bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Importance of Biosecurity in Emerging Biotechnologies and Synthetic Biology
Authors: Soleimani Sasani Mahboubeh
Published: October 2024

The age of synthetic biology is ushering in new technologies for the advancement of society, human health, and agriculture. It appears that synthetic biology has integrated engineering paradigms into biological contexts. The combined use of new biotechnology and synthetic biology raises concerns about biosafety, biosecurity, and even cyberbiosecurity. For example, synthetic biology increases the possibility of designing, developing, and deploying pathogenic bioweapons in new and different ways than natural pathogens, as well as manipulating the genome. Evaluation of new technologies and platforms that enable creative or destructive manipulation of biological materials, systems, and organisms is important to identify potential security opportunities and vulnerabilities.
This issue poses challenges to the medical community and civilian populations worldwide, creating a growing need to implement and enforce standardized biosafety and biosecurity regulations to protect humans, animals, plants, and the environment. It is critical to establish rules and management guidelines, provide strong leadership at the individual and institutional levels, and utilize established biosafety and biosecurity tools to mitigate the risks associated with synthetic biology. This review addresses the current state of synthetic biology, focusing on the concepts of biosafety, biosecurity, and cyber-biosecurity, as well as enhancing the standardization, regulation, and management of biosecurity in synthetic biology.
In this review, the current situation in the Middle East region has been discussed and the challenges and opportunities encountered by synthetic biology researchers in this area is explored. The Middle East region is vulnerable to bioterrorism due to various factors. However, some countries in this strategically important region face challenges as they lack the necessary resources to effectively combat this significant global threat. These attacks are not limited to a specific border or area; they can affect multiple countries or have a global impact.
5-Fluorouracil Effectively Depletes Tumor Induced Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells in 4T1 Mammary Carcinoma Model
Authors: Ramezani-Aliakbari Khadijeh , Jalali Seyed Amir , Alinejad Maedeh , Jeddi-Tehrani Mahmood , Shabani Mahdi
Published: October 2024

Background: Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) are capable of inhibiting both innate and adaptive immune responses and accumulate in the microenvironment of breast tumors. Hence, MDSC depletion by chemotherapeutic agents can improve clinical efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. The effects of 5-FU and doxorubicin agents on MDSC reduction in 4T1 breast cancer murine model were evaluated.
Methods: 5×105 of 4T1 tumor cells were injected into mammary fat pad of BALB/c female mice. Tumor bearing mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: PBS receiving control group, doxorubicin receiving groups at doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg, and 5-FU receiving group at dose of 50 mg/kg. Doxorubicin and 5-FU agents were intraperitoneally administrated at three doses with 5-day intervals and five doses for three times a week, respectively. Then, on day 20 post tumor cells injection, spleens and tumors were isolated to determine frequency of CD11b+ Gr1+ MDSCs by flow cytometry analysis.
Results: 5-FU was able to reduce significantly both splenic and interatumoral MDSCs comparing to control group (p=0.0276 and p=0.0067, respectively). Also, Doxorubicin treatment at dose of 50 mg/kg was associated to a significant reduction of splenic MDSCs in comparison to untreated group (p=0.0382). However, only 5-FU injection led to inhibit notably tumor growth in comparison to control group (p=0.0139).
Conclusion: Findings show that 5-FU has inhibitory effects on MDSCs and tumor growth in 4T1 tumor model. So, more investigations are needed to study combination of 5-FU with immune based approaches to enhance the efficacy of cancer therapies.
Immunogenic Consideration of a Designed Polypeptide Against Brucellosis Compared to RB51: An In Vivo Study
Authors: Saadat Mina , Bandehpour Mojgan , Kazemi Bahram , Mosaffa Nariman
Published: October 2024

Background: Brucellosis in livestock and its transmission to humans through the consumption of contaminated dairy products is an important issue. The introduction of new approaches using immunogenic proteins against and diagnosing brucellosis is a serious issue in human health.
Methods: Brucella abortus contains five proteins including: MOXR family ATPase-α2, T9SS C-terminal target domain-containing protein, Cobyric acid synthase, Hypothetical protein, and VirB11 type IV Secretion protein, which were considered and the designed recombinant polypeptide was produced and evaluated. The pure recombinant protein ABOR with 549aa in combination with chitin as an adjuvant was injected subcutaneously into guinea pigs to evaluate their immunity responses.
Results: The results indicated that the ABOR recombinant protein induced Th1 immunity with high levels of specific IgG (IgG2a) as well as Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), Interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-12, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), compared to the control group. Th1/Th2 ratio analysis demonstrated the efficacy of ABOR protein combined with chitin in stimulating cellular immunity in the animals.
Conclusion: Designed recombinant polypeptide combined with chitin showed ability for induction of cellular and humoral immunity an guinea pigs compared to RB51 vaccine.
The Effect of Simulated Physiological Oocyte Maturation (SPOM) and L-Carnitine on Bovine Oocyte Developmental Competence
Authors: Malekpour Ali , Shirazi Abolfazl , Boroujeni Sara Borjian , Sarvari Ali , Naderi Mohammad Mehdi , Pournourali Mostafa , Behzadi Bahareh , Mehrazar Mohammad Mehdi
Published: October 2024

Background: Simulated Physiological Oocyte Maturation (SPOM) mimics in vitro the physiological events of oocyte maturation in the presence of cAMP modulators. These modulators increase the intracellular concentrations of cAMP, which inhibits the immediate resumption of meiosis and gives the oocyte more time to gain optimal developmental competence. In addition, L-carnitine helps to increase the energy supply of cells through the β-oxidation of fatty acids. This study aimed to investigate the effect of SPOM and L-carnitine supplementation during In Vitro Maturation (IVM) and In Vitro Culture (IVC) on the developmental competence of bovine oocytes.
Methods: Ovarian Cumulus Complexes (COCs) were cultured in the presence or absence of forskolin+IBMX during the first 2 hr of IVM (pre-IVM) with or without L-carnitine (LC) during IVM or IVC in six experimental groups as follows: I) pre-IVM (pre-IVM group), II) pre-IVM with L-carnitine supplementation during IVM (pre-IVM/LC group), III) L-carnitine supplementation during IVM (IVM/LC group), IV) L-carnitine supplementation during in vitro culture (IVC/LC group), V) pre-IVM+ IVC/LC group, and VI) no treatment during IVM and IVC (Control group). The cleavage and blastocyst rates, the blastocysts’ total cells number, and the expression of Nanog, Bax, Oct4, Cdx2, and Ifnt genes in resulting blastocysts were assessed. To assess differences among experimental groups, a one-way analysis of variance was initially employed, followed by post hoc Fisher LSD. The difference between groups was considered statistically significant when p<0.05.
Results: The cleavage and blastocyst rates in the Pre-IVM and Pre-IVM/LC groups was higher than control group and other groups (p≤0.05) except for IVC/LC and IVM/LC groups, respectively. The number of blastocyst’s Inner Cell Mass (ICM) in pre-IVM and Pre-IVM/LC groups as well as the ratio of ICM/TE were higher than control group (p<0.05). The expression of OCT4, CDX2, and IFNT increased in both the pre-IVM and pre-IVM/LC groups compared to the control group (p<0.05).
Conclusion: In conclusion, the application of SPOM-adapted IVM and L-carnitine during IVM of bovine oocyte improves the quantity and quality of the resulting embryos.
Generation of Optimized Consensus Sequences for Hepatitis C virus (HCV) Envelope 2 Glycoprotein (E2) by a Modified Algorithm: Implication for a Pan-genomic HCV Vaccine
Authors: Mohabati Reyhaneh , Rezaei Reza , Mohajel Nasir , Ranjbar Mohammad Mehdi , Samimi-Rad Katayoun , Azadmanesh Kayhan , Roohvand Farzin
Published: October 2024

Background: Despite the success of "direct-acting antivirals" in treating Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection, invention of a preventive HCV vaccine is crucial for global elimination of the virus. Recent data indicated the importance of the induction of Pan-genomic neutralizing Antibodies (PnAbs) against heterogenic HCV Envelope 2(E2), the cellular receptor binding antigen, by any HCV vaccine candidate. To overcome HCVE2 heterogeneity, "generation of consensus HCVE2 sequences" is proposed. However, Consensus Sequence (CS) generating algorithms such as "Threshold" and "Majority" have certain limitations including "Threshold-rigidity" which leads to induction of undefined residues and insensitivity of the "Majority" towards the "evolutionary cost of residual substitutions".
Methods: Herein, first a modification to the "Majority" algorithm was introduced by incorporating BLOSUM matrices. Secondly, the HCVE2 sequences generated by the "Fitness" algorithm (using 1698 sequences from genotypes 1, 2, and 3) was compared with those generated by the "Majority" and "Threshold" algorithms using several in silico tools.
Results: Results indicated that only "Fitness" provided completely defined, gapless HCVE2s for all genotypes/subtypes, while considered the evolutionary cost of amino acid replacements (main "Majority/Threshold" limitations) by substitution of several residues within the generated consensuses. Moreover, "Fitness-generated HCVE2 CSs" were superior for antigenic/immunogenic characteristics as an antigen, while their positions within the phylogenetic trees were still preserved.
Conclusion: "Fitness" algorithm is capable of generating superior/optimum HCVE2 CSs for inclusion in a pan-genomic HCV vaccine and can be similarly used in CS generation for other highly variable antigens from other heterogenic pathogens.
Optimization of the Production of Soluble Recombinant TEV Protease in Two E. coli Strains
Authors: Shahriari Matineh , Shafiee Fatemeh , Moazen Fatemeh , Mohammad Sadeghi Hamid Mir
Published: October 2024

Background: The low solubility of Tobacco Etch Virus (TEV) protease, a functional enzyme that cleaves protein tags without significant modification in its sequence, is one of the most important limitations of this enzyme. In this study, the aim was to increase the solubility of TEV by changing the expression conditions and designing lysis buffer with various solubilizing agents to improve its solubility.
Methods: Escherichia coli (E. coli) BL21 (DE3) and E. coli origami harboring wild type TEV-pKR793 and mutant N23F TEV-pKR793 plasmids were used for the expression. Response surface methodology was used to determine the best culture conditions (IPTG concentration, incubation time and incubation temperature) of soluble expression. Furthermore, eight different solubilizing agents were added separately to the lysis buffer to check their effect on the protein solubility.
Results: The production of soluble N23F in E. coli BL21 (DE3) was two-folds more than the wild type and the inclusion body formation in the mentioned form was diminished as about 25% in comparison to the wild type. Finally, betaine had the most effects for enhancing the soluble expression of N23F in both host cells. For the wild type, sodium selenite, xylitol, and glycine showed the most effects on soluble production.
Conclusion: The solubility of the mutant form of TEV protease increased in E. coli BL21 (DE3) compared to its wild form. Also, using additives such as betaine to the lysis buffer, increased the solubility of N23F in E. coli BL21 (DE3) and origami strains.
Practical Dietary Recommendations of Persian Medicine for Pruritus: A Brief Review
Authors: Zareian Mohammad Ali , Naghizadeh Ayeh , Shirbeigi Laila , Nazem Esmaeil , Nejatbakhsh Fatemeh
Published: October 2024

This paper is a brief review of the practical dietary recommendations of Persian Medicine (PM) in the management of itching. According to our findings, PM scholars believe that the following dietary modifications help ameliorate pruritus: relative reduction of food intake, consuming tenuous foods, consumption of sweet-and-sour foods, whether natural (e.g., pomegranate juice) or man-made (e.g., oxymels), substances with astringent property, narcotics and quasi-narcotics such as a combination of dry coriander and sugar, using a group of substances called fine-humor-producing foods, laxative fruits such as tamarinds and plums, foods with sedative action including lettuce extract, watery foods containing ingredients such as barley, and increasing the share of healthy fats in the diet.
Association of ADIPOQ Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) with Obesity Risk in Different Populations: A Systematic Review and Analysis
Authors: Sikhayeva Nurgul , Nursafina Akmaral , Satayeva Aidana , Utupov Talgat
Published: October 2024

Background: Thirty-two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are commonly found in ADIPOQ. APN levels are decreased in obesity, and SNPs of the ADIPOQ gene affecting APN have varying associations with the development of obesity in different populations. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association of SNPs in ADIPOQ with the risk of obesity development in various populations.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist date up to Feb 2023. We used the Newcastle–Ottawa scale to find out if a study fit the main criteria for submission and to assess the data quality of the articles included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated via Review Manager (RM) V.5.4 to estimate the connection between ADIPOQ polymorphic qualities of a gene and the risk of developing obesity.
Results: The present study analysed the association between ADIPOQ polymorphisms (rs1501299, rs2241766, rs266729, rs822393, and rs822396) and obesity risk and suggested that APN is partially responsible for the emergence of obesity and increases its risk.
Conclusion: It is important to take into account several limitations of this meta-analysis when evaluating the findings. First off, even though we looked through numerous databases for all relevant papers, there is a chance we overlooked some. Our capacity to arrive at more firm conclusions was further hampered by the small number of papers that made up our meta-analysis. The most current data, however, are presented in this study since it used newly published data to perform a meta-analysis and evaluate the relationship between ADIPOQ polymorphisms and obesity.
Socioeconomic and Health Characteristics as Predictors of Social Support in Elderly People with Visual Impairment: Evidence from Serbia
Authors: Djurovic Natalija , Radovanovic Snezana , Mihaljevic Olgica , Radovanovic Jovana , Stepovic Milos , Kovacevic Marija , Janicijevic Katarina , Djordjevic Gordana , Djordjevic Ognjen , Gajovic Gordana , Djonovic Nela , Dimovic Tamara , Janicijevic Nikoleta , Maricic Milena , Vasiljevic Dragan , Selakovic Viktor
Published: October 2024

Background: Social networks and support have an independent and strong influence on health and quality of life at all stages of the life cycle, especially in the elderly. We aimed to determine the level of social support among the elderly population of the Republic of Serbia.
Methods: The survey is part of the fourth Health survey of the population of Serbia, which was conducted in 2019  by the Republic Institute of Statistics with the Institute for Public Health of Serbia "Dr. Milan Jovanović Batut" and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Serbia. The research instrument was standardized questionnaires constructed in accordance with the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS, wave3) and the social support score (Oslo-3 Social Support Scale). For the purposes of this research, data on the population aged 65 and over were used.
Results: In terms of social support, 85.8% of respondents had bad , 13.9% moderate and 0.3% strong. Univariate regression analysis determined that respondents from the territory of Vojvodina had a 1.6 times higher chance of poor social support compared to respondents from southern and eastern Serbia.  The probability of bad social support was 1.5 times higher in persons who were never married/cohabiting, persons with secondary education were at 1.6 times higher risk of poor social support compared to persons with higher education. Inactive persons had poor social support 1.4 times more often than employed persons, as well as persons with comorbidities (OR=1.218).
Conclusion: These researches are of great importance for public health because it provides valuable data for the creation of interventions that will intensify activities related to providing adequate social support to the elderly.
MiR-21-5p Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation and Calcification of Valvular Interstitial Cells by Targeting TGFBI in Calcific Aortic Valve Disease
Authors: Gu Yan , Chen Rongjin , Song Jianxiang , Shi Zhan , Wu Jixiang , Chang Huiwen , Yuan Conghu , Shi Woda , Zhang Yajun
Published: October 2024

Background: Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most common heart relating disease with high morbidity and mortality, especially in elderly population. While extensive investigations have been devoted to the study of mechanistic pathways related to CAVD, the key factors and mechanisms mediating valve mineralization remain unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of mirnas and their downstream targets in CAVD disease progression. A previous recent multi-omics study suggested a novel CAVD molecular interaction network contained miR-21-5p.
Methods: CAV and their pair-matched adjacent normal tissues were obtained from 15 patients pathologically diagnosed as CAVD and admitted in Yancheng Third People's Hospital (The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University) from 2019-2021. RT-qPCR was utilized for detection of miR-21-5p and related protein expression levels to confirm the related factors in CAVD progression. Western blotting was applied to strengthen the results of RT-qPCR and confirm osteogenic differentiation of VICs via biomarker detection. The staining of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red was performed to assess the degree of VIC mineralization.
Results: We found that miR-21-5p was remarkably increased (P<0.0001) in calcified aortic valves (AVs) whereas TGFBI was diminished (P<0.01) in CAVD samples compared to the paired normal tissues from CAVD patients. Additionally, TGFBI was targeted by miR-21-5p. Furthermore, overexpressing TGFBI could block VIC osteogenic differentiation mediated by miR-21-5p. To sum up, miR-21-5p promotes VIC osteogenic differentiation and calcification via TGFBI in CAVD progression.
Conclusion:  Our work might bring a sight on underlying mechanisms of CAVD progression and provide a possible therapeutic target for diagnosis and treatment.
The Influence of Cyber Victimization, Internet Use, and Perception of Cyberbullying-on-Cyberbullying Perpetration among Korean Adults: A National Sample-Based Study
Authors: Park Se-Ri , Bae Sung-Man
Published: October 2024

Background: Although cyberbullying has emerged as a serious problem even among adults, most researches have been conducted on the adolescents. We aimed to verify the independent effects of cyber victimization, internet use, and the perception of cyberbullying-on-cyberbullying perpetration in South Korea adults.
Methods: The data of 1500, 20s to 50s Korea adults from the 2019 Survey on the Cyberbullying conducted by the National Information Society Agency were used.
Results: A hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that cyber victimization and internet use were positively related to cyberbullying perpetration. In particular, the perception of cyberbullying was negatively associated with cyberbullying perpetration.
Conclusion: This study is an early effort to verify the influence of the perception of cyberbullying-on-cyberbullying perpetration. Educating that cyberbullying is an illegal and dangerous behavior is important to prevent cyberbullying perpetration.
Causal Relationships between Circulating Immune Cell Traits and the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis: A Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Mao Dujuan , Li Shan , Li Xiufang , You Lijuan , Yu Jiaqi , Wu Yaohua , Hao Quanshui , Du Heng
Published: October 2024

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are prevalent chronic joint disorders with immunological pathogenesis. However, the causal relationships between circulating immune cells and them remain largely unknown. Therefore, we conducted a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to determine their causal relationship.
Methods: Genome-wide association study summary statistics were extracted from publicly available databases regarding immune cell phenotypes, RA, and OA. MR analysis was conducted using five MR methods, with inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) as the primary analysis method. False discovery rate correction (FDR) was used to reduce the likelihood of type 1 errors. We also conducted MR-Egger intercept tests to evaluate horizontal pleiotropy.
Results: After FDR adjustment of the P values for the IVW method, the CD27 expression on memory B cells was negatively related to the risk of RA (P < 0.001), and the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)--DR expression on CD14+ monocytes was negatively related to the risk of OA (P < 0.001). We also found that RA was negatively associated with the expression of HLA-DR on myeloid dendritic cells (P < 0.001), but significant horizontal pleiotropy was observed.
Conclusion: Our study demonstrates a causal relationship between specific immune cell traits and RA as well as OA, providing further insight into the role of immune cells in the pathogenesis of these disorders.
A Predictive Model for Gastric Cancer-Specific Death after Gastrectomy: A Competing-Risk Nomogram
Authors: Wang Lai , Lou Xiaojun
Published: October 2024

Background: We aimed to assess the likelihood of cause-specific death and other causes of death after gastrectomy for gastric cancer (GC). Additionally, a competing-risk nomogram was developed for patient counseling and decision-making.
Methods: Eligible GC patients who had gastrectomy between 2007 and 2015 were included in the study from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Death from gastric cancer and death from other causes were considered as separate competing events. Cumulative incidence functions (CIF) were calculated for each event, and a competing-risk nomogram was developed.
Results: Overall, 8,808 patients who underwent gastrectomy were analyzed. Among them, 4,659 (52.90%) died from gastric cancer and 1,284 (14.58%) died from other causes. The five-year cumulative incidence of cause-specific death for gastric cancer was 50.4%, and 10.2% for deaths from other causes. Several independent factors, such as age at diagnosis, tumor site, grade, size, lymph node examination results, pathological T status, pathological N status, metastatic status, Lauren classification, radiation, and chemotherapy, were found to be associated with gastric cancer-specific death. The nomogram, based on results from the competing risk regression model, demonstrated good performance.
Conclusion: We have developed a nomogram aimed at predicting gastric cancer-specific mortality in patients following gastrectomy. The model has undergone internal validation, demonstrating good accuracy and reliability. It serves as useful tool that can assist physicians and patients in making more informed clinical decisions.
Sclerostin as a Genetic Determinant of Trabecular Bone Score in Postmenopausal Women: The Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) Program
Authors: Bidkhori Mohammad , Akbarzadeh Mahdi , Fahimfar Noushin , Moroudi Reihane Seifi , Hajivalizadeh Sepideh , Larijani Bagher , Nabipour Iraj , Ostovar Afshin , Holakouie-Naieni Kourosh
Published: October 2024

Background: Sclerostin, a protein encoded by the SOST gene, is an important genetic risk factor for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. This study was conducted on the Iranian postmenopausal women, to investigate the association between this gene and the Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) as a novel index used for assessing osteoporosis.
Methods: The present study, conducted in 2024, was performed on 1071 women aged 60 years and older who participated in the Bushehr Elderly Health (BEH) program. The associations between seven independent Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) within the SOST gene and mean TBS of L1 to L4 were examined using the additive, dominant, and recessive models. Genetic risk scores (GRS) were calculated for each postmenopausal woman based on the coefficient regressions derived from the additive and dominant models. The relationship between the GRS quartiles and TBS was evaluated using a linear regression model.
Results: After adjusting for age and Body Mass Index (BMI), the associations between the rs2023794-C and TBS were significant in the additive (β = 0.03, P= 4.7×10-5, PFDR= 0.0003) and dominant (β = 0.032, P= 5×10-5, PFDR= 0.0003) models. The GRS derived from both additive and dominant models were related to TBS (P<0.05). For the additive model GRS, TBS showed an average increase of 0.022 score for the fourth quartile in comparison with the first quartile, adjusted for age, BMI, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and smoking status (P=0.001).
Conclusion: SOST gene is associated with TBS and may have implications for personalized medicine. Targeting sclerostin through SOST could offer a therapeutic approach in managing osteoporosis in high-risk postmenopausal women.
The Relationship between Sleep and Competitive Anxiety in Paralympic Medalists
Authors: Park Sang-Hyuk , Lim Seung-Taek
Published: October 2024

The Article Abstract is not available.
A Systemic Sarcoidosis Revealed by Sarcoidal Granulomatous Reaction after Tattooing
Authors: Roohaninasab Masoumeh , Shakoei Safoura , Goodarzi Azadeh , Mansouri Parvin , Nikkhah Farahnaz
Published: October 2024

The Article Abstract is not available.
Digital Grading Company: Deep Neural Networks for Predictive Analytics for Alternative Asset Portfolio Management
Authors: Wood Dominic , Sufans Umer , Villamil Cesar , Wood Dr Richard
Published: October 2024

In this study, we investigate the application of deep neural networks for predictive analytics in the realm of alternative asset portfolio management, focusing on Trading Card Games (TCGs) like Pokemon. Our primary objective is to understand the optimal trading cards for investment and to determine the appropriate timing for divestment and retention of these assets. Drawing on the successful implementation of machine learning predictive analytics in traditional financial markets, we aim to extend these techniques to alternative investments.
To achieve this, we employ a two-pronged approach using a comprehensive dataset of historical sales values for Pokemon TCGs spanning five years, comprising over 200 million unlabeled data points. The first approach utilizes a semi-supervised sequence learning method, where a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model is initially trained as a sequence autoencoder. The pre-trained model's weights are then used in a supervised phase to fine-tune the predictions for future trading card values. The second approach involves heuristic pretraining, which leverages market-derived indicators from existing literature to bridge the gap between traditional feature engineering and deep learning methods.
Our technology stack is designed to handle end-to-end data collection, analytics generation, and execution of recommended trading strategies. Simulated backtesting results demonstrate that our Digital Grading Company (DGC) portfolio model outperforms traditional indices, achieving a 357% return compared to the 61% return of the S&P 500 Index over the same period. Real-time analysis further indicates that our model consistently identifies profitable trading opportunities in the TCG market using hourly data and proprietary algorithmic trade logic, executing trades 24/7.
The DGC Predictive Portfolio, based on ungraded Pokemon TCG trading cards, also shows superior performance when compared to the Nasdaq 100 Index (Invesco QQQ ETF). Our analytics framework not only predicts the direction of price movement but also provides insights into the magnitude of changes, enabling a more dynamic and responsive trading strategy. The findings suggest that the integration of deep learning models with heuristic indicators has the potential to revolutionize portfolio management in alternative investments, paving the way for more accurate and profitable decision-making in niche markets.
This research highlights the promising role of machine learning in enhancing alternative asset management strategies, suggesting future applications in other asset classes. We conclude that deep neural networks, when combined with data-driven heuristics, can significantly enhance trading outcomes, making them valuable tools for investors in the evolving landscape of alternative investments.
The Impact of Financialization on Innovation in Enterprises--An Empirical Study Based on Chinese A-share Listed Companies
Authors: He Liushuo
Published: October 2024

This paper examines the impact of corporate financialization on the innovation activities of Chinese A-share listed companies. The study finds that a higher degree of corporate financialization is associated with lower levels of innovation, indicating that financialization suppresses corporate innovation. This phenomenon primarily arises because the objective of allocating financial assets is to substitute financial asset income for main business income, leading firms to focus excessively on short-term financial returns rather than long-term physical investments. The study recommends that policymakers focus on the coordinated development of finance and the real economy, while being vigilant against the negative impacts of excessive financialization on high-quality economic growth. Additionally, corporate managers should devise prudent asset allocation strategies to ensure that financial investments support innovative development in the real sector.
Desafios da liderança na função pública: uma instituição de ensino geral em Songo-Moçambique
Authors: Ferreira Tima Sansão Júnior , Armindo Adalberto Paulino Falso
Published: October 2024

O presente artigo aborda os desafios da liderança na instituição de ensino geral público em Songo, província de Tete-Moçambique, onde tem como objetivos analisar os desafios da liderança na gestão da Escola, identificar os fatores que influenciam na gestão; levantar as teorias sobre a liderança nas organizações e; propor medidas para melhorar a gestão na escola. Quanto à metodologia, o estudo é qualitativo. O instrumento de recolha de dados foi uma técnica de entrevista estruturada, dirigida aos membros da direcção, pessoal docente e não docente da escola. Os resultados revelaram que a gestão escolar é feita com base nas normas condicionais do Ministério que superintende o setor da educação, existindo casos de algumas ações que contrariam essas normas realizadas pela liderança, que afetam a relação dentro da instituição e com a comunidade. O estudo de liderança que se demonstra predominantemente é democrático, que por sua vez, não tem sido exercido na área financeira, em que a liderança tem sido autocrática nas decisões tomadas. Por conseguinte, foram identificadas como medidas para o melhoramento da gestão da escola, a realização de encontros de natureza pedagógica, bem como o processo comunicativo. Desta feita, constatou-se que os principais desafios da liderança no processo de gestão na instituição de ensino geral público em Songo estão ligados à gestão da área financeira e à comunicação, tanto como o público interno e externo, o que requer um estilo de liderança que permita uma ação conjunta na tomada de decisão.
Couples' mental health and increased Instagram consumption
Authors: Khanam Swaleha , Parihar Tasha Singh
Published: October 2024

This study looks at how Instagram affects couples' mental health in the digital age, highlighting both its benefits and drawbacks. Instagram has one billion active users per month, making it the most popular platform for sharing content that involves images. It talks about the possible negative effects of using Instagram, such as low self-esteem, cyberbullying, and social comparison. The study advises couples to set reasonable limits, use Instagram with awareness, and be open and honest about their online relationships. To support couples in navigating the digital world while placing a high priority on their mental health, mental health professionals should include discussions on digital dynamics in couple's therapy sessions. Instagram may have a detrimental effect on a couple's mental health by encouraging social comparison, jealousy, problems with trust, and excessive social media use. It can foster understanding and bring up pleasant memories, but it can also result in miscommunication and emotional distance. Although there is little data linking Instagram use to mental health, research has indicated that using the platform to browse Instagram might lessen loneliness while influencers' popular practice of broadcasting on the platform can make people feel more alone. Instagram and other picture-based platforms can help users establish a more robust social presence, which increases their effectiveness in reducing loneliness. The study identifies methodological difficulties in examining the mental health of spouses and makes recommendations for further research. It also covers relationship growth, social comparison dynamics, communication styles, and privacy concerns, as well as the ramifications for couples and therapists. It calls for more research and professional development to address the evolving digital couple's therapy landscape. The present study concludes by examining the impact of Instagram on mental health in a range of age groups and highlighting areas that require more investigation or development to alleviate the negative impacts of social media use on mental health.
O impacto dos marcadores sociais no acesso à comunicação de risco e TIC pelas mulheres rurais em tempos de pandemia da Covid-19
Authors: De U Leal Daniela , Ribeiro Isadora , Da Silva Lopes Ivonete
Published: October 2024

O objetivo deste estudo é compreender como os marcadores sociais (gênero, território, raça e geração) influenciaram no acesso à comunicação digital dos riscos da Covid-19  por mulheres rurais da Zona da Mata Mineira. Metodologicamente, utiliza-se a análise qualitativa interseccional para examinar os eixos de diversidade em que estão incluídas e dos quais são excluídas essas mulheres, analisando quais interseções e processos são mais significativos no contexto de desigualdades em que se inserem. Com base na abordagem teórica da comunicação de risco e da interseccionalidade, os resultados apontam que sobreposição destes marcadores espelha uma realidade histórica de desigualdade, que comprometem o acesso à informação.
Macho desconstruído? Videoclipe, questões de gênero e masculinidades sob tensão
Authors: Freire Gutmann Juliana , Melo Dias Morena
Published: October 2024

Tomando o audiovisual em rede como dimensão comunicacional pela qual seria possível mapear disputas políticas, identitárias e culturais diversas, dentre as quais as relacionadas às questões de gênero, este artigo investiga os sentidos de masculinidades acionados em torno da imagem do “macho desconstruído”, tendo como estudo de caso a rede de engajamentos identitários mobilizada no Instagram em torno do videoclipe “Masculinidade”, de Tiago Iorc. O videoclipe é compreendido como forma audiovisual expandida, cuja experiência de consumo envolve comentários, memes, paródias etc. Com base em protocolo teórico-metodológico que articula as noções de performance e performatividade, mapeamos como as disputas sobre a masculinidade performada pelo cantor apontam para possibilidades de repensar as identidades de gênero.
A institucionalização do consumo de moda de imitação
Authors: Barros Marassi Alessandra
Published: October 2024

O artigo analisa as práticas que institucionalizam o consumo de moda de imitação potencializadas pela produção de conteúdo dos consumidores presentes no TikTok. Partimos do pressuposto que o consumo de réplicas de marcas consolidadas é impulsionado não só pela atividade digital de quem consume, mas também pelas lógicas algorítmicas dos aplicativos de moda, como a Shein, que se apropriam dessa dinâmica em suas estratégias comerciais. Nosso objetivo é compreender as transformações no consumo desse tipo de mercadoria evidenciando o sentido de pertencimento numa lógica que institucionaliza a moda de imitação. O estudo sustenta-se na análise de conteúdos de consumidores no TikTok que adotam tais práticas.
Family Frugality Scale: Development, Validation, and Usage of an Implicit Financial Socialization Modeling Measure
Authors: Szendrey Julie M. , Fiala Laci A.
Published: October 2024

The Family Frugality Scale (FFS) was developed to retrospectively measure an individual’s perception of the degree to which their family was frugal in the management of resources while the individual was growing up. Research in financial socialization has increasingly noted the significance of family and parental socialization modeling behaviors. This scale is unique in that it focuses on a specific family socialization behavior that young adults can reflect on from their adolescence—family frugality—one that may or may not have been implicitly modeled in their family during their younger years. The scale items were constructed using a combination of existing scales, qualitative focus group analysis, survey data from a national sample of 1,245 young adults between the ages of 18 and 34 years, and structural equation modeling. Multiple test results show that the FFS was reliable and valid and can be used to evaluate its relationships with other individual and familial financial behaviors.
A Mixed Methods Analysis of Patient Adherence to Home-Based Physical Therapy Exercises
Authors: Peacock Jessica , Feldman Kyle , Delbridge Ainsley , Uhl Hannah
Published: October 2024

Objective:The purpose of this study was to explore how a variety of personal and provider factors might be related to adherence to home-based exercises in a rehabilitation setting.

Methods:This study used survey methodology and mixed methods analyses to examine adherence to home-based exercises among a sample (N= 117) of outpatient physical therapy patients.

Findings:Hierarchical logistic regression determined previous adherence to home-based exercises, self-efficacy, motivation, and social support-explained significant variance (56%) in adherence to current home exercise prescription. Additional variables that had small but significant contributions were sex, education, and therapeutic alliance. Qualitative content analyses found participants frequently reported a lack of time as a barrier and indicated receiving both emotional and instrumental forms of social support; they also highlighted the importance of good communication with the therapist.

Conclusions:A useful strategy to prepare patients for being adherent to home-based exercises is multistage goal setting, and rehabilitation educators and professionals might consider how to incorporate effective goal setting into curriculum and practice in order to prepare patients for potential barriers, develop self-efficacy, and identify social supports who can assist in goal commitment and achievement.
Argumentation and Knowledge Construction in Higher Education: A Vygotskian Perspective
Authors: González-Palta Ingrid , Larrain Antonia
Published: October 2024

Empirical research indicates that the utilization of argumentation as an educational strategy fosters the acquisition of argumentation skills and disciplinary knowledge. Furthermore, there is evidence to show that argumentation skills development mediates the effect of oral argumentation on disciplinary knowledge. However, studies have also shown that argumentation is scarce in higher education and that although lecturers see argumentation as a relevant pedagogical goal, they think that students need to first acquire knowledge in order to develop argumentation skills. Therefore, a crucial pedagogical resource to promote scientific knowledge in higher education is being overlooked. This paper is aimed at shedding light onto argumentation as a key practice in higher education teaching, disputing the idea that to argue, students first need to acquire knowledge. We elaborate further on Vygotsky’s notion of scientific concepts, highlighting their dialectic structure, which accounts for the epistemic potential of argumentation. This paper extends an invitation to higher education lecturers to prompt argumentation in classrooms as a form of disciplinary learning. Limitations and implications are discussed throughout the paper
Fostering Cultural Awareness in Museums and Monuments by Employing Extended Reality
Authors: Kontopanagou Katerina , Tsipis Athanasios , Komianos Vasileios
Published: October 2024

Fostering cultural awareness and user engagement in museums and monuments is fundamental for the successful promotion and valorization of Cultural Heritage. The current work aims at a brief discussion about the possibilities and benefits brought forth by the adoption of immersive technologies such as Virtual, Augmented and Mixed Reality, often jointly termed as Extended Reality (XR), in boosting user engagement and providing meaningful and long-lasting cultural experiences that ensure inclusivity and accessibility to all.
The educational space and its impact on pedagogical dynamics: Teachers' perception of their working environment
Authors: Poyato-Nunez Marta Maria , Olmos-Gomez Maria del Carmen , Parra-Gonzalez Maria Elena
Published: October 2024

A quality learning space provides students with an optimal environment for social relations, collaborative work and participation, thus fostering innovation and incorporating active methodologies. The aim of this study is to analyze whether the design of existing learning environments is suitable for incorporating innovation in classrooms. The methodology carried out in this study was quantitative and divided into two phases to carry out the analysis. The approach consisted of collecting data from a sample of 245 teachers using a questionnaire designed and validated by the researchers. The teachers perform their educational activity between the 3rd and 6th grades of primary school and are in educational centres in the autonomous city of Ceuta (Spain). The findings highlight the relevance that teachers believe the design of educational spaces should have in the teaching-learning process. Thus, the results show that there are significant differences with respect to age and professional experience in relation to the teacher's perception of infrastructure. Therefore, it is important to conclude by highlighting the consideration of the educational space as an essential element for the incorporation of methodological renewal in the classroom.
PENAFSIRAN KEKUATAN BAHASA DALAM TEKS PANCASILA SEBAGAI IDEOLOGI NEGARA: PENDEKATAN HERMENEUTIKA
Authors: Setiadi Gatut
Published: October 2024

Berbagai aspek seperti sejarah, latar belakang penulis, dan unsur budaya sebagai bagian dari proses terbentuknya suatu teks tertentu menjadikan setiap kata atau kalimat dalam Bahasa Indonesia itu mampu memiliki suatu unsur yang sangat penting untuk dikaji, yakni kekuatan atau kekuasaan Bahasa (language power). Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan kekuatan bahasa yang terkandung dalam teks pancasila, sehingga dapat dipahami secara komprehensif sebagai ideologi bangsa indonesia. Maka dari itu, Peneltian ini dilakukan denagn pendekatan hermeneutika. Yang menjadi data penelitian adalah teks Pancasila. Teknik analisis data yang diterapkan adalah analisis dokumen. Uji validitas data dilakukan dengan triangulasi teori, sedangkan analisis data dengan model analisis mengalir. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa tiap kalimat dalam teks pancasila mengandung kekuatan bahasa serta berperan dalam konsep kehidupan berbangsa dan bermasyarakat yang mencakup makna (1) Berketuhanan, (2) Berperikemanusiaan, (3) Persatuan, (4) Permusawaratan, dan (5) Berkeadilan sosial. Dari hasil penelitian ini dapat dikaji lebih lanjut tentang bentuk kekuatan bahasa dalam tiap aspek sila dalam konsep kehidupan masyarakat secara nyata yang relevan dengan perkembangan teknologi dan budaya.
RESISTENSI SUBALTERN DALAM NOVEL NIKA BARONTA: MEMPERJUANGKAN KEBEBASAN DAN MARTABAT MELAWAN KOLONIALISME
Authors: Julianti Santi , Juanda Juanda , Saguni Suarni Syam , Afandi Iswan
Published: October 2024

Novel Nika Baronta berisi gambaran kehidupan masyarakat Bima pada abad ke-19 sampai abad ke-20 yang mengalami penderitaan akibat praktik kolonialisme yang dilakukan oleh bangsa penjajah. Pratik kolonialisme yang dilakukan bangsa penjajah membuat para penduduk Bima dikuasai dan ditindas dengan cara paksa dan kekerasan. Oleh karena itu, tujuan penelitian ini ialah mendeskripsikan bentuk resistensi masyarakat Bima sebagai kaum subaltern dengan menggunakan teori poskolonial subaltern Gayatri C. Spivak. Spivak. Penelitian ini bersifat kualitatif deskriptif. Sumber data diperoleh dari data tertulis di dalam novel Nika Baronta karya Alan Malingi, berupa tuturan tokoh dan narasi pengarang yang menunjukkan bentuk Resistensi kaum terjajah dalam konteks poskolonial. Adapun hasil yang didapatkan dalam penelitian ini adalah bahwa Masyarakat Bima melakukan perlawanan terhadap kaum penjajah yang bertindak sewenangwenang terhadap mereka subaltern. Usaha kaum subaltern melakukan perlawanan terhadap praktik kolonialisme, menghentikan segala bentuk penindasan baik kekerasan fisik maupun pelecehan seksual terhadap gadis pribumi masyarakat Bima dan demi mendapatkan hak kebebasan secara penuh. Penelitian ini berkontribusi pada pemahaman tentang bagaimana kelompok-kelompok yang terpinggirkan melawan dominasi kolonial atau kekuasaan lainnya melalui representasi sastra. Penelitian masa depan dapat mengeksplorasi dampak dan implikasi jangka panjang dari perlawanan subaltern terhadap praktik kolonialisme dalam novel Nika Baronta karya Alan Malingi. Salah satu pendekatan yang dapat diambil adalah melalui studi interdisipliner yang mengintegrasikan perspektif sejarah, budaya, dan sosial untuk lebih memahami konteks sosial-politik di mana perlawanan tersebut terjadi.
WUJUD MODERASI BERAGAMA PADA TUMPENG PUNGKUR SEBAGAI TRADISI KEMATIAN DI KABUPATEN BOYOLALI: KAJIAN GASTRONOMI SASTRA
Authors: Mulyawati Ika Martanti
Published: October 2024

Kemunculan tumpeng pungkur hanya ada saat tradisi kematian di Kabupaten Boyolali, diidentikkan dengan pergantian kehidupan dari hidup ke mati. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan tentang makna tumpeng pungkur dengan kajian gastronomi sastra di Kabupaten Boyolali. Kualitatif deskripstif adalah jenis penelitian ini dengan teknik pengumpulan data dengan menggunakan teknik menyimak dan catat. Teknik analisis data menggunaan model interaktif. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan adanya wujud kerukunan, gotong royong, dan pengharapan dalam tumpeng pungkur yang muncul dalam tradisi Sortanahan.  Makna tumpeng yang berbentuk kerucut, dibelah, dan diposisikan saling membelakangi memiliki arti bahwa kehidupan antara yang hidup dan yang mati sudah berbeda. Tumpeng pungkur yang masih dilestarikan oleh masyarakat di Kabupaten Boyolali memiliki makna yang sangat dalam berhubungan dengan pengharapan, doa, dan pengampunan dari Allah swt. Makanan atau kuliner yang muncul karena tradisi kesripahan (Sortanahan) ini memiliki beberapa pelengkap yang juga hadir. Pelengkap tumpeng pungkur ini adalah sego golong, sego asahan, pancenan, ancak, ingkung dan kembang setaman. Tradisi kesripahan ini yang didalamnya terdapat tumpeng pungkur merupakan bagian dari sastra lisan yang dikaji dengan ilmu gastronomi sastra menghasilkan beberapa perspekstif makanan ditinjau dari tradisi lokal yang harus dilestarikan.