bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The survival and growth of adult and juvenile hard clam Meretrix meretrix exposed to variable estuarine salinities in aquarium settings
Authors: Khan Mohammad Sadequr Rahman , Nahar Sabikun , Bhowmik Pranta , Hasan Mohammad Najmul , Rashid Harun Or
Published: September 2024

Salinity fluctuations in estuaries can significantly impact marine organisms, leading to economic losses through mass mortalities of commercially important species. The effects of varying estuarine salinities on the survival, daily mortality, and growth of adult and juvenile hard clam Meretrix meretrix under controlled aquarium conditions were investigated. Adults (shell length ~45 mm) and juveniles (shell length ~30 mm) were collected from an 18 ppt estuarine habitat in Chowfaldondi, southeast Bangladesh, and exposed to six salinity levels (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 ppt) with three replications at ambient temperature. Adults were monitored for 51 days and juveniles for 23 days. Survival was significantly higher (≥80%) at 15–30 ppt for adults and 10–20 ppt for juveniles, with the lowest survival at 35 ppt. Analysis of co-variance showed that salinity had a greater effect on survival than the combined salinity*size model (p<0.05). While adult clams exhibited no mortality in first 15 days, juvenile mortality (~10%) began on day two across all salinities with a dose-dependent mortality exceeding 50–80% in 25–35 ppt. Adults were more tolerant to high salinities while juveniles to low salinities. Shell length and width did not vary significantly across salinities, likely due to insufficient plankton in the supplied seawater. This study has implications for potential site selection for coastal clam aquaculture along the Bay of Bengal. The sudden changes and combined effects of multi-stressors on bivalves can be assessed for better understanding how near future climate change can impact bivalve fishery and blue economy.
Res. Agric. Livest. Fish. Vol. 11, No. 2, August 2024: 239-254
Promosi Gizi Dan Kesehatan Lansia di Panti Sentra Terpadu Pangudi Luhur Bekasi
Authors: Sartika Arindah Nur , Sari Afrinia Eka , Fadhilah Tri Marta , Prasetya Guntari , Noerfitri Noerfitri , Alamsyah Putri Rahmah , Rohayati Rohayati , Pradana Anung Ahadi , Siahaan Joni
Published: September 2024

Promosi Kesehatan, termasuk promosi gizi di dalamnya, merupakan salah satu upaya untuk mengoptimalisasi kesehatan lanjut usia (lansia). Tim pengabdi STIKes Mitra Keluarga melakukan kegiatan promosi gizi dan kesehatan di Panti Sentra Terpadu Pangudi Luhur Bekasi. Sebanyak 6 orang pengurus mengikuti penyuluhan gizi, 8 orang pengurus mengikuti penyuluhan aktivitas fisik lansia, dan 7 orang lansia mengikuti sharing session dan penilaian status gizi. Terdapat peningkatan skor secara signifikan pada pengetahuan gizi (p= 0.0195, uji Wilcoxon Signed Rank) sehingga dapat dikatakan kegiatan pengetahuan berhasil meningkatkan pengetahuan terkait gizi. Namun, tidak terdapat peningkatan pengetahuan aktivitas fisik secara signifikan (p= 0.3275, uji Wilcoxon Signed Rank). Status gizi lansia sebagai berikut: 72% normal, 14% berat badan kurang, dan 14% berat badan lebih.. Melalui kegiatan ini diharapkan dapat membantu upaya menjaga status gizi pada lansia. Namun, upaya tersebut akan terasa lebih maksimal jika kegiatan pendampingan serupa dapat dilakukan secara berkelanjutan.
Edukasi Pemanfaatan TOGA (Tanaman Obat Keluarga) Sebagai Produk Olahan Minuman Ramah Anak di MI Bilingual Al-Ikhlas
Authors: Inayati Isna Nurul , Albar Melani , Nurwakhidah Ana
Published: September 2024

Minat generasi muda, terutama anak usia SD/MI dalam mengkonsumsi minuman Olahan TOGA (Jamu) dinilai masih sangat minim. Anak-anak cenderung menganggap jamu identik dengan rasa pahit dan terkesan kuno sehingga mereka enggan mengkonsumsinya. Untuk itu perlu diadakan sebuah proses Edukasi terkait pemanfaatan TOGA dengan tujuan meningkatkan pemahaman siswa tentang varian olahan TOGA dan peningkatan kesadaran Wali Murid dalam memanfaatkan TOGA Program pengabdian masyarakat didesain dengan menggunakan beberapa metode dan pendekatan yaitu Apreciative Inquiry dan Working Out Loud. Pendekatan Apreciative Inquiry bertujuan untuk menemukan data awal di lokasi pengabdian, sedangkan pendekatan Working Out Loud, yaitu Edukasi Pemanfaatan Toga Sebagai Produk Olahan Minuman Ramah Anak di Mi Bilingual Al-Ikhlas. Hasil dari program pengabdian masyarakat yang dilaksanakan menunjukkan bahwa: 1) Siswa MI Bilingual Al-Ikhlas telah memahami jenis dan fungsi TOGA dengan baik. 2) Siswa MI Bilingual Al-Ikhlas mayoritas berminat dan tidak takut lagi minum JAMU karena olahan tersebut nyaman dikonsumsi dan berdampak positif bagi kesehatan. Dengan demikian disimpulkan bahwa program Edukasi pemanfaatan TOGA ini berhasil dan memberikan dampak positif pada siswa.
Pembentukan Paguyuban Pedagang Mie Lethek Kalurahan Caturharjo Bantul Menuju Kampung Wisata Kuliner
Authors: Husna Chairunisa Athia , Sifri Badriatu , Rufaida Zahra , Firdaus Agha Krisannanda , Nudin Exan , Maulana Andika Rizki , Nafrilla Devi , Trisnawati Rahma Widya , Maghfirah Nesya Putri , Yuniarti Dini
Published: September 2024

Mie lethek merupakan kuliner khas dari Bantul dan melekat pada identitas Kelurahan Caturharjo, Bantul. Namun, potensi mie lethek tersebut belum berdampak secara optimal terhadap pendapatan pelaku usaha maupun perekonomian kelurahan secara luas.  Analisis situasi menunjukkan salah satu aspek yang menjadi masalah yaitu kelembagaan, dimana  pedagang  masih berjalan sendiri-sendiri. Belum ada kelompok usaha  mie lethek, sehingga perkembangan belum optimal. Untuk itu tim pengabdian  memberikan solusi dengan melakukan sosialisasi edukasi manfaat paguyuban serta pembentukan paguyuban. Metoda yang digunakan adalah pendidikan masyarakat berbentuk ceramah dan pembentukan paguyuban. Pelaksanaan kegiatan pada tanggal  30 Juni 2024 dan 12 Juli 2024. Peserta pengabdian merupakan pelaku usaha mie lethek, pelaku usaha lain yang  mendukung dan didampingi oleh lurah, perangkat kalurahan, dan para kepala padukuhan  Caturharjo. Respon dari mitra menunjukkan terjadi peningkatan pengetahuan, pemahaman. Salah satu indikatornya ditunjukkan dengan dibentuknya Paguyuban Pedagang Mie Lethek dengan nama Paguyuban “ Catur Wastro Boga” yang telah mendapatan  Surat Keputusan dari  Kelurahan.
Pendampingan Penyusunan Instrumen Penilaian Berbasis Litnum di SMP Negeri Satap 3 Sindue Tobata Kabupaten Donggala
Authors: Rore Idrus A. , Prasetyawati Priyatna , Gamar Mahfud M. , Lumangino Wilman D.
Published: September 2024

Pengabdian ini bertujuan mengembangkan kemampuan guru dalam menyusun instrumen penilaian berbasis Literasi dan Numerasi (Litnum) melalui pendampingan. Latar belakang pengabdian ini adalah kebutuhan mendesak untuk meningkatkan kualitas penilaian di sekolah-sekolah, mengingat pentingnya instrumen penilaian yang akurat untuk mengukur literasi dan numerasi siswa. Pendampingan dilakukan dalam tiga tahapan utama: 1) Pra Pendampingan, mencakup persiapan dan penyiapan materi; 2) Pendampingan, meliputi penyajian materi, diskusi kelompok, praktik penyusunan instrumen, dan presentasi; serta 3) Pasca Pendampingan, yang melibatkan pendalaman dan review. Hasil pengabdian menunjukkan bahwa pendampingan efektif meningkatkan kompetensi guru dalam menyusun instrumen penilaian berbasis Litnum dengan lima indikator keberhasilan: penyusunan kisi-kisi, stimulus soal, relevansi indikator, pedoman penskoran, dan rubrik penilaian. Capaian di atas 50% dinilai efektif karena peserta belum pernah mengikuti pendampingan serupa sebelumnya.
Membangun Ketahanan Pangan Skala Rumah Tangga di Dusun Jambuwer Desa Balesari Kecamatan Ngajum
Authors: Pradani Yayi Febdia , Pratomo Danang Yugo , Wahyudi Dian Julianto , Muhtarom Imam , Karim Saifuddin
Published: September 2024

Di daerah pegunungan, akses terhadap bahan pangan sering kali terbatas dan pengiriman barang menjadi lebih sulit. Kegiatan dilakukan dengan metode ceramah, tanya jawab, dan praktik langsung tentang penanaman sayur skala rumah tangga. Peserta dari kegiatan ini adalah berfokus kepada ibu rumah tangga maupun pemuda dusun yang tidak bekerja namun memiliki halaman rumah yang luas dan cocok untuk bertanam sayur. Pelatihan ini menciptakan efek berkelanjutan yang bermanfaat baik bagi individu maupun komunitas. Tujuan pelatihan ini adalah untuk ketahanan pangan juga mendukung keberlanjutan ekonomi keluarga dan meningkatkan stabilitas finansial peserta. Ketahanan pangan di tingkat rumah tangga juga berkontribusi pada kesehatan masyarakat serta untuk mengolah sendiri bahan pangan dan memilih jenis tanaman yang sesuai dengan kebutuhan gizi keluarga. Selain itu masyarakat dapat memastikan konsumsi makanan yang lebih sehat dan bergizi. Di daerah pegunungan, di mana akses ke fasilitas kesehatan mungkin terbatas, memiliki makanan yang sehat dan bergizi sangat penting untuk mencegah penyakit dan menjaga kesehatan keluarga.
Pengaruh model pembelajaran problem-based learning (PBL) terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah, berpikir kritis, dan berpikir kreatif siswa SMA pada materi program linier
Authors: Azmi Ulul , Siswono Tatag Yuli Eko , Prastiti Tri Dyah
Published: September 2024

Abstrak. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk : 1) mengetahui pengaruh model PBL terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematis siswa, 2) mengetahui pengaruh model PBL terhadap kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa, 3) mengetahui pengaruh model PBL terhadap kemampuan berpikir kreatif, dan 4) ‘mengetahui pengaruh kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematis dan berpikir kritis secara bersama-sama terhadap berpikir kreatif siswa. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dan merupakan penelitian eksperimen semu dengan sampel penelitian sebanyak 72 siswa yaitu kelas Fase E SMA Hang Tuah 5 Sidoarjo yang dipilih dengan menggunakan cluster random sampling. Teknik pengumpulan data dengan instrumen: tes kemampuan pemecahan masalah, berpikir kritis, dan berpikir kreatif. Teknik analisis data pada rumusan masalah pertama sampai ketiga dilakukan menggunakan uji ANCOVA dan rumusan masalah keempat menggunakan uji multivariat. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan : (1) adanya pengaruh signifikan model PBL terhadap kemampuan pemecahan masalah, (2) adanya pengaruh  signifikan model PBL terhadap kemampuan berpikir kritis, (3) adanya pengaruh signifikan model PBL terhadap kemampuan berpikir kreatif, dan (4) adanya pengaruh signifikan kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematis dan berpikir kritis secara bersama-sama terhadap kemampuan berpikir kreatif sebesar 87, 8%.
SUPERVISI PENDIDIKAN UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KUALITAS PEMBELAJARAN DI ERA MERDEKA BELAJAR
Authors: , Maesaroh , , Martiyono
Published: September 2024

Pelaksanaan supervisi diharapkan dapat berjalan dengan baik agar pelaksana penyelenggaraan pembelajaran. Oleh karena itu, seorang supervisor perlu memiliki pemahaman dan kesadaran tentang supervisi pendidikan. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan tentang konsep supervisi pendidikan untuk meningkatkan kualitas pembelajaran di era merdeka belajar. Supervisor memerlukan kemampuan profesional yang handal dalam pelaksanaan supervisi pembelajaran serta kemampuan profesional pengawas untuk meningkatkan kualitas pembinaan guru di sekolah, dapat dilakukan dengan memberikan bantuan dan pelayanan profesional bagi guru-guru agar mereka lebih mampu melaksanakan inovasi pembelajaran sehingga dapat meningkatkan mutu pembelajaran.
STRATEGI KEPEMIMPINAN DALAM MEWUJUDKAN MADRASAH UNGGULAN DI MI YA BAKII KESUGIHAN 01 CILACAP
Authors: , Sakiyem
Published: September 2024

ABSTRAK
Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh pentingnya kepemimpinan kepala madrasah dalam membawa kesuksesan dan keunggulan madrasah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan mengenai strategi penerapan gaya kepemimpinan yang dapat membawa perubahan; strategi penerapan nilai-nilai yang dapat membawa kesuksesan kepemimpinan. Pendekatan yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah kualitatif deskriptif. Tempat penelitian adalah di MI Ya BAKII Kesugihan 01 Cilacap. Dalam penelitian ini, dengan subjek penelitian kepala madrasah, para guru, wali siswa, dan komite madrasah. Data penelitian dikumpulkan melalui wawancara mendalam, observasi partisipan, dan analisis dokumen. Data penelitian ini dianalisis menggunakan teknik analisis interaktif yang dikembangkan oleh Miles & Huberman, yaitu: reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan: (1) Salah satu gaya kepemimpinan yang diterapkan oleh kepala MI Ya BAKII Kesugihan 01 Cilacap yaitu gaya kepemimpinan kolektif-kolegial, dimana dalam pengambilan keputusan dilakukan secara bersama-sama (kolektif) dan bersifat kekeluargaan (kolegial). Selanjutnya, gaya kepemimpinan lain yang juga diterapkan yaitu gaya kepemimpinan demokratis, tidak otoriter, tidak juga laissez-faire, tetapi seperti gaya kepemimpinan Ki Hajar Dewantara, ing ngarsa sung tuladha, ing madya mangun karsa, tut wuri handayani. (2) Nilai-nilai yang dapat membawa kesuksesan kepemimpinan di MI Ya BAKII Kesugihan 01 Cilacap antara lain memahami organisasi yang dipimpinnya; rendah hati dan sederhana; sabar dan memiliki kestabilan emosi; percaya kepada bawahan dan dapat dipercaya bawahan; bersifat suka menolong; jujur dan adil; berjuang, berkorban, taat, dan loyal terhadap organisasi/madrasah; menjalin kebersamaan yang harmonis dengan seluruh warga madrasah; memberikan pencerahan; semangat tajdid; dan mengembangkan ijtihad; serta menyeimbangkan ilmu dan amal.
Translational Neuroimaging of Cerebral Perfusion after Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors:   , Franx Albert Antonius
Published: September 2024

An ischemic stroke occurs due to a blockage in the blood supply to the brain, often caused by a blood clot. This disruption leads to permanent brain damage and can result in a lasting disability or death. Medical imaging techniques such as MRI and CT are used to characterize this damage and the blood flow in the brain, which is crucial for patient triage. Treatments to clear the blocked blood vessels (“recanalization therapy”) can restore blood flow, but clinical effectiveness is not guaranteed. Many patients remain dependent on care or die within months after treatment, despite successful recanalization.
The failure of treatments is a significant clinical problem with unclear causes. There are indications that blood flow in the ischemic brain tissue after recanalization is incomplete, which could contribute to treatment failure. This dissertation aims to clarify the cause-and-effect relationships of treatment failure, with a special focus on the role of cerebral reperfusion after treatment. The central hypothesis is that blood flow in the brain immediately after treatment plays an important role in disease outcome. Since this is difficult to investigate in patient populations, much of the information was gathered through preclinical animal models using translational imaging techniques, primarily MRI.
An initial literature review describes various abnormalities in brain blood flow after a stroke, including both insufficient and excessive blood flow. Both abnormalities can affect the treatment efficacy. Subsequent chapters present experimental results suggesting that blood flow in the brain after recanalization is not always deficient. However, when combined with conditions such as hypertension, incomplete blood flow can indeed occur, leading to worse disease outcomes. There are also indications that excessive blood flow under certain circumstances can be beneficial or harmless. Additional chapters establish the effects of different types of anesthesia on treatment outcomes. Additionally, blood flow and inflammation are characterized in the brain after ischemia using new experimental techniques, ultrafast ultrasound and molecular MRI respectively.
This dissertation provides new insights into brain blood flow after a stroke and its associations with disease progression. These insights may serve as starting points for future research into the causes, consequences, and possible treatments of the (in)effectiveness of recanalization therapies in both humans and animals, using translational imaging techniques.
Assessment of the current state of the Lake Imandra ecosystem (Russia, Murmansk region) using statistical and bioindication methods
Authors: Vokueva Sofia I. , Denisov Dmitrii B. , Barinova Sophia S.
Published: September 2024

The diatom assemblages of surface sediments of the Lake Imandra were studied. Lake Imandra is the largest freshwater reservoir in the Murmansk region. Significant differences in the composition of diatom assemblages were revealed in various parts of the water area, differing in the type and intensity of anthropogenic load. With the help of bioindication and statistical methods, the main factors influencing the development of certain diatom assemblages were identified.
Diatom complexes from bottom sediments of Lake Semenovskoe (Murmansk)
Authors: Kosova Anna L. , Denisov Dmitrii B. , Slukovskii Zakhar I. , Vokueva Sofia I.
Published: September 2024

For the first time, the composition of diatom complexes of the bottom sediments of Lake Semenovskoe was studied, located within the city of Murmansk. In the core 44 cm thick, 117 species and intraspecific taxa of diatoms were found. Significant rearrangements in the taxonomic composition and structure in the direction from the lower layers to the upper ones were revealed. In the lower layers of the core are benthic acidophilic forms of Frustulia rhomboides (Ehrb.) De Toni (32%), Brachysira serians (Bréb.) Round & Mann (8,5%), Semiorbis hemicyclus (Ehrb.) Patrick (6,1%). In modern layers, the dominant steel species are: planktonic alkalibiont Aulacoseira subarctica (Müll.) Haworth (46%), planktonic-benthic alkaliphile Cyclotella meneghiniana Kütz. (10%). The benthic acidophilic species S. hemicyclus and Oxyneis binalis (Ehrb.) Round completely disappeared.
Jualan Kopi di Pinggir Jalan pada Lima Wirausaha Kedai Kopi di Kota Kendari
Authors: Rudi Yanto Muhammad Sawal , Suyuti Nasrudin , Raemon Raemon
Published: September 2024

This study aims to determine and analyze the adaptive strategies developed by roadside coffee shop entrepreneurs in several districts such as Kadia, Mandogga, and Abeli districts in Kendari City, Southeast Sulawesi Province. The theory used is the theory of socio-cultural adaptation strategies, put forward by Jhon William Bennet (1976). using ethnographic methods with data collection carried out using techniques of involved observation and in-depth interviews. The data obtained were analyzed descriptively and qualitatively, the analysis was carried out to simplify the data obtained in the research into a form that is easier to read and interpret. The results of this study show how the forms of adaptive strategies of coffee shop entrepreneurs in the city of Kedari, in maintaining the coffee shop business they have from the competition of other coffee shop owners in Kendari City.
Upacara Jamuan Laut (Hame-Hame Wakambangura) pada Masyarakat Buton Tengah
Authors: Agus Agus , Rahman Abdul , Syukur La Ode
Published: September 2024

This study aims to determine and describe the process of implementing the banquet ceremony (Hame-hame Wakambangura) in the Central Buton community and to find out what is the object or target of the banquet in the community and community expectations on the implementation of the Hame-hame Wakambangura sea banquet ceremony. To analyze the data in this study using Marcell Mauss theory. The data collection technique used in this research is a field research technique (Field Research) using two (2) methods, namely observation (Observation) and in-depth interviews (Indeepth Interview). Data analysis was carried out using a qualitative descriptive method with an ethnographic approach. The results showed that 1).The Hame-hame Wakambangura sea banquet ceremony was held by the Wakambangura Village community as a form of commemorating the death of their only daughter (Wakambangura), so the community carried out the Hame-hame Wakambangura sea banquet ceremony. In the implementation of the ritual, it is intended to entertain (Wakambangura). has the hope that the community can be maintained such as being given safety, blessings when carrying out activities at sea and on land, and always be grateful for the provision given by Allah SWT. can also increase kinship between communities which is expected to always be preserved and also this activity can be a place for silatuhrami between the people of Wakambangura Village.
Teaching Information Literacy: Reflecting on Research in the Age of AI
Authors: MacVaugh Kimberly , Olsen Rachel
Published: September 2024

College students enter our classrooms today comfortable with a multitude of AI tools and services that promise to aid their learning, writing, and research. Meanwhile, many faculty and librarians view such generative AI and other aids with trepidation, concerned about the ways in which they will change political science education and teaching. As with all new technologies, there are significant challenges that we will confront as we consider their affordances. Educators must rethink how to foster students’ critical thinking, information literacy, communication, and research skills—typically long-term objectives—in light of rapidly developing apps and programs that aim to reduce effort and provide quick results.
Explore the driving factors of designers’ AIGC usage behavior based on SOR framework
Authors: Wang Shao-Feng , Chen Chun-Ching
Published: September 2024

Despite the widespread recognition of artificial intelligence’s advantages, it cannot replace human independent thinking and creativity, especially in fields such as artistic design that require creativity. Previous studies often examined its development trends from the perspective of technical advantages or application processes. This study explores the attitudes and acceptance of creative industry practitioners towards Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC) from the perspective of user behavior modification. Utilizing the Stimulus-Organism-Response Model (SOR) as the theoretical background, this research integrates the Technology Acceptance Model, Theory of Planned Behavior, and Self-Efficacy to form the research framework. By employing a mixed-method approach combining quantitative and qualitative analyses, data from 226 designers were explored, and structural equation modeling was used to verify the correlations between endogenous factors. The results indicate that users’ facilitating conditions significantly influence self-efficacy, which in turn determines their intention to adopt AIGC. Additionally, semi-structured interviews revealed that factors hindering the widespread application of AIGC mainly encompass legal security, ethical risks, and fairness. This study extends the application scope of the Stimulus-Organism-Response Model (SOR), enriches the Technology Acceptance Model, and provides a new research framework for the application of AIGC in the creative industry, detailing the responsibilities, processes, and content of designers in the Artificial Intelligence Generated Design (AIGD) process.
Performance evaluation of marine ecological compensation in coastal cities of China via a novel two-stage bargaining game DEA with imprecise data
Authors: Zou Zezhou , Zhang Xiaofan , Gao Jinwu , Li Jian
Published: September 2024

To alleviate the pressure of economic development on the marine environment, the Marine Ecological Compensation (MEC) has become a major policy tool for the Chinese government to reconcile the contradiction between economic development and the marine environment. In this paper, we propose a novel two-stage bargaining game data envelopment analysis (DEA) model to evaluate the performance of MEC under the cooperative structure. The proposed model considers the link between marine economic development (MED) and marine environmental protection (MEP). Meanwhile, the equivalent form, Nash equilibrium solution, sensitivity and stability of the model are as well documented to further analyze MED and MEP. Eventually, a case study of 30 coastal cities in China serves to verify the practicable effectiveness of the foregoing model combined with numerical simulation and support key insights as below: (i) According to the results evaluated by the decentralized DEA model, we find that if one party of MED and MEP takes priority, the efficiency score of the other party will be severely affected; (ii) the evaluation results of sensitivity and stability demonstrate that inputs and outputs have different impact degrees on the efficiency scores of MED and MEP, which provide directions for improving the efficiency of both systems; (iii) The proposed model addresses the limitation of the conventional two-stage DEA model that cannot handle uncertain variables, thus revealing the influence of uncertainty on MEC efficiency. The compelling evidence presented in the case study solidifies the effectiveness of the proposed model, establishing its promising prospects for application in evaluating the performance of DMUs with a two-stage structure.
Structural brain preservation: a potential bridge to future medical technologies
Authors: McKenzie Andrew T. , Zeleznikow-Johnston Ariel , Sparks Jordan S. , Nnadi Oge , Smart John , Wiley Keith , Cerullo Michael A. , de Wolf Aschwin , Minerva Francesca , Risco Ramón , Church George M. , de Magalhães João Pedro , Kendziorra Emil F.
Published: September 2024

When faced with the prospect of death, some people would prefer a form of long-term preservation that may allow them to be restored to healthy life in the future, if technology ever develops to the point that this is feasible and humane. Some believe that we may have the capacity to perform this type of experimental preservation today—although it has never been proven—using contemporary methods to preserve the structure of the brain. The idea is that the morphomolecular organization of the brain encodes the information required for psychological properties such as personality and long-term memories. If these structures in the brain can be maintained intact over time, this could theoretically provide a bridge to access restorative technologies in the future. To consider this hypothesis, we first describe possible metrics that can be used to assess structural brain preservation quality. We next explore several possible methods to preserve structural information in the brain, including the traditional cryonics method of cryopreservation, as well as aldehyde-stabilized cryopreservation and fluid preservation. We focus in-depth on fluid preservation, which relies on aldehyde fixation to induce chemical gel formation in a wide set of biomolecules and appears to be a cost-effective method. We describe two theoretical recovery technologies, alongside several of the ethical and legal complexities of brain preservation, all of which will require a prudent approach. We believe contemporary structural brain preservation methods have a non-negligible chance of allowing successful restoration in the future and that this deserves serious research efforts by the scientific community.
Meta-analysis of the diagnostic value of functional magnetic resonance imaging for distinguishing unresponsive wakefulness syndrome/vegetative state and minimally conscious state
Authors: Zheng Helin , Tian Lu , Cai Jinhua
Published: September 2024

Objective

Unresponsive wakefulness syndrome/vegetative state (UWS/VS) and minimally conscious state (MCS) are considered different clinical entities, but their differential diagnosis remains challenging. As a potential clinical tool, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) could detect residual awareness without the need for the patients’ actual motor responses. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of fMRI for distinguishing between UWS/VS and MCS through a meta-analysis of the existing studies.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search (from the database creation date to November. 2023) for relevant English articles on fMRI for the differential diagnosis of UWS/VS and MCS. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR+), negative likelihood ratio (LR−), summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve, and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated to assess the diagnostic value of fMRI in distinguishing between UWS/VS and MCS. The statistical I2 test was used to assess heterogeneity, and the source of heterogeneity was investigated by performing a meta-regression analysis. Publication bias was assessed using the Deeks funnel plot asymmetry test.

Results

Ten studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.71 (95% CI 0.62–0.79) and 0.71 (95% CI 0.54–0.84), respectively. The fMRI for the differential diagnosis of UWS/VS and MCS has a moderate positive likelihood ratio (2.5) and a relatively low negative likelihood ratio (0.40). Additionally, SROC curves showed that the AUC was 0.76 (95% CI 0.72–0.80).

Conclusion

Functional magnetic resonance imaging has a good performance in the differential diagnosis of UWS/VS and MCS, and may provide a potential tool for evaluating the prognosis and guiding the rehabilitation therapy in patients with disorders of consciousness.
The protean presentations of XK disease (McLeod syndrome): a case series with new observations and updates on previously reported families
Authors: Walker Ruth H. , Barreto Mariana , Bateman James R. , Bustamante M. Leonor , Chiu Graham , Feitell Scott , Frey Beat M. , Guerra Patricio , Guerrero Sofia , Jung Hans H. , Maldonado Fernando , Meyer Eduardo , Miranda Marcelo , McFarland Emelie , Oates Patricia , Ochoa Gorka , Olsson Karin , Paucar Martin , Proschle Jonatan Alvarez , Sammler Esther M. , Troncoso Monica , Wu-Wallace Rachel , Young Leo , Vege Sunitha , Westhoff Connie M. , Danek Adrian
Published: September 2024

XK disease is a very rare, multi-system disease, which can present with a wide spectrum of symptoms. This disorder can also be identified pre-symptomatically with the incidental detection of serological abnormalities when typing erythrocytes in peripheral blood, or on other routine laboratory testing. Increasing awareness of this disorder and improved access to genetic testing are resulting in increasing identification of affected patients and families. Here we provide updates to some previously-reported families and patients and provide additional clinical details. We also report four new cases with a variety of presentations, one of whom had a novel mutation.
Time varying characteristic in somatosensory evoked potentials as a biomarker of spinal cord ischemic-reperfusion injury in rat
Authors: Li Kai , Yang Jianwei , Wang Huaibo , Chang Xuejing , Liu Guanjun , Xue Ruiyang , Guo Weitao , Hu Yong
Published: September 2024

Spinal cord ischemic-reperfusion injury (SCIRI) could occurs during surgical procedures without detection, presenting a complex course and an unfavorable prognosis. This may lead to postoperative sensory or motor dysfunction in areas innervated by the spinal cord, and in some cases, permanent paralysis. Timely detection of SCIRI and immediate waring can help surgeons implement remedial intervention to prevent irreversible spinal cord injury. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a precise and effective method for early detection of SCIRI. This study utilized rat models to simulate intraoperative SCIRI and employed somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) for continuous monitoring during surgery. In this study, SEP signal changes were examined in six groups with varying severities of SCIRI and one normal control group. SEP signal changes were examined during operations in different groups and correlated with postoperative behavioral and histopathological data. The result demonstrated specific changes in SEP signals during SCIRI, termed as time-varying characteristics, which are associated with the duration of ischemia and subsequent reperfusion. Time-varying characteristics in SEP could potentially serve as a new biomarker for the intraoperative detection of SCIRI. This finding is significant for clinical surgeons to identify and guide early intervention of SCIRI timely. Additionally, this measurement is easily translatable to clinical application.
One respiratory cycle as a minimum time unit for making behavioral decisions in the mammalian olfactory system
Authors: Mori Kensaku , Sakano Hitoshi
Published: September 2024

Voluntary behaviors such as sniffing, moving, and eating require decision-making accompanied by intentional respiration. Based on the study of respiration-coherent activity of rodent olfactory networks, we infer that during the inhalation phase of respiration, olfactory cortical areas process environmental odor information and transmit it to the higher multisensory cognitive areas via feedforward pathways to comprehensively evaluate the surrounding situation. We also infer that during the exhalation phase, the higher multisensory areas generate cognitive-signals and transmit them not only to the behavioral output system but also back to the olfactory cortical areas. We presume that the cortical mechanism couples the intentional respiration with the voluntary behaviors. Thus, in one respiratory cycle, the mammalian brain may transmit and process sensory information to cognize and evaluate the multisensory image of the external world, leading to one behavioral decision and one emotional expression. In this perspective article, we propose that one respiratory cycle provides a minimum time unit for decision making during wakefulness.
Efficacy and safety of the S1PR modulator etrasimod in the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis during the induction phase: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Qiu Jingyue , Liu Jiakuo , Cai Kexin , Xu Ting , Liu Wenwen , Lin Fei , Shi Ning
Published: September 2024

Background

The study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of the recently approved S1PR modulator etrasimod in adults with ulcerative colitis during the induction phase through meta-analysis.

Methods

A systemic search was performed for randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of the S1PR modulator etrasimod using electronic databases PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Clinical Trials, and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Three studies with 943 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in this analysis. The study’s primary endpoint was the proportion of patients who achieved clinical remission at week 12. Key secondary endpoints included the proportion of patients with clinical response, endoscopic improvement, and histologic remission. The incidence of adverse effects (AEs), serious AEs (SAEs), and AE-related treatment discontinuation were statistically analyzed to determine the safety of etrasimod.

Results

This study revealed that etrasimod is superior to placebo at the primary endpoint clinical remission (OR = 3.09, 95% CI: 2.04–4.69), as well as at the secondary endpoints clinical response (OR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.91–3.43), endoscopic improvement (OR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.51–3.05), and histologic remission (OR = 3.39, 95% CI: 2.03–5.68). The proportion of patients with TEAE (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.01–1.78) and SAE (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.41–1.43) was similar between the etrasimod and placebo groups. Patients receiving etrasimod had slightly higher odds of experiencing headache (OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.01–4.23), and nausea (OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 0.72–4.72). The incidences of upper respiratory tract infection (OR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.27–2.32), nasopharyngitis (OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.15–1.07), and urinary tract infection (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 0.59–5.60) were generally lower in the etrasimod groups and no treatment-related serious infections were reported.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that etrasimod is effective in treating moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis with a favorable benefit-risk profile at week 12. Etrasimod shows promise as a potential first-line oral therapy for individuals suffering from this disease. Additional RCTs with larger sample sizes and longer observation periods are needed to confirm the sustained efficacy of etrasimod beyond the initial phase.
Zooming in and out of semantics: proximal–distal construal levels and prominence hierarchies
Authors: Lobben Marit , Laeng Bruno
Published: September 2024

We argue that the “Prominence Hierarchy” within linguistics can be subsumed under the “Construal Level Theory” within psychology and that a wide spectrum of grammatical phenomena, ranging from case assignment to number, definiteness, verbal agreement, voice, direct/inverse morphology, and syntactic word-order respond to Prominence Hierarchies (PH), or semantic scales. In fact, the field of prominence hierarchies, as expressed through the languages of the world, continues to be riddled with riddles. We identify a set of conundrums: (A) vantage point and animacy, (B) individuation and narrow reference phenomena, (C) fronting mechanisms, (D) abstraction, and (E) cultural variance and flexibility. We here propose an account for the existence of these hierarchies and their pervasive effects on grammar by relying on psychological Construal Level Theory (CLT). We suggest that both PH and CLT structure the external world according to proximity or distance from the “Me, Here and Now” (MHN) perspective. In language, MHN has the effect of structuring grammars; in cognition, it structures our lives, our preferences, and choices.
Effects of color-flavor association on visual search process for reference pictures on beverage packaging: behavioral, electrophysiological, and causal mechanisms
Authors: Cai Chen , Zhang Le , Guo Zitao , Fang Xin , Quan Zihan
Published: September 2024

The visual search for product packaging involves intricate cognitive processes that are prominently impacted by learned associations derived from extensive long-term experiences. The present research employed EEG technology and manipulated the color display of reference pictures on beverage bottles to explore the underlying neurocognitive pathways. Specifically, we aimed to investigate the influence of color-flavor association strength on the visual processing of such stimuli as well as the in-depth neural mechanisms. The behavioral results revealed that stimuli with strong association strength triggered the fastest response and the highest accuracy, compared with the stimuli with weak association strength and the achromatic ones. The EEG findings further substantiated that the chromatic stimuli evoked a more pronounced N2 component than achromatic ones, and the stimuli with strong association strength elicited larger P3 and smaller N400 amplitudes than the ones with weak association strength. Additionally, the source localization using sLORETA showed significant activations in the inferior temporal gyrus. In conclusion, our research suggests that (1) color expectations would guide visual search process and trigger faster responses to congruent visual stimuli, (2) both the initial perceptual representation and subsequent semantic representation play pivotal roles in effective visual search for the targets, and (3) the color-flavor association strength potentially exerts an impact on visual processing by modulating memory accessibility.
A modified U-Net to detect real sperms in videos of human sperm cell
Authors: Saadat Hanan , Sepehri Mohammad Mehdi , Borna Mahdi-Reza , Maleki Behnam
Published: September 2024

Background

This study delves into the crucial domain of sperm segmentation, a pivotal component of male infertility diagnosis. It explores the efficacy of diverse architectural configurations coupled with various encoders, leveraging frames from the VISEM dataset for evaluation.

Methods

The pursuit of automated sperm segmentation led to the examination of multiple deep learning architectures, each paired with distinct encoders. Extensive experimentation was conducted on the VISEM dataset to assess their performance.

Results

Our study evaluated various deep learning architectures with different encoders for sperm segmentation using the VISEM dataset. While each model configuration exhibited distinct strengths and weaknesses, UNet++ with ResNet34 emerged as a top-performing model, demonstrating exceptional accuracy in distinguishing sperm cells from non-sperm cells. However, challenges persist in accurately identifying closely adjacent sperm cells. These findings provide valuable insights for improving automated sperm segmentation in male infertility diagnosis.

Discussion

The study underscores the significance of selecting appropriate model combinations based on specific diagnostic requirements. It also highlights the challenges related to distinguishing closely adjacent sperm cells.

Conclusion

This research advances the field of automated sperm segmentation for male infertility diagnosis, showcasing the potential of deep learning techniques. Future work should aim to enhance accuracy in scenarios involving close proximity between sperm cells, ultimately improving clinical sperm analysis.
Reproductive organ on-a-chip technologies and assessments of the fetal-maternal interface
Authors: Richards Hannah A. , Eastman Alison J. , Miller Dusty R. , Cliffel David E.
Published: September 2024

In this review, we discuss recent reproductive organ-on-a-chip (OoC) experiments that encompass multiple target areas of investigation, including model fabrication strategies, transport mechanisms, and immunology. We highlight fetal membrane and placental biology, OoC history and background, and the designs of reproductive OoC platforms. Reproductive OoC designs include fetal membrane models such as the Fetal Membrane-on-a-chip (FMOC) and others, placental models such as the placenta on-a-chip, and full reproductive tract models such as EVATAR. Diverse fabrication strategies and the integration of multiple model materials are explored. OoC samples can be analyzed with many analytical techniques, including mass spectrometry, fluorescence microscopy, ELISAs, impedance spectroscopy, and electrochemical techniques. The future of reproductive OoC models is a promising technology for advancing preterm birth (PTB) research, pharmacology studies, and fertility technologies.
Genetic Diversity and Zoonotic Potential of Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli (STEC) in Cattle and Buffaloes from Islamabad, Pakistan
Authors: Irshad Hamid , Ahsan Aitezaz , Yousaf Arfan , Kanchanakhan Naowarat , Pumpaibool Tepanata , Siriwong Wattasit , Prombutara Pinidphon , Ahmed Ibrar , Basharat Zarrin , Nawaz Mudussar , Abdullah  , Amin Humaira , Thevenon Audrey D. , Khan Muhammad Ijaz , Zaheer Muhammad Usman , Rao Sangeeta , Salman Mo
Published: September 2024

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) are considered important zoonotic pathogens of great economic significance, associated with diarrhea, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), hemorrhagic colitis (HC), and death in humans. This study aimed to investigate the distribution of various STEC virulence gene markers and antimicrobial susceptibility (AST) profiles associated within E. coli isolates from the recto-anal mucosal swabs (RAMSs) of slaughtered cattle and buffaloes in Islamabad, Pakistan. The RAMSs (n = 200) were analyzed using multiplex PCR for the presence of stx1, stx2, eae, and ehxA genes. Samples that were positive for one or more of the virulence genes were inoculated with Sorbitol MacConkey agar (SMAC) for isolation of STEC. The isolates were further analyzed for the presence of virulence genes using multiplex PCR. Of the 200 RAMS, 118 (59%) were positive for one or more virulence genes. E. coli isolates (n = 18) with one or more virulence genes were recovered from the 118 positive samples. The DNA of the isolates positive for one or more virulent genes was extracted and subjected to whole genome sequencing using Illumina. Analysis of the WGS data indicated that the E. coli isolates could be differentiated into 11 serotypes. Most E. coli isolates (13/18; 72.2%) carried five genes (stx1, stx2, Iha, iss, and IpfA) in various combinations. In addition to these five genes, other virulence genes identified in these isolates were espI, ireA, espP, exhA, epeA, mcmA, mch, ast, celB, eilA, katP, and capU. The AST was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion test. The study indicated that all the isolates were resistant to rifampicin and a significant proportion of the isolates were MDR. A wide range of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) were detected among the isolates, reflecting the complex nature of resistance mechanisms. The study results indicate that cattle and buffaloes slaughtered in Islamabad might be the carriers of antimicrobial resistant STEC of zoonotic significance, thus representing a source of human infection.
Assessing the Coordination and Spatial Equilibrium of Water, Energy, and Food Systems for Regional Socio-Economic Growth in the Ili River Valley, China
Authors: Qin Guopeng , Liu Jian , Lin Haixia , Javed Tehseen , Gao Xuehui , Tang Yupeng , Mu Xiaoguo , Guo Muchan , Wang Zhenhua
Published: September 2024

Water resources, energy, and food are fundamental resources for high-quality regional development. In the process of rapid regional economic growth, integrating the utilization of these fundamental resources has become a critical challenge for achieving high-quality development in the Ili River Valley. To explore the coordinated development status of water, energy, and food (W-E-F) in the Ili River Valley, we constructed a comprehensive evaluation indicator system for the regional W-E-F system, and we calculated and analyzed the comprehensive development level, coupling coordination degree, and spatial equilibrium of the W-E-F system from 2008 to 2020. The results indicate that the comprehensive evaluation indicators of the W-E-F system in the Ili River Valley exhibited an overall upward trend, indicating that the system is moving in a positive direction. Among them, the water subsystem’s comprehensive evaluation indicator showed an upward trend but fluctuated significantly during the study period, with the excessive proportion of agricultural water consumption being a key factor affecting its development. Furthermore, the comprehensive evaluation indicator of the energy subsystem showed a slight downward trend, indicating constraints on the development of energy subsystems. Agricultural surface pollution and industrial waste pollution are the primary factors limiting its development. Meanwhile, due to the significant attention from governments at all levels, the food subsystem has been developed rapidly, with its comprehensive evaluation indicator showing a significant upward trend, which shows that the region is actively promoting food production capacity enhancement initiatives. Additionally, the coupling degree of the W-E-F system remained in a state of coordinated coupling, with an average value between 0.7 and 1.0, indicating a high overall development level, and that the development of each resource affects and constrains that of the other two. The coupling coordination degree transitioned through phases of near coordination, primary coordination, good coordination, and moderate coordination, and all counties and cities showed a tendency to evolve towards high coupling, indicating significant potential for the further development of the regional W-E-F system coupling and coordination. Among the subsystems, the food subsystem exhibited the highest spatial equilibrium (0.78) and the smallest spatial disparities, while the energy subsystem demonstrated the lowest spatial equilibrium (0.40) and the largest spatial disparities. There were still significant issues with the utilization and equilibrium of the regional resource allocation, necessitating integrated planning for the coordinated development of the W-E-F system to achieve sustainable resource management and high-quality ecological and economic development.