bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unlocking the Transformative Power of Synthetic Biology
Authors: Amaan Arif , Prekshi Garg , Prachi Srivastava
Published: April 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) combined with Synthetic Biology has the potential to change the way we approach medicine, agriculture, and manufacturing. AI automates tasks, optimizes experimental designs, and predicts biological behaviours, resulting in more efficient design and engineering of biological systems. However, there are challenges such as data limitations, interpretability issues, and ethical considerations like biosafety and biosecurity concerns that need to be addressed. AI can be used to analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns. This has led to successful applications of AI in high-throughput screening and biomanufacturing, which can drive innovation and address critical challenges. AI-powered closed-loop systems for real-time monitoring and control of biological processes also show promise in providing real-time feedback and optimizing systems on the fly. Despite these advancements, it's important to consider ethical implications to ensure the responsible development and application of AI in synthetic biology. Proper consideration of challenges and ethical considerations can help leverage the power of AI to drive innovation and tackle pressing societal challenges. Overall, the potential of AI in synthetic biology is significant. By addressing challenges and ethical considerations, we can use them effectively to solve pressing problems.
Exploring the Barriers to Clinic-based Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among Men in Ghana: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Joseph Kuufaakang Kuunibe , Felix Apiribu , Timothy Tienbia Laari , Gideon Awenabisa Atanuriba , Veronica Millicent Dzomeku , Victoria Bubunyo Bam , Abigail Kusi-Amponsah Diji , Adwoa Bemah Boamah Mensah , Philemon Adoliwine Amooba , Rumana Saeed Mohammed , Esther Benni
Published: April 2024

The burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continues to increase with over one million curable STIs occurring daily worldwide. Sex disparity in the rates of testing for STIs can compromise the efforts to reduce the incidence of STIs. The study aimed to explore the barriers to facility-based screening for STIs among men in Ghana. A qualitative exploratory design was employed in this study. Using a semi-structured interview guide, individual in-depth interviews were conducted among purposively sampled men from November 2019 to January 2020. Data saturation was achieved at the ninth participant. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically through Braun and Clarke’s approach. Four themes emerged from the analyses: (1) lack of privacy from healthcare providers, (2) mistrust of healthcare providers, (3) the burden of handling thoughts of positive status, and (4) fear of stigmatisation. These barriers deterred men from seeking clinic-based screening for STIs. The barriers were multi-factorial and a major hindrance to ensuring that people are aware of their STI status through screening and diagnosis. It is imperative to consider these barriers when designing STI screening interventions and policies to help promote facility-based screening for STIs among men in Ghana.
Primary Diffuse Leptomeningeal Melanocytosis: A Rare and Challenging Diagnosis
Authors: Stefano Machado , Diogo Fernandes dos Santos , Andrea De Martino Luppi , Vynícius Vieira Guimarães , Ana Cristina Araújo Lemos da Silva
Published: April 2024

Primary melanocytic neoplasms of the central nervous system are rare entities and can present in different clinical forms with mild and non-specific symptoms (such as headache and tinnitus) to severe and limiting symptoms (focal deficits and intracranial hypertension), mimicking the most diverse pathologies. In addition to the peculiar changes in imaging tests, diagnosis is always a challenge given the multitude of possible differential diagnoses, including aseptic meningitis. Given this, we bring here the case of a 59-year-old patient who attended care due to headache and vertigo followed by involvement of the cranial nerves and spinal cord, corroborated by physical examination and imaging study suggesting diffuse involvement of the meninges, which was subsequently confirmed by anatomopathological examination as a primary melanocytic neoplasm of the central nervous system but ended up dying due to complications resulting from late diagnosis. The objective of this work is to raise awareness about the possibility of this pathology as a differential diagnosis in these cases where there are often frustrating clinical manifestations but with changes in imaging tests, to enable an early diagnosis and consequently the possibility of a better therapeutic result, in addition to a brief review of the propaedeutic findings of this pathology.
Macitentan in Adults with Sickle Cell Disease and Pulmonary Hypertension: A Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Jeany P Villamizar , Laiqua Khalid , Emilia N Faraj , Thomas J Harrington , David J De La Zerda
Published: April 2024

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with a mortality rate of 37%. There is an upregulation of adhesion molecules which leads to the expression of endothelin-1, a potent vasoconstrictor. A prospective, descriptive study was done to determine the safety and efficacy of macitentan in patients with SCD and PH. Continuous variables were reported as mean ± SEM or percentage where appropriate. We screened 13 patients and recruited five. All five patients were adults. Data were analyzed as appropriate by student t - test. Statistical significance was assumed at p < 0.05. Baseline pulmonary hemodynamics obtained by right heart catheterization and systemic hemodynamics were (± SEM): mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) 32 ± 8 mmHg, right atrial pressure (RAP) 9 ± 4 mmHg, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) 257 dynes-sec/cm5 and CI 3·7 ± 0.39 l/m2. Of all parameters, only PVR and 6-min walk distance changed significantly. For the group, MPAP decreased by 15.6%, PVR by 22.5% and RAP by 25.5%. The 6-minute walk distance increased over sixteen weeks except in Patient 4 who had a 3% decrease. The mean walk distance increased in the total distance, from 464 ± 158 meters to 477 ± 190 meters (p .123). In four patients, the adverse events were mild to moderate and did not lead to study drug discontinuation. Significant improvement in pulmonary hemodynamics and exercise capacity in patients with SCD-related pulmonary arterial hypertension. We found that macitentan was safe and well tolerated.
Somut İşlemler Döneminde Olan 4. Sınıf Öğrencilerinin "Keloğlan Masalları" Çizgi Filminde Geçen Deneyimleri Anlama Düzeylerinin İncelenmesi
Authors: Savaşkan Vafa
Published: April 2024

Bu çalışmanı amacı, kullanım alanları ve amaçları değişkenlik gösteren çizgi filmlerine bir örnek olan, “Keloğlan Masalları” çizgi filminde geçen, dil ile ilgili kültür ögelerinden deyimlerin somut işlemler dönemi (7-11 yaş) öğrencileri tarafından doğru anlaşılıp anlaşılmadığının incelenmesidir. Bu amaç doğrultusunda araştırmanın çalışma grubunu Batı Karadeniz’in bir ilinde faaliyet gösteren ve tesadüfi yolla seçilen bir ilkokulda öğrenim gören altısı kız, on dördü erkek toplam yirmi 4. sınıf öğrencisi oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada ön test-son test kontrol gruplu deneysel desen kullanılmıştır. Araştırma, iki aşamadan oluşmaktadır. İlk aşamada “Keloğlan Masalları” çizgi filminin araştırmacı tarafından izlenen bölümler içerisinden seçilen deyimleri bilip bilmedikleri öğrencilere sorulmuştur. İkinci aşamada ise aynı deyimlerin öğrenciler tarafından bağlam içerisinde anlaşılıp anlaşılmadığı tespit edilmeye çalışılmıştır. Bunun için öğrencilere deyimlerin geçtiği “Keloğlan Masalları” çizgi filminin bölümleri izletilmiş ve bu deyimlerin anlamlarını bilip bilmedikleri sorulmuş, biliyorlarsa bu anlamları yazmaları istenmiştir. Anlamın bilinmediği veya yanlış bilindiği durumlarda ilgili deyimlerin doğru anlamları araştırmacı tarafından açıklanmıştır. Böylece, somut işlemler dönemi öğrencilerinin dil ile ilgili kültür ögelerinden olan deyimlerin “Keloğlan Masalları” çizgi filmlerini izlerken anlayıp anlamadıkları ve bu deyimleri nasıl somutlaştırdıkları tespit edilmeye çalışılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda ulaşılan veriler tablolaştırılmış ve tartışılarak yorumlanmıştır. Sonuç olarak “Keloğlan Masalları” çizgi filminde geçen bazı deyimlerin somut işlemler dönemi öğrencileri tarafından tam anlamıyla anlaşılamadığı; bazılarının ise bilinmediği tespit edilmiştir. Bu bağlamda, en az bilinen deyimin “abayı yakmak” (f2); en çok bilinen deyimin ise “ödü kopmak” (f18) deyimi olduğu görülmüştür.
Manifestasi Pembelajaran Student Facilitator and Explaining Berbasis Make a Match terhadap Literasi Numerasi Siswa
Authors: Rahayu Mujiati , Maharani Hevy Risqi , Ubaidah Nila
Published: April 2024

Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui bagaimana manifestasi pembelajaran student facilitator and explaining berbasis make a match dan apakah efektif meningkatkan literasi numerasi siswa. Metode yang digunakan yaitu metode campuran berbasis sequential exploratory design. Sampel yang dilibatkan sebanyak 21 siswa kelas VIII A SMP Al-Fattah Semarang. Teknik analisis uji hipotesis dengan one sample t-test, rumus statistic z, serta uji N-gain. Hasil penelitian ini dilihat dari pembelajaran student facilitator and explaining berbasis make a match dapat diterapkan dalam meningkatkannya literasi numerasi siswa. Analisis dari perhitungan uji hipotesis pencapaian rata-rata KKM individu menggunakan one sample t-test didapatkan nilai sig. (2-tailed) adalah 0,000 < 0,05. Uji ketuntasan klasikal memakai rumus statistic z diperoleh nilai Zhitung = 2,1461 â‰¥ Ztabel = 0,1765. Hasil pengujian N-gain terdapat skor rata-rata N-gain 0,7142 menunjukkan bahwa efektifitas pembelajaran student facilitator and explaining berbasis make a match berada pada rentang g â‰¥ 0,70 sehingga simpulannya adalah skor rata-rata N-gain memiliki tingkat efektifitas yang efektif. Jadi pembelajaran student facilitator and explaining berbasis make a match efektif meningkatkan literasi numerasi siswa.

Kata kunci: student facilitator and explaining, literasi numerasi.
UPAYA MENINGKATKAN KEAKTIFAN DAN KEMAMPUAN BERPIKIR KRITIS SISWA KELAS V DALAM PEMBELAJARAN IPAS MELALUI PROBLEM BASED LEARNING
Authors: Setyawan Budi Sapto
Published: April 2024

Penelitian Tindakan kelas ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar IPAS pada siswa kelas V SD Negeri 3 Kalikarung. Metode penelitian adalah Penelitian Tindakan Kelas. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada siswa kelas V SD Negeri 3 Kalikarung. Pelaksanaan penelitian ini menggunakan dua siklus terdiri atas empat tahap, yaitu (1) perencanaan, (2) tindakan, (3) observasi, dan (4) refleksi. Hasil penelitian penggunaan Model Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning ini dapat meningkatkan minat belajar siswa. Pada aspek afektif siswa terdapat peningkatan pada siklus 1 mendapat nilai rata-rata siswa 82,77% kemudian pada siklus 2 siswa mengalami peningkatan lagi dengan mendapat nilai rata-rata siswa menjadi 83.33%. Sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa penggunaan alat bantu pembelajaran dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar IPAS pada siswa kelas V SD Negeri 3 Kalikarung.
The Effectiveness of Online Learning During the Covid-19 Pandemic for Students
Authors: Laili Hikmah Rahmatul , Widjanarko Mochamad , Ismaya Erik Aditia
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study was to reveal the effectiveness of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The method used is a descriptive qualitative case study with a sample of teachers and students at SD Negeri Kendalagung, Kragan, Rembang. This study uses primary data and secondary data. To obtain primary data, conducted interviews and observations of respondents to the object of research. While secondary data obtained from literacy literature, books, journals and previous research results. The results show that to prevent the spread and transmission of COVID-19, online learning must be implemented. However, due to limited human resources and limited availability of facilities and infrastructure, online learning at SD Negeri Kendalagung, Kragan, Rembang has not been effective enough. Teachers also have difficulty measuring students' abilities, because the results of online work carried out by students include intervention and intervention from their respective families.
PENGARUH KEPUASAN KERJA, ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOR (OCB) DAN KUALITAS KEHIDUPAN KERJA TERHADAP KINERJA PEGAWAI BLUD RUMAH SAKIT IBU DAN ANAK PROVINSI ACEH DENGAN KOMITMEN ORGANISASI SEBAGAI VARIABEL INTERVENING
Authors: Novita Yenny
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to analyze the effect of job satisfaction, Organizational Citizenship Behavior and Quality of Work Life  toward the employee performance of BLUD Women's and Children's Hospital of Aceh Province with the organizational commitment as an intervening variable. The research population is all employees of BLUD Mother and Child Hospital in Aceh Province with the number of 254 people. The total sample of 156. The data analysis method used is SEM (Structural Equation Modelling). The results showed that the job satisfaction, organizational citizenship behavior and quality of work life have a significant effect on the organizational commitment and employee performance. Organizational Commitment able to mediate the effect of the job satisfaction, organizational citizenship behavior and quality of work life toward the employee performance is partially.
Geometric factor of singlesatellite system determining the location of subscriber terminal by estimates of the frequency by the doppler method
Authors:   Military Space Academy named after A.F. Mozhaisky, 197198, Russia, Saint-Petersburg, Zhdanovskaya, 13, Peredri A.V. , Semenyuk S.S. ,   Military Space Academy named after A.F. Mozhaisky, 197198, Russia, Saint-Petersburg, Zhdanovskaya, 13, Abakumov A.N. ,   Military Space Academy named after A.F. Mozhaisky, 197198, Russia, Saint-Petersburg, Zhdanovskaya, 13, Andreychenko M.I. ,   Military Space Academy named after A.F. Mozhaisky, 197198, Russia, Saint-Petersburg, Zhdanovskaya, 13
Published: April 2024

The article presents a mathematical description of the doppler method of satellite communication systems user terminals geolocation by a retransmitted signal, as well as an analytical expression of the geometric factor of determining the location of user terminals. The analysis of the geometric factor distribution on the Earth's surface in the radio visibility zone of the repeater satellite is carried out.
Generative Intelligence: Keeping Up With the Pace of Applied Intelligence Near Term
Authors: Taylor Benjamin
Published: April 2024

In an era where technology is transforming every facet of our lives, the healthcare sector stands to gain immensely. The presentation addresses intelligence and the ability to acquire knowledge, through experience, and apply that to future decisions, data, beating human benchmarks, and cost & time. In addition, the speaker explores the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing healthcare over the next three to five years using images to illustrate transformation and engagement with AI, accelerating the human creative, comfort and confidence with iteration, and the benefit of AI invented algorithms. We stand at the brink of a new age where every timestamp, notation, and piece of ‘digital exhaust’ could potentially contribute to our health assessment and longevity. The advent of ‘in perpetuum’ tools promises a future where AI will shape a new health economy.
THE EFFECT OF POLYMER STRUCTURE-FORMING AGENTS ON THE PHYTOTOXICITY OF AGROCHERNOZEM
Authors:   Ufa Institute of Biology of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences,  Ufa, Russia, Dorogaya E.S.
Published: April 2024

The use of polymer structure–forming agents in agriculture is a promising method of reducing soil erosion. An important condition for application is the assessment of the phytotoxicity of the polymer composition. The effect of polymer compositions VPRG® (VPRG) and VPK-402® (VPK) on the growth of the Trifolium rubens plant was studied in the laboratory on agrochernozem. The degree of influence was assessed by the change in the dry mass of the upper part of the plants relative to the control. It was found that the use of VPRG in doses of 106, 212 and 424 kg/ha per 10 m3 of water, and VPK in doses of 280 and 560 l/ha per 10 m3 of water did not have a toxic effect on the germination and growth of the Trifolium rubens plant. The dry weight of the upper part of the plants grown using these doses of polymers exceeded the control values by 1.14–1.47 times. The use of ВПК at a dose of 1120 g/ha per 10 m3 of water, as well as mixtures of polymers of VPRG and VPK in doses of (106 kg/ha of VPRG)/(280 l/ha of VPK) per 10 m3 of water and (424 kg/ha of VPRG)/(140 l/ha of VPK) per 10 m3 water had a negative effect on the growth of the red clover plant: the weight of the dry mass of the upper part of the plant decreased by 1.1–2.0 times relative to the control.
MORPHOHISTOLOGICAL PECULIARITIES OF RHIZOGENESIS IN VITRO IN WHEAT EMBRYONIC CALLUSES
Authors:   Ufa Institute of Biology of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ufa, Russia, Zinatullina A.E.
Published: April 2024

In modern biotechnological studies of economically valuable plants, numerous developments aimed at obtaining calluses are presented, in which various pathways and types of morphogenesis are induced in vitro. At the same time, such the type of morphogenesis as rhizogenesis in vitro, consisting in the formation and development of roots, but without further regeneration of plants, has not been studied sufficiently. Nevertheless, it is important to identify the tissue mechanisms of formation and development in calluses the roots as rhizogenesis structures. Using the example of calluses obtained from immature wheat embryos, it was revealed that the formation of morphogenetic foci is the basis of rhizogenesis in vitro. Anatomical characteristics of the emerging roots have been revealed, which largely coincide with similar characteristics of the cereal roots under in planta conditions. It is proposed to use morphogenic calluses in vitro as model systems for studying the rhizogenesis of intact plants.
THE PHENOMENON OF INDUCING VARIOUS PATHWAYS OF MORPHOGENESIS IN VITRO IN ONE CALLUS: A REVIEW OF THE PROBLEM
Authors:   Ufa Institute of Biology of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ufa, Russia, Kruglova N.N.
Published: April 2024

The review article analyzes the literature and own data devoted to study of the phenomenon of two pathways of morphogenesis in one callus in in vitro culture conditions, namely the pathways of organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis. Particular attention is paid to the issues of realization of the morphogenic potency of callus cells due to the pluripotency property (during organogenesis in vitro) and totipotency property (during somatic embryogenesis in vitro). The concepts presented in the literature that can be applied in this field of research are analyzed. The prospects of using this phenomenon in biotechnological developments related to the targeted production of regenerants of economically valuable plants are discussed.
ANALYSIS OF HERBICIDAL ACTIVITY OF PREPARATION FORMS OF PRODUCTS BASED ON BENTAZONE
Authors:   State Budgetary Institution of the Republic of Bashkortostan «Research Technological Institute of Herbicides and Plant Growth Regulators with Pilot Production of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Bashkortostan» Ufa, Russia, Zemchenkova G.K. , Chikesheva G.E. ,   State Budgetary Institution of the Republic of Bashkortostan «Research Technological Institute of Herbicides and Plant Growth Regulators with Pilot Production of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Bashkortostan» Ufa, Russia, Anisimova L.G. ,   State Budgetary Institution of the Republic of Bashkortostan «Research Technological Institute of Herbicides and Plant Growth Regulators with Pilot Production of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Bashkortostan» Ufa, Russia, Garifullina N.A. ,   FSBEI «Ufa University of Science and Technology», Ufa,\ Russia
Published: April 2024

The study is devoted to the analysis of the herbicidal activity of preparative forms of disinfectants based on the sodium salt of bentazone, as well as the oxy-forms of bentazone in comparison with the commercial herbicide Octapon Extra, CE. It was found that all studied samples exhibit high herbicidal activity against the dicotyledonous weeds field mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.) and blue cornflower (Centauréa cyánus L.). It was revealed that all samples based on the sodium salt of bentazone were 5% more effective than the commercial herbicide. Of the studied oxy-forms of bentazone, the drug with an active substance concentration of 480 g/l showed the maximum effectiveness, while its effectiveness was 3% higher than that of a commercial herbicide. It was shown that all tested samples did not exhibit herbicidal activity against spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Based on the data obtained, it was concluded that the studied formulations are promising for the development of herbicides for use for guard of cereal crops.
FARIDA SHAKIROVA, SCIENTIST AND FRIEND
Authors:   Ufa Institute of Biology of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ufa, Russia, Kudoyarova G.R. , Avalbaev A.M. ,   Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics of the Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ufa, Russia, Timofeeva O.A. ,   Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Kazan, Russia, Shishova M.F. ,   St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia, Yemelyanov V.V. ,   St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia, Kuznetsov V.V. ,   Timiryazev Institute of Plant Physiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, Lastochkina O.V. ,   Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics of the Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ufa, Russia, Khusnutdinova E.K. ,   Institute of Biochemistry and Genetics of the Ufa Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ufa, Russia, Vysotskaya L.B. ,   Ufa Institute of Biology of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ufa, Russia, Veselov D.S. ,   Ufa Institute of Biology of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ufa, Russia, Ivanov I.I. ,   Ufa Institute of Biology of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ufa, Russia, Sharipova G.V. ,   Ufa Institute of Biology of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ufa, Russia
Published: April 2024

On March 3, 2024, sad news spread among Russian plant physiologists: an outstanding scientist and wonderful person, Farida Minnikhanovna Shakirova, died. Friends and colleagues exchanged letters in an attempt to honor her memory. Members of Editorial board of the journal “Ecobiotech”, created by colleagues F.M. Shakirova, decided to write about her scientific activities and her amazing qualities: kindness, dedication to science, efficiency, talent as a researcher, willingness to share her experience with colleagues. We would like young colleagues who did not have the opportunity to know her personally to learn from her example.
FORMATION OF CASPARIAN BANDS IN THE ROOTS OF ALMOST ISOGENIC BARLEY LINES, DIFFERENT BY THE PRESENCE OF MELANIN COLOR OF THE SPEAK
Authors:   Ufa Institute of Biology of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ufa, Russia, Ivanov R.S. , Galin I.R. ,   Ufa Institute of Biology of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ufa, Russia, Akhtyamova Z.A. ,   Ufa Institute of Biology of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Ufa, Russia, Shoeva O.Y. ,   Institute of Cytology and Genetics (ICG), Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), Novosibirsk, Russia
Published: April 2024

The influence of the BLP locus genes, which control the formation of black coloration of the spike glumes and grain pericarp on the formation of Casparian bands in Hordeum vulgare L. plants, was studied. The experiment was carried out with plants of the Bowman variety and three almost isogenic lines obtained on its basis: the BLP line, carrying one recombinant section from the donor of the trait of black coloration of the ear; a line with a dark gray mBLP grain and a line with a light gray gBLP grain, carrying recombinant regions in chromosomes 1H, 2H, 3H. Lignin and suberin deposition were assessed on transverse sections of root tissue. Lignin and suberin on histological sections were stained with an aqueous solution of berberine hemisulfate. On the 7th day after the start of germination, on sections made in the basal part of the root, luminescence with berberine revealed no differences between plants of different genotypes in the level of accumulation of lignin and suberin. On the 10th day, on sections of the basal part of the roots of the gBLP line, staining of the radial walls of the endoderm is noticeable, which indicates the deposition of lignin in the endoderm area, characteristic of the formation of Casparian bands, as well as in the area of metaxylem vessels. Thus, it was revealed that the gBLP genotype is characterized by accelerated formation of apoplastic barriers. The Bowman and gBLP genotypes we selected, which contrast in the rate of formation of Casparian bands, are a convenient object for further identifying the relationship between the rate of formation of Casparian bands and salt tolerance of plants.
İklim Değişikliği ve Yapılı Çevre: Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Amaçları ve Net Sıfır Karbon Binalar (NZCB) Yaklaşımının İncelenmesi
Authors: Tohumcu Kaya Tulû , Çakmaklı Ayşem Berrin
Published: April 2024

İklim değişikliğinin doğal ve yapılı çevre üzerindeki olumsuz etkileri günden güne artmaktadır. Son yıllarda özellikle kent ölçeğinde binalar, ulaşım, atık ve altyapı sistemleri sektörlerinde bu negatif etkiler ile mücadele yöntemleri değişim sürecine girmiş ve ülkeler tarafından geliştirilen iklim değişikliğine yönelik uyum ve azaltım stratejileri uygulanmaya başlamıştır. Kent ve mimari ölçeklerdeki yaklaşımlarda bu sektörlere yönelik sürdürülebilir bir çaba ile ortaya koyulan uygulamalar görmek mümkündür. Net Sıfır Karbon Bina (NZCB) yaklaşımı, mimari perspektiften bakılınca yeni olmayan ancak birçok farklı “yeşil bina” yaklaşımından sonra son 10 yılda iklim değişikliği ile mücadele sürecinde yenilenerek karşımıza çıkan bir sürdürülebilir mimari uygulama yöntemidir. Bu çalışma iklim değişikliği ile mücadele sürecini Birleşmiş Milletler (BM) tarafından ortaya konan 17 adet Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Amaçları (SKA), Hükümetler Arası İklim Değişikliği Paneli (IPCC) Raporları ve NZCB yaklaşımının ortaya çıkışı çerçevesinde incelemektedir. Araştırmada elde edilen veriler, SKA’ların NZCB yaklaşımının gündeme gelmesinde önemli bir rolü olduğunu göstermektedir. Araştırma bünyesinde çeşitli literatür taraması verilerinden yola çıkarak, sürdürülebilir mimari yaklaşımlar ve uygulamalarda en son tartışılan NZCB yaklaşımı için bir zaman çizelgesi de oluşturulmuştur. NZCB yaklaşımı ve çevresel etkileri ile ilgili verileri ortaya koyabilmek, minimum karbon salım hedeflerini etkileyecek şekilde uygulamalar yapabilmek için aynı zamanda paralel olarak IPCC raporlarının incelenmesi, SKA çıktılarının her aşamada değerlendirilmesi uygulama projeleri için önemlidir. Bundan dolayı bu çalışma ile sürdürülebilir gelecek için hedefler barındıran dirençli kentler ve binalar için Net Sıfır Karbon Yaklaşımını yeni, güçlü ve efor gerektiren bir tasarım yaklaşımı olarak ortaya koymak amaçlanmıştır.
Ankara Çayı Havzası’nın Kentsel Planlama Kapsamında Taşkın Duyarlılığı Açısından Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: Köse Yekta , Şahin Şükran , Müftüoğlu Volkan
Published: April 2024

İklim değişikliği ve kentleşme sonucu ortaya çıkan olumsuz durumlardan biri de taşkındır. Doğal olarak oluşan ya da insan faaliyetleri nedeniyle artış gösteren taşkın olayları, yaşandığı bölgede ekonomik ve sosyal faaliyetleri kesintiye uğratmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, Ankara Çayı Havzasında taşkın riski bulunan alanların belirlenmesi ve kentsel planlama kapsamında değerlendirilmesidir. Çoklu karar verme tekniklerinden Analitik Hiyerarşi Süreci uygulanarak çalışma alanına ilişkin 9 farklı katmanın ağırlıkları ve taşkın üzerine etki dereceleri saptanmıştır. Taşkın riskinin modellenmesi aşamasında; ArcMap yazılımı yardımıyla ağırlıklı toplam değerler hesaplanmıştır. Taşkının neden olacağı afetlerden korunabilmek için imar planları oluşturulurken veya yenilenirken taşkın yatakları hidro-meteorolojik analiz ve modeller ile ayrıntılı bir şekilde zamansal ve mekânsal olarak ortaya konulmalıdır. Kentleşme ile bozulan hidrolojik döngü, öncelikli olarak sel ve taşkın olaylarındaki artış ile kendini göstermektedir. Bu süreç, yer altı suyu besleniminde azalma, toprak kaybı, akarsularda su varlığının azalması biçimindeki bozunumlarla devam etmektedir. Bu bağlamda taşkın riskinin, döngüsel etkileşim içinde olduğu ekolojik süreçlerle bütünleşik yönetilmesi kritik olarak önemlidir.
Placebo analgesia does not generalise from pain to interoceptive abilities
Authors: Hartmann Helena , Proposito Alessio , Riva Federica , Lamm Claus
Published: April 2024

Placebo pills reliably reduce pain. Pain perception is tied to increased arousal and heart rate, whose perception is closely related to interoceptive signals processing nociception and autonomic regulation. However, no studies so far have systematically examined the generalising vs specific effects of placebo analgesia in transferring from pain to the interoception of other bodily signals. In this preregistered study, we aim to investigate whether the placebo analgesia effect on pain may generalise to the perception of one’s own heartbeat. We recruited 88 healthy participants (47 female, 41 male), of which half (23 female, 21 male) underwent a placebo analgesia induction. Using the Heartbeat Counting Task, we derived three interoceptive dimensions, interoceptive accuracy, sensibility and awareness. Despite a robust placebo analgesia effect, no difference between the placebo and the control group was found in any of the interoceptive dimensions. These findings were supported by post-hoc Bayesian analyses, which indicated moderate evidence for this absence of a group difference. Our findings thus do not indicate a generalisation of the placebo analgesia effect from pain to cardiac interoceptive awareness. Limitations and strengths of the work are discussed. Studies such as the present one are important to better understand the perception of different bodily systems and their connection in humans.
If things were simple, word would have gotten around. - Can complexity science help us improve pediatric research?
Authors: Fustolo-Gunnink Susanna , de Boode Willem , Dekkers Olaf M , Greisen Gorm , Lopriore Enrico , Russo Federica
Published: April 2024

Complexity science is a discipline which explores how complex systems behave and how we interact with them. Though it is widely implemented outside medicine, particularly in the sciences involving human behavior, but also in the natural sciences such as physics and biology, there are only a few applications within medical research. We propose that complexity science can provide new and helpful perspectives on complex pediatric medical problems. It can help us better understand complex systems and develop ways to cope with their inherent unpredictabilities. In this article, we provide a brief introduction of complexity science, explore why many medical problems can be considered ‘complex’, and discuss how we can apply this perspective to pediatric research.
When to Laugh, When to Cry: Display Rules of Nonverbal Vocalisations Across Four Cultures
Authors: Kamiloglu Roza Gizem , Manokara Kunalan , Tybur Joshua M. , Sauter Disa
Published: April 2024

Nonverbal vocalisations like laughter, sighs, and groans are a fundamental part of everyday communication. Yet surprisingly little is known about the social norms concerning which vocalisations are considered appropriate to express in which context (i.e., display rules). Here, in two pre-registered studies, we investigate how people evaluate the appropriateness of different nonverbal vocalisations across locations and relationships with listeners. Study 1, with a U.S. sample (n = 250), showed that certain vocalisations (e.g., laughter, sighs, cries) are consistently viewed as more socially acceptable than others (e.g., roars, groans, moans). Additionally, location (private vs. public) and interpersonal closeness (close vs. not close) significantly influenced these perceptions, with private locations and close relationships fostering greater expressive freedom. Study 2 extended this investigation across four societies with divergent cultural norms (n = 1120 in total): the U.S. (for direct replication), Türkiye, China, and the Netherlands. Findings largely replicated those from Study 1 and supported the existence of cross-culturally consistent patterns in display rules for nonverbal vocalisations, though with some variation across cultures. This research expands our understanding of how social norms affect auditory communication, extending beyond the visual modality of facial expressions to encompass the rich world of nonverbal vocalisations.
Can non-conscious knowledge support instrumental conditioning?
Authors: Jurchiș Răzvan , Costea Andrei Razvan , Skora Lina , Preda Andrei
Published: April 2024

Instrumental conditioning (IC) consists in actively learning to approach rewarding stimuli and to avoid punishing stimuli. This central process for adaptation requires a relatively high computational capacity, because it entails the integration of knowledge regarding stimuli, behaviours and outcomes. Some current theories of consciousness postulate that this high level of integration could only be achieved based on conscious knowledge. Indeed, recent studies using subliminal exposure show that IC occurs only for consciously perceived stimuli. Here, we investigate whether IC can occur when implicit processing is stimulated not by subliminal exposure, but by employing predictive regularities that are complex and difficult to detect consciously. In a novel IC task based on the artificial grammar learning task, participants will first undergo an incidental learning phase, in which they will be exposed to strings from two artificial grammars. In a subsequent phase, they will have to give approach (Go) or avoid responses (No-Go) to strings from the two grammars. Unbeknown to them, one of the grammars is reward-predictive and the other is punishment-predictive. Go responses to stimuli from the reward-predictive grammar bring rewards, but Go responses to stimuli from the punishment-predictive grammar bring punishments (hence No-Go responses are adaptive in this latter case). Trial-by-trial measures will assess participants’ awareness of the grammar structures and of their judgments regarding the predictive value of the strings, both in the conditioning task, and in a delayed instrumental responding phase performed after two weeks. The delay aims to reduce even further participants’ reliance on conscious knowledge.
Dynamics of visual object coding within and across the hemispheres: Objects in the periphery
Authors: Robinson Amanda K , Grootswagers Tijl , Shatek Sophia M. , Behrmann Marlene , Carlson Thomas A.
Published: April 2024

The human brain continuously integrates information across its two hemispheres to construct a coherent representation of the perceptual world. Characterising how visual information is represented in each hemisphere over time is crucial for understanding how hemispheric transfer contributes to perception. Here, we investigated information processing within each hemisphere over time and the degree to which it is distinct or duplicated across hemispheres. We presented participants with object images lateralised to the left or right visual fields while measuring their brain activity with electroencephalography (EEG). Stimulus coding was more robust and emerged earlier in the contralateral than the ipsilateral hemisphere. Presentation of two stimuli, one to each hemifield, reduced the fidelity of representations in both hemispheres relative to one stimulus alone, signifying hemispheric interference. Finally, we found that processing within the contralateral, but not ipsilateral, hemisphere was biased to image-related over concept-related information. Together, these results suggest that hemispheric transfer operates to filter irrelevant information and efficiently prioritise processing of meaning.
Trait cognitive and somatic anxiety differentially impact recognition in visual working memory binding tasks
Authors: Spalding David , Obonsawin Marc , Nicholls Louise A. Brown
Published: April 2024

A series of visual feature binding experiments were conducted to assess effects of trait cognitive and somatic anxiety on attention and working memory. Experiments 1 and 2 assessed participants’ recall of sequentially presented colour-shape combinations. In Experiment 1 the role of executive attention in binding was assessed via task instructions to encourage participants’ direction of attention toward specific memory items. In Experiment 2, the role of perceptual distraction in binding was assessed via presentation of a to-be-ignored visual suffix. No effects of anxiety were observed in either case. Experiments 3 and 4 assessed single-probe recognition at different memory loads (3 or 4 items). In Experiment 3, binding was compared with feature recognition. Trait cognitive anxiety was associated with improved feature memory, while trait somatic anxiety was associated with reduced binding memory. In Experiment 4, the effect of cognitive load on binding was assessed (number repetition vs backwards counting). Participants reporting moderate and high trait somatic anxiety demonstrated reduced binding recognition, compared with those reporting low anxiety. Results suggest that trait somatic anxiety limits binding recognition, but trait cognitive anxiety may aid feature recognition. Somatic anxiety may therefore be a more sensitive indicator of cognitive deficits than cognitive anxiety, at least regarding visual working memory, reflecting the different attentional focus associated with trait anxious apprehension and arousal. This helps to clarify the effect of the subjective experience of anxiety on attention and visual working memory.
Human infant EEG recordings for 200 object images presented in rapid visual streams.
Authors: Grootswagers Tijl , Quek Genevieve , Zeng Zhen , Varlet Manuel
Published: April 2024

Understanding the neural basis of human object recognition and semantic knowledge has been a significant area of exploration, with recent focus aiming to reveal the developmental trajectory of this core brain function. At present, however, there is limited access to high-quality neuroimaging data obtained from human infants. Addressing this gap, we present a dataset comprising electroencephalography responses from 42 human infants obtained in response to visual presentations of various objects. Leveraging a rapid serial visual presentation paradigm, 42 infants between 2 and 12 months of age viewed 200 images spanning 50 distinct objects, with as many repetitions as possible tailored to individual infants comfort. Our technical validation demonstrates discernible neural responses to both individual objects and categorical distinctions, affirming the dataset's robustness and utility for exploring the neural underpinnings of visual object recognition in infancy. Building upon insights gained from adult studies, our findings suggest that fast presentation paradigms hold promise for efficiently capturing electrophysiological responses to a large array of visual stimuli in human infants. This dataset represents a valuable resource for advancing our understanding of the developmental trajectory of object recognition and semantic knowledge in the early stages of human life.
Declining Legitimacy of Colleges and Universities: Elements of an Organizational-Procedural Explanation
Authors: McCaffree Kevin
Published: April 2024

Public trust in institutions of higher education appears to be declining. Why? In this essay, I explore how both professors and students might--sometimes unwittingly-- contribute to the declining quality of education.
Remembering Women Journalists as Advocates and Community Contributors: Metajournalistic Discourse in Obituaries from the US, Canada, and the Philippines
Authors: Hackett Ella , Tavares Teodora , Perreault Gregory P
Published: April 2024

Obituaries, though seemingly straightforward, hold deep reflections for the role of women journalists. Through the lens of metajournalistic discourse, this study explores obituaries of women journalists (n=1137) from the United States, Canada, and the Philippines. The analysis finds that the memorialization of women journalists reflect on their role as advocates in and outside of the newsroom. In doing so, they not only redefine their profession, but work to champion societal advancement and gender equality.
How Work-to-Family Conflicts Affect Partner Support – Spillover and Crossover Effects within German Couples
Authors: Adams Ayhan
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the effects of work-to-family conflicts (WFC) on changes in the supportive behaviour of heterosexual dual-earner couples. It analyses (1) how WFC affect the partner support of the person who experiences the conflicts (anchor), (2) how this dynamic affects the support of the partner (partner), and (3) whether these effects differ by gender. The study discusses assumptions of the limited resources perspective, the attributional model of work-family conflicts, and the emotion work approach to address the particular aspects of partner support and its relationship with WFC. Additionally, aspects of gender and work role identities examine potential gender differences between partners. Using longitudinal models, the study analyses data of both partners from waves 5 to 11 (2012–2019, N = 1,567) of the German Family Panel. The results show a positive relationship between the level of WFC and changes in anchor’s partner support. In contrast, changes in partners’ partner support are only marginally related to WFC. Differentiating between men and women, the findings reveal only small gender differences. The study contributes to the understanding of relationship behaviour and indicates that the impact of WFC on partner support can be better explained by compensation than by the limited-resource perspective.
Biological and psychosocial evidence in the Cass Review: A critical commentary
Authors: Grijseels Dori
Published: April 2024

In 2020, the UK’s National Health Services (NHS) commissioned an independent review to provide recommendations for the appropriate treatment for trans children and young people in its children’s gender services. This independent review, named the Cass Review, was published in 2024 and aimed to provide such recommendations based on, among other sources, the current available literature and an independent research program. This commentary seeks to investigate the robustness of the biological and psychosocial evidence the Review — and the independent research programme through it — provides for its recommendations. Several issues with the scientific substantiation are highlighted, calling into question the robustness of the evidence the Review bases its claims on, as such, calling into question whether the Review is able to provide sufficient evidence to substantiate its recommendations to deviate from the international standard of care for trans children and young people.
Effects of nut and legume powder substitution in crackers prepared with wheat flour on postprandial plasma glucose response among healthy Thai adults
Authors:   Faculty of Science and Technology, Uttaradit Rajabhat University, Uttaradit, Thailand, Wongdokmai Rossukon , Sridonpai Pimnapanut ,   Food and Nutrition Academic and Research Cluster, Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, Prachansuwan Aree ,   Food and Nutrition Academic and Research Cluster, Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Crackers, one of the most consumed baked products, primarily contain refined wheat flour and have a moderate glycaemic index (GI). Nut and legume powders are used in baked goods to help regulate postprandial glycaemia; however, their glycaemic responses remain controversial. Our study aimed to compare the postprandial glycaemic responses between crackers with 30% wheat flour substitution by white kidney beans, cashew nuts, and almonds versus standard wheat crackers. Methods: Twelve adults were recruited for a five-session randomised controlled crossover study. In each session, they were randomly assigned to receive 50g carbohydrates from either a glucose solution or one of the four crackers. Plasma glucose levels were measured at baseline and 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after consumption. Satiety and hunger were evaluated using 100mm visual analogue scales at baseline and every 30 minutes until 120 minutes. Results: Mean incremental area under the curve (IAUC) for plasma glucose did not differ between the alternatives and wheat crackers, but was lowest for almond crackers. Compared with GI value of glucose solution, that of wheat, cashew nut, white kidney bean, and almond crackers were 39.97±23.13, 37.66±24.66, 35.85±10.86, and 28.09±17.92, respectively. Almond cracker consumption resulted in the highest mean IAUC for satiety and lowest for hunger, though non-significant. Conclusion: Crackers with 30% wheat flour substitution by nut and legume powders tended to improve postprandial glycaemia more than the standard crackers; however, acute responses on insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 require further examination.
Studies on microbial load of Clarias gariepinus smoked with different parts and product of Parkia biglobosa
Authors:   Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria., Kwala G. J. , Solomon S.G. ,   Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria., Ataguba G. A. ,   Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria., Okomoda V. T. ,   Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria., Yusuf Z. A. ,   Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
Published: April 2024

This research aims to study the microbial load on Clarias gariepinus smoked using Parkia biglobosa parts and products. Forty (40) table-sized Clarias gariepinus, were smoked with ten pieces for each treatment, using P. biglobosa charcoal (PBC), bark (PBB), leaf (PBL), and wood (PBW). The smoked fish were stored for six (6) months to monitor the microbial load (bacteria and fungi). There was evidence of deterioration and increased microbial load as the storage time advanced. Fish with PBC had the highest Total Viable Count (TVC) of 1.01×105 cfu/g, whereas fish with PBW yielded the lowest value of 8.78×104 cfu/g. Also, the highest and lowest Total Coliform Counts (TCC) were observed in PBC-treated fish (4.10×104 cfu/g) and PBW-treated fish (2.13×104 cfu/g), respectively. Fish with PBL recorded the highest total fungi count of 9.59×105 cfu/g, while fish with PBW had the lowest count of 1.06×105 cfu/g. The culture-dependent approach of microorganism detection revealed the presence of Klebsiela spp and Micrococcus spp in PBC, Bacillus spp and Staphylococcus aureus in PBB, Escherichia coli and Micrococcus spp in PBL, and Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus spp in PBW. The fungi species identified include Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp., Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus fumigatus. The findings of this study suggest that PBW is better suited for smoking C. gariepinus due to its better resistance to bacterial and fungi load. Further research can be made to characterize the chemicals deposited by the smoke in different treatment of Parkia biglobosa (bark, leaf, wood, and charcoal).