bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building Carolina: Metadata for Provenance and Typology in a Corpus of Contemporary Brazilian Portuguese
Authors: Finger Marcelo , Paixão de Sousa Maria Clara , Namiuti Cristiane , Monte Vanessa Martins do , Costa Aline Silva , Serras Felipe Ribas , Sturzeneker Mariana Lourenço , Carpi Miguel de Mello , Palma Mayara Feliciano , Lachi Gabriela
Published: January 2025

This paper presents the challenges of building Carolina, a large open corpus of Brazilian Portuguese texts developed since 2020 using the Web-as-Corpus methodology enhanced with provenance and typology concerns (WaC-wiPT). The corpus aims at being used both as a reliable source for research in Linguistics and as an important resource for Computer Science research on language models. Above all, this endeavor aims at removing Portuguese from the set of “low-resource languages”. This paper details Carolina's construction methodology, with special attention to the issue of describing provenance and typology according to international standards, while briefly describing its relationship with other existing corpora, its current state of development and its future directions.
Experimental Study on the Influence of Cooling Rates on the Permeability Coefficient of Thawed Soil After Open Frozen
Authors: Wang Zhen , Wang Hao-ran , Ni Xiao-hui , Wu Ming , Zhu Shu , Maimaitiyusupu Semaierjiang , Zhu Zhen-de
Published: January 2025

Adjusting freezing patterns is a critical technology in artificial ground freezing (AGF) projects to mitigate frost heave. The distribution of ice lenses formed under varying freezing patterns not only influences frost heave but also modifies the structure of thawed soil, thereby affecting the thaw settlement process. However, most existing research on freezing patterns has primarily focused on their impact on frost heave, with limited attention paid to thaw settlement. This study investigates the cooling rates at the cold side of open frozen systems, which are the key variables defining different freezing patterns, and examines their effect on the permeability coefficient of thawed soil. Experimental results demonstrate that the cooling rate significantly influences the soil permeability coefficient. Specifically, an increase in the cooling rate leads to a reduction in the permeability coefficient, particularly under high frozen temperature conditions. Utilizing the Kozeny-Carman permeability coefficient equation, a predictive model for the permeability coefficient of thawed soil was developed. In practical AGF projects, any freezing pattern can be represented as a combination of different cooling rates. By applying this predictive model, the permeability coefficient of thawed soil under any freezing pattern can be simulated using the corresponding combination of cooling rates. This study provides a valuable reference for predicting thaw settlement following artificial freezing construction.
Anticonvulsant Effects of Different Cannabis Extracts in a Zebrafish Model of Epilepsy
Authors: Jackson Karen , Shabat-Simon Maytal , Bar On Jonathan , Steckler Rafi , Khatib Soliman , Tamir Snait , Pitashny Paula
Published: January 2025

Epilepsy is a widespread neurological disorder that remains a critical global public health challenge. While numerous antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are available, many patients either fail to achieve adequate seizure control or experience significant side effects. One promising alternative is pure cannabidiol (CBD), but using a whole cannabis extract may be equally effective and preferred for some patients. In the current study, we employed the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced hyperactivity model in zebrafish to compare the effects of CBD with various cannabis extracts. We evaluated three cannabis strains, each subjected to three different extraction methods, and benchmarked the results against the commercially available AED valproic acid (VPA). Our findings revealed that 5.7 µg/ml of CBD and 0.01 mg/ml of different extracts significantly reduced movement compared to PTZ and VPA. In addition, effective extracts produced similar effects to pure CBD despite containing much lower molecule levels. These results reinforced and expanded previous evidence supporting the clinical potential of both CBD and whole cannabis extracts for seizure control while suggesting a possible entourage effect. Further research is necessary to determine which patients may benefit more from pure CBD versus those who might prefer the whole cannabis extracts.
Summarizing Advanced Progress in Nanostructure-Sensitized Surface-Enhanced Raman Sensing Toward Food Safety
Authors: Liu Zeyan , Yang Renqing , Chen Haili , Zhang Xinai
Published: January 2025

Food safety is directly related to human health and has attracted intense attention all over the world. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), as a rapid and selective technique, has been widely applied in monitoring food safety. SERS substrates, as an essential factor for sensing design, greatly influence the analytical performance. Currently, nanostructure-based SERS substrates have garnered significant interest due to their excellent merits in improving the sensitivity, specificity, and stability, holding great potential for rapid and accurate sensing toward food contaminants in complex matrices. This review summarizes the fundamentals of Raman spectroscopy and the used nanostructures for designing SERS platform, including precious metal nanoparticles, metal-organic frameworks, polymers, and semiconductors. Moreover, it introduces the mechanisms and applications of nanostructures in enhancing SERS signals for monitoring hazardous substances, such as foodborne bacteria, pesticide and veterinary drug residues, food additives, illegal adulterants, and packaging material contamination. Finally, the review offers broad prospects in sustainable, environmentally friendly, and large-scale analysis to evaluate food safety.
Protective Effects of Ferula asafoetida on Liver, Kidney, and Testes Against Formaldehyde-Induced Damage
Authors: Thulluri Sravani Priya , Selvaraj Karthick , Yerraguntla Divya Prafulla , Dr Saravana Kumar S , Kandimalla Ramesh
Published: January 2025

Formaldehyde, a pervasive environmental toxin, has well-documented deleterious effects on critical organ systems. This review examines the therapeutic potential of Ferula asafetida (FA) root extracts in protecting testes, kidneys, and liver against formaldehyde-induced toxicity in rodent models. The literature reveals that FA's active constituents, known for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, may counteract oxidative stress and cellular damage caused by formaldehyde exposure. The review explores formaldehyde-induced pathophysiological mechanisms and FA's protective effects, including mitigation of oxidative damage, inflammation, and apoptosis. By analyzing empirical evidence, it compares the efficacy of various extract preparations, dosage regimens, and treatment durations. The review also addresses methodological heterogeneity and challenges in extrapolating findings to humans. It concludes with a call for rigorous, controlled clinical trials to validate FA's therapeutic viability, offering hope for those affected by formaldehyde toxicity.
Basilar Artery Trauma
Authors: Lacerda Gallardo Angel Jesús , Abreu-Pérez Daisy , Mazorra Pazos Miguel de Jesús
Published: January 2025

For this article, a review of the literature on the presence of injury to the basilar artery, its main and perforating branches in head trauma was carried out. In addition, the author's experience in the treatment of this type of patients was considered. The bibliographic search shows that there are few references on the subject, which is why we are probably treating many more traumatic lesions of the basilar artery than those we diagnose.
A Topographic Gradient Drives Spatial Variabiliy of Stem CH4 Fluxes in a Temperate Alder Stand
Authors: Köhn Daniel , Günther A. , Smilljanic Marko , Jurasinski Gerald
Published: January 2025

Tree stems in both wetland and upland forests are a potentially significant source of the greenhouse gas methane (CH4). Stem CH4 emissions are assumed to play an important role on a global scale. Yet, uncertainties regarding temporal and spatial variability as well as transport processes of stem emissions remain high. Here, we assess the spatial variability and range of CH4 egress from 28 black alder (Alnus glutinosa) (L.) Gaertn.) trees based on data we recorded during three measurement campaigns in a mature alder carr in spring 2019. Fluxes varied significantly in time and space. The overall temporal variability during the three campaigns was larger than the spatial variability. The fluxes ranged from less than 1 µg m-2 h\textsuperscript{-1} to 450 µg m-2 h-1 with an average overall flux of 25 ± 59 µg m-2 h-1 (± SD). Stem CH4 fluxes were highest (61.6 ± 104.5 µg m-2 h-1) during higher soil temperatures in spring, with increasing sap flux density and an intermediate water level just above the surface (+2.7 ± 0.3 cm). Morphological properties of the trees, including diameter at breast height, their position on hummocks or hollows and height of the measurement on the stem, largely failed to explain variability in stem CH4 fluxes. Large scale topography (overall elevation gradient) within the study site and CO2 flux were the best predictors of stem CH4 emissions, but inundation and leaf out also significantly influenced stem CH4 fluxes. Thus, large scale factors such as topography as an indirect indicator for water level can potentially facilitate upscaling of tree stem CH4 emissions.
Evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of a combined oral contraceptive containing estetrol
Authors:   Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Republic of Bashkortostan, Russian Federation, Mingareeva K.N. , Yashchuk A.G. ,   Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Republic of Bashkortostan, Russian Federation
Published: January 2025

Objective. To study the efficacy and tolerability of a combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing estetrol (E4)/drospirenone in reproductive-aged women.
Patients and methods. This prospective study included 47 women aged 18 to 25 years in need of contraception. According to the study design, all patients underwent general clinical examination at the 1st visit, 3 and 6 months after contraception initiation. The examination included measurement of body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, assessment of intermenstrual bleeding, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, blood biochemistry, coagulation profile, breast and pelvic ultrasound in the first phase of the menstrual cycle.
Results. The ultrasound findings indicated a dynamic decrease in endometrial thickness with E4-containing COC and preservation of normal parameters of the ovarian follicular apparatus. The advantages of E4-containing COC were menstrual cycle correction, reduced menstrual bleeding, and, therefore, an increase in serum iron values. At the same time, the medication confirmed its metabolic neutrality, and there was no increase in blood coagulation potential.
Conclusion. COC containing estetrol provides effective contraception, predictable bleeding pattern, and favorable safety profile. High satisfaction and lack of significant adverse events encouraged all women to continue taking Esteretta COC.
Key words: combined oral contraceptive, reproductive age, menstrual cycle, quality of life, estetrol, drospirenone
Comparative analysis of the efficacy and safety of different methods of labor induction in full-term pregnancy: a randomized prospective study
Authors:   V.F.Voyno-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, Tskhay V.B. ,   Federal Siberian Research Clinical Centre, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, Domracheva M.Ya. ,   V.F.Voyno-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, Mentsik M.M. ,   I.S.Berzon Krasnoyarsk Interdistrict Clinical Hospital No 20, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, Bryuhanova A.A. ,   I.S.Berzon Krasnoyarsk Interdistrict Clinical Hospital No 20, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, Semenova Yu.E. ,   I.S.Berzon Krasnoyarsk Interdistrict Clinical Hospital No 20, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, Ashikhmina Yu.N. ,   V.F.Voyno-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation, Potehina D.P. ,   V.F.Voyno-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation
Published: January 2025

The rate of labor induction in obstetrical practice has increased in recent years. In certain situations, timely induction is substantiated to prevent adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
Objective. To compare the efficacy and safety of different methods of labor induction.
Patients and methods. The study included patients with a singleton full-term pregnancy and a Bishop score ≤5 points. All patients were divided into three groups: group 1 (n = 100) – patients who received a vaginal therapeutic system with dinoprostone for pre-induction; group 2 (n = 40) – patients who received mifepristone for pre-induction; group 3 (n = 25) – patients who had a Foley catheter inserted for pre-induction.
Results. Positive effects of labor pre-induction within the first 24 hours were obtained in 73% of patients who received a dinoprostone vaginal system, in 48% – in patients who received mifepristone, and in 48% – in patients who had a Foley catheter inserted. When a dinoprostone vaginal system was used, an abnormal cardiotocography pattern was recorded significantly less frequently (7%) than in the group of patients receiving mifepristone (15%) and in the group where a Foley catheter was inserted (15%).
Conclusion. The best effect during the first 24 hours from the initiation of labor induction was obtained in the group of patients who received a vaginal therapeutic system with dinoprostone. In the other two comparison groups (Foley catheter, mifepristone), the positive effect was almost twice less.
Lutein as part of antioxidant and nutritional support during pregnancy
Authors:   Federal Research Center “Computer Science and Control”, Moscow, Russian Federation, Gromova O.A. , Torshin I.Yu. ,   Federal Research Center “Computer Science and Control”, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: January 2025

Lutein is a carotenoid with antioxidant properties, which is intensively accumulated in tissues of organs with high-energy metabolism (eyes, brain, placenta). The role of lutein as a macular pigment of the eye is well studied. However, lutein’s antioxidant activity and effect on vision are not its only properties that are important for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Lutein exhibits an anti-inflammatory effect and positively influences the carbohydrate and fat metabolism, reducing the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), ischemic stroke (IS) and metabolic syndrome. Accumulating in the placenta and contributing to the normalization of blood pressure (BP) in a pregnant woman, lutein can be used to prevent pre-eclampsia. Sufficient lutein supplementation during pregnancy has a positive effect on fetal neurological development, improving the cytoarchitectonics of
the cerebral cortex. Lutein contributes to the prevention of congenital malformations (limb defects and neural tube defects). Moreover, lutein supplementation during pregnancy affects the neuropsychiatric and cognitive development in children at the age of 2 years, verbal intelligence and behavior regulation in children aged 4–6 years. Lutein helps to maintain a normal physiological state of the microbiome by stimulating a greater diversity of the intestinal microbiota in pregnant women.
Study on the Reception and Dissemination of the Brewitt-Taylor’ English Translation of Sanguo yanyi
Authors: Yu Shiyi , Zhu Zhuolu , Yuling Zhang , Wang Juan
Published: January 2025

Sanguo yanyi, a masterpiece among Chinese historical novels, boasts profound historical, cultural, and artistic value. By applying the theory of reader acceptance, we gain insights into how foreign readers perceive, interpret culturally, and emotionally experience the English translation of this novel. This understanding further uncovers the work's impact and potential in international cultural exchange. Our research utilizes the Octopus Collector to gather reader reviews of Brewitt-Taylor's English translation of the novel titled Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Subsequently, we employ KHcoder for data analysis, adopting a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach to examine high-frequency words and semantic graphs. The findings indicate that, overall, overseas readers hold a positive emotional attitude towards Brewitt-Taylor's translation. In terms of emotional analysis, readers highly rate the translator and characters, followed by the plot and narrative. This suggests that, for the international dissemination of classics, the ideological content and inherent values of the works themselves are crucial factors influencing reader acceptance. Consequently, studying overseas readers' evaluations and acceptance of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" provides valuable insights for selecting translation strategies and promoting the international spread of Chinese literary classics.
WITHDRAWN: Measurement of the Casimir force with a natural renormalization and a maximum vacuum frequency
Authors: Kulas Sascha
Published: January 2025

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors since they no longer stand by the findings/conclusions of this work. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Blickmuster auf ein digitalisiertes Lernmittel zum historischen Lernen im Sachunterricht der Grundschule
Authors: Oldenburg Ines , Hillenbrand Clemens , Behrens Dorthe
Published: January 2025

Lernmittel können wertvolle Unterstützungsfunktionen im Rahmen des historischen Lernens im Sachunterricht der Grundschule einnehmen. Von Text-Bild-Kombinationen sind positive Effekte belegt. Besonders für Schüler:innen mit Leseschwierigkeiten ist die lernförderliche Gestaltung des Lernmittels von grosser Bedeutung. Allerdings bleibt unklar, wie Grundschüler:innen im Sachunterricht im Themenbereich des historischen Lernens entsprechende Lernmittel visuell wahrnehmen. Entsprechende Erkenntnisse können wertvolle weiterführende Hinweise für die Gestaltung solcher Lernmittel geben.Ziel dieses Beitrags ist daher, per Eye-tracking erhobene und mittels Scanpath dargestellte Blickmuster von Grundschüler:innen mit und ohne Leseschwierigkeiten kontrastiv zu analysieren. Bisherige erziehungswissenschaftliche Forschungen mit Scanpath-Analysen greifen regelmässig auf solche Kontrastierungen zurück. Zu den Lernmaterialien zum Sachunterricht gibt es jedoch bisher keine Forschung zu grundschulpädagogisch und fachdidaktisch relevanten Aspekten der visuellen Aufmerksamkeit, die zugleich die Heterogenität der Lernenden berücksichtigt.Die Studie vergleicht daher die Blickmuster zweier Schüler:innen mit hoher versus niedriger Leseleistung. Ihnen wird ein Lernmaterial (Kombination von Sachtext und Bildern zum historischen Lernen im Sachunterricht) in digitaler Form am Bildschirm präsentiert. Die Scanpaths werden anschliessend auf Unterschiede hin analysiert: Niedrige Leseleistung hängt mit längeren, unsystematischen und wenig zielgerichteten Blickmustern auf das Lernmaterial zusammen, auch die Nutzung der als Hilfe konzipierten Bildelemente erfolgt ohne erkennbare Systematik. Abschliessend werden Perspektiven für die Gestaltung digitaler Lernmittel und der Unterstützung von Lernprozessen diskutiert.
LOCAL FORMULATION OF HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE USING CALCINED KAOLIN: CASE OF CHAD
Authors:   Laboratory of Buildings and Public Works, University of NDjamena, Chad., Pontchombe Adolphe Ignabaye , Tikri Bianzeube ,   Laboratory of Resistance of Materials and Mechanical Construction, Polytechnic University of Mongo, Chad., Mouangue Nanimina Alexis ,   Mechanical Engineering Department, Higher National Institute of Sciences and Technics of Abeche, Chad., Wel-Doret Djonglibet ,   Laboratory of Study and Research in Industrial Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of NDjamena, Chad.
Published: January 2025

The main aim of the work carried out in this article is to investigate the local formulation and characterization of metakaolin and superplasticizer-based high-performance concretes (HPCs) in Chad. Five types of concrete were formulated, including one control and four others containing metakaolin as a cement substitute in proportions of 5, 10, 15 and 20%. Four concrete properties were evaluated: fresh concrete (density and slump test) and hardened concrete (density and compressive strength at 3, 7, 14 and 28 days), in order to assess the influence of metakaolin in the different compositions. The results obtained show that: (1) the concretes tested have almost identical workability, with a standard deviation of 0.62 (2) in the fresh state, the control concrete has a higher density, justifying the lower mass of the metakaolin, whereas in the hardened state, the density of the high-performance concrete with 20% metakaolin is higher (3) the high-performance concretes show greater kinetics in the evolution of compressive strengths. Simple compressive strengths are observed on HPCs with a maximum of 70.2 MPa on 15% metakaolin concrete, compared with a minimum value of 51.4 MPa on control concrete. Overall, the present work has highlighted the pozzolanic activity between metakaolin and lime released during cement hydration to produce hydrated calcium silicates, and the deflocculating activity of cement grains by the superplasticizer, with the joint aim of improving concrete mechanical strengths and durability.
QUANTUM-INSPIRED CRYPTO SOLUTIONS:PIONEERING SUSTAINABLE FREQUENCIES
Authors:   Graduate, Department of Electronics and Communication, Anna University, Chennai, IN., K.L Jhanavarshini ,   Department of Business Analytics, SRM University, Chennai, IN.
Published: January 2025

This project aims to develop a secure application that leverages quantum, computing and Google Quantum AI with a strong focus on sustainability .The application will employ advanced cryptographic techniques, including XOR gate signal processing and control engineering binomial z-transform methods, to ensure robust security and effectively prevent cybercrime. The application will be powered by renewable energy sources, specifically solar power, hydroelectric energy, and wind turbines. These renewable sources will be integrated with the quantum processor, utilizing AI predictive optimization control to efficiently manage energy consumption and maximize performance.This integration ensures that the application operates at peak efficiency while minimizing its carbon footprint. For example, the quantum processors operation can be optimized to align with the availability of renewable energy. During peak sunlight hours, solar panels can supply abundant power to the quantum processor, while the AI system predicts and adjusts the processors workload accordingly. Similarly, hydroelectric and wind turbine-generated power can be monitored and managed to provide consis- tent energy, ensuring that the quantum processor maintains high efficiency even when renewable energy availability fluctuates. Overall, this project represents a pioneering effort in the integration of quantum computing with sustainable practices, aiming to provide a secure and eco-friendly solution for modern cryptographic challenges.
Propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario de percepción corporal de Porges (BPQ-sf) en una muestra de adultos para población chilena
Authors: Tejada Rivera María Del Carmen , Montemurro Garcia Manuel , -Najar Pacheco Andrés Muñoz , Ceric Garrido Francisco
Published: January 2025

La información interoceptiva consiste en focalizar la atención de la persona sobre sus procesos corporales internos, por ejemplo, las sensaciones gastrointestinales, cardiacas y respiratorias. Existen diferentes cuestionarios para evaluar la sensibilidad interoceptiva y el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario de Percepción Corporal en su versión corta (BPQ-sf). Participaron 276 adultos entre los 18 y 77 años. Se utilizó el BPQ-sf adaptado por Cabrera y Colaboradores (2018) en una versión online. Los resultados demuestran que el modelo de tres factores presentado por Cabrera y colaboradores tiene adecuados indicadores de ajuste. Sin embargo, en el presente estudio propone una estructura más simple, eliminando la carga cruzada del ítem 41, lo que amplía su uso a contextos clínico por mayor facilidad de interpretación.
Configuración y procesos locales de la violencia criminal organizada: el caso Guaymas- Empalme, en el norte de México
Authors: Barragán Bórquez Antonio de Jesús , Núñez Noriega Guillermo
Published: January 2025

Este artículo busca profundizar en la complejidad de la Violencia del Crimen Organizado (VCO) al nivel de los significados, las relaciones entre agentes y los efectos sociales observados en la región Guaymas-Empalme, en el norte de México. Se realizó una investigación documental a partir de estadísticas oficiales sobre homicidios y desaparecidos, así como un análisis de notas periodísticas en el periodo 2016-2020, que es cuando se produce un incremento notable en la incidencia delictiva local. Empleando la perspectiva sociológica de Norbert Elias (1990a; 2008), se encontró que la figuración de una crisis regional de seguridad pública precisa aprehenderla como un conjunto de relaciones de interdependencias entre Estado, agentes criminales y sociedad civil, lo que dota de sentido a la emergente realidad vinculada con la degradación de la calidad de vida societal, expresada en ruptura de la violencia criminal tradicional, victimización específica y generalizada, crecimiento del umbral de tolerancia de “daños colaterales”, estructuras emotivas negativas, movimientos sociales de víctimas permanentes y esporádicos y diálogos unilaterales.
Fórmulas de tratamiento nominales de los youtubers colombianos
Authors: Mahecha Ovalle Andrés
Published: January 2025

La interacción comunicativa constante de los jóvenes en la red social YouTube permite que esta se convierta en un ecosistema virtual válido en el análisis del tratamiento nominal desde la perspectiva sociolingüística. El propósito central de esta investigación se fundamenta en el análisis de las fórmulas de tratamiento nominal, empleadas por los jóvenes en su interacción comunicativa en YouTube, desde la variable extralingüística sexo, edad y lugar de procedencia. La muestra se eligió mediante cuotas de afijación uniforme preestratificada. Asimismo, dadas las características de la población objeto de estudio, se prefirieron aquellos sujetos con un rango de un millón de suscriptores. El análisis de datos se realizó desde la perspectiva de la interacción comunicativa. Los hallazgos centrales evidencian que el sistema de tratamiento nominal usado por los youtubers es restringido en comparación con otros grupos sociales. Se encuentra que las fórmulas están orientadas a la referenciación, exaltación e identificación con los seguidores. Se concluye que esta plataforma de comunicación infiere y restringe de manera directa en los usos de las fórmulas empleadas por los youtubers en su interacción con sus seguidores.
Sum-Rate Maximization in Massive MIMO with Joint Antenna Selection and Power Allocation
Authors: Gois Jonathan , Silva Matheus , Silva Vinicius , Ferreira Tadeu
Published: January 2025

Telecommunications improvements in the last decades have led to an increase in the available data rate and reliability, and to reduce latency. Massive MIMO (mMIMO) has emerged as a promising solution to replace simple antenna setups. This arrangement involves a large number of transmitter antennas compared to the served terminals in the covered area, enabling higher data rates through the key characteristics of mMIMO. Despite its advantages, the utilization of such large arrays is energy-intensive. With fewer antennas, it is possible to achieve high data rates with reduced power consumption. Antenna selection is crucial for energy efficiency while maintaining computational efficiency. Additionally, power allocation in the downlink for each served terminal is an important step to consider. This work aims to propose a joint algorithm for selecting antennas and distributing energy among terminals, simplifying the process through low-complexity algorithms. The results show the penalty in sum-rate capacity for each proposed method. The two proposed algorithms demonstrate an adequate approach to the target value asymptotically as the number of transmitter antennas increases. This implies the possibility of achieving the joint process with significantly lower computational costs compared to perform antenna selection and power allocation separately.
Detection and selection of dye-degrading bacteria from surface waters with different degrees of contamination
Authors: Grifes Paisan Luciana , Carballo Rodrigo Andrés , Papalia Mariana , Fortunato María Susana , Radice Marcela , Korol Sonia Edith , Gallego Alfredo
Published: January 2025

Biodegradability and resistance from indigenous bacterial communities to dyes were tested using samples from both polluted and unpolluted surface waters in Buenos Aires. Five dyes were selected for the study: Acid Black 210, Direct Orange 39, Malachite Green, Gentian Violet, and Alizarin Red. Water quality was assessed by measuring chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen demand, and both Escherichia coli and enterococci counts. Biodegradability was tested using a respirometric method, while resistance was assessed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). No bacterial strains capable of degrading the dyes as the sole carbon source were isolated from the respirometric tests. However, from the MIC tests, 28 strains capable of dye discolouration were identified, using nutrient broth as a supplement. Two of them were able to degrade Malachite Green and Acid Black 210 at a concentration of 50 mg L−1 in less than 24 h and with an efficiency greater than 87%. These strains were identified as Aeromonas sp. and Shewanella sp. through MALDI-TOF/MS and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The determination of biodegradability and resistance can be used to enhance the characterization of watercourses. Furthermore, this methodology provides a means to isolate biodegrading bacteria that could be applied in effluent treatment processes.
Integrating MODFLOW and LSTM models for enhanced groundwater management in the coastal plains of Lattakia Governorate
Authors: Motawej Hadia
Published: January 2025

Effective groundwater management is vital for ensuring the sustainability of water resources, particularly in regions with significant agricultural and residential demands. This study focuses on the coastal plain of Lattakia Governorate, a 140-km2 area southeast of Lattakia city, bounded by the Mediterranean Sea, the Al-Kabir Al-Shamali River, and the Al-Sanobar River. The objective was to evaluate the performance of the MODFLOW model, within the Groundwater Modeling System (GMS), for simulating groundwater levels and to assess the predictive capabilities of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks for forecasting temporal changes in groundwater levels. The methodology involved data collection from thirty observation wells, preprocessing for model calibration, and the integration of MODFLOW and LSTM outputs to create a hybrid framework. Findings indicate that MODFLOW effectively simulates physical groundwater processes, while LSTM captures nonlinear and temporal dynamics. The integration of these models reduced prediction errors by up to 20% compared to standalone approaches, enhancing prediction accuracy and reliability. This study provides a novel approach to groundwater management, offering actionable insights for sustainable agricultural practices, residential water security, and pollution mitigation. The proposed framework demonstrates scalability and adaptability to similar hydrological settings globally, contributing to the advancement of integrated groundwater management strategies.
Recent Progress in Curcumin: Extraction, Purification, and Bioactivity
Authors: Cao Hong-Mei , Zhao Pei-Hong , Zhao Yi-Tao , Fang Jiao-Jiao , Wang Ya-Nan , Chen Xin
Published: January 2025

Curcumin is a natural plant pigment that has been widely used in food production,
drug development, and textile engineering. Gaining a deep understanding of the biological
activities of curcumin and obtaining high-purity curcumin are of vital importance
for basic research and applications of curcumin. In this review, we summarize recent advances
in curcumin, mainly focusing on the methods of extracting and purifying curcumin
from turmeric as well as applications based on biological activity. We systematically
describe the advantages and disadvantages of traditional and modern extraction technologies.
The usual purification methods include conventional methods (such as macroporous
resin column chromatography and silica gel column chromatography, etc.) and
auxiliary modern technologies (such as high-speed countercurrent chromatography and
supercritical fluid chromatography). In terms of biological activity, the phenolic hydroxy
group and methoxy group of curcumin are closely related to its antioxidant activity,
endowing it with strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties.
Moreover, the development direction based on its multiple biological activities is also
discussed.
Investigation of the Antibacterial Activity and Antiproliferative Properties of Ag Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Lavandula angustifolia Sevtopolis Extract against Prostate Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Mert Sivri Firdevs , Akkoc Senem , Onem Ebru , Allaberdyyeva Maysa , Saribas Rafet
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using Lavandula
angustifolia Sevtopolis (LA Sevtapolis) plant extract without using any reducing or stabilizing
agent.

Methods:

The morphologies, optical properties, and crystallinities of the prepared AgNPs were determined
using scanning electron microscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction.

Results:

The antibacterial activities of the synthesized AgNPs against some gram-negative and
gram-positive bacterial species were investigated. The lowest effect was observed against the
Gram-positive B. cereus ATCC 11778 with a concentration of 0.0375 μg/mL. Additionally, the toxic
effect on the human normal cell line HEK-293T and the antiproliferative activity against the
prostate (PC3) cancer cell line were examined. The IC50 values of AgNPs against PC3 and HEK-
293T cells were found to be 4.72 μL/mL and 6.838 μL/mL, respectively.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, due to their antiproliferative and antibacterial activities, AgNPs synthesized
using LA Sevtopolis extract were found to have potential applications in various biomedical
fields.
Potential Plant-based Remedies for Gouty Arthritis: A Comprehensive Review on Counterweighing the Inflammatory Pathways
Authors: Thakuria Rupama , Chetia Purbajit , Mustaque Abu Saif
Published: January 2025

The complex etiology of Gouty Arthritis (GA) makes it a multidimensional illness for
which there are now no effective therapeutic therapies that can stop its development entirely. This
review examines how effectively different plants and their constituents reduce blood uric acid levels
and lessen the predisposition to gout. Research has looked at the possible roles of oxidative stress
markers, inflammatory pathways, important transport and signaling proteins, and the health benefits
of different plants and their components in the development of GA. Plant remedies have been used
for a long time to treat human and animal ailments. Most people in developing countries use traditional
plant-based medicine for basic care due to its affordability, availability, and cultural acceptability.
This review aims to gather comprehensive information on plants and their compounds that
exhibit anti-gout activities, focusing on in vitro and in vivo investigations. The scientific database
was searched by using different keywords, and papers published between March 2008 and December
2023 were considered. The inclusion criteria were publications on inflammatory mediators, free radicals,
oxidative stress, or proteins in gout etiology or evolution, along with plant-based remedies.
Finally, 27 publications based on inclusion and exclusion criteria reported the active compounds and
analyzed parameters and outcomes of research carried out with these medicinal plants. This paper
extensively explores the potential mechanism of employing medicinal herbs for the management of
gout. However, more investigation is needed to fully comprehend the role that various biomarkers
play in the development of GA, as well as to investigate the possible functions of different plants and
the substances found in them.
MultiWOZ-PT Um Conjunto de Diálogos Orientados a Tarefas em Português
Authors: Ferreira Patrícia , Pais Francisco , Silva Catarina , Alves Ana , Oliveira Hugo Gonçalo
Published: January 2025

Apesar do amplo uso da língua portuguesa, corpos de diálogos em português, disponíveis publicamente e com anotações, são escassos. Isto torna ainda mais desafiante o desenvolvimento de sistemas de diálogo eficazes que comuniquem nesta língua. Assim, apresentamos o MultiWOZ-PT, um novo conjunto de diálogos orientados a tarefas, resultado da tradução manual de uma parte do conjunto MultiWOZ para a variedade europeia do português, e da adaptação da sua base de dados. Fornecemos diretrizes abrangentes sobre o processo de criação do MultiWOZ-PT e, para demonstrar a sua utilidade prática, realizamos experiências em dois cenários orientados a tarefas: Reconhecimento de Intenções e Monitorização do Estado do Diálogo, ambos úteis para sistemas de diálogo. Os resultados obtidos ilustram a utilidade do conjunto de dados e o seu potencial para treinar e avaliar modelos de compreensão de linguagem natural e gestão de diálogo para o português. Assim sendo, o MultiWOZ-PT constitui uma contribuição significativa para o processamento computacional dessa língua, incentivando mais pesquisas e desenvolvimento de trabalho nas áreas alvo.
Explorando a Eficácia das Linguagens Generativas em Tarefas de Análise de Sentimentos no Português Brasileiro
Authors: Tiago de Melo  , Gladson de Araújo  , Carlos Maurício S. Figueiredo
Published: January 2025

Modelos de linguagem de grande escala (LLMs) têm se destacado em diversas tarefas de processamento de linguagem natural (PLN). Este artigo investiga sua eficácia em tarefas de análise de sentimentos no contexto do português brasileiro, explorando a identificação de frases opinativas, polaridade e frases comparativas. O estudo avalia o desempenho de modelos como ChatGPT e Sabiá em diferentes tarefas e conjuntos de dados, comparando-os com métodos da literatura. Ainda, exploramos o uso de LLMs na anotação automática de dados. Os resultados demonstram o potencial dos LLMs na análise de sentimentos, especialmente na identificação de polaridade, e discutem suas limitações e aplicações em tarefas de anotação de dados.
Aperfeiçoando a Hifenização Automática em Português no TeX
Authors: Araujo Leonardo Carneiro , Benevides Aline
Published: January 2025

As regras de hifenização do português para o TeX têm sido utilizadas há mais de três décadas, apresentando um bom desempenho geral. Entretanto, ainda há hifenizações incorretas e pontos de hifenização não identificados. Esses pontos, embora em sua maioria ocorram perto das bordas das palavras e sejam irrelevantes para fins tipográficos no TeX, podem ser relevantes em contextos específicos, como ao lidar com palavras fora do léxico padrão ou com aplicações que fazem o uso da segmentação silábica/tipográfica. A partir de uma análise de 49.528 palavras hifenizadas, obtidas de dicionários online, propusemos 120 novas regras para serem incorporadas às regras existentes de hifenização do português. Além disso, utilizamos o patgen para criar novas regras ou melhorar as já existentes. No entanto, as regras geradas pelo patgen não demonstraram boa capacidade de generalização. Em última análise, as regras manuais ajustadas apresentaram o melhor desempenho, resultando em um aumento de 2.1% na taxa de acertos. O número de pontos de hifenização corretos aumentou de 38.519 para 39.808, enquanto os pontos de hifenização incorretos diminuíram drasticamente de 2.059 para 33. Importante ressaltar também que as regras elaboradas manualmente demonstraram uma melhor capacidade de generalização do que as regras geradas automaticamente pelo patgen.
Detecção de posicionamentos a partir de textos usando expansão semiautomática de córpus
Authors: Farias Pena Pereira Camila , Paraboni Ivandré
Published: January 2025

A detecção computacional de posicionamentos---a tarefa de determinar, a partir de um texto de entrada, a atitude ou posição (e.g., favorável ou contrária) em relação a um tópico-alvo específico---geralmente depende de córpus rotulados com informações de posicionamentos para cada tópico de interesse. Uma vez que esses tópicos são em princípio ilimitados, a necessidade de novos córpus rotulados também o é. Como forma de amenizar algumas dessas dificuldades, este trabalho adapta para a detecção de posicionamento um método de expansão de córpus originalmente desenvolvido para a tarefa análoga de análise de sentimento. O método é então aplicado a um grande (46 mil instâncias) córpus de posicionamentos cobrindo seis temas de interesse político e/ou moral em português brasileiro, obtendo um aumento substancial no número de instâncias. Resultados de avaliação automática e humana sugerem que a adição de instâncias rotuladas semiautomaticamente ao conjunto de dados original não prejudica a precisão da classificação, e que os rótulos gerados automaticamente estão, em sua maioria, corretos.
Reconhecimento de Entidades Nomeadas e Vazamento de Dados em Textos Legislativos
Authors: Rafael Oleques Nunes  , Spritzer André Susliz , Freitas Carla Maria Dal Sasso , Balreira Dennis Giovani
Published: January 2025

Este trabalho trata do vazamento de dados no treinamento de modelos de Reconhecimento de Entidades Nomeadas (NER) em textos legislativos em português brasileiro, resultante de duplicatas e anotações inconsistentes, o que compromete a avaliação dos modelos. Após corrigir esse vazamento no corpus UlyssesNER-Br, foi realizado um novo benchmark, comparando os resultados com estudos anteriores em um cenário mais confiável. Também foi reavaliada uma abordagem semissupervisionada utilizando autoaprendizado e amostragem ativa. No entanto, ao reutilizar um threshold fixo, escolhido a partir de uma nuvem de valores antes da correção, os resultados foram insatisfatórios. Isso indica que um threshold dinâmico, que se adapte às características dos dados pós-correção, poderá proporcionar uma avaliação mais eficiente e precisa, indicando a necessidade de futuros estudos sobre a escolha de thresholds.
Why Severability? A New Theory of the Effect of Invalid Treaty Reservations
Authors: Linderfalk Ulf
Published: January 2025

The 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties does not establish the effect of an invalid reservation to a treaty. Still, it leaves this issue to the discretion of legal decision makers. These have developed two different approaches to the problem. According to the first approach, a State that makes an invalid reservation to a treaty does not become a party. According to a second approach, the invalid reservation is severed, and the reserving State is a party without benefitting from the reservation. The second approach –the severability solution, so-called– can be observed mainly in the practice of human rights courts and treaty monitoring bodies. None of them have produced any complete and convincing explanation as to why the severability solution should be preferred to the alternative. Neither have any of the human rights scholars written about the issue. This article fills this critical gap. It introduces a new theory of the effect of invalid treaty reservations. This theory provides an answer to the general question of why, in the application of human rights treaties, the severability solution should be adopted, whereas in the application of many other treaties, it should not.
Exergaming system for exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation in heart failure patients: HEFMOB development and usability assessment study (Preprint)
Authors: Blasco-Peris Carles , Alcolea Juan Pedro , Seguí Barbara , Zaragoza Rocio , Climent-Paya Vicente , Fuertes-Kenneally Laura , Manresa-Rocamora Agustín , Sanz-Rocher Ana , Baladzhaeva Sabina , Manuel Sarabia José
Published: January 2025

BACKGROUND

Heart failure is a growing global health concern. Exergaming is a promising alternative to conventional exercise programs for patients with heart failure (HF). However, existing research has limitations, and the integration of exergaming into clinical practice remains challenging.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to design and develop an exergaming prototype (i.e., HEFMOB), which encompasses a lower limb aerobic exercise game and an upper limb coordination and mobilization game, and to assess the usability of the prototype.

METHODS

The usability evaluation had two phases: the initial assessment by the researchers, and the user-rated analysis of a single session by 10 patients (4 women) with HF. The sessions were recorded and individually evaluated by two researchers using the Serious Game Usability Evaluator (SGUE) tool. After each session, the participants completed the System Usability Scale (SUS) and a subscale of Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI) to rate the usability of the exergaming prototype and enjoyment, respectively. Participants reported more negative events (e.g., confusion [n = 76]) than neutral (n = 49) and positive events (n = 11).

RESULTS

The mean ± standard deviation (SD) SUS score was 71.5 ± 17.8 and the mean ± SD IMI score was 25.1 ± 3.5, showing a good user-rated usability and high level of interest, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

HEFMOB represents a significant initial step in developing an exergaming prototype customized for CHF. HEFMOB seems usable, and participants experienced satisfaction in a single session. Future research is required to conclusively demonstrate the efficacy and effectiveness of HEFMOB.