“Chronic Periodontitis in a Patient with Multiple Sclerosis_ Case Report”Rayeheh Tavajohi1, Amitis Sarbaz2, Hooshyar Honarmand1, Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi3*1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran2Georgia School of Orthodontics, Atlanta, Georgia, USA3Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranCorrespondence: Abdorreza Naser Moghadasi; Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Email: abdorrezamoghadasi@gmail.com

Spatial synchrony, the tendency for temporal fluctuations in an ecological variable to be positively associated in different locations, is a widespread and important phenomenon in ecology. Understanding of the nature and mechanisms of synchrony, and how synchrony is changing, has developed rapidly over the past two decades. Many recent developments have taken place through the study of long-term datasets. Here, we review and synthesize some important recent advances in spatial synchrony, with a focus on how long-term data have facilitated new understanding. Longer time series do not just facilitate better testing of existing ideas or more precise statistical results; more importantly, they also frequently make possible the expansion of conceptual paradigms. We discuss several such advances in our understanding of synchrony, how long-term data led to these advances, and how future studies can continue to improve the state of knowledge.

Materials and methodsSpecimens of the new species were collected in late June 2023 from Mount Kallar in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. Specimens or high-resolution images of specimens of the genus Bufonia were compared with herbarium specimens at B, D, E, G, HSHU, JE, K, P, and TARI. Additionally, relevant literature (de Candolle 1824, Freyn 1903, Cullen 1966, Shishkin 1995, Rechinger 1988, Chrtek and Krisa 1999, Rostami Ghadi et al. 2023) was reviewed. The gross morphology of the new species was examined and measured under a stereo-binocular microscope. A total of 13 specimens of the new species, along with 25 flowers, were examined. Photographs of plant parts were taken at the herbarium with a Samsung Galaxy A20s phone and Canon EOS 850D camera. The conservation status was evaluated based on field observations following IUCN (2022) guidelines. This material has been deposited in the D herbarium. Herbarium codes are according to Thiers (2024).

The massive leaf shedding in monoculture soybeans post-anthesis detrimentally impacts production, whereas relay strip intercropping can extend leaf area duration to enhance overall productivity. To reveal the reasons for leaf shedding in monoculture soybeans and how it affects the physiological and biochemical functions of source and sink organs, we conducted a four-year field experiment and a leaf-removal simulation experiment in relay strip intercropped soybeans to measure the phenotypic and physiological traits of leaves and nodules. The results showed that the strong self-shading of leaves in monoculture soybeans led to extensive defoliation, while the superior light environment in relay strip intercropped soybeans can promote the maintenance of a higher leaf area, nodule growth, and photosynthetic carbon allocation. With increasing leaf removal, leaf growth increased first and then decreased, and leaf defoliation gradually decreased. Extensive leaf-removal reduced Rubisco activity and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) activity in leaves, as well as the content of sucrose, malate, ATP, and energy charge (EC) in nodules, with a trade-off between leaf mass enhancement and weakened nodule growth. Notably, moderate leaf-removal could balance compensation and consumption. The total non-structural carbohydrates (TNC) in roots, N and Ureide in leaves and pods increased in unison, achieving the synergies between leaves and nodules to maintain a higher energy status and growth rate. Our study highlights that the favorable light environment in relay strip intercropping system shapes the coordinated functioning of above-ground and below-ground source-sink organs and effectively promoting photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of effective resource utilization in different cropping patterns, aiding in the sustainable development of food production.

This paper studies the influence of the gate voltage of the power amplifier (PA) on the drain current and efficiency. This study proposes a theory of controlling input non-linearity to improve the efficiency of PAs. The theoretical efficiency of the inverse Class F PA which controlling input non-linearity is from 77 to 97%. A new design method for the inverse Class F PA that reconstructs the design of the load admittance space into a region instead of a point. To verify the validity of the proposed theory, a inverse Class F PA is designed and fabricated using a commercial 10W GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT). Results of the measurement show a high drain efficiency (DE) of 78.5%, a output power of 41.6 dBm and a large signal gain of 12.1 dB at 1.5 GHz. The overall PA’s size is controlled at 80*50 m m 2 .

High quality triangular waves are generally generated by integrating a square wave obtained from an oscillator. This two-stage process needs two operational amplifiers, one acting as an integrator and the other as an integrator. For high frequency operations, special operational amplifiers are needed which have very high slew rates. A method for high frequency triangular wave generation using an ordinary operational amplifier by exploiting its slow slew rate is presented in this paper. Only one operational amplifier is needed in this method for triangular wave generation. The instability and dc shifting of high frequency triangular waves generated in the conventional way due to even a slight variation in the positive and negative supply voltages provided to the OPAMP is not present in this method. Detailed analysis and design equations along with simulation and experimental results are presented in this paper.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a ubiquitous substance in the environment, are closely associated with human energy consumption, which can be released to the environment from incomplete biomass combustion or emitted from petroleum. There is currently a knowledge gap on the relationships between energy consumption structures (ECSs) and PAH contamination, especially in African countries. This study investigated the distribution, sources, and risks of 16 prioritized PAH compounds (Σ16PAHs) in Ethiopia, and explored the impact of ECSs on PAH contamination. The concentrations of Σ16PAHs ranged from 12.51 to 435.67 ng/g, descending across an urban-rural gradient. Based on diagnostic ratios and positive matrix factorization (PMF) model, biomass combustion and vehicle emissions were the most important sources. By comparing the ECSs and PAH concentrations in African countries, it was found that differences in ECSs shaped the diverse patterns of sources and concentrations of PAHs in Africa. The results of incremental lifetime cancer risk assessment suggested PAHs posed a low risk to children, adolescents, and adults at some sampling sites. The Ethiopian government has been making continuous efforts to develop cleaner energy and optimize ECSs to decrease soil PAH concentrations and reduce potential risks. This study will provide support for Ethiopia to improve energy structure management.

Rossby wave trains associated with the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) tropical intraseasonal variability were analyzed using ERA5 composites arranged according to active phases of the MJO. During austral winter under neutral El Niño Southern Oscillation conditions, positive precipitation anomalies in Chile from 30$^\circ$ to 45$^\circ$S coincide with strong real-time multivariate MJO (RMM) phase 1 events. We found that a three-part mechanism, traced approximately 10 to 15 days before MJO phase 1 events, roughly corresponding to RMM phases 7 and 8, explains these precipitation anomalies. This mechanism is composed of three Rossby wave trains in response to convective perturbations: two interhemispheric teleconnections attributed to suppressed convection in the Indian Ocean and the Maritime Continent, and a cross-hemispheric Rossby wave linked to enhanced convection over the warm pool of the western hemisphere. Composite analyses of OLR and wave activity flux, complemented with Rossby wave ray tracing, support these findings. This research provides insights into the MJO’s influence on additional large-scale teleconnection patterns across the Southern Hemisphere besides the Pacific South American (PSA) teleconnection mode. The dispersion of the convective RMM phase at different lags and the interaction between multiple wave trains introduce uncertainty when associating a specific RMM phase with precipitation anomalies.

The Equatorial Pacific and ENSO have climatologically important seasonal cycles, with maximum Western Pacific SSTs occurring during boreal autumn and ENSO events peaking during boreal winter. In this work, we use the concept of a monsoonal mode to show that the presence of a large landmass in the northern hemisphere leads to this seasonal cycle. Specifically, warm air moving east from the Asian summer monsoon suppresses surface fluxes in the West Pacific, leading to increased heat content there during the following months. This, in turn, enhances ENSO growth rates during boreal autumn and causes ENSO events to peak in boreal winter.

Nickel stable isotopes (δ60Ni) provide insight to Ni biogeochemistry in the modern and past oceans. Here, we present the first Pacific Ocean high-resolution dissolved Ni concentration and δ60Ni data, from the US GEOTRACES GP15 cruise. As in other ocean basins, increases in δ60Ni towards the surface ocean are observed across the entire transect, reflecting preferential biological uptake of light Ni isotopes, however the observed magnitude of fractionation is larger in the tropical Pacific than the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. Such surface ocean fractionation by phytoplankton should accumulate isotopically lighter Ni in the deep Pacific, yet we find that North Pacific deep ocean δ60Ni is similar to previously reported values from the deep Atlantic. Finally, we find that seawater dissolved δ60Ni in regions with hydrothermal input can be either higher or lower than background deep ocean δ60Ni, depending on vent geochemistry and proximity.

Salt marshes sequester a disproportionately large amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere through high rates of photosynthesis and carbon burial. Climate change could potentially alter this carbon sink, particularly the response of vegetation to environmental stressors that can decrease photosynthesis. Midday depression of gross primary production (GPP), the photosynthetic decline during midday, has been documented in multiple ecosystems as a response to drought, high temperatures, and other stressors linked to climate change. Yet, midday depression has not been thoroughly investigated in salt marsh ecosystems. Here, we show that the midday depression of GPP in a Spartina alterniflora salt marsh on the Eastern Shore of Virginia was ubiquitous and occurred on 76% of days during the 2019-2022 growing seasons. GPP was estimated from eddy covariance measurements using flux partitioning. Using random forest, we found that daily maximum tidal height and air temperature were the strongest predictors of midday depression, with lower high tides and warmer temperatures tending to have more severe depression. This result suggests midday depression occurs when the vegetation decreases photosynthesis or increases photorespiration in the afternoon in response to salinity and water stress. To our knowledge, this is the first examination of midday depression of photosynthesis in Spartina alterniflora at the ecosystem scale. Our results highlight the potential of a weakened salt marsh carbon sink due to climate change and the need to better understand species-specific responses to environmental stressors at sub-daily timescales.

The representation of submesoscale processes in ocean models is critical for accurately representing the exchange of mass and tracers between the surface mixed layer and subsurface waters. Comparisons of these processes using multiple models is an important step for the validation of different numerical schemes and identifying possible future opportunities for model coupling. This study investigated the representation of submesoscale processes using two ocean models, the structured regional ocean model ROMS and the unstructured global ocean model MPAS-O in an idealized domain. Results from the two models are highly similar for multiple statistical metrics of submesoscale dynamics including frontal processes, and also show that the impact of ocean model choice is smaller than the choice of spatial grid resolution. Overall, these results show promise for the successful coupling of the two ocean models, and highlight additional differences in the representation of along- and cross-frontal divergence estimates for further exploration.

Anthropogenic aerosols (AER) and greenhouse gases (GHG) – the leading drivers of the forced historical change – produce different large-scale climate response patterns, with varying trend pattern correlations from negative to positive over the past century. To understand what caused the time-evolving comparison between GHG and AER responses, we apply a joint low-frequency component analysis on global sea-surface temperature and sea-surface salinity response over 1921-2020 from CESM1 single-forcing large ensemble simulations. While GHG response is well-described by its first leading mode, AER response consists of two distinct modes. The first one features global AER increase and global cooling, opposite to GHG-induced warming. The second mode features multidecadal variations in AER distributions, where the recent shift from North America/western Europe to southeast Asia emissions drives regional changes enhancing the GHG effect. We argue that AER can have both competing and synergistic effects with GHG, as their emissions change temporally and spatially.

Catalogs of atmospheric rivers (ARs) are vital resources to advance AR science. However, identification of ARs at a global scale comes along with substantial challenges caused by regionally and temporally varying weather systems. Most available AR catalogs have regional extent, although only global AR catalogs can record large-scale heterogeneities in AR transport. Here, we introduce the PIK Atmospheric River Trajectories (PIKART) catalog, a global and comprehensive compilation of AR activity covering 84 years (1940 to 2023) with a high spatiotemporal resolution of 0.5° and 6 hours. PIKART identifies ARs by exploiting their anomalous moisture transport characteristics and is, therefore, threshold-free. Moreover, it tracks ARs prioritizing large and strong features, and allowing for physically-sound temporal gaps, ultimately improving the representation of long-lived ARs. PIKART substantially extends the scope of previous catalogs by providing secondary AR properties such as a novel index of inland penetration, land-intersecting locations, and AR levels. Available as a compilation of AR conditions and AR trajectories, PIKART facilitates the study of ARs from both the Eulerian and Lagrangian perspective. As a first overview of the catalog’s scope, we use PIKART to reveal i) additional hotspots of AR activity, particularly in the tropics, ii) exposure to considerable AR impacts in less-studied continents (e.g., South/East Asia and Oceania), iii) inland penetration of ARs into less-studied regions (e.g., north-western Africa), and iv) a poleward shift of southern hemispheric ARs and a global intensification of AR moisture transport. The PIKART catalog constitutes a valuable resource for future studies in AR science.

Understanding the relative magnitude of uncertainties in total water level estimation is critical for prioritising research efforts and developing more accurate models and projections of future scenarios. This paper examines the uncertainty factors affecting total water levels at beaches around New Zealand, characterised by different processes and conditions. Using a variance-based global sensitivity analysis, we assess the contributing uncertainty related to sea level rise, astronomical tide, storm surge and runup dynamics, both historically and for different projection scenarios up to 2099. Our analysis highlights that waves and tides predominantly influence uncertainty in the early 21\textsuperscript{st} century. As the century progresses, the impact of sea level rise and climate change scenarios increases. However, the temporal evolution of the uncertainty sources exhibits site-specific characteristics, with beaches dominated by waves or tides showing a less important role for climate effects also in the long-term future.

Salt marshes are depositional landforms lying at the upper margin of intertidal environments. They provide a diverse range of valuable ecosystem services and yet are exceptionally vulnerable to climate change and human pressure. Salt marshes are intrinsically dynamic environments, shaped by complex feedback between hydrodynamic, morphological, and biological processes. Soil Organic Matter (SOM) has a crucial role within salt marsh environments, as on the one hand, its accumulation contributes to the build-up of marsh elevation which is necessary for marshes to keep pace with sea-level rise, and on the other it supports the high carbon sink potential of wetlands. To better understand variations in SOM depth distribution and further comprehend SOM drivers, we analysed soil organic content in 10 salt marshes of the microtidal Venice Lagoon from 60 sediment cores to the depth of 1 m, relating SOM spatial and vertical patterns to the temporal and spatial variability of depositional sub-environments recorded in the study deposits. Our results suggest that changes in the depositional environment are of primary importance in determining organic matter depth distribution and caution is needed in SOM prediction at unsampled soil depths. We observed relationships between SOM vertical patterns and factors such as autochthonous and allochthonous organic inputs, sediment properties, relative sea level rise, fluvial inputs and wave action. Our findings emphasize the considerable carbon storage potential of marshes in intertidal environments and provide a conceptual framework for understanding the dynamics of SOM and their drivers, which can inform and enhance coastal management strategies.

Subglacial calcite precipitation is thought to occur in East Antarctica during periods when warm Southern Ocean waters access the ice sheet margin. Here we present an expanded precipitate archive that includes a continent-wide compilation of 40 new and previously reported calcite U-Th ages with isotopic compositional data. These data are interpreted to record periods when interior meltwaters are exported to the ice sheet margins as a result of ice acceleration and thinning. An assessment of coincidence between U-Th dates, ranging from 16-256 ka, and peaks in Southern Ocean temperature yields a statistically significant correlation. Additional comparison of precipitate dates and climate data finds that calcite formation and ice acceleration cluster within periods of enhanced millennial scale climate variability as well as high global ice volume. This sensitivity to background climate is consistent with the hypothesis that these factors exert some control on ice sheet response to changes in climate.

The future multi-terminal direct-current (MTDC) grid will require the interconnection of point-to-point high-voltage (HV) DC links with different specifications such as DC voltage level, system grounding configuration and HVDC technology. To adapt these differences, DC/DC converters are obligatory to interconnect HVDC links. Additionally, they are capable of providing supplementary functionalities as they are highly controllable devices. In this paper, a primary virtual resistance DC voltage controller associated with DC/DC converter is proposed for managing DC grid voltages of the interconnected HVDC grids, increasing the reliability of the system. The commonly known topology, Front-to-Front Modular Multilevel Converter (F2F-MMC) is adopted for DC/DC converter. Time-domain simulations are performed using EMTP software for validating the controller behaviour under power disturbances and large events of loss of one converter in a MMC-based MTDC system. The converters are modelled using reduced order modelling (ROM) methodology. Apart from this, dynamic studies have been carried out using a linear state space model for small-signal stability analysis of a HVDC system integrating DC/DC converter with a virtual resistance DC voltage controller. The results are examined through parametric sensitivity analysis.

Gli aeroporti rivestono un ruolo strategico universalmente riconosciuto, quello di “agenti di marketing territoriale”. Svolgono un’importante funzione economica, attraggono investimenti e garantiscono la mobilità del cittadino. I benefici non sono solo per passeggeri e merci, ma ricadono anche sul territorio circostante con effetti propulsivi sull’economia, turismo e occupazione.Il vantaggio strategico derivante dal posizionamento nella rete della mobilità, rende l’aeroporto attore di un nuovo polo di sviluppo del luogo, non solo una struttura operativa, ma centro di attività economiche diversificate.C’è fervida attesa per il primo volo che sancirà la definitiva apertura del secondo aeroporto della Campania, Salerno - Costa d’Amalfi. Grazie ai voli aerei diretti intercetta un bacino di turisti ampio, distribuito durante l’anno, con benefici per l’economia locale e occupazione. È auspicabile una visione ad area vasta che punti a integrare: bellezze naturali, offerta culturale, enogastronomia tipica e tradizioni locali. L’aeroporto ha come potenziale quello di rivitalizzare il settore turistico salernitano, e rappresenta anche un trampolino di lancio per i piccoli territori lontani dai principali attrattori. La collaborazione tra pubblico e privato, unita a una strategia di promozione mirata e alla valorizzazione dell’intero territorio, sono elementi chiave per tramutare tale potenziale in una realtà fiorente.

Pneumatocele in Focus: EIT’s Colors of the InvisibleS. Cattaneo1,2, A. Bronco1, D. Bonacina1, E. Bonanomi11Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy. 2University of Turin, Italy

Wasswa Shafik [0000-0002-9320-3186]School of Digital Science, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong, BE1410, Brunei DarussalamAbstract: Scientific African continues to avail scientific research and review articles available not only for the African continent but for the entire globe through its ten interdisciplinary scopes since its commencement, with its first volume published in December 2018, with a critical evaluation of a developing academic publication spanning six years. As of the current published literature, including the in-progress March volume 2024, the journal has produced 58 quality research in Social Sciences and Policy (SOC), 101 under Physical Sciences (PHY), 129 in Mathematics (MAT), Life and Health Sciences (LIF) availed the highest number of published article among others with 443, 222 in Information Technology and Engineering (ITE), 297 under Environmental and Geosciences (ENV), 67 under Economics and Business (ECO), 94 in Conservation and Sustainability Studies (CON), 157 under Chemistry, and 240 under Agriculture and Food Security (AGF). The journal has eight members on its advisory board and two managing editors. LIF has the biggest number of editors amongst the six scopes that present its editors, including ITE, ENV, CON, CHE, and AGF. Currently, only two editorials have been seen during the literature mining, the first showing better ways on how an abstract can be written honestly and effectively in scientific writing in volume 6 of November 2019. The other detailed an innovative biopolymer-based composite addition. This study scrutinizes the journal’s evolution, analyzing its thematic focus, publication consistency, and the quality of disseminated information by answering some critical research questions the research community can raise. Evaluating the editorial board’s makeup, the study evaluates the rigor and transparency of the peer-review process. The study scrutinizes the journal’s impact, assessing citation numbers and its influence inside the academic realm. Assessing author diversity and geographic reach, it dives into the journal’s inclusion and worldwide appeal. Furthermore, it probes into the journal’s flexibility to develop trends and developments within its subject. The study highlights reader interaction, feedback methods, and ethical norms as key features under study. Finally, it analyzes strategies for sustainable growth and future trajectory, incorporating a full examination of the journal’s progress, strengths, and prospective areas for enhancement within its initial five-year trajectory.Keywords: Editorial Board, Social Sciences and Policy, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Life and Health Sciences, Information Technology and Engineering, Environmental and Geosciences, Economics and Business, Conservation and Sustainability Studies, Chemistry, Agriculture and Food Security, Quality Peer ReviewIntroductionScientific African11https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/scientific-african, instituted in December 2018 with its first volume, symbolizes multidisciplinary scientific investigation, surpassing geographical limits to distribute knowledge emanating from African content worldwide focusing on different the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals22https://sdgs.un.org/goals [1-5]. The six-year trip exemplifies a dedication to a wide range of areas, as demonstrated by the publication of research covering ten transdisciplinary fields [6]. The journal has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to featuring scholarly works that have a significant impact not just in Africa but also in the global scientific community, covering a wide range of topics from Social Sciences and Policy (SOC) to Agriculture and Food Security (AFS) [7]. The wide range of volumes covering various fields has created a favorable environment for enhancing worldwide scientific discussions and comprehension.Despite its notable progress, the journal’s editorial contributions have been quite small, providing only two editorials with limited insights [8]. Nevertheless, these articles have offered extremely helpful advice on abstract formulation and introduced groundbreaking biopolymer-based composites, suggesting the possibility of enhanced content and innovation within the publication [9]. This study goes beyond just looking at numerical figures. It carefully examines the thematic evolution of Scientific African, how consistently it publishes, and the quality of the material it shares. This article explores the meticulousness of the editorial board and the openness of its peer-review procedure, providing insight into the academic integrity and criteria of the journal [10-13].This assessment also encompasses the effects and sway of the publication, including citation metrics and academic acclaim within the scientific community. The study evaluates the variety of authors and the extent of contributions from different geographic locations, shedding light on the journal’s inclusiveness and worldwide popularity. The investigation explores the journal’s capacity to adjust to evolving trends, its engagement with readers, and its commitment to ethical principles. This thorough examination not only provides a detailed comprehension of the development of Scientific African but also proposes practical approaches for achieving long-term growth and improvement, outlining a path for ongoing academic excellence and impact.Study MotivationThe pursuit of this study involves a composite combination of several research factors, including an intense curiosity that drives the research community into unexplored territories, a strong enthusiasm that ignites our search for knowledge, and a profound desire to make a meaningful contribution to society that propels us onward. This undertaking presents both cognitive obstacles and the potential for personal and research advancement across the continent, fostering a deep sense of satisfaction derived from the pursuit of innovative breakthroughs. This study looks at identifying critical and theoretical-practical implementation of answers to research questions to real-life challenges that affect Africa based on the journal research scope, motivated by a steadfast dedication to innovation and resolving problems. The act of working together and forming connections within an ever-changing environment enhances the experience, providing chances for both personal growth and shared development. In the end, this combination of motives becomes intertwined, leading to a persistent quest for knowledge, progress, and meaningful contributions to African society.The rest of this study is structured in six sections. Section 2 presents the literature search and selection criteria, including the research objectives and research questions. Section 3 presents the journal research scope, including SOC, Physical Sciences (PHY), Mathematics (MAT), Life and Health Sciences (LIF), Information Technology and Engineering (ITE), Environmental and Geosciences (ENV), Economics and Business (ECO), Conservation and Sustainability Studies (CON), and Agriculture and Food Security (AGF). Section 4 illustrates the research Insights and discussions by answering the presented research question to justify the study objectives. Section 5 shows the significant takeaways, recommendations, and limitations of this study. Finally, Section 6 presents the study conclusion.Literature Search and Selection CriteriaTo have a deep understanding of the Scientific African content and more specific facts of the journal publications, 97% of the references are taken from the journal, and 3% are attained from another journal for comparison purposes as some research questions present require balanced coverage. Since the journal is open access, the utilized literature can be accessed fully, and the articles of 3% have been selected based on the validity of the journal scope and content quality.Research ObjectivesThe main aim of this search is summarized in the following.To find out the specific range and emphasis of Scientific African.To critically understand what the frequency of publication for the issues is.To know what the overall caliber of the published research articles is.To discover the editorial board members and existing facts based on the journal website and their qualifications and areas of expertise.To find out to which extent this Scientific African citation is in other scholarly works.To check the author’s exhibition of diversity in terms of their geographic areas, institutions, and backgrounds.To investigate what the demographic of the readers could be. Is there ongoing participation, discourse, or input on published articles?To discover if any measures have been implemented to ensure the journal’s long-term viability and expansion.Research QuestionsTo tackle this research objective effectively, this study uses the following questions to guide the study discussion.Research Question (1) on the scope and focus: Is there a specific scope, and has it continually adhered to its topic focus, or has it broadened over time? This question will be able to provide specific answers to the first objective of the study.Research Question (2) on publication frequency and consistency: Has the continually adhered to its topic focus, or has it broadened over time? This question will provide the research community with the options on whether the journal publication frequencies allow their publication options.Research Question (3) on the quality of content: Do the published research and review articles exhibit thorough research, compelling arguments, and substantiation through dependable data? To test the quality of the published article, we have compared selected samples from other journals of the same years of existence based on a few selection criteria.Research Question (4) focusing on the editorial board and review process: How does the peer-review process operate in Scientific African? Does it adhere to strict standards and provide clear visibility? This question will provide the public confidence and research results in acceptance and trust based on the board the journal provides.Research question (5) on the impact and citations: What is the impact factor or other measures that indicate its effect in the journal field scope? This will increase impact the journal’s growth and diversity in different scopes that involve health and agriculture.Research question (6) on the author’s diversity and geographic reach: Does the publication solicit submissions from researchers across various geographic regions beyond Africa?Research questions (7) on reader engagement and feedback: Are there mechanisms implemented to collect feedback and enhance the content depending on readers’ suggestions? This generally applies in cases when the research registers any ethical research compliant or research content.Research questions (8) on long-term sustainability and growth: Is there any indication of a positive trend in terms of reputation, submissions, and influence? Examining these inquiries, the research community can develop a thorough comprehension of Scientific African’s advancement, merits, and potential locations for enhancement, particularly over its initial five years of functioning.Journal Research ScopeWithin this section, a description of the research scope is presented. The current publication demonstrates publication matrices from the first volume in 2018 to the current in-progress March volume of 2024, as depicted.Social Sciences and PolicyThis scope focuses on and examines human behavior, societal structures, policies, and their effects on communities [14]. This scope encompasses a study that investigates diverse aspects of African societies, including cultural dynamics, political systems, economic development, public health policies, education, and governance structures [15]. The objective is to examine the distinct difficulties encountered by African countries, evaluating the effectiveness of strategies aimed at tackling socio-economic inequalities, improving healthcare availability, implementing educational changes, and understanding the cultural aspects that influence African societies [17].This scope frequently encompasses research that elucidates the interconnectedness of social, political, and economic elements, with the goal of offering valuable insights that help shape the development and execution of policies to improve African communities. An illustration may be a research endeavor examining the influence of a certain healthcare policy in an African nation, evaluating its efficacy in tackling public health issues and its ramifications on society and governance [18]. Studies may investigate universal topics such as migration patterns, global economic policies, social disparities, or the ramifications of technological breakthroughs on societies. The purpose of these investigations is to enhance our comprehension of human behavior, societal structures, and the creation of policies that go beyond regional limits [19]. They aim to stimulate discussions and provide guidance for policy frameworks that advance social fairness, sustainable development, and enhanced quality of life for people globally. Table 1 presents the current publication matrices of SOC; it demonstrates that it is currently the least published scope amongst the ten scopes.Table 1: Publication Frequency for Scientific African Social Sciences and Policy (Mar, March; Dec, December; Jul, July; Sept, September and Nov, November)

Landerlei A. Santos¹¹ School of Mechanical Engineering and Electronic Information, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China

Natural language processing models, particularly those based on deep learning architectures, have demonstrated remarkable capabilities in generating coherent and contextually relevant text. Despite their proficiency, these models are prone to generating hallucinations, which are coherent yet factually inaccurate or misleading responses. The novel approach of analyzing internal states to detect and mitigate hallucination risks offers significant advancements in understanding the decision-making processes of models such as ChatGPT and Gemini. This study systematically evaluated the internal mechanisms driving hallucinations through a combination of internal state analysis, anomaly detection, and fact-checking algorithms. The findings reveal distinct patterns and correlations between specific internal state configurations and hallucination instances, providing actionable insights for enhancing model robustness. Comparative performance metrics highlight that while both models exhibit high accuracy, certain architectural and training data variations influence their susceptibility to hallucinations. The implications for model development include recommendations for optimizing attention mechanisms and integrating diverse datasets to improve reliability. Overall, the research contributes to the broader goal of developing trustworthy AI systems capable of high-fidelity language generation across diverse applications.

Muhammad Ali ButtWarsaw University of Technology, Institute of Microelectronics and Optoelectronics, Koszykowa 75, 00-662 Warszawa, Poland* Correspondence: ali.butt@pw.edu.plPlasmonic sensors based on metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguides are renowned for their miniaturization and high sensitivity in various sensing applications. A broad spectrum of researchers is numerically investigating the characteristics of MIM waveguide-based plasmonic sensors with diverse cavity shapes. However, practical demonstrations of these sensors have not yet been realized, primarily due to the overlooked aspect of the light coupling mechanism into these waveguides. In this context, two distinct methods for coupling light into and out of plasmonic chips based on MIM waveguides are presented.Keywords: Metal-insulator-metal waveguide; plasmonic sensor; mode coupling techniques.Plasmonic sensors based on metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguides (WGs) hold significant promise and impact in various fields such as biosensing, food control, environmental monitoring, and telecommunications[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7]. A MIM WG is a type of WG used for guiding and controlling electromagnetic waves, particularly in the optical and infrared spectrum. The structure typically consists of two parallel metallic layers separated by a thin insulating layer. The metal layers serve as the WG’s walls, confining the electromagnetic energy within the insulating layer. The insulating layer, often a dielectric material like air, silicon dioxide (SiO2) or a polymer, acts as a spacer, maintaining the separation between the metal layers and preventing direct electrical contact between them. The unique properties of plasmonic materials allow for the confinement of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) at the metal-dielectric interfaces within the WG structure. This confinement results in highly localized electromagnetic fields, making MIM WGs ideal platforms for sensing applications with enhanced sensitivity.Plasmonic sensors offer the ability to detect slight changes in refractive index or surface interactions, enabling label-free and real-time detection of biomolecules, gases, or chemicals[8], [9]. Furthermore, MIM WG sensors can operate at optical frequencies, providing advantages such as miniaturization, compatibility with existing photonic technologies, and the potential for integration into compact and portable devices for point-of-care diagnostics and environmental monitoring. Research in this area is driving advancements towards highly sensitive, selective, and versatile plasmonic sensor platforms with broad applications in diverse industries[10], [11]. Figure 1 illustrates the trend in published papers on MIM WG-based devices indexed in the Scopus database from 2010 to 2024. The search was conducted using key terms including ”MIM waveguide,” ”Metal-insulator-metal waveguide,” and ”MIM sensor.” The data represents the cumulative number of papers over this period, highlighting the increasing interest and research activity in this field.Metals used in the conception of plasmonic sensors play a fundamental role in determining the performance and characteristics of these sensors. Commonly employed metals include gold (Au)[12], silver (Ag)[13], and aluminum (Al), each offering unique advantages and considerations. However, Al has not been widely considered by researchers in the realization of MIM WG sensors. Au is favored for its excellent stability, biocompatibility, and relatively low optical losses in the visible to near-infrared (NIR) spectral range, making it ideal for biomedical sensing applications. Ag exhibits strong plasmonic properties, particularly in the visible spectrum, providing high sensitivity and enhancement factors. However, Ag can be prone to oxidation and degradation over time, requiring careful handling and protection in sensor design. Al is a cost-effective alternative with plasmonic resonance in the ultraviolet (UV) to visible spectrum, suitable for applications requiring sensitivity in these wavelengths. However, Al can also oxidize easily, impacting its long-term stability. The selection of metal depends on the definite sensing needs, operational wavelength range, desired sensitivity, and environmental factors, highlighting the importance of material selection in optimizing plasmonic sensor performance[10]. Ongoing research focuses on exploring new metal combinations and nanostructuring techniques to further enhance the capabilities and versatility of plasmonic sensor platforms.Currently, research on plasmonic sensors utilizing MIM WGs predominantly operates at both analytical and numerical levels. This encompasses comprehensive theoretical investigations alongside sophisticated computational simulations. The finite element method (FEM) and finite difference time domain (FDTD) methods are powerful numerical techniques used extensively in the simulation of photonic devices. FEM discretizes the domain into smaller, simpler elements, allowing the complex behavior of light to be modeled with great accuracy. In photonic simulations, FEM can handle irregular geometries effectively and is versatile for analyzing different types of devices, such as WGs, resonators, and photonic crystals. On the other hand, FDTD is a time-domain numerical technique that divides space into a grid of finite cells and computes electromagnetic field equations over time. Both methods play vital roles in the design and optimization of photonic devices, advancing complementary benefits in terms of flexibility, accuracy, and computational efficiency depending on the specific requirements of the simulation[4].