bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Poly(A)‐Selected Intergenic Transcripts in In Vivo Developed Bovine Oocytes and Pre‐Implantation Embryos
Authors: Ranjitkar Saurav , Shiri Mohammad , Sun Jiangwen , Tian Xiuchun 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIntergenic transcription, either failure to terminate at the transcription end site (TES), or transcription initiation at other intergenic regions, is present in cultured cells and enhanced in the presence of stressors such as viral infection. Such intergenic transcription has not been characterized in natural biological samples such as pre‐implantation embryos which express more than 10,000 genes and undergo drastic changes in DNA methylation. Using Automatic Readthrough Transcription Detection (ARTDeco) and poly(A)‐selected RNA‐seq libraries from in vivo developed bovine oocytes and embryos, we found abundant intergenic transcripts that we termed as read‐outs (transcribed from 5 to 15 kb after TES) and read‐ins (transcribed 1 kb upstream of reference genes, extending up to 15 kb upstream). Read‐throughs (continued transcription from TES of expressed reference genes, 4–15 kb in length), however, were much fewer. For example, the numbers of read‐outs and read‐ins ranged from 3084 to 6565 or 33.36% to 66.67% of expressed reference genes at different stages of embryo development. The less copious read‐throughs were at an average of 10% and significantly correlated with reference gene expression (p < 0.05). Interestingly, intergenic transcription did not seem to be random because many intergenic transcripts (1504 read‐outs, 1045 read‐ins, and 1021 read‐throughs) were associated with common reference genes across all stages of pre‐implantation development. Their expression also seemed to be regulated by developmental stages because many were differentially expressed (log2 fold change ≥ 2, p < 0.05). Additionally, while gradual but un‐patterned decreases in DNA methylation densities 10 kb both up‐ and downstream of the intergenic transcribed regions were observed, the correlation between intergenic transcription and DNA methylation was insignificant. Finally, transcription factor binding motifs and polyadenylation signals were found in 27.2% and 12.15% of intergenic transcripts, respectively, suggesting considerable novel transcription initiation and RNA processing. In summary, in vivo developed oocytes and pre‐implantation embryos express large numbers of intergenic transcripts, which are not related to the overall DNA methylation profiles either up‐ or downstream.
Who is local and what do they know? Braiding knowledges within carnivore management in Europe
Authors: Pettersson Hanna , Lécuyer Lou , Young Juliette , Stringer Lindsay , Calla Simon , Juhász Erika , Molnár Zsolt 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Growing recognition of Indigenous Peoples and traditional local communities as stewards of biodiversity has brought to the fore the issues of knowledge and value pluralism in conservation policy and practice. Given their basis in practical and multi‐generational experience, Indigenous and local knowledges are highly relevant to managing human–wildlife interactions, especially species that are challenging to live with. Yet, these situated forms of knowledge remain overlooked and marginalised, especially ‘local knowledge’, as it is unclear what or whom is encompassed within the term.

We explore local knowledge in the context of pastoral areas in Europe, where populations of large carnivores such as wolves are currently expanding. We ask: who is ‘local’, what constitutes ‘local knowledge’ and what can this knowledge contribute to carnivore management?

We show that continuous exchanges between long‐settled residents, newcomers and transient people in pastoral areas mean that ‘localness’ cannot be approached as a dualist position. Similarly, local knowledge is dynamic and continuously evolving in the face of ongoing and emerging change, which makes efforts of categorisation and preservation complex.

We argue that current approaches to incorporating local knowledge often fail to account for this complexity, producing unjust and ineffective policies and strategies. To advance understanding, we offer an approach that situates local knowledge and those who hold it on a spectrum of knowledge characteristics. We then describe the challenges of braiding knowledge that are particularly relevant for carnivore management, illustrated by examples from our own research and the broader literature.

To tackle the challenges, we propose ‘spacing’ conservation planning by investing in networks of emplaced practitioners, tasked with coordinating the mobilisation and braiding of relevant knowledges and producing locally adapted strategies for coexistence.

Policy implications. Pluralism in carnivore management goes beyond incorporating the technical know‐how of local communities. It requires a better recognition and braiding of different kinds of knowledge and skills, at all scales, to produce better outcomes for people and nature.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
The Cutting Edge Quest: Epic Saga of Carboxymethyl Guar Gum in Drug Delivery and Roads Ahead
Authors: Thakur Vaishali , Dhiman Sonia , Singh Thakur Gurjeet , Bhatia Rohit , Awasthi Ankit 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe search for novel drug delivery systems has generated great interest in biopolymer‐based carriers. Among these, carboxymethyl guar gum (CMGG) has been shown to be promising. CMGG is a chemically modified derivative of guar gum that is synthesized by carboxymethylation with monochloroacetic acid and sodium hydroxide under optimized conditions. This improves the physicochemical properties of the polysaccharide, which are enhanced hydrophilicity, viscosity, and swelling behavior compared to unmodified Guar gum. This review focuses on the wide applications of CMGG in drug delivery systems, thus underlining its versatility as an excipient based on its unique properties. Key features such as pseudoplasticity allow for the effective delivery of drugs in controlled‐release systems. Advanced characterization techniques, like Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, confirm the structural changes due to carboxymethylation; further aspects are emphasized with rheological studies, which highlight its applicability in pharmaceutical fields. The biocompatibility and biodegradability of CMGG add to the advantages, offering safety and compatibility with the environment in therapeutic applications. The capacity of CMGG to enclose hydrophilic drugs as well as control release profiles shows a promise for further therapeutic efficacy enhancement with patient safety. This review further puts forward that CMGG represents an excellent means in the development of novel drug delivery systems for enhancing therapeutic outcomes.
Frequency‐Tunable Plasma: Insights Into Ozone and Reactive Species Dynamics for Biomedical Use
Authors: Chaturvedi Misra V. , Tiwari N. , Bhale D. R. , Ghorui S. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis study investigates how varying excitation frequencies (15, 30, 45, and 60 kHz) influence ozone and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in excitation frequency‐controlled cold atmospheric pressure plasma (EFCAP) and plasma‐treated water (PTW) for biomedical applications. Adjusting the excitation frequency alters the amplitude and frequency of the waveform, thereby affecting the production of ozone and ROS. The most pronounced effects occur at 15 kHz, with strong correlations observed between discharge parameters and frequency modulation. Furthermore, the introduction of nitrogen into argon plasma significantly enhances ozone production. These findings offer valuable insights into optimizing plasma discharge conditions to improve control over reactive species, advancing the development of plasma‐based medical treatments.
Testing Curvature‐Matter Coupling Gravity via Swampland Conjectures
Authors: Varsha C. S. , Sudharani L. , Kavya N. S. , Venkatesha V. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe study of the compatibility of curvature‐matter coupling gravity theory within the framework of swampland conjectures is explored in this manuscript. The de‐sitter swampland conjecture is considered in relation to the inflationary solution generated by the curvature‐matter coupling gravity. The slow‐roll conditions are derived for the specific case of model. The results show that the swampland conjectures are at odds with the slow‐roll condition for curvature‐matter coupling gravity theory. Therefore, it is concluded that the swampland conjectures and the curvature‐matter coupling gravity, Specifically, model appear to be inconsistent with each other within the context of an inflationary profile of curvature‐matter coupling gravity theory.
Overtones' Outburst and Hawking Evaporation of Kazakov–Solodukhin Quantum Corrected Black Hole
Authors: Bolokhov Sergey , Bronnikov Kirill , Konoplya Roman 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThe Kazakov–Solodukhin black hole (BH) metric represents a spherically symmetric deformation of the Schwarzschild solution due to quantum‐gravity corrections. Assuming the absence of nonspherical deformations of the metric, this problem was solved nonperturbatively. In this study, the intensity of Hawking radiation in the background of such quantum‐corrected BHs and the behavior of their quasinormal modes (QNM) are investigated. The findings indicate that while the geometry and such classical characteristics as the fundamental QNM frequencies or the shadow radius are only slightly altered, the Hawking radiation and the frequencies of QNM overtones of sufficiently small BHs change much more significantly. This Hawking radiation enhancement arises due to much larger grey‐body factors, while the Hawking temperature remains unaffected. The effect becomes significant at the latest stage of BH evaporation.
Dynamical Generation of Electroweak Scale From the Conformal Sector: A Strongly Coupled Higgs via the Dyson–Schwinger Approach
Authors: Chatterjee Arpan , Frasca Marco , Ghoshal Anish , Groote Stefan 
Published: February 2025

AbstractA novel pathway to generate the electroweak (EW) scale via non‐perturbative dynamics of a conformally invariant scalar sector at the classical level is proposed. A method is provided to estimate the non‐perturbative EW scale generation using the exact solution of the background equations of motion in a scalar theory via the Dyson–Schwinger approach. Particularly, an analytical result for the Higgs mass in the strongly coupled regime is found in terms of its quartic self interaction term and the cut‐off scale of the theory. It is also shown that the Higgs sector is an essential part of the standard model as, without it, a Yang–Mills gauge theory cannot acquire mass even if a self‐interaction term is present. A more realistic model building with possible solutions to the gauge hierarchy problem and, in general, to the dynamical generation of any scales scales in nature, be it the visible sector or the dark sector, is led by this analysis.
Developing a Climbing Robot for Stay Cable Maintenance With Security and Rescue Mechanisms
Authors: Zheng Zhenliang , Wang Chao , Hu Xiaoli , Zhang Lun , Zhang Wenchao , Xu Yongyuan , Liu Pengfei , Pang Xufang , Lam Tin Lun , Ding Ning 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe significance of climbing robotic systems for cable maintenance is escalating in both academic research and real‐world applications. As these systems are poised for real‐world deployment, it is imperative to develop security and rescue mechanisms that ensure robots' intrinsic safety and robustness in dealing with uncertainty factors. This study presents a novel cable climbing robot designed with a climbing platform, a robotic manipulator integrated with specialized maintenance tools, and a gripper to withstand dynamic loads and impacts from maintenance operations. In addition, we propose the variable‐damping safe‐landing mechanism, the rescue mechanism, and the fusible gripper mechanism to counteract substantial disturbances in worst‐case scenarios. Extensive experiments have been conducted to evaluate the proposed robot and its security and rescue mechanisms. The cable climbing robot has a heavy‐duty capacity of 45 kg and an obstacle‐negotiation ability of 10 mm. It also demonstrated its capabilities in various maintenance tasks, such as cable inspection, grinding, or repair. The variable‐damping safe‐landing mechanism was tested, showing the maximum falling speed can decrease from 1 to 0.1 m/s to promise safety, and the falling time can increase from about 5 to 45 s. Meanwhile, the rescue mechanism successfully retrieved the trapped robot. The results demonstrate the capabilities of the cable climbing robot and the feasibility of using the security and rescue mechanisms for the climbing robotic system, which have implications that the cable climbing robot with security and rescue mechanisms is more reliable and can be deployed in the real world with greater confidence.
Turbid Underwater Image Enhancement via Attenuation Prior Formation Model
Authors: Liu Shuai , Chen Peng , Chen Lei , Zheng Yuchao , Li Jianru , Shen Zhengxiang , Wang Zhanshan 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTTo deal with the issue of poor visibility caused by water turbidity during the operation of underwater robotics, we propose an attenuation prior formation model‐guided enhancement algorithm for turbid underwater images. Specifically, we establish an imaging model suitable for turbid water by studying the influence of water turbidity on light attenuation and transmission. For this model, we first propose a scoring formula that takes into account multiple prior knowledge to estimate the global background light with the help of a hierarchical searching technique. Then, we make full use of the advantages of different scale neighborhoods in image restoration and propose an adaptive multiscale weighted fusion transmission estimation method to balance brightness and contrast. In addition, to correct the color of the images with a natural appearance, a variation of white balance is introduced as postprocessing. Extensive experiments on two image data sets show that our algorithm achieves better results than state‐of‐the‐art methods.
ROV Teleoperation in the Presence of Cross‐Currents Using Soft Haptics
Authors: Brown Joshua , Farkhatdinov Ildar , Jenkin Michael 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe remote operation of underwater vehicles at depth is complicated by the presence of invisible and unpredictable environmental disturbances such as cross‐currents. Communicating the presence of these disturbances to an operator on the surface is made more difficult by the nature of the disturbances and the lack of visible features to highlight in the visual display presented to the operator. Here we explore the use of a novel interactive soft haptic touchpad that utilizes vibration and particle jamming to provide information about the presence and direction of cross‐currents to the operator of an ROV (remotely operated vehicle). An in‐water experiment using a thruster‐based ROV and artificially generated cross‐current was performed with nonexpert ROV operators to evaluate the effectiveness of multimodal haptic feedback to communicate complex environmental information during high‐risk operations. Advanced haptic displays can signal both the presence of external factors as well as their direction, information that can enhance operational performance as well as reduce operator cognitive load. Using haptic feedback resulted in a statistically significant reduction in cognitive load of 24.3% and an increase in positioning accuracy of 28.3% for novice operators. Deviation from an ideal path was also reduced by 29.5% for experienced operators when using haptic feedback compared to without. While this experiment took place in controlled conditions with a fixed direction cross‐current and haptic interface, this approach could be extended to communicate real‐time environmental information in real‐world unstructured environments.
Heterogeneous Event Mapping of Multi‐Robot System Based on Event Structures
Authors: Zhang Xuewei , Han Deshuai , Yang Qiliang , Chen Wenjie , Wang Ronghao 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTHeterogeneous event mapping is a critical challenge in multi‐robot system, where diverse robots generate event logs with opaque names and inconsistent formats due to subsystem heterogeneity. However, existing techniques are inappropriate because they do not make full use of workflow features in event logs. We observe that several types of event constraints in event logs may serve as more discriminative features in event matching. Therefore, a novel approach is proposed to address the above problem by leveraging event structures as discriminative feature for heterogeneous event mapping. Specifically, the event structure captures behavioral constraints in event logs to provide a robust foundation for event mapping. To enhance matching efficiency, we devise an advanced A* search algorithm with a tight upper bound, which effectively prunes nonoptimal mappings and avoid the space explosion problem. Furthermore, a prototype system is implemented that automatically calculates the optimal mapping score between heterogeneous events. Based on this, extensive experiments on both real and synthetic data sets demonstrate that our approach outperforms state‐of‐the‐art approaches in accuracy, efficiency, and scalability. This work provides a robust solution for seamless coordination and data sharing in MRS, with potential applications in autonomous navigation, collaborative robotics, and human–robot interaction.
Flow Memory Effect on Open‐Frame Remotely Operated Vehicle Motion
Authors: Guo Ruinan , Zan Yingfei , Fu Wenzhi , Cao Chenlei , Han Duanfeng , Sun Nan 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe flow memory effect is a kind of viscous force caused by acceleration between continuous phases and underwater vehicles and the development of the boundary layer near the interfacial surface. This paper establishes a 6‐degrees‐of‐freedom unsteady equation of motion describing the flow memory effect on viscous hydrodynamic loads. Motion simulations based on the unsteady and steady equations of motion for a work‐class open‐frame remotely operated vehicle are studied. Comparative studies show that the flow memory effect decreases the roll amplitude by over 50% at the natural frequency and has a greater impact on the motions in directions without control forces. The flow memory increases the lateral distance of rotation motions by over 10%. Under the flow memory effect, velocity fluctuations that persist over 2–5 times the length of the remotely operated vehicle are induced after the thrust control stops. The application of the unsteady equation of motion as part of a controller is verified through simulation experiments. A sudden motion in the process of rotation is designed to study the improvement of the control ability of the unsteady model. The experimental results suggest a performance improvement of ~30% over the steady‐model‐based controller when the roll angle error reaches the extreme value. The lower sensitivity of the unsteady‐model‐based controller is proved by motion control under multiple gains.
Enabling Quantum Privacy and Security by Design: Imperatives for Contemporary State‐of‐the‐Art in Quantum Software Engineering
Authors: Santa Barletta Vita , Caivano Danilo , Pal Anibrata , Scalera Michele , Serrano Martin Manuel A. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTWith the advent of Quantum Computing and its exponential research endeavors in the past couple of decades, we are looking at a Golden Era of Quantum Computing. We are transitioning into an age of Hybrid Classical‐Quantum Computers, where the quantum computational resources are selectively harnessed for resource‐intensive tasks. On the one hand, Quantum Computing promises immense future computational innovation, and it also comes with privacy and security challenges. To date, Privacy by Design (PbD) and Security by Design (SbD) frameworks and guidelines in the Quantum Software Engineering (QSE) domain are still nebulous, and there are no comprehensive studies on the same. In this study, therefore, we identify the current state‐of‐the‐art in the relevant literature and investigate the principles of PbD and SbD in the domain of QSE. This is the first study to identify state‐of‐the‐art Quantum PbD and Quantum SbD in QSE. Furthermore, we also identified the gaps in the current literature, which were extended into action points for a robust literature for Quantum PbD and SbD. We recognize the crucial role of researchers, academics, and professionals in the field of Quantum Computing and Software Engineering in conducting more empirical studies and shaping the future of PbD and SbD principles in QSE.
The Damage Done: A Mandate to Demolish America's Progress Toward a More Perfect Union
Authors: Brunello Anthony R. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTOne of the means to undermine democratic government is to destroy public trust in institutions. Tyrants break confidence in democracy by constantly attacking government as wasteful, incompetent, and illegitimate. The conservative movement in America gradually moved in this direction on three fronts: religion, economics, and democratic institutions, working toward minority autocracy and against egalitarianism and diversity. Reagan‐era neoliberalism evolved into the Tea Party Movement (in 2008) and has now transformed into MAGA (in 2016) (Make America Great Again) under Donald Trump. The Heritage Foundation is now ready to fulfill a dream of “dismantling the administrative state” with Project 2025: Mandate for Leadership (in 2023). This extended commentary chronicles the means through which the American conservative movement used racism and religion to undermine democratic institutions for the sake of power and wealth and to win an ideological culture war for White nationalism.
Country Size and Government Effectiveness in Africa: Transcending the Mean Analysis
Authors: Amegavi George Babington , Langnel Zechariah , Bawole Justice Nyigma , Mensah James Kwame 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTImproving government performance in Africa remains an enduring issue. We used panel data from 1996 to 2019 and the method of moment quantile regression (MMQR) technique to provide new perspectives on the relationship between population size and government effectiveness across a panel of large and small African countries. We also examined whether the impact depends on the conditional distribution of government effectiveness. The impact and significance of the estimated coefficients suggest that large and small populations have strong but differentiated effects on government effectiveness in Africa. The results imply that implementing a “one‐size‐fits‐all” strategy to improve government performance in Africa that treats countries in the region as homogeneous units is unlikely to be effective. Strategies should be tailored to address country‐specific asymmetries. The findings also emphasize the importance of heterogeneity in government effectiveness in population size–government performance interactions, which tends to be neglected in public administration theory and practice.