bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Active Versus Passive Investing Debate: Evidence From the 2018-2023 Market Cycle
Authors: Prondzinski Dale , Miller Mitchell
Published: August 2024

The paper investigates the research question: Which investment management style, active or passive, produced better risk-adjusted performance from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2023 (Prondzinski, 2010)? The comprehensive time period was further subdivided into two periods: January 2020 – May 2023, the Pandemic period, and March 2022 – December 2023, the interest rate hiking period without any interest rate cuts. The study tested twenty-seven hypotheses derived from this research question for the specified periods addressed.
The study, consisting of 27 statistical tests, found that on a risk-adjusted basis, the Sharpe ratios of active indices (proxies for active management) significantly exceeded the passive indices (proxies for passive management) in nine of the periods tested) (Prondzinski, 2010).
Design And Implementation Of Pose Recording System With Denavit Hartenberg Method In A 6-Dof Robot Rotaric
Authors:   Atma Jaya Catholic University Indonesia, Susanto Calvin , Limanuel Fransisko ,   Atma Jaya Catholic University Indonesia, Rippun Ferry ,   Atma Jaya Catholic University Indonesia
Published: August 2024

Robot developments have been integrated into several industrial and home appliances. To keep up with the development, UNIKA Atma Jaya created a group called PATRIOT as a head start, and started the development on ROTARIC robot. One of the early robot research discussed in this paper is to design and implement ROTARIC 6-DOF robot pose recording system which is drawn using forward kinematics with Denavit Hartenberg method. The system has a GUI with several function inside such as robot pose recording, 2-D display of the robot recorded pose using Forward Kinematics analysis, and playback recorded pose. The system uses several hardware that have been connected serially such as 6 Dynamixel MX-28 servo, OpenCM 9.04 +485 EXP microcontroller, and a Computer. The Software used in the system is C# .NET with WinForms App as the GUI and Arduino IDE. From the test done in this research, the recording and 2-D drawing system achieved error <±1cm or 6.67% relative error caused by the resolution value while reading the servo position sensor and the value rounding inside the program. Meanwhile, the playback recording function that uses queue system achieved error of <±1cm and error of ±5cm or 33.3% relative error when the recorded pose is played using real time delay used in recording. The error is caused by the robot failure to keep up with the speed of the recorded pose and the limited torque in servo number 2 in the robot.
Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Surya Off-Grid dengan Proteksi Baterai
Authors:   Fakultas Teknik Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya, Wanimbo Mina Merry , Gunadhi Albert ,   Fakultas Teknik Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya, Sitepu Rasional ,   Fakultas Teknik Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya, Angka Peter R. ,   Fakultas Teknik Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya, Agustine Lanny ,   Fakultas Teknik Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya, Alim Natavijoy ,   Fakultas Teknik Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya, Joewono Andrew ,   Fakultas Teknik Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya
Published: August 2024

Listrik sudah menjadi kebutuhan pokok bagi keperluan rumah tangga, namun banyak daerah di Indonesia yang masih belum terakses listrik PLN. Untuk menghasilkan listrik dapat dilakukan dengan berbagai cara, salah satunya memanfaatkan radiasi cahaya matahari. Sistem Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Surya memiliki keunggulan dibandingkan dengan pembangkit listrik lainnya, yaitu tidak menimbulkan pencemaran lingkungan, sehingga Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Surya menjadi solusi yang cocok untuk membuat energi listrik di sektor rumah tinggal. Salah satu sistem yang digunakan pada Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Surya yang cukup popular adalah sistem off-grid, dimana sistem pembangkit listrik tersebut tidak terkoneksi dengan jaringan PLN, sehingga dibutuhkan baterai (aki) untuk menyimpan energi listrik yang dihasilkan oleh panel surya. Penggunaan aki memiliki aturan agar penggunaannya dapat berlangsung dalam waktu yang lama yaitu Dept of Discharge (DoD) nya tidak boleh tinggi, sehingga dibutuhkan modul tambahan agar melakukan proteksi otomatis. Modul tersebut adalah Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD).
Strategi Peningkatan Kepuasan Konsumen Pada UMKM Sambal Pecel Kota Madiun
Authors:   Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya, Prasetyo Vinsensius Widdy Tri
Published: August 2024

Kepuasan konsumen sangat penting bagi perusahaan untuk membangun bisnisnya. Kepuasan tergantung dari kualitas produk perusahaan. Semakin tinggi tingkat kualitas poduk maka semakin tinggi tingkat kepuasan konsumen. Kualitas merupakan bentuk penilaian konsumen terhadap tingkat layanan yang diterima (perceived service) dengan tingkat pelayanan yang diharapkan (expected service). Untuk menjaga dan mempertahankan kepuasan konsumen pelaku usaha memerlukan strategi guna mempertahankan dan meningkatkan kualitas yang sesuai kepentingan dan harapan konsumen. Eksistensi dan keberlanjutan sambal pecel Kota Madiun merupakan hal yang diperjuangkan oleh UMKM sebagai pelaku usaha sambal pecel. Eksistensi UMKM sambal pecel dipengaruhi oleh penerimaan produk dan layanan sambal pecel oleh masyarakat sebagai pembeli. Penerimaan produk sambal pecel ditunjukkan dari tingkat kepuasan konsumen terhadap produk dan layanan UMKM sambal pecel. Oleh karena itu, UMKM sambal pecel Kota Madiun perlu mengetahui bagaimana tingkat kepuasan konsumennya serta bagaimana strategi dalam upaya untuk mempertahankan/memperbaiki serta meningkatkan kepuasan konsumen. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif. Penelitian ini menggambarkan kepuasan konsumen dan menyusun strategi untuk upaya meningkatkan kepuasan konsumen terhadap produk sambal pecel Kota Madiun. Berdasarkan analisis didapatkan nilai CSI sambal pecel sebesar 0,768 dengan kategori puas. Pelaku usaha sambal pecel perlu meningkatkan indeks kepuasan konsumen dari base line indeks sebesar 76,78%. Beberapa variabel yang menjadi perhatikan pelaku usaha sambal pecel untuk lebih ditingkatkan lagi adalah kinerja usaha, keistimewaan produk, kehandalan produk dan pelayanan. Variabel yang perlu dipertahankan agar konsumen merasa puas yaitu kesesuaian produk dengan yang diharapkan, daya tahan produk, keestetikaan produk dan kualitas produk. Strategi peningkatan kepuasan konsumen sambal pecel berdasarkan analisis Satisfaction & Importance Matrix yang perlu dipertimbangkan oleh pelaku usaha sambal pecel adalah perlu meningkatkan kualitas layanan yang lebih memenuhi harapan konsumen, strategi mempertahankan kinerja, kesesuaian, daya tahan, estetika, dan kualitas produk, dan memperbaiki kinerja usahanya terkait dengan keistimewaan dan kehandalan
Sabuk Berkamera Sebagai Alat Bantu Mobilitas Tunanetra
Authors:   Program Studi Teknik Elektro, Fakultas Teknik, Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya,, Leli Oktavia I , Lestariningsih Diana Lestariningsih ,   Program Studi Teknik Elektro, Fakultas Teknik, Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya,, Angka Peter R ,   Program Studi Teknik Elektro, Fakultas Teknik, Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya,, Sitepu Rasional ,   Program Studi Teknik Elektro, Fakultas Teknik, Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya,, Agustine Lanny ,   Program Studi Teknik Elektro, Fakultas Teknik, Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya,, Joewono Andrew ,   Program Studi Teknik Elektro, Fakultas Teknik, Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya,, Gunadhi Albert ,   Program Studi Teknik Elektro, Fakultas Teknik, Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya,
Published: August 2024

Salah satu Sekolah Luar Biasa (SLB) tipe A untuk paratunanetra yaitu SMP-LB YPAB yang terletak di Gebang Putih 5 Surabaya mengajarkan siswanya untuk berjalan mandiri tanpa menggunakan bantuan tongkat tunanetra terutama dilingkungan sekolah, asrama dan rumah masing – masing siswa. Hal ini menjadi kesulitan tersendiri bagi parasiswa tunanetra khususnya untuk siswa baru yang belum mempunyai keberanian berjalan secara mandiri. Untuk memenuhi pembelajaran tersebut biasanya siswa menghitung langkah kaki yang mereka lakukan untuk menuju suatu tempat tertentu atau mereka berbaris saling memegang pundak salah satu siswa yang sudah mengenal area yang akan dituju. Untuk membantu mengatasi hal tersebut khususnya untuk parasiswa baru tunanetra di SLB tipe A tersebut dan untuk membantu semua paratunanetra pada umumnya maka dirancang sabuk berkamera dengan output suara yang dapat mengidentifikasi obyek manusia dan benda pada umumnya. Sistem sabuk berkamera terdiri dari kamera, rasberry pi dan earphone. Hasil pengambilan obyek dari kamera akan diproses dengan menggunakan model MobileNet-SSD 200. Identifikasi obyek akan diubah menjadi suara dengan bantuan Google text-to-Speech (gTTS). Hasil pengujian pada sistem adalah bahwa untuk mengidentifikasi seluruh obyek yang terekam, sistem membutuhkan waktu selama 1 menit 17 detik. Identifikasi obyek yang dilakukan, dihitung dalam bentuk prosentase. Hasil prosentase identifikasi keyakinan obyek manusia yang berada didalam ruangan sebesar 73%-83% dan yang berada diluar ruangan sebesar 62%-79% dengan jarak efektif obyek 1m – 5m. Untuk keberhasilan dalam mendeteksi benda di dalam ruangan sebesar 62%-80% dan di luar ruangan sebesar 65%-73% dengan jarak efektif obyek 1m – 5m. Tingkat akurasi keseluruhan obyek yang dapat diidentifikasi didalam ruangan 70,5% dan diluar ruangan 68,57%.
Impact of a change from A–F grading to honors/pass/fail grading on academic performance at Yonsei University College of Medicine in Korea: a cross-sectional serial mediation analysis
Authors: Kim Min-Kyeong , Kim Hae Won
Published: August 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to explore how the grading system affected medical students’ academic performance based on their perceptions of the learning environment and intrinsic motivation in the context of changing from norm-referenced A–F grading to criterion-referenced honors/pass/fail grading.Methods: The study involved 238 second-year medical students from 2014 (n=127, A–F grading) and 2015 (n=111, honors/pass/fail grading) at Yonsei University College of Medicine in Korea. Scores on the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure, the Academic Motivation Scale, and the Basic Medical Science Examination were used to measure overall learning environment perceptions, intrinsic motivation, and academic performance, respectively. Serial mediation analysis was conducted to examine the pathways between the grading system and academic performance, focusing on the mediating roles of student perceptions and intrinsic motivation.Results: The honors/pass/fail grading class students reported more positive perceptions of the learning environment, higher intrinsic motivation, and better academic performance than the A–F grading class students. Mediation analysis demonstrated a serial mediation effect between the grading system and academic performance through learning environment perceptions and intrinsic motivation. Student perceptions and intrinsic motivation did not independently mediate the relationship between the grading system and performance.Conclusion: Reducing the number of grades and eliminating rank-based grading might have created an affirming learning environment that fulfills basic psychological needs and reinforces the intrinsic motivation linked to academic performance. The cumulative effect of these 2 mediators suggests that a comprehensive approach should be used to understand student performance.
Economic evaluations of exome sequencing for rare diseases within pediatric care
Authors:   , Olde Keizer Richelle Anselma Catharina Maria
Published: August 2024

In the last decade, the landscape of genetic testing has changed enormously. Genetic sequencing technologies are increasingly used for the diagnosis of rare genetic disorders. Exome sequencing (ES) is emerging as powerful diagnostic tool in identifying the genetic etiology of a rare disease, especially within pediatrics. There is however still an unmet need to better understand the economic impact of ES implementation in routine care, also including other possible benefits of ES, such as improvements in clinical decision-making, and reducing the burden to families. A cohort of patients in which these economic outcomes and clinical benefits might be best captured are neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). For these neonates, it is expected that genetic test results may impact clinical decision-making and enable personalized medicine. Yet, genetic testing using ES has not reached widespread implementation in this setting. This is mainly due to the need of NICUs to have a fast ES result, requiring infrastructure on Dutch genetic laboratories that have only been set up recently. Since there are also still uncertainties regarding effect/outcome measures to be taken into account for economic evaluation when implementing novel genetic tests, this thesis assessed the economic impact of implementing ES in routine care for children admitted to the NICU.
Overall, this thesis has shown that ES has great potential (both clinical and economic) to become part of routine genetic testing for critically ill neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Especially if ES is implemented as first-tier diagnostic test for all patients with congenital anomalies, it will not lead to a significant increase in healthcare costs. However, the implementation of ES did not await the outcomes of these studies. With the technological revolution in the field of medical genetics still ongoing, future cost-effectiveness analyses should be performed earlier in the process towards implementation. Based on these early health economic evaluations, decisions regarding implementation need to be made, preferably using valid and transparent decision analytic models outlining future costs and effects. Thereafter, these models should be updated as new real-world data becomes available, and frameworks should be developed in order to enhance further implementation and even de-implementation of patient pathways that are ultimately deemed not cost-effective. This includes adding a layer of uncertainty (uncertainty about data maturity) to future decision-making. The use of long-term data from other studies and high-quality data from current practice can remove the uncertainty and early insight in the potential added value is in this case essential to further steer and guide the future of innovative diagnostic modalities.
The Influence of Intrapersonal Intelligence on Mathematics Learning Achievement
Authors: Saragih Asido
Published: August 2024

Difficulty learning mathematics is a problem that often occurs, and this condition is considered to give a stigma that mathematics is a difficult subject. Various learning theories and approaches have been used, including recognizing, and exploring students' potential to find out whether there is other potential that can support their ability to understand mathematics, such as the ability to understand and evaluate oneself, also known as intrapersonal intelligence. This research aims to measure the influence of students' intrapersonal intelligence on their mathematics learning achievement by distributing questionnaires to measure their intrapersonal intelligence, as well as students' report cards as a representation of their mathematics learning achievement. In this study, the researcher used quantitative methods and found a positive and significant influence between intrapersonal intelligence on mathematics learning achievement on a strong scale.
MATHEMATICAL REPRESENTATION ABILITY OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN SOLVING PROBABILITY MATERIAL PROBLEMS BASED ON HONEY MUMFORD LEARNING STYLE
Authors: Agus Subaidi  , Madinatul Munawwaroh
Published: August 2024

This study aims to describe the mathematical representation ability of grade XII high school students in solving permutation subsubject probability material problems based on Honey Mumford's learning style. This type of research is qualitative research with a descriptive method. The data collection techniques used were Honey Mumford's learning style questionnaire, mathematical representation ability test, and interview. The source of data in this research is grade XII students of science 5 MAN 2 Pamekasan for the 2023/2024 school year. The subjects selected were 2 students who each had a theorist learning style and an activist learning style based on questionnaires and considerations with mathematics teachers. The data analysis techniques used are data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawn. The results of the study show that students with a theorist learning style can meet all indicators in the aspect of representation, both visual, symbolic, and verbal representation. Meanwhile, students with activist learning styles have not been able to meet the indicators in the aspect of visual representation but can meet all indicators in the aspect of symbolic representation and verbal representation.
The DEVELOPMENT OF INTERACTIVE E-MODULES ASSISTED WITH CANVA AND PROFESSIONAL FLIP PDF ON OPPORTUNITY MATERIALS
Authors: Novita Wulandari Virda Putri , Yohanie Dian Devita , Darsono
Published: August 2024

This research aims to determine the results of the validity and practicality of developing interactive e-modules assisted by Canva and Flip PDF Professional on Opportunity material for class X SMA. The type of research used is Research and Development (R&D) with the ADDIE development model which includes five stages: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The research results show that the e-module product developed is included in the "very valid" and "very practical" categories. Validation was carried out by four validators, with percentage validity results: material expert (83%), lecturer media expert 1 (95%), lecturer media expert 2 (95%), and practitioner expert (90%), resulting in an average validity of 90 .75%. The implementation of a trial limited to 10 students showed a practicality level of 87.05%. Evaluation is carried out based on validator suggestions, resulting in improvements to media and material aspects. Thus, the interactive e-module developed is valid and practical for use in mathematics learning, facilitating students to learn independently and increasing active involvement in the learning process.
The Complexity of Octopus Graph, Friendship Graph, and Snail Graph
Authors: Fran Fransiskus , Alexander  , Yundari  , Putri Romanda  , Ervina Febyolga
Published: August 2024

Graphs are basic structures that represent objects with nodes and relationships between objects with edges. Trees are one of the parts studied in graph theory along with finding the number of spanning trees of a graph such as octopus graph, friendship graph, and snail graph. The complexity of an octopus graph is strongly dependent on the number and length of tentacles, the complexity of a friendship graph is dependent on the number of triangle cycles, and the complexity of a snail graph is dependent on the number of edges and vertices located in the shell-like part of the snail. To calculate the number of spanning trees (τ(G)) of a graph, various calculations can be used, such as the extension of Kirchhoff's formula. The extension of Kirchhoff's formula uses the determinant of the adjacency matrix and degree matrix of the graph complement of a graph. Therefore, this research applies the extension of Kirchhoff's formula to obtain the complexity of octopus graph, friendship graph, and snail graph. From the analysis, it is obtained that for any n≥2, the number of spanning trees of octopus graph and friendship graph are τ(On )=1/5 √5 [((3+√5)/2)^n-((3-√5)/2)^n ] and τ(Fn )=3^n and the number of spanning trees of snail graph is τ(SIn )=2^(n+2)+3n∙2^(n-1) for n≥1.
The Application of The Condition Construction Development Simulation Reflection (CCDSR) Learning Model Assisted by A Combination of Real-Virtual Experiments on Students' Science Process Skills on Static Fluid Material
Authors: Aisyah Aas
Published: August 2024

The science process skills possessed by students are still in the low category. This is caused by a lack of learning activities that facilitate students to train and develop their existing science process skills in learning. This research aims to determine the improvement of science process skills through the application of the CCDSR learning model to static fluid material. The method used in this research is a quantitative method with a one group pretest posttest research design involving class XI MIPA students with a total of 31 participants. Data collection was carried out using scientific process skills test instruments and then analyzed using normality tests, homogeneity tests, hypothesis tests and N-Gain tests assisted by IBM SPSS version 29 software. Based on the results of data processing, the significance value of the normality test for the pretest was obtained at 0, 10 < 0.05, while for the posttest it was 0.086 > 0.05. Then, the homogeneity test has a significance value of 0.555 > 0.05, and the t test is <0.001. Meanwhile, the average increase in science process skills obtained from the N-Gain test was 0.62 in the medium category. Based on the results of the analysis, it can be concluded that applying the CCDSR learning model in learning can improve students' science process skills in static fluid material.
Implementation of the PIMCA Learning Model Assisted by HOTS-based LKPD to Improve Critical Thinking Skills on Temperature and Heat Material
Authors: Yulianti Resti Denis
Published: August 2024

Critical thinking skills are one of the skills that students must have. This skill can be trained through various scientific disciplines, one of which is physics. If we look at its characteristics, temperature and heat physics material is able to train students critical thinking skills using the knowledge and experience they have. But in reality, students consider temperature and heat material to be difficult and boring. This is due to lack of student involvement and lack of student understanding of temperature and heat material. Therefore, this research aims to determine the improvement of students' critical thinking skills through the use of the PIMCA learning model assisted by HOTS-based LKPD on temperature and heat material. The research method used is quantitative with a one group pretest-posttest design. The research instrument is a critical thinking skills test in the form of an essay. Data analysis of critical thinking skills test results includes normality testing, hypothesis testing, and continues with the n-gain test to obtain in-depth information regarding students critical thinking skills. In general, the research results show that the average critical thinking skills of students is 0.76 in the high category. High levels of critical thinking skills can be seen in the categories of elementary clarification, basic support, inference, and strategy and tactics. Meanwhile, students critical thinking skills in the category of advanced clarification are still in the medium category.
Scientific and Systematic Approaches to Modeling of EFL Peer Learning in Higher Education
Authors: Makarova Elena
Published: August 2024

The paper deals with EFL peer learning at a non-linguistic university. Lack of understanding of the mechanism of interactive learning as a system of relationships and interactions hinders creating the conditions for effective education. The aim of the study is to investigate theoretical and practical data on interactive learning, to design and describe the methodology for EFL peer learning in the form of educational models. The material includes basic postulates of constructivism, ecolinguistics, practice-oriented learning, peer learning and tutoring. Methods of modeling, experiment, observation and analysis are used. As a result, the structural components of interactive learning, their interconnections have been established and analyzed, the principles of interactive peer learning were formulated, including student activity; educational material selected in compliance with student’s knowledge; cyclical stages of a learning process; teacher’s preparatory work; classroom peer tutoring. Based on these principles, five models of peer learning have been designed each of which is centered around active interactions of students swapping the roles “tutor” - “tutee”.  They are “Pair work”, “Group work”, “Peer assessment”, “Blended interactions”, “Extracurricular activities”. These models ensure maximum student involvement in EFL learning process, help increase motivation and level of language proficiency, develop students’ communication skills.
Improving Fifth-Grade Students’ Vocabulary Ability Using Flashcards at SDN 23 Pangkalpinang
Authors: Feranty Livia , Anggreini Sonia , Meylani Tasya , Darmawan I Nyoman Pasek
Published: August 2024

Flashcard is viewed as one of the interesting and effective teaching media to teach English in general and vocabulary in particular. To enrich students’ vocabulary, flashcards can be used as a personal dictionary for students or as an instrument play a game applied as a strategy that facilitates active and fun learning. This study aims to solve problems students often face in learning English vocabulary and proves the effectiveness of using flashcards in increasing students’ vocabulary mastery. This study employed an action research design, in which flashcard was employed as the media of team game tournaments activities applied as the learning strategy of cooperative learning. This research involved 28 fifth graders at SDN 23 Pangkalpinang. The results show that flashcards use increased students’ vocabulary mastery. The mean score obtained by the students in the pre-test is 53.2. It increased to 79.1 in the post-test of the first cycle and to 85.7 in the post-test of the second cycle.
Collaborative Writing in EFL Settings
Authors: Pardede Parlindungan
Published: August 2024

Despite the use of various approaches in writing classes, writing is still the most difficult language skill to master for most ESL/EFL learners. To overcome the problem, collaborative writing has been recommended since the 1970's. Since this approach involves learners in the activities of understanding, manipulating, producing, and interacting which facilitates them not only to practice writing, it is believed to be effective in helping the learners become better writers. This article reviews related publications on collaborative writing to provide insights and recent developments in collaborative writing implementation in EFL settings. Research on its implementation in ESL settings does reveal its effectiveness in improving learners' writing skills. However, due to linguistic experience and socio-cultural background differences between ESL and EFL learners, what works effectively in ESL does not automatically work well in EFL. To implement collaborative writing fruitfully in their EFL classes, teachers need to provide a conducive and supportive learning environment and effective guidelines for the entire writing process.
Anxiety in Speaking: What Factors and How to Overcome
Authors: Ramli  , Fitriawati  , Nirmala Anjelina
Published: August 2024

This study aims to investigate students' speaking anxiety in English classes in the second semester of Universitas Borneo Tarakan. Specifically, this study examines the factors that influence students' speaking anxiety and strategies to minimize it based on what the students have experienced. Thirty-eight students were selected as research subjects using a specialized sampling method. The researchers used a descriptive qualitative method with a phenomenological approach by conducting interviews, questionnaires, and observations with students who have anxiety in speaking English. The results showed two factors, including internal factors, i.e., discouragement (feeling shy), lack of confidence, and fear of making mistakes, and external factors (limited vocabulary and friends/classmates). And there are two strategies shown in this study (preparation and relaxation). The conclusion of this study is that speaking anxiety can occur and hinder students' speaking performance. Therefore, strategies are needed to do so in order to make it easier for students to speak.
The Effects of Reading Assistant Software on the Speech Fluency and Accuracy of EFL University Students
Authors: Kitjaroonchai Nakhon , Maywald Suzanna
Published: August 2024

This study investigated the effects of a reading assistant software on the fluency and accuracy of speech production among EFL university students, employing a one-group pretest-posttest design. The participants included 50 Thai undergraduate English majors in their first and second years. Data were analyzed using paired-samples t-tests to measure L2 oral fluency, specifically pruned speech rate (PSR) and mean length of run (MLR). Accuracy rate was assessed by quantifying the proportion of error-free clauses within the participants’ speeches from the pretest and posttest and calculating the average number of error-free clauses per T-unit. Results indicated significant improvements in speech fluency, evidenced by longer uninterrupted speech segments, fewer disfluencies like filled pauses and repairs, and increased overall fluency. Additionally, the post-test showed a higher percentage of error-free clauses compared to the pre-test, reflecting a substantial enhancement in grammatical accuracy. This suggests that the intervention had a positive impact on the participants’ ability to produce grammatically accurate and error-free clauses. These outcomes suggest that the reading assistant software effectively enhances both the fluency and grammatical accuracy of speech production in EFL learners, underscoring its potential benefits in language education contexts.
The Effect of Narrative Journalism on Risk Perception of War: News on the Russia-Ukraine War
Authors: Yang Shu-An
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the communication effectiveness of three news formats: "traditional news reporting," "narrative news reporting," and "viewing only news photos" on participants' risk perceptions. Key findings are as follows: First, subjects exposed to war news perceived war risk (N = 118, M = 5.45) as not significantly different from the control group (N = 31, M = 5.34). However, their overall risk perception, although not reaching a significantly different level, is possibly due to an already high baseline. Second, Linear regression revealed a significant positive correlation between risk perception and Support for national defense policies. Third, Participants who read traditional news reports showed a significant increase in Support for national defense policies. This study supports the current "Military News Reporting Practice Manual," which advises against reporting " the number and names of military and civilian casualties " and "interviewing, photographing injured, mentally ill, or cruel military scenes" during wartime.
Uji Aktivitas Antibakteri Ekstrak Daun Pulutan (Urena lobata L) Terhadap Bakteri Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Pusvita Shela , Rohama Rohama , Yuwindry Iwan , Darsono Putri Vidiasari
Published: August 2024

Faringitis atau radang tenggorokan memiliki tingkat prevalensi yang cukup tinggi di Indonesia disebabkan bakteri Streptococcus pyogenes. Pulutan memiliki empiris sebagai obat radang tenggorokan, demam rematik, antipiretik, patah tulang, antifertilitas, dan keputihan. Berdasarkan penelitian ekstrak etanol yang dilakukan sebelumnya ekstrak daun pulutan memiliki aktivitas antibakteri.Tujuan penilitian ini untuk mengetahui potensi ekstrak daun pulutan (Urena lobata L) sebagai antibakteri terhadap pertumbuhan Streptococcus pyogenes serta mengetahui KHM dan KBM menggunakan metode difusi cakram dan dilusi dengan variasi konsentrasi 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, kontrol positif amoxicillin dan kontrol negatif DMSO. Hasil pengujian difusi cakram mampu menghambat pertumbuhan bakteri yang ditandai dengan adanya zona bening disekitar kertas cakram. Hasil pengujian dilusi didapatkan nilai KHM pada konsentrasi 50% ditandai dengan tabung media yang terlihat jernih. Tidak terdapat nilai KBM pada seluruh konsentrasi ekstrak yang diujikan.
Innovations in ion-selective optodes: a comprehensive exploration of modern designs and nanomaterial integration
Authors: Barhoum Ahmed , Alhashemi Yaser , Ahmed Yomna M. , Rizk Mahmoud S. , Bechelany Mikhael , Abdel-Haleem Fatehy M.
Published: August 2024

In recent years, ion-selective optodes (ISOs) have remarkably progressed, driven by innovative modern designs and nanomaterial integration. This review explored the development of modern ISO by describing state-of-the-art strategies to improve their sensitivity, selectivity, and real-time monitoring capacity. The review reported the traditional membrane based-optodes, and investigated the latest research, current design principles, and the use of essential components, such as ionophores, indicator dyes, polymer membranes, and nanomaterials, in ISO fabrication. Special attention was given to nanomaterials (e.g., quantum dots, polymer dots, nanospheres, nanorods and nanocapsules) and particularly on how rare earth elements can further enhance their potential. It also described innovative ISO designs, including wearable optodes, smartphone-based optodes, and disposable paper-based optodes. As the pursuit of highly sensitive, selective, and adaptable ion sensing devices continues, this summary of the current knowledge sets the stage for upcoming innovations and applications in different domains (pharmaceutical formulations, medical diagnosis, environmental monitoring, and industrial applications).
Development and application of quadruplex real time quantitative PCR method for differentiation of Muscovy duck parvovirus, Goose parvovirus, Duck circovirus, and Duck adenovirus 3
Authors: Wang Haojie , Chen Jianxing , An Tongqing , Chen Hongyan , Wang Yue , Zhu Liangquan , Yu Changqing , Xia Changyou , Zhang He
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Muscovy duck parvovirus (MDPV), Goose parvovirus (GPV), Duck circovirus, (DuCV) and Duck adenovirus 3 (DAdV-3) are important pathogens that cause high morbidity and mortality in ducks, causing huge economic loss for the duck industry.

Methods

The present study, a quadruplex one-step real time quantitative PCR method for the detection of MDPV, GPV, DuCV, and DAdV-3 was developed.

Results

The results showed that assay had no cross-reactivity with other poultry pathogens [Duck plague virus (DPV), Duck tembusu virus (DTMUV), H6 avian influenza virus (H6 AIV), New duck reovirus (NDRV), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), H4 avian influenza virus (H4 AIV), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Muscovy duck reovirus (MDRV), Egg drop syndrome virus (EDSV), Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida)]. The sensitivity result showed that the limits of detection for MDPV, GPV, DuCV, and DAdV-3 were 10, 10, 1 and 10 copies/µl, respectively; The coefficients of variation intra- and inter-method was 1-2%; The range of linear (109 to 103 copies/µL) demonstrated the R2 values for MDPV, GPV, DuCV, and DAdV-3 as 0.9975, 0.998, 0.9964, and 0.996, respectively. The quadruplex real time quantitative PCR method efficiency was 90.30%, 101.10%, 90.72%, and 90.57% for MDPV, GPV, DuCV, and DAdV-3, respectively. 396 clinical specimens collected in some duck sausages from June 2022 to July 2023 were simultaneously detected using the established quadruplex real time quantitative PCR method and the reported assays. The detection rates for MDPV, GPV, DuCV, and DAdV-3 were 8.33% (33/396), 17.93% (71/396), 33.58% (133/396), and 29.04% (115/396), respectively. The agreement between these assays was greater than 99.56%.

Discussion

The developed quadruplex real-time quantitative PCR assay can accurately detect these four viruses infecting ducks, providing a rapid, sensitive, specific and accurate technique for clinical testing.
The effects of exercise on microRNA expression profiling in adipose tissue macrophages of mice
Authors: Qin Fei , Huang Wenbai , Qu Chaoyi , Zhao Lina , Du Yunyu , Zhao Tianyu , Feng Yiwei , Zhao Jiexiu
Published: August 2024

Background

Exercise is recognized for its broad health benefits, influencing various physiological processes, including the behavior of adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs). While existing studies mainly associate ATM activity with obesity and metabolic syndrome, our study explores the impact of aerobic exercise on ATM microRNA expression profiling in a non-obese context, highlighting its general health-promoting mechanisms.

Methods

Sixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to either a sedentary (S) or an exercise (E) group. The S group remained inactive, while the E group underwent a one-week treadmill adaptation, followed by an 8-week aerobic treadmill exercise protocol (60 min/day, 5 days/week, at 65%-75% VO2max). Post-training, glucose tolerance and the serum lipid levels were measured in mice subjected to both exercise and non-exercise conditions. ATMs harvested from visceral adipose tissues were analyzed and sorted using flow cytometer. To further investigate the effects of exercise in ATMs at the molecular level, miRNA microarray analysis was performed, followed by bioinformatic analysis.

Results

The 8-week regimen of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise ameliorated glucolipid metabolism and fostered a dynamic shift toward an M2 macrophage phenotype in the adipose tissue, independent of obesity. A total of 62 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified in ATMs of mice post-exercise. Notably, six miRNAs (miR-212-5p, miR-511-5p, miR-7b-5p, miR-142-3p, miR-1894-3p, and miR-31-5p) as well as their target gene were consistently altered and associated with macrophage polarization and metabolic regulation.

Conclusion

Our findings broaden the understanding of how exercise regulates ATM functions through significant changes in microRNA profiles, emphasizing its potential to enhance health and prevent chronic conditions. This study supports the application of aerobic exercise for its preventive effects on chronic diseases and underscores the importance of microRNA profiling in understanding the immune-modulatory impacts of exercise.
Intensive oral prophylaxis does not alter the tongue microbiome in young patients with chronic kidney disease: longitudinal, randomized, controlled study
Authors: Hoefer Karolin C. , Weber Lutz T. , Barbe Anna Greta , Graf Isabelle , Thom Stefanie , Ehren Rasmus , Nowag Angela , Wisplinghoff Hilmar , Noack Michael J. , Scholz Claus J. , Jazmati Nathalie
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Gingivitis is a common intraoral disease in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), which poses a particular interdisciplinary challenge. We aimed to determine the influence of an intensive oral prophylaxis program (OPP) compared to standard prevention measures on the tongue microbiome of young patients with CKD.

Methods

Thirty patients with CKD (mean age 14.2 ± 5.2 years) and generalized gingivitis were included. The effects of the intensive OPP were compared with standard prophylaxis according to statutory health insurance (treatment as usual, TAU) as a control. Tongue swabs were taken from the patients at baseline (t1) and after 3 (t2) and 6 (t3) months. Next-generation sequencing of 16S rDNA genes was used to quantitatively characterize microbial communities.

Results

There were no differences in the abundance, richness, or diversity of the observed genera and species between the two study groups at baseline or after 3 or 6 months. Furthermore, no change in predefined gingivitis and oral health bacterial clusters were found. At the phylum level, Firmicutes were decreased after intervention in the TAU group (t2TAU 42.9 ± 7.1 to t3TAU 34.8 ± 4.7 (npairs=14), p=0.003; false discovery rate 0.02). The decrease of Firmicutes was not significant in the OPP group.

Conclusions

Despite the intensity of dental prophylaxis and decreasing clinical signs of inflammation and decreasing plaque amount, no clinically relevant changes in the tongue microbiome were observed. Our results confirm the conserved and stable nature of the tongue microbiome, even in children with CKD.
Heterophoria in multiple sclerosis patients: a proof of principle cross-sectional study
Authors: Graf Jonas , Weise Margit , Guthoff Tanja , Balloff Carolin , Gasis Marcia , Link Heike , Küchlin Sebastian , Lagrèze Wolf , Meuth Sven G. , Aktas Orhan , Albrecht Philipp
Published: August 2024

Objectives

The pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) involves inflammatory neurodegeneration in the brainstem, cerebellum, and retina. The clinical relevance of oculomotor involvement in MS, however, remains uncertain.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated heterophoria as a (sub)clinical tool in 54 MS patients and 55 age-matched healthy controls (HCs). We quantified heterophoria in prism diopters for distance and near range with orthoptic examination. Our primary outcome was high degrees of horizontal heterophoria (HDHH) defined as measurements beyond ±2 standard deviations from the mean prism diopter of heterophoria of our HCs.

Results

More than one-third (37%, n=20/54) of MS patients but only 11% (n=6/55) of HCs were classified as HDHH [distance, MS=9% (n=5/54) versus HC=6% (n=3/55); near, MS=19% (n=10/54) versus HC=5% (n=3/55)]. Our MS patients presented more combined vertical and horizontal deviations at near range [MS 19% (n=10/54) versus for HC 7% (n=4/55)]. We observed the combination of HDHH both at distance and at near testing in 9% (n=5/54) of MS patients but not at all in HCs (n=0/55).

Discussion

Despite the high prevalence of heterophoria, HDHH may be an additional (sub)clinical tool of subclinical involvement in MS. Thus, orthoptic examination may be an additional tool to improve MS diagnostic procedures.
Do immunosuppressive treatments influence immune responses against adenovirus-based COVID-19 vaccines in patients with multiple sclerosis? An Argentine multicenter study
Authors: Silva Berenice Anabel , Miglietta Esteban , Casabona Juan Cruz , Wenker Shirley , Eizaguirre María Bárbara , Alonso Ricardo , Casas Magdalena , Lázaro Luciana Grimanesa , Man Federico , Portuondo Gustavo , Lopez Bisso Abril , Zavala Noelia , Casales Federico , Imhoff Gastón , Steinberg Dra Judith , López Pablo Adrián , Carnero Contentti Edgar , Deri Norma , Sinay Vladimiro , Hryb Javier , Chiganer Edson , Leguizamon Felisa , Tkachuk Verónica , Bauer Johana , Ferrandina Flavia , Giachello Susana , Henestroza Paula , Garcea Orlando , Pascuale Carla Antonela , Heitrich Mauro , Podhajcer Osvaldo L. , Vinzón Sabrina , D’Alotto-Moreno Tomas , Benatar Alejandro , Rabinovich Gabriel Adrián , Pitossi Fernando J. , Ferrari Carina C.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

There are no reports in LATAM related to longitudinal humoral and cellular response to adenovirus based COVID-19 vaccines in people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) under different disease modifying therapies (DMTs) and neutralization of the Omicron and Wuhan variants of SARS-COV-2.

Methods

IgG anti- SARS-COV-2 spike titer were measured in a cohort of 101 pwMS under fingolimod, dimethyl fumarate, cladribine and antiCD20, as well as 28 healthy controls (HC) were measured 6 weeks after vaccination with 2nd dose (Sputnik V or AZD1222) and 3nd dose (homologous or heterologous schedule). Neutralizing capacity was against Omicron (BA.1) and Wuhan (D614G) variants and pseudotyped particles and Cellular response were analyzed.

Results

Multivariate regression analysis showed anti-cd20 (β= -,349, 95% CI: -3655.6 - -369.01, p=0.017) and fingolimod (β=-,399, 95% CI: -3363.8 - -250.9, p=0.023) treatments as an independent factor associated with low antibody response (r2 adjusted=0.157). After the 2nd dose we found a correlation between total and neutralizing titers against D614G (rho=0.6; p<0.001; slope 0.8, 95%CI:0.4-1.3), with no differences between DMTs. Neutralization capacity was lower for BA.1 (slope 0.3, 95%CI:0.1-0.4). After the 3rd dose, neutralization of BA.1 improved (slope: 0.9 95%CI:0.6-1.2), without differences between DMTs. A fraction of pwMS generated anti-Spike CD4+ and CD8+ T cell response. In contrast, pwMS under antiCD20 generated CD8+TNF+IL2+ response without differences with HC, even in the absence of humoral response. The 3rd dose significantly increased the neutralization against the Omicron, as observed in the immunocompetent population.

Discussion

Findings regarding humoral and cellular response are consistent with previous reports.
Comparative assessment of autologous and allogeneic iNKT cell transfer in iNKT cell-based immunotherapy
Authors: Takami Mariko , Motohashi Shinichiro
Published: August 2024

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a small subset of T lymphocytes that release large amounts of cytokines such as IFN-γ and exhibit cytotoxic activity upon activation, inducing strong anti-tumor effects. Harnessing the anti-tumor properties of iNKT cells, iNKT cell-based immunotherapy has been developed to treat cancer patients. In one of the iNKT cell-based immunotherapies, two approaches are utilized, namely, active immunotherapy or adoptive immunotherapy, the latter involving the ex vivo expansion and subsequent administration of iNKT cells. There are two sources of iNKT cells for adoptive transfer, autologous and allogeneic, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here, we assess clinical trials conducted over the last decade that have utilized iNKT cell adoptive transfer as iNKT cell-based immunotherapy, categorizing them into two groups based on the use of autologous iNKT cells or allogeneic iNKT cells.
Characterisation of reproductive tract microbiome and immune biomarkers for bovine genital campylobacteriosis in vaccinated and unvaccinated heifers
Authors: Juli Mst Sogra Banu , Raza Ali , Forutan Mehrnush , Siddle Hannah V. , Fordyce Geoffry , Muller Jarud , Boe-Hansen Gry B. , Tabor Ala E.
Published: August 2024

Background

Bovine genital campylobacteriosis (BGC) is a globally important venereal disease of cattle caused by Campylobacter fetus subspecies venerealis. Diagnosis of BGC is highly challenging due to the lack of accurate diagnostic tests.

Methods

To characterise the biomarkers for C. fetus venerealis infection, a total of twelve cycling heifers were selected and categorised as vaccinated (n = 6) with Vibrovax® (Zoetis™) and unvaccinated (n = 6). All heifers were oestrous synchronised with a double dose of prostaglandin (PGF2α) 11 days apart and when in oestrous intravaginally challenged with 2.7 x 109 CFU live C. fetus venerealis. DNA extracted from vaginal mucus samples was screened using a C. fetus qPCR and 16S rRNA was characterised using Illumina sequencing (V5-V8 region). Relative abundances of serum proteins were calculated using sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (SWATH-MS) for all heifers at three timepoints: pre-challenge, post-challenge and post-recovery.

Results

In 16S rRNA sequencing of vaginal mucus, Campylobacter spp. appeared two days following challenge in unvaccinated compared to 14 days in vaccinated animals, consistent with the qPCR results. Increased relative abundances of Firmicutes and Campylobacterota were identified after C. fetus venerealis challenge and were associated with C. fetus venerealis in vaccinated and unvaccinated heifers. Greater relative abundance of Streptococcus spp. was observed during oestrous rather than dioestrous. In both vaccinated and unvaccinated heifers, Acinetobacter spp. increased after challenge with higher abundance of Corynebacterium spp. in the vaccinated group. A total of 130 unique proteins were identified in SWATH analysis of the serum samples, and the number of differentially abundant proteins found was higher in the vaccinated group after recovery from infection compared to pre-and post-challenge (adjusted P < 0.05 and Log2FC > 0.2).

Conclusion

Coglutinin, clusterin, HP homologs, vitamin D binding protein and fetuin B were identified as potential biomarkers for C. fetus venerealis infection and need further study to validate their efficiency as immune biomarkers for BGC.