bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Keterlibatan Pelanggan dan Antesedennya pada Transaksi E-Commerce pada Generasi Z
Authors: Ridanasti Erlita
Published: March 2024

ABSTRAK

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh antara Customer Involvement terhadap Customer Participation pada transasksi e-commerce pada generasi Z; untuk mengetahui pengaruh antara Customer Involvement terhadap Customer Experience pada transasksi e-commerce pada generasi Z; untuk mengetahui pengaruh antara Customer Participation terhadap Customer Engagement pada transasksi e-commerce pada generasi Z; untuk mengetahui pengaruh antara Customer Experience terhadap Customer Engagement pada transasksi e-commerce pada generasi Z serta untuk mengetahui pengaruh antara Customer Involvement terhadap Customer Engagement pada transasksi e-commerce pada generasi Z.  Penelitian inimenggunakan sampel orang yang pernah melakukan pembelian di e-commerce di Tokopedia/ Shopee dengan teknik pengambilan sampel berupa nonprobability sampling dan diperoleh sampel sebanyak 213 responden. Sedangkan teknik analisis data menggunakan SEM AMOS. Berdasarkan hasil analisis dan pembahasan dapat ditarik kesimpulan bahwa Customer Involvement berpengaruh positif terhadap Customer Participation, Customer Involvement berpengaruh positif terhadap Customer Experience, Customer Participation tidak berpengaruh terhadap Customer Engagement, Customer Experience berpengaruh positif terhadap Customer Engagement dan Customer Involvement berpengaruh positif terhadap Customer Engagement

 

Kata Kunci: Customer Involvement, Customer Participation, Customer Engagement dan Customer Experience
Analisis Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Enterprise Risk Management
Authors: Hamzah Amir , Febriansyah Yudi
Published: March 2024

This research aims to produce empirical facts / models that can explain the factors that influence ERM. To test the hypothesis that has been formulated through proving the results of the research used in statistical calculations so that the results of proof showing the rejection of Ho or acceptance of Ha are obtained. In this research, the research object was Manufacturing Companies in the Consumer Goods Industry Sector in 2019. The results of the F test show that financial leverage, company complexity and company size jointly affect ERM. The results of the t test show that financial leverage has a significant negative effect on ERM, firm size has a significant positive effect on ERM, and industry competition has no significant effect on ERM.

keywords: financial leverage, industry competition, company size, ERM.
EVALUASI KINERJA AUDITOR DALAM KETEPATAN PEMBERIAN OPINI AUDIT PADA KANTOR AKUNTAN PUBLIK
Authors: Bangki Rafida
Published: March 2024

The problem in this study is how the auditor's performance in the accuracy of giving an audit opinion at the Public Accounting Firm and how internal control over the auditor's performance is in the accuracy of giving an audit opinion. This research has purpose: (1) to know and identify implementation of auditor performance in the accuracy of the provision audit opinion (2) identify and analyze the internal control on auditor performance in the accuracy of the provision audit opinion. This research used primary data through interviews of five  informant that worked in Public Accounting Firm (KAP) of Makassar and secondary data conducted through the collection of data relevant to the auditor performance in the accuracy of the provision audit opinion. Data acquired both primary data and secondary data, processed and analyzed using qualitative data analysis. The results of research shows that: (1) Auditor performance in the accuracy of the provision audit opinion of KAP is already adequate. It was discernible from the audit report that has been presented in accordance with attestation standards of financial as well and in implementing the examination must first define the audit work program and procedures the have been designed in the standard of field activity. (2) Internal control for the auditor performance of in the audit opinion in KAP has been optimum visible on the auditor's work is with the separation of duties and responsibilities in accordance with predetermined and has the honesty and thoroughness in implementing their respective duties of auditors and disciplinary obeyed by the auditor who has the authority in providing audit opinion on the financial statements of clients conducted by auditors working in KAP Makassar.
EFFECT SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Authors: Arsal Muryani , Hasanuddin Hasanuddin
Published: March 2024

Laba merupakan salah satu aspek penentu kinerja keuangan, namun kadangkala untuk memaksimalkan laba, perusahaan tidak memperhatikan aspek lingkungan dan sosial yang akan berdampak kepada kerusakan lingkungan akibat limbah dan polusi dan juga tidak terjalinnya hubungan sosial dengan masyarakat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pengungkapan kinerja sosial dan lingkungan terhadap kinerja keuangan PT. Indonesia Power. Data yang digunakan adalah data kinerja keuangan, kinerja sosial dan kinerja lingkungan mulai tahun 2007-2016. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan pengungkapan kinerja lingkungan dan kinerja sosial mempunyai pengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja keuangan PT Indonesia Power sebesar 94.5%. Perusahaan telah mengungkapkan tanggungjawab social dan lingkungan yang meningkatkan kepercayaan masyarakat. Penelitian ini memberi kontribusi kepada manajemen PT Indonesia Power agar dapat mempertahankan dan meningkatkan kinerja lingkungan dan sosial yang telah dilakukan selama ini karena telah terbukti meningkatkan kinerja keuangannya.

Kata Kunci: social, lingkungan, kinerja keuangan

Abstract. Profit is one aspect of determining financial performance, but sometimes to maximize profits the company does not pay attention to environmental and social aspects that will have an impact on environmental damage such as pollution, waste and no relationship with social community. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of disclosure of social and environmental performance on the financial performance of PT. Indonesia Power. The data used are financial, social and environmental performance from 2007-2016. The results showed that disclosure of social and environmental has a positive and significant effect on the financial performance of PT Indonesia Power at 94.5%. The company has revealed social and environmental responsibilities that increase public trust. The study would contributes to the management of PT Indonesia Power to maintain and further improve the environmental and social performance that has been carried out so far because it has been proven to improve its financial performance.

Keywords:social, environmental, financial performance
THE EFFECT OF COMPANY SIZES AND PROFITABILITY ON AUDIT REPORT LAG IN AUTOMOTIVE COMPANIES THAT LISTED IN INDONESIA STOCK EXCHANGE
Authors: Murniati Sitti
Published: March 2024

This study aims: 1) to determine and analyze the effect of company size on audit report lag on Automotive companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, and 2) to determine and analyze the effect of profitability on audit report lag on Automotive companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Data collection was carried out through documentation techniques in the form of financial statements for 5 years from 2013 to 2017 with the type of data pooling research. Automotive company research subjects listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The data analysis method used in this study is the multiple regression equation. The results show that 1) Large companies generally have a good internal control system and are closely monitored by investors, capital supervisors, and the government so as to reduce errors in the presentation of financial statements and facilitate auditors in conducting the audit process, so that the completion of the audit will be faster, and 2) Companies that have high or low profitability do not affect the timeliness in submitting financial statements, where companies that have a higher level of profitability do not need time in auditing financial statements as soon as expected
ANALISIS SISTEM PENGENDALIAN INTERNAL PIUTANG USAHA PADA PT. CLIPAN FINANCE INDONESIA, TBK CABANG MAKASSAR
Authors: Muliana Sitti
Published: March 2024

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui efektivitas pengendalian internal piutang usaha pada PT. Clipan Finance Indonesia,Tbk Cabang Makassar. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh karyawan PT. Clipan Finance Indonesia,Tbk Cabang Makassar. Metode analisis yang digunakan adalah deskriptif kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Pengendalian Internal Terhadap Piutang Usaha sudah berjalan efektif.
PENILAIAN KINERJA DI ERA COVID (Study Kasus di Dinas Sosial Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan)
Authors: Andriani Andi Dewi , Kusumawati Andi , Darmawati Darmawati
Published: March 2024

9,278 lives have been lost. 130,538 patients are still struggling. However, 85,831 people have proven that sick because of the new type of Corona Virus or COVID-19 can be cured. (Liputan6.com). In Indonesia, there were 12,438 cases of Corona virus infection with 895 people dying and 2,317 declared. The World Health Organization (WHO) has paid special attention to the special policies of a number of countries that have begun to ease lockdowns or lockdowns in their territories. (Sindonews.com May 7, 2020). As a result of this pandemic, the life of the Indonesian economy has become devastated. The service and trade sectors have become stagnant. So that many of us see and read in the mass media, termination of employment to informal sector workers because production is hampered. The social impact caused by this pandemic has become a serious concern of the government by forming a task force. This task force coordinated by the social service distributed social assistance to people affected by the Covid 19 outbreak. In terms of distribution of distribution, social services have involved all lines of government starting from the lowest line, as well as reporting of results, also involving all areas of supervision, one of which is the inspectorate
Analisis Market Overreaction Sebelum Dan Sesudah Peristiwa Terorisme Di Indonesia
Authors: Anshar M Chairul , Lutfi Andi
Published: March 2024

Investors in the capital market will react to terrorism incidents in Indonesia. Investors' reactions need to be observed to test the efficiency market hypothesis. This study aims to determine whether there is a market overreaction in LQ-45 companies in Indonesia before and after the terrorism incident. The test was carried out by taking LQ-45 company stock data one week before and one week after the terrorism incident. Company data is grouped into two categories, namely loser stocks and winner stocks. The selected sample is 40 companies indexed by LQ 45. The LQ 45 index is an index on the condition that the company is the top 60 companies with the highest market capitalization in the last 1-2 months. The sampling technique used purposive sampling. To test the research hypothesis, statistical analysis One sample T-test and Paired sample T-test were used. The results of this study indicate the influence of market overreaction before and after acts of terrorism.
Kajian Penggunaan Aset Zombie Ditinjau Prinsip Konservatisme Pada PT. Hadji Kalla
Authors: Nurjanna Nurjanna , Anggraeni Dewi
Published: March 2024

This study aims to determine the study of the use of Zombie Assets in terms of the conservatism principle at PT. Hadji Kalla. This study uses a qualitative approach with descriptive analysis. The type of data used is secondary data and primary data. This study uses data collection techniques in the form of interviews, literature study and internet searching. The results of the study stated that the PT. Hadji Kalla, fixed assets that have expired or have book value of zero are not detailed in the financial statements, but only in total. Zombie Asset at PT. Hadji Kalla is 9,134 units or 71%. PT. Hadji Kalla uses the cost method, and that indicates that Zombie's assets in the company adhere to the principle of conservatism, but if you look at the measurement of accrual measures in 2017, 2018 and 2019, there is a difference in analysis, namely in 2017 the difference in negative accruals indicates that it adheres to the principle of conservatism. occurs because the costs incurred are quite large and too fast. In contrast to 2018 and 2019 showing a positive accrual difference, this happened because of the management policy in the finance accounting section to implement concept matching and this explained that in the last two years the assets of PT. Hadji Kalla does not adhere to the principle of conservatism.
Indí­cios de Conhecimento Pedagógico do Conteúdo em ingressantes da licenciatura em Fí­sica
Authors: Ortiz Adriano José , Magalhães Júnior Carlos Alberto de Oliveira
Published: March 2024

Diversos autores defendem a necessidade de repensar a formação de professores de Fí­sica, sendo que modelos tradicionalistas apresentam dificuldades em responder as atuais necessidades. Não basta ao professor dominar o conteúdo, a gama de conhecimentos que caracteriza sua profissão é maior, evidenciando-se aqui o Conhecimento Pedagógico do Conteúdo (CPC). Assim, investigamos perspectivas de ingressantes em uma licenciatura em Fí­sica da região central do Paraná a respeito de ensinar. Os dados foram coletados e interpretados utilizando a Representação e Análise de Conteúdo. Nossos resultados mostram que os ingressantes apresentam CPC, ainda que imaturo. As maiores dificuldades se relacionam aos Conhecimentos do Conteúdo e Pedagógico Geral. Entretanto, há indí­cios de Conhecimento do Aluno. Inferimos a influência da formação anterior em suas perspectivas de ensino. Ainda prevalece no discurso a racionalidade técnica, o que indica a necessidade de um curso que ofereça outras perspectivas, respeitando o CPC desses licenciandos e estimulando seu aprimoramento.
Anthropogenic Geology and the Role of Public Sector Organisations
Authors: Taromi Sandström Olof , Lindgren Paula , Lewerentz Alexander , Apler Anna , Liljenstolpe Carolina , Bejgarn Therese
Published: March 2024

Anthropogenic geology (AG) is the study of geological materials and morphologies created, reshaped, or otherwise modified by humans and human activity. Geologists and geological surveys need to include anthropogenically created geology into their science discipline to sustainably resource classify human-made deposits driven by socioeconomic models rather than natural forces. Concepts coupled to anthropogenic geology like circular economy, geosystem services, secondary resources, etc., are important features for the implementation of AG into sustainable economics and resource handling. Thus, it is important for geological surveys and other public agents to gain deep knowledge into these concepts and how the public agents can support sustainable use of anthropogenic geological features.
Evaluation of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel loaded macrophages for glioblastoma treatment based on a microfluidic chip
Authors: Xie Zuorun , Ye Junyi , Gao Xinghua , Chen Hang , Chen Maosong , Lian Jiangfang , Ma Jingyun , Wang Hongcai
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Glioblastoma (GBM) is a primary brain malignancy with a dismal prognosis and remains incurable at present. In this study, macrophages (MΦ) were developed to carry nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-PTX) to form nab-PTX/MΦ. The aim of this study is to use a GBM-on-a-chip to evaluate the anti-GBM effects of nab-PTX/MΦ.

Methods: In this study, we constructed nab-PTX/MΦ by incubating live MΦ with nab-PTX. We developed a microfluidic chip to co-culture GBM cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, mimicking the simplified blood-brain barrier and GBM. Using a syringe pump, we perform sustainable perfusion of nutrient media. To evaluate the anti-GBM effects nab-PTX/MΦ, we treated the GBM-on-a-chip model with nab-PTX/MΦ and investigated GBM cell proliferation, migration, and spheroid formation.

Results: At the chosen concentration, nab-PTX did not significantly affect the viability, chemotaxis and migration of MΦ. The uptake of nab-PTX by MΦ occurred within 1 h of incubation and almost reached saturation at 6 h. Additionally, nab-PTX/MΦ exhibited the M1 phenotype, which inhibits tumor progression. Following phagocytosis, MΦ were able to release nab-PTX, and the release of nab-PTX by MΦ had nearly reached its limit at 48 h. Compared with control group and blank MΦ group, individual nab-PTX group and nab-PTX/MΦ group could inhibit tumor proliferation, invasion and spheroid formation. Meanwhile, the anti-GBM effect of nab-PTX/MΦ was more significant than nab-PTX.

Discussion: Our findings demonstrate that nab-PTX/MΦ has a significant anti-GBM effect compared to individual nab-PTX or MΦ administration, suggesting MΦ as potential drug delivery vectors for GBM therapy. Furthermore, the developed GBM-on-a-chip model provides a potential ex vivo platform for innovative cell-based therapies and tailored therapeutic strategies for GBM.
Identification of multiple transcription factor genes potentially involved in the development of electrosensory versus mechanosensory lateral line organs
Authors: Minařík Martin , Modrell Melinda S. , Gillis J. Andrew , Campbell Alexander S. , Fuller Isobel , Lyne Rachel , Micklem Gos , Gela David , Pšenička Martin , Baker Clare V. H.
Published: March 2024

In electroreceptive jawed vertebrates, embryonic lateral line placodes give rise to electrosensory ampullary organs as well as mechanosensory neuromasts. Previous reports of shared gene expression suggest that conserved mechanisms underlie electroreceptor and mechanosensory hair cell development and that electroreceptors evolved as a transcriptionally related “sister cell type” to hair cells. We previously identified only one transcription factor gene, Neurod4, as ampullary organ-restricted in the developing lateral line system of a chondrostean ray-finned fish, the Mississippi paddlefish (Polyodon spathula). The other 16 transcription factor genes we previously validated in paddlefish were expressed in both ampullary organs and neuromasts. Here, we used our published lateral line organ-enriched gene-set (arising from differential bulk RNA-seq in late-larval paddlefish), together with a candidate gene approach, to identify 25 transcription factor genes expressed in the developing lateral line system of a more experimentally tractable chondrostean, the sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus, a small sturgeon), and/or that of paddlefish. Thirteen are expressed in both ampullary organs and neuromasts, consistent with conservation of molecular mechanisms. Seven are electrosensory-restricted on the head (Irx5, Irx3, Insm1, Sp5, Satb2, Mafa and Rorc), and five are the first-reported mechanosensory-restricted transcription factor genes (Foxg1, Sox8, Isl1, Hmx2 and Rorb). However, as previously reported, Sox8 is expressed in ampullary organs as well as neuromasts in a catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula), suggesting the existence of lineage-specific differences between cartilaginous and ray-finned fishes. Overall, our results support the hypothesis that ampullary organs and neuromasts develop via largely conserved transcriptional mechanisms, and identify multiple transcription factors potentially involved in the formation of electrosensory versus mechanosensory lateral line organs.
Basal endothelial glycocalyx’s response to shear stress: a review of structure, function, and clinical implications
Authors: Vittum Zoe , Cocchiaro Samantha , Mensah Solomon A.
Published: March 2024

The endothelial glycocalyx encompasses the entire endothelial cell, transducing extracellular signals and regulating vascular permeability and barrier functions. The apical glycocalyx, which forms the lumen of the vessel, and the basal glycocalyx, at the smooth muscle cell interface, are often investigated separately as they are exposed to vastly different stimuli. The apical glycocalyx directly senses fluid shear forces transmitting them intracellularly through connection to the cytoskeleton of the endothelial cell. The basal glycocalyx has demonstrated sensitivity to shear due to blood flow transmitted through the cytoskeleton, promoting alternate signaling processes. In this review, we discuss current literature on the basal glycocalyx’s response to shear stress in the context of mechanotransduction and remodeling. The possible implications of basal glycocalyx degradation in pathologies are also explored. Finally, this review seeks to highlight how addressing the gaps discussed would improve our wholistic understanding of the endothelial glycocalyx and its role in maintaining vascular homeostasis.
Thrombocytopenia in Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess: a retrospective study on its correlation with disease severity and potential causes
Authors: Chen Lulu , Wang Hongguang , Wang Hairui , Guo Yawen , Chang Zhihui
Published: March 2024

Objective

Thrombocytopenia is commonly associated with infectious diseases and serves as an indicator of disease severity. However, reports on its manifestation in conjunction with Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess (KPLA) are scarce. The present study sought to elucidate the correlation between thrombocytopenia and KPLA severity and delve into the etiological factors contributing to the incidence of thrombocytopenia.

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis of the clinical data from patients with KPLA admitted between June 2012 and June 2023 was performed. Baseline characteristics, biochemical assessments, therapeutic interventions, complications, and clinical outcomes were compared between patients with and without thrombocytopenia. To investigate the potential etiologies underlying thrombocytopenia, the association between platelet count reduction and thrombophlebitis was examined, with a particular focus on platelet consumption. Furthermore, bone marrow aspiration results were evaluated to assess platelet production anomalies.

Results

A total of 361 KPLA patients were included in the study, among whom 60 (17%) had concurrent thrombocytopenia. Those in the thrombocytopenia group exhibited significantly higher rates of thrombophlebitis (p = 0.042), extrahepatic metastatic infection (p = 0.01), septic shock (p = 0.024), admissions to the intensive care unit (p = 0.002), and in-hospital mortality (p = 0.045). Multivariate analysis revealed that thrombocytopenia (odds ratio, 2.125; 95% confidence interval, 1.114–4.056; p = 0.022) was independently associated with thrombophlebitis. Among the thrombocytopenic patients, eight underwent bone marrow aspiration, and six (75%) had impaired medullar platelet production. After treatment, 88.6% of thrombocytopenic patients (n = 47) demonstrated recovery in their platelet counts with a median recovery time of five days (interquartile range, 3–6 days).

Conclusions

Thrombocytopenia in patients with KPLA is indicative of increased disease severity. The underlying etiologies for thrombocytopenia may include impaired platelet production within the bone marrow and augmented peripheral platelet consumption as evidenced by the presence of thrombophlebitis.
Iron deficiency: prevalence, mortality risk, and dietary relationships in general and heart failure populations
Authors: Sun Hui , Wang Qinhong , Han Wenqiang , Chen Changli , Wang Tianyu , Zhong Jingquan
Published: March 2024

Background

Iron deficiency (ID) is the most common nutritional deficiency, with little research on its prevalence and long-term outcomes in the general population and those with heart failure (HF). Both the relationships between dietary iron and ID, as well as dietary folate and ID, are understudied.

Methods

We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2002 to investigate the prevalence, prognosis, and relationship between dietary and ID defined by different criteria in the general population (n = 6,660) and those with HF (n = 182).

Results

There was no significant difference in the prevalence of ID between HF patients and the general population after propensity score matching. Transferrin saturation (TSAT) <20% was associated with higher 5-year all-cause mortality (HR: 3.49, CI: 1.40–8.72, P = 0.007), while ferritin <30 ng/ml was associated with higher 10-year (HR: 2.70, CI: 1.10–6.67, P = 0.031) and 15-year all-cause mortality (HR: 2.64, CI: 1.40–5.00, P = 0.003) in HF patients. Higher dietary total folate but dietary iron reduced the risk of ID (defined as ferritin <100 ng/ml) in HF patients (OR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.65–1.00; P = 0.047).

Conclusions

The prevalence of ID was identical in HF and non-HF individuals. Ferritin <30 ng/ml was associated with long-term outcomes whereas TSAT <20% was associated with short-term prognosis in both the general population and HF patients. A diet rich in folate might have the potential for prevention and treatment of ID in HF patients.
Association of HbA1c and utilization of internal mammary arteries with wound infections in CABG
Authors: Knochenhauer Tim , Schaefer Andreas , Brickwedel Jens , Reiter Beate , Naito Shiho , Zipfel Svante , Schneeberger Yvonne , Reichenspurner Hermann , Sill Bjoern
Published: March 2024

Background

Deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) remains a serious complication after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We herein aimed to stratify diabetic patients who underwent CABG using bilateral internal mammary artery (BIMA) for levels of glycated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) and compare postoperative outcomes.

Methods

Between January 2010 and August 2020, 4,186 consecutive patients underwent isolated CABG at our center. In 3,229 patients, preoperative HbA1c levels were available. Primary endpoints were wound healing disorder (WHD), DSWI, and 30-day mortality. Patients were stratified according to preoperative HbA1c levels. Patients were further divided into subgroups according to utilization of BIMA.

Results

After adjustment, no differences in mortality and stroke rates were seen between group 1 (HbA1c < 6.5%) vs. group 2 (HbA1c ≥ 6.5%). WHD was more frequent in group 2 [2.8 vs. 5.6%; adjusted p = 0.002; adjusted odds ratio (OR), 1.853 (1.243–2.711)] but not DSWI [1.0 vs. 1.5%; adjusted p = 0.543; adjusted OR, 1.247 (0.612–2.5409)]. BIMA use showed a higher rate of WHD [no BIMA: 3.0%; BIMA: 7.7%; adjusted p = 0.002; adjusted OR, 4.766 (1.747–13.002)] but not DSWI [no BIMA: 1.1%; BIMA: 1.8%; adjusted p = 0.615; adjusted OR, 1.591 (0.260–9.749)] in patients with HbA1c ≥ 6.5%.

Conclusions

Intraoperative utilization of BIMA is not connected with an increase of DSWI but higher rates of WHD in patients with poor diabetic status and HbA1c ≥ 6.5%. Therefore, application of BIMA should be taken into consideration even in patients with poor diabetic status, while identification of special subsets of patients who are at particular high risk for DSWI is of paramount importance to prevent this serious complication.
Peer interactions during storybook reading on children’s knowledge construction: an experimental study on K2 and K3 children
Authors: Wu Xuanyi Eliza , Ko James
Published: March 2024

This study explored the effects of peer interactions on kindergarten children’s construction of conservation and conflict resolution knowledge during storybook reading. Previous studies have identified that peer interactions can support the meaning-making processes of children in social relationships and problem-solving, but little is known about whether the interaction with mixed-age or more competent peers is more important in supporting knowledge construction. Sixty-four younger children in K2 and older children in K3 with similar socioeconomic backgrounds were recruited from a Montessori kindergarten in Kunming, China. An experimental design was applied to explore age group and conserver dominance effects on conservation and conflict resolution. Children were assigned randomly to eight groups in three 30-to-40-min intervention sessions. Each session had a different theme for the children to learn about conservation and conflict resolution concepts and a hands-on activity to practice and discuss. ANOVAs were performed to test group effects, while multiple regression analyses were conducted to explore individual variations in age and pre-test scores in predicting post-test scores. Conservation knowledge was significantly better among children who differed in age groups in the post-test, but differences were not found in conflict resolution knowledge. Groups balanced with equal conservers and non-conservers improved the best, suggesting that peer social interactions can facilitate conservation and conflict resolution construction. These results provide new insights for early childhood educators to support peer interactions and children’s development. Implications, limitations, and future research are discussed.
Assessing the causal relationship between gut microbiota and diabetic nephropathy: insights from two-sample Mendelian randomization
Authors: Fang Yipeng , Zhang Yunfei , Liu Qian , Zheng Zenan , Ren Chunhong , Zhang Xin
Published: March 2024

Background

The causal association between gut microbiota (GM) and the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN) remains uncertain. We sought to explore this potential association using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Methods

Genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for GM were obtained from the MiBioGen consortium. GWAS data for DN and related phenotypes were collected from the FinngenR9 and CKDGen databases. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) model was used as the primary analysis model, supplemented by various sensitivity analyses. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q test, while horizontal pleiotropy was evaluated through MR-Egger regression and the MR-PRESSO global test. Reverse MR analysis was conducted to identify any reverse causal effects.

Results

Our analysis identified twenty-five bacterial taxa that have a causal association with DN and its related phenotypes (p < 0.05). Among them, only the g_Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group showed a significant causal association with type 1 DN (p < Bonferroni-adjusted p-value). Our findings remained consistent regardless of the analytical approach used, with all methods indicating the same direction of effect. No evidence of heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was observed. Reverse MR analysis did not reveal any causal associations.

Conclusions

This study established a causal association between specific GM and DN. Our findings contribute to current understanding of the role of GM in the development of DN, offering potential insights for the prevention and treatment strategies for this condition.
Modelling and onsite testing on dynamic thermal responses of built environment in passive solar rooms on Tibetan plateau
Authors: Zhang Yin , Han Wenyang , Qi Yicong
Published: March 2024

It of great importance in assessing built thermal environment level and evaluating corresponding indoor air conditioning demand for energy conservation in construction sectors. Nevertheless, because of the unique meteorological features in plateau area, classical building performance simulation approach contributes to thermal performance evaluation errors since most design codes or standards relies on low attitude regions. In this paper, a modified and improved dynamic thermal design model is put forward for built environment and energy consumption estimation for passive buildings for plateau buildings. Moreover, the simplified experiment is set up to monitor dynamic thermal responses for modelling building. The testing validation illustrate that the onsite measurement accuracy level is quite acceptable for engineering applications with less than 30% relative change range coefficient. Besides, the experiment data demonstrates that window-to-wall ratios, architectural orientation, thermal insulation coefficients, have substantial impacts for solar heat gains in plateau buildings. The study renders building design guidance for energy conservation in high altitude plateau areas.
Deep learning-based solar power forecasting model to analyze a multi-energy microgrid energy system
Authors: Punyam Rajendran Sai Sasidhar , Gebremedhin Alemayehu
Published: March 2024

Multi-energy microgrids (MEM) are a new class of power grids focusing on the distributed form of generation and integrating different energy sectors. The primary idea of MEM is to increase renewable energy share in the final energy demand while maintaining the energy balance at all times. However, integrating renewable technology into the grid has some technical limitations that must be analyzed before being deployed in the real world. This study examines the impact of increasing renewable penetration and portfolio design on a multi-energy microgrid energy system from a technical standpoint. As the accuracy of the system analysis is primarily a factor of modeling accuracy, an artificial neural network-based model is trained and deployed to develop forecasts for solar power generation. The forecasting model is integrated with the EnergyPLAN simulation tool to analyze the multi-energy microgrid system regarding renewable share in primary energy consumption and import/export of energy from the primary grid. The Norwegian energy system is considered a case study, as the energy generation and consumption patterns are interesting from both renewable energy and demand contexts for a cold country. One interesting conclusion is that the portfolio and capacities of coupling components such as combined heat and power plants negatively impact renewable integration, while heat pumps positively impact renewable integration by increasing renewable energy utilization. Additionally, the photovoltaic system size has a high degree of correlation to imports and exports compared to wind generation systems.
Genetic overlap and causality between COVID-19 and multi-site chronic pain: the importance of immunity
Authors: Chen Yanjing , Liu Ping , Zhang Zhiyi , Ye Yingling , Yi Sijie , Fan Chunhua , Zhao Wei , Liu Jun
Published: March 2024

Background

The existence of chronic pain increases susceptibility to virus and is now widely acknowledged as a prominent feature recognized as a major manifestation of long-term coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative to explore the genetic associations between chronic pain and predisposition to COVID-19.

Methods

We conducted genetic analysis at the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), gene, and molecular levels using summary statistics of genome-wide association study (GWAS) and analyzed the drug targets by summary data-based Mendelian randomization analysis (SMR) to alleviate the multi-site chronic pain in COVID-19. Additionally, we performed a latent causal variable (LCV) method to investigate the causal relationship between chronic pain and susceptibility to COVID-19.

Results

The cross-trait meta-analysis identified 19 significant SNPs shared between COVID-19 and chronic pain. Coloc analysis indicated that the posterior probability of association (PPH4) for three loci was above 70% in both critical COVID-19 and COVID-19, with the corresponding top three SNPs being rs13135092, rs7588831, and rs13135092. A total of 482 significant overlapped genes were detected from MAGMA and CPASSOC results. Additionally, the gene ANAPC4 was identified as a potential drug target for treating chronic pain (P=7.66E-05) in COVID-19 (P=8.23E-03). Tissue enrichment analysis highlighted that the amygdala (P=7.81E-04) and prefrontal cortex (P=8.19E-05) as pivotal in regulating chronic pain of critical COVID-19. KEGG pathway enrichment further revealed the enrichment of pleiotropic genes in both COVID-19 (P=3.20E-03,Padjust=4.77E-02,hsa05171) and neurotrophic pathways (P=9.03E-04,Padjust =2.55E-02,hsa04621). Finally, the latent causal variable (LCV) model was applied to find the genetic component of critical COVID-19 was causal for multi-site chronic pain (P=0.015), with a genetic causality proportion (GCP) of was 0.60.

Conclusions

In this study, we identified several functional genes and underscored the pivotal role of the inflammatory system in the correlation between the paired traits. Notably, heat shock proteins emerged as potential objective biomarkers for chronic pain symptoms in individuals with COVID-19. Additionally, the ubiquitin system might play a role in mediating the impact of COVID-19 on chronic pain. These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the pleiotropy between COVID-19 and chronic pain, offering insights for therapeutic trials.
Reduced expressions of apoptosis-related proteins TRAIL, Bcl-2, and TNFR1 in NK cells of juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients: relations with disease activity, nephritis, and neuropsychiatric involvement
Authors: Liphaus Bernadete L. , Silva Simone C. , Palmeira Patrícia , Silva Clovis A. , Goldenstein-Schainberg Claudia , Carneiro-Sampaio Magda
Published: March 2024

Background

Lupus pathogenesis is mainly ascribed to increased production and/or impaired clearance of dead cell debris. Although self-reactive T and B lymphocytes are critically linked to lupus development, neutrophils, monocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells have also been implicated. This study assessed apoptosis-related protein expressions in NK cells of patients with juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE) and relations to disease activity parameters, nephritis, and neuropsychiatric involvement.

Methods

Thirty-six patients with jSLE, 13 juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) inflammatory controls, and nine healthy controls had Fas, FasL, TRAIL, TNFR1, Bcl-2, Bax, Bim, and caspase-3 expressions in NK cells (CD3−CD16+CD56+) simultaneously determined by flow cytometry. Disease activity parameters included Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level, anti-double strain DNA antibody level, complement fractions C3 and C4 levels.

Results

Patients with jSLE had a profile of significantly reduced expression of TRAIL, Bcl-2, and TNFR1 proteins in NK cells when compared to healthy controls. Similar profile was observed in patients with jSLE with active disease, positive anti-dsDNA, nephritis, and without neuropsychiatric involvement. Patients with jSLE with positive anti-dsDNA also had reduced expression of Bax in NK cells when compared healthy controls and to those with negative anti-dsDNA. Yet, patients with jSLE with negative anti-dsDNA had reduced mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of Bim in NK cells compared to healthy controls. Patients with jSLE with nephritis also had reduced MFI of Fas in NK cells when compared to those without nephritis. In addition, in patients with jSLE, the proportion of FasL-expressing NK cells directly correlated with the SLEDAI-2K score (rs = 0.6, p = 0.002) and inversely correlated with the C3 levels (rs = −0.5, p = 0.007). Moreover, patients with jSLE had increased NK cell percentage and caspase-3 protein expression in NK cells when compared to JDM controls.

Conclusion

This study extends to NK cells an altered profile of TRAIL, Bcl-2, TNFR1, Fas, FasL, Bax, Bim, and caspase-3 proteins in patients with jSLE, particularly in those with active disease, positive anti-dsDNA, nephritis, and without neuropsychiatric involvement. This change in apoptosis-related protein expressions may contribute to the defective functions of NK cells and, consequently, to lupus development. The full clarification of the role of NK cells in jSLE pathogenesis may pave the way for new therapies like those of NK cell–based.
Immune cell phenotype and function patterns across the life course in individuals from rural Uganda
Authors: Nalwoga Angela , Nakibuule Marjorie , Roshan Romin , Kwizera Mbonye Moses , Miley Wendell , Whitby Denise , Newton Robert , Rochford Rosemary , Cose Stephen
Published: March 2024

Background

To determine the pattern of immune cell subsets across the life span in rural sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and to set a reference standard for cell subsets amongst Africans, we characterised the major immune cell subsets in peripheral blood including T cells, B cells, monocytes, NK cells, neutrophils and eosinophils, in individuals aged 3 to 89 years from Uganda.

Methods

Immune phenotypes were measured using both conventional flow cytometry in 72 individuals, and full spectrum flow cytometry in 80 individuals. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) IFN-γ T cell responses were quantified in 332 individuals using an ELISpot assay. Full blood counts of all study participants were also obtained.

Results

The percentages of central memory (TCM) and senescent CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subsets, effector memory (TEM) CD8+ T cells and neutrophils increased with increasing age. On the other hand, the percentages of naïve T (TN) and B (BN) cells, atypical B cells (BA), total lymphocytes, eosinophils and basophils decreased with increasing age. There was no change in CD4+ or CD8+ T effector memory RA (TEMRA) cells, exhausted T cells, NK cells and monocytes with age. Higher eosinophil and basophil percentages were observed in males compared to females. T cell function as measured by IFN-γ responses to EBV increased with increasing age, peaking at 31-55 years.

Conclusion

The percentages of cell subsets differ between individuals from SSA compared to those elsewhere, perhaps reflecting a different antigenic milieu. These results serve as a reference for normal values in this population.
Renewed occurrence of schooling scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini) and of great hammerhead (S. mokarran) sharks in the Cayman Islands
Authors: Gore Mauvis , Kohler Johanna , Ormond Rupert , Gallagher Austin , Fernandes Teresa , Austin Timothy , Pattengill-Semmens Christy
Published: March 2024

The scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini), a critically endangered species with a decreasing global population, is characterised by its occurrence in large schools. Such schools are still observed today in the Pacific Ocean, but this is generally not the case in the Atlantic Ocean, and in the Cayman Islands not since the 1970s. Here we report a recent record of a school of S. lewini in deep water off Grand Cayman, and describe a recent, concomitant increase in numbers of the species, and its critically endangered congener, the great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran), around the Cayman Islands. Relative population trends and seasonal patterns were assessed using data from shallow and deep-water BRUVS, scientific longlining, citizen science projects including the Sharklogger Network and REEF, and social media reports. It appears that S. lewini may be slowly re-occupying the area, selecting and using deeper waters to school, while S. mokarran has also become less scarce than hitherto.
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum-encapsulated microcapsules prepared from okra polysaccharides improved intestinal microbiota in Alzheimer’s disease mice
Authors: Hsiao Yao-Kun , Lee Bao-Hong , Wu She-Ching
Published: March 2024

Background

Okra contains a viscous substance rich in water-soluble material, including fibers, pectin, proteoglycans, gum, and polysaccharides. This study explored the use of okra polysaccharides by microorganisms and their potential to improve microbiota.

Methods

The regulation of microcapsules prepared from okra polysaccharides with or without L. plantarum encapsulation on intestinal microbiota was assessed through 16S metagenomic analysis and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in AppNL-G-F/NL-G-F mice (Alzheimer’s disease; AD model).

Results

We found that Lactobacillaceae and Lactobacillus were majorly regulated by microcapsules prepared from okra polysaccharides in AD mice. Similarly, microcapsules prepared from okra polysaccharides with L. plantarum encapsulation markedly elevated the abundance of Lactobacillaceae and Lactobacillus and increased SCFAs in AD mice.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that microcapsules prepared from okra polysaccharides with or without L. plantarum encapsulation may improve intestinal microbiota by elevating Lactobacillus levels in AD mice.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts: protagonists of the tumor microenvironment in gastric cancer
Authors: Ozmen Ece , Demir Tevriz Dilan , Ozcan Gulnihal
Published: March 2024

Enhanced knowledge of the interaction of cancer cells with their environment elucidated the critical role of tumor microenvironment in tumor progression and chemoresistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts act as the protagonists of the tumor microenvironment, fostering the metastasis, stemness, and chemoresistance of cancer cells and attenuating the anti-cancer immune responses. Gastric cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers in the clinic, refractory to anti-cancer therapies. Growing evidence indicates that cancer-associated fibroblasts are the most prominent risk factors for a poor tumor immune microenvironment and dismal prognosis in gastric cancer. Therefore, targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts may be central to surpassing resistance to conventional chemotherapeutics, molecular-targeted agents, and immunotherapies, improving survival in gastric cancer. However, the heterogeneity in cancer-associated fibroblasts may complicate the development of cancer-associated fibroblast targeting approaches. Although single-cell sequencing studies started dissecting the heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts, the research community should still answer these questions: “What makes a cancer-associated fibroblast protumorigenic?”; “How do the intracellular signaling and the secretome of different cancer-associated fibroblast subpopulations differ from each other?”; and “Which cancer-associated fibroblast subtypes predominate specific cancer types?”. Unveiling these questions can pave the way for discovering efficient cancer-associated fibroblast targeting strategies. Here, we review current knowledge and perspectives on these questions, focusing on how CAFs induce aggressiveness and therapy resistance in gastric cancer. We also review potential therapeutic approaches to prevent the development and activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts via inhibition of CAF inducers and CAF markers in cancer.
Assessing alexithymia: the proposal of a psychometric tool based on spheric videos
Authors: Simoncini Gloria , Borghesi Francesca , Mancuso Valentina , Pedroli Elisa , Cipresso Pietro
Published: March 2024

The present perspective introduces a novel psychometric tool designed to enhance the evaluation of alexithymia. Alexithymia, a condition marked by difficulties in recognizing and expressing emotions, along with a propensity to direct attention outside rather than toward one’s own interior experiences, is commonly investigated through self-report questionnaires. These instruments assume that individuals have sufficient self-awareness and abstraction capabilities, which restricts the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of emotional recognition in individuals who do not possess these capacities. To address this lack, emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR) and 360° videos facilitate the recreation of immersive contexts, enabling subjects to engage with scenarios even remotely. Our innovative tool employs spherical video technology to recreate social and non-social scenarios that elicit emotions. Psychophysiological measures are collected during video observation; then, questions are asked to investigate how the subject consciously processes the emotions they experienced. This multimodal approach aims to capture both implicit and explicit emotion processing, providing a comprehensive assessment. Overall, the proposed psychometric tool offers the potential for a more nuanced understanding of alexithymic traits and their real-life impact, empowering clinicians to tailor treatment processes to individual needs based on a richer set of information.