bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kearifan Lokal Tentang Komitmen untuk Mengasihi dan Melayani Tuhan
Authors: Kilian Sirait
Published: February 2024

Local wisdom refers to the cultural values ​​and norms that regulate people's daily lives. These values ​​and norms, which are ingrained and considered correct, guide the behavior of the local community. God's servants are individuals chosen and appointed by God to serve His people. Willingness to serve, loyalty in carrying out service, and no discrimination in serving others are manifestations of the commitment and motivation that exist within the servant. The aim of this research is to provide an overview of local wisdom related to commitment to love and devotion to God. To achieve this goal, a qualitative descriptive approach was used, which includes describing a commitment to love God, understanding God's work throughout history, and exploring its practical applications. The research methodology includes a thorough review of relevant literature and Biblical texts to gather comprehensive information. The findings of this research reveal that commitment to God is a fundamental aspect of local wisdom. By continuing to obey His commandments, Christians can protect themselves from the effects of their current circumstances. Therefore, the findings of this research emphasize the need for unwavering faith and obedience in upholding our devotion as a community in worship.
THE EFFECTS OF PARTICLE SIZE AND TEMPERATURE ON THE STABILITY AND LOCAL STRUCTURAL EVOLUTIONS OF AMORPHOUS BULK AND NANOPARTICLES OF THE FeNI3 ALLOYS
Authors:   Novel Materials and Nanotechnologies Institute, Azerbaijan Technical University, MEKHRABOV Amdulla ,   Faculty of Metallurgy and Materials Science, Department of Metallurgy and Materials Technologies, Azerbaijan Technical University, IRMAK Ece A. ,   Novel Alloy Design and Development Laboratory (NOVALAB), Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Akdeniz M. Vedat ,   Novel Alloy Design and Development Laboratory (NOVALAB), Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Middle East Technical University
Published: February 2024

The effects of particle size (2-6 nm) and temperature (300-1900 K) on the stability and local structural evolutions of amorphous bulk and nanoparticles of the FeNi3 alloys have been studied by using classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulation method combined with embedded atom model (EAM) in Largescale Atomic/Molecular Massively Parallel Simulator (LAMMPS). The nanoparticles were obtained from the unstable amorphous bulk FeNi3 alloys. MD simulations have been performed for glassy FeNi3 intermetallic alloy by making use of pairwise interatomic interaction potentials and electron densities calculated via EAM method. The formation and evolution of structures and their stability have been analyzed at a wide temperature range (300-1900 K) by calculating radial distribution functions (RDF), interatomic distances (ID), coordination numbers (CN), core-to-surface concentration profiles, as well as Voronoi analysis. According to the results, although some deviations in the structural properties occurred during the heat treatment, the amorphous nanoparticles exhibited the same crystal structure and local atomic configuration with its bulk counterpart at room temperature.
FUNCTION GENERATION OF A WATT II TYPE PLANAR MECHANISM WITH PRISMATIC OUTPUT USING DECOMPOSITION AND CORRECTION METHOD
Authors:   Mechanical Engineering Department, İzmir Institute of Technology, KIPER Gökhan
Published: February 2024

The method of decomposition is a useful method for function generation with multi-loop mechanisms. The recently introduced correction methods applied together with the method of decomposition allows the designer to cancel out the errors in the first loop of a two-loop mechanism with the errors in the second loop. In this study, the decomposition and correction method is applied for a Watt II type planar six-link mechanism with prismatic output. Five design parameters are defined for each loop resulting in ten design parameters in total. The design parameters are determined analytically. The generation error is decreased by adjusting free parameters such as the limits of the some joint angles and parameters due to the decomposition of the function to be generated, while considering several constraints such as link lengths ratios and ranges of the joint variables. The success of the method is illustrated with a numerical example.
Starch – carrageenan based low-cost membrane permeability characteristic and its application for yeast microbial fuel cells
Authors: Christwardana Marcelinus , Kuntolaksono Satrio , Septevani Athanasia Amanda , Hadiyanto H
Published: February 2024

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are an innovative method that generates sustainable electricity by exploiting the metabolic processes of microorganisms. The membrane that divides the anode and cathode chambers is an important component of MFCs. Commercially available membranes, such as Nafion, are both costly, not sustainable, and harmful to the environment. In this study, a low-cost alternative membrane for MFCs based on a starch-carrageenan blend (SCB-LCM) was synthesized. The SCB-LCM membrane was created by combining starch and carrageenan and demonstrated a high dehydration rate of 98.87 % over six hours. SEM analysis revealed a smooth surface morphology with no pores on the membrane surface. The performance of SCB-LCM membrane-based MFCs was evaluated and compared to that of other membranes, including Nafion 117 and Nafion 212. All membranes tested over 25 hours lost significant weight, with SCB-LCM losing the least. The maximum power density (MPD) of the SCB-LCM MFCs was 15.77 ± 4.34 mW/m2, indicating comparable performance to commercial membranes. Moreover, the cost-to-power ratio for MFCs employing SCB-LCM was the lowest (0.03 USD.m2/mW) when compared to other membranes, indicating that SCB-LCM might be a viable and cost-effective alternative to Nafion in MFCs. These SCB-LCM findings lay the groundwork for future research into low-cost and sustainable membrane for MFC technologies.
SIMULATION OF BOILER FEED PUMP USING CONTROLLER PROGRAM: A CASE STUDY OF SAPELE POWER BOILER FEED PUMP
Authors: Eyenubo Ogheneakpobo Jonathan , Ebisine Ebimene Ezekiel , Okieke Ufuoma Jeffery
Published: February 2024

The goal of this work is to automate the Sapele Power Plant Boiler Feed Pumps (BFPs) using CODESYS software to simulate BFP controlled by a proposed PLC system that was manually controlled. The boiler pressure, level, feed stream flow, and primary heat transport (PHT) pressure BFP were restored to their optimal levels within a few seconds after trip. This was possible for the standby program used for automation within 14 seconds when compared to the manual process that was in place. During the simulation, the BFP goes into standby mode after 14 seconds. The results obtained under automated condition shows the boiler pressure rises to 40.3 kg/cm-1s-2 and remained stable for 147 seconds as against 55.9 kg/cm-1s-2 in 25 seconds under unautomated conditions. The flow rate of the feed water shows a decrease of -0.172 m at 50 seconds. The boiler pressure rose further to 44 kg/cm-1s-2 at 175 seconds, which corresponds to a specific gravity value of 59.5 kg/cm3 at the same time. At 146 seconds, the feed water hits the trip setting of -2.85m owed to low specific gravity (SG) level when compared to the unautomated condition. Thus, a further increase reached fluctuation level of -10m at 200 seconds. The PHT was 88.5 kg/cm-1s-2 at 146 seconds contrary to the expected pressure of 105.6 kg/cm-1s-2 for unautomated state. This change after 146 seconds results from generator trip. The pressure increases to 90.2 kg/cm3 at approximately 148 seconds and subsequently decreases to 48 kg/cm3 consequently opening of the condenser steam discharge valve (CSDVs) and atmospheric steam discharge valve (ASDVs) during the simulation state.
Early Central Borneo Project: Archaeological investigations in Pa' Lungan, Kelabit Highlands (2013-2015)
Authors:   Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Gani Nicholas , Lloyd-Smith Lindsay , Sauffi William Mohammed Sherman ,   Sarawak Museum Department, Appleby Jo , Litah Stephen , Murphy Stephen , Nyíri Borbála , Paran Walter , White Nancy
Published: February 2024

This is a summary report on three field seasons (2013, 2014, 2015) of the Early Central Borneo Project investigating the prehistory of the Kelabit Highlands, Sarawak (Fig. 1). This work builds upon the results of previous anthropological and archaeological research in the region, particularly Sarah Hitcher's comprehensive anthropological survey of cultural sites (2009), and the work of the inter-disciplinary work of the Cultured Rainforest Project (CRF) (2007-2010) which investigated the socio-ecological history of the Central Kelapang Valley in the southern Kelabit Highlands (Barker et al. 2007, 2008; Lloyd-Smith et al. 2010, 2012). The Kelabit Highlands and adjacent headwaters of central Borneo have long been renowned for the numerous stone and earthwork monuments, and surveys on both sides of the central spinal watershed of Borneo (which today forms the international border between Sarawak Malaysia and Kalimantan Indonesia) have demonstrated the wide extent and diversity of monument types. Although there had been some excavation of a few megalithic sites on the Sarawak side of the border in the 1960s by Sarawak Museum, and in the 1990s of a limited number of settlement sites on the Kalimantan side of the border by an Indonesian-led international social-science research team (Arifin and Sellato 2003), it was not until the 2007-2010 CRF project that the first systematic archaeological excavations of multiple site types was carried out with the aim of producing a secure chronological framework for the highland region.
Traditional Iban pottery-making at Kampung Skarok, Lubok Antu, Sarawak
Authors:   Universiti Sains Malaysia, Narayanen Suresh , Chia Stephen ,   Universiti Sains Malaysia
Published: February 2024

In May 2013, an ethnographic study of Iban pottery-making was carried out by the authors from the Centre for Global Archaeological Research (CGAR), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, with technical assistance from the Sarawak Museum Department, Kuching, in the district of Lubok Antu, Sri Aman Division, Sarawak (Fig. 1). The main objective of the study was to locate the few former and active Iban potters in this area, in order to gather data and information on traditional pottery technology, types and functions. This study has provided some useful insights into the origin, history and production of traditional Iban pottery in the district of Lubok Antu, Sri Aman, Sarawak.
The impact and trend of China's current modification environment on automotive customization and related supply chain development
Authors: Dong Qingyi , Yang Tengjian , Hao Qi
Published: February 2024

Currently, the personalized demand of Chinese automotive consumers is constantly increasing, and benefiting from environmental changes, the modification industry has made significant progress, which also has a profound impact on the customized modification supply chain. Exploring the changes and trends in China's modification environment is beneficial for providing reference and basis for the development of domestic automotive customization and modification supply chain business models, thereby promoting the compliant, orderly, and positive development of the entire industry.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MINDFULNESS AND FEAR OF FAILURE IN STUDENTS WHO ARE WORKING ON A THESIS AT PADANG STATE UNIVERSITY
Authors: Wulandari Febri , Rinaldi
Published: February 2024

Fear of failure is an emotional reaction that causes fear when in a situation that might cause failure. The phenomenon of fear of failure can be related to mindfulness, where mindfulness can reduce fear of failure. This study aims to determine the relationship between mindfulness and fear of failure in students who are working on a thesis at Padang State University. This study uses a correlational quantitative research design. The targets of this study were students who were working on a thesis at Padang State University using proportional sampling technique totalling 236 people. The mindfulness measuring instrument in this study used The Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills (KIMS) and the fear of failure scale using the Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory (PFAI). Based on the data analysis that has been done, the correlation value is obtained r = -0.298 and p = 0.000 (p < 0.05), which indicates that there is a significant negative relationship between mindfulness and fear of failure of students who are working on their thesis at Padang State University.
Alteración del ciclo sueño/vigilia y su asociación con la resistencia a la insulina: una revisión sistemática
Authors: Quitto Navarrete Verónica Paola , Tayupanda Cuvi Noemi Judith , Girón Saltos Katherine Yaritza , Hidalgo Morales Kattyta Patricia
Published: February 2024

El ciclo normal del sueño controlado por los ritmos circadianos del reloj central tiene una íntima relación con el correcto funcionamiento de los sistemas del cuerpo, uno de ellos es la regulación del metabolismo, hay evidencia que la interrupción del sueño como es el caso de los trabajadores por turnos afecta el metabolismo de la glucosa, de lípidos y la resistencia a la insulina siendo un factor de riesgo de desarrollar diabetes. El objetivo fue asociar las alteraciones del ciclo sueño/vigilia que ocurren en trabajadores por turnos con el aumento de la resistencia a la insulina en personas adultas. Se utilizaron bases de datos electrónicas como Pubmed, Scielo, Science Direct, Scopus y Web of Science; libros electrónicos y la Wiley Online Library; escogiendo aquellos realizados entre los años 2011 y 2021, en idiomas inglés y español, y solo en humanos. De un total de 222 artículos, según los criterios de elegibilidad, se escogieron ocho transversales y dos cruzados aleatorizados. Se encontró una evidencia media que asocia las alteraciones del sueño que ocurren en los trabajadores por turnos en mayor proporción los de turno nocturno con disminución de la sensibilidad y aumento de la resistencia a la insulina.
Investors’ behavior to earnings announcement during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from Cambodia
Authors: Ma'aji Muhammad M. , Lee Siang Hi
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT This study investigates the reaction of investors to annual earnings releases as reflected in the share price movements of common stocks and volume of trade during the COVID-19 pandemic. Event methodology is employed, and the returns in an event window, defined conventionally as the days before to days after a firm-specific public earnings announcement, are not abnormal. We provide an apparent example where investors did not react to firm-specific positive earnings announcements. This could be influenced by the government in response to COVID-19 as we have seen governments and central banks worldwide quickly enacted sweeping and sizable fiscal and monetary stimulus measures to limit the human and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These actions during an economic downturn or crisis have helped to stabilize the economy and increase confidence in the market. Keywords: Event study, information and market efficiency, corporate earnings announcement, COVID-19, Cambodia market
Demonstrating the Unity of All Baptised Members
Authors: Manurung Philip
Published: February 2024

For hundred of years Reformed churches in Indonesia have barred children from receiving the bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper. This prohibition rests on the age-of-discernment rule based on the interpretation of 1 Corinthians 11:28. Children are considered unable to self-examine and acknowledge God's body. Meanwhile, supporters of paedocommunion put forward their case by defending the rights that children have as members of God's covenant people. This study aims to offer an alternative argument to the debate by interpreting the key passage 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 and analyzing historical documents of the Reformed churches. The results of the study prove that Holy Communion is the best means of grace to express the unity of all members of Baptism. Thus, any decision regarding children participation in the Holy Communion will have an impact on the unity of the body of Christ.
Implementasi Media Pembelajaran Play With English Dalam Pengenalan Bahasa Inggris Bagi Anak Usia Dini
Authors: Wika Karina Damayanti
Published: February 2024

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi dengan minimnya media pembelajaran yang dapat digunakan untuk meningkatkan kemampuan bahasa pada anak usia dini, dan juga mendeskripsikan tentang bagaimana penerapan media pembelajaran Play With English dalam pengenalan Bahasa Inggris bagi anak usia dini. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis permainan edukatif play with English serta penggunaan permainan ini untuk memperkenalkan Bahasa Inggris pada anak usia dini. Teori yang digunakan dalam penulisan ini adalah paparan tentang media pembelajaran, teori bermain, dan konsep perkembangan bahasa. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah deskriptif dengan menjabarkan hasil dari wawancara, observasi, dan studi dokumentasi di lapangan. Hasil analisis data menunjukkan bahwa media pembelajaran interaktif dalam pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris dapat berupa media yang dioperasionalkan dengan komputer. Isi dari media pembelajaran ini adalah pengenalan kata-kata sederhana dalam Bahasa Inggris yang berupa pengenalan hewan dan buah. Tampilan yang menarik disertai dengan suara-suara hewan dapat membuat anak tertarik dan suka terhadap media ini. Play With English merupakan media pembelajaran interaktif yang dapat membantu anak dalam memahami pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris karena media ini memiliki desain yang menarik dan mudah digunakan serta terdapat evaluasi dalam media ini. Anak dapat belajar Bahasa Inggris dengan menggunakan media pembelajaran yang menarik sambil bermain.
Pengaruh Motivasi Kerja dan Disiplin Pegawai Terhadap Efektivitas Pelayanan di Dinas Pendidikan Kabupaten Bandung Barat
Authors: Susilarto Dwintoro
Published: February 2024

Masalah pokok dalam penelitian ini adalah efektifitas layanan rendah, yang menurut pengamatan peneliti diakibatkan oleh Motivasi dan Disiplin Kerja pegawai yang belum optimal. Atas dasar pemikiran dan pertimbangan, peneliti berkeinginan untuk meneliti lebih lanjut dalam bentuk penelitian tesis dengan judul “Pengaruh Motivasi Kerja Dan Disiplin Pegawai Terhadap Efektivitas Pelayanan Di Dinas Pendidikan Kabupaten Bandung Barat”.
Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode survey explanatory, yaitu suatu metode yang bertujuan untuk menguji hipotesis penelitian yang telah dirumuskan sebelumnya. Teknis analisis yang digunakan adalah teknik statistik deskriptif yang berfungsi untuk mengelompokkan data, menggarap, menyimpulkan, memaparkan serta menyajikan hasil olahan. Hal ini bertujuan untuk melakukan pola hubungan sebab akibat antara nilai suatu variabel dengan variabel lainnya. Analisis dalam pengolahan data menggunakan analisis jalur (Path Analisys).
Kesimpulan dalam penelitian ini adalah Motivasi dan Disiplin Kerja pegawai secara empirik telah memberikan pengaruh terhadap efektifitas layanan di Dinas Pendidikan Kabupaten Bandung Barat, baik secara parsial maupun simultan. Hasil penelitian juga menemukan bahwa efektifitas dipengaruhi oleh faktor lain yang secara akademik diakui keberadaannya.
Pengaruh Kepemimpinan dan Motivasi Terhadap Kinerja Pegawai Dinas Pendidikan Kabupaten Bandung Barat
Authors: Primasatya Egie
Published: February 2024

Masalah utama dalam penelitian ini adalah rendahnya kinerja karyawan, yang menurut pengamatan peneliti disebabkan oleh kepemimpinan dan motivasi yang tidak optimal. Berdasarkan pemikiran dan pertimbangan, peneliti bermaksud untuk menyelidiki lebih lanjut dalam bentuk penelitian tesis berjudul "Pengaruh Kepemimpinan dan Motivasi terhadap Kinerja Staf Dinas Pendidikan Kabupaten Bandung Barat".
Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode survei eksplanasi, yaitu metode yang bertujuan untuk menguji hipotesis penelitian yang telah dirumuskan sebelumnya. Teknik analisis yang digunakan adalah teknik statistik deskriptif yang berfungsi untuk mengelompokkan data, mengerjakan, menyimpulkan, menjelaskan dan menyajikan hasil olahan. Hal ini bertujuan untuk membuat pola hubungan sebab akibat antara nilai suatu variabel dengan variabel lainnya. Analisis dalam pengolahan data menggunakan analisis jalur.
Kesimpulan dalam penelitian ini adalah kepemimpinan dan motivasi karyawan secara empiris mempengaruhi Kinerja Karyawan di Dinas Pendidikan Kabupaten Bandung Barat, baik secara parsial maupun bersamaan. Hasilnya juga menemukan bahwa kinerja dipengaruhi oleh faktor-faktor lain yang diakui secara akademis
Penerapan Supervisi Pembelajaran Berbasis Lesson Study di SMP Negeri 3 Cililin Tahun Pelajaran 2023/2024
Authors: Rukmini N. Mimin
Published: February 2024

Penelitian ini dimaksudkan untuk mengetahui dan memeroleh pemahaman tentang meningkatkan proses pembelajaran melalui penerapan supervisi pembelajaran yang berbasis lesson study. Strategi pemecahan masalah dilakukan dengan merencanakan, melaksanakan, dan merefleksi kegiatan supervisi pembelajaran berbasis lesson study. Hasil penerapan supervisi pembelajaran berbasis lesson study menunjukkan bahwa guru antusias melaksanakan pembelajaran, demikian pun siswa dengan teknik observasi rekan guru berbasis lesson study, dalam proses pembelajaran terlihat aktif, kritis, kreatif, dan inovatif. Hal tersebut tergali saat observasi maupun saat refleksi. Oleh karena itu, dapat disimpulkan bahwa penerapan supervisi pembelajaran berbasis lesson study dapat meningkatkan proses dan hasil pembelajaran.
Pengaruh Budaya Organisasi dan Kompetensi Terhadap Kinerja Pegawai Dinas Pendidikan Kabupaten Bandung Barat
Authors: Kholil Abu
Published: February 2024

Masalah utama dalam penelitian ini adalah rendahnya kinerja karyawan, yang menurut pengamatan peneliti disebabkan oleh budaya organisasi dan kompetensi yang tidak optimal. Berdasarkan pemikiran dan pertimbangan, peneliti bermaksud untuk menyelidiki lebih lanjut dalam bentuk penelitian tesis berjudul "Pengaruh Budaya Organisasi dan Kompetensi terhadap Kinerja Pegawai Dinas Pendidikan Kabupaten Bandung Barat".
Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode survei eksplanasi, yaitu metode yang bertujuan untuk menguji hipotesis penelitian yang telah dirumuskan sebelumnya. Teknik analisis yang digunakan adalah teknik statistik deskriptif yang berfungsi untuk mengelompokkan data, mengerjakan, menyimpulkan, menjelaskan dan menyajikan hasil olahan. Hal ini bertujuan untuk membuat pola hubungan sebab akibat antara nilai suatu variabel dengan variabel lainnya. Analisis dalam pengolahan data menggunakan analisis jalur.
Kesimpulan dalam penelitian ini adalah Budaya Organisasi dan Kompetensi Karyawan secara empiris mempengaruhi Kinerja Karyawan di Dinas Pendidikan Kabupaten Bandung Barat, baik sebagian maupun serentak. Hasilnya juga menemukan bahwa kinerja dipengaruhi oleh faktor-faktor lain yang diakui secara akademis
Rab7 dependent regulation of goblet cell protein CLCA1 modulates gastrointestinal homeostasis
Authors: Gaur Preksha , Rajendran Yesheswini , Srivastava Bhagyashree , Markandey Manasvini , Fishbain-Yoskovitz Vered , Mohapatra Gayatree , Suhail Aamir , Chaudhary Shikha , Tyagi Shaifali , Yadav Subhash C , Pandey Amit K , Merbl Yifat , Bajaj Avinash , Ahuja Vineet , Srikanth Chittur V
Published: February 2024

Inflammation in ulcerative colitis is typically restricted to the mucosal layer of distal gut. Disrupted mucus barrier coupled with microbial dysbiosis has been reported to occur prior to the onset of inflammation. Here, we show the involvement of vesicular trafficking protein Rab7 in regulating the colonic mucus system. We identified a lowered Rab7 expression in goblet cells of colon during human and murine colitis.
In vivo
Rab7 knocked down mice (Rab7
KD
) displayed a compromised mucus layer, increased microbial permeability and depleted gut microbiota with enhanced susceptibility to dextran sodium-sulfate induced colitis. These abnormalities emerged owing to altered mucus composition, as revealed by mucus proteomics, with increased expression of mucin protease Chloride channel accessory 1 (CLCA1). Mechanistically, Rab7 maintained optimal CLCA1 levels by controlling its lysosomal degradation, a process that was dysregulated during colitis. Overall, our work establishes a role for Rab7 dependent control of CLCA1 secretion required for maintaining mucosal homeostasis.
Proteomic and functional comparison between human induced and embryonic stem cells
Authors: Brenes Alejandro J. , Griesser Eva , Sinclair Linda V. , Davidson Lindsay , Prescott Alan R. , Singh Francois , Hogg Elizabeth K.J. , Espejo-Serrano Carmen , Jiang Hao , Yoshikawa Harunori , Platani Melpomeni , Swedlow Jason , Findlay Greg M. , Cantrell Doreen A. , Lamond Angus I.
Published: February 2024

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have great potential to be used as alternatives to embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in regenerative medicine and disease modelling, thereby avoiding ethical issues arising from the use of embryo-derived cells. However, despite clear similarities between the two cell types, it is likely they are not identical. In this study we characterise the proteomes of multiple hiPSC and hESC lines derived from independent donors. We find that while hESCs and hiPSCs express a near identical set of proteins, they show consistent quantitative differences in the expression levels of a wide subset of proteins. hiPSCs have increased total protein content, while maintaining a comparable cell cycle profile to hESCs. The proteomic data show hiPSCs have significantly increased abundance of vital cytoplasmic and mitochondrial proteins required to sustain high growth rates, including nutrient transporters and metabolic proteins, which correlated with phenotypic differences between hiPSCs and hESCs. Thus, higher levels of glutamine transporters correlated with increased glutamine uptake, while higher levels of proteins involved in lipid synthesis correlated with increased lipid droplet formation. Some of the biggest metabolic changes were seen in proteins involved in mitochondrial metabolism, with corresponding enhanced mitochondrial potential, shown experimentally using high-resolution respirometry. hiPSCs also produced higher levels of secreted proteins including ECM components and growth factors, some with known tumorigenic properties as well as proteins involved in the inhibition of the immune system. Our data indicate that reprogramming of human fibroblasts to iPSCs effectively restores protein expression in cell nuclei to a similar state to hESCs, but does not similarly restore the profile of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial proteins, with consequences for cell phenotypes affecting growth and metabolism. The data improve understanding of the molecular differences between induced and embryonic stem cells with implications for potential risks and benefits for their use in future disease modelling and therapeutic applications.
Heterogeneous text graph for comprehensive multilingual sentiment analysis: capturing short- and long-distance semantics
Authors: Mercha El Mahdi , Benbrahim Houda , Erradi Mohammed
Published: February 2024

Multilingual sentiment analysis (MSA) involves the task of comprehending people’s opinions, sentiments, and emotions in multilingual written texts. This task has garnered considerable attention due to its importance in extracting insights for decision-making across diverse fields such as marketing, finance, and politics. Several studies have explored MSA using deep learning methods. Nonetheless, a majority of these studies depend on sequential-based approaches, which focus on capturing short-distance semantics within adjacent word sequences, but they overlook long-distance semantics, which can provide more profound insights for analysis. In this work, we propose an approach for multilingual sentiment analysis, namely MSA-GCN, leveraging a graph convolutional network to effectively capture both short- and long-distance semantics. MSA-GCN involves the comprehensive modeling of the multilingual sentiment analysis corpus through a unified heterogeneous text graph. Subsequently, a slightly deep graph convolutional network is employed to acquire predictive representations for all nodes by encouraging the transfer learning across languages. Extensive experiments are carried out on various language combinations using different benchmark datasets to assess the efficiency of the proposed approach. These datasets include Multilingual Amazon Reviews Corpus (MARC), Internet Movie Database (IMDB), Allociné, and Muchocine. The achieved results reveal that MSA-GCN significantly outperformed all baseline models in almost all datasets with a p-value < 0.05 based on student t-test. In addition, such approach shows prominent results in a variety of language combinations, revealing the robustness of the approach against language variation.
First case of a reversed Parabothus taiwanensis Amaoka & Shen, 1993 from Taiwan (Pleuronectiformes: Bothidae), with first evidence of situs inversus viscerum in bothid
Authors: Su Yo , Ho Hsuan-Ching , Chu Tah-Wei
Published: February 2024

Background

Reversed condition is rarely found in most flatfishes in natural environment, except for some certain species. The mechanism controlling the reversals in flatfishes has been studied in some cultivated species, whereas some have only few cases for the entire family and remain unclear. Here, we report the first record of a dextral (reversed) specimen of Parabothus taiwanensis Amaoka & Shen, 1993 collected off southwestern Taiwan recently. It represents the second reversed case ever recorded in Bothidae. We aim to provide a detailed description of this dextral specimen and compared to the sinistral (normal) specimens collected from the vicinity.

Methods

Specimens were fixed in 4% formaldehyde and transferred to 70% ethanol for preservation. Meristic and morphometric characters were examined for both dextral and sinistral specimens. Dissections were made on specimens to confirm the position of internal organs. Lastly, X-radiographs were taken to elucidate the osteological features.

Results

As a result, no differences of both meristic and morphometric characters were observed between the dextral and sinistral specimens. Nevertheless, situs inversus viscerum is discovered in the dextral specimen for the first time in Bothidae and the sixth record within flatfishes.
Transcriptomic and biochemical insights into fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) responses on silicon-treated maize
Authors: Ul Haq Inzamam , Zhang Ke-Xin , Gou Yuping , Hajjar Dina , Makki Arwa A. , Alkherb Wafa A.H. , Ali Habib , Liu Changzhong
Published: February 2024

Background

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is an agricultural pest of significant economic concern globally, known for its adaptability, pesticide resistance, and damage to key crops such as maize. Conventional chemical pesticides pose challenges, including the development of resistance and environmental pollution. The study aims to investigate an alternative solution: the application of soluble silicon (Si) sources to enhance plant resistance against the fall armyworm.

Methods

Silicon dioxide (SiO2) and potassium silicate (K2SiO3) were applied to maize plants via foliar spray. Transcriptomic and biochemical analyses were performed to study the gene expression changes in the fall armyworm feeding on Si-treated maize.

Results

Results indicated a significant impact on gene expression, with a large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified in both SiO2 and K2SiO3 treatments. Furthermore, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis identified critical DEGs involved in specific pathways, including amino acid, carbohydrate, lipid, energy, xenobiotics metabolisms, signal transduction, and posttranslational modification, significantly altered at both Si sources. Biochemical analyses further revealed that Si treatments inhibited several enzyme activities (glutamate dehydrogenase, trehalase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, chitinase, juvenile hormone esterase, and cyclooxygenase while simultaneously inducing others (total protein, lipopolysaccharide, fatty acid synthase, ATPase, and cytochrome P450), thus suggesting a toxic effect on the fall armyworm. In conclusion, Si applications on maize influence the gene expression and biochemical activities of the fall armyworm, potentially offering a sustainable pest management strategy.
Transcriptomic and targeted metabolome analyses revealed the regulatory mechanisms of the synthesis of bioactive compounds in Citrus grandis ‘tomentosa’
Authors: Huang Xinmin , Liu Xiaoli , Wang Qi , Zhou Yanqing , Deng Shiting , He Qinqin , Han Hanbing
Published: February 2024

Exocarpium Citri Grandis is a popular Chinese herbal medicine prepared from Citrus grandis ‘tomentosa’, and it is rich in several bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, coumarins, and volatile oils. However, studies are yet to elucidate the mechanisms of synthesis and regulation of these active components. Therefore, the present study examined the profiles of flavonoids and volatile oil bioactive compounds in plant petals, fruits, and tender leaves, and then performed RNA sequencing on different tissues to identify putative genes involved in the synthesis of bioactive compounds. The results show that the naringin, naringenin, and coumarin contents of the fruitlets were significantly higher than those of the tender leaves and petals, whereas the tender leaves had significantly higher levels of rhoifolin and apigenin. A total of 49 volatile oils, of which 10 were mainly found in flowers, 15 were mainly found in fruits, and 18 were mainly found in leaves, were identified. RNA sequencing identified 9,942 genes that were differentially expressed in different tissues. Further analysis showed that 20, 15, and 74 differentially expressed genes were involved in regulating flavonoid synthesis, regulating coumarin synthesis, and synthesis and regulation of terpenoids, respectively. CHI1 (Cg7g005600) and 1,2Rhat gene (Cg1g023820) may be involved in the regulation of naringin synthesis in C. grandis fruits. The HDR (Cg8g006150) gene, HMGS gene (Cg5g009630) and GGPS (Cg1g003650) may be involved in the regulation and synthesis of volatile oils in C. grandis petals. Overall, the findings of the present study enhance our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of secondary metabolites in C. grandis, which could promote the breeding of C. grandis with desired characteristics.
Predicting early-onset COPD risk in adults aged 20–50 using electronic health records and machine learning
Authors: Liu Guanglei , Hu Jiani , Yang Jianzhe , Song Jie
Published: February 2024

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health concern, affecting estimated 164 million people worldwide. Early detection and intervention strategies are essential to reduce the burden of COPD, but current screening approaches are limited in their ability to accurately predict risk. Machine learning (ML) models offer promise for improved accuracy of COPD risk prediction by combining genetic and electronic medical record data. In this study, we developed and evaluated eight ML models for primary screening of COPD utilizing routine screening data, polygenic risk scores (PRS), additional clinical data, or a combination of all three. To assess our models, we conducted a retrospective analysis of approximately 329,396 patients in the UK Biobank database. Incorporating personal information and blood biochemical test results significantly improved the model’s accuracy for predicting COPD risk, achieving a best performance of 0.8505 AUC, a specificity of 0.8539 and a sensitivity of 0.7584. These results indicate that ML models can be effectively utilized for accurate prediction of COPD risk in individuals aged 20 to 50 years, providing a valuable tool for early detection and intervention.
Review of Residual Mechanical Properties of Concrete Mixed with Different Admixtures at High Temperatures
Authors: Nam Youngjin , Kim Wonchang , Lee Taegyu
Published: February 2024

In this study, we analyzed results reported in existing literature to examine the residual mechanical properties of concrete mixed with different admixtures. Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), fly ash (FA), and metakaolin (MK) were selected as admixtures for analysis, and data reporting the residual compressive strength of concrete with different admixtures at high temperatures were analyzed. Then, with reference to the ordinary Portland cement (OPC) using 100% cement, prediction formulas for the residual mechanical properties of concrete were derived for each selected admixture, and the resulting values were compared with the values of codes used in international concrete specifications. The residual mechanical properties of concrete showed different results depending on the admixtures used, and the concrete mixed with MK showed a higher compressive strength than OPC at room temperature compared with the values of the existing codes. With increasing temperature of concrete exposure, the trend of compressive strength showed convergence to the values of the existing codes. At room temperature, concrete mixed with GGBFS or FA showed a trend of similar or lower compressive strength compared with that of the existing codes; however, with increasing temperature, the residual compressive strength exceeded that of American Concrete Institute (ACI) and CEN codes. Thus, at room temperature, concrete mixed with MK had excellent compressive strength, but with increasing temperature, concrete mixed with FA or GGBFS was observed to exhibit superior residual mechanical properties.
Seroprevalence of Transfusion Transmitted Infections among Blood Donors at the Tertiary Care Hospital in Nadiad, Gujarat, India
Authors: Patel Nilam Hardik , Sapre Jyoti Prakash , Vyas Kirti Nishant , Radadia Hitesha Nanjibhai
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Blood transfusion is an effective treatment for saving millions of lives, even though transfusion-transmissible infections are a major problem. An integrated approach for blood safety is required, which includes the collection of blood only from voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors. Aim: To assess the seroprevalence of Transfusion-Transmissible Infections (TTIs) among blood donors in a tertiary care center in Nadiad, India. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from August 2019 to September 2022 at the blood bank of a tertiary care center in Nadiad, India. Data were collected in an Excel datasheet pertaining to all donors who were screened for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), syphilis, and malaria and analysed. The associations between categorical variables were tested using the Chi-square test. Results: A total of 6103 voluntary and replacement donors were screened, out of which 5855 (95.93%) were males and 248 (4.06%) were females. The prevalence rate was highest for syphilis 81 (1.32%), then Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) 32 (0.52%), HCV 09 (0.14%), HIV 05 (0.08%), and malaria 00 (0%) in decreasing order. Out of 6103 donors, 127 donors showed seropositivity for TTI (2.08%). The present study shows seropositivity for TTI only in male replacement donors (100%). Conclusion: Blood is still one of the main sources of transmission of infections such as HIV, HBsAg, HCV, syphilis, and malaria. The present study showed a higher prevalence of syphilis than HBsAg, HCV, HIV, and malaria, in decreasing order. The study showed seroprevalence only in male replacement donors, so efforts to motivate and ensure the active participation of voluntary blood donors, including females, are needed. Meticulous donor screening, the use of highly sensitive techniques for the detection of TTIs, and improved post-donation counseling are highly recommended to ensure the safety of blood for recipients.
Evaluation of Hyponatremia in Patients on Fluoxetine Therapy at a Psychiatry Outpatient Department in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Balambika SA Abirami , Nalini R , Maheshwari Y Nisha , Ezhilramya J
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Fluoxetine is a widely used Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) for various psychiatric illnesses. Identifying patients at increased risk of developing hyponatremia is essential for safe and successful treatment. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of hyponatremia in patients on fluoxetine therapy attending the Psychiatry Outpatient Department (OPD) at a tertiary care hospital and to compare the changes in serum sodium levels between patients younger than 55 years and those older than 55 years on fluoxetine therapy. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted in the Outpatient Psychiatry Department of Tirunelveli Medical College and Hospital, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India over three months, from October 2022 to December 2022. It included patients on fluoxetine therapy for various psychiatric illnesses. The type and duration of psychiatric illness, detailed drug history, and any history suggestive of symptoms of hyponatremia were documented. Blood samples were collected for serum sodium level monitoring. Adverse drug reactions to fluoxetine were recorded and assessed for causality, severity, and preventability using the World Health Organisation (WHO)- Uppsala Monitoring Centre causality assessment scale, the modified Hartwig and Siegel scale, and the modified Schumock and Thornton scale, respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse baseline and demographic characteristics. The comparison of sodium levels between patients younger than 55 years and those older than 55 was performed using the MannWhitney U test. Results: The mean age of the study participants being 41.03±13 years. The mean age of the males was 39±15.19 years, and that of the females was 42.05±12.29 years. A total of 30 participants were included in the study. Moderate depression was the most common condition for which fluoxetine was prescribed. Hyponatremia was present in 16.7% of the study participants. The median sodium level was 139±4.5 mEq/L in patients aged less than 55 years and 137±4 mEq/L in patients aged more than 55 years, with a p-value of 0.073. Among the reported adverse reactions, 64.5% were classified as possible, 67.74% as mild, and 58% as probably preventable. Conclusion: Serum electrolyte monitoring is not routinely performed in all patients on fluoxetine. Therefore, relying solely on symptoms to detect hyponatremia may lead to underdiagnosis. Consequently, routine and frequent testing of serum sodium levels is recommended to prevent complications associated with hyponatremia.
A Serological Study on Hydatid Disease from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Southern India: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Kumaresan Mahalakshmi , Gunalan Anitha , Pandy Gayathri , Agarwal R Harshita , Rajkumari Nonika
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Echinococcus species are zoonotic parasites that cause hydatid disease, affecting humans and animals. The seroprevalence of hydatid disease reflects the level of exposure to this parasite and can be used as an indicator of the burden of the disease in a population. Aim: To determine the seroprevalence of hydatid disease. Materials and Methods: The study was a retrospective observational study conducted at JIPMER hospital, a tertiary care centre located in Puducherry, Southern India. In this study, hydatid serological data from January 2019 to December 2022 were collected in March 2023 and retrospectively analysed in April 2023. All the serum samples that tested positive for Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) for echinococcosis during the period from January 2019 to December 2022 were included. The demographic details such as age, gender, place of residence, etc., of the patients whose samples were included were collected from their case records. These samples were then analysed using Microsoft Excel for proportions and percentages. Results: The study showed that the seroprevalence of hydatid disease was 70 (34%) out of 206 samples tested. The seroprevalence was higher in the older age group (>45 years), with 41 (58.6%) cases. It was observed that males and females were almost equally infected, with minor differences in the prevalence of 37 (52.9%) males and 33 (47.1%) females. Conclusion: As the prevalence of hydatid disease in Southern India was unknown, it was observed to be lower when compared to other states of India. This study has provided valuable information on the level of exposure of hydatid disease in the population and will help formulate disease control and prevention strategies.
Diagnostic Stability of Single Spirometry Compared to Repeat Spirometry for Airway Obstruction in Suspected COPD Patients: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Beenakumari Hima , Benedict Ronaldwin , Sudharma Praveen Gopinathan
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Obstructive airway diseases are a leading cause of respiratory morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD). The diagnosis of COPD is confirmed by a post-bronchodilator ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second (FEV1) to Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), i.e., FEV1/FVC <0.7. A repeat spirometry shows variability in a significant population. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines recommends repeating spirometry on a separate occasion if the post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC is between 0.6 and 0.8. Aim: To determine the proportion of patients with diagnostic stability in the FEV1/FVC ratio after two weeks. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India from January 2019 to December 2019. in which 155 clinically suspected COPD patients with an FEV1/FVC ratio between 0.6 and 0.8 were recruited. A repeat spirometry was conducted two weeks later. The two post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratios were compared, and the proportion of patients with diagnostic stability was determined. Fisher’s-exact test and Pearson's Chisquare test were used to compare categorical variables between groups. The statistical significance of differences between means of variables among different independent groups was analysed using independent sample t-tests. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the study population was 63.02±9.80 years. In present study, 118 (76.13%) out of 155 patients had stability in diagnosis, while 37 (23.87%) patients experienced a change in their diagnosis after repeat spirometry. The use of Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS) and a history of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) were associated with diagnostic instability (p<0.05). Conclusion: In present study, 23.87% experienced a change in their diagnosis after repeat spirometry. Hence, repeat spirometry should be done on a separate occasion as suggested by GOLD guidelines in patients with FEV1/FVC ratios between 0.6 and 0.8.