bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design Thinking to Integrate Academic Literacies into the Curriculum
Authors: Ritchie Jude , Nova Hayley
Published: October 2023

Design Thinking is a design approach created to assist in resolving complex problems. This paper argues that there is a problem with the traditional, lecture-led approach to Higher Education. This approach has led to a teaching imbalance between the delivery of subject content and the skills necessary to write a good academic essay or report. Courses can be content heavy, to the point where it might be argued that many students feel overloaded with information, but the development of academic writing competencies is often a very minimal part of the core curriculum on any individual module or indeed degree programme as a whole. This problem is then exacerbated, within the current UK HE system, by an erroneous cognitive separation of writing from thinking and learning. This paper reflects on an initiative that attempts to resolve this problem by taking a design thinking approach to module redesign in two modules on an undergraduate business programme at a post-1992 institution. The paper concludes that, despite being used in many different industries and for product development in many cases, that a design thinking approach is highly suitable for use in designing education programmes. Indeed the user-centric focus of the design thinking concept, makes it a very useful design framework for those seeking to design with a student centred approach in mind.
Fostering student-centered learning with design thinking in higher education
Authors: Heiner Cynthia E. , Schnaithmann Christine , Kaiser Nora , Hagen Romina
Published: October 2023

In this reflective article, we describe our experiences using Design Thinking (DT) to increase student participation and challenge the standard roles and ways of working in Higher Education. We put together a design team of students, academic teaching staff, and educational developers. The intentional mix of perspectives facilitates critical discussions about teaching and learning, and the shared responsibilities associated with developing, implementing, and engaging in it. We describe a framework for using DT in Higher Education, which particularly takes advantage of DT’s “user-centered approach” and “bias towards action”. Additionally, we present a practical example from within our project, Students’ University, and discuss its potential in contributing to a more student-centered teaching and learning environment. We conclude by offering a brief summary of the opportunities, challenges, and potential transformations achievable through the application of DT in Higher Education.
Design Thinking in Open and Distance Learning
Authors: Abdo Salha Mohammed
Published: October 2023

Design thinking is a human-centred approach used in various fields, including the context of education, where it can be a powerful tool for reimagining and improving the learning experience. Educators can use design thinking to understand students' unique learning needs, interests and aspirations and tailor their teaching methods to better engage, support and inspire them. This paper is a reflective exploration of human-centred design in the context of open and distance learning (Open University of Sudan) and is particularly linked to specific curriculum design opportunities. In recent times, design thinking has gained significant importance in Open and Distance Learning. Professionals have embraced this approach to immerse themselves in students' perspectives, to understand how they think and solve problems. By adopting an innovative and creative mindset, educators seek effective solutions that cater to the unique needs of distance learners, enhancing the overall learning experience. This paper aims to delve into the strategies employed in ODL to establish more robust student engagement in the educational process, with a specific emphasis on the utilisation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Open and Distance Learning (ODL). The future of design thinking in education is brimming with immense potential. It offers a transformative force, instilling students with indispensable 21st-century skills such as creativity, innovation, problem-solving, and collaboration. Design thinking can empower students to become active agents of positive change, paving the way for a brighter and more promising tomorrow. It, therefore, becomes a powerful catalyst for shaping a world of endless possibilities.
Designed Co-spontaneity: A New Model for Facilitating Pedagogic Practice
Authors: Khara Arjun , Lickiss Matthew
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a conceptual model for a design thinking approach to achieving co-spontaneity in higher education contexts, particularly within ‘meetings’, (i.e., lectures, tutorials, and tutor-student feedback sessions). The model re-evaluates these meetings as an essential part of ideation and exploration—rather than as a barrier—in spaces where uncertainty can be embraced. Uncertainty is often seen as a factor to be reduced or avoided, especially in teaching, but is here viewed as essential to bringing about engaging staff-student experiences through strategically designed spontaneity for all participants. In support of this approach, the literature and reflection on practice are presented as challenges to complacency on the part of educators, championing instead the need to embrace uncertainty in design-led classrooms as desirable for both, teaching and teaching planning. The model thus proposes that spontaneity be ‘co-collaborative’ and not simply imposed upon students as yet another activity demanding compliance. Reflections from practice with this model are grouped around three themes: (i) barriers from academic culture, often on the part of staff; (ii) barriers from academic literacy, often on the part of students; and (iii) assumptions, applicable to all. By positioning these reflections alongside contexts drawn from literature around meetings, uncertainty, and risk in higher education, our four-zone model presents a continuum—from absolute control to absolute chaos. The model does not attempt to provide definitive answers to uncertainty, but instead offers a reflective tool to support, and even embrace, the benefits of uncertainty and spontaneity in teaching and planning for staff and students of design.
Design Thinking and Co-creation in the Business Curriculum
Authors: Fletcher Gordon , Kutar Maria
Published: October 2023

Business curriculum development is intrinsically linked to the rapidly changing business landscape. Navigating the complexities of this task demands a design thinking approach that places stakeholders at the centre, focusing on obtaining valuable insight while also openly sharing the broader implications of individual curricular decisions. This reflective paper examines the use of design thinking in developing the business curriculum. We explore the benefits of this approach for leadership of curriculum development and balancing the needs and wants of varied stakeholder groups. Key external factors, from government bodies to shifting economic climates, exert pressures that make all curriculum development a challenging endeavour. Institutions must concurrently accommodate this variety of stakeholder needs, the balancing of external pressures against internal expectations and alignment with internal and external pedagogical standards. Successfully addressing these complexities requires a shift from traditional meeting and committee methods, which often yield suboptimal outcomes. Instead, a design thinking approach prioritises open stakeholder negotiation, employing visual tools to foster clear communication and negotiation and application of a shared vision. This approach also acknowledges the importance of developing graduates’ social capital, aiming not merely to secure jobs for graduates but to equip them with invaluable skills and networks for unforeseen challenges. Ultimately, a human-centric design thinking method is vital for addressing the multifaceted challenges of curriculum design in the face of a VUCA world. Institutions that embrace this philosophy position themselves to produce curricula that are both contextually relevant and future-oriented, ensuring continuous improvement and relevance in higher education.
Influence of meteorological conditions on spruce crops growth with root-balled tree system
Authors:   Vologda State Dairy Academy named after N.V. Vereshchagin, Belova A.I. , Lebedev E.V. ,   Nizhny Novgorod State Agricultural Academy, Khamitov R.S. ,   Vologda State Dairy Academy named after N.V. Vereshchagin
Published: October 2023

The assessment results of the five- and seven-year-old European spruce crops growth in the Gryazovetsky district of the Vologda region, created by one- and two-year-old seedlings with a root-balled tree system with improved hereditary properties, are presented. It is noted that in the studied seven year-old crops, the proportion of spruce in the plantation composition reaches four points, and in five-year-old — from two to four points. Natural renewal of hardwoods due to timely clearing is located mainly in the inter-row spacings and, by now, does not depress cultivated plants. All the surveyed sites are characterized by a tendency to increase the annual growth of terminal shoot, as well as a decrease in the level of its fluctuation with age. The correlation ratio (η = 0,85) indicates a high dependence of the growth of the axial shoot on the year of its formation. It is shown that meteorological factors influence the growth of spruce crops created by seedlings with a root-balled tree system in the phase of their individual growth. The greatest influence is the sum of the active temperatures of the growing season, precipitation, relative humidity in May and June and the average air temperature in the daytime. At the same time, the growth of axial shoots increases with an increase in the number of days with precipitation in May, but decreases with their increase in June. A significant positive dependence of the increase was noted on the relative humidity of the air in May, however, increased humidity in June leads to a decrease in the growth of spruce crops.
Growth and development of ornamental tree species seedlings in lowland Dagestan
Authors:   Mountain Botanical Garden of the Dagestan Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences (MBG DFRC RAS), Magomedova B.M.
Published: October 2023

Some features of the initial stages of woody plants ontogenesis of the urban flora in Makhachkala are presented such as Padus serotina (Ehrh.) Agardh., Fraxinus lanceolata Borkh., F. americana L., Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm., Celtis glabrata Steven ex Planch., Acer pseudoplatanus L., A. platanoides L., Maclura aurantiaca Nutt., Hibiscus syriacus L., Swida australis C. A. Mey. The relationship between the dynamics of phenological phases and the degree of winter hardiness was revealed. It is shown that the end of growth activity and the transition to a dormant state before the onset of a sub-zero temperature period contributes to better stability during the winter season. A relationship was found between winter hardiness of shoots and relative growth, i.e. the stronger the annual growth was, the greater the percentage of frost-beating from the total height of the seedling was observed. The results of the experiment approve the introduction method of climatic analogues of G. Mayr.
Weather conditions favouring cone initiation for Siberian stone pine (Pinus sibirica Du Tour)
Authors:   Institute of Monitoring of Climatic and Ecological Systems of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Popov A.V. , Velisevich S.N. ,   Institute of Monitoring of Climatic and Ecological Systems of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: October 2023

Seed production in 25 trees of Siberian stone pine (age 180-200 years) over a 28-year period was examined to determine how the weather factors and their period influence strobilus initiation. Since floral induction in Siberian stone pine occurs in a short period of time only during three weeks at the end of summer, the dynamics of temperature and precipitation during the thirty-days interval, starting from 20 July, were analysed in the present work. The average monthly temperature in July and August, as well as the amount of precipitation in July and August had a weak influence on the number of the cone initiation. There was also a weak influence of weather parameters calculated for shorter time intervals by ten-day interval. Air temperature in the first and second ten-day intervals of July had a weak positive effect on cone initiation, but from the third ten-day interval of this month and throughout August, excessive heat began to negatively affect cone initiation. The only significant negative correlation was found for the temperature of the first ten-day interval of August. This indicates increased sensitivity of initiating cone primordia to air temperature and exactly in this time interval. The example of Siberian cedar pine shows that cool weather during the initiation of macrostrobils favours their abundance. Optimal conditions for cone initiation in Siberian pine are average daily temperatures not higher than +17.5 °C in the first ten-day interval of August. The results of the study expand the understanding of the mechanisms of climatic regulation of generative morphogenesis and are important not only for understanding the fundamental basis of the fruiting process, but also for yield forecasting and management
Forest fires in the Chelyabinsk region forests for 2018–2021 and requirements analysis for forest reproduction in forest regulations
Authors:   Chelyabinsk State University, Sibirkina A.R. , Likhachev S.F. ,   Chelyabinsk State University; Ministry of Ecology of Chelyabinsk region
Published: October 2023

The article presents the results of a four-year study of the number of forest fires on the territory of 22 forestries in the Chelyabinsk region. It was revealed that the main cause of fires is the human factor such as careless handling of fire. The number and intensity of fires are somewhat dependent on the number of crown fires and weather conditions. Forest fires cause enormous economic and environmental damage to the environment. The damage from a forest fire consists of the loss of standing wood and the cost of extinguishing work, clearing and restoring burned areas, losses from the death of animals, moreover, the calculations have shown that the economic damage from fires can significantly exceed the cost of extinguishing them. Environmental damage from fires consists of the loss of natural resources, for example, valuable animals or rare plants, listed in the Red Book of the Chelyabinsk region of Russia, may be lost due to a forest fire. In order to carry out the most effective reforestation and afforestation, each of the 22 forest areas has developed forest management regulations for reforestation in accordance with the Order of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ecology of the Russian Federation No. № 188 by 25.03.2019 making changes to it. The article presents an analysis of the forestry regulations on the example of the Krasnoarmeyskoye forestry of the Chelyabinsk region.
Influence of plantings taxation indicators on linden trees flowering in Udmurt Republic
Authors:   Udmurt State Agrarian University, Yakimov M.V. , Absalyamov R.R. ,   Udmurt State Agrarian University, Yakimova V.Y. ,   Udmurt State Agrarian University
Published: October 2023

The article presents the study results of a linden plantations flowering index. Experimental methods, observations as well as forestry and taxation techniques were used in the course of the study. Circular test areas of a constant radius were laid to study the taxation indicators of linden plantations and to determine the linden flowering index. The test areas are laid within a radius of three kilometers from the apiaries located, since the active flight of honey bees is approximately this distance from the hives located. The trial areas are laid out in accordance with OST 56-69–83 «Trial forest management areas. Establishment method». The composition of plantings around two stationary and two transportable apiaries has been studied. The linden plantations flowering indices were determined. The results of the research are of practical interest mainly for beekeepers. The materials of scientific research are used in the educational process in the preparation of students in the «Forestry» science. The maximum flowering index is observed in incomplete (0,4…0,5) ripe and over-ripe stands with a predominance of small-leaved linden in the composition. It is this completeness of the stand that makes it possible to increase the width and length of the crown, thereby contributing to an increase in the number of flowers and, accordingly, the lime flowering index.
Long-term Experiment on Fennel-cluster Bean Cropping System as Affected by Production Systems: A Strategy for Improving Yield, Quality and Soil Fertility
Authors: Lal S. , Lal G. , Meena N.K. , Jangir C.K. , Choudhary M.K. , Chaudhary N. , Meena R.D. , Meena S.S. , Meena M.D. , Aishwath O.P.
Published: October 2023

Background: The rise in unprecedented pressure of producing enough food for an ever-growing human population resulted in the use of considerable amounts of agrochemicals in crop production. To overcome this, inclusion of annual pulse crops such as cluster beans (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) in cropping systems is an alternative technique for enhancing output while minimising environmental impact. Therefore, to assess the influence of different crop production systems on yield, quality and soil fertility attributes of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.)-cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) crop sequence, a long term field experiment was conducted. Methods: A field experiment was conducted on fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.) cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) crop sequence under AI-NPOF Project during 2016-17 to 2020-21 at ICAR-National Research Centre on Seed Spices, Ajmer (Rajasthan), India. The experiment was laid out as a factorial design based on randomized complete blocks (RCBD) with three replications. The first factor consisted of six production systems viz., (PS1) - 100% organic, (PS2) - 75% organic + 25% innovative practice (Compost extract, cattle urine), (PS3) - Integrated (50% organic + 50% inorganic), (PS4) - Integrated (75% organic + 25% inorganic), (PS5) -100% inorganic nutrient sources and (PS6) - State recommendation] including fennel (Rabi season) - cluster bean (Kharif season) cropping sequence, whereas the second factor included the environment over the period. Result: The outcomes of study revealed that production system (PS4) - Integrated (75% organic + 25% inorganic) resulted in the maximum seed yields and yield attributes of cluster bean (1501.87 kg ha-1) and fennel (1970.19 kg ha-1). The study shows that the production system (PS4) had a 17.29 and 30.75% increment of protein as compared to PS5 and PS1 in fennel and cluster beans, respectively. Under production system PS1, the per cent increment of soil organic carbon (~25.2%) and readily available N (~9%), P (~38.5%) and K (~Non-significant) were noted over the years respectively, compared with production system (PS5). A significant positive association was observed between fennel and cluster bean grain yield and soil organic carbon (P less than 0.01) and the Shannon-Wiener indexes (R2 = 0.75, R2 = 0.69), respectively. The combined assessment of yield, quality, soil organic carbon and soil sustainability shows that rotations based on legume crops performed better and provided a model of sustainable crop intensification. Thus, adding legume to the cropping system and implementing integrated nutrient management (INM) could gradually improve soil quality in agro-ecologies where fennel predominates.
Realigning online teacher training modules to COVID-19: An evaluation of the online training module among pre-service and in-service teachers in Pakistan
Authors: Mohebi Laila , AlMohsen Fatima , Alshamsi Alanood
Published: October 2023

This paper aims to have a critical evaluation of an online training module among pre-service and in-service teachers in Pakistan. The aim of this study was to provide a thorough examination of the various aspects that contribute to both satisfaction and dissatisfaction with the training module. This evaluation is critical in the process of facilitating the accommodation of the synchronous and asynchronous online models that have established a permanent mark in education years after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. A total of thirty educators who registered for the online training module were selected as participants for the study, in which open-ended online questionnaires were employed as the primary method of data collection. This research employed Braun and Clarke's technique, which involves a six-step theme analysis process. The results revealed the mixed feelings of satisfaction and dissatisfaction with adopting training modules. The motivation behind satisfaction stemmed from several factors, including the pertinence of content structure, adaptability, proficient utilization of media, and a determined attitude.  Conversely, dissatisfaction was driven by the inadequacy of the content in addressing issues they thought were pertinent for teachers in the 21st century. The study underlined the crucial role of content design in online instruction, highlighting the need for robust planning to create accessible, engaging, and flexible modules compatible with standard devices like smartphones. The study proposes the ongoing adjustment of online modules to cater to the requirements of learners in the 21st century. This is because online modules have great potential for establishing a permanent position in the training of pre-service and in-service teachers.
Role of government as moderator: Porter’s diamond firm strategy, structure, and rivalry attribute and industry’s performance
Authors: Butt Muhammad Ahmed , Paul Katuse
Published: October 2023

The prime purpose of the research was to examine, through empirical study, and help determine the government’s role as moderator in the relationship between Porter’s diamond firm strategy, structure, and rivalry construct and the firm’s performance in Pakistan’s automotive sector. In the study, the research philosophy was positivism, and a deductive approach was applied as the main reason to establish generalizations in the results. With a view to determining the magnitude, direction, and significance, researchers emphasized descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Data was solicited from 166 sample respondents through a structured questionnaire. To establish the reliability perspective and validity context of the questionnaire constructs, a pilot study was part of the research study. Parametric and nonparametric statistical techniques also became an integral part of analysis for drawing objectively based conclusions. For moderation purposes, the tool was macro, Process v3.0 (model 1). The study findings aptly indicate that in a theoretical context, the relationship is not significant, whereas the practical perspective reflects that government policy does influence industry firms’ performance; however, the mediating role of government between Porter’s constructs, viz., firm strategy, structure, and rivalry, and industry firms’ performance documented no impact. In the constituencies of academia, automotive sector players, and policymakers, the moderation results shed light on theoretical and practical contextualization.
Novel Framework for Multi-Scale Occupancy Sensing for distributed monitoring in Internet-of-Things
Authors: Mane Preethi K , Rao K Narasimha
Published: October 2023

Occupancy sensing is one of the integral parts of modern evolving security surveillance and monitoring system used over different types of infrastructure. With an aid of multiple form of occupancy sensors, the prime idea of occupancy sensing is to identify the presence or absence of occupants in specifically monitored area followed by transmitting back the sensing information either for storage or for prompting a set of commands from the connected control units. Review of existing schemes exhibits the presence of adoption of multiple methodologies over different variants of use-cases; however, they are quite case specific, uses expensive deployment process, and performs highly sophisticated operation. At present, there are no studies specifically reported of using multi-scale occupancy sensing suitable for large and distributed environment of Internet-of-Things (IoT). Therefore, the proposed study introduces a mechanism of novel multi-scale occupancy sensing considering a use case of smart university campus, although, it can be implemented over any form of different infrastructures too connected over IoT environment. The proposed scheme is implemented considering different types of cost-effective sensors, handheld devices and access points in order to identify the state of occupancy in large number of rooms present in the campus. The sensed data from distributed connected campus are aggregated over cloud server where they are subjected to suitable preprocessing to increase the data quality suitable for reliable prediction. Multiple set of potential learning-based schemes are integrated with proposed model to explore best fit model. This assessment scenario is not found reported in existing scheme to perform classification of states of occupancy. The study outcome shows Convolution Neural Network and Long Short-Term Memory to accomplish higher accuracy compared to other learning approach.
Iroquois homeobox 4 (IRX4) Derived Micropeptide Promotes Prostate Cancer Progression and Chemoresistance Through Wnt Signaling Dysregulation
Authors: Batra Jyotsna , Fernando Achala , Liyanage Chamikara , Sriniva Srilakshmi , Panchadsaram Janaththani , Rothnagel Joseph A , Clements Judith
Published: October 2023

Background
Genome-wide association studies have implicated Iroquois (IRX) gene clusters in cancer susceptibility, yet their functional roles remain unclear. Micropeptides (miPEPs), short open reading frames (sORFs) encoding small peptides, have emerged as regulators of diverse biological processes. However, the significance of cancer-related miPEPs in tumorigenesis and therapy response remains unexplored.
Methods
Here, we utilized a Sequential Window Acquisition of all Theoretical Mass Spectra (SWATH-MS/MS)-based proteomic approach to discover miPEPs generated by IRX clusters in prostate, breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers. The differential expression of identified miPEPs was measured across different cancer subtypes, grades, and stages, and identified IRX4_PEP1, a miPEP derived from IRX4 as a promising candidate. The role of IRX4_PEP1 was evaluated in prostate cancer (PCa) in vitro via functional assays and comprehensive pathway analysis. Additionally, the expression of IRX4_PEP1 was evaluated in PCa patient samples for it's potential diagnostic and prognostic significance.
Results
We identified 17 miPEPs from IRX clusters in prostate, breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers. Among these, IRX4_PEP1 exhibited significant roles in PCa progression. IRX4_PEP1 promoted PCa cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by interacting with heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNPK). Notably, IRX4_PEP1 disrupted Wnt signaling by interacting with Catenin beta 1 (β catenin; CTNB1), elevating PCa stemness markers, and fostering docetaxel resistance. Clinically, IRX4_PEP1 expression was elevated in PCa tissues, correlating positively with disease aggressiveness. CTNB1 and hnRNPK levels also correlated positively with IRX4_PEP1 in PCa tissues.
Conclusions
These findings highlight IRX4_PEP1's role in PCa stemness and chemoresistance, suggesting it as a therapeutic target and potential diagnostic marker. This study unveils the intricate links between miPEPs, gene clusters, and cancer progression, offering insights for innovative interventions.
The Promotoer, a brain-computer interface-assisted intervention to promote upper limb functional motor recovery after stroke: a statistical analysis plan for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cipriani Marta , Pichiorri Floriana , Colamarino Emma , Toppi Jlenia , Tamburella Federica , Lorusso Matteo , Bigioni Alessandra , Morone Giovanni , Tomaiuolo Francesco , Santoro Filippo , Cordella Daniele , Molinari Marco , Cincotti Febo , Mattia Donatella , Puopolo Maria
Published: October 2023

Background Electroencephalography (EEG)-based Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) allow to modulate the sensorimotor rhythms and are potential technologies for promoting post-stroke motor function recovery. The Promotoer study is planned to assess short and long-term efficacy of the Promotoer system, an EEG-based BCI to assist motor imagery (MI) practice, in enhancing post-stroke functional hand motor recovery. This paper details the statistical analysis plan of the Promotoer study.Methods The Promotoer study is a randomized, controlled, assessors blinded, single-centre, superiority trial, with 2 parallel groups and 1:1 allocation ratio. Subacute stroke patients are randomized to EEG-based BCI-assisted MI training or to MI training alone (ie., no BCI). Internal pilot study for sample size re-assessment is planned. Primary outcome is the effectiveness of the Upper extremity-Fugl-Meyer Assessment (UE-FMA) score. Secondary outcomes include clinical, functional and user experience scores assessed at the end of intervention and at follow-up. Neurophysiological assessments are also planned. Effectiveness formulas have been specified, and intention-to-treat and per-protocol populations have been defined. Statistical methods for comparisons of groups and for development of predictive score of important improvement are described. Explorative subgroup analyses and methodology to handle missing data are considered.Discussion The Promotoer study will produce robust evidence for short/long-term efficacy of the Promotoer system in subacute stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation. Moreover, the development of predictive score of response will allow the transfer of the Promotoer system to optimal clinical practice. The statistical analysis plan, by fully describing statistical principles and procedures for the analysis of data, provides transparency on the analysis of data.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04353297. Registered on April 15, 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04353297
Escherichia coli Microcin B17 as a chassis for the development of novel antimicrobial peptides
Authors: Pinheiro Vitor , Masschelein Joleen , Withanage Shamal
Published: October 2023

Antimicrobial resistance remains an urgent and growing global health problem. Peptides with antimicrobial activity are widespread in nature but are rarely harnessed for therapeutic applications, making them an underexplored and untapped resource. Many harbour post-translational modifications, which are essential for function and have evolved alongside specialized export and immunity machineries – leading to the current paradigm that natural sequences cannot be changed in vivo, and curtailing their development as antimicrobial agents. Nonetheless, we found sufficient ambiguity in literature to question if that remained true for E. coli microcin B17 (MccB17). We demonstrate that its natural machinery for synthesis, export, and immunity can be co-opted as a platform for novel azole-modified antimicrobial peptide discovery, exploring sequences unrelated to wild-type. We show a dense functional space, establishing the possibility that, through directed evolution, antimicrobial discovery could match the speed with which resistance emerges.
New Porous Amine Functionalized Biochar based Desiccated Coconut Waste as Efficient CO2 Adsorbents
Authors: Zakaria Dina Sofiea , Rozi Siti Khalijah Mahmad , Halim Hairul Nazirah Abdul , Mohamad Sharifah , Zheng Ghee Kang
Published: October 2023

Environmental problems such as climate change and global warming caused by greenhouse gases, mainly CO2, have become a worldwide topic of concern. Adsorption is a promising method for CO2 capture. In this research, a series of amine functionalized on biochar based desiccated coconut waste (amine-biochar@DCW) namely ethylenediamine functionalized biochar@DCW (EDA-biochar@DCW), diethylenetriamine functionalized biochar@DCW (DETA-biochar@DCW), triethylenetetramine functionalized biochar@DCW (TETA-biochar@DCW), tetraethylenepentamine functionalized biochar@DCW (TEPA-biochar@DCW), and pentaethylenehexamine functionalized biochar@DCW (PEHA-biochar@DCW) adsorbents were synthesized and characterized. From the characterization analyses, series of amine-biochar@DCW adsorbents had better developed pore structure and larger specific surface area than that of pristine desiccated coconut waste (DCW). Furthermore, the results showed that the increase percentage of elemental of C and N as well the presence peaks NH stretching, NH bending, CN stretching, and CN bending, revealing the presence of amine on the surface of biochar@DCW. From the CO2 adsorption experiment, among amine modified biochar adsorbents, TETA-biochar@DCW had higher CO2 adsorption capacity (61.78 mg/g) with mass ratio (m:m) of biochar@DCW:TETA (1:2). The adsorption kinetics on the TETA-biochar@DCW was best fitted by the pseudo-second model, suggesting the adsorption process occurs through chemisorption. Additionally, TETA-biochar@DCW depicts high selectivity towards CO2 gas and good reusability after five CO2 adsorption–desorption cycles.
Circulating tumor and mesenchymal cell release in no-touch radical nephrectomy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Leitão Tito Palmela , Corredeira Patrícia , Rodrigues Carolina , Piairo Paulina , Miranda Miguel , Cavaco Ana , Kucharczac Sandra , Antunes Marília , Peixoto Sara , Reis José Palma , Lopes Tomé , Diéguez Lorena , Costa Luís
Published: October 2023

Introduction:
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) may be the missing renal cell carcinoma (RCC) biomarker.
Material and Methods:
Randomized controlled trial comparing CTC and circulating mesenchymal cell (CMC) release in no-touch (NT) vs. conventional (C) laparoscopic RN. Blood samples were collected at operation room arrival (S0), specimen extraction (S1), postoperative D1, and D30. CTCs isolated and analyzed using the RUBYchip™.
Results:
34 patients were randomized from September 2021 to April 2022. No differences were found in CTC and CMC counts, count variations between time points, complications, and outcomes between groups. The total circulating cell detection rates in the NT, C, and overall RCC groups were 58.3%, 80.0%, and 70.4% at S0, 41.6%, 86.7%, and 66.7% at S1, 50.0%, 64.3%, and 60.0% at D1, and 54.5%, 42.9%, and 44.0% at D30, respectively. A progressive decrease in CMCs was observed after surgery in the C group, mainly at D1 (4.78 to 1.64 CMCs/7.5mL-blood, p = 0.035). Healthy controls showed no circulating cells. High CMC counts were found in chronic inflammation controls and oncocytoma patients, not significantly different from RCC patients.
Conclusions:
NT RN did not reduce circulating cell release nor improve survival.
FXR and AHR mediate aristolochic acid-induced liver injury: mode of action from the nuclear receptors' point of view
Authors: Ｍa Yumei , Du Chenlong , Liu Yuzhen , Feng Meiyao , Shou Yingqing , Yu Dianke , Jin Yuan
Published: October 2023

Aristolochic acid (AA) is an emerging contaminant in herbal medicines or crops, which has long been recognized for causing nephropathy. Recently, the linkage between AA and liver injury has become a concern; however, the current understanding of the mechanism or mode of action (MOA) is limited. In the present study, we investigated nuclear receptor-mediated MOA associated with AA-induced liver injury. Bioinformatic analysis of AA-interacting genes indicated nuclear receptor-mediated metabolizing pathways; Transcriptomic profiling of AA-exposed rats with liver injury suggested FXR-, NRF2-, and AHR- mediated pathways in the injured livers of the rats. Mechanistic investigation using HepG2 cells indicated AAI-induced hepatic lipid accumulation by elevating TG through inhibition of the FXR. In addition, AAI-induced hepatocellular damage by activating the AHR pathway, which further generated ROS and activated the NRF2 pathway. Together, these results provided new clues for researchers who are interested in chemical-induced liver injury.
Multi-variate Analysis of the Soil Chemical Properties in the Mwea Irrigation Scheme, Kenya and its Implications on Agronomic Management
Authors: Menge Daniel M , Musila Ruth N , Kagito Sammy , Bii Lourine , Gichuki James , Gichuhi Emily , Kundu Caroline A. , Murori Rosemary , Panchbhai Ajay , Ismail Abdelbagi
Published: October 2023

Sub-Saharan Africa is a net importer of rice with self-sufficiency rates of as low as 14% in countries such as Kenya. More 80% of the rice produced in the country is cultivated in the Mwea irrigation scheme. Productivity in the irrigation scheme declined from 5.6 ─ 6.0 t ha− 1 to 1.3 ─ 4.6 t ha− 1 between 1977 and 2018 that could be attributed to site specific nutritional deficiencies and /or toxicities rendering the generalized agronomic recommendations inapplicable in some areas. This study aimed to evaluate variability in soil chemical properties within the irrigation scheme, cluster areas with similar nutritional status and provide area-specific agronomic recommendations. Four hundred samples were collected from the five sections of the Mwea irrigation scheme and analyzed for total organic carbon, soil pH, macro nutrients, micro nutrients and exchangeable cations. Principal components (PC) 1 ─ 4 accounted for 72.2% of the total variability within the irrigation scheme. Four clusters were generated in a scatter plot between PC1 and 2 and there were significant differences among the clusters for all the elements evaluated except for Na. Soil pH, potassium and zinc levels were found to be below optimum while available phosphorus and iron were above the critical levels leading to deficiencies and /or toxicities. Based on the findings of cluster analysis and variability of each nutrient among the clusters, specific management strategies were suggested to guide in developing of a package of good agronomic practices to improve rice productivity in the irrigation scheme.
Postoperative Complications and Axial Length Growth after Bilateral Congenital Cataract Surgery: Eyes with Microphthalmos Compared to a Comparison Group
Authors: Zhao Yun-e , Jiang Yiling , Zhao Yinying , Ni Jun , Yang Fuman , Wang Dandan , Lian Hengli
Published: October 2023

Purpose: To investigate the postoperative clinical outcomes and axial length (AL) growth of infants with congenital cataracts and microphthalmos following first-stage cataract surgery.
Design: Retrospective case control study
Methods:
Setting: Single center.
Infants with congenital cataract that met the inclusion criteria were classified into two groups: the microphthalmos and comparison groups. All infants underwent a thorough ophthalmologic examination before surgery, and one week, 1 month, 3 months, and every 3 months after surgery.
Results: This study enrolled 21 infants (42 eyes) in the microphthalmos group and 29 infants (58 eyes) in the comparison group. More glaucoma-related adverse events were observed in the microphthalmos group (7 eyes, 16.7%) than in the comparison group (0 eyes, 0%) (p<0.001). At each subsequent follow-up, the comparison group had a greater AL than the microphthalmos group (all p<0.001), and AL growth was significantly higher in the comparison group than in the microphthalmos group (all p=0.035). Visual acuity improved in both groups.
Conclusion: Early surgical intervention improves visual function in infants with congenital cataracts and microphthalmos although with a higher incidence of glaucoma-related adverse events. After cataract removal, the AL growth of microphthalmic eyes is slower than that of normally developed eyes.
Exome sequencing and genome-wide association analyses unveils the genetic predisposition in hydroxychloroquine retinopathy
Authors: Wang An-Guor , Chiu Hsun-I , Cheng Hui-Chen , Wu Chih-Chiau , Chen Shih-Jen , Hwang De-Kuang , Huang Yi-Ming , Chou Yu-Bai , Lin Po-Kang , Lin Tai-Chi , Chen Ko-Hua , Lin Pei-Yu , Chang Yu-Fan
Published: October 2023

Objectives To unveil the candidate susceptibility genes in chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine (CQ/HCQ) retinopathy using whole exome sequencing (WES) and genome-wide association study (GWAS). Methods Patients with a diagnosis of CQ/HCQ retinopathy based on the comprehensive demographic and ocular examination were included. The peripheral blood was extracted for WES and GWAS analyses. The Chinese Han Southern database from 1000 genomes was used as control group to compare the affected percentage. Multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, HCQ dose, duration and renal disease were used to analyze the correlation between genetic variants and visual outcome. A poor vision outcome was defined as visual acuity < 6/12. An abnormal anatomical outcome was defined as disruption of ellipsoid zone in the fovea. Results 29 patients with an average age of 60.9 ± 13.4 years, treatment duration of 12.1 ± 6.2 years, daily dose of 8.5 ± 4.1 mg/kg, and the cumulative dose of 1637.5 ± 772.5 g, were genotyped. Several candidate genes associated with CQ/HCQ retinopathy were found, including RP1L1, RPGR and RPE65, with a difference of affected percentage over 50% in mutation between the case and control groups. New foci in CCDC66: rs56616026 (OR = 63.43, p = 1.63 x10− 8) and rs56616023 (OR = 104.7, p = 5.02x10− 10) were identified significantly associated with HCQ retinopathy. Multivariate analysis revealed increased genetic variants were significantly associated with poor functional (OR = 1.600, p = 0.004) and structural outcome (OR = 1.318, p = 0.043). Conclusions Several candidate susceptibility genes including RP1L1, RPGR, RPE65 and CCDC66 were identified to be associated with CQ/HCQ retinopathy. In addition to disease susceptibility, patients with increased genetic variants are more vulnerable to poor visual outcomes.
Incidence and Intensity of Catastrophic Health Expenditure and Impoverishment among the Elderly: An Empirical Evidence from India
Authors: Ahmad Fahimuddin , Mohanty Pratap Chandra
Published: October 2023

World health statistics (2022) reports that about 1.4 billion people have incurred catastrophic health expenditure, and half of its population has been pushed into extreme poverty due to healthcare payments. The elderly population faces a higher risk of ill health, and seeking treatment is reflected in high out-of-pocket spending that results in catastrophic health expenditure and further impoverishment. This study aims to investigate the incidence and intensity of out-of-pocket spending, catastrophic health expenditure, and impoverishment among the older adults in India. Data utilizes from the 75th round of the national sample survey (NSS) based on household social consumption: health (schedule 25.0), 2018. The incidence and intensity of catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) and impoverishment have been estimated using standard measures. The older adults spend about 17% of household consumption expenditure on healthcare services. The poorest older adults are spending the highest share of consumption expenditure on healthcare. Similarly, the elderly from rural, male, scheduled castes, and Christian show a larger share of healthcare consumption. The incidence and intensity of catastrophic health expenditure declines as the threshold level rises. The normalized poverty gap shows that the intensity of being pushed into extreme poverty is quite high. Financial protection along with vision might mitigate the risk of CHE among older adults.
Feasibility analysis for the application of conduction tracks on textiles by means of laser radiation
Authors: Brackmann Friederike , Brackmann Friederike , Brosda Maximilian , Seidenberg Martin , Sonnenschein Julius
Published: October 2023

Nowadays, textiles are not only used for clothing, but have also found applications in many other areas. Textiles fulfilling functional or technical properties are called “technical textiles”. An extension by conductive components, sensors or in connection with materials reacting to environmental influences convert those into Smart Textiles. Common methods of applying conductive tracks to textiles are embroidery, which cause damage to the textile, or an application by means of a toxic paste with low conductivity. A new method of applying electrical conductors to textiles for contacting is laser welding. In this process, a thin metal foil is welded on locally with an absorber placed above the metal foil to ensure that sufficient energy is applied to partially melt the textile underneath the metal foil. One variant for welding conductive tracks is the use of a globo-optics and a diode laser system with a wavelength of 975 nm. With this optics, the laser radiation passes coaxially through a glass sphere, which is also the contact device for achieving a zero gap. Parameters that are varied are the processing speed, the laser power and the focal plane, as well as the type of textile. Their influence is evaluated by microscopy images, electrical resistance measurements, tensile tests and Martindale tests. The investigations will clarify how durable and usable welded conductive tracks on textiles are. Furthermore, an outlook on the possibility of welding using a laser source with a wavelength of 450 nm (blue laser) and a scanner as optics will be given.
Quality in Care requires Kindness and Flexibility – a hermeneutic-phenomenological study of patients’ experiences from pathways including transitions across settings
Authors: Walløe Sisse , Beck Malene , Lauridsen Henrik Hein , Morsø Lars , Simonÿ Charlotte
Published: October 2023

Background: The number of people living with chronic conditions is increasing worldwide, and with that, the need for multiple long-term complex care across care settings. Undergoing transitions across healthcare settings is both challenging and perilous for patients. Nevertheless, knowledge of what facilitates quality during transitions in healthcare settings from the lifeworld perspective of patients is still lacking. Therefore, we aimed to explore the lived experience in healthcare quality for Danish adult patients during healthcare pathways including transitions across settings.
Methods: Three women and five men with various diagnoses and care paths between 30 and 75 years of age shared what influenced their perceived quality of care in interviews with a hermeneutic-phenomenological approach. Data underwent a three phased thematic analysis leading to three themes.
Results: Patients with various illnesses’ experiences of quality of care is described in the themes “Being powerless in the face of illness,” “Burdensome access and navigation,” and “Being in need of mercy and striving for kindness.” This highlights that patients’ experiences of quality in healthcare pathways across settings interweaves with an overall understanding of being powerless at the initial encounter. Access and navigation are burdensome, and system inflexibility adds to the burden and enhances powerlessness. However, caring care provided through the kindness of healthcare professionals supports patients in regaining control of their condition.
Conclusions: We conclude that two main aspects: I) kind and merciful professional relationships and II) system flexibility including access and navigation, are essential for patients’ experiences of care quality during healthcare transitions. This is important knowledge when striving to provide patients with a clear voice regarding quality in care pathways stretching across settings.