bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monetary Transmission & Small Firm Credit Rationing: The Stablecoin Opportunity to Raise Business Credit Flows
Authors: Simmons Richard
Published: August 2024

Credit rationing, especially prevalent for smaller firms, impedes economic growth. A central bank-aligned not-for-profit managed business-to-business “stablecoin” (“synthetic central bank digital currency”) providing trade credit liquidity can provide additional monetary mass to mitigate small firm credit rationing. This raises growth by reducing monetary transmission imperfections consequent upon asymmetric information, commercial bank underwriting restrictions, market power dynamics, and regulatory distortion. A simple framework is developed to contextualise small firm credit rationing and associated monetary transmission imperfections with broader credit flows into both the real and monetary sectors. Evidence is presented regarding monetary transmission efficacy to firms, paving the way to proposing a business-to-business central bank-mediated “trade credit stablecoin” to improve business credit supply. In addition to providing additional (estimated at more than 10%) industrial and commercial (including smaller) firm financing, the envisaged trade credit stablecoin provides an additional monetary transmission channel for central banks to manage credit supply to the real economy to support economic activity and raise growth. Available to all firms, the trade credit stablecoin offers additional low-cost liquidity to firms, thereby offering policymakers an additional contra-cyclical monetary transmission instrument to support growth and, where necessary, reduce real economic disruption consequent upon financial system crises and liquidity events.
A Study on the Impact of Environmental Factors on Chub Mackerel Scomber japonicus Fishing Grounds Based on a Linear Mixed Model
Authors: Li Jiasheng , Tang Fenghua , Wu Yumei , Zhang Shengmao , Zhou Weifeng , Cui Xuesen
Published: August 2024

Chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) is a commercially important fish species which are widely distributed in the North Pacific. Based on the fishery data from China’s high-sea light-purse seine fishing from 2014 to 2020 and the marine environment factors, a mixed linear model considering the actual spatiotemporal stratification of the catch per unit effort (CPUE) was established to analyze the fixed and random effects of marine environmental factors on the CPUE of chub mackerel and to investigate the relationship between the abundance of chub mackerel resources in the Northwest Pacific and two marine environmental factors: sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll-a concentration (CHL). The results showed that SST had a significant fixed effect on the CPUE. In contrast, the natural logarithm of chlorophyll (logCHL) had no fixed effect on the CPUE. Based on the monthly analysis, random fluctuations were observed in the impact of logCHL on the CPUE. LogCHL and CPUE show a positive correlation during spawning and wintering periods and a negative correlation during the feeding period. The study showed that when fishery sampling data exhibit spatiotemporal stratification, linear mixed models can effectively incorporate both the fixed and random effects of environmental factors on the CPUE of chub mackerel. Linear mixed models can play an important role in analyzing the fluctuations in resource abundance and the mechanisms governing the formation of fishing grounds for chub mackerel in the Northwest Pacific.
On the Speed of Light as a Key Element in the Structure of Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Shushi Tomer
Published: August 2024

We follow the assumption that relativistic causality is a key element in the structure of quantum mechanics and integrate the speed of light, c, into quantum mechanics through the postulate that the (reduced) Planck constant is a function of c with a leading order of the form ℏc∼Λ/cp for a constant Λ>0, and p>1. We show how the limit c→∞ implies classicality in quantum mechanics and explain why p has to be larger than 1. As the limit c→∞ breaks down both relativity theory and quantum mechanics, as followed by the proposed model, it can then be understood through similar conceptual physical laws. We further show how the position-dependent speed of light gives rise to an effective curved space in quantum systems and show that a stronger gravitational field implies higher quantum uncertainties, followed by the varied c. We then discuss possible ways to find experimental evidence of the proposed model using set-ups to test the varying speed of light models and examine analogies of the model based on electrons in semiconductor heterostructures.
Sorghum–Legume Mixtures to Improve Forage Yield and Nutritive Value in Semiarid Regions
Authors: Lauriault Leonard M. , Darapuneni Murali K. , Martinez Gasper K.
Published: August 2024

In a continued search for legumes to grow with forage sorghum (FS) [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] in semi-arid environments, studies in 2019 and 2022 at New Mexico State University Rex E. Kirksey Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, NM USA, evaluated FS mixed with cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], lablab (Lablab purpureus L.), both previously evaluated, and a native legume, big-pod sesbania (Sesbania macrocarpa), for yield and nutritive value in four randomized complete blocks each year. At harvest legume proportions of approximately 15% of the dry matter yield, there were no differences in the yield (mean = 15.97 Mg ha−1, p > 0.40) or land equivalency ratio between sole FS and any mixture or among mixtures; however, the crude protein of FS+Lablab was greater than sole FS, with FS+Cowpea and FS+Sesbania intermediate (67, 77, 87, and 79 g kg−1 for sole FS, FS+Cowpea, FS+Lablab, and FS+Sesbania, respectively; 5% LSD = 14). The neutral detergent fiber digestibility of FS+Sesbania was less than all other treatments (p = 0.0266). Although the sesbania did not improve forage yield or nutritive value when grown with FS and harvested near sesbania maturity, perhaps growing with a shorter season grass and harvesting earlier may show benefit, as sesbania’s nutritive value is known to be greater at earlier stages.
Comparative Analysis of Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Smilax china Rhizome from Different Regions
Authors: Lee Chang-Dae , Uy Neil Patrick , Lee Yunji , Lee Dong-Ha , Lee Sanghyun
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to investigate variations in the phytochemical compound contents and antioxidant potential of the ethanol rhizome extracts of Smilax china L., belonging to the Liliaceae family, from different parts of Korea, namely Uiwang (Mt. Gamnamugol), Gyeonggi Province (SC1); Geochang, Gyeongnam Province (SC2); Yeongwol, Gangwon Province (SC3); and Chungju, Chungbuk Province (SC4). The phenolic and flavonoid contents, radical scavenging activity, and proximate composition of the ethanol extracts from the rhizome samples were determined. The total polyphenol content (TPC) of the extracts ranged between 13.6 and 67.5 mg tannic acid equivalent/g. TPC analysis showed that TPC was higher in SC2 than in SC3, SC4, or SC1. Among the rhizome samples, the SC3 rhizomes had the highest total flavonoid content (TFC) (5.2 mg quercetin equivalents/g). Additionally, SC2 showed the highest radical scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS+ radicals. Chemical characterization using UPLC/UV revealed that the extracts contained compounds such as apiin, kaempferol-3-rutinoside, and chlorogenic acid. Specifically, in SC2, chlorogenic acid was the dominant compound, which supported the levels observed in the UPLC/UV and HPLC/ELSD investigations. Dioscin, another phytochemical, was detected in SC2, SC3, and SC4, indicating the diversity of compounds among the rhizome extracts. Variations in the phytochemical content and antioxidant activity were observed in the extracts from the different regions, underlining the role of geographical variation in the functional characteristics of S. china. The observed differences could have important implications for the medicinal use of S. china extracts in applications such as anti-inflammatory treatments, diabetes management, and potential anticancer therapies. This study underscores the critical need to consider geographical origin when sourcing and utilizing S. china for therapeutic purposes, as it may significantly impact its bioactive profile and efficacy.
Research Progress of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Improving Plant Resistance to Temperature Stress
Authors: Jian Panyu , Zha Qian , Hui Xinran , Tong Cuiling , Zhang Dejian
Published: August 2024

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are beneficial microorganisms ubiquitous in soil that form symbiotic mycorrhizal structures with plant roots. When the host plant is exposed to temperature stress, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can improve the host plant’s resistance by helping regulate the growth of underground and aboveground parts. In recent years, due to climate change, extremely high and low temperatures have occurred more frequently and for longer durations, significantly impacting plant growth, antioxidant systems, osmotic balance, photosynthesis, and related gene expression. Consequently, numerous scholars have used arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to aid plants, confirming that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi can help host plants improve their ability to resist temperature stress. In this paper, the quantitative research method of Meta-analysis was used to collate and build a database of 129 relevant works to evaluate the effects of AMF on plant resistance to temperature stress and explore the response mechanism of AMF to host plants subjected to temperature stress, providing a theoretical basis for further exploring arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in improving plant resistance to temperature stress.
Application of AMF Alleviates Growth and Physiological Characteristics of Impatiens walleriana under Sub-Low Temperature
Authors: Ye Deyang , Zhou Xiaoting , Liu Xiaoru , Wang Wenjie , Bian Jinlin , He Zhongqun
Published: August 2024

Impatiens walleriana is of great ornamental value, but it may suffer growth inhibition when it is exposed to sub-low temperatures for a long time. Although there are many studies on the positive effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on cold tolerance, whether AMF could alleviate the sub-low temperature injury of Impatiens walleriana is unknown. In this experiment, two kinds of Impatiens walleriana were inoculated with AMF and treated with sub-low temperature to evaluate the physiological and biochemical characteristics of Impatiens walleriana seedlings. The results showed that the plant height of ‘Super Elf (Rose red)’ under stress and inoculated with 50 g and 100 g AMF compared to sub-low temperature treatment increased by 4.94% and 19.01%, and the plant height of ‘Super Elf (red)’ under stress and inoculated with 50 g and 100 g AMF increased by 3.11% and 17.03%, respectively. Compared to sub-low temperature treatment, the stem diameter of ‘Super Elf (Rose red)’ under stress and inoculated with 50 g and 100g AMF increased by 47.17% and 50.94%, respectively. The same mitigation effect was observed in ‘Super Elf (red)’. Compared with sub-low temperature treatment, Fv’/Fm’, Y(II) and qP of ‘Super Elf (Rose red)’ inoculated with 50 g AMF significantly increased by 75.76%, 52.17%, and 43.48%, while NPQ significantly decreased by 2.96 times, whereas the corresponding values for ‘Super Elf (Rose red)’ inoculated with 100 g AMF increased by 87.88%, 82.61%, and 65.22%, while NPQ significantly increased by 1.47 times. Compared with sub-low temperature treatment, Fv’/Fm’, Y(II) and qP of ‘Super Elf (red)’ inoculated with 50 g AMF significantly increased by 53.49%, 28.95%, and 29.31%, while NPQ significantly decreased by 0.84 times, whereas the corresponding values for ‘Super Elf (red)’ inoculated with 100 g AMF increased by 53.49%, 23.68%, and 22.41%, while NPQ significantly increased by 3.48 times. Meanwhile, ‘Super Elf (Rose red)’ and ‘Super Elf (red)’ vaccination with AMF reduced the levels of O2− and H2O2 accumulation in leaves at sub-low temperatures and mitigated the extent of damage to cell membrane lipid peroxidation. Therefore, AMF inoculation can improve the tolerance of plants to sub-low temperatures.
Aequorin-Based In Vivo Luminescence Imaging Detects Calcium Signalling in Response to Biotic and Abiotic Stresses in Tomato
Authors: Liu Lulu , Li Xiaofei , Teng Yibo , Liu Xunyan
Published: August 2024

The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), a widely cultivated and economically important vegetable crop, is subject to a number of biotic and abiotic stresses in nature. Several abiotic and biotic stresses have been demonstrated to elevate the concentration of cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in Arabidopsis due to the influx of calcium ions. In this study, recombinant aequorin was introduced into the tomato in order to investigate the change in [Ca2+]i when treated with exogenous Ca2+. This resulted in strong luminescence signals, which were mainly observed in the roots. Luminescence signals were also detected in the whole plant, including the leaves, when a surfactant (Silwet L-77) was added to coelenterazine. The concentration of [Ca2+]i increased with the dosage of NaCl/elf18. The luminescence signals also showed a lower increase in intensity with elf18 treatment compared to NaCl treatment. Furthermore, the [Ca2+]i responses to other abiotic or biotic stresses, such as H2O2 and Pep1, were also evaluated. It was found that this transgenic tomato expressing aequorin can effectively detect changes in [Ca2+]i levels. The transgenic tomato expressing aequorin represents an effective tool for detecting changes in [Ca2+]i and provides a solid basis for investigating the adaptation mechanisms of tomatoes to various abiotic and biotic stresses. Moreover, the aequorin-based system would be a highly valuable tool for studying the specificity and crosstalk of plant signalling networks under abiotic and biotic stresses in tomatoes.
Sacred Space and Ritual Behaviour in Ancient Mesopotamia: A View from Tello/Girsu
Authors: Jongsma-Greenfield Tina , Di Michele Angelo , Husain Fatima , Rey Sébastien
Published: August 2024

Girsu, the modern site of Tello (southern Iraq), represents one of the earliest known urban centres of the ancient world, along with Uruk, Eridu, and Ur. During the 3rd millennium BCE (3000–2000 BCE), Girsu was revered as the sanctuary of the Sumerian heroic deity Ningirsu, who fought with supernatural beasts and made possible the introduction of irrigation and agriculture in Sumer. While much is known about the gods, their roles, and rituals inside the temples, there is little textual or archaeological evidence concerning the rituals that took place in the large open-air plazas adjacent to the temples. These areas within the sacred precinct were where the general population would gather to participate in festivals and ceremonies to honour the gods. To better understand the ancient cultic realm in southern Mesopotamia, an in-depth investigation of a favissa (ritual pit) discovered within the sacred precinct at Girsu was undertaken. The excavations recovered a large quantity of ceramics and animal remains that had been used for ritual purposes. Through the study of archaeological remains of cultic spaces at Girsu, information on ritual behaviour such as sacrificial animal slaughtering and consumption for the purpose of feasting, the types of libations provided to quench the thirst of the gods, and the distance travelled to take part in the annual festivals to pay homage to the patron god of their sacred city were explored. Analysis of the associated ceramics, cuneiform texts, and zooarchaeological remains (including stable isotope data), allowed a multi-faceted and integrative approach to better understand ceremonial behaviour and ritual feasting in this sacred city. New insights into communal and performative participation in ceremonies, especially by non-elite individuals, are generated. These data increase our knowledge not only of how Girsu’s citizens organised their sacred spaces and religious festivals, but also of how they behaved in order to satisfy the ever-demanding needs of their gods.
Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Preventive Behavior Regarding Toxoplasmosis among Females in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Aldali Jehad A. , Aljehani Ala M. , Elsokkary Emadeldin M. , Alkhamis Fouz L. , Bin Khathlan Norah M. , Alhadban Hind H. , Alkhathlan Hala K.
Published: August 2024

Toxoplasmosis, a prevalent parasitic zoonotic disease, is influenced by various factors such as the climate, dietary habits, and hygiene practices. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors regarding toxoplasmosis among females in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Utilizing a bilingual Google form, a cross-sectional online survey was distributed in both Arabic and English, and it was conducted between 11 January 2024 and 4 March 2024. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 27, with a p-value ≤ 0.05 indicating significant qualitative data. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test. A total of 533 participants were included in the study. Participants aged 18–25 years old constituted the largest group (70.4%), with those aged 26–40 years old accounting for 14.4% and ages 41–60 years old comprising 15.2%. Among the participants, 76.4% were unmarried, and 21.4% were pregnant. Notably, 79.2% of participants reported being unaware of toxoplasmosis, with only 9.0% gaining awareness from doctors and a mere 3.6% from awareness campaigns. Any understanding of the disease’s severity and causative factors was limited to 15.9%. Despite a generally positive attitude towards preventive measures, significant correlations were found between toxoplasmosis and age (p-value 0.093), as well as the consumption of medium-cooked meat (p-value 0.008). Other variables, such as social status, cat ownership, handwashing before meals, and washing fruits and vegetables did not show significant correlations. Diet and hygiene practices notably impact toxoplasmosis transmission. In Riyadh, 79% of participants did not own cats, and 67.7% avoided undercooked meat. However, 6.7% used unfiltered water, and 8.4% did not wash their hands after handling raw meat and vegetables. The study concludes that there is insufficient knowledge regarding toxoplasmosis among females in Riyadh. Despite low knowledge, there is a neutral to slightly positive attitude and a willingness to learn and adopt preventive measures when informed. With better education, attitudes towards toxoplasmosis could improve due to a desire to learn and act. While general hygiene practices were favorable, specific preventive behaviors for toxoplasmosis need enhancement to reduce infection risks.
Hints of Biological Activity of Xerosydryle: Preliminary Evidence on the Early Stages of Seedling Development
Authors: Geuna Filippo , Pensotti Andrea , Vecchione Raffaele , Germano Roberto
Published: August 2024

Xerosydryle belongs to a new category of materials resulting from the interaction of water with various hydrophilic polymers. These materials can exhibit different properties depending on the kind of polymer-water interaction. Previous research confirmed the existence of a solid manifestation of water at room temperature. The thermal properties of dissolved xerosydryle in water are similar to those of biological macromolecules during denaturation but with greater stability. This study investigated the biological effect of xerosydryle on a living system for the first time, using a seed germination model. The interaction was evaluated using physiological assays such as chlorophyll shifts, potassium (re)uptake during the onset of germination and a transcriptome approach. Seeds were treated with samples of xerosydryle and distilled water. Transcriptome analysis of germinating seeds highlighted differences (up- and down-regulated genes) between seeds treated with xerosydryle and those treated with distilled water. Overall, the experiments performed indicate that xerosydryle, even at low concentrations, interferes with seedling growth in a manner similar to an osmotic modulator. This work paves the way for a more comprehensive exploration of the active biological role of xerosydryle and similar compounds on living matter and opens up speculation on the interactions at the boundaries between physics, chemistry, and biology.
Microbiota-Derived Extracellular Vesicle as Emerging Actors in Host Interactions
Authors: Margutti Paola , D’Ambrosio Antonella , Zamboni Silvia
Published: August 2024

The human microbiota is an intricate micro-ecosystem comprising a diverse range of dynamic microbial populations mainly consisting of bacteria, whose interactions with hosts strongly affect several physiological and pathological processes. The gut microbiota is being increasingly recognized as a critical player in maintaining homeostasis, contributing to the main functions of the intestine and distal organs such as the brain. However, gut dysbiosis, characterized by composition and function alterations of microbiota with intestinal barrier dysfunction has been linked to the development and progression of several pathologies, including intestinal inflammatory diseases, systemic autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatic arthritis, and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Moreover, oral microbiota research has gained significant interest in recent years due to its potential impact on overall health. Emerging evidence on the role of microbiota–host interactions in health and disease has triggered a marked interest on the functional role of bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) as mediators of inter-kingdom communication. Accumulating evidence reveals that BEVs mediate host interactions by transporting and delivering into host cells effector molecules that modulate host signaling pathways and cell processes, influencing health and disease. This review discusses the critical role of BEVs from the gut, lung, skin and oral cavity in the epithelium, immune system, and CNS interactions.
Perioperative Buprenorphine Management and Postoperative Pain Outcomes: A Retrospective Study with Evidence-Based Recommendations
Authors: Desai Amruta , Parikh Shruti , Bergese Sergio
Published: August 2024

The prevalence of patients on buprenorphine therapy presenting for elective surgery has increased. Buprenorphine is a widely used medication for the management of patients with chronic pain. It is also used as maintenance therapy for patients with a history of opioid use disorder (OUD). Due to the lack of a standardized protocol for managing patients on buprenorphine perioperatively, we performed a retrospective analysis to compare pain score outcomes and postoperative opiate requirements between patients who continued buprenorphine versus patients who discontinued buprenorphine. We identified 35 patients: 11 continued buprenorphine and 24 discontinued buprenorphine. The average Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) pain score was 5.59 for those who continued buprenorphine and 7.54 for those who discontinued preoperative buprenorphine (p value 0.0339). The average postoperative morphine milligram equivalent (MME) use was 86.13 for those who continued preoperative buprenorphine and 107.70 for those who discontinued buprenorphine (p value 0.6439). The results from our study correlate with several previous studies, which showed lower PACU pain scores in patients who continued buprenorphine. There is a benefit of decreased postoperative pain when preoperative buprenorphine is continued, and a decreased possibility for relapse in those with a history of OUD.
Empowering Medical Students to Practice High-Value Care
Authors: Echeverria Carlos , Weinstein Adam , Rycki Brandon , McHugh Douglas
Published: August 2024

Over the last decade, initiatives like the Choosing Wisely campaign have promoted the practice of evidence-based, cost-conscious care. However, education surrounding value in medicine has been largely restricted to graduate-level medical education or post-clerkship undergraduate medical education. Here, we present a mixed-methods study evaluating pre-clerkship medical student engagement with and response to new value-based curricular initiatives to assess whether high-value care (HVC) can be introduced successfully earlier in training. Initiatives were introduced into the pre-clerkship clinical curriculum without major alterations to the established curricular structure. These comprised an annual event devoted to self-reflecting on HVC observed in prior and current clinical experiences and subsequent small-group facilitated discussion. Engagement with and response to these initiatives were analyzed for two whole-class cohorts using an abductive, progressive focusing approach complementing quantitative survey data. Baseline familiarity with HVC and post-event response to the annual event was higher and more positive, respectively, among responders from the Class of 2025 compared with those from the Class of 2024. Analysis of reflection essays revealed the emergence of five primary themes differentiating the two class years: (1) understanding HVC, (2) addressing barriers to HVC, (3) medical waste and underserved communities, (4) patient–physician relationship and value, and (5) self-reflection. Evaluation of thematic patterns in light of survey response data suggests that early clinical exposure combined with intentional self-reflection could promote engagement with HVC topics in a way that shapes students’ foundational understanding of the practice of medicine.
Performance Management Decision-Making Model: Case Study on Foreign Language Learning Curriculums
Authors: Chen Kuen-Suan , Yu Chun-Min , Yu Chun-Hung , Chen Yen-Po
Published: August 2024

Foreign language learning courses can be regarded as a service operation system, and a complete foreign language learning course performance evaluation model can help improve the effectiveness of student learning. The performance evaluation matrix (PEM) is an excellent tool for evaluation and resource management decision making, and the administrator uses the satisfaction and the importance indices to establish evaluation coordinate points based on the rules of statistical testing. The coordinate points of all service items are plotted into the PEM to grasp the full picture and to make decisions on what to improve or to consider resource transfers so as to elevate the overall satisfaction of the entire service. However, plotting all the coordinate points on the PEM can only be performed by programming, which will lead to limitations in practice. Therefore, instead of the above evaluation rules, this article uses the confidence intervals of decision-making indicators to form a validity evaluation table, to decide which teaching service items should be improved, maintained, or transferred to improve the satisfaction of the entire service system. This form of performance evaluation can be completed using any commonly used word-processing software, so it is easy to apply and promote. Finally, this article provides an applied example to illustrate the proposed method.
A Historical Handwritten French Manuscripts Text Detection Method in Full Pages
Authors: Sang Rui , Zhao Shili , Meng Yan , Zhang Mingxian , Li Xuefei , Xia Huijie , Zhao Ran
Published: August 2024

Historical handwritten manuscripts pose challenges to automated recognition techniques due to their unique handwriting styles and cultural backgrounds. In order to solve the problems of complex text word misdetection, omission, and insufficient detection of wide-pitch curved text, this study proposes a high-precision text detection method based on improved YOLOv8s. Firstly, the Swin Transformer is used to replace C2f at the end of the backbone network to solve the shortcomings of fine-grained information loss and insufficient learning features in text word detection. Secondly, the Dysample (Dynamic Upsampling Operator) method is used to retain more detailed features of the target and overcome the shortcomings of information loss in traditional upsampling to realize the text detection task for dense targets. Then, the LSK (Large Selective Kernel) module is added to the detection head to dynamically adjust the feature extraction receptive field, which solves the cases of extreme aspect ratio words, unfocused small text, and complex shape text in text detection. Finally, in order to overcome the CIOU (Complete Intersection Over Union) loss in target box regression with unclear aspect ratio, insensitive to size change, and insufficient correlation between target coordinates, Gaussian Wasserstein Distance (GWD) is introduced to modify the regression loss to measure the similarity between the two bounding boxes in order to obtain high-quality bounding boxes. Compared with the State-of-the-Art methods, the proposed method achieves optimal performance in text detection, with the precision and mAP@0.5 reaching 86.3% and 82.4%, which are 8.1% and 6.7% higher than the original method, respectively. The advancement of each module is verified by ablation experiments. The experimental results show that the method proposed in this study can effectively realize complex text detection and provide a powerful technical means for historical manuscript reproduction.
Local Control, Survival, and Toxicity Outcomes with High-Dose-Rate Peri-Operative Interventional Radiotherapy (Brachytherapy) in Head and Neck Cancers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bacorro Warren , Fionda Bruno , Soror Tamer , Bussu Francesco , Kovács György , Tagliaferri Luca
Published: August 2024

Background. Peri-operative interventional radiotherapy (POIRT) entails tumor resection, catheter implantation in the same surgery, and irradiation within the peri-operative period. It allows for maximal tumor burden reduction, better tumor bed identification, more flexible implant geometry, highly conformal irradiation, and treatment delay minimization. We reviewed the published local control, survival, toxicity, and quality of life (QOL) outcomes with POIRT for head and neck cancers (HNCs) in primary and re-irradiation settings. Materials and Methods. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and other databases, supplemented by bibliography scanning and hand-searching, yielded 107 titles. Fifteen unique articles were eligible, five of which were merged with more updated studies. Of the ten remaining studies, four reported on primary POIRT, and seven reported on reirradiation POIRT. Given data heterogeneity, only qualitative synthesis was performed. Results. Primary POIRT in early tongue cancer results in 6-year recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) of 92% for both; in advanced HNCs, the 9-year RFS and OS rates are 52% and 55%. Grade 1–2 toxicity is very common; grade 3–4 toxicity is rare, but grade 5 toxicity has been reported. POIRT re-irradiation for recurrent HNCs results in 5y RFS and OS rates of 37–55% and 17–50%; better outcomes are achieved with gross total resection (GTR). QOL data are lacking. Conclusions. Primary POIRT is safe and effective in early tongue cancers; its use in other HNC sites, especially in advanced disease, requires careful consideration. Re-irradiation POIRT is most effective and safe when combined with GTR; toxicity is significant and may be limited by careful case selection, implant planning and execution, use of smaller fraction sizes, and adherence to homogeneity constraints. Study Registration Number. PROSPERO Registry Number CRD42024548294.
Pilot Study of Personalized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with Spectral Electroencephalogram Analyses for Assessing and Treating Persons with Autism
Authors: Makale Milan T. , Nybo Chad , Blum Kenneth , Dennen Catherine A. , Elman Igor , Murphy Kevin T.
Published: August 2024

Autism spectrum condition (ASC) is a neurodevelopmental condition that is only partly responsive to prevailing interventions. ASC manifests core challenges in social skills, communication, and sensory function and by repetitive stereotyped behaviors, along with imbalances in the brain’s excitatory (E) and inhibitory (I) signaling. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has shown promise in ASC and may be a useful addition to applied behavioral analysis (ABA), a gold-standard psychotherapeutic intervention. We report an open-label clinical pilot (initial) study in which ABA-treated ASC persons (n = 123) received our personalized rTMS protocol (PrTMS). PrTMS uses low TMS pulse intensities and continuously updates multiple cortical stimulation locales and stimulation frequencies based on the spectral EEG and psychometrics. No adverse effects developed, and 44% of subjects had ASC scale scores reduced to below diagnostic cutoffs. Importantly, in PrTMS responders, the spectral EEG regression flattened, implying a more balanced E/I ratio. Moreover, with older participants, alpha peak frequency increased, a positive correlate of non-verbal cognition. PrTMS may be an effective ASC intervention, offering improved cognitive function and overall symptomatology. This warrants further research into PrTMS mechanisms and specific types of subjects who may benefit, along with validation of the present results and exploration of broader clinical applicability.
The Risk Management of COVID-19: Lessons from Financial Economics and Financial Risk Management
Authors: Chance Don M.
Published: August 2024

The United States had one of the worst outcomes in the management of COVID-19 risk, with a death rate in the 94th percentile of all countries. Setting aside the obvious politicized nature of COVID-19 public health recommendations and mandates, we argue that best practices in financial risk management provide parallels that could have served as valuable guidance. We demonstrate here that considerable signals were missed that would have required very little effort and would have been consistent with sound risk management. We also identify examples of misleading information such as that COVID-19 was particularly hard on the elderly. The data actually show that it had a much greater marginal impact on those not elderly. We show here that financial economists and risk managers have a strong knowledge base of how to process vast quantities of data to distinguish signals from noise and have much to teach the public health establishment.
The Impact of Board Gender Diversity on European Firms’ Performance: The Moderating Role of Liquidity
Authors: Gharios Robert , Awad Antoine B. , Abu Khalaf Bashar , Seissian Lena A.
Published: August 2024

This study examines how board gender diversity affects listed non-financial European companies’ financial performance. Data from the Refinitiv Eikon Platform—LSEG and World Bank databases was used to complete the analysis. The total sample included 4257 companies for the period 2011–2023. This study examined board gender diversity and its interaction with liquidity while controlling for board characteristics such as board size, independence, and board meetings. Controlling for firm characteristics (firm size and leverage) and macroeconomic variables like inflation and GDP. This study estimated the connection using panel regression. Due to Hausman test significance, fixed effect estimation was used. The findings demonstrated a notable and favorable influence of board features, such as gender diversity, board independence, and board size, on European nonfinancial companies. Additionally, liquidity positively affects firm performance. Furthermore, the findings indicated that leverage had a significant negative impact on profitability. Finally, both the size and GDP have a significant beneficial impact on profitability. Our findings indicate that an increased representation of women on the board of directors is associated with greater independence among board members and a higher number of board members being hired. This, in turn, has a positive impact on profitability due to the extensive experience shared among board members. Additionally, this leads to improved governance, enabling better control over decisions and a greater focus on the long-term investment strategy of the company. Our results are robust, as are similar results reported by the GMM regression.
MicroRNA: A Signature for the Clinical Progression of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Veryaskina Yuliya A. , Titov Sergei E. , Kovynev Igor B. , Pospelova Tatiana I. , Fyodorova Sofya S. , Shebunyaeva Yana Yu. , Demakov Sergei A. , Demenkov Pavel S. , Zhimulev Igor F.
Published: August 2024

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common human leukemia. The disease is caused by abnormal proliferation and development of lymphocytes and their precursors in the blood and bone marrow (BM). Recent studies have shown that the CLL’s clinical course and outcome depend not only on genetic but also epigenetic factors. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the development of hematological tumors, including CLL. The aim of this study is to identify the miRNA expression profile in CLL and determine the role of miRNAs in biological pathways associated with leukemogenesis in CLL. The following samples were used in this study: (1) samples obtained by sternal puncture and aspiration biopsy of BM (n = 115). They included samples from 21 CLL patients with anemia and indications for therapy and 45 CLL patients without anemia and with indications for therapy. The control group for the CLL BM samples consisted of patients with non-cancerous blood diseases (n = 35). (2) Lymph node (LN) samples (n = 20) were collected from CLL patients. The control group for the CLL LN samples consisted of patients with lymphadenopathy (n = 37). All cases were patients before treatment. We demonstrated a significant upregulation of miRNA-34a and miRNA-150 in CLL BM samples (p < 0.05) and downregulation of miRNA-451a in CLL LN samples (p < 0.05). We noted a dynamic increase in the levels of miRNA-150 and miRNA-34a in BM at various stages of tumor progression of CLL. We concluded that a dynamic picture of clinical manifestations of CLL closely correlates with changes in epigenetic characteristics of the tumor. Progression of the lymphoproliferative process and indications for cytoreductive therapy are associated with changes in the miRNA profile generated by cancer cells in different sites of clonal expansion.
Synthesis of Tetrahydroberberine N,N-Derived O-Acetamides
Authors: Nechepurenko Ivan Vasil’evich , Komarova Nina Ivanovna , Salakhutdinov Nariman Faridovich
Published: August 2024

The reaction of berberine derivatives containing at the O-9 position N,N-disubstituted acetamide fragments with sodium borohydride in methanol at 0 °C leads to a mild reduction of the “C” cycle with the formation of corresponding tetrahydroberberine derivatives with moderate to good yields.
(E)-5-(3-Oxo-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)prop-1-en-1-yl)benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-one
Authors: Ivanova Yordanka B. , Svetoslavov Filip E. , Petrov Ognyan I.
Published: August 2024

The title compound, (E)-5-(3-oxo-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)prop-1-en-1-yl)benzo[d]oxazol-2(3H)-one, was synthesized by the acid- and base-catalyzed aldol condensation of 2-oxo-2,3-dihydrobenzo[d]oxazole-5-carbaldehyde and 3,4,5-trimethoxyacetophenone. The structure of the target compound was confirmed using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HRMS, and elemental analysis.
Electric Resistance and Curing Temperature Development of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Conductive Concrete: A Comparative Study
Authors: Zhang Lei , Chen Siyuan , Tian Weichen , Tang Yuan , Fu Qiang , Li Ruisen , Wang Wei
Published: August 2024

The development of electric resistance is a key factor affecting the performance of conductive concrete, especially the electrical–thermal performance. In this work, the effects of different influencing factors (including the water-to-binder ratio, coarse aggregate content and carbon fiber (CF) content) on the electric resistance of conductive concrete were systematically investigated. At the same time, ohmic heating (OH) curing was applied to fabricate CF-reinforced conductive concrete (CFRCC) under a negative temperature environment at −20 °C. The effects of different factors on the electrothermal properties (curing temperature and conductive stability) of the samples were studied. The mechanical strengths of the CFRCC cured by different curing conditions were also tested, and the feasibility of OH curing for preparing CFRCC in a negative-temperature environment was verified at various electric powers. This work aims to give new insights into the effects of multiple factors on the performance of CFRCC for improved concrete construction in winter.
Fuzzy–Rough Analysis of ESG Ratings and Financial and Growth Ratios on the Stock Returns of Blue-Chip Stocks in Taiwan
Authors: Shen Kao-Yi
Published: August 2024

This study uses fuzzy–rough analysis to investigate the influence of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings, along with critical financial and growth ratios, on the stock returns of blue-chip companies in Taiwan. The growing importance of ESG factors in investment decisions underscores the need to understand their impact on stock performance. By integrating the fuzzy–rough set theory, which accommodates uncertainty and imprecision in data, we analyze the complex relationships between ESG ratings, traditional financial metrics (such as ROE, return on equity), and stock returns. Our findings provide insights into how ESG considerations, alongside financial indicators, drive the returns of Taiwan’s blue-chip stocks. Three public-listed companies were evaluated using this approach, and the results are consistent with the actual stock performance. This research contributes to the field by offering a robust methodological approach to assess the nuanced effects of ESG factors on financial performance, thus aiding investors and management teams in making informed decisions.
Detrimental Effects of βo-Phase on Practical Properties of TiAl Alloys
Authors: Tetsui Toshimitsu , Mizuta Kazuhiro
Published: August 2024

The TNM alloy, a βo-phase-containing TiAl alloy, has been withdrawn from use as a last-stage turbine blade in commercial jet engines as it suffered frequent impact fractures in service, raising doubts regarding the necessity of the βo-phase in practical TiAl alloys. Here, we evaluate the practical properties required for jet engine blades for various TiAl alloys and investigate the effects of the βo-phase thereupon. First, we explore the influence of the βo-phase content on the impact resistance and machinability for forged Ti–43.5Al–xCr and cast Ti–46.0Al–xCr alloys; the properties deteriorate significantly at increasing βo-phase contents. Subsequently, two practical TiAl alloys—TNM alloy and TiAl4822—were prepared with and without the βo-phase by varying the heat treatment temperature for the former and the Cr concentration for the latter. In addition to impact resistance and machinability, the creep strength is significantly reduced by the presence of the βo-phase. Overall, these findings suggest that the βo-phase is an undesirable phase in practical TiAl alloys, especially those used for jet engine blades, because, although the disordered β-phase is soft at high temperatures, it changes to significantly more brittle and harder βo-phase after cooling.
Active and Passive Filling Stir Repairing of AISI 304 Alloy
Authors: Lunetto Vincenzo , Basile Dario , Razza Valentino , Russo Spena Pasquale
Published: August 2024

This study investigates active filling friction stir repair (AF-FSR) and passive filling friction stir repair (PF-FSR) for repairing AISI 304 stainless steel sheets, focusing on addressing the challenges posed by high melting point metals. The research involved repairing overlapping 2 mm thick sheets with pre-drilled holes of 2, 4, and 6 mm diameters, simulating broken components. Various process parameters, including rotational speed, dwell time, and the use of metal fillers, were tested to evaluate their impact on repair quality. The results demonstrated that PF-FSR provided superior mechanical strength to AF-FSR, particularly for larger pre-hole diameters. PF-FSR achieved higher shear tension strength due to better defect filling and reduced void formation, with shear tension strengths exceeding 25 kN for larger pre-holes and lower variability in strength measurements. AF-FSR was less effective for larger pre-holes, resulting in significant voids and reduced strength. Microstructural analysis revealed that PF-FSR facilitated more efficient material mixing and filling, minimizing unrepaired regions. However, excessive rotational speeds and dwell times in PF-FSR led to deformation and flash formation, highlighting the need for optimal parameter selection. Although further studies are needed, this study confirms the feasibility of FSR techniques for repairing small defects in AISI 304 steels, offering valuable insights for sustainable manufacturing practices in industries such as automotive and aerospace, where efficient and reliable repair methods are critical.
Optimal Motion Control of a Capsule Endoscope in the Stomach Utilizing a Magnetic Navigation System with Dual Permanent Magnets
Authors: Bae Suhong , Kwon Junhyoung , Kim Jongyul , Jang Gunhee
Published: August 2024

We propose a method to control the motion of a capsule endoscope (CE) in the stomach utilizing either a single external permanent magnet (EPM) or dual EPMs to extend the examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract. When utilizing the conventional magnetic navigational system (MNS) with a single EPM to generate tilting and rotational motions of the CE, undesired translational motion of the CE may prevent accurate examination. We analyzed the motion of the CE by calculating the magnetic torque and magnetic force applied to the CE using the point-dipole approximation model. Using the proposed model, we propose a method to determine the optimal position and orientation of the EPM to generate tilting and rotational motions without undesired translational motion of the CE. Furthermore, we optimized the weight of dual EPMs to develop a lightweight MNS. We prototyped the proposed MNS and experimentally verified that the developed MNS can generate tilting and rotational motions of the CE without any translational motion.
The Design, Simulation, and Parametric Optimization of an RF MEMS Variable Capacitor with an S-Shaped Beam
Authors: Shaheen Shakila , Arslan Tughrul , Lomax Peter
Published: August 2024

This study presents the design and simulation of an RF MEMS variable capacitor with a high tuning ratio and high linearity factor of capacitance–voltage response. An electrostatic torsion actuator with planar and non-planar structures is presented to obtain the high tuning ratio by avoiding the occurrence of pull-in point. In the proposed design, the capacitor plate is connected to the electrostatic actuators by using the s-shaped beam. The proposed design shows a 138% tuning ratio with the planar structure of the actuator and 167% tuning ratio by implementing the non-planar structure. A linearity factor of 99% is attained by adjusting the rates at which the capacitor plate rises as the actuation voltage increases and the rate at which the capacitance decreases as the plate rises. Parametric optimization of the design is performed by utilizing the finite element method (FEM) analysis and high-frequency structural simulator (HFSS) analysis to obtain an optimized high-tuning ratio RF MEMS varactor at low actuation voltage. S-parameters of the design are presented on HFSS, with a 50 ohm coplanar waveguide (CPW) serving as the transmission line. The proposed RF MEMS varactor can be utilized in tunable RF devices.