bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EMPLOYEE ACCEPTANCE AND SATISFACTION USING E-OFFICE BY HYBRID MODEL BASED ON TAM & ISSM
Authors: Simanjuntak Dita Madonna , Palah Johan Mohammad , Ambarwati Putri
Published: March 2024

E-Office is an electronic mail application both web-based and mobile with the aim of making it easier for users to send, track, and archive letters. The implementation of E-Office applications within agencies certainly has pros and cons from users so it is necessary to do research to find out how users receive E-Office applications. To analyze user acceptance and satisfaction with E-Office applications, it is necessary to test the factors that influence users in utilizing applications. In this study, testing was carried out by combining two models, namely TAM (Technology Acceptance Model) and ISSM (Information System Success Model). The TAM is a widely used model to evaluate user acceptance of new technologies, while the ISSM was developed to analyze successes or failures in the application of information systems. The research method used is quantitative using questionnaire instruments, then the data is analyzed using the R-Square test. The data collected was 50 and then analyzed using SPSS. The user perception criterion shows a number of 0.740 so that the variables of information quality and system quality have a strong correlation with user perception. While both  the criteria for perceived ease of use and user intention show a value above 0.75, which is 0.77 so that the variables of information quality and system quality have a very strong correlation with the perception of ease of use, and the variables of user perception and perception of ease of use have a very strong correlation also to user intentions in using E-Office applications.
PELATIHAN DAN PENDAMPINGAN PENGELOLAAN MEDIA DIGITAL DI PAROKI MATER DEI MADIUN
Authors:   Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya, Setiyo Lorensius Anang , Djokowidodo Agustinus ,   Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya, Andoro Ign. F. Bayu ,   Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya
Published: March 2024

During a pandemic it is not permissible to carry out activities that cause crowds. Worship was diverted to live streaming, as well as worship activities at the Mater Dei Madiun Catholic Church. The creation of social media, websites and YouTube channels has been carried out, but their use has not been maximized. Utilization of the new digital media channel YouTube, and even then live streaming is only used. The problem faced is that social media and websites owned by the parish are not optimal yet, there is no content managed by category groups. The outputs produced in this activity include maximizing the use of digital media and the formation of digital media managers at Mater Dei Madiun Parish.
STRATEGI PENGEMBANGAN DESA TERTINGGAL DENGAN KEGIATAN ABDIMAS BERKELANJUTAN DI DESA CURAH COTTOK, KECAMATAN KAPONGAN, KABUPATEN SITUBONDO, JAWA TIMUR
Authors:   Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya, Joewono Andrew , Anggorowati Adriana Anteng ,   Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya, Sitepu Rasional ,   Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya, Angka Peter R ,   Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya, Rahmawati Dyna ,   Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya
Published: March 2024

Peranan perguruan tinggi dalam membantu penyelesaian permasalahan masyarakat, salah satunya adalah dengan membuat kegiatan pengabdian pada masyarakat (Abdimas), yang mempunyai arah dan berkelanjutan, sesuai dengan visi dari daerah tersebut, yang dituangkan dalam roadmap kegiatan, yang bersifat multidisiplin, karena permasalahan masyarakat tidak dapat diselesaikan dengan satu disiplin ilmu saja.
ISU IDENTITAS DAN HIBRIDITAS DALAM NOVEL THE GOD OF SMALL THINGS (1996) KARYA ARUNDHATI ROY
Authors: Ayu Ratna Ningtyas
Published: March 2024

The God of Small Things karya Arundhati Roy mengangkat narasi tentang potret masyarakat India pascakemerdekaan. Isu sosial dan permasalahan identitas budaya yang tergambar dari tokoh-tokoh dalam novel terkait erat dengan wacana pascakolonial. Warisan historis dan kodisi sosial masyarakat pascakolonial menjadi jembatan terbentuknya krisis identitas yang dipenuhi dengan ambiguitas. Para tokoh perlu memiliki strategi dalam merespon krisis identitas sehingga memunculkan hibriditas para tokoh dalam novel. Teori hibriditas Homi Bhabha digunakan untuk menganalisa hibriditas tokoh yang terbentuk melalui pengamatan terhadap tokoh-tokoh yang merepresentasikan hibriditas. Hibriditas kemudian digunakan sebagai media negosiasi para tokoh dalam merespon keberadaan “ruang ketiga” yang mereka huni.
Keeping the Gweagal Shield: Property and Truth in Matters of Post-colonial Redistribution
Authors: Keenan Sarah
Published: March 2024

For decades, the British Museum has been displaying an object in its collection as the shield which was used by Gweagal men defending against Cook’s landing at Kamay in 1770. Following a loan of the shield to the National Museum of Australia in 2015/2016, Gweagal man Rodney Kelly lodged a claim with the British Museum asking for the shield to be repatriated. Soon after, the British Museum facilitated and partly funded research which aimed ‘to test the argument – or widely held belief – that the shield was collected at Botany Bay in 1770’ ( Nugent and Sculthorpe 2018 , 37). The research all but concluded that the shield was not collected at Cook’s landing, and that that shield, if it exists, is now lost ( Thomas 2018 , 25). Despite this questioning of the shield’s identity, it remains on prominent display in the British Museum’s Enlightenment room. In this article, I critically examine the new research on the shield, making two related arguments. I argue first that the research is conceptually limited because it assumes that the Gweagal shield is an empirically definable object of property, and second that the research is practically limited because it has been produced in a material context through which the British Museum has reasserted its control and possession of the shield. Engaging with a range of scholarship that uses different methodologies from those used in the research in question, I argue that the ‘truth’ about the shield cannot be found while it continues to be kept as the British Museum’s property.
An Insight into Principals' Implementation of Exclusionary Discipline Measures in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Leete Nicola
Published: March 2024

All children in New Zealand have a legal right to an education. Yet, over the last five years over 20,000 decisions have been made annually to temporarily or permanently deny students of this right by removing them from school on disciplinary grounds. Surprisingly, little is known in Aotearoa New Zealand about the way in which the relevant law is interpreted and applied by those who make these decisions: principals. Responding to concerns over variation across schools in their rates of removals, this article presents findings from a socio-legal research study that explored secondary school principals' implementation of exclusionary discipline measures. The findings highlight significant variation in principals' interpretation and application of the statutory grounds for removing students from school. The implications of the study results are discussed with a particular focus on children's rights. Recommendations are made for law and policy reform, along with professional development.
MEMBANGUN BUDAYA BELAJAR MELALUI KOMUNITAS BELAJAR DALAM PENINGKATAN HASIL BELAJAR PESERTA DIDIK
Authors: Salamah Evi Rizqi , Tiyas Rifayanti Zuni Eka , Trisnawaty Wulan , Fitra Raharja Hawwin
Published: March 2024

Kurangnya pemahaman tentang Komunitas Belajar, khususnya bagaimana membangun dan mengoptimalkan komunitas belajar di sekolah SDN Wringrejo IV menjadi salah satu tujuan dilaksanakan kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat. Kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat (PkM) ini bertujuan untuk memberikan pelatihan bagi guru-guru SDN Wringinrejo IV untuk dapat membangun budaya belajar melalui komunitas belajar dan peningkatan hasil belajar peserta didik dan juga meningkatkan pemahaman tentang Komunitas Belajar terutama tentang cara membangun dan mengoptimalkan Komunitas Belajar untuk meningkatkan kemampuan guru terutama terkait dengan peningkatan hasil belajar siswa. Metode PkM ini ialah pelatihan lokakarya digunakan untuk membantu membangun komunitas belajar dan mengoptimalkannya di sekolah mitra. Tujuan dari metode ini adalah untuk meningkatkan kemampuan guru dengan berbagi informasi dan berdiskusi tentang hasil belajar. Dengan menerapkan PKM, mitra belajar tahu tentang pentingnya Komunitas Belajar di sekolah, terutama tentang bagaimana membangun dan optimalisasi Komunitas Belajar di sekolah untuk meningkatkan kemampuan guru dan budaya belajar di sekolah, dengan 100% kehadiran peserta dan 87% pemahaman materi.
SOSIALISASI PENGGUNAAN INTERNET MARKETING PADA UKM BATIK JATIPELEM
Authors: Mayasari Andhika , Farida Afiatna Fatma Ayu Nuning , Muflihah Nur
Published: March 2024

Perkembangan usaha batik di Indonesia terus meningkat dan mengalami perkembangan serta semakin memiliki peranan penting di dalam bagian dari kehidupan sosial budaya serta usaha industri. Upaya dalam meningkatkan kinerja dan keunggulan yang kompetitif tidak semudah yang dibayangkan karena banyak UKM batik yang konservatif dan menolak inovasi. Permasalahan yang saat ini dihadapi UKM di bidang industri kerajinan, khususnya UKM Batik Jatipelem yaitu permasalahan dalam pemasaran Batik Jatipelem yang kurang diketahui oleh masyarakat secara luas, sehingga perlu adanya inovasi dalam bidang pemasaran. Orientasi pasar yang berfokus pada situasi saat ini penting untuk meningkatkan keunggulan kompetitif yang akan mengarah pada kelangsungan hidup bisnis yang ada, Pada program pengabdian ini dilakukan sosialisasi penggunaan internet marketing pada UKM Batik Jatipelem. Internet marketing memanfaatkan kekuatan internet dan teknologi digital untuk mencapai tujuan pemasaran, seperti meningkatkan kesadaran merk, menghasilkan prospek, meningkatkan penjualan, dan membangun hubungan dengan pelanggan. Pelaksanaan pengabdian kepada masyarakat dalam sosialisasi penggunaan internet marketing di UKM Batik Jatipelem dapat dilakukan melalui beberapa tahapan yang terstruktur Sosialisasi penggunaan internet marketing di UKM Batik dapat menjadi langkah yang penting untuk membantu UKM Batik memanfaatkan potensi pemasaran secara online dan memperluas jangkauan pasar.
Preventing pandemics, improving food security: sustainable control of vaccine preventable animal disease in resource-limited settings
Authors: Alders Robyn
Published: March 2024

From a One Health perspective, pandemics can be considered a symptom of deeper systemic problems. Reports of emerging infectious disease outbreaks have increased significantly over the past century, largely due to anthropogenic drivers such as: increasing populations of humans and domestic animals (livestock and companion animals); deforestation due to land clearance for cropping, pastures and urbanisation; globalisation of trade (including trade in wild animals) and travel; and climate change. In this time of economic uncertainty and growing existential threats, national governments, the private sector and households must assess how best to simultaneously address multiple challenges. To deliver actions designed to prevent pandemics that achieve cost-effective results in the medium- to long-term, they must also align with programs that support biodiversity gains, climate resilience, food and nutrition security and reduced antimicrobial resistance. Improved control of vaccine preventable animal disease can contribute significantly to: reducing the risk of pandemics of zoonotic origin by increasing the disease surveillance sensitivity, reducing consumption of animals that died of disease and improving relations between animal keepers and animal health authorities; reducing the inappropriate use of antimicrobials; improving access to safe animal-source food which is vital for children, women of reproductive age and the elderly and is lacking in many resource-poor settings; and, improved livestock productivity reducing the need to covert more land for agricultural purposes, reducing associated greenhouse gas emissions and incentives to hunt wild animals.
H2O Algorithm for Jatropha Curcas Disease Identification with Feature Selection using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Ramadhani Rahmat , Saragih Triando Hamonangan , Haekal Muhammad
Published: March 2024

Jatropha curcas is a plant that can be used as a substitute for diesel fuel. Lack of knowledge of farmers and the limited number of experts and extension agents into the problem of dealing with the disease Jatropha curcas plant which resulted in lower quality of Jatropha curcas. H2O Algorithm can be used for Jatropha Curcas disease identification. Based on previous research, H2O Algorithm gave 96.066%. In this research, we used Genetic Algorithm to do feature selection. H2O algorithm with feature selection gave average accuracy 97.03%, that means were better than without feature selection. The parameters that we got are number of populations 600, crossover rate 0.8 and mutation rate 0.2, and number of iterations 400. However, the time spent using feature selection is so longer than without feature selection.
Magnetically actuated sonodynamic nanorobot collectives for potentiated ovarian cancer therapy
Authors: Zhou Yixuan , Cao Ziqi , Jiang Lixian , Chen Ying , Cui Xiaoyu , Wu Jianrong , Xie Xue , Wang Longchen , Ying Tao
Published: March 2024

Ovarian cancer presents a substantial challenge due to its high mortality and recurrence rates among gynecological tumors. Existing clinical chemotherapy treatments are notably limited by drug resistance and systemic toxic side effects caused by off target drugs. Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has emerged as a promising approach in cancer treatment, motivating researchers to explore synergistic combinations with other therapies for enhanced efficacy. In this study, we developed magnetic sonodynamic nanorobot (Fe3O4@SiO2-Ce6, FSC) by applying a SiO2 coating onto Fe3O4 nanoparticle, followed by coupling with the sonosensitizer Ce6. The magnetic FSC nanorobot collectives could gather at fixed point and actively move to target site regulated by magnetic field. In vitro experiments revealed that the magnetic FSC nanorobot collectives enabled directional navigation to the tumor cell area under guidance. Furthermore, under low-intensity ultrasonic stimulation, FSC nanorobot collectives mediated sonodynamic therapy exhibited remarkable anti-tumor performance. These findings suggest that magnetically actuated sonodynamic nanorobot collectives hold promising potential for application in target cancer therapy.
Photoinduced radical tandem annulation of 1,7-diynes: an approach for divergent assembly of functionalized quinolin-2(1H)-ones
Authors: Chen Daixiang , Song Zhi-Jie , Yan Shenghu , Li Guigen , Wang Jia-Yin , Zhang Yue
Published: March 2024

The first photocatalytic trichloromethyl radical-triggered annulative reactions of amide-linked 1,7-diynes with polyhalomethanes were established for the flexible assembly of functionalized quinolin-2(1H)-ones with generally acceptable yields. With the installation of the aryl group (R1) into the alkynyl moiety, C-center radical-initiated Kharasch-type addition/nucleophilic substitution/elimination cascade to produce quinolin-2(1H)-ones-incorporating gem-dihaloalkene, whereas three examples of polyhalogenated quinolin-2(1H)-ones were afforded when amide-linked 1,7-diynes bearing two terminal alkyne units were subjected to BrCX3 by exploiting dry acetonitrile as a solvent.
Association between gut microbiota and onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Hongyan , Ma Li , Peng Wenbo , Wang Bing , Sun Yongning
Published: March 2024

Aim

Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis has been used in the exploration of the role of gut microbiota (GM) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, it was limited to the genus level. This study herein aims to investigate the relationship of GM, especially at the species level, with T2DM in order to provide some evidence for further exploration of more specific GM taxa and pathway abundance in T2DM.

Methods

This two-sample MR study was based on the summary statistics of GM from the available genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis conducted by the MiBioGen consortium as well as the Dutch Microbiome Project (DMP), whereas the summary statistics of T2DM were obtained from the FinnGen consortium released data. Inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, strength test (F), and weighted median methods were used to examine the causal association between GM and the onset of T2DM. Cochran’s Q statistics was employed to quantify the heterogeneity of instrumental variables. Bonferroni’s correction was conducted to correct the bias of multiple testing. We also performed reverse causality analysis.

Results

The corrected IVW estimates suggested the increased relative abundance of family Oxalobacteraceae (OR = 1.0704) and genus Oxalobacter (OR = 1.0874), respectively, were associated with higher odds of T2DM, while that of species faecis (OR = 0.9460) had a negative relationship with T2DM. The relationships of class Betaproteobacteria, family Lactobacillaceae, species finegoldii, and species longum with T2DM were also significant according to the IVW results (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

GM had a potential causal association with T2DM, especially species faecis, finegoldii, and longum. Further studies are still needed to clarify certain results that are contradictory with previous findings.
A poisonous cocktail: interplay of cereulide toxin and its structural isomers in emetic Bacillus cereus
Authors: Kranzler Markus , Walser Veronika , Stark Timo D. , Ehling-Schulz Monika
Published: March 2024

Food intoxications evoked by emetic Bacillus cereus strains constitute a serious threat to public health, leading to emesis and severe organ failure. The emetic peptide toxin cereulide, assembled by the non-ribosomal peptide synthetase CesNRPS, cannot be eradicated from contaminated food by usual hygienic measures due to its molecular size and structural stability. Next to cereulide, diverse chemical variants have been described recently that are produced concurrently with cereulide by CesNRPS. However, the contribution of these isocereulides to the actual toxicity of emetic B. cereus, which produces a cocktail of these toxins in a certain ratio, is still elusive. Since cereulide isoforms have already been detected in food remnants from foodborne outbreaks, we aimed to gain insights into the composition of isocereulides and their impact on the overall toxicity of emetic B. cereus. The amounts and ratios of cereulide and isocereulides were determined in B. cereus grown under standard laboratory conditions and in a contaminated sample of fried rice balls responsible for one of the most severe food outbreaks caused by emetic B. cereus in recent years. The ratios of variants were determined as robust, produced either under laboratory or natural, food-poisoning conditions. Examination of their actual toxicity in human epithelial HEp2-cells revealed that isocereulides A-N, although accounting for only 10% of the total cereulide toxins, were responsible for about 40% of the total cytotoxicity. An this despite the fact that some of the isocereulides were less cytotoxic than cereulide when tested individually for cytotoxicity. To estimate the additive, synergistic or antagonistic effects of the single variants, each cereulide variant was mixed with cereulide in a 1:9 and 1:1 binary blend, respectively, and tested on human cells. The results showed additive and synergistic impacts of single variants, highlighting the importance of including not only cereulide but also the isocereulides in routine food and clinical diagnostics to achieve a realistic toxicity evaluation of emetic B. cereus in contaminated food as well as in patient samples linked to foodborne outbreaks. Since the individual isoforms confer different cell toxicity both alone and in association with cereulide, further investigations are needed to fully understand their cocktail effect.
AflaILVB/G/I and AflaILVD are involved in mycelial production, aflatoxin biosynthesis, and fungal virulence in Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Zhao Yarong , Huang Chulan , Zeng Rui , Chen Peirong , Xu Kaihang , Huang Xiaomei , Wang Xu
Published: March 2024

Aflatoxins (AFs) are produced by fungi such as Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus and are one of the most toxic mycotoxins found in agricultural products and food. Aflatoxin contamination, which requires the control of A. flavus, remains problematic because of the lack of effective strategies and the exploration of new compounds that can inhibit A. flavus growth and mycotoxin production is urgently required to alleviate potential deleterious effects. Acetohydroxy acid synthase (AHAS) and dihydroxy acid dehydratase are important enzymes in the biosynthetic pathways of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), including isoleucine, leucine, and valine. Enzymes involved in BCAA biosynthesis are present in bacteria, plants, and fungi, but not in mammals, and are therefore, attractive targets for antimicrobial and herbicide development. In this study, we characterized AflaILVB/G/I and AflaILVD, which encode the catalytic and regulatory subunits of AHAS and dihydroxy acid dehydratase, from the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus flavus. The AflaILVB/G/I and AflaILVD deletion mutant grew slower and produced smaller colonies than the wild-type strain when grown on glucose minimal medium, potato dextrose agar, and yeast extract medium for three days at 28°C, and disruption of AflaILVB/G/I caused a significant reduction in conidia production when grown on all kinds of media. Cellular stress assays determined that all strains were sensitive to H2O2. Importantly, the pathogenicity and aflatoxin production were affected when AflaILVB/G/I and AflaILVD were knocked out, particularly AflaILVB/G/I. A series of genes that encoded enzymes involved in aflatoxin synthesis were downregulated, meaning that the knockout of AflaILVB/G/I influenced aflatoxin synthesis in A. flavus strain WT. Collectively, our results demonstrate the potential value of antifungals targeting AflaILVB/G/I in A. flavus.
The usefulness of SAGE score in predicting high pulse wave velocity in hypertensive patients: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Pereira Luiz Carlos Carneiro , Chagas Patrícia , Barbosa Eduardo Costa Duarte , Barroso Weimar Kunz Sebba , Oliveira Adriana Camargo , Hillesheim Suélen Feijó , Kohlrausch Vitória Carolina , Chemello Diego
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Aortic stiffness assessed by pulse wave velocity (PWV) is an important predictor to evaluate the risk of hypertensive patients. However, it is underutilized in clinical practice. We aimed to identify the optimal cutoff SAGE score that would indicate a risk PWV ≥ 10 m/s in Brazilian ambulatory hypertensive patients.

Materials and methods

A retrospective cohort study. Patients underwent central blood pressure measurement using a validated oscillometric device from August 2020 to December 2021. A ROC curve was constructed using the Youden statistic to define the best score to identify those at high risk for PWV ≥ 10 m/s.

Results

A total of 212 hypertensive individuals were selected. The mean age was 64.0 ± 12.4 years and 57.5% were female. The following comorbidities were present: overweight (47.6%), obesity (34.3%), and diabetes (25.0%). Most of the sample (68.9%) had PWV < 10 m/s. According to Youden's statistic, a cutoff point of 6 provided the optimal combination of sensitivity and specificity for identifying patients with a PWV ≥ 10 m/s. This cutoff achieved sensitivity of 97.0%, and specificity of 82.9%. In clinical practice, however, a cutoff point of 7 (where score values of at least 7 were considered to indicate high risk) had a positive likelihood ratio of 8.2 and a negative likelihood ration of 0.346, making this the ideal choice by accurately excluding patients who are less likely to have PWV ≥ 10 m/s.

Conclusion

A SAGE score ≥7 identified Brazilian hypertensive patients with a high risk of PWV ≥ 10 m/s.
A three-dimensional left atrial motion estimation from retrospective gated computed tomography: application in heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Sillett Charles , Razeghi Orod , Lee Angela W. C. , Solis Lemus Jose Alonso , Roney Caroline , Mannina Carlo , de Vere Felicity , Ananthan Kiruthika , Ennis Daniel B. , Haberland Ulrike , Xu Hao , Young Alistair , Rinaldi Christopher A. , Rajani Ronak , Niederer Steven A.
Published: March 2024

Background

A reduced left atrial (LA) strain correlates with the presence of atrial fibrillation (AF). Conventional atrial strain analysis uses two-dimensional (2D) imaging, which is, however, limited by atrial foreshortening and an underestimation of through-plane motion. Retrospective gated computed tomography (RGCT) produces high-fidelity three-dimensional (3D) images of the cardiac anatomy throughout the cardiac cycle that can be used for estimating 3D mechanics. Its feasibility for LA strain measurement, however, is understudied.

Aim

The aim of this study is to develop and apply a novel workflow to estimate 3D LA motion and calculate the strain from RGCT imaging. The utility of global and regional strains to separate heart failure in patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) with and without AF is investigated.

Methods

A cohort of 30 HFrEF patients with (n = 9) and without (n = 21) AF underwent RGCT prior to cardiac resynchronisation therapy. The temporal sparse free form deformation image registration method was optimised for LA feature tracking in RGCT images and used to estimate 3D LA endocardial motion. The area and fibre reservoir strains were calculated over the LA body. Universal atrial coordinates and a human atrial fibre atlas enabled the regional strain calculation and the fibre strain calculation along the local myofibre orientation, respectively.

Results

It was found that global reservoir strains were significantly reduced in the HFrEF + AF group patients compared with the HFrEF-only group patients (area strain: 11.2 ± 4.8% vs. 25.3 ± 12.6%, P = 0.001; fibre strain: 4.5 ± 2.0% vs. 15.2 ± 8.8%, P = 0.001), with HFrEF + AF patients having a greater regional reservoir strain dyssynchrony. All regional reservoir strains were reduced in the HFrEF + AF patient group, in whom the inferior wall strains exhibited the most significant differences. The global reservoir fibre strain and LA volume + posterior wall reservoir fibre strain exceeded LA volume alone and 2D global longitudinal strain (GLS) for AF classification (area-under-the-curve: global reservoir fibre strain: 0.94 ± 0.02, LA volume + posterior wall reservoir fibre strain: 0.95 ± 0.02, LA volume: 0.89 ± 0.03, 2D GLS: 0.90 ± 0.03).

Conclusion

RGCT enables 3D LA motion estimation and strain calculation that outperforms 2D strain metrics and LA enlargement for AF classification. Differences in regional LA strain could reflect regional myocardial properties such as atrial fibrosis burden.
Imaging tree root systems using ground penetrating radar (GPR) data in Brazil
Authors: Almeida Rocha Amanda , Borges Welitom Rodrigues , Giannoccaro Von Huelsen Mônica , Ferreira Rodrigues de Oliveira e Sousa Frederico Ricardo , Ramalho Maciel Susanne Tainá , de Almeida Rocha Janaína , Baiocchi Jacobson Tamiel Khan
Published: March 2024

Trees sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis, storing it in branches, stems, and roots, where the belowground carbon fraction, approximately ¼ of the total amount, exhibits significant interspecies root biomass variability. Estimating the amount of carbon stored in tree roots of different species is key to understanding an important aspect of climate change and exploring how natural forests, urban tree planting policies, and reforestation projects might help to address it. In this context, one of the most prominent Non-Destructive Testing methods capable of estimating the diameter and length of roots at different depths is ground penetrating radar (GPR). It has been widely used for geological, archaeological, and geotechnical studies due to its accuracy in locating buried material in different contexts, although standards for the correct management of datasets related to belowground root systems are still been developed. This paper reports a GPR signal processing flow to estimate the root diameter of three species of tropical forest trees, and to demonstrate the method’s viability, a dataset was collected in a study area with a 900 MHz shielded antenna. A multi-stage data processing flow is then presented, including raw data, file format conversion, zero-time adjustment, background removal, signal gain, Stolt FK migration, and time-to-depth conversion with hyperbolic adjustment velocity. The resulting data were converted from true amplitude data to a trace envelope. High amplitudes on the envelope section, with lateral continuity in parallel sections, were interpreted as roots. However, the interpretation of outcomes encounters notable complexities, primarily attributable to the intricate nature of subsurface root architectures, the soil matrix characterized by significant clay content, and the co-occurrence of buried materials proximate to the arboreal subjects. Consequently, amplitudes discerned within ground penetrating radar (GPR) 2D sections necessitate cautious interpretation, as they are not immediately indicative of subsurface roots. To overcome this difficulty, this study used direct measurements of the roots in the field, to confirm the GPR data. Despite these complexities, the study demonstrates GPR’s efficacy, particularly in the uppermost soil layer-a pivotal carbon reservoir with a 96% correlation (R2) between GPR-derived coarse-root diameter estimates and field measurements.
Talk the talk and walk the walk: a novel training for medical students to promote decoloniality in global health
Authors: Ratner Leah , Sridhar Shela , Owusu Sheila , Rosman Samantha L. , Molina Rose L. , Kasper Jennifer
Published: March 2024

To date, the history of colonialism has permeated nearly every aspect of our conceptions, structures, and practices of global health; yet, there are no published medical school curricula aimed at promoting decoloniality in global health. We developed a pilot course for medical students to examine the history of colonialism, power, and positionality; promote self-reflection; and teach strategies for dismantling coloniality in global health. This five-part course was offered to students completing a scholarly project in global health with a mixed in-person/virtual format and online pre-session preparation materials. A pre-course survey on prior experiences in global health and self-efficacy was administered, and a reflection piece was analyzed for themes. After completion of the course, the students again completed the self-efficacy questionnaire, a course feedback survey and a semi-structured interview that was analyzed for themes. On average, the students felt that the course was relevant to their global health scholarly project and that the course met their learning objectives. There was a trend toward increased self-efficacy in decoloniality knowledge and skills following the course. In the post-course structured interviews, students raised issues reflected in the course materials including local project leadership; how identity, privilege and positionality influence relationships and the ability to attain mutual trust; project sustainability; and power dynamics. Undergraduate medical education in global health equity and decoloniality can play an important role in teaching future generations to dismantle the colonialism ingrained in global health and reimagine a global health practice based on equitable partnerships, community needs, and local leadership.
Practice effects of personalized interventions with interdisciplinary teamwork in type 2 diabetes remission: a retrospective study
Authors: Tian Xiaona , Tang Yujin , Hu Rongrui , Ye Jianhong , Chen Haixin , Wu Junjie
Published: March 2024

Objectives

A retrospective analysis of the clinical outcomes of personalized interventions for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in an interdisciplinary team.

Methods

Under the guidance of an interdisciplinary team, 40 patients with T2DM underwent a systematic examination at the beginning of the intervention, 3 months after the intervention, and 3 months of follow-up at the end of the intervention (i.e., at 6 months). Key indicators such as fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour postprandial glucose (2hPG), fasting insulin level (FINS), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood lipids, and body mass index (BMI) were measured.

Results

After the 3-month intervention, participants’ BMI, FPG, 2hPG, FINS, and HbA1c improved significantly, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05).These metrics remained essentially stable at the 3-month follow-up. Of all the participants, 92.5% (37 cases in total) successfully discontinued their medication after 3 months of intervention, of which 80% (32 cases) remained stable during the 3-month follow-up after discontinuation, fulfilling the criteria for remission of T2DM; 2 cases successfully reduced the dose of their medication, and only 1 case was maintained on the original treatment.

Conclusions

Through an interdisciplinary team intervention strategy, we significantly optimized the glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and BMI status of patients with T2DM, making diabetes remission an achievable goal, which provides valuable experience for further optimization of diabetes prevention and control protocols.
Case report: Long term response to growth hormone in a child with Silver-Russell syndrome-like phenotype due to a novel paternally inherited IGF2 variant
Authors: Ventresca Silvia , Lepri Francesca Romana , Criscuolo Sabrina , Bottaro Giorgia , Novelli Antonio , Loche Sandro , Cappa Marco
Published: March 2024

Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS, OMIM, 180860) is a rare genetic disorder with a wide spectrum of symptoms. The most common features are intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), poor postnatal development, macrocephaly, triangular face, prominent forehead, body asymmetry, and feeding problems. The diagnosis of SRS is based on a combination of clinical features. Up to 60% of SRS patients have chromosome 7 or 11 abnormalities, and <1% show abnormalities in IGF2 signaling pathway genes (IGF2, HMGA2, PLAG1 and CDKN1C). The underlying genetic cause remains unknown in about 40% of cases (idiopathic SRS). We report a novel IGF2 variant c.[-6-2A>G] (NM_000612) in a child with severe IUGR and clinical features of SRS and confirm the utility of targeted exome sequencing in patients with negative results to common genetic analyses. In addition, we report that long-term growth hormone treatment improves height SDS in this patient.
Gene expression analyses of GH/IGF axis in triploid crucian carp with growth heterosis
Authors: Qing Weiling , Ren Bingxin , Lou Chenyi , Zhong Huan , Zhou Yi , Liu Shaojun
Published: March 2024

Hybridization and polyploid breeding are the main approaches used to obtain new aquaculture varieties. Allotriploid crucian carp (3n) with rapid growth performance was generated by mating red crucian carp (RCC) with allotetraploids (4n). Fish growth is controlled by the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis. In the present study, we examined the expression characteristics of GH/IGF axis genes in hybrids F1, 4n, 3n, RCC and common carp (CC). The results showed that GHRa, GHRb, IGF1, IGF2, and IGF-1Ra were highly expressed in 3n compared with RCC and CC, whereas IGF3 was undetectable in the liver in RCC, CC and 3n. GHRa and GHRb had low expression in the 4n group. In hybrid F1, GHRa expression was low, whereas GHRb was highly expressed compared to the levels in RCC and CC. Moreover, in hybrid F1, the expression of IGF3 was higher, and the expression of IGF1 and IGF2 was lower than that in the RCC and CC, whereas the expression of IGF-1Ra was similar to that in RCC and CC. For the IGFBP genes, IGFBP1 had higher expression in 3n compared than that in RCC and CC, while other IGFBP genes were not high expressed in 3n. Among the genes detected in this study, 11 genes were nonadditively expressed in 3n, with 5 genes in the transgressive upregulation model. We proposed that the 11 nonadditive expression of GH/IGF axis genes is related to growth heterosis in 3n. This evidence provides new insights into hybridization and polyploid breeding from the perspective of hormone regulation.
Quantitative assessment method of new energy output uncertainty based on the prediction error
Authors: Chen Bingsong , Wang Yi , Wei Lei , Hu Zijian
Published: March 2024

With a high percentage of distributed new energy sources connected to the power system, the power grid needs to reserve a larger margin to deal with the uncertainty of renewable energy outputs, leading to an increase in the cost of controlling the margins for the safe operation of the power grid. In order to reduce costs and increase efficiency, a quantitative assessment of new energy output uncertainty is needed. In this paper, a quantitative assessment method of new energy output uncertainty based on the prediction error is proposed, which makes use of a graph database to efficiently obtain massive new energy historical data, uses the clustering in quest (CLIQUE) algorithm to cluster the new energy historical data, and calculates the renewable energy real power confidence interval based on a given new energy power prediction, taking account of the impact of prediction errors caused by the new energy uncertainty and realizing the quantitative description of new energy output uncertainty. Finally, the method is calculated and analyzed together with the actual example data to verify the practical effect of the method.
Trees diversity explains variations in biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships across environmental gradients and conservation status in riparian corridors
Authors: Kinnoumè Socrate Mercator Dossou , Gouwakinnou Gérard Nounagnon , Noulèkoun Florent , Balagueman Rodrigue Ogoulonou , Houehanou Thierry Dèhouégnon , Natta Armand Kuyéma
Published: March 2024

Riparian ecosystems are recognized as large reservoirs of biodiversity providing important ecosystem services. However, the relationship between tree species diversity and ecosystem functions and the underlying ecological mechanisms have less been studied in riparian corridors. This study assessed the effect of tree diversity (taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic) on riparian ecosystem functions (habitat quality–HbQ and aboveground carbon–AGC) across environmental gradients (distances to stream bed) and conservation status. Data were collected from 96 inventory plots installed in a 1 km buffer zone on either side of permanent streams in the Upper Ouémé watershed in northern Benin. We employed linear mixed effects models and structural equation modeling to analyze the data. We found that ecosystem functions (HbQ, AGC) and diversity attributes including species richness (SR), Faith’s phylogenetic diversity index (PD) and community-weighted mean of maximum height (CWMHmax) were significantly lower away from the streambed than nearby. The correlation between SR and ecosystem functions was significant and positive across and within the distance gradient and conservation status. We also found that the CWMHmax was the best predictor of both ecosystem functions, and that PD mediated the effect of SR on AGC and HbQ in areas close to the streambed and in unprotected areas, respectively. Our study reveals the influence of human activities on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning relationships in riparian corridors and provides new insights into the importance of tall stature trees and species with distant lineages for the functioning of these ecosystems. Based on the variables measured and tested in this study, we argue that riparian corridor management policies should consider plant traits and phylogeny and promote wider riparian buffers for the co-benefits of biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.
Seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the school community in Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, October 2021–November 2022
Authors: Stutz Claudia , Alcantara Daniel Maximo Correa , Santos Camila Maria dos , Torres Jaire Marinho , Rodrigues Rudielle , Marcon Glaucia Elisete Barbosa , Ferreira Eduardo de Castro , Sarti Elaine Cristina Fernandes Baez , Oliveira Thiago Fernandes de , Mendes Flavia Maria Lins , Lemos Everton Ferreira , Demarchi Luiz Henrique Ferraz , Lichs Gislene Garcia de Castro , Zardin Marina Castilhos Souza Umaki , Gonçalves Crhistinne Cavalheiro Maymone , Guilhermino Jislaine de Fátima , Perdomo Renata Trentin , Fernandez Zoraida del Carmen
Published: March 2024

Introduction

With the reopening of schools during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it was imperative to understand the role of students and education professionals in the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this paper, we determined the seroprevalence of the SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleocapsid antibodies in the school community in Campo Grande, the capital and most populous city of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (Brazil) and evaluated its association with sex, school level, and school type.

Materials and methods

The survey was carried out in 20 public and private schools in the urban region of Campo Grande using the TR DPP® COVID-19 immunoglobulin M/immunoglobulin G (IgM/IgG) kit from the Immunobiological Technology Institute (Bio-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Testing was carried out in three periods: from October to December 2021; from March to July 2022; and from August to November 2022. The participants were students aged 6–17 years enrolled in primary or secondary schools and professionals of different ages and roles.

Results

During the first testing period, 162 participants were seropositive for the IgM and/or IgG anti-nucleocapsid SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, with an estimated seroprevalence of 19.6% using Bayesian multilevel regression. In the second period, 251 participants were seropositive (estimated seroprevalence, 34.6%), while in the third period, 393 participants were seroconverted (estimated seroprevalence, 56.7%). In 2022, there was an increase in the seroconversion rate compared to that in 2021. The most frequently described acute manifestations in the three periods were fever, headache, sore throat, and runny nose. In terms of the demographic profile, there was no predominance of seropositivity between the sexes, although women represented approximately 70% of the study population. There were also no differences between students and school staff.

Discussion

The results made it possible to evaluate the extent of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the school community through immunity developed against the virus, in addition to providing information about COVID-19 symptoms in children, adolescents, and adults.
External quality assurance program for diagnostic complement laboratories: evaluation of the results of the past seven years
Authors: Kirschfink Michael , Frazer-Abel Ashley , Balogh Emese , Goseberg Sabine , Weiss Nathalie , Prohászka Zoltán
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The complement external quality assurance (EQA) program was first organized in 2010 by a group of researchers working in diagnostic complement laboratories. Starting in 2016, INSTAND e.V., a German, non-profit interdisciplinary scientific medical society dedicated to providing expert EQA programs for medical laboratories, started organizing the EQAs for complement diagnostic laboratories together with the same group of experienced scientists and doctors who also work as EQA experts. The aim of the current work is to provide descriptive analysis of the past seven years’ complement EQA results and evaluate timeline changes in proficiency testing.

Methods

Each year, in March and October, blinded samples (normal, pathological) were sent to the participating diagnostic laboratories, where complement parameters were evaluated exactly as in daily routine samples. Since no reference method/target values exist for these parameters, and participants used different units for measurement, the reported results were compared to the stable mean (Algorithm A) of the participants using the same method/measurement units. A reported result was qualified as “passed” if it fell into the 30-50% evaluation/target range around the mean of reported results (depending on the given parameter).

Results

While the number of participating laboratories has increased in the past years (from around 120 to 347), the number of complement laboratories providing multiple determinations remained mostly unchanged (around 30 worldwide). C3, C4, C1-inhibitor antigen and activity determinations provided the best proficiency results, with >90% passing quotas in the past years, independent of the applied method. Determination of the functional activity of the three activation pathways was good in general, but results showed large variance, especially with the pathological samples. Complement factor C1q and regulators FH and FI are determined by only a few laboratories, with variable outcomes (in general in the 85-90% pass range). Activation products sC5b-9 and Bb were determined in 30 and 10 laboratories, respectively, with typical passing quotas in the 70-90% range, without a clear tendency over the past years.

Conclusion

With these accumulated data from the past seven years, it is now possible to assess sample-, method-, and evaluation related aspects to further improve proficiency testing and protocolize diagnostic complement determinations.
Co-culturing a multistrain Gram-negative inoculant useful in sustainable agriculture
Authors: Farda Beatrice , Pasquarelli Fabrizia , Djebaili Rihab , Spera Daniela M. , Del Gallo Maddalena , Pellegrini Marika
Published: March 2024

Microbial-based inoculants for agricultural use consist of different strains. The consortia production process involves growing pure cultures separately and combining them in the appropriate ratio. However, the inclusion of multiple strains in the formulation increases production costs. By developing co-culture fermentations, it is possible to create consortia with the correct bacterial charge. This study aims to develop a cost-effective co-culture approach for producing an inoculum that includes the appropriate ratio of four Gram-negative bacteria, i.e., Azospirillum brasilense, Burkholderia ambifaria, Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus, and Herbaspirillum seropedicae. The specific growth rates of strains were studied using the T4 medium, previously optimized for their culture. The co-fermentation process was optimized in 500 mL flasks to attain an equivalent density of 9.7-10 Log CFU mL-1. Then, it was successfully scaled up to a 5 L bioreactor, obtaining an equivalent density of 9.7-9.9 CFU mL-1. This first co-formulation of a four multistrain consortium formed by Gram-negative plant growth-promoting bacteria pave the road for future evaluations of other products useful for sustainable agriculture.