bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometric Characteristics of the Motor Function Measure in Neuromuscular Diseases: A Systematic Review1
Authors: Ribault Shams , Rippert Pascal , Jain Minal , Le Goff Laure , Genod Dominique Vincent , Barriere Aurélie , Berruyer Anne , Garde Camille , Tinat Marie , Pons Christelle , Vuillerot Carole
Published: April 2023

Background: Recent pharmaceutical breakthroughs in neuromuscular diseases may considerably change the prognosis and natural history these diseases. The ability to measure clinically relevant outcomes such as motor function is critical for the assessment of therapeutics and the follow up of individuals. The Motor Function Measure (MFM) is a quantitative scale designed to measure motor function in adult and children with neuromuscular disease (NMD). Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the quality and level of evidence of the MFM’s published measurement properties by completing a systematic review of the validation and responsiveness studies of the MFM20 (a 20-item version of MFM adapted for children 2 to 6 years of age) and the MFM32 (the original 32 item version), in all NMDs and in specific diseases. Methods: A search for MFM responsiveness and MFM validation studies was completed in February 2023 in EMBASE, MEDLINE, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases. The PRISMA guidelines and the COSMIN manual for systematic reviews were followed for databases searches, articles screening and selection, study quality and measurement properties evaluation. Results: 49 studies were included in analysis. In studies including individuals with all NMDs, MFM’s internal consistency, reliability, convergent validity, construct validity and responsiveness were rated as sufficient with a high quality of evidence. Structural validity was rated sufficient with a moderate quality of evidence In SMA in particular, MFM’s reliability, internal consistency, convergent validity, discriminant validity and responsiveness are sufficient with a high quality of evidence. More studies would be required to assess specific measurement properties in different diseases. MFM32’s minimal clinically relevant difference has been defined between 2 and 6%. Conclusion: MFM’s structural validity, internal consistency, reliability, construct validity, convergent validity and responsiveness have been verified with moderate to high level of evidence.
Free energy calculations reveal the interaction and stability of ligands in the vicinity of B-DNA dodecamer
Authors: Pandey Anwesh , Adhikari Anupriya
Published: April 2023

The double stranded Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is stated as one of the idyllic targets for cancer and other various diseases. The in-depth investigation of DNA-drug interaction plays a crucial role for the recognition of drug mechanism action as well as in advance scheming of more proficient drugs with minor aftermath. Imidazoles and molecules possessing them are well known for their antimicrobial action and also possess different therapeutic properties. With the intention to improve a computational protocol towards the development of novel improvised antimicrobial agent, di-cationic molecules. Primarily, four diarylfuran derivatives having varied substituted groups have been proposed, analysed and compared for antimicrobial potential by studying their binding strength and steady complex formation with DNA. Molecular docking analysis was used to forecast the binding mode involved for DNA-drug complex and molecular dynamics was employed for studying the kinetics of interaction. The docking investigation revealed AT rich region binding for all the proposed ligands which is the preferred location for DNA minor groove binders establishing Mol-1 and Mol-3 as lead molecules. The stability of drug-DNA complexes was inferred from an analysis of the data from Molecular dynamics (MD) analysis, which showed that ligands remained coupled to the preferred binding locations of DNA without experiencing any significant changes in the minor groove.
Some Criminal-Legal, Administrative-Legal, Criminalistic and Criminological Aspects of the Investigation of Crimes Committed by Organized Criminal Groups
Authors:   Department of Education, Science and Sports of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Romanenko Oleksii , Pavlovska Nataliia ,   Kyiv National Economic University, Kiev, Ukraine, Kisiliuk Eduard ,   Department of education, science and sports Ministry of Internal Affairs PhD in Law, associate professor, Kiev, Ukraine, Kryshevych Olha ,   Department of Criminal Law of the National Academy of Internal Affairs, Kiev, Ukraine, Symonenko Natalia ,   National Academy of Internal Affairs the Department of Criminal Law, Kiev, Ukraine
Published: April 2023

The search to explain and anticipate organized crime has become urgent in recent years with the ease of international travel and trade, the globalization of communications via the Internet, and the emergence of many new democracies in Eastern Europe and around the world that are struggling to establish themselves. Because of these changes, the likelihood that local organized crime problems move to other locations to exploit new victims is greater than ever before.
Research on Covid-19 Vaccines’ Effectiveness is not using Appropriate Scientific Methods
Authors: Šorli Amrit
Published: April 2023

Global research on the Covid-19 vaccine’s effectiveness is using methods that are misleading the scientific community and public opinion. There is a golden rule in medicine: to measure the effectiveness of an experimental medicine you need to have two groups. The group that will take medicine and the group that will not take medicine. You follow the health status of both groups for a few months and you will get objective results. This is the only proper methodology to verify the effectiveness of a new medicine. Articles cited from 1-5 did not use the gold rule. They develop different kinds of methodologies that all have no statistical significance. On the basis of their methodologies, they conclude that Covid-19 vaccines have a positive effect on public health. By comparing graphs of the intensity of vaccination and the rate of mortality we see that after the period of intense vaccination follows the period of higher excess mortality. Basic statistical data are confirming that Covid-19 vaccines increased the mortality rate.
Solving tensions within Technical Rescue in England and Wales
Authors: Clark Andre
Published: April 2023

In all of the 48 independent charities that constitute Mountain Rescue in England and Wales there are a number of clearly delineated professions, such as medicine, as well as a host of less clearly defined but well established communities of practice, such as those that form around climbing and technical rescue. That these groups all come together within Mountain Rescue (MR) to produce an effective rescue on the hill, come rain or shine, on a voluntary (pro bono) basis is something they share, but these different groups do not share the same status and neither do they operate in the same ways. In this paper I investigate those differences and discuss ways in which we may better utilise the learning of the aforementioned communities of practice in order to increase the effectiveness of MR in England and Wales.
Profile and scientific nature of pedagogy
Authors: Palacios Liberato Lucas Abelardo
Published: April 2023

Pedagogy is the science of education; the features and qualities that define it as a scientific discipline derive from the singular object of study: education as an objective reality, from the method of pedagogical research and its conceptual theoretical system. The conceptual system product of universal educational research and experimentation contains its laws, categories, principles and scientific features; it defines the method of research and the parameter of analysis, it also serves in the organization and direction of the educational process. Scientific laws reflect the logic, order, regularity of internal links in the educational process. The scientific principles define the experimental character of the phenomenon and/or educational process, and the school as a testing laboratory. The categories reflect the essential aspects and the fundamental links of its process, discovered and demonstrated through various educational experiments, in the laboratory schools of universal history. The method of research itself corresponds to the pedagogical conceptual system, as a subjective (theoretical) reflection of the logic of education. The pedagogical method is not limited to didactics and teaching-learning, it also includes the methodology of educational work that organizes the educational process and context, the regime and lifestyle for the formation of the personality, as a scientific direction of pedagogical practice, inside or outside the school.
Periodic Drugs Shortage in Hospitals and in the Community: Causes, Consequences and Possible Solutions
Authors: Marovino Edoardo , Morgillo Amelia , Islami Michelle , Filieri Vittorio
Published: April 2023

The aim of this article is to describe and analyze the principal aspects of a phenomenon that periodically affects medicines and medical devices all around the world in all contexts of the hospitals and the community, i.e. their shortage. Recently in Italy there has been a prolonged shortage of some medicines such as antibiotics, symptomatic remedies for fever and pain, pediatric medicines and inhalers but the phenomenon is not rare. We want to analyze some causal aspects, the principal practical consequences and also some possible strategies to remedy the problem. Technical pharmacological aspects of the individual classes of drugs mentioned will not be taken into consideration.
Organizational Commitment of Five Working Groups of MNCs
Authors:   The Institute of Management and Economy Research, Wang Miao , Kwon Jongwook , Li Junjian
Published: April 2023

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to confirm that five different working positions show different Organizational Commitment (OC) and factors influencing OC levels in the Chinese MNCs.
Design/methodology/approach - The study collected data of 326 employees in different positions in Chinese MNCs abroad and in domestic country. To test hypotheses, ANOVA analysis and linearity regression are used with SPSS 26 and AMOS 26 software on the collected data.
Findings - Results shows that different working groups do not show significant difference of AC and CC level. However, there are significant difference of NC among the five groups in the Chinese MNCs. Employee's position and marital status are positively related to CC and NC. Tenure is positively related to AC.
Research implications or Originality - Our research offers insight for further research direction on OC difference research. It provides implication for Chinese MNCs to consider more about strategies how to stimulate host country employee's normative commitment.
An Empirical Study on the Validity of the Availability Huristics and Anchoring Huristics in the Korean Stock Market
Authors:   The Institute of Management and Economy Research, Son Sam-Ho , Lee Jeong-Hwan , Lee Se-Jun
Published: April 2023

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to compare and review behavioral economics models that explain stock price changes after large-scale price shocks in the Korean stock market and to find a suitable model. In this paper, among the theories reviewed, it was confirmed that the anchoring heuristics theory has high explanatory power for stock prices after large-scale stock price fluctuations.
Design/methodology/approach - This paper conducts an event study on stock price shocks in which the individual stocks that make up the KOSPI200 index show more than 10% fluctuation on a daily basis. In order to materialize the abstract predictions of heuristics theories in a varifiable form, this paper uses the daily stock price index change as a reference point for availability heuristics, and uses the 52-week highest and lowest price as reference point for anchoring heuristics.
Research implications or Originality - As a result of the empirical analysis, the stock price reversals did not consistently appear for changes in the daily index. On the other hand, the stock price drifts consistently appeared around the 52-week highest and the 52-week lowest price. And in the multiple regression analysis that controlled for company-specific and event-specific variables, the results that supported the anchoring heuristics were more evident. These results suggest that it is possible to establish an investment strategy using large-scale price change in Korean stock market.
Stock Market Downturn and Stock Market Concentration
Authors: Zhang Yunqi , Zhang Zeqi , Zhang Xiaoyu
Published: April 2023

As an important component of corporate inequality, stock market concentration has become a focus of attention in academia in recent years. However, existing literature focuses on its negative consequences, and research on the determinants of stock market concentration is scarce. This paper investigates for the first time how stock market downturns affect stock market concentration. Using data on stock markets in both the United States and China, we find a negative correlation between market-wide returns and stock market concentration. To address endogeneity and establish causal inference, we exploit two natural experiments: the COVID-19 pandemic and the subprime crisis. We find that stock market concentration increases during these crises, and we also find some heterogeneity between the United States and China. Our findings have important policy implications regarding inequality during market downturns.
Tudománynépszerűsítő intézményi kommunikáció a Magyar Agrár- és Élettudományi Egyetemen
Authors: Dr. Farkas Alexandra
Published: April 2023

Egyre több fórumon esik szó arról, hogy a tudományos kutatások módszereiről, eredményeiről a szűkebb szakmán túl a döntéshozók és a széles nagyközönség felé is szükséges és érdemes kommunikálni, méghozzá közérthető, világos, pontos és követhető módon. A szóbeli és írásbeli tudománynépszerűsítő tevékenység hatása és megítélése ugyanakkor pozitív és negatív is lehet az érintett kutató és az őt foglalkoztató intézmény hírneve szempontjából. Ám ahhoz, hogy a mérleg nyelve minél többször billenjen a pozitív hatások felé, a tudománykommunikációt érintő attitűdök felmérése és megértése, valamint a kapcsolódó készségek fejlesztése is elengedhetetlen. Ennek elősegítése érdekében született meg az alábbi felmérés is, amely a tudományos eredményeket népszerűsítő intézményi kommunikáció jelentőségét vizsgálta a Magyar Agrár- és Élettudományi Egyetem (MATE) kutatóinak körében.
The academic library in the university’s single information space and business processes
Authors: Malinovsky M. P.
Published: April 2023

By the third decade of the 21st century, digital technologies have been integrated in every sphere of our lives. During the recent years, the modern trends in society, economics, technologies have become related to digital transformation. However, the definition for this concept is lacking. The author insists that implementing information technologies into institutional business process is the most essential note of digital transformation. He includes scientometrical indicators of the terms “digitalization” and “digital transformation” in the Russian Science Citation Index, reviews in brief the positive and negative aspects of these processes, and specifies the stages of digital evolution in the academic library. The experience of Moscow Automobile and Road Construction State Technical University (MADI) in computerization, digitalization and digital transformation of information library processes, is examined, i.e. implementation of e-catalog and computerized lending through bar-coding technology, free open access fulltext electronic library, development of information system in bibliographic history and works by university scientists and researchers, employees’ personal accounts, and adaptive system of library–chair book supply system. The systems enable to engage the faculty authors in updating the library’s e-catalog and to get information on the curriculum book supply. The author introduces his innovative business processes of preparing learning materials and research papers. These processes have been partially introduced in MADI to increase the faculty’s publication activity, to improve the university’s scientometrical indicators, and finally, to comply with the requirements of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
Current Aspects of Global Transformation and Sustainability of the Economy of Modern Russia (According to the Results of the Scientific Conference)
Authors: Konstantinidi Christopher A. , Sorokozherdyev Vasily V. , Rubin Alexander G.
Published: April 2023

The article discusses the results of the International Scientific and Practical Conference “Global Transformation and Sustainability of the Economy of modern Russia”, held October 5–8, 2022 in Sochi, organized by the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, the Central Economic and Mathematical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Sochi Institute (branch) Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, Krasnodar Foundation “Scientific and Educational Initiatives of Kuban”. The discussion held at the plenary and sectional sessions of the conference was attended by economists, representatives of other social sciences from a number of leading universities of the Russian Federation, as well as from Armenia. The total number of participants exceeded 60 people, including more than 40 doctors and candidates of sciences. The conference was an effective platform for the implementation of a useful exchange of knowledge and ideas between its participants, caused a wide positive response in the scientific and educational sphere. A collection of articles has been prepared for publication; certificates were also awarded to its participants.
A Systematic Literature Review of the Feasibility of a Translanguaging Pedagogy in the Foundation Phase
Authors: Carrim Ameera , Nkomo Sibhekinkosi Anna
Published: April 2023

Many South African educational contexts, including the Foundation Phase are linguistically diverse. However, this diversity is not mostly catered for as evidenced by the prevalent monoglossic ideologies. This has resulted in low literacy levels in South Africa, which indicate a poor literacy foundation and limit learners’ ability to learn effectively and excel academically. Over the past decade, a number of literacy intervention programmes have been implemented at national and provincial level, but the impact has been minimal. There is need to explore and adopt other approaches to literacy development such as the translanguaging pedagogy which has been reported to be successful in other phases of education. However, there has not yet been studies that report on translanguaging undertaken at Foundation Phase in South Africa. Thus, this study explored the feasibility of a translanguaging pedagogy in the Foundation Phase to develop literacy for multilingual English first additional language learners. Through a systematic review, translanguaging studies conducted between the years 2015-2022 in South Africa and internationally were reviewed and analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Finding from this study reveal that learners’ home language should be considered as a resource for attaining deeper levels of meaning. By adopting a translanguaging approach, teachers can enhance multilingual learners’ literacy skills through strategies such as home-languaging, translation, juxtaposing languages and the flexible and dynamic use of the multimodal semiotic repertoire. However, future research is recommended to investigate the application of this pedagogy in the Foundation Phase classrooms in South Africa.
PARENTING EDUCATION DALAM MEMBENTUK KARAKTER ANAK USIA DINI DI PAUD AL-AKRAM DESA SEPAPAN KECAMATAN JEROWARU KABUPATEN LOMBOK TIMUR
Authors: Suharyani Suharyani
Published: April 2023

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui dampak Program Parenting Education dalam membentuk karakter Anak Usia Dini di PAUD Al-Akram”. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian lapangan yang bersifat kuantitatif. Sumber data  dalam penelitian ini meliputi orang tua siswa, anak didik, guru dan pengelola. Teknik sampling yang digunakan adalah non-probability sampling. Variabel-variabel dalam penelitian ini terdiri dari variabel bebas (variabel independen) adalah parenting education dan variabel terikat (variabel dependen) adalah pembentukan karakter. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah angket dan observasi sebagai teknik utama dan dokumentasi sebagai teknik pendukung. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah Regresi Linier Sederhana dengan bantuan Program SPSS Versi 26. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa Berdasarkan nilai signifikansi dari tabel coefficients diperoleh nilai signifikansi sebesar 0,032 < 0,05, sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa variable Parenting Educations (X) berpengaruh terhadap variable Karakter Anak Usia Dini (Y). Berdasarkan nilai t : diketahui nilai t hitung sebesar 2,265  > dari t table sebesar 2,052 sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa variable Parenting Educations (X) berpengaruh terhadap variable Karakter Anak Usia Dini (Y).
PROFIL KEMAMPUAN LITERASI MATEMATIKA SISWA BERDASARKAN GAYA KOGNITIF
Authors: Yazidah Nok Izatul , Nurhasanah Nurhasanah , Saputra Nisvu Nanda
Published: April 2023

This type of research used is descriptive research with a qualitative approach because the purpose of this study was to describe the profile of students ' mathematical literacy abilities based on cognitive style. This research was conducted at SMA Dr. Soetomo Surabaya in the 2022/2023 academik year. The subjects of this study were four students of X-MIPA 1 grade, namely one male FI student, one female FI student, one male FD student, and one female FD student. The research instrument was a test of students’ mathematical literacy based on PISA indicators. Mathematical literacy indicators are based on six levels of students’ mathematical literacy. Based on the analysis of the data on the results of the mathematical literacy test, it was obtained a profile description of the mathematical literacy ability of Dr. Soetomo High School namely (1) independent field students are able to work effectively  with models in concrete but complex situation, present different information and relate it to real situation. Meanwhile (2) field dependent students are able to carry out the procedures well and choose and apply simple problem solving strategies and can interprete and represent situations.
PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN MATEMATIKA BERDIFERENSIASI BERBASIS ANDROID
Authors: Purwanto Ageng Jelly , Dwi Gita Rina Sugiarti
Published: April 2023

Learning in the Kurikulum Merdeka is more focused on differentiated learning. There are three differentiated learning strategies, namely, content differentiation, process differentiation, and product differentiation. Learning in the Kurikulum Merdeka other than differentiation can also be supported by information technology. As technology develops, android application developers create android-based learning media which are then distributed through the google play store. However, none of them are in accordance with differentiated learning so it is necessary to develop an application that suits the needs of students and is in line with the Kurikulum Merdeka. The learning media development design used is the ADDIE model with 5 stages, namely Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation and produces products in the form of android-based differentiated mathematics learning media which contains material, comics, games, calculators and practice questions. The material used is single interest and compound interest (exponential on number elements) in accordance with the learning outcomes in phase E of the Kurikulum Merdeka. Based on implementation results, students feel comfortable with the application because user friendly.
ANALISIS KESULITAN BELAJAR MAHASISWA DALAM PEMBELAJARAN DARING PADA MATA KULIAH STATISTIKA
Authors: Sari Raras Kartika
Published: April 2023

The research was carried out with the aim of analyzing difficulties in the student learning process in online learning in Statistics courses. This research was conducted using a descriptive qualitative method. Descriptive qualitative research has several stages as follows: data collection, data reduction and drawing conclusions on research data. The research was conducted at the Indonesian Technocrat University. The research subjects were Students of the Mathematics Education Study Program 2021 Class A who were taking an online Statistics course. Based on the description of the research results, it can be concluded that the difficulties in the student learning process in Statistics courses which are carried out online are influenced by internal factors and external factors. Learning difficulties from internal factors include: difficulties in motivation and interest in learning and difficulties in understanding the material. Learning difficulties influenced by external factors, namely: difficulties in understanding lecturer explanations, signal difficulties and data quotas owned by students, difficulties in using learning applications, limited gadgets owned and difficulties in obtaining support for the learning environment.
PENGARUH METODE PEMBELAJARAN BRAINSTORMING TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR MATEMATIKA SISWA
Authors: Putri Latifaturrahmi Eka , Fitri Haida , Aniswita Aniswita , Rusdi Rusdi
Published: April 2023

Based on the results of observations made by researchers in class XI MIPA at SMA Negeri 1 Banuhampu, it was found that the problem in this study was the low mathematics learning outcomes of students, this was because the learning process was dominated by teachers and students tended to be passive in learning. Seeing these problems the researcher provides a solution through the application of the brainstorming learning method in linear programming material. Because the brainstorming learning method can increase student learning activities and make learning outcomes better. This research was an experimental research with the static group comparison research design. The population in this study were 4 classes XI MIPA SMA Negeri 1 Banuhampu. Based on the research and test results of students' mathematics learning in the sample class, the data obtained were not normally distributed and were homogeneous. The calculation results obtained in the discussion through the u-test standardized z-test obtained that = 3.3784 and = 1.65. The calculation results show that . This means that the test decision H0 is rejected and H1 is accepted. So it can be concluded that there is a significant effect of the use of the brainstorming learning method on the mathematics learning outcomes of class XI MIPA students at SMA Negeri 1 Bahuhampu in the 2022/2023 academic year.
An improved reduced order model for bladed disks including multistage aeroelastic and structural coupling
Authors: Schwerdt Lukas , Maroldt Niklas , Panning-von Scheidt Lars , Wallaschek Joerg , Seume Joerg
Published: April 2023

To assess the influence of mistuning on the vibration amplitudes of turbomachinery rotors, reduced order models (ROMs) are widely used. A variety of methods are available for single-stage configurations and mostly aeroelastic effects can be taken into account. More recent research focusses on extending these methods to include multiple stages. However, due to the significantly increased computational effort of the aeroelastic simulations when adding more stages to the models, these ROMs are rarely applied with the inclusion of multistage aeroelastic effects. It is therefore desirable to develop reduction methods which minimize the number of these simulations to reduce the computational cost and thereby enable analyses of rotors with multiple stages including aeroelastic effects. In this paper, a cyclic Craig-Bampton reduction method with an a priori interface reduction for multistage rotors is extended with an additional a posteriori interface reduction to reduce the number of aeroelastic simulations necessary for a given accuracy level of the ROM. The interface degrees of freedom between stages are reduced using a modified version of Characteristic Constraint Modes, to yield a more efficient representation of their displacements while retaining their monoharmonic nature. The method is applied to a two-stage axial compressor with full aeroelastic coupling between the stages and its reduced computational effort is demonstrated. Additionally, two sorting methods for the degrees of freedom (DOFs) of the ROM are compared.
Active exoskeleton reduces erector spinae muscle activity during lifting
Authors: Walter Tobias , Stutzig Norman , Siebert Tobias
Published: April 2023

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are a widespread problem, often regarding the lumbar region. Exoskeletons designed to support the lower back could be used in physically demanding professions with the intention of reducing the strain on the musculoskeletal system, e.g., by lowering task-related muscle activation. The present study aims to investigate the effect of an active exoskeleton on back muscle activity when lifting weights. Within the framework of the study, 14 subjects were asked to lift a 15 kg box with and without an active exoskeleton which allows the adjustment of different levels of support, while the activity of their M. erector spinae (MES) was measured using surface electromyography. Additionally, the subjects were asked about their overall rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during lifting under various conditions. Using the exoskeleton with the maximum level of support, the muscle activity was significantly lower than without exoskeleton. A significant correlation was found between the exoskeleton’s support level and the reduction of MES activity. The higher the support level, the lower the observed muscle activity. Furthermore, when lifting with the maximum level of support, RPE was found to be significantly lower than without exoskeleton too. A reduction in the MES activity indicates actual support for the movement task and might indicate lower compression forces in the lumbar region. It is concluded that the active exoskeleton supports people noticeably when lifting heavy weights. Exoskeletons seem to be a powerful tool for reducing load during physically demanding jobs and thus, their use might be helpful in lowering the risk of MSD.
Extracellular vesicles: an emerging player in retinal homeostasis
Authors: Chatterjee Amit , Singh Ruchira
Published: April 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) encompass secreted membrane vesicles of varied sizes, including exosomes (−30–200 nm) and microvesicles (MVs) that are ∼100–1,000 nm in size. EVs play an important role in autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine signaling and are implicated in myriad human disorders including prominent retinal degenerative diseases, like age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). Studies of EVs in vitro using transformed cell lines, primary cultures, and more recently, induced pluripotent stem cell derived retinal cell type(s) (e.g., retinal pigment epithelium) have provided insights into the composition and function of EVs in the retina. Furthermore, consistent with a causal role of EVs in retinal degenerative diseases, altering EV composition has promoted pro-retinopathy cellular and molecular events in both in vitro and in vivo models. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the role of EVs in retinal (patho)physiology. Specifically, we will focus on disease-associated EV alterations in specific retinal diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the potential utility of EVs in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for targeting retinal diseases.
The role of Eya1 and Eya2 in the taste system of mice from embryonic stage to adulthood
Authors: Zhang Ting , Xu Pin-Xian
Published: April 2023

Members of the Eya family, which are a class of transcription factors with phosphatase activity, are widely expressed in cranial sensory organs during development. However, it is unclear whether these genes are expressed in the taste system during development and whether they play any role in specifying taste cell fate. In this study, we report that Eya1 is not expressed during embryonic tongue development but that Eya1-expressing progenitors in somites or pharyngeal endoderm give rise to tongue musculature or taste organs, respectively. In the Eya1-deficient tongues, these progenitors do not proliferate properly, resulting in a smaller tongue at birth, impaired growth of taste papillae, and disrupted expression of Six1 in the papillary epithelium. On the other hand, Eya2 is specifically expressed in endoderm-derived circumvallate and foliate papillae located on the posterior tongue during development. In adult tongues, Eya1 is predominantly expressed in IP3R3-positive taste cells in the taste buds of the circumvallate and foliate papillae, while Eya2 is persistently expressed in these papillae at higher levels in some epithelial progenitors and at lower levels in some taste cells. We found that conditional knockout of Eya1 in the third week or Eya2 knockout reduced Pou2f3+, Six1+ and IP3R3+ taste cells. Our data define for the first time the expression patterns of Eya1 and Eya2 during the development and maintenance of the mouse taste system and suggest that Eya1 and Eya2 may act together to promote lineage commitment of taste cell subtypes.
Filter media for storm water treatment in sustainable cities: A review
Authors: Westholm Lena Johansson
Published: April 2023

Graphical Abstract

Conceptual model of storm water flowing from roads, roofs, and impermeable surfaces to a bioretention systems in which filter media is incorporated for treatment and management of the storm water before it is being released into the environment.
Laser-assisted synthesis of two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides: a mini review
Authors: Wang Hanxin , Xu Manzhang , Ji Hongjia , He Tong , Li Weiwei , Zheng Lu , Wang Xuewen
Published: April 2023

The atomically thin two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have attracted the researcher’s interest in the field of flexible electronics due to their high mobility, tunable bandgaps, and mechanical flexibility. As an emerging technique, laser-assisted direct writing has been used for the synthesis of TMDCs due to its extremely high preparation accuracy, rich light–matter interaction mechanism, dynamic properties, fast preparation speed, and minimal thermal effects. Currently, this technology has been focused on the synthesis of 2D graphene, while there are few literatures that summarize the progress in direct laser writing technology in the synthesis of 2D TMDCs. Therefore, in this mini-review, the synthetic strategies of applying laser to the fabrication of 2D TMDCs have been briefly summarized and discussed, which are divided into top-down and bottom-up methods. The detailed fabrication steps, main characteristics, and mechanism of both methods are discussed. Finally, prospects and further opportunities in the booming field of laser-assisted synthesis of 2D TMDCs are addressed.
The traditional Chinese medicine and non-small cell lung cancer: from a gut microbiome perspective
Authors: Wang Xuelin , Hou Liming , Cui Meng , Liu Junnan , Wang Mengzhou , Xie Jianwu
Published: April 2023

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most serious diseases affecting human health today, and current research is focusing on gut flora. There is a correlation between intestinal flora imbalance and lung cancer, but the specific mechanism is not clear. Based on the “lung and large intestine being interior-exteriorly related” and the “lung-intestinal axis” theory. Here, based on the theoretical comparisons of Chinese and western medicine, we summarized the regulation of intestinal flora in NSCLC by active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese herbal compounds and their intervention effects, which is conducive to providing new strategies and ideas for clinical prevention and treatment of NSCLC.
Characterization of fliR-deletion mutant ΔfliR from Vibrio alginolyticus and the evaluation as a live attenuated vaccine
Authors: Da Fan , Wan Xiaoju , Lin Guixiang , Jian Jichang , Cai Shuanghu
Published: April 2023

Vibrio alginolyticus is the common pathogen affecting various species of marine organisms. It has been demonstrated that fliR is a necessary virulence factor to adhere and infect their hosts for pathogenic bacteria. Frequent disease outbreaks in aquaculture have highlighted the necessity of developing effective vaccines. In the present study, in order to investigate the function of fliR in V.alginolyticus, the fliR deletion mutant ΔfliR was constructed and its biological properties were evaluated, additionally, the differences in gene expression levels between wild-type and ΔfliR were analyzed by transcriptomics. Finally, ΔfliR was used as a live attenuated vaccine to immunize grouper via the intraperitoneal route to evaluate its protective effect. Results show that fliR gene of V. alginolyticus was identified as being 783 bp in length, encoding 260 amino acids, and showing significant similarity to homologs of other Vibrio species. The fliR-deletion mutant ΔfliR of V. alginolyticus was successfully constructed, and its biological phenotype analysis showed no significant differences in growth capacity and extracellular enzyme activity compared to the wild-type. However, a substantial reduction of motility ability was detected in ΔfliR. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the absence of fliR gene is responsible for a significantly decreased expression of flagellar genes, including flaA, flaB, fliS, flhB and fliM. The fliR-deletion mainly affects the related pathways involved in cell motility, membrane transport, signal transduction, carbohydrate metabolism, and amino acid metabolism in V. alginolyticus. The efficacy of ΔfliR as a candidate of live attenuated vaccine were evaluated by intraperitoneal injection in grouper. The ΔfliR provided the RPS (Relative protection rate) of 67.2% against V. alginolyticus in groupers. The ΔfliR efficiently stimulated antibody production with specific IgM still detected at 42 d post-vaccination, and significantly elevated the activity of antioxidant enzymes like Catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the serum. The higher expression levels of immune-related genes were observed in the immune tissues of inoculated grouper compared to the control. In conclusion, ΔfliR effectively improved the immunity of inoculated fish. The results suggest that ΔfliR is an effective live attenuated vaccine against vibriosis in in grouper.
Study on the characteristic of the grounding fault on the cascaded midpoint side of the hybrid cascaded HVDC system
Authors: Ren Yonghao , Sun Huadong , Wang Shanshan , Zhao Bing , Xu Shiyun , Liu Min , Lian Panjie
Published: April 2023

The hybrid cascaded high-voltage direct current (HVDC) system combines the system support capabilities of the modular multilevel converter (MMC) with the capacity of the line-mutated converter’s (LCC’s) advantage of high-power transmission. The HVDC system is among the key elements of a smart grid where artificial intelligence is applied extensively. However, the characteristics of a grounding fault on the cascaded midpoint side of a hybrid cascaded HVDC system remain unclear. This study analyzes fault characteristics and the impact of faults using analytical methods. First, the topology and basic control strategy are presented. The fault response process is then analyzed by dividing systems into the MMC and LCC parts at the inverter side. A separate theoretical analysis is also conducted. In addition, the impacts of faults on HVDC and alternating current (AC) networks are analyzed. Therefore, even after the HVDC system is disabled, the AC network can supply fault currents using an antiparallel diode. The simulation results show that the proposed analysis method is feasible, and the theoretical analysis is correct. The proposed method can provide a theoretical basis for the selection of equipment for HVDC systems and smart grid construction.
Real-time assessment of neutrophil metabolism and oxidative burst using extracellular flux analysis
Authors: Grudzinska Frances S. , Jasper Alice , Sapey Elizabeth , Thickett David R. , Mauro Claudio , Scott Aaron , Barlow Jonathan
Published: April 2023

Neutrophil responses are critical during inflammatory and infective events, and neutrophil dysregulation has been associated with poor patient outcomes. Immunometabolism is a rapidly growing field that has provided insights into cellular functions in health and disease. Neutrophils are highly glycolytic when activated, with inhibition of glycolysis associated with functional deficits. There is currently very limited data available assessing metabolism in neutrophils. Extracellular flux (XF) analysis assesses real time oxygen consumption and the rate of proton efflux in cells. This technology allows for the automated addition of inhibitors and stimulants to visualise the effect on metabolism. We describe optimised protocols for an XFe96 XF Analyser to (i) probe glycolysis in neutrophils under basal and stimulated conditions, (ii) probe phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate induced oxidative burst, and (iii) highlight challenges of using XF technology to examine mitochondrial function in neutrophils. We provide an overview of how to analyze XF data and identify pitfalls of probing neutrophil metabolism with XF analysis. In summary we describe robust methods for assessing glycolysis and oxidative burst in human neutrophils and discuss the challenges around using this technique to assess mitochondrial respiration. XF technology is a powerful platform with a user-friendly interface and data analysis templates, however we suggest caution when assessing neutrophil mitochondrial respiration.
Environmental and microbial factors influence affective and cognitive behavior in C57BL/6 sub-strains
Authors: Abdel Aziz Nada , Berkiks Inssaf , Mosala Paballo , Brombacher Tiroyaone M. , Brombacher Frank
Published: April 2023

C57BL/6 mice are one of the most widely used inbred strains in biomedical research. Early separation of the breeding colony has led to the development of several sub-strains. Colony separation led to genetic variation development driving numerous phenotypic discrepancies. The reported phenotypic behavior differences between the sub-strains were, however; not consistent in the literature, suggesting the involvement of factors other than host genes. Here, we characterized the cognitive and affective behavior of C57BL/6J and C57BL/6N mice in correlation with the immune cell profile in the brain. Furthermore, faecal microbiota transfer and mice co-housing techniques were used to dissect microbial and environmental factors’ contribution, respectively, to cognitive and affective behavior patterns. We first noted a unique profile of locomotor activity, immobility pattern, and spatial and non-spatial learning and memory abilities between the two sub-strains. The phenotypic behavior profile was associated with a distinct difference in the dynamics of type 2 cytokines in the meninges and brain parenchyma. Analysing the contribution of microbiome and environmental factors to the noted behavioral profile, our data indicated that while immobility pattern was genetically driven, locomotor activity and cognitive abilities were highly sensitive to alterations in the gut microbiome and environmental factors. Changes in the phenotypic behavior in response to these factors were associated with changes in immune cell profile. While microglia were highly sensitive to alteration in gut microbiome, immune cells in meninges were more resilient. Collectively, our findings demonstrated a direct impact of environmental conditions on gut microbiota which subsequently impacts the brain immune cell profile that could modulate cognitive and affective behavior. Our data further highlight the importance of characterizing the laboratory available strain/sub-strain to select the most appropriate one that fits best the study purpose.
Delivering co-stimulatory tumor necrosis factor receptor agonism for cancer immunotherapy: past, current and future perspectives
Authors: Dadas Osman , Ertay Ayse , Cragg Mark S.
Published: April 2023

The tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF) and their receptors (TNFRSF) are important regulators of the immune system, mediating proliferation, survival, differentiation, and function of immune cells. As a result, their targeting for immunotherapy is attractive, although to date, under-exploited. In this review we discuss the importance of co-stimulatory members of the TNFRSF in optimal immune response generation, the rationale behind targeting these receptors for immunotherapy, the success of targeting them in pre-clinical studies and the challenges in translating this success into the clinic. The efficacy and limitations of the currently available agents are discussed alongside the development of next generation immunostimulatory agents designed to overcome current issues, and capitalize on this receptor class to deliver potent, durable and safe drugs for patients.
Understanding the drivers, scale and impact of abandoned, lost and otherwise discarded fishing gear in small-scale fisheries: an Eastern Caribbean perspective
Authors: Lovell Tricia A.
Published: April 2023

Abandoned, lost and otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) presents a significant and complex challenge which can result in severe deleterious impacts to habitats, marine wildlife, and fishing and coastal communities the world over. Small island states like the countries of the Eastern Caribbean are highly vulnerable to a range of external stressors, therefore it is essential to gain an understanding of the threat posed by all forms of marine debris including ALDFG to the sub-region. To gain an understanding of the drivers, scale and impact of the threat associated with small-scale fisheries of the Eastern Caribbean, interviews with 49 fish trap and line fishers as well as 14 divers in Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica were conducted. Interviews were completed over the course of two months (July – August 2022) at landing sites around all three islands. Fish traps continue to be a major contributor to ALDFG in the study area, with an estimated 2, 273 traps and 2, 567 being lost on Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica respectively, based on the most recent estimates of the fishing fleet. Severe weather and snagging of benthic obstructions have emerged as the most significant contributors to fish trap loss in both countries while towing of fishing lines was the most frequently identified cause in the countries’ line fisheries. Observed variabilities in drivers of loss between both countries may be attributed to a number of factors including diversities in the fishing sectors, differences in local practices and heterogeneity in the biogeography of the marine environment. Further, evidence shows that the challenge of ALDFG within the Eastern Caribbean context, goes beyond local drivers of loss and may be influenced by transboundary inputs from both within and outside the region. Divers reported encountering not only ALDFG originating from within the two countries but some forms of ALDFG that may have drifted into the area from neighbouring islands (MFAD components) or further afield (polypropylene netting). Managing this challenge effectively will require not only fisheries specific interventions but the cooperation and collaboration of pool of stakeholders both nationally and beyond.