bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGARUH BRAND IMAGE, PROMOSI MEDIA SOSIAL, DAN DIGITAL MARKETING TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN DI XES SHOES INDONESIA
Authors: Suyanti Royandi , Nainggolan Nora Pitri
Published: September 2023

Purchasing decisions are used as an important component when keeping consumers from switching. Purchasing decisions are consumer responses to differences in the level of needs and real results that are enjoyed after consuming a product/service. Purchasing decisions have several factors that can influence them, including brand image, social media promotions, and digital marketing. This study aims to analyze the effect of brand image, social media promotion, and digital marketing simultaneously on purchasing decisions at XES Shoes Indonesia. The design of this study uses research design and quantitative research methods. The data collection technique was by distributing questionnaires to 222 respondents, namely consumers who made purchases at XES Shoes Indonesia for the July-December 2022 period. The results of this study indicate that brand image, social media promotion, and digital marketing partially and simultaneously have a significant effect on purchasing decisions. The results of the test for the coefficient of determination show that brand image, social media promotion, and digital marketing partially and simultaneously have a significant effect on purchasing decisions by 43.2 percent, while the rest are influenced by other variables not examined in this study.Keywords: Brand Image; Digital Marketing; Social Media Promotions; Purchasing Decisions
PENGARUH CITRA MEREK, KUALITAS PRODUK DAN DESAIN PRODUK TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN LUWAK WHITE COFFEE DI KOTA BATAM
Authors: Tan Andi , Saputra Asron
Published: September 2023

Various initiatives were carried out by the company to boost product sales to meet consumer demand. When a person recognizes a need in general and wants in particular, the buying process occurs. The difference between the desired state and the existing condition begins to register in the person's consciousness. Because everyone has different points of reference and attitudes towards goods, one's buying behavior can be said to be unique. Brand Image, Product Quality and Product Design are existing factors that can influence purchasing decisions. The sampling technique uses simple random sampling. For data collection purposes, the researcher distributed questionnaires, which contained a list of questions that had to be answered by the participants. The method used in the findings contained in this study is a quantitative-based research by conducting multiple linear analysis. The results of research based on a study will certainly be able to prove that brand image, product quality and product design have a significant effect on purchasing decisions for Luwak White Coffee in Batam City.
PENERAPAAN LAYANAN PENCETAKAN ULANG KTP PADA APLIKASI KEPENDUDUKAN SECARA ELEKTRONIK (LAKSE) DI KOTA BATAM
Authors: Dimaz fathurokhman Dimaz fathurokhman , Karol Teovani Lodan Karol Teovani Lodan
Published: September 2023

In conducting public services, there are often problems such as long queues and long waiting times. Many people complained about the offline service due to time constraints and the tight schedules they have. In order to simplify and accelerate the process of making population documents, the Population and Civil Registration Office (Disdukcapil) together with the Communication and Informatics Office (Kominfo) of Batam City created the Electronic Population Service Application (LAKSE). The purpose of this research is to find out the implementation of Electronic Population Service Application (LAKSE) which focuses on ID card reprinting in Batam City. The type of research method used is descriptive qualitative. The result of the research shows that the service of making Identity Card (KTP) in Batam City is still done manually, and for now the LAKSE application only allows society to do reprint service of KTP that is lost or damaged and this application has not been widely spread in society and also experienced technical issues such as lack of understanding in operating it and error problems in the LAKSE application which caused delays in the process of services provided.

Keywords: Services, KTP, Application, LAKSE.
ANALISIS STRUKTUR KOMUNIKASI ORGANISASI DALAM MENINGKATKAN KINERJA KARYAWAN PT SIMATELEX DI KOTA BATAM
Authors: Tampubolon Yuli , Rorong Michael Jibrael
Published: September 2023

Organisational communication between leaders and subordinates is very important to know because from a good communication, a good relationship between leaders and subordinates is established. From the results of observations, it was found that the common problems experienced by a company are disharmonious relationships between superiors and subordinates, this is due to the lack of trust of superiors to subordinates or vice versa, policy making without transparency, and lack of communication and others. This company experiences various obstacles in its operations caused by obstacles in the communication process, causing a decrease in employee performance. This research was conducted to find out the communication pattern in PT Simatelex Batam City, for the interaction process of PT Simatelex in building relationships and to find out the organisation's strategy in improving employee performance The type of research used is qualitative research. The subjects of this research are Production Leader, Production Line Leader and Production Operator. The results showed that the communication patterns that are often used at PT Simatelex are Circle Pattern, Wheel Pattern, Y Pattern and Star Pattern. Furthermore, the interaction process that exists at PT simatelex, especially the production department, to build relationships between companies and employees, namely with personal relationships and simatelex strategies in improving employee performance, namely time and facilities.
PENGGUNAAN MEDIA SOSIAL INSTAGRAM DALAM PEMENUHAN KEBUTUHAN INFORMASI REPRODUKSI REMAJA KOTA BATAM
Authors: Herlina Vani
Published: September 2023

Adolescents need to obtain reproductive health information through accurate sources for consideration of taking an action. Efforts to find the information needed will lead to behavior, which is called information seeking behavior. This information seeking behavior is an effort to find something as a result of the need to meet certain goals. The impact of the unavailability of information and the low understanding of adolescents about reproductive health results in adolescents engaging in risky behaviors such as pre-marital sex, early marriage, and unwanted pregnancy. Social media Instagram tabu.id is the closest thing to today's society. then with the existence of social media, all information can be conveyed quickly. Tabu.id utilizes social media, especially Instagram, to disseminate information about reproductive health, while in Indonesian society itself it is still considered taboo to talk about. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of social media instagram @tabu.id in fulfilling the reproductive information needs of adolescents in Batam City and to determine the role of social media instagram @tabu.id in fulfilling the reproductive information needs of adolescents in Batam City. The research method used is quantitative method research using simple regression analysis. The results showed that there was an influence between the use of Instagram social media on the fulfillment of reproductive information needs of adolescents in Batam City.

Keywords: Social Media, Information Needs, Adolescent Reproduction
Strategi Komunikasi Pemasaran Golf Course Teringbay Nongsa dalam peningkatan Kunjungan Pasca Covid 19
Authors: Dwinata Ranisha , Abidin Sholihul
Published: September 2023

Tourism is undeniably one of the major contributors to a country's economy, making its development crucial. Among the tourism sectors that significantly contribute to national revenue is the sport of golf. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the marketing communication strategies of Golf Course Teringbay Nongsa in enhancing post-COVID19 visits and aiding the national economy. The study utilizes informant interviews to examine the various forms of implementing marketing communication strategies at Golf Course Teringbay Nongsa, employing the Integrated Marketing Communication theory as the conceptual framework. The findings provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the applied strategies in attracting visitors amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic and their potential impact on the economic growth of the nation.
EFEKTIVITAS PERLINDUNGAN HUKUM TERHADAP ANAK SEBAGAI KORBAN TINDAK PIDANA PELECEHAN SEKSUAL (Studi Putusan Nomor 24/Pid.B/2011/PN.Sri)
Authors: Yandika pratama Yuda , Jamba Padrisan
Published: September 2023

Cases of sexual violence against minors are a serious concern in the legal aspect of child protection. This research looks at the legal effectiveness of protecting children as victims of sexual abuse by using violence. The case raised was decision Number 24/Pid.B/2011/PN.Sri which involved the Defendant Iskandar Wihyawari Alias ​​​​Iskandar who was charged with violating Article 81 paragraph (1) of the Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 23 of 2002 concerning Child Protection juncto Article 64 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code. Through the effectiveness of the law, the author explores the events that occurred and their impact on the victim and the relevance of the law applied in the decision. This research also highlights the importance of child protection and the joint responsibility of the government, society and legal institutions in preventing and taking action against sexual violence against children.
PERAN KEPOLISAN POLRESTA BARELANG TERHADAP EKSPOLITASI ANAKDALAM MENGANGGULANGI TINDAK PIDANA ANAK DI WILAYAH KOTA BATAM
Authors: Pratama Rizky , Jamba Padrisan
Published: September 2023

Sexual exploitation is currently a profitable global business. This business is referred to as sex trafficking on an international scale. Women and children are forced into sex slavery by being sold, kidnapped, tortured, or raped whose main goal is to gain huge profits. Speaking in the context of decency, there are many things that influence children to be easily exploited as sex workers, such as social media, the community environment, and their own family environment. Social media is a tool where exploitation cases can occur. In law enforcement (criminal) the police are the body that really determines the process of settling a criminal case. This can be seen in the criminal justice system, where the police are the first agency to handle criminal cases. The authority given will result in a settlement or screening of violations of the law. From the results of research carried out preventively in the form of prevention such as outreach to elements of society by working with related agencies, then monitoring several public facilities in Batam City and in handling police cases from each region, especially the Barelang Police call for cooperation from various parties to prevent and arrest suspects
REPRESENTASI MAKNA KASIH SAYANG AYAH DALAM FILM SEJUTA SAYANG UNTUKNYA
Authors: Sari Rismaya Meuthia
Published: September 2023

Film merupakan  suatu karya seni yang diproduksi berdasarkan prinsip sinematografi dan merupakan alat komunikasi bersifat pandang dengar yang menyampaikan pesan kepada penonton, baik itu nasihat, pendidikan, hiburan, dan informasi, dengan menggunakan bentuk-bentuk simbolik yang ada dalam diri manusia berupa pesan, dialog, dan gerakan tubuh. Film dapat memproduksi berbagai peristiwa dalam kehidupan sehari-hari bermasyarakat, kehidupan keluarga, persahabatan, cinta, sejarah, dan sebagainya. Setiap film memiliki cara yang berbeda dalam mengemas dan mempresentasikan peristiwa atau tema yang akan dirangkai menjadi sebuah ceriita berdasarkan ide yang disampaikan oleh pembuat film. Film Sejuta Sayang Untuknya yang dirilis di tahun 2020 ini bercerita tentang seorang ayah tunggal bernama Aktor Sagala yang harus berperan ganda sebagai orang tua tunggal yang merawat dan membiayai kehidupan putri semata wayang, Gina setelah istrinya meninggal dunia. Bekerja keras untuk membiayai sekolah putrinya ditengah krisisnya ekonomi keluarga.Penelitian ini menggunakan teori Rolland Barthes yang digunakan untuk menganalisis makna dan tanda-tanda kasih sayang yang ditunjukkan ayah terhadap putrinya. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk memahami ungkapan kasih sayang ayah kepada putrinya dalam kehidupan dalam film Sejuta Sayang Untuknya. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu pendekatan kualitatif dengan analisis semiotika Rolland Barthes. Teknik pengumpulan data yang dilakukan dalam penelitian ini adalah dengan cara mengamati makna dan tanda kasih sayang seorang ayah yang didapatkan dari adegan, dialog dari masing-masing karakter dan melakukan analisis terhadap tampilan.

 

Kata Kunci: Representasi, Kasih Sayang Ayah, Semiotika, Rolland Barthes
EFEKTIVITAS PERATURAN PRESIDEN TERKAIT PENGADAAN, PENYALURAN DAN HARGA JUAL ECERAN BAHAN BAKAR MINYAK BERSUBSIDI DI KOTA BATAM
Authors: SIANTURI GABRIEL SHAFTO ARA ANGGITO , Jamba Padrisan
Published: September 2023

The provision, distribution, and retail price of subsidized fuel oil are crucial issues in efforts to address energy price instability in Batam City. The enactment of presidential regulations to govern these aspects is expected to enhance the effectiveness of the fuel subsidy policy. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of presidential regulations regarding the provision, distribution, and retail price of subsidized fuel oil in Batam City. The research method employed is descriptive analysis, gathering data from primary and secondary sources. The research findings indicate that despite the implementation of presidential regulations, there are still several obstacles hampering its effectiveness. Factors such as inadequate infrastructure, consistent scarcity of fuel oil stocks, and logistical constraints pose significant challenges in the provision and distribution of subsidized fuel oil. Moreover, the retail price of subsidized fuel oil remains vulnerable to market fluctuations, and some business actors continue to exploit the subsidy policy for personal gains. The proposed recommendations include improving supporting infrastructure, diversifying sources of subsidized fuel oil, and enhancing oversight of regulation implementation. Collaborative efforts among the government, industry, and society are essential to achieve the goal of an effective fuel subsidy policy in Batam City.Keywords: Effectiveness, Implementation, Presidential Regulation, Subsidized Oil.
Sonogenetics: a mini review
Authors: Bell Kama , Heo Hyeonu , Jing Yun
Published: September 2023

Sonogenetics has emerged as a tool of therapeutic ultrasound which is revolutionizing the ability to non-invasively modulate the activity of neurons and other excitatory cells. This technology utilizes bioengineering methods to confer or amplify ultrasound sensitivity in target cells using engineered or modified protein mediators. The neuromodulation community has shown a growing interest in sonogenetics due to ultrasound’s ability to penetrate the skull and reach deep brain tissue, enabling non-invasive modulation of neurons. Novel methods of sonogenetics aim to enhance cellular control in humans by leveraging mechanosensitive and thermosensitive cellular mechanisms activated by ultrasound to address cellular dysfunction and degeneration. This mini review summarizes the progress of sonogenetic mediators proposed for neuromodulation and looks at new therapeutic applications of sonogenetics for cancer treatment and vision restoration.
Research progress of calcium carbonate nanomaterials in cancer therapy: challenge and opportunity
Authors: Liang Tiantian , Feng Zongqi , Zhang Xiao , Li Tianfang , Yang Tingyu , Yu Lan
Published: September 2023

Cancer has keeping the main threat to the health of human being. Its overall survival rate has shown rare substantial progress in spite of the improving diagnostic and treatment techniques for cancer in recent years. Indeed, such classic strategies for malignant tumor as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy have been developed and bring more hope to the patients, but still been accompanied by certain limitations, which include the challenge of managing large wound sizes, systemic toxic side effects, and harmful to the healthy tissues caused by imprecise alignment with tumors in radiotherapy. Furthermore, immunotherapy exhibits a limited therapeutic effect in advanced tumors which is reported only up to 25%–30%. The combination of nanomaterials and cancer treatment offers new hope for cancer patients, demonstrating strong potential in the field of medical research. Among the extensively utilized nanomaterials, calcium carbonate nanomaterials (CCNM) exhibit a broad spectrum of biomedical applications due to their abundant availability, cost-effectiveness, and exceptional safety profile. CCNM have the potential to elevate intracellular Ca2+ levels in tumor cells, trigger the mitochondrial damage and ultimately lead to tumor cell death. Moreover, compared with other types of nanomaterials, CCNM exhibit remarkable advantages as delivery systems owing to their high loading capacity, biocompatibility and biodegradability. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of CCNM synthesis, focusing on summarizing its diverse roles in cancer treatment and the benefits and challenges associated with CCNM in cancer therapy. Hoping to present the significance of CCNM as for the clinical application, and summarize information for the design of CCNM and other types of nanomaterials in the future.
Transcriptome analyses reveal new insights on key determinants of perineural invasion in high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Zheng Zhen , Li Xiao , Chen Guoqiang , Chen Jing , Zhu Xiaolu , Teng Yincheng
Published: September 2023

Perineural invasion (PNI) is a pathological feature of many cancers associated with poor outcomes, metastases, and recurrence. In relation to ovarian cancer (OC), there is no information about PNI’s role and mechanisms. Our study found that patients with PNI-positive symptoms had significantly shorter overall survival (OS) time than patients with PNI-negative symptoms. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that PNI represented a substantial independent prognostic factor in OC patients. At the transcriptome level, it is noteworthy that PNI positivity was negatively correlated with the degree of infiltration of immune killer cells in OC tumor tissues, including macrophage, central memory CD4 T-cell, natural killer cells, monocyte, and central memory CD4 T-cell. The results of this study revealed that TAS2Rs proteins were markedly upregulated in PNI-positive OC tissues and predicted poor prognoses. Moreover, Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the TAS2R10 protein was associated with poor prognoses and PNI in OC. Consequently, we found for the first time that PNI was a powerful predictor of poor prognosis in OC and analyzed its expression pattern and some preliminary biochemical characterization, providing new clues for guiding clinical prevention and treatment of OC.
Case Report: Metagenomic next-generation sequencing applied in diagnosing psittacosis caused by Chlamydia psittaci infection
Authors: Xu Wan , Wang Qing , Li Lin , Zhu Binghua , Cai Qingqing , Yi Xiaoli , Fang Rong , Wang Qian
Published: September 2023

Background

Chlamydia psittaci is the causative agent of psittacosis in humans, while its rapid identification is hampered due to the lack of specificity of laboratory testing methods.

Case presentation

This study reports four cases of C. psittaci infection after contact with a domestic parrot, all belonging to the same family. Common manifestations like fever, cough, headache, nausea, and hypodynamia appeared in the patients. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) aided the etiological diagnosis of psittacosis, revealing 58318 and 7 sequence reads corresponding to C. psittaci in two cases. The detected C. psittaci was typed as ST100001 in the Multilocus-sequence typing (MLST) system, a novel strain initially reported. Based on the results of pathogenic identification by mNGS, the four patients were individually, treated with different antibiotics, and discharged with favorable outcomes.

Conclusion

In diagnosing psittacosis caused by a rare C. psittaci agent, mNGS provides rapid etiological identification, contributing to targeted antibiotic therapy and favorable outcomes. This study also reminds clinicians to raise awareness of psittacosis when encountering family members with a fever of unknown origin.
Cure of mycobacterium avium keratitis caused by trauma in elderly: case report
Authors: Chen Xiaoting , Wang Hongyan , Wen Kaizhen , Lin Shuilong , Li Bingbing , Lin Meiying
Published: September 2023

We report a case of Mycobacterium avium keratitis, first detected in the laboratory, which is from an 81-year-old female patient with a 13-year history of recurrent keratitis after eye injuries. This patient underwent anterior chamber irrigation of the right eye, and autologous conjunctival flap covering plus medication, and the corneal ulcer healed. She recovered well after continuing with the medication for half a year. The patient was not immune-compromised. Complex eye diseases such as blurred vision and cataracts caused by advanced age, delayed symptoms caused by slow growth of Mycobacterium avium and low-grade inflammation, difficulty with laboratory culture, repeated medication use, and repeated illnesses were the main reasons for the prolonged failure to clarify the etiology of this case. Morphological examination provided important clues for the initial discovery of pathogenic bacteria. Remind to pay attention to the morphology of Mycobacterium under Gram staining and Rui’s Giemsa staining. Acid fast staining and Deoxyribonucleic Acid(DNA) microarray chip method can be used as indicators for rapid diagnosis of Mycobacterium species.
Understanding acceptability of digital health technologies among francophone-speaking communities across the world: a meta-ethnographic study
Authors: Gauthier-Beaupré Amélie , Grosjean Sylvie
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Increasingly, people are turning toward digital health technologies to support their care management, communication with health professionals, and performing activities of daily living. Digital health technologies may be well implemented in clinical practices in several jurisdictions, but the influence of sociocultural factors may sometimes be neglected. To increase use and sustainability of these innovative solutions in health care, we need to understand acceptability among diverse groups of the population such as linguistically diverse populations. Francophone-speaking populations in Canada, for example, are known to endure challenges with income, health and difficulties associated with living in rural areas which impede on their likelihood to use digital health technologies. As part of the University of Ottawa International Francophonie Research Chair on Digital Health Technologies, this study aimed to understand the conditions that make digital health technologies acceptable among francophone-speaking communities.

Methods

Using a meta-ethnography methodology, this study synthesizes international qualitative research on social acceptability of digital health technology among francophone-speaking communities. We focused on four types of digital health technologies: telemedicine, mobile technologies, wearable technologies, and robotic technologies. Using Noblit and Hare's 7 phase approach to conducting a meta-ethnography, we were able to get a comprehensive synthesis and understanding of the research landscape on the issue. Studies published between 2010 and 2020 were included and synthesized using NVivo, excel and a mind mapping technique.

Results

Our coding revealed that factors of social acceptability for digital health technologies could be grouped into the following categories: care organization, self-care support, communication with care team, relational and technical risks, organizational factors, social and ethical values. Our paper discusses the themes evoked in each category and their relevance for the included digital health technologies.

Discussion

In discussing the results, we present commonalities and differences in the social acceptability factors of the different digital health technologies. In addition, we demonstrate the importance of considering sociocultural diversity in the study of social acceptability for digital health technologies.

Implications

The results of this study have implications for practitioners who are the instigators of digital health technology implementation with healthcare service users. By understanding factors of social acceptability among francophone-speaking communities, practitioners will be better suited to propose and support the implementation of technologies in ways that are suitable for these individuals. For policymakers, this knowledge could be used for developing policy actions based on consideration for diversity.
Association of soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 protein with new-onset atrial fibrillation in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary PCI
Authors: Zhao Ting-ting , Pan Tian-jiao , Yang Yi-bo , Pei Xiao-yang , Wang Yong
Published: September 2023

Background

Previous studies have indicated that the soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 protein (sST2) is associated with new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) in patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the predictive value of sST2 in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not been well studied.

Methods

A total of 580 patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI were consecutively recruited between January 2021 and January 2023. These patients were then categorized into two groups: the NOAF group and the no NOAF groups based on the presence of NOAF during admission. The concentration of sST2 in blood samples was measured in all patients. The clinical data from the two groups were prospectively analyzed to investigate the predictive factors of NOAF in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI.

Results

A total of 41 (7.1%) patients developed NOAF. The presence of NOAF has been found to be associated with various factors, including age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, the left atrial (LA) diameter, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, C-reactive protein (CRP), sST2, a Killip class of ≥2, and a final TIMI flow grade of <3. After including multiple factors, it was observed that LA diameter, CRP, sST2, a Killip class of ≥2, and a final TIMI flow grade of <3 remained significant risk factors for developing NOAF. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed the following findings: (1) when the LA diameter exceeded 38.5 mm, the sensitivity and specificity values were observed to be 67.2% and 68.2%, respectively, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.683 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.545–0.732; p = 0.003]; (2) when the CRP level exceeded 8.59, the sensitivity and specificity values were observed to be 68.6% and 69.2%, respectively, and the AUC was 0.713 (95% CI: 0.621–0.778; p < 0.001); and (3) when the sST2 value exceeded 53.3, the sensitivity and specificity values were 79.2% and 68.7%, respectively, and the AUC was 0.799 (95% CI: 0.675–0.865; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

sST2 has been identified as an independent predictor of NOAF in patients with STEMI undergoing PCI.
Historical overview and challenges in the development of bioarchaeology in Japan
Authors: Nagaoka Tomohito
Published: September 2023

Archaeological human skeletons provide direct evidence of the physical features, lifestyle, diseases, mortality, and health of our ancestors. Bioarchaeology explores population-based trends that vary according to subsistence, social stratification, urbanization, and industrial development. The first systematic bioarchaeological studies in Japan were those on medieval human skeletons in Kamakura City, Japan, in 2003. However, most anthropological studies have focused on the origin and population history of the Japanese since the end of 19th century. Moreover, the number of bioarchaeological studies in Japan is far lower than that in North America, Europe, and Latin America. This paper reviews the history of bioarchaeological research in Japan and discusses the problems associated with its development.
Using version control to document genuine effort in written assignments: a protocol with examples for universities
Authors: Orbán Levente L.
Published: September 2023

This conceptual report describes a novel assessment technique to evaluate written assignments in universities, such as literature reviews, essays or research proposals, over the course of the academic semester in multiple milestones. The method can be adapted to undergraduate and graduate courses in disciplines with a writing requirement. Key features of this method include encouraging student self-regulation and spacing of learning, rapid scoring using quantitative elements, improving the authenticity and transparency of the written work, and guiding students towards better writing and thinking skills. The method involves the implementation of a system called version control, which is a class of software to track and manage changes to textual data, often used by programmers to track code. This report describes a use case in two psychology courses describing the logistics and marking dynamics surrounding the assessment. This protocol has been seeded on a public repository on GitHub where educators can contribute and develop the technique further.
The impact of poor metabolic health on aggressive breast cancer: adipose tissue and tumor metabolism
Authors: Sankofi Barbara Mensah , Valencia-Rincón Estefania , Sekhri Malika , Ponton-Almodovar Adriana L. , Bernard Jamie J. , Wellberg Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2023

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are chronic metabolic diseases that impact tens to hundreds of millions of adults, especially in developed countries. Each condition is associated with an elevated risk of breast cancer and with a poor prognosis after treatment. The mechanisms connecting poor metabolic health to breast cancer are numerous and include hyperinsulinemia, inflammation, excess nutrient availability, and adipose tissue dysfunction. Here, we focus on adipose tissue, highlighting important roles for both adipocytes and fibroblasts in breast cancer progression. One potentially important mediator of adipose tissue effects on breast cancer is the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling network. Among the many roles of FGFR signaling, we postulate that key mechanisms driving aggressive breast cancer include epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cellular metabolic reprogramming. We also pose existing questions that may help better understand breast cancer biology in people with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and poor metabolic health.
Forest emissions reduction assessment from airborne LiDAR data using multiple machine learning approaches
Authors: Qin Shize , Chen Yiming , Yang Bo , Zhu Kaiwei
Published: September 2023

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of different modeling methods and tree structural parameters extracted from airborne LiDAR for estimating carbon emissions reduction and assess their reliability as Certified Emission Reduction (CER) assessment techniques.

Methods: LiDAR data was collected from an afforestation project in Beijing, China. Various modeling methods, including statistical regression and machine learning algorithms, were used to estimate biomass and carbon emissions reduction. The models were evaluated under two schemes: tree-species-specific modeling scheme (Scheme 1) and all-sample modeling scheme (Scheme 2) using cross-validation and compared with ground-based estimations and pre-estimated emission reductions.

Results: Totally, the biomass estimation models in scheme 1 showed better accuracy than scheme 2. In scheme 1, The Random Forest (RF) and Cubist models achieved the highest prediction accuracy (R2 = 0.89, RMSE = 22.87 kg, CV RMSE = 52.00 kg), followed by GDBT and Cubist, with SVR and GAM performing the weakest. In scheme 2, Cubist model had the highest accuracy (R2 = 0.75, RMSE = 33.95 kg, CV RMSE = 36.05 kg), followed by RF and GBDT, with SVR and GAM performing the weakest. LiDAR-based estimates of carbon emissions reduction were closer to ground-based estimations and higher than pre-estimated values.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that LiDAR-based models using tree structural parameters can accurately assess carbon emissions reduction. The models outperformed traditional methods in terms of cost and accuracy. Considering tree species in the modeling process improved the accuracy of the models. LiDAR technology has the potential to be a reliable assessment technique for carbon emissions reduction in forestry projects. The pre-trained models can be used for multiple predictions, reducing the cost of carbon sink surveys. Overall, LiDAR-based models provide a promising approach for assessing carbon emissions reduction and can contribute to mitigating climate change.
Ironwood/hophornbeam leaf rust, an emergent disease across the southeastern United States affiliated to Melampsoridium asiaticum
Authors: Anger Nicolas , Held Benjamin W. , Blanchette Robert A. , Ono Yoshitaka , Aime Catherine M. , Smith Jason A.
Published: September 2023

In the late fall of 2018, foliar rust (referred to as ironwood/hophornbeam leaf rust [IHLR]) was discovered in several counties in Florida, United States, on ironwood (Carpinus caroliniana) and hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana), both members of the Betulaceae. Uredinia were observed on leaves and, in some cases, samaras of both species at numerous locations on trees of all age classes. Similar reports across the southeastern United States (Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Texas) were detected the following year, with European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) being reported as an additional host, while Ostrya virginiana var. guatemalensis in El Salvador was also discovered showing signs of uredinial infection. Field observations and analyses of morphological data obtained with light and scanning electron microscopy on IHLR and related Melampsoridium herbarium samples and combined molecular data from the ITS and LSU loci indicate that (i) IHLR across samples from the southeastern United States and El Salvador belong to the same taxon; (ii) IHLR is closely affiliated to M. asiaticum; and (iii) some taxonomic modifications might be necessary at the genus level. No alternative (gametophyte) host has been identified, and the rust is likely overwintering in the uredinial stage. This disease represents a novel leaf pathogen on these hosts in North America, and efforts are needed to monitor future disease epidemiology and impacts on these native and cultivated tree species.
A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry based method for the quantification of adenosine nucleotides and NAD precursors and products in various biological samples
Authors: Hiefner Johanna , Rische Johann , Bunders Madeleine J. , Worthmann Anna
Published: September 2023

Adenine nucleotides (AN) are ubiquitous metabolites that regulate cellular energy metabolism and modulate cell communication and inflammation. To understand how disturbances in AN balance arise and affect cellular function, robust quantification techniques for these metabolites are crucial. However, due to their hydrophilicity, simultaneous quantification of AN across various biological samples has been challenging. Here we present a hydrophilic interaction high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) based method for the quantification of 26 adenosine nucleotides and precursors as well as metabolic products of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) in plasma, liver, and adipose tissue samples as well as cell culture supernatants and cells. Method validation was performed with regard to linearity, accuracy, precision, matrix effects, and carryover. Finally, analysis of cell culture supernatants derived from intestinal organoids and RAW 264.7 cells illustrates that the here described method is a reliable and easy-to-use tool to quantify AN and opens up new avenues to understand the role of AN generation and breakdown for cellular functions.
Geographic variation in population structure and grazing features of Calanus glacialis/marshallae in the Pacific Arctic Ocean
Authors: Ishihara Minami , Matsuno Kohei , Tokuhiro Koki , Ando Yasuhiro , Sato Kazutoshi , Yamaguchi Atsushi
Published: September 2023

Calanus glacialis/marshallae is a dominant zooplankton species in the Pacific Arctic Ocean that is widely distributed in shelf areas, and it plays a vital role in connecting primary production to higher trophic levels. Its phenology is well adapted to hydrography, but there is little available information about regional and diel changes in population structure and grazing features. In this study, we investigated C. glacialis/marshallae during autumn 2019 in the Eastern and Northeastern Chukchi and Canadian basins to reveal geographic and diel variations in population structure, body size, grazing activity, and fatty acid composition. The abundance of C. glacialis/marshallae was found to be high on the slopes and low on the shelves. Body size (prosome length) was well described by the Bělehrádek equation combined with in-situ temperature throughout the sampling region. Cluster analyses based on hydrographic parameters were divided into four regions: southern shelf, northern shelf, slope, and basin. The southern shelf was dominated by copepodite stage five (C5) transported from the Bering Sea by Pacific waters. C4 and C5 were dominant on the northern shelf, suggesting that they grew slower than those on the southern shelf, and the populations also exhibited higher concentrations of fatty acids originating from dinoflagellates than those originating from the pan-Arctic Ocean, indicating low productivity in the region. The population on the slope had the highest abundance, C4 was dominant, and large amounts of diatom-derived eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These features are attributed to the upwelling of populations and nutrients that support diatom growth. In the basin, the early copepodite stages of composition were distinctly higher than those recorded in previous studies, because larger amounts of organisms flow into the region, resulting in more extended reproduction periods. In the basin, small and large forms of C5 were simultaneously found, and the small form exhibited a diel grazing activity pattern, but the large forms did not. These findings suggest their well adaptation in changing of the Pacific Arctic Ocean.
Wild salmon enumeration and monitoring using deep learning empowered detection and tracking
Authors: Atlas William I. , Ma Sami , Chou Yi Ching , Connors Katrina , Scurfield Daniel , Nam Brandon , Ma Xiaoqiang , Cleveland Mark , Doire Janvier , Moore Jonathan W. , Shea Ryan , Liu Jiangchuan
Published: September 2023

Pacific salmon have experienced declining abundance and unpredictable returns, yet remain vital to livelihoods, food security, and cultures of coastal communities around the Pacific Rim, creating a need for reliable and timely monitoring to inform sustainable fishery management. Currently, spawning salmon abundance is often monitored with in-river video or sonar cameras. However, reviewing video for estimates of salmon abundance from these programs requires thousands of hours of staff time, and data are typically not available until after the fishing season is completed. Computer vision deep learning can enable rapid and reliable processing of data, with potentially transformative applications in salmon population assessment and fishery management. Working with two First Nations fishery programs in British Columbia, Canada, we developed, trained, and tested deep learning models to perform object detection and multi-object tracking for automated video enumeration of salmon passing two First Nation-run weirs. We gathered and annotated more than 500,000 frames of video data encompassing 12 species, including seven species of anadromous salmonids, and trained models for multi-object tracking and species detection. Our top performing model achieved a mean average precision (mAP) of 67.6%, and species-specific mAP scores > 90% for coho and > 80% for sockeye salmon when trained with a combined dataset of Kitwanga and Bear Rivers’ salmon annotations. We also tested and deployed a prototype for a real-time monitoring system that can perform computer vision deep learning analyses on site. Computer vision models and off-grid monitoring systems show promise for automated counting and species identification. A key future priority will be working with stewardship practitioners and fishery managers to apply salmon computer vision, testing and applying edge-capable computing solutions for in-situ analysis at remote sites, and developing tools for independent user-led computer vision analysis by non-computer scientists. These efforts can advance in-season monitoring and decision making to support adaptive management of sustainable wild salmon fisheries.
Performance of European oysters (Ostrea edulis L.) in the Dutch North Sea, across five restoration pilots
Authors: Bos Oscar G. , Duarte-Pedrosa Stephanie , Didderen Karin , Bergsma Joost H. , Heye Sonia , Kamermans Pauline
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) is a biogenic reef former, internationally recognised as threatened and declining in the NE Atlantic by OSPAR and one of the focal species in nature inclusive designs in offshore windfarms in The Netherlands. Oyster reefs offer habitat to many other benthic hard substrate and fish species and provide ecosystem functions such as shelter and feeding grounds. European flat oyster reefs have disappeared from the Dutch North Sea in the early 1900s due to overfishing and diseases but are now subject of nature restoration under the Dutch Marine Strategy.

Method

Since 2018, pilot projects have started in the Dutch North Sea to restore European flat oysters at suitable locations, such as offshore windfarms or natural reefs, which are protected from bottom trawling. We compared European flat oyster performance in five pilot projects, using translocated adult oysters sourced from Ireland, Norway, and the Netherlands. The aim of this research was to assess the performance of translocated oysters between pilots, to assess the installation and monitoring techniques, and to come forward with recommendations for future pilot projects.

Results

We found that translocation of both foreign sourced flat oyster populations (Ireland and Norway in nearshore and offshore areas) and local oysters (in nearshore areas) result in good oyster performance. Oysters were able to grow (max 3.67 mm/month) and reproduce (larvae present) in their new environment. We found that growth rate was explained by origin and average water temperature, to a lesser extent by number of months, location and salinity and not to other environmental factors such as pH and O2. Correlations between growth and environmental conditions need to be considered with caution, since not all pilots were sampled just before and after the growing season. Oysters were Bonamia-negative at the start and end of the pilots, indicating that the offshore Dutch North Sea is still Bonamia-free.

Discussion, conclusions, recommendations

By the year 2050 more than ten new offshore farms will be constructed in the Dutch North Sea and some sites will be suitable for oyster restoration. We conclude that local and foreign sourced oysters performed well at all locations. Based on the success and failure of the different outplacement and monitoring techniques, we provide recommendations on good practice for the future, including developing standardized monitoring protocols. This will enable better inter-site comparisons in upcoming oyster restoration pilots.
Interface engineering in 2D materials for SERS sensing
Authors: Zhao Shaoguang , Zhao Yu , Tao Li
Published: September 2023

In recent years, the use of 2D materials as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) active substrates has been extensively investigated. This mini review emphasizes the tunable interface characteristics of 2D materials as SERS substrates. Notably, 2D materials exhibit a wealth of tunable properties, encompassing energy levels, band structures, and interlayer coupling, which confer upon them significant potential as versatile SERS substrates. We summarize the recent advances in tunable 2D materials as SERS active substrates, providing guidance for future research in developing tunable multifunctional molecular sensors based on 2D materials.
Alterations of ocular surface parameters in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome
Authors: Hao Linlin , Tian Qingfen , Liu Shaohua , Xu Zhe , Yang Lixia
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate changes in ocular surface parameters among obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients.

Methods

44 healthy volunteers (88 eyes) and 27 OSAS patients (54 eyes) were recruited in our cross-sectional study. 14 patients were classified as mild&moderate OSAS, and 13 patients were classified as severe OSAS. For evaluating the ocular surface, the following tests were conducted: the height of tear meniscus (TMH), first non-invasive tear break-up time (FNITBUT), mean non-invasive tear break-up time (MNITBUT), the score of Meibomian gland dropout area (Meiboscore), the tear test of anesthesia-free Schirmer I (SIT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), partial blinks rate (PBR), the lipid layer thickness (LLT), ocular surface disease index (OSDI). The results obtained from the study were analyzed and compared among the groups.

Results

FNITBUT, MNITBUT, and TMH were lower. OSDI, CFS, Meiboscore and PBR were higher in the OSAS group than those in the control group. The mild&moderate as well as the severe OSAS subgroups had statistically significantly lower TMH, and higher OSDI and PBR than the control group. Meanwhile, we found there were no significant differences between two OSAS subgroups. CFS was higher in the severe OSAS group than the mild&moderate OSAS group. Significantly lower FNITBUT, MNITBUT and higher Meiboscore were observed in the severe OSAS subgroup than in the control group, and MNITBUT was higher in severe OSAS objects than in the mild&moderate OSAS objects. LLT and SIT did not exhibit significant differences among control and OSAS subgroups. FNITBUT and MNITBUT showed significantly negative correlations with BMI, while Meiboscore showed a significant positive correlation with AHI.

Conclusion

Patients with OSAS have a tendence of dry eyes, whereas control subjects do not. This indicates us that the OSAS patients should pay more attention to ocular surface care.