bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Information and Communication Technology in Improving the Efficiency of Human Resource Management Administration
Authors: Sutrisno Sutrisno
Published: August 2023

The use of ICT has fundamentally changed the way organisations work and operate in various sectors, including HRM. Along with technological advancements, organisations across industries have adopted various ICT solutions to improve efficiency and productivity in HRM administration processes. The role of ICT in improving HRM administration efficiency is increasingly recognised as a key element in achieving organisational success in this digital era. This research aims to explore relevant studies and literature on how ICT has influenced and improved HRM administration efficiency in various organisations. The current research type is qualitative. Data collection techniques include listening and recording important information to conduct data analysis through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. This study arrived at a discovery that the role of ICT in improving the efficiency of HRM administration has become something that cannot be ignored. The application of technology in HRM provides various benefits to organisations, including more efficient employee recruitment and selection processes, automation of administrative tasks, more affordable and accessible employee training and development, and more secure and integrated employee data management.
Analysing the Role of Technological Innovation in Improving the Operational Efficiency of MSMEs
Authors: Triwahyono Bambang , Rahayu Tri , Kraugusteeliana Kraugusteeliana
Published: August 2023

MSMEs play an important role in a country's economy. They are one of the pillars of the economy that contribute significantly to economic growth, job creation, and improving people's welfare. However, MSMEs often face various challenges, including limited human resources, capital, and adequate infrastructure. This study aims to analyse the role of technological innovation in improving the operational efficiency of MSMEs. The current research type is qualitative. Data collection techniques include listening and recording important information to conduct data analysis through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The study results state that technology plays a crucial role in facing various challenges faced by MSMEs. Technological innovation provides opportunities to improve production processes, inventory management, marketing, and customer reach. In addition, technology also facilitates more efficient financial management, internal operations, and data analysis. All these efforts can help MSMEs reduce operational costs, improve product and service quality, and enhance their competitiveness in the global market.
Analisis Rapid Miner Terhadap Tujuan Pendekatan Keahlian Pada keinginan Untuk Keluar Dengan Motivasi Intrinsik Sebagai Variabel Moderator
Authors: Baginda Baginda
Published: August 2023

Keinginan untuk keluar adalah hal terpenting yang mungkin Mempengaruhi operasi organisasi. Keinginan untuk pergi dapat mempengaruhi Beberapa faktor yaitu tujuan dan motivasi intrinsik dari pendekatan keahlian. Anda memiliki sasaran pendekatan yang tinggi, tetapi organisasi Anda tidak mencapainya Peralatan dan dukungan yang memadai untuk mengembangkan keahlian Saya benar-benar ingin berhenti. Dapat melemahkan keinginan untuk berjalan Jika motivasi intrinsik karyawan tinggi, dengan ini Saya menemukan karyanya menarik dan sepadan dengan keahliannya. Keinginan untuk pergi berkurang. Tujuan penelitian ini Untuk menemukan hubungan antara tujuan dan aspirasi dari pendekatan keahlian Kami memperoleh motivasi intrinsik sebagai variabel moderator. Subyek penelitian ini adalah guru SMA Budi Luhur. Kota Medan dengan menggunakan simple random sampling dan teknik pengumpulan data Hitung jumlah sampel menggunakan rumus Slovin yang terkenal dengan jumlah guru 36 orang. Metode pengumpulan data dengan kuesioner, metode analisis Tentukan hubungan menggunakan pengujian parsial dan analisis residual antar variabel. Hasilnya menunjukkan bahwa ada efek positif yang nyata Antara tujuan pendekatan penilaian dan keinginan implisit untuk pensiun Nilai signifikansinya adalah 0,000 < 0,05. Motivasi Intrinsik Memiliki Konsekuensi Negatif  Signifikan untuk keinginan berjalan, dengan nilai signifikansi 0,000 < 0,05. Motivasi intrinsik telah terbukti melunakkan hubungan antara tujuan pendekatan Keahlian dalam keinginan pensiun ditunjukkan dengan nilai signifikansi < 0,026. 0,05. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah bahwa tujuan dari pendekatan keahlian adalah untuk Motivasi intrinsik di antara individu memainkan peran penting dalam pembentukannya keinginan untuk keluar. Ini menunjukkan bahwa kita bisa menurunkan Guru SMA Budi Luhur membutuhkan motivasi intrinsik yang tinggi untuk memenuhi keinginan mereka untuk berhenti Orang yang menganggap pekerjaan mereka bermakna ketika mereka mengerjakannya
URBAN FIGHTERS OF THE OUN SECURITY SERVICE (1941–1951): CREATION AND ACTIVITY
Authors: ILNYTSKYI Vasyl , ANTONIUK Yaroslav
Published: August 2023

On the basis of unknown and little-known materials, the peculiarities of the functioning of the urban armed forces of the SB have been revealed. It has been established that in many areas covered by the OUN network, the first began to be created in the fall of 1941 as a means of force against local wires against German and Soviet agents. The main tasks that were set before them in the first years of activity (reconnaissance, occasionally sabotage and terrorist operations) are highlighted. It was noted that with the approach of the front and in the conditions of the Soviet reality, the actions of the SB in the cities became more active, and the tasks expanded. Separately, attention is focused on one of the most important directions of the combat work of the SB in cities - the liquidation of Soviet assets. Isolated attempts to carry out mass terrorist attacks against party offi cials and detonation of administrative facilities are presented. The peculiarities of the preparation and implementation of the main armed actions (selection of executors, stages of preparation, direct execution) are revealed. Concrete examples show the effectiveness of such armed forces. At the same time, the activities of each of them became a practical demonstration of the inability of the MGB–MIA to protect their supporters. Territorial features of the functioning of the SB urban militias are shown (the size of the settlement, the number of Ukrainians, their national consciousness, the development of the local OUN network, etc.).It was found out that in 1946, the urban organizations of the OUN began to be liquidated, although the combat work of the SB itself intensified, and in important cities special combat units continued to exist for actions. Emphasis is placed on the practical importance of studying this issue in the context of the modern Russian-Ukrainian war and the enemy’s occupation of a significant territory of Ukraine in order to fi nd different forms of struggle against the occupiers and collaborators.
Keywords
OUN, SB, urban fighters, Western Ukraine.
THE ROLE OF DMYTRO MYRON («ORLYK») IN THE UKRAINIAN LIBERATION MOVEMENT DURING WORLD WAR II
Authors: KOSENKO Nazar
Published: August 2023

The main aspects of the activities of one of the leaders of the Ukrainian liberation movement Dmytro Myron in 1939–1942 are analyzed. The beginning of his political way and participation in the interwar struggle for the independence of Ukraine is reflected. The position of D. Myron in the nationalist environment on the eve of the Second World War has been clarified. The main aspects of the book «Idea and Activity of Ukraine» are analyzed. Myron’s theoretical views on the problem of the state system in independent Ukraine are revealed. The vision of democracy by the figure is illuminated. The critical attitude of the OUN ideologist to the blind imitation of Nazi Germany is researched. The point of view of D. Myron on the differences between Ukrainian nationalism, German nazism, and Italian fascism is revealed. His ideas on uniting the enslaved nation are characterized. The view of the theoretician of nationalism on the place of Ukraine in the international arena as an independent entity is analyzed. The role of D. Myron in the formation of the revolutionary OUN in 1940–1941 is researched. The main aspects of his activity as a conductor of the OUN(r) in the sub-Soviet lands of Ukraine are characterized. D. Myron’s measures to prepare a national revolution by expanding the nationalist network, consolidating patriotic forces, and preparing a liberation rebellion are analyzed. The participation of D. Myron in an attempt to create the state of the OUN(r) in 1941 is revealed. The underground work of D. Myron as the first conductor of the OUN(r) in the middleeastern lands is characterized. The features of the activist’s approach to the development of the nationalist network in the Dnieper Ukraine are researched. Based on the memoirs of subordinates, leadership and personal aspects of activity of D. Myron are characterized. The participation of the figure in the first and second conferences of the OUN (r) 1941–1942 is highlighted. The circumstances of the death of D. Myron are revealed. The values of the ideological legacy of the figure for the nationalist underground are analyzed. D. Myron’s important contribution to the development of the Ukrainian liberation movement was stated.
Keywords
Dmytro Myron, ukrainian nationalist movement, OUN ideology, II World War, revolutionary OUN, national revolution.
POETRY OF MYKHAILO DYACHENKO IN UKRAINIAN LEGAL PUBLICATIONS DURING 1939–1944
Authors: STASІUK Oleksandra
Published: August 2023

The article provides a characterization of the pre-war creative work of Mykhailo Dyachenko (better known under the pseudonym of the insurgent poet «Marko Boyeslav»). It presents facts from his biography related to the creative development of the talented young man during the period of II World War. The poetic heritage of M. Dyachenko from the interwar period and the times of II World War is described. It is noted that his early attempts at writing did not yet have independent artistic value but already showed literary talent. On the other hand, the poetry of the II World War era, which was included in the collection «They Will Come» (1941, Prague) and published in the pages of contemporary press, was more mature in terms of content and form. However, the poet was not able to completely rid himself of imitating the creative style of poets such as Bohdan Kravtsiv, Yevhen Malaniuk, and others. The article collects and publishes the poems that were printed in the pages of legal Ukrai nian magazines such as «Silsky Hospodar» («Countryman»), «Krakovski Visti» («News of Krakow»), «Doroha» («Road»), «Mali Druzi» («Little Friends»), «Ilustrovani Visti» («Ilustrated News»), «Studentski Prapor» («Student Flag») and others. It is noted that these poems did not make it into the poet’s collections and were not known until recently, not only to the average reader but also to researchers of his work. A brief literary analysis of these poems is provided. It is emphasized that throughout his life, the main motif of M. Dyachenko’s creativity remained reflections on the fate of the Motherland and calls to fight for its liberation.
Keywords
Mykhailo Dyachenko («Marko Boyeslav»), poetic heritage, Ukrainian legal magazines, II World War.
İTTİHAT VE TERAKKİ CEMİYETİ’NİN MİLLİ İKTİSAT ANLAYIŞI (1913-1918): DÖNEMİN KALKINMA POLİTİKALARI ÜZERİNE BİR DEĞERLENDİRME
Authors: BİLİCİ Batuhan
Published: August 2023

İttihat ve Terakki Cemiyeti’nin kurulmasında modernleşme, batılılaşma ve milliyetçilik akımlarının etkisi olmuştur. İttihat ve Terakki hareketi aynı zamanda Osmanlı Devleti’nde siyasi, toplumsal ve ekonomik alanları etkilemiştir. 23 Ocak 1913 tarihinde Bab-ı Ali Baskınıyla İttihat ve Terakki tek başına iktidara gelmiş ve elinde bulundurduğu güç ile liberal iktisadi politikalardan vazgeçmiştir. Bu politikalar çerçevesinde; kapitülasyonlar kaldırılmış, yabancı sermayeli şirketler denetim altına alınmış, İzmir İktisat Kongresi düzenlenmiş ve milli kalkınma hedefleri belirlenmiştir. Araştırmamızın amacı, kapsamında cemiyetin iktidar olduğu 1913 – 1918 yılları arasında faaliyete geçirmek istediği dönemin kalkınma politikaları ve milli iktisat anlayışı tartışılmıştır. Milli ekonomi, İttihat ve Terakki Cemiyeti’nin benimsediği ekonomi politikalardan biri olmasına rağmen uygulamak istediği kalkınma politikaları ile uyumlu bir şekilde gerçekleştirememiştir. Çalışma, literatür araştırması yönetimine dayanan, veri tabanları ve yazılı tarihsel kaynakların taraması yapılarak gerçekleştirilmiştir.
OTEL ÇALIŞANLARINDA BELİRSİZLİĞE KARŞI TAHAMMÜLSÜZLÜK VE KOVİD-19 KORKUSU
Authors: ÇAKIR Hacı Ahmet
Published: August 2023

The coronavirus pandemic, which rapidly spread from China's Wuhan region to the rest of the world, subsequently reached our country. The World Health Organization and national health ministries implemented various measures to manage this pandemic, resulting in sudden and unforeseen changes in people's daily lives. While certain sectors transitioned to remote work through online platforms, the service industry, particularly the tourism sector, faced short-term uncertainty. Consequently, hotel employees became one of the groups most severely affected by the pandemic. Therefore, this study aims to examine the levels of tolerance to uncertainty and the perception of COVID-19 fear among hotel employees in the Manavgat district of Antalya, while also comparing these factors based on participants' demographic characteristics. A total of 313 participants were included in the quantitative analysis conducted for this study. The data was collected from hotel employees using a questionnaire. The data interpretation process involved the utilization of frequency values, percentages, parametric comparison analyses, and correlation analysis. Based on the findings derived from these analyses and with the aid of relevant literature, recommendations were formulated for the sector and future research endeavors.
Desenvolvimento e estudo da estabilidade de creme hidratante à base de azeite de dendê (Elaeis guineensis)
Authors: Souza Beatriz dos Santos , Almeida Vanessa de Oliveira , Andrade Juliana Nascimento , Kotwiski Fabiana Olena
Published: August 2023

Um dos produtos derivados do dendê (Elaeis guineenses) é o azeite, extraído do mesocarpo do seu fruto, que sem o refino preserva os bioativos e o torna um potencial ingrediente na produção de cosmético. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver e avaliar a estabilidade preliminar de um creme hidratante a base do azeite de dendê. Foram manipuladas três formulações para o estudo: fórmula padrão (FP), fórmula de base aniônica (F1) e fórmula de base não iônica (F2), nas duas últimas, com concentração de 10% de azeite de dendê. As amostras foram analisadas quanto a estabilidade preliminar por 28 dias observando-se características organolépticas (aspecto, cor e odor) e físico-químicas (teste de centrifugação, estresse térmico, radiação luminosa, pH, densidade, ciclo de congelamento e descongelamento). Estes ensaios foram realizados de acordo com o guia de estabilidade de produtos cosméticos da ANVISA e Farmacopeia Brasileira 5ª edição. Os resultados obtidos nas análises dos cremes com 10% de azeite de dendê apresentaram estabilidade frente aos testes de centrifugação, densidade e pH. Com relação às características organolépticas, essas formulações mantiveram as colorações dos ensaios iniciais. Quanto aos testes de radiação luminosa, estresse térmico, ciclos de congelamento e descongelamento observaram-se leves mudanças em F2 enquanto que em F1 não houve alterações, levando a considerar esta última como a mais estável para desenvolvimento do creme à base de azeite de dendê. Diante do estudo, o azeite de dendê demonstrou ser um potencial bioativo para formular cremes estáveis, sobretudo de base aniônica, com propriedades antioxidantes, hidratantes e antienvelhecimento.
Práticas Integrativas e Complementares na Promoção da Saúde: Uma revisão narrativa
Authors: Nogueira Ana Júlia da Silva , Pachú Clésia Oliveira
Published: August 2023

Introdução: As Práticas Integrativas e Complementares em Saúde (PICS) se apresentam como métodos terapêuticos buscando a prevenção de doenças, melhoraria da qualidade de vida de indivíduos e coletividades. Objetivo: Analisar as práticas integrativas e complementares na promoção da saúde por meio de uma revisão narrativa. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão narrativa acerca das práticas integrativas e complementares na promoção da saúde, realizada no mês de junho de 2023. A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados LILACS e BDENF, utilizando os Descritores em Ciências da Saúde (DeCS): “Práticas Integrativas e Complementares” AND “Promoção da Saúde”. Foram encontrados 120 artigos, sendo selecionados 8 artigos para compor o estudo. Resultados e Discussão: A Atenção Primária à Saúde representa a porta de entrada dos usuários nos serviços de saúde, carregando a missão de articular as práticas de cuidado e implementar as PICS. Foi observado que alguns profissionais de enfermagem nos serviços de saúde do SUS realizam práticas como auriculoterapia, acunputura e aromaterapia. A oferta desses atendimentos desencadeia sentimentos de acolhimento, valorização e reconhecimento, proporcionando melhor qualidade de vida. Verificou-se nos estudos que os profissionais enfatizaram que a formação acadêmica se apresenta defasada de aporte teórico acerca das PICS, demonstrando ser necessário a iniciativa do profissional em se capacitar para atender as demandas dessas práticas. Considerações Finais: Diante do exposto, ficou evidente, que a humanização do cuidado em saúde por meio das PICS reforça a autonomia dos usuários sobre a própria saúde, promovendo uma melhor qualidade de vida e garantindo bem-estar individual e coletivo.
Psychological Changes in Post Kidney Transplant Recipients: Phenomenology Study
Authors: Rahmadhanty Aisya , Zulfiqar Yevri , Lenggogeni Devia Putri , Neherta Meri , Huriani Emil , Mailani Fitri , Susmiati Susmiati
Published: August 2023

Aims: Kidney transplantation can have a big impact on recipients, so they must be able to adapt to many changes, including psychological changes. Psychological changes are the most complained about by post- kidney transplant recipients. Psychological changes including feelings of anxiety and worry after kidney transplantation, these feelings arise due to post-transplant complications, feelings of guilt and fear of rejection, treatment regimens and uncertainty about the future. Therefore, recipients must be able to deal with psychological changes after kidney transplantation.
Objective: To explore the psychological changes of post-kidney transplant recipients.
Methods: A qualitative study using a phenomenological approach. This study was conducted on 6 participants who were undergone kidney transplantation. Purosive sampling was performed and data was collected through 35 to 60 min. Data collection in this study was carried out through in-depth interviews, audio recording and field notes.  The data analysis technique uses the Collaizi method (1978).
Result: This study obtained results including: psychological adaptation transitions and post-transplant anxiety control strategies.
Conclusion: Kidney transplant provide better psychological changes if the recipients can implement strategies to control emotions. Therefore, it is important to have family, social and nurses support in controlling the psychological changes of post-kidney transplant recipients.
The Effectiveness of Combination Online and Offline Health Promotion on Gastritis Prevention Among Undergradute Nursing Students
Authors: Mochartini Tri , Dewi Nyoman Indah Santika
Published: August 2023

Aims: Gastritis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the mucous lining of the stomach wall, and it commonly affects students with a heavy lecture load. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a combination of online and offline health promotion on the prevention of gastritis in nursing undergraduate students.
Methods: This study examines the efficacy of health promotion using magnification media and leaflets for the prevention of gastritis. It employs the Cross Sectional method to assess independent and dependent variables. Using a random sample of 176 first-year students, 153 samples were divided into two groups: magnification and leaflet media. Normality tests and paired T tests are utilized to determine the impact of independent variables.
Results: Show of Bivariate Analysis with Paired T Test with a sample of 153 respondents (N = 153) obtained data that T - count (21.345), T - Table (0.662) and the p.Value is (0.004) alpha value (0.05) which means there is a difference in the initial level students of Stikes Abdi Nusantara about preventing gastritis after being given education through zoom media and leaflets.
Conclusions: Based on the result that 121 students had a good diet, while 21% had an adequate diet. Gastritis, caused by improper dietary habits, is more common among women. Stress levels were found to be a significant factor in gastritis incidence. Education through Zoom media and leaflets significantly improved initial-year students' knowledge of gastritis prevention.
Study Security Cloud with SHA-2 Algorithm
Authors: Vandika Arnes Yuli
Published: August 2023

This study explores the relationship between cloud computing and security, concentrating on the use of the SHA-2 cryptographic algorithm. Due to the distributed and shared nature of cloud settings, cloud computing has transformed how information and services are accessed and provided. However, it has also created new security issues. As a reliable cryptographic method for guaranteeing data integrity and authentication, the Secure Hash Algorithm 2 (SHA-2) has grown in popularity. This study intends to investigate how SHA?2 is integrated into cloud security frameworks and evaluate how well it protects data and communication inside cloud infrastructures. This study aims to offer insights into improving the overall security posture of cloud-based systems by studying the application of SHA-2 across various cloud service types and deployment situations.To evaluate the real-world effects of using the SHA-2 algorithm to secure cloud environments, this project combines theoretical analysis with hands-on experimentation. In the research, the computational overhead of SHA-2 in cloud operations is evaluated while taking into account latency and performance deterioration. The paper also looks into possible flaws and attack methods that could take advantage of SHA-2's shortcomings when applied in cloud scenarios. The research contributes to a greater knowledge of the trade-offs between security and performance in cloud systems utilizing the SHA-2 technique by addressing these issues. The results of this study may serve as a reference for cloud architects, security experts, and researchers when deciding whether to use strong cryptographic methods like SHA-2 to protect the confidentiality and integrity of data in cloud-based applications.
CREATION OF A UNIVERSAL MEASUREMENT COMPLEX FOR ROAD TESTS OF WHEELED VEHICLES
Authors: Babin Iurii , Zaretskyi Zakhar , Durytskyi Serhii , Momot Vasyl
Published: August 2023

The results of studies related to the development of a universal measuring complex for road testing of wheeled vehicles (hereinafter referred to as the complex) are presented. The substantiation of the list of parameters measured by the complex and their metrological characteristics has been carried out, and the general requirements for the complex have been formulated; the basic principles of building special software included in the complex are given. The issues of calibration of the measuring systems of the complex are con-sidered in detail and the methods used for this, including features of the calibration method of the deceleration/ acceleration measurement system, are described. The description and technical characteristics of the developed complex are presented, as well as the results of its calibration and trial operation. On the basis of experimental studies, the expediency of using a two-stage method of calibrating path, speed and decelera-tion/acceleration measurement systems has been confirmed. As an example, the results of testing a vehicle for compliance with the requirements of UN Regulation No. 13, obtained using the complex, are shown, and the main software windows during these tests are described in detail.
Repurposing anti-inflammatory drugs for fighting planktonic and biofilm growth. New carbazole derivatives based on the NSAID carprofen: synthesis, in silico and in vitro bioevaluation
Authors: Dumitrascu Florea , Caira Mino R. , Avram Speranta , Buiu Catalin , Udrea Ana Maria , Vlad Ilinca Margareta , Zarafu Irina , Ioniță Petre , Nuță Diana Camelia , Popa Marcela , Chifiriuc Mariana-Carmen , Limban Carmen
Published: August 2023

Introduction

One of the promising leads for the rapid discovery of alternative antimicrobial agents is to repurpose other drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) for fighting bacterial infections and antimicrobial resistance.

Methods

A series of new carbazole derivatives based on the readily available anti-inflammatory drug carprofen has been obtained by nitration, halogenation and N-alkylation of carprofen and its esters. The structures of these carbazole compounds were assigned by NMR and IR spectroscopy. Regioselective electrophilic substitution by nitration and halogenation at the carbazole ring was assigned from H NMR spectra. The single crystal X-ray structures of two representative derivatives obtained by dibromination of carprofen, were also determined. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was measured using the DPPH method. The antimicrobial activity assay was performed using quantitative methods, allowing establishment of the minimal inhibitory/bactericidal/biofilm eradication concentrations (MIC/MBC/MBEC) on Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) strains. Computational assays have been performed to assess the drug- and lead-likeness, pharmacokinetics (ADME-Tox) and pharmacogenomics profiles.

Results and discussion

The crystal X-ray structures of 3,8-dibromocarprofen and its methyl ester have revealed significant differences in their supramolecular assemblies. The most active antioxidant compound was 1i, bearing one chlorine and two bromine atoms, as well as the CO2Me group. Among the tested derivatives, 1h bearing one chlorine and two bromine atoms has exhibited the widest antibacterial spectrum and the most intensive inhibitory activity, especially against the Gram-positive strains, in planktonic and biofilm growth state. The compounds 1a (bearing one chlorine, one NO2 and one CO2Me group) and 1i (bearing one chlorine, two bromine atoms and a CO2Me group) exhibited the best antibiofilm activity in the case of the P. aeruginosa strain. Moreover, these compounds comply with the drug-likeness rules, have good oral bioavailability and are not carcinogenic or mutagenic. The results demonstrate that these new carbazole derivatives have a molecular profile which deserves to be explored further for the development of novel antibacterial and antibiofilm agents.
Emotional responses to climate change information and their effects on policy support
Authors: Myers Teresa A. , Roser-Renouf Connie , Maibach Edward
Published: August 2023

Introduction

As emotions are strong predictors of climate policy support, we examined multiple discrete emotions that people experience in reaction to various types of information about climate change: its causes, the scientific consensus, its impacts, and solutions. Specifically, we assessed the relationships between four types of messages and five discrete emotions (guilt, anger, hope, fear, and sadness), testing whether these emotions mediate the impacts of information on support for climate policy.

Methods

An online experiment exposed participants (N = 3,023) to one of four informational messages, assessing participants' emotional reactions to the message and their support for climate change mitigation policies as compared to a no-message control group.

Results

Each message, except the consensus message, enhanced the feeling of one or more emotions, and all of the emotions, except guilt, were positively associated with policy support. Two of the messages had positive indirect effects on policy support: the impacts message increased sadness, which in turn increased policy support, and the solutions message increased hope, which increased policy support. However, the solutions message also reduced every emotion except hope, while the impacts, causes, and consensus messages each suppressed hope.

Discussion

These findings indicate that climate information influences multiple emotions simultaneously and that the aroused emotions may conflict with one another in terms of fostering support for climate change mitigation policies. To avoid simultaneously arousing a positive motivator while depressing another, message designers should focus on developing content that engages audiences across multiple emotional fronts.
SKELTER: unsupervised skeleton action denoising and recognition using transformers
Authors: Paoletti Giancarlo , Beyan Cigdem , Del Bue Alessio
Published: August 2023

Unsupervised Human Action Recognition (U-HAR) methods currently leverage large-scale datasets of human poses to solve this challenging problem. As most of the approaches are dedicated to reaching the best recognition accuracies, no attention has been put into analyzing the resilience of such methods given perturbed data, a likely occurrence in real in-the-wild testing scenarios. Our first contribution is to systematically validate the decrease in performance of current U-HAR state-of-the-art using perturbed or altered data (e.g., obtained by removing some skeletal joints, rotating the entire pose, and injecting geometrical aberrations). Then, we propose a novel framework based on a transformer encoder–decoder with remarkable de-noising capabilities to counter such perturbations effectively. Moreover, we also present additional losses to have robust representations against rotation variances and provide temporal motion consistency. Our model, SKELTER, shows limited drops in performance when skeleton noise is present compared with previous approaches, favoring its use in challenging in-the-wild settings.
High school mathematics texts construction of statistics practices
Authors: Weiland Travis
Published: August 2023

Introduction

A robust understanding of statistics has become crucial in our data centric societies. In the school setting the teaching of statistics is situated within the mathematics curriculum in the U.S. However, many mathematics teachers often have little to no past experiences with statistics before teaching it. Given such circumstances, textbooks likely play a strong role influencing the statistics curriculum teachers enact for students. In this study, I investigate how the discourse of two common high school textbook series form what the actions are for doing statistics.

Methods

For this study I used a Foucauldian discourse analysis to inductively analyze the texts for the actions they create.

Results

One of the main results of the study was that the actions are very routinized/algorithmic in nature. Furthermore, most actions were associated with analyzing data. I also contrast the findings of the analysis to the discourse of the field of statistics education, namely through the Guidelines for Assessment and Instruction in Statistics Education, which highlighted some significant absences including statistical questions to drive investigation and discussion of collecting data.

Discussion

The findings have implications for teacher education in terms of topics to focus teachers’ attention on and to help provide them further support with teaching to their students.
The role of lactoferrin in bone remodeling: evaluation of its potential in targeted delivery and treatment of metabolic bone diseases and orthopedic conditions
Authors: Tian Miao , Han Ying-bo , Yang Gui-yun , Li Jin-long , Shi Chang-sai , Tian Dan
Published: August 2023

Lactoferrin (Lf) is a multifunctional protein that is synthesized endogenously and has various biological roles including immunological regulation, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Recently, research has uncovered Lf’s critical functions in bone remodeling, where it regulates the function of osteoblasts, chondrocytes, osteoclasts, and mesenchymal stem cells. The signaling pathways involved in Lf’s signaling in osteoblasts include (low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein – 1 (LRP-1), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), and insulin-like growth factor – 1 (IGF-1), which activate downstream pathways such as ERK, PI3K/Akt, and NF-κB. These pathways collectively stimulate osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization while inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and activity. Additionally, Lf’s inhibitory effect on nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) suppresses the formation and activity of osteoclasts directly. Lf also promotes chondroprogenitor proliferation and differentiation to chondrocytes by activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt)signaling pathways while inhibiting the expression of matrix-degrading enzymes through the suppression of the NF-κB pathway. Lf’s ability to stimulate osteoblast and chondrocyte activity and inhibit osteoclast function accelerates fracture repair, as demonstrated by its effectiveness in animal models of critical-sized long bone defects. Moreover, studies have indicated that Lf can rescue dysregulated bone remodeling in osteoporotic conditions by stimulating bone formation and suppressing bone resorption. These beneficial effects of Lf on bone health have led to its exploration in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. However, due to the large size of Lf, small bioactive peptides are preferred for pharmaceutical applications. These peptides have been shown to promote bone fracture repair and reverse osteoporosis in animal studies, indicating their potential as therapeutic agents for bone-related diseases. Nonetheless, the active concentration of Lf in serum may not be sufficient at the site requiring bone regeneration, necessitating the development of various delivery strategies to enhance Lf’s bioavailability and target its active concentration to the site requiring bone regeneration. This review provides a critical discussion of the issues mentioned above, providing insight into the roles of Lf in bone remodeling and the potential use of Lf as a therapeutic target for bone disorders.
Long-term efficacy and safety of osilodrostat in patients with Cushing’s disease: results from the LINC 4 study extension
Authors: Gadelha Mônica , Snyder Peter J. , Witek Przemysław , Bex Marie , Belaya Zhanna , Turcu Adina F. , Feelders Richard A. , Heaney Anthony P. , Paul Michaela , Pedroncelli Alberto M. , Auchus Richard J.
Published: August 2023

Objective

To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of osilodrostat in patients with Cushing’s disease.

Methods

The multicenter, 48-week, Phase III LINC 4 clinical trial had an optional extension period that was initially intended to continue to week 96. Patients could continue in the extension until a managed-access program or alternative treatment became available locally, or until a protocol amendment was approved at their site that specified that patients should come for an end-of-treatment visit within 4 weeks or by week 96, whichever occurred first. Study outcomes assessed in the extension included: mean urinary free cortisol (mUFC) response rates; changes in mUFC, serum cortisol and late-night salivary cortisol (LNSC); changes in cardiovascular and metabolic-related parameters; blood pressure, waist circumference and weight; changes in physical manifestations of Cushing’s disease; changes in patient-reported outcomes for health-related quality of life; changes in tumor volume; and adverse events. Results were analyzed descriptively; no formal statistical testing was performed.

Results

Of 60 patients who entered, 53 completed the extension, with 29 patients receiving osilodrostat for more than 96 weeks (median osilodrostat duration: 87.1 weeks). The proportion of patients with normalized mUFC observed in the core period was maintained throughout the extension. At their end-of-trial visit, 72.4% of patients had achieved normal mUFC. Substantial reductions in serum cortisol and LNSC were also observed. Improvements in most cardiovascular and metabolic-related parameters, as well as physical manifestations of Cushing’s disease, observed in the core period were maintained or continued to improve in the extension. Osilodrostat was generally well tolerated; the safety profile was consistent with previous reports.

Conclusion

Osilodrostat provided long-term control of cortisol secretion that was associated with sustained improvements in clinical signs and physical manifestations of hypercortisolism. Osilodrostat is an effective long-term treatment for patients with Cushing’s disease.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02180217
Genome-wide identification, characterization, evolution and expression analysis of the DIR gene family in potato (Solanum tuberosum)
Authors: Jia Wenqi , Xiong Yuting , Li Man , Zhang Shengli , Han Zhongcai , Li Kuihua
Published: August 2023

The dirigent (DIR) gene is a key player in environmental stress response and has been identified in many multidimensional tube plant species. However, there are few studies on the StDIR gene in potato. In this study, we used genome-wide identification to identify 31 StDIR genes in potato. Among the 12 potato chromosomes, the StDIR gene was distributed on 11 chromosomes, among which the third chromosome did not have a family member, while the tenth chromosome had the most members with 11 members. 22 of the 31 StDIRs had a classical DIR gene structure, with one exon and no intron. The conserved DIR domain accounts for most of the proteins in the 27 StDIRs. The structure of the StDIR gene was analyzed and ten different motifs were detected. The StDIR gene was divided into three groups according to its phylogenetic relationship, and 22 duplicate genes were identified. In addition, four kinds of cis-acting elements were detected in all 31 StDIR promoter regions, most of which were associated with biotic and abiotic stress. The findings demonstrated that the StDIR gene exhibited specific responses to cold stress, salt stress, ABA, and drought stress. This study provides new candidate genes for improving potato’s resistance to stress.
PSF toolkit: an R package for pathway curation and topology-aware analysis
Authors: Hakobyan Siras , Stepanyan Ani , Nersisyan Lilit , Binder Hans , Arakelyan Arsen
Published: August 2023

Most high throughput genomic data analysis pipelines currently rely on over-representation or gene set enrichment analysis (ORA/GSEA) approaches for functional analysis. In contrast, topology-based pathway analysis methods, which offer a more biologically informed perspective by incorporating interaction and topology information, have remained underutilized and inaccessible due to various limiting factors. These methods heavily rely on the quality of pathway topologies and often utilize predefined topologies from databases without assessing their correctness. To address these issues and make topology-aware pathway analysis more accessible and flexible, we introduce the PSF (Pathway Signal Flow) toolkit R package. Our toolkit integrates pathway curation and topology-based analysis, providing interactive and command-line tools that facilitate pathway importation, correction, and modification from diverse sources. This enables users to perform topology-based pathway signal flow analysis in both interactive and command-line modes. To showcase the toolkit’s usability, we curated 36 KEGG signaling pathways and conducted several use-case studies, comparing our method with ORA and the topology-based signaling pathway impact analysis (SPIA) method. The results demonstrate that the algorithm can effectively identify ORA enriched pathways while providing more detailed branch-level information. Moreover, in contrast to the SPIA method, it offers the advantage of being cut-off free and less susceptible to the variability caused by selection thresholds. By combining pathway curation and topology-based analysis, the PSF toolkit enhances the quality, flexibility, and accessibility of topology-aware pathway analysis. Researchers can now easily import pathways from various sources, correct and modify them as needed, and perform detailed topology-based pathway signal flow analysis. In summary, our PSF toolkit offers an integrated solution that addresses the limitations of current topology-based pathway analysis methods. By providing interactive and command-line tools for pathway curation and topology-based analysis, we empower researchers to conduct comprehensive pathway analyses across a wide range of applications.
No NLRP3 inflammasome activity in kidney epithelial cells, not even when the NLRP3-A350V Muckle-Wells variant is expressed in podocytes of diabetic mice
Authors: Kunte Sophie Carina , Marschner Julian A. , Klaus Martin , Honda Tâmisa , Li Chenyu , Motrapu Manga , Walz Christoph , Angelotti Maria Lucia , Antonelli Giulia , Melica Maria Elena , De Chiara Letizia , Semeraro Roberto , Nelson Peter J. , Anders Hans-Joachim
Published: August 2023

Background

The NLRP3 inflammasome integrates several danger signals into the activation of innate immunity and inflammation by secreting IL-1β and IL-18. Most published data relate to the NLRP3 inflammasome in immune cells, but some reports claim similar roles in parenchymal, namely epithelial, cells. For example, podocytes, epithelial cells critical for the maintenance of kidney filtration, have been reported to express NLRP3 and to release IL-β in diabetic kidney disease, contributing to filtration barrier dysfunction and kidney injury. We questioned this and hence performed independent verification experiments.

Methods

We studied the expression of inflammasome components in human and mouse kidneys and human podocytes using single-cell transcriptome analysis. Human podocytes were exposed to NLRP3 inflammasome agonists in vitro and we induced diabetes in mice with a podocyte-specific expression of the Muckle-Wells variant of NLRP3, leading to overactivation of the Nlrp3 inflammasome (Nphs2Cre;Nlrp3A350V) versus wildtype controls. Phenotype analysis included deep learning-based glomerular and podocyte morphometry, tissue clearing, and STED microscopy of the glomerular filtration barrier. The Nlrp3 inflammasome was blocked by feeding ß-hydroxy-butyrate.

Results

Single-cell transcriptome analysis did not support relevant NLRP3 expression in parenchymal cells of the kidney. The same applied to primary human podocytes in which NLRP3 agonists did not induce IL-1β or IL-18 secretion. Diabetes induced identical glomerulomegaly in wildtype and Nphs2Cre;Nlrp3A350V mice but hyperfiltration-induced podocyte loss was attenuated and podocytes were larger in Nphs2Cre;Nlrp3A350V mice, an effect reversible with feeding the NLRP3 inflammasome antagonist ß-hydroxy-butyrate. Ultrastructural analysis of the slit diaphragm was genotype-independent hence albuminuria was identical.

Conclusion

Podocytes express low amounts of the NLRP3 inflammasome, if at all, and do not produce IL-1β and IL-18, not even upon introduction of the A350V Muckle-Wells NLRP3 variant and upon induction of podocyte stress. NLRP3-mediated glomerular inflammation is limited to immune cells.
De novo identification of complex traits associated with asthma
Authors: Zaied Roan E. , Fadason Tayaza , O’Sullivan Justin M.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Asthma is a heterogeneous inflammatory disease often associated with other complex phenotypes. Identifying asthma-associated diseases and uncovering the molecular mechanisms mediating their interaction can help detangle the heterogeneity of asthma. Network analysis is a powerful approach for untangling such inter-disease relationships.

Methods

Here, we integrated information on physical contacts between common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and gene expression with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data from the lung and whole blood to construct two tissue-specific spatial gene regulatory networks (GRN). We then located the asthma GRN (level 0) within each tissue-specific GRN by identifying the genes that are functionally affected by asthma-associated spatial eQTLs. Curated protein interaction partners were subsequently identified up to four edges or levels away from the asthma GRN. The eQTLs spatially regulating genes on levels 0–4 were queried against the GWAS Catalog to identify the traits enriched (hypergeometric test; FDR ≤ 0.05) in each level.

Results

We identified 80 and 82 traits significantly enriched in the lung and blood GRNs, respectively. All identified traits were previously reported to be comorbid or associated (positively or negatively) with asthma (e.g., depressive symptoms and lung cancer), except 8 traits whose association with asthma is yet to be confirmed (e.g., reticulocyte count). Our analysis additionally pinpoints the variants and genes that link asthma to the identified asthma-associated traits, a subset of which was replicated in a comorbidity analysis using health records of 26,781 asthma patients in New Zealand.

Discussion

Our discovery approach identifies enriched traits in the regulatory space proximal to asthma, in the tissue of interest, without a priori selection of the interacting traits. The predictions it makes expand our understanding of possible shared molecular interactions and therapeutic targets for asthma, where no cure is currently available.
ED95 of remimazolam in nasal administration for attenuating preoperative anxiety in children
Authors: Long Xiang , Wen Li-xia , Yang Hu , Zhu Guo-hong , Zhang Qing-yun , Jiang Jing-jing , Gong Yuan
Published: August 2023

Background

Preoperative anxiety often prevails in children at higher levels than adults, which is a common impediment for surgeons and anesthesiologists. It is of great necessity to explore an appropriate medication to improve this situation. Remimazolam, a type of benzodiazepine drug, has been indicated for the induction and maintenance of procedural sedation in adults since 2020. To date, rare studies were reported to investigate the effect of remimazolam on children. In this study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of intranasal drops of remimazolam and tried to determine the 95% effective dose (ED95) of remimazolam in single intranasal administration in attenuating preoperative anxiety in children.

Methods

In this study, 114 children were enrolled who underwent laparoscopic high-level inguinal hernia ligation between January 2021 and December 2022 and were divided into an early childhood children group and a pre-school children group. The biased coin design (BCD) was used to determine the target doses. A positive response was defined as the effective relief of preoperative anxiety (modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale, mYPAS < 30). The initial nasal dose of remimazolam was 0.5 mg·kg−1 in the two groups. An increment or decrement of 0.1 mg·kg−1 was applied depending on the sedative responses. Isotonic regression and bootstrapping methods were used to calculate the ED95 and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), respectively.

Results

A total of 80 children completed the study, including 40 in the early childhood group and 40 in the pre-school children group. As statistical analysis indicated, the ED95 of a single intranasal infusion of remimazolam for the relief of preoperative anxiety is 1.57 mg·kg−1 (95% CI: 1.45–1.59 mg·kg−1) in early childhood children and 1.09 mg·kg−1 (95% CI: 0.99–1.11 mg·kg−1) in pre-school children, and the CIs did not overlap each other.

Conclusion

Remimazolam is an effective medication to relieve preoperative anxiety in children. Moreover, the ED95 of single nasal administration of remimazolam for effective relief of preoperative anxiety was 1.57 and 1.09 mg·kg−1 in early childhood children and pre-school children, respectively.