bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La photogrammétrie subaquatique pour l’étude des habitats en cours d’eau
Authors: FORGET Guillaume , BAZIN Alan , KREUTZENBERGER Karl , LASNE Émilien , ROUSSEL Jean-Marc , CRAVE Alain , DÉZERALD Olivier
Published: February 2025

La modification des habitats en cours d’eau est l'une des principales causes du déclin des espèces aquatiques. Cependant, la caractérisation précise, non invasive et non destructive de ces habitats est une tâche complexe et coûteuse en temps humain et matériel. Pour étudier les habitats, nous avons développé une approche innovante, non invasive et non destructive basée sur la photogrammétrie subaquatique consistant à quantifier rapidement, et de manière semi-automatique, les caractéristiques du substrat (e.g., microtopographie et taille des macro-éléments organiques ou minéraux). Nous avons réalisé des tests en milieux artificiels et naturels pour mettre au point cette technique, puis nous avons développé des descripteurs quantitatifs de l’habitat. Nous avons ensuite appliqué ce procédé à l’étude de l’écologie des larves de lamproies ou “ammocètes“. En effet, les ammocètes, potentiellement menacées par les activités humaines, ont besoin d'habitats spécifiques pour leur développement, mais les caractéristiques clés de ces habitats restent peu connues. Les résultats obtenus par photogrammétrie permettent une caractérisation millimétrique des variations de surface du substrat et apportent des éléments supplémentaires pour la compréhension de l’écologie des juvéniles de lamproie. Si des pistes d’amélioration peuvent être apportées, la photogrammétrie subaquatique est une technique prometteuse pour l’étude des habitats dans un contexte de forte anthropisation des cours d’eau.
Evaluating the Performance of Random Forest and XGBoost with Gaussian Noise Upsampling Technique for Customer Churn Prediction
Authors: Imani Mehdi , Hashmi Danish , Verma Shalini
Published: February 2025

Customer churn is a critical challenge for subscription-based businesses, especially in telecommunications, where retaining customers is essential to maintaining profitability. This study investigates the efficacy of two ML models, XGBoost and Random Forest, for predicting customer churn using a publicly available telecommunications dataset. The dataset, characterized by imbalanced classes, presents a crucial challenge addressed by incorporating the Gaussian Noise Upsampling (GNUS) sampling technique. The study evaluates and compares the two models using essential performance indicators, including precision, recall, accuracy, F1-score, and ROC-AUC, both with and without GNUS sampling. The results indicate that while XGBoost initially outperforms Random Forest across most metrics, both models show improved recall after the GNUS application, particularly in identifying churn cases. However, this improvement in recall comes with a trade-off in precision and overall accuracy. The findings highlight the relevance of using appropriate sampling techniques to tackle class imbalance in churn prediction and provide valuable insights for developing proactive customer retention strategies.
Starobinsky Inflation with T-Model Kähler Geometries
Authors: Pallis Constantinos
Published: February 2025

We present novel implementations of Starobisky-like inflation within Supergravity adopting Kahler potentials for the inflaton which parameterize hyperbolic geometries known from the T-model inflation. The associated superpotentials are consistent with an R and a global or gauge U(1)X symmetries. The inflaton is represented by a gauge singlet or non-singlet superfield and is accompanied by a gauge-singlet superfield successfully stabilized thanks to its compact contribution into the total Kahler potential. Keeping the Kahler manifold intact, a conveniently violated shift symmetry is introduced which allows for a slight variation of the predictions of Starobinsky inflation: The (scalar) spectral index exhibits an upper bound which lies close to its central observational value whereas the constant scalar curvature of the inflaton-sector Kahler manifold increases with the tensor-to-scalar ratio.
Inclusión de la mujer en el aula de física de primer año de ingeniería
Authors: Chaparro Sierra Luisa Fernanda , Ortiz Díaz Manuela , Bautista Flores Claudia , Rodríguez Garza Carolina Berenice , Tejeda Torres Santa Esmeralda
Published: February 2025

Este trabajo complementa el manual de comunicación con enfoque de género de STEP UP mediante el desarrollo de una rúbrica complementaria. Esta rúbrica continúa el abordaje de los aspectos de comunicación delimitados en el manual y cuantifica a estos mismos mediante niveles de logro. Este enfoque no se ha propuesto en ningún trabajo relacionado con STEP UP anteriormente. Esta rúbrica y el manual de comunicación se recomiendan como herramientas de capacitación de comunicación con enfoque de género en el aula de física.
Catch-based multi-model assessment of Acetes fishery along the Gujarat coast of India
Authors: Kumar Rajan , Rahangdale Shikha , Vase Vinayakumar , Gohel Jayshree
Published: February 2025

The North-west coast of India is a unique marine ecosystem characterised by sustained productivity and a wide continental shelf. The region is known for several unique resources with restricted latitudinal distribution. Acetes are one of the major fishery resource of the Gujarat coast and are often considered the keystone species for the region’s marine ecosystem. Despite its ecological and fishery importance, a minimal assessment has been done of the area. The present study uses a multi-model approach towards the evaluation of the stock status of Acetes. Four models, namely CMSY, BSM, zBRT, and OCOM, were applied to the time series catch data to arrive at the stock status indicators. Artificial intelligence or machine learning tools like boosted regression trees and neural networks are used in model fitting. Output was compared across all the four models. CMSY and BSM gave the most comparable and conservative estimates and are adopted in the present study. The stock can be classified as sustainable or fully exploited (B/BMSY = 1.19-1.20, F/FMSY = 0.79-0.80; B/ B0 = 0.59-0.65). Continuous monitoring of the resource is recommended for its r-selected life history traits.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, Catch only methods Machine learning, Neural networks
Applications of Geological Features Style Mixing for Reservoir History Matching
Authors: Ahn Seongin , Choe Jonggeun
Published: February 2025

Ensemble-based data assimilation, when combined with generative adversarial networks (GANs), has proved effective for history matching based on production data in petroleum engineering research. However, the geological realizations produced are often constrained by the characteristics of the initial ensemble and require extensive training data sets to achieve diversity. To address these limitations, we introduce a novel method that enhances history matching in reservoir simulations by integrating a geological-style-mixing approach with GAN-based optimization (StyleGAN). This method addresses the challenges of capturing complex geological features and heterogeneities that influence reservoir performance. We use the StyleGAN architecture to generate diverse geological scenarios with enhanced style diversity. By adapting the style-mixing mechanism of StyleGAN for geological modeling, we developed a framework capable of producing a variety of geological styles. Each style possesses unique characteristics that are distinct from those of the initial ensemble. This approach combines the styles from assorted geological realizations to create new realizations that exhibit a broad spectrum of geological features, thereby significantly improving the history-matching process. The effectiveness of our method is demonstrated through case studies involving a 2D binary permeability field, a 2D Gaussian permeability field, and a 3D bimodal log permeability distribution. Our optimized models displayed considerable improvement over conventional GAN-based optimizations. The correlation with the reference model increased from 0.94 to 0.98 for the binary permeability field, from 0.97 to 0.99 for the Gaussian permeability field, and from 0.97 to 0.99 for the 3D bimodal permeability field. In addition, the production rate matching error improved from 66% to 86% for the binary permeability field, from 81% to 93% for the Gaussian permeability field, and from 81% to 88% for the 3D bimodal log permeability field, with substantial reductions in the root mean squared error (RMSE) compared with the initial model. The proposed method was compared with the previously developed convolutional neural network-principal component analysis (CNN-PCA) and demonstrated similar history-matching performance. However, it qualitatively showed better preservation of the geological style of the trained reservoir ensemble. These findings demonstrate that integrating a geological-style-mixing approach with GAN-based optimization presents a promising avenue for overcoming the limitations of current ensemble-based history-matching methods, particularly in scenarios characterized by high geological complexity and data uncertainties. This research advances history-matching methodologies and signifies the potential of machine learning and artificial intelligence in enhancing reservoir simulation and management.
Conceptualizing systems thinking and complexity modelling for circular economy quantification: A systematic review and critical analysis
Authors: Boral Soumava , Black Leon , Velis Costas
Published: February 2025

Circular economy (CE) quantification features intrinsic complexity, mandating the application of systems thinking and associated methodologies to navigate multifaceted and dynamic intricacies; posing challenges for science-policy interfacing. Well-established approaches such as System Dynamics (SD) and emergent Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation (ABMS) are adept at interrogating such complexities within intricate systems. While SD employs a macroscopic, top-down lens, ABMS delves into a microscopic, bottom-up perspective. However, to date there are no comprehensive reviews quantifying circularity through systems thinking and its associated complexity modelling. Here, we analyse this topic through a systematic scoping review using PRISMA-ScR. Our analysis has identified core limitations in existing approaches, regarding the extent to which CE complexity has been captured holistically. Although both SD and ABMS can address circularity’s dynamic interactions and feedback loops, they are predominantly applied in isolation due to the absence of standardised platforms that can integrate both approaches, and to reduce computational costs. Exploration of the potential synergies from combining these two approaches and coupling them with traditional decision-support tools such as life-cycle and multi-criteria ones are minimal. Such a fragmented approach limits their ability to model internal dynamics; in turn restricting their utility to inform system-wide decision-support. The review also accentuates the lack of standardised metrics and the need for a more holistic evaluation framework for CE incorporating economic, environmental, social, and technical value metrics. A more unified approach to support sustainable, informed decisions in the pursuit of circularity is imperative for improving evidence-based policymaking and empowering industrial adoption of circularity.
Bayesian optimization of solution-processed thermoelectric polymers using a database of ab initio electronic structure data
Authors: Ganley Connor , Katz Howard E. , Clancy Paulette
Published: February 2025

Historically, organic materials design takes place wherein the components in the system are chosen based on expert knowledge of organic synthetic chemistry. Experimental synthesis and processing, often followed by computational validation, is a standard route to design materials such as polymers. The advent of data-driven machine learning approach can now shift that paradigm to one in which computational information \textit{leads} experimental validation to select a much smaller, more promising and perhaps unexpected set of new materials. This work describes one such investigation to characterize novel, hypothetical, and promising polymer candidates by their calculated molecular-scale electronic and chemical parameters. Subsequently, we optimize them for a key chemical property using a chemically-informed Bayesian surrogate model representing those properties. As a test case, over 7300 combinations of novel, hypothetical semiconducting diketopyrrolopyrrole-based (DPP) polymers and commonly used solvents, generated by density functional theory, were screened based on their free energies of solvation, G$_{solv}$. From this synthetic data set, we trained a physics-informed Gaussian process model that linked molecular-scale electronic structure properties to G$_{solv}$, and then used Bayesian optimization via the PAL 2.0 software to identify key descriptors for predicting optimal polymer solvation. Implicit and explicit solvation models of these synthetic polymers, combined with Bayesian optimization, exhibited a minimum in $\Delta$G$_{solv}$ as a function of the solvent dielectric. As a result, we predict an ''optimal'' solvent dielectric (around 10) for the entire DPP-based polymer class. The chemically-informed nature of our approach allowed us to identify a molecular electronic property that demonstrates near-linear additivity when constructing an aggregate synthetic polymer from functional group sub-units. This linearly related property was the isotropic quadrupole moment, which we found to be highly correlated to $\Delta$G$_{solv}$. As validation of this chemical insight, we showed that this minimum $\Delta$G$_{solv}$ was associated with the highest experimentally measured conductivity among a set of synthesized doped polymers. The importance of these observations is that PAL 2.0 has provided the chemical insight that can now allow us to quickly screen solvents for potential DPP-based polymers based on the polymer repeat unit's quadrupole moments and to identify preferred compatible solvents corresponding to a minimized $\Delta$G$_{solv}$. This study also highlights the effectiveness of the PAL 2.0 algorithm to find the optimal solution using just 6\% of the parameter space and in a very short execution time (on the order of minutes), a feat which cannot be duplicated experimentally.
Phage lysis facilitates the maintenance of costly antibiotic resistance in the absence of antibiotic pressure
Authors: Johnson David , Ruan Chujin , Vinod Deepthi
Published: February 2025

The persistence of antibiotic resistant (AR) bacteria in the absence of antibiotic pressure raises a paradox regarding the fitness costs associated with antibiotic resistance. These fitness costs should slow the growth of AR bacteria and cause them to be displaced by faster-growing antibiotic sensitive (AS) counterparts. Yet, even in the absence of antibiotic pressure, slower-growing AR bacteria can persist for prolonged periods of time. Here, we demonstrate a mechanism that can explain this apparent paradox. We hypothesize that lytic phage can modulate bacterial spatial organization to facilitate the persistence of slower-growing AR bacteria. Using surface-associated growth experiments with the bacterium Escherichia coli in conjunction with individual-based computational simulations, we show that phage disproportionately lyse the faster-growing AS counterpart cells located at the biomass periphery via a “peripheral kill-the-winner” dynamic. This enables the slower-growing AR cells to persist even when they are susceptible to the same phage. This phage-mediated selection is accompanied by enhanced bacterial diversity, further emphasizing the role of phage in shaping the assembly and evolution of bacterial systems. The mechanism is potentially relevant for any antibiotic resistance genetic determinant and has tangible implications for the management of bacterial populations via phage therapy.
Development of a Novel Hybprinter-SAM for Functionally Graded Tissue Engineering Constructs with Patterned and Localized Biochemical Signals
Authors: Yang Yunzhi Peter , Li Jiannan , Kim Carolyn , Alizadeh Hossein , Garg Shreya , Bruyas Arnaurd , Zhao Peng , Passos Isadora Dos , Pan Chi-Chun , Perez Andrea Flores , Skylar-Scott Mark , Kim Sungwoo
Published: February 2025

Engineering native-mimetic tissue constructs is challenging due to their intricate biological and structural gradients. To address this, Hybprinter-SAM was developed by integrating three bioprinting technologies: syringe extrusion (SE), acoustic droplet ejection (ADE) and molten material extrusion (MME). This system not only enables the creation of mechanical gradients by integrating soft and rigid materials spanning 7 order magnitude of stiffness but also facilitates precise patterning and controlled localization of biochemical signals within printed scaffolds. This capability is beneficial in replicating the complexity of native tissues to enhance functionality. Both the printing process and biomaterials were optimized to balance printability, mechanical integrity, and biocompatibility. As a proof of concept, Hybprinter-SAM was used in a bone-tendon regeneration study to engineer a multi-material construct with patterned fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), resulting in markers indicative of fibrocartilage development. These findings highlight the potential of Hybprinter-SAM as a versatile platform for diverse tissue engineering applications that require complex, functionally graded tissue constructs.
Mental health of healthcare workers in England during the first three years of the COVID-19 pandemic: the NHS CHECK study cohort
Authors: Lamb Danielle , Scott Hannah , Carr Ewan , Stevelink Sharon A.M. , Raine Rosalind , Hotopf Matthew , Greenberg Neil , Almeida-Meza Pamela , Dorrington Sarah , Hegarty Siobhan , Madan Ira , Moran Paul , Morriss Richard , Murphy Dominic , Rafferty Anne Marie , Weich Scott , Wessely Simon
Published: February 2025

Background
Maintaining the mental health of healthcare workers is vital to reduce staff absences and high turnover, which in turn should improve patient care. Most research in this area focusses on clinical staff, despite the important contributions non-clinical staff make to the health system, and uses data from one time point. Our objectives were to examine mental health status variations for all types of healthcare workers (HCWs) in England over a three-year period, and to examine which workers were at increased risk of poorer mental health outcomes.
Method
We undertook a prospective cohort study of 22,092 HCWs from 17 English acute and mental health NHS Trusts, collecting online survey data on common mental disorders (CMDs), depression, anxiety, alcohol misuse, PTSD, moral injury, burnout, wellbeing, resilience, and post-traumatic growth at four time points from April 2020 to March 2023. We analysed these data cross-sectionally over time by data collection point. Data were weighted to better represent individual Trust population demographics.
Results
Around 50% of participants reported probable CMDs across all time points. The most consistent predictor of any poor mental health outcome was having met cut-off on that outcome at baseline. There were no consistent differences between clinical and non-clinical staff. Younger, female, lower paid staff, those who felt poorly supported by colleagues/managers, and who experienced potentially morally injurious events were most at risk of poor mental health outcomes.
Conclusion
Our evidence suggests that all types of NHS staff are struggling, and that mental health has not improved since the end of pandemic restrictions. Longer term work to address structural inequalities that underlie some of these findings is needed, as well as targeted, flexible support for staff in the short term.
In Silico Assessment of Doxycycline Monohydrate MMP-9 Inhibition and Preparation and Evaluation of Doxycycline chitosan nanoparticle for Diabetic wound
Authors: Bhardwaj Harish , Jangde Rajendra Kumar , Sahu Ram Kumar , Bhattacharjee Abhishek
Published: February 2025

A significant worldwide health concern is chronic wounds related to diabetes mellitus (DM), frequently leading to excised due to impaired healing processes exacerbated by secondary infections (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli), neuropathy, and endothelial dysfunction. Doxycycline, recognized for inhibiting matrix metalloproteins (MMP-9), is essential for improving angiogenesis, cell migration, keratinocyte, and extracellular matrix (ECM) formation for diabetic wound healing. This study explores the molecular interaction of doxycycline monohydrate with MMP-9 through in silico docking simulations using ArgusLab for protein preparation and BIOVIA Discovery Studio to analyze binding conformations and energy levels. Doxycycline-loaded nanoparticles (DOX-NPs) were synthesized using the ionic gelation process and characterized by the entrapment efficiency, Zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), size of the particle, FTIR spectra, and TEM. In vitro evaluations, encompassing antioxidant properties, drug release, antibacterial efficacy, cytotoxicity, and scratch assays on L929 fibroblast cells, revealed that DOX-NPs enhanced wound healing. The significant binding affinities between doxycycline and MMP-9 indicate the potential effectiveness of DOX-NPs application in diabetic wounds.
Sexual Health Service Users’ Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence Applications for Identification of Lesions Associated with Sexually Transmissible Infections: A Qualitative Study
Authors: King Alicia J , Soe Nyi Nyi , Latt Phyu Mon , Zhang Lei , Temple-Smith Meredith , Maddaford Kate , Fairley Christopher K , Chow Eric PF , Phillips Tiffany R
Published: February 2025

Background: Early identification of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) is central to their control by facilitating timely access to healthcare. A web-based sexual health application using artificial intelligence (AI) to identify the risk of a genital or anal lesion being an STI, from a photographic image, is in development. However, the usefulness, accessibility, and acceptability of this technology to potential users is unknown.
Method: This research adopted a developmental evaluation approach to explore potential users’ views of the usefulness of this AI application, as well as factors impacting its acceptability and accessibility. Three focus groups were conducted with attendees of a sexual health clinic. Focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using action and pattern coding to identify key concepts.
Results: A diverse group of twelve participants provided feedback on the proposed application. Feedback on the application’s potential usefulness highlighted its potential value in supporting access to individualised sexual health information; informing decisions about healthcare seeking; and preventing transmission to others. Factors mediating the accessibility and acceptability of AI-powered applications included potential users’ awareness of the application; concerns about data security; the accessibility of the application to diverse user groups; trust in the technology; and transparency about the application’s limitations.
Conclusion: AI applications for the identification of visible changes in the anogenital region have the potential to support access to sexual health information, health care seeking and the prevention of onward transmission of STIs. Codesign approaches will increase the likelihood of more widespread uptake and public health impact of AI-powered sexual health applications.
FOXO6 specifically promotes Rac1 overactivation drives Hepatocellular Carcinoma migration and Early Recurrence: FOXO6 as a novel Therapeutic Target for Liver Cancer
Authors: Diao Jingfang , Liu Xiaoshan , Qin Lina , Hu Dandan , Ye Qing , Fu Shunjun , Liu Xuewen , Wei Jianrui , He Junming , Xie Bo , Gao Yi
Published: February 2025

Background
Rac1 activation is a common occurrence in various tumors and is often associated with poor prognosis, underscoring the potential therapeutic value of targeting the Rac1 pathway. Therefore, selectively inhibiting the heightened Rac1 activity in tumor cells may represent an innovative approach to cancer treatment.
Methods
Techniques included siRNA-mediated gene silencing, luciferase reporter assays for promoter activity, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) to validate FOXO6-Rac1 interactions. Migration assays assessed cellular motility, while Kaplan-Meier survival analysis correlated FOXO6 expression with HCC recurrence. Mutagenesis of promoter regions and phosphorylation/ localization studies clarified regulatory mechanisms.
Results
We found the increase in Rac1 expression contributes to heightened Rac1 activity and enhanced migration of HCC cells. Notably, our investigations identified FOXO6, rather than HIF-1α, Smad7, miR-142-3p, or miR-137, as the mediator of Rac1 expression. FOXO6 exhibits transcriptional activation and correlates with the early recurrence of HCC following hepatectomy. The transcriptional activation of the Rac1 gene hinges on a FOXO-binding sequence in the Rac1 gene promoter. FOXO6 was found to directly bind to this sequence both in vitro and in vivo. Ultimately, Rac1 operates downstream of the FOXO6-dependent pro-migration signaling cascade. Our findings illuminate the direct role of FOXO6 in mediating the upregulation of Rac1 expression and activity in HCC cells.
Conclusion
This discovery unveils a differentially activated FOXO6/Rac1 pathway in liver cancer, thereby positioning FOXO6 as a potential therapeutic target for liver cancer treatment, offering the prospect of mitigating excessive side effects.
Injectable Photo-cross-linkable Porous Composite Hydrogels with Exosomes for M2 Macrophage Polarization and Cartilage Defect regeneration
Authors: Bi Yanchi , Xiao Xiao
Published: February 2025

In the initial stages of osteoarthritis(OA), the deterioration of cartilage in the superficial region results in the formation of superficial cartilage defects. It is anticipated that a therapy based on human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell exosomes(hUCMSCs-Exos) will make a notable contribution to the promotion of M2 macrophage polarization and the facilitation of cartilage repair. This study demonstrates that injectable photo-cross-linkable porous gelatin methacryloyl(GelMA)/silk fibroin glycidyl methacrylate(SilMA) hydrogels encapsulating human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell exosomes(hUCMSCs-Exos)represent a straightforward and effective approach for cartilage regeneration. The encapsulation of exosomes in hydrogels has been demonstrated to have no significant impact on the physical properties, as evidenced by physical studies. Furthermore, studies based on in vitro cell models and in vivo models in rats have demonstrated that exosomes released from hydrogels can promote M2 polarization, inhibit M1 polarization, and facilitate cartilage regeneration by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This process facilitates the repair of cartilage defects. The findings of our research have led to the development of an injectable photo-cross-linkable hydrogel for superficial cartilage regeneration, which represents a promising minimally invasive treatment for cartilage defects with the aid of arthroscopy.
Gain of chromosome 17 is an early genetic abnormality in neuroblastoma with PPM1D emerging as a strong candidate oncogene driving tumor progression
Authors: Milosevic Jelena , Fransson Susanne , Svensson Johanna , Otte Jörg , Olsen Thale K. , Sveinbjornsson Baldur , Hertwig Falk , Bartenhagen Christoph , Abel Frida , Reinsbach Susanne E. , Djos Anna , Javanmardi Niloufar , Shi Yao , Hehir-Kwa Jane Y , Mensenkamp Arjen , Tytgat Godelieve AM , Holmberg Johan , Molenaar Jan J , Jongmans Marjolijn , Fischer Matthias , Baryawno Ninib , Gisselsson David , Martinsson Tommy , Kogner Per , Johnsen John Inge
Published: February 2025

Purpose
Segmental gain of chromosome 17q is the most common genetic aberration in high-risk neuroblastoma, but its role in disease progression is poorly understood. This study aims to address the contribution of 17q gain to neuroblastoma malignancy.
Patients and methods:
We analyzed the genetic and transcriptional landscape of 417 neuroblastoma patients across various risk groups and clinical stages using multi-omic approaches. Single-cell RNA/DNA sequencing and SNP arrays were combined to characterize genomic aberrations, while evolutionary trajectories were mapped to explore the accumulation of genetic changes in patients with neuroblastoma. Additionally, DNA and RNA sequencing were used to assess mutational burden and gene expression patterns.
Results
Our findings suggest that chromosome 17 gain is an early genetic event acquired during neuroblastoma development, correlating with the accumulation of additional chromosomal aberrations and poor prognosis. Increased segmental gains of chromosome 17q were observed during clonal evolution, relapse disease and metastasis. We identified PPM1D, a p53-inducible Ser/Thr phosphatase located on chr17q22.3, as a key player activated by segmental 17q-gain, gene-fusion, or gain-of-function somatic and germline mutations, further promoting neuroblastoma development/progression.
Conclusion
Gain of chromosome 17 is an early driver of genetic instability in neuroblastoma, with PPM1D emerging as a potential candidate gene implicated in high-risk disease progression.
Relato de experiência do projeto “Ei, jovem, você entende o que seu corpo fala?”
Authors: NUNES Fernanda Daniela Dornelas , LIMA Luiz Eduardo de Oliveira Corrêa , BARBOSA Fernanda Malheiros , APARECIDO Marcela Thaís Gonçalves , TEX Isabela Soares , FONSECA Isadora Ramos , GUIDO Julia Vitória Gusmão , MARQUES Giovana Dutra , ALVES Beatriz Gimenez , FERREIRA Ana Carolina Oliveira , SANTOS Giovanna Freitas
Published: February 2025

O relato explora a adolescência como uma fase de transição significativa, caracterizada por mudanças físicas e psicossociais. Essas mudanças influenciam a identidade sexual dos jovens e podem levar a comportamentos de risco, como gravidez precoce e Infecções Sexualmente Transmissíveis (ISTs). O projeto de extensão "Ei, jovem, você entende o que seu corpo fala?" foi realizado em uma cidade do interior de Minas Gerais, com o objetivo de educar adolescentes sobre saúde sexual. O projeto envolveu estudantes de Medicina que realizaram atividades em escolas públicas, abordando temas como fisiologia, ISTs e violência sexual. A capacitação dos participantes e a adaptação das estratégias de comunicação para diferentes contextos foram essenciais para o sucesso do projeto. A experiência também destacou a importância de uma rede de apoio escolar eficaz para lidar com relatos de violência. O projeto teve impacto positivo tanto na formação dos futuros médicos quanto na saúde sexual dos adolescentes participantes.
Codebase release 0.2 for Carlo.jl
Authors: Weber Lukas
Published: February 2025

Carlo.jl is a Monte Carlo simulation framework written in Julia. It provides MPI-parallel scheduling (including parallel tempering), organized storage of input, checkpoint, and output files, as well as statistical postprocessing. With a minimalist design, it aims to aid the development of high-quality Monte Carlo codes, especially for demanding applications in condensed matter and statistical physics. This hands-on user guide shows how to implement a simple code with Carlo.jl, how to run an existing stochastic series expansion code based on Carlo.jl, and provides benchmarks to show its efficacy.
The thermoelectric conversion efficiency problem: Insights from the electron gas thermodynamics close to a phase transition
Authors: Khomchenko Ilia , Ryzhov A. , Maculewicz F. , Kurth F. , Hühne R. , Golombek A. , Schleberger M. , Goupil Christophe , Lecoeur Ph. , Böhmer A. , Benenti Giuliano , Schierning Gabi , Ouerdane Henni
Published: February 2025

The bottleneck in modern thermoelectric power generation and cooling is the low energy conversion efficiency of thermoelectric materials. The detrimental effects of lattice phonons on performance can be mitigated, but achieving a high thermoelectric power factor remains a major problem because the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity cannot be jointly increased. The conducting electron gas in thermoelectric materials is the actual working fluid that performs the energy conversion, so its properties determine the maximum efficiency that can theoretically be achieved. By relating the thermoelastic properties of the electronic working fluid to its transport properties (considering noninteracting electron systems), we show why the performance of conventional semiconductor materials is doomed to remain low. Analyzing the temperature dependence of the power factor theoretically in 2D systems and experimentally in a thin film, we find that in the fluctuation regimes of an electronic phase transition, the thermoelectric power factor can significantly increase owing to the increased compressibility of the electron gas. We also calculate the ideal thermoelectric conversion efficiency in noninteracting electron systems across a wide temperature range neglecting phonon effects and dissipative coupling to the heat source and sink. Our results show that driving the electronic system to the vicinity of a phase transition can indeed be an innovative route to strong efficiency enhancement, but at the cost of an extremely narrow temperature range for the use of such materials, which in turn precludes potential development for the desired wide range of thermoelectric energy conversion applications.
White Rot Fungi for Biodegradation of Dyes: Potential for Industrial Uses - A Review
Authors: C. R. Costa Flávia , S. L. Brito Fábio , R. de Grandi Maria Júlia , F. S. Daniel Juliana
Published: February 2025

White rot fungi produce oxidative and reductive enzymes, which are very important to the
ecology of tropical forests and act on the degradation of all types of ligninolytic and cellulosic
wastes. Laccases, lignin peroxidases (LiPs), and manganese peroxidases (MnPs) enzymes exhibit
significant ability to biodegrade a wide variety of environmental pollutants. The synthetic dyes
from the textile industry are organic compounds classified by chromophore groups. The occurrence
of dyes in the effluents carries on ecotoxicological hazards and the potential of bioaccumulation,
eventually affecting flora and fauna. Previous reports emphasize the classification, impact, and
consequences to the health and environment caused by textile dyes, bioremediation processes,
enzymes, and immobilization techniques utilized to increase degradation efficiency. In this review,
the enzymatic mechanisms of biodegradation, decolorization, and adsorption, the proposed
biodegradation pathway from various classes of textile dyes, and structural determination of
metabolites using mass spectrometric are described, together with the treatment of dye effluents
from white rot fungi species. The approach to applying this biotechnology is discussed, and there
are indications that it is a promising alternative for treating effluent-containing dyes.
Ethnography and Anthropology at Saint Petersburg State University: Past and Present
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Kropachev Nikolay M. , Novozhilov Aleksei G. ,   St. Petersburg State University, Yarmosh Anastasiya S. ,   St. Petersburg State University
Published: February 2025

The article is dedicated to historical development issues of the ethnographic and anthropologic school of thought at the Saint Petersburg State University since the 18th century up to the present. It gradually highlights importance of early ethnographic reports made by prominent University scholars, such as G. Miller, S. Krasheninnikov, I. Lepekhin and others. The authors pay special attention to the role and effect of the Russian Geographical Society, founded in the mid-19th century, on new research topics within the university. In the 19th century, the Saint Petersburg University introduced physical anthropology as a new field of study, with E. Petri playing a key role in its systematic teaching. When in 1925 the Faculty of Geography was opened at Leningrad State University, it took teaching and research in ethnography to a new level. By mid-20th century, the study of ethnography became an integral element in the curriculum of Philological and Oriental faculties. The post-war period witnesses the opening of the Ethnography Department within the Faculty of History. By now, over half a century later, we can trace a large expansion of field research locations, development of new approaches to theoretical scientific issues of ethnography and anthropology, emergence of essentially new research fields such as ethnological examination, social and philosophical anthropology, ethnopolitical science, study of migration processes and multi-ethnic societies. The University’s commitment to principles of resource openness and interdisciplinary cooperation made it possible to launch new project formats (studies) and integrate ethnographic and anthropological research outcomes into scientific studies in biology, genetics, geography and subsurface management.
The First Battles of the Great Patriotic War in the Arctic
Authors:   Museum of the Karelian Front, Mironichev Evgeniy P.
Published: February 2025

The article talks about the clash between German and Soviet units on Soviet territory on June 28–30, 1941 in the Kuolajarvi (the Kandalaksha direction of the Northern Front) on the basis of documents that have not been put into scientific circulation. The Kandalaksha direction has not become the object of research in historiography, and therefore it, as well as a number of other sectors of the Northern (Karelian) Front in 1941, remain poorly studied. In the course of research work, new facts are revealed that are not disclosed in historiography, and significantly complement the picture of military operations in the North during the Great Patriotic War. Based on German and Russian archival materials, including those presented on the resources of the american National Archives, Federal Archive of Germany and the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, for the first time the content and chronology of the clashes that took place on June 28–30, 1941 in the Soviet Union-Finnish border before the start of the German offensive are revealed. It is indicated that in domestic historiography these events are ignored and are not considered in detail. It is concluded that the low results of German actions in the period from June 28 to 30 are due to mediocre pre-war preparation, systemic problems in planning and intelligence, as well as underestimation of the Soviet side. The important historiographical significance of these events is revealed, and the great role of the presented materials in the historical, patriotic and local history plan is shown.
Adsorption kinetics of three fluoroquinolone carboxylic acids on red clay soil in five types of aqueous solutions
Authors: Sun Yao , Duan Runbin , Li Yuzhen , Lu Xinyu , Gao Jiangqi , Zhu Bingzi
Published: February 2025

The adsorption and desorption kinetics of antibiotics on natural soils in various aqueous solutions are crucial for understanding their occurrence, transport, and bioavailability in the environment. This study investigated the adsorption and desorption kinetics of three fluoroquinolone carboxylic acids (FQCAs), namely ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and levofloxacin, on red clay soil using batch experiments conducted with pure water, treated wastewater effluent, lake water, river water, and stormwater runoff. The research identified pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and organic suspended solids (OSS) as primary water quality parameters that negatively impacted the adsorbed and desorbed masses of FQCAs at equilibrium. Higher pH, EC, and OSS significantly reduced the initial adsorption rates and adsorption efficiencies and promoted initial desorption and desorption efficiencies. FQCAs adsorption processes exhibited a rapid phase mainly governed by external mass transfer and a slower phase primarily limited by intra-particle diffusion, both influenced by boundary layer effects. The adsorption removal of FQCA's ranged from 65.82 to 98.33%, but desorption was only 1.35–3.09%. These findings highlight the potential of red clay soil as an effective and environmentally friendly adsorbent for mitigating FQCA pollution. Future research should focus on investigating FQCA degradation after adsorption in soil and their transport dynamics under diverse field conditions.
Interface tangível do usuário como dispositivo de entrada e saída
Authors:   , Maia Rodrigo Fontes
Published: February 2025

O presente trabalho se insere no contexto de TUIs (Tangible User Interfaces), definindo
e apresentando um projeto de interface tangível de propósito geral que funciona como
dispositivo de entrada e saída; que se trata de uma plataforma com pinos que se movem,
mudam de cor e são capazes de captar o toque do usuário. Neste trabalho também
apresenta-se uma biblioteca de software com um conjunto de funções que permitem a
programadores utilizar o dispositivo nas mais diversas aplicações, de forma simplificada,
ou seja, desenvolver os programas a serem executados em conjunto com o dispositivo.
Ao longo do projeto vários conceitos são apresentados com o intuito de contextualizar o
leitor sobre os conceitos envolvidos na construção do hardware, citando motores, placas
de prototipação e microcontroladores. Referências a biblioteca de software e API foram
abordadas, abrangendo a área da programação do dispositivo. O que são TUIs e a maneira
como se avalia interfaces, de acordo com o IHC (Interação Homem-Computador) foram
descritas de forma que se pôde fazer uma avaliação do protótipo. Aplicações foram
implementadas para o dispositivo, exemplificando não só as suas funcionalidades como
também mostrando o uso da biblioteca de software disponível. Questionários aplicados a
usuários, e analisados de acordo com o o modelo TAM (Technology Acceptance Model)
(DAVIS; BAGOZZI; WARSHAW, 1989), resultaram em 90% dos usuários totalmente
satisfeitos com a facilidade de uso, e mais de 80% totalmente satisfeitos com a percepção
de utilidade do protótipo, o que mostrou uma boa aceitação do dispositivo.
Desenvolvimento de um sistema de análise de Emissões Otoacústicas Evocadas Transientes para auxílio à triagem auditiva
Authors:   , Pinto Kayo Luann Nogueira
Published: February 2025

A telemedicina tem possibilitado uma maior aproximação entre o profissional de saúde
e o paciente, a utilização de smartphones como ferramenta para troca de dados tem
permitido um acompanhamento a distância, tanto da situação do paciente diariamente,
como da realização de procedimentos médicos. Um problema que requer muita atenção
em que a telemedicina pode ser aplicada como possível solução é o pré-diagnóstico
da deficiência auditiva. Quando não diagnosticada, em tempo, em recém-nascidos, a
mesma pode acarretar uma série de complicações, como desajustes de comportamento,
distúrbios da linguagem oral e escrita, baixo rendimento escolar do neonato, entre
outros. Porém, se previamente diagnosticado e tratado, a criança pode desenvolver-se
igualmente a uma não deficiente, tal diagnóstico pode ser dado através do teste de
Emissões Otoacústicas. Diante da importância da análise audiológica, o Congresso
Nacional Brasileiro aprovou a Lei No 12.303, de 2 de agosto de 2010, que tornou
obrigatória a realização do teste de Emissões Otoacústicas em toda a rede básica de saúde
no país. No entanto, o equipamento responsável por realizar o teste possui um alto custo,
ocasionando a não realização em grande parte da população, em sua grande maioria
carente, devido aos poucos aparelhos distribuídos na rede hospitalar de saúde pública.
Observando essa necessidade, este trabalho utiliza-se de um smartphone conectado a
uma placa de prototipação Arduino Mega ADK para desenvolver uma ferramenta que
auxilia a realização do teste de Emissões Otoacústicas Evocadas Transientes (TEOAE)
em neonatos. Utilizando a placa Arduino para gerar o sinal e o smartphone para realizar
a gravação, através de uma sonda posicionada no ouvido do paciente foram realizadas
3 gravações do noise floor, 5 gravações do sinal de estímulo e 7 gravações dos testes no
ouvido do paciente. As gravações ocorreram de forma contínua, iniciando e finalizando
simultaneamente ao estímulo. Posteriormente realizou-se uma análise espectral através
do Matlab buscando identificar a existência de TEOAE, apesar da identificação de
respostas do ouvido nas gravações, ainda não foi possível confirmar que tais respostas
são realmente TEOAE.
Exploring Maternity Leave Policies in European Union Countries: A Legislative Review
Authors: Amantea Carlotta , Aulino Giovanni , Gualano Maria Rosaria , Rossi Maria Francesca , Appetecchia Marialuisa , Figorilli Laura , Moscato Umberto , Santoro Paolo Emilio , Cittadini Francesca
Published: February 2025

Background

The European Union promotes gender equality, and it has implemented comprehensive policies to support families and promote work-life balance, including maternity leave regulations. This paper aimed to provide a review of maternity leave regulations in the European Union.

Methods

A review of the legislative framework was carried out for each of the 27 EU member states by researching the online institutional repositories. Population size, gross domestic product, gross domestic product per capita, unemployment rate, and the average number of children in each family were the factors taken under consideration.

Results

The EU has set a minimum standard of 14 weeks of fully paid maternity leave. However, several EU countries offer over 30 weeks of paid maternity leave, as well as additional parental leave, paid paternity leave, and flexible work arrangements to support families. The country with the longest maternity leave is Sweden, whose laws grant a considerable number of days (up to 480 in between the two parents). This might be a crucial factor of the welfare system that sees the highest EU average in children per household percentage.

Conclusion

While progress has been made in Europe with regard to family policies and maternity leave, there is still room for a better promotion of workplace gender equality.
Relationship between accountability and public service delivery quality in Somalia: A case study of the Banadir region
Authors:   Faculty of Economics and Management, Jamhuriya University of Science and Technology, Mogadishu, Somalia, Kulmie Dayah Abdi , Ibrahim Mohamed Salad ,   Faculty of Economics and Management, Jamhuriya University of Science and Technology, Mogadishu, Somalia, Mohamed Nor Ali ,   School of Humanities and Social Science, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya, Sugal Mukhtar Jama ,   Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, University for Peace, San José, Costa Rica
Published: February 2025

Public sector efficiency in Somalia is critically low due to weak governance and poor administration, leading to inadequate public services and citizen dissatisfaction. This study examines how accountability influences public service delivery in the Banadir region, focusing on two key factors: responsiveness and transparency. A correlational research design was used, with data collected from 315 respondents. The analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results show a positive moderate relationship between responsiveness and service quality (r = 0.52, p < 0.01) and between transparency and service quality (r = 0.471, p < 0.01). These findings emphasize the importance of both responsiveness and transparency in improving public service efficiency. The study recommends improving responsiveness by making public services more accessible and adaptable and ensuring timely delivery. It also suggests increasing transparency by providing clear, reliable, and accessible information about procedures and costs to build citizen trust and improve service outcomes.