A philosophical inquiry into knowledge and originality to investigate the prevailing criticism of ChatGPT et al.

Abstract: Abstract The rapid advancement of Conversational AI tools like ChatGPT has sparked polarized debates in academia, particularly around issues of plagiarism, ownership, and bias. Unexamined misconceptions may hinder the effective integration of Conversational AI tools, limiting their potential to stimulate interactive and convergent learning experiences. This study investigates prevailing criticisms by infusing insights from theories of Mimesis from Greek philosophy, Value Creation from Economics, and Deconstruction from Western philosophy to provide a well-rounded perspective. Utilizing qualitative thematic coding, this review analysed 40 ChatGPT-related articles selected from an initial pool of 302 articles sourced from Scopus and Web of Science using a Boolean search. The PRISMA flowchart was employed to ensure transparency and rigor in the screening process. The review also integrated 14 theoretical and 10 methodology-focused studies. The findings revealed that: (i) nothing in the world is truly original except for Nature itself and knowledge derives from imitation and shared understanding; (ii) creation involves adaptation and transformation in response to user or contextual demands; and (iii) truth is multiple and resists rigid binary notions of right and wrong; which suggest that attributing blame to Conversational AI for plagiarism, ownership, or bias is unjustified. Conversational AI, when used with clear guidelines and thoughtful pedagogical strategies, can foster creativity through collaboration, enhance opportunities by synthesizing raw information, and elicit intellectual engagement by offering non-binary truths. The findings will help students, educators, and administrators cross-check the criticisms of Conversational AI tools and reshape attitudes to embrace their functional adaptability to enhance knowledge dissemination.


Selective modification of oleuropein, a multifunctional bioactive natural product

Abstract: Oleuropein is the major phenolic compound extracted from olive leaves and it is also present in olive fruits and virgin olive oil. It has already demonstrated a wide range of pharmacological activities, but new derivatives have to be designed in order to obtain useful Structure–Activity Relationships for this family of products, as well as new analogs with improved and/or different biological properties. However, taking into account the multiple OH groups (catechol and sugar) present in oleuropein, the selective modification of this natural product is a challenging problem. In this paper, we present an efficient strategy allowing the selective modification at the primary alcohol position of this natural product. Using appropriate protection/deprotection sequences, we prepared by hemisynthesis several triazoles linked to the oleuropein core, as representative examples for the development of such an approach. Keywords: Oleuropein, Debenzylation, Benzyl protecting group, Hemisynthesis, Triazole, Click chemistry

Amel Jerbi
Paul Mosset
René Grée
Majed Kammoun


Early trajectory of inflammatory cytokines following tarlatamab administration in three advanced SCLC patients

Abstract: Abstract Tarlatamab, a bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE), effectively activates the immune system but often causes cytokine release syndrome (CRS). To understand the early in vivo cytokine dynamics of post-BiTE therapy, we analyzed serum from three SCLC patients before and after tarlatamab administration using the Bio-Plex Pro Human Cytokine Screening Panel, 48-Plex. CRS occurred once in case 1, twice in case 2, and not at all in case 3. During the initial CRS in cases 1 and 2, IL-6, IL-1Ra, IL-10, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, MIG, and IP-10 increased from baseline. Of these, MIG and IP-10 were also elevated during the second CRS episode in case 2. Some cytokines (hepatocyte growth factor, IFN-α2, IFN-γ, IL-2Rα, MIP-1α, MCP-1, and TRAIL) rose during CRS in either case 1 or 2 but showed little change in the other. RANTES decreased during CRS in case 1, yet increased and remained high in case 2, and stayed elevated in case 3. This cytokine profiling highlights the complex pathophysiology of CRS and the involvement of diverse cytokine networks beyond the IL-6 axis. These findings may guide future biomarker development, disease classification, and therapeutic strategies beyond IL-6 inhibition, advancing personalized CRS management.

Takuma Imakita
Kohei Fujita
Yuki Yamamoto
Osamu Kanai
Yuta Okada
Shogo Toyama
Takanori Ito
Issei Oi
Kiminobu Tanizawa

Neoplasms. Tumors. Oncology. Including cancer and carcinogens


Correction: Solid‑state hydrogen storage materials

M. R. Kalibek
A. D. Ospanova
B. Suleimenova
R. Soltan
T. Orazbek
A. M. Makhmet
Kh. S. Rafikova
N. Nuraje

Materials of engineering and construction. Mechanics of materials


Political stability and good governance as catalysts for achieving sustainable cities, clean energy, and responsible consumption: evidence from an emerging economy

Abstract: Abstract This study investigates the pivotal role of political stability, good governance, and institutional support in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7, 11, and 12 in Pakistan, an emerging economy. SDG 7 deals with affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, SDG 11 deals with sustainable cities and communities and SDGs 12 promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns. The data was collected using a quantitative method from various sources, including the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, the Ministry of Climate Change, the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, and various NGOs involved in issues such as renewable energy, sustainable cities, and responsible consumption. The collected data was analyzed by using SMART PLS. This study concludes that political stability serves as the foundation for achieving sustainable development goals. It has been observed that the implementation of good governance, which includes principles of transparency, accountability, and public participation, significantly enhances the effectiveness of policies aimed at achieving these SDGs. More specifically, sufficient financial resources and appropriate physical infrastructure are identified as key factors in addressing challenges related to Pakistan’s sustainable development goals. Policymakers should also prioritize investments in sustainable infrastructure projects that align with SDGs 7, 11, and 12, such as investing in renewable energy sources, sustainable urban development, and promoting responsible consumption and production practices.

Shahid Mahmood
Asifa Iqbal
Amel Ali Alhussan
El-Sayed M. El-kenawy

Humanities & Social Sciences Communications

History of scholarship and learning. The humanities


Do emotions conquer facts? A CCME model for the impact of emotional information on implicit attitudes in the post-truth era

Abstract: Abstract This study aimed to examine the influence of emotional media information on information-processing mechanisms in the current post-truth era. A cognitive conflict monitoring and evaluation (CCME) model was proposed to explore news audiences’ attention and implicit attitudes. The study had a 2 (information type, emotional vs. neutral) × 2 (condition, compatible vs. incompatible) × 3 (electrode position: Fz vs. Cz vs. Pz) design, and an implicit association test (IAT) was administered, with event-related potential (ERP) data collected. The results revealed that emotional information evoked different information-processing mechanisms than neutral information. First, in the early conflict-monitoring stage, emotional information altered arousal, and more attentional resources were allocated to semantic processing. Second, in the late evaluation stage, the lack of attentional resources (due to prior allocation) reduced the late-stage evaluation of the target stimuli by participants. Thus, in this post-truth era, attentional resources may be exhausted by processing emotional information in unnecessary media cues irrelevant to facts, inducing early cognitive conflict and prolonged late-stage evaluation of news articles.

Ya Yang
Lichao Xiu
Xuejiao Chen
Guoming Yu


Multivariate analysis of Moodle components and grade distribution patterns for adaptive learning environments

Abstract: Abstract The increasing sophistication of Learning Management Systems (LMS) has generated vast amounts of educational data with untapped potential for enhancing teaching and learning. While previous research has examined relationships between LMS components and overall student performance, less attention has been paid to how these components influence specific grade distributions. This study employs multivariate analysis techniques to investigate how Moodle components relate to distinct grade categories (A-F) across 985 courses at a Ukrainian pedagogical university. Using multiple regression models, canonical correlation analysis, and cluster analysis, we identify significant relationships between specific Moodle components and grade outcomes. Information components (particularly teacher presence) strongly predict excellence, while Activity x Communication interactions support satisfactory performance. Resource diversity combined with structured activities correlates with reduced failure rates. We further identify four distinct course design clusters with characteristic grade distribution patterns. The findings demonstrate how learning analytics can move beyond descriptive insights toward prescriptive guidance. This nuanced understanding of grade distribution patterns provides practical guidance for tailoring course design to diverse pedagogical objectives and student needs, thus contributing to the emerging field of personalized digital learning environments.

Serhiy O. Semerikov
Pavlo P. Nechypurenko
Tetiana A. Vakaliuk
Iryna S. Mintii
Liliia O. Fadieieva


Impact of the Family Health Program on gastroenteritis in children in Bahia, Northeast Brazil: An analysis of primary care-sensitive conditions

Abstract: In seeking to provide universal health care through its primary care-oriented Family Health Program, Brazil has attempted to reduce hospitalization rates for preventable illnesses such as childhood gastroenteritis. We measured rates of Primary Care-sensitive Hospitalizations and evaluated the impact of the Family Health Program on pediatric gastroenteritis trends in high-poverty Northeast Brazil. We analyzed aggregated municipal-level data in time-series between years 1999–2007 from the Brazilian health system payer database and performed qualitative, in-depth key informant interviews with public health experts in municipalities in Bahia. Data were sampled for Bahia’s Salvador microregion, a population of approximately 14 million. Gastroenteritis hospitalization rates among children aged less than 5 years were evaluated. Declining hospitalization rates were associated with increasing coverage by the PSF (P = 0.02). After multivariate adjustment for garbage collection, sanitation, and water supply, evidence of this association was no longer significant (P = 0.28). Qualitative analysis confirmed these findings with a framework of health determinants, proximal causes, and health system effects. The PSF, with other public health efforts, was associated with decreasing gastroenteritis hospitalizations in children. Incentives for providers and more patient-centered health delivery may contribute to strengthening the PSF’s role in improving primary health care outcomes in Brazil.

Laura J. Monahan
Gregory S. Calip
Patricia M. Novo
Mark Sherstinsky
Mildred Casiano
Eduardo Mota
Inês Dourado

Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health


Spatial Characteristics and Influence of Topography and Synoptic Systems on PM2.5 in the Eastern Monsoon Region of China

Abstract: Abstract Based on the PM2.5 concentration in the autumn and winter of 2015–2019, the characteristics of urban air pollution in the eastern monsoon region of China were discussed. The spatial distribution and interregional influence of fine particle pollution under different synoptic weather and topography in the eastern monsoon region of China were illustrated. According to synoptic systems, regional PM2.5 pollution episodes were classified into three categories, including Uniform Pressure field (UP, 60.00%), Pre-High Pressure (PreHP, 30.91%) and Inverted-Trough (IT, 9.09%). The K-Means algorithm combined with the HYSPLIT backward trajectory clustering analysis indicated four clusters under UP controlled, and under weak pressure field was responsible for the elevation of PM2.5 concentration, where the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and its surrounding areas were the most polluted region. For PreHP, four clusters eased after cold front. For IT, three clusters were ascertained, and the severe PM2.5 pollution area was in the central and southern of the North China Plain. This study provided a scientific basis for the joint prevention of PM2.5 pollution based on topographic and meteorological characteristics in Eastern China.

Shengli Zhu
Zhaowen Wang
Kai Qu
Jun Xu
Ji Zhang
Haiyi Yang
Wenxin Wang
Xiao Sui
Min Wei
Houfeng Liu


Actuator fault detection method of quadrotor UAV based on dual channel inertial sensors

Abstract: Abstract Aiming at the problem of actuator failure of quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a novel fault detection method based on dual channel inertial sensors is proposed. Firstly, the actuator partial failure fault model is introduced into the UAV dynamic model. Then, a double channel observer is designed with the angular velocity of the rolling channel and the pitch channel as the state variable. The angular velocity estimation errors of the two channels are calculated and compared with the estimation error threshold. Based on this result, the fault channels are initially located while the actuator faults are identified. Finally, according to the angular velocity control characteristics of the two channels, an accurate fault location algorithm is designed to determine the location of the faulty rotor. Two groups of simulation flight experiments were carried out in MATLAB/SIMULINK environment. During the simulation process, the algorithm proposed by this paper was compared and analyzed with the H-/L∞ algorithm proposed in the recent literature. The results show that the algorithm in this paper can not only achieve precise fault location, but also detect faults quickly. Compared with the H-/L∞ algorithm, the detection speed of this algorithm has increased by more than 80%. The real flight experiment results of the quadrotor UAV prototype verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm for actuator fault detection in actual flight scenarios.

Laihong Zhou
Hong Jin
Ping Chen
Jianqiang Xiong
Chengdi Li
Wenming Xiong


Development of a low-cost, disposable biosensor for sensitive quantification of C1 inhibitor in commercial serum

Abstract: Abstract Hereditary angioedema (HAE), an autosomal dominant disease that may be fatal in the larynx and gastrointestinal tract, can affect the skin and mucosal surfaces. Indium tin oxide-polyethyleneterephthalate (ITO-PET) electrode based on biosensor is put up in this study to detect C1-Inhibitor (C1-INH). The ITO-PET electrodes were surface have undergone a cleaning procedure. Hydroxylation (NH4OH, H2O2, H2O) was applied to the electrode surfaces. The ITO-PET electrode surfaces were then treated with 3-Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (3-APTES). Crosslinking with glutaraldehyde was the following step. The concentration of 3-APTES, the concentration of anti-C1-INH, and the length of time that C1-INH was incubated were the ideal conditions. It conducted immobilization, optimization, and analysis stlod udies using techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The linear range, repeatability, reproducibility, regeneration studies, single frequency studies (SFI), and storage of life of the biosensor were carried out in characterization studies. It was discovered that the linear range of the immunosensor was 2 fg/mL to 1500 fg/mL. It discovered the biosensor's (11 weeks) storage life. The LOD value calculated as a result of the study is 0.23 fg/mL and the LOQ value is 0.26 fg/mL. The biosensor was tested using the (SWV) square wave voltammetry technique (0–1.5 V, equal time: 2, frequency: 25 Hz, pulse size: 25 mV). The interaction between antibody C1-INH and C1-INH antigens was observed using a single frequency technique (SFI).The final stage was testing the biosensor on commercial serum studies.

Nur Tarımeri Köseer
Mustafa Kemal Sezgintürk

Chemical technology
Physical and theoretical chemistry


Implementation of pharmacist-managed early switch from intravenous to oral therapy using electronic identification at a tertiary academic hospital

Abstract: Abstract Overutilization of intravenous (IV) medications can result in drug shortages, which is one of the major health care crisis, in addition to increasing costs, length of hospital stays (LOS) and the associated complications. We hypothesized that IV therapy was overused at our hospital where oral (PO) was applicable, and that the implementation of IV-PO protocol could result in a cost-effective practice. Hence, we aimed at assessing impact and outcomes of implementing such a protocol. A single center, prospective quasi-interventional study conducted at tertiary academic hospital. A protocol was implemented targeting 17 medications, with educational sessions to medical staff during a 5-month phase. IV orders of 48 h or more, among adult patients at medical or surgical wards with no contraindication to PO route were eligible. Once eligible, pharmacists send interventions using hospital’s computerized order entry system, and physicians’ responses were monitored on daily basis. Efficacy was estimated by percentage of switch recommendations that resulted in effective switch to PO medication. Cost-minimization analysis was used for course cost between the control phase and intervention phase. Length of hospital stay (LOS), readmissions within 90 days and in-hospital mortality were analyzed as secondary outcomes. During intervention phase, 781 patients had at least one IV order switched to PO. Gastric acid-reducing agents (GARAs) accounted for the most IV prescriptions (50.4%), followed by antibiotics (39.6%). Pharmacists carried out 2677 interventions to which switch recommendations were issued in 1185 (44.3%). Primary switch recommendations (N = 677) led to effective switch in 60.7% cases. These included per protocol switch (8.9%), switch to another PO (2.5%), spontaneous switch by physician (17.6%) and IV discontinuation (31.8%). The overall efficacy was estimated as 62.8%. The intervention was associated with reduced IV consumption from 4,574–18,597 vials in control phase to 3,654–15,546 vials in intervention phase, which resulted in overall cost saving of 50,960.8 SAR ($13,589.5), with an average monthly cost saving of 10,192.2 SAR ($2,717.9). Pharmacist-managed early switch from IV-PO therapy, with physicians’ education, showed significant reduction in IV medication use in our hospital. By reducing unnecessary IV use, this strategy enabled considerable cost savings, besides the potential advantages of convenience and safety.

Alaa Babonji
Bayan Darwesh
Maha Al-alwai


“The rebirth of the West begins with you!”—Self-improvement as radicalisation on 4chan

Abstract: Abstract Among the discussion threads devoted to racism, conspiracies, and fascist dogma on 4chan’s notorious ‘Politically Incorrect’ board, there is also a small but significant number of posts on the topic of far-right self-improvement. These posts speak in a style that blends the language of self-help and fitness with far-right propaganda and conspiracies, and are designed to turn the movement from aimless online ‘shitposters’ into survivalists and soldiers. This article describes the unique form of self-improvement advice known on 4chan as the ‘iron pill,’ and considers the role that self-improvement plays in radicalisation among the far right online. It addresses how this plays into the history of fascism, looking in particular at the concept of the ‘New Man’ in Italian fascism, and discusses how a political narrative of conspiracy and resistance to imagined tyranny is used to motivate self-improvement, and how this in turn builds and cements radicalisation.


ZEB1‐mediated melanoma cell plasticity enhances resistance to MAPK inhibitors

Abstract: Abstract Targeted therapies with MAPK inhibitors (MAPKi) are faced with severe problems of resistance in BRAF‐mutant melanoma. In parallel to the acquisition of genetic mutations, melanoma cells may also adapt to the drugs through phenotype switching. The ZEB1 transcription factor, a known inducer of EMT and invasiveness, is now considered as a genuine oncogenic factor required for tumor initiation, cancer cell plasticity, and drug resistance in carcinomas. Here, we show that high levels of ZEB1 expression are associated with inherent resistance to MAPKi in BRAFV600‐mutated cell lines and tumors. ZEB1 levels are also elevated in melanoma cells with acquired resistance and in biopsies from patients relapsing while under treatment. ZEB1 overexpression is sufficient to drive the emergence of resistance to MAPKi by promoting a reversible transition toward a MITFlow/p75high stem‐like and tumorigenic phenotype. ZEB1 inhibition promotes cell differentiation, prevents tumorigenic growth in vivo, sensitizes naive melanoma cells to MAPKi, and induces cell death in resistant cells. Overall, our results demonstrate that ZEB1 is a major driver of melanoma cell plasticity, driving drug adaptation and phenotypic resistance to MAPKi.

Geoffrey Richard
Stéphane Dalle
Marie‐Ambre Monet
Maud Ligier
Amélie Boespflug
Roxane M Pommier
Arnaud de la Fouchardière
Marie Perier‐Muzet
Lauriane Depaepe
Romain Barnault
Garance Tondeur
Stéphane Ansieau
Emilie Thomas
Corine Bertolotto
Robert Ballotti
Samia Mourah
Maxime Battistella
Céleste Lebbé
Luc Thomas
Alain Puisieux
Julie Caramel


Vision of the human being in the Stockholm 72 conference: similarities and differences with Christian anthropology

Abstract: Abstract A solution to the current socio-environmental crisis requires consensus and agreement between people and groups with different visions (Pascual et al. 2023). Regardless of individual ideologies or beliefs, it is essential to find common ground and act collectively to address a global problem. This paper identifies the similarities and differences between the anthropological vision underlying the UN documents, in particular the 1972 Stockholm conference, and the Catholic anthropological vision of the encyclical Laudato si’. The analysis delves deep into Stockholm 72 (S72) and its historical context for two reasons. First, S72 was the first major international conference to comprehensively address the relationship between human economic development and environmental protection, leading the way for subsequent conferences in Rio, Kyoto, Johannesburg, Copenhagen, Rio+20, Paris, etc., which have led (so far) to the 2030 Agenda. Second, there is a need to establish a general methodology of anthropological analysis, hitherto non-existent, applicable to UN conferences. Delving into the very first one is instrumental to understanding how the social, economic, and philosophical influences of the time are reflected in its vision of the individual and collective human being, in its contents, and in the global environmental policies that followed. The comparison of S72 with the ethical vision of Laudato si’, and more broadly with Catholic Social Teaching (CST), reveals many anthropological points of convergence. These provide a strong basis for constructive dialogue between UN documents and the Christian worldview, which also strongly promotes the care of our common home.

María Zitto Soria
Alberto López Rosado
Jaime Tatay


Optimizing Energy Consumption of Edge-Cloud Environments: A comparative Study Between PPO and PSO

Abstract: Abstract As the usage of the edge-cloud continuum increases, Kubernetes presents itself as a solution that allows easy control and deployment of applications in these highly-distributed and heterogeneous environments. In this context, Artificial Intelligence methods have been proposed to aid in the task allocation process to optimize different aspects of the system, such as application execution time, load balancing or energy consumption. In this paper, we present a comparative study focused on optimizing energy consumption through dynamic task allocation in a realistic V2X application scenario. We evaluate and compare two methods representing the most common algorithmic families for resource allocation: Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO). Our methodology includes the design of a custom Kubernetes Operator to enforce the models’ node recommendations, allowing for rigorous, real-world validation against the base Kubernetes scheduler. Experiments demonstrate that while both PSO and PPO models successfully reduce energy consumption, PSO delivers the highest savings, reducing energy use by up to 20%. Crucially, our study highlights a key trade-off: although PSO is performance-superior for energy, the PPO model remains a faster and more computationally lightweight option that can be used widely on any kind of device, even with limited resources.

Alejandro Espinosa
Xavier Samos
Daniel Ulied
Jordi Marias
Rizkallah Touma

International Journal of Computational Intelligence Systems


Identification of an E2Fs-based gene signature for predicting prognosis and therapeutic response in colorectal cancer

Abstract: Abstract E2F family genes are common transcription factors, abnormal in several malignant tumors. However, their complex involvement in colorectal cancer, particularly in prognosis, immune infiltration, and mutational landscape, remains unclear. We conducted a study using gene expression data from the TCGA and GEO datasets to examine the abnormal expression of E2Fs in colorectal cancer. And we performed consensus clustering and differential gene expression analyses to identify E2Fs-related genes. Then, we used Lasso regression and multivariate Cox regression to create a prognostic risk model for colorectal cancer. We analyzed the differences between the E2Fs-based gene risk and various clinical characteristics, gene mutations, immune cell infiltration, immunotherapy responses, and drug sensitivity using clinicopathological data, single-cell RNA sequences, multiple immune algorithms. Finally, we have developed a prognostic risk model that includes FMO5, NDUFA11, LIPG, FIGNL1, MOGAT2, and GZMB. We observed significant differences in clinical characteristics, immune cell infiltration, gene mutation landscapes, immunotherapy responses, and drug sensitivity between the high-risk and low-risk groups. The novel E2Fs-based gene risk model shows significant potential for contributing to the evaluation of prognosis and predicting immunotherapeutic outcomes for colorectal cancer patients.

Feifan Zhang
Zhiwei Sun
Zhenyu Zhang
Kexin Jiang
Bowen Wei
Xiaoqi Yu
Yunfei Zuo
Shuangyi Ren


Estimation of Seismic Ground Motions and Attendant Potential Human Fatalities from Scenario Earthquakes on the Chishan Fault in Southern Taiwan

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to estimate maximum ground motions in southern Taiwan as well as to assess potential human fatalities from scenario earthquakes on the Chishan active faults in this area. The resultant Shake Map patterns of maximum ground motion in a case of Mw 7.2 show the areas of PGA above 400 gals are located in the northeastern, central and northern parts of southwestern Kaohsiung as well as the southern part of central Tainan, as shown in the regions inside the yellow lines in the corresponding figure. Comparing cities with similar distances located in Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung to the Chishan fault, the cities in Tainan area have relatively greater PGA and PGV, due to large site response factors in Tainan area. Furthermore, seismic hazards in terms of PGA and PGV in the vicinity of the Chishan fault are not completely dominated by the Chishan fault. The main reason is that some areas located in the vicinity of the Chishan fault are marked with low site response amplification values from 0.55 - 1.1 and 0.67 - 1.22 for PGA and PGV, respectively. Finally, from estimation of potential human fatalities from scenario earthquakes on the Chishan active fault, it is noted that potential fatalities increase rapidly in people above age 45. Total fatalities reach a high peak in age groups of 55 - 64. Another to pay special attention is Kaohsiung City has more than 540 thousand households whose residences over 50 years old. In light of the results of this study, I urge both the municipal and central governments to take effective seismic hazard mitigation measures in the highly urbanized areas with a large number of old buildings in southern Taiwan.

Terrestrial, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences


Analysis of groundwater and surface water quality using modelled water index and multivariate statistics in Kampala and Mbarara Districts, Uganda

Abstract: Abstract The demand for domestic, public and industrial use of water increases with population growth. However, activities from humans and natural environment have resulted into decline in water quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of groundwater and surface water collected from Kampala and Mbarara districts of Uganda using water quality index and multivariate statistics. A total of 10 physicochemical parameters (pH, water temperature, chloride, sulphate, nitrate, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, total solids, and phosphate) were measured monthly to evaluate the quality of water in the study districts. Results showed that sulphate, electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids were observed with significantly high values in surface water than the groundwater for both seasons. Among all the parameters measured, electrical conductivity was observed with the highest value (2129.67 ± 1.41 µS/cm) while nitrate concentration (0.57 ± 0.02 mg/L) was observed with the lowest during the wet season in surface water. In addition, the mean values of nitrate, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids and sulphate detected in the groundwater and surface water were within the recommended limits, while phosphate and chloride were observed with mean concentrations above the regulatory limits in 50% of the samples. The correlation analysis revealed strong and positive association between electrical conductivity and total dissolved solids in groundwater and surface water for both seasons. Also, the chemical make-up of groundwater and surface water within the study districts revealed that the determination of water quality rests on two major indices (conductivity and anthropogenic-pollutants) based on the factor analysis. The two indices accounted for 0.619% in groundwater and over 0.70% in surface water, indicating more pollution in surface water. Moreover, the water quality index (WQI) values obtained ranged from 14.81 to 115.73 in dry season and 7.77 to 108.24 during the wet season. According to WQI classification, 42% of the samples collected fell within the “excellent” and “good” categories while others fell within “poor” and “unfit” categories (58%) during the dry season. Based on these findings, appropriate treatment methods, proper sanitation and waste management should be implemented in locations with critical water conditions. Also, frequent monitoring of groundwater and surface water quality by environmental protection agency is highly recommended.

Idris O. Sanusi
Godwin O. Olutona
Ibrahim G. Wawata
Hope Onohuean


Chemotherapy response in primary peritoneal small cell carcinoma

Abstract: Abstract Background Small cell carcinoma (SCC) is a neuroendocrine tumor that usually originates in the lungs but can also arise from extrapulmonary sites. Extrapulmonary small cell carcinomas (EPSCCs) are aggressive and rare, with limited data guiding their management. This case report contributes to the literature by presenting the diagnosis and treatment of primary peritoneal SCC. Case presentation This case describes a 69-year-old man who presented with abdominal distension and pain, raising concerns for metastasis. He had a history of prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection. Biopsy and imaging revealed metastatic SCC involving the peritoneum and omentum. A diagnosis of primary peritoneal SCC or SCC of unknown primary origin was made due to the absence of a detectable primary tumor in typical sites. The patient underwent three separate courses of carboplatin/etoposide chemotherapy (6 cycles each), with each course resulting in significant disease regression and symptom relief. Recurrence was managed effectively with repeated chemotherapy cycles, but long-term follow-up showed the need for continued treatment to maintain disease control and quality of life. Conclusion This case underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and patient-centered care in managing rare cancers like primary peritoneal SCC. Further research is essential to clarify its molecular characteristics and improve therapeutic options. Graphical abstract

Kholoud Alqasem
Sakhr Alshwayyat
Salsabeel Aljawabrah
Sundus Yahya Nser
Ala’aldin Eqleem
Mohammad Abu Shattal
Maisoon Hajir
Mohammed Al-mahdi Al-kurdi


Adsorption of some metal complexes derived from acetyl acetone on activated carbon and purolite S-930

Abstract: A new Schiff base (HL) derived from condensation of p-anisidine and acetyl acetone has been prepared and used as a chelating ligand to prepare Cr(III), Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes. The study of the nature of these complexes formed in ethanol solution following the mole ratio method (2:1, L:M) gave results which were compared successfully with these obtained from isolated solid state studies. These studies revealed that the complexes having square planner geometry of the type (ML2), M = Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II), and octahedral geometry of the type [CrIIIL2(H2O)2]Cl and [MNIIL2(H2O)2]. The adsorption studies of three complexes Cr(III), Mn(II), and Co(II) on activated carbon, H and Na-forms of purolite S-930 resin show high adsorption percentage for Cr(III) on purolite S-930 due to ion exchange interaction compared with high adsorption of neutral Mn(II), Co(II) complexes on activated charcoal. Linear plot of log Qe versus log Ce showed that the adsorption isotherm of these three complexes on activated carbon, H and Na-forms of purolite S-930 surface obeys Freundlich isotherm and was similar to S-curve type according to Giles classification which investigates heterogeneous adsorption. The regression values indicate that the adsorption data for these complexes fitted well within the Freundlich isothermal plots for the concentration studied. The accuracy and precision of the concentration measurements of these complexes were determined by preparing standard laboratory samples, the results show relative error ranging from ±1.08 to 5.31, ±1.04 to 4.82 and ±0.28 to 3.09 and the relative standard deviation did not exceed ±6.23, ±2.77 and ±4.38% for A1, A2 and A3 complexes, respectively.

Salam A.H. Al-Ameri
Mahmoud N.A. Al-Jibouri
Taghreed M.D. Musa


TransImg: A Translation Algorithm of Visible-to-Infrared Image Based on Generative Adversarial Network

Abstract: Abstract Infrared images of sensitive targets are difficult to obtain and cannot meet the design and training needs of target detection and tracking algorithms for mobile platforms such as aircraft. This paper proposes an image translation algorithm TransImg, which can achieve visible light image translation to the infrared domain to enrich the dataset. First, the algorithm designed a generator structure consisting of a deep residual connected encoder and a region perception feature fusion module to enhance feature learning, thereby avoiding issues such as generating infrared images with insufficient details in the transfer task. Afterward, a multi-scale discriminator and a composite loss function were designed to further improve the transfer effect. Finally, an automatic mixed-precision training strategy was designed for the overall migration algorithm architecture to accelerate the training and generation of infrared images. Experiments have shown that the image translation algorithm TransImg has good algorithm accuracy, and the infrared image generated by visible light image translation has richer texture details, faster generation speed, and lower video memory consumption, and the performance exceeds the mainstream traditional algorithm, and the generated images can meet the requirements of target detection and tracking algorithms design and training for mobile platforms such as aircraft.

Shuo Han
Bo Mo
Junwei Xu
Shizun Sun
Jie Zhao


PharmaNet Deep: Real-Time Pharmaceutical Defect Detection Using Defect-Guided Feature Fusion and Uncertainty-Driven Inspection

Abstract: Abstract Oral dosage forms are the most widely employed method of drug delivery in therapeutic treatments. However, the presence of visual defects in blister packages can adversely affect the drug's bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy, potentially compromising treatment outcomes. Consequently, detecting tablet defects post-blister packaging in real-time represents a critical challenge in the pharmaceutical industry. Additionally, factors such as blister reflections and limited dataset size hinder the deep learning model's ability to identify defects accurately. To address these challenges, the PharmaNet deep model is developed utilizing a convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture, incorporating defect-guided dynamic feature fusion (DGDFF) in which the fusion process is dynamically guided by potential defect regions, allowing the model to focus on relevant features (defect areas) more efficiently, adaptive deep chain (ADC) which includes occlusion pattern generator (OPG) and residual recursive feature reconstructor (R2FR). The OPG creates multiple views of potential defect regions by systematically dividing features into blocks and creating layered occlusions. At the same time, the R2FR uses gates with ELU activation and residual connections to reconstruct detailed features from these occluded sequences, ultimately enhancing the model's ability to detect subtle defects. The model culminates in an uncertainty-aware detection head that enhances defect prediction reliability by incorporating uncertainty estimates alongside traditional class probabilities and bounding box predictions. This provides a more informed and interpretable decision-making process for pharmaceutical quality control in real-time. Empirical evaluation on the proposed model demonstrates state-of-the-art performance with 99.4% mAP on the PharmaBlister dataset and 97.2% mAP on MVTech AD, with minimal predictive uncertainty, validating its efficacy in pharmaceutical quality control applications.

Ajantha Vijayakumar
Joseph Abraham Sundar Koilraj
Muthaiah Rajappa


Real-time 2D–3D door detection and state classification on a low-power device

Abstract: Abstract In this paper, we propose three methods for door state classification with the goal to improve robot navigation in indoor spaces. These methods were also developed to be used in other areas and applications since they are not limited to door detection as other related works are. Our methods work offline, in low-powered computers as the Jetson Nano, in real-time with the ability to differentiate between open, closed and semi-open doors. We use the 3D object classification, PointNet, real-time semantic segmentation algorithms such as, FastFCN, FC-HarDNet, SegNet and BiSeNet, the object detection algorithm, DetectNet and 2D object classification networks, AlexNet and GoogleNet. We built a 3D and RGB door dataset with images from several indoor environments using a 3D Realsense camera D435. This dataset is freely available online. All methods are analysed taking into account their accuracy and the speed of the algorithm in a low powered computer. We conclude that it is possible to have a door classification algorithm running in real-time on a low-power device.

João Gaspar Ramôa
Vasco Lopes
Luís A. Alexandre
S. Mogo


A rapid fingerprint positioning method based on deep convolutional neural network for MIMO-OFDM systems

Abstract: Abstract The combination of fingerprint positioning and 5G (the 5th Generation Mobile Communication Technology) offers broader application prospects for indoor positioning technology, but also brings challenges in real-time performance. In this paper, we propose a fingerprint positioning method based on a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) using a classification approach in a single-base station scenario for massive multiple input multiple output-orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) systems. We introduce an angle-delay domain fingerprint matrix that simplifies the computation process and increases the location differentiation. The cosine distance is chosen as the fingerprint similarity criterion due to its sensitivity to angular differences. First, the DCNN model is used to determine the sub-area to which the mobile terminal belongs, and then the weighted K-nearest neighbor (WKNN) matching algorithm is used to estimate the position within the sub-area. The positioning performance is simulated in a DeepMIMO indoor environment, showing that the classification DCNN method reduces the positioning time by 77.05% compared to the non-classification method, with only a 1.08% increase in average positioning error.

Chenlin He
Xiaojun Wang
Jiyu Jiao
Yuhua Huang
Chengpei Han
Yizhuo Zhang
Jianping Zhu


An Object-Based Image Analysis Method for Monitoring Land Conversion by Artificial Sprawl Use of RapidEye and IRS Data

Abstract: In France, in the peri-urban context, urban sprawl dynamics are particularly strong with huge population growth as well as a land crisis. The increase and spreading of built-up areas from the city centre towards the periphery takes place to the detriment of natural and agricultural spaces. The conversion of land with agricultural potential is all the more worrying as it is usually irreversible. The French Ministry of Agriculture therefore needs reliable and repeatable spatial-temporal methods to locate and quantify loss of land at both local and national scales. The main objective of this study was to design a repeatable method to monitor land conversion characterized by artificial sprawl: (i) We used an object-based image analysis to extract artificial areas from satellite images; (ii) We built an artificial patch that consists of aggregating all the peripheral areas that characterize artificial areas. The “artificialized” patch concept is an innovative extension of the urban patch concept, but differs in the nature of its components and in the continuity distance applied; (iii) The diachronic analysis of artificial patch maps enables characterization of artificial sprawl. The method was applied at the scale of four departments (similar to provinces) along the coast of Languedoc-Roussillon, in the South of France, based on two satellite datasets, one acquired in 1996–1997 (Indian Remote Sensing) and the other in 2009 (RapidEye). In the four departments, we measured an increase in artificial areas of from 113,000 ha in 1997 to 133,000 ha in 2009, i.e., an 18% increase in 12 years. The package comes in the form of a 1/15,000 valid cartography, usable at the scale of a commune (the smallest territorial division used for administrative purposes in France) that can be adapted to departmental and regional scales. The method is reproducible in homogenous spatial-temporal terms, so that it could be used periodically to assess changes in land conversion rates in France as a whole.

Maud Balestrat
Stéphane Dupuy
Eric Barbe


Using a Cellular Automata-Markov Model to Reconstruct Spatial Land-Use Patterns in Zhenlai County, Northeast China

Abstract: Decadal to centennial land use and land cover change has been consistently singled out as a key element and an important driver of global environmental change, playing an essential role in balancing energy use. Understanding long-term human-environment interactions requires historical reconstruction of past land use and land cover changes.  Most of the existing historical reconstructions have insufficient spatial and thematic detail and do not consider various land change types. In this context, this paper explored the possibility of using a cellular automata-Markov model in 90 m × 90 m spatial resolution to reconstruct historical land use in the 1930s in Zhenlai County, China. Then the three-map comparison methodology was employed to assess the predictive accuracy of the transition modeling. The model could produce backward projections by analyzing land use changes in recent decades, assuming that the present land use pattern is dynamically dependent on the historical one. The reconstruction results indicated that in the 1930s most of the study area was occupied by grasslands, followed by wetlands and arable land, while other land categories occupied relatively small areas. Analysis of the three-map comparison illustrated that the major differences among the three maps have less to do with the simulation model and more to do with the inconsistencies among the land categories during the study period. Different information provided by topographic maps and remote sensing images must  be recognized.

Yuanyuan Yang
Shuwen Zhang
Jiuchun Yang
Xiaoshi Xing
Dongyan Wang


Maxillary Resection Prosthesis Retained by Telescopic Crowns and a Rotational Latching Mechanism: A Case Report

Abstract: Context: Prosthetic rehabilitation of acquired maxillary defects with Maxillary Resection Prostheses (MRPs) remains biomechanically challenging, particularly in partially edentulous patients, where conventional clasp-retained designs often yield suboptimal retention, stability, and functional outcomes. Research Gap: The integration of telescopic crown systems with semi-precision attachments incorporating a rotational latching mechanism has not been previously described as a unified approach to optimise load distribution and prosthesis stability in maxillary defect rehabilitation. Objective: To describe and clinically evaluate a novel prosthetic design combining telescopic crowns and a semi-precision rotational latching attachment to enhance retention, stability, and functional performance of MRPs. Methodology: A 31-year-old patient with a unilateral maxillary defect following partial maxillectomy presented with an unstable interim prosthesis and impaired speech and mastication. A definitive MRP was designed using telescopic crowns on the remaining dentition to establish a controlled path of insertion and improved axial load transfer. A semi-precision attachment with a key–keyway rotational latching mechanism was incorporated into the secondary framework to engage specific undercuts while minimising lateral forces on abutment teeth. A provisional prosthesis was used for 3 months to evaluate base extension, phonetics, and functional parameters before fabrication of the definitive prosthesis. Results: Serial follow-up at 1, 3, and 6 months demonstrate consistent prosthesis stability, precise seating, and favourable retention. Marked improvements were observed in speech intelligibility, masticatory efficiency, and patient-reported comfort. Conclusions: This combined prosthetic strategy represents a novel and biomechanically optimised approach for the rehabilitation of partially edentulous maxillary defects, with promising clinical and functional outcomes.

Panagiota Chatzidou
Savvas Kamalakidis
John Fanourgiakis
Mathildi Tsekou
Olga Naka


Field Spectroscopy in the VNIR-SWIR Region to Discriminate between Mediterranean Native Plants and Exotic-Invasive Shrubs Based on Leaf Tannin Content

Abstract: The invasive shrub, Acacia longifolia, native to southeastern Australia, has a negative impact on vegetation and ecosystem functioning in Portuguese dune ecosystems. In order to spectrally discriminate A. longifolia from other non-native and native species, we developed a classification model based on leaf reflectance spectra (350–2500 nm) and condensed leaf tannin content. High variation of leaf tannin content is common for Mediterranean shrub and tree species, in particular between N-fixing and non-N-fixing species, as well as within the genus, Acacia. However, variation in leaf tannin content has not been studied in coastal dune ecosystems in southwest Portugal. We hypothesized that condensed tannin concentration varies significantly across species, further allowing for distinguishing invasive, nitrogen-fixing A. longifolia from other vegetation based on leaf spectral reflectance data. Spectral field measurements were carried out using an ASD FieldSpec FR spectroradiometer attached to an ASD leaf clip in order to collect 750 in situ leaf reflectance spectra of seven frequent plant species at three study sites in southwest Portugal. We applied partial least squares (PLS) regression to predict the obtained leaf reflectance spectra of A. longifolia individuals to their corresponding tannin concentration. A. longifolia had the lowest tannin concentration of all investigated species. Four wavelength regions (675–710 nm, 1060–1170 nm, 1360–1450 nm and 1630–1740 nm) were identified as being highly correlated with tannin concentration. A spectra-based classification model of the different plant species was calculated using a principal component analysis-linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA). The best prediction of A. longifolia was achieved by using wavelength regions between 1360–1450 nm and 1630–1740 nm, resulting in a user’s accuracy of 98.9%. In comparison, selecting the entire wavelength range, the best user accuracy only reached 86.5% for A. longifolia individuals.

Jan Rudolf Karl Lehmann
André Große-Stoltenberg
Meike Römer
Jens Oldeland


How <i>Phytophthora</i> Effectors Disrupt Post-Translational Regulation in Plant Immunity: Canonical and Non-Canonical Mechanisms

Abstract: Plant–pathogen interactions are shaped by dynamic regulatory processes that control immune signaling. Among these, post-translational modifications (PTMs) play central roles in modulating protein activity, stability, and interaction networks. Increasing evidence indicates that Phytophthora effectors target PTM-dependent regulatory systems to suppress host immunity and promote infection. Here, we synthesize current knowledge on how Phytophthora virulence factors manipulate post-translational regulation through two mechanistically distinct strategies: (i) canonical mechanisms, involving direct enzymatic modification of host proteins or the recruitment of host PTM-modifying enzymes, and (ii) non-canonical mechanisms, in which effectors alter the activity, organization, or localization of PTM-associated regulatory systems without directly inducing covalent modification. These processes frequently involve protein–protein interactions and oligomerization-dependent regulation that reshape signaling complexes and enzymatic accessibility. By distinguishing effector-mediated PTM induction from regulatory interference, we provide a mechanistic framework for interpreting how diverse virulence strategies converge on the control of immune signaling pathways, including those governing reactive oxygen species production, transcriptional regulation, hormone signaling, and cell death. We further highlight current limitations in mechanistic understanding and emphasize the need for integrative approaches combining structural biology and proteomics to resolve how effectors reprogram host signaling systems.

Gilberto Muñoz-Pérez
Fátima Álvarez-Camarena
Julio Vega-Arreguin


Transcription of the Extensively Fragmented Mitochondrial Genomes of Human Lice

Abstract: The mitochondrial (mt) genomes of animals, including humans, are typically a single circular chromosome containing all mt genes. In several animal lineages, however, mt genomes have become fragmented, with genes distributed on multiple minichromosomes. How fragmented mt genomes are transcribed is still poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the transcription of the extensively fragmented mt genomes of the human head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) and the human body louse (Pediculus humanus corporis). RNA-seq reads of both subspecies were retrieved from the NCBI Sequence Read Archive database and mapped to their mt genomes. The transcription level of each mt gene, minichromosome, motif, coding region and non-coding region, measured by RPKM (Reads Per Kilobase of transcript per Million mapped reads), TPM (Transcripts Per Million) or read coverage, was analysed statistically. In both subspecies, mt minichromosomes were transcribed entirely, with coding regions transcribed at much higher levels than non-coding regions. The 37 mt genes are transcribed unevenly, with rrnL, cox1, cox2, cox3 and atp6 transcribed at significantly higher levels than several other genes. Many transcription events terminate near a GC-rich motif in the non-coding regions; however, some transcription events pass this motif, leading to the transcription of entire non-coding regions. Despite the drastic difference in mt genome organisation, the human lice share several transcriptional features with humans, but also have unique features related to their fragmented mt genome organisation. The current study represents the first effort into the transcription of fragmented mt genomes. As more RNA-seq data become available, further studies on other animals with fragmented mt genomes are necessary to fully understand how genome fragmentation affects transcription.


Sodium nitroprusside as a nitric oxide donor in a rat intestinal ischemia reperfusion model: a novel molecular mechanism


Synthesis and properties of fluorene based small molecule acceptors containing aromatic malononitrile functionalities

Abstract: Four novel small molecule acceptors (SMA) with fluorene-based cores were synthesized with terminal phenyl, thienyl, and furyl malononitrile groups in good yields. The products were obtained from a two-step reaction of 2,2′-(9,9-dioctyl-9H-fluorene-2,7-diyl)bis(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolane) with m- or p-bromobenzaldehyde, 5-bromo-2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde and 5-bromo-2-furaldehyde under Suzuki conditions. Subsequent reaction with malononitrile yielded 9,9-dioctylfluorene −2,7 (1-phenyl-3(or 4)-methylene malononitrile) (m-FPM or p-FPM), 9,9-dioctylfluorene −2,7 (2-thienyl-5-methylene malononitrile) (FTM) and 9,9-dioctylfluorene −2,7 (2-furyl-5-methylene malononitrile) (FFM) respectively. Structural characterization of the compounds was performed using 1H and 13C NMR, and FT-IR. Optical and electronic characterization were done using, UV–visible and fluorescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and DFT calculations. The compounds exhibit absorption bands ranging from 300 to 550 nm. m-FPM has the least coplanar structure while FFM displays the most coplanar structure, which increases the effective π-conjugation length resulting in a red shift of the absorption bands. The HOMO/LUMO levels were determined by CV and supported by DFT calculations, with optical band gaps of 2.70 eV and 2.41 eV for m- and p-FPM and 2.21 eV and 1.86 eV for FTM and FFM respectively. Fluorescence quenching was observed when poly-3-hexyl thiophene (P3HT) and each of the four SMAs were mixed. Films of P3HT and each SMA were cast in 1:1 and 1:4 ratios respectively. AFM indicated the formation of continuous films and the impact of small molecule structure on film morphology. These combined results indicated the capability of all of the new molecules to act as small molecule acceptors.

Sarah E. Brock
Dariia Yehorova
Brycelyn M. Boardman


An Essential Role of Hrs/Vps27 in Endosomal Cholesterol Trafficking

Abstract: The endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) plays a crucial role in the degradation of ubiquitinated endosomal membrane proteins. Here, we report that Hrs, a key protein of the ESCRT-0 complex, is required for the transport of low-density lipoprotein-derived cholesterol from endosomes to the endoplasmic reticulum. This function of Hrs in cholesterol transport is distinct from its previously defined role in lysosomal sorting and downregulation of membrane receptors via the ESCRT pathway. In line with this, knocking down other ESCRT proteins does not cause prominent endosomal cholesterol accumulation. Importantly, the localization and biochemical properties of key cholesterol-sorting proteins, NPC1 and NPC2, appear to be unchanged upon Hrs knockdown. Our data identify Hrs as a regulator of endosomal cholesterol trafficking and provide additional insights into the budding of intralumenal vesicles.

Ximing Du
Abdulla S. Kazim
Andrew J. Brown
Hongyuan Yang


Injectable hyaluronic acid-collagen derived hydrogel based on component biomimetic as vitreous substitute

Abstract: Vitrectomy is a common clinical treatment for fundus disease. Due to the non-renewable nature of the vitreous, artificial vitreous are usually required to replace natural vitreous to perform functions post operation. Silicone oil and gas, as the most commonly used vitreous substitutes, have obvious drawbacks, which may lead to postoperative posture maintenance, visual impairment, cataract formation and secondary surgery. In this study, an in situ cross-linked bionic hydrogel (OAHA-CDHA/Col) based on hyaluronic acid (HA) and collagen (Col) with available gelling time for clinical operation, excellent self-healing and fatigue resistance, as well as suitable mechanical and optical properties is constructed. The compatibility and degradability of OAHA-CDHA/Col hydrogel are verified, as well as the feasibility as vitreous substitute in rabbit vitrectomy model. Notably, the hydrogel demonstrates improved intraocular tolerance compared with silicone oil, with no cataracts, endophthalmitis, fundus lesions and other complications observed. These findings position the OAHA-CDHA/Col hydrogel as a promising candidate for an ideal vitreous substitute.

Shuo Wang
Jinhua Chi
Yanting Wang
Ruibao Ju
Zhiwen Jiang
Lixin Xia
Huanchao Sun
Shourui Liu
Zhen Jiang
Xin Wang
Chaozhong Yang
Wanshun Liu
Baoqin Han


Energy management and power quality improvement of microgrid system through modified water wave optimization

Abstract: A comparative study of energy management strategies and PQ improvement schemes for a Fuel Cell, Battery, and SuperCapacitor integrated Microgrid system has been projected utilizing the MATLAB/Simulink architecture in this research article. For effective energy management and PQ enhancement, a Modified Water Wave Optimization algorithm based on adaptive population size and adaptive wavelength coefficient has been proposed. The MWWO method robustly and dynamically tunes the parameters of the Proportional Integral controller for effective operation. The efficiency of the proposed technique has been compared with the traditional methods regarding hydrogen consumption, load power deliberation, power quality and overall system efficiency. The results obtained and the numerical analysis confers the superiority of the suggested technique over other methods for enhanced dynamic voltage response, low fuel consumption, reduced harmonics and better efficacy thereby proving its real-time employment.

Subhashree Choudhury
George Tom Varghese
Satyajit Mohanty
Venkata Ratnam Kolluru
Mohit Bajaj
Vojtech Blazek
Lukas Prokop
Stanislav Misak

Electrical engineering. Electronics. Nuclear engineering


Efficacious role of silica nanoparticles in improving growth and yield of wheat under drought stress through stress-gene upregulation

Abstract: Climate change is now evident and severe water shortage due to unpredictable raining season along with extended summers is expected to hamper crop production across the globe. Application of nanoparticle based formulations is one of the most sought after approach that is being explored currently to alleviate drought stress impact on plants. The present study was aimed to evaluate the potential of biosynthesized silica nanoparticles (silica NPs) in improving the drought tolerance of wheat. Four different concentrations of silica NPs (30, 60, 90, and 120 ppm) were used to treat wheat plants grown under two irrigation regimes- 50% soil moisture content (drought) and 100% soil moisture content (well-watered). The induced drought caused a prominent reduction in both - the crop yield and the morphological parameters of the crop. Foliar application of silica NPs at all concentrations, increased the plant's tolerance towards water stress but 60 ppm concentration was found to be most effective amongst all. After treatment with silica NPs at 60 ppm concentration, the plant height increased by 8.28%, spikes per plant by 98%, seeds per spike by 12.4%, and thousand seed weight by 37.5% as compared to the control. Besides this, expression levels of four drought-stress responsive genes-ABC1, Wdhn13, CHP, and EXP2 was also studied. We observed an enhanced expression of all the stress genes after treatment with silica nanoparticles in wheat plants grown under water deficient conditions, clearly supporting the influence of NP treatment at gene/molecular level. In nutshell, we conclude that silica nanoparticles have the potential to significantly ameliorate the negative impact of drought stress by reviving plant growth and modulating gene expression.

Rekha Boora
Neelam Rani
Santosh Kumari
Shikha Yashveer
Nisha Kumari
Sapna Grewal


Injectable mesoporous bioactive glass/sodium alginate hydrogel loaded with melatonin for intervertebral disc regeneration

Abstract: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a major contributing factor to both lower back and neck pain. As IDD progresses, the intervertebral disc (IVD) loses its ability to maintain its disc height when subjected to axial loading. This failure in the weight-bearing capacity of the IVD is a characteristic feature of degeneration. Natural polymer-based hydrogel, derived from biological polymers, possesses biocompatibility and is able to mimic the structure of extracellular matrix, enabling them to support cellular behavior. However, their mechanical performance is relatively poor, thus limiting their application in IVD regeneration. In this study, we developed an injectable composite hydrogel, namely, Mel-MBG/SA, which is similar to natural weight-bearing IVD. Mesoporous bioactive glasses not only enhance hydrogels, but also act as carriers for melatonin (Mel) to suppress inflammation during IDD. The Mel-MBG/SA hydrogel further provides a mixed system with sustained Mel release to alleviate IL-1β-induced oxidative stress and relieve inflammation associated with IDD pathology. Furthermore, our study shows that this delivery system can effectively suppress inflammation in the rat tail model, which is expected to further promote IVD regeneration. This approach presents a novel strategy for promoting tissue regeneration by effectively modulating the inflammatory environment while harnessing the mechanical properties of the material.

Ruibang Wu
Leizhen Huang
Qinghong Xia
Zheng Liu
Yong Huang
Yulin Jiang
Juehan Wang
Hong Ding
Ce Zhu
Yueming Song
Limin Liu
Li Zhang
Ganjun Feng


Exploring fibre addition methods and mechanical properties of fibre-reinforced 3D printed concrete: A review

Abstract: 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) is a growing field of sustainable technology that offers an avenue for rapid industrialisation of the construction industry. Over the years, many non-structural elements have been fabricated by 3D printing, thus demonstrating significant advantages over traditional casting process, including freedom from the need of mold, realisation of complex geometries and reduction of material use etc. However, examples of 3D printed structural parts are still limited with addition of fibres into concrete mixes. The fibres can be incorporated in 3D printed concrete either before mixing or printing; or during the printing. The present study adopted systematic review methodology to recommend effective fibre addition method in terms of mechanical properties of the printed concrete composite. In this review work, an attempt has been made to summarise the effect of different fibres including their type, dosage, entrainment methods, while highlighting the technical challenges and approaches adopted in the past for increasing the fibre dosages, controlling their distribution and orientation. This may save a significant amount of time and resources for the industrial sector for 3D printing high strength fibre reinforced concrete structures.

Syed Bustan Fatima Warsi
Biranchi Panda
Pankaj Biswas

Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)


Carbon dioxide uptake in a eutrophic stratified reservoir: Freshwater carbon sequestration potential

Abstract: Carbon capture and storage due to photosynthesis activities has been proposed as a carbon sink to mitigate climate change. To enhance such mitigation, previous studies have shown that freshwater lakes should be included in the carbon sink, since they may capture as much carbon as coastal areas. In eutrophic freshwater lakes, there is uncertainty about whether the equilibrium equation can estimate the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), owing to the presence of photosynthesis due to phytoplankton, and pH measurement error in freshwater fluid. Thus, this study investigated the applicability of the equilibrium equation and revealed the need to modify it. The modified equilibrium equation was successfully applied to reproduce pCO2 based on total alkalinity and pH through field observations. In addition, pCO2 at the water surface was lower than the atmospheric partial pressure of carbon dioxide due to photosynthesis by phytoplankton during strong stratification. The stratification effect on low pCO2 was verified by using the Net Ecosystem Production (NEP) model, and a submerged freshwater plants such as Potamogeton malaianus were found to have high potential for dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) sequestration in a freshwater lake. These results should provide a starting point toward more sophisticated methods to investigate the effect of freshwater carbon on DIC uptake in freshwater stratified eutrophic lakes.

Jinichi Sakaguchi
Keisuke Nakayama
Katsuaki Komai
Atsushi Kubo
Taketoshi Shimizu
Junpei Omori
Kohji Uno
Tomoyasu Fujii

Science (General)
Social sciences (General)


Long-term exposure to air pollution and incidence risk of various arrhythmias: A prospective cohort study

Abstract: To investigate the association of long-term exposure to air pollution with incident arrhythmia from various causes, this prospective cohort study included 442,386 participants from the UK Biobank cohort. Residential annual average exposures at baseline were evaluated, including fine particles (PM2.5), coarse particles (PM2.5–10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). We further constructed a composite air pollution score (APS) to evaluate the concomitant exposure to these four pollutants. The associations of air pollutants with various arrhythmia subtypes were assessed utilizing the Cox proportional hazards model, and the hazard ratios (HRs) for incident arrhythmias were estimated. A total of 41,021 patients with incident arrhythmia were recorded. The HRs of overall arrhythmia associated with a 10 μg/m3 increment in PM2.5, PM2.5–10, NO2, and NOx were 1.26, 0.95, 1.03, and 1.02, respectively. The HR was 1.08 in the highest quintile of the APS compared to the lowest one. For cause-specific arrhythmias, the HRs per unit increment in APS were 1.45, 1.67, 1.51, 1.80, 2.63, and 4.66 for atrial fibrillation, atrioventricular block, ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia, intraventricular block, supraventricular tachycardia, and ventricular premature beats, respectively. Females, older individuals, overweight or obese individuals, and those with low education attainment, low income, or cardiometabolic morbidities had higher HRs associated with pollutants. Long-term exposure to air pollution is linked to increased incidence risks of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. More focus should be shifted to the impact of air pollution on other arrhythmias besides atrial fibrillation.

Lu Zhou
Qingli Zhang
Huihuan Luo
Kexin Yu
Xia Meng
Renjie Chen
Haidong Kan


A method to dissolve 3-MCPD mono- and di-esters in aqueous cell culture media

Abstract: Fatty acid esters of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) are chemical contaminants found in a wide range of edible oils that are thermally processed during industrial manufacturing of infant formula and other lipid-containing foods in the United States. Rodent studies have unequivocally demonstrated a plethora of in vivo toxicological effects including reproductive, neurological and renal dysfunction. To determine if similar effects are observed in human organ systems, in vitro studies using human cell lines are conducted to assess concordance of the data collected. One limitation to performing such in vitro research is the extremely high hydrophobicity of 3-MCPD esters; dissolving them into aqueous cell culture media is a tremendous challenge. To address this obstacle, we developed a simple protocol to circumvent the immiscibility of 3-MCPD esters and their corresponding free fatty acids into aqueous cell culture media in order to assess the effect of these esters on epithelial cells of kidney origin in vitro.

Mapa S.T. Mapa
Magali Araujo
Yang Zhao
Thomas Flynn
Jessica Sprando
Paddy Wiesenfeld
Robert L. Sprando
Miriam E. Mossoba


Human RP105 monoclonal antibody enhances antigen-specific antibody production in unique culture conditions

Abstract: Summary: Detecting antibodies, particularly those targeting donor human leukocyte antigens in organ transplantation and self-antigens in autoimmune diseases, is crucial for diagnosis and therapy. Radioprotective 105 (RP105), a Toll-like receptor family protein, is expressed in immune-competent cells, such as B cells. Studies in mice have shown that the anti-mouse RP105 antibody strongly activates B cells and triggers an adjuvant effect against viral infections. However, the anti-human RP105 antibody (ɑhRP105) weakly activates human B cells. This study established new culture conditions under, which human B cells are strongly activated by the ɑhRP105. When combined with CpGDNA, specific antibody production against blood group carbohydrates, ɑGal, and SARS-CoV-2 was successfully detected in human B cell cultures. Furthermore, comprehensive analysis using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, single-cell RNA sequencing, and quantitative real-time PCR revealed that ɑhRP105 triggered a different activation stimulus compared to CpGDNA. These findings could help identify antibody-producing B cells in cases of transplant rejection and autoimmune diseases.

Tatsuya Yamazaki
Kenta Iwasaki
Susumu Tomono
Masaki Imai
Yuko Miwa
Masato Shizuku
Satoshi Ashimine
Kohei Ishiyama
Masanori Inui
Daisuke Okuzaki
Manabu Okada
Takaaki Kobayashi
Sachiko Akashi-Takamura


PRIMUS: Comprehensive proteomics of mouse intervertebral discs that inform novel biology and relevance to human disease modelling

Abstract: Mice are commonly used to study intervertebral disc (IVD) biology and related diseases such as IVD degeneration. Discs from both the lumbar and tail regions are used. However, little is known about compartmental characteristics in the different regions, nor their relevance to the human setting, where a functional IVD unit depends on a homeostatic proteome. Here, we address these major gaps through comprehensive proteomic profiling and in-depth analyses of 8-week-old healthy murine discs, followed by comparisons with human. Leveraging on a dataset of over 2,700 proteins from 31 proteomic profiles, we identified key molecular and cellular differences between disc compartments and spine levels, but not gender. The nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) compartments differ the most, both in matrisome and cellularity contents. Differences in the matrisome are consistent with the fibrous nature required for tensile strength in the AF and hydration property in the NP. Novel findings for the NP cells included an enrichment in cell junction proteins for cell–cell communication (Cdh2, Dsp and Gja1) and osmoregulation (Slc12a2 and Wnk1). In NP cells, we detected heterogeneity of vacuolar organelles; where about half have potential lysosomal function (Vamp3, Copb2, Lamp1/2, Lamtor1), some contain lipid droplets and others with undefined contents. The AF is enriched in proteins for the oxidative stress responses (Sod3 and Clu). Interestingly, mitochondrial proteins are elevated in the lumbar than tail IVDs that may reflect differences in metabolic requirement. Relative to the human, cellular and structural information are conserved for the AF. Even though the NP is more divergent between mouse and human, there are similarities at the level of cell biology. Further, common cross-species markers were identified for both NP (KRT8/19, CD109) and AF (COL12A1). Overall, mouse is a relevant model to study IVD biology, and an understanding of the limitation will facilitate research planning and data interpretation, maximizing the translation of research findings to human IVDs.

Mateusz Kudelko
Peikai Chen
Vivian Tam
Ying Zhang
Oi-Yin Kong
Rakesh Sharma
Tiffany Y.K. Au
Michael Kai-Tsun To
Kathryn S.E. Cheah
Wilson C.W. Chan
Danny Chan


Dietary effects of protein and lipid levels on growth performance and flesh quality of large-size largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Abstract: The aim of this trial was to investigate the effects of dietary protein and lipid levels on growth performance and flesh quality of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). A 3 × 3 two-factor design was used, including three crude protein levels of 46%, 50%, 54% (P46, P50, P54) and three crude lipid levels of 8%, 12%, 16% (L8, L12, L16). Thus, a total of nine diets (P46/L8, P46/L12, P46/L16, P50/L8, P50/L12, P50/L16, P54/L8, P54/L12 and P54/L16) were prepared and fed to large-size largemouth bass with initial body weight of 109.7 g for 84 days. At the same dietary protein level, weight gain rate (WGR), protein efficiency rate (PER), viscerosomatic index and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) percent in flesh showed an increasing trend with increasing the dietary lipid level, while feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed a decreasing trend. At P46 and P50, whole fish crude protein, muscle crude protein, total collagen content, hardness, springiness, chewiness and shear force increased, and steaming loss and freezing loss decreased with increasing the dietary lipid level, while the above indicators showed an opposite trend at P54. At P50, the protein retention (PR) of 16% crude lipid group was significantly higher than that in the 8% and 12% crude lipid groups (P < 0.05). At the same dietary lipid level, the 50% and 54% crude protein groups presented higher WGR and lower FCR than the 46% crude protein group. The P54/L16 group had the highest WGR (184.4%) and lowest FCR (0.92) among all the groups, but the P50/L16 group presented similar WGR and FCR to the P54/L16 group (P > 0.05). The P50/L16 group showed the highest PER, PR, whole fish protein, muscle protein, total collagen, PUFAs, muscle hardness, springiness, chewiness, shear force and the lowest steaming loss. In conclusion, based on growth performance and flesh quality, the appropriate dietary protein and lipid requirements for large-size largemouth bass were 50% and 16%, respectively.

Yunfeng Chen
Hang Yang
Beibei Guo
Xiaoqin Li
Xiangjun Leng


SOQCS: A Stochastic Optical Quantum Circuit Simulator

Abstract: Stochastic Optical Quantum Circuit Simulator (SOQCS) is a C++ and Python library which offers a framework to define, simulate and study quantum linear optical circuits in presence of various imperfections typically encountered in experiments. Quantum circuits can be defined from basic components, including emitters, linear optical elements, delays and detectors. The imperfections come from partial distinguishability of photons, lossy propagation media, unbalanced beamsplitters and non-ideal emitters and detectors for example. SOQCS also provides various simulator cores and tools to analyze the output. Furthermore, the configuration of detectors also includes postselection. SOQCS is developed using a modular approach in which different modules are applied in an automated easy to use manner. Furthermore, the modular approach allows for further extensions of the SOQCS capabilities in future.


Engineering protein translocation pathway to improve recombinant proteins in Pichia pastoris

Abstract: Pichia pastoris is one of the most commonly used hosts for producing heterologous proteins, whereas production levels vary depending on the protein of interest and are also regulated by regulatory factors. We conducted RNA-seq by expressing the reporter EGFP and observed significant upregulation of certain subunits (Sec61p, Sbh1p, Sss1p, Sec66p and Sec72p) of the Sec complex in the high-expression recombinant GS115 stains. The overexpression of these genes may increase the expression levels of heterogeneous proteins. In this study, the endogenous promoters of the Sec complex subunits Sbh1p, Sss1p, Sec66p and Sec72p were isolated and verified their activity using the Lac-Z reporter gene. Sss1, Sbh1, Sec66 and Sec72 were overexpressed under the control of their own promoters in Pichia pastoris, respectively. The overexpression of Sss1, Sbh1, Sec66 and Sec72 in cells was confirmed by fluorescent microscope and Western blot analysis. The α-amylase was employed to evaluate the effect of overexpression of the Sec subunits on the heterologous protein expression. The results demonstrated that the α-amylase activity increased by 16%, 58%, 16% and 17% in the strains overexpressing Sss1, Sbh1, Sec66 and Sec72, respectively. Engineering the protein translocation pathway can be an alternative to enhance heterogeneous proteins in Pichia pastoris expression system.

Shengyan Wang
Huijia Dai
Qingling Tang
Yujing Yu
Yaying Xie
Tao Wang
Yide Huang


Awareness of COVID 19 pandemic among dental practioners of Telangana state, India: A cross sectional survey

Abstract: Background: Coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) is a public health emergency of international concern. The dental professionals are considered to be at high risk, as most of the treatments may lead to the spread of infection due to direct proximity with saliva, blood and aerosols generation. Aim: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the awareness, regarding COVID19 pandemic among dental practioners in state of Telangana. Materials and methodology: A self-administered, structured, pilot-tested close-ended 20 point questionnaire,was distributed among the dental practioners in Telangana state. A total of 385 participants completed the questionnaire. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS 22.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) for data analysis. Results: Among 385 participants a total of 115 (29.9%) exhibited high level of knowledge while 167 (43.4%) demonstrated moderate knowledge and 103 (26.8%) demonstrated low level of knowledge. Mean knowledge score was 12.46 ± 2.47, minimum and maximum scores were 5 and 15 respectively among the dental practioners (DPs). Conclusion: All the respondents seem to have adequate knowledge regarding COVID19 and adoption of control measures to prevent the spread of COVID19. However, some deficiencies were noted. The, dentists, must be well informed of the recommended practices.Initiatives for attending webinars, continuing dental education programs on COVID19, have to be undertaken to keep them selves updated and be prepared with extra precautionary measures to be taken.

Alekhya Kanaparthi
Divya Dukkireddy
Hema Gopalaiah
Sathya Prakash Reddy Kesary
Tejaswi Katne
Ramlal Gantala

Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research


Response to the Letter to the Editor


Dynamic characteristics of a high-speed shaft-bearing-helical gear transmission system based on full-degree-of-freedom dynamics

Abstract: To accurately evaluate the dynamic characteristics of helical gear transmission systems under high-speed operating conditions and to address the problem that the lumped parameter model fails to accurately reflect the system’s dynamic performance because its degrees of freedom are imperfectly considered, the full-degree-of-freedom dynamic model of the high-speed shaft-bearing-helical gear transmission system was established. The system’s dynamic equations were derived, and the natural frequencies calculated from the theoretical model, as well as the corresponding mode shapes for each degree of freedom, were compared with the finite element model simulation results. The relationship between the critical rotational speed within the system’s 3 × 104 rpm range of rotational speed and the system frequency was analyzed. The dynamic characteristics of the driving wheel and driven wheel in terms of amplitude and motion trajectory were investigated, and the influence of eccentricity on these characteristics was discussed. Results indicate that the relative deviation of the first six natural frequencies between the proposed model and finite element model ranges from 0.09 % to 13.1 %, and the deviations of the higher-order modes are within 1 %. This effectively validates that the full-degree-of-freedom model can accurately reflect the dynamic characteristics of the system, providing a theoretical basis for the design of high-speed-helical gear transmission system.

Xuezhong Fu
Yutong Fu
Xiaotao Yang
Yuanxing Huang
Bowei Yao
Liyun Yuan

Engineering Science and Technology, an International Journal


Assessing Phase-Locked Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Treatment of Parkinson’s and Essential Tremor

Priya Sharma
Talia Vasaturo-Kolodner
Valentina Mancini
Nicholas Shackle
Karen Wendt
Kawsar Ali
Huiling Tan
Timothy J. Denison
Hayriye Cagnan
Andrew Sharott
Ashwini Oswal
Charlotte J. Stagg

Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry


Evaluation of experimentally observed asymmetric distributions of hardness, strain and residual stress in cold drawn bars by FEM-simulation

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the correlation of strain and hardness parameters in a drawing process chain of an SAE 1045 steel bar. The present work discusses the application of the experimental and numerical method of analysis, based on hardness measurements, which allows evaluation of the strain distribution and mechanical properties in drawn products. The influence on the strain, hardness and residual stress distributions of cold drawing parameter variations were investigated by numerical simulation. A misalignment between bar and drawing tool was evaluated in the models, as well as variation of friction at different regions of the bar. Compression tests were carried out at different reductions to determine the flow curve and analyze the material behavior during a cold hardening process. The microstructural analysis has shown a potential influence of material segregation in the characteristics of the final products. Simulation results validate the assumption of die misalignment and inhomogeneous lubrication influences on residual stresses profiles after wire drawing. Taking into account effects of misalignment and friction at the same time, in a so-called combination model, a better agreement between numerical simulation and experimental results for cold drawing process was achieved. Keywords: Hardness, Plastic strain deformation, Residual stresses

Juliana Zottis
Carla Adriana Theis Soares Diehl
Alexandre da Silva Rocha

Journal of Materials Research and Technology


Great Expectations and Hard Times: The Argentine Convertibility Plan

Sebastián Galiani
Daniel Heymann
Mariano Tommasi


الطبيعة القانونية لمهنة كاتب العدل في القانونين العراقي والمصري .

Abstract: متد جذور مهنة الكاتب العدل إلى الحضارات القديمة ومع ظهور الإسلام صارت وظيفة، لأن الإسلام أرسى له مبادئ العدل، فأصبح العدل مرتبط بنظام الإدارة والحكم والقضاء، وأداء الشهادة وكتابة العهود والمواثيق، حيث أمتد دور العدل حتي بات مرتبط بنظام الأسرة والتربية والاقتصاد والاجتماع والسلوك والتفكير، فقد عرفت الحضارات الإسلامية هذه المهنة، ولعظم وأهمية هذه المهنة فقد ذكرنا به القرآن الكريم في محكم آياته عن أهمية الكاتب العدل، ودوره في حفظ وصيانة حقوق أفراد المجتمع، في قوله تعالي " يا أيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِذَا تدَايَنْتُمْ بِدَيْنٍ إِلَى أَجَلٍ مُسَمًّى فَاكْتُبُوهُ وَلْيَكْتُبْ بَيْنَكُمْ كَاتِبٌ بِالْعَدْلِ وَلَا يَأْبَ كَاتِبٌ أَنْ يَكْتُبَ كَمَا عَلَّمَهُ اللَّهُ فَلْيَكْتُبْ وَلْيُمْلِلِ الَّذِي عَلَيْهِ الْحَقُّ وَلْيَتَّقِ اللَّهَ رَبَّهُ وَلَا يَبْخَسْ مِنْهُ شَيْئًا. فقد وضحت هذه الآية الدور الفعال لكاتب العدل في توثيق العقود وإظهار واجباته، بالإضافة إلى تحديد أهم الشروط التي يتمتع به من يقوم بهذه الوظيفة حيث تتأثر المسئولية المدنية مع تطور المجتمع ومستجداته، فقد تنتج هذه المسئولية بناء على التزام سابق يقع على عاتق المتعاملين – الموظفين من جراء الإخلال بالتزام بالقواعد والإجراءات القانونية التي تنص عليه اللوائح والقوانين من أجل حماية الأطراف الأخرى المتعاملة مع الأضرار أو الأخطار التي تقع من الموظف وبالتالي يترتب على ذلك مسئولية مدنية على الطرف التي وقع عليه الضرر، وبالتالي فأن من يقوم بمخالفة أي مادة أو قاعدة قانونية نص عليها القانون، لذلك يصبح ملزم بتعويض من وقع عليه الضرر، سواء كانت التعويض مادي أو معنوي.

محمد عبدالرضا زغير الكريشى

محمد عبدالرضا زغير الكريشى

مجلة البحوث القانونية و الاقتصادية

Law in general. Comparative and uniform law. Jurisprudence


Energy, transport network and financial issues: PR perspectives for economic development in time of Euro-Med area change

Abstract:
The social sciences have inherited a not so clear relationship with the social politics throughout the history. At the first moment the concept of social sciences came into use in the 19th century the first organizations that were promoting them were not located in the universities. They were located in the Public Sector. They brought into the scenery not only professional of the area, but also politicians, clerics and businessmen. The main objective was the promoting of the reforms that consider the social politics able to improve the so defined social problems.
These associations thought that by collecting different kind of data regarding these problems they would reach a clear insight on the directions the state should follow in the framework of different politics and reforms. As a result, the national research capacity is of the highest importance to the ability of a state to invent and implement successfully its politics based on evidences that concern and come as a reaction to the concerns and issues of the social problems as a whole.
In this article I will be presenting first of all an overview of the scientific research in Albania in the area of the social sciences by pointing out the main areas that deserve to be the prior ones in the contest of developing activities that aim the implementation of the research in Social Sciences. Also, a great number of Institutions has been contacted with the aim of receiving official information and data on the functioning and on the potential problems that can be faced during the research processes. These institutions have been selected based on their involvement at the area of the scientific research of the social sciences.
At first this will involve the policy makers at the central level, like the Ministry of Education and Sciences and the main research actors in the public and in the private sector. The criteria of the geographical and the subjects coverage has been also used in order to be able to present a public institutions of the higher education and research but even the enterprises that act in the research area are mainly focusing to the integration of these two systems which have been working separately for a long period of time and that must become efficient in order to adapt to the conditions of a country that has limited financial resources.
This article is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the scientific research in Albania, focusing in defining the priority areas for the research in social sciences.
The information about the higher education and the potential problems that it faces, is based on a big number of research institutions, selected based on their involvement in scientific research in social sciences.
This article brings into evidence the fact that in order to establish a stable and effective infrastructure in scientific research in Albania, is important to work in different directions.
A successful way to increase the efficasity through the elements of the “innovative system” is by working with organizations that work in specific sectors of the economy, aiming for a possible cooperation in scientific search, for an important social contribution.

Academicus International Scientific Journal


Precios de las materias primas y encadenamientos en cadenas globales de valor en América Latina, 1998-2018

Abstract: RESUMEN: Este trabajo tiene por objetivo principal analizar, a la luz de las fluctuaciones de los precios de los commodities, la evolución de la integración de países latinoamericanos seleccionados (Argentina, Brasil, Colombia, Chile, México y Perú) en cadenas globales de valor (CGV) durante el periodo 1998-2018. A partir de información proveniente de las matrices insumo-producto globales de la OCDE, se calculan los encadenamientos backward y forward, así como la participación y posicionamiento en CGV, de los casos seleccionados, utilizando una descomposición matemática de las exportaciones en términos de valor agregado. La representación de trayectorias de posicionamiento en CGV, para cada país en el tiempo, arroja evidencia de comportamientos inerciales y dependientes de las fluctuaciones de los precios de los commodities. Se concluye que la integración de países latinoamericanos en CGV fue acotada debido principalmente a la reprimarización de las economías y a la ausencia o fracaso de políticas de industrialización.


The impact of digitization of the cost accounting system on organizational efficiency and effectiveness in the healthcare sector of the Republic of Serbia

Abstract: The new industrial era has brought new opportunities and chances for the entire business development. Smart machines, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, big data are taking over many jobs and roles, thus leaving room for the development of new skills and abilities. The rapid technological development in terms of automation and digitization has made machines replace human work. In this sense, it is a matter of time when technology will replace traditional accountants. (Management) accountants who want to adapt and survive in the digital world have to improve their offer and change the focus from data calculation to interpretation of results and business management. Thus, by applying new digital information technology tools, management accounting can provide quality information for determining the costs of products and services, performance measurement, planning and control, strategic and operational decision-making and the like. The general objective of this paper is to review the potential impact of digital information technologies on the usefulness of cost accounting systems and organizational performance in healthcare institutions in the Republic of Serbia with the help of statistical analysis of the relationship between the selected variables. The results of the analysis show that digital technologies have a great impact on the usefulness of the cost accounting system. Also, the largest number of respondents pointed out that improved IT systems have a positive effect on increasing organizational performance.

Kristina Spasić
Bojana Novićević Čečević
Ljilja Antić

Toplica Academy of Applied Studies, Department of Business Studies Blace


La ley de Okun en el Perú: 1970-2000

Abstract: El objetivo de este artículo es explorar la relación entre el empleo, el desempleo y el producto,para lo cual estimamos el coeficiente de Okun. Un paso previo es el cálculo de la elasticidadempleo-producto. Ambos parámetros son importantes para el diseño de políticasmacroeconómicas y la evaluación de sus efectos sobre el empleo y el bienestar. A partir de unanálisis de cointegración encontramos que existe una relación positiva de largo plazo entre latasa de empleo y el PIB de Lima Metropolitana a lo largo del periodo estudiado, donde por cada1000 nuevos soles de 1979 de elevación del producto, la tasa de empleo se elevará en 0.0288puntos porcentuales. Estimamos también un coeficiente de Okun de 0.0845, nivel bastante bajo,y solamente comparable a los coeficientes de Japón, Bolivia y Argentina. En el caso del Perú labaja sensibilidad de la tasa de desempleo a los cambios en el producto se debe alcomportamiento procíclico de la fuerza laboral, y al hecho de que al perder su empleo lostrabajadores se retiran del mercado. Asimismo, encontramos que la tasa de crecimiento delproducto debe ser de al menos 3.31% para que el desempleo no se eleve, debiendo ser dealrededor de un 11% para reducir la tasa de desempleo en un punto porcentual. Finalmente,estimaciones de coeficientes recursivos de Okun a partir de los componentes cíclicos de lasseries nos dan un rango de entre 0.02 y 0.12 para el periodo en estudio.

Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú

Economic growth, development, planning
Economic history and conditions
Economics as a science


The Baltics on Their Way towards a Circular Economy

Abstract: Circular economy has been studied extensively both in Europe and worldwide. It is largely viewed as a potential strategy for societal development, aimed to increase prosperity while reducing dependence on raw materials and energy. Many businesses regard circular economy as a way to enhance economic growth and increase profits. Governments across the world actively engage in the discussion about the benefits of a transition to a circular economy and about its impact on employment, economic growth, and the environment. This paper aims to study the major issues of circular economy, to identify its advantages, and to offer an insight into the transition stage the Baltic States are undergoing today on their way to circular economy. It is stressed that the Baltic countries are not fully using the opportunities offered by a circular economy. For example, Latvia’s, Lithuania’s, and Estonia’s recycling rates are significantly below those of other European countries. The Baltics depend heavily on EU financial support. An increase in funding will contribute to the implementation of circular economy technologies.


Effects of Foreign Trade on Budget Equilibrium - Case Study of Bosnia And Herzegovina

Abstract: The analysis of economic trends in BH in 2012 recorded further weakening of economic activity. Primarily, this is a result of stagnant economies of the EU and the region. In the first trimester of 2013 year, exports grew in real terms by 19% and imports by 13%, which led to the real growth in the trade deficit to about 7%. The given deficit significantly reduced the earlier estimate of economic growth for the first trimester in which the strong export growth, coupled with an increase in industrial production represented a very important step forward compared to the previous year. The main objective of this paper is to discuss the global financial crisis, the movement of the budget deficit in BH for the period 200  - 2012, as well as monitor the constraints set by the Maastricht Treaty that the amount of the budget deficit should not exceed 3% of the GDP and the interdependence of imports of goods and nominal GDP.


The Design Sensibility Approach: A Case Study in Making, Sensing, and Sense-Making of Speculative Household Energy Designs

Abstract: This article introduces the Design Sensibility Approach—a sensorial and embodied process for making sense of possible futures. The approach is applied through a case study on speculative energy design in the home, conducted and adapted within a participatory workshop held at a regional art hall in Northern Sweden. It unfolds in four phases—Imagine, Make, Explore, and Reflect—across a broader timeline comprising pre-workshop, active workshop, and post-workshop stages. During the workshop, participants were invited to engage with their senses through a series of activities designed to prompt reflection on their own future energy imaginaries, which they materialized using a MakeTools kit. The results reveal three themes: emotional responses elicited from embodied experiences with energy; energy as a lifestyle; and critique of the political landscape surrounding resource extractivism in Northern Sweden. These findings inform the research question: How might the human senses be leveraged to create stronger emotional connections with future domestic energy products and systems? The article concludes by proposing concrete applications of the Design Sensibility Approach at individual, community, and governance levels, highlighting its ethical and inclusive dimensions as areas for future development.

Martin Åhlén
Suzanna Törnroth
Åsa Wikberg-Nilsson

She Ji: The Journal of Design, Economics and Innovation

Technology (General)
Economics as a science


MADURA DEVELOPMENT PLAN AS A DESTINATION SYARIAH INDONESIA TOURISM

Abstract: This study aims analyze the potential of attractions in Madura to become sharia tourism destinations. Next will measure the level of community readiness and development strategies for Islamic tourism in Madura. To analyze the potential of sharia tourism objects, they use observational analysis and public perceptions about the suitability of tourism objects with sharia tourism. As for the analysis of the development of Islamic tourism on the island of Madura using the Analytical Hierarchy Process method. The results showed that, Madura has the potential to become a sharia tourist destination, because has a potential tourist attraction to be developed into an Islamic tourist attraction. Second , the Madurese people already have an understanding of sharia tourism, this will be a big capital for Madura to become sharia tourism destinations in Indonesia. Citizen Branding Strategy can be a top priority in efforts to develop Islamic tourism on the island of Madura.

Sutikno Sutikno
Ahmad Kamil
Mohd Shukri Hanapi

Amwaluna: Jurnal Ekonomi dan Keuangan Syariah