bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compliance and feedback based model to measure cloud trustworthiness for hosting digital twins
Authors: Akhtar Syed Imran , Rauf Abdul , Abbas Haider , Amjad Muhammad Faisal , Batool Ifra
Published: August 2024

Cloud-based digital twins use real-time data from various data sources to simulate the behavior and performance of their physical counterparts, enabling monitoring and analysis. However, one restraining factor in the use of cloud computing for digital twins is its users’ concerns about the security of their data. This data may be located anywhere in the cloud, with very limited control of the user to ensure its security. Cloud-based digital twins provide opportunities for researchers to collaborate yet security of such digital twins requires measures specific to cloud computing. To overcome this shortcoming, we need to devise a mechanism that not only ensures essential security safeguards but also computes a Trustworthiness value for Cloud Service Providers (CSP). This would give confidence to cloud users and enable them to choose the right CSP for their data-related interaction. This research proposes a solution, whereby the Trustworthiness of CSPs is calculated based on their Compliance with data security controls, User Feedback, and Auditor Rating. Two additional factors, Accuracy of Compliance Measurement and Control Significance Factor have been built in, to cater for other nonstandard conditions. Our implementation of Data Security Compliance Monitor and Data Trust as a Service, along with three CSPs, each with ten different settings, has supported our proposition through the devised formula. Experimental outcomes show changes in the trustworthiness value with changes in compliance level, user feedback and auditor rating. CSPs with better compliance have better trustworthiness values. However, if the Accuracy of Compliance Measurement and Control Significance Factor are low the trustworthiness is also proportionately less. This creates a balance and realism in our calculations. This model is unique and will help in creating users’ trust in cloud-based digital twins.
Non-communicable comorbidities in pulmonary tuberculosis and healthcare utilization: a cross-sectional study of 2021 Indonesian national health insurance data
Authors: Prasiska Danik Iga , Chapagain Durga Datta , Osei Kennedy Mensah , Rajaguru Vasuki , Kang Sun Joo , Kim Tae Hyun , Lee Sang Gyu , Han Whiejong
Published: August 2024

Background

Limited research exists on the comorbidity of pulmonary tuberculosis with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and its implications for healthcare utilization in Indonesia. The lack of investigation into NCD comorbidity among pulmonary tuberculosis patients could adversely affect both the healthcare system and the national health insurance scheme. Understanding the NCD comorbidity among pulmonary tuberculosis patients, associated factors, and healthcare utilization is crucial for ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of health services.

Method

This study utilized an observational cross-sectional design based on anonymized sample data from tuberculosis cases covered by Indonesia's National Health Insurance in 2021. Chi-square tests were employed to analyze dependent and independent variables, while unadjusted and adjusted logistic regressions were used to explore further associations.

Results

The prevalence of NCD comorbidity in tuberculosis patients was 11.81%. Aged over 60 (aOR 5.16; [CI] 4.23—6.3), married (aOR 1.19; [CI] 1.05—1.34), and unemployed (aOR 1.27; [CI] 1.08—1.49) were associated with the NCD comorbidity in pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Factors associated with increased inpatient service utilization among pulmonary tuberculosis patients included aged over 60 (aOR 5.69; [CI] 4.81—6.74), male (aOR 1.32; [CI] 1.23—1.40), self-employment (aOR 1.42; [CI] 1.29—1.56), having insurance subsidized by central government (aOR 1.89; [CI] 1.73—2.08) or local government funds (aOR 1.75; [CI] 1.58—1.93), and having comorbidity non-communicable diseases (aOR 1.80; [CI] 1.66—1.96).

Conclusion

Pulmonary tuberculosis patients exhibit a significant prevalence of NCD comorbidity, which substantially impacts healthcare utilization. Early detection and management of these conditions are critical to mitigate burdens on both the healthcare system and the financial sustainability of the national health insurance scheme. Integrating health services for tuberculosis and NCDs through bidirectional screening is essential for comprehensive patient care.
Increased age and the volume of intraoperative fluid administered predict urinary retention after elective inguinal herniorrhaphy
Authors: Wu Jin-Ming , Yeh Chi-Chuan , Wei Nathan , Tsai Hsing-Hua , Tseng Shang-Ming , Chan Kuang-Cheng , Chen Kuo-Hsin
Published: August 2024

Background

Inguinal hernia repair (IHR) is a common surgical procedure worldwide. Although IHR can be performed by the minimally invasive method, which accelerates recovery, postoperative urinary retention (POUR) remains a common complication that significantly impacts patients. Thus, it is essential to identify the risk factors associated with POUR to diminish its negative impact.

Methods

We conducted a single-center retrospective review of elective IHR from 2018 to 2021. POUR was defined as the postoperative use of straight catheter or placement of an indwelling catheter to relieve the symptoms. Adjusted multivariate regression analysis was performed to address the associations of clinicodemographic, surgical, and intraoperative factors with POUR.

Results

A total of 946 subjects were included in the analysis after excluding cases of emergent surgery, recurrent hernia, or concomitant operations. The median age was 68.4 years, and 92.0% of the patients were male. Twenty-three (2.4%) patients developed POUR. In univariate analysis, POUR in comparison with non-POUR was significantly associated with increased age (72.2 versus 68.3 years, P = 0.012), a greater volume of intraoperative fluid administered (500 versus 400 ml, P = 0.040), and the diagnosis with benign prostate hypertrophy (34.8% versus 16.9%, P = 0.025). In the multivariate model, both increased age (odds ratio [OR] 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.08; P = 0.049) and a greater volume of intraoperative fluid administered (OR 1.12 per 100-mL increase, 95% CI 1.01–1.27; P = 0.047) were significantly associated with the occurrence of POUR.

Conclusions

We found that increased age and a greater volume of intraoperative fluid administered were significantly associated with the occurrence of POUR. Limiting the administration of intraoperative fluid may prevent POUR. From the perspective of practical implications, specific guidelines or clinical pathways should be implemented for fluid management and patient assessment.
Concurrent validity between self-reported International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form and Fibion accelerometer data among young adults in the UAE
Authors: Arumugam Ashokan , Alsaafin Nour , Shalash Reime Jamal , Qadah Raneen Mohammed , Al-Sharman Alham , Moustafa Ibrahim M. , Shousha Tamer M. , Kumaran Senthil D. , Migliorini Filippo , Maffulli Nicola
Published: August 2024

Self-reported physical activity questionnaires (e.g., International Physical Activity Questionnaire, IPAQ) are a cost-effective, time-saving, and accessible method to assess sedentary behaviour and physical activity. There are conflicting findings regarding the validity of self-reported questionnaires in comparison to accelerometer-measured data in a free-living environment. This study aimed to investigate the concurrent validity between self-reported Arabic–English IPAQ short form (IPAQ-SF) and Fibion (Fibion Inc., Jyväskylä, Finland) accelerometer-measured sedentary and physical activity time among young adults. One hundred and one young healthy adults (mean age 20.8 ± 2.4 years) filled in the IPAQ short form (IPAQ-SF) and wore the Fibion device on the anterior thigh for ≥ 600 min per day for 4–7 days. Concurrent validity between the IPAQ-SF and Fibion accelerometer for sitting, walking, moderate activity, and vigorous activity time was assessed using the Spearman correlation coefficient ($$\rho$$
ρ
) and Bland–Altman plots. Significant weak associations between IPAQ-SF and Fibion measurements were found for total activity time ($$\rho$$
ρ
= 0.4; P < 0.001) and for the duration of walking ($$\rho$$
ρ
= 0.3; P = 0.01), moderate ($$\rho$$
ρ
= 0.2; P = 0.02), and vigorous-intensity activities ($$\rho$$
ρ
= 0.4; P < 0.001). However, $$\rho$$
ρ
was not significant ($$\rho$$
ρ
= − 0.2; P = 0.09) for sitting time. In addition, all the plots of the measured variables showed a proportional bias. A low association and agreement were found between self-reported IPAQ-SF scores and Fibion accelerometer measurements among young adults in the UAE. Adult sedentary and physical activity measurements should be obtained objectively with accelerometers rather than being limited to self-reported measures.
Differential impact of pegfilgrastim, a recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor, on the neutrophil count of male and female deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii)
Authors: Strydom J.P. , Brand Linda , Viljoen Francois P. , Wolmarans De Wet
Published: August 2024

Background

An increasing body of research implicates inflammatory processes, including alterations in the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), in the pathophysiology of psychiatric illness. The deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii) is commonly studied for its naturalistic expression of compulsive-like behaviour. Towards future efforts to gain an understanding of how innate and adaptive immune processes might be involved in this model, we aimed to study the effects of pegfilgrastim, a pegylated recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (g-CSF) analogue, on the NLR of both male and female deer mice.

Methods

Briefly, 54 deer mice (equally distributed between sexes) were exposed to a single injection with either control or pegfilgrastim (0.1 or 1 mg/kg) (n = 18 per group). Six mice of each group (three per sex) were euthanized on days two, four and seven post-administration, their blood collected and the NLR calculated. Data were analysed by means of ordinary three-way ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni post-hoc testing.

Results

Irrespective of dose, pegfilgrastim resulted in higher NLR values in mice of both sexes at days four and seven of testing. However, female mice exposed to the higher dose, presented with significantly higher NLR values irrespective of time, compared to male mice exposed to the same.

Conclusion

The data generated from this work highlight important dose- and sex-specific aspects of pegfilgrastim with female mice showing heighted elevation of the NLR in response to high-dose pegfilgrastim administration only. Since the innate immune components of male and female deer mice is differentially sensitive to g-CSF stimulation, our results provide a useful basis for further study of sex-specific immunological processes in deer mice.
A review of district energy technology with subsurface thermal storage integration
Authors: Fry Nicholas , Adebayo Philip , Tian Rick , Shor Roman , Mwesigye Aggrey
Published: August 2024

Renewable energies, such as solar and wind, traditionally suffer from temporal incongruity. Society’s energy demand peaks occur at different times of day than the electricity generation potential of a photovoltaic panel or, often, a wind turbine. Heat demand, in particular, is subject to a significant mismatch between the availability of heat (in the summer) and the need for heat (in the winter). Thus, a future energy system design should incorporate underground thermal energy storage (UTES) to avoid this temporal mismatch and emphasize thermal applications. Such a basis of design would introduce new methods of energy arbitrage, encourage the adoption of geothermal systems, and decrease the carbon intensity of society. UTES techniques are becoming increasingly sophisticated. These methods of storage can range from simple seasonal storage for residential structures in a grouted borehole array (BTES), to aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES), deep reservoir storage (RTES) in basins, among others. The method that each of these techniques shares is the use of the earth as a storage medium. UTES can also be characterized for electricity production, but this work largely explores applications in heating and cooling, further limited in scope to sensible heat storage (SHS). Heating and cooling processes—residential, commercial, and industrial—make up large fractions of energy demand in North America. This is also true of other locales. With the increasing concerns of climate change, exacerbated by anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, developers and municipal planners are strategizing to decarbonize building heating and cooling at district scales. This review covers the integration of UTES techniques with thermal energy network (TEN) technology across large districts. Though storage has long been in use for conventional district heating networks, designs are rapidly innovating, indicating broader applications of UTES integration with a TEN is advantageous from both an efficiency and economic perspective. This rapid innovation indicates the need for the integrated review offered in this paper.
Genomic alterations in two patients with esophageal carcinosarcoma identified by whole genome sequencing: a case report
Authors: Inoue Masazumi , Tsubosa Yasuhiro , Ohnami Sumiko , Tokizawa Kazunori , Mayanagi Shuhei , Ohshima Keiichi , Urakami Kenichi , Ohnami Shumpei , Nagashima Takeshi , Yamaguchi Ken
Published: August 2024

Background

Esophageal carcinosarcoma (ECS) is a relatively rare malignancy, accounting for < 1% of all esophageal cancers. Its etiopathogenesis remains unknown. This study analyzed the genomic abnormalities in sarcomatous tumors from two patients undergoing subtotal esophagectomy using whole genome sequencing to elucidate the key characteristics of ECS.

Case presentation

We identified TP53 driver mutations, copy number gains in 11q13 (including CCND1), and Apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide (APOBEC) signature enrichment in both ECS patients. Along with common genetic abnormalities, we identified CDKN2A driver mutations in case 1 and RAC1, NOTCH1, and TTC28 as novel fusion gene partners of MECOM in case 2. Notably, we detected germline pathogenic variant in Fanconi anemia (FA) complementation group I (FANCI) and group G (FANCG), which are involved in repairing DNA double-strand breaks by homologous recombination, for the first time, in ECS blood samples. These germline variants were truncating-type, Lys1221fs of FANCI (rs1567179036) for case 1 and Gln365Ter of FANCG (rs121434426) for case 2. We also identified somatic changes in cancer-associated pathways, such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, cell cycle, and NOTCH signaling pathways, and structural chromosomal defects such as chromosome doubling.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that therapeutic drugs targeting the activation signal or FA pathway might be effective in treating ECS, however, their therapeutic significance should be elucidated in future studies.
A study of predictors of retention to naltrexone maintenance therapy in patients with opioid use disorder: a prospective study
Authors: Lone Burhan Bashir , Jan Neelofer , Kousar Muntaqueem Ul , Bhat Fazle Roub , Rather Yasir Hassan , Rasool Ubaid
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Naltrexone prophylaxis is a well-established treatment for opioid use disorder. Our study aimed to track patients on naltrexone and investigate the factors predictive of retention.

Materials and methods

The study comprised 100 participants initiated on naltrexone, who underwent a 12-week follow-up. We analyzed a range of socio-demographic and clinical variables at 04 and 12 weeks to compare those who remained in treatment program with those who experienced relapse.

Results

The results revealed a predominantly young, unmarried, male, rural-dwelling sample with heroin as the primary opioid. Intravenous use was common (75%), with 57% of the participants exhibiting positive serology results for infections by hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B (HBV), and/or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and a significant proportion initiating opioids before the age of 20 (31%). The retention rates at 04 and 12 weeks were 83% and 64%, respectively. Several socio-clinical factors including age of initiation of use, rural residence, and comorbid psychiatric illness significantly influenced retention at 04 and 12 weeks.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the importance of tailored interventions that take into consideration the  age, residence, socio-economic status, and psychiatric comorbidity to enhance retention rates. Identifying these factors can help improve the effectiveness of treatment programs and promote sustained recovery efforts.
Enhanced wound healing activity of naturally derived Lagenaria siceraria seed oil binary nanoethosomal gel: formulation, characterization, in vitro/in vivo efficiency
Authors: Kamal Nagham H. , Saber Fatema R. , Salama Abeer , Abouhussein Dalia M. N. , Ismail Soha , El-Hefnawy Hala M. , Meselhy Meselhy R.
Published: August 2024

Background

The present study aims to enhance the wound healing potential of the seed oil (SO) of Lagenaria siceraria (Egyptian cultivar) via the preparation of SO-loaded binary nanoethosomal (SO-BNE) gels. SO-BNEs were prepared using 23 factorial design, characterized for vesicle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, linoleic and oleic acid EE% for ensuring improved skin permeability. The L. siceraria SO, optimized SO-BNE gels (0.5% and 5%) and Mebo® were topically applied in full-thickness wounded rat model twice daily for 10 days.

Results

In the SO-BNE gel groups, the normal appearance of the skin architecture and structure of the dermis was revealed. In addition, the levels of NRF2, TGF-β1 and FOXO1, collagen type I, SMA-α and MIP2 were significantly elevated. The wound healing potential of SO-BNE gels was proposed to be via suppression of oxidative stress and stimulation of skin regeneration biomarkers. Furthermore, the SO screening through GC/MS unveiled high percentages of unsaturated fatty acids. SO was also found to be nontoxic to human skin fibroblast cells; enhanced viability and migration rates at concentration of 50 g/mL by 99.76% and 75.9%, respectively.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that the Lagenaria siceraria SO-loaded BNE gels represent a promising delivery for wound healing with enhanced release and bioavailability.
Is the COVID-19 vaccination a ray of hope for the elimination of prevalent infectious diseases in the future?
Authors: Ahmad Tauseef , Feeney Kaylem M.
Published: August 2024

In recent years, many disease outbreaks and pandemics have been reported and have posed serious public health challenges. Therefore, vaccination on a large scale is the only hope to prevent and control these vaccine-preventable diseases. This letter discusses the COVID-19 vaccination's role in preventing other infectious diseases.
Paper-based and mobile application-based self-monitoring tool for healthy dietary intake, development and applicability: a non-randomized trial
Authors: Godevithana Janaka , Wijesinghe Champa Jayalakshmie , Wijesinghe Millawage Supun Dilara
Published: August 2024

Background

Unhealthy diet is a key risk factor for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) that contribute to increased morbidity and premature mortality. With increased computer literacy and mobile phone penetration, there is a high opportunity for mobile application-based interventions. The current study was conducted to develop a mobile application to monitor dietary intake and to assess its acceptability and effectiveness in diet control compared to a similar paper-based intervention.

A mobile application was developed based on research evidence and opinions of local experts. The mobile application was introduced to a selected group of office workers who were in preparation, action, and maintenance stages of the Trans Theoretical Model (TTM) and a paper-based intervention was used as the comparator. Socio-demographic data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Participants were followed up for three months for adherence. The effectiveness of interventions was assessed at the end of three months by comparing the progressive change in the stage of change and the change from unhealthy to healthy dietary intake between two groups as primary and secondary outcomes respectively.

Results

Among 123 office workers who participated in the study, 19.5% preferred the mobile intervention over the paper-based intervention. Younger, unmarried office workers and those who do not have children, had a higher acceptance for the mobile intervention (p < 0.05). There was no difference in adherence (in all three months) or outcomes between the two groups of intervention.

Conclusion and recommendations

Mobile application-based interventions are better accepted among the young age group and further studies are recommended to explore their applicability.

Trial registration

The study was registered in the Sri Lankan Clinical Trial Registry (Registration No. SLCTR/2020/025; Date 15th December 2020).
Valorization of hemicellulose waste streams for moisture barrier coatings and hydrophobic films
Authors: Josey Daniel C. , Yadavalli Nataraja S. , Moore Jack C. , Peña Maria J. , Minko Sergiy , Urbanowicz Breeanna R.
Published: August 2024

Replacing plastics with renewable and environmentally friendly substitutes is becoming ever more critical as we begin to realize the consequences of their negative impacts on the environment. Plant polysaccharides are the most abundant biopolymers on Earth, and hemicelluloses like xylan that are enriched in many agro-industrial waste streams have vast potential as eco-friendly building blocks for polymer science and engineering. However, xylan is one of the less studied natural polymers for applications that are relevant to the synthetic plastics and polymeric materials markets. Hemicellulose isolated from viscose and Lyocell fiber mills is largely seen as a waste product due to difficulties arising from the potential for structural heterogeneity and its lack of solubility after enrichment. In this work, we developed a strategy to valorize hemicellulose by functionalization with octyl isocyanate to achieve solubility and thermoplastic/hydrophobic properties. Xylan isolated from dissolving pulp waste streams was successfully functionalized with octyl isocyanate in DMSO at an estimated 79% hydroxyl conversion. Reaction parameters, including temperature, time, and stoichiometry were optimized for each reaction. The resultant carbamates of xylan oligo- and monosaccharides have good solubility in chloroform and impressive hydrophobic film forming properties yet retain the composability properties desired for renewable materials that are envisioned to enter the circular bioeconomy. Functionalization of xylan with an aliphatic chain through formation of an aliphatic carbamate is not expected to harbor the same toxicity or carcinogenic characteristics as the reactive isocyanate it is derived from, and thus should not inherently restrict these materials for use in diverse packaging applications. These modified physical properties show that xylan from agro-industrial waste streams has considerable potential to replace petroleum-based feedstocks in the existing packaging industry. In the future, we will continue to further develop strategies for valorization of these materials.

Graphical Abstract
Winging it: hummingbirds alter flying kinematics during molt
Authors: Díaz-Salazar Andrés F. , Garzón-Agudelo Felipe , Smiley Ashley , Cadena Carlos Daniel , Rico-Guevara Alejandro
Published: August 2024

Hummingbirds are well known for their hovering flight, one of the most energetically expensive modes of locomotion among animals. Molt is a costly event in the annual cycle, in which birds replace their feathers, including all their primary feathers, which, in hummingbirds, comprise most of the area of the wing. Despite this, the effects of molt on hovering flight are not well known. Here, we examined high-speed videos (14 individuals of three species from the Colombian Andes recorded at 1200 frames per second) comparing molting and non-molting hummingbirds’ wing kinematics and wingtip trajectories. We found that molting hummingbirds rotated their wings in more acute angles during both downstroke and upstroke compared to non-molting individuals (10° versus 20°, and 15° versus 29°, respectively), while other flight parameters remained unchanged. Our findings show that hummingbirds are capable of sustaining hovering flight and thereby maintaining their weight support even under impressive wing area reductions by adjusting their stroke amplitudes.
High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a potential disease biomarker in cell and mouse models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Slick Rebecca A. , Sutton Jessica , Haberman Margaret , O'Brien Benjamin S. , Tinklenberg Jennifer A. , Mardikar Aashay , Prom Mariah J. , Beatka Margaret , Gartz Melanie , Vanden Avond Mark A. , Siebers Emily , Mack David L. , Gonzalez J. Patrick , Ebert Allison D. , Nagaraju Kanneboyina , Lawlor Michael W.
Published: August 2024

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive muscle wasting disorder affecting 1:3500 male births and is associated with myofiber degeneration, regeneration, and inflammation. Glucocorticoid treatments have been the standard of care due to immunomodulatory/immunosuppressive properties but novel genetic approaches, including exon skipping and gene replacement therapy, are currently being developed. The identification of additional biomarkers to assess DMD-related inflammatory responses and the potential efficacy of these therapeutic approaches are thus of critical importance. The current study uses RNA sequencing of skeletal muscle from two mdx mouse models to identify high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) as a candidate biomarker potentially contributing to DMD-related inflammation. HMGB1 protein content was increased in a human iPSC-derived skeletal myocyte model of DMD and microdystrophin treatment decreased HMGB1 back to control levels. In vivo, HMGB1 protein levels were increased in vehicle treated B10-mdx skeletal muscle compared to B10-WT and significantly decreased in B10-mdx animals treated with adeno-associated virus (AAV)-microdystrophin. However, HMGB1 protein levels were not increased in D2-mdx skeletal muscle compared to D2-WT, demonstrating a strain-specific difference in DMD-related immunopathology.
Loss of HD-PTP function results in lipodystrophy, defective cellular signaling and altered lipid homeostasis
Authors: Schultz Destiny F. , Davies Brian A. , Payne Johanna A. , Martin Cole P. , Minard Annabel Y. , Childs Bennett G. , Zhang Cheng , Jeganathan Karthik B. , Sturmlechner Ines , White Thomas A. , de Bruin Alain , Harkema Liesbeth , Chen Huiqin , Davies Michael A. , Jachim Sarah , LeBrasseur Nathan K. , Piper Robert C. , Li Hu , Baker Darren J. , van Deursen Jan , Billadeau Daniel D. , Katzmann David J.
Published: August 2024

His domain protein tyrosine phosphatase (HD-PTP; also known as PTPN23) facilitates function of the endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRTs) during multivesicular body (MVB) formation. To uncover its role in physiological homeostasis, embryonic lethality caused by a complete lack of HD-PTP was bypassed through generation of hypomorphic mice expressing reduced protein, resulting in animals that are viable into adulthood. These mice exhibited marked lipodystrophy and decreased receptor-mediated signaling within white adipose tissue (WAT), involving multiple prominent pathways including RAS/MAPK, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), such as EGFR. EGFR signaling was dissected in vitro to assess the nature of defective signaling, revealing decreased trans-autophosphorylation and downstream effector activation, despite normal EGF binding. This corresponds to decreased plasma membrane cholesterol and increased lysosomal cholesterol, likely resulting from defective endosomal maturation necessary for cholesterol trafficking and homeostasis. The ESCRT components Vps4 and Hrs have previously been implicated in cholesterol homeostasis; thus, these findings expand knowledge on which ESCRT subunits are involved in cholesterol homeostasis and highlight a non-canonical role for HD-PTP in signal regulation and adipose tissue homeostasis.
Phototaxis is a satiety-dependent behavioral sequence in Hydra vulgaris
Authors: Kim Soonyoung , Badhiwala Krishna N. , Duret Guillaume , Robinson Jacob T.
Published: August 2024

Understanding how internal states such as satiety are connected to animal behavior is a fundamental question in neuroscience. Hydra vulgaris, a freshwater cnidarian with only 12 neuronal cell types, serves as a tractable model system for studying state-dependent behaviors. We found that starved hydras consistently move towards light, while fed hydras do not. By modeling this behavior as a set of three sequences of head orientation, jump distance and jump rate, we demonstrate that the satiety state only affects the rate of the animal jumping to a new position, while the orientation and jump distance are unaffected. These findings yield insights into how internal states in a simple organism, Hydra, affect specific elements of a behavior, and offer general principles for studying the relationship between state-dependent behaviors and their underlying molecular mechanisms.
Interactive effects of temperature and salinity on metabolism and activity of the copepod Tigriopus californicus
Authors: Terry Caroline E. , Liebzeit Josie A. , Purvis Ella M. , Dowd W. Wesley
Published: August 2024

In natural environments, two or more abiotic parameters often vary simultaneously, and interactions between co-varying parameters frequently result in unpredictable, non-additive biological responses. To better understand the mechanisms and consequences of interactions between multiple stressors, it is important to study their effects on not only fitness (survival and reproduction) but also performance and intermediary physiological processes. The splash-pool copepod Tigriopus californicus tolerates extremely variable abiotic conditions and exhibits a non-additive, antagonistic interaction resulting in higher survival when simultaneously exposed to high salinity and acute heat stress. Here, we investigated the response of T. californicus in activity and oxygen consumption under simultaneous manipulation of salinity and temperature to identify whether this interaction also arises in these sublethal measures of performance. Oxygen consumption and activity rates decreased with increasing assay salinity. Oxygen consumption also sharply increased in response to acute transfer to lower salinities, an effect that was absent upon transfer to higher salinities. Elevated temperature led to reduced rates of activity overall, resulting in no discernible impact of increased temperature on routine metabolic rates. This suggests that swimming activity has a non-negligible effect on the metabolic rates of copepods and must be accounted for in metabolic studies. Temperature also interacted with assay salinity to affect activity, and with acclimation salinity to affect routine metabolic rates upon acute salinity transfer, implying that the sublethal impacts of these co-varying factors are also not predictable from experiments that study them in isolation.
The Role of Programmatic Accreditation, Certification, and Career Advancement
Authors: Thompson Ben , Richardson Laura A. , Neric Francis
Published: August 2024

Apply It!

The purpose of this article is to outline the pathway that the exercise profession must follow to establish a professional identity. After reading this article, readers will be reminded of the following:

• Continuing education is a mandatory requirement to maintain one’s professional certification.

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts Exercise Physiologists to have a 10% expected job growth.
Protocol for scoping review: Instruments for assessing vision-specific health-related quality of life in children and adolescents with visual impairment.
Authors: Magakwe Tshubelela Sello Simon , Hansraj Rekha , Nkambule Sphamandla Josias , Xulu-Kasaba Zamadonda Nokuthula Queen
Published: August 2024

Childhood visual impairment (VI) is less common than in adults, but research has demonstrated that it can have significant long-term negative impacts on the health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) of children and adolescents. Unfortunately, there is currently a lack of vision-specific instruments available for accurately assessing HR-QoL in children and adolescents with VI, particularly in resource-limited settings. The objective of this scoping review is to methodically evaluate the evidence pertaining to (1) the accessibility and usage of instruments specifically designed to assess HR-QoL in children and adolescents who have VI, (2) summarise studies on HR-QoL in children and adolescent with VI, and (3) describe the psychometric properties of vision-specific instruments used for assessing HR-QoL in children and adolescents with VI. The review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guideline (2020) for scoping reviews, utilizing frameworks by Arksey and O’Malley, and methodological enhancements suggested by Levac (2010). A systematic search will be performed through various databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost, to identify peer-reviewed articles published in English from inception until 31 December 2023. The EBSCOhost platform will include several databases, such as Academic Search Complete, APA PsycINFO, Health Source-Consumer Edition, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, and Open Dissertations. The extracted data will be analysed narratively using QualCoder 1.9 version, and the study’s findings will be reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The researchers anticipate that the literature will assist in exploring and relating various types of HR-QoL tools used globally. This review’s conclusion will help researchers ascertain research gaps in vision-related QoL instruments based on different economies, countries, and environments. This will further aid researchers in planning and developing tools suitable for African contexts and languages.
Cloning, recombinant expression, and characterization of a Rhipicephalus microplus carboxylesterase.
Authors: Labuschagne Michel
Published: August 2024

Background The Rhipicephalus microplus carboxylesterase (CBE) is involved in synthetic pyrethroid (SP) hydrolysis and historic evidence suggests that a non-synonymous mutation (Asp374Asn) in CBE is associated with increased resistance towards SP-based acaricides. Functional expression and characterization of the wild-type and mutant CBE is required to understand the impact of the mutation on SP-based resistance. Methods The R. microplus CBE gene was cloned and functionally expressed in Pichia pastoris following the removal of the native signal peptide. Site directed mutagenesis was used to introduce the Asp374Asn substitution. Results Functional expression, characterization, and purification of both wild-type and mutant R. microplus CBE proteins was achieved using affinity chromatography under native conditions. Conclusions This report provides the necessary information for the tick research community to produce recombinant tick derived CBE proteins and to characterize the recombinant proteins towards substrates of interest.
Preparing Preschoolers to Study Mathematics
Authors: Yakovleva E.
Published: August 2024

Teaching mathematics to primary schoolchildren in the Russian Federation is based on the principles of continuity of educational stages. The article demonstrates the importance of preparing preschoolers to study mathematics, taking into account the current Federal State Educational Standard of Preschool Education, as well as the Federal State Educational Standard of Primary General Education and the Federal Working Program of Primary Education in this subject. Preschool education is focused on mastering elementary mathematical concepts and forming prerequisites for educational activities. Creating an educational environment in a preschool institution that stimulates play and cognitive activity will help children successfully master mathematical skills. The examples considered in the article show how teaching mathematics at preschool age affects the development of universal educational activities in elementary school.
Lawrence Dewan and Stephen Brock: about the Real Distinction between Form and Esse
Authors: Irizar Liliana , Rodríguez Carvajal Cristian
Published: August 2024

The main objective of this paper is to address the well-known issue, in the thought of Saint Thomas Aquinas, of the real distinction between form and esse in caused things. To achieve this, we present the approaches to the subject offered by Lawrence Dewan on the one hand, and Stephen Brock on the other. The first step is to highlight once again Fr Dewan’s discussion about form as a cause of being, a premise which is shared by Professor Brock. The second consists of showing how Fr Dewan and Brock start from different perspectives to base their arguments for this distinction. Thus, the article is divided into two parts, one part for each of the above items. As a result, we hope to clarify Aquinas’s real distinction between form and esse in caused things, due to the luminous contributions of these distinguished Thomists.
Kto zasługuje na miano wybitnego dziejopisa? Andrzeja Wierzbickiego spojrzenie na polską historiografię doby porozbiorowej
Authors: Kolbuszewska Jolanta
Published: August 2024

W artykule podjęto próbę prezentacji jednej z ostatnich publikacji Andrzeja Wierzbickiego Poczet historyków polskich. Historiografia polska doby podzaborowej (2014). Zaprezentowano główne tezy (oś problemową), konstrukcję pracy, jej koncepcje i cele przyświecające autorowi. Na czoło wysunięto kryteria doboru postaci i co z tym związane, definicję „wybitności” w obszarze nauki historycznej zaproponowaną przez Andrzeja Wierzbickiego. Zaprezentowani przez niego badacze stanowili ważny punkt odniesienia na mapie rodzimego dziejopisarstwa. Pełnili funkcję swoistych mediów, za pośrednictwem których można było obserwować panoramę zjawisk obecnych w polskiej nauce doby porozbiorowej.
Europa, nie-Europa i byty przejściowe
Authors: Łukasiewicz Sławomir
Published: August 2024

Inspiracją dla artykułu jest książka Andrzeja Wierzbickiego Europa w polskiej myśli historycznej i politycznej XIX i XX wieku. Idąc śladami autora, podjęto próbę zrekonstruowania dominujących nurtów w dyskursach o Europie, które powstawały na przestrzeni polskiej historii. Wychodząc od ogólnej refleksji na temat samego pojęcia Europy i jej wyobrażeń oraz zaprzeczeń, zbadano wyobrażenia, jakie pojawiały się w polskiej myśli, dyskusje wokół projektów integracji i utrzymania pokoju w Europie, obrazy przestrzeni wrogiej Europie i jej wartościom, po debatę wywołaną z jednej strony procesami (i kryzysami) integracji europejskiej, z drugiej zaś wymiernym zagrożeniem, jakim dla Europy, jaką znamy, może być aktualna wojna prowadzona przez Rosję przeciwko Ukrainie.
Cele polityki zagranicznej Saharyjskiej Arabskiej Republiki Demokratycznej w kontekście uwarunkowań międzynarodowych w regionie Maghrebu
Authors: Mormul Joanna
Published: August 2024

THE FOREIGN POLICY OBJECTIVES OF THE SAHRAWI ARAB DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC IN THE CONTEXT OF INTERNATIONAL CONDITIONS IN THE MAGHREB REGION
The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), founded in February 1976 in the territory of the former Spanish Sahara, belongs today to the so-called unrecognised states category that do not meet all the criteria of the statehood. In the case of the SADR, it enjoys the recognition of several dozen UN members, as well as the most important international regional organisation on the continent – the African Union, however, the Sahrawi government controls only about 20% of the territory it claims rights for. Therefore, the axis of the SADR foreign policy is the constant struggle for international recognition, together with the attempts to exert indirect pressure on Morocco, which could persuade it to adopt the Sahrawi resolution to the protracted conflict over Western Sahara. Both of these goals seem increasingly distant, due to the events of the last three years: the Guerguerat crisis that ended the ceasefire between the POLISARIO Front and Moroccan forces, the decision of the administration of President Donald Trump to open a US consulate in the city of Dakhla in the Moroccan-controlled territory contested by the SADR, and the change in the position of the Spanish government – currently expressing support for the Moroccan plan for Western Sahara autonomy. The article is an attempt to analyse the foreign policy of an unrecognised state such as the SahrawiArab Democratic Republic in the context of international conditions in the region (in this case Maghreb), challenges it faces and the possibility of achieving its goals. The paper is largely based on qualitative data collected during field research over the years 2016-2023 conducted during study visits to Algeria and Spain.
Implikacje niepowodzenia stabilizacji państw Sahelu dla utrzymania pozycji Francji w Afryce
Authors: Młynarski Tomasz
Published: August 2024

IMPLICATIONS OF THE FAILURE TO STABILISE THE STATES OF THE SAHEL FOR MAINTAINING FRANCE’S POSITION IN AFRICAAfrica had for centuries provided French diplomacy with advantages through which it could realise its power ambitions. In the 1960s, French colonies in sub-Saharan Africa gained full sovereignty and France faced the dilemma of how to preserve “privileged” ties while avoiding the label of the legacy of colonialism? In the 21st century, a strategic foreign policy objective became the stabilisation of the Sahel – a region crucial to France’s security. This was reflected in the creation of the G5 Sahel in 2014 and Operation Barkhane. However, subsequent coups in Mali (2020), Burkina Faso (2022) and Niger (2023), with the support of foreign powers, led to the loss of French influence in its traditional sphere of influence.
MÚSICA E ENSINO DE GEOGRAFIA
Authors: Duarte Ronaldo , Fonteles Santana Antonia Lelisa
Published: August 2024

Este estudo tem como objetivo utilizar as letras de músicas como recursos pedagógicos para o desenvolvimento de conceitos científicos de região, regionalização e para o conhecimento crítico sobre as macrorregiões do Brasil. As letras das canções serão utilizadas como instrumentos para estimular o envolvimento dos estudantes no processo de ensino-aprendizagem, visando relacionar os conteúdos abordados em sala de aula com elementos presentes no dia a dia deles. Os conceitos cotidianos e as concepções sobre as macrorregiões do Brasil presentes nas letras das músicas serão usados como ponto de partida para o desenvolvimento de um conhecimento mais abrangente e fundamentado cientificamente, ou seja, o conhecimento poderoso. A teoria histórico-cultural, de Vygotsky, será usada para a abordagem dos conceitos cotidianos e científicos, visando a construção de um pensamento conceitual, um conhecimento que pode ser aplicado em diferentes contextos. O estudo representa uma proposta de trabalho que tem como ponto de partida uma avaliação diagnóstica, com o objetivo de avaliar o grau de compreensão dos estudantes sobre o conceito de região e suas concepções sobre as macrorregiões do IBGE, buscando identificar se as ideias dominantes no ideário dos estudantes estão vinculadas a estereótipos regionais que são amplamente disseminados nos meios de comunicação. Em seguida, uma sequência didática será desenvolvida com o intuito de desenvolver concepções mais aprofundadas sobre o conceito de região e um conhecimento crítico sobre as macrorregiões do Brasil. Por último, uma avaliação final será realizada para analisarmos o grau de compreensão dos estudantes.
Improvement of Complaints Service Management in a Whistleblowing System Using House of Quality (HoQ)
Authors: Shalihuddin Aulia Arif , Puspita Niniek Fajar , Taufik Tatang Akhmad
Published: August 2024

The Whistleblowing System (WBS) is considered necessary for PT PLN (Persero) to provide effective electrical services and interact with customers, employees, and stakeholders. The system identifies and manages fraudulent activities that could negatively impact companies and consumers. However, the current implementation of WBS in PT PLN (Persero) is not in line with customer expectations, as reporting is prioritized for convenience and security. This research aims to improve the quality of WBS complaint services and provide recommendations for effective WBS management proposals to maintain the independence and openness of the rapporteur. House of Quality (HoQ) is one of the methods used to establish a correlation between customer needs and service quality. After analysis and discussion, it was found that the attribute of courage to report violations is below the average value than the others attribute. Three suggestions to enhance the quality of WBS service management are standardizing WBS (based on SNI ISO 37002:2021 Whistleblowing Management System), providing a sense of security through rule-following protection, and keeping WBS applications updated with new developments.
A Systematic Literature Review of Smart Rural
Authors: Mayangsari Agustika Indah , Arman Arry Akhmad
Published: August 2024

There are many problems and challenges in developing rural areas. This includes poverty and social isolation. Meanwhile, interest in the concept of smart cities has increased in recent years, as reflected in the number of studies published in academic journals. In contrast to smart cities, smartization in rural areas has received only scarce attention, despite the beneficial effect that the transformation of rural areas could have for society. Even though smart cities and smart rural face different issues, we can adopt smart city solutions to smart rural. Furthermore, we need to rethink the impact of technology and the overall idea of becoming “smart” in this context. To answer these problems, this study conducted a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) related to smart rural. According to the research results, smart rural is sustainable development in rural areas which was developed with a potential specialization approach and the use of technology. This study also finds that there are still few models, frameworks, or architectures for smart rural areas. Most research has created a model, framework, or architecture for smart cities. With this fact, research on developing models, frameworks, or architectures of smart rural is still open for further research
The Effect of Organizational Culture on Employee Performance with Human Malfunction and Knowledge-Based Mistake as Intervening Variables
Authors: Alfiyanto Achmad Zanwar , Ekowati Dian
Published: August 2024

PT. SC Johnson Manufacturing Surabaya produces insecticide products that are well-known to consumers in Indonesia and has a fairly strong image. However, since 2017 the company has experienced a decline in productivity from the original target of 87% and only achieved an average of 82%. This decrease in productivity is because there are still many defective products and a lot of waste, such as waiting, over-processing, transportation, unnecessary movements, over-inventory, etc. This was identified due to human errors in the form of human errors and knowledge-based mistakes in implementing organizational culture at work through the SEM method, with as many as 180 respondents from employees of PT. SC Johnson, the result is that the influence of organizational culture on employee performance is directly greater than mediated by human malfunctions and knowledge-based mistakes. Human malfunction variables need to be corrected. Employees are still used to working with the old procedures. These employees need more self- confidence and are the source of problems that must be addressed. Meanwhile, in the knowledge based error aspect, a significant indicator in reducing employee employment is that employees experience difficulties in solving specific problems, have less self-confidence, and carry out work according to wrong rules.