bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BNIP3 + cancer-associated fibroblasts and their associated genes are accelerators of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Shao Rundong , Zhang Lei , Zhao Zhenzhen , Zhang Heng , Zhang Zhigang , Yan Zhengyuan , Xiong Bo
Published: July 2024

Background
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most malignant gastrointestinal tumors. Due to the difficulty of early diagnosis and limited treatment, the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients is very poor. Pancreatic cancer is characterized by high interstitial fibrosis, in which activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) plays a key role. CAFs is the most abundant cell in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, with a high degree of plasticity, and participates in various processes of tumor development through crosstalk with tumor cells and other cells in the microenvironment. Elucidate the heterogeneity of CAFs and its mechanism of action, which helps find a new effective treatment for pancreatic cancer.
Methods
We used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) transcriptomics to analyze fibroblasts from pancreatic cancer patient specimens. This approach was able to identify key subpopulations of fibroblasts and elucidate their contribution to pancreatic cancer progression. Subsequently, we established a prediction model for pancreatic cancer using Cox regression and the LASSO algorithm and conducted cell experiments to verify it.
Results
Our study identified a BNIP3 + tumor-associated fibroblast and used this cell-associated gene to construct a prognostic model of pancreatic cancer, a feature that effectively divided PDAC patients into high-risk and low-risk groups and outperformed traditional clinicopathological features in predicting survival outcomes in pancreatic cancer patients. In vitro co-culture experiments showed that BNIP3 + fibroblasts could have more effects on pancreatic cancer cells.
Conclusion
We screened C1 BNIP3 + pancreatic cancer-associated fibroblasts, which advanced our knowledge and understanding of CAFs heterogeneity. The prognostic model we constructed can effectively predict the prognosis and treatment response of pancreatic cancer.
Metformin regulates cellulase production in Trichoderma reesei via calcium signaling and mitochondrial function
Authors: Wang Jiajia , Chen Yumeng , Cong Jiawei , Wang Wei
Published: July 2024

Background
Trichoderma reesei is renowned for its cellulase-producing ability and is used for the biofuel-production-sourced lignocellulose. In plants and fungi, cellulase production is induced by cellulose and suppressed by glucose; however, whether metformin can enhance cellulase production and mitochondrial function in T. reesei remains unclear. Metformin may reduce blood glucose levels by inhibiting hepatic gluconeogenesis; therefore, it is worth investigating whether metformin transmission modulates cellulase biosynthesis in T. reesei.
Results
Metformin increases cellulase activity and the transcription of cellulase-related genes. It also enhances the concentrations of Ca2+ in the cytosol and mitochondria and regulates the transcription levels of cellulase-related genes by modulating calcium homeostasis in T. reesei QM6a. In addition, metformin was identified as an antioxidant that can enhance cellulase activity by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our results demonstrated that metformin influences the state of the mitochondria by enhancing mitochondrial activity and membrane potential to promote cellulase production.
Conclusion
Collectively, these results indicate that metformin is a potential novel inducer that can scavenge ROS, protect mitochondrial activity, and enhance cellulase production in T. reesei.
Experimental realisation of a universal inverse-design magnonic device
Authors: Chumak Andrii , Zenbaa Noura , Abert Claas , Majcen Fabian , Kerber Michael , Serha Rostyslav , Knauer Sebastian , Wang Qi , Schrefl Thomas , Suess Dieter
Published: July 2024

In the field of magnonics, which uses magnons, the quanta of spin waves, for energy-efficient data processing, significant progress has been made leveraging the capabilities of the inverse design concept. This approach involves defining a desired functionality and employing a feedback-loop algorithm to optimise the device design. In this study, we present the first experimental demonstration of a reconfigurable, lithography-free, and simulation-free inverse-design device capable of implementing various RF components. The device features a square array of independent direct current loops that generate a complex reconfigurable magnetic medium atop a Yttrium-Iron-Garnet (YIG) rectangular film for data processing in the gigahertz range. Showcasing its versatility, the device addresses inverse problems using two algorithms to create RF notch filters and demultiplexers. Additionally, the device holds promise for binary, reservoir, and neuromorphic computing applications.
Assessment of Elemental Composition in Ultramafic Parent Material and Derived Soils Using Pollution Indices
Authors: KARA Zekeriya , SALTALI Kadir , RIZAOĞLU Tamer , BANİ Aida
Published: July 2024

The occurrence of heavy metals in agricultural areas, whether due to natural processes or human activities, poses significant risks to both the ecosystem and public health through their incorporation into the food chain via plants. This study aimed to evaluate the concentrations of metals and the pollution risk levels in ultramafic soils within Kahramanmaraş and its surrounding districts (Türkoğlu, Ekinözü, Afşin) in the Eastern Mediterranean region. A total of 56 samples, consisting of 28 surface soil samples (0-30 cm) and 28 parent material samples (90 cm+), were collected from these areas. Various pollution indices, including the enrichment factor (EF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI), and contamination factor (CF), were utilized to assess both natural and human-induced impacts on the ultramafic soils. The findings indicated that the concentrations of Ni, Cr, and Co in the topsoil layer (0-30 cm) exceeded the maximum limits established by the World Health Organization. Despite this, the pollution indices (EF, Igeo, PLI, and CF) for these elements were relatively low, suggesting a similar composition between the parent material and the soil. This points to the natural occurrence of these heavy metals in the soil. On the other hand, the pollution indices for Pb and Cu indicated human-related influences on these elements. Additionally, there was no significant enrichment of Mn or Cd from either natural or human sources. Environmental hazards such as erosion and dusting are common in areas affected by pollution, whether natural or anthropogenic. To address these issues, specific management practices are necessary, such as reducing soil disturbance in polluted agricultural zones or maintaining permanent vegetation cover to stabilize the soil.
Signal-Enhanced Cross-Coupled Map Lattice andApplication in Spatiotemporal Chaotic Hash Functions
Authors: Li Yuxuan , Dai Lin
Published: July 2024

In recent years, nonlinear science, particularly chaotic systems, has garnered significant research interest. Cross-coupled maplattices (CCML) represent a typical spatiotemporal chaotic structure, commonly utilized in data security fields such as hashfunctions. However, traditional CCMLs have a limited chaotic parameter range, and their chaotic effects need enhancement,restricting their application in cryptography. This paper proposes an improved signal-enhanced cross-coupled map lattice(SE-CCML), which addresses the limitations of traditional CCMLs. Through experimental analysis, we demonstrate that theimproved SE-CCML offers a broader continuous chaotic space and exhibits superior chaotic dynamics. These enhancementsmake it more suitable for cryptographic applications, significantly improving security performance compared to its predecessors.Utilizing the designed SE-CCML, we develop a concise new hash function and evaluate its security performance. The resultsindicate that the proposed hash function possesses excellent confusion and diffusion properties, strong resistance to collisions,and high security, effectively withstanding common types of analytical attacks. It meets the requirements for hash functionsacross various domains. Our work provides a novel solution for secure hash functions. The signal-enhanced cross-coupledmap lattice improves the security of spatiotemporal chaotic encryption algorithms, making it applicable to diverse encryptionscenarios such as image encryption and block encryption.
The influence of social network on depressive and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: findings from a Swedish cohort study
Authors: Murphy Gillian L. , Joyce Emily E. , Lovik Anikó , Gísladóttir Elísabet U. , Vincze Katalin , Kähler Anna K. , Frans Emma M. , Valdimarsdóttir Unnur A. , Sullivan Patrick F. , Barker Mary , Fang Fang
Published: July 2024

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the associations between components of social networks and depressive and anxiety symptoms over 12 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden. Specifically, we aimed to explore how social networks influence mental health outcomes during the pandemic, and how these relationships change over time.
Methods
Data from the Omtanke2020 study, a prospective cohort study of Swedish adults, were analyzed using structural equation modeling (N = 10,918). Surveys administered at baseline, six-month follow-up, and one-year follow-up collected information on social network variables and mental health (i.e., depressive and anxiety symptoms). Dynamic structural equation modeling (DSEM), adjusted for relevant covariates, was used to observe changes in the associations between social networks and mental health over time.
Results
Stronger perceived social support, specifically closeness to family, perceived warmth or love from others, and increased societal cohesion, were consistently negatively correlated with depressive and anxiety symptoms across all time points (β magnitude range = -0.14 – -0.23, all p’s < 0.001). While the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms decreased over the study period, social network variables remained stable predictors of depressive and anxiety symptoms. Adjusted DSEM revealed weaker correlations between social network and mental health symptoms at baseline (β = -0.17, p < 0.001), compared to social network and mental health symptoms at the one-year follow-up (β = -0.21, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
This study supports the beneficial role of perceived social support in mitigating depressive and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. It underscores the importance of fostering strong social networks, especially in times of crisis, and suggests the most important elements of social support to be incorporated into future interventions.
COVID-19 in relation to chronic antihistamine prescription
Authors: Puigdellívol-Sánchez Anna , JUANES-GONZÁLEZ Marta , CALDERÓN-VALDIVIEZO Ana , LOSA-PUIG Helena , VALLS-FOIX Roger , GONZÁLEZ-SALVADOR Marta , LOZANO-PAZ Celia , VIDAL-ALABALL Josep
Published: July 2024

Background Residents with COVID-19 of two external nursing homes received early treatment with an antihistamine and azithromycin. All residents had positive serology for COVID-19 after the first wave, but no hospitalizations or deaths occurred. We assessed whether patients receiving chronic antihistamines in our institution showed lower rates of COVID-19 evolution to severe disease.Methods COVID-19 admissions in the public Hospital of Terrassa (n = 1461) during the pandemic period (March 11th ,2020-May 5th ,2023) and cases (n = 32888) during the period of full suspicion diagnosis (June 1st ,2020-March 23rd ,2022), within the assigned population at the Terrassa Health Consortium in March 2020 (n = 140,681), were analyzed. The infection-hospital admissions and death rates were referred to the number of chronic treatments (nT), including or not antihistamines (AntiHm or NOAntiHm) and the vaccination status before the first infection (VAC or NoVAC), together with gender and age.Results The odds ratio (OD) NoVAC/VAC for infection-hospitalization-death was 1.69-1.83-1.91 respectively (p < 0.0000001). The infection OD increased with the number of chronic treatments NoVAC: 28% (0nT)-48%( > = 6nT) (p = 0.0000001). The OD NoVAC NoAntiHm/AntiHm for infection (1nT) was 1.13 (p = 0.048), hospital admission 2.46 (2-6nT)-1.58 ( > = 7nT) (p = 0.005) and 1.94 for death > = 6nT 1.94 (p = 0.03). [VACNoAntiHm/AntiHm OD for infection = 0.7(1nT); hospital admission = 2.05(2-6nT)-1.46 (> 07nT); death = 1.06(n > 6nT) (p > = 0.05)]. No death occurred in AntiHm patients < = 5nT (vs 0,059% in NoAntiHmNoVAC-0.026%VAC).Conclusions Patients with chronic antihistamine prescriptions, alone or with polypharmacy, showed reduced infection, hospital admission, and mortality rates. This finding is consistent with previous descriptive studies, suggesting the safety of antihistamine treatment and the need to explore its effectiveness in a prospective trial.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Suicide: Evidence from South Korea
Authors: Kim Dongyoung , Kim Pyoungsik
Published: July 2024

Objectives
The COVID-19 pandemic led to public health crises beyond the direct casualties from the virus itself. This study assesses the impact of COVID-19 on suicide rates in South Korea, which implemented effective policy interventions against COVID-19 and has one of the highest suicide rates among member states of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Study design
A county fixed effects model.
Methods
We analyze county-level data covering the 2017-2022 period from the National Statistical Office of Korea and use a county fixed effects model. The primary outcome is the suicide rate per 100,000 population. Our main analysis compares pre-pandemic suicide rates (2019) with those during the pandemic (2020-2022) at bimonthly frequency, focusing on the population aged 20-59 years.
Results
We find that, in contrast to the initial global concerns about potential increases in suicide because of pandemic-related stress, suicide rates significantly decreased during the pandemic. However, this trend was not uniform: young women experienced fluctuating suicide rates, highlighting a demographic-specific impact. The study also finds that both people who died by suicide and people who died of other causes were more likely to have a college diploma and were less likely to be married. Additionally, there are mixed results regarding the location of death. Overall, the pandemic appears to have had a complex effect on suicide behaviors in South Korea.
Conclusions
The findings underscore the need for targeted mental health interventions, especially for vulnerable groups such as young women. The findings also emphasize the importance of considering demographic-specific responses in public health strategies to better address the mental health consequences of large-scale crises.
Quantum algorithm for finding minimum values in a Quantum Random Access Memory
Authors: Albino Anton S. , Galvão Lucas Q. , Neto Mauro Q. Nooblath , Hansen Ethan , Cruz Clebson
Published: July 2024

Finding the minimum value in an unordered database is a common and fundamental task in computer science. However, the optimal classical deterministic algorithm can find the minimum value with a time complexity that grows linearly with the number of elements in the database. In this paper, we present the proposal of a quantum algorithm for finding the minimum value of a database, which is quadratically faster than its best classical analogs. We assume a Quantum Random Access Memory (QRAM) that stores values from a database and performs an iterative search based on an oracle whose role is to limit the searched values by controlling the states of the most significant qubits. A complexity analysis was performed in order to demonstrate the advantage of this quantum algorithm over its classical counterparts.
Rolling bearing fault diagnosis technique based on time-shifted multi-scale attentional entropy and SSA-KELM
Authors: wang yu , wang bing
Published: July 2024

Fault diagnosis of rolling bearings, as a critical and fragile rotary support component in mechanical equipment, has been a hot issue. A rolling bearing fault diagnosis technique based on Time-Shifted Multi-scale Attentional Entropy and sparrow search optimisation algorithm with kernel-extreme learning machine (TSMATE-SSA-KELM for short) is proposed. Firstly, to address the problem of insufficient coarse-graining of multi-scale attentional entropy (MATE), a tool for measuring signal complexity - Time-Shifted Multi-scale Attentional Entropy - is proposed to construct multidimensional fault feature vectors.Secondly, the Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA), which has strong optimization ability and fast convergence speed, is introduced to optimize the regularization coefficient C and the γ kernel function parameter γ of the Kernel-Extreme Learning Machine (KELM) in order to obtain the optimal parameter combinations, to solve the problem that the KELM parameters are difficult to be adjusted, and to construct the optimal SSA-KELM model. Finally, an example analysis is carried out using the bearing failure dataset of Jiangnan University to verify the influence of parameters and the effectiveness of the model. The results show that compared with different feature vector input and learning models (e.g., MATE, SVM, ELM, etc.), the proposed technique can achieve 99.85% accuracy, and it has potential engineering applications with fast computation speed and high diagnostic efficiency.
Unraveling the role of contaminants reshaping the microflora in Zea mays seeds from heavy metal-contaminated and pristine environment
Authors: Awais Muhammad , Xianga Yingying , Shah Naila , Bilal Harat , Yang Dezhi , Hu Haiyan , Li Tao , Ji Xiuling , Li Haiyan
Published: July 2024

Heavy metal (HM) contaminants are the emerging driving force for reshaping the microflora of plants by eradicating the non-tolerance and non-resistant microbes via their lethal effects. Seeds serve as a primary source of microbial transmission from one plant generation to the next however, being exposed to metal contamination reshapes their microflora through generations. In this study, the endophytic diversity was compared within Zea mays seeds between three distinct regions in Yunnan province China i.e., HM-contaminated sites (AK) less-contaminated (SD), and a non-contaminated Site (DL). High throughput sequencing technique were used to analyze 492,177 high-quality reads for bacteria and 1,001,229 optimized sequences for fungi. Reads of interest were grouped into operational taxonomic units (OTUs), assigned to microbial genomes and analyzed for taxonomic information, alpha and beta diversity, taxonomic composition, and differential analyses. A higher diversity was recorded in AK samples than in SD and DL. Microbial community structure analysis showed higher diversity and significant fluctuation in specific taxa abundance in the metal-polluted samples exhibiting higher response of microbial flora to HM. In AK samples Gordonia and Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderi, were HM-resistant while Pseudomonas and Streptomyces showed moderate tolerance to HM. Fungal taxa such as Fusarium, Saccharomycopsis, and Lecanicillium also showed metal tolerance. The results revealed the role of HM in reshaping the microflora and their response in maize seeds. While investigating the microbiome from different environments of maize seeds using sequencing technology, the study will help in studying the microbiome shifts under HM conditions aiding better management strategies for reclaiming contaminated soil and crop management.
Optimal entanglement witness of multipartite systems using support vector machine approach
Authors: Mahdian Mohmoud , Mousavi Zahra
Published: July 2024

An entanglement witness (EW) is a Hermitian operator that can distinguish an entangled state from all separable states. We developed and implemented a numerical method based on machine learning to create multipartite EW. Using a Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithm, we construct EW's based on local orthogonal observables in the form of a hyperplane that separates the separable region from the entangled state for two, three, and four qubits Bell-diagonal mixed states which can be generalized to a multipartite mixed state. One of the important features of this method is that the EW s are optimal and are completely tangent to the separable region. Also, we generate non-decomposable EW's that can detect positive partial transpose entangled states (PPTES).
Chemotaxis-driven hybrid liposomes trilogically recover intestinal homeostasis for targeted therapy of ulcerative colitis
Authors: Hu Kaili , Pan Xier , Li Yushu , Zhao Xiao , Zhang Jiaxin , Xian Peng , Song Yangjie , Nan Yunrong , Ni Shuting
Published: July 2024

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is tightly linked to the dysbiosis of intestinal homeostasis, accompanied by the intestinal epithelial barrier destruction, subsequent inflammatory factor infiltration, and excessive oxidative stress. However, conventional therapeutics only focus on suppressing inflammation and often suffer from metabolic instability as well as limited targeting, thereby leading to suboptimal remission rates and severe side effects. Here, we initially fabricated bacterial outer membrane vesicle (OMV, from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia)-fused and borneol-modified liposomes (BO/OMV-lipo@LU) to deliver luteolin for targeted therapy of UC by recovering intestinal homeostasis. Benefitting from the chemotaxis-driven colon-targeting ability of OMVs and intestinal epithelial uptake promotion of borneol, the hybrid liposomes exhibited excellent targeting capability towards the inflamed colon. Moreover, under the combined effects of OMVs and borneol, interestingly, the hybrid liposomes achieved deep penetration into the mucosa for better uptake of luteolin by the intestinal epithelium. Notably, BO/OMV-lipo@LU with favorable biosafety exerted promising therapeutic efficacy and trilogically recovered intestinal homeostasis in UC by alleviating intestinal inflammation, modulating redox balance, and restoring intestinal epithelial barriers. These results demonstrated that such a biomimetic nanoplatform could be exploited as a safe and effective gut-targeted delivery system for UC intervention.
Copper-catalyzed Intermolecular Regio- and Enantioselective Hy-drosilylation of Alkenes with Prochiral Silanes
Authors: Xu Yun-He , Zhu Xiao-Yan , Gao Wenyu , Xu Jian-Lin , Wang Zi-Lu , Zhao Jinbo
Published: July 2024

This study presents a copper-catalyzed, substrate-controlled regio- and enantioselective intermolecular hydrosilylation method capable of accommodating a broad scope of alkenes and prochiral silanes. The approach offers an efficient and versatile pathway to generate enantioenriched linear and branched alkyl-substituted Si-stereogenic silanes. Key features of this reaction include mild reaction conditions, simple catalytic systems, compatibility with diverse substrates, high yields, and enantioselectivities.
Childhood and demographic predictors of life evaluation, life satisfaction, and happiness:
A cross-national analysis of the Global Flourishing Study
Authors: Lomas Tim , Koga Hayami , Padgett R. , Pawelski James , Kim Eric , Makridis Christos , Gundersen Craig , Bradshaw Matt , Pertel Noémie Le , Shiba Koichiro , Johnson Byron , VanderWeele Tyler
Published: July 2024

Subjective wellbeing has increasingly attracted attention across academia and beyond (e.g., policy making). However, the research literature has various shortcomings, including (1) conceptual confusion around key constructs, (2) limited and fragmented understanding of contextual dynamics, and (3) a lack of cross-cultural consideration. This paper reports on data from an ambitious research endeavour capable of redressing these three issues: the Global Flourishing Study (GFS), an intended five-year (minimum) panel study investigating the predictors of human flourishing. In addressing the aforementioned issues, first, the GFS has separate items for three constructs at the heart of subjective wellbeing that are often used interchangeably but are actually distinct: life evaluation; life satisfaction, and happiness. Second, the GFS enables an analysis of the association with these constructs of 15 contextual factors (eight relating to childhood, four demographic, and three pertaining to both). Third, the GFS includes (in this first year) 202,898 participants from 22 geographically and culturally diverse countries. Regarding contextual factors, all 15 had a significant association with all three outcome variables, with the largest variation observed being for self-reported health among the childhood predictors and employment status among the demographic factors. Significantly though, the overall patterns were not uniform across countries, suggesting the trends observed are not inevitable or universal, but are contingent on socio-cultural factors. The findings provide a better understanding of, and the foundation for future work on, the conceptual, contextual, and cross-cultural dynamics of this important topic.
Comparing Deep Learning Approaches for SAR Imaging: Electromagnetic and Segmentation-Driven Simulation versus Image-to-Image Style Transfer
Authors: Letheule Nathan , Weissgerber Flora , Lobry Sylvain , Colin Elise
Published: July 2024

This article explores two innovative approaches to simulating synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images from their optical modality equivalents using deep learning methods; one approach also incorporates a physical simulator. The goal is to generate realistic images of large scenes, which could be used for training supervised recognition algorithms or pilot training. We explore, on one hand, the use of conditional generative adversarial networks (cGAN) for supervised transfer from the optical to the radar modality. On the other hand, we use EMPRISE, a physical simulator developed by ONERA, which utilizes a description of materials present in the scene, and we consider achieving this description through supervised semantic segmentation of the optical image. The evaluation of the realism of the obtained SAR images focuses on the fidelity of textures, as well as the presence of bright scatterers. We propose to use the Bhattacharyya distance between the second and third log-cumulant diagrams of the real and simulated images to assess the fidelity of textures. We consider three complementary criteria for evaluating bright point similarity, in particular the chamfer distance between the point clouds detected in both real and simulated images. In our dataset, the cGAN model fails to generate bright points effectively, whereas EMPRISE generates a point cloud with an approximate chamfer distance of 15 pixels. Moreover, EMPRISE tends to overgenerate bright points in the simulated images but demonstrates superior performance in urban areas. Concerning textures, the Bhattacharyya distance for cGAN is approximately 1.72, indicating degraded performance over forested regions, whereas for EMPRISE, this distance is about 0.10, showing the best results in the same forest areas. The results demonstrate that while the cGAN approach produces images with realistic content, it falls short in accurately simulating micro-textures and bright scatterers. Despite being constrained by segmentation into a limited number of classes and exhibiting modest performance, the EMPRISE simulation proves to be more effective than cGAN at reproducing real SAR features.
Testing bioregionalization hypotheses of the Brazilian coast using phylogeography of marine mites
Authors: Pepato Almir Rogério , Gomes-Almeida Brenda Karolina , Vidigal Teofania Heloisa Dutra Amorim , Costa Samuel Geremias dos Santos , Klimov Pavel Borisovich
Published: July 2024

Biogeographic division of the Brazilian coast has been the subject of debates, with alternative hypotheses proposing different borders between provinces or ecoregions. To test these hypotheses, we used halacarid mites, a common component of marine meiofauna, well-suited for this task due to their lack of a planktonic dispersal stage. We sequenced one mitochondrial and two nuclear markers from 427 individuals belonging to three OTUs (Agauopsis bilophus, A. legionium and Rhombognathus levigatoides) from 47 localities. Our data confirmed the main partition of the Brazilian coast into theTropical and Subtropical provinces at the Abrolhos Plateau (~15-20°S), an area that also serves as a transitional zone between the two provinces, with its southern limit where the Vitória-Trindade ridge meets the continent (~20S), deflecting surface currents and thereby serving as a biogeographic barrier. The A. bilophus and R. levigatoides OTUs each formed species-level sister clades, which are distributed according to this division, with the former allopatric, while the later were sympatric at the Abrolhos plateau. We confirmed the following subregions: Amazonian from 4°N to ~2.5°S; Northeast from ~2.5°S to ~7-13°S; East from this point to Abrolhos Plateau (~15°S); the Abrolhos from ~15°S to ~20°S; and the Southeast/South from ~20°S southward.
Relationship Between Moral Identity and Effortful Control with Antisocial Behaviors in Adolescence: Examining the Mediating Role of Empathy
Authors: Taravian Sara , Nikdel Fariborz , nia Ali Taghvaee
Published: July 2024

Aim: Antisocial behaviors encompass violations of societal norms and laws, ranging from superficial acts like lying and bullying to more severe crimes such as violence and criminality. These actions, which infringe upon the rights of others, may intensify over time. The current research aimed to examine the mediating role of empathy in the relationship between moral identity and effortful control with antisocial behaviors among high school students in Shiraz.
Method: The statistical population included all high school students in Shiraz city. From this population, a sample of 567 individuals was selected using a multi-stage cluster random sampling method. The instruments used included Aquino and Reed's (2002) Moral Identity Questionnaire, Ellis and Rothbart's (2001) Effortful Control Questionnaire, the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ), and Burt & Donnellan's (2009) Antisocial Behavior Questionnaire. The evaluation of the proposed model was conducted using path analysis in SPSS-24 and AMOS-24 software.
Result: The findings indicated that the proposed model fits the data well. There is a direct effect of moral identity on empathy, and empathy has a meaningful direct effect on antisocial behaviors. Similarly, moral identity directly influences antisocial behaviors. However, the paths from moral identity to antisocial behaviors, from effortful control to empathy, and from effortful control to antisocial behaviors are not significant. Additionally, the indirect path from moral identity to antisocial behavior through empathy is significant. However, the indirect path from effortful control to antisocial behavior through empathy is not significant.
Conclusion: Thus, reinforcing moral identity and empathy can serve as effective strategies to address antisocial behaviors. These two elements can foster greater understanding and mutual respect within society, which, in turn, may lead to a reduction in conflicts and the promotion of healthier relationships.
Road user video evidence of road traffic offences: Preliminary analysis of Operation Snap data and suggestions for a research agenda
Authors: Farrell Graham , Lovelace Robin , O'Hern Steve
Published: July 2024

This study uses data from Operation Snap (OpSnap), the UK police’s national system to receive road users’ video evidence of road traffic offences. Data from one police force area for 39 months (January 2021 to March 2024) (N = 20,364 records) is analysed. Half were submitted by vehicle drivers (49.8%), a third by cyclists (34.7%), 7.2% bypedestrians, over 2% by horse riders and, 3% from other sources. We estimate that, relative to road distance travelled, cyclists were 20 times more likely to submit video evidence than vehicle drivers. The most common offences overall were driving ‘without reasonable consideration to others’ or ‘without due care and attention’. Half (53.4%) of reports resulted in the recommended disposal of an educational course, 31% in no further action, 12.7% in conditional offers, over 2% in a court appearance, and 1% undergoing further investigation. A research agenda using OpSnap data is outlined: a national dataset should be compiled, and comparative analysis of offence type, source, locations, and case disposal undertaken at national, regional, and local levels; research into disposal-related decision-making, video quality, and the role of supporting evidence should identify good practice; further study of video content, offence concentration (recidivism, repeat submitters of evidence, spatial hotspots) and case progression including court cases should ve undertaken. We conclude that more extensive analysis of OpSnap data holds significant potential to inform policy and practice locally, nationally and internationally.
Pollination Efficiency of Apis mellifera and Hypotrigona gribodoi on Capsicum annuum Fruit Set and Yield.
Authors: Mbazi Paschal H , Munishi Pantaleo K.T. , Emily Cosmas J.
Published: July 2024

Pollination by insects accounts for over 70% of global food crop production. Among insect species, bees are one of the most efficient pollinators though their pollination efficiency varies between species. Amidst rising worries about declining pollinator populations due to human activities, comprehending diverse pollinator capabilities is crucial for conservation. While stingless bees show promise as commercial pollinators, their capacities compared to Apis mellifera remain insufficiently understood. This study evaluated the pollination efficiency of Apis mellifera and Hypotrigona gribodoi on fruit set and yield in Capsicum annuum. A randomized complete block design experiment was conducted with three replications and three caged treatments involving Apis mellifera, Hypotrigona gribodoi, and a control plot without pollinators on Capsicum annum. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis were used to compare the differences in fruit quality, seed quality, and fruit set rate between the two species. Tukey's Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) and Dunn tests were used for normally distributed and non-normally distributed data respectively. The results show significant differences in the number of fruits per plant, fruit transverse circumference, fruit vertical circumference, fruit weight and percentage fruit set rate per plant between control plot without a pollinator, Apis melifera and Hypotrigona gribodoi pollinated Capsicum annuum (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the number of seeds in the fruit and the weight of 100 dry seeds per fruit among the two species (P > 0.05). These findings suggest that Hypotrigona gribodoi is a more efficient pollinator of Capsicum annum L. More research on the differential pollination efficiency among different species in crop production is imperative.
ChatGPT in Teaching-Learning and Research: A Systematic Review
Authors: Aziz Shaheena ,   Department of Education, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal Srinagar, 190006 Jammu and Kashmir, India, Mir Mohammad Ishfaq , Dar Mohammad Amin , Masoodi Faheem Syeed ,   Department of Education, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal Srinagar, 190006 Jammu and Kashmir, India,   Department of Education, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal Srinagar, 190006 Jammu and Kashmir, India,   Department of Computer Science, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal Srinagar, 190006 Jammu and Kashmir, India
Published: July 2024

Based on the most recent available data, ChatGPT has amassed a substantial user base of approximately 180.5 million since its public release in November 2022. This widespread adoption has prompted concerns among educators regarding its seamless integration into teaching and learning processes. The capacity of ChatGPT to rapidly generate highly pertinent content has generated significant interest and discussions in the educational sphere especially at a higher level. Although a substantial body of research exists in this field, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding comprehensive review articles focusing on specific subtopics, such as the application of ChatGPT and its impact on higher-level teaching, learning and research. To date, no thorough examination has been conducted to synthesise and critically analyse the existing studies in this particular domain. To address this, we conducted a systematic review of research articles following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, utilising databases such as Scopus, IEEE Xplore and ScienceDirect. Among the 106 initially identified studies, only 25 articles met our inclusion criteria.The results presented shed light on how ChatGPT can prove effective in teaching, learning and research. The review also brought to light a lot of issues, such as plagiarism, manipulation, cheating and ChatGPT’s trustworthiness. Our findings also underscore the limitations in the use of ChatGPT and emphasise the ethical considerations involved. Furthermore, this review illuminates potential avenues for future studies and also presents a critical assessment, paving the way for improvements in the field.
Transport of orbital currents in systems with strong intervalley coupling: The case of Kekulé distorted graphene
Authors: Cysne Tarik P. , Muniz R. B. , Rappoport Tatiana G.
Published: July 2024

We show that orbital currents can describe the transport of orbital magnetic moments of Bloch states in models where the formalism based on valley current is not applicable. As a case study, we consider Kekulé-OO distorted graphene. We begin by analyzing the band structure in detail and obtain the intrinsic orbital magnetic moment operator of Bloch states for this model. Despite the simultaneous presence of time-reversal and spatial-inversion symmetries, such operator may be defined, although its expectation value at a given energy is zero. Nevertheless, its presence can be exposed by the application of an external magnetic field. We then proceed to study the transport of these quantities. In the Kekulé-OO distorted graphene model, the strong coupling between different valleys prevents the definition of a bulk valley current. However, the formalism of the orbital Hall effect together with the non-Abelian description of the magnetic moment operator can be directly applied to describe its transport in these types of models. We show that the Kekulé-OO distorted graphene model exhibits an orbital Hall insulating plateau whose height is inversely proportional to the energy band gap produced by intervalley coupling. Our results strengthen the perspective of using the orbital Hall effect formalism as a preferable alternative to the valley Hall effect approach.
Capital expenditure, tax avoidance and bank performance: Evidence from Jordanian banks
Authors: Fawzi Shubita Mohammad , Habis Alrawashedh Nahed , Fawzi Shubita Duaa , Dheyauldeen Salahaldin Ahmed
Published: July 2024

Tax avoidance and capital expenditure are critical financial strategies employed by banks to enhance profitability. Understanding their impact on bank financial performance is essential for policymakers and bank managers seeking to optimize financial strategies. This study is aimed to investigate the influence of tax avoidance (TAV) and capital expenditure on the financial performance of Jordanian banks, while exploring the moderating effect of firm size. Using regression analysis, the relationships between tax avoidance, capital expenditure, bank size, and bank financial performance were investigated. Financial data from Jordanian banks were utilized over a specified period. The study results refer that tax avoidance has a positive correlation with ROA (the correlation = 31.7%) and ROE (the correlation = 30.2%). The results reveal that tax avoidance significantly impacts bank financial performance, with banks employing tax avoidance strategies exhibiting higher returns on assets and equity. However, capital expenditure does not demonstrate a significant association with bank financial performance. Additionally, firm size does not moderate the link between TAV, capital expenditure, and bank financial performance. The non-significant impact of capital expenditure underscores the need for banks to explore alternative avenues for improving financial performance. These findings provide a valuable insight for policymakers and bank managers in devising effective financial strategies to optimize bank performance in the Jordanian context.
Factors affecting the readiness for ESG reporting in Vietnamese enterprises
Authors: Thi Phuong Nguyen Dung , Thi Huong Nguyen Lien , Thi Mai Nguyen Anh , Le Thanh Phan Long
Published: July 2024

Countries around the world are taking further steps toward transparency and corporate sustainability. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting will be required for all firms listed on European exchanges as of 2026 according to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. Meanwhile, the companies’ rate in Vietnam reporting and disclosing ESG information is still limited. There is an empirical gap between the theory and practices of ESG reporting in Vietnam. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the determinants affecting the readiness for ESG reporting in Vietnamese enterprises. Survey questionnaires and quantitative analysis are employed based on the structural models using SmartPLS4 software to analyze the sample of 169 manufacturing, commercial, and service enterprises in Vietnam. The findings show that accountant qualifications, management processes, women on management boards, and information technology systems positively affect Vietnamese firms’ readiness to report ESG. The relationship between business executives’ ESG awareness, public media pressure, governmental guidelines, and the readiness for ESG reporting is not statistically supported. Based on the research results, Vietnamese enterprises should increase women’s participation on management boards, facilitate professional development and training for accountants, invest in information technology systems, and improve management processes to enhance the adoption of ESG reporting in Vietnam.
Dijital Pazarlama Kampanyaları için Risk Analizi: Bulanık HTEA Yaklaşımı
Authors: Durucasu Remzi Reha , Yaşlı Şen Fatma
Published: July 2024

Dijital pazarlama, işletmelerin internet ve akıllı cihaz kullanan müşterilerine hızlı ve etkili bir şekilde ulaşmalarını sağlamakta oldukça işlevsel bir pazarlama yöntemidir. Dijital pazarlamanın tüketicilere erişim konusunda sahip olduğu hız ve onları harekete geçirme üstünlüğü, kampanya üreticileri için pek çok riski de beraberinde getirebilmektedir. Kampanyanın içeriği, paylaşımın teknik yönetimi ve varsa kampanya ünlüsünün yönetimi bileşenleri altında var olabilecek hata unsurları, kampanyaları başarısızlığa sürükleyip müşteri kaybına neden olabilmektedir. Bu noktada markanın gerçekleştirdiği dijital pazarlama kampanyasının başarısız olmasına neden olabilecek riskleri öngörmek hayati önem kazanmaktadır. Çalışma, dijital pazarlama kampanyalarının başarısızlığını risk analizi perspektifinden inceleyen öncü bir çalışma niteliğindedir. Dijital pazarlama kampanyalarının risk analizi için doğası gereği uzman görüşlerine mecbur kalınan problem alanlarında, uzman görüşleri ile kapsamlı risk analizi yapılmasını sağlayan Hata Türü ve Etki Analizi (HTEA) yöntemi ile analiz için gereken uzman görüşlerindeki muğlaklığı sayısallaştırıp daha etkin sonuçlara ulaşılmasını sağlayan bulanık mantıktan yararlanılmıştır. Metodoloji kapsamında, literatür incelemesi ve internet üzerinden erişilmiş 28 başarısız dijital pazarlama kampanyası aracılığıyla hata unsurları tanımlanmış, ardından da uzman yargıları ve bulanık mantık aracılığıyla hatalara yönelik değerlendirmeler yapılmıştır. Çalışma kapsamında elde edilen bulgulara göre, dijital pazarlama kampanyalarını başarısızlığa iten en riskli unsurların içerikle ilişkili ırkçılık, güzellik/mükemmellik algısı, cinsiyetçilik, şiddet/terör ile siyasi unsurlar olduğu görülmüş ve bu hataların en fazla müşteri kaybettirme potansiyeline sahip hatalar olduğu sonucuna varılmıştır.
The effect of service quality on customer loyalty; role of customer satisfaction as a mediation variable at Hananiah Tanah Abang store
Authors: Januarita Handryani , Septiani Iga , Erlina Lita
Published: July 2024

Purpose – This study aims to measure the effect of service quality on customer loyalty at the Hananiah Tanah Abang store.Method – The sample of this research is 47 respondents at Hananiah shop. Statistical tests were performed using PLS-based Structural Equation Modelling. The validity test uses the loading factor value, while the reliability test uses Cronbach's alpha value, composite reliability and Average Variance Extracted (AVE).Result – (1.) The effect of service quality on employees at the Hananiah Tanah Abang store has a significant effect on customer satisfaction. (2.) The effect of customer satisfaction has a significant effect on customer loyalty. (3.) Customer satisfaction mediates the effect of service quality at Hananiah stores on customer loyalty.Implication – This study can assist businesses to improve their service quality.Originality – This is the first study examining the influence of service quality on customer loyalty with customer satisfaction as a mediation variable.
Islamic economic thoughts according to Ibn Khaldun, Al-Maqrizi, and Al-Syatibi
Authors: Saputra Tri Agung
Published: July 2024

Purpose – This article explores Islamic economic thought according to Ibn Khaldun, Al-Maqrizi, and Al-Syatibi. One of Ibn Khaldun's thoughts that is very prominent and very important to discuss is economics.Method – The research used qualitative methods by analyzing the direction of thought and the construction of the Islamic economic system from Ibn Khaldun, Al-Maqrizi, and AL-Syatibi using the maqashid sharia concept.Result – The importance of discussing Ibn Khaldun's thoughts on economics is because his thoughts have great significance for developing Islamic economics in the future.Implication – The concept of maqashid sharia put forward by Asy-Syatibi should be a reference in every analysis process related to economic behavior. The system and science currently being formulated can be a solution to the increasingly acute economic complex.Originality – This study compares the Islamic economic thoughts of three prominent figures, i.e., Ibn Khaldun, Al-Maqrizi, and Al-Syatibi.
An Islamic perspective on decision making under uncertainty
Authors: Suliswanto Muhammad Sri Wahyudi
Published: July 2024

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to find out the Islamic view regarding decision making in uncertainty.Method – The method used is literature study from various related references.Result – The result of this study is that uncertainty or risk is not something that is forbidden in Islam. Implication – The implication of this study is the advantage of Islamic economics which lies in recognizing this uncertainty. Very useful as a stimulant and motivation to "engineer" an investment to bring a return.Originality – This is the first study examining an Islamic perspective on decision making under uncertainty.