bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coexistence of two sympatric predators in a transitional ecosystem under constraining environmental conditions: a perspective from space and habitat use
Authors: Warret Rodrigues Chloé , Roth James D.
Published: October 2023

Background

Range expansion of species, a major consequence of climate changes, may alter communities substantially due to competition between expanding and native species.

Methods

We first quantified size differences between an expanding habitat generalist, the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), and a circumpolar habitat specialist, the Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus), at the edge of the Arctic, where climate-related changes occur rapidly, to predict the likelihood of the larger competitor escalating interference to intraguild killing. We then used satellite telemetry to evaluate competition in a heterogeneous landscape by examining space use early during the foxes' reproductive period, when resource scarcity, increased-food requirements and spatial constraints likely exacerbate the potential for interference. We used time-LoCoH to quantify space and habitat use, and Minta's index to quantify spatio-temporal interactions between neighbors.

Results

Our morphometric comparison involving 236 foxes found that the potential for escalated interference between these species was high due to intermediate size difference. However, our results from 17 collared foxes suggested that expanding and native competitors may coexist when expanding species occur at low densities. Low home-range overlap between neighbors suggested territoriality and substantial exploitation competition for space. No obvious differential use of areas shared by heterospecific neighbors suggested low interference. If anything, intraspecific competition between red foxes may be stronger than interspecific competition. Red and Arctic foxes used habitat differentially, with near-exclusive use of forest patches by red foxes and marine habitats by Arctic foxes.

Conclusion

Heterogeneous landscapes may relax interspecific competition between expanding and native species, allowing exclusive use of some resources. Furthermore, the scarcity of habitats favored by expanding species may emphasize intraspecific competition between newcomers over interspecific competition, thus creating the potential for self-limitation of expanding populations. Dominant expanding competitors may benefit from interference, but usually lack adaptations to abiotic conditions at their expansion front, favoring rear-edge subordinate species in exploitation competition. However, due to ongoing climate change, systems are usually not at equilibrium. A spread of habitats and resources favorable to expanding species may promote higher densities of antagonistically dominant newcomers, which may lead to extirpation of native species.
Higher angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) levels in the brain of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Reveret Louise , Leclerc Manon , Emond Vincent , Tremblay Cyntia , Loiselle Andréanne , Bourassa Philippe , Bennett David A. , Hébert Sébastien S. , Calon Frédéric
Published: October 2023

Cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is frequent in the geriatric population, which has been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we investigated the levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a regulator of the renin-angiotensin system and the main entry receptor of SARS-CoV-2 in host cells, in postmortem parietal cortex samples from two independent AD cohorts, totalling 142 persons. Higher concentrations of ACE2 protein (p < 0.01) and mRNA (p < 0.01) were found in individuals with a neuropathological diagnosis of AD compared to age-matched healthy control subjects. Brain levels of soluble ACE2 were inversely associated with cognitive scores (p = 0.02) and markers of pericytes (PDGFRβ, p = 0.02 and ANPEP, p = 0.007), but positively correlated with concentrations of soluble amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) (p = 0.01) and insoluble phospho-tau (S396/404, p = 0.002). However, no significant differences in ACE2 were observed in the 3xTg-AD mouse model of tau and Aβ neuropathology. Results from immunofluorescence and Western blots showed that ACE2 protein is predominantly localized in microvessels in the mouse brain whereas it is more frequently found in neurons in the human brain. The present data suggest that higher levels of soluble ACE2 in the human brain may contribute to AD, but their role in CNS infection by SARS-CoV-2 remains unclear.
Fluorescence determination of 3-MCPD by combining amino silica nanoparticles with fluorescein isothiocyanate
Authors: Xu Ting , Qingru Zeng , Fu Qing , Wang Zhaojie , Liu Xin , Xiao Shensheng , Jiang Xiaoming , Lu Yuepeng , Gong Zhiyong , Wu Yongning , Fang Min
Published: October 2023

Using amino silica modified with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), a quick fluorescence analysis technique is used for the detection of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD). At 100 °C and pH 8.5, FITC-modified amino silica exhibits the lowest fluorescence intensity in the presence of 3-MCPD. This can predominantly be explained mostly explained by 3-MCPD’s capacity to occupy the amino group that FITC normally binds to. The fluorescence intensity of FITC-modified amino silica was greatly quenched by 3-MCPD’s reaction with the amino group under alkaline conditions, and the fluorescence intensity is different at different reaction times, reaction pH, and reaction temperature. The effects of various 3-MCPD concentrations on the optical characteristics of FITC-modified amino silica were also investigated. Fluorescence analysis is used to obtain a linear range from 0.025 to 1.0 mg/L for 3-MCPD detection under optimal experimental conditions, with a detection limit of 0.025 mg/L and a correlation coefficient of 0.9915. The quantity of 3-MCPD in soy sauce was measured under ideal conditions. Using the optimized conditions, the contents of 3-MCPD in soy sauce were determined. These results suggest that this method is sensitive to 3-MCPD and may have a substantial application in the rapid detection of food contaminants particularly, where the quality and safety of food products are of paramount concern.
An enhanced version of FREM (Fracture Risk Evaluation Model) using national administrative health data: analysis protocol for development and validation of a multivariable prediction model
Authors: Kristensen Simon Bang , Clausen Anne , Skjødt Michael Kriegbaum , Søndergaard Jens , Abrahamsen Bo , Möller Sören , Rubin Katrine Hass
Published: October 2023

Background

Osteoporosis poses a growing healthcare challenge owing to its rising prevalence and a significant treatment gap, as patients are widely underdiagnosed and consequently undertreated, leaving them at high risk of osteoporotic fracture. Several tools aim to improve case-finding in osteoporosis. One such tool is the Fracture Risk Evaluation Model (FREM), which in contrast to other tools focuses on imminent fracture risk and holds potential for automation as it relies solely on data that is routinely collected via the Danish healthcare registers. The present article is an analysis protocol for a prediction model that is to be used as a modified version of FREM, with the intention of improving the identification of subjects at high imminent risk of fracture by including pharmacological exposures and using more advanced statistical methods compared to the original FREM. Its main purposes are to document and motivate various aspects and choices of data management and statistical analyses.

Methods

The model will be developed by employing logistic regression with grouped LASSO regularization as the primary statistical approach and gradient-boosted classification trees as a secondary statistical modality. Hyperparameter choices as well as computational considerations on these two approaches are investigated by an unsupervised data review (i.e., blinded to the outcome), which also investigates and handles multicollinarity among the included exposures. Further, we present an unsupervised review of the data and testing of analysis code with respect to speed and robustness on a remote analysis environment. The data review and code tests are used to adjust the analysis plans in a blinded manner, so as not to increase the risk of overfitting in the proposed methods.

Discussion

This protocol specifies the planned tool development to ensure transparency in the modeling approach, hence improving the validity of the enhanced tool to be developed. Through an unsupervised data review, it is further documented that the planned statistical approaches are feasible and compatible with the data employed.
Evaluation of chlorpyrifos and Beauveria bassiana as a strategy in the Egyptian sugar beet fields: impact on Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) and its associated predators populations and the sugar beetroot yield
Authors: Fergani Yasmin Adel , Refaei Elsayed Abd Elhameed , Faiz Neven Mohamed , Hamama Heba Mohamed
Published: October 2023

Background

The susceptibility of pests and natural enemies to conventional insecticides is a critical element in judging the success of integrated pest management programs implementing biological control as a tactic. In this study, the susceptibility of the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to an organophosphorus insecticide (chlorpyrifos) and the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana was evaluated through field applications during two successive sugar beet seasons. The populations of the coccinellid, chrysopid, and formicid predators were estimated to indicate pesticide risk assessment strategy. The root and sugar yields were compared during the whole experiment to emphasize the impact of both control strategies on the pre-harvest loss in this strategic crop.

Results

Results indicated that over the course of the two seasons of the investigation, chlorpyrifos significantly reduced the population density of S. littoralis and its associated predators. It showed a detrimental effect on S. littoralis larval population than untreated areas, causing an overall reduction of 97 and 92% during the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively. The biopesticide based on entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana caused an overall reduction of S. littoralis, reaching 96 and 65% during the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively. Meanwhile, B. bassiana slightly affects the population of predators compared to insecticide-free areas, so it was recommended for application in sugar beet fields without providing considerable risk to the associated insect predators. The sugar beetroot production and its sugar content increased significantly in both treatments during the two growing seasons compared to non-treated plots.

Conclusion

Chlorpyrifos is not recommended for pest control; instead, B. bassiana is considered an effective biopesticide in the Egyptian sugar beet fields infested with S. littoralis as part of an integrated pest management program. Their effect was direct through reducing pest population and indirectly increasing the sugar beetroot production and increasing its total sugar content. Hence, both the sugar beetroot quality and quantity were improved favoring the microbial agent over the chemical insecticide in application for mitigating the chemical hazards toward the associated predators.
Enteric glial cells aggravate the intestinal epithelial barrier damage by secreting S100β under high-altitude conditions
Authors: Xie Huichao , Zeng Xiong , Wang Wensheng , Wang Wei , Han Ben , Tan QianShan , Hu Qiu , Liu Xingyu , Chen Shuaishuai , Chen Jun , Sun Lihua , Chen Yihui , Xiao Weidong
Published: October 2023

Damage to the intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) has been reported under high-altitude (HA) conditions and may be responsible for HA-associated gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. However, this pathogenetic mechanism does not fully explain the GI stress symptoms, such as flatulence and motility diarrhea, which accompany the IEB damage under HA conditions, especially for the people exposed to HA acutely. In the present study, we collected the blood samples from the people who lived at HA and found the concentration of enteric glial cells (EGCs)-associated biomarkers increased significantly. HA mouse model was then established and the results revealed that EGCs were involved in IEB damage. Zona occludens (ZO)-1, occludin, and claudin-1 expression was negatively correlated with that of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S100β under HA conditions. In order to learn more about how EGCs influence IEB, the in vitro EGC and MODE-K hypoxia experiments that used hypoxic stimulation for simulating in vivo exposure to HA was performed. We found that hypoxia increased S100β secretion in EGCs. And MODE-K cells cultured in medium conditioned by hypoxic EGCs showed low ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1 levels of expression. Furthermore, treatment of MODE-K cells with recombinant mouse S100β resulted in diminished levels of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1 expression. Thus, HA exposure induces greater S100β secretion by EGCs, which aggravates the damage to the IEB. This study has revealed a novel mechanism of IEB damage under HA conditions, and suggest that EGCs may constitute a fresh avenue for the avoidance of GI disorders at HA.
The use of machine learning toward an accurate initial model for seismic inversion
Authors: Mohamed Islam A. , El-Mowafy Hamed Z. , Ibrahim Mohammed
Published: October 2023

Seismic inversion is used routinely in hydrocarbon exploration and development as an effective geophysical tool. Inversion methodologies vary from relative to absolute poststack, prestack, and stochastic seismic inversion. Most of the inversion algorithms suffer from the “nonuniqueness” problem, which means there is more than one possible geologic model that fits the seismic data. Because of this, other information must be provided in the form of a low-frequency initial model. Construction of an accurate initial model requires honoring the subsurface geology of the field, adequate well control, and accurately picked horizons. The lack of all or some of these items makes it hard to build a reliable initial model, and the subsequent inversion will be subject to cumulative errors and accordingly questionable results. To mitigate these limitations, we implement the multiple linear regression algorithm to blend selected seismic attributes with seismic velocities to build a robust 3D initial model. First, we analyze the elastic properties of a given well against the seismic internal attributes and the available processing velocities. Next, we build a set of multilinear equations to convert the chosen attributes into 3D elastic properties. Finally, we smooth the results and produce the elastic initial models. No horizons are needed in this process. To prove its validity, the proposed approach was applied in the offshore Nile Delta, Egypt. The new initial models for the case studies show better consistency with the geology of the area and contain very fine details compared with the conventional initial models. Hence, the proposed approach suits exploration of deep targets as it provides a reliable link between seismic internal attributes, velocities, and elastic logs for the construction of an accurate 3D initial model even though the data may be insufficient.
‘It's a girl!’ Is gender disappointment a mental health or sociocultural issue?
Authors: Jayarajah Chrissy
Published: October 2023

Gender disappointment can be defined as subjective feelings of sadness when discovering that the sex/gender of a child is the opposite of what the parent had hoped or expected. Wanting a boy (or ‘son preference’) has long been noted in many cultures, particularly in South and East Asian communities, but it is now becoming more recognised in the UK, Europe and North America. This article aims to improve understanding of gender disappointment by exploring medical and social sciences research; it also discusses the clinical and risk implications of assessing and managing gender disappointment (or not doing so) when individuals present to perinatal and/or community mental health services.
Functionalised Carbon Nanotubes: Promising Drug Delivery Vehicles for Neurovascular Disorder Intervention
Authors: Komane Patrick , Kumar Pradeep , Choonara Yahya
Published: October 2023

Neurovascular diseases are linked to the brain’s blood vessels. These disorders are complicated to treat due to the strict selective characteristics of the blood–brain barrier. Consequently, the potency of the pharmacological treatments for these conditions is immensely diminished, leading to a rise in neurovascular-associated morbidity and mortality. Carbon nanotubes are regarded as essential nanoparticles with a promise of treating neurovascular disorders. Current findings have demonstrated the effectiveness of carbon nanotubes as vehicles for ferrying drugs to the site of interest. This review accentuates the theoretical utilisation of carbon nanotubes as drug nanocarriers equipped with the penetrating capability to the blood–brain barrier for treating neurovascular disorders such as ischemic stroke. The success of the carbon nanotube system may result in the development of a new and highly relevant drug delivery procedure. This review will also cover carbon nanotube functionalisation for applications in the biomedical fields, toxicity, in vitro and in vivo drugs and biomolecule delivery, and the future outlook of carbon nanotubes.

Graphical Abstract
ITO-based UV dielectric metasurface absorber: Achieving polarization-insensitive operation
Authors: Houran Mohamad Abou , Saqlain Muhammad , Baqir Muhammad Abuzar
Published: October 2023

In this paper, a metasurface-based ultraviolet absorber made of periodically arranged nanospheres of indium tin oxide (ITO) is studied. The wideband absorptivity was observed due to photonics resonance of the top metasurface with an aggregative absorption of over 85% within the 200–320 nm operating range. The proposed absorber features insensitivity to different polarized waves. Furthermore, we employ the Fabry-Pérot model to understand the absorption mechanism and these results show a fair agreement with our simulated work. This absorber can be useful to use in applications related to photodetection conversion and ultraviolet protection.
Thick Description for Critical AI: Generating Data Capitalism and Provocations for a Multisensory Approach
Authors: Schuster Caroline E. , Schuster Kristen M.
Published: October 2023

This article argues that critical AI studies should make a methodological investment in “thick description” to counteract the tendency both within computational design and business settings to presume (or, in the case of start-ups, hope for) a seamless and inevitable journey from data to monetizable domain knowledge and useful services. Perhaps the classic application of that critical data-studies framework is Marion Fourcade and Kevin Healy's influential 2017 essay, “Seeing Like a Market,” which advances a comprehensive account of how value is extracted from data-collection processes. As important as these critiques have been, the apparent inevitability of this assemblage of power, knowledge, and profit arises in part through the metaphor of “sight.” Thick description—especially when combined with a feminist and queer attention to embodiment, materiality, and multisensory experience—can in this respect supplement Fourcade and Healey's critique by revealing unexpected imaginative possibilities built out of social materialities.
Mouse Pramel1 regulates spermatogonial development by inhibiting retinoic acid signaling during spermatogenesis
Authors: Yang Mingyao , Ma Wenzhi , Oatley Jon , Liu Wan-Sheng
Published: October 2023

Spermatogenesis begins when cell fate-committed prospermatogonia migrate to the basement membrane and initiate spermatogenesis in response to retinoic acid (RA) in the neonatal testis. The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms in this process are not fully understood. Here, we report findings on the involvement of a cancer/testis antigen, PRAMEL1, in the initiation and maintenance of spermatogenesis. By analyzing mouse models with either global or conditional Pramel1 inactivation, we found that PRAMEL1 regulates the RA responsiveness of the subtypes of prospermatogonia in the neonatal testis, and affects their homing process during the initiation of spermatogenesis. Pramel1 deficiency led to increased fecundity in juvenile males and decreased fecundity in mature males. In addition, Pramel1 deficiency resulted in a regional Sertoli cell-only phenotype during the first round of spermatogenesis, which was rescued by administration of the RA inhibitor WIN18,446, suggesting that PRAMEL1 functions as an inhibitor of RA signaling in germ cells. Overall, our findings suggest that PRAMEL1 fine-tunes RA signaling, playing a crucial role in the proper establishment of the first and subsequent rounds of spermatogenesis.
Major Intraoperative Complications During Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy
Authors: Söderström H. , Moons J. , Nafteux P. , Uzun E. , Grimminger P. , Luyer M. D. P. , Nieuwenhuijzen G. A. P. , Nilsson M. , Hayami M. , Degisors S. , Piessen G. , Vanommeslaeghe H. , Van Daele E. , Cheong E. , Gutschow Ch A. , Vetter D. , Schuring N. , Gisbertz S. S. , Räsänen J.
Published: October 2023

Background

Studies have shown minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) to be a feasible surgical technique in treating esophageal carcinoma. Postoperative complications have been extensively reviewed, but literature focusing on intraoperative complications is limited. The main objective of this study was to report major intraoperative complications and 90-day mortality during MIE for cancer.

Methods

Data were collected retrospectively from 10 European esophageal surgery centers. All intention-to-treat, minimally invasive laparoscopic/thoracoscopic esophagectomies with gastric conduit reconstruction for esophageal and GE junction cancers operated on between 2003 and 2019 were reviewed. Major intraoperative complications were defined as loss of conduit, erroneous transection of vascular structures, significant injury to other organs including bowel, heart, liver or lung, splenectomy, or other major complications including intubation injuries, arrhythmia, pulmonary embolism, and myocardial infarction.

Results

Amongst 2862 MIE cases we identified 98 patients with 101 intraoperative complications. Vascular injuries were the most prevalent, 41 during laparoscopy and 19 during thoracoscopy, with injuries to 18 different vessels. There were 24 splenic vascular or capsular injuries, 11 requiring splenectomies. Four losses of conduit due to gastroepiploic artery injury and six bowel injuries were reported. Eight tracheobronchial lesions needed repair, and 11 patients had significant lung parenchyma injuries. There were 2 on-table deaths. Ninety-day mortality was 9.2%.

Conclusions

This study offers an overview of the range of different intraoperative complications during minimally invasive esophagectomy. Mortality, especially from intrathoracic vascular injuries, appears significant.
The Effect of Histopathological Growth Patterns of Colorectal Liver Metastases on the Survival Benefit of Adjuvant Hepatic Arterial Infusion Pump Chemotherapy
Authors: Filipe W. F. , Meyer Y. M. , Buisman F. E. , van den Braak R. R. J. Coebergh , Galjart B. , Höppener D. J. , Jarnagin W. R. , Kemeny N. E. , Kingham T. P. , Nierop P. M. H. , van der Stok E. P. , Grünhagen D. J. , Vermeulen P. B. , Groot Koerkamp B. , Verhoef C. , D’Angelica M. I.
Published: October 2023

Background

Histopathological growth patterns (HGPs) are a prognostic biomarker in colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Desmoplastic HGP (dHGP) is associated with liver-only recurrence and superior overall survival (OS), while non-dHGP is associated with multi-organ recurrence and inferior OS. This study investigated the predictive value of HGPs for adjuvant hepatic arterial infusion pump (HAIP) chemotherapy in CRLM.

Methods

Patients undergoing resection of CRLM and perioperative systemic chemotherapy in two centers were included. Survival outcomes and the predictive value of HAIP versus no HAIP per HGP group were evaluated through Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression methods, respectively.

Results

We included 1233 patients. In the dHGP group (n = 291, 24%), HAIP chemotherapy was administered in 75 patients (26%). In the non-dHGP group (n = 942, 76%), HAIP chemotherapy was administered in 247 patients (26%). dHGP was associated with improved overall survival (OS, HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.32–0.73, p < 0.001). HAIP chemotherapy was associated with improved OS (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.45–0.82, p < 0.001). No interaction could be demonstrated between HGP and HAIP on OS (HR 1.29, 95% CI 0.72–2.32, p = 0.40).

Conclusions

There is no evidence that HGPs of CRLM modify the survival benefit of adjuvant HAIP chemotherapy in patients with resected CRLM.
Quantification of elongation stalls and impact on gene expression in yeast
Authors: Hou Wanfu , Harjono Vince , Harvey Alex T. , Subramaniam Arvind Rasi , Zid Brian M.
Published: October 2023

Ribosomal pauses are a critical part of cotranslational events including protein folding and localization. However, extended ribosome pauses can lead to ribosome collisions, resulting in the activation of ribosome rescue pathways and turnover of protein and mRNA. While this relationship has been known, there has been little exploration of how ribosomal stalls impact translation duration at a quantitative level. We have taken a method used to measure elongation time and adapted it for use inSaccharomyces cerevisiaeto quantify the impact of elongation stalls. We find, in transcripts containing Arg CGA codon repeat-induced stalls, a Hel2-mediated dose-dependent decrease in protein expression and mRNA level and an elongation delay on the order of minutes. In transcripts that contain synonymous substitutions to nonoptimal Leu codons, there is a decrease in protein and mRNA levels, as well as similar elongation delay, but this occurs through a non-Hel2-mediated mechanism. Finally, we find that Dhh1 selectively increases protein expression, mRNA level, and elongation rate. This indicates that distinct poorly translated mRNAs will activate different rescue pathways despite similar elongation stall durations. Taken together, these results provide new quantitative mechanistic insight into the surveillance of translation and the roles of Hel2 and Dhh1 in mediating ribosome pausing events.
FLEXGRID – A novel smart grid architecture that facilitates high-RES penetration through innovative flexibility markets towards efficient stakeholder interaction
Authors: Efthymiopoulos Nikolaos , Makris Prodromos , Tsaousoglou Georgios , Steriotis Konstantinos , Vergados Dimitrios J. , Khaksari Alireza , Herre Lars , Lacort Victor , Martinez German , Lorente Elena Leal , Gehrcke Robert , Bagherpour Matin , Milzer Gesa , Pellerin Bryan , Farrukh Farhan , Thoma Malte , Tadin Tonci , Baka Maria-Iro , Papadimitriou Christina , Kyprianou Andreas , Georghiou George E. , Pandzic Hrvoje , Badanjak Domagoj , Chatzivasileiadis Spyros , Prat Eléa , Calin Mihai , Esterl Tara , Pröstl Andrén Filip , Varvarigos Emmanouel
Published: October 2023

The FLEXGRID project develops a digital platform designed to offer Digital Energy Services (DESs) that facilitate energy sector stakeholders (i.e. Distribution System Operators - DSOs, Transmission System Operators - TSOs, market operators, Renewable Energy Sources - RES producers, retailers, flexibility aggregators) towards: i) automating and optimizing the planning and operation/management of their systems/assets, and ii) interacting in a dynamic and efficient way with their environment (electricity system) and the rest of the stakeholders. In this way, FLEXGRID envisages secure, sustainable, competitive, and affordable smart grids. A key objective is the incentivization of large-scale bottom-up investments in Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) through innovative smart grid management. Towards this goal, FLEXGRID develops innovative data models and energy market architectures (with high liquidity and efficiency) that effectively manage smart grids through an advanced TSO-DSO interaction as well as interactions between Transmission Network and Distribution Network level energy markets. Consequently, and through intelligence that exploits the innovation of the proposed market architecture, FLEXGRID develops investment tools able to examine in depth the emerging energy ecosystem and allow in this way: i) the financial sustainability of DER investors, and ii) the market liquidity/efficiency through advanced exploitation of DERs and intelligent network upgrades.
THE MAIN DIRECTIONS OF IMPROVING THE USE OF THE SUPER SERVICE “ADMISSION TO THE UNIVERSITY ONLINE” IN THE WORK OF THE ADMISSIONS COMMITTE OF KAZAN STATE AGRARIAN UNIVERSITY
Authors: Safiullin Niyaz , Valiev Ayrat , Ziganshin Bulat , Fassahova Guzel'
Published: October 2023

Digital transformation is increasingly affecting various areas of higher education. Digital services and tools significantly change the principles of interaction between the admissions committee and the applicant, the teacher and the student, the higher education institution and the regulatory authorities. The process of introducing the super service “Admission to university online”, which began in 2019, was supposed to change the mechanism for submitting applications to universities. It was assumed that applicants would be able to upload the necessary documents to the service and enroll in the selected educational institution without the need for a personal visit. In the future, the super service was supposed to replace traditional forms of filing documents. However, by 2022, the submission of paper documents directly to the university is still the main and most popular mechanism for interaction between the applicant and the admissions committee. This work is a continuation of a study conducted since 2020 at Kazan State Agrarian University, the purpose of which is to identify the main obstacles to the effective use of the superservis “Admission to university online”. The paper presents and compares with last year’s results the data of a newly conducted survey of applicants who visited the university in person. The identified main reasons for refusing to use the digital service are the same, but the share of applicants who used this mechanism for submitting documents to the university is growing. The result of the study was proposals for the university’s admissions committees to more effectively implement digital tools and obtain the necessary competencies when interacting with applicants through superswervis. The proposed activities include the use of educational computer classes to access the super service, online counseling of applicants by university teachers, a chatbot for automatic answers to the most popular questions and the holding of various competitions and quizzes to raise awareness of the possibilities of the super service in social networks and in career guidance work. The authors' proposals should help the admissions committee to increase the level of customer focus and improve the image component of Kazan State Agrarian University.
Badania endoskopowe komory grobowej króla Władysława Łokietka w katedrze krakowskiej – okiem konserwatora
Authors: Jakubczyk Ignacy
Published: October 2023

In 2019, at the initiative of the parish priest of Wawel Cathedral, Zdzisław Sochacki,an attempt was made to verify the information about the presence of a royal burialchamber beneath the tombstone of Władysław II Elbow-high in Cracow Cathedral,as described in Ambroży Grabowski’s account from 1838. This account referred toa stone masonry repair carried out at that time on the pedestal of the tomb, duringwhich, to everyone’s surprise, a narrow slit was pierced into an unknown grave.As part of the preparations, ground-penetrating radar surveys were conducted in thevicinity of the royal tomb. As a result, the possibility of an empty space beneath its basewas detected. In order to verify these suppositions, further endoscopic examinationswere carried out, which successfully reached the located chamber. The interpretationof interior photographs and in situ measurements allowed, among other things, forconclusions to be drawn regarding its original construction and its relationship with the tomb, as well as its overall dimensions and state of preservation. Traces left by the 19th century stonemasons’ intervention were recorded and compared to the types of craftsmen’s accomplishments described by Grabowski.
Combination of PCR analysis and sequencing on cytochrome-b gene Canis lupus familiaris for halal authentication
Authors: Kurniasih Kholif Sholehah Indra , Erwanto Yuny
Published: October 2023

The adulteration of beef with lower-priced meat, such as dog meat, is common to get economic profit. Dog meat is one type of meat that is not halal for consumption. There are several ways in which beef can be adulterated, including the use of dog meat. Specific primers for cytochrome-b (CYTBCA3-kh) can be used to identify the presence of dog meat contamination. This study aimed to identify dog meat using these primers. After conducting conventional PCR and agarose electrophoresis tests, the specificity of the primers was confirmed. Following this, the DNA base sequence was analyzed using a sequencing method to ensure accurate identification of dog meat contamination in beef. Specific dog primers tested on cattle, pigs, wild boars, goats, chickens, rabbits, and rats were confirmed using conventional PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis. Amplicon length verification was analyzed in a silico sequencing method using MUSCLE and BLAST NCBI software. The results showed that the primer CYTBCA3-kh amplified the canine Cyt-b mt-DNA gene specifically. The amplicon length obtained was 111 base pairs (bp), with a similarity value of 99.12% with Canis lupus familiaris mitochondrion, complete genome. The specific primer CYTBCA3-kh can be used to identify dog ​​meat contamination in meatball products for halal authentication.
Keywords: CYTB gene, Halal Authentication, PCR, Sequencing, Canis lupus familiaris
“Waiting for the best day of your life”. A qualitative interview study of patients’ and clinicians’ experiences of Perthes’ disease
Authors: Galloway Adam M. , Pini Simon , Holton Colin , Perry Daniel C. , Redmond Anthony , Siddle Heidi J. , Richards Suzanne
Published: October 2023

Aims

Perthes’ disease is an idiopathic avascular necrosis of the developing femoral head, often causing deformity that impairs physical function. Current treatments aim to optimize the joint reaction force across the hip by enhancing congruency between the acetabulum and femoral head. Despite a century of research, there is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment. The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of children, their families, and clinicians when considering the treatment of Perthes’ disease.

Methods

A qualitative study gathered information from children and their families affected by Perthes’ disease, along with treating clinicians. Interviews followed a coding framework, with the interview schedule informed by behavioural theory and patient and public involvement. Transcripts were analyzed using the framework method.

Results

A total of 24 interviews took place, with 12 child/family dyads and 12 clinicians from UK NHS centres. Interviews identified widespread variation of routine care. Children/their families recounted positive experiences when included in the decision-making process for treatment. There is a strong desire from clinicians and children/families for consistent guidance from everyone involved in care, which should be based on clinical consensus.

Conclusion

This is the first study to describe how children/families and clinicians experienced receiving or providing treatment in Perthes’ disease. The results indicate the need for robust evidence to support treatment decisions. Children and families valued feeling involved in the clinical decision-making process. Clinicians acknowledged the central importance of providing patient-centred care, particularly in the absence of robust evidence to guide the optimal treatment decisions. This study will inform a future Delphi project to develop clinical consensus guidelines for the treatment of Perthes’ disease.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(10):735–741.
Data Quality Control for Stationary Infrared Thermometers Viewing Crops
Authors: Colaizzi Paul D. , O’Shaughnessy Susan A. , Evett Steven R. , Marek Gary W. , Brauer David , Copeland Karen S. , Ruthardt Brice B.
Published: October 2023

Highlights

A quality control procedure was developed for infrared thermometer data.

The procedure included ten tests that can identify data quality conditions.

The test results were subject to criteria to recommend which data to use.

Test data included six crop seasons and fallow periods.

56% of the data passed the test for the highest level of data quality.

Abstract. The increased adoption of infrared thermometers (IRTs) for irrigation management of crops has resulted in increasingly large surface temperature datasets, resulting in a need for data quality assurance and control (QA/QC) procedures similar to those developed for agricultural weather station data. A QC procedure was developed to test for seven common data conditions, including sensor not deployed, missing, too high, too low, upward spike, downward spike, or stuck. The conditions of “too high” or “too low” used a simple energy balance procedure similar to the crop water stress index, where the theoretical lower and upper temperature limits of a surface were calculated, accounting for the vegetation view factor appearing in the IRT field-of-view. After passing the seven tests, data were assigned as Plausible, and further tested as Confirmed or Confirmed+. The Confirmed test compared each IRT to the median of the other IRTs during 2 h before sunrise and applied a threshold of ±0.5°C. The Confirmed+ test compared each IRT to the median of the other IRTs during ±2 h of solar noon and applied a threshold of ±2.0°C. The set of tests was applied to an IRT dataset that included six seasons of crops and fallow periods with 15-min time steps. Temperature differences greater than the thresholds (i.e., assigned Plausible but not Confirmed or Confirmed+) could detect anomalies including ice, dirty or obscured lenses, or biased data that other tests did not detect. Of all time intervals when 20 IRTs viewing a crop were deployed, 80% resulted in Plausible, 61% resulted in Confirmed, and 56% resulted in Confirmed+. The procedure can be easily customized and can increase the value of IRT datasets used for irrigation management. Keywords: Canopy temperature, Infrared thermometer, QA/QC, Quality assurance, quality control, Test, Weather data.
Developing a sustainable community forest management strategy in the mountainous areas of Tanggamus, Lampung, Indonesia
Authors: MORIZON MORIZON , NURROCHMAT DODIK RIDHO , MAHARIJAYA AWANG , PUTRA PRABU KRESNA
Published: October 2023

Abstract. Morizon, Nurrochmat DR, Maharijaya A, Putra PK. 2023. Developing a sustainable community forest management strategy in the mountainous areas of Tanggamus, Lampung, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 4503-4513. The Community Forest (HKm) program allows local communities to legally manage forests to strengthen their rights and reduce conflicts over forest resources. However, the program has yet to be successful in achieving its goals. This study aims to provide recommendations for HKM management strategies. The research involved surveys, field observations, and literature studies. Respondents were selected using purposive sampling and data analysis applied qualitative methods, including triangulation and SWOT analysis. The study found that the social and institutional aspects of the HKM program were not functioning well, with poor relationships among members of the farmers' group (Gapoktan). From an ecological perspective, there has been a decline in plant species. At the same time, the economic aspect shows that only 15% of members benefited from HKM, leaving the rest feeling its negative impact. The study recommends institutional restructuring, coaching, and capacity building for human resources, implementing agroforestry and organic schemes for coffee cultivation, providing guidance on alternative crops such as cardamom, and optimizing the role of cooperatives within the group. Key players must actively participate in HKM management. These recommendations could lead to the effective implementation of the HKM program.
Distribution of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi (AM Fungi) in different plants within tailings deposition areas of Freeport Indonesia, Timika, Central Papua, Indonesia
Authors: DJUUNA IRNANDA AIKO FIFI , MAY NUNANG LAMAEK , KUBANGUN SITI HAJAR , MASSORA MARIA , AIBINI SOBA WILLEM
Published: October 2023

Abstract. Djuuna IAF, May NL, Kubangun SH, Massora M, Aibini SW. 2023. Distribution of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi (AM Fungi) in different plants within tailings deposition areas of Freeport Indonesia, Timika, Central Papua, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 4515-4522. This study investigated the presence of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi (AM Fungi) in various vegetation types within tailings deposition areas in Freeport Timika, Papua. Soil and root samples were collected from 41 sampling locations, representing 28 types of vegetation growing in these areas. AM Fungi spores were extracted using the wet sieving technique, while root samples were cleaned, stained, and analyzed for the percentage of root infection using the gridlines method. Some soil characteristics were also analyzed, including pH (H2O), moisture content, organic carbon (C), Total nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), and soil texture. The study showed low total soil N and P levels, with organic C ranging from low to high and a pH range from 6 to 6.7. The spore number ranged from 2 to 20 spores/10 g soil, and the percentage of root colonization varied from 17 to 89.5%. The highest number of spores (20 spores/10 g soil) was found in the rhizosphere of Homalanthus sp. and Polyalthia glauca, while the highest percentage of root colonization (89.5%) was observed under Pandanus sp. at Upper ADA. Notably, the highest number of spores did not correspond to the highest percentage of infected roots. Additionally, four genera of AM Fungi, namely Glomus, Acaulospora, Scuttelospora and Gigaspora, were found to thrive in tailings areas and have the potential to be developed as biofertilizers for tailings rehabilitation programs.
Diversity and distribution of crustaceans in the mangrove forest of Nusa Lembongan, Bali, Indonesia
Authors: GINANTRA I KETUT , MUKSIN I KETUT , JONI MARTIN , WIJAYA I MADE SAKA
Published: October 2023

Abstract. Ginantra IK, Muksin IK, Joni M, Wijaya IMS. 2023. Diversity and distribution of crustaceans in the mangrove forest of Nusa Lembongan, Bali, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 4533-4541. Research on the diversity and distribution of crustaceans in the mangrove forest of Nusa Lembongan, Bali, Indonesia was conducted from March to June 2022. Sampling was carried out using the quadratic method at seven mangrove forest sites. The identification of crustacean species is based on morphological characteristics, namely carapace color, claw shape, legs, and body size. Crustacean density was determined based on the number of individuals per unit area of mangrove forest, diversity was determined by the Shanon-Wiener Index, and crustacean distribution was determined based on the frequency of species presence in each square at the seven study sites. Environmental factors were also measured: Mangrove vegetation, substrate type, temperature, pH, and salinity. The results showed that 12 species of crustaceans were found, consisting of 10 species of crabs and two species of hermit crabs. Several species of crabs are quite dominant in the mangroves of Nusa Lembongan namely Sesarma pictum (De Haan, 1835), with a density of 7 individuals/5 m2, Uca tetragonon (Herbst, 1790) of 3.7 individuals/5 m2, Uca rosea (Tweedie, 1837) with a density of 2.5 individuals/ 5 m2, and Uca triangularis (A. Milne-Edwards, 1873) with a density of 2 individuals/5 m2. Environmental factors support the life of Nusa Lembongan crustaceans, namely the type of substrate, mostly muddy and sandy, diverse species of mangrove plants, both true and associated mangroves, water temperature 27.70-29.00°C, pH 6.88-7.15 and water salinity ranging from 27.83-31.53‰. Crustacean diversity is included in the moderate category with their diversity index. There are three crab species with moderate to frequent (absolute) frequency of presence, namely U. rosea (Fi: 57.15%), S. pictum (Fi: 71.43%), and U. tetragonon (Fi: 85.71%). These species are present in four to six mangrove forest sites.
In vitro characterization of UB Forest (Malang, Indonesia) indigenous bacteria as plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB)
Authors: AINI LUQMAN QURATA , TRIANTI IRISA , RACHMAWATI SHOLIKAH WIDYANITTA , PUTRA ANTON MEILUS , ANASTASYA NABILLA ALYA , SETIAWAN ADI
Published: October 2023

Abstract. Aini LQ, Trianti I, Rachmawati SW, Putra AM, Anastasya NA, Setiawan A. 2023. In vitro characterization of UB Forest (Malang, Indonesia) indigenous bacteria as plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB). Biodiversitas 24: 4558-4565. UB Forest, an educational forest of Universitas Brawijaya in Malang, East Java, has a mega-biodiversity of microbial germplasm. Previously, we obtained several UB Forest indigenous bacterial isolates and tested them on various plant commodities. However, the comprehensive characterization of the bacteria to produce IAA hormone, to overcome biotic and abiotic stresses as well as their potency as biofertilizers in vitro has not been carried out yet. In this study, we conducted in vitro assays to elucidate the potency of UB Forest indigenous bacterial isolates as Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria (PGPB). The molecular identification showed that the bacterial strains were dominated by the Pseudomonads, namely Pseudomonas versuta UB-36, P. aeruginosa UB-52, P. lundensis UB-53, P. migulae UB-54, and P. koreensis UB-62. Other strains were Enterococcus gallinarum UB-55 and Lysinibacillus fusiformis UB-64. Of the 7 bacterial strains, only 3 could inhibit Xanthomonas campestris. All bacterial strains were able to produce IAA, whereas five bacteria can solubilize phosphate, six bacteria can fix nitrogen, and four bacteria have both activities. All bacterial strains can grow at pH 5-6, salinity 5-15%, temperature 60°C, and 15% polyethylene glycol (PEG) drought stress media. The results suggested that the UB Forest indigenous bacterial strains have a role as plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and are expected to support the growth of plants grown under biotic and abiotic stress conditions.