bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Analysis of Synonym Relation Meaning in Kerinci Language: A Semantic Study
Authors: Fitrah Yundi , Afria Rengki
Published: January 2024

Synonyms are lexical variants that refer to the same meaning in expressing something in word form. In other cases, synonyms are lexical aspects that support cohesion in discourse which functions as a link between one lingual unit and another. This research explains the analysis of synonym meaning relation in Kerinci language through semantic study. The purpose of this research is to reveal the form of synonym meaning relation in its distribution in Kerinci area. The method used is qualitative, data obtained from oral and written sources, data collection is done by interview, and data analysis is done by semantic lexical technique. The results showed that 94 data concepts (lemma) produced 6-word classes, and 300 synonym data. The six-word classes are noun, verb, adjective, adverb, numeral, and pronoun. From the 300-synonym data, 82 data were found to belong to the TC category, 50 nTC, 138 TnC, and 30 nTnC. Geographically, it was found that the distribution of synonym data in KU was 190 data, 16 KT, 28 KM, and 66 KH. In general, Kerinci language synonyms are categorized as lexical relations because although they can be understood by Kerinci people in speech, they are also basically a form of lexical distribution that refers to vocabulary variants with similar meanings. This happens because of several factors, such as time factor, place/region factor, social factor, nuance factor of meaning. The results of the research are used as a reference and comparison. This research was conducted to reveal the diversity of lexical forms that refer to the same meaning. In other words, identifying the meaning contained in these lexical variants from the point of view of synonyms in semantic studies.
Construction of the Argument for the Decision of the Jambi District Court No. 18/Pid.Sus-TPK/2023/PN Jmb
Authors: Ardinah Ardinah , Prihadi Prihadi , Efendi Anwar , Hartono Hartono
Published: January 2024

Indonesia has imposed penalties for criminal acts of corruption by sentencing defendants to additional crimes, in addition to the main crime through court decisions. As a text, a court decision is also a practice that uses language like any other text. Therefore, it cannot be denied to analyze the text using the field of forensic linguistic studies. This research aims to explore the argumentative structure of court decisions regarding criminal acts of corruption and additional crimes as argumentative texts. In his analysis, all legal considerations become the basis for decision making. The data in this research is the text of the Jambi District Court decision no. 18/Pid.Sus-TPK/2023/PN Jmb using a qualitative descriptive method referring to a forensic linguistic approach. The results of this research include several things, namely the panel of judges used an indictment that had a high level of empathy and focalization because the indictment was obtained from interviews with the defendants. Thus, it can be concluded that because the claims of 'legitimate and convincing' and 'committing criminal acts of corruption together' are met argumentatively. However, the claim of 'subjected to criminal acts of corruption and additional crimes' needs to be questioned. This is because the six defendants had different sentences. In fact, in the indictment the detailed amount of money received is stated, so this claim is problematic from an argumentative theory perspective.
Students’ English Learning Strategies Assisted with e-Resources in Blended Learning
Authors: Maghfiroh Ana , Unaiziah Elfina Anggi Nafisatul , Mustikawati Diyah Atiek , Susilowati Tintin
Published: January 2024

Blended learning yields some challenges and difficulties for learners, and they should have an appropriate strategy to deal with the use of e-resources. This research aimed at: (1) explaining the various learning strategies used by students to learn English using e-resources in blended learning, and (2) determining the factors that influence their choice of these strategies. The researcher used descriptive-quantitative methods in this study, with the participants involving 2 universities. The SILL questionnaire and interviews were used to collect the data. The results showed that the participants mostly used the metacognitive method, with an average of 3.86. The study also revealed that students used five other methods, including cognitive (M = 3.35), compensation (M = 3.34), affective (M = 3.20), social (M = 3.16), and memory (M = 3.14). Moreover, students’ use of these strategies was influenced by some factors, including motivation to learn English, learning style, and ease of learning. In conclusion, the various strategies employed for learning English were different, as were the factors influencing strategy selection by each participant. This research provides meaningful insights into how the blended learning can be boosted through the implementation of appropriate learning strategies, particularly related to the use of e-resources, so that it will increase students' comprehension and achievement during the learning process.
Teachers’ Practices Toward Cultural Representations in an EFL Textbook: Preparing Students for A Global Experience
Authors: Novita Dian , Yamin Moh. , Taufiq Wahyu , Dilna Sema G.
Published: January 2024

Acquiring a foreign language necessitates navigating practical situations that transcend linguistic and cultural barriers. Therefore, it is the teachers’ responsibility to develop these abilities. However, teachers rarely do so in a foreign language (FL) teaching. Integrating culture into the process of language teaching becomes crucial. Utilizing the textbook is one method to incorporate culture into the FL classroom, as it contains cultural material and linguistics.  Limited research has been devoted to pedagogical analysis compared to the extensive concentration on content analysis in ELT textbook studies. The study aims to examine the teachers’ approaches to cultural depictions in an international English for Foreign Language (EFL) textbook, intending to educate students on a global worldview. The present study employed a qualitative research method with a case study design. The study recruited two junior high school English teachers who taught seventh-grade students at a private school in East Java, Indonesia. These teachers had incorporated cultural elements into their teaching. The instruments used to accomplish the research purpose were observation and post-observation interviews. The study's findings have verified that teachers utilized a comparative approach in presenting foreign cultural elements from the supplementary book to enhance English language learning. Exploring the students’ culture and contrasting it with foreign cultures has the potential to inspire greater participation from students in classroom activities. Using this strategy enables students to develop their English language proficiency in both linguistic and cultural aspects.
English Teachers’ Tecnological Knowledge and Some Barriers on It: The Basis for Developing TPACK Teaching Model
Authors: Muliani Muliani , Sukarni Sri , Jumadil Jumadil
Published: January 2024

Along with the dynamic development of technology and the need for technology integration in today's learning, technology has become an important element in educational organizations. programs and applications that have been mastered by teachers, namely PowerPoint, Google Translate, Google Doc, the internet, and all forms of technological offerings can undoubtedly support the blended learning pattern which then becomes a learning necessity. Teachers' content and and pedagogical knowledge must be supported by their technological knowledge. The aim of this research is to conduct qualitative research by means of doing semi-structured interview and checking teachers' daily journals about technologies applied in their teaching and learning processes and also the problems of applying those technologies. It was found that there are some technologies commonly used as the instruments of teaching by those 10 teachers in their teaching and learning processes after the pandemic such as: Google Meet, Google Classroom, and WA Group. Next to that, it was also found that there are some common barriers experienced by the teachers in the application of those technologies, such as: hardware and software problems, connectivity, financial problem, protection of personal information, technical support, lack of face-to-face interaction, psychological problems, and language barrier. The result if this research is expected that it can be used as the basis to develop appropriate technologies for teaching English for students to support their CK and PK regarding the implementation of TPACK at school.
Analyzing the Paraphrasing Techniques in Academic Writing Skills and the Paraphrasing Challenges Across Gender
Authors: Aprianto Dedi , Sutarman Sutarman , Ofara Wafika
Published: January 2024

Gender differences is assummed as the general individual’s differences that exists and catches an attention of many aspects in ELT. Writing techniques could have examined and yielded the potential facts in gender differences on the development of writing proficiency in English language learning. The study aims at identifying paraphrase techniques in gender differences and to explore the challenges the students encountered. A Mixed method research design was carried out. The participants of this study were 33 male students and 34 female students for writing test and 5 male students and 5 female students for interview. Data collection invloved the distribution of writing tests to the participants and doing interview. The findings showed that the frequency pertentages for male students NC 14%, Mi.R 27%, Mo.R 28%, SR 31% & for female students NC 31%, Mi.R 21%, Mo.R 29%, SR 37%. The most frequent paraphrase technique employed by male and female students is moderate revision (SR). Then, male students (57,73%) are more dominant than female students (41.32%) in using syntactical paraphrase, male students (37,65%) more frequent than female students (32,62%) in using semantic paraphrase, female students (26.06%) are more frequent than male students (4.62%) in using organizational paraphrase. The paraphrase challenges found on how to organize the ideas, problems of source text comprehension, problems of stylistic styles of writing, grammar or rules of sentences and vocabulary knowledge (Language Proficiency-Based Problems).
Revestimento do corante licopeno presente no tomate como alternativa de suplementação alimentar
Authors: Santos Romário da Silva , Souza Gláucio de Meneses , Marques Agílio Tomaz , Belchior Sandra Maijane Soares de , Silva Osvaldo Soares da
Published: January 2024

O licopeno é um carotenoide, substância que confere ao tomate e a outros vegetais a coloração vermelha, que se destaca por ser um dos antioxidantes mais potentes observados em pesquisas. Ele também é conhecido como um dos melhores supressores biológicos de radicais livres, especialmente aqueles derivados do oxigênio. Isto pode estar associado à diminuição do risco de doenças crônicas como as cardiovasculares e câncer, principalmente o de próstata e o de mama, quando adotada uma dieta a base de tomate e derivados ricos em licopeno. Diante do exposto, a presente pesquisa teve como principal objetivo realizar uma revisão bibliográfica sobre a microencapsulação do tomate e a retenção de licopeno nos diferentes processos. Foi realizado com esse estudo um levantamento bibliográfico entre 2017 e 2023 de estudos relacionados a meta-analises da microencapsulação do licopeno. Foram encontrados 27 artigos de revisão, três foram eliminados após leitura de resumo e 24 não falavam diretamente. Verificou-se que o objetivo do trabalho foi cumprido, tendo em vista que foram apresentados valores considerados relevantes na retenção deste carotenoide depois de microencapsulado, o que torna a sua aplicação uma possível sugestão para uma melhor nutrição humana.
A relevância do diagnóstico precoce do câncer de pele na população de meia idade e idosos: Revisão de escopo
Authors: Carneiro Guilherme Andrade , Amorim Thaís Cristina Cunha , Silva Pricila Francisca Cunha da , Silva Rychelly Pinho , Silva Antônio Maikon Coutinho da , Silva Natasha Michelle Ramos da , Oliveira Shelda Benício de
Published: January 2024

Objetivos: Analisar as estratégias de prevenção para o rastreio precoce do câncer de pele, bem como sinais e sintomas que muitas vezes são tardios e identificar os fatores associados ao sugimento de neoplasia cutânea em indivíduos de meia idade e idosos. Metodologia: Scoping Review, baseado nos procedimentos recomendados pelo Instituto Joanna Briggs. Estabeleceu-se a pergunta norteadora: “Qual a relevância do diagnóstico precoce do câncer de pele na população de meia idade e idosos e quais as práticas de enfermagem no contexto da prevenção do câncer de pele?”. Serão realizadas buscas em três bases de dados nacionais e internacionais, sobre trabalhos publicados de 2018 a 2023. Resultados: Foram identificados 1.443 estudos dos quais, 53 eram duplicatas e 1.189 foram excluídos. Com base no título e resumo, 201 estudos foram avaliados e 35 estudos seguiram por elegibilidade para etapa de leitura do texto completo. Para essa revisão de escopo rápida, 8 estudos foram incluídos. Discussão: As evidências encontradas no escopo deste estudo demonstraram que as campanhas de prevenção as principais estratégias de prevenção para detecção precoce do câncer de pele. Além de resultados que mostram a idade, histórico familiar, tabagismo e exposição solar como os principais fatores de riscos para o desenvolvimento da doença. Considerações Finais: Os resultados deste estudo reafirmam a relevância de intensificar ações preventivas no contexto da promoção da saúde, principalmente no que se refere ao diagnóstico precoce e conscientização da população, devendo ser constantemente estimulados.
O protagonismo da sociedade civil na sociobiodiversidade do contexto amazônico
Authors: Costa Júnior Francinaldo Santos da , Arroyo João Cláudio Tupinambá
Published: January 2024

Este estudo aborda o sistema da biodiversidade da floresta amazônica e a origem de produtos da Sociobiodiversidade. Controlando a crença comum, demostra-se o uso de práticas, agrícolas convencionais, não resultam impactos socioambiental adversos, contribuindo para a preservação do ecossistema. Objetivo: analisar a bioeconomia no contexto da Sociobiodiversidade da Amazônia com foco no estado do Pará, Brasil, construindo interações entre o extrativismo sustentável dos povos tradicionais e produtores familiares, com ênfase especial para a questão climática. Método: Pesquisa de natureza bibliográfica do tipo descritiva e exploratório de abordagem qualitativa. O levantamento de dados foi efetivado em consultas nas Plataformas Públicas, Scielo e Google Acadêmico de fontes primárias e secundarias por meio de publicações de artigos, livros, revistas, jornal, anais, auxiliaram na construção do aporte teórico. Resultados: foram selecionadas 20 publicações, que dispõem as discussões dos principais autores apontando ferramentas que corroborem com o desmatamento zero, preservar, reconstituem a florestas em sua Sociobiodiversidade. Considerações finais: Reforça-se a importância das críticas em relação à preservação da floresta Amazônica, não apenas para manutenção dos povos tradicionais e a sua cultura, em vista dos produtores familiares que buscam preservar seu território e extrair produtos de maneira sustentáveis produtos para a subsistência.
Metode Pembelajaran Melalui Pendekatan Bermain atau Bertanding dalam Upaya Meningkatkan Minat Pendidikan Jasmani Siswa – Siswi MTs Al-Amin Malang Pasca Covid-19
Authors: Maron Karlos Alex , Sari Reno Siska
Published: January 2024

This research was created to explain changes in the education system caused by the Covid-19 virus outbreak which has resulted in a lack of motivation to learn and interest in studying physical education among female students, so that many still do not understand the purpose and importance of physical education, to achieve competency standards. difficult because physical education is education that uses physical activity to bring about comprehensive changes in the physical, mental and emotional qualities of individuals. So when learning is carried out online continuously it makes students feel bored and bored, making them take part in educational learning just to get grades and just as an educational formality.

The research results show that making changes to the education system in physical education lessons by using learning and playing methods can make it easier for students to master the material presented so that learning can be carried out optimally.
Rancang Bangun Sistem Ujian Online Pada MTs Al-Istiqomah Belinyu
Authors: Anggelia Bela , Andriyanto Sidhiq , Fujiyanti Linda
Published: January 2024

In the digital era today, information technology is becoming very important in various fields, one of which is in the field of education. In the field of education, information technology can be used to facilitate the learning and teaching process. One of them is by using online examination system. In this research, we tried to design and develop an online examination system at MTs Al-Istiqomah Belinyu. This system was developed using PHP and MySQL as programming language and database, using Codeigniter 4 and Bootstrap 5 as framework. The system has features such as login, online examination, and examination results. In addition, the system also has features to manage student and teacher data, manage examination questions and manage examination results. This system is expected to facilitate the examination process and increase time efficiency for teachers and students. In addition, this system is also expected to improve the quality of the examination and the learning results of students. Examination results obtained from this system can also be used as evaluation material for teachers and schools in improving the quality of education.
Analisis Pengaruh Ayunan Elektroda Las Terhadap Uji Kekerasan Baja Aisi 1045 Pada Area Haz
Authors: Agus Darma Afriliansyah , Tuparjono Tuparjono , Erwansyah Erwansyah
Published: January 2024

In the welding process, the swing of the electrode is very influential on the mechanical properties of the weld. The purpose of this study was to determine the hardness value in the HAZ area of ​​AISI 1045 steel due to differences in SMAW welding electrode swing. The method in this study uses experimental research methods, namely describing comparisons of treated specimens using the help of the Microsoft Excel application. The material used in this study was AISI 1045 medium carbon steel which was welded using SMAW welding with variations of zig-zag, circular and C swing electrodes with 1G position. The results of this study prove that the electrode swing has a significant effect on the hardness value. It can be seen that the test material with a circular swing pattern has a higher value than the zigzag and C swing patterns. This is shown by testing the hardness test in the HAZ area where the circular swing pattern gets average. -the highest average hardness value is 23.47 HRC. Meanwhile, the lowest average hardness value is in the C swing pattern of 20.46 HRC. Electrode swing has an influence on the hardness value. The circular swing pattern has a higher value than the zigzag and C swing patterns.
Karakteristik Serat Tandan Kosong Kelapa Sawit Sebagai Komposit Resin Polyester Untuk Mengetahui Nilai Absorpsi Suara
Authors: Mar'i Akbar Firzan , Napitupulu Robert , Yudo Eko
Published: January 2024

The development of composite materials currently not only with synthetic reinforcing materials but also with natural fiber reinforcing materials, because natural fibers have diverse characteristics. In this research, looking at the characteristics of Oil Palm Empety Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) fiber which has a high cellulose and hemicellulose content, which is generally used for soundproofing materials. So a composite research will be made from the main material of OPEFB  fiber with polyester resin as the matrix. The purpose of this research is to determine the sound absorption value of the composition of the mixture of OPEFB  fiber and resin. The method used is the hand lay-up method combined with the Taguchi Method on the L4(23) orthogonal matrix design used as a reference for the sound absorbing composite manufacturing process. The L4(23) orthogonal matrix design is used because there are three process parameters that have two levels. Repetition is repeated three times. The process parameters are the volume fraction of OPEFB  fiber and resin, the length of fiber soaking with NaOH, and the thickness of the composite. The research results from three repetitions obtained the highest value in sample I with a mean value = 77.93 dB at a frequency of 2000 Hz, and the lowest value in sample III with a mean value = 32.97 dB at a frequency of 125 Hz.
Pengaruh Pengerolan Alur Pelat Heksagonal Terhadap Frekuensi Pribadinya Dalam Kondisi Bebas-Bebas
Authors: Nurazizi Aulia Edwira , Sukanto Sukanto , Erwanto Erwanto
Published: January 2024

Public interest in pick-up cars as a means of transportation for transporting goods has continued to increase lately because they are considered more flexible for transporting raw materials, workshop products and agricultural products and are capable of being operated on urban and rural roads that have different road roughness, as well as in very high traffic conditions. Plate panels that must be used in pick-up vehicles need to be designed as thin as possible but have high stiffness and natural frequency so that they are more efficient in fuel use and able to withstand vibrations that occur during driving. This study aims to determine the natural frequency that occurs in the plate panel profile for vehicle bodies resulting from the cold rolling process. The galvanized steel plates used are 0.6 and 0.8 mm thick. The natural frequency test method is used with free boundary conditions, where the conditioning plate is suspended by a rope. The natural frequency test tool used is the vibroport 80 at an existential pressure of 10 grams, with the hammer hitting the centre of the panel and the sensors being positioned at 0 and 90 degrees. Based on the test results that have been carried out, the panel specimen with a thickness of 0.8 mm obtained the highest natural frequency value of 922.5 Hz, while for a plate thickness of 0.6 mm, the highest value was only 816.25 Hz. However, the two groups of specimens with plate panel thicknesses of 0.6 and 0.8 mm because of rolling experienced an average increase in natural frequency, reaching 2.3 – 2.5 times when compared to the flat plates without the rolling process. The conclusion is that as the natural frequency value increases, the plate panel stiffness also increases.
Pengaruh Fraksi Volume Pada Komposit Serat Lapisan Batang Pisang Kepok Dengan Perlakuan Asap Cair Terhadap Kekuatan Tarik
Authors: Kusuma Sultan Chandra , Yuliyanto Yuliyanto , Dharta Yuli
Published: January 2024

Synthetic fiber composite materials such as glass fiber, aramid and carbon fiber have good mechanical properties, but cause environmental pollution because they cannot be recycled. Because of this, many researchers are making composites with natural fibers. The advantages of natural fibers include: lower price, easy processing, reduced CO2 emissions, and specific strength meets application requirements. Composites are materials composed of a mixture of more than two different main elements. Composites have the advantages of light weight, higher strength, and corrosion resistance. This study applies the full factorial design method, which will look at the effect of the composite ratio (volume fraction and between fiber layers) on tensile strength. The purpose of this research is to determine the effect of variations in volume fraction and fiber layers of kepok banana stems on tensile strength. So that it can be used as an alternative material for making SNI helmets. This study used variations in volume fractions of 10%, 15%, and 20% and variations in fiber layers of 3, 4, and 5 kepok banana stems. Liquid smoke soaking time was 60 minutes. The average value of the maximum tensile test in the 4th layer, 10% volume fraction of fiber with a value of 42.76 Mpa and the minimum average value in the 3rd layer using 10% volume fraction of fiber with a value of 30.06 Mpa.
Pengaruh Variasi Parameter Waktu Gesek Dan Jarak Penekanan Terhadap Kekuatan Impak Sambungan Hasil Friction Welding Pada Baja AISI 4140
Authors: Tresnov Switella Argona , Rodika Rodika , Rivai Muhammad
Published: January 2024

Friction welding is a welding technique that uses heat generated by friction, and this concept works on the surfaces of two materials that are in contact, namely rotating while the other is stationary and applying a compressive force at the same speed to provide heat to melt one metal into another. This study aimed to determine the effect of friction time and pressure distance variations on impact strength in the friction welding process of AISI 4140 steel. A solid cylinder having Ø 20 mm. So, this research will be carried out using the experimental method; it is found that friction welding using 90 seconds and a pressure distance of 4 mm produces an average absorbed impact energy of 31.31 joules and an average impact price of 0.05692 joules/mm2 and for the lowest value, namely at 60 seconds and the pressure distance is 2 mm with the average value of the impact absorbed is 6.44 joules. The average impact price is 0.01168 Joule/mm2. Because the longer the friction time and the pressure distance, the results of the friction welding better.
Rancangan Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Angin dan Surya dengan Turbin Angin Sumbu Vertikal Savonius Menggunakan Bentuk Sudu L dengan Kapasitas Daya Sebesar 746,5 Wh
Authors: Wahyudi Deni , Rollastin Boy , Pranandita Nanda
Published: January 2024

The design of wind and solar power generators is the goal of utilizing solar thermal energy and wind speed on the coast. To get a design result that is in accordance with the power requirement of 720 W, therefore the results of this design have followed the steps in the VDI 2222 method. From the results of the calculations that have been carried out the Savonius type wind turbine uses an L-shaped profile, with a diameter of 710 mm and a height 592 mm can produce a power of 279.072 Wh. And for the power generated from a Polycrystalline type of solar panel with a capacity of 50 Wp as much as 1 unit can produce a power of 467.5 Wh. Based on the calculation results of the combination of wind turbines and solar panels, a power of 746.6 is obtained. So that with this power it meets the capacity of the power requirement of 720 Wh. From the results of the calculation of the strength analysis of the material on the turbine shaft with material type SS 304 using SolidWorks software, it is known that the allowable stress on the material SS 304 is 200 MPa, then the resultant torsional stress with a load of 1217 Nm produces a yield strength of 1.723e+002 N/mm2(MPa), and the max torsional stress is 1.723e+000N/ mm2 (MPa).
Critical Thinking and Media Literacy in an Age of Misinformation
Authors: Gilmour Terry
Published: January 2024

Critical thinking is gathering and analyzing information to make a rational judgement. To be a acritical thinker, we must understand our own biases, but be open to new ideas and perspectives. During the past few decades, the rise in social media has coincided with the spread of misinformation. As political science faculty, perhaps more than faculty in any other discipline, the responsibility of teaching our students how to distinguish between factual and fake information is taking up more of our time in the classroom. This requires teaching more critical thinking skills and incorporating appropriate assignments into our courses to reinforce those skills. The bottom line is that we can no longer teach the way we used to – it is imperative that our students take ownership of their own learning experience beginning with their first entry into the college classroom.
Reliability of some tinnitus psychoacoustic measures
Authors: Daoud Elza , Enzler Falco , Fournier Philippe , Noreña Arnaud J.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Psychoacoustic measures are used to quantify tinnitus perception in clinical and research settings. Residual inhibition (RI), for instance, is defined as a temporary reduction in tinnitus loudness after the presentation of an acoustic stimulus. A novel approach was developed recently to assess the minimum sound level producing RI, the minimum residual inhibition level (MRIL), after the repeated presentation of short sounds separated by short periods of silence. Two studies were performed: the objective of the study 1 was to assess the reliability and the reproducibility of this measures as well as others, including the minimum masking level (MML). The objective of study 2 was to assess whether a smoother envelope of the sound would produce similar levels of MML and MRIL and improve listening comfort.

Methods

Thirty participants with chronic tinnitus completed each study. For study 1, MML and MRIL were obtained at the seven standard audiometric frequencies at around 1-month interval. For study 2, MML and MRIL were obtained using triangular and trapezoidal-shaped NBN signals centered at three different frequencies.

Results

The mean absolute test-retest difference was 3 dB for both MML and MRIL [Intraclass correlation, ICC (2,1) of 0.70 and 0.84, respectively] for the measures obtained in test and retest (86% of cases for MML and 21% of cases for complete MRIL). While the two types of envelopes provided comparable MRIL, the “triangular” envelope provided more listening comfort.

Discussion

In sum, the novel approach provides quick and reliable MML and MRIL measurement, with the potential benefit of subtyping participants.
A computational model-based study on the feasibility of predicting post-splenectomy thrombosis using hemodynamic metrics
Authors: Wang Tianqi , Yong Yan , Ge Xinyang , Wang Jitao
Published: January 2024

For portal hypertensive patients with splenomegaly and hypersplenism, splenectomy is an effective surgery to relieve the complications. However, patients who have undergone splenectomy often suffer from portal venous system thrombosis, a sequela that requires prophylaxis and timely treatment to avoid deterioration and death. The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility of predicting post-splenectomy thrombosis using hemodynamic metrics based on computational models. First, 15 portal hypertensive patients who had undergone splenectomy were enrolled, and their preoperative clinical data and postoperative follow-up results were collected. Next, computational models of the portal venous system were constructed based on the preoperative computed tomography angiography images and ultrasound-measured flow velocities. On this basis, splenectomy was mimicked and the postoperative area of low wall shear stress (ALWSS) was simulated for each patient-specific model. Finally, model-simulated ALWSS was statistically compared with the patient follow-up results to investigate the feasibility of predicting post-splenectomy thrombosis using hemodynamic metrics. Results showed that ALWSS could predict the occurrence of post-splenectomy thrombosis with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) equal to 0.75. Moreover, statistical analysis implied that the diameter of the splenic vein is positively correlated with ALWSS (r = 0.883, p < 0.0001), and the anatomical structures of the portal venous system also influence the ALWSS. These findings demonstrated that the computational model-based hemodynamic metric ALWSS, which is associated with the anatomorphological features of the portal venous system, is capable of predicting the occurrence of post-splenectomy thrombosis, promoting better prophylaxis and postoperative management for portal hypertensive patients receiving splenectomy.
Cas9 deletion of lutein biosynthesis in the marine alga Picochlorum celeri reduces photosynthetic pigments while sustaining high biomass productivity
Authors: Cano Melissa , Krishnan Anagha , Karns Devin A. , Likhogrud Maria A. , Weissman Joseph C. , Posewitz Matthew C.
Published: January 2024

Domestication of algae for food and renewable biofuels remains limited by the low photosynthetic efficiencies of processes that have evolved to be competitive for optimal light capture, incentivizing the development of large antennas in light-limiting conditions, thus decreasing efficient light utilization in cultivated ponds or photobioreactors. Reducing the pigment content to improve biomass productivity has been a strategy discussed for several decades and the ability to reduce pigment significantly is now fully at hand thanks to the widespread use of genome editing tools. Picochlorum celeri is one of the fastest growing marine algae identified and holds particular promise for outdoor cultivation, especially in saline water and warm climates. We show that while chlorophyll b is essential to sustain high biomass productivities under dense cultivation, removing Picochlorum celeri’s main carotenoid, lutein, leads to a decreased total chlorophyll content, higher a/b ratio, reduced functional LHCII cross section and higher maximum quantum efficiencies at lower light intensities, resulting in an incremental increase in biomass productivity and increased PAR-to-biomass conversion efficiency. These findings further strengthen the existing strategies to improve photosynthetic efficiency and biomass production in algae.
Development of a tag-free plant-made interferon gamma production system with improved therapeutic efficacy against viruses
Authors: Jiang Min-Chao , Hsu Wei-Li , Tseng Ching-Yu , Lin Na-Sheng , Hsu Yau-Heiu , Hu Chung-Chi
Published: January 2024

Plants offer a promising platform for cost-effective production of biologically active therapeutic glycoproteins. In previous studies, we have developed a plant expression system based on Bamboo mosaic virus (BaMV) by incorporating secretory signals and an affinity tag, which resulted in notably enhanced yields of soluble and secreted fusion glycoproteins (FGs) in Nicotiana benthamiana. However, the presence of fusion tags on recombinant glycoproteins is undesirable for biomedical applications. This study aimed to develop a refined expression system that can efficiently produce tag-free glycoproteins in plants, with enhanced efficacy of mature interferon gamma (mIFNγ) against viruses. To accommodate the specific requirement of different target proteins, three enzymatically or chemically cleavable linkers were provided in this renovated BaMV-based expression system. We demonstrated that Tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease could process the specific cleavage site (LTEV) of the fusion protein, designated as SSExtHis(SP)10LTEV-mIFNγ, with optimal efficiency under biocompatible conditions to generate tag-free mIFNγ glycoproteins. The TEV protease and secretory-affinity tag could be effectively removed from the target mIFNγ glycoproteins through Ni2+-NTA chromatography. In addition, the result of an antiviral assay showed that the tag-free mIFNγ glycoproteins exhibited enhanced biological properties against Sindbis virus, with comparable antiviral activity of the commercialized HEK293-expressed hIFNγ. Thus, the improved BaMV-based expression system developed in this study may provide an alternative strategy for producing tag-free therapeutic glycoproteins intended for biomedical applications.
Transposable elements acquire time- and sex-specific transcriptional and epigenetic signatures along mouse fetal gonad development
Authors: Stévant Isabelle , Gonen Nitzan , Poulat Francis
Published: January 2024

Gonadal sex determination in mice is a complex and dynamic process, which is crucial for the development of functional reproductive organs. The expression of genes involved in this process is regulated by a variety of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Recently, there has been increasing evidence that transposable elements (TEs), which are a class of mobile genetic elements, play a significant role in regulating gene expression during embryogenesis and organ development. In this study, we aimed to investigate the involvement of TEs in the regulation of gene expression during mouse embryonic gonadal development. Through bioinformatics analysis, we aimed to identify and characterize specific TEs that operate as regulatory elements for sex-specific genes, as well as their potential mechanisms of regulation. We identified TE loci expressed in a time- and sex-specific manner along fetal gonad development that correlate positively and negatively with nearby gene expression, suggesting that their expression is integrated to the gonadal regulatory network. Moreover, chromatin accessibility and histone post-transcriptional modification analyses in differentiating supporting cells revealed that TEs are acquiring a sex-specific signature for promoter-, enhancer-, and silencer-like elements, with some of them being proximal to critical sex-determining genes. Altogether, our study introduces TEs as the new potential players in the gene regulatory network that controls gonadal development in mammals.
Impact of the T296S mutation in P450 GcoA for aryl-O-demethylation: a QM/MM study
Authors: Santos Sonia F. G. , Bommareddy Rajesh Reddy , Black Gary W. , Singh Warispreet
Published: January 2024

Lignin, a complex plant cell wall component, holds promise as a renewable aromatic carbon feedstock. p-Vanillin is a key product of lignin depolymerization and a precursor of protocatechuic acid (PCA) that has tremendous potential for biofuel production. While the GcoAB enzyme, native to Amycolatopsis sp., naturally catalyzes aryl-O-demethylation toward guaiacol, recent research introduced a single mutation, T296S, into the GcoAP450 enzyme, enabling it to catalyze aryl-O-demethylation of p-vanillin. This structural modification increases the efficiency of GcoAP450 for the natural substrate while being active for p-vanillin. This study reveals the increased flexibility of p-vanillin and its ability to adapt a favorable conformation by aligning the methoxy group in close proximity to Fe(IV) = O of Cpd I in the active site of the T296S variant. The QM/MM calculations in accordance with the experimental data validated that the rate-limiting step for the oxidation of p-vanillin is hydrogen atom abstraction and provided a detailed geometric structure of stationary and saddle points for the oxidation of p-vanillin.
Microwave-assisted synthesis and development of novel penicillinoate@copper metal-organic frameworks as a potent antibacterial agent
Authors: Abdulkadhim Adnan Hashim , Husein Kamona Suhair Mohammad , Shamikh Al-Saedi Haider Falih , Taki Anmar Ghanim , Hamoody Abdul-Hameed. M. , Hamood Sarah A. , Rab Safia Obaidur , Amir Ahmed Ali , Kareem Ashwaq Talib , Alawadi Ahmed , Ihsan Ali
Published: January 2024

Recently, nanoscience, especially metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), has been used to increase the effectiveness and properties of drugs. In this study, by using microwave irradiation; penicillin, which is a known antibiotic; and copper metal–organic frameworks (Cu-MOFs), a new penicillinoate@copper metal–organic framework (penicillinoate@Cu-MOF) was synthesized. The structure and characterization of the newly synthesized compound were determined using FT-IR spectrums, EDAX analysis, elemental analysis, XRD patterns, SEM images, nitrogen adsorption/desorption curves, and TGA curve. Then, its antimicrobial effects were evaluated on numerous Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains and were compared with those of penicillin and gentamicin. In continuation of the biological activities, antioxidant tests were performed on the compounds using the DPPH method. For biological activities, the synthesized penicillinoate@Cu-MOF is much more effective than penicillin and Cu-MOF. The loading of penicillin on the nanostructure and the presence of copper in the final composition can be attributed to the high antibiotic properties of the synthesized composition.
Urine microbiome in individuals with an impaired immune system
Authors: Elsayed Noha S. , Wolfe Alan J. , Burk Robert D.
Published: January 2024

With the advent of next generation sequencing, it is now appreciated that human urine is not sterile. Recent investigations of the urinary microbiome (urobiome) have provided insights into several urological diseases. Urobiome dysbiosis, defined as non-optimal urine microbiome composition, has been observed in many disorders; however, it is not clear whether this dysbiosis is the cause of urinary tract disorders or a consequence. In addition, immunologically altered disorders are associated with higher rates of urinary tract infections. These disorders include immunoproliferative and immunodeficiency diseases, cancer, and immunosuppressant therapy in transplant recipients. In this review, we examine the current state of knowledge of the urobiome in immunologically altered diseases, its composition and metabolomic consequences. We conclude that more data are required to describe the urobiome in immune altered states, knowledge that could facilitate understanding the role of the urobiome and its pathophysiological effects on urinary tract infections and other disorders of the urinary tract.
A guide to Stenotrophomonas maltophilia virulence capabilities, as we currently understand them
Authors: Bhaumik Radhika , Aungkur Nabiha Zumana , Anderson Gregory G.
Published: January 2024

The Gram-negative pathogen Stenotrophomonas maltophilia causes a wide range of human infections. It causes particularly serious lung infections in individuals with cystic fibrosis, leading to high mortality rates. This pathogen is resistant to most known antibiotics and harbors a plethora of virulence factors, including lytic enzymes and serine proteases, that cause acute infection in host organisms. S. maltophilia also establishes chronic infections through biofilm formation. The biofilm environment protects the bacteria from external threats and harsh conditions and is therefore vital for the long-term pathogenesis of the microbe. While studies have identified several genes that mediate S. maltophilia’s initial colonization and biofilm formation, the cascade of events initiated by these factors is poorly understood. Consequently, understanding these and other virulence factors can yield exciting new targets for novel therapeutics.
Responsible innovation in CDR: designing sustainable national Greenhouse Gas Removal policies in a fragmented and polycentric governance system
Authors: Healey Peter , Kruger Tim , Lezaun Javier
Published: January 2024

In the assessment of climate policies, the social sciences are sometimes assigned a restricted instrumental role, focused on understanding and mitigating social and political “constraints” seen to impede the fullest achievement of a particular technological imaginary. The work presented in this paper draws on an alternative intellectual tradition, in which the technical, social and political dimensions of the problem are seen as closely intertwined, shaped by values and interests specific to each jurisdiction. The Greenhouse Gas Removal Instruments and Policies Project (GRIP), applied this approach to the design of policies for carbon dioxide removal (CDR) in the United Kingdom. GRIP explored what policy incentives and pathways might improve the societal assessment of different CDR technologies for further development and potential deployment. Here we analyze the views of UK policy actors questioned on different CDR options, and outline policy pathways to incentivize the research and demonstration processes necessary to determine what role CDR techniques should play in climate policy. We conclude by discussing recent policy developments in the UK, and the contours of a research agenda capable of supporting a responsible evaluation of CDR options.
Leveraging windows of opportunity for expertise to matter in global environmental governance: insights from the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
Authors: Velander Sara , De Donà Matteo
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Whether and under what conditions scientific knowledge provided by experts actually leads to political action is a question that academic research in various fields have focused on at length, without reaching a definitive answer. The position of expertise is especially delicate within the global environmental governance sphere containing multiple values, worldviews and epistemological standpoints.

Methods

Firstly, we developed a theoretical model to examine how contextual factors, like institutional design and boundary work dynamics, contribute to expertise influencing global environmental governance. Secondly, we applied this model to the case of the Science Policy Interface to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD SPI), using data from semi-structured interviews with SPI stakeholders and participant observation of meetings.

Results

We identified specific dimensions of the SPI mandate that enabled expertise to matter: inclusive membership of practitioners, close interaction between experts and political actors, coordination with other advisory bodies, regular reviews, and a small group size. However, after underpinning the prevailing differences in power between SPI experts and member states in their interactions, we found that international environmental decision-making and its national-level implementation remain ultimately and inevitably subordinated to political actors, making it less likely for expertise to have a significant impact.

Discussion

International expertise for sustainable development can only take advantage of the rare “windows of opportunity” that intergovernmental processes concede for experts to influence policy.
I'd rather be a cyborg than a celebrity: Black feminism in the digital music industry
Authors: Carmichael-Murphy Parise
Published: January 2024

This essay argues that Black feminist artists in the digital music industry embrace cyborg politics to disrupt celebrity conventions in ways that draw attention to the complexity of identity and oppression. I draw attention to Black feminism as a movement for challenging intersecting oppressions, particularly for Black women, as well as a drive to celebrate Black women's contributions to the music industry. Donna Haraway's conceptualization of the “cyborg” can offer significant insight into how artists in the digital music industry transcend boundaries of identity to renegotiate the ideas of celebrity and fame. The cyborg is a fluid being that embraces the interconnectedness and interplay between technology and the body. By embracing cyborg politics, those who occupy space in the music industry and online can resist the commodification of their bodies to machinery alone and retain their humanity in the celebrity machine.