bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengembangan Modul Ajar Program Sekolah Penggerak Berbasis Problem Based Learning
Authors: Nisa' Roisatun , Sholihah Minahus
Published: August 2023

Kementerian Pendidikan dan kebudayaan menetapkan kurikulum baru yang dikenal sebagai â€œProgram Sekolah Penggerakâ€ sebagai upaya dalam meningkatkan kualitas Pendidikan di Indonesia. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menghasilkan modul ajar yang layak dari aspek valid, praktis, dan efektif. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian pengembangan dengan model Plomp yaitu analisis pendahuluan, pengembangan atau pembuatan prototype, dan penilaian. Adapun Teknik pengumpulan dan instrumen penelitian berupa wawancara, lembar validasi, lembar angket, lembar observasi keterlaksanaan pembelajaran dan lembar tes. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kualitas modul ajar yang dihasilkan berdasarkan aspek kevalidan memperoleh skor 4,4 yang masuk kategori valid. Nilai kepraktisan diperoleh dari angket respon guru dengan skor 3,8 dan observasi keterlaksanaan pembelajaran dengan skor 0,88 yang masuk dalam ketgori praktis. Selanjutnya, aspek keefektifan diperoleh dari tes berupa asesmen formatif dengan skor 77,65 yang masuk dalam kategori efektif. Penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa modul ajar dikatakan valid, praktis, efektif. Sehingga modul ajar ini bisa digunakan sebagai pegangan siswa dan guru pada sekolah yang menerapkan Kurikulum Merdeka.Â
Analisis Kesalahan dalam Menyelesaikan Soal Cerita Berdasarkan Watson Ditinjau dari Perbedaan Gender
Authors: Rusdiati Melia , Haryono Yulia , Suryani Mulia
Published: August 2023

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh banyaknya kesalahan yang dilakukan peserta didik laki-laki dalam menyimpulkan hasil dari penyelesaian soal dan banyaknya kesalahan peserta didik perempuan dalam menyelesaikan soal bentuk cerita. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui bagaimanakah kesalahan peserta didik dalam mengerjakan soal cerita matematika berdasarkan kriteria kesalahan Watson di tinjau dari perbedaan gender, pada peserta didik kelas VIII di salah satu MTsN di Sumatera Barat. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode deskriptif dengan pendekatan kualitatif. Sampel yang dianalisis sebanyak 46 orang peserta didik sesuai dengan jenis kesalahan yang dilakukan peserta didik serta ditinjau berdasarkan gender. Instrumen yang digunakan untuk pengumpulan data berupa tes dan wawancara. Hasil tes dianalisis jenis kesalahan yang dilakukan dalam menyelesaikan soal cerita matematika, setelah itu dianalisis berdasarkan gender peserta didik. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa jenis kesalahan yang dilakukan peserta didik laki-laki dan perempuan yaitu pada kesalahan Data Hilang, Kesimpulan Hilang, Manipulasi Tidak Langsung, Masalah Hirarki Keterampilan, dan Selain Ketujuh Kesalahan. Perbedaan kesalahan antara peserta didik laki-laki dan peserta didik perempuan yaitu pada kesalahan Konflik Level Respons.
Analisis Kemampuan Number Sense Siswa Berdasarkan Kemampuan Matematika pada Materi Bilangan
Authors: Hidayah Rista Wiladatul , Sholihah Ummu
Published: August 2023

Abstrak. Kemampuan Number Sense merupakan kemampuan mengenali bilangan beserta operasinya yang sangat diperlukan untuk membantu siswa belajar matematika. Kemampuan Number Sense setiap siswa berbeda-beda dipengaruhi oleh tingkat pendidikan, pengalaman belajar, serta kemampuan matematika (tinggi, sedang, dan rendah).  Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendiskripsikan kemampuan Number Sense siswa berdasarkan kemampuan matematika pada materi bilangan kelas VII MTsN 1 Blitar. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatakan kualitatif deskriptif. Pengambilan data dengan cara tes tulis, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Subjek terpilih yaitu 3 subjek sesuai dengan kategori tinggi, sedang, dan rendah. Analisis data dengan reduksi, penyajian, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan siswa berkemampuan matematika tinggi dan sedang mampu menilai kewajaran suatu hasil perhitungan, menenetukan karakteristik hasil operasi bilangan dan implikasinya. Namun, subjek kemampuan matematika sedang belum mampu menentukan estimasi terdekat pada suatu hasil operasi bilangan dan merepresentasikannya. Keduanya juga belum mampu menenentukan sifat berurutan dan keteraturan pada sistem bilangan. Sedangkan siswa berkemampuan matematika rendah hanya mampu menentukan estimasi terdekat pada suatu hasil operasi bilangan dan merepresentasikannya, namun belum memenuhi kemampuan Number Sense yang lain.Kata Kunci:Kemampuan Number Sense, Kemampuan Matematika, Bilangan.
Bahan Ajar Model Blended-Comprehensive Mathematics Instruction (CMI) Berbantuan Geogebra
Authors: Delima Nita , Elfandi Putri , Shopia Anisa
Published: August 2023

Abstrak. PISA 2018 menemukan bahwa ranking literasi matematika siswa Indonesia masih sangat rendah. Materi peluang merupakan bagian dari materi data dan ketidakpastian yang menjadi salah satu konten yang ada dalam instrumen PISA. Dengan demikian, kemampuan siswa Indonesia dalam menyelesaikan masalah dalam materi peluang tergolong masih rendah. Pandemi covid-19 telah mengakibatkan learning loss siswa. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan bahan ajar menggunakan model blended-comprehensive mathematics instruction (CMI) berbantuan geogebra sebagai alternatif pembelajaran matematika siswa terutama untuk materi peluang. Â Model CMI yang dikombinasikan dengan Geogebra dalam pembelajaran blended dapat menjadi salah satu solusi memulihkan learning loss sebagai dampak dari pandemi.Kata Kunci: Pembelajaran Blended, CMI, Geogebra.
Development of Essay Test Assessment Rubric for Polya Theory-Based Mathematical Problem-Solving
Authors: Cahyadi Muhammad Rizki , Maryanto Bhaskoro Prasetyo Adi , Syaifuddin Mohammad , Darmayanti Rani
Published: August 2023

Abstract. Assessment is an important part of the learning process. However, assessment is often carried out subjectively by the examiner, especially in essay tests. The scoring rubric is one of the solutions to minimize the subjectivity of the assessment to produce more objective and consistent grades. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an essay test assessment rubric. This study aims to produce a rubric for evaluating essay tests for mathematical problem-solving abilities based on Polya's theory. The method for developing an assessment rubric uses the Plomp model which consists of three phases, namely the initial research phase, the prototype phase, and the assessment phase. The results of the validity test by experts obtained a score of 3.40 on a scale of 1-4. The rubric of the validation results was then implicated in the assessment of the essay test given to 30 junior high school students. The implication of the rubric is as well as an empirical test of the effectiveness of the rubric. The empirical test results using three groups of raters obtained a correlation coefficient of 0.9290. Based on the results of validity tests and empirical tests, it can be concluded that the rubric for assessing essay tests for mathematical problem-solving abilities based on Polya theory is valid and feasible.Keywords: Mathematical Problem Solving, Polya, Rubric Assesment, Essay Test.
Etnomatematika: Aktivitas dan Kerajinan Tangan Masyarakat Dayak Jangkang
Authors: Ellissi Wike , Liliana Sepriani
Published: August 2023

Abstrak. Jenis penelitian ini menggunakan penelitian kualitatif deskriptif dengan pendekatan etnografi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi aktivitas dan kerajinan tangan masyarakat dayak dalam kegiatan penanam padi serta bagaimana implementasinya dalam pembelajaran matematika. Data diperoleh dengan wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Analisis data dalam penelitian ini dengan cara pengumpulan data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Pengambilan data dilakukan oleh peneliti dengan cara terjun langsung ke lapangan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kerajinan tangan masyarakat dayak jangkang dapat dijadikan materi untuk pembelajaran matematika khususnya pada materi Geometri yang terdiri dari Rotasi, Translasi, dan Refleksi. Kata Kunci: Etnomatematika, Aktivitas dan Kerajinan Tangan, Pembelajaran Geometri
Analisis Muatan Higher Order Thinking Skills Buku Teks Matematika SMP Kelas VIII
Authors: Ananda Alifa Sekar , Retnawati Heri
Published: August 2023

Abstrak. Indonesia memperoleh peringkat 73 dari 79 negara partisipan PISA di tahun 2018. Dari peringkat tersebut bisa disimpulkan bahwa peserta didik tidak terbiasa dengan soal HOTS. Penelitian ini betujuan untuk mendiskripsikan muatan HOTS pada bagian materi, contoh soal, dan soal buku teks matematika SMP kelas VIII (Semester 1 dan 2) edisi revisi tahun 2017. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan membahas konten. Sumber data penelitian yang digunakan adalah buku teks matematika SMP kelas VIII (Semester 1 dan 2) Kurikulum 2013 edisi revisi 2017 yang diterbitkan oleh Pusat Kurikulum dan Perbukuan Balitbang Kementerian Pendidikan dan Kebudayaan Republik Indonesia. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa jumlah kandungan HOTS tidak lebih dari setengah dari keseluruhan. Pada bagian materi, muatan HOTS yang terkandung sebesar 19% dengan indikator yang muncul adalah menganalisis (C4) sebesar 16%, mengevaluasi (C5) sebesar 0%, dan mencipta (C6) sebesar 3%. Pada bagian contoh soal, muatan HOTS yang terkandung sebesar 42% dengan indikator yang muncul adalah menganalisis (C4) sebesar 3%, mengevaluasi (C5) sebesar 0%, dan mencipta (C6) sebesar 39%. Sedangkan pada bagian soal, muatan HOTS yang terkandung sebesar 38% dengan indikator yang muncul adalah menganalisis (C4) sebesar 11%, mengevaluasi (C5) sebesar 2%, dan mencipta (C6) sebesar 25%.Kata Kunci: Analisis Konten, Buku Teks, Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS).
Performance Assessment pada Pembelajaran Matematika
Authors: Ramadani Mikiyana , Yuhana Yuyu , Sukirwan Sukirwan , Pujiastuti Heni , Syamsuri Syamsuri
Published: August 2023

Abstrak. Matematika merupakan salah satu ilmu yang wajib dipelajari oleh semua kalangan, baik dari jenjang SD maupun Perguruan Tinggi. Namun, untuk menilai suatu pembelajaran, seperti matematika, diperlukan asesmen atau bentuk penilaian yang baik. Hal ini diharapkan agar semua aspek dapat terlihat dan terukur kecapaiannya. Maka dari itu penelitian ini akan mengkaji asesmen kinerja atau (Performance Assessment) menggunakan systematic literature review dimana peneliti mengkaji beberapa artikel dari tahun 2013-2022 dan mengambil kesimpulan dari studi literatur tersebut. Dari 163 artikel atau studi literatur yang diperoleh, hanya 18 yang akan diolah setelah melakukan langkah-langkah oleh Transfield (Tranfield et al., 2003). Pada kesimpulannya, diperoleh bahwa asesmen kinerja dapat dengan efektif berpengaruh dalam pembelajaran matematika.Kata Kunci: Penilaian Kinerja, Langkah Tansfield, Matematika
Восточное Общество В Контексте Произведение Леонида Соловьева "Возмутитель Спокойствия"
Authors: KINA İmge
Published: August 2023

Устные рассказы, легенды, мифы, анекдоты и сказки, которые являются важными элементами фольклора, передаваемые из уст в уста, важны тем, что они отражают опыт и сущность общества. Задача фольклора, не только делиться этим опытом, но и осведомлять людей о проблемах общественного порядка и показывает персонажей фольклора в качестве примера. Рассказы о Ходже Насреддине, одного из важных фольклорных фигур Востока, занимают интересное место, как и во всей мировой литературе, так и в русской. Многие писатели представляют русскому миру свои взгляды на насреддина ходжа, которого в них произведениях считают восточным героем, через его анектоды и различные рассказы, передаваемые из поколения в покеление. В этом контексте роман “Возмутитель спокойствия” из дилогии “Повесть о Ходже Насреддине” также Леонида Соловьева, хорошо знающего Восток, его общество, традиции и фольклор, является важным произведением в русской литературе, которое ставит Ходжа Насреддина на позицию главного героя. Основой повести Соловьева является ум и честность Насреддина, его борьба за справедливость, и его хитрости, направленные на порядок и его нарушения. Темой нашей работы являются: Ходжа Насреддин, которого Соловьев считает своего рода героем восточного народа, спасение жителей Бухары, родного города Насреддина, от зла, а также структура восточного общества, подвергавшегося деспотизму и вынужденной уплате налогов.
The Costs of Democracy: Election Administration Spending on Runoff Elections
Authors: Taylor J. Benjamin , Swint Kerwin , Reilly Shauna
Published: August 2023

To what extent do runoff elections increase election administration costs? Previous scholarship has highlighted the correlation of production and demand sides of the public sector cost model, and more recent evidence has added political considerations such as the partisanship of county commissions. Using Georgia’s unique election processes—runoff elections and multiple methods of election administration at the county level—we contribute to understanding election administration expenditures. We demonstrate that general election runoffs and counties with Boards of Election spend more dollars per registered voter between 2014 and 2020. This further develops the literature regarding procedural costs and the impact of professionalization of election bureaus.
Actitudes hacia la discapacidad en Educación Física. Una revisión sistemática exploratoria
Authors: Delgado Serafín , Mayordomo-Pinilla Noelia , Galán-Arroyo Carmen , Rojo-Ramos Jorge
Published: August 2023

Las personas con discapacidad han estado apartadas de la sociedad durante mucho tiempo por la visión patológica y médica que la sociedad tenía de este colectivo, limitándolas a su discapacidad. Afortunadamente, este tipo de comportamiento ha cambiado: la sociedad ha progresado hacia una práctica más inclusiva, haciendo que este colectivo participe en la sociedad; sin embargo, las actitudes no han progresado al mismo nivel. Estas conductas están influenciadas por diferentes factores que pueden ser predictores de ellas. En el ámbito escolar, la educación física supone un espacio en el que se pretende mejorar el desarrollo motor y conductual de los alumnos y las actitudes hacia la discapacidad, tanto de alumnos como de profesores, son imprescindibles para el desarrollo de los alumnos con discapacidad. Por esta razón, esta revisión tiene como objetivo identificar las variables más estudiadas y extraer los resultados más relevantes. Para conseguirlo, se ha procedido a la búsqueda de artículos en la base de datos Web Of Science, SCOPUS y Dialnet, codificando las variables tras pasar por los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Se identificaron las principales variables estudiadas hasta la fecha, se analizaron los documentos de cada base de datos y las palabras clave de los artículos seleccionados y se sintetizaron los resultados, encontrando que el género femenino, las personas jóvenes que han tenido contacto previo con personas con discapacidad, los docentes con menos años de experiencia y el ámbito rural tienen mejores actitudes que el grupo comparado. Tanto alumnos como profesores tienen buenas actitudes hacia la discapacidad.
Cost effectiveness and optimal control analysis for bimodal pneumonia dynamics with the effect of children's breastfeeding
Authors: Legesse Fekadu Mosisa , Rao Koya Purnachandra , Keno Temesgen Duressa
Published: August 2023

The global impact of exclusive versus inclusive nursing on particular baby mortalities and morbidities from conception to 6 months is examined in this study. Exclusive breastfeeding practices are more crucial and effective in preventing illness outbreaks when there is no access to appropriate medications or vaccinations. Additionally, this study takes optimal control theory into account, applying it to a system of differential equations that uses Pontryagin's Maximum Principle to describe a bimodal pneumonia transmission behavior in a vulnerable compartment. The proposed pneumonia transmission model was then updated to include two control variables. These include preventing illness exposure in susceptible children through various preventative measures and treating infected children through antibiotics, hospital care, and other treatments. If the threshold number (ℜ0) is less than one, then treatment and prevention rates are increased, and the disease will be wiped out of the population. However, when (ℜ0) is greater than one, then the disease persists in the population, which indicates that prevention and treatment rates are low. To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of all potential control techniques and their combinations, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was determined. The simulation results of the identified model show that the interventions of prevention and treatment scenarios were the most successful in eradicating the dynamics of the pneumonia disease's propagation during the epidemic, but they were ineffective from a cost-saving perspective. Therefore, limiting pneumonia transmission to prevention alone during an outbreak is the most economical course of action.
The relationships between acetylcholine-induced chest pain, objective measures of coronary vascular function and symptom status
Authors: Miner Steven E. S. , McCarthy Mary C. , Ardern Chris I. , Perry Chris G. R. , Toleva Olga , Nield Lynne E. , Manlhiot Cedric , Cantor Warren J.
Published: August 2023

Background

Acetylcholine-induced chest pain is routinely measured during the assessment of microvascular function.

Aims

The aim was to determine the relationships between acetylcholine-induced chest pain and both symptom burden and objective measures of vascular function.

Methods

In patients with angina but no obstructive coronary artery disease, invasive studies determined the presence or absence of chest pain during both acetylcholine and adenosine infusion. Thermodilution-derived coronary blood flow (CBF) and index of microvascular resistance (IMR) was determined at rest and during both acetylcholine and adenosine infusion. Patients with epicardial spasm (>90%) were excluded; vasoconstriction between 20% and 90% was considered endothelial dysfunction.

Results

Eighty-seven patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these 52 patients (60%) experienced chest pain during acetylcholine while 35 (40%) did not. Those with acetylcholine-induced chest pain demonstrated: (1) Increased CBF at rest (1.6 ± 0.7 vs. 1.2 ± 0.4, p = 0.004) (2) Decreased IMR with acetylcholine (acetylcholine-IMR = 29.7 ± 16.3 vs. 40.4 ± 17.1, p = 0.004), (3) Equivalent IMR following adenosine (Adenosine-IMR: 21.1 ± 10.7 vs. 21.8 ± 8.2, p = 0.76), (4) Increased adenosine-induced chest pain (40/52 = 77% vs. 7/35 = 20%, p < 0.0001), (5) Increased chest pain during exercise testing (30/46 = 63% vs. 4/29 = 12%, p < 0.00001) with no differences in exercise duration or electrocardiographic changes, and (6) Increased prevalence of epicardial endothelial dysfunction (33/52 = 63% vs. 14/35 = 40%, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

After excluding epicardial spasm, acetylcholine-induced chest pain is associated with increased pain during exercise and adenosine infusion, increased coronary blood flow at rest, decreased microvascular resistance in response to acetylcholine and increased prevalence of epicardial endothelial dysfunction. These findings raise questions about the mechanisms underlying acetylcholine-induced chest pain.
Stress and strain evolution in fault-related folds: insights from 2D geomechanical modelling
Authors: Khalifeh-Soltani Anis , Alavi Seyed Ahmad , Ghassemi Mohammad Reza , Derakhshani Reza
Published: August 2023

Fault-related folds are intriguing geological structures that develop in compressional and extensional regimes. These folds serve as structural traps for hydrocarbon resources, making their numerical models crucial for understanding the stress and strain evolution of hydrocarbon reservoirs. In our research, we utilize the two-dimensional finite element technique to simulate three representative categories of fault-related folds. Our investigation encompasses their geometric transformation over time, the distribution of stress and strain, variations in slip and uplift, and the effects that various mechanical properties have on these gradients. In our study, we uncovered essential findings about the behavior of fault-related folds. We ascertained that the fault slip gradient in the fault-bend fold model is less than in the fault-propagation fold model. Regarding the uplift gradient, the fault-propagation and fault-bend fold models displayed the greatest and the least degree of change, respectively. The trend of stress-strain evolution on the fold surface in all models was consistent, starting with an increase, transitioning to a constant phase, and ending with a decrease. This pattern proved to be more intricate and divergent than what was evident on the fault surface. Importantly, the internal friction angle, a crucial mechanical characteristic, had a significant influence on the development of these structures. This angle affected both the degree of uplift and stress; an increased angle resulted in enhanced uplift and stress, while a decrease resulted in a decline. Furthermore, the internal friction angle determined the compactness of the fold and the thickness of the forelimb, the part of the fold that inclines towards the advancing direction. These findings have enriched our knowledge of fault-related folds, highlighting the need to consider mechanical properties when studying their formation and evolution.
The impact of a university teacher training program promoting self-regulated learning on teacher knowledge, self-efficacy, and practices
Authors: Bruna Daniela , Pérez María Victoria , Bustos Claudio , Villarroel Verónica
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a teaching training program on teachers’ knowledge, self-efficacy, and teaching practices. A 21-h program was developed to enhance self-regulated learning in higher education students, focusing on planning, teaching, and assessment practices. The research design employed a quasi-experimental approach, utilizing pre- and post-tests with an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group consisted of 32 teachers, while the control group comprised 28 teachers. The results obtained from a Linear Multi-level Model analysis revealed the following findings: (1) the training program did not have a significant impact on the participants’ knowledge; (2) there was a significant positive effect on overall teacher self-efficacy, with the Health Sciences and Psychology faculties demonstrating higher levels of self-efficacy compared to other faculties; and (3) the training program significantly improved teaching practices for the promotion of self-regulated learning, with no significant differences observed between faculties.
Designing and implementing maker curriculum for promoting 7th graders’ maker competence
Authors: Wu Su-Chiao , Chang Yu-Liang
Published: August 2023

“Competence” is a very important concept in education and has been valued by several countries and international organizations in recent years, sparking a wave of curriculum reforms worldwide. The STEAM education is considered a feasible way to equip all students with problem-solving skills in various real-world situations and complicated challenges, as well as nurturing them 21st century skills and competencies. Moreover, a recent maker movement that focuses more on hands-on creation, design, and innovation is considered an innovative way to redefine the learning process through which students’ maker competence can be nurtured. Based on this trend, new national curriculum guidelines were established by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education in 2014. Particularly for the technology domain in the junior high school level (grade 7–9), “Life Technology” and “Information Technology” become requirements, where an interdisciplinary and competence-based maker curriculum needs to be developed. Based on this curriculum reform wave, we emphasize for the implementation of a targeted maker curriculum as a way to increase 7th-grade students’ maker competence. A post-test quasi-experimental design was employed to gather the data, and corresponding statistics were applied for quantitative comparison. A total of 230 7th-graders from eight classes in the targeted junior high schools participated in this study. Students in the experimental group received an interdisciplinary and competence-based maker curriculum as the intervention, which was designed and implemented with the support of the teacher professional development community and briefly presented in this paper. The quantitative findings revealed that the 7th-graders who received the experimental intervention possessed significantly superior marker competence compared to those who received regular technology courses. Based on these findings, maker competence (i.e., knowledge, attitude, and skills), which can be fully established within interdisciplinary and competence-based maker classrooms, was significantly favorable for helping targeted adolescents survive in this ever-changing and fast-paced era. Consequently, as teacher educators and teachers, we must endeavor to redefine the way of learning and construct a learning environment that is full of the maker spirit and STEAM integration.
Comparing dropout intentions of math students on trainee teacher courses versus bachelor of science courses using intensive longitudinal data
Authors: Heusel Luise , Glaesser Judith , Kilian Pascal , Merk Samuel , Kelava Augustin
Published: August 2023

In the past, high dropout rates of university math students have been recurrently observed, causing psychological and economic costs for individuals and society. In this article, we draw on prospective, intensive longitudinal data (ILD) collected at a large German university to examine the effects of stable inter-individual differences (e.g., general math competencies) and intra-individual changes (e.g., motivational states) on the intention to drop out of math studies, an important precursor for actual dropout. Given the ongoing discussion on whether student teachers differ from other types of students in their characteristics (e.g., with respect to cognitive abilities), we were particularly interested in differences in dropout intentions between first-year math B.Sc. and B.Ed. students, who attend the same introductory lectures. Using recent residual dynamic structural equation modeling techniques (RDSEM) we find that dropout intentions of math students in their first semester depend on both baseline characteristics and motivational changeable states which occur during the course. Furthermore, it is shown that B.Sc. and B.Ed. students differ regarding their intra-individual effects and have different trajectories of dropout intentions over time such that they cannot be assumed to be a homogeneous group. The results suggest that the two groups require differential treatment concerning the prevention of early dropouts.
Wind regime and sand transport in the mid-course of ten tributaries of the Yellow River, Inner Mongolia of China
Authors: Zhao Hongsheng , Feng Shuang , Dang Xiaohong , Meng Zhongju , Chen Zhengxin , Gao Yong
Published: August 2023

Better understanding the wind regimes and dune activity criteria are pre-requisites for the successful planning of any sand dune fixation project and hence have a high priority. To fully understand wind energy conditions and the intensity of aeolian activity, we investigated the wind conditions, sand-transporting potential, and sand-transporting capacity of the basins of mid-course ten tributaries of the Yellow River through field observations and indoor analyses. 1) The analysis of wind energy, which is based on sand transport potential, demonstrates that there is substantial spatial variation within the study area. The western part, which is located near the Kubuqi Desert, qualifies as a high wind energy zone. In contrast, the central part belongs to the medium wind energy zone, whereas the eastern part is categorized as a low wind energy zone. Even though there are notable differences in the sand transport potential characteristics across different time scales, the direction of the synthesized sand transport potential tends to be consistent, predominantly leaning towards the southeast. This orientation provides the requisite energy for the sand material to be transported into the river. 2) The prevailing sand-producing wind direction at various timescales in the research area was dominated by westward (W, WNW, NW) and northward (NNW, N) winds, with distinct seasonality. This seasonal variability was especially prominent in spring, which saw the highest frequency of aeolian activity and the largest volume of sand transport. Autumn and winter exhibited similar patterns, and, in the summer, it was the lowest 3) The relationship between sand-transporting potential and sand-transporting capacity, which is a crucial aspect of aeolian geomorphology, could be adequately depicted using a fitting function based on the temporal patterns of wind speed. During periods of high wind, the sand-transporting potential and sand-transporting capacity of the basins of the ten tributaries followed a power function relationship. Conversely, during periods of low wind, they followed an exponential function relationship. These results imply that spring should be deemed as the crucial period for wind-sand prevention and control. Additionally, emphasis should be placed on the western part, which is situated close to the sand source area, as the primary prevention and control zone.
Large wood supports Elwha revegetation by reducing ungulate browsing
Authors: Johnson Caelan , Douglas Chelsea , Mansmith Trevor , McLaughlin John
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The increasing number of dams approaching obsolescence drives a need for knowledge about riparian restoration associated with dam removal. Restoring woody vegetation on exposed reservoir beds following dam removal is essential to stabilizing sediment, reconnecting riverine and terrestrial systems, and providing future sources of shade, nutrients, and wood. Revegetation after dam removal on many rivers can be challenging due to rapidly drying sediment, low sediment nutrient content, and heavy ungulate browse pressure. Revegetation in Elwha River restoration, the largest dam removal to date, used large woody debris (LWD) to mitigate moisture and nutrient limitation but ungulate browsing has constrained woody plant growth in many coarse sediment deposits. We evaluated potential for LWD to reduce ungulate browsing following Elwha dam removal.

Methods

We studied LWD mitigation of browsing in the largest former reservoir and a comparable valley upriver with a natural floodplain. We measured browse intensity in randomly located plots stratified by four levels of LWD extent, from no LWD to complete LWD enclosure.

Results

LWD reduced browse intensity four-fold in the former reservoir, but only in plots fully surrounded by LWD. Partial LWD enclosure provided little browse reduction. We obtained similar results in the upriver valley, where browse intensity was somewhat lower except within wood clusters. Wood-mediated browse reduction was slightly greater in the former reservoir than in the upriver valley. Protection from browse was greatest for plant species preferred by ungulates.

Discussion

These results suggest forest restoration after dam removal can be expedited by surrounding young trees with large logs. Planting within LWD clusters or placing LWD clusters in restoration sites can facilitate establishment of forest islands in strategic locations. These forest islands can support dispersal of seeds and marine derived nutrients, reconnect established forest to the river, and potentially advance restoration by decades.
Chinese patients with 3M syndrome: clinical manifestations and two novel pathogenic variants
Authors: Xu Ningan , Liu Kangxiang , Yang Yongjia , Li Xiaoming , Zhong Yan
Published: August 2023

Background: 3M syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disease, characterized by intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation, facial dysmorphism, large head circumference, and skeletal changes, has rarely been reported in the Chinese population.

Methods: We describe the clinical manifestations and gene variants in four sporadic cases of 3M syndrome in Chinese individuals from different families.

Results: All cases had significant growth retardation, relative macrocephaly, and typical facial features. Exome sequencing revealed that two patients with 3M syndrome had homozygous variants of the CUL7 gene: one novel pathogenic variant and one previously reported pathogenic variant; the other two patients were heterozygous for variants in OBSL1, one of which had not been reported previously. Clinical evaluation indicated that these Chinese patients with 3M syndrome shared similar recognizable features with those reported in patients of other ethnic backgrounds, but not all patients with 3M syndrome in this study had normal development milestones. Two patients underwent recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy and showed accelerated growth in the first 2 years; however, the growth rate slowed in the third year in one case. There were no obvious adverse reactions during rhGH treatment.

Conclusion: We report one novel CUL7 and one novel OBSL1 mutation in patients with 3M syndrome. Children with short stature, specific facial features, and physical symptoms should be referred for genetic testing to obtain precise diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The effects of rhGH treatment on adult height requires long-term observation and study in a large sample.
Pre-existing CD4 T cell help boosts antibody responses but has limited impact on germinal center, antigen-specific B cell frequencies after influenza infection
Authors: Besavilla Danica F. , Reusch Laura , Enriquez Josue , Schön Karin , Angeletti Davide
Published: August 2023

The influenza virus is a persistent burden on global health, with seasonal vaccines providing incomplete protection. CD4+ T cells help shape B cell and antibody responses; however, the selectivity of help and the effect on various antigen-specific B cell populations have not been fully elucidated. Here, we studied the specificity, selectivity, and influence of nucleoprotein (NP) CD4+ T cells on the magnitude and quality of hemagglutinin (HA) and NP-specific B cells and antibody responses. We identified immunodominant peptides and showed that peptide immunization was sufficient to induce CD4+ cells with Th1 and Tfh phenotypes. Surprisingly, while preexisting CD4+ T cells enhanced the influx of total germinal center (GC) B cells in the mediastinal lymph node after infection, this was not reflected by an increase in the frequency of antigen-specific cells within the GC. Furthermore, we demonstrated that NP-specific help was able to accelerate the kinetics and magnitude of the Ab response for NP but not for HA. Overall, our results showed that pre-existing CD4+ T cells provide strong cognate help during immunization or infection to enhance Ab production but not antigen-specific GC or memory B cells.
Dietary Debaryomyces hansenii promotes skin and skin mucus defensive capacities in a marine fish model
Authors: Sanahuja Ignasi , Fernandez-Alacid Laura , Torrecillas Silvia , Ruiz Alberto , Vallejos-Vidal Eva , Firmino Joana P. , Reyes-Lopez Felipe E. , Tort Lluis , Tovar-Ramirez Dariel , Ibarz Antoni , Gisbert Enric
Published: August 2023

The present study explores the effects of two supplementation levels of Debaryomyces hansenii (1.1% and 2.2%) as a probiotic in a reference low fish meal-based diet on the skin mucosal tissue in Sparus aurata. This study includes the evaluation of fish performance coupled with a holistic study of the skin mucosa: i) a transcriptomic study of the skin tissue, and ii) the evaluation of its secreted mucus both in terms of skin mucosal-associated biomarkers and its defensive capacity by means of co-culture analysis with two pathogenic bacteria. Results showed that after 70 days of diet administration, fish fed the diet supplemented with D. hansenii at 1.1% presented increased somatic growth and a better feed conversion ratio, compared to fish fed the control diet. In contrast, fish fed the diet including 2.2% of the probiotic presented intermediate values. Regarding gene regulation, the probiotic administration at 1.1% resulted in 712 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), among which 53.4% and 46.6% were up- and down-regulated, respectively. In particular, D. hansenii modulated some skin biological processes related to immunity and metabolism. Specifically, D. hansenii administration induced a strong modulation of some immune biological-related processes (61 DEGs), mainly involved in B- and T-cell regulatory pathways. Furthermore, dietary D. hansenii promoted the skin barrier function by the upregulation of anchoring junction genes (23 DEGs), which reinforces the physical defense against potential skin damage. In contrast, the skin showed modulated genes related to extracellular exosome and membrane organization (50 DEGs). This modulated functioning is of great interest, particularly in relation to the increased skin mucus defensive capacity observed in the bacterial co-culture in vitro trials, which could be related to the increased modulation and exudation of the innate immune components from the skin cells into the mucus. In summary, the modulation of innate immune parameters coupled with increased skin barrier function and cell trafficking potentiates the skin’s physical barrier and mucus defensive capacity, while maintaining the skin mucosa’s homeostatic immune and metabolic status. These findings confirmed the advantages of D. hansenii supplementation in low fish meal-based diets, demonstrating the probiotic benefits on cultured marine species.
Are medication-induced salivary changes the culprit of osteonecrosis of the jaw? A systematic review
Authors: Suryani Isti Rahayu , Ahmadzai Iraj , That Minh Ton , Shujaat Sohaib , Jacobs Reinhilde
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This systematic review was performed to assess the potential influence of medication-induced salivary changes on the development of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).

Methods

An electronic search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase databases for articles published up to June 2023. A risk of bias assessment was performed according to the modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). Due to the heterogeneity of the selected studies in relation to the type of medications and outcomes evaluated, a meta-analysis could not be performed.

Results

The initial search revealed 765 studies. Only 10 articles were found to be eligible based on the inclusion criteria that reported on the impact of salivary changes on MRONJ following the administration of different medications. A total of 272 cases of MRONJ (35% women, 32% men, and 32% with no gender reported) with a mean age of 66 years at the time of diagnosis were included. Patients administered with bisphosphonates, steroids, chemotherapy, thalidomide, interferon, and hormone therapy had a significantly higher association between decreased salivary flow and MRONJ occurrence. In addition, bisphosphonates, denosumab, and other bone-modifying agents showed a significantly higher risk of developing MRONJ owing to the changes in salivary microbiome profiles, cytokine profiles, interleukins, hypotaurine, and binding proteins.

Conclusion

The reduction in salivary flow and changes in the concentration of salivary proteins were associated with the development of MRONJ. However, due to the availability of limited evidence, the findings of the review should be interpreted with caution.

Prospero review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42022327645.
Advancement of single-cell sequencing for clinical diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zhang Ke , Chen Yuan , Zhu Jie , Ge Xinyu , Wu Junqing , Xu Peng , Yao Jie
Published: August 2023

Single-cell sequencing is a high-throughput technique that enables detection of genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic information at the individual cell level, offering significant advantages in detecting cellular heterogeneity, precise cell classification, and identifying rare subpopulations. The technique holds tremendous potential in improving the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic cancer. Moreover, single-cell sequencing provides unique insights into the mechanisms of pancreatic cancer metastasis and cachexia, paving the way for developing novel preventive strategies. Overall, single-cell sequencing has immense potential in promoting early diagnosis, guiding personalized treatment, and preventing complications of pancreatic cancer. Emerging single-cell sequencing technologies will undoubtedly enhance our understanding of the complex biology of pancreatic cancer and pave the way for new directions in its clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Targeted therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma microenvironment
Authors: Guo Zhaomeng , Li Kang , Liu Peng , Zhang Xiangmin , Lv Jie , Zeng Xianhai , Zhang Peng
Published: August 2023

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) originates from the squamous epithelium of the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx. HNSCC in the oral cavity and larynx is strongly associated with tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption, while oropharyngeal cancer is increasingly attributed to infection by human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV-16. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex network of cancer cells, immune cells, stromal cells, surrounding blood vessels, and signaling molecules, and plays a critical role in tumor cell survival, invasion, and recurrence. Therefore, it is critical to elucidate the molecular basis of the interaction between tumor cells and the TME in order to develop innovative anti-cancer therapeutic strategies.
Effect of fat contents of buttermilk on fatty acid composition, lipolysis, vitamins and sensory properties of cheddar-type cheese
Authors: Asif Mussab , Nadeem Muhammad , Imran Muhammad , Ullah Rahman , Tayyab Muhammad , Khan Faima Atta , Al-Asmari Fahad , Rahim Muhammad Abdul , Rocha João Miguel , Korma Sameh A. , Esatbeyoglu Tuba
Published: August 2023

Cheddar-type cheese produced from buttermilk had softer texture than standard cheddar cheese due to lower fat content of buttermilk. Fat is extremely important for the functional characteristics and optimum textural attributes of cheese. The effect of different fat contents of buttermilk on chemical characteristics of cheddar-type cheese is not previously investigated. This investigation was conducted to know the effect of different fat contents of buttermilk on fatty acids composition, organic acids, vitamins, lipolysis and sensory characteristics of cheddar-type cheese. Cheddar-type cheese was produced from buttermilk having 1, 1.75, 2.50 and 3.25% fat contents (control, T1, T2 and T3). Fat content of control, T1, T2 and T3 were 9.81, 16.34, 25.17 and 31.19%. Fatty acids profile was determined on GC–MS, organic acids and vitamin A and E were determined on HPLC. Free fatty acids, peroxide value and cholesterol were determined. Cheddar-style cheese produced from buttermilk (1% fat) showed that it had softer texture and lacking typical cheese flavor. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis showed that long-chain unsaturated fatty acids in control, T1, T2 and T3 samples were 45.88, 45.78, 45.90 and 46.19 mg/100 g. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that lactic acid, propionic acid, citric acid and acetic acid gradually and steadily increased during the storage interval of 90 days. At the age of 90 days, lactic acid in control, T1, T2 and T3 was 4,789, 5,487, 6,571 and 8,049 ppm, respectively. At the end of ripening duration of 90 days, free fatty acids in control, T1, T2 and T3 were 0.29, 0.31, 0.35 and 0.42% with no difference in peroxide value. Stability of vitamin A after 90 days storage control, T1, T2 and T3 was 87.0, 80.0, 94.0 and 91.0%. Flavor score of cheddar-type cheese produced from butter milk having 1.0, 2.5 and 3.25% fat content was 81, 89 and 91% of total score (9). Hence, it is concluded that cheddar-type cheese can be produced from buttermilk having 2.5 and 3.25% fat contents with acceptable sensory attributes. Application of buttermilk for the production of other cheese varieties should be studied.
Exploring the relationship between frailty and executive dysfunction: the role of frontal white matter hyperintensities
Authors: Pozo Natalia , Romero César , Andrade Maricarmen , Délano Paul H. , Medel Vicente , Troncoso Marco , Orellana Patricia , Rodriguez Maria Isabel , Fabres Camila , Delgado Carolina
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Frailty is a geriatric syndrome frequently associated with executive dysfunction and white matter hyperintensities (WMH). But the relation between executive dysfunction and brain changes is poorly understood in frail subjects. Our hypothesis is that frontal-WMH mediates the association between frailty and executive dysfunction.

Methods

A convenience sample of 113 subjects older than 65 years without dementia was studied with neuropsychological test, a structured clinical interview, physical examination and brain MRI. They were classified as robust or pre-frail and frail using the frailty phenotype score (0–5). The frontal WMH (F-WMH) were manually graduated (0–6) using the “Age-Related White Matter Changes score” from FLAIR sequences at a 3 Tesla brain MRI. A mediation analysis was done for testing whether F-WMH could act as a link factor between frailty phenotype score and executive dysfunction.

Results

The group’s mean age was 74 ± 6 years, subjects with higher frailty score had more depressive symptoms and worse performance in executive function tests. A regression analysis that explained 52% of the variability in executive functions, revealed a significant direct effect of frailty score (Standardized βcoeff [95% CI] −0.201, [−0.319, −0.049], and F-WMH (−0.152[−0.269, −0.009]) on executive functions, while the F-WMH showed a small partial mediation effect between frailty and executive functions (−0.0395, [−0.09, −0.004]).

Discussion

Frontal matter hyperintensities had a small mediation effect on the association between frailty and executive dysfunction, suggesting that other neuropathological and neurofunctional changes might also be associated with executive dysfunction in frail subjects.
Synchronization in simplicial complexes of memristive Rulkov neurons
Authors: Mehrabbeik Mahtab , Jafari Sajad , Perc Matjaž
Published: August 2023

Simplicial complexes are mathematical constructions that describe higher-order interactions within the interconnecting elements of a network. Such higher-order interactions become increasingly significant in neuronal networks since biological backgrounds and previous outcomes back them. In light of this, the current research explores a higher-order network of the memristive Rulkov model. To that end, the master stability functions are used to evaluate the synchronization of a network with pure pairwise hybrid (electrical and chemical) synapses alongside a network with two-node electrical and multi-node chemical connections. The findings provide good insight into the impact of incorporating higher-order interaction in a network. Compared to two-node chemical synapses, higher-order interactions adjust the synchronization patterns to lower multi-node chemical coupling parameter values. Furthermore, the effect of altering higher-order coupling parameter value on the dynamics of neurons in the synchronization state is researched. It is also shown how increasing network size can enhance synchronization by lowering the value of coupling parameters whereby synchronization occurs. Except for complete synchronization, cluster synchronization is detected for higher electrical coupling strength values wherein the neurons are out of the completed synchronization state.