bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGARUH INFLASI, NILAI TUKAR RUPIAH (KURS), JUMLAH UANG BEREDAR DAN JAKARTA ISLAMIC INDEX TERHADAP NILAI AKTIVA BERSIH REKSA DANA SAHAM SYARIAH DI INDONESIA
Authors: Wulandari Belyana , Aznedra Aznedra , Putra Rizki Eka
Published: March 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh inflasi, nilai tukar rupiah, jumlah uang beredar dan jakarta islamic index terhadap nilai aktiva bersih reksa dana saham syariah di Indonesia. Populasi yang digunakan adalah perusahaan manajer investasi reksa dana saham syariah yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia dari tahun 2019-2022. Pengambilan sampel pada penelitian ini yaitu menggunakan data sekunder dan didapatkan sampel sebanyak 11 perusahaan. Variabel dalam penelitian ini meliputi variabel independen dan dependen. Data pada penelitian ini diolah menggunakan analisis regresi data panel dan pengujian hipotesis. Dari analisis penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa variabel inflasi berpengaruh positif dan signifikan. Variabel nilai tukar rupiah berpengaruh negatif dan signifikan. Variabel jumlah uang beredar berpengaruh positif dan signifikan dan variabel jakarta islamic index berpengaruh positif dan signifikan.

Kata kunci: Inflasi, Nilai Tukar Rupiah, Jumlah Uang Beredar, Jakarta Islamic Index dan Nilai Aktiva Bersih.
PENGARUH KEPEMIMPINAN, MOTIVASI, DISIPLIN KERJA, DAN INSENTIF TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN PADA PT. BARUNA CAKRAWALA GROUP DI BATAM
Authors: Ramayanti Vidia Putri , Susanti Ervin Nora , Zamora Ramon , Ramadhan Denny Ammari , Purwaningrum Ajeng Handayani
Published: March 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui pengaruh kepemimpinan, motivasi, disiplin kerja, dan insentif terhadap kinerja karyawan PT. Baruna Cakrawala Group di Batam. Populasi pada penelitian ini adalah seluruh karyawan PT. Baruna Cakrawala Group di Batam yang berjumlah 50 orang dan dan pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik sensus. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kuantitatif dan menggunakan desain penelitian analisis deskriptif. Metode pengumpulan instrument yang digunakan adalah penyebaran kuesioner melalui Google Form. Metode analisis data menggunakan analisis regresi linear berganda. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa: 1) Kepemimpinan pengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja Karyawan 2) Motivasi berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja Karyawan 3) Disiplin Kerja pengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja Karyawan 4) Insentif pengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan 5) Kepemimpinan, Motivasi, Disiplin Kerja, dan Pemberian Insentif terhadap Kinerja Karyawan secara bersama sama mempunyai pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan PT. Baruna Cakrawala Group di Batam.

Kata Kunci: Kepemimpinan, Motivasi, Disiplin Kerja, Insentif, Kinerja Karyawan.
Deshidratación de fructosa hacia productos de interés industrial empleando el pirocloro ácido antimónico (H3O)2Sb2O6·nH2O
Authors: Diguilio Eliana , Mayer Sergio , Falcón Horacio
Published: March 2024

El pirocloro (H3O)2Sb2O6·nH2O (H2Sb) fue sintetizado mediante tratamiento de óxido de antimonio (III) (Sb2O3) con peróxido de hidrógeno (H2O2), para ser evaluado en la deshidratación de fructosa a 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) en un sistema bifásico FA/FO (H2O/ MIBK:2butanol). Las pruebas catalíticas se llevaron a cabo en un reactor de vidrio tubular (15 mL) con rosca de teflón. El reactor se cargó con 1.5 ml de solución concentrada de fructosa (30 % p/p), 3.5 ml de solvente extractor MIBK: 2 butanol (7:3) y 50 mg de catalizador. El objetivo fue estudiar el efecto de factores como tiempo y temperatura de reacción, sobre la formación del producto de interés, logrando una conversión de sustrato del 93 % y un rendimiento a HMF del 79 %, luego de 90 min de reacción a 120 °C. Más importante aún, este sistema catalítico fue muy eficiente alcanzando un elevado rendimiento a HMF, superior a los reportados al emplear soluciones concentradas de fructosa (30% p/p). Por lo tanto, el pirocloro H2Sb se presenta como un catalizador muy prometedor para la obtención de HMF mediante trasformaciones de carbohidratos, provenientes de biomasa.
Physical Activities and sedentary time of Students Outdoor Education and Conventional Education in Primary Schools
Authors: Hernawan Hernawan , Widyawan Dena , Mukhtar Mukhtar , Nugraha Hartman , Haqiyah Aridhotul
Published: March 2024

This research set out to evaluate physical activity and sedentary time between outdoor education and conventional education settings. The research methodology employed a mixed method technique. The research methodology employed a mixed method technique. The research sample consisted of twenty-one students in fourth and fifth grades at an elementary school in Sudamanik 01, Cimarga District, Lebak Regency, Banten Province, Indonesia. The demographics of the participants in grades four and five were similar in terms of height (144.31 ± 2.01) centimeters and body weight (37.02 ± 1.26) kilograms. The level of physical activity and sedentary time were assessed through the utilization of an accelerometer. For twenty-one students, physical activity and sedentary time were compared in participating school during six days of outdoor education and five days of conventional education. The group in outdoor education exhibited a higher level of physical activity compared to conventional education, as evidenced by the results of statistical tests with a p - value < 0.001; conversely, outdoor education results in less sedentary time than traditional education (p < 0.001). The primary conclussions of research revealed that switching from conventional education to outdoor education environment reduced the sedentary time and increased light to moderate the level of physical activity during school hours. There are differences in leisure time physical activity on days at school with or without outdoor education. Henceforth, it can be concluded that outdoor education successfully prompted students to engage in physical activity.
Opportunities, challenges, and future directions of large language models, including ChatGPT in medical education: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Xu Xiaojun , Chen Yixiao , Miao Jing
Published: March 2024

Background: ChatGPT is a large language model (LLM) based on artificial intelligence (AI) capable of responding in multiple languages and generating nuanced and highly complex responses. While ChatGPT holds promising applications in medical education, its limitations and potential risks cannot be ignored.Methods: A scoping review was conducted for English articles discussing ChatGPT in the context of medical education published after 2022. A literature search was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases, and information was extracted from the relevant studies that were ultimately included.Results: ChatGPT exhibits various potential applications in medical education, such as providing personalized learning plans and materials, creating clinical practice simulation scenarios, and assisting in writing articles. However, challenges associated with academic integrity, data accuracy, and potential harm to learning were also highlighted in the literature. The paper emphasizes certain recommendations for using ChatGPT, including the establishment of guidelines. Based on the review, 3 key research areas were proposed: cultivating the ability of medical students to use ChatGPT correctly, integrating ChatGPT into teaching activities and processes, and proposing standards for the use of AI by medical students.Conclusion: ChatGPT has the potential to transform medical education, but careful consideration is required for its full integration. To harness the full potential of ChatGPT in medical education, attention should not only be given to the capabilities of AI but also to its impact on students and teachers.
Post-endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Air Leak Syndrome: An Overview of Current Perspectives
Authors: Zameer Sheharyar , Safdar Kashmala , Khan Huma Ahmed , Anwar Umer , Sohail Fatima , Maqsood Rasikh
Published: March 2024

Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) air leak (PEAL) syndrome is a rare complication that includes pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumoperitoneum, air embolism, and subcutaneous emphysema. A 71-year-old female diagnosed with mild acute biliary pancreatitis, who underwent ERCP for stone retrieval developed neck, chest, and abdominal pain, as well as swelling of the neck, along with crepitus all along the neck and face. CT scan showed pneumoperitoneum, pneumomediastinum, and subcutaneous emphysema. The patient was diagnosed as a case of PEAL syndrome, and was managed conservatively. She ultimately underwent an uneventful cholecystectomy with peroperative stone retrieval. PEAL syndrome, albeit rare, can be a potentially life-threatening complication following ERCP, which requires continuous monitoring. It may be managed conservatively, endoscopically, or surgically.
Synthesis of Amides and Salts of Oxalic Acid and Their Use as Plant Growth Regulators
Authors: Sultanova J.
Published: March 2024

Oxalic acid plays a very important role in the life of plant organisms. In addition, its salts and amide derivatives also have growth-stimulating properties. In this work, we show the results of research in the field of synthesis of amide derivatives of oxalic acid, and also investigated their growth properties using the example of some agricultural crops. Have found that the mono amide of oxalic acid has a stronger effect on the growth of pea seeds compared to the disubstituted amide of this acid. Thus, we can conclude that salts and amide derivatives of oxalic acid have a pronounced regulatory property during the ripening of pea and corn seeds. In this regard, they have been recommended as growth stimulants for these plants in agricultural practice.
Bioecological Characteristics of Parasites Infecting Hyphantria cunea (Drury, 1773) in Azerbaijan
Authors: Nuriyeva I. , Alizade V.
Published: March 2024

In the northeastern territories of Azerbaijan, where the American white butterfly (Hyphantria cunea (Drury, 1773)) is prevalent, research has identified nine parasite species that target this particular pest. Included in this group are two species from the Braconidae family: Apanteles plutellaeKurdjumov, 1912 and Meteorus versicolor(Wesmael, 1835); a single species from the Ichneumonidae family, Pimpla turionellae (Linnaeus, 1758); four species from the Chalcididae family: Psychophagus omnivorus (Walker, 1835), Brachymeria intermedia(Nees, 1834), Conomorium patulum(Walker, 1835) and Pteromalus spp.; along with two species from the Tachinidae family: Exorista larvarum (Linnaeus, 1758) and Compsilura concinnata (Meigen, 1824). The parasitic complex of the American fall webworm in the northeastern regions of Azerbaijan has been formed, in particular, we were able to discover and study the bioecological characteristics of the above-mentioned species: adult life duration, average productivity, preimaginal development (in days), percentage of females, average generation duration (in days). In populations of the American fall webworm, Psychophagus omnivorus and Exorista larvarum are of greatest importance as entomophages, capable of destroying phytophage pupae. These parasites are effective species in management of the American fall webworm population and can be used as biological control agents.
Witchcraft and the Uncanny Origins of Cinema
Authors: Ezra Elizabeth
Published: March 2024

Around the turn of the twentieth century, the rise of cinema as an art form and as a medium of communication offered new ways of transmitting old myths. The gothic figure of the witch offered a frisson of transgression that was ultimately contained on the big screen, especially in works considered to be unthreatening because of their playful nature. The power of transformation ascribed to witches was mirrored in the power of film itself, as demonstrated by cinema's origin story, the ‘lucky’ accident that took place as Méliès filmed on the Place de l’Opéra, in which men appeared to become women and a trolley turned into a hearse. This essay examines the gendered (and often transgendered) struggle for dominance in films depicting witches and magical transformation in the context of the Freudian uncanny in a number of early films, including several silent-era precursors to MGM's Wizard of Oz (Fleming 1939).
Illuminating Obscurity: The Youming Lu and the Optical Dynamic in Early Medieval Chinese Gothic
Authors: Chen Ting-fu
Published: March 2024

This article reads the Youming lu ( Records of the Hidden and Visible Realms) as an epitome of the central tension in the tradition of ‘anomaly accounts’ ( zhiguai) between a desire for order and an openness to uncertainties. By conceptualizing the zhiguai as ‘early medieval Chinese Gothic’, this article attempts to disclose the contemporary significance of a premodern non-Anglo-European genre, as well as unbind the Gothic from cultural or socio-historical determinism. It attends to an ambivalent solicitude for the obscure embedded in the Youming lu’s iconic dynamic of light and darkness to theorize such epistemic hospitality into an alternative enlightenment also crucial to the Gothic. Shifting the focus of globalgothic from ontology to epistemology, from the clearly marvelous to the interplay of clarity and obscurity, this article seeks to open up an intermediate space between cultural colonialism and esotericism, where the zhiguai, as ‘strange non-fiction’, can be considered to have prefigured a gothic sensitivity that in turn illuminates its own fictional potential which predated classical Chinese fiction proper.
The Gorkhapatra Daily, Nepal's Oldest Newspaper with Journalistic and Historical Archives
Authors: Neupane Madhusudan , Nepal Jagat , Kafle Dol Raj
Published: March 2024

The contribution of Gorkhapatra, the oldest newspaper in Nepal, to historical and journalistic archives is the subject of a featured research study. This newspaper was first produced 121 years ago at a pace of 1000 copies per week. On February 18, 1961, it switched from biweekly to triweekly publication and started to be published daily. Its political news and opinions are often slanted, which is a big problem. The newspaper's pro-government editorial strategy meant that its views were always those of the opposition. The news Gorkhapatra reported may not be regarded as reliable when researching the political issues of the day. However, Gorkhapatra is perhaps the most trustworthy source for researching economic, social, cultural, and other elements during the Rana era, as well as for researching Nepalese history and journalism for the previous 121 years. In a similar vein, Gorkhapatra serves as both a trustworthy source for information on the socio-political history of contemporary Nepal and a school for individuals interested in studying the growth and evolution of Nepali journalism.
“County residents take the fight”
Authors: Lundgren Anna Sofia , Ljuslinder Karin
Published: March 2024

Celebrations of local volunteering as a way to cope with cutbacks are frequent. Not least are such celebrations apparent within the media, where descriptions of local initiatives are sometimes seen as the solutions to downward spiralling trends in Swedish rural areas. The paper explores the media production of meaning around rural resilience as they covered initiatives where rural populations mobilised to ‘save’ threatened local service for their supposed public interest. Using the concepts of ‘patchy resilience’ and ‘cruel optimism’, the paper points at how the representations attach rural areas and identities to a stereotypical rural imagery while also representing a resilience ideal that risks glorifying neoliberal responsibilisation.
Introduction to Special Issue: Placemaking Beyond Cities.
Authors: Braunerhielm Lotta , Grip Lena , Ljungberg Emilia , Ryan Bengtsson Linda
Published: March 2024

This special issue of Culture Unbound directs attention beyond cities, to small towns and rural communities, and the practices taking place there. Referring to a previous special issue on ‘Rural Media Spaces’ from 2010, this special issue revisits the notion of ‘the rural’ versus ‘the urban’ through the concept of placemaking and geomedia. In a mediatized society, placemaking practices cannot be understood without simultaneously understanding different media practices and how they affect place. A geomedia perspective on placemaking beyond cities, therefore, brings new perspectives on media representations of small towns and rural communities, related to the materialization of space and how we engage with and perceive the world. Geomedia also includes a focus on layers of digitalization and new media in the relations between place and practice.

The issue brings together researchers from a wide range of subjects, and the articles in this volume address empirical examples from different rural places and small towns in Sweden and internationally. Taken together, a manifold of issues relating to media and placemaking beyond cities are covered, for example, inclusion/exclusion, representation, resistance, community building, belonging, and identification.
Efficient Structured Prediction with Transformer Encoders
Authors: Basirat Ali
Published: March 2024

Finetuning is a useful method for adapting Transformer-based text encoders to new tasks but can be computationally expensive for structured prediction tasks that require tuning at the token level. Furthermore, finetuning is inherently inefficient in updating all base model parameters, which prevents parameter sharing across tasks. To address these issues, we propose a method for efficient task adaptation of frozen Transformer encoders based on the local contribution of their intermediate layers to token representations. Our adapter uses a novel attention mechanism to aggregate intermediate layers and tailor the resulting representations to a target task. Experiments on several structured prediction tasks demonstrate that our method outperforms previous approaches, retaining over 99% of the finetuning performance at a fraction of the training cost. Our proposed method offers an efficient solution for adapting frozen Transformer encoders to new tasks, improving performance and enabling parameter sharing across different tasks.
Editor's Letter
Authors: KOBELINSKI MICHEL
Published: March 2024

EDITOR'S LETTERDear readers,As I pointed out in the last Editor's Letter, I promoted some changes in the Journal Research & Teaching (Ensino & Pesquisa) with the aim at making it more dynamic. I understand that processes should be more efficient, requiring authors to prepare and share their researches in preprint repositories, as well as the ability of publishers and peer review to publish articles. At the beginning of November of this year I participated in the LATINOAMERICANA, Asociación de Revistas Académicas de Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales, event of the III Congreso Internacional Nuevos Horizontes de Iberoamérica in Mendoza, Argentina (The Congress was organized by Claudio Maiz, Ramiro Zó, Emiliano Matí­as Campoy, et al., UNCUYO, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, et. al.). Abel Packer of SciELO was one of the panelists on the theme "Building scientific publishing policies in Latin America" . As the main of the mentioned event was at reflecting the policies that affect scientific activity (editing and publication), he emphasized the new SciElo Brazil-Chile procedures for 2018. The changes are based on the idea of an opening science, the quality, and visibility of academic productions, which are a trend in the international scientific world. In this way, this call alerts for the registration in the new site of the Journal Research & Teaching (Ensino & Pesquisa). This journal follows the initiative of SciELO and accepts the submission of manuscripts as preprints. Therefore, it is recommended that researchers who wish to publish with us, fill in the Metadata, register in the ORCID ID, an account in the repositories of preprints ResearchGate.net and Authorea.com. With these procedures, the publisher and peer review can be given guidelines for immediate publication. For more information, visit the SciElo website.Good reading,Michel KobelinskiScientific Editor.http://periodicos.unespar.edu.br/index.php/ensinoepesquisa/issue/archivehttps://twitter.com/ensino_pesquisahttps://www.researchgate.net/profile/Michel_Kobelinskihttp://orcid.org/0000-0002-7482-7559
Multi-omics analysis of TLCD1 as a promising biomarker in pan-cancer
Authors: Wang Shengli , Zhang Mingyue , Sun Hongyan , Li Tao , Hao Jianlei , Fang Meixia , Dong Jie , Xu Hongbiao
Published: March 2024

Background: The TLC Domain Containing 1 (TLCD1) protein, a key regulator of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) composition, is distributed across several cellular membranes, including mitochondrial plasma membranes. Existing research has revealed the impact of TLCD1 on the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, there remains a gap in comprehensive pan-cancer analyses of TLCD1, and the precise role of TLCD1 in cancer patient prognosis and immunological responses remains elusive. This study aims to provide a comprehensive visualization of the prognostic landscape associated with TLCD1 across a spectrum of cancers, while shedding light on the potential links between TLCD1 expression within the tumor microenvironment and immune infiltration characteristics.

Methods: TLCD1 expression data were obtained from GTEx, TCGA, and HPA data repositories. Multiple databases including TIMER, HPA, TISIDB, cBioPortal, GEPIA2, STRING, KEGG, GO, and CancerSEA were used to investigate the expression pattern, diagnostic and prognostic significance, mutation status, functional analysis, and functional status of TLCD1. In addition, we evaluated the relationship between TLCD1 expression and immune infiltration, tumor mutational burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), and immune-related genes in pan-cancer. Furthermore, the association of TLCD1 with drug sensitivity was analyzed using the CellMiner database.

Results: We found that TLCD1 is generally highly expressed in pan-cancers and is significantly associated with the staging and prognosis of various cancers. Furthermore, our results also showed that TLCD1 was significantly associated with immune cell infiltration and immune regulatory factor expression. Using CellMiner database analysis, we then found a strong correlation between TLCD1 expression and sensitivity to anticancer drugs, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target. The most exciting finding is that high TLCD1 expression is associated with worse survival and prognosis in GBM and SKCM patients receiving anti-PD1 therapy. These findings highlight the potential of TLCD1 as a predictive biomarker for response to immunotherapy.

Conclusion: TLCD1 plays a role in the regulation of immune infiltration and affects the prognosis of patients with various cancers. It serves as both a prognostic and immunologic biomarker in human cancer.
Rapid duplex flap probe-based isothermal assay to identify the Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii
Authors: Ye Xin , Zhang Lei , Yang Qingqing , Pan Weihua , Zeng Xiaoyan
Published: March 2024

Cryptococcosis is a life-threatening invasive fungal infection with significantly increasing mortality worldwide, which is mainly caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. These two species complexes have different epidemiological and clinical characteristics, indicating the importance of accurate differential diagnosis. However, the clinically used culture method and cryptococcal capsular antigen detection couldn’t achieve the above goals. Herein, we established a novel duplex flap probe-based isothermal assay to identify the Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii within 1 hour. This assay combined the highly sensitive nucleic acid isothermal amplification and highly specific fluorescence probe method, which could effectively distinguish the sequence differences of the two species complexes using two different fluorescence flap probes in a single reaction system. This novel method showed excellent detection performance with sensitivity (10 copies/μL each) and specificity (100%) compared to traditional culture and sequencing methods. Furthermore, we applied this method to spiked clinical samples, 30 cerebrospinal fluids and 30 bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, which kept good detection performance. This novel rapid duplex flap probe-based isothermal assay is a promising and robust tool for applications in differential diagnosis of the Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii in clinical settings, especially when clinical suspicion for cryptococcal disease is high and epidemiological studies.
Intestinal microbiota and biliary system diseases
Authors: Wang Hua , Gong Junfeng , Chen Jingyi , Zhang Wei , Sun Yanjun , Sun Dengqun
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The incidence of biliary system diseases has been continuously increasing in the past decade. Biliary system diseases bring a heavy burden to humanity and society. However, the specific etiology and pathogenesis are still unknown. The biliary system, as a bridge between the liver and intestine, plays an indispensable role in maintaining the physiological metabolism of the body. Therefore, prevention and treatment of biliary diseases are crucial. It is worth noting that the microorganisms participate in the lipid metabolism of the bile duct, especially the largest proportion of intestinal bacteria.

Methods

We systematically reviewed the intestinal microbiota in patients with gallstones (GS), non-calculous biliary inflammatory, and biliary tract cancer (BTC). And searched Pubmed, Embase and Web of science for research studies published up to November 2023.

Results

We found that the abundance of Faecalibacterium genus is decreased in GS, primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and BTC. Veillonella, Lactobacillus, Streptococcus and Enterococcus genus were significantly increased in PSC, PBC and BTC. Interestingly, we found that the relative abundance of Clostridium was generally reduced in GS, PBC and BTC. However, Clostridium was generally increased in PSC.

Discussion

The existing research mostly focuses on exploring the mechanisms of bacteria targeting a single disease. Lacking comparison of multiple diseases and changes in bacteria during the disease process. We hope to provide biomarkers forearly diagnosis of biliary system diseases and provide new directions for the mechanism of intestinal microbiota in biliary diseases.
Case Report: Comprehensive evaluation of ECG phenotypes and genotypes in a family with Brugada syndrome carrying SCN5A-R376H
Authors: Ly Ngoc Bao , Kim Yoo Ri , Lee Ki Hong , Yoon Namsik , Park Hyung Wook
Published: March 2024

Background

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is a channelopathy that can lead to sudden cardiac death in the absence of structural heart disease. Patients with BrS can be asymptomatic or present with symptoms secondary to polymorphic ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. Even though BrS can exhibit autosomal dominant inheritance, it is not easy to identify the phenotype and genotype in a family thoroughly.

Case

We report the case of a 20-year-old man with variants in SCN5A and RyR2 genes who was resuscitated from sudden cardiac death during sleep due to a ventricular fibrillation. The patient did not have underlying diseases. The routine laboratory results, imaging study, coronary angiogram, and echocardiogram (ECG) were normal. A type 1 BrS pattern was identified in one resting ECG. Furthermore, prominent J wave accentuation with PR interval prolongation was identified during therapeutic hypothermia. Therefore, we were easily able to diagnose BrS. For secondary prevention, the patient underwent implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation. Before discharge, a genetic study was performed using next-generation sequencing. Genotyping was performed in the first-degree relatives, and ECG evaluations of almost all maternal and paternal family members were conducted. The proband and his mother showed SCN5A-R376H and RyR2-D4038Y variants. However, his mother did not show the BrS phenotype on an ECG. One maternal aunt and uncle showed BrS phenotypes.

Conclusion

Genetics alone cannotdiagnose BrS. However, genetics could supply evidence or direction for evaluating ECG phenotypes in family groups. This case report shows how family evaluation using ECGs along with a genetic study can be used in BrS diagnosis.
Emotional exhaustion, academic self-efficacy, and academic procrastination as predictors of research motivation
Authors: Carranza Esteban Renzo Felipe , Mamani-Benito Oscar , Castillo-Blanco Ronald , Elguera Pajares Ana , Lingan Susana K.
Published: March 2024

Objective

To determine whether emotional exhaustion, academic self-efficacy, and academic procrastination predict research motivation in Peruvian university students.

Methods

A cross-sectional predictive design was used and 1876 university students (59.9% female and 40.1% male), whose ages varied between 17 and 34 (M = 20.66; SD = 3.55), participated. The research motivation scale (RMS), academic self-efficacy scale (ASS), academic procrastination scale (APS), and the Single Item of Academic Emotional Exhaustion (SIAEE) scale were used to measure the variables.

Results

It is evident that the proposed model had an acceptable fit χ2(2) = 0.5, p = 0.784, comparative fit index = 1.000, root mean square error of approximation = 0.000, standardized residual root mean square = 0.003, showing that academic self-efficacy (β = 0.26, p < 0.001) and academic procrastination (β = −0.26, p < 0.001) significantly predict research motivation, unlike emotional exhaustion, which does not predict research motivation (β = 0.03, p = 0.232).

Conclusion

Academic self-efficacy and academic procrastination predict research motivation while emotional exhaustion does not, as reflected in the results.
Individual variation in undergraduate student metacognitive monitoring and error detection during biology model evaluation
Authors: Dauer Joseph , Behrendt Mei Grace , Elliott McKenna , Gettings Bethany , Long Tammy , Clark Caron
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Models are a primary mode of science communication and preparing university students to evaluate models will allow students to better construct models and predict phenomena. Model evaluation relies on students’ subject-specific knowledge, perception of model characteristics, and confidence in their knowledge structures.

Methods

Fifty first-year college biology students evaluated models of concepts from varying biology subject areas with and without intentionally introduced errors. Students responded with ‘error’ or ‘no error’ and ‘confident’ or ‘not confident’ in their response.

Results

Overall, students accurately evaluated 65% of models and were confident in 67% of their responses. Students were more likely to respond accurately when models were drawn or schematic (as opposed to a box-and-arrow format), when models had no intentional errors, and when they expressed confidence. Subject area did not affect the accuracy of responses.

Discussion

Variation in response patterns to specific models reflects variation in model evaluation abilities and suggests ways that pedagogy can support student metacognitive monitoring during model-based reasoning. Error detection is a necessary step towards modeling competence that will facilitate student evaluation of scientific models and support their transition from novice to expert scientists.
Impact of bariatric surgery on ovarian reserve markers and its correlation with nutritional parameters and adipokines
Authors: Andreu Alba , Flores Lilliam , Méndez Marta , Ibarzabal Ainize , Casals Gregori , Mercadé Imma , Borrás Aina , Barral Yasmina , Agustí Inés , Manau Dolors , Vidal Josep , Casals Gemma
Published: March 2024

Introduction

A reduction in anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) levels at short-term after bariatric surgery (BS) has been previously described. However, an assessment of ovarian reserve at longer-follow up, and a comprehensive evaluation of the potentially implicated factors has not been reported.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Materials and methods

Twenty women aged 18-40 years with BMI 43.95 kg/m2 undergoing BS were studied at baseline (BS0), and at 1 month (BS1), 4 months (BS2), 12 months (BS3), and 24-36 months (BS4) after the surgery. Anthropometrics, reproductive hormones (AMH, FSH, LH, estradiol, testosterone, SHBG, androstenedione), metabolic parameters (adiponectin, leptin, ghrelin, insulin), and nutritional blood parameters (markers of nutritional status, vitamins, and minerals) were obtained at each study time point. Antral follicular count (AFC) was assessed by ultrasonography at BS0, BS3, and BS4. Mixed models were used for analysis of longitudinal data.

Results

The mean AMH level was 3.88 ng/mL at BS0, decreased at BS3 (mean= 2.59 ng/mL; p=0.009), and remained stable between BS3 and BS4 (mean= 2.96 ng/mL; p=0.409). We also observed a non-significant decrease in AFC at BS3 (mean=26.14 at BS0, mean 16.81 at BS3; p=0.088) that remained stable at BS4 (mean= 17.86; p=0.731). Mixed models analysis showed: (a) a decrease in 10 kg of body weight was associated with an average decrease of 0.357 ng/mL in AMH (p=0.014); (b) a decrease in 1 BMI point was associated with an average decrease of 0.109 ng/mL in AMH (p=0.005); (c) an increase in 1 µg/mL of adiponectin was associated with an average decrease of 0.091 ng/ml in AMH (p=0.041) Significant positive correlations were found between the AMH levels after BS and plasma concentrations of testosterone, free androgen index, insulin and HOMA index. No significant correlations were detected between AMH levels and nutritional parameters.

Conclusions

Our results were in line with previous observations, showing that AMH levels decreased significantly at 12 months after bariatric surgery, in parallel with a non-significant reduction in AFC. Both ovarian reserve markers showed a later stabilization up to the end of the study. Of note, postoperative AMH levels were positively correlated with key androgen and insulin resistance-related parameters.
Association between cognitive function and skeletal muscle in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Wang Lulu , Bian Xueqin , Liu Lilin , He Qingyun , Xu Jie , Chen Xue , Ye Hong , Yang Junwei , Jiang Lei
Published: March 2024

Background

Patients on hemodialysis have a higher burden of cognitive impairment than individuals of the same age in the general population. Studies have found a link between cognition and skeletal muscle function. However, few studies have investigated these associations and the underlying mechanisms in patients on hemodialysis.

Methods

A total of 166 patients on hemodialysis were enrolled in this longitudinal study. Cognitive function was assessed by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores. Skeletal muscle indicators were evaluated using Inbody S10. Plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The primary outcome was a change in the MoCA scores. A mediation analysis was performed to examine the indirect effect of skeletal muscle on cognitive decline through BDNF.

Results

Among the 166 patients, the average age was 49.9 ± 11.2 years. Of these patients with a median follow-up of 1,136 days, 133 participated in the study. We defined MoCA scores decreased by ≥2 points at 3 years from the baseline measurement as cognitive decline (CD). Compared to the cognitively unchanged group, patients with CD had significantly lower fat-free mass, soft lean mass, skeletal muscle mass, and skeletal muscle index (all P<0.05). After adjusting for potential confounders, skeletal muscle indicators were protective predictors of CD. A significant increase in plasma BDNF levels was observed in the CD group. Mediation analysis suggested that BDNF played a mediating role of 20-35% between cognitive impairment and skeletal muscle.

Conclusion

Skeletal muscle is a protective predictor of CD in patients undergoing dialysis. BDNF mediates the relationship between cognitive impairment and skeletal muscle function.
Integrating machine learning and nontargeted plasma lipidomics to explore lipid characteristics of premetabolic syndrome and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Huang Xinfeng , He Qing , Hu Haiping , Shi Huanhuan , Zhang Xiaoyang , Xu Youqiong
Published: March 2024

Objective

To identify plasma lipid characteristics associated with premetabolic syndrome (pre-MetS) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and provide biomarkers through machine learning methods.

Methods

Plasma lipidomics profiling was conducted using samples from healthy individuals, pre-MetS patients, and MetS patients. Orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) models were employed to identify dysregulated lipids in the comparative groups. Biomarkers were selected using support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE), random forest (rf), and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, and the performance of two biomarker panels was compared across five machine learning models.

Results

In the OPLS-DA models, 50 and 89 lipid metabolites were associated with pre-MetS and MetS patients, respectively. Further machine learning identified two sets of plasma metabolites composed of PS(38:3), DG(16:0/18:1), and TG(16:0/14:1/22:6), TG(16:0/18:2/20:4), and TG(14:0/18:2/18:3), which were used as biomarkers for the pre-MetS and MetS discrimination models in this study.

Conclusion

In the initial lipidomics analysis of pre-MetS and MetS, we identified relevant lipid features primarily linked to insulin resistance in key biochemical pathways. Biomarker panels composed of lipidomics components can reflect metabolic changes across different stages of MetS, offering valuable insights for the differential diagnosis of pre-MetS and MetS.
Blood glucose monitoring devices for type 1 diabetes: a journey from the food and drug administration approval to market availability
Authors: Mittal Rahul , Koutras Nicole , Maya Jonathan , Lemos Joana R. N. , Hirani Khemraj
Published: March 2024

Blood glucose monitoring constitutes a pivotal element in the clinical management of Type 1 diabetes (T1D), a globally escalating metabolic disorder. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices have demonstrated efficacy in optimizing glycemic control, mitigating adverse health outcomes, and augmenting the overall quality of life for individuals afflicted with T1D. Recent progress in the field encompasses the refinement of electrochemical sensors, which enhances the effectiveness of blood glucose monitoring. This progress empowers patients to assume greater control over their health, alleviating the burdens associated with their condition, and contributing to the overall alleviation of the healthcare system. The introduction of novel medical devices, whether derived from existing prototypes or originating as innovative creations, necessitates adherence to a rigorous approval process regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Diverse device classifications, stratified by their associated risks, dictate distinct approval pathways, each characterized by varying timelines. This review underscores recent advancements in blood glucose monitoring devices primarily based on electrochemical sensors and elucidates their regulatory journey towards FDA approval. The advent of innovative, non-invasive blood glucose monitoring devices holds promise for maintaining stringent glycemic control, thereby preventing T1D-associated comorbidities, and extending the life expectancy of affected individuals.
Deep learning anomaly detection in AI-powered intelligent power distribution systems
Authors: Duan Jing
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Intelligent power distribution systems are vital in the modern power industry, tasked with managing power distribution efficiently. These systems, however, encounter challenges in anomaly detection, hampered by the complexity of data and limitations in model generalization.

Methods: This study developed a Transformer-GAN model that combines Transformer architectures with GAN technology, efficiently processing complex data and enhancing anomaly detection. This model’s self-attention and generative capabilities allow for superior adaptability and robustness against dynamic data patterns and unknown anomalies.

Results: The Transformer-GAN model demonstrated remarkable efficacy across multiple datasets, significantly outperforming traditional anomaly detection methods. Key highlights include achieving up to 95.18% accuracy and notably high recall and F1 scores across diverse power distribution scenarios. Its exceptional performance is further underscored by achieving the highest AUC of 96.64%, evidencing its superior ability to discern between normal and anomalous patterns, thereby reinforcing the model’s advantage in enhancing the security and stability of smart power systems.

Discussion: The success of the Transformer-GAN model not only boosts the stability and security of smart power distribution systems but also finds potential applications in industrial automation and the Internet of Things. This research signifies a pivotal step in integrating artificial intelligence into the power sector, promising to advance the reliability and intelligent evolution of future power systems.
Complex affine arithmetic based uncertain sensitivity analysis of voltage fluctuations in active distribution networks
Authors: Quanjun Li , Huazhong Sun , Mingming Liu , Jinbao Li , Wenyu Ji , Kai Wang
Published: March 2024

The uncertainties of distribution generations (DGs) and loads lead to severe voltage fluctuations in active distribution networks (ADNs). Meanwhile, energy storage systems (ESSs) and static var compensators (SVCs) can mitigate the uncertainties of power injections by regulating the active and reactive power. Considering the variations of multiple uncertain factors, this paper proposes a complex affine arithmetic (CAA) based uncertain sensitivity analysis method of voltage fluctuations in ADNs. First, affine models of active and reactive power injections are established. The correlations of noisy symbols are used to reflect the mitigation effects of ESSs and SVCs on the uncertainties introduced by DGs and loads. Next, sensitivity indicators of voltage fluctuations are defined based on the transitivity of noisy symbols. Then, a calculation method for sensitivity indicators based on the micro-increments of coefficients is proposed. Combined with the obtained indicators, a fast sensitivity method for calculating interval values of voltages is further proposed. The modified IEEE 33-bus system is tested to validate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method by comparison with the continuous utilization of power flow method. Moreover, the 292-bus system is tested to validate its applicability in a large distribution system. Facts have proved that this method improves the efficiency and reliability of calculations, and in different scenarios, it can achieve fast calculation of nodes and online analysis of the voltage fluctuation range in uncertain environments, provides an effective tool for voltage quality management in active distribution networks.
Influence of intimate partner violence and male involvement on maternal healthcare services utilisation in Nigeria
Authors: Adetutu O. M. , Oyinlola F. F. , Oyelakin T. E. , Ofili F. L.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Low maternal health care services utilisation, especially antenatal care attendance and skilled birth attendance, has been documented to be responsible for maternal mortality and morbidity in Nigeria. While available evidence suggests mixed findings on uptake of maternal health care services in the context of abusive spousal relationships, male involvement in household and health decision-making has been established to promote uptake of maternal health care services. Yet, studies which consider mediating influence of intimate partner violence on male involvement and maternal health care services uptake are sorely missing in Nigeria. We hypothesised that maternal health care services uptake in abusive marital unions has implications for male involvement in pregnancy care and this has been largely overlooked in Nigeria.

Materials and methods

This study extracted data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). The 2018 NDHS is a nationally representative secondary data which collected population, demographic and health information on women, men and households in Nigeria. The secondary data used a two-stage stratified and multistage sampling technique to collect information from the respondents. In this study, data were extracted for women who were sexually active, within the reproductive age (15–49 years) and not pregnant in five years prior the survey (n = 7,847).

Results

The results indicated (77%) antenatal care attendance and (47%) skilled delivery. The mediating influence of IPV on male involvement resulted in women who experienced sexual violence more likely to use heath facility for antenatal care (OR = 3.20; C.I: 1.20–8.50). Women whose partners were involved in health decision making had lower odds of antenatal care attendance (OR = 0.64; C.I: 0.44–0.94). Also, women whose partners were involved in spending their earnings had lower probability of antenatal care attendance (OR = 0.72; C.I: 0.55–0.96). Yet, the mediating influence of intimate partner violence on male involvement resulted in a lower likelihood of use of skilled delivery for emotionally abused women (OR = 0.58; C.I: 0.39–0.85). Women whose partners were involved in spending their earnings had higher odds of using skilled delivery (OR = 2.15; C.I: 1.79–2.56). Yet, women whose partners were involved in their health decision-making had lower odds of using skilled delivery (OR = 0.46; C.I: 0.34–0.62).

Conclusion

This study held the philosophical stance that intimate partner violence mediated the influence of male involvement on maternal health care uptake while intimate partner violence had an inconsistent influence on maternal health care uptake. Policies and interventions should aim at addressing deep-rooted gender norms which promote IPV and limit male involvement in pregnancy care in Nigeria. Programme and policy interventions should focus on enhancing socioeconomic status of women.
The graft versus leukemia effect: donor lymphocyte infusions and cellular therapy
Authors: Maurer Katie , Antin Joseph H.
Published: March 2024

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potentially curative therapy for many hematologic malignancies as well as non-malignant conditions. Part of the curative basis underlying HSCT for hematologic malignancies relies upon induction of the graft versus leukemia (GVL) effect in which donor immune cells recognize and eliminate residual malignant cells within the recipient, thereby maintaining remission. GVL is a clinically evident phenomenon; however, specific cell types responsible for inducing this effect and molecular mechanisms involved remain largely undefined. One of the best examples of GVL is observed after donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI), an established therapy for relapsed disease or incipient/anticipated relapse. DLI involves infusion of peripheral blood lymphocytes from the original HSCT donor into the recipient. Sustained remission can be observed in 20-80% of patients treated with DLI depending upon the underlying disease and the intrinsic burden of targeted cells. In this review, we will discuss current knowledge about mechanisms of GVL after DLI, experimental strategies for augmenting GVL by manipulation of DLI (e.g. neoantigen vaccination, specific cell type selection/depletion) and research outlook for improving DLI and cellular immunotherapies for hematologic malignancies through better molecular definition of the GVL effect.