bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peranan Pihak Berautoriti Menangani Penyelewengan dalam Amalan Pengubatan Islam di Malaysia: Analisis Pendekatan Dakwah
Authors: Ab Hamid Nurain , Nik Abdul Majid Nik Suhaida
Published: October 2023

Amalan pengubatan Islam adalah satu bidang perubatan yang diiktiraf oleh Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) di bawah Bahagian Perubatan Tradisional dan Komplementari (BPTK) sebaris dengan enam perubatan tradisional dan komplementari yang lain. Demi menjaga prinsip amalan pengubatan Islam patuh syariah, terdapat beberapa langkah dan peranan yang dimainkan oleh pihak berautoriti pada peringkat persekutuan seperti KKM, pada peringkat negeri seperti Jabatan Agama Islam Negeri Melaka (JAIM) dan pada peringkat badan pengamal iaitu Persatuan Perubatan, Pengubatan dan Kebajikan Islam Malaysia (Darussyifa’). Justeru, artikel ini membincangkan peranan pihak berautoriti sebagai suatu gerakan dakwah dari konteks mencegah kemungkaran atas mafsadah yang berlaku. Oleh itu, data primer daripada kaedah temu bual dan data sekunder daripada kajian kepustakaan digunakan sebagai kaedah pengumpulan data kajian ini. Seterusnya, data diinterpretasi dengan menggunakan analisis kandungan dan analisis tematik. Kajian ini mendapati terdapat empat pendekatan dakwah yang digunakan oleh pihak berautoriti iaitu dakwah melalui kuasa, amaran dan undang-undang, mauizah al-hasanah, mudajalah dan dakwah melalui saluran dan media. Kesimpulannya, peranan dakwah pada peringkat Persekutuan, negeri mahupun pada peringkat badan pengamal adalah sangat penting dalam menangani penyelewengan yang dilakukan oleh pengamal yang semakin membarah dalam amalan pengubatan Islam di Malaysia.
Islamic medicine is one of six traditional and complementary medical specialties recognised by the Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) under the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Division (TCM). Authorities at the federal level, such as the Ministry of Health Malaysia, at the state level, such as the Melaka State Department of Islamic Religion, and at the level of practitioners, such as the Malaysian Islamic Medicine, Medicine and Welfare Association (Darussyifa'), play a number of steps and roles in maintaining the principles of Islamic medicine practises that comply to Sharia. In order to prevent evil from occurring on the mafsadah, this article discusses the role of the authorities as a da'wah movement. In order to collect data for this study, both primary data from the interview method and secondary data from the literature review were used. Following that, content analysis and thematic analysis are used to interpret the data. This study found that there are four da'wah approaches used by the authorities, namely da'wah through power, warning and law, mauizah al-hasanah, mudajalah and da'wah through channels and media. In conclusion, da'wah plays an essential role at the federal, state, and practitioner levels in addressing the issue of religious deviation that is becoming increasingly of an issue in Malaysian Islamic medicine.
Media Representations of ‘the Refugee’: An Exploration of the Role of Community-Based Media in Challenging Dominant Narratives of Migration and ‘the Refugee’ Through the Work of ReFOCUS Media Labs
Authors: Grant McLoughlin Moira
Published: October 2023

This article explores the importance of community-based media practices and organizations and the role they can play in challenging mainstream media portrayals of migration and ‘the refugee’. A thematic analysis of existing literature was carried out to explore the current role of the refugee voice in mainstream media. This analysis was then applied to the work of ReFOCUS Media Labs, an organization supporting refugees and asylum seekers in Greece to gain media skills and to access professional networks in order to report on their own stories as well as to address a gap in existing education opportunities and skills training. Findings indicate the potential that these community-based media organizations can have in creating spaces and channels to support people seeking protection to tell their own stories while amplifying the voices of individuals with lived experience of forced migration.
A Language of Hope: Non-traumatic Narrative of Transnational Memory in Khodadad Mohammadi’s ‘The Translator’s Tale’
Authors: Yang Wenjia
Published: October 2023

Focusing on the memory of refugees, asylum seekers, and detainees, this article categorizes their diasporic memory under transnational memory and questions the seemingly natural linkage between trauma theory and memories of exile. By examining the significance of the action of translation in Khodadad Mohammadi’s short story ‘The Translator’s Tale’, this article uncovers agency and hope in non-traumatic narrative and draws attention to the potential of such a narrative to promote solidarity among different communities and collective memories, contributing to the nexus of memory, literature, and activism.
The Legacy of the Friendship Route in the Development of Mexico City With an Inclusive, Empowering, and Equitable Perspective in Peace and Harmony
Authors: García Ayala José Antonio , Gallegos Navarrete Blanca Margarita
Published: October 2023

The Friendship Route, is a group of sculptures built for the 1968 Olympic Games, which was intended, according to Mathias Goeritz -who conceived it-, to humanize Mexico City through art. In conjunction with three other guest sculptures, these were created by sculptors selected as far as possible based on inclusion criteria for the diversity of geographic origins, religious beliefs, races and ideologies, but also genders. Helen Escobedo and Ángela Gurria were the only two women out of a total of 22 sculptors, and they played a leading role in opening and closing this sculptural path, thus leaving a legacy in qualitative terms on the basis of these configuration guidelines regarding the importance of the women in the way of developing the country's capital city. Thus, this sculptural route, Olympic heritage of all Mexicans, has been established since those days and until today, in a paradigmatic legacy at international level, with respect to the way in which cities can be territorialized emotionally and with meaning from the sculpture.
TRADISI LAWA SAFAR DI NEGERI MORELLA, KECAMATAN LEIHITU KABUPATEN MALUKU TENGAH
Authors: Manilet Muhammad Saiful , Rajab H. Rajab
Published: October 2023

Abstract : This research is about the Lawa Safar tradition, a term used by the Morella people to refer to the bath routine on the last Wednesday of Safar month in the Islamic calendar every year. Its aim is to find out its historical roots, analyze it from the aspects of Islamic law, and see the prospects for its development. This descriptive qualitative research relies on literature sources which are strengthened by interviews of ritual actors. From the analysis carried out, it is not certain when Lawa Safar began to be carried out, but as in other places that carry out a similar tradition, the Lawa Safar ritual is influenced by the assumption that Safar is the month of disaster. Lawa Safar is carried out as an effort to repel reinforcements', a prayer to save people from danger and disaster. There is nothing contrary to the teachings of Islam in the series of Lawa Safar rituals, therefore, this tradition can be maintained as one of the syiars of Islam. Moreover, with the status of Morella today as one of the main tourist destinations in Maluku, it is very possible for the Lawa Safar tradition to be developed into one of the annual religious tourism events.Abstrak : Penelitian ini tentang tradisi Lawa Safar,  istilah yang digunakan oleh orang Morella untuk menyebut ritual mandi di Rabu terakhir bulan Safar dalam penanggalan Islam setiap tahun. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk mengetahui akar sejarahnya, menganalisisnya dari aspek hukum Islam, dan melihat prospek pengembangannya. Tipe penelitian deskriptif kualitatif, data data diperoleh dari  literatur pustaka dan hasil wawancara dari pelaku ritual. Dari analisis yang dilakukan, tidak diketahui dengan pasti kapan Lawa Safar mulai dilaksanakan, tapi seperti halnya di tempat-tempat lain yang melakukan tradisi serupa, ritual Lawa Safar dipengaruhi anggapan bahwa Safar adalah bulan datangnya bencana. Lawa Safar dilakukan sebagai upaya tolak bala’, doa untuk menghindarkan masyarakat dari bahaya dan bencana. Tak ada hal yang bertentangan dengan ajaran Islam dalam rangkaian ritual Lawa Safar, karena itu, tradisi ini dapat dipertahankan sebagai salah satu syiar Islam. Status negeri Morella sekarang sebagai salah satu tujuan utama wisatawan di Maluku, maka tradisi Lawa Safar sangat mungkin dikembangkan menjadi salah satu event wisata religi tahunan.
DOA SEBAGAI SARANA KOMUNIKASI DENGAN SANG PENCIPTA
Authors: Hajar Najra Nabiila
Published: October 2023

This research is discussed to find out the importance of prayer as a means of communication with the Creator. Prayer is intended as worship to Allah SWT. Prayer is the essence of worship. This is like the hadith of the Prophet Muhammad which reads "Prayer is Worship". Therefore, it is proper for us as creatures to multiply prayers. Prayer is the most important theme in the Qur'an as it has been taught by the Prophets and Messengers of Allah, and all kinds of prayers for all matters have been enshrined in the Qur'an. The urgency of prayer in Islamic teachings is to show that a human being is a weak creature as well as evidence of human powerlessness. Through prayer, all forms of requests for Allah are granted if we are able to open a good means of communication with the Creator.
TANTANGAN PENDIDIKAN; UPAYA REPURIFIKASI PENDIDIKAN AKHLAQ ABAD 21
Authors: Zaini Moh , Barizi Ahmad , Supriyatno Triyo , Gani Marsuki
Published: October 2023

The phenomenon of educational products in the 21st century is in two speculative positions; either beneficial or otherwise detrimental. For those who benefited technologically, he called it the century of brilliance. But for observers of values in the context of education, the 21st century is not only concluded as a challenge but even as an emerging threat to the process of moral growth, therefore it is necessary to find an alternative. The 21st century and the changing times that accompany it are unavoidable. Of course, this is a logical consequence. But value observers, especially academics, think about how the main anticipation is so that a value (akhlaq alkarimah) which is the main goal of Islamic education does not become the cost of changing times. This research was carried out with a qualitative library research approach, whose data sources were obtained from articles, news, and journals, using a documentary technique. Analyzed with a content analysis model. The results of this study provide an offer for repurposing moral education by reinforcing the pattern of education with a harmonious pattern of teachers and students, moral education with advice, re-orientation of learning goals and intentions instilled in students, learning by waro' (almost extinct in the educational process). ), learn istifadah, and learn by remaining steadfast so that the learner's soul remains strong in any situation.
CHILDFREE PERSPEKTIF TAFSIR AL-MISHBAH: ANALISIS QS. Al-NAHL(16) AYAT 72
Authors: Fajriyani Nur
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study is to analyze how the concept of childfree is viewed from the approach to the interpretation of the Qur'an in Surat al-Nahl (16) in verse 72 in the interpretation of al-Mishbah. This research is a literature review (literature research). Research with literature review is research that uses library materials as the main data source. In this research, the main data sources are l-Mishbah commentary and articles related to the concept of childfree. Based on the results of the research and discussion, it can be concluded that the concept of childfree is a phenomenon that is very contradictory and not in accordance with the teachings of Islam where economic factors are the reason for being childfree with the assumption that they are unable to fulfill the child's material rights later, or fears of losing a job or disrupting a career that has been built, then things This is very contrary to the motivation of the existing content in QS. al-Nahl: 72 according to the perspective of M. Quraish Shihab, in Tafsir Al Mishbah, that is, Allah made for you wives who are of the same kind as you so that you can get peace of life (Sakinah) from them. And from these wives Allah made for you children and grandchildren.
Differences in foraging range between white-tailed tropicbirds breeding on inner and outer Seychelles islands
Authors: Ensanyar-Volle O , Appoo J , Bunbury N , Clucas G , Khan N , Rocamora G , Sanchez C , Fayet AL
Published: October 2023

The foraging ecology and distribution of Phaethontiformes, an order of tropical seabirds, remains generally poorly understood, despite being essential to inform their conservation. Here, we tracked, for the first time, the foraging movements of breeding white-tailed tropicbirds Phaethon lepturus, a common but poorly studied seabird, in the Indian Ocean. We compared the foraging movements and habitat preferences of 2 populations, one from Aride Island in the inner Seychelles and the other from Aldabra Atoll in the outer Seychelles, ca. 1200 km to the southwest. We found considerable differences in foraging trip metrics between populations, with birds from Aride having an average foraging range 2 times greater (231 km on Aride vs. 105 km on Aldabra), and both populations feeding far beyond the protected areas around their respective colony. We also found differences in foraging range between incubation and chick-rearing stages and sexes. Using habitat models, we highlight the birds’ preference for deep waters, which may explain the greater foraging range of Aride birds, although human activities may also play a role. Our study provides unprecedented insight into the foraging ecology of white-tailed tropicbirds in the Western Indian Ocean.
Predicting the export of retention-oriented larvae from their natal population using coastal features: a modelling study on the Pacific oyster
Authors: Clavel-Henry M , Dabrowski T , Giesler RJ , Crowe TP , Yearsley JM
Published: October 2023

Larvae from many marine coastal species deploy ecological strategies that promote their arrival to geographically close or distant populations. Some larvae adjust their vertical positions in response to the tidal cycle, which, in combination with coastal features, helps keep them relatively close to their natal population instead of being advected offshore (retention-oriented larvae). However, a few of these larvae are transported away from their natal population and spread further afield. In this study, we aimed to better understand the environmental mechanisms that influence the export of retention-oriented larvae by modelling the transport of tidal larvae and using a species distribution model to predict that export rate. The larval transport model was parametrised with ecological data about the Pacific oyster Magallana gigas and tidal larval behaviour from 2 Irish coastal regions. The simulated dispersal of retention-oriented larvae showed that 55-60% of larvae were exported from the 2 regions. This export rate decreased to below 40% if the release occurred in protected and shallow coastal areas. The exportation of larvae occurred relatively early in a larva’s simulated pelagic life (when the larva began to have an active behaviour). When export rate was associated with the coastal features in the 2 Irish regions, wave exposure at the release sites was an important predictor for low (below 20%) and high (above 90%) export rates. The study has implications for the management of coastal grounds since export rates of retention-oriented larvae can be predicted based on knowledge of local hydrodynamics. Our approach could be applied to predict the export rate of other coastal larvae with retention-oriented behaviour.
Forging a User-Trust Memetic Modular Neural Network Card Fraud Detection Ensemble: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ojugo Arnold Adimabua , Akazue Maureen Ifeanyi , Ejeh Patrick Ogholuwarami , Ashioba Nwanze Chukwudi , Odiakaose Christopher Chukwufunaya , Ako Rita Erhovwo , Emordi Frances Uche
Published: October 2023

The advent of the Internet as an effective means for resource sharing has consequently, led to proliferation of adversaries, with unauthorized access to network resources. Adversaries achieved fraudulent activities via carefully crafted attacks of large magnitude targeted at personal gains and rewards. With the cost of over $1.3Trillion lost globally to financial crimes and the rise in such fraudulent activities vis the use of credit-cards, financial institutions and major stakeholders must begin to explore and exploit better and improved means to secure client data and funds. Banks and financial services must harness the creative mode rendered by machine learning schemes to help effectively manage such fraud attacks and threats. We propose HyGAMoNNE – a hybrid modular genetic algorithm trained neural network ensemble to detect fraud activities. The hybrid, equipped with knowledge to altruistically detect fraud on credit card transactions. Results show that the hybrid effectively differentiates, the benign class attacks/threats from genuine credit card transaction(s) with model accuracy of 92%.
PELATIHAN BAHASA INGGRIS UNTUK PEREMPUAN WIRAUSAHA DI KAMPUNG HERITAGE KAJOETANGAN, KOTA MALANG
Authors: Novitasari Novitasari , Amanda Tiara Estu , Agustina Hiqma Nur , Fauzia Maya Rizki , Anyassari Nugrahaningtyas Fatma , Wahyuningsih Noverita
Published: October 2023

City tourism is one of the attractions that can be visited by local and foreign tourists. City tourismhas various types of attractions, one of which is a tourist village. Tourism villages can improve thelocal community's economy and have the competitiveness to become the leading tourism in a city.Kajoetangan Heritage Village, which is located in Malang City, has tourism potential because it hasthe characteristics of a row of houses with Dutch colonial architecture that are still original andwell preserved. In addition, in this tourist village there are also entrepreneurs who are dominatedby women. This business has the potential to boost the economy by selling superior products andservices to tourists. This training aims to improve the English language skills of womenentrepreneurs in offering and selling their products to foreign tourists. As a result, participants areable to demonstrate skills in conducting conversations in English to sell and offer products andservices.
Pelatihan Pembuatan Batik Tulis Malangan Untuk Meningkatkan Intensi Berwirausaha Pada Ibu-Ibu PKK RT 12 RW 09 Kelurahan Sawojajar
Authors: Syuliswati Atika , Amalia Riezky , Nugrahani Novi , Mulyono Imam , Agustina Lia
Published: October 2023

This community service activity aims to participate in empowering mothers who are members of PKK activities in the neighborhood of RT 12 RW 09 Sawojajar. The objectives of this training are enhancing knowledge of Malangan batik, enhancing entrepreneurship intentions through ideas for PKK women to try business opportunities in the Malangan batik, Enhancing knowledge to increase family income, and Enhancing knowledge of family financial management. The method used is a practical and educative training method through lectures, simulations, questions or answers, and the practice of making Malangan batik, fostering entrepreneurship intentions, ways to increase family income, and managing family finances. The result of this training is to gain new insights into the process of making batik Malangan. The training participants are also interested in starting a Malangan batik business as a form of interest in entrepreneurship and an effort to increase family income, and the training participants can prepare household budgets properly and correctly, to realize household financial health.
Oriental Antiquity and Romantic Locality: The Gaze Backward and Inward
Authors: Oueijan Naji
Published: October 2023

The Romantic literary figures found in the distant antiquities of the Orient, of Greece, and Arabia, irresistible attractions embodying the underlying genuine history of Western civilization and culture. Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, the Arabian Desert, and Egypt reflected a world of antiquity, which provided the Romantics with the opportunity to gaze backward and, consequently, explore remote otherness—itself responsible for shaping present Western Self. The Romantic artists and literary figures believed that this region enfolds within its antiquities the mysteries of the mind. They found in the tranquility of Oriental antique places, whether in reality or through the power of their imaginative faculties, possible prospects of hidden realities essential for self receptiveness, which had been despondent amidst the contradictions and complexities of the urban civilizations of Europe; i.e. those remote places, whether directly or indirectly gazed at, provided them with the opportunity to personally experience and perceive fundamental realities, which may have been underside Western civilization. To them, to dig into the mysteries of Self, they had to locate Self in Oriental antique sites. Crossing the demarcation line between the present and the past was an irresistible venture, which set in motion the recreation or location of Self by transcending its consciousness (the present or West) into the sub-consciousness (the past or East). Accordingly, the gaze backward was indeed a gaze inward..
FEATURES OF THE USE OF NITROGEN DIETS IN COWS WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS AND QUALITY OF PROTEIN.
Authors: Mokrushina Olga
Published: October 2023

The results of studying the effect of the level and quality of protein diets on productivity and nitrogen balance in cows are presented. The protein level in the diet and its cleavability were regulated by the composition of the concentrate mixture and by heat treatment of concentrated feed. In the first group, concentrated feeds were presented with barley dung, in the second — barley dung heated on AVM-1.5, cows of the third group received pea dung with vetch in a ratio of 50:50, the fourth — pea-vetch extruded mixture in the same ratio of 50:50. The highest milk productivity and live weight gains were obtained by feeding cows with diets with reduced protein solubility and cleavage. A comparative evaluation of the results of the efficiency calculation showed that the use of barley heated on AVM -1.5 it turned out to be the most profitable in comparison with other options. This technique contributed to obtaining high milk productivity of cows at the lowest cost of raw protein per 1 kg of natural milk, taking into account the increase. The nitrogen balance in cows of all groups during the new-body period and the mid-lactation period was positive.
EFFECTIVENESS OF THE EFFECT OF THE COMPLEX APPLICATION OF THE PROBIOTIC DRUG SUBTILIS-C WITH PLANT EXTRACT ON THE SLAUGHTER PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS
Authors: KOZYREV Soslan , GUGKAEVA Marina , ShAIPOV Adlan , CUGKIEVA Zarema
Published: October 2023

The article shows the effectiveness of the use of Echinocea purpurea extract in combination with the probiotic Subtil in the feeding of broiler chickens. The nature of changes in slaughter parameters and the mass of internal organs in broiler chickens when using the studied feed additives is shown. The studies were carried out on broiler chickens of the Cobb-500 cross, in the conditions of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania. It was found that the addition of echinacea purpurea extract at a dose of 5.5 mg/kg of body weight increases the mass of the semi-gutted carcass by 243.44 grams, the mass of the gutted carcass by 222.11 grams, the slaughter yield by 1.18%, the yield of edible parts increases to 198.25 grams, the yield of carcasses of category 1 increases to 14.3%. The combination of the use of echinocea extract and probiotic preparation contributes to an increase in the slaughter yield up to 1.8%, and edible parts up to 260.44 gr. from the carcass. It is recommended to introduce Echinacea purpurea extract at a dose of 5.5 mg/kg of body weight in combination with the probiotic SUBTIL-C in a dose, pre-starter and starter feeds (from birth to the age of one month) — 0.3 kg/ton, in finisher (from the age of one month to slaughter) to increase the profitability of broiler chickens — 0.15 kg/t.
PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF FISH FEED PRODUCTION IN THE KALININGRAD REGION
Authors: BARDASh Veronika
Published: October 2023

The article presents an analysis of the development of aquaculture and the possibility of fish feed production in the conditions of the Kaliningrad region. The urgency of the issue is due to the need for import substitution and the search for alternative sources for the production of domestic feed. Feeding costs account for more than 50% of the costs in aquaculture and reducing the cost of feed through the use of non-traditional plant crops is an opportunity to strengthen the feed base of domestic fish farming and stimulate its further successful development. Innovative plant cultures have been identified that can replace expensive protein components of animal origin (meat and bone meal, fish meal, etc.) in fish feeding diets. The presented analytical materials confirm the existence of favorable conditions and prospects for the production of fish feed in the Kaliningrad region.
‘Special offers for target groups that otherwise would not have been reached’
Authors: Bickeböller Jakob
Published: October 2023

Using the perspective of neo-institutionalism and institutional logics, this article examines regional networks in the field of literacy and basic education. The goal of the analysis is to identify different forms of community-logics within two actor constellations. For this purpose, two regions are focused within a multiple-case study design. The empirical approach is based on interviews with experts from the field of literacy and basic education. The Interviews are evaluated qualitatively. The interview material will be used to identify different logics of communities in the regions and to examine the contexts in which actors orient themselves to the different logics. It becomes clear that communities in adult basic education are constituted on the basis of both geographical and content related aspects. By becoming a member of the communities, the actors benefit from various advantages. This collaboration ultimately enables the social participation and inclusion of the low-literate in the regions.
Fault Analysis and Preventive Maintenance of Rocket Vertical Assembly and Test Plant System
Authors: Dui Hongyan , Wei Xuxing
Published: October 2023

Complex industrial systems often consist of many components whose degradation and failure affect the condition and performance of the entire system. To improve system reliability and minimize total system costs, preventive maintenance (PM) of other components is required while the system’s failed components are being repaired. In this paper, a maintenance cost index is proposed for the Rocket Vertical Assembly and Test Plant (RVATP) system considering various types of costs that affect the total expected cost of the system. Based on this index, a maintenance strategy analysis is performed for the RVATP. The sequence of preventive maintenance of components under two maintenance strategies is studied, and the number of preventive maintenance components under cost constraint is discussed. Finally, the RVATP is analyzed as an example. The results show that the maintenance cost index is not only related to the location of components in the system and associated costs, but also to the importance of preventive maintenance components. Simulation results also show the applicability of the maintenance cost index.
A Class of Quadrature Rules for Complex Cauchy Principal Value Integrals
Authors: Saha Arup Kumar , Hota Manoj , Mohanty Prasant Kumar
Published: October 2023

This article is fully devoted to the numerical approximation of Cauchy-type integrals in the complex plane. A class of degree eight quadrature rules is formulated from a family of Gauss-type two-point rules based on the method of extrapolation. The basic rules are developed and then composite rules are constructed from the basic rules. The Error bounds for each rule are determined. The validity of the method has been demonstrated by the provision of numerical experiments and their results.
An agent-based multi-level model to study the spread of gonorrhea in different and interacting risk groups
Authors: Stolfi Paola , Vergni Davide , Castiglione Filippo
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Mathematical modeling has emerged as a crucial component in understanding the epidemiology of infectious diseases. In fact, contemporary surveillance efforts for epidemic or endemic infections heavily rely on mathematical and computational methods. This study presents a novel agent-based multi-level model that depicts the transmission dynamics of gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This infection poses a significant public health challenge as it is endemic in numerous countries, and each year sees millions of new cases, including a concerning number of drug-resistant cases commonly referred to as gonorrhea superbugs or super gonorrhea. These drug-resistant strains exhibit a high level of resistance to recommended antibiotic treatments.

Methods

The proposed model incorporates a multi-layer network of agents' interaction representing the dynamics of sexual partnerships. It also encompasses a transmission model, which quantifies the probability of infection during sexual intercourse, and a within-host model, which captures the immune activation following gonorrhea infection in an individual. It is a combination of agent-based modeling, which effectively captures interactions among various risk groups, and probabilistic modeling, which enables a theoretical exploration of sexual network characteristics and contagion dynamics.

Results

Numerical simulations of the dynamics of gonorrhea infection using the complete agent-based model are carried out. In particular, some examples of possible epidemic evolution are presented together with an application to a real case study. The goal was to construct a virtual population that closely resembles the target population of interest.

Discussion

The uniqueness of this research lies in its objective to accurately depict the influence of distinct sexual risk groups and their interaction on the prevalence of gonorrhea. The proposed model, having interpretable and measurable parameters from epidemiological data, facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of the disease evolution.
New alignment method for remote protein sequences by the direct use of pairwise sequence correlations and substitutions
Authors: Jia Kejue , Kilinc Mesih , Jernigan Robert L.
Published: October 2023

Understanding protein sequences and how they relate to the functions of proteins is extremely important. One of the most basic operations in bioinformatics is sequence alignment and usually the first things learned from these are which positions are the most conserved and often these are critical parts of the structure, such as enzyme active site residues. In addition, the contact pairs in a protein usually correspond closely to the correlations between residue positions in the multiple sequence alignment, and these usually change in a systematic and coordinated way, if one position changes then the other member of the pair also changes to compensate. In the present work, these correlated pairs are taken as anchor points for a new type of sequence alignment. The main advantage of the method here is its combining the remote homolog detection from our method PROST with pairwise sequence substitutions in the rigorous method from Kleinjung et al. We show a few examples of some resulting sequence alignments, and how they can lead to improvements in alignments for function, even for a disordered protein.
Bacterial growth stage determines the yields, protein composition, and periodontal pathogenicity of Porphyromonas gingivalis outer membrane vesicles
Authors: Mao Hongchen , Gong Ting , Sun Yuting , Yang Shiyao , Qiao Xin , Yang Deqin
Published: October 2023

Introduction

P. gingivalis (W83), as the keystone pathogen in chronic periodontitis, has been found to be tightly bound to systemic diseases. Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) produced by P. gingivalis (W83) are thought to serve key functions in bacterial virulence and pathogenicity. This study aims to comprehend the biological functions of P. gingivalis OMVs isolated from different growth stages by comparing their physicochemical properties and pathogenicity.

Methods

Protein composition was analyzed via isotope-labeled relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ). Macrophage polarization and the expression of IL-6 and IL-1β were detected. The proliferation, migration, osteogenic differentiation, and IL-1b/NLRP3 expression of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) were evaluated. P. gingivalis/P. gingivalis OMVs-induced periodontal models were also constructed in Sprague Dawley rats.

Results

The protein composition of P. gingivalis OMVs isolated from different growth stages demonstrated obvious differences ranging from 25 KDa to 75 KDa. In the results of flow cytometry, we found that in vitro experiments the M1 subtype of macrophages was more abundant in the late-log OMVs and stationary OMVs groups which boosted the production of inflammatory cytokines more than pre-log OMVs. Compared to pre-log OMVs, late-log OMVs and stationary OMVs had more pronounced inhibitory effects on proliferation, migration, and early osteogenesis of PDLSCs. The NLRP3 inflammasome was activated to a larger extent in the stationary OMVs group. Micro-computed tomography (Micro CT), hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE), and tartrate acid phosphatase (TRAP) results showed that the periodontal damage in the stationary OMVs group was worse than that in the pre-log OMVs and late-log OMVs group, but almost equal to that in the positive control group (P. gingivalis).

Discussion

In general, both in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that late-log OMVs and stationary OMVs have more significant pathogenicity in periodontal disease.
Molecular association of Candida albicans and vulvovaginal candidiasis: focusing on a solution
Authors: David Helma , Solomon Adline Princy
Published: October 2023

Candida albicans-mediated vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a significant challenge in clinical settings, owing to the inefficacy of current antifungals in modulating virulence, development of resistance, and poor penetration into the biofilm matrix. Various predisposition factors are molecular drivers that lead to the dysbiosis of normal microflora of the vagina, upregulation of central metabolic pathways, morphogenesis, hyphal extension, adhesion, invasion, and biofilm formation leading to chronic infection and recurrence. Hence, it is crucial to understand the molecular mechanism behind the virulence pathways driven by those drivers to decode the drug targets. Finding innovative solutions targeting fungal virulence/biofilm may potentiate the antifungals at low concentrations without affecting the recurrence of resistance. With this background, the present review details the critical molecular drivers and associated network of virulence pathways, possible drug targets, target-specific inhibitors, and probable mode of drug delivery to cross the preclinical phase by appropriate in vivo models.
Late Quaternary glacier advances in the Andes of Santiago, central Chile, and paleoclimatic implications
Authors: Herrera-Ossandón Mariajosé , Easton Gabriel , Antinao José Luis , Forman Steven L.
Published: October 2023

Andean mountain glaciers in central Chile are in a transitional zone between the seasonal influence of the mid-latitude westerlies and subtropical semiarid conditions to the north. Long-term glacial dynamics for these glaciers and their relationship with the paleoclimate during the late Quaternary are poorly known despite their relevancy. We estimate here the timing and extent of late Pleistocene–early Holocene glaciers in the Andes of Santiago (33°50′S) from geomorphological and geochronological analyses. Our observations evidence that a glacial stage occurred before the Last Glacial Maximum (ELGM) at the San Gabriel drift (1,300 m a.s.l.), dated as ∼46–36 ka. Glacial stages during the latest Pleistocene–early Holocene transition period, partially concomitant with the Antarctic Cold Reversal (ACR) and with the Younger Dryas (YD) chronozones, were identified and dated at La Engorda drift (2,450–2,570 m a.s.l.) at ∼15–10 ka. We propose that the San Gabriel drift represents a prolonged glacial advance driven by increased precipitation and cold conditions off central Chile during glacial times. In La Engorda drift, late glacial advances occurred associated with increased regional precipitation, in the context of a transition from humid to arid climate in central Chile, concomitantly with a general warming trend of sea surface temperatures offshore in the southeastern Pacific and with reduced austral summer insolation. The results support the sensitivity of the Andean mountain glaciers to precipitation and paleoclimate conditions, most possibly associated with periods of increased northward influence of the mid-latitude westerlies during glacial and late glacial times, in addition to the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) impact since the mid-Holocene, driving late Quaternary glacier advances in central Chile. We estimate a maximum variation of ∼1,200 m in the position of the late Quaternary Equilibrium Line Altitude (ELA), inferred at ∼3,400 m and ∼3,600 m a.s.l. at the time of the San Gabriel and La Engorda drifts, respectively, with respect to its modern location close to 4,600 m a.s.l.
Teachers’ occupational stress and perceived support in Finland and Estonia during the COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Pöysä Sanni , Jõgi Anna-Liisa , Tammets Kairit , Eisenschmidt Eve , Pakarinen Eija , Lerkkanen Marja-Kristiina
Published: October 2023

This study examined teachers’ experiences of occupational stress in Finland and Estonia during the COVID-19 lockdown, and whether their stress would be related to their experiences of support from colleagues and leaders. The participants were total of 1,319 teachers that were teaching grades 1–6 in spring 2020. The data were analyzed using regression analyses with interaction terms. The results showed that the teachers in Finland and Estonia experienced stress during the lockdown, and that teachers’ stress was higher in the Finnish sample than in the Estonian sample. The findings of this study suggest that support gained from colleagues or leaders seems to be important when aiming to reduce teachers’ occupational stress in both countries.
Association of sex hormones and sex hormone-binding globulin with liver fat in men and women: an observational and Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Cai Xinting , Thorand Barbara , Hohenester Simon , Prehn Cornelia , Cecil Alexander , Adamski Jerzy , Zeller Tanja , Dennis Andrea , Banerjee Rajarshi , Peters Annette , Yaghootkar Hanieh , Nano Jana
Published: October 2023

Background

Sex hormones and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) may play a role in fatty liver development. We sought to examine the association of various endogenous sex hormones, including testosterone (T), and SHBG with liver fat using complementary observational and Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses.

Methods

The observational analysis included a total of 2,239 participants (mean age 60 years; 35% postmenopausal women) from the population-based KORA study (average follow-up time: 6.5 years). We conducted linear regression analysis to investigate the sex-specific associations of sex hormones and SHBG with liver fat, estimated by fatty liver index (FLI). For MR analyses, we selected genetic variants associated with sex hormones and SHBG and extracted their associations with magnetic resonance imaging measured liver fat from the largest up to date European genome-wide associations studies.

Results

In the observational analysis, T, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), progesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) were inversely associated with FLI in men, with beta estimates ranging from -4.23 to -2.30 [p-value <0.001 to 0.003]. Whereas in women, a positive association of free T with FLI (β = 4.17, 95%CI: 1.35, 6.98) was observed. SHBG was inversely associated with FLI across sexes [men: -3.45 (-5.13, -1.78); women: -9.23 (-12.19, -6.28)]. No causal association was found between genetically determined sex hormones and liver fat, but higher genetically determined SHBG was associated with lower liver fat in women (β = -0.36, 95% CI: -0.61, -0.12).

Conclusion

Our results provide suggestive evidence for a causal association between SHBG and liver fat in women, implicating the protective role of SHBG against liver fat accumulation.
Mid-term scheduling and trading decisions for cascade hydropower stations considering multiple variable uncertainties
Authors: Lu Jia , Liu Yaxin , Cao Hui , Xu Yang , Ma Haoyu , Zhang Zheng , Wang Tao , Yang Yuqi
Published: October 2023

Cascade hydropower producers face two stages of risk when participating in medium and long-term market transactions: transaction risk during the bidding stage; and the operational risk during the scheduling and operation stage due to the uncertainty of runoff and market-clearing prices. Therefore, how to measure the above risks and make corresponding decisions has become an urgent problem for producers.This paper combines the real market structure and rules of a certain hydropower dominated market in Southwest China, and establishes a mid-term operation and trading decision-making method based on the Joint Information Gap Decision Theory (IGDT) and Prospect Theory. To address the main uncertainty variables that producers face in participating in transactions, this paper obtains the maximum fluctuation range of variables that satisfy the expected revenue in a robust model based on IGDT. Then, using Prospect Theory, a bidding strategy model that takes into account the psychological factors of producers is constructed within this range.To solve the nonlinear programming problem and address the accuracy issues caused by curve fitting during the solution process, a nonlinear programming combined with an improved stepwise optimization hybrid algorithm is employed.Using actual data from a hydropower grid in southwest China participating in the market as an example. The results indicate that the method provides the fluctuation range of runoff and market prices under different expected return targets, and can formulate reasonable bidding decisions and operation plans based on producers different risk preferences within this range.
Why does geography matter in big dam removal projects? Lessons from a comparison between the Sélune and Elwha River cases
Authors: Germaine Marie-Anne , Lespez Laurent
Published: October 2023

The dam removal movement is resulting in numerous projects worldwide, especially in Western countries. Whether completed or in progress, these undertakings often trigger conflict. Nearly 30 years after the initiation of the first major projects, this article examines the conditions for the local appropriation of dam removal projects. From the perspective of two pioneering and emblematic projects in France (Sélune River) and the United States (Elwha River), this article highlights the geographic specificities of dam removal projects carried out in European rural areas. The aim is to discuss how to implement ambitious ecological projects without running the risk of local people losing their sensitive relationship (history, experience, landscape) with the areas once they have been restored. In other words, ecological restoration should not result in a loss of meaning and quality in the relationship between local people and newly restored spaces; it should instead enrich it. In fact, the removal of a dam is not just a technical project; it profoundly affects landscapes, disrupting uses and creating new places. We identify the modalities by which a new space is produced and appropriated by local populations based on a comparison of the relevant spaces (national park vs. rural agricultural space), the populations involved (river users, Native American tribes, residents, and NGOs), and, finally, the governance processes and interactions between expertise and politics, all to highlight the need to take geographical context into account. Based on a detailed knowledge of the formation of the Sélune dam removal project, which has been the subject of continuous participant observation since 2011, we examine these projects’ singularities and commonalities to identify the factors that contribute to their success. This study highlights the importance of the spatial scale at which the dam removal project should be framed, the role of government, and the importance of considering people’s attachment to local places. Finally, this comparison makes recommendations for improving the socio-territorial quality of ecological projects, especially in Europe, with the aim of ensuring their sustainability and success.
Temporal and spatial dynamics in emission of water-soluble ions in fine particulate matter during forest fires in Southwest China
Authors: Zhan Xiaoyu , Ma Yuanfan , Huang Ziyan , Zheng Chenyue , Lin Haichuan , Tigabu Mulualem , Guo Futao
Published: October 2023

Aims

The aim of this study was to analyze changes in emission of water-soluble ions in fine particulate matter over time and in different southwest forest areas in China based on China’s Forestry Statistical Yearbook and MODIS satellite fire point data.

Methods

We took 6 dominant tree species samples in the southwestern forest region of China and simulated combustion using controllable biomass combustion devices. Based on the spatial analysis method of ArcGIS, combining satellite fire point data and official statistical yearbooks, we analyzed the spatial and temporal dynamics of emissions of water-soluble ions in PM2.5 released by forest fires in southwestern forest areas from 2004 to 2021.

Results

The total amount of forest biomass combusted in southwest forest areas was 64.43 kt. Among the different forest types, the proportion of burnt subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest was the largest (60.49%) followed by subtropical mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest (22.78%) and subtropical evergreen coniferous forest (16.72%). During the study period, 61.19 t of water-soluble ions were released in PM2.5 from forest fires, and the emissions of Li+, Na+, NH4+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, F−, Cl−, Br−, NO3−, PO43− and SO42− were 0.48 t, 11.54 t, 2.51 t, 19.44 t, 2.12 t, 2.92 t, 1.94 t, 12.70 t, 1.12 t, 1.18 t, 1.17 t and 4.07 t, respectively. Yunnan was the province with the highest emissions of water-soluble ions in PM2.5 in the southwest forest areas, and the concentration K+ was the highest. Emission of water-soluble ions in Yunnan and Sichuan all showed a significant downward trend, while the overall decrease in Tibet, Chongqing and Guizhou was not significant. The peak emission of water-soluble ions in PM2.5 during forest fires appeared in spring and winter, which accounted for 87.66% of the total emission.

Discussion

This study reveals the spatiotemporal changes in water-soluble ion emissions from forest fires, by studying the spatiotemporal dynamics of water-soluble ions in PM2.5, we can better understand the sources, distribution, and change patterns of these ions, as well as their impact on the atmospheric environment, ecosystems, and climate change. This information is crucial for predicting and managing air pollution, as well as developing effective forest management and environmental protection policies to respond to fires; and hence concerted fire prevention efforts should be made in each province, taking into account the season with higher probability of fire occurrence to reduce the potential impact of fire-related pollutions.