bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nossos dias com Pituta. Comentários sobre crueldade e restauração
Authors: Dall’Agno Cátia Deon
Published: September 2024

Partindo de sua experiência clínica durante os anos de pandemia, período em que trabalhou em consultório privado contíguo à sua casa em companhia da gatinha Pituta, a autora tece comentários a respeito da crueldade e da necessidade de restauração do ego após este ter sido experimentado como danificado pelos ataques do sujeito aos próprios objetos internos. Para comentar tais temas, utiliza-se de sua experiência pós-pandemia, quando, em muitos dos atendimentos presenciais, incorporou concretamente a presença de Pituta, sempre e quando o paciente assim o desejasse. Relata o caso clínico de uma criança de 10 anos com sintomas fóbicos surgidos durante a pandemia, caso em que a presença da gatinha mostrou-se de grande auxílio para a projeção dos aspectos internos do paciente, que se derramavam na transferência.
Defining Dignity and its Application to Australian Mental Health Legislation
Authors: Mandeville Bianca
Published: September 2024

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (‘CRPD’) has shaped the evolution of mental health legislation and policy so that people with a mental illness can participate in society ‘on an equal basis with others’ and as ‘equal members’. This article will define dignity through a human rights discourse as it applies to the context of mental health legislation in Australia, in order to promote and support the human rights and autonomy of people with psychosocial disabilities. Applying the concept of dignity as an overarching principle, as it is in the CRPD, will help individuals with a mental illness exercise their capabilities in a way that protects their human rights and minimises stigma anddiscrimination.
Australia, Drive it like you stole it: The Dire Need for Change after the Voice Referendum
Authors: Boe Andrew
Published: September 2024

This article is a reflection upon the treatment of First Nations people by the legal system in Australia and the dire need for socio-political and legislative change given the rejection of the Voice referendum. It takes the decisions of the High Court in Bugmy and Munda as a point of departure for a wider reflection on racism in Australia, which explains the disproportionate rates of First Nations incarceration. It considers structural bias in criminal justice and policing frameworks, as well as socio-economic bias in sentencing and bail options. The article exhorts the need for new structures of co-existence in Australian society.
Examining the Formation of Parasocial Relationships with Celebrities in Teenagers
Authors: Jana Anvi
Published: September 2024

As social networking sites skyrocketed, especially among the teenage demographic,

parasocial interactions with celebrities have risen in tandem. Past research has not specifically focused on the ramifications of social media in early childhood development. Using a mixed method phenomenological design, results indicated that feelings of parental rejection at a young age caused teenagers to feel higher anxiety in social situations (r = .89, p < .011). These socially anxious teenagers in turn reacted more intensely when their favorite celebrity underwent negative experiences and shared them on social media (r = .89, p < 0.05). Additionally, a strong statistical correlation was found (r = .92, p < .001) between checking celebrity social media accounts and believing a celebrity would correspondingly like their fan. Findings reveal that parasocial relationships are ultimately unhealthy, and make it difficult for individuals to distinguish between genuine and one-sided, non-reciprocal relationships. Understanding these relationships is crucial in helping teenagers re-evaluate how they perceive and distinguish in-person interactions as opposed to artificial, virtual relationships. Based on these findings, future researchers should study cases of intense social media fan behavior and explore how to wean teenagers from superficial celebrity obsessions with alternative coping mechanisms (i.e. therapy pets, journaling,

meditation, etc.).
Impact of French Colonization on the Modern Entrepreneurial Landscape in Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco
Authors: Wang Ellen
Published: September 2024

This paper examines the impact of French colonialism on the modern-day entrepreneurial landscape in Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. While abundant research exists on the impacts of French colonization in North Africa, none examines its social, cultural, and economic ties to the current entrepreneurial environment. This paper shall fill the gap in current research by making novel hypotheses after close examination and analysis of colonial-era infrastructure, industries, and government systems, as well as the post-independence policies and the current entrepreneurial landscapes. Lastly, this paper aims to gain insight into ways North Africa can build a robust private sector, increase Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs), and reduce first and third world economic inequalities in the future. Recommendations to foster entrepreneurship shall be given at the end. The finding is that French colonial legacies negatively shaped current entrepreneurial landscapes in North Africa.
Barriers Towards Social Isolation and Neurodegenerative Disease for Geriatric Populations in Rural Mississippi
Authors: Patel Kushal
Published: September 2024

Rural elderly populations in Mississippi represent one of the most vulnerable demographics in the United States, especially regarding loneliness. This study explores the primary contributing factors towards social isolation among the elderly in rural Mississippi. Loneliness, a subjective feeling of social isolation, is linked to various adverse health conditions, with the most notable for the elderly being neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia. This research employs a review of the literature to explore the geographic challenges that lead to elderly loneliness stemming from the relative poverty of rural Mississippi and the interpersonal barriers caused by the unique cultural demographic of rural Mississippi. Findings indicate that rural elderly populations face compounded challenges due to poverty, transportation difficulties, and reduced access to healthcare professionals, obstacles which are magnified by fear of medical providers, prevention of disease being a low priority, and language barriers. Supportive policies can enhance current initiatives and initiate functional strategies to mitigate loneliness and its health impacts among this vulnerable demographic. The implications of this research underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to break the cycle of social isolation and health deterioration in rural elderly communities in the U.S., particularly where this is felt the hardest -rural Mississippi.
Periodic and Aperiodic EEG Activity in Cognitive Tasks: A Scalp Topography Study
Authors: George Nidhi
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the correlation between electrical activity patterns in various brain regions during an information-integration task using electroencephalography (EEG). EEG recordings were analyzed to find both periodic activity, in this case, Alpha power, and aperiodic activity, which is usually considered background noise. The study found that Alpha power was most prominent in the posterior regions of the brain, while aperiodic activity was most prominent in the anterior regions. Using an open EEG dataset and multiple Python packages, the study includes multiple scalp topography maps and violin plots to visualize the data. The results indicate the importance of considering both aperiodic and periodic activity in the brain during different cognitive functions, supporting previous findings about neural excitation and inhibition.
TINGKAT KESIAPAN MASYARAKAT KOTA YOGYAKARTA TERHADAP TEKNOLOGI DALAM LAYANAN PEMERINTAH BERBASIS ELEKTRONIK
Authors: Astuti Amalia Yuli , Huda Nisrina Nafi'atul
Published: September 2024

Peran teknologi pada masyarakat dapat memberikan manfaat yang besar. Teknologi berfungsi sebagai enabler untuk setiap proses dalam berbagai bidang terutama untuk layanan publik. Bila teknologi yang dikembangkan sesuai kebutuhan dan digunakan maka dapat memberikan banyak manfaat. Kemudahan dan manfaat teknologi dirasakan cukup besar untuk masyarakat saat ini. Namun, kesiapan dari masyarakat terhadap teknologi masih belum mencapai harapan dari instalasi teknologi tersebut. Sehingga masih ditemukan tingkat keberhasilan yang cukup rendah dari teknologi pada berbagai organisasi, di mana dalam perancangan dan pemeliharaan teknologi tersebut dibutuhkan pendanaan yang cukup besar. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui tingkat kesiapan masyarakat kota Yogyakarta terhadap teknologi dan mengklasifikasikan masyarakat pada lima jenis kelompok dalam kesiapan teknologi. 
Penelitian ini mengklasifikasikan dan memetakan tingkat kesiapan masyarakat menggunakan analisis klaster dan pohon keputusan. Data yang digunakan adalah mengenai demografi, penggunaan teknologi dengan smartphone, dan item pertanyaan Technology Readiness Index (TRI) di tiga kecamatan. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah k-means clustering dan pohon keputusan. Pengolahan data penelitian menggunakan software SPSS versi 21 dan RStudio versi 3.5.
Penelitian ini menghasilkan tiga kelompok terhadap kesiapan teknologi di kota Yogyakarta dan karakteristik dari kelompok yang siap terhadap teknologi. Kelompok tersebut adalah pionir, skeptis, dan lamban. Hasil penelitian ini diharapkan dapat menjadi masukan kepada Pemerintah Kota (Pemkot) Yogyakarta dan khususnya pada pengelola teknologi layanan publik berbasis teknologi di Pemkot Yogyakarta dalam mengevaluasi teknologi pada layanan publik.
MEKANISME PEMUSNAHAN SAMPAH TANPA PILAH-PILIH DI KOTA YOGYAKARTA
Authors: Wicaksono Damar , Tatag Lindu Bhakti  , Yana Hendriana
Published: September 2024

Sampah kota yang didominansi oleh sampah pasar dan rumahtangga (selanjutnya hanya akan disebut dengan “sampah” saja) merupakan problematika pelik yang harus disolusikan secara terintegrasi dari hulu sampai hilir. Berbagai metode penanganan sampah yang ada belum mampu menangani permasalahan sampah hingga benar-benar tuntas karena karakteristik sampah yang tercampur sejak dari hulu sehingga membuat proses penyortiran untuk mendukung konsep reduce-reuse-recycle menjadi pekerjaan yang berat dan tidak efisien. Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama (UNU) Yogyakarta pada akhir tahun 2019 telah membangun purwarupa awal berupa rangkaian mesin pemusnah sampah tanpa pilah- pilih untuk mengatasi sampah residu luaran bank sampah yang dianggap sudah tidak lagi memiliki nilai ekonomis. Mesin ini terdiri dari unit mesin pencacah-koyak (shredder), unit mesin pengering mekanik (press dryer manual) dan unit mesin pembakar-arang (gasifier). Dengan adanya penelitian lanjutan rancang bangun mekanisme pemusnahan sampah tanpa pilah-pilih ini maka diharapkan permasalahan sampah yang dihadapi oleh berbagai bank sampah di Kelurahan Sorosutan dapat diselesaikan sepenuhnya tanpa menghasilkan residu lanjutan yang harus dibuang ke TPA Piyungan.
DIGITALISASI INFRASTRUKTUR PEWARTA PROGRAM KAMPUNG SAINS KARANGKAJEN (PEPAK) UNTUK PENGUATAN KAMPUNG WISATA CERDAS YOGYAKARTA
Authors: Fatimah Nur , Soviyah  , Abbas Azwar , Azhari Ahmad , Kyswantoro Yunita Firdha , Suryanto Indra
Published: September 2024

Sebagai tujuan wisata edukatif, Kampung Sains Karangkajen (KSK), Kelurahan Brontokusuman, Mergangsan, Yogyakarta menjadi tempat belajar sains secara nonformal, menyenangkan dengan potensi warga dan kampung melalui beragam pojok sainsnya. Dengan dukungan warga dan kunjungan wisatawan, KSK menjadi jalan untuk pemberdayaan ekonomi dan mendukung terwujudnya smart city dilihat dari kesiapan warga, sumber daya alam, lingkungan dan kebijakan pemerintah. Akan tetapi masih ada kendala infrastruktur terkait penyebaran informasi KSK. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengembangkan aplikasi sebagai bentuk digitalisasi infrastruktur untuk penguatan kampung wisata cerdas. Penelitian ini adalah riset pengembangan dengan model ADDIE (analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation). Analisis situasi dilakukan pada pengelola KSK sebagai needs analysis melalui wawancara. Berdasarkan hasil analisis kebutuhan, dikembangkan infrastruktur digital berupa aplikasi untuk KSK. Produk divalidasi dan mendapat feedback dari ahli dan pengguna. Analisis data kualitatif dibuat sesuai tema penelitian berdasar hasil wawancara, dan masukan ahli melalui isian lembar observasi dan evaluasi produk, sementara data kuantitatif berdasarkan hasil UAT (User Acceptance Test) yang diisi pengguna aplikasi. Penelitian menghasilkan profil KSK, dan aplikasi PEPAK. Fitur utama PEPAK terdiri dari profil KSK, artikel, video, eduekowisata, produk yang dihasilkan KSK dengan warga Karangkajen dan fitur yang mencatat transaksi user dengan KSK. Selanjutnya PEPAK akan mengalami penyesuaian dalam tampilan dan isinya untuk diintegrasikan ke dalam sistem JSS (Jogja Smart Service) Pemerintah Kota Yogyakarta. Produk PEPAK dengan penyesuaian tetap bisa menjadi rujukan tentang kegiatan dan layanan KSK bisa memiliki kemanfaatan dan daya jangkau dan daya saing global.
Building the Compassionate Culture: How Empathetic Leadership Breeds Engagement and Performance
Authors: Westover Jonathan
Published: September 2024

Abstract: This article discusses how compassionate, empathetic leadership can positively transform organizational culture and performance. The article explores how empathetic leadership, defined as the ability to understand others' perspectives and care about their well-being, creates an engaged workforce and values-aligned environment where people thrive. Sections provide background on empathetic leadership principles and skills, then expound on how empathy cultivates engagement, alignment, psychological safety, and the development of future leaders through mentoring in perspective-taking. Research supporting these claims is cited. In conclusion, the article argues that empathy from the C-suite down is integral to maximizing human potential and organizational success, and that cultivating these abilities must be a strategic priority for any firm aiming to be a top employer.
Influence of Differences in Exercise-intensity and Kilograms/Set on Energy Expenditure During and After Maximally Explosive Resistance Exercise
Authors: Mazzetti Scott , Wolff Christopher , Collins Brittany , Kolankowski Michael , Wilkerson Brittany , Overstreet Matthew , Grube Troy
Published: September 2024

With resistance exercise, greater intensity typically elicits increased energy expenditure, but heavier loads require that the lifter perform more sets of fewer repetitions, which alters the kilograms lifted per set. Thus, the effect of exercise-intensity on energy expenditure has yielded varying results, especially with explosive resistance exercise. This study was designed to examine the effect of exercise-intensity and kilograms/set on energy expenditure during explosive resistance exercise. Ten resistance-trained men (22±3.6 years; 84±6.4 kg, 180±5.1 cm, and 13±3.8 %fat) performed squat and bench press protocols once/week using different exercise-intensities including 48% (LIGHT-48), 60% (MODERATE-60), and 72% of 1-repetition-maximum (1-RM) (HEAVY-72), plus a no-exercise protocol (CONTROL). To examine the effects of kilograms/set, an additional protocol using 72% of 1-RM was performed (HEAVY-72MATCHED) with kilograms/set matched with LIGHT-48 and MODERATE-60. LIGHT-48 was 4 sets of 10 repetitions (4x10); MODERATE-60 4x8; HEAVY-72 5x5; and HEAVY-72MATCHED 4x6.5. Eccentric and concentric repetition speeds, ranges-of-motion, rest-intervals, and total kilograms were identical between protocols. Expired air was collected continuously throughout each protocol using a metabolic cart, [Blood lactate] using a portable analyzer, and bench press peak power were measured. Rates of energy expenditure were significantly greater (p≤0.05) with LIGHT-48 and HEAVY-72MATCHED than HEAVY-72 during squat (7.3±0.7; 6.9±0.6 > 6.1±0.7 kcal/min), bench press (4.8±0.3; 4.7±0.3 > 4.0±0.4 kcal/min), and +5min after (3.7±0.1; 3.7±0.2 > 3.3±0.3 kcal/min), but there were no significant differences in total kcal among protocols. Therefore, exercise-intensity may not effect energy expenditure with explosive contractions, but light loads (~50% of 1-RM) may be preferred because of higher rates of energy expenditure, and since heavier loading requires more sets with lower kilograms/set.
Innovative Solutions for High School Inventory Management: An Information System Approach
Authors: Frida
Published: September 2024

This paper explores the development and implementation of an innovative information system designed to enhance inventory management in high schools. Traditional inventory methods, often reliant on manual tracking, are prone to errors and inefficiencies, which can hinder resource allocation and decision-making. By adopting an information system approach, schools can automate processes, improve data accuracy, and provide real-time access to inventory information. The study outlines key features such as real-time tracking, automated alerts, and role-based access controls, which are critical to the system's effectiveness. The results demonstrate significant improvements in workflow efficiency, data accuracy, and overall resource management. Despite the challenges associated with system implementation, including cost and training requirements, the benefits make this approach a compelling solution for modernizing high school inventory practices. The paper concludes with recommendations for broader adoption and further research to optimize these systems for educational settings.
Identification of Learning Resource Access in Improving Student's Knowledge in Linguistic Rules at MIN 3 Tapin
Authors: Hafizah Elma Nur , Muna Khairiatul
Published: September 2024

This research is to identify access to learning resources in increasing students' knowledge into linguistic rules at MIN 3 Tapin. By using mixed method concurrent triangulation on 40 students at MIN 3 Tapin, the Miles and Huberman analysis technique was applied to qualitative data and for quantitative data the classical assumption test, simple linear regression test and hypothesis testing using SPSS 16.0. The results stated that students have various access to learning resources as seen from the results of questionnaire answers regarding access to learning resources, then supported by the results of interviews and documentation which states that the facilities at MIN 3 Tapin are adequate, making it easier for students to access learning resources at MIN 3 Tapin. Students' knowledge into linguistic rules seen from the results of test questions and interviews shows that they are still at a sufficient level and need to be given further evaluation. Access to learning resources that is considered quite adequate apparently does not have a significant influence on knowledge of linguistic rules, students who have access to various sources of access to learning resources are not guaranteed to have good knowledge into linguistic rules.
Peran Keluarga dalam Meningkatkan Kecintaan Anak Terhadap Agama Islam di Sekolah Dasar Islam Kota Balikpapan
Authors: Sariman Adil , Lukman Syaiful
Published: September 2024

This study discusses "The Role of Family in Increasing Children's Love for Islam in Balikpapan City Islamic Elementary School." Through qualitative research methods, in-depth interviews were conducted to understand the dynamics of interactions between families, religious education, and children's spiritual development. The results highlight the crucial role of religious values taught in the family in shaping the moral and ethical character of children. The variety of religious practices within the family is also found to be a diverse element that enriches the spiritual experience of children. Parents are identified as moral and spiritual leaders who set an example, guide religious practice, and support a deeper understanding of religious values. The study's findings underscore the importance of the family as a key pillar of religious education, strengthening awareness of religious values within the family as a strong foundation of children's spiritual development. The implications of this research provide a basis for the development of better education and family support programs, encouraging the spiritual growth of children in Balikpapan City Islamic Primary School
Persepsi Orang Tua Terhadap Pentingnya Pendidikan Agama Islam bagi Anak Usia Dini di KB/TK Cahaya Bintang
Authors: Dewi Elok Faroita , Lukman Syaiful
Published: September 2024

This research describes parents' perceptions of the importance of Islamic religious education for early childhood at Cahaya Bintang KB/TK, Perum Pesona Bukit Batuah, Graha Indah, North Balikpapan, Balikpapan City. This research uses a qualitative case study approach based on the results of a survey conducted by researchers, parents' awareness of the importance of Islamic religious education in early childhood shows that there is still a lot of diversity, namely positive perceptions and negative perceptions. Positive perception is the perception that Islamic religious education is important in everyone's life, and negative perception is the perception that Islamic religious education is not important in everyday life. There are several reasons that cause this difference in perception, including: 1) Parents' understanding of Islamic religious education is lacking. 2) Lack of understanding of what motivates children to study Islamic religious education and 3) Weak economic sector causes limited ability of parents to support their children and provide opportunities for their children to obtain a good education and deepen their understanding of Islamic religious education
Rénover l’éducation à l’image par l’éducation populaire ou rénover l’éducation populaire par l’éducation à l’image ?
Authors: Ducellier Marie
Published: September 2024

L’autonomisation des modes d’accès, de production et de diffusion des images par les jeunes eux-mêmes force les professionnels de l’éducation populaire, dans une association telle que la Ligue de l’enseignement, à reconfigurer l’activité pédagogique jusque dans ses convictions. Ils ont progressivement incorporé les formats institutionnels de l’éducation à l’image ; la promotion du cinéma d’auteur par le rituel de la salle, et ses rapports sous-jacents à la jeunesse ; et la disqualification des pratiques ordinaires au profit de l’Art. Ce socle normatif est remis en question au moyen d’une ethnographie de longue durée qui révèle une montée critique de ces normes et pratiques dominantes. L’article étudie ainsi tant la perte que la nécessité d’une réactualisation des pratiques de l’éducation populaire au sein d’une de ses plus anciennes associations. Cette visée paradoxale met en évidence que les mutations technoculturelles, loin d’induire de « nouvelles » éducations à l’image, remettent sur le devant de la scène une praxis oubliée.
Éthique de l’intervention artistique – Retour sur une formation à l’intention des plasticiens intervenants
Authors: Matthaey Anne , Lefèvre Lisa
Published: September 2024

Quelle éthique dans le cadre de la relation à autrui pour l’artiste intervenant ? Ni professeur, ni animateur, ni médiateur, l’artiste tisse, lors d’une résidence, une relation avec les participants, relation qui est une dimension centrale de l’éducation esthétique (Kerlan, 2021). L’article se proposera, après une tentative de description des particularités éthiques de la relation artiste-participants (Kerlan, 2021 ; Prairat, 2021 ; Raimundi et Trouvé, 2018), d’interroger les modalités d’une formation à l’éthique, ses limites et sa réception auprès de deux artistes dans un des trois Centres de formation des plasticiens intervenants (CFPI) de France. Les résultats révèlent un défi majeur à penser pour transformer une relation asymétrique non choisie avec les participants en une relation horizontale et émancipatrice.
Évaluation d’un camp de littératie pour contrer la perte d’apprentissage estivale
Authors: Papi Cathia , Desjardins Guillaume , Kaboré Tigawendé Prosper
Published: September 2024

Lors de la pandémie de COVID-19, le gouvernement du Québec a instauré une mesure pour lutter contre la perte d’apprentissage estivale appelée « glissade de l’été ». À partir de 2021, il a encouragé financièrement la création de programmes ou de dispositifs d’été pour soutenir les élèves et leurs apprentissages durant les vacances scolaires. Cet article porte sur l’évaluation d’un camp nommé Littératie en s’amusant ! proposé dans un centre de services scolaire. L’objectif est de déterminer dans quelle mesure un tel dispositif est susceptible d’endiguer la perte d’apprentissage estivale, autrement dit, de favoriser le maintien des acquis pendant l’été. Une méthodologie mixte a été employée. L’approche qualitative repose sur des entretiens semi-directifs et l’approche quantitative, sur des prétests et des post-tests. Les résultats de l’étude de ce camp de littératie sont positifs et significatifs : ils montrent que la participation au camp permet aux enfants de maintenir, voire d’améliorer leurs compétences en littératie pendant l’été.
Le processus de validation d’un outil d’autoévaluation portant sur les pratiques d’enseignement en ligne pour un dispositif d’autoformation dédié aux enseignants des cycles supérieurs
Authors: Proust-Androwkha Sonia , Lison Christelle , Meyer Florian
Published: September 2024

Dans un contexte d’enseignement distant ou hybride, les enseignants des cycles supérieurs sont confrontés à de nombreux défis technopédagogiques. Le dispositif d’autoformation dynamique pour l’innovation (DADI) offre des ressources et un outil d’autoévaluation fondé sur le modèle théorique du savoir technopédagogique disciplinaire (STPD) de Bachy (2014). Cette recherche visait à construire et à valider cet outil d’autoévaluation. La méthodologie de validation a combiné des approches qualitatives et quantitatives, impliquant des experts en sciences de l’éducation et des enseignants des cycles supérieurs issus de disciplines volontairement variées. Cet article se concentre sur les résultats quantitatifs. L’évaluation statistique a été menée auprès de 173 enseignants québécois via un questionnaire en ligne. Les analyses factorielles semi-confirmatoires, à la suite des analyses exploratoires, confirment la validité de l’outil avec 60 items. Elles examinent également la pertinence de cloisonner certains domaines de connaissances dans la pratique effective des enseignants.
Traditional use, phytoconstituents, and pharmacological effects of Persea americana: A recent review
Authors: Gavídia-Valencia José Gilberto , Venegas-Casanova Edmundo Arturo , Gutiérrez-Ramos Miriam E. , Rengifo-Penadillos Roger A. , Cajamarca-Porras Cleydy Jaysia , Aro-Díaz Ruben J. , Mostacero-León José , Galhardo De Albuquerque Ricardo Diego Duarte
Published: September 2024

Persea americana is a native American plant most known as avocado, aguacate, abacate, or palta. It is considered a commercially valuable fruit tree cultivated worldwide for its rich oil content. It has various medicinal properties throughout the plant, including fruits, roots, leaves, and seeds. Conventionally, it has been used to treat malaria, obesity, urinary incontinence, and anemia, and protect against sunlight and skin diseases. However, as avocado is a plant species with worldwide knowledge, it is necessary to constantly review recently published articles, according to the topic of interest. Therefore, the objective of this review is to compile and discuss recent studies (2010–2024) on ethnomedicinal, pharmacological, and chemical information of P. americana. Articles were searched from the following electronic databases: Scopus (n = 62), ScienceDirect (n = 70), and PubMed (n = 194). Regarding the in vivo pharmacological effects, studies suggest potential benefits for diabetes, gastric ulcers, and others, likely due to reduced glucose levels. In vitro studies mainly focused on antioxidant/anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. These findings demonstrate a high diversity of pharmacological activities achievable with P. americana extracts through various administration forms (decoction, juice extract, and infusion) and plant parts. Overall, P. americana shows promise as an effective alternative treatment for various health issues.
An Anatomical and Physiological Basis for Flexible Coincidence Detection in the Auditory System
Authors: Kreeger Lauren J , Honnuraiah Suraj , Maeker Sydney , Shea Siobhan , Fishell Gord , Goodrich Lisa V
Published: September 2024

Animals navigate the auditory world by recognizing complex sounds, from the rustle of a predator to the call of a potential mate. This ability depends in part on the octopus cells of the auditory brainstem, which respond to multiple frequencies that change over time, as occurs in natural stimuli. Unlike the average neuron, which integrates inputs over time on the order of tens of milliseconds, octopus cells must detect momentary coincidence of excitatory inputs from the cochlea during an ongoing sound on both the millisecond and submillisecond time scale. Here, we show that octopus cells receive inhibitory inputs on their dendrites that enhance opportunities for coincidence detection in the cell body, thereby allowing for responses both to rapid onsets at the beginning of a sound and to frequency modulations during the sound. This mechanism is crucial for the fundamental process of integrating the synchronized frequencies of natural auditory signals over time.
Effective population size does not explain long-term variation in genome size and transposable element content in animals
Authors: Marino Alba , Debaecker Gautier , Fiston-Lavier Anna-Sophie , Haudry Annabelle , Nabholz Benoit
Published: September 2024

Animal genomes exhibit a remarkable variation in size, but the evolutionary forces responsible for such variation are still debated. As the effective population size (N
e
) reflects the intensity of genetic drift, it is expected to be a key determinant of the fixation rate of nearly-neutral mutations. Accordingly, the Mutational Hazard Hypothesis postulates lineages with low N
e
to have bigger genome sizes due to the accumulation of slightly deleterious transposable elements (TEs), and those with high N
e
to maintain streamlined genomes as a consequence of a more effective selection against TEs. However, the existence of both empirical confirmation and refutation using different methods and different scales precludes its general validation. Using high-quality public data, we estimated genome size, TE content and rate of non-synonymous to synonymous substitutions (dN/dS) as N
e
proxy for 807 species including vertebrates, molluscs and insects. After collecting available life-history traits, we tested the associations among population size proxies, TE content and genome size, while accounting for phylogenetic non-independence. Our results confirm TEs as major drivers of genome size variation, and endorse life-history traits and dN/dS as reliable proxies for N
e
. However, we do not find any evidence for increased drift to result in an accumulation of TEs across animals. Within more closely related clades, only a few isolated and weak associations emerge in fishes and birds. Our results outline a scenario where TE dynamics vary according to lineage-specific patterns, lending no support for genetic drift as the predominant force driving long-term genome size evolution in animals.
Efficacy and mechanism of actions of cipargamin as an antibabesial drug candidate
Authors: Li Hang , Ji Shengwei , Ariefta Nanang R , Galon Eloiza May S , El-Sayed Shimaa AES , Jia Lijun , Nishikawa Yoshifumi , Liu Mingming , Xuan Xuenan
Published: September 2024

Babesiosis is a disease brought on by intraerythrocytic parasites of the genus
Babesia
. Current chemotherapies are accompanied by side effects and parasite relapse. Therefore, it is crucial to develop highly effective drugs against
Babesia
. Cipargamin (CIP) has shown inhibition against apicomplexan parasites, mainly
Plasmodium
and
Toxoplasma
. This study evaluated the growth-inhibiting properties of CIP against
Babesia
spp. and investigated the mechanism of CIP on
B. gibsoni
. The half inhibitory concentration (IC
50)
values of CIP against the
in vitro
growth of
B. bovis
and
B. gibsoni
were 20.2 ± 1.4 nM and 69.4 ± 2.2 nM, respectively. CIP significantly inhibited the growth of
B. microti
and
B. rodhaini in vivo.
Resistance was conferred by L921V and L921I mutations in
Bg
ATP4, which reduced the sensitivity to CIP by 6.1-and 12.8-fold. An
in silico
investigation revealed reductions in affinity for CIP binding to
Bg
ATP4
L921V
and
Bg
ATP4
L921I
compared to
Bg
ATP4
WT
. In this study, we characterized the efficacy of CIP against
Babesia
spp. by investigating the mechanistic basis for the resistance to CIP conferred by mutations in the
Bg
ATP4. Our findings present a promising starting point for the establishment of new therapeutic interventions against
Babesia
infection.
Contraction-induced endocardial id2b plays a dual role in regulating myocardial contractility and valve formation
Authors: Chen Shuo , Yin Jie , Liang Jinxiu , Zhang Weijia , Jiang Peijun , Wang Wenyuan , Chen Xiaoying , Zhou Yuanhong , Xia Peng , Yang Fan , Gu Ying , Zhang Ruilin , Han Peidong
Published: September 2024

Biomechanical cues play an essential role in sculpting organ formation. Comprehending how cardiac cells perceive and respond to biomechanical forces is a biological process with significant medical implications that remains poorly understood. Here we show that biomechanical forces activate endocardial
id2b
(inhibitor of DNA binding 2b) expression, thereby promoting cardiac contractility and valve formation. Taking advantage of the unique strengths of zebrafish, particularly the viability of embryos lacking heartbeats, we systematically compared the transcriptomes of hearts with impaired contractility to those of control hearts. This comparison identified
id2b
as a gene sensitive to blood flow. By generating a knockin reporter line, our results unveiled the presence of
id2b
in the endocardium, and its expression is sensitive to both pharmacological and genetic perturbations of contraction. Furthermore,
id2b
loss-of-function resulted in progressive heart malformation and early lethality. Combining RNA-seq analysis, electrophysiology, calcium imaging, and echocardiography, we discovered profound impairment in atrioventricular (AV) valve formation and defective excitation-contraction coupling in
id2b
mutants. Mechanistically, deletion of
id2b
reduced AV endocardial cell proliferation and led to a progressive increase in retrograde blood flow. In the myocardium,
id2b
directly interacted with the bHLH component
tcf3b
(transcription factor 3b) to restrict its activity. Inactivating
id2b
unleashed its inhibition on
tcf3b
, resulted in enhanced repressor activity of
tcf3b
, which subsequently suppressed the expression of
nrg1
(neuregulin 1), an essential mitogen for heart development. Overall, our findings identify
id2b
as an endocardial cell-specific, biomechanical signaling-sensitive gene, which mediates intercellular communications between endocardium and myocardium to sculpt heart morphogenesis and function.
Mechanistic Insights into MinD Regulation and Pattern Formation in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Feddersen Helge , Bramkamp Marc
Published: September 2024

Bacteria precisely regulate the place and timing of their cell division. One of the best-understood systems for division site selection is the Min system in
Escherichia coli
. In
E. coli
, the Min system displays remarkable pole-to-pole oscillation, creating a time-averaged minimum at the cell’s geometric center, which marks the future division site. Interestingly, the Gram-positive model species
Bacillus subtilis
also encodes homologous proteins: the cell division inhibitor MinC and the Walker-ATPase MinD. However,
B. subtilis
lacks the activating protein MinE, which is essential for Min dynamics in
E. coli
. We have shown before that the
B. subtilis
Min system is highly dynamic and quickly relocalizes to active sites of division. This raised questions about how Min protein dynamics are regulated on a molecular level in
B. subtilis
. Here, we show with a combination of
in vitro
experiments and
in vivo
single-molecule imaging that the ATPase activity of
B. subtilis
MinD is activated solely by membrane binding. Additionally, both monomeric and dimeric MinD bind to the membrane, and binding of ATP to MinD is a prerequisite for fast membrane detachment. Single-molecule localization microscopy data confirm membrane binding of monomeric MinD variants. However, only wild type MinD enriches at cell poles and sites of ongoing division, likely due to interaction with MinJ. Monomeric MinD variants and locked dimers remain distributed along the membrane and lack the characteristic pattern formation. Single-molecule tracking data further support that MinD has a freely diffusive population, which is increased in the monomeric variants and a membrane binding defective mutant. Thus, MinD dynamics in
B. subtilis
do not require any unknown protein component and can be fully explained by MinD’s binding and unbinding kinetics with the membrane. The generation of MinD patterns relies on the short-lived temporal residence of MinD dimers at the membrane.
Cyclical MinD membrane affinity differences are not necessary for MinD gradient formation in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Bohorquez Laura C , Strahl Henrik , Marenduzzo Davide , Thiele Martin J , Bürmann Frank , Hamoen Leendert W
Published: September 2024

Proteins can diffuse micrometers in seconds, yet bacterial cells are able to maintain stable protein gradients. The best studied bacterial protein gradient is the Min system of
Escherichia coli
. In rod-shaped bacteria the MinCD proteins prevent formation of minicells by inhibiting FtsZ polymerization close to the cell poles. In
E. coli
these proteins oscillate between cell poles within a minute, resulting in an increased MinCD concentration at the poles. This oscillation is caused by the interaction between MinD and the protein MinE, which form an ATP-driven reaction-diffusion system, whereby the ATPase MinD cycles between a monomeric cytosolic and a dimeric membrane attached states.
Bacillus subtilis
also has MinCD, but lacks MinE. In this case MinCD form a static gradient that requires the transmembrane protein MinJ, located at cell poles and cell division sites. A recent reaction-diffusion model was successful in recreating the MinD gradient in
B. subtilis
, assuming that MinD cycles between cytosol and membrane, like in
E. coli
. Here we show that the monomeric and dimeric states of
B. subtilis
MinD have comparable membrane affinities, that MinD interacts with MinJ as a dimer, and that MinJ is not required for membrane localization of MinD. Based on these new findings we tested different models, using kinetic Monte Carlo simulations, and found that a difference in diffusion rate between the monomer and dimer, rather than a difference in membrane affinity, is important for
B. subtilis
MinCD gradient formation.
Targeting ribosome biogenesis as a novel therapeutic approach to overcome EMT-related chemoresistance in breast cancer
Authors: Ban Yi , Zou Yue , Liu Yingzhuo , Lee Sharrel , Bednarczyk Robert B , Sheng Jianting , Cao Yuliang , Wong Stephen TC , Gao Dingcheng
Published: September 2024

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes significantly to chemotherapy resistance and remains a critical challenge in treating advanced breast cancer. The complexity of EMT, involving redundant pro-EMT signaling pathways and its paradox reversal process, mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET), has hindered the development of effective treatments. In this study, we utilized a Tri-PyMT EMT lineage-tracing model in mice and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to comprehensively analyze the EMT status of tumor cells. Our findings revealed elevated ribosome biogenesis (RiBi) during the transitioning phases of both EMT and MET processes. RiBi and its subsequent nascent protein synthesis mediated by ERK and mTOR signalings are essential for EMT/MET completion. Importantly, inhibiting excessive RiBi genetically or pharmacologically impaired the EMT/MET capability of tumor cells. Combining RiBi inhibition with chemotherapy drugs synergistically reduced metastatic outgrowth of epithelial and mesenchymal tumor cells under chemotherapies. Our study suggests that targeting the RiBi pathway presents a promising strategy for treating patients with advanced breast cancer.
Development and Assessment of a Sustainable PhD Internship Program Supporting Diverse Biomedical Career Outcomes
Authors: Brandt Patrick D , Whittington Dawayne , Wood Kimberley D , Holmquist Chris , Nogueira Ana T , Gaines Christiann H , Brennwald Patrick J , Layton Rebekah L
Published: September 2024

A doctoral-level internship program was developed at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with the intent to create customizable experiential learning opportunities for biomedical trainees to support career exploration, preparation, and transition into their post-graduate professional roles. We report the outcomes of this program over a five-year period. During that 5-year period, 123 internships took place at over 70 partner sites, representing at least 20 academic, for-profit, and non-profit career paths in the life sciences. A major goal of the program was to enhance trainees’ skill development and expertise in careers of interest. The benefits of the internship program for interns, host/employer, and supervisor/principal investigator were assessed using a mixed-methods approach, including surveys with closed- and open-ended responses as well as focus group interviews. Balancing stakeholder interests is key to creating a sustainable program with widespread support; hence, the level of support from internship hosts and faculty members were key metrics analyzed throughout. We hypothesized that once a successful internship program was implemented, faculty culture might shift to be more accepting of internships; indeed, the data quantifying faculty attitudes support this. Furthermore, host motivation and performance expectations of interns were compared with results achieved, and this data revealed both expected and surprising benefits to hosts. Data suggests a myriad of benefits for each stakeholder group, and themes are cataloged and discussed. Program outcomes, evaluation data, policies, resources, and best practices developed through the implementation of this program are shared to provide resources that facilitate the creation of similar internship programs at other institutions. Program development was initially spurred by National Institutes of Health pilot funding, thereafter, successfully transitioning from a grant-supported model, to an institutionally supported funding model to achieve long-term programmatic sustainability.
Revealing a hidden conducting state by manipulating the intracellular domains in KV10.1 exposes the coupling between two gating mechanisms
Authors: Abdelaziz Reham , Tomczak Adam P , Neef Andreas , Pardo Luis A
Published: September 2024

The KCNH family of potassium channels serves relevant physiological functions in both excitable and non-excitable cells, reflected in the massive consequences of mutations or pharmacological manipulation of their function. This group of channels shares structural homology with other voltage-gated K+ channels, but the mechanisms of gating in this family show significant differences with respect to the canonical electromechanical coupling in these molecules. In particular, the large intracellular domains of KCNH channels play a crucial role in gating that is still only partly understood. Using KCNH1(KV10.1) as a model, we have characterized the behavior of a series of modified channels that could not be explained by the current models. With electrophysiological and biochemical methods combined with mathematical modeling, we show that the uncovering of an open state can explain the behavior of the mutants. This open state, which is not detectable in wild-type channels, appears to lack the rapid flicker block of the conventional open state. Because it is accessed from deep closed states, it elucidates intermediate gating events well ahead of channel opening in the wild type. This allowed us to study gating steps prior to opening, which, for example, explain the mechanism of gating inhibition by Ca2+-Calmodulin and generate a model that describes the characteristic features of KCNH channels gating.
Autophagosome development and chloroplast segmentation occur synchronously for piecemeal degradation of chloroplasts
Authors: Izumi Masanori , Nakamura Sakuya , Otomo Kohei , Ishida Hiroyuki , Hidema Jun , Nemoto Tomomi , Hagihara Shinya
Published: September 2024

Plants distribute many nutrients to chloroplasts during leaf development and maturation. When leaves senesce or experience sugar starvation, the autophagy machinery degrades chloroplast proteins to facilitate efficient nutrient reuse. Here, we report on the intracellular dynamics of an autophagy pathway responsible for piecemeal degradation of chloroplast components. Through live-cell monitoring of chloroplast morphology, we observed the formation of chloroplast budding structures in sugar-starved leaves. These buds were then released and incorporated into the vacuolar lumen as an autophagic cargo termed a Rubisco-containing body. The budding structures did not accumulate in mutants of core autophagy machinery, suggesting that autophagosome creation is required for forming chloroplast buds. Simultaneous tracking of chloroplast morphology and autophagosome development revealed that the isolation membranes of autophagosomes interact closely with part of the chloroplast surface before forming chloroplast buds. Chloroplasts then protrude at the site associated with the isolation membranes, which divide synchronously with autophagosome maturation. This autophagy-related division does not require DYNAMIN-RELATED PROTEIN 5B, which constitutes the division ring for chloroplast proliferation in growing leaves. An unidentified division machinery may thus fragment chloroplasts for degradation in coordination with the development of the chloroplast-associated isolation membrane.
Sensory-memory interactions via modular structure explain errors in visual working memory
Authors: Yang Jun , Zhang Hanqi , Lim Sukbin
Published: September 2024

Errors in stimulus estimation reveal how stimulus representation changes during cognitive processes. Repulsive bias and minimum variance observed near cardinal axes are well-known error patterns typically associated with visual orientation perception. Recent experiments suggest that these errors continuously evolve during working memory, posing a challenge that neither static sensory models nor traditional memory models can address. Here, we demonstrate that these evolving errors, maintaining characteristic shapes, require network interaction between two distinct modules. Each module fulfills efficient sensory encoding and memory maintenance, which cannot be achieved simultaneously in a single-module network. The sensory module exhibits heterogeneous tuning with strong inhibitory modulation reflecting natural orientation statistics. While the memory module, operating alone, supports homogeneous representation via continuous attractor dynamics, the fully connected network forms discrete attractors with moderate drift speed and nonuniform diffusion processes. Together, our work underscores the significance of sensory-memory interaction in continuously shaping stimulus representation during working memory.