bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CircTTC13 promotes sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma through the inhibition of ferroptosis by targeting the miR-513a-5p/SLC7A11 axis
Authors: Zhang Ying , Yao Ruiwei , Li Mingyi , Fang Chongkai , Feng Kunliang , Chen Xiuru , Wang Jinan , Luo Rui , Shi Hanqian , Chen Xinqiu , Zhao Xilin , Huang Hanlin , Liu Shuwei , Yin Bing , Zhong Chong
Published: September 2024

The high mortality rate from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is due primarily to challenges in early diagnosis and the development of drug resistance in advanced stages. Many first-line chemotherapeutic drugs induce ferroptosis, a form of programmed cell death dependent on ferrous iron-mediated oxidative stress, suggesting that drug resistance and ensuing tumor progression may in part stem from reduced ferroptosis. Since circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been shown to influence tumor development, we examined whether specific circRNAs may regulate drug-induced ferroptosis in HCC. Through circRNA sequencing, we identified a novel hsa_circ_0000195 (circTTC13) that is overexpressed in HCC tissues. This overexpression is linked to higher tumor grade, more advanced tumor stage, decreased ferroptosis, and poorer overall survival. Overexpression of CircTTC13 in HCC cell lines and explant tumors was associated with increased proliferation rates, enhanced metastatic capacity, and resistance to sorafenib, while also inhibiting ferroptosis. Conversely, circTTC13 silencing reduced malignant characteristics and promoted ferroptosis. In silico analysis, luciferase assays, and fluorescence in situ hybridization collectively demonstrated that circTTC13 directly targets and reduces miR-513a-5p expression, which in turn leads to the upregulation of the negative ferroptosis regulator SLC7A11. Moreover, SLC7A11 inhibition paralleled the effect of circTTC13 knockdown, whereas ferroptosis inhibition paralleled the effect of circTTC13 overexpression. Both circTTC13 and SLC7A11 were highly expressed in drug-resistant HCC cells, and circTTC13 silencing induced ferroptosis and reversed sorafenib resistance in explant tumors. These findings identify circTTC13 as a critical driver of HCC progression and resistance to drug-induced ferroptosis via upregulation of SLC7A11. The cicTTC13/miR-513a-5p/SLCA11 axis represents a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Are female doctoral students less satisfied with doctoral experiences? Mechanisms and Evidence from 108 Countries
Authors: Teng Changhong , Wu Guanghao
Published: September 2024

There is a lack of empirical studies exploring gender differences on satisfaction with doctoral experiences. Based on the 2019 Nature Global Doctoral Survey data, our empirical research results indicate that female doctoral students were significantly less satisfied with doctoral studies than males and were more likely to experience a decline in satisfaction. This result has passed a series of robustness checks. The mechanism analysis reveals that the lower satisfaction of female doctoral students stems from a higher probability of experiencing gender discrimination by 12.3% compared to males, a 6.81% higher likelihood of facing sexual harassment, and greater difficulty for females in maintaining a good work-life balance. In addition, heterogeneity analysis shows that the negative impact of overwork on the satisfaction of female doctoral students is more pronounced. Based on this, this study proposes policy implications.
WITHDRAWN: Polycaprolactone Electrospun Nanofibers Embedded with Phosphorus-Doped g-Carbon Nitride for Rapid Detection of Xanthine
Authors: Akhtar Hafsah , Hanif Sehrish , Alhamoudi Fahad Hussain , Zulfiqar Anam , Khan Ather Farooq , Akhtar Naeem , Khalid Hamad , Adil Nosherwan , Yu Cong
Published: September 2024

Precise monitoring of xanthine (Xn) is very crucial for preventing and managing a range of related diseases, including gout, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, and renal failure. Despite the development of numerous electrochemical sensors for Xn monitoring, enhancing their stability, reproducibility, sensitivity, and selectivity for real-time applications remains challenging due to the need for specific binding sites and the requirement for a uniform ions flow and electrons over the exposed catalytic active sites of electrode surface. Thus, keeping in view these challenges herein we smartly constructed a novel phosphorus doped graphitic carbon nitride (P@g-C3N4) embedded polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun nanofibers-based electrode for precise electrochemical monitoring of Xn. Interestingly, P@g-C3N4 not only provides abundant catalytic active sites but also offers binding sites such as phosphorus sites, nitrogen sites, vacancies, and functional groups, while PCL ensures a smooth and homogeneous flow of ions, resulting in sensitive, selective, and reliable monitoring of Xn. As a result, our designed system exhibits a vast linear range of 5–240 µM and higher sensitivity with detection limit of 3.9 µM. Moreover, the designed electrochemical sensor was employed to human urine samples for real-time analysis. The results revealed that the electrode exhibits excellent reusability, sensitivity, and long-term stability, making it a cost-effective and reliable tool for future applications.
Proteoglycan 4 (Lubricin) and Regulation of Xanthine Oxidase in Synovial Macrophage as A Mechanism of Controlling Synovitis
Authors: Elsaid Khaled A. , Zhang Ling X. , Zhao Thomas , Marks Ava , Jenkins Derek , Schmidt Tannin A. , Jay Gregory D.
Published: September 2024

Background
Synovial macrophages (SMs) are important effectors of joint health and disease. A novel Cx3CR1 + TREM2 + SM population expressing the tight junction protein claudin-5, was recently discovered in synovial lining. Ablation of these SMs was associated with onset of arthritis. Proteoglycan 4 (PRG4) is a mucinous glycoprotein that fulfills lubricating and homeostatic roles in the joint. The aim of this work is to study the role of PRG4 in modulating synovitis in the context of SM homeostasis and assess the contribution of xanthine oxidase (XO)-hypoxia inducible factor alpha (HIF-1a) axis to this regulation.
Methods
We used Prg4FrtloxP/FrtloxP;R26FlpoER/+, a novel transgenic mouse, where the Prg4Frt allele normally expresses the PRG4 protein and was designed to flank the first two exons of Prg4 with a flippase recognition target and “LOXP” sites. Inducing flippase activity with tamoxifen (TAM) inactivates the Frt allele and thus creates a conditional knockout state. We studied anti-inflammatory SMs and XO by quantitative immunohistochemistry, isolated RNA and studied immune pathway activations by multiplexed assays and isolated SMs and studied PRG4 signaling dysfunction in relation to glycolytic switching due to pro-inflammatory activation. Prg4 inactivated mice were treated with oral febuxostat, a specific XO inhibitor, and quantification of Cx3CR1 + TREM2 + SMs, XO immunostaining and synovitis assessment were conducted.
Results
Prg4 inactivation induced Cx3CR1 + TREM2 + SM loss (p < 0.001) and upregulated glycolysis and innate immune pathways in the synovium. In isolated SMs, Xdh (p < 0.01) and Hif1a (p < 0.05) were upregulated. Pro-inflammatory activation of SMs was evident by enhanced glycolytic flux and XO-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS). Febuxostat reduced glycolytic flux (p < 0.001) and HIF-1a levels (p < 0.0001) in SMs. Febuxostat also reduced systemic inflammation (p < 0.001), synovial hyperplasia (p < 0.001) and preserved Cx3CR1 + TREM2 + SMs (p < 0.0001) in synovia of Prg4 inactivated mice.
Conclusions
PRG4 is a biologically significant modulator of synovial homeostasis via inhibition of XO expression and downstream HIF-1a activation. PRG4 signaling is anti-inflammatory and promotes synovial homeostasis in chronic synovitis, where direct XO inhibition is potentially therapeutic in chronic synovitis.
A Numerical Investigation of the Impact of Non-linear Viscous Damping on Structural Response to Seismic Excitation
Authors: Hankouri Yousra El , Ghoulbzouri Abdelouafi El
Published: September 2024

Ensuring building safety and seismic protection are vital considerations for civil engineers when designing structures. Seismic dampers, a relatively new technology in buildings, can significantly mitigate the risk of damage and destruction during an earthquake or other seismic events. Dampers have emerged as crucial control mechanisms in buildings to mitigate vibrations induced by lateral loads, notably seismic events. Different type of dampers, including viscous, tuned mass, friction, and hybrid dampers, have garnered significant attention for their effectiveness in reducing the adverse effects of earthquakes. This study delves into the role of dampers in structural control and their utilization to counteract seismic forces. Through numerical simulations and analysis, the study examines the effectiveness of various damper types in improving structural resilience and minimizing seismic-induced vibrations. Specifically, the research focuses on the role of nonlinear viscous damping in affecting the performance of multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) structures. By exploring the diverse applications of dampers, particularly nonlinear viscous damping. The study aims to further the development of earthquake resistant building design and construction practices.
RETRACTED: Numerical study on the Behavior of High Strength Concrete Encased Steel (CES) Composite Stub Columns under Compressive Load
Authors: Said Shwan H. , Khalel Raid I. , Hasan Kamalaldin F.
Published: September 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Social organization and physical environment shape the microbiome of harvester ants
Authors: Gamboa Denisse Alejandra , Flynn Peter J. , Lowell Eva Sofia Horna , Pinter-Wollman Noa
Published: September 2024

All animals harbor microbiomes, which are obtained from the surrounding environment and are impacted by host behavior and life stage. To determine how the physical environment and social organization structure an organism's microbiome, we examined the microbial communities within and around nests of harvester ants (Veromessor andrei). We collected soil and nest content samples from five different nests. We used 16S rRNA gene sequencing and calculated alpha and beta diversity to compare microbial diversity and community composition across samples. We compared across i) sample types (ants, brood, seeds and reproductives, and soil), ii) soil inside and outside the nest, and iii) soil from different chamber types. Interestingly, we found support that both the environment and social organization structure the microbiome of V. andrei colonies. Soil from the five nests differed from one another in a way that mapped onto their geographical distance. Furthermore, soil from inside the nests resembled the surrounding soil, supporting the physical environment hypothesis. However, the microbiomes of the contents within the nest chambers, i.e., ants, brood, seeds, and reproductives, differed from one another in their microbiome and from the surrounding soil, supporting the social organization hypotheses. This study highlights the importance of considering environmental and social factors in understanding microbiome dynamics.
RuSiNPs@N,S-GQDs as self-enhanced anodic electrochemiluminescent immunobeacons for the highly sensitive quantitation of okadaic acid in shellfish
Authors: Li Silun , Peng Jiawei , Lin Xueying , Chen Jing , Wu Yanfang , Chen Quansheng , Chen Xiaomei
Published: September 2024

The accurate and rapid assessment of okadaic acid (OA) levels in shellfish is of paramount importance for ensuring seafood safety. In this study, a competitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor was proposed for the precise quantitation of OA, utilizing a novel self-enhanced solid-state ECL marker. Graphene quantum dots doped with nitrogen and sulfur (N,S-GQDs) were synthesized through the electrolysis of graphite in 3-(N-morpholine) propane sulfonic acid (MOPS) solution. Intriguingly, these N,S-GQDs exhibited exceptional co-reactant properties, significantly enhancing the anodic ECL performance of Ru(bpy)32+ in a phosphate-buffered saline solution. Following the functionalization of Ru(bpy)32+-doped silica nanoparticles (RuSiNPs) with poly(diallyldimethylammonium) chloride (PDDA), we achieved a well-dispersed assembly of N,S-GQDs on the exterior of the RuSiNPs through electrostatic interactions. Importantly, the core-shell structure of RuSiNPs@N,S-GQDs efficiently encapsulated both the luminophore and co-reactant, facilitating improved electron transfer rates, shorter interaction distances, and reduced energy loss during light emission. Consequently, the RuSiNPs@N,S-GQDs displayed enhanced ECL properties compared to bare RuSiNPs. Leveraging this "bright" ECL beacon, our ECL immunosensor demonstrated remarkable analytical performance, yielding a low half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.14 ng mL− 1, an extensive linear range spanning 0.003-40 ng mL− 1, and impressively low limit of detection of 1 fg mL− 1 for OA determination.
The association between cannabis consumption and compliance with COVID-19 related barrier measures: prospective analyses from the French CONSTANCES cohort and SAPRIS survey
Authors: Haddad Rita El , Wiernik Emmanuel , Kab Sofiane , Zins Marie , Airagnes Guillaume
Published: September 2024

Objective To examine the association between the frequency of cannabis consumption and compliance with COVID-19 related barrier measures among adults in France between April and October 2020.Methods Data from the CONSTANCES cohort on 39,450 adults participating in the SAPRIS survey were analyzed. The associations between noncompliance with handwashing, wearing a mask and social distancing and the frequency of cannabis consumption in 2019 at two periods of time, wave 1 + 2 (confinement) and wave 3 (deconfinement), were examined using binary logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, education, marital status, accommodation, tobacco use, self-rated health, anxiety and depressive symptoms.Results Compared to not consuming cannabis during the last 12 months, consuming less than once per month was negatively associated with handwashing at wave 3 (Odds Ratio [95% Confidence Interval]) 1.46 [1.28–1.66], wearing a mask at wave 1 + 2 (1.26 [1.05–1.52]) and at wave 3 (1.60 [1.35–1.89]) and social distancing at wave 1 + 2 (1.32 [1.16–1.50]) and at wave 3 (1.55[1.32–1.83]). Consuming cannabis once per month or more was negatively associated with wearing a mask at wave 3 (1.41 [1.11–1.80]) and social distancing at wave 1 + 2 (1.27 [1.06–1.52]) and at wave 3 (1.57 [1.25–1.98]).Conclusion Cannabis consumption may be associated with less compliance with barrier measures.
Main Features and Treatments of Cervical Cysts in Children from a Single-center Experience
Authors: Sun Nian , Pang Wei , Zhang Xuexi , Li Yanzhen , Liu Qiaoyin , Liu Zhiyong , Li Xiaodan , Tan Junlong , Wang Shengcai , Ni Xin
Published: September 2024

Purpose
To summarize the main features of various types of cervical cysts in order to refine current diagnosis and treatment.
Methods
To retrospectively analyze the clinical data of patients admitted with cervical cyst. Analysis focuses on the clinical presentation, medical imaging, surgical approach, treatment-related complications as well as disease recurrence.
Results
The main self-reported symptom at first admission is painless masses at neck and submandibular space. 384 patients received cervical ultrasound examination whereas 92 patients were subjected to cervical MRI. The median of cysts size recorded by medical imaging is 1.7cm*1.0cm*1.6cm. With a median time of operation for 55 minutes. The biopsy of removed cysts indicated five main pathological categories including thyroglossal duct cyst, (TGDC), branchial cleft cyst, (BCC), dermoid cyst, (DC), lymphatic malformation (LM) and bronchogenic cyst (BC). The most frequent postsurgical complication is dysphagia and inflammatory wound swelling. Seven patients inflicted with relapses before further treatment.
Conclusions
Our study showed that ultrasound and MRI are the main modalities for identifying and diagnosing disease. Surgical removal remains the major modality for disease control. Majority of postsurgical complications is attributed to transitional injury of blood vessels or nerves. Recurrence of cysts is commonly associated with TGDC and LM.
Ultra-tough and high-resilience mechanochromic fibres for real-world stress detection
Authors: Kim Dae Seok , Jeong Yu Jin , Lee Youngeun , Won Taekyung , Lee Ji Won , Eom Youngho
Published: September 2024

Cholesteric liquid crystal elastomer (CLCE) fibres have gained considerable attention as promising candidates for mechanochromic smart textiles across various domains, ranging from fashion to healthcare. However, intrinsically high hysteresis of CLCE during stress relaxation necessitates a time-lag between successive stimulus detections, thereby constraining the practical use in real-world systems. Here, we develop high-tough and low-hysteresis mechanochromic fibres capable of effectively detecting ultra-fast deformations at practical levels. By utilizing a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) as a core fibre and CLCE as a sheath, we developed sheath-core composite fibres (named CLCE-SC). The CLCE-SC fibres preserve remarkable optical properties of CLCE sheath while improving mechanical properties, including high strength (100.9 MPa), toughness (27274.53 MJ m-3), and ultra-fast resilience (160 % strain at 128.3 cm s-1 strain speed) due to the TPE core. We demonstrate on-demand mechanochromic fibres with tuneable moduli of core TPE, expanding the fields of smart textile from single fibre to dynamic sensory environment.
Nucleophilicity at copper(-I) in a compound with a Cu–Mg bond
Authors: Liptrot David , Jackson Ross , Evans Nicholas , Babula Dawid , Downie Thomas Horsley , Charman Rex , Neale Samuel , Mahon Mary
Published: September 2024

A vast number of chemical reactions rely on the near-inevitable preference of copper for positive oxidation states to make useful compounds. In this work, we report that the reaction of an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligated copper alkoxide with a dimeric magnesium(I) compound results in a stable compound with a copper-magnesium bond, which conforms to the formal oxidation state of Cu(-I). Single crystal X-ray crystallography and quantum chemical calculations further support the assignment of a sub-zero oxidation state at copper. The Cu-Mg bond acts as a source of the cupride anion, transferring the NHC-copper fragment to electrophilic s-, p-, and d-block atoms to make known and new copper-containing compounds.
Fingerprinting of volatile profiles of sprouted and unsprouted seeds and flours of Phaseolus vulgaris using HS-SPME/GC-MS
Authors: Rajhi Imene , Ouertani Rim Nefissi , Rajhi Fatma , Mhadhbi Haythem , Flamini Guido
Published: September 2024

The impact of germination and milling on volatile compounds (VOCs) of chickpea cultivar was evaluated using HS-SPME/GC-MS technique. In total, 35 VOCs were identified. In this study, 28 active odors were characterized in seeds and 23 in flours: 17 in raw seeds, 24 in sprouted grains, 21 in raw flours, and 17 in germinated flours; they accounted for 98.9, 96.6, 97.9, and 98.8% of total emissions, respectively. The VOCs were classified into six chemical classes i.e., monoterpene hydrocarbons (MH), oxygenated monoterpenes (OM), apocarotenes (AP), phenylpropanoids (PP), nitrogen/sulfur derivatives (NSD), and non-terpene derivatives (NTD). Germination and milling processes decreased clearly the emission of NTD VOCs and increased the MH, OM, PP, AC, and NSD VOCs. Aldehydes, the most interest constituents giving the undesirable odors of legumes, was diminished in sprouted seed and flour versions. This study can provide useful information on the conception of legume–based ingredients combined with specific volatile characteristics in order to reduce unwanted odors and definitely for pertinent breeding programs.
BioPathNet: Enhancing Link Prediction in Biomedical Knowledge Graphs through Path Representation Learning
Authors: marsico Annalisa , Hu Yue , Oleshko Svitlana , Firmani Samuele , Zhu Zhaocheng , Cheng Hui , Ulmer Maria , Arnold Matthias , Colome-Tatche Maria , Tang Jian , Xhonneux Sophie
Published: September 2024

Understanding complex interactions in biomedical networks is crucial for advancements in biomedicine, but traditional link prediction (LP) methods are limited in capturing this complexity. Representation-based learning techniques improve prediction accuracy by mapping nodes to low-dimensional embeddings, yet they often struggle with interpretability and scalability.
We present BioPathNet, a novel graph neural network framework based on the Neural Bellman-Ford Network (NBFNet), addressing these limitations through path-based reasoning for LP in biomedical knowledge graphs. Unlike node-embedding frameworks, BioPathNet learns representations between node pairs by considering all relations along paths, enhancing prediction accuracy and interpretability. This allows visualization of influential paths and facilitates biological validation.
BioPathNet leverages a background regulatory graph (BRG) for enhanced message passing and uses stringent negative sampling to improve precision. In evaluations across various LP tasks, such as gene function annotation, drug-disease indication, synthetic lethality, and lncRNA-mRNA interaction prediction, BioPathNet consistently outperformed shallow node embedding methods, relational graph neural networks and task-specific state-of-the-art methods, demonstrating robust performance and versatility. Our study predicts novel drug indications for diseases like acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and Alzheimer’s, validated by medical experts and clinical trials. We also identified new synthetic lethality gene pairs and regulatory interactions involving lncRNAs and target genes, confirmed through literature reviews. BioPathNet's interpretability will enable researchers to trace prediction paths and gain molecular insights, making it a valuable tool for drug discovery, personalized medicine and biology in general.
Implicit time discretisation as a potential avenue to achieve full coupling between shallow water flow and bedload transport
Authors: Utz Martin , Stadler Leopold , Flemisch Bernd
Published: September 2024

In general, modelling bedload transport requires a full coupling between shallow water equations and sediment balance equations. Nevertheless, in some cases a splitting approach can be applied, depending on the flow state and the degree of interaction between flow and bed topography. This work employs an implicit time discretisation to implement both a fully coupled and a splitting approach. The currently available approaches utilise an appropriate calculation of the numerical flux at the cell faces, e.g. Roe’s scheme, in order to ensure a full coupling. However, this work demonstrates that a fully coupled approach can also be achieved through an implicit time discretisation, as it combines the shallow water and the sediment balance equations into a system of non-linear equations, thereby ensuring full coupling between shallow water flow and bedload transport. The full coupling via implicit time discretisation has the advantage of being applicable to arbitrary bedload transport problems. In contrast, the existing fully coupled approaches are only applicable to uniform bedload transport and are not suitable for mixed size bedload transport with several grain classes or in situations where modifications to the bedload discharge rate are required, such as secondary currents or gravitational transport. Furthermore, this work compares the two presented coupling approaches in terms of computational cost and with regard to the applicability of the splitting approach. The comparison indicates that, where applicable, the splitting approach often offers a superior performance compared to the presented fully coupled approach, particularly in cases involving several grain classes.
Family Justice Involvement in Evidence-Based Home Visiting: Understanding Home Visitor Perceptions and Practices
Authors: Jackson Dylan B. , Oppenheim Shoshana , Shlafer Rebecca , Fauth Rebecca C. , West Allison
Published: September 2024

Evidence-Based Home Visiting (EBHV) is a promising service strategy to promote parent and child health and well-being among families who are justice-involved (JI), such as those in which parents are or have recently been incarcerated, under community supervision, or awaiting or undergoing trial. However, few studies have assessed the capacity of EBHV programs to adequately acknowledge, support, and meet the needs of JI families. The aim of the present study was to examine home visitor (HV) practices, implementation supports (e.g., policies and procedures, curriculum supports), and perceptions of program strength and benefits for parents in JI families. HVs were recruited to participate in a web-based survey using a national practice-based research network (PBRN) – the Home Visiting Applied Research Collaborative (HARC). Findings from our sample of HVs (n = 211) indicated that nearly two-thirds (63.03%) had served JI families, with most having served these families within the 12 months prior to the survey. Supervisor support was significantly and positively associated with HV practices (e.g., screening, modify content of visits) pertaining to JI families, yet cognitive barriers to addressing JI (e.g., belief that discussing JI will ruin trusting relationship, lead to family drop out) were significantly and negatively associated with these practices. HVs’ perceptions of their program’s strengths and benefits for JI families were linked to many implementation supports, as well as HV knowledge and self-efficacy. Additional research is needed to better understand and enhance home visiting services for parents in JI families.
An in-depth Investigation into the Performance of State-of-the-Art zero-shot, single-shot, and few-shot Learning Approaches on an Out-of-Distribution Zero-Day Malware Attack Detection
Authors: Ige Tosin , Kiekintveld Christopher , Piplai Aritran , Wagler Amy , Kolade Olukunle , Matti Bolanle Hafiz
Published: September 2024

N-shot learning has emerge in recent year as potential learning approach to solve the problem of data scarcity by learning underlying pattern from a few training sample. Despite recent state-of-the-art research on model-agnostic metal learning, transfer learning, and optimization strategy to rapidly learn valid information from few sample, there remains a big challenge on an actual out-of-distribution zero-day without any similarity to previously known malware family or new variant of an existing malware family. This ultimately questions the effectiveness of current state-of-the-art few-shot learning approach. In this research, we did an in-depth investigation into the performance of state-of-the-art Zero-shot, Single-shot, and few-shot learning approaches on zero-day out-of-distribution malware attack detection based on their static properties using Malimg and Malevis malware dataset. We ensure our model was aware of an out-of-distribution class during training while varying the number of samples in the out-of-distribution class accordingly zero-shot(no sample), single-shot (1 sample), few-shot(5 samples) while using confusion matrix to get the actual number of correct prediction on out-of-distribution malware validation samples. we assert that the model should be smart enough to detect and classify previously unseen data into an empty family as an out-of-distribution considering that the model was made to be aware of the existence of such distribution during training. Result shows 0, 0, and 3 correct out-of-distribution predictions on Zero-shot, single-shot, and few-shot experiments respectively, thereby showing limitation of the current state-of-the-art N-shot approaches on out-of-distribution attack.
Dynamic Changes and Correlation Analysis of Pumpkin Quality and Physiological Indicators during Postharvest Storage
Authors: Liu Zhenyu , Wang Pengwei , Liu Zhenwei , Sun Li , Li Xinzheng , Liu Junjie , Xing Rongyao , Zhang Xitian , Deng Haoyu , Zhang Yiming
Published: September 2024

Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Duch.) is a versatile crop with strong stress resistance and promising growth potential. Widely cultivated in various regions of China, it ranks among the top crops globally in terms of both planting area and consumption. Known for its pleasant taste and high nutritional value, pumpkin pulp is rich in essential trace elements for the human body. Even after harvest, pumpkin fruit remains metabolically active, requiring its own nutrients to complete the postripening process. Failure to provide proper postharvest storage conditions can lead to excessive water loss and rapid nutrient depletion, resulting in rough, shriveled, and even rotten peel, ultimately diminishing the economic value of the pumpkin. This study aimed to investigate the changes in pumpkin quality and physiological indicators during storage to provide insights to determine optimal consumption and processing periods of pumpkins. The pumpkins were stored at a temperature of 16 ± 2 °C and 60% to 80% humidity during the experiment. The dynamic changes in fruit quality, hardness, respiration rate, malondialdehyde content, level of antioxidant enzymes, and other indicators of two pumpkin cultivars (BM5 and JQ) were assessed during storage, and the correlation among these indicators was evaluated. The results indicated a decrease in the vitamin C content and pulp hardness, whereas the superoxide dismutase and catalase contents initially increased and then decreased, and malondialdehyde and weight loss rates increased over the storage period. The weight loss rate exhibited significant positive and negative correlations with the malondialdehyde content (P < 0.01) of the two cultivars, whereas the vitamin C content showed a significant positive correlation with pulp hardness (P < 0.01). The findings indicate that optimal fruit quality was maintained within 40 days of postharvest storage. This study provides valuable insights into the selection of storable pumpkin cultivars.
Let the Silenced Speak: Digital Platform Usage by Feminist and Gender Equity Nongovernmental Organizations in Ghana
Authors: Dogbatse Felicity Sena
Published: September 2024

The freedom and acceptance of feminists’ activities in Ghana hit several rocks after the first African Feminist Congress in Ghana in 2004. In Ghana, research on gender advocacy and feminist organizations has increased, but little emphasis has been paid to the contribution of self-identified feminists to women’s empowerment. I explored how self-identified feminists and gender equity-focused NGOs in Ghana leverage social media to educate and advocate for women’s and children’s welfare. I also examined how these feminists and NGOs engage women in rural areas in seminars, discussion sessions, and training workshops to create spaces for women to voice their concerns and gain empowerment. Given this, 17 in-depth interviews were conducted with self-identified Ghanaian feminists and NGO leaders. I employed muted group theory and African feminist theory to guide the data analysis. I argued that Ghanaian self-identified feminists and NGOs have put in a lot of work to empower Ghanaian women to enable them to express themselves and share their experiences. The findings contribute to the discussion on Ghanaian feminism and how they enact empowerment and advance how the growing acceptance of feminism in Ghana allows Ghanaian women to speak for themselves and have their voices heard in national and global digital spaces.
Keywords: Freedom, Feminism, Digital platforms, Muted Groups, NGOs
Relationship between artificial intelligence and legal education: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Dao Mong Diep , Phan Thanh Hai
Published: September 2024

This study aims to explore past research trends and identify key future directions at the intersection of artificial intelligence and legal education. The study’s data were gathered from the Scopus database, comprising 68 selected documents spanning from 1999 to 2024. The research methodology involves the use of VOSviewer software for bibliometric analysis. The results reveal that research on artificial intelligence and legal education, while still limited, has been undertaken in various countries, focusing on five primary research directions, including: (1) Improving technical education systems in colleges and universities through educational technology and modern legal learning systems; (2) Application of artificial intelligence and algorithms in the legal field; (3) Applying computational theory and e-learning technology in legal education; (4) Legal education and legal knowledge; (5) Digital transformation in the field of legal training. Based on the research results, five future research directions on this topic are also proposed, including: (1) Application of artificial intelligence in analyzing and predicting legal trends; (2) Artificial intelligence in personalizing the legal learning experience; (3) Artificial intelligence and legal professional ethics; (4) Development of artificial intelligence tools supporting legal teaching and research; and (5) Integration of artificial intelligence into online learning systems for legal education.
The Determinant Factors of Research and Publication Information System Use Behavior in Private University at Surabaya: The Moderating Role of Service Quality
Authors: Padmawidjaja Liestya , Salim Ika Raharja , Radianto Wirawan Endro Dwi
Published: September 2024

The development of an information system in the Research and Community Development Department in one of the private universities in Surabaya, which has already been developed since 2020, has not yet undergone an evaluation of user acceptance, specifically among the faculty. Furthermore, the satisfaction survey conducted has been too general so far, making it essential to evaluate the service quality of the information system provided. The research aimed to analyze user acceptance of X information system from the Research and Community Development Department. Additionally, it seeked to assess its service quality. The empirical research was quantitative by design, and data were collected from 228 faculty members. The research model was analyzed using PLS-SEM. The data analysis results indicate that all items used in the research are valid and reliable, with cross-loading values ranging from 0.837 to 0.980. Then, the Cronbach’s alpha values are greater than 0.6. It is found that out of six proposed hypotheses, four hypotheses are accepted and two hypotheses are rejected. The research finds that ease of use and usefulness influence intention to use, which increases usage behavior. The research also shows that service quality does not moderate the influence of perceived usefulness and ease of use on intention to use.
Central Maintenance Spin-Off Creation towards Digitalization Focused on the Parent Company: A Case Study of Integrated Steel Corporation (ISC) in Indonesia
Authors: Imaduddin Dani Akhmad , Wandebori Harimukti , Hamsal Mohammad
Published: September 2024

The steel industry plays a crucial role in national development. Major global steel producers such as the United States, Russia, and Japan have seen declines due to the rise of China as a dominant steel producer. Integrated Steel Corporation (ISC) in Indonesia has also faced declining performance, with its market capitalization dropping by 68.9% over the past eight years. The research primarily aimed to analyze customer preferences in the maintenance industry and determine positioning strategies. Additionally, it sought to identify the factors driving the formation of the Strategic Maintenance Services (SMS) spin-off from ISC and propose strategies for SMS to achieve a competitive advantage. Data were collected qualitatively through interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with customers to understand their perspectives, SMS management to grasp core business competencies and strategy, and ISC management to understand the parenting strategy. The results show several internal dynamics within ISC drove the formation of the SMS spin-off: 1) the transformation of the parent company; 2) short circuit incident at the main ISC factory; and 3) the cost burden of maintenance support. External factors indicate rapid industrial growth and the company's strengthening as a group after experiencing losses for almost a decade. The proposed strategy for SMS involves leveraging ISC’s subsidiaries and joint venture companies for centralized service maintenance. SMS aims to offer customized one-stop maintenance solutions with high quality at competitive prices by enabling Digital Maintenance Information (DMI). The target markets include large industries in steel manufacturing, petrochemicals, flour mills, cement, and logistics.
Digitalization and Business Transformation: Young MSME Practitioners' Perspectives on Current Economic Changes
Authors: Sjahruddin Herman , Chatra Afdhal , Ernawati Ernawati , Saefudin Arif , Launtu Ansir
Published: September 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many businesses to shut down their operations and shift to digital platforms to survive and ensure their business continues. Hence, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have undergone an accelerated digital transformation to adopt technological innovations. The research aimed to identify the factors that encouraged and hindered digital innovation in MSMEs during economic destabilization, focusing on the perspectives of young entrepreneurs in Makassar City. Qualitative methods were used, involving in-depth interviews with 25 young entrepreneurs in Makassar City to explore the positive and negative impacts of transitioning to digital platforms post-pandemic. Data analysis was conducted using the inductive content analysis method. The results show that digital innovation in MSMEs after the pandemic is influenced by external factors (market and demand restrictions) and internal factors (personal and professional development). The limited financing, technology, and management of MSMEs compared to large enterprises make them more vulnerable to post-pandemic bankruptcy. Barriers faced in running businesses post-pandemic include market challenges on digital platforms, the need for necessary skills, and infrastructure availability. The implications of these findings are expected to develop programs that support young entrepreneurs and provide recommendations for the government in formulating policies and strategies to encourage digital entrepreneurship, especially in developing countries after the current pandemic.
Assessing changes in intra- and inter-annual precipitation variability using advanced statistical inference techniques
Authors: Moreira Elsa Estevão , Augusto Vítor
Published: September 2024

Aiming to find statistically significant changes on the usual monthly weather conditions in Alentejo, Portugal, in the past 40 years, time series of precipitation from a grid of locations in Alentejo were studied using an unconventional approach. The time series were divided into 4 decades and disposed in contingency tables with two factors, Year and Month. Then, log-linear models were fitted to those tables. The model deviances for Year and Month represent the weight of each factor in explaining precipitation variability and Year:Month deviance is an estimate of the lack of independence between both factors, representing changes in intra-annual precipitation variability. The set of all the models deviances, per decade and location, were analysed using ANOVA techniques, first to compare the four decades, then to perform a crossed comparison between decades and between four pre-defined zones. Results indicate significant differences between the oldest and recent decades in terms of intra-annual precipitation variability, which could be interpreted as a trend towards softening the differences in precipitation between the wet months of the year. Furthermore, two homogeneous sub-regions could be defined in Alentejo, a large interior region and a smaller one close to the Atlantic Ocean.
Autonomía, experticia y liderazgo con proyectos de ingeniería ambiental en estudiantes de una universidad colombiana
Authors: Perico Granados Néstor , Garza-Puentes Jenifer Paola , Acosta-Castellanos Pedro Mauricio , Avella Forero Hernando
Published: September 2024

Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo establecer la educación ambiental como estrategia para dar solución a la generación de residuos sólidos, aplicando el método aprendizaje por problemas orientado por proyectos, ABP-OP, y el desarrollo de competencias humanas y profesionales. Los proyectos fueron elaborados y aplicados por parte de estudiantes de la facultad de Ingeniería Ambiental de la Universidad Santo Tomas- seccional Tunja, en tres semestres en el año 2019, orientados por el investigador principal con el tema de educación ambiental. Se aplicaron encuestas, entrevistas y rejillas de recolección de datos cualitativos y cuantitativos, para determinar el estado de las competencias iniciales y sus avances durante la aplicación del método. Se observó que los estudiantes, al iniciar la investigación, no tenían claro el desarrollo de las competencias. Entre las conclusiones se vio con el avance de los proyectos de investigación e intervenciones del docente, que los estudiantes relacionaron su proceso formativo con el desarrollo de competencias, como autonomía, experticia y liderazgo y la solución de problemas ambientales.
Los barrios populares de Guayaquil, Ecuador, desde las voces de sus pobladores: una aproximación a su constitución, las experiencias territorializadas y la construcción de identidad barrial
Authors: Vallejo Robalino Diana , Ríos Rivera Ingrid
Published: September 2024

Aproximarse a los barrios populares, implica entender las prácticas y modos de (re)producción de la vida de sus habitantes de forma individual y colectiva. Un proceso sumamente complejo y necesario para repensar nuestras dinámicas urbanas. Con el fin de explorar la configuración de los barrios populares producto de múltiples procesos de asentamiento informal, nos aproximamos a las experiencias territorializadas de los pobladores populares de dos barrios de la ciudad de Guayaquil, Ecuador. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo comprender la constitución de los barrios populares a partir de un enfoque teórico-metodológico antropológico, nos acercamos a las experiencias territorializadas y los significados asignados por sus pobladores. Para esto fue necesario recurrir a un enfoque cualitativo que nos posibilite abordar las significaciones culturales que los pobladores populares atribuyen a sus trayectorias y experiencias compartidas en la transición de un proceso de asentamiento informal a la constitución del espacio barrial. El trabajo de campo de base etnográfica se realizó entre los meses de mayo-octubre del año 2022, e integró la realización de entrevistas y grupos de discusión a los habitantes de los barrios seleccionados. A partir del trabajo de campo, pudimos reflexionar sobre las configuraciones identitarias de los pobladores populares y su relación con el proceso de construcción del barrio. Además, identificamos cambios y (dis)continuidades materiales y sociales que se han llevado a cabo desde los inicios de asentamiento en contraposición con el contexto de inseguridad y violencias que se vive en Guayaquil en la actualidad.
A GAMIFICAÇÃO NA EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL EM UMA ESCOLA DO MUNICÍPIO DE JOSÉ DA PENHA
Authors: Lima José Rosamilton de , Rodrigues Barbosa Edilene
Published: September 2024

Os documentos orientadores e normativos da educação infantil apontam os jogos como uma forma lúdica para a aprendizagem. A gamificação pode proporcionar um ambiente de engajamento da criança, utilizando-se de mecanismos de jogos para propósitos educativos. Este trabalho objetiva compreender como é utilizada a gamificação como metodologia ativa na creche e pré-escola na Escola Municipal Infantil Pequeno Mário no RN. Para isso, foi aplicado um questionário para os docentes da referida instituição de ensino. Como pressupostos teóricos foram utilizados a LDB (2017), RCNEI (1998), DCNEI (2009), BNCC (2018), Pasqualini (2010), Lorenzoni (2020), Moran (2021), entre outros. Constatou-se que a Escola Municipal Infantil Pequeno Mário desenvolve o ensino através de atividades dinâmicas e lúdicas, fazendo uso da gamificação em um espaço acolhedor e confortável, sendo uma boa referência na oferta de educação infantil.
Exploring the Potential of Novel 4-thiazolidinone Derivatives as Dual Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Agents: Synthesis, Pharmacological Activity and Docking Analysis
Authors: Yadav Amrita , Chawla Pooja A. , Wahan Simranpreet K. , Chawla Viney
Published: September 2024

A series of 4-thiazolidinone was synthesized and characterized by means of
TLC, melting point, and spectral data like IR, 1H NMR, and Mass spectra. The antiinflammatory
activity of the synthesized compounds was determined via in vivo studies.
The antioxidant properties of the synthesized compounds were determined by carrageenaninduced
rat paw edema model. The synthesized compounds (A1-A14) showed significant
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The most promising results for both antioxidant
and anti-inflammatory activity were exhibited by compound A8 which may emerge as
a potent anti-inflammatory agent with potential free radical scavenging activity. Molecular
docking studies were carried out to determine the interaction of compounds into the active
site of COX-2 inhibitor (PDB ID: 3LN1), which suggested compound A8 to have the best
docking score by showing interactions with ASP483 and LYS478.
Huopuxialing Decoction: A Promising Candidate for Precancerous Lesions of Gastric Cancer Treatment Based on Bioinformatics and Experimental
Verification
Authors: Wang Jianghong , Wang Xiaoyuan , Song Yanru , Huang Zilin , Wu Han , Chang Liang , Huo Bingjie , Fan Guanwei
Published: September 2024

Background:

The Precancerous Lesion of Gastric Cancer (PLGC) is an early stage in
the development of gastric cancer. The clinical application of HPXLD has been found to be effective
in treating PLGC, but the mechanism of how HPXLD acts on PLGC is still unclear.

Objective:

The objectives of this study were to reveal the molecular mechanism of how HPXLD
can be used to treat PLGC and investigate this mechanism through bioinformatics and experimental
validation.

Methods:

PLGC-associated target genes were identified through bioinformatics analysis. A rat
model of PLGC was induced using N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoquanidine (MNNG) in combination
with ranitidine, hot saline, ethanol, and intermittent fasting, with interventions by HPXLD.
The pathological alterations in gastric mucosa were assessed through Hematoxylin-eosin staining
(HE). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot analyses were employed to evaluate the
changes in expression levels of inflammation-related proteins.

Results:

After conducting bioinformatics analysis, it was found that there were 23 HPXLDPLGC
crossover genes, which were significantly enriched in the IL-17 signaling pathway, TNF
signaling pathway, and NF-kappa B signaling pathway. The results of HE showed that HPXLD
was effective in improving gastric mucosal histopathological changes. Additionally, the IHC results
demonstrated that HPXLD was able to downregulate the expression of IL-6, COX-2, MCP-
1, and MMP-9. Furthermore, Western blot analysis revealed that HPXLD was able to downregulate
the expressions of IL-6, IL-17RA, ACT1, NF-κB, and TNF-α.

Conclusion:

HPXLD has been shown to improve PLGC by reducing the expression of inflammation-
related proteins. This suggests that HPXLD may potentially be a treatment option for
PLGC.