bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Islamic Education in Gender Perspective
Authors: Maghribi Hamdan , Intan Mahadewi Puteri
Published: September 2023

Islam puts a man and a woman as humans who have equal positions. But there are still a lot of differences between men and women. This research will address Islamic education from a gender perspective. The study aims to find out how Islam education is and analyze Islamic education from a gender perspective. This type of research is a library research. (library research). In the process of analyzing all the data on this study, the researchers used descriptive analysis methods. After obtaining data on Islamic education, then the researchers looked at how gender views of Islamic Education. The results of this study show that the gender view of the position of women in Islamic education is the same as that of men. This can make a society full of peace, then the problem of discrimination between men and women can be solved. The study concluded that there were no differences in the level of intelligence and thinking ability between men and women, so the position of women in Islamic education was balanced in terms of gender with men.
Halal Tourism and Social Media from Netizen’s Perspectives
Authors: Mardoni Yosi , Amsal Ares Albirru
Published: September 2023

This study discusses the netizen's perspective on halal tourism. This study looks at the relationship between attitudes towards social media, online satisfaction, and destination image and how these variables affect the intention to visit halal tourist destinations in Indonesia. The quantitative method with PLS-Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze this research. The research data collection was carried out by purposive sampling, namely by deliberately taking samples of social media users who were members of the halal tourism community, as many as 223 respondents. This study found that attitudes toward social media positively affected online satisfaction and destination image. The attitude and destination image significantly influence tourists' behavior intention, which will influence the public to visit the destination, reflected in the ability to pay and disseminate information to other parties.
Analysis Of The Effect Of Service Quality, Brand Trust And Perceived Quality On Customer Loyalty With Customer Satisfaction As An Intervening Variable
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Achmad Nur
Published: September 2023

The discovery of coffee drinking innovations provides new hope for the people of Indonesia, especially entrepreneurs to build a coffee place that is comfortable for visitors and has a high selling value. This study aims to analyse the effect of service quality, brand trust and perceived quality on customer loyalty through customer satisfaction as variable intervening for Cold'N Brew coffee consumers in Surakarta city. Respondents in this study were 159 respondents conducted through an online survey with google form. The sampling technique used purposive sampling technique. Validity and reliability tests and hypothesis testing using SEM PLS with the help of the smart PLS 3.2 application. The analysis results show that the variables of service quality, brand trust, perceived quality affect customer loyalty. The customer satisfaction variable is able to mediate service quality on customer loyalty, the customer satisfaction variable has no effect in mediating brand trust on customer loyalty, the customer satisfaction variable is able to mediate perceived quality on customer loyalty.
The Performance of Regency–City DPRDs In The Formulation of Regional Regulations In Indonesia
Authors: Kuswandi Aos , Nuraini Siti , Alrasyid M Harun , Sadiyyah Zulfanida Nurul , Hilman Yusuf Adam
Published: September 2023

This study aims to explain and analyze the performance of DPRD in the formulation of regional regulations to realize people's welfare in Indonesia. The focus of the study is on the productivity produced by the DPRD in the form of regional regulations within one year 2021. The focus is on how much regional regulations are stipulated by the DPRD in 2021? How is the regional regulation related to the achievement of the regional development vision and mission? DPRD performance achievements are seen quantitatively as well as qualitatively. This research uses a descriptive method with a qualitative approach. The data was obtained from metadata obtained from the websites of selected districts/cities purposively in a number of 59 regions representing 34 provinces. Data validity was carried out by researchers through triangulation of data-based sources on the websites of regional work units and other relevant sources. The results of the study concluded that the DPRD's performance achievement in the formulation of regional regulations was not optimal. This is shown by the fact that there are still many draft regional regulations that have not been finalized in the 2021 trial year. Quantitatively, the DPRD is only able to enact regional regulations in 2021 as much as 59.19%, meaning that as much as 48.81% of the proposed regional regulation drafts have not been finalized to become regulations. In several districts/cities this condition is affected by budget constraints, where in 2020 and 2021 it is more focused on efforts to recover the community's economy after the Covid 19 pandemic. Efforts to achieve community welfare by DPRD have been carried out through a focus on solving problems based on growing potential and aspirations on society. DPRD performance in the formulation of regional regulations both in quantity and quality, continues to be pursued.
Female CFO and Stock Price Crash Risk: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Jodinesa Maria Nindy Alif , Chalid Dony Abdul
Published: September 2023

Stock price crash risk in a company can be caused by corporate governance. Most studies report the main factor of the stock price crash risk is the tendency of management to hold bad news from investors or the public. This study aims to analyze whether the gender differences in the CFO factor, gender diversity, and also the number of boards of directors contribute to information transparency. The method used in this research is the Fixed Effects Model to reduce the problem of endogeneity. The research used a sample of listed companies in Indonesia on the Indonesia Stock Exchange's mains board during the 2019-2021 period. The results showed that the gender of the CFO and the number on the board of directors has a positive impact on the stock price crash risk. While the variable of gender diversity showed a negative impact on the dependent variable.
The importance of accounting information in time of crisis: The Semiconductor Shortage as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the impact on the Romanian Cable Manufacturing Subsector
Authors: Bucurean Raul-Constantin
Published: September 2023

Accounting information plays a crucial role in the decision-making process given that the primary users of this information are predominantly the company's managers. Based on the financial condition, operating results, and cash flows stated within the financial statements, managers from the automotive sector had to redesign their strategies because of the COVID-19 Pandemic followed by the worldwide semiconductor supply shortage. This study aims to analyze the decisions taken by managers from the cable manufacturing subsector in Romania, based on the information provided by the financial statements in 2018-2021, considering the crisis that the automotive sector had to face since the global vehicle sales and production rates continued to be significantly below historic levels. The results show the negative effects and disruptions caused by the dual crisis in terms of profitability and performance that will probably affect the industry beyond 2022.
A Study on the Relationship between Microstructure and Impact Toughness with Different Heat Inputs and Post-Seam Annealing Temperatures in API X70 Electric Resistance Welded Steel Pipe
Authors: Kim Tae-Hun , Kim Chiwon , Lee Chan-Hee , Kwack Jinseop , Jeon Donghyeon , Hong Hyun-Uk
Published: September 2023

In this study, the influence of heat input and post-seam annealing (PSA) temperature on the microstructure and impact toughness of electric resistance welded (ERWed) API X70 steel pipe was investigated. The ERW seam welds of pipes were fabricated with low, moderate, and high heat inputs, and followed by the PSA process at 950 ℃. Regardless of heat input, the API X70 steel pipe exhibited good weldability, resulting in similar microstructure factors, i.e., metal flow angle (~70o), bondline width (~22 μm), and ferrite grain size (~4.4 μm). Although (Mn, Si)-rich oxide penetrators which are known to impair impact toughness were observed at the bondline, the area fraction was estimated to be as low as 0.011% in all the ERW seam welds. The impact toughness was not affected by these penetrators because of their minimal fraction, leading to ductile fracture at -20 ℃. However, different PSA temperatures (870, 950, and 1040 ℃) resulted in the different grain sizes of the seam welds. The ERW seam weld annealed at 1040 ℃ (PSA1040) exhibited the largest ferrite grain size near the bondline, whilst the smallest grain size was found in the ERW weld annealed at 870 ℃ (PSA870). In spite of having the smallest grain size, PSA870 exhibited the lowest impact toughness value, showing brittle fracture at –20 ℃. It was observed that the difference in residual stresses was not macroscopically detectable by the hole drilling method. The kernel average misorientation (KAM) maps indicated that the highest level of residual stress was observed near the bondline of PSA870, as evidenced by a high density of dislocations. This study provides instructive results, indicating that the impact toughness of ERW seam welds are significantly more affected by residual stresses than by the grain refinement effect.
Effect of Oxygen Content on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Additive Manufactured Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Kang Tae Jin , Narayana P. L , Choi Seong Woo , Kim Jae Hyuk , Hong Jae-Keun , Lee Taekyung
Published: September 2023

Titanium alloys are used in many fields including military, aerospace, and biomedical because of their excellent specific strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. Recently, much research has been focused on addressing the disadvantages of conventional manufacturing methods, including reducing material and energy waste when manufacturing titanium alloy parts by additive manufacturing methods. However, due to rapid cooling, during the additive manufacturing process the material develops acicular and lamellar microstructures, and despite high strength, those features are detrimental to ductility and toughness, as compared with conventionally manufactured alloys. As a result, numerous studies have sought to obtain an equiaxed microstructure through heat treatment. However, the developed heat treatment processes are quite complex, and involve several heat treatment cycles, making such processes economically unfavorable. To overcome these limitations we suggest a different approach to obtaining an equiaxed structure in 3D-printed titanium alloy, by controlling the oxygen level. The present study analyzed the globularization behavior of Direct Energy Deposited (DED) Ti-6Al-4V alloy as a function of oxygen content and a simple heat treatment. The microstructure was globularized through oxygen level control and furnace cooling to compensate the disadvantages in the mechanical properties of additive manufactured alloys.
Kawaida Theory and the Nguzo Saba: African-centered Caregiving for the Elders
Authors: Thorne Claudia
Published: September 2023

There is limited research on culturally sensitive interventions to support African American caregivers of elderly relatives. This qualitative research study explores caregiving among twenty African American professional and managerial women baby boomers caring for older parents. Study findings generate a culturally relevant, African-centered caregiving perspective to add to the literature on caregiving. Study results support the application of Nguzo Saba principles – Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), and Imani (Faith) to African American caregiving practices. The knowledge generated from this study has implications for social work interventions with individuals, groups, and communities to support African American caregivers.
PENGARUH REALISASI HUTANG PAJAK, REALIASI SKPKB, DAN JUMLAH WAJIB PAJAK TERHADAP PENERIMAAN PAJAK PENGHASILAN
Authors: Azzahra Aulia , Dwi Ernawati Widi , Djajanto Ludfi
Published: September 2023

The aims of this study are to examine, both partially and simultaneously, the effects on realization of tax debt, realization of SKPKB, and the number of taxpayers on income tax revenues at the Pratama Tax Office in Southern Malang. This is quantitative research with causal associative research. The instruments of the data collection are documention and interview. The data used in this research are monthly realization reports, which amount to 60 samples (starting from January 2016 to December 2020) of income tax revenue paragraph 25/29, tax debt settled, (SKPKB) Notice of Tax Underpayment Assessment, and the number of registered individual and corporate taxpayers. The data are analyzed with classic assumption, and Multiple Linier Regression analysis of SPSS version 25. The analysis shows realization of tax debt, realization of SKPKB, and the number of taxpayers have a significant value of 0.013. It means that there is a simultaneous effect on income tax revenues. This research also found that realization of tax debt has a significant value of 0.045 and the number of taxpayers has a significant value of 0.012. It means that there is a partial effect on income tax revenues. However partially, realization of SKPKB does not have a significant effect on income tax revenues. This is evidenced by the significance value of t > α which is 0,117 > 0,05. Thus, when the realization of SKPKB is high or low, it will not have an effect on the income tax revenues.
PENGEMBANGAN MODUL PEMBELAJARAN BAHASA INGGRI ESP PROGRAM STUDY TEKNIK LISTRIK JURUSAN ELEKTRO POLINEMA
Authors: Imron Aly , Asri Atiqah Nurul , Suryadi Satrio Binusa
Published: September 2023

Changes in the implementation of English learning from semester to semester is a separate problem considering that the content of the material also changes in its emphasis pedagogically. Therefore, research on the development of teaching materials is very relevant to the conditions that occur so that the output later can provide a real contribution to the teaching and learning process. The purpose of this research is to develop English teaching materials that suit the needs of students as well as input from teaching staff as well as available references and documents. This development is very urgent due to changes in the semester of the implementation of the teaching and learning process. Thus, this product is very helpful not only for lecturers, but also students and consequently the availability of a teaching material product. Researchers adapted the Research and Development (R&D) model from Borg and Gall which consisted of 6 stages, namely: (1) initial needs analysis, (2) module development design, (3) creating learning modules, (4) assessment/feasibility testing stage, (5) product trials and (6) learning module refinement stages that produce the final product of development. In conclusion, the availability of teaching modules that can be used in the teaching and learning process.
PENGARUH ORIENTASI KEWIRAUSAHAAN DAN ORIENTASI PASAR TERHADAP KINERJA PEMASARAN KEDAI KOPI MODERN DI MALANG
Authors: Utomo Heru , Khabibah Umi , Rochman Fatkhur
Published: September 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of entrepreneurship orientation and market orientation on marketing performance at Modern Coffee Shops in Malang. This type of research is explanatory research with the population of this study are all managers or business owners of modern coffee shops in Malang. This total population includes all modern coffee shop businesses in Malang where the exact number is not known. This study used a sample of 30 modern coffee shops in Malang which were taken randomly with cluster sampling technique. From the results of data collection using a questionnaire and analyzed using Multiple Linear Regression analysis, the results obtained are Entrepreneurship Orientation and Marketing Performance have a significant effect on is accepted and hypothesis 2, namely Market Orientation partially has a significant effect on Marketing Performance. The results of the analysis of this study have implications that entrepreneurs need to pay attention to policies that support Entrepreneurship Orientation and Market Orientation, to improve Marketing Performance. Bold and proactive innovation and paying attention to changing consumer desires and competitors' strategies must continue to be carried out to achieve better marketing performance.
ANALISIS HUBUNGAN FUNDAMENTAL DENGAN RISIKO SISTEMATIS DAN DIVIDENT PAY OUT RATIO PADA PERUSAHAAN YANG TERGABUNG DI JAKARTA ISLAMIC INDEX (JII)
Authors: Muwidha Muhammad , Himmah Mahmudatul , Indrawan Andi Kusuma
Published: September 2023

rity returns and risks related to investors' investment activities. The total population of 30 companies based on purposive technique with continuous listing criteria, profit and dividend payments resulted in a total sample of 15 companies. The results of the study explain that the risk of the beta company group is the company has a risk that is sensitive to the business environment. Meanwhile, dividend payments are around 45% of profit. This shows that the rate of return is quite promising. ROE in the range of 23%-27%, CR ranging from 123-221 times, DR ranging from 41%-48%, DOL ranging from 0.8% - 8.1% and for AG ranging from 7.8% - 13.84%. Both sets of variables show a close relationship with a canonical correlation value of 66.003%. This finding explains that for investment in shares of Islamic companies, the level of stock risk has a close relationship with ROE and AG. So that it will be taken into consideration in making investment decisions.
PENGARUH RASIO KEUANGAN DAN UKURAN PERUSAHAAN TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN LABA PADA PERUSAHAAN INDEKS LQ 45 BEI
Authors: Laili Afifah Nur , Afandi Aang , Oktavia Fathimatus Zahro Fazda
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this research is to analyze the effect of financial ratios and company size on the profit growth of companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange LQ 45. The sample of this research is 26 out of 45 companies that enter LQ 45 for 2018-2020. The sample was selected using a purposive sampling technique. The statistical technique used in data analysis and hypothesis testing is multiple linear regression. Independent variables consist of profitability ratios (Net Profit Margin), liquidity ratios (Current Ratio), activity ratios (Total Asset Turnover), solvency ratios (Debt Equity Ratio), and company size. The results showed that only the profitability ratio had a significant and positive effect on profit growth. While the liquidity ratio, activity ratio, solvency ratio and firm size have no significant effect on profit growth. Furthermore, financial ratios and firm size simultaneously have a significant effect on profit growth.
Skin Care and Colour Cosmetics in Patients with Sensitive Skin
Authors: MANAV Vildan , GÖRE KARAALİ Müge
Published: September 2023

Objective: Sensitive skin is a dermatological condition that is frequently observed and causes discomfort in individuals. Therefore, individuals with sensitive skin must carefully choose skin care and makeup habits. Our aims in this study were to conduct the first sensitive skin prevalence study in Turkey and to identify skin care and makeup habits.

Methods: An online prospective controlled survey study was conducted among 1037 women. Participants with and without sensitive skin aged >18 years were included in the 3-month study.

Results: Of the participating women, 82.73% were found to have sensitive skin. The most sensitive part of the face was the cheek (p < 0.001). Therefore, blush was the least frequently used by individuals with sensitive skin (p = 0.008)

Conclusion: Sensitive skin is an important social and medical problem. The skin care and makeup habits of individuals with sensitive skin should be examined in detail and more help should be provided by dermatologists to these individuals.
Youth and caregiver asthma functioning and quality of life throughout the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sinisterra Manuela , Sweenie Rachel , Ezmigna Dima , Fedele David A.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in daily functioning changes for many families. Adjustments in daily functioning may have impacted asthma management and subsequent morbidity. The current study seeks to build upon extant literature by exploring differences in youth asthma exacerbations and control, as well as youth and caregiver asthma-related quality of life (ArQOL) throughout COVID-19 transitional points.

Methods

Ninety-three youth (9–17 years old) with asthma and their caregivers completed measures of demographic/medical information, asthma control, and ArQOL. Participants were recruited between January 2020 and October 2021 via their medical appointments and a hospital registry. We conducted Kruskal–Wallis H-tests to examine differences in youth asthma exacerbations (measured by short-acting beta agonist use), asthma control, and ArQOL, as well as caregiver ArQOL, across phases of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

Asthma exacerbations were higher prior to the onset of the pandemic compared to “during lockdown” and “post-lockdown,” H(2) = 7.31, p < .05. Youth's asthma control was lower prior to the onset of the pandemic compared to youth enrolled “post-lockdown,” H(2) = 7.04, p < .05. There were no differences in youth ArQOL across the duration of the pandemic. Caregiver ArQOL was significantly higher in the “post-lockdown,” period, compared to caregivers enrolled prior to the pandemic onset, H(2) = 9.86, p < .01.

Conclusion

Youth and caregiver asthma functioning improved following the onset of the pandemic. These findings build upon existing literature to highlight higher ArQOL in caregivers following the pandemic onset, likely related to improvements in youth asthma control and morbidity. Future research should explore trajectories of asthma and psychosocial functioning throughout the pandemic for families.
Quantification and modeling of macroparticle-induced mechanical stress for varying shake flask cultivation conditions
Authors: Schrader Marcel , Schrinner Kathrin , Polomsky Laura , Ivanov Dimitri , Kampen Ingo , Schilde Carsten , Krull Rainer , Kwade Arno
Published: September 2023

In biotechnological processes, filamentous microorganisms are known for their broad product spectrum and complex cellular morphology. Product formation and cellular morphology are often closely linked, requiring a well-defined level of mechanical stress to achieve high product concentrations. Macroparticles were added to shake flask cultures of the filamentous actinomycete Lentzea aerocolonigenes to find these optimal cultivation conditions. However, there is currently no model concept for the dependence of the strength and frequency of the bead-induced stress on the process parameters. Therefore, shake flask simulations were performed for combinations of bead size, bead concentration, bead density and shaking frequency. Contact analysis showed that the highest shear stresses were caused by bead-bottom contacts. Based on this, a newly generated characteristic parameter, the stress area ratio (SAR), was defined, which relates the bead wall shear and normal stresses to the total shear area. Comparison of the SAR with previous cultivation results revealed an optimum pattern for product concentration and mean product-to-biomass related yield coefficient. Thus, this model is a suitable tool for future optimization, comparison and scaling up of shear-sensitive microorganism cultivation. Finally, the simulation results were validated using high-speed recordings of the bead motion on the bottom of the shake flask.
Smarca4 deficiency induces Pttg1 oncogene upregulation and hyperproliferation of tubular and interstitial cells during kidney development
Authors: Xu Jinshu , Zhou Xianxiao , Zhang Ting , Zhang Bin , Xu Pin-Xian
Published: September 2023

Kidney formation and nephrogenesis are controlled by precise spatiotemporal gene expression programs, which are coordinately regulated by cell-cycle, cell type-specific transcription factors and epigenetic/chromatin regulators. However, the roles of epigenetic/chromatin regulators in kidney development and disease remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the impact of deleting the chromatin remodeling factor Smarca4 (Brg1), a human Wilms tumor-associated gene, in Wnt4-expressing cells. Smarca4 deficiency led to severe tubular defects and a shortened medulla. Through unbiased single-cell RNA sequencing analyses, we identified multiple types of Wnt4Cre-labeled interstitial cells, along with nephron-related cells. Smarca4 deficiency increased interstitial cells but markedly reduced tubular cells, resulting in cells with mixed identity and elevated expression of cell-cycle regulators and genes associated with extracellular matrix and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition/fibrosis. We found that Smarca4 loss induced a significant upregulation of the oncogene Pttg1 and hyperproliferation of Wnt4Cre-labeled cells. These changes in the cellular state could hinder the cellular transition into characteristic tubular structures, eventually leading to fibrosis. In conclusion, our findings shed light on novel cell types and genes associated with Wnt4Cre-labeled cells and highlight the critical role of Smarca4 in regulating tubular cell differentiation and the expression of the cancer-causing gene Pttg1 in the kidney. These findings may provide valuable insights into potential therapeutic strategies for renal cell carcinoma resulting from SMARCA4 deficiency.
Case Report: Metagenomic next-generation sequencing assists in dynamic pathogen monitoring: powerful tool for progressing severe pneumonia
Authors: Li Yaoguang , Lei Jun , Ren Zhigang , Ma Xiaoxu
Published: September 2023

Background

Severe community-acquired pneumonia (sCAP) is life-threatening and characterized by intensive care unit (ICU) admission and high mortality. And they are vulnerable to hospital-acquired infection. In such a severe condition, metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) outperforms for short turnaround time and broad detection spectrum.

Case presentation

A 15-year-old male with severe influenza and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia progressed rapidly, initially misdiagnosed as influenza co-infected with Aspergillus for misleading bronchoscopy manifestations. The turnaround time of mNGS is 13 h, which has the potential to expedite the clinical medication process. With the powerful support of mNGS and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), anti-infective therapy was adjusted accordingly, and vital signs gradually stabilized. After tortuous treatment and unremitting efforts, the patient recovered well.

Conclusions

Rapid mNGS applications, timely medication adjustments, strong ECMO support and active family compliance contribute to this miracle of life. False-negative or false-positive results are alarming, anti-infective medications should be adjusted after a comprehensive review of physical status and other indicators.
The effects of climate change event characteristics on experiences and response behaviors: a study of small woodland owners in the Upper Midwest, USA
Authors: Denny Riva C. H. , Fischer A. Paige
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Whether and under what conditions people are compelled to adapt to climate change is a question of significant policy and scholarly importance. However, little is known about the influence of the characteristics of the climate change events with which people have experience on people's decisions to modify their behavior to reduce risk.

Methods

We used structural equation models to quantitatively analyze survey data that we collected from small woodland owners in areas affected by three types of severe events known to be exacerbated by climate change: droughts, storms, and tree insect and disease outbreaks.

Results

We found that events with faster onset and termination speeds and greater visibility were associated with people's self-reported experiences of these events and decisions to undertake various practices out of concern about them, likely because events with these characteristics are easier to observe, although there are exceptions.

Discussion

These findings improve scientific understanding of the climate change conditions that compel people to perceive risk and act.
Collaborative Alignment: a framework for community-based collaboration for natural resource management, environmental policy decisions, and locally-led climate action
Authors: Walker Gregg , Severson Gary , Daniels Steve
Published: September 2023

This essay introduces the Collaborative Alignment Framework (CA) and proposes its suitability for empowering and engaging communities as they address issues related to SDG 15. The fifteenth Sustainable Development Goal is concerned with protecting, restoring and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems; managing forests sustainably; combating desertification, and stopping and reversing land biodiversity loss. Doing so necessarily involves communities and the parties that have a lot at stake related to environmental safeguards and management practices. Consequently, the discussion of Collaborative Alignment occurs in the following steps: First, it situates CA in the community-based forest collaborative movement in the United States, a movement that emerged in the forestry sector in the 1990s. Second, the essay addresses the foundations of CA. Third, CA is explained. Fourth, case examples of CA applications are featured. Lastly, the essay presents the relevance of Collaborative Alignment to “locally-led adaptation”, a community and place-based approach for addressing climate change (and SDG 13).
Feedback as an opportunity to promote lifelong learning in pre-service teachers: a mixed methods study
Authors: Matsumoto-Royo Kiomi , Conget Paulette , Ramírez-Montoya Maria Soledad
Published: September 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate whether, within a practice-based curriculum, feedback on the assessment tasks provided during campus coursework offers opportunities to promote lifelong learning dispositions in pre-service teachers. For this, pre-service teachers (n = 231) completed a validated questionnaire regarding lifelong learning dispositions. Then, feedback from assessment tasks (n = 14) was analyzed to identify claims related to curiosity, motivation, perseverance, and self-regulation of learning. Finally, in-depth interviews were conducted with pre-service teachers (n = 8) to explore their perspectives on feedback and lifelong learning dispositions. Data triangulation was used to confirm and add depth to the findings. Feedback on assessment tasks provided during campus course work promotes lifelong learning dispositions when: (i) tied to authentic tasks, (ii) is provide not only by teacher educators but also by peers, (iii) incorporates both positive and negative comments, along with practical advice. The implication of findings for teacher education is discussed.
Research progress of dihydromyricetin in the treatment of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wang Ziyuan , Cao Zhuoran , Yue Zhiying , Yang Zhengfeng
Published: September 2023

Diabetic Mellitus (DM), a chronic metabolic disorder disease characterized by hyperglycemia, is mainly caused by the absolute or relative deficiency of insulin secretion or decreased insulin sensitivity in target tissue cells. Dihydromyricetin (DMY) is a flavonoid compound of dihydroflavonol that widely exists in Ampelopsis grossedentata. This review aims to summarize the research progress of DMY in the treatment of DM. A detailed summary of related signaling induced by DMY are discussed. Increasing evidence implicates that DMY display hypoglycemic effects in DM via improving glucose and lipid metabolism, attenuating inflammatory responses, and reducing oxidative stress, with the signal transduction pathways underlying the regulation of AMPK or mTOR/autophagy, and relevant downstream cascades, including PGC-1α/SIRT3, MEK/ERK, and PI3K/Akt signal pathways. Hence, the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic implications of DMY in DM are still obscure. In this review, following with a brief introduction of the absorption, metabolism, distribution, and excretion characteristics of DMY, we summarized the current pharmacological developments of DMY as well as possible molecular mechanisms in the treatment of DM, aiming to push the understanding about the protective role of DMY as well as its preclinical assessment of novel application.
Adiponectin and resistin modulate the progression of Alzheimer´s disease in a metabolic syndrome model
Authors: Cisternas Pedro , Gherardelli Camila , Gutierrez Joel , Salazar Paulina , Mendez-Orellana Carolina , Wong G. William , Inestrosa Nibaldo C.
Published: September 2023

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of metabolic conditions that include obesity, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance, increases the risk of several aging-related brain diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the underlying mechanism explaining the link between MetS and brain function is poorly understood. Among the possible mediators are several adipose-derived secreted molecules called adipokines, including adiponectin (ApN) and resistin, which have been shown to regulate brain function by modulating several metabolic processes. To investigate the impact of adipokines on MetS, we employed a diet-induced model to induce the various complications associated with MetS. For this purpose, we administered a high-fat diet (HFD) to both WT and APP/PSN1 mice at a pre-symptomatic disease stage. Our data showed that MetS causes a fast decline in cognitive performance and stimulates Aβ42 production in the brain. Interestingly, ApN treatment restored glucose metabolism and improved cognitive functions by 50% while decreasing the Aβ42/40 ratio by approximately 65%. In contrast, resistin exacerbated Aβ pathology, increased oxidative stress, and strongly reduced glucose metabolism. Together, our data demonstrate that ApN and resistin alterations could further contribute to AD pathology.
Research progress on extracellular vesicles in the renal tubular injury of diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Li Shengjie , Zheng Shanshan , Li Jiao , Lin Sen , Li Hao , Wang Ping , Chen Ping , Ma Chaoqun , Liu Yipeng
Published: September 2023

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a severe microvascular complication of diabetes and is a chronic progressive condition. It is also a common cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which is characterized by proteinuria or a progressive decline in the glomerular filtration rate. Due to their dependence on high-energy and aerobic metabolism, renal tubules are more susceptible to the metabolic disturbances associated with DKD, leading to inflammation and fibrosis. Consequently, tubular injury has become a recent research focus, and significant advancements have been made in studying the role of extracellular vesicles in DKD-associated tubular injury. This review aimed to elucidate the mechanisms and potential applications of different types of extracellular vesicles in tubular injury in DKD to provide new insights for the prevention and treatment of DKD.
Assessment and simulation of ecosystem carbon storage in rapidly urbanizing areas based on land use cover: a case study of the southern Jiangsu urban agglomeration, China
Authors: Sun Xin-xin , Wang Shou-gong , Xue Jian-hui , Dong Li-na
Published: September 2023

Since China’s reform and opening-up period, the southern Jiangsu urban agglomeration has been one of the fastest urbanizing regions in the country. This rapid urbanization has led to dramatic changes in land use cover that have been the primary drivers of carbon stock changes in the terrestrial ecosystem. In this study, we utilize the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) model and a patch-generating land use simulation (PLUS) model to analyze the land use changes and carbon stocks in the southern Jiangsu urban agglomeration over the past 30 years. We then simulate the carbon stock changes in the study area in the year 2050 under natural growth, cultivated land conservation, and ecological conservation scenarios. The results showed that 1) over the past 30 years, the urban area has increased by 2.98 times, reaching 7,408.42 km2 by 2020. In contrast, the area of cultivated and forested land has continued to decrease with rapid urbanization. 2) Between 1990 and 2020, the carbon stock of the urban agglomeration in southern Jiangsu decreased by 5.34%. The changes in the spatial distribution of carbon stocks are consistent with the changes in land use. 3) By 2050, the carbon stock loss was the largest under the natural growth scenario at 10.49 mt, while the carbon stock loss was the smallest under the cultivated land protection scenario at 0.97 mt. Under the ecological protection scenario, the carbon stock loss was 9.9 mt. The results indicate that the adoption of cultivated land and ecological protection measures can effectively control the reduction of carbon stock in rapidly urbanizing areas. 4) The conversion of cultivated land and forest land to urban land was the primary reason for the carbon stock reduction in the study area, which was primarily located in the urban outward expansion area. This study provides a reference- and data-based support for the management, decision-making, and planning in rapidly urbanizing areas.
Minimization of overbreak in different tunnel sections through predictive modeling and optimization of blasting parameters
Authors: Liu Yaosheng , Li Ang , Zhang Hao , Wang Jianglu , Li Fangyi , Chen Rui , Wang Shuaishuai , Yao Jun
Published: September 2023

Engineering projects are confronted with many problems resulting from overbreak in tunnel blasting, necessitating the optimization of design parameters to minimize overbreak. In this study, an AI-based model for overbreak prediction and optimization is proposed, aiming to mitigate the hazards associated with overbreak. Firstly, the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model is integrated with three distinct metaheuristic algorithms, namely Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA), and Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA), respectively. Consequently, the hyperparameters are optimized, and the performance of predictions is enhanced. Meanwhile, to overcome the limitations of a small dataset and enhance the generalization ability of the three developed models, a 5-fold cross-validation is employed. Then, the performance of the different models with five distinct swarm sizes is evaluated via four metrics, including coefficient of determination (R2), mean square error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and variance accounted for (VAF). Subsequently, by comparing the aforementioned developed models, the optimal prediction model with the highest accuracy can be obtained, which is then used for parameter optimization research. Finally, individual studies are conducted to address the issue of overbreak caused by the adoption of identical blasting parameters due to geological variations, aiming to minimize overbreak in different sections of the tunnel. By comparing the optimization abilities of PSO, WOA, and SSA, the objective of finding the minimum value of overbreak within a short timeframe is achieved. The results indicate that the model developed in this study accurately predicts overbreak, and effectively optimizes blast parameters for different sections of the tunnel.
Mining the candidate genes of rice panicle traits via a genome-wide association study
Authors: Liu Zhengbo , Sun Hao , Zhang Yanan , Du Mingyu , Xiang Jun , Li Xinru , Chang Yinping , Sun Jinghan , Cheng Xianping , Xiong Mengyuan , Zhao Zhe , Liu Erbao
Published: September 2023

Panicle traits are important for improving the panicle architecture and grain yield of rice. Therefore, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to analyze and determine the genetic determinants of five panicle traits. A total of 1.29 million single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci were detected in 162 rice materials. We carried out a GWAS of panicle length (PL), total grain number per panicle (TGP), filled grain number per panicle (FGP), seed setting rate (SSR) and grain weight per panicle (GWP) in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Four quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for PL were detected on chromosomes 1, 6, and 9; one QTL for TGP, FGP, and GWP was detected on chromosome 4; two QTLs for FGP were detected on chromosomes 4 and 7; and one QTL for SSR was detected on chromosome 1. These QTLs were detected via a general linear model (GLM) and mixed linear model (MLM) in both years of the study period. In this study, the genomic best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) method was used to verify the accuracy of the GWAS results. There are nine QTLs were both detected by the multi-environment GWAS method and the BLUP method. Moreover, further analysis revealed that three candidate genes, LOC_Os01g43700, LOC_Os09g25784, and LOC_Os04g47890, may be significantly related to panicle traits of rice. Haplotype analysis indicated that LOC_Os01g43700 and LOC_Os09g25784 are highly associated with PL and that LOC_Os04g47890 is highly associated with TGP, FGP, and GWP. Our results offer essential genetic information for the molecular improvement of panicle traits. The identified candidate genes and elite haplotypes could be used in marker-assisted selection to improve rice yield through pyramid breeding.
Analysis of chromosomal structural variations in patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion using optical genome mapping
Authors: Rao Huihua , Zhang Haoyi , Zou Yongyi , Ma Pengpeng , Huang Tingting , Yuan Huizhen , Zhou Jihui , Lu Wan , Li Qiao , Huang Shuhui , Liu Yanqiu , Yang Bicheng
Published: September 2023

Background and aims: Certain chromosomal structural variations (SVs) in biological parents can lead to recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSAs). Unequal crossing over during meiosis can result in the unbalanced rearrangement of gamete chromosomes such as duplication or deletion. Unfortunately, routine techniques such as karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA), and copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) cannot detect all types of SVs. In this study, we show that optical genome mapping (OGM) quickly and accurately detects SVs for RSA patients with a high resolution and provides more information about the breakpoint regions at gene level.

Methods: Seven couples who had suffered RSA with unbalanced chromosomal rearrangements of aborted embryos were recruited, and ultra-high molecular weight (UHMW) DNA was isolated from their peripheral blood. The consensus genome map was created by de novo assembly on the Bionano Solve data analysis software. SVs and breakpoints were identified via alignments of the reference genome GRCh38/hg38. The exact breakpoint sequences were verified using either Oxford Nanopore sequencing or Sanger sequencing.

Results: Various SVs in the recruited couples were successfully detected by OGM. Also, additional complex chromosomal rearrangement (CCRs) and four cryptic balanced reciprocal translocations (BRTs) were revealed, further refining the underlying genetic causes of RSA. Two of the disrupted genes identified in this study, FOXK2 [46,XY,t(7; 17)(q31.3; q25)] and PLXDC2 [46,XX,t(10; 16)(p12.31; q23.1)], had been previously shown to be associated with male fertility and embryo transit.

Conclusion: OGM accurately detects chromosomal SVs, especially cryptic BRTs and CCRs. It is a useful complement to routine human genetic diagnostics, such as karyotyping, and detects cryptic BRTs and CCRs more accurately than routine genetic diagnostics.
Spatial distribution and associated factors of poor tetanus toxoid immunization among pregnant women in Ethiopia: spatial and multilevel analysis
Authors: Asmamaw Desale Bihonegn , Debebe Negash Wubshet , Aragaw Fantu Mamo , Eshetu Habitu Birhan , Asratie Melaku Hunie , Belachew Tadele Biresaw
Published: September 2023

Background

Neonatal mortality from tetanus can be reduced by 94% when pregnant women receive at least two doses of tetanus toxoid. In Ethiopia, immunization programs are suboptimal despite their importance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the geographic distribution and associated factors of poor tetanus toxoid (TT) immunization among pregnant women in Ethiopia.

Methods

Secondary data analysis was used using the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). ArcGIS version 10.8 statistical software was used to explore the spatial distribution of poor TT immunization and SaTScan version 9.6 software was used to identify significant hotspot areas of poor TT immunization. For associated factors, a multilevel binary logistic regression model was fitted using STATA version 14 software. In the multivariable multilevel analysis, adjusted OR (AOR) with 95% CI was reported to reveal significantly associated factors of poor TT immunization.

Result

In Ethiopia, the spatial distribution of poor tetanus toxoid immunization was clustered with Global Moran's I = 0.59 at p-value of <0.0001. The highest poor TT immunization clusters were observed in the East and South Tigray, the central part of Amhara, West Afar, East Somali, and West Gambella. Pregnant women with no Antenatal care (ANC) visits [Adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) = 10.46, 95% CI: (8.82, 12.41))], pregnant women with 1–3 ANC visits [aOR = 1.51, 95% CI: (1.31, 1.73)], media exposure [aOR = 1.45, 95% CI: (1.26, 1.67)], poor wealth index [aOR = 1.22; 95% CI: (1.03, 1.45)], middle wealth index [aOR = 1.23; 95% CI: (1.03, 1.47)], family planning use [aOR = 1.28; 95% CI: (1.11, 1.57)] and community level education [aOR = 1.43, 95% CI: (1.14, 1.80)] were significantly associated with poor tetanus toxoid immunization.

Conclusion

Poor tetanus toxoid immunization among pregnant women varies in Ethiopia. It was highest in East and South Tigray, the central part of Amhara, West Afar, East Somali, and West Gambella. Therefore, public health programs should design targeted interventions in identified hot spots to improve tetanus toxoid immunization. Health programmers should be promoting optimal ANC visits, women's education, and family planning use.