bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensory design of a lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla) flavored frozen hamburger
Authors: Cruz Paula , Ortiz Manuel , Colina Jhoana
Published: April 2024

The objective of this research is to design, through sensory characteristics, a frozen hamburger made from beef and pork with a lemongrass flavor, evaluating changes in flavor and texture profiles during 15 days of storage. The project was carried out in two phases, the first one, included the development of hamburger formulations using an extreme vertex mix design, which showed nine formulations based on the percentage of beef and pork ( 0.0 - 94.9%), and citron oil (0.1-0.75%), where the response variable was acceptability. A flash profile test was applied to 20 consumers to determine the positioning of the flavor and texture profiles of the 9 formulations. The interpretation of the results of the mixture design showed that the meat with the highest acceptance was the sample of 23.64% pork, 71.09% beef and 0.26% cedar oil. The second phase included the evaluation of the selected sample under two storage conditions, freezing (T = -14 ° C) and deep-freezing (T = -30 ° C x 2h), applying sensory tests of Check-All-That-Apply questions (CATA) for two weeks, with 60 consumers, compared to an ideal sample (sample day 0). The results of these tests show that the most significant attributes for the flavor and texture profiles of the ideal hamburger are: roughness, juiciness, herbal, smoked and consistency; and those attributes that should not be present in a hamburger are: bitter, spicy and fatty. The samples that were subjected to deep freezing showed a greater acceptance among the panelists, since their organoleptic characteristics are conserved in the same period with respect to the frozen samples.
Supernovae in 2023 (review): possible breakthroughs by late observations
Authors: Soker Noam
Published: April 2024

I present a review of how late observations of supernovae, of the nebular phase, and much later of supernova remnants (SNRs), and their analysis in 2023 made progress towards possible breakthroughs in supporting the jittering jets explosion mechanism (JJEM) for core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe) and in introducing the group of lonely white dwarf (WD) scenarios for type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). The new analyses of CCSN remnants (CCSNRs) reveal point-symmetric morphologies in a way unnoticed before in several CCSNRs. Qualitative comparison to multipolar planetary nebulae that are shaped by jets suggests that jets exploded these CCSNe, as predicted by the JJEM, but incompatible with the prediction of the delayed neutrino explosion mechanism. The spherical morphology of the ejecta Pa 30 of the historical type Iax supernova (SN Iax) of 1181 AD, which studies in 2023 revealed, is mostly compatible with the explosion of a lonely WD. Namely, at the explosion time, there is only a WD, without any close companion, although the WD was formed via a close binary interaction, i.e., binary merger. Identifying point-symmetry in SNR G1.9+0.3, a normal SN Ia and the youngest SN in the Galaxy, suggests an SN explosion of a lonely WD inside a planetary nebula (an SNIP). The group of lonely WD scenarios includes the core degenerate scenario and the double degenerate scenario with a merger to explosion delay (MED) time. SN Ia explosions of lonely WDs are common and might actually account for most (or even all) normal SNe Ia.
Eficiencia de agentes antagónicos para el control de moniliophthora roreri en el cultivo de cacao
Authors: Cobos Mora Fernando , Montero Flores Pedro , Gómez Villalva Juan , Pérez Almeida Iris
Published: April 2024

Una de las limitaciones más importantes de la producción de cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) a nivel mundial es la presencia de Moniliophthora roreri causante de la enfermedad moniliasis, considerada altamente invasiva y endémica del cacao. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la eficiencia de agentes antagónicos para el control de Moniliophthora roreri en el cultivo de cacao. Los trabajos actuales sobre microorganismos antagonistas evidencian su potencial de empleo en el control de patógenos que afectan a cultivos de importancia económica. En la búsqueda de antagonistas microbianos se evaluaron hongos (Trichoderma spp.) y bacterias (Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus spp.) para el manejo de Moniliophthora roreri. en Theobroma cacao L., sugiriendo que pueden representar una alternativa a utilizar en el cultivo.
La lectura por placer y como estrategia de aprendizaje en niños de primer año
Authors: Becerra Narváez Diana , Ruilova Cueva Bernarda , Medina León Alberto
Published: April 2024

La propuesta está encaminada a proponer una estrategia metodológica que anime a promocionar hábitos lectores al tiempo que se convierta en una herramienta para propiciar mejoras en el proceso de enseñanza–aprendizaje. Se parte de la aplicación de métodos teóricos de investigación como vía para determinar las buenas prácticas y variables influyentes en el estudio. Se realiza un diagnóstico de la situación que presentan los alumnos de primero de básica, por medio de métodos empíricos y la aplicación de la prueba de Lectura y Escritura de Ricardo Olea (utilizada para analizar la lectura) obtuvieron acompañada de una evaluación referida a los resultados en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje, ambas en una escala de 1 a 4. obtuvieron valores de 1.9 y 2.15 respectivamente; así como la existencia de correlación por la prueba de Pearson entre las habilidades de lectura y el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes de este grupo, lo que confirma los bajos resultados en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje y la necesidad de intervenir para transformar esta realidad. Se propone una estrategia metodológica encaminada a fomentar la lectura y superar las deficiencias determinadas en el diagnóstico con la necesaria influencia en el aprendizaje. La propuesta es evaluada según el índice de recomendación por profesores de experiencia y directivos de la escuela y se obtiene un valor de 75, que representa un excelente resultado.
Páramo : Las aves revelan la ecología del Macizo del Cajas
Authors:   Universidad del Azuay, Aguilar-Ullauri Juan Manuel
Published: April 2024

Este libro es una exposición visual que resume la situación de las aves del páramo del Cajas; producto de más de diez años de experiencia monitoreando aves en el páramo. Esta obra contiene temas diseñados para brindar una explicación sencilla y concisa sobre las particularidades del ecosistema y las adaptaciones de la vida a las condiciones presentes en la cima de los Andes; pero, sobre todo, que bajo una perspectiva ecológica, se pueda entender las complejas relaciones que mantienen los seres vivos entre sí y con su ambiente, esas interacciones indispensables para la mantención del ecosistema. La Universidad del Azuay ha generado gran cantidad de información sobre las aves del Azuay que ya ha sido publicada, sin embargo, varios subproductos de estos esfuerzos aún no lo han hecho formalmente. Entre estos están fotografías, observaciones de procesos ecológicos y datos relevantes para la conservación del ecosistema páramo. Estos datos se concentran en este libro como material descriptivo y visual, con la intención de divulgarlos con un lenguaje más general y estándar para comprender la importancia del ecosistema páramo para las sociedades aguas abajo. Esta obra también es una compilación de la constante contribución a la ornitología de Fabián Rodas, Pedro Astudillo, Boris Tinoco, Andrea Nieto, Paúl Molina, Agustín Carrasco y Xavier Iñiguez; y de los guías de naturaleza: Diego Maldonado y Edison Juca, quienes han contribuido desde el turismo de naturaleza al visitar sitios que los biólogos no han considerado. Sin duda, esta compilación de datos ornitológicos será una herramienta para incrementar el valor que tienen las especies para la sociedad, además de fomentar la conservación y el turismo de la naturaleza. 112 páginas ISBN 978-9942-645-57-9 e-ISBN 978-9942-645-58-6
Interactive Module Based on QR Code to Increase Learning Interest in Entrepreneurship Course for College Students
Authors: Dewiyani Leola , Marini Arita , Khairunnisa Syafa , Maksum Arifin , Safitri Desy
Published: April 2024

This study examined the effect of an interactive module based on a QR Code on increasing the learning interest of college students at Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta in Indonesia. This study used the Research and Development (R&D) method to develop an interactive module based on a QR Code product and to test the effectiveness of the resulting product, and the researcher used an experimental form of one group pretest and post-test design. This research and development used the ADDIE model, which consists of 5 stages, analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The population in this study are college students at Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta in Indonesia. This study used simple random sampling with the Slovin formula consisting of 56 college students at Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta in Indonesia. In addition, the researcher used the paired sample t-test to test the hypothesis and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov t-test to test normality in this study. This study concludes that the interactive module based on QR codes increases the learning interest of college students at Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta in Indonesia.
Can Reflective Thinking Develop Students’ Metacognition in the Microeconomics Course?
Authors: Haryono Agung , Narmaditya Bagus Shandy , Munir Syahrul , Dalimunthe Muhammad Bukhori
Published: April 2024

Economics learning prepares students to deal with various decision-making processes and there is a need on independent learning. This study aims at investigating a reflective thinking approach to teaching microeconomics to enhance students’ metacognitive abilities. The study involved a quantitative research approach using a self-administered survey to collect data from participants. The findings indicate that reflective thinking method can be used to identify students’ learning challenges and to find solutions to cope their problems. In particular, the majority of students found difficulties in some chapters, such as profit calculation and pricing in imperfectly competitive markets, as well as game theory and competitive strategy. In addition, students can propose solutions by involving additional resources, e.g., textbooks and YouTube videos.
PERENCANAAN PENGEMBANGAN ASET FASILITAS HUTAN KOTA PATRIOT BINA BANGSA BEKASI BERDASARKAN PLACEMAKING
Authors: Melati Realita  , Angestiwi Tiafahmi
Published: April 2024

Hutan Kota Bekasi merupakan salah satu Ruang Terbuka Hijau (RTH) dengan luas 42.673 m2. Di Hutan Kota Patriot Bina Bangsa Bekasi, aset fasilitas yang tersedia berkualitas buruk. Pengembangan aset fasilitas dilaksanakan berdasarkan konsep Placemaking berdasarkan kriteria Access and Linkages, Comfort and Image, Uses and Activities, dan Sociability. Tujuan proyek ini adalah untuk menghasilkan rencana pengembangan aset fasilitas dan besarnya estimasi biaya. Metode analisis menggunakan analisis deskriptif dengan pendekatan kualitatif dan kuantitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data meliputi observasi dan wawancara.  Proyek ini menghasilkan desain berdasarkan  kriteria Access and Linkages meliputi jalur pejalan kaki dengan luas 1040 m2  dan  area parkir dengan luas 587,08 m2.  Rencana Comfort and Image dengan menyediakan mushola 49,5  m2, toilet 71,58 m2, bangku taman 26 unit, tempat sampah 26  unit,  lampu taman 52 unit, pos jaga 4 m2 dan CCTV 4 unit. Kriteria Uses and Activities direncanakan ruang bermain anak dengan 3 unit fasilitas jungkat-jungkit, 2 unit ayunan, dan 1 set  taman bermain anak. Ruang olahraga direncanakan dengan fasilitas jogging track 500 m2, outdoor fitness, dan lapangan basket 420 m2. Dan ruang rekreasi direncanakan fasilitas paintball berukuran 50 x 20 m. Sedangkan sebagai kriteria Sociability direncanakan fasilitas ampiteater dengan luas 225 m2. Estimasi biaya pembongkaran, pembangunan, dan biaya pengadaan jika terealisasi pada tahun 2023 adalah Rp5.538.640.885.
Kata kunci: Aset Hutan Kota, Kualitas RTH, Placemaking, Perencanaan, Pengembangan
METODE NUMERIK UNTUK ANALISIS KUALITAS SISTEM KELISTRIKAN BANDARA YOGYAKARTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Authors: Dulhadi Dulhadi , Arsyad Mohammad , Afifudin Shodiq , Andranetta Gracelynne Eka Pramudita Eufrasia , Putra Pratama Hafiyyan , Indriati Hadi Putri6 Dewi
Published: April 2024

Kualitas distribusi energi listrik secara praktis ditentukan dari drop tegangan dan faktor daya. Batasan drop tegangan terstandar 10% < tegangan kerja nominal < 5% dan faktor daya terendah 0,85. Untuk menganalisa kualitas sistem kelistrikan Bandara Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) diperlukan perhitungan aliran daya yang tepat diantaranya penerapan metode Newton Raphson, Fast Decouple dan Gauss – Seidel. Tingkat kerumitan penyelesaian aliran daya sistem kelistrikan Bandara YIA secara manual cukup tinggi. Oleh karenya program aplikasi Etap versi 12.6 dapat menyelesaikan permasalah tersebut. Dengan membandingkan ketiga metode tersebut, pada iterasi 99, indeks presisi 10-4 metode Newton Raphson dan Fast Decouple memiliki kesederhaaan implementasi, effisiensi perhitungan dan keandalan yang tinggi dibandingkan Gauss – Seidel. Hasil running Newton Raphson dan Fast Decouple memiliki kesamaan hasil yaitu faktor daya dibawah standar 5 titik beban dari 41 titik beban (12,19%) dan drop tegangan tertinggi 2,48 %, Gauss-Seidel dengan iterasi 2000, nilai indeks prsisi 10-6 menghasilkan 7 titik beban (17,07%). Dengan demikian metode Newton Raphson atau Fast Decouple dapat digunakan untuk analisa kualitas sistem kelistrikan Bandara YIA. Kesimpulan hasil running menyimpulkan bahwa kondisi kualitas sistem kelistrikan Bandara YIA masih diatas standar.
ANALYSIS OF ROCK QUALITY AND LANDSLIDE POTENTIAL IN NORTH JERING HILLS, SLEMAN, YOGYAKARTA
Authors: Putro Guntor Suryo , Arana Ardhan , Huda Alief Akbar
Published: April 2024

The study was to identify the direction and type of potential landslides, as well as assess the rock quality on the slopes of North Jering Hills. The scanline method, consisting of stretching the meter, was employed to collect data on the plane of failure. The information gathered encompassed the direction, slope level, and condition of the unsuccessful plane, aligned with the parameters in the RMR table of Bieniawski from 1989. Following the collation of data, kinematic and rock mass quality analysis was undertaken using stereographic projection and RMR parameter weighting respectively. The kinematic analysis revealed a planar avalanche type on the slope. The RMR value of the research location's slope was 80, classifying it as good rock.
The THE EFFECT OF GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURES ON THE COAL QUALITY OF THE SEMBAKUNG FORMATION IN BERAU REGENCY, EAST KALIMANTAN
Authors: Sugiarto Wahyu , R. A. T. Listiyani , Hartono Hill G. , Budiadi Ev.
Published: April 2024

The Subsurface coal resources are 43.533 billion tons with total reserves of 173.51 million tons. The Berau Regency area has coal-bearing formations of the bituminous - sub bituminous type, namely the Latih Formation, Labanan Formation, Domaring Formation, Sajau Formation and Sembakung Formation. The research methods used are surface geological mapping, rock sampling and drilling. The analysis used is coal quality and geological structure. The results of analysis of changes in the dip of rock layers caused by geological structures in the form of folds and thrust faults can cause changes in coal quality. The dip of coal seam in the LP 54 outcrop sample is 24º, which has lower coal quality compared to LP 38 that has a seam dip of 65º. The quality of coal in LP 38 seam position N 203º E/65º has a calorific value of 6,393 Kcal/kg, while in LP 54 seam position N 30º E/24º has a calorific value of 4,888 Kcal/kg. At the drill point, location MMA_19-T has better coal quality compared to MMA_18-T and MMA_20-T, this is because the seam in MMA_19-T experienced folding accompanied by faulting with a calorific value of 7326 Kcal/kg.
THE EFFECT OF ADDING WASTE TIRE RUBBER POWDER ON PAVING BLOCK WEAR
Authors: Soebandono Bagus
Published: April 2024

Pavement using paving blocks is the right choice because of its easy installation and maintenance. One form is a quadrilateral type that is widely used for environmental and pedestrian roads. With good road access being one of the improvements in vehicles so that waste tires also increase, solutions are needed to reduce the impact on the environment but are also expected to provide benefits for paving block roads, especially increasing adhesion between paving block constituent materials. Based on this background, it was a research idea with the aim of determining the effect of adding waste tire rubber powder on the wear resistance of paving blocks. Research method with strength testing on paving block samples with a size of 5 cm x 5 cm x 2 cm a total of 18 samples. The results showed the average strength value of paving blocks with a mixture of waste tire rubber of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5% of 0.134, 0.223.0235, 0.246 and 0.247 mm / minute, so that the addition of waste tire rubber powder showed a decrease in the wear rate of paving blocks.
Management Criteria Evaluation of Lithuanian Football Academies’ Certification System
Authors: Vegys Kristijonas , Bagdonienė Rita , Jonaitienė Diana , Irena Valantinė
Published: April 2024

Background. There is a tendency in the football environment to assess and classify youth football organisations on a national scale to make their activities more efficient, raise the level of football and talent development, and increase competition in the context of international football. Considering the practices of Georgia and Latvia, Lithuania has started testing the certification of football academies since 2021. During the testing stage, it was observed that the certification project helped youth football organisations to improve the quality of their activities and competencies – after a year, the certification system was started to be applied to all Lithuanian football academies. As of 2022, higher certification criteria have been applied to football organisations, which the future of our country depends on.
Methods. Analysis of scientific literature, content analysis of official documents, semi-structured interview (qualitative research).
Results. Football organisations that participated in the certification process and received the highest evaluations are monitoring the certification process, examining the necessity of criteria through the prism of project improvement, constantly discussing with certification experts, and providing insights into the areas where the certification process should be improved. The research revealed what action plan would bring a higher level of quality to develop and improve a higher level of football in Lithuania.
Conclusions: The evaluation of the Lithuanian football academy certification system revealed strengths and weaknesses; Top-rated football academies are committed to improving themselves and football development in the country; Organisations face documentation difficulties and lack of clarity in criteria descriptions; Considering the problems in certain areas of limitations, solutions must be found through the support of Lithuanian Football Federation and governmental institutions; the study provides unique perspective and insights to improve certification system and raise the level of Lithuanian football.
Keywords: Lithuanian football, certification system, management criteria, certification system development.
HEMŞİRELERİN KÜLTÜREL ZEKÂLARI, İLETİŞİM BECERİLERİ VE İLİŞKİLİ FAKTÖRLER: BİR YOL ANALİZİ
Authors: Orhan İlksen , Yıldız Erman , Ağralı Cansu , Ünal Esra
Published: April 2024

Bu araştırma, hemşirelerin kültürel zekâlarını, iletişim becerilerini ve ilişkili faktörleri belirlemek amacıyla yapıldı. Kesitsel ve ilişki arayıcı tasarımdaki araştırma, bir hastanede çalışmaya katılımda gönüllü 410 hemşire ile Mayıs-Ağustos 2023 tarihleri arasında gerçekleştirildi. Veriler, “Tanıtıcı Bilgi Formu, Kültürel Zekâ Ölçeği ve İletişim Becerileri Ölçeği” olmak üzere üç bölümden oluşan Google Form uygulamasıyla çevrim içi ortamda toplandı. Kültürel Zekâ Ölçeği (KZÖ) ve İletişim Becerileri Ölçeğini (İBÖ) etkileyen faktörleri belirlemek için yol analizi yapıldı. Bu araştırmada, Kültürel zekâ ile iletişim becerileri arasında orta derecede güçlü ve olumlu bir ilişki olduğu tespit edildi. Kültürel zekâyı etkileyen faktörler olarak cinsiyet, eğitim düzeyi ve yaş önemli bulundu. Bu faktörler, kültürel zekâ puanındaki değişimin %28.2’sini açıkladı. Hemşirelerde kültürel uygulamalar konusunda eğitim almanın iletişim becerileri düzeyini arttırdığı, cinsiyetin kültürel zekâ üzerinde etkili bir faktör olduğu, eğitim düzeyinin yükselmesinin kültürel zekâ düzeyini arttırdığı ve iletişim becerileri yüksek olan hemşirelerin kültürel zekâ düzeylerinin daha yüksek olduğu sonucuna varıldı.
A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY ON PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED FROM THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT BEFORE AND DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERIOD
Authors: Yıldız Ahmet , Korku Cahit
Published: April 2024

This study aims to evaluate patients hospitalized from the emergency department before and during the pandemic. The research was designed as a retrospective study. All patients (32,544 patients) who came to the emergency department of a training and research hospital for a total duration of two years, consisting of one year before the pandemic and one year during the pandemic, and subsequently required admission, were included in the study. The study compared the monthly average number of admissions, age, gender, diagnosis, discharge status, and mortality rate variables of the patients included. There was a decrease in the number of patients during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic period. The rate of change (decrease) ranged from 12.6% to 34%. The decrease in the number of patients in the early months of the pandemic (March, April, May, June) exceeded 25%. The mean age, average length of stay and mortality rates of patients admitted from the emergency department increased during the pandemic, and this change was statistically significant (p
Study of Palm Oil Shell Utilization as Metallurgical Coke with Variation of Bondcrete Additive
Authors: Hariyadi Asful , Khoirunnisa Hidayat Dinda , Purwanto Moch.
Published: April 2024

Coke, an essential ingredient in the steel and metallurgical industries, is typically derived from bituminous coal. However, in Indonesia, where bituminous coal is rare, coke production is dependent on coal imports due to the high moisture content of local coal. An alternative approach is to use biomass, such as palm oil processing waste, for "biomass coke" to produce a more environmentally friendly coke with lower greenhouse gas emissions. Palm kernel shell waste rich in lignocellulose proved suitable for this purpose due to its compressive strength and carbon content. Pyrolysis, a technique for creating porous micro-structured carbon from palm kernel shells, was used to produce this coke substitute, offering a more sustainable energy source with a lower carbon footprint than fossil fuels. Bio-coke exhibits low moisture content (5.84%) and ash content (13.20%) due to the moisture and ash reduction effects of bondcrete adhesive during combustion. It also demonstrates substantial compressive strength (14 mPa), a high calorific value (6795 cal/g), and a favorable pore structure with a large surface area, indicating a positive influence of bondcrete adhesive on coke properties without compromising energy potential.
Environmental Impact Evaluation of Tofu Production using Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Lestari Rizka , Rahmawati Dian , Binti Ibrahim Khairul Nadiah
Published: April 2024

Tofu is one of the products made from soybeans that a sizable portion of people in a larger society consume. There are several ways to make tofu, from conventional to modern. The conventional tofu production process generates a lot of waste. Many of the researchers have explored numerous strategies to handle tofu waste in a way that minimizes its harmful influence on the environment. However, in many cases, the environmental impact is simply transferred from one process to another during the treatment of tofu waste. As a result, the whole tofu-making process requires an evaluation of the effects. Among these approaches is life cycle assessment (LCA). The study discovered that energy use was the primary factor leading to environmental impacts. Burning firewood for energy resulted in 55.61 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent. The emission value has been reduced to 32 kg CO₂ eq and 28 kg CO₂ eq, respectively, according to the findings of simulations by utilizing biogas and natural gas as fuels.
Balance recovery for lower limb exoskeleton in standing posture based on orbit energy analysis
Authors: Li Mengze , Zhang Bi , Liu Ligang , Tan Xiaowei , Li Ning , Zhao Xingang
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The need for effective balance control in lower limb rehabilitation exoskeletons is critical for ensuring stability and safety during rehabilitation training. Current research into specialized balance recovery strategies is limited, highlighting a gap in biomechanics-inspired control methods.

Methods: We introduce a new metric called “Orbit Energy” (OE), which assesses the balance state of the human-exoskeleton system based on the dynamics of the overall center of mass. Our control framework utilizes OE to choose appropriate balance recovery strategies, including torque controls at the ankle and hip joints.

Results: The efficacy of our control algorithm was confirmed through Matlab Simulink simulations, which analyzed the recovery of balance under various disturbance forces and conditions. Further validation came from physical experiments with human subjects wearing the exoskeleton, where a significant reduction in muscle activation was observed during balance maintenance under external disturbances.

Discussion: Our findings underscore the potential of biomechanics-inspired metrics like OE in enhancing exoskeleton functionality for rehabilitation purposes. The introduction of such metrics could lead to more targeted and effective balance recovery strategies, ultimately improving the safety and stability of exoskeleton use in rehabilitation settings.
Advancing the understanding of successful technology implementation factors within state DOTs: a maturity model perspective
Authors: Tripathi Amit , Sturgill Roy , Dadi Gabriel , Nassereddine Hala , Mitchell Alexa
Published: April 2024

In an effort to improve the security, dependability, and quality of infrastructure systems, the implementation of complex transportation construction and maintenance projects is essential. Building upon a previous study that identified six crucial factors for effectively implementing new and emerging technologies in the State Department of Transportations (DOTs), this research aims to comprehensively explore six critical factors using a maturity model perspective. DOTs have shown increasing interest in adopting emerging and wireless technologies, as evident in various Federal Highway Administration Every Day Counts initiative. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, using survey responses from DOT personnel to evaluate the relative significance of technology implementation factors and subfactors. The six factors for successful technology implementation explored in this study are Organization Structure, Information Technology Infrastructure, Data Security, Information Workflow, Personnel Training, and Stakeholder Engagement. The study also evaluates the relative importance of People, Process, and Technology for each of these six factors. The paper focuses on providing detailed insights into the different criteria of each technology implementation factor and subfactor to guide agencies in successful technology deployment. Understanding these factors is critical to deploying emerging technologies successfully, which, in turn, leads to much-needed efficiency and productivity in highway construction and asset management. The findings of this study can help DOTs prioritize their technology investments and ultimately contribute to the development of a more advanced and sustainable transportation infrastructure system.
Climate projections of the Adriatic Sea: role of river release
Authors: Verri Giorgia , Furnari Luca , Gunduz Murat , Senatore Alfonso , Santos da Costa Vladimir , De Lorenzis Alessandro , Fedele Giusy , Manco Ilenia , Mentaschi Lorenzo , Clementi Emanuela , Coppini Giovanni , Mercogliano Paola , Mendicino Giuseppe , Pinardi Nadia
Published: April 2024

The Adriatic Sea, characterized by unique local features in comparison to the broader Mediterranean Sea, stands out as a highly susceptible region to climate change. In this context, our study involves a focused climate downscaling approach, concentrating on the Adriatic water cycle. This encompasses integrated modeling at the mesoscale, covering the atmosphere, hydrology, and marine general circulation. The study period spans from 1992 to 2050, considering the high emission scenario RCP8.5. We aim at evaluating how the river release projection affects the local density stratification and the sea level rise. Indeed, the river release is found to decrease by approximately 35% in the mid-term future and condition the stratification of the water column with differences between the Northern and Southern sub-basins. The projected runoff decrease has a major impact on the Northern sub-basin, where the stratification is haline-dominated and the foreseen salinization prevails on the heating through the whole water column. Conversely, the runoff decrease has a lower impact on the Southern sub-basin, where the future changes of other mechanisms may play a major role, e.g., the changing properties of the Mediterranean water entering the Otranto Strait and the foreseen heating prevails on the salinization from the intermediate to deep water column. The study provides the first evidence of how the decreasing river discharge locally reduces the density stratification, increases the dense water, and mitigates the sea level rise in the Northern Adriatic Sea, thus acting in the opposite direction to the global warming. To minimize uncertainty in coastal ocean projections around the world, it is essential that the climate downscaling integrates high-resolution hydrology and hydrodynamics models to correctly reproduce the link between surface buoyancy and stratification and the resulting dynamics.
Interactions between circulating inflammatory factors and autism spectrum disorder: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study in European population
Authors: Long Junzi , Dang Hui , Su Wenlong , Moneruzzaman Md. , Zhang Hao
Published: April 2024

Background

Extensive observational studies have reported an association between inflammatory factors and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but their causal relationships remain unclear. This study aims to offer deeper insight into causal relationships between circulating inflammatory factors and ASD.

Methods

Two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis method was used in this study. The genetic variation of 91 circulating inflammatory factors was obtained from the genome-wide association study (GWAS) database of European ancestry. The germline GWAS summary data for ASD were also obtained (18,381 ASD cases and 27,969 controls). Single nucleotide polymorphisms robustly associated with the 91 inflammatory factors were used as instrumental variables. The random-effects inverse-variance weighted method was used as the primary analysis, and the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons was applied. Sensitivity tests were carried out to assess the validity of the causal relationship.

Results

The forward MR analysis results suggest that levels of sulfotransferase 1A1, natural killer cell receptor 2B4, T-cell surface glycoprotein CD5, Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand, and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand are positively associated with the occurrence of ASD, while levels of interleukin-7, interleukin-2 receptor subunit beta, and interleukin-2 are inversely associated with the occurrence of ASD. In addition, matrix metalloproteinase-10, caspase 8, tumor necrosis factor-related activation-induced cytokine, and C-C motif chemokine 19 were considered downstream consequences of ASD.

Conclusion

This MR study identified additional inflammatory factors in patients with ASD relative to previous studies, and raised a possibility of ASD-caused immune abnormalities. These identified inflammatory factors may be potential biomarkers of immunologic dysfunction in ASD.
Recent records of thermohaline profiles and water depth in the Taam ja’ Blue Hole (Chetumal Bay, Mexico)
Authors: Alcérreca-Huerta Juan Carlos , Reyes-Mendoza Oscar F. , Sánchez-Sánchez Joan A. , Álvarez-Legorreta Teresa , Carrillo Laura
Published: April 2024

Coastal karst structures have been recently explored and documented in Chetumal Bay, Mexico, at the southeast of the Yucatan Peninsula. These structures, recognized as blue holes, stand out for their remarkable dimensions within a shallow estuarine environment. Particularly the Taam Ja’ Blue Hole (TJBH), revealed a depth of ~274 mbsl based on echo sounder mapping, momentarily positioning it as the world's second-deepest blue hole. However, echo sounding methods face challenges in complex environments like blue holes or inland sinkholes arising from frequency-dependent detection and range limitations due to water density vertical gradients, cross-sectional depth variations, or morphometric deviations in non-strictly vertical caves. Initial exploration could not reach the bottom and confirm its position, prompting ongoing investigation into the geomorphological features of TJBH. Recent CTD profiler records in TJBH surpassed 420 mbsl with no bottom yet reached, establishing the TJBH as the deepest-known blue hole globally. Hydrographic data delineated multiple water layers within TJBH. Comparison with Caribbean water conditions at the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, reef lagoons, and estuaries suggests potential subterranean connections. Further research and implementation of underwater navigation technologies are essential to decipher its maximum depth and the possibilities of forming part of an interconnected system of caves and tunnels.
Relationship between age and remimazolam dose required for inducing loss of consciousness in older surgical patients
Authors: Song Jin-Chao , Wang Xiao-xi , Fu Xiang , Chen Wei , Tang Shu-heng , Deng Fang , Yang Hua , Liu Wen
Published: April 2024

Background

Remimazolam is a new ultra-short-acting benzodiazepine for procedural sedation and general anaesthesia, characterised by rapid onset of action, quick recovery, and organ-independent metabolism. Older patients tend to sustain more treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and worse perioperative prognoses after receiving remimazolam. However, few studies have investigated the appropriate dose of remimazolam for loss of consciousness (LOC) in geriatric patients. We designed this study to provide evidence for dose references and elucidate the relationship between age and remimazolam requirement for inducing LOC during anaesthesia induction.

Methods

Exactly 120 patients scheduled for general surgery under general anaesthesia were included and divided into two groups: Group A (60 patients, 18–64 years) and Group B (60 patients, ≥ 65 years). LOC, defined as a Modified Observer’s Assessment of Alertness and Sedation score at 1 had been reached, emerged after all participants received a continuous infusion of remimazolam at a rate of 0.05 mg/kg/min.

Results

The remimazolam required for inducing LOC was 0.26 and 0.19 mg/kg in groups A and B, respectively, and the remimazolam dose in group B decreased by 26.9% compared to group A. According to the bivariate linear correlation analysis, remimazolam requirement was negatively correlated with age. Multivariable linear regression models and further adjustments for potential impact factors indicated that age was an independent factor for the remimazolam dose required for LOC.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that age was significantly and independently correlated with the remimazolam requirement for inducing LOC. To obtain haemodynamic stability during the induction of general anaesthesia, appropriately reducing the remimazolam dose is recommended for geriatric patients.
Practice of standardization of CLSI M45 A3 antimicrobial susceptibility testing of Infrequently Isolated or Fastidious Bacteria strains isolated from blood specimens in Guangdong Province 2017–2021
Authors: He Nanhao , Yang Xu , Haque Anwarul , Chen Jiakang , Guo Yingyi , Li Jiahui , Yao Likang , Zhuo Chuyue , Wang Jiong , Wang Yijing , Li Mingxin , Lin Yexin , Xiao Shunian , Zhuo Chao
Published: April 2024

The concentration of antimicrobial agents in environments like water and food has increased rapidly, which led to a rapid increase in antimicrobial resistance levels in the environment. Monitoring of bacterial resistance levels is considered as a necessary means to control the bacterial resistance. Reference standards are critical for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. CLSI M45 A3 standard defines pathogenic microorganisms that cause infections less frequently than those covered by CLSI M02, M07, and M100 as Infrequently Isolated or Fastidious Bacteria and specifies antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods. Our study investigated the epidemiology and antimicrobial susceptibility testing data of Infrequently Isolated or Fastidious Bacteria strains isolated from blood specimens in 70 hospitals in Guangdong Province between 2017 and 2021. We defined testing methods other than those specified in CLSI M45 A3 as “Non-Standardized.” The proportion of standardized antimicrobial susceptibility testing for penicillin increased significantly (Corynebacterium spp. 17.4% vs. 50.0% p < 0.05; Micrococcus spp. 50.0% vs. 77.8% p < 0.05; Abiotrophia spp. and Granulicatella spp. 21.4% vs. 90.9% p < 0.001), while for cefotaxime (Corynebacterium spp. 0.0% vs. 45.2% p < 0.05; Abiotrophia spp. and Granulicatella spp. 0.0% vs. 14.3% p = 0.515) and vancomycin increased finitely. Non-standardized methods were used for all other antimicrobials. Due to limitations in the economic and medical environment, some clinical laboratories are unable to fully comply with CLSI M45 A3 standard. We recommend that CLSI should add breakpoints for disk diffusion method to improve the standardization of antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Topographic organization across foveal visual areas in macaques
Authors: Li Hangqi , Hu Danling , Tanigawa Hisashi , Takahata Toru
Published: April 2024

Introduction

While the fovea on the retina covers only a small region of the visual field, a significant portion of the visual cortex is dedicated to processing information from the fovea being a critical center for object recognition, motion control, and visually guided attention. Despite its importance, prior functional imaging studies in awake monkeys often focused on the parafoveal visual field, potentially leading to inaccuracies in understanding the brain structure underlying function.

Methods

In this study, our aim is to unveil the neuronal connectivity and topography in the foveal visual cortex in comparison to the parafoveal visual cortex. Using four different types of retrograde tracers, we selectively injected them into the striate cortex (V1) or V4, encompassing the regions between the fovea and parafovea.

Results

V1 and V4 exhibited intense mutual connectivity in the foveal visual field, in contrast to the parafoveal visual field, possibly due to the absence of V3 in the foveal visual field. While previous live brain imaging studies failed to reveal retinotopy in the foveal visual fields, our results indicate that the foveal visual fields have continuous topographic connectivity across V1 through V4, as well as the parafoveal visual fields. Although a simple extension of the retinotopic isoeccentricity maps from V1 to V4 has been suggested from previous fMRI studies, our study demonstrated that V3 and V4 possess gradually smaller topographic maps compared to V1 and V2. Feedback projections to foveal V1 primarily originate from the infragranular layers of foveal V2 and V4, while feedforward projections to foveal V4 arise from both supragranular and infragranular layers of foveal V1 and V2, consistent with previous findings in the parafoveal visual fields.

Discussion

This study provides valuable insights into the connectivity of the foveal visual cortex, which was ambiguous in previous imaging studies.
The impact of tumor budding and single-cell invasion on survival in patients with stage III/IV locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma- results from a prospective cohort study
Authors: Hakim Samer G. , Alsharif Ubai , Falougy Mohamed , Tharun Lars , Rades Dirk , Jensen Justus
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Tumor budding (TB) refers to the presence of small clusters of tumor cells at the invasive front of a malignant tumor. Single tumor cell invasion (SCI) is an extreme variant of TB, in which individual loose tumor cells are present at the invasive front. Both TB and SCI are important histomorphologic risk factors postulated to indicate loss of cellular cohesion. In this study, we investigated the influence of TB and SCI on different survival outcomes in patients with locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods

We included 129 patients with locally advanced OSCC (pT3-4) from a single-center, prospectively maintained cohort. We examined the association of TB and SCI with the presence of occult lymph node metastasis using a logistic regression model. Survival probabilities were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and cumulative incidence functions. The association of TB and SCI on overall survival (OS), oral cancer-specific survival (OCSS), and local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) was investigated using Cox’s proportional hazards regression models.

Results

TB was detected in 98 (76%) of the tumors, while SCI was observed in 66 (51%) patients. There was a significant association between TB and the occurrence of occult lymph node metastasis (OR=3.33, CI: 1.21-10.0). On multivariate analysis, TB had no detectable impact on survival outcomes. However, SCI showed a higher risk for local recurrence (Hazards ratio (HR): 3.33, CI: 1.19 – 9.27).

Discussion

This study demonstrates that TB and SCI in locally advanced OSCC function as an independent risk factor for occult lymph node metastases, as well as local recurrences. Both histomorphologic risk factors could serve as an additional parameter for stratifying therapy and escalating multimodal treatment approaches.
Anti-rheumatoid arthritis effects of traditional Chinese medicine Fufang Xiaohuoluo pill on collagen-induced arthritis rats and MH7A cells
Authors: Yin Qiong , Huang Qian , Zhang Hantao , Zhang Xiaodi , Fan Chunlan , Wang Hongping
Published: April 2024

Background

Fufang Xiaohuoluo pill (FFXHL) is a commonly used prescription in clinical practice for treating rheumatoid arthritis in China, yet its specific mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms of FFXHL using both in vivo and in vitro experiments.

Methods

The collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model was established to evaluate FFXHL’s therapeutic impact. Parameters that include paw swelling, arthritis scores, and inflammatory markers were examined to assess the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of FFXHL. Human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (MH7A cells) is activated by tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were used to explore the anti-inflammatory mechanism on FFXHL.

Results

Our findings indicate that FFXHL effectively reduced paw swelling, joint pain, arthritis scores, and synovial pannus hyperplasia. It also lowered serum levels of TNF-α, interleukin-1β (IL1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed decreased expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 in FFXHL-treated CIA rat joints. In vitro experiments demonstrated FFXHL’s ability to decrease protein secretion of IL-1β and IL-6, suppress mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) −3, −9, and −13, reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and inhibit NF-κB p65 translocation in TNF-α stimulated MH7A cells. FFXHL also suppressed protein levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun Nterminal kinase (JNK), p38 MAP kinase (p38), protein kinase B (Akt), p65, inhibitor of kappa B kinase α/β (IKKα/β), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) induced by TNF-α in MH7A cells.

Conclusion

The findings imply that FFXHL exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic effects in both CIA rat models and TNF-α-induced MH7A cells. The potential mechanism involves the inactivation of TLR4/MyD88, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), NF-κB, and Akt pathways by FFXHL.
Xylanase VmXyl2 is involved in the pathogenicity of Valsa mali by regulating xylanase activity and inducing cell necrosis
Authors: Cui Xinyue , Li Xinke , Li Shen , Huang Yan , Liu Na , Lian Sen , Li Baohua , Wang Caixia
Published: April 2024

Xylanase plays a key role in degrading plant cell wall during pathogenic fungi infection. Here, we identified a xylanase gene, VmXyl2 from the transcriptome of Valsa mali and examined its function. VmXyl2 has highly elevated transcript levels during the infection process of V. mali, with 15.02-fold increase. Deletion mutants of the gene were generated to investigate the necessity of VmXyl2 in the development and pathogenicity of V. mali. The VmXyl2 deletion mutant considerably reduced the virulence of V. mali in apple leaves and in twigs, accompanied by 41.22% decrease in xylanase activity. In addition, we found that VmXyl2 induces plant cell necrosis regardless of its xylanase activity, whereas promoting the infection of V. mali in apple tissues. The cell death-inducing activity of VmXyl2 dependent on BRI1-associated kinase-1 (BAK1) but not Suppressor of BIR1-1 (SOBIR1). Furthermore, VmXyl2 interacts with Mp2 in vivo, a receptor-like kinase with leucine-rich repeat. The results offer valuable insights into the roles of VmXyl2 in the pathogenicity of V. mali during its infection of apple trees.