bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The challenge of teaching first-year undergraduate mathematics: tutors' reflections on the formal mathematical enculturation of their students
Authors: Nardi Elena
Published: November 2024

Integrating the findings from a qualitative study of 20 first-year undergraduates' learning difficulties within a tutorial-based pedagogy at Oxford, the tutors'responses to and interpretations of these difficulties were studied in semi-structured interviews. Here the tutors' conceptualisations of the students' difficulties with regard to enculturation into formal mathematical reasoning and their standard teaching practices employed in order to cope with these difficulties are discussed. The conventions of school mathematical writing and journal/textbook/lecture writing and the students' confusion about what knowledge they are allowed to assume (school - university conflict, inter-university course conflict, intra-university course conflict) are identified as major influences on the students' formal mathematical enculturation. The need to transform teaching practices accordingly is highlighted.
Matematikkdidaktikk
Authors: Brekke Gard , Gjone Gunnar
Published: November 2024

Ledare / Editorial
Modelkompetencer
Authors: Skov Hansen Nina , Holm Christine , Troels-Smith Kristin
Published: November 2024

/ denne artikel præsenterer forfatterne et begrebsapparat, der beskriver en række modelkompetencer, dvs. de kompetencer der kan være involveret i arbejdet med at opbygge og analysere matematiske modeller. Set i en større sammenhæng kan kompetencerne opfattes som heltgenerelle problemløsningskompetencer. Men fokus i denne artikel ligger på kompetencernes indhold specifikt i forhold til matematisk modelleringsarbejde. Med udgangspunkt i et undervisningsforløb i matematiske modeller for nogle Lårs universitetsstuderende eksemplificeres og beskrives i alt 9 forskellige modelkompetencer. Begrebsapparatet omfatter for eksempel matematiseringskompetence, stategikompetence og refleksionskompetence. Begrebernes sammenhæng og anvendelighed bliver diskuteret generelt. Formålet er at komme nærmere på en forståelse af, hvad det egentlig er for kompetencer som kan udvikles gennem arbejde med matematiske modeller i undervisningen. Og hermed bidrage til at forbedre grundlaget for diskussion af modelarbejdets rolle og placering på forskellige undervisningsniveauer.
Going across the grain: mathematical generalisations in a group of low attainers
Authors: Watson Anne
Published: November 2024

This paper is a report of a classroom research project whose initial aim was to find out how low attaining students in mathematics would respond to some cognitively challenging prompts usually reserved for higher attaining students. Analysis of classroom incidents revealed the power of a type of mathematical prompt, which can be generalised as "going across the grain of the work". The metaphors of working against and across the grain are also used to describe a particular perception of mathematical structure, the use of unfamiliar methods of interaction with students, and some unorthodox features of the research method. In this study it was found that deep mathematical structure could be encountered by looking across the grain of the work. This finding, although from a very small specific study, is rooted in the characteristics of mathematics. The importance of principles manifested in small classroom studies is discussed briefly.
How do primary pupils give written arguments in a conflicting mathematical situation
Authors: Pehkonen Leila
Published: November 2024

This paper deals with the written arguments primary pupils (N=201) gave when they faced a conflicting situation with confusing mathematical information. The theoretical framework is derived from the idea that mathematical argumentation is regulated by normative aspects. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used in the analysing of the data. The results of this study suggest that although most pupils are able to give correct answers, many of them use mathematically irrelevant norms in their argumentation.
Alternatives to standard algorithms – a study of three pupils during three and a half years
Authors: Hedrén Rolf
Published: November 2024

In this article I will discuss a research project about the use of alternatives to the standard algorithms for the four arithmetic operations and especially the work of three girls who took part in the project. The girls were not taught any standard algorithms during their first five years at school. They were encouraged to use theirown written methods, including drawings, forall kindsof computations that theycouldnotdomentally. The three girls often worked together in a group. The girls were taught the standard algorithms during their sixth year at school.
The results I got were mainly that the girls could manage to find their own methods, often on their own but sometimes with the help of peers or teachers. I also found that the methods that they used, were mostly less effective than the standard algorithms, but that they were more like those used for effective mental arithmetic and computational estimation. The girls acquired good number sense and good ability in mental computation, and they preferred their own methods, even after they had been taught the standard algorithms.
Studier av kunskapsbildning i matematik i dialog mellan två vetenskaper
Authors: Wistedt Inger , Brattström Gudrun , Martinsson Mats
Published: November 2024

Sedan mitten av 70-talet har pedagogiska studier av kunskapsbildning innehållsrelaterats. Det innehållsrelaterade synsättet får konsekvenser för inriktningen av den ämnesdidaktiska forskningen. Ämnesdidaktiken rör sig i gränslandet mellan vetenskaper och artikeln beskriver hur forskare, som företräder olika ämnen, här pedagogik och matematik, kan föra en dialog över ett empiriskt material, där de skilda perspektiven nyttjas för att kasta ljus över kunskapsbildningsprocessen.
Data hämtas från studier av 11-åringar som löser en matematisk uppgift i grupp och av studenter inom högskolans grundutbildning som arbetar med en uppgift som handlar om matematisk induktion. Analyserna av elevernas förståelse av de givna uppgifterna görs ur ett intentionelit perspektiv, där elevernas tolkningar av uppgiften fokuseras.
Det intentionella perspektivet är dialogiskt och därför väl lämpat för tvärvetenskapligt samarbete. I artikeln argumenteras för fruktbarheten i en sådan dialogisk ansats.
Background and motives for the conference
Authors: Jaworski Barbara , Kleve Bodil
Published: November 2024

The theme of this conference, which was held in Gausdal in March 2000, was Social Constructivism, Social Practice Theory and Sociocultural Theory: Relevance and Rationalisations in Mathematics Education. Jaworski (this issue) writes: "These are theories that are in the public domain; that have been discussed by scholars, argued over, rationalised; terms have evolved and, in each case, a discourse has emerged which itself conditions thinking and communication".
Leveraging constructivism to apply to systemic reform
Authors: Confrey Jere
Published: November 2024

The question posed for this conference was "what are our current understandings of the theoretical foundations of mathematics education?" To address this question, I first asked myself, "Why it is important to answer such a question?" Is it primarily an issue of philosophical investigation? Or, is it, rather, a call for some clarification about the proliferation of theories in mathematics education and their interrelationships, reexamining each theory in light of multiple theories. This second query interests me, because increasingly as I extend the scope of my research to see constructivism enacted in classrooms and schools, I need broader theoretical constructs. And, I need to reexamine of my own assumptions and their warrant.
Social constructivism, social practice theory and sociocultural theory: relevance and rationalisations in mathematics education. detail, reflection and synthesis
Authors: Jaworski Barbara
Published: November 2024

This paper contains detail from, reflection on and synthesis of the Conference held in Gausdal, Norway, in March, 2000, on 'Social Constructivism, Social Practice Theory and Sociocultural Theory: Relevance and Rationalisations in Mathematics Education'.
NOMAD gör nystart
Authors: Björkqvist Ole
Published: November 2024

Ledare / Editorial
Methodological considerations on investigating teachers’ beliefs of mathematics and its teaching
Authors: Pehkonen Erkki , Törner Günter
Published: November 2024

Our primary concerns are the methodological considerations on investigating teachers’ beliefs of mathematics teaching using a quantitative as well as qualitative approach. However, a discussion of this type cannot be completely detached from the textual determination that beliefs result from. Hereby, Dionne’s and Ernest’s characterizations of beliefs on mathematics served as a theoretical background; the dominant perspectives on mathematics can be described as toolbox aspect, system aspect and process aspect. Originally, our test subjects numbered a total of 13 experienced German mathematics teachers. However, we will limit the scope of the discussion to research on six representative persons. We used three data-gathering methods: questionnaires, videotaped interviews and graphical as well as numerical self-estimations, respectively. In our investigation a comparison of the self-estimations stands in the foreground. Since this information is mainly overlapping, partly redundant and likely contradictory, we have to question the data in order to describe the beliefs of the teachers. The research was conducted during the spring and summer of 1994.
Mathematical belief research in Finland
Authors: Pehkonen Erkki , Hannula Markku
Published: November 2024

In this paper we give a brief overview of the present state of belief research done in Finland. The Finnish research on mathematical beliefs has recently flourished because of three different sources of funding provided by the Academy of Finland: 1) a national graduate school for mathematics, physics, and chemistry teachers, 2) a series of international MAVI workshops, and 3) research projects on affective issues in mathematics. The Finnish research has contributed especially to understanding the development of beliefs during teacher education and to the development of theoretical foundation of belief research as well as some new methodological solutions.
Dialogic learning in collaborative investigation
Authors: Alrø Helle , Skovsmose Ole
Published: November 2024

This article claims that the quality of classroom communication influences the quality of learning. A dialogue can be seen as a conversation with certain qualities: it is a process of inquiry, includes risk-taking, and maintains equality. These qualities can be observed as dialogic acts. From observing teacher-student and student-student relationships in processes of collaboration we have identified different dialogic acts: getting in contact, locating, identifying, advocating, thinking aloud, reformulating, challenging and evaluating. These acts we include in the Inquiry Co-operation Model (IC-Model). A teaching-learning process rich in dialogic acts in different clusters and combinations provides learning with dialogic qualities. Such learning can emerge in an investigative learning environment. Thus, in this article we develop our understanding of dialogic learning by specifying elements of the IC-Model using an example from the mathematics classroom that takes place in a landscape of investigation.
Mathematics at work – researching adults’ mathematics-containing competences
Authors: Wedege Tine
Published: November 2024

In the workplace, mathematics is integrated in three dimensions of technology − in technique and machinery, in work organisation and in human competences and qualifications. In the article, methodology in researching mathematics-containing competences is the focus. It is argued that the complexity in adults’ mathematics at work has to be investigated in a borderland between mathematics education and adult education research, where the import and reconstruction of theories and concepts are important tasks. An operational methodology, based on a model for analysing numeracy, is presented. This methodology – by virtue of the conceptual development associated with it − has also been useful in teacher training.
The didactic divide and the education of teachers of mathematics in Sweden
Authors: Bergsten Christer , Grevholm Barbro
Published: November 2024

On a background of tradition versus renewal, a discussion on recent teacher education reforms in Sweden is given. A balance of different aspects of content and a need for research are seen as critical for the formation of mathematics teacher education. A conception of a ’didactic divide’ between disciplinary and pedagogical knowledge is used as an analytic tool to describe the rationale behind the design of the reforms. Empirical data from student teachers enrolled in the new teacher education programme highlight how the structure and content of the programme contribute to overcoming the divide.
The quality of conceptual change in mathematics – the case of number concept
Authors: Merenluoto Kaarina , Lehtinen Erno
Published: November 2024

In this article, the main results are presented from a number concept test in which 538 students from 24 randomly selected Finnish upper secondary schools took part. The test included identification, classification and construction problems in the domain of rational and real numbers. In addition, the students were asked to explain their answers and estimate their certainty about them. The theories of conceptual change and of mathematics concept formation were used to categorize students’ explanations into different levels. The results indicate the clearly restricted nature of students’ prior thinking of whole numbers and of their everyday experiences of counting and continuity. On the basis of the results, we claim that the problems that students have with these difficult concepts are not only due to the complexity or abstract nature of the concepts to be learned, but also to the quality of their prior knowledge, which is not sufficiently taken into account in traditional teaching.
The Swedish graduate school in mathematics education – conception, birth and development of a new doctoral programme
Authors: Leder Gilah C. , Brandell Gerd , Grevholm Barbro
Published: November 2024

In this paper we trace the establishment of the graduate school in mathematics education in Sweden. To provide a useful context for this initiative we review briefly the evolution of the PhD, the development of doctoral degrees and doctoral programmes in mathematics departments in Sweden, as well as the growing popularity of graduate schools. Progress and programme issues encountered to date are discussed in some detail.
Nordic resources for doctoral students in mathematics education
Authors: Grevholm Barbro
Published: November 2024

The Nordic Graduate School
What are the needs of doctoral students in mathematics education?
Authors: Grevholm Barbro
Published: November 2024

Activities during summer and early autumn in the Nordic graduate school
Från redaktionen
Authors: Björkqvist Ole
Published: November 2024

Ledare / Editorial
Los ejemplares del “Cancionero de Zaragoza” (92VC y 95VC): materialidad e historia
Authors: Marini Massimo
Published: November 2024

Este trabajo se propone ahondar en el estudio de los tres ejemplares conservados del Cancionero de Zaragoza, un incunable poético que salió de las prensas zaragozanas de los Hurus en 1492 y que los mismos impresores volvieron a editar en 1495, conocidos respectivamente en los estudios de cancionero como 92VC y 95VC. De la primera edición tenemos dos ejemplares, conservados en la Biblioteca Nacional de España en Madrid y en la Biblioteca de l’École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts en París. De la segunda, el único ejemplar conocido se encuentra en la Biblioteca Universitaria Alessandrina de Roma. Tras analizar su materialidad, se reconstruye la historia externa de cada incunable.
Analyzing the Effect of the Construction Safety Audit Model Using the Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) Method on Improving Communication and Collaboration Between Stakeholders
Authors:   Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia, Ghazali Muhammad , Budi Nugroho Danang ,   Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia, Latief Yusuf ,   Universitas Indonesia, Indonesia
Published: November 2024

The significant increase in infrastructure development is directly proportional to the rising accident rate in the construction sector, making it one of the highest-risk sectors for accidents. This phenomenon indicates that existing construction safety audits have not been effective in preventing accidents, largely because audits are generally conducted only at the construction stage. Audits at the design stage, however, have the potential to impact accident prevention significantly. Therefore, this research aims to develop a construction safety audit model using the Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) and analyzes the impacts on stakeholder communication and collaboration. BPMN was chosen because it provides a clear and standardized visual representation of business processes, making it easier to identify potential safety issues and improve stakeholder understanding. Statistical methods were employed to examine the relationships, resulting in a linear equation model with a strong correlation. Furthermore, audit activities conducted through three layers of stakeholders can be efficiently modeled using BPMN, positively impacting stakeholder communication and collaboration. Applying the Three Lines of Defense (TLoD) theory and BPMN provides new insights for construction safety committees and companies to plan and conduct more comprehensive safety audits. The implication of this study includes a potential reduction in construction accidents and improved work safety through more effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders.
Generalized Bronze Leonardo sequence
Authors: Özkan Engin , Akkuş Hakan
Published: November 2024

In this study, we define the Bronze Leonardo, Bronze Leonardo–Lucas, and Modified Bronze Leonardo sequences, and some terms of these sequences are given. Then, we give special summation formulas, special generating functions, etc. Also, we obtain the Binet formulas in three different ways. The first is in the known classical way, the second is with the help of the sequence’s generating functions, and the third is with the help of the matrices. In addition, we find the special relations between the terms of the Bronze Leonardo, Bronze Leonardo–Lucas, and Modified Bronze Leonardo sequences. Moreover, we examine the relationships among the Bronze Fibonacci and Bronze Lucas sequences of these sequences. Finally, we associate these sequences with the matrices.
Los modos y las modalidades del español como mezclas cromáticas
Authors: Lia Carina , Vázquez-Larruscaín Miguel
Published: November 2024

Este trabajo divide las matrices modales en cinco clases como compuestos cromáticos de dos colores básicos, rojo y azul, que, en principio, se identifican con actos comunicativos básicos en oraciones independientes: información (oraciones declarativas e interrogativas) e interacción (oraciones imperativas). Situadas entre los dos polos distinguimos tres mezclas cromáticas diferentes, distintas de las dos matrices con un solo color. En este espacio intermedio, el azul predomina sobre el rojo en la duda, y el rojo sobre el azul en el deseo, mientras que la mezcla equilibrada de azul y rojo, el violeta, representa el mundo de las valoraciones y las preferencias. Esta clasificación nos permite identificar no solo cinco tipos de matriz sino también nuevas clases de matrices que engloban dos o más de las cinco clases básicas, según sus proporciones cromáticas respectivas: una clase en la que predomina el azul, otra en la que predomina el rojo, otra en la que no predomina el azul y una más en la que no predomina el rojo. Todas las clases, simples o ampliadas, tienen claras consecuencias en la sintaxis y en la gramática. En resumen, la clasificación cromática, libre de una traducción directa a rasgos semánticos interpretables, se muestra incomparablemente más flexible que cualquier otro enfoque anterior, no solo para describir las propiedades sintácticas de las diferentes matrices sino también para mostrar las relaciones mutuas entre estas.
All passive participles are adjectival
Authors: García-Pardo Alfredo
Published: November 2024

This paper argues that the passive participles in eventive passives (what is commonly referred to as 'verbal passives') are adjectival in Spanish. Thus, there is no categorial difference between eventive and stative passives (the latter commonly known as `adjectival passives'. I show that the differences between eventive and stative passive participles, and the argument structure configurations that each type allows, can be accounted for without the need to posit a different morphological category for each type. Rather, the grammatical context in which the participle is inserted will allow for a simpler (stative) or more complex (eventive) structure for the base verb. I thus also argue against a stativization operation in stative passives: what we have is a base verb that only spells out the result state of the event, not a verb that spells out a telic structure and then is stativized by a purported higher operator.
Theories of argument structure
Authors: Fábregas Antonio
Published: November 2024

This work discusses the different theories that have attempted to explain the relation between the lexical information provided by a predicate and the syntactic structures that introduce arguments. The focus of the article is in the different sets of assumptions and predictions made by endo-skeletal theories, where lexical items somehow condition the syntactic projection of arguments, and exo-skeletal theories, where lexical items must adapt their meaning to whichever argument structure syntax has defined. In doing so, the article reviews the Theta Criterion, the thematic hierarchy, the notion of linking, the syntactic and semantic decomposition of lexical verbs and the different types of theta role definitions from a formal semantic perspective.
Auxiliary selection across Catalan dialects: an overview
Authors: Pineda Anna , Salvà Sebastià , Cremades Elga
Published: November 2024

This article presents a comprehensive description of auxiliary selection in Catalan. Specifically, after explaining how the phenomenon worked in Old Catalan, we show what are the factors (such as the event/argument structure or the grammatical person, among others) that determine the use of be and have in those Catalan varieties ​​that, although with some innovations, retain this distinction: (i) Algherese Catalan, (ii) Northern Catalan and some varieties of Central Catalan, (iii) Ribagorçan Catalan, and (iv) Balearic Catalan. Likewise, we show a series of theoretical considerations that we believe relevant for the analysis of the patterns of variation found in Catalan and, by extension, in Romance.
Accurately assessing congenital heart disease using artificial intelligence
Authors: Khan Khalil , Ullah Farhan , Syed Ikram , Ali Hashim
Published: November 2024

Congenital heart disease (CHD) remains a significant global health challenge, particularly contributing to newborn mortality, with the highest rates observed in middle- and low-income countries due to limited healthcare resources. Machine learning (ML) presents a promising solution by developing predictive models that more accurately assess the risk of mortality associated with CHD. These ML-based models can help healthcare professionals identify high-risk infants and ensure timely and appropriate care. In addition, ML algorithms excel at detecting and analyzing complex patterns that can be overlooked by human clinicians, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy. Despite notable advancements, ongoing research continues to explore the full potential of ML in the identification of CHD. The proposed article provides a comprehensive analysis of the ML methods for the diagnosis of CHD in the last eight years. The study also describes different data sets available for CHD research, discussing their characteristics, collection methods, and relevance to ML applications. In addition, the article also evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of existing algorithms, offering a critical review of their performance and limitations. Finally, the article proposes several promising directions for future research, with the aim of further improving the efficacy of ML in the diagnosis and treatment of CHD.
Enhancing ransomware defense: deep learning-based detection and family-wise classification of evolving threats
Authors: Hussain Amjad , Saadia Ayesha , Alhussein Musaed , Gul Ammara , Aurangzeb Khursheed
Published: November 2024

Ransomware is a type of malware that locks access to or encrypts its victim’s files for a ransom to be paid to get back locked or encrypted data. With the invention of obfuscation techniques, it became difficult to detect its new variants. Identifying the exact malware category and family can help to prepare for possible attacks. Traditional machine learning-based approaches failed to detect and classify advanced obfuscated ransomware variants using existing pattern-matching and signature-based detection techniques. Deep learning-based approaches have proven helpful in both detection and classification by analyzing obfuscated ransomware deeply. Researchers have contributed mainly to detection and minimaly to family attribution. This research aims to address all these multi-class classification problems by leveraging the power of deep learning. We have proposed a novel group normalization-based bidirectional long short-term memory (GN-BiLSTM) method to detect and classify ransomware variants with high accuracy. To validate the technique, five other deep learning models are also trained on the CIC-MalMem-2022, an obfuscated malware dataset. The proposed approach outperformed with an accuracy of 99.99% in detection, 85.48% in category-wise classification, and 74.65% in the identification of ransomware families. To verify its effectiveness, models are also trained on 10,876 self-collected latest samples of 26 malware families and the proposed model has achieved 99.20% accuracy in detecting malware, 97.44% in classifying its category, and 96.23% in identifying its family. Our proposed approach has proven the best for detecting new variants of ransomware with high accuracy and can be implemented in real-world applications of ransomware detection.
Assessing knowledge anxiety in researchers: a comprehensive measurement scale
Authors: Zhenlei Yu , Song Lin , Minyi Dong , Qiang He
Published: November 2024

Background

The rapid pace of knowledge production has introduced a phenomenon termed “knowledge anxiety”, a psychological state where researchers feel inadequate in keeping up with emerging information. This state can negatively affect productivity and mental well-being, yet there is no comprehensive tool to measure knowledge anxiety across different research domains.

Methods

We employed a mixed-methods approach to develop a multidimensional scale for assessing knowledge anxiety. Initial items were generated through a literature review and qualitative interviews with 313 researchers. After pilot testing, the main study involved 26 participants. The scale was refined through exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to ensure its structural validity and reliability.

Results

EFA resulted in a 16-item scale with four distinct factors: cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and capability-related anxieties. CFA confirmed a strong model fit, with standardized factor loadings between 0.549 and 0.887. The scale demonstrated high reliability, with a composite Cronbach’s alpha of 0.883.

Conclusions

This newly developed scale offers a reliable and valid measure of knowledge anxiety, providing researchers with a valuable tool to assess the psychological impacts of knowledge overload.
Prognosis and immune landscape of bladder cancer can be predicted using a novel miRNA signature associated with cuproptosis
Authors: Zhang Zhilei , Liu Fang , Yu Yongbo , Xie Fei , Zhu Tao
Published: November 2024

Background

Bladder cancer is characterized by a high recurrence rate and mortality, posing a significant challenge to clinical management. Recently, cuproptosis, a novel form of regulated cell death, has been identified as a potential target for therapeutic intervention in various diseases. The contribution of cuproptosis-related microRNAs (miRNAs) in bladder cancer pathogenesis, however, remains largely unexplored. Therefore, the current study aims to construct a miRNA signature related to cuproptosis for predicting the prognosis and facilitating personalized therapeutic strategies in bladder cancer patients.

Methods

In this study, we retrieved transcriptomic data and clinical information pertaining to bladder cancer from publicly available databases, including the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). We identified a set of 19 cuproptosis-related genes through a comprehensive review of relevant literature. Using multivariate Cox regression and LASSO analysis, we constructed a cuproptosis-related miRNA prognostic signature. The Kaplan-Meier (K-M) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to validate the accuracy of prediction. Additionally, we developed a nomogram incorporating clinical characteristics and the miRNA signature to further assess its prognostic value. We evaluated the tumor microenvironment (TME) of every patient using immune ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, and ssGSEA algorithms. We also investigated the differences in tumor mutation burden (TMB) and drug sensitivity between two groups. Finally, we validated the prognostic value of this miRNA signature using the OncomiR dataset.

Results

We developed a panel of eight cuproptosis-associated miRNAs to serve as a prognostic signature. The predictive validity of this signature was determined using Kaplan-Meier and ROC curves, and was found to be acceptable in both the TCGA training, test and total dataset. The prognostic value of this signature was confirmed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, indicating its applicability as a prognostic factor. The immune cell infiltration was significantly associated with an immunosuppressive phenotype of TME in the high-risk group of patients; meanwhile, patients in the high-risk group had a lower TMB resulted in shorter survival. Notably, higher estimate scores and IC50 value for chemotherapy drugs were observed in the high-risk group, indicating poor response to immune therapy and chemotherapy.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the Trihelix transcription factor family in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) during development
Authors: Mei Chao , Liu Yuwei , Song Huiyang , Li Jinghao , Song Qianna , Duan Yonghong , Feng Ruiyun
Published: November 2024

Trihelix transcription factors (TF) are photoresponsive proteins featuring a characteristic three-helix structure (helix-loop-helix-loop-helix) and contain the Myb/SANT-LIKE (MSL) domain. They perform crucial functions in the development and stress-response of plants. However, the function of the Trihelix TF in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) remains unknown. In the present study, forty-three StMSLs were characterized in the potato genome and named StMSL1 to StMSL43. Structural domain analysis revealed that motifs 1 and 2 may play a central role in the implementation of trihelix gene functions, and motifs 4 and 9 may be related to specific functions of StMSL. Phylogenetic analysis divided the StMSLs into six groups (SIP1, GT1, GT2, GTγ, SH4 and GT3). The GT3 group, which is rarely identified in the Trihelix TF family, contained three StMSLs. The 43 StMSLs were unevenly distributed on 12 chromosomes in potato and comprised two pairs of tandem duplication and five pairs of segmental duplication genes. Additionally, RNA-Seq analysis found that 36 out of the 43 StMSLs were expressed in at least one of the 12 tissues, with some exhibiting tissue-specific expression patterns. Trihelix transcriptional regulation network analysis identified 387 genes as potential targets of the 36 StMSL genes, and these genes have a wide variety of functions. Furthermore, RNA-Seq analysis revealed that at least 18 StMSLs were upregulated in response to osmotic stress. The induced pattern of eight StMSLs was subsequently validated using qRT-PCR. This study provides a detailed insight into the StMSLs of the potato and lays the foundation for further analysis of the functions of the Trihelix gene in plant development.
Pheochromocytoma Presenting as a Rare and Reversible Cause of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in a Young Adolescent
Authors: Jain Pradeep Kumar , Malviya Lalit Mohan , Lazarus Monica
Published: November 2024

Dilated cardiomyopathy is the most common type of cardiomyopathy in children and adolescents. Most of the cases are idiopathic, with very poor outcome. Identifying a correctable etiology is very crucial as appropriate management could reverse the disease process with complete recovery. Pheochromocytoma and Paragangliomas are catecholamine secreting tumours derived from sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Clinical presentation is highly hetrerogenous, from asymptomatic with incidental finding on imaging or with significant cardiovascular and/or neurological complications. Acute or chronic catecholamine exposure can lead to certain myocardial alterations causing various forms of cardiomyopathy. Most of the such patients are hypertensive. An ultrasound abdomen is a simple, non invasive and easily available investigation which can give a clue to the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Early diagnosis and surgical resection of pheochromocytoma is important and can reverse the cardiomyopathy as in our case.
Small-scale Farmers’ Information Needs and Sources for Improved Oil Palm Production in Kigoma-Ujiji Municipal Council, Tanzania
Authors: R. M. Haruna, , G.L. Shausi, , A.J. Churi,
Published: November 2024

Information is an important resource for empowerment of the rural communities. Oil palm small-scale farmers in many countries including Tanzania, need agricultural information for improving agricultural production. Through different sources of agricultural information, oil palm small-scale farmers acquire useful knowledge to alleviate agricultural production challenges. Though many countries including Tanzania have agricultural information infrastructures, still oil palm small-scale farmers do not obtain enough agricultural information. This study was conducted in year 2024, and aimed to determine small-scale farmers’ information needs and sources for improved oil palm production in Kigoma-Ujiji Municipal Council, Tanzania. Through the use of a structured questionnaire, 120 randomly selected oil palm small-scale farmers from the following three wards were interviewed: Kagera, Businde, and Kibirizi. Checklists of questions were used in conducting key informant interviews. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20 software. Chi-square analysis helped to find the level of association between the information needs and areas of residence at 5 percent significant level. The study found that, majority (95.0%) of the oil palm small-scale farmers needed information on markets and prices, 67.5 percent sourced information from friends and fellow farmers, and 35.0 percent shared information through facial interaction. Chi-square analysis found positive significance with information on weather and climate (X2=11.862: p=0.003), new technologies (X2=11.854: p=0.000), and pests and diseases control (X2=11.381: p=0.003). The study concluded that, a large proportion (above 70%) of the oil palm small-scale farmers needed agricultural information. Information needs, their sources, and means of sharing information were recommended so as to increase oil palm production.
Assessing Worker Conditions and Addressing Challenges in Dry Fish Processing: A Case Study from Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
Authors: Hamja Amir , Alam AKM Nowsad , Al-Shahriar
Published: November 2024

The research aimed to determine the conditions and issues affecting dry fish processing workers and the drying centers. The data was collected with questionnaires by semi-structured personal interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) of respondents and analyzed the data from major sites Nazirartek, Chowfalldandi, Khurushkul, and Nunierchara at Cox’s Bazar Upazila; Thakurtala, Ghotibhanga, and Sonadia at Moheshkhali Upazila and Shaporirdip and Shamlapur at Teknaf Upazila. The majority of the workers were male ranging from 59.95%-76.09% with female participation ranging between 8.94%-18.12%, children 5.28%-13.37%, and Rohingya refugees 7.17%-22.78% cumulatively in Cox’s Bazar. Road networks, landing center accessibility, electrical connections, ice plant shortage, inadequate marketing and processing facilities, inefficient sanitation and hygiene practices, low wage levels, and extended labour hours were some of the limitations observed. Better infrastructure, improvement of processing facilities, wage improvements, health and safety measures, ensuring gender equity, and providing administrative support are the possible ways forward of these constraints. The study suggests government and policy interventions to improve socio-economic conditions and infrastructure.
Effect of Different Soil Amendments and Biofertilizers on Pisum sativum L. in Sandy Soil
Authors: Hammad Amany M. , Ghazal Mona F. , Salem Gehan M. , Metwaly Reda S. , Mahdy Manal H. El
Published: November 2024

Two successive field experiments were conducted out at Ismailia Agricultural Research Center Station experimental farm (Latitude 30ᵒ 35′ 41.901″ N and Longitude 32ᵒ 16′ 45. 843″E) to study the effect of cyanobacterial to investigate the influence of several biofertilizers (Anabaena variabilis, Azollae), some soil amendments (feldspar, bentonite, zeolite) and their combines on pea plant (Pisum sativum L.) type Super 2, during the winter seasons of 2022/2023 and 2023/2024. The results demonstrated that all treatments increased all growth parameters, although mixing treatments outperformed single treatments. The treatment Azollae mixed with feldspar soil amendments produced the most significant growth characteristics, including plant height, plant dry weight, total chlorophyll, number of leaves, number of pods, pod length, pod diameter, number of seeds on pod, pod fresh weight, pod dry weight,100 seeds fresh weight ,100 seeds dry weight and total green pod yield (tons fed-1). It also has the greatest NPK content and uptake in plant and grains as well as carbohydrates, proteins contents in grain. Following that, Azollae was combined with each of zeolite or bentonite, and Anabaena variabilis was mixed with each soil amendments in both seasons. Soil analysis follows the same pattern as plant analysis, with treatments of Azollae mixed with each of the soil amendments yielding the highest significant values of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) and dehydrogenase enzyme activity in soil in both seasons, followed by Anabaena variabilis mixed with each soil amendments. Single treatments of Azollae and Anabaena variabilis resulted in higher plant and soil analysis than single soil amendments feldspar, bentonite, and zeolite, while the control treatment yielded the lowest results in both seasons. Therefore, the recommendation from this study is that employing a single soil conditioner with Azollae, or Anabaena variabilis as a biofertilizer increased pea plants more than a single application of either.
Quantifying Response of Sesame (Sesame indicum L.) to Dose and Time of Nitrogen Application Under Irrigated Condition
Authors: Priya T. Bhagavatha , Aruna E. , Madhuri V. , Chandrika V.
Published: November 2024

Aim: To determine the optimum dose and time of nitrogen application in sesame in YSR Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh.
Study Design: Split plot design.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Agronomy, Agricultural Research Station, Utukur, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India and duration of study was three years (2020-21 to 2022-23).
Methodology: The treatments included four levels of nitrogen as main plot viz., N1: 40, N2: 60, N3: 80 and N4: 100 kg/ha and time of nitrogen application viz., T1: 50 kg as basal and 50 kg at 30 DAS, T2: 25 kg as basal and 75 kg at 30 DAS, T3: 25 kg as basal, 37.5 kg at 20 and 37.5 kg at 40 DAS and T4: No basal, 50 kg at 20 and 50 kg at 40 DAS as sub plot, which were laid out in split plot design with three replications.
Results: The results revealed that significantly the higher plant height at maturity, number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule and seed yield were recorded with application of 100 kg N/ha which was at par with 80 kg N/ha. However, the application of 100 kg N/ha nitrogen as 25 kg in basal, 37.5 kg at 20 and 37.5 kg at 40 DAS (T3) recorded higher plant height at maturity, number of branches per plant, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule and seed yield and was at par with 50 kg as basal and 50 kg at 30 DAS (T1) in all three years of study. Whereas, test weight of sesame was not significantly influenced by levels of nitrogen and time of nitrogen application.
Conclusion: Application of 80 kg N/ha could be considered as an optimum dose of nitrogen in contrast to the present recommended dose of 40 kg N/ha which has a yield advantage of 11.5 % over 100 % RDF.
Removal of Residual Phosphorus and Nitrates from Sewage Treatment Plants by a Fine Sand Filter
Authors: Albert Kouadio Brou , Jules-César Meledje Djedjess Essoh , Augustin Yobouet Yao , Simon Zran Vanh Eric , Albert Trokourey
Published: November 2024

Studies on eutrophication affirm that phosphorus is the limiting factor on which action must be taken to avoid the production of algal biomass and the appearance of green tides in waterways. A concentration of 1 mg/L of phosphorus in a body of water is sufficient to trigger eutrophication. However, according to the wastewater discharge standards in force in Côte d'Ivoire, the secondary water of a WWTP must have a phosphorus concentration of less than 2 mg/L. With the exception of lagooning, conventional biological purification processes, such as activated sludge, eliminate in the best case 50 % of the initial phosphorus contained in the raw wastewater. As a result, refining processes, called tertiary treatment, are implemented at these stations. Since the WWTP subject to our study does not have a refining system, it often turns out that the water leaving this station does not meet the standards. In addition, in some cases, when work is carried out on this station, it is shut down. In this case, the water is collected and discharged directly. Since eutrophication has harmful impacts on the receiving environment, it is important to conduct studies to minimize it. Thus, we were asked to set up a refining process for the elimination of phosphates. To refine this water, we opted for direct filtration on a sand bed. Having four types of sand, we carried out filtration tests, according to an experimental plan, in the laboratory by playing on the parameters: the type of treatment, the height of the sand, the volume of water poured and the grain size of the sand and measured the phosphorus and nitrate contained in the filtrates in order to determine optimal refining conditions. Thus, this study has shown that it is possible to refine the secondary waters of this WWTP by carrying out direct filtration on a bed of sand with a grain size of 0.5 mm < ∅ < 1 mm treated with acid, which can then serve as a basis for other future additional studies to determine the sizing parameters of this sand filter. We have also been able to see that the parameters that are: the type, grain size and height of the sand, and the volume of effluent passing over the filter are parameters that influence the efficiency of said filter on the retention of phosphorus and nitrate in discharge water.
Study of Some Physico-chemical Parameters of Water Treated by Activated Carbon Based on Rhonier Fiber
Authors: Augustin YOBOUET Yao , Jules-César MELEDJE Djedjess Essoh , Robin MANOUAN Wedjers Max , Eric-Simon ZRAN Vanh , Albert TROKOUREY
Published: November 2024

Like countries concerned about the health of their population, Côte d'Ivoire is carrying out numerous actions against waterborne diseases through the treatment of drinking water. In this study, we collected water samples from three sites on which we carried out in situ analyses as well as laboratory analyses. The results generally showed that the parameters studied comply with the chosen standard, except for nitrites and nitrates; COD and iron content. The samples were treated on a filter consisting of a layer of activated carbon from palmyra fiber topped with a quantity of sand, all in a 4.6 cm diameter column. Analysis of the filtrates showed reduction rates ranging from 19.5% to 76.6% for in situ parameters, 23.8% to 92.8% for nutrients. The reduction rates for suspended solids and COD are around 100%. These are fresh waters with a corrosive character, with a strong correlation between the parameters studied.
Prevalence of the Common Side Effects of SSRI in the Primary Care in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almulhim Saleh Abdulrahman , Almulhim Abdulrahman Saleh , Alshammari Yousef Kamel , Alnaim Abdullatif Abdulmohsen , Almulhim Omar Saleh , Alghamdi Majed Asaad , AlDaej Omar Mohammed , Almulhim Abdullah Nabeel , Almutairi Fawaz Mania , Alsuqair Hesham Maher
Published: November 2024

Background: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely prescribed for the treatment of mood disorders, including depression and anxiety. While SSRIs are generally well-tolerated, they can be associated with a range of side effects that can impact patient adherence and treatment outcomes.
Aim: The current study aimed to assess the prevalence of side effects after using SSRI medication in primary care clinics.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia's eastern province, focusing on patients on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Patients aged 18 and above were included, while those using two or more antidepressants were excluded. Data was collected through a questionnaire, initiated by the study authors, to minimize data extraction error and interrater bias.
Results: In this study of 176 SSRI users in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, participants ranged in age from 18 to over 60 years, with the largest group (38.1%) aged 31-40 years. Females represented 60.8% of the sample. The most commonly prescribed SSRI was Escitalopram (Cipralex) (30.7%), followed by Paroxetine (Seroxat) (21.0%) and Citalopram (Cipramil) (20.5%). Most users reported taking SSRIs for depression (75.6%) and anxiety/stress (39.2%). Regarding side effects, 61.9% of users reported no side effects, while 38.1% experienced at least one, with digestive symptoms being the most common (26.7%). The study also found that the duration of SSRI use was a significant factor, with those using SSRIs for less than 3 months reporting higher side effect prevalence (55.3%) compared to long-term users (14.3%) (p = 0.049). However, age, gender, SSRI type, and the reason for use did not significantly influence side effect occurrence (p-values > 0.05).
Conclusion: The study emphasizes the importance of monitoring side effects in patients taking SSRIs, as they can significantly impact treatment adherence and quality of life. Side effects are more prevalent in the early stages, but decrease as users adapt to the medication. Further research is needed to understand long-term effects and develop strategies for improved treatment adherence.