bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Passenger Counting in Public Transport Concepts based on Image Processing and Machine Learning
Authors: Radovan Aleksander , Đambić Goran , Mihaljević Branko
Published: July 2024

The accurate counting of passengers in public transport systems is crucial for optimizing operations, improving service quality, and planning infrastructure. It can also contribute to reducing the number of public transport lines where a high frequency of vehicles is not needed in certain periods during the year, but also by increasing the number of lines where the need is increased. This paper provides a comprehensive review of current methodologies and technologies used for passenger counting, with a focus on image processing and machine learning techniques and concepts. The paper explores various algorithms, including traditional computer vision methods and advanced deep learning approaches, highlighting their strengths and limitations. Additionally, the paper examines the integration of these technologies with other sensing modalities such as infrared sensors, Wi-Fi, and RFID. By analyzing recent advancements and case studies, this review aims to offer insights into the effectiveness, scalability, and practicality of different passenger counting solutions and offers a solution proposal. The paper also analyzed the current GDPR regulation that applies to the European Union and how it affects the use of systems like this. Future research directions and potential areas for technological innovation are also discussed to guide further developments in this field.
SEM Morphological Analysis of Local Regional Anesthesia Needles Used for Single and Multiple Injections on the Oral Mucosa
Authors: Cumbo Enzo , Gallina Giuseppe , Messina Pietro , Scardina Giuseppe Alessandro
Published: July 2024

Introduction. Anesthesia is widely used in various fields of dentistry to reduce patient discomfort when the treatment would be painful. The dentist may need to infiltrate the anesthetic into multiple locations and this is usually done with the same needle which passes through the soft tissues several times to distribute the anesthetic solution over a larger area. The present study aims to evaluate, through a morphological analysis under a scanning electron microscope (SEM), how the beveled tip of a 30G needle, used to inject anesthetic several times into different areas of the vestibular mucosa, changes. Materials and methods. 30G needles with two different brands were tested, in vivo used for a variable number of sequential injections from 1 to 6 on 192 patients. The specimens were analyzed under SEM observation to evaluate any deformations induced by contact with the vestibular soft tissues. Results. The amount of deformation, measured along the axis parallel to the needle, was proportional to the number of injections. The protrusion of deformations, measured on an axis perpendicular to the needle, were maximum on the needles used 3 times. For the needles used 4,5 and 6 injections, no further increase in deformations was noted. Conclusion. From the data it seems that the tested needles are not produced to withstand multiple injections consequently after the first injection on soft tissues, they undergo a deformation which could increase the risk of injury to the mucosa itself or to nerves and vessels with which they come into contact. It would be advisable to use the single needle for a reduced number of injections.
Treatment of Orthognathic Surgical Class III Patient with Cof-Fin Siris Syndrome: A Descriptive Case Report
Authors: Macrì Monica , Rotelli Chiara , Di Pace Claudia , Festa Mario , Galluccio Gabriella , Festa Felice
Published: July 2024

We present a case report of a 26-years-old female suffering from Coffin Siris Syndrome, who underwent orthodontic treatment and surgery to solve her malocclusion and improve her aes-thetics and functional occlusion. Methods: The presurgical phase involved multibracket self-ligating attachments, Damon prescription. The patient underwent maxillofacial surgery to correct the severe skeletal malocclusion and relocate the bone bases in the right relationship. The post-surgical orthodontic treatment was performed to complete the alignment. Results: The pa-tient improved her aesthetics and functional abilities. Conclusions: Syndromic patients can un-dergo orthodontictreatment if comorbidities and collaboration allow it. Support and collaboration of families and psychotherapists must be considered, but clinical cases of syndromic patients can be faced and solved. Obviously, each syndromic patient is considered unique, and the risk-benefit ratio must be correctly assessed for each one.
‘Some for All, Forever’: Investing in Universal Access to Water Services in a Warming World—the Case of South Africa
Authors: Cartwright Anton , Swilling Mark , Cullis James , Walsh Kim , Gcanga Amanda
Published: July 2024

South Africa’s internationally celebrated water legislation placed the responsibility for investing in water services at the door of the government. In recent years South Africa has struggled to invest adequately to keep up with growing demand for these services. The result is a suite of social, economic and environmental risks that are destabilising to the fiscus and the financial sector. This paper explored both operating and capital costs, and applied the ‘Beyond the Gap’ analysis to show that an additional 55% investment (R91 billion annually) is necessary to ensure South Africa meets its water policy goals. The analysis explores the factors that influence the investment amount and shows that a combination of policy choices and exogenous factors such as climate change could render the investment gap anywhere between 30% and 90% of the estimated current allocation to the water sector. The most significant savings are attributed to reducing the extent of “non-revenue water”, an energy transition away from coal, sharing of some water taps between (up to) five houses, reduced water allocations to agriculture, investments in invasive alien plant (IAP) clearing in water catchments above dams, and water demand management, capacity building and more efficient integration of different bulk water schemes. The study revealed important dependencies between capital and operating costs; where operating costs are ignored, the decay of water infrastructure is accelerated. Showing the contingency of investment needs on policy choices, places responsibility for attaining water policy goals and SDG 6 in the hands of a diverse set of actors. Quantifying the investment need also raises the critical question of how to raise the required investment. Recognising the need to balance risks to financiers with the widespread risks to households, companies and government when investment in water services is inadequate, South Africa is exploring a Monetary Architecture approach of inter-balance sheet relationships in an attempt to mobilise investment from new sources.
Sodium Acetate Enhances Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation via Histone Acetylation Pathway in Neutrophil-like HL-60 Cells
Authors: Yasuda Hiroyuki , Takishita Yutaka , Mortia Akihiro , Tsutsumi Tomonari , Nakagawa Naoya , Sato Eisuke F.
Published: July 2024

Neutrophil extracellular trap formation has been identified as a new cell death mediator, termed NETosis, which is distinct from apoptosis and necrosis. NETs capture foreign substances, such as bacteria, by releasing DNA into the extracellular environment, and have been associated with inflammatory diseases and altered immune responses. Short-chain fatty acids, such as acetate, are produced by the gut microbiota and reportedly enhance innate immune responses; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of sodium acetate, which has the highest SCFA concentration in the blood and gastrointestinal tract, on NETosis by focusing on the mechanisms associated with histone acetylation in neutrophil-like HL-60 cells. Sodium acetate enhanced NETosis as shown by fluorescence staining with SYTOX green, and the effect was directly proportional to the treatment duration (16–24 h). Moreover, the addition of sodium acetate significantly enhanced the acetylation of Ace-H3, H3K9ace, H3K14ace, and H3K27ace. Sodium acetate-induced histone acetylation rapidly decreased upon stimulation with the calcium ionophore A23187, whereas histone citrullination markedly increased. These results demonstrate that sodium acetate induces NETosis via histone acetylation in neutrophil-like HL-60 cells, providing new insights into the therapeutic effects based on the innate immunity-enhancing effect of dietary fiber.
Neurovascular Manifestations of Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Zedde Marialuisa , Quaresima Micol , Capodanno Isabella , Grisendi Ilaria , Assenza Federica , Napoli Manuela , Moratti Claudio , Pavone Claudio , Bonacini Lara , Di Cecco Giovanna , D’Aniello Serena , Valzania Franco , Merli Francesco , Pascarella Rosario
Published: July 2024

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hereditary blood disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin, leading sickle shape of red blood cells. It has several vascular complications and the cerebrovascular ones are among the most frequent and severe both in children and in adults. This review summarizes the main neurovascular manifestations of SCD, including acute stroke, silent cerebral infarction, large vessel diseases (moyamoya arteriopathy and aneurysms) and brain bleeding. Both epidemiology, pathophysiology and treatment issues are addressed and prevention of cerebrovascular events, including silent cerebral infarctions, is particularly relevant in SCD patients, being associated to poor functional outcome and cognitive complaints. Transfusions and hydroxyurea are the main available therapy at the moment, but contraindications, availability and complications might prevent their long term use, particularly in low income countries. The role of Transcranial Doppler in monitoring the patients (mainly children) is analyzed and a practical approach has been selected in order to give the main messages from the actual knowledge for a better management of the SCD patients.
Evaluation of Urban Resilience and Its Influencing Factors: Case Study of the Yichang-Jingzhou-Jingmen-Enshi Urban Agglomeration in China
Authors: Zhao Zhilong , Hu Zengzeng , Han Xu , Chen Lu , Li Zhiyong
Published: July 2024

In the context of global urbanization and climatic change, the frequency of various uncertainties and disturbances faced by urban system is increasing, and enhancing urban resilience has become one of the vital components of sustainable development of modern cities. At the same time, urban resilience has become a hot topic in interdisciplinary research such as economics, ecology, and geography. This paper constructs urban resilience evaluation indicator system based on four dimensions—economy, ecology, society, and infrastructure. The evaluation indicator is used to measure the resilience levels of Yichang-Jingzhou-Jingmen-Enshi (YJJE) urban agglomeration in China from 2010 to 2023. Using the entropy weight method, the Getis-Ord Gi* model, and the robustness testing, this paper analyzes the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of urban resilience in YJJE urban agglomeration. Then, the factor contribution model is used to explore the influencing factors of urban resilience. Finally, the CA-Markov model is used to predict urban resilience in 2030. The results are as follows: From 2010 to 2023, the urban resilience values of all prefecture-level and county-level cities in YJJE urban agglomeration showed an upward trend, and it indicated that the resilience of urban system is improving. Meanwhile, the urban resilience of YJJE urban agglomeration increased with an average annual growth rate of 3.25%. Furthermore, the urban resilience exhibited a significant spatially heterogeneity distribution, with Xiling, Wujiagang, Xiaoting, Yidu, Zhijiang, Dianjun, Dangyang, Yuan’an, Yiling, Duodao being the high-value agglomerations of urban resilience, and Hefeng, Jianli, Shishou, Wufeng being the low-value agglomerations of urban resilience. Then, we identified critical driving factors of urban resilience in YJJE urban agglomeration. Finally, the urban resilience of all cities within YJJE urban agglomeration will reach the medium level or higher than medium level in 2030. Xiling, Wujiagang, Xiaoting, Zhijiang, Dianjun, Dangyang, Yuan’an will remain hot spots of urban resilience, while Jianli will remain cold spots of urban resilience in the future. This study can provide the scientific reference and policy recommendation for the government to build resilient cities and improve sustainable urban development.
ShieldDiff: Suppressing Sexual Content Generation from Diffusion Models through Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Han Dong , Mohamed Salaheldin , Li Yong
Published: July 2024

With the advance of generative AI, the text-to-image (T2I) model has the ability to generate various contents. However, the generated contents cannot be fully controlled. There is a potential risk that text-to-image model can generate unsafe images with uncomfortable contents. In our work, we focus on eliminating the NSFW (not safe for work) content generation from text-to-image model while maintaining the high quality of generated images by fine-tuning the pretrained diffusion model via reinforcement learning by optimizing the well-designed content-safe reward function. The proposed method leverages a customized reward function consisting of the CLIP (Contrastive Language-Image Pre-training) and nudity rewards to prune the nudity contents that adhere to the pretrained model and keep the corresponding semantic meaning on the safe side. In this way, the text-to-image model is robust to unsafe adversarial prompts since unsafe visual representations are mitigated from latent space. Extensive experiments conducted on different datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in alleviating unsafe content generation while preserving the high-fidelity of benign images as well as images generated by unsafe prompts. Our method surpasses existing state-of-the-art (SOTA) baseline methods and achieves better performance on sexual content removal (14.5% higher than SafeGen) and image quality retention. In terms of robustness, our method outperforms Safe Latent Diffusion and SafeGen under the SOTA black-box attacking model SneakyPrompt by approximately 2x and 5.6x, respectively. Furthermore, our constructed method can be a benchmark for other methods aiming for anti-NSFW generation, high-level prompt-image safe alignment.
Consensus for Linear Time-Varying Multi-agent Systems via Event-Triggered Communication
Authors: Chi Wensheng , Zhang Xingzheng , Wang Hai , Zhang Peng , Xie Wenjun
Published: July 2024

This paper represents the first investigation into the consensus problem of linear time-varying multi-agent systems utilizing an event-triggered communication scheme. First, a general event-triggered consensus control scheme is proposed for a general category of linear time-varying multi-agent systems. Under some suitable assumptions, it is demonstrated that all agents’ states will converge exponentially, with Zeno behaviour being ruled out. Second, the consensus problem in a network of linear time-varying multi-agent systems with a spanning tree is investigated using the proposed control strategy. It demonstrates that the consensus issue for the specified system can be reformulated as a stabilization problem for an error system through a time-varying linear transformation. Then, the event-triggered consensus problem is just a special instance of the general event-triggered consensus problem mentioned above. Finally, to illustrate the efficacy of the event-triggered method proposed in this study, simulation results are shown.
Two New Bio-inspired Particle Swarm Optimisation Algorithms
for Single-Objective Continuous Variable Problems Based on
Eavesdropping and Altruistic Animal Behaviours
Authors: Varna Fevzi Tugrul , Husbands Phil
Published: July 2024

This paper presents two novel bio-inspired particle swarm optimisation (PSO) variants: biased eavesdropping PSO (BEPSO) and altruistic heterogeneous PSO (AHPSO). These algorithms are inspired by types of group behaviour found in nature that have not previously been exploited in search algorithms. The primary search behaviour of the BEPSO algorithm is inspired by eavesdropping behaviour observed in nature coupled with a cognitive bias mechanism that enables particles to make decisions on cooperation. The second algorithm, AHPSO, conceptualises particles in the swarm as energy-driven agents with bio-inspired altruistic behaviour which allows the formation of lending-borrowing relationships. The mechanisms underlying these algorithms provide new approaches to maintaining swarm diversity which contributes to preventing premature convergence. The new algorithms were tested on the 30, 50 and 100-dimensional CEC'13, CEC'14 and CEC'17 test suites, and various constrained real-world optimisation problems, against 13 well-known PSO variants and the CEC competition winner, differential evolution algorithm L-SHADE. The experimental results show that both algorithms, BEPSO and AHPSO, provide very competitive performance on the unconstrained test suites and the constrained real-world problems. They were significantly better than most other PSO variant on most problem sets and no other comparator algorithm was significantly better than either of them on any of the 50 and 100-d problem sets.
Quantum Transport Through a Quantum Dot Coupled to Majorana Nanowire and Two Ferromagnets With Noncollinear Magnetizations
Authors: Gao Yumei , Shen Yao Hong , Chi Feng , Yi Zichuan , Liu Liming
Published: July 2024

We study the electron tunneling (ET) and local Andreev reflection (AR) processes in a quantum dot (QD) coupled to the left and right ferromagnetic leads with noncollinear ferromagnetisms. In particular, we consider that the QD is also side-coupled to a nanowire hosting Majorana bound states (MBSs) at its ends. Our results show that when one mode of the MBSs is coupled simultaneously to both spin-up and spin-down electrons on the QD, the height of the central peak is quite different from that if the MBS is coupled to only one spin component electrons. The ET and AR conductances which are mediated by the dot-MBS hybridization strongly depend on the angle between the left and right magnetic moments in the leads, which result in sign change of the angle-dependent tunnel magnetic resistance. This result is very different from case when the QD is coupled to regular fermonic mode, and can be used for detecting the existence of MBSs, a current challenge in condensed matter physics under extensive investigations.
Procurement Innovation: An Inquiry into the Adoption of Emerging Technologies in Supply Chain Management
Authors: Cooper Mason
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the adoption of emerging technologies in procurement within supply chain management, focusing on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain. Through a qualitative approach, involving semi-structured interviews with procurement professionals and technology experts, the study explores how these technologies enhance operational efficiency, optimize inventory management, and improve supply chain transparency and trust. AI-driven predictive analytics were found to significantly enhance demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and supplier performance evaluation, fostering data-driven decision-making and proactive risk management. Blockchain technology ensures secure and transparent transactions, facilitating compliance with ethical sourcing standards and reducing risks associated with counterfeit goods. Despite these benefits, organizations face substantial challenges in adopting these technologies, including data security concerns, integration complexities with existing IT infrastructure, and skills shortages in AI and blockchain expertise. Leadership commitment and organizational readiness are identified as crucial enablers for overcoming these barriers and driving successful technology adoption. The study also highlights the strategic importance of supplier relationship management, emphasizing how emerging technologies enhance real-time collaboration, performance insights, and contractual transparency. By addressing these challenges and leveraging technological innovations strategically, organizations can achieve sustainable growth, resilience, and competitive advantage in an increasingly digital and interconnected global economy. The findings contribute to advancing knowledge on procurement innovation and offer valuable insights for organizations seeking to navigate the complexities of technology-driven procurement practices. Future research directions may explore the long-term impact of technology adoption on supply chain dynamics, sustainability initiatives, and organizational performance.
Robust Detection of Cracked Eggs Using a Multi-Domain
Training Method with NSFE-MMD for Practical Egg Production
Authors: Fan Wei , Huang Yidan , Zhang Jingjing , Zhang Xuehong , Wang Qiaohua , Cheng Yuxuan
Published: July 2024

The presence of cracks reduces egg quality and safety, which are easy to cause food safety hazards to consumers. Machine vision-based methods for crack egg detection have made significant success on in-domain egg data. However, the performance of deep learning models usually decreases under practical industrial scenarios, such as the different egg varieties, origins, and environmental changes. Existing researches which rely on improving network structures or increasing training data volumes, can not effectively solve the problem of model performance decline on unknown egg testing data in practical egg production. To address these challenges, a novel and robust detection method is proposed to extract max domain-invariant features to enhance the model performance on unknown testing egg data. Firstly, multi-domain egg data is built on different egg origins and acquisition devices. Then, a multi-domain trained strategy is established by using Maximum Mean Discrepancy with Normalized Squared Feature Estimation (NSFE-MMD) to obtain the optimal matching egg training domain. With the NSFE-MMD method, the original deep learning model can be applied without network structure improvements, which reduces the extremely complex tuning process and hyperparameter adjustments. Finally, robust crack egg detection experiments are carried out on several unknown testing egg domains. The YOLOV5 model trained by proposed multi-domain trained method with NSFE-MMD has a detection mAP of 86.6\% on the unknown test domain 4, and the YOLOV8 model has a detection mAP of 88.8\% on domain 4, which is an increase of 8\% and 4.4\% compared to the best performance of models trained on a single domain, and an increase of 4.7\% and 3.7\% compared to models trained on all domains. In addition, the YOLOV5 model trained by the proposed multi-domain trained method has a detection mAP of 87.9\% on egg data of the unknown testing domain 5. The experimental results demonstrate the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed multi-domain trained method, which can be more suitable for the large quantity and variety of egg detection production.
Special Issue on Recent Advanced Manufacturing Science and Technology
Authors: Matsumura Takashi , Suzuki Norikazu
Published: July 2024

Recently, manufacturing technologies have progressed owing to high industrial demand. For example, in the automobile and aircraft industries, manufacturing processes require technologies that allow for high machining rates of lightweight and/or difficult-to-cut materials. Fabricating medical equipment involves the machining of biocompatible materials with high mechanical strength. Information devices require high-quality ultraprecision manufacturing processes. Furthermore, measurement and characterization technologies are also essential for manufacturing. Along with the evolution of manufacturing technologies, scientific studies have been performed on manufacturing phenomena and process control based on physical and/or mathematical aspects.

This special issue was promoted by the International Conference on Leading Edge Manufacturing/Materials & Processing (LEM&P2023) held from June 12, 2023 to June 16, 2023 at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, sponsored by the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers. This conference was co-located with the Manufacturing Science Engineering Conference (MSEC), ASME, and North American Manufacturing Research Conference (NAMRC), SME.

This special issue includes nine papers that describe the innovations and detailed progress in the following areas:

- Characterization of materials

- Fundamental study and modeling of material removal process

- Manufacturing control and optimization

- Manufacturing processes for new hard materials

- Micro-/Nano-scale manufacturing

- Tool manufacturing and performance

- Metrology and evaluation

- Surface characterization

This special issue includes technical and scientific discussions that suggest new key technologies for future manufacturing. We hope that this will help readers understand manufacturing processes and improve their operations.

We thank the authors and reviewers for their generous cooperation and the editing staff for their contributions.
Continuous Representation of Machining Processes Using 4-Dimensional Geometric Models –Cutter-Workpiece Engagement Analysis and Processing Surface Estimation in Spatio-Temporal Space—
Authors: Zhang Tong , Onosato Masahiko , Tanaka Fumiki
Published: July 2024

The study proposes strategies for conducting cutter-workpiece engagement (CWE) analysis and representation based on 4-dimensional (4D) geometric models. To achieve the CWE condition, two 4D models representing the workpiece and the machinable volume of the tool are introduced for Boolean subtraction and CWE calculation. However, performing set operations and mesh transformations on high-accuracy 4D mesh models can be complex and time-consuming. Therefore, a simplified CWE analysis process between the time-invariant workpiece-occupied region (WOR) and the tool-occupied region (TOR) has been implemented to illustrate the validity of the set operation algorithm. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed 4D Set operation algorithm and its application in CWE analysis to a certain extent.
Results of Practical Evaluation of the Optimized Method for Multilocus Sequence Analysis of Pathogenic Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato Group
Authors: Krupinskaya E. S. , Korenberg E. I. , Golidonova K. A. , Gorelova N. B. , Matrosova V. A.
Published: July 2024

The aim of the study was to test the possibility of identifying isolates of pathogenic Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato by the specificity of linked sequences of their recA and ospA gene loci, i.e. using the optimized multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) method.

Materials and methods. 25 Borrelia isolates from adult hungry Ixodes ricinus ticks collected in the forest-steppe part of the Voronezh Region were studied. Isolates were obtained through seeding the mid-gut of ticks on BSK medium. Their primary identification was performed by analyzing the linked sequences of the recA and ospA gene loci with a total length of 360 bp. Selective control of species affiliation of Borrelia isolates was carried out according to the protocol of full MLSA via assessment of the nucleotide sequences of 6 genes (recA, ospA, rrs, hbb, groEL, fla) and the intergenic spacer rrf-rrl (total length of all 7 loci being 1187 bp) using the BLAST platform, Sequence scanner 2 and MEGA11 programs.

Results and discussion. The heterogeneity of the nucleotide sequences of recA and ospA genes in 25 Borrelia isolates has been investigated. Construction of dendrograms has revealed at least 5 different sequence variants among the isolates. The similarity of isolates within each of these five groups, as well as their distinction from comparable linked sequences of other pathogenic species of the B. burgdorferi sensu lato complex is demonstrated. To confirm the results obtained, a set of isolates from each group was sampled using the full MLSA protocol. It has been established that five Borrelia species circulate in the studied ecosystems of the Voronezh Region: B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. bavariensis, B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, and B. valasiniana.
Russia and Venezuela: New Strategic Partnership in the Field of Response to Biological Threats and Prospects for Cooperation
Authors: Kutyrev V. V. , Shcherbakova S. A. , Ivanova A. V. , Kuklev V. E. , Kas’yan Zh. A. , Karnaukhov I. G.
Published: July 2024

The paper considers the key areas of international activities of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumers’ Rights Protection and Human Well-being in strengthening cooperation with specialized agencies of foreign countries in the global provision of sanitary-epidemiological welfare of the population at the current stage. Consistent work to strengthen the international network to counter emergency situations of a sanitary and epidemiological nature through effective interaction in the field of rapid response with partner countries in the near and far abroad, including through the organization of joint scientific and practical centers for the study and prevention of infectious diseases is presented. It is shown that the programs being implemented are aimed at strengthening the national healthcare structures of partner countries to achieve independence in the implementation of monitoring and anti-epidemic measures and building a single epidemiological space, independent of the influence of global and regional geopolitical fluctuations. The relevance of increasing interstate cooperation in the field of analysis and control of biological threats, primarily infectious diseases with the potential for emergencies of a sanitary and epidemiological nature of international concern, in the South American region is considered. The currently expanding strategic biosecurity collaboration with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela through the establishment of the first joint research center in the South American region is described. The first results of the joint work of Russian and Venezuelan specialists are presented, confirming the successful integration of Russian experience in monitoring and preventing biological threats into the system of ensuring the sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the Venezuelan population. Promising areas for further joint research are discussed.
Combined Circulation of Puumala, Tula, Seewis Hantaviruses in the Territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan
Authors: Mochalkin P. A. , Akimkin V. G. , Ugleva S. V. , Morozkin E. S. , Blinova E. A. , Sycheva K. A. , Skripnichenko D. D. , Bondarenko T. A. , Epik Yu. O. , Makenov M. T. , Kazak A. A. , Popova A. K. , Skotareva M. A. , Ivanova O. V. , Garifullin B. R. , Popov N. V.
Published: July 2024

The aim of the workwas to study the species diversity of pathogenic and non-pathogenic hantaviruses circulating in populations of small mammals in the Republic of Bashkortostan using molecular-genetic methods.

Materials and methods. Individual samples from small mammals were tested by the nested PCR using genus-specific primers that amplify the L segment of hantaviruses. The resulting PCR products were sequenced by the Sanger’s method from internal nested PCR primers. For samples containing Puumala virus, fragments of the S, M, and L segments of the viral genome were sequenced using Sanger’s method. The construction of phylogenetic trees was carried out using the MEGA X software.

Results and discussion. Out of 300 examined samples of small mammals collected on the territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan in 2023, 14 samples have been found positive for the presence of hantavirus RNA: Seewis (8), Tula (3), Puumala (3). The circulation of the non-pathogenic hantavirus Seewis and the opportunistic hantavirus Tula has been established for the first time in the Republic of Bashkortostan. The circulation of the Seewis hantavirus has been confirmed in populations of the common shrew (Sorex araneus) and the pygmy shrew (S. minutus); the Tula hantavirus – in populations of the common vole (Microtus arvalis). Results of phylogenetic analysis substantiate the reassortment origin of one of the genetic variants of the Puumala hantavirus on the territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The prerequisites for the formation of combined natural foci of hantaviruses Puumala, Seewis, and Tula on the territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan are discussed.
Biotechnological Potential of Antigens of Plague, Cholera, Tularemia and Anthrax Pathogens, Obtained at the Russian Research Institute “Microbe”
Authors: Kireev M. N. , Gromova O. V. , Borisova S. V. , Vorob’eva S. A. , Vol’nikov V. R. , Salikhov R. R. , Volokh O. A.
Published: July 2024

Russian Research Anti-Plague Institute “Microbe” of the Rospotrebnadzor develops and implements methods for obtaining and purifying biologically active substances of the causative agents of plague, cholera, tularemia and anthrax, which are used in the design of preventive and diagnostic preparations.

The aim of the review is to summarize and systematize the accumulated data on the isolation, purification and assessment of antigens and toxins of plague, cholera, tularemia and anthrax pathogens. Attention is also paid to the application and prospects for using the obtained antigens for the design of medical immunobiological preparations (MIBPs). The Institute “Microbe” is a reference center for plague, hence modern immunodiagnostic drugs are necessary and in demand. Antigen-level preventive drugs against the infections listed above are also the subject of study by the institute’s staff. The main stages of isolation, purification and analysis of antigens include the selection or construction of a suitable strain; cultivation, extraction, concentration and purification of antigens and toxins using biotechnological techniques that allow for obtaining and preserving the biologically active substance of interest to the researcher. To study the antigenic activity of purified antigens, laboratory animals are involved, the immune response is recorded and analyzed, and antiserum is obtained. This is followed by the stage of investigating the physicochemical and immunobiological properties of the isolated antigen preparations and drawing up an antigen profile. The characterized antigens are used for the design of preventive and diagnostic drugs.
The Activities of the Rostov-On-Don Anti-Plague Institute of the Rospotrebnadzor in the XXIst Century (on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the Institute)
Authors: Noskov A. K. , Poleeva M. V. , Kretenchuk O. F. , Markovskaya E. I. , Korshenko V. A. , Osadchy D. A. , Chemisova O. S.
Published: July 2024

The aim of the work was to perform a brief overview of the data on the development, the main tasks of the Federal State Institution of Health “Rostov-on-Don Research Anti-Plague Institute of the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumers’ Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing (Rospotrebnadzor) and its contribution to ensuring the sanitary and epidemiological welfare of the population of the Russian Federation. The review is based on the analysis of the reports on research work, archive materials and literature sources. Currently, priority and promising areas of research at the Institute are: epidemiological monitoring of cholera pathogens and natural-focal infections with an assessment of epidemiological risks and threats based on advanced methods of detection and identification of agents; development of measures aimed at preventing the spread of infections; epizootiological survey of natural foci of particularly dangerous infections; development of predictive modeling risk assessment systems, new techniques and approaches to improve laboratory diagnostics and epidemiological surveillance; development of sequencing; modernization of monitoring, including using molecular biological methods, and control of infectious diseases using geo-information technologies; transition to genomic epidemiological surveillance; improvement of unified online databases, creation of technologically independent, unified software platforms for bioinformatic analysis of the results of genome-wide sequencing; research of genetic markers of antibiotic resistance, as well as immunopathogenetic aspects of the course of particularly dangerous and other infections; ensuring interaction with all interested services and agencies in organizing and conducting events within the framework of sanitary protection of the territory. Relying on the vast experience of predecessors and stateof-the-art knowledge, the Rostov-on-Don Research Anti-Plague Institute of the Rospotrebnadzor actively takes part in solving topical issues to scientifically and practically support the provision of sanitary-epidemiological well-being and biological safety of the population of the Russian Federation.
Species Diversity of Ixodidae Tick-Borne Borrelioses Agents in Ixodes persulcatus Ticks in the Territory of the Khabarovsk Region
Authors: Belkina N. V. , Dragomeretskaya A. G. , Trotsenko O. E. , Ausheva T. A.
Published: July 2024

The aim of the work was to determine the species diversity of the causative agents of Ixodidae tick-borne borrelioses in Ixodes persulcatus ticks in the Khabarovsk Territory.

Materials and methods. During the epidemic season (April–October) 2017–2023, 4751 specimens of I. persulcatus Schulze, 1930, removed after attachment to humans and 418 ones collected from vegetation in the Khabarovsk Region, were studied. Ixodidae ticks were collected in the green areas of Khabarovsk city during the snowless season of 2021–2023, as well as in the territory of the Khabarovsk Region on the flag. DNA of the borrelia complex Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) and B. miyamotoi was detected in ticks using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Differentiation of borrelia species in samples containing genetic material of B. burgdorferi s.l. was carried out in two stages. At the first stage, the presence of DNA from borrelia of the B. garinii s.l. group (B. garinii + B. bavariensis) and B. afzelii DNA was determined in the sample. At the second stage, positive samples of B. garinii s.l. were differentiated into B. garinii sensu stricto (s.s.) and B. bavariensis.

Results and discussion. In engorged ticks, genetic material of B. burgdorferi s.l. was detected in 45.7 % of the cases, DNA of B. miyamotoi was identified in 7.2 % of samples. In ticks collected from vegetation, the DNA of B. burgdorferi s.l. was detected in 38.0 % of cases. Upon further study, the genetic material of B. afzelii and borrelia of the B. garinii s.l. group was identified in 47.2 % of cases for both pathogens. Within the group B. garinii s.l., DNA of B. bavariensis was detected in 18.6 %, B. garinii s.s. – in 8 % of samples, at the same time, mixed infection was noted in 53.3 % of cases. The infection rate with B. afzelii in I. persulcatus ticks turned out to be statistically significantly higher than that for B. garinii s.s. and B. bavariensis, thereat statistically significant differences in tick infection rates with B. garinii s.s. and B. bavariensis was not detected.
Dinamika Makna Qawwām: Analisis Mufasir Perempuan terhadap Surah An-Nisā: 34
Authors: Adyatama Muhammad Fajar , Saleh Sujiat Zubaidi , Nofriyanto Nofriyanto , Khoerudin Fachri
Published: July 2024

The first part of the 34th verse of Surah An-Nisā, the verse on qawwām, explains the role of men as leaders for their wives and children. His position as the head of the family makes him responsible for providing for, protecting, nurturing and striving for the benefit of the family. However, in the early 20th century, some muslim feminists who were influenced by Western gender equality ideology rejected the interpretation of qawwām that made men the leader or head of the family. According to them, the interpretation of qawwām by classical mufassirs, the majority of whom were men, was gender biased. This article tries to review the meaning and function of qawwām in the view of female mufassirs with the aim of presenting a commensurate argument for feminist criticism of the interpretation of qawwām by classical mufassirs.  This study uses a library research approach that contains the meaning and function of qawwām from many figures, but the focus is on the interpretation of qawwām from female mufassirs. The results of this study reveal that the interpretation of female mufassirs regarding the verse on qawwām is not different from the classical mufassirs. This means that the classical mufassirs' interpretation of qawwām is not gender biased as feminists claim.
Agama dan Intoleransi: Analisis Framing Kasus Penutupan Patung Bunda Maria di Kulon Progo Yogyakarta pada Berita Harian Kompas.Com
Authors: Nurfadilah Siti , Waziz Kun , Amal M. Khusna
Published: July 2024

A number of mass media have a view of constructing reality through every report that occurs. The way the media works follows the ideology, vision and mission or rules of the game agreed upon by the owner of the media concerned, even in leading public opinion, they often build discourse using religious narratives as the instrument. As the recent hot discussion on digital media in March 2023 related to the closing of the statue of the Virgin Mary in Kulon Progo. The phenomenon of intolerance has sparked controversy, resulting in pros and cons in society. The media kompas.com was chosen as the research object considering that the owner is a follower of the Catholic religion and this is appropriate in describing the event of the closing of the statue of the Virgin Mary. This research aims to describe how religion is wrapped up in the kompas.com version of the news narrative and whether the kompas.com media is neutral in this case. This research method uses the framing analysis model of William A. Gamson and Andre Modigliani. The research results show that the framing carried out by the media kompas.com presents a dominant portion of religion as is the way the media in question works. The orientation of the coverage of the closure of the Virgin Mary statue in Kompas.com media is based on the framing analysis used to show the values ​​of tolerance, social media ethics and harmony between religions.
Analisis Respons Fazlur Rahman terhadap Islamisasi Ilmu Pengetahuan
Authors: Saifuddin Ahmad Farid , Karomi Kholid
Published: July 2024

This article aims to analyze the criticism given by Fazlur Rahman on the idea of Islamization of knowledge. According to Rahman, the concept of Islamization was conceptually initiated by SMN al-Attas and has no roots at all. According to Rahman, who is also the starting point for his criticism, first, science is essentially good. This means that it is neutral from all values (value-free). Second, the existence of a variety of views that even differ from one another among Muslim thinkers has an impact on the impossibility of determining which knowledge is Islamic or not. In this paper, the researcher will analyze the argumentative text of Fazlur Rahman's rejection of the Islamization of knowledge based on a conceptual basis about the nature of knowledge. Then the researcher explained the nature of knowledge according to al-Attas. The results of this research are that according to Fazlur Rahman, the problems of modern knowledge lie in a scientist's 'sense of responsibility', not in the concept of knowledge itself. As a result, Fazlur Rahman views that Islamization of knowledge is not necessary. Meanwhile, al-Attas views that the problems of contemporary science lie in knowledge itself. This is because several metaphysical aspects are included in building the concept of knowledge in modern science adopted by philosophers and scientists which cannot be reconciled with the nature of knowledge in Islam. This is where al-Attas sees the need for the Islamization of Contemporary knowledge.
Implikasi Teori Emanasi dalam Konsep Kepemimpinan al-Farabi
Authors: Zein Fuad Muhammad
Published: July 2024

This research discusses the implications of the concept of emanation in the leadership theory of al-Farabi, one of the great philosopher in the Islamic philosophical tradition. The background to the problem raised is how the theory of emanation, as one of the key concepts in al-Farabi's thought, is not only related to the way God created His creation but also has implications for the building of his philosophical views, especially the issue of a state leader. The research results show that al-Farabi's concept of emanation influences his view of ideal leadership, where a perfect leader is one who is able to manifest divine attributes through wisdom, justice and benevolence. This leader is not only a political ruler, but also a spiritual guide who is able to lead society to intellectual and moral perfection. The implication of these findings is that effective leadership in al-Farabi's perspective requires integration between spiritual and temporal aspects, which can be the basis for the development of contemporary leadership models in Muslim societies.
SOCIAL IMPACT ANALYSIS: AN EVALUATION OF AIBs LOCATED IN BURSA IN THE CONTEXT OF FACEBOOK SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM
Authors: Kirişçi Özge , Kaymaz Kurtuluş
Published: July 2024

CSOs are critical actors in terms of economic, social, cultural and political activities. The externality they have created makes important contributions to the development and change of society in various aspects. From the industrial point of view, it is observed that the participation of entrepreneurs and professionals in the Associations of Industrialists and Businessmen (AIBs) is gradually increasing. However, as a CSO, it remains unclear to what extent AIBs are effective and to what rate they create social benefits. In this context, this study aims to analyse the social impacts of the AIBs located in Bursa. In this study, the effectiveness levels of the AIBs were analysed using qualitative research methods via the Facebook social media platform. For this purpose, the Facebook accounts of the 97 AIBs located in Bursa were reviewed, a total of 31,663 posts were analysed, and the posts were coded according to various categories. In addition, data on critical codes were also recorded and used as evidence in evaluations. The most remarkable finding of the study is that AIBs are far from trying to influence society strongly in the "economy" category, which can be expressed as the reason for their existence. On the other hand, the findings reveal that AIBs intend to influence society mainly through education, information, and stakeholder relations management.
Distinct Neurodevelopmental Patterns and Intermediate Integration-Based Predictive Modeling in Autism
Authors: Wang Yanlin , Ma Shiqiang , Ma Ruimin , Xiao Linxia , Li Jiawei , Tang Shi , Wei Yanjie , Pan Yi
Published: July 2024

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is known to exhibit a more rapid brain expansion during early postnatal period of life, followed by a deceleration in age-related growth compared to typically developing children (TD). However, the development and evolution of the cerebral cortex that drive these changes remains unclear. In this study, we characterize the distinct developmental trajectory of cortical features in individuals with ASD across the lifespan, investigate the regional differences between ASD and TD, and propose a deep-learning workflow that combines graph convolutional networks with low-rank multi-model tensor fusion (LMFGCN) for ASD identification. Our findings reveal that the brain neurodevelopmental process in ASD is not a uniform process but rather is characterized by distinct developmental trajectories that vary across age and regions. The separated trajectories between cortical thickness (CT) and surface area (SA) especially at the early stage (about ages 0-8 years) indicate that early brain volume overgrowth in ASD is predominantly attributed to increased SA, rather than CT. The regional differences in CT and SA show spatially disrupted patterns that are congruent with changes in cortical volume. Moreover, we introduce LMFGCN, a deep-learning framework with intermediate fusion approach, outperforms early and late fusion methods and other state-of-the-art models in ASD classification. Overall, our results provide insights into spatiotemporal gradients of brain maturation, identify distinct brain alterations across the lifespan, and demonstrate the potential utility of LMFGCN in ASD identification.