bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Skin Color Images in Humans Using Principal Component Analysis Method
Authors: Kambri Aurelia Fermina , Bana Mardiani , Kaesmetan Yampi R.
Published: June 2024

Skin detection is an important process for classifying human skin color. Some phone cameras produce images in RGB (Red, Green, Blue) format. Various cases of skin detection often perform a transformation from the RGB color space to another color space, such as YCbCr or HSV, to improve detection accuracy. In this journal, we conduct research on skin detection using Teachable Machine, a platform that utilizes machine learning to teach computers to recognize visual patterns. The term "accuracy per epoch" refers to how well the model is at telling which pixels in an image are skin color during each training iteration (epoch) when skin color identification using the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method on a teachable machine is being done. PCA helps reduce the dimensionality of data, enabling more efficient analysis and increased model accuracy. Teachable Machine makes this process simple by providing a user-friendly interface for training models without requiring in-depth knowledge of code or algorithms. Measuring accuracy per epoch is crucial in the training process because it shows the development of the model's ability to detect human skin over time. We expect the model to improve its accuracy in identifying skin-color pixels with each epoch, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the skin detection system. This research shows the great potential of the teachable machine in skin detection applications, providing a more efficient and accurate solution than traditional methods.
Analysis and Design of a Web-Based Counseling Guidance Management Information System at ABC High School
Authors: Sari Diah Ayu Rina , Yahfizham Yahfizham
Published: June 2024

Counseling is a professional support process aimed at helping individuals or groups overcome various personal, emotional, social, or psychological problems. This process involves trained counselors who utilize specialized techniques to provide guidance, support, and advice, facilitating better coping mechanisms and overall well-being. Given the critical role of counseling in fostering mental health and personal development, it is essential to continually improve and enhance counseling services for students. By doing so, counselors can ensure they are providing the most effective and comprehensive support possible. At present, SMA ABC relies on traditional methods such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel to record and store data related to counseling and guidance. While functional, these tools are not optimized for the dynamic and multifaceted nature of counseling work. This traditional approach can be time-consuming and prone to errors, hindering the efficiency and effectiveness of the counseling services provided to students. To address these challenges, a web-based management information system is needed. Such a system would streamline the process of recording, storing, and retrieving information, enabling counselors to complete their tasks more quickly, accurately, and on time. A well-designed web-based system would also facilitate better data analysis and reporting. The development of this system will use the waterfall method, a systematic and sequential approach to software development. This method ensures that all data and information related to the counseling procedures and the system's technical implementation are thoroughly processed and accurately integrated, resulting in a reliable and efficient management tool.
Management of the preparation of student learning outcomes assessment instruments
Authors: Maula Rohmatul , Ismiyati Ismiyati , Ratnaningtyas Dyah Ayu , Abdillah Zuhdan Kamal
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this study is to examine more deeply the procedure for preparing student learning outcomes assessment instruments on archival management elements at SMK Negeri 9 Semarang in accordance with the mechanism for implementing the independent curriculum. The method used in this study is descriptive qualitative. Data analysis is carried out by collecting data, condensing data, presenting data, and drawing conclusions. The results showed that the preparation of assessment instruments had been carried out in terms of planning, organizing, actuating, and controlling. In planning, teachers develop learning tools and types of assessments to be used. On organizing, teachers make a cooperation, division of labor, and designing forms of assessment. In actuating, teachers do not compile assessment grids, but compile worksheets and assessment rubrics. In addition, the teacher only conducts qualitative analysis of question items. In controlling, teachers set criteria for achieving learning outcomes that refer to the criteria for achieving learning objectives. The conclusion of this study is that the preparation of learning outcome assessment instruments in terms of the planning, organizing, actuating, and controlling stages has been carried out in accordance with the mechanism for implementing the independent curriculum.
Tác động của tài chính xanh đến hiệu quả sử dụng năng lượng tại khu vực châu Á – Thái Bình Dương
Authors: Võ Thị Thanh Thảo , Trần Thị Kiều Trinh , Lưu Ngọc Lan , Lê Huyền Trang
Published: June 2024

Nghiên cứu phát triển chỉ số đánh giá tài chính xanh, đồng thời, phân tích tác động của tài chính xanh đến hiệu quả sử dụng năng lượng tại 40 quốc gia trong khu vực châu Á – Thái Bình Dương. Bên cạnh đó, tác động của độ mở thương mại, công nghiệp hóa, đầu tư trực tiếp nước ngoài, đô thị hóa, diện tích đất liền và tiến bộ công nghệ đến hiệu quả sử dụng năng lượng cũng được đề cập trong bài viết. Sử dụng mô hình Tobit, kết quả nghiên cứu cho thấy tài chính xanh có tác động tích cực đến hiệu quả sử dụng năng lượng tại các quốc gia. Tài chính xanh cung cấp những công cụ hữu hiệu giúp các chủ thể trong nền kinh tế tiêu thụ năng lượng một cách có hiệu quả. Từ đó, nghiên cứu đề xuất các biện pháp, chính sách nhằm tạo điều kiện thuận lợi cho triển tài chính xanh và nâng cao hiệu quả sử dụng năng lượng như tiếp tục đẩy mạnh chính sách hỗ trợ, cải thiện khung pháp lý, phát huy hiệu quả của các kênh trung gian như vốn đầu tư trực tiếp nước ngoài.
Nghiên cứu hành vi tiết kiệm điện: Vai trò của kiến thức về các mục tiêu phát triển bền vững
Authors: Nguyễn Hoàng Việt , Vũ Tuấn Dương , Nguyễn Thị Mỹ Nguyệt , Vũ Phương Thảo
Published: June 2024

Nghiên cứu này đánh giá ảnh hưởng của kiến thức về các mục tiêu phát triển bền vững, chính sách của chính phủ và các cấu trúc thuộc mô hình hành vi có kế hoạch đối với hành vi tiết kiệm điện trong sinh hoạt. Kết quả phân tích mô hình cấu trúc tuyến tính với bộ dữ liệu sơ cấp được thu thập từ 735 sinh viên đại học tại Hà Nội cho thấy kiến thức về các mục tiêu phát triển bền vững ảnh hưởng đến cảm nhận chính sách của Chính phủ, cảm nhận hành vi kiểm soát, thái độ và hành vi tiết kiệm điện. Mối liên hệ giữa các yếu tố thuộc mô hình hành vi có kế hoạch được tái khẳng định trong nghiên cứu này. Cuối cùng, chính sách của Chính phủ cũng cho thấy khả năng dự báo hành vi tiết kiệm điện. Kết quả nghiên cứu mang lại cả đóng góp về mặt lý thuyết và thực tiễn, một số hàm ý đã được đề xuất nhằm thúc đẩy hành vi tiết kiệm điện để hướng đến các mục tiêu phát triển bền vững.
El proyecto Circ-E sobre la logística urbana antigua. Un ejemplo de investigación interdisciplinar y de arqueología de alta definición
Authors: Rodríguez Gutiérrez Oliva
Published: June 2024

En 2021 dio comienzo el proyecto Circ-E. La logística en la ciudad romana ¿una economía circular?, dentro del plan estatal de I+D+i financiado por el Ministerio español de Economía y Competitividad (PID2020-114349GB-I00). De su equipo, liderado desde la Universidad de Sevilla, forman parte investigadores de muy diferentes centros nacionales y extranjeros, incluido el Instituto Andaluz del Patrimonio Histórico, a través de su Laboratorio de Paleobiología. El proyecto plantea una serie de premisas conceptuales en torno a las dinámicas económicas de la ciudad antigua, muy vinculadas con los recursos, tanto los que se aprovechaban de forma directa, como los que se buscaban de forma proactiva. Otro de los objetivos es el de evaluar el potencial de una serie de vías de análisis de la cultura material, a fin de dar respuesta a la lectura de la ciudad antigua, hasta hace poco tiempo más transitada por medio de líneas de investigación más tradicionales. El proyecto trata de abordar, a través de una aproximación netamente interdisciplinar, la ciudad romana como ecosistema, es decir, como una estructura compleja en la que sus diferentes elementos interaccionaban para conseguir una estabilidad que les permitiera perdurar. Su principal laboratorio de experimentación y análisis arqueológico es la ciudad de Baelo Claudia (Tarifa, Cádiz), hoy unidad de gestión de la Consejería de Turismo, Cultura y Deporte de la Junta de Andalucía
Estrategia institucional de desarrollo sostenible
Authors: Blanco Muriel Ángela , Rodríguez Oliva M.ª Carmen , Ramírez Acedo Isabel M.ª , Rodríguez Ramos Rocío , Jaime Martín Enrique
Published: June 2024

En un contexto donde el concepto de sostenibilidad se aplica a numerosos aspectos medioambientales, económicos y sociales, y donde el patrimonio cultural también toma fuerza como una pieza clave, el Instituto Andaluz del Patrimonio Histórico (IAPH) desarrolla una estrategia institucional de desarrollo sostenible que se vertebra en dos niveles interrelacionados: en el desarrollo de proyectos, servicios y actuaciones de patrimonio cultural y en la propia gobernanza institucional. Se trata específicamente del desarrollo de buenas prácticas en el ámbito de la gobernanza y la gestión sostenible, prácticas relativas tanto a la gestión de la calidad y la relación con los grupos de interés como a la gestión ambiental y la gestión de personas. De todas ellas se realiza una trazabilidad con los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS) aprobados por la Organización de las Naciones Unidas. Asimismo, se identifican las principales líneas clave que se deberían potenciar a corto plazo.
Este proyecto se desarrolla con la finalidad de generar el máximo valor posible para la sociedad a través del crecimiento continuo de la institución y tiene como elementos fundamentales tanto a su personal como a los diversos grupos de interés con los que interacciona en el desempeño de su actividad. Se persigue un modelo de gobernanza que sea capaz de generar un impacto real que contribuya al desarrollo sostenible.
Conservación de álbumes fotográficos: cuestiones prácticas y éticas
Authors: Ruiz García Pablo
Published: June 2024

Durante los días 25, 26 y 27 de marzo de 2024 el GE-IIC en colaboración con el Departamento de Conservación y Restauración BBCC de la Universidad Politécnica de Valencia organizaron un congreso presencial sobre conservación de álbumes fotográficos, patrocinado por Arte y Memoria.
El encuentro se desarrolló en las instalaciones del departamento de Conservación y Restauración de la UPV y como colofón se realizaron visitas técnicas al IVAM (Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno) y al L`ETNO (Museo Valenciano de Etnología).
A lo largo del congreso se abordó un gran abanico de aspectos técnicos y prácticos, pero también se revisaron cuestiones históricas, museísticas e incluso éticas. En general, se pudo presentar una amplia visión sobre el tema, y contar con un inspirador debate sobre el estudio y el cuidado de esta tipología cultural y patrimonial.
En él participación profesionales nacionales e internacionales que analizaron las distintas vertientes morfológicas, de creación y de interpretación que intervienen a la hora de plantear proyectos de conservación y difusión de álbumes fotográficos.
En general, se ofreció una visión amplia sobre lo que supone la conservación de álbumes fotográficos, se mostraron procedimientos aplicables para su restauración y se expusieron conocimientos, tanto históricos como técnicos, para la correcta interpretación de las estructuras de las encuadernaciones, de los sistemas de montaje de las fotografías, junto al análisis de las tipologías fotográficas y sus patologías.
Escribano Salmoral, B. (2023) Población y espacios protegidos: participación y representación social en el Parque Natural de las Sierras Subbéticas
Authors: Ruiz Navarro Esther María
Published: June 2024

Reseña del libro Población y espacios protegidos: participación y representación social en el Parque Natural de las Sierras Subbéticas, de Escribano Salmoral, B. (2023)
El proyecto de investigación WHATS-UP propone innovación metodológica para la evaluación del impacto en bienes patrimonio mundial
Authors: García de Casasola Gómez Marta , Del Espino Hidalgo Blanca
Published: June 2024

Con un equipo intergeneracional e interdisciplinar de investigadores, un panel internacional de expertos y cuatro años de trabajo por delante, el proyecto de investigación WHATS-UP pretende dar una respuesta conceptual y metodológica a la necesidad de abordar cualquier consideración patrimonial desde una perspectiva integral y global en relación a las evaluaciones de impacto patrimonial, proporcionando modelos y experiencias contrastadas para la actualización de los valores y los estudios de impacto patrimonial de los bienes patrimonio mundial.
SOSIALISASI PENGGUNAAN DAN PERAWATAN MESIN PENCAIR SAMPAH PLASTIK DI KELURAHAN SAWAH LEBAR BARU KOTA BENGKULU
Authors: Julia Purnama Sari  , Surapati Alex , Adhadi Kurniawan
Published: June 2024

Sampah plastik merupakan salah satu permasalahan yang sangat serius di lingkungan masyarakat. Pengolahan sampah plastik yang tidak dapat dikelola dengan baik oleh masyarakat dapat mengganggu lingkungan. Hal ini terjadi pula di Kelurahan Sawah Lebar Baru Kota Bengkulu. Di lingkungan Kelurahan Sawah Lebar Baru terdapat titik pembuangan sampah oleh masyarakat dan menumpuk di titik tersebut sehingga membuat lingkungan tersebut menjadi kotor dan tidak sehat. Perlu dilakukan upaya untuk mengatasi permasalahan tersebut. Salah satu caranya dengan teknologi dan pengetahuan dasar dalam mengolah sampah. Teknologi dan pengetahuan ini perlu diberikan kepada masyarakat agar dalam mengolah sampah dengan tepat menggunakan teknologi tersebut. Tujuan pengabdian ini adalah membangkitkan kesadaran masyarakat untuk dapat mengelola sampah dengan baik khususnya sampah plastik. Tahapan metode yang dilaksanakan adalah memberikan mesin pencair sampah plastik, melakukan sosialisasi dengan memberikan informasi terkait pengelolaan sampah plastik, praktik cara penggunaan mesin pencair sampah plastik menjadi paving blok dan perawatannya. Hasil dari kegiatan ini adalah meningkatnya kesadaran masyarakat terhadap kebersihan lingkungan, masyarakat mengetahui cara pengelolaan sampah plastik, timbulnya keinginan untuk mengelola sampah plastik menjadi paving blok sehingga menjadikannya sebagai ladang usaha bagi masyarakat di Kelurahan Sawah Lebar Baru, dan dengan sosialisasi ini tentunya dapat mengatasi permasalahan sampah plastik yang menumpuk di lingkungan Sawah Lebar Baru.
 
Kata kunci: Mesin Pencair Sampah Plastik, Sampah Plastik, Paving Blok, Kelurahan Sawah Lebar Baru
Sosialisasi Penggunaan Sistem Informasi Pengolahan Data Atlet Berbasis Website Pada BAPOMI Provinsi Bengkulu
Authors: Raibowo Septian , Restu Ilahi Bogy , Permadi Andes , Prabowo Andika , Barnanda Rizky Oddie
Published: June 2024

Kebutuhan sistem informasi meliputi hampir semua bidang kehidupan. Informasi yang akurat, cepat, serta relevan sangat dibutuhkan dalam organisasi. Namun pada kenyataannya, karena kurang atau terbatasnya penggunaan sistem informasi terkadang tidak sinkron dengan keinginan serta harapan yang ingin diwujudkan. BAPOMI Provinsi Bengkulu adalah organisasi yang perlu mengembangkan teknologi informasi yang dapat mengubah pengolahan datanya. Sistem pengolahan data atlet di BAPOMI ini masih berupa file manual menggunakan dokumen dan data yang tersimpan masih dalam bentuk file Ms. Word dan Excel. Hal ini dapat memperlambat proses penginputan dan pengolahan data serta resiko kesalahan dan ketidakakuratan dalam penulisan yang dapat menyebabkan terjadinya proses pelaporan memakan banyak waktu. Kegiatan pengabdian dilakukan untuk memberikan pendampingan kepada operator Universitas dalam hal pemanfaatan teknologi informasi.
Compliance Guidelines and their Cultural Context
Authors: Frommelt Corinna
Published: June 2024

Cultural influences are aspects that cannot be resisted, even in an internationally networked and globalized world. This raises the question, to what extent compliance regulations and guidelines are also influenced by national cultures? With the help of a qualitative document analysis of three compliance documents from the EU, the US and China and the cultural dimensions according to Hofstede as the theoretical underpinning, the author was able to find identical elements in the compliance programs, such as training and auditing, but also national focuses. The design of the national guidelines is characterized by the trade-off between international legal standards or the same legal attitudes of countries, which is why existing guidelines may be used as a template for other countries, and the respective national priorities and cultural differences at the same time. However, from a cultural perspective, hardly any specifics could be identified in the documents. The results intend to represent an initial starting point for further research to determine whether (at least in the textual formulation) compliance guidelines should be given cultural adaptations in order to achieve a stronger compliance intention, whereby compliance documents for multinational companies or a group of states such as the EU certainly may pose challenges.
Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles and its
application as a green fertilizer in agriculture
Authors: Parmar Kuldeepsinh
Published: June 2024

Soil fertility, quality and improving crop productivity with fertilizers is a critical problem in agriculture. The nutrition of agriculture crops relies on traditional chemical fertilizers, the production of which is expensive and still depends on fossil-fuel consumption, with a harmful effect on humans and global environment. In order to solve this problem, fertilizers must become environmentally friendly and with high nutritional content. Nanotechnology is a promising alternative method. Nanofertilizers provide favourable nutrition by their strong potential to increase nutrient proficiency and protection from leaching into groundwater; its balanced nutrient supply and biodegradability stimulates the growth of crops and improves the quality and production. Zinc is an essential micronutrient for the growth and developments of plants, but it is the most commonly deficient micronutrient in soils. In order to overcome the problem of zinc deficiency in soils, this study carried out a synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) by green synthesis method using aqueous extract of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) and characterisation by UV-visible spectrophotometer and SEM analysis. These synthesized NPs were applied as nanofertilizers and their effect on the growth of the common plant Triticum aestivum L. was tested. An improvement in plant growth was achieved by the application of ZnO NPs mediated nanofertilizers. From this study, it can be concluded that ZnO NPs are a promising alternative for managing zinc deficiency in soil and increasing the plant productivity.
PENERAPAN METODE NAIVE BAYES UNTUK KLASIFIKASI KATEGORI OLAH PANGAN (STUDI KASUS DINAS KESEHATAN KOTA PALEMBANG)
Authors: Oktaviyani Ajeng , Heryati Agustina , Alie M. Fadhiel Alie
Published: June 2024

Dinas kesehatan merupakan bagian integral dari struktur pemerintahan yang memiliki tanggung jawab luas untuk mengelola berbagai aspek kesehatan, aktivitas pelayanan medis sehari-hari juga berperan dalam menjaga keseimbangan gizi yang sehat, yang tercermin dari makanan olahan yang baik dan berkualitas. Oleh karena itu perlu adanya pengelompokan dan pengklasifikasian pada  olahan pangan. Adapun permasalahan yang terdapat dalam penelitian ini yaitu adanya kesulitan yang dialami oleh Dinas Kesehatan Kota Palembang dalam menentukan klasifikasi produk olah pangan. Oleh karena itu, peneliti menggunakan metode Naive Bayes dan Software RapidMiner sebagai perangkat lunak pendukung dalam penelitian ini. Dalam penelitian ini, pada pengujian Accuracy di dapatkan hasil nilai yang sama antara perhitungan Rapidminer dan perhitungan manual Naive Bayes yaitu kelas positif 94,52%: Nabati, pada pengujian Precission terdapat perbedaan antara perhitungan RapidMiner dengan perhitungan Naive Bayes manual, pada perhitungan RapidMiner didapatkan hasil yang lebih besar yaitu 93,22% Kelas Positif: Nabati, sedangkan perhitungan Naive Bayes manual didapatkan nilai 78%. Nilai serupa juga diperoleh pada pengujian Recall dimana antara perhitungan Rapidminer dan perhitungan manual Naive Bayes, nilainya sama yaitu 100% Kelas positif: Nabati, pada pengujian F1 Score diperoleh nilai yang sama antara perhitungan Rapidminer dan perhitungan manual Naive Bayes yaitu 100%, dan pada pengujian Rapidminer Area Under The Curve (AUC) Hasil yang diperoleh adalah 0,973 (kelas positif: Nabati), dan tingginya akurasi kurva ROC/AUC memberikan kriteria “Excellent Clasification (klasifikasi yang sangat baik)”, sehingga penelitian ini nilai penggunaan bahan pangan nabati lebih mendominasi dibandingkan penggunaan bahan pangan hewani. Diharapkan hasil dari penelitian ini dapat membantu Dinas Kesehatan dalam mengklasifikasi kategori olah pangan.
 
Kata Kunci: Naive Bayes, Klasifikasi, Olah Pangan, Dinas Kesehatan Kota Palembang, Pengawasan Produk Pangan. Bahan Pangan, Hewani, Nabati.
Micro-CT Evaluation of the Remaining Endosequence BC Filling Materials and Dentinal Microcracks after Retreatment with D-Race and R-Endo Systems
Authors: Zincir Şenay Gül , Göker Kamalı Selin , Türkaydın Dilek , Keleş Ali
Published: June 2024

Objective: To analyze the remaining EndoSequence BC filling materials and microcrack using micro-computed tomography after retreatment with D-Race and R-Endo systems.
Methods: The canals of thirty mandibular single-rooted and single-canal premolar teeth were shaped and obturated with EndoSequence BC point and EndoSequence BC sealer. The samples were assigned into two groups and scanned with micro-computed tomography. Then, the canal filling materials were removed with D-Race and R-Endo systems. After all roots were re-scanned, all images were evaluated for the remaining EndoSequence BC filling materials and microcrack. Also, retreatment time was recorded.
Results: The remaining filling material in the R-Endo group was greater than the D-Race group. Both systems caused new cracks formation. However, no significant difference was noticed among them. The D-Race group needed significantly less time in comparison to the R-Endo group.
Conclusion: D-Race system was faster and more efficient compared with R-Endo system. D-Race and R-Endo files caused new cracks on the canal walls.
The correlation between serum levels of laminin, type IV collagen, type III procollagen N-terminal peptide and hyaluronic acid with the progression of post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Yu Dapeng , Yin Guangyue , Lei Jing , Gong Yijun , Zheng Liang , He Dahui , Lei Lihua , Sun Lei
Published: June 2024

COVID-19 patients often suffer from post-COVID-19 acute sequelae (PASC). Pulmonary fibrosis has the most significant long-term impact on the respiratory health of patients, known as post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis (PC19-PF). PC19-PF can be caused by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or COVID-19-induced pneumonia. Individuals who experience COVID-19 pneumonia symptoms (including cough, shortness of breath, dyspnea on exertion, and desaturation) for at least 12 weeks after diagnosis, almost all develop PC19-PF. Extracellular matrix molecules: laminin (LN), type IV collagen (IV Col), procollagen III N-terminal peptide (PIIINP), and hyaluronic acid (HA) are involved in the development and progression of PC19-PF. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the progression of PC19-PF and serum levels of laminin, IV COL, PIIINP, and hyaluronic acid. This retrospective study included 162 PC19-PF patients treated and 160 healthy controls who received treatment at Shenzhen Longgang District Third People’s Hospital, Hebei PetroChina Central Hospital and Changzhi People’s Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023. Serum levels of LN, IV COL, PIIINP, and HA were detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay using commercial kits. Predicted forced vital capacity percentage (FVC% pred), predicted carbon monoxide lung diffusion capacity percentage (DLCO% pred), high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scores were assessed, and patient mortality was compared with healthy controls. Serum levels of LN, IV Col, PIIINP, and HA were significantly higher in PC19-PF or CTD-ILD patients than in healthy controls (all p < 0.05), and they were further elevated in acute exacerbation cases (all p < 0.01). In patients, HA was positively associated with HRCT scores and negatively associated with FVC% pred and DLCO% pred (all p < 0.05). Serum levels of LN, IV COL, PIIINP, and HA were significantly lower in surviving patients than in those who deceased (all p > 0.05). Serum levels of LN, IV C, PIIINP, and HA may affect the progression of PC19-PF and may serve as indicators of PC19-PF severity.
Risk factors for cervical lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid cancer in elderly patients aged 65 and older
Authors: Zhang Yu , Ji Xiaoyu , Yang Zhou , Wang Yu
Published: June 2024

Objective

To assess the risk factors of cervical lymph node metastasis in elderly patients aged 65 years and older diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).

Design and method

In this retrospective analysis, we included a total of 328 elderly patients aged 65 years and older diagnosed with PTC. We thoroughly examined clinical features from these patients. Utilizing univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, we aimed to identify factors contributing to the risk of central and lateral lymph node metastasis (CLNM/LLNM) in this specific population of PTC patients aged 65 years and older.

Results

In the univariate analysis, CLNM was significantly associated with tumor size, multifocality, bilaterality, and microcalcification, while only tumor size ≥ 1cm (OR = 0.530, P = 0.019, 95% CI = 0.311 – 0.900) and multifocality (OR = 0.291, P < 0.001, 95% CI = 0.148 - 0.574) remained as risk factors in the multivariate analysis. LLNM was confirmed to be associated with male (OR = 0.454, P < 0.020, 95% CI = 0.233 - 0.884), tumor size ≥ 1cm (OR = 0.471, P = 0.030, 95% CI = 0.239 – 0.928), age ≥ 70 (OR = 0.489, P = 0.032, 95% CI = 0.254 – 0.941), and microcalcification (OR = 0.384, P = 0.008, 95% CI = 0.189 – 0.781) in the multivariate analysis. In elderly PTC patients with CLNM, male gender (OR = 0.350, P = 0.021, 95% CI = 0.143 – 0.855), age ≥ 70 (OR = 0.339, P = 0.015, 95% CI = 0.142 – 0.810), and bilaterality (OR = 0.320, P = 0.012, 95% CI = 0.131 – 0.779) were closely associated with concomitant LLNM in both univariate and multivariate analyses.

Conclusion

For elderly PTC patients aged 65 and older, tumor size ≥ 1cm and multifocality are significant risk factors for CLNM. Meanwhile, male, tumor size ≥ 1cm, age ≥ 70, and microcalcification are crucial predictors for LLNM. In patients already diagnosed with CLNM, male, age ≥ 70, and bilaterality increase the risk of LLNM.
Knowing the lay of the land: changes to land use and cover and landscape pattern in village tank cascade systems of Sri Lanka
Authors: Ratnayake Sujith S. , Reid Michael , Larder Nicolette , Hunter Danny , Ranagalage Manjula , Kogo Benjamin , Dharmasena Punchi B. , Kariyawasam Champika S.
Published: June 2024

Social-ecological systems (SESs) possess a great diversity of land use and land cover (LULC) types with unique assemblages of biodiversity and ecosystem services. However, LULC changes due to landscape fragmentation are emerging as major threats to the system productivity of SESs around the world. This study examined changes to LULC extent and landscape patterns in the Village Tank Cascade Systems (VTCSs) of Sri Lanka using satellite imagery and GIS techniques between 1994 and 2021. Multispectral Landsat images (5 TM and 8 OLI/TIRS) obtained from Google Earth Engine were classified using machine learning algorithms. Overall accuracies obtained were 85.9% (1994) and 88.6% (2021). The LULC change matrix and spatial pattern metrics were used to examine LULC and landscape pattern change dynamics over the VTCS landscapes. LULC change matrix results revealed that forest, which is the dominant LULC class covering 73.7% of the total land area was reduced by 206,725 ha due to transformation into agricultural (70.43%) and scrub (24.33%) lands between 1994 and 2021. Over this time landscape pattern of the VTCS has gradually changed from forest to agricultural land-dominated landscape, with forest and agricultural land types showing a significant negative correlation (p < 0.001; R2 > 0.868), particularly in the southeastern region. Landscape patterns were analysed based on eight spatial metrics calculated at both the landscape and class levels using FRAGSTATS spatial pattern analysis software. At the landscape level, the structure became more dispersed and complex in shape. Heterogeneity was noted to have gradually increased with weakening connectivity, whereas the fragmentation process had gradually accelerated. At the class level, the dominance of forest patches decreased, fragmentation and isolation increased, and connectivity and shape complexity reduced leading to the loss of fragmented forest habitats. The number of patches within the agricultural class increased and became more aggregated and complex in shape. Landscape performance indicators show that VTCSs have experienced a gradual loss of environmental sustainability. Assessment of LULC along with fragmentation can help to monitor the spatial pattern impacts that determine ecological integrity. Thus, the study provides scientific guidance for ecological restoration in degraded VTCSs to effectively improve ecological productivity.
N6-methyladenosine methylation analysis of circRNAs in acquired middle ear cholesteatoma
Authors: He Jun , Mahmoudi Ahmad , Yao Jacqueline , Yuan Qiulin , Fu Jinfeng , Liu Wei
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Middle ear cholesteatoma is a chronic middle ear disease characterized by severe hearing loss and adjacent bone erosion, resulting in numerous complications. This study sought to identify pathways involved in N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of circRNA in middle ear cholesteatoma.

Methods

A m6A circRNA epitranscriptomic microarray analysis was performed in middle ear cholesteatoma tissues (n = 5) and normal post-auricular skin samples (n = 5). Bioinformatics analyses subsequently explored the biological functions (Gene Ontology, GO) and signaling pathways (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, KEGG) underlying middle ear cholesteatoma pathogenesis. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation qPCR (MeRIP-qPCR) was performed to verify the presence of circRNAs with m6A modifications in middle ear cholesteatoma and normal skin samples.

Results

Microarray analysis identified 3,755 circRNAs as significantly differentially modified by m6A methylation in middle ear cholesteatoma compared with the normal post-auricular skin. Among these, 3,742 were hypermethylated (FC ≥ 2, FDR < 0.05) and 13 were hypomethylated (FC ≤ 1/2, FDR < 0.05). GO analysis terms with the highest enrichment score were localization, cytoplasm, and ATP-dependent activity for biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions respectively. Of the eight hypermethylated circRNA pathways, RNA degradation pathway has the highest enrichment score. Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway was hypomethylated. To validate the microarray analysis, we conducted MeRIP-qPCR to assess the methylation levels of five specific m6A-modified circRNAs: hsa_circRNA_061554, hsa_circRNA_001454, hsa_circRNA_031526, hsa_circRNA_100833, and hsa_circRNA_022382. The validation was highly consistent with the findings from the microarray analysis.

Conclusion

Our study firstly presents m6A modification patterns of circRNAs in middle ear cholesteatoma. This finding suggests a direction for circRNA m6A modification research in the etiology of cholesteatoma and provides potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of middle ear cholesteatoma.
MEK-inhibitor treatment reduces the induction of regulatory T cells in mice after influenza A virus infection
Authors: Koch-Heier Julia , Vogel Annette B. , Füll Yvonne , Ebensperger Marina , Schönsiegel Annika , Zinser Raphael S. , Planz Oliver
Published: June 2024

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a crucial and complex role in balancing the immune response to viral infection. Primarily, they serve to regulate the immune response by limiting the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, reducing inflammation in infected tissue, and limiting virus-specific T cell responses. But excessive activity of Tregs can also be detrimental and hinder the ability to effectively clear viral infection, leading to prolonged disease and potential worsening of disease severity. Not much is known about the impact of Tregs during severe influenza. In the present study, we show that CD4+/CD25+FoxP3+ Tregs are strongly involved in disease progression during influenza A virus (IAV) infection in mice. By comparing sublethal with lethal dose infection in vivo, we found that not the viral load but an increased number of CD4+/CD25+FoxP3+ Tregs may impair the immune response by suppressing virus specific CD8+ T cells and favors disease progression. Moreover, the transfer of induced Tregs into mice with mild disease symptoms had a negative and prolonged effect on disease outcome, emphasizing their importance for pathogenesis. Furthermore, treatment with MEK-inhibitors resulted in a significant reduction of induced Tregs in vitro and in vivo and positively influenced the progression of the disease. Our results demonstrate that CD4+/CD25+FoxP3+ Tregs are involved in the pathogenesis of severe influenza and indicate the potential of the MEK-inhibitor zapnometinib to modulate CD4+/CD25+FoxP3+ Tregs. Thus, making MEK-inhibitors even more promising for the treatment of severe influenza virus infections.
Circulating immune and plasma biomarkers of time to HIV rebound in HIV controllers treated with vesatolimod
Authors: Abdel-Mohsen Mohamed , Deeks Steven , Giron Leila , Hong Kai Ying , Goldman Aaron , Zhang Liao , Huang Susie S. Y. , Verrill Donovan , Guo Susan , Selzer Lisa , de Vries Christiaan R. , Vendrame Elena , SenGupta Devi , Wallin Jeffrey J. , Cai Yanhui
Published: June 2024

Background

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV-1 treatment has improved lifespan but requires lifelong adherence for people living with HIV (PLWH), highlighting the need for a cure. Evaluation of potential cure strategies requires analytic treatment interruption (ATI) with close monitoring of viral rebound. Predictive biomarkers for HIV-1 rebound and/or duration of control during ATI will facilitate these HIV cure trials while minimizing risks. Available evidence suggests that host immune, glycomic, lipid, and metabolic markers of inflammation may be associated with HIV-1 persistence in PLWH who are treated during chronic HIV-1 infection.

Methods

We conducted post-hoc analysis of HIV controllers who could maintain low levels of plasma HIV-1 without ART in a phase 1b vesatolimod trial. Baseline and pre-ATI levels of immune, glycomic, lipidomic, and metabolomic markers were tested for association with ATI outcomes (time of HIV-1 rebound to 200 copies/mL and 1,000 copies/mL, duration of HIV-1 RNA ≤400 copies/mL and change in intact proviral HIV-1 DNA during ATI) using Spearman’s correlation and Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Higher levels of CD69+CD8+ T-cells were consistently associated with shorter time to HIV-1 rebound at baseline and pre-ATI. With few exceptions, baseline fucosylated, non-galactosylated, non-sialylated, bisecting IgG N-glycans were associated with shorter time to HIV rebound and duration of control as with previous studies. Baseline plasma MPA and HPA binding glycans and non-galactosylated/non-sialylated glycans were associated with longer time to HIV rebound, while baseline multiply-galactosylated glycans and sialylated glycans, GNA-binding glycans, NPA-binding glycans, WGA-binding glycans, and bisecting GlcNAc glycans were associated with shorter time to HIV rebound and duration of control. Fourteen bioactive lipids had significant baseline associations with longer time to rebound and duration of control, and larger intact proviral HIV-1 DNA changes; additionally, three baseline bioactive lipids were associated with shorter time to first rebound and duration of control.

Conclusion

Consistent with studies in HIV non-controllers, proinflammatory glycans, lipids, and metabolites were generally associated with shorter duration of HIV-1 control. Notable differences were observed between HIV controllers vs. non-controllers in some specific markers. For the first time, exploratory biomarkers of ATI viral outcomes in HIV-controllers were investigated but require further validation.
Decoding immune-related gene-signatures in colorectal neoplasia
Authors: Omran Thura Akrem , Tunsjø Hege Smith , Jahanlu David , Brackmann Stephan Andreas , Bemanian Vahid , Sæther Per Christian
Published: June 2024

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant health issue, with notable incidence rates in Norway. The immune response plays a dual role in CRC, offering both protective effects and promoting tumor growth. This research aims to provide a detailed screening of immune-related genes and identify specific genes in CRC and adenomatous polyps within the Norwegian population, potentially serving as detection biomarkers.

Methods

The study involved 69 patients (228 biopsies) undergoing colonoscopy, divided into CRC, adenomatous polyps, and control groups. We examined the expression of 579 immune genes through nCounter analysis emphasizing differential expression in tumor versus adjacent non-tumorous tissue and performed quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) across patient categories.

Results

Key findings include the elevated expression of CXCL1, CXCL2, IL1B, IL6, CXCL8 (IL8), PTGS2, and SPP1 in CRC tissues. Additionally, CXCL1, CXCL2, IL6, CXCL8, and PTGS2 showed significant expression changes in adenomatous polyps, suggesting their early involvement in carcinogenesis.

Conclusions

This study uncovers a distinctive immunological signature in colorectal neoplasia among Norwegians, highlighting CXCL1, CXCL2, IL1B, IL6, CXCL8, PTGS2, and SPP1 as potential CRC biomarkers. These findings warrant further research to confirm their role and explore their utility in non-invasive screening strategies.
The energy content and demographic composition of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) swarms in East Antarctica
Authors: Cataldo-Mendez Camila , Kawaguchi So , Cox Martin J. , Melvin Jessica , Rae Victor , Swadling Kerrie M.
Published: June 2024

Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) aggregations are important in the Southern Ocean ecosystem; however, the amount of energy that krill swarms contain is unknown. We assessed the population structure of E. superba swarms in East Antarctica for two different sectors corresponding to the study areas of the ENRICH (2019) and TEMPO (2021) voyages. We also estimated swarm energy content based on calorific values for whole animals and key tissues (gonads, digestive gland, and muscle). A relationship between the energy content of muscle and gonads in gravid and adult females was detected: The higher the energy content in muscle tissue, the lower the energy content in the gonad tissue. This relationship was consistent for different female maturity stages, suggesting a trade-off in energy allocation between somatic growth and reproduction. Females will redirect energy to gonad development at the expense of somatic growth. Total swarm energy was calculated using the volumetric density of each swarm estimated from an acoustic survey. Four swarm types (A-D) were determined based on the body length and maturity stage of the individuals. The highest energy contents were found in Type B swarms, composed predominantly of adult males and females, and Type D swarms, comprising mostly gravid females. Trends in swarm demographic composition and energy content were consistent between surveys. We recommend swarm energy be incorporated into ecosystem models to represent energy transfer to top predators.
Changes in the rumen development, rumen fermentation, and rumen microbiota community in weaned calves during steviol glycosides treatment
Authors: Wang Kexin , Jiang Maocheng , Chen Yuhang , Huang Yuncheng , Cheng Zhiqiang , Datsomor Osmond , Jama Shakib Mohamed , Zhu Liping , Li Yajing , Zhao Guoqi , Lin Miao
Published: June 2024

Early weaning leads to weaning stress in calves, which hinders healthy growth and development. As an excellent sweetener applied in food, steviol glycosides (STE) has also been shown to exhibit positive biological activity in monogastric animals. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of incorporating STE as a dietary supplement on rumen development, fermentation, and microbiota of rumen in weaned calves. This study selected 24 healthy Holstein bull calves and randomly allocated them into two groups (CON and STE). The results indicated that supplementation STE group improved rumen development in weaned calves, as demonstrated by a marked increase in the weight of the rumen, as well as the length and surface area of the rumen papilla. Compared with the CON group, the concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), propionate, butyrate, and valerate were higher in the STE group. Moreover, STE treatment increased the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria at the phylum level. At the genus level, the STE group showed a significantly increased relative abundance of Succiniclasticum, Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group, and Olsenella, and a decreased relative abundance of Acinetobacter compared to the CON group. Pusillimonas, Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group, Olsenella, and Succiniclasticum were significantly enriched in rumen chyme after supplementation with STE, as demonstrated by LEfSe analysis. Overall, our findings revealed that rumen bacterial communities altered in response to the dietary supplementation with STE, and some bacterial taxa in these communities may have positive effects on rumen development during this period.
Barley farmland harbors a highly homogeneous soil bacterial community compared to wild ecosystems in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau
Authors: Wang Xiaolin , Yang Yibin , Nan Qiong , Guo Jian-Wei , Tan Zhiyuan , Shao Xiaoming , Tian Changfu
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Understanding patterns and processes of microbial biogeography in soils is important for monitoring ecological responses to human activities, particularly in ecologically vulnerable areas such as the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Highland barley is the staple food of local people and has mainly been cultivated along the Yarlung Zangbo River valley in Xizang.

Methods

Here we investigated soil bacterial communities from 33 sampling sites of highland barley farmland in this region and compared them to those from wild ecosystems including alpine tundra, meadow, forest, and swamp. Additionally, the effects of environmental factors on bacterial communities, as well as the relative importance of stochastic and deterministic processes in shaping the beta diversity of soil bacterial communities in alpine ecosystems were assessed.

Results

In contrast to soils of wild ecosystems, these farmland samples harbored a highly homogeneous bacterial community without significant correlations with geographic, elevation, and edaphic distances. Discriminant bacterial taxa identified for farmland samples belong to Acidobacteria, with Acidobacteria Gp4 as the dominant clade. Although Acidobacteria were the most abundant members in all ecosystems, characterized bacterial taxa of meadow and forest were members of other phyla such as Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia. pH and organic matter were major edaphic attributes shaping these observed patterns across ecosystems. Null model analyses revealed that the deterministic assembly was dominant in bacterial communities in highland barley farmland and tundra soils, whereas stochastic assembly also contributed a large fraction to the assembly of bacterial communities in forest, meadow and swamp soils.

Discussion

These findings provide an insight into the consequences of human activities and agricultural intensification on taxonomic homogenization of soil bacterial communities in the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau.
Peripheral mast cells derive the effects of acupuncture in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Oh Ju-Young , Bae Sun-Jeong , Ji Jeong-Yeon , Hwang Tae-Yeon , Ji Suhwan , Park Ji-Yeun , Kim Seung-Nam , Ryu Yeonhee , Nam Min-Ho , Park Hi-Joon
Published: June 2024

This research investigates the peripheral mechanisms of acupuncture in treating Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by motor impairments. While the central mechanisms of acupuncture have been extensively studied, our focus lies in the peripheral mechanisms at the acupoints, the sites of acupuncture signal initiation. Employing a PD model, we analyzed the local responses to acupuncture stimulation at these points. Our key finding was a significant elevation in both the number and activity of mast cells (MCs) in the peripheral tissues following acupuncture. Intriguingly, pre-treatment with an MC stabilizer diminished the acupuncture’s therapeutic effects on PD symptoms. Similarly, local anesthesia with lidocaine at the acupoints attenuated the symptom improvement typically observed with acupuncture. Meanwhile, the augmentation of MC activity induced by acupuncture was significantly impeded by cromolyn, an MC stabilizer, but remained unaffected by lidocaine. This finding suggests that MC activity is a more upstream regulator of acupuncture effects compared to nerve conduction. This study provides groundbreaking insights into the initiation and transmission of acupuncture signals, highlighting the significant role of peripheral MC modulation in PD treatment.
Aberrant decision-making as a risk factor for falls in aging
Authors: Jain Shreya , Schweighofer Nicolas , Finley James M.
Published: June 2024

Neuromotor impairments resulting from natural aging and aging-related diseases are often accompanied by a heightened prevalence of falls and fall-related injuries. Conventionally, the study of factors contributing to falls focuses on intrinsic characteristics, such as sensorimotor processing delays and weakness, and extrinsic factors, such as environmental obstacles. However, the impact of these factors only becomes evident in response to people’s decisions about how and where they will move in their environment. This decision-making process can be considered a behavioral risk factor, and it influences the extent to which a person engages in activities that place them near the limits of their capacity. While there are readily available tools for assessing intrinsic and extrinsic fall risk, our understanding of how to assess behavioral risk is limited. Measuring behavioral risk requires a systematic assessment of how people make decisions when walking in complex environments and how these decisions relate to their functional capacity. We propose that experimental methods and computational models derived from behavioral economics can stimulate the development of such assessments. Behavioral economics relies on theoretical models and empirical studies to characterize the factors that influence how people make decisions under risky conditions where a given decision can have variable outcomes. Applying a behavioral economic approach to walking can provide insight into how internal assessment of one’s fall risk influences the tasks that one is willing to perform. Ultimately, these assessments will allow us to identify people who make choices that increase their likelihood of fall-related injuries.