bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward a Trauma‐Informed Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program: Specifying Feasible Practices Across the School Day
Authors: Kroshus‐Havril Emily , Hafferty Kiana , Massey William V. , Whitley Meredith A. , Darroch Francine , Shaikh Majidullah , Ellison Douglas W. , Moore Adrienne , Garrett Kimberly , Tandon Pooja S.
Published: November 2024

Background

Many students would benefit from trauma‐informed physical activity (PA); however, there is a lack of systematic guidance on incorporating trauma‐informed practices across school‐based PA opportunities. The purpose of this study was to generate a feasible framework for trauma‐informed school‐based PA.

Methods

Framework development was guided by a modified Delphi approach, including an exploration phase and an evaluation phase. First, a multidisciplinary working group reviewed extant literature, mapping trauma‐informed practices onto the domains and components of the Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP). Subsequently, experts (n = 14) provided quantitative feedback on the utility and feasibility of these practices.

Results

Thirty‐three practices met pre‐determined thresholds for utility and feasibility. Across CSPAP domains, this included attending to: (a) safety; (b) positive communication and relationships; (c) empowerment, choice, and voice; (d) emotion management and skill building; (e) instructor competencies and support; and (f) cultural, historical, and gender issues.

Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity

Incorporating trauma‐informed practices into existing frameworks and approaches to school‐based PA may promote uptake of practices that help meet the social and emotional needs of trauma‐exposed youth.

Conclusions

The present output provides a foundation for generating tools and supports for incorporating trauma‐informed practices into school‐based PA promotion efforts.
Communication design logics and innovation management
Authors: Ludwig Stephan , Herhausen Dennis , De Luca Luigi , Grewal Dhruv
Published: November 2024

Effective communication with external or internal stakeholders is crucial for innovation processes. The fourth wave of digital technologies and the fifth industrial revolution have increased the range of communication possibilities, amplifying both the number of communication channels and the availability of data. Yet in existing research that tends to treat communication as an art instead of a science, the evidence only scratches the surface of its mechanics and inner logic. To provide a unified theoretical framework, this study highlights the importance of the four pillars of communication design logic (source, situation, intentions, and impact) in the innovation processes. According to communication theories, individual differences in stakeholders' backgrounds, situations, and intentions might result in systematic variations in what and how they communicate, which influences their subsequent beliefs and reactions to innovation outcomes. By examining relevant communications in terms of their design logic, innovation researchers can address a wide range of questions across ideation, development, and implementation stages. Using novel techniques and unstructured data (e.g., text, image, video, audio mining), the current study reveals tactics for exploring such topics across communication types. The proposed framework also raises several research questions that can be pursued to enhance knowledge of how communication design influences innovation management.
Comprehensive gene expression analysis in gallbladder mucosal epithelial cells of dogs with gallbladder mucocele
Authors: Nagao Itsuma , Motegi Tomoki , Goto‐Koshino Yuko , Tsuboi Masaya , Takahashi Naohiro , Chambers James K. , Uchida Kazuyuki , Baba Kenji , Tomiyasu Hirotaka , Okuda Masaru
Published: November 2024

Background

Gallbladder mucocele (GBM) is a common disease in the canine gallbladder. Although the pathogenesis of GBM remains unclear, we recently reported that the excessive accumulation of mucin in the gallbladder is not a result of overproduction by gallbladder epithelial cells (GBECs).

Hypothesis/Objectives

Changes in the function of GBECs other than the production of mucin are associated with the pathogenesis of GBM. We performed an RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) analysis to comprehensively search for abnormalities in gene expression profiles of GBECs in dogs with GBM.

Animals

Fifteen dogs with GBM and 8 dogs euthanized for reasons other than gallbladder disease were included.

Methods

The GBECs were isolated from gallbladder tissues to extract RNA. The RNA‐seq analysis was performed using the samples from 3 GBM cases and 3 dogs with normal gallbladders, and the gene expression profiles were compared between the 2 groups. Differences in mRNA expression levels of the extracted differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were validated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) using samples of 15 GBM cases and 8 dogs with normal gallbladders.

Results

Comparison of gene expression profiles by RNA‐seq extracted 367 DEGs, including ANO1, a chloride channel associated with changes in mucin morphology, and HTR4, which regulates the function of chloride channels. The ANO1 and HTR4 genes were confirmed to be downregulated in the GBM group by RT‐qPCR.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Our results suggest that GBM may be associated with decreased function of chloride channels expressed in GBECs.
The state of the art and future of climate risk insurance modeling
Authors: Ingels Michiel W. , Botzen W. J. Wouter , Aerts Jeroen C. J. H. , Brusselaers Jan , Tesselaar Max
Published: November 2024

This study provides a comprehensive review of the literature on climate risk insurance modeling to identify lessons learned and knowledge gaps to be addressed by future research. These models are increasingly relevant due to the rising losses attributable to climate change. Insurance models estimate risk for different perils and simulate risk‐related parameters for insurance schemes, such as premiums and deductibles. Most forward‐looking models indicate that climate change and socioeconomic developments highly exacerbate future risk and increase insurance premiums. Various studies recommend charging risk‐based premiums to incentivize adaptation efforts that limit this increase in climate risks. Other findings point toward introducing public–private insurance to cope with climate change and enhance risk spreading by introducing insurance purchase requirements or insurance products that cover multiple climate risks. Gaps that we identify in this literature include an underrepresentation of insurance assessments for developing countries and for hazards other than flooding. Additionally, we note a lack of research into insurance for non‐agricultural commercial sectors. Furthermore, less than half of the studies take a forward‐looking approach by incorporating climate change scenarios, and an even smaller percentage consider socioeconomic development scenarios. This limitation shows that current methods require additional development for assessing the effects of future climate risk on insurance. We recommend that future research develops such forward‐looking models, considers using a more refined spatial scale, broadens geographical and hazard coverage, and includes the commercial sector.
“Vulva,” Not “Private Part”: The Importance of Accurate Genital Terminology
Authors: Chang Hannah R. , Ngo Madeline , Mauskar Melissa M. , Marathe Kalyani S.
Published: November 2024

Effective communication in pediatric dermatology is critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment, particularly in sensitive areas such as the anogenital region. Unfortunately, children and their families often use euphemisms or incorrect terms when referring to this area, and many adults lack knowledge of anogenital terminology. Pediatric dermatologists can play a unique role in educating children and their families on correct anatomical language, which enhances body awareness, empowers young patients, improves safety, and contributes to accurate medical assessments and treatment adherence. By promoting the use of correct anatomical terms, pediatric dermatologists can improve patient outcomes and foster a healthier understanding of body anatomy and health.
Food Allergy Test‐Guided Dietary Advice for Children With Atopic Dermatitis: A Consensus Study
Authors: Garside Ludivine , Boyle Robert , Meyer Rosan , Skypala Isabel , Allen Hilary , Beattie Paula , Dempsey Justine , Doyle Matt , Evans‐Howells Helen , Feeney Mary , Ludman Siân , Marrs Tom , Ravenscroft Jane , Stiefel Gary , Umasunthar Thisanayagam , Vyas Deepan , Yerlett Natalie , Walsh Jo , Brown Sara J. , Ridd Matthew J.
Published: November 2024

Background

The use of blood specific IgE or skin prick tests (SPT) to guide dietary exclusions for disease control in children with atopic dermatitis (AD) is controversial. We undertook a consensus exercise on how to interpret SPT results and dietary history for cow's milk, hen's egg, wheat, and soy in children < 2 years old with AD.

Methods

Fourteen clinicians from general practice, pediatrics, pediatric dermatology, pediatric allergy, and pediatric dietetics from UK and Ireland took part in an online modified Delphi study. Over three rounds, participants gave their anonymous opinions and received individualized and group feedback, based on the premise that all children had SPTs. The findings were discussed in an online workshop.

Results

Of 18 symptoms, 12 were identified as relevant to immediate and 7 to delayed allergy. Regarding SPTs, there was consensus over which allergens to use for wheat and soy but not cow's milk or hen's egg; for all study foods, wheal size was determined as 0–1 mm negative, ≥ 5 mm sensitized, but between 2 and 4 mm, categorization varied by food. During the final workshop, consensus was reached on dietary advice for nine combinations of SPT results and dietary history.

Conclusion

We attained consensus on how SPTs and dietary history for four common food allergens should be interpreted in young children under 2 years of age with AD. These pragmatic recommendations may support clinician education, consistency of decision‐making, and future research.
Simone Weil and Ludwig Wittgenstein: ‘Philosophy as work on oneself’
Authors: Springsted Eric O.
Published: November 2024

For many years Simone Weil and Ludwig Wittgenstein have been placed side by side. Little of that work has tried to explicitly compare the two. Direct comparisons can, however, be made between Weil and Wittgenstein, which can show that the ways they approached philosophy shared numerous traits and ideas. Both thinkers rejected philosophical systems, both admitted that serious philosophical work did not try to reject all contradictions internal to it, and, in fact, both sought to make facing contradictions and seeming contradictions central to their method. Both wrote of the world with a sense of mystery that surrounds human life, a sense of transcendent good. Both engaged the problems with talking about such a good that cannot be neatly fit into language. Both also saw the task of philosophy as one concerned with meaning. Both also saw philosophy as a matter of “work on oneself.” This essay will examine what it means to say that philosophy is a matter of work on oneself. To do so, I want to examine primarily two essays, one from each philosopher, essays which bear remarkable similarity to each other in the sort of problem they deal with.They are section xi of Wittgenstein's Philosophy of Psychology – A Fragment, and Weil's “Essay on the Concept of Reading.”
Will climate change constrain the altitudinal range of threatened species? Experimental evidence from a biodiversity hotspot
Authors: de Souza A. C. , Pires A. S. , Donohue K. , de Mattos E. A.
Published: November 2024

A fundamental goal in ecology and evolution is to explain the factors that shape species' abundance and range limits. Evaluating the performance of early life‐stages across an altitudinal gradient can be valuable for understanding what factors shape range limits and for predicting how plant species may respond to climate change.

To experimentally evaluate the presence of local adaptation in a threatened palm (Euterpe edulis) at early life‐stages, we reciprocally sowed seeds at two contrasting elevations. In addition, to evaluate the effect of seed predation on E. edulis seed germination and seedling establishment, seed addition experiments were conducted at three different elevations.

Our results showed no evidence of local adaptation in the early life‐stages for the two E. edulis populations. We observed lower germination and seedling performance of both E. edulis populations at the low‐elevation site. The exclusion of seed predation increased seedling establishment across all elevations. Seed predation and dry soil conditions were the main factors that constrained seedling establishment at the upper altitudinal limit and at the lower elevation, respectively.

Climate change in the study area will result in warmer and drier environmental conditions. The lack of local adaptation and the lower performance of both E. edulis populations in warm and dry conditions, combined with a higher seed predation at the upper altitudinal limit, might cause an altitudinal range contraction, increasing the vulnerability of this threatened species to climate change.
Metabolome and transcriptome reveal the biosynthesis of flavonoids and amino acids in Isatis indigotica fruit during development
Authors: Huang Hui , Zhang Li , Guan Liye , Zhang Libin
Published: November 2024

Isatis indigotica Fort. is a famous medicinal plant that is also used as a natural dye and functional vegetable. The characteristics of the I. indigotica fruit during development are largely unknown, information that is essential for the exploitation and seedlings cultivation of I. indigotica. In this study, the biochemical, metabolite characteristics and gene expression profiling of I. indigotica at four developmental stages were investigated. A total of 428 metabolites were detected and categorized into 17 categories. High contents of anthocyanins, especially cyanidin 3‐glucoside, might contribute to the purple colouration of I. indigotica fruits. Moreover, dozens of flavonoid components, including taxifolin, quercetin, astragalin and isovitexin 2″‐O‐beta‐D‐glucoside, and several other active components were also up‐regulated in mature fruits. The abundance of antioxidants might endow a significantly stronger antioxidant activity of mature I. indigotica fruits compared to many other reported species. Enrichment analyses revealed that flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthesis genes were mostly enriched in up‐regulated gene sets during fruit development. The up‐regulated structural genes, including IiCHS, IiCHI, IiF3H, IiDFR, IiANS, IiFLS, IiUGT, and transcription factors such as IiMYBs, IibHLHs and IiNACs were identified as candidate regulators of flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway. Furthermore, biosynthesis of amino acids was enriched in all pairwise comparisons of metabolites in fruits at four developmental stages. The differential accumulation of amino acids might result from the differentially expressed genes involved in amino acid biosynthesis. Taken together, these findings provide a comprehensive understanding of metabolite profiling and gene expression patterns in I. indigotica fruit during maturity, which is useful for pharmaceutical extractions and seedling cultivation of I. indigotica.
Genetic and epigenetic control of dormancy transitions throughout the year in the monoecious cork oak
Authors: Silva Helena Gomes , Sobral Rómulo , Alhinho Ana Teresa , Afonso Hugo Ricardo , Ribeiro Teresa , Silva Patrícia M. A. , Bousbaa Hassan , Morais‐Cecílio Leonor , Costa Maria Manuela Ribeiro
Published: November 2024

Bud dormancy plays a vital role in flowering regulation and fruit production, being highly regulated by endogenous and environmental cues. Deployment of epigenetic modifications and differential gene expression control bud dormancy/break cycles. Information on how these genetic and epigenetic mechanisms are regulated throughout the year is still scarce for temperate trees such as Quercus suber. Here, the expression levels of CENTRORADIALIS‐LIKE (CENL) and DORMANCY‐ASSOCIATED PROTEIN 1 (QsDYL1) during seasonal cycles of bud development, suggesting that QsCENL may be implicated in growth cessation in Q. suber and that QsDYL1 is a good dormancy marker. As gene expression can be regulated by the activity of chromatin modifiers, we have analysed the expression of these genes and the deposition of epigenetic marks in dormant versus non‐dormant bud meristems. The DNA methyl transferases CHROMOMEHTYLASE 3 (QsCMT3) and METHYLTRANSFERASE 1 (QsMET1) were more expressed in the transition between dormancy to bud swelling. QsCMT3 was also highly expressed during the late stages of active bud formation. Conversely, the HISTONE ACETYLTRANSFERASE 1 (QsHAC1) was up‐regulated during growth cessation and dormancy when compared to bud swelling. These results indicate that epigenetic regulation is implicated in how bud development progresses in Q. suber, which can be observed in the different profile deposition of the repressive and active marks, 5mC and H3K18Ac/H3K4me, respectively.

The identification of bud‐specific genetic and epigenetic profiling opens new possibilities to predict the relative rate of dormancy/growth of the bud stages, providing tools to understand how trees respond to the current challenges posed by climate change.
Predictive Indicators of Cryotolerance and Fertility in Bovine Sperm: Evaluating Fresh Semen Quality to Improve AI Outcomes With Frozen–Thawed Sperm
Authors: Tamargo Carolina , Garriga Ferran , Yeste Marc , Pinart Elisabeth , Muiño Rodrigo , Carbajo María Teresa , Hidalgo Carlos Olegario
Published: November 2024

The success of artificial insemination (AI) with frozen–thawed semen in cattle is influenced by both female factors and sperm quality. In terms of sperm quality, prior studies indicate that the ability of frozen–thawed bovine sperm to fertilise an oocyte is dependent on their quality and resilience to cryopreservation. Cryopreservation induces oxidative stress, leading to ultrastructural damage in the sperm. This study aimed to determine whether the quality of fresh semen can identify bulls with good and poor sperm freezability. This difference between fresh and frozen semen from the same bull allows us to predict fertility. Motility and kinetic parameters were assessed using computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA), while six functional variables were evaluated through flow cytometry, both before and after the freeze–thaw process on the sperm from 13 bulls. In vivo fertility was measured using 90‐day non‐return rates. The principal component analysis (PCA) of eight sperm variables post‐thaw identified one principal component explaining 81.19% of the total variance and classified the bulls into two groups: Poor freezability bulls (progressive motility: 48.12% ± 8.41%; viability: 77.51% ± 7.61%) and good freezability bulls (progressive motility: 58.64% ± 6.64%; viability: 88.12% ± 2.52%). Bulls with higher freezability showed better sperm viability and motility, as well as lower levels of ROS, superoxides and intracellular calcium before cryopreservation that were significantly correlated with higher non‐return rates (NRR). The results underscore the importance of assessing the quality and functionality of fresh semen to predict the fertility potential of cryopreserved sperm. This approach can aid in selecting ejaculates with the best potential for successful artificial insemination, ultimately improving reproductive performance in dairy cattle.
The infected blood inquiry: Impact on public perceptions of blood supply risk, safety, and donation attitudes
Authors: Mills Richard , Merz Eva‐Maria , Croucher Mark , Masser Barbara , Brailsford Susan R. , Smith Robert , Ferguson Eamonn
Published: November 2024

Background

The UK's Infected Blood Inquiry (IBI) highlighted a major public health scandal, with at least 30 000 people infected and more than 3000 deaths attributable to infected blood and blood products. This study investigates the impact of the IBI announcement on May 20, 2024, on public perceptions of blood supply risk, safety, and donation intentions in the UK compared to the USA.

Methods

A 2 (country: UK vs. USA) × 2 (time: pre‐, post‐IBI announcement) between‐within‐subject study was conducted with 1635 participants (888 UK, 747 USA). Pre‐IBI data were collected from May 3 to 7, 2024, and post‐IBI data from May 30 to June 30, 2024. Key measures were perceived infection risk from transfusion, transfusion safety, willingness to donate and encourage others. The impact was assessed using differences‐in‐differences (DiD) and reliable‐change‐indices (RCI).

Results

UK participants showed a significant but small decrease in perceived safety compared to USA participants, with 1 in 30 UK individuals perceiving a significant reduction in perceived transfusion safety. Decreases in perceived safety were associated with significant decreases in willingness to donate and encouragement of others in the whole sample and in USA participants and significant decreases in willingness to encourage others in UK participants. Older people reported a greater reduction in safety, and non‐donors were more likely to be put off donating and not ask others to donate as a result of their perception that safety had been reduced.

Conclusion

Overall, perceived safety decreased marginally in the UK general population. Future research should explore the long‐term impacts of the IBI.
Fear of donation‐related stimuli across different levels of donation experience and types of donation (whole‐blood and plasma): A cross‐sectional study in Italian donors
Authors: Bani Marco , Ardenghi Stefano , Russo Selena , Zorzi Federico , Rampoldi Giulia , Del Greco Alexia , Giussani Barbara , Danesi Daniela , Strepparava Maria Grazia
Published: November 2024

Background

Donation‐related fears are prevalent even among regular donors and can hinder both recruitment and retention. This cross‐sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence of these fears in Italian whole‐blood and plasma donors, across different levels of donation experience.

Study Design and Methods

A sample of 615 voluntary, unpaid donors from Italy (64.1% male, mean age 45.42 ± 11.80 years) completed an online survey assessing their fear of common donation‐related stimuli (fear of blood, needles, pain, and fainting), experience of vasovagal symptoms at the last donation, and their intention to donate again. Donors were grouped based on donation history and their most recent donation type (whole‐blood or plasma).

Results

A significant negative relationship was found between donation history and most types of donation‐related fears, suggesting that greater experience corresponds to reduced fear. Plasma donors reported lower levels of fear across all stimuli compared to whole‐blood donors. Despite this, nearly one‐third of the most experienced whole‐blood donors and 20% of plasma donors still reported some level of fear. Greater fear was associated with increased reports of pain and vasovagal symptoms during donation, regardless of donation type. However, no significant association emerged between donation‐related fears and the intention to donate again.

Discussion

Donation‐related fear persists even among experienced donors, for both whole‐blood and plasma donors. Given its potential to impact donor comfort and retention, the assessment and management of donation‐related fears should be integrated into donor care, with appropriate strategies to help donors regulate their fear throughout their donation careers.
Cover Image
Authors: Eto Shotaro , Kato Daiki , Saeki Kohei , Iguchi Takaaki , Shiyu Qin , Kamoto Satoshi , Yoshitake Ryohei , Shinada Masahiro , Ikeda Namiko , Tsuboi Masaya , Chambers James , Uchida Kazuyuki , Nishimura Ryohei , Nakagawa Takayuki
Published: November 2024

The cover image is based on the article Comprehensive Analysis of the Tumour Immune Microenvironment in Canine Urothelial Carcinoma Reveals Immunosuppressive Mechanisms Induced by the COX‐Prostanoid Cascade by Shotaro Eto et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/vco.12999.

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Evaluation of serum protein electrophoresis and immunofixation in dogs seropositive for various vector‐borne pathogens
Authors: Jornet‐Rius Oriol , Chornarm Nida , Skeldon Niki , McGrew Ashley , Lappin Michael , Solano‐Gallego Laia , Moore A Russell
Published: November 2024

Background

Canine vector‐borne diseases (VBDs) induce non‐specific dysproteinemias, detectable by serum protein electrophoresis (SPE). VBDs have been reported to induce a monoclonal gammopathy pattern. Monoclonal gammopathies are commonly the result of paraprotein (M‐protein) produced by an immunoglobulin‐secreting neoplasm.

Objectives

The aims of this study were to characterize and compare SPE and immunofixation (IF) changes, evaluate the performance of previously identified SPE and IF interpretative criteria, and identify M‐proteins in a cohort of dogs seropositive for a VBD and with an unknown history for an immunoglobulin‐secreting neoplasm.

Methods

A total of 143 serum samples from dogs that tested seropositive for different vector‐borne pathogens were assessed by SPE. Cases with abnormal globulin fractions were further characterized by IF. Protein fraction and IF labeling results were evaluated using Kruskal–Wallis with Dunn's multiple comparisons and principal component analysis (PCA).

Results

IF was performed in 112 VBD‐seropositive samples with dysproteinemia evaluated by SPE. Most (84/112, 75%) had a polyclonal expansion. Only two dogs had findings suggestive of an M‐protein when considering both SPE and immunofixation. PCA clustered E.canis/A.phagocytophilum and B.gibsoni/CM.haematoparvum groups with relatively more γ‐globulins than albumin and α‐globulins, and the B.gibsoni/CM.haematoparvum group with more prominent IgA and IgM labeling than IgG labeling. Additionally, D.immitis clustered with more prominent β‐globulins than γ‐globulins and more IgG4 than IgG‐FC.

Conclusions

The previously derived interpretative criteria suggested an M‐protein in very few VBD‐seropositive dogs. PCA identified SPE and immunofixation pattern differences between dogs seropositive for different infectious agents.
FIELD PERFORMANCE OF HOT IN-PLANT PRODUCED ASPHALTIC CONCRETE WEARING COURSE (ACWC) WITH 30% RECLAIMED ASPHALT PAVEMENT (RAP)
Authors: Yee Teh Sek , Ab Wahab Md Yunus , Yunus Nordin , Abu Haris Rino Effendy , Ayob Mohd Azli , Ramzi Mohammad Riad , Mustaffa Kamal Dini Dayana
Published: November 2024

Hot in-plant recycling stands as an effective yet underutilized method in Malaysia for reusing pavement milling waste, resulting in insufficient established benchmarks and validated trials.  The Utilization of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) can divert a significant amount of waste asphalt millings from landfills, while conserving energy and natural resources. This study focused on the recycled mixture, ACWC-30RAP, which integrated 30% Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP). In July 2022, a 400 m trial lay was conducted from KM413.90 to KM414.30 Southbound (SB), Section C3, along the PLUS North-South Expressway (NSE).  Field tests were systematically conducted on both the ACWC-30RAP and conventional ACWC20 mixtures at different phases including month-6, month-9, and month-12 post-construction. The primary objective was to assess fundamental properties related to the structural stiffness of pavement layers as well as the pavement performance and condition for both trial sections using various field testing including Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) and Multi-Laser Profiler (MLP).  Following the 12-month trial period, both the ACWC-30RAP and conventional ACWC20 mixtures experienced actual traffic loading and environmental conditions. Remarkably, the ACWC-30RAP demonstrated comparable field performance as the conventional ACWC20. This alignment in performance signified a promising avenue for employing the recycled mixture with high RAP content. Using ACWC-30RAP can also provide economic benefit, reducing the production cost by approximately 25%. In essence, the ACWC-30RAP had achieved an equivalent level of confidence to the conventional ACWC20 mixture, which was exclusively composed of virgin materials. cts.
DESIGN OF MULIFREQUENCY ELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE TOMOGRAPHY (MfEIT) BASED ON ANALOG DISCOVERY TO DETECT BREAST CANCER
Authors: Ain Khusnul , Arisgraha Franky Chandra Satria , Ukhrowiyah Nuril , Sapuan Imam , Harnawan Ade Agung , Quendangen Valentinus Mahendra Aaron , Ariwanto Bayu , Amira Inas
Published: November 2024

This study aims to design Multifrequency Electrical Impedance Tomography (MfEIT) based on Analog Discovery to detect breast cancer. The MfEIT was built from Analog Discovery which can be used as a signal generator, power supply, voltage control and measuring voltage and phase difference. Other complementary modules are Multiplexer, Instrument amplifier, Voltage Constant Current Source (VCCS), and High Pass Filter (HPF). The MfEIT performance test was carried out on a phantom object made of agar with a certain conductivity that represents breast and cancer tissue. The MfEIT performance testing at a frequency of 10 kHz, 40 kHz, and 80 kHz. The reconstruction from both potential and phase difference data, it shown that are in accordance with the phantom condition, both in number, size and position of anomalies. The reconstruction from the voltage data shown fine at all frequencies, but the phase data produces a good reconstruction image when frequencies was less than 80 kHz.
PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC VIBRATION ENERGY HARVESTING DUE TO DIFFERENT VIBRATION SOURCES
Authors: Subekti Subekti , Laksana Guntur Harus , S. Djanali Vivien , Syaifudin Achmad , Yunas Jumril , Indah Nur
Published: November 2024

As industry requires more real-time monitoring and interconnected systems, the need for wireless sensors will increase. Vibration Energy Harvesting (VEH) has played an important role as an alternative energy source to provide power to wireless sensors. In this paper we report the analysis of an electromagnetic energy harvester driven by vibrating plate. An experimental method where energy sources originating from vibrating mechanical machines were used. Mechanical machines such as milling machines, dynamic rotors, and four-stroke engines were implemented to prove the performance of the device. where the output signal from the vibration source is measured using a CF-3600 FFT analyzer, while the output signal from the electromagnet is measured using an oscilloscope (Hantek 6022BE). This paper has discussed several sources of vibration originating from industrial equipment with a vibration source frequency of around 10 to 100 Hz. The findings show that the voltage produced by an electromagnetic energy harvester is 130 mV, 120 mV, and 30 mV on a milling machine, dynamic rotor, and four-stroke engine. Additionally, the results contribute to the optimization of vibration energy harvesting parameters, facilitating the maximization of energy extraction in diverse applications.
INTERCONNECTION LINK ADDITIONS TOWARDS COMMUNICATION NETWORK CONSOLIDATION
Authors: Iqbal Farabi , Mohd Noor Muhammad Yusof , Ramli Arnidza , Salim Mohd Rashidi
Published: November 2024

The ever-increasing demand for modern communication services and the rising cost of capital and operating expenditures have led to interest in multi-operator network collaborations. These network operators manage different network domains and infrastructures, such that their topologies may be disjointed from each other, and require the addition of intermediate interconnection links for the domains to communicate with each other. The main contribution of this paper is the proposal of an integer linear program for finding the optimum set of interconnection links to be added to the multi-domain networks such that the multi-domain networks become a connected graph, while minimizing either (1) the total length of added interconnection links, (2) the total shortest path length between all the border nodes of the multi-domain networks, or (3) the total number of shortest hop counts between all the border nodes of the multi-domain networks. The proposed integer linear program is shown to find the optimum solution under various properties for the multi-domain networks, albeit with increased computation time as the size of the problem increases. Simulation results using randomly generated multi-domain networks show a trade-off in terms of length of added links, shortest path length and shortest path hop count for each specific objective function.
M630L MUTATION DISRUPTS THE STRUCTURE CONFORMATION OF BRUTON TYROSINE KINASE (BTK) DOMAIN IN PATIENT WITH X-LINKED AGAMMAGLOBULINEMIA: INSIGHTS FROM IN SILICO
Authors: Mohd Ruzani Muhammad Syahrul Nizam , Mohd Tahab Siti Fatimah , Mat Ripen Adiratna , Mohamad Saharuddin , Abdul Hamid Azzmer Azzar , Ismail Che Muhammad Khairul Hisyam , Merican Amir Feisal
Published: November 2024

X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is a rare inherited disease, attributed to mutations found in the Bruton Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) gene. This research outlines the application of Molecular Modelling and Simulation to predict the effects of a novel non-synonymous Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (nsSNP) reported in the BTK kinase domain protein of a male XLA patient. The mutation at position c.1888A>T causes a substitution of p.M630L within the kinase domain of the BTK protein. Functional assessment using in silico prediction tools (SIFT, Polyphen-2, PROVEAN, MutationAssessor, PANTHER, FATHMM, MutPred and MutationTaster) predicted the mutation to be deleterious, potentially disrupting both the structure and function of the protein. Nevertheless, the mutation is not located at the active site of the kinase domain. Consequently, the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to investigate the impact of amino acid substitution to the three-dimensional (3D) conformational structure of the BTK protein, contributing to the disease phenotype observed in the reported patient. MD analysis, clustering analysis and Principle Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that the 3D conformational structure of the kinase domain of mutant protein to be more compact and rigid compared to the wildtype. Given that the alterations in protein structure can influence their functional characteristics, the p.M630L mutation within the BTK protein kinase domain might disrupt the protein function, potentially impeding the maturation of B cells and contributing to the onset of XLA disease.
SILVER NANOPARTICLES-AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT OF SIDAGURI (SIDA RHOMBIFOLIA) AS REDUCING AGENTS
Authors: Fatimah Fatimah , Wahab Abdul Wahid , Karim Abdul , Fauziah St. , Hasanuddin A. R. Pratiwi , Rajab Arini , Muriyati Muriyati , Islawati  , Salnus Subakir
Published: November 2024

The Sidaguri leaf, scientifically known as Sida rhombifolia, is a plant species rich in flavonoids that have the ability to act as reducing agent in formation of silver nanoparticles. This study presented the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNp-Sid) using aqueous leaf extract of sidaguri. This study utilized a concentration ratio of 2:90 mL aqueous leaf extract of Sidaguri and AgNO3 1 mM. The size and morphology of AgNp-Sid was measured using UV-Visible Spectrophotometer, PSA, FT-IR, SEM-EDS, and XRD. The investigation revealed an ordinary particle size of 63.5 nm with polydispersity index (PI) of 0.284. The maximum wavelength varies between 405.4 nm and 407.8 nm with the increasing of time. AgNp-Sid exhibited a spherical morphology and had a crystalline structure that is face-centered cubic. The results suggested that the aqueous leaf extract of sidaguri had the ability to function as a reducing agent in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, offering a safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative.
EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF THE PERFORMANCE OF DYNAMIC VIBRATION ABSORBERS FOR VIBRATION MITIGATION IN BEAM STRUCTURES
Authors: Abbass Teeb Basim , Waheed Khafaji Salwan Obaid , Al-shujairi Mohammed , Aubad Mohammed Jawad
Published: November 2024

In this study, experiments are used to evaluate the effectiveness of dynamic vibration absorbers (DVAs) in minimizing vibrations in beam structures. The dynamic vibration absorbers are modest additions to a structure that employ a mass-spring system tuned to the natural frequency of the structure to lower vibration levels. These absorbers were added to a beam construction as part of the experimental investigation, and the vibration levels under various conditions were measured. Under pinned-free boundary, the dynamic behavior of a beam is experimentally investigated with various combinations of the design parameters (mass and spring) and locations of the dynamic vibration absorbers. The beam is subjected to external vibrations, and both with and without the absorbers, its amplitude is measured. According to the results, adding DVAs to the beam structure significantly reduced vibration levels, particularly closer to the natural frequency of the beam. The dynamic response is greatly reduced by mass and stiffness (from, for example, 0.018m to 0.00052m). However, depending on the DVA location, this effect can change. The minimal requirements of the DVA parameters can better reduce the dynamic response if the DVA is positioned at the point of maximum displacement for each corresponding mode.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF NATURAL AND FORCED CONVECTION IN SOLAR DRYERS FOR MULLET FISH
Authors: Ghafar Halim , Yusoff Hamid , Sh Abdul Nasir Sh Mohd Firdaus , Abd Ghani Kay Dora , Ismail Mohd Azmi
Published: November 2024

Ombak Damai Trading, a Malaysian company specialising in dried mullet fish, needed to dry the fish faster to meet growing demand. They reduced the drying time from 1-2 days to 3-4 hours using a solar dryer. The dryer was equipped with an IoT (Internet of things) weighing system for precise monitoring and data collection. Two inlet fans were added for forced convection drying. Measurements of weight, temperature, and humidity were taken for ten days. The forced convection system was found to be 85.78% effective, compared to 59.36% for natural convection. Moisture analysis revealed that the forced convection system removed more moisture, with a maximum percentage of 36% compared to 22% for natural convection. Forced convection also had a higher drying rate of 60.17 g/hour compared to 37.83 g/hour for natural convection. These findings can help seafood businesses optimise the drying process and achieve target moisture levels. Further studies are recommended to examine the forced convection system's commercial scalability, as well as the effects of drying on nutritional content and sensory qualities.
DESIGN OF A 24.5 GHZ CMOS LOW NOISE AMPLIFIER USING 0.13-µM TECHNOLOGY FOR 6G WIRELESS APPLICATIONS
Authors: Zainol Murad Sohiful Anuar , Abd Manaf Asrulnizam , A. Rhaffor Nuha , Abdullah Zawawi Ruhaifi
Published: November 2024

The need for high-performance circuit designs is growing as wireless communication technologies continue to advance and support newer generations of wireless applications. Much emphasis has been focused on the possibility of the 24 GHz frequency band in next-generation wireless networks, including 5G and beyond. Designing a low noise amplifier (LNA) operating at 24 GHz presents several challenges. The primary concerns include achieving high gain, low power consumption, low noise figure, and while maintaining good linearity and stability. This paper presents the design, simulation, and layout of a CMOS LNA optimized for operation at 24.5 GHz frequency, targeting 6G and beyond wireless communication applications. The proposed LNA employs three stages with a cascode topology at the first stage and follow by a common source stage at second and third stage.  The three stages help to achieve high gain, and the source degeneration inductor at the first stage helps to improve linearity. Extensive simulations were conducted using a 0.13-µm CMOS technology, demonstrating a peak gain of 21 dB and a noise figure of 5.6 dB at 24.5 GHz. The LNA also exhibits good linearity and stability over a wide bandwidth. The performance metrics were validated through simulation and comparison, showcasing the feasibility of the designed LNA for 6G applications. This work contributes to the advancement of CMOS-based radio frequency (RF) front-end designs for next-generation wireless communication systems.
Lack of additional benefit from slow rewarming after therapeutic hypothermia for ischaemic brain injury in near‐term fetal sheep
Authors: McDouall Alice , Zhou Kelly Q. , Wassink Guido , Davies Anthony , Bennet Laura , Gunn Alistair J. , Davidson Joanne O.
Published: November 2024

The optimal rate of rewarming after therapeutic hypothermia is unclear. Slow rewarming may reduce cardiovascular instability and rebound seizures, but there is little controlled evidence to support this. The present study aimed to determine whether slow rewarming can improve neuroprotection after 72 h of hypothermia. Fetal sheep (0.85 gestation) received sham occlusion (n = 8) or 30 min of global cerebral ischaemia followed by normothermia (n = 7), or hypothermia from 3 to 72 h with either fast, spontaneous rewarming within 1 h (n = 8) or slow rewarming at 0.5°C h−1 over 10 h (n = 8). Hypothermia improved EEG and spectral edge recovery, with no significant difference between fast and slow rewarming. Hypothermia reduced the number of seizures, with no significant difference in seizure activity between fast and slow rewarming. Hypothermia improved neuronal survival in the cortex, CA1, CA3, CA4 and dentate gyrus regions of the hippocampus, with no significant difference between fast and slow rewarming. Hypothermia attenuated microglia counts in the cortex, with no significant difference between fast and slow rewarming. The rate of rewarming after a clinically relevant duration of hypothermia did not affect neurophysiological recovery, neuronal survival or attenuation of microglia after global cerebral ischaemia in term‐equivalent fetal sheep.

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Key points

The rate of rewarming after 72 h of hypothermia did not affect recovery of EEG or spectral edge.

There was no difference in the occurrence of seizures as a result of the rate of rewarming after hypothermia.

The rate of rewarming after 72 h of hypothermia did not affect neuronal survival in the cortex or hippocampus.
Altered Hip Flexor and Extensor Activation During Progressive Inclined Walking in Individuals With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome
Authors: Halliwell Carson , Rutherford Derek , Moreside Janice , Wong Ivan , Moyer Rebecca
Published: November 2024

Context: Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is a movement-related condition associated with pain and impaired function; yet the evidence for level ground walking hip biomechanics is limited and inconsistent. Challenging the hip with inclined walking for individuals with FAIS might be important for elucidating mechanically driven function loss and informing tailored rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of progressive inclined walking on sagittal hip biomechanics and hip flexor and extensor activity in individuals with FAIS. Design: Cross-sectional. Methods: Fourteen participants (7 individuals with FAIS and 7 asymptomatic individuals) underwent motion capture and electromyographic analysis during 3 treadmill walking conditions (0°/5°/10°). Statistical parametric mapping was used to compare the sagittal hip kinematic waveforms and hip flexor (rectus femoris) and extensor (gluteus maximus) waveforms between groups and walking conditions. Results: Hip flexion was significantly increased throughout the gait cycle in individuals with FAIS compared with asymptomatic individuals (P < .01) but was not dependent on incline. Rectus femoris activation was significantly increased throughout stance in individuals with FAIS compared with asymptomatic individuals (P < .01). Gluteus maximus activity significantly increased with progressive inclination in asymptomatic individuals (P < .01), with no significant change in activity for individuals with FAIS. Conclusions: Hip biomechanics and muscle activity during inclined walking mirrored that of arthrogenic muscle inhibition, highlighted by a prominent flexor role and lack of hip extensor activity in individuals with FAIS. Future research investigating discordant activity between hip flexors and extensors during complex functional tasks may help identify rehabilitation targets.
Geo-classification of drug-resistant travel-associated
Plasmodium falciparum
using
Pfs47
and
Pfcpmp
gene sequences (USA, 2018–2021)
Authors: Pierre-Louis Edwin , Kelley Julia , Patel Dhruviben , Carlson Christina , Talundzic Eldin , Jacobson David , Barratt Joel Leonard Nicholas
Published: November 2024

Travel-related malaria is regularly encountered in the United States, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) characterizes
Plasmodium falciparum
drug-resistance genotypes routinely for travel-related cases. An important aspect of antimalarial drug resistance is understanding its geographic distribution. However, specimens submitted to CDC laboratories may have missing, incomplete, or inaccurate travel data. To complement genotyping for drug-resistance markers
Pfcrt
,
Pfmdr1
,
Pfk13
,
Pfdhps
,
Pfdhfr
, and
PfcytB
at CDC, amplicons of
Pfs47
and
Pfcpmp
are also sequenced as markers of geographic origin. Here, a bi-allele likelihood (BALK) classifier was trained using
Pfs47
and
Pfcpmp
sequences from published
P. falciparum
genomes of known geographic origin to classify clinical genotypes to a continent. Among
P. falciparum
-positive blood samples received at CDC for drug-resistance genotyping from 2018 to 2021 (
n
= 380), 240 included a travel history with the submission materials, though 6 were excluded due to low sequence quality. Classifications obtained for the remaining 234 were compared to their travel histories. Classification results were over 96% congruent with reported travel for clinical samples, and with collection sites for field isolates. Among travel-related samples, only two incongruent results occurred; a specimen submitted citing Costa Rican travel classified to Africa, and a specimen with travel referencing Sierra Leone classified to Asia. Subsequently, the classifier was applied to specimens with unreported travel histories (
n
= 140; 5 were excluded due to low sequence quality). For the remaining 135 samples, geographic classification data were paired with results generated using CDC’s Malaria Resistance Surveillance (MaRS) protocol, which detects single-nucleotide polymorphisms in and generates haplotypes for
Pfcrt
,
Pfmdr1
,
Pfk13
,
Pfdhps
,
Pfdhfr
, and
PfcytB
. Given the importance of understanding the geographic distribution of antimalarial drug resistance, this work will complement domestic surveillance efforts by expanding knowledge on the geographic origin of drug-resistant
P. falciparum
entering the USA.
Development of a simple, low-cost, blue light-emitting diode illuminator for hands-on training of DNA detection experiments using agarose gel electrophoresis
Authors: Honda Haruka , Miyajima Hisayuki , Miyamoto Noritaka , Yoshida Keigo , Tanaka Yuichi
Published: November 2024

DNA detection by agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) is commonly used in molecular biology. AGE is a separation method that provides opportunities for students to learn about the topology and size of DNA molecules. Recently, several fluorescent dyes have been used for DNA staining owing to their convenience, safety, reduced toxicity, and high sensitivity. A blue light-emitting diode (LED) transilluminator is required to detect DNA using fluorescent dyes; however, the associated high cost may limit its availability in classrooms or small laboratories. Therefore, we have designed a simple, low-cost blue LED illuminator to enable easy assembly for instructors and students. We evaluated the performance of the proposed illuminator by observing fluorescent dye-stained DNA markers using AGE, revealing clear DNA marker bands. Despite its limited functionality, the ease of construction and affordability of the proposed illuminator make it sufficient for hands-on molecular biology training in classrooms, thereby enhancing the learning environment and educational efficiency.