bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and Improvement of E-Grocery Mobile Application User Interface Design Using Usability Testing and Human Centered Design Approach
Authors: Dwinoor Rembulan Glisina , Akhirianto Pas Mahyu , Priyono Dedit , K. Pramudito Dendy , Irwan Dedy
Published: August 2023

This study aims to determine the usability value of the e-grocery application interface design before and after repairs are carried out and provide recommendations for interface improvement designs using the Human-Centered Design (HCD) approach. The usability testing method and the system usability scale questionnaire are used to evaluate usability. The usability evaluation and design improvements to the e-grocery application have increased the effectiveness value of lower than 20% and an efficiency value of lower than 30%, with the task processing time needed by respondents being faster and improved by more than 900 seconds. And the value of satisfaction with the SUS score for the improvement design evaluation has increased, with a score difference of 30 points from the SUS score for evaluating e-grocery applications.
An evolving regulatory landscape for commercial electric vehicle fueling
Authors: Nelson Michael A , Butcher Tina G
Published: August 2023

Plug-in electric vehicles (PEV), which include "all-electric" battery EV (BEV) and plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV), comprise a rapidly growing proportion of the U.S. automobile market - nearly 8% of all light-duty vehicles sold in Oct. 2022, a 41.4% rise over October 2021 sales. In response to projected demands for PEV charging, private companies, utilities, and state and local governments have strived to develop policies and infrastructure that promote broad access to electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) used to fuel electric vehicles. However, long-standing regulatory oversight of retail electricity distribution and sales through utilities has presented ambiguities and constraints regarding the sales of electricity for motor vehicle fueling, particularly via public charging stations. As these matters are addressed separately by the responsible authorities in each state, a patchwork of policies and rules has evolved across the U.S. concerning regulation of public EVSE sites and charging-related transactions. These policies, or lack thereof, have influenced permissible EVSE site ownership models, methods of sale and pricing for charging sessions, and requirements for metrological control of EVSE. Nonuniformity in EVSE operations across the U.S. can stimy expansion of interstate charging networks, hinder equity in the charging market, frustrate price comparison, and diminish consumer confidence. Thus, it is advantageous that many states in recent years have begun to adopt some consistent regulatory measures, including changes in most states to utility regulations to allow owners of EVSEs to make a profit from the sale of electrical energy used as a vehicle fuel. However, significant gaps and variation in oversight remain as charging networks expand. Considering these developments, this publication summarizes the current, albeit evolving, EVSE regulatory landscape in the U.S. and explores the increasingly relevant role of legal metrology in PEV charging. The implications of these topics and their relation to other currently evolving issues, including submetering for utility PEV time of use rates and for PEV fuel excise taxes, are also discussed.
Evaluation of Individual Noise Exposure in a Prosthodontic Clinic and Laboratory During the Post Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: YAY KUŞÇU Hayriye Yasemin , KARAİBRAHİMOĞLU Adnan , GÖRÜŞ Zuhal
Published: August 2023

Noise is one of the issues brought on by modern technologies. Because of the technology they employ, some occupational groups are more affected by noise. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant changes in healthcare around the world, such as dental clinics and prosthodontic laboratories were also affected by this change. The working circumstances in prosthodontic dental offices and prosthodontic laboratories underwent numerous adjustments included reducing the number of patients, tightening hygiene protocols and obediencing distance rules during the pandemic process. However, some factors, such as individual noise exposure, are still overlooked or not sufficiently taken into account. This study was conducted during post COVID-19 pandemic in a faculty prosthodontic clinic and laboratory to assess the individual noise sensitivity of academician dentists, dentistry interns, and laboratory technicians to see if the levels of noise were significant enough to pose a health danger.

In February-March 2023, a noise assessment was conducted to evaluate the noise levels in a prosthodontic clinic and a single dental laboratory. During 8-hour work periods, five specific sound level meters (Cesva DC 112, Spain) were put on the collars of academician dentists, dentistry interns, and laboratory technicians to assess individual noise sensitivity.

This study involves 74 persons, including 4 academician dentists, 60 dentistry interns, and 10 laboratory technicians. In terms of Leq and Lex-8 hour noise sensitivity, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups (p
IMPACT OF FUNDAMENTAL MACROECONOMIC FACTORS, COST EFFICIENCY, FIRMS POLICIES WITH SYSTEMATIC RISK AS MEDIATOR ON ISLAMIC FINTECH WELFARE PERFORMANCE : EVIDENCE FROM AN INDONESIA'S ISLAMIC FINTECH INSTITUTION
Authors: Dody Suhermawan  , Mahjudin Mahjudin  , Djoko Soelistya
Published: August 2023

This study tries to answer some questions on the impact of Fundamental Macroeconomic Factors, Cost Efficiency, Firms Policies to Islamic Fintech Walfare from economically emerging country like Indonesia. The analysis was conducted gradually by placing systematic risk and firm performance as intervening variables. This research, in specific, aims to test the gradual effect of macroeconomic fundamental factors on firm performance and firm value.

            The theoretical base applied to support this research was two established financial theories, such as agency and capital structure theory. This study used the samples of the Islamic Fintch Institution that listed in Indonesia's stock exchange, which the stocks actively traded in Indonesia's Stock Exchange. The data used was panel data, namely, the data of cross section and time series from the period of 2017 to 20019.

            The research results are; first, the macroeconomics variables (inflation, interest rate, exchange rate, and economic growth) have significant effect on systematic risks. On the other hand, systematic risks have significant effect on firm performance, and firm performance has significant effect on firm value. Second, the variables of firm policy (manager incentive and financial leverage) have significant effect on firm performance, and firm performance has significant effect on firm value.

            However, capital expenditure has insignificant effect on firm performance and firm value rather than manager incentive and financial leverage. Third, special findings from this research are that there is gradual process in influencing firm value so that firm performance has the role as intervening variable, which is the variables mediating the effects of macroeconomic variable (exchange rate), systematic risk, and firm policy (manager incentive) in Islamic financial technology welfare.
Dental anxiety among patients visiting a University Dental Centre
Authors: Arigbede A. O. , Ajayi D. M. , Adeyemi B. F. , Kolude B.
Published: August 2023

Objective: Fearful individuals often avoid care despite extensive dental needs and anxious patients feel more pain and of longer duration than less anxious patients. This study was designed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with dental anxiety among patients visiting a University Dental Centre in Nigeria.

Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous structured questionnaire randomly administered to patients attending the University College Hospital Dental Centre, Ibadan. The questionnaire requested for socio-demographic data, dental visit behaviour, history of traumatic dental treatment and level of apprehension when anticipating a visit to the dentist and physician. The level of dental anxiety was determined using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS). An MDAS score of 19 and above indicated high dental anxiety. Upon examination, DMFT of each patient was determined.

Result: A total of 471 respondents of which 262 (55.6%) were females participated in the study. Only 7.43% of the participants had MDAS score ≥19. About 10% of the females had high dental anxiety compared with 4.94% recorded for the males (p=0.01). Dental anxiety was more common among the younger age group, irregular oral health care seekers and among those with history of traumatic dental treatment. The respondents were more relaxed when anticipating a visit to a physician. Only gender could be used to predict high dental anxiety. Female gender significantly displayed high dental anxiety (odd ratio=3.05 and p=0.04) . The mean DMFT score for the patients was 2.48±3.30.

Conclusion: The prevalence of dental anxiety among the respondents in this study was 7.43% and only gender could be used to predict dental anxiety.
Evaluation of accuracy of OraQuick® rapid test in detecting HIV antibodies in saliva of Nigerians
Authors: Nwoga M.C. , Odukoya O. , Savage K.O. , Effiom O.A.
Published: August 2023

Objective: The accuracy of OraQuick® rapid test in detecting HIV 1 & 2 antibodies in saliva is evaluated against the blood EIA benchmark tests with confirmatory testing, against which OraQuick® accuracy is determined.Method: Paired samples of saliva and blood from 281 Nigerians were tested for HIV antibodies, and compared for sensitivity and specificity. Subjects included in the study were  those who had a complete test, which included saliva test with OraQuick® rapid test, serologic test using conventional Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA), and confirmatory serological test.Result: From the 281 subjects who completed the oral fluid-based OraQuick® tests & EIA with confirmatory tests, 192 were seropositive and 89 seronegative for HIV 1 & 2 antibodies. The  sensitivity (95% CI) of OraQuick® was 98.96% (97.98% to 99.96%) and specificity was 100% thereby comparing favorably with serum EIA with benchmark sensitivity of 100% and specificity (95% CI) of 96.63% (95.61 to 97.56).Conclusion: Saliva based OraQuick® rapid assays for detecting HIV antibodies using oral fluids give accurate sensitivity and specificity results comparable to EIA results with serum samples. They are more acceptable, easier to use and not invasive.
A study of tooth brushing pattern and its effects on dental tissues in Obafemi Awolowo University students
Authors: Akhimie E.E. , Oginni F.O. , Oginni A.O.
Published: August 2023

Objective: To determine the tooth brushing patterns among Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) students and the effects on dental tissues.Method: A convenient sampling technique was used to select 100 undergraduate students of the Obafemi Awolowo University. A self administered questionnaire designed to determine respondents' demographics and tooth brushing techniques was employed. Thereafter, dental examination was carried out on all respondents. Data was inputted and subjected to computer analysis using the Statistical package for social science version 17.0 (SPSS).Result: Majority (95%) of the respondents used toothbrush in cleaning their teeth while 7% combined toothbrush and chewing stick. Ninety nine percent of the respondents used toothpaste in cleaning their teeth, 72.7% of the respondents brushed their teeth once a day and 24.2% brushed twice a day. Fifty two percent of the respondents who brushed twice a day were females, while 48% were males. The pattern of tooth brushing was correct in 51.7% of the respondents as reported. Use of highly abrasive agents was also rare. Gingival recession was found in 31% of subjects (p=0.15) that employed hard texture toothbrush. The prevalence of non carious cervical lesion was 3% and these lesions were found in males only.Conclusion: The pattern of tooth brushing was correct in 51.7% of the respondents as reported. However the effect on dental tissues though present is not exaggerated when compared to other studies done in other parts of the  world.
Implikasi Pelanggaran Taklik Talak Terhadap Status Perkawinan Perspektif Kitab Fiqih dan UU Perkawinan
Authors: Joni Reka Jaya  , Muklishin Ahmad , Sulastri  , Mufid Arsyad  , Rakhmat
Published: August 2023

Background. Taklik talak is an agreement in which the husband depends on the occurrence of a divorce for his wife if it turns out that in the future the husband violates one or all of the things in the taklik talak agreement.Aim. To find out and analyze the implications of the violation of taklik talak on marital status from the perspective of the book of fiqh and the marriage law.Methods. The type of research used is library research, namely the book of fiqh and the Marriage Law as the main sources. This research approach uses a normative approach and is analyzed qualitatively, namely based on the Marriage Law No.1 of 1974 and also studied based on fiqh books such as classical fiqh Fathul Mu'in Translation, Fathul Qarib Translation Idol Fiqh, and General References of the Ummah. The data analysis technique uses deductive techniques which are used to find out the violation of taklik talak on marital status which is then developed and described in more detail based on fiqh books and the Marriage Act.Results. Based on the study of fiqh books, the husband who violates the taklik talak he said after the marriage contract took place, then the divorce fell for his husband directly, who had already signed the taklik talak. Because it is the husband who has hung the divorce on a thing or trait, thus the divorce falls with the realization of that nature according to the words of the husband. While the violation of takalik talak on marital status according to the Marriage Act must meet the requirements in divorce, sighat taklik talak contains 2 conditions, namely alternative conditions and cumulative conditions.
Letter Of Credit (L/C) Dalam Perspektif Pemikiran Abdul Mannan
Authors: Muhammad Nabhani  , Bustanul Arifin
Published: August 2023

Background. Given the existence of legal provisions regarding the implementation of L/C transactions, it is hoped that L/C will run smoother and increase so that it has a positive impact on the growth of international trade. PBI L/C provisions are made in line with UCP 500 provisions and international L/C law so that the material for PBI L/C is on an international scale. PBI L/C will not hamper L/C practices that have been carried out by banks and the business world so far. PBI L/C actually legally covers the practice of L/C.Aim. From the presentation of the above, it will give rise to a number of problems that need to be solved. First: what is the perspective of Islamic law regarding the implementation of L/C based on the concept of Sharia? .Second: how does Abdul Mannan give his theoretical concept of the existence of L/C which is a service product in Sharia banking? This problem requires solving through a historical-philosophical approach.Methods. In this study, the authors used a qualitative approach in research procedures to produce holistic-descriptive data from the observed phenomena. The reason for choosing this qualitative method is to obtain a comprehensive description related to perceptions, actions, normative legal force and Islamic law which enforces L/C as a means of international payment that has developed to date.Results. L/C syari'ah plays an important role in the international payment system when compared to other payment systems. The existence of the application of shari'ah contracts included in the implementation of the shari'ah L/C implies the importance of the position of shari'ah L/C compared to conventional L/C. Thus, even though Mannan's opinion has not been fully implemented in Indonesia, Mannan's thoughts can be used as a comparative study against other models of economic systems.
Selamento de lesão de cárie em dentina
Authors: DE FREITAS JAMILE  BATISTA , SANTOS IZABELA GONCALVES , PEREIRA MARISTELA SOARES SWERTS
Published: August 2023

A atual filosofia odontológica visa a mínima intervenção, priorizando técnicas terapêuticas que permitam preservar ao máximo as estruturas dentárias. Nesse contexto, despontam os selantes de fossas e fissuras, os quais eram utilizados apenas na prevenção da cárie dentária e que agora passam a ser indicados também para ocontrole e paralisação de lesões de cárie já estabelecidas. Sabendo-se que é necessário cautela para quebra quebrar paradigmas, e que o selamento das lesões de cárie ainda é um tema controverso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma revisão da literatura, por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica em bases de dados, acerca dessa nova abordagem de mínima intervenção. Observou-se que os selantes de fossas e fissuras adequadamente indicados, aplicados e monitorados são apresentados como um material eficaz no tratamento de lesões de cárie que atingem até a metade externa de dentina e com microcavidades oclusais de até três milímetros, sendo assim considerados uma alternativa conservadora ao tratamento restaurador convencional.
A simulation study on the closed-loop control of screw press forgings using the impact energy as control input
Authors: Bambach Markus� , Sydow Benjamin� , Hirtler Markus� , Sviridov Alexander�
Published: August 2023

Screw presses are energy-restricted forming machines that use rotational energy stored in a flywheel for forming, which is converted into a linear movement by a threaded screw. Screw presses are widely used for forging steel, aluminum and brass. In a direct-driven electrical screw press, a reversible electric motor is mounted directly on the screw and on the press frame above the flywheel. With directly driven screw presses, the blow energy can be exactly dosed from one blow to the next. However, so far no prior work is known which uses the blow energy as a control input in a targeted manner to influence the properties of the forging. The purpose of the present work is to lay the foundations for property control through blow energy dosing during forging on screw presses. Process control becomes increasingly interesting due to ever increasing customer demands and needs for resource-efficient production. A major challenge is the variation of process parameters, e.g. temperature variations in the furnace, during transport or due to inherent uncertainty in the heat transfer to the dies and the environment. If the process conditions are changing the deviations from the planned process trajectory may lead to an insufficient die filling or undesired final properties. Forged parts require high precision considering the part geometry and material properties. During forming two mechanisms in terms of forming temperature take place: heat conduction due to contact with tools and heat dissipation due to plastic deformation. The heat transfer acts as disturbance, the impact energy can be used as control input. In this work, investigations into process control by impact energy dosing are put forward using FE (finite element) simulations.
Numerical analysis of damage during hot forming
Authors: Szyndler Joanna� , Imran Muhammad� , Afzal Muhammad Junaid , Bambach Markus
Published: August 2023

The main aim of the presented research is the analysis of damage evolution in 16MnCrS5 steelduring hot formingbased on results obtained from finite element modelling. Particular attention is put on the interaction between dynamic recrystallization (DRX) and damage initiation at the matrix-inclusion interface. Moreover, a modified Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN) model is proposed with the nucleation criterion taken from an extended Horstemeyer model, which predicts damage nucleation based on material softening due to the DRX and stress state in the material.
Cellular Automata model of carbonitrides precipitation process in steels
Authors: Marynowski� Przemys�aw� , Adrian� Henryk� , G�owacki Miros�aw�
Published: August 2023

Cellular Automata (CA) model of carbonitride precipitation in microalloyed steels is presented in the paper. The model accounts for an increase of dislocation density due to plastic deformation and predicts kinetics of precipitation as well as stereological parameters of precipitates. Precipitation of compounds plays crucial role in controlling of properties of alloys. In low alloyed steels the microalloying elements: Ti, Nb, V are added in order to control their microstructure and mechanical properties. The most important tool in development of new processing technologies is numerical modelling. Modelling is a mathematical description of the relation between the main process variables and the resulting material properties. Many thermodynamics models were developed in the second half of the 20th century. For example the model of carbonitrides precipitation in microalloyed steels is considered works of Dutta & Sellars [1], Dutta et al. [2], Dutta et al. [3]. The models allow calculate kinetics of precipitation and stereological parameters of precipitates as a function of processing parameters. CA model proves to be very efficient in modelling various phenomena in materials science. The transition rules transfer the mathematical model and the knowledge regarding precipitation into the cellular automata space.
TLR7 activation at epithelial barriers promotes emergency myelopoiesis and lung antiviral immunity
Authors: Jackson William D , Giacomassi Chiara , Ward Sophie , Owen Amber , Luis Tiago C , Spear Sarah , Woollard Kevin J , Johansson Cecilia , Strid Jessica , Botto Marina
Published: August 2023

Monocytes are heterogeneous innate effector leukocytes generated in the bone marrow and released into circulation in a CCR2-dependent manner. During infection or inflammation, myelopoiesis is modulated to rapidly meet the demand for more effector cells. Danger signals from peripheral tissues can influence this process. Herein we demonstrate that repetitive TLR7 stimulation via the epithelial barriers drove a potent emergency bone marrow monocyte response in mice. This process was unique to TLR7 activation and occurred independently of the canonical CCR2 and CX3CR1 axes or prototypical cytokines. The monocytes egressing the bone marrow had an immature Ly6C-high profile and differentiated into vascular Ly6C-low monocytes and tissue macrophages in multiple organs. They displayed a blunted cytokine response to further TLR7 stimulation and reduced lung viral load after RSV and influenza virus infection. These data provide insights into the emergency myelopoiesis likely to occur in response to the encounter of single-stranded RNA viruses at barrier sites.
Resting-state fMRI signals contain spectral signatures of local hemodynamic response timing
Authors: Bailes Sydney M , Gomez Daniel EP , Setzer Beverly , Lewis Laura D
Published: August 2023

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has proven to be a powerful tool for noninvasively measuring human brain activity; yet, thus far, fMRI has been relatively limited in its temporal resolution. A key challenge is understanding the relationship between neural activity and the blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) signal obtained from fMRI, generally modeled by the hemodynamic response function (HRF). The timing of the HRF varies across the brain and individuals, confounding our ability to make inferences about the timing of the underlying neural processes. Here, we show that resting-state fMRI signals contain information about HRF temporal dynamics that can be leveraged to understand and characterize variations in HRF timing across both cortical and subcortical regions. We found that the frequency spectrum of resting-state fMRI signals significantly differs between voxels with fast versus slow HRFs in human visual cortex. These spectral differences extended to subcortex as well, revealing significantly faster hemodynamic timing in the lateral geniculate nucleus of the thalamus. Ultimately, our results demonstrate that the temporal properties of the HRF impact the spectral content of resting-state fMRI signals and enable voxel-wise characterization of relative hemodynamic response timing. Furthermore, our results show that caution should be used in studies of resting-state fMRI spectral properties, because differences in fMRI frequency content can arise from purely vascular origins. This finding provides new insight into the temporal properties of fMRI signals across voxels, which is crucial for accurate fMRI analyses, and enhances the ability of fast fMRI to identify and track fast neural dynamics.
Unified bursting strategies in ectopic and endogenous even-skipped expression patterns
Authors: Berrocal Augusto , Lammers Nicholas C , Garcia Hernan G , Eisen Michael B
Published: August 2023

Transcription often occurs in bursts as gene promoters switch stochastically between active and inactive states. Enhancers can dictate transcriptional activity in animal development through the modulation of burst frequency, duration, or amplitude. Previous studies observed that different enhancers can achieve a wide range of transcriptional outputs through the same strategies of bursting control. For example, in Berrocal et al., 2020, we showed that despite responding to different transcription factors, all even-skipped enhancers increase transcription by upregulating burst frequency and amplitude while burst duration remains largely constant. These shared bursting strategies suggest that a unified molecular mechanism constraints how enhancers modulate transcriptional output. Alternatively, different enhancers could have converged on the same bursting control strategy because of natural selection favoring one of these particular strategies. To distinguish between these two scenarios, we compared transcriptional bursting between endogenous and ectopic gene expression patterns. Because enhancers act under different regulatory inputs in ectopic patterns, dissimilar bursting control strategies between endogenous and ectopic patterns would suggest that enhancers adapted their bursting strategies to their trans-regulatory environment. Here, we generated ectopic even-skipped transcription patterns in fruit fly embryos and discovered that bursting strategies remain consistent in endogenous and ectopic even-skipped expression. These results provide evidence for a unified molecular mechanism shaping even-skipped bursting strategies and serve as a starting point to uncover the realm of strategies employed by other enhancers.
Hierarchical morphogenesis of swallowtail butterfly wing scale nanostructures
Authors: Seah Kwi Shan , Saranathan Vinodkumar
Published: August 2023

The study of color patterns in the animal integument is a fundamental question in biology, with many lepidopteran species being exemplary models in this endeavor due to their relative simplicity and elegance. While significant advances have been made in unraveling the cellular and molecular basis of lepidopteran pigmentary coloration, the morphogenesis of wing scale nanostructures involved in structural color production is not well understood. Contemporary research on this topic largely focuses on a few nymphalid model taxa (e.g., Bicyclus, Heliconius), despite an overwhelming diversity in the hierarchical nanostructural organization of lepidopteran wing scales. Here, we present a time-resolved, comparative developmental study of hierarchical scale nanostructures in Parides eurimedes and five other papilionid species. Our results uphold the putative conserved role of F-actin bundles in acting as spacers between developing ridges, as previously documented in several nymphalid species. Interestingly, while ridges are developing in P. eurimedes, plasma membrane manifests irregular mesh-like crossribs characteristic of Papilionidae, which delineate the accretion of cuticle into rows of planar disks in between ridges. Once the ridges have grown, disintegrating F-actin bundles appear to reorganize into a network that supports the invagination of plasma membrane underlying the disks, subsequently forming an extruded honeycomb lattice. Our results uncover a previously undocumented role for F-actin in the morphogenesis of complex wing scale nanostructures, likely specific to Papilionidae.
Temporally resolved early bone morphogenetic protein-driven transcriptional cascade during human amnion specification
Authors: Sekulovski Nikola , Wettstein Jenna C , Carleton Amber E , Juga Lauren N , Taniguchi Linnea E , Ma Xiaolong , Rao Sridhar , Schmidt Jenna K , Golos Thaddeus G , Lin Chien-Wei , Taniguchi Kenichiro
Published: August 2023

Amniogenesis, a process critical for continuation of healthy pregnancy, is triggered in a collection of pluripotent epiblast cells as the human embryo implants. Previous studies have established that bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is a major driver of this lineage specifying process, but the downstream BMP-dependent transcriptional networks that lead to successful amniogenesis remain to be identified. This is, in part, due to the current lack of a robust and reproducible model system that enables mechanistic investigations exclusively into amniogenesis. Here, we developed an improved model of early amnion specification, using a human pluripotent stem cell-based platform in which the activation of BMP signaling is controlled and synchronous. Uniform amniogenesis is seen within 48 hr after BMP activation, and the resulting cells share transcriptomic characteristics with amnion cells of a gastrulating human embryo. Using detailed time-course transcriptomic analyses, we established a previously uncharacterized BMP-dependent amniotic transcriptional cascade, and identified markers that represent five distinct stages of amnion fate specification; the expression of selected markers was validated in early post-implantation macaque embryos. Moreover, a cohort of factors that could potentially control specific stages of amniogenesis was identified, including the transcription factor TFAP2A. Functionally, we determined that, once amniogenesis is triggered by the BMP pathway, TFAP2A controls the progression of amniogenesis. This work presents a temporally resolved transcriptomic resource for several previously uncharacterized amniogenesis states and demonstrates a critical intermediate role for TFAP2A during amnion fate specification.
What calcium channels remember
Authors: Kaas Thomas , Nerlich Jana , Hallermann Stefan
Published: August 2023

A new mechanism involving intermediate gating states of calcium channels explains how analogue postsynaptic potentials influence neurotransmitter release.
Thalattosuchian crocodylomorphs from European Russia, and new insights into metriorhynchid tooth serration evolution and their palaeolatitudinal distribution
Authors: Young Mark T. , Zverkov Nikolay G. , Arkhangelsky Maxim S. , Ippolitov Alexey P. , Meleshin Igor A. , Mirantsev Georgy V. , Shmakov Alexey S. , Stenshin Ilya M.
Published: August 2023

From the Middle Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous, metriorhynchid crocodylomorphs inhabited marine ecosystems across the European archipelago. Unfortunately, European metriorhynchids are only well known from Germany, France, and the UK, with the Eastern European fossil record being especially poor. This hinders our understanding of metriorhynchid biodiversity across these continuous seaways, and our ability to investigate provincialism. Here we describe eleven isolated tooth crowns and six vertebrae referable to Metriorhynchidae from the Callovian, Oxfordian, Volgian (Tithonian), and Ryazanian (Berriasian) or Valanginian of European Russia. We also describe an indeterminate thalattosuchian tooth from the lower Bajocian of the Volgograd Oblast, the first discovery of a marine reptile from the Bajocian strata of European Russia. These rare fossils, along with previous reports of Russian thalattosuchians, indicate that thalattosuchians have been common in the Middle Russian Sea since it was formed. Palaeolatitude calculations for worldwide metriorhynchid-bearing localities demonstrate that the occurrences in European Russia are the most northern, located mainly between 44–50 degrees north. However, metriorhynchids appear to be rare at these palaeolatitudes, and are absent from palaeolatitudes higher than 50°. These observations support the hypothesis that metriorhynchids evolved an elevated metabolism but were not endo-homeothermic, especially as endo-homeothermic marine reptiles (ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs) remained abundant at much higher palaeolatitudes.
Biological properties of mucus from land snails (Lissachatina fulica) and freshwater snails (Pomacea canaliculata) and histochemical study of mucous cells in their foot
Authors: Phrompanya Phornphan , Suriyaruean Narinnida , Nantarat Nattawadee , Saenphet Supap , Tragoolpua Yingmanee , Saenphet Kanokporn
Published: August 2023

Background

Mucus derived from many land snails has been extensively utilised in medicine and cosmetics, but some biological activities of the mucus need to be well documented. Nevertheless, most mucus is obtained from land snails, while mucus from freshwater snails has yet to be attended.

Methods

This study aims to determine and compare mucus’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities from the land snail Lissachatina fulica and the freshwater snail Pomacea canaliculata. ABTS, DPPH, reducing power and total antioxidant activity assays were used to evaluate the antioxidant capacity. Inhibition of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 cells was performed to determine the anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, the histochemical analysis of mucous cells in each snail foot was conducted to compare the distribution of mucous cells and types of mucins using periodic acid-Schiff and Alcian blue staining.

Results

Mucus from L. fulica and P. canaliculata exhibited antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in different parameters. L. fulica mucus has higher total antioxidant (44.71 ± 2.11 mg AAE/g) and nitric oxide inhibitory activities (IC50 = 9.67 ± 0.31 µg/ml), whereas P. canaliculata mucus has better-reducing power activity (43.63 ± 2.47 mg AAE/g) and protein denaturation inhibition (IC50 = 0.60 ± 0.03 mg/ml). Histochemically, both species’ dorsal and ventral foot regions contained neutral and acid mucins in different quantities. In the dorsal region, the neutral mucins level in L. fulica (16.64 ± 3.46%) was significantly higher than that in P. canaliculata (11.19 ± 1.50%), while the acid mucins level showed no significant difference between species. Levels of both mucins in the ventral foot region of L. fulica (15.08 ± 3.97% and 10.76 ± 3.00%, respectively) were significantly higher than those of P. canaliculata (2.25 ± 0.48% and 2.71 ± 0.56%, respectively). This study revealed scientific evidence of the biological capacity of mucus from L. fulica and P. canaliculata as well as provided helpful information on the region of the foot which produces effective mucus.
Curriculum Changes in Kenya Since Independence and School Preparedness in Implementation of Competency Based Curriculum
Authors: Maina Anne W.
Published: August 2023

Education is an important tool for attaining greater autonomy, empowering people, and closing gender inequities in the allocation of opportunities and resources. This review aims to highlights the curriculum changes in Kenya since independence and school preparedness in implementation of competency based curriculum. Education and training for all Kenyans is critical to the achievement of the government's overall development goal. Kenya has made significant educational progress since independence in terms of adherence to education declarations. Kenyans are critical to the success of the government's overall development strategy.
Crop Production in Irrigation Schemes in Turkana County, Kenya, Before and During COVID-19 (2018-2021)
Authors: Lokuruka Michael N. I.
Published: August 2023

Turkana County, located in the northwest of Kenya, is an arid county and the poorest in the country, with a poverty index of 79.3% vs. 34.4% for the country. Due to its aridity, crop production is severely constrained and the County is a net importer of foodstuffs, except beef, mutton and camel meats. Crop production in the operating irrigation schemes depends on water from retreat flooding in March-May and any that is let into and retained in canals when the seasonal rivers are flowing. This project aimed to assess the influence of COVID-19 and other undetermined factors on crop production in 10 irrigation schemes along the Tirkwell River, over the period 2018-2021. The study administered a semi-structured questionnaire to 104 randomly selected farmers, who owned farm plots in the irrigation schemes. One-on-one interviews were held, due to the high level of illiteracy of the respondents. Twelve elders and administrators were the key informants. The study established that sorghum was the dominant crop grown in 9 out of the schemes, except in Kooliyoro-Kaaiteese, where maize was the main crop. Other crops in declining order by production volume included cowpeas, green grams, black grams and in Keekoroe-ngole, some green vegetables. The weight of the dominant crop and other crops varied significantly (p≤ 0.05) in the same irrigation scheme across the years of interest for this study, and also across the irrigation schemes over the production period. The results of the study showed that COVID-19 breakout did not affect crop production in the irrigation schemes studied. Farmer poverty level, lack of expert extension services, use of uncertified and reused seed, unreliable water supply, and regular droughts affected crop production. The most productive 3 schemes in descending order by crop production volumes were Nanyee, Napool and Keekoroe-ngole, while Naremit was the least productive. Crop production suffers from long-term sustainability in all the schemes for most of the above reasons. To improve crop production, the study recommends the provision of expert extension services, a steady water supply, annual donation of certified seeds, improvement in crop-care services, streamlining crop marketing services and the upgrade of governance and management capability in the irrigation schemes.
Effect of Different Level of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer on Nutritional Status of Inceptisol and Growth Attributes of Radish
Authors: Diya Abhishek , Thomas Tarence , Mazhar Syed H. , Sehra Vivek
Published: August 2023

An experiment was conducted during Rabi season (December 2021 – March 2022) on central research farm of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three levels of NPK 0% 50% and 100% and three levels of vermicompost 0% 50% and 100%. The result shows that application of different levels combination of NPK and vermicompost increased growth, yield of radish and improved soil physical and chemical properties. It was recorded from the application of NPK and Vermicompost in treatment T9 [NPK @ 100% + Vermicompost @ 100%] shows maximum bulk density 1.232 Mg m-3 and 1.240 Mg m-3, particle density 2.401 Mg m- 3 and 2.406 Mg m-3, percent pore space 47.64% and 42.47%, water holding capacity 50.24% and 45.76%, pH 7.25 and 7.32, EC 0.56 dS m- 1 and 0.68 dS m-1, organic carbon 0.48% and 0.45%, available nitrogen 318.42 kg ha-1 and 310.06 kg ha-1, available phosphorus 28.02 kg ha- 1 and 25.78 kg ha-1, available potassium 197.24 kg ha-1 and 193.62 kg ha-1 at 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm respectively in all treatments.
Trend Analysis of Rainfall Patterns in Rajnandgaon District, Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Singh Rohit , Chandravanshi Animesh , Gurjar Sanjeev , Saxena B. , Sahu Kanta Kumar
Published: August 2023

Climate is a crucial determinant of an area's vegetation, wildlife, and livability, influenced by long-term atmospheric characteristics and fluctuations. Precipitation, particularly rainfall, plays a vital role in the Earth's hydrological cycle, connecting weather, climate, and water resources. This study focuses on Rajnandgaon district in Chhattisgarh, India, with an average annual precipitation of 1274mm. Analyzing trends, we identify changes in certain properties over time. The findings indicate that rainfall variability, measured by the coefficient of variation, is lowest during June to September (CV < 76%). Monsoon rainfall displays the least variability (CV of 30.88%), while pre-monsoon rainfall and winter rainfall exhibit higher variability (CV of 33.83% and 208.48%, respectively). The analysis also reveals a significant decreasing trend in annual, monsoon, and September rainfall. However, May rainfall shows a significant increase at a 5% level of significance. The study utilizes the non-parametric Mann-Kendall and Sen's Slope Estimator tests, employing monthly rainfall data from 1988 to 2018 for Rajnandgaon district, Chhattisgarh.
Earthworm Castings in Ecosystem Health through Their Elemental Composition
Authors: Baskar P. , Sachan Kushal , Singh Bal Veer , Saikanth D. R. K. , Kumar R. K. M. Harish , Gautam Rakhi , Singh Omkar
Published: August 2023

Earthworm castings, colloquially termed as nature's potent organic fertilizers, have emerged as a cornerstone in the pursuit of sustainable agriculture and holistic ecosystem health. This significance is particularly pronounced in the intricate tapestry of India's agricultural landscapes, marked by its rich biodiversity and varied terrains. Drawing from an exhaustive synthesis of research literature and traditional agricultural knowledge unique to India, our review sheds light on the multifaceted attributes of these castings. At the heart of these attributes is the elemental composition of the castings. Rich in both macro (like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) and crucial micronutrients (including Calcium, Magnesium, and Sulfur), these castings present a veritable solution to the challenges of soil fertility. They don't merely replenish the soil; they transform it. By making nutrients more bioavailable, they ensure plants not only grow but thrive, leading to a notable reduction in the need for synthetic fertilizers. This shift not only offers an economic respite to farmers but also mitigates the environmental challenges associated with chemical overloads in soils. Beyond the immediate agronomic advantages, the broader ecological implications of earthworm castings are equally compelling. Our review highlights the critical role these castings play in enhancing soil structure. A robust soil structure, in turn, is fundamental for healthy microbial communities, ensuring that the soil is teeming with beneficial organisms that further its fertility and resist pathogens. Moreover, the ability of earthworm-amended soils to retain more water emerges as a significant boon, especially in the face of erratic monsoons and increasing drought scenarios in parts of India. This water retention capability dovetails with the castings' ability to reduce soil erosion, a concern that has long plagued India's terrains, from its hilly regions to its coastal plains.
Magnetization Study of Iron Sand from Sabang, Indonesia: The Potential of Magnetic Materials in the Photocatalytic Field
Authors: Nengsih Sri , Madjid Syahrun Nur , Mursal Mursal , Idroes Rinaldi , Jalil Zulkarnain
Published: August 2023

The magnetization of iron sand from Anoi Itam beach, Sabang, Indonesia, was investigated through sample testing and synthesis using the co-precipitation method. The purpose of this study is to analyze the magnetic properties of iron sand and review its potential in photocatalytic processes. Before being synthesized, the natural iron sand was separated and milled. The iron sand was dissolved in 37% v/v HCl, stirred, and heated for 30 min. This solution was filtered and precipitated with 6.5 M NH4OH while stirring and heating for 30 min. The magnetite formed was washed repeatedly with distilled water until it reached a normal pH, and then dried. Magnetite characterization tests were performed using XRF, XRD, VSM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The test results showed that the iron sand had a high magnetic quality with a concentration of 91.17% after the synthesis process. The resulting magnetite phase structure had a spinal inverse cubic shape, with the highest peak at the Miller index (311). From the VSM test, it is known that the resulting magnetite exists in a soft magnetic form with superparamagnetic groups. From optical absorption, magnetite has a gap energy of approximately 2.8 eV. It can be concluded that the magnetite from Anoi Itam Sabang has potential as a photocatalytic absorbent in the visible light wavelength region. Copyright © 2023 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Changes in Medicaid Fee-for-Service Benefit Design for Substance Use Disorder Treatment During the Opioid Crisis, 2014 to 2021
Authors: Shoulders Angela , Andrews Christina M. , Westlake Melissa A. , Abraham Amanda J. , Grogan Colleen M.
Published: August 2023

Importance

Medicaid is the largest payer of substance use disorder treatment in the US and plays a key role in responding to the opioid epidemic. However, as recently as 2017, many state Medicaid programs still did not cover the full continuum of clinically recommended care.

Objective

To determine whether state Medicaid fee-for-service (FFS) programs have expanded coverage and loosened restrictions on access to substance use disorder treatment in recent years.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In 2014, 2017, and 2021, a survey on coverage for substance use disorder treatment was conducted among state Medicaid programs and the District of Columbia with FFS programs. This survey was completed by Medicaid program directors or knowledgeable staff. Data analysis was performed in 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The following were calculated for a variety of substance use disorder treatment services (individual and group outpatient, intensive outpatient, short-term and long-term residential, recovery support, inpatient treatment and detoxification, and outpatient detoxification) and medications (methadone, oral and injectable naltrexone, and buprenorphine): (1) the percentage of Medicaid FFS programs covering these services and medications and (2) the percentage of Medicaid FFS programs using utilization management policies, such as copayments, prior authorizations, and annual maximums.

Results

This study had response rates of 92% in 2014 and 2017 (47 of 51 states) and 90% in 2021 (46 of 51 states). For the 2021 wave, data are reported for the 38 non–managed care organization plan-only states. Between 2017 and 2021, coverage of individual and group outpatient treatment increased to 100% of states, and use of annual maximums for medications decreased to 3% or less (n ≤ 1). However, important gaps in coverage persisted, particularly for more intensive services: 10% of Medicaid FFS programs (n = 4) did not cover intensive outpatient treatment, 13% (n = 5) did not cover short-term residential care, and 33% (n = 13) did not cover long-term residential care. Use of utilization controls, such as copays, prior authorizations, and annual maximums, decreased but continued to be widespread.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this survey study of state Medicaid FFS programs, increases in coverage and decreases in use of utilization management policies over time were observed for substance use disorder treatment and medications. However, these findings suggest that some states still lag behind and impose barriers to treatment. Future research should work to identify the long-term ramifications of these barriers for patients.
Associations Between Ending Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Emergency Allotments and Food Insufficiency
Authors: Richterman Aaron , Roberto Christina A. , Thirumurthy Harsha
Published: August 2023

This cross-sectional study evaluates associations between changes in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program emergency allotments and food insufficiency, a severe form of food insecurity characterized by recent food inadequacy.