bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reflections of Second Wave Feminism in The Female Man and The Left Hand Of Darkness
Authors: AYYILDIZ Bülent
Published: August 2023

Women science fiction writers of the 60s and 70s reflected second wave feminist ideologies in their fictional works. The distinctive narrative techniques of science fiction genre brought out various aspects of feminist ideas in different ways. Issues related to gender and sex were embedded in the elements of science fiction such as parallel universes, androgynies, intersex, mindreading, planets, aliens, and inventions. Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness (1969) and Joanna Russ’s The Female Man (1975), through these elements, raise questions about gender equality, body politics, ethics, and social constructions. These science fiction novels have themes that are closely related to the central texts debated among second wave feminists such as Simon de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex (1949) and Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique (1963). Le Guin and Russ apply feminist theories to unconventional lives and societies, whose uniqueness or oddity helps readers think outside of the box. By presenting alternative societies, they unfold how male domination can cause sexual objectification and gender inequality, and anatomic differences in science fiction worlds creates an awareness concerning constructed gender roles. Moreover, the second wave feminists’ emphasis on sexual freedom, birth control, and marriage are illustrated through the multi-faceted outcomes of these multi-directional utopic and dystopic societies. This paper aims to bring together second wave feminist ideas and science fiction through an examination of two works, The Left Hand of Darkness and The Female Man, both of which present resisting interpretations of traditional gender issues. Unorthodox approaches to gender, the peculiar structure of the societies, and body politics will be analyzed through the narratives and elements of science fiction. Further-more, this paper will illustrate how these novels challenge conventional definitions of gender and sex in the light of second wave feminism.
Random centroid initialization for improving centroid-based clustering
Authors:   Polish Naval Academy, 69 Śmidowicza Street, Gdynia, Poland, Romanuke Vadim
Published: August 2023

A method for improving centroid-based clustering is suggested. The improvement is built on diversification of the k-means++ initialization. The k-means++ algorithm claimed to be a better version of k-means is tested by a computational set-up, where the dataset size, the number of features, and the number of clusters are varied. The statistics obtained on the testing have shown that, in roughly 50 % of instances to cluster, k-means++ outputs worse results than k-means with random centroid initialization. The impact of the random centroid initialization solidifies as both the dataset size and the number of features increase. In order to reduce the possible underperformance of k-means++, the k-means algorithm is run on a separate processor core in parallel to running the k-means++ algorithm, whereupon the better result is selected. The number of k-means++ algorithm runs is set not less than that of k-means. By incorporating the seeding method of random centroid initialization, the k-means++ algorithm gains about 0.05 % accuracy in every second instance to cluster.
Demographic Factors Affect on the Investment Decision of Policy Holder to the Life Insurance
Authors: Abbas Zafer
Published: August 2023

Demographic Factors Affect on the Investment Decision ofPolicy Holder to the Life Insurance
Participatory research in mental health care services in Low-and Middle-Income Countries: A Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Krishnan Naveen , sunder Poornima , Lalachan Nithin , Mohan Monisha , Venkateswaran Chitra , John Denny
Published: August 2023

Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to identify and map the types of participatory research approaches in mental health conducted in the context of low-and middle-income countries (LMICs).Introduction: Developing countries have a treatment gap of 76-85% for mental disorders. Participatory approach is a key element of community practice and has been considered to be vital for gaining better understanding about community perspectives. While research on participatory research in mental health in LMICs have been conducted, no scoping or systematic reviews have been conducted.Inclusion criteria:All forms of peer-reviewed literature and non-peer-reviewed grey literature in the English language without any restriction to age, sex, ethnicity that are focused on participatory research in mental health services of LMICs will be included in this review. Qualitative studies and mixed method studies will be sourced from published literature, grey literature, and the references of retrieved articles focused on LMICs. Studies will not be limited by participant or setting. Authors of primary studies will be contacted to identify additional sources or for clarifications, where required. Conference abstracts, editorials, and opinion papers will be excluded. Methods: PubMed (medline), Embase (Elsevier), Ovid (medline), PsycINFO (EBSCO) and Google Scholar along with grey literature will be searched. All databases will be searched from inception till the present, and studies published in the English language will be included. Two reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts of the studies followed by full-text screening of the selected studies. When there are discrepancies between the reviewers, a third reviewer will be involved. A predefined form will be used for data extraction. Findings from the scoping review will be descriptively presented with supporting tables and diagrams. This review will be conducted in accordance with the JBI guidelines for scoping reviews.
Optimizing Connectivity and Sustainability in Low-Carbon Community Regeneration
Authors: Ali Zahid
Published: August 2023

Optimizing Connectivity and Sustainability in Low-CarbonCommunity Regeneration
Language disorders through the lens of biolinguistics
Authors: Benítez-Burraco Antonio
Published: August 2023

Clinical linguistics struggles to establish exact typologies of developmental language disorders (e.g. dyslexia vs. childhood apraxia of speech vs. developmental language disorder, etc.), as well as language profiles as accurate as possible of broader cognitive conditions impacting on language (e.g. autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, etc.) or conditions resulting from selected damage in the biological infrastructure of language that present with language impairment (e.g. basal ganglia diseases, Williams Syndrome, FOXP2 mutations, etc.). On paper, each of these conditions is expected to exhibit a distinctive, condition-specific set of abnormal features at different levels of language, structural (phonology, morphology, semantics, syntax) and/or functional (pragmatics), but also concerning their biological underpinnings (genes, brain areas, cognitive processes). Nonetheless, patients can be seldom assigned unambiguously to such putative categories or language profiles. The difficulties for linking biological damages (at the bottom) to language deficits (at the surface) hinder a precise diagnosis of these conditions, but also an efficient treatment of patients. This chapter argues that biolinguistics can help clinical linguistics to circumvent these caveats and limitations, since its main objective is, precisely, providing robust bridging theories between biology and language. More specifically, the chapter urges clinical linguistics to put the focus on intermediate-level layers and components of language, particularly, brain oscillations. This claim will be illustrated by the construal of language deficits in ASD and in people with mutations in GRIN2A as oscillopathic conditions.
A Multinomial Model-Based Analysis of Bindings in Working Memory
Authors: Al Hadhrami Suaad Said , Bartsch Lea Maria , Oberauer Klaus
Published: August 2023

We examined how elements are integrated into larger units in working memory (WM). Four contrasting conceptual models exist with regard to this question: (1) a Unitization model, in which there is a single integrated representation which is retrieved in an all-or-none fashion; (2) a Unitization-With-Element-Failure model, in which a single integrated representation is retrieved as a whole, but access to its elements can still fail individually; (3) a Pairwise-Binding model, in which elements of a unit are represented separately and are bound together in pairs; (4) a Hybrid model that includes an integrated representation as well as pairwise bindings between element representations. We developed four multinomial process tree (MPT) models to test these theories. In three experiments, participants memorized multiple units which were random combinations of three elements. They were given one element as a cue and prompted to report the other two elements. The model-comparison analysis revealed that the Hybrid model provides the best quantitative fit to the data. We conclude that multi-element units are represented on two levels, as an integrated unit retrieved in an all-or-none manner, and in addition through pairwise bindings between their elements. Moreover, the assumption that bindings of non-spatial elements are mediated through their shared spatial location – a special case of the Pairwise-Binding model – was not supported by the data. Keywords: working memory, binding, multinomial modeling
Investigating Psychiatric Symptoms as Predictors of the Reasons People Do Not Regulate Their Emotions in Daily Life
Authors: Daniel Katharine E , Southward Matthew W. , Teachman Bethany
Published: August 2023

Investigations into emotion dysregulation predominantly focus on ineffective strategy selection and implementation. However, little empirical attention has been given to the possibility that failure to engage in emotion regulation (ER) may also indicate emotion dysregulation, especially when the reason for not regulating suggests skill or motivational deficits. We randomly sampled ER strategy use up to six times per day for five weeks in 113 adults with elevated social anxiety. When participants reported not engaging in any recent ER, they indicated their reason for not regulating. Data were collected between 2018 and 2019. Participants reported not regulating in 60.9% of surveys. The most frequently endorsed reason for not regulating was “I wasn’t experiencing any thoughts/feelings that I wanted to change,” followed by “I didn’t want to put in the effort”, then “I didn’t know what to do”, and finally, “I didn’t think I was capable.” After controlling for within- and between-person state affect, participants with lower trait-level social anxiety, depression, and emotion dysregulation scores were more likely to report no ER because they were not experiencing any thoughts/feelings that they wanted to change relative to the other three reasons that might reflect barriers to effective regulation. Trait-level generalized worry and alcohol use did not significantly predict between non-regulation reasons. Findings from these pre-registered analyses suggest that not regulating—especially among persons higher in social anxiety, depression, and emotion dysregulation—may indicate ER skill or motivation deficits that point to opportunities for intervention. Results may not generalize to more demographically or clinically diverse samples.
How Do Emotions Affect Decision Making?
Authors: Lerner Jennifer Susan , Dorison Charles , Kim Joowon
Published: August 2023

We review major theories of emotion and decision making, concentrating on developments within the disciplines of psychology, economics, and decision science. These theories naturally cluster into two sets of theories – one set that views emotional valence (i.e., positivity versus negativity) as the primary factor for predicting decision outcomes and a second set of theories that views valence as one of multiple factors for making predictions. Often known as “emotion-specific models,” theories in this latter set propose, for example, that emotions of the same valence can have opposing (rather than similar) effects on certain decisions. After describing strengths and weaknesses of each set, we proceed to review the Emotion-Imbued Choice model (EIC) -- a unified, meta-level model of emotion and decision making. We close by noting the accelerating pace of important developments in understanding emotion and decision making as well as by noting promising future directions.
Information Communication Technology in Education: Bringing Innovation in Classroom
Authors: Upadhayaya Parshu Ram
Published: August 2023

ICT (Information Communication Technology) has revolutionized education by bringing innovation into the classroom. This paper explores the integration of four key elements: learning through games and gamification, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and mobile education, learning with adaptation and artificial intelligence (AI), and online cooperation and connections. The study examines the benefits and implications of these innovative approaches in enhancing teaching and learning experiences. It highlights how games and gamification engage students and promote active learning, while BYOD and mobile education provide flexibility and access to educational resources. Additionally, it discusses the personalized learning opportunities offered by adaptation and AI, as well as the collaborative and global connections fostered through online cooperation. The research underscores the importance of these elements in transforming education and preparing students for the challenges of the digital era.
समाज तथा राष्ट्र निर्माणमा पत्रकारको भूमिका
Authors: Raila Sudip
Published: August 2023

नेपाल पत्रकार महासंघमा आबद्ध करिब पन्ध्र हजारभन्दा बढी पत्रकारहरुमध्ये आधाभन्दा बढीलाई पत्रकारिताको मूल मन्त्रबारे अनविज्ञ रहेको पाइन्छ । कतिपयले त आफ्नो कर्म र मुख्य आयश्रोत पत्रकारिताबाट नभई अन्य विविध श्रोत रहेको पाइन्छ । यसो हुनुमा जो पत्रकार भनिन्छ उसले पत्रकारिताको धर्म निर्वाह गरेकोे पाइदैन । पत्रकार हुँ भनेर अनेकौ नामले राजनीति, दलाली र सौदाबाजी गरेर हिड्ने व्यक्तिहरुलाई पत्रकार भन्नु परेको छ । यस्ता कयौँ उदाहरणहरु च्याउँसरी विकास भएका मिडयाको परिचयपत्र भिरेर हिड्नेहरुलाई लिन सकिन्छ । पत्रकारको जोड समाचार, विचारलाई सत्य, तथ्य र वस्तुनिष्ठ भइ मिडियाबाट उपलब्ध गराउनु भन्ने हुन्छ । तर कतिपय पत्रकारहरु कुनै निश्चित पार्टी, दल वा संगठनका एजेण्डा बोकेर समाचार लेखन गर्छन । त्यसकारण आमसञ्चार माध्ययमप्रतिको विश्वसनीयता गुम्दै गएको छ । यस पक्षबारे विश्लेषण सहित प्रस्तुत गरिएको छ । पत्रकार कसैको प्रवक्ता होइन । उसले एकपक्षको मात्र समाचार सम्प्रेषण नगरी अर्को पक्षको भनाइलाई समेत प्रस्तुत गर्नुपर्छ । असल पत्रकारले समाज तथा राष्ट्र विकासमा ठूलो प्रभाव छर्छ । समाज रुपान्तरणमा अहम् भूमिका खेल्ने पत्रकारले पूर्वाग्रही भएर कसैको पक्षपोषण गर्नु हुदैन । असल पत्रकार बन्नलाई स्वविवेकका साथै पत्रकार आचार संहिता र राष्ट्रको मुल कानुनको पालना गर्नुपर्छ । यस लेखमा पत्रकार, पत्रकारमा सत्यता, असल पत्रकार र पत्रकारिता, पत्रकारको निष्ठामा विचलन, समाज निर्माणमा पत्रकारको महत्व विषयहरुबारे विश्लेषण तथा व्याख्या गरिएको छ । जसका कारण नव युवा पत्रकारहरुले असल पत्रकारिता गर्नेछन भन्ने अपेक्षा गर्न सकिन्छ । पत्रकारका विभिन्न लेख, रचना तथा विचारहरु दैनिक हजारौ कहाँ पुग्छन, तिनीहरूलाई ज्ञान, सूचना, शिक्षा र मनोरन्जन प्रदान गर्दछ जसले परिवार, समाज र राष्ट्र रुपान्तरणमा मद्धत पु¥याउँछ । पत्रकार राष्ट्रको बर्दिवेगरको सिपाही हो । समाजको ऐना हो । सिकायतखोर र टिकाखोर हो । घटनालाई जस्ताको तस्तै या स्पष्ट र पारदर्शी रुपमा समाचार पस्किन सक्ने, समाचार सुघ्न सक्ने खुवी भएको आर्दशवान व्यक्ति हुनुपर्छ भन्ने कोणबाट यो लेखलाई प्रस्तुत गरिएको छ ।
Geometrical Optimization and Simulation of NPDA Device for Future Use in Retinal Implant
Authors: Moorthy Vijai Meyyappan , Mohan Viranjay Srivastava
Published: August 2023

The focus of this research was to improve the device structure and electrode geometry of nanophotodiode array (NPDA) subretinal implant devices for retinal implants, with the aim to restore the sight of people who have lost their vision and visual acuity (VA) to better than blindness level. In light of the electronic device simulator, the authors present a design depicting the configuration of a high-efficiency NPDA device by incorporating organic nanomaterials. The present researchers’ simulated NPDA device embeds 3600 stimulating pixels (100 μm in diameter) dispersed over a 5.5-mm active radius area. By optimizing the NPDA device geometry, authors demonstrated that each pixel has the potential to produce the required electrical current and voltage for neuronal stimulation utilizing an irradiance of 12 mW/mm2. Here, the authors concentrated on increasing the efficiency of the device because the increase in efficiency will tend to result in more pixels (greater number of electrodes by reducing the electrode geometry) if the increase in a pixel increases the visual perception. Therefore, theoretically, the 100-μm Tin electrode can reinstate VA up to 20/80.This NPDA implant has the potential to reinforce vision to a level of VA that is superior to that of the vision loss level.
Indonesia
Authors: Mahdiyah Mumtaz Difa , Wiguna Didik , Katarina Dona
Published: August 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membuat sistem penjualan barang secara terkomputerisasi dan menghasilkan sebuah program yang dapat mengurangi kesalahan dalam pengelolaan data penjualan barang, serta membuat pekerjaan menjadi lebih efisien dan efektif pada Toko Musyawarah sebelumnya. Membuat media penyimpanan yang lebih aman dari kertas, membuat laporan yang lebih mudah dan akurat, serta membuat tampilan-tampilan yang dapat membantu dalam proses penginputan dan perhitungan transaksi. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode FIFO (First In First Out) yakni dengan melakukan pengumpulan data melalui observasi, wawancara dan studi pustaka. Dimana dalam membuat perancangan aplikasi ini digunakan alat-alat perancangan seperti Unfield Modelling Language (UML) yang didalamnya terdapat Use Case Diagram, Sequence Diagram, Class Diagram, dan juga ERD (Entity Relationship Diagram), serta menggunakan bahasa pemrograman Java dengan editor Netbeans dan Database MySQL menggunakan XAMPP. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah adanya aplikasi penjualan barang yang dapat membantu proses penjualan barang dan juga memberikan kemudahan untuk Toko Musyawarah dalam mengelola data pelanggan, data barang dan data transaksi penjualan yang tersimpan di dalam database.
Caracterización clínico-epidemiológica de mujeres con cáncer de mama en Guisa
Authors: Rondón Carrasco Joel , Morales Vázquez Carmen Luisa
Published: August 2023

Introducción: el cáncer de mama es el tumor maligno más frecuente en la mujer. Su incidencia está aumentando debido a la mayor esperanza de vida.
Objetivo: caracterizar el comportamiento clínico-epidemiológico de las mujeres con diagnóstico de cáncer de mama en el municipio de Guisa.
Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, de corte transversal. La población compuesta por 17 152 mujeres dispensarizadas con edad mayor de 20 años. La muestra fue seleccionada mediante muestreo no probabilístico intencional, constituida por 46 mujeres. Se seleccionaron las variables: edad, color de la piel, antecedentes patológicos personales y familiares, tipo histológico del tumor. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizaron la estadística descriptiva, frecuencias absolutas y relativas y el porcentaje.
Resultados: predominó el grupo entre 40-49 años (39.1%), piel color mestiza (60.9%); en el 13% existían antecedentes de familiares de primer grado (madre), y en el 26.1% de segundo grado (abuelas). En los antecedentes personales predominó la edad mayor de 40 años (89.1%); asimismo, predominó la variante histológica carcinoma ductal infiltrante 38 (82.7%).
Conclusiones: el cáncer de mama es un problema de salud en Guisa, si se tiene en cuenta que el grupo más afectado es el de 40-49 años, en que la mujer aún es socialmente útil. Las acciones de promoción y educación para la salud, junto al fomento del autoexamen de mama, son poderosas herramientas en el diagnóstico precoz.
The effect of anaerobic power on short distance swimming performance in prepubertal male swimmers
Authors: BUDAK Maya , ŞENTÜRK Aydın
Published: August 2023

This relational model study aimed to assess the anaerobic power and short distance swimming performance in prepubertal male swimmers. A total of 20 male swimmers, age mean = 11.40±1.39 yrs, participated in this study. All participants trained on approximately two hours per session, five times per week. A mat was used to collect data on vertical jump. Swimming performance was evaluated for 50 meters in swimming pool using a stopwatch. The arm Wingate was used to assess the anaerobic arm power of the participants. It was observed that the peak power obtained from the vertical jump explained the swimming performance by 21.7%. On the other hand, when the effect of the anaerobic peak power obtained from the arm Wingate on the swimming performance of the swimming children was examined, it was seen that the peak power of the arm explained the swimming performance by 26.8%. In conclusion, it is seen that the anaerobic power obtained from the arms and legs affects the short-distance swimming performance by approximately 50%. It can be said that the power produced from the arm is more important by 5%. For 50 meters swimming performance, it is recommended that trainers include exercises to increase arm strength.
Building functional warm-up routines in basketball: a narrative review of literature
Authors: VRETAROS Adriano
Published: August 2023

Warming up is a crucial preparatory activity used in training sessions and games. Therefore, the aim of this investigation is to examine the construction of functional basketball warm-up routines through a narrative literature review. Four electronic databases were consulted (MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Scielo and LILACS), where 47 articles were selected that discussed warm-up routines in basketball and team sports, as well as 09 textbooks in the field of sports training and physiology of the exercise. A well-designed warm-up promotes optimization in performance and prevents the appearance of injuries. However, there are multiple choices for building warm-up routines. Thus, the structuring of a warm-up should take into account the basic methodological aspects for them to be effective, such as: duration, intensity, adopted exercises, sequence of tasks, use of additional equipment, number of routines and recovery interval. Also, in basketball, the critical times to implement warm-ups are training sessions, game days, in-game re-warm-up, and half-time re-warm-up. Each of these points requires a distinct didactic-pedagogical approach in warm-up procedures. In this way, with the acquisition of a broader view of each component involved in this process, it becomes feasible to solve these issues. Finally, it is imperative that basketball physical trainers are able to masterfully solve the practical problems of warm-up, for more assertive decision-making in relation to routines that incorporate superior results in performance and reduction of injuries.
The Strategy of Islamic Religious Teachers in the Development of Akhlakul Karimah in Integrated Islamic Elementary School Students
Authors: Imaduddin Imaduddin , Sodikin Sodikin , Abidin Zainal
Published: August 2023

Study This discuss (1) role strategy Teacher education religion Islam in coaching morals karimah; (2) form coaching Akhlakul Karimah conducted by Islamic religious education teachers. Study This using a descriptive qualitative approach. The results of the study are (1) strategy Teacher education religion Islam in coaching morals karimah done through habituation, exemplary, recommendation or advice, prohibition, supervision and punishment; (2) moral development in SDIT Permata Kota Probolinggo is divided become two that is intracurricular Which focused on religious studies consisting of Aqidah/Tawhid, and extracurricular activities , including sports, field trips, and social activities; And form coaching morals done with read prayer read Al-Qur'an, Salat Zhuhur And commemorate day Big Islam like Year new And Mawlid Prophet.
Karakter Religius Siswa dan Pengaruhnya Terhadap Sikap Disiplin di Sekolah Menengah Pertama
Authors: Jalwis Jalwis
Published: August 2023

Character education is present as a solution for the degradation of morals and morality where character education is designed by educators with the aim of forming characters who have good character and behavior. The purpose of this study was to determine the religious character of students and discipline as well as the impact of character on student discipline attitudes at the State Primary School 2 Sungai Penuh. This type of research uses qualitative research and data collection techniques, namely observation, documentation, and interviews. The results of this study are that the formation of student discipline through religious activities at SMP N 4 Sungai Penuh is carried out by religious teachers, namely through worship practices such as prayer, ablution, the practice of memorizing short verses and reading prayers. While the impact of religious attitudes on students' discipline in SMP N 4 Sungai Penuh that the visible impact of students is the religious character of students through the practice of worship in religious subjects can be seen from changes in students' attitudes and behavior.
CHRONIC CEREBRAL ISCHEMIA. MODERN VIEW OF THE PROBLEM
Authors: Cherniy T.V. , Cherniy V.I. , Svitlytska D.V.
Published: August 2023

Introduction. Chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI) is considered a syndrome that develops as a result of a slowly progressive reduction in cerebral blood flow. This reduction occurs due to the gradual accumulation of ischemic and secondary degenerative changes in the brain, which are caused by repeated ischemic episodes resulting from the development of atherosclerosis and arterial hypertension. These changes lead to impairment of brain functions, manifested by progressive neurological, neuropsychological, and mental disorders.

The aim. To analyze the problems of pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of CCI from the sources of modern literature in order to optimize the treatment of this group of patients.

 Materials and methods. Bibliosemantic, comparative and method of system analysis.

 Results. The pathogenetic mechanisms underlying CCI remain controversial due to the heterogeneity of causes and the complexity of the neuropathology associated with the disease. However, one common reason that can be named is dysregulation of cerebral blood flow, that results in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, which can lead to the development of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. Detection of biological markers in the patients' blood in combination with neuropsychological testing, neurophysiological (CEP P300, EEG) and neuroimaging (CT, MRI, Doppler Ultrasound of the head and neck) methods, which confirms the morphological substrate of vascular disease (leukoareosis, focal changes, multi-infarct condition, cerebral atrophy) and provides the possibility of choosing an effective pathogenetically-justified treatment.

Conclusions. The rating of effectiveness of treatment in CCI is complicated considering difficulties in the selection of the efficiency criteria due to the significant differences in the methodology and research formats, as well as problem of a significant medication-related burden in the case of comorbidities. In this regard, the main direction in therapy is combined neuroprotection, which allows to optimize the possibilities of this strategy and to increase its clinical significance in angioneurology.
Influence of green manure (Leucaena leucocephala) dosages on eggplant (Solanum melongena) growth and yield across diverse soil types
Authors: Kurniawan Anggit , Setyorini Titin , Kautsar Valensi
Published: August 2023

Eggplant cultivation displays versatility across various soil types. However, nutrient depletion, a result of excessive chemical fertilizer utilization, presents a growing concern. The integration of green manure into agricultural practices, catering to diverse soil types, can remediate this nutrient loss. The purpose of this study was to investigate eggplant growth and yield responses to differing green manure quantities across varying soil types. Employing a factorial experimental method, this research was structured in a completely randomized design (CRD). Two independent variables were evaluated: green manure dosage, with three levels (30 g/plant (D1), 60 g/plant (D2), 90 g/plant (D3)), and soil type, also classified into three categories: Latosol (T1), Grumusol (T2), and Regosol (T3). Data interpretation was conducted using analysis of variance, followed by the Tukey test, each executed at α = 5% significance level. Outcomes indicated a notable interaction between green manure dosage and soil type concerning the leaf area and root fresh weight parameters. The optimal combination emerged as a 30 g/plant green manure dosage applied to Regosol soil type. Notably, individual treatments exerted divergent effects on eggplant growth parameters, though no significant impact on eggplant yield parameters was observed. This research underscores the interplay between green manure usage and soil type in cultivating eggplants, adding value to sustainable agricultural practices.
Breakthrough RESEARCH—Social and Behavior Change Costing Community of Practice Series Brief #2: Understanding the costs of SBC social media interventions
Authors:   Breakthrough RESEARCH
Published: August 2023

While the use of social media for social and behavior change (SBC) has grown, there is limited evidence on the costs of these types of interventions. In a recent literature review, no peer reviewed studies on the costs of SBC via social media interventions in low- and middle-income countries were identified. To help address this gap, this brief identifies key considerations for costing SBC via social media, given the unique nature of social media platforms, and provides an applied example from the Merci Mon Héros (Thank You, My Hero) project, a youth-led multi-media campaign in Francophone West Africa, funded by the United States Agency for International Development.
Adolescent female empowerment, ideations, and health behavior—Insights for improving malaria, family planning, and maternal and child health outcomes in northwestern Nigeria through social and behavior change research
Authors:   Breakthrough RESEARCH
Published: August 2023

This brief provides rigorous evidence-based insights for implementers and researchers of social and behavior change (SBC) programs that seek to improve knowledge, attitudes, norms and behaviors among pregnant and postpartum female adolescents (15–19 years). It focuses on adolescent empowerment and its links to adolescent female behaviors and ideations. It is one of a series of briefs that present findings from a Breakthrough RESEARCH study that uniquely captures data on a wide range of psychosocial drivers of behavioral outcomes in the areas of family planning, malaria, and maternal, newborn, and child health, and nutrition.
Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Microscopic Technique of Sputum AFB and ICT (Cocktail Antigen) TB
Authors: Widhyasih Retno Martini , Hanifah Annisa Husnun , Chairlan Chairlan , Inderiati Dewi
Published: August 2023

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The diagnosis of pulmonary TB in general still relies on microscopic examination with a sputum smear for Acid Fast Basil (AFB). Microscopic examination to detect M. tuberculosis has high specificity, but the sensitivity is 35-70%. The sputum culture method is the gold standard for the diagnosis of pulmonary TB but requires a long time, which is 6-8 weeks. In recent years ICT (Immuno Chromatography Test) has been introduced to identify potential and useful TB antigens to help diagnose pulmonary TB. Antigens detected were ESAT-6, CFP-10, CFP-21, and MPT-64. This study aims to compare the results of the examination of specimens of suspect TB sputum with the ICT method and AFB. This study based on observational with analytic design cross-sectional on 56 samples of Stored Biological Material suspects TB that were examined by the AFB method and the ICT method (Cocktail Antigen). Statistical test results Fisher Exact (α = 0.05) showed no difference between microscopic examination of smear sputum and ICT (Cocktail Antigen) TB (p = 1,000). Nevertheless, the use of ICT reagents for the diagnosis of pulmonary TB still needs to be further investigated, especially to find out the exact causes of false positive and false negative reactions.
The comparison of success status and complications in peyronie disease patients: penile plication versus plaque incision and grating techniques
Authors: DOĞAN Çağrı , AKGÜL Murat , YAZICI Cenk Murat , ŞERAMET Serkan , DAYISOYLU Hulusi , TOPKAÇ Erdem Can
Published: August 2023

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the outcomes of tunical lengthening and shortening techniques for the surgical management of Peyronie's disease (PD) in terms of penile length, patient satisfaction, and complications.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on PD patients who underwent surgical procedures between January 2017 and May 2023 at a single institute. Patient demographics, comorbidities, penile curvature, penile length, and surgical techniques were evaluated. The surgical procedures included plaque incision and grafting, and tunical plication. Post-operative data, including penile length, residual curvature, patient satisfaction, adverse events, and erectile function, were collected at 1-12 months of surgery.

Results: A total of 36 patients (mean follow-up period: 432.25±121.14 days) underwent surgical procedures for PD. Penile length in the tunical lengthening group (13.04±1.62 cm) was significantly longer than in the tunical shortening group (10.85±1.24 cm, p=0.001). Tunical shortening procedures were associated with a higher rate of penile shortening (57.1% vs. 6.7%, p=0.001) and suture-related discomfort (38.1% vs. 6.7%, p=0.031) compared to tunical lengthening procedures. Patient satisfaction was higher in the tunical lengthening group (80% vs. 66.7%, p=0.378). There was no significant difference in painful erection during penetrations or incapability of intercourse between the groups. The average length of hospital stay was longer for tunical shortening surgery compared to tunical lengthening surgery (1.27±0.27 vs. 1.79±0.39, p=0.023).

Conclusion: Tunical lengthening procedures demonstrated superior outcomes in terms of penile length and suture-related discomfort compared to tunical shortening procedures for the surgical management of PD. Patient satisfaction was also higher in the tunical lengthening group. Clinicians should consider various factors when selecting the appropriate surgical technique for PD, including penile length, the degree of penile curvature, and surgeon experience. Prospective randomized studies are needed to further validate these findings and assess long-term outcomes.
Does melatonin as an antioxidant and anticancer agent potentiate the efficacy of curcumin?
Authors: TOPKARAOĞLU Sude , TANOĞLU Alpaslan
Published: August 2023

Melatonin is a hormone that exhibits many bioactivities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic, neuroprotective, and anti-aging activity. In addition, melatonin has been used to strengthen the effect of drugs or agents used for treatment in many different disease models such as cancer, tumor, bacterial infection, autoimmune diseases, and gastrointestinal diseases. According to recent studies, curcumin is used as a pigment and powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent with therapeutic potential against various cancers. Melatonin and curcumin have been used in different models of disease or injury: such as Alzheimer's disease treatment, testicular tissue preservation, bladder cancer treatment, gastric mucosal damage, and prevention of nephrotoxicity. This review covers published literature studies on the effects of comparison or combined use of melatonin and curcumin as anticancer and antioxidant agents and it reveals whether melatonin potentiates the effect of curcumin when used together.
LncRNA ARAP1-AS1 contributes to lung adenocarcinoma development by targeting miR-8068 to upregulate CEACAM5
Authors: Wu Zhiqiang , Zeng Xiaofei , Wang Hong , Wang Xianbo
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND: It has been discovered that lncRNA ARAP1-AS1 is upregulated and operates as a tumor promoter in many cancers. However, its pattern of expression and potential mechanism in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is still unknown. METHODS: The levels of lncRNA ARAP1-AS1, miR-8068, and CEACAM5 expressions in LUAD cell lines and tissues were assessed by conducting western blot and RT-qPCR analyses. MiR-8068’s potential targeting relationships with lncRNA ARAP1-AS1 and CEACAM5 were ascertained by performing bioinformatics analysis. The interaction of lncRNA ARAP1-AS1 with miR-8068 was validated by means of by RIP and luciferase reporter experiments. CCK-8, cell adhesion, and Transwell migration experiments were conducted to study how lncRNA ARAP1-AS1 affects LUAD cell migration, adhesion, and proliferation. To confirm the function of lncRNA ARAP1-AS1 in vivo, a tumor formation experiment was executed. RESULTS: An elevated expression of lncRNA ARAP1-AS1 was observed among the LUAD cells and tissues. The overexpression of lncRNA ARAP1-AS boosted cell proliferation, adhesion, and migration in LUAD and also favored in vivo tumor growth. MiR-8068 was found to be lncRNA ARAP1-AS1’s target gene. MiR-8068 overexpression partially antagonized lncRNA ARAP1-AS1’s promotive effect on proliferation, viability, and adhesion. Meanwhile CEACAM5 could alleviate the miR-8068-induced inhibition of tumor growth. The negative correlation of miR-8068 with lncRNA ARAP1-AS1 or CEACAM5 was also revealed. CONCLUSION: To upregulate CEACAM5 expression lncRNA ARAP1-AS1 targeted miR-8068, thus promoting the progression of LUAD. This indicates that the lncRNA ARAP1-AS1/miR-8068/CEACAM5 axis has potential as a therapeutic target in LUAD treatment.
Investigating whether exosomal miR-205-5p derived from tongue squamous cell carcinoma cells stimulates the angiogenic activity of HUVECs by targeting AMOT
Authors: Huang Wenxi , Zeng Zanwen , Xu Yonghui , Mai Zhibin
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND: Although exosomal microRNAs (exo-miRNAs) regulate angiogenesis, they are not sufficient for the development of anti-vascular drugs for tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). miR-205-5p is an exo-miRNA that is highly expressed in the saliva of patients with oral SCC. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to clarify the role and molecular mechanism of exosomal miR-205-5p in regulating TSCC angiogenesis. METHODS: Effect of exosomes derived from TSCC cells on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) function was determined using the CCK-8, Transwell, Transwell-Matrigel, and Matrigel-based tube formation assays. Protein levels were detected by western blot. The binding between miR-205-5p and the 3′UTR of AMOT was verified using a luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS: Exosomal miR-205-5p (exo-miR-205-5p) promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HUVECs, increased the number of tubes formed by HUVECs, and increased the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 levels in HUVECs. Exo-miR-205-5p downregulated the AMOT level in HUVECs. Results of the luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-205-5p could bind to the 3′UTR of AMOT. AMOT overexpression blocked the effect of exo-miR-205-5p on HUVEC functions. CONCLUSION : Exo-miR-205-5p derived from TSCC regulates the angiogenic activity of HUVECs by targeting AMOT and might be a new molecular target for the development of anti-vascular drugs for TSCC.
Longitudinal monitoring of response to chemotherapy in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma by biomarkers
Authors: Bogar Filiz , Ak Guntulu , Metintas Selma , Ayhanci Adnan , Metintas Muzaffer
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to longitudinally investigate the serum levels of mesothelin, sestrin1, hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2), midkine, and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) before and after chemotherapy and at the time of relapse in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) patients treated with chemotherapy and to compare the changes in biomarker levels with radiological treatment outcome. METHODS: A total of 64 MPM patients treated with chemotherapy were enrolled in the study and longitudinally followed for changes in biomarker levels in response to treatment. Biomarkers levels were measured in serum using a human ELISA kit. Relative and absolute changes in biomarker levels were compared with the best radiological overall response at each time point. RESULTS: Median survival was 20.0 ± 2.4 (15.3–24.7) months in patients with partial and complete response, 17.0 ± 1.0 (15.0–19.0) months in patients with stable disease, and 9.0 ± 1.0 (7.0–11.0) months in patients with progressive disease. A significant decrease in serum levels of mesothelin, midkine, and HMGB1 was observed in patients with radiologically partial and complete responses to chemotherapy (p< 0.001, p= 0.016, and p= 0.039, respectively). In these patients, mesothelin levels decreased by 15%, midkine levels by 7%, and HMGB1 levels by 15%. In addition, HMGB1 serum levels were found to significantly increase by 15% in patients with radiologically progressive responses to chemotherapy compared to pretreatment serum levels (p= 0.035). In patients with partial and complete response to chemotherapy, mesothelin levels increased by 15%, midkine by 12%, and sestrin1 by 8% when the disease recurred (p= 0.004, p= 0.004 and p= 0.044, respectively). CONCLUSION: Biomarkers may be useful in the longitudinal monitoring of response to treatment in MPM. However, the results of our study should be validated in larger groups with sufficient case numbers from multicenter institutions.
Salidroside suppresses proliferation and migration in prostate cancer via the PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Liu Ru-Han , Ma Teng-Fei , Yang Qin , Xiao Wen-Chang , Yin Lu , Yin Miao , Zhang Jin-Song , Wang Chi-Hua
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common malignancies in men. PCa is difficult to detect in its early stages, and most patients are diagnosed in the middle to late stages. At present, drug therapy for advanced PCa is still insufficient. Some patients develop drug resistance in the later stage of therapy, which leads to tumor recurrence, metastasis and even treatment failure. Therefore, it is crucial to find new and effective drugs to treat prostate cancer. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-cancer effect of salidroside, an active ingredient in a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on PCa. METHODS: Two human PCa cell lines, PC3 and DU145, were cultured and treated with salidroside. Cell viability and proliferation ability were analyzed through CCK-8 and colony assays, and cell migration ability was detected by Transwell and Scratch assays. RT-PCR and WB were used to detected the expression levels of moleculars related to cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and AKT signaling pathway. Forthmore, we performed rescue experiments with agonist to verify the affected signaling pathway. RESULTS: Salidroside inhibited the proliferation, colony formation, and migration of PCa cells. Meanwhile, apoptosis of PCa cells was enhanced. Moreover, salidroside inhibited PI3K/AKT pathway in PCa cells. The treatment of AKT agonist 740Y-P abrogated the inhibitory effect of salidroside on the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that in PCa cells, salidroside inhibites proliferation and migration and promots apoptosis via inhibiting PI3K/AKT pathway.
Pyrimidinergic receptor P2Y6 expression is elevated in lung adenocarcinoma and is associated with poor prognosis
Authors: Wang Xiuli , Zhao Baoshan , Ren Dan , Hu Xiaolei , Qiao Juanjuan , Zhang Dongmei , Zhang Yanzhi , Pan Yu , Fan Yuhua , Liu Lili , Wang Xiaoxue , Ma Huanhuan , Jia Xueling , Song Sihang , Zhao Chong , Liu Jingbo , Wang Lin
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUD: Previous in vitro studies have indicated that pyrimidinergic receptor P2Y6 (P2RY6, P2Y6 receptor) may function as a cancer-promoting factor in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, the prognostic significance of P2RY6 expression in LUAD has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the impact of P2RY6 expression on the survival of patients with LUAD. METHODS: First, we assessed P2RY6 mRNA and protein expression in LUAD and non-cancerous lung tissues using the online bioinformatics analysis tool GEPIA, fresh LUAD tissues, and LUAD tissue microarrays (TMAs). Second, we investigated the correlation between P2RY6 expression and clinicopathological parameters of LUAD patients based on data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and TMAs. Finally, we analyzed the prognostic significance of P2RY6 expression in LUAD using the online survival analysis tool Kaplan-Meier Plotter and data from TMAs. RESULTS: We demonstrated that P2RY6 mRNA and protein expression levels in LUAD tissues were significantly higher than those in non-cancerous lung tissues. The expression of P2RY6 in LUAD was positively correlated with poor differentiation, more lymph node metastasis, and more advanced clinical stage. Higher P2RY6 expression level was correlated with shorter survival of the LUAD patients. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that higher P2RY6 tumor expression was an independent unfavorable prognostic factor for LUAD patients. CONCLUSIONS: P2RY6 expression was elevated in LUAD and correlated with poor prognosis.
Chapter 5. Boolean Connectives and Deep Learning: Three Interpretations
Authors: Mendez-Lucero Miguel-Angel , Belle Vaishak
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we motivate three approaches for integrating symbolic logic systems and deep learning methods. First, we consider whether the hidden layers of neural networks can be used to represent and reason about Boolean functions via so-called Tractable Circuits. Second, we discuss a method for encoding domain knowledge into the training and outputs of neural networks via so-called MultiplexNets. Finally, we show how we can instantiate deep learning architectures that perform exact function learning, via so-called Signal Perceptrons.
Chapter 30. Weakly Supervised Reasoning by Neuro-Symbolic Approaches
Authors: Liu Xianggen , Lu Zhengdong , Mou Lili
Published: August 2023

Deep learning has largely improved the performance of various natural language processing (NLP) tasks. However, most deep learning models are black-box machinery, and lack explicit interpretation. In this chapter, we will introduce our recent progress on neuro-symbolic approaches to NLP, which combines different schools of AI, namely, symbolism and connectionism. Generally, we will design a neural system with symbolic latent structures for an NLP task, and apply reinforcement learning or its relaxation to perform weakly supervised reasoning in the downstream task. Our framework has been successfully applied to various tasks, including table query reasoning, syntactic structure reasoning, information extraction reasoning, and rule reasoning. For each application, we will introduce the background, our approach, and experimental results.
Serum Neurofilament Light Chain in the Diagnostic Evaluation of Patients with Cognitive Symptoms in the Neurological Consultation of a Tertiary Center
Authors: Lopes das Neves Pedro , Durães João , Silva-Spinola Anuschka , Lima Marisa , Leitão Maria João , Tábuas-Pereira Miguel , Santana Isabel , Baldeiras Inês
Published: August 2023

Serum light-chain neurofilaments (sNfL) have been investigated as a potential minimally invasive biomarker that could help in the diagnosis of patients with cognitive symptoms. We assessed the correlation between sNfL and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers (sNfL versus CSF NfL, ρ= 0.70, p < 0.001), the performance of sNfL in distinguishing controls from patients (controls versus frontotemporal dementia, area under curve 0.86), and sNfL differences in mild cognitive impairment according to amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition (Aβ versus non-Aβ, p = 0.017). Our results support the role of this biomarker in the screening and risk stratification of patients followed in a neurological consultation of a tertiary center.