bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancing Educational Accessibility: The LangChain LLM Chatbot's Impact on Multimedia Syllabus-Based Learning
Authors: Micheal A. Annie , Prasanth Ashwin , TS Aswin , BL Krisha
Published: May 2024

A chatbot is a computer program using artificial intelligence to simulate conversation with users, providing information or performing tasks in natural language. Traditional chatbots in education help navigate course details, but often lack subtle understanding and context. The Large Language Model (LLM) model, computationally intensive and slower than Generative Pre-trained Transformer, generates answers solely from course material, limiting responses to user input. In our work we have proposed a chat history view option, a multimodal syllabus upload capability, improved querying capabilities, and the ability to recall past responses for enhanced performance. Our chatbot leverages the powerful LangChain LLM to overcome these limitations. Our research uses Lang Chain’s LLM to power AI-driven educational chatbots, analyzing course materials to tailor responses for personalized student learning. This paper delves into the design, architecture, and evaluation of this chatbot, showcasing its impact on engagement, comprehension, and accessibility, and ultimately paving the way for a future of universally inclusive education. Evaluations show our LLM-powered approach achieves high accuracy, generating clear, precise answers, exceeding the abilities of traditional educational chatbots.
Lone-pair activated ferroelectricity and stable charged domain wall in Bi monolayer
Authors: Lu Yunhao , zhong Shulin , Zhang Xuanlin , Gou Jian , Chen Lan , Wei Su-Huai , Yang Shengyuan
Published: May 2024

Ferroelectricity has been predicted in two-dimensional Group-Va elemental materials and confirmed in high-quality Bi monolayers by a recent experiment [Nature 617, 67 (2023)]. The origin of such elemental ferroelectricity is related to the spontaneous lattice distortion with atomic layer buckling. A surprising observation in experiment is the abundance of charged 180° head-to-head/tail-to-tail domain walls, distinct from conventional ferroelectrics, where the naturally occurring ferroelectric domain walls are mostly charge neutral. Here, we clarify the origin of this phenomenon. We find that distinct from conventional ferroelectrics, in such single-element ferroelectric monolayers, it is the strain energy rather than the electrostatic energy that dominates the energetics. This leads to intrinsically stable 180° charged domain walls. The orbital interaction and the lone-pair activation mechanism play a key role in this picture. We further predict and confirm experimentally that the most stable domain wall type can be switched from charged to neutral ones under small applied strain. Our work reveals a novel mechanism to generate polarization and stabilize intrinsic charged domain walls, which will shed light on potential applications of ferroelectronics based on charged domain walls.
TDP43 Interacts with MLH1 and MSH6 Proteins in A DNA Damage-Inducible Manner
Authors: Provasek Vincent E. , Kodavati Manohar , Kim Brandon , Mitra Joy , Hegde Muralidhar L.
Published: May 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neuron. One aspect of the neuropathology involved in ALS includes increased genomic damage and impaired DNA repair capability. The TAR-DNA binding protein 43 (TDP43) has been associated with both sporadic and familial forms of ALS, and is typically observed as cytosolic mislocalization of protein aggregates, termed TDP43 proteinopathy. TDP43 is a ubiquitous RNA/DNA binding protein with functional implications in a wide range of disease processes, including the repair of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). While TDP43 is widely known to regulate RNA metabolism, our lab has reported it also functions directly at the protein level to facilitate DNA repair. Here, we show that TDP43 protein interacts with DNA mismatch repair (MMR) proteins MLH1 and MSH6 in a DNA damage-inducible manner. We utilized differentiated SH-SY5Y neuronal cultures to identify this inducible relationship using complimentary approaches of proximity ligation assay (PLA) and co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP) assay. We observed that signals of TDP43 interaction with MLH1 and MSH6 increased significantly following a 2 hr treatment of 10μM methylmethanesulfonate (MMS), a DNA alkylating agent used to induce MMR repair. Likewise, we observed this effect was abolished in cell lines treated with siRNA directed against TDP43. Finally, we demonstrated these protein interactions were significantly increased in lumbar spinal cord samples of ALS-affected patients compared to age-matched controls. These results will inform our future studies to understand the mechanisms and consequences of this TDP43-MMR interaction in the context of ALS affected neurons.
Benefits of Conciliation Procedures in Legal Practice
Authors: Motorina Irina
Published: May 2024

Conciliation institutions reduce caseload. Some states also see them as a way to ensure public access to justice and strengthen social peace. This article introduces a systematic approach to conciliation procedures, or pre-court mediation. It describes such concepts as social management system, legal regulation, judicial activity, justice, judicial enforcement, alternative methods of dispute resolution, and conciliation procedures. The research relied on the methods of formal logic, legal system analysis, formal legal method, and functional methods. The author identified a system of social regulation that combines reconciliation and legal procedures, as well as classified domestic conciliation institutions as private, private-public, and public. Institutions of public conciliation appear when private reconciliation integrates with jurisdictional activities. Public principles enter conciliation procedures if the state body, e.g., court, has the right to regulate, organize, or conduct reconciliation, as well as approve its results. Pre-court reconciliation has some advantage for the parties. First, it is effective if both parties sought reconciliation: even if the decision is not ideal, they may still find it satisfactory. Second, mediators are free to employ a wider range of regulators, both legal and non-legal, e.g., morality, religion, traditions, corporate norms, etc. Third, conciliation procedure is much less complex than a trial. Pre-court mediation is beneficial for the society in general and needs to be popularized as an effective de-litigating tool that is profitable for both parties. However, the scope of alternative forms of dispute settlement could be expanded only if the parties understand the personal benefits they get from pre-court mediation.
Optimization and modeling of solar photocatalytic degradation of raw textile wastewater dyes using green ZnO-ED NPs by RSM
Authors: Dihom Hussin , Mohamed Radin Maya Saphira Radin , Al-Gheethi Adel , Mohamed Wan Afnizan Bin Wan
Published: May 2024

This study aims to optimize solar photocatalysis for textile wastewater using ZnO-ED NPs produced from Eleocharis dulcis (E. dulcis) by RSM. The maximum decolorization (87.34%) and COD removal (100%) were recorded at pH 7, time (60 min), ZnO-ED NPs dosage (2 g/L), and 10% of color concentrations with R2 coefficient of 0.78 at P < 0.05. FESEM analysis showed the presence of granules with smaller diameters than the diameter of the granules before SPD. EDX analysis revealed the presence of impurities like copper (Cu). XRD analysis indicated the purity of ZnO-ED NPs after SPD. The results of an AFM analysis presented that agglomerations of ZnO-ED NPs were somewhat homogeneous in size, nature, and dispersion. According to the FTIR study, OH, CH, C=O, C=C, and C-O-C appear to be the primary functional groups of ZnO NPs that contributed to SPD. ZnO-ED NPs' increased surface roughness was seen in their Raman spectra. Aromatic intermediates were produced, like aromatic amines or phenolic compounds, and led to the complete conversion of CO2 and H2O. These results indicated that ZnO-ED NPs play an important role in raw textile wastewater treatment and the possibility of reusability of ZnO-ED NPs over four different cycles.
Evaluation of five gridded precipitation products for estimating precipitation and drought over Yobe, Nigeria
Authors: Dawa Sidi Yusuf , Tan Mou Leong , Samat Narimah , Roy Ranjan , Zhang Fei
Published: May 2024

Ground observations are often considered as the most reliable and precise source of precipitation data. However, long-term precipitation data from ground observations are lacking in many parts of the world. Gridded precipitation products (GPPs) therefore have emerged as crucial alternatives to ground observations, but it is essential to assess their capability to accurately replicate precipitation patterns. This study aims to evaluate the performance of five GPPs, NASA POWER, TerraClimate, Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Climate Data (CHIRPS), GPCC, and Climate Research Unit (CRU), in capturing precipitation and drought patterns from 1981 to 2021 in Yobe, Nigeria. The results indicate that GPCC had good performance at both monthly and annual scales, with high correlation coefficients and low error values. However, it tends to underestimate precipitation amounts in certain areas. Other products also exhibit satisfactory performance with moderate correlations with ground observations. Drought analysis indicates that GPCC outperforms other products in standardised precipitation index-6 calculations, while NASA POWER demonstrates inconsistencies with ground observations, particularly during the early 1980s and mid-2000s. In conclusion, GPCC is the most preferable GPP for precipitation and drought analysis in the Yobe State in Nigeria.
Toward a water-sensitive precinct with stormwater harvesting: a case study in South Africa
Authors: Mogano Malesela Michael , Okedi John
Published: May 2024

The study assessed static management, i.e., without planned periodic maintenance of the storage (no sediment dredging) denoted as SC1, or with maintenance denoted as SC2. The second approach was dynamic management based on applying Real-Time Control (RTC) techniques to scenario SC1 and scenario SC2 denoted as RTC-1 and RTC-2, respectively. The dynamic management of the UCT dam with RTC-1 and RTC-2 approaches increase yield by 2.1 and 1.1 ml, respectively. Additionally, RTC-1 and RTC-2 approaches increase volumetric reliability by 5.3 and 2.5%, respectively, while maintaining the required level of service of a stormwater harvesting system. SC1 and SC2 results in water savings of up to 21.15 and 21.45 ZAR/kl, respectively, while RTC-1 and RTC-2 could save up to 19.35 and 19.45 ZAR/kl. Thus, static configurations results in water savings approximately 9% in comparison to RTC. In addition, static configurations harvested stormwater at a relatively lowest unit cost in comparison to RTC configurations. Notwithstanding this finding, the RTC system exhibits a great potential in reshaping the stormwater harvesting system to simultaneously deliver water conservation and stormwater management.
Ribosomal DNA and Neurological Disorders
Authors: Zhou Hong , Xia Yuqing , Zhu Rui , Zhang Yuemei , Zhang Xinming , Zhang Yongjian , Wang Jun
Published: May 2024

Ribosomal DNA (rDNA) is important in the nucleolus and nuclear
organization of human cells. Defective rDNA repeat maintenance has been reported to
be closely associated with neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease,
Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,
frontotemporal dementia, depression, suicide, etc. However, there has not been a
comprehensive review on the role of rDNA in these disorders. In this review, we have
summarized the role of rDNA in major neurological disorders to sort out the correlation
between rDNA and neurological diseases and provided insights for therapy with rDNA
as a target.
Malaria Falciparum in Pregnancy: A Case Series from an Endemic Area
Authors: Sentosa I Gede , Kurniawan Rommy Andika
Published: May 2024

Malaria is a public health issue worldwide, especially in tropical areas such as Indonesia. Malaria in pregnant women leads to increased risks of anemia, low birth weight, and fetal death. In this study, we reported two cases of malaria in pregnancy in Sikka, East Nusa Tenggara, an endemic area, after several years with zero cases. The first case was malaria in the first trimester of pregnancy, while the second case was malaria with anemia and thrombocytopenia in the second trimester of pregnancy. Both patients were treated with supportive therapies and a combination of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHP) 1x3 tablets orally for three days, leading to a favourable outcome. Both cases showed that early diagnosis and combination therapy with the correct antimalarial agent is effective for malaria in pregnancy.
Factors Affecting Decreasing Patient Visits at Ob-Gyn Polyclinic of Outpatient Installation of “X” Hospital
Authors: Suryandewi Made Ayu Cintya , Dwi Harjayanti Nofita , Seyijowati Nanik
Published: May 2024

In early 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 or Covid-19 outbreak resulted in decreasing number of patient visits at “X” Hospital. “X” Hospital has set a target of health services in the outpatient installation as many as 5,500 patient visits per month, but the 2020/2021 data showed a downward trend in patient visits, with the most significant decline in the Ob-Gyn polyclinic that reached 50%. Several factors could cause this decline, including the suboptimal promotion of the hospital's leading programs, a suboptimal response from the customer service officers, specialist doctors who do not only work at “X” Hospital that causes priority clashes, unclear signboards at the hospital, an uncomfortable waiting room at the outpatient polyclinic, patients who often cancel the visits, faulty online registration, and no patient satisfaction measurement in the outpatient installation. These situations will eventually cause increasing operational costs. This study aimed to determine the factors that caused decreasing patient visits at the Ob-Gyn polyclinic of “X” Hospital. This research used questionnaires distributed to patients in the Ob-Gyn polyclinic totaling 135 respondents and google forms distributed to the employees of “X” Hospital. The collected data were processed using descriptive statistics. From the study results, the three main factors that caused the decreasing patient visits are the suboptimal promotion of the hospital's leading programs, the suboptimal response of the customer service officers, and the absence of patient satisfaction measurement at the outpatient installation.
User-Centered Framework for Implementation of Technology (UFIT): Development of an Integrated Framework for Designing Clinical Decision Support Tools Packaged With Tailored Implementation Strategies (Preprint)
Authors: Ray Jessica , Finn Emily Benjamin , Tyrrell Hollyce , Aloe Carlin F , Perrin Eliana M , Wood Charles T , Miner Dean S , Grout Randall , Michel Jeremy J , Damschroder Laura J , Sharifi Mona
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Electronic health record–based clinical decision support (CDS) tools can facilitate the adoption of evidence into practice. Yet, the impact of CDS beyond single-site implementation is often limited by dissemination and implementation barriers related to site- and user-specific variation in workflows and behaviors. The translation of evidence-based CDS from initial development to implementation in heterogeneous environments requires a framework that assures careful balancing of fidelity to core functional elements with adaptations to ensure compatibility with new contexts.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to develop and apply a framework to guide tailoring and implementing CDS across diverse clinical settings.

METHODS

In preparation for a multisite trial implementing CDS for pediatric overweight or obesity in primary care, we developed the User-Centered Framework for Implementation of Technology (UFIT), a framework that integrates principles from user-centered design (UCD), human factors/ergonomics theories, and implementation science to guide both CDS adaptation and tailoring of related implementation strategies. Our transdisciplinary study team conducted semistructured interviews with pediatric primary care clinicians and a diverse group of stakeholders from 3 health systems in the northeastern, midwestern, and southeastern United States to inform and apply the framework for our formative evaluation.

RESULTS

We conducted 41 qualitative interviews with primary care clinicians (n=21) and other stakeholders (n=20). Our workflow analysis found 3 primary ways in which clinicians interact with the electronic health record during primary care well-child visits identifying opportunities for decision support. Additionally, we identified differences in practice patterns across contexts necessitating a multiprong design approach to support a variety of workflows, user needs, preferences, and implementation strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

UFIT integrates theories and guidance from UCD, human factors/ergonomics, and implementation science to promote fit with local contexts for optimal outcomes. The components of UFIT were used to guide the development of Improving Pediatric Obesity Practice Using Prompts, an integrated package comprising CDS for obesity or overweight treatment with tailored implementation strategies.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05627011; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05627011
Public Awareness of a Vision-Threatening Toxicity: Infodemiology in Pentosan Polysulfate Maculopathy (Preprint)
Authors: Shiromani Sakshi , Kothari Kunjal , Jung Emily H , Jain Nieraj
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

In this age of information (and misinformation), the ophthalmology community faces an ongoing challenge in shaping the distribution of information regarding ophthalmic health to the lay public. Our infodemiology study yields unique insights into factors associated with public awareness of PPS maculopathy and provides valuable insights for public health efforts.

OBJECTIVE

To explore factors associated with increased public awareness of pentosan polysulfate (PPS) maculopathy

METHODS

This cross-sectional study assessed global trends in internet search queries regarding PPS maculopathy using Google Trends from September 2017 to August 2022, with results reported in terms of relative search volume (RSV). Trends in search volumes were assessed following notable events related to the discovery of PPS maculopathy, using the mean RSV prior to the initial e-publication on PPS maculopathy as the comparator.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) global RSV for “pentosan polysulfate sodium,” “Elmiron,” “Elmiron side effects,” and “Elmiron lawsuit” over the study period were 5.03 (5.72), 47.45 (16.5), 2.23 (2.16), and 2.06 (2.16), respectively. Qualitatively, there was an approximate 22-month latency period between the initial e-publication regarding PPS maculopathy and a sustained rise in RSV for the search term “Elmiron.” Compared to baseline mean (SD) global RSV of 35.08 (5.03) for “Elmiron,” the mean (SD) RSV was statistically significantly higher in the month following the initial lawsuit filing regarding PPS maculopathy [50.5 (2.38); P < .001] and the drug label change [80.25 (6.55); P < .01)], and not significantly higher following other events such as the original publication regarding PPS maculopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Publication in traditional scientific media did not appreciably impact internet search volumes, while other ancillary news events were associated with significant rises. These findings may inform future efforts to educate the public regarding time-sensitive public health concerns.
Examining the Spillover Economic Impacts of Caregiving Among Families of Children With Medical Complexity to Inform Inclusive Economic Models: Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Keim-Malpass Jessica , Muir K Jane , Letzkus Lisa C , Scheer Eleanore , Valdez Rupa S
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Children with medical complexity represent a heterogeneous group of children with multiple chronic health care conditions. Caregivers of children with medical complexity experience a high intensity of caregiving that is often variable, extends across several networks of care, and often lasts for the entirety of the child’s life. The spillover, or indirect, economic impacts of caregiving are understudied in the context the family units of children with medical complexity. There have been recognized limitations to the sole use of quantitative methods when developing economic models of disease, because they lack direct caregiver voice and context of caregiving activities, and existing methods have been noted to be ableist.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the economic spillover impacts of caregiving among families of children with medical complexity using their own words and perspectives, with the intent of expanding caregiver-centered perspectives when developing economic models.

METHODS

This study was a secondary analysis of a qualitative study that was conducted to examine family management practices among caregivers of children with medical complexity and their social networks. Caregivers of children with medical complexity were recruited through a pediatric complex care clinic at an academic medical center in the mid-Atlantic region, United States. This study used inductive qualitative descriptive methods and a template to define features of the person impacted and to define the economic construct as either a direct or indirect (spillover) cost.

RESULTS

A total of 20 caregivers were included in this study. Perspectives from the caregivers of children with medical complexity revealed several key themes: (1) time lost from employment, impacting the primary caregivers; (2) physical and mental health impacts, impacting the child themselves, siblings, and the primary caregivers; (3) impacts to leisure activities and self-care, impacting the child themselves, siblings, and the primary caregivers; and (4) impacts to the social network or social capital.

CONCLUSIONS

The themes described can be operationalized into inclusive family-centered models that represent the impacts of caregiving in the context of the family units of children with medical complexity. The use of qualitative methods to expand our development of quantitative economic models can be adapted to other populations where caregivers are involved in care. Caregivers can and should have an active voice in preference-based assessments that are operationalized in economic contexts to make them more inclusive.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

RR2-10.2196/14810
Acceptance of Virtual Reality in Trainees Using a Technology Acceptance Model (Preprint)
Authors: Wang Ellen , Qian Daniel , Zhang Lijin , Li Brian , Ko Brian , Khoury Michael , Renivikar Meghana , Ganesan Avani , Caruso Thomas
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Virtual reality (VR) technologies have demonstrated therapeutic usefulness across a variety of healthcare settings. However, graduate medical education (GME) trainee perspectives on VR acceptability and usability are limited.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study was to apply a hybrid technology acceptance model (TAM)/United Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model to evaluate factors that predict the behavioral intentions of GME trainees to use VR for patient anxiolysis. The secondary aim was to assess the reliability of the TAM/UTAUT.

METHODS

Participants were surveyed in June 2023. GME trainees participated in a VR experience used to reduce perioperative anxiety. Participants then completed a survey evaluating demographics, perceptions, attitudes, environmental factors, and behavioral intentions that influence adoption of new technologies.

RESULTS

202 of 1540 GME trainees participated. 198 participants were included in the final analysis (12.9% participation rate). Perceptions of usefulness, ease of use, and enjoyment, social influence and facilitating conditions predicted intention to use VR. Age, past use, price willing to pay, and curiosity were less strong predictors of intention to use. All confirmatory factor analysis models demonstrated good fit. All domain measurements demonstrated acceptable reliability.

CONCLUSIONS

This TAM/UTAUT demonstrated validity and reliability for predicting GME trainees’ behavioral intentions to use VR as a therapeutic anxiolytic in clinical practice. Social influence and facilitating conditions are modifiable factors that present opportunities to advance VR adoption, such as fostering exposure to new technologies and offering relevant training and social encouragement. Future investigations should study the model’s reliability within specialties in different geographic locations.
Traffic Volume Studies and Congestion Solutions of Urban Road in Junagadh City
Authors: Parmar Shailendra , Bhut Bonny , Parmar Shekhar
Published: May 2024

Abstract: Urbanization is a defining feature of modern civilization, with cities rapidly evolving into hubs of economic, social, and cultural activities. As the developing cities continue to grow in population, the efficient movement of people and goods becomes a critical challenge due to the increasing amount of vehicle. One of the central aspects influencing urban mobility is the traffic volume on road sections. As the population continues to grow, the volume density of traffic on roads also increases. This analytical paper aims to explore the problems faced by various road users, including vehicle users, pedestrians, and other users, due to the rise in traffic volume density. The study highlights the challenges associated with increased traffic, such as congestion, longer travel times, safety concerns, and environmental impacts. By understanding these issues, policymakers and transportation authorities can develop effective strategies to mitigate the negative consequences of increased traffic volume density. In this project, traffic on the urban road between two intersections at both ends of MG Road in Junagadh city is studied. Owing to the continuous growth of population, growth in number of vehicles and concentrated development of the city resulted into traffic congestion which calls for the demand of remedial measures especially in between the intersections which is not managed and control appropriately and thus resulting in decreased facilities to moving vehicles and pedestrian. Due to the lack of land, adding more lanes or constructing a grade separator to improving the traffic flow or increase capacity is not an easy task. However, efficient use of existing resources for the remedial measures which doesn’t cost much could be a proper solution to overcome congestion issue
Task Scheduling by Hybrid Metaheuristic Approach in Cloud Environment
Authors: Jindal Meena , Kaur Khuswant
Published: May 2024

Abstract: Recent advancements in hardware, virtualization technology, distributed computing, and service delivery over the Internet have led to the formation of cloud computing. In a distributed computing platform, the scheduling of task workflow is a well-known NP-hard problem. This becomes more complex and challenging if the virtualized clusters execute a large number of tasks in a cloud computing platform. From low-level execution tasks in multiple processors to high-level execution tasks, many heuristics have been proposed. This chapter deals with the proposed min-min algorithm, max-min algorithm, PSO, and TS. The max-min and min-min algorithms estimate the execution time and overall completion time of all the tasks Then assign the tasks on better suitable resource. PSO is simple and effective in a wide range of applications with low computational cost and fast speed. TS approach is one of the popular local search techniques based on neighborhood search algorithm. TS can be directly applied to any kind of virtual optimization problem.
ŞAMOT ÇAMURU YÜZEYİNDE DOKU DENEMELERİ İLE KİTAP FORMU OLUŞTURMA FİKRİ
Authors: Karaağaç Kamuran
Published: May 2024

Doku tabiatta var olan tüm canlı ve cansız nesne ve maddelerin iç veya dış yüzeyini kaplayan örüntü olarak ifade edilebilinir. Doku denilen yeniden yüzey oluşturma fikri ise her malzemenin kendine ait olan niteliksel yapısının işlenebilirliğine ve uygulama yetisine bağlı olarak malzemelerin yüzeyinde insanoğlunun oluşturduğu dokunuşlardır. Tabiatta her nesnenin ve canlının kendine has dokusu olduğu gibi şamot çamuru diye adlandırılan malzemenin de kendine ait bir dokusu vardır. Bu doku yüzeyinin yeniden sanatsal ifade biçiminde kullanılması malzemenin işlenebilirliği, plastikliği, yeniden şekil alabilme özelliği gibi birçok pozitif tavrından kaynaklanmaktadır. Şamot denilen inorganik malzemenin plastik yapısından dolayı bu çalışmada, çamurdan kitap formu oluşturma fikrinde ana malzeme olarak kullanılmaktadır. Seramik çamuru olarak sanatçıların sanatsal ifade dili olarak sıklıkla tercih edilen alışıla gelmiş bir karışım olarak da kullanılmaktadır. Bu noktadan yola çıkılarak kitap formu oluşturulma fikrinin şamot yüzeyinde farklı görsel ve dokunsal çeşitlilik, oluşturulması, uygulamalar sonrasında olumlu sonuçlar çıkarıldığının göstergesidir.
BACTÉRIAS ENDOFÍTICAS DE SAMAMBAIAS COM POTENCIAL ANTAGÔNICO CONTRA A BACTÉRIA Streptococcus pyogenes (Rosenbach, 1884)
Authors: Silva Queila Sintia Neles da , Sousa Maria Lucidalva Ribeiro de , Freitas Adriana Dantas Gonzaga de
Published: May 2024

Evolutivamente as plantas vêm desenvolvendo complexos mecanismos adaptativos, muitos desses somente possíveis, graças às interações com os microrganismos e com isso, as plantas constituem um verdadeiro ecossistema microbiano que pode conferir ao seu hospedeiro maior resistência a condições de estresse, alterações nas condições fisiológicas. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo estudar a potencialidade da atividade antagônica entre bactérias endofíticas da Samambaia como controle biológico, frente à cepa de Streptolcoccus pyogenes. Foi utilizado o método de difusão em ágar por meio da técnica de semeadura de superfície e observado por três dias. Transcorrido o tempo, foi medido em milímetros os halos de inibição do crescimento microbiano e no final retirado uma média através de uma análise estatística. Das dez bactérias endofíticas obtidas, quatro foram submetidas aos testes de coloração de Gram e atividade antagonista. As duas bactérias B3 e B4 no teste de antagonismo apresentaram o melhor desempenho em crescimento de halos chegando a 5,29 mm em relação as B1 e B2 pois apresentou valores menos significativos que os demais em formação de halo de inibição frente a S. pyogenes. Pode-se concluir que as bactérias endofíticas de samambaia são capazes de inibir o crescimento da bactéria S. pyogenes por apresentar maior atividade antagônica.PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Endofítica. Samambaias. Streptococcus pyogens. Antagonismo.
COMUNIDADE MICORRÍZICA EM ARBÓREAS NATIVAS APLICADAS NA RECUPERAÇÃO DE ÁREAS DEGRADADAS POR PINUS TAEDA L
Authors: Laurindo Lídia Klestadt , Souza Tancredo , Da Silva Lucas Jónatan Rodrigues , Nascimento Gislaine dos Santos
Published: May 2024

Os fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMAs) são simbiontes obrigatórios que desempenham importante papel no desenvolvimento de espécies arbóreas em áreas degradadas. Objetivou-se caracterizar a comunidade de FMAs presentes no solo rizosférico de Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze, Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil, Mimosa scabrella Benth, ecossistema natural e área de regeneração natural presentes em um sistema agroflorestal (SAF) voltado a recuperação de uma área degradada por Pinus taeda L. Para a caracterização dos FMAs, foram coletadas 60 amostras de solo distribuídas em três parcelas de 500 m2 localizadas em cada ambiente de estudo. Foram observadas diferenças significativas quanto ao índice de Shannon (F = 2,98, p < 0,05), com os maiores e menores valores para a área de regeneração natural e ecossistema natural, respectivamente. G. gigantea foi considerada como uma espécie rara e bioindicadora de recuperação dos ambientes de estudos. Concluiu-se que é necessário maior tempo de regeneração para o SAF avaliado apresentar as características ideais para a comunidade micorrízica, porém, a presença da espécie M. scabrella se mostrou importante como promotora da diversidade de FMAs.
JEAN OVIDE DECROLY: OS CENTROS DE INTERESSE E A PEDAGOGIA DA EVOLUÇÃO ATIVA
Authors: Faria Borges Tatiane Daby de Fatima Faria Borges de Fatima , De Oliveira Guilherme Saramago , Santos Anderson Oramisio , Furtado Rios Ana Vitória Santos
Published: May 2024

Este artigo apresenta e analisa alguns dos princípios e fundamentos metodológicos pensados por Jean Ovide Decroly (1871-1932) e suas contribuições para a educação na atualidade. Aponta as concepções decrolianas em oposição ao ensino tradicionalista e a urgência de se modificar as práticas pedagógicas vigentes na busca de uma escola mais ativa e centrada na necessidade e interesse de quem se aprende. Reflete a importância de vincular psicologia-educação na consolidação da proposta escolanovista por meio da organização do ensino em centros de interesse. Discuti ainda, a escola na visão decroliana enquanto espaço aberto que traz a vida real como elemento indispensável para a formação do ser humano. Decroly valorizava a observação, a interação com o meio ambiente e social, a indagação, a investigação e o protagonismo do aluno na aquisição de seus conhecimentos com ênfase em seus interesses e necessidades.
AVALIAÇÃO DA SUSTENTABILIDADE EM COOPERATIVAS DE CATADORES: UM CASO NO MUNICÍPIO DE VOLTA REDONDA/RJ
Authors: Guabiroba Ricardo César da Silva , Jacobi Pedro Roberto , Abegão Luís Henrique
Published: May 2024

Este artigo propõe um método capaz de avaliar a sustentabilidade de cooperativas de catadores, por meio da identificação de um índice geral, calculado com base em indicadores de desempenho. O método organizado em seis etapas foi aplicado para avaliar a sustentabilidade de uma cooperativa localizada no município de Volta Redonda (Estado do Rio de Janeiro). Nas etapas (1) e (2), identificou-se 21 indicadores e os respectivos parâmetros para a avaliação de desempenho. Nas etapas (3) a (5), levantou-se dados e informações e calculou-se os indicadores. Para cada indicador, definiu-se um nível de sustentabilidade (muito favorável, favorável, desfavorável ou muito desfavorável). Na etapa final (6), obteve-se um índice geral igual a 0,44. Esse índice representa um nível “desfavorável” de sustentabilidade. Neste caso, constata-se que há um baixo investimento em sustentabilidade, o que aponta para a necessidade de o poder público municipal intervir e apoiar mais a cooperativa em estudo.
Editorial: Participatory corporate governance for sustainability and accountability
Authors: Alsaid Loai Ali
Published: May 2024

We are thrilled to announce the release of the second issue of the Journal of Governance and Regulation for 2024! This issue contributes to the existing body of literature and the critical discourse surrounding corporate governance (CG), providing fresh theoretical and empirical insights into the modern challenges and forthcoming advancements within the realms of corporate sustainability and accountability.
The influence of innovation on personal financial management and financial literacy
Authors: Mamo Jonada , Vangjel Rovena , Zyko Merjeme
Published: May 2024

Financial planning evaluates a person’s financial goals by identifying the necessary steps to achieve them according to their financial resources. With the increased influence of technology on day-to-day life and the countless innovations, incorporating new opportunities into the financial planning process increases the possibilities of achieving settled purposes. Using smartphone applications to manage personal finances improves economic behaviour, knowledge, attitudes, and motivation. In this study, we will analyse the changes brought about by using cash management applications among young people and through the delivery of a survey, we could gather their feedback. The answers are then analysed through SPSS Statistics, using Pearson correlation analysis. We measure the strength and direction of the relationship between variables related to what leads to using or not using cash management applications. At the end of the analyses, we conclude a weak positive relationship between using cash management applications and improving personal finances, according to Good Things Foundation (n.d.). From analysing the ties between smartphone usage and cash management apps, resulting in a fragile negative relationship, we conclude that the weak relationship between cash management apps and improved personal finances results from a low recognition in this typology of applications.
Prosztatarák kezelése utáni vizeletinkontinencia ellátása
Authors: Majoros Attila , Keszthelyi Attila , Bánfi Gergely , Romics Miklós
Published: May 2024

A prosztatarák kuratív és palliatív kezelésére jelenleg több terápia áll rendelkezésre, amelyek gyakran kombinációban is alkalmazhatók, és segítségükkel jó onkológiai eredményes- ség, sokszor teljes gyógyulás érhető el. Sajnos az invazív kezelések után számos szövődmény fordulhat elő, jelentősen rontva a betegek életminőségét. Ilyen komplikáció a vizelet- inkontinencia is, amely terheléses (stressz-) inkontinencia képében leggyakrabban radikális prostatectomia, ritkábban transurethralis beavatkozások után észlelhető, azonban más típusú tünetek formájában (sürgősségi inkontinencia) elsősorban sugárkezelés következtében is előfordulhat. Az esetek döntő hányadában radikális prostatectomia a kivál- tó ok, ekkor postprostatectomiás vizeletinkontinenciáról is beszélhetünk. Az invazív prosztatakezelések utáni vizelet- inkontinencia (amelybe beletartoznak a jóindulatú beteg- ségek, pl. a benignus prosztatahyperplasia miatt végzett műtétek, invazív kezelések utáni kontinenciazavarok is) sokfélesége miatt a nemzetközi irodalomban előszeretettel használják a „prosztatakezelések utáni vizeletinkontinencia” (incontinence after prostate treatment, IPT) fogalmat is. A szerzők bemutatják a prosztatarák műtéti és sugárkezelése után kialakuló inkontinencia okait, kivizsgálását, konzervatív és műtéti kezelését. Kitérnek az inkontinenciagátló műtétek szövődményeire, azok megelőzési és kezelési lehetőségeire, továbbá azon alapvető ismeretekre, amelyek minden urológus számára nélkülözhetetlenek ezen új műtéti eljárásokkal operált betegek mindennapi gondozása során.
Some new hardy inequalities in probability
Authors: Lu Dawei , Liu Qing
Published: May 2024

Hardy et al. (1934) came up with Hardy?s inequality in their book. Klaassen
andWellner (2021) gave the probability version of the Hardy inequality when
the parameter p > 1. Based on their work, in this paper, we assign the
randomness to variables as well. When p > 1, we give some extensions of
Hardy?s inequality. When 0 < p < 1, we provide the corresponding Hardy
inequality in probability language. Also, we show that in some
circumstances, our results contain the integral form of Hardy?s inequality.
We give a reversed Hardy inequality for random variables as well.
Association of common glutathione transferase polymorphisms with ovarian cancer risk and chemoresistance
Authors: Simic Petar , Pljesa-Ercegovac Marija
Published: May 2024

Ovarian cancer is regarded as the most lethal gynecological cancer with a five-year survival below 45%. It represents the seventh most common cancer among women. Due to the limited availability of biomarkers and reliable screening methods for early diagnosis of ovarian cancer, much research is being conducted to explore and understand the factors that may increase the risk of developing this kind of cancer. When surgery and chemotherapy treatments have been fully utilized, the development of chemoresistance becomes a critical factor in the progression of the disease. Glutathione transferases (GSTs) are a group of enzymes that play a role in the process of detoxification. Genes that code for GSTs proteins exhibit polymorphism, which can lead to either total or partial loss of enzymatic function. Cytosolic GST activity is composed of many different isoenzymes that facilitate interactions between glutathione and hazardous chemicals, including cancerogenes, anticancer drugs, and byproducts of oxidative stress. The scope of this review is to clarify the association of common GST polymorphisms with ovarian cancer risk and chemoresistance.
An efficient method for generating gene deletion mutants of the dimorphic prosthecate bacteria Maricaulales
Authors: Luo Na , Wang Miaoxiao
Published: May 2024

Maricaulales, the taxonomic Latin nomenclature for a particular bacterial order, have emerged as a prominent group among marine dimorphic prosthecate bacteria, primarily due to their distinctive cellular morphology. This study selected four representative strains of to devise a standardized gene knockout methodology. Through a systematic optimization of conjugation transfer factors, a dependable conjugation transfer technique was successfully established. Following this, the utilization of the optimized conjugation transfer protocol facilitated the successful knockout of the genes encoding the holdfast anchor protein in all four chosen Maricaulales strains. In conclusion, this research introduces a novel and efficient gene knockout tool specifically developed for engineering Maricaulales.
Why Do Investors Rely on Low-Quality Investment Advice? Experimental Evidence from Social Media Platforms
Authors: Kadous Kathryn , Mercer Molly , Zhou Yuepin
Published: May 2024

We report the results of a series of experiments showing that individual investors rely on low-quality investment advice from social media platforms, especially when the advice is negative. Our results also suggest reasons for investors’ reliance. Some investors believe that they should rely on the advice, suggesting that reliance on low-quality advice is sometimes due to a lack of knowledge about the advice’s predictive value. However, low-quality advice influences investment judgments even among investors who believe they should not and did not rely on the advice. This unintentional reliance on low-quality advice stems from a tendency to automatically accept information when it is initially provided. Prompting investors to consider the credibility of their information sources before they view low-quality advice reduces the advice’s influence. Our findings suggest that regulators interested in reducing investors’ reliance on low-quality advice should augment knowledge-oriented education with process-oriented interventions.

Data Availability: Contact the authors.

JEL Classifications: D83; D91; G41; M41.
Does the Expanded Audit Report Enhance the Efficient Use of Accounting Information?
Authors: Li Kuei-Fu , Liao Yi-Ping
Published: May 2024

This study proposes that information on key audit matters (KAMs) improves investors’ ability to efficiently understand the valuation implications of accruals, and thereby mitigate the accrual anomaly, and demonstrates supporting evidence based on a sample of Taiwanese public firms. In addition, in the post-adoption period, we find that both account- and entity-level KAMs reduce accrual anomaly. The overpricing of accruals is less pronounced if the number of KAMs is greater or KAMs relate to accounts with low accrual reliability. Our evidence should be of interest to regulators and investors, as it suggests that the expanded audit report enhances the efficient use of accounting information.

JEL Classifications: M41.
Market Access and Retail Investment Performance
Authors: deHaan Ed , Glover Andrew
Published: May 2024

We examine the effects of stock market access, and in particular trading hours, on retail investment performance. Using discontinuities around time zone borders, we find that plausibly exogenous decreases in waking trading hours are associated with meaningful increases in retail investors’ capital gains, as reported on tax returns for the U.S. population. Our results indicate that limiting trading hours curbs active retail trading, leading to improvements in portfolio performance. Our findings identify one negative effect of decreasing barriers to entry for retail investors in trading markets.

JEL Classifications: M41; M48; G40; G51.
Heparanase Stimulation of Physiologic Cardiac Hypertrophy Is Suppressed After Chronic Diabetes, Resulting in Cardiac Remodeling and Dysfunction
Authors: Lee Chae Syng , Shang Rui , Wang Fulong , Khayambashi Parisa , Wang Hualin , Araujo Gala , Puri Karanjit , Vlodavsky Israel , Hussein Bahira , Rodrigues Brian
Published: May 2024

In addition to controlling smooth muscle tone in coronary vessels, endothelial cells also influence subjacent cardiomyocyte growth. Because heparanase, with exclusive expression in endothelial cells, enables extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, metabolic reprogramming, and cell survival, it is conceivable that it could also encourage development of cardiac hypertrophy. Global heparanase overexpression resulted in physiologic cardiac hypertrophy, likely an outcome of HSPG clustering and activation of hypertrophic signaling. The heparanase autocrine effect of releasing neuregulin-1 could have also contributed to this overexpression. Hyperglycemia induced by streptozotocin-induced diabetes sensitized the heart to flow-induced release of heparanase and neuregulin-1. Despite this excess secretion, progression of diabetes caused significant gene expression changes related to mitochondrial metabolism and cell death that led to development of pathologic hypertrophy and heart dysfunction. Physiologic cardiac hypertrophy was also observed in rats with cardiomyocyte-specific vascular endothelial growth factor B overexpression. When perfused, hearts from these animals released significantly higher amounts of both heparanase and neuregulin-1. However, subjecting these animals to diabetes triggered robust transcriptome changes related to metabolism and a transition to pathologic hypertrophy. Our data suggest that in the absence of mechanisms that support cardiac energy generation and prevention of cell death, as seen after diabetes, there is a transition from physiologic to pathologic cardiac hypertrophy and a decline in cardiac function.

Article Highlights
Hemoglobin A1c Trajectories During Pregnancy and Adverse Outcomes in Women With Type 2 Diabetes: A Danish National Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Koefoed Anna S. , Knorr Sine , Fuglsang Jens , Leth-Møller Magnus , Hulman Adam , Jensen Dorte M. , Andersen Lise Lotte T. , Rosbach A. Emilie , Damm Peter , Mathiesen Elisabeth R. , Sørensen Anne , Christensen Trine T. , McIntyre H. David , Ovesen Per , Kampmann Ulla
Published: May 2024

OBJECTIVE

To identify and characterize groups of pregnant women with type 2 diabetes with distinct hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) trajectories across gestation and to examine the association with adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a retrospective Danish national cohort study including all singleton pregnancies in women with type 2 diabetes, giving birth to a liveborn infant, between 2004 and 2019. HbA1c trajectories were identified using latent class linear mixed-model analysis. Associations with adverse outcomes were examined with logistic regression models.

RESULTS

A total of 1,129 pregnancies were included. Three HbA1c trajectory groups were identified and named according to the glycemic control in early pregnancy (good, 59%; moderate, 32%; and poor, 9%). According to the model, all groups attained an estimated HbA1c <6.5% (48 mmol/mol) during pregnancy, with no differences between groups in the 3rd trimester. Women with poor glycemic control in early pregnancy had lower odds of having an infant with large-for-gestational-age (LGA) birth weight (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.57, 95% CI 0.40–0.83), and higher odds of having an infant with small-for-gestational age (SGA) birth weight (aOR 2.49, 95% CI 2.00–3.10) and congenital malformation (CM) (aOR 4.60 95% CI 3.39–6.26) compared with women with good glycemic control. There was no evidence of a difference in odds of preeclampsia, preterm birth, and caesarean section between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with poor glycemic control in early pregnancy have lower odds of having an infant with LGA birth weight, but higher odds of having an infant with SGA birth weight and CM.