bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Mediating Effects of Board Role Performance in the Relationship Between Board Capital and Survival of Financial Cooperatives in Uganda
Authors: Yosa Francis , Agabalinda Colin , Vilard Isoh Alain
Published: November 2024

Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs) in Uganda face persistent survival challenges, often associated with governance limitations and board effectiveness issues. This study investigates the association between board capital, which encompasses both human and social capital, and SACCO survival—measured through liquidity and gearing—with board role performance as a potential mediator. Data were collected from 311 participants across 60 SACCOs in a cross-sectional survey. Structural equation modeling analysis indicates that although board capital does not directly influence SACCO survival, it positively correlates with board role performance, which in turn is significantly associated with SACCO survival outcomes of liquidity and gearing. These findings underscore the importance of board engagement in translating board members’ collective expertise, knowledge, and external connections into enhanced liquidity and balanced gearing for SACCOs. Practical implications suggest that SACCOs could benefit from initiatives to strengthen board members' skills and networking capabilities through targeted training, mentorship, and structured networking opportunities. Establishing clear board roles, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and implementing regular performance evaluations are essential practices to bolster SACCO survival. This study contributes a novel perspective by integrating Role Theory with Agency and Resource Dependency Theories, providing a multi-theoretical framework to better understand SACCO survival in a developing economy context. This integration enriches the theoretical landscape and provides actionable insights for strengthening SACCO survival in Uganda’s challenging economic context.
Clinical profile of neonatal jaundice patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital in Khulna, Bangladesh
Authors: Ali Md Barkot , Sen Shantanu , Das Purnendu Kishor , Islam Sayma
Published: November 2024

Background: A significant proportion of term and preterm infants develop neonatal jaundice. Jaundice in an otherwise healthy term infant is the most common reason for readmission to the hospital. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate different aspects of neonatal jaundice in our clinical setup.
Objective: The objective of this research was to find out different associated causes, clinical features, and treatment options for neonatal jaundice.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Gazi Medical College Hospital (GMCH), Khulna, Bangladesh with a total number of 140 neonates with jaundice from January 2018 to January 2021. All data were collected and analyzed prospectively. Convenient purposive sampling was the sampling method.
Results: In this study, 79.2% of neonates were full-term and 20.8% were preterm neonates. Physiological jaundice (33.5%) was found as the commonest type. Jaundice with infection was associated with 32.8% of cases. Jaundice with umbilical redness, discharge, and/or foul-smelling (17.9%), and reluctance to feed were commonly associated symptoms. Hepatomegaly and splenomegaly were detected in 7.1% and 3.6% neonates respectively. Phototherapy was given in 61% of cases and 17.8% (25) cases exchange therapy was required. In neonates with physiological jaundice, phototherapy was recommended for most of the cases. In the case of ABO and Rh incompatibility, exchange therapy was required most often along with phototherapy.
Conclusion: Physiological jaundice is the most common pattern of neonatal jaundice. Most often, neonatal jaundice may co-exist with neonatal infections. In most cases, phototherapy is required along with or without exchange therapy, depending upon the associated causes and conditions.
Mediscope 2024;11(2): 58-61
Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Bleeding Peptic Ulcer; Tertiary Center Experience
Authors: Sardar Anirudha , Islam Md Shahidul , Dey Palash Kumar , Dhali Dipayan Kumer
Published: November 2024

Background: Bleeding peptic ulcer remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Bleeding peptic ulcer (PUB) remains one of the most emergent and potentially fatal medical situations. However, the incidence of bleeding peptic ulcers not associated with H. pylori (Hp) infection or NSAID use varies considerably, and recent suggestions that patients with non-H. pylori–non-NSAID idiopathic bleeding peptic ulcers have a significantly higher mortality rate than patients with NSAID or H. pylori ulcers.
Objective: The objective of this study was to demonstrate the epidemiological, clinical and endoscopic characteristics of peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB).
Methods: This was a prospective study of patients who were admitted for peptic ulcers at Khulna Medical College Hospital Khulna, Bangladesh, from January 2021 to December 2021. Data were collected using a pretested and coded questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS computer software. Ethical approval to conduct the study was obtained from relevant authorities before the commencement of the study.
Results: In this study, a total of 24 patients were included and analyzed. Regarding the age distribution of the study population, 11(45.83%) patients were <65 years of age, 9(37.50%) patients were from the age group 65-80 years and 4(16.67%) patients were aged >80 years. Also, 62.5 percent of patients were female and 37.5 percent were male. Among the study subjects, 14(58.33%) patients were treated by endoscopic therapy and 13(54.17%) patients had initial hemostasis. Initial hemostasis had some types also; 9(37.50%) patients had Epinephrine, 8(33.33%) patients had Epinephrine+endoclips, 5(20.83%) patients had endoclips.
Conclusion: Three decades after the discovery of Hp, the etiologies of bleeding peptic ulcers are changing. However, diagnosis of Hp infection is still the priority in these patients. Invasive RUT is most frequently used, but this methodology is hampered by a high rate of false-negative results, especially in patients with UGI bleeding.
Mediscope 2024;11(2): 77-81
Upaya Mengembangkan Kreativitas Anak melalui Permainan Warna dengan Media Benang di RA At Taslim Pangalengan
Authors: Sinta Silvia
Published: November 2024

This study aims to develop children's creativity through playing with colors using yarn in the B RA group at Taslim PangalenganRegency. Color game activities with thread media can attract children's interest in developing their creativity. The subjects in this study were the children of group B RA At Taslim Pangalengan, Bandung Regency, with a total of 10 children. Thevariable associated with this research is creativity. The method used to collect data about children's creativity uses observation, performance, and interview methods. This research was conducted into two cycles. This type of research is Classroom Action Research (CAR). Researchers have made improvements in the learning process carried out for 2 days in the cycle and continued with 2 days in cycle 2, considering that the child's creativity has reached the target level of completeness. Based on data analysis through playing with colors with thread media, it can develop children's creativity in the B RA group at Taslim Pangalengan, Bandung Regency
Analisis Faktor Penyebab Anak Usia Dini Mengalami Kesulitan dalam Berhitung di TK Siaga Muda Kec Percut Sei Tuan
Authors: Fatimah Friska
Published: November 2024

This study aims to analyze the factors that cause early childhood difficulties in counting at Siaga Muda Kindergarten. Challenges in measuring at an early age can have a long-term impact on children’s future mathematical development, to prevent this, this research was conducted. This research uses a descriptive qualitative method, which is a qualitative approach with observation methods and interviews with young children and teachers of TK Siaga Muda. The results of this study found several main factors that contribute to numeracy difficulties in early childhood at Siaga Muda Kindergarten. The first is the lack of understanding of basic math concepts such as addition, subtraction, and number concepts in children. The second factor is ineffective teaching methods, and the third factor is the lack of time spent practicing. This study recommends several steps to overcome early childhood numeracy difficulties at Siaga Muda Kindergarten, such as using interactive and engaging teaching approaches, using diverse and creative methods, and the need for close cooperation between teachers, parents, and educational institutions. By identifying the factors that cause numeracy difficulties at Siaga Muda Kindergarten, this research is expected to provide valuable input.
Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Berbasis Proyek terhadap Kreativitas Anak Usia 5-6 Tahun di Taman Kanak-Kanak Panrannuangku 1
Authors: Rini Afriani Darmayanti  , Parwoto  , Azizah Amal
Published: November 2024

This study aims to determine the effect of project-based learning models on the creativity of children aged 5-6 years at Panrannuangku Kindergarten 1. This research was conducted using a quantitative approach with a quasi-experiment design. The population amounted to 36 students at Panrannuangku 1 Kindergarten. In this study, the sample was taken randomly from 12 children, each 6 children in the experimental group and 6 children in the control group. Descriptive and non-parametric statistical analysis was used to collect data. In this study, the results obtained Thitung 71 > Ttabel 2.2281 = H0 is rejected and H1 is accepted, meaning that there is an effect of project-based learning models on children's creativity. The value of Zhitung 1.52 > Ztabel 0.4394 = H0 is rejected and H1 is accepted, meaning that there is an effect of project-based learning models on children's creativity. So it can be concluded that creativity in the experimental class is better than the control class, this proves that the project-based learning model using origami influences children's creativity.
Studi Komparasi Pendidikan Kewarganegaraan pada Anak Usia Dini di Negara Indonesia dengan Negara Arab
Authors: Sasmita Wikan , Riswandi Fitta Nurisma
Published: November 2024

Early childhood citizenship education in Indonesia with Arab countries in the background of state and citizen challenges globalization affects the growth, physical and spiritual development of children such as norms, behaviours and life values have an impact on the progress of the country. Research is used to improve the life of the Indonesian state while Arab countries master 21st-century skills. The research method uses literature studies with the aim of exploring early childhood citizenship education in the two countries. The results of the study stated that the country's vision and mission have a golden Indonesia target in 2045, while the Arab country has a target of superior education services in 2030. Education uses the independent learning curriculum and the student profile of Pancasila, the country of Indonesia.In contrast, the Arab country uses superior services equitable and inclusive quality education to increase lifelong learning opportunities. The focus of achieving early childhood development in Indonesia includes religion and morals, Pancasila, physical motor, cognitive, language, and social-emotional, while the Arab country achieves standards: knowledge, behaviour, skills, making citizens suitable, productive, and effective—Indonesian citizenship education, consisting of Pancasila values and Pancasila student profiles. While Arab citizenship education contains citizenship, national identity and culture, exploration of the interaction between the state and society makes a good citizen. In conclusion, the education of early childhood citizenship of the Indonesian state with Arabs can make citizens of character and citizenship.
Pengaruh Pendekatan Pembelajaran STEAM terhadap Kemampuan Numerasi Anak Usia 4-5 Tahun
Authors: Shaka Dita Istiqomah , Nyimas Atika  , Indah Dwi Sartika  , Desvi Wahyuni
Published: November 2024

This research aims to determine the effect of the STEAM learning approach on the numeracy abilities of children aged 4-5 years. This type of research is a quantitative experimental research method, Pre-Experimental Design, by trialing the STEAM learning approach in class. This research design is One Group Pre-test – Post-test Design, in the form of a children's worksheet which contains children's understanding of numeracy. The population of this study was 12 children from group A. Data collection techniques include documentation, observation & test techniques. Data analysis techniques in this research use validity tests, reliability, normality, homogeneity, and t-hypothesis tests. Based on the results of research that has been conducted, there is a significant influence on the numeracy abilities of children aged 4-5 years on indicators of counting using numbers, measuring, sorting, and patterns. Apart from that, it is shown by tcount = 26.741 while t table = 2.178. Because count> table (26.741>2.178), the conclusion is that Ha is accepted &  H0 is rejected, which means there is a significant influence of implementing the STEAM learning approach on the numeracy abilities of children. This research implies that the STEAM learning approach is very appropriate for children aged 4-5 years because it can teach children to think and problem-solve, including numeracy abilities.
Pengaruh Kualifikasi Akademik Guru PAUD terhadap Pembelajaran Kurikulum Merdeka
Authors: Nisviati Syifa , Risbon Sianturi
Published: November 2024

This study aims to analyze the effect of PAUD teachers' academic qualifications on independent curriculum learning. Teachers are scholars who will be obeyed and imitated by students. So that a teacher must have qualifications as physical evidence of quality obtained through education and the teaching profession. This research method uses qualitative research with a descriptive approach. Data collection techniques conducted by researchers through field observations, interviews, and documentation. The subjects of this research consisted of the principal and 5 teachers. The object of research includes the academic qualifications of PAUD teachers towards learning the Merdeka curriculum. Analysis of data collection is carried out through drawing conclusions from the findings studied. This research is located at Amal Sholeh Islamic Kindergarten in Tasikmalaya city. The results of this study indicate that there are differences in performance quality between qualified and linear teachers and unqualified and non-linear teachers. This certainly affects the effectiveness of learning, especially in the Merdeka Curriculum which requires teachers to be creative and innovative.
Penanganan Gangguan Belajar Anak Disleksia Melalui Spelling Method
Authors: Nurita Sari  , Diana Raden Rachmy , Zulfa Nadia Aliyatuz
Published: November 2024

Everyone has different abilities and levels of intelligence, including children with learning difficulties such as dyslexia. Dyslexia is a neurological brain disorder that affects reading and writing skills, rather than being the result of poor learning. It involves challenges in information processing in the brain, so dyslexic children often have difficulty reading words quickly and accurately. This research aims to analyze the treatment of learning disorders of dyslexic children through the spelling method. The methodology used in this research involves a qualitative approach using case studies. The data collection techniques used were observation, interview and documentation. The observation and interview techniques used question guidelines that had been prepared, while documentation was carried out with data analysis techniques which included data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results of this study show that the spelling method is an effective teaching technique for children with dyslexia. This method involves phonetic understanding, phonological awareness, as well as a consistent and collaborative multi-sensory approach between schools and parents. The studied child showed significant improvement in reading ability after the application of this method, through repeated practice and periodic evaluation that ensures effectiveness and supports the achievement of the child's academic potential.
Gender Inequality in STEM Education in Pakistan: A Case Study of Female Students
Authors: Qaisar Mehreen
Published: November 2024

Emphasis on STEM education has gained the attention of activists to promote gender equality in the education field in the last few years. The objectives of the present research paper are: Why is there a need to address gender inequalities in STEM education in Pakistan? The second objective of the research is to highlight the obstacles that restrict women’s access to STEM education in Pakistan. This research is qualitative in nature and based on the interviews of students enrolled in the faculty of humanities at the BS level in AIOU. Research gives directions to policymakers on how to increase women’s enrollment in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Talent Management in Healthcare: The New Strategic Objective
Authors: Marçal Gomes Silvia
Published: November 2024

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, effective talent management has become a critical priority for any organization seeking exceptional and safe care, whilst driving a positive outcome and impact in people’s lives. This article delves into the intricacies of talent management in healthcare, from an operational standpoint, aiming to capture how the frontline workforce perceives talent management. It is hypothesized that by implementing comprehensive talent management strategies, healthcare institutions would be able to address the current challenges posed by the worldwide workforce shortages. The increasing demand for healthcare services has prompted organizations and governments to proactively approach talent management to attract and retain the right individuals with the right skills to remain competitive and even functional. Employee engagement initiatives, along with a robust culture of continuous learning and phycological safety, where individuals can be at optimal performance and positively impact patient experience and outcome, significantly reduce turnover rates and ensure workforce stability (Dyrbye et al., 2017).
Unveiling the Therapeutic Impact of Virtual Reality Game-Based Exercises on Cervicocephalic Kinesthetic Sensibility in Individuals Battling Cervical Vertigo
Authors: Giridharan G.vaishnavi , Paul Jibi , Suganthirababu Prathap , Nathan C.v. Senthil
Published: November 2024

This study was aimed to investigate the therapeutic impact of Virtual Reality game-based exercises with Epley maneuver on cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility in individuals experiencing cervical vertigo. 8 subjects were selected by simple random sampling method included clinically diagnosed male and female cervical vertigo patients between 40-55 years of age, who had recurring symptom of dizziness over three months, episodic dizziness lasting minutes to hours .Written consent was taken and a detailed outcome assessment was done.Intervention includes Virtual Reality abyss sharks & sea worlds for a duration of 10 minutes with a five-minute rest period and Virtual Reality thrills, for a duration of 10 minutes with a five-minute rest period along with epley maneuver 10 minutes targeting cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility.Total duration of the intervention includes 40min/day for 6 days for 12 weeks. Pre test included Cervical Joint Position Error Test for cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility and Videonystagmography measures nystagmus, rapid eye movements with a slow and fast phase, to provide objective information about vertigo. Post test done on 6th and 12th week of intervention with the same measures. On comparing pre- and post-intervention outcomes shows higher mean value (P≤0.001).In conclusion the findings of this study had the potential to contribute valuable insights into the therapeutic utility of Virtual Reality game-based exercises in managing cervical vertigo, offering a novel and engaging approach to rehabilitation. Virtual Reality-based interventions is found effective treatment for individuals battling cervicocephalic kinesthetic sensibility among patients with cervical vertigo.
Strategies to support language development in neonatal intensive care unit: a narrative review
Authors: Heo Ju Sun , Kim Ee-Kyung
Published: November 2024

Despite neonatal intensive care advancements and quality improvements, preterm infants often experience delays in speech and language development during early childhood. The etiological pathway of language delays is multifactorial, including younger gestational age at birth, male sex, pregnancy complications including gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia, organic pathology from neonatal morbidities, environmental factors of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and prolonged hospitalization, home environment including socioeconomic status and parental education, and parent-infant interactions. As early language experiences and environments are crucial for the development of language processing, strategies to support language development should be implemented from the NICU onward. This study aimed to summarize evidence- based strategies for language development through an extensive review of nutrition, NICU environment, language and sound exposure, developmental care interventions, and family-centered care. Promoting breastfeeding, increasing parent-infant interactions in a single-family room setting, nurturing the language environment via parental book reading and language interventions, and parent-integrated interventions in the NICU could potentially enhance language development among preterm infants. These supportive strategies can be integrated through family-centered care, which recognizes parents as primary caregivers and collaborative partners.
Optimal Conditions for Determination of Cytochrome c Oxidase Activity in the Rat Heart
Authors: Stieglerová A , Drahota Z , Ošťádal B , Houštěk J
Published: November 2024

The determination of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity represents an important indicator for the evaluation of cell oxidative capacity. However, it has been shown repeatedly that different factors modify the rate of COX activity under various experimental conditions. The most important concern the ionic concentrations of the medium and the application of various detergents for the solubilization of mitochondrial membranes. We found the highest activity of COX in rat heart homogenates and mitochondria at 40-60 mM potassium phosphate. The rate of COX activity is dependent on the detergent/protein (P) ratio. Using n-dodecyl-beta-D-maltoside (lauryl maltoside, LM) as the detergent, we obtained the highest activity at LM/P ratios of (50:100):1. By kinetic measurements of low-affinity binding sites in heart mitochondria, we found Vlim values of 4.3 and 22.2 micromol cytochrome c per min per mg P in the presence or absence of lauryl maltoside, respectively. The Km values were 16.7 micromol in the presence or absence of lauryl maltoside. Our results thus indicate that 1) the exact assessment of COX activity in heart homogenates and mitochondria requires the determination of optimum phosphate concentrations in the medium used, and 2) even small modifications of the experimental procedure may induce significant differences in the maximum values of COX activity.
Activation of Adenylate Cyclase System in the Preconditioned Rat Heart
Authors: Okruhlicová Ľ , Ravingerová T , Pancza D , Tribulová N , Styk J , Štetka R
Published: November 2024

Ischemic preconditioning (IP) protects the heart against subsequent prolonged ischemia. Whether the beta-adrenoceptor/adenylate cyclase pathway contributes to this cardioprotection is not yet fully known. Using enzyme catalytic cytochemistry we studied the adenylate cyclase activity and its distribution in the preconditioned rat heart. Adenylate cyclase activity was examined in Langendorff-perfused rat hearts subjected to the following conditions: control perfusion; 30 min regional ischemia; 5 min occlusion and 10 min reperfusion (IP); IP followed by ischemia. Ischemia-induced arrhythmias and the effect of ischemic preconditioning on the incidence of arrhythmias were analyzed. At the end of experiment the heart was shortly prefixed with glutaraldehyde. Tissue samples from the left ventricle were incubated in a medium containing the specific substrate AMP-PNP for adenylate cyclase and then routinely processed for electron microscopy. Adenylate cyclase activity was cytochemically demonstrated in the sarcolemma and the junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (JSR) in control hearts, while it was absent after test ischemia. The highest activity of the precipitate was observed after ischemic preconditioning. In the preconditioned hearts followed by test ischemia, adenylate cyclase activity in the precipitate was preserved in sarcolemma and even more in JSR. Protective effect of ischemic preconditioning was manifested by the suppression of severe arrhythmias. These results indicate the involvement of the adenylate cyclase system in mechanisms underlying ischemic preconditioning.
Implementasi media Scrapbook dengan pemetaan pikiran dalam pembelajaran i'rab di dalam buku Bahasa Arab bagi siswa kelas 7 Mts Midanut Ta'lim Mayanga Jogorot Jombang
Authors: Dwiitra Vikawati  , Dr. Lailatul Qomariyah, M.Pd.I
Published: November 2024

في التعليم، هناك حاجة إلى وسيلة يكون استخدامها مفيدًا كوسيلة لربط عملية التعلم بين المعلم والطلاب. وسيلة سكرابوك بميزة دعم التعليم الممتع. تم تجهيز وسيلة سكرابوك هذه بقاعدة خريطة الذهنية بحيث يمكن تلخيص مواد قواعد الإعراب في قطعة واحدة من الورق المقوى. وبصرف النظر عن ذلك، فإنه يستخدم أيضًا الرسوم التوضيحية الملونة والصور والتصميمات التي يمكن أن تجذب انتباه الطلاب. باستخدام وسيلة سكرابوك بالخريطة الذهنية، يصبح الطلاب متحمسين للتعلم بشكل تفاعلي، والأمر الأكثر تحفيزًا هو القدرة على الاهتمام بتفسيرات المعلم بطريقة ممتعة والإجابة على أسئلة المعلم. أسئلة البحث هي: 1) كيف تطبيق وسيلة سكرابوك “scrapbook” بالخريطة الذهنية في تعليم الإعراب في كتاب اللغة العربية لطلاب الصف السابع في المدرسة المتوسطة الإسلامية الأهلية "ميدان التعليم" مايانجان جوجوروتو جومبانج؟ 2) ما الدوافع و الموانع في تطبيق وسيلة سكرابوك “scrapbook” بالخريطة الذهنية في تعليم الإعراب في كتاب اللغة العربية لطلاب الصف السابع في المدرسة المتوسطة الإسلامية الأهلية "ميدان التعليم" مايانجان جوجوروتو جومبانج؟ ومنهج البحث هو البحث الكيف بالمدخل الصفي. و نوعه بحث دراسة الحالة. أسلوب جمع البيانات هي الملاحظة والمقابلات والتوثيق. و أسلوب تحليل البيانات هو:  جمع البيانات، وتقليل البيانات، وعرض البيانات، و التحقيق. و أسلوب صحة البيانات منها يبطل الملاحظة، ترتقية القوة الإرادة و التثليث. أما نتائج هذا البحث وهي: 1) تطبيق وسيلة سكرابوك “scrapbook” بالخريطة الذهنية في تعليم الإعراب ينقسم إلى ثلاث مراحل، وهي مرحلة التخطيط، ومرحلة التنفيذ، ومرحلة تقييم التعليم. وباستخدام هذه الوسيلة، يكون للطلاب تأثير إيجابي على الطلاب، كما يتضح من أنشطة الطلاب الذين يمكنهم لعب دور فعال في الأنشطة الصفية. وبغض النظر عن ذلك، عندما يسأل المعلم، يمكن للطلاب الإجابة وفقًا لما تم شرحه. 2) الدوافع و الموانع أثناء عملية التقديم الإعلامي. الدوافع هي حماس الطلاب، ودعم المعلمين، وتوافر مصادر التعلم. وفي الوقت نفسه، تنقسم هذه العوامل الموانع إلى قسمين، وهما العوامل الداخلية (شخصية الطالب) والعوامل الخارجية (القيود التكنولوجية).
Adolescent Clubs in Schools: Best Practice Models
Authors: Costache Luminita , Cojocaru Stefan ,   Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Bunea Ovidiu , Cojocaru Daniela ,   Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Neculau Catalina
Published: November 2024

The paper "Adolescent Clubs in Schools: Best Practice Models" presents a qualitative study focusing on the impact of school clubs on adolescent development, highlighting the importance of non-cognitive skills in their personal growth. The study examines how these skills, such as self-confidence, creativity, responsibility, cooperation, and leadership, are developed through active participation in various school clubs. The analysis is based on interviews with club members, who reported significant changes in their behaviors, attitudes, as well as in interpersonal and leadership skills. The study also explores the influence of the school and family environment on these skills, and how they can be transferred to the students' personal lives. The research emphasizes the importance of school clubs as instances of socialization and personal development, with a focus on formal education that includes non-cognitive skills as an objective of the educational process. The goal is to highlight the role of clubs in shaping more responsible, creative, and capable young people who can collaborate and lead, thus preparing students for future challenges in their personal and professional lives.
ILLOCUTIONARY ACTS IN BARRACK OBAMA’S ELECTION VICTORY SPEECH 2008
Authors: Farhan Aslam Muhammad , Rudianto Gaguk
Published: November 2024

This study uses a qualitative research approach to examine the illocutionary acts in Barack Obama's 2008 victory speech. The study's data, which focuses on the connection between theory and research, comprises spoken and written words. The researchers employ an observational strategy and note-taking technique to collect data from the speech. The data analysis uses an identification procedure that involves watching and listening to the video and audio to pinpoint the different illocutionary acts that Obama has used. Based on Searle's theory, the researchers categorize the transcriptions and find 21 illocutionary acts, such as directive, commissive, declarative, expressive, and representative. These results demonstrate that Obama's speech contained two directive acts, two commissive acts, five representative acts, six expressive acts, and six declarative acts. This study adds to our knowledge of how theories are revived through qualitative research and offers insightful information on the dynamics of illocutionary acts in speech. The findings provide additional insight into Obama's communication tactics and his rhetorical devices in his victory address. Subsequent investigations in this field may examine the influence and efficacy of illocutionary actions in political dialogue.
Advanced neuroprosthetic electrode design optimized by electromagnetic finite element simulation: innovations and applications
Authors: Yang Shu , Yang Siyi , Li Peixuan , Gou Shuchun , Cheng Yuhang , Jia Qinggang , Du Zhanhong
Published: November 2024

Based on electrophysiological activity, neuroprostheses can effectively monitor and control neural activity. Currently, electrophysiological neuroprostheses are widely utilized in treating neurological disorders, particularly in restoring motor, visual, auditory, and somatosensory functions after nervous system injuries. They also help alleviate inflammation, regulate blood pressure, provide analgesia, and treat conditions such as epilepsy and Alzheimer’s disease, offering significant research, economic, and social value. Enhancing the targeting capabilities of neuroprostheses remains a key objective for researchers. Modeling and simulation techniques facilitate the theoretical analysis of interactions between neuroprostheses and the nervous system, allowing for quantitative assessments of targeting efficiency. Throughout the development of neuroprostheses, these modeling and simulation methods can save time, materials, and labor costs, thereby accelerating the rapid development of highly targeted neuroprostheses. This article introduces the fundamental principles of neuroprosthesis simulation technology and reviews how various simulation techniques assist in the design and performance enhancement of neuroprostheses. Finally, it discusses the limitations of modeling and simulation and outlines future directions for utilizing these approaches to guide neuroprosthesis design.
Molecular properties of a triazole–Ce(III) complex with antioxidant activity: structure, spectroscopy, and relationships with related derivatives. Influence of the ligands in the complex
Authors: Palafox M. Alcolea , Belskaya Nataliya P. , Todorov Lozan , Hristova-Avakumova Nadya , Kostova Irena P.
Published: November 2024

A novel Ce(III) complex with the triazole ligand 2b, which presents four H-bonded sites with amino acids of the MMP-2 receptor, was synthesized. The experimental IR and Raman spectra of this Ce(III) complex were well-interpreted based on their comparison to the theoretical scaled spectra using the scaling equations determined by two procedures and four density functional theory (DFT) levels. Therefore, the structure predicted for the synthesized Ce(III) complex was clearly characterized and confirmed. The potential antioxidant action of this complex was compared with the analogous La(III) complex, and it was found that the coordination of ligand 2b with Ce(III) improves the ligand’s ability to participate in single-electron transfer (SET), as observed in the ABTS·+ assay, and this complex seems to scavenge the stable radical much more actively compared to its La(III) counterpart. Additionally, interactions with potassium superoxide and sodium hypochlorite indicate a high pro-oxidant behavior of the complex. The effects of different ligands on the geometric parameters, atomic charges, and molecular properties of the Ce(III) complex were analyzed at four DFT levels, and several relationships were clearly established. These relationships can facilitate the selection of new ligands with improved properties in the design of novel lanthanide–triazole carboxylate complexes with promising biological activity. The ligand size increase in the complexes facilitates the electronic transfer of negative charge, and the low HOMO (highest occupied molecular orbital)–LUMO (lowest unoccupied molecular orbital) energy gap indicates a large reactivity and low energy for their excitation.
Educational teams: building professional and organizational learning communities
Authors: Pinheiro Generosa , Alves José Matias
Published: November 2024

Quality education that prepares young people to think and make ethically responsible decisions seems to be the only sustainable solution to respond to today’s global challenges. However, this capacity to learn requires a new school grammar, through the creation of conditions, structures and cultures that promote relationships and synergies capable of transforming teachers and school leaders into creative learners and facilitators of learning. In this sense, this study sought to understand the effects of a change in the organizational dynamics of a school, the organization of teaching by educational teams, on the individual, collective and organizational learning of this school organization. To this end, we adopted a fundamentally qualitative research approach, which we operationalized through a case study, based on a quali-quanti approach. We combined a descriptive statistical analysis of two questionnaires with a content analysis of interviews, focus discussion groups, and field notes from classroom observations and educational team meetings. The analysis of all these data points to the fact that effective change in schools and education that promotes deep learning for teachers and, consequently, for students and the organization, requires joint and articulated action not only at the level of structure and leadership, but also at the level of beliefs and school cultures.
Cancers and erectile dysfunction: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yang Ge , Xiong Yuanguo , Wang Ziwen , Wang Jingsong , Chen Yongchuan , Zhang Hong
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Cancer often coexists with erectile dysfunction, yet the causal relationship between them remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the causal link between tumors and ED through Mendelian randomization.

Method

Data on 13 different cancers, including lung cancer, colorectal cancer, testicular cancer, lymphoma, esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, bladder cancer and brain cancer were collected from various databases. ED data, comprising 2,205 cases and 164,104 controls, were sourced from the FinnGen project. Primary methods for MR analysis included IVW, MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode.

Results

IVW results revealed associations between colorectal cancer (OR=1.17;95% CI 1.02-1.13, p=0.0252), prostate cancer (OR=1.63;95% CI 1.52-1.75, p<0.001) and liver cancer (OR=0.93;95% CI 0.88 -0.99, p=0.012) with ED.

Conclusion

Mendelian randomization analysis supports that prostate cancer and colorectal cancer are associated with an increased risk of Erectile Dysfunction, whereas liver cancer is linked to a decreased risk of ED. No evidence suggests that ED contributes to an increased risk of prostate cancer.
Clinical application of chromosome microarray analysis and karyotyping in prenatal diagnosis in Northwest China
Authors: Xue ShuYuan , Liu YuTong , Wang LiXia , Zhang Le , Chang Bozhen , Ding GuiFeng , Dai PengGao
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Karyotyping and chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) are the two main prenatal diagnostic techniques currently used for genetic testing. We aimed to evaluate the value of chromosomal karyotyping and CMA for different prenatal indications.

Methods

A total of 2084 amniocentesis samples from pregnant women who underwent prenatal diagnosis from 16 to 22 + 6 weeks of gestation between January 2021 and December 2022 were retrospectively collected. The pregnant women were classified according to different prenatal diagnostic indications and underwent CMA and karyotype analysis. Clinical data were collected, and the results of the CMA and karyotype analysis were statistically analyzed to compare the effects of the two diagnostic techniques.

Results

The total detection rate of abnormal chromosomes was significantly higher using CMA than karyotype analysis. The detection rate of abnormal chromosomes using CMA was significantly higher than that using karyotyping for ultrasound abnormalities, high-risk serologic screening, adverse pregnancy history, positive noninvasive prenatal test (NIPT) screening, and ultrasound abnormalities combined with adverse pregnancy history indications. Among the fetuses with inconsistent results between the two testing methods, 144 had an abnormal CMA but a normal karyotype, with the highest percentage of pregnant women with ultrasound abnormalities at 38.89% (56/144). CMA had the highest detection rate for structural abnormalities combined with soft-index abnormalities among all ultrasound abnormalities. The highest detection rate of copy number variants in the group of structural abnormalities in a single system was in the genitourinary system (3/29, 10.34%).

Conclusion

CMA can improve the detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities in patients with ultrasound abnormalities, high-risk serologic screening, adverse maternal history, positive NIPT screening, and ultrasound abnormalities combined with adverse maternal history and can increase the detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities in karyotypic normality by 6.91% (144/2,084), this result is higher than similar studies. However, karyotype analysis remains advantageous over CMA regarding balanced chromosomal rearrangement and detection of low-level chimeras, and the combination of the two methods is more helpful in improving the detection rate of prenatal chromosomal abnormalities.
Macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles from Ascaris lumbricoides antigen exposure enhance Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth control, reduce IL-1β, and contain miR-342-5p, miR-516b-5p, and miR-570-3p that regulate PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Pushpamithran Giggil , Blomgran Robert
Published: November 2024

Background

Helminth coinfection with tuberculosis (TB) can alter the phenotype and function of macrophages, which are the major host cells responsible for controlling Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). However, it is not known whether helminth infection stimulates the release of host-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) to induce or maintain their regulatory network that suppresses TB immunity. We previously showed that pre-exposure of human monocyte-derived macrophages (hMDMs) with Ascaris lumbricoides protein antigens (ASC) results in reduced Mtb infection-driven proinflammation and gained bacterial control. This effect was entirely dependent on the presence of soluble components in the conditioned medium from helminth antigen-pre-exposed macrophages.

Methods

Our objective was to investigate the role of EVs released from helminth antigen-exposed hMDMs on Mtb-induced proinflammation and its effect on Mtb growth in hMDMs. Conditioned medium from 48-h pre-exposure with ASC or Schistosoma mansoni antigen (SM) was used to isolate EVs by ultracentrifugation. EVs were characterized by immunoblotting, flow cytometry, nanoparticle tracking assay, transmission electron microscopy, and a total of 377 microRNA (miRNA) from EVs screened by TaqMan array. Luciferase-expressing Mtb H37Rv was used to evaluate the impact of isolated EVs on Mtb growth control in hMDMs.

Results

EV characterization confirmed double-membraned EVs, with a mean size of 140 nm, expressing the classical exosome markers CD63, CD81, CD9, and flotillin-1. Specifically, EVs from the ASC conditioned medium increased the bacterial control in treatment-naïve hMDMs and attenuated Mtb-induced IL-1β at 5 days post-infection. Four miRNAs showed unique upregulation in response to ASC exposure in five donors. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that the MAPK and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways were regulated. Among the mRNA targets, relevant for regulating inflammatory responses and cellular stress pathways, CREB1 and MAPK13 were identified. In contrast, SM exposure showed significant regulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway with SMAD4 as a common target.

Conclusion

Overall, our findings suggest that miRNAs in EVs released from helminth-exposed macrophages regulate important signaling pathways that influence macrophage control of Mtb and reduce inflammation. Understanding these interactions between helminth-induced EVs, miRNAs, and macrophage responses may inform novel therapeutic strategies for TB management.
Case report: Metagenomic next-generation sequencing for the diagnosis of rare Nocardia aobensis infection in a patient with immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Liang Xiaocui , Liu Xiaoyu , Huang Zhimin , Qiu Fei , Jiang Yini , Li Chunhong , Deng Zhenfeng , Wu Jinyu
Published: November 2024

Background

Nocardiosis poses a diagnostic challenge due to its rarity in clinical practice, non-specific clinical symptoms and imaging features, and the limitations of traditional detection methods. Nocardia aobensis (N. aobensis) is rarely detected in clinical samples. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) offers significant advantages over traditional methods for rapid and accurate diagnosis of infectious diseases, especially for rare pathogens.

Case presentation

A 52-year-old woman with a history of immune thrombocytopenia for over 2 years was hospitalized for recurrent fever and cough lasting for 10 days. Her initial diagnosis on admission was community-acquired pneumonia, based on chest computed tomography findings of lung inflammation lesion. Empirical treatment with moxifloxacin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMZ) was initiated. However, her condition failed to improve significantly even after 1 week of treatment. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) subjected to mNGS revealed the presence of N. aobensis, resulting in a diagnosis of pulmonary nocardiosis caused by N. aobensis. This diagnosis was also supported by Sanger sequencing of the BALF. After adjusting the antibiotic regimen to include TMP-SMZ in combination with imipenem, the patient’s condition significantly improved. She was finally discharged with instructions to continue oral treatment with TMP-SMZ and linezolid for 6 months. The patient’s first follow-up 1 month after discharge showed good treatment outcomes but with obvious side effects of the drugs. Consequently, the antibiotic regimen was changed to doxycycline, and the patient continued to improve.

Conclusion

We report the first detailed case of pulmonary nocardiosis caused by N. aobensis diagnosed by mNGS. mNGS could be an effective method that facilitates early diagnosis and timely decision-making for the treatment of nocardiosis, especially in cases that involve rare pathogens.
Reproducible routes: reliably navigating the connectome to enrich personalized brain stimulation strategies
Authors: Liu Yilin , Sundman Mark H. , Ugonna Chidi , Chen Yu-Chin Allison , Green Jacob M. , Haaheim Lisbeth G. , Siu Hannah M. , Chou Ying-hui
Published: November 2024

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) technologies, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), offer significant therapeutic potential for a growing number of neuropsychiatric conditions. Concurrent with the expansion of this field is the swift evolution of rTMS methodologies, including approaches to optimize stimulation site planning. Traditional targeting methods, foundational to early successes in the field and still widely employed today, include using scalp-based heuristics or integrating structural MRI co-registration to align the transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) coil with anatomical landmarks. Recent evidence, however, supports refining and personalizing stimulation sites based on the target's structural and/or functional connectivity profile. These connectomic approaches harness the network-wide neuromodulatory effects of rTMS to reach deeper brain structures while also enabling a greater degree of personalization by accounting for heterogenous network topology. In this study, we acquired baseline multimodal magnetic resonance (MRI) at two time points to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of distinct connectome-based strategies for stimulation site planning. Specifically, we compared the intra-individual difference between the optimal stimulation sites generated at each time point for (1) functional connectivity (FC) guided targets derived from resting-state functional MRI and (2) structural connectivity (SC) guided targets derived from diffusion tensor imaging. Our findings suggest superior reproducibility of SC-guided targets. We emphasize the necessity for further research to validate these findings across diverse patient populations, thereby advancing the personalization of rTMS treatments.