bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMMUNITY SERVICES HONEY FARMERS THROUGH TRANSFER OF TECHNOLOGY AS AN EFFORT TO CREATE LOCAL LEADING PRODUCTS
Authors: Hambali Uyunnasirah , Baharuddin Muhammad Rusli , Hambali Hilmi
Published: September 2023

Mitra ini adalah Kelompok Tani Madu Kecamatan Mallawa Kabupaten Maros. Kelompok Tani Madu Mallawa awalnya hanya beranggotakan 4 orang dan kemudian berkembang menjadi 8 orang. Secara umum terdapat 4 fokus permasalahan yaitu jumlah madu yang dipanen setiap tahunnya berkurang, kualitas dan kemasan madu yang dijual rendah, belum adanya izin usaha, dan sistem penjualan yang masih konvensional. Berdasarkan permasalahan yang dihadapi mitra, tim pengabdian masyarakat menawarkan solusi yaitu Transfer teknologi budidaya madu, pelatihan dan pendampingan pengemasan madu, pendampingan pengurusan izin usaha, pelatihan dan pendampingan pemasaran digital. Sasaran luaran dari pengabdian masyarakat ini adalah (1) adanya kemasan yang menarik dan higienis, (2) peningkatan hasil panen madu, (3) peningkatan omzet penjualan, dan (4) diterbitkannya izin usaha. Selain itu, adanya peningkatan pengetahuan mitra dalam budidaya madu, pemanfaatan teknologi dalam pengemasan dan proses pemasaran melalui digital marketing. Sedangkan Mandatory Outcome berupa publikasi di jurnal nasional sinta 3, publikasi melalui media, video dokumentasi kegiatan, modul budidaya madu dan kewirausahaan, serta website penjualan. Metode pelaksanaannya adalah pelatihan, pelaksanaan, pendampingan, monitoring dan evaluasi sebagai upaya menjamin tercapainya tujuan pengabdian masyarakat madu Mallawa.
The partner in this Community Services is the Honey Farmers Group, Mallawa Subdistrict, Maros Regency. Mallawa Honey Farmer Group initially only consist of 4 members and later grew to 8 people. In general, there are 4 focuses problems, namely the amount of honey harvested every year is reduced, the quality and packaging of honey sold is low, there is no business license, and the sales system is still conventional. Based on the problems faced by partner, the community services team offers solutions, namely Transfer of honey cultivation technology, training and assistance in honey packaging, assistance in managing business permits, training and digital marketing assistance. The output targets of this community services are (1) the existence of attractive and hygienic packaging, (2) the increase in honey harvest, (3) the increase in sales turnover, and (4) the issuance of a business license. In addition, there is an increase in partner knowledge in honey cultivation, the use of technology in the packaging and marketing process through digital marketing. While the Mandatory Outcomes are in the form of publications in the national journal sinta 3, publications through the media, activity documentation videos, honey cultivation and entrepreneurship modules, and sales websites. The implementation method is training, implementation, mentoring, monitoring and evaluation as an effort to ensure the achievement of the goals of community services honey Mallawa.
PEMBUATAN LAYANAN PENGADUAN WARGA BERBASIS WEBSITE DI KELURAHAN KALUMATA
Authors: Umasugi Mohbir , Yusuf Helmi Hi. , Hi.Adam Muhammad Darsan
Published: September 2023

Pelayanan pengaduan warga di Kelurahan Kalumata masih manual. Warga yang mengadu harus datang ke kantor lurah untuk menjelaskan laporannya. Hal ini membuat pelayanan pengaduan belum efektif dan aksesya terbatas. Untuk menatanya agar efektif dan efesien, maka kegiatan Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat (PKM membuat suatu sistem pelayanan warga berbasis website. Sistem ini bertujuan membantu warga dan pemerintah kelurahan dalam mengelola pengaduan warga. Metode pelaksanaan dilakukan melalui tahapan sosialisasi,  peningkatan kapasitas staf kelurahan dalam penggunaan website, dan pelatihan pelaporan warga. Hasil dari kegiatan PKM Dosen yaitu telah dibuatkan sistem layanan pengaduan warga berbasis website yang langsung dioperasionalkan oleh Pemerintah Kelurahan Kalumata, Kecamatan Kota Ternate Selatan, Kota Ternate.Website ini sudah dapat digunakan warga dalam melaporkan berbagai keluhan seperti persoalan sampah, banjir, drainase, keamanan, dan ketertiban yang terjadi di lingkungan masing-masing.
 
The citizen complaint service in Kalumata Village is still manual. Residents who complain must come to the sub-district office to explain their reports. This makes the complaint service ineffective and access to it limited. To arrange it to be effective and efficient, the Community Service (PKM) activity created a website-based citizen service system. This system aims to assist residents and the village government in managing citizen complaints. The implementation method is carried out through socialization stages, increasing the capacity of village staff in using the website, and citizen reporting training. The result of PKM Lecturer activities is that a website-based citizen complaint service system has been created which is directly operated by the Kalumata Village Government, South Ternate City District, Ternate.Website City can be used by residents in reporting various complaints such as garbage, flooding, drainage, security, and order problems that occur in their respective neighborhoods.
PENINGKATAN PRODUKSI DAN KUALITAS SAUS TOMAT DAN SAMBAL SERTA PERANCANGAN STERILISATOR UV-C UNTUK UMKM DESA SUKADANA LOMBOK TIMUR
Authors: Amrullah Shafwan , Mikhratunnisa Mikhratunnisa , Pathiassana Mega Trishuta
Published: September 2023

Pengembangan Usaha Mikro Kecil dan Menengah selalu memberikan perhatian khusus dari semua kalangan. Hal ini disebabkan karena kurangnya pengetauan dan teknologi yang dimilikinya, terutama UMKM yang bergelut di bidang makanan. Salah satu usaha yang dilakukan oleh UMKM Desa Sukadana adalah proses pembuatan saus tomat dan sambal. Akan tetapi produksi saus yang dilakukan mengalami kegagalan di bagian proses pembuatan. Sehingga pada kegiatan ini, Program Studi teknologi Industri Pertanian, Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa melakukan kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat untuk memberikan pelatihan terhadap UMKM Desa Sukadana dalam hal proses pembuatan saus serta proses sterilisasi yang baik. Selain itu Prodi TIP juga memberikan pelatihan tentang pembuatan sterilizer berbasis sinar UV-C. Hasil kegiatan ini berupa dihasilkan pelatihan bermanfaat berupa pelatihan pembuatan saus tomat dan saus sambel yang baik dan berkualitas. Selain itu kegiatan ini juga berhasil memberikan pelatihan dan pengetahuan tentang proses sterilisasi yang baik sehingga produk yang dihasilkan tidak mengalami kegagalan seperti sebelumnya. Pada bagian akhir kegitan ini berupa pelatihan perancangan alat sterilisasi yang terbaru, yaitu menggunaka sinar UV-C sebagai alat sterilisasinya.
 
The development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises always gives special attention from all walks of life. This is due to a lack of knowledge and technology, especially MSMEs that are engaged in the food sector. One of the efforts made by SMEs in Sukadana Village is the process of making tomato sauce and chili sauce. However, the production of sauce that was carried out failed in the manufacturing process. So that in this activity, the Agricultural Industry Technology Study Program, Sumbawa University of Technology carried out community service activities to provide training for SMEs in Sukadana Village in terms of the process of making sauces and good sterilization processes. This activity was carried out for 1 day, namely on October 21, 2021. While the preparation process for the initial independent research was from July 6 to October 20, 2021. The training was attended by 9 people, with details of 3 people from the TIP Study Program and 6 people from MSMEs. The TIP Study Program also provides training on the manufacture of UV-C light-based sterilizers. This training in making tomato sauce and chili sauce can run well and with quality. In addition, this activity has also succeeded in providing training and knowledge about a good sterilization process so that the resulting product does not fail as before. At the end of this activity, there is training on the design of the latest sterilizer, namely using UV-C light asa sterilizer.
Analysis of Validity and Reliability of Self-Acceptance Scale Using Rasch Model
Authors: Gunawan Faraz Maulana , Dodi Suryana  , Hyunisa Rahmanadia
Published: September 2023

The measurement of self-acceptance in previous studies still uses classical methods. A valid and reliable self-acceptance scale will help measure the ability to recognize, accept oneself for uniqueness. This study aims to validate and develop the Self-Acceptance Scale. This study was conducted on 100 high school students in Lembang, West Java Province, which included 58 females and 42 males. Cross-sectional survey research methods and a quantitative methodology were employed in this study. The Rasch Model was utilized for data analysis with the Win steps 3.73 program. The findings indicated that 25 items and four scale alternatives where The Cronbach Alpha value represents the interaction between Person and Item is in the excellent category with a value of 0.56. A person's reliability is in a suitable category with a value of 0.47, which indicates the consistency of respondents' answers. The scale meets the criteria that can be used to measure student self-acceptance.
Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Sediment Transport Pathways: Sand Apron Bars and Islands of Tokelau and Kiribati, Central Pacific
Authors: Rankey Eugene C. , Uriam Tion , Perez Mika
Published: October 2023

Although there is general agreement that global change will influence low-lying atoll islands, considerable uncertainty remains concerning the nature, rates, and causes of morphological change (or, conversely, the stability) of islands. As the net geomorphical product of sediment erosion, transport, and accumulation, islands are intimately tied to reef flat sedimentological processes. Recognizing the morphodynamical linkages between reef flats and islands, the purpose of this study is to examine the nature and controls on spatial and temporal variations in sediment transport pathways on reef flats and their relation to island planform changes or stability on atolls of Tokelau and Kiribati. GIS analysis of historical aerial images and high-resolution remote-sensing data capture patterns of reef flat change up to 72 years in duration with up to weekly temporal resolution. Data reveal how granular materials that make up bars and islands on reef flats respond to physical oceanographic processes via sedimentary-geomorphical change across temporal scales, from “instantaneous” impacts of cyclones or swell events to seasonal to multi-decadal shifts. Each of these shifts is manifest as migration of sediment of island beaches and bar forms, but the character varies markedly—bars form new islands, others erode and disappear; some changes are cyclic, others are directional, still others are hybrid; sediment can be transported lagoonward, oceanward, along the reef flat, or in combinations thereof; and migration rates reach up to 10 s of m/month. Although sea-level change likely plays a modulating role, much of the considerable spatial and temporal variability relates to differences in energy controlled by seasonal change in swell direction and climate shifts. Nonetheless, sedimentary response to these external forcings at any specific location also is shaped by local factors, such as trade wind-generated lagoonal waves and currents, atoll lagoon size and depth, margin width and orientation relative to waves, and autogenic processes such as attachment of migrating bars. Collectively, these influences shape the spatially and temporally heterogeneous sediment flux to and from islands, and thus the variable response of islands to ongoing sea-level change. Understanding such local influences is requisite to predictive understanding of how global change might impact these sensitive seascapes.
Quantifying internal intervertebral disc strains to assess nucleus replacement device designs: a digital volume correlation and ultra-high-resolution MRI study
Authors: Rahman Tamanna , Tavana Saman , Baxan Nicoleta , Raftery Kay A. , Morgan George , Schaer Thomas P. , Smith Nigel , Moore Axel , Bull Jonathan , Stevens Molly M. , Newell Nicolas
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Nucleus replacement has been proposed as a treatment to restore biomechanics and relieve pain in degenerate intervertebral discs (IVDs). Multiple nucleus replacement devices (NRDs) have been developed, however, none are currently used routinely in clinic. A better understanding of the interactions between NRDs and surrounding tissues may provide insight into the causes of implant failure and provide target properties for future NRD designs. The aim of this study was to non-invasively quantify 3D strains within the IVD through three stages of nucleus replacement surgery: intact, post-nuclectomy, and post-treatment.

Methods: Digital volume correlation (DVC) combined with 9.4T MRI was used to measure strains in seven human cadaveric specimens (42 ± 18 years) when axially compressed to 1 kN. Nucleus material was removed from each specimen creating a cavity that was filled with a hydrogel-based NRD.

Results: Nucleus removal led to loss of disc height (12.6 ± 4.4%, p = 0.004) which was restored post-treatment (within 5.3 ± 3.1% of the intact state, p > 0.05). Nuclectomy led to increased circumferential strains in the lateral annulus region compared to the intact state (−4.0 ± 3.4% vs. 1.7 ± 6.0%, p = 0.013), and increased maximum shear strains in the posterior annulus region (14.6 ± 1.7% vs. 19.4 ± 2.6%, p = 0.021). In both cases, the NRD was able to restore these strain values to their intact levels (p ≥ 0.192).

Discussion: The ability of the NRD to restore IVD biomechanics and some strain types to intact state levels supports nucleus replacement surgery as a viable treatment option. The DVC-MRI method used in the present study could serve as a useful tool to assess future NRD designs to help improve performance in future clinical trials.
A rehabilitation robot control framework with adaptation of training tasks and robotic assistance
Authors: Xu Jiajun , Huang Kaizhen , Zhang Tianyi , Cao Kai , Ji Aihong , Xu Linsen , Li Youfu
Published: October 2023

Robot-assisted rehabilitation has exhibited great potential to enhance the motor function of physically and neurologically impaired patients. State-of-the-art control strategies usually allow the rehabilitation robot to track the training task trajectory along with the impaired limb, and the robotic motion can be regulated through physical human-robot interaction for comfortable support and appropriate assistance level. However, it is hardly possible, especially for patients with severe motor disabilities, to continuously exert force to guide the robot to complete the prescribed training task. Conversely, reduced task difficulty cannot facilitate stimulating patients’ potential movement capabilities. Moreover, challenging more difficult tasks with minimal robotic assistance is usually ignored when subjects show improved performance. In this paper, a control framework is proposed to simultaneously adjust both the training task and robotic assistance according to the subjects’ performance, which can be estimated from the users’ electromyography signals. Concretely, a trajectory deformation algorithm is developed to generate smooth and compliant task motion while responding to pHRI. An assist-as-needed (ANN) controller along with a feedback gain modification algorithm is designed to promote patients’ active participation according to individual performance variance on completing the training task. The proposed control framework is validated using a lower extremity rehabilitation robot through experiments. The experimental results demonstrate that the control scheme can optimize the robotic assistance to complete the subject-adaptation training task with high efficiency.
Advances in anti-tumor based on various anaerobic bacteria and their derivatives as drug vehicles
Authors: Song Daichen , Yang Xiaofan , Chen Yanfei , Hu Pingping , Zhang Yingying , Zhang Yan , Liang Ning , Xie Jian , Qiao Lili , Deng Guodong , Chen Fangjie , Zhang Jiandong
Published: October 2023

Cancer therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, are often unsatisfactory due to several limitations, including drug resistance, inability to cross biological barriers, and toxic side effects on the body. These drawbacks underscore the need for alternative treatments that can overcome these challenges and provide more effective and safer options for cancer patients. In recent years, the use of live bacteria, engineered bacteria, or bacterial derivatives to deliver antitumor drugs to specific tumor sites for controlled release has emerged as a promising therapeutic tool. This approach offers several advantages over traditional cancer therapies, including targeted drug delivery and reduced toxicity to healthy tissues. Ongoing research in this field holds great potential for further developing more efficient and personalized cancer therapies, such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and bacterial derivatives like outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), which can serve as vehicles for drugs, therapeutic proteins, or antigens. In this review, we describe the advances, challenges, and future directions of research on using live bacteria or OMVs as carriers or components derived from bacteria of delivery systems for cancer therapy.
Decreased cholinesterase level combined with renal dysfunction and sympathetic denervation associated with increased cardiac mortality in systolic heart failure
Authors: Doi Takahiro , Nakata Tomoaki , Tsuzuki Taro , Mita Tomohiro , Nagahara Daigo , Yuda Satoshi , Hashimoto Akiyoshi
Published: September 2023

Aims

Cardiac mortality in patients with heart failure (HF) is likely to be aggravated by malnutrition, assessed by serum cholinesterase (ChE) level, as well as by kidney dysfunction or impairment of cardiac sympathetic denervation. Their prognostic interactions, however, have not been determined.

Methods

A total of 991 systolic HF patients were enrolled in our HF database following clinical evaluation including evaluation of the nutrition state and assessment of standardized heart-to-mediastinum ratio (sHMR) of iodine-123-labeled meta-iodobenzylguanidine activity. Patients were followed up for an average of 43 months with the primary endpoint of fatal cardiac events (CEs).

Results

The CE patient group had a lower level of ChE, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and lower late sHMR than those in the non-CE patient group. A five-parameter model with the addition of serum ChE selected in the multivariate logistic analysis (model 2) significantly increased the AUC predicting risk of cardiac events compared with a four-parameter model without serum ChE (model 1), and net reclassification analysis also suggested that the model with the addition of serum cholinesterase significantly improved cardiac event prediction. Moreover, in overall multivariate Cox hazard analysis, serum ChE, eGFR and late sHMR were identified to be significant prognostic determinants. HF patients with two or all of the prognostic variables of serum ChE < 230 U/L, eGFR < 48.8 ml/min/1.73 m2 and late sHMR < 1.90 had significantly and incrementally increased CE rates compared to those in HF patients with none or only one of the prognostic variables.

Conclusion

Decreases in cholinesterase level and kidney function further increase cardiac mortality risk in HF patients with impairment of cardiac sympathetic innervation.
Atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia treatment using CARTO 3 V7 activation mapping: a new era of slow pathway radiofrequency ablation is under coming
Authors: Chieffo Enrico , D’Amore Sabato , De Regibus Valentina , Dossena Cinzia , Frigerio Laura , Taravelli Erika , Ferrazzano Carolina , De Iuliis Pasquale , Cacucci Michele , Landolina Maurizio E.
Published: September 2023

Background

Slow pathway (SP) ablation is the cornerstone for atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) treatment, and a low-voltage bridge offers a good target during mapping using low x-ray exposure. We aimed to assess a new tool to identify SP by activation mapping using the last CARTO3® version, i.e., CARTO PRIME® V7 (Biosense Webster, Diamond Bar, CA, USA)

Methods and results

Right atrial septum and triangle of Koch 3D-activation map were obtained from intracardiac contact mapping during low x-ray CARTO 3® procedure. In 60 patients (mean age 60.3 ± 14.7, 61% females) undergoing ablation for AVNRT, an automatic activation map using a DECANAV® mapping catheter and CARTO® Confidense™, Coherent, and FAM DX software modules were obtained. The SP was identified in all patients as the latest atrioventricular node activation area; RF catheter ablation (RFCA) in that region elicited junctional beats. The mean procedural time was 150.3 ± 48.3 min, the mean fluoroscopy time exposure was 2.9 ± 2 min, the mean dose-area product (DAP) was 16.5 ± 2.7 cGy/cm2. The mean number of RF applications was 3.9 ± 2, the mean ablation index was 428.6 ± 96.6, and the mean contact force was 8 ± 2.8 g. There were no adverse event during the procedure, and no AVNRT recurrences occurred during a mean follow-up of 14.3 ± 8.3 months.

Conclusion

Ablation of the SP by automatic mapping using Confidense™, Coherent, and FAM DX software modules is an innovative, safe, and effective approach to AVNRT ablation. The CARTO3® V7 system shows on a 3D map the latest AV node activation area during sinus rhythm allowing low fluoroscopy time and highly effective RFCA.
Diagnostic accuracy of noninvasive fractional flow reserve derived from computed tomography angiography in ischemia-specific coronary artery stenosis and indeterminate lesions: results from a multicenter study in China
Authors: Ding Yaodong , Li Quan , Zhang Yang , Tang Yida , Zhang Haitao , Yang Qing , Shou Xiling , Ye Yicong , Zhao Xiliang , Ye Yi , Zhang Chao , Liu Yuqi , Zeng Yong
Published: October 2023

Background

To determine the diagnostic performance of a novel computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based algorithm for in situ CT-FFR in patients with ischemia-induced coronary artery stenosis. Additionally, we investigated whether the diagnostic accuracy of CT-FFR differs significantly across the spectrum of disease and analyzed the influencing factors that contribute to misdiagnosis.

Methods

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), invasive coronary angiography (ICA), and FFR were performed on 324 vessels from 301 patients from six clinical medical centers. Local investigators used CCTA and ICA to conduct assessments of stenosis, and CT-FFR calculations were performed in the core laboratory. For CCTA and ICA, CT-FFR ≤ 0.8 and a stenosis diameter ≥ 50% were identified as lesion-specific ischemia. Univariate logistic regression models were used to assess the effect of features on discordant lesions (false negative and false positive) in different CT-FFR categories. The diagnostic performance of CT-FFR was analyzed using an invasive FFR ≤ 0.8 as the gold standard.

Results

The Youden index indicated an optimal threshold of 0.80 for CT-FFR to identify functionally ischemic lesions. On a per-patient basis, the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for CT-FFR were 96% (91%–98%), 92% (87%–96%), 94% (90%–96%), 91% (85%–95%), and 96% (92%–99%), respectively. The diagnostic efficacy of CT-FFR was higher than that of CCTA without the influence of calcification. Closer to the cut point, there was less certainty, with the agreement between the invasive FFR and the CT-FFR being at its lowest in the CT-FFR range of 0.7–0.8. In all lesions, luminal stenosis ≥ 50% significantly affected the risk of reduced false negatives (FN) and false positives (FP) results by CT-FFR, irrespective of the association with calcified plaque.

Conclusions

In summary, CT-FFR based on the new parameter-optimized CFD model has a better diagnostic performance than CTA for lesion-specific ischemia. The presence of calcified plaque has no significant effect on the diagnostic performance of CT-FFR and is independent of the degree of calcification. Given the range of applicability of our software, its use at a CT-FFR of 0.7–0.8 requires caution and must be considered in the context of multiple factors.
How can data visualization support interdisciplinary research? LuxTIME: studying historical exposomics in Belval
Authors: Aurich Dagny , Horaniet Ibañez Aida
Published: October 2023

The Luxembourg Time Machine (LuxTIME) is an interdisciplinary project that studies the historical exposome during the industrialization of the Minett region, located in the south of Luxembourg. Exposome research encompasses all external and internal non-genetic factors influencing the health of the population, such as air pollution, green spaces, noise, work conditions, physical activity, and diet. Due to the wide scope of the interdisciplinary project, the historical study of the exposome in Belval involved the collection of quantitative and qualitative data from the National Archive of Luxembourg, various local archives (e.g., the communes of Esch-sur-Alzette and Sanem), the National Library, the Library of National Statistics STATEC, the National Geoportal of Luxembourg, scientific data from other research centers, and information from newspapers and journals digitized in eluxemburgensia.1 The data collection and the resulting inventory were performed to create a proof of concept to critically test the potential of a multi-layered research design for the study of the historical exposome in Belval. The guiding navigation tool throughout the project was data visualization. It has facilitated the exploration of the data collected (or just the data) and the metadata. It has also been a valuable tool for mapping knowledge and defining the scope of the project. Furthermore, different data visualization techniques have helped us to reflect on the process of knowledge sharing, to understand how the relevance of certain topics changed throughout the project and why, and to learn about the publication process in different journals and the experience of the participants. Data visualization is used not only as a means to an end but also to embrace the idea of sandcastles using a speculative and process-oriented approach to advance knowledge within all research fields involved. LuxTIME has proven to be an ideal case study to explore the possibilities offered by different data visualization concepts and techniques resulting in a data visualization toolbox that could be evaluated and extended in other interdisciplinary projects.
The EnTPACK rubric: development, validation, and reliability of an instrument for measuring pre-service science teachers’ enacted TPACK
Authors: Aumann Alexander , Schnebel Stefanie , Weitzel Holger
Published: October 2023

Science instruction can benefit from the use of digital technologies if pre-service teachers are given opportunities to acquire Technological Pedagogical And Content Knowledge (TPACK) as part of their studies. However, the prevailing self-report approach to TPACK measurement does not allow conclusions to be drawn about enacted TPACK, which is rarely assessed in real classroom situations. In addition, instruments designed to measure TPACK enactment lack descriptive clarity and no single instrument is used to assess the three relevant phases of teacher competencies (lesson planning, implementation, and reflection). The present paper addresses this gap by presenting the development and validation of a comprehensive rubric for assessing the enacted TPACK of pre-service science teachers. To operationalize the “fuzzy” aspects of the framework, the rubric targets a specific use of digital media and instructional approach in science teaching: student-generated explainer videos and animations. At the core of the development process is a theory- and literature-based systematic review of (1) existing instruments for assessing pre-service science teachers’ enacted TPACK and (2) instructional criteria for student-generated explainer videos in science classes. The resulting rubric allows valid conclusions given the appropriate conditions, has demonstrated reliability, and excels due to its specific focus, high degree of differentiation, systematic grounding in theory and literature, objective grading criteria, and comprehensive applicability to all three phases of teacher competencies.
The Tripartite Structure of Sustainability: a new educational approach to bridge the gap to wise and sustainable action
Authors: Meyer Barbara E.
Published: September 2023

This article argues that the success of today’s education has to be measured by the number of people who act wisely in crisis-ridden times, which also translates into acting sustainably. Research shows that education leads to knowledge, values, attitudes, judgments, and intentions to live sustainably, but people do not act on them. I refer to the gap between inner movements and actual behavior as the “inner-outer gap” and ask: “Is there an evident model or concept that educators can use to help their students bridge this gap?” The exploratory literature review shows that the answer is no. There are many helpful models in research on morality, moral automaticity, domain theory, and there are empirical models to explain sustainable action, but there is no single model that does the trick of showing how to bridge the gap. This raises the second question, if an amalgamation of different models might be helpful. In the discussion I used a segmentation method to fuse different theories and present a new approach within this article: The Tripartite Structure of Sustainability. It describes that actions are carried out under the impression of one of three foci, each of which can have a stable, situational or an automated quality. Empirical research leads to the hypothesis that a self-focus reinforces the gap, a self-transcendent focus bridges it, and a social focus may do both, depending on the social environment. If the hypothesis proves true, the model could help educators decide what to focus on to promote wise behavior in our unsettle world.
An application and exploration of entrustable professional activities in Chinese orthopaedic postgraduate residents training: a pilot study
Authors: Qu Rundong , Yang Xu , Li Ying , Gao Fuqiang , Sun Wei , Li Zirong
Published: October 2023

Background

Through the standardization of residency training in certain Chinese medical education institutions, it was discovered that the current evaluation system falls short in accurately assessing residents’ professional skills in clinical practice. Therefore, we developed the list of Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) in orthopaedic residency training to explore a new evaluation system.

Methods

The process of constructing EPAs includes seven steps. 40 orthopaedic residents were randomly assigned to two groups (20 in each). The experimental group used the EPAs evaluation system while the control group employed the traditional Mini Clinical Exercise (Mini-CEX) system. Post-residency, theoretical and practical tests were conducted to measure training effectiveness. Additionally, a survey gauged teaching satisfaction, knowledge mastery, and course engagement in both groups.

Results

The control group scored an average of 76.05 ± 10.58, while the experimental group achieved 83.30 ± 8.69 (p < 0.05) on the combined theoretical and practical test. Statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups concerning teaching satisfaction, knowledge mastery, and course engagement.

Conclusion

The application of EPAs in orthopaedic residency training yielded higher theoretical and practical test scores compared to the traditional formative evaluation system. It also enhanced teaching satisfaction, knowledge mastery, and course engagement. The EPAs present a potential model for national orthopaedic residency training.
Cardiovascular and metabolic status in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: a single-center experience
Authors: Dobreva Ekaterina A. , Gorbacheva Anna M. , Bibik Ekaterina E. , Eremkina Anna K. , Elfimova Alina R. , Salimkhanov Rustam Kh. , Kovaleva Elena V. , Maganeva Irina S. , Mokrysheva Natalia G.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and metabolic disorders (MD) have retained leading positions in the structure of morbidity and mortality for many years. Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is also associated with a greater incidence of CVD and MD. The aim of the present study was to describe the prevalence and structure of CVD and MD in hospitalized patients with PHPT and to search for possible associations between these pathologies.

Methods

838 patients with a verified PHPT were included in the study. The studied cohort was divided into 2 groups according to their age at the time of admission: patients aged 18 to 49 years (group A, n = 150); patients aged 50 years and older (group B, n = 688).

Results

There were no significant differences between two groups in parameters of calcium-phosphorus metabolism. Obesity was diagnosed in 24.2% of patients in group A and in 35.9% in group B. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was more common in older patients (14.4% in group B vs. 2.6% in group A). Arterial hypertension, ischemic heart disease, chronic heart failure and brachiocephalic arteries atherosclerosis were more frequent in older patients, occurring in 79.1%, 10.8%, 8.4%, and 84% of cases respectively. The cutoff points that increased the risk of CVD detection turned out to be age above 56 years, eGFR below 92 ml/min/1.73m2, BMI above 28.3 kg/m2.

Discussion

The present study demonstrated a high incidence of some CVD, as well as disorders of lipid, carbohydrate and purine metabolism in patients with PHPT.
Application of calcium-to-phosphorus (Ca/P) ratio in the diagnosis of pseudohypoparathyroidism: another piece in the puzzle of diagnosis of Ca-P metabolism disorders
Authors: De Vincentis Sara , Del Sindaco Giulia , Pagnano Angela , Brigante Giulia , Moretti Antonio , Zirilli Lucia , Rochira Vincenzo , Simoni Manuela , Mantovani Giovanna , Madeo Bruno
Published: October 2023

Objective

The serum calcium (Ca)–to–phosphorus (P) ratio has been proposed to identify patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and chronic hypoparathyroidism (HPT), but it has never been tested in pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP). The aim of this study was to test the performance of Ca/P ratio in PHP diagnosis compared with that in healthy subjects and patients with HPT for differential diagnosis.

Design

A retrospective, cross-sectional, and observational study was carried out.

Methods

Serum Ca, P, creatinine, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and albumin were collected. Ca and P were expressed in mmol/L. Ca/P diagnostic performance was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.

Results

A total of 60 patients with PHP, 60 patients with HPT, and 120 controls were enrolled. The Ca/P ratio was lower in patients with PHP and HPT than that in controls (p < 0.0001). The cutoff of 1.78 (2.32 if Ca and P measured in mg/dL) for Ca/P ratio could identify patients with PHP and HPT among the entire cohort (sensitivity and specificity of 76%). No valid cutoff of Ca/P was found to distinguish patients with PHP from patients with HPT; in this case, PTH above 53.0 ng/dL identified patients with PHP (sensitivity and specificity of 100%). The index (Ca/P × PTH) above 116 ng/L recognized patients with PHP from controls (sensitivity of 84.7% and specificity of 87.4%), whereas (Ca/P × PTH) below 34 ng/L recognized patients with HPT from controls (sensitivity of 88.9% and specificity of 90.8%).

Conclusions

The Ca/P ratio below 1.78 (2.32 CU) is highly accurate to identify patients with PHP and HPT, although it is not reliable to differentiate these two conditions. The index (Ca/P × PTH) is excellent to specifically recognize PHP or HPT from healthy subjects.
Exploration of the correlation of serum polychlorinated biphenyl levels with luteal phase hormonal parameters and infertility in women with or without polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Butler Alexandra E. , Brennan Edwina , Drage Daniel S. , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Atkin Stephen L.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are organic lipophilic pollutants that accumulate in the body. Previous research has linked PCBs with menstrual function; therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate the correlation of PCBs with luteal phase hormonal parameters of menstrual function at day 21 in a group of non-obese women prior to in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Methods

Fifty-eight non-obese Caucasian women from a UK academic center, 29 with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and 29 without, were recruited. PCOS women all had anovulatory infertility. Non-PCOS women: five with unexplained infertility, the remainder with male factor infertility (n=14) or tubal problems (n=10). Blood was withdrawn at day 21 of the menstrual cycle for non-PCOS women, at the time of mock embryo transfer. PCBs were measured using high resolution gas chromatography.

Results

Only PCB118, PCB153, PCB138 and PCB180 were detected in all samples, and levels did not differ between PCOS and non-PCOS subjects. In non-PCOS subjects, PCB153, PCB138 and PCB180 inversely correlated with estradiol (p<0.05); PCB118 and PCB138 inversely correlated with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) (p<0.05); PCB118 (p<0.05), PCB153, PCB138 and PCB180 (all p<0.01) inversely correlated with luteinizing hormone (LH). Control women without PCOS with unexplained infertility showed higher levels of PCB118, PCB153, PCB138 and PCB180 (p<0.05) compared to those control women without PCOS with tubal or male factor infertility, though other hormonal parameters did not differ other than that FSH that was lower in the unexplained group (p=0.01). The only correlation observed in PCOS women with anovulatory infertility was that between PCB180 and progesterone (p<0.05).

Conclusion

PCBs correlated with luteal phase menstrual cycle hormones in control women without PCOS and may contribute to the mechanism of unexplained infertility; in PCOS women, no correlations of the PCBs were seen for estradiol, LH or FSH.
Corticotropin-releasing factor-like diuretic hormone acts as a gonad-inhibiting hormone in adult female, Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Al-Dailami Areej N. , Orchard Ian , Lange Angela B.
Published: September 2023

Within insects, corticotropin-releasing factor/diuretic hormones (CRF/DHs) are responsible for the modulation of a range of physiological and behavioural processes such as feeding, diuresis, and reproduction. Rhopr-CRF/DH plays a key role in feeding and diuresis in Rhodnius prolixus, a blood-gorging insect and a vector for human Chagas disease. Here, we extend our understanding on the role of this neurohormone in reproduction in adult female R. prolixus. Double-label immunohistochemistry displays co-localized staining of CRF-like and the glycoprotein hormone (GPA2/GPB5) subunit GPB5-like immunoreactivity in the same neurosecretory cells (NSCs) in the mesothoracic ganglionic mass (MTGM) and in their neurohemal sites in adult female R. prolixus, suggesting these peptides could work together to regulate physiological processes. qPCR analysis reveals that the transcript for Rhopr-CRF/DH receptor 2 (Rhopr-CRF/DH-R2) is expressed in reproductive tissues and fat body (FB) in adult female R. prolixus, and its expression increases post blood meal (PBM), a stimulus that triggers diuresis and reproduction. Using RNA interference, transcript expression of Rhopr-CRF/DH-R2 was knocked down, and egg production monitored by examining the major yolk protein, vitellogenin (Vg), the number and quality of eggs laid, and their hatching ratio. Injection of dsCRFR2 into adult females reduces Rhopr-CRF/DH-R2 transcript expression, accelerates oogenesis, increases the number of eggs produced, and reduces hatching rate in female R. prolixus. Downregulation of Rhopr-CRF/DH-R2 leads to an increase in the transcript expression of RhoprVg1 in the fat body and ovaries, and increases the transcript level for the Vg receptor, RhoprVgR, in the ovaries. A significant increase in Vg content in the fat body and in the hemolymph is also observed. Incubation of isolated tissues with Rhopr-CRF/DH leads to a significant decrease in transcript expression of RhoprVg1 in the fat body and RhoprVg1 in the ovaries. In addition, Rhopr-CRF/DH reduces transcript expression of the ecdysteroid biosynthetic enzymes and reduces ecdysteroid titer in the culture medium containing isolated ovaries. These results suggest the involvement of the CRF-signaling pathway in reproduction, and that Rhopr-CRF/DH acts as a gonad-inhibiting hormone in the adult female R. prolixus, as previously shown for the colocalized glycoprotein, GPA2/GPB5.
Autonomous mobility on demand: from case studies to standardized evaluation
Authors: Alotaibi Ebtehal T. , Alhuzaymi Thaqal M. , Herrmann J. Michael
Published: October 2023

We present an overview of ten case studies of Autonomous Mobility on Demand (AMoD) transportation systems, which are based on realistic data from different urban contexts. Comparing AMoD systems with Conventionally Driven Vehicles (CDV), the limits of reduction of vehicles, the cutting-back of parking spaces, and the increase of empty miles are investigated. As a result of introducing a shared fleet of autonomous vehicles (AV), the analysis demonstrated that 88%–93% of CDV are not required to meet realistic requirements. Parking spaces can be reduced by 83%–97%, while empty miles could be increased by 6%–15%. Nonetheless, fleet dispatching techniques that use the advanced optimization algorithms can reduce the ratio of empty miles by as much as 40%. Consequently, we propose a standard procedure for conducting intelligent transportation system studies (ITS) that can assist in the planning of traffic on urban environments at operational, tactical, and strategic levels. Furthermore, the case studies enabled us to design an Intelligent Transportation System Readiness Level (ITS-RL) scale to assess the realism of case studies, facilitate risk assessment, and provide guidance on how to incorporate AMoD system within a local context.
Leaf shredding as an alternative strategy for managing apple scab resistance to demethylation inhibitor fungicides
Authors: Meitz-Hopkins Julia C. , von Diest Saskia G. , Koopman Trevor A. , Tobutt Kenneth R. , Xu Xiangming , Lennox Cheryl L.
Published: October 2023

Within integrated apple scab control there is a strong focus on reduction of Venturia inaequalis primary inoculum. The hypothesis that leaf shredding as an orchard sanitation practice would reduce the effective population size of the fungus (resulting in lower genetic variation due to reduction in sexual offspring) was tested. Assuming the allele causing fungicide resistance is already present in the population, it will be widely distributed at the end of the season, since selection occurs when the demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicide was applied. For short-term disease management a reduction of inoculum size, (i.e. potential ascospore dose) is most important. In the long-term resistant isolates/genotypes would be less likely to survive the winter and/or to infect in the spring, if that inoculum (i.e. in fallen leaves) has been removed. To sustain the use of highly effective synthetic fungicides, such as the DMIs, fungicide resistance management practices have to be evaluated. Fungicide resistance, which negatively affects pathogen fitness, is hypothetically reversible, if the selection pressure by the fungicide is removed. This study quantified the effect of leaf shredding on changes in the pathogen’s flusilazole sensitivity and population genetic structure using SSR markers. Venturia inaequalis populations in orchard trials, where sanitation practices had been applied, were tested for flusilazole sensitivity in planta and in vitro. Significant shifts towards flusilazole resistance were identified in orchards with a history of DMI application without sanitation treatment, with a mean sensitivity of EC50= 0.208 ug/ml (n=49) compared to an unexposed V. inaequalis population (EC50= 0.104 ug/ml, n=55). However, the isolates from the same sanitation trial orchards, from leaf shredding treatment in combination with a fungicide spray programme, had a mean EC50 of 0.110 ug/ml (n=41), similar to an unexposed V. inaequalis population. Furthermore, V. inaequalis offspring after sanitation treatment, showed shifts in microsatellite allele frequency distribution patterns used as an indicator of sexual reproduction. This study concludes that sanitation treatments, i.e. leaf shredding, impact on fungicide sensitivity and therefore effectively contributes to fungicide resistance management.
Navigating the transition of care in patients with inborn errors of immunity: a single-center’s descriptive experience
Authors: Mejía González María Alejandra , Quijada Morales Patricia , Escobar María Ángeles , Juárez Guerrero Alba , Seoane-Reula María Elena
Published: October 2023

The transition from pediatric to adult care is a critical milestone in managing children, especially in those with complex chronic conditions. It involves ensuring the patient and family adapt correctly to the new phase, maintaining continuity of ongoing treatments, and establishing an appropriate follow-up plan with specialists. Patients with Inborn error of immunity (IEI), formerly known as Primary Immune Disorders (PID) are part of a group of disorders characterized by alterations in the proper functioning of the immune system; as the diagnostic and treatment tools for these entities progress, life expectancy increases, and new needs emerge. These children have special needs during the transition. Particularly important in the group of children with PID and syndromic features, who often present multiple chronic medical conditions. In these cases, transition planning is a significant challenge, involving not only the patients and their families but also a wide range of specialists. To achieve this, a multidisciplinary transition team should be established between the pediatric specialists and the adult consultants, designing a circuit in which communication is essential. As few transition care guidelines in the field of PID are available, and to our knowledge, there is no specific information available regarding patients with PID associated with syndromic features, we share our experience in this issue as a Primary Immunodeficiencies Unit that is a National Reference Center for PID, and propose a guide to achieve an adequate and successful transition to adulthood in these patients, especially in those with associated syndromic features.