bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collaborative Online Learning Based on The Inter-University Learning Management System
Authors: Soetopo Dhalia , Nurullita Hervina , Mursidi Agus , Shomad Abdul , Tejawati Ni Luh Putu , Pramartha I Nyoman Bayu
Published: October 2023

This research aims to describe the implementation of online learning between PGRI Banyuwangi University and PGRI Mahadewa University Indonesia during the Covid-19 pandemic. So that the learning process continues to run well and keeps the quality of education high, universities collaborate in organizing a flexible learning system. The method used in this research was descriptive qualitative. Data was collected using literature study, document analysis, observation, and interviews. The informants in this research were 30 students from both universities who took Cultural History courses. The research results showed that this collaborative learning focused on online learning design to create social interaction and a humanist side of learning. It leads to effective learning, namely social interaction in the online learning process and performance between students. Collaboration-based online learning design was managed in the following way: (1) collaboration-based online learning planning begins with needs analysis; (2) the implementation of collaboration-based online learning is carried out by providing teaching materials in the LMS and then accessing them independently. Furthermore, the effectiveness of collaboration-based online learning was obtained through involvement in completing assignments through integrated online worksheets and group work.
Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Siswa SMP dalam Menyelesaikan Asesmen Kompetensi Minimum Numerasi Ditinjau dari Efikasi Diri
Authors: Widya Laurentcia Noviafta , Sa'dijah Cholis , Chandra Tjang Daniel
Published: October 2023

This research analyzes students' critical thinking abilities in solving Minimum Competency Assessment (AKM) questions by reviewing students' mathematical self-efficacy. This research used a descriptive method with a qualitative approach. The research subjects were 52 class VIII students at SMPK Mardi Wiyata Malang. This research instrument used AKM test sheets and mathematical self-efficacy questionnaires, which are then analyzed using an interactive model. This research showed that students with low self-efficacy abilities fulfill the indicators of interpretation, inference, evaluation, and explanation. Meanwhile, students with moderate self-efficacy fulfill the indicators of interpretation, inference, evaluation, explanation, and self-regulation. Students with high self-efficacy fulfill all indicators of critical thinking, namely interpretation, analysis, inference, evaluation, explanation, and self-regulation.
Effects of Analgesics and Sedatives before Silicone-tube Intubation on Patients’ Pain with Nasolacrimal Duct Stenosis
Authors: Yu Hwa Young , Lee Ga Hyun
Published: October 2023

Purpose: We investigated the effect of preoperative administration of analgesics and sedatives on pain levels during silicone tube intubation conducted under local anesthesia in patients with acquired nasolacrimal duct stenosis.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records from 121 patients at the ophthalmology department of our hospital from July 2016 to May 2022. In total, 71 patients were administered acetaminophen and diazepam orally, while the remaining 50 were not. Postoperative pain (measured using the visual analogue scale [VAS] score [0 = no pain, 10 = severe pain] immediately after operation), operative duration, and improvement in epiphora symptoms were compared between the two groups.Results: The premedication group had significantly lower VAS scores than the non-premedication group (5.23 ± 2.75 vs. 6.34 ± 2.33, p = 0.02). It also had a notably shorter (p < 0.01) operation duration and higher subjective improvement rate of epiphora symptoms. However, premedication did not influence the tube retention period post-surgery (p = 0.86).Conclusions: The administration of analgesics and sedatives prior to silicone tube intubation effectively mitigates operative pain and reduces operation duration. Furthermore, it may help improve postoperative epiphora symptoms.
Retrospective Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Omidenepag Isopropyl 0.002% Ophthalmic Solution in Korean Patients
Authors: Lee Hansang , Lee Sang Yeop , Bae Hyoung Won , Kim Chan Yun , Choi Wungrak
Published: October 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the clinical efficacy and safety of omidenepag isopropyl (OMDI) 0.002% in Korean patients.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted involving 306 patients diagnosed with glaucoma or ocular hypertension, who were administered OMDI 0.002% from May 2021 to June 2022. The primary outcomes were the change in intraocular pressure (IOP) at months 1, 3, and 6 compared to the baseline IOP, and the reactions to the OMDI drug.Results: Out of 235 patients who met the study inclusion criteria, the mean IOP was 16.5 ± 3.4 mmHg at baseline, 14.5 ± 3.0 mmHg at month 1, 14.3 ± 2.7 mmHg at month 3, and 14.7 ± 3.1 mmHg at month 6. The mean IOP reduction at month 6 was -1.6 ± 2.8 mmHg (p < 0.001). On analyzing the IOP by types of glaucoma, the mean IOP change at the 6-month point showed statistically significant results in all types, including normal tension glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma, and ocular hypertension (p < 0.05). The frequency of side effects in all patients was 29.8%, with the most commonly reported adverse drug reaction being hyperemia in 18.7% of the total patients. There was one case (0.4%) of uveitis after OMDI administration, but no other systemic adverse drug reactions were reported.Conclusions: Omidenepag isopropyl demonstrated a statistically significant IOP-lowering effect in Korean patients with various types of glaucoma. This suggests that OMDI could potentially serve as a first-line treatment for glaucoma.
Influence of Long-term Oral Steroid Intake on Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension
Authors: Jun Jae Won , Lee Ju Han , Huh Kyu Ha , Lee Sang Yeop , Bae Hyoung Won , Kim Chan Yun , Choi Wungrak
Published: October 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with glaucoma or ocular hypertension (OHT) in patients taking oral corticosteroids for extended periods, and to aid in managing intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with these risk factors.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed involving 690 patients who visited a tertiary referral hospital and had been using oral corticosteroids for more than six months. Patients' demographics, tonometry results, drug type, dosage, duration, ophthalmic history, and the use of glaucoma eye drops were analyzed to determine the risk factors associated with glaucoma or OHT.Results: In a generalized linear model analysis comparing patients' eyes diagnosed with glaucoma or ocular hypertension to those without such diagnoses, no statistical difference was observed between the two groups in terms of drug type, age, and duration of oral corticosteroid use. However, the dosage was found to be statistically significant (odds ratio 1.09, p = 0.0294).Conclusions: No difference in the incidence of glaucoma or OHT was found based on the type of oral steroid, age, or duration of use. However, a higher incidence of glaucoma and OHT was observed among patients taking higher doses of oral steroids. Therefore, it is suggested that using lower doses of oral steroids may be more beneficial for managing IOP.
Economy Works Differently: Any Good Entrepreneur Drives Investment by Its Future Earnings Rather Than Its Spending, So Why Do Governments Drive by GDP (Consumption+ Investment Spending)?
Authors: Vanoverberghe Didier
Published: October 2023

GDP, even net of obsolescence (NDP) has to be considered only as an expense (investment is an expense; consumption is an expense). As an entrepreneur you will never manage your investments by looking only the expenses; it is clear you will make decisions on gains. As a person, will you look at the expenses you make to acquire stocks or at the gains? Thus it must have been clear that you will never manage a country by costs, so why do governments use GDP (consumption plus investment spending) to drive their economy? Governments should manage gains: wealth created, which is the full result you get from all these expenses.
From Fraudsters to Scammers and Cyber-Villains, Tech-Savvy Criminals Are Out to Steal Your Money
Authors: Metts Stephanie , Bressler Martin S.
Published: October 2023

Today, more than ever before, criminals are out to steal from your business. However, today, criminals not only use organized shoplifting gangs and engage in armed robberies, but they now also use computers and the internet. Bernie Madoff and Sam Bankman-Fried have joined the lengthy list of well-known criminals before Charles Ponzi.

The Fraud Triangle (Cressey, 1973) is based upon Opportunity, Incentive, and Rationalization. The COVID-19 pandemic created a perfect storm of opportunity for would-be scammers. The federal government fueled opportunity with $800 billion in COVID relief funding for the Paycheck Protection Program and up to $400 billion for COVID unemployment relief.

According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) small businesses are often targeted as they tend to have fewer safeguards in place to prevent fraud. The ACFE reports that the average loss for a small business fraud is $100,000 and an average of five percent of annual revenue.

In this paper, the authors provide an overview of current fraud activities and a study of the Traits of Sympathy survey to help examine whether a relationship exists between one’s rationalization and sympathy in their decision to commit fraud in the pre-fraud state. We present research findings and offer recommendations.
Financial Risks and Economic Viability of Water and Sanitation Businesses in Rural Cambodia: A Rapid Review
Authors: Pham Lien
Published: October 2023

This paper discusses the findings from a literature review, followed by a survey and focus group discussions with 26 private sector suppliers. The top risks encountered by water services providers were water pricing, lack of management skills, and high investment costs. The most impactful risk factors for their economic viability were water losses, construction delays, and high energy costs. Sanitation services suppliers faced risks of low demand, lack of capital, and household affordability. Limited loan access and household subsidies were risk factors affecting both groups. The paper highlights that financial risks are primarily borne by suppliers serving impoverished households in rural Cambodia, despite the involvement of various stakeholders in the supply chains including donors, government, households, financial institutions, and NGOs. Assessing the financial health and viability of these businesses require consideration of multiple risk factors. The paper offers strategies to address challenges at both the supplier and government levels to ensure financial sustainability of water and sanitation businesses in order to achieve universal water and sanitation access in Cambodia.
Female Director, CEO Compensation, and Earnings Smoothing
Authors: Zheng Yudan
Published: October 2023

This paper is the first one in the literature to examine the effect of female directors on earnings smoothing and the potential channels through which such an effect may occur. When the interaction of female directors and CEO incentive compensation is not included, there is no significant overall effect of female directors on earnings smoothing. However, when the interaction term is added, the presence of female directors shows a strengthening effect in significantly increasing the association between incentive compensation and earnings smoothing. Further, the presence of female directors itself appears to play a moderating role in reducing the incidence of earnings smoothing, which conflicts with the effect of female directors through incentive compensation. The conflicting effects exist among both female directors in general and independent female directors. The complex effects of female directors have direct implications for corporate governance policies.
Profitability and Data-Snooping Tests of Four Technical Trade Strategies for Cryptocurrency Pair BTC/USDT and ETH/USDT in Cryptocurrency Markets During 2022–2023
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Xinwan , Wang Zigan , Yang Mengxin
Published: October 2023

We provide a comprehensive investigation into the profitability of technical trading methods applied to the cryptocurrency pairs BTC/USDT and ETH/USDT. By employing rigorous evaluations and incremental examinations, we address the pervasive issue of data-snooping bias that often plagues the evaluation of trading strategies. Our empirical results indicate the lack of profitable technical trading strategies in both the analysis sample and prediction sample periods, even after rigorous adjustments for data snooping. These findings highlight the difficulties associated with selecting profitable technical trading strategies in the dynamic and volatile cryptocurrency market. Market participants, including individual traders, institutional investors, and regulatory bodies, should take note of our findings when making investment decisions based on technical analysis.
Modeling Duration-Based Costing in Activity-Based Costing Software
Authors: Lelkes Anne-Marie Teresa
Published: October 2023

Can Duration-Based Costing (DBC) and Modified Duration-Based Costing (MDBC) be modeled into an Activity-Based Costing (ABC) software instead of using Excel? Prior research has used Microsoft Excel to model DBC and MDBC. This study builds on prior research regarding the use of DBC and MDBC (Lelkes, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2017; Lelkes & Deis, 2013; Lelkes & Krueger, 2020, 2021) by demonstrating the integration of DBC and MDBC into an ABC software for illustrative purposes, called MyABCM, which is an ABC software that can be standalone or integrated into SAP, Oracle, and other Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. The case information in this study is adapted from MyABCM training materials and is used to demonstrate how modeling DBC and MDBC appear in MyABCM. MyABCM is used in this study as an example of one of many ways DBC and MDBC can be incorporated into a software that can be integrated into an ERP system. DBC and MDBC can effectively be modeled into any ERP system or standalone ABC software.
The Role and Significance of the Eastern Spiritual Heritage in Modern Education
Authors: Valeriyevna Izbullaeva Gulchekhra
Published: October 2023

The article focuses on the need to improve the educational and methodological foundations for studying social life and educational processes in Central Asia (end of the 12th century - first half of the 14th century), as well as on the role and significance of the spiritual heritage of the East in the modern education system. The study results are classified according to the types of moral, spiritual, philosophical, artistic, and didactic writings, with their methodological basis, general and particular aspects. There were used comparative, chronological systematic analysis methods, and complex, historical, and logical approaches. Also, the article discusses the educational institutions of the end of the 12th century - the first half of the 14th century, the major scientific institutions of that time, the educational system and stages, and the usage of educational methods and tools. The role of didactic works in the education of a perfect person, the structure and content of didactic works, and the harmony of culture, school, and pedagogical views in didactic works were explained in tables.
Conceptual Framework for the Design of Electronic Textbook for EFL Students
Authors: Ashurova Nigina , Suleymanova Nargiza , Amanov Abdugani , Aslonov Firdavs
Published: October 2023

The relevance of creating new educational products is justified by the tasks of informatization of the education system, the solution of which is largely determined by the extent to which new information technologies are introduced into the structure and content of the textbook, as the main educational book, which in turn determines the quality of the educational process. Several reforms have been implemented to develop textbooks and manuals of a new generation and introduce information and communication technologies into the educational process, as well as e learning in general. The insufficient equipment of higher educational institutions with modern educational and scientific aids prompted to reconsider this problem based on the study of foreign experience and the introduction of an innovative approach because the textbook is a necessary tool, without which it is impossible to obtain deep versatile knowledge.
Learning Through Youtube: Is it Effective for Improving Student Learning Outcomes?
Authors: Gafur Abd , Sapta Andy , Jameel Ami Hibatul
Published: October 2023

YouTube is an interesting learning media that many people, especially students, favor. This study aims to analyze the feasibility of using YouTube as a learning medium, understand the effect media has on learning outcomes, and describe student’s responses. The learning videos uploaded on YouTube were first reviewed by experts using an assessment form distributed online using Google Form. This study is a mixed methods research. This study was conducted at a private high school in Surakarta City. The assessment data obtained from experts was analyzed using standard eligibility criteria, while the YouTube effectiveness test was by comparing the pretest and posttest. The results showed that YouTube media based on the assessment of media experts, material experts, and students, positively responded to learning using YouTube.
Exploring the Effectiveness of Graphic Organizers on EFL Learners’ Writing Performance Across Different Learning Style Preference and Gender at Higher Education
Authors: Sabarun  , Widiati Utami , Suryati Nunung , Hajimia Hafizah
Published: October 2023

The research investigated the interaction effect amongst types of writing strategy (x1), learning styles (x2), and gender (x3) on writing accuracy (y) at Islamic University Students. The 70 participants consisted of three groups based on types of writing strategy: free writing (n= 34) versus graphic organizers (n=36); types of learning styles : visual (n=22) versus auditory (n=26) versus kinesthetic (n=22); and gender (x3): male (32), female (38). A three-way ANOVA test was applied in the investigation. The study revealed that an interaction effect occurred amongst three variables on average of writing accuracy at F (2, 69) =3.34, p=0.02, eta 0.10. Then, the interaction effect also occurred between writing strategy and learning styles at F (2, 69) =7.40, p=0.01; and between learning styles and gender at F (2, 69) =6.56, p=0.03. On the contrary, the interaction effect did not occur between writing strategy and gender at F (1, 69) =1.79, p=0.19. Further investigation is needed to validate the finding.
Fostering Intercultural Competence in a Pre-Graduate Course at a Public University in Mexico
Authors: Hernández López Elizabeth Margarita
Published: October 2023

Based on the understanding that Intercultural Competence (ICC) is not necessarily achieved by studying abroad, as part of a teacher’s level initiative, this paper intends to shed light on the usefulness of the implementation of a series of cultural experiential activities to a group of pre-graduate students, undertaking a B.A. in English Language Teaching at a public university in Mexico, for the development of Intercultural Competence. Data were collected by means of three online focus groups and were analysed thematically into four dimensions: knowledge, attitudes, skills, and awareness. Findings indicate there had been, to a lesser or greater extent, enhancement in each of these intercultural subcomponents.
The Waiting Room and the Understanding of Time
Authors: García Hernández Alfonso Miguel
Published: October 2023

The present study uses the methodology of grounded theory and discourse analysis of the case of Samanta, to approach talking with others about his deceased son, follow his example, keep memories and carry out actions designed to help him by understanding the continuity of links with him. Start from the personal spaces of the deceased loved one: their room that is intertwined with the grieving process that is influenced by family, culture and beliefs, the continuing bonds is expressed that makes Samanta feel proud and allows her to express herself of emotions and community. This study also highlights how the understanding of the different aspects related to the use of spaces and the understanding of time in autobiographical narrative recollection enriches the understanding of the process and gives meaning to the continuing bonds with the loved one.
Investigation of Basic Psychological Needs in Physically Disabled Athletes
Authors: AĞDUMAN Fatih , ALPDOĞAN Sonay Serpil
Published: October 2023

Basic psychological needs are fundamental elements that influence individuals' motivation, performance, and overall well-being. These needs reside at the core of human behavior and constitute factors that determine individuals' psychological health and satisfaction. The purpose of this study is to examine the satisfaction and frustration of basic psychological needs among physically disabled athletes across various variables. A total of 128 athletes, including 68 males and 60 females in sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball participated in the research. In the current study, to assess the satisfaction and frustration of basic psychological needs, the 'Psychological Need States in Sports Scale' was employed. Data collected via Google Forms were converted into the appropriate file format by the researchers and relevant hypothesis tests were applied using the JASP 0.15.0.0 statistical analysis software. In the autonomy satisfaction subscale, it was determined that male athletes (5.25 ± 2.26) obtained higher scores compared to female athletes (4.42 ± 1.99) (p<.05). In the competence frustration and relatedness frustration subscales, there is a statistically significant difference in favor of male athletes (p<.05). In the competence satisfaction and relatedness satisfaction subscales, the mean scores of first division athletes are significantly higher than those of the other group (p<.05). Moreover, in the competence frustration and relatedness frustration subscales, the scores of second division athletes are statistically significantly higher than those of the other group (p<.05). As conclusion, it can be stated that male and first – division physically disabled athletes have a higher level of satisfaction with their basic psychological needs.
The Effect of Different Physical Education Class Hours Applied in Secondary Education on Certain Physiological and Physical Parameters
Authors: SEVER Mehmet Onur , SÖYLER Mehmet , ÇİNGÖZ Yunus Emre , BARKIN Emrah
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the effects of different physical education lesson hours applied to secondary school students on some physical and physiological parameters. A total of 36 secondary school students voluntarily participated in the study: respectively, 18 from Group 1 and 18 from Group 2 (age: 14.94±0.41 / 14±0.34 years; height: 175.22±7.62 / 169.33±6.95 cm; weight: 61.95±9.07 / 56.83±6.33 kg). While Group 1 students received 8 hours of physical education lessons per week, Group 2 students were given 2 hours of physical education lessons according to the Ministry of National Education curriculum. Body weight (kg) and body fat percentage (%) were determined using the Inbody 270 professional body analysis device. A portable dynamic balance device was used to determine the students’ balance. The test results were analyzed using the SPSS Statistics software. Non-parametric tests were employed since the data did not show a normal distribution. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to test the significance of the difference in balance and body fat percentage (BFP) level averages between the two independent groups. Upon evaluating our data, it was statistically ascertained that the dynamic balance (Balance) values of Group 1 secondary school students were significantly higher when compared to Group 2 students. However, no statistically significant difference was found in body fat percentage (BFP) values between Group 1 and Group 2. As a result, it is seen that increasing physical education lesson hours in secondary education contributes to some physical development of young individuals.
Nationwide Study of Basic and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living in Individuals Aged 65+ Living at Home
Authors: YILDIZ Nadire Gülçin , AYDIN Halide Z. , AYDIN Kemal
Published: October 2023

The limitations encountered by aging individuals 65+ in Turkey in their basic and instrumental activities of daily living were examined according to gender and age i.e., specifically for 65-74 and 75+ age groups. Microdata from the Turkey Health Survey implemented by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) in 2019 were used in the analyses. According to the findings of this country-wide research, the results indicated that of the 2457 people aged 65+ living in their own homes, 11.2% were limited in activities of daily living (ADL), and 45.8% were limited in their instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). The ADL and IADL limitations also increased significantly according to age and gender. The prevalence of ADL limitations across Turkey was 4.5%, 1.9% in men aged 65-74, and 7.2% in women aged 65-74. In elderly individuals aged 75+, the prevalence of ADL limitations was found to be 13.7% in men and 21.7% in women. Based on the results of the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living module (IADL) results, 46.9% of men between the ages of 65-74 were limited in IADL, while this rate was found to be 72% for women. In both activities, the prevalence of limitations in women was more than twice as high as in men. The prevalence of ADL and IADL limitations differed significantly by gender and age groups (p<0.05).
Determination of the Relationship Between Personality Traits and Burnout Levels of Athletes From Different Branches
Authors: YAĞCI İhsan , SEYDİOĞLU Cuneyt , ÇİMEN Kubilay , TAZEGÜL Ünsal
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to reveal the relationship between the personality traits and burnout levels of athletes from different branches. The study was conducted with the relational research model among the quantitative research methods. The study group included 305 athletes consisting of 46 wrestlers, 91 boxers, 25 runners, 89 weightlifters, and 54 football players. The data were analyzed through SPSS 20 package software. In the analysis of the data, descriptive statistical analysis and Pearson correlation analysis were used to determine the direction and severity of the relationship between the variables. As a result of the descriptive statistical analysis, it was determined that the boxers scored higher in the reduced sense of accomplishment, emotional and physical exhaustion, and depersonalization dimensions. It was concluded that athletes in the athletics branch had higher scores in the extrovert and neuroticism dimensions and athletes in the weightlifting branch had higher scores in the psychoticism dimensions.According to the correlation analysis, it was found that there was no statistically significant relationship between the personality traits and burnout levels of athletes.
Application and Exploration of Digital Storytelling through Metaverse Avatar Customization in University General Education Courses: The Impact on Digital Efficacy and Learner Experience and Perception
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Suyeon
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study is to explore whether a digital storytelling course utilizing metaverse avatar customization influences learners' digital self-efficacy and how learners perceive this experience. The study was conducted with 135 learners who took a general education course in the Seoul metropolitan area during the first semester of 2023. Digital self-efficacy was analyzed using a pre- post test and paired-sample t-tests for its sub-dimensions (digital self-confidence, digital preference, digital utility) all showed significantly higher results in the post-test compared to the pre-test, indicating an impact on learners' digital self-efficacy. Additionally, learner perceptions of experiencing the metaverse revealed that character creation through the metaverse platform allowed learners to express characters creatively, fostered active team communication, unleashed team ideas to the fullest, facilitated the expansion of new experiences and knowledge, increased confidence in using metaverse, and improved expression skills. This study is significant in its focus on the educational application effects of a digital storytelling course utilizing metaverse avatar customization and the learner experiences in the avatar customization process.
Morality Before the Enlightenment: An Interpretation of Viscount Stair's Natural Law Theory, c. 1681
Authors: Bogle Stephen
Published: October 2023

As a leading judge of seventeenth century Scotland, Viscount Stair (1619−1695) was a significant public figure in the immediate period before the Scottish Enlightenment. Indeed, he offers a vital but often overlooked insight into the intellectual life of Scotland during his lifetime. However, as Stair never published anything specifically on moral philosophy, this article asks if it is possible to reconstruct a moral theory on his behalf based on his printed legal and theological works. On the assumption that this is feasible, this article examines how Stair’s moral theory relates to the Scottish variant of natural jurisprudence. In response to these questions, the analysis offered here argues that one can constructure answers to central questions of moral philosophy from Stair’s printed works, and further that it is possible to classify his moral theory as an early example of Scottish natural jurisprudence. Although there are acknowledged challenges in reconstructing his moral theory, it is suggested by the argument below that, to fully grasp the intellectual life of seventeenth century Scotland, we may need to engage more deeply with the theological works of seventeenth century Scots as well as adopt resourceful methods to build a picture of seventeenth century ideas relating to morality.
Archibald Pitcairne and the Newtonian Turn of Medical Philosophy
Authors: Gino Sebastiano
Published: October 2023

Archibald Pitcairne’s medical writings are inspired by Newton’s Principia mathematica, as the Scottish physician assumed Newtonian physics as a model for scientific inquiry that should be applied to other branches of natural philosophy, including physiology and pathology. The ideal of a comprehensive mathematical science was very appealing to late seventeenth-century intellectuals, including physicians. This essay focuses on how Pitcairne tried to implement these ideas. In particular, I argue that Pitcairne’s medical thinking is based on three philosophical assumptions: first, a methodological assumption, for which medical knowledge should be sought in the form of a deductive system; second, an epistemological assumption, that is, that our knowledge of physiological processes is sound only when we reduce them to a set of mathematical laws; and, third, an ontological assumption that identifies blood as the substance on which animal life most directly depends. I also suggest that such ideas should be studied against the backdrop of Pitcairne’s general mindset, including his personal sympathy for political conservativism. I further argue that his insistence on the reduction of natural processes to mathematical relations and his search for the universal order of nature also connect to his religious and political ideals.
Electrostatic quantum dark energy in a seven-dimensional universe
Authors: Kesanasetty Sasidhar
Published: October 2023

This paper explains the dark energy and acceleration of the universe by quantizing the space in hidden dimensions, which provides the basis and background for the gravitational force through the curvature of space-time. Space-time is considered to be made of a four-dimensional elastic grid in a seven-dimensional universe in which matter also expands along with the universe. Each cube of the grid is considered a quantum of hidden three-dimensional space of Planck volume containing Planck charge, which makes the universe seven-dimensional. The dark energy is explained by the electrostatic repulsion between the Planck charges in each quantum of the hidden space. Mathematically, this electrostatic repulsion is related to the Hubble constant to explain the accelerated expansion, dark energy, and increase in the cosmological potential energy of matter.
Computational Technique for Geometric Series with Radicals
Authors: Annamalai Chinnaraji
Published: October 2023

Computational science is a rapidly growing multi-and inter-disciplinary area where science, mathematics, computation, management, and its collaboration use advanced computing capabilities to understand and solve the most complex real-life problems. In this article, the computation of geometric series on radicals is introduced for the application of computational
Human gastro-intestinal organoid engineering: a state of the art
Authors: Benedetti Giada , Fournon Berodia Beatriz , De Coppi Paolo , Giobbe Giovanni Giuseppe
Published: October 2023

Gastrointestinal organ failure, from congenital or postnatally acquired pathologies, is a major cause of death across countries of all income levels. Organoids and engineered tissues have been widely investigated as tools to model organ functions and treat pathologies. In this review we aim to describe the progress in human organoid engineering applied to the gastrointestinal tract (namely esophagus, stomach, and intestine). Starting from the onset of the organoid culture technique, we illustrate genetic engineering, stem cell niche engineering, bioprinting, and microfluidics approaches used to integrate mechano-physiological parameters with human organoids. Thanks to these improvements, organoid technology allows disease modelling of patient-specific pathologies, and personalized treatment screening, also offering a cell source for autologous transplantation. We further present an overview of the advances of tissue engineering in animal systems, concerning novel materials and scaffolds to be combined with a variety of cell types to reconstitute a viable surrogate for implantation. The effort in this field sets organoids as an important tool in personalized and regenerative medicine. Their application combined with the advances in tissue engineering holds great potential for translational application.
Streptococcal peptides and their roles in host-microbe interactions
Authors: Wahlenmayer Emily R. , Hammers Daniel E.
Published: October 2023

The genus Streptococcus encompasses many bacterial species that are associated with hosts, ranging from asymptomatic colonizers and commensals to pathogens with a significant global health burden. Streptococci produce numerous factors that enable them to occupy their host-associated niches, many of which alter their host environment to the benefit of the bacteria. The ability to manipulate host immune systems to either evade detection and clearance or induce a hyperinflammatory state influences whether bacteria are able to survive and persist in a given environment, while also influencing the propensity of the bacteria to cause disease. Several bacterial factors that contribute to this inter-species interaction have been identified. Recently, small peptides have become increasingly appreciated as factors that contribute to Streptococcal relationships with their hosts. Peptides are utilized by streptococci to modulate their host environment in several ways, including by directly interacting with host factors to disrupt immune system function and signaling to other bacteria to control the expression of genes that contribute to immune modulation. In this review, we discuss the many contributions of Streptococcal peptides in terms of their ability to contribute to pathogenesis and disruption of host immunity. This discussion will highlight the importance of continuing to elucidate the functions of these Streptococcal peptides and pursuing the identification of new peptides that contribute to modulation of host environments. Developing a greater understanding of how bacteria interact with their hosts has the potential to enable the development of techniques to inhibit these peptides as therapeutic approaches against Streptococcal infections.
Deep ocean particle flux in the Northeast Atlantic over the past 30 years: carbon sequestration is controlled by ecosystem structure in the upper ocean
Authors: Lampitt R. S. , Briggs N. , Cael B. B. , Espinola B. , Hélaouët P. , Henson S. A. , Norrbin F. , Pebody C. A. , Smeed D.
Published: October 2023

The time series of downward particle flux at 3000 m at the Porcupine Abyssal Plain Sustained Observatory (PAP-SO) in the Northeast Atlantic is presented for the period 1989 to 2018. This flux can be considered to be sequestered for more than 100 years. Measured levels of organic carbon sequestration (average 1.88 gm−2 y−1) are higher on average at this location than at the six other time series locations in the Atlantic. Interannual variability is also greater than at the other locations (organic carbon flux coefficient of variation = 73%). We find that previously hypothesised drivers of 3,000 m flux, such as net primary production (NPP) and previous-winter mixing are not good predictors of this sequestration flux. In contrast, the composition of the upper ocean biological community, specifically the protozoan Rhizaria (including the Foraminifera and Radiolaria) exhibit a close relationship to sequestration flux. These species become particularly abundant following enhanced upper ocean temperatures in June leading to pulses of this material reaching 3,000 m depth in the late summer. In some years, the organic carbon flux pulses following Rhizaria blooms were responsible for substantial increases in carbon sequestration and we propose that the Rhizaria are one of the major vehicles by which material is transported over a very large depth range (3,000 m) and hence sequestered for climatically relevant time periods. We propose that they sink fast and are degraded little during their transport to depth. In terms of atmospheric CO2 uptake by the oceans, the Radiolaria and Phaeodaria are likely to have the greatest influence. Foraminifera will also exert an influence in spite of the fact that the generation of their calcite tests enhances upper ocean CO2 concentration and hence reduces uptake from the atmosphere.
Subgrade engineering characteristics of basaltic residual soil in Leizhou Peninsula, southern China
Authors: Xie Zhenxiang , Tang Liansheng , He Yuan , Zhong Qilin , Yang Fangjian
Published: October 2023

A 24 km urban expressway on the Leizhou Peninsula in southern China required the extensive use of different graduation basaltic residual soils nearby as subgrade filler. In order to fully understand the engineering properties of these Leiqiong basaltic residual soils, four different fine granule contents (with 24.26%, 55.72%, 84.50%, and 94.92%) along the expressway construction sites were selected for preliminary analysis of their chemical composition, oxide content, and microstructure. Five cement contents (1.5%, 3%, 4.5%, 6%, and 9%) were used to improve the residual soils based on the results of the unconfined compressive strength test and consolidated undrained triaxial compression test, the cement improvement index, which can both meet the strength requirement of the roadbed and avoid the brittle failure of soil is determined. The relationship between carrying capacity and moisture content of soil samples after outdoor improvement is studied, and explains why the moisture content corresponding to the maximum CBR of outdoor improved basalt residual soil is higher than the optimal moisture content of indoor improvement test. Parameters investigated include consistency limits, unconfined compressive strength, compressibility, shearing stress, California bearing ratio (CBR), and compactness. The relationship between the Leizhou peninsula basaltic residual soils with different granule sizes, recommended water content ratio, rolling cycle times, and compaction degree are studied outdoors, and the application suggestion of different granule sizes of basaltic residual soils in different grade highway subgrade engineering is put forward. The results are as follows: 1) The content of fine granules greatly influences the physical and mechanical properties of Leizhou peninsula basalt residual soil. 2) Due to the special colloidal state, the cement uniformity error of basalt residual soils with fine granule content of more than 85% are plus or minus 3% when it is mechanically modified, and the improvement recommended content of cement is 6% if it needs as subgrade filling materials after disturbance. 3) It is recommended that the soil moisture content before improvement in high-temperature areas should be Opt+2%, and the cement improvement time should be controlled within 50 min 4) After rolling seven times, the maximum compaction degree of residual soil with fine granule content greater than 85% is less than 95%; it is only suitable for filling embankment structures below the roadbed of highway. The results extend the research on the engineering characteristics of basaltic residual soils and provide practical, improved guidance for the use of basaltic residual soils in road foundation engineering.
A comprehensive remote sensing identification model for ancient landslides in the Dadu river basin on the eastern margin of tibet plateau
Authors: Liu Xiaoyi , Zhang Yongshuang , Ren Sanshao , Tong Liqiang , Guo Zhaocheng
Published: October 2023

The identification of ancient landslides has become a challenging task due to the long-term reconstruction and sediment cover, which obscure the original geomorphic characteristics of these landslides. To address this issue, a comprehensive remote sensing identification model, known as GTVI, is developed using the Object Based Image Analysis (OBIA) based on multi-source and high-resolution remote sensing data in the Dadu River Basin. The study reveals significant differences in texture, hue, shape, and adjacency topology between ancient landslides and reactivated landslides. The gray level co-occurrence matrix entropy (GLCM), terrain roughness index (TRI) and vegetation index (NDVI) effectively capture the information related to ancient landslides. The feasibility of the GTVI (GLCM and Terrain roughness and Vegetation index) model is confirmed through field investigations and remote sensing image analysis of typical landslides, demonstrating its high accuracy. This research provides a valuable method and technical reference for the rapid identification of ancient landslides in plateau canyon areas.
Efficacy of L-arginine and Pycnogenol ® in the treatment of male erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tian Yuting , Zhou Qian , Li Wen , Liu Meixi , Li Qing , Chen Qiu
Published: October 2023

Background

The objective of this meta-analysis was to review clinical trials of the combination of Pycnogenol ® and L-arginine (PAL) in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men and to observe the effect of PAL combined therapy on sexual function in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED), and we hope to provide more choices of drugs for treating patients with ED.

Methods and analysis

The study was constructed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. We searched seven databases from inception to 15 February 2023, for a comprehensive search of clinical trials using relevant keywords. Continuous variables in this meta-analysis were calculated using the mean difference and 95% confidence interval. All relevant statistical analyses were performed using RevMan v. 5.4 software.

Results

Three studies with 184 patients were included in the present meta-analysis. There were no significant differences in the basic characteristics of the included studies. The results of the current meta-analysis showed that there were significant differences in the international index of erectile function scores (erectile domain), intercourse satisfaction scores, orgasmic function scores, overall satisfaction scores, and sexual desire scores between the combination treatment group and the control group. There was no significant difference in improving the testosterone levels between the two groups.

Conclusion

These results indicate that the combination of PAL may have a significant effect on improving sexual function in patients with mild to moderate ED. This study will provide clinicians with more options for treating patients with ED. More randomized controlled trials are needed in the future to further demonstrate the effect of combination therapy on sexual function in patients with ED.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#myprosperoUnique, Identifier: CRD42023411781.
Pre-gravid body mass index is associated with a higher risk of gestational hypertension in singleton pregnancy following frozen-thawed embryo transfer
Authors: Fan Lijuan , Li Na , Mu Xin , Qu Pengfei , Shi Juanzi
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Although it is well-known that obesity increases the risk of gestational hypertension (GH) in both spontaneous and assisted reproductive technology (ART) pregnancies. Recent data show that, in ART pregnancies, frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) is associated with an even higher risk of GH compared with fresh transfer. However, the relationship between pre-gravid body mass index (BMI) and GH in FET pregnancies has seldom been reported.

Objective

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of pre-gravid BMI on GH in singleton pregnancy following FET.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study at a tertiary hospital, including a total of 7,502 women who achieved singleton pregnancy after FET, was included. All patients were enrolled only once. On the basis of the BMI definitions of the Working Group on Obesity in China (WGOC) and the World Health Organization, the women were divided into normal BMI, overweight, and obese groups. The main outcome was GH, and the effect of pre-pregnancy BMI on GH was assessed by generalized linear model.

Results

The risk of GH in our study population was 6.15%. According to the BMI definitions of the WGOC, the risk of GH in the obese group (15.55%) was significantly higher than that of the overweight group (8.26%, P < 0.001) and the normal BMI group (4.68%, P < 0.001). Pre-gravid overweight and obesity were associated with higher GH risk (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.41–2.20; P < 0.001; OR, 3.69; 95% CI, 2.77–4.91; P < 0.001). A non-linear relationship between pre-gravid BMI and GH was observed. The risk of GH decreased with pre-gravid BMI level up to the turning point of BMI = 28.6 kg/m2 (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.12–1.21; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Pre-gravid overweight and obesity are associated with higher GH risk among singleton pregnancy following FET. Before the turning point of BMI = 26.8 kg/m2, the risk of GH may increase 16.4% with each one-unit increment of maternal BMI. Women preparing for FET should maintain a normal BMI to lower the chances of GH.