bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pelindungan Korban Pemalsuan Data Diri dalam Transaksi Pinjaman Online melalui Penegakan Hak untuk Dilupakan
Authors: Simbolon Elsa Daniella , Siregar Mahmul , Arifiyanto Joiverdia
Published: January 2025

Pelindungan data pribadi merupakan hal yang urgensi dalam layanan pinjaman online, terutama potensi resiko kegagalan dalam melindungi data pribadi seperti kebocoran data yang berpotensi menyebabkan kerugian bagi pengguna layanan seperti pemalsuan data nasabah untuk kepentingan oknum tertentu. Selain adanya sanksi pidana kehadiran mekanisme hak untuk dilupakan menjadi penting sebagai usaha pemulihan data. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian yuridis normatif dengan pendekatan perundang-undangan dan pendekatan konseptual dan dianalisis dengan metode analisis data normatif yang bersifat kualitatif. Hasil dari penelitian ini menemukan bahwa UU No 27 Tahun 2022 Tentang Pelindungan Data Pribadi merupakan rujukan utama bagi pelindungan data pribadi masyarakat, jika dikaitkan pada sektor jasa keuangan peer to peer lending maka pengendali berkewajiban menjaga kerahasian data pribadi peminjam dan menginformasikan kegagalan pelindungan data pribadi. Didalam Undang-Undang Pelindungan Data Pribadi telah mengakomodir konsep Hak Untuk Dilupakan Pasal 43 mengenai penghapusan data dan Pasal 44 mengenai pemusnahan data. Secara historis pengaturan Hak Utuk Dilupakan juga telah diatur dalam Pasal 26 UU ITE mengenai penghapusan informasi kurang relevan melalui penetapan pengadilan dan diatur dalam Peraturan Pemerintah 71 Tahun 2019 Tentang Penyelenggaran Dan Sistem Transasksi Elektronik Pasal 16 (right to erasure) dan Pasal 17 (right to delisting). Peraturan tersebut harus diharmonisasikan sesuai dengan ketentuan UU PDP. Pada Pasal 58 UU PDP mengamanatkan pembentukan lembaga PDP yang tugasnya inheren dalam mengawasi penegakan right to be forgotten di Indonesia. Mulai dari sebagai regulator, pengawas, fasilitator penyelesaian sengketa alternatif dan penegakan sanksi adimistratif
Kebijakan Penal Pemaksaan Perkawinan Pasca Perkawinan
Authors: Rubianto Meirani , Pratama Aman
Published: January 2025

Pemaksaan perkawinan adalah ketika salah satu pihak dipaksa untuk menikah, umumnya hal ini terjadi pada perempuan karena dia dianggap melakukan pelanggaran adat atau alasan lain yang dianggap melakukan pelanggaran di komunitas tempat dia menetap. Korban dari praktik pemaksaan perkawinan seringkali adalah perempuan, karena perempuan merupakan kelompok yang sangat rentan mengalami kekerasan seksual. Undang-Undang Nomor 12 Tahun 2022 tentang Tindak Pidana Kekerasan Seksual (UU TPKS) mengatur mekanisme pelaporan untuk memberikan perlindungan kepada korban melalui lembaga seperti UPTD PPA, kepolisian, dan lembaga sosial lainnya, yang wajib menyediakan pendampingan dan pelayanan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis implementasi kebijakan penal terhadap pemaksaan perkawinan menurut perspektif UUTPKS. Mengenai upaya penanggulangan kejahatan melalui kebijakan penal terhadap pemaksaan perkawinan yang tentunya lebih menitikberatkan pada sifat "repressive" (penindasan / pemberantasan / penumpasan) sesudah suatu kejahatan terjadi, sedangkan jalur lainnya yaitu jalur "non-penal" yang akan lebih menitikberatkan pada sifat "preventive" (pencegahan / penangkalan / pengendalian) sebelum suatu kejahatan terjadi. Metode yang digunakan adalah penelitian normatif-empiris dengan pendekatan studi kasus dan pengumpulan data melalui studi kepustakaan yang melibatkan analisis bahan hukum primer, sekunder, dan tersier. Diperlukan peningkatan sosialisasi, aksesibilitas, dan kualitas layanan untuk memastikan implementasi yang efektif dari mekanisme pelaporan tersebut. Dengan demikian, meskipun UU TPKS telah memberikan dasar hukum yang kuat, tantangan dalam implementasinya harus diatasi agar korban dapat memperoleh perlindungan yang optimal
AUDIT UNDER MARTIAL LAW: REALITIES AND PROSPECTS
Authors: Sakhno L. A.
Published: January 2025

The aim of this study is to analyze the current state of audit firms in the context of the ongoing war, including evaluating the effectiveness of their adaptation to new economic, social, and security conditions. The paper also justifies the necessity for rebranding within the audit sector, prompted by the unstable market situation, and explores the changes in business strategies, marketing approaches, and corporate culture. The article presents a detailed analysis of the audit services market from 2018 to 2022. It highlights that the current state of the audit market is characterized by an expansion in service offerings and the growth of auditors' professional competencies and practical skills. The study establishes that the audit services market is significantly influenced by the major changes occurring in Ukraine, with demand being shaped by macroeconomic processes, government actions, legislation, business owners' strategies, and consumer behavior. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the identification of the necessity for rebranding among audit firms during the military period, offering potential strategies for image transformation and communication planning to ensure stability and success during the crisis. The paper emphasizes that rebranding is driven by factors such as strategic shifts, new business directions, outdated brands, and increased market competition due to new entrants or intensified rivalry. It is demonstrated that a brand audit can help determine the necessary actions to strengthen a weak brand and further solidify a strong one. The study proposes a set of measures aimed at improving audit practices during the war and introduces a methodological approach for implementing rebranding procedures within audit firms. Practical recommendations and strategies are provided to assist audit entities in not only adapting to the new realities but also thriving while maintaining high-quality services and competitiveness.
МЕТОДИЧНИЙ ПІДХІД ДО ОЦІНКИ КОНКУРЕНТОСПРОМОЖНОСТІ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ ХАРЧОВОЇ ПРОМИСЛОВОСТІ НА ЗАСАДАХ ІННОВАЦІЙ
Authors: Костюк М. В.
Published: January 2025

В статті розглянуто методичного підходу до оцінки конкурентоспроможності підприємств харчо-вої промисловості, який базується на комплексній композиції вартісно-орієнтованих компонент зростання кон-курентних переваг, що гармонізують структуру галузевої мережі суб’єктів переробно-харчової продукції в логістичній системі інформаційно-інноваційних технології споживчого ринку, із врахуванням інструментів стій-ного розвитку, орієнтованих на довгострокові партнерські відносини із агробізнесом для задоволення потреб (вимог) споживачів, отримання позитивного ефекту в економічному середовищі. Визначено заходи підвищення конкурентоспроможності підприємств харчової промисловості. Наведено методи комплексної оцінки конкурен-тоспроможності підприємств харчової промисловості. Представлено графічна інтерпретація та методика обчи-слення піраміди багатокутника конкурентоспроможності, що слугує платформою для побудови імітаційної моделі ринкової рівноваги в умовах конкурентного середовища виробників харчової промисловості. Представ-лено етапи кластеризації підприємств харчової промисловості за рівнем розвитку галузевої мережі в логістич-ній системі інформаційно-інноваційних технологій споживчого ринку. Наукові підходи до оцінки конкуренто-спроможності підприємств харчової промисловості характеризують наукове обґрунтування дії статистичних і динамічних законів системи за ознаками споживчої вартості, включаючи принципи системності, структурова-ності, погодження, оптимальності, адаптивності та інноваційності. Представлено сукупність показників та ета-пи обрахунку, які дозволяють провести комплексне оцінювання рівня розвитку галузевої мережі в логістичній системі інформаційно-інноваційних технологій споживчого ринку, цільовою спрямованістю якого є використан-ня таксиметричного методу багатомірної статистики та розрахунок двох інтегральних показників: інтеграль-ний показник результатів фінансової діяльності підприємств та інтегральний показник рівня розвитку маркетин-гових комунікацій в логістичній системі інформаційно-інноваційних технологій споживчого ринку.
Urban empowerment factors and issues in the context of international networks
Authors: Egyed Ildikó , Horeczki Réka , Rácz Szilárd
Published: January 2025

City diplomacy, reflected in the increasing role of cities and the diminishing exclusivity of nation states in international relations, is a relatively recent phenomenon in scholarly literature. From the perspective of the nation state, it produces a vertical fragmentation of national foreign policy, while horizontal processes dominate the relations within international organisations (Marchetti 2021). Globalisation, metropolisation and the rise of networks are among the main explanatory variables behind the quest of cities to „gain a seat at the table of global diplomacy” in the post-Paris landscape of hybrid multilateralism (Bäckstrand et al. 2017, Dzebo et al. 2019). International regimes such as the UNFCCC framework rely on multistakeholder partnerships involving states and non-state actors (cities, regional governments, NGOs, corporations, financial institutions) that address global problems, with a view to improving the legitimacy of the international system. Networked forms of collaboration between cities transcend the multilateral frame, with soft power politics as the dominant means to achieving the common objectives of international organisations. The paper examines city diplomacy based on the exercise of soft power in various global policy fields. It argues that city diplomacy, as practised within transnational networks such as ICLEI, C40, U20 or the Global Covenant of Mayors, allows cities to tackle global challenges more efficiently whilst advancing their specific viewpoints and local interests in the international arena.
Market Dynamics at Play: The Convergence Phenomenon in Carbon Credit Project Valuations
Authors: Bereczk Ádám , Musinszki Zoltán , Hlad Edina
Published: January 2025

This study examines the capital market valuation of carbon trading projects in the growth stage, focusing on the impact of project size and classification. We analyze four projects launched in 2021 and 2022, using changes in market capitalization as a proxy for valuation, based on investor perception. A major conclusion of the paper is that the market capitalization of different projects converged over the study period. This phenomenon was evident despite the differences in the amount of capital raised, launching market caps, size of partner networks and timing of launching. We argue that the novelty of the sector fosters investor focus on sectoral narratives, leading to converging project valuations. This convergence in market capitalization should be factored into tokenomics design and market-making activities to ensure the financial sustainability of these blockchain projects.
AN OVERVIEW OF KEY SAFETY CONCERNS AND SUSTAINABILITY OF CNG RETROFITTED VEHICLES IN NIGERIA
Authors: Garba Usman , Musa Mua'zu
Published: January 2025

Compressed natural gas (CNG) is increasingly being advocated and adopted as an alternative fuel for vehicles in Nigeria due to its economic and environmental benefits. However, the retrofitting of vehicles to use CNG has raised safety concerns, particularly in a country like Nigeria where regulatory standards, enforcement, and public awareness may not be fully developed. An assessment of the key safety and sustainability of retrofitted CNG vehicles (CNGVs) focusing on factors such as the quality and durability of conversion kits and tanks, proper installation procedures, CNG storage, and refuelling are considered. While CNG is generally safer than traditional fuels like gasoline and diesel—requiring higher ignition temperatures and presenting less fire risk during leaks, the fear of regulatory oversight, inadequate safety standards, and limited technical expertise in vehicle retrofitting may pose significant challenges. Stronger regulations, public awareness campaigns, and technician training programs are advocated to ensure safe CNGV operations in Nigeria.
EFFICACY OF CHICKEN MANURE AND PLANTS SPACING ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF GARDEN HUCKLEBERRY (Solanum scabrum) IN SARDAUNA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, TARABA STATE
Authors: Waziri Adamu Umar , Yusuf A.
Published: January 2025

Garden Huckleberry is an edible form of the common nightshade weed plant belonging to the family Solanaceae. The research was conducted in Sardauna Local Government, Taraba State. The objectives of the study were to determine the fertilizer (chicken manure) rate and spacing adequate for garden huckleberry cultivation. The experiment consists of three rate of chicken manure (0t/ha, 15t/ha and 20t/ha) with two spacing of 10cm×15cm and 15cm×20cm, with plots size of 0.75m² which was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The data were analyzed and presented using Figureical presentation. The result shows that chicken manure rate of 20t/ha, and 15×20cm spacing produced Huckleberry with highest number of leaves at 6 weeks after sowing among others. The researcher therefore, recommended that poultry manure at the rate of 20t/ha and the spacing of 15×20cm to be use by the farmers in huckleberry production for maximum yield.
Gastronomy Tourism Promotion: The Uniqueness of Culinary Attraction and Storytelling
Authors: Nurwitasari Ayu , Gaffar Vanessa , Wibowo Lili Adi , Sultan Mokh Adib
Published: January 2025

This study aims to identify and analyze the critical success factors for promoting gastronomic tourism, focusing on the role of local culinary attractions and the compelling power of storytelling. A systematic literature review was conducted, utilizing databases such as Google Scholar to gather relevant publications from 2020 to 2022. Key terms like “gastronomy,” “tourism,” and “promotion” guided the search, and only high-quality articles published in reputable journals were included, resulting in twenty selected publications for analysis. The findings reveal that tourism-related factors are the most frequently mentioned in the literature, highlighting their significance in shaping the overall gastronomic tourism experience. Additionally, local cuisine and destination image were identified as crucial elements, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to promotion strategies. This approach should integrate various aspects, including food, destination appeal, and positive imagery, to create compelling and memorable tourism experiences. The study concludes that an effective gastronomic tourism promotion strategy must integrate these critical success factors, with storytelling playing a key role in connecting tourists to a destination’s cultural and culinary heritage. This research contributes to the literature by comprehensively analyzing the essential elements in promoting gastronomic tourism. It offers insights for developing strategies that promote gastronomic tourism, preserve cultural heritage, support local economies, and create a deeper connection between tourists and their destinations.
GUARDIAN'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN IN MARRIAGE: A STUDY ACCORDING TO ISLAMIC LAW
Authors: Yasin Redwan , Abdul Rahman Nurul Hidayat , Ab. Ghani Sayuti , Belal Mohamed
Published: January 2025

In Islam, guardianship is a fundamental pillar of marriage, particularly in cases involving children, highlighting the guardian's critical role in ensuring the child's welfare is fully protected before the marriage is solemnised. This responsibility is essential in preventing potential child abuse arising from the guardian's failure to safeguard the child's rights adequately. This article seeks to elucidate the Islamic legal concept of guardianship in marriage and the guardian's duty to ensure the well-being of children born within the marital union. The analysis extends to key aspects of child welfare that require careful consideration before entering marriage. The research methodology follows a content analysis approach, thoroughly examining textual and contextual elements within Islamic legal sources, scholarly writings, and relevant documents. The research is based on two primary theoretical frameworks, namely Maqasid al-Shari’ah, which provides a comprehensive understanding of how guardianship aligns with the broader objectives of Shari’ah, and Fiqh, which offers a detailed exploration of specific legal rulings across various schools of thought. The findings highlight that, despite the guardian's inherent discretion in facilitating a marriage, Islamic law obliges the guardian to prioritise and take responsibility for the child's welfare. This obligation stems from the understanding that, by overseeing the marriage, the guardian is also accountable for protecting the child from harm throughout the marital period. This study contributes to the scholarly discourse on Islamic family law, providing insights into the theoretical foundations and practical implications of guardianship and child welfare within Islamic marriages.
Corrigendum
Authors: Civil Engineering Periodica Polytechnica
Published: January 2025

György Gajári, Lajos Kisgyörgy, Sándor Ádány, András Mahler, János Lógó "A Visco-hypoplastic Constitutive Model for Rolled Asphalt", 65(3), pp. 798–809, 2021. (in this issue)https://doi.org/10.3311/PPci.17515When the above article was first published online, Fig. 5 was incomplete. The explicit citation to Fellin (2002) [1] was missing. The correct version of Fig. 5 is published here.
Termites (Isoptera) of Kerala: An updated checklist and comprehensive review of species diversity
Authors: Abhirami A.S. , Prasad G.
Published: January 2025

This paper presents a comprehensive checklist of termites found in Kerala, including their district-wise distribution. A total of 93 species from three families and 34 genera are documented. Among these, Termitidae emerges as the dominant family, encompassing 76 species from 27 genera across four subfamilies. The recent additions to the termite fauna of Kerala include the endemic species Ceylonitermellus sahyadriensis Ranjith and Kalleshwaraswamy 2022 and Prorhinotermes cotym Joseph, Amina, and Mathew 2023. Notably, the subfamily Termitinae exhibits the highest level of endemism.
Nesting pattern of Apis dorsata F, in urban Nagpur. Maharashtra, India
Authors: Wardhe D.S. , Ghonmode S.V.
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this research was to examine the Apis dorsata distribution and nesting habits in urban Nagpur. According to the findings, there were about 75 nests in urban Nagpur. Among these 73 per cent were active nests and 21 per cent were abandoned nests. The nesting preference was found to be among the tall building (60%). Out of these nests, 30 per cent were found shielded from the rain and wind, 57 per cent exposed and 13 per cent partially protected. It was noted that the A. dorsata’s habit of building nests was unaffected by the existence of a nearby body of water, as most of the nests were located away from the water body.
PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITY: SEEN FROM THE APPLICATION OF DISCOVERY LEARNING
Authors: Putra Jaya Dwi , Hermansah Hermansah , Kaffah Silmi , Nurcahyono Novi Andri
Published: January 2025

This study aims to determine (1) the effect of application discovery learning on mathematics problem-solving ability. (2) The effect of conventional learning on mathematics problem-solving ability. (3) Comparison of mathematics problem-solving abilities between students taught using discovery learning and those taught using conventional learning. This was a quantitative study. The population in this study was class VIII students in one of the junior high schools in Batam City. The sampling was performed using the purposive sampling technique. Data collection techniques use tests. The instrument was tested using validity and reliability tests. Data analysis was performed using a one-sample t-test and a paired sample t-test. The results of the analysis show that (1) there is an influence of the application of discovery learning on mathematics problem-solving ability, (2) there is an influence of conventional application on mathematics problem- solving ability, and (3) there is a difference in problem-solving ability between students taught using discovery learning and students taught using conventional learning
THE EFFECT OF LOAN-TO-VALUE POLICY AND MACROECONOMIC VARIABLES ON INDONESIAN PROPERTY CREDIT
Authors: Prasetyo Dedy , Ahmad Abdul Aziz , Suharno Suharno
Published: January 2025

Since its first implementation in 2013, Indonesia's Loan-to-Value (LTV) policy has undergone several changes. The implementation of LTV policies in several countries has been quite effective in preventing the occurrence of property bubbles by restraining lending rates in the property sector and preventing nonperforming loans (NPL). On the other hand, the property sector significantly contributes to the economy because it has many links with other economic sectors and employs many workers. This research aims to identify the effect of property prices, loan interest rates, economic growth, NPL, and LTV on property credit in Indonesia. Using an Error Correction Model, this research finds that, in the short run, only economic growth has positive and significant impact on property credit. Meanwhile, in the long run, property credit is influenced by economic growth, credit interest rates, and property prices. The LTV policy does not significantly affect property credit in the short or long run. This implies that other policies, such as VAT exemption and macroprudential incentives, should support LTV. Another finding of this research is that the COVID-19 pandemic does not significantly affect property credit because developers offer some discounts when purchasing power is lower.
Strategies and Dynamics of Online Fraud in Indonesia: Tracing the Effectiveness of the Implementation of the Electronic and Transaction Information Act
Authors: Syahril Muh. Akbar Fhad , Aris Ardiyanti
Published: January 2025

This study explores the implementation of the Electronic Information and Transaction Law (UU ITE) in handling online fraud cases in Indonesia, using normative-empirical legal methods. Although the UU ITE provides a comprehensive legal framework, its effectiveness is hampered by challenges in proving and tracing perpetrators, limited resources and technology in law enforcement agencies, and the complexity of cross-border cases. The data shows a significant increase in online fraud cases from 115,756 reports in 2021 to 130,000 victims in 2022. This research highlights the importance of a holistic approach that includes improving regulations, increasing the capacity of law enforcement, strengthening international cooperation, and increasing people's digital literacy. In addition, the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and a multi-stakeholder approach were identified as important strategies in the prevention and early detection of online fraud. Recommendations, including the revision of the UU ITE to accommodate technological developments and harmonization with the Criminal Code, are expected to improve the success of handling online fraud cases and create a safer digital environment in Indonesia.
ANALISIS TEBAL LAPIS PERKERASAN DENGAN METODE BINA MARGA 1987 DAN AASHTO 1986
Authors: Nuryati Sri
Published: January 2025

Konstruksi perkerasan jalan umumnya terbagi atas dua jenis yaitu perkerasan lentur (flexible pavement) dan perkerasan kaku (rigid Pavement). Kinerja dari kedua perkerasan tersebut ditentukan berdasarkan keamanan dan kenyamanan mengemudi (riding quality) terhadap fungsi jalan. Pada penelitian ini perencanaan perkerasan jalan menggunakan perkerasan lentur (flexible pavement). Perhitunga tebal lapis perkerasan menggunakan metode Bina Marga 1987 dan ASSHTO 1986 (American Association of State Highway Traffic Officials) dengan umur rencana 20 tahun yang akan datang. Kedua metode tersebut dipengaruhi oleh kondisi lingkungan, beban lalulintas, bahan material dan umur rencana jalan. Dari hasil perhitungan diketahui bahwa tebal lapis permukaan (surface course) dengan metode Bina Marga 1987 lebih besar dibandingkan metode AASHTO 1986 yaitu sebesar 15 cm, lapis pondasi atas (base course) 20 cm dan lapis pondasi bawah (subbase course) 20 cm. Sedangkan dengan metode AASHTO lapis permukaan sebesar 13 cm, lapis pondasi atas 17,5 cm dan lapis pondasi bawah 17,5 cm. Hal ini disebabkan karena faktor lingkungan untuk masing-masing negara adalah berbeda-beda. Pekerjaan lapis tambahan (overlay) pada umur rencana terjadi pada tahun ke 15 yaitu sebesar 6,5 cm dengan metode Bina Marga dan 3,0 cm dengan metode AASHTO 1986.
Kata Kunci : Surface course, Base course, Subbase course.
The General Constraining Arguments of Artificial General Intelligence and the Prospects of Robust Alignment
Authors: Dolgikh Serge
Published: January 2025

A discourse on the current state and possible scenarios of the development of artificial intelligent systems toward the level and abilities of general intelligence has been ongoing actively. One of the areas that has drawn attention from researchers is the possibility and challenges in the alignment of artificial intelligent systems including those advancing beyond the current state-of-the-art toward human-like cognitive abilities with human norms and values. While practical activities, policies and projects aimed at ensuring alignment with the current generation of intelligent systems have been well underway, in this study we focus on a more general question: what are the prospects, chances and/or the possibilities of ensuring robust alignment of secondary intelligent systems, in the sense defined in the study, in the further horizon and to the level of general intelligence. To advance in answering this question we attempted to determine and describe the minimal necessary characteristics that intelligent systems progressing toward that level must possess with the conclusion that under some reasonable assumptions, developing secondary intelligence capable of achieving the level of general intelligence will be able, at some stage of their cognitive progress, to form their own views, intents and objectives. The conclusion of our analysis is that the scenarios of “runaway” general intelligence that has advanced beyond the possibility of reliable control and perhaps, even comprehension, cannot be excluded for intelligent sys-tems advancing toward the level of general intelligence and has to be exam-ined closely and rigorously by the research community, policymakers and general society
Insights into self-reported food allergies in Romanian schoolchildren
Authors: Pop Claudia Felicia , Rajka Daniela , Bocsan Ioana Corina , Coblisan Petronela Alina , Ichim Gabriela Edita , Lazar Anna , Chereches-Panta Paraschiva
Published: January 2025

The prevalence of food allergy (FA) varies worldwide with an increasing rate in the last decades. Data of self-reported FA have been recorded by most European countries, the US, Canada and Australia, but not Romania. The aim of this study is to analyze the prevalence and severity of FA and to assess the extent of information the medical and teaching staff in schools have on students’ medical history.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was performed in schoolchildren from Cluj-Napoca, Romania, using an online questionnaire delivered to their parents.

Results and conclusions

Seven hundred and eight individuals completed the entire questionnaire. The prevalence of self-reported FA was 8.9%, 28.6% presented food-induced angioedema and 38.1% required ER presentation. Cow milk (36.5%), egg (9.5%), strawberry (20.6%) and nuts (2.7%)were the most frequent culprit foods. The lack of an appropriate and accurate communication with the medical and teaching staff in the school suggest the requirement for further measures for parents and children educations regarding food allergy detection and management.
Breeding practices and selection criteria in Gudali cattle breed from Benin: implications for the design of a community-based breeding program
Authors: Zorobouragui Loukaiya , Houaga Isidore , Assani Alassan S. , Worogo Hilaire S. S. , Kinkpe Lionel , Periasamy Kathiravan , Alkoiret Ibrahim T.
Published: January 2025

Understanding farmers’ breeding systems and preferred traits is crucial for establishing effective genetic improvement programs. This study investigated Gudali cattle breed selection, breeding objectives, and selection criteria in North-east Benin (Malanville and Tchaourou). We surveyed 120 Gudali cattle farmers using a structured questionnaire and conducted hierarchical clustering using R software. We identified the distribution of farmers based on herd composition and production systems. Farmers were grouped into four classes: Sedentary Purebreds (16.67%), Transhumant Purebreds (33.33%), Sedentary Mixed Breeds (34.17%), and Transhumant Mixed Breeds (15.83%), with average Gudali herd sizes ranging from 23.68 to 90.11 heads depending on the system. The overall average herd size was 42.67 ± 6.00 heads. The majority of farmers owned different breeds, including Borgou (26.67%), Yakana (26.67%), and Azawak (7.5%), with only 32.5% having Gudali only herds. Farmers chose Gudali cattle for their milk production, good growth and market value, with 96.67% prioritizing milk production. The main selection criterion was coat color in all breeding systems with respective indices of 0.59; 0.57; 0.54 and 0.47 respectively for sedentary purebred; sedentary mixed breed; transhumant purebred and transhumant mixed breed systems. Most mixed breed farmers (55.84%) cross Gudali with local breeds for better dairy performance. While only 3.33% of farmers were aware of community-based breeding programs (CBBP), there was strong interest (95%) in participating. Potential challenges such as access to feed and disease management were reported. The proposed mitigation strategies include establishing pasture areas and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders. Implementing CBBP programs by incorporating farmers’ preferences and practices, could sustainably improve Gudali cattle productivity and resilience in Benin.
Evaluation of the microenvironment formed by interferon-β
Authors: Yamagishi Mai , Hori Yutaka , Suzuki Nobutake , Peng Yu , Harada Yoshie , Funatsu Takashi , Ohara Osamu , Shirasaki Yoshitaka
Published: January 2025

Heterogeneity in the cellular microenvironment in vivo affects the variability of reactivity among immune cells. Individual-specific microenvironmental differences play a crucial role in determining macroscopic outcomes, such as the efficacy of immunotherapy and disease progression. The microenvironment is also featured by cytokines released from cells, significantly regulating immune cell function. However, the overall understanding, at single-cell resolution, of how cytokines shape the microenvironment and promote paracrine signaling remains unclear. In this manuscript, we propose a methodology that addresses both the microenvironment itself and the response to the microenvironment to comprehend microenvironment behavior at the single-cell level. Our objective is to contribute to the basic understanding of the interplay between immune cells and their microenvironment, with particular relevance to implications for immunotherapy and disease progression.
Design and synthesis of phenylthiophosphoryl dichloride derivatives and evaluation of their antitumour and anti-inflammatory activities
Authors: Xu Chunyun , Yang Na , Yu Haichun , Wang Xiaojing
Published: January 2025

Tumours and inflammation are serious risks to human health and are importantly regulated by the gas signalling molecule hydrogen sulphide. In this work, we report the rational design and synthesis of H2S donor molecules based on phenylthiophosphoryl dichloride nuclei and assess their efficacy against tumours and inflammation. We predicted its potential anticancer targets based on network pharmacology and then verified the inhibitory effect of the active compound S11 on the pathway PI3K/AKT by enzyme inhibition and molecular docking assay. In addition, compound S11 exhibited a potent anti-inflammatory effect on macrophages, effectively reducing the levels of inflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-10 and HO-1. Compound S11 can be used as a new chemical entity for the discovery of new anti-cancer drugs or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Characteristics of lower respiratory microbiota in children’s refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia pre- and post-COVID-19 era
Authors: Xi Zhimin , Chen Jinglong , Wang Libo , Lu Aizhen
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Little was known about the characteristics of low respiratory tract (LRT) microbiota of refractory M. pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) in children before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Forty-two children diagnosed with RMPP in 2019 (Y2019 group) and 33 children diagnosed with RMPP in 2023 (Y2023 group), entered into the study. The characteristics of the clinical findings were examined, and the LRT microbiota was analyzed by metagenomic next generation sequencing.

Results

The ratio of consolidate, atelectasis, lung necrosis, and erythema multiforme in Y2023 group was significantly higher than that in Y2019 (P<0.05). Mycoplasmoides pneumoniae was the top species of the LRT microbiota in both groups. The rate of macrolide resistance MP in Y2023 was significantly higher than that in Y2019 (P<0.05), and the mutant site was all 23S rRNA A2063G. There were no significant differences in α-diversity and β-diversity of LRT microbiota between Y2019 and Y2023 group. Trichoderma citrinoviride, Canine mastadenovirus A, Ralstonia pickettii, Lactococcus lactis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the biomarkers of LRT microbiota in children with RMPP of Y2023. The abundance of Mycoplasmoides pneumoniae positively correlated with the levels of D-dimer and LDH, negatively correlated with the counts of CD3+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, CD19+ B cells and CD16+CD56+ NK cells.

Discussion

Our study showed that high abundance of MP was correlated with the severity of RMPP and decrease of immune cells. Trichoderma citrinoviride, Canine mastadenovirus A, Ralstonia pickettii, Lactococcus lactis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the biomarkers in microbiota of LRT in children with RMPP post COVID-19 era.
CAM/TMA-DPH as a promising alternative to SYTO9/PI for cell viability assessment in bacterial biofilms
Authors: Tchatchiashvili Tinatini , Jundzill Mateusz , Marquet Mike , Mirza Kamran A. , Pletz Mathias W. , Makarewicz Oliwia , Thieme Lara
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Accurately assessing biofilm viability is essential for evaluating both biofilm formation and the efficacy of antibacterial treatments. Traditional SYTO9 and propidium iodide (PI) live/dead staining in biofilm viability assays often ace challenges due to non-specific staining, limiting precise differentiation between live and dead cells. To address this limitation, we investigated an alternative staining method employing calcein acetoxymethyl (CAM) to detect viable cells based on esterase activity, and 1-(4-trimethylammoniumphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene p-toluenesulfonate (TMA-DPH) to assess the remaining biofilm population.

Methods

Biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecium were matured and exposed to varying concentrations of antibiotics or sterile medium. Biofilm viability was assessed using CAM/TMA-DPH or SYTO9/PIstaining, followed by analysis with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and ImageJ-based biofilm surface coverage quantification. Viability findings were compared with colony-forming units (CFU/mL), a standard microbial viability measure.

Results

CAM/TMA-DPH staining demonstrated strong positive correlations with CFU counts across all bacterial species (r = 0.59 - 0.91), accurately reflecting biofilm vitality. In contrast, SYTO9/PI staining consistently underestimated the viability of untreated biofilms, particularly in Klebsiella pneumoniae, where a negative correlation with CFU/mL was observed (r = –0.04). Positive correlations for SYTO9/PI staining were noted in other species (r = 0.65 - 0.79). These findings underscore the limitations of membrane integrity-based staining methods and highlight the advantages of metabolic-based probes like CAM/TMA-DPH.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that CAM/TMA-DPH staining provides a promising alternative to SYTO9/PI for cell viability assessment in bacterial biofilms, highlighting the advantages of metabolic-based probes over traditional membrane integrity assays. The consistency of CAM/TMA-DPH staining across different bacterial species underscores its potential to advance studies on biofilm and contribute to the development of more effective anti-biofilm treatments, which is essential for clinical management of biofilm-associated infections.
Decoding mitochondrial DNA damage and repair associated with H. pylori infection
Authors: Shahi Aashirwad , Kidane Dawit
Published: January 2025

Mitochondrial genomic stability is critical to prevent various human inflammatory diseases. Bacterial infection significantly increases oxidative stress, driving mitochondrial genomic instability and initiating inflammatory human disease. Oxidative DNA base damage is predominantly repaired by base excision repair (BER) in the nucleus (nBER) as well as in the mitochondria (mtBER). In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms of spontaneous and H. pylori infection-associated oxidative mtDNA damage, mtDNA replication stress, and its impact on innate immune signaling. Additionally, we discuss how mutations located on mitochondria targeting sequence (MTS) of BER genes may contribute to mtDNA genome instability and innate immune signaling activation. Overall, the review summarizes evidence to understand the dynamics of mitochondria genome and the impact of mtBER in innate immune response during H. pylori-associated pathological outcomes.
Time-series forecasting of microbial fuel cell energy generation using deep learning
Authors: Hess-Dunlop Adam , Kakani Harshitha , Taylor Stephen , Louie Dylan , Eshraghian Jason , Josephson Colleen
Published: January 2025

Soil microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) are an emerging technology which offer clean and renewable energy in environments where more traditional power sources, such as chemical batteries or solar, are not suitable. With further development, SMFCs show great promise for use in robust and affordable outdoor sensor networks, particularly for farmers. One of the greatest challenges in the development of this technology is understanding and predicting the fluctuations of SMFC energy generation, as the electro-generative process is not yet fully understood. Very little work currently exists attempting to model and predict the relationship between soil conditions and SMFC energy generation, and we are the first to use machine learning to do so. In this paper, we train Long Short Term Memory (LSTM) models to predict the future energy generation of SMFCs across timescales ranging from 3 min to 1 h, with results ranging from 2.33 to 5.71% Mean Average Percent Error (MAPE) for median voltage prediction. For each timescale, we use quantile regression to obtain point estimates and to establish bounds on the uncertainty of these estimates. When comparing the median predicted vs. actual values for the total energy generated during the testing period, the magnitude of prediction errors ranged from 2.29 to 16.05%. To demonstrate the real-world utility of this research, we also simulate how the models could be used in an automated environment where SMFC-powered devices shut down and activate intermittently to preserve charge, with promising initial results. Our deep learning-based prediction and simulation framework would allow a fully automated SMFC-powered device to achieve a median 100+% increase in successful operations, compared to a naive model that schedules operations based on the average voltage generated in the past.
A systematic literature review to evaluate the cardiac and cerebrovascular outcomes of patients with Fabry disease treated with agalsidase Beta
Authors: Oudit Gavin Y. , DasMahapatra Pronabesh , Lyn Nicole , Wilson Florence R. , Adeyemi Adekemi , Lee Chae Sung , Crespo Ana , Namdar Mehdi
Published: January 2025

Background

Agalsidase beta is used to treat Fabry disease (FD); however, data on cardiac and cerebrovascular outcomes with agalsidase beta treatment come from studies with limited numbers of patients.

Methods

A systematic literature review of studies reporting on the efficacy and effectiveness of agalsidase beta in FD was conducted. Studies were identified in searches of MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from January 2000–June 2022. Outcomes of interest included cardiac structure and mass, cardiac events, and cerebrovascular events.

Results

Fifty-two citations (41 studies) were included. Reductions in interventricular septal thickness (IVST) and/or left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWT) were demonstrated in six studies (follow-up 1–6 years, n = 4 using echocardiography, n = 2 cardiac MRI). IVST ranged from 12.1–14.9 mm at baseline and 10.8–14.1 mm at follow-up (all p < 0.05). LVPWT ranged from 11.7–16.0 mm at baseline and 10.7–13.0 mm at follow-up (all p < 0.05). Significant reductions in cardiac mass were demonstrated after 1 year of treatment in a single-arm study using cardiac MRI [left ventricular mass (LVM) 193–178 g; LVM index 102–94 g/m2; both p < 0.05]. Rates of composite cardiac events (3.8%–24.0%; four studies, follow-up 2–10 years) and cerebrovascular events (0.0%–18.9%; 12 studies, follow-up 1–10 years) were numerically lower than rates for placebo (follow-up 3 years).

Conclusion

Literature over the last 20 years indicates that agalsidase beta treatment may lead to stabilization or regression of cardiac structural thickness and mass, and reduction in cardiac and cerebrovascular events relative to placebo.
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) modulates senescent endothelial cell-monocyte communication in age-related vascular inflammation
Authors: Patel Sarvatit , Ellis Kai , Scipione Corey A. , Fish Jason E. , Howe Kathryn L.
Published: January 2025

Aging significantly affects intercellular communication between vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and hematopoietic cells, leading to vascular inflammation and age-associated diseases. This study determined how senescent ECs communicate with monocytes, whether extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from senescent ECs affect monocyte functions, and investigated the potential for epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a flavonoid in green tea, to reverse these effects. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with Etoposide (10 µM, 24 h) to induce senescence, followed by EGCG (100 µM, 24 h) treatment to evaluate its potential as a senotherapeutic agent. The interaction between ECs and monocytes was analyzed using a co-culture system and direct treatment of monocytes with EC-derived EVs. EGCG reduced senescence-associated phenotypes in ECs, as evidenced by decreased senescence-associated (SA)-β-Gal activity and reversal of Etoposide-induced senescence markers. Monocytes co-cultured with EGCG-treated senescent ECs showed decreased pro-inflammatory responses compared to those co-cultured with untreated senescent ECs. Additionally, senescent ECs produced more EVs than non-senescent ECs. EVs from senescent ECs enhanced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pro-inflammatory activation of monocytes, whereas EVs from EGCG-treated senescent ECs mitigated this activation, maintaining monocyte activation at normal levels. Our findings reveal that EGCG confers anti-senescent effects via modulation of the senescent EC secretome (including EVs) with the capacity to modify monocyte activation. These findings suggest that EGCG could act as a senotherapeutic agent to reduce vascular inflammation related to aging.
A scalable tool for analyzing genomic variants of humans using knowledge graphs and graph machine learning
Authors: Prasanna Shivika , Kumar Ajay , Rao Deepthi , Simoes Eduardo J. , Rao Praveen
Published: January 2025

Advances in high-throughput genome sequencing have enabled large-scale genome sequencing in clinical practice and research studies. By analyzing genomic variants of humans, scientists can gain better understanding of the risk factors of complex diseases such as cancer and COVID-19. To model and analyze the rich genomic data, knowledge graphs (KGs) and graph machine learning (GML) can be regarded as enabling technologies. In this article, we present a scalable tool called VariantKG for analyzing genomic variants of humans modeled using KGs and GML. Specifically, we used publicly available genome sequencing data from patients with COVID-19. VariantKG extracts variant-level genetic information output by a variant calling pipeline, annotates the variant data with additional metadata, and converts the annotated variant information into a KG represented using the Resource Description Framework (RDF). The resulting KG is further enhanced with patient metadata and stored in a scalable graph database that enables efficient RDF indexing and query processing. VariantKG employs the Deep Graph Library (DGL) to perform GML tasks such as node classification. A user can extract a subset of the KG and perform inference tasks using DGL. The user can monitor the training and testing performance and hardware utilization. We tested VariantKG for KG construction by using 1,508 genome sequences, leading to 4 billion RDF statements. We evaluated GML tasks using VariantKG by selecting a subset of 500 sequences from the KG and performing node classification using well-known GML techniques such as GraphSAGE, Graph Convolutional Network (GCN) and Graph Transformer. VariantKG has intuitive user interfaces and features enabling a low barrier to entry for KG construction, model inference, and model interpretation on genomic variants of humans.
Antibacterial activity of biodentine against Enterococcus faecalis: a systematic review
Authors: Subhi Hasan , Subhi Nashwah , Alhaidary Salah , Azeez Mahmood S. , Tabnjh Abedelmalek Kalefh
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Biodentine is a well-known endodontic material that is applied in various endodontic therapies. Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is associated with endodontic failure and persistent periapical infection. The purpose of this systematic review was to summarize the available evidence regarding the antibacterial activity of Biodentine against E. faecalis and to compare it to other commercial endodontic materials.

Methods

An electronic search of literature was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar in addition to a manual search in specialized journals up to May 2024. The eligibility criteria, data extraction, and evaluation of risk of bias were assessed by two independent authors. The risk of bias was evaluated in accordance with Modified CONSORT checklist items for pre-clinical in vitro studies on dental materials.

Results

Out of 343 studies, thirty-seven fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Thirty studies reported a good antibacterial efficacy of Biodentine against E. faecalis. Biodentine was superior to or, at least, as efficacious as MTA, MTA Angelus, GIC, RMGIC, DiaRoot BioAggregate, NeoPutty, iRoot FS, MTA Repair HP, MTA Biorep, Well-Root PT, Activa, NeoMTA 2, Calcimol LC, TotalFill, and IRM. The findings were supported by studies with medium to high risk of bias (low quality).

Conclusions

Considering the limitations of this systematic review, there is accumulating evidence on the antibacterial activity of Biodentine against E. faecalis in context of endodontics. However, randomized clinical trials with well-designed and robust methodologies are required in order to provide information about its clinical behaviour.