bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Resource Based Learning (RBL) Berbasis Geoliteracy Terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Spasial Siswa SMA
Authors: Maghfiroh Amanda Maulida , Astutik Sri , Suratno Suratno , Kurnianto Fahmi Arif , Nurdin Elan Artono
Published: July 2024

Pembelajaran geografi saat ini masih berfokus pada satu sumber belajar dan metode atau model pembelajaran yang digunakan masih konvensional sehingga situasi belajar terasa membosankan dan kemampuan berpikir spasial siswa belum optimal. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menyelidiki dampak menggabungkan pendekatan Resource Based Learning (RBL) yang berfokus pada geoliterasi pada kemampuan berpikir spasial siswa sekolah menengah, kontras dengan penggunaan buku Lembar Kerja Siswa (LKS) yang lazim sebagai sumber belajar utama. Menggunakan desain kuasi-eksperimental dengan kelompok kontrol pretest-posttest, penelitian ini menemukan bahwa siswa di kelas eksperimen, yang terpapar model RBL berbasis geoliterasi, menunjukkan nilai rata-rata yang jauh lebih tinggi dalam kemampuan berpikir spasial dibandingkan dengan mereka yang berada di kelas kontrol. Secara khusus, kelompok eksperimen mencapai nilai rata-rata 71,25, sedangkan kelompok kontrol mencetak rata-rata 55,63. Uji T Sampel Mandiri menunjukkan tingkat signifikansi 0,001, menunjukkan bahwa adopsi model pembelajaran RBL berbasis geoliterasi memang mempengaruhi kemampuan berpikir spasial siswa SMA.
Pengaruh Media Pembelajaran Berbasis Android “SIG ASIK” Terhadap Kemampuan Berargumentasi Siswa SMA
Authors: Asyafin Tafarrosa Aqda Miena , Astutik Sri , Pangastuti Era Iswara , Kurnianto Fahmi Arif , Susiati Ana
Published: July 2024

Pada dasarnya pembelajaran geografi tidak hanya berisikan materi tetapi juga harus mengamati, mengobservasi, menciptakan, menerapkan serta berargumentasi dengan hasil karya yang diciptakan. Pemanfaatan media pembelajaran berupa aplikasi dapat membantu guru sebagai seorang fasilitator nantinya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh media pembelajaran berbasis Android “SIG ASIK” terhadap kemampuan berargumentasi siswa SMA. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah eksperimen semu dirancang dengan posttest only control group design. Hasil post-test kemampuan berargumentasi data yang diperoleh pada kelas eksperimen dengan rata-rata 69,57 dan pada kelas kontrol dengan rata-rata yang diperoleh kelas kontrol adalah 61,42. Berdasarkan data tersebut, nilai rata-rata kemampuan berargumentasi siswa kelas eksperimen lebih tinggi daripada kelas kontrol. Data hasil uji T-tes berdasarkan hasil post-test kemampuan berargumentasi menunjukkan nilai Sig. (2-tailed) sebesar 0,033. Berdasarkan hasil uji independent sample t-test tersebut menunjukan angka 0,033 < 0,05 maka Ha diterima dan Ho ditolak. Sehingga dapat diketahui ada pengaruh signifikan antara media pembelajaran berbasis android “SIG ASIK” terhadap kemampuan berargumentasi siswa di kelas eksperimen dan kelas kontrol.
The contribution of the Polish coal mining industry to the economy of interwar Europe
Authors: Smierz Marcin
Published: July 2024

The article describes the importance and position of the Polish coal mining during the inter-war period in the structure of the European economy. The Polish mining industry at that time was subject to concentration processes in order to establish coal sales companies and cartel organisations for representation before government authorities and joint price setting. Regarding the source base, the basic research material was the archives stored in the State Archives in Katowice and Warsaw, supplemented by statistical data.
Post-war reconstruction of British diplomatic posts in Poland
Authors: Gdaniec Ewelina
Published: July 2024

The reconstruction of British diplomatic missions in Poland began after the approval of the Provisional Government of National Unity (Polish: Tymczasowy Rząd Jedności Narodowej – TRJN) by London. Consular exchange resumed and a number of officials were appointed, who became not only liaison between the Foreign Office and local institutions, but also propagators of “Western ideology” in Poland. The aim of the article is to present the process of rebuilding British institutions in Poland, placing it in the context of Polish-British relations until 1956.
Coexistence of ferroelectric and ferrielectric phases in ultrathin antiferroelectric PbZrO3 thin films
Authors: Liu Ying , Niu Ranming , Uriach Roger , Pesquera David , Roque José Manuel Caicedo , Santiso José , Cairney Julie M. , Liao Xiaozhou , Arbiol Jordi , Catalan Gustau
Published: July 2024

Whereas ferroelectricity may vanish in ultra-thin ferroelectric films, it is expected to emerge in ultra-thin antiferroelectric films, sparking people’s interest in using antiferroelectric materials as an alternative to ferroelectric ones for high-density data storage applications. Lead Zirconate (PbZrO3, PZO) is considered the prototype material for antiferroelectricity, and indeed, previous studies indicated that nanoscale PZO films exhibit ferroelectricity. The understanding of such phenomena from the microstructure aspect is crucial but still lacking. In this study, we fabricated a PZO film with thicknesses varying from 5 to 80 nm. Using Piezoresponse Force Microscopy, we discovered that the film displayed a transition from antiferroelectric behavior in the thicker areas to ferroelectric behavior in the thinner ones, with a critical thickness between 10 and 15 nm. In this critical thickness range, a 12 nm PZO thin film was chosen for further study using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy. The investigation showed that the film comprises both ferroelectric and ferrielectric phases. The ferroelectric phase is characterized by polarization along the [011]pc projection direction. The positions of Pb, Zr, and O were determined using the integrated differential phase contrast method. This allowed us to ascertain that the ferroelectric PZO unit cell is half the size of that in the antiferroelectric phase on the ab plane. The observed unit cell is different from the electric field-induced ferroelectric rhombohedral phases. Additionally, we identified a ferrielectric phase with a unique up-up-zero-zero (↑↑··) dipole configuration. The finding is crucial for understanding the performance of ultrathin antiferroelectric thin films and the subsequent design and development of antiferroelectric devices.
Prevention and control of risk factors in metabolic and alcohol-associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Desalegn Hailemichael , Farias Renata , Hudson David , Idalsoaga Francisco , Cabrera Daniel , Diaz Luis Antonio , Arab Juan Pablo
Published: July 2024

Steatotic liver disease (SLD), including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), is the primary cause of illness and mortality. In particular, MASLD affects more than 30% of the global population, while ALD accounts for 5.1% of all diseases and injuries worldwide. The SLD spectrum includes a variety of clinical conditions, from mild fatty liver and inflammation to different stages of liver fibrosis. Additionally, both conditions (MASLD and ALD) can be complicated by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while around one-third of ALD patients can also develop at least one alcohol‐associated hepatitis (AH) episode. Both of these diseases are also associated with multiple extrahepatic complications, such as cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and malignancies. In MASLD, the rapid rise in global obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prevalence due to Westernized lifestyles has led to an increase in the prevalence of MASLD. Thus, the prevention and control of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) are the cornerstone of its treatment. Hypertension and atherogenic dyslipidemia are also important CMRFs associated with MASLD. Susceptible individuals with MASLD are adversely affected by even a small amount of alcohol consumption (though there is no agreed definition of a small amount), increasing the risk of severe outcomes and a faster progression of liver disease. This review explores factors that play a role in the development of SLD, especially focusing on the management of CMRFs and levels of alcohol use to prevent liver disease progression.
HR МЕНЕДЖМЕНТ ТА ВІЙНА: ВПЛИВ ТА НАСЛІДКИ ДЛЯ МІЖНАРОДНИХ КОНСАЛТИНГОВИХ КОМПАНІЙ В УКРАЇНІ
Authors: Качур А. Р. , Тадеєв Ю. П. , Шкробот М. В.
Published: July 2024

У дослідженні аналізується трансформація та пристосування HR-менеджменту в провідних міжнародних консалтингових компаніях «Великої четвірки» (Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst&Young, KPMG) на українському ринку, до безпрецедентних викликів, спричинених воєнними діями на території країни. Повномасштабне вторгнення спричинив низку критичних проблем для ефективного функціонування цих компаній, включаючи необхідність забезпечення безпеки персоналу, порушення звичних бізнес-процесів, логістичні складнощі, а також гостру потребу в наданні психологічної підтримки співробітникам. Незважаючи на складність ситуації, консалтингові гіганти продемонстрували здатність до швидкої адаптації, впроваджуючи гнучкі форми роботи, удосконалюючи системи внутрішньої комунікації та посилюючи фокус на корпоративній соціальній відповідальності. Ці зусилля відобразилися у позитивній динаміці позицій компаній у рейтингах найкращих роботодавців України, що сприяло підтримці їхньої конкурентоспроможності на вітчизняному ринку консалтингових послуг. Водночас, дослідження виявило низку проблемних аспектів, які потребують подальшого аналізу та розробки ефективних стратегій управління персоналом HR-менеджментом компаній "Великої четвірки". Серед них - виклики, пов'язані із забезпеченням справедливої та конкурентоспроможної системи мотивації та винагород, здатної відображати індивідуальні досягнення та внесок кожного працівника, особливо в періоди підвищеного навантаження. Також критично важливим є питання залучення та утримання талановитих фахівців, що вимагає створення сприятливих умов для розвитку та кар’єрного зростання, забезпечення гнучкості у виборі місця та формату роботи, підтримки балансу між роботою та особистим життям, а також загального підвищення рівня благополуччя співробітників. Запропоновано ефективні підходи до HR менеджменту в умовах нестабільності та воєнних дій, з врахування успішних практики адаптації, консалтингових компаній.
МОДЕЛІ ТА ПРАКТИЧНІ ПІДХОДИ ДО ПРОЦЕСУ ЦИФРОВОЇ ТРАНСФОРМАЦІЇ БІЗНЕС-ПРОЦЕСІВ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ. ДОСВІД УКРАЇНИ
Authors: Кравченко М. О. , Салабай В. О.
Published: July 2024

Сьогодні більшість організацій стикаються з проблемами впровадження нових цифрових інструментів у свою щоденну діяльність у рамках цифрової трансформації. Однак, лише деякі з них ефективно управляють своїми бізнес-процесами, щоб отримати певну користь від впровадження цих технологій. Тому, щоб вирішити цю проблему, дослідження питання функціонування та оптимізація бізнес-процесів є одним з ключових напрямків в процесі цифрових перетворень. У статті досліджено та проаналізовано сучасні методи та інструменти управління компанією в умовах цифрової трансформації. Крім того, побудовано схему, яка забезпечує шлях цифрової трансформації від ідеї до досягнення поставлених цілей. У статті досліджено ключові кроки та описано дорожню карта щодо зміни бізнес-процесів відповідно до вимог цифрової трансформації. Також розглянуто фундаментальні підходи до побудови сучасних бізнес-моделей або оптимізації існуючих. У статті розглянуто поточний стан цифрової трансформації в Україні. Завдяки ретельному дослідженню Глобального індексу інновацій (GII) у статті представлено всебічне порівняння зусиль України щодо цифрової трансформації з зусиллями інших країн світу, досліджуючи перспективи збільшення її глобальної конкурентоспроможності. Крім того, у статті визначено та обґрунтовано переважаючі тенденції розвитку цифрової трансформації в Україні, включаючи ключові характеристики та наслідки, пов’язані з кожною тенденцією. Стаття демонструє глибоке розуміння цифрового ландшафту України та траєкторії до підвищення рівня діджиталізації та цифрової трансформації на глобальній арені.
УПРАВЛІННЯ ПОРТФЕЛЕМ ЦІННИХ ПАПЕРІВ ЗА ДОПОМОГОЮ МЕТОДІВ АНАЛІЗУ ЧАСОВИХ РЯДІВ
Authors: Лазаренко І. С. , Крикун Є. О.
Published: July 2024

Складання оптимального портфеля акцій є важливою задачею для інвесторів, які бажають досягти максимальної доходності при певному рівні ризику. Оптимальний портфель акцій може бути складений згідно з пасивним підходом до інвестування, який передбачає реплікацію показників ринку або використання індексних фондів. Цей підхід базується на припущенні, що ринок в цілому дає прибуток з часом, тому інвестор просто намагається отримати частку цього прибутку, розподіляючи свої інвестиції між різними акціями згідно з ваговими коефіцієнтами індексу. Метою даного дослідження є огляд та узагальнення теоретико-методологічних засад портфельної теорії, методичних положень щодо моделювання оптимального портфеля з використанням часових рядів. Вивчення моделі оптимального портфеля цінних паперів набуває особливої актуальності в контексті соціальних та поведінкових змін. У той час як традиційні моделі оптимізації портфеля цінних паперів зосереджуються переважно на фінансових факторах, таких як очікувана дохідність та ризик, врахування соціальної та поведінкової динаміки дає більш повне розуміння інвестиційного ландшафту. Для досягнення поставленої мети в статті використано сучасну портфельну теорію Гаррі Марковіца (MPT), яка підкреслює важливість диверсифікації та кількісної оцінки ризиків і дохідності. Дослідження також є адаптацію моделей ARIMA та GARCH для прогнозування матриць ризиків, пропонуючи деталізований підхід до прогнозування та використання ринкових коливань для досягнення оптимальної продуктивності портфеля. Результати дослідження не тільки підтверджують актуальність фундаментальних теорій портфельного управління в сучасних умовах, але й розширюють інструментарій інвесторів завдяки практичному застосуванню передових методологій аналізу часових рядів. Практичне значення дослідження полягає в наданні інвесторам надійних стратегій, які допоможуть їм орієнтуватися і отримувати вигоду від динаміки ринку, тим самим максимізуючи результати інвестування в умовах невизначеності, притаманної фінансовим ринкам. Дана модель портфелю не залежить від суми інвестування, а отже, вона може підходити як для індивідуальних інвесторів з невеликим капіталом, так і для інвестиційних компаній з великими фінансовими ресурсами.
Internal Audit Considerations in the Context of Corporate Governance
Authors: PREDA Madalina ,   Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania, STEFANESCU Aurelia ,   Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Romania
Published: July 2024

The globalised economic environment, exposed to financial, health, political and social turbulence, creates uncertainties and challenges in the business environment. Thus, companies are exposed to a portfolio of interrelated, diverse and complex risks, which requires a proactive approach to their management, but also a relationship based on transparency, consistency, credibility, with stakeholders. From this perspective, internal audit and corporate governance are the pillars of an attractive and sustainable business environment. The research has two components: the first component includes a review of the literature and regulations in the field; the second component includes a quantitative research on the degree of compliance of companies in the oil and gas industry, included in the BET – NG index, in terms of internal audit from a corporate governance perspective. The results of the research revealed a heterogeneous evolution of compliance of the companies analysed, but also their continued efforts to improve their corporate governance and compliance practices to ensure a transparent, credible, accountable and sustainable business environment. In relation to the governance model adopted by companies, the analysis revealed an increase in internal audit compliance for companies that have adopted the dual model. The research results add value on one hand to the literature and on the other hand to stakeholders in the oil and gas industry, the economic, social and regulatory environment in order to improve and strengthen corporate governance practices related to internal audit.
Menekan Laju Global Warming Melalui “Trustation” sebagai Bank Sampah Di Lingkungan Universitas
Authors: Hardiyanti Retno Ayu , Bratanegara Aldini Safarach , Muhammad Nur  , Anindyta Fitriyani  , Siti Nurhalizah  , Anisa Nurhalimah  , Mia Desiany
Published: July 2024

Bank sampah menjadi salah satu opsi solusi dalam upaya pengelolaan sampah di perguruan tinggi. Dan TRUSTATION (Trust Your Trash to Our Station) sebagai bank sampah yang direncanakan akan beroperasi di lingkungan Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) menjadi sebuah revolusi bagi proses penanggulangan permasalahan sampah di UPI. Oleh karena itu, untuk mewujudkan TRUSTATION sebagai sebuah tanda bahwa telah meningkatnya level keseriusan dalam menangani permasalahan sampah, diperlukan analisis terkait kondisi pengelolaan sampah di lingkungan UPI. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memaparkan sistem pengelolaan sampah di UPI dan respons warga UPI terkait pengolahan sampah dan gagasan didirikannya bank sampah. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan mixed method dengan teknik pengumpulan data berupa wawancara, survei, dan studi literatur. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pengelolaan sampah di UPI masih bergantung pada proses pemilahan dan pengolahan di tingkat TPS. Warga UPI memilih untuk menyerahkan sampahnya ke pihak pengelola sampah, tetapi hambatan yang dihadapi adalah belum adanya fasilitas pengolahan sampah baik di kampus maupun di sekitar tempat tinggal mereka, sehingga sampah yang dihasilkan masih dibuang secara tercampur ke TPS. Oleh karena itu, warga UPI mendukung pendirian bank sampah di lingkungan UPI.
The Formation and Pressure-Bearing Characteristics of Plugging Layers in Hydraulic Fracture: A Visualization Experimental Study
Authors: Zhan Li , Qian Bin , Guo Jianchun , Guan Bin , Ren Yong , He Le , Liu Yuxuan , Lu Qianli
Published: July 2024

Temporary plugging and diversion fracturing (TPDF) is an important means for improving the artificial fracture complexity in shale gas reservoirs. At present, most scholars’ studies on TPDF mainly focus on the formation conditions of the plugging layer in a horizontal fracture and the fracture propagation behavior after the plugging layer is formed. However, there is a lack of thorough study on the formation and pressure-bearing characteristics of the plugging layer in vertical fracture.

For this paper, we conducted a plugging experiment using temporary plugging particles in a hydraulic fracture by use of a visualization hydraulic fracture experimental device to analyze the formation and pressure-bearing characteristics of plugging layers. The research results show that (1) when the ratio of temporary plugging particle diameter to fracture width (d/w) becomes larger, the fluid viscosity and injection rate have less influence on the formation of the plugging layer, and the concentration of temporary plugging particles required to form the plugging layer decreases. When d/w is equal to 0.45, the plugging layer has difficulty forming if the fluid viscosity is greater than 3 mPa·s or the mass concentration of temporary plugging particles is less than 20 kg/m3. If d/w is equal to 0.60, the plugging layer has difficulty forming when the concentration is less than 10 kg/m3. When d/w is equal to 0.75, a plugging layer forms when the concentration is 2.5 kg/m3, and the formation is not affected by the fluid viscosity and injection rate. (2) A smaller d/w, higher carrier fluid viscosity and injection rate, or lower temporary plugging particle concentration all lead to more pronounced fluctuation of the fracture flow channels at the location where the plugging layer is formed. (3) If the plugging layer can form, it is denser and has stronger plugging ability when the temporary plugging particle diameter is smaller and fluid viscosity and injection rate are larger. (4) Due to different lengths and d/w, the plugging layer can be divided into three types according to its morphological change characteristics after pressure-bearing: failure-unstable, locally-damaged, and stable-unchanged plugging layer. To improve the probability of forming the plugging layer with higher stability, the fluid with a viscosity of 3 mPa·s, in which is a temporary plugging particle with a d/w of 0.75, is recommended to plug the hydraulic fractures under an injection rate of 0.65 m3/min.
Gene expression in normal-weight mice offspring from parents on Western Diets suggests altered risk for obesity and metabolic disease
Authors: Czechowski Paul , Hoffmann Anne , Dommel Sebastian , Jaïs Alexander , Blüher Matthias , Klöting Nora
Published: July 2024

The influence of parental obesity on a child's likelihood of becoming an obese adult remains uncertain. Concurrently, the Western diet is deemed a significant factor in obesity prevalence. Hence, we investigated how parents' Western diet impacts offspring's obesity risk. Recent rodent studies indicate males are more susceptible to inheriting obesity than females. Therefore, we focused on whether exposure to maternal, paternal, or parental obesogenic diet during early development stages might program long-term overweight in males.
We randomly assigned three-week-old C57BL6/N mice to two diet groups: a Western diet (WD) and a control diet (CD). From 6 to 14 weeks of age, mice in both groups received their assigned diets. Adult females from both diet groups were mated with males from both diet groups, resulting in four breeding cage combinations: CD/CD (parental control diet), CD/WD (maternal Western diet), WD/CD (paternal Western diet), and WD/WD (parental Western diet).

We analyzed weight gain trajectories of parental (P) and filial (F1) individuals based on animal sex, litter size, and parental diets. F1 transcriptome assays were conducted on four tissues: interscapular brown adipose (IBAT), epididymal white adipose (EWAT), subcutaneous inguinal white adipose (INGWAT), and liver (LIV) of male offspring. q-mode PCA was used to evaluate the effects of sex, litter size, and parental diet on the transcriptomes. We then examined the influence of parental dietary combinations, focusing on 27 obesity-related genes to describe transcriptome changes. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between dietary contrasts were identified and described using Gene Ontology terms.

Filial weight gain was primarily influenced by sex and litter size, with no significant effect from parental diet. Transcriptome data showed no clustering by sex or litter size. Most DEGs (FDR-adjusted p < 0.05, log2-fold change = 1) were found between offspring of parents on the Western diet (WD/WD) and control diet (CD/CD): 46 in INGWAT, 44 in BAT, 33 in LIV, and 11 in EWAT. GO terms for these genes were linked to regulatory processes associated with high energy intake and Western diets, such as inflammation and cell death in INGWAT, regulatory processes counteracting weight gain and inflammation in IBAT and EWAT, and increased cellular stress in LIV.

We provide new transcriptomic support for the hypothesis that having two obese parents, rather than having only one obese parent, alters the risks of obesity and metabolic disease, likely for the worse.
Technological mapping of plant-based patents for treating bovine mastitis
Authors: Vidal Camila Silva , de Carvalho Gustavo Henrique Santos , de Assis Maria Cristina , Angeli Renata , Victório Cristiane Pimentel
Published: July 2024

Bovine mastitis costs the world’s economy an estimated USD 19.7–32 billion annually. Plant-based products have been used as alternative treatments with advantages such as minimal side effects, and no studies have reported the formation of resistant microorganisms. To identify these plant-based products, this study performed a technological mapping of patent applications. We applied the terms ‘Mastitis AND Extract’ and ‘Bovine OR Plant OR Livestock OR Cow’ to the Espacenet database to find relevant patents. Following this, we applied the same terms to the International Patent Classification (IPC) to categorize patents according to their technological area of use. We found that private companies were the main applicants, among which Chinese companies comprised the majority (52%) and that Taraxarum was the most cited plant in patents. The main applicant was the Lanzhou Institute with seven patents. The most recurrent IPC was A61k36, which refers to medicinal preparations based on algae, lichens, fungi, or plants. From 2000 onwards, the number of patent filings increased, according to the survey, and in 2015, 31 relevant patent applications were filed. Based on this patent survey, we gained a panoramic view of the plant-based.
Therapeutic Potential of Desmodium styracifolium Polysaccharide in Attenuating Nano-Calcium Oxalate Induced Renal Injury and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Sun Xin-Yuan , Yu Bang-Xian , Huang Ling-Hong , Zhang Quan , Sun Dong-Lin , Liu Yang , Zeng Guo-Hua , Liu Yong-Da
Published: July 2024

Calcium salt deposition in the kidney induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in renal tubular epithelial cells, which is the pathological basis for the progression to renal fibrosis in patients with renal stones; however, effective drugs to prevent and treat this disease have not been adequately investigated. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of fibrosis-related core genes by utilizing bioinformatics on RNA-seq data, along with web database information. Additionally, we designed both in vivo and in vitro experiments to elucidate the mechanisms and signaling pathways through which Desmodium styracifolium polysaccharides (Ds) mitigate renal fibrosis induced by nephrolithiasis. Renal fibrosis is present in both patients afflicted with calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones and in model rats. RNA-seq analysis and network database examination identified TGF-β as a fibrosis-related core gene. Moreover, Ds were found to accumulate in the kidneys of these model rats, effectively reducing crystalline deposits, mitigating renal injury, and alleviating renal fibrosis. Ds effectively attenuated nano-CaOx-induced HK-2 damage and delayed the EMT process by interfering with TGF-β synthesis and secretion and inhibiting the activation of the TGF-β/Smad pathway in vitro. The innovative pharmaceutical Ds may potentially emerge as a novel therapeutic option for the clinical treatment of crystalline renal fibrosis.
Contactless longitudinal monitoring of ageing and dementia-related sleep trajectories in the home
Authors: Soreq Eyal , Kolanko Magdalena , Ravindran Kiran Kumar Guruswamy , Monica Ciro , Revell Victoria , Daniels Sarah , Lai Helen , Golemme Mara , Giovane Martina Del , Walsh Chloe , Wingfield David , Nilforooshan Ramin , Stefanos Marie-Ange , Vittrant Benjamin , De Villele Paul , Dijk Derk-Jan , Sharp David , group CRT
Published: July 2024

Disturbed sleep is common in ageing and dementia, but objectively quantifying it over time is challenging. We validated a contactless under-mattress pressure sensor and developed a data analysis method to assess sleep patterns in the home over long periods. Data from 13,588 individuals (3.7 million nights) from the general population were compared to a dementia cohort of 93 patients (>40,000 nights). Dementia was associated with heterogeneous sleep disturbances primarily characterised by advanced and delayed sleep timing, longer time in bed, and more bed exits. Explainable machine learning was used to derive the Dementia Research Institute Sleep Index (DRI-SI), a digital biomarker quantifying sleep disturbances and their evolution. The DRI-SI can detect the effects of acute clinical events and dementia progression at the individual level. This approach bridges a gap in dementia care by providing a feasible method for monitoring health events, disease progression and dementia risk.
Elschnig’s Pearls as a possible predisposing factor for malignant glaucoma : a case report
Authors: barbé alexandre , momal gabin , cooren alexis , boucher rafael , bachet valentin
Published: July 2024

Background : Malignant glaucoma (MG) is associated with a narrow angle or pseudoexfoliation (PEX)-induced laxity of the zonule. We describe a rare case of MG in a patient with massive Elschnig’s Pearls (EP) causing aqueous misdirection syndrome.
Case presentation :
A 78 years-old female was referred with rapidly progressive left ocular pain with redness, blurred vision of 20/100 and intraocular pressure (IOP) of 60 mmHg. She had undergone cataract surgery 5 years prior without complications, with preoperative diagnosis of moderate capsular PEX syndrome. She was first treated by maximal pressure-lowering drops, intravenous ACETAZOLAMIDE and 10% MANNITOL, 1% ISOPTOPILOCARPINE and a patent laser iridotomy. Despite this, IOP remained high for 3 days. Shallow anterior chamber with angle closure, myopic shift and filling of the posterior chamber by massive EP led us to conclude to an aqueous misdirection syndrome. We then switched 1% ISOPTOPILOCARPINE for 1% ATROPINE and performed a posterior capsulotomy with anterior hyaloidotomy. This rapidly controlled the condition with posterior displacement of intraocular lens (IOL) and fading of the high-IOP associated symptoms.
Conclusions: Identifying malignant glaucoma could be challenging in the absence of immediate surgical circumstances. This is, to our knowledge, the second description of EPassociated with MG. In this case, EP were thought to narrow the irido-corneal angle and to cause a relative pupillary blockage, subsequently triggering aqueous humour misdirection to the vitreous and forward displacement of the iris-IOL diaphragm in the context of moderate PEX-induced zonular laxity.
Epidemiology and Sociodemographic Predictors of Infertility among Women in Ilorin, North-central Nigeria: A 5-Year Retrospective Longitudinal Study
Authors: Odeigah Louis Okebunor , Owolabi Beatrice Omolola , Obalowu Ismaila Aberi , Mutalub Yahkub Babatunde , Agede Olalekan Ayodele , Jimoh Abiodun Akanbi Gafar
Published: July 2024

Background
There are significant variations not only in the incidence and prevalence of infertility but also its sociodemographic determinants among women in Nigeria and globally. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence and prevalence of infertility among women attending the Gynaecology Clinics of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital over a 5-year period, and to determine the sociodemographic predictors of the type of infertility among them.
Methods
The study is a 5-year retrospective longitudinal study of women who attended the clinics between 2014–2018. A total of 1163 women’s patient records were eligible for the study. All collected data were analysed using SPSS™ Version 23 statistical software. The incidence rate, and the prevalence per year were calculated and presented. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the significant predictors of infertility type among the women.
Results
The calculated incidence rates of infertility during the study period ranged from 2806/ 100,000 women in 2018 to 6918/100,000 women in 2014. The prevalence of infertility during the study period ranged from 6.9% (2014) to 14.4% (2018). The calculated 5-year Cumulative Incidence (or prevalence) for the study period was 14.4%. The burden of secondary infertility cases was twice as that of primary infertility during the study period in total (71.6% vs 28.6%).
Conclusions
This study reported high burden of infertility and especially secondary infertility in the study area. These findings we hope will provide a foundation for further research and the development of targeted interventions to address infertility in the local context.
Impacts of spring freeze events on perennial tree fruit crops across the central and eastern USA
Authors: Wang Ting , Andresen Jeffrey , Zhong Shiyuan
Published: July 2024

An extended period of warm anomalies during late winter or early spring, known as a false spring, can cause plants to exit dormancy prematurely, making them vulnerable to subsequent freeze events. This study investigates the impacts of springtime freeze events on a representative temperate perennial tree fruit crop across the central and eastern USA using a crop growth and yield model driven by daily meteorological data from 1981 to 2020. Results indicate significant regional and phenological variability in freeze damage frequency and severity. Damage was more frequent and severe in the Southern Great Plains, the upper Midwest, and the Appalachian Mountains, compared to the central and eastern Great Lakes, the Middle Mississippi Valley, and parts of the mid-Atlantic. Damage frequency generally decreased in later phenological stages, with the first two vegetative stages being most affected. A pattern of decreasing freeze events and false spring frequency, along with increasing bud fraction, was observed from south to north due to the interplay between spring warm-up timing, crop phenological development, and increasing seasonal vulnerability with decreasing sub-freezing temperature frequency and severity. However, sub-regional differences emerged, such as increasing freeze damage frequency in the Southern Great Plains and decreasing frequency in the lower Ohio Valley and Northern Great Plains. These regional differences, despite concurrent warming trends, highlight the complexity of overwintering crops' responses to environmental conditions and seasonal climatic cycles and the need for caution in estimating cold injury impacts on temperate perennial crops, particularly considering future climate change.
Catalytic Study for Linear Olefin Formation from Ethanol over Phosphorus-modified Beta-Zeolite Catalysts
Authors: Hadi Ghassan
Published: July 2024

In this study, we explore the catalytic performance of phosphorus-modified Beta zeolite catalysts for the selective conversion of ethanol to linear olefins, to understand the effects of phosphorus incorporation on the structural, textural, acidic, and hydrophobic properties of the zeolite catalysts, we employed various characterization techniques, such as XRD, N2 physisorption, NH3-TPD, and TGA, the phosphorus-modified Beta zeolites demonstrated enhanced selectivity towards C4-C12 linear olefins, with the P/Beta-5 catalyst (containing 5 wt.% phosphorus) achieving an impressive 72% combined selectivity, we attribute this improved catalytic performance to the moderation of acid site strength and density, as well as the increased hydrophobicity induced by phosphorus modification, these properties effectively suppressed undesired side reactions and promoted the formation of linear olefins through the oligomerization-cracking pathway, we systematically investigated the influence of phosphorus loading and modification method on the catalytic activity, revealing important structure-activity relationships. Based on our experimental findings, we propose a reaction mechanism that highlights the basic role of phosphorus in modulating the reaction pathways, the results of this study give us valuable insights into the design and optimization of phosphorus-modified zeolite catalysts for the efficient and desired production of linear olefins from bio-derived ethanol.
Integrated transcriptomic and endogenous hormones analyses revealed the molecular mechanism of light and auxin for the regeneration of callus tissue in seashore paspalum
Authors: Jiang Kai , Hu Xiaochen , Sun Qi , Wang Yuzhu , Wu Xuanyang , Yang Guofeng , Wang Zeng-yu , Wu Xueli
Published: July 2024

Background: Seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum O. Swartz) is a halophyte known for its exceptional salt tolerance and ecological adaptability. It is an excellent candidate for studying salt tolerance mechanisms and screening salt tolerance genes. However, the difficulties with callus tissue regeneration and the influence of genotype during cultivation provide a significant obstacle to the process of molecular breeding employing genetic transformation and gene editing techniques in seashore paspalum.
Results:
To elucidate the molecular mechanism of callus regeneration in seashore paspalum, this study analyzed the content of endogenous hormones and investigated the effects of light, KT, and genotype on callus regeneration; Through transcriptome analysis between different treatments, the molecular mechanisms were explored. Under light conditions, almost all callus tissues of genotype I could produce regenerated green buds, but genotype II could not regenerate. A total of 106.2 Gb clean readings were obtained from 12 cDNA sample libraries in four regeneration states (CK, KT-D, KT-L, and KT-L-NR). The Pearson correlation coefficients, principal component analysis, and DEG hierarchical clustering heatmap analysis results indicated good intra-group repeatability and reliable data. The specific expression genes induced by different genotypes (KT-L-NR vs KT-L) (3083) were significantly higher than those in other groups by Venn plot analysis. A total of 73 endogenous hormone substances were quantitatively detected in all samples. KEGG enrichment analysis showed that all comparison groups significantly enriched differentially changed hormones (DCHs) in diterpenoid biosynthesis and plant hormone signal transduction pathways. In KT-L, GA5 and GA51 were significantly higher than those in other groups, while GA20 and GA29 were significantly lower. KT-L-NR showed noticeably higher levels of GA3, GA20, and GA29, which could be a contributing cause to the incapacity of callus regeneration. The expression level of GA2ox (Pavag03G280900. v3.1) was very high, significantly negatively regulating GA51. In KT-L, the content of ABA and JA were the lowest and significantly lower than that in KT-L-NR. The content of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in KT-L and KT-L-NR were significantly higher than that in CK and KT-D, indicating that light played an important role in synthesizing of IAA, which was beneficial for the regeneration of callus tissue.
Conclusions:
This is the first report on callus regeneration mechanisms of seashore paspalum by combined transcriptome and endogenous hormone profiling. The results will improve the understanding of molecular mechanisms and the effects of endogenous hormones, and provide new insights to address the issue of genotype dependence in callus regeneration.
Total Flavonoids of Epimedium improve pulmonary vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension: network pharmacological analysis and experimental verification
Authors: Chen Riken , Liao Huizhao , Liao Weifeng , Li Huan , Yang Yitian , Huang Zijie , Ye Weilong , Zheng Zhenzhen , Yao Weimin , Chen Wenliang
Published: July 2024

Aims
Total flavonoids of Epimedium (TFE), primarily composed of icariin, serve as Type 5 phosphodiesterase (PDE5) inhibitors. The multi-target mechanism of TFE on pulmonary hypertension (PH) is unclear. This study aims to explore the pharmacological outcomes of TFE in treating PH.
Main methods:
The structural information of the main components of TFE and their targets were obtained from the TCMSP, PubChem and SwissTargetPrediction databases. PH-related targets were obtained from the Gene Cards database. Cytoscape 3.8.2 was used to construct the target network, followed by PPI network analysis. KEGG and GO enrichment analyses were conducted using the R language. A PH rat model was established using monocrotaline (MCT). The effects of TFE on PH were studied in PH rats. Molecular docking was used to evaluate the docking effects of effective monomer drugs and molecules.
Key findings:
A total of 13 monomer components and 140 TFE and PH-related targets are identified. Core genes in the PPI network included p53, TNF, AKT1, EGFR, and RelA. In vitro experiments show that TFE reversed PDGF-BB-induced proliferation, migration and apoptosis of rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). TFE attenuated the progression of MCT-induced PH in rats. The protective effects of TFE were mediated by promoting the expression of p53-p21. Molecular docking revealed a strong affinity between the bioactive compounds in TFE and its PH target p53.
Awake Surgery for Right Frontal Lobe Glioma: Preserving Emotional Recognition and Facilitating Early Return to Work
Authors: Yamamoto Kosei , Tamura Ryota , Wakahara Sota , Kojima Kazuhiro , Ando Makiko , Yo Masahiro , Kosugi Kenzo , Kitamura Yohei , Ueda Ryo , Ishikawa Aiko , Tsuji Tetsuya , Toda Masahiro
Published: July 2024

Background
Many glioma patients struggle to return to work after surgery because of higher brain dysfunction. Although the right frontal lobe has historically been considered functionally silent, reports of performing awake surgery to evaluate higher brain functions in patients with tumors in this area have increased. We present two patients who underwent awake surgery for malignant glioma in the right frontal lobe to preserve emotional recognition and facilitate an early return to work.
Case Presentation:
Case 1 was a 48-year-old right-handed woman employed as a nursery school teacher and case 2 was a 21-year-old right-handed man employed in sales. Both had contrast-enhancing right frontal lobe tumors exhibiting high signal intensity on fluid attenuated inversion recovery imaging and underwent awake surgery. During the operation, cortical mapping was performed using the Reading the Mind in the Eyes, calculation, and motor tasks. Resection of sites involved in motor and emotional recognition functions was avoided. In case 1, all regions of high signal intensity were completely resected; in case 2, all regions exhibiting enhancement were resected. Both patients were discharged home without neurological deficits and returned to work within 21 days after surgery.
Conclusion
It may be important to focus not only on overall survival and progression free survival in glioma patients, but also on factors associated with life satisfaction, such as time to return to work after surgery and time until work becomes difficult. Awake surgery aimed at preserving higher brain functions is useful and may also improve life satisfaction.
Transfer Function Characteristic Analysis of Peripheral Ultrasound Signal Stimulated by Enhanced External Counterpulsation in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Zhang Yahui , Chen Junjun , Yang Dilang , Yang Yao , Zhong Chubin , Wu Guifu , Zhou Ping
Published: July 2024

This study investigated the hemodynamic response of peripheral ultrasound signals in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients using transfer function (TF) characteristic analysis before, during and immediately after enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) therapy. Fifty-eight CAD patients and sixty-two controls (N = 120) all received a single, 45-min EECP session. Blood flow ultrasound signals in the carotid and brachial arteries were acquired and spectrum curves were extracted and used to establish ARX model. TF characteristics (coefficients (A, B); Zeros (zx, zy); Poles (px, py)) were analyzed and compared between CAD and control groups across all phases. Additionally, multiple TF characteristics were integrated by linear combination to construct a CAD indicator. The classification accuracy of TF characteristics during and immediately after EECP are significantly higher than time-domain (p = 0.03) and frequency-domain features (p = 0.004). Immediately after EECP, coefficient features displayed the most significant changes in control groups, while Zero and Pole features were most significant in CAD patients. Multiple TF characteristics exhibited greater differences immediately after EECP compared to before and during EECP. This study demonstrates that both single and multiple TF characteristics provided the most distinct response between groups immediately after EECP. This study highlights the potential of TF analysis of peripheral ultrasound for non-invasive assessment of therapy in CAD patients.
Evaluating the application of a new patented fluorochrome, Fluorescent Brightener 85, for detecting cultured fungi and superficial clinical specimens of fungal infectious disease.
Authors: Han Yang , Wan Zhe , Li Qing , Wang Aiping , Yue Xueping
Published: July 2024

Background: The fluorescent staining method with Calcofluor White (CFW) has been popularly used for the detection of fungi in clinical settings in recent years. However, seldom have new fluorochromes been invented to detect fungi.
Purpose: To evaluate a new patented fluorochrome, Fluorescent Brightener 85 (FB 85), for detecting fungi in cultured fungi and superficial clinical specimens of fungal infectious disease.
Methods: Initially, several pure fungi from different genera were cultured, stained with 0.1% FB 85, and observed with fluorescent microscopy. Subsequently, different superficial and invasive clinical specimens, including those from skin, nail debris, vaginal secretions, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and sputum, were stained with 0.1% FB 85 combined with 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) and similarly observed with fluorescent microscopy. Last, Outpatients suspected of having superficial fungal infections were recruited. Samples were examined using both FB 85 fluorescent staining direct microscopy and 10% KOH direct microscopy to confirm diagnosis. Positive rates were compared, and statistical differences were analyzed.
Results: Under fluorescent microscopy, for the cultured fungi, all the hyphae, conidia, conidiophores, septa, or bud scars were stained clearly, exhibiting strong blue fluorescence with high intensity that diminished slowly. Similarly, for both superficial and invasive clinical specimens, the strong, intense blue or blue-green fluorescence of the hyphae, pseudohyphae, budding, and septa was clearly stained, offering high contrast against the light blueish keratinocytes or epithelial cells in the background, and also diminished slowly. Finally, among 100 patients recruited, the positive rate of the FB 85 was 84%, while the KOH was 52%. Moreover, FB 85 method had a higher percentage of positive rate than KOH method, it had statistically significant difference ( χ2=23.53, P < 0.01).
Conclusion: FB 85, the national invention patent by the author Yue, is a new and potentially perfect fluorescent reagent with excellent promise. It could be used for the diagnosis of fungal infections in clinical settings, as well as for observing the growth characteristics of fungi or the changes following antifungal drug therapy. For detecting fungi in superficial fungal infection samples in a clinical setting, the FB 85 method was more convenient, efficient, and accurate than the traditional KOH method.
Advanced Quantification of Trans Fatty Acids in Biscuits Using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflectance (FT-IR-ATR)
Authors: Mayer Júlia Gonçalves , Palmaª Carolina , Anciens Gustavo Luis Paiva , Domingues Josiane Roberto , Limaª Kátia Gomes
Published: July 2024

The aim of the present study was to investigate the feasibility and applicability of Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FT-IR) techniques, without extraction, with prior extraction of fat and after hydrolysis and methylation, to fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) to evaluate the content of trans fatty acids (TFA) in filled biscuits and to compare the results obtained with those obtained when elaidic acid was determined by the GC-MS technique. Eight commercial brands of chocolate filled biscuits and one package of hydrogenated vegetable fat were selected to be used as secondary standards by ATR-FT-IR. The presence of TFA was identified by ATR-FT-IR by visualization of the band at 966 cm-1. No significant differences were found between the concentrations of TFA determined by the three methods tested. The study indicated that the ATR-FT-IR technique, when used to analyze the lipid extract and the samples in the form of FAMEs, is suitable for estimating the TFA content in chocolate filled biscuits.