bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Статистика «черных лебедей»: о повторяемости редких сильных землетрясений, "Природа"
Authors: Родкин М.В.
Published: September 2023

С легкой руки американского эссеиста Нассима Талеба, за неожиданными, редкими и часто разрушительными событиями и явлениями закрепилось название «черных лебедей». Автор придал экстремальным событиям, кардинальным образом меняющим ситуацию, этот красивый образ. Зачастую указывается, что проблема «черных лебедей» может иметь ключевую важность для современного, крайне изменчивого и потенциально катастрофичного мира. «Черные лебеди» возникают внезапно, и хорошо бы знать хоть какие-то закономерности их появления и повторяемости. Известно, что подавляющая часть различных видов катастроф — как природных, так и техногенных — описывается степенным законом распределения, впервые выявленным для землетрясений (закон повторяемости землетрясений Гутенберга—Рихтера). При этом случай землетрясений не только самый первый и, пожалуй, самый известный, но и наиболее обеспеченный статистическими данными, и потому лучше других исследованный. Однако и для землетрясений характер их статистики остается дискуссионным. В статье обсуждаются проблемы повторяемости сильных землетрясений и уменьшения потерь и страхования от них.
Рыбоводство уральских казаков, "Природа"
Authors: Изюмов А.И.
Published: September 2023

Работы по технике рыбоводства, которые проводились в Уральской казачьей общине в конце XIX и начале XX вв., сыграли важнейшую роль в развитии отечественной ихтиологии.
Поэзия между мифом и логосом: решающий шаг к науке, "Природа"
Authors: Донских О.А.
Published: September 2023

На материале двух интеллектуальных традиций — индийской и греческой — обсуждается вопрос о появлении науки в так называемое «осевое время» (VIII–II вв. до н.э.) и о той роли, которую сыграла поэзия в формировании научного мышления. В тот период духовная культура существовала в устной форме, и звучащее слово играло первенствующую роль. На протяжении нескольких веков поэты занимаются упорядочиванием и сохранением священных текстов Ригведы. В процессе этой практики они начинают создавать специальные способы произношения для того, чтобы не исказить звучание гимнов, комментировать уже не очень понятные места и слова, составлять словари и формулировать грамматические правила. В результате этой деятельности родились веданги — религиозно-научные тексты, представляющие, в частности, такие дисциплины, как фонетика, этимология, грамматика, астрономия. В чем-то подобный процесс можно проследить и в греческой традиции. Поэты формировали творческое отношение к текстам, создавали неологизмы, что явилось примером и предпосылкой создания ряда понятий философами, углубили содержание ряда ключевых понятий, таких как «мера», «справедливость» и др., начинают критиковать мифологическую традицию, освобождая мысль от жесткой привязанности к авторитетам, и открывают рассуждение в форме пропорций. Тем самым поэзия сыграла важнейшую роль в движении от мифологического мышления к рациональному.
The Acceptance of Smart Home Technologies
Authors: Nascimento Débora Rosa , FETTERMANN DIEGO Castro
Published: September 2023

The advancement of home automation technologies allowed the integration of systems for smart home implementation in the civil construction sector. However, the smart home's dissemination depends on factors that can enhance or hinder users' acceptance of smart home technologies. The article aims to identify the benefits and barriers users perceive that can interfere with implementing smart home technologies. The methodology utilized a systematic literature review using 122 articles in journals indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, IEEE, and Scielo scientific databases to gather barriers and benefits to smart home implementation. The literature mentions the benefits in the environmental, financial, and psychological categories as the main factors that potentiate the dissemination of smart home technologies. On the other hand, the barriers classified into the technological, ethical, and human categories have the major effect of hindering smart home implementation.
Resource Use Efficiency and Constraints in the Production of Direct Seeded Rice in Haryana, India
Authors: Sumit  , Malik D. P. , Pawar Neeraj
Published: September 2023

The present study was conducted during 2022-23 in three districts namely, Kurukshetra, Karnal and Yamunanagar in Haryana with the objective to analyse the resource use efficiency and constraints in the production of direct seeded rice (DSR). To achieve the objective of the study Cob-Douglas production function technique was used. The result of the study revealed that inputs like machine labour and irrigation in direct seeded basmati paddy and seed, human labour and irrigation in direct seeded non-basmati paddy were greater than one indicating underuse of these resources. The seed, chemical fertilizers and human labour in direct seeded basmati paddy while chemical fertilizers and machine labour in direct seeded non-basmati paddy were less than one which indicated the overuse of these inputs. As DSR technology is a water, labour and energy saving practice, it needs to be popularized among the farmers by offering viable solutions the problems faced by the rice growers. Weed infestation and management, iron deficiency, non-availability of DSR drill and difficulty in land preparation were the major problems faced by the farmers in the production of DSRs which warrant appropriate remedial solutions.
Study on Promotional Strategy of Syngenta Product Amistar in Hoshiarpur District of Punjab, India
Authors: Kumawat Ranjeet Singh , Barker Nitin
Published: September 2023

Bases on information gathered from 176 respondents, a study carried out in the Hoshiarpur area of Punjab state discovered numerous Amistar fungicide promotional methods. The study's main goal was to determine how best to market fungicide to farmers. It is revealed that out of total respondent’s major number falls under the age group of 30- 50 years that is 94 respondents, and it was found land holding has a direction relation between the income level of the respondents and also the education level. The study showed that respondents gave the primary preference to Amistar Fungicide of by Syngenta Market potential is the maximum amount of sales that might be available to all the firms in a pesticide industry during a given period, under a given level of pesticide industry marketing efforts and environmental conditions. Grain crops is the major crop in Mukerian Block in which Amistar is used for use, so the market potential is calculated considering Maize crop acreage.

when it comes the preferred promotional tools, the response was in the favour of farmer meeting. Demonstration, company’s person visit, wall postering, literature display, phone call, van campaign were ranked second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh respectively. The response was in the favour of billboards with a total number of 57(32.40%) followed by the television, radio and social media. Other sources were television, radio, newspaper and social media.
Business Plan and Implementation Report on Star-Egg: Omega-3-Enriched Egg in Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Mahardika Astrid Wahyu
Published: September 2023

The paper primarily examines the business implementation of Star-Egg: Omega-3-enriched-eggs. The objective of the report is to elaborate the obstacles during the implementation compared to the planning, distribution matters, pricing strategy, and the planned social media marketing initiatives for Star-Egg, aimed to compete in B2B market. ((revision by vyo) The outcomes of this study reveal that the implementation of Star-Egg faced obstacles of each aspect: human resources, financial, operational, and marketing. The primarily emphasizes of this analysis was focused on the marketing aspect, which specifically related to distribution, pricing strategy, and social media marketing. The distribution matters revolve on ensuring the safety of shipment, which require to add clean and odorless rice husks, wheat chaff, or chopped straw in the outer packaging. Furthermore, addressing the challenge of pricing competitiveness could be achieved by implementing a penetration pricing strategy. Lastly, it is recommended to utilize social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and other relevant channels to be integrated into the upcoming marketing planning. To address these challenges, a comprehensive review from various literature was undertaken, in order to formulate the effective strategies for each obstacle. Despite the mentioned challenges, it is worth noting that the business exhibits promising growth potential and prospects for the future.
Consumer Price Search Behaviors in Online Shopping
Authors: Lii Yuan-Shuh , Ding May-Ching , Hung Chih-Hung
Published: September 2023

Aims: Simultaneously, the decelerating economy in the real world due to the covid-19 has intensified the competition in the virtual world, forcing online retailers to consider how to steering effective price promotion strategies to attract customers and to increase their purchase intentions. Online retailers are either struggling to find ways to formulate their online price promotion strategies or simply adopt the offline price promotion strategies. However, the Internet provides online shoppers with the benefit of searching and evaluate price information efficiently and effectively, greatly reduces consumers’ information search costs. Under this circumstance, the effect of offline price promotion strategies on consumers’ price perceptions and purchase decision may become a hinderance instead of an assistance. Overall, the price information provided by the Internet influences consumer perceptions and reactions to online shopping. The purpose of this research is to provide insight into consumers’ online price search behavior and consumers’ reactions to online price promotion.

Methodology: An in-depth discussion of the literature review on online consumer price search behavior was applied. Specifically, the literature review covers the issues of price comparison search engine, price comparison refund policy, price promotion, and semantic cues related to consumer price perception and purchase intention.

Conclusion: These research propositions can help online retailers to gain a deeper understanding of consumer price search behavior, response to price information, and promotions. Consequently, online retailers are able to better formulate price communication strategies effectively. This price scheme can influence consumer price search behavior and then purchase intention.
Nutritional Status and Existing Early Childhood Feeding Practice of under-Five Children: A Cross-Sectional Study in Rural Bangladesh
Authors: Habib Mohammad Asadul , Rahman Tanjina , Karim Kazi Muhammad Rezaul , Sajid Mohammad , Bappy S. M. Symon , Islam Khaleda , Sadiq Md. Zafar As
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The present study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of malnutrition and its association with existing feeding practices and other factors among under-five (U5) children in a rural setting of Bangladesh.

Aim: This study aimed to explore the nutritional status, feeding practices, and demographic profiles of under-five (U5) children in rural Bangladesh.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 404 children (0-59 months) from the Noakhali district, Bangladesh. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the significant predictor variables for child malnutrition.

Results: The study revealed, there were 30.4% stunting, 37.3% underweight, and 16%  wasting in children. A strong relationship was found between underweight and three variables, namely- maternal education, paternal occupation, and child's age (p<0.05) respectively. The  risk of being underweight for a child from an illiterate mother was 2.18 times more                               (AOR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.09, 4.37) compared to children from mothers having secondary/higher education. Child’s gender also had a strong association with wasting where male child was  more prone to wasting than its female counterpart (p<0.05). The SEM results showed that, nutritional status of children was negatively affected by mother’s education, age of child and  family income (<0.01). Maternal education and age of children were considered to be important determinants of chronic malnutrition (stunting). The prevalence of exclusive breast-feeding under the age of 6 months was 57.9%, and continued breast-feeding till the age of one year was 86.2%.

Conclusion: Social and cultural issues need to be addressed, and appropriate strategies should be taken to ameliorate the existing feeding practice for U5 children to reduce malnutrition in this rural setting of Bangladesh.
Characterization of ABO / Rhesus Antigen Polymorphism Associated with Malaria in a Malaria Hotspot in Bayelsa State, Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Ogbole Faith Ajiebabhio , Igwe Chidi Uzoma , Onuoha Henrietta Chinyere , Nzebude Chiamaka Perpetua
Published: September 2023

Aim: The aim of the present study was to characterize the role of ABO/Rhesus blood group antigen polymorphism in malaria among adults in Bayelsa State, Niger Delta, Nigeria. The pattern of distribution of ABO/Rhesus antigen polymorphism in the area was also assessed.

Materials and Methods: Two hundred and six adults (91 males and 115 females) were randomly selected for the study and they were examined for the presence of malaria parasite infection and illness as well as for type of ABO/Rhesus antigen polymorphism using real time PCR-high resolution melting analysis, clinical malaria indicators and agglutination methods respectively. The density of malaria parasitemia was evaluated using microscopy and socio-demographic variables were collected using a structured questionnaire. Multinomial logistics regression and one way ANOVA tests were used to assess the difference between frequencies and means, respectively.

Results: Showed that the distribution of ABO/Rhesus antigen polymorphism were in the following order: blood group O, 50% (O+ 47.57%; O- 2.43%), blood group B, 21.36% (B+, 20.39%; B-, 0.97%), blood group A, 18.93% (A+, 18.93%, A-, 0%), and blood group AB (AB+, 9.71%, AB-, 0%). Among severe malaria subjects, ABO antigen polymorphism distribution were A, 29%; B, 57%; AB, 5% and O, 10%. Among mild malaria subjects, ABO antigen polymorphism distribution were A, 36%; B, 33%; AB, 23% and O, 8%. Among asymptomatic malaria subjects, ABO antigen polymorphism distribution were A, 12%; B, 12%; AB, 7% and O, 69% of the subjects respectively. Among uninfected subjects, ABO antigen polymorphism distribution were A, 20%; B, 20%; AB, 7% and O, 53%. Each ABO blood group antigen was associated with asymptomatic malaria, while blood group A, B, and AB were associated with mild malaria and only blood group B was associated with severe malaria (P < 0.05). Parasite density showed no association with ABO Blood group.

Conclusion: ABO blood group antigen polymorphism was associated with malaria. Blood group O conferred protection against mild and severe malaria, while blood group B conferred susceptibility to severe malaria. Prevention and treatment of malaria in relation to ABO blood groups is implicated in the present study.
Effect of Nutrio - Hormonal Consortia on Growth and Yield in Groundnut
Authors: Praisy Tatiparthi , Sivakumar R. , Vijayalakshmi D. , Sasikala R. , Karthikeyan R.
Published: September 2023

This study addresses a knowledge gap in understanding the interaction effect of nutrient-plant growth regulators on groundnut which plays a vital role in morpho-physiological processes for achieving enhanced productivity. The main goal was to evaluate how different nutrio-hormonal combinations affect groundnut traits. The experiment was conducted in pot culture at glasshouse, Department of Crop Physiology, TNAU, Coimbatore, utilizing a factorial completely randomized design. Two genotypes, BSR 2 and VRI 8, received five treatments with four replications: T1 - control (foliar water spray), T2 - Nutrio hormonal consortia 1, T3 - Nutrio hormonal consortia 2 (T2 + K2SO4), T4 - Groundnut booster 1 (FeSO4, K2SO4, MgSO4, Borax), and T5 - Groundnut booster 2 (T4 + Salicylic acid + NAA-Naphthalene Acetic Acid). Application of T5 to VRI 8 showed significant results, with higher leaf area (2297.83 cm²) and specific leaf weight (19.87 mg/cm²) where as BSR 2 had smaller leaf area (872.86 cm²) and higher specific leaf weight (51.55 mg/cm²). VRI 8 had fewer pods but higher yield (8.16 g/plant) than BSR 2 (7.07 g/plant). In conclusion, the foliar application of T5 - Groundnut booster 2 with the VRI 8 variety holds promising potential for enhancing groundnut yield.
Mitigation of Salinity Stress by Application of Plant Growth Promoting Substances in Rice
Authors: Selvamani S. , Senthil A. , Ravichandran V. , Djanaguiraman M. , Anitha K. , Shanmugam P. M. , Boopathi N. Manikanda
Published: September 2023

Aim: Salt stress adversely affects plant growth and development. Various mitigating strategies have been employed to enhance the adaptability of plants to salt stress. The present study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the recently developed CO55 rice variety's ability to withstand salt-induced stress during seedling growth. This evaluation included foliar spraying of plant growth promoting substances like melatonin, salicylic acid, silicon, and selenium, along with the identification of effective plant growth-promoting substances that exhibit tolerance to salinity. This study is required to develop salt-tolerant varieties capable of withstanding salinity stress during the seedling stage. The seedling stage is more susceptible to salinity, and also to increase the growth and yield of rice, thereby satisfying the country's agricultural needs.

Study Design: Completely randomized design.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Crop Physiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore; March-April 2023.

Methodology: In the hydroponics experiment, the CO55 rice variety was subjected to foliar spraying of various plant growth promoting substances such as melatonin, salicylic acid, orthosilicic acid, and sodium selenate. Parameters like leaf drying score, osmotic potential, osmotic adjustment, sodium content, potassium content, and Na+/K+ ratio were assessed. One-way ANOVA was used to analyze the data.

Results: Specific pairwise differences between means were assessed at the 0.05 significance level using Fisher's least significant difference (LSD) test. Among the treatments applied, salicylic acid recorded the highest potassium content (3.94%), and the lowest potassium content (2.60%) was found in orthosilicic acid. On the other hand, from the standard evaluation score, it was observed that CO55 rice variety seedlings were found to be tolerant when treated with salicylic acid, whereas it was susceptible under orthosilicic acid treatment.

Conclusion: Observations indicated that foliar application of salicylic acid at the concentrations of 50µM and 100µM exhibited higher tolerance towards salinity during the seedling growth stages.
Progression of Powdery Mildew of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.) in Relation to Weather Parameters
Authors: Verma Pradeep Kumar , Negi H. S. , Kaur G. , Kumar Rohit
Published: September 2023

The work entitled “Progression of powdery mildew of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) in relation to weather parameters” was carried out in Agriculture Research Farm, Banda University of Agriculture & Technology, Banda, Uttar Pradesh, India during Rabi 2020-21 season. As infection and development of a disease depends on the favourable environmental conditions hence, relationship between powdery mildew of Indian mustard and weather factors was evaluated in Ganga, Varuna, Giriraj and RH-0749 varieties of Indian mustard in which maximum temperature between 25-30°C, minimum temperature >10°C with minimum relative humidity (RH) <50% favoured the development of powdery mildew in all the four varieties Indian mustard varieties. Individual and combined effects of different weather parameters on development of powdery mildew was evaluated using correlation and regression analysis. Percent disease index (PDI) of powdery mildew was positively correlated with the maximum and minimum temperature whereas, it was negatively correlated with maximum RH, minimum RH and rainfall in Indian mustard varieties Ganga, Varuna, Giriraj and RH-0749. Coefficient of determination (R2) explained that 96, 96, 95 and 96 % powdery mildew development was influenced by the maximum temperature, minimum temperature, maximum relative humidity, minimum relative humidity and rainfall in Indian mustard varieties Ganga, Varuna, Giriraj and RH-0749, respectively. Multiple linear regression equation was developed to find out the expected PDI of the disease based on the predictor weather variables. Correlation analysis explained that warmer temperature and lesser humidity favoured the development of powdery mildew in Indian mustard. Multiple linear regression model developed in current investigation may be utilized for development of powdery mildew prediction model in Indian mustard.
Physiological Role of Nutrient Consortium for Improving the Yield in Cotton
Authors: Jenifer N. Celcia , Sritharan N. , Senthil A. , Premalatha N. , Jayakanthan M.
Published: September 2023

The present investigation was carried out to study the impact of nutrients and PGRs (Plant Growth Regulators) on morphological, physiological and yield attributes of the cotton crop. The statistical design used for the study was Factorial Completely Randomized Design (FCRD) with four replications. The pot culture experiment was conducted in the Glass house, Department of Crop Physiology, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) during February 2023 – June 2023. The study was carried out using two cotton varieties (CO 17 and MCU 5) with the treatments containing 1% foliar spray of Nutrio-hormonal consortia Ⅰ, Nutrio-hormonal consortia Ⅱ, Cotton Booster Ⅰ, Cotton Booster Ⅱ and control. The treatments were imposed during flowering and boll development stages. The morphological, physiological and yield attributes viz., plant height (in cm), chlorophyll index, total dry matter production (g/plant), number of sympodial branches per plant, number of bolls per plant, boll weight (g/boll) and seed cotton yield (g/plant) were recorded. Foliar application of the Cotton booster Ⅱ resulted in significant increase in the plant height (58.35 cm), total dry matter production (38.65 g/plant), number of sympodial branches per plant (17.8), number of bolls per plant (15.60), boll weight (3.88 g/boll) and seed cotton yield (42.79 g/plant) followed by Cotton booster Ⅰ in CO 17 variety. Similarly, in MCU 5 cotton variety, significant difference was observed in plant height (69.37 cm), total dry matter production (45.60 g/plant), number of sympodial branches per plant (19.6), number of bolls per plant (20.0), boll weight(4.39 g/boll) and seed cotton yield (48.77 g/plant). In conclusion, foliar application of 1% Cotton Booster Ⅱ exhibited better growth and yield attributes in cotton.
Porphyromonas gingivalis suppresses oral squamous cell carcinoma progression by inhibiting MUC1 expression and remodeling the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Lan Zhou , Zou Ke‐Long , Cui Hao , Zhao Yu‐Yue , Yu Guang‐Tao
Published: September 2023

Bacteria are the causative agents of various infectious diseases; however, the anti‐tumor effect of some bacterial species has attracted the attention of many scientists. The human oral cavity is inhabited by abundant and diverse bacterial communities and some of these bacterial communities could play a role in tumor suppression. Therefore, it is crucial to find oral bacterial species that show anti‐tumor activity on oral cancers. In the present study, we found that a high abundance of Porphyromonas gingivalis, an anaerobic periodontal pathogen, in the tumor microenvironment (TME) was positively associated with the longer survival of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). An in vitro assay confirmed that P. gingivalis accelerated the death of OSCC cells by inducing cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, thus exerting its anti‐tumor effect. We also found that P. gingivalis significantly decreased tumor growth in a 4‐nitroquinoline‐1‐oxide‐induced in situ OSCC mouse model. The transcriptomics data demonstrated that P. gingivalis suppressed the biosynthesis of mucin O‐glycan and other O‐glycans, as well as the expression of chemokines. Validation experiments further confirmed the downregulation of mucin‐1 (MUC1) and C‐X‐C motif chemokine 17 (CXCL17) expression by P. gingivalis treatment. Flow cytometry analysis showed that P. gingivalis successfully reversed the immunosuppressive TME, thereby suppressing OSCC growth. In summary, the findings of the present study indicated that the rational use of P. gingivalis could serve as a promising therapeutic strategy for OSCC.
Exterior design of townhouse and their extension/reconstruction process with regard to eaves types in a World Cultural Heritage site of a Nepali city
Authors: Yamamoto Naohiko , Takahashi Kayo , Masui Masaya , Miyauchi Anri , Mukai Yoichi
Published: September 2023

The paper deals with the exterior design of townhouses both inside and outside the Historic Monument Zone in the eastern part of Bhaktapur of Kathmandu Valley inscribed on the World Cultural Heritage List in 1979. This paper consists of following steps. First, the authors compose the original format of the survey sheet for Nepali townhouses. Second, the paper hypothesizes that a townhouse either experienced an extension of the upper floors or was totally reconstructed in the course of time. The authors propose “eaves types” as the key idea in this hypothesis. The result of the exterior design survey is primarily compared between inside and outside the Historic Monument Zone of the World Cultural Heritage site. Further comparison among eaves group or eaves types is done. Finally, eaves types are confirmed with the floor extension/reconstruction period demarcated by past devastating earthquakes. The result of the comparison again very well explained the characteristics of each eaves type.
Multispecies crop mixtures increase insect biodiversity in an intercropping experiment
Authors: Brandmeier Jana , Reininghaus Hannah , Scherber Christoph
Published: September 2023

Recent biodiversity declines require action across sectors such as agriculture. The situation is particularly acute for arthropods, a species‐rich taxon providing important ecosystem services. To counteract the negative consequences of agricultural intensification, creating a less hostile agricultural ‘matrix’ through growing crop mixtures can reduce harm for arthropods without yield losses.

While grassland biodiversity experiments showed positive plant biodiversity effects on arthropods, experiments manipulating crop diversity and agrochemical input used to study arthropods are lacking.

Here, we experimentally manipulated crop diversity (1–3 species, fallows), crop species (wheat, faba bean, linseed and oilseed rape) and agrochemical input (high vs. low) and studied responses of arthropod biodiversity. We tested whether arthropod responses were affected by crop diversity, mixtures and management. Additionally, we measured crop biomass.

Crop biomass increased with crop diversity under high‐input management, while under low management intensity, biomass was highest in two‐species mixtures.

Increasing crop diversity positively affected arthropod abundance and diversity, under both low‐ and high‐input management. Crop mixtures containing faba bean, linseed or oilseed rape had particularly high arthropod diversity.

Mass‐flowering crops attracted more arthropods than legumes or cereals. Integrating intercropping into agricultural systems could increase flower visits by insects up to 1.5 million per hectare, thus likely also supporting pollination and pest‐control ecosystem services.

Flower visitor network complexity increased in mixtures containing linseed and faba bean and under low‐input management.

Intercropping can counteract insect declines in farmland by creating beneficial matrix habitat without compromising crop yield.
Visual crowd analysis: Open research problems
Authors: Khan Muhammad Asif , Menouar Hamid , Hamila Ridha
Published: September 2023

Over the last decade, there has been a remarkable surge in interest in automated crowd monitoring within the computer vision community. Modern deep‐learning approaches have made it possible to develop fully automated vision‐based crowd‐monitoring applications. However, despite the magnitude of the issue at hand, the significant technological advancements, and the consistent interest of the research community, there are still numerous challenges that need to be overcome. In this article, we delve into six major areas of visual crowd analysis, emphasizing the key developments in each of these areas. We outline the crucial unresolved issues that must be tackled in future works, in order to ensure that the field of automated crowd monitoring continues to progress and thrive. Several surveys related to this topic have been conducted in the past. Nonetheless, this article thoroughly examines and presents a more intuitive categorization of works, while also depicting the latest breakthroughs within the field, incorporating more recent studies carried out within the last few years in a concise manner. By carefully choosing prominent works with significant contributions in terms of novelty or performance gains, this paper presents a more comprehensive exposition of advancements in the current state‐of‐the‐art.
Non‐fragile state estimation of discrete‐time two‐time‐scale Markov jump complex networks subject to partially known probabilities
Authors: Cai Youzhi , Li Feng , Xia Jianwei , Shen Hao
Published: September 2023

This paper investigates the problem of non‐fragile state estimation for Markov jump complex networks with two‐time‐scale characteristics in discrete time, in which the transition probabilities information is partially known. A singular perturbation parameter reflects the two‐time‐scale property of Markov jump complex networks. The goal is to design a mode‐dependent state estimator to ensure that the estimation error system is stochastically stable and satisfies the performance index. By constructing a mode‐dependent Lyapunov function with the singular perturbation parameter, a sufficient condition based on the linear matrix inequality is obtained. By introducing an optimized relaxation matrix, a novel decoupling method is proposed for complex networks with two‐time‐scale characteristics to reduce the conservatism of the obtained state estimator. The usefulness of the intended state observer and the superiority of the unique decoupling approach provided are demonstrated numerically.
Size‐Tunable Nanoregulator‐Based Radiofrequency Ablation Suppresses MDSCs and Their Compensatory Immune Evasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Tang Yuhao , Shu Zhilin , Zhu Meiyan , Li Shuping , Ling Yunyan , Fu Yizhen , Hu Zili , Wang Jiongliang , Yang Zhenyun , Liao Junbin , Xu Li , Yu Meng , Peng Zhenwei
Published: September 2023

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a widely used therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, in cases of insufficient RFA (iRFA), nonlethal temperatures in the transition zone increase the risk of postoperative relapse. The pathological analysis of HCC tissues shows that iRFA‐induced upregulation of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in residual tumors is critical for postoperative recurrence. Furthermore, this study demonstrates, for the first time, that combining MDSCs suppression strategy during iRFA can unexpectedly lead to a compensatory increase in PD‐L1 expression on the residual MDSCs, attributed to relapse due to immune evasion. To address this issue, a novel size‐tunable hybrid nano‐microliposome is designed to co‐deliver MDSCs inhibitors (IPI549) and αPDL1 antibodies (LPIP) for multipathway activation of immune responses. The LPIP is triggered to release immune regulators by the mild heat in the transition zone of iRFA, selectively inhibiting MDSCs and blocking the compensatory upregulation of PD‐L1 on surviving MDSCs. The combined strategy of LPIP + iRFA effectively ablates the primary tumor by activating immune responses in the transition zone while suppressing the compensatory immune evasion of surviving MDSCs. This approach avoids the relapse of the residual tumor in a post‐iRFA incomplete ablation model and appears to be a promising strategy in RFA for the eradication of HCC.
Facile Solution‐Processed Semiconductor/Metal Hybrid Nanoporous Materials; their Highly Photoredox Catalytic Power
Authors: Mustaqeem Mujahid , Naikoo Gowhar A. , Ahmad Naveed , Chou Pi‐Tai , Chen Yang‐Fang
Published: September 2023

Designing a photoredox material with highly efficient organic pollutant degradation ability and cost effectiveness is challenging. Conventional photoredox materials have inherent drawbacks, including high cost, low photon‐to‐electron conversion rates, and low effective surface area. Herein, an alternative nanoporous semiconductor/metal hybrid (CuO‐Ag) photoredox catalysis material with all solution processes is developed to circumvent these shortcomings. The obtained results evidently indicate that the loading of Ag onto the CuO nanoporous material leads to improving the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area (48.369 m2 g−1) with pore size (36.436 nm) and pore's volume (0.301 cm3 g−1) of CuO‐Ag nanoporsity. The improved semiconductor/metal hybrid surface area and porosity significantly enhance the photocatalytic efficiency (i.e., ≈99% degradation of RhB and 4‐NP), owing to the synergy effect. Additionally, the decoration of metal nanostructure enables to enhance photo‐absorption and the semiconductor/metal heterojunction is useful to enhance photo‐excited electron and hole charge carriers separation. Such structure‐designed CuO‐Ag nanoporous materials maintain high photostability during long light irradiation conditions. The photocatalytic efficiency is better than all published reports. This strategy using hybrid semiconductor/metal nanoporous material with high surface area and greater porosity improved activity significantly offers a facile guideline for targeting photoredox catalysis applications.
A Nanoporous Permselective Polymer Coating for Practical Low N/P Ratio Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: McNamara Declan , Shaibani Mahdokht , Majumder Mainak , Hill Matthew R.
Published: September 2023

Lithium metal batteries, in particular lithium–sulfur chemistries, hold great promise in energy storage from potentially increased gravimetric storage density and diminished reliance on transition metals, lowering resource demand and hence overall unit cost. However, these cells can have their feasibility improved to a greater extent by lowering the demand for lithium within their construction and reducing the polysulfide shuttling effect. Rising lithium costs and a lack of recycling options indicate the use of excess lithium to mitigate cycling stability issues is sub‐optimal. Herein, the direct casting of a lithophilic, superglassy, nanoporous PTMSP polymer separator directly onto the lithium anode is described. PTMSP's bi‐modal, sub‐angstrom pore size distribution results in selective rejection of polysulfide species, while its high fractional free volume acts as a stabilizing matrix for deposited lithium as well as possessing a high ionic conductivity of 8.8 × 10‐4 S cm−1. The coated anodes exhibit 5.7 times more dense lithium over controls, translating to improved cycling performance due to increased capacity retention and improved lithium utilization at low (< 3) N/P ratios for extended cycle life (> 250 cycles), at practical sulfur loadings (4 mg cm−2). These developments are promising steps for more widespread adoption of lithium sulfur batteries and other metallic lithium systems.
Dynamic Phosphorylation of G9a Regulates its Repressive Activity on Chromatin Accessibility and Mitotic Progression
Authors: Geng Qizhi , Kong Yue‐Yu , Li Weizhe , Zhang Jianhao , Ma Haoli , Zhang Yuhang , Da Lin‐Tai , Zhao Yan , Du Hai‐Ning
Published: September 2023

Phosphorylation of Ser10 of histone H3 (H3S10p), together with the adjacent methylation of Lys9 (H3K9me), has been proposed to function as a ‘phospho‐methyl switch’ to regulate mitotic chromatin architecture. Despite of immense understanding of the roles of H3S10 phosphorylation, how H3K9me2 are dynamically regulated during mitosis is poorly understood. Here, it is identified that Plk1 kinase phosphorylates the H3K9me1/2 methyltransferase G9a/EHMT2 at Thr1045 (pT1045) during early mitosis, which attenuates its catalytic activity toward H3K9me2. Cells bearing Thr1045 phosphomimic mutant of G9a (T1045E) show decreased H3K9me2 levels, increased chromatin accessibility, and delayed mitotic progression. By contrast, dephosphorylation of pT1045 during late mitosis by the protein phosphatase PPP2CB reactivates G9a activity and upregulates H3K9me2 levels, correlated with decreased levels of H3S10p. Therefore, the results provide a mechanistic explanation of the essential of a ‘phospho‐methyl switch’ and highlight the importance of Plk1 and PPP2CB‐mediated dynamic regulation of G9a activity in chromatin organization and mitotic progression.
Are CUL3 variants an underreported cause of congenital heart disease?
Authors: Di Francesco Daniela , Swenerton Anne , Li Wenhui Laura , Dunham Christopher , Hendson Glenda , Boerkoel Cornelius F.
Published: September 2023

Complex heart defects (CHD) are a common malformation associated with disruption of developmental pathways. The Cullin‐RING ligases (CRLs) are multi‐subunit E3 ubiquitin ligases in which Cullin 3 (CUL3) serves as a scaffolding subunit. Heterozygous CUL3 variants have been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and pseudohypoaldosteronism type IIE. We report a fetus with CHD and a de novo CUL3 variant (NM_003590.4:c.[1549_1552del];[=], p.(Ser517Profs*23)) and review CUL3 variants reported with CHD. We postulate that CUL3 variants predispose to CHD and hypothesize mechanisms of pathogenesis.
Study on the adsorption of volatile gasoline components via HKUST‐1: Isobutylene as a model compound
Authors: Sun Kai , Li Xinbao , Yuan Ye , Wang Yucheng , Chen Ying , Zhu Yingying , Lu Junliang
Published: September 2023

Adsorption of volatile gasoline components at oil terminal by using metal organic frameworks (MOFs) is a prospective technology in reducing environment pollution and increasing oil resource recovery. In this study, a typical MOF of HKUST‐1 was facile prepared by solvothermal method and tested in the adsorption of volatile gasoline components. Isobutylene was selected as a model compound. The effects of preparation parameters Cu2+/H3BTC molar ratios, Cu2+ precursors, and solvent compositions on the structure of HKUST‐1 and its subsequent adsorption performance were systematically studied. The synthesized samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, and N2 physisorption. It was found that the HKUST‐1 prepared by using DMF as the unique solvent obtained the highest specific surface area (1076.7 m2/g) and the largest pore volume (0.90 cm3/g). Furthermore, the maximum isobutylene adsorption capacity of 31.9 mg/g was found on the HKUST‐1 which prepared under the conditions of Cu2+/H3BTC = 2, Cu (CH3COO)2 as the Cu2+ precursor, and a solvent composition of DMF:EtOH:H2O = 0:4:3.
Improvement of the metabolic stability of pan‐RAF/VEGFR2 dual inhibitors
Authors: Maiti Santanu , Kwon Jeong Hee , Hong Sung Pyo , Kwon Ho‐Seok , Kim Jinho , Ahn Soon Kil
Published: September 2023

Development of dual inhibitors of pan‐RAF/VEGFR2 is important for the treatment of K‐Ras mutated colorectal cancer, which is one of the most common and lethal malignancies. Building upon our studies in dual inhibitors of pan‐RAF/VEGFR2, we designed and synthesized new dual inhibitor candidates by installing a urea or guanidine moiety to the previously reported dual inhibitors in order to enhance both metabolic stability and solubility. Various 1‐(5‐((3‐(9H‐purin‐6‐yl)pyridin‐2‐yl)amino)‐2‐fluorophenyl)‐3‐phenylurea and 1‐(5‐((3‐(9H‐purin‐6‐yl)pyridin‐2‐yl)amino)‐2‐fluorophenyl)‐3‐phenylguanidine derivatives were synthesized, and their antiproliferative activities against LS513 cell (K‐RasG12D) and VEGFR2 were evaluated. Among the tested compounds, 1‐(5‐((3‐(9H‐purin‐6‐yl)pyridin‐2‐yl)amino)‐2‐fluorophenyl)‐3‐(3‐fluorophenyl)urea (7b) and 1‐(5‐((3‐(9H‐purin‐6‐yl)pyridin‐2‐yl)amino)‐2‐fluorophenyl)‐3‐(4‐chloro‐3‐trifluoromethyl)phenyl)urea (7e) are the most potent dual inhibitors against LS513 (GI50 = 0.1 and 0.06 μM, respectively) and VEGFR2 (IC50 = 0.03 and 0.06 μM, respectively). The preclinical study with these compounds are currently underway.
Business strategy and environmental information disclosure from a Confucian cultural perspective: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhao Meilin , Wang Xiaohong , Zhang Shaopeng , Cheng Lei
Published: September 2023

Based on social contract theory, this study investigates the impact of business strategy on environmental information disclosure from an informal institutional perspective. Using empirical data from a panel of Chinese listed A‐share firms in Shanghai and Shenzhen from 2010 to 2020, we demonstrate that firms following prospector strategies have higher levels of environmental information disclosure compared to those following defender strategies. Our findings also reveal that Confucian culture positively moderates the relationship between business strategy and environmental information disclosure. Specifically, we find that when environmental uncertainty increases, the moderating effect of Confucian culture weakens, while effective legal supervision strengthens the positive moderating effect of Confucian culture. Additionally, our results show that business strategy affects environmental information disclosure through the dual channels of economic benefits contract and social recognition contract. Overall, this research provides valuable insights for corporate sustainable development and effective government environmental governance.
Ectasia and slow flow phenomena of coronary artery related to apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Mood Elahenaz Parsi , Kahnooji Masoomeh , Aliramezany Maryam
Published: September 2023

Key Clinical Message

Although the combination of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and slow flow coronary artery is a rare phenomenon, but a comprehensive evaluation of these patients is essential. Because timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent irreversible complications.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy‐related coronary artery ectasia and slow flow phenomena is an extremely rare association that can cause manifestations of ischemic heart disease in patients. Distinguishing these cases and prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent possible complications. In this current case, a 72‐year‐old man complaining of typical exertional dyspnea for 6 months was admitted to the hospital in December 2022. An echocardiogram was conducted and revealed apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. A coronary angiogram showed ectasia and slow flow pattern in the coronary artery without significant stenosis. The patient was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy associated with ectasia via electrocardiography, echocardiography, and coronary angiography. Medical treatment was started for the patient. The patient did not appear to suffer from dyspnea or other symptoms during the follow‐up period.
Malignant hypercalcemia revealing a diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in a patient with a previous diagnosis of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia: An uncommon hematological coexistence
Authors: Diallo Alpha Oumar , Marcou Amelie , Lespinasse Jérémie , Cordoba‐Sosa Zaida , Andrès Emmanuel , Docquier Léa , Lorenzo‐Villalba Noel
Published: September 2023

Key Clinical Message

A 76‐year‐old patient previously admitted to the cardiology department for replacement of a right ventricular lead on a double‐chamber pacemaker was admitted to the internal medicine department 15 days after for bronchopneumopathy. His past medical history was relevant for Type 2 diabetes mellitus, heart failure due to dilated hypokinetic heart disease, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML‐0) diagnosed in 2021. Twenty‐four hours after admission, the patient's general condition deteriorated abruptly, with the onset of drowsiness and psychomotor retardation. Laboratory exams revealed hypercalcemia at 4.18 mmol/L. Intensive hydration, calcitonin, and zoledronic acid were initiated and the patient was transferred to the nephrology intensive care unit where he underwent two sessions of hemodialysis to normalize serum calcium levels before readmission to internal medicine. Laboratory exams revealed low parathyroid hormone, normal 1‐25‐OH vitamin D, and increased parathyroid hormone‐related peptide. Thoracoabdominal and positron emission tomography (PET) scan showed diffuse abdominopelvic peritoneal carcinosis associated with low‐grade pleural effusion and multiple supra‐ and sub‐diaphragmatic adenopathies, leading to a search for a solid tumor. The patient's clinical condition worsened leading to a transfer to the intensive care unit. The biopsy of a peritoneal carcinosis nodule confirmed the diagnosis of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. Specific treatments were unsuccessful and the patient expired.
The utility of H2 receptor antagonists in preventing infusion‐related reactions to paclitaxel chemotherapy
Authors: Tsang Corey , Robinson Jessica , Wheatley‐Price Paul F. , Brule Stephanie Y. , Moore Sara M.
Published: September 2023

Background

Paclitaxel has a risk of infusion‐related reactions (IRRs) and despite no prospective evidence, is often given with premedication including a corticosteroid, H1 antagonist, and H2 antagonist (H2RA). Backorders impacted the supply of intravenous H2RAs at our center, and it was removed as routine premedication. The authors compared the incidence of IRR in patients treated without H2RA to patients receiving standard H2RA premedication.

Methods

The authors reviewed outpatients starting paclitaxel at the Ottawa Hospital from December 2019 to October 2021. Two cohorts were created: patients treated without H2RA premedication (intervention), and those receiving standard H2RA (control). Demographics, treatment, and IRR information were collected retrospectively. Primary end point was rate of grade ≥2 IRRs during first two doses of paclitaxel.

Results

A total of 182 patients were treated without H2RA premedication, compared to 184 control patients treated during non‐backorder periods. Baseline characteristics included: median age, 63 years; 86% female; and primary tumor 52% breast/24% gynecologic/10% gastric/esophageal/8% lung/6% other. There were no significant differences between cohorts in baseline characteristics. There was no difference in the rate of grade ≥2 IRR between cohorts; 12.1% (22 of 182; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.7%–17.7%) for patients treated without H2RA, and 15.1% (28 of 185; 95% CI, 10.3%–21.1%) for control patients. The rate of grade ≥3 IRRs were also similar, 4.4% in intervention cohort versus 3.8% in control cohort.

Conclusions

The removal of H2RAs from premedication for paclitaxel did not result in an increased incidence of IRRs. The use of H2RAs in preventing IRRs to paclitaxel should be re‐evaluated.
Evincing Structural, Electronic, and Magnetic Attributes of LaFe0.5A0.5O3 (A = Co, Cr, and Ti): DFT‐GGA Recapitulation
Authors: Tariq Saad , Mubarak A. A. , Mahmood Asif , Ramay Shahid Mahmood
Published: September 2023

In this article, density functional theory studies are being performed on LaFe0.5A0.5O3 (A = Co, Cr, and Ti) (LFAO). The structural stability of LFAO is inspected using ground state optimization, and enthalpy of formation. The results unveil that LFAO is a ferromagnetic half metallic compound. The calculated magnetic moments, Curie temperature, and electronic band gap are found to change with substitution atoms. All these attributes are explained in detail using DOS and Fermi surface analysis. The results match well with the available literature. The Seebeck coefficient, electrical and thermal conductivity with respect to a time constant are computed using BoltzTrap code. The present dopant compounds show p‐type character with a hole charge carrier. It is expected that studied compounds can be useful for novel spintronic and thermoelectric applications.