bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interplay between C-reactive protein responses and antibiotic prescribing in suspected bloodstream infections
Authors: Gu Qingze , Yuan Kevin , Wei Jia , Yoon Chang Ho , Danielsen Anders Skyrud , Luk Augustine , Eyre David W , Walker A Sarah
Published: November 2024

Serial measurements of C-reactive protein (CRP) are often taken in hospitals to assess recovery from infection, but their utility remains debated. We examined antibiotic prescribing patterns and their association with CRP centile changes in a cohort of 51,544 suspected bloodstream infections (BSI). Broad-spectrum antibiotics were predominantly used within the first three days after blood culture collection, followed by a notable shift to narrow-spectrum antibiotics for Gram-positive infections, but with slower de-escalation for Gram-negative and polymicrobial infections. CRP centile changes were modestly associated with subsequent antibiotic adjustments; in particular, suboptimal recovery, indicated by an increase in CRP centiles, was associated with a higher rate of antibiotic escalation and, conversely, faster than expected recovery in CRP was associated with de-escalation. The impact of various prescribing decisions on subsequent CRP centile changes was complex and challenging to estimate, likely due to testing bias. CRP centile changes during the 4 days post blood culture collection were strongly associated with 5–30-day mortality, highlighting their potential utility as a prognostic indicator. Together, these findings suggest that while CRP monitoring can inform antibiotic stewardship, its influence on prescribing decisions is probably only modest, underscoring the need to integrate a range of clinical factors to optimise BSI management.
New type of crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) of clinopyroxene in serpentinite
Authors: Jung Haemyeong , Lee Jungjin
Published: November 2024

﻿Diopside is a major clinopyroxene mineral present in the mantle peridotites and serpentinites. However, the crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) of diopside and its deformation mechanism are poorly understood. Here, we present a new S1-type CPO diopside in deformed serpentinites from Monte San Petrone (Alpine Corsica, France). The new CPO is characterized by a strong alignment of the (100) poles subnormal and a girdle distribution of the [010] and [001] axes subparallel to the foliation. Orientation analysis showed that, during serpentinization, the (100) planes of diopside were topotactically related to those (001) of antigorite: (100)di // (001)atg. The dominant (001) basal glide of antigorite appears to cause the (100) poles of the surrounding diopsides to align parallel to the foliation, mainly through phase boundary sliding and grain rotation during dynamic recrystallization. The anomalous radial anisotropy of P-waves observed in the mantle wedges in south-western Japan and Alaska subduction zones can be attributed to the new CPO of diopside.
Assessment of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction by Applying a New Left Ventricular Segmental Wall Motion Score in Echocardiography Compared to Cardiac Magnetic Resonance and Other Echocardiographic Imaging Methods
Authors: Jaradat Ehab , Tabatabai Sadeq , Alseiari Saeed , Al-Mulla Arif
Published: November 2024

Background
Left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) is a crucial indicator of left ventricular systolic function in several cardiology fields. Having said that, it also has several key limitations. Assessment of the LV segmental wall motion score (WMS) can substitute for the traditional LVEF for evaluating left ventricular systolic function. This retrospective study intends to investigate the validity of assessing LVEF by utilising a new echocardiographic LV segmental WMS method in comparison with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and other echocardiographic modalities.
Methods
In the CMR group, 78 individuals were enrolled, while 118 others were enrolled in the transthoracic echocardiography group. Based on the assumption that each segment contributes proportionally to the global LVEF, each normokinetic and hypokinetic segment will be scored at an average of 4% and 2%, respectively. In comparison, dyskinetic and akinetic segments will be scored at 0%.
Results
WMS-LVEF correlates positively with CMR-LVEF (r = 0.98), three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography (r = 0.98), the 2D biplane Simpson’s (r = 0.96), and visual assessment of LVEF (r = 0.97) with P < 0.001.
In general, WMS-LVEF provided a good agreement with a relatively small mean bias and narrow standard deviation (SD) of LVEF compared to CMR-LVEF (bias: 0.83%, SD: 2.8), 3D-echocardiography (bias: 0.43%, SD: 1.96), the 2D biplane Simpson’s (bias: 0.74%, SD: 2.39%), and visual assessment of LVEF (bias: 0.20%, SD: 2.39%).
Conclusions
The new WMS-LVEF derived by transthoracic echocardiography has a great correlation and level of agreement with other benchmark echocardiography and CMR-LVEF approaches.
Comparative Analysis of Vertebral Body and Local Infiltration Anesthesia in PVP Procedures
Authors: Hossain Marofe , Hao Sun , Baral Shantanu , Yeasin Ahamed , Wang Yongxiang
Published: November 2024

Background
This study evaluates the effectiveness of local infiltration anesthesia and vertebral cancellous bone infiltration anesthesia in providing pain relief during vertebroplasty.
Methods
Between 2022 and 2024, This study involved 100 patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, randomly divided into two groups: Group A (local infiltration anesthesia) and Group B (local infiltration combined with vertebral cancellous bone infiltration anesthesia). Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen saturation at preoperative, intraoperative, and 2-hour postoperative stages.
Results
No significant differences were observed between the two groups preoperatively in HR, MAP, or VAS scores (P > 0.05). Intraoperatively, Group B demonstrated significantly lower HR and MAP compared to Group A (P < 0.01). Furthermore, Group B exhibited superior pain control, with lower VAS scores during surgery (P < 0.01). Postoperative HR and MAP remained lower in Group B, but no significant differences in VAS scores were noted between the groups (P > 0.05). Providing confidence intervals alongside P-values offers a clearer representation of statistical precision.
Conclusion
Vertebral cancellous bone infiltration anesthesia may reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and provide better pain management during vertebroplasty than local infiltration anesthesia. The superior intraoperative analgesic effects make vertebral cancellous bone infiltration anesthesia a valuable option in clinical practice.
Research on coal and gas outburst prediction based on physical information neural network
Authors: Wang Lei , Jia Baoshan , Su Guorui
Published: November 2024

The advancement of AI technologies provides a base for predicting coal and gas outbursts from the mathematical perspective. To enhance prediction precision of coal and gas outbursts, this research proposes a method leveraging a physical information neural network to forecast outburst intensity. The primary factors influencing coal and gas outbursts, such as ground stress, coal firmness coefficient, mining depth, gas pressure, gas content, initial velocity of gas emission, and monotonic outburst characteristics, are integrated into the physical neural network model. This integration achieves a coupling of mechanistic and data-driven models for outburst prediction. Utilizing a typical dataset obtained from a mine, research findings demonstrate that a prediction model based on the physical information neural network surpasses RF, SVM, and BPNN models in terms of generalization capability and accuracy, significantly enhancing prediction accuracy even with limited sample data.
The mechanism of hyperthermia combined with chemotherapy on melanoma was investigated based on proteomics and phosphorylated proteomics sequencing
Authors: Ma Xiucai , Ma Xiaoyan , Zhang Shengying , Huang Guoli , Wang Jinbao , Yang Gaosheng , Zhan Chunrui , Luo Guodong , Gao Zhao , Zhang Qiuning , Cai Hui
Published: November 2024

Background
Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, in which protein regulation plays a crucial role. Therefore, this study utilizes high-throughput sequencing to explore the regulatory mechanisms of proteins and phosphorylated proteins in melanoma.
Methods
The CCK-8 assay was used to assess the effect of the drug on the proliferation of A375 cells. Proteomic and phosphorylated protein sequencing were performed on human melanoma cells, divided into four cohorts: A (normal), B (heat perfusion), C (chemotherapy), and D (heat perfusion + chemotherapy) (n = 4). Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and phosphorylated proteins (PDEPs) between melanoma and normal cohorts were identified through differential expression analysis. Subsequently, enrichment analyses were conducted on DEPs and PDEPs to elucidate their regulatory functions. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks based on DEPs and PDEPs were constructed to identify hub proteins or phosphorylated proteins, which were then localized within the cells. Finally, the intersection of DEPs and PDEPs among each comparison cohort was examined, and specifically expressed proteins or phosphorylated proteins were selected for correlation analysis to pinpoint key proteins or phosphorylated proteins.
Results
The most pronounced inhibitory effect was observed in the cohort treated with 50 µM mafaramide and subjected to hyperthermia at 41.5°C. There were 13 or 37, 98 or 247, and 156 or 456 DEPs or PDEPs identified in comparison cohorts B vs. A, C vs. A, and D vs. A, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that DEPs in the B vs. A cohort were primarily associated with the ‘ubiquitin ligase complex’ and ‘ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis’, while PDEPs were significantly enriched in ‘chromosomal region’ and ‘ribonucleoprotein complex biogenesis’. Notably, DEPs and PDEPs from the D vs. A and C vs. A cohorts were co-enriched in the ‘p53 signaling pathway’. Additionally, most hub proteins and phosphorylated proteins were localized in the nucleus, cytoplasm, and nucleoplasm. Finally, RPS18 was identified as the key phosphorylated protein, while BRD9 and DNAJC25 were identified as key proteins.
Conclusion
As the drug concentration and hyperthermia temperature increased, the inhibitory effect on cell proliferation became more pronounced. In this study, we investigated the potential roles of proteins and phosphorylated proteins in melanoma, laying the groundwork for exploring the regulatory mechanisms of RPS18, BRD9, and DNAJC25 in this context.
Recombinant Protein Spectral Library (rPSL) DIA-MS Method Improves Identification and Quantification of Low-Abundance Cancer-Associated and Kynurenine Pathway Proteins
Authors: Krishnamurthy Shivani , Gunasegaran Bavani , Paul-Heng Moumita , Mohamedali Abidali , P.Klare William , Pang C.N. Ignatius , Gluch Laurence , Shin Joo-Shik , Chan Charles , Baker Mark , Ahn Seong Beom , Heng Benjamin
Published: November 2024

Data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS) is a powerful tool for quantitative proteomics, but a well-constructed reference spectral library is crucial to optimize DIA analysis, particularly for low-abundance proteins. In this study, we evaluate the efficacy of a recombinant protein spectral library (rPSL), generated from tryptic digestion of 42 human recombinant proteins, in enhancing the detection and quantification of lower-abundance cancer-associated proteins. Additionally, we generated a combined sample-specific biological-rPSL by integrating the rPSL with a spectral library derived from pooled biological samples. We compared the performance of these libraries for DIA data extraction with standard methods, including sample-specific biological spectral library and library-free DIA methods. Our specific focus was on quantifying cancer-associated proteins, including key enzymes involved in kynurenine pathway, across patient-derived tissues and cell lines. Both rPSL and biological-rPSL DIA approaches provided significantly improved coverage of lower-abundance proteins, enhancing sensitivity and more consistent protein quantification across matched tumour and adjacent noncancerous tissues from breast and colorectal cancer patients and in cancer cell lines. Overall, our study demonstrates that rPSL and biological-rPSL coupled with DIA-MS workflows, can address the limitations of both biological library-based and library-free DIA methods, offering a robust approach for quantifying low-abundance cancer-associated proteins in complex biological samples.
Preparation of mesoporous chitosan cobalt supported nano-catalyst for the catalyzed reduction of quinoline to quinoline aldehyde
Authors: Wu Lan , Liu Yongchao , Wang Ze , Ye Xinyu , Li Zhenhua , Liu Yaozong , Dong Zhengping
Published: November 2024

Supported nanocatalysts with environmental sustainability and high catalytic performance have attracted much attention. Research interest in sustainable catalysis. A supported nanocatalyst Co@NSC has been studied in this paper. Porous materials with catalytic properties were prepared by anchoring transition metal cobalt onto porous materials doped with nitrogen. Carbon material with chitosan as raw material. The results of the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) tests demonstrate that the catalyst obtained exhibits an excellent mesoporous structure and a uniform distribution of cobalt elements. The scaffold is rich in N atoms, which can provide enough anchor points for cobalt to form cobalt-NX. Cobalt groups can improve the catalytic activity of the catalyst. In addition, Co@NSC is porous, the structure has the potential to facilitate the mass transfer of the reactants, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the reaction. Furthermore, the prepared catalyst was employed in the conversion of quinoline into the corresponding quinoline aldehyde. The results show that quinoline can be directly reduced to produce the corresponding quinoline aldehyde. Subsequently, the selectivity and stability of the prepared catalyst were validated.
Artificial neural network modeling of dye adsorption kinetics and thermodynamics with magnetic nanoparticle-activated carbon from Allium cepa peels
Authors: Deivayanai V C , Karishma S , Thamarai P , Saravanan A , Yaashikaa P R
Published: November 2024

The study utilizes novel onion peel (Allium cepa) activated carbon biomass impregnated with magnetic nanoparticles (OMNPs) for the removal of toxic Methylene Blue (MB) and Congo Red (CR) dyes. The SEM analysis reveals the morphological structures, while XRD indicates an amorphous nature. FTIR confirms the functional groups present, TGA demonstrates thermal stability, and the pore size is measured at 2.193 nm. OMNPs reveal a higher sorption rate for both MB and CR dye, with a clearance rate of 96.25% and 93.11%. The thermodynamic reaction is believed to be an exothermic reaction and the process is spontaneous. The simulation investigations indicate that Freundlich is the best-proven isotherm (R2 for MB = 0.9945 and CR dyes = 0.9878), pseudo-second-order kinetics yields chemisorption and ANN is assessed for its fitness (R for MB = 0.993 and CR dyes = 0.984). This new composite material demonstrated remarkable dye removal efficiency, and ANN models accurately predicted adsorption performance.
Feasibility and Impact of Recovery-Oriented Practices in an Italian Mental Health Service: A Pilot Study
Authors: MARTINELLI ALESSANDRA , Pozzan Tecla , Procura Elena , D'Astore Camilla , Cristofalo Doriana , Bonetto Chiara , Ruggeri Mirella
Published: November 2024

Background
In the last decade, Italy has made progressed in adopting the personal recovery-oriented approach. However, full adherence to international recommendations for implementation remains incomplete.
Aims
This study aimed to explore the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of integrating recovery-oriented practices in an Italian Mental Health Service (MHS).
Methods
This pilot study used a longitudinal design with two focus groups. At baseline and follow-up data collected was users’ socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, symptoms, functioning, needs for care, functional autonomy. The Mental Health Recovery Star (MHRS) was used to facilitate and monitor recovery. Professionals and users provided feedback using qualitative interviews. Descriptive analyses were conducted.
Results
Nineteen professionals completed the MHRS with 25 users. From baseline to follow-up users showed an increase in romantic relationship (p<0.001), employment (p<0.001) and addiction (p<0.001), and improvements in the MHRS (p=0.003), functioning (p=0.015), psychopathology (p=0.001), functional autonomy (p=0.003), along with a reduction of unmet needs (p=0.026). Focus groups witnessed active and consistent participation. Both professionals and users positively assessed the study, expressing a desire for more education on recovery, and, generally, saw improved satisfaction and recovery-oriented approaches from baseline to follow-up. Professionals reported higher motivation for work, while users reported comfort sharing views and greater involvement in care, despite some challenges with adherence and collaboration.
Conclusions
The findings indicate the potential for recovery-oriented practices in the MHS, though further efforts are needed for full integration.
Diagnosing Pathologic Myopia by Identifying Posterior Staphyloma and Myopic Maculopathy Using Ultra-Widefield Images with Deep Learning
Authors: Qin Peiwu , Liu Yang , Zhao Keming , Luo Lihui , Zhang Ziheng , Qian Zhenghang , Jiang Cenk , Du Zhicheng , Deng Simin , Yang Chengming , Wu Duanpo , Wang Shuai , Huang Xingru , Yan Chenggang , Zhu Yingting , Zhuo Yehong , Qu Chunsheng , Chen Jiaqi , Huang Zhenqiang , Lu Chenying , Chen Minjiang , Yu Dongmei , Wang Jiantao , Ji Jiansong
Published: November 2024

Pathologic myopia (PM) has long been a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness. While numerous deep learning-based approaches have improved the efficiency and accuracy of recognizing PM, few have thoroughly investigated clinically significant pathological patterns due to the scarcity of datasets with lesion-wise labeling, particularly those comprising ultra-widefield (UWF) images that encompass a broader retinal field of view. In this study, we gather a large-scale multi-source ultra-widefield imaging myopia dataset, PSMM, labeled with posterior staphyloma (PS) and myopic maculopathy (MM). Compared with traditional colored fundus photography, UWF images exhibit informative characteristics concerning peripheral lesions caused by axial elongation and structural deformation in eyes with pathologic myopia. The labels obtained from the dataset can substantially assist in the progression diagnosis of pathologic myopia and guide prognosis. We introduce an end-to-end lightweight framework called RealMNet, which precisely identifies these challenging pathological patterns underpinned by a well-curated dataset. RealMNet is more adaptable to medical devices with only 21 million parameters compared to existing approaches. Through extensive experiments on a unified platform using all-around metrics regarding bipartitions and rankings across three experimental protocols, we demonstrate the robustness and generalizability of RealMNet, showcasing promising merit in clinical applications.
RNNEI: an attack detection model on Internet of Things Networks that utilizes Random Neural Networks and Evolutionary Intelligence
Authors: RAHMANI PARISA , Arefi Mohamad , Shojae Seyyed Mohammad Saber SEYYED , Mirzaee Ashraf
Published: November 2024

Over the past few years, there has been significant research on the Internet of Things (IOT), with a major challenge being network security and penetration. Security solutions require careful planning and vigilance to safeguard system security and privacy. Adjusting the weights of neural networks has been shown to improve detection accuracy to some extent. In attack detection, the primary goal is to enhance the precision of attack detection using machine learning techniques. The paper details a fresh approach for adjusting weights in the random neural network to recognize attacks. Reviews of the method under consideration indicate better performance than random neural network methods, Nearest Neighbor, and Support Vector Machine (SVM). Up to 99.49% accuracy has been achieved in attack detection, while the random neural network method has improved to 99.01%. The amalgamation of the most effective approaches in these experiments through a multi-learning model led to an accuracy improvement to 99.56%. The proposed model required less training time compared to the random neural network method.
Enhanced Piezoelectric Performance in ZnO Thin Films by Gallium and Aluminum Doping for Energy Harvesting Applications
Authors: Yeh Yi-Hsuan , Lin David T.W. , Li Kun-Dar
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the enhancement of piezoelectric properties in zinc oxide (ZnO)-based thin films through gallium (Ga) and aluminum (Al) ion doping, using sol-gel and hydrothermal methods. ZnO is widely used due to its excellent piezoelectricity, chemical stability, and abundance. Ga and Al ions, with radii similar to Zn²⁺, were doped into ZnO films to improve carrier concentration, resistivity, and piezoelectric output. Three doping processes and two concentrations (1% and 3%) were explored, with results showing reduced resistivity, widened band gaps, and increased transmittance for both gallium-doped (GZO) and aluminum-doped (AZO) films compared to pure ZnO. GZO films exhibited superior performance, with the lowest resistivity (0.0065 Ω·cm) and the highest piezoelectric output at 20 Hz. However, excessive doping (3%) increased lattice defects, reducing output power due to stress and electron migration effects. Durability tests confirmed excellent mechanical stability of both GZO and AZO devices under extended vibration, with GZO showing the most stable output power. These findings suggest that Ga and Al doping can significantly enhance the piezoelectric efficiency of ZnO thin films for energy harvesting applications.
Alternative organic substrates enhance tomato growth in rooftop farming by promoting specific microbial communities
Authors: de Celis Miguel , de Sosa Laura L. , Picca Giuseppe , González-Polo Noelia , Gómez-Ruano Cristina , Beneduce Luciano , Zaccone Claudio , Panettieri Marco
Published: November 2024

Background
Urban agriculture represents an opportunity to alleviate some of the issues related with the increase in world population and the urbanization process associated. Productive rooftops offer a promising solution allowing to combine food production recycling organic waste and to provide green spaces without consuming urban soils. In addition, harnessing natural resources, including plant-associated microbiomes, is proposed as an effective approach to sustainably improve farm productivity and food quality. However, despite its importance for a better understanding of the interactions between substrates and plants, investigating microbes which inhabit different amendments (including compost and biochar) has received a little attention.
Results
Here, we explored the effects of feedstock materials (spent coffee grounds, coffee silverskin and seaweed biomass) and biochar-blending with compost on horticultural substrate properties, microbial communities, and tomato production. Peat was used as a conventional substrate, for comparison. Substrate properties were mainly defined by the feedstocks, but adding biochar during composting enhanced the quality of the end-products. Overall, alternative substrates differed from peat mainly by showing higher phosphorus content, pH and electric conductivity. Concerning microbial communities, biochar blending was less relevant than the feedstocks. Even though alternative substrates presented higher bacterial diversity than peat, their taxonomic composition remained similar among treatments, reflecting the functional redundancy of the bacterial communities. In addition, we identified specific communities associated with each feedstock, being those associated with composted seaweed biomass positively and significantly correlated with tomato yield.
Conclusions
The studied substrates influenced tomato growth and yield directly via their chemical and physical properties and by influencing microbial community composition. Thus, our results reveal the importance of using the appropriate organic substrate for enhancing the effectiveness of rooftop agriculture while increasing microbial diversity in urban unexploited areas.
Beyond BMI: A Clearer Choice of Flouroscopic Guided PCNL Over USG-PNL in Cases of Central Obesity
Authors: Sipal Timucin , Yilmaz Erdal
Published: November 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of waist circumference (WS) on Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) compared with body mass index (BMI) in different access techniques: fluoroscopy (FPNL), and ultrasonography (UPNL).
Methods: 109 patients were enrolled in the study in two different centers (63, FPNL-46, UPNL). After investigating the basic 24 parameters, Subgroups were analyzed based on WS ≥ 90 cm and BMI ≥ 30. CT scans determined the stone-free rate (SFR); less than 4 mm stones were accepted as relative SFR. The difficulty level of access was determined using the number of attempted access (NAA) and access times (AT).
Results: Success rates were similar between the groups. In the UPNL group, X-ray time and NAA were lower, but AT was higher (p: 0.018, p: 0.012, p: 0.005, respectively). In the UPNL group, having a BMI ≥30, only prolonged AT, p: 0,029, but having WS ≥ 90 prolonged AT, NAA, and operation time, p< 0.01. In FGPNL, however, WS and BMI did not affect access parameters. In a linear regression analysis, WS and dilatation level predict access time and NAA (p: 0,003 and p: 0,015). Absolute SFR was similar between the groups, with 44,4 % for FPNL and 41,3 % for UPNL, without being affected by BMI and WS.
Conclusion: Even if UPNL is safer regarding radiation exposure, it can be challenging in central obesity. Waist circumference may be a more reliable predictor of this issue than BMI. Despite having similar success rates, FGPNL might be preferable for these patients.
SOX9 reactivation in cancer vessels shapes the tumor micro-environment through hypoxia and immune depletion promoting tumor growth and metastasis
Authors: Khosrotehrani Kiarash , Hashemi Ghazaleh , Li Haiming , Tan Samuel X , Zhou Chenhao , Dight James , Li Kwong Ching , Nguyen Quan , Roy Edwige , sormani laura
Published: November 2024

The development of new vascular structures is a pre-requisite for tumor growth and spread. This process is often disorganised and produces immature and leaky vessels and relies at least in part on the activity of endovascular progenitor cells (EVPs), residing in vessel walls and giving rise to mature endothelial cells in de novo blood vessel networks in the tumor. Sox9 is a transcription factor that is playing an important role in stem cell self-renewal and fate choice and is highly upregulated in EVPs. In this study, we aimed to explore how Sox9 activity in the endothelium affects tumor vascularisation, microenvironment, and metastasis. Indeed, Sox9 expression was upregulated in tumor endothelial cells of mice harbouring melanomas. Similarly, we observed the up regulation of SOX9 in human endothelial cells exposed to melanoma cell co-culture or conditioned medium resulting in increased colony formation and reduced maturity as revealed in tube formation assays. Endothelial-specific conditional knockout of Sox9 (Sox9fl/fl/Cdh5CreERt2/Rosa-YFP) resulted in a significant reduction in total endothelial cells in B16-F0 or HcMel12 melanoma tumors inoculated intradermally in both flow-cytometry, lineage tracing and immunostaining of tumor sections. Functionally, there was a significant reduction in tumour size and lung metastases after Sox9 deletion in the endothelium. Importantly, despite a major reduction in the number and area of CD31+ vessels there was a significant increase in pericyte coverage suggesting increased maturity of the remaining vessels upon Sox9 deletion in the endothelium. These changes in the endothelium translated into a reduction in hypoxia as demonstrated by decreased GLUT1 expression and reduced nuclear localisation of HIF1α. RNA sequencing of sorted tumor cells as well as spatial transcriptomics of tumor sections with endothelial-specific deletion of Sox9 versus controls confirmed the reduction in hypoxia and showed dramatic increases in CD4 and CD8 immune T cell infiltration in the centre of tumors as confirmed by immunostaining. In summary, endothelial-specific Sox9 deletion resulted in fewer and more mature de novo vessels in the centre of the tumor and reduced metastatic dissemination, suggesting strategies that target this pathway may restore the normal function of blood vessels in tumors and prevent disease progression.
Entwicklung digitaler Simulationsspiele mit integrierten Entscheidungsbäumen zur Förderung der diagnostischen Entscheidungskompetenzen in der sonderpädagogischen Lehrkräfteausbildung
Authors: Zellner Judith , Ebenbeck Nikola , Gebhardt Markus
Published: November 2024

Die Anwendung von pädagogischer Diagnostik benötigt sowohl konzeptuelles als auch strategisches Wissen über diagnostische Entscheidungsprozesse. Um diese Entscheidungsprozesse für die Ausbildung im Lehramt Sonderpädagogik der Hochschule möglichst anwendungsbezogen nachzustellen, wurde ein digitales fallbasiertes Simulationsspiel entwickelt. Ziel ist es, angehende Sonderpädagog:innen  im Studium zu ökonomischen diagnostischen Entscheidungen im Rahmen pädagogischer Diagnostik zu befähigen und den Aufbau von Handlungsschablonen zu fördern. Diese Studie untersucht mittels Learning Analytics, inwieweit die Simulationsspiele zur Weiterentwicklung der diagnostischen Entscheidungskompetenz von Studierenden (N = 30) beitragen. Untersucht wird, wie treffsicher und effizient Studierende aus fünf Testverfahren den jeweils passenden Test auswählen. Der wiederholte Einsatz der Simulationsspiel führt zu signifikanten Veränderungen in der Entscheidungsheuristik. Studierende treffen ihre Entscheidungen nach der Übung mit durchschnittlich 2,1 Tests und einer Treffsicherheit von 41,39%. Die Einsatzmöglichkeiten und der Mehrwert von digitalen Simulationsspielen wird für die Lehrer:innenausbildung diskutiert.
Abstract
It is essential that teachers possess a comprehensive understanding of the conceptual and strategic aspects of the diagnostic decision-making process. A digital case-based simulation game was developed with the objective of enabling prospective special education students to make economic diagnostic decisions in the context of educational diagnostics and to promote the development of action templates. This study employs learning analytics to ascertain the extent to which the simulation games contribute to the further development of the diagnostic decision-making skills of students (N = 30). The study examines the accuracy and efficiency with which students select the appropriate test from five test procedures. Repeated use of the simulation game leads to significant changes in decision-making heuristics. Students make their decisions after the intervention with an average of 2.1 tests and an accuracy of 41.39%. The added value of digital simulation games in teacher training is discussed.
Study on the use of cooling water as input water to improve double slope solar still performance
Authors: Ismail Nova Risdiyanto , Suwandono Purbo , Hermawan Dadang , Anggraeni Frida Dwi
Published: November 2024

The problem for residents in island and coastal areas is the lack of fresh water, especially during the dry season. In the dry season, there is abundant potential for solar energy utilization. This potential can be utilized as an energy source for distilling seawater into fresh water using solar still technology. Solar still performance is influenced by the evaporation and condensation processes. Several researchers have made efforts to increase evaporation, such as enhancing the heat absorption of absorber plates and preheating seawater. This research aims to apply initial heating to seawater to enhance the evaporation process. The initial heating of seawater is obtained from heat absorption in the walls, which function as a cooling medium. Thus, this research aims to investigate the use of cooling water on the walls as input water to enhance the performance of double-slope solar stills. The research was carried out experimentally and theoretically. Research on the performance of a double-slope solar still utilizes wall cooling water as input water (SSDS.WCW.HC) compared to wall water cooling (SSDS.WCW). The research yielded an average daily condensate water productivity using SSDS.WCW.HC experimentally of 3.48 kg/10-hours and theoretically of 3.56 kg/10-hours, which is higher compared to SSDS.WCW experimentally of 3.16 kg/10-hours and theoretically of 3.27 kg/10-hours. The average daily energy efficiency using SSDS.WCW.HC experimentally is 53.77 % and theoretically 54.83 % higher compared to SSDS.WCW, which is 48.87 % experimentally and 49.81 % theoretically. The highest daily average exergy efficiency using SSDS.WCW.HC was 6.44 %, compared to 5.33 % for SSDS.WCW
Revista Brasileira em Promoção da Saúde: análise do percurso histórico em comemoração aos seus 40 anos
Authors: Almeida Ana Mattos Brito de , Pinto Juliana Maria de Sousa , Lemos Aliria Aiara Duarte
Published: November 2024

A publicação científica se transforma ao longo do tempo, tanto na perspectiva do acesso, ampliado constantemente, quanto nas publicações que refletem transformações, desafios e conquistas da sociedade, assumindo um papel crucial na produção e disseminação do conhecimento. O objetivo deste trabalho foi visibilizar o histórico da Revista Brasileira em Promoção da Saúde com destaque as mudanças e novos rumos. São 40 anos de existência, com aproximadamente 1.300 artigos publicados, bilíngue e com mais de 20 indexações. A importância dos periódicos, e principalmente do histórico das publicações que contam as construções e re(construções) no campo da promoção da saúde e saúde coletiva, auxiliam nos processos futuros, não menos desafiadores, mas necessários na busca de uma sociedade mais justa, diversa e equânime.
ROLE OF CONTRAST ENHANCED ULTRASOUND (CEUS) IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF GYNECOLOGIC PATHOLOGIES- A CASE SERIES
Authors: Reddy Agumamidi Santhosh , Agrawal Payal
Published: November 2024

The aim of this case series is to evaluate the role and illustrate diagnostic superiority of Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) over B-mode and/or Doppler ultrasound in the diagnosis of structural gynaecologic pathologies, unknown pelvic masses, differentiation of Benign and Malignant lesions and correlation with Histopathology. Over the past decade, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has gained immense popularity. This technique is based on the real-time evaluation of microcirculation in selected areas of interest, and further assists in comparison with vascularity pattern of normal tissues. It is relatively easy to use in clinical practice, minimally invasive, relatively less costly and, it improves the detection and characterization of various diseases, reducing the need for additional imaging examinations such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Literature data on Contrast tuned imaging (CnTI) applications in gynaecological pathologies are relatively few. The development of more sophisticated methods of qualitative as well as quantitative analysis of the time-intensity curves (TIC) could open new perspectives for the application of CnTI-SonoVue in gynecologic diseases. The purpose of this study was to describe the sonographic patterns of SonoVue distribution in the microcirculation in different gynaecologic lesions analysed by the CnTI technology using vascular parameter calculating software.
THE INFLUENCE OF BRAND FACTORS ON CONSUMER PURCHASE DECISIONS IN THE FMCG SECTOR - A STUDY
Authors: Muqeet Amatul , Pawar Anand
Published: November 2024

The study explores the impact of brand factors on consumer purchase decisions within the FMCG sector, focusing on household care products. A quantitative research design was employed, utilizing data collected from 120 respondents through a structured questionnaire. The study investigated various brand factors, including brand image, reputation, product quality, pricing strategies, and social proof, using Linear Regression and Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). The findings indicate that advertising and price are the most influential factors in shaping consumer behavior, with advertising showing a particularly strong effect. Product quality and social proof also play significant roles in consumer decision-making. The EFA reveals strategic components essential for enhancing brand visibility and differentiation, such as targeted advertising and highlighting unique product features, alongside internal brand development strategies like resource pooling for product development and updating brand visual identity. These insights emphasize the need for effective branding techniques and strategic innovation to align marketing strategies with consumer expectations and improve market positioning.
ADVANCING ECOCIDE IN INTERNATIONAL LAW: A POTENTIAL LEGAL TOOL FOR SAFEGUARDING ENDANGERED SPECIES AMIDST CLIMATE CHANGE
Authors: Bozkurt Kutluhan , Nemec Elif Naz
Published: November 2024

This article highlights the need to formalize a legal framework regulating the ecocide crime in international law, within the context of climate change that causes a biological diversity crisis in today’s world. Accordingly, this study’s main argument is to advocate for a definition to be adopted at international level, which will encompass elements of the ecocide crime. The study evaluates existing international legal instruments as the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute, highlighting their limitations in adequately addressing environmental harm. Elaborating ecocide with its criminal dimension in international law has a very crucial function for the protection of the elements of biological diversity, particularly, the endangered species which are currently facing with an existential danger in the face of human-induced climate change. The necessity of an international effort to define ecocide is clear. Adoption of a new Jus Cogens rule recognizing the rights of the environment will ensure the legal protection of nature and reinforce sustainable practices on a global scale. There is no doubt that for this to happen, an ecocentric approach that centers on the right to the environment and, more broadly, the legal personality and rights of the planet must be adopted.
Professor Self-assessment: identifying the determinants of contribution to the Program
Authors: Vieira Kelmara Mendes , Klein Leander Luiz , Begnini Karine Cecilia Finatto , Geloch Rafaela Butzke , Matoso Lara Gabriela
Published: November 2024

The objective of the research is to identify the perception of the professors of a Higher Education Institution regarding their participation in postgraduate programs. A survey was carried out and descriptive statistics, factor analysis and regression techniques were used. The results indicated ten main dimensions for professor self-assessment: facilities, internet access, rapport with students, secretariat support, student involvement, course coordination, international production, international production with students, and alignment with the research line. Among these, the ones with the most positive impact on the perception of contribution to the program are the alignment with the research line, international production and course coordination.
La Covid en las E2O en España
Authors: Marhuenda Fernando , Martínez-Morales Ignacio , Olmeda-Rodríguez Elsa
Published: November 2024

Objetivo: Identificar o impacto da crise da Covid sobre os estudantes nas escolas de segunda oportunidade, suas condições de vida e expectativas; e mostrar a reação dessas escolas às necessidades causadas pela crise. Método: Apresentam-se resultados quantitativos, alguns também qualitativos, de três estudos realizados em escolas de segunda oportunidade na Espanha nos anos letivos de 2020-2021 e 2021-2022. Estes dados tem origem de uma pesquisa encomendada pelo Ministério da Educação e Formação Profissional, da Associação Espanhola de Escolas de Segunda Oportunidade e de um projeto de P&D financiado pelo Governo Regional de Valência. Nas duas primeiras, foram coletados dados de 40 das 43 escolas de segunda oportunidade credenciadas; enquanto no terceiro os dados são de 28 escolas. Os alunos responderam a questionários e, também foram realizadas entrevistas com as equipes gestoras e pedagógicas, além de grupos de discussão com os alunos; com algumas questões focadas no impacto da Covid nos alunos, nas escolas, nos estágios, bem como nas condições de vida e expectativas dos alunos. Conclusões: Os resultados são discutidos em contraste com estudos recentes sobre o perfil dos alunos nas escolas de segunda oportunidade e mostram como estes jovens, que já se encontravam em situação de vulnerabilidade antes da Covid, sofreram consequências, predominantemente econômicas e em menor escala em termos de expectativas de vida. No entanto, a forma como as escolas responderam à situação, parece ter respondido a muitas das necessidades destes jovens e das suas famílias, em maior medida do que as escolas secundárias regulares.
Produção científica sobre o modelo de gestão das universidades públicas brasileiras
Authors: Souza Moura Fádya Lorena de , Da Silva Ribeiro Maria Edilene
Published: November 2024

Este artigo objetivou mapear a produção científica sobre modelo de gestão das universidades públicas brasileiras publicada de 1995 a 2022. Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática de literatura que selecionou, na Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações e no Google Acadêmico, 21 estudos, que foram analisados utilizando-se a análise de conteúdo. Os principais resultados revelaram o avanço do modelo de gestão gerencial nas universidades públicas analisadas, ocorrendo a disputa com os modelos burocrático e democrático. Concluiu-se que os estudos sobre o objeto em questão podem constituir um importante instrumento de diagnóstico da realidade da gestão universitária, ao revelar os modelos que têm predominado nas universidades públicas, oportunizando a reflexão contínua sobre o desenvolvimento da gestão democrática, conforme estabelecido na Constituição Federal. Este estudo contribuiu com sugestões de pesquisas futuras, instigadas pelas lacunas encontradas.
Empréstimos com amortizações condicionadas à renda futura: alternativa para o financiamento estudantil no Brasil?
Authors: Nascimento Paulo A. Meyer M.
Published: November 2024

Este artigo apresenta uma revisão da literatura internacional sobre empréstimos com amortizações condicionadas à renda futura (ECR), destaca as condições institucionais necessárias para seu adequado funcionamento como instrumento de crédito e discute brevemente duas de suas possíveis aplicações para financiamento estudantil envolvendo cursos de graduação no Brasil. Busca, com isso, colocar em debate se os ECR seriam um instrumento de política viável e pertinente dentro do sistema de financiamento estudantil brasileiro.
O Financiamento da Educação Superior Português: Evolução do apoio estudantil e empréstimos estudantis
Authors: Cabrito Belmiro , Cerdeira Luísa , Mucharreira Pedro Ribeiro
Published: November 2024

Daremos conta neste artigo da evolução do financiamento da Educação Superior pública em Portugal, mostrando a diminuição da participação do Estado no orçamento das instituições públicas de ensino superior-IES que têm de recorrer a fontes externas (estudantes e mercado), evidenciando o desenvolvimento da política de cost sharing no país. Recorremos à informação oficial disponível sobre o papel do Estado, do estudante e das IES nesse financiamento e sobre o número de bolsistas, o valor da bolsa, a despesa pública indireta com os estudantes e os empréstimos estudantis, para o período 2007-2022.
Financeirização EdTech
Authors: Saura Geo , Arguelho Mateus , Valim de Lima Paula , De Oliveira Pires Daniela
Published: November 2024

O artigo se concentra na análise da financeirização da indústria EdTech na política educacional global. O contexto brasileiro é utilizado como estudo de caso. Por meio de análises estatísticas, grafos e discursos, examina-se uma rede política de financeirização EdTech como parte das redes políticas de governança digital do capitalismo contemporâneo. O Brasil é considerado o laboratório da financeirização EdTech. Plataformas digitais, fundos de investimento e capital de risco proliferam, promovendo investimentos financeiros na indústria EdTech e discursos especulativos de capital fictício para imaginar e desenhar o futuro da educação.
Da'wah communication in the Contemporary Era: Implementing da'wah ethics on social media
Authors: Sukayat Tata
Published: November 2024

Purpose - This study aims to analyze the urgency of communication in da'wah and the ethics of digital da'wah media.Method - The research approach used is qualitative. While the data collection technique uses observation and documentation techniques, the analysis method is through data reduction, data presentation, verification, and drawing conclusions.Result  -  The study results show that communication plays a vital role in the effectiveness of da'wah in the digital era. The ethics of using digital media, especially on social media, can be classified in three ways: ethics in the context of time, age, and message content. In addition to not offending Sara (ethnicity, religion, race, and intergroup) and avoiding inappropriate elements to be used as jokes in preaching through digital media.Implication - Modern digital communication media must be used to develop human intellect to make Islamic da'wah more targeted and relevant.Originality - In the digital era, da'wah has become an alternative practice focusing on transcendence, humanization, and liberation. Thus, disseminating da'wah messages shows efforts to organize religious communication messages that are diverse, tolerant, wise, and harmonious.***Tujuan - Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis urgensi komunikasi dalam dakwah dan etika media dakwah digital.Metode - Pendekatan penelitian yang digunakan adalah kualitatif. Sedangkan teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan teknik observasi dan dokumentasi, dengan metode analisis melalui reduksi data, penyajian data, verifikasi, dan penarikan kesimpulan.Hasil - Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa komunikasi memegang peranan penting dalam efektivitas dakwah di era digital. Etika penggunaan media digital, khususnya di media sosial, dapat diklasifikasikan dalam tiga hal, yaitu etika dalam konteks waktu, usia, dan isi pesan. Selain itu tidak menyinggung SARA (suku, agama, ras, dan antargolongan) dan menghindari unsur-unsur yang tidak pantas untuk dijadikan bahan candaan dalam berdakwah melalui media digital.Implikasi - Media komunikasi digital modern harus digunakan untuk mengembangkan intelektualitas manusia agar dakwah Islam lebih tepat sasaran dan relevan.Orisinalitas - Di era digital, dakwah telah menjadi praktik alternatif yang berfokus pada transendensi, humanisasi, dan pembebasan. Dengan demikian, penyebaran pesan dakwah menunjukkan upaya untuk menata pesan komunikasi keagamaan yang beragam, toleran, bijak, dan harmonis.