bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender Roles and Difficulties of Students Towards the Process of Research in the College of Computer Studies
Authors:   College of Computer Studies, Laguna State Polytechnic University, Santa Cruz, Laguna, Philippines, Justo Reynalen
Published: May 2024

The research is for Laguna State Polytechnic University, on the 4th year BSIT students of the College of Computer Studies enrolled in the Methods of Research. The College of Computer Studies – Research Manual, aligned with the LSPU Research thrusts and priorities, implements the mandated four-fold functions, namely instruction, research, extension, and production. Some unexpected difficulties and problems led to the study, which aimed to analyze and provide information and interventions to address the students’ difficulties encountered in their research processes. The procedures of the study were categorized into main themes and sub-themes for students who encountered difficulties. Using data analysis on thematic exploration, the findings revealed that the respondents encountered personal problems relating to school expenses, a lack of interest, and a negative attitude toward the research. The results are on emotional problems encountered, such as excessive stress in doing academic tasks and low self-esteem or not believing in one’s capabilities. To address these difficulties based on the results, the author provides solutions and interventions that the College of Computer Studies should address: research capacity-building workshops, mentoring and support programs, regular feedback with evaluation, access to resources, incorporating ethical considerations, and gender equality initiatives.
Predictive Analysis Application for Academic Student Advancement in Secondary Education Institutions
Authors:   Senior High School Department, Dr. Josefa Jara Martinez High School, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, Vargas Peejay
Published: May 2024

The study developed a Predictive Analysis Application for Academic Student Advancement at Dr. Josefa Jara Martinez High School (DJJMHS) to manage school forms and data records centrally. This system offers real-time attendance tracking, academic progress reports, prediction, visualization, staff performance monitoring, and report generation. It ensures secure network connections and improved security measures while presenting all functions through a user-friendly interface. Developed using HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and Python-MySQL, the system facilitates the issuance and processing of various school forms. Through two testing cycles, it demonstrated functionality and reliability, receiving a "Very Good" rating from 30 respondents. This indicates accurate and dependable access to end users' data and services through the system.
Spatial Analysis Leveraging Geographic Information System and Kernel Density Estimation for Crime Prediction
Authors:   College of Computer Studies, University of Antique, Sibalom, Antique, Philippines, Mission Roger
Published: May 2024

This study explored the potential of spatial analysis techniques to predict crime hotspots and coldspots within the province of Antique, Philippines. The unique blend of geographical features (coastal and mountainous regions) and socio-economic characteristics in Antique presented a compelling opportunity for the research. Crime data from 2018 to 2023, encompassing direct assaults, homicides, murders, and parricides, was acquired from the Police Regional Office 6. Using Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) software and Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) algorithms, the researchers analyzed these crime records. The findings highlighted a positive trend – a decrease in direct assaults over the study period. However, homicide data presented a more concerning picture, with specific locations consistently reporting higher rates. While murder cases showed a decline, parricide incidents remained relatively low, with occasional fluctuations. In conclusion, this data-driven approach, utilizing advanced crime analysis tools, offers valuable insights for policymakers in Antique. By investing in such technology and adopting data-driven strategies, policymakers can work towards creating a safer and more secure future for their communities.
The Metaverse for Mali Bucha: Dance Offering, a Hybrid Stage Performance in Singapore (13‒15 October 2023)
Authors:   Silpakorn University, Karnchanapayap Gomesh
Published: May 2024

Event Review
The Great Disciple Mahākassapa and his Parinibbāna
Authors:   École Pratiques des Hautes Études, Schnake Javier
Published: May 2024

The 80 great disciples (asīti mahāsāvakas) are a conceptual category found in Pali commentarial literature dating from the 5th to the 10th century. Various forms of evidence, including archeology, epigraphy, and iconography, demonstrate the enduring popularity of these characters within mainland Southeast Asian Buddhist traditions. This popularity spans from the end of the 1st millennium to the present. The focus of this work lies in the Pali texts, which have been largely overlooked in comparison to the well-preserved accounts in vernacular languages. The study partially aims to address this gap by presenting a critical edition and new translation of a Pali text centered around the parinibbāna (final demise) of one of the most esteemed disciples, Mahākassapa.
D’une version à une autre du Lilit Phra Lo : audace et impuissance du traducteur
Authors:   INALCO, Testard Émilie
Published: May 2024

This literature notice reviews two recent English translations of the poem Lilit Phra Lo, offering non-Thai readers access to this significant piece of Siamese literature. Through an examination of the translations by Robert Bickner and Chris Baker & Pasuk Phongpaichit, the comparative analysis investigates their interpretations of the plot, vocabulary, and style. While both translations effectively convey the narrative, their distinct creative choices and approaches towards the text and its audience reveal intriguing strategies and perspectives.
Faculty Mid-Career Crisis and Remedies
Authors: Park Daniel
Published: May 2024

Most Christian faculty members start their careers full of excitement and thanks since they know God called them to participate in God’s work through research and teaching to restore the world. However, as time passes, many of them experience their callings get dimmer. If faculty suffer a midlife career crisis, their ability to help their students to be future Christian leaders for God’s Kingdom may be negatively impacted. This paper introduces a faculty crisis self-checklist that contains 10 symptoms and provides remedies to overcome the crisis.
The Role of Biblical Theology in Teaching a Christian Worldview on Business
Authors: White Darin , Kirkpatrick Nathan
Published: May 2024

Christian business faculty have the opportunity to point their students to the source of all Truth, Jesus Christ. This paper demonstrates a need for Christian business faculty members to immerse themselves in the Word of God in order to better theologically understand the overarching story of the Gospel and how crucial biblical themes (which help formulate a Christian worldview) directly impact business curriculum, intentional teaching, and actual business students at Christian institutions of higher education.
College Teaching: Practical Insights From the Science of Teaching and Learning A Review
Authors: Ross Michael D.
Published: May 2024

Achieving excellence in teaching at the collegiate level defies the conventional notions typically associated with superior teachers. Gifted students do not naturally become excellent teachers. Neither can excellent teachers assess student progress with the proverbial naked eye. Humility, rather than hubris, is the true hallmark of an excellent teacher. Within Scripture, God himself models for us the quintessential characteristics found in excellent higher-education teachers, namely through Christ’s simple yet profound interactions with his disciples two millennia ago.
Letter from the Editor
Authors: Dulaney Emmett
Published: May 2024

A letter from the editor.
Interest Rates, Investments, Microfinance, Insurance, and Risk Management through the Lens of Scripture: Biblical Faith Integration in a Financial Markets and Institutions Course
Authors: Roller Robert H.
Published: May 2024

This paper illustrates an approach to encouraging students to integrate biblical concepts with course material in a financial markets and institutions course. The importance of biblical integration is presented along with five faith integration exercises concerning interest rates, investments, microfinance, insurance, and risk management. A teaching guide is included for each exercise.
A Framework for Teaching Business from a Christian Worldview
Authors: Shankle David
Published: May 2024

Business faculty at Christian colleges and universities are oftentimes challenged to teach from a Christian worldview. It can be difficult to teach from a Christian worldview without a structure or framework for doing so. This article will define a Christian worldview then offer a framework consisting of five questions that can be answered through a creation, fall, redemption, and restoration narrative for business faculty to employ in their respective disciplines. This framework will be explained theoretically, and then some practical applications will be provided.
Commander or Caretaker? The Unique Role of an Interim Dean
Authors: Finch J. Howard , Carson Charles , Reburn James
Published: May 2024

The temporary nature of the appointment to serve as an interim dean influences the myriad duties of academic leadership, including strategic planning, faculty and staff development, academic program development, and fundraising and public relations. Whether or not the interim decides to become a candidate for the permanent position is an important consideration. This paper examines what those appointed as interim dean can expect, including challenges all deans face and those unique to interim deans.
Small Teaching: A Review
Authors: Grossman Glenn
Published: May 2024

Review of Small Teaching: Everyday Lessons from the Science of Learning.
Make Work Matter: A Review
Authors: Risner Jill
Published: May 2024

A review of Make Work Matter.
Oplandet
Authors: Bro Henning
Published: May 2024

Københavnsegn og metropolopland før 1950
The rock art of Kisar Island, Indonesia: a small island with a wealth and diversity of artistic expression
Authors: O'Connor Sue , Kealy Shimona , Black Adam , Ririmasse Marlon , Mahirta Mahirta , Hawkins Stuart , Husni Mohammad , Tanudirjo Daud , Wattimena Lucas , Handoko Wuri , Mujabuddawat Mujabuddawat
Published: May 2024

We report 40 recently discovered rock art sites from Kisar Island in eastern Indonesia and investigate the commonalities between this art and painted art in other islands of Indonesia and in Timor-Leste. Predominantly painted, the art can be broadly divided into three categories: 1) small figurative motifs including humans, animals, boats and items of material culture, 2) a range of geometrics, both curvilinear and rectilinear, and 3) hand and arm stencils. On the basis of geological features and weathering we suggest that the Kisar paintings span a considerable period of time, from the Pleistocene through to the Indonesian historic period. We argue that the oldest paintings in the Kisar repertoire are some of the red pigment hand and arm stencils. The small figurative motifs such as the anthropomorphs and some of the geometrics are remarkably similar to those featured in the rock art assemblages of nearby Timor-Leste, and at a number of locations throughout eastern Indonesia. One site with an engraved motif carved into a stalagmite formation was also recorded.
THE RAJ SABHA AT SILCHANG: DOLMENS AS ADMINISTRATIVE SEATS OF ANCIENT KHOLA KINGDOM IN ASSAM, INDIA
Authors: Hazarika Manjil , Patar Raktim , Sanathana Y.S. Mr. , Roy Jayanta , Misra Jutimala
Published: May 2024

Northeast India is well known for the widespread megalithic structures found in different geographical and cultural contexts. Construction of megaliths is also a living tradition among many of the ethnic communities of this region. The dolmen, a megalithic structure made with a large undressed or roughly shaped stone slab supported by several upright stones at the base, is invariably found in all the megalithic cultural traditions across India. In the northeastern parts of India, dolmens are often constructed as resting and meeting places of a community. This paper presents the association of such dolmens with a traditional Raj Sabha (royal assembly) of the Khola king of the Tiwa community of Assam. The Raj Sabha, even today held annually at the Silchang megalithic site, is a unique tradition of a royal assembly functioning symbolically on a cluster of dolmens, and is significant to understanding the functional variability of the megaliths and the use of megaliths as a seat of power in an archaic society.
EARLY METAL AGE POTTERY FROM FATU AKI ANIK KNUA, TIMOR-LESTE AND THE APPEARANCE OF CERAMICS IN THE WALLACEAN ISLANDS SUPPLEMENTARY FILE 1: FAAK CAVE CATALOGUE
Authors: Beaumont Phillip , O'Connor Sue , Leclerc Mathieu
Published: May 2024

This catalogue presents descriptions on 16 diagnostic shards: rims (11), decorated rims (3), and decorated body shards (2) from the Faak Cave.
EARLY METAL AGE POTTERY FROM FATU AKI ANIK KNUA, TIMOR-LESTE AND THE APPEARANCE OF CERAMICS IN THE WALLACEAN ISLANDS SUPPLEMENTARY FILE 2: FAAK OPEN SITE CATALOGUE—RIMS
Authors: Beaumont Phillip , O'Connor Sue , Leclerc Mathieu
Published: May 2024

This catalogue presents descriptions and observations on 172 diagnostic rim shards from the Faak Open site.
"Earthly paradise" in Alexander Dovzhenko films
Authors: Popova Liana Vladimirovna
Published: May 2024

The object of the study is the work of film director Alexander Petrovich Dovzhenko. The subject of research is the concept of "land" in the director's work, considered as a "garden," as an "earthly paradise". One of the main ideas of A. Dovzhenko's work is the glorification of the earth, "soil," which has already been indicated by many researchers. This tradition can be traced not only in "Earth," but also in other films by A. Dovzhenko ("Aerograd," "Shchors," "Michurin"), as well as in films created according to his scripts by director Yu. Solntseva ("Charmed Desna," "A Tale of Fiery Years"). The purpose of this study is to comprehend the worldview of A. Dovzhenko. The tasks of the study include: an analysis of the spatial organization of the director's works, a study of the significance of the concept of the earth, its connection with mythopoetics, with the folklore and religious origins of the figurative system. This study uses a comprehensive cultural approach, including comparative, dialectical, phenomenological and psychological methods. The novelty of this study is that the "garden" is considered as "a creative space," as "an earthly paradise." The main conclusion of this study is that "earth" as "garden," as "earthly paradise" is one of such spaces. The Bible garden is God's creation, "earthly paradise," is human creation. In Zvenigor, the land acts as a natural given. In the film "Earth," the garden as an "earthly paradise" appears as a creation of natural and human efforts. In "Ivan" and "Aerograd" "earthly paradise" appears as the city of the future. "Garden" in the work of A. Dovzhenko there is a "creative space" symbolizing an earthly paradise.
Works of reflexive and synthetic creativity (prolegomines to a new kind of intellectual practice ‒ "creativistics")
Authors: Rozin Vadim Markovich
Published: May 2024

The article separates the concept of art synthesis and a new intellectual practice, which the author called "creativistics". The motive for this distinction was the research of works of art and dance by Aida Aylamazian and the author. Based on the work of Guzel Yakhina and Meir Shalev, the turn from art to life and creativity is analyzed. It is within the framework of such a turn that the phenomenological discourse is realized, among other things. The article considers Shalev's 1985 work "The Bible Today", which is read with enthusiasm, but it is almost impossible to understand what kind of creativity you are dealing with. A number of parts of this work are written as fiction novels, others refer to commentaries on the Bible and scientific research; to the author's reflections on life; to the history of Israel; to modern life; refer to different types of creativity and knowledge. Nevertheless, this work is perceived holistically and organically. All this is typical for creativistics. The question is posed: how does creativistics manage to create a complete work, a real new world, from completely different discourses and constructions (artistic, scientific, psychological, historical, etc.)? At the end of the article, the features of creativistics are discussed. First, the creative artist does not hide the different discourses and grounds he uses, moreover, he often points them out to the user either in the form of preliminary explanations or by characterizing the concept of the work. A necessary condition for such an approach is a more or less deep reflection of one's own creativity. The second feature is due to the difficulty for the user to understand the reality of the work of creativistics: he easily recognizes individual discourses, but since they are different, and often outwardly opposite, the user cannot grasp and assemble the whole, understand what events he encounters, how they are interconnected.
The archetypal versatility of the image of Becky Hildebrandt in the J. Franzen's novel "Crossroads"
Authors: Liashenko Tatiana
Published: May 2024

The object of the study is the novel "Crossroads" by American writer Jonathan Franzen, which became widely known outside the United States and was translated into Russian in 2022. The object of the study is one of the female images of this novel - the image of Becky Hildebrandt, which combines a number of archetypal functions: a daughter in relation to parents Marion and Russ, a sister for brothers Clem and Perry, a bride for the young musician Tanner Evans. In the last chapters of the novel, Becky becomes a mother, thus passing through all the female family archetypal roles. Franzen's creative method, which tends to psychological realism, is focused on the specifics of the inner world of the characters, and it can be argued that the deep psychologism of his works is based on a consistent and systematic understanding of archetypal roles. The study of the heroine's image is carried out from the standpoint of an archetypal approach dating back to the works of C.G. Jung. The archetypal approach opens up to the researcher the opportunity to penetrate deeper into the psychological essence of a literary text. Female images, viewed from the point of view of reflecting archetypal features in them, appear in connection with other characters, and the gender-role specificity of their functioning becomes more visible. In the modern world, where the crisis of traditional values is clearly felt, a better understanding of the importance and complementarity of gender roles makes it possible to form moral supports leading both man and society in the direction of mental well-being. Archetypal analysis reveals one of the basic attitudes of the writer: a modern woman is forced to play several roles at once; the mixing of these roles, their instability inevitably lead to problematic situations in the life of not only the woman herself, but also her entire family.
Variations of topological surface states of nodal line semimetal AlB2 after adsorption in aqueous environment
Authors: Zhu Pang-Dong , Wang Chang-Hao , Wang Ru-Zhi ,   Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials of Education Ministry of China, Institute of New Energy Materials and College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
Published: May 2024

Topological semimetals have aroused great research interest due to their intrinsic topological physics and potential applications in devices. A key feature for all topological materials is the so-called bulk-boundary correspondence, which means that if there is non-trivial band topology in the bulk, then we can expect unique topologically protected conducting states in the surface, i.e. the topological surface state (TSS). Previously, the studies of the surface states of topological materials mainly focused on the pristine surfaces, while the topological nodal line semimetal surface states with adsorbates are rarely systematically studied. In this paper, the topological properties of the topological semimetal AlB2 are studied by first-principles calculations, and the TSS position is calculated by constructing the Al- and B-terminated slab models. Observing the topological surface state, it is found that the drumhead-like TSS connects two Dirac nodes with no energy gaps on the node line, and the TSS of the Al end-terminated slab has a smaller energy dispersion than that of the B-terminated slab. The adsorption characteristics of AlB2 (010) surface are studied, and it is found that the Gibbs free energy (\begin{document}$ {\Delta }{G}_{{{\mathrm{H}}}^{*}} $\end{document}) for hydrogen adsorption on the surface of Al is only –0.031 eV, demonstrating excellent hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance. The changes of TSS after H, OH and H2O are adsorbed on the surface of AlB2 in aqueous solution environment are observed. The TSS change is the most significant when H is adsorbed, followed by OH adsorption. And the influence of H2O on TSS due to its electrical neutrality and weak surface adsorption is very weak. Before and after adsorption, because the topology protection TSS still exists, only the energy changes, which confirms its robustness in the environment. The results of this work provide a systematic understanding of the effects of different adsorbents on the TSS of AlB2, paving the way for future theoretical and experimental research in related fields, and alsopresent theoretical support for putting the topological materials into practical applications .
CLOCK evolved in cnidaria to synchronize internal rhythms with diel environmental cues
Authors: Aguillon Raphael , Rinsky Mieka , Simon-Blecher Noa , Doniger Tirza , Appelbaum Lior , Levy Oren
Published: May 2024

The circadian clock enables anticipation of the day/night cycle in animals ranging from cnidarians to mammals. Circadian rhythms are generated through a transcription-translation feedback loop (TTFL or pacemaker) with CLOCK as a conserved positive factor in animals. However, CLOCK’s functional evolutionary origin and mechanism of action in basal animals are unknown. In the cnidarian
Nematostella vectensis
, pacemaker gene transcript levels, including
NvClk
(the
Clock
ortholog), appear arrhythmic under constant darkness, questioning the role of NvCLK. Utilizing CRISPR/Cas9, we generated a
NvClk
allele mutant (

NvClk
Δ

), revealing circadian behavior loss in constant light conditions (LL and DD) while a 24-hour rhythm was maintained under light-dark condition (LD). Transcriptomics showed distinct rhythmic genes in wild-type (WT) genes in LD compared to DD. The LD

NvClk
Δ/Δ

showed comparable numbers of rhythmic genes, but were greatly reduced in DD. Furthermore, the LD

NvClk
Δ/Δ

showed alterations in temporal pacemaker gene expression, affecting their potential interactions. Additionally, differential expression of non-rhythmic genes associated with cell division and neuronal differentiation was observed. These findings revealed that a light-responsive pathway can partially compensate for circadian clock disruption and that the
Clock
gene has evolved in cnidarians to synchronize rhythmic physiology and behavior to the diel rhythm of the earth’s biosphere.
Evolution of hind limb morphology of Titanosauriformes (Dinosauria, Sauropoda) analyzed via 3D Geometric Morphometrics reveals wide-gauge posture as an exaptation for gigantism
Authors: Paramo Blazquez Adrian , Mocho Pedro , Escaso Fernando , Ortega Francisco
Published: May 2024

The sauropod hind limb was the main support that allowed their gigantic body masses and a wide range of dynamic stability adaptations. It was closely related to the position of the centre of masses of their multi-ton barrel-shaped bodies, and experienced one of the most noticeable posture changes during macronarian evolution. Deeply branched macronarians achieved increasingly arched hind limbs in what is known as wide-gauge posture. However, it is not clear if this evolutionary trend is related to the evolutionary cascade toward gigantism even though some titanosaurians were the largest terrestrial vertebrates that ever existed. We tested evolutionary changes in hind limb morphology in the Macronaria phylogenetic tree by 3D geometric morphometrics. The macronarian hind limb does become progressively more arched toward deeply-branched groups, specifically Saltasauridae. However, there is morphological convergence between different macronarian subclades. Wide-gauge posture does not correlate with changes in body size deeper in the macronarian evolutionary tree, and acted as an exaptation to gigantism. Despite some titanosaurian subclades becoming some of the largest vertebrates, there is a phyletic body size decrease in Macronaria.
The NeuroML ecosystem for standardized multi-scale modeling in neuroscience
Authors: Sinha Ankur , Gleeson Padraig , Marin Bóris , Dura-Bernal Salvador , Panagiotou Sotirios , Crook Sharon , Cantarelli Matteo , Cannon Robert C , Davison Andrew P , Gurnani Harsha , Silver Robin Angus
Published: May 2024

Data-driven models of neurons and circuits are important for understanding how the properties of membrane conductances, synapses, dendrites, and the anatomical connectivity between neurons generate the complex dynamical behaviors of brain circuits in health and disease. However, the inherent complexity of these biological processes makes the construction and reuse of biologically detailed models challenging. A wide range of tools have been developed to aid their construction and simulation, but differences in design and internal representation act as technical barriers to those who wish to use data-driven models in their research workflows. NeuroML, a model description language for computational neuroscience, was developed to address this fragmentation in modeling tools. Since its inception, NeuroML has evolved into a mature community standard that encompasses a wide range of model types and approaches in computational neuroscience. It has enabled the development of a large ecosystem of interoperable open-source software tools for the creation, visualization, validation, and simulation of data-driven models. Here, we describe how the NeuroML ecosystem can be incorporated into research workflows to simplify the construction, testing, and analysis of standardized models of neural systems, and supports the FAIR (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability) principles, thus promoting open, transparent and reproducible science.
The NeuroML ecosystem for standardized multi-scale modeling in neuroscience
Authors: Sinha Ankur , Gleeson Padraig , Marin Bóris , Dura-Bernal Salvador , Panagiotou Sotirios , Crook Sharon , Cantarelli Matteo , Cannon Robert C. , Davison Andrew P. , Gurnani Harsha , Silver R. Angus
Published: May 2024

Data-driven models of neurons and circuits are important for understanding how the properties of membrane conductances, synapses, dendrites and the anatomical connectivity between neurons generate the complex dynamical behaviors of brain circuits in health and disease. However, the inherent complexity of these biological processes make the construction and reuse of biologically-detailed models challenging. A wide range of tools have been developed to aid their construction and simulation, but differences in design and internal representation act as technical barriers to those who wish to use data-driven models in their research workflows. NeuroML, a model description language for computational neuroscience, was developed to address this fragmentation in modeling tools. Since its inception, NeuroML has evolved into a mature community standard that encompasses a wide range of model types and approaches in computational neuroscience. It has enabled the development of a large ecosystem of interoperable open source software tools for the creation, visualization, validation and simulation of data-driven models. Here, we describe how the NeuroML ecosystem can be incorporated into research workflows to simplify the construction, testing and analysis of standardized models of neural systems, and supports the FAIR (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability) data principles, thus promoting open, transparent and reproducible science.
Laminar specificity and coverage of viral-mediated gene expression restricted to GABAergic interneurons and their parvalbumin subclass in marmoset primary visual cortex
Authors: Federer Frederick , Balsor Justin , Ingold Alexander , Babcock David P. , Dimidschstein Jordane , Angelucci Alessandra
Published: May 2024

In the mammalian neocortex, inhibition is important for dynamically balancing excitation and shaping the response properties of cells and circuits. The various functions of inhibition are thought to be mediated by different inhibitory neuron types of which a large diversity exists in several species. Current understanding of the function and connectivity of distinct inhibitory neuron types has mainly derived from studies in transgenic mice. However, it is unknown whether knowledge gained from mouse studies applies to the primate, the model system closest to humans. The lack of viral tools to selectively access inhibitory neuron types has been a major impediment to studying their function in the primate. Here, we have thoroughly validated and characterized several recently-developed viral vectors designed to restrict transgene expression to GABAergic cells or their parvalbumin (PV) subtype, and identified two types that show high specificity and efficiency in marmoset V1. We show that in marmoset V1 AAV-h56D induces transgene expression in GABAergic cells with up to 91-94% specificity and 80% efficiency, depending on viral serotype and cortical layer. AAV-PHP.eB-S5E2 induces transgene expression in PV cells across all cortical layers with up to 98% specificity and 86-90% efficiency. Thus, these viral vectors represent promising tools for studying GABA and PV cell function and connectivity in the primate cortex.
Whole-genome analysis of Escherichia coli isolated from wild Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) and North China leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis)
Authors: Li Hongjia , Lan Tianming , Zhai Hao , Zhou Mengchao , Chen Denghui , Lu Yaxian , Han Lei , Wei Jinpu , Zhou Shaochun , Xu Haitao , Tian Lihong , Jiang Guangshun , Hou Zhijun
Published: May 2024

Background

Escherichia coli is an important intestinal flora, of which pathogenic E. coli is capable of causing many enteric and extra-intestinal diseases. Antibiotics are essential for the treatment of bacterial infections caused by pathogenic E. coli; however, with the widespread use of antibiotics, drug resistance in E. coli has become particularly serious, posing a global threat to human, animal, and environmental health. While the drug resistance and pathogenicity of E. coli carried by tigers and leopards in captivity have been studied intensively in recent years, there is an extreme lack of information on E. coli in these top predators in the wild environment.

Methods

Whole genome sequencing data of 32 E. coli strains collected from the feces of wild Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica, n = 24) and North China leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis, n = 8) were analyzed in this article. The multi-locus sequence types, serotypes, virulence and resistance genotypes, plasmid replicon types, and core genomic SNPs phylogeny of these isolates were studied. Additionally, antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed on these E. coli isolates.

Results

Among the E. coli isolates studied, 18 different sequence types were identified, with ST939 (21.9%), ST10 (15.6%), and ST3246 (9.4%) being the most prevalent. A total of 111 virulence genes were detected, averaging about 54 virulence genes per sample. They contribute to invasion, adherence, immune evasion, efflux pump, toxin, motility, stress adaption, and other virulence-related functions of E. coli. Sixty-eight AMR genes and point mutations were identified. Among the detected resistance genes, those belonging to the efflux pump family were the most abundant. Thirty-two E. coli isolates showed the highest rate of resistance to tetracycline (14/32; 43.8%), followed by imipenem (4/32; 12.5%), ciprofloxacin (3/32; 9.4%), doxycycline (2/32; 6.3%), and norfloxacin (1/32; 3.1%).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that E. coli isolates carried by wild Amur tigers and North China leopards have potential pathogenicity and drug resistance.
Coupling cell communication and optogenetics: implementation of a light-inducible intercellular system in yeast
Authors:   , Rojas Jorquera Vicente Alberto
Published: May 2024

La comunicación celular es un fenómeno extendido en biología, permitiendo la transmisión de información acerca de las condiciones del entorno. Con el fin de entender cómo la comunicación celular modula procesos biológicos relevantes, diferentes sistemas sintéticos basados en inducción química han sido exitosamente desarrollados. En este trabajo, se acopló la comunicación celular y la optogenética en la levadura Saccharomyces cerevisiae. La aproximación consiste en dos poblaciones conectadas por la producción dependiente de luz de la feromona factor-α en un tipo celular, que induce la expresión génica en el otro grupo de células. Después de la caracterización individual de tres variantes de ambas cepas, el sistema intercelular optogenético fue evaluado combinando las diferentes células bajo condiciones contrastantes de iluminación. Usando luciferasa como gen reportero, co-cultivos específicos a una proporción 1:1 muestran activación de la respuesta bajo luz azul constante, lo que no fue observado para las mismas mezclas crecidas en oscuridad. Entonces, el sistema fue evaluado en varias transiciones oscuridad/luz azul, donde el nivel de respuesta varia dependiendo del momento en el que la iluminación fue entregada. Además, la amplitud de la respuesta puede ser ajustada modificando la proporción inicial entre ambos tipos de cepa. También, células expresando todas las partes del circuito sintético se generaron para verificar si la separación de actividades biológicas mejora el rendimiento general del sistema. En ese contexto, el sistema de dos poblaciones mostró mayores veces de inducción en comparación con cepas autónomas. Esta exitosa implementación del sistema intercelular optogenético abrió la oportunidad de expandir el repertorio de las cepas de levadura involucradas variando componentes de la vía de señalización como reguladores negativos y promotores de respuesta a feromona. Así, se obtuvieron diversas versiones del sistema, que muestran un amplio rango de niveles de respuesta bajo regímenes de inducción por luz. En general, estos resultados demuestran que la información externa de la luz es propagada a través de una molécula de señalización difusible para modular la expresión génica en un sistema sintético de células microbianas, lo que pavimentará el camino para estudios que permitan el control optogenético de dinámicas a nivel de población.
Joseph Ratzinger frente al rechazo de la filosofía por parte de Buenaventura
Authors: Sada Alejandro
Published: May 2024

En este artículo se analiza el modo en que Joseph Ratzinger se enfrentó en su tesis de habilitación al rechazo de la filosofía por parte de Buenaventura, uno de sus teólogos favoritos. El esfuerzo que hace Ratzinger por reconciliar al doctor Seráfico con el pensamiento filosófico arroja valiosas luces para iluminar el problema de la relación entre la fe y la razón en general, y la teología y la filosofía en particular. El enemigo de Buenaventura no es a fin de cuentas la filosofía, sino un modo desordenado de entenderla con una pretensión de autonomía, desconectada de las fuentes de la revelación.En este artículo se analiza el modo en que Joseph Ratzinger se enfrentó en su tesis de habilitación al rechazo de la filosofía por parte de Buenaventura, uno de sus teólogos favoritos. El esfuerzo que hace Ratzinger por reconciliar al doctor Seráfico con el pensamiento filosófico arroja valiosas luces para iluminar el problema de la relación entre la fe y la razón en general, y la teología y la filosofía en particular. El enemigo de Buenaventura no es a fin de cuentas la filosofía, sino un modo desordenado de entenderla con una pretensión de autonomía, desconectada de las fuentes de la revelación.
Brevundimonas diminuta Infection in a Congenital Atrial Septal Defect Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Marimuthu Rajkumar , Sagarnaik Shwetha , Karthiga RD , Vajravelu Leela Kakithakara , Manonmoney J
Published: May 2024

Brevundimonas species are aerobic, non fermenting Gram negative bacilli. Brevundimonas diminuta (B. diminuta) is not believed to be a significant pathogen, and its virulence is generally low, being rarely isolated from clinical samples. Only a few clinical cases of serious opportunistic infections, particularly in patients with compromised immunity, have been reported for B. diminuta. All known species of Brevundimonas spp. show strong resistance to most antibiotics, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Here, a case of B. diminuta infection in an eight-year-old female child is described. The patient also had a minor Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) and a known congenital Atrial Septal Defect (ASD). Following isolation from the blood sample, the VITEK 2 compact system identified B. diminuta.
Comparison of Radiation Doses of Computed Tomography Brain and Pulmonary Angiography with International Commission on Radiological Protection Guidelines: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Fidha AF , Alphy George Arattu , Amita Dabholkar Digambar
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) is useful for evaluating and diagnosing conditions related to blood vessels, such as aneurysms, stenosis (narrowing of vessels), vascular malformations, and blockages. It provides valuable information for planning and guiding interventions or surgeries. It is also important to measure patient doses during CTA operations to evaluate and optimise the technique and balance the benefits compared to radiation hazards. Aim: To calculate the CT Dose Index (CTDI), Dose Length Product (DLP), and effective dose for CT brain angiography and CT pulmonary angiography, and also to compare whether the measured values are within the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommended levels. Materials and Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis at Yenepoya Medical College Hospital Mangaluru, Karnataka, India, from September 2022 to September 2023. A total of 52 data points were collected for CT brain and CT pulmonary angiography examinations, which were acquired before October 2022. Information on CTDI and DLP was collected, and the effective dose was calculated using the conversion factor. The values were then compared with the ICRP reference level. Descriptive statistics, mean, and standard deviation for continuous variables, and frequency and percentage for categorical variables were used. Results: There was a significantly lower value of CTDI, DLP, and effective dose for CT brain angiography and CT pulmonary angiography compared to the ICRP recommended reference levels. The mean CTDI and DLP for CT brain angiography were 111.56 mGy and 1153.31 mGy·cm, and the mean CTDI and DLP for CT pulmonary angiography were 24.56 mGy and 713.74 mGy·cm, respectively. The mean effective dose for CT brain and CT pulmonary angiography was 2.46 mSv and 9.94 mSv, respectively. Conclusion: The measured values were within the recommended values of ICRP regulations. It is recommended that CT brain angiography and CT pulmonary angiography examinations are safer for diagnostic purposes. Optimising scanning protocols, utilising low-dose techniques, and implementing dose monitoring and control are important clinical aspects. Compliance with the guidelines helps to enhance patient care and reduce the risk of radiation-related complications.
Studies on the Persistence of Pyraclostrobin 10% CS in Acidic, Neutral and Basic Waters by Validated HPLC-DAD Method
Authors: Simhachalam Joga , Bindu Gandham Hima
Published: May 2024

This paper presents a method for the determination of pyraclostrobin 10% CS, a fungicide used in agriculture, in water samples with different pH values. The method is based on high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) and uses a reversed-phase column and a gradient elution. The method was validated according to the SANCO guidelines and showed good linearity, accuracy, precision, sensitivity and selectivity. The method was applied to study the persistence of pyraclostrobin 10% CS in acidic, neutral and basic water under laboratory conditions. The results showed that pyraclostrobin 10% CS was degraded rapidly in basic water with a half-life of less than ten days. The degradation products were identified by HPLC. The study involved exposing water samples to direct sunlight until the end of the experiment. The water samples had different pH levels: acidic (4.0), neutral (7.0) and basic (9.0). The water samples also contained Pyraclostrobin, a fungicide. The researchers collected aliquots of the water samples at various time intervals: 0, 1, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 days. The analysis continued until the Pyraclostrobin residues were below the detection limit. The DT50 can vary significantly depending on environmental conditions, such as pH levels.
At pH 4, pH 7, and pH 9, the reported DT50 ranges between 6 to 8.1 days, indicating a moderate rate of degradation or dissipation in these conditions. These values suggest that the substance is relatively stable across a range of acidic to basic conditions, with only slight variations in the degradation rate.
Personal Profile of Cooperative and Private Agri Input Dealers in the Jaipur Region of Rajasthan, India
Authors: Meena Sunil Kumar , Badhala B.S.
Published: May 2024

The study assessed the personal profile of cooperative and private agri-input dealers in the Jaipur region of Rajasthan. The study was conducted in 2022-23, and the data were collected from 240 cooperative and private agri-input dealers from the Jaipur and Tonk district of Rajasthan. It was revealed from the data that the majority of cooperative agri-input-dealers belong to the middle age group (51.67%) with secondary and senior secondary school education levels (66.67%) and had medium levels of annual turnover with seed, insecticide & pesticide and fertilizer dealership (65.83%), had medium experience with medium level exposure visit in medium category information seeking behaviour and had medium category market orientation with (64.17%) agri-input dealers belonged to the Member of one organization. had a majority of cooperative agri-input dealers (55%) medium category of mass media participation. Case of private agri-input belongs to the middle age group (46.67%) with a graduate education level (65.83%) and had medium to high levels of annual turnover (65%) with seed, insecticide & pesticide and fertilizer dealership (84.17%) and had medium experience of the dealership, high category exposure visit (61.67%) with high category of information seeking behaviour (40.83%) and had no member of any organization category (58.33%) with the medium category of mass media participation. This study considers government schemes for agri-input dealers according to their socio-economic condition.
Evaluation of the Effects of Edible Coatings of Ocimum sanctum and Aloe vera on Jaggery Shelf Life
Authors: Rana Huma , Garg Amar Prakash , Jain Sourabh
Published: May 2024

Background: In western Uttar Pradesh, jaggery is a widespread cottage enterprise based on agriculture, and farmers are forced to sell their product at a lesser price when it is still fresh. Therefore, it was thought to be desirable to create better storage techniques in order to extend its shelf life.  Aloe vera, and Ocimum sanctum, often known as "Tulsi," are frequently utilised as antimicrobial food additives because they offer a host of other health advantages in addition to their well-known antibacterial qualities. Because the edible coatings made of these herbs provide a semi-permeable barrier to gases and water vapours, they may prolong the shelf life of jaggery by preventing degradation.
Objective: The goal of the current study was to assess the ability of edible coatings of common Indian herbs, such as tulsi and Aloe vera,, to extend the shelf life of jaggery while maintaining attributes that are equal to those of fresh jaggery, in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Methodology: The physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant activity, total viable count, and antibacterial activity of tulsi-Aloe vera, coated (TAC), Ocimum sanctum, and Aloe vera, (AC) jaggery were assessed and compared with non-coated control. The physicochemical properties were ascertained using standard methodology for measurement of reducing sugars, proteins, phenols, saponins, tannin, alkaloids, and flavonoids. The antimicrobial activity was ascertained by means of the agar double diffusion method. According to established protocol, antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay and the reducing power assay.
Results: According to the research, there is no discernible microbiological deterioration and the edible coatings containing tulsi and Aloe vera, extend the shelf life of jaggery during storage. When compared to uncoated jaggery, coatings were efficient at preventing the growth of both Gramme positive and Gramme negative microorganisms. Over the course of six months, the herb-infused coatings also retained their phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents, which improved their anti-oxidant efficacy when compared to the untreated control group.
Incidence of Asymptomatic Urinary Tract Infection in Pregnant Women in Obio Cottage Hospital, Port Harcourt, River State, Nigeria
Authors: EC Uzoukwu , CG Daokoru-Olukole , N Frank-Peterside , JO Pondei , HO Stanley , A Omega-Immanuel
Published: May 2024

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common problem in women at all stages of life; this is particularly true of pregnant women. UTIs are especially important topics in pregnancy, as this may cause complications such as pyelonephritis and hypersensitive disease of pregnancy, anemia, chronic renal failure, premature delivery, and fatal mortality. Knowledge about the type of pathogens responsible for urinary tract infections and their resistance patterns may help the clinician to choose the correct empirical treatment. Midstream urine specimen was collected in a sterile universal bottle from 100 pregnant women who were attending antenatal clinic in Obio Cottage Hospital, Port Harcourt Rivers State, between March and April 2023. The samples were examined by the semiquantitative culture method for the presence of asymptomatic urinary tract infection. The women were non-hospitalized and were residing in Port Harcourt. Of the 100 samples examined, 19 samples had significant bacteriuria. Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated organisms accounting for 33.3% of the population of the organisms isolated. Other isolates accounted for 81% in the total population and 19% in the population with significant bacteria. E. Coli and Klebsiella sp. were the commonest organisms isolated from the population of pregnant women examined.