bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the direction of the evaluation system for daycare centers to improve the quality of child care services: Paradigm shift from structure to Process
Authors:   Korean Society for Young Children Becoming Curriculum, Chung Shunah , An Soyoung , Park Boyoung
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study is to explore the direction of the daycare center evaluation system for high-quality childcare services for daycare centers. To this end, the importance of structural and process quality, especially children-teacher interactions, was discussed as factors that determine the quality of childcare services. In addition, the OECD TALIS Starting Strong, which aims to evaluate and improve the quality of early childhood education and care, and the evaluation systems of the UK, New Zealand, and Australia, which manage the quality of early childhood education and care with an institutional evaluation system, were examined. Through this, it was suggested that the daycare center evaluation system should focus more on the process quality, pay attention to the quality of experience of children, improve the constant quality of childcare through support for the implementation of national-level standard childcare processes, and emphasize efforts for the institution's own and continuous growth.
On the double use of katiyen in Turkish: A corpus analysis
Authors: GÖRGÜLÜ Emrah
Published: July 2023

Turkish has a negative concord item (NCI) katiyen ‘never’ that functions as an adverb and generally requires the presence of sentential negation in the sentence (Kelepir, 2001; Göksel and Kerslake, 2005). Yakut-Kubaş (2022), in a recent work, on the other hand, argues that katiyen can also appear in certain non-negative structures. She proposes that these two uses of the word in negative and non-negative structures can be captured in a unified manner if we assume that katiyen is an element that marks the highest degree of subjective certainty expressed by the speaker. In that sense, this pragmatic function is argued to bring these two uses together. In this work, based on a large-scale corpus work that includes 648 sentences containing the word, I will show that katiyen is essentially ambiguous that has distinct semantic and pragmatic meanings with different syntactic distributions. First, it is primarily an NCI that requires the presence of sentential negation at all times and is interpreted as ‘never’ or ‘in no way’. This use accounts for 619 instances of katiyen in the corpus data and shows that more than 95% of the time it predominantly functions as an NCI. Second, it can appear in two structurally non-negative structures: (i) 14 instances of syntactically and semantically positive structures that comprise less than 1 percent of the data and katiyen having the meaning ‘definitely’ and (ii) 13 instances of syntactically non-negative but semantically negative structures that account for less than 1 percent of the data and katiyen being interpreted as ‘strictly’. Here it is used to modify a prohibitive predicate but does not necessarily mark the subjective certainty. I conclude that different uses of katiyen indicate significant structural, semantic and pragmatic distinctions, which is in contrast with recent claims that its pragmatic use is the same in each case.
Static Analysis of mechanical behavior of Sandwich FGM beams structure under mechanical loads.
Authors: Bui Minh Phuong , Nguyen Thai Hien , Truong Tich Thien
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a static analysis of Sandwich Functionally Graded Material (FGM) beams structure under static mechanical loads. The structure of the beam is a sandwich structure. The material properties of Sandwich FGM beams are developed based on the principle of continuously changing material properties according to a defined rule. Analysis of mechanical behavior of Sandwich FGM beams structure based on Euler-Bernoulli beams theory and Timoshenko beams theory. Apply two beams theories to the illustrative problem, thereby giving the appropriate theory for each case.
Using VIS – NIR imaging for non-intrusive Musa Acuminata banana color changes assessment over a maturity period
Authors: Nguyen Anh Xuan , Ta Ngoc Minh Chau , Duong Huu Tai , Nguyen Thi My Ngoc , Ha Quy Tan , Trinh Tran Hong Duyen , Tran Trung Nghia
Published: July 2023

Bananas are a source of nourishment that is essential for good health. During ripening, the pigment content, starch index and sugar content of banana fruit change, providing accurate indicators for maturity classification. However, at present, banana fruits are traded according to their color stage. The purpose of this study is to visualize analysis banana color changes using a nondestructive method based on multispectral image processing since fruit quality can be assessed quickly, while the fruit being tested is still whole and marketable. This experiment designed a monochromatic camera and a set of four different optical wavelengths in VIS-NIR bands of Blue (465-467nm), Green (522- 525nm), Red (620-625nm) and Near-IR (peak at 940nm) to capture the multispectral images of Musa Acuminata banana. This advanced optical detection technique (multi- spectral imaging) can provide the spectral reflectance of any pixel, combined with the preprocessing of a binary mask to create image segmentation, the ROIs (Region of Interest segmentation) method is then used for extracting spectral intensity data on the banana surface of each single wavelength over the ripening process of banana. With an understanding of the optical characteristics of fruit tissues (both external and internal characteristics), this research focuses on external characteristics (color components) to properly assess banana quality. The outcomes demonstrate that the behavior of resulting graphs successfully determine spectral intensity profile changes to classify the color changes as well as four main stages of classification of raw, unripe, ripe and overripe banana.
A Study on the Firms’ Adjustment toward the Optimal Level of Tax Avoidance: Korean Evidence
Authors:   Korea Accounting Information Association, Bae JinCheol , Cho Hyungjin
Published: July 2023

[Purpose]This study investigates the adjustment of tax avoidance toward the target level among companies listed in Korean capital market. While many previous studies examine various Korean studies on the change in tax avoidance, there is a dearth of evidence on whether Korean firms adjust their tax avoidance accordingly with the target level.
[Methodology]This study employs the partial adjustment model, which is hugely used in capital structure research, to gauge the speed that firms close the gap between the actual and target cash effective tax rates.
[Findings]The empirical result presents that Korean firms close the gap between the actual and target levels of cash effective tax rates by 57.8% to 80.1% over three－year period. It also shows that the adjustment speed is faster for firms with actual cash effective tax rate higher than the target level compared with firms having actual cash effective tax rate lower than the target level.
[Implications]This study indicates that Korean firms have the target level of tax avoidance and actively adjust toward the target level. It also implies that engaging more tax avoidance toward the target level is easier than unwinding previous tax strategies.
The Impact of Supervisory Guidance on Accounting for R&D Expenses on the Underpricing of IPOs in Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Firms
Authors:   Korea Accounting Information Association, Kwon Ohong , Kim Dahn-bee , Yoon Sung-soo , Moon Hyoung-koo
Published: July 2023

[Purpose]This study analyzes the impact of the supervisory guidance issued in 2018 on the accounting treatment of research and development expenses on firm valuations.
[Methodology]We empirically analyze the impact of the guidance on uncertainty in firm valuations by examining the change in the underpricing of initial public offerings before and after the issuance of the supervisory guidance on accounting for research and development expenses for firms that went public between 2005 and 2020.
[Findings]We find that the public offering undervaluation of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies decreased after the issuance of the supervisory guidance. This result appears to be due to the fact that the issuance of the supervisory guidance on accounting for R&D expenses reduced the uncertainty of accounting for R&D expenses in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, which led to a decrease in the discount in the public offering price. In addition, the increase in IPO undervaluation due to impairment losses also decreased after the introduction of the guideline, which can be interpreted as the guideline reducing managerial discretion in recognizing impairment losses and reducing the uncertainty of firm value.
[Implications]The finding that supervisory guidance on accounting for R&D expenses in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries mitigates IPO underpricing has policy implications that regulations that limit managerial discretion in accounting for these industries can enhance market efficiency.
The Diversity of Contemporary Islamic Economic Thoughts of Schools: Baqir As-Sadr, Mainstream and Alternative
Authors: Hendrianto Hendrianto , Yakin Ikin Ainul
Published: July 2023

Purpose: This study aims to reveal three schools of thought in contemporary times regarding Islamic economic thought in contemporary times, namely the Baqir As-Sadr, Mainstream, and Alternative (critical) schools.Method: This research was conducted with the library (Library Research) data collection using documentation data collection techniques with data analysis, namely content analysis.Findings: The results of this study indicate that contemporary Islamic economics in the first period, the view of the Baqir as-Sadr School, namely Islamic economics is not the same as Islam, Islamic economics must be changed to Iqtishadi, conventional economics needs to be discarded because it is not in accordance with iqtishodi, and the availability of resources is not limited, the two Mainstream schools, that is, not abandoning conventional economics, taking good values from the conventional and then transforming them into sharia, and finally limited resources, the three Alternative schools criticize previous contemporary schools, such as the Baqir As-Sadr school which destroys theories old but still using the old theory. While the Alternative Schools are considered to plagiarize conventional theory, finally Islamic economics needs to be tested for its truth. The three schools provide solutions to contemporary economic progressOriginality: The main contribution in this research lies in disclosing the differences in the three schools of Contemporary Islamic Economics Schools: Baqir As-Sadr, Mainstream, and Alternative
Instituto de Saúde Coletiva - ISCO
Authors: Mota Amanda Luyta Monteiro da , Henn Yasmin , Lopes Ana Caroline dos Anjos , Lopes Jefferson Adan Cavalcante , Prado Gilcideya Silva , Morais Cristiano Gonçalves , Silva Flávia Garcez da , Rosenthal Annelyse Figueiredo , Lima Juliana Gagno , Reis Elaine Cristiny Evangelista dos
Published: July 2023

Trata-se de um material estruturado com o objetivo de apresentar o Instituto de Saúde Coletiva (ISCO) da Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará (UFOPA), situada na cidade de Santarém, no Pará, no interior da Amazônia brasileira. O ISCO visa formar profissionais com uma visão interdisciplinar, para atuar de forma qualificada e humanizada nos diversos cenários de saúde, como o Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). O material foi desenvolvido por uma equipe multiprofissional formada por discentes de Farmácia, Saúde Coletiva e Bacharelado em saúde e docentes da instituição.
Territórios conquistados e megaprojetos inconcludentes
Authors: Farias Júnior Emmanuel de Almeida
Published: July 2023

Este trabalho aborda as estratégias de mobilização étnica adotadas por agentes sociais que se autodefinem como quilombolas diante de processos sociais e burocráticos referidos aos “atos de estado”. Os quilombolas de Cachoeira Porteira, município de Oriximiná, Pará, objetivam a chamada história oral a fim de explicitar elementos identitários reivindicados por eles mesmos como relacionados ao passado de fugas e ocupação do rio Trombetas. Com a implantação de megaprojetos na região e a intensa circulação de pessoas, bens e serviços foram reforçadas às fronteiras sociais, consolidando a reivindicação étnica. Os problemas abordados nesta tese concernem, em primeiro lugar, à elaboração de estratégias a partir da memória familiar tida como ponto de partida para a construção de uma “história coletiva”. Concernem a seguir à relação entre os quilombolas e indígenas, especialmente os Katxuyanas, tendo em vista que durante os processos de fuga foram firmadas distintas relações, por vezes conflituosas, por vezes pacíficas a partir de formas simples de cooperação. Concernem também à relação dos quilombolas com os recursos naturais, estes em alguns casos mediados por seres classificados pelos quilombolas como “encantados”, bem como as transformações no sistema de aviamento. Mais recentemente tem-se às relações sociais entre os quilombolas e os megaprojetos implantados sobre seus territórios e as modalidades de afirmação da identidade quilombola. Por fim a tese analisa a relação dos quilombolas com o estado e os respectivos processos de regularização fundiária, ou seja, os procedimentos para a regularização do território quilombola junto ao ITERPA e para a regularização a Terra Indígena junto à FUNAI e suas implicações.
Katalog Digital Untuk Promosi Tas Wanita Berbasis Augmented Reality
Authors:   Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo, Utomo Firdaus Margo , Dijaya Rohman ,   Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo
Published: July 2023

In today's era, marketing techniques use brochures, pamphlets, video advertisements, newspapers and word of mouth. This has a deficiency in consumer confidence because it cannot interact directly with the product of interest. A good marketing strategy methodology will influence buyer interest and increase sales traffic. In this case it provides opportunities for MSMEs, especially UD. Creative to increase sales traffic. Business progress can be seen from the marketing sector which continues to increase. MSME entrepreneurs use marketing methods in the form of pamphlets and word of mouth. This affects the lack of increased sales. This application is able to provide experience to potential customers to interact directly with products in Augmented Reality. This application displays 3D objects in real time and sees the shape of the object in detail, so that potential customers have more confidence in the product to be purchased. This application feature can add other objects stored in external storage or in the form of links, so users don't have to bother rebuilding the application when they want to add other objects
Pemodelan Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Pemilihan Supplier Batu Alam Dengan Algoritma Moora Pada Cv. Karisma Alam
Authors:   Universitas Duta Bangsa, Wahyudi Arta Aldi , Atina Vihi ,   Universitas Duta Bangsa, Sudibyo Nugroho Arif ,   Universitas Duta Bangsa
Published: July 2023

CV. Karisma Alam is one of the largest natural cutting industries in the Candirejo area. The best supplier is one of the most important factors in production activities at this company, because it will produce good output too. Due to the large number of suppliers in this region, it is difficult for entrepreneurs to determine which supplier is the best according to the output to be produced. In the decision-making process for selecting natural stone suppliers, it is still done manually, so production activities take a long time. This decision support system assists in the decision-making process in selecting natural stone raw material suppliers at CV. Karisma Alam. In this decision support system, criteria are needed to determine the best supplier. In this study the authors used the MOORA (Multi-objective Optimization on The Basic Of Ratio Analysis) method as a decision-making method. The method used in the preparation and design uses PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor). In this study it was produced that alternative A6 was the highest alternative with a value of 0.0031. This proves that decision support systems can help and be applied to CV. Karisma Alam in selecting the best supplier.
Penerapan Python Dalam Data Mining Untuk Prediksi Kangker Paru
Authors:   Universitas Hamzanwadi, Permana Baiq Andriska Candra , Djamaluddin Muhammad ,   Universitas Hamzanwadi
Published: July 2023

Lung cancer is one of the groups of cancer that causes the most deaths, including in Indonesia. Many people with lung cancer do not realize that they are infected with lung cancer, which causes delays in treating this disease. For this reason, it is necessary to have a method that has a good level of accuracy in making a prediction so that later with a good level of accuracy it can be a reference for the development of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the world of health to detect lung cancer early. The proposed study uses the c4.5 algorithm to predict the likelihood of patients with lung cancer by providing the final result in the form of the prediction accuracy of the proposed algorithm. To carry out data mining implementation using the Python programming language by utilizing the library that has been provided to make it easier to implement machine learning. In this study the use of c4.5 was able to predict with an accuracy rate of 86%. This level of accuracy can be said to be worthy of being used as a reference to be able to predict lung cancer patients based on the symptoms that appear in the patient
Pengembangan Aplikasi Adhiya Ullami Versi NWDI Berbasis Android
Authors: Wirasasmita Rasyid Hardi , Uska Muhamamad Zamroni , Idrus Syayid Khaliqussani Qushay Al , Usuluddin Usuluddin , Wardi Zaotul
Published: July 2023

Madrasah Nahdlatul Wathan Diniyah Islamiyah (NWDI) is a forum for the national movement for youth, especially in the field of education. In addition to education, NWDI has a practice or prayer compiled by TGKH. Muhammad Zainuddin Abdul Majid, i.e. hizib NW. In addition to NW hizib, there are also sholawat readings that are still read by the NWDI community, especially among  NWDI mahad such as al-barzanji and adhiya ullami. Adhiya ullami is also a practice of NWDI citizens which is read every Friday night, usually NWDI residents read adhiya ullami as serakal. Serakal or serakalan is a traditional Islamic religious ritual that combines verses in praise of Allah and His Messenger. The media used to learn  the NWDI version of Sholawat Adhiya Ullami still uses media in the form of books or print media. The number of books is still limited so that not all people have the book, especially for beginners who still do not understand reading and have adhiya ullami  books so it is difficult to learn.  The objectives of this study are 1) Designing  a complete, easy-to-understand and quality  android-based adhiya ullami application as a source for sholawat readings for NWDI residents, 2) Knowing the feasibility results of  the adhiya ullami  application by experts and 3) Knowing user responses to the adhiya ullami  application for NWDI residents. ADDIE model research methodology with stages of analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation. The stages of research carried out until the implementation stage with limited-scale trials. The data collection technique uses questionnaires addressed to Media experts, Media experts and 30 people as user responses. The data analysis technique used is quantitative descriptive. The result of this study is the NWDI Version of the Adhiya Ullami Application. The results of the material expert test obtained a value of 93.5% (very feasible), the media expert test obtained a value of 93.5% (very feasible), and the results of user responses obtained a value of 90.5% (very high). Thus, it can be concluded that this application is feasible to use and has a high response as a medium for reading sholawat adhiya ullami by NWDI residents.
Motivations on TikTok addiction: The moderating role of algorithm awareness on young people
Authors: Wang Xin , Guo Yin
Published: July 2023

Algorithm awareness, which is defined as the degree to which the user is aware of the presence of algorithms and the way in which they function, could influence how users behave online and interact. The main focus of this study is to understand how algorithm awareness moderates the association between usage motivations and addiction to TikTok videoclips among young people. An online questionnaire was designed and responses attained from 473 young people in China to explore the motivations for consuming video clips, their algorithm awareness levels, and the degree of addiction when using TikTok. The survey results confirm that there are six main factors that motivate young people to consume video clips on TikTok, of which the relaxing entertainment motivation and the information-seeking motivation receive higher scores. They also reveal that the level of addiction to TikTok is relatively high, whereas the level of algorithm awareness among young people remains at a relatively moderate level. Second, when investigating the motivations for use that lead to addiction, the motivations of information seeking, relaxing entertainment, and social interaction are found to be predictors of TikTok video clip addiction. Third, the moderating role of algorithm awareness, whose effects on interactions with information seeking and relaxing entertainment are significant, is studied, and it is found that increasing the level of algorithm awareness among young people could help reduce the addictive use of TikTok.
TRANSFORMASI BUDAYA BELAJAR MELALUI PLATFORM MERDEKA MENGAJAR DI SEKOLAH DASAR KABUPATEN SINTANG
Authors: Dike Daniel , Antonius Antonius
Published: July 2023

ABSTRAKPenelitian ini bertujuan memaparkan proses transformasi budaya belajar di sekolah dasar kabupaten Sintang melalui pemanfaatan platform merdeka mengajar. Penelitian ini menggunakan case study research untuk memaparkan dan memaknai kondisi sekolah dalam memanfaatkan teknologi bagi pengembangan profesionalisme guru. Subyek penelitian dari peneltian ini adalah kepala sekolah, guru, siswa sekolah penggerak dan dinas pendidikan. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa dari 453 Sekolah Dasar di Kabupaten Sintang, ada 245 SD  sudah memiliki akses internet untuk dapodik, 393 sekolah sudah memiliki akun belajar id, dan baru 331 sekolah yang sudah aktivasi belajar.id. Loging rapor pendidikan ada 71 sekolah, dan yang sudah eksplorasi dan downloud laporan ada 43 sekolah. Kondisi ini memberi gambaran masih lambatnya transformasi teknologis dan budaya belajar virtual di level sekolah karena sekitar 408-411 sekolah belum bisa melakukan eksplorasi dan dounloud rapor pendidikan. Situasi ini memberi gambaran prakondisi pentingnya akselerasi teknologi dalam mewujudkan budaya virtual bagi terwujudnya program digitalisasi sekolah di Kabupaten Sintang.Kata Kunci: Transformasi, Platform Merdeka, Digitalisasi Sekolah ABSTRACTThis study aims to describe the process of transforming learning culture in elementary schools in Sintang district through the use of an independent teaching platform. This study uses case study research to describe and interpret school conditions in utilizing technology for teacher professional development. The research subjects of this research are principals, teachers, students of driving schools and the education office. The results showed that out of 453 elementary schools in Sintang Regency, 245 elementary schools already had internet access for DAPODIK, 393 schools already had a learning id account, and only 331 schools had activated learning.id. There are 71 schools logged in education report cards, and 43 schools have explored and downloaded reports. This condition illustrates the slow technological transformation and virtual learning culture at the school level because around 408-411 schools have not been able to explore and download educational reports. This situation illustrates the preconditions for the importance of technology acceleration in realizing virtual culture for the realization of the school digitization program in Sintang Regency.Keywords: Transformation, Platform Merdeka, School Digitization
Análisis de la práctica teatral video registrada: Amiga, de Irina Kouberskaya
Authors:   UCM, González Almarcha Patricia
Published: July 2023

The article outlines a system of analysis of the theater prac-tice in situations of reconstruction. The repercussions of the absence of communicative interaction in the reception of the viewer are argued, especially as a result of the Corona virus and the global health crisis. It starts from the awareness that theater artists are in a constantly chang-ing world that brings with it specific demands to know what is really done on stage. Some analytical possibilities that open up with the audio-visual record of the theater are shown, comparing the cinematographic and theatrical genres, expanding the context of the research work to various hybrid audiovisual subgenres such as the trailer or the theatrical tea ser.For the analysis of the video recorded stage show Amiga, produced by Irina Kouberskaya at her Theater Company, Tribueñe, we first pro-ceed in general terms, explaining how the practice could be broken down into manageable and, in turn, relevant segments. Afterwards, the most typical theatrical activities in the staging are analyzed. Finally, we reflect on the preliminary usefulness of these explorations and the knowledge resulting from their application. The reality of the film re-cord studied shows that the applicability of video as documentation of theatrical praxis is subject to multiple intervening variables.
Ruxolitinib-based regimen in children with primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Ge Jian , Zhang Qing , Ma Honghao , Wang Dong , Zhao Yunze , Zhu Ting , Wang Wenqian , Zhou Chenxin , Wei Ang , Lian Hongyun , Qin Maoquan , Yang Jun , Li Zhigang , Wang Tianyou , Zhang Rui
Published: July 2023

Primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (pHLH) is a rare immune disorder and hematopoietic stem cell transplan- tation (HSCT) is the only potentially curative treatment. Given the high pre-HSCT mortality of pHLH patients reported in the HLH-2004 study (17%), more regimens to effectively control the disease and form a bridge with HSCT are needed. We conducted a retrospective study of pHLH children treated by ruxolitinib (RUX)-based regimen. Generally, patients received RUX until HSCT or unacceptable toxic side-effect. Methylprednisolone and etoposide were added sequentially when the disease was suboptimally controlled. The primary end point was 1-year overall survival. Twenty-one pHLH patients (12 previously treated and 9 previously untreated) were included with a median follow-up of 1.4 years. At last follow-up, 17 (81.0%) patients were alive with a 1-year overall survival of 90.5% (95% confidence interval: 84.1-96.9). Within the first 8 weeks, all patients had an objective response, of which 19 (90.5%) achieved complete response (CR) and two (9.5%) achieved partial response (PR) as a best response. Seventeen (81.0%) patients received HSCT, of which 13 (76.5%) had CR, three (17.6%) had PR and one (5.9%) had disease reactivation at the time of HSCT. Fifteen (88.2) patients were alive post- HSCT. Notably, eight (38.1%) patients received zero doses of etoposide, suggesting the potential of RUX-based regimen to reduce chemotherapy intensity. Patients tolerated RUX-based regimen well and the most frequently observed adverse events were hematologic adverse events. Overall, RUX-based regimen was effective and safe and could be used as a bridge to HSCT for pHLH children.
Summer and winter surveys of deep waters of the Hellenic Trench, Greece, provide insights into the spatial and temporal distribution of odontocetes
Authors: Thompson KF , Webber T , Karantzas L , Gordon J , Frantzis A
Published: July 2023

The Mediterranean Sea provides habitat for globally threatened cetaceans. The Hellenic Trench is an Important Marine Mammal Area, providing core habitat for sperm whalesPhyseter macrocephalusand Cuvier’s beaked whalesZiphius cavirostris. Surveys have characterized distributions of these species in near-shore areas (<2000 m deep). Sparse survey effort in deeper waters during winter has allowed speculation that it is not an important habitat in winter. We used passive acoustic monitoring from towed arrays to document cetaceans during summer and winter, covering 18366 km of trackline off the Peloponnese and Crete. We confirmed the acoustic presence of 5 odontocetes: sperm whales (n = 49 encounters; mean depth (x̄): 3360 m; range (R): 1250 to 4210 m), Cuvier’s beaked whales (n = 4;x̄: 3070 m;R: 1970 to 3770 m), Risso’s dolphinsGrampus griseus(n = 5;x̄: 3340 m;R: 2250 to 4440 m), striped dolphinsStenella coeruleoalba(n = 2;x̄: 2980 m;R: 2490 to 3470 m) and rough-toothed dolphinsSteno bredanensis(n = 1; 3650 m). We also encountered 224 unidentified delphinids, including a potential blackfish (3020 m). We confirmed that these species are present in the Hellenic Trench throughout the year. Given the impact of multiple threats on sperm and Cuvier’s beaked whales in the Hellenic Trench, we suggest that policymakers follow the precautionary approach in managing human activities in the area. Ongoing seismic surveys, hydrocarbon extraction and uncontrolled shipping could have potentially negative effects on these species at the population level and we advise caution in permitting such activities in future
Blue carbon stocks and cycling in tropical tidal marshes facing grazing pressure
Authors: Waltham NJ , Lovelock C , Buelow CA
Published: July 2023

As the urgency to mitigate climate change becomes more important, so too does the need for effective policies and management that deliver effective carbon storage and sequestration world-wide. Tidal marshes are one of several ‘blue carbon’ ecosystems where enhanced management offers natural climate mitigation solutions. However, their capacity to store carbon can be diminished by anthropogenic land use. We measured carbon stocks and rates of decomposition in tropical tidal marshes that have experienced disturbance from ungulates (cattle and feral pigs). We found that tidal marsh carbon stocks were higher near the surface of the sediment relative to estimates from deeper in the soil profile. Generally, both carbon stocks and decomposition rates were higher in areas with greater tidal inundation, apart from a unique location where tidal flow has been severely restricted by a road. Remarkably, the fenced wetland had the lowest surface soil carbon ratio in the surface sediments (30 cm), a response presumably due to the wetland being used by cattle (seasonal grazing) that are more concentrated because they are trapped in the fenced enclosure (not outside the fenced protection area), compared to open wetland areas that also still have grazing impacts, but apparently causing much less impact because of a distributed use regime. Our study outlines that fencing wetlands to hold out ungulates but to then use the restored area for seasonal grazing seems counter-intuitive and a misuse of government funds.
Differences in nutrient and undesirable substance concentrations in Maurolicus muelleri across the Bay of Biscay, Norwegian fjords, and the North Sea
Authors: Zhu Yiou , Azad Atabak Mahjour , Kjellevold Marian , Bald Carlos , Iñarra Bruno , Alvarez Paula , Boyra Guillermo , Berntssen Marc , Madsen Lise , Wiech Martin
Published: July 2023

Introduction

We are having pressing issues of global food insecurity and malnutrition. Mesopelagic communities in the North Atlantic have been estimated to have high biomasses of organisms. Some of these low-trophic organisms are known to be nutrient-dense and may thus contribute to food security and nutrition. Here, we aim to understand the variation in nutrient and undesirable substance concentrations in a common mesopelagic species, Maurolicus muelleri in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Methods

We sampled the M. muelleri from the Bay of Biscay (BB), Norwegian fjords (NF), and the North Sea (NS). The concentrations of micro- and macronutrients, undesirable metals, and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were measured in composite whole fish samples.

Results

We found no difference across the sampling areas in the selected micronutrients except that the NF and NS samples had higher vitamin A1 concentrations than the BB samples. The NF samples had higher concentrations of fat, fatty acids, and POPs but lower concentrations of cadmium than the BB and NS samples; the differences in fat and fatty acids were only marginal in the NF-BB pair. The BB samples had lower arsenic concentrations than the NS samples, and lower concentrations of erucic acid and mercury than the NF and NS samples. Comparing the measured values against existing EU regulation values for nutrients and undesirable substances for human consumption, we found that the samples from NS and BB may cause food safety concerns due to their high cadmium concentrations, while the M. muelleri from all the sampling areas are qualified as good sources of iron, selenium, vitamin A1, and ω-3 fatty acids.

Discussion

This study confirms that M. muelleri from the North Atlantic Ocean may play an important role in food security and nutrition. However, potential variations in nutrient and undesirable substance concentrations related to seasonality, fish body size, and maturity level shall be taken into consideration prior to exploiting such a marine resource. Further understanding of trophic ecology, life cycles, and productivity of M. muelleri is essential to investigate the drivers behind the observed variation in nutrient and undesirable substance concentrations.
Genetics of strabismus
Authors: Martinez Sanchez Mayra , Whitman Mary C.
Published: July 2023

Strabismus, or misalignment of the eyes, is the most common ocular disorder in the pediatric population, affecting approximately 2%–4% of children. Strabismus leads to the disruption of binocular vision, amblyopia, social and occupational discrimination, and decreased quality of life. Although it has been recognized since ancient times that strabismus runs in families, its inheritance patterns are complex, and its precise genetic mechanisms have not yet been defined. Family, population, and twin studies all support a role of genetics in the development of strabismus. There are multiple forms of strabismus, and it is not known if they have shared genetic mechanisms or are distinct genetic disorders, which complicates studies of strabismus. Studies assuming that strabismus is a Mendelian disorder have found areas of linkage and candidate genes in particular families, but no definitive causal genes. Genome-wide association studies searching for common variation that contributes to strabismus risk have identified two risk loci and three copy number variants in white populations. Causative genes have been identified in congenital cranial dysinnervation disorders, syndromes in which eye movement is limited or paralyzed. The causative genes lead to either improper differentiation of cranial motor neurons or abnormal axon guidance. This article reviews the evidence for a genetic contribution to strabismus and the recent advances that have been made in the genetics of comitant strabismus, the most common form of strabismus.
A comprehensive meta-analysis reveals the key variables and scope of seed defense priming
Authors: Talavera-Mateo Lucia , Garcia Alejandro , Santamaria M. Estrella
Published: July 2023

Background

When encountered with pathogens or herbivores, the activation of plant defense results in a penalty in plant fitness. Even though plant priming has the potential of enhancing resistance without fitness cost, hurdles such as mode of application of the priming agent or even detrimental effects in plant fitness have yet to be overcome. Here, we review and propose seed defense priming as an efficient and reliable approach for pathogen protection and pest management.

Methods

Gathering all available experimental data to date, we evaluated the magnitude of the effect depending on plant host, antagonist class, arthropod feeding guild and type of priming agent, as well as the influence of parameter selection in measuring seed defense priming effect on plant and antagonist performance.

Results

Seed defense priming enhances plant resistance while hindering antagonist performance and without a penalty in plant fitness. Specifically, it has a positive effect on crops and cereals, while negatively affecting fungi, bacteria and arthropods. Plant natural compounds and biological isolates have a stronger influence in plant and antagonist performance than synthetic chemicals and volatiles.

Discussion

This is the first meta-analysis conducted evaluating the effect of seed defense priming against biotic stresses studying both plant and pest/pathogen performance. Here, we proved its efficacy in enhancing both, plant resistance and plant fitness, and its wide range of application. In addition, we offered insight into the selection of the most suitable priming agent and directed the focus of interest for novel research.
Correlates of physical activity among people living with and without HIV in rural Uganda
Authors: Mabweazara Smart Z. , Manne-Goehler Jennifer , Bibangambah Prossy , Kim June-Ho , Ruth Sentongo , Hemphill Linda C. , Okello Samson , Hamer Mark , Siedner Mark J.
Published: July 2023

Background

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has led to diminishing AIDS-related mortality but a concomitant increase in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) for people with HIV (PWH). Whereas physical activity (PA) has been shown to help prevent NCDs and NCD outcomes in other settings, there are few data on PA and its correlates among PWH in high-endemic settings. We aimed to compare PA by HIV serostatus in rural Uganda.

Methods

We analysed data from the UGANDAC study, an observational cohort including PWH in ambulatory HIV care in Mbarara, Uganda, and age- and gender-matched people without HIV (PWOH). Our primary outcome of interest was PA, which we assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and considered as a continuous measure of metabolic equivalents in minutes/week (MET-min/week). Our primary exposure of interest was HIV serostatus. We fit univariable and multivariable linear regression models to estimate the relationship between HIV and PA levels, with and without addition of sociodemographic and clinical correlates of PA (MET-min/week). In secondary analyses, we explored relationships restricted to rural residents, and interactions between gender and serostatus.

Results

We enrolled 309 participants, evenly divided by serostatus and gender. The mean age of PWH was 52 [standard deviation (SD) 7.2] and 52.6 (SD 7.3) for PWOH. In general, participants engaged in high levels of PA regardless of serostatus, with 81.2% (251/309) meeting criteria for high PA. However, PWOH reported higher mean levels of PA met-minutes/week than PWH (9,128 vs 7,152, p ≤ 0.001), and a greater proportion of PWOH (88.3%; 136/154) met the criteria for high PA compared to PWH (74.2%; 115/155). In adjusted models, lower levels of PA persisted among PWH (β = −1,734, 95% CI: −2,645, −824, p ≤ 0.001). Results were similar in a sensitivity analysis limited to people living in rural areas.

Conclusion

In a rural Ugandan cohort, PWOH had higher levels of PA than PWH. Interventions that encourage PA among PWH may have a role in improving NCD risk profiles among PWH in the region.
Soybean breeding in southwestern China improved P and N utilization efficiencies by increasing phosphorus and nitrogen partitioning to pods
Authors: Luo Xin , Dong Rui , Siddique Kadambot H. M. , He Jin , Jin Yi
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Soybean breeding in southwestern China has vastly improved soybean yields with the increasing demand for nutrients such as phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N). This study aimed to assess the impact of soybean breeding on P and N utilization efficiencies.

Methods

Field experiments with split-plot experimental designs were conducted at two locations [Dafang (DF) and Shiqian (SQ)] in the 2019 growing season to determine the agronomic efficiency of P fertilizer (AEp), P and N utilization efficiencies, and P and N accumulation and partitioning in different soybean organs under 0 (P0) and 35 (P35) kg ha−1 P supply.

Results

The results showed that soybean breeding targeting high seed yield also improved AEp (p < 0.05) and P (p < 0.05) and N utilization efficiencies (p < 0.05), with the improvement in AEp associated with the high yield response to P supply. P and N accumulation significantly increased in pods (p < 0.05) and leaves (p < 0.05) but not in stems or roots with year of release, while P and N concentrations did not change in any organ with year of release. In addition, only pod dry weight significantly increased (p < 0.01) with year of release, and P and N partitioning increased to pods (p < 0.05) but decreased to stems (p < 0.05) with year of release. Correlation and PCA analyses revealed P and N utilization efficiencies positively correlated with P and N partitioning to pods but negatively correlated with P and N partitioning to stems. While P supply increased P and N accumulation, it reduced P utilization efficiency.

Discussion

We conclude that (1) soybean breeding improved AEp and P and N utilization efficiencies; (2) the increased P and N partitioning to pods but decreased partitioning to stems contributed to the high P and N utilization efficiencies in new soybean cultivars, reducing the demand for N and P; (3) P supply increased nutrient accumulation but reduced P utilization efficiency. These results highlight the significance of appropriate resource allocation among organs and efficient P management for enhancing nutrient utilization and reducing fertilizer requirements.
A Preliminary Virtual Study on the Feasibility of Transferring Muscular Activation Pattern Behaviors of Psychomotor Exercises
Authors: Rossi Fabio , González Mejía Álvaro , Demarchi Danilo , Fiorini Paolo , Muscolo Giovanni Gerardo
Published: July 2023

Research has demonstrated that Taekwondo training helps to enhance the coordination capabilities in people with developmental coordination disorders. These excellent results depend on many factors, including the behavior of the muscular activation patterns of psychomotor exercises during Taekwondo training. Our basic idea is to study the behavior of the muscular activation pattern of Taekwondo training (performed by athletes) and to apply the adapted behavior of the muscular activation pattern to other subjects with reduced coordination capabilities to enhance them, in line with the sustainable human development goals. This paper presents a preliminary feasibility study and a first step in this direction using a virtual simulation. First, the Taekwondo front-kick exercise was studied and reproduced using a virtual human model in OpenSim. Second, some perturbations were applied to the virtual human model to analyze the behavior of the muscular activation patterns. Third, functional electrical stimulation (FES) patterns were properly simulated to reproduce the same sequence (and value) of signals of muscular activation in another subject. The proposed methodology was conceived on the basis of a simple example of a Taekwondo kick by using a virtual human model, but its general application can fit all kinds of psychomotor exercises. If future works confirm the simulation results presented in this paper with real implementation, the methodology proposed here could be applied every time human capabilities must be increased with or without sports training (e.g., remaining seated on a chair or lying on a bed).
Knowledge about Sex Education in Adolescence: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Moreira Maria Teresa , Rocha Elizabeth , Lima Andreia , Pereira Lúcia , Rodrigues Sílvia , Fernandes Carla Sílvia
Published: July 2023

(1) Background: In adolescence, the onset of physical signs of sexual maturity and early sexual contact have become increasingly common. However, most adolescents are not adequately prepared for this event, which can lead to significant negative consequences for young people. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge about sexuality during adolescence. (2) Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, and correlational design was used, with 289 students from a school in the northern region of Portugal. From an online questionnaire, sociodemographic information and the Sexuality Knowledge Questionnaire were used to collect data. (3) Results: Most adolescents (54.0%) were female and aged between 15 and 17 years, with an average knowledge score of 17.04. The worst results were found in the dimensions of first sexual intercourse and sexual concerns, with men scoring lower, and the dimension of sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS, where women performed better. The best scores were in the sexuality and sexual pleasure dimension, with women performing better, and the counseling and care in sexual and reproductive health dimension, where men performed better. (4) Conclusions: The approach to sexuality education must be constant throughout the life cycle, and it is essential to provide appropriate information to adolescents about issues related to sexuality.
Prepositive Synergistic Bulge Design for Improving Aerodynamic Performance of Submerged Inlet
Authors: Bai Xuan , Mi Baigang
Published: July 2023

A submerged inlet has good stealth characteristics and a low external drag, but it also has the disadvantage of low internal flow efficiency. In view of this, a new efficiency enhancement method based on the prepositive synergistic bulge of the inlet’s anterior lip is proposed. Taking the submerged inlet of an aircraft as the baseline configuration, a miniature bulge with a square bottom and an outer convex form is designed in front of the inlet’s anterior lip. Through the convex shape of the bulge, part of the low-energy boundary layer airflow is diverted away from the inlet’s entrance, so that the airflow greatly reduces the flow separation after entering the inlet, and the internal flow performance of the entire submerged inlet is improved. Taking the flow field of an aircraft in the classic cruise state as an example, the simulation analysis results show that the flow field characteristics of the entire submerged inlet are obviously improved after adding the synergistic bulge. The total pressure recovery coefficient of the new inlet configuration increased by 1.36%, the total pressure distortion index decreased by 10.86%, and the body drag only increased by 0.37% compared with the baseline case. According to calculations of synergistic bulge inlet configurations with different design parameters, the effect of this configuration is relatively stable, whereby the aspect ratio of the bulge has the greatest impact on the performance, and its value should not be less than 0.75. In addition to the advantages of not requiring additional components or occupying space and being easy to manufacture, the method of adding a synergistic bulge can improve the aerodynamic performance of the baseline inlet under most cruise flight conditions, and its additional drag is small, which gives it a wide applicability range.