bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanoremediation of ground water contaminants using CuONPs and ZnONPs synthesized from endophytic fungi
Authors: Vellingiri Manon Mani , Munaf Mohammedbasha , Shanmugam Sabarathinam , Umesh Mridul , Paramasivam Deepak 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The global wide threatening problem is the pollution especially water and soil pollution are biggest threats to our people. The pollution not only damages the resources but also enters the ecosystem and impairs our health. The pollution disfigures the fertility of the soil and contaminates the ground water table which is the most reliable source of all living organisms. Due to urbanization of people and scarcity of the water resources the people rely on the ground water for the domestic and drinking needs. The advancement in science and technology paved a path as nanotechnology to overcome these problems. In this current investigation the CuO Nanoparticles (CuONPs) and ZnO Nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized from endophytic fungal isolated strains that were existed and picked through isolation technique from Aegle marmelos. The CuONPs and ZnONPs were characterized through SEM, XRD, EDX, UV- Vis spectrum and FT- IR analyses which were previously reported. The ground water samples were collected near, in and around of the garbage- dump site of Vellalore – Kurichi village, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India; three areas were selected and water samples were collected. The basic physico- chemical parameters such like BOD, COD, TDS, hardness, pH, chlorides, sulphates, nitrates and heavy metal(s) of the collected samples were analysed. The adsorption studies were initiated with three different concentrations of CuONPs and ZnONPs in 100 mL of polluted ground water samples, and the kinetics was started with 0th minute and extended till 180 minutes. The adsorption rate increased with the increase in time; the CuONPs and ZnONPs adsorbed the pollutants including Arsenic (V) effectively. The nanoremediated samples were further taken to determine the effectiveness in aiding the plant growth promotion and this was executed in Trigonella sp plants. The plants were grown well which was compared to the control plants and the phytochemical assessment was carried out. The presence of phytochemicals of the plants grown in nanoremediated samples was similar to that of control plants. Further, the CuONPs and ZnONPs has the ability in remediating the pollutants/ contaminants in the ground water.
Cognitive Training with Adaptive Algorithm improves Cognitive Ability in Elderly With MCI
Authors: Li Chenxi , Li Meiyun , Shang Yunfeng 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Recent discoveries indicating that the brain retains its ability to adapt and change throughout life have sparked interest in cognitive training (CT) as a possible means to postpone the development of dementia. Despite this, most research has focused on confirming the efficacy of training outcomes, with few studies examining the correlation between performance and results across various stages of training. In particular, the relationship between initial performance and the extent of improvement, the rate of learning, and the asymptotic performance level throughout the learning curve remains ambiguous. In this study, older adults underwent ten days of selective attention training using an adaptive algorithm, which enabled a detailed analysis of the learning curve's progression. Cognitive abilities were assessed before and after CT using the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The findings indicated that: (1) within the learning curve, superior initial performance was associated with greater improvement, quicker learning rates, and a lower asymptotic performance level; (2) higher pre-training MMSE scores predicted higher post-training MMSE scores but less improvement; (3) higher pre-training MoCA scores predicted higher post-training MoCA scores and less improvement; (4) the parameters of the learning curve did not correlate with performance on the MMSE or MoCA; and (5) age did not correlate with any of the variables examined. These results suggest that selective attention training with an adaptive algorithm is an effective tool for cognitive intervention and supports the compensation hypothesis.
FNDC1 Competitively Binds Gβ2 to Suppress the β-Catenin Destruction Complex in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Jiang Tao , Chen Hao , Lin Fangyu , Liu Jialin , Lin Xiaoyan , Gao Wenyu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Elevated FNDC1 expression promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer (GC) cells, contributing to their malignant traits. However, the exact mechanism governing this process remains unclear.
Methods: Bioinformatics analyses were used to identify the expression of FDNC1 in pan-cancer, its correlation with clinical outcomes, and biological functions in GC. Co-immunoprecipitation assays and western blot elucidate the interaction between FDNC1 and Gβ2/Gγ2 and the expression of Axin1, GSK3β, APC, and Dvl. The specific binding sites of FNDC1 and Gβ2 were explored by co-immunoprecipitation.
Results: FNDC1 was highly expressed in GC tissue, and its expression level is positively correlated with poor prognosis of GC. Functional enrichment analysis shows that FNDC1-related genes may participate in regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In vitro assays prove that FNDC1 competitively binds to the Gβ2 protein. This binding caused Dvl to separate from Gβγ. Subsequently, Dvl was released and recruited Axin1, facilitating the degradation of Axin1 to suppress the β-catenin destruction complex. We further identified the WD5 amino acid segment (residues 224-254) as the specific binding region of FNDC1 on Gβ2.
Discussion: This study reveals a novel mechanism where FNDC1 competitively binds Gβ2 to suppress the β-catenin destruction complex. Suggesting that FNDC1 could be a potential therapeutic target in GC.
Gender Diversity in Fintech Companies: Implications for Corporate Performance and Social Responsibility
Authors: Kouam Arthur William Fodouop , Chen Xiaoxin , Liu XiangYu , Wang Fengqi , Tuheti Gulijianati 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

We examine the effects of gender diversity in leadership on corporate performance and corporate social responsibility within the rapidly evolving fintech sector, known for its intense competition and innovation. Utilizing both quantitative data and qualitative insights, we apply a robust empirical model with regression analysis and thematic coding to assess the connections between gender diversity, corporate performance, and CSR. Our findings indicate a significant positive relationship between gender-diverse leadership and enhanced corporate performance, validating the hypothesis that such diversity bolsters financial outcomes. Furthermore, gender diversity is linked to stronger CSR commitments, driven by increased employee engagement. We identify organizational culture and recruitment practices as key moderating factors, highlighting the importance of supportive environments. This research enriches the literature by focusing on the underrepresented nature of gender diversity in fintech and emphasizing the strategic benefits of inclusive leadership, urging managers and policymakers to promote gender diversity for ethical and business advantages.
JEL codes: J16, G20, M14
How do users of a mental health app conceptualise digital therapeutic alliance? A qualitative study using the Framework Approach
Authors: Taylor Theresa , D’Alfonso Simon , Dolan Maria João Tralhão , Yiend Jenny , Jacobsen Pamela 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Fully automated mental health apps have the potential to increase access to evidence-based psychological interventions and reduce burden on staff resources in overburdened mental health services. Within human-to-human therapy the working relationship (therapeutic alliance) between the client and therapist is well studied and has been consistently linked to effective and engaging therapy. However, less is known about whether a digital therapeutic alliance exists, what its components may be and how it can be fostered to improve engagement and adherence to digital interventions. This study explored the experiences of users of a mental health app to better understand digital therapeutic alliance and how persuasive systems design may be able to help us understand which features of app design influence this.
Methods
We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 13 participants who had recent experiences of using the STOP app which targets paranoia. Data were analysed using framework analysis with therapeutic alliance and persuasive systems design as deductive theoretical frameworks.
Results
We constructed five dimensions of digital therapeutic alliance: 1) Humanness of the app 2) Personal meaningfulness 3) Progression towards goals 4) How I use the app and 5) Flexibility enhances relationship. Themes 1–4 map onto the existing dimensions of therapeutic alliance and Theme 5 (Flexibility enhances relationship) provides the context within which a digital therapeutic alliance forms. Persuasive systems design features were found to reinforce and enhance aspects of digital therapeutic alliance.
Conclusions
This study provides valuable insight into the existence of digital therapeutic relationships (alliance) and its dimensions. From our findings, there are indicators that digital therapeutic alliance is a digital analogue of therapeutic alliance and is enhanced by persuasive features of the app. Findings from this study could be used to inform the design of digital interventions to enhance their capacity to foster digital therapeutic alliance with users, with the supposition that as with the traditional therapeutic alliance, its digital counterpart is also conducive to better outcomes in terms of mental health app efficacy.
Chain of Function for Large Language Models
Authors: Chen Victor , Brady Gerry 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Prompting methods such as Chain of Thoughts (CoT) improve the performance of Large Language Models (LLMs) by decomposing tasks into steps. To solve each step accurately, approaches like Program Aided Language (PAL) models prompt LLMs to generate Python code and execute the code with an external interpreter. Here LLMs attempt to map problem description into low level instructions, which may be challenging for complicated domain-specific applications. In this paper we present Chain of Function (CoF), which prompts LLMs with domain-specific function libraries. LLMs generate function calls in each step, and receive intermediate feedback from each function execution. This allows LLMs to simplify problem solving by reasoning at abstract function level instead of atomic operations. We demonstrate the effectiveness of CoF across mathematical, symbolical, and algorithmic reasoning tasks from popular benchmarks. Experiments show satisfactory results by reasoning at function level using domain specific libraries. Various extensions of CoF including solving problems with multi-libraries and blended libraries, as well as automatic generation of domain specific libraries, are also studied in this research.
Effects of Cutting Direction and Average Chip Thicknesses on the Wood and Bamboo Milling Dust Morphological Characteristics
Authors: Cui Yunqi , Qiu Hongru , Ding Tao , Gong Meng , Zhu Nanfeng 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Dust exposure has now become a significant hazard, posing risks to both worker health and equipment safety. It is important to understand the characteristics of milling dust and take appropriate measures to reduce dust emissions. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of milling dust generated from three biomass materials — Scots pine, red oak, and Moso bamboo, primarily focusing on the influence of cutting directions and average chip thickness on the morphological characteristics of dust from these materials. The research used the sieving method to investigate particle size distribution across varying average chip thicknesses. Furthermore, flatbed scanning image analysis was utilized to investigate the correlations between particle size characteristics such as area-equivalent diameter and minimum Feret diameter, and various morphological parameters including aspect ratio, roundness, and convexity. The study also observed the morphology of representative particles using an optical microscope. It was found that Moso bamboo could produce more inhalable dust than red oak and Scots pine, while the lowest median area-equivalent diameter and aspect ratio were discovered in dust from Scots pine and red oak, respectively. Moso bamboo milling dust shows a higher roundness and convexity. Longitudinal and transverse cutting had different effects on large-size particles and fine dust. A minor influence of average chip thickness on roundness and convexity was found. This study reveals the relationship between the angle between the cutting direction and the fiber direction and different sizes of dust, as well as its specific effects on the aspect ratio, roundness, and convexity of particles of different sizes. The study provides essential data for cleaner production and health protection of milling dust including wood and bamboo in the environment.
Epitaxial growth and characterization of gan thin films on 2D MoS2 substrates via plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Susanto Iwan , Liu Hong-Shan , Yu Ing-Song 
Published: December 2024

Gallium nitride (GaN) is an excellent material for high-performance optoelectronic and power electronic devices due to its superior thermal conductivity and exceptional electron transport properties. However, growing high-quality GaN films is challenging because of lattice mismatch and thermal expansion coefficient differences with conventional substrates like sapphire and silicon, resulting in threading dislocations and structural defects that compromise device performance. This study addresses these issues by utilizing a 2D-MoS₂ buffer layer, which provides an atomically smooth surface and quasi-van der Waals interface to minimize lattice mismatch stress and suppress defect propagation.
GaN thin films were grown on MoS₂-deposited c-sapphire substrates using plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PA-MBE) under optimized conditions. The MoS₂ layer was prepared using a chemical vapor deposition process followed by nitridation. Characterization techniques, including Reflection High-Energy Electron Diffraction, Atomic Force Microscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, and X-ray Diffraction, confirmed that the GaN films exhibited high crystallinity, phase purity, and preferred c-axis orientation, with minimal structural defects. Surface analysis showed moderate roughness, with a root mean square value of 11.35 nm, attributed to localized growth variations.
The MoS₂ buffer layer significantly reduced lattice mismatch-induced stress, as indicated by the absence of secondary phases in XRD analysis and facilitated defect-free epitaxial growth. These findings demonstrate the transformative potential of combining PA-MBE with 2D material buffers to achieve high-quality GaN films. This approach holds promise for optoelectronic applications such as LEDs and laser diodes, as well as high-frequency electronic devices like high-electron-mobility transistors
Hidup Di Tepi Garis Pertempuran: Kondisi Sosial Rakyat Kebumen 1947-1948
Authors: Zazid Hisyam Nur 
Published: December 2024

Masa revolusi fisik di Indonesia adalah masa yang sulit bagi rakyat Kebumen. Pada masa tersebut banyak terjadi perubahan sosial yang membuat himpitan kehiduapan masyarakat. Kehidupan sosial yang sebelumnya tenang bagi rakyat kalangan bawah tiba-tiba harus berubah. Rakyat didahapkan pada perasaan cemas dan rasa takut pada kekerasan yang tiba-tiba muncul. Tentara Belanda yang sejak kedatangannya di Indonesia lantas dan melakukan aksi agresi militernya menjadi awal bencana itu semua. Bagi rakyat Kebumen pendudukan atas sebagian wilayah Kebumen oleh tentara Belanda dengan dijadikannya Gombong sebagai pangkalan mereka sekaligus garis demerkasi antara kekuasaan Belanda dan Indonesia membuat kondisi rakyat kian berat. Tulisan ini berfokus pada kondisi sosial rakyat Kebumen pada masa revolusi yang menggambarkan kesulitan-kesulitan yang dihadapi rakyat karena kekerasan yang sering dialami berupa penangkapan, penyiksaan dan penembakan. Metode sejarah menjadi dasar penjabaran tulisan ini, dengan dilengkapi sumber sejarah yang kredibel. Sumber yang digunakan dalam tulisan ini meliputi sumber primer berupa arsip dari ANRI, arsip kepolisian republik Indonesia, arsip delegasi Indonesia, arsip sekretariat negara, arsip kementrian pertahanan dan arsip kementerian penerangan.
Kadar Kafein dan Asam Klorogenat Biji Kopi Arabika Dekafeinasi Metode Rebusan Menggunakan KCKT
Authors: Rubiyanti Rani , Yulia Nunung 
Published: December 2024

Asam klorogenat (CGA) merupakan senyawa yang terkandung pada biji kopi arabika yang memiliki efek farmakologi penting dalam tubuh. CGA efektif menghambat pertumbuhan semua bakteri patogen, memiliki aktivitas antioksidan dan anti-inflamasi yang kuat. Selain asam klorogenat, kopi mengandung senyawa kafein yang menjadi penanda pada biji kopi. Berdasarkan penelitian sebelumnya, konsumsi biji kopi arabika menimbulkan lesi pada lambung yang disebabkan oleh kandungan kafein. Lesi ini serupa dengan lesi yang ditimbulkan akibat konsumsi aspirin. Tujuan utama dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui kadar kafein dan asam klorogenat pada kopi dekafeinasi dengan variasi suhu metode rebusan, yang dibandingkan dengan variasi waktu panggang pada kopi biasa. Sampel biji kopi arabika dari 3 metode pengeringan yang berbeda yaitu honey (A), natural (B) dan full wash (C) dipanggang pada suhu 180°C selama 20 menit dan 50 menit. Sampel biji kopi arabika dari 3 metode pengeringan di dekafeinasi dengan cara diekstraksi menggunakan air panas selama 90 menit pada suhu (50°C dan 75°C) dan dipanggang selama 50 menit pada suhu 180°C. Kadar kafein dan CGA diukur menggunakan kinerja tinggi kromatografi cair (HPLC)-UvVis. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kandungan kafein terendah terdapat pada biji kopi arabika dekafeinasi (pengeringan natural) dengan suhu perebusan 50°C (2,06%). Kandungan CGA tertinggi terdapat pada biji kopi arabika dengan metode pengeringan full wash dengan waktu pemanggangan 50 menit (1,32%). Hasilnya menunjukkan korelasi negatif antara kadar kafein dan CGA dengan lama waktu pemanggangan pada kopi biasa. Sedangkan kadar kafein dan CGA menunjukkan korelasi positif pada berbagai variasi metode dekafeinasi.
Unveiling Trends of Chatbot and Conversational Agents: A Bibliometric Study
Authors: Alasali Tasnim K. , Dakkak Omar , Türker İlker 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Recent years have seen remarkable growth and diversification in the study of chatbots and conversational agents. This research employs bibliometric and network -analytical methodology to thoroughly investigate the latest trends and themes in chatbot technology, a topic that has gained prominence in contemporary research discourse. The primary aim for this paper is to examine the evolution, prevailing trends, and provide an extensive overview of the chatbot field. Using the Web of Science core collection database, this study evaluates articles published from 1980 to 2024 by scanning over 7327 journal articles, ultimately focusing on 2622 key articles from prominent journals, institutions, and authors in the field. Key findings indicate a consistent increase in publication count related to chatbots recently. The study also identifies discrimination for critical areas such as advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing and underscores the importance of quantitatively assessing their impact and applications in diverse areas. Additionally, it sheds light on the collaboration among researchers, institutions, and nations in the development of this field. Furthermore, an analysis of written abstracts indicates a concentrated effort on enhancing user interactions and the technological progression of chatbots. The findings of this study provide insight into various sectors related to the development of chatbot technology in digital communication and AI advancement. Therefore, this bibliometric analysis offers a unique and in-depth view of the evolving chatbot research landscape, serving as a valuable guide for future research and strategic planning in this rapidly advancing area.
Public Transport Demand Elasticities in Developing Agglomerations: The Case of Tunisian Regions
Authors: Makhlouf Lassaad 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This paper examined the characteristics of public transport demand in some major Tunisian cities. It followed the research trend which calculated the public transport demand elasticities. The adopted procedure in this study consists in estimating a log linear dynamic panel model relating per capita bus patronage to bus fares, users’ income, and service quality. Two variants of the basic model were estimated for the most important Tunisian agglomerations for the period 2003-2020. In the first variant, this paper considered the same fare elasticity value for the different regions, whereas in the second it’s proceeded to the calculation of specific fare elasticity values for each region. The estimation results show interesting and different elasticities compared to those revealed by earlier studies for occidental agglomerations. This result can be explained by specifics users’ characteristics and networks’ configuration. Although these results may sometimes contradict the theoretical suggestions, they still highlight the specificities of the public transport demand in Tunisia and its users’ characteristics. The demand for public transport in large Tunisian agglomerations is not very sensitive to fares changes. Second, income does not have the same effect as that advocated by economic theories. Indeed, we have found a positive impact of income on demand for public transport. Finally, the quality of service has the most important effect on demand. Changes in travel habits and cultures, improvements in the quality of services and their differentiation can be more effective for public transport than fares changes.
“Anyway, We Delivered the Bomb”: Dredging the Disaster of the USS Indianapolis from History to Hollywood
Authors: Croft Sebastian 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
“Anyway, we delivered the bomb” is an analysis of the significance of the inclusion of the critically acclaimed “Indianapolis speech” within Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, whereby the shark hunter Quint delivers a chilling first-hand recollection of the disaster of the USS during the Second World War. As Quint tells it, after transporting components of the atomic bomb to the United States air base at Tinian Island, the USS Indianapolis was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine whilst on route to the island of Leyte, leaving Quint and his surviving shipmates to fend for themselves in shark-infested waters. Contextualizing the speech within the confidence crises and “disaster” film genre cycle of 1970s America, I shall analyze how Jaws’s representation of the Indianapolis disaster posits a direct challenge to the orthodox Hiroshima narrative (that the bombing was morally justifiable on the basis that it saved American lives) by foregrounding the suffering endured by the crew of the Indianapolis at the expense of delivering it, preying upon audience fears that an America reeling from the Watergate scandal and military defeat in Vietnam was now susceptible to moral ‒ and nuclear ‒ retribution for Hiroshima thirty years later.