bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
D’où viens-tu, quel est ton pays, de quel peuple es-tu ? (Jon 1, 8b) (Editorial)
Authors:   CERA/ Université Catholique du Congo, KABASELE MUKENGE André
Published: February 2024

Dans le recueil biblique des douze prophètes, le livre de Jonas pose, au cœur de son intrigue, des questions centrales liées à l’identité et à l’appartenance. Ces questions sont alignées en Jon 1, 8b, dans une narration où les matelots « païens », confrontés à une tempête violente, ayant déployé tous les efforts pour éviter à leur navire de chavirer, se rendent à l’évidence qu’un tel désastre - d’après la mentalité de l’époque -, ne pouvait qu’être un châtiment divin pour quelque faute commise par l’un des passagers. Et parmi eux se trouve Jonas, un « prophète » récalcitrant, qui a refusé d’accomplir la mission reçue de YHWH, et s’est résolu de fuir le plus loin possible, espérant échapper ainsi au regard divin. Il fait même preuve d’une inconscience déconcertante : alors que les matelots sont occupés à faire face au danger, notamment en allégeant la charge du bateau et en invoquant chacun son dieu, Jonas, retiré au fond de la cale, dort profondément. Le sort le désignera pourtant comme la cause du malheur qui s’abat sur le navire et ses passagers. Ce n’est qu’à la fin du récit que l’on apprendra la raison pour laquelle il n’a pas voulu assumer la mission qui lui avait été confiée par « son » Dieu et qui consistait à avertir les Ninivites – un peuple étranger – qu’ils risquaient d’être châtiés s’ils ne se convertissaient pas. Un châtiment extrême : la destruction de leur grande ville, Ninive.
From enemy skulls to welfare, and the missing nexus - A review on Bidayuh headhunting
Authors: Venz Oliver
Published: February 2024

Headhunting’ was practiced by many societies widely separated in space and time, including Europe (see Chacon and Dye ibid. 5−32 for a global survey). However, says Winzeler (2012: 99) in a summary of the matter: “Southeast Asia and especially Borneo, is the locus classicus of head-hunting as far as the more recent ethnographic and historical literature is concerned. Yet scholars disagree about the cultural motives underlying the practice or maintain that it is now difficult to find what the motives were at the time when head-hunting was in full practice. It is the specific religious or ritual motives that are disputed or unclear”. To avoid any misunderstanding, the anthropological literature on headhunting is vast and a host of different interpretive frameworks2 are being used by scholars in order to elucidate different ‘aspects’, ‘causes’ and ‘purposes’ as well as ‘building blocks’, ‘dimensions’ or ‘recurrent themes’ of what some authors consider a ‘universal grammar of head-taking’ (Armit 2012: 66). What has been found most remarkable about headhunting is, as Blust (1980: 231) once put it, “the matrix of ‘magico-religious’ concepts in which the practice is inextricably enmeshed”. However, it is exactly this area, as Winzeler insinuated above, where there is an extensive lack of reliable fundamental data. And, despite its prominent role as locus classicus in recent headhunting debates, this is also true for Borneo. My task as a Fellow of the Sarawak Museum Campus Project (2017−2018) was to focus my attention on Bidayuh (Land Dayak), and especially Bisingai, concepts related to headhunting. This choice turned out to be just as exciting as problematic. Headhunting already stands as a puzzling topic, and the Bidayuh are themselves, as Winzeler (1993: 223) put it, “something of a jigsaw puzzle” when it comes to the often considerable cultural and linguistic differences between individual communities. While the data corpus has grown in recent years, our knowledge of (early) Bidayuh religiosity, however, is still sketchy and detailed grammars and dictionaries are lacking for the majority of individual isolects.
The old Odonata (Insecta) collection of the Sarawak Museum
Authors:   Naturalis Biodiversity Center, A. Dow Rory , R. Morris Jennifer
Published: February 2024

The old Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) collection of the Sarawak Museum has been examined and re-identified. An annotated list of the species and specimens present in the collection is given, along with remarks about the locations where they were collected. A total of 378 specimens are present in the collection, 356 of which are from or assumed to be from Sarawak, the remaining 22 specimens are from Sabah (all from Mount Kinabalu). In total, at least 89 species are represented in the collection, however the condition (or sex in some cases) of approximately 15% of the specimens precludes definite identification to species. The collection includes the holotype of Orchithemis xanthosoma Laidlaw, 1911, one of the syntypes of Pseudagrionoptera diotima Ris, 1912 and paratypes of Podolestes harrissoni Lieftinck, 1953 and Ictinogomphus acutus (Laidlaw, 1914). Other significant material includes the only specimen of Euphaea ameeka van Tol & Norma-Rashid, 1995 known from Limbang Division, the only specimen of Gynacantha bayadera Selys, 1891 from Sarawak and a series of Chlorogomphus specimens.
Perancangan UI/UX Layanan Aduan Fasilitas Umum dengan Metode Design Thinking Berbasis Mobile
Authors: Khansa Shafa Salsabila , Rahman Azka Septia , Ramadhan Della Novia , Huda Muhammad Qomarul
Published: February 2024

Penelitian ini mengkaji perancangan UI/UX untuk layanan aduan fasilitas umum di Kota Tangerang Selatan, menggunakan metode Design Thinking. Fokus utamanya adalah memenuhi kebutuhan pengguna, termasuk masyarakat pengirim aduan dan petugas pemerintahan. Prototipe yang dibuat diuji melalui Maze untuk mengumpulkan data terkait penggunaan aplikasi. Dalam pengujian, terungkap bahwa pengguna mengalami kesulitan dalam menyelesaikan tugas tertentu, terutama dalam memberikan penilaian atas aduan yang telah diselesaikan. Ada juga tingkat kesalahan yang tinggi dalam proses masuk dan pengiriman aduan. Meskipun petugas pemerintah umumnya berhasil menyelesaikan tugasnya, terdapat kesalahan signifikan dalam proses tersebut. Temuan ini menunjukkan perlunya perbaikan lebih lanjut, terutama pada aspek yang belum berhasil diselesaikan oleh pengguna dan peningkatan efisiensi dalam proses masuk serta pengiriman aduan. Pentingnya iterasi dan peningkatan desain aplikasi ditekankan untuk memperbaiki pengalaman pengguna secara keseluruhan. Perbaikan ini diharapkan dapat memenuhi kebutuhan pengguna dengan lebih efektif dan meningkatkan kepuasan mereka terhadap layanan aduan.
Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Penerima Kartu Indonesia Sehat Menggunakan Metode Analitycal Hierarcy Process
Authors: Indrayani Lilis
Published: February 2024

Abstrak

Kartu Indonesia Sehat (KIS) merupakan kartu identitas peserta Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional yang dikelola oleh Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial (BPJS) Kesehatan. KIS merupakan program yang anggotanya diambil dari masyarakat yang tidak mampu dan pemberian kartunya ditetapkan oleh pemerintah serta pembayaran iurannya ditanggung oleh pemerintah. Namun terkadang yang ditemui di masyarakat banyak ketidaksesuaian yang berhak menerima bantuan dan juga yang tidak berhak menerima bantuan karena pemilihannya masih secara manual dan berdasarkan rekomendasi dari pemerintah sempat. Hal inilah yang melatarbelakangi sehingga muncul pemikiran untuk membuat sebuah sistem pendukung keputusan yang mampu menjadi rekomendasi untuk pemilihan masyarakat yang berhak menerima KIS. Desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah Data Flow Diagram (DFD). Metode yang digunakan untuk melakukan proses seleksi dan mendapatkan hasil yaitu metode Analitycal Hierarcy Process (AHP). Hasil dari perancangan memberikan hasil perhitungan perangkingan yang berhak menerima KIS, memberikan laporan masyarakat yang berhak dan tidak berhak menerima KIS.

 

Kata Kunci:  Sistem Pendukung Keputusan, AHP, KIS, DFD
Presentación
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Palazuelos Rojo Isaac de Jesús , Méndez-Fierros Hugo ,   Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Fernández Huerta Christian ,   Universidad Autónoma de Baja California
Published: February 2024

Existe una creciente comunidad académica, a nivel internacional, de investigadores que han mostrado diferentes intereses, tanto metodológicos como teóricos en torno a fenómenos sociales vinculados con las apropiaciones tecnológicas y, con mayor vehemencia, los medios digitales de comunicación. Aunque las causas de estos intereses son diversas, en gran medida se definen por la propia masificación de los medios digitales en la vida cotidiana, así como la manera en que estos participan en la construcción de experiencias sociales en general. De manera simultánea, los métodos digitales de investigación, principalmente los cualitativos de tipo etnográfico avanzan en la construcción de estas investigaciones.
Memes, migración y discurso de odio en la frontera México-Estados Unidos de Norteamérica. Una propuesta etnográfica digital
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Méndez-Fierros Hugo , Fernández Huerta Christian ,   Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Palazuelos Rojo Isaac de Jesús ,   Universidad Autónoma de Baja California
Published: February 2024

Además de infraestructura digital, internet es un entorno cultural donde individuos interactúan y construyen significados. El objetivo es analizar mediante un ejercicio de etnografía digital el fenómeno de los memes como virus mediáticos que propagan y resignifican discursos de odio contra personas en tránsito por la frontera norte de México rumbo a los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica (EE.UU.), durante la pandemia. Se utilizaron los motores de búsqueda Chrome y Safari para filtrar hasta diez etiquetas relacionadas con la migración entre 2020 y 2022, de lo cual surgió un corpus de memes que fueron categorizados e interpretados. Los memes como discursos de odio estigmatizan a las personas en condición de movilidad por venir de lejos y ser diferentes, en consecuencia se justifican ciertas prácticas políticas de discriminación y securitización fronteriza, específicamente, la denominada Título 42, implementada por Donald Trump y mantenida en la administración de Joe Biden.
Grindr como campo de investigación de lo digital. Apuntes autoetnográficos
Authors:   Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Caraballo Pablo
Published: February 2024

Grindr es una aplicación móvil de “ligue” creada en 2009, que reúne mayormente a hombres cisgéneros en busca de encuentros homoeróticos. El presente texto parte de una aproximación autoetnográfica, para plantear algunas consideraciones que nos permitan pensar Grindr como campo de investigación sociológico. En ese sentido, más que objeto de análisis, concibo Grindr como un espacio de articulación de distintos ejes que atraviesan y estructuran las experiencias de sus usuarios. Propongo, así, un esquema analítico que retoma, en primer lugar, una perspectiva interaccional, destacando la existencia de un “orden” autocontenido en la aplicación, a su vez mediado y limitado por las categorías culturales que esta impone como universales. Luego, desde una mirada macrosocial, propongo pensar la configuración de esas interacciones y la organización del…
Etnografías digitales en torno a los juicios de lesa humanidad en Argentina
Authors:   Universidad Nacional de Lanús, Larralde Armas Florencia
Published: February 2024

En el largo proceso de lucha por la memoria, la verdad y la justicia en Argentina, la reactivación de los juicios de lesa humanidad (desde el año 2005) ha sido una de las políticas de memoria con mayor impacto en la reconstrucción y reparación histórica, siendo sus actores principales los organismos de derechos humanos, sobrevivientes, afectados directos, jueces, fiscales y peritos. Debido a la crisis sanitaria, por la pandemia por COVID-19, en marzo de 2020 se suspendió el desarrollo de más de 20 juicios que estaban en distintas etapas de instrucción, los cuales fueron reanudados en octubre de ese mismo año a través de medios digitales. Desde su implementación en el marco de la pandemia se continuó con el desarrollo de los juicios a través de plataformas digitales como zoom o Jitsi, que a la vez son retransmitidas en vivo a través de YouTube, Twitter, Facebook y páginas web oficiales de los Tribunales Orales.
Analyzing the Political Discourse in the Declaration of the 2024 Presidential Candidates in Media Reports
Authors: Suparto Diryo , Adilla Annisa , Sutjiatmi Sri , Afrizal Teuku
Published: February 2024

This study analyzes the media on political gestures as a bureaucratic discourse related to the decision to declare a presidential candidate for 2024 carried out by each political party. This type of research uses descriptive interpretive with a qualitative approach through discourse analysis of Teun A. Van Dijk consisting of macro and microstructures. The data source for this article was adopted in the news on the 2022 edition of Detik Finance media and the 2023 edition of Liputan 6, where 16 articles data will be analyzed using data collection techniques from library studies and literature studies regarding the representation of political ideology bureaucratic systems on digital media. The results and discussion in this article from the macrostructure itself is referred to as the concept of sentence structure in the introduction to the core of political discourse in the two news stories namely first, they tend to focus more on the principle decisions of political party policies that want to build the values and ideas of the nation to realize the life of the state and government. In contrast, the second news tends to focus more on the principle decision of the political bureaucracy policy which appointed Ganjar Pranowo to increase his assignment as a candidate for president of the Republic of Indonesia at the right historical and ideological moment on the Day of the struggle for women's emancipation. This is a form of message meaning that is different from an ideological point of view in political discourse in a news story. The microstructure can be seen in the expressions of political communicators, the meaning of messages in political discourse, and the arrangement of language in elaborating ideological sentences in news texts.
Eksegesis Filipi 1:27 dan Implikasinya dalam Pembentukan Iman Peserta Didik
Authors: Rudy Roberto Walean
Published: February 2024

Melakukan eksegesis yang baik dan benar dalam mencari kebenaran dalam suatu ayat itu sangat penting dimana hal tersebut adalah dapat menangkap inti pesan yang disampaikan oleh teks-teks yang kita baca. Demikian pembentukan iman sangat penting bagi peserta didik, berdasarkan hasil survei yang membuktikan bahwa anak-anak Kristen sudah tidak lagi tertarik dengan gereja dan terpengaruh dengan kenakalan yang begitu buruk, sehingga terpengaruh juga bagi sekolah.

Dalam penelitian ini penulis menggunakan studi kepustakaan. Mengantisipasi masalah tersebut maka pentingnya eksegesis Filipi 1:27 dan implikasinya bagi peserta didik, untuk membentuk iman mereka. sehingga mereka dapat kembali mengenal identitas mereka bahwa mereka adalah warga Kerajaan Sorga, hidup sebagai orang percaya yang berjuang untuk Injil, dan membawa kepada perubahan hidup mereka, yakni karakter dan sikap, minat belajar, dan hasil belajar.
Framework on Alternative Resource Index for Unobtainable Actual income: A Case for Primary School Learners
Authors: Daclan Mary Ann Faller
Published: February 2024

This paper focuses on the methodology involved in obtaining economic resource index from nine- year-old or third-grade learners who could not give accurate or estimated income information of their families. Instead of direct income information, the research instrument used a formulation of a resource index encompassing elements that a child can observe in her or his immediate surroundings, such as material possessions, parents' occupation, and housing conditions. The research instrument was tailored-fit for the very young respondents to easily answer the two response choices of "yes" and "no" corresponding to the commonly observable items in the resource index’ tri-components of material possession, parents’ occupation, and housing condition. The process detailed the scoring guidelines for categorizing the respondents' family economic resources into three levels: high, average, and low.

Keywords : Unobtainable Actual Income, Alternative Resource Index, Primary School Learners, Economic Capital
Sustainable Conservation and Protection through Communication Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) in the case of Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, an ASEAN Heritage Park (AHP) in the Philippines
Authors: Alaman Bobby , Sultan Goldah Grace , Tomatao Hanzen , Villanueva Grace , Vallejo Juby , Dionio Beverly
Published: February 2024

Local communities have a major role in sustaining their natural resources by conserving, protecting, and rehabilitating protected areas, in the case of Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park (MNRP), an ASEAN Heritage Park in the Philippines. Through, Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) activities, the local communities have shared their strong participation in the park's protection, conservation, and rehabilitation. This tangible action contributes to the sustainable management of the park. This study aims to determine the innovative CEPA strategies implemented in MMRNP by the Protected Management Office (PAMO) that contribute awareness and develop positive behavioral change among the local communities. A total of 64 FGDs were conducted in the barangays within the park. The case study data analysis is used to analyze the gathered data. Result of the study found that CEPA strategies in MMRNP as mentioned by FGD participants are barangay assemblies and meetings, environmental classes, distribution of materials posters, leaflets, stickers, and environmental billboards, the advertisements through television, radio spiels, and the website of MMRNP and the Dalaw Turo (Visit and Teach) program. Furthermore, the identified CEPA strategies in MMRNP contribute in sustaining the park's biological diversity. Hence, educating the local communities improved involvement and participation in managing protected like in the case of Mt. Malindangand other protected area in the Philippines.

Keywords : behavioral change, biological diversity, local communities, natural resources, sustainable management
Effect of Pruning on Growth, Fruit Yield, Nutritional Quality, and Nutrient Uptake of Two Okra Varieties (Abelmoschus esculentus)
Authors: M.K Ndagana , A Buba , S Adamu
Published: February 2024

A field study was conducted at the Research Farm of National Agricultural Extension Research and Liaison Service (NAERLS/ABU), Badeggi zone in Niger State in the 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons, respectively, to evaluate the effect of pruning on the growth, fruit yield, nutritional quality and nutrient uptake of okra. The experiment had six treatment combinations: two okra varieties (Blondy and Zaria Local) and three pruning rates (0, 1 stem, two stems) replicated three times. The experiment was fitted into a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Data were collected on several leaves per plant, green fruit yield, nutritional quality, and nutrient uptake. Data collected were subjected to ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) using Genstat Discovery Statistical Package. The effective treatment means were separated using Fisher's least significant test (LSD) at a 5% probability level. Pruning is beneficial to the performance of okra. Plants with two-stem pruning produced the highest fruit yield (12.80 t/ha) in 2021, while the control plots had the least values (1.60 t/ha in 2020 and 2021, respectively). Therefore, it could be concluded that two-stem pruning can increase fruit yield, nutritional quality, and nutrient uptake of okra. Blondy performed better than the Zaria local variety and could be recommended for farmers within the study area.

Keywords : Blondy okra variety, Fisher’s least significant test, Randomized Complete Block, Design, two-stem pruning, Zaria okra variety
Nilai-Nilai Pendidikan Islam dalam Tradisi Bediom Rumah Adat Masyarakat Lampung Barat
Authors: Dendi Ari Sulendra  , Husnul Mu'amalah  , Saryati Purwanigara
Published: February 2024

Indonesia is considered as a multi–ethnic country with cultural diversity because it has wide variety of tribes, cultures, religions and beliefs. Among the local wisdoms is the Bediom tradition carried out by Lampung Saibatin society. This tradition contains of various values, such as socio-cultural, religious, and Islamic educational value. This research was in form of descriptive analysis which is qualitatative in nature. The research aimed at to explore and analyze the Islamic value contained in Bediom, a traditional house in Lampung Saibatin society. The data were collected through observation, in-depth interview, and documentation. The data analysis is conducted through data reduction, data display, verification and conclusion drawing. The study found that the Bediom tradition of moving traditional house in Lampung Saibatin society implied Islamic educational values, such as the value ​​of monotheism (tauhid), shariah value, and moral value. These three values ​​of Islamic education can strengthen the local wisdom of the Lampung people which are rich in religious values. In addition, the bediom tradition which is full of moral values ​​can also strengthen social relations among multicultural societies. Thus, local wisdom that is full of religious values ​​should continue to be preserved.
The ice regime of the northeastern Russia
Authors: Zemlianskova Anastasiia Aleksandrovna , Nesterova Nataliia Vadimovna , Makarieva Olga Mikhailovna
Published: February 2024

Transport links and provision of hard-to-reach settlements and mining enterprises play an important role in the economic development of the Arctic regions. In winter, winter roads are used as transport arteries; their mode of operation depends on the characteristics of the ice. Winter roads are used in Russia, Canada, USA, Finland, and China. Due to climate warming, the timing of the formation of ice cover on rivers is shifting to later times, and in the spring the ice is destroyed earlier. This could affect the delivery of vital supplies to remote regions. According to recent forecasts, it is assumed that heavy vehicles will not be able to use winter roads by the end of the 21st century. The purpose of the study is to analyze changes in the characteristics of ice cover on the rivers of the Northeast of Russia. To do this, a series of data was collected for the period 1940–2018 on the thickness of the ice cover at 80 hydrological stations located in the basins of the Yana, Indigirka, Kolyma rivers, rivers of the Chukotka Peninsula and the Sea of Okhotsk basin. The catchment areas range from 18.3 to 635,000 km2, and the duration of the continuous series ranges from 2 to 67 years. Three statistical nonparametric tests (Mann-Kendall, Pettitt and Theil-Sen) were used for evaluation. The following characteristics were considered: the maximum ice thickness and the date of its formation, the dates when the ice thickness reached 60 and 90 cm. During the period under review, the maximum ice thickness decreased by an average of 40 cm, while the date of reaching the maximum values remained almost unchanged. The period for the formation of river ice with a thickness of 60 and 90 cm, necessary for the passage of cars and trucks, respectively, has shifted by almost a month. The start date of freeze-up occurs on average 3–4 days later, and the end date of freeze-up occurs 5–8 days earlier. On average, the duration of freeze-up decreased by 5–15 days. The results obtained must be taken into account when drawing up the work schedule for winter roads. This is especially important for regions where communication between populated areas and mining enterprises is possible only through river arteries.
The acetylase activity of Cdu1 regulates bacterial exit from infected cells by protecting Chlamydia effectors from degradation
Authors: Bastidas Robert J , Kędzior Mateusz , Davidson Robert K , Walsh Stephen C , Dolat Lee , Sixt Barbara S , Pruneda Jonathan N , Coers Jörn , Valdivia Raphael H
Published: February 2024

Many cellular processes are regulated by ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation. Pathogens can regulate eukaryotic proteolysis through the delivery of proteins with de-ubiquitinating (DUB) activities. The obligate intracellular pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis secretes Cdu1 (ChlaDUB1), a dual deubiquitinase and Lys-acetyltransferase, that promotes Golgi remodeling and survival of infected host cells presumably by regulating the ubiquitination of host and bacterial proteins. Here, we determined that Cdu1’s acetylase but not its DUB activity is important to protect Cdu1 from ubiquitin-mediated degradation. We further identified three C. trachomatis proteins on the pathogen-containing vacuole (InaC, IpaM, and CTL0480) that required Cdu1‘s acetylase activity for protection from degradation and determined that Cdu1 and these Cdu1-protected proteins are required for optimal egress of Chlamydia from host cells. These findings highlight a non-canonical mechanism of pathogen-mediated protection of virulence factors from degradation after their delivery into host cells and the coordinated regulation of secreted effector proteins.
Pleiotropic effects of trisomy and pharmacologic modulation on structural, functional, molecular, and genetic systems in a Down syndrome mouse model
Authors: Llambrich Sergi , Tielemans Birger , Saliën Ellen , Atzori Marta , Wouters Kaat , Van Bulck Vicky , Platt Mark , Vanherp Laure , Gallego Fernandez Nuria , Grau de la Fuente Laura , Poptani Harish , Verlinden Lieve , Himmelreich Uwe , Croitor Anca , Attanasio Catia , Callaerts-Vegh Zsuzsanna , Gsell Willy , Martínez-Abadías Neus , Vande Velde Greetje
Published: February 2024

Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by skeletal and brain structural malformations, cognitive impairment, altered hippocampal metabolite concentration and gene expression imbalance. These alterations were usually investigated separately, and the potential rescuing effects of green tea extracts enriched in epigallocatechin-3-gallate (GTE-EGCG) provided disparate results due to different experimental conditions. We overcame these limitations by conducting the first longitudinal controlled experiment evaluating genotype and GTE-EGCG prenatal chronic treatment effects before and after treatment discontinuation. Our findings revealed that the Ts65Dn mouse model reflected the pleiotropic nature of DS, exhibiting brachycephalic skull, ventriculomegaly, neurodevelopmental delay, hyperactivity, and impaired memory robustness with altered hippocampal metabolite concentration and gene expression. GTE-EGCG treatment modulated most systems simultaneously but did not rescue DS phenotypes. On the contrary, the treatment exacerbated trisomic phenotypes including body weight, tibia microarchitecture, neurodevelopment, adult cognition, and metabolite concentration, not supporting the therapeutic use of GTE-EGCG as a prenatal chronic treatment. Our results highlight the importance of longitudinal experiments assessing the co-modulation of multiple systems throughout development when characterizing preclinical models in complex disorders and evaluating the pleiotropic effects and general safety of pharmacological treatments.
Regulation of hippocampal mossy fiber-CA3 synapse function by a Bcl11b/C1ql2/Nrxn3(25b+) pathway
Authors: Koumoundourou Artemis , Rannap Märt , De Bruyckere Elodie , Nestel Sigrun , Reissner Carsten , Egorov Alexei V , Liu Pengtao , Missler Markus , Heimrich Bernd , Draguhn Andreas , Britsch Stefan
Published: February 2024

The transcription factor Bcl11b has been linked to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders associated with synaptic dysfunction. Bcl11b is highly expressed in dentate gyrus granule neurons and is required for the structural and functional integrity of mossy fiber-CA3 synapses. The underlying molecular mechanisms, however, remained unclear. We show in mice that the synaptic organizer molecule C1ql2 is a direct functional target of Bcl11b that regulates synaptic vesicle recruitment and long-term potentiation at mossy fiber-CA3 synapses in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we demonstrate C1ql2 to exert its functions through direct interaction with a specific splice variant of neurexin-3, Nrxn3(25b+). Interruption of C1ql2-Nrxn3(25b+) interaction by expression of a non-binding C1ql2 mutant or by deletion of Nrxn3 in the dentate gyrus granule neurons recapitulates major parts of the Bcl11b as well as C1ql2 mutant phenotype. Together, this study identifies a novel C1ql2-Nrxn3(25b+)-dependent signaling pathway through which Bcl11b controls mossy fiber-CA3 synapse function. Thus, our findings contribute to the mechanistic understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders accompanied by synaptic dysfunction.
AI-driven automated discovery tools reveal diverse behavioral competencies of biological networks
Authors: Etcheverry Mayalen , Moulin-Frier Clément , Oudeyer Pierre-Yves , Levin Michael
Published: February 2024

Many applications in biomedicine and synthetic bioengineering rely on understanding, mapping, predicting, and controlling the complex behavior of chemical and genetic networks. The emerging field of diverse intelligence investigates the problem-solving capacities of unconventional agents. However, few quantitative tools exist for exploring the competencies of non-conventional systems. Here, we view gene regulatory networks (GRNs) as agents navigating a problem space and develop automated tools to map the robust goal states GRNs can reach despite perturbations. Our contributions include: (1) Adapting curiosity-driven exploration algorithms from AI to discover the range of reachable goal states of GRNs, and (2) Proposing empirical tests inspired by behaviorist approaches to assess their navigation competencies. Our data shows that models inferred from biological data can reach a wide spectrum of steady states, exhibiting various competencies in physiological network dynamics without requiring structural changes in network properties or connectivity. We also explore the applicability of these ‘behavioral catalogs’ for comparing evolved competencies across biological networks, for designing drug interventions in biomedical contexts and synthetic gene networks for bioengineering. These tools and the emphasis on behavior-shaping open new paths for efficiently exploring the complex behavior of biological networks. For the interactive version of this paper, please visit https://developmentalsystems.org/curious-exploration-of-grn-competencies.
Evolutionary Rate Covariation is a reliable predictor of co-functional interactions but not necessarily physical interactions
Authors: Little Jordan , Chikina Maria , Clark Nathan
Published: February 2024

Co-functional proteins tend to have rates of evolution that covary over time. This correlation between evolutionary rates can be measured over the branches of a phylogenetic tree through methods such as evolutionary rate covariation (ERC), and then used to construct gene networks by the identification of proteins with functional interactions. The cause of this correlation has been hypothesized to result from both compensatory coevolution at physical interfaces and non-physical forces such as shared changes in selective pressure. This study explores whether coevolution due to compensatory mutations has a measurable effect on the ERC signal. We examined the difference in ERC signal between physically interacting protein domains within complexes as compared to domains of the same proteins that do not physically interact. We found no generalizable relationship between physical interaction and high ERC, although a few complexes ranked physical interactions higher than non-physical interactions. Therefore, we conclude that coevolution due to physical interaction is weak, but present in the signal captured by ERC, and we hypothesize that the stronger signal instead comes from selective pressures on the protein as a whole and maintenance of the general function.
Neurexins control the strength and precise timing of glycinergic inhibition in the auditory brainstem
Authors: Jiang He-Hai , Xu Ruoxuan , Nie Xiupeng , Su Zhenghui , Xu Xiaoshan , Pang Ruiqi , Zhou Yi , Luo Fujun
Published: February 2024

Neurexins play diverse functions as presynaptic organizers in various glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses. However, it remains unknown whether and how neurexins are involved in shaping functional properties of the glycinergic synapses, which mediate prominent inhibition in the brainstem and spinal cord. To address these issues, we examined the role of neurexins in a model glycinergic synapse between the principal neuron in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) and the principal neuron in the lateral superior olive (LSO) in the auditory brainstem. Combining RNAscope with stereotactic injection of AAV-Cre in the MNTB of neurexin1/2/3 conditional triple knockout mice, we showed that MNTB neurons highly express all isoforms of neurexins although their expression levels vary remarkably. Selective ablation of all neurexins in MNTB neurons not only reduced the amplitude but also altered the kinetics of the glycinergic synaptic transmission at LSO neurons. The synaptic dysfunctions primarily resulted from an impaired Ca2+ sensitivity of release and a loosened coupling between voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and synaptic vesicles. Together, our current findings demonstrate that neurexins are essential in controlling the strength and temporal precision of the glycinergic synapse, which therefore corroborates the role of neurexins as key presynaptic organizers in all major types of fast chemical synapses.
Motivation Levels of Preservice Music Teachers in Turkey
Authors: Otacıoğlu Serkan
Published: February 2024

Individuals need motivation in their work, this motivation makes individuals more efficient. Considering that music education is a long way, individuals become more successful with certain discipline and motivation, and the pleasure in the work done increases. This study was conducted to examine the musical motivation levels of prospective music teachers in Turkey. In this study, survey design, which is one of the quantitative research methods, was used. The sample group of the study consisted of 4th grade students by using the easily accessible case sampling method, which is one of the purposeful sampling methods. The first data collection tool is the «Personal Information Form» developed by the researcher to obtain the demographic characteristics of the students, and the second data collection tool is the «Motivation Scale» developed by Asmus in 1989 to measure the musical motivation of the students. Percentage, frequency and independent t-test analysis techniques were used in the analysis of the research data. According to the results of the research, it was seen that musical background affected motivation in the gender variable, while environmental factors and individual music interest in the family did not affect motivation. Regarding the age variable, it was found that musical background and environmental factors had no significant relationship with musical motivation, but individual musical interest in the family affected motivation.
Peak Speed in Gaelic Games: A Systematic Review of GPS Methods
Authors: McGuinness Eddie , Beattie Kris , Lyons Mark , Lane Aoife , Higginbotham Clement , Healy Robin
Published: February 2024

Background: Peak speed is an essential physical quality in Gaelic games due to the offensive, defensive, and transitional nature of the sports. Objectives: The aims of the study were to systematically search the literature for studies examining peak speed during Gaelic games match-play using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, to assess the GPS methodologies implemented and report normative values for peak speed by sport. Methods: Keywords were combined to search and identify studies reporting peak speed values recorded using GPS technology during Gaelic games match-play. Key details such as GPS brand/model, number of satellites connected, and firmware version were extracted. A risk of bias tool was designed to rate the level of detection bias within each study. Results: Twenty-one (N=21) studies met the inclusion criteria. Eight studies examined peak speed in hurling and men’s Gaelic football, respectively, while four camogie and one ladies Gaelic football study were identified. Twenty-nine percent (29%) of included studies were graded as having a high risk of bias in at least one category. Peak speeds between 7.81 to 9.97 m·s-1 were reported in hurling and men’s Gaelic football and between 5.88 to 7.45 m·s-1 in camogie and ladies’ Gaelic football. Conclusions: The dearth of literature examining peak speed in both female sports requires additional investigation, particularly in relation to the sprint profile of ladies Gaelic football. It is recommended that practitioners are cognisant of the methodological considerations which can be used as a ‘checklist’ to ensure accurate and reliable data are collected when using GPS technology to monitor peak speed.
Muscle Power and Agility Following Step-Aerobic Training in Male Badminton Players
Authors: Khaothin Thawichai , Phimai Prem , Hiruntrakul Ashira , Putthithanasombat Krissanat , Khongrassame Manatsiri , Jansupom Charee
Published: February 2024

Background: Step-aerobics training is one of the most exercise popular which is safe, a low-impact form of exercise, and does not cause any impact on the knee and ankle joints, it is ideal for developing the power of muscle and agility in a change of direction, that is essential for athletes. Objective: This study was to examine muscle power and agility following step-aerobic training in male badminton players. Methods: The study was an experimental research design conducted on a study recruited twenty male badminton players (aged 19-22) who were randomly divided into two groups. The subjects were initially tested for muscle power by a vertical jump and agility test. Thereafter, the experimental group underwent step-aerobic training for 30 minutes three days a week for eight weeks, and the control group continued its badminton training routine without step-aerobic training. After eight weeks, the study tested all groups for muscle power and agility. Result: A group x time interaction for the muscle power of the experimental group after four weeks (p 0.003) and eight weeks (p 0.001) increased than before and after eight weeks (p 0.001) was significantly increased than the control group. The agility time of the experimental group after step-aerobic training for four weeks (p 0.001) and eight weeks (p 0.001) decreased than before and after eight weeks (p 0.002) was significantly decreased than the control group. Conclusion: This study showed that the step-aerobic training pattern in increasing the rhythm movement of 125-140 beats per minute and the 6-8 inches height of step-aerobic can help badminton players enhance their muscle power and agility in four weeks.
Risk of circulatory diseases associated with proton-pump inhibitors: a retrospective cohort study using electronic medical records in Thailand
Authors: Pannoi Tanavij , Promchai Chissanupong , Apiromruck Penjamaporn , Wongpraphairot Suwikran , Dong Yaa-Hui , Yang Chen-Chang , Pan Wen-Chi
Published: February 2024

Background

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are prescribed to treat gastric acid-related diseases, while they may also have potential risks to population health. Recent studies suggested that a potential mechanism explaining the association between PPIs and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) includes the inhibition of the nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide (NO) pathway. However, previous observational studies showed controversial results of the association. In addition, the inhibition of the NO pathway due to PPIs use may lead to peripheral vascular diseases (PVD); however, none of the studies explore the PPI-PVD association. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association of PPIs with circulatory diseases (CVD, ischemic strokes or IS, and PVD).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective hospital-based cohort study from Oct 2010 to Sep 2017 in Songkhla province, Thailand. PPIs and histamine 2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) prescriptions were collected from electronic pharmacy records, while diagnostic outcomes were retrieved from electronic medical records at Songklanagarind hospital. Patients were followed up with an on-treatment approach. Cox proportional hazard models were applied to measure the association comparing PPIs vs H2RAs after 1:1 propensity-score-matching. Sub-group analysis, multi-bias E-values, and array-based sensitivity analysis for some covariates were used to assess the robustness of associations.

Results

A total of 3,928 new PPIs and 3,928 H2RAs users were included in the 1:1 propensity score-matched cohort. As compared with H2RAs, the association of PPIs with CVD, IS, and PVD, the hazard ratios were 1.76 95% CI = [1.40–2.20] for CVD, 3.53 95% CI = [2.21–5.64] for ischemic strokes, and 17.07 95% CI = [13.82–76.25] for PVD. The association between PPIs and each outcome was significant with medication persistent ratio of over 50%. In addition, the association between PPIs and circulatory diseases was robust to unmeasured confounders (i.e., smoking and alcohol).

Conclusion

PPIs were associated with circulatory diseases, particularly ischemic strokes in this hospital-based cohort study, whereas, the strength of associations was robust to unmeasured confounders.
Evaluation of the Predictive Role of Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio and Mean Platelet Volume in Preterm Deliveries: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Chandavar Disha Sai M , Minal Jessica , Rashmi KS
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Preterm birth is associated with high perinatal morbidity and mortality. Identifying women at risk for preterm labour early in pregnancy may improve pregnancy outcomes. Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) can be helpful in predicting preterm labour, as infection is an important factor in early preterm deliveries, with immunity playing a key role in preterm labour. Aim: To evaluate the predictive role of the NLR and MPV in preterm deliveries. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care and research hospital from August 2022 to October 2023. Haematological and clinical data were retrieved for preterm deliveries (n=79, group I) and term deliveries (n=151, group II). The two groups were compared in terms of demographic characteristics, obstetric and laboratory findings, including maternal age, gravida, parity, birth weight, NLR, MPV, and haemoglobin levels. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29.0. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the mean values among different groups. Categorical values were evaluated with Pearson’s Chi-square test. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the diagnostic properties of the tests. Results: The two groups showed no statistical difference in terms of demographic parameters such as the mother’s age (p-value=0.611), parity (p-value=0.798), and gravida (p-value=0.583). The NLR was higher in group I (5.8±5.01) compared to group II (4.3±1.75), and this difference was statistically significant with a p-value of <0.001. MPV was observed to be lower in group II (8.7±0.96) compared to group I (8.9±1.07); however, this difference was not statistically significant (p-value=0.128). The mean baby weight and mean maternal haemoglobin in group I were significantly lower compared to group II. Conclusion: In this study, the NLR value was significantly higher in patients with preterm deliveries compared to term deliveries. This study highlights the role of NLR as an emerging predictor of preterm deliveries and emphasises that NLR, obtained from an inexpensive and routinely conducted haemogram, has the potential to be used as an early indicator of preterm deliveries.
Returns on Investment in Education: Evidence from Turkey by Education Level and by Higher Education Program
Authors:   Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Kurt Merve , gumus Erdal ,   Eskisehir Osmangazi University
Published: February 2024

This paper estimates private and social returns on investment in education in Turkey, by level of educa¬tion and by higher education program, using the 2008-2016 Household Labor Force Survey and Income and Living Conditions Survey panel datasets. The paper uses panel econometrics with the Hausman-Tay¬lor and instrumental variable methods dealing with the endogeneity and unobserved heterogeneity problems. The private returns on investment in higher education tend to be higher as compared to the private returns on investment in non-tertiary education. The results indicate that the private returns on investment from various higher education programs are signifcantly different across various higher ed¬ucation programs. Based on the empirical fndings, a number of policy recommendations are developed.
Transport Taxes and Decarbonization in Spain: Distributional Impacts and Compensation
Authors:   Rede. Universidad de Vigo, Gago Alberto , Labandeira Xavier ,   Rede. Universidad de Vigo, Labeaga José M. ,   UNED, López-Otero Xiral ,   UNED
Published: February 2024

The importance of energy-environmental taxation in the transition to decarbonized economies does not correspond to its actual role due to several constraints on its application. This paper emphasizes one of the main barriers, the negative impacts on distribution and equity, and suggests alternatives to mitigate these effects. In particular, it lists a series of fiscal proposals for road transport and aviation, sources of significant emissions, defined and empirically evaluated for the specific case of Spain, with compensatory packages to reduce their regressive nature and thus support their viability in practice.
Enhancing Job Recruitment Prediction through Supervised Learning and Structured Intelligent System: A Data Analytics Approach
Authors: Imianvan Anthony A. , Robinson Samuel A. , Asuquo Daniel E. , George Uduak D. , Dan Emmanuel A. , Ejodamen Pius U. , Udoh Akanimoh E.
Published: February 2024

Personnel recruitment processes in various government agencies, ministries, boards, and parastatals encounter challenges in effectively selecting candidates who meet specified requirements for job placement on time. Moreover, human resource (HR) managers face the additional burden of appeasing top government officials while also mitigating issues of nepotism and bias during recruitment. The success or failure of any organization heavily relies on the recruitment and retention of its workforce. Consequently, the decision to select suitable candidates for job positions is of utmost importance to management in every organization. This work develops a structured intelligent system that selects the best machine learning (ML) classification model for predicting applicants’ employability based on their attributes using the industry job selection criteria. A dataset of 16240 applicants’ records collected from Akwa State Universal Basic Education Board (AKSUBEB) was used to train and test the performance of the ML models. Naïve Bayes (NB), Logistic Regression (LR), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and Decision Tree (DT) classifiers were deployed where results indicate that DT emerged the most effective classifier with a 98% prediction accuracy followed by RF with accuracy of 97.59% while LR recorded the least accuracy of 79.43%.  This outcome indicates that tree-based ML structures can significantly help HR personnel to efficiently select suitable candidates for given job positions with reduced overhead in the recruitment process.