bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring perceived challenges, adoption, and assessment of Western values of democracy and human rights in Palestine in the 2023 War on Gaza
Authors: Jabali Oqab , Sleem Heba , Ayyoub Abed Alkarim , Saeedi Munther , Alawneh Yousef , Ishtaiyeh Muath 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis study delved into the dynamics of perceived challenges, adoption, and assessment of Western values of democracy and human rights among university students in Palestine, particularly in the aftermath of the 2023 War on Gaza. A mixed-methods strategy was used in the research, with a participant pool of 384 students representing a range of demographics. By exploring the impact of geopolitical events, the results revealed a positive link between perceived challenges and the assessment of Western values. Although there is a notable gender and geographic difference in the assessment and adoption of Western values, females and those living in cities and villages are shown to have greater perceived challenges with these values. The qualitative component, including interviews with 12 students, provided valuable insights into the postwar evolution of Palestinian perspectives, highlighting a notable shift in attitudes, initially characterized by belief in the superiority of Western values, followed by a decline in faith during the war. This decline is attributed to traumatic events, biased media narratives, and the contradiction between idealized standards and harsh realities. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted influences on Palestinian perceptions of Western values.
The effect of body weight on the knee joint biomechanics based on subject-specific finite element-musculoskeletal approach
Authors: Adouni Malek , Aydelik Harun , Faisal Tanvir R. , Hajji Raouf 
Published: June 2024

AbstractKnee osteoarthritis (OA) and obesity are major public health concerns that are closely intertwined. This intimate relationship was documented by considering obesity as the most significant preventable risk factor associated with knee OA. To date, however, the effects of obesity on the knee joint's passive-active structure and cartilage loading have been inconclusive. Hence, this study investigates the intricate relationship between obesity and knee OA, centering on the biomechanical changes in knee joint active and passive reactions during the stance phase of gait. Using a subject-specific musculoskeletal and finite element approach, muscle forces, ligament stresses, and articular cartilage contact stresses were analyzed among 60 individuals with different body mass indices (BMI) classified under healthy weight, overweight, and obese categories. Our predicted results showed that obesity significantly influenced knee joint mechanical reaction, increasing muscle activations, ligament loading, and articular cartilage contact stresses, particularly during key instances of the gait cycle—first and second peak loading instances. The study underscores the critical role of excessive body weight in exacerbating knee joint stress distribution and cartilage damage. Hence, the insights gained provide a valuable biomechanical perspective on the interaction between body weight and knee joint health, offering a clinical utility in assessing the risks associated with obesity and knee OA.
A hybrid swarm intelligence algorithm for region-based image fusion
Authors: Salgotra Rohit , Lamba Amanjot Kaur , Talwar Dhruv , Gulati Dhairya , Gandomi Amir H. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis paper proposes a novel multi-hybrid algorithm named DHPN, using the best-known properties of dwarf mongoose algorithm (DMA), honey badger algorithm (HBA), prairie dog optimizer (PDO), cuckoo search (CS), grey wolf optimizer (GWO) and naked mole rat algorithm (NMRA). It follows an iterative division for extensive exploration and incorporates major parametric enhancements for improved exploitation operation. To counter the local optima problems, a stagnation phase using CS and GWO is added. Six new inertia weight operators have been analyzed to adapt algorithmic parameters, and the best combination of these parameters has been found. An analysis of the suitability of DHPN towards population variations and higher dimensions has been performed. For performance evaluation, the CEC 2005 and CEC 2019 benchmark data sets have been used. A comparison has been performed with differential evolution with active archive (JADE), self-adaptive DE (SaDE), success history based DE (SHADE), LSHADE-SPACMA, extended GWO (GWO-E), jDE100, and others. The DHPN algorithm is also used to solve the image fusion problem for four fusion quality metrics, namely, edge-based similarity index ($$Q^{AB/F}$$QAB/F), sum of correlation difference (SCD), structural similarity index measure (SSIM), and artifact measure ($$N^{AB/F}$$NAB/F). The average$$Q^{AB/F} = 0.765508$$QAB/F=0.765508,$$SCD = 1.63185$$SCD=1.63185,$$SSIM = 0.726317$$SSIM=0.726317, and$$N^{AB/F} = 0.006617$$NAB/F=0.006617shows the best combination of results obtained by DHPN with respect to the existing algorithms such as DCH, CBF, GTF, JSR and others. Experimental and statistical Wilcoxon’s and Friedman’s tests show that the proposed DHPN algorithm performs significantly better in comparison to the other algorithms under test.
Adolescent alcohol exposure persistently alters orbitofrontal cortical encoding of Pavlovian conditional stimulus components in female rats
Authors: Pochapski Jose A. , Gómez-A Alexander , Stringfield Sierra J. , Jaggers Hannah , Boettiger Charlotte A. , Da Cunha Claudio , Robinson Donita L. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractExposure to alcohol during adolescence impacts cortical and limbic brain regions undergoing maturation. In rodent models, long-term effects on behavior and neurophysiology have been described after adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE), especially in males. We hypothesized that AIE in female rats increases conditional approach to a reward-predictive cue and corresponding neuronal activity in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc). We evaluated behavior and neuronal firing after AIE (5 g/kg intragastric) or water (CON) in adult female rats. Both AIE and CON groups expressed a ST phenotype, and AIE marginally increased sign-tracking (ST) and decreased goal-tracking (GT) metrics. NAc neurons exhibited phasic firing patterns to the conditional stimulus (CS), with no differences between groups. In contrast, neuronal firing in the OFC of AIE animals was greater at CS onset and offset than in CON animals. During reward omission, OFC responses to CS offset normalized to CON levels, but enhanced OFC firing to CS onset persisted in AIE. We suggest that the enhanced OFC neural activity observed in AIE rats to the CS could contribute to behavioral inflexibility. Ultimately, AIE persistently impacts the neurocircuitry of reward-motivated behavior in female rats.
In situ monitoring of thin alumina passive film growth by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) during an electrochemical process
Authors: Dutems J. , Crespo-Monteiro N. , Faverjon F. , Gâté V. , Turover D. , Marcellin S. , Ter-Ovanessian B. , Héau C. , Verrier I. , Normand B. , Jourlin Y. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis article presents a sensing technique to characterize the growth of an alumina passive film on an aluminum micro structured layer in situ. The technique uses surface plasmon resonance (SPR) on aluminum coated gratings with spectroscopic measurements during electrochemical polarization in 0.02M Na2SO4. The structure of the sensor was first simulated and then fabricated by photolithography. The grating was then replicated by nanoimprint (NIL) in Sol–Gel before pure aluminum layer was deposited by RF magnetron sputtering to produce the samples used in this study. Coupled plasmonic and electrochemical measurements confirmed the feasibility of in situ characterization (thickness) of alumina passive film on aluminum-based gratings in neutral aqueous media. Combining both measurements with an appropriated SPR spectrum fitting lead to alumina thickness monitoring within a few nanometers’ accuracy. The objectives and challenges of this study are to better characterize the alumina growth during electrochemical process combining in situ electrochemical process and SPR spectra in order to determine thin passive layer characteristics.
The fertility research of "Huajin 6", a new variety of honeysuckle
Authors: Li Runzhu , Chang Hui , Liu Hongyan , Zhang Yongqing , Liang Conglian , Pu Gaobin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the fertility of "Huajin 6" and the effect of exogenous methyl jasmonate on its fertility. In this study, "Huajin 6", "Huajin 6" treated with methyl jasmonate and "Damaohua" were used as the research objects, the stamen phenotypes and the shape of pollen grains were observed, pollen viability and stigma receptivity were measured. The results showed that the pistil structure and function were normal, and although the stamen anthers did not dehisce, they were still capable of producing pollen with a certain amount of vigor. Methyl jasmonate could promote the opening of the flowers of "Huajin 6" and improve the development of pollen grains to a certain extent, but it could not promote anthers dehiscence of "Huajin 6". This study can provide theoretical guidance for the cultivation of new honeysuckle varieties using "Huajin 6".
Many-excitation removal of a transmon qubit using a single-junction quantum-circuit refrigerator and a two-tone microwave drive
Authors: Teixeira Wallace , Mörstedt Timm , Viitanen Arto , Kivijärvi Heidi , Gunyhó András , Tiiri Maaria , Kundu Suman , Sah Aashish , Vadimov Vasilii , Möttönen Mikko 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAchieving fast and precise initialization of qubits is a critical requirement for the successful operation of quantum computers. The combination of engineered environments with all-microwave techniques has recently emerged as a promising approach for the reset of superconducting quantum devices. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate the utilization of a single-junction quantum-circuit refrigerator (QCR) for an expeditious removal of several excitations from a transmon qubit. The QCR is indirectly coupled to the transmon through a resonator in the dispersive regime, constituting a carefully engineered environmental spectrum for the transmon. Using single-shot readout, we observe excitation stabilization times down to roughly 500 ns, a 20-fold speedup with QCR and a simultaneous two-tone drive addressing the e–f and f0–g1 transitions of the system. Our results are obtained at a 48-mK fridge temperature and without postselection, fully capturing the advantage of the protocol for the short-time dynamics and the drive-induced detrimental asymptotic behavior in the presence of relatively hot other baths of the transmon. We validate our results with a detailed Liouvillian model truncated up to the three-excitation subspace, from which we estimate the performance of the protocol in optimized scenarios, such as cold transmon baths and fine-tuned driving frequencies. These results pave the way for optimized reset of quantum-electric devices using engineered environments and for dissipation-engineered state preparation.
Repetitive invasive lung function maneuvers do not accentuate experimental fibrosis in mice
Authors: Röpke Tina , Aschenbrenner Franziska , Knudsen Lars , Welte Tobias , Kolb Martin , Maus Ulrich A. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAssessment of lung function is an important clinical tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of chronic lung diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). In mice, lung function maneuvers use algorithm-based ventilation strategies including forced oscillation technique (FOT), negative pressure-driven forced expiratory (NPFE) and pressure–volume (PV) maneuvers via the FlexiVent system. This lung function test (LFT) is usually performed as end-point measurement only, requiring several mice for each time point to be analyzed. Repetitive lung function maneuvers would allow monitoring of a disease process within the same individual while reducing the numbers of laboratory animals. However, its feasibility in mice and impact on developing lung fibrosis has not been studied so far. Using orotracheal cannulation without surgical exposure of the trachea, we examined the tolerability to repetitive lung function maneuvers (up to four times) in one and the same mouse, both under healthy conditions and in a model of AdTGF-β1 induced lung fibrosis. In essence, we found that repetitive invasive lung function maneuvers were well tolerated and did not accentuate experimental lung fibrosis in mice. This study contributes to the 3R principle aiming to reduce the numbers of experimental animals used in biomedical research.
Millimeter wave gesture recognition using multi-feature fusion models in complex scenes
Authors: Hao Zhanjun , Sun Zhizhou , Li Fenfang , Wang Ruidong , Peng Jianxiang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAs a form of body language, the gesture plays an important role in smart homes, game interactions, and sign language communication, etc. The gesture recognition methods have been carried out extensively. The existing methods have inherent limitations regarding user experience, visual environment, and recognition granularity. Millimeter wave radar provides an effective method for the problems lie ahead gesture recognition because of the advantage of considerable bandwidth and high precision perception. Interfering factors and the complexity of the model raise an enormous challenge to the practical application of gesture recognition methods as the millimeter wave radar is applied to complex scenes. Based on multi-feature fusion, a gesture recognition method for complex scenes is proposed in this work. We collected data in variety places to improve sample reliability, filtered clutters to improve the signal’s signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and then obtained multi features involves range-time map (RTM), Doppler-time map (DTM) and angle-time map (ATM) and fused them to enhance the richness and expression ability of the features. A lightweight neural network model multi-CNN-LSTM is designed to gestures recognition. This model consists of three convolutional neural network (CNN) for three obtained features and one long short-term memory (LSTM) for temporal features. We analyzed the performance and complexity of the model and verified the effectiveness of feature extraction. Numerous experiments have shown that this method has generalization ability, adaptability, and high robustness in complex scenarios. The recognition accuracy of 14 experimental gestures reached 97.28%.
Stability assessment of surrounding rock in downward mining route supported by slab-wall backfill structure
Authors: Yin Yu , Yang Shijiao , He Yan , Pan Jian , Guo Zhenpeng , Fan Junwei , Wang Zhipeng 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCharacteristic of ground pressure in surrounding rock is generally considered as the theoretical basis of parameter optimization for stope structure and technology. To explore the feasibility of efficient method for the second-step downward route backfill stopes in Shanjin gold mine, various numerical simulation methods were used to investigate the effect of slab-wall backfill structure on stability of surrounding rock in downward route mining system. The maximum principal stress, artificial false roof stress, and displacement were analyzed to evaluate the level of ground pressure in different mining areas. These results indicate the optimized structural parameters for backfill stopes, which may also provide a low-cost way to achieve a high safety for downward route mining system.
Exploration of using a wall-climbing robot system for indoor inspection in occupied buildings
Authors: Ma Leyuan , Hartmann Timo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractIndoor inspection robots operating in occupied buildings need to minimize disturbance to occupants and access high areas of a room and cramped spaces obstructed by obstacles for higher inspection coverage. However, existing indoor inspection robots are still unable to meet these requirements. This paper aims to explore the feasibility of applying wall-climbing robots to address these requirements. To this end, we propose a small-sized wall-climbing robot prototype that can move on common indoor surfaces. We extend the proposed prototype to support thermographic inspection by integrating thermal imaging technology into it. Experiment results show that the proposed robot prototype can reach more wall and floor areas for inspection than previously developed indoor inspection robots. It has also been demonstrated that the reduced size and the wall-climbing ability allow the robot to largely avoid human activity areas, thereby reducing disturbance to occupants. This study represents the first attempt to introduce wall-climbing robots into the indoor inspection domain and provides the initial validation of their advantages over existing indoor inspection robots regarding improving inspection coverage and minimizing disturbance to occupants. The findings in this study can provide valuable insights for the future design, selection and application of robotic systems for indoor inspection tasks.
Morphological and molecular data on acuariid nematodes in European great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) and pygmy cormorants (Microcarbo pygmaeus)
Authors: Tedesco Perla , Caffara Monica , Davidovich Nadav , Luci Valentina , Cantori Alessia , Fioravanti Maria Letizia , Gustinelli Andrea 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe family Acuariidae is a speciose group of parasitic nematodes, infecting mostly birds as definitive hosts. This study focused on the characterization of two species of acuariids, collected in two different species of piscivorous birds, the European great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis from Italy, and the pygmy cormorant Microcarbo pygmaeus from Israel. Parasites were analyzed using light and scanning electron microscopy and by amplification and sequencing of the 28S rDNA. The results of morphological and molecular analyses showed that Ph. carbo sinensis was infected by the acuariid Syncuaria squamata (12 females) and Cosmocephalus obvelatus (1 female), whereas M. pygmaeus was infected by C. obvelatus (2 males, 12 females). The present results provide new data on the distribution of acuariid parasites of piscivorous birds, the first report of Acuariidae in Israel, and the first molecular data on S. squamata and C. obvelatus, which will be useful in future epidemiological and phylogenetic studies of these widely distributed, but less molecularly studied parasites.
Effects of expanded graphite’s structural and elemental characteristics on its oil and heavy metal sorption properties
Authors: Coetzee Divan , Rojviroon Thammasak , Niamlang Sumonman , Militký Jiři , Wiener Jakub , Večerník Josef , Melicheríková Jana , Müllerová Jana 
Published: June 2024

AbstractExpanded graphite has promising potential environmental applications due to its porous structure and oleophilic nature, which allow it to absorb large quantities of oil. The material is produced by intercalating graphite and applying heat to convert the intercalant into gas to cause expansion between the layers in the graphite. Using different intercalants and temperature conditions results in varying properties of expanded graphite. This work has proven that the sorption properties of commercial expanded graphite differ significantly due to the material’s structural and elemental characteristics, which can be attributed to the intercalation method. This resulted in various degrees of exfoliation of the graphite and possible functionalisation of the graphene sheets within the structure. This affected the material's sorption capacity and its affinity for heavy metal sorption by incorporating selectivity towards the sorption of certain metals. It was found that sample EG3, which underwent a less harsh expansion, exhibited lower porosity than EG1, and thus, the sample absorbed less oil at 37.29 g/g compared to the more expanded samples EG1 and EG2 with 55.16 g/g and 48.82 g/g, respectively. However, it was able to entrap a wider variety of metal particles compared to EG1 and EG2, possibly due to its smaller cavities allowing for a capillary effect between the graphene sheets and greater Van der Waals forces. A second possibility is that ionic or coordination complexes could form with certain metals due to the possible functionalisation of the expanded graphite during the intercalation process. This would be in addition to coordination between the metals and expanded graphite carbon atoms. The findings suggest that there is evidence of functionalisation as determined by XRD and elemental analyses. However, further investigation is necessary to confirm this hypothesis. The findings in this work suggest that the first mechanism of sorption was more likely to be related to the degree of expansion of the expanded graphite. Various metals are present in used oil, and their removal can be challenging. Some metals in oil are not considered heavy since they have a relatively low density but can be associated with heavy metals in terms of toxicity.
Liraglutide exhibits potential anti-tumor effects on the progression of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Trakoonsenathong Ronnakrit , Kunprom Waritta , Aphivatanasiri Chaiwat , Yueangchantuek Padcharee , Pimkeeree Paslada , Sorin Supannika , Khawkhiaw Kullanat , Chiu Ching-Feng , Okada Seiji , Wongkham Sopit , Saengboonmee Charupong 
Published: June 2024

AbstractGlucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist is an emerging anti-diabetic medication whose effects on the risk and progression of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) are controversial. This study aimed to elucidate the roles of GLP-1R and its agonists on intrahepatic CCA (iCCA) progression. Expressions of GLP-1R in iCCA tissues investigated by immunohistochemistry showed that GLP-1R expressions were significantly associated with poor histological grading (P = 0.027). iCCA cell lines, KKU-055 and KKU-213A, were treated with exendin-4 and liraglutide, GLP-1R agonists, and their effects on proliferation and migration were assessed. Exendin-4 and liraglutide did not affect CCA cell proliferation in vitro, but liraglutide significantly suppressed the migration of CCA cells, partly by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In contrast, liraglutide significantly reduced CCA tumor volumes and weights in xenografted mice (P = 0.046). GLP-1R appeared downregulated when CCA cells were treated with liraglutide in vitro and in vivo. In addition, liraglutide treatment significantly suppressed Akt and STAT3 signaling in CCA cells, by reducing their phosphorylation levels. These results suggested that liraglutide potentially slows down CCA progression, and further clinical investigation would benefit the treatment of CCA with diabetes mellitus.