bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of High-Order Bright–Dark Rogue Waves in (2+1)-D Variable-Coefficient Zakharov Equation via Self-Similar and Darboux Transformations
Authors: Zhang Hangwei , Zong Jie , Tian Geng , Wei Guangmei
Published: April 2024

This paper conducts an in-depth study on the self-similar transformation, Darboux transformation, and the excitation and propagation characteristics of high-order bright–dark rogue wave solutions in the (2+1)-dimensional variable-coefficient Zakharov equation. The Zakharov equation is instrumental for studying complex nonlinear interactions in these areas, with specific implications for energy transfer processes in plasma and nonlinear wave propagation systems. By analyzing bright–dark rogue wave solutions—phenomena that are critical in understanding high-energy events in optical and fluid environments—this research elucidates the intricate dynamics of energy concentration and dissipation. Using the self-similar transformation method, we map the (2+1)-dimensional equation to a more tractable (1+1)-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation form. Through the Lax pair and Darboux transformation, we successfully construct high-order solutions that reveal how variable coefficients influence rogue wave features, such as shape, amplitude, and dynamics. Numerical simulations demonstrate the evolution of these rogue waves, offering novel perspectives for predicting and mitigating extreme wave events in engineering applications.This paper crucially advances the practical understanding and manipulation of nonlinear wave phenomena in variable environments, providing significant insights for applications in optical fibers, atmospheric physics, and marine engineering.
Inter-Departure Time Correlations in PH/G/1 Queues
Authors: Sagron Ruth , Yechiali Uri
Published: April 2024

In non-Markovian tandem queueing networks the output process of one site, which is the input process to the next site, is not renewal. Consequently, the correlation analysis of that output processes is essential when studying such networks. A correlation analysis in the M/G/1 queue has been studied in the literature via derivation of the joint Laplace-Stieltjes transform (LST) of the sum of two consecutive inter-departure times. That LST is obtained by considering all possible cases at departure epochs. However, those epochs are expressed via dependent variables. In this paper, we first extend the analysis to the more general PH/G/1 queue, and investigate various queues, such as E2/G/1 and C2/C2/1. Then, we consider the lag-n correlation, which requires derivation of the joint LST of sum of n + 1 consecutive inter-departure times. Yet, deriving this LST by the common approach becomes impractical for n + 1 ≥ 3, as the number of all possible cases at departure epochs increases significantly. To overcome this obstacle, we derive a corresponding single-parameter LST, which expresses the sum of n + 1 consecutive inter-departure times via the (n + 1)-st departure epoch only. Consequently, the latter LST is expressed via a much fewer number of possible cases, and not less important, as a function of independent variables only, eliminating the need to derive the corresponding joint density. Considering the M/G/1 and the E2/G/1 queues, we demonstrate that the joint LST can be reconstructed directly via the corresponding single-parameter LST when n + 1 = 2. We further conjecture that the multi-parameter joint LST can be reconstructed from the corresponding single-parameter LST in more general queues and for values of n + 1 > 2. The conjecture is validated for various PH/G/1 queues and proved for n + 1 = 3 in the M/G/1 case. The new approach facilitates the calculation of lag-n correlation of the departure process from PH/G/1 queue for n + 1 ≥ 3. Our analysis illuminates the cases when using renewal approximation of the output process provides a proper approximation when studying non-Markovian stochastic networks.
Driving Style Recognition Method Based on Risk Field and Masked Learning Techniques
Authors: Jin Shengye , Zhu Zhengyu , Liu Junli , Cao Shouqi
Published: April 2024

With the increasing demand for road traffic safety assessment, global concerns about road safety have been rising. This is particularly evident with the widespread adoption of V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) technology, where people are more intensively focused on how to leverage advanced technological means to effectively address challenges in traffic safety. Through the research of driving style recognition technology, accurate assessment of driving behavior and the provision of personalized safety prompts and warnings have become crucial for preventing traffic accidents. This paper proposes a risk field construction technique based on environmental data collected by in-vehicle sensors. This paper introduces a driving style recognition algorithm utilizing risk field visualization and mask learning technologies. The research results indicate that, compared to traditional classical models, the improved algorithm performs excellently in terms of accuracy, stability, and robustness, enhancing the accuracy of driving style recognition and enabling a more effective evaluation of road safety.
IPAttributor: Cyber Attacker Attribution with Threat Intelligence-Enriched Intrusion Data
Authors: Xiang Xiayu , Liu Hao , Zeng Liyi , Zhang Huan , Gu Zhaoquan
Published: April 2024

In the dynamic landscape of cyberspace, organizations face a myriad of coordinated advanced threats that challenge the traditional defense paradigm. Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) plays a crucial role, providing in-depth insights into adversary groups and enhancing the detection and neutralization of complex cyber attacks. However, attributing attacks poses significant challenges due to over-reliance on malware samples or network detection data alone, which falls short of comprehensively profiling attackers. This paper proposes an IPv4-based threat attribution model, IPAttributor, that improves attack characterization by merging a real-world network behavior dataset comprising 39,707 intrusion entries with commercial threat intelligence from three distinct sources, offering a more nuanced context. A total of 30 features were utilized from the enriched dataset for each IP to create a feature matrix to assess the similarities and linkage of associated IPs, and a dynamic weighted threat segmentation algorithm was employed to discern attacker communities. The experiments affirm the efficacy of our method in pinpointing attackers sharing a common origin, achieving the highest accuracy of 88.89%. Our study advances the relatively underexplored line of work of cyber attacker attribution, with a specific interest in IP-based attribution strategies, thereby enhancing the overall understanding of the attacker’s group regarding their capabilities and intentions.
Investment in Data Analytics with Manufacturer Encroachment
Authors: Han Feifei , Guan Jiao
Published: April 2024

Online retail platforms such as Amazon and Tmall have the ability to create personalized recommendations based on the consumer’s browsing history, purchase history, and preferences by investing in data analytics capability. In practice, manufacturers may encroach on the retail market through the agency channel that sells products directly to online consumers in addition to wholesale products to retail platforms through the reselling channel. In this study, we develop a game-theoretic model to study the interplay between the manufacturer’s encroachment and the online retail platform’s data analytics capability investment. Our outcomes reveal that the conditions for the manufacturer to encroach become more lenient if the platform invests in data analytics capability, and we show that the investment in data analytics capability can lead to a Pareto improvement and the manufacturer can free ride on the platform’s investment. Moreover, we found that the manufacturer’s encroachment always creates more incentives for the platform to enhance the investment level in data analytics capability. Our research in this study provides useful insights for managers to make encroachment decisions and data analytics capability investment decisions with the manufacturer who sells through the online retail platform.
Mineralogical Characterization of Raw Clay from Rujište (Serbia) Used in Traditional Pottery Manufacture
Authors: Milošević Maja , Dabić Predrag , Gulicovski Jelena , Dodevski Vladimir , Rosić Milena
Published: April 2024

The pottery produced from the Rujište deposit in Serbia has been protected under the guidance of UNESCO and the Sector for Intangible Cultural Heritage of Serbia since 2019. A study was conducted to evaluate the mineralogical characteristics of the raw clay from this deposit. This study used various techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and differential thermal analysis (DTA) to characterize the clay. This study found that the clay contained mostly clay minerals (56.3%–41.9%), with illite, smectite, and chlorite as the predominant phases. Other phases identified were quartz, feldspars, carbonates, and iron-bearing minerals (43.8%–58.1%). The chemical analyses revealed a high abundance of silica (>52 wt.%) and alumina (~16 wt.%), with Fe2O3 (~6 wt.%), K2O (~2.8 wt.%), and a similar content of MgO as the main constituents. The physical features that were investigated included the granulometry (clay: ~31%–44%, silt: ~ 26%–23%, and sand: ~ 42%–32%), specific surface area (97 to 107 m2 g−1), cation exchange capacity (12.5–13.7 mmol 100 g−1), and color (yellowish to moderate brown). The preliminary results suggest that most of the raw clay from the Rujište deposit might be suitable for use in traditional pottery manufacture.
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Outbreak in an ICU: Investigation of Possible Routes of Transmission and Implementation of Infection Control Measures
Authors: Cristina Maria Luisa , Sartini Marina , Ottria Gianluca , Schinca Elisa , Adriano Giulia , Innocenti Leonello , Lattuada Marco , Tigano Stefania , Usiglio David , Del Puente Filippo
Published: April 2024

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, a non-fermentative, ubiquitous, gram-negative aerobic bacterium, is associated with high mortality rates, particularly in immunocompromised or debilitated patients. The prevalence rate of ICU-acquired pneumonia episodes caused by this microorganism has been found to be 2%. S. maltophilia has been identified as one of the top 10 microorganisms responsible for such infections in EU/EEA countries. This study describes an outbreak of S. maltophilia in an intensive care unit of a hospital in northern Italy. This includes an epidemiological investigation of the cases, the environmental microbiological controls carried out, a comparison of the strains by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and the measures taken to prevent and control the outbreak. Among the seven clinical isolates of S. maltophilia analyzed herein, six demonstrated susceptibilities to trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole. Conversely, one isolate of S. maltophilia exhibited resistance to first-line antibiotics. ST was found to be identical for six patients (ST 4), as well as in the environmental feedback on the trolley of Box 2. The analysis of the temporal and spatial progression of the outbreak has suggested that the transmission of S. maltophilia may have occurred through cross-transmission during care practices.
A Conservative Mutant Version of the Mrr1 Transcription Factor Correlates with Reduced Sensitivity to Fludioxonil in Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Copier Charleen , Osorio-Navarro Claudio , Maldonado Jonathan E. , Auger Jaime , Silva Herman , Esterio Marcela
Published: April 2024

Fludioxonil is a highly effective phenylpyrrole fungicide for controlling Botrytis cinerea. Although the field efficacy of fludioxonil remains high, Botrytis cinerea isolates with reduced sensitivity have been reported globally. The molecular target of fludioxonil still remains unknown; however, a mechanism of reduced sensitivity to fludioxonil underlies the overexpression of the ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter AtrB in a dependent pathway of the Mrr1 transcription factor. Fludioxonil is a key player in controlling B. cinerea infection in table grapes in Chile. However, some isolates with a reduced sensitivity to fludioxonil were detected. This study observed endogenous atrB overexpression in Chilean isolates with reduced sensitivity to fludioxonil (n = 22) compared to the sensitive isolates (n = 10). All isolates increased the expression of atrB in a growth medium supplemented with fludioxonil (0.05 μg/mL). However, sensitive isolates showed lower atrB expression than those with reduced fludioxonil sensitivity. Remarkably, a mutant version of the transcription factor Mrr1 carrying 21 amino acid modifications was identified in all isolates with reduced sensitivity to fludioxonil. These changes alter the protein’s transcription factor domain and the C-terminal portion of the protein but not the Zn (2)-C6 fungal-type DNA-binding domain. These results suggest a direct relationship between the conserved and divergent mutant version of mrr1 and sensitivity to fludioxonil. This study provides a new target for developing molecular diagnostic strategies to monitor B. cinerea’s sensitivity to fludioxonil in the field.
A Novel 4 × 1 MISO-VLC System with FBMC-OQAM Downlink Signals
Authors: Shao Yufeng , Li Yanlin , Wang Anrong , Zhu Yaodong , Li Chong , Chen Peng , Zuo Renjie , Yuan Jie , Liu Shuanfan
Published: April 2024

A novel visible-light communication (VLC) system with 4 × 1 multi-input–single-output (MISO) channels is designed. In the system, the filter bank multicarrier (FBMC) and offset quadrature amplitude modulation (OQAM) techniques are used to generate downlink signals. The principles and implementation methods are proposed and analyzed, and the light intensity and received light power distribution of four LED emitters are discussed. The results demonstrate that it not only satisfies the requirements of indoor information access but also provides daily lighting. The used FBMC-OQAM signals exhibit better reception performance than orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals. The system used has a lower bit error rate (BER) and larger access bandwidth compared to a 1 × 1 single-input–single-output (SISO) system. It has the potential for application advantages in future indoor VLC system applications.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Improve Lycium barbarum Potassium Uptake by Activating the Expression of LbHAK
Authors: Zhang Yongxin , Han Xia , Ren Wei , Zhang Haoqiang , Tang Ming
Published: April 2024

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi can establish a mutualistic relationship with the roots of most terrestrial plants to increase plant nutrient uptake. The effects of potassium uptake and transport by AM symbiosis are much less reported compared to other nutrients. In this research, a heterologous yeast system was used to verify that the LbHAK has capacity for potassium uptake. The split-roots system implemented using seedlings of Lycium barbarum confirmed that R. irregularis locally induced LbHAK expression, which means that LbHAK is only expressed in mycorrhizal roots. Furthermore, the impacts of overexpression of LbHAK on the growth, nutrients and water uptake, and transport of mycorrhizal tobacco (inoculation with Rhizophagus irregularis) at 0.2 mM and 2 mM K conditions were assessed. The mycorrhizal tobacco growth and potassium accumulation were significantly enhanced through LbHAK overexpression in tobacco. In addition, overexpression of LbHAK substantially enhanced phosphorus content, while stimulating the expression of NtPT4, Rir-AQP1, and Rir-AQP2 in mycorrhizal tobacco. Moreover, LbHAK overexpression greatly promoted AM colonization. LbHAK has a potential role in facilitating potassium absorption through the mycorrhizal pathway, and overexpression of LbHAK in tobacco may promote the transport of potassium, phosphorus, and water from AM fungi to tobacco. These data imply the important roles played by the LbHAK in AM-fungi-induced potassium uptake in L. barbarum and in improving plant nutrients and AM colonization.
Alterations in Gene Expression during Incompatible Interaction between Amendoim Cavalo Common Bean and Colletotrichum lindemuthianum
Authors: Lovatto Maike , Vidigal Filho Pedro Soares , Gonçalves-Vidigal Maria Celeste , Vaz Bisneta Mariana , Calvi Alexandre Catto , Gilio Thiago Alexandre Santana , Nascimento Eduardo A. , Melotto Maeli
Published: April 2024

Anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, poses a significant and widespread threat to the common bean crop. The use of plant genetic resistance has proven to be the most effective strategy for managing anthracnose disease. The Amendoim Cavalo (AC) Andean cultivar has resistance against multiple races of C. lindemuthianum, which is conferred by the Co-AC gene. Fine mapping of this resistance gene to common bean chromosome Pv01 enabled the identification of Phvul.001G244300, Phvul.001G244400, and Phvul.001G244500 candidate genes for further validation. In this study, the relative expression of Co-AC candidate genes was assessed, as well as other putative genes in the vicinity of this locus and known resistance genes, in the AC cultivar following inoculation with the race 73 of C. lindemuthianum. Gene expression analysis revealed significantly higher expression levels of Phvul.001G244500. Notably, Phvul.001G244500 encodes a putative Basic Helix–Loop–Helix transcription factor, suggesting its involvement in the regulation of defense responses. Furthermore, a significant modulation of the expression of defense-related genes PR1a, PR1b, and PR2 was observed in a time-course experiment. These findings contribute to the development of improved strategies for breeding anthracnose-resistant common bean cultivars, thereby mitigating the impact of this pathogen on crop yields and ensuring sustainable bean production.
Endophytic Fungi Residing within Cornus florida L. in Mid-Tennessee: Phylogenetic Diversity, Enzymatic Properties, and Potential Role in Plant Health
Authors: Maheshwari Asha , Mmbaga Margaret T.
Published: April 2024

Endophytic fungi that reside internally in healthy, asymptomatic plants often benefit their hosts by promoting plant growth and/or providing plant protection against abiotic and biotic stresses. However, only a small fraction of the estimated 1.5 million fungal endophytes have been identified. In this study, a total of 369 isolates of fungal endophytes in 59 distinct taxa were isolated from stem samples of Cornus florida (flowering dogwood). All isolates belonged to species of phyla Ascomycota and Basidiomycota distributed across five orders and 11 genera. Isolates belonging to the same family clustered together in a phylogenetic tree generated from a cluster analysis using MEGA 7 software. Diversity indices of the fungi revealed a rich and diverse community that included several species associated with leaf spots, blight, cankers, and/or dieback diseases. Pathogenicity tests confirmed 16 fungal endophytes as C. florida pathogens, including some well-known destructive pathogens Botryosphaera dothidea, Colletotrichum acutatum, and C. gleosporoides. Isolates of the fungal endophytes possess the capacity to produce extracellular hydrolytic enzymes (cellulase, amylase, pectinase, laccase, chitinase, and protease) that are known to function in tissue penetration, plant colonization, nutrient acquisition, and disease suppression in both plant pathogens and endophytes These results support the interchangeable pathogenic–endophytic roles for some taxa.
Recycling of Rhenium from Superalloys and Manganese from Spent Batteries to Produce Manganese(II) Perrhenate Dihydrate
Authors: Leszczyńska-Sejda Katarzyna , Palmowski Arkadiusz , Ochmański Michał , Benke Grzegorz , Grzybek Alicja , Orda Szymon , Goc Karolina , Malarz Joanna , Kopyto Dorota
Published: April 2024

This work presents the research results on the development of an innovative, hydrometallurgical technology for the production of manganese(II) perrhenate dihydrate from recycled waste. These wastes are scraps of Ni-based superalloys containing Re and scraps of Li–ion batteries containing Mn—specifically, solutions from the leaching of black mass. This work presents the conditions for the production of Mn(ReO4)2·2H2O. Thus, to obtain Mn(ReO4)2·2H2O, manganese(II) oxide was used, precipitated from the solutions obtained after the leaching of black mass from Li–ion batteries scrap and purified from Cu, Fe and Al (pH = 5.2). MnO2 precipitation was carried out at a temperature < 50 °C for 30 min using a stoichiometric amount of KMnO4 in the presence of H2O2. MnO2 precipitated in this way was purified using a 20% H2SO4 solution and then H2O. Purified MnO2 was then added alternately with a 30% H2O2 solution to an aqueous HReO4 solution. The reaction was conducted at room temperature for 30 min to obtain a pH of 6–7. Mn(ReO4)2·2H2O precipitated by evaporating the solution to dryness was purified by recrystallization from H2O with the addition of H2O2 at least twice. Purified Mn(ReO4)2·2H2O was dried at a temperature of 100–110 °C. Using the described procedure, Mn(ReO4)2·2H2O was obtained with a purity of >99.0%. This technology is an example of the green transformation method, taking into account the 6R principles.
Assessment of Fire Safety Management for Special Needs Schools in South Africa
Authors: Raphela Tlou D. , Ndaba Ndivhuwo
Published: April 2024

The safety and well-being of learners with special educational needs in South Africa remain a paramount concern, significantly impacting their constitutional rights and dignity. Despite legislative commitments aimed at fostering inclusive education, a pervasive absence of adequate fire safety measures in special needs schools (SNSs) in South Africa has persisted, leading to the vulnerability of these learners. Tragic incidents, such as fatal fires in these schools, as reported in the literature, underscore the urgent need for immediate intervention to ensure the safety and security of these learners, especially with regards to fire hazards. This study, conducted within the Northwest Province of South Africa, assessed the state of fire safety management in SNSs by applying a series of chi-squared (χ2) tests of independence for categorical variables, descriptive statistics, and regression analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS), Version 20 and found that limited access to power is the potential root cause of fires in these schools; also, the limited amount of fire safety initiatives was a problem. In addition, the ordinal regression showed a statistically significant relationship when the question of to what extent the learners in the sampled schools are involved in fire safety programs was regressed with the questions of whether management and stakeholders were involved in fire safety programs and also on taking part in the physical fire safety programs (χ2 = 47.412; df = 2; p < 0.001; R2 = 70.5%). Furthermore, fire safety management was not sufficiently implemented in the sampled schools and the safety legislations of the country were not implemented accordingly when it came to fire safety. This study identified root causes of fire risks, gauged stakeholders’ awareness and involvement in fire safety management, and advocated for more stringent safety policies and practices within the SNS based on the above findings.
Using Social Media to Recruit Seldom-Heard Groups: Reaching Women and Girls with Experience of Violence in Iran
Authors: Hashemi Ladan , Babakhani Fateme , Aghtaie Nadia , McManus Sally
Published: April 2024

Social media recruitment and online surveys are valuable tools in social science research, but their effectiveness in reaching seldom-heard victims of gender violence in low-middle income (LMI) countries is under-explored. This empirical study aims to: (1) describe violence and abuse experiences and (2) assess the benefits and limitations of using social media to document violence against women and girls (VAWGs) in a LMI country to render visible the experiences of potentially isolated victims. A total of 453 Iranian women (aged 14–59, mean = 28.8, SD = 8.04) responded to an Instagram invitation for a study on women’s health and violence exposure from February 2020 to January 2022. The questionnaire covered general gendered abuse, domestic violence (DV), and forced unemployment. The analysis was performed using Stata 17. Nearly all participants reported abuse, including sexual (85.0%), psychological (83.4%), and technology-facilitated (57.4%) abuse, with 77.4% experiencing multiple forms. The street (62%) and home (52.8%) were common abuse locations. The perpetrators included known individuals (75.9%) and strangers (80.8%), with 56.7% reporting abuse by both. DV was reported by 72.6%, mainly involving psychological (73.1%), physical (53.4%), and/or sexual (17.2%) violence, with fathers (47.8%), husbands (42.7%), and brothers (40.2%) as frequent perpetrators. A quarter reported forced unemployment. Those experiencing DV and/or forced unemployment showed higher depression levels, suicidal ideation, and lower marital satisfaction. The study suggests using social media recruitment for VAWG research but cautions against overgeneralising from these data.
Construction of Cultivated Land Ecological Network Based on Supply and Demand of Ecosystem Services and MCR Model: A Case Study of Shandong Province, China
Authors: Xu Yifan , Liu Yuepeng , Sun Qian , Qi Wei
Published: April 2024

The research on the ecological protection of cultivated land has gradually become a focus and frontier of cultivated land protection. Constructing an ecological network of a cultivated land system is important to improve the effect of cultivated land ecological protection. In this study, the supply-demand ratio of five ecosystem services was calculated from 2000 to 2020 in Shandong Province, a major grain-producing area in China. The morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) model was used to construct the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model. The conclusions of the study are as follows: (1) the areas with a higher supply and demand ratio of various ecosystem services of cultivated land in Shandong Province are distributed in southern and southwestern areas. (2) The ecological source of cultivated land in Shandong Province has decreased by about 7000 km2 from 2000 to 2020, and the fragmentation trend is obvious. (3) The total length of the ecological corridors is 798.5 km2. The majority of these corridors are located in central and southern Shandong. The ideas and conclusions of this study are important for the formulation of ecological protection policies for regional cultivated land systems.
Potential Hepatoprotective Effects of Allicin on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis
Authors: Gong Qianmei , Wang Xiaoming , Liu Yongshi , Yuan Heling , Ge Zifeng , Li Yuzhou , Huang Jinhu , Liu Yufan , Chen Ming , Xiao Wenjun , Liu Ruiting , Shi Rongmei , Wang Liping
Published: April 2024

The global burden of liver disease is enormous, which highlights the need for effective hepatoprotective agents. It was reported that allicin exhibits protective effects against a range of diseases. In this study, we further evaluated allicin’s effect and mechanism in acute hepatic injury. Liver injury in mice was induced by intraperitoneal injection with 1% CCl4 (10 mL/kg/day). When the first dose was given, CCl4 was given immediately after administration of different doses of allicin (40, 20, and 10 mg/kg/day) as well as compound glycyrrhizin (CGI, 80 mg/kg/day), and then different doses of allicin (40, 20, and 10 mg/kg/day) as well as compound glycyrrhizin (CGI, 80 mg/kg/day) were administrated every 12 h. The animals were dissected 24 h after the first administration. The findings demonstrated a significant inhibition of CCl4-induced acute liver injury following allicin treatment. This inhibition was evidenced by notable reductions in serum levels of transaminases, specifically aspartate transaminase, along with mitigated histological damage to the liver. In this protective process, allicin plays the role of reducing the amounts or the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, IL-6. Furthermore, allicin recovered the activities of the antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT) and reduced the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) in a dose-dependent manner, and also reduced liver Caspase 3, Caspase 8, and BAX to inhibit liver cell apoptosis. Further analysis showed that the administration of allicin inhibited the increased protein levels of Nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), which is related to inflammation and oxidative stress. The in vitro study of the LPS-induced RAW264.7 inflammatory cell model confirmed that allicin can inhibit important inflammation-related factors and alleviate inflammation. This research firstly clarified that allicin has a significant protective effect on CCl4-induced liver injury via inhibiting the inflammatory response and hepatocyte apoptosis, alleviating oxidative stress associated with the progress of liver damage, highlighting the potential of allicin as a hepatoprotective agent.
The D Gene in CDR H3 Determines a Public Class of Human Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Yuan Meng , Wilson Ian A.
Published: April 2024

Public antibody responses have been found against many infectious agents. Structural convergence of public antibodies is usually determined by immunoglobulin V genes. Recently, a human antibody public class against SARS-CoV-2 was reported, where the D gene (IGHD3-22) encodes a common YYDxxG motif in heavy-chain complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR H3), which determines specificity for the receptor-binding domain (RBD). In this review, we discuss the isolation, structural characterization, and genetic analyses of this class of antibodies, which have been isolated from various cohorts of COVID-19 convalescents and vaccinees. All eleven YYDxxG antibodies with available structures target the SARS-CoV-2 RBD in a similar binding mode, where the CDR H3 dominates the interaction with antigen. The antibodies target a conserved site on the RBD that does not overlap with the receptor-binding site, but their particular angle of approach results in direct steric hindrance to receptor binding, which enables both neutralization potency and breadth. We also review the properties of CDR H3-dominant antibodies that target other human viruses. Overall, unlike most public antibodies, which are identified by their V gene usage, this newly discovered public class of YYDxxG antibodies is dominated by a D-gene-encoded motif and uncovers further opportunities for germline-targeting vaccine design.
Improvement of Commercial Vehicle Seat Suspension Employing a Mechatronic Inerter Element
Authors: Yang Xiaofeng , Bi Shuilan , Liu Yanling , Yang Yi , Liu Changning , Qin Jiahao
Published: April 2024

To further improve the ride comfort of commercial vehicles, a seat ISD (Inerter–Spring–Damper) suspension utilizing a mechatronic inerter is proposed in this paper. Firstly, a five-DOF (degree-of-freedom) commercial vehicle seat ISD model was built. Then, the positive real network constraint conditions of a biquadratic impedance transfer function were determined, and the meta-heuristic intelligent optimization algorithm was used to solve the parameters. According to the solution, the impedance transfer function was obtained and the specific network structure was realized by network synthesis. Lastly, this study compares the vibration isolation performance of the mechatronic ISD suspension of the vehicle seat with that of a passive suspension. In comparison to passive seat suspension, the seat mechatronic ISD suspension reduces seat vibration transmissibility by 16.33% and vertical acceleration by 16.78%. Results indicate that the new suspension system can be an effective improvement in ride comfort.
Colon cancer: the 2023 Korean clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Ryu Hyo Seon , Kim Hyun Jung , Ji Woong Bae , Kim Byung Chang , Kim Ji Hun , Moon Sung Kyung , Kang Sung Il , Kwak Han Deok , Kim Eun Sun , Kim Chang Hyun , Kim Tae Hyung , Noh Gyoung Tae , Park Byung-Soo , Park Hyeung-Min , Bae Jeong Mo , Bae Jung Hoon , Seo Ni Eun , Song Chang Hoon , Ahn Mi Sun , Eo Jae Seon , Yoon Young Chul , Yoon Joon-Kee , Lee Kyung Ha , Lee Kyung Hee , Lee Kil-Yong , Lee Myung Su , Lee Sung Hak , Lee Jong Min , Lee Ji Eun , Lee Han Hee , Ihn Myong Hoon , Jang Je-Ho , Jeon Sun Kyung , Chae Kum Ju , Choi Jin-Ho , Pyo Dae Hee , Ha Gi Won , Han Kyung Su , Hong Young Ki , Hong Chang Won , Kwak Jung-Myun ,   Korean Colon Cancer Multidisciplinary Committee
Published: April 2024

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in Korea and the third leading cause of death from cancer. Treatment outcomes for colon cancer are steadily improving due to national health screening programs with advances in diagnostic methods, surgical techniques, and therapeutic agents.. The Korea Colon Cancer Multidisciplinary (KCCM) Committee intends to provide professionals who treat colon cancer with the most up-to-date, evidence-based practice guidelines to improve outcomes and help them make decisions that reflect their patients’ values and preferences. These guidelines have been established by consensus reached by the KCCM Guideline Committee based on a systematic literature review and evidence synthesis and by considering the national health insurance system in real clinical practice settings. Each recommendation is presented with a recommendation strength and level of evidence based on the consensus of the committee.
Detetives do Prédio Azul em: notas sobre imaginação, criação e apropriação lúdica
Authors: Fiel Arthur
Published: April 2024

O artigo busca evidenciar as relações possíveis entre imaginação, criação e apropriação lúdica pelo público infantil diante de narrativas midiáticas. Para tanto, analisamos as possibilidades de relação, inter-relação e cocriação do círculo mágico (Huizinga, 2001) aberto pela série Detetives do Prédio Azul (Gloob, 2012) em contínuo diálogo com seu público-alvo. Quanto à metodologia, o trabalho realiza uma análise descritiva, interpretativa e crítica (Vanoye; Goliot-Lété, 1994), que deixa à mostra as relações aqui pretendidas, partindo de um breve relato para, então, adentrarmos a discussão a partir de um vasto e rico referencial teórico que suporte a análise desta produção. Por fim, ao conciliar saberes oriundos de estudos da cultura, dos games e da experiência lúdica (Ferreira, 2020; Kishimoto, 2002), ao campo da psicologia (Brougère, 1998; Vigotski, 2018), das culturas das mídias e suas mediações (Setton, 2010; Martín-Barbero, 1997) e estudos relacionados ao brincar advindos da gramática da fantasia (Rodari, 2021), notamos que, no contexto do conteúdo analisado, tanto criadores quanto seu próprio público-alvo alimentam e retroalimentam o círculo mágico no qual estão inseridos a partir de um processo múltiplo de imaginação, criação e apropriação lúdica possibilitado pela própria narrativa.
Computer aided design, synthesis and characterisation of thiazolidinedione acetic acid derivatives as brest- cancer inhibitors
Authors: Dubey Richa , Patel Kuldeep Singh
Published: April 2024

The development of new anti-cancer drugs is a dynamic process that is continuously fueled, at the basic level, by the identiﬁcation of new molecular targets for chemotherapeutic intervention, and, at the clinical level, by the problems (i.e. adherence, tolerability, toxicity, and virus-drug resistance) encountered with existing drugs. Thiazolidin-2,4-dione acetic acids are a class of heterocyclic compounds which possess the aforementioned pharmacophoric features. Thus several benzylidene-thiazolidin-2,4-dione compounds were designed. A total number of 12 compounds were synthesized successfully with good purity. The structures of these compounds have been confirmed by IR & Mass spectrometry. In-vitro studies of the synthesized compounds are yet to be performed & it is expected that these studies will reflect the effectiveness of these molecules as barest cancer inhibitors and will open a new dimension for the synthesis of novel anti-cancer agents. The labile structure of the synthesized compounds allows the possibility of elaborating the present work by increasing the number of derivatives & by altering the positions of substitutions on the root nucleus followed by SAR & QSAR studies. Moreover, compounds of similar nature can be designed which will lead to the synthesis of many more structural analogues.
Analysis of the heavy metals and Escherichia coli contamination of liquid organic fertilizers in the local market, Sri Lanka
Authors: Yasara Dasanayaka Lekamge Isuri , Dananjana Wanigasekarage Isuru , Wijeratne Bhagya
Published: April 2024

Commercially available liquid organic fertilizers have gained popularity in agriculture due to their convenience and perceived environmental benefits. However, these fertilizers are susceptible to various contaminations, including heavy metals such as lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), as well as bacterial contaminants like Escherichia coli (E. coli). Monitoring these contaminants helps to identify potential health risks to consumers, prevent soil and water pollution, and maintain the quality of agricultural products. Therefore, this study involved a comprehensive analysis of Pb and Cd heavy metals and E. coli bacterial contaminants in two widely used liquid organic fertilizers in the local market. The samples were digested using an open-vessel acid digestion followed by the flame atomic absorption spectroscopic (FAAS) analysis. The limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), matrix effect, and spike recovery were determined. The Pb concentration of one fertilizer was 3.45 (± 0.07) mg/kg with 92% recovery whereas the other was 2.87 (± 0.08) mg/kg with 91% recovery. In contrast, the Cd concentration was 0.09 (± 0.01) mg/kg and 0.11 (± 0.01) mg/kg with percentage recoveries of 93% and 90% for two fertilizers respectively. The Pb content exceeded the maximum permissible limit of 1.0 mg/kg set by the Sri Lanka Standard (SLS 1702:2121), while Cd levels remained within the limit of 0.5 mg/kg. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coupled with gel electrophoresis confirmed the presence of the pathogenic O157:H7 E. coli strain in both fertilizers. Thus, the results of this study confirmed the lead (Pb) and Escherichia coli contamination in liquid organic fertilizers in the local market of Sri Lanka.
Proterozoic crustal evolution of the granitoids from the northern margin of the Chotanagpur Gneissic Complex (CGC), Bihar
Authors: Borgohain Stuti , Wanjari Nishchal
Published: April 2024

Since the Proterozoic, considerable expansion of the continental crust has taken place. A significant amount of granitic plutons were deposited on the earth’s crust during this time. The dynamic structure of the earth plays a close role in the genesis of granites and related rocks. Information about the formation and development of the continental crust can be understood from the study of these rocks. The emplacement of large scale anorthosite massif in shield areas was another process that contributed to the Proterozoic expansion of the continental (Mukherjee, et al.,, 2005). One of the primary sources of information regarding the formation and evolution of the continents over geological time is the genesis of granite. Enclaves of supracrustal meta-sediments intrude the Chotanagpur Gneissic Complex (CGC), which is primarily composed of granites, granitoid gneisses, and migmatites exhibiting a wide range of structure, texture, and mineralogy variations.The granitic plutons exposed in the northern fringe of the Chotanagpur Gneissic Complex, CGC, and the associated anorthosites of the Barabar Anorthosite Complex along the northen margin of Bihar holds information about the various magmatic episodes that have taken place in that area millions of years ago.
Impact of climatic changes on fish biodiversity and their conservation (India)
Authors: Kalyani Authors- , Khatoon Ambiya , Sinha Mridula Renu
Published: April 2024

India, having numerous rivers, is enriched with varieties of flora and fauna in and around it. The total catchment area of the river basin is about 2.5 lakh km2 or 81% of the total geographical area of India. All over India, there are remarkably diverse ranges of aquatic life. 950 freshwater and 1570 marine fish species, a total of 2500, are found which occupies 1.5% of the world's total fish species. Fish is full of nutrition and a prime source of aquatic food. But in this fast-developing urbanization era: anthropogenic activities, industrialization, population, elevated air temperature, global warming, drought, flood, pollution, and monsoonal ups and downs equally put pressure on the climate, ecosystem, society, and economy, increasing pressure on all livelihoods and food supplies, including those in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The actual properties of climates are being changed very rapidly. Fish availability in the monsoonal season is more than in the summer season. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the present status of fish biodiversity of river Gandak and the significant role of climate change on them. The study was conducted from January 2022 to August 2022 in Gandak river. Overall, 25 individuals of fishes were recorded and characterized which belonging to 12 families, Cyprinidae (32%) was most abundant, followed by Channidae (12%), then Bagridae, Siluridae, Cobitidae, Ambassidae with 8%; Notopteradae, Heteropneustidae, Claridae, Belontidae, Belonidae, Nandidae occupied only 4%. families. Aspidoporia morar and Puntius species, Labeo calbasu and Labeo bata were in good quality while Labeo rohita and Catla catla were not found in good amounts. A good number of ornamental fishes were also recorded. But after these surveys, it was seen that there was a significant decline in their population that also affect other depending organisms along with local fishermen directly or indirectly. So, the need of the hour is conservation which involves restoration of habitat, cleaning of rivers, sewage treated water, mass awareness program to people for water conservation, sustainable use of river water and its resources and these will help the fishermen in livelihood and earning along with the nutritional need of the society.
La incidencia de la normatividad en el desarrollo urbano de Ciudad Juárez Chihuahua, México
Authors: Herrera-Terrazas Luis , Hernández Guillermo Ordoñez
Published: April 2024

La poca o nula normatividad para utilización de vacíos urbanos dentro de la ciudad, así como la carencia de instrumentos de regulación de suelo en desuso, han propiciado que la extensión territorial de Ciudad Juárez Chihuahua, México, sea de manera desordenada y persiga intereses particulares. Por otro lado, la creación de fraccionamientos en zonas periurbanas, donde se edifica vivienda mínima para trabajadores de la industria maquiladora tienen como característica el abandono y deterioro, generándose así problemáticas en las condiciones de habitabilidad, tanto en la vivienda como en lo urbano. Para el presente escrito se presenta el análisis realizado en el fraccionamiento Senderos de San Isidro, localizado en los límites de la ciudad, donde se utilizó como estrategia metodológica un cuestionario y recorridos de campo, con la finalidad de identificar algunos aspectos sobre el estado de abandono y deterioro, así como de percepción de la zona por parte de los habitantes. La situación actual del fraccionamiento indica desatención y descuido, con problemáticas de abandono y deterioro latentes, que requieren atención, también se muestran pobres condiciones de habitabilidad, lo que afectan la calidad de vida de los habitantes.
The Influence of News Agencies on Print and Online Publications/Newspapers
Authors: Kultayeva Saule , Zhaxylykbayeva Rimma , Uzbekova Gulnar , Beldibekova Aliya , Maikotova Galiya
Published: April 2024

The purpose of the study is to analyse the dynamics of the influence of news agencies on the content of print and online publications within the media environment of Kazakhstan. The following methods were used: hypothetical and deductive, content analysis, and comparative. The results of the study have determined that rapid and intensive changes have been taking place in the Kazakh mass media and communications market in recent years, which are especially evident in the market of printed and online publications. It was found that news agencies, which are the standard of reliable data, are the main sources for newspaper materials. However, they still have the greatest influence on state publications, unlike private regional ones, which use publications of large-scale services more often. Content analysis of publications has determined that the number of citations by newspaper publications directly depends on the scale of events. The dynamics of news data from 2020 to 2023 highlighted that the number of mentions of the news agency in online and print publications is decreasing over time. In turn, all subjects of the media environment of Kazakhstan are reorienting themselves to the audience, actively using various platforms, social media, and digital opportunities.
DESAIN GEOMETRI DISPOSAL UNTUK KEGIATAN PENATAAN KEMBALI BEKAS PENAMBANGAN PIT BUKIT 20 PADA PT. PUTRA MEKONGGA SEJAHTERA KECAMATAN POMALAA, KABUPATEN KOLAKA, PROVINSI SULAWESI TENGGARA
Authors: WILSON WILSON NATANIEL
Published: April 2024

Salah satu kegiatan yang sangat penting adalah penempatan material hasil dari pembongkaran material penutup atau overburden. Bekas penambangan pit akan dijadikan tempat penimbunan dalam perencanaan jangka panjang untuk memenuhi Reklamasi. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada pit bukit 20 yang merupakan area yang sudah tidak memiliki cadangan nikel (mine out) atau area bekas penambangan yang rencana akan dijadikan area penataan kembali (disposal) oleh PT. Putra Mekongga Sejahtera dengan luas area 47.847  m².
Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk memperoleh sifat fisik dan mekanik material disposal (overburden), untuk membuat desain geometri disposal area pit bukit 20 berdasarkan rekomendasi geometri dari analisis kestabilan lereng, untuk menganalisis kondisi kestabilan material lereng disposal.
 Berdasarkan hasil pengujian sampel tanah pada Laboratorium Terpadu untuk overburden compact menghasilkan nilai unsatured unit weight yaitu 18,535 KN/m³, saturated unit weight yaitu 25,890 KN/m³, nilai kohesi yaitu 12,160 kpa dan nilai sudut geser dalam yaitu 31,80. Berdasarkan hasil desain geometri mengunakan software surpac 6.3 diperoleh geometri desain disposal yaitu slope 35°, tinggi bench 5 m, lebar berm 5,5 m dan desain geometri disposal yang akan ditimbun sebesar 191.524 ton. Berdasarkan hasil faktor keamanan disposal menggunakan software rocsciense slide v.6.0 diperoleh FK tiap penampang (section) yaitu desain disposal kering yaitu 2,997, 3,163, 3,401 dan desain geometri basah yaitu 2,006, 2,151, 2,403. Sehingga, berdasarkan FK pada masing-masing section kondisi kestabilan material disposal dalam kondisi aman. Hal ini berdasarkan standar nilai FK lereng tunggal dan lereng keseluruhan 1> 1,25 dikategorikan dalam kondisi aman.