bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Academic procrastination, task values, and self-efficacy of pre-service biology teachers in online learning based on a gender perspective
Authors: Astutik Fuji , Tauhidah Dian , Rofi'ah Ndzani Latifatur , Adi Widi Cahya , Saefi Muhammad
Published: November 2024

Online learning can contribute to increased academic procrastination, often linked to low self-efficacy and perceived task value. This study investigates academic procrastination, self-efficacy, and task values from a gender perspective using a cross-sectional approach with students in their 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th semesters. An independent t-test assessed differences between male and female students. Findings showed no significant differences in academic procrastination across genders in any semester; however, notable differences in self-efficacy and task value emerged only in the 5th semester. The lack of significant differences in procrastination is attributed to similarities in environmental, psychological, and social factors, alongside common challenges in time management and distractions. Male and female students demonstrated comparable self-efficacy due to shared academic settings, social support, and media influences, while similar task values stemmed from common interests and experiences. The differences in the 5th semester likely arise from increased academic demands and evolving social dynamics, including gender stereotypes. Future research should employ qualitative methods, such as interviews or focus groups, to gain deeper insights into student experiences. Longitudinal studies could also track changes in self-efficacy and task value over time for a more comprehensive understanding. Targeted interventions to enhance self-efficacy and task value could be particularly beneficial in semesters with significant differences, thereby addressing academic procrastination more effectively.
Revealing the Role of Service Quality and Brand Awareness in Shaping Customer Satisfaction Mobile Banking Users Through Excellent Service
Authors: Wahyu Wahyu Maulana , Istianah Asas
Published: November 2024

Banking in Indonesia has been actively developing mobile banking-based technology because many already have this facility. Transactional banks in Indonesia, on average, can be said to experience electronic transactions every month, reaching 80-90 percent of the number of customer transactions. The top brand index in mobile banking in this research is trending downward from 2020 to 2022. This is the basis for conducting this research. The research was conducted with a sample of customers who used the mobile banking application and the research was carried out at the Pamekasan Branch KCP. This type of research is quantitative research with secondary data originating from questionnaires. The analysis tool used is SmartPLS with SEM-PLS data analysis techniques. The results of the direct influence research show that the service quality variables (p-value 0.035) and brand awareness (p-value 0.040) have an effect on customer satisfaction, while the service quality variables (p-value 0.278) and brand awareness (p-value 0.216) have no effect on excellent service and excellent service (p-value 0.095) have no effect on customer satisfaction. The indirect influence research results show that excellent service is not an intervening variable between service quality variables (p-value 0.321) and brand awareness (p-value 0.248) on customer satisfaction
Promoting Learner Autonomy in English Language Classrooms in Pakistan: The Role of Self-Regulated Learning and Technology Integration
Authors: Ajmal Mehwish , Ahmed Fayyaz , Ahmed Yasir
Published: November 2024

The present study investigates the development of learner autonomy and technology-enhanced language learning (TELL) practices in English classrooms at Shaikh Ayaz University Shikarpur (SAUS) highlighting both self-regulated learning strategies/behaviors. Learner autonomy is a key concept in contemporary language teaching, as it requires our learners to be responsible for their learning. However, in Pakistan teacher centered and traditional approaches are generally dominant that hinder students to become an efficient controller of their own learning. Taking SAUS as a case study, this research seeks to investigate how SRL strategies that are supported by digital tools can foster learner-autonomy in an elite academic institution of Pakistan. In particular, this study looks at the impact of digital platforms and mobile applications on online learning. Study design involves gathering data through classroom observations, student and teacher interviews, surveys. The research highlights the major challenges and opportunities for promoting learner autonomy in university, suggesting that these strategies could be applied to similar processes of change at other institutions around Pakistan. The results reveal that the role of technology is quite supportive in SRL but without institutional support, teacher training and student motivation, self-directed learning may not highly function within ELT context.
Influence of Seedling Age And Dosage of Phosphate Fertilizer on Rice Harvest Result (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Arifin Zainol , Suyani Ida Sugeng , Anggarbeni Susilo Ribut
Published: November 2024

This research aims to determine the effect of seed age and phosphate fertilizer dosage on rice yields. The research used a factorial Randomized Group Design (RAK) with two factors and three replications. The first factor is seed age (B) consisted of 4 levels, namely B1 = 15 HSS, B2 = 20 HSS, B3 = 25 HSS and B4 = 30 HSS, while the second factor is the use of phosphate -36 (P) with 3 levels, namely P1 = 50 kg/ha SP-36 equivalent to 5 grams/plot, P2 = 100 kg/hectare SP-36 equivalent to 10 grams/plot and P3 = 150 kg/ha SP-36 equivalent to 15 grams/plot. As a result, there are 12 treatment combinations were obtained. The results of the research showed that the B1 seedling age treatment (15 HSS) was significantly different and consistently obtained the highest results of number of tillers per hill (27), number of productive tillers (22.78), panicle length (24.58 cm). Meanwhile, the P3 Phosphate fertilizer treatment (150 kilograms/ha SP-36) was significantly different and consistently obtained the highest yield of number of productive tillers (21.75), flowering age (21.75 days), number of grains per panicle (166.08 grains), weight of grain per hill (78.78 grams), and weight of 1000 grains (4.01 grams).
Biodiversity and Species Composition of Butterflies in the Coban Glotak Waterfall, Malang, Indonesia
Authors: Wakhid Wakhid , Agastya I Made Indra , Sumiati Astri , Nggani Reynald Umbu Renggi
Published: November 2024

Butterflies have an essential role in helping pollinate flowering plants so that the process of natural plant propagation can take place. In addition, the existence of butterflies is important because of their role in the ecosystem as bio-indicators of environmental damage. This study aims to analyze the diversity and species composition of butterflies in the Coban Glotak area, Malang, Indonesia. A sampling of butterflies was carried out in July 2023 - August 2023 in three waterfalls, agricultural and bush habitats. Sampling was carried out using an observation transect with a length of one thousand meters (1000 m). The butterfly survey was carried out in the morning between 09.00-12.00 a.m. when there was no rain. The abundance of butterflies found was analyzed using the Shannon-Wiener Index for the Diversity Index, while species similarity was analyzed using the Bray-Curtis Index. There were 32 species of butterflies found in this study belonging to five families, namely Nymphalidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae, Papilionidae, and Hesperiidae with a total of 102 individuals recorded. The Nymphalidae family had the highest percentage of abundance (68.63%) and the lowest was the Hesperiidae family (1.96%). Ypthima baldus, Udara akasa, and Neptis vikasa ranked 1st, 2nd, and 3rd with relative abundances of 30.39%, 9.80%, and 5.88%, respectively. Based on the ecological index (dominance, diversity, evenness, and species richness) it shows that the waterfall habitat has the highest index value compared to the other two habitats. The species similarity between waterfall habitat and agricultural habitat is only 19%, while the species similarity between waterfall habitat and bush habitat is only 13%. Agricultural habitats and shrubs have a species similarity value of 36%.
Effect of Different Types Manure and Altitude on Wheat Production
Authors: Iftitah Siti Nurul , Rahmawati Nurul Baroroh Ayyu , Vatjarjinanto Vatjarjinanto , Utami Ringguh Puji
Published: November 2024

The aim of this research is to know the effect of different manure types on the yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) dewata 162 at different altitudes. The study used a factorial experiment arranged in a completely randomized block design with three replications. The first factor is the type of manure; cow, chicken, goat manure. The second factor is the difference in altitude; lowlands, midlands, and highlands. The results showed that the application of manure and different altitudes affected several parameters such as protein content, gluten content, and the weight of 1.000 dry beans. Chicken manure showed the highest dry weight of 1,000 seeds. The highest content of protein, gluten, and weight of 1,000 dry seeds are found in the lowlands.
Effect of Liquid Organic Fertilizer on Genetic Potential Between Clones of Sugar Cane (Saccharaum officinarum) Ratoon 2
Authors: Rahmah Mar'atus Khusniatur , Budi Setyo , Agustina Rohmatin Farida
Published: November 2024

This research aims to analyze genetic diversity, heritability, genetic progress, and the correlation between agronomic traits due to Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF) treatment. The research used a plot design divided into 3 replications, with the main plot consisting of 9 clones of second ratoon sugar cane, namely clones SB11, SB03, SB01, SB12, SB04, SB19, SB20, BC01, and clone BC02 and the subplot was a test of giving LOF, namely without LOF, LOF A 10 l.ha-1, and LOF B 6 l.ha-1. The research was carried out at the Sambiroto P3T Test Plantation, Sooko, Mojokerto in March - July 2022. The results showed that clones SB03, SB01, SB04, SB19, SB20, BC01, and BC02 were clones that interacted with the provision of LOF, this was shown in the variable number of cluster plants -1. The SB 01 clone showed the best agronomic characteristics compared to other clones Giving LOF was significant for stem weight and brix values, especially giving LOF B. Agronomic characters with high heritability predicted values were found in stem height and diameter, leaf area, and brix. Agronomic characteristics with moderate heritability estimates are found in the number of leaves and plants in clump-1. The agronomic character with a low heritability prediction value is plant stem weight-1. There is high hope of genetic progress in all agronomic characters except plant stem weight-1. Stem weight and brix showed a positive correlation with sugarcane yield. Agronomic characteristics that have the potential to be used to obtain superior sugarcane varieties are stem height, stem diameter, number and area of leaves, number of clump-1 plants, and brix.
Potential of Dryland as An Area of Agro-Tourism and Kalimantan’s Local Fruit Producing for Buffer New National Capital Region
Authors: Kariasa I Gede , Akmal Zein Andri Faisal , Syawalluna Andini Putri , Saputra Riza Adrianoor , Aziza Noor Laili , Noor Muhammad
Published: November 2024

Dry land in Kalimantan has a potential area of 41.61 million ha or 29% of the area in Indonesia of around 144.47 million ha which can be developed for agriculture, plantations, and forestry. Dry land has the potential to be developed for annual crops such as fruit forest plants. Welcoming Kalimantan as the National Capital City (IKN), the development of agro-tourism and local fruit production in Kalimantan as a buffer zone for food security has national and international strategic and political values. Agro-tourism is prepared based on conservation and environmental preservation, especially local Kalimantan fruit. The steps needed to develop local Kalimantan fruit agro-tourism are determining land, making ponds, determining types of local fruit commodities, land and landscape arrangement, land preparation, selecting superior seeds, plant care, empowering local human resources, building facilities and infrastructure, promotion and partnerships, as well as the grand opening. There are several divisions of land in the Kalimantan local fruit agro-tourism area, on the mainland, namely local fruit preservation land, forest areas located on the outermost part of agro-tourism, determining the location of ponds as water sources, camping areas for visitors who want to stay overnight, as well as culinary areas. The dry land used will be planted with horticultural commodities for the first five years to fill the land until the local fruit produces fruit. Furthermore, local fruit preservation will be determined to realize Kalimantan local fruit agro-tourism. The existence of local fruit agro-tourism in Kalimantan will become a new icon for national agro-tourism, education, and environmental preservation for the archipelago. Government and community support regarding the development of local Kalimantan fruit agro-tourism is urgently needed.
DOSIS PUPUK KANDANG DAN TANAMAN SISIPAN CABE (Capsicum annum L.) PADA PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN KACANG TANAH (Arachis hypogeal L.)
Authors: Martono Djoko Setyo , Wuryantoro Wuryantoro , Muqorobin Nazil Abdi
Published: November 2024

Kacang tanah (Arachis hypogaea L.) di Indonesia merupakan komoditas pertanian penting setelah kedelai yang memiliki peran strategis dalam system pangan nasional sebagai sumber protein dan minyak nabati. Cabe (Capsicum annuum L.) juga merupakan  salah satu komoditas hortikultura yang mempunyai prospek cukup baik karena banyak dimanfaatkan oleh masyarakat. sebagai bumbu masak, sebagai bahan ramuan obat tradisional, serta bahan campuran pada industri makanan. Penyisipan tanaman cabe pada pertanaman kacang tanah, diharapkan dapat meningkatkan efektifitas dan efisiensi pemanfaatan hara dari pupuk kandang yang diberikan dan berdampak positip secara ekonomi. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh dosis pupuk kotoran kambing dan penyisipan tanaman cabe  terhadap pertumbuhan dan hasil tanaman kacang tanah pada system tumpangsari tanaman sisipan.  Penelitian dilaksanakan dengan  Rancangan Acak Kelompok (RAK) memakai dua faktor, dosis pupuk kandang dengan taraf D1 = Dosis pupuk kotoran kambing 2,5 kg, D2 = Dosis pupuk kotoran kambing 5,0 kg, D3 = Dosis pupuk kotoran kambing 7,5 kg sebagai factor pertama, dan penyisipan tanaman cabe dengan taraf: S0 = Monokultur, S1 = Tumpangsari sebagai factor kedua. Penelitian ini mendapatkan hasil adanya interaksi antara perlakuan berbagai macam dosis pupuk kandang kotoran kambing (D) dengan penambahan tanaman sisipan (S) terhadap tinggi tanaman umur 56 hst, brangkasan segar, brangkasan kering dan bobot kacang tanah.. Perlakuan berbagai macam dosis pupuk kandang kotoran kambing tidak berbeda nyata pada semua parameter kecuali tinggi tanaman 42 hst. Perlakuan macam tanaman sisipan tidak berbeda nyata terhadap semua parameter kecuali berat 100 biji kacang tanah.
ANALISIS RISIKO LINGKUNGAN PENGOLAHAN KOPI DENGAN METODE HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND RISK ASSESMENT (HIRA)
Authors: Rusdianto Andrew Setiawan
Published: November 2024

Pengolahan kopi menghasilkan limbah yang terdiri dari limbah cair berupa air cucian kopi dan limbah padat yaitu kulit kopi. Limbah kopi berpotensi mencemari lingkungan air dan tanah. Bumdesma Raisa adalah Badan Usaha Milik Bersama dari Ijen Sumber Wringin kabupaten Bondowoso, provinsi Jawa Timur. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi risiko yang berhubungan langsung dengan aktivitas masyarakat, mengetahui tingkat risiko pada setiap risiko dan cara pengendalian untuk mengatasi masalah limbah kopi. Penilaian risiko akan dilakukan menggunakan analisis kualitatif yaitu dengan risk matrix, dimana tingkat risiko didapatkan dari perkalian kemungkinan peluang terjadinya bahaya dan konsekuensi risiko yang dicocokkan dengan tabel matrik. Matrik tersebut akan menunjukkan tingkat risiko sehingga dapat ditentukan cara pengendalian berdasarkan literatur dan kondisi di lokasi dan menggunakan metode FGD (Focus Group Discussion). Terdapat empat kategori risiko rendah dan dua kategori risiko sedang. Pengendalian yang dapat dilakukan yaitu pengolahan limbah kulit kopi menjadi kompos, suplemen ternak sapi dan briket. Sedangkan untuk pengendalian limbah air cucian kopi yaitu dengan pembuatan instalasi pengolahan air limbah sederhana dan pembuatan pupuk cair.
Evaluation of Wellbore Stability by Small Parameter Perturbation Nonlinear Elastoplastic Model
Authors: Lu Zongyu , Zhu Zhongxi , Ye Yuchen
Published: November 2024

Wellbore instability is a frequent occurrence during drilling and a popular research topic among petroleum workers. Most of the previous studies simplified the hardening stage and ignored or classified it into the elastic stage. Engineering practice shows that the total stress–strain process of rock can more truly reflect the bearing and deformation characteristics of rock. This study establishes a total stress–strain constitutive model by combining the perturbation index equation with the linear elastic equation. Additionally, the physical model of rock around the well is presented using the total deformation theory for the plastic zone. The stress field of the rock surrounding the well is analyzed based on the physical model of the rock surrounding the well, taking into account the influence of rock strength and geostress state. The relationship between rock strength, geostress state, drilling fluid density, and plastic radius is given. The calculation method of drilling fluid density limit is also given. The practical application demonstrates that the stability of a borehole wall can be evaluated by analyzing the size and direction of the plastic radius, as well as the distribution of radial, tangential, and shear stress for various combinations of stress states and rock strengths. The maximum shear stress is always found in the softening zone, which is also the region where wellbore instability is most likely to happen. Therefore, the area within the softening radius is regarded as an unstable area, and the softening radius can be used to determine the range of wellbore instability.
Research and Application of Thermally Activated Gel for Control of Lost Circulations
Authors: Zhao Zhiqiang , Geng Tie , Li Huaike , Zhang Wei , Hu Jinjun , Luo Jiansheng
Published: November 2024

Thermally activated gel (TAG) for control of lost circulations was evaluated, which is based on acrylamide (AM) and N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) copolymers crosslinked by polyethyleneimine (PEI). Viscoelasticity, pumpable time, breakthrough pressures, thermal tolerance, and fluid compatibility were tested in this paper, and then field applications in Missan Oilfield, Iraq, were introduced. Laboratory results showed that the strain limit in the linear viscoelastic region was 169% and storage modulus was 870 Pa. Pumpable time of TAG varies with pH values, so pumpable time can be controlled above 60 minutes by adjusting pH values in the temperature ranges of 100°C to 140°C. Breakthrough pressures were tested in 5-mm (inner diameter) and 10-mm (inner diameter) simulating pipes.The breakthrough pressure gradients were 1.172 psi/cm and 1.200 psi/cm at 0.5 mL/min and 1.0 mL/min, respectively, for 10-mm simulating pipes, 1.872 psi/cm and 2.200 psi/cm for 5-mm simulating pipes. TAG maintained morphologies completely and dehydrated slightly after 30 days of aging at 140°C, transformed into a degraded and low-viscosity fluid after 45 days of aging. Tests proved that invasions of inorganic electrolytes, drilling fluid additives, and drilling fluids can lengthen the pumpable time of TAG, so flash settings due to invasions could not occur. Applications in Missan Oilfield verified the performances of TAG mentioned above.
A zinc uptake transporter ZIP1-II is involved in zinc accumulation in the hepatopancreas of Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas
Authors: Kong Ning , Luo Cong , Wang Mengjia , Zhao Junyan , Li Xiang , Wang Lingling , Song Linsheng
Published: November 2024

The Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas is known to have an exceptional ability to accumulate zinc, which endows it with robust resistance to pathogens and makes it an excellent source of dietary zinc. ZIP1 has been identified as an important zinc uptake protein in other species, but its role in oysters remains unclear. In the present study, a ZIP1 homologue (CgZIP1-II) of the Zrt/Irt-like protein (ZIP) family was identified in C. gigas. The mRNA transcripts of CgZIP1-II were constitutively expressed in examined tissues of C. gigas, with higher levels in the hepatopancreas and gill. After zinc exposure, the mRNA transcripts of CgZIP1-II in the hepatopancreas showed a significant decline from 12 h to 14 d, while those in the gill significantly decreased at 72 h, then followed by a recovery to basal levels at 7 d to 14 d. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed that the CgZIP1-II protein was mainly located at the plasma membrane of oyster haemocytes. Compared to the control cells, overexpression of CgZIP1-II in the transfected HEK293 cells resulted in a 2.44-fold (p < 0.05) increase in zinc content after incubation with 100 µM zinc for 24 h. Inhibition of endogenous CgZIP1-II expression with siRNAs led to a 42% reduction in zinc content in the hepatopancreas of oysters. Similarly, in vivo blocking of CgZIP1-II with anti-CgZIP1-II antibody caused a 43% decrease in zinc content in the hepatopancreas. These results collectively indicated that CgZIP1-II functioned as a zinc uptake transporter in C. gigas and played an important role in zinc accumulation.
“Equipping and Enabling” health literacy during a “Time of Change”: understanding health literacy and organisational health literacy responsiveness for people leaving prison in later life
Authors: Hwang Ye In (Jane) , Hagos Amanuel Kidane , Harris-Roxas Ben , Withall Adrienne Lee , Butler Tony , Hampton Stephen , Cheng Christina , Elmer Shandell
Published: November 2024

Background
This qualitative study investigated experiences and understandings of health literacy for those released from prison in later life. The global rise in older incarcerated individuals—defined as those aged 50 and above—poses significant public health and health equity challenges. With up to one in four prisoners being categorized as "older," their complex health needs often exceed those of younger inmates and the general community. An important but under-investigated challenge for this older population is navigating health care systems and self-management after release. Research evidence, albeit limited, has consistently identified health literacy deficits in this this population, complicating their health outcomes and reintegration more generally. This study fills a gap in the experience of health literacy for older people leaving prison, thus contributing to conceptual understandings and guiding targeted intervention development for this marginalised population.
Results
Fifteen people with lived experience of release from prison in older age (mean age = ) and thirteen staff or stakeholders with relevant professional experience from Australia participated in workshops and interviews exploring health literacy during the post-release period. An abductive thematic analysis was applied to the data, guided by the concept of health literacy and organisational health literacy responsiveness. The analysis produced two global themes (“Change” and “Equipped and Enabled”) and seven subthemes (“A demanding time of change”, “Braving a new world”, “Leaving prison care”, “I can only do what I can”, “Help me help myself”, “Others are key”, “Everybody’s problem, nobody’s job”). Together, these themes indicated these individuals are the subject of complex and overlapping life circumstances, with limited resources and support currently available for health literacy both during and after release.
Conclusion
This population are mostly passive health care and information ‘receivers’ as a result of their imprisonment, who must be equipped and enabled to become more active health literacy ‘doers’. This can be achieved through interventions that prepare the person better for life in community, and improve positive self-concept. Health and custodial organisations have an important role to play, with opportunities for improvement apparent across areas such as communication, focused health literacy policies, and collaboration with community partners.
Drought events during the African Humid Period suggest future drying of the Sahara
Authors: Sylvestre Florence , Melles Martin , Wennrich Volker , Dinies Michele , Chalié Françoise , Swingedouw Didier , Dallmeyer Anne , Shi Xiaoxu , Claussen Martin , Jaeschke Andrea , Cocquyt Christine , Karls Jens , Kuper Jan , Mallaye Baba , Mazur Jean-Charles , Pailles Christine , Rirongarti Remadji , Rethemeyer Janet , Ritter Benedik , Schefuß Enno , Viehberg Finn , Wagner Bernd , Werner Martin , Yacoub Abdallah , Kröpelin Stefan
Published: November 2024

The Sahara and the Sahel are currently experiencing an increase in rainfall during the rainy season, possibly related to the strengthening of the hydrological cycle induced by global warming. However, the slowdown of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) might be able to counteract this trend, decreasing the North African monsoon rainfall in a timely, but highly uncertain, manner. During the early and mid-Holocene, the Sahara and the Sahel experienced a wet phase that offers a good analogue for testing the impact of an AMOC perturbation on the climate of this area. Here, we document this wet phase based on the sediment record of Lake Yoa from the central Sahara spanning the last 10,800 years at annual to decadal resolution. This record shows abrupt droughts at 8.2 kyr BP and at 6.3 kyr BP, which interrupted the humid period for a few decades. By modelling precipitation changes in the Lake Yoa area over the Holocene, we support the idea that these droughts were triggered by a slowdown of the AMOC. These results suggest that ongoing AMOC changes could severely weaken the African monsoon on decadal time scales. This process will reduce or even counteract the observed precipitation increase in these areas, highlighting the crucial need for reducing uncertainty in the rapidity of future AMOC weakening.
Facing a Dilemma: The Experiences of Caregivers of Elderly Patients with Terminal Cancer—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Yang Yuli , Liang Xiaoyan , Liu Qian , Liu Jing
Published: November 2024

Purpose:Family members predominantly serve as the primary caregivers for cancer patients. However, the experiences of caregivers in regions lacking palliative care support have not been thoroughly investigated, particularly when elderly cancer patients enter the terminal phase. This study aims to explore the experiences of caregivers for elderly cancer patients in the terminal stage, focusing on areas with limited palliative care resources.
Methods:A qualitative study was conducted from March to October 2023. Face-to-face, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were employed to collect data from 13 Chinese family caregivers of elderly terminal cancer patients. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling. The interview data were analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step analysis method. The study's rigor was ensured through the application of Lincoln and Guba's criteria.
Results:[Three main themes and 11 sub-themes were identified through data analysis: (1)Physical difficulty,(2)Psychological distress, and(3) Desiring support .]
Conclusion: The development and provision of respite services, enhancement of death education, improvement of physicians' communication skills regarding end-of-life information, and establishment of supportive home care plans are deemed necessary. It is recommended that local governments refine the palliative care system, ensuring seamless integration of palliative care from top-tier hospitals to communities and homes. These measures aim to meet caregivers' expectations while assisting them in overcoming their challenges.
Uterine infection-induced transcriptomic changes in the bovine endometrium
Authors: Adnan Mahfuz Rahman , Lee Chin N , Khadka Vedbar S , Mishra Birendra
Published: November 2024

Background
Uterine infections negatively impact cow health and productivity, increasing herd health costs, infertility, and culling. They also interfere with immune efficiency, sperm transport, embryonic development, and implantation, thus leading to pregnancy failure and infertility. Most previous studies have focused on transcriptomic changes induced by uterine infection in dairy cows. The present study aimed to investigate the changes in the endometrial transcript caused by uterine infections in beef cows.
Methods
To achieve this, we examined the reproductive tract of over 200 Angus cows at a local slaughterhouse and collected intercaruncular endometrial tissues from a subset of infected cows (n = 5) and normal cyclic cows (n = 5). After isolating total RNAs, the samples were subjected to high-throughput RNA sequencing (n = 5/group), and differentially expressed genes were validated with qPCR.
Results
RNA seq revealed 954 differentially expressed genes (538 upregulated and 416 downregulated) in the bovine endometrium compared to infectious and normal uterine samples. The Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) showed 822 genes enriched in the bovine endometrium, with 530 upregulated and 292 downregulated in response to uterine infection. The activated immune system components include TLR receptors, NLR receptors, RLR receptors, cytokines, and chemokines. This enrichment of genes and molecules affects various biological processes and pathways, such as inflammatory and immune responses, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and chemokine signaling.
Conclusions
In summary, uterine infection alters the transcriptomic profile of the endometrium in infectious beef cows, potentially leading to pregnancy failure and infertility.
Occurrence of NORM in FPSO oil production units: impacts and decision- making factors for recycling destination after decommissioning
Authors: Ramos Guilherme Coltri Peres , Pereira Newton Narciso
Published: November 2024

The Brazilian oil and gas industry is undergoing significant changes, with new units emerging and older platforms being decommissioned. The Brazilian National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) anticipates substantial investments in decommissioning by 2026. This study examines the decommissioning of Floating Production Storage and Offloading units (FPSOs) in Brazil, focusing on economic, environmental, technical, and safety considerations. It references guidelines from the Basel Convention, the Hong Kong Convention (HKC), and European Ship Recycling Regulation (SRR 1257/2013), which emphasize the importance of adhering to international standards for safe ship recycling. The research assesses the impact of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) on the disposal of FPSOs in Brazil, identifying and evaluating the capabilities of national facilities to recycle these units. The study finds a limited number (03) of facilities equipped to handle NORM contaminated FPSOs, meeting only domestic demand to recycling abroad. This scarcity exposes shipowners to significant financial risks, unforeseen costs, and uncertainties in waste disposal. The findings underscore the urgent need for enhancements in infrastructure and processing techniques within Brazilian shipyards to manage NORM responsibly.
Diabetic Retinopathy Prevalence in Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Damascus, Syria.
Authors: alnablsi Hala , Hammoud Taghrid
Published: November 2024

Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (DM2), which is on the rise globally, is associated with changes in lifestyle, obesity, and population aging. Diabetes is the primary cause of the most dangerous eye condition known as diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study set out to determine how common diabetic retinopathy was among people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in Damascus, Syria.
Material and Methods: cross-sectional study. 100 patients with diabetic retinopathy were the total number of retinopathy-affected eyes in the study118. The statistical analysis method employed the Spss-28 software, while the inferential analysis employed the Chi-Score test. The obtained value (P<0.05) is statistically significant.
Results: The study included (100) diabetic patients diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy, and the rate of DR was (65.9%), among the diabetic patients visiting the eye clinic, who numbered (493). The majority of DR were in the non-proliferative stage (58%), while the proliferative stage (42%), There is a statistically significant relationship between the type of diabetes, the stage of the illness, the duration of diagnosis, the severity of the illness, symptoms, and complications (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Particular importance must be given to proliferative retinopathy, as it causes disability to the patient and society, through early detection and appropriate treatment. The earlier diabetes is diagnosed and the eye examination is performed periodically, decreased risk of developing proliferative retinopathy and decreased visual ability.
Codebase release 1.0 for TorchGPE
Authors: Fioroni Lorenzo , Gravina Luca , Stefaniak Justyna , Baumgärtner Alexander , Finger Fabian , Dreon Davide , Donner Tobias
Published: November 2024

TorchGPE is a general-purpose Python package developed for solving the Gross-Pitaevskii equation (GPE). This solver is designed to integrate wave functions across a spectrum of linear and non-linear potentials. A distinctive aspect of TorchGPE is its modular approach, which allows the incorporation of arbitrary self-consistent and time-dependent potentials, e.g., those relevant in many-body cavity QED models. The package employs a symmetric split-step Fourier propagation method, effective in both real and imaginary time. In our work, we demonstrate a significant improvement in computational efficiency by leveraging GPU computing capabilities. With the integration of the latter technology, TorchGPE achieves a substantial speed-up with respect to conventional CPU-based methods, greatly expanding the scope and potential of research in this field.
Les Houches guide to reusable ML models in LHC analyses
Authors: Araz Jack Y. , Buckley Andy , Kasieczka Gregor , Kieseler Jan , Kraml Sabine , Kvellestad Anders , Lessa Andre , Procter Tomasz , Raklev Are , Reyes-González Humberto , Rolbiecki Krzysztof , Sekmen Sezen , Ünel Gokhan
Published: November 2024

With the increasing usage of machine-learning in high-energy physics analyses, the publication of the trained models in a reusable form has become a crucial question for analysis preservation and reuse. The complexity of these models creates practical issues for both reporting them accurately and for ensuring the stability of their behaviours in different environments and over extended timescales. In this note we discuss the current state of affairs, highlighting specific practical issues and focusing on the most promising technical and strategic approaches to ensure trustworthy analysis-preservation. This material originated from discussions in the LHC Reinterpretation Forum and the 2023 PhysTeV workshop at Les Houches.
NÍVEL DE QUALIDADE DE VIDA EM PACIENTES SUBMETIDOS AO TRANSPLANTE CARDÍACO: COMO AVALIAR?
Authors: Carvalho Wágner do Nascimento , Fabrini Vanessa Cristina Neves
Published: November 2024

OBJETIVO: Identificar formas de avaliar o nível qualidade de vida de pacientes submetidos ao transplante cardíaco. MÉTODOS: Revisão da literatura realizada por meio da análise de publicações científicas referentes aos últimos cinco anos, disponíveis na base de dados da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) no mês de maio do ano de 2021. Foram utilizados na pesquisa os descritores “Qualidade de Vida” e “Transplante de Coração” nas línguas Portuguesa, Espanhola e Inglesa. RESULTADOS: A pesquisa obteve 155 resultados. Após a leitura dos títulos, resumos e aplicar critérios de inclusão e exclusão, 10 artigos compuseram a amostra para análise. A maior parte dos estudos utilizou o questionário The Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), foram sete artigos científicos. Outros questionários também foram utilizados como o EuroQol 5 dimensões (EQ-5D), Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCC) e, World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF). Em todos os estudos analisados, o transplante cardíaco demonstrou benefício na melhora do nível de qualidade de vida dos pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: avaliar o nível de qualidade de vida de pacientes após o transplante cardíaco é uma forma de mensurar resultados após o transplante, existem diversos questionários que podem ser utilizados para tal atividade, mas não foi detectado nenhum questionário específico. Em suma, o transplante cardíaco possibilita uma melhora no nível de qualidade de vida dos pacientes beneficiados pelo procedimento.
Phytomediated synthesis of WO3 nanoparticles using Solanum lycopersicum fruit extract for enhanced photocatalytic activity of 2,4-dichlorophenol
Authors: Natchathra S. , Indramahalakshmi G. , Kavitha Balasubramani
Published: November 2024

In the present study, bio-citric acid/tungsten oxide (WO3) (BCAWO) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by using Solanum lycopersicum fruit extract as a reducing as well as a capping agent. The photocatalysts were characterized by UV–vis diffuse reﬂectance spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy techniques. Diffraction peaks in the XRD spectrum were identified as the crystal planes of crystalline tungsten oxide. The BCAWO had an average size of 23.14 nm. For W–O bonds, the Fourier transform infrared spectrum displays the vibrational peak at 671.23 cm−1. A prominent absorption band was observed at 268 nm, indicating the 1.2 eV bandgap. Under xenon (Xe) lamp irradiation, the synthesized BCAWO nanoparticles showed notable photocatalytic degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), with a degradation rate of 96%. With BCAWO concentrations of 2.5 g/L, pH of 4, reaction period of 180 min, and 2,4 DCP concentration of 10 mg/L, the degradation of 2,4-DCP had the highest efficacy, 96%. The degradation of phenols in wastewater may be facilitated by using the green WO3 nanoparticles as a photocatalyst, according to the results.
O programa de editoração científica CNPQ/CAPES e seu potencial diante do movimento ciência aberta
Authors: Stueber Ketlen , Teixeira Maria do Rocio Fontoura
Published: November 2024

Este estudo verifica como se dá a distribuição dos recursos do Programa de Apoio à Editoração do Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico em parceria com a Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior em uma de suas edições anuais, a chamada nº 18/2018. Questiona-se: como o Programa de Apoio à Editoração Científica pode se aprimorar enquanto alternativa de fomento científico na perspectiva da ciência aberta? Busca-se evidenciar a importância desse programa em paralelo com os princípios da ciência aberta. Trata-se de pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa que utiliza técnicas de levantamento documental e coleta de dados em documentos institucionais norteadores do CNPq/CAPES e preenchimento de formulário para organização das informações. Observam-se como principais resultados: (a) são contemplados 193 periódicos de 54 áreas/ciências que integram nove grandes áreas do conhecimento; (b) a distribuição de recursos é variada – as Ciências Agrárias e as Ciências da Saúde são as mais beneficiadas, enquanto as áreas de Ciências Sociais Aplicadas receberam a menor quantia de recursos; (c) 191 periódicos são de acesso aberto, 39 cobram algum tipo de taxa e 154 são gratuitos. Destaca-se a importância do Programa de Apoio à Editoração Científica por fomentar ações que legitimam as perspectivas da ciência aberta. Para que tal política de democratização do conhecimento obtenha maior abrangência, sugere-se que a distribuição dos benefícios se volte às revistas que não cobrem nenhum tipo de taxa aos leitores e autores e que estejam filiadas a editoras e instituições públicas.
Políticas afirmativas de acesso e permanência da mulher pesquisadora na Universidade de São Paulo
Authors: Sartori Thiago Luiz
Published: November 2024

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar políticas afirmativas que versem sobre o acesso e a permanência da mulher pesquisadora no contexto acadêmico da Universidade de São Paulo a partir do ano de 2000. A fundamentação teórica está alojada no campo interdisciplinar dos estudos do gênero, especificamente no que compete às discussões sobre feminismo e relativização das identidades. A metodologia é do tipo documental com abordagem qualitativa. A obtenção de dados ocorreu por meio de bancos de dados online como: Google Acadêmico, Scielo, Portal da Universidade Estadual de São Paulo e Jornal da USP, através dos termos: Políticas afirmativas da mulher, mulher pesquisadora e pesquisadora na USP, de outubro de 2021 a março de 2022. Após a obtenção e análise de dados, foram encontradas 12 políticas afirmativas visando o acesso e a permanência da mulher no ensino e na pesquisa universitária na USP. Apesar das mulheres serem 48,83% dos alunos de graduação, o número de docentes mulheres é de 37,96%, contra os 62,04% de homens.
A pesquisa de campo no contexto das doenças tropicais negligenciadas
Authors: Elias Ferreira da Silva Priscilla
Published: November 2024

A pesquisa de campo é constituída por aspectos teóricos, metodológicos e práticos. Essa atividade objetiva-se na aquisição de informações sobre problemas de saúde pública que necessitam de resoluções ou hipóteses que requerem comprovações. A partir de uma fase exploratória e fluxo procedimental bem estabelecido, esse tipo de estudo possibilitará o delineamento de estratégias de prevenção e controle de variadas doenças. No contexto das Doenças Tropicais Negligenciadas, a pesquisa de campo tem valor intrínseco com a possibilidade de compreensão e elucidação de diversos fatores desencadeadores dessas doenças tropicais e sua sustentação na natureza. Intenta-se, neste estudo, fazer uma reflexão teórico-metodológica acerca dos caminhos a serem percorridos, da importância dos trabalhos colaborativos com a comunidade externa e, também, dos elementos norteadores para pesquisadores que realizam esse tipo de trabalho ou pretendem implantar essa atividade em sua prática diária.
Experiência formativa e profissional dos egressos do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública da Universidade Federal do Ceará
Authors: Agostinho Neto Joao , Moreira Daiana de Jesus , Santos Cardoza , Tavares Macedo Eline Mara , Negreiros Bomfim Silva Silvia Maria , Nieto Manzano Lina Alejandra , Mendonça Júnior José Osivan , Souza Maria do Socorro
Published: November 2024

A experiência de egressos com atividades após o término do curso dá oportunidade de estabelecer reflexões sobre as competências adquiridas durante sua vida acadêmica com o exercício de sua vida profissional e fornece informações às instituições de ensino para que tomem decisões sobre os processos de formação. Este artigo analisa as experiências de egressos do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública da Universidade Federal do Ceará em relação à experiência formativa e profissional. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa crítico-interpretativa, desenvolvida por meio de entrevistas semi-estruturadas com egressos dos cursos de mestrado e doutorado do referido programa, dos últimos cinco anos (2017 a 2021). Os resultados mostram o perfil profissiográfico dos participantes de acordo com sexo, cor/raça, estado civil, local de residência, categoria profissional e formação. Além disso, as discussões apontaram o percurso formativo e profissional dos egressos; implicações do PPGSP/UFC na vida profissional; e trajetória a partir do objetivo central do programa.
Quantifying the Regional Disproportionality of COVID-19 Spread: Modeling Study
Authors: Sasaki Kenji , Ikeda Yoichi , Nakano Takashi
Published: November 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused serious health, economic, and social consequences worldwide. Understanding how infectious diseases spread can help mitigate these impacts. The Theil index, a measure of inequality rooted in information theory, is useful for identifying geographic disproportionality in COVID-19 incidence across regions.

Objective

This study focused on capturing the degrees of regional disproportionality in incidence rates of infectious diseases over time. Using the Theil index, we aim to assess regional disproportionality in the spread of COVID-19 and detect epicenters where the number of infected individuals was disproportionately concentrated.

Methods

To quantify the degree of disproportionality in the incidence rates, we applied the Theil index to the publicly available data of daily confirmed COVID-19 cases in the United States over a 1100-day period. This index measures relative disproportionality by comparing daily regional case distributions with population proportions, thereby identifying regions where infections are disproportionately concentrated.

Results

Our analysis revealed a dynamic pattern of regional disproportionality in the confirmed cases by monitoring variations in regional contributions to the Theil index as the pandemic progressed. Over time, the index reflected a transition from localized outbreaks to widespread transmission, with high values corresponding to concentrated cases in some regions. We also found that the peaks in the Theil index often preceded surges in confirmed cases, suggesting its potential utility as an early warning signal.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that the Theil index is one of the effective indices for quantifying regional disproportionality in COVID-19 incidence rates. Although the Theil index alone cannot fully capture all aspects of pandemic dynamics, it serves as a valuable tool when used alongside other indicators such as infection and hospitalization rates. This approach allows policy makers to monitor regional disproportionality efficiently, offering insights for early intervention and targeted resource allocation.