bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerita Dari Hutan Teso Nelo: Ekokritik dalam Novel Rahasia Pelangi
Authors: Juanda Juanda , Afandi Iswan
Published: May 2024

The novel is a medium that inspires and motivates readers to change and act more responsibly towards nature. This research aims to explore environmental phenomena and the author's ethical criticism. This research applies a qualitative approach with descriptive data presentation to explore and understand the representation of forest environmental issues in the novel Rahasia Pelangi by Riawani Elyta and Shabrina WS. The main data in this research is the text of the novel Rahasia Pelangi. Garrard's ecocritical approach Data analysis was carried out using the help of NVivo software which displays processed data in the form of percentage coverage and graphs through the Explore feature. To ensure validity and reliability, this research adopts a triangulation procedure, namely by comparing the findings with relevant previous studies and other ecocritical theories. The research findings are that the author narrates ecological themes. The narrative on the theme of "Disaster" is followed by the phenomenon of destruction of the "Wilderness." The contribution of the research is to provide awareness of environmental conservation for readers. The results of this study are a means for teachers and lecturers to provide literacy teaching materials to students and college students.  Future research is to examine novels from other authors that voice environmental issues.
Kesantunan Berbahasa Grup WhatsApp Nasab Mbah Dayat: Perspektif Usia dan Jenis Kelamin
Authors: Ramdani Putra Chelya Ilham , Sasongko Sempu Dwi , Rahmayantis Marista Dwi
Published: May 2024

In the communication process, there are aspects that need to be considered, including the politeness of the language used. Theoretically, this research employs a sociopragmatic approach, while methodologically, it utilizes a descriptive approach. This type of research is qualitative in nature. The data source for this study consists of the speech of group members. The instrument used in this research is the researcher themselves, equipped with data tabulation. The data collection technique employed in this study is note-taking, divided into several stages. The collected data is then analyzed descriptively. Data triangulation is chosen to test the authenticity of the data discovered during the research process. The findings include 24 maxims of sympathy, 9 maxims of agreement, 7 maxims of wisdom, 7 maxims of appreciation, 5 maxims of simplicity, and 1 maxim of generosity. Meanwhile, age-influenced speech data amounted to 18, and gender-influenced data amounted to 31. The findings are predominantly in Javanese language as all members are from the same region, namely Java. However, Indonesian language data was also found. From the research results, it can be concluded that the speech in the WhatsApp group "Nasab Mbah Dayat" has paid attention to politeness in its usage.
Relevansi Intuisi Kebahasaan Penutur terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Logis dan Kritis dalam Penyampaian Argumentasi
Authors: Pratikno Heru , Wulansari Atsani , Purwanto Kokok
Published: May 2024

Bahasa yang disampaikan seseorang tentu memiliki pesan tertentu. Dalam penyampaian pesan tersebut, kemampuan berbahasa perlu ditekankan. Dengan begitu, komunikasi akan berjalan dengan lancar. Tentunya, hal tersebut tidak terlepas dari intusi kebahasaan yang dimiliki seseorang. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui keterkaitan intuisi bahasa seseorang terhadap kemampuan berpikirnya dalam menyampaikan pendapat. Selain itu, penulis ingin mengetahui sejauh mana kemampuan berpikir logis dan kritis digunakan dalam hal berinteraksi dalam kehidupan akademik dan sosial. Metode pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan studi dokumentasi melalui kondisi penutur di lapangan. Setelah itu, analisis data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa antara intuisi bahasa yang dimiliki seseorang memiliki keterkaitan dengan gagasan argumentasi yang ia sampaikan. Selanjutnya, dengan intuisi tersebut, kemampuan berpikir logis dan kritisnya akan menyebabkan komunikasi dapat berjalan dengan baik.
Implementasi Standar Proses Pendidikan Kurikulum Merdeka oleh Guru Bahasa Indonesia
Authors: Ardiyanti Ria , D Yusra , Ningsih Arum Gati , Akbar Oky
Published: May 2024

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mendeskripsikan perencanaan, pelaksanaan, dan evaluasi proses pembelajaran Kurikulum Merdeka oleh guru SMP Negeri 30 Muaro Jambi mata pelajaran Bahasa Indonesia. Penelitia ini berjenis kualitatif menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif. Ada dua jenis data yang digunakan, yaitu; (1) data primer, yaitu modul ajar guru Bahasa Indonesia, (2) data sekunder, yaitu hasil wawancara terbuka dan video pengamatan pembelajaran di dalam kelas. Sumber data adalah guru SMP Negeri 30 Muaro Jambi yang mengampu mata pelajaran Bahasa Indonesia beserta kepala sekolah. Pengumulan data dilakukan dengan teknik studi dokumen, wawancara, observasi, dan teknik rekam.  Instrumen penelitian adalah diri peneliti dan responden. Untuk menguji ke-validan data digunakan triangulasi teknik dan pemeriksaan sejawat. Analisis data dilakukan dengan empat tahapan, yakni mereduksi data, lalu menyajikan data, menarik kesimpulan, dan verifikasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa guru Bahasa Indonesia telah mengimplementasikan Standar Proses Pendidikan Kurikulum Merdeka dengan baik sesuai dengan aspek-askpek yang ada di dalam Permendikbudristek Nomor 16 Tahun 2022. Dari perencanaan pembelajaran guru telah mencantumkan 8 aspek ke dalam modul ajar, dari aspek pelaksanaan pembelajaran guru telah melaksanakan 10 aspek dan 1 indikator yang tidak terlaksana, dan dari evaluasi pembelajaran guru telah melaksanakan 5 aspek dan 1 aspek yang tidak terlaksana.
Introduction to Aubrey Westfall, ‘Direct and Indirect Prejudice in Scotland’
Authors: McBride Maureen
Published: May 2024

This short introduction situates Aubrey Westfall's article ‘Direct and Indirect Prejudice in Scotland’ (this volume) within Edinburgh University Press's wider cross-journal special theme on Race and Racism in Scotland.
TRANSITION SHOCK EXPERIENCED BY NEW NURSES: AN EXAMPLE FROM TURKEY
Authors: Dertli Semiha , Çevik Aktura Seher
Published: May 2024

This research was carried out to determine the transition shock to the profession in nurses. This descriptive study was conducted with 221 nurses who started to work in university hospitals in eastern Turkey between March and April 2022. Data were collected using the Introductory Information Form, and the Nursing Transition Shock Scale (NTSS). The mean score of the (NTSS) in Nursing was found to be 2.65±0.75 (moderate). The multiple linear regression model demonstrated that there was a statistically significant relationship between choosing the nursing department willingly, having an internship, receiving in-service training at the start of the profession, being self-confident in applying the knowledge and skills required by the nursing profession, having the communication skills required by the nursing profession and experiencing stress in transition from student role to profession and NTSS mean scores, and showed that these variables explained 20.7% of the total variance. In the study, it was found that the transition shock scores of the nurses were moderate. The research provides a perspective to nursing educators and managers in terms of showing the transition shock experienced by nurses who have just started to work and the factors affecting it.
Caracterización epidemiológica del Linfoma de Hodgkin en pacientes atendidos en el hospital de SOLCA - Guayaquil
Authors: Real Cotto Jhony Joe , García Gamboa Diego Ulises , Garcés Santos Juan Carlos
Published: May 2024

Introducción: El linfoma de Hodgkin es una enfermedad en la que se forman células malignas en el sistema linfático y que en los últimos años ha venido aumentando su presencia en la población. Objetivo: Caracterizar epidemiológicamente los linfomas de Hodgkin atendidos en el hospital de SOLCA - Guayaquil durante el periodo 2010-2021. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de datos abiertos de diseño observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal, de casos nuevos atendidos con linfoma de Hodgkin diagnosticados en el hospital de SOLCA Guayaquil, entre 2010 y 2021. Resultados: Las atenciones del linfoma de Hodgkin en el hospital de SOLCA Guayaquil fueron del 4 % en el 2010 y del 12 % en el 2021. Se tuvo sobre todo el linfoma de Hodgkin con esclerosis nodular, en hombres; los grupos etarios más frecuentes fueron hombres entre 0 y 19 años (37,7 %) y mujeres entre 20 y 29 años (45,3 %), procedentes de la provincia del Guayas. Conclusiones: Durante este periodo incrementaron las atenciones por linfoma de Hodgkin, en las que se observó más la esclerosis nodular en los pacientes, en hombres de 0 a 19 años y en mujeres de 20 a 39 años, similar al estándar de comportamiento de esta enfermedad.
Understanding COVID-19 propagation: a comprehensive mathematical model with Caputo fractional derivatives for Thailand
Authors: E Shamil , Jose Sayooj Aby , Panigoro Hasan S. , Jirawattanapanit Anuwat , Omede Benjamin I. , Yaagoub Zakaria
Published: May 2024

This research introduces a sophisticated mathematical model for understanding the transmission dynamics of COVID-19, incorporating both integer and fractional derivatives. The model undergoes a rigorous analysis, examining equilibrium points, the reproduction number, and feasibility. The application of fixed point theory establishes the existence of a unique solution, demonstrating stability in the model. To derive approximate solutions, the generalized Adams-Bashforth-Moulton method is employed, further enhancing the study's analytical depth. Through a numerical simulation based on Thailand's data, the research delves into the intricacies of COVID-19 transmission, encompassing thorough data analysis and parameter estimation. The study advocates for a holistic approach, recommending a combined strategy of precautionary measures and home remedies, showcasing their substantial impact on pandemic mitigation. This comprehensive investigation significantly contributes to the broader understanding and effective management of the COVID-19 crisis, providing valuable insights for shaping public health strategies and guiding individual actions.
Reprogramming tendon healing: a guide to novel molecular tools
Authors: Peniche Silva Carlos Julio , Balmayor Elizabeth R. , van Griensven Martijn
Published: May 2024

Tendons are a frequent site of injury, which greatly impairs the movement and locomotion of patients. Regrettably, injuries at the tendon frequently require surgical intervention, which leads to a long path to recovery. Moreover, the healing of tendons often involves the formation of scar tissue at the site of injury with poor mechanical properties and prone to re-injury. Tissue engineering carries the promise of better and more effective solutions to the improper healing of tendons. Lately, the field of regenerative medicine has seen a significant increase in the focus on the potential use of non-coding RNAs (e.g., siRNAs, miRNAs, and lncRNAs) as molecular tools for tendon tissue engineering. This class of molecules is being investigated due to their ability to act as epigenetic regulators of gene expression and protein production. Thus, providing a molecular instrument to fine-tune, reprogram, and modulate the processes of tendon differentiation, healing, and regeneration. This review focuses particularly on the latest advances involving the use of siRNAs, miRNAs, and lncRNAs in tendon tissue engineering applications.
Finite element analysis of patient-specific additive-manufactured implants
Authors: Namvar Arman , Lozanovski Bill , Downing David , Williamson Tom , Kastrati Endri , Shidid Darpan , Hill David , Buehner Ulrich , Ryan Stewart , Choong Peter F. , Sanaei Reza , Leary Martin , Brandt Milan
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Bone tumors, characterized by diverse locations and shapes, often necessitate surgical excision followed by custom implant placement to facilitate targeted bone reconstruction. Leveraging additive manufacturing, patient-specific implants can be precisely tailored with complex geometries and desired stiffness, enhancing their suitability for bone ingrowth.

Methods: In this work, a finite element model is employed to assess patient-specific lattice implants in femur bones. Our model is validated using experimental data obtained from an animal study (n = 9).

Results: The results demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed finite element model in predicting the implant mechanical behavior. The model was used to investigate the influence of reducing the elastic modulus of a solid Ti6Al4V implant by tenfold, revealing that such a reduction had no significant impact on bone behavior under maximum compression and torsion loading. This finding suggests a potential avenue for reducing the endoprosthesis modulus without compromising bone integrity.

Discussion: Our research suggests that employing fully lattice implants not only facilitates bone ingrowth but also has the potential to reduce overall implant stiffness. This reduction is crucial in preventing significant bone remodeling associated with stress shielding, a challenge often associated with the high stiffness of fully solid implants. The study highlights the mechanical benefits of utilizing lattice structures in implant design for enhanced patient outcomes.
Can self-powered piezoelectric materials be used to treat disc degeneration by means of electrical stimulation?
Authors: Huang Huagui , Wang Kaizhong , Liu Xianyan , Wang Jinzuo , Suo Moran , Liu Xin , Li Zhonghai
Published: May 2024

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) due to multiple causes is one of the major causes of low back pain (LBP). A variety of traditional treatments and biologic therapies are currently used to delay or even reverse IDD; however, these treatments still have some limitations. Finding safer and more effective treatments is urgent for LBP patients. With increasing reports it has been found that the intervertebral disc (IVD) can convert pressure loads from the spine into electrical stimulation in a variety of ways, and that this electrical stimulation is of great importance in modulating cell behavior, the immune microenvironment and promoting tissue repair. However, when intervertebral disc degeneration occurs, the normal structures within the IVD are destroyed. This eventually leads to a weakening or loss of self-powered. Currently various piezoelectric materials with unique crystal structures can mimic the piezoelectric effect of normal tissues. Based on this, tissue-engineered scaffolds prepared using piezoelectric materials have been widely used for regenerative repair of various types of tissues, however, there are no reports of their use for the treatment of IDD. For this reason, we propose to utilize tissue-engineered scaffolds prepared from piezoelectric biomaterials with excellent biocompatibility and self-powered properties to be implanted into degenerated IVD to help restore cell type and number, restore extracellular matrix, and modulate immune responses. It provides a feasible and novel therapeutic approach for the clinical treatment of IDD.
Predicting the fire-induced structural performance of steel tube columns filled with SFRC-enhanced concrete: using artificial neural networks approach
Authors: George Christo , Zumba Edwin , Procel Silva Maria Alexandra , Selvan S. Senthil , Christo Mary Subaja , Kumar Rakesh , Kumar Singh Atul , S. Sathvik , Onyelowe Kennedy
Published: May 2024

Predicting the axial Shortening strength of concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns is an important problem that this study attempts to solve for civil engineering projects. We suggest using a deep learning-based artificial neural network (ANN) model to address this issue, taking into account the intricate relationship between steel tube and core concrete. The model, called ANN-SFRC (Steel Fibre Reinforced Concrete), surpasses an R2 threshold of 0.90 and achieves impressive R2 values across different types of CFST columns. Compared to traditional linear regression methods, the ANN-SFRC model significantly improves accuracy, with an observed inaccuracy of less than 3% compared to actual values. With its reliable approach to forecasting the behavior of CFST columns under axial compression, this high-performance instrument enhances safety and accuracy during the design and planning stages of civil engineering.
Interactions within climate policyscapes: a network analysis of the electricity generation space in the United Kingdom, 1956–2022
Authors: Zambianchi Valeria , Biedenkopf Katja
Published: May 2024

The systems of policies impacting climate change mitigation are complex. Yet, to date, we have limited conceptual and empirical knowledge on the dynamics within these. We address this gap by employing a systems lens to untangle the interactions between the policies affecting climate change mitigation in the electricity generation space. We conceptualise climate policyscapesfor electricity generation as systems populated with policies whose means impact decarbonisation in the electricity generation space. The impacts under analysis include both support and obstruction of climate change mitigation. We analyse the evolution of the UK climate policyscape from 1956 to 2022. Methodologically, we combine qualitative content analysis and network analysis. We populate the policyscapes with pieces of legislation in the electricity generation space and employ qualitative content analysis to identify the policy means affecting climate change mitigation. Our network analysis of the 2022 climate policyscape reveals that policies hindering climate mitigation remain largely present, which renders the climate policyscape incoherent. We show that policies supporting mitigation are more likely to behave as a group than policies hindering climate mitigation. Climate policies tend to be adopted as packages, whilst fossil policies remain a steady process throughout the history of the UK climate policyscape.
Evaluation of bi-directional causal association between obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and diabetic microangiopathy: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Qianqian , Chang Xingyu , Lian Rongna , Chen Qi , Wang Jialei , Fu Songbo
Published: May 2024

Background

The relationship between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and diabetic microangiopathy remains controversial.

Objective

This study aimed to use bidirectional two-sample Mendelian Randomization (MR) to assess the causal relationship between OSAS and diabetic microangiopathy.

Methods

First, we used the Linkage Disequilibrium Score Regression(LDSC) analysis to assess the genetic correlation. Then, the bidirectional two-sample MR study was conducted in two stages: OSAS and lung function-related indicators (forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)) were investigated as exposures, with diabetic microangiopathy as the outcome in the first stage, and genetic tools were used as proxy variables for OSAS and lung function-related measures in the second step. Genome-wide association study data came from the open GWAS database. We used Inverse-Variance Weighted (IVW), MR-Egger regression, Weighted median, Simple mode, and Weighted mode for effect estimation and pleiotropy testing. We also performed sensitivity analyses to test the robustness of the results. Furthermore, we performed multivariate and mediation MR analyses.

Results

In the LDSC analysis, We found a genetic correlation between OSAS, FVC, FEV 1, and diabetic microangiopathy. In the MR analysis, based on IVW analysis, genetically predicted OSAS was positively correlated with the incidence of diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and diabetic neuropathy (DN). In the subgroup analysis of DR, there was a significant causal relationship between OSAS and background diabetic retinopathy (BDR) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). The reverse MR did not show a correlation between the incidence of diabetic microangiopathy and OSAS. Reduced FVC had a potential causal relationship with increased incidence of DR and PDR. Reduced FEV1 had a potential causal relationship with the increased incidence of BDR, PDR, and DKD. Multivariate MR analysis showed that the association between OSAS and diabetic microangiopathy remained significant after adjusting for confounding factors. However, we did not find the significant mediating factors.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that OSAS may be a cause of the development of diabetic microangiopathy, and OSAS may also be associated with a high risk of diabetic microangiopathy, providing a reference for a better understanding of the prevention of diabetic microangiopathy.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of an ejection fraction adjusted for myocardial remodeling
Authors: Chan Wei Xuan , Kaura Amit , Mulla Abdulrahim , Papadimitriou Dimitri , Glampson Benjamin , Mayer Erik , Shah Anoop S. V. , Mayet Jamil , Yap Choon Hwai
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Ejection fraction (EF) is widely used to evaluate heart function during heart failure (HF) due to its simplicity compared but it may misrepresent cardiac function during ventricular hypertrophy, especially in heart failure with preserved EF (HFpEF). To resolve this shortcoming, we evaluate a correction factor to EF, which is equivalent to computing EF at the mid-wall layer (without the need for mid-layer identification) rather than at the endocardial surface, and thus better complements other complex metrics.

Method

The retrospective cohort data was studied, consisting of 2,752 individuals (56.5% male, age 69.3 ± 16.4 years) admitted with a request of a troponin test and undergoing echocardiography as part of their clinical assessment across three centres. Cox-proportional regression models were constructed to compare the adjusted EF (EFa) to EF in evaluating risk of heart failure admissions.

Result

Comparing HFpEF patients to non-HF cases, there was no significant difference in EF (62.3 ± 7.6% vs. 64.2 ± 6.2%, p = 0.79), but there was a significant difference in EFa (56.6 ± 6.4% vs. 61.8 ± 9.9%, p = 0.0007). Both low EF and low EFa were associated with a high HF readmission risk. However, in the cohort with a normal EF (EF ≥ 50%), models using EFa were significantly more associative with HF readmissions within 3 years, where the leave one out cross validation ROC analysis showed a 18.6% reduction in errors, and Net Classification Index (NRI) analysis showed that risk increment classification of events increased by 12.2%, while risk decrement classification of non-events decreased by 16.6%.

Conclusion

EFa is associated with HF readmission in patients with a normal EF.
Prognostic value of elevated lipoprotein (a) in patients with acute coronary syndromes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Guochun , Xia Maoyin , Liang Cai , Pu Feng , Liu Sitai , Jia Dongxia
Published: May 2024

Background

Elevated lipoprotein (a) level was recognized as an independent risk factor for significant adverse cardiovascular events in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. Despite this recognition, the consensus in the literature regarding the prognostic significance of elevated lipoprotein (a) in ACS was also limited. Consequently, we conducted a thorough systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic relevance of elevated lipoprotein (a) level in individuals diagnosed with ACS.

Methods and results

A thorough literature review was conducted by systematically searching PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases until September 2023. This review specifically examined cohort studies exploring the prognostic implications of elevated lipoprotein (a) level in relation to major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including death, stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and coronary revascularization, in patients with ACS. The meta-analysis utilized aggregated multivariable hazard ratios (HR) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) to evaluate prognostic implications between high and low lipoprotein (a) levels [the cut-off of high lipoprotein (a) level varies from 12.5 to 60 mg/dl]. Among 18,168 patients in the identified studies, elevated lipoprotein (a) was independently associated with increased MACE risk (HR 1.26; 95% CI: 1.17–1.35, P < 0.00001) and all-cause mortality (HR 1.36; 95% CI: 1.05–1.76, P = 0.02) in ACS patients. In summary, elevated lipoprotein (a) levels independently forecast MACE and all-cause mortality in ACS patients. Assessing lipoprotein (a) levels appears promising for risk stratification in ACS, offering valuable insights for tailoring secondary prevention strategies.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO (CRD42023476543).
Challenges and efforts in managing AI trustworthiness risks: a state of knowledge
Authors: Polemi Nineta , Praça Isabel , Kioskli Kitty , Bécue Adrien
Published: May 2024

This paper addresses the critical gaps in existing AI risk management frameworks, emphasizing the neglect of human factors and the absence of metrics for socially related or human threats. Drawing from insights provided by NIST AI RFM and ENISA, the research underscores the need for understanding the limitations of human-AI interaction and the development of ethical and social measurements. The paper explores various dimensions of trustworthiness, covering legislation, AI cyber threat intelligence, and characteristics of AI adversaries. It delves into technical threats and vulnerabilities, including data access, poisoning, and backdoors, highlighting the importance of collaboration between cybersecurity engineers, AI experts, and social-psychology-behavior-ethics professionals. Furthermore, the socio-psychological threats associated with AI integration into society are examined, addressing issues such as bias, misinformation, and privacy erosion. The manuscript proposes a comprehensive approach to AI trustworthiness, combining technical and social mitigation measures, standards, and ongoing research initiatives. Additionally, it introduces innovative defense strategies, such as cyber-social exercises, digital clones, and conversational agents, to enhance understanding of adversary profiles and fortify AI security. The paper concludes with a call for interdisciplinary collaboration, awareness campaigns, and continuous research efforts to create a robust and resilient AI ecosystem aligned with ethical standards and societal expectations.
Challenges in facilitators’ professional development – complexities within a scaling up process as reasons for dropout
Authors: Scherer Petra , Rolka Katrin
Published: May 2024

In-service courses for teachers are often provided by so called facilitators who function as teacher trainers and whose tasks in the education system are multifaceted. The professional development (PD) of facilitators is of great importance, and the complex process of scaling up might lead to unexpected constraints, and influence the effectiveness of a program. In general, more research is needed concerning facilitators’ PD with respect to their different roles and functions. In this paper, a project will be presented that focused on qualifying facilitators for the topic “inclusive mathematics” and accompanied the process of scaling up. In the end, unexpectedly, five out of 15 facilitators did not finish the program. Therefore, the challenges and concrete reasons for dropout were investigated in detail. The paper will present a case analysis, where Facilitators’ multifaceted roles, functions, and tasks emerged as the central category. Moreover, conclusions for professionalization programs and research will be derived and discussed.
More money does not necessarily help: relations of education expenditure, school characteristics, and academic resilience across 36 education systems
Authors: Ye Wangqiong , Olsen Rolf V. , Blömeke Sigrid
Published: May 2024

Teacher quality, teaching quality, school resources, and school climate are commonly identified as protective factors in the academic resilience literature. Variables reflecting these four concepts were applied in a latent profile analysis across 36 education systems participating in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study 2019. The best-fitting model suggested four different latent profiles of protective factors. A three-step BCH method with an auxiliary regression model was adopted to investigate the influence of education expenditure on academic resilience across the profiles. Education expenditure promoted academic resilience in a profile characterized by low mathematics resources and another profile with low teaching quality and school climate. Education expenditure had no significant influence in the remaining two profiles characterized by very low and high levels of classroom and school protective factors, respectively. Moreover, countries were classified into six cultural groups representing education systems sharing similarities in language, history, or geography. Within each group, there was a certain degree of consistency in the distribution of profiles. Conclusions are drawn for strategies to promote academic resilience.
Prompt the problem – investigating the mathematics educational quality of AI-supported problem solving by comparing prompt techniques
Authors: Schorcht Sebastian , Buchholtz Nils , Baumanns Lukas
Published: May 2024

The use of and research on the large language model (LLM) Generative Pretrained Transformer (GPT) is growing steadily, especially in mathematics education. As students and teachers worldwide increasingly use this AI model for teaching and learning mathematics, the question of the quality of the generated output becomes important. Consequently, this study evaluates AI-supported mathematical problem solving with different GPT versions when the LLM is subjected to prompt techniques. To assess the mathematics educational quality (content related and process related) of the LLM’s output, we facilitated four prompt techniques and investigated their effects in model validations (N = 1,080) using three mathematical problem-based tasks. Subsequently, human raters scored the mathematics educational quality of AI output. The results showed that the content-related quality of AI-supported problem solving was not significantly affected by using various prompt techniques across GPT versions. However, certain prompt techniques, particular Chain-of-Thought and Ask-me-Anything, notably improved process-related quality.
Chaos-infused wind power integration in the grey wolf optimal paradigm for combine thermal-wind power plant systems
Authors: Wadood Abdul , Khan Babar Sattar , Khurshaid Tahir , Kim Ki-Chai , Rhee Sang Bong
Published: May 2024

This research presents a novel methodology for tackling the combined thermal-wind economic load dispatch (ELD) issue in contemporary power system. The proposed approach involves hybridizing active-set algorithm (ASA), interior point algorithm (IPA) and sequential quadratic programming (SQP) into grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm, while effectively incorporating the intricacies associated with renewable energy sources (RES). A more accurate model is made possible by hybridization for complex systems with memory and hereditary characteristics. The GWO is used as a tool for global search while ASA, IPA and SQP methods are used for rapid local optimization mechanism. The performance evaluation of the design heuristics is carried out on 37 thermal and 3 wind power generating units and outcomes endorse the effectiveness of the proposed scheme over state-of-the-art counterparts. The worthy performance is further validated on statistical assessments in case of thermal-wind integrated ELD problem in terms of measure of central tendency and variation on cost and complexity indices.
Damp and mould—the big picture. How do we tackle the damp and mould crisis in social housing: lessons from the UK
Authors: Benton Eleanor
Published: May 2024

The tragic death of 2-year-old Awaab Ishak, from extensive and prolonged exposure to damp and mould that had not been dealt with by the social landlord who owned the property, and other high profile news stories, have alerted social landlords to the damp and mould crisis in social rented homes across England. This paper discusses the findings from a 24-h knowledge exchange “Think Tank”, attended by representatives from social housing providers, charities, professional bodies, and residents from across England, to discuss how to tackle damp and mould in social housing. The event was made up of short informal presentations and group discussions in order to share good practice and develop a cross-sector understanding of damp and mould, its impacts, and how it can be tackled holistically. The event highlighted that damp and mould should firstly be seen as a building problem and that residents’ “lifestyles” should not be blamed. Tackling damp and mould should not be seen as the responsibility of one individual or department, all stakeholders need to work together to tackle the problem, ensuring tenants’ wellbeing is at the centre of every decision. Finally, damp and mould cannot be tacked in silo. Social landlords are facing a number of other major challenges, including the cost-of-living crisis, new building safety regulations, and the urgent need to decarbonise their stock. Landlords must think creatively in order to tackle these problems together and consider the big picture to ensure we are not walking towards the next housing tragedy. This paper brings together a wider contextual understanding of how the damp and mould crisis has developed in the UK, the impacts of damp and mould on residents’ physical and mental wellbeing, and the Think Tank findings, to suggest policy and practical recommendations for tackling the problem holistically.
Workplace violence and its associated factors among nurses working in university teaching hospitals in Southern Ethiopia: a mixed approach
Authors: Anose Bereket Hegeno , Roba Adem Esmael , Gemechu Zegeye Regassa , Heliso Asnakech Zekiwos , Negassa Segni Begna , Ashamo Teshale Belayneh
Published: May 2024

Background

Workplace violence among nurses has increased dramatically in the last decade. Still, mitigation techniques have not been well explored; many studies used a quantitative research approach, and there is a knowledge gap on the current status of workplace violence. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of workplace violence and associated factors among nurses working at university teaching hospitals in the South Region of Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a mixed approach. A random sample of 400 nurses was interviewed for the quantitative analysis, and nine key informants were interviewed for the qualitative analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the data. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and a corresponding p-value < 0.05 was used to determine the association between variables. The qualitative data were transcribed and translated, then themes were created, followed by thematic analysis using Open Code version 4.02.

Results

The prevalence of workplace violence was 61.3% within the last 12 months. Nurses working in emergency departments [AOR = 4.27, 95% CI: 2.21, 8.24], nurses working in inpatient departments [AOR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.40, 4.72], the number of nurses in the same working unit from one to five [AOR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.21, 4.63], and six to ten staff nurses [AOR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.17, 3.85], nurses routinely making direct physical contact [AOR = 2.77, 95% CI: 1.55, 4.95], and nurses' work time between 6 pm and 7 am [AOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.00, 2.82] were factors significantly associated with workplace violence.

Conclusion

In this study, the prevalence of workplace violence against nurses was high. We identified factors significantly associated with workplace violence among nurses. Interventions should focus on early risk identification, the management of violent incidents, and the establishment of violence protection strategies that consider contextual factors to reduce workplace violence.
Homogenization of soil seed bank communities by fire and invasive species in the Mojave Desert
Authors: Lee Steven , Klinger Robert , Brooks Matthew L. , Ferrenberg Scott
Published: May 2024

Soil seed banks help maintain species diversity through temporal storage effects and function as germination pools that can optimize fitness across varying environmental conditions. These characteristics promote the persistence of native plant communities, yet disturbances such as fire and associated invasions by non-native species can disrupt these reserves, fundamentally altering successional trajectories. This may be particularly true in deserts, where native plant communities are less adapted to fire. While studies of fire effects on desert plant communities are not uncommon, information regarding the short- and long-term effects of fire on seed banks is less available. To better understand the influence of fire and invasive species on desert seed banks, we investigated soil seed bank biodiversity from 30 wildfires that burned between 1972 and 2010 across the Mojave Desert ecoregion of North America. We assessed how characteristics of fire regimes (frequency, time since fire, and burn severity) interacted with climate and invasive plants on measures of α-, β-, and γ-diversities. Because β-diversity is a direct measure of community variability and reveals important information about biodiversity loss, we further examined the nestedness and turnover components of β-diversity. Mean α- and γ-diversities were generally higher for burned locations than in unburned reference sites, however individual fire variables had little influence on patterns of seed bank diversity. Burned area seed banks tended to be dominated by non-native invasive species, primarily two grasses, (Bromus rubens, Bromus tectorum), as well as an invasive forb (Erodium cicutarium). The most striking pattern we observed was a collective sharp decline in α-, β-, and γ-diversities with increased invasive species dominance, indicating the homogenization of seed bank communities with the colonization of invasive species after fire. Evidence of homogenization was further supported by reduced turnover and increased nestedness in burn areas compared to reference areas indicating potential biodiversity loss. Our findings highlight how biological processes such as plant invasions can combine with disturbance from fire to alter patterns of seed bank composition and diversity in desert ecosystems.
Microsatellites for butterfly conservation: historical challenges, current relevance, and a guide to implementation
Authors: Heffernan Emily , Barkdull Megan , Brady Noah
Published: May 2024

We are nearing the 20-year anniversary of a groundbreaking paper which details how microsatellite marker development in Lepidoptera is “extremely difficult for no apparent reason.” How far have we come in these past 20 years? Microsatellites are still the marker of choice in many population genetics studies for their ease of use, high degrees of polymorphism, species-specificity, and low cost. The rise of next-generation sequencing technologies (e.g. 454, Illumina, PacBio, etc.) has greatly advanced our abilities to generate many microsatellite markers per species. In this paper, we summarize the improvements in marker development using next-generation technology. Using case studies, we review the use and implementation of microsatellite markers in different conservation programs. Lastly, we provide a guide to data interpretation of microsatellite data generated for butterflies, with the goal of supporting student researchers and conservation practitioners in evaluating the meaning in their data.
The impact of serum uric acid on psoriasis: NHANES 2005–2014 and Mendelian randomization
Authors: Hu Minghui , Wang Yangyang , Xu Wenwu , Bai Juan , Tang Xingming
Published: May 2024

Background:

Psoriasis is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease, and hyperuricemia is a common comorbidity in patients with psoriasis. However, the exact relationship between uric acid levels and psoriasis remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the association between uric acid levels and psoriasis.

Methods:

Observational study participant data (≥16 years, n = 23,489) from NHANES 2003–2014. We conducted analyses using a weighted multiple logistic regression model. Genetic data sets for uric acid levels and psoriasis were obtained from the IEU database. We selected genetically independent loci closely associated with serum uric acid levels as instrumental variables and performed Mendelian randomization analyses using five complementary methods: inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode.

Results:

After adjusting for other covariates, the results revealed no significant association between serum uric acid levels and psoriasis (b = 0.999, 95% CI: 0.998, 1.001, p = 0.275). Subgroup analyses stratified by gender and ethnicity showed no significant association between sUA and psoriasis in any of the subgroups. Furthermore, the MR analysis involved the selection of 227 SNPs that were associated with both sUA and psoriasis. IVW results demonstrated no causal relationship between sUA and psoriasis (OR = 0.282, 95% CI: -0.094–0.657, p = 0.142).

Conclusion:

Our study suggests that uric acid levels are not significantly causally related to psoriasis. This finding provides valuable insights for the treatment and prevention of psoriasis, indicating that merely reducing uric acid levels may not be an effective strategy to reduce the risk of psoriasis onset.
Identification of key genes affecting ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction in diabetic mice
Authors: Xing Rongchun , Yu Haibo , Yu Jiangtao , Zeng Rong , Xiang Zhijun , Ma Haoli , Li Gang , Zhao Yan
Published: May 2024

Background

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is often required in critically ill patients. However, prolonged mechanical ventilation can lead to Ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction (VIDD), resulting in difficulty in extubation after tracheal intubation, prolonged ICU stay, and increased mortality. At present, the incidence of diabetes is high in the world, and the prognosis of diabetic patients with mechanical ventilation is generally poor. Therefore, the role of diabetes in the development of VIDD needs to be discovered.

Methods

MV modeling was performed on C57 mice and DB mice, and the control group was set up in each group. After 12 h of mechanical ventilation, the muscle strength of the diaphragm was measured, and the muscle fiber immunofluorescence staining was used to verify the successful establishment of the MV model. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) method was used to detect mRNA expression levels of the diaphragms of each group, and then differential expressed gene analysis, Heatmap analysis, WGCNA analysis, Venn analysis, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed. qRT-PCR was used to verify the expression of the selected mRNAs.

Results

Our results showed that, compared with C57 control mice, the muscle strength and muscle fiber cross-sectional area of mice after mechanical ventilation decreased, and DB mice showed more obvious in this respect. RNA-seq showed that these differential expressed (DE) mRNAs were mainly related to genes such as extracellular matrix, collagen, elastic fiber and Fbxo32. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the signaling pathways associated with diabetes were mainly as follows: extracellular matrix (ECM), protein digestion and absorption, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, etc. ECM has the closest relationship with VIDD in diabetic mice. The key genes determined by WGCNA and Venn analysis were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), which exhibited trends similar to those observed by RNA-seq.

Conclusion

VIDD can be aggravated in diabetic environment. This study provides new evidence for mRNA changes after mechanical ventilation in diabetic mice, suggesting that ECM and collagen may play an important role in the pathophysiological mechanism and progression of VIDD in diabetic mice, and provides some clues for the research, diagnosis, and treatment of VIDD in diabetic context.
A bioinformatic analysis of T-cell epitope diversity in SARS-CoV-2 variants: association with COVID-19 clinical severity in the United States population
Authors: Kim Grace J. , Elnaggar Jacob H. , Varnado Mallory , Feehan Amy K. , Tauzier Darlene , Rose Rebecca , Lamers Susanna L. , Sevalia Maya , Nicholas Najah , Gravois Elizabeth , Fort Daniel , Crabtree Judy S. , Miele Lucio
Published: May 2024

Long-term immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) requires the identification of T-cell epitopes affecting host immunogenicity. In this computational study, we explored the CD8+ epitope diversity estimated in 27 of the most common HLA-A and HLA-B alleles, representing most of the United States population. Analysis of 16 SARS-CoV-2 variants [B.1, Alpha (B.1.1.7), five Delta (AY.100, AY.25, AY.3, AY.3.1, AY.44), and nine Omicron (BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.2, BA.4, BA.5, BQ.1, BQ.1.1, XBB.1, XBB.1.5)] in analyzed MHC class I alleles revealed that SARS-CoV-2 CD8+ epitope conservation was estimated at 87.6%–96.5% in spike (S), 92.5%–99.6% in membrane (M), and 94.6%–99% in nucleocapsid (N). As the virus mutated, an increasing proportion of S epitopes experienced reduced predicted binding affinity: 70% of Omicron BQ.1-XBB.1.5 S epitopes experienced decreased predicted binding, as compared with ~3% and ~15% in the earlier strains Delta AY.100–AY.44 and Omicron BA.1–BA.5, respectively. Additionally, we identified several novel candidate HLA alleles that may be more susceptible to severe disease, notably HLA-A*32:01, HLA-A*26:01, and HLA-B*53:01, and relatively protected from disease, such as HLA-A*31:01, HLA-B*40:01, HLA-B*44:03, and HLA-B*57:01. Our findings support the hypothesis that viral genetic variation affecting CD8 T-cell epitope immunogenicity contributes to determining the clinical severity of acute COVID-19. Achieving long-term COVID-19 immunity will require an understanding of the relationship between T cells, SARS-CoV-2 variants, and host MHC class I genetics. This project is one of the first to explore the SARS-CoV-2 CD8+ epitope diversity that putatively impacts much of the United States population.