bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food Crisis in Africa
Authors:   Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania, Laswai Henry
Published: April 2024

The food crisis in Africa was discussed and documented in detail in the 1990s. In this documentation it was clearly shown that the population growth outpaced agricultural growth. To date the situation has not improved and instead it has worsened. There are so many reasons but one of the leading has been climate change. This has made urbanization rocket. The main reason of this rocketing has been searching for better livelihoods, especially for the rural and peri-urban poor. The youths in particular are seen all over not to show concern on this problem, while it is clearly admitted they are the ones who will be required by circumstances to take measures in future.
It takes more than Good Nutrition to save young lives
Authors:   African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, Oniang'o Ruth
Published: April 2024

The death of a young child is one death too many regardless of where one lives. The sadder aspect is that most conditions which kill young children are preventable. Further still, in poor communities, young children die from malnutrition- associated ailments, which often weaken the immune system. What is even more unfortunate is that fairly healthy children succumb to other killer maladies like malaria. Just this past month, Lydia, a past employee of Rural Outreach Program (ROP) in western Kenya lost her baby, Valentina, who was then only one year old.
The 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP: Nutrition quite relevant here
Authors:   African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, Oniang'o Ruth
Published: April 2024

At this time of the World Cup, now taking place in South Africa, we are being treated to some of the best built and clearly best nourished young men on the soccer pitch. This is the 19th FIFA World Cup, the ultimate international association football tournament which takes a whole month to conclude with a winner, a champion. The whole process, however, starts with a qualification process that spans over a period of 3 years. All this requires players to be healthy and to stay fit. As we observe their physique, it is possible to deduce these young men have been well fed, and that what they have on their body is more muscle than fat. The amount of running and physical exertion use up a lot of energy both immediate and stored. The bone structure of a player has to be strong and enduring
What a Year it has Been! What lies ahead?
Authors:   African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, Oniang'o Ruth
Published: April 2024

My 2010 is actually ending on a good note; my election to the above position to succeed the late Dr Norman Borlaug, the Father of the Green Revolution who died last year was truly humbling. There is no way anyone could ever step into Dr Borlaug’s shoes. Many though, myself included, can carry his last message (“take it to the farmer”) with us and deliver it in the right place. When I met Dr Borlaug at the Abuja Fertilizer Summit in 2006 in Abuja (Nigeria), a Summit he made sure to attend even though he had already started to ail, I shared with him my concern for African women smallholder farmers. May his spirit continue to rest in Eternal Peace.
ChatGPT – a tool for assisted studying or a source of misleading medical information? AI performance on Polish Medical Final Examination
Authors: Żmudka Karol , Spychał Aleksandra , Ochman Błażej , Popowicz Łukasz , Piłat Patrycja , Jaroszewicz Jerzy
Published: April 2024

Wstęp

ChatGPT jest modelem językowym stworzonym przez OpenAI, który może udzielać odpowiedzi na zapytania użytkownika, generując tekst na podstawie otrzymanych danych. Celem pracy była ocena wyników działania ChatGPT na polskim Lekarskim Egzaminie Końcowym (LEK) oraz czynników wpływających na odsetek prawidłowych odpowiedzi. Ponadto zbadano zdolność chatbota do podawania poprawnego i wnikliwego wyjaśnienia.

Materiał i metody

Wprowadzono 591 pytań z dystraktorami z bazy LEK do interfejsu ChatGPT (wersja 13 lutego – 14 marca). Porównano wyniki z kluczem odpowiedzi i przeanalizowano podane wyjaśnienia pod kątem logicznego uzasadnienia. Dla poprawnych odpowiedzi przeanalizowano spójność logiczną wyjaśnienia, natomiast w przypadku odpowiedzi błędnej obserwowano zdolność do poprawy. Wybrane czynniki zostały przeanalizowane pod kątem wpływu na zdolność chatbota do udzielenia poprawnej odpowiedzi.

Wyniki

ChatGPT osiągnął imponujące wyniki poprawnych odpowiedzi na poziomie: 58,16%, 60,91% i 67,86%, przekraczając oficjalny próg 56% w trzech ostatnich egzaminach. W przypadku poprawnie udzielonych odpowiedzi ponad 70% pytań zostało popartych logicznie spójnym wyjaśnieniem. W przypadku błędnych odpowiedzi w 66% przypadków chatbot podał pozornie poprawne wyjaśnienie dla nieprawidłowych odpowiedzi. Czynniki takie jak konstrukcja logiczna (p < 0,05) i wskaźnik trudności zadania (p < 0,05) miały wpływ na ogólną ocenę, podczas gdy liczba znaków (p = 0,46) i język (p = 0,14) takiego wpływu nie miały.

Wnioski

Mimo iż ChatGPT osiągnął wystarczającą liczbę punktów, aby zaliczyć LEK, w wielu przypadkach podawał wprowadzające w błąd informacje poparte pozornie przekonującym wyjaśnieniem. Chatboty mogą być szczególnym zagrożeniem dla użytkownika niemającego wiedzy medycznej, ponieważ w porównaniu z wyszukiwarką internetową dają natychmiastowe, przekonujące wyjaśnienie, co może stanowić zagrożenie dla zdrowia publicznego. Z tych samych przyczyn ChatGPT powinien być ostrożnie stosowany jako pomoc naukowa.
Organic Farming for the Development of Agricultural Sustainability: A Study on Pakyong and Rhenock Area of East Sikkim
Authors: Das Pradip Kumar
Published: April 2024

Background: The role of organic farming as a promoter of agricultural sustainability is undisputed. Sikkim government has declared the state as an organic state since 2016. Sikkim is one of the few states in India that is pioneering the adoption of organic farming. That is why, the study bears utmost significance. The study tries to assess the role of organic farming in the development of agricultural sustainability in Pakyong and Rhenock division of Sikkim State. Methods: The study was conducted in Pakyong and Rhenock areas of East Sikkim during (March to November) 2021. The respondents of the study were organic farmers (practicing organic farming not less than 3 years) with land holding more than 2 acres. About 850 questionnaires were administered, with 700 completed questionnaires considered for analysis. Result: The study concluded with a very encouraging result for the prospects of organic farming in the state of Sikkim in general and the study area in particular. The study proves that the organic farming initiative is beyond doubt as a driver of sustainable agricultural development in the state of Sikkim.
Françoise Choay e a revisão crítica da narrativa canônica de Brasília sob a ótica das mulheres
Authors: Mello Thaysa Malaquias de , Brandão Claudio Roberto Comas
Published: April 2024

O artigo examina como a crítica feita por mulheres à construção de Brasília pode contribuir para ampliar a narrativa canônica sobre a cidade. A partir da análise dos textos da historiadora e crítica de arte e arquitetura Françoise Choay, publicados em 1959, o artigo investiga a representatividade feminina no Congresso Internacional Extraordinário de Críticos de Arte de 1959, bem como as diferentes perspectivas sobre o planejamento da cidade. Ao reconhecer as assimetrias e diferenças de perspectivas nos textos, o artigo pretende complexificar a narrativa sobre Brasília, ampliando-a com as vozes e perspectivas das mulheres para uma compreensão mais rica e plural da história da cidade.
Análisis de la modulación multiplexación por división de frecuencia generalizada
Authors: Blanco-Orta Jorge Luis , Guerra-Martínez María del Carmen , Marante-Rizo Francisco Reinerio
Published: April 2024

En el presente artículo se hace una investigación de la modulación Multiplexación por División de Frecuencia Generalizada (GFDM) y su influencia para mejorar la estructura de la capa física, teniendo en cuenta las ventajas inherentes que presenta para el desarrollo de nuevas tecnologías. Se establece una comparación con la modulación Multiplexación por División de Frecuencia Ortogonal (OFDM), utilizada en la comunicación móvil de cuarta generación (4G).  Definiendo las características que diferencian a cada una de las señales, así como los beneficios para la arquitectura de red, las tecnologías habilitadoras y por ser una modulación que puede solucionar problemas en sistemas masivos de múltiples entradas y múltiples salidas (MIMO). La investigación se realiza con el propósito de lograr una mayor transmisión de datos, por ser esta una tecnología clave, que afrontará problemas similares en futuros sistemas y mejorar la flexibilidad de la sexta generación (6G).
Evolução da produção científica sobre o Mercado Eficiente: Estudo bibliométrico
Authors: Moraes Alexandra Kelly de , Furtini Andressa Aparecida Santana , Prado José Willer do , Castro Junior Luiz Gonzaga de , Ceretta Paulo Sergio
Published: April 2024

Contextualização: O texto destaca a importância da Eficiência de Mercado no ambiente dinâmico e complexo do mercado, que tem sido amplamente estudada e analisada. A abordagem desse tema desperta interesse no meio acadêmico e tem sido objeto de diversos estudos. 
Objetivo: O estudo tem como objetivo mapear a produção científica relacionada ao conceito de Mercado Eficiente, analisando a evolução dos trabalhos acadêmicos e pesquisas sobre o tema ao longo do tempo.  
Método: A pesquisa adota uma abordagem descritiva com enfoque quantitativo e análise bibliométrica para mensurar os índices de produtividade científica em um tema específico. Foram identificados 478 artigos relevantes nas bases de dados do Web of Science e Scopus no período de 1977 a 2023. Os softwares EndNote e Bibliometrix R foram utilizados para análise, seguida pela elaboração de tabelas e gráficos estatísticos para apresentação nos softwares Biblioshiny e VOSviewer. 
Resultados: A análise dos dados revelou um aumento constante nas publicações no campo das finanças relacionadas ao tema, com destaque para periódicos específicos. As afiliações dos periódicos se concentraram principalmente nas regiões da América, Europa e Ásia, em áreas como estatística, economia, negócios e gestão. Referências importantes e temas abordados incluíram eficiência de mercado, finanças comportamentais e eficiência do mercado de ações. Eugene Fama foi destacado como o autor mais influente. Quanto às tendências futuras, áreas como análise da eficiência de mercado, gestão de risco e previsibilidade em períodos de conflitos globais foram identificadas, requerendo métodos complexos e inovadores.  
Conclusões: Esses resultados contribuem para a ampliação do conhecimento e entendimento sobre eficiência de mercado, incentivando a busca por abordagens inovadoras e complexas para avançar ainda mais nesse campo de estudo.
Mammographic density and breast cancer risk (review article)
Authors:   Derzhavin Tambov State University, Emelyanova Natalia V. ,   Tambov Regional Oncology Clinical Dispensary, Chumakov Roman V. ,   Derzhavin Tambov State University, Kuryanov Vasily O. ,   Derzhavin Tambov State University
Published: April 2024

Abstract. Breast cancer is a significant global public health problem and one of the most common cancers among women. Mammography is the main method for screening and diagnosing breast cancer, and it is important to understand the relation of mammographic density and the risk of developing this disease. In this research we review existing works on this issue and analyze the available data to assess the association of mammographic density and breast cancer risk. Our results confirm a significant association of mammographic density and breast cancer risk, highlighting the importance of this parameter in screening and predicting the development of breast cancer. Mammographic density has clinical significance in breast cancer screening and prognosis and can be used to determine an individual’s risk of developing breast cancer and make decisions about further testing and treatment. Future research should be aimed at elucidating the mechanisms underlying this association, as well as developing innovative screening methods that incorporate mammographic density as a prognostic factor.
Historical aspects and trends in surgical treatment of fractures
Authors:   Derzhavin Tambov State University, Beliaev Anton A. , Molotkova Olga V. ,   Derzhavin Tambov State University
Published: April 2024

Annotation: We consider trends in the development of traumatology from the 19th century to the present. The prerequisites for the development of intramedullary osteosynthesis appeared in the late – early 20th centuries. But the rapid development of traumatology begins with the discovery of the principles of asepsis and antiseptics and X-rays, which allows doctors to resort to surgical treatment of fractures more often. The research purpose is to determine the historical aspects and the main directions of the development of traumatology in the treatment of bone fractures. Materials and methods. The search was conducted in the open electronic scientific databases PubMed and databases of the Russian scientific electronic library eLibrary with keywords and phrases: traumatology, osteosynthesis, history of osteosynthesis, transosseous osteosynthesis, intramedullary osteosynthesis. Results. The end of the 20th century marked the appearance of a large number of different plates for osteosynthesis (dynamic compression plate – DCP, locking compression plate – LCP, point-contact fixator – PC-Fix), widely used in modern surgical practice, and methods of application (minimally invasive osteosynthesis, the use of biodegradable materials). Conclusion. The main trends in the development of modern traumatology are based on minimizing surgical intervention with maximum preservation of the biological integrity of tissues and the earliest activation of the patient.
Concepção de homem, trabalho, cultura e educação em Álvaro Vieira Pinto
Authors: Amboni Vanderlei
Published: April 2024

O artigo traz um estudo sobre a concepção de homem, trabalho, cultura e educação em Álvaro Borges Vieira Pinto (AVP). Filósofo brasileiro que dedicou sua vida aos estudos sobre existência, ciência e desenvolvimento nacional. Nosso objetivo é compreender o pensamento de AVP sobre a cultura humana em sua totalidade e as relações estabelecidas pelo homem na luta pela vida em seus aspectos materiais, sob a premissa da dialética na apreensão do mundo humano e as relações da ciência neste devir histórico. O material investigado traz autores como Adam Schaff, Erich Fromm, Victor Paro etc., e do material produzido por AVP. O mundo humano é um mundo da natureza, cuja investigação das relações humanas é produto do homem, sob a concepção que o mesmo engendra para si. Na investigação do objeto, a base é o materialismo, que se fundamenta na história, cujo resultado o leitor está convidado a conferir.
PERPUSTAKAAN ANAK DI KOTA BANJARBARU
Authors: Maya Tegar Indra , Dahliani Dahliani
Published: April 2024

Childhood is the most important period in teaching good habits to children for the growth of their mindset. One of the good habits that can be taught is reading books. Reading books from an early age can develop children's imagination so that it has a positive impact on their creative level for the present to the future. In response to this, of course, we need a special forum to facilitate reading activities especially for children. In Kota Banjarbaru itself, there is no special library for children, only a children's service from the Banjarbaru City Regional Library. The purpose of designing this children's library is as a learning support center as well as educational activities and recreational facilities for children with an age limit of 2-13 years through activities that teach skills and insights that are in accordance with the characteristics of the child, which can attract children's reading interest in the city of Banjarbaru. The main thing that is applied in the design of the children's library in the city of Banjarbaru is that the building has the flexibility for its users to easily and quickly adjust. The method used in designing children's libraries in the city of Banjarbaru uses a behavioral architecture approach as a consideration in designing to direct behavior and accommodate it and answer all problems that arise in the design process. Behavioral architecture is an architecture whose application includes behavioral considerations in the design. Because the main actors of the activity are dynamic children, the concept used is spatial flexibility.
STUDIO KOMIK AGORA DI BANJARABRU
Authors: Annada Katrun , Sarbini Gusti Novi
Published: April 2024

The Agora Comics Studio in Banjarbaru is a studio building that is not only a place for drawing but also a place that provides a gathering place for the community to enjoy comics with various activities. By applying comic elements into the building as a place to make the story in three dimensions and the people in it are indirectly involved as characters for their own stories. The application of the methods of  superimpose theories can solve problems and provide design ideas. Resulting in a 3D Story concept which became the idea of ​​the Agora Comic Study building in Banjarbaru.
PERPUSTAKAAN KOLABORATIF (MAKERSPACE LIBRARY) DI BANJARBARU
Authors: Bilah Muhammad El'Arif , Andini Dila Nadya
Published: April 2024

The library in Banjarbaru is still considered as nothing more than a place to read books and the books themselves are only old book collections, this creates a stigma that libraries do not develop according to the needs of people who are too dependent on digitalization and technology. This is the underlying reason why people lack interest in visiting the library. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a library as a new face of public space that can accommodate activities for collaboration and offer social networks for the Banjarbaru community. The purpose of designing a Collaborative Library (Makerspace Library) in Banjarbaru is to create an educated, accustomed to reading, and highly cultured community. Through the library, people can exchange information and knowledge.
GUEST HOUSE HUMA BETANG INDAH DI BUNTOK
Authors: Wanagita Yuztira , Hadinata Irwan Yudha
Published: April 2024

Guest house is a building built for accommodation purposes. The main problem in designing the Huma Betang Indah Guest House in Buntok is how the building can harmonize with nature through dayak culture which is comfortable for the guest. With the direct analogy approach as a design method, the design of this guest house has an object of observation in the form of a rumah betang. Rumah betang is a traditional Dayak tribe house that has strong ties with nature. Thus to apply the principles of rumah betang to the guest house the concept of Analogy architecture is used. A guest house that can provide new experiences for guests by providing various natural elements in it.
KLINIK UTAMA REHABILITASI MEDIK DI BANJARMASIN
Authors: Sukma Dhia Ulfairuz , Oktaviana Anna
Published: April 2024

Along with the development of medical science and society needs Kementerian Kesehatan (Kemenkes) released a program in 2017, called JKN or Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional about improvement and build of quality of health infrastructure. Based on that program Kementrian Kesehatan expects the distribution of health facilities in each region. In Banjarmasin, rehabilitative health facilities is still not enough qualitatively and quantitatively, one of the rehabilitation health facilities is a medical rehabilitation facility. Medical rehabilitation’s patients in Banjarmasin hospitals always increase, so that hospital services become less than optimal, therefore additional outpatient services are needed through the clinic In reality amount of medical rehabilitation clinics are still not spread in Banjarmasin and the quality of clinics in Banjarmasin has not fulfilled the requirements of the physical environment where the physical environment is the biggest factor that affects the healing process. The healing environment approach is used as a method and concept of problem-solving. The method used is to determine and analyze the facts from the medical rehabilitation service, then applying the healing environment aspect to space, both internal and external space. The healing environment aspect consists of nature, senses, and psychology.
PENAMPUNGAN KUCING (CAT SHELTER) DI BANJARBARU
Authors: Diyanti Tria , Oktaviana Anna
Published: April 2024

Caring for pets has become a part of the lifestyle of today's modern society. However, the high interest in raising animals is also accompanied by the growth of abandoned animal populations in the city of Banjarbaru due to neglect from non-committed owners. As a respond to this problem, a shelter facility emerged for abandoned animals who were sick, injured, tortured, or needed a protection. The design of Cat Shelter in Banjarbaru is a facility that seeks to meet the physical and psychological needs of animals but also still considers the sustainability of facilities by implementing an environmentally friendly design approach. Using Sustainable Architecture concepts as a solution to problems with strategies for considering land use, community, health and well-being, as well as the efficiency of materials, energy and water, then formed a design of green buildings and healthy, which is beneficial for residents of shelter facilities.
PEREMAJAAN KAWASAN PASAR BAUNTUNG BANJARBARU (REDEVELOPMENT)
Authors: Heldasari Heldasari , Anhar Pakhri
Published: April 2024

Banjarbaru Bauntung Market is a market that has been established since 1965 which until now has experienced an increase in the number of traders, especially street vendors. This market is located on Jalan Lanan, right in the center of Banjarbaru City. Bauntung market is experiencing a decline which can be seen from the buildings and facilities inside that are not maintained. In addition, due to the increase in street vendors, zoning and circulation in this market are irregular. The right architectural problem solving for the Banjarbaru Bauntung Market, namely, the redevelopment of the Banjarbaru Bauntung Market Area which accommodates the needs of users (traders and buyers) by adjusting the dawn market, activities, zoning, and circulation, as to make a clean, safe, and comfortable market area. Programmatic architectural methods to achieve a clean, safe, and comfortable market by focusing on market activities at dawn, zoning, and circulation are the preferred approaches used in solving architectural problems in the Bauntung Banjarbaru Market. This is manifested in the circulation arranged according to use, optimal zoning both inside and outside, and dawn market activities that are easier to manage.
GEDUNG PEMBINAAN OLAHRAGA BULU TANGKIS TUNTUNG PANDANG TANAH LAUT
Authors: Dini Nur Elma , Wastuty Prima Widia
Published: April 2024

Badminton Tuntung Pandang Tanah Laut Sports Development Building is a place designed to meet the needs of an athlete to channel the talents and abilities possessed by individuals and groups. The high interest of the community in badminton is not comparable with the achievements that should be able to be achieved. The aim to advance the achievements of badminton in Tanah Laut can be achieved with good coaching, the available facilities are able to support the needs of athletes, as well as attractive building designs that will affect the attractiveness of the community in badminton sports thereby opening up greater opportunities for get young players in delivering regional athletes who excel. Iconic architectural approach to buildings, through the character of badminton whose elements in addition to supporting the function of building sports buildings as well as meeting the criteria of the iconic architectural concept, which has a magnificent building scale, has an attractive shape that is easily recognizable, functional and geometric, and has robustness through structural expression. So that the exterior of the building is able to convey the message of the building as a building for Badminton Tuntung Pandang Tanah Laut through the forms and design of the facade with badminton characteristics themselves. Then the building design is expected to be able to provide good facilities, attractive buildings, and be able to give birth to athletes who excel.
GEDUNG PERTUNJUKAN TEATER TAMAN BUDAYA BANJARBARU
Authors: Ariani Bunga Suchie , Hartono Rudi
Published: April 2024

The development of the Theater in South Kalimantan, especially Banjarbaru continues to grow rapidly. This is not appropriate with the lack of existing facilities and infrastructure makes theatre activities in South Kalimantan not well developed. Therefore in 2019, South Kalimantan Provincial Government together with Banjarmasin Cultural Park will plan the construction of Theatre Performance Building in a New Cultural Park Area which is located in the Governor’s Office Area of South Kalimantan. They want Theater Performance Building with an adequate lighting system and functional support space with directional access. Beside that, they want this Performance Building to become a Landmark in Banjarbaru City with the nuance of South Kalimantan Architecture. Therefore, the suitable method chosen is the Iconic Architectural Method which can be realized with 3 design principles based on a concept review, there are: (a) Traditional Elements, (b) Continuous Rhythm, and (c) Functional Elements. These three elements are realized by analyzing the point of view, circulation, material, color and texture of the interior and exterior in order to produce a good performance building design according to the client's needs.
PUSAT OLEH – OLEH KALIMANTAN SELATAN DI BANJARMASIN
Authors: Asdani Agusti Dwi , Andini Dila Nadya
Published: April 2024

The design of South Kalimantan Souvenir Center is motivated by the number of tourists visiting South Kalimantan, especially Banjarmasin. One of the influential needs of the increase in tourists is the need for local specialties. Souvenir shops in Banjarmasin currently are less representative, so the existence of a souvenir center that sells a variety of South Kalimantan specialty products in one place that has local characteristics so that tourists not only shop but also get a tour experience. The problem solving method applied is the Metaphor Architecture method which refers to the building design stage as a certain character from a formation or object that is unique to Banjarmasin. The design concept applies the concept of one stop shopping where this souvenir center is able to accommodate a variety of typical products of South Kalimantan in one place. The result of the design is in the form of a building design that can become one of the icons of the city of Banjarmasin that accommodates souvenir shopping facilities in one place.
Another Covid Causality: Global Journalism
Authors: Khan Ershad Komal
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the profound impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the global media landscape and its consequential effects on journalism. Utilizing the secondary data analysis method, this study explores how the pandemic affected journalists worldwide. The study argues that the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated media commercialization globally due to the ensuing global recession. Simultaneously, there was a noticeable push by politicians to exert greater influence over the media, seeking to conceal their misdeeds and shortcomings, as well as to propagate their narratives through the press. This encompassed discussions about the coronavirus’s origin, transmission, and containment efforts, often as a means to gain advantages over domestic and international political adversaries. Many outlets, faced with fiscal and political adversity, unwittingly became conduits for such political propaganda, a consequence both of their struggle for survival and their lack of preparedness to navigate a crisis of such magnitude. Consequently, a surge of disinformation and misinformation regarding the virus’s origin and mitigation permeated media outlets, resulting in a crisis of credibility. The aftermath reveals a disheartening decline in public trust in mass media that significantly impeded vaccination initiatives.
Challenges and Adaptations in Remote Teaching: Insights from Rural Educators in Indonesia
Authors: Gusti Valeria Yekti Kwasaning
Published: April 2024

This research focused on the experiences of rural math educators in Indonesia during the pandemic period. The study investigated the challenges encountered by math teachers with varying levels of experience in remote instruction, spanning from beginners to veterans with over 15 years of teaching experience through surveys and interviews. The study utilized a mixed-methods approach which involves combining qualitative and quantitative research methods to achieve a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges encountered by math teachers in remote settings. The findings highlighted common challenges such as poor internet connectivity, limited student access to devices, and decreased student engagement in remote lessons. Despite these challenges, rural math educators have implemented innovative strategies, utilizing diverse online platforms to enhance student participation. Additionally, this study discovered the impact of remote teaching on educators' professional growth as they adapt to new technologies and teaching methods. As schools have transitioned back to in-person learning, the insights underscored the importance of addressing digital disparities and providing educators with the necessary support to navigate future disruptions in the educational landscape.
Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Flipped Classroom Terhadap Kemampuan Penalaran Matematis Siswa SMP Negeri 4 Tangerang
Authors: Nurafni Oktaviani  , Indiyah Fariani Hermin , Aziz Tian Abdul
Published: April 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh model flipped classroom terhadap kemampuan penalaran matematis siswa. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah quasi experiment tipe posttest-only control group design. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan simple random sampling dan cluster random sampling. Sampel penelitian ini yaitu siswa kelas VIII.9 dan VIII.10 di SMP Negeri 4 Tangerang. Instrumen penelitian ini berupa tes kemampuan penalaran matematis pada materi sistem persamaan linear dua variabel (SPLDV) berjumlah 5 soal uraian yang telah diuji validitas dan reliabilitasnya. Hasil pengujian hipotesis menggunakan uji-t dengan taraf signifikansi α=0,05, diperoleh bahwa t_hitung=2,014, sementara t_tabel=1,668 sehingga t_hitung>t_tabel, maka H_0 ditolak. Besar pengaruh diuji menggunakan Cohen’s Effect Size dan diperoleh nilai d sebesar 0,5. Nilai tersebut termasuk ke dalam kategori medium atau sedang dengan besar persentase 69%. Berdasarkan hasil perhitungan, dapat disimpulkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh dari penerapan model pembelajaran model flipped classroom terhadap kemampuan penalaran matematis siswa SMP Negeri 4 Tangerang.
Suicide Prevention Programs Currently Available to US Veterans: A Scoping Review
Authors: Berumen Jessica H. , Levin Bruce Lubotsky , Kip Kevin , Bohn Joseph
Published: April 2024

It is widely recognized the high suicide rate among United States (US) veterans is a major ongoing public health problem. Suicide prevention programs that specifically target veterans are varied in their implementation and success rates. A scoping review was conducted to examine what types of suicide prevention programs are currently available for US veterans and their effectiveness. From this scoping review, 361 articles were located from two electronic databases, and 26 suicide prevention programs were located through the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) webpage/electronic resources. Of the 361 peer reviewed articles, 33 were classified as highly relevant and selected for full review, and 22 were identified as needing further review for relevance to the topic or target population. Nineteen VA webpage/electronic resources were classified as highly relevant and selected for full review. After implementing the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 28 journal articles and 16 VA webpage/electronic resources were included in this scoping review. Although the scoping review demonstrated there is a wide variety of suicide prevention programs available for US veterans, the review also indicated that (a) suicide prevention programs in use by the VA are not being widely disseminated in the peer-reviewed literature and (b) there is significantly more dissemination on the study of causes of suicidality than programs being implemented to prevent suicidal behavior. As a result, available research suggests additional research should be conducted on suicide prevention programs and more dissemination of current suicide prevention activities should take place.
The use of rhodamine water tracer (RWT) dye to improve submersed herbicide applications
Authors: Getsinger Kurt , Mudge Christopher , Sartain Bradley , Sperry Benjamin , Walter Damian , Durham Michael
Published: April 2024

The inert fluorescent dye rhodamine water tracer (RWT) has been widely used in freshwater aquatic systems for many years to quantify bulk water exchange patterns and as a tracer for submersed herbicide movement. The dye is well-suited for tracer work due to its high solubility and detectability in water (<0.01 μg/L). Federal guidelines limit the aqueous concentration 0f RWT to <10 μg/L at drinking water intakes. The dye has proven to be harmless to aquatic organisms and humans in low concentrations and is relatively inexpensive. Since 1991, RWT has been used by Engineer Re-search and Development Center (ERDC) researchers to simulate aqueous herbicide applications in large, hydrodynamic systems in over 12 states. Such simulations have improved the effectiveness of herbicide treatments by linking in situ water exchange processes with appropriate herbicide selection and application rates. Understanding these parameters can be critical for mitigating herbicide exposure in environmentally sensitive settings and around potable water and irrigation intakes. A data-based estimate of water exchange patterns usually results in successful submersed herbicide applications—both with target-plant efficacy and limited injury to nontarget vegetation. Using RWT dye to simulate submersed herbicide applications is an important predictive and real-time tool in both experimental and operational settings.
Associated factors, concordance, and trends of obesity: body mass index, abdominal waist, and waist- to-height ratio between 2014 and 2022. Analysis of nine national surveys
Authors: Romero Luisa Erika Milagros Vásquez , Vera-Ponce Víctor Juan , Zuzunaga-Montoya Fiorella E. , Torres-Malca Jenny Raquel , Loayza-Castro Joan A. , Paucar Cori Raquel Iturregui , Valladares-Garrido Mario J. , Romero-Figueroa María del Socorro , Silva Mariana , Ramos Willy , Cruz-Vargas Jhony A. La
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Obesity is a global epidemic affecting millions of people worldwide. Its diagnosis and treatment are crucial for the prevention of associated chronic diseases.
Objectives: To assess the prevalence of obesity according to different diagnostic criteria, analyze the concordance between various diagnostic methods, and identify associated factors.
Methods: Peru's Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES) from 2014 to 2022 was utilized. The cut-off points for defining obesity were ≥ 30 for body mass index (BMI), the ATPIII criteria for waist circumference (WC-ATPIII), and 0.56 for the waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). Concordance analyses were performed to compare diagnostic methods and regression analyses were conducted to identify associated factors.
Results: The prevalence of obesity according to BMI, WC-ATPIII, and WHtR was 25.65%, 42.04%, and 46.49%, respectively. The concordance between the three criteria was evaluated through the Kappa index. The concordance between obesity by BMI and WC-ATPIII was 0.5141. The concordance between BMI and WHtR was 0.5099. Finally, the concordance between WC-ATPIII and WHtR was 0.7514. Men showed a lower prevalence of obesity compared to women. The obesity trend increased overall during the study period, with marked differences in prevalence according to the obesity measure used.
Conclusions: The findings reveal differences in obesity prevalence according to the diagnostic method employed and underscore the need to consider multiple approaches to assess obesity. The results significantly affect public health and provide a foundation for future interventions and policies to combat obesity in Peru.
Evaluation of the polycaprolactone (PCL) hydrolytic degradation in acid solvent and its influence on the electrospinning process
Authors: Anaya-Mancipe Javier Mauricio , de Figueiredo Agnes Chacor , Rabello Lucas Gomes , Dias Marcos Lopes , Thiré Rossana Mara S. M.
Published: April 2024

Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is one of the most widely used biopolymers in biomedicine for the production of scaffolds and biomaterials in tissue engineering. This is due to its characteristics as a drug carrier, as well as excellent controlled release properties compared to other biopolymers. Electrospinning is a technique often employed for manufacturing mats with this application, although chlorinated or fluorinated solvents are predominantly used, presenting high cellular toxicity. A viable alternative as a green solvent is glacial acetic acid in the preparation of electrospinning solutions. In this study, we investigated the molecular degradation via acid hydrolysis of PCL in acidic solvents (acetic acid/formic acid) and how the contact time (storage) influences the morphology of the produced structures. Solutions containing 30% by weight of PCL in acetic acid/formic acid (9:1) were prepared and stored at 35 °C for up to 14 days. Subsequently, samples were tested by electrospinning to assess the resulting morphology. To analyze the acid degradation of PCL, samples were evaluated by GPC, XRD, and FTIR, revealing an approximately 50% reduction in molar mass during the solubilization process. This allowed for better chain packing, generating higher crystallinity indices, increasing from approximately 37% to 49 %, due to the storage time of the solutions. On the other hand, it was observed that this reduction in molar mass resulted in lower molecular interactions and entanglement of the chains, reflecting in the formation of unstable Taylor cones that produced mats with various morphologies, including fibers, beaded fibers, and isolated beads. However, this degradation demonstrated an increase in water adsorption capacity, indicating exposure of hydrogen bonds from the acid hydrolysis of the ester linkage in PCL, an important feature for applications in regenerative medicine. This highlights the high potential of these hydrolyzed materials for cell anchoring applications in tissue engineering.
Recycling annual self-straw as biochar reduces long-term greenhouse gas emissions from paddy fields economically
Authors: Wu Weixiang , Nan Qiong , Speth Daan , Qin Yong , Chi Wenchen , Milucka Jana , Gu Baojing
Published: April 2024

Paddy fields contribute significantly to agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and their mitigation is imperative for achieving global carbon neutrality. The commonly adopted practice of a one-time application of approximately 1% topsoil weight biochar (high single, HS) has proven effective in reducing GHG emissions from paddy fields. However, the long-term efficacy of this approach remains uncertain. Our comprehensive 8-year field experiments reveal that the HS method substantially reduces 125 tonnes of CO2-eq per hectare, accompanied by a net financial benefit of US$ 3,732 per hectare. Nevertheless, the HS method exhibits diminishing returns as biochar aged. This decline is attributed to the higher soil ammonium concentration, which hinders methanotrophic activity and reduces soil total carbon content. To counteract this ageing effect, a more sustainable alternative known as the annual low (AL) method involves the yearly recycling of biochar. The AL method surpasses the HS approach, recording a reduction of 197 tonnes of CO2-eq per hectare and a net financial benefit of US$ 4,568 per hectare. This represents a 58% increase in CO2 reduction and a 16% increase in financial benefit compared to the HS method. If the AL method were implemented globally in paddy fields, it could remarkably reduce 4 billion tonnes of CO2-eq GHG, yielding an annual financial benefit of US$ 90 billion. This underscores the viability and economic attractiveness of adopting sustainable practices in paddy field management aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Bioinformatics-based prediction of biochemical characteristic and potential immunogenic epitopes for ROPs proteins of the E. tenella as candidate vaccine target
Authors: Mohammadi Mahdi Khadem , Ghaffari Ali Dalir
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Coccidiosis is an essential type of disease which is responsible for infection all around the world. The mentioned disease is caused by Eimeria which has determinable characteristics including intestinal injury, diarrhea, or bloody stools. Despite the using specific drugs for this disease, a lot of issues like the onset of drug-resistance and raised treatment costs made the drug mediated method challenging. The present in silico investigation was done to reveal biophysical properties and immunogenic epitopes of six ROPs proteins for rational vaccine design in future.
Materials and methods: We utilized different online tools in order to predict characteristics like allergenicity, antigenicity, physicochemical properties, solubility, post-translational modification sites (PTMs), the presence of signal peptide and transmembrane domains. In addition, the secondary and tertiary structures of the assessed proteins were drawn through the refinement process and validation. At last, we utilized NetCTL server as a prediction tool for cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes. After the mentioned process, immunogenicity was analyzed. IEDB server was chosen as a prediction tool for helper T-lymphocyte (HTL) epitopes. After the mentioned process, we assessed antigenicity and IFN-γ and IL-4 induction.
Results: We could find many different linear B-cell epitopes with ability to be antigenic. They also had good water solubility, and they didn't have allergenicity. Thus, these proteins had proper antigenicity, and they had many different PTMs. They also had different HTL, CTL, and B-cell epitopes. We can use these results to develop a proper kind of multi-epitope vaccine for therapeutic purposes.
Conclusion: According to the present study, it might be promising to focus on specific regions of the parasite’s protein rather than large protein residues, as this might contribute to the reduction of the parasite’s antigen complexity.
Deployment of the natural magnifier CMTKG for naked expansion microscopy of biological tissues
Authors: Chen Bi-Chang , Tian Xuejiao , Cheng Yi-Fen , Tsai Min-Ju , Lin Tzu-Yang , Lee Chia-Ming , Lin Po-Ting , Tsao Chieh , Cheng Ya-Jen , Chen Peilin , Tseng Fan-Gang
Published: April 2024

Expansion Microscopy (ExM) enhances biological imaging to the nanoscale level by enlarging biological specimens, increasing the separation between biomolecules while maintaining their spatial arrangement. By integrating ExM with traditional microscopy, super-resolution volumetric images can be captured efficiently without compromising tissue integrity. Accordingly, fine molecular structures previously indiscernible by means of standard fluorescence microscopy can be visualized. However, one of the major challenges with ExM is that the samples are embedded in the polymerized gel, which limits the use of high numerical aperture objective lenses due to their short working distances. To address this issue, we have developed an approach using carboxymethyl tamarind kernel gum (CMTKG) cross-linked with sodium acrylate to create a superabsorbent hydrogel suitable for ExM. This technique facilitates removal of excess polymers from the expanded sample, resulting in sample exposure to the objective lens. Here, we demonstrate that it is possible to achieve approximately 7X expansion of Drosophila melanogaster brains, free from surrounding hydrogel, in a process we have named Naked-ExM. Followed by iterative expansion, the centimeter-sized fly brain is obtained and the ~15 um sized synapses are measured at 15X expansion.
Phylogeography of the Imperiled Comanche Harvester Ant (Pogonomyrmex comanche)
Authors: Seal Jon , Matthews Alix E , McDanield Gabriel , McFarland Erin , Kellner Katrin
Published: April 2024

One of the few endangered ant species in North America is the Comanche Harvester Ant, Pogonomyrmex comanche. Despite its status, there is little known about its natural history throughout its range in the western Gulf Coastal Plain of North America. This study presents a regional phylogeographic analysis of P. comanche across sites in central and eastern Texas, southern Arkansas and central Oklahoma. By using COI genotyping, we discovered that the center of genetic diversity is found in central Texas, which is typical for many species that found refugia in the southern North America during Pleistocene glaciations. Although diversity was slightly lower in northern populations, there was no evidence of recent population expansion into northern latitudes. Rather, some deviations from neutrality were consistent with population contraction in the northern regions (Arkansas, Oklahoma). The high diversity and relative rarity of identical sequences among samples were also consistent with dispersal limitation. The exact mechanisms driving its decline are currently unknown, but a combination of dispersal limitation and habitat loss seem likely causes.
Feeding-state dependent neuropeptidergic modulation of reciprocally interconnected inhibitory neurons biases sensorimotor decisions in Drosophila
Authors: Jovanic Tihana , de Tredern Eloise , Manceau Dylan , Blanc Alexandre , Sakagiannis Panagiotis , Barré Chloe , Sus Victoria , Viscido Francesca , Ha Amit Md , Autran Sandra , Nawrot Martin , Masson Jean-Baptiste
Published: April 2024

Animals' feeding state changes behavioral priorities and thus influences even non-feeding related decisions. How is the feeding state information transmitted to non-feeding related circuits and what are the circuit mechanisms involved in biasing non-feeding related decisions remains an open question. By combining calcium imaging, neuronal manipulations, behavioral analysis and computational modeling, we determined that the competition between different aversive responses to mechanical cues is biased by feeding state changes. We found that this is achieved by differential modulation of two different types of reciprocally connected inhibitory neurons promoting opposing actions. This modulation results in a more frequent active type of response and less frequently a protective type of response if larvae are fed sugar compared to when they are fed a balanced diet. The information about the internal state is conveyed to the inhibitory neurons through homologues of the vertebrate neuropeptide Y known to be involved in regulating feeding behavior.