bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitral Annular Disjunction Associated with Ventricular Dilation in Pediatric Marfan Syndrome: A Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Study
Authors: Bishop Ryan S. , Craik Natalie K. , Stephens Sara B. , Doan Tam T. , Chavez Alejandra Iturralde , Sachdeva Shagun , Weigand Justin D.
Published: October 2024

Background
Mitral annular disjunction (MAD) has increasingly been recognized as a marker for adverse cardiovascular events in Marfan syndrome (MFS). As recent adult data links MFS with left ventricular (LV) dilation and reduced ejection fraction (LVEF), we hypothesized that MAD may be associated with LV dilation in pediatric MFS patients.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was performed among MFS patients < 19 years old at initial cardiac MRI (CMR). MAD and mitral valve prolapse (MVP) were assessed by CMR or most proximate echo. CMR-derived left ventricular end-diastolic (LVEDV) and end-systolic (LVESV) volumes were measured. Indexed volumes, absolute and indexed z-scores, and LVEF were calculated. The combined volume load from mitral and aortic regurgitation was indexed to LV stroke volume, allowing exclusion of patients with greater than mild volume load or prior MV intervention. MAD association with LV volumes and z-scores was then assessed.
Results
Forty-two patients were analyzed (median age 13.5 years old, IQR [10.9, 15.3]). MAD was present in 28 patients (66.7%), and MVP was present in 13 patients (31.0%). Absolute LVEDV z-score was > 2 in 35.7% of patients, LVESV z-score was > 2 in 42.9%, and LVEF was < 55% in 45.2%. In multivariable analysis including MVP, MAD remained independently associated with elevated absolute LVESV z-score > 2 (RR 3.88, 95% CI: 1.02–14.69, p = 0.046).
Conclusion
MAD was associated with CMR-derived volume-load-independent LV dilation among pediatric MFS patients. Prospective studies are needed to further understand this association and its relationship with LV dilation over time.
Comparing the distributions of common Human papillomavirus genotypes among the Fars province population in the southwest of Iran, with the vaccine-included genotypes
Authors: Kalani Mahtab , Mirzaei Fatemeh , Keyghobadi Haniyeh , Keighobadi Gholamhossein , Raoofat Atefeh , Kalani Mehdi , Moravej Ali
Published: October 2024

Background
Given the strong association between high-risk HPV genotypes such as 16 and 18 and cervical cancer, this study aimed to compare the distribution of common HPV genotypes among the southwest Iranian population with vaccine-included genotypes.
Methods
Based on the sample quality, DNAs were extracted from the biological samples of 8036 individuals who were included in the study with three different methods (automated instrument, column, and precipitation), and 21 different HPV genotypes were detected using Real-time PCR.
Results
The majority of participants were women (> 99%) with a positive rate of 29.9% in which the high-risk genotypes were dominant (84.9%). The highest rate of HPV infections was observed in the age ≤ 30 years (35.9%). HPV 6 and 16 were the most frequent low- and high-risk genotypes, respectively. Multi HPV infections were observed in 35% of positive samples and the highest cross infections were observed between HPV6 and 16. Co-infection with HPV 16 and 18 was observed in 21 (1%) positive samples. It seems that vaccination is required to decrease the outcome of HPV infections such as cervical cancer. However, other frequent high-risk genotypes were not included in the 9-valent vaccine.
Conclusion
Since the association between cervical cancer and other high-risk HPV types rather than 16 and 18 has been less studied, investigating their pathogenicity in cervical cancer is recommended. Furthermore, the new generation of HPV vaccine should contain the other frequent high-risk genotypes rather than those included in the approved vaccines.
HDL proteome and apolipoproteins concentrations in severe ICU COVID-19 patients
Authors: BEGUE Floran , VEEREN Bryan , RONDEAU Philippe , FLORENCE Aline-Marie , JAMARD Simon , MONTRAVERS Philippe , TANAKA Sébastien , MEILHAC Olivier
Published: October 2024

Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection affects both lipid metabolism and lung function. The severity of the disease has been associated with reduced levels of both high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Despite the crucial role that these nanoparticles play in SARS-CoV-2 infection, few studies have examined their structure during COVID-19 beyond HDL quantity.
The study aimed to assess apolipoprotein levels in COVID-19 patients who either survived or died following ICU admission. In addition, ICU survivors and non-survivors were compared for HDL particle size and proteome.
Methods: Between February and April 2020, our study enrolled 37 COVID-19 patients upon their intensive care unit admission. Among them, 18 survived the disease, while 19 succumbed to it. We used mass spectrometry to assess plasma levels of 14 apolipoproteins and LCAT. Additionally, we analyzed HDL subpopulation distribution by utilizing native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. HDL particles were isolated from both surviving and non-surviving patients using ultracentrifugation, followed by characterization of their proteomes with NanoLC-MS/MS.
Results: Plasma apolipoproteins, including Apo A-II, Apo Cs (I, II, III), Apo H, Apo J, Apo M, and LCAT, were decreased in patients who did not survive COVID-19. However, no alterations were noted in the distribution of HDL subpopulations in relation to mortality. HDL composition was further altered based on mortality, displaying a decline in Apo H and paraoxonase 3.
Conclusion: In conclusion, we have shown an alteration in plasma apolipoproteins and HDL composition between surviving COVID-19 patients and non-survivors. Some markers, such as Apo H, are more predictive than baseline lipid concentrations such as HDL-C.
Action Research Plan: The impact of the use of Artificial Intelligence in Education on the Cognitive Abilities of University Students
Authors: Xu Qian
Published: October 2024

This research plan about exploring the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the cognitive abilities of college students so that future researchers can use this experimental program to focus on how AI-powered Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) can impact learning outcomes. As AI continues to revolutionize all walks of life, so has its integration with education.ITS is a key application of AI in education, providing a personalized learning experience by analyzing student data and tailoring instructional materials accordingly. This provides a research program to study the effectiveness of ITS in improving cognitive skills such as memory, critical thinking, and problem solving abilities in college students. The research project combined quantitative and qualitative research methods including surveys, pre-tests, post-tests, and in-depth interviews to assess the cognitive differences between students using ITS and those using traditional learning methods. The research project also recognized potential challenges, such as dependence on technology and the risk of increased educational inequality. The action research program concluded by advocating for a balanced integration of AI into education, highlighting the need for ongoing research to optimize its use across different stages of education and to ensure equitable access to AI-powered tools.
Sweet spots for nitrogen restoration in a coastal watershed
Authors: Groffman Peter , Reisinger Alexander , Zhang Ruoyu , Locke Dexter , Rosenberg Andrew , Newburn David , Duncan Jonathan , Band Lawrence , Grove J. , Miller Andrews , Rosi Emma , Towe Charles
Published: October 2024

Reducing nitrogen delivery to coastal waters is a “wicked problem” involving tradeoffs in environmental, economic and equity domains. Because these tradeoffs arise from spatial and temporal complexities in sources and sinks of this element, we hypothesized that a transdisciplinary focus on disproportionality could allow for the identification of “hot” or “sweet” spots where multiple factors converge to create opportunities to control nitrogen flux. We applied this approach to the Baltimore, MD USA region by mapping stream reaches with high nitrogen concentrations, hydrologic conditions amenable to stream restoration, high willingness to pay for restoration projects, and high social need for restoration, and subsequently identifying locations where these factors converge to create sweet spots. Our analysis suggests that sweet spots that optimize environmental, economic, and equity components of sustainability may be rare. The desire to bundle multiple benefits in the budgeting for environmental interventions such as stream restoration may create a sub-optimal distribution of these interventions in a sustainability context.
Magmatic fluids uprise through ring faults at Campi Flegrei caldera
Authors: Giacomuzzi Genny , Fonzetti Rossella , Govoni Aladino , De Gori Pasquale , Chiarabba Claudio
Published: October 2024

The progressive increase of ground deformation, seismicity, and gas emission is marking a remarkable unrest at Campi Flegrei caldera. The direct involvement of magma has been invoked to explain the deformation and space/time changes of velocity anomalies at shallow crustal depths. A challenging aspect is to forecast possible scenarios for the upward migration of magmatic fluids from the source at depth. Here, we show that the most recent seismicity (period 2023–2024), derived by a machine-learning-based earthquake detection procedure, aligns on a continuous set of caldera rim faults and on top of an inflating magma source. Direct channeling of magma through such ring faults can be a way to feed future eruptions, as observed in other calderas and inferred for the Mt. Nuovo historical eruption.
Strong turbulent flow in the sub-auroral region in the Antarctic can deteriorate satellite-based navigation signals
Authors: Kotova Daria , Sinevich Aleksandr , Chernyshov Alexander , Chugunin Dmitrii , Jin Yaqi , Miloch Wojciech
Published: October 2024

In the subauroral zone at the boundary of the auroral oval in the evening and night hours during geomagnetic disturbances, a narrow (about 1º-2º) and extended structure (several hours in longitude) is formed. It is known as a polarization jet (PJ) or the sub-auroral ion drift (SAID). The PJ/SAID is a fast westward ion drift and is one of the main signatures of a geomagnetic disturbance in the subauroral ionosphere at the altitudes of the F-layer, when the geomagnetic AE index reaches more than 500 nT. Plasma speed in the PJ/SAID can reach several kilometres per second, and the size of plasma irregularities inside it can reach scales from tens of meters to several hundred meters. Such high velocities and structured plasma can affect trans-ionospheric radio signals and lead to scintillations in the received signal. We show that at the moment of auroral activity intensification, an increase in the magnitude of phase scintillation index (σϕ) as well as loss of satellite signals lock were observed in the region of the PJ/SAID equatorward of the auroral oval over Dronning Maud Land (Queen Maud Land) in Antarctica. We find that fluctuations inside the PJ/SAID can lead to serious deterioration of radio communication or navigational services. We emphasize the importance of considering the geometry of the beam passing from the GNSS satellite to the receiver on the ground. We highlight the mutual contribution of the PJ/SAID and the diffuse aurora boundary, which are almost impossible to separate in practice. Our results demonstrate the importance of considering the subauroral zone, where very dynamic plasma formations can occur with a strong flow and various-scale irregularities inside that lead to serious interference in satellite communications.
Preparation of ZnAl layered double hydroxides supported by silica for the treatment of Cr(VI) and Cu(II) in aqueous solution
Authors: Zhang Fengrong , Liu Luxing , Zhang Cuilan , Shang Dawei , Wu Lishun
Published: October 2024

A novel adsorbent (ZA/SiO2) was prepared by blending urea mixture of ZnSO4 and Al2(SO4)3 while using SiO2 as a support form. The adsorption properties of ZA/SiO2 for the removal of toxic metal ions (Cu(II) and Cr(VI))from water were evaluated. By batch experiment method to investigate the ZA/SiO2 adsorption of Cu(II) and Cr(VI) solution treatment effect. The sorption kinetics curves of Cu(II) and Cr(VI) on ZA/SiO2 were L-shaped. What's more, the solid concentration effect was found in the process of sorption kinetics. Langmuir and Freundlich sorption isotherm models were used to analyze the adsorption data. The results showed that the adsorption conforms to Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models. However, the adsorption capacity of ZA/SiO2 compounds for Cu(II) and Cr(VI) is greatly improved. The adsorption capacity of Cu(II) is 158 mg·g− 1 and of Cr(VI) is 176 mg·g− 1, which were 3.6 and 1.8 times of ZA, respectively. Density functional theory (DFT) was utilized for the analysis of intrinsic mechanism and specific pathways. It primarily involved isomorphic substitution of Cr(VI) and Zn(II) and the intercalation of Cr2O72−, with the exception of Cr(OH)3 precipitation. Conversely, Cu(II) removal's primary mechanism in water was isomorphic substitution, except for Cu(OH)2 precipitation.
Cathinone from Khat (Catha edulis) Leaves Induces Testicular Dysfunction in Male Vervet Monkeys through Dose-dependent Regulation of Testicular Steroidogenesis-associated Genes and Hormone Synthesis
Authors: Nyongesa Albert Wafula , Muge Edward , Nyaboga Evans
Published: October 2024

Background Consumption of fresh khat (Catha edulis Forssk.) leaves has been shown to affect reproductive health, especially with regards to impaired male reproductive function. (-)-cathinone, the principal alkaloid in khat plant is known for its euphoric and psychostimulatory effects. Additionally, high dose and chronicity of exposure to khat extract and (-)-cathinone has been associated with impaired reproductive hormone synthesis in experimental animal models. It is currently not known whether the expression of genes encoding for specific testicular enzymes along sex steroid biosynthetic pathway are involved in this impairment. The present study aimed to examine the effects of (-)-cathinone from fresh khat leaves on mRNA expression of steroidogenesis-associated genes (3b hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase [3b-HSD] type I and 17b hydroxy- steroid dehydrogenase [17b-HSD] type I) and intra-testicular hormone production in vervet monkey testis.
Methods Eight male animals were divided into 4 groups, with treatment subjects being administered (-)-cathinone at 0.8, 3.2 and 6.4 mg/kg body weight, respectively while control group was administered normal saline. The mRNA expression of steroidogenesis-associated genes using semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time quantitative RT-PCR as well as ex vivo studies for measurement of intracellular progesterone, androstenedione and testosterone levels of interstitial cells were investigated.
Results Results showed that (-)-cathinone at 3.2 and 6.4 mg/kg body weight (medium and high doses, respectively) significantly (P< 0.05) increased mRNA expression of 3b-HSD type I and 17b- HSD type I compared to the control group whereas the changes in 3b-HSD type I and 17b- HSD type I expression were not significant for (-)-cathinone at 0.8 mg/kg body weight. There was an increased intra-testicular progesterone, androstenedione and testosterone in cultured interstitial cells exposed to luteinizing hormone but which was significantly suppressed when co-treated with (-)-cathinone at 100 µl of 6.4 mg/kg body weight.
Conclusion In conclusion, the results demonstrated that (-)-cathinone at high doses has the potential to affect steroidogenesis and thus directly or indirectly influence spermatogenic processes and general reproductive function in the habitual male (-)-cathinone/khat user.
A Replicating RNA Vaccine confers Durable Immunity against Lethal Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Challenge in Mice
Authors: Leventhal Shanna S , Shaia Carl , Rao Deepashri , Lewis Matthew , Meade-White Kimberly , Erasmus Jesse H. , Feldmann Heinz , Hawman David W
Published: October 2024

Spread by Hyalomma genus ticks, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) causes a severe hemorrhagic disease endemic throughout Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa. To date, there are no widely approved vaccines for CCHFV and treatment for disease is largely supportive. Due to this lack of intervention, the WHO lists CCHFV as a high priority pathogen. Recently, we described a highly efficacious self-replicating RNA vaccine which is protective against CCHFV disease in mice and non-human primates (NHP). This vaccine induces high titers of non-neutralizing anti-nucleoprotein antibodies and a robust T-cell response against the viral glycoprotein. Here, we assess the durability of this vaccine in mice by monitoring the immunogenicity and efficacy of this vaccine up to one year post vaccination. We found that while GPC-specific T-cell responses and anti-NP antibody titers waned over time, mice remained protected against lethal CCHFV challenge for at least one year post vaccination.
Estimation on Groundwater Drawdown Due to Subsurface Horizontal Drains for Large- scale Landslides
Authors: Lin Der-Guey , Huang Yu-Po , Chen I-Hui
Published: October 2024

This study performed a series of steady state drainage analyses under a constant groundwater recharge rate and drawdown for the subsurface drainage of horizontal drains in a large-scale landslide area using 3D numerical and empirical methods. The changes in groundwater level drawdown determined by the numerical method are similar to those calculated using past empirical methods. A normalized groundwater recharge rate is the most crucial parameter which dominates the drawdown pattern of groundwater levels. The recharge rate is related to the spacing of horizontal drains and the boundary constant groundwater head at upper slope. The higher spacing of horizontal drains results in higher values of the area and volumetric flow rate of draining influence for a single horizontal drain. Also, there are more significant groundwater flow-through effects in the higher spacing between two adjacent horizontal drains. Nevertheless, the horizontal drains could discharge a larger drainage intensity to keep a safe depth of groundwater drawdown with a smaller spacing and installed at a permeable layer of large-scale landslide. Finally, the 3D numerical method is more computational efficiency for the influence range of drainage field and the geometric curve of groundwater drawdown using simulation analysis of complex geological conditions and horizontal drains.
Evolving Drought Dynamics in Barcelona: Leveraging a Bayesian Ensemble Algorithm for Insightful Analysis and a Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory Network for Predictive Modeling
Authors: Granata Francesco , Nunno Fabio Di
Published: October 2024

In recent times, the growing influence of climate change has emphasized the significance of examining hydrological patterns for efficient planning and management of water resources. This study proposes an investigation of the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) trends and abrupt changes, at time scales of 12 and 24 months, for the municipality of Barcelona, Spain. The overall trend of SPI was assessed based on the seasonal Mann-Kendall (MK) test. The severity and duration of drought events, considering the entire time series and twenty-year intervals from 1820–1840 to 2000–2020, were also evaluated. Then, the Bayesian Changepoint Detection and Time Series Decomposition (BEAST) algorithm was employed to identify abrupt changes in trend along the SPI time series. The seasonal MK analysis reveals a rising trend, indicating a positive shift in precipitation patterns over time. On the other hand, the BEAST analysis presents a more intricate scenario, where recent decades demonstrate a simultaneous presence of short-term positive shifts alongside prolonged negative trends, indicating a shift toward drought conditions. Furthermore, the effectiveness of a Bi-LSTM-based model in forecasting the SPI with a temporal horizon of up to 6 months was evaluated. The forecasting model displayed a decline in performance as the forecasting horizon extended, with the most precise predictions achieved for a 1-month lead time, with R2 up to 0.899 for SPI-24.
Comparative Analysis of the Nutrient Composition of Caulerpa lentillifera from Various Cultivation Sites
Authors: Zhou Wenchuan , Wang Yun , Xu Rui , Tian Jialin , Li Ting , Chen Suwen
Published: October 2024

The nutrient, amino acid and fatty acid compositions of Caulerpa lentillifera from various aquaculture regions were assessed to analyze their nutritional characteristics and potential for aquaculture development. The nutrient composition of C. lentillifera was determined according to standard national nutrient determination methods, and the following data were revealed. 1) The basic nutritional components of C. lentillifera were relatively more abundant in the three aquaculture areas in Guangdong Province. The crude protein content was significantly greater in C. lentillifera from the Dapeng and Daya areas of Guangdong Province than those from the Beihai, Dongshan and Nha Trang areas (P < 0.05). Additionally, the crude lipid content of C. lentillifera from the Daya population was significantly greater than those in the samples from the Beihai, Dongshan, and Nha Trang areas (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the total sugar contents in the Daya and Shanwei populations were significantly greater (P < 0.05) than those in the other four populations. 2) The total amino acid (TAA) content of C. lentillifera ranged from 7.05–12.37%, with notable concentrations of the fresh amino acids aspartic acid (Asp) and glutamic acid (Glu). Significant variations in the TAA and essential amino acid (EAA) levels were observed among the cultivation regions (P < 0.05), with the Shanwei population exhibiting the highest TAA content of 12.37% and EAA content of 4.65%, surpassing all other populations except for Guangdong Province (P < 0.05). 3) The fatty acid composition analysis revealed that the total fatty acid (TFA) and unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) levels in the long-stemmed grape fern alga from Daya were 2.400% and 1.048%, respectively, and significantly greater than those in the other populations except for Dapeng (P < 0.05). These results imply that the nutritional quality of the Daya population of C. lentillifera is relatively high.
Adaptive Robust Sensorless Control for PMSM Based on Super-Twisting Algorithm Back EMF Observer and Extended State Observer
Authors: Sun Hongbo , Zhang Xiaoyu , Liu Xiangbin , Xiong Shuiping
Published: October 2024

The estimation of the back electromotive force (EMF) signal of the permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) using sliding mode observer (SMO) has a large number of high-frequency chattering, which cannot be directly applied to the sensorless control system of PMSM. This article proposes a robust sensorless control scheme based on an improved back EMF observer (BEO) and an extended state observer (ESO). First, a super-twisting algorithm back EMF observer (STABEO) is proposed by combining the back EMF model and the super twisting algorithm, in which the equivalent signal of the back EMF is estimated through the traditional SMO. The STABEO takes into account the uncertainty and unmodelled dynamics in the back EMF model, which leads to smaller chattering, better estimation, and faster convergence. Then, an ESO is constructed to calculate the rotor position, the rotor speed, and the total interference, and after that, a robust speed controller is designed. In addition, the stability is proved through the Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed control scheme were verified through experiments. The proposed robust sensorless control scheme has the characteristics of strong anti-interference ability, faster convergence, smaller high-frequency chattering, and without losing its robustness.
Tackling deforestation with deep-learning-based cattle counts on satellite images
Authors: Hodel Leonie , Wegner Jan , Garnot Vivien Sainte Fare , Rocha-Gomes Francisco , Valentim Judson , Garrett Rachael
Published: October 2024

Cattle ranching and linked tropical deforestation remain intractable global sustainability challenges with large implications for climate security and rural wellbeing. Despite the large area devoted to cattle in the tropics, cattle numbers have hitherto been estimated by downscaling from course data or limited to sparse case studies. In this study, we estimate cattle numbers using deep learning and 30 cm resolution satellite imagery, focusing on the case of the Brazilian Amazon. Our cattle dataset covering a total of 12’100 km2 is integrated with land cover maps and property-level data to assess cattle density. The analysis reveals low cattle intensity of 0.5-0.9 animals per hectare across Amazonian states, with lower intensity on properties with higher recent deforestation. Promisingly, we find evidence that combined policies for conservation (zero-deforestation commitments) and intensification (low carbon agriculture incentives) are linked to cattle intensification. Our method opens new avenues for monitoring and researching cattle practices.
Mapping of catecholaminergic denervation, neurodegeneration, and inflammation in 6-OHDA-treated Parkinson's disease mice
Authors: Santoro Matteo , Lam Rachel K. , Blumenfeld Sarah E. , Tan Weiqi , Ciari Peter , Chu Emily K. , Saw Nay L. , Rijsketic Daniel Ryskamp , Lin Jennifer S. , Heifets Boris D. , Shamloo Mehrdad
Published: October 2024

Efforts to develop disease-modifying treatments for Parkinson's disease (PD) have been hindered by the lack of animal models replicating all hallmarks of PD and the insufficient attention to extra-nigrostriatal regions pathologically critical for the prodromal appearance of non-motor symptoms. Among PD models, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) infusion in mice has gained prominence since 2012, primarily focusing on the nigrostriatal region. This study characterized widespread tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neuron and fiber loss across the brain following a unilateral 6-OHDA (20 µg) infusion into the dorsal striatum. Our analysis integrates immunolabeling, brain clearing (iDISCO+), light sheet microscopy, and computational methods, including fMRI and machine learning tools. We also examined sex differences, disease progression, neuroinflammatory responses, and pro-apoptotic signaling in nigrostriatal regions of C57BL/6 mice exposed to varying 6-OHDA dosages (5, 10, or 20 µg). This comprehensive, spatiotemporal analysis of 6-OHDA-induced pathology may guide the future design of experimental PD studies and neurotherapeutic development.
Tris and Trehalose based modified cryopreservation dilutor in block freezing improves cryo-survivability and functionality of Sahiwal bull semen
Authors: Sethi Manisha , Mohanty Tushar Kumar , Shah Nadeem , Bhakat Mukesh , Swain Dilip Kumar , Yadav Dileep Kumar , Kumar Nishant , Baithalu Rubina Kumari
Published: October 2024

Our study aimed to enhance cryoprotection and improve post-thaw sperm quality by using a new freezing protocolthat combines trehalose and glycerol.The semen ejaculate from each bull was collected and split into three aliquots.Split one was the control group (C), in which semen was extended in a tris fructose egg yolk glycerol (TFEG) extender and underwent the conventional freezing protocol.In split two (T1) and split three (T2) groups, the semen was diluted in tris fructose egg yolk extender containing 25% trehalose, with glycerol 5% in both groups. Split two (T1) underwent conventional freezing, whereas split three (T2) underwent aluminium block freezing.After freezing-thawing, the progressive sperm motility,viability, acrosome integrity, sperm velocity and path parameters were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved in T2 among groups. Additionally, the degree of oxidative stress was substantially lower in T2 among groups.The present study's findings revealed the promising role of trehalose (25%) and glycerol (5%) in tris-based extender in achieving aluminium block freezing, as it significantly improved the post-thaw sperm survivability, and this method can suitably be used for quality frozen semen production.
Immobilization of Bacillus-Derived Pectinase on Agarose Beads for Improved Catalytic Performance
Authors: Rehman Haneef Ur , Aziz Shanaz , Shamim Haleema , Rahim Mir Chakar , Ali Wajid , Bahram Sana
Published: October 2024

Pectinase catalyzes the depolymerization of pectin polymer into galacturonic acid and is utilized in various industrial applications. In the current study, pectinase from Bacillus species was encapsulated in agarose beads using the entrapment technique to enhance its operational stability against harsh industrial processes. The impact of agarose concentrations on pectinase encapsulation was investigated and the highest immobilization yield (89%) was achieved at 1.5% of agarose concentration. Agarose bead encapsulation increased the optimal temperature activity of pectinase from 45°C to 50°C, and the reaction time extended from 5 to 15 minutes compared to the soluble enzyme. The optimum pH of pectinase was increased after encapsulation and the encapsulated pectinase showed maximum activity at pH 8.0 as compared to pH 7.0 for free pectinase. The Km value of pectinase slightly changed from 1.12 to 1.32, and the Vmax decreased from 12200 to 9400 µM/min after encapsulation. The encapsulated pectinase retained complete activity after 120 hours at both 30°C and 40°C. Additionally, the encapsulated pectinase maintained its initial activity through 10 cycles and retained more than 70% of its activity after 10 cycles.
Unravelling water anomalies using a percolation approach
Authors: Hasmy Anwar , Hehlen Bernard , Paredes Ricardo
Published: October 2024

Water’s density maximum at 277 K and compressibility peak at 228 K, among other anomalies, arise from competing low- and high-density molecular populations[1]. However, linking water anomalies to phase separation is challenging without a theoretical framework that relates these phenomena to the underlying structural and thermodynamic changes[1,2]. Here, using a realistic water model and percolation approach, we show that these anomalies outline phase separation stages upon cooling. At maximum density temperature, a cluster of low-density connected populations emerges and percolates, coexisting within a dominant high-density connected network. In deep supercooling, the scale-invariant percolation quantities of the low- and high-density liquid networks exhibit a crossover at the peak compressibility temperature, sharing similar structures. Cooling further, the high-density liquid network collapses near the density minimum, yielding total dominance to the low-density phase. These trends persist across the pressure-temperature range where maximum density and Widom lines extend to positive pressures[3]. Below the hypothetical liquid-liquid critical point[4,5], the emanating spinodal, identifying the metastable limit of a compressed low-density liquid, align with its percolation limit, emphasising the close connection between percolation and spinodal decomposition[6]. The results show that phase separation occurs when the density increases sharply with rising pressure or temperature. Integrating our findings with insights from percolation studies on supercritical water [7,8], and metallic and oxide glasses[9,10], highlights the broad applicability of the percolation approach to unveil anomalies in pure substances.
Promising climate progress: How close do net-zero ambitions take us towards the Paris Agreement goals?
Authors: Tagomori Isabela S. , Diuana Fabio , Baptista Luiz Bernardo , Bertram Christoph , Dafnomilis Ioannis , Drouet Laurent , Fosse Florian , Fragkiadakis Dimitris , Fricko Oliver , Hooijschuur Elena , Iyer Gokul , Kikstra Jarmo , Krey Volker , Luderer Gunnar , Ou Yang , Reis Lara Aleluia , Richters Oliver , Rochedo Pedro , Vrontisi Zoi , Weitzel Matthias , Zwerling Matthew , Ruijven Bastiaan van , Schaeffer Roberto , Vuuren Detlef van
Published: October 2024

The Paris Agreement aims to limit the increase of global mean temperature to well-below 2°C and preferably 1.5°C. This study provides a multi-model analysis of global projections of current policies and pledges, and climate pathways to implement the Paris Agreement’s overall goals. In this exercise, current policies and NDCs scenarios are updated. Additionally, three main scenarios are analysed: i) a long-term strategies (LTS) scenario, which assumes the full implementation of the NDCs and the announced net-zero pledges from COP26 (in Glasgow, 2021); ii) an Expanded LTS scenario, which expands the net-zero pledges to all countries/regions; and iii) an Accelerated LTS scenario, which sees climate targets being brought forward by 5–10 years. Our findings indicate that the current net-zero pledges bring the world close to a well-below 2°C pathway, but a gap remains. Increasing ambition proves crucial to dealing with the climate challenge: expanding the global coverage of net-zero pledges and speeding up action increases consistency with the Paris goals (1.5 to 2.0°C range in model mean, 50th percentile). However, reaching the 1.5°C goal without overshoot seems increasingly unlikely, and dedicated policies are needed to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and increase renewable energy capacity.
Two-person interactive action recognition based on hypergraph convolutional networks
Authors: Jiangtao Cao , Li Wang , Jinli Dai , Xiaofei Ji
Published: October 2024

Two-person interactive action recognition has broad application prospects in security monitoring, educational assistance etc. Currently, the recognition methods based on the combination of joint point data and graph convolutional networks have made satisfactory progress. However, this type of method still has the problem that the behavioral feature of two-person interaction is not sufficient to represent action information, and the model is also very complex, which cannot be practically applied. To address these problems, a two-person interactive action recognition algorithm based on hypergraph convolutional networks is proposed. Firstly, the input data are symmetrically processed and enhanced, then the hypergraph structure is used to build the two-person interaction hypergraph, which includes the two-person hypergraph part and the two-person interaction relation matrices part. Finally, the two-person interaction hypergraph is deployed into a graph convolutional network with multiple stream inputs, and the Spatial-Temporal Part Attention(STPA) is added to realize the recognition of two-person interaction actions. With fewer parameters, the algorithm can capture both adjacent and long-distance spatiotemporal information within an individual, as well as better utilize interaction information between two people. Experiments on the NTU RGB+D interactive dataset show that the recognition accuracy of this algorithm is 98.24\%, and the inference speed of the model is faster than other methods.
Physicochemical characteristics of surimi from Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and using surimi for production of novel fisheries products instead of fresh fish for healthy nutrition of Iranian people
Authors: Aberoumand Ali , Adelnia Najmeh
Published: October 2024

Fish processing leads to diversity in products based on consumer needs. Surimi is one of these high-tech intermediate products that can enable the human population to use fish as the most important source of protein. Surimi is concentrated myofibril protein that is extracted from fish meat by a washing process. The purpose of this research was to investigate on produced surimi quality from the fish O. mykiss. The water holding capacity, yield of surimi protein, expressible moisture content, pH value, and chemical composition evaluated with standard methods. The results showed yield of surimi was 43.16%, while the yield of product protein was 99.63%. Water holding capacity in surimi was 88.82%. Chemical analysis showed product protein, fat and ash contents found lower than fresh fish duo to washing steps. The energy level in washing fourth stage (T5) and T1 (control) were 194.99 kcal/100g and 256.51 kcal/100g respectively. The results showed the washing step with salt water improved produced surimi. It can be concluded that produced surimi was suitable for production of good quality fisheries products. It concluded that this fish species was an appropriate raw material for surimi production.
YOLO-E: A Lightweight Object Detection Algorithm for Military Targets
Authors: SUN YONG , WANG JIANZHONG , YOU YU , YU ZIBO , BIAN SHAOBO , WANG ENDI , WU WEICHAO
Published: October 2024

Images of military targets typically exhibit characteristics such as camouflage, varying scales, and uneven distribution, making the task of target detection complex and challenging. Furthermore, the limited computing resources of unmanned platforms, such as drones and ground unmanned vehicles, make it difficult to deploy detectors with large parameter counts on these systems. In this study, we enhanced the components of YOLOv8n and proposed a new lightweight military target detection algorithm named YOLO-E. We constructed a military target dataset composed of armed personnel holding various weapons to facilitate the verification of different algorithms. In our designed algorithm, we applied an efficient multi-scale convolution module in the feature extraction network to improve the detection speed of military targets. Additionally, we designed a head network based on weight sharing, significantly reducing the model parameters. We also proposed a novel bounding box loss function, the Normalized Corner Distance IoU, to further enhance the detection accuracy of military targets. We tested YOLO-E on a self-developed military target dataset. Experimental results showed that compared to the original YOLOv8n algorithm, YOLO-E improved detection accuracy by approximately 1.30\%, increased detection speed by 1.68\%, reduced parameter count by 30.87\%, and decreased computational complexity by 37.33\%. Furthermore, we compared our method with several advanced object detection algorithms. The results demonstrated that YOLO-E also outperformed in terms of comprehensive parameters, real-time performance, and accuracy. The proposed network model provides effective auxiliary support for analyzing battlefield situations.
Replicas for success - microplastics sampling strategy for low-polluted waterbodies
Authors: Barone Marta , Antonsson Egill , Blache Mathis , Buhhalko Natalja , Mischke Steffen , Saarni Saija , Svipsta Sanda , Dimante-Deimantovica Inta
Published: October 2024

There has been a long debate about the importance of reliable microplastic (MP) monitoring in aquatic environments, which includes the need for appropriate replication. This article examines a methodological weakness in surface water MP research, offering a practical recommendation to improve the reliability of environmental MP data and addressing the need for robust sampling methodology, i.e., replication of samples. Two sets (marine and freshwater) of 15 consecutively collected surface water MP samples from Iceland were obtained via net (300 µm) trawling and evaluated to determine the optimal number of replicas needed for precise environmental data acquisition in environments with low MP concentrations. The results revealed significant variability in MP concentrations between trawlings, emphasizing the influence of sporadic occurrences of MPs in surface waters. Increasing the number of replicates can lead to smaller maximal differences between MP concentration estimates, which is particularly crucial in environments with low MP pollution levels. At least three replicate trawlings should be performed per site to obtain representative results. Additionally, estimating filtered water volume using flow meters or alternative devices is recommended over theoretical calculations.
3D Creatine Kinase Imaging (CKI) for In Vivo Whole-Brain Mapping of Creatine Kinase Reaction Rates with 31P-Magnetization Transfer MR Fingerprinting
Authors: Widmaier Mark Stephan , Kaiser Antonia , Pandurevic Pontus , Döring Andre , Huang Zhiwei , Wenz Daniel , Xiao Ying , Jiang Yun , Xin Lijing
Published: October 2024

The creatine kinase (CK) is a key enzyme involved in brain bioenergetics, but imaging its activity noninvasively in the human brain remains a significant challenge. This study aims to advance the magnetization transfer (MT)-31P magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) framework for 3D Creatine Kinase Imaging (CKI), delivering the first whole-brain CK reaction rate maps. The method was implemented and validated on a clinical 7 Tesla MRI scanner with a 49:30-minute acquisition time and the within-session reproducibility was assessed. The CKI method successfully enables the whole-brain mapping of CK reaction rates, showing robust reproducibility with coefficients of variation (CV) below 11% for 25-minute scan sessions. Furthurmore, CKI acquisition provided simultaneous mapping of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and phosphocreatine (PCr) concentrationratios, PCr longitudinal relaxation time (T1PCr), and phosphorus-based B0 maps at a 7.2 × 7.2 × 20 mm3 resolution. CKI provides, for the first time,3D whole-brain mapping of kCK rates in high resolution, using a user-friendly, push-button approach. A functional CKI (fCKI) study demonstrated the first CK activation cluster map in response to visual stimulation, revealing a mean 17% increase in CK rates in the visual cortex. The novel imaging modalities, CKI and fCKI, have the potential to offer new insights into brain bioenergetics both at rest and during activity.
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Authors: Abubaker Sheyaw Rasheed
Published: October 2024

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Authors: Hoshmand Rafiq Ibrahim  , Tavga Qader Omer
Published: October 2024

توێژینەوەکە هەوڵدەدات لێکۆڵینەوە لە ڕۆڵی گواستنەوەی ئاسمانی بکات لە هاوردەکردنی زێڕدا لێکۆڵینەوەیەکی شیکارییە لەسەر بۆچوونەکانی کۆمپانیاکانی گواستنەوەی ئاسمانی بۆ کاڵاکان ڕۆڵی گواستنەوەی ئاسمانی وەک گۆڕاوێکی سەربەخۆ نیشان دەدرێت و پەیوەستە بە دوو ڕەهەندەوە، کە بریتین لە ( رادەی سەرکەوتنی بەکارهێنانی ئامرازەکانی گواستنەوەی ئاسمانی، روونکردنەوەی کاریگەرییەکانی بەکارهێنانی ئامرازەکانی گواستنەوەی ئاسمانی، و کۆمپانیاکانی گواستنەوەی ئاسمانی لەخۆگرتبوو، واتە هاوردەکردنی زێڕ، وەک گۆڕاوێک لەسەر بنەمای دوو رەهەند، کە بریتین لە (پشتیوانی و پێشخستنی بازرگانی، دەستڕاگەیشتن و متمانەپێکردن).
           بۆ گەیشتن بە ئامانجەکانی توێژینەوەکە پشتی بە ڕێبازە وەسفیی و شیکارییەکان بەستووە لە ڕێبازی وەسفییدا کۆمپانیاکانی هێڵی ئاسمانی بۆ کاڵاکان باس دەکرێن و دەستنیشان دەکرێن، هەرچەندە ژمارەی کۆمپانیاکانی هێڵی ئاسمانی (57) کۆمپانیایە، و فۆڕمێکی راپرسی بەسەریاندا دابەشکرا و پشتیان پێ بەسترا وەک ئامرازێک بۆ کۆکردنەوەی زانیاری، پاشان ئێمە مۆدێلێکی گریمانەییمان پەرەپێدا، پشتمان بە کۆمەڵێک گریمانە بەست، لەوانە:
1- لە ڕووی ئامارییەوە پەیوەندییەکی بەرچاو لە نێوان گواستنەوەی ئاسمانی و هاوردەکردنی زێڕدا هەیە.
2- لە ڕووی ئامارییەوە پەیوەندییەکی بەرچاو هەیە لە نێوان ڕەهەندەکانی ئامرازەکانی گواستنەوەی ئاسمانی و هاوردەکردنی زێڕ.

کاریگەری هەر ڕەهەندێکی ئامرازەکانی گواستنەوەی ئاسمانی لەسەر هاوردەکردنی زێڕ لە ڕێگەی ئاسمانییەوە هەیە.

ڕێبازی شیکاری لەسەر بنەمای شیکردنەوەی ئەو داتا و زانیاریانەی کە بە شێوەیەکی چەندایەتی کۆکراونەتەوە، کە شیکاری دیجیتاڵییە، بە پشتبەستن بە پەیوەندی و هاوکێشە بیرکاری و ئامارییەکان و بەکارهێنانیان بۆ شیکردنەوەی ئەنجامەکان.
 
وشەی سەرەکی: گواستنەوەی ئاسمانی، هاوردەکردنی زێڕ، کۆمپانیاکانی هێڵی ئاسمانی بۆ کاڵا.
ڕۆڵی ڕوسیا و تورکیا لە ململانێی نێوان ئەرمینیا و ئازەربایجان لەسەر هەرێمی ناگۆرنۆ قەرەباغ
Authors: Ahmed Othman Abdulla , Mohammed Farid Dilshad
Published: October 2024

پوخته
ئەم توێژینەوەیە هەوڵیداوە لێکۆڵینەوە لە ڕۆڵی ڕوسیا و تورکیا لە ململانێی نێوان ئەرمینیا و ئازەربایجان لەسەر هەرێمی ناگۆرنۆ قەرەباغ بکات. توێژینەوەکە جگە لە خستنەڕووی پاشخانی مێژوویی و هۆکارەکانی ململانێکە لە نێوان هەردوو دەوڵەتی ئازەربایجان و ئەرمینیادا، ئامانجی ئەوەیە کە ڕۆڵی هەریەکە لە ڕوسیا و تورکیا وەک دوو دەوڵەتی سەرەکی ناوچەیی لە ململانێکەدا ڕوونبکاتەوە.  پشت بەست بە بەکارهێنانی میتۆدەکانی (مێژوویی، شیکاری ناوەڕۆک) توێژینەوەکە گەیشتووە بەو ئەنجامەی کە بەهۆی جیۆپۆلەتیکی ناوچەکە و بوونی بەرژەوەندییە سیاسی و ئابورییەکانەوە، هەریەکە لە ڕوسیا و تورکیا ڕۆڵی کاریگەر دەگێڕن لە ململانێی نێوان ئەرمینیا و ئازەربایجاندا، بەشێوەیەک ڕوسیا لەسەرەتادا زیاتر وەک ناوبژیوانێک ڕەفتاری کردووە و هەوڵی پاراستنی پەیوەندییەکانی لەگەڵ هەردوو دەوڵەتدا داوە، هەرچەندە پەیوەندییەکانی زیاتر لەگەڵ ئەرمینیا بووە، بەڵام جەنگی روسیا و ئۆکرانیا و هەوڵەکانی ئەرمینیا بۆ نزیک بوونەوە لە دەوڵەتانی ڕۆژئاوا؛ گۆڕانی لە هەڵوێستی ڕوسیادا دروستکردووە، بەجۆرێک ڕوسیا  لە ئاست دەست بە سەرداگرتنی هەرێمی قەرەباغ لەلایەن ئازەربایجانەوە بێدەنگی هەڵبژارد و ئەوەش بووە مایەیی نیگەرانی ئەرمینیا. هەرچی تورکیایە هەر لەسەرەتاوە لایەنگری ئازەربایجان بووە دژ بە ئەرمینیا، تورکیا لە ململانێکەدا بە کرداری لەڕووی دیپلۆماسیی و سیاسی و سەربازییەوە هاوکار و پاڵپشتی تەواوی ئازەربایجان بووە، کە ئەوەش هۆکارێکی گرنگ بوو بۆ سەرکەوتنی ئازەربایجان بەسەر ئەرمینیادا لە ململانێیان لەسەر هەرێمی ناگۆرنۆ قەرەباغ.
Delegation of Powers In Higher Education Facilities in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region
Authors: Badrkhan Abdullah Hamza  , Othman Yaseen Ali
Published: October 2024

بما إن العملية الديمقراطية في اي دولة ما تركز على اللامركزية الإدارية وتوزيع الاختصاصات بصورة شفافة بما ينسجم مع حسن سير المرفق العام بانتظام  واطراد وان ذلك من المهام الأساسية للسلطة الإدارية، وإن تفويض في الاختصاصات يسهل تمشية أعمال الادارة في مرافقها.ومرفق التعليم العالي من المرافق الحيوية في الدولة وان التفويض في الاختصاص يسهل تمشية اعمال هذا المرفق وسرعة إنجازها،وان هذا البحث يتناول موضوع  تفويض الاختصاص في هذا المرفق في العراق وإقليم كوردستان من حيث التنظيم القانوني لهذا العمل الإداري وان هذا البحث بعد ان يمهدلموضوع تفويض الاختصاص وشروطه وانواعه واليات ممارسته يتناول النظام القانوني للتفويض في مرفق التعليم العالي في العراق وإقليم كوردستان بموجب القانون النافذ،حيث تم تحديد الخلل التشريعي في هذا التنظيم في قانوني وزارة التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي في العراق وإقليم كوردستان. وذكرنا أهم الاستنتاجات التي توصلنا إليها وتقديم بعض التوصيات لسد الثغرات التي لاحظناها اثناء البحث.
Ecofeminism in the Poetic Texts of Qubadi Jalizadeh: The Collection of Baxchakany Malaka Taws
Authors: Ibrahim Ibrahim Mohammed , Pirot Barzan Ali
Published: October 2024

لێکۆڵینەوەکە بە ناونیشانی (ئیکۆفێمینیزم لە دەقەشیعرییەکانی ''قوبادی جەلیزادە''دا دیوانی ''باخچەکانی مەلەکە تاووس'' بە نمونە) بە ئەنجامگەیەندراوە. ئەم تیۆرە لە پەیوەندی و هاوئاهەنگی ژن و سروشت دەدوێت و ئامانجی پاراستنی ژینگە و کۆتاییهێنانە بە چەوساندنەوەی ژن. پێیوایە کولتوری پیاوسالاری هۆکاری سەرەکی چەوسانەوەی ژن و وێرانکاریی ژینگەی سروشتییە. ئامانجی لێکۆڵینەوەکە: دەرخستنی  دید و ڕوانگە  ئیکۆفێمینیزمییەکانی شاعیرە، کە لە دووتوێی دەقە شیعرییەکانی ئەم دیوانەدا لەبارەی پرسی چەوسانەوەی ژن و نابوتکردنی سروشت بەیانیکردوون. میتۆدی لێکۆڵینەوەکە: تیۆری ڕەخنەی ئیکۆفێمینیزمییە، کە سودمان لە چەمک و تێڕوانینەکانی ئەم تیۆرە بۆ شیکاری دەقەکان وەرگرتووە.
     ئەنجامەکانی لێکۆڵینەوەکە بریتین لە: ئاوێتەکردنی ژن و سروشت بەڕوونی  هەستی پێدەکرێت، چ لە ڕووی شەقڵ و سیفەتی هاوبەشی نێوانیان، وەک سەرچاوەی بەرهەمهێنان و بژێوی ژیانی مرۆڤایەتی. ژن وەک هەوێن و چارەسەر بۆ قەیرانی ژینگە و مرۆیی دەبینێت. پرسی ململانێی ژن لەگەڵ کولتوری پیاوسالاری لای شاعیر دیار و بەرچاوە و بەرگری لە مافەکانی ژن دەکات. جۆری پەیوەندی پیاوسالاری لەگەڵ ژن و سروشتدا، بە هۆکاری سەرەکیی نەهامەتییەکان وێنا دەکات.
وشە سەرەکییەکان: ئیکۆفێمینیزم، فێمینیزم، ئیکۆلۆژی، کولتوری پیاوسالاری، شیعرەکانی قوبادی جەلیزادە.
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Authors: Othman Ahmed Mohamed Mam , Awla Abdullah Rahman
Published: October 2024

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