bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collaborative Governance in the Development of Likupang Super Priority Tourism Destination in North Sulawesi Province
Authors: Luntungan Evelyn Cicilya
Published: May 2024

This qualitative descriptive study investigates collaborative governance in the development of the Super Priority Tourism Destination (DPSP) Likupang, Indonesia, identifying factors that either support or hinder its effectiveness and efficiency. Indonesia's tourism sector, enriched by its diverse natural and cultural assets, contributes significantly to the economy through revenue, employment, and cultural promotion. However, the governance of DPSP Likupang's development has been inadequate, leading to underperformance in realizing the area's full potential. The research highlights that while the advancement of communication technologies and the collaborative culture of North Minahasa are supportive, significant barriers such as limited resources, insufficient cross-sectoral communication, and low political commitment obstruct progress. To address these challenges, the study proposes the Collaborative Governance Regime Integrated Driver Model, an adaptation of the CGR model by Emerson, Nabatchi, and Balogh (2012). This new model integrates local cultural values and political dynamics into the governance process, enhancing collaborative efforts and potentially leading to more effective development outcomes. This model is specifically tailored to overcome the unique challenges faced by DPSP Likupang, suggesting that integrating cultural insights and strengthening political will are crucial for improving governance and achieving sustainable development in tourism-heavy regions like North Minahasa. The findings and recommendations of this study are intended to guide policymakers and stakeholders in optimizing governance frameworks to better support the strategic growth of tourism destinations.
Preferences and Travel Motivations of Pink Tourists Among Filipinos
Authors: Mary Christine E. De Luna  , Rachelyn Ruth L. Santiago  , Irvin N. Villaceran
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this study was to determine the preferences and driving forces behind LGBT, or pink, tourism. LGBT tourism is referred to as "pink tourism." (Greenberg, Peter (2007). This abbreviation, which stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, is frequently used to refer to the LGBT community. The motivations behind Pink Tourists' travel choices will be examined in this study. The research was split up into four sections: Phase 1 dealt with determining the demographic profile of the correspondents in terms of sexual orientation/gender, age, status, income, travel frequency, travel companion, and accommodation preference. Phase 2 focused on factors in choosing a travel destination among pink tourists, Phase 3 on perceiving the importance of motivation when considering travel, and Phase 4 on identifying the importance of factors when selecting a travel destination. For this study, fifty correspondents were chosen to take part.  We used the Research Paradigm as the process of the study to able to get the results of the feedback and get a necessary adjustment.Purposive sampling was employed to select the participating correspondents. The findings indicated that the majority of Pink tourists—who are primarily bisexual—discovered they belong to the LGBTQ community between the ages of 21 and 25.  BPO businesses tend to employ members of the LGBTQ community due to their anti-discrimination policies. Many of them made the decision to remain unmarried in order to travel with their buddies. LGBTQ people wish to travel twice a year for leisure, enjoyment, vacation, and to experience life; if they feel safe, accepted, and treated equally, they will remain for less than a week. These days, people plan their trips one to three months in advance by booking their journeys online.  They also enjoy traveling for enjoyment and entertainment.  When traveling, Pink Tourism prefers to go with friends since it makes them feel more at ease and allows them to express their actual gender identity. Here are our suggestions based on the findings of our investigation: LGBTQ people should be permitted to use restrooms according to their gender identity and comfort level in restaurants, hotels, and other establishments. In addition, hotels ought to offer family rooms, which may accommodate a sizable gathering, in the event that a guest house or full house is unavailable at a specific location. Finally, LGBTQ-friendly events and activities should be added to destinations so that people may enjoy their trip, unwind, and meet new people more comfortably.
Conocimiento del riesgo cardiovascular y consumo de sal/sodio en estudiantes de ciencias de la salud
Authors: Valderrama-Rios Olga Giovanna , Aguayo-Cabana Anabel Roxana , Hiyo-Huapaya Eva Patricia , Riojas-Yance Zora María de Los Ángeles , Becerra-Medina Luci Tani , Salazar-Rojas Judit , Ponte-Valverde Segundo Ignacio , Reyes-Narvaez Silvia Elizabet
Published: May 2024

Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre el nivel de conocimiento del riesgo cardiovascular y la ingesta de sal/sodio en alumnos de ciencias de la salud. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, correlacional y transversal en una muestra de 288 alumnos de enfermería de una universidad privada en el distrito de Los Olivos, en Lima. Los datos se recolectaron a través de dos encuestas autoaplicables: una para evaluar el conocimiento sobre los factores de riesgo cardiovascular denominada CARRIF-BD y otra sobre la frecuencia de consumo de alimentos ricos en sodio, ambas administradas mediante Google Forms. Se empleó la correlación tau-b de Kendall para examinar la relación entre el consumo de sodio y el conocimiento del riesgo cardiovascular, considerando un p-valor <0.05 como significativo. Resultados: Un 40,6 % de los estudiantes presentó un consumo de sal categorizado como alto, indicando una tendencia al elevado consumo de sal en sus dietas. El 35,8 % se ubicó en un nivel medio, mientras que el 23,6 % mostró un bajo consumo de sal. Se observó una correlación inversa significativa entre el nivel de conocimiento sobre riesgos cardiovasculares y el consumo de sal (Tau – b = -0,220, p < .05), sugiriendo que un mayor conocimiento se asocia con un menor consumo de sal. Conclusiones: El estudio revela que un mayor conocimiento sobre riesgos cardiovasculares conlleva un menor consumo de sal en estudiantes de enfermería, subrayando el papel crucial de la educación en la modificación de hábitos alimenticios hacia prácticas más saludables.
Van Organize Sanayi Bölgesi çevresindeki topraklarda ağır metal kirliliğinin araştırılması
Authors: Dilbilir Güler , Gülser Füsun
Published: May 2024

Bu çalışmada Van Organize Sanayi Bölgesi (OSB) çevresindeki topraklarda endüstri kaynaklı ağır metal birikiminin araştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Sanayi bölgesinin kuzey, güney ve doğu yönlerinden, her bir yönde 6 farklı örnekleme noktası belirlenmiştir. Her bir örnekleme noktasında, sanayi bölgesine 0.2 km, 1.0 km ve 2.0 km uzaklıkta olmak üzere üç farklı pozisyonda toplam 54 adet (18 örnekleme noktası x3 örnekleme pozisyonu) toprak örneği 0-20 cm derinlikten alınmıştır. Her bir örnekleme noktasının GPS ile koordinatları kaydedilmiştir. Toprak örneklerinin ağır metal içerikleri yaş yakma yöntemi ile belirlenmiştir. Toprak örneklerinde en yüksek As ve Mo konsantrasyonları sanayi bölgesinden 0.2 km mesafede sırasıyla 2.74 ppm ve 1.14 ppm olarak, en yüksek Cr, Zn, Fe ve Ni konsantrasyonları sanayi bölgesine 1.0 km mesafede sırasıyla 89.33 ppm, 37.11 ppm, % 2.32, 93.15 ppm olarak ve en yüksek Pb, Cu ve Co konsantrasyonları sanayi bölgesine 2.0 km mesafede sırasıyla 3.59 ppm, 10.16 ppm ve 10.18 ppm olarak elde edilmiştir. Genel olarak sanayi bölgesine olan mesafe artarken toprak örneklerindeki ağır metal içeriklerinin azaldığı belirlenmiştir.
A importância da enfermagem no acompanhamento da criança vítima de violência sexual
Authors: Costa Thalisse Caldas , Pereira Pabloena da Silva
Published: May 2024

Introdução: Este estudo concentra-se na vital importância da enfermagem no acompanhamento de crianças vítimas de violência sexual. Em um contexto ético, legal e psicossocial desafiador, a pesquisa destaca a necessidade de uma abordagem interdisciplinar para assegurar um cuidado completo e efetivo. Objetivos: O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar a proposição de estratégias específicas para aprimorar a atuação dos profissionais, destacando sensibilidade e empatia essenciais ao lidar com essa realidade delicada. Metodologia: abrange uma revisão bibliográfica abrangente e análise de casos, fundamentando a compreensão dos desafios enfrentados na assistência a essas crianças. Resultados: Os estudos revelaram uma predominância de abordagens qualitativas, com cerca de 70% dos estudos descritivos e 30% divididos entre estudos transversais e quantitativos. Destacou-se o papel essencial da enfermagem no acompanhamento de crianças vítimas de violência sexual, enfatizando a importância da identificação precoce, da abordagem sensível e do trabalho interdisciplinar para garantir a recuperação física e emocional das vítimas. Conclusões: Ressaltam a urgência de cuidados especializados e a necessidade de conscientização sobre a vulnerabilidade infantil diante da violência sexual. Este trabalho contribui ao promover uma abordagem compassiva e inovadora, destacando a enfermagem como peça fundamental nesse cenário sensível. Assim, a pesquisa visa sensibilizar para a importância do papel da enfermagem no contexto da violência sexual infantil, visando à promoção de intervenções eficazes e centradas na criança.
Aplicación de la cirugía mínimamente invasiva en procedimientos de extracciones dentales: Evaluación de efectividad y ventajas, revisión de literatura
Authors: León Sánchez David Alejandro , Fernández Ochoa Juan Sebastián , Pineda Álvarez David Manuel
Published: May 2024

Objetivo: Explorar el desarrollo y la aplicación de la cirugía oral mínimamente invasiva (CMI) como una disciplina que busca reducir el trauma y mejorar la eficiencia en los procedimientos quirúrgicos dentales. Comienza presentando el contexto histórico, donde se destaca el uso de la tomografía computarizada y el software de planificación para la cirugía guiada. Luego, define la CMI y resalta sus ventajas sobre la cirugía tradicional, como tiempos de recuperación más cortos y menor morbilidad. Materiales y Métodos: Búsqueda y selección de literatura relevante, centrándose en revisiones sistemáticas, informes de casos y ensayos clínicos controlados aleatorizados. Se identificaron 30 artículos que cumplían con los criterios de inclusión (MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Sopes y Google Schoolar). Resultados: Destacan las diversas técnicas y tecnologías utilizadas en la CMI, como la planificación preoperatoria en 3D, la cirugía guiada por computadora, el uso de tomografía computarizada de haz cónico (CBCT) y el análisis de imágenes asistido por inteligencia artificial (IA). Además, se mencionan técnicas intraoperatorias específicas, como la piezocirugía y la extracción vertical por acción de poleas, además de la importancia de la planificación preoperatoria, el papel de la tecnología en la mejora de los procedimientos quirúrgicos y los beneficios de las técnicas mínimamente invasivas en términos de éxito del procedimiento y recuperación del paciente.
Benefícios da prática regular da atividade física no tratamento da depressão: Uma revisão narrativa da literatura
Authors: Oliveira Victor Alves de , Gomes Luma Meireles Dias , Freitas Pedro Henrique Carvalho , Silva Rafael Queiroz , Ferreira Juliana Barros
Published: May 2024

A depressão na atualidade é considera o mal do século, são diversos fatores e mecanismos para o desenvolvimento, manutenção e progressão desta doença psiquiátrica crônica. Devido ao seu crescimento exponencial nos ultimos anos, principalmente após a pandemia de COVID 19, houve um aumento significativo nos estudos e formulação de novas técnicas e habilidades famacológicas e não famacológicas para o enfrentamento da depressão, como é o caso da promoção da atividade física como forma preventiva e terapêutica. Desta forma, o presente estudou objetivou investigar os benefícios da prática regular de atividades físicas no tratamento de indivíduos diagnosticados com depressão. Como percurso metodológico foi realizado uma revisão narrativa de literatura, com busca nas bases de dado Scielo, Pubmed e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, foram selecionados 12 artigos nos idiomas inglês e português nos últimos 5 anos, de 2020 à 2024. Em conclusão a atividade física demonstrou uma gama de benefícios para os indivíduos que lidam com a depressão. Além dos efeitos diretos sobre os neurotransmissores associados ao humor, como serotonina, dopamina e noradrenalina, os exercícios também estimulam a neurogênese no hipocampo, parte do cérebro responsável pelo processamento emocional, promove melhoria do sono por regulação do ciclo sono-vigília, reduz o isolamneto social e melhora o bem estar social pois proporciona engajamento e sensação de pertencimento.
A influência da disbiose intestinal no envelhecimento cutâneo
Authors: Chaves Raquel Sandes Souza , Barbosa Carla Bispo , Almeida Simone Gonçalves de
Published: May 2024

Uma microbiota em equilíbrio atua ativamente em favor da homeostase do hospedeiro, contribuindo para sua saúde.  A disbiose intestinal é um desequilíbrio entre os filos (patogênicos e não patogênicos) existentes na microbiota intestinal, que tem como fator inicial o desgaste da mucosa intestinal e o rompimento das junções intestinais acarretando uma disfunção na absorção de substâncias no lúmen intestinal. A disbiose acentua o processo de envelhecimento acarretando diversos distúrbios em todo o corpo, incluindo o tecido tegumentar.  Objetivo: avaliar a influência da disbiose intestinal no processo de envelhecimento cutâneo. Metodologia: Será feita uma revisão bibliográfica selecionado artigos (2003-2024) nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol. As bases de dados pesquisadas serão SCIELO, PubMed, Periódicos da CAPES, LILACS e MEDLINE. Discussão: diversos estudos apoiam a ligação entre um estado de disbiose intestinal e diversos tipos de doenças inflamatórias. Manter uma dieta equilibrada e com uma boa variedade de fibras, além do consumo de probióticos, simbióticos e posbióticos parece ser uma alternativa viável afim de melhorar a condição de disbiose e reestabelecer a homeostase da mucosa intestinal. Considerações finais: a exposição humana a maus hábitos de alimentares, associado a fatores genéticos, há a ativação do inflamossoma gerando diversos prejuízos a saúde e o nutricionista tem papel fundamental para o retorno da homeostase outrora perdida.
PENGGUNAAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN INTERAKTIF DALAM MENINGKATKAN KEAKTIFAN SISWA
Authors: Isnaeni Muflihatul , Hasibuan Akmal Rizki Gunawan , Ghofur Abdul
Published: May 2024

The aim of this service is to make the children of TPA Nurul Karomah Ridogalih more active and understand Islamic religious lessons, especially the sirah nabawiyah of Muhammad SAW. namely the last Prophet of Islam. The research method was carried out in three stages, namely the first stageconducting surveys and observations regarding place and time, carrying out permits and interviews with the TPA administrators as well as making powerpoints and preparing Islamic films about sirah nabawiyah Muhammad SAW, then the next stagecarry out planned activities in the form of showing Islamic films togetherand the final stageprovide conclusions, appreciation and document activities that have been carried out as a form of report on activities. The result of this community service is that children become more enthusiastic, active and understand the latest learning media (interactive). Where this is also an idea for teachers when teaching ngaji so that TPA Nurul Karomah Ridogalih children do not get bored in learning. So there needs to be special attention from the government regarding learning facilities and infrastructure, in order to support teaching and learning activities for children and teachers
PENTINGNYA LITERASI SYARIAH DALAM MENYELARASKAN KEUANGAN KELUARGA DI DESA MEDALKRISNA
Authors: Tias Elsa Ayuning , Rahmawati Rafika , Mardiah Siti , Khoiriyah Ummi
Published: May 2024

It is difficult for some communities to obtain corporate funding under these conditions, due to a lack of financial literacy and uneven distribution of financial institutions. In addition, the low level of literacy and understanding of the community contributes to the community's decision to borrow money from Bank Emok. The community service team used the community education method in conducting education or socialization to residents of Medalkrisna Village, Bojongmangu Subdistrict in an effort to improve communication on the importance of Sharia literacy in harmonizing family finances. The results of community service to the local community show that the community understands more about financial literacy and understands the dangers of Bank Emok so that the local community is interested in switching to using Sharia Banks.
GERAKAN INVESTASI SYARIAH DALAM PERENCANAAN KEUANGAN BAGI MASYARAKAT DESA KARANG INDAH
Authors: Rizqiyah Talida Silmi , Isfandayani Isfandayani , Fahlevi Rizal , Widyananto Arief , Isnandar Fajri Ryan
Published: May 2024

This community service aims to increase the understanding and participation of the people of Karang Indah Village, Bojongmangu District, Bekasi Regency in making sharia investments to improve the economic welfare of the village community. The problem encountered is that there are still many people in Karang Indah Village who do not understand how to manage finances properly, this causes many people to be trapped in a circle of poverty and difficulties in achieving economic welfare. To overcome this, the service team carried out a community service movement by holding a sharia investment socialization program to increase financial literacy in the community and provide education on how to manage finances effectively and efficiently. The service method uses socialization and assistance to the community in using the Bibit application to make it easier for people to invest. The results of the community service activities showed that this program was successful as seen from the enthusiasm of the community service participants who managed to understand and increase literacy on how to manage finances in investing through the Bibit application
SOSIALISASI BATAS USIA NIKAH SEBAGAI UPAYA PENCEGAHAN STUNTING
Authors: Sari Widya , Supriyanto Agus
Published: May 2024

The requirement of baligh or sufficient age in marriage is very important because from existing cases, many marriages are carried out by early childhood or those who are not old enough are very risky. The age of first marriage is one of the important factors that affect fertility and will end in the growth and development of children who fail or are called stunted. The purpose of community service is to reduce the high stunting rate of 17.8 in Bekasi Regency, one of which is Medalkrisna Village, Bojongmangu District. The target of community service participants is adolescents in Medalkrisna Village who are feared to be perpetrators of early marriage with the implementation method, namely community education in the form of socialization. With this service, it is hoped that the community can increase understanding regarding the negative impact of early marriage and prevent stunting. The results of the program show that this socialization activity went well and was successful in increasing knowledge related to the impact of early marriage based on an increase in the percentage of high categories in the post test.
Exploring leadership on Instagram: A visual model for online leadership analysis
Authors: Martini Michele
Published: May 2024

Online visual communication is becoming an established and central component of citizens’ everyday life. User activity on large-scale platforms, such as Instagram, can be mapped by tracing the rise and fall of communities of practice that share different visual languages, aesthetic values and forms of leadership. Accordingly, the present study proposes an analytical model for the identification, measurement, and categorization of leadership on visual-based social networks, by asking: how does the digital performance of leaders on Instagram construct different forms of leadership? To answer this question, the Leadership Visual Performance Model (LVPM) will be presented as a theoretical tool to analyze and compare leadership performance on Social Networking Systems. While previous models mostly employed theme-based coding, this analytical tool relies on a set of structural indicators that enable a higher level of comparability across domains. To demonstrate, the LVPM will be employed to investigate the Instagram activity of Jeremy Corbyn and Boris Johnson during the 2019 UK General Election. Findings show how the LVPM indicators enable us to highlight differences in leadership style, compare them and employ them to build a typology.
Dwelling as method: Lingering in/with feminist curated data sets on Instagram
Authors: Wiens Brianna I. , MacDonald Shana
Published: May 2024

This article proposes and delineates “digital dwelling” as one method of grappling with a central methodological challenge that we, as feminist researchers, face of how researchers might account for the multiple entanglements of affect, history, culture, politics, and resistance within feminist digital media artifacts. Using our method of digital dwelling, we analyze three sets of carousel posts on Instagram from three different accounts: Intersectional Environmentalist Collective, For the Wild, and Richa Kaul Padte. We explore how the inter, para, and meta-textual arguments curated through these carousel posts change the ways audiences relate to one another and to the current political moment, and how audiences, including individual researchers, are situated in affective and embodied ways within the research scene. By demarcating small, embodied data curation as a key space of method and analysis, we suggest that the personal relationships we develop in community as researchers with located acts of transgression, like these posts, are significant to consider more fully through their emergent intertextualities, especially for those invested in contemporary social media, protest, and visual cultures.
Do Economic and Identity Cleavages Account For the Differences Between Left and Right Populism? Hungary, Venezuela, and the United States
Authors: Lightcap Tracy
Published: May 2024

Left and right wing populism are widely used concepts, but lack a developed theoretical framework. In this paper I describe a new model of right and left wing populism based on economic and identity cleavages developed by Mukand and Rodrik and give two examples–Fidesz in Hungary and the United Socialist Party of Venezuela—that fit the model. I use a computer generated content analysis of these cases to test the model. Initially I analyze the speeches of left (Hugo Chavéz) and right (Victor Orbán) populist leaders and find support for the model. For comparison, I examine the speeches of Barack Obama and Donald Trump. I find that Obama has no populist leanings but that Donald Trump has clear right populist tendencies. I conclude that the cleavage model shows promising results and present thoughts about how an analysis based on the model advances our understanding of left and right populism.
Embedding Assessment Literacy Can Enhance Graduate Attribute Development in a Biomedical Sciences Curriculum
Authors: Robertson Kevin A. , Hughes Kirsty J. , Rhind Susan M.
Published: May 2024

This paper describes the successful implementation of an assessment literacy strategy within a Biomedical Sciences degree. Teaching was aligned with an assessment literacy framework and aimed to prepare undergraduates for a literature comprehension assessment. Students were introduced to the assessment purpose and an adapted Miller’s pyramid model illustrated how the assessment contributed to competency development during their degree. Students read primary research papers and answered questions relating to the publications. They were then introduced to the processes of assessment and collaboratively graded answers of different standards. Finally, student and faculty grades were compared, differences considered, and key characteristics of answers discussed. Most students reported that they understood more about assessment standards than prior to the intervention [139/159 (87.4%)] and felt it had helped prepare them for their exam [138/159 (86.8%)]. The majority also reported they had increased confidence in evaluating data [118/159 (74%)], communicating their reasoning [113/159 (71%)] and considering what a reader needs to know [127/159 (79.9%)]. Students were asked to state the most important thing they had learned from the assessment literacy teaching. Notably, no responses referred to domain-specific knowledge. 129 free text responses were mapped to the University of Edinburgh graduate attribute framework. 93 (72%) statements mapped to the graduate attribute category “Research and Enquiry,” 66 (51.16%) mapped to “Communication” and 21 (16.27%) mapped to “Personal and Intellectual Autonomy.” To explore any longer-term impact of the assessment literacy teaching, a focus group was held with students from the same cohort, 2 years after the original intervention. Themes from this part of the study included that teaching had provided insights into standards and expectations for the assessment and the benefits of domain specific knowledge. A variety of aspects related to graduate attributes were also identified. Here, assessment literacy as a vehicle for graduate attribute development was an unexpected outcome. We propose that by explicitly engaging students with purpose, process, standards, and expectations, assessment literacy strategies may be used to successfully raise awareness of developmental progression, and enhance skills, aptitudes, and dispositions beneficial to Biomedical Sciences academic achievement and life after university.
Utilizing long-term opportunistic sightings records to document spatio-temporal shifts in mysticete presence and use in the Central Salish Sea
Authors: Olson J. K. , Larson S. E. , Robertson F. C. , Miller H. , Morrigan A. , Berta S. , Calambokidis J.
Published: May 2024

The Salish Sea supports several baleen whale species, including humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae), gray (Eschrichtius robustus) and minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata). With the exception of minke whales, these species were decimated by commercial whaling in the 1900s. Because recovery of these populations is monitored on broad spatial scales determined by stocks or populations, their use of the Salish Sea ecosystem is not well documented or understood. We collated 17,436 opportunistic sighting reports to assess patterns in mysticete presence and distribution in the Salish Sea (1976–2019). We used the proportion of sightings for each species and spatial models targeting comparisons between species to limit the influence of spatio-temporal variation in reporting efforts. Humpback whale sightings have increased dramatically since the late 2000s, mirroring population-wide increases and suggesting a renewed use of historically important feeding areas. Gray whale sightings increased most notably at two distinct times (1989, 2017), both of which align with periods of high mortality experienced by the delisted Eastern North Pacific stock of gray whales and may reflect individuals straying from their migration routes. Sightings of minke whales remained relatively stable over this study period and were likely driven by a group of 30–40 individuals that forage off shallow banks and bathymetrically complex habitats around the San Juan Archipelago. Though it can be difficult to separate the bias that accompanies public sightings databases, citizen science efforts are invaluable for monitoring the recovery of rebounding populations and can illuminate longitudinal patterns that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Novel components in the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways of endothelial cells under hyperglycemic-ischemic conditions
Authors: Singh Madhu V. , Wong Thomas , Moorjani Sonia , Mani Arul M. , Dokun Ayotunde O.
Published: May 2024

Diabetes worsens the outcomes of a number of vascular disorders including peripheral arterial disease (PAD) at least in part through induction of chronic inflammation. However, in experimental PAD, recovery requires the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation. Previously we showed that individually, both ischemia and high glucose activate the canonical and non-canonical arms of the NF-κB pathway, but prolonged high glucose exposure specifically impairs ischemia-induced activation of the canonical NF-κB pathway through activation of protein kinase C beta (PKCβ). Although a cascade of phosphorylation events propels the NF-κB signaling, little is known about the impact of hyperglycemia on the canonical and non-canonical NF-κB pathway signaling. Moreover, signal upstream of PKCβ that lead to its activation in endothelial cells during hyperglycemia exposure have not been well defined. In this study, we used endothelial cells exposed to hyperglycemia and ischemia (HGI) and an array of approximately 250 antibodies to approximately 100 proteins and their phosphorylated forms to identify the NF-κB signaling pathway that is altered in ischemic EC that has been exposed to high glucose condition. Comparison of signals from hyperglycemic and ischemic cell lysates yielded a number of proteins whose phosphorylation was either increased or decreased under HGI conditions. Pathway analyses using bioinformatics tools implicated BLNK/BTK known for B cell antigen receptor (BCR)-coupled signaling. Inhibition of BLNK/BTK in endothelial cells by a specific pharmacological inhibitor terreic acid attenuated PKC activation and restored the IκBα degradation suggesting that these molecules play a critical role in hyperglycemic attenuation of the canonical NF-κB pathway. Thus, we have identified a potentially new component of the NF-κB pathway upstream of PKC in endothelial cells that contributes to the poor post ischemic adaptation during hyperglycemia.
A research on the relationship between landslide area changes and environmental factors in the southern Tibetan plateau
Authors: Xu Wentao , Wang Qinjun , Yang Jingyi , Yuan Boqi , He Chaokang
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Landslides are known to be one of the most frequent types of geological disasters. However, there is not an established method for large-scale, rapid, and high-precision landslide extraction. The quantitative impact of environmental changes on landslide development is also not well understood, which hinders accurate assessments and decision-making in environmental and disaster response. The polar regions, including the Antarctic, the Arctic, and the Tibetan plateau (TP), sensitive to global environmental changes, are significantly affected by global warming. This leads to extensive landslide development, particularly in the southern TP. This research focuses on new landslides in the southern TP, exploring extraction methods and the relationship between landslides and environmental factors.

Methods: Utilizing the Google Earth Engine (GEE) and an improved Otsu threshold segmentation algorithm, we processed remote sensing images with 10 m resolution to identify landslide areas. The proposed Normalized Landslide Bare-soil Separation Index (NDLBSI) achieved an 87% pre-extraction accuracy in extracting landslides from Sentinel-2 images from 2019 to 2023. For the pre-extraction results, manual interpretation and correction were carried out, and a model correlating annual landslide changes with environmental factors was established based on least squares multivariate statistical methods.

Results: Results show that a significant increase in landslide areas in the southern TP over the past 5 years, correlating with the watershed-wide increase in annual average temperature and vegetation cover, along with a decrease in snow cover area.

Discussion: These changes could affect soil and rock moisture, influencing soil stability and landslide occurrence. The study provides valuable insights for large-scale landslide detection and understanding the environmental factors influencing landslides, which is of some significance for landslide hazards early warning.
Understanding community engagement from practice: a phenomenographic approach to engineering projects
Authors: Acero Andres , Ramirez-Cajiao Maria Catalina , Baillie Caroline
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Engineering professors involved in community projects strive to enhance engagement through a combination of social sciences and engineering methodologies. Recognizing the growing importance of critical methodologies, particularly those rooted in social justice and community design, researchers have explored their impact on fostering meaningful collaborations between engineers, students, and community partners.

Methods

This study employs a phenomenographic approach to explore how a cohort of engineering professors, students, and community members conceptualize their participation in community-engaged practices.

Results

Our findings reveal a nuanced outcome space comprising five distinct ways in which individuals perceive their community engagement: as interdisciplinary endeavors, addressing community issues, engaging in co-design, and addressing systemic barriers. These conceptual frameworks elucidate a progression in the depth of engineers’ involvement with the community, underscoring the significance of systems literacy and social justice in more intricate contexts.

Discussion

These results advocate for engineers to adopt an active membership approach, emphasizing collaboration, when working on engineering projects within communities, as opposed to adopting passive roles that may undermine the impact of community engagement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a deeper understanding of the varied conceptualizations of community engagement among engineering professors, students, and community members underscores the importance of adopting proactive roles and fostering collaborative approaches in community projects.
Adiposity trajectories and cardiovascular disease risk in women: a population-based cohort study with a focus on menopausal status
Authors: Firouzi Faegheh , Ramezani Tehrani Fahimeh , Kaveh Alireza , Mousavi Maryam , Azizi Fereidoun , Behboudi-Gandevani Samira
Published: May 2024

Objectives

A single measurement of adiposity indices could predict the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD); nonetheless their long-term pattern and its association with incident CVD are rarely studied. This study aimed to determine distinct trajectories of adiposity indices among participants of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) and their association with incident CVD. Furthermore, this study aimed to investigate whether this association differed among individuals according to their menopausal status.

Method

A total of 6840 women participated in TLGS, aged 20 years and older were included in this study; they were followed for a median of 16 years. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), conicity index (CI) and body roundness index (BRI) were included in the analysis as adiposity indices. The cohort outcome panel of medical specialists identified the CVD outcomes. Trajectory analyses were used to identify homogeneous distinct clusters of adiposity indices trajectories. The association between the trajectory group membership and incident CVD were explored by Cox proportional hazard models, with unadjusted and adjusted model for baseline age, physical activity, smoking status, menopause and family history of CVD.

Results

Three BMI trajectory groups of low, medium, and high and two trajectories for WC, BRI and CI were identified. Adjusted cox proportional hazard models revealed significant associations between the hazard of CVD experience and the high trajectory group of the BMI (HR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.38-3.07), WC (HR: 2.71, 95% CI: 1.98-3.70), CI (HR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.26-2.77) and BRI (HR: 1.55-95% CI: 1.12-2.15), compared to the low trajectory group. Subgroup analysis based on the menopausal status of participants showed that the HR of CVD incidences for all of trajectories adiposity indices, except BMI, was statistically significant. Adjusted cox proportional hazard models, in those women not reached menopause during study, revealed that the HR (95% CI) of CVD incidences for high trajectory of BMI, WC, CI and BRI were 2.80 (1.86-7.05); 2.09 (1.40-6.16); 1.72 (1.42-5.61), and 3.09 (1.06-9.01), respectively. These values for those were menopause at the initiation of the study were 1.40 (1.11, 2.53); 1.65 (1.04-2.75); 1.69 (1.01-2.87), and 1.61 (0.98-2.65), respectively.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that adiposity trajectories, particularly central adiposity index of CI, could precisely predict the CVD risk. Consequently, preventive strategies should be tailored accordingly.
Milkweed and floral resource availability for monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) in the United States
Authors: Lukens Laura , Thieme Jennifer , Thogmartin Wayne E.
Published: May 2024

The global decline of pollinators, particularly insects, underscores the importance of enhanced monitoring of their populations and habitats. However, monitoring some pollinator habitat is challenging due to widespread species distributions and shifts in habitat requirements through seasons and life stages. The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), a migratory insect pollinator that breeds widely throughout North America, presents a unique case study for testing a sampling framework to overcome these challenges. Monarchs exhibit discrete resource needs across life stages (e.g., larval requirement for milkweed, adult requirement for floral nectar), utilizing many land use types across their extensive geographic range during breeding and migration seasons. The Integrated Monarch Monitoring Program (IMMP) uses a standardized protocol with a generalized random tessellation stratified (GRTS) sampling design to gather spatially balanced and ecologically representative information on monarch habitats within the United States. The IMMP is applicable to various land use types and habitats used by breeding monarchs and may be extended to sites outside of the GRTS design to collect data on non-random sites of interest, such as legacy or conservation sites. Additionally, the IMMP’s modular design and publicly available training allows for broad participation, including involvement from community scientists. Here, we summarize habitat metrics (milkweed and floral resources) across 1,233 sites covering much of the monarch’s breeding range. We examine variation in milkweed density and floral resource availability on probabilistic (random) and non-probabilistic (convenience) samples and among land use types (site types). Additionally, we assess resource availability within core geographies for monarch breeding and migration, specifically within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Monarch Conservation Units (western, northern, and southern United States). Milkweed density, floral frequency, and floral richness were higher on non-random sites and in the North region. Among site types, milkweed density was highest on Rights-of-Way and Unclassified Grassland, while floral frequency was lowest on Rights-of-Way. The IMMP represents the first field-based habitat monitoring program of this scale for monarchs, yielding a robust dataset on monarchs and their habitats across their breeding range and offering a framework for surveying the habitat of insect species with diverse habitat requirements or widespread distributions.
Assessment of plant biodiversity in tropical dry forests of Sialkot, Pakistan; insight into environmental, anthropogenic influence and conservation strategies
Authors: Shahzad Khurram , Ali Waqar Shoukat , Muhammad Sohaib , Dai Junhu , Zeb Umar , Zhu Mengyao
Published: May 2024

The tropical dry forests (TDF) have an enormously rich flora and fauna that offer various ecological services to the surrounding human societies. Biodiversity assessment is mandatory for implementing any sustainable forest management policy, which is why it is one of the important criteria and indicators currently used. Threats to TDF biodiversity are the primary challenges arising from environmental concerns caused by anthropogenic activity leading to global warming issues. The study aimed to investigate the vegetation assessment and several environmental and anthropogenic variables influencing forest biodiversity from 5 threatened forest sites of District Sialkot (Ghalotian, Kishan Garh, Daburgi Chanda Singh, Pir Kot, and Ghulab Garh), Pakistan. We collected 170 distinct plant species, including 135 dicots, 27 monocots, seven pteridophytes, and one bryophyte, categorized into 138 genera and 62 families, divided into 114 herbs, 32 trees, and 24 shrubs. The phytosociological analysis described the quantitative characteristics, including % frequency, % density, % cover, and importance Value Index (IVI) of all forest areas. Gulab Garh forest has the richest biodiversity forest area, and herbs are the dominant species that have been documented. Environmental factors such as temperature, precipitation, organic matter, soil pH, Ca+2, Mg+2, Na+, Cl−, and electric conductivity (EC) strongly affect forest vegetation investigated by principal coordinate analysis. Shannon and Simpson’s diversity indexes reveal that all sites contain loamy and sandy soil and display a significant relationship between alpha diversity and richness. Increasing trends in temperature and decreasing trends in rainfall suggested that climate significantly affects the Sialkot region’s plant biodiversity. SWOT analysis highlighted that population growth leads to increasing anthropogenic activities such as constructing housing societies and roads, inadequate farming, and excessive grazing, impacting the forest vegetation and altering TDF ecosystem properties/services and functioning. Our findings reinforce the vegetational assessment and importance of local forest biodiversity and significant environmental drivers that influence the plant species diversity in TDF areas. Future conservation strategies are suggested to reduce unlawful resource consumption, restore plant biodiversity in designated protected areas, and conserve rare species locally.
Integrative analysis of COL6A3 in lupus nephritis: insights from single-cell transcriptomics and proteomics
Authors: Mou Lisha , Zhang Fan , Liu Xingjiao , Lu Ying , Yue Mengli , Lai Yupeng , Pu Zuhui , Huang Xiaoyan , Wang Meiying
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Lupus nephritis (LN), a severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), presents significant challenges in patient management and treatment outcomes. The identification of novel LN-related biomarkers and therapeutic targets is critical to enhancing treatment outcomes and prognosis for patients.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed single-cell expression data from LN (n=21) and healthy controls (n=3). A total of 143 differentially expressed genes were identified between the LN and control groups. Then, proteomics analysis of LN patients (n=9) and control (SLE patients without LN, n=11) revealed 55 differentially expressed genes among patients with LN and control group. We further utilizes protein-protein interaction network and functional enrichment analyses to elucidate the pivotal role of COL6A3 in key signaling pathways. Its diagnostic value is evaluate through its correlation with disease progression and renal function metrics, as well as Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC) analysis. Additionally, immunohistochemistry and qPCR experiments were performed to validate the expression of COL6A3 in LN.

Results

By comparison of single-cell and proteomics data, we discovered that COL6A3 is significantly upregulated, highlighting it as a critical biomarker of LN. Our findings emphasize the substantial involvement of COL6A3 in the pathogenesis of LN, particularly noting its expression in mesangial cells. Through comprehensive protein-protein interaction network and functional enrichment analyses, we uncovered the pivotal role of COL6A3 in key signaling pathways including integrin-mediated signaling pathways, collagen-activated signaling pathways, and ECM-receptor interaction, suggesting potential therapeutic targets. The diagnostic utility is confirmed by its correlation with disease progression and renal function metrics of the glomerular filtration rate. ROC analysis further validates the diagnostic value of COL6A3, with the area under the ROC values of 0.879 in the in-house cohort, and 0.802 and 0.915 in tubular and glomerular external cohort samples, respectively. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry and qPCR experiments were consistent with those obtained from the single-cell RNA sequencing and proteomics studies.

Discussion

These results proved that COL6A3 is a promising biomarker and therapeutic target, advancing personalized medicine strategies for LN.
Normalization of eosinophil count is predictive of oxygen weaning over the course of COVID-19 infection among hospitalized adults during the first wave of 2020 pandemic
Authors: Davido Benjamin , Jaffal Karim , Saleh-Mghir Azzam , Vaugier Isabelle , Bourlet Stephane , De Truchis Pierre , Annane Djillali
Published: May 2024

Background

Understanding COVID-19 outcomes remains a challenge. While numerous biomarkers have been proposed for severity at admission, limited exploration exists for markers during the infection course, especially for the requirement of oxygen therapy. This study investigates the potential of eosinophil count normalization as a predictor for oxygen weaning during the initial wave of the pandemic.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted between March and April 2020 (first wave) among adults admitted directly to a medicine ward. Biological abnormalities, including lymphocyte count, eosinophil count, and C-reactive protein (CRP), were gathered daily during the first week of admission according to oxygen level. In case of worsening, oxygen level was censored at 15 L/min. The primary aim was to assess whether eosinophil count normalization predicts a subsequent decrease in oxygen requirements.

Results

Overall, 132 patients were admitted, with a mean age of 59.0 ± 16.3 years. Of the patients, 72% required oxygen, and 20.5% were admitted to the intensive care unit after a median delay of 48 hours. The median CRP at admission was 79 (26–130) mg/L, whereas the eosinophil count was 10 (0–60)/mm3. Eosinophil count normalization (≥100/mm3) by day 2 correlated significantly with decreased oxygen needs (<2 L) with hazard ratio (HR) = 3.7 [1.1–12.9] (p = 0.04). Likewise, CRP < 80 mg/L was associated with reduced oxygen requirements (p < 0.001). Predictors, including underlying chronic respiratory disease, exhibited a trend toward a negative association (p = 0.06).

Conclusion

The study highlights the relationship between eosinophil count and CRP, with implications for predicting oxygen weaning during COVID-19. Further research is warranted to explore the relevance of these biomarkers in other respiratory infections.