bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Instruments of Learning: Know the Worth of Educational Tools
Authors:   Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iasi, RO, Onciu Oana
Published: July 2023

Have you ever wondered why some musical instruments cost millions of dollars? What could make an instrument worth that much money, and how is it different from other instruments that are more affordable? But does this difference in value and quality extend beyond the world of music? Can we apply similar principles to educational tools and instruments? Perhaps. Whether it is a digital tool that engages students with interactive content, a hands-on activity that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving, or a traditional tool like a textbook or chalkboard that forms the backbone of classroom instruction, the quality and effectiveness of educational instruments can have a significant impact on student outcomes. In this article we will explore (I) a short history of educational instruments and (II) how teachers should differentiate between these.
Evaluation of Drainage Channel on Meteorological Road, Laut Dendang Village, Deli Serdang Regency
Authors: Damara Fikri , Tinambunan Desi Paskalia , Hasibuan Sakkot Matua Gong , Mulyana Rachmat , Fadila Meuthia , Zulfikar Ahmad , Prayogo Wisnu , Suryawan I Wayan Koko , Ikhwali M. Faisi , Septiariva Iva Yenis , Arifianingsih Nur Novilina , Suhardono Sapta , Fillaeli Annisa
Published: July 2023

Drainage is one way of removing unwanted excess water in an area and dealing with the effects of excess water in the system. When the rainy season comes, there are almost floods or puddles on urban roads. The large population also makes the volume of drainage channels fill up quickly, while the drainage capacity tends to decrease due to rainwater (erosion) and sedimentation. Meteorological Street, Laut Dendang Village, Percut Sei Tuan sub-district, Deli Serdang Regency, is one of the villages that is frequently flooded every time it rains. On these issues, the researcher highlights the importance of evaluating the Deli Serdang Regency's drainage system along Meteorological Road to anticipate when the rainy season comes. The general exponential method can determine whether the existing drainage volume can still accommodate terrestrial run-off and domestic wastewater in the next 30 years and calculate the population growth. Based on the research results from rainfall data obtained from Meteorology Road, the rainfall intensity value for the last ten years (2010 - 2019) was 10.538 mm/day. Thus, the amount of discharge flowing in the drainage channel (Qplansning) is equal to 0.832 m3/sec, while the planned Q for the next ten years is 0.874 m3/sec, for the next 20 years is 0.953 m3/sec, and 30 years into the future. front is 1.111 m3/sec. Based on the calculation results, Qplans exceeds Qeksisting. Therefore, a new channel plan is needed.
The Challenges and Future of Marine Debris Policy in Indonesia and Taiwan Case Studies
Authors: Sianipar Imelda Masni Juniaty , Suryawan I Wayan Koko , Tarigan Sun Rise
Published: July 2023

There is evidence that marine plastic pollution affects marine life and ecological services. The potential hazard to human health from chemical additions in plastics is also present. Although desirable, the recycling of plastics is now limited by the complexity of the materials and chemicals, the limitations of available technologies, and market demands. This study was conducted to discover the challenges and future of marine debris policy. This study takes two locations, Indonesia and Taiwan, which have issued marine debris policies simultaneously. At the same time, the Indonesian and Taiwanese governments 2018 issued a policy to reduce marine debris. Following Presidential Decree Number 83/2018 concerning Handling Marine Debris, the Government of Indonesia published a National Action Plan for Handling Marine Debris for 2018–2025. Following this law, the Indonesian government agreed to handle 70% of the solid trash generated within eight years between 2018 and 2025, eliminate marine debris by 70%, and reduce solid waste by 30%. In Taiwan, the "Action Plan of Marine Debris Governance, " issued in 2018 by this alliance and the EPA, contains a schedule for the phase-out of four single-use plastic items (plastic bags, straws, utensils, and takeaway cups). Source reduction, prevention and removal, monitoring and surveying (including research), and outreach and public involvement are the four objectives of this action plan. Although implementing the policy is different, the objectives carried out in Indonesia and Taiwan are the same: reducing waste from sources and increasing community participation in action plan programs.
Pengukuran Tingkat Kebisingan Bandara dari Aktivitas Charter Pesawat (Studi Kasus: Bandara Pondok Cabe, Indonesia)
Authors: Siregar Farhan Hadi , Qonitan Fatimah Dinan , Ridhosari Betanti
Published: July 2023

Kebisingan merupakan masalah lingkungan yang memiliki dampak negatif pada kehidupan sehari-hari. Di lingkungan kerja, kebisingan dapat menyebabkan risiko occupational noise-induced hearing loss. Salah satu sumber kebisingan di area bandara adalah kebisingan pesawat yang dapat memengaruhi kesehatan dan keselamatan para pekerja. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis tingkat kebisingan yang disebabkan oleh aktivitas bandara kepada pekerja dan merekomendasikan upaya pengelolaan kebisingan tersebut. Studi kasus dilakukan di Bandara Pondok Cabe yang dioperasikan oleh PT. Pelita Air Services untuk kegiatan sewa pesawat secara non-rutin. Hal ini memungkinkan untuk mengetahui perbedaan kebisingan yang ditimbulkan setiap jenis pesawat kepada pekerja. Pengukuran kebisingan di area kerja dilakukan menggunakan 4 (empat) buah sound level meter berdasarkan metode Nilai Equivalen, mengacu pada Keputusan Menteri Negara Lingkungan Hidup Nomor 48 Tahun 1996. Hasil pengukuran dibandingkan dengan Nilai Ambang Batas (NAB) yang ditetapkan dalam peraturan tersebut. Pengukuran dilakukan secara simultan di 4 (empat) lokasi, yaitu Appron Hanggar 2, Appron Hanggar 3, area Indopelita, dan di area kantor Hanggar 2. Tipe pesawat yang diukur adalah S76C++, BELL 412, dan ATR 72. Hasil pengukuran menunjukkan tingkat Leq10 di area Appron berkisar antara 81,61 dB(A) hingga 93,02 dB(A), sementara di area kantor berkisar antara 63,90 dB(A) hingga 70,78 dB(A). Hasil pengukuran kemudian dibandingkan dengan Nilai Ambang Batas (NAB) dalam peraturan yang berlaku. Berdasarkan hasil pengukuran, diketahui bahwa pekerja di area Appron terpapar kebisingan di atas batas NAB yang ditetapkan. Oleh karena itu, disarankan upaya pengendalian kebisingan pada tingkat primer, sekunder, dan tersier. Selain itu, perlindungan pendengaran dengan tingkat pengurangan kebisingan (Noise Reduction Rating/NRR) > 30 dB(A) diperlukan untuk memastikan kesehatan dan keselamatan para pekerja. Penelitian ini diharapkan dapat memberikan pemahaman yang lebih baik tentang masalah kebisingan di lingkungan kerja dan memberikan rekomendasi pengelolaan yang dapat membantu menciptakan lingkungan kerja yang lebih aman dan sehat, khususnya di lingkungan bandara.
Network A/B Testing: Nonparametric Statistical Significance Test Based on Cluster-Level Permutation
Authors: Shang Hongwei , Shi Xiaolin , Jiang Bai
Published: July 2023

A/B testing is widely used for comparing two versions of a product and evaluating new proposed product features. It is of great importance for decision-making and has been applied as a golden standard in the IT industry. It is essentially a form of two-sample statistical hypothesis testing. Average treatment effect (ATE) and the corresponding p-value can be obtained under certain assumptions. One key assumption in traditional A/B testing is the stable-unit-treatment-value assumption (SUTVA): there is no interference among different units. It means that the observation on one unit is unaffected by the particular assignment of treatments to the other units. Nonetheless, interference is very common in social network settings where people communicate and spread information to their neighbors. Therefore, the SUTVA assumption is violated. Analysis ignoring this network effect will lead to biased estimation of ATE. Most existing works focus mainly on the design of experiment and data analysis in order to produce estimators with good performance in regards to bias and variance. Little attention has been paid to the calculation of p-value. We work on the calculation of p-value for the ATE estimator in network A/B tests. After a brief review of existing research methods on design of experiment based on graph cluster randomization and different ATE estimation methods, we propose a permutation method for calculating p-value based on permutation test at the cluster level. The effectiveness of the method against that based on individual-level permutation is validated in a simulation study mimicking realistic settings.
Neo-Nazi Heteroactivism and the Swedish Nationalist Contradiction
Authors: Lagerman Julia
Published: July 2023

This article is about one of the most violent and visible form anti-LGBTQI activism in Sweden, conducted by Neo-Nazis. Through a critical discourse analysis of 189 texts published in Swedish newspapers and Neo-Nazi alternative media, it argues that contemporary Swedish Neo-Nazi anti-LGBTQI activism draws upon and constructs transnational heteroactivist discourses. They claim to “protect the nuclear family” to deflate accusations of homophobia while gaining substantial visibility through news media covering their actions. The findings demonstrate the three ways Neo-Nazi texts use heteroactivist strategies. First, the texts argue that LGBTQI rights and feminism are societally harmful.  Second, through intertextuality they refer to both local and international alternative media as the basis for their arguments. Third, they rationalise homophobic hatred. This paper contributes to discussions of heteroactivism, revealing the need to grapple with the ways it is intertwined with race and nationalism. Empirically, the analysis also highlights the significance of anti-LGBTQI activism in contemporary white power and extreme-right movements. The inclusion of news media texts that frame and represent heteroactivist strategies reveals that, despite their rationalising efforts, Neo-Nazi anti-LGBTQI activism is represented as homophobic and hateful in news and debate articles describing them. Additionally, news media representations of Neo-Nazi heteroactivist discourse present a nationalist contradiction, with authors re-constructing narratives of Sweden as a “LGBT friendly nation”, bringing to light complex relations between heteroactivism, homophobia, racism, and nationalism.
Estrategias asociativas de mejora de campesinos en mercados oligopsónicos: las organizaciones de viticultores certificadas Fairtrade en Chile
Authors: Quiñones Díaz Ximena Elizabeth , Letelier Araya Eduardo , Coscione Marco
Published: July 2023

Por su trayectoria, relevancia económica, social y cultural, la vitivinicultura es una de las actividades económicas más importantes de la zona central de Chile. Los campesinos participan de este mercado como proveedores de uva vinífera y como productores de vinos de diversas calidades. Ante la elevada concentración del mercado doméstico, el despliegue de prácticas no competitivas por parte de los principales actores y la debilidad regulatoria del Estado, los campesinos han debido implementar diversas estrategias asociativas de mejora, a fin de reducir costos, aumentar calidad y acceder a precios competitivos y a mercados dinámicos. Una de estas estrategias asociativas de mejora, es la certificación de organizaciones de viñateros en comercio justo Fairtrade International. A partir del análisis comparado de cinco estudios de caso, que corresponden al universo de organizaciones de pequeños viticultores certificadas por Fairtrade en Chile, este artículo analiza la diversidad de estrategias asociativas de mejora y sus resultados económicos. Utilizando entrevistas a representantes de organizaciones certificadas Fairtrade, e información secundaria, son caracterizados: (1) los modelos de negocios y estrategias competitivas de cada organización; (2) las estrategias asociativas de mejora; (3) las fuerzas de la industria; (4) las fortalezas, oportunidades, debilidades y amenazas que enfrentan las organizaciones; y (5) los resultados económicos obtenidos. Este análisis hace visible que la certificación Fairtrade, junto a otras estrategias de mejora, se relaciona con resultados económicos positivos para los productores, permitiendo superar la estructura oligopsónica del mercado interno.
Influence of finite coherence of injected light on ring-down cavity measurement method and intensity integral method for ring-down time determination
Authors: Huang Zhi-Qiu , Zhang Meng , Peng Zhi-Min , Wang Zhen , Yang Qian-Suo ,   Key Laboratory for Mechanics in Fluid Solid Coupling Systems, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China,   School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing 100049, China,   State Key Lab of Power Systems, Department of Energy and Power Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Published: July 2023

Using numerical simulation and a constructed cavity ring-down spectroscopy device, the influence of the finite coherence of the injected laser on the coupling process between the injected light and the cavity longitudinal mode is studied. The finite coherence of the injected light leads to the randomness of the coupling pulse during frequency scanning. The randomness is mainly reflected in two aspects. One is that as the coherence length decreases, the random amplitude range of the coupling pulse increases, and the other is that as the coherence of the injected light deteriorates, the coupling pulse changes from a single pulse with intensity evolution into continuous multiple pulses, and the overall width gradually increases with the decrease of the scanning rate. Moreover, with the deterioration of the coherence, when the light intensity of the cavity is used to turn off the injected light, the decrease in the scanning rate can cause more than one injection shut-off and ring-down event in a frequency coupling process, especially when scanning with the length of the cavity. In addition, a theoretical method is proposed to estimate the ring-down time by using the strength integral of different time intervals, and the relevant experimental verification is carried out. The experimental results show that the relative error of the ring-down time obtained by the intensity integration method is smaller than that obtained by the traditional fitting method.
Population dynamics of immunological synapse formation induced by bispecific T cell engagers predict clinical pharmacodynamics and treatment resistance
Authors: Liu Can , Zhou Jiawei , Kudlacek Stephan , Qi Timothy , Dunlap Tyler , Cao Yanguang
Published: July 2023

Effector T cells need to form immunological synapses (IS) with recognized target cells to elicit cytolytic effects. Facilitating IS formation is the principal pharmacological action of most T cell-based cancer immunotherapies. However, the dynamics of IS formation at the cell population level, the primary driver of the pharmacodynamics of many cancer immunotherapies, remains poorly defined. Using classic immunotherapy CD3/CD19 bispecific T cell engager (BiTE) as our model system, we integrate experimental and theoretical approaches to investigate the population dynamics of IS formation and their relevance to clinical pharmacodynamics and treatment resistance. Our models produce experimentally consistent predictions when defining IS formation as a series of spatiotemporally coordinated events driven by molecular and cellular interactions. The models predict tumor-killing pharmacodynamics in patients and reveal trajectories of tumor evolution across anatomical sites under BiTE immunotherapy. Our models highlight the bone marrow as a potential sanctuary site permitting tumor evolution and antigen escape. The models also suggest that optimal dosing regimens are a function of tumor growth, CD19 expression, and patient T cell abundance, which confer adequate tumor control with reduced disease evolution. This work has implications for developing more effective T cell-based cancer immunotherapies.
Continuous odor profile monitoring to study olfactory navigation in small animals
Authors: Chen Kevin S , Wu Rui , Gershow Marc H , Leifer Andrew M
Published: July 2023

Olfactory navigation is observed across species and plays a crucial role in locating resources for survival. In the laboratory, understanding the behavioral strategies and neural circuits underlying odor-taxis requires a detailed understanding of the animal’s sensory environment. For small model organisms like Caenorhabditis elegans and larval Drosophila melanogaster, controlling and measuring the odor environment experienced by the animal can be challenging, especially for airborne odors, which are subject to subtle effects from airflow, temperature variation, and from the odor’s adhesion, adsorption, or reemission. Here, we present a method to control and measure airborne odor concentration in an arena compatible with an agar substrate. Our method allows continuous controlling and monitoring of the odor profile while imaging animal behavior. We construct stationary chemical landscapes in an odor flow chamber through spatially patterned odorized air. The odor concentration is measured with a spatially distributed array of digital gas sensors. Careful placement of the sensors allows the odor concentration across the arena to be continuously inferred in space and monitored through time. We use this approach to measure the odor concentration that each animal experiences as it undergoes chemotaxis behavior and report chemotaxis strategies for C. elegans and D. melanogaster larvae populations as they navigate spatial odor landscapes.
Neuropeptide Y-expressing dorsal horn inhibitory interneurons gate spinal pain and itch signalling
Authors: Boyle Kieran A , Polgar Erika , Gutierrez-Mecinas Maria , Dickie Allen C , Cooper Andrew H , Bell Andrew M , Jumolea Evelline , Casas-Benito Adrian , Watanabe Masahiko , Hughes David I , Weir Gregory A , Riddell John S , Todd Andrew J
Published: July 2023

Somatosensory information is processed by a complex network of interneurons in the spinal dorsal horn. It has been reported that inhibitory interneurons that express neuropeptide Y (NPY), either permanently or during development, suppress mechanical itch, with no effect on pain. Here, we investigate the role of interneurons that continue to express NPY (NPY-INs) in the adult mouse spinal cord. We find that chemogenetic activation of NPY-INs reduces behaviours associated with acute pain and pruritogen-evoked itch, whereas silencing them causes exaggerated itch responses that depend on cells expressing the gastrin-releasing peptide receptor. As predicted by our previous studies, silencing of another population of inhibitory interneurons (those expressing dynorphin) also increases itch, but to a lesser extent. Importantly, NPY-IN activation also reduces behavioural signs of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. These results demonstrate that NPY-INs gate pain and itch transmission at the spinal level, and therefore represent a potential treatment target for pathological pain and itch.
What happens to the inhibitory control functions of the right inferior frontal cortex when this area is dominant for language?
Authors: Villar-Rodríguez Esteban , Cano-Melle Cristina , Marin-Marin Lidón , Parcet Maria Antònia , Avila César
Published: July 2023

A low number of individuals show an atypical brain control of language functions that differs from the typical lateralization in the left cerebral hemisphere. In these cases, the neural distribution of other cognitive functions is not fully understood. Although there is a bias towards a mirrored brain organization consistent with the Causal hypothesis, some individuals are found to be exceptions to this rule. However, no study has focused on what happens to the homologous language areas in the right frontal inferior cortex. Using an fMRI-adapted stop-signal task in a healthy non right-handed sample (50 typically lateralized and 36 atypically lateralized for language production), our results show that atypical lateralization is associated with a mirrored brain organization of the inhibitory control network in the left hemisphere: inferior frontal cortex, presupplementary motor area, and subthalamic nucleus. However, the individual analyses revealed a large number of cases with a noteworthy overlap in the inferior frontal gyrus, which shared both inhibitory and language functions. Further analyses showed that atypical lateralization was associated with stronger functional and structural interhemispheric connectivity.Importantly, we did not find task performance differences as a function of lateralization, but there was an association between atypical dominance in the inferior frontal cortex and higher scores on schizotypy and autistic spectrum traits, as well as worse performance on a reading accuracy test. Together, these results partially support the Causal hypothesis of hemispheric specialization and provide further evidence of the link between atypical hemispheric lateralization and increased interhemispheric transfer through the corpus callosum.
A synergistic workspace for human consciousness revealed by Integrated Information Decomposition
Authors: Luppi Andrea I , Mediano Pedro AM , Rosas Fernando E , Allanson Judith , Pickard John , Carhart-Harris Robin L , Williams Guy B , Craig Michael M , Finoia Paola , Owen Adrian M , Naci Lorina , Menon David K , Bor Daniel , Stamatakis Emmanuel A
Published: July 2023

How is the information-processing architecture of the human brain organised, and how does its organisation support consciousness? Here, we combine network science and a rigorous information-theoretic notion of synergy to delineate a ‘synergistic global workspace’, comprising gateway regions that gather synergistic information from specialised modules across the human brain. This information is then integrated within the workspace and widely distributed via broadcaster regions. Through functional MRI analysis, we show that gateway regions of the synergistic workspace correspond to the human brain’s default mode network, whereas broadcasters coincide with the executive control network. We find that loss of consciousness due to general anaesthesia or disorders of consciousness corresponds to diminished ability of the synergistic workspace to integrate information, which is restored upon recovery. Thus, loss of consciousness coincides with a breakdown of information integration within the synergistic workspace of the human brain. This work contributes to conceptual and empirical reconciliation between two prominent scientific theories of consciousness, the Global Neuronal Workspace and Integrated Information Theory, while also advancing our understanding of how the human brain supports consciousness through the synergistic integration of information.
A Synergistic Workspace for Human Consciousness Revealed by Integrated Information Decomposition
Authors: Luppi Andrea I. , Mediano Pedro A.M. , Rosas Fernando E. , Allanson Judith , Pickard John D. , Carhart-Harris Robin L. , Williams Guy B. , Craig Michael M , Finoia Paola , Owen Adrian M. , Naci Lorina , Menon David K. , Bor Daniel , Stamatakis Emmanuel A.
Published: July 2023

A central goal of neuroscience is to understand how the brain orchestrates information from multiple input streams into a unified conscious experience. Here, we address two fundamental questions: how is the human information-processing architecture functionally organised, and how does its organisation support consciousness? We combine network science and a rigorous information-theoretic notion of synergy to delineate a “synergistic global workspace”, comprising gateway regions that gather synergistic information from specialised modules across the brain. This information is then integrated within the workspace and widely distributed via broadcaster regions. Through functional MRI analysis, we show that gateway regions of the synergistic workspace correspond to the brain’s default mode network, whereas broadcasters coincide with the executive control network. Demonstrating the empirical relevance of our proposed architecture for neural information processing, we show that loss of consciousness due to general anaesthesia or disorders of consciousness corresponds to a diminished ability of the synergistic workspace to integrate information, which is restored upon recovery. Thus, loss of consciousness coincides with a breakdown of information integration within the synergistic workspace of the human brain. This work contributes to conceptual and empirical reconciliation between two prominent scientific theories of consciousness, the Global Neuronal Workspace and Integrated Information Theory. Taken together, this work provides a new perspective on the role of prominent resting-state networks within the human information-processing architecture, while also advancing our understanding of how the human brain supports consciousness through the synergistic integration of information.
Multimodal analysis of methylomics and fragmentomics in plasma cell-free DNA for multi-cancer early detection and localization
Authors: Nguyen Van Thien Chi , Nguyen Trong Hieu , Doan Nhu Nhat Tan , Pham Thi Mong Quynh , Nguyen Giang Thi Huong , Nguyen Thanh Dat , Tran Thuy Thi Thu , Vo Duy Long , Phan Thanh Hai , Jasmine Thanh Xuan , Nguyen Van Chu , Nguyen Huu Thinh , Nguyen Trieu Vu , Nguyen Thi Hue Hanh , Huynh Le Anh Khoa , Tran Trung Hieu , Dang Quang Thong , Doan Thuy Nguyen , Tran Anh Minh , Nguyen Viet Hai , Nguyen Vu Tuan Anh , Ho Le Minh Quoc , Tran Quang Dat , Pham Thi Thu Thuy , Ho Tan Dat , Nguyen Bao Toan , Nguyen Thanh Nhan Vo , Nguyen Thanh Dang , Phu Dung Thai Bieu , Phan Boi Hoan Huu , Vo Thi Loan , Nai Thi Huong Thoang , Tran Thuy Trang , Truong My Hoang , Tran Ngan Chau , Le Trung Kien , Tran Thanh Huong Thi , Duong Minh Long , Bach Hoai Phuong Thi , Kim Van Vu , Pham The Anh , Tran Duc Huy , Le Trinh Ngoc An , Pham Truong Vinh Ngoc , Le Minh Triet , Vo Dac Ho , Tran Thi Minh Thu , Nguyen Minh Nguyen , Van Thi Tuong Vi , Nguyen Anh Nhu , Tran Thi Trang , Tran Vu Uyen , Le Minh Phong , Do Thi Thanh , Phan Thi Van , Nguyen Luu Hong Dang , Nguyen Duy Sinh , Cao Van Thinh , Do Thanh Thuy Thi , Truong Dinh Kiet , Tang Hung Sang , Giang Hoa , Nguyen Hoai Nghia , Phan Minh Duy , Tran Le Son
Published: July 2023

Despite their promise, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-based assays for multi-cancer early detection face challenges in test performance, due mostly to the limited abundance of ctDNA and its inherent variability. To address these challenges, published assays to date demanded a very high-depth sequencing, resulting in an elevated price of test. Herein, we developed a multimodal assay called SPOT-MAS (Screening for the Presence Of Tumor by Methylation And Size) to simultaneously profile methylomics, fragmentomics, copy number, and end motifs in a single workflow using targeted and shallow genome-wide sequencing (∼0.55X) of cell-free DNA. We applied SPOT-MAS to 738 nonmetastatic patients with breast, colorectal, gastric, lung and liver cancer, and 1,550 healthy controls. We then employed machine learning to extract multiple cancer and tissue-specific signatures for detecting and locating cancer. SPOT-MAS successfully detected the five cancer types with a sensitivity of 72.4% at 97.0% specificity. The sensitivities for detecting early-stage cancers were 62.3% and 73.9% for stage I and II, respectively, increasing to 88.3% for nonmetastatic stage IIIA. For tumor-of-origin, our assay achieved an accuracy of 0.7. Our study demonstrates comparable performance to other ctDNA-based assays while requiring significantly lower sequencing depth, making it economically feasible for population-wide screening.
Deciphering the genetic interactions between Pou4f3, Gfi1, and Rbm24 in maintaining mouse cochlear hair cell survival
Authors: Wang Guangqin , Gu Yunpeng , Liu Zhiyong
Published: July 2023

Mammals harbor a limited number of sound-receptor hair cells (HCs) that cannot be regenerated after damage. Thus, investigating the underlying molecular mechanisms that maintain HC survival is crucial for preventing hearing impairment. Intriguingly, Pou4f3-/- or Gfi1-/- HCs form initially but then rapidly degenerate, whereas Rbm24-/- HCs degenerate considerably later. However, the transcriptional cascades involving Pou4f3, Gfi1, and Rbm24 remain undescribed. Here, we demonstrate that Rbm24 expression is completely repressed in Pou4f3-/- HCs but unaltered in Gfi1-/- HCs, and further that the expression of both POU4F3 and GFI1 is intact in Rbm24-/- HCs. Moreover, by using in vivo mouse transgenic reporter assays, we identify three Rbm24 enhancers to which POU4F3 binds. Lastly, through in vivo genetic testing of whether Rbm24 restoration alleviates the degeneration of Pou4f3-/- HCs, we show that ectopic Rbm24 alone cannot prevent Pou4f3-/- HCs from degenerating. Collectively, our findings provide new molecular and genetic insights into how HC survival is regulated.
Figures in the Mire: Towards Transformative Art and a Respectful Mire Relationship
Authors:   University of Eastern Finland, Latvala-Harvilahti Pauliina
Published: July 2023

Mire art is a versatile form of ecologically engaged art that reflects images of the relationship with nature in its time. This article regards mire art as transformative art that links both to climate change and new ways of experiencing the mire. Mire art no longer reflects so much the aesthetics of the mire enjoyed by humans, but rather the mire aside from human activity and the importance of protecting mire nature in the climate crisis. My perspective on the transformative aspects of mire art stems from the artist’s choices, values and aims, which I explore by reflecting on both artist interview and my own experience of the artwork on site. The theoretical approach combines the study of cultural meanings and knowledge inherent in ethnological case studies with the concepts of art research. Art interventions can play a transformative role which increases knowledge, trust, and social capital. The Invited Guests series (Fin. Kutsuvieraat, 2020) by visual artist Reetta Partanen in the city of Seinäjoki, Finland, is a sculptural series made of organic material. The artwork is situated in the pristine mire in South Ostrobothnia, where peatlands are still used for energy. The article asks how the artist and her artwork emphasize the value of the mire as a natural place and softly question the dominant place of humans in the world. Importantly, the materials in the work have been chosen not to be a burden on the environment, but rather to benefit nature. The research shows that transformative art highlights the agency of nature, and in this study, the artwork gives mire a level of attention that differs from that centered on commercial use.
Experiences of Mire Sports: Sensory Encounters in Nature
Authors:   University of Eastern Finland, Laurén Kirsi , Piirainen Marjukka ,   University of Eastern Finland
Published: July 2023

Swamp soccer and swamp volleyball tournaments have been actively organized on Finnish mires throughout the twenty-first century, reflecting a change in the cultural relationship with mires. Joyful and festival-style team sports events on mires seem to be a modern trend, not only in Finland, but also in other European countries. This study focuses on mire sporting events in the Finnish context, asking: How do the sensory experiences of team play on mires affect the players’ relationship with mire, and also the cultural heritage associated with mires? The analysis is based on the theoretical framework of the ethnography of the senses, which is complemented by the concept of space. The research material was collected between 2020 and 2022 and consists of thematic interviews with 33 mire athletes, as well as observational material based on the World Swamp Volley and Swamp Soccer Championships held in Finland. The study shows that these humorous sports events emphasize the sense of community between the players. Playing in mires, sensing them, and getting dirty are key factors in this process. Fears of the mire familiar from folklore are forgotten when playing together in the mire. Mire sports bring new multisensory and entertaining elements to the traditional use of mires.
CLAVES NIETZSCHEANAS PARA UNA CONSTRUCCIÓN POÉTICA DEL “YO”
Authors:   Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Carrillo Mercedes
Published: July 2023

Este trabajo plantea la posibilidad de la construcción poética del “yo” como opción constitutiva de la subjetividad. Algunas de las claves más importantes de la filosofía nietzscheana respecto a la crítica del sujeto moderno y la creación artística del entramado vital, nos permiten desarrollar una propuesta creativa alternativa a la identidad narrativa que supone una escritura en prosa de nuestra subjetividad. Desde la identidad como error epistemológico, la crítica al conocimiento, la distinción entre el sí mismo y el “yo”, hasta el concepto de la creación artística de la subjetividad como ficción, el pensamiento de Nietzsche nos proporciona argumentos para interpretarnos como metáforas vivas, como movimientos poéticos. Analizaremos los beneficios que nos aporta esta propuesta y los motivos que nos han llevado a plantearla como opción hermenéutica y ontológica.
UN ENFOQUE ARISTOTÉLICO DEL DESARROLLO HUMANO
Authors:   Universidad de Chile, Correa Mautz Felipe
Published: July 2023

El desarrollo humano es, en el contexto de los estudios del desarrollo internacional, un concepto difundido a partir de 1990 por el Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo (PNUD). Este artículo propone una interpretación alternativa del concepto de desarrollo humano que resuelve algunas inconsistencias producidas por la confluencia de las distintas corrientes teóricas que dieron origen al concepto. La nueva interpretación propuesta proviene de los aportes del enfoque aristotélico de Martha Nussbaum y, más directamente, de la antropología aristotélica y las nociones de acto y potencia. Se argumenta que el desarrollo humano puede ser entendido como el cambio que busca la realización plena del potencial humano.
“Respeito, mas…” uma análise do acolhimento da população transexual na atenção primária em um município de Santa Catarina
Authors: Derner Isabela de Lima , Tomazelli Natália , Da Silveira Emerson , Munaro Clarice Aparecida , Velho Pablo Sebastian
Published: July 2023

Introdução: Um indivíduo transexual é aquele que se identifica com um gênero diferente do seu sexo biológico. Existe uma grande responsabilidade por parte dos profissionais de saúde em oferecer um atendimento seguro e livre de preconceito, visando reduzir o estigma e compreender os detalhes relacionados à transexualidade. Objetivo: avaliar o conhecimento dos profissionais de saúde no atendimento da população transexual da atenção primária à saúde de Itajaí. Métodos: Para a coleta de dados, elaborou-se um questionário pelos autores, aplicado presencialmente, com onze questões entre abertas, fechadas e em escala linear, encaminhado aos respondentes juntamente com o termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido. As respostas, foram transcritas para a Plataforma Google Forms para geração de dados. O questionário foi direcionado para um total de 38 profissionais, médicos e enfermeiros de unidades básicas de saúde do município de Itajaí. Por fim, foi feita a análise qualitativa das respostas para conclusão do estudo. Resultados e discussão: Os resultados foram de acordo com a literatura utilizada no que tange ao uso do nome social e noção da vulnerabilidade que a população transexual está inserida, entretanto, diversas respostas demonstraram um cenário preocupante, evidenciando violências estruturais vividas dentro da atenção primária, como comentários jocosos, olhares de mau gosto e até mesmo recusa em utilizar o nome social. Conclusões: observou-se uma falta de autopercepção dos respondentes sobre seus conhecimentos para com a população trans, evidenciado pela discrepância de resultados em algumas questões. Outro ponto de grande valia foi a percepção das pesquisadoras durante a aplicação dos questionários, onde notou-se o desinteresse de muitos para responder, comentários transfóbicos realizados enquanto respondiam o questionário, mas que não eram evidenciados nas respostas e até mesmo dúvidas sobre termos básicos presentes nas perguntas.
Práticas de governança corporativa em uma cooperativa de crédito na região centro-oeste de Minas Gerais
Authors: Martins Augusto Chaves , Salgado Thales Marden Silva
Published: July 2023

A Governança Corporativa (GC) é o sistema pelo qual as organizações são direcionadas, monitoradas e incentivadas a realizarem uma maior transparência da gestão empresarial e redução de riscos para os investidores, esse sistema é regido por quatro princípios básicos: transparência, equidade, prestação de contas e responsabilidade corporativa. Esta governança ainda se trata de um tema novo em cooperativas de crédito, no entanto, por oferecerem um serviço diferenciado tanto econômico quanto socialmente, as cooperativas de crédito tem também implementado as boas práticas da governança corporativa, para dessa forma, conseguirem um maior crescimento sustentável, visando aumentar sua participação de mercado, e assim tornarem-se mais competitivas. Frente a isso, o objetivo geral deste estudo foi conhecer as boas práticas da governança corporativa numa cooperativa de crédito localizada na região centro-oeste de Minas Gerais. Foi feita uma revisão de literatura onde definiu-se a temática de governança corporativa em cooperativas de crédito. Quanto à metodologia, realizou-se uma entrevista com o gestor responsável pela governança na cooperativa, na qual os dados obtidos deram origem aos resultados deste artigo. Na análise de resultados, dissertaram-se quatro tópicos, que respondessem aos objetivos específicos do trabalho, os quais foram: Percepção quanto às normas da GC; Planejamento da GC; Implantação e operacionalização da GC, e; Resultados e reflexos da implantação da GC. Por fim procedeu-se com as considerações finais, onde foi enaltecida a importância da implementação da GC pela cooperativa estudada, além da apresentação de seis pontos que a pesquisa investigativa encontrou e que corroborou com as propostas de implementação da GC.
Pulp Stones as a Warning Sign for Coronary Artery Disease- A Narrative Review
Authors: Kalmegh Padmashri Pradip , Hande Alka Harish , Gawande Madhuri Nitin , Patil Swati Prashant , Sonone Archana Madhukar
Published: July 2023

Globally, Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) has been the main factor in both morbidity and mortality. However, Pulp Stones (PS) that span the entire dentition are uncommon and require additional analysis to determine the likelihood of other related disorders. PS formation is more likely to occur in individuals with systemic illnesses including diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Calcifications of dental pulp may have a similar pathogenesis as calcified atheromas. When compared to diabetic and healthy people, patients with systemic disease in the cardiovascular group had a higher probability of developing PS. More than half of the teeth in early adolescents have localised pulp calcifications that may be seen under the microscope. The detection of PS in a patient with unidentified systemic disorders can serve as an early diagnostic sign.
Study of Variation in Quantitative Traits of Poplar (Populus deltoides) Clones in Different Environments
Authors: Ayate Dipika , Jain Milan , Thakur Sanjeev , Sharma Jaipal
Published: July 2023

The present study entitled “Study of variation in quantitative traits of poplar (Populus deltoides) clones in different environments” was undertaken in the Department of Tree Improvement and Genetic Resources, Dr. Y. S. P. U. H. F., Nauni- Solan 173230 (H.P.). The three experimental sites namely 1) Dhaula Kuan, RH&TS, Dist. Sirmaur (H. P.), 2) Laddhowal farm, PAU, Ludhiana (Punjab) and 3) Naganji nursery, Nauni, Solan. Variations in quantitative traits significantly recorded at three locations among all clones, traits such as leaf blade length, width of leaf, midrib length, distance between petiole junction to base of leaf, plant height, basal diameter and stem volume recorded higher values at Ludhiana location follows by Dhaula Kuan location. The effect of different locations significantly observed on clones of poplar (Populus deltoides) and the quantitative traits also makes the difference within same clone at different locations.
Genotype X Environment Interaction Analysis of Rice Genotypes under Boro Condition for Yield Contributing Traits
Authors: Chhaya Ruchika , Nilanjaya  , Sharma Vinay Kumar
Published: July 2023

An experiment was conducted using 30 rice genotypes along with standard check (Gautam) in two different dates of sowing for two year to assess their stability in terms of plant height, spikelets per panicle and grain yield in diverse environments during Rabi 2021-22 and 2022-23. The investigation was undertaken at Pusa Farm of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar under open field conditions in randomized block design with two replications. The results showed that the genotypes like RAU 140118115, RAU 14211532573, RAU 14153576951 and Rajendra Saraswati are considered as stable for plant height and spikelets per panicle while for grain yield RAU 1417211517, RAU 1415121743, RAU 141535769534, RAU 141642522, RAU 13972581254, RAU 14171117432, Rasi, Vandana, Boro-3, Rajendra Nilam and Rajendra Laxami was found suitable for average environment and encompasses fair stability and wide adaptation over different environment.
Heritage Rice: A Treasure Trove of Medicinal Compounds
Authors: Charan M. Shree , Jayanthi M. , Prabha V. Vijay , Narendhiran V.
Published: July 2023

Heritage rice refers to the traditional rice varieties that have been grown and consumed for centuries, often by indigenous communities. Based on the culinary need, flavour and availability, rice varieties were chosen by the people. These rice strains have adapted to local climates and environmental conditions, resulting in a wide range of genetic diversity. Recent studies have shown that heritage rice varieties contain a variety of medicinal compounds that can provide various health benefits. These include antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, antimicrobial agents, and anti-cancer compounds. The medicinal properties of heritage rice are attributed to their unique genetic makeup, as well as the growing conditions and cultural practices of the communities that cultivate them. Processing plays a major role adding nutrition to the rice because compared to ordinary polished rice, unpolished rice has additional biochemical components like polyphenols, phytochemicals, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. This paper examines the nutritional and medicinal properties of heritage rice.
Piriformospora indica Improves Drought Tolerance in Tomato Plants through Enhanced Nutrient Uptake and Antioxidant Enzymes
Authors: Aruna S. , Rafeekher M. , Johnson J. M. , Sarada S. , Beena R. , Soni K. B. , Anil Ajin S.
Published: July 2023

Piriformospora indica, a beneficial root endophytic basidiomyceteous fungus, has demonstrated the ability to enhance plant growth and increase tolerance to stressful conditions, particularly drought and salinity. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of P. indica in mitigating the negative effects of drought stress in tomato plants. In a greenhouse pot experiment, tomato plants colonized with P. indica (P1) and non-inoculated with P. indica (P2) were subjected to different water regimes, including well-watered conditions and varying levels of drought stress (D1 - Control (100% Field Capacity - FC), D2 - 75% FC, D3 - 50% FC and D4 - 25% FC). The study evaluated multiple parameters such as, yield per plant, anti-oxidant enzyme activities and nutrient uptake as influenced by P. indica-colonization and drought stress. The results revealed that as the drought stress increased, micro- and macro- nutrients uptake got reduced, leading to a reduction in yield. But this reduction was found to be less in P. indica-colonized plants compared to the control plants indicating the positive effect of colonization on nutrient uptake and yield per plant. Drought stress increased the accumulation of anti-oxidant enzymes and proline in tomato plants, which is a method of drought tolerance and mitigating mechanism. However, P. indica-colonization resulted in significantly higher anti-oxidants compared to control plants corresponding to same level of drought stress indicating the role of the endophyte in drought tolerance in tomato plants through improved antioxidant enzyme activities and proline content.
Data Sharing for Pediatric Clinical Trials Funded by the US National Institutes of Health
Authors: Narang Claire , Ouvina Michelle , Rees Chris A. , Bourgeois Florence T.
Published: July 2023

This cross-sectional study assesses declared data sharing in publications for a recent set of pediatric clinical trials funded by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Neurocutaneous Syndromes, Perinatal Factors, and the Risk of Childhood Cancer in Sweden
Authors: Kampitsi Christina-Evmorfia , Nordgren Ann , Mogensen Hanna , Pontén Emeli , Feychting Maria , Tettamanti Giorgio
Published: July 2023

Importance

Neurocutaneous syndromes are associated with cancer predisposition and sometimes associated with perinatal factors. A better understanding of the association between neurocutaneous syndromes, perinatal factors, and childhood cancer is key for earlier cancer detection.

Objective

To evaluate the association of neurocutaneous syndromes and perinatal factors with childhood cancer risk in a cohort of Swedish children.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this nationwide cohort study, all children and adolescents up to age 20 years, from 1973 to 2015, were identified through the Swedish National Medical Birth Register (MBR), provided they had information on both biological parents. Analyses were conducted from April 2021 through May 2023.

Exposures

Diagnoses of neurocutaneous syndromes were obtained from the MBR, National Patient Register, and Cause of Death register. Perinatal factors (birth weight, gestational age, birth weight by gestational age, 5-minute Apgar score, and head circumference) were obtained from the MBR.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Childhood cancer risk (<20 years at diagnosis; identified from the National Cancer Register), including leukemia, lymphoma, and central nervous system (CNS) tumors.

Results

Among 4 173 108 included children (2 143 133 [51.4%] male, median [IQR] follow-up 20 [9.7-20] years), 1783 had neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), 444 tuberous sclerosis, 63 von Hippel-Lindau disease, and 39 ataxia-telangiectasia. An increased cancer risk was observed among children with any neurocutaneous syndrome (HR, 34.9; 95% CI, 30.8-39.6) and was particularly pronounced for CNS tumors (HR, 111.7; 95% CI, 96.8-128.8), except among children with ataxia-telangiectasia, where the increased risk was associated with lymphomas (HR, 233.1; 95% CI, 75.0-724.1). Leukemia risk was increased only among children with NF1 (HR, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.7-9.8). Several perinatal factors, including high birth weight, being born large for gestational age, preterm birth, low 5-minute Apgar score, and large head circumference had lesser associations with childhood cancer. Adjusting for neurocutaneous syndromes did not affect these associations.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this nationwide cohort study, neurocutaneous syndromes were associated with an increased risk of childhood cancer, especially CNS tumors. Several perinatal factors had lesser associations with childhood cancer, independently of the presence of neurocutaneous syndromes. Other biological mechanisms likely underlie the association between perinatal factors and childhood cancer.