bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward Adaptive Manufacturing Development: Implementation of Artificial Intelligence for Identifying Leather Defects
Authors: Prananda Alifia Revan , Frannita Eka Legya
Published: October 2023

Artificial intelligence was the powerful approach that was proven to be impactful for solving several problems. In the leather inspection cases, artificial intelligence also contributed some research works that effected for leather inspection process. In this research, we employed NasNet architecture conducted by using fine-tunning transfer learning method to distinguish the types of leather defects. We used 3600 images that was distributed into six classes which are folding marks, grain off, growth marks, loose grains, pinhole and non-defective. Our proposed solution successfully achieved accuracy for training data is 0.9788 with loss of 0.0198. While the maximum accuracy in validation data is 0.8059 with loss of 0.2126. In the testing data, our experiment obtained accuracy of 0.8603 with loss of 0.1603. These results indicated that our proposed solution was suitable to recognize the characteristics of leather defects and suitable to distinguish them.
Design of Fuzzy Logic Controller for Inductor Based Cell Balancing in Battery Management System
Authors: Hartono Hartono , Leksono Edi
Published: October 2023

Lithium-ion batteries are a popular energy storage used in various applications including electronic devices, electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and microgrids. The limitations in capacity and voltage of individual battery cells necessitate arranging them in series and parallel configurations to meet the energy demands of the system. However, connecting cells in series can potentially lead to charge imbalance among cells, resulting in reduced battery pack capacity and triggering safety concerns. Numerous topologies and control methods for battery cell balancing systems have been explored in previous research. In this study, two fuzzy logic controllers with different membership function shapes are designed to drive the duty cycle of PWM signals for inductor-based cell to cell balancing. Based on simulation results, the designed controllers demonstrate good performance compared to conventional methods.
Expert System for Disease Identification in Palawija Plants with the Dempster Shafer Method
Authors: Ilham Wanda , Putra Sapta Eka , Aldo Dasril , Nur Yohani Setiya Rafika , Utami Annisaa
Published: October 2023

Crops, including corn, are important agricultural commodities and contribute greatly to people's food needs. Diseases in crops are often the main factor that reduces crop production and quality. Maize plants are particularly susceptible to various pests and diseases, such as Leaf Blight, Leaf Spot, Rust, Stem Blight, Anthracnose, Root Rot, Cob Rot, Smut, Mosaic Virus, and Nematodes. Unfortunately, farmers often use pesticides or inappropriate control methods, resulting in suboptimal care and the emergence of new pests or diseases. This study aims to assist farmers in detecting early symptoms of pests and diseases in corn plants, so that control can be more precise and effective. In this study, 10 disease attack data were processed using the Dempster Shafer method. This method processes data based on symptoms seen in corn plants, allowing detection of types of pests and diseases and recommendations for handling them with an accuracy rate of about 80%. Therefore, the Dempster Shafer method is relevant for use in the identification of diseases in corn plants.
Sustainability of Oil and Gas Companies: Interpretation and Assessment from the Perspective of Systemic Economic Theory
Authors: Khomenkо Yana V. , Efimenko Anna V.
Published: October 2023

High uncertainty is a universal characteristic of modern economic reality. Therefore, the behavior of oil and gas companies requires special prudence in the disposal of assets, interaction with the environment of their localization, implementation of production and project activities. Accordingly, the basis for the choice of decisions and actions of the managerial level today should be an adequate scientific and methodological basis, based on the system properties of the oil and gas company and allowing to measure the stability of subsystems and their contribution to the overall ability of the industrial enterprise to work effectively in turbulent conditions and to withstand the enormous pressure of rare and hard-to-predict events. The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a methodology for assessing the sustainability of an oil and gas company, which (unlike traditional ones) is based on the systemic economic theory and considers sustainability as a result of the interaction of subsystems of object, environment, process and project types, their potentials and their combined contribution to the overall sustainability of the enterprise. The methodology is based on the systemic economic theory as a scientific basis for ensuring the viability of oil and gas companies in conditions of high uncertainty. The order of counting the generalized criteria of stability of subsystems of an oil and gas company is based on the consistent use of the method of hierarchy analysis by T. Saaty and multidimensional comparative analysis. The integral indicator – ​the index of oil and gas company sustainability – ​is calculated on the basis of the index method using geometric average by U. Jevons, interpreted with an interval method. Approbation of the methodology for assessing the sustainability of oil and gas companies was carried out on the basis of the data on oil and gas companies operating in foreign markets. The results of calculations showed different levels of stability of individual subsystems of oil and gas companies. In particular, the project-type subsystem, the fragility of which is caused by the resource-raw material model of business conduct, requires special attention from the management of Russian companies; foreign companies – ​the subsystem of the environmental type, the viability of which is determined by the potential of oil and gas assets. Recommendations for the formation of a model of behavior of an oil and gas company taking into account the level of its sustainability are suggested.
Personal values, norms and sustainable consumption behaviours of beverage consumers in Central Uganda.
Authors: Nantale Hanifah , Mutunzi Kitunzi Ahmed , Tibaingana Anthony
Published: October 2023

This study investigated the relationship between personal values, norms, and sustainable consumption behaviours of beverage consumers in central Uganda. The study employed a correlational design where 400 beverage consumers aged 18 and older provided the data in a survey. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling in the SPSS AMOS extension Version 23. The study results show that personal values and norms were critical determinants in beverage consumers’ engagement in sustainable behaviours like recycling, reusing, and proper disposal of waste from plastic bottles. Notably, consumers with biospheric values were more predisposed to engaging in such behaviours. Both personal and social norms positively influence sustainable consumption behaviours. The mediation effects of both norms were also confirmed in this research. Therefore, this study offers valuable insights to policy-making bodies and beverage companies in Uganda regarding the factors that drive sustainable consumption behaviours among beverage consumers. These findings can be used to develop effective environmental policies and marketing campaigns.
PENGARUH DISCOVERY LEARNING BERBANTU MEDIA AUDIOVISUAL TERHADAP PENINGKATAN KEMAMPUAN PEMECAHAN MASALAH MATEMATIKA
Authors: Ilfa Muhammad Khaza , Ardianti Sekar Dwi , Kuryanto Mohammad Syafruddin
Published: October 2023

The study is intended to learn the influence the discovery learning model was to assist audiovisual about the increased ability to solve the math problems of class IV students. It is conducted at Public Elementary School Klumpit 1, with a kind of quantitative research using a matode experiment of one group preposttest design. The sampling technique used in the study is the saturated sampling technique, with the number of students in the fourth class of students in the population of 10 boys and 15 girls. Pretest average value is 47.84. The posttest average is up to 80.36. The normal results of Shapiro-Wilk test that the pretest and posttest data above have sig > 0.05 with pretest data 0.054 > 0.05 and the posttest data 0.063 > 0.05 at significant levels 0.05 and n = 25, and H0 is accepted. N-gain tests, a value of 0.61 lies between 0.3 indicators 0.7 and a moderate increase in criteria. Thus it may be concluded that there is an increased ability to solve students' math problems through learning with the discovery learning model to assist audiovisual media.
PENERAPAN MODUL BERBASIS PROJECT BASED LEARNING PADA MATA KULIAH ANALISIS REAL 2
Authors: Yurinanda Sherli , Multahadah Cut , Z Gusmanely
Published: October 2023

The education dharma program states that lecturers have the main task of administering education. Permenristekdikti No. 44 of 2015 states the minimum criteria for the learning process, namely CPL (Graduate Learning Outcomes). CPL requires student-centered learning and the role of the lecturer as a facilitator so that Student Center Learning (SCL) is created. Real Analysis 2 which is a follow-up course from Real Analysis 1. Real Analysis 2 is a pure mathematics course that contains a collection of definitions and theorems and lemmas that involve proof. So far, learning real analysis is difficult for students to accept, namely making connections between one rule and another. One learning model that facilitates students to fulfill the CPL for Real Analysis 2 course is the PjBL (Project Based Learning) model. PjBL implementation must be supported by adequate learning facilities. Therefore, a module based on the PjBL model is needed. The use of this PjbL-based module is expected that students will be able to solve mathematical problems and support the fulfillment of CPL courses which results in the formation of creative and systematic mathematics students who are good at solving problems and have the capabilities and competencies needed by the world of work.
Inovasi Sosial dalam Mengatasi Masalah Stunting di Lombok Barat
Authors: Jaya Pajar Hatma Indra , Saptoni Saptoni , Izudin Ahmad , Aditya Rahadiyand , Saparwadi Saparwadi , Maryani Maryani
Published: October 2023

Stunting masih menjadi masalah sosial yang harus diselesaikan pemerintah Indonesia. Terdapat100 Kota/Kabupaten yang menjadi prioritas pemerintah untuk penanganan stunting. Tidaksemua program penanggulangan stunting berjalan dengan baik. Salah satu kota yang dinilaimampu untuk menyelesaikan masalah stunting dengan baik adalah Kabupaten Lombok Barat.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menemukan model penanganan stunting di Kabupaten LombokBarat yang mampu menurunkan angka stunting secara signifikan. Penelitian ini penting karenabanyak daerah di Indonesia yang masih berjuang menemukan model penanganan stunting yangtepat. Untuk menjawab tujuan penelitian tersebut, penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitiankualitatif dengan pengumpulan data melalui wawancara kepada pemerintah dan masyarakatLombok Barat tentang upaya mengatasi stunting. Penelitian ini menemukan bahwa tidak adafaktor determinan yang menjadi penyebab stunting di Lombok Barat. Stunting dipengaruhi olehbanyak faktor, mulai aspek kesehatan, ekonomi, kesadaran, lingkungan-sanitasi, sampai budaya.Program perlindungan sosial dalam bentuk bantuan bersyarat dari pemerintah pusat untuk wargamiskin juga tidak mampu mengatasi stunting. Hal ini tercermin dari adanya keluarga-keluargapenerima bantuan, namun tetap mengalami stunting. Metode penanganan stunting di LombokBarat dilakukan secara topdown lewat pengarusutamaan penanganan stunting dalampembangunan. Hal itu dijalankan dengan mekanisme “paksaan” dari bupati kepada seluruhinstansi di lingkungan pemerintah Kabupaten Lombok Barat untuk membuat satu programinovasi sosial yang ditujukan untuk mengatasi stunting. Hasilnya semua instansi di PemerintahKabupaten Lombok Barat mempunyai program dengan nama unik dan caranya masing-masinguntuk mengatasi stunting. Pengarusutamaan akan memberikan pemahaman kepada semua pihaksehingga menjadikan stunting sebagai masalah yang harus diselesaikan bersama. Sehinggaangka stunting di Lombok Barat dapat mengalami penurunan yang signifikan.Kata kunci: stunting, pengarusutamaan program, inovasi sosial, kebijakan top-down, bantuansosial
Sinkronisasi Perdais Yogyakarta Tentang Pemeliharaan dan Pengembangan Kebudayaan dengan Undang-Undang Pemajuan Kebudayaan
Authors: Hendrik Herman
Published: October 2023

Tulisan ini memaparkan hasil analisis sinkronisasi Peraturan Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta Nomor3 Tahun 2017 tentang Pemeliharaan dan Pengembangan Kebudayaan (Perdais No. 3/2017)dengan Undang-Undang Nomor 5 Tahun 2017 tentang Pemajuan Kebudayaan (UU PemajuanKebudayaan). Analisis tersebut didasarkan pada keberadaan sejumlah amanat dari UU PemajuanKebudayaan kepada pemerintah daerah. Amanat yang dimaksud yaitu tentang perlindungan danpengembangan objek pemajuan kebudayaan serta pembinaan pemajuan kebudayaan.Keberadaan peraturan daerah (perda) kebudayaan penting sebagai dasar hukum kebijakankebudayaan di daerah. Secara teori hukum, sebuah perda tidak boleh bertentangan denganperaturan di atasnya, sehingga Perdais No. 3/2017 harus selaras dengan UU PemajuanKebudayaan. Sehingga Peneliti merasa penting untuk melakukan kajian hukum normatif denganpendekatan sinkronisasi. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui kajian dokumen, yaitu denganmenelaah Perdais No. 3 tahun 2017 berdasarkan 18 pasal dari UU Pemajuan Kebudayaan yangberisi amanat undang-undang tersebut kepada pemerintah daerah. Hasil sinkronisasimengungkap bahwa, dari segi sistematika jumlah bab dalam Perdais No. 3/2017 lebih banyakdari UU Pemajuan Kebudayaan, tetapi jumlah pasalnya jauh lebih sedikit. Sementara itu, darisegi substansi, sejumlah pasal Perdais No. 3 tahun 2017 telah mengatur sebagian besar amanatUU Pemajuan Kebudayaan, meskipun ada perbedaan dalam sejumlah konsep. Hal tersebutmencerminkan masih adanya ketidakselarasan konsep kebijakan kebudayaan antara pemerintahpusat dan daerah.Kata kunci: Kebudayaan, pemajuan kebudayaan, peraturan daerah, kebijakan kebudayaan
Inovasi Pelayanan Kesehatan Jiwa dari Perspektif New Public Service (Studi Kasus Inovasi AKSI LILIN Kabupaten Lebak)
Authors: Barsei Adhityo Nugraha , Sipahutar Nova Yulanda Putri , Prasetyo Antonius Galih , Listanto Virgiawan
Published: October 2023

Kondisi kesehatan mental di Indonesia berada pada posisi yang mengkhawatirkan. Hasil riset kesehatan dasar menunjukkan bahwa prevalensi gangguan jiwa berat seperti skizofrenia di Indonesia tinggi tetapi masyarakat kurang menyadari penyebab masalah kesehatan jiwa. Selain itu, orang dengan gangguan jiwa enggan atau menunda pengobatan. Dalam menghadapi berbagai permasalahan tersebut, puskesmas sebagai garda terdepan dalam pelayanan kesehatan jiwa harus melakukan kegiatan yang tidak business as usual.  Sebagai respon terhadap masalah kesehatan jiwa tersebut, Puskesmas Mandala Kabupaten Lebak  menciptakan dan melaksanakan inovasi pelayanan kesehatan jiwa Aksi Lilin (Ajak, Interaksi, Lindungi, Sayangi dengan Nurani). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menjelaskan dan menganalisis syarat implementasi inovasi Aksi Lilin sehingga dapat diimplementasikan dengan efektif. Selanjutnya, penelitian ini menganalisis inovasi Aksi Lilin dari perspektif New Public Service (NPS). Penelitian ini menggunakan metode studi kasus untuk menganalisis implementasi inovasi Aksi Lilin. Insentif, otonomi, kepemimpinan dan budaya, dan enabler adalah komponen syarat untuk berinovasi. Implementasi Aksi Lilin juga menerapkan prinsip NPS melalui partisipasi kader kesehatan jiwa. Studi ini mengungkapkan bahwa partisipasi warga melalui kader kesehatan jiwa sangat penting karena puskesmas memiliki sumber daya yang terbatas dalam memberikan layanan publik. Apalagi kehadiran inovasi Aksi Lilin tidak hanya untuk memenuhi target pelayanan tetapi juga untuk mewujudkan tanggung jawab pemerintah adalah memberikan pelayanan terbaik kepada masyarakat, khususnya kepada kelompok rentan seperti masyarakat dengan gangguan jiwa berat.
Efectos de género y etnicidad en la brecha salarial entre jornaleros agrícolas del noroeste mexicano
Authors: Stabridis Omar , Salgado-Viveros Cecilia
Published: October 2023

The objective of this research is to analyze the effect of gender and ethnicity on the gender wage gap among farmworkers in the northwest region of Mexico, based on the 2020 census sample. By employing matching estimates and Inverse Probability Weighted Regression Adjustment (IPWRA) models, the effects on the mean and throughout the wage distribution of the sample are studied. It is observed that, in relation to gender and ethnicity, these are negative, especially when considered simultaneously, since among indigenous farmworkers, it is women who have the worst salaries. For women there are conditions of both a “sticky floor” and a “glass ceiling,” and for men only the second. The results indicate that part of this difference can be interpreted as a result of discrimination.
Jihadist disengagement and deradicalization in France and Belgium
Authors: AMGHAR Samir
Published: October 2023

Although jihadist organizations continue to attract large numbers of people in their wake, particularly from Europe, their recruitment capacity should not mask the difficulties they are currently encountering. In the face of the military setbacks suffered by Caliph al-Baghdadi's organization, experts have noted not only a decline in departures to areas controlled by the Islamic State, but also difficulties in keeping members within the organization. Many of its supporters have decided to desert, abandoning the armed struggle. This phenomenon is confirmed by a King's College study led by Peter Neumann, which claims that between 20% and 30% of jihadists decide to return to their country of origin. This report is based on the testimony of 58 "deserters" from the Islamic State, including nine from Western Europe and Australia, who have publicly recounted their reasons for leaving. In France, according to a report by the Criminal Affairs Directorate, more than 200 individuals have returned from Syria and Iraq. This phenomenon of jihadist defection is not new. It was already observed in the 1970s-1990s among armed Islamic groups in Algeria (GIA, Armée islamique du Salut, Groupe salafiste de prédication et de combat) , Morocco (Shabiba islâmiyya) , or Egypt (Islamic jihad and Gamâ'a islâmiyya) , for example.
The effects of sex, season, and natural sunlight on plasma vitamin D3 levels in two chelonian species (Testudo hermanni, Trachemys scripta) and their interaction with calcium, phosphate, and magnesium as associated plasma compounds
Authors: Geisler Gregor , Leineweber Christoph , Pees Michael , Öfner Sabine , Marschang Rachel E.
Published: October 2023

Species specific physiology, seasonal changes, sex, and husbandry factors all influence the blood chemistry of chelonians, including vitamin D3, calcium, phosphate and magnesium levels. Problems in the supply of many of these are commonly seen in captive reptiles. The goal of this study was to measure vitamin D3, calcium, phosphate and magnesium in plasma from captive, healthy, adult Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni) and pond sliders (Trachemys scripta). Samples were categorized and compared based on species, sex, season, and access to sunlight as a central husbandry element. Blood samples of 522 Hermann’s tortoises and 188 pond sliders, taken from March to September 2022, were included in the study. New reference intervals for vitamin D3, calcium, phosphate and magnesium were established, with specific reference intervals calculated for each species, sex, and season in those cases in which significant differences were found based on these factors. For the calculation of reference intervals for vitamin D3 the factors species, season and access to sunlight were considered. Vitamin D3 levels differed by access to sunlight in some seasons depending on the species and were generally higher in Hermann’s tortoises. Plasma vitamin D3 levels did not correlate with calcium, phosphorus or magnesium levels on a larger scale in either species. Calcium, phosphate, and magnesium were higher in females than in males of both species, and magnesium was higher in Hermann’s tortoises than in pond sliders. Our results can be helpful in a more specific interpretation of blood results and support previous findings that direct sunlight is an important factor in chelonian health. More studies are needed to better understand the role of other hormonal influence on the vitamin D3, calcium, phosphate and magnesium metabolism in chelonians.
PRELP secreted from mural cells protects the function of blood brain barrier through regulation of endothelial cell-cell integrity
Authors: Davaapil Hongorzul , Hopkins Jack , Bonnin Nadia , Papadaki Vasiliki , Leung Alex , Kosuge Hirofumi , Tashima Takumi , Nakakido Makoto , Sekido Ryohei , Tsumoto Kouhei , Sagoo Mandeep S. , Ohnuma Shin-Ichi
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Proline/arginine-rich end leucine-rich repeat protein (PRELP), is a small secreted proteoglycan expressed by pericytes and vascular smooth muscle cells surrounding the brain vasculature of adult mouse.

Methods: We utilised a Prelp knockout (Prelp−/−) mouse model to interrogate vasculature integrity in the brain alongside performing in vitro assays to characterise PRELP application to endothelial cells lines. Our findings were supplemented with RNA expression profiling to elucidate the mechanism of how PRELP maintains neurovasculature function.

Results:Prelp−/− mice presented with neuroinflammation and reducedneurovasculature integrity, resulting in IgG and dextran leakage in the cerebellum and cortex. Histological analysis of Prelp−/− mice revealed reducedcell-cell integrity of the blood brain barrier, capillary attachment of pericytes andastrocyte end-feet. RNA-sequencing analysis found that cell-cell adhesion andinflammation are affected in Prelp−/− mice and gene ontology analysis as well as gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated that inflammation related processes and adhesion related processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition and apical junctions were significantly affected, suggesting PRELP is a regulator of cell-cell adhesion. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that adhesion junction protein expression levels of cadherin, claudin-5, and ZO-1, was suppressed in Prelp−/− mice neurovasculature. Additionally, in vitro studies revealed that PRELP application to endothelial cells enhances cell-cell integrity, induces mesenchymal-endothelial transition and inhibits TGF-β mediated damage to cell-cell adhesion.

Discussion: Our study indicates that PRELP is a novel endogenous secreted regulator of neurovasculature integrity and that PRELP application may be a potential treatment for diseases associated with neurovascular damage.
The role of toll-like receptors in orchestrating osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells and osteoimmunology
Authors: Liu Xiaoyang , Zhou Zongke , Zeng Wei-Nan , Zeng Qin , Zhang Xingdong
Published: October 2023

Osteoimmunology is a concept involving molecular and cellular crosstalk between the skeletal and immune systems. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are widely expressed both on mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), the hematopoietic cells, and immune cells in the osteogenic microenvironment for bone development or repair. TLRs can sense both exogenous pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) derived from microorganisms, and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) derived from normal cells subjected to injury, inflammation, or cell apoptosis under physiological or pathological conditions. Emerging studies reported that TLR signaling plays an important role in bone remodeling by directly impacting MSC osteogenic differentiation or osteoimmunology. However, how to regulate TLR signaling is critical and remains to be elucidated to promote the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs and new bone formation for bone tissue repair. This review outlines distinct TLR variants on MSCs from various tissues, detailing the impact of TLR pathway activation or inhibition on MSC osteogenic differentiation. It also elucidates TLR pathways’ interplay with osteoclasts, immune cells, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from MSCs. Furthermore, we explore biomaterial-based activation to guide MSCs’ osteogenic differentiation. Therefore, understanding TLRs’ role in this context has significant implications for advancing bone regeneration and repair strategies.
Transcriptomic and phenotype analysis revealed the role of rpoS in stress resistance and virulence of a novel ST3355 ESBL-producing hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae isolate
Authors: Zhou Yi , Cheng Yue , Ma Tianyou , Wang Jun , Li Shaoru , Wang Jingdan , Han Lei , Hou Xinyao , Ma Xinxin , Jiang Sijin , Li Pu , Lv Jia , Han Bei , Da Rong
Published: October 2023

Introduction

An extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (HvKP) strain HKE9 was isolated from the blood in an outpatient.

Methods

The effect of the global regulatory factor RpoS on antimicrobial resistance, pathogenicity, and environmental adaptability was elucidated.

Results

HKE9 is a novel ST3355 (K20/O2a) hypervirulent strain with a positive string test and resistant to cephems except cefotetan. It has a genome size of 5.6M, including two plasmids. CTX-M-15 was found in plasmid 2, and only ompk37 was found in the chromosome. HKE9 could produce bacterial siderophores, and genes of enterobactin, yersiniabactin, aerobactin, and salmochelin have been retrieved in the genome. As a global regulatory factor, knockout of rpoS did not change antimicrobial resistance or hemolytic phenotype while increasing the virulence to Galleria mellonella larvae and showing higher viscosity. Moreover, rpoS knockout can increase bacterial competitiveness and cell adhesion ability. Interestingly, HKE9-M-rpoS decreased resistance to acidic pH, high osmotic pressure, heat shock, and ultraviolet and became sensitive to disinfectants (H2O2, alcohol, and sodium hypochlorite). Although there were 13 Type 6 secretion system (T6SS) core genes divided into two segments with tle1 between segments in the chromosome, transcriptomic analysis showed that rpoS negatively regulated T4SS located on plasmid 2, type 1, and type 3 fimbriae and positively regulate genes responsible for acidic response, hyperosmotic pressure, heat shock, oxidative stress, alcohol and hypochlorous acid metabolism, and quorum sensing.

Discussion

Here, this novel ST3355 ESBL-HvKP strain HKE9 may spread via various clonal types. The important regulation effect of rpoS is the enhanced tolerance and resistance to environmental stress and disinfectants, which may be at the cost of reducing virulence and regulated by T4SS.
Cardiac decompensation of patients before transcatheter aortic valve implantation—clinical presentation, responsiveness to associated medication, and prognosis
Authors: Fischer-Rasokat Ulrich , Renker Matthias , Charitos Efstratios I. , Strunk Christopher , Treiber Julia , Rolf Andreas , Weferling Maren , Choi Yeong-Hoon , Hamm Christian W. , Kim Won-Keun
Published: October 2023

Aims

Cardiac decompensation (CD) in patients with aortic stenosis is a “red flag” for future adverse events. We classified patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) into those with acute, prior, or no prior CD at the timepoint of TAVI and compared their clinical presentation, prognosis, and effects of the prescribed medication during follow-up.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of patients of one center fulfilling the criteria of 30-day device success after transfemoral TAVI.

Results

From those patients with no CD (n = 1,985) ranging to those with prior CD (n = 497) and to those with acute CD (n = 87), we observed a stepwise increase in the proportion of patients in poor clinical condition, NYHA class III/IV, low psoas muscle area, fluid overload (rales, oedema, pleural effusion), reduced ejection fraction, renal insufficiency, and anemia. More diuretics but less renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (ACEI/ARB) were prescribed for patients with acute CD compared to other groups. Prior CD (hazard ratio and 95% CI 1.40; 1.02–1.91) and acute CD (1.72; 1.01–2.91), a reduced general condition (1.53; 1.06–2.20), fluid overload (1.54;1.14–2.08), atrial fibrillation (1.76; 1.32–2.33), and anemia (1.43;1.08–1.89) emerged as strong independent predictors of one-year mortality. In all three classes of CD, prescribing of ACEI/ARB was associated with a substantial improvement of survival.

Conclusions

The clinical presentation of (acute or prior) cardiac decompensation in patients with AS overlapped substantially with that of patients with classical signs of heart failure. Our results may support an early treatment strategy in patients with left ventricular dysfuntion before clinical signs of congestion are manifest. Moreover, these patients require intensive medical attention after TAVI.
The identification of the development stages of the karstic fracture–cavity carbonate reservoirs: a case study on the lungu oilfield, Tarim basin
Authors: Chang Shaoying , Wang Mengxiu
Published: October 2023

The challenge of identifying connectivity within karstic fracture-cavity reservoirs significantly impedes the efficient development of oil and gas resources, primarily due to our limited understanding of the developmental stages and distribution of these unique reservoirs. In this study, we employ a layered interpretation method to predict the distribution of various developmental stages within karstic reservoirs. In our approach, we first leverage our knowledge that karstic formations are primarily shaped by the water table. We reconstruct paleomorphological data and select representative wells in a chronological order from old to new. This process enables us to determine the karst base level and divide the karstic layers in individual wells. Subsequently, we identify small-scale karstic reservoirs and proceed to select isochronous sedimentary interfaces. We then flatten seismic events and map the karstic layers from wells to their corresponding seismic sections, a technique known as well-to-seismic calibration. Lastly, we provide accurate interpretations of the karstic layers, extracting root-mean-square amplitudes to predict the distribution of each reservoir. To validate the accuracy and efficiency of our method, we applied it to fracture-cavity reservoirs in the Lungu oilfield (LGX) of the Tarim Basin. Our results demonstrate the successful identification of 22 fracture-cavity reservoirs through an analysis of the distribution and connectivity of karstic reservoirs. This outcome serves as evidence that our method can significantly enhance reservoir production in terms of both efficiency and accuracy.
Identifying faculty opinions about implementing an online, non-thesis master’s degree
Authors: Maynard Rebekah C. I. , Pennisi Svoboda V. , Lombardini Leonardo
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Although distance education is a growing field, there are benefits and challenges in creating and implementing new online degrees. Faculty play a critical role in forming new online programs and hold differing perceptions about online learning. The purpose of this research was to identify faculty opinions about implementing an online, non-thesis master’s degree as an alternative to the existing thesis-based degree.

Methods

In this study, 17 faculty members in the field of horticulture were surveyed at a major university in the southeastern United States. Q methodology was selected as the research tool to identify the primary opinions faculty held about an online, non-thesis master’s degree. Once participants were surveyed, factor analysis was used to reduce the responses into three perspectives.

Results

Three distinct perspectives were summarized as: (A) in-person instruction is more effective than online education, (B) online programs increase accessibility to graduate degrees, and (C) successful online programs require independent learners. Participants holding the first perspective believed an online program would not benefit student learning and would increase the workload of faculty. Participants with perspectives B and C agreed that an online program would be beneficial in reaching a broader audience of students. Although perspective C placed a high importance on independent learning, perspectives A and B indicated engaging with students was critical to student learning.

Discussion

All factors agreed an online degree would help our department reach non-research-oriented students. However, there was discrepancy in faculty willingness to support the program. Based on the identified faculty perspectives, it is believed that an online, non-thesis master’s would be successful if faculty who are willing to participate in the online degree were trained to be effective online educators and if they encouraged students to hold a deeper level of engagement with the content.
Low BMI, blood calcium and vitamin D, kyphosis time, and outdoor activity time are independent risk factors for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women
Authors: Tang Guo , Feng Long , Pei Yu , Gu Zhaoyan , Chen Tingting , Feng Zeguo
Published: October 2023

Aim

To explore the risk factors of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women in China.

Method

This study collected all patient data from January 2014 to December 2015. Basic information and questionnaires were collected from 524 postmenopausal women in Sanya and Hainan Province. The questionnaire was administered to the enrolled participants by endocrinologists. Biochemical parameters were measured using fasting blood samples, and bone density was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry at the department of radiology of Hainan hospital, PLA General Hospital. Participants with an R-value of ≤-2.5 were diagnosed with osteoporosis. After deleting missing values for each factor, 334 participants were divided into the osteoporosis (n=35) and non-osteoporosis (n=299) groups according to the R-values.

Results

The participants had a median age of 60.8 years (range: 44–94 years). Among the 334 postmenopausal women included in this study, 35 (10.5%) were diagnosed with osteoporosis. Univariate analysis showed statistically significant differences in age, BMI, type of work, alkaline phosphatase, years of smoking, blood calcium levels, kyphosis, fracture, and asthma between the two groups (P<0.05). In addition, multivariate logistic analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.185, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.085–1.293, P<0.001) and kyphosis times (OR:1.468, 95% CI: 1.076–2.001, P=0.015) were positively correlated with postmenopausal osteoporosis, whereas BMI (OR: 0.717, 95% CI: 0.617–0.832, P<0.001), blood calcium levels (OR: 0.920, 95% CI: 0.854-0.991, P=0.027), vitamin D levels (OR: 0.787, 95% CI: 0.674–0.918, P=0.002), and outdoor activity time (OR: 0.556, 95% CI: 0.338-0.915, P=0.021) were negatively correlated with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Conclusion

Low BMI, blood calcium and vitamin D levels, kyphosis time, and outdoor activity time are independent risk factors for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
Assessment of schedulable potential for user-side resources participating in demand response based on improved G1 method using SRC
Authors: Wu Hairu , Yang Maotao , Wu Rong , Fan Qingchuan , Chen Xiangyuan , Xiao Jianhong
Published: October 2023

In order for user-side resources to participate in demand response (DR) more accurately, schedulable potential assessment of user-side resources is required. An improved G1 method using Spearman rank correlation (SRC) has been proposed to evaluate the schedulable potential for user-side resources. First, the DR potential evaluation indicator is established on the basis of the characteristics of user-side resources. Second, the resource potential score is calculated by using the improved G1 method using SRC, and the DR potential is obtained. Finally, the resource schedulable capacity of a certain region is obtained. The results show that the method realizes the potential evaluation of user-side resources in a region to participate in DR and provides data support for the power supply company to reasonably schedule user-side resources. Moreover, when compared with existing methods, the proposed method greatly improves the availability of the power company–scheduled regional resources to participate in DR.
Initial effects of crop tree release and traditional thinning on productivity and carbon storage of Cunninghamia lanceolata plantation
Authors: Zou Xianhua , Zheng Ziyang , Yang Chutong , Yang Mengjia , Guo Zhijuan , Wang Yongxin , Huang Zhijun , Zhu Liqin , Xu Liqing , Lin Kaimin
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Thinning has a crucial impact on the carbon dynamics of forest ecosystems. The inconsistencies about the effects of thinning on carbon stocks in previous studies may be attributed to different thinning plans that designed to achieve different management goals.

Methods

This study focuses on Cunninghamia lanceolata as the research object and investigates three treatments: crop tree release (CTR), traditional thinning (TM), and no thinning (CK). The different thinning methods (CTR and TM) had different management objectives and selection of crop trees principle, although with the same thinning density. The short-term effects of CTR and TM treatments on tree growth and carbon storage in Cunninghamia lanceolata plantations were analyzed and compared.

Results

Both CTR and TM were beneficial to the growth of individual trees when compared to CK, with CTR being more beneficial. The average annual increments in DBH, TH, and volume of a single tree in CTR increased by 62.50%, 61.29%, and 74.07% higher than CK, respectively. So CTR was the best for large-diameter timber yield, which was 77.40% higher than CK, whereas CK had a higher proportion of medium- and small-diameter timber yield. However, CTR had an insignificant short-term boosting effect on stand volume, and its timber volume was considerably higher than that in TM treatment, but not as high as in CK. Therefore, the carbon storage in the tree layer, litter, and different soil layers under different treatments showed that CTR and TM were significantly lower than CK. And the total carbon storage in the three treatments showed that CK > CTR > TM, with CTR showing a 13.07% higher than TM. On the contrary, thinning could effectively improve understory vegetation carbon storage. The carbon storage in the herb and shrub layers under CTR increased by 47.77% and 183.44%, respectively, compared to CK.

Discussion

Although thinning could significantly promote the growth of individual trees and understory vegetation, their total carbon storage in the short term was lower than that in CK. CTR showed a higher carbon sequestration and sink capacity than TM. It suggests that CTR, as a special type of thinning method, should be encouraged to selected because it has the chance to achieve a faster carbon sequestration rate than traditional thinning and it also can produce higher-quality timber.
Identification of the methotrexate resistance-related diagnostic markers in osteosarcoma via adaptive total variation netNMF and multi-omics datasets
Authors: Jiang Zhihan , Han Kun , Min Daliu , Kong Wei , Wang Shuaiqun , Gao Min
Published: October 2023

Osteosarcoma is one of the most common malignant bone tumors with high chemoresistance and poor prognosis, exhibiting abnormal gene regulation and epigenetic events. Methotrexate (MTX) is often used as a primary agent in neoadjuvant chemotherapy for osteosarcoma; However, the high dosage of methotrexate and strong drug resistance limit its therapeutic efficacy and application prospects. Studies have shown that abnormal expression and dysfunction of some coding or non-coding RNAs (e.g., DNA methylation and microRNA) affect key features of osteosarcoma progression, such as proliferation, migration, invasion, and drug resistance. Comprehensive multi-omics analysis is critical to understand its chemoresistant and pathogenic mechanisms. Currently, the network analysis-based non-negative matrix factorization (netNMF) method is widely used for multi-omics data fusion analysis. However, the effects of data noise and inflexible settings of regularization parameters affect its performance, while integrating and processing different types of genetic data is also a challenge. In this study, we introduced a novel adaptive total variation netNMF (ATV-netNMF) method to identify feature modules and characteristic genes by integrating methylation and gene expression data, which can adaptively choose an anisotropic smoothing scheme to denoise or preserve feature details based on the gradient information of the data by introducing an adaptive total variation constraint in netNMF. By comparing with other similar methods, the results showed that the proposed method could extract multi-omics fusion features more effectively. Furthermore, by combining the mRNA and miRNA data of methotrexate (MTX) resistance with the extracted feature genes, four genes, Carboxypeptidase E (CPE), LIM, SH3 protein 1 (LASP1), Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase 1 (PDK1) and Serine beta-lactamase-like protein (LACTB) were finally identified. The results showed that the gene signature could reliably predict the prognostic status and immune status of osteosarcoma patients.
Current knowledge of TNF-α monoclonal antibody infliximab in treating Kawasaki disease: a comprehensive review
Authors: Chen Jiaying , Liao Jian , Xiang Lupeng , Zhang Shilong , Yan Yajing
Published: October 2023

Kawasaki disease (KD), an autoinflammatory disease primarily affecting young children, characterized by consisting of acute systemic vasculitis and coronary artery involvement in severe cases. Intravenous immunoglobulin gamma (IVIG) combined with aspirin therapy is the first-line regimen for the prevention of coronary aneurysms in the acute phase of KD. The etiology and pathogenesis of KD are unclear, but its incidence is increasing gradually, especially in the cases of IVIG-naïve KD and refractory KD. Conventional therapies for refractory KD have unsatisfactory results. At present, infliximab (IFX), a human-murine chimeric monoclonal antibody that specifically blocks tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), has made great progress in the treatment of KD. This review revealed that IFX infusion (5 mg/kg) could effectively modulate fever, reduce inflammation, improve arthritis, diminish the number of plasma exchange, decrease hospitalizations, and prevent the progression of coronary artery lesions. The adverse effects of IFX administration included skin rash, arthritis, respiratory disease, infusion reaction, hepatomegaly, and vaccination-associated complications. But the incidence of these adverse effects is low. The clear optimal application protocol of the application of IFX for either initial combination therapy or salvage therapy in KD is still under investigation. In addition, there are no effective biomarkers to predict IFX resistance. Further multicenter trials with large sample size and long-term follow-up are still needed to validate the clinical efficacy and safety of IFX for IVIG-resistant KD or refractory KD.
Local glucocorticoid synthesis regulates house dust mite-induced airway hypersensitivity in mice
Authors: Merk Verena M. , Phan Truong San , Wiedmann Alice , Hardy Rowan S. , Lavery Gareth G. , Brunner Thomas
Published: October 2023

Background

Extra-adrenal glucocorticoid (GC) synthesis at epithelial barriers, such as skin and intestine, has been shown to be important in the local regulation of inflammation. However, the role of local GC synthesis in the lung is less well studied. Based on previous studies and the uncontentious efficacy of corticosteroid therapy in asthma patients, we here investigated the role of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1/Hsd11b1)-dependent local GC reactivation in the regulation of allergic airway inflammation.

Methods

Airway inflammation in Hsd11b1-deficient and C57BL/6 wild type mice was analyzed after injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and anti-CD3 antibody, and in acute and chronic models of airway hypersensitivity induced by house dust mite (HDM) extract. The role of 11β-HSD1 in normal and inflammatory conditions was assessed by high dimensional flow cytometry, histological staining, RT-qPCR analysis, ex vivo tissue cultures, GC-bioassays and protein detection by ELISA and immunoblotting.

Results

Here we show that lung tissue from Hsd11b1-deficient mice synthesized significantly less GC ex vivo compared with wild type animals in response to immune cell stimulation. We further observed a drastically aggravated phenotype in Hsd11b1-deficient mice treated with HDM extract compared to wild type animals. Besides eosinophilic infiltration, Hsd11b1-deficient mice exhibited aggravated neutrophilic infiltration caused by a strong Th17-type immune response.

Conclusion

We propose an important role of 11β-HSD1 and local GC in regulating Th17-type rather than Th2-type immune responses in HDM-induced airway hypersensitivity in mice by potentially controlling Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling and cytokine/chemokine secretion by airway epithelial cells.
CXCL13 promotes thermogenesis in mice via recruitment of M2 macrophage and inhibition of inflammation in brown adipose tissue
Authors: Xie Lijun , Wang Huiying , Wu Dan , Zhang Feng , Chen Wei , Ye Yuqing , Hu Fang
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is mainly responsible for mammalian non-shivering thermogenesis and promotes energy expenditure. Meanwhile, similar to white adipose tissue (WAT), BAT also secretes a variety of adipokines to regulate metabolism through paracrine, autocrine, or endocrine ways. The chemokine C-X-C motif chemokine ligand-13 (CXCL13), a canonical B cell chemokine, functions in inflammation and tumor-related diseases. However, the role of CXCL13 in the adipose tissues is unclear.

Methods

The expression of CXCL13 in BAT and subcutaneous white adipose tissue (SWAT) of mice under cold stimulation were detected. Local injection of CXCL13 into BAT of normal-diet and high-fat-diet induced obese mice was used to detect thermogenesis and determine cold tolerance. The brown adipocytes were treated with CXCL13 alone or in the presence of macrophages to determine the effects of CXCL13 on thermogenic and inflammation related genes expression in vitro.

Results

In this study, we discovered that the expression of CXCL13 in the stromal cells of brown adipose tissue significantly elevated under cold stimulation. Overexpression of CXCL13 in the BAT via local injection could increase energy expenditure and promote thermogenesis in obese mice. Mechanically, CXCL13 could promote thermogenesis via recruiting M2 macrophages in the BAT and, in the meantime, inhibiting pro-inflammatory factor TNFα level.

Discussion

This study revealed the novel role of adipose chemokine CXCL13 in the regulation of BAT activity and thermogenesis.