bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of Reflection on Teaching Practice in a Training Course That Integrates the Lesson Study and Criteria of Didactical Suitability
Authors: Hummes Viviane , Breda Adriana , Font Vicenç , Seckel María José
Published: September 2023

This article discusses a qualitative case study involving eight mathematics teachers in Brazil. The study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of a training course that combined Lesson Study and Criteria of Didactical Suitability in developing reflective competence in teachers. Lesson Study is a professional development strategy that encourages teachers to collaborate and reflect on their teaching practices, while Criteria of Didactical Suitability is a tool that guides teachers’ reflection. The study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of Criteria of Didactical Suitability in enhancing reflection skills and to assess the participants’ perception of its usefulness. The analysis revealed that participating teachers improved their reflection skills, specifically by utilizing Criteria of Didactical Suitability more effectively in the third phase of the course. However, the study has limitations, such as being conducted virtually and in a specific context. Overall, this study highlights the potential of combining Lesson Study and Criteria of Didactical Suitability in developing reflective competence in teachers. Further research can explore the efficacy of this approach in different contexts.
Field investigations and reactive transport
modelling of biodegrading coal tar compounds at
a complex former manufactured gas plant
Authors:   , Faber Suzanne Catherina
Published: September 2023

Groundwater contamination by coal tar and other aromatic hydrocarbon mixtures is a global issue with significant environmental and public health implications. Coal tar, a dense liquid, can persist as a long-term source of groundwater pollution when it infiltrates the subsurface after being deposited on the ground's surface. Hydrocarbons dissolve from the coal tar into the groundwater, where they undergo complex physical, biological and chemical transformations that depend on site-specific conditions. This study focuses on the Griftpark, a former gas manufacturing site in Utrecht, that is severely contaminated with coal tar. The site features numerous chemical and physical complexities, that lead to a lack of comprehensive field data. Our research seeks to provide valuable knowledge for risk assessments and remediation strategies for such complex sites that are common in the real world, but not often studied in the academically.
Our findings demonstrate that employing conventional investigation techniques yields valuable information about physical, chemical and biological conditions at the site. Subsequently, we developed a numerical reactive transport model that effectively captures and qualitatively describes significant subsurface processes. The model highlights the potential effectiveness of monitored natural attenuation, a method that relies on naturally occurring processes (including degradation facilitated by microbes) to reduce contaminant concentrations, as a management option for Griftpark. Success depends on factors like the volume of contaminated soil and degradation rates.
This study underscores the value of combining field research and numerical modeling to gain insights into complex sites like Griftpark. Such insights support the transition from active management to natural attenuation, contributing to more sustainable and cost-effective groundwater remediation strategies.
Evaluation of horizontal loads in the concept design of tall building concrete structures
Authors: Muñoz Blanc Carlos , Fortea Navarro Inma
Published: September 2023

Horizontal forces, both from wind and seismic actions, govern in most cases the structural design of tall buildings. An accurate assessment of the magnitude of horizontal actions from initial project stages provides a valuable information for typology choice and preliminary sizing of members. This study develops and analytical evaluation of horizontal forces considering the dynamic effects in this type of buildings to be applied in the initial structural design stages. The research uses analytical methods based on current codes and standards together with numerical Finite Element models and graphic tools that provide a set of original data based on a benchmark case-study. It includes a sensitivity analysis that shows the influence that some parameters have, such as the damping of the structure, in the magnitude of horizontal forces. The study provides new data and a visual analysis method for the two most complex actions in the design of tall buildings. The importance of wind against seism is shown while building stiffness decreases and dynamic effects increase transversal wind actions.
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy : A Mixed Methods Investigation of Matters of Life and Death
Authors: Hammarlin Mia-Marie , Kokkinakis Dimitrios , Borin Lars
Published: September 2023

In this article, hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccinations is investigated as a phenomenon touching upon existential questions. We argue that it encompasses ideas of illness and health, and also of dying and fear of suffering. Building on a specific strand within anti-vaccination studies, we conjecture that vaccine hesitancy is, to some extent, reasonable, and that this scepticism should be studied with compassion. Through a mixed methods approach, vaccine hesitancy, as it is being expressed in a Swedish digital open forum, is investigated and understood as, on the one hand, a perceived need of protecting one’s body from techno-scientific experiments, and thus the risk of becoming a victim of medicine itself. On the other hand, the community members express what we call a tacit belief in modern medicine by demonstrating their own “expert” pandemic knowledge. The analysis also shows how the COVID-19 pandemic triggers memories of another pandemic, namely the swine flu in 2009–2010, and what we term a medical crisis that occurred then, due to a vaccine that caused a rare but severe side effect in Sweden and elsewhere.
Performance
analysis of a retrofitted refrigerator
using eco-friendly refrigerant
Authors: Olalekan Bolaji Bukola , Taiwo Amosun Semiu , Olufunke Bolaji Deborah , Ajani Oyelaran Olatunde
Published: September 2023

The use of refrigerants with a global warming potential (GWP) greater than 150 is banned in small and medium-sized refrigerators in accordance with the European F-Gas policy. Therefore, the suitability of retrofitting an existing refrigerator using a low GWP working fluid (R152a), as a replacement for the usual refrigerant (R134a) that is harmful to the environment, was investigated experimentally in this paper. In this study, close trend and similarities have been observed between the retrofit refrigerant (R152a) and the traditional refrigerant (R134a) in terms of their thermophysical properties. This has shown the compatibility of R152a with the components of the existing refrigerator. The two refrigerants met the pull-down time standard for the refrigerator, but the values of R152a were consistently lower than those of R134a. In addition, R152a consumed less energy with higher coefficient of performance and cooling capacity (12.2 and 14.6 %, respectively) than R134a. Due to the superior performance and the eco-friendly properties of R152a, it is recommended as a retrofit refrigerant for the existing small and medium-sized refrigerators.
Pengaruh Relaksasi Genggam Jari Terhadap Pasien Pasca Operasi Untuk Penurunan Nyeri Sectio Caesarea
Authors: Sutisna Erni Hernawati , Sukmawati Anita , Mulyani Irma
Published: September 2023

Sayatan setelah operasi caesar terasa sakit, mengubah kontinuitas jaringan. 12 jam setelah operasi, rasa tidak nyaman ini masih ada sehingga membuatnya sulit untuk bergerak lebih awal dan menyusui. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui bagaimana relaksasi genggam jari mempengaruhi tingkat nyeri pasien Sectio Caesarea(SC) di Rumah Sakit Advent Bandung pada tahun 2023. Desain pre-test dan post-testdigunakan dalam penelitian semacam ini, yang merupakan quasi-eksperimental untuk satu kelompok. Sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah ibu yang menjalani operasi caesar pada hari ke 1-2 di RS Advent Bandung dan memenuhi kriteria inklusi dan eksklusi, penelitian ini menggunakan teknik purposive sampling. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada bulan Januari-Februari 2023. Sampel berjumlah 30 orang. Relaksasi genggama jari terhadap terhadap penurunan nyeri ibu sectio caesarea memiliki nilai signifikan p-value sebesar 0,000 dimana nilai probabilitas 0,000 kurang dari 0,05. kesimpulan dari penelitian ini yaitu terdapat pengaruh relaksasi genggaman jari terhadap penurunan nyeri pada pasien post operasi SC di RS. Advent Bandung tahun 2023
Hubungan Tingkat Pengetahuan Terhadap Kecemasan Masyarakat Dalam Pemberian Vaksin COVID-19
Authors: Liana Yunita , Rahayu Dwi , Harto Toto
Published: September 2023

Angka kematian akibat Covid-19 di Indonesia mencapai 8,9%. Vaksinasi Covid-19adalah program pemerintah dalam membangun kekebalan terhadap Covid-19. Berbagaidampak terkait vaksin Covid-19 salah satunya memunculkan rasa khawatir dan cemaspada masyarakat. Tujuan dari penelitian adalah untuk mengetahui hubungan tingkatpengetahuan dengan kecemasan masyarakat dalam pemberian vaksin Covid-19. Lokasipenelitian dilaksanakan di Desa Kartamulya Kecamatan Madang Suku I Kabupaten OKUTimur pada tanggal 15 Juni s.d 28 Juni tahun 2022. Rancangan penelitian ini adalahcross-sectional. Alat ukur untuk yang digunakan untuk mengukur variabel kecemasanmenggunakan kuesioner HARS (Halminton Anxiety Rating Scale) dan variabel pengetahuanmenggunakan kuesioner yang sudah di uji validitas 12 pertanyaan dinyatakan valid,karena nilai r-hitung > r-tabel sebesar 0,361 dan uji reabilitas hasil koefisien reliabilitassebesar 0,783. Jumlah sampel sebanyak 94 responden. Tehnik sampling yang digunakanpurposive sampling. Uji statistik yang digunakan adalah uji Chi-square. Hasil penelitiandidapatkan mayoritas responden berpengetahuan baik sebanyak 50 responden (53,2%)dan mayoritas responden dengan kecemasan ringan sebanyak 55 responden (58,5%).Hasil uji statistik didapatkan ada hubungan tingkat pengetahuan dengan kecemasanmasyarakat dalam pemberian vaksin Covid-19 dengan nilai p-value 0,001. Diharapkanpetugas kesehatan, perangkat desa dan para kader untuk dapat meningkatkan motivasidan pengetahuan masyarakat mengenai vaksinasi Covid-19
Pengaruh Modal Sosial Terhadap Kesiapsiagaan Masyarakat Dalam Menghadapi Bencana Banjir
Authors: Restu Meyda Nandita , Budhiana Johan , Permana Iwan , Yulianti Maria
Published: September 2023

Indonesia adalah negara rawan bencana, salah satunya yaitu bencana banjir yangdisebabkan oleh kondisi geografis. Diperlukan kesiapsiagaan masyarakat dalam mengatasibencana tersebut. Modal sosial menjadi salah satu faktor penting dalam manajemenbencana terutama dalam kesiapsiagaan. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui pengaruhmodal sosial terhadap kesiapsiagaan masyarakat dalam menghadapi bencana banjir diRW 06 Desa Pasawahan Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Cicurug Kabupaten Sukabumi. Desainpenelitian menggunakan korelasional dengan cross-sectional. Populasi dalam penelitianini adalah seluruh masyarakat RW 06 Desa Pasawahan Wilayah Kerja PuskesmasCicurug Kabupaten Sukabumi dengan sampel 317 responden melalui proposionalrandom sampling. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan kuesioner. Analisis datayang digunakan adalah regresi linier sederhana. Sebagian besar responden memilikimodal sosial kategori sedang dan kesiapsiagaan kategori siap dengan p-value 0,000 yangberarti <0,05 bahwa terdapat pengaruh modal sosial terhadap kesiapsiagaan. Kesimpulanterdapat pengaruh modal sosial terhadap kesiapsiagaan masyarakat dalam menghadapibencana banjir di RW 06 Desa Pasawahan Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Cicurug KabupatenSukabumi. Disarankan kepada Desa Pasawahan untuk melakukan penyuluhan danpelatihan tentang kesiapsiagaan agar masyarakat siap untuk menghadapi bencana
HUBUNGAN RELIGIUSITAS ISLAM DENGAN KEPATUHAN PROTOKOL KESEHATAN COVID-19 PADA MASYARAKAT
Authors: Puspita Dewi Inggriane , Supriatna Alshyra Millenia , Suwandi Nur Rohmah
Published: September 2023

Kasus Covid-19 di Kabupaten Karawang tahun 2021 masih terus bertambah setiapharinya. Desa Purwasari dengan kasus terkonfirmasi COVID-19 tertinggi. Akhir-akhirini varian Omicron ditemukan dan telah menyebar ke berbagai wilayah yang berpotensimenyebabkan gelombang ketiga. Hal tersebut dapat dihindari jika ada upaya yangdilakukan oleh pemerintah dan masyarakat, salah satunya dengan menerapkan protokolkesehatan. Religiusitas merupakan bagian dari ciri kepribadian yang menggambarkankepribadian sebagai internalisasi nilai-nilai agama. Seseorang yang beriman memilikikepribadian positif yang tercermin dalam pemahaman, motivasi, pola pikir, sikap danperilaku. sehingga ia akan mematuhi aturan menerapkan protokol kesehatan COVID-19sebagai adaptasi kebiasaan baru. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubunganreligiusitas Islam dengan kepatuhan protokol kesehatan COVID-19 di lingkunganmasyarakat Desa Purwasari Kabupaten Karawang. Penelitian ini memiliki sampelsebanyak 100 orang, dipilih dengan menggunakan teknik purposive sampling, yaituaccidental sampling, pengumpulan data menggunakan angket online melalui situsgoogle form. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ada hubungan religiusitas Islamdengan kepatuhan protokol kesehatan COVID-19 masyarakat Desa Purwasari KabupatenKarawang yang moderat (r 0,44) dan nilai p <0.001.Implikasi untuk profesi keperawatandari hasil penelitian adalah melibatkan tokoh agama dalam edukasi Kesehatan dimasyarakat
HUBUNGAN KUALITAS TIDUR DAN IMPLEMENTASI PATIENT SAFETY PADA PERAWAT IGD
Authors: Aryanti Dewi , Indriani Novi , Adini Syaukia
Published: September 2023

Perawat yang bekerja di IGD memiliki ritme kerja yang sangat komplek, beban kerjayang menyita tenaga fisik dan mental, adanya tugas tambahan, pola shift kerja yang dapatmenyebabkan perubahan kualitas tidur perawat. Perawat yang mengalami gangguankualitas tidur dapat berpengaruh pada implementasi patient safety pada pasien yangdirawat. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui hubungan kualitas tidur perawat denganimplementasi patient safety di Instalasi Gawat Darurat (IGD) RSUD Dr. SoekardjoKota Tasikmalaya. Metode yang digunakan adalah observasional analitik menggunakanpendekatan cross-sectional dengan jumlah sampel sebanyak 30 orang. Instrument yangdigunakan adalah Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) dan Standar Nasional AkreditasiRumah Sakit (SNARS) edisi 1 tahun 2018. Uji statistik yang digunakan adalah uji Chi-Square. Hasil uji statistik dengan uji Chi-Square menunjukan nilai p < 0,05 yaitu 0,001.Kesimpulan terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara kualitas tidur Perawat denganimplementasi patient safety di Instalasi Gawat Darurat (IGD) RSUD Dr. Soekardjo KotaTasikmalaya. Penelitian cohort dengan jumlah sampel yang lebih besar dan instrumentyang lebih spesifik dapat dilakukan untuk mengidentifikasi lebih dalam hubungan kualitastidur dengan kinerja perawat di IGD.
Masalah Psikososial Ibu Dengan Anak Stunted : Studi Deskriptif Kualitatif
Authors: Aprilia Hastuti Emma , Suryani Suryani , Sriati Aat
Published: September 2023

Stunted telah menjadi trend masalah kesehatan anak Indonesia saat ini. Kondisi kesehatanpsikososial ibu merupakan substansi yang penting dalam ibu memiliki anak stunted.Ketidakmampuan ibu beradaptasi terhadap berbagai tekanan hidup dapat menyebabkanmasalah psikososial pada ibu. Ibu perlu mengenali masalah psikososial yang dialamiselama hamil dan memiliki anak sehingga berpengaruh terhadap prosesnya ibu memilikianak stunted. Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu mengeksplorasi masalah psikososial ibu dengananak stunted. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dengan penelitian kualitatif denganmenggunakan pendekatan deskriptif eksploratif, di wilayah kerja Puskesmas SudiKabupaten Bandung Provinsi Jawa Barat. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan wawancarasemi terstruktur terhadap 8 orang ibu usia 23-33 tahun yang memiliki anak stunted.Transkrip wawancara dianalisis menggunakan analisis tematik Braun dan Clarke.Adapun hasil dalam penelitian terdapat 5 tema esensial yang muncul dalam penelitian ini,anatara lain: 1) mengalami berbagai emosi negatif saat hamil, 2) merasa khawatir denganpertumbuhan dan perkembangan anak stunted, 3) ibu malu memiliki anak stunted, 4)penghasilan yang kurang membuat ibu harus bekerja, 5) berdoa dan beristighfar sebagaiusaha menenangkan hati. Sehingga dapat disimpulkan berbagai masalah psikososialdialami ibu selama dan setelah memiliki anak dengan stunted. Berbagai masalah tersebutmerujuk pada stress, kecemasan, kehilangan, dan harga diri rendah. maka terdapatimplikasi bagi praktik keperawatan yaitu perlunya pengembangan program model berupapsikoedukasi, konseling, promoting emotional support, dan homevisit pre and periconceptionintervention group
BEaTS-β: an open-source electromechanical bioreactor for simulating human cardiac disease conditions
Authors: Takaya Hiroki , Comtois-Bona Maxime , Spasojevic Ana , Cortes David , Variola Fabio , Liang Wenbin , Ruel Marc , Suuronen Erik J. , Alarcon Emilio I.
Published: September 2023

Heart disease remains the leading cause of worldwide mortality. Although the last decades have broadened our understanding of the biology behind the pathologies of heart disease, ex vivo systems capable of mimicking disease progression and abnormal heart function using human cells remain elusive. In this contribution, an open-access electromechanical system (BEaTS-β) capable of mimicking the environment of cardiac disease is reported. BEaTS-β was designed using computer-aided modeling to combine tunable electrical stimulation and mechanical deformation of cells cultured on a flexible elastomer. To recapitulate the clinical scenario of a heart attack more closely, in designing BEaTS-β we considered a device capable to operate under hypoxic conditions. We tested human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, and coronary artery endothelial cells in our simulated myocardial infarction environment. Our results indicate that, under simulated myocardium infarction, there was a decrease in maturation of cardiomyocytes, and reduced survival of fibroblasts and coronary artery endothelial cells. The open access nature of BEaTS-β will allow for other investigators to use this platform to investigate cardiac cell biology or drug therapeutic efficacy in vitro under conditions that simulate arrhythmia and/or myocardial infarction.
Challenges and instructor strategies for transitioning to online learning during and after the COVID-19 pandemic: a review of literature
Authors: Richards Keith , Thompson Brittany Myles Wright
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered an unprecedented shift to online learning, significantly impacting the higher education landscape. This paper examines the challenges faced by faculty and students during the rapid transition to online instruction and explores best practices for delivering effective online courses. The increased adoption of online learning created stress for faculty and resulted in academic setbacks for students. Although challenges are present strategies exist to help faculty create rich online learning environments. One important element is engagement, which looks at both student engagement with the material and with their classmates and faculty. In addition to working on student engagement the faculty were now in a position that required a new type of expertise to manage online interactions, which can be much different from their experiences in traditional classrooms. Insufficient time for proper course adaptation and limited knowledge of online teaching methods added to these challenges. Effective online delivery requires careful planning, utilization of advanced instructional technologies, and creating an immersive and interactive learning environment. Faculty must also adapt their teaching strategies to accommodate the unique challenges of online instruction. This review highlights the significance of a quality learning management system (LMS) as the backbone of online courses. An effective LMS facilitates course management, content delivery, and student interaction. Future considerations include providing comprehensive faculty support and training, promoting effective communication and collaboration among students, and incorporating interactive elements into online lessons. The following will provide lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic which will help faculty to improve their instructional competence and social presence in the online classroom.
The mid-level vision toolbox for computing structural properties of real-world images
Authors: Walther Dirk B. , Farzanfar Delaram , Han Seohee , Rezanejad Morteza
Published: September 2023

Mid-level vision is the intermediate visual processing stage for generating representations of shapes and partial geometries of objects. Our mechanistic understanding of these operations is limited, in part, by a lack of computational tools for analyzing image properties at these levels of representation. We introduce the Mid-Level Vision (MLV) Toolbox, an open-source software that automatically processes low- and mid-level contour features and perceptual grouping cues from real-world images. The MLV toolbox takes vectorized line drawings of scenes as input and extracts structural contour properties. We also include tools for contour detection and tracing for the automatic generation of vectorized line drawings from photographs. Various statistical properties of the contours are computed: the distributions of orientations, contour curvature, and contour lengths, as well as counts and types of contour junctions. The toolbox includes an efficient algorithm for computing the medial axis transform of contour drawings and photographs. Based on the medial axis transform, we compute several scores for local mirror symmetry, local parallelism, and local contour separation. All properties are summarized in histograms that can serve as input into statistical models to relate image properties to human behavioral measures, such as esthetic pleasure, memorability, affective processing, and scene categorization. In addition to measuring contour properties, we include functions for manipulating drawings by separating contours according to their statistical properties, randomly shifting contours, or rotating drawings behind a circular aperture. Finally, the MLV Toolbox offers visualization functions for contour orientations, lengths, curvature, junctions, and medial axis properties on computer-generated and artist-generated line drawings. We include artist-generated vectorized drawings of the Toronto Scenes image set, the International Affective Picture System, and the Snodgrass and Vanderwart object images, as well as automatically traced vectorized drawings of set architectural scenes and the Open Affective Standardized Image Set (OASIS).
Short-term changes in klotho and FGF23 in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction—a substudy of the DAPA-VO2 study
Authors: Mora-Fernández Carmen , Pérez Adora , Mollar Anna , Palau Patricia , Amiguet Martina , de la Espriella Rafael , Sanchis Juan , Górriz Jose Luis , Soler María José , Navarro-González Juan F. , Núñez Julio ,   DAPA-VO2 Investigators
Published: September 2023

The klotho and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) pathway is implicated in cardiovascular pathophysiology. This substudy aimed to assess the changes in klotho and FGF-23 levels 1-month after dapagliflozin in patients with stable heart failure and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The study included 29 patients (32.2% of the total), with 14 assigned to the placebo group and 15 to the dapagliflozin, as part of the double-blind, randomized clinical trial [DAPA-VO2 (NCT04197635)]. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after 30 days, and Klotho and FGF-23 levels were measured using ELISA Kits. Between-treatment changes (raw data) were analyzed by using the Mann-Whitney test and expressed as median (p25%–p75%). Linear regression models were utilized to analyze changes in the logarithm (log) of klotho and FGF-23. The median age was 68.3 years (60.8–72.1), with 79.3% male and 81.5% classified as NYHA II. The baseline medians of left ventricular ejection fraction, glomerular filtration rate, NT-proBNP, klotho, and FGF-23 were 35.8% (30.5–37.8), 67.4 ml/min/1.73 m2 (50.7–82.8), 1,285 pg/ml (898–2,305), 623.4 pg/ml (533.5–736.6), and 72.6 RU/ml (62.6–96.1), respectively. The baseline mean peak oxygen uptake was 13.1 ± 4.0 ml/kg/min. Compared to placebo, patients on dapagliflozin showed a significant median increase of klotho [Δ+29.5, (12.9–37.2); p = 0.009] and a non-significant decrease of FGF-23 [Δ−4.6, (−1.7 to −5.4); p = 0.051]. A significant increase in log-klotho (p = 0.011) and a decrease in log-FGF-23 (p = 0.040) were found in the inferential analysis. In conclusion, in patients with stable HFrEF, dapagliflozin led to a short-term increase in klotho and a decrease in FGF-23.
Hybrid neuroelectronics: towards a solution-centric way of thinking about complex problems in neurostimulation tools
Authors: Drakopoulou Sofia , Varkevisser Francesc , Sohail Linta , Aqamolaei Masoumeh , Costa Tiago L. , Spyropoulos George D.
Published: September 2023

Responsive neuromodulation is increasingly being used to treat patients with neuropsychiatric diseases. Yet, inefficient bridges between traditional and new materials and technological innovations impede advancements in neurostimulation tools. Signaling in the brain is accomplished predominantly by ion flux rather than the movement of electrons. However, the status quo for the acquisition of neural signals is using materials, such as noble metals, that can only interact with electrons. As a result, ions accumulate at the biotic/abiotic interface, creating a double-layer capacitance that increases impedance and negatively impacts the efficiency of neural interrogation. Alternative materials, such as conducting polymers, allow ion penetration in the matrix, creating a volumetric capacitor (two orders of magnitude larger than an area-dependent capacitor) that lowers the impedance and increases the spatiotemporal resolution of the recording/stimulation. On the other hand, the increased development and integration capabilities of CMOS-based back-end electronics have enabled the creation of increasingly powerful and energy-efficient microchips. These include stimulation and recording systems-on-a-chip (SoCs) with up to tens of thousands of channels, fully integrated circuitry for stimulation, signal conditioning, digitation, wireless power and data telemetry, and on-chip signal processing. Here, we aim to compile information on the best component for each building block and try to strengthen the vision that bridges the gap among various materials and technologies in an effort to advance neurostimulation tools and promote a solution-centric way of considering their complex problems.
Species variations in the gut microbiota of captive snub-nosed monkeys
Authors: Xi Li , Han Jincheng , Wen Xiaohui , Zhao Longfei , Qin Xinxi , Luo Shengjun , Lv Dianhong , Song Shuai
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Snub-nosed monkeys are species in danger of extinction due to habitat fragmentation and human activities. Captivity has been suggested as an Auxiliary Conservation Area (ASA) strategy. However, little is known about the adaptation of different species of snub-nosed monkeys to captive environments.

Methods

This study compared the gut microbiota between Rhinopithecus bieti, R. brelichi, and R. roxellana under identical captive conditions to provide insights for improving captive conservation strategies.

Results

The results showed that these three Rhinopithecus species shared 80.94% of their Operational Taxonomic Unit (OTU), indicating high similarity in gut microbiota composition. The predominant phyla were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes for all three Rhinopithecus species, but differences were observed in diversity, characteristic bacterial communities, and predicted function. Significant enrichment of cellulolytic families, including Ruminococcaceae, Clostridiales vadinBB60 group, Christensenellaceae, and Erysipelotrichaceae, and pathways involved in propionate and butyrate metabolism in the gut of R. bieti suggested that it may have a superior dietary fiber utilization capacity. In contrast, Bacteroidetes, Ruminoccaceae, and Trichospiraceae were more abundant in R. brelichi and R. roxellana, and were associated with saccharide and glycan metabolic pathways. Moreover, R. brelichi and R. roxellana also had higher similarity in microbiota composition and predicted function.

Discussion

In conclusion, the results demonstrate that host species are associated with the composition and function of the gut microbiota in snub-nosed monkeys. Thus, host species should be considered when formulating nutritional strategies and disease surveillance in captive snub-nosed monkeys.
Cybersecurity of photovoltaic systems: challenges, threats, and mitigation strategies: a short survey
Authors: Harrou Fouzi , Taghezouit Bilal , Bouyeddou Benamar , Sun Ying
Published: September 2023

Photovoltaic (PV) systems, as critical components of the power grid, have become increasingly reliant on standard Information Technology (IT) computing and network infrastructure for their operation and maintenance. However, this dependency exposes PV systems to heightened vulnerabilities and the risk of cyber-attacks. In recent times, the number of reported cyber-attacks targeting PV systems has increased significantly. This paper provides an overview of the cybersecurity challenges faced by PV systems, emphasizing their susceptibility to anomalies and cyber threats. It highlights the urgency of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect the integrity and reliability of PV installations. By understanding and addressing these challenges, stakeholders can ensure the resilience and secure integration of PV systems within the power grid infrastructure.
Moving towards carbon neutral lifestyle through FinTech social media platform: a case study of Ant Forest
Authors: Shao Zi , Xu Yishuang
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The escalating environmental crisis resulting from high carbon consumption has led to severe consequences. Urgent measures to reduce carbon emissions are needed. Ant Forest integrates technology to promote low-carbon behaviors, but limited knowledge exists regarding its impact on environmental behaviors.

Methods: This study constructed an integrated theoretical framework based on TRA, DIT, KAB, and RL. SEM analysis was conducted on survey data. Semi-structured interviews provided qualitative data on lifestyle changes.

Results: Beliefs, norms, entertainment interaction, and commonweal significantly and positively impacted citizens’ use of Ant Forest. Knowledge sharing through Ant Forest promoted environmental attitudes and low-carbon behaviors.

Discussion: This study shows how fintech social media can facilitate low-carbon lifestyles and provides inspiration for businesses and governments seeking to enable a low-carbon society. Limitations are the study’s reliance on self-reported data and constraints around generalizability. Further research should build on these findings.
Predicting potential distributions of Monochamus saltuarius, a novel insect vector of pine wilt disease in China
Authors: Gao Ruihe , Liu Lei , Li Rongjiao , Fan Shiming , Dong Jianghai , Zhao Lijuan
Published: September 2023

Monochamus saltuarius Gebler was first identified as a new vector of pine wilt disease in Northeast China in 2018, and monitoring of M. saltuarius has become a key strategy to prevent and control the disease in this region. However, the potential distributions of M. saltuarius in China are unclear. In this study, we clarified bioclimatic environmental variables affecting the distribution of M. saltuarius, predicted the geographically suitable habitats of M. saltuarius in current and future climate conditions, and determined changes in the spatial pattern of a suitable distribution area of M. saltuarius under current and future climate conditions. This is the first study to use the optimized maximum entropy model and ArcGIS to accurately predict suitable geographical areas for M. saltuarius based on different climatic conditions in China. and the average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve reached 0.954 ± 0.0024. Of the 32 bioclimatic variables, temperature seasonality, precipitation of wettest month, precipitation seasonality, maximum temperature of the warmest month, and elevation played significant roles in determining the potential distribution of M. saltuarius, with contribution rates to the model of 32.1, 31.8, 11.5, 7.5, and 6.5%, respectively. Under the current climate scenario, the predicted suitable areas for M. saltuarius were mainly at latitudes north of 33° in China, and larger suitable areas were mainly distributed in Northeast China and North China, with areas of 87.04 × 104 and 73.15 × 104 km2, respectively. Using future climatic scenarios SSP126 and SSP585, the predicted suitable areas of M. saltuarius will continue to expand from that of 2040, 2070, and 2100, with highly and moderately suitable areas showing larger increasing trends but low suitable distribution areas will decrease to varying degrees. The potential suitable areas of M. saltuarius may increase greatly in Northwest, Central, and Eastern China. This study provides important scientific theoretical knowledge for effectively controlling and preventing M. saltuarius and pine wilt disease in northern China.
Ibrutinib directly reduces CD8+T cell exhaustion independent of BTK
Authors: Li Ling , Zhao Manzhi , Kiernan Caoimhe H. , Castro Eiro Melisa D. , van Meurs Marjan , Brouwers-Haspels Inge , Wilmsen Merel E. P. , Grashof Dwin G. B. , van de Werken Harmen J. G. , Hendriks Rudi W. , Mueller Yvonne M. , Katsikis Peter D.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Cytotoxic CD8+ T cell (CTL) exhaustion is a dysfunctional state of T cells triggered by persistent antigen stimulation, with the characteristics of increased inhibitory receptors, impaired cytokine production and a distinct transcriptional profile. Evidence from immune checkpoint blockade therapy supports that reversing T cell exhaustion is a promising strategy in cancer treatment. Ibrutinib, is a potent inhibitor of BTK, which has been approved for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Previous studies have reported improved function of T cells in ibrutinib long-term treated patients but the mechanism remains unclear. We investigated whether ibrutinib directly acts on CD8+ T cells and reinvigorates exhausted CTLs.

Methods

We used an established in vitro CTL exhaustion system to examine whether ibrutinib can directly ameliorate T cell exhaustion. Changes in inhibitory receptors, transcription factors, cytokine production and killing capacity of ibrutinib-treated exhausted CTLs were detected by flow cytometry. RNA-seq was performed to study transcriptional changes in these cells. Btk deficient mice were used to confirm that the effect of ibrutinib was independent of BTK expression.

Results

We found that ibrutinib reduced exhaustion-related features of CTLs in an in vitro CTL exhaustion system. These changes included decreased inhibitory receptor expression, enhanced cytokine production, and downregulation of the transcription factor TOX with upregulation of TCF1. RNA-seq further confirmed that ibrutinib directly reduced the exhaustion-related transcriptional profile of these cells. Importantly, using btk deficient mice we showed the effect of ibrutinib was independent of BTK expression, and therefore mediated by one of its other targets.

Discussion

Our study demonstrates that ibrutinib directly ameliorates CTL exhaustion, and provides evidence for its synergistic use with cancer immunotherapy.
Single-cell analysis of graft-infiltrating host cells identifies caspase-1 as a potential therapeutic target for heart transplant rejection
Authors: Wu Zhichao , Liang Jialiang , Zhu Shuoji , Liu Nanbo , Zhao Mingyi , Xiao Fei , Li Guanhua , Yu Changjiang , Jin Chengyu , Ma Jinshan , Sun Tucheng , Zhu Ping
Published: September 2023

Aims

Understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying early allograft rejection is crucial for the development of effective immunosuppressant strategies. This study aims to investigate the cellular composition of graft-infiltrating cells during the early rejection stage at a single-cell level and identify potential therapeutic targets.

Methods

A heterotopic heart transplant model was established using enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)-expressing mice as recipients of allogeneic or syngeneic grafts. At 3 days post-transplant, eGFP-positive cells infiltrating the grafts were sorted and subjected to single-cell RNA-seq analysis. Potential molecular targets were evaluated by assessing graft survival and functions following administration of various pharmacological inhibitors.

Results

A total of 27,053 cells recovered from syngrafts and allografts were classified into 20 clusters based on expression profiles and annotated with a reference dataset. Innate immune cells, including monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells, constituted the major infiltrating cell types (>90%) in the grafts. Lymphocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells represented a smaller population. Allografts exhibited significantly increased proportions of monocyte-derived cells involved in antigen processing and presentation, as well as activated lymphocytes, as compared to syngrafts. Differential expression analysis revealed upregulation of interferon activation-related genes in the innate immune cells infiltrating allografts. Pro-inflammatory polarization gene signatures were also enriched in these infiltrating cells of allografts. Gene profiling and intercellular communication analysis identified natural killer cells as the primary source of interferon-γ signaling, activating inflammatory monocytes that displayed strong signals of major histocompatibility complexes and co-stimulatory molecules. The inflammatory response was also associated with promoted T cell proliferation and activation in allografts during the early transplant stages. Notably, caspase-1 exhibited specific upregulation in inflammatory monocytes in response to interferon signaling. The regulon analysis also revealed a significant enrichment of interferon-related motifs within the transcriptional regulatory network of downstream inflammatory genes including caspase-1. Remarkably, pharmacological inhibition of caspase-1 was shown to reduce immune infiltration, prevent acute graft rejection, and improve cardiac contractile function.

Conclusion

The single-cell transcriptional profile highlighted the crucial role of caspase-1 in interferon-mediated inflammatory monocytes infiltrating heart transplants, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for attenuating rejection.
Immune predisposition drives susceptibility to pneumococcal pneumonia after mild influenza A virus infection in mice
Authors: Palani Sunil , Uddin Md Bashir , McKelvey Michael , Shao Shengjun , Sun Keer
Published: September 2023

Introduction

A frequent sequela of influenza A virus (IAV) infection is secondary bacterial pneumonia. Therefore, it is clinically important to understand the genetic predisposition to IAV and bacterial coinfection.

Methods

BALB/c and C57BL/6 (B6) mice were infected with high or low-pathogenic IAV and Streptococcus pneumoniae (SPn). The contribution of cellular and molecular immune factors to the resistance/susceptibility of BALB/c and B6 mice were dissected in nonlethal and lethal IAV/SPn coinfection models.

Results

Low-virulent IAV X31 (H3N2) rendered B6 mice extremely susceptible to SPn superinfection, while BALB/c mice remained unaffected. X31 infection alone barely induces IFN-γresponse in two strains of mice; however, SPn superinfection significantly enhances IFN-γ production in the susceptible B6 mice. As a result, IFN-γ signaling inhibits neutrophil recruitment and bacterial clearance, leading to lethal X31/SPn coinfection in B6 mice. Conversely, the diminished IFN-γ and competent neutrophil responses enable BALB/c mice highly resistant to X31/SPn coinfection.

Discussion

The results establish that type 1 immune predisposition plays a key role in lethal susceptibility of B6 mice to pneumococcal pneumonia after mild IAV infection.
The contribution of reticular basement membrane proteins to basal airway epithelial attachment, spreading and barrier formation: implications for airway remodeling in asthma
Authors: Hsieh Aileen , Yang Chen Xi , Al-Fouadi May , Nwozor Kingsley Okechukwu , Osei Emmanuel Twumasi , Hackett Tillie-Louise
Published: September 2023

Rationale

In the healthy lung, the pseudostratified conducting airway epithelium is anchored to the reticular basement membrane (RBM) via hemidesmosome junction complexes formed between basal cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). The RBM within the healthy lung is composed of the ECM proteins laminin and collagen-IV. In patients with asthma, the RBM is remodeled with collagen-I, -III and fibronectin deposition. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of RBM ECM proteins on basal airway epithelial cell attachment, spreading and barrier formation using real-time electrical cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS).

Methods

ECIS 8-well arrays were coated with 50 μg/mL of fibronectin, collagen-I, collagen-III, collagen-IV, or laminin and compared to bovine serum albumin (BSA) or uncoated controls. The airway epithelial cell line (1HAEo-) was seeded 40, 50, 60, and 70 k cells/well and continuously monitored over 70 h to assess cell attachment, spreading and barrier formation using high (64 k Hz) and low (500 Hz) frequency resistance and capacitance. Data were analyzed using a one-phase decay model from which half-life (time cells cover half of the electrode area) and rate-constant (cell-spreading rate/h) were determined and a generalized additive mixed effect model (GAMM) was used to assess ECM proteins over the entire experiment.

Results

High-frequency (64 kHz) capacitance measures demonstrated the half-life for 1HAEo-cells to attach was fastest when grown on fibronectin (6.5 h), followed by collagen-I (7.2 h) and collagen-III (8.1 h), compared to collagen-IV (11.3 h), then laminin (13.2 h) compared to BSA (12.4 h) and uncoated (13.9 h) controls. High-frequency (64 kHz) resistance measures demonstrated that the rate of 1HAEo- cell spreading was significantly faster on fibronectin and collagen-I compared to collagen-III, collagen-IV, laminin, BSA and the uncoated control. Low-frequency (500 Hz) resistance measures demonstrated that 1HAEo-cells formed a functional barrier fastest when grown on fibronectin and collagen-I, compared to the other ECM conditions. Lastly, the distance of 1HAEo-cells from the ECM substrates was the smallest when grown on fibronectin reflecting high cell-matrix adhesion.

Conclusion

Airway epithelial cells attach, spread and form a barrier fastest on fibronectin, and collagen-I and these reticular basement membrane ECM proteins may play a protective role in preserving the epithelial barrier during airway remodeling in asthma.
Brevibacillus brevis HNCS-1: a biocontrol bacterium against tea plant diseases
Authors: Yang Wenbo , Yang Hui , Bao Xiaocun , Hussain Mehboob , Bao Qiang , Zeng Zexuan , Xiao Chun , Zhou Lingyun , Qin Xiaoping
Published: September 2023

As a biocontrol bacteria, Brevibacillus has been the subject of extensive research for agricultural applications. Antibacterial peptides (AMPs) are the main antibacterial products of Brevibacillus. This study isolated a strain of Br. brevis HNCS-1 from tea garden soil, and the strain has an antagonistic effect against five types of pathogens of tea diseases, namely Gloeosporium theae-sinensis, Elsinoe leucospira, Phyllosticta theaefolia, Fusarium sp., and Cercospora theae. To determine the genetic characteristics implicated in the biocontrol mechanism, the genome sequence of the HNCS-1 strain was obtained and analyzed further, and the data are deposited in the GenBank repository (No. CP128411). Comparative genomics analyses revealed that the HNCS-1 strain and 17 public Br. brevis share a core genome composed of 3,742 genes. Interestingly, only one non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) gene cluster annotated as edeine is present in the core genome. And UHPLC-MS/MS detection results showd that edeine B and edeine A were the principal antibacterial peptides in the HNCS-1 strain. This study proves that edeine is the main antibacterial peptide of Br. brevis, and provides a new strategy for the identification of antibacterial products from other biocontrol bacteria.
Biosafety and biohazard considerations of HSV-1–based oncolytic viral immunotherapy
Authors: Robilotti Elizabeth , Zeitouni Nathalie C. , Orloff Marlana
Published: September 2023

Oncolytic viral immunotherapies are agents which can directly kill tumor cells and activate an immune response. Oncolytic viruses (OVs) range from native/unmodified viruses to genetically modified, attenuated viruses with the capacity to preferentially replicate in and kill tumors, leaving normal tissue unharmed. Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) is the only OV approved for patient use in the United States; however, during the last 20 years, there have been a substantial number of clinical trials using OV immunotherapies across a broad range of cancers. Like T-VEC, many OV immunotherapies in clinical development are based on the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), with genetic modifications for tumor selectivity, safety, and immunogenicity. Despite these modifications, HSV-1 OV immunotherapies are often treated with the same biosafety guidelines as the wild-type virus, potentially leading to reduced patient access and logistical hurdles for treatment centers, including community treatment centers and small group or private practices, and healthcare workers. Despite the lack of real-world evidence documenting possible transmission to close contacts, and in the setting of shedding and biodistribution analyses for T-VEC demonstrating limited infectivity and low risk of spread to healthcare workers, barriers to treatment with OV immunotherapies remain. With comprehensive information and educational programs, our hope is that updated biosafety guidance on OV immunotherapies will reduce logistical hurdles to ensure that patients have access to these innovative and potentially life-saving medicines across treatment settings. This work reviews a comprehensive collection of data in conjunction with the opinions of the authors based on their clinical experience to provide the suggested framework and key considerations for implementing biosafety protocols for OV immunotherapies, namely T-VEC, the only approved agent to date.