bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell jamming in a collagen-based interface assay is tuned by collagen density and proteolysis
Authors: Beunk Lianne , Wen Nan , van Helvert Sjoerd , Bekker Bram , Ran Lars , Kang Ross , Paulat Tom , Syga Simon , Deutsch Andreas , Friedl Peter , Wolf Katarina
Published: November 2023

Tumor cell invasion into heterogenous interstitial tissues consisting of network-, channel- or rift-like architectures involves both matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-mediated tissue remodeling and cell shape adaptation to tissue geometry. Three-dimensional (3D) models composed of either porous or linearly aligned architectures have added to the understanding of how physical spacing principles affect migration efficacy; however, the relative contribution of each architecture to decision making in the presence of varying MMP availability is not known. Here, we developed an interface assay containing a cleft between two high-density collagen lattices, and we used this assay to probe tumor cell invasion efficacy, invasion mode and MMP dependence in concert. In silico modeling predicted facilitated cell migration into confining clefts independently of MMP activity, whereas migration into dense porous matrix was predicted to require matrix degradation. This prediction was verified experimentally, where inhibition of collagen degradation was found to strongly compromise migration into 3D collagen in a density-dependent manner, but interface-guided migration remained effective, occurring by cell jamming. The 3D interface assay reported here may serve as a suitable model to better understand the impact of in vivo-relevant interstitial tissue topologies on tumor invasion patterning and responses to molecular interventions.
The odd log-logistic generalized exponential distribution: Application on survival times of chemotherapy patients data
Authors: Fulment Arnold K. , Gadde Srinivasa Rao , Peter Josephat K.
Published: November 2023

Background The creation of developing new generalized classes of distributions has attracted applied and theoretical statisticians owing to their properties of flexibility. The development of generalized distribution aims to find distribution flexibility and suitability for available data. In this decade, most authors have developed classes of distributions that are new, to become valuable for applied researchers. Methods This study aims to develop the odd log-logistic generalized exponential distribution (OLLGED), one of the lifetime newly generated distributions in the field of statistics. The advantage of the newly generated distribution is the heavily tailed distributed lifetime data set. Most of the probabilistic properties are derived including generating functions, moments, and quantile and order statistics. Results Estimation of the model parameter is done by the maximum likelihood method. The performance of parametric estimation is studied through simulation. Application of OLLGED and its flexibilities is done using two data sets and while its performance is done on the randomly simulated data set. Conclusions The application and flexibility of the OLLGED are ensured through empirical observation using two sets of lifetime data, establishing that the proposed OLLGED can provide a better fit in comparison to existing rival models, such as odd generalized log-logistic, type-II generalized log-logistic, exponential distributions, odd exponential log-logistic, generalized exponential, and log-logistic.
The economic effects of perceptions of the Russia-Ukraine war in Ecuador
Authors: Méndez-Prado Silvia Mariela , Medina-Castillo Julio Andres
Published: November 2023

Background Using an online questionnaire capturing the immediate economic and social effects of the Russia-Ukraine war. The study assesses the topics of more profound concern for university students and the variation of economic attitudes related to their socio-demographic variables. Methods Three hundred eighty-five participants, between 18 and 22 years of age, 49% female, leads us to identify significant differences by sex and economic status related to the stock crash, inflation, corruption, and poverty perceptions. However, the effect size and sampling could be improved. Results Kruskal-Wallis test confirms that the below-average economic status group feels more worried about higher inflation, while females tend to be more concerned about inflation, corruption, and poverty because of the conflict. Ordered logistic regression reveals that participants who express higher levels of concern regarding the impact of increased energy prices and poverty tend to exhibit greater overall worry. Conclusions Even though convenience sampling imposes constraints to extrapolate the results broadly, the research constitutes a benchmark for similar studies among Latin American and Caribbean countries since economic expectations and economic knowledge from citizens, applied in their decisions, play an essential role in national development.
Analyzing the impact of loyalty card programs on customer behavior: insights from the Albanian market
Authors: Myftaraj Ervin , Trebicka Brunela
Published: November 2023

Background Loyalty card programs have become prevalent in the retail industry, offering various benefits and rewards to customers. This study aims to analyze the impact of loyalty card programs on customer behavior in the Albanian market. Methods A survey was conducted among a diverse sample of customers from different retail sectors in Albania. The survey collected data on awareness, satisfaction, loyalty, and customized benefits. The survey was distributed between March and May 2023, and responses were collected electronically. The survey responses were analyzed to address the research questions and test the hypotheses. Results The findings indicate a significant level of awareness among respondents regarding loyalty card programs. Higher satisfaction with specific benefits, such as discounts and accumulating points, is associated with higher levels of customer loyalty. Customers who reported higher frequencies of loyalty card usage demonstrated greater loyalty. Customized benefits, particularly discounts and accumulating points, significantly influenced customer satisfaction. However, other benefit categories did not show statistically significant associations with loyalty. Conclusion The study highlights the importance of promoting loyalty card programs to enhance awareness among customers. Improving and optimizing loyalty card benefits based on customer feedback is recommended. Encouraging frequent usage of loyalty cards and personalizing benefits to align with customer preferences are key strategies to foster customer loyalty. The findings provide valuable insights for practitioners in the retail sector to enhance customer engagement, satisfaction, and loyalty.
An innovative medical waste management system in a smart city using XAI and vehicle routing optimization
Authors: Boudanga Zineb , benhadou Siham , Medromi Hicham
Published: November 2023

Background The management of medical waste is a complex task that necessitates effective strategies to mitigate health risks, comply with regulations, and minimize environmental impact. In this study, a novel approach based on collaboration and technological advancements is proposed. Methods By utilizing colored bags with identification tags, smart containers with sensors, object recognition sensors, air and soil control sensors, vehicles with Global Positioning System (GPS) and temperature humidity sensors, and outsourced waste treatment, the system optimizes waste sorting, storage, and treatment operations. Additionally, the incorporation of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) technology, leveraging scikit-learn, xgboost, catboost, lightgbm, and skorch, provides real-time insights and data analytics, facilitating informed decision-making and process optimization. Results The integration of these cutting-edge technologies forms the foundation of an efficient and intelligent medical waste management system. Furthermore, the article highlights the use of genetic algorithms (GA) to solve vehicle routing models, optimizing waste collection routes and minimizing transportation time to treatment centers. Conclusions Overall, the combination of advanced technologies, optimization algorithms, and XAI contributes to improved waste management practices, ultimately benefiting both public health and the environment.
Case Report: Severe intermittent acute abdominal pain caused by extremely rare case of lienorenal accessory spleen torsion and detorsion: an accurate diagnostic and treatment strategy
Authors: Adrianto Albertus Ari , Tjandra Kevin Christian , Adiningsih Dwi , Winoto Jessica , Kuntjoro Lydia
Published: November 2023

Background: Accessory spleen (AS) is a rare condition that usually does not cause any symptoms. However recurrent torsion and detorsion of AS commonly happen in the case of AS with long pedicles. Thus diagnostic and treatment procedure is needed to prevent further complication in this case. Case presentation: An extreme case of an Austronesian 22-year-old college student who presented clinical symptoms of crampy abdominal pain in the left upper quadrant (LUQ) three days before being administered in a hospital. The pain was periodically worsened and relieved for the past year due to recurrent torsion and detorsion of the accessory spleen. Radiologic findings were accessory spleen located in the lienorenalis region with the size of 1.6 x 1.8 x 1.4 cm and the vascular accessory spleen extends from the splenic pedicle to the left splenorenal region. The intraoperative finding was a blackish-brown mass with spongy consistency with 0.5 cm of the pedicle. Conclusion: A combination of USG and CT scan with arterial and venous phase is preferred to diagnose the accessory spleen early. While the findings of the accessory spleen with long pedicle are highly suggested to be treated using modified anti-Trendelenburg 3-port laparoscopic excision of the accessory spleen (LEAS).
An Exact Method for (Constrained) Assortment Optimization Problems with Product Costs
Authors: Leitner Markus , Lodi Andrea , Roberti Roberto , Sole Claudio
Published: November 2023

We study the problem of optimizing assortment decisions in the presence of product-specific costs when customers choose according to a multinomial logit model. This problem is NP-hard, and approximate solutions methods have been proposed in the literature to obtain both lower and upper bounds in a tractable manner. We propose the first exact solution method for this problem and show that provably optimal assortments of instances with up to 1,000 products can be found, on average, in about 2/10 of a second. In particular, we propose a bounding procedure to enhance an approximation method originally proposed by Feldman and Topaloglu and provide tight lower and upper bounds at a fraction of a second. We show how these bounds can be used to effectively identify an optimal assortment. We also describe how to adapt our approach to handle cardinality or space/resource capacity constraints on the assortment as well as assortment optimization under a mixed-multinomial logit model. In both cases, our solution method provides significant computational boosts compared with exact methods from the literature.
Longitudinal Impact of Preference Biases on Recommender Systems’ Performance
Authors: Zhou Meizi , Zhang Jingjing , Adomavicius Gediminas
Published: November 2023

Recommender systems are ubiquitous on various online platforms and provide significant value to the users in helping them find relevant content/items to consume. After item consumption, users can often provide feedback (i.e., their preference ratings for the item) to the system. Research studies have shown that recommender systems’ predictions, observed by users, can cause biases in users’ postconsumption preference ratings. Because these ratings are typically fed back to the system as training data for future predictions, this process is likely to influence the system’s performance over time. We use a simulation approach to investigate the longitudinal impact of preference biases on the dynamics of recommender systems’ performance. Our results reveal that preference biases significantly impair recommendation performance and users’ consumption outcomes, and larger biases cause disproportionately large negative effects. Additionally, less popular and less distinctive (in terms of their content) items are more susceptible to preference biases. Furthermore, considering the substantial impact of preference biases on recommendation performance, we examine the issue of debiasing user-submitted ratings. We find that relying solely on historical rating data is unlikely to be effective in debiasing; thus, we propose/evaluate new debiasing approaches that use additional relevant information that can be collected by recommendation platforms.
PELOS MEANDROS DA BNCC
Authors: Carneiro Ceres Ferreira , Mansur Felipe Bastos
Published: November 2023

Em nossas práticas, enquanto coordenadores de distintos Projetos que desenvolvemos junto a alunos do curso de Licenciatura em Letras da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), nos vimos diante da necessidade de refletir sobre como e se a Base Nacional Curricular (BNCC) é um documento imprescindível para sustentar o desenvolvimento de nossos projetos PRODOCÊNCIA. Trazemos, assim, uma discussão a respeito de como o ensino de Língua Portuguesa e de Literatura nas Escolas, tal qual como comparecem na Base, contribuem (ou não) para o que nós entendemos como relevante, especialmente, ao que diz respeito aos nossos Projetos em desenvolvimento, para o fazer pedagógico de professores de Língua Portuguesa e de Literatura da Escola Básica.
Determining the causal factors affecting the survival of young plantations in Udayapur, Nepal
Authors: AYER SANTOSH , BHANDARI YUBRAJ , GAUTAM ANUPA , GAUTAM JEETENDRA
Published: November 2023

Abstract. Ayer S, Bhandari Y, Gautam A, Gautam J. 2023. Determining the causal factors affecting the survival of young plantations in Udayapur, Nepal. Asian J For 7: 93-99. The plantation is a form of land management and rehabilitation to reverse land degradation, and the survival rate of seedlings is a critical factor for a successful plantation. This study aimed to investigate the survival rate of seedlings in ten plantation sites in Udayapur District, Nepal and identify the major causes of seedling mortality and stunted growth. Planting was done in April/May of 2020 and the total count of the seedlings was done in January/February 2021. Square plots of 5m x 5m each were used for inventory using systematic random sampling with 0.1% sampling intensity. Direct field observation and interviews with officials, heralu, and community forest users were conducted to identify reasons behind seedlings' mortality and stunted growth. The results showed that the overall survival rate of seedlings in the study site was 36.02%. However, site-wise survival rates varied significantly, with Paluwatar CF having the highest survival rate of 87.73% and Sunkoshi CF having the lowest survival rate of 10.76%. Species-wise survival rates also varied, with Syzygium cumini having the highest survival rate of 80% and Cassia siamea having the lowest survival rate of 5.55%. The major causes of seedling mortality were found to be soil composition and quality (38%), drought (27%), and plant diseases (12%). In addition, carelessness during handling, transportation, and after plantation (21%) were identified as the major causes of stunted growth. This study provides valuable insights into the factors affecting seedling survival and growth in a plantation site, which can be used to guide future plantation efforts. However, further research is needed to understand the complex interactions between different factors better and develop effective strategies for improving seedling survival and growth.
Chinese Naturalization, Voting, and Other Impossible Acts
Authors: Lew-Williams Beth
Published: November 2023

Abstract: Historians have taken as a defining characteristic of Chinese experience in the United States their inability to naturalize until the repeal of Chinese Exclusion in 1943. It is certainly true that treaty agreements, court rulings, and discriminatory legislation conspired to prevent the existence of Chinese American citizens. But scholars may have taken for granted Chinese migrants' alien status and disenfranchisement more than they themselves did. In 1900, the US census recorded that 6.7 percent of the Chinese population had naturalized. These naturalized Chinese accomplished a seemingly impossible task and in so doing they exposed broader truths about the uncertain nature of citizenship in the postbellum era.
Single-pass generation of widely-tunable frequency-domain entangled photon pairs
Authors: Hojo Masayuki , Tanaka Koichiro
Published: November 2023

We demonstrate a technique that generates frequency-entangled photon pairs with strong polarization correlation by using a single-period nonlinear crystal and single pass configuration. The technique is based on the simultaneous occurrence of two spontaneous parametric down-conversion processes satisfying independent type-II collinear quasi-phase matching conditions in periodically poled stoichiometric lithium tantalate. The generated photon pairs exhibit non-degenerate Hong-Ou-Mandel interference, indicating the presence of quantum entanglement in the frequency domain. This method provides a light source capable of wide-range quantum sensing and quantum imaging or high-dimensional quantum processing.
Higher-order matrix nonlinear Schrödinger equation with the negative coherent coupling: binary Darboux transformation, vector solitons, breathers and rogue waves
Authors: Du Zhong , Nie Yao , Guo Qian
Published: November 2023

Optical fiber communication plays a crucial role in modern communication. In this work, we focus on the higher-order matrix nonlinear Schrödinger equation with negative coherent coupling in a birefringent fiber. For the slowly varying envelopes of two interacting optical modes, we construct a binary Darboux transformation using the corresponding Lax pair. With vanishing seed solutions and the binary Darboux transformation, we investigate vector degenerate soliton and exponential soliton solutions. By utilizing these soliton solutions, we demonstrate three types of degenerate solitons and double-hump bright solitons. Furthermore, considering non-vanishing seed solutions and applying the binary Darboux transformation, we obtain vector breather solutions, and present the vector single-hump beak-type Akhmediev breather, Kuznetsov-Ma breathers, double-hump beak-type Akhmediev breather, Kuznetsov-Ma breathers, and vector degenerate beak-type breathers. Additionally, we take the limit in the breather solutions and derive vector rogue wave solutions. We illustrate the beak-type rogue waves and bright-dark rogue waves. Humps of these vector double-hump waves can separate into two individual humps. The results obtained in this work may potentially provide valuable insights for experimentally manipulating the separation of two-hump solitons, breathers, and rogue waves in optical fibers.
Laser-written wave plates inside the silicon enabled by stress-induced birefringence
Authors: Saltik Alperen , Tokel Onur
Published: November 2023

Laser writing enables optical functionality by altering the optical properties of materials. To achieve this goal, efforts generally focus on laser-written regions. It has also been shown that birefringence surrounding the modified regions can be exploited for achieving functionality. The effect has been used to fabricate wave plates in glass, with significant potential for other materials. Here, we establish analogous stress control and birefringence engineering inside silicon. We first develop a robust analytical model enabling the prediction of birefringence maps from arbitrary laser-written patterns. Then, we tailor three-dimensional laser lithography to create the first, to the best of our knowledge, polarization-control optics inside silicon.
Study of the surface damage threshold and mechanism of KDP crystal under ultrashort laser irradiation
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhang Yujia , Liu Xiaoqing , Liu Yang , Lv Jiezhao , Fang Changfeng , Li Qingbo , Zhao Xian
Published: November 2023

Here, we investigate the mechanism of surface damage threshold anisotropy induced by ultrashort laser in potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) crystal. Carrier-lattice nonequilibrium interaction is simulated based on Brillouin light-scattering (BLS) spectroscopy and a complete self-consistent model to obtain the time evolution of carrier density and temperature as well as lattice temperature. The results indicate that the trend of the lattice temperature is consistent with the experimental phenomena. Meanwhile, the electron-phonon coupling effect, in addition to the electron density traditionally considered, is an important factor affecting damage and is a major contributor to the anisotropy of the damage threshold.
Integrated-optic chromatic dispersion compensator with completely passive operation and wide operational bandwidth
Authors: Takiguchi Koichi
Published: November 2023

I report on a fiber chromatic dispersion compensator comprising an array of 100 fixed delay lines sandwiched by a pair of arrayed-waveguide grating-type wavelength filters. The requisite delay for the dispersion compensation is allocated to each demultiplexed wavelength component after the first wavelength filter, and the wavelength components are again multiplexed at the second filter. The flexible capability of delay pattern arrangement enables us to realize various fixed dispersion compensation characteristics. I show transmittance and relative delay time characteristics of a multichannel dispersion compensator for short-distance wavelength division multiplexing communication, and its application to dispersion compensation for a pulse amplitude modulation four signal. I also demonstrate the realization of a dispersion slope compensator for a dispersion-shifted fiber with this configuration.
Heavy-tailed distributions of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths in spatiotemporal space
Authors: Liu Peng , Zheng Yanyan
Published: November 2023

This paper conducts a systematic statistical analysis of the characteristics of the geographical empirical distributions for the numbers of both cumulative and daily confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths at county, city, and state levels over a time span from January 2020 to June 2022. The mathematical heavy-tailed distributions can be used for fitting the empirical distributions observed in different temporal stages and geographical scales. The estimations of the shape parameter of the tail distributions using the Generalized Pareto Distribution also support the observations of the heavy-tailed distributions. According to the characteristics of the heavy-tailed distributions, the evolution course of the geographical empirical distributions can be divided into three distinct phases, namely the power-law phase, the lognormal phase I, and the lognormal phase II. These three phases could serve as an indicator of the severity degree of the COVID-19 pandemic within an area. The empirical results suggest important intrinsic dynamics of a human infectious virus spread in the human interconnected physical complex network. The findings extend previous empirical studies and could provide more strict constraints for current mathematical and physical modeling studies, such as the SIR model and its variants based on the theory of complex networks.
Linda Lê: las afinidades electivas
Authors: Álvarez Rubio María del Rosario
Published: November 2023

Linda Lê (Dalat, 1963-París, 2022), una de las voces narrativas más singulares del panorama literario francés, ha dejado una obra personal, introspectiva y analítica sin concesiones. Exiliada en Francia con su madre y hermanas en 1977 tras la caída de Saigón (Vietnam), su adopción definitiva de la lengua francesa como vía de expresión cotidiana y creadora significa una fractura dolorosa, física y simbólica, con su origen sin dejar de ser una meteca en la tierra de acogida. La dolorosa memoria autobiográfica, el compromiso vital con su concepto de la literatura y la reivindicación de ese espacio propio en tierra de nadie nutren tanto sus novelas como sus ensayos. A partir del acercamiento a estos últimos, se pretende indagar en la presencia de la interculturalidad literaria a través de sus afinidades electivas con los escritores en ellos comentados.
Ventilatory and anthropometric variables in healthy female students from the University of Ljubljana
Authors: Zerbo-Sporin Dorjana , Fležar Matjaž , Štefančič Marija
Published: November 2023

Forced expiratory vital capacity (FEYC) and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEY1) were measured in healthy, non-smoking female students from the University of Ljubljana. The sample included 86 students, none active in sports, ranging in age from 18-23 years. The results were analysed in terms of anthropometric variables, and regression equations were derived. Comparisons were made with Europaean Respiratory Society (ERS) prediction equations derived from non-Slovenian populations, commonly used in ourmedical practice. The ERS and our equations predict significantly different values for FEYC and insignificantly for FEY1. According tocomparisons ofr2 and SD ofresiduals, we presumed that newly derived equations can be better predictors of ventilatory parameters forSlovene female students population.
Use of direct somatic organogenesis for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of onion
Authors: Bastar Manja-Tina , Luthar Zlata , Bohanec Borut
Published: November 2023

An Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated DNA delivery is being developed for onion (Allium cepa L.) using organogenic structures formed on the ovaries as target tissue. An indirect transformation procedure using A. tumefaciens strains LBA4404 and EHA105 in combination with four plasmids was used for establishing an efficient transformation protocol. Studies were focused on different protocols for co-cultivation, selection and detection of optimal reporter and selection genes in onion. A histochemical GUS test and visual detection of the GFP protein were used for optimization of transformation treatments. Several pretreatment and co­ cultivation protocols achieving transient expression were studied, and the optimal was a combination of sonication (10 s) and vacuum treatment (5min, 35 nuriHg). Among several selection media studied, optimal results were obtained using phosphinotricin (2.5 mg/1) as selection agent and timentin (150 mg/1) for good suppression of bacterial growth. The transgenic nature of individual regenerants after sixmonths on selection media was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction using primers for detection of uidA and bar genes. Using this test, three regenerants were positive for both bar and uidA genes and three regenerants were positive for the bar gene only.
Thinning of ’Golden Delicious’ apples with the combination of ethephon and CPPU
Authors: Stopar Matej
Published: November 2023

A synthetic cytokinin forchlorfenuron (CPPU) 5 ppm was sprayed at the time of petal fall (PF) on eight years old ’Golden Delicious’/M.9 apple trees with the aim of enlarging the fruit growth. Since CPPU is not recognized as a thinning agent which increases the return bloom, a low dose of ethephon was sprayed on CPPU treated trees to enhance flower bud formation and increase flowering in the next season. Ethephon was applied in successive treatments (alone or in the combination with CPPU) 3 x 30 ppm or 5 x 50 ppm, starting at PF, and continued in week intervals. The single application of CPPU 5 ppm or the combination of ethephon 3 x 30 ppm with CPPU 5 ppm decreased the fruit set and enhanced the fruit growth to reach the commercial demand. The combination spraying of ethephon 5 x 50 ppm + CPPU 2 x 5 ppm resulted in a too strong thinning response while the yield of bigger size fruit was not enhanced. Thealone application of ethephon 3 x 30 ppm had no influence on the fruit thinning or fruit weight while the application ofethephon 5 x 50 ppm reduced the fruit set but, consequently, did not enhance the fruit growth. None of the treatments influenced the return bloom.
Phylogenetic study of Aliinostoc species (Cyanobacteria) using pc-igs, nifH and mcy as markers for investigation of horizontal gene transfer
Authors: Nowruzi Bahareh
Published: November 2023

Selection of genes that have not been horizontally transferred for prokaryote phylogenetic studies is regarded as a challenging task. Internal transcribed spacer of ribosomal genes (16S–23S ITS), microcystin synthetase genes (mcy), nitrogenase (nifH) and phycocyanin intergenic spacer (PC-IGS) are among the most used markers in cyanobacteria. The region of the ribosomal genes has been considered stable, whereas the nifH, mcyG and PC-IGS may have undergone horizontal transfer. To investigate the occurrence of horizontal transfer of nifH, mcyG and PC-IGS, phylogenetic trees of Aliinostoc strains Ay1375 and Me1355 were generated and compared. Phylogenetic trees based on the markers were mostly congruent for PC-IGS, indicating a common evolutionary history among ribosomal and phycocyanin genes with no evidence for horizontal transfer of PC-IGS. Phylogenetic trees constructed from the nifH and 16S rRNA genes were incongruent. Our results suggest that nifH has been transferred from one cyanobacterium to another. Moreover, the low non-synonymous/synonymous mutation ratio (Ka/Ks) was consistent with an ancient origin of the mcyG.
Postrzeganie osób z niepełnosprawnością in- telektualną przez studentów kierunków politechnicznych
Authors: Lewandowska Patrycja , Jakoniuk-Diallo Anna
Published: November 2023

The perception of a person with a disability is determined by qualities that are commonly desired in society. In this text, we have attempted to analyze to what extent the contemporary normalization paradigm, which assumes the necessity of treating every person with the dignity that belongs to them, while respecting their rights, translates into social perceptions of people with intellectual disabilities. For this we used a diagnostic survey, conducted among non-humanities (technical programs) students, i.e. young adults with theoretically less knowledge of psychology, sociology, or pedagogy, which could significantly affect what they think about people with intellectual disabilities. In the text, we also touched on social barriers, social tasks, and opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.
Spotkanie przy mediacyjnym stole. Konteksty pedagogiczne
Authors: Janeczko-Janicka Maria
Published: November 2023

The aim of this paper is to analyze the potential connected with using mediation as an educational method. The role of technology in contemporary society is constantly growing. The COVID-19 pandemic makes us aware of how elementary and fundamental presence is. Encounter as a pedagogical category shows many dimensions and educational benefits. Peer mediation offers a constructive approach to peer conflict, resolving it through meeting and conversation in the presence of an impartial and neutral mediator (school peer). A mediation session teaches responsibility for the decisions taken and creates a sense of agency. Mediation is conducive to the development of key competences in the postmodern world.
Fighting Against the Clock: Circadian Disruption and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Chen Yen-Chung , Wang Wei-Sheng , Lewis Simon J G , Wu Shey-Lin
Published: November 2023

Circadian disruption is being increasingly recognized as a critical factor in the development and progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD). This review aims to provide an in-depth overview of the relationship between circadian disruption and PD by exploring the molecular, cellular, and behavioral aspects of this interaction. This review will include a comprehensive understanding of how the clock gene system and transcription–translation feedback loops function and how they are diminished in PD. The article also discusses the role of clock genes in the regulation of circadian rhythms, as well as the impact of clock gene dysregulation on mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation, including the microbiota-gut-brain axis, which have all been proposed as being crucial mechanisms in the pathophysiology of PD. Finally, this review highlights potential therapeutic strategies targeting the clock gene system and circadian rhythm for the treatment of PD.
SGLT‐2 inhibitors enhance the effect of metformin to ameliorate hormonal changes and inflammatory markers in a rat PCOS model
Authors: Mahmoud Manal Moustafa , Rashed Laila Ahmed , Soliman Somia Abdulatif , Sayed Safaa Mostafa , Kamel Omneya , Kamar Samaa Samir , Hussien Rania El Sayed
Published: November 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine, reproductive, and metabolic disorder affecting females. The management of PCOS is challenging and current interventions are not enough to deal with all consequences of this syndrome. We explored the beneficial effect of combined sodium glucose co transporter‐2 inhibitor (SGLT‐2i); (empagliflozin) and metformin on hormonal and metabolic parameters in an animal model of PCOS and insulin resistance (IR). Forty adult female Wistar rats divided into five groups: control, PCOS‐IR, PCOS‐IR treated with metformin, PCOS‐IR treated with empagliflozin, and PCOS‐IR treated with combined metformin and empagliflozin. Single modality treatment with metformin or empagliflozin yielded significant improvement in body mass index, insulin resistance, lipid profile, sex hormones, inflammatory markers, and ovarian cystic follicles. Combined metformin with empagliflozin expressed further significant improvement in sex hormones, inflammatory markers with disappearance of ovarian cystic follicles. The superior significant improvement with combined treatment over the single modality was in line with significant improvement in the ovarian AMPKα‐SIRT1 expression.
Long-term unialgal seaweed cultivation in artificial seawater without water change. I. Laboratory investigations of Ulva
Authors: Lüning Klaus
Published: November 2023

Unialgal stock cultures for seeding the tank water can be used for the mass cultivation of seaweeds in artificial seawater, as in microalgal mass cultivation. High costs for artificial sea salt mixtures and distilled water would be required, however, to use artificial seawater in big tanks for commercial purposes, but frequent medium changes may not be required, since the major ions contained in artificial seawater, such as sodium, will barely be utilised by the cultured algae during long periods of time, even over years. Similar growth rates were obtained at the start and end of an experiment conducted with Ulva pseudocurvata cultivated unialgally for two years without water change, at a low algal density and with weekly addition of Provasoli Enrichment. Growth in this experiment was increasingly impeded due to gamete swarming events causing dark greenish water every few weeks. The experimental water had then to be boiled in order to kill the gametes. In a second experiment, this time performed at a high algal density, maximum yield values were 20–30 g fresh weight m−2 d−1, both for 2-year-old and newly prepared artificial seawater. These results verified the hypothesis that long-term Ulva cultivation in artificial seawater is possible without frequent medium changes.
A new reverse half-discrete Hilbert-type inequality with one partial sum involving one derivative function of higher order
Authors: Liao Jianquan , Yang Bicheng
Published: November 2023

In this article, a new reverse half-discrete Hilbert-type inequality with one partial sum involving one derivative function of higher order is obtained, by using the weight functions, the mid-value theorem, and the techniques of real analysis. A few equivalent statements of the best possible constant factor related to several parameters are considered. As applications, the equivalent forms and some particular inequalities are provided.
Cell type-targeting nanoparticles in treating central nervous system diseases: Challenges and hopes
Authors: Guo Shanshan , Yi Chun-Xia
Published: November 2023

Effective and safe pharmacotherapies for central nervous system (CNS) disorders remain a major obstacle to human health worldwide. Nanotechnology offers promise in addressing this challenge by enabling the transport of large molecules across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and the delivery of multiple drugs. Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of nanodrugs in animal models of various CNS disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stroke, lysosomal storage disease, and gliomas. Nanoparticles (NPs), tailor-made to enhance drug enrichment locally and promote extended drug release, can prevent neuronal death, decrease neurotoxicity, and inhibit tumor growth. In addition to drug delivery, gene therapy using nanotechnology has emerged as a potentially curative option for neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we summarize how NPs have successfully crossed the BBB and specifically targeted different cells in various CNS disease models over the past decade. Although nanotechnology holds great promise, several drawbacks and challenges must be addressed before its effective implementation in the treatment of CNS diseases.
Broadband Internet and Crime
Authors: Masiero Ilaria
Published: November 2023

This paper empirically investigates the impact of broadband diffusion on crime. I employ state-level data on high-speed Internet penetration and criminal activity in the United States from 2000 to 2012. To tackle the endogeneity of broadband diffusion, I rely on a set of technologically motivated instrumental variables. The outcomes show that the impact of high-speed Internet diffusion on crime is negative and it is not significant for more severe offenses. Concerning the underlying mechanism, I find support for the hypothesis that the broadband-driven crime reduction occurs through a voluntary incapacitation effect, as people change their leisure time allocation by spending more time at home and off the streets. This in turn reduces the availability of criminal opportunities – and crime levels. Finally, my results suggest that the voluntary incapacitation effect concerns both sides of criminal interactions.
Experience-Dependent Plasticity in Nucleus Laminaris of the Barn Owl
Authors: Carr Catherine E. , Wang Tiffany , Kraemer Ira , Capshaw Grace , Ashida Go , Kppl Christine , Kempter Richard , Kuokkanen Paula T.
Published: November 2023

Interaural time differences (ITDs) are a major cue for sound localization and change with increasing head size. Since the barn owl's head width more than doubles in the month after hatching, we hypothesized that the development of their ITD detection circuit might be modified by experience. To test this, we raised owls with unilateral ear inserts that delayed and attenuated the acoustic signal, and then measured the ITD representation in the brainstem nucleus laminaris (NL) when they were adults. The ITD circuit is composed of delay line inputs to coincidence detectors, and we predicted that plastic changes would lead to shorter delays in the axons from the manipulated ear, and complementary shifts in ITD representation on the two sides. In owls that received ear inserts starting around P14, the maps of ITD shifted in the predicted direction, but only on the ipsilateral side, and only in those tonotopic regions that had
not
experienced auditory stimulation prior to insertion. The contralateral map did not change. Thus, experience-dependent plasticity of the ITD circuit occurs in NL, and our data suggest that ipsilateral and contralateral delays are independently regulated. As a result, altered auditory input during development leads to long-lasting changes in the representation of ITD.

Significance Statement
The early life of barn owls is marked by increasing sensitivity to sound, and by increasing ITDs. Their prolonged post-hatch development allowed us to examine the role of altered auditory experience in the development of ITD detection circuits. We raised owls with a unilateral ear insert and found that their maps of ITD were altered by experience, but only in those tonotopic regions ipsilateral to the occluded ear that had not experienced auditory stimulation prior to insertion. This experience-induced plasticity allows the sound localization circuits to be customized to individual characteristics, such as the size of the head, and potentially to compensate for imbalanced hearing sensitivities between the left and right ears.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from whole plant extract analyzed for characterization, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties
Authors: Pawar Abhimanyu P. , Naktode Kishor S. , Mungole Arvind J.
Published: November 2023

In this analysis, A green synthesis method utilizing a plant extract derived from Rumex nepalensis (spreng) was employed to synthesize silver nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized for their structural, surface morphological, optical, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. Structural analysis revealed a face-centered cubic structure, while FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of biosurfactant molecules in the leaf extract that acted as reducing agents. SEM and TEM analyses further confirmed the spherical shape of the nanoparticles, with a size range of 19-28 nm. The evaluation of the silver nanoparticles demonstrated their antioxidant and antibacterial properties. These nanoparticles exhibited activities in both antioxidant and antimicrobial realms, showcasing their potential as dual-functional agents. This study highlights the effectiveness of the green synthesis method using Rumex nepalensis (spreng) extract for the production of silver nanoparticles with desirable properties for various applications.
Primer registro de Sphyraena qenie (Chordata: Perciformes) en El Salvador
Authors: Segovia-Prado Johanna Vanessa , González-Leiva José Alberto
Published: November 2023

En 2022, Sphyraena qenie fue un nuevo registro para El Salvador, ampliando su distribución conocida en Centroamérica, donde se ha reportado previamente en Guatemala y Panamá. Se realizaron censos visuales y se colectaron especímenes en Acajutla. Las características taxonómicas que diferencian de Sphyraena qenie de S. ensis son: 18-22 barras oblicuas, 120-130 escamas en la línea lateral, dos espinas y 8 radios en la aleta.
Near-infrared lignin model transfer: A study based on SWCSS-CARS coupling algorithm
Authors: Liu Zhijian , Wang Honghong , Xiong Zhixin , Hu Yunchao , Huang Haoran , Wang Ying , Wu Xianzhi , Liang Long
Published: November 2023

In NIR spectral modeling, the method of screening wavelengths with consistent stable signals (SWCSS) is based on a standard-free algorithm. However, the wavelengths selected by SWCSS may contain invalid information. In this paper, the Competitive Adaptive Reweighted Sampling (CARS) wavelength optimization algorithm was used in conjunction with SWCSS to eliminate the uninformative variables in the wavelengths selected by SWCSS. The SWCSS-CARS method was based on three near-infrared spectrometers (Lengguang 1, Lengguang 2, and Lengguang 3), with Lengguang 1 as the master and the other two instruments as the targets, using a total of 84 sample spectra of five types of pulpwood and their lignin contents as the research objects. Compared with the full spectrum, the number of wavelengths was reduced from 1601 to 24 in the model built using the coupling algorithm. For target 1, the value of RPD was improved from 1.9247 to 3.1880; for target 2, t the value of RPD was improved from 1.7415 to 3.2508. The wavelengths selected by the SWCSS-CARS coupling algorithm were able to build stable, robust models.
Time scales of spontaneous imbibition into porous material: From classic models to papers applications
Authors: Bloch Pierre-Yves , Olejnik Konrad , Bloch Jean-Francis , Bloch Alexandre , Hammond Jules , Brissaud Daniel
Published: November 2023

Flow and spontaneous imbibition phenomena in porous media are important for various industrial applications, including printing and medical lateral flow assays. Their quantitative characterization is important to better understand and select the appropriate raw materials. However, standard methods often require time-consuming tests, and/or expensive equipment. Different time scales must be considered, limiting the range of possible characterization tools. A novel experimental approach based on image analysis for characterizing spontaneous imbibition processes is presented. Hence, ultra-fast diffusion may be quantitatively characterized. Models are issued from the literature to consider physical phenomena at small (milliseconds) and medium range (seconds) of time scales. The obtained experimental data fit with theoretical results, providing valuable insights into the understanding of fluid flow behavior at different time scales. Furthermore, the identification of some physical properties for either the fluid, or the substrate, based on the theoretical models are possible, as the contact angle, which remains to be otherwise challenging. This study contributes to bridging the gap between spontaneous imbibition and capillary phenomena at different time scales, their modeling, and a characterization of material and/or fluid properties paving the way for enhanced understanding and control of fluid behavior in porous media. Different papers are considered to illustrate the method.
On degenerated cyclic codes
Authors: Skersys Gintaras
Published: November 2023

We characterize degenerate cyclic codes and study their properties.
On a method of legal knowledge base situational analysis
Authors: Paliulionienė Laima
Published: November 2023

Many existing knowledge base verification and validation methods can be applied to legal knowledge bases. However, peculiarities of legal knowledge raise the need for specific methods. Internal and external consistency of legal acts is a very important element of their quality. One of the consistency types is the consistency of quantitative values, for example, criminal and administrative sanctions (penalty size, duration of imprisonment, etc.), fees, grants, and pensions. This paper presents a method for the analysis of quantitative results of possible situations in order to detect inconsistencies in the results.
On the normal approximation for weakly dependent random variables
Authors: Sunklodas Jonas
Published: November 2023

In this report, we present the estimates of the difference |Eh(Zn) − Eh(N)|, where Zn is a sum of n centered and normalized random variables which satisfy the strong mixing condition (without assuming a stationarity), and N is a standard normal random variable for the function h: ℝ → ℝ which is finite and satisfies the Lipschitz condition. In a particular case, the obtained upper bounds are of order O(n−1/2).
Second generation of the World Wide Web (WWW) and education
Authors: Juškevičienė Anita
Published: November 2023

Various technologies are useful for the integration in teaching/learning process: students are motivated to learn, teachers can visually presente material and easier to organize teamwork. The article discusses several second generation of the www technologies and analyze their use in class options depending on communication, collaboration, storage and information searching possibilities by using these technologies. All these technologies include not only specific but and general characteristics and which technology choose to use depends on personal needs.