PA diversity to re-center ginhawa (aliveness or sense of ease and wellness). Together, they embarked on an iterative self-study process of data generation and analysis that included presenting, recording, and transcribing two panel presentations at a premier social work conference, writing reflections and hay(na)ku poems about their experiences and processes, reading and rereading the data, and meeting and discussing the data, their process, and past and current events pertinent to the content. The stories highlight how the authors are living and enlivening decoloniality, and that, in so doing, they continue a lineage of those who have resisted coloniality/modernity and promoted thrivance. Collectively, these kuwentos (stories), reflections, hay(na)ku, and their weaving together, are memory, resistance, counter-storytelling, and healing.
Identification of Grape Laccase Genes and Their Potential Role in Secondary Metabolite Synthesis
Authors: Wang Hao , Zhong Haixia , Zhang Fuchun , Zhang Chuan , Zhang Songlin , Zhou Xiaoming , Wu Xinyu , Yadav Vivek
Published: October 2024

Laccase, a copper-containing oxidoreductase, has close links with secondary metabolite biosynthesis in plants. Its activity can affect the synthesis and accumulation of secondary metabolites, thereby influencing plant growth, development, and stress resistance. This study aims to identify the grape laccases (VviLAC) gene family members in grape (Vitis vinifera L.) and explore the transcriptional regulatory network in berry development. Here, 115 VviLACs were identified and divided into seven (Type I–VII) classes. These were distributed on 17 chromosomes and out of 47 VviLACs on chromosome 18, 34 (72.34%) were involved in tandem duplication events. VviLAC1, VviLAC2, VviLAC3, and VviLAC62 were highly expressed before fruit color development, while VviLAC4, VviLAC12, VviLAC16, VviLAC18, VviLAC20, VviLAC53, VviLAC60 and VviLAC105 were highly expressed after fruit color transformation. Notably, VviLAC105 showed a significant positive correlation with important metabolites including resveratrol, resveratrol dimer, and peonidin-3-glucoside. Analysis of the transcriptional regulatory network predicted that the 12 different transcription factors target VviLACs genes. Specifically, WRKY and ERF were identified as potential transcriptional regulatory factors for VviLAC105, while Dof and MYB were identified as potential transcriptional regulatory factors for VviLAC51. This study identifies and provides basic information on the grape LAC gene family members and, in combination with transcriptome and metabolome data, predicts the upstream transcriptional regulatory network of VviLACs.
Review to Elucidate the Correlation between Cuproptosis-Related Genes and Immune Infiltration for Enhancing the Detection and Treatment of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Pandey Pratibha , Ramniwas Seema , Pandey Shivam , Lakhanpal Sorabh , Padmapriya G. , Mishra Shivang , Kaur Mandeep , Ashraf Ayash , Kumar M Ravi , Khan Fahad
Published: October 2024

Copper is a vital trace element in oxidized and reduced forms. It plays crucial roles in numerous biological events such as redox chemistry, enzymatic reactions, mitochondrial respiration, iron metabolism, autophagy, and immune modulation. Maintaining the balance of copper in the body is essential because its deficiency and excess can be harmful. Abnormal copper metabolism has a two-fold impact on the development of tumors and cancer treatment. Cuproptosis is a form of cell death that occurs when there is excessive copper in the body, leading to proteotoxic stress and the activation of a specific pathway in the mitochondria. Research has been conducted on the advantageous role of copper ionophores and chelators in cancer management. This review presents recent progress in understanding copper metabolism, cuproptosis, and the molecular mechanisms involved in using copper for targeted therapy in cervical cancer. Integrating trace metals and minerals into nanoparticulate systems is a promising approach for controlling invasive tumors. Therefore, we have also included a concise overview of copper nanoformulations targeting cervical cancer cells. This review offers comprehensive insights into the correlation between cuproptosis-related genes and immune infiltration, as well as the prognosis of cervical cancer. These findings can be valuable for developing advanced clinical tools to enhance the detection and treatment of cervical cancer.
Detection of Hacker Intention Using Deep Packet Inspection
Authors: Foreman Justin , Waters Willie L. , Kamhoua Charles A. , Hemida Ahmed H. Anwar , Acosta Jaime C. , Dike Blessing C.
Published: October 2024

Ideally, in a real cyberattack, the early detection of probable hacker intent can lead to improved mitigation or prevention of exploitation. With the knowledge of basic principles of communication protocols, the reconnaissance/scanning phase intentions of a hacker can be inferred by detecting specific patterns of behavior associated with hacker tools and commands. Analyzing the reconnaissance behavior of the TCP Syn Scan between Nmap and the host, we built machine learning models incorporating the use of a filtering method we developed for labeling a dataset for detection of this behavior. We conclude that feature selection and detailed targeted labeling, based on behavior patterns, yield a high accuracy and F1 Score using Random Forest and Logistics Regression classifiers.
Water Resistance Analysis of New Lightweight Gypsum-Based Composites Incorporating Municipal Solid Waste
Authors: Zaragoza-Benzal Alicia , Ferrández Daniel , Barrios Alberto Morón , Morón Carlos
Published: October 2024

Incorporating waste to produce new environmentally friendly construction products has become one of the great challenges of the industry nowadays. The aim of this research is to analyse the behaviour of novel gypsum composites against water action, incorporating recycled rubber aggregates (up to 8.5% vol.) and dissolved expanded polystyrene (up to 10.0% vol.). To this end, a total of 10 dosages have been proposed with the progressive substitution of natural resources by these secondary raw materials. The results show how it is possible to reduce the total water absorption of the gypsum composites by up to 8.3% compared to traditional gypsum material. In addition, it is also possible to reduce water absorption by capillary by up to 52.7%, resulting in lighter composites with good performance against water action. In all composites analysed, the mechanical strengths exceeded the minimum values of 1 MPa in bending and 2 MPa in compression, making them an optimal solution for the development of lightweight prefabricated products for damp rooms.
Dissimilar MIG Welding Optimization of C20 and SUS201 by Taguchi Method
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Tan , Hoang Van Huong , Nguyen Van-Thuc , Nguyen Van Thanh Tien
Published: October 2024

This study looks at how welding intensity, speed, voltage, and stick-out affect the structural and mechanical characteristics of metal inert gas (MIG) welding on SUS 201 stainless steel and C20 steel. The Taguchi method is used to optimize the study’s experiment findings. The results show that the welding current has a more significant effect on the tensile test than the welding voltage, stick-out, and welding speed. Welding voltage has the lowest influence. In addition to the base metals’ ferrite, pearlite, and austenite phases, the weld bead area contains martensite and bainite microstructures. The optimal parameters for the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength, and elongation values are a 110 amp welding current, 15 V of voltage, a 500 mm.min−1 welding speed, and a 10 mm stick-out. The confirmed UTS, yield strength, and elongation values are 452.78 MPa, 374.65 MPa, and 38.55%, respectively, comparable with the expected value derived using the Taguchi method. In the flexural test, the welding current is the most critical element affecting flexural strength. A welding current of 110 amp, an arc voltage of 15 V, a welding speed of 500 mm.min−1, and a stick-out of 12 mm are the ideal values for flexural strength. The flexural strength, confirmed at 1756.78 MPa, is more than that of the other samples. The study’s conclusions can offer more details regarding the dissimilar welding industry.
Current Trends in Stroke Biomarkers: The Prognostic Role of S100 Calcium-Binding Protein B and Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein
Authors: Anogianakis Georgios , Daios Stylianos , Topouzis Nikolaos , Barmpagiannos Konstantinos , Kaiafa Georgia , Myrou Athena , Ztriva Eleftheria , Tsankof Alexandra , Karlafti Eleni , Anogeianaki Antonia , Kakaletsis Nikolaos , Savopoulos Christos
Published: October 2024

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the developed world and a major cause of chronic disability, especially among the elderly population. The major biomarkers of stroke which are the most promising for predicting onset time and independently differentiating ischemic from hemorrhagic and other stroke subtypes are at present limited to a few. This review aims to emphasize on the prognostic role of S100 calcium-binding protein b (S100B), and Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) in patients with stroke. An electronic search of the published research from January 2000 to February 2024 was conducted using the MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. The implementation of S100B and GFAP in existing clinical scales and imaging modalities may be used to improve diagnostic accuracy and realize the potential of blood biomarkers in clinical practice. The reviewed studies highlight the potential of S100B and GFAP as significant biomarkers in the prognosis and diagnosis of patients with stroke and their ability of predicting long-term neurological deficits. They demonstrate high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and they correlate well with stroke severity and outcomes. Several studies also emphasize on the early elevation of these biomarkers post-stroke onset, underscoring their value in early diagnosis and risk stratification. The ongoing research in this field should aim at improving patient outcomes and reducing stroke-related morbidity and mortality by developing a reliable, non-invasive diagnostic tool that can be easily implemented in several healthcare settings, with the ultimate goal of improving stroke management.
Cognitive-Enhancing Effect of Marine Brown Algae-Derived Phenolics through S100B Inhibition and Antioxidant Activity in the Rat Model of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Khongrum Jurairat , Yingthongchai Pratoomporn , Tateing Suriya , Kaewkaen Pratchaya
Published: October 2024

Cognitive impairments are frequently reported after ischemic strokes. Novel and effective treatments are required. This study aimed to develop a functional ingredient obtained from marine algae and to determine the effect of the extract on antioxidative stress, as well as neuroprotective effects, in a rat model of MCAO-induced ischemic stroke. Among the selected marine algal extracts, Sargassum polycystum displayed the highest total phenolic content and antioxidative potential, and was subsequently used to evaluate cognitive function in rat models of ischemic stroke. The S. polycystum extract, administered at doses of 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg BW, significantly improved cognitive function by enhancing cognitive performance in the Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests. Biochemical changes revealed that providing S. polycystum increased the activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px by 52.48%, 50.77%, and 66.20%, respectively, and decreased the concentrations of MDA by 51.58% and S100B by 36.64% compared to the vehicle group. These findings suggest that S. polycystum extract may mitigate cognitive impairment in ischemic stroke by reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting S100B expression, thus highlighting its potential as a functional ingredient for drugs and nutraceuticals aimed at neuroprotection.
Immediate Effects of Two Different Methods of Trunk Elastic Taping on Pelvic Inclination, Trunk Impairment, Balance, and Gait in Stroke Patients
Authors: Jung Eui-Young , Jung Jin-Hwa , Choi Won-Ho
Published: October 2024

Background and Objectives: Stroke patients often experience changes in their pelvic tilt, trunk impairments and decreased gait and balance. While various therapeutic interventions have been attempted to improve these symptoms, there is a need for interventions that are easy to apply and reduce the physical labor of physical and occupational therapists. We aimed to investigate the immediate effects of two different methods of trunk elastic taping on the pelvic inclination, trunk impairment, balance, and gait in chronic stroke patients. Materials and Methods: We performed a single-blind randomized controlled trial involving 45 patients with chronic stroke. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: forward rotation with posterior pelvic tilt taping (FRPPT, n = 14), backward rotation with posterior pelvic tilt taping (BRPPT, n = 14), or placebo taping (PT = 14). This study was conducted from December 2023 to January 2024. All the measurements were performed twice: before the intervention and immediately after the intervention. The pelvic inclination was assessed using the anterior pelvic tilt angle. The trunk impairment scale (TIS) was used to measure the trunk impairment. The balance and gait were evaluated using a force plate and walkway system. Results: The pelvic inclination was significantly different in the FRPPT and BRPPT groups compared to the PT group (p < 0.05, p < 0.001). The TIS and gait were significantly increased in the FRPPT group compared to the PT group (p < 0.05). The balance significantly improved in the FRPPT and BRPPT within groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Two different methods of posterior pelvic tilt taping improved the anterior pelvic tilt in chronic hemiplegic stroke patients compared with PT, and the FRPPT method also improved the trunk impairment and gait. Therefore, posterior pelvic tilt taping can be used as an intervention with immediate effect.
Using a Multivariate Virtual Experiment for Uncertainty Evaluation with Unknown Variance
Authors: Marschall Manuel , Hughes Finn , Wübbeler Gerd , Kok Gertjan , van Dijk Marcel , Elster Clemens
Published: October 2024

Virtual experiments are a digital representation of a real measurement and play a crucial role in modern measurement sciences and metrology. Beyond their common usage as a modeling and validation tool, a virtual experiment may also be employed to perform a parameter sensitivity analysis or to carry out a measurement uncertainty evaluation. For the latter to be compliant with statistical principles and metrological guidelines, the procedure to obtain an estimate and a corresponding measurement uncertainty requires careful consideration. We employ a Monte Carlo sampling procedure using a virtual experiment that allows one to perform a measurement uncertainty evaluation according to the Monte Carlo approach of JCGM-101 and JCGM-102, two widely applied guidelines for uncertainty evaluation in metrology. We extend and formalize a previously published approach for simple additive models to account for a large class of non-linear virtual experiments and measurement models for multidimensionality of the data and output quantities, and for the case of unknown variance of repeated measurements. With the algorithm developed here, a simple procedure for the evaluation of measurement uncertainty is provided that may be applied in various applications that admit a certain structure for their virtual experiment. Moreover, the measurement model commonly employed for uncertainty evaluation according to JCGM-101 and JCGM-102 is not required for this algorithm, and only evaluations of the virtual experiment are performed to obtain an estimate and an associated uncertainty of the measurand. We demonstrate the efficacy of the developed approach and the effect of the underlying assumptions for a generic polynomial regression example and an example of a simplified coordinate measuring machine and its virtual representation. The results of this work highlight that considerable effort, diligence, and statistical considerations need to be invested to make use of a virtual experiment for uncertainty evaluation in a way that ensures equivalence with the accepted guidelines.
Composite Hydrogels with Rapid Self-Healing, Stretchable, Moldable and Antibacterial Properties Based on PVA/ε-Poly-l-lysine/Hyaluronic Acid
Authors: Sun Na , Liu Xiangnan , Lv Wenqi , Xu Chunlin , Zhang Ailing , Sun Panpan
Published: October 2024

Self-healing, stretchable, and moldable hydrogels have a great potential application in tissue engineering and soft robotics. Despite great success in reported hydrogels, it is still a great challenge to construct the moldable hydrogels with an ultrafast self-healing performance. Herein, the composite hydrogels (PBLH) with ultrafast self-healing, stretchable, and moldable properties were successfully constructed by poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), borate (B), ε-poly-l-lysine (EPL), and hyaluronic acid (HA) based on an efficient one-pot method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and rheological measurements confirmed the formation of a dynamic network among PVA, B, EPL, and HA through the cross-linking of dynamic borate bonds, electrostatic interaction, and hydrogen bonding. Having fabricated the dynamic network structure, the damage gap of the composite hydrogels can heal within 1 min, presenting an excellent self-healing ability. Simultaneously, the composite hydrogels can be molded into various shapes, and the length of the composite hydrogels can be stretched to 15 times their original length. In addition, the composite hydrogels exhibited an excellent antibacterial property against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Our results illustrated that the composite hydrogels not only retain the advantages of traditional hydrogels but also possess ultrafast self-healing, outstanding stretchable and antibacterial properties, presenting a prospective candidate for constructing biomedical materials.
Study on Water Wash Pretreatment and Al-Si Additives to Relieve the Sintering Behavior of Fungus Bran Combustion Ash
Authors: Wang Dan , Wang Yu , Xiao Weinan , Guo Shengjie , Guo Shuai , Zhao Yan
Published: October 2024

This study focuses on the sintering phenomenon that easily occurs during the direct combustion of molded fuel made from fungus bran (FB). To investigate the key factors influencing sintering, experiments are designed and conducted using a muffle furnace and a high-temperature drop furnace. The experimental results show that the combustion temperature is the primary factor triggering the sintering phenomenon. To effectively mitigate this issue, this study proposes two improvement strategies: water washing pretreatment and the use of additives. The analysis shows that water washing pretreatment effectively removes K and Mg elements, with the removal rates increasing as the washing temperature and time increase. Specifically, the removal rate of K ranges from 37.68% to 55.91%, and that of Mg ranges from 33.16% to 58.52%. Water washing pretreatment also reduces the degree of sintering; at 1400 °C, the TSF (tendency to slag formation) of the fuel increases by 25–40% after pretreatment, with a greater increases observed at higher washing temperatures and longer durations. Kaolin, used as an additive, significantly raises the ash melting point of FB and alleviates sintering, while P2O5 exacerbates it. Increasing the proportion of kaolin does not significantly enhance the TSF of high-temperature ash, but raising the P2O5 content from 5% to 10% lowers the TSF by 10–20% at the corresponding temperature.
Death Images in Michael Haneke’s Films
Authors: Viegas Susana
Published: October 2024

Although meditating on death has long been a central philosophical practice and is gaining prominence in modern European public discourse, certain misconceptions still persist. The Austrian filmmaker Michael Haneke does not shy away from confronting real and performed images of death, combining a denouncing cinematic approach with no less polemic aesthetic and ethical theories. Certainly, visually shocking and disturbing films can, in their own way, challenge the boundaries of what is thinkable, at times even touching upon the unthinkable. Images of death and death-related themes are particularly pervasive in Haneke’s films. His films raise significant philosophical and ethical questions about mortality, violence, death, and ageing. This analysis is a tentative attempt to map how Haneke explores representations of death and dying in Benny’s Video (1992) and Funny Games (1997), with particular reference to the rewind gesture depicted in both films. In doing so, it aims to examine the conversation such films prompt between moving images and the audience.
The Creation of a Domain Structure Using Ultrashort Pulse NIR Laser Irradiation in the Bulk of MgO-Doped Lithium Tantalate
Authors: Lisjikh Boris , Kosobokov Mikhail , Shur Vladimir
Published: October 2024

The fabrication of stable, tailored domain patterns in ferroelectric crystals has wide applications in optical and electronic industries. All-optical ferroelectric poling by pulse laser irradiation has been developed recently. In this work, we studied the creation of the domain structures in MgO-doped lithium tantalate by focused irradiation with a femtosecond near-infrared laser. Cherenkov-type second harmonic generation microscopy was used for domain imaging of the bulk. We have revealed the creation of enveloped domains around the induced microtracks under the action of the depolarization field. The domain growth is due to a pyroelectric field caused by a nonuniform temperature change. The domains in the bulk were revealed to have a three-ray star-shaped cross-section. It was shown that an increase in the field excess above the threshold leads to consequential changes in domain shape from a three-ray star to a triangular and a circular shape. The appearance of comb-like domains as a result of linear scanning was demonstrated. All effects were considered in terms of a kinetic approach, taking into account the domain wall motion by step generation and kink motion driven by excess of the local field over the threshold. The obtained knowledge is useful for the all-optical methods of domain engineering in ferroelectrics.
A Numerical Assessment of the Effect of Concatenating Arbitrary Uncoupled Multicore Fiber Segments on Intercore Crosstalk in Long-Haul Communication Links
Authors: Rebola João L. , Cartaxo Adolfo V. T.
Published: October 2024

Random core dependent loss (CDL) has been shown to increase the direct average intercore crosstalk (ICXT) power in long-haul uncoupled multicore fiber (MCF) links. Longer links are composed of multiple MCF segments, and random CDL may arise on these links from manufacturing imperfections. During link implementation, other random effects may arise and enhance the ICXT power. In this work, the effect of concatenating MCF segments with random characteristics on the direct average ICXT power in long-haul links is assessed numerically by studying the influence of the randomness of segment length, coupling coefficient, and random CDL on the mean, standard deviation, relative spread, and excess kurtosis of the ICXT power. The numerical results show that the segment length randomness marginally affects the ICXT power. For 2000 km long links and a 6 dB maximum random variation of the coupling coefficients, the mean almost doubles and the standard deviation almost triples, relative to considering only random CDL. However, the effect of the coupling coefficients randomness on the relative spread and excess kurtosis is reduced, not affecting significantly the nearly Gaussian distribution of the direct average ICXT power and the excess of direct average ICXT power (less than a 0.26 dB increase relative to considering only random CDL).
Femtosecond Third-Order Nonlinear Electronic Responses of 2D Metallic NbSe2
Authors: Campos Cecília L. A. V. , Gonçalves Igor , Bautista Jessica E. Q. , Carvalho Alyson , Jawaid Ali M. , Busch Robert , Vaia Richard , Gomes Anderson S. L.
Published: October 2024

This manuscript reports on the third-order nonlinear optical responses of two-dimensional metallic NbSe2 suspended in acetonitrile (ACN). The standard Z-scan technique was employed with 190 fs optical pulses at 790 nm, a repetition rate of 750 Hz, and an intensity ranging from 30 to 300 GW/cm2. A self-focusing nonlinear refractive index (NLR), n2=+(1.8±0.1)×10−15 cm2/W, and a nonlinear absorption (NLA) coefficient, α2=+(3.5±0.2)×10−2 cm/GW, were measured, with the NLA arising from a two-photon process. Aiming to further understand the material’s electronic nonlinearities, we also employed the Optical Kerr Gate (OKG) to evaluate the material’s time response and measure the NLR coefficient in an optical intensity range different from the one used in the Z-scan. For optical pulses of 170 fs at 800 nm and a repetition rate of 76 MHz, the modulus of the NLR coefficient was measured to be n2=4.2±0.5×10−14 cm2/W for intensities up to 650 MW/cm2, with the material’s time response limited by the pulse duration. The ultrafast time response and electronic optical nonlinearities are explained based on the material’s 2D structure.
Investigation of Acetoin Biosynthesis by Bacillus subtilis ACA-DC 1176 Growing on Crude Glycerol in Flask and Bioreactor Trials
Authors: Karayannis Dimitris , Moraiti Eleni , Kalantzi Ourania , Papanikolaou Seraphim
Published: October 2024

Acetoin biosynthesis by two Bacillus subtilis strains valorising crude glycerol was thoroughly explored within a pre-defined range of culture conditions and systems. B. subtilis ACA-DC 1176 stood out for its higher efficiency in acetoin production, prompting an investigation into the potential for enhanced productivity through the evaluation of diverse culture conditions and media compositions. The primary by-products of the biodiesel and corn industries, namely crude glycerol and corn steep liquor, respectively, were successfully employed as the principal carbon and nitrogen sources of the newly developed low-cost culture medium. Furthermore, the results of the various feeding strategies that were tested indicated that the conversion of 2,3-butanediol (BDO) to acetoin occurred exclusively when the concentration of glycerol was below approximately 5 g/L. This seemed to be necessary for the production of NADH, which is essential for maintaining cellular processes. Following the complete depletion of glycerol, acetic acid increased and became the predominant metabolite, while both acetoin and BDO decreased, presumably resulting in ATP generation. This is likely a mechanism employed by the cell to generate energy in the absence of a carbon source. In the fed-batch bioreactor culture, the kinetics of metabolites differed, as there was no conversion of BDO to acetoin at the final depletion of glycerol. At volumetric mass transfer coefficient (kLa) levels exceeding approximately 70 1/h, the production of acetoin was favoured over that of BDO, with the highest observed acetoin/BDO ratio reaching 4.29 g/g. Conversely, at kLa values below approximately 60 1/h, the titres of acetoin and BDO were found to be nearly equal. The final concentrations of acetoin and BDO reached 36.0 g/L and 25.5 g/L, respectively, resulting in a total yield of both (acetoin + BDO) per glycerol consumption of 0.40 g/g. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to focus on acetoin production from crude glycerol fermentative valorisation. The study presents new findings regarding the parameters influencing the level of BDO conversion to acetoin. However, further research is required in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the underlying phenomena and metabolic pathways involved.
Uterus Didelphys with Hematocervix in the Unilateral Obstructed Hemivagina and Ipsilateral Renal Agenesis: A Case Report of Herlyn–Werner–Wunderlich Syndrome
Authors: Taliento Cristina , Rondoni Alba , Scutiero Gennaro , Pavone Matteo , Mordenti Matteo , Vizzielli Giuseppe , Greco Pantaleo
Published: October 2024

Background: Mullerian duct anomalies include a broad spectrum of genital tract defects that arise from developmental abnormalities of the genital tract. Herlyn–Werner–Wunderlich syndrome (HWWS) refers to the combination of uterus didelphys, blind hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis. In the literature, the syndrome often appears as a few sporadic case reports. Case: We report a case of symptomatic Herlyn–Werner–Wunderlich syndrome diagnosed by transavaginal scan and MRI and successfully treated with a laparoscopic-assisted hysteroscopic vaginal septum resection. The postoperative course was without complications, and clinical symptoms completely resolved the surgery. Summary and Conclusions: Combination of laparoscopy and hysteroscopy was found to be an easy, safe, effective and appropriate approach for patients with HWWS.
How Sarcopenia, Muscle Mass, Strength, and Performance Relate to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rigor Joana , Monteiro-Soares Matilde , Barata Pedro , Martins-Mendes Daniela
Published: October 2024

Background and aim: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects up to 25% of the population and causes significant morbidity and mortality. Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle strength and quantity/quality, shares multiple pathways with MASLD, pointing to their possible association. In this systematic review, we aimed to describe the association between low muscle mass and/or strength and/or performance and the presence, development, or severity of MASLD/NAFLD. Methods: A search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and LILACS, on 16 October 2020, for relevant studies, using a comprehensive search query and following PRISMA guidelines for systematic review conduction and reporting. Results: The search yielded 1042 results, of which 42 full papers and 11 poster abstracts were included. NAFLD was determined by imaging (n = 27), non-invasive tests (n = 13), liver biopsy (n = 11), or transient elastography (n = 2), and its severity by liver biopsy (n = 10), non-invasive tests (n = 7), transient elastography (n = 7), or imaging (n = 4). Muscle mass was, in most cases, adjusted for weight (n = 25), body mass index (BMI; n = 13), or height (n = 10). Most studies showed an association of low muscle mass and low strength with NAFLD presence and severity. However, the association of muscle mass with NAFLD was present when muscle mass was adjusted for weight or BMI but not when it was adjusted for height. A meta-analysis was not possible due to high heterogeneity in the methods of assessment of muscle parameters and NAFLD. Conclusions: This systematic review suggests the need for standardization of methods in this discipline. The issuing of specific guidance regarding sarcopenia in NAFLD would be of importance.
Cybersecurity in a Scalable Smart City Framework Using Blockchain and Federated Learning for Internet of Things (IoT)
Authors: Sefati Seyed Salar , Craciunescu Razvan , Arasteh Bahman , Halunga Simona , Fratu Octavian , Tal Irina
Published: October 2024

Smart cities increasingly rely on the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance infrastructure and public services. However, many existing IoT frameworks face challenges related to security, privacy, scalability, efficiency, and low latency. This paper introduces the Blockchain and Federated Learning for IoT (BFLIoT) framework as a solution to these issues. In the proposed method, the framework first collects real-time data, such as traffic flow and environmental conditions, then normalizes, encrypts, and securely stores it on a blockchain to ensure tamper-proof data management. In the second phase, the Data Authorization Center (DAC) uses advanced cryptographic techniques to manage secure data access and control through key generation. Additionally, edge computing devices process data locally, reducing the load on central servers, while federated learning enables distributed model training, ensuring data privacy. This approach provides a scalable, secure, efficient, and low-latency solution for IoT applications in smart cities. A comprehensive security proof demonstrates BFLIoT’s resilience against advanced cyber threats, while performance simulations validate its effectiveness, showing significant improvements in throughput, reliability, energy efficiency, and reduced delay for smart city applications.
Evaluation of Direct Sunlight Availability Using a 360° Camera
Authors: Chambel Lopes Diogo , Nogueira Isabel
Published: October 2024

One important aspect to consider when buying a house or apartment is adequate solar exposure. The same applies to the evaluation of the shadowing effects of existing buildings on prospective construction sites and vice versa. In different climates and seasons, it is not always easy to assess if there will be an excess or lack of sunlight, and both can lead to discomfort and excessive energy consumption. The aim of our project is to design a method to quantify the availability of direct sunlight to answer these questions. We developed a tool in Octave to calculate representative parameters, such as sunlight hours per day over a year and the times of day for which sunlight is present, considering the surrounding objects. The apparent sun position over time is obtained from an existing algorithm and the surrounding objects are surveyed using a picture taken with a 360° camera from a window or other sunlight entry area. The sky regions in the picture are detected and all other regions correspond to obstructions to direct sunlight. The sky detection is not fully automatic, but the sky swap tool in the camera software could be adapted by the manufacturer for this purpose. We present the results for six representative test cases.
Lightweight MRI Brain Tumor Segmentation Enhanced by Hierarchical Feature Fusion
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhang Rong , Zhu Zhongjie , Li Pei , Bai Yongqiang , Wang Ming
Published: October 2024

Background: Existing methods for MRI brain tumor segmentation often suffer from excessive model parameters and suboptimal performance in delineating tumor boundaries. Methods: For this issue, a lightweight MRI brain tumor segmentation method, enhanced by hierarchical feature fusion (EHFF), is proposed. This method reduces model parameters while improving segmentation performance by integrating hierarchical features. Initially, a fine-grained feature adjustment network is crafted and guided by global contextual information, leading to the establishment of an adaptive feature learning (AFL) module. This module captures the global features of MRI brain tumor images through macro perception and micro focus, adjusting spatial granularity to enhance feature details and reduce computational complexity. Subsequently, a hierarchical feature weighting (HFW) module is constructed. This module extracts multi-scale refined features through multi-level weighting, enhancing the detailed features of spatial positions and alleviating the lack of attention to local position details in macro perception. Finally, a hierarchical feature retention (HFR) module is designed as a supplementary decoder. This module retains, up-samples, and fuses feature maps from each layer, thereby achieving better detail preservation and reconstruction. Results: Experimental results on the BraTS 2021 dataset demonstrate that the proposed method surpasses existing methods. Dice similarity coefficients (DSC) for the three semantic categories ET, TC, and WT are 88.57%, 91.53%, and 93.09%, respectively.
Impact of Rumex nepalensis on Performance, Blood Markers, Immunity, Intestinal Microbiology and Histomorphology in Broiler Chicken
Authors: Banday Mohammad T. , Wani Manzoor A. , Othman Sarah I. , Rudayni Hassan A. , Allam Ahmed A. , Alshahrani Mohammad Y. , Ibrahim Essam H. , Nabi Showkat , Adil Sheikh
Published: October 2024

The study investigated the impact of utilizing Rumex nepalensis leaf powder (RNL) as a phytogenic feed additive on performance, blood markers, intestinal microbiology and histomorphology in broiler chicken. One hundred eighty day-old Cobb broiler chicks were randomly divided into four treatment groups having three replicates with fifteen birds each. Four iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets primarily based on maize–soybean were formulated, viz., CN (Control)—fed basal diet only; RNL2.5 (basal diet + 2.5 g/kg RNL); RNL5 (basal diet + 5 g/kg RNL); and RNL10 (basal diet + 10 g/kg RNL). The results revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in body weight gain and feed conversion ratio in dietary treatments compared to CN with best values in RNL10 followed by RNL5. The blood markers like glucose, total protein, creatinine, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) showed no significance (p > 0.05) among all the treatments, however total cholesterol significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in RNL5 and RNL10 as against CN. Regarding immune parameters, immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced in RNL5 and RNL10. Antioxidant enzyme status showed that superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased and malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in RNL10 compared to CN. Gut health in terms of cecal microbiology and histomorphology of duodenum and jejunum were altered by inclusion of RNL in the broiler diet. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in coliform count was recorded by incorporation of dietary treatments with highest reduction in RNL10. Lactobacillus count and total viable count did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) among dietary treatments and CN. Duodenal and jejunal villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in RNL5 and RNL10 compared to RNL2.5 and CN. Thus, it could be concluded that inclusion of Rumex nepalensis leaf powder in the diet resulted in improved performance and better immuno-antioxidant status of broilers. Further, an improvement in the gut health was observed in terms of positive effects on cecal microbiota and intestinal histomorphology of broiler chickens.
The Integration of Veterinary Medicine and Behavioral Management in the Care of Captive Pigtail Macaques (Macaca nemestrina)
Authors: Toscano Jessica E. , Hart Sarah A. , Malinowski Carolyn M.
Published: October 2024

The Washington National Primate Research Center (WaNPRC) maintains the largest domestic breeding colony of pigtail macaques (Macaca nemestrina) in the United States, with animals housed in small to medium-sized social groups. As part of the animal care plan, a programmatic framework is utilized, which integrates clinical care with socialization considerations for nonhuman primates (NHPs). This framework encompasses the following areas: (1) socialization in the clinical setting; (2) positive reinforcement training (PRT); (3) measures to ensure proper identification and medication distribution; and (4) in-group treatments. The success of this framework is demonstrated by the high socialization rate for hospitalized animals (99.5% social pairing success), with the majority of clinical cases (95%) being treated in social groups. Ultimately, this framework seeks to buffer stressors when animals require clinical care or husbandry manipulations. Taken together, the above components foster an environment that provides a comprehensive approach to NHP medical and behavioral management.
Comparison of boosting and random forest models in forecasting bank failures : Revisiting the 2008 Financial Crisis from a Supervisory Perspective
Authors: Sen Safa
Published: October 2024

This research paper delivers an exhaustive analysis of predictive models for bank failures, a subject of paramount importance for economic stability. Using a dataset from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the study examines 950 banking institutions, including 60 that succumbed to the 2008 financial crisis. The paper employs binary classification analysis using 26 CAMEL ratios and compares boosting algorithms with the Random Forest model family. In classifying non-failed banks, Random Forest variations notably outperform boosting algorithms, achieving a 97% accuracy rate in correctly classified instances, with the Regularized Random Forest model showing exceptional precision with a rate of 0.988. In the context of predicting failed banks, the Random Forest models, particularly the regularized variant, demonstrate a strong capability for accurately identifying true failures. These findings corroborate the efficacy of Random Forest models in predicting bank failures precisely and reliably, highlighting their critical role in reducing false positives and negatives, which is essential for robust forecasting in the banking sector.
Institutional isomorphism in accounting innovations : Experience in the public and corporate sectors
Authors: Tóth Balázs , Lippai-Makra Edit
Published: October 2024

Accounting regulations and systems are subject to constant change. The evolution of accounting practices can be described as the outcome of different key factors. In this study, the authors examine two distinct areas of accounting, that of public sector accounting and of the corporate sector accounting using a neo institutional approach. The objective of the study is to present that, despite the differences of accounting in the two sectors, they can be examined within the same theoretical framework, and that different types of accounting innovation can be explained with institutional isomorphism. The research based on the relevant international and Hungarian literature indicates that certain groups of isomorphism can be observed in the diffusion of accounting practices. The normative one has proved to be the weakest and the coercive the strongest. It can also be concluded that in both public and corporate sector accounting innovations, the normative isomorphism emerges first, followed by the mimetic and finally the coercive one. As far as the authors are aware, this paper is the first of its kind in Hungary inasmuch as it reviews the two accounting subsystems within a uniform theoretical framework.
MODELING OF THE EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT IN THE TEACHER’S PROFESSIONAL AND PEDAGOGICAL ACTIVITY
Authors: Dudko S.
Published: October 2024

The study substantiates the theoretical and methodological aspects of modeling the educational environment in the professional and pedagogical activity of a general secondary education teacher on the methodological basis of the humanistic-competence paradigm of general secondary education and the concept of the New Ukrainian School.
The article’s purpose is to clarify the role and significance of the modeling method as a means of efficient professional and pedagogical activity of teachers in the educational environment of general secondary schools.
The principles of individualization of educational services, conscious perspective, flexibility of educational influences, democratization, and dynamism of the educational process are emphasized in the process of applying the modeling method by the teacher. The objects of modeling in the teacher’s activity are model programs in teaching subjects, a system of aspect and subject lessons, a set of club activities, individual qualities and properties of students’ personalities, etc.
The author proposes the stages of creating a pedagogical model and the algorithm of modeling in the teacher’s activity (setting a goal, selecting an object, formulating a subject, clarifying the normative support, choosing a theory that explains the content of the subject of modeling; substantiating the basic assumptions of simplifying a real object; constructing a model using theoretical foundations; model examination; studying the model using a pedagogical experiment; finalizing, adjusting and finalizing the model).
It is concluded that the awareness of the principles of building a model of the educational environment of general secondary school, as well as the use of this knowledge as a theoretical basis for the general scheme of forming the content of the educational process will contribute to the successful implementation of efficient professional and pedagogical activities of teachers in an institution aimed at building a health-developing educational space.