bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AI, ageing and brain-work productivity: Technological change in professional Japanese chess
Authors: YAMAMURA Eiji , HAYASHI Ryohei
Published: May 2024

Using Japanese professional chess (Shogi) players’ records in the setting where various external factors are controlled in deterministic and finite games, this paper examines how and the extent to which the emergence of technological changes influences the ageing and innate ability of players’ winning probability. We gathered games of professional Shogi players from 1968 to 2019, which we divided into three periods: 1968–1989, 1990–2012 (the diffusion of as information and communications technology (ICT)) and 2013–2019 (artificial intelligence (AI)). We found (1) diffusion of AI reduces the impact of innate ability in players performance. Consequently, the performance gap among same-age players has narrowed; (2) in all the periods, players’ winning rates declined consistently from 20 years and as they get older; (3) AI accelerated the ageing decline of the probability of winning, which increased the performance gap among different aged players; (4) the effects of AI on the ageing decline and the probability of winning are observed for high innate skill players but not for low innate skill ones. The findings are specific to Shogi as a kind of board games although it is valuable to examine the extent to which the findings hold for other labor market.
Renal and major clinical outcomes and their determinants after nephrectomy in patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Schleef Maxime , Roy Pascal , Lemoine Sandrine , Paparel Philippe , Colombel Marc , Badet Lionel , Guebre-Egziabher Fitsum
Published: May 2024

The consequences of partial nephrectomy (PN) compared to radical nephrectomy (RN) are less documented in patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease (CKD) or with solitary kidney (SK). We assessed renal outcomes, and their determinants, after PN or RN in a retrospective cohort of patients with moderate-to-severe CKD (RN-CKD and PN-CKD) or SK (PN-SK). All surgical procedures conducted between 2013 and 2018 in our institution in patients with pre-operative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)<60 mL/min/1.73m2 or with SK were included. The primary outcome was a composite criterion including CKD progression or major adverse cardio-vascular events (MACE) or death, assessed one year after surgery. Predictors of the primary outcome were determined using multivariate analyses. A total of 173 procedures were included (67 RN, and 106 PN including 27 SK patients). Patients undergoing RN were older, with larger tumors. Preoperative eGFR was not significantly different between the groups. One year after surgery, PN-CKD was associated with lower rate of the primary outcome compared to RN-CKD (43% vs 71% p = 0.007). In multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for the primary outcome were postoperative AKI (stage 1 to stage 3 ranging from OR = 8.68, 95% CI 3.23–23.33, to OR = 28.87, 95% CI 4.77–167.61), larger tumor size (OR = 1.21 per cm, 95% CI 1.02–1.45), while preoperative eGFR, age, sex, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were not. Postoperative AKI after PN or RN was the major independent determinant of worse outcomes (CKD progression, MACE, or death) one year after surgery.
Physical activity and temperature changes of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) participating in eco-tourism activities and elephant polo
Authors: Tilley Hannah B. , Murphy Derek , Wierucka Kaja , Wong Tsz Ching , Surreault-Châble Annaëlle , Mumby Hannah S.
Published: May 2024

Captive and domestic animals are often required to engage in physical activity initiated or organised by humans, which may impact their body temperature, with consequences for their health and welfare. This is a particular concern for animals such as elephants that face thermoregulatory challenges because of their body size and physiology. Using infrared thermography, we measured changes in skin temperature associated with two types of physical activity in ten female Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) at an eco-tourism lodge in Nepal. Six elephants took part in an activity relatively unfamiliar to the elephants–a polo tournament—and four participated in more familiar ecotourism activities. We recorded skin temperatures for four body regions affected by the activities, as well as an average skin temperature. Temperature change was used as the response variable in the analysis and calculated as the difference in elephant temperature before and after activity. We found no significant differences in temperature change between the elephants in the polo-playing group and those from the non-polo playing group. However, for both groups, when comparing the average skin body temperature and several different body regions, we found significant differences in skin temperature change before and after activity. The ear pinna was the most impacted region and was significantly different to all other body regions. This result highlights the importance of this region in thermoregulation for elephants during physical activity. However, as we found no differences between the average body temperatures of the polo and non-polo playing groups, we suggest that thermoregulatory mechanisms can counteract the effects of both physical activities the elephants engaged in.
Spatial and temporal distribution of optimal maize sowing dates in Nigeria
Authors: Mkuhlani Siyabusa , Bendito Eduardo Garcia , Tofa Abdullahi I. , Aliyu Kamaluddin Tijjani , Shehu Bello Muhammad , Kreye Christine , Chemura Abel
Published: May 2024

Climate change and inter-annual variability cause variation in rainfall commencement and cessation which has consequences for the maize growing season length and thus impact yields. This study therefore sought to determine the spatially explicit optimum maize sowing dates to enable site specific recommendations in Nigeria. Gridded weather and soil data, crop management and cultivar were used to simulate maize yield from 1981–2019 at a scale of 0.5°. A total of 37 potential sowing dates between 1 March and 7 November at an interval of 7 days for each year were evaluated. The optimum sowing date was the date which maximizes yield at harvest, keeping all other management factors constant. The results show that optimum sowing dates significantly vary across the country with northern Nigeria having notably delayed sowing dates compared to southern Nigeria which has earlier planting dates. The long-term optimal sowing dates significantly (p<0.05), shifted between the 1980s (1981–1990), and current (2011–2019), for most of the country. The most optimum planting dates of southern Nigeria shifted to later sowing dates while most optimum sowing dates of central and northern Nigeria shifted to earlier sowing dates. There was more variation in optimum sowing dates in the wetter than the drier agro-ecologies. Changes in climate explain changes in sowing dates in wetter agro-ecologies compared to drier agro-ecologies. The study concludes that the optimum sowing dates derived from this study and the corresponding methodology used to generate them can be used to improve cropping calendars in maize farming in Nigeria.
Continuity of care between dyslipidemia patients and multiple providers: A cohort study
Authors: Choi Eunyoung , Lee Juhee , Choo Eunjung , Jang Eun Jin , Lee Iyn-Hyang
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the impacts of continuity of care (COC) between patients and multiple providers, i.e., doctors and community pharmacists, on clinical and economic outcomes.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study and analyzed Korean national claims data for ambulatory care setting between 2007 and 2018. Patients with dyslipidemia newly diagnosed in 2008 were identified. COC between providers and patients was computed using the continuity of care index (COCI). Based on COCIs, the study patients were allocated to four groups: HM/HP, HM/LP, LM/HP, and LM/LP. Each symbol represents H for high, L for low, M for doctor, and P for pharmacist. The primary study outcome was the incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

Results

126,710 patients were included. Percentages of patients in the four study groups were as follows: HM/HP 35%, HM/LP 19%, LM/HP 12%, and LM/LP 34%. During the seven-year outcome period, 8,337 patients (6.6%) developed an ASCVD, and percentages in the study groups were as follows; HM/HP 6.2%, HM/LP 6.3%, LM/HP 6.8%, and LM/LP 7.1%. After adjusting for confounding covariates, only the LM/LP group had a significantly higher risk of ASCVD than the reference group, HM/HP (aHR = 1.16 [95% confidence interval = 1.10~1.22]). The risk of inappropriate medication adherence gradually increased 1.03-fold in the HM/LP group, 1.67-fold in the LM/HP, and 2.26-fold in the LM/LP group versus the HM/HP group after adjusting for covariates. Disease-related costs were lower in the HM/HP and LM/HP groups.

Conclusions

The study shows that patients with high relational care continuity with doctors and pharmacists achieved better clinical results and utilized health care less, resulting in reduced expenses. Further exploration for the group that exhibits an ongoing relationship solely with pharmacists is warranted.
Vowel onset measures and their reliability, sensitivity and specificity: A systematic literature review
Authors: Chacon Antonia Margarita , Nguyen Duy Duong , Holik John , Döllinger Michael , Arias-Vergara Tomás , Madill Catherine Jeanette
Published: May 2024

Objective

To systematically evaluate the evidence for the reliability, sensitivity and specificity of existing measures of vowel-initial voice onset.

Methods

A literature search was conducted across electronic databases for published studies (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, PubMed Central, IEEE Xplore) and grey literature (ProQuest for unpublished dissertations) measuring vowel onset. Eligibility criteria included research of any study design type or context focused on measuring human voice onset on an initial vowel. Two independent reviewers were involved at each stage of title and abstract screening, data extraction and analysis. Data extracted included measures used, their reliability, sensitivity and specificity. Risk of bias and certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE as the data of interest was extracted.

Results

The search retrieved 6,983 records. Titles and abstracts were screened against the inclusion criteria by two independent reviewers, with a third reviewer responsible for conflict resolution. Thirty-five papers were included in the review, which identified five categories of voice onset measurement: auditory perceptual, acoustic, aerodynamic, physiological and visual imaging. Reliability was explored in 14 papers with varied reliability ratings, while sensitivity was rarely assessed, and no assessment of specificity was conducted across any of the included records. Certainty of evidence ranged from very low to moderate with high variability in methodology and voice onset measures used.

Conclusions

A range of vowel-initial voice onset measurements have been applied throughout the literature, however, there is a lack of evidence regarding their sensitivity, specificity and reliability in the detection and discrimination of voice onset types. Heterogeneity in study populations and methods used preclude conclusions on the most valid measures. There is a clear need for standardisation of research methodology, and for future studies to examine the practicality of these measures in research and clinical settings.
A protocol of a pilot randomised trial (Action-RESPOND) to support rural and regional communities with implementing community-based systems thinking obesity prevention initiatives
Authors: Yoong Sze Lin , Brown Andrew D. , Leung Gloria K. W. , Hillenaar Monique , David Jennifer L. , Hayward Josh , Strugnell Claudia , Bell Colin , Brown Vicki , Jackson Michelle , Allender Steven
Published: May 2024

Background

Over a quarter of children aged 2–17 years living in Australia are overweight or obese, with a higher prevalence reported in regional and remote communities. Systems thinking approaches that seek to support communities to generate and implement locally appropriate solutions targeting intertwined environmental, political, sociocultural, and individual determinants of obesity have the potential to ameliorate this. There have however been reported challenges with implementation of such initiatives, which may be strengthened by incorporating implementation science methods.

Methods

This pilot randomised controlled trial protocol outlines the development and proposed evaluation of a multicomponent implementation strategy (Action-RESPOND). to increase the implementation of community-based systems thinking child obesity prevention initiatives The target of this intervention is ten rural and regional communities (or local government areas as the unit of allocation) within Northeast Victoria who were participants in a whole-of-systems intervention (RESPOND). Action-RESPOND builds on this intervention by assessing the impact of offering additional implementation strategies to five communities relative to usual care. The development of the multicomponent implementation strategy was informed by the Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (PARIHS) framework and consists of seven implementation strategies primarily delivered via ‘facilitation’ methods. Implementation strategies aimed to ensure initiatives implemented are i) evidence-based, ii) address community’s specific needs and iii) are suitable for local context. Strategies also aimed to increase the community’s capacity to implement, through iv) improving the health promotion team’s implementation knowledge and skills, fostering v) leadership, vi) physical resources and vii) community culture to drive implementation. The feasibility, acceptability, potential impact, and cost of the strategy will be assessed at baseline and follow up using surveys administered to key representatives within the community and internal records maintained by the research team.

Discussion

By leveraging an existing community-based whole-of-systems intervention, Action-RESPOND offers a unique opportunity to collect pilot feasibility and early empirical data on how to apply implementation and systems science approaches to support obesity prevention in rural and regional communities in Victoria.
Propensity score matching as an effective strategy for biomarker cohort design and omics data analysis
Authors: Maekawa Masaki , Tanaka Atsushi , Ogawa Makiko , Roehrl Michael H.
Published: May 2024

Background

Analysis of omics data that contain multidimensional biological and clinical information can be complex and make it difficult to deduce significance of specific biomarker factors.

Methods

We explored the utility of propensity score matching (PSM), a statistical technique for minimizing confounding factors and simplifying the examination of specific factors. We tested two datasets generated from cohorts of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, one comprised of immunohistochemical analysis of 12 protein markers in 544 CRC tissues and another consisting of RNA-seq profiles of 163 CRC cases. We examined the efficiency of PSM by comparing pre- and post-PSM analytical results.

Results

Unlike conventional analysis which typically compares randomized cohorts of cancer and normal tissues, PSM enabled direct comparison between patient characteristics uncovering new prognostic biomarkers. By creating optimally matched groups to minimize confounding effects, our study demonstrates that PSM enables robust extraction of significant biomarkers while requiring fewer cancer cases and smaller overall patient cohorts.

Conclusion

PSM may emerge as an efficient and cost-effective strategy for multiomic data analysis and clinical trial design for biomarker discovery.
Are serious games an alternative to traditional personality questionnaires? Initial analysis of a gamified assessment
Authors: Ramos-Villagrasa Pedro J. , Fernández-del-Río Elena , Hermoso Ramón , Cebrián Jorge
Published: May 2024

Personality questionnaires stand as crucial instruments in personnel selection but their limitations turn the interest towards alternatives like game-related assessments (GRAs). GRAs developed for goals other than fun are called serious games. Within them, gamified assessments are serious games that share similarities with traditional assessments (questionnaires, situational judgment tests, etc.) but they incorporate game elements like story, music, and game dynamics. This paper aims to contribute to the research on serious games as an alternative to traditional personality questionnaires by analyzing the characteristics of a gamified assessment called VASSIP. This gamified assessment, based on an existing measure of the Big Five personality traits, incorporates game elements such as storyfication, immersion, and non-evaluable gamified dynamics. The study performed included 98 university students (77.6% with job experience) as participants. They completed the original personality measure (BFI-2-S), the gamified evaluation of personality (VASSIP), a self-report measure of the main dimensions of job performance (task performance, contextual performance, and counterproductive work behaviors), and measures of applicant reactions to BFI-2-S and VASSIP. Results showed that the gamified assessment behaved similarly to the original personality measure in terms of reliability and participants’ scores, although the scores in Conscientiousness were substantially higher in VASSIP. Focusing on self-reports of the three dimensions of job performance, regression models showed that the gamified assessment could explain all of them. Regarding applicant reactions, the gamified assessment obtained higher scores in perceptions of comfort, predictive validity, and attractiveness, although the effect size was small except for the latter. Finally, all applicant reactions except for attractiveness were related to age and personality traits. In conclusion, gamified assessments have the potential to be an alternative to traditional personality questionnaires but VASSIP needs more research before its application in actual selection processes.
Characteristics of inclusions in chang 7 member and shale oil accumulation stages in Zhijing-Ansai area, Ordos Basin
Authors: Wu Wenjie , Wang Jian , Wu Nan , Feng Yong , Liang Yilin , Chen Yulin
Published: May 2024

In order to further clarify the shale oil accumulation period of the Chang 7 member of the Mesozoic Triassic Yanchang Formation in the Zhijing-Ansai area of the central Ordos Basin, Using fluid inclusion petrography analysis, microscopic temperature measurement, salinity analysis and fluorescence spectrum analysis methods, combined with the burial history-thermal history recovery in the area, the oil and gas accumulation period of the Chang 7 member of the Yanchang Formation in the Zhijing-Ansai area was comprehensively analyzed. Sixteen shale oil reservoir samples of the Mesozoic Triassic Yanchang Formation in seven typical wells in the study area were selected.The results show that the fluid inclusions in the Chang 7 member of Yanchang Formation can be divided into two stages. The first stage inclusions mainly develop liquid hydrocarbon inclusions and a large number of associated brine inclusions, which are mainly beaded in fracture-filled quartz and fracture-filled calcite. The fluorescence color is blue and blue-green, and the homogenization temperature of the associated brine inclusions is between 90–110°C. The second stage inclusions are mainly gas-liquid two-phase hydrocarbon inclusions, gas inclusions and asphalt inclusions. Most of them are distributed in the fracture-filled quartz, and the temperature of the associated brine inclusions is between 120–130°C. Fluid inclusions in Chang 7 member of the Yanchang Formation can be divided into two stages. The CO2 inclusions and high temperature inclusions in the Chang 7 member of the Yanchang Formation are mainly derived from deep volcanic activity in the crust.
Phytomediated stress modulates antioxidant status, induces overexpression of CYP6M2, Hsp70, α-esterase, and suppresses the ABC transporter in Anopheles gambiae (sensu stricto) exposed to Ocimum tenuiflorum extracts
Authors: Aremu Harun K. , Dare Christianah A. , Adekale Idris A. , Adetunji Bukunmi D. , Musa Dickson A. , Azeez Luqmon A. , Oyewole Olu I.
Published: May 2024

The incorporation of phytoactive compounds in the management of malarial vectors holds promise for the development of innovative and efficient alternatives. Nevertheless, the molecular and physiological responses that these bioactive substances induce remain underexplored. This present study investigated the toxicity of different concentrations of aqueous and methanol extracts of Ocimum tenuiflorum against larvae of Anopheles gambiae (sensu stricto) and unraveled the possible underlying molecular pathways responsible for the observed physiological effects. FTIR and GCMS analyses of phytoactive compounds in aqueous and methanol crude extracts of O. tenuiflorum showed the presence of OH stretching vibration, C = C stretching modes of aromatics and methylene rocking vibration; ring deformation mode with high levels of trans-β-ocimene, 3,7-dimethyl-1,3,6-octatriene in aqueous extract and 4-methoxy-benzaldehyde, 1,3,5-trimethyl-cyclohexane and o-cymene in methanol extract. The percentage mortality upon exposure to methanol and aqueous extracts of O. tenuiflorum were 21.1% and 26.1% at 24 h, 27.8% and 36.1% at 48 h and 36.1% and 45% at 72 h respectively. Using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), down-regulation of ABC transporter, overexpression of CYP6M2, Hsp70, and α-esterase, coupled with significantly increased levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH, were observed in An. gambiae (s.s.) exposed to aqueous and methanol extracts of O. tenuiflorum as compared to the control. Findings from this study have significant implications for our understanding of how An. gambiae (s.s.) larvae detoxify phytoactive compounds.
Assessment of antibiotic prescribing pattern and cost for hospitalized patients: A study from Palestine
Authors: Manassrah Rufayda Dawood , Al Ramahi Rowa
Published: May 2024

Background

One of the largest problems facing the world today is the morbidity and mortality caused by antibiotic resistance in bacterial infections. A major factor in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the irrational use of antibiotics. The objective of this study was to assess the prescribing pattern and cost of antibiotics in two major governmental hospitals in the West Bank of Palestine.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 428 inpatient prescriptions containing antibiotics from two major governmental hospitals, they were evaluated by some drug use indicators. The cost of antibiotics in these prescriptions was calculated based on the local cost. Descriptive statistics were performed using IBM-SPSS version 21.

Results

The mean ± SD number of drugs per prescription (NDPP) was 6.72 ± 4.37. Of these medicines, 38.9% were antibiotics. The mean ± SD number of antibiotics per prescription (NAPP) was 2.61 ± 1.54. The average ± SD cost per prescription (CPP) was 392 ± 744 USD. The average ± SD antibiotic cost per prescription (ACPP) was 276 ± 553 USD. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics were ceftriaxone (52.8%), metronidazole (24.8%), and vancomycin (21.0%). About 19% of the antibiotics were prescribed for intra-abdominal infections; followed by 16% used as prophylactics to prevent infections. Almost all antibiotics prescribed were administered intravenously (IV) 94.63%. In general, the average duration of antibiotic therapy was 7.33 ± 8.19 days. The study indicated that the number of antibiotics per prescription was statistically different between the hospitals (p= 0.022), and it was also affected by other variables like the diagnosis (p= 0.006), the duration of hospitalization (p< 0.001), and the NDPP (p< 0.001). The most commonly prescribed antibiotics and the cost of antibiotics per prescription were significantly different between the two hospitals (p < 0.001); The cost was much higher in the Palestinian Medical Complex.

Conclusion

The practice of prescribing antibiotics in Palestine’s public hospitals may be unnecessary and expensive. This has to be improved through education, adherence to recommendations, yearly immunization, and stewardship programs; intra-abdominal infections were the most commonly seen infection in inpatients and ceftriaxone was the most frequently administered antibiotic.
Major Group-B Enterovirus populations deleted in the noncoding 5’ region of genomic RNA modulate activation of the type I interferon pathway in cardiomyocytes and induce myocarditis
Authors: Callon Domitille , Glenet Marie , Lebreil Anne-Laure , Heng Laetitia , Bouland Nicole , Fichel Caroline , Fornes Paul , Andreoletti Laurent , Berri Fatma
Published: May 2024

Major 5’-terminally deleted (5’TD) RNA forms of group-B coxsackievirus (CVB-5’TD) has been associated with myocarditis in both mice and humans. Although it is known that interferon-β (IFN-β) signaling is critical for an efficient innate immune response against CVB-induced myocarditis, the link between CVB-5’TD RNA forms and type I IFN signaling in cardiomyocytes remains to be explored. In a mouse model of CVB3/28-induced myocarditis, major early-emerging forms of CVB-5’TD RNA have been characterized as replicative viral populations that impair IFN-β production in the heart. Synthetic CVB3/28 RNA forms mimicking each of these major 5’TD virus populations were transfected in mice and have been shown to modulate innate immune responses in the heart and to induce myocarditis in mice. Remarkably, transfection of synthetic viral RNA with deletions in the secondary structures of the 5’-terminal CVB3 RNA domain I, modifying stem-loops “b”, “c” or “d”, were found to impair IFN-β production in human cardiomyocytes. In addition, the activation of innate immune response by Poly(I:C), was found to restore IFN-β production and to reduce the burden of CVB-5’TD RNA-forms in cardiac tissues, thereby reducing the mortality rate of infected mice. Overall, our results indicate that major early-emerging CVB3 populations deleted in the domain I of genomic RNA, in the 5’ noncoding region, modulate the activation of the type I IFN pathway in cardiomyocytes and induce myocarditis in mice. These findings shed new light on the role of replicative CVB-5’TD RNA forms as key pathophysiological factors in CVB-induced human myocarditis.
Fun with friends in the pogodrome: Dancing the disorder in French punk culture
Authors: Thiébaud Sacha , Tuaillon Demésy Audrey
Published: May 2024

Based on French expressions of contemporary punk culture, this article looks at the formation of the pogo during gigs. Although this dance is one of the characteristics of punk expression, it remains little studied. From an interactionist perspective, using a comparative approach between different ethnographic fields, the aim is to understand how the order of the pogo is negotiated by the actors involved. More than that, the aim is to understand how this improvised collective dance produces disorder and gives rise to a community experience. To do this, we are interested in the context in which the pogo takes place. Venues play a decisive role in the implementation of this dance and help to create a playful space–time. A new world of meaning is created: the pogodrome. From then on, the physical commitment of the participants is linked to the rules of the pogodrome, and the breaks in interaction reveal the limits of the framework thus formed. Finally, the pogo appears to be a tool for embodying disorder, both physical and sociopolitical. In fact, the pogodrome becomes a territory of disorder, taken over by communities of practitioners that sometimes last beyond the time of the concert.
Production and quality of watermelon subjected to biofertilizer fertilization
Authors: Oliveira Zézia Verônica Silva Ramos , Mesquita Alessandro Carlos , Simões Welson Lima , Salviano Alessandra Monteiro , Conceição Polyanna Barbosa da , Araújo Mycaella Gonçalves de , Torres Junior Vinicius Gonçalves , Silva Weslley Oliveira da
Published: May 2024

The expansion of the area with organic agriculture is due to the market trend towards the consumption of healthier foods. However, with the increase in the cost of fertilizers imported by the country, the adjustment of doses and management practices with alternative sources for plant nutrition, such as biofertilizer, can be an alternative for the sustainability of properties. The experiment was conducted in the experimental field of Bebedouro (CEB) of EMBRAPA Semi-Arid Region in Petrolina-PE, Brazil, from September to December 2019, to evaluate the effect of biofertilizer doses on the production aspects of three watermelon varieties in the semi-arid region. The experimental design was randomized blocks, in a 6 x 3 factorial scheme, corresponding to six doses of biofertilizer (0; 80; 160; 240; 320 and 400 mL plant-1) and three varieties of watermelon (Explorer, Red Heaven, and Majestic), with four replicates. Yield, number of fruits per plant, average fruit mass, fruit diameter, fruit length, length: diameter ratio, pulp firmness, rind thickness, pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity and soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio were analyzed. The number of fruits per plant was not altered by biofertilizer doses. However, the variables yield and average fruit mass were altered by the interaction between varieties and biofertilizer doses. With yield of 40.22 t ha-1 obtained at the dose 201.33 mL plant-1, the Explorer variety proved to be more efficient with the use of biofertilizer in organic system. Positive responses to biofertilizer application in postharvest quality attributes were obtained in Explorer and Red Heaven varieties.
Magnesium-based and lime-based composites containing layered nanomaterials
Authors:   , Pivák Adam
Published: May 2024

At the beginning of the 21st century, nanomaterials have become a research topic because of the possibilities of their application. Today, the most prominent are carbon-based nanomaterials. Many differently shaped 0D, 1D, and 2D nanomaterials were discovered and analysed. Their unique transport, chemical, and mechanical properties found application in nanotechnology, electronics, optics, and other fields of material science. It was demonstrated that carbon-based nanomaterials have a strong reinforcing ability. However, most of the research focused on strength enhancement in cement-based composites, while the possible use of nanomaterials in magnesium-based or lime-based mortars was scantly reported. This thesis focusses on the material properties of mortars and pastes based on reactive magnesia and standardized lime-based mortars. Studies on the technology of nanomaterial application were conducted and mixtures were designed, which were then subjected to measurements of basic micro and macro structural characteristics, mechanical resistance, thermal properties, and water absorption parameters. In the context of composite materials, in the form of pastes and mortars, nanomaterials have been found to have a positive effect, especially on mechanical characteristics. But it is important to determine the optimum size and application procedure of the nano-additive, because inappropriate mixing and applied volume resulted in deterioration of the properties. Based on the results, it was concluded that the use of nano-additives has significant potential in the design and development of advanced composite pastes and mortars with higher performance.
Nicht determinierend, aber doch stark regulierend
Authors: Hartong Sigrid
Published: May 2024

Mit einer Nutzung in über 85% der Grundschulen zählt Antolin zu den in Deutschland beliebtesten digitalen Lernplattformen zur Förderung von Lesekompetenz. Dieser Beitrag nimmt Antolin aus Perspektive der kritischen EdTech-Forschung in den Blick und füllt damit eine wichtige Forschungslücke. So zeigt der Beitrag, wie Antolin sowohl 'Bücher' als auch 'Lesen' auf ganz bestimmte Weise (nicht) sicht- und bearbeitbar macht. Gleichzeitig wird Antolin je nach Kontext sehr unterschiedlich adaptiert bzw. an bestehende Praktiken angeschlossen, sodass sich hier wiederum eine Vielzahl möglicher 'Wirkungen' entfalten. Insgesamt, so soll dieser Beitrag zeigen, ist es dieses spezifische Zusammenspiel von Regulierung und kontinuierlicher Kontextualisierung, welches in Zukunft besser greifbar gemacht werden muss, um eine kritisch-bewusste Einschätzung und Gestaltung von EdTech zu ermöglichen.
KI in der Bildung
Authors: Renz André , Galla Nina
Published: May 2024

André Renz und Nina Galla skizzieren in ihrem Beitrag die Darstellung und Wahrnehmung von Künstlicher Intelligenz (KI) im schulischen Kontext und stellen Versprechen, Herausforderungen und Grenzen von KI-Technologien in Schule gegenüber. Der Beitrag gibt darüber hinaus Impulse für eine vertiefende Auseinandersetzung mit KI und empfiehlt Leitfragen, die als Orientierungshilfe für einen reflektierten Einsatz oder Nichteinsatz von KI hilfreich sein können. Eine definitorische Einordnung des Begriffs KI und die Vorstellung gängiger KI-Ansätze sowie einiger aktueller Anwendungsfälle geben einen guten Überblick über KI in der Schulpraxis.
Pembelajaran Daring dan Luring di MIN 1 Yogyakarta Selama Pandemi Covid-19: Fokus pada Keterlibatan Orang Tua dan Implementasi Metode Pengajaran
Authors: Suprapti
Published: May 2024

Tujuan – Penelitian ini bertujuan mengeksplorasi pembelajaran pada saat masa pandemi Covid-19 di MIN 1 Yogyakarta.
Metode – Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan penelitian kualitatif dengan jenis studi kasus. Penelitian ini berlokasi di MIN 1 Yogyakarta. Subjek penelitian ini adalah guru-guru dan orang tua murid. Teknik pengumpulan data yaitu melalui wawancara, observasi, dan dokumentasi. Teknik analisis data yang dilakukan dalam penelitian ini adalah reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan.
Hasil – Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pedoman pembelajaran yang komprehensif telah disusun dan diimplementasikan. Meskipun metode daring yang digunakan melibatkan pendekatan kreatif, terdapat keterbatasan, termasuk kurangnya interaksi antara guru dan siswa serta keterbatasan partisipasi orang tua. Temuan ini memiliki implikasi signifikan dalam praktek pendidikan dan menambah literatur tentang pendidikan jarak jauh. Oleh karena itu, disarankan untuk melakukan penelitian lebih lanjut yang fokus pada strategi untuk meningkatkan keterlibatan orang tua dan mengevaluasi efektivitas metode pembelajaran luring yang baru diterapkan.
Problematika Pembelajaran Matematika di Madrasah Aliyah Pada Era Post-Pandemic Covid-19
Authors: Yestina Ratna , Ratnaningsih Nani
Published: May 2024

Tujuan – Pada studi ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis problematika pembelajaran matematika pada era post pandemic Covid-19 di MAN 1 Kota Tasikmalaya.
Metode– Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif dengan metode Case Study atau studi lapangan dengan sumber data primer diperoleh melalui wawancara. Pengumpulan data juga melalui literacy studies dengan sumber data kedua yang diperoleh melalui literatur juga penelitian-penelitian sebelumnya yang relevan. Analisis data yang digunakan adalah kualitatif dengan interaktif yaitu terdiri dari kolektif data, reduksi data, penyajian data dan penarikan kesimpulan.
Hasil – Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa pembelajaran matematika pada era post pandemic Covid-19 di MAN 1 Kota tasikmalya mempunyai problematika dari pendidik maupun peserta didi. Permmasalahan dari pendidik berupa pendekatan dan strategi pembelajaran guru yang kurang tepat dan bervariasi cenderung monoton, Permasalahan dari peserta didik yaitu kurangnya minat belajar, pemahaman konsep pada materi prasyarat yang lemah, masih rendahnya partisipasi pada pembelajaran yang berakibat pada rendahnya hasil belajar. Permasalahan tersebut dapat dipecahkan melalui penggunaan media yang tepat dan sesuai dengan model dan metode pembelajaran matematika. Hal tersebut yang dapat menumbuhkan minat, partisipasi peserta didik yang pada akhirnya dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar peserta didik dalam pembelajaran matematika.
Aumento súbito de lábios: edema angioneurótico ou edema de Quincke
Authors: Consolaro Alberto , Cerbino Laiz F. Ursulino , Miranda Dario A. Oliveira , Consolaro Ingrid A. Oliveira
Published: May 2024

O edema angioneurótico adquirido ou hereditário manifesta-se como um aumento edematoso súbito, sem prurido e sem dor explícita na área afetada. Na cavidade bucal, os lábios, língua e úvula são os locais mais envolvidos. Não é alérgico e ocorre eventualmente por uma deficiência do mediador inibidor do C1, que ajuda a controlar o nível normal de bradicinina em uma área inflamada, mesmo que muito levemente agredida. Muitos casos são diagnosticados equivocadamente e se assumem condutas inoportunas por desconhecimento. Existe tratamento para as crises do edema angioneurótico, assim como terapia preventiva para se evitar o desencadeamento de novos episódios, o que pode ser importante para a realização de novos procedimentos a serem planejados. Os profissionais devem estar treinados para essas abordagens curativas e profiláticas.
Book review of: Vöckler, Kai; Eckart, Peter; Knöll, Martin; Lanzendorf, Martin (Hrsg.) (2023): Mobility Design. Die Zukunft der Mobilität gestalten. Band 2: Forschung
Authors: Gebhardt Laura
Published: May 2024

Buchrezension
Risk Factors for The Incidence of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) in Toddlers in The Working Area of Tarus Primary Health Center, Kupang District
Authors: Olang Eka Sukma Kumala Dewi , Adu Apris A. , Purnawan Sigit
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntroduction: ARI is an acute infection that attacks one or more parts of the respiratory tract, from the nose to the deep tissues of the lungs. The number of ARI in toddlers in the Tarus primary health center in 2020 was 1.352 people and in 2021 there was a decrease of 97 people recorded, in January 2022 to February 2023, the number of ARI in toddlers increased by 1.141 cases.Methods: This research used a case-control study design. The case group is toddlers who experience ARI events, while the control group is toddlers who do not experience ARI events. The total population of toddlers in the Tarus Primary Health Center for the period January 2022 to February 2023 was 5,370 toddlers with a case group population of 1,141 toddlers and a control group population of 4,229 toddlers. The sample obtained for the case group was 117 toddlers and for the control group was 117 toddlers with a total of 234 samples.Results: The results showed no significant relationship between age (p=1.000; OR=1.000), and gender (p=0.428; OR=0.738) with the incidence of ARI in toddlers. There was a significant relationship between immunization status (p=0.000; OR=25.143), exclusive breastfeeding history (p=0.000; OR=25.016), house occupancy density (p=0.000; OR=15.416), house ventilation (p=0.000; OR=9.079) and smoking habits of family members (p=0.000; OR=9.775) with the incidence of ARI in toddlers.Conclusion : The incidence of ARI in toddlers can occur due to several risk factors such as immunization status, exclusive breastfeeding history, house occupancy density, house ventilation, and smoking habits of family members
Spatial Analysis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Incidence in Kupang City in 2019-2021
Authors: Nahak Aprila Chandra Kristin , Hinga Indriati A. Tedju , Ndoen Honey Ivoney , Samruth Yendris K
Published: May 2024

Abstract Introduction: Pulmonary tuberculosis has a fairly high number of cases in several regions of Indonesia, including Kupang City. In 2019, tuberculosis cases in Kupang City amounted to 667 cases, in 2020 it increased to 693 cases and in 2021 it decreased to 419 cases. This study aims to analyze the factors that influence the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis which are studied in a spatial analysis model.Methods : This research is a quantitative research with an analytical observational design using an approach to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This study aims to see the autocorrelation of population density, poor families, and healthy homes with the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis and to see the pattern of relationships that are formed.The data used in this research is secondary data taken from related agencies. The samples in this study were 11 community health centers in Kupang City, namely Naioni Health Center, Alak Health Center, Manutapen Health Center, Sikumana Health Center, Penfui Health Center, Bakunase Health Center, Oebobo Health Center, Oepoi Health Center, Pasir Panjang Health Center, Kupang City Health Center, and Oesapa Community Health Center. Spatial analysis uses computer programs, namely the QGIS and GeoDa applications. QGIS was used to produce a map of the distribution of pulmonary tuberculosis cases in 11 health centers in Kupang City in 2019-2021 and the GeoDa application was used to see the pattern of TB distribution in Kupang City in 2019-2021, in general or globally through the LISA (Local Indicators Spatial Autocorrelation) tests.Results: Based on the results of the LISA (Local Indicators Spatial Autocorrelation) bivariate test, it shows that population density, poor families, and healthy housing coverage have no relationship with the incidence of TB in Kupang City (p-value > 0.05) and show a random pattern of case distribution (Morans Index ' I is smaller than E[I] = -0.1000). However, in 2019-2020, the Morans I Index value covering healthy homes was greater than E[I] = -0.1000, which shows a clustered pattern of case distribution.Conclusion: It was concluded that there was no positive spatial autocorrelation between population density, poor families, and healthy homes with the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis in Kupang City in 2019-2021
The Behaviour Characteristics in Early Detection of Breast Cancer among Islamic Boarding School Students
Authors: Maulidia Hanum Rahma , Prabamurti Priyadi Nugraha , Indraswari Ratih
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Breast Self-Examination (BSE) is an effort of self-early breast cancer detection, which is recommended to be carried out routinely from the age of 12 years. As this campaign is important to reach out, especially to young people, this study has been conducted to evaluate the relationship between the student characteristics and their perception of BSE and breast cancer disease (susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, and self-efficacy), school supports, and media exposure might affect their behavior on implement BSE practice. This study focuseds on students in Islamic Boarding School Mijen, Semarang.Methods : This research is a descriptive study with a cross-sectional approach. The study population was 166 students of boarding school aged 12-21 years old who have experienced menstruation. The instrument used was a questionnaire and —data analysis was anlysed using Chi-square test.Results: The results showed that 50.6% of respondents students had good BSE practices with several related variables, are a family history of breast cancer (p = 0.048), knowledge (p = 0.0001), perceived susceptibility (p = 0.020), perceived severity (p = 0.001), perceived benefits (p = 0.005), perceived barriers (p = 0.007), and information on media exposure (p = 0.013).Conclusion: Most students at the Mijen Islamic boarding school have done BSE well. This is supported by having a history of breast cancer in the family and having good knowledge, perceived (susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers), and exposure to information media
A Blockchain System for Clustered Federated Learning with Peer-to-Peer Knowledge Transfer
Authors: Wu Honghu , Zhu Xiangrong , Hu Wei
Published: May 2024

Federated Learning (FL) is a novel distributed, privacy-preserving machine learning paradigm. Conventional FL suffers from drawbacks such as single point of failure and client drift. Blockchain is a distributed computing architecture famous for decentralization, transparency, and traceability. Incorporating blockchain as the underlying basis for FL decentralizes the FL process and brings opportunities to resolve the drawbacks. However, there still remain challenges to fulfilling FL with blockchain, regarding effectiveness, efficiency, and security. In this paper, we propose a new blockchain system for FL, called FedChain. To mitigate client drift and accelerate training, we present a clustered semi-asynchronous method for model aggregation. To optimize the local training in FL, we introduce a knowledge transfer method using other clients on the peer-to-peer network of blockchain. Moreover, we implement an access control mechanism to store and transmit models safely and efficiently. Extensive experiments on various benchmark datasets show that FedChain achieves superior results in accuracy, convergence, throughput, and latency.
Timestamp as a Service, Not an Oracle
Authors: Li Yishuai , Zhu Yunfeng , Shi Chao , Zhang Guanhua , Wang Jianzhong , Zhang Xiaolu
Published: May 2024

We present a logical timestamping mechanism for ordering transactions in distributed databases, eliminating the single point of failure (SPoF) that bother existing timestamp "oracles". The main innovation is a bipartite client-server architecture, where the servers do not communicate with each other. The result is a highly available timestamping "service" that guarantees the availability of time-stamps, unless half the servers are down at the same time.

We study the fundamental needs of timestamping, and formalize its availability and correctness properties in a distributed setting. We then introduce the TaaS (timestamp as a service) algorithm, which defines a monotonic spacetime over multiple server clocks. We prove, mathematically: (i)
Availability
that the timestamps are always computable, provided any majority of the server clocks being observable; and (ii)
Correctness
that all the computed time-stamps must increase monotonically over time, even if some clocks become unobservable.

We evaluate our algorithm by prototyping TaaS and benchmarking it against state of the art timestamp oracle in TiDB. Our experiment shows that TaaS is indeed immune to SPoF (as we have proven mathematically), while exhibiting a reasonable performance at the same order of magnitude with TiDB. We also demonstrate the stability of our bipartite architecture, by deploying TaaS across datacenters and showing its resilience to datacenter-level failures.
Data-Driven Insight Synthesis for Multi-Dimensional Data
Authors: Xing Junjie , Wang Xinyu , Jagadish H. V.
Published: May 2024

Exploratory data analysis can uncover interesting data insights from data. Current methods utilize "interestingness measures" designed based on system designers' perspectives, thus inherently restricting the insights to their defined scope. These systems, consequently, may not adequately represent a broader range of user interests. Furthermore, most existing approaches that formulate "interestingness measure" are rule-based, which makes them inevitably brittle and often requires holistic re-design when new user needs are discovered.

This paper presents a data-driven technique for deriving an "interestingness measure" that learns from annotated data. We further develop an innovative annotation algorithm that significantly reduces the annotation cost, and an insight synthesis algorithm based on the Markov Chain Monte Carlo method for efficient discovery of interesting insights. We consolidate these ideas into a system. Our experimental outcomes and user studies demonstrate that DAISY can effectively discover a broad range of interesting insights, thereby substantially advancing the current state-of-the-art.