bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
College English Teaching Quality Evaluation Method Based on Differential Evolution Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Suojun , Jiao Haiqi
Published: December 2024

This study proposes a college English teaching quality evaluation method based on the differential evolution (DE) algorithm. Traditional evaluation methods are often subjective, lacking objectivity and relying on qualitative analysis, which can be insufficient for comprehensive and systematic assessments. In this context, the DE algorithm is integrated into the evaluation system to adaptively adjust the weights of evaluation indicators, thereby better reflecting the key factors of teaching quality. The efficacy of the proposed method is demonstrated through experiments conducted on real-world college English courses. The results suggest that, compared to traditional methods, the DE-based evaluation is more objective, comprehensive, and precise, offering tailored recommendations for improvement. This novel evaluation method provides a fresh perspective for enhancing teaching quality and offers a robust decision-making foundation for administrators, instructors, and policymakers. The key contribution of this study lies in the innovative integration of the DE algorithm into teaching evaluation, addressing challenges of objectivity and comprehensiveness that traditional methods often face. The proposed approach enhances evaluation objectivity and provides a systematic tool for educational reform and teaching optimization. The findings of this research are expected to contribute to the ongoing enhancement of the college English teaching quality evaluation system.
Efficacy of Oriental Exercises for Non-Motor Symptoms and Quality of Life in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Peng Wanqing , Zhao Renhui , Huang Ziting , Zhou Jingpei , Sun Quan , Li Ziyuan , Li Xinyu , Yu Jinyan , Wang Nanbu , Chen Zhenhu
Published: December 2024

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder without a definitive cure. Oriental exercises (OEs) have emerged as a complementary and alternative therapy for PD, but their efficacy in ameliorating non-motor symptoms (NMS) and quality of life (QOL) remains uncertain. This systematic review and meta-analysis actively investigated the efficacy of OEs in addressing NMS and enhancing QOL and sought to offer recommendations for optimal OE regimens for PD patients. By analyzing 30 controlled trials involving 2029 participants, we found that OEs significantly improved cognitive function, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and QOL compared to control groups. Specifically, significant improvements were observed in several outcome measures: Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ) [MD: [Formula: see text]3.67, 95% CI: [Formula: see text]5.72–[Formula: see text]1.63, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]%], Parkinson’s Disease Non-Motor Symptom Questionnaire (NMSQ) [MD: [Formula: see text]2.34, 95% CI: [Formula: see text]4.67–[Formula: see text]0.01, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]%], Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) [MD: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.46–2.03, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]%], Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT) [MD: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.49–1.24, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]%], Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) [MD: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.16–1.81, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]%], Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) [MD: [Formula: see text]4.27, 95% CI: [Formula: see text]6.85–[Formula: see text]1.69, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]%], Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) [MD: [Formula: see text]0.24, 95% CI: [Formula: see text]0.32–[Formula: see text]0.16, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]%], and the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) [MD: [Formula: see text]0.37, 95% CI: [Formula: see text]0.48–[Formula: see text]0.25, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]%]. Our findings provide compelling evidence for the potential benefits of OEs in managing NMS and improving QOL in PD patients. To optimize outcomes, we recommend customizing OE regimens based on individual clinical phenotypes, and to validate these results we emphasize the need for rigorous, large-scale studies.
The microNet (μNet) project: Status report
Authors: Xiros L. , Marantis A. , Nonis S. , Tsirigotis A. , Leisos A.
Published: December 2024

The [Formula: see text] project was developed as an educational and outreach program aiming to familiarize Greek high school students with cosmic-ray telescopes. The project leads to the construction, deployment and operation of a network of educational cosmic-ray telescopes throughout Greek schools. The deployment followed an hybrid scheme in its first year of operation (school term 2022–2023): 20 telescopes were constructed and installed in the region of the Peloponnese; about 50 schools and 500 students from all over Greece attended remotely the educational program of [Formula: see text]. The devices, activities and educational software tools are briefly presented in this report, while a first analysis of the project as an educational intervention tool is performed.
Induced current in high-dimensional AdS bulk in the presence of a cosmic string and brane
Authors: dos Santos W. Oliveira , de Mello E. R. Bezerra
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we analyze the vacuum bosonic current associated with a massive charged scalar field propagating in a [Formula: see text]-dimensional anti-de Sitter (AdS) bulk in the presence of an idealized carrying-magnetic-flux cosmic string and also a brane. We assume that the string is perpendicular to the brane, which is parallel to the AdS boundary. The brane divides the space in two regions with different properties of vacuum states. We investigate the only nonvanishing azimuthal components of the induced currents in both regions. To develop this analysis, we calculate first, for both regions, the positive frequency Wightman functions. These present contributions associated with the presence of a cosmic string only plus the other induced by the brane. In this paper, we consider only the contributions induced by the brane.
Is it possible to simulate the Dynamical Casimir Effect in a cavity? A simplified classical model
Authors: Dodonov Viktor V.
Published: December 2024

Considering the evolution of the classical electromagnetic field inside a cavity containing a thin slab with time-dependent conductivity and dielectric permittivity, an approximate analytical solution for an infinite set of coupled ordinary differential equations for the mode amplitudes is found under certain simplifying assumptions. According to this solution, an amplification of the initial field cannot be possible, unless the dielectric permittivity can become strongly negative.
IMPROVING FRACTALS FINANCIAL CREDIT RISK EVALUATION BASED ON DEEP LEARNING TECHNIQUES AND BLOCKCHAIN-BASED ENCRYPTION
Authors: KOUKI FADOUA , MENGASH HANAN ABDULLAH , ALRUWAIS NUHA , MILED ACHRAF BEN , ALJABRI JAWHARA , SALAMA AHMED S.
Published: December 2024

Predicting a client’s affluence is essential in financial services. This task is the unity of the most important danger factors in groups and additional economic institutions. Typically, credit risk evaluation relies on black box models. However, these models often need to clarify the hidden information within the data. Moreover, few clear models focus on being easy to understand and accessible. This paper proposes a fractal credit risk assessment model that uses deep techniques like self-attention generative adversarial networks (SA-GAN) and deep multi-layer perceptron (DMLP). We use blockchain technology with the Brakerski–Gentry–Vaikuntanathan (BGV) encryption method to bolster safekeeping. Additionally, the scheme is designed for the Edge-of-things network, enabling communication through a LoRaWAN server. The proposed solution was tested on the German retail credit dataset. We assessed its performance using accuracy, F1 score, precision, and recall as metrics. Notably, our hybrid deep model, which combines SA-GAN with DMLP, achieved an impressive accuracy of 97.8% — outperforming existing methods in works.
LEVERAGING BLOCKCHAIN WITH CHAOTIC OPPOSITIONAL BARNACLES MATING OPTIMIZER-BASED DEEP LEARNING MODEL FOR SECURE IOT ENVIRONMENT IN CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Authors: ALRAYES FATMA S. , ALRUWAIS NUHA , AL-WESABI FAHD N. , ALASHJAEE ABDULLAH M. , ALHARBI ABEER A. K. , SALAMA AHMED S.
Published: December 2024

The security of IoT networks has become a major concern with the ubiquity of Internet of Things (IoT) technology. The concept of intrusion detection system (IDS) is a complex system to discover an intruder in the IoT platform, where the intruder can be a host that tries to gain some other nodes without authorization. Due to the complexity and resource constraints, classical IDS have their limitations in the context of IoT networks. There has been significant research in integrating both IDS and blockchain (BC) to detect existing and emerging cyberattacks and improve data privacy, correspondingly. In these approaches, learning-based ensemble algorithms can concurrently ensure data privacy and facilitate the detection of sophisticated malicious events. This study introduces a BC with fractal chaotic oppositional barnacles mating optimizer-based deep learning (BCOBMO-DL) Model for Secure IoT environment. The BCOBMO-DL technique exploits BC technology with DL-based intrusion detection to protect the IoT environment. In the BCOBMO-DL technique, the linear scaling normalization (LSN) approach can be used to scale the input data into a uniform format. In addition, the BCOBMO-DL technique designs the COBMO algorithm for electing the optimal subset of features. For intrusion detection, the self-attention bidirectional gated recurrent unit (SA-BiGRU) model is applied with fractal theory. Finally, the reptile search algorithm (RSA)-based hyperparameter tuning process is utilized for tuning the parameters based on the SA-BiGRU model. Furthermore, the BC technology is useful for achieving security in the IoT network. The experimental evaluation of the BCOBMO-DL method takes place on the benchmark NSLKDD dataset. The widespread experimental outcomes highlighted the enhanced detection outcomes of the BCOBMO-DL algorithm over other models.
Diffusion approximation for transport equations with dissipative drifts for time dependent coefficients
Authors: Di Persio Luca , Kondratiev Yuri , Vardanyan Viktorya
Published: December 2024

We consider a generalization of the classical results obtained by Freidlin and Wentzell to consider the case of time-dependent dissipative drifts. We show the convergence of diffusions with multiplicative noise in the zero limit of a diffusivity parameter to the related dynamical systems. We also derive the solution to the associated transport equation as an application.
Cohen–Macaulay generalized binomial edge ideals
Authors: Amata Luca , Crupi Marilena , Rinaldo Giancarlo
Published: December 2024

Let [Formula: see text] be a simple graph on [Formula: see text] vertices and let [Formula: see text] be the generalized binomial edge ideal associated to [Formula: see text] in the polynomial ring [Formula: see text]. We classify the Cohen–Macaulay generalized binomial edge ideals. Moreover, we study the unmixedness and classify the bipartite and power cycle unmixed ones.
EXPLORING THE RELEVANCE OF TWO-PART MODELS IN INNOVATION RESEARCH: TOWARDS A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF INNOVATION SALES
Authors: PEDERSEN CAMILLE , WULFF JESPER N. , VILLADSEN ANDERS R.
Published: December 2024

In empirical studies, firms’ innovation is often measured as the proportion of sales that can be attributed to new products or services. In a review of 20 years of research on innovation, we find this variable to be used in 141 studies providing a useful common ground to compare and contrast findings. We argue that two-part models are attractive when modelling innovation as they separate the decision to innovate from the amount of sales generated by innovation. Our review shows that only a minority of studies employ two-part models, most often in sub-optimal ways. We develop a two-part modelling framework that is suitable for innovation research and different from the conventional methods prevalent in econometrics. Furthermore, we provide a worked example of how it can be implemented. This paper contributes new knowledge about two-part models for innovation research and hopes to lay the ground for new theorising in the future.
Sustainable Synthesis and Multifunctional Applications of NiO Nanoparticles in Photocatalysis and Electrochemistry
Authors: Alam Mir Waqas
Published: December 2024

In this work, the synthesis of nickel oxide (NiO) using nickel acetate through a green synthetic approach has been reported. The green synthesis approach was employed for the synthesis of NiO nanoparticles as it employs plant-based precursors and mild reaction conditions, reducing environmental impact and avoiding the use of hazardous chemicals while maintaining high efficiency and scalability. The structural, spectral and morphological properties of the synthesized NiO nanoparticles were characterized using Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Further, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) studies like cyclic voltammetry and Nyquist plots were utilized for electrochemical studies. The energy storage behavior of the synthesized NiO nanoparticles was studied by Galvanostatic Charge-Discharge (GCD) curves. Finally, the NiO nanoparticles were subjected to photocatalytic activity on exposure to UV light. The nanoparticles exhibited a cubic phase with crystallite sizes matching well between XRD and TEM results. Electrochemical studies demonstrated excellent cycling stability, with more than 90% of the initial capacitance retained even after 2000 charge–discharge cycles. Photocatalytic activity of the NiO nanoparticles achieved a degradation efficiency of 71.62% for Fast Blue dye under UV light exposure for 120 min, indicating their significant potential for environmental applications. Additionally, the energy bandgap of the NiO nanoparticles was determined to be 3.57[Formula: see text]eV.
The dynamics and density function of a stochastic SEIW brucellosis model with Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process
Authors: Wen Buyu , Teng Zhidong , Nie Linfei , Li Zhiming , Cao Hong
Published: December 2024

A stochastic SEIW brucellosis model with Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process is investigated. In the model, we consider some of the realities of brucellosis transmission, such as the existence of incubation period and environmental pathogen contamination, and the spread of brucellosis also in incubation period and contaminated environment. The threshold values [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for the stochastic extinction of the disease and the existence of a stationary distribution are established. Specifically, if [Formula: see text], then brucellosis almost surely exponentially dies out; otherwise, if [Formula: see text], then brucellosis is persistent in the mean, and the model also has ergodic property and at least one stationary distribution. Furthermore, when [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the basic reproduction number of the corresponding deterministic model, the specific expression of an approximate normal density function around quasi-positive equilibrium is calculated. Finally, numerical examples are presented to illustrate the theoretical results, discuss the change of [Formula: see text] with the main parameters [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] and examine the relationship between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The specific expression of the marginal probability density function is obtained through a numerical simulation. The numerical simulation indicates that, in the real world, environmental interference may promote the spread of brucellosis.
Investigating the Barriers to Adopting Pressurized Irrigation Systems in Pistachio Orchards: Evidence from Kerman Province, Iran
Authors: Abdolahi-Ezzatabadi Mohammad , Sedaghat Reza , Pakdaman Najmeh , Mohammadi Akbar , Javanshah Amanollah
Published: December 2024

Severe water shortage and stress in pistachio farming areas of Iran have made pressurized irrigation systems unavoidable. Despite extensive subsidies, the adoption rate of these systems remains below 10% in pistachio orchards in Iran. This study employs logit, OLS and analysis of variance models to investigate the barriers to adopting pressurized irrigation systems in pistachio orchards in Kerman Province, Iran. Accordingly, all factors affecting the acceptance of pressurized irrigation systems were identified using research theory and the results of past studies. This study was accompanied by two innovations: first, analyzing both significant and non-significant influential factors in the logit model, and second, finding the roots of this influence. The results indicate that small-scale pistachio orchards, non-scientific horticulture systems, high-density planting, poor water quality and low farmers’ knowledge about irrigation systems are among the obstacles hindering the acceptance of pressurized irrigation systems. Additionally, energy subsidies for cheap water extraction, unclear and complex land ownership laws, water use permits, prohibition of transfer and trade of water, and lack of water market have been significant barriers to the adoption of new irrigation systems in pistachio orchards. Therefore, the Iranian government should reform the anti-technology structure of the agricultural sector, clarify water laws and regulations and modify water policies to incentivize the adoption of water-saving technologies.
The Evolving Dynamics of Afghanistan–Pakistan Relations: Implications of the Taliban’s Resurgence Post-2021
Authors: Popalzay Abdul Wasi
Published: December 2024

This study critically examines the evolving dynamics of Afghanistan–Pakistan relations following the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021, a development that has intensified security, diplomatic, and economic challenges within South Asia. Historically defined by conflict, proxy warfare, and intermittent cooperation, the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan is now further complicated by the Taliban’s governance and the resurgence of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). By applying a regional security complex framework, this research investigates how security threats, cross-border tensions, and geopolitical alignments shape current interactions between the two countries. Through qualitative analysis, this study identifies key factors influencing these dynamics, such as Pakistan’s internal security policies and public sentiment, Afghanistan’s fragmented governance structure, and the strategic roles of regional powers like China, India, Russia, and Iran. Findings indicate that cross-border attacks by the TTP, unresolved territorial disputes, and fluctuating diplomatic engagements are pivotal to understanding the ongoing instability. Economic dependencies and infrastructure projects, although potential avenues for cooperation, remain secondary to pressing security concerns. This study emphasizes the implications of Afghanistan–Pakistan relations for broader regional stability, particularly for counterterrorism efforts and humanitarian issues linked to refugee flows and human rights under Taliban rule. Ultimately, the research highlights the urgent need for effective diplomatic mechanisms, regional partnerships, and consistent international engagement to foster stability in South Asia. By assessing these complex dimensions, the study provides critical insights into the prospects and policy directions required to navigate Afghanistan–Pakistan relations in an increasingly volatile context.
Principles and Guidelines for Evaluating Social Robot Navigation Algorithms
Authors: Francis Anthony , Pérez-D’Arpino Claudia , Li Chengshu , Xia Fei , Alahi Alexandre , Alami Rachid , Bera Aniket , Biswas Abhijat , Biswas Joydeep , Chandra Rohan , Chiang Hao-Tien Lewis , Everett Michael , Ha Sehoon , Hart Justin , How Jonathan P. , Karnan Haresh , Lee Tsang-Wei Edward , Manso Luis J. , Mirsky Reuth , Pirk Sören , Singamaneni Phani Teja , Stone Peter , Taylor Ada V. , Trautman Peter , Tsoi Nathan , Vázquez Marynel , Xiao Xuesu , Xu Peng , Yokoyama Naoki , Toshev Alexander , Martín-Martín Roberto
Published: December 2024

A major challenge to deploying robots widely is navigation in human-populated environments, commonly referred to as
social robot navigation
. While the field of social navigation has advanced tremendously in recent years, the fair evaluation of algorithms that tackle social navigation remains hard because it involves not just robotic agents moving in static environments but also dynamic human agents and their perceptions of the appropriateness of robot behavior. In contrast, clear, repeatable, and accessible benchmarks have accelerated progress in fields like computer vision, natural language processing and traditional robot navigation by enabling researchers to fairly compare algorithms, revealing limitations of existing solutions and illuminating promising new directions. We believe the same approach can benefit social navigation. In this article, we pave the road toward common, widely accessible, and repeatable benchmarking criteria to evaluate social robot navigation. Our contributions include (a) a definition of a socially navigating robot as one that respects the principles of safety, comfort, legibility, politeness, social competency, agent understanding, proactivity, and responsiveness to context, (b) guidelines for the use of metrics, development of scenarios, benchmarks, datasets, and simulators to evaluate social navigation, and (c) a design of a social navigation metrics framework to make it easier to compare results from different simulators, robots, and datasets.
An Architectural Viewpoint for Benefit-Cost-Risk-Aware Decision-Making in Self-Adaptive Systems
Authors: Weyns Danny , Hezavehi Sara M , Avgeriou Paris , Calinescu Radu , Mirandola Raffaela , Perez-Palacin Diego
Published: December 2024

Abstract.
Self-adaptation equips a software system with a feedback loop that resolves uncertainties during operation and adapts the system to deal with them when necessary. Most self-adaptation approaches today use decision-making mechanisms that select for execution the adaptation option with the best-estimated benefit expressed as a set of adaptation goals. A few approaches also consider the estimated (one-off) cost of executing the candidate adaptation options. We argue that besides benefit and cost, decision-making in self-adaptive systems should also consider the estimated risk the system or its users would be exposed to if an adaptation option were selected for execution. Balancing all three concerns when evaluating the options for adaptation to mitigate uncertainty is essential for satisfying stakeholders’ concerns and ensuring the safety and public acceptance of self-adaptive systems. In this paper, we present a reference model for decision-making in self-adaptation that considers the estimated benefit, cost, and risk as core concerns of each adaptation option. Leveraging this model, we then present an ISO/IEC/IEEE 42010 compatible architectural viewpoint that aims at supporting software architects responsible for designing robust decision-making mechanisms for self-adaptive systems. We demonstrate the applicability, usefulness, and understandability of the viewpoint through a case study where participants with experience in the engineering of self-adaptive systems performed a set of design tasks in DeltaIoT, an Internet-of-Things exemplar for research on self-adaptive systems.
SpecSims: A Scalable Speculative Tree-based Simulation Cloning Framework For Finite Memory Machines
Authors: Yoginath Srikanth , Shukla Pratishtha , Nutaro James , Seal Sudip
Published: December 2024

Simulation cloning is a technique in which cloned simulations whose state spaces differ partially from their parent simulation due to intervening events are spawned at runtime and concurrently advanced. It is a powerful method to carry-out what-if analysis by speculatively exploring and evaluating the impact of various permutations of intervening cascade of events. Due to the exponential growth in the number of possible clones even for a small number of distinct intervening events, the practical efficacy of the approach is often severely limited by the maximum available memory of the computing host. In this paper, we introduce a novel speculative simulation cloning framework that executes a simulation cloning campaign capable of efficiently exploring an exponentially large space of clone simulations created by permutation of intervening events under a finite memory constraint. We provide a theoretical analysis of the runtime characteristics of our proposed approach and highlight its novel advantages such as memory-aware and as-long-as-needed execution. In support of our analytical findings and to demonstrate its practical feasibility, we implement a prototype of the cloning framework on a shared memory system and report its performance characteristics in the context of a heat diffusion simulation, and a power grid simulation subject to cascading disruptions from geomagnetic disturbances.
Prediction Model and Experimental Investigation of Elliptical Vibration Assisted Cutting Force for SiCp/Al Composite Materials
Authors: Lu Mingming , Zhai Shuaijie , Zhou Ruiqi , Zhang Limin
Published: December 2024

A cutting force prediction model for elliptical vibration-assisted cutting (EVC) cutting SiCp/Al composite materials was established. The flow stress of SiCp/Al was calculated based on the Johnson-Cook model, and the dynamic cutting force was decomposed into chip formation force, frictional force, ploughing force, and particle fracture force, according to the cutting characteristics at different stages of the EVC cycle were studied separately and decomposed along the cutting speed direction, depth of cut direction, and feed direction to obtain the prediction model for cutting forces in three directions. Orthogonal tests were designed to investigate the cutting parameters (cutting speed, depth of cut, and feed) by means of extreme difference analysis. The deviations between the experimental and predicted values of cutting forces in the three directions are compared through cutting experiments, and the reasons are analyzed to verify the validity of the established cutting force prediction model.
Review—ZnO-based Thin Film Metal Oxide Semiconductors and Structures: Transistors, Optoelectronic Devices and Future Sustainable Electronics
Authors: Buckley Darragh , Lonergan Alex , O’Dwyer Colm
Published: December 2024

Metal oxide thin films are critically important materials for modern technologies, particularly semiconductor thin films in transistors and optoelectronic applications. Many metal oxide thin films attract interest for their electronic bandgap, charge carrier mobility, optical opacity, luminescence, low cost, relative abundance, and environmentally-friendly production. Additionally, these properties are often tuneable via particle size, film density, surface morphology, film deposition, growth method, hetero-interface engineering or ion-doping. The n-type semiconducting zinc oxide (ZnO) is an important material, possessing a variety of useful properties including an intrinsically wide direct bandgap, high electron mobility, relatively high exciton binding energy, high optical transparency, demonstrated metal-ion doping, a range of different particle morphologies and deposition methods, electro/photoluminescence, low cost, and a variety of existing green synthesis methods. Here, these aspects of ZnO and some related compound semiconducting oxides are reviewed, focusing on how the unique properties of these metal oxides make them suitable for a range of different applications from thin film transistors, high mobility oxide interfaces, transparent conductive oxides, photoanodes photodetectors, chemical sensors, photocatalysts, superlattice electronics, and more. The properties and deposition methods and their impact on functionality will be discussed alongside their role in sustainable optoelectronics.
Parents Know Best: Uncovering a Rare Allergy During Anesthesia Consultation
Authors: Thirion Charlotte , Pirson Françoise , Momeni Mona
Published: December 2024

A 17‐month‐old child presented for an anesthesia consultation before planned plagiocephaly correction one week later. The medical history by the mother reported an episode of facial redness after administering atropine‐based eye drops when the child was 9 months old. Based on this information, the anesthesiologist decided to postpone the surgery and conduct an allergy assessment. Skin tests performed by a pneumo‐allergologist in a hospital setting were positive for atropine. Atropine, a frequently utilized drug in anesthesiology, is rarely associated with allergic reactions, particularly in pediatric patients, as evidenced by poor prior descriptions. This case report underscores the pivotal role of preoperative anesthesia consultations and the significance of attentively considering parental perspectives. Allergy testing can be fastidious in infants, and postponing surgery can be challenging, but in our case, it allowed for a safe procedure and no adverse reactions.
Antibiotic Resistance in Fermented Foods Chain: Evaluating the Risks of Emergence of Enterococci as an Emerging Pathogen in Raw Milk Cheese
Authors: Chaves Celso Raul Silambo , Salamandane Acácio , Vieira Emília Joana F. , Salamandane Cátia
Published: December 2024

Fermented foods, particularly fermented dairy products, offer significant health benefits but also present serious concerns. Probiotic bacteria, such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB), found in these foods have been strongly linked to the selection and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This study aims to examine the potential risks associated with fermented foods, despite their importance in human nutrition, by analyzing the entire production chain from raw material acquisition to storage. Focusing on cheese production as a key fermented food, the study will investigate various aspects, including dairy farm management, milk acquisition, milk handling, and the application of good manufacturing practices (GMP) and good hygiene practices (GHP) in cheese production. The findings of this review highlight that ARGs found in LAB are similar to those observed in hygiene indicator bacteria like E. coli and pathogens like S. aureus. The deliberate use of antibiotics in dairy farms and the incorrect use of disinfectants in cheese factories contribute to the prevalence of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria in cheeses. Cheese factories, with their high frequency of horizontal gene transfer, are environments where the microbiological diversity of raw milk can enhance ARG transfer. The interaction between the raw milk microbiota and other environmental microbiotas, facilitated by cross‐contamination, increases metabolic communication between bacteria, further promoting ARG transfer. Understanding these bacterial and ARG interactions is crucial to ensure food safety for consumers.
Supplementary Material from Beyond HRD Status: Unraveling Genetic Variants Impacting PARP Inhibitor Sensitivity in Advanced Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Kjeldsen Maj K. , Jørgensen Morten , Grønseth Dina Sofie B. , Schønemann-Lund Martin , Nyvang Gitte-Bettina , Haslund Charlotte Aaquist , Knudsen Anja Oer , Motavaf Anne Krejbjerg , Malander Susanne , Anttila Maarit , Lindahl Gabriel , Mäenpää Johanna , Dimoula Maria , Werner Theresa L. , Iversen Trine Zeeberg , Hietanen Sakari , Fokdal Lars , Dahlstrand Hanna , Bjørge Line , Birrer Michael J. , Mirza Mansoor R. , Rossing Maria
Published: December 2024

Supplementary Material
A preliminary study of odonate fauna in the high ranges of Munnar, southern Western Ghats, India
Authors: T.S. Krishnanunni  , Nazar Neha  , R. Arya  , Nameer P.O.
Published: December 2024

A study was conducted at Munnar Forest Division Idukki District, Kerala, the southern Western Ghats, to assess the diversity of odonates. Around 44 species of odonates, which include 29 species of Anisoptera (dragonflies) and 15 species of Zygoptera (damselflies). The odonate diversity of Munnar Forest Division accounted for 24.72 % of the odonates in Kerala and 22.45 % of the odonates of the Western Ghats. The study highlights the importance of biodiversity documentation at high altitudes in the Western Ghats.
Megachile vera Nurse, 1901 (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Megachilidae): a new record of leaf cutter bee from Kerala, India
Authors: Prakash Anju  Sara , C. Bijoy
Published: December 2024

A new leaf-cutter bee from family Megachilidae, Megachile (Eutricharaea) vera Nurse, 1901 is reported for the first time from Kerala, with its current geographical distribution in India.
Chromatin State Maps of Blood Pressure-Relevant Renal Segments Reveal Potential Regulatory Role for SNPs
Authors: Ray Atrayee , Yang Chun , Stelloh Cary , Tutaj Monika , Liu Pengyuan , Liu Yong , Qiu Qiongzi , Auer Paul L. , Lin Chien-Wei , Widlansky Michael E. , Geurts Aron M. , Cowley Allen W. , Liang Mingyu , Kwitek Anne E. , Greene Andrew S. , Rao Sridhar
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

Hypertension or elevated blood pressure (BP) is a worldwide clinical challenge and the leading primary risk factor for kidney dysfunctions, heart failure, and cerebrovascular disease. The kidney is a central regulator of BP by maintaining sodium-water balance. Multiple genome-wide association studies revealed that BP is a heritable quantitative trait, modulated by several genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. The SNPs identified in genome-wide association studies predominantly (>95%) reside within noncoding genomic regions, making it difficult to understand how they regulate BP. Given the central role of the kidney in regulating BP, we hypothesized that chromatin-accessible regions in renal tissue would be enriched for BP-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms.

METHODS:

We manually dissected 2 important kidney segments that maintain the sodium-water balance: proximal tubules and medullary thick ascending limbs from the human and rat kidneys. To delineate their chromatin and transcriptomic profiles, we performed the assay for transposase-accessible chromatin and RNA sequencing, respectively.

RESULTS:

The chromatin accessibility maps revealed the shared and unique
cis
-regulatory elements that modulate the chromatin accessibility in proximal tubule and medullary thick ascending limbs of humans and rats. We developed a visualization tool to compare the cross-species epigenomic maps to identify potential regulatory targets for hypertension pathogenesis. We also identified a significant enrichment of BP-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (1064 for human proximal tubule and 1172 for human medullary thick ascending limbs) within accessible chromatin regions of both segments, including rs1173771 and rs1421811 at the
NPR3
locus and rs1800470 at the
TGFb1
locus.

CONCLUSIONS:

Collectively, this study lays a foundation for interrogating how intergenic single nucleotide polymorphisms may regulate polygenic traits such as BP.
Associated Factors of Long-Term Functional Outcome and Recovery Pattern After Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Prospective Population-Based Study in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Authors: Sakamoto Yuki , Bosookhuu Oyungerel , Ouyang Menglu , Banzrai Chimeglkham , Dambasuren Bolormaa , Wang Xia , Turbat Sarantsetseg , Myadagsuren Mandakhnar , Boldbayar Punsaldulam , Baatar Khandsuren , Erdenedalai Tuguldur , Munkhtur Uuriintuya , Yadamsuren Erdenechimeg , Chen Xiaoying , Anderson Craig S.
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

Long-term patterns of functional outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) have not been well elucidated in population-based studies from low- and middle-income countries. The aim of this study was to define long-term functional outcomes, associated prognostic factors, and recovery patterns for patients with acute ICH.

METHODS:

We conducted a prospective population-based stroke incidence study in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, with prospective follow-up. Multiple overlapping strategies were used to prospectively ascertain all strokes over 2 years. Patients were followed up at 28, 90, and 365 days. Associated factors of unfavorable outcome (defined as modified Rankin Scale scores, 3–6) and death at 365 days were identified using separate binary logistic regressions. Recovery pattern in terms of the proportions of patients with favorable outcomes (defined as modified Rankin Scale scores, 0–2) as the outcome was analyzed over time at 28, 90, and 365 days using generalized estimating equations with baseline covariates.

RESULTS:

A total of 1172 first-ever ICH cases were registered. Among these patients, 625 (56.4% of available modified Rankin Scale) cases had died and 853 (77.0%) had an unfavorable outcome at 365 days. The proportion of favorable outcomes increased from 12.1% at day 28 to 17.4% at day 90 and then to 23.0% at 1 year. Multivariable analysis revealed that older age, low socioeconomic status, absence of hypertension, hospital admission, neurosurgical intervention, and ICH severity, side, and intraventricular extension were independently associated with death/unfavorable outcome 365 days post-ICH. Most of these factors were also associated with the recovery pattern.

CONCLUSIONS:

The prognosis from ICH in low- and middle-income countries is dismal, with 56% of patients dead and 77% having an unfavorable functional outcome at 365 days, although there was a pattern of continuous recovery over this time period. These findings stress the importance of developing effective primary prevention and continuous active care for survivors to reduce the burden of ICH in low- and middle-income countries.
Impaired Sphenoparietal Venous Drainage Is Associated With Increased Risk of Vasospasm in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Lyman Kyle A. , Adusumilli Gautam , Kamdar Hera A. , Yang Joanna , Rordorf Guy A. , Rubin Daniel B. , Regenhardt Robert W. , Stapleton Christopher J. , Patel Aman B. , Locascio Joseph J. , Kimberly William Taylor , Edlow Brian L. , Heit Jeremy J. , Chung David Y.
Published: December 2024

Background

Adequate venous drainage of brain parenchyma is essential to maintain cerebral perfusion and clearance of cerebrospinal fluid. The cortical vein opacification score (COVES) is a radiographic metric calculated from a computed tomography angiogram that provides a measure of venous drainage using 3 cortical veins in each hemisphere. Emerging evidence indicates that longitudinal declines in COVES correlates with poor outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), but the clinical factors associated with a low COVES, and the relationship between COVES and other outcomes remains poorly understood.

Methods

We performed a single‐center retrospective analysis of 54 patients with aSAH to characterize the relationship between the COVES score and radiographic vasospasm.

Results

We found that patients with high‐grade aSAH (Hunt and Hess 4–5) had worse cortical venous drainage (mean total COVES±SEM, 10.2±0.2, n = 21) compared with patients with lower grade aSAH (Hunt and Hess 2–3, n = 33, 9.5±0.3,
P
<0.05, 2‐tailed
t
‐test) and that venous drainage improves at longitudinal follow‐up after discharge (mean increase in total COVES: 1.3±0.3,
P
<0.01). Logistic regression revealed that patients whose admission computed tomography angiogram showed impairment in sphenoparietal drainage were at the highest risk for radiographic vasospasm (odds ratio, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.13–0.84]).

Conclusion

These results suggest a potential mechanistic link between impaired venous drainage and radiographic vasospasm and provide the basis for further study of COVES as a prognostic tool in patients with aSAH. We found that patients with more severe presentations of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage had impairment in cortical venous drainage. Impairments in venous drainage were associated with a higher likelihood of radiographic vasospasm.
DRIVING FORCES OF HOUSING PRICES IN TÜRKİYE: A NONLINEAR ARDL ANALYSIS
Authors: Şahin Ayşegül
Published: December 2024

The study aims to examine the effects of the industrial production index, consumer price index, consumer confidence index, real effective exchange rate, and loan interest rate variables on the housing price index. Monthly data between 2010:01-2024:05 is used in the study and the NARDL method is used. When the long-term coefficients are examined; it is seen that positive shocks in the industrial production index have a positive effect on the housing price index and negative shocks have a negative effect on the housing price index. It is seen that positive changes in the consumer price index have a positive effect on the housing price index and negative changes have a negative effect. Increases in the consumer confidence index have a positive effect on the housing price index. An increase in the real effective exchange rate causes a decrease in the housing price index in the long term. Finally, both positive and negative changes in housing loan interest rates increase the housing price index.
Lech Borowiec’s collection of tortoise beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae) in the Museum of Natural History, University of Wrocław
Authors: ŚWIĘTOJAŃSKA JOLANTA
Published: December 2024

Lech Borowiec’s collection of tortoise beetles, recently stored in the Museum of Natural History, University of Wrocław is reviewed in detail. The collection contains 21 292 specimens of 2 491 species, including 229 primary types and 979 secondary types (paratypes, syntypes, paralectotypes). Additionally, a complete list of 202 papers on Cassidinae published by Prof. Lech Borowiec, a list of publications written by other authors with descriptions of new species whose descriptive types are deposited in the collection of Lech Borowiec, and a checklist of all taxa described by Prof. Lech Borowiec are given.
Z tajników warsztatu filologiczno‑biblijnego Profesor Ireny Kwileckiej
Authors: Koziara Stanisław
Published: December 2024

On Some Secrets of Professor Irena Kwilecka’s Craft of Philological and Biblical Research
This article is a synthetic attempt to recall the research profile and selected scholarly achievements of Professor Irena Kwilecka, who died two years ago. She was an outstanding Slavist from Poznań, the author of many works devoted mainly to Old Polish translations of the Bible. The article focuses on those aspects of Irena Kwilecka’s research craft which reveal a number of innovative approaches and proposals, including a revision of certain positions taken with regard to this part of Polish religious writing. The study refers to numerous publications of the Poznań-based researcher and makes use of unique data originating from private correspondence onscholarly issues, which the author of the article exchanged with Professor Kwilecka for a number of years.
 
Z tajników warsztatu filologiczno-biblijnego Profesor Ireny Kwileckiej
Artykuł przynosi syntetyczną próbę przypomnienia sylwetki badawczej oraz wybranych osiągnięć naukowych zmarłej przed dwoma laty Profesor Ireny Kwileckiej, wybitnej poznańskiej slawistki, autorki wielu prac poświęconych głównie staropolskim przekładom Biblii. Autor artykułu skupił uwagę na tych aspektach warsztatu badawczego Ireny Kwileckiej, w których ujawnia się szereg nowatorskich ujęć i propozycji opisu, w tym także rewizji niektórych stanowisk zajmowanych względem tej części polskiego piśmiennictwa religijnego. W tym celu odwołano się w opracowaniu zarówno do licznych publikacji poznańskiej badaczki, jak też wykorzystano unikatowe dane pochodzące z prywatnej korespondencji, jaką na tematy naukowe autor artykułu przez wiele lat prowadził z Profesor Ireną Kwilecką.
Demand for Increased Financial Support to Families of Privately Insured Pediatric Hearing Aid Users
Authors: Iqbal Iman S. , Ostrowski Tyler , Mouzakes Jason , Levi Jessica R.
Published: December 2024

Purpose:

The ability to hear is germane in fostering communiation skills in children and plays a crucial role in their overall wellbeing. Unfortunately, hearing impairment is one of the most common developmental discrepancies in children.

Objective:

To describe and evaluate the current legislation surrounding pediatric hearing aid reimbursement and the implications of these policies.

Evidence Review:

A review of the scientific literature in addition to several state legislature sites was used to write this article.

Major Findings:

Private insurance reimbursement for pediatric hearing aids is variable between vendors and states. Only half of United States have passed legislation requiring insurers to cover hearing aids for their subscribers. Due to the lack of reimbursement for these expensive yet medically necessary devices, families across the country experience financial distress associated with the lack of coverage for hearing aids. In many cases, this leaves children without the ability to hear to their fullest potential.

Conclusion:

It is time we as otolaryngologists advocate for a national solution to this issue and promote a national policy to require private insurers to cover the costs of hearing aids for their subscribers.
Capitalising on virtue: Global climate politics and the life cycle of status symbols
Authors: Freistein Katja , Müller Thomas
Published: December 2024

This article explores the temporality and manipulability of status symbols. The competition over status has started to move past traditional markers such as economic wealth and military strength, and new status symbols have emerged that may become attainable even for states without such traditional forms of capital. Drawing on Pierre Bourdieu’s work, we develop a discursive approach to status symbols that distinguishes three phases of their life cycle – creation, institutionalisation and capitalisation – to show how certain practices and achievements are turned into new status symbols and how these status symbols can be converted into other forms of capital. We illustrate this approach by studying the role of the Conference of the Parties (COP) presidency and performance rankings as status symbols of leadership in global climate politics. As the field of climate politics is premised on assumptions of a greater common good, we also aim to explore whether and how status symbols can be strategically used as incentives for status competition with desirable outcomes.