bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate change is expected to reduce the potential distribution of Ceiba glaziovii in Caatinga, the largest area of dry tropical forest in South America
Authors: Almeida Débora de Melo , Nogueira Sara Sebastiana , Silva Emanuel Araújo , Souza João Matheus Ferreira de , Gurgel Antonio Leandro Chaves , Sousa Alex Nascimento de
Published: November 2024

Ecological niche modeling is a widely used tool to predict species distribution considering current, past, or future climate change scenarios across different geographic areas. Modeling scenarios allow researchers to assess the impacts of climate change on species distribution and identify priority areas for conservation. This study aimed to model the current and future potential distribution of Ceiba glaziovii under different climate change scenarios in Brazil. The MaxEnt algorithm was used to correlate species occurrence points with bioclimatic variables in current and future climate scenarios. Four General Circulation Models (GCMs) from CMIP6 were employed: BCC-CSM2-MR, CNRM-CM6-1, IPSL-CM6A-LR, and MIROC6, considering optimistic and pessimistic projections. The contribution of variables and model accuracy were assessed using the Jackknife statistical test and the Area Under the Curve (AUC) parameter. AUC values for current and future scenarios demonstrated high accuracy. The bioclimatic variables of precipitation and temperature were the main contributors to determining areas with higher habitat suitability. In the future climate scenario, there was a reduction in areas with good climatic suitability for all four GCMs, considering optimistic and pessimistic projections. Among the areas with high habitat suitability, the IPSL-CM6A-1 model in the optimistic projection showed the smallest reduction, while in the pessimistic scenario, all areas with high suitability disappeared. The species' climatic niche is expected to decrease under all tested climate change scenarios. The central areas of the Caatinga and its transition zones exhibit the highest climatic suitability in current and future scenarios and should be prioritized for the species' conservation.
Successful Management of Myval Transcatheter Heart Valve Embolization Into Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: García-Escobar Artemio , Galeote Guillermo , Jurado-Román Alfonso , Jiménez-Valero Santiago , Cabrera José Ángel , Moreno Raúl
Published: November 2024

Transcatheter heart valve embolization is a serious and rare complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Having a strategy for promptly managing transcatheter heart valve embolization is crucial to avoid emergency conversion from transcatheter aortic valve replacement to open-heart surgery. Many cases of transcatheter heart valve embolization occurring with balloon-expandable prostheses such as the SAPIEN 3 (Edwards LifeSciences Corporation) valve and self-expandable prostheses such as the ACURATE neo (Boston Scientific Corporation) valve have been reported in the literature. Here, for the first time (to the authors’ knowledge), the case of a Myval (Meril Life Sciences Pvt Ltd) transcatheter heart valve embolization during transcatheter aortic valve replacement, which was treated percutaneously with favorable outcomes, is reported.
The added value of including citizen perspectives in a transition management process towards climate neutrality. Insights from an experience in the Swiss Alps
Authors: Poelsma Felix , Moser Stephanie , von Dach Susanne Wymann , Breu Thomas
Published: November 2024

When citizens do not feel included in transition processes, implementation can become very difficult. Hence, we used a survey to include the perspective of citizens in one such transition process towards climate neutrality in the Swiss Alps, and analysed how this enhanced its legitimacy.Initiatives
that foster transformative change often adopt a transdisciplinary approach by involving stakeholders from various sectors of society. Although transdisciplinary projects often emphasize a representative selection, it does not change the fact that a few stakeholders might develop visions, strategies,
and policies that could affect many. A legitimate and transparent process is vital to ensure public acceptance and a successful implementation. In this study, we explore how citizens can be involved in transition management initiatives, based on a transition process towards climate neutrality
in the Swiss Alps. Here, local citizens evaluated the vision developed by selected stakeholders, as well as the legitimacy of the process. The results were incorporated into workshops with the stakeholders. Based on the survey and interviews with stakeholders, we evaluate whether and how citizens’
views informed the transition process. Overall, citizens supported the vision developed by the stakeholders. The latter, in turn, highly valued the citizens’ perspectives, but were unsure about how to best integrate them. We conclude that the inclusion of citizens at an early stage can
increase the legitimacy and transparency of transition processes.
Meat quality, blood stress indicators and trimmed cut yield comparison of Black Slavonian pig with modern pigs in the production of Slavonian Kulen
Authors: KAROLYI Danijel , SALAJPAL Krešimir , SINJERI Željko , KOVAČIĆ Damir , JURIĆ Ivan , ĐIKIĆ Marija
Published: November 2024

The muscle quality traits (pH1 and pH24 and colour of M. longissimus dorsi), blood stress indicators (CPK – creatine phosphokinase, LDH – lactate dehidrogenase, AST – aspartat aminotransferase and glucose) and trimmed cut lean yield (proportion of selected lean meat of hams, loin, shoulders and neck) were evaluated for traditional Black Slavonian (BS) and modern pig genotypes: Large White × Swedish Landrace (LW×SL) and Large White × Swedish Landrace sired with Duroc (LW×SL)×D used for the production of Slavonian Kulen sausages. The BS pigs had the lowest serum CPK and AST activity which indicates their lower suspectability to stress (P<0.05). The pH values were inside normal pork quality range for all evaluated genotypes but the older BS and (LW×SL)×D pigs have more desirable loin colour (lower L* and higher a* values) for Slavonian Kulen processing. The trimmed cut lean yield (%) of hams was the lowest in BS pigs (29.31% of primal cut and 7.04% of carcass, P<0.05). The (LW×SL)×D group had the highest trimmed cut lean yield of loin (34.14% and 4.93%, P<0.05) and the LW×SL group had the lowest utilization of neck (22.31% and 1.12%, P<0.05). For shoulders there were no statistically significant differences. In total, the utilization of primal cuts for the production of Slavonian Kulen in BS group (26.75%) were considerably lower than in (LW×SL)×D group (32.33%, P<0.05) and utilization of carcass for production of Slavonian Kulen was higher within the (LW×SL)×D pigs (19.85%, P<0.05) than in BS (16.26%) and LW×SL (16.28%) pigs.
Gene preservation in deer species
Authors: ZOMBORSZKY Zoltán , SZABARI Miklós , KANGYALICS Éva , TÓTH Róbert
Published: November 2024

Trophy value and body mass of the red and fallow deer (Cervus elaphus, Dama dama) living in Hungary is well known all over the world. In this study we researched the bovine in vitro fertilisation (IVF) method for saving the genetic material of killed males and females in order to establish a deer gene bank. First of all we studied wether it is possible to collect oocytes from females after shooting. In IVF experiments these oocytes and post mortem collected spermatozoa from epididymides were used. Our results show it is possible to obtain oocytes which are able to maturate after death, and that the bovine IVF protocol requires more exams.
Effect of acorn (Quercus robur) intake on faecal egg count in outdoor reared Black Slavonian pig
Authors: SALAJPAL Krešimir , KAROLYI Danijel , BECK Relja , KIŠ Goran , VICKOVIĆ Ivan , ĐIKIĆ Marija , KOVAČIĆ Damir
Published: November 2024

Chemical composition of the acorn (Quercus robur), tannin content and its ability to influence the faecal egg count output reduction in the Black Slavonian Pig reared in outdoor production system were investigated. A total of 20 Black Slavonian Pigs with naturally acquired parasite were randomly divided into experimental (E) and control (C) group. The pigs in experimental group were fed an acorn Ad libitum and the pigs of the control group were given only 2 kg of concentrate. The faecal egg count (FEC) was assessed by individual pig before and after acorn consumption. Faecal egg count reduction percentage (FECR%) was calculated separately for large roundworm (Ascaris suum) and other gastrointestinal parasites (Oesophagostomum spp., Strongyloides and Hyostrongylus sp.). The results demonstrate that acorn is tannin rich forage (65.6 g kg–1) which can reduce FEC output of pigs parasitised with gastrointestinal nemathodes. The reduction in total faecal egg count output in acorn fed pigs was 96.01%. FECR% for A. suum and other nematodes of the gastrointestinal tract (Oesophagostom spp., Strongyloides and Hyostrongylus sp.) was 96.56% and 93.55%, respectively. These results would imply that the gastrointestinal nematode population was highly sensitive and responsive to the effect of acorn tannin in feed. Therefore, the acorn grazing has the potential of aiding in the control of the gastrointestinal parasites in the outdoor reared Black Slavonian Pig and consequently results in reduced need for anthelmintic treatment.
An integrated map of cattle candidate genes for mastitis: a step forward to new genetic markers
Authors: OGOREVC Jernej , KUNEJ Tanja , DOVČ Peter
Published: November 2024

To facilitate the development of new genetic markers for mastitis resistance or susceptibility we used genome-wide comparative approach to review all known mastitis-associated loci. We assembled into a map 233 loci that were identified by six different study approaches (QTLs, association studies, expression experiments, AFLP-, miRNA- and epigenetic- studies). To integrate data from different sources and to identify overlapping regions we presented the results in the form of genetic map. The collected data represent genetic background for mastitis-related traits in cattle. Thirty most promising candidate genes (associated with mastitis in different study approaches or at least in two independent studies, or/and overlapping with QTL regions) were selected from database and in silico searched for genetic variability and putative miRNA target sites in 3’UTR. Thirty-one SNPs in the putative promoter/5' UTR (up to 2 kb upstream) of eight candidate genes were found. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that some promoter SNPs might potentially cause gain/loss of the putative transcription factors. Promoter SNPs were also present in CG dinucleotides and therefore possibly involved in gain/loss of CpG sites. In ten mastitis candidate genes we found 56 SNPs in exons of which 21 were non-synonymous substitutions. Additionally, 23 SNPs in intronic regions and 21 SNPs in 3’UTR were found. MiRNA target analysis revealed 89 putative target sites in 18 candidate genes; however, current SNPs were not identified in the miRNA target binding sites or miRNAs expressed in mammary gland. For SNPs with a putative regulatory role found in candidate genes, functional analyses and association studies are needed to facilitate identification of mastitis resistance or susceptibility alleles possibly involved in mastitis regulatory pathways.
Bone tissue metabolism in cattle
Authors: STARIČ Jože , JEŽEK Jožica , KLINKON Martina , NEMEC Marija , ZADNIK Tomaž
Published: November 2024

Bone metabolism is closely connected to calcium metabolism. Biochemical markers of bone metabolism in blood serum and/or urine are indicators of bone metabolic activity at real time. Disorders of bone metabolism represent a significant scope of health problems in cattle. The objective of the study was the evaluation of bone-alkaline phosphatase (BALP) a marker of bone formation and C-terminal telopeptide (CTX), a marker of bone resorption in blood serum in dairy cattle of different ages and different productive stages. The following groups of Slovenian Black and White breed cattle were investigated: calves, primiparous cows and cows in the fourth or higher lactation kept in tie-stalls type and cows at early dry off period after the fourth or higher lactation in tie-stalls type and on pasture. Calves have statistically significantly higher BALP values in blood serum than cows (P < 0.05). Statistically significantly (P < 0.05) higher values for BALP and CTX were obtained also in primiparous cows at the pick of lactation than in the fourth or higher lactation cows at the same phase of lactation. We found statistically significantly lower (P < 0.05) mean BALP blood serum activity in cows at early dry off that were housed in tie-stall type than in those on pasture. The difference in mean BALP between cows in the fourth or higher lactation at pick lactation and those at early dry off period was not statistically significant. Biomarkers of bone metabolism can be implemented in monitoring cattle bone metabolism and calcium metabolism.
Fatty acid profile in milk of Busha, Cika and Simmental breed
Authors: ŠKRTIĆ Zoran , LEVART Alenka , JOVANOVAC Sonja , GANTNER Vesna , KOMPAN Dragomir
Published: November 2024

In this research the fatty acid profile in Busha’s, Cika’s and Simmental’s milk was investigated. For research purpose 42 milk samples were collected during July (Busha, n = 15; Cika, n = 17 and Simmental, n = 10). All cows were held in outdoor system. Busha’s milk had significantly (P < 0.05) lower content of SFA, as well as significantly (P < 0.05) higher content of MUFA and PUFA in regard to Cika’s and Simmental’s milk. Lower SFA/MUFA, SFA/PUFA and n-6/n-3 PUFA ratios, but higher content of n-6 PUFA in Busha’s milk in regard to Cika’s and Simmental’s milk was also determined. Statistically significant differences were not found (P > 0.05) in cows milk in regard to n-3 PUFA content. However, in Busha’s milk higher content of DHA (P < 0.05) in comparison to Cika’s and Simmental’s milk was found. Cika’s milk had statistically significantly higher content (P < 0.05) of CLA than Busha’s milk. Significant differences in fatty acid profile between Busha’s milk and milk of Cika and Simmental breed were determined, but for assessment of effects of system of keeping and keeping altitude, lactation stage and parity, as well as of other possible effects on milk fatty acid profile, further investigation is needed.
Preliminary investigations into the effect of feeding mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) on the genotoxic effect of T-2 toxin in rabbits measured by comet assay
Authors: HAFNER Dóra , BODNÁR Zsófia , HORVATOVICH Katalin , BERTA Gergely , KOVÁCS Melinda
Published: November 2024

T-2 toxin is a secondary fungal metabolite produced by Fusarium species. Several in vitro and in vivo studies described genotoxic potential of T-2 toxin, which is generally accepted to be caused by oxidative stress. There are some data showing that colonic probiotic bacteria can remove mycotoxins via physical binding. Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) are widely used animal feed to improve gastrointestinal health. Because of their interaction with microbes, the aim of our study was to determine the possible protective effect of MOS in T-2 toxicosis. Sucking rabbits were randomly assigned into two experimental groups, the control (C, n = 20) and the prebiotic (P, n = 20) group. In group P the feed of the does was completed with MOS. The young rabbits were allowed to consume the feed of the does from about the 17th days of age. The rabbits were weaned on the 35th day. At 7 weeks of age both groups (C and P) were divided into two (n = 10 in each), and half of the C and P rabbits were fed with the same diet as before, but contaminated with 2 mg/kg feed T-2 toxin (groups CT and PT). The animals were fed the toxin containing diet for the duration of 21 days. At the end of the 10th week blood samples were collected from 6 animals from group C, CT and PT. Mononuclear cells obtained from the rabbits were tested in comet assay to detect the genotoxic effect of T-2. All control samples (C) were negative in the test, i.e. all cells were scored as ‘0’. T-2 toxin in 2 mg/kg feed concentration had genotoxic effect on the rabbits’ lymphocytes, as could be concluded from the comet values. MOS supplementation in the feed had significant protective effect against T-2 as seen by the lower comet score frequencies compared to T-2 treated animals. These results demonstrate that MOS may reduce risk associated with the uptake of mycotoxins probably by their binding capacity or antioxidative properties.
Analysis of ESR and RBP polymorphisms in Black Slavonian sows: preliminary results
Authors: EKERT KABALIN Anamaria , STARČEVIĆ Kristina , MENČIK Sven , MAURIĆ Maja , SUŠIĆ Velimir , ŠTOKOVIĆ Igor
Published: November 2024

Black Slavonian pig belongs to the breeds of medium fertility with relatively high variation in litter size, denoting that it could be included in selection using molecular genetics. Estrogen receptor gene (ESR) and retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) are candidate gene markers for sows’ reproductive traits. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate frequencies of different ESR-PvuII and RBP4-MspI genotypes in fourteen Black Slavonian sows, as well as their reproductive traits. Sows were genotyped with PCR-RFLP method. Allele and genotype frequencies were calculated and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was tested using χ2-test. Litter size differences between sows of different genotypes were analyzed with analysis of variance. Three ESR-PvuII genotypes were detected with relative frequencies AA (0.54), AB (0.38) and BB (0.08), while the gene relative frequency was 0.73 for allele A and 0.27 for allele B. In the case of RBP4- MspI those values were: AA (0.54), AB (0.23) and BB (0.23), while allele frequencies were 0.65 for A and 0.35 for B allele. Analyzed genes were in accordance with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. There were no statistically significant differences detected between genotypes for any of the studied trait (P > 0.05). Further research on a larger sample size is needed for more conclusive evaluation of the possible correlation between ESR-PvuII and RBP4-MspI polymorphisms and reproductive parameters in Black Slavonian sows.
A classical QTL scan supports the complexity of the genetic basis of coat colour in pig
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ Ana I. , RODRÍGUEZ Carmen , BARRAGÁN Carmen , NUÑEZ Yolanda , FERNÁNDEZ Almudena , ÓVILO Cristina , SÁNCHEZ Armand , NOGUERA Jose Luis , SILIÓ Luis
Published: November 2024

Although an important progress on the pig coat colour genetics has been experienced during recent years, the genetic basis of this trait has not been completely clarified. The aim of the present study was to identify chromosomal regions with effects on coat colour extension and to examine the effects of relevant colour genes in F2 pigs of a Black Iberian × Landrace experimental population. The QTL scan has allowed us to detect two genome-wide significant QTLs on SSC6 and SSC8, six chromosome-wide significant QTLs on SSC1, SSC7, SSC9, SSC12, SSC13 and SSC17 and one suggestive QTL on SSC15. In addition, MC1R, OCA2 and KIT genes have been investigated. The results point out that the KIT gene is the main responsible of the coat colour extension and MC1R also plays a major role. However, other loci seem to have significant effects on the determination of this trait.
Dispersion parameters for litter size and teat number in Krškopolje pig
Authors: URANKAR Janja , MALOVRH Špela , KOVAČ Milena
Published: November 2024

The aim of study was to estimate dispersion parameters for litter size and teat number in Krškopolje pig, the only Slovenian indigenous breed. Analysis included 1950 records for litter size and 7431 for teat number. The model for teat number included season as fixed effects, while common herd environment, common litter environment and direct additive genetic effect were treated as random. Fixed part of the model for litter size also included parity class and age at farrowing within parity class using quadratic regression. Random part also included service sire and permanent environment effect. Phenotypic standard deviation was 3.06 for liveborn piglets and 1.22 for teat number. Heritability for liveborn piglets was 8%. Service sire explained 3% of phenotypic variance. The largest variance component was permanent environment effect (10%), common herd environment ratio was 2%. Obtained heritability for teat number was 13%. Common litter environment explained 14% and common herd environment 19% of variability for teat number.
On semilinear inequalities involving the Dunkl Laplacian and an inverse-square potential outside a ball
Authors: Jleli Mohamed , Samet Bessem , Vetro Calogero
Published: November 2024

Let

Δ

k

{\Delta }_{k}

be the Dunkl generalized Laplacian operator associated with a root system

R

R

of

R

N

{{\mathbb{R}}}^{N}

,

N
≥
2

N\ge 2

, and a nonnegative multiplicity function

k

k

defined on

R

R

and invariant by the finite reflection group

W

W

. In this study, we study the existence and nonexistence of weak solutions to the semilinear inequality

−

Δ

k

u
+

λ

∣
x
∣

2

u
≥

∣
u
∣

p

-{\Delta }_{k}u+\frac{\lambda }{{| x| }^{2}}u\ge {| u| }^{p}

in

R

N

\

B

1

¯

{{\mathbb{R}}}^{N}\backslash \overline{{B}_{1}}

under the boundary condition

u
≥
0

u\ge 0

on

∂

B

1

\partial {B}_{1}

, where

p
>
1

p\gt 1

,

λ
≥
−

(

N
−
2
+
2
γ

)

2

⁄
4

\lambda \ge -{(N-2+2\gamma )}^{2}/4

, and

B

1

{B}_{1}

is the open unit ball of

R

N

{{\mathbb{R}}}^{N}

. Namely, we show that the dividing line with respect to existence and nonexistence is given by a critical exponent that depends on

λ

\lambda

,

N

N

, and

γ

(

k

)

\gamma \left(k)

, where

γ

(

k

)

=

∑

α
∈

R

+

k

(

α

)

\gamma \left(k)={\sum }_{\alpha \in {R}^{+}}k\left(\alpha )

and

R

+

{R}^{+}

is the positive subsystem.
An Appalled Ghost Guiding Readers Across Semiotic Fault Lines: The Contribution of Literature to the Appreciation of Legal Change
Authors: Parolin Gianluca
Published: November 2024

What are the conditions for meaning-making in intertextuality? The article explores what the relational dynamics of (legal) transtextuality can reveal about the semiotic hierarchies that govern them. The interest in these relational dynamics goes beyond the specific relations between texts captured by the hypo-/hyper-text relation. Rather, it embraces the inner conditions of meaning-making in transtextuality across multiple texts. Shifts in the underlying semiotic hierarchies can be tracked within each (legal) field, but the article turns to literature to explore the potential of intertextuality in exposing the transformative dynamics of various legal fields underneath the shifting semiotic hierarchies. Legal studies have variously investigated these shifting semiotic hierarchies, often resorting to the spectrum imposition/prestige (Sacco 1991) the article thus looks into the intertextuality of a literary text and what it can contribute to the analysis, beyond the spectrum. Egypt in the 19th century witnessed major legal transformations (Fahmy 2018; Hilāl 2011; Peters 2020). Just as major, however, were the transformations in legal discourse to accommodate a new vocabulary of ‘modern’ law, often drawing from Islamic law (Parolin 2016). The dynamic relations between alternative legal discourses and their semiotic hierarchies almost imperceptibly transformed over the course of the century, but by the end of the century these hierarchies were nearly entirely redrawn, and Islamic legal discourse had to be characterised or adjectivised as ‘Islamic’ (Parolin 2015). The article thus considers one of the canonical works of late 19th century Egyptian literature, Muḥammad al-Muwayliḥī’s What ʿĪsá bin Hishām Told Us (1898–1901). In it, the author describes with irony the shock and tribulations of the ghost of a mid-19th century personality in his encounter with late 19th century Egypt. Al-Muwayliḥī’s is however a brilliant fictional device to stage al-Muwayliḥī’s own shock and the shock of late 19th century Egyptians at the transformations of the country in a few decades. His humourous account precisely begins with changes in law and its enforcement agencies. Not only does legal discourse often capture the enormity of these legal transformations, but also how other elements of legal semiotics witness to far-reaching transformations that cause the ghost much tribulation, on top of the shock.
Prediction of muscular-invasive bladder cancer using multi-view fusion self-distillation model based on 3D T2-Weighted images
Authors: Zou Yuan , Yu Jie , Cai Lingkai , Chen Chunxiao , Meng Ruoyu , Xiao Yueyue , Fu Xue , Yang Xiao , Liu Peikun , Lu Qiang
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Accurate preoperative differentiation between non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is crucial for surgical decision-making in bladder cancer (BCa) patients. MIBC diagnosis relies on the Vesical Imaging-Reporting and Data System (VI-RADS) in clinical using multi-parametric MRI (mp-MRI). Given the absence of some sequences in practice, this study aims to optimize the existing T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) sequence to assess MIBC accurately.

Methods

We analyzed T2WI images from 615 BCa patients and developed a multi-view fusion self-distillation (MVSD) model that integrates transverse and sagittal views to classify MIBC and NMIBC. This 3D image classification method leverages z-axis information from 3D MRI volume, combining information from adjacent slices for comprehensive features extraction. Multi-view fusion enhances global information by mutually complementing and constraining information from the transverse and sagittal planes. Self-distillation allows shallow classifiers to learn valuable knowledge from deep layers, boosting feature extraction capability of the backbone and achieving better classification performance.

Results

Compared to the performance of MVSD with classical deep learning methods and the state-of-the-art MRI-based BCa classification approaches, the proposed MVSD model achieves the highest area under the curve (AUC) 0.927 and accuracy (Acc) 0.880, respectively. DeLong’s test shows that the AUC of the MVSD has statistically significant differences with the VGG16, Densenet, ResNet50, and 3D residual network. Furthermore, the Acc of the MVSD model is higher than that of the two urologists.

Conclusions

Our proposed MVSD model performs satisfactorily distinguishing between MIBC and NMIBC, indicating significant potential in facilitating preoperative BCa diagnosis for urologists.
Combination of edge enhancement and cold diffusion model for low dose CT image denoising
Authors: Du Yinglin , Liu Yi , Wu Han , Kang Jiaqi , Gui Zhiguo , Zhang Pengcheng , Ren Yali
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Since the quality of low dose CT (LDCT) images is often severely affected by noise and artifacts, it is very important to maintain high quality CT images while effectively reducing the radiation dose.

Methods

In recent years, the representation of diffusion models to produce high quality images and stable trainability has attracted wide attention. With the extension of the cold diffusion model to the classical diffusion model, its application has greater flexibility. Inspired by the cold diffusion model, we proposes a low dose CT image denoising method, called CECDM, based on the combination of edge enhancement and cold diffusion model. The LDCT image is taken as the end point (forward) of the diffusion process and the starting point (reverse) of the sampling process. Improved sobel operator and Convolution Block Attention Module are added to the network, and compound loss function is adopted.

Results

The experimental results show that CECDM can effectively remove noise and artifacts from LDCT images while the inference time of a single image is reduced to 0.41 s.

Conclusions

Compared with the existing LDCT image post-processing methods, CECDM has a significant improvement in all indexes.
A Health Economics Inquiry into Regulatory Constraints on the European Tobacco Market
Authors: Barbaro Salvatore , Neu-Yanders Nathalie , König Nina
Published: November 2024

Despite the implementation of significant measures by European countries in recent years, smoking rates in Europe remain persistently high. The European Commission is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of its tobacco regulations. This article aims to address critical inquiries that arise during the amendment of the regulatory framework. We evaluate the effectiveness of existing tobacco control methods and observe a diminishing impact on promoting smoking cessation. Additionally, we explore how individuals of varying genders respond to the regulatory environment. We propose a comprehensive and evidence-based framework for implementing a taxation system in response to the proliferation of emerging products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco. This system is designed to align effectively with health policy objectives, providing a strategic approach to curbing tobacco use and promoting public health.
Monitoring of coccinellid (Coleoptera) presence and syrphid (Diptera) species diversity and abundance in southern California citrus orchards: implications for conservation biological control of Asian citrus psyllid and other citrus pests
Authors: Irvin Nicola A. , Milosavljević Ivan , Hoddle Mark S.
Published: November 2024

The abundance and diversity of three taxa of citrus pest predators, syrphids (Diptera), coccinellids (Coleoptera), and chrysopids (Neuroptera) and their association with flowering weed species in commercial citrus orchards in southern California were investigated. The occurrence and frequency of adult predators were determined with vertical yellow sticky traps and by performing 3 min visual counts on flowering weeds from May through November 2021. Syrphid abundance peaked in June and September, with the dominant species being Allograpta obliqua (Say), Toxomerus marginatus (Say), and Paragus tibialis (Fallen). Peak collections of coccinellids occurred in May, June, and September on sticky traps and during September and October in flowering weedy plants. Peak flowering of weed species occurred during May and declined sharply over summer into fall (June–November). The efficacy of yellow 355 mL glycol pan traps, yellow 1774 mL water pan traps, and yellow sticky traps orientated either horizontally or vertically with respect to capturing key natural enemies was evaluated in 2021 and 2022. Significantly more syrphids were captured on the horizontal yellow sticky traps than on the vertical yellow sticky traps or the yellow pan traps filled with glycol or water. Coccinellids were most frequently captured on vertical yellow sticky traps and yellow water pan traps. Numbers of chrysopids captured in all studies were not significant, which was most likely attributable to their nocturnal behavior. Collectively these results suggest that syrphid and coccinellid activity in southern California citrus orchards displayed two seasonal peaks, one in spring and the other in the fall. In the context of future conservation biological control, insectary plantings in spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) would be most beneficial to these predators and would coincide with population peaks of a key citrus pest, Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae).
A wideband reconfigurable filtering phase shifter based on Stub-loaded multimode resonators
Authors: Wang Qi , Wei Feng , Ding Xue-Zhi , Li Qi-Wei , Wang Jia-Qi , Shi Zeng-Hui , Wang Kai-Xuan
Published: November 2024

In this paper, a type of reconfigurable filtering phase shifters (RFPSs) composed of stepped-impendence stub-loaded multimode resonators (SLMMR) is proposed. High frequency selectivity and wideband characteristics are realized in the presented work. Four transmission poles (TPs) are generated in the passband to exhibit a flat and wide passband. Meanwhile, the proposed SLMMR produces two controllable transmission zeros (TZs), which improves the frequency selectivity effectively. Meanwhile, radiofrequency switches are utilized to facilitate the transition between different phase shifts. Finally, the proposed RFPSs are designed and fabricated to verify the method. The measured results indicate that the designed RFPSs, which can be turned from 45° to 90° and from 135° to 180°, are capable of realizing more than 40 % FBW with a center frequency of 3.5 GHz.
Microstructure evolution and grain refinement mechanism of 316LN steel
Authors: Zhang Li , Ren Jie , Zheng Zhichao , Guan Lanfang , Liu Chengzhi , Liu Yanlian , Cheng Shengwei , Su Zexing , Yang Fei
Published: November 2024

The hot compression behavior of 316LN stainless steel for the supporting system in a magnet confinement fusion reactor was isothermally compressed at 1,050℃ and 0.1 s−1. Electron backscatter diffraction was used to study the microstructure and texture evolution during the deformation process. The results showed that the necklace structure is eventually formed by increasing compression strain due to dynamic recrystallization (DRX). The proportion of low-angle grain boundaries first increases and then decreases. The dominant DRX mechanism of 316LN is discontinuous DRX, which is characterized by the grain boundary bulging. Besides, twinning is found to be induced to accommodate the plastic strain, helping the development of DRX.
Kinetics of manganese removal from groundwater via biological activated carbon fiber
Authors: Tang Wenwei , Zhang Peiqi , Xia Jin , Zeng Xinping
Published: November 2024

The residual manganese concentration from groundwater treatment plants normally exceeds the limit of 0.1 mg L−1, which is the maximum permissible manganese content set by the Ministry of Health. A new biological activated carbon fiber technology is described in this paper, in which filtration columns filled with ACF and inoculated manganese oxidizing bacteria (Citrobacter sp. FM-2) were used in an attempt to effectively remove the Mn2+ in groundwater using a biological method. By researching the various factors that influence biological manganese removal, a new kinetics model of BACF filtering with multiple influencing factors that incorporates the key factors of the process, such as the temperature, pH and empty bed contact time (EBCT), was established, and the accuracy of the model was verified. The study further extends the research on biological manganese removal and provides a reference and basis for production practice to some extent.
Roosting ecology, reproduction, and population fluctuations of three Hipposideros species (Chiroptera) in Indonesian caves
Authors: Bagus Putra Prakarsa Tatag , Hadisusanto Suwarno , Pudyatmoko Satyawan , Maryanto Ibnu
Published: November 2024

Hipposideros spp. are insectivorous bats and karst cave dwellers. This study aimed to study the roosting ecology, reproduction, and population fluctuations of three species H. diadema, H. larvatus, and H. ater in Gunung Sewu Karst region, Indonesia. Age and reproductive status of individuals were identified and analyzed using a combination of forearm length (FA) and body mass grades (W). Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the correlation between population size, rainfall and population structure based on FA, reproductive status, and W. Crude birth rate (CBR) and general fertility rate (GFR) were used to determine the population’s birth rate and female fertility. The results showed that the population of the three Hipposideros species were quite stable over the year with a peak in January which classified them as monoestrous, with mating, pregnancy, and lactation occurring once a year with no delay between mating and pregnancy. Pregnancy lasted 8–12 weeks and lactation 4–5 weeks. The population structure of the three species tended to be stable over the year. The CBR and GFR values can be used for rapid assessment guidelines in an area.
Understanding the Meaning of “Aspeset”: Hermeneutical Approaches, Reading Practices and the Departure from Germany in Two Lea Goldberg Novels
Authors: Keren Yaara
Published: November 2024

This essay describes the departure from Europe, arguably the theme that unites Lea Goldberg’s three novels, in terms of the German tradition of Hermeneutics. I explore the various hermeneutical approaches in two of the novels, Mikhtavim Minesi’a Meduma and Avedot, and connect their metafictional and metacritical debates to the circumstances of their composition, publication and reception. While Mikhtavim Minesi’a Meduma employs a humanistic and universalist Weltliteratur perspective in order to downplay the emotions of bitter rejection from a beloved cultural home, Avedot contends with hermeneutical and philological questions ranging from authenticity and interpretation to the mystery of artistic creation. Avedot’s plot revolves around the philologist-poet protagonist’s quest for his own pseudo-ancient text, but ultimately raises questions about the spiritual nature of the creative process and whether or not this spiritual baggage can be relayed to an external reader, in political circumstances that accentuate the poet’s sense of alienation. The two novels, with their unstable form, provided Goldberg an opportunity not only to contemplate aesthetic questions, but also to psychologically process the tearing away from the cultural and intellectual legacy of Europe and in particular that of Germany.
The crystal structure of ethyl 5,6-dihydroxybenzofuran-3-carboxylate, C11H10O5
Authors: Zhou Ying , Li Yan , Xiao Zengshuo , Wang Hao
Published: November 2024

C11H10O5, triclinic,

P

1
‾

$P\overline{1}$

(no. 2), a = 8.9847(3) Å, b = 10.5228(3) Å, c = 11.2032(4) Å, α = 106.484(3)°, β = 93.420(3)°, γ = 103.646(3)°, V = 977.84(6) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0441, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1298, T = 293 K.
Study of Toned Photographs of the Late 19th and Early 20th Century Using Multispectral Imaging and SEM/EDS Analysis
Authors: Tsantiri Konstantina , Kokla Vasiliki , Karabotsos Athanasios
Published: November 2024

Toned photographs became popular in the second half of the 19th and early 20th century, either as stand-alone photographic images or as part of representative cards such as cabinet cards or cartes de visite. Still, further research is desirable to deepen our understanding about materials and techniques that had been used to create toned photographs. This study focusses on toning processes and is based on the analysis of 16 historical photographs from that period. To understand the toning process, information was collected from historical literature, while multispectral techniques and SEM/EDS analysis were applied to the sixteen photographs. Multispectral techniques, both macroscopic and microscopic, provide valuable information on surface and texture, damage phenomena and the photograph’s stratigraphy. SEM/EDS analysis yields information on the elements found in the studied photographs and their stratigraphy. This combination of the evaluation of historical written sources and scientific analysis provided an insight into the materials and techniques used in the toning of photographs.
Global Infectious Diseases between July and September 2024: Periodic Analysis
Authors: Chen Hongfang , Tao Zhiyuan , Jiang Tinting , Zhao Xiaona , Zhang Shuqiong , He Shiping , He Minjing , Gu Dayong
Published: November 2024

Infectious diseases are caused by a variety of pathogens that can be transmitted between individuals, between animals, or between humans and animals. In the summer, hot weather accelerates the growth and reproduction of various bacteria and viruses. Water, food, and the environment are more susceptible to contamination, so summer is the season for infectious diseases such as monkeypox (Mpox), dengue, cholera, measles. We obtained surveillance data from Shusi Tech’s Global Epidemic Information Monitoring System and conducted a comprehensive analysis of the timing and location of outbreaks in infected populations from July to September of 2024.
Prenatal Exposure to MAM Impairs mPFC and Hippocampal Inhibitory Function in Mice during Adolescence and Adulthood
Authors: He Zhiyin , He Qian , Tang Xiaorong , Huang Keni , Lin Yiwen , Xu Jianrui , Chen Qiliang , Xu Nenggui , Yao Lulu
Published: November 2024

Neurodevelopmental abnormalities are considered to be one of the important causes of schizophrenia. The offspring of methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM)–exposed mice are recognized for the dysregulation of neurodevelopment and are well-characterized with schizophrenia-like phenotypes. However, the inhibition-related properties of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus throughout adolescence and adulthood have not been systematically elucidated. In this study, both 10 and 15 mg/kg MAM-exposed mice exhibited schizophrenia-related phenotypes in both adolescence and adulthood, including spontaneous locomotion hyperactivity and deficits in prepulse inhibition. We observed that there was an obvious parvalbumin (PV) loss in the mPFC and hippocampus of MAM-exposed mice, extending from adolescence to adulthood. Moreover, the frequency of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) in pyramidal neurons at mPFC and hippocampus was significantly dampened in the 10 and 15 mg/kg MAM-exposed mice. Furthermore, the firing rate of putative pyramidal neurons in mPFC and hippocampus was increased, while that of putative inhibitory neurons was decreased during both adolescence and adulthood. In conclusion, PV loss in mPFC and hippocampus of MAM-exposed mice may contribute to the impaired inhibitory function leading to the attenuation of inhibition in the brain both in vitro and in vivo.
Role of the Medial Posterior Parietal Cortex in Orchestrating Attention and Reaching
Authors: Breveglieri Rossella , Brandolani Riccardo , Diomedi Stefano , Lappe Markus , Galletti Claudio , Fattori Patrizia
Published: November 2024

The interplay between attention, alertness, and motor planning is crucial for our manual interactions. To investigate the neural bases of this interaction and challenge the views that attention cannot be disentangled from motor planning, we instructed human volunteers of both sexes to plan and execute reaching movements while attending to the target, while attending elsewhere, or without constraining attention. We recorded reaction times to reach initiation and pupil diameter and interfered with the functions of the medial posterior parietal cortex (mPPC) with online repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation to test the causal role of this cortical region in the interplay between spatial attention and reaching. We found that mPPC plays a key role in the spatial association of reach planning and covert attention. Moreover, we have found that alertness, measured by pupil size, is a good predictor of the promptness of reach initiation only if we plan a reach to attended targets, and mPPC is causally involved in this coupling. Different from previous understanding, we suggest that mPPC is neither involved in reach planning per se, nor in sustained covert attention in the absence of a reach plan, but it is specifically involved in attention functional to reaching.
MetalEspaña 2020/2021: III Congreso de Conservación y Restauración del Patrimonio Metálico
Authors: Barrio Martín Joaquín , Buendía Ortuño Milagros
Published: November 2024

MetalEspaña 2020/2021 recoge trabajos sobre todos los tipos de Patrimonio Metálico y aproximaciones de investigación analítica, deontológicos y técnicos. Es una obra conjunta sobre un espacio de encuentro de profesionales, conservadores-restauradores, conservadores, arqueólogos, historiadores del arte, investigadores, alumnos, etc. Las contribuciones, en las que se combinan investigación e intervención en casos concretos, ponen de manifiesto que la multidisciplinariedad en este campo es una realidad, sin perder de vista que el objetivo final siempre es la mejora de la conservación de los objetos y obras del Patrimonio Metálico. La ciencia aplicada es imprescindible.
The treatment and diagnostic plan for chronic myeloid leukemia in Libyan oncology centers
Authors: JM Jbireal , Mouly Mohamed B
Published: November 2024

Background: CML is one of the best understood diseases from the aspect of its cytogenetic abnormalities and the molecular mechanisms involved. CML was the first human disease in which a specific abnormality of the karyotype, the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome, could be linked to a malignant disease. Later on, it was shown that the Ph chromosome results from a reciprocal translocation between the long arms of chromosomes 9 and 22, which produces the BCR-ABL fusion oncogene. Accordingly, in this study; we are going to determine whether the team workers in Libyan oncology centers actually following these steps of guidelines as it has been used internationally or there are some differences and special circumstances prevent them to apply the guidelines. Objectives: The present study aimed to explore the methods and plans used for diagnosis and treatment of CML patients in Libyan oncology centres and to confirm the most effective methods in diagnosis and treatment of CML by using a statistical analysing of some special data related to a well investigated cases by making a comparison between those plans. Methods: 173 and 153 CML patient files who has registered in Sabratha oncology institute and Misurata oncology institute -which are both considered as the main oncology centers in Libya- during the last sixteen years were investigated. Then, ten CML case files have randomly chosen from total CML patient files (51) and (78) cases from both oncology institutes which represents (35% and 45%) of all cases respectively (Male and Female, five from each institute). All results of laboratory investigations (CBC, biochemistry profiles, blood film, bone marrow, cytogenetic and molecular analysis) have been recorded and statistically analyzed to know the hematological, cytogenetic and molecular responses during the treatment period. CML patients chosen were at varying disease stages (chronic, accelerated, and blastic phases). The drugs used for treatment included 500 mg of Hydroxyurea, 400 mg, 600 mg and 800 mg of Glivec, and 600 mg of Tasigna in rare cases. Results and conclusion: The study has indicated the existence of a clear deficiency gap represented in a widespread lack of many capabilities such as the lack of some devices, equipments, operating materials and qualified experts. Moreover, the study has confirmed that the treatment plan has modified depending on the results of the complete blood count (CBC) only during all periods of the treatment without achieving other important investigation used for treatment follow up such as bone marrow aspiration, blood film examination, cytogenetic examination and molecular diagnostic. This study-as the first study dealing with this important topic- clarified many shortcomings of the diagnostic and treatment plan followed in both oncology institutes. As a recommendation, it is necessary to apply all international standard steps of the diagnosis and treatment in particular.
Cinema Encruzilhada e a filmografia SECNEB
Authors: Gama Alessandra Regina , Sobrinho Gilberto Alexandre , Nogueira Lisandro
Published: November 2024

Neste artigo, abordamos a representação da cosmogonia afro-brasileira em documentários, considerando aspectos estéticos e políticos da relação entre o cinema e os terreiros. Nosso objetivo é refletir sobre as questões de representação das culturas afro diaspóricas no campo documental,  entrelaçadas ao campo teórico das performances culturais, na conformação de uma estética de encruzilhada. Partindo da ideia de cinema como um ponto de intersecção, como cinema de encruzilhada, analisamos a trilogia documental produzida pela Sociedade de Estudos da Cultura Negra no Brasil — SECNEB, no final dos anos 80, composta pelos filmes Orixá Ninu Ilê (Dir. Juana Elbein dos Santos, 1978), Iyá-Mi-Agbá (Dir. Juana Elbein dos Santos 1981) e Egungun (Dir. Carlos Brajsblat, 1982). A trilogia explora as disputas em torno dos modos de representação do conhecimento ancestral, refletindo, nas obras, o embate entre cinema e descolonização cultural, do ponto de vista das relações entre corpo e performance, na articulação de saberes.