bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulating Self-Driving Cars: An African Perspective
Authors: Effoduh Jake Okechukwu
Published: October 2023

Self-driving cars as a mode of transportation in Africa is probably more of a ‘when’ than an ‘if’ question. These autonomous vehicles that could benefit human safety by reducing human deaths from car crashes, may disadvantage Africans if the production of the technology does not adequately reflect African perspectives, including in the ethical constructions about rulemaking. To reduce or prevent technological racism, inequality, and the marginalization of Africans, actors in this field of autonomous transportation should investigate and challenge the differentials of power that will arise from the innovation. Ethical rulemaking for autonomous vehicles must be open, continuous, inclusive, collaborative and communitarian. Any ethical standards proffered should be cognisant of societal and environmental wellbeing and should ensure local sustainability and knowledge mobilization within the adopting states. Rulemaking on self-driving cars must go beyond ethics and should rely on international human rights norms and standards as a minimum core. Within the various instruments of international human rights law, the African regional system provides a unique perspective on human rights, and the African human rights instruments require new technologies to be cognizant of cultural norms and traditional knowledge, and to not perpetuate colonial constructions. An African perspective in this discourse on self-driving cars is relevant for its regional adoption and absorption, and it could also provide a more holistic, responsible, equitable, and accountable appreciation of the technology. 
Stakeholder Mapping of AI Actors in Nigeria
Authors: Effoduh Jake Okechukwu
Published: October 2023

This paper provides a stakeholder mapping of Artificial Intelligence (AI) actors in Nigeria. By “AI actors” this work refers to institutions and organizations in Nigeria that regulate, deploy, or create Artificial Intelligence systems. AI is used, in different forms, by both private and public entities in Nigeria. The Nigerian federal government has through different ministries, set up agencies and learning centres whose work revolves around the use of AI. State governments such as Cross River and Lagos states are also progressive actors in the Nigerian AI space. Several ministries and hubs dedicated to the development and use of AI in Nigeria have also sprung up across respective states. Nigeria can be considered as one of the leading African countries with institutions committed to the deployment, development, and the use of AI systems.1  Some private institutions in Nigeria, ranging from transportation companies, to finance corporations, and even pharmaceutical chains are actors in the Nigerian AI space. There are also private institutions in Nigeria that offer training courses on AI. Divided into six (6) parts (with this Executive Summary being the first, and the Research Method section being the second), this work highlights the Nigerian AI actors in three (3) broad clusters: Public AI actors in Nigeria; Private AI actors in Nigeria; and the regional AI actors impacting on Nigeria. The sixth and final part concludes.
Pengembangan Instrumen Tes Diagnostik Five-Tier untuk Mengidentifikasi Miskonsepsi Siswa Kelas XI pada Materi Laju Reaksi
Authors: Nisa Khairunnisa , Sudrajat Ajat
Published: October 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melaporkan hasil uji validitas dan reliabilitas instrumen tes diagnostik five-tier pada materi laju reaksi dan mengidentifikasi tingkat miskonsepsi yang dialami siswa kelas XI IPA MAN 2 Model Medan pada konsep materi tersebut. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada November-Maret Tahun Ajaran 2022/2023. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif dengan menggunakan model pengembangan ADDIE. Pengumpulan data pada penelitian ini menggunakan tes, wawancara dan kuesioner. Tahap penelitian dimulai dengan pengumpulan data dan studi literatur, analisis kebutuhan awal, tahap perancangan produk, pengembangan instrumen tes diagnostik five-tier dan validasi oleh ahli, uji validitas dan reliabilitas tes pada uji coba skala kecil serta identifikasi miskonsepsi siswa pada uji coba skala luas. Hasil penilaian dari validator ahli menunjukkan kriteria instrumen yang dikembangkan valid. Hasil analisis validitas butir soal diperoleh 23 item soal valid dan 7 item soal yang tidak valid. Berdasarkan hasil uji reliabilitas diketahui instrumen tes diagnostik five-tier memiliki reliabilitas tinggi dengan koefisien reliabilitas sebesar 0,80. Hasil uji coba skala luas menunjukkan tingkat miskonsepsi siswa kelas XI IPA MAN 2 Model Medan pada materi laju reaksi sebesar 33% yang tergolong pada kategori sedang. Persentase miskonsepsi terbesar yaitu pada konsep orde reaksi dan persamaan laju reaksi sebesar 46,75%. Persentase miskonsepsi terendah yang dialami siswa yaitu pada pemahaman konsep faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi laju reaksi sebesar 20,27%.
Pemanfaatan Teknologi Modifikasi Cuaca sebagai Upaya Penanggulangan Bencana Hidrometeorologi di Indonesia
Authors: Sidauruk Magdalena , Risma Saragih Herlina Juni , Tri Utomo Sugeng , Widodo Pujo , Kusuma
Published: October 2023

(Teknologi Modifikasi Cuaca) di Indonesia memiliki keberhasilan yang baik. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan metode deskriptif berdasarkan deskripsi dari hasil penelitian yang telah dilakukan sebelumnya mengenai Teknologi Modifikasi Cuaca dalam mengatasi upaya bencana hidrometorologi di Indonesia. Upaya TMC dalam penanggulangan bencana karhutla tahun 2020 dan 2021 di provinsi yang rentan karhutla dilaksanakan pada masa transisi musim hujan menjelang masuknya musim kemarau. Pelaksanaan TMC pada waktu yang tepat, dapat mempersingkat waktu kebakaran hutan dan lahan di sejumlah wilayah yang memiliki kerentanan tinggi, sehingga jumlah kejadian karhutla dapat ditekan secara optimal. Upaya penanggulangan banjir di Jakarta tahun 2013 dengan TMC dilaksanakan selama 33 hari pada tahun 2013 dengan dengan dua metode yaitu metode mekanisme proses lompatan (jumping process mechanism) dan metode mekanisme persaingan (competition mechanism) dengan tujuan mempercepat proses hujan sebelum tiba di Jakarta. Hasil dari TMC terjadi pengurangan hujan sebesar 20-50% di Jakarta. Penerapan TMC untuk penanggulangan bencana kekeringan pada perkebunan tahun 2014 di Riau, Kalimantan Tengah dan Sumatera Utara  selama 120 hari didapatkan penambahan curah hujan sebesar 198 mm/tahun, wilayah Kalimantan Tengah sebesar 254 mm/tahun dan wilayah Sumatera Utara sebesar 233 mm/tahun. Upaya penanggulangan bencana menggunakan TMC dinilai efektif di Indonesia. Upaya ini rujukan bagi pemerintah dan pengambil kebijakan untuk pencegahan bencana hidrometeorologi di Indonesia.
Development of Student Worksheet Oriented on PBL and Science Literacy to Improve Students' Critical Thinking Skills on Buffer Solution Material
Authors: Rochmatin Fadhilatur , Muchlis
Published: October 2023

This research intends to create a student worksheet that can be used to help students enchance their critical thinking skills. Validity, practicality, and effectiveness are taken into consideration when evaluating the viability of a student worksheet. The validity of the student worksheet is evaluated by specialists. Practice was based on student responses supported by activities during learning. Meanwhile, effectiveness was based on improving students' critical thinking skills in terms of classical learning completeness, N-gain, and non-parametric statistical tests. This research employed the Research and Development method devised by Borg and Gall, with 18 students from grade XI SMAN 20 Surabaya serving as research subjects. The research instruments used were validation sheets, response questionnaires, student activity observation sheets, and pretest and posttest question sheets. The results indicated that the student worksheet was usable. The evaluation results show the validity of the student worksheet, which received a score mode of 5 with a very good category. The practicality of student worksheet is seen from the positive response of students with a range of 88.9%-100% which is categorized as very practical. It is also supported by activities that are more relevant than irrelevant activities. The effectiveness of student worksheet is shown by the 89% completion of classical learning, medium and high N-gain criteria with successive percentages of 38.89% and 61.11%, and hypothesis tests with Sig. < 0.05 values.
Pengembangan Instrumen Tes Kemampuan Berpikir Tingkat Tinggi Tema Energi Ramah Lingkungan Pada Siswa Kelas IX
Authors: Fathia Ashri , Berlian Liska , Zaky El Islami R. Ahmad
Published: October 2023

Permasalahan pada instrumen tes yang dibuat oleh guru cenderung lebih banyak menguji aspek ingatan tanpa mengasah kemampuan dengan berpikir dalam tingkat tinggi siswa inilah yang mendorong dilakukannya penelitian ini. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengembangkan instrumen tes kemampuan dengan berpikir dalam tingkat tinggi yang dirancang untuk siswa kelas IX pada tema energi ramah lingkungan. Metode yang digunakan adalah Research and Development (R&D) dengan model Sugiyono yang terdiri dari potensi masalah, pengumpulan data, desain produk, validasi desain, revisi desain dan uji coba produk. Penelitian ini menghasilkan berupa instrumen tes berpikir dalam tingkat tinggi. Instrumen tes telah diuji kelayakan berdasarkan validasi ahli memperoleh tingkat kevalidan sebesar 98,36% (sangat valid) dengan rincian validasi ahli materi sebesar 97,77% dan ahli guru IPA sebesar 98,96%. Berdasarkan uji coba instrumen tes pada 105 siswa yang diukur dengan software Anates versi 4.0.5 didapatkan hasil 20 soal valid dengan tingkat kesukaran sedang, reliabilitas sebesar 0,85 (reliabilitas tinggi) dan daya pembeda baik sebanyak 5 soal serta daya pembeda cukup sebanyak 15 soal. Oleh karena itu, dapat disimpulkan instrumen tes dengan nilai efisiensi produk secara keseluruhan yang diperoleh berdasarkan respon siswa sebesar 89,12% (sangat efisien). Dari hasil pengembangan instrumen tes dapat digunakan untuk penelitian selanjutnya yang akan mengukur tingkat kemampuan dengan berpikir dalam tingkat tinggi pada siswa kelas IX tema energi ramah lingkungan.
Rancang bangun game edukasi fisika berbasis android pada materi suhu dan kalor
Authors: Firdaus Firdaus , Alrizal  , M. Furqon  , Sidqi M. Feby Khoiru
Published: October 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan game edukasi fisika berbasis android pada materi suhu dan kalor menggunakan program konstruk 2, yang dimana permainan dirancang untuk menstimulasi daya pikir termasuk meningkatkan pemahaman konsep fisika. Game edukasi ini dikembangkan dengan metode Research and Development (R&D) dengan tahapan model ADDIE yaitu: analisis, desain, pengembangan, implementasi, dan evaluasi, namun pada penelitian hanya sampai ditahap perancangan atau pengembangan. Selain itu, untuk memastikan bahwa game yang dirancang sesuai dengan yang diharapkan, penulis melakukan pengujian kelayakan serta penerimaan game oleh ahli media dan pelajar.Berdasarkan hasil analisis, diperoleh penilaian dari 5 ahli dengan beberapa aspek penilaian terhadap game edukasi ini termasuk dalam katagori sangat layak dengan nilai rata-rata 3,70 dari skor maksimal 4,00 dan skor minimal 3,0. Dari hasil yang diperoleh, game edukasi fisika yang dikembangkan memiliki kualitas yang baik sehingga layak untuk diimplementasikan.
O efeito do Zingiber Officinale no tratamento da retocolite ulcerativa
Authors: Momm Ana Bárbara Gonçalves , Santos Carlos Henrique Marques dos , Iunes Gustavo Mazzafera , Khodr Juliana Machado , Jeronymo Lucas Ferreira , Brüne Maria Eduarda Soares
Published: October 2023

A colite ulcerativa é uma doença inflamatória intestinal caracterizada pelo sangramento retal, dor abdominal, febre, perda de peso e diarreia, é uma doença crônica e tende a ser progressiva, afetando de maneira drástica a qualidade de vida. Seu tratamento convencional consiste na administração de aminossalicilatos orais ou tópicos e também corticoterapia, onde seu objetivo principal é o controle sintomatológico, equilíbrio nutricional e a melhora da qualidade de vida do paciente. Apesar de ser eficiente, é muito oneroso e também pode apresentar efeitos colaterais importantes, que acabam diminuindo a adesão ao tratamento. O propósito desta revisão narrativa, foi analisar estudos que utilizaram o gengibre para o tratamento da colite ulcerativa, e também, avaliar os estudos sobre as propriedades do Zingiber officinale, que são amplamente conhecidas pela capacidade anti-inflamatória e antioxidante. Apesar de literaturas limitadas, porém em crescimento, que explorem o uso do gengibre no tratamento da colite ulcerativa, bons resultados foram apresentados, como seus efeitos antioxidante e anti-inflamatório, além da facilidade de obter acesso, baixo custo e toxicidade nula comparada ao tratamento padrão, apesar de ainda mostrar-se necessário novas pesquisas utilizando-se essa planta.
Avaliação da toxicidade dos resíduos do abacaxi utilizando o bioensaio de Artemia salina
Authors: Gouveia Deyzi Santos , Oliveira Elizabeth Alves de , Gouveia Deiby Santos , Morais Sinthya Kelly Queiroz , Felipe Kassandra , Tomé Anna Emanuelle Soares , Saraiva Maria Monique Tavares
Published: October 2023

Nos últimos anos, uma especial atenção vem sendo dada para minimização ou reaproveitamento de resíduos sólidos gerados nos diferentes processos industriais. Os resíduos provenientes da indústria de alimentos envolvem quantidades apreciáveis de casca, caroço e outros. Esses materiais, além de fonte de matéria orgânica, servem como fonte de proteínas, enzimas e óleos essenciais, passíveis de recuperação e aproveitamento. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a toxicidade dos resíduos agroindustriais do abacaxi (Ananas comosus L. Merril) por meio do bioensaio com Artemia salina. Diferentes concentrações do resíduo do abacaxi (0, 200, 400, 600, 800 e 1000 mg.kg-1) foram adicionadas aos náuplios e dose letal média (DL50) foi avaliada, utilizando a análise de Probit através do software Bio Stat 2009®, obtendo-se os intervalos de confiança superior e inferior, após um período de exposição de 24 horas. Os extratos foram considerados ativos quando os valores foram < 1000 µg.mL-1. Para os resíduos do abacaxi a DL50 foi de 2.215,412 µg.mL-1 para um intervalo de confiança de 95%, sendo estes resíduos considerados inativos. Pode-se concluir que, os resíduos do abacaxi foram atóxicos a Artemia salina nas diferentes concentrações testadas.
Níveis de inclusão de farinha de inseto (Tenebrio molitor) em dietas de tilápia do Nilo em tanques de recirculação
Authors: Tubin Jiovani Sergio Bee , Boeing Elias Wiggers , Ghizzo Jonis Baesso , Freccia André , Emerenciano Maurício Gustavo Coelho
Published: October 2023

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de determinar níveis de inclusão de farinha de larvas de tenébrio (FLT) na alimentação de alevinos de tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis Niloticus). Foram utilizados 225 alevinos de tilápia (0,61±0,12 g), distribuídos em 15 tanques (30 L) instalados em um sistema de recirculação de água (RAS), com um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos (cinco níveis de inclusão 0% ou controle, 5, 10, 15 e 20% de FLT) e três repetições. As taxas de arraçoamento foram definidas a partir das biometrias semanais e realizado monitoramento periódico dos parâmetros físico-químicos da água. Foram aplicados modelos de regressão até a segunda ordem. Os parâmetros físico-químicos da água durante o experimento foram adequados para a espécie. Não houve diferença entre os níveis de inclusão para peso final, ganho de peso, consumo de ração, sobrevivência, produtividade, fator de condição, índice hepatossomático. A inclusão de FLT na alimentação de alevinos de tilápia do Nilo ocasionou aumento linear na conversão alimentar aparente. Houve efeito linear crescente para índice viscerossomático. Sugere-se um limite máximo de inclusão de FLT na dieta de alevinos de tilápia de 15% (em sistemas RAS) devido à presença de fatores antinutricionais como a quitina.
Avaliação da qualidade de sono e sonolência diurna em estudantes da medicina: Sua prevalência com o passar do curso
Authors: Uscocovich Lucas Boaretto , Uscocovich Kurt Juliano Sack Orejuela
Published: October 2023

A qualidade de sono e sonolência diurna são fatores importantes para o bem-estar físico, social e emocional dos acadêmicos. O índice de qualidade do sono de Pittsburgh analisa a percepção do indivíduo em relação a sua qualidade do sono, latência e duração. Além disso, a escala de sonolência de Epworth quantifica o grau de sonolência diurna. Dessa forma, essa pesquisa teve como objetivo, através da análise desses dois métodos, obter uma correlação entre os critérios avaliados e a complexidade com que se tecem seus múltiplos fatores de influência. Os resultados revelaram uma variação significativa na qualidade do sono ao longo dos períodos do curso, com alguns períodos apresentando uma qualidade de sono notavelmente melhor ou pior em comparação com outros. Em conclusão, os resultados deste estudo oferecem informações importantes sobre a qualidade do sono e a sonolência entre os estudantes de medicina. Essas descobertas podem servir como base para a implementação de estratégias de apoio à saúde dos estudantes, visando melhorar a qualidade do sono e, consequentemente, o bem-estar e o desempenho acadêmico.
O gerenciamento sustentável de resíduos de serviços de saúde no Brasil
Authors: Santos Nathalia Luísa Saraiva , Mendonça Júnior Ronaldo Urias , Fujioka Lucas Akio , Santos Filho Daniel Francisco dos , Eduardo Gabriel Araújo
Published: October 2023

Introdução: os resíduos do serviço de saúde são gerados em ambientes que prestam assistência à saúde humana e animal. Alguns destes resíduos de acordo com suas propriedades podem representar riscos à saúde pública e ao meio ambiente. Os danos ambientais decorrentes dos descartes de equipamentos hospitalares são bastante significativos, e com o objetivo de minimizar estes problemas criou-se procedimentos adequados para o descarte correto. Objetivo: descrever o gerenciamento sustentável de resíduos de serviços de saúde no Brasil. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo de revisão narrativa da literatura. Foram analisados artigos recuperados por meio das bases de dados secundários Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Scientific Eletronic Library Online (Scielo) e Sistema Online de Busca e Análise de Literatura Médica (MEDLINE) a partir dos descritores resíduos dos serviços de saúde, impactos ambientais, sustentabilidade e plano de gerenciamento de resíduos. Considerou-se estudos publicados em português, inglês ou espanhol e que tratavam diretamente da temática objeto de estudo. Resultados: os órgãos regulamentadores devem oferecem amparo legal e eficiente e os serviços geradores de resíduos devem reconhecer a importância do manejo adequado com uma gestão responsável e comprometida com a execução de medidas sustentáveis. Conclusão: para ser possível uma gestão sustentável, é imprescindível a implantação de uma eficiente coleta seletiva e reciclar o material, uma vez que a reciclagem polui menos, pois diminui o volume de resíduos a serem descartados.
Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver-Taiwan Society of Cardiology Taiwan position statement for the management of metabolic dysfunction- associated fatty liver disease and cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Cheng Pin-Nan , Chen Wen-Jone , Hou Charles Jia-Yin , Lin Chih-Lin , Chang Ming-Ling , Wang Chia-Chi , Chang Wei-Ting , Wang Chao-Yung , Lin Chun-Yen , Hung Chung-Lieh , Peng Cheng-Yuan , Yu Ming-Lung , Chao Ting-Hsing , Huang Jee-Fu , Huang Yi-Hsiang , Chen Chi-Yi , Chiang Chern-En , Lin Han-Chieh , Li Yi-Heng , Lin Tsung-Hsien , Kao Jia-Horng , Wang Tzung-Dau , Liu Ping-Yen , Wu Yen-Wen , Liu Chun-Jen
Published: October 2023

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is an increasingly common liver disease worldwide. MAFLD is diagnosed based on the presence of steatosis on images, histological findings, or serum marker levels as well as the presence of at least one of the three metabolic features: overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and metabolic risk factors. MAFLD is not only a liver disease but also a factor contributing to or related to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which is the major etiology responsible for morbidity and mortality in patients with MAFLD. Hence, understanding the association between MAFLD and CVD, surveillance and risk stratification of MAFLD in patients with CVD, and assessment of the current status of MAFLD management are urgent requirements for both hepatologists and cardiologists. This Taiwan position statement reviews the literature and provides suggestions regarding the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, risk stratification, nonpharmacological interventions, and potential drug treatments of MAFLD, focusing on its association with CVD.
Challenges in the Treatment of Spinal Lesions in Patients with Multiple Myeloma
Authors:   , Zijlstra Hester
Published: October 2023

Due to improved systemic therapies, the life expectancy of patients suffering from multiple myeloma (MM) has increased significantly over the past few years. Patients who suffer from the disease for a longer period of time have an increased chance of developing skeletal-related events (SREs), i.e. a pathologic fracture, epidural spinal cord compression (ESCC), radiation (for pain or impending fracture) or surgery to the bone. No definitive guidelines exist on how to treat patients with spinal myeloma disease. Most patients with minimal neurologic deficits can be treated with systemic therapy. Unfortunately, some patients need an intervention like radiotherapy or surgery to relieve their symptoms (i.e. pain or neurologic deficits). However, both radiation and surgery are not without risks in the MM population. The emergence of innovative and highly effective systemic treatment options requires an evaluation of the benefits and adverse effects of radiation and surgery to create a better framework for optimal patient selection for these treatments. A comprehensive understanding of when certain treatment options should or should not be used is essential to achieve the best possible functional outcomes for these patients. As such, this thesis aims to provide insights into the magnitude of the problem of spinal instability and vertebral fractures (part I), and the effect and outcomes of radiation therapy (part II) and surgery (part III).
Along the path to metropolitan cooperation via metropolitan unit establishment: Case of Brno Metropolitan Area, Czech Republic
Authors: Kunc Josef , Novotná Markéta , Tonev Petr , Šašinka Petr , Raszková Soňa , Dvořák Zdeněk , Jetmar Marek
Published: October 2023

Former socialist countries still suffer from the absence of planning at a higher administrative level. To develop a metropolitan governance model, strengthen the partner-ship between the hinterland and core cities, and eliminate obstacles stemming from the local government fragmentation, the paper aims to introduce the steps for the institu-tionalization of metropolitan cooperation in the Czech Republic, being demonstrated by the example of the Brno Metropolitan Area (BMA), a leader in the development of in-termunicipal cooperation. The procedure is based on transferable experience from foreign countries and robust surveys among mayors in BMA (carried out in 2020, 175 municipali-ties, 96% response rate) and tens of experts on metropolitan issues. Selected results show that a mutual willingness to create an institution (metropolitan unit) responsible for har-monic metropolitan development, delegate some municipal competencies to a higher level and to contribute to a metropolitan fund was found. The participation of municipalities in the institution is proposed indirectly through voluntary association of municipalities, which would be intermediate between local and metropolitan levels. However, for imple-mentation at the national level, a valid and effective legislative regulation is needed. URL: https://www.gcass.science.upjs.sk/
Resolution of Osborn Waves after the Complete Resolution of Spontaneous Pneumothorax in a Normothermic Patient
Authors: Farooqui Arafat Ali , Uddin Syed Mohammad Mazhar , Maheshwari Sanjay Kumar , Khan Omair Ali , Naeem Azka , Hameed Samra , Brejt Shelly , Lin Susan
Published: October 2023

We report a case of Osborn waves occurring in a 55-year-old normothermic male patient with spontaneous pneumothorax that resolved with the resolution of the pneumothorax. The patient was presented with a 2 week history of shortness of breath, pleuritic chest pain, and cough. He was found to have a left sided pneumothorax that persisted even after chest tube placement. The Electrocardiography (EKG) showed Osborn waves. He had a normal temperature, normal electrolytes, and a normal echocardiogram. Pneumothorax resolved after pleurodesis and pleurectomy. Post-operative EKG showed complete resolution of Osborn waves.
Vertebrates As Bioindicators of Climate Change
Authors: Yanish Yevheniia
Published: October 2023

The use of living organisms for stratigraphy or as bioindicators of the state of the environment has been known since the 19th century, but mainly for these studies the remains of invertebrate animals (in particular, molluscs) are used, and from vertebrates – mouse-like rodents. In the course of the work, certain species of vertebrates and invertebrates were selected, based on the presence of which in the material it is possible to reconstruct the climatic conditions in the historical past. Such information is very important for historians and archaeologists, since it allows them to better understand the living conditions of people in the historical past.

The aim of our work is to identify species of vertebrates that are stenotopic in at least one factor and, on the basis of the findings of these species at archaeological sites, to make climatic reconstructions.

Conclusions. To date, work on the identification of other indicator species continues, we have carried out reconstructions of the paleoclimate on the basis of osteological materials found in the excavations, and for a number of monuments we have compared the results with the data of paleobotanists and soil scientists from the same areas. The similarity of the obtained results is significant, which allows us to propose a method of reconstruction of paleoclimatic and paleoecological conditions based on the findings of the indicator species selected by us as effective. The most effective is a comprehensive study of osteological materials, taking into account the presence of the above-mentioned species in the material. In terms of time spent, the identification of zooarchaeological materials is a simpler and faster method than paleobotanical research, and the results are largely comparable. In addition, the same species can be used to model predictions of habitat changes due to climate change in the future.
Archaeological Antiquities of Church and Archaeological Museum at Kyiv Theological Academy (1872-1919)
Authors: Kravchenko Inna
Published: October 2023

The purpose of the research paper is to study the formation history of the collection of archaeological antiquities of the Church and Archaeological Museum at Kyiv Theological Academy, the ways of their acquisition by the Museum, the content of the archaeological collections, the personalities of the collectors, and the historical fate of the holdings.

Scientific novelty. The history of the formation and content of the collections of archaeological antiquities is separated from the general issue of the activities of the Church and Archaeological Society and the Museum at Kyiv Theological Academy.

Conclusions. The Church and Archaeological Museum at Kyiv Theological Academy, founded in 1872, was the largest and most significant in the territory of modern Ukraine in terms of the number, variety, and value of the objects stored. Despite its initial focus on collecting mainly church objects, during the existence of the Museum, its collection accumulated a lot of other archaeological and historical artifacts. Accumulation of antiquities in the Museum contributed to their preservation and scientific study.

Among the archaeological antiquities of the Museum were objects of the Stone, Copper, and Bronze Ages, ancient Egyptian, antique Greek and Rome, Greek colonies of the Northern Black Sea region, Hellenistic, Scythian, Sarmatian, Gothic, Slavic, Byzantine, Kyivan Rus, Lithuanian era, period of 1569-1795, and the items belonged to the Cossacks of the 18th century, etc.

Objects came from the territory of modern Ukraine, Belarus, Georgia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Palestine, etc. Mainly, there were artifacts from excavations and accidental finds. Collections were given to the Museum by private individuals. Among them, the greatest contribution to the enriching of holdings belonged to Archimandrite Antonin (Kapustin), Bishop Porfyrii (Uspenskyi), M.O. Leopardov, V.Z. Zavitnevich, V.I. Hoshkevich, numerous donators from the clergy, teachers, and archeology enthusiasts. The greatest contribution to the preservation, research, scientific description, and publication of the Museum’s collections belonged to M.I. Petrov.

Disasters of the 20th century (two world wars, the revolutions of 1917, and the dominance of atheistic ideology in the USSR) negatively affected the preservation of the rich collections of the Church and Archaeological Museum at Kyiv Theological Academy. Many museum objects disappeared, were stolen, or were simply destroyed; the Museum itself also ceased to exist. However, part of the collections survived, and some items from them are still stored in some Kyiv museums.
Prediction of seasonal population dynamics of Grapholita molesta (Busck) and Adoxophyes orana (Fischer von Röslerstamm) in peach orchards using sex pheromone trap and degree-days and its implications in pest management
Authors: Ma Aihong , Zhang He , Ran Hongfan , Yang Xiaofan , Hao Jianbo , Zhang Jianfeng , Li Huijie , Yu Zihang , Wang Xiaoxi , He Xiong Zhao , Li Jiancheng
Published: October 2023

The successful management of lepidopteran moths in orchards usually depends on the precise forecast of adult activity. However, the seasonal phenology of moths varies between crop cultivars and years, making it difficult to schedule the control measures. Here, we monitored male flight activity of oriental fruit moth Grapholita molesta and summer fruit tortrix moth Adoxophyes orana by using sex pheromone traps in peach orchards of three different cultivars for three successive years. We developed a logistic multiple-peaks model to fit data and then calculated degree-days (DD) required for male activity and neonate emergency. Results show that G. molesta and A. orana males had 4–5 and 3 flight peaks per year, respectively. The seasonal phenology of G. molesta or A. orana was quite stable with an identical timing of each flight peak between cultivars in a year. The flight activity was usually higher in the second and third peaks for both moths, with a higher cumulative number of G. molesta males captured than that of A. orana. Compared to A. orana, G. molesta emerged early in spring and required lower degree-days to reach the subsequent flight peaks and for neonate emergency. Our results suggest that to decline the possibility of outbreaks of moths during the growing seasons, pheromone traps should be scheduled in April with a cumulative DD between 49.6 and 207.1 for G. molesta and in mid-May–early June with a cumulative DD between 450.4 and 866.7 for A. orana, aiming to trap the newly emerged male adults or disrupting female mating success of overwintered moths in orchards. Based on the thermal requirement for egg hatching (i.e., 79.4 DD for G. molesta and 90.0 DD for A. orana), insecticide treatments would be applied in late-April–early May and late May–early June to reduce the field population density of neonates of G. molesta and A. orana, respectively, to reduce fruit damage in orchards. Furthermore, pheromone traps set up in late July–early August (573.8–1025.2 DD) for G. molesta and in mid-September (1539.7–1788.9 DD) for A. orana may suppress overwintering populations and thus decrease pest infestation in next year.
Acute Brucella infection associated with splenic infarction: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Shi Limei , Wang Shuang , Li Xiaohua , Li Xin , Li Yuxiang , Wang Yang
Published: October 2023

Brucella infection often involves multiple organ systems with non-specific clinical manifestations, and cutaneous involvement is uncommon. Splenic infarction and leukocytoclastic vasculitis also rarely occur together in the course of brucellosis infection. We report the case of a 47-year-old man with Brucella combined with splenic infarction. The patient presented with fever; large liver, spleen, and lymph nodes; muscle and joint pain; positive laboratory tests for blood cultures (Brucella abortus); and imaging suggestive of splenic infarction. After treatment with streptomycin, doxycycline, and rifampicin, the patient’s clinical symptoms and splenic damage improved. Detailed history taking, correct interpretation of laboratory results, and knowledge of rare complications of human brucellosis facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
Single-cell analysis and spatial resolution of the gut microbiome
Authors: Madhu Bhoomi , Miller Brittany M. , Levy Maayan
Published: October 2023

Over the past decade it has become clear that various aspects of host physiology, metabolism, and immunity are intimately associated with the microbiome and its interactions with the host. Specifically, the gut microbiome composition and function has been shown to play a critical role in the etiology of different intestinal and extra-intestinal diseases. While attempts to identify a common pattern of microbial dysbiosis linked with these diseases have failed, multiple studies show that bacterial communities in the gut are spatially organized and that disrupted spatial organization of the gut microbiome is often a common underlying feature of disease pathogenesis. As a result, focus over the last few years has shifted from analyzing the diversity of gut microbiome by sequencing of the entire microbial community, towards understanding the gut microbiome in spatial context. Defining the composition and spatial heterogeneity of the microbiome is critical to facilitate further understanding of the gut microbiome ecology. Development in single cell genomics approach has advanced our understanding of microbial community structure, however, limitations in approaches exist. Single cell genomics is a very powerful and rapidly growing field, primarily used to identify the genetic composition of microbes. A major challenge is to isolate single cells for genomic analyses. This review summarizes the different approaches to study microbial genomes at single-cell resolution. We will review new techniques for microbial single cell sequencing and summarize how these techniques can be applied broadly to answer many questions related to the microbiome composition and spatial heterogeneity. These methods can be used to fill the gaps in our understanding of microbial communities.
An update on our understanding of Gram-positive bacterial membrane vesicles: discovery, functions, and applications
Authors: Xu Yiyun , Xie Chonghong , Liu Yong , Qin Xiaosong , Liu Jianhua
Published: October 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized particles released from cells into the extracellular environment, and are separated from eukaryotic cells, bacteria, and other organisms with cellular structures. EVs alter cell communication by delivering their contents and performing various functions depending on their cargo and release into certain environments or other cells. The cell walls of Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer and were previously thought to be unable to produce EVs. However, recent studies have demonstrated that Gram-positive bacterial EVs are crucial for health and disease. In this review, we have summarized the formation, composition, and characteristics of the contents, resistance to external stress, participation in immune regulation, and other functions of Gram-positive bacterial EVs, as well as their application in clinical diagnosis and treatment, to provide a new perspective to further our understanding of Gram-positive bacterial EVs.
Effectiveness of an online mental health strengthening module to build resilience and overcome stress for transitional aged medical students
Authors: Kaligis Fransiska , Ismail Raden Irawati , Wiguna Tjhin , Prasetyo Sabarinah , Gunardi Hartono , Indriatmi Wresti , Pasaribu Merci Monica , Pandia Veranita , Minayati Kusuma , Magdalena Clarissa Cita , Nurraga Garda Widhi , Pramatirta Billy , Calvin Nicholas , Sourander Andre
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Transitional-aged youths (17-to-24-years-old) are prone to mental-health problems. Students in higher education, especially medical students, are more exposed to stressors and thus need training to increase resilience. However, there have been limited mental-health strengthening modules specifically developed for medical students of transitional age, and none in Indonesia. This study intends to test the effectiveness of an online mental-health strengthening module in altering resilience.

Methods

A pragmatic randomized trial with repeated measurements was employed to evaluate biopsychosocial outcomes of resilience. The intervention module was delivered in 4 weeks to 105 eligible students. Participants were divided into intervention group (n = 52) and control group (n = 53). Outcomes were measured in the 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks. Primary outcome was resilience level as measured by Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) were utilized to measure stress, depression and anxiety. Knowledge and attitude toward mental-health were also measured through validated questionnaires. Stress levels of participants were measured biologically by measuring salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase levels at the baseline and 12th-week.

Results

Compared to the control group, there were no significant difference in resilience score of the intervention group compared to control group [F(1, 103) = 2.243, P = .137]; however, there was a significant main effect of time [F(3, 309) = 18.191, P < .001] and interaction effect between intervention and time in resilience score [F(3, 309) = 5.056, P = .002]. Additionally, compared to the control group, there were significant increases in knowledge [F(1, 103) = 66.805, P < .001], attitudes and behavior towards mental-health [F(1, 103) = 5.191, P = .025], and a significant decrease in stress perception score [F(1, 103) = 27.567, P < .001]. The mean salivary delta cortisol during pre-test and post-test at week 12 in the intervention group showed significant difference (P < .001). However, there was no significant difference in the mean delta salivary alpha-amylase between pre-test and post-test at week 12, both in the intervention and control groups.

Conclusion

The mental-health strengthening module was accepted and applicable to first-year medical students and was found to be effective in increasing resilience from various biopsychosocial aspects. It is also advisable to have similar modules throughout the medical school to maintain sustainability.
In situ U–Pb age determination of apatite from carbonatite and kimberlite in the Batain Basin, eastern Oman
Authors: Sun Jing , Jiang Leiyin , Sun Jiaxuan
Published: October 2023

Northeastern Oman is characterized by carbonatite and kimberlite complexes, which are the ideal samples for studying the relationship between carbonatite and kimberlite. However, the ages of the Oman kimberlite and carbonatite complexes are still unknown, which restricts the understanding of the relationship between carbonatite and kimberlite in Oman. In this study, we use in situ laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) to analyze the apatite from Oman carbonatite, kimberlite, and spessartite. The U–Pb apatite ages are 141.6 ± 6.0 Ma, 137.4 ± 5.2 Ma, and 141.2 ± 6.2 Ma for carbonatite, spessartite (a kind of calc-alkaline lamprophyre), and kimberlite, respectively. These results suggest that the carbonatite and kimberlite were emplaced contemporaneously, followed by calc-alkaline carbonatite (spessartite) emplaced in the Early Cretaceous. The occurrence of carbonatite, kimberlite, and spessartite magmatism of Oman was contemporaneous with the time of the Gondwana breakup during the opening of the Indian Ocean. It is seen that 140 Ma–130 Ma is one of the strongest global kimberlite abundance peaks of the 250 Ma–50 Ma kimberlite bloom, which corresponds with the period of the Pangea supercontinent breakup. The Oman kimberlites and carbonatites are related to a distal effect of the breakup of the Gondwana portion of the Pangea supercontinent, which provided a cool, volatile-fluxed decompression-related circumstance for the formation.
Identifying potential biomarkers for non-obstructive azoospermia using WGCNA and machine learning algorithms
Authors: Tang Qizhen , Su Quanxin , Wei Letian , Wang Kenan , Jiang Tao
Published: October 2023

Objective

The cause and mechanism of non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is complicated; therefore, an effective therapy strategy is yet to be developed. This study aimed to analyse the pathogenesis of NOA at the molecular biological level and to identify the core regulatory genes, which could be utilised as potential biomarkers.

Methods

Three NOA microarray datasets (GSE45885, GSE108886, and GSE145467) were collected from the GEO database and merged into training sets; a further dataset (GSE45887) was then defined as the validation set. Differential gene analysis, consensus cluster analysis, and WGCNA were used to identify preliminary signature genes; then, enrichment analysis was applied to these previously screened signature genes. Next, 4 machine learning algorithms (RF, SVM, GLM, and XGB) were used to detect potential biomarkers that are most closely associated with NOA. Finally, a diagnostic model was constructed from these potential biomarkers and visualised as a nomogram. The differential expression and predictive reliability of the biomarkers were confirmed using the validation set. Furthermore, the competing endogenous RNA network was constructed to identify the regulatory mechanisms of potential biomarkers; further, the CIBERSORT algorithm was used to calculate immune infiltration status among the samples.

Results

A total of 215 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between NOA and control groups (27 upregulated and 188 downregulated genes). The WGCNA results identified 1123 genes in the MEblue module as target genes that are highly correlated with NOA positivity. The NOA samples were divided into 2 clusters using consensus clustering; further, 1027 genes in the MEblue module, which were screened by WGCNA, were considered to be target genes that are highly correlated with NOA classification. The 129 overlapping genes were then established as signature genes. The XGB algorithm that had the maximum AUC value (AUC=0.946) and the minimum residual value was used to further screen the signature genes. IL20RB, C9orf117, HILS1, PAOX, and DZIP1 were identified as potential NOA biomarkers. This 5 biomarker model had the highest AUC value, of up to 0.982, compared to other single biomarker models; additionally, the results of this biomarker model were verified in the validation set.

Conclusions

As IL20RB, C9orf117, HILS1, PAOX, and DZIP1 have been determined to possess the strongest association with NOA, these five genes could be used as potential therapeutic targets for NOA patients. Furthermore, the model constructed using these five genes, which possessed the highest diagnostic accuracy, may be an effective biomarker model that warrants further experimental validation.
Exposure to outdoor artificial light at night and breast cancer risk: a population-based case-control study in two French departments (the CECILE study)
Authors: Prajapati Nirmala , Cordina-Duverger Emilie , Boileau Adélie , Faure Elodie , Guénel Pascal
Published: October 2023

Background

Exposure to outdoor artificial light at night (LAN) disrupts circadian rhythms and is suspected of increasing the risk of breast cancer. To date, this is an understudied aspect of environmental pollution. In this study, we sought to assess the specific role of exposure to outdoor artificial light at night in breast cancer, independently of air pollution-related effects.

Methods

Data from a French population-based case-control study, including 1,185 incident breast cancer cases and 1,282 controls enrolled in 2005–2007, were used. Outdoor LAN exposure data were obtained using radiance-calibrated images from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) for 1995–2006 by cross-referencing the DMSP images and the geocoded locations of residences in ArcGIS. The odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained using logistic regression adjusting for multiple potential confounders, including air pollution.

Results

The OR for overall breast cancer unadjusted for air pollution per interquartile range increase in LAN exposure was 1.05 (95% CI: 0.92–1.20). The OR decreased to 0.98 (95% CI: 0.81–1.17) after adjustment for ambient NO2 levels. Subgroup analyses showed slightly higher ORs in postmenopausal women (OR per IQR increase: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.85–1.35) and a positive association for HER2-positive breast tumors (OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.03–2.31).

Conclusion

Our results do not provide evidence that outdoor LAN exposure is associated with increased risk of breast cancer. However, an association was suggested for the HER2-positive subtype of breast cancer. Further large-scale studies with more precise exposure assessment methods, including blue light and indoor exposure measurements, and considering environmental exposures correlated with LAN exposure such as air pollution, are needed.