bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In-depth analysis of Bt cotton adoption: farmers' opinions, genetic landscape, and varied perspectives—a case study from Pakistan
Authors: Shahzad Rahil , Jamil Shakra , Chaudhry Urooj Fatima , Rahman Sajid Ur , Iqbal Muhammad Zaffar 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Bt technology has played significant role in controlling bollworms and increasing cotton yield in earlier days of its introduction, a subsequent decline in yield became apparent over time. This decline may be attributed to various environmental factors, pest dynamics, or combination of both. Therefore, the present biophysical survey and questionnaire were designed to evaluate the impact of Bt cotton on bollworms management and its effect on reducing spray costs, targeting farmers with varied landholdings and educational backgrounds. Additionally, data on farmers' cultivated varieties and the prevalence of bollworms and sucking insects in their fields were recorded. Subsequently, about eleven thousand cotton samples from farmer fields were tested for Cry1Ac, Cry2Ab and Vip3A genes by strip test.

Results
In this analysis, 83% of the farmers planting approved varieties believe that Bt technology control bollworms, while 17% hold contradictory views. Similarly, among farmers cultivating unapproved varieties, 77% agree on effectiveness of Bt technology against bollworms, while 23% disagree. On the other hand, 67% of farmers planting approved varieties believe that Bt technology does not reduce spray costs, while 33% agree with the effectiveness. Similarly, 78% of farmers cultivating unapproved varieties express doubt regarding its role to reduce spray costs, while 22% are in favour of this notion. Differences in opinions on the effectiveness of Bt cotton in controlling bollworms and reducing spray cost between farmers planting unapproved and approved varieties may stem from several factors. One major cause is the heavy infestation of sucking insects, which is probably due to the narrow genetic variation of the cultivated varieties. Additionally, the widespread cultivation of unapproved varieties (21.67%) is also an important factor to cause different opinions on the effectiveness of Bt cotton.

Conclusion
Based on our findings, we propose that the ineffective control of pests on cotton crop may be attributed to large scale cultivation of unapproved varieties and non-inclusion of double and triple transgene technologies in country’s sowing plan. On the basis of our findings, we suggest cotton breeders, regulatory bodies and legislative bodies to discourage the cultivation of unapproved varieties and impure seed. Moreover, the adoption of double and triple Bt genes in cottons with a broad genetic variation could facilitate the revival of the cotton industry, and presenting a promising way forward.
Evaluation of the ameliorative potency of spirulina platensis against cerebellar damage induced by methotrexate in male rats: histopathological, ultrastructural, molecular, and biochemical studies
Authors: Kandil Eman H. , elSamie Hany A. Abd , AbdElrahman Asmaa H. , Nofal Amany E. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Background
Methotrexate (MTX), a drug utilized in cancer and rheumatoid arthritis treatment, is associated with acute and chronic neurodegenerative alterations. Spirulina platensis (SP) has several important phytochemical substances that act as free radical scavengers or natural antioxidants. The current study investigated the possible effects of the blue-green alga Spirulina platensis on cerebellar damage in male rats exposed to methotrexate. Forty (40) adult male albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 10) and treated for one week: GI, the control group; GII was orally given 1000 mg SP/kg/daily, GIII was given a single intraperitoneal injection of MTX 75 mg/kg at the first day, and continued under the normal condition without other treatment till the end of the experiment, and GIV received both SP and MTX together with the same previous doses and duration. Neurobehavioral, histopathological, histochemical, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, molecular, and biochemical data were recorded.

Results
MTX caused severe cerebellar degeneration in 3 cortical layers, especially the Purkinje layer. The Purkinje layer displayed a disrupted monolayer arrangement with pyknotic nuclei, a significant decrease in cell number, and shrunken cells surrounded by empty spaces. The molecular and granular layers are degenerated with elevated immunoreactions and gene expression of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), and neurofilament light chain antibody (NFL). Moreover, MTX significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) while decreasing the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), serotonin, superoxide dismutase (SOD), acetylcholinesterase (ACHE), norepinephrine, and dopamine. These insults were noticeably mitigated by concomitant treatment with spirulina.

Conclusion
Spirulina improves neurological function by modulating the cerebellar damage elicited by MTX. This improvement may be attributed to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of spirulina.
Theoretical study of a triple-band tunable terahertz metamaterial absorber with polarization insensitive and high refractive index sensing based on bulk Dirac semimetal
Authors: Zhou Weijun , Qin Xuefeng , Chen Yuxuan , Zhao Qian , Huang Yang , Zhou Haiquan , Xu Nianxi , Wang Ben-Xin 
Published: September 2024

In this paper, a triple-band metamaterial absorber in the terahertz frequencies is proposed, and its refractive index sensing characteristics are analyzed, where the bulk Dirac semimetal (BDS) periodic array is on top of a photonic crystal slab backed with a metal ground plane. The simulation results show that the absorber achieves three perfect absorption peaks in the range of 3.4–5.2 THz, whose absorption rates are over 96%, and a maximum quality factor (Q) of 74.1. The designed absorber exhibits excellent polarization insensitivity and dynamic tunability; further, the tuning of the Fermi energy level of BDS enables the dynamic adjustment of absorption frequencies and absorption rates of these peaks. By analyzing the distributions of the electromagnetic field and different structural parameters, it is revealed that the absorber mainly dissipates the electromagnetic wave through coupled resonance and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effects to achieve perfect absorption. Further, the metamaterial absorber shows the capacity to detect analytes with varying refractive indices, and the absorber has a maximum sensitivity S of 405 GHz/RIU with high detection accuracy. This work provides novel design options for triple-band terahertz metamaterial absorbers and their potential applications in refractive index sensing.
Gate-tunable positive and negative photoresponses based on a mixed-dimensional Ga2O3/WSe2 junction field-effect transistor for logic operation
Authors: Huang Zibin , Wang Wenhai , Wang Sujuan , Chen Yang , Zhang Hanzhe , Wang Lisheng , Sun Huiru , Pan Yuan , Chen Hongyu , Yang Xun , Ling Francis Chi-Chung , Su Shichen 
Published: September 2024

Realization of positive and negative optical responses in a single device promises construction of multifunctional optoelectronic devices. This work demonstrates a Ga2O3/WSe2 mixed-dimensional heterojunction junction field-effect transistor (JFET) with positive and negative photoresponse regulatory functions by gate voltage. The device achieves a remarkable negative responsivity exceeding 425 mA/W. Additionally, benefiting from Fowler-Nordheim tunneling (FNT) behavior, the mixed-dimensional JFET exhibited an excellent negative response performance with response and decay times of 50.1 ms and 53.9 ms and a high I
OFF
/I
ON
ratio of 343 at V
ds
=1  V and V
g
=5  V under 635 nm illumination. Additionally, the JFET’s negative photoresponse is sensitive to both gate voltage and light intensity, which can be used to realize NAND logic gate and optical communication functions. These results unveil the promising potential of mixed-dimensional optoelectronic devices for optical communication, and logic device technologies.
“An image hurts more than 1000 words?”
Authors: Oehmer-Pedrazzi Franziska , Pedrazzi Stefano 
Published: September 2024

AbstractVisual content captures attention, is easy to understand, and is more likely to be remembered. However, it is not limited to conveying informative content; it can also be used to propagate hate. While existing research has predominantly focused on textual hate speech, this study aims to address a research gap by analyzing the characteristics of visual hate, including its channels, intensity, sources, and targets, through a standardized manual content analysis. The hate images were collected through the citizen science approach of data donation. Findings highlight that transgender individuals and migrants are the primary targets of visual hate. It reveals a presence of hate images not only on communication platforms but also in various intermediaries and journalistic media. Half of these images use factual or humorous methods to discriminate against individuals or groups, while an equal number adopt a highly aggressive tone. The study suggests governance measures to combat this issue effectively.
Optimizing ICSI outcomes in women with PCOS: the influence of BMI, hormonal levels, and male fertility parameters
Authors: Hassan Muhjah Falah , Abdul Kadim Hind , Al-Yasiry Rabab Zahir , Hafedh Sagban Sahbaa , Dutta Sulagna , Sengupta Pallav 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Women with PCOS often experience significant difficulties in achieving spontaneous pregnancy. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a viable treatment option for these patients, offering an acceptable success rate. This study purposes to identify factors that may positively or negatively influence pregnancy rates in PCOS women undergoing ICSI and explore potential modifications to enhance successful pregnancy outcomes.

Methods
The study included ninety sub-fertile couples with female partners with diagnosed PCOS. Comprehensive evaluations of the partners included medical history, physical examination, hormonal analysis, transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS), and seminal fluid analysis. All couples underwent ICSI. Pregnancy rates were determined by positive pregnancy tests 14 days after fresh embryo transfer, and participants were divided into two groups: pregnant and non-pregnant.

Results
Of the 90 women who underwent ICSI cycles, 24 achieved pregnancies, resulting in a pregnancy rate of 26.66 %. Non-pregnant women had significantly higher body mass indices (BMI). Additionally, women with elevated cycle day 2 serum estradiol (E2) levels and low follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels exhibited significantly lower pregnancy rates. Women whose male partners had abnormal semen parameters also demonstrated significantly lower pregnancy rates.

Conclusions
Several factors negatively impact pregnancy rates in PCOS women undergoing ICSI, including high BMI, elevated E2, low FSH levels on cycle day 2, a lower number of mature oocytes, and male factor sub-fertility. Many of these factors can be mitigated through the use of ICSI, thereby improving the chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.
Last und Lust der Täufergeschichte – vom Konflikt zur Koinonia
Authors: von Schlachta Astrid 
Published: September 2024

Zusammenfassung
Täuferische Geschichte im Kontext der konfessionellen und politischen Entwicklungen ihrer jeweiligen Zeit ist Konfliktgeschichte, dennoch stets auch Gemeinschaftsgeschichte. Abgrenzung, Ausgrenzung und polemisch in die Öffentlichkeit transportierte Differenzen stehen der Annäherung, dem vergleichenden Miteinander und der Integration gegenüber. Der Blick zurück entdeckt trotz aller Konfrontation immer auch leuchtende Momente. Somit bringen die folgenden Überlegungen ein paar Gedanken zusammen, die täuferische Konflikt- und Gemeinschaftsgeschichte unter dem Aspekt von „Last“ und „Lust“ betrachten.
Heilung der Erinnerungen – Prozesse und Perspektiven
Authors: Enns Fernando 
Published: September 2024

Zusammenfassung
Die für den christlichen Glauben zentrale Kategorie der Versöhnung wird in 2Kor 5 als eine Gabe verstanden, aus der sich eine Handlungsorientierung ergibt. Selbst kirchliche Traditionen, die sich in harscher Abgrenzung voneinander positionierten, finden hier die theologische Motivation zur Versöhnung. Der Aufsatz skizziert den Versöhnungsprozess zwischen Lutheranern und Mennoniten anhand von einzelnen Schritten, die in gängigen Mediations- und Versöhnungsprozessen zwischen Großgruppen aus der Friedens- und Konfliktforschung bekannt sind.
Glycolysis in Peritubular Endothelial Cells and Microvascular Rarefaction in CKD
Authors: Huang Yujie , Cong Ansheng , Li Jinjin , Zhou Zhanmei , Zhou Hong , Su Cailing , Hu Zuoyu , Hou Fan Fan , Cao Wei 
Published: September 2024

Key Points

Peritubular endothelial cells have a hypoglycolytic metabolism in CKD.Restoration of glycolysis in CKD peritubular endothelial cells by overexpressing 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2, 6-bisphosphatase attenuates microvascular rarefaction and kidney fibrosis.Strategies targeting the metabolic defect in glycolysis in peritubular endothelial cells may be effective in the treatment of CKD.

Background
Peritubular endothelial cell dropout leading to microvascular rarefaction is a common manifestation of CKD. The role of metabolism reprogramming in peritubular endothelial cell loss in CKD is undetermined.

Methods
Single-cell sequencing and metabolic analysis were used to characterize the metabolic profile of peritubular endothelial cells from patients with CKD and from CKD mouse models. In vivo and in vitro models demonstrated metabolic reprogramming in peritubular endothelial cells in conditions of CKD and its contribution to microvascular rarefaction.

Results
In this study, we identified glycolysis as a top dysregulated metabolic pathway in peritubular endothelial cells from patients with CKD. Specifically, CKD peritubular endothelial cells were hypoglycolytic while displaying an antiangiogenic response with decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis. The hypoglycolytic phenotype of peritubular endothelial cells was recapitulated in CKD mouse models and in peritubular endothelial cells stimulated by hydrogen peroxide. Mechanically, oxidative stress, through activating a redox sensor kruppel-like transcription factor 9, downregulated the glycolytic activator 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2, 6-bisphosphatase expression, thereby reprogramming peritubular endothelial cells toward a hypoglycolytic phenotype. 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2, 6-bisphosphatase overexpression in peritubular endothelial cells restored hydrogen peroxide–induced reduction in glycolysis and cellular ATP levels and enhanced the G1/S cell cycle transition, enabling peritubular endothelial cells to improve proliferation and reduce apoptosis. Consistently, restoration of peritubular endothelial cell glycolysis in CKD mice, by overexpressing endothelial Pfkfb3, reversed the antiangiogenic response in peritubular endothelial cells and protected the kidney from microvascular rarefaction and fibrosis. By contrast, suppression of glycolysis by endothelial Pfkfb3 deletion exacerbated microvascular rarefaction and fibrosis in CKD mice.

Conclusions
Our study revealed a disrupted regulation of glycolysis in peritubular endothelial cells as an initiator of microvascular rarefaction in CKD. Restoration of peritubular endothelial cell glycolysis in CKD kidney improved microvascular rarefaction and ameliorated fibrotic lesions.
Race- and Ethnicity-Related Disparities in Predialysis Nephrology Care, Kidney Disease Education, and Home Dialysis Utilization
Authors: Shukla Ashutosh M. , Scheiffele Grant , Huang Wenxi , Campbell-Montalvo Rebecca , Bian Jiang , Guo Yi , Guo Serena Jingchuan 
Published: September 2024

Key Points

Disparities in predialysis nephrology care and KRT-directed education significantly influenced home dialysis underuse among marginalized populations.The influence of predialysis care disparities on home dialysis underuse lasted for a long time even after starting the dialysis.More studies are needed to uncover the layers through which structural racism influences home dialysis underuse among marginalized populations.

Background
Predialysis nephrology care and KRT-directed education (KDE) are essential for incident home dialysis use. However, there are substantial disparities in these care parameters among patients with advanced CKD. The effect of these disparities on home dialysis underuse has not been examined.

Methods
We analyzed the 2021 United States Renal Database System to identify all adult patients with kidney failure with over 6 months of predialysis Medicare coverage initiating their first-ever dialysis between 2010 and 2019. We used a mediation analysis to dissect the attributable influence of disparities in predialysis nephrology care and KDE on incident home dialysis use. In addition, we conducted sensitivity analyses using graded levels of mediators and sustained effect on home dialysis outcomes.

Results
We identified 464,310 Medicare recipients: 428,301 using in-center hemodialysis and 35,416 using home dialysis as their first-ever dialysis modality during the study period. Compared with non-Hispanic White patients (n=294,914), adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence intervals) for receiving predialysis nephrology care, KDE service, and incident home dialysis were 0.62 (0.61 to 0.64), 0.58 (0.52 to 0.63), and 0.76 (0.73 to 0.79), respectively, among Hispanic individuals (n=49,734) and 0.74 (0.73 to 0.76), 0.84 (0.79 to 0.89), and 0.63 (0.61 to 0.65), respectively, among Black individuals (n=98,992). Mediation analyses showed that compared with non-Hispanic White individuals, lack of nephrology care explained 30% and 14% of incident home dialysis underuse among Hispanic and Black individuals, respectively (P < 0.001). Sensitivity analyses using a longer duration of nephrology care and KDE services and the sustained effect on home dialysis underuse through the first year after kidney failure showed congruent and consolidating findings.

Conclusions
Disparities in predialysis nephrology care were significantly associated with lower home dialysis use among Hispanic and Black individuals.
ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ ИНТЕГРАЦИИ ИНФОРМАЦИОННО-КОММУНИКАЦИОННЫХ ТЕХНОЛОГИЙ В СФЕРУ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОГО УПРАВЛЕНИЯ КАК МЕХАНИЗМ ЕЕ РЕКОНСТРУКЦИИ
Authors: НАХУШЕВ Азрет Анзорович 
Published: September 2024

Усовершенствование государственного управления в результате интеграции информационно-коммуникационных технологий (далее — ИКТ) должно стать приоритетной задачей органов государственной власти.
В данной статье автор рассматривает, как цифровизация и внедрение ИКТ со временем могут способствовать планомерному росту производительности труда государственных служащих, повышению эффективности и прозрачности функционирования государственных институтов, созданию условий для повышения устойчивой конкурентоспособности государства на международной арене.
Цель работы — определить сущность цифровой трансформации государственного управления; выяснить, какими преимуществами обладают ИКТ как вспомогательные элементы управленческого процесса; как они могут содействовать в борьбе с такими пороками современной системы государственной службы, как бюрократия, низкий уровень информационной безопасности, коррупция и т.д., и какие риски последуют за их повсеместным внедрением.
Автор делает выводы, в которых освещаются наиболее важные аспекты исследуемой проблемы, достоинства и недостатки урегулирования управленческих процессов посредством интеграции цифровых технологий в административно-политическую сферу и результаты исследований, проведенных с использованием индекса корреляции коррупции и цифровизации (далее — CICD).
Electrical Design and Drafting Skills Needed by Polytechnic Graduates for Employment in the Oil and Gas Industry in Niger-Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Okwelle Paulinus Chijioke , Owo Offia Tugwell , Ibekwe Chima Christain 
Published: September 2024

The study was carried out to assess the skills required by polytechnic graduates for employment in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria's Niger-Delta region. A descriptive survey was used for the study, whose population comprised 1404 oil and gas industry workers in the Niger-Delta, Nigeria. Purposive sampling technique was used to select from the population, 27 electrical supervisors and 62 electrical graduates as the study sample. One research question and one hypothesis guided the study. A 35-item structured questionnaire designed by the researchers and titled “Electrical Design and Drafting Skills needed by Polytechnic Graduates Questionnaire (EDDSPGQ)” was used to collect information from the respondents. The EDDSPGQ was designed based on the 5-Likert Scale. The instrument was face and content-validated by two industry-based electrical supervisors and another expert in measurement and evaluation. The instrument’s reliability was established via the Cronbach alpha method, having yielded a coefficient of 0.83.A mean was used to answer the research question; standard deviation was used to ascertain homogeneity in the responses of the respondents; and a t-test was used to test the hypothesis at a 0.05 level of significance. The study reveals that electrical and electronic graduates need to develop skills in drafting point-point diagrams, control circuits of an automatic re-closure scheme, star-delta starters and three-phase line-in diagrams. Consequently, it was recommended, among others, that the Government should provide modern training facilities in polytechnics as well as make SIWES more effective for the quality skills development of engineering students in preparation for employment in the oil and gas industry in Nigeria upon graduation.
Autologous stem cell transplantation in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients with severe renal failure requiring hemodialysis. A single-center experience
Authors: Kliuchagina Yu. I. , Zeynalova P. A. , Gromova E. G. , Valiev T. T. 
Published: September 2024

Background. Renal failure (RF) is unfavorable prognostic factor for the multiple myeloma (MM) patients, negatively affecting overall survival. High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) is associated with an increased risk of HSCT-related complications and mortality, which may limit its implementation in MM patients with RF, especially in patients with severe RF requiring hemodialysis.Aim. To analyze the effectiveness and adverse events of high-dose chemotherapy followed by auto-HSCT in newly diagnosed MM patients with severe RF requiring hemodialysis.Materials and methods. We analyzed the data of 7 newly diagnosed MM patients with severe RF requiring hemodialysis, who received auto-HSCT.Results. Complete remission achieved 2 (28.6 %) patients, very good partial remission – 4 (57.1 %) patients, partial remission – 1 (14.3 %) patient on the 100th day after auto-HSCT. Complete renal response achieved 6 (85.7 %) patients, 1 (14.3 %) patient remained a minimal renal response. Auto-HSCT led to an improvement in both hematological and renal responses in 1 (14.3 %) patient, hematological response – in 2 (28.6 %) patients. With a median follow-up of 19 months, median progression-free survival and overall survival were 43 and 81 months, respectively. In the early post-transplant period, febrile neutropenia (71.4 %) and grade III–IV mucositis (71.4 %) were most often diagnosed. In the study group of patients, there was no auto-HSCT-related mortality.Conclusion. Auto-HSCT is an effective and safe method of treating newly diagnosed MM patients with severe RF requiring hemodialysis.