bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Keanekaragaman Ikan Hasil Tangkapan Nelayan di Pelabuhan Pulau Baai Kota Bengkulu
Authors: Hutabarat Naftalia Artaria , Sakti Indra , Sutarno Sutarno , Defianti Aprina , Primairyani Ariefa , Nursa'adah Euis
Published: January 2024

Pulau Baai Port is a crucial resource used as the main sea transportation route for some commodities and goods needed by principals when traveling to or from Bengkulu. Data collection was carried out at three stations The method used to determine stations is purposive sampling. Water quality data collection was also carried out at the three stations. The fish identification method is carried out by looking at morphological characteristics to facilitate classification using the Marine Fishes of the south identification book. A total of 18 species of fish found in the waters of the City of Bengkulu landed at the port Pulau Baai namely white pomfret fish (Pampus argenteus), black pomfret fish (Parastromateus niger), mackerel fish (Scomberomorini), mujair fish (Oreochromis mossambicus), beledang fish (Trichiurus lepturus), next fish (Pleuronectiformes), manyung fish (Arius thalassinus ), kerong kerong fish (Terapon jarbua), sea cork fish (Channa striata), big eye tuba fish (Thunnus obesus), mullet fish (Moolgarda seheli), anchovies (Engraulidae), mackerel fish (Scomberomorini), beleberan fish (Opisthopterus tardoore), Cladi fish (Osphronemus goramy), Kape-kape fish (Pentaprion longimanus), Gulamo fish (Johnius trachycephalus), and Sengin fish (Eleutheronema tetradactylumThen, from the results of calculating the diversity index at these three stations, the values range from 2.46-2.07, (medium). It can be concluded that the results of the ecological analysis at the three stations have moderate diversity with a uniform composition and no species dominates.
Analisis Kesulitan Belajar Siswa Kelas X IPA di SMA Negeri 3 Tebas pada Materi Protista
Authors: Hisdayu Hisdayu , Titin Titin , Tenriawaru Andi Besse
Published: January 2024

Biology is considered difficult for students to study, this condition cannot be separated from the nature of science. Studying science is complex because it emphasizes unification, systematization, combination and analysis of information and concepts. The aim of this research is to measure the level of learning difficulties experienced by class X Science students on Protista material. The method used is a case study. The research subjects were students of class X Science at SMA Negeri 3 Tebas, Sambas Regency. Data collection instruments consist of diagnostic tests, questionnaires and interviews. The results of the research showed that the learning difficulty of class X Science students at SMA Negeri 3 Tebas on Protista material was 91.94% with very high criteria. The factors that influence students' learning difficulties are internal factors of 78.18% with strong criteria, and external factors of 64.14% with strong criteria.
Validation of Genetic Markers for AmpC, AAC, and RNR3 Genes in Potentially Present Pathogens Organisms in Fecal Sludge
Authors: Musyahadah Ummu Syauqah Al , Hamid Radhiyah Mardhiyah , Nasir Alricha
Published: January 2024

The issue of sanitation and water pollution due to fecal waste has become a serious concern in Indonesia, particularly after it was revealed that approximately 70% of the community's drinking water sources are contaminated with human feces. Determining safe waste management requirements necessitates indicators confirming the contamination-free nature of the waste management methods. Pathogen testing indicators for fecal waste are highly diverse. The current standard testing is the culture-based method for microorganisms and microscopy observation for helminths. However, molecular detection tools for these pathogens can give higher sensitivity and specificity in a relatively shorter time of technical processing. In this research, we designed primers for molecular-based diagnostics on three pathogens exhibiting extreme survival capabilities under various environmental conditions. The species-coupled genes are AmpC for Escherichia coli, AAC for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and RNR3 for Ascaris lumbricoides. The design of molecular-based biomarkers and their specificity tests were conducted using web-based bioinformatics programs to prevent unintended dimers. Ultimately, primers were validated by conventional gradient PCR on available positive controls and a sample from processed fecal sludge. The PCR validation test showed that the designed primers were validated to amplify the intended target with the right size without unspecific bands on the positive controls. Meanwhile, the AAC gene for E. coli was detected in the sample from the fecal sludge.
Analysis of Cultural Literacy Learning Based on Local Wisdom to Strengthen the Profile of Pancasila Students
Authors: Andita Septya Bayu , Tirtoni Feri
Published: January 2024

This study aims to analyze local wisdom-based cultural literacy learning to strengthen the profile of Pancasila students in the dimension of Global Diversity integrated into Pancasila Education subjects. The research method employed a descriptive method with a qualitative approach. The subjects of this study were fourth-grade students and teachers of SDN Gelam 1 Candi in the 2023/2024 school year, totalling 24 students. Data collection techniques were carried out through observation, interviews, and documentation. This data analysis technique used interactive model analysis consisting of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. In testing the validity of the data obtained by using the triangulation techniques. The results of this study indicated that local wisdom-based cultural literacy learning can strengthen the profile of Pancasila students in the Global Diversity dimension integrated into Pancasila Education subjects through various learning activities, such as making Pop Up Book of Sidoarjo Local Wisdom and LKPD integrated with local wisdom of Sidoarjo City. In addition, it can also improve the cultural literacy skills of students who can respond to local cultural diversity and cultural issues to face cultural shifts in the future. Students can also show a sense of pride and participate in preserving the local culture of Sidoarjo by making Udeng Pacul Gowang an icon of Sidoarjo City.
DO CHILDREN CARRY A STORK? OR THE IMAGE OF SEXUAL INTERCOURSE DURING SEX COMMUNICATION IN THE FAMILY
Authors: KAMANOVÁ LENKA
Published: January 2024

The aim of the paper is to find out what is the content of sexual communication between mothers and children and how mothers communicate sexual topics with their children. The paper is based on a research investigation in which a qualitative research approach was applied. The data collection tool was a semi-structured interview with 26 mothers who had children aged 12-18 years. Some grounded theory procedures were used in the data analysis. The results show that mothers formulate their messages about sexual intercourse depending on the age of the children and the so-called sexual events that the children have experienced. In terms of form, it turns out that mothers formulate their messages in three forms - sexual facts, sexual lessons, sexual examples. These are variable in terms of the intention that the mother wants to achieve. Mothers apply these forms separately or combine them.
CREATION OF 3D MODELS OF REAL OBJECTS USING CLOSE-RANGE PHOTOGRAMMETRY IN EDUCATION
Authors: TAKÁČ ONDREJ , CZAKÓOVÁ KRISZTINA
Published: January 2024

Nowadays, in a time of rapid development of many scientific disciplines, solutions are emerging that require knowledge from several fields. Promoting cross-curricular relationships is also becoming relevant. Its importance is also clear in higher education. It creates and deepens students' competences and enables them to take a broader view of related or underlying fields. 3D models are a very suitable tool to support cross-curricular relationships, where their importance is not only in the creation of the 3D model itself, but the results obtained in this way are also fully applicable in the educational field as a visualization tool. This is an interesting activity for students, but also the creation of models hides a number of possible complications that can complicate their creation and if the model fails, it can discourage the student. Therefore, it is important to be able to react correctly and choose the appropriate course of action. It is not necessary to obtain new photographs, but manual intervention in the creation of the 3D model is sufficient. The method of creating 3D models and their importance in the educational sphere have already been presented in several of our publications, for example [1-6]. However, practical implementations show that although students are very positive about this activity, they often encounter problems in post-processing. It is on post-processing procedures that we will focus in our paper. Using concrete examples, we will show the three basic editing methods we have proposed (adding manual tie-points; editing a meshed model by removing point clouds and properly removing the visible part of the model), which once mastered, students will be able to solve most problems in the creation of 3D models without deeper technical knowledge.
Edukasi Pemanfaatan Tanaman Asam Jawa dan Saffron sebagai Antidiabetes bagi Masyarakat Desa Tengah Pancur Batu, Deli Serdang
Authors: Nasution Pratiwi Rukmana , Masrah Masrah , Nasution Samihah
Published: January 2024

According to the International Diabetes Federation (2013), currently there are 382 million people living with diabetes. There are 316 million people with impaired glucose tolerance at high risk, an alarming number which is expected to reach 592 million people in 2035. Among the plants that have the potential as anti-diabetic agents are tamarind leaves and saffron plants. This community service activity uses the educational socialization method by conducting counseling and education on how to make tamarind and saffron drinks as anti-diabetic drugs. The purpose of this community service is to provide knowledge regarding education on the use of tamarind and saffron plants for the people of Tengah Pancur Batu Village. The results of Community Service obtained a good knowledge category with the achievement of the level of knowledge of participants before counseling and education in the less (60%) sufficient (27.5%) and good (12.5%) category, after counseling the results of the category increased significantly, namely less 0 ( 0%), enough (15%), and good (85%).
A Trunk Diameter Estimation Mobile App for the Masses: Extended version
Authors: Feng Zhengpeng , Xie Mingyue , Holcomb Amelia , Keshav Srinivasan
Published: January 2024

Forest inventories can monitor changes in forest carbon sinks and assess forest biodiversity, which is crucial for studying the role of forests in responding to climate change. In recent years, methods for implementing parts of forest surveys on smartphones have often only been supported on specialized devices or a limited number of models. Most methods also assume a large spacing between trees and unoccluded trunks, and hence are unable to cope with realistic forest environments. We present an intuitive mobile application that can run on most common Android devices and estimate tree diameter in near real-time from a single image capture. We collected 154 samples in three countries across varying latitudes, testing our app in challenging conditions including occlusion, leaning trees, and irregular shapes. Our algorithm has a MAE of 2.31 cm and an RMSE of 3.16 cm. In addition to ensuring measurement accuracy, diameter measurement using our app is approximately 5 times faster than traditional manual surveying. Our research offers a low-cost, accurate solution for rapid trunk diameter measurement, expanding its applicability to a wider range of smartphone models and field scenarios.
Delivery of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy combined with human-delivered telepsychology in tinnitus sufferers through a chatbot-based mobile app
Authors: Bardy Fabrice , Jacquemin Laure , Wong Cara L. , Maslin Michael R. D. , Purdy Suzanne C. , Thai-Van Hung
Published: January 2024

Background

While there is no cure for tinnitus, research has shown that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in managing clinical sequelae. Although traditional CBT is labor-intensive and costly, new online consultations may improve accessibility. Moreover, there is promise in an engaging conversational agent, or a “chatbot,” delivering CBT in a conversation-like manner and allowing users to work through complex situations with the guidance of a virtual coach. Currently, there is little research examining a possible hybrid model using iCBT and tele consultation with a psychologist.

Methods

A randomized, 2 parallel-group trial was conducted to compare the clinical effectiveness of (1) iCBT delivered through a chatbot mobile app (i.e., Tinnibot only group) (2) Tinnibot combined with telepsychology (i.e., hybrid-intervention group). A total of 30 eligible adults with tinnitus were included. After an 8-week intervention period, participants were followed up for 2 months. The primary outcome measure, the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI), and the secondary outcome measures, Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), were assessed before treatment, post-treatment, and at follow-up.

Results

The TFI decreased significantly over time in both groups, with a trend for a larger improvement in the group that received telepsychology. At post-treatment, a clinically significant improvement was observed in 42% of the Tinnibot-only group and 64% of the hybrid-intervention group. At follow-up, this was 64% for both groups. The secondary outcome measures, PHQ-9 and GAD-7 improved significantly over time, but the HQ did not.

Discussion

Internet-based delivery of CBT is effective in decreasing tinnitus distress, and levels of anxiety and depression, which is more relevant today than ever in the context of a global pandemic that has challenged the delivery of face-to-face intervention. The addition of telepsychology might be beneficial, but not essential for the effectiveness of treatment. There is a need for further research to determine whether there is any relationship between the characteristics of tinnitus patients and the success of the different modes of delivery of therapy.
Progress in injectable hydrogels for the treatment of incompressible bleeding: an update
Authors: Wang Xiudan , Yang Xinran , Sun Zhiguang , Guo Xiaoqin , Teng Yanjiao , Hou Shike , Shi Jie , Lv Qi
Published: January 2024

Uncontrollable haemorrhage from deep, noncompressible wounds remains a persistent and intractable challenge, accounting for a very high proportion of deaths in both war and disaster situations. Recently, injectable hydrogels have been increasingly studied as potential haemostatic materials, highlighting their enormous potential for the management of noncompressible haemorrhages. In this review, we summarize haemostatic mechanisms, commonly used clinical haemostatic methods, and the research progress on injectable haemostatic hydrogels. We emphasize the current status of injectable hydrogels as haemostatic materials, including their physical and chemical properties, design strategy, haemostatic mechanisms, and application in various types of wounds. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of injectable hydrogels as haemostatic materials, as well as the opportunities and challenges involved. Finally, we propose cutting-edge research avenues to address these challenges and opportunities, including the combination of injectable hydrogels with advanced materials and innovative strategies to increase their biocompatibility and tune their degradation profile. Surface modifications for promoting cell adhesion and proliferation, as well as the delivery of growth factors or other biologics for optimal wound healing, are also suggested. We believe that this paper will inform researchers about the current status of the use of injectable haemostatic hydrogels for noncompressible haemorrhage and spark new ideas for those striving to propel this field forward.
A computational approach for categorizing street segments in urban street networks based on topological properties
Authors: Chen Hsiao-Hui , Mumm Olaf , Carlow Vanessa Miriam
Published: January 2024

Street classification is fundamental to transportation planning and design. Urban transportation planning is mostly based on function-based classification schemes (FCS), which classifies streets according to their respective requirements in the pre-defined hierarchy of the urban street network (USN). This study proposes a computational approach for a network-based categorization of street segments (NSC). The main objectives are, first, to identify and describe NSC categories, second, to examine the spatial distribution of street segments from FCS and NSC within a city, and third, to compare FCS and NSC to identify similarities and differences between the two. Centrality measures derived from network science are computed for each street segment and then clustered based on their topological importance. The adaption of clustering, which is a numerical categorization technique, potentially facilitates the integration with other analytical processes in planning and design. The quantitative description of street characteristics obtained by this method is suitable for development of new knowledge-based planning approaches. When extensive data or knowledge of the real performance of streets are not available or costly, this method provides an objective categorization from those data sets that are readily available. The method can also assign the segments that are categorized as “unclassified” in FCS to the categories in the NSC scheme. Since centrality metrics are associated with the functioning of USNs, the comparison between FCS and NSC not only contributes to the understanding and description of the fine variations in topological properties of the segments within each FCS class but also supports the identification of the mismatched segments, where reassessment and adjustment is required, for example, in terms of planning and design.
A case study on the implementation of location tracking technologies for productivity monitoring: understanding workers’ acceptance and socio-technical implications
Authors: Murguia Danny , Urbina Alonso , Zhao Jianyu , Oti-Sarpong Kwadwo , Seppänen Olli , Brioso Xavier
Published: January 2024

Automated real-time data collection is becoming more prevalent in construction, with workers’ location data being a pivotal component in detecting poor logistics and inefficient construction flows. However, the collection of location data for productivity monitoring raises significant concerns about privacy and wellbeing implications for workers. Implementing such technological solutions requires an understanding of how humans may respond to sensor-based automated data collection, making this a socio-technical issue. This study identifies the drivers of construction workers’ acceptance of radio-based location tracking technology for productivity measurement using a modified Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and offers a sociotechnical understanding of technology acceptance with implications for managing how new technologies are introduced on construction projects. Using a large residential project in Lima, Peru as a case study, construction workers were monitored using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, and data were gathered using mixed methods. A k-means clustering analysis showed two forms of acceptance among workers: supporters (37%) and acceptance with reservations (63%). Partial least squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) results showed that perceived usefulness and perceived stress underpinned workers’ attitudes and intention to accept the technology. Perceived privacy risk, however, emerged as the sole most significant predictor at the end of the monitoring process. Findings further suggest that workers’ acceptance of the technology is influenced by the perception that it is also beneficial for safety management. Building on the preceding, the paper highlights the need for employee orientation focused on addressing perceived privacy concerns by leveraging positive perceptions about using monitoring technologies for improving onsite safety, logistics and productivity. This requires management of construction firms to develop narratives that reflect their goals for rolling out technologies in ways that ensure workers’ buy-in, and a re-focus on problem framing and collective approaches to identifying functional and less intrusive forms of monitoring technologies.
Clinical features and risk factors of liver injury in patients with Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia- a retrospective analysis
Authors: Guo Xuejing , Zhu Dan , Chen Hui
Published: January 2024

Background

Research into the effects of Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia on the liver has emerged in the last few years. However, no studies have systematically described liver injury in patients with psittacosis. We present the first report on the clinical features and risk factors of liver injury in patients with Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia.

Methods

We retrospectively collected the clinical parameters for 46 patients with Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia admitted to Jinhua Central Hospital from January 2019 to February 2023. We analyzed the liver function parameters and summarized the clinical characteristics and risk factors of liver injury.

Results

Among the 46 patients, 39 (84.8%) had abnormal liver function, and 23 (50.0%) had liver injury. The ratio of patients with a history of alcohol consumption (39.1% vs. 4.3%, P =0.004) or severe pneumonia (56.5% vs. 26.1%, P =0.036) was higher in the liver injury group compared with the non-liver injury group. Laboratory tests showed higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in the liver injury group (P <0.001). The optimal cut-off LDH level associated with liver injury was 473 IU/L as determined by ROC curve analysis. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that a history of alcohol consumption (odds ratio [OR] = 11.251; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.022 ~ 123.897, P =0.048) and an LDH level of ≥ 473IU/L (OR = 11.635, 95% CI = 1.832 ~ 73.869, P =0.009) were independent risk factors for liver injury.

Conclusions

A history of alcohol consumption and an LDH level of over 473 IU/L are independent risk factors for Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia-related liver injury. It is recommended that particular attention be given to monitoring and evaluating liver function parameters when treating patients with Chlamydia psittaci pneumonia who have a high LDH level and history of alcohol consumption.
Feminist HCI and narratives of design semantics in DIY music hardware
Authors: Jawad Karolina , Xambó Sedó Anna
Published: January 2024

Feminist Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) integrates gender, diversity, equity, and social justice into technology research and design, fostering a more inclusive and socially aware technology landscape. This article explores the design semantics of ten Do-it-Yourself (DIY) musical instruments created by women builders. Design semantics refers to the associations conveyed by designed objects so as to identity, emotions, performance or the environment and their sensory qualities such as shape, size, touch or vision. Together these associations and qualities can establish design narratives that influence the way meaning is ascribed. We conduct an analysis of these instruments to answer the question of how fabulations of design semantics, through the lens of feminist HCI principles, can reshape our understanding of gender bias in object design within the realm of DIY musical instruments constructed by women builders. Our investigation uncovers a feminist narrative taking shape as we found out that DIY instruments design contributes to the fabulation of alternative futures that challenge prevalent current gender expectations associated with commercial music hardware. DIY instruments provide a platform for questioning established gender norms, enabling the development of technologies that embrace diverse perspectives and maintain a technical identity.
Complexity of the online distrust ecosystem and its evolution
Authors: Illari Lucia , Restrepo Nicholas J. , Johnson Neil F.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Collective human distrust—and its associated mis/disinformation—is one of the most complex phenomena of our time, given that approximately 70% of the global population is now online. Current examples include distrust of medical expertise, climate change science, democratic election outcomes—and even distrust of fact-checked events in the current Israel-Hamas and Ukraine-Russia conflicts.

Methods: Here we adopt the perspective of the system being a complex dynamical network, in order to address these questions. We analyze a Facebook network of interconnected in-built communities (Facebook Page communities) totaling roughly 100 million users who, prior to the pandemic, were just focused on distrust of vaccines.

Results: Mapping out this dynamical network from 2019 to 2023, we show that it has quickly self-healed in the wake of Facebook’s mitigation campaigns which include shutdowns. This confirms and extends our earlier finding that Facebook’s ramp-ups during COVID-19 were ineffective (e.g., November 2020). We also show that the post-pandemic network has expanded its topics and has developed a dynamic interplay between global and local discourses across local and global geographic scales.

Discussion: Hence current interventions that target specific topics and geographical scales will be ineffective. Instead, our findings show that future interventions need to resonate across multiple topics and across multiple geographical scales. Unlike many recent studies, our findings do not rely on third-party black-box tools whose accuracy for rigorous scientific research is unproven, hence raising doubts about such studies’ conclusions–nor is our network built using fleeting hyperlink mentions which have questionable relevance.
New insights of platelet endocytosis and its implication for platelet function
Authors: Zhou Yangfan , Dong Jianzeng , Wang Mengyu , Liu Yangyang
Published: January 2024

Endocytosis constitutes a cellular process in which cells selectively encapsulate surface substances into endocytic vesicles, also known as endosomes, thereby modulating their interaction with the environment. Platelets, as pivotal hematologic elements, play a crucial role not only in regulating coagulation and thrombus formation but also in facilitating tumor invasion and metastasis. Functioning as critical components in the circulatory system, platelets can internalize various endosomal compartments, such as surface receptors, extracellular proteins, small molecules, and pathogens, from the extracellular environment through diverse endocytic pathways, including pinocytosis, phagocytosis, and receptor-mediated endocytosis. We summarize recent advancements in platelet endocytosis, encompassing the catalog of cargoes, regulatory mechanisms, and internal trafficking routes. Furthermore, we describe the influence of endocytosis on platelet regulatory functions and related physiological and pathological processes, aiming to offer foundational insights for future research into platelet endocytosis.
Helical cyclogenesis as an extreme threshold phenomenon in a rotating stratified moist atmosphere
Authors: Levina Galina
Published: January 2024

In this paper, the concept of helical cyclogenesis is discussed, allowing for a unified interpretation of the existence of intense large-scale long-lived vortices in the atmosphere through the transfer of energy from cloud-scale motions. In 2022, the first evidence of such a phenomenon was found at Jovian high latitudes. The theory introduces ideas about large-scale threshold instabilities in turbulence with broken mirror symmetry. Such turbulence, called helical turbulence, occurs in a rotating, stratified, moist atmosphere. The present publication emphasizes the problem of tropical cyclogenesis in the Earth’s atmosphere. In the case of tropical cyclones, these ideas allowed, for the first time, the development of a procedure for the exact diagnosis of the emergence of large-scale helical-vortex instability and interpretation of this event as the birth of a tropical cyclone. Our very simple diagnostics and lucid quantitative criterion of the tropical cyclogenesis are discussed in the context of their successful application to two distinct idealized genesis scenarios and three observed tropical cyclones. In all cases, a nascent vortex became energy-self-sustaining and intensifying dozens of hours before the formation of a tropical depression. The pivotal role of rotating cumulonimbus clouds, known as vortical hot towers (VHTs), is highlighted. They are a necessary element both to provide and to diagnose the instability. These main actors of the helical cyclogenesis are illustrated by authors’ photos, satellite imagery, and animation from idealized atmospheric modeling. New fundamental and applied interpretations are offered. The hypothesis on the two-scale vortex dynamo-effect is put forward, which suggests the energy transfer from the VHTs scale, 10–30 km, directly to the mesoscales, hundreds km, of the system circulation of a tropical cyclone. Based on the results of the applied new diagnostics, we propose a definition of tropical cyclogenesis: interpret the onset of helical-vortex instability as the beginning of the genesis stage while considering the formation of a tropical depression as this stage completion. The diagnostics is best suited as a fundamental basis for detecting the “Potential Tropical Cyclone” stage introduced by the U.S. National Weather Service for operational forecasting purposes. Prospects are discussed.
“I’ma put the lil homies on next”: mixtape methodology and mapping Black men’s college experiences
Authors: Livingston Donovan Albert
Published: January 2024

In recent years, many studies have attempted to explore the experiences of historically marginalized populations within higher education; especially Black men. While most studies expand the discourse about the Black male experience in higher education, few incorporate arts-based methodologies that uniquely speak to the cultural sensibilities of Black men. This study remixes traditional qualitative methodologies through an arts-informed, hip-hop pedagogical perspective by inviting participants to write and record original music in response to a prompt related to an original research question: What does the creation of a Hip-Hop mixtape by Black, male, college-educated emcees, reveal about Black men’s experiences in higher education? Together, this curated collection of songs formed a mixtape, which was made available across multiple streaming platforms, and introducing the counternarratives of Black male hip-hop collegians to audiences beyond the academy. The resulting mixtape offers practical implications for revolutionizing the way educators’ may center cultural knowledge as means of collecting data that captures the nuance of marginalized students’ experiences within (and beyond) the context of school.
Causal relationship between PCOS and related sex hormones with oral inflammatory diseases: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Min Qiusi , Chen Yi , Geng Hongling , Gao Qian , Zhang Xueying , Xu Min
Published: January 2024

Background

Observational studies have identified a strong association between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hormone levels related to oral inflammatory diseases. To better understand the relationship between them, we conducted an analysis using a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.

Methods

We gathered summary statistical data from previously published genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on PCOS and three sex hormones (AMH, Estradiol, LH) along with four oral inflammatory diseases (painful gums, loose teeth, mouth ulcers, and toothache). We selected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables and employed four types of MR analysis methods to evaluate causal relationships between exposure and outcome. Finally, the robustness of our results was further validated through sensitivity tests and reverse MR.

Results

We observed that PCOS could increase the risk of mouth ulcers (ORIVW= 1.0013, 95%CI: 1.0001-1.0025, PIVW = 0.0278), painful gums (ORIVW= 1.0015, 95%CI:1.0003-1.0027, PIVW = 0.0163), and loose teeth (ORIVW= 1.0014, 95%CI: 1.0001-1.0027, PIVW = 0.0328). Moreover, LH was also found to increase the risk of mouth ulcers (ORIVW= 1.0031, 95%CI: 0.0001-1.0062, PIVW = 0.0457). MR-Egger regression, weighted mode, and WE indicated similar results. Additionally, we discovered no causal link between PCOS and toothache (PIVW>0.05), LH and painful gums, loose teeth, or toothache (PIVW>0.05), or AMH and Estradiol level with any of the four oral diseases (PIVW>0.05).

Conclusion

Our research provides new insights and references for exploring the effects of PCOS and related hormones on oral inflammatory lesions. For patients with PCOS, especially those with elevated LH levels, early intervention measures should be taken to prevent the occurrence of oral inflammatory diseases.
Does the electric vehicle industry help achieve sustainable development goals?—evidence from China
Authors: Lu Peiyao , Hamori Shigeyuki , Sun Li , Tian Shuairu
Published: January 2024

Electric vehicles (EVs) are regarded as a key low-carbon technology to address sustainability challenges like climate change and air pollution. However, the real-world environmental impacts resulting from rapid EV adoption remain uncertain. This study develops a theoretical framework to quantify the impacts of EV adoption on energy consumption, carbon emissions, and air quality. Then we empirically investigates the influence of surging EV uptake in China using provincial panel data from 2015 to 2020. Our results indicate that increased EV stocks significantly reduced gasoline consumption but boosted coal-based power demand, shifting emissions and air pollutants from transportation to the electricity sector rather than yielding absolute reductions. We find important regional heterogeneity based on differences in grid generation profiles. In provinces more reliant on coal power, the environmental impacts were more severe. The findings also reveal a spatial spillover effect, with emissions transferred from net power-importing regions to exporters. Overall, the rapid EV transition alone appears insufficient to guarantee emissions cuts and environmental gains. Complementary efforts across sectors are essential to align industrial promotion with sustainability objectives. The empirical evidence informs integrated policy design and metrics to maximize decarbonization as EVs are deployed globally. Future research can build on this study by expanding geographical scope, incorporating projections, adopting a multi-disciplinary lens, leveraging microdata, and applying cutting-edge analytical techniques. Pursuing these directions will further advance knowledge on sustainable EV transitions.
Climate change and topographic differences influence grassland vegetation greening across environmental gradients
Authors: Xun Qilei , An Shazhou , Lu Mingzhi
Published: January 2024

Despite the research on the responses of grassland vegetation to climate change and topography has advance worldwide, the large-scale importance of these parameters to grassland vegetation greening in arid regions across environmental gradients is unclear. To address this, in this study, we applied MODIS Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) data and trend analysis methods to measure the spatial–temporal variation in grassland vegetation greening in central Eurasia. Multiple regression models and hierarchical partitioning were used to quantify the importance of climate [annual precipitation (AP), annual mean temperature (AMT), relative humidity (RH)] and topography [elevation (ELE), aspect (ASP), topographic position index (TPI)] to the NDVI. The results showed that there was a significant increasing trend in the NDVI of meadows, but not other grassland types, from 2000 to 2021 (3.3 × 10−3/year, p < 0.05). Additionally, the responses of the NDVI to climate and topography in deserts were positively correlated with RH, AP, and ELE. Meanwhile, the dependence of NDVI on climate and topography decreased with increasing RH. Under conditions of escalating AMT and AP, RH and ELE independently contributed to explaining the NDVI. However, RH may be the key determinant of long-term NDVI stabilization in arid grassland. These findings underscore the significance of vegetation–climate–topography feedback and can inform the development of more comprehensive and effective climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Plant-insect interactions across the Triassic–Jurassic boundary in the Sichuan Basin, South China
Authors: Xu Yuanyuan , Wang Yongdong , Li Liqin , Lu Ning , Zhu Yanbin , Huang Zhuanli , McLoughlin Stephen
Published: January 2024

Plants and insects are the most diverse and ecologically important organisms in the terrestrial biosphere. Their interactions are also among the richest biotic relationships, and offer significant insights into the evolution of terrestrial ecosystem complexity through the geological record. This investigation of the late Rhaetian Xujiahe and the earliest Jurassic Zhenzhuchong floral assemblages provides the first data on foliar herbivory generated by terrestrial arthropods across the Triassic–Jurassic transition in the eastern Tethys (East Asia) region. The damage types from two fossil assemblages are collectively attributed to seven functional feeding and egg-laying categories (i.e., hole feeding, margin feeding, surface feeding, skeletonization, piercing and sucking, oviposition, and galling). Most feeding strategies are spread across the major plant groups and persist through the Triassic–Jurassic boundary, with the exception of skeletonization (a category of external foliage feeding), which was restricted to the latest Triassic within dipteridacean ferns. The survey reveals that the respective frequency and diversity of interactions between plants and insects prior to and following the end-Triassic mass extinction event are almost the same, despite a substantial turnover of floral components. This suggest that insect herbivores were largely able to transfer to alternative (but commonly related) plant groups during the dramatic floristic turnover and environmental changes at the end of the Triassic. Sporadic occurrences of foliar modifications, such as marginal cusps on pinnules of Pterophyllum and prominent ridges on the rachises of some ferns and bennettites are interpreted as adaptations for defense against insect herbivores. A few differences in taxonomic composition and herbivory representation between the latest Triassic Xujiahe flora and the earliest Jurassic Zhenzhuchong flora are more likely to be related to collection and preservational biases rather than reflecting palaeoecological changes. We encourage further investigations exploring the distribution of insect damage in fossil floras from other palaeolatitudinal zones and spanning other major extinction events to develop a better understanding of terrestrial ecosystem responses to major crises in Earth’s history.
Factors influencing tree biomass and carbon stock in the Western Himalayas, India
Authors: Kumar Pardeep , Kumar Abhishek , Patil Meenu , Hussain Sabir , Singh Anand Narain
Published: January 2024

The assessment of tree biomass and its carbon (C) stock at the local and regional level is considered a crucial criterion for understanding the impact of changing environments on the global carbon cycle. In this context, we selected three sites in the western Himalayas, covering parts of Himachal Pradesh and north-eastern Haryana. Each study site experiences distinct climatic conditions, vegetation types, and elevations. We seek to elucidate the determinants of tree biomass and carbon stock across different forest types in the Western Himalayas. We found that temperate forests contributed the most biomass and carbon stock, with Cedrus deodara attaining the highest values of 782.6 ± 107.9 Mg/ha and 360 ± 49.7 Mg C/ha. In contrast, Quercus leucotrichophora mixed temperate had the lowest 286.6 ± 57.2 and 128.9 ± 25.7 Mg/C ha, respectively. Only a few species, such as Abies pindrow, Cedrus deodara, Quercus floribunda, and Quercus semecarpifolia, accounted for significant biomass and carbon stock. The lower elevation subtropical forests had the highest species richness (8–12 species) and stem density (558.3 ± 62.9 to 866.6 ± 57.7 trees/ha). Furthermore, tree diameter, total basal cover, and height emerged as the strongest predictors of biomass and C stock. The remaining variables showed no significant associations, including species diversity, climatic attributes and elevation. Thus, our study extended the assertion that vegetation composition and structural attributes, apart from climatic and topographic factors, are equally important in determining biomass and C stock in forest ecosystems. Our study indicated that the temperate forests in the western Himalayas possess significant carbon storage and climate change mitigation potential.
Combined use of NK cells and radiotherapy in the treatment of solid tumors
Authors: Zheng Wang , Ling Sunkai , Cao Yuandong , Shao Chunlin , Sun Xinchen
Published: January 2024

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes possessing potent tumor surveillance and elimination activity. Increasing attention is being focused on the role of NK cells in integral antitumor strategies (especially immunotherapy). Of note, therapeutic efficacy is considerable dependent on two parameters: the infiltration and cytotoxicity of NK cells in tumor microenvironment (TME), both of which are impaired by several obstacles (e.g., chemokines, hypoxia). Strategies to overcome such barriers are needed. Radiotherapy is a conventional modality employed to cure solid tumors. Recent studies suggest that radiotherapy not only damages tumor cells directly, but also enhances tumor recognition by immune cells through altering molecular expression of tumor or immune cells via the in situ or abscopal effect. Thus, radiotherapy may rebuild a NK cells-favored TME, and thus provide a cost-effective approach to improve the infiltration of NK cells into solid tumors, as well as elevate immune-activity. Moreover, the radioresistance of tumor always hampers the response to radiotherapy. Noteworthy, the puissant cytotoxic activity of NK cells not only kills tumor cells directly, but also increases the response of tumors to radiation via activating several radiosensitization pathways. Herein, we review the mechanisms by which NK cells and radiotherapy mutually promote their killing function against solid malignancies. We also discuss potential strategies harnessing such features in combined anticancer care.
A risk assessment for the remote ocean: the case of the South East Atlantic
Authors: Niner Holly J. , Rees Siân E. , La Bianca Giulia , McQuaid Kirsty A. , Howell Kerry L.
Published: January 2024

Degradation of the natural world and associated ecosystem services is attributed to a historical failure to include its ‘value’ in decision-making. Uncertainty in the quantification of the relationship between natural capital ‘assets’ that give rise to critical societal benefits and people is one reason for the omission of these values from natural resource management. As this uncertainty increases in marine systems and further still with distance from the coast, the connection between society and natural capital assets is less likely to be included adequately in decision-making. Natural capital assets of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ), including those of the deep sea, are distant but are known to generate many benefits for society, from the diffuse and broad-scale benefits of climate regulation to the provision of wild fish for food. While our understanding of the precise relationships (the status of asset stocks, ecosystem functions and processes) that control the availability of ecosystem services and the flows of benefits is limited, this does not preclude opening a discourse on how these natural capital assets could best be managed to continue to benefit society. Here we apply a natural capital approach to the South East Atlantic ABNJ, one of the least scientifically understood regions of the planet, and develop a framework for risk assessment. We do this by describing the benefit flows from the natural capital assets of the region, appraising how activities are creating pressures on these flows and whether the controls for these pressures protect them. Our risk register highlights how governance currently favours the protection of direct (extractive) benefit flows from natural capital assets of the region, which are primarily targeted for financial benefit. Without a systems-based framework that can account for the cumulative pressures on natural capital assets their status, associated ecosystem services and benefits are at risk. Such an approach is essential to capture and protect the foundational and often diffuse connections between marine natural capital and global society.
Evaluating the biocompatibility of ceramic materials for constructing artificial reefs
Authors: O’Reilly Logan M. , Willerth Stephanie M.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Coastal ecosystems, including reefs, are becoming increasingly threatened as anthropogenic development continues to encroach on intertidal habitats with little initiative to establish ecologically considerate infrastructure. Submerging human-made, shelter-providing structures known as artificial reefs (AR) can contribute to the preservation of these ecosystems. ARs are historically used for promoting the abundance and biodiversity of marine species for aquaculture, conservation, and ecotourism; and are typically made of concretes or metal structures. An AR’s success correlates to its ability to establish a surface layer of microorganisms, such as microalgae and bacteria, known as a biofilm. The productivity of the biofilm can be influenced by material surface properties. It is hypothesized that material pH and porosity affect the rate of biofilm formation.

Methods

Here - a range of concrete mixtures were cast and submerged in circulating seawater and mass per surface area of biofilm accumulation was measured to evaluate this theory. These mixtures included standard Portland Cement (PC), PC with admixtures of diatomaceous earth (PDC) and limestone (PLC), fine-aggregate high-performance concrete (DUC), and terra cotta (TER). ARs were manufactured as 38mm tall cylinders, 76mm in diameter, and submerged in circulating seawater to evaluate mass per surface area of biofilm accumulation.

Results

Our results indicate that biofilm formation is directly affected by surface porosity and less-so by pH, as determined by measuring material properties after submersion. We found that the PDC samples were most successful in forming a biofilm despite being more fragile than other concrete samples.

Discussion

This preliminary study provides insight into how different material properties influence the accumulation of biofilm as a starting point for designing ARs. Future work will investigate the long-term performance of such samples in relevant conditions.