bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kesalahan Mahasiswa dalam Menyelesaikan Masalah Aljabar
Authors: Hasnarika Hasnarika
Published: June 2023

Salah satu penyebab rendahnya hasil belajar siswa adalah karena melakukan kesalahan dalam menyelesaikan soal. Dengan mengetahui bentuk kesalahan yang dilakukan mahasiswa dalam belajar diharapkan dapat memberikan solusi yang tepat agar nantinya mahasiswa tidak melakukan kesalahan yang sama. Salah satu penyebab terjadinya kesalahan dalam mengerjakan soal adalah kemampuan memahami konsep matematis yang masih rendah. Berdasarkan pengalaman, peneliti masih menemukan mahasiswa melakukan kesalahan dalam menyelesaikan soal aljabar sehingga peneliti tertarik untuk melakukan penelitian ini. Penelitian ini berupa deskriptif kualitatif yang bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan letak kesalahan yang sering dilakukan mahasiswa. Subjek penelitian ini adalah 48 mahasiswa Akuntansi STIE Pembangunan Tanjungpinang. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan instrument tes hasil belajar berupa tes uraian yang terdiri dari 6 soal materi aljabar. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah jawaban mahasiswa yang dianalisis kemudian dihitung persentase masing-masing kesalahan dengan menggunakan rumus. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan persentase kesalahan mahasiswa dalam menyelesaikan masalah aljabar meliputi kesalahan perhitungan sebesar 20,14%, kesalahan prosedur sebesar 12,85% dan kesalahan konseptual sebesar 10,42%.
Procedimentos Metodológicos de Pesquisa: Ciência e Conhecimento
Authors:   Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina, Silveira Icléia , Rosa Lucas da
Published: June 2023

Este livro eletrônico, e-book, foi organizado para fins didáticos, a partir dos conteúdos ministrados na disciplina de Metodologia da Pesquisa Científica, do Mestrado em Design de Vestuário e Moda, da Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC). Trata-se de um material de orientação para o desenvolvimento da dissertação, com foco na ementa da disciplina e exemplos que podem colaborar nesse processo, embora existam muitos livros publicados sobre o assunto, inclusive indicados no plano de ensino da disciplina. Os capítulos estão divididos com o propósito de organizar, interpretar, descrever e exemplificar os passos indispensáveis aos conhecimentos que indicam o que fazer e como fazer os estudos acadêmicos, destacando-se de forma sintética os elementos constitutivos da pesquisa conforme padrões científicos. Neste sentido, mostra-se a relevância da pesquisa científica e, em especial, voltada à elaboração da dissertação, levando em consideração as normas da Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas (ABNT). Espera-se que os discentes e demais interessados pelo assunto percebam a importância destes conhecimentos para a vida acadêmica e sua aplicação na prática do desenvolvimento de trabalhos científicos.
ANALYSIS OF MATERIAL NEEDS AND TRAINING METHODS FOR VILLAGE OWNED ENTERPRISES MANAGER AS AN EFFORT TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF HUMAN RESOURCES IN TANANTOVEA SUB-DISTRICT, DONGGALA DISTRICT
Authors: Yusuf Muhammad , Kaseng Saharuddin , Evvy Rossanti Niluh Putu
Published: June 2023

This research analyzes the management conditions, constraints, material requirements, and training methods for managing Village-Owned Enterprises (BUM Desa) in Donggala District. This research uses quantitative and qualitative methods (mix methods), the quantitative method used is Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) analysis in mapping the capacity of 10 Village-Owned Enterprises, and qualitative methods are used to describe the factual conditions of Village-Owned Enterprises management by selecting 12 informants consisting of village government officials, administrators of Village-Owned Enterprises, and Village Facilitators. The results indicate that performance is still low. However, the importance is high, namely (1) The managerial process of Village-Owned Enterprises, (2) Marketing methods and strategies, (3) Human Resources recruitment and qualification process, (4) Management knowledge, ( 5) Skills in managing a business, and (6) Strengthening the capacity of Village-Owned Enterprises management. At the research location, only Boya Paramba Mandiri Village-Owned Enterprises in Nupabomba Village, one of whose business activities can contribute to the economic improvement of the coffee farming community in Nupabomba Village. Constraints faced in managing Village-Owned Enterprises, namely related to the system and institutional support, personnel in the organization have not carried out their duties and functions optimally, and human resource factors in managing business management.

Keywords: Human Resource Capacity, Village-Owned Enterprises, Management, Training
THE INFLUENCE OF CUSTOMERS’ VALUE ON SATISFACTION AND ITS IMPACT TOWARDS LOYALTY USING IPHONE BRAND SMARTPHONE IN PALU CITY
Authors: Tandigala Ishak Sandy , P. Adam Rosida , Sutomo Maskuri
Published: June 2023

This research aims to determine the influence of customers’ value on satisfaction and its impact towards loyalty using iPhone brand smartphone in Palu city. This is descriptive-causal research. The research sample is 165 consumers who use iPhone brand smartphones in Palu City selected through purposive sampling method. The research used data analysis methods carried out by looking at the assumptions of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) as well as conformity tests and statistical tests which are all carried out with the AMOS 16.0 and SPSS 23 programs. The research results reveal that 1) Customer value has a positive and significant influence on satisfaction using an iPhone brand smartphone in Palu City., 2) Customers’ value has a positive and significant influence on Loyalty using an iPhone brand smartphone in Palu City, 3) Customers’ satisfaction has a positive and significant influence on Loyalty using an iPhone brand smartphone in Palu City, 4) Satisfaction can mediate the influence of customers’value on loyalty using iPhone brand smartphone in Palu City.

 

Keywords: Customers Value, Customers Satisfaction, and Customers Loyalty.
ANALYSIS OF STATE PROPERTY ADMINISTRATION THROUGH STATE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEM (SIMAK-BMN) AT THE PALU RELIGIOUS HIGH COURT REGIONAL COORDINATOR
Authors: Sarif Sarman , Ridwan Ridwan , Kasim Muhammad Yunus
Published: June 2023

This research aims to describe the process of administering State Property at the Regional Coordinator of the Palu Religious High Court and to offer solutions in the perspective of basic accounting concepts. This research used a qualitative method with a post-positivism approach. The data collection process was carried out through observation, interviews, and documentation analysis using the triangulation model technique. The research results show that (1) that registration is application-based but there are still items that have not been coded according to the type of goods, recording is not supported by valid source documents and updating of data and information on State Property is not carried out regularly, (2) recording is not supported by documents valid sources, (3) State asset data and information are not updated regularly, (4) Inadequate inventory of State Property, (5) State Property reports have not been reported in a timely manner. An alternative to the concept of State Property Administration in the prospect of basic accounting concepts is entity theory, such as: (1) In bookkeeping, it is necessary to have an understanding of the recording of State property, both goods purchased through the State Budget, Grants and Inbound Transfers so that the difference in the presentation of State Property books is not occurs., (2) In the inventory it is necessary to update State property that is no longer in accordance with the needs or obsolete goods, (3) In reporting the need for detailed presentation of goods so that it is easy to present in the state property report (4) In the use of a system application in asset management, it is very necessary to have real policies related to the use of applications according to needs, so that the asset administration process can run effectively and efficiently, (5) Asset reports will be complete and reliable if there is a match between physical assets, ownership documents and records in the books inventory. Mechanism of State Property Administration g is good, then the process of transparency and accountability in the management of State Property will be realized.

Keywords : Administration, State Property, SIMAK-BMN Application
ANALISIS PENGARUH PEMBIAYAAN LAPANGAN USAHA, CAR, DAN BOPO TERHADAP PROFITABILITAS BANK SYARIAH DI INDONESIA PADA MASA PANDEMI COVID 19
Authors: Raidani Raidani
Published: June 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis dampak pandemi covid 19terhadap profitabilitas bank syariah di Indonesia. Tiga variabel independen menjadi indikator yaitu pembiayaan berdasarkan lapangan usaha, CAR, danBOPO. Populasi dalam penelitian adalah perbankan syariah di Indonesia sedangkan sampel dalam penelitian adalah Bank Umum Syariah yang terdaftar pada OJK periode 2019 sampai 2021. Data yang digunakan adalah data sekunder berdasarkan SPS yang diterbitkan oleh OJK periode 2019 sampai 2021. Pembiayaan berdasarkan lapangan usaha berupa sektor industri pengolahan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ketiga variabel independen berpengaruh terhadap variabel dependen pada era pandemi covid 19. Ketiga variabel independen mampu memprediksi variabel ROA sebesar 87.2% sedangkan sisanya 12.8% dipengaruhi oleh variabel lainnya yang tidak diteliti. Secara parsial BOPO berpengaruh negatif terhadap ROA sedangkan dua variabel independen lainnya berpengaruh positif terhadap ROA.
The Influence of Tax Policy to Income Distribution: Indonesia Case
Authors: Muslih Mochamad , Tulasi Dominik , Soleha Soleha , Uli Silalahi Martina Uli , Wali Gianti Putri Satgas
Published: June 2023

One of the objectives of regulating taxation in Indonesia is to regulate the Indonesian economy. One of the taxation instruments used to drive the Indonesian economy is income tax. The purpose of this study is to study the effect of tax arrangements in Indonesia on the performance of the Indonesian economy. The method used is a quantitative method. The population is taxpayers in Indonesia. The selection of sample areas is carried out randomly. A total of 5 (five) cities in Indonesia were selected as samples. The results showed that taxation policies in Indonesia have not yet encouraged the distribution of public income
PENGARUH CURRENT RATIO, DEBT TO EQUITY RATIO, INVENTORY TURN OVER DAN EARNING PER SHARE TERHADAP HARGA SAHAM PERUSAHAAN SUBSEKTOR FARMASI YANG TERDAFTAR DI BURSA EFEK INDONESIA PERIODE 2017-2020
Authors: Hidayat R. Taufik , Iskak Jamaluddin , Widiastuti Sri Cahyani , Hutajulu Sabam
Published: June 2023

Penelitian ini memiliki tujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh kinerja keuangan seperti current ratio, debt to equity, inventory turn over dan earning per share terhadap harga saham di perusahaan subsektor farmasi yang terdaftar di BEI. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan yaitu penelitian dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Penelitian ini mengambil objek perusahaan subsektor farmasi yang terdaftar di BEI periode tahun 2017-2020. Jumlah sampel penelitian dengan teknik purposive sampling adalah sebanyak 9 perusahaan. Analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis regresi linier berganda menggunakan SPSS 25. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa nilai koefisien determinasi adjusted R square sebesar adalah sebesar 0,186 yang berarti variabel independen mempengaruhi variabel dependen sebesar 18,6% dan sisanya yaitu 81,4% dipengaruhi oleh variabel lain diluar penelitian ini. Hasil Uji F menunjukkan bahwa variabel independen current ratio, debt to equity ratio, inventory turn over dan earning per share secara simultan berpengaruh signifikan terhadap harga saham. Hasil Uji t menunjukkan bahwa variabel current ratio dan debt to equity ratio berpengaruh terhadap harga saham. Sebaliknya variabel inventory turn over dan earning per share tidak berpengaruh terhadap harga saham.
Neural circuit-wide analysis of changes to gene expression during deafening-induced birdsong destabilization
Authors: Colquitt Bradley M , Li Kelly , Green Foad , Veline Robert , Brainard Michael S
Published: June 2023

Sensory feedback is required for the stable execution of learned motor skills, and its loss can severely disrupt motor performance. The neural mechanisms that mediate sensorimotor stability have been extensively studied at systems and physiological levels, yet relatively little is known about how disruptions to sensory input alter the molecular properties of associated motor systems. Songbird courtship song, a model for skilled behavior, is a learned and highly structured vocalization that is destabilized following deafening. Here, we sought to determine how the loss of auditory feedback modifies gene expression and its coordination across the birdsong sensorimotor circuit. To facilitate this system-wide analysis of transcriptional responses, we developed a gene expression profiling approach that enables the construction of hundreds of spatially-defined RNA-sequencing libraries. Using this method, we found that deafening preferentially alters gene expression across birdsong neural circuitry relative to surrounding areas, particularly in premotor and striatal regions. Genes with altered expression are associated with synaptic transmission, neuronal spines, and neuromodulation and show a bias toward expression in glutamatergic neurons and Pvalb/Sst-class GABAergic interneurons. We also found that connected song regions exhibit correlations in gene expression that were reduced in deafened birds relative to hearing birds, suggesting that song destabilization alters the inter-region coordination of transcriptional states. Finally, lesioning LMAN, a forebrain afferent of RA required for deafening-induced song plasticity, had the largest effect on groups of genes that were also most affected by deafening. Combined, this integrated transcriptomics analysis demonstrates that the loss of peripheral sensory input drives a distributed gene expression response throughout associated sensorimotor neural circuitry and identifies specific candidate molecular and cellular mechanisms that support the stability and plasticity of learned motor skills.
Application of visual communication in digital animation advertising design using convolutional neural networks and big data
Authors: Fang Jingyi , Gong Xiang
Published: June 2023

In the age of big data, visual communication has emerged as a critical means of engaging with customers. Among multiple modes of visual communication, digital animation advertising is an exceptionally potent tool. Advertisers can create lively and compelling ads by harnessing the power of digital animation technology. This article proposes a multimodal visual communication system (MVCS) model based on multimodal video emotion analysis. This model automatically adjusts video content and playback mode according to users’ emotions and interests, achieving more personalized video communication. The MVCS model analyses videos from multiple dimensions, such as vision, sound, and text, by training on a large-scale video dataset. We employ convolutional neural networks to extract the visual features of videos, while the audio and text features are extracted and analyzed for emotions using recurrent neural networks. By integrating feature information, the MVCS model can dynamically adjust the video’s playback mode based on users’ emotions and interaction behaviours, which increases its playback volume. We conducted a satisfaction survey on 106 digitally corrected ads created using the MVCS method to evaluate our approach’s effectiveness. Results showed that 92.6% of users expressed satisfaction with the adjusted ads, indicating the MVCS model’s efficacy in enhancing digital ad design effectiveness.
Variability of Physiochemical properties of Pig Manure with Added Wood Shavings during Open-Air Dumping and Windrow Composting
Authors: Tiku David T. , Ngwabie Ngwa M. , Manga Veronica E. , Yengong Fabrice L.
Published: June 2023

Background: Effective composting management practice through monitoring of composting governing parameters is very crucial in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the composting process and hence the quality of the compost.

Aims: To assess the variability of the different physiochemical properties (pH, pile temperature, mass, VS, TS and TOC) during open-air dumping and windrow composting of raw pig manure and shavings amended pig manure with wood.

Study Design: Field and laboratory experiment.

Place and Duration of Study: Waste-to-resource project site and project laboratory of the Department of Environmental Science of the University of Buea, Cameroon between February and March 2022. 

Methodology: Two sets of pig manure and wood shavings were mixed in mass ratios of 100%:0% and 90%:10% and placed in four different chambers. One set was dumped in an open-air situation while the other set was left to compost for 40 days. Piles were monitored after every next day for pH, temperature, mass loss, EC, MC, TOC, TS and VS analyses.

Results: The highest composting temperature (63.4℃) was experienced in the 90:10 % while the lowest (39.4℃) was experience in the 100%. All 100% treatments had an acidic starting pH (5.04 and 5.58) while 90:10% treatments had a more basic pH (6.76 and 6.82), there was a significant difference in EC between the open-air dumped and windrow compost piles (P = 0.000). Mass significantly reduced by 64% and 75% (100% and90:10% compost respectively), 51% and 56.5% (100% and 90:10%dumping respectively). Significant difference existed in MC (P = 0.010). Both VS and TC decrease across all treatments, the highest VS and TOC were observed in all 100:0% treatments.

Conclusion: Open-air dumping and composting of pig manure with woods shavings should be promoted since it enhances physiochemical properties, but more emphasis should be on composting than on open-air dumping.
Postmenopausal Status Exacerbates Stress-Related Neurological Disorders in Rats
Authors: Sandrine Mengue Ngadena Yolande , Emmanuel Owona Pascal , Danielle Bilanda Claude , Ronald Bidingha A. Goufani , Carlos Tcheutchoua Yannick , Désiré Dzeufiet Djomeni Paul
Published: June 2023

Aims: This study was aimed at assessing the effects of social instability stress (SIS) and immobilization stress (IS) in postmenopausal (PM) conditions. Postmenopause is a physiological state often associated with mild neuronal disorders (NDs) such as anxiety and irritability. The aging of the worldwide population, coupled with multiple stressors, can lead to significant public health concerns, including severe NDs.

Place and Duration of Study: Tests and analyses were carried out within the confines of the Laboratory of Animal Physiology of the University of Yaoundé I (Cameroon) for 3 months. 

Study Design: To induce PM syndrome, an 84-day ovariectomized Wistar rat model was used.

Methodology: Random sampling of 4 groups of 6 rats, each aged between 8 and 10 weeks, was used. SIS and IS were induced during PM installation. Behavioral status, biochemical, and histopathological analyses were carried out.

Results: SIS combined with IS exacerbates NDs induced by low estrogen levels. Furthermore, ovariectomized stressed rats are more depressed and anxious than the control. They presented severe hippocampal inflammation, oxidative stress, and memory impairment owing to low levels of ACh and reduced neuronal expression in the hippocampus. Overall, PM status makes NDs linked to stress worse in rats.

Conclusion: Stress promotes oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal death, leading to greater affective and cognition disorders when estrogen levels are low. Thus, there is a need to focus on the management of stress during menopausal life.
Assessment and Relationship of Elevated Serum Alanine Transaminase Level in Reference with Obesity
Authors: Wajid Usman , Haider Ahmed , Salman Toaqeer , Luqman Muhammad , Anwar Paris
Published: June 2023

Imbalances between energy gained and exhausted results in abnormal fat accumulation in the tissues of human body and ultimately leads to obesity. Obese people vary not only in the quantity of extra fat that they store, but also in the local distribution of fat within the body. Proportions of obesity are increasing alarmingly in many portions of the world. Pakistan is ranked 9th among 188 countries in carrying obese population, in terms of absolute numbers. Alanine Transaminase is commonly used to identify patients with liver disease. This study was designed to access the level of alanine transaminase in obese subject in the population of Peshawar city, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. To carry out this survey 300 subjects was examined for body mass index. Blood samples from only obese patients were collected at RMI Hospital, Peshawar, from December 2018 to June 2019 after taking inform consent. Whole blood samples were collected by venipuncture technique in gel tube, after blood clotting and serum was extracted after centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 5 minutes to analyze serum Alanine Aminotransferase level. Out of 300 cases, 148 (49.3%) cases were separated in the categories of obese individuals depending on body mass index values according to WHO criteria. Female with increased body mass index were 71 (48.0%) and 77 (52.0 %) were males. About 35 (46%) male patients showed elevated Alanine Aminotransferase level and 24 (33.8%) females. In both male and female with increase body mass index showed elevated serum Alanine Aminotransferase. From this study, it was concluded that there is relatively increase in serum Alanine Aminotransferase level with increase in body mass index and this raised enzyme levels is more common in obese males than obese females. Further study in this area with large sample size will be fruitful to find strong correlation between these two.
Protecting Privacy When Genetic Databases Are Commercialized
Authors: Prince Anya E. R. , Spector-Bagdady Kayte
Published: January 2025

This Viewpoint questions whether people’s health data obtained in direct-to-consumer genetic testing can be used, shared, or marketed in the future.
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Black Women in the US
Authors: Slatton Brittany C. , Cambrice Farrah G. , Omowale Serwaa S.
Published: January 2025

Importance

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Black women is a critical public health concern, potentially exacerbating existing health disparities and impacting community-wide vaccination efforts.

Objective

To explore the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Black women in the US and identify the specific concerns and experiences shaping hesitant attitudes toward vaccination.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Qualitative study using in-depth, semistructured interviews conducted virtually between June and November 2021. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes from the interview data. Participants were recruited through social media platforms and word-of-mouth referrals from various regions of the US. Interviews were conducted remotely via Zoom. Data were analyzed from June to October 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Identification of key themes associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, identified through thematic analysis of interview data.

Results

Fifty-four Black women aged 21 to 66 years participated in the study. Most participants (41 [75.9%]) resided in the South. The sample was predominantly well-educated, with 41 (75.9%) holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Income levels varied, with 16 (29.6%) earning between $40 000 and $59 999 annually. Regarding family structure, 32 participants (59.3%) reported having no children, while 22 (40.7%) had 1 or more children. Three primary themes emerged as being associated with vaccine hesitancy: (1) mistrust in health care and government, rooted in past medical exploitation; (2) concerns over vaccine safety and long-term effects, particularly regarding reproductive health; and (3) ineffective and coercive vaccine communication and promotion. Participants expressed deep-rooted skepticism about being treated as “expendable” in medical research, fears about the rapid vaccine development process, and frustration with coercive vaccine advertisements. Many women desired more comprehensive education about vaccine mechanisms and criticized the use of coercive financial incentives and celebrity endorsements in vaccine promotion.

Conclusions and Relevance

Addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Black women requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges historical traumas, provides clear and transparent safety information, and avoids coercive vaccine promotion strategies. These findings emphasize the need for health care practitioners and public health officials to prioritize trust-building, engage community leaders, and tailor interventions to address the unique concerns of Black women to improve vaccine confidence and uptake.
Weight Changes and Heart Failure Risk After Breast Cancer Development
Authors: Jung Wonyoung , Park Yong-Moon Mark , Yu Jonghan , Yoo Jung Eun , Cho In Young , Han Kyungdo , Shin Dong Wook
Published: January 2025

This cohort study assesses the role of postdiagnosis and prediagnosis in weight gain in individuals with higher risk for cardiac dysfunction.
Cochlear Implant Electrode Placement and Music Perception
Authors: Berg Katelyn A. , Noble Jack H. , Dawant Benoit M. , Sunderhaus Linsey W. , DeFreese Andrea J. , Labadie Robert F. , Gifford René H.
Published: January 2025

Importance

Cochlear implants enable improvements in speech perception, but music perception outcomes remain variable. Image-guided cochlear implant programming has emerged as a potential programming strategy for increasing the quality of spectral information delivered through the cochlear implant to improve outcomes.

Objectives

To perform 2 experiments, the first of which modeled the variance in music perception scores as a function of electrode positioning factors, and the second of which evaluated image-guided cochlear implant programming as a strategy to improve music perception with a cochlear implant.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This single-center, prospective study recruited 50 adult patients with at least 6 months of cochlear implant listening experience and normal cochlear anatomy to participate in experiment 1 from 2013 to 2023. Data analysis was conducted from January to February 2024. Thirty-four of the 50 patients from experiment 1 also completed experiment 2.

Interventions

Cochlear implant programming using a computed tomography–guided electrode selection strategy.

Main Outcomes and Measures

University of Washington Clinical Assessment of Music score, including subtests of pitch discrimination thresholds, isochronous familiar melody recognition, and timbre recognition.

Results

Of 50 participants, 20 (40%) were female, and the mean (SD) age was 57.7 (16.4) years. Experiment 1 suggested that better music perception abilities in the 50 participants were associated with patients who were younger and had a postlingual onset of deafness, as well as electrode arrays with a full scala tympani insertion, higher modiolar distance, and shallower insertion depth. Experiment 2 suggested improvements in melody recognition in the 34 participants using the image-guided cochlear implant programming strategy. Patients with apical electrodes that were deactivated were more likely to demonstrate an improvement in their pitch perception thresholds with the image-guided strategy, likely due to the low-frequency stimuli used in the University of Washington Clinical Assessment of Music.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study identified patient and device factors that were associated with music perception outcomes with a cochlear implant. These findings suggest that a personalized, image-guided approach to programming may improve music perception abilities for patients with cochlear implants.
Predefined‐Time Synchronization of Coupled Competitive Neural Networks
Authors: Huang Yanli , Gao Yaxin , Su Limei , Chiu Wong Tse
Published: January 2025

The aim of this paper is to study the predefined‐time synchronization of coupled competitive neural networks (NNs) as well as the impacts of time‐varying delays on the predefined‐time synchronization performance. First, the models for drive and response systems of coupled competitive NNs with and without coupling delays are established for the first time in this work. After that, the predefined‐time synchronization of the proposed network models is investigated, and some new predefined‐time synchronization conditions for the considered drive and response systems are derived by designing novel bilayer controllers and using some inequality techniques. It is worth mentioning that the desired convergence time can be adjusted by presetting the parameters in the controllers in advance. Moreover, the synchronization is achieved in the predefined time regardless of the initial value of the coupled competitive NNs. At last, the proposed synchronization conditions are validated through two examples.
Zero Field Antiferromagnetically Coupled Skyrmions and their Field‐Driven Uncoupling in Composite Chiral Multilayers
Authors: Sim May Inn , Thian Dickson , Maddu Ramu , Chen Xiaoye , Tan Hang Khume , Li Chao , Ho Pin , Soumyanarayanan Anjan
Published: January 2025

Antiferromagnetic (AF) skyrmions are topological spin structures with fully compensated, net‐zero magnetization. Compared to their ferromagnetic (FM) skyrmion counterparts, their reduced stray field and enhanced electrical response can enable linear, high‐throughput current‐driven motion. However, their bubble‐like character in conventional bilayer AFs limits their stability to fluctuations, leading to deformation and annihilation. This work presents the engineering of a composite AF chiral multilayer, wherein the interplay of AF and FM interlayer couplings generates compensated skyrmions with compact structures. High‐resolution magnetic imaging and micromagnetic simulations show that the internal exchange field stabilizes AF skyrmions at zero external field with characteristics comparable to FM counterparts at 100 mT. Quantitative analyses establish their decoupling above the exchange field, yielding independent, spatially segregated textures in constituent chiral layers. This work provides a foundation to develop AF spin‐textures with enhanced immunity, compatible with efficient readout and manipulation, with relevance to unconventional computing.
Size‐Controlled Ni Nanoparticles Confined into Amino‐Modified Mesoporous Silica for Efficient Hydrodeoxygenation of Bio‐Derived Aromatic Aldehyde
Authors: Zou Zidan , Shen Yue , Chen Chun , Li Wenchao , Zhang Yunxia , Zhang Haimin , Yu Zhixin , Zhao Huijun , Wang Guozhong
Published: January 2025

For size‐sensitive catalytic reaction systems, precise control of geometric size of heterogeneous transition metal catalysts, especially for non‐noble metals, is in desperate need and also a great challenge. Here, highly dispersed Ni nanoparticles (NPs) anchored within mesoporous silica (MS) is fabricated through a hybrid strategy of amino‐modification and vacuum‐impregnation. The Ni NPs in Ni/MS catalyst can be precisely regulated from 2.2 to 12.6 nm, causing a variation in the proportion of low and high coordination sites of Ni atoms. The Ni/MS catalysts show a volcanic trend between 2‐methoxy‐4‐methylphenol (MMP) yield and Ni geometry size in hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of bio‐derived vanillin, and the Ni/MS‐4.8 catalyst with middle size (4.8 nm) shows optimal HDO performance with the highest MMP productivity of 19.5 gMMP gNi−1 h−1. DFT calculation demonstrates that the medium‐sized Ni/MS‐4.8 catalyst possesses abundant low/high coordinated Ni atoms, wherein the low coordinated Ni atoms facilitate the adsorption of H2 and vanillin, and the high coordinated Ni atoms promote the dissociation of H2 and activating of C═O and C─O bonds, thus displays superior performance in HDO reaction. This work paves a way in precise control of geometric size of heterogeneous catalysts applicating in size‐sensitive catalysis.
Improving Both Stability and Sensitivity of Immunosensor by Spatially Controlled Enzyme‐Engineered Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Yan Xu , Wei Congtian , Su Changshun , Liu Xiaomin , Sun Peng , Xu Zhenlin , Lu Geyu , Lin Yuehe , Li Hongxia
Published: January 2025

Immobilization of fragile enzymes in a suitable support material provides new opportunities to improve the performance of immunosensor, but construction remains challenging due to the dimensional limitation or denaturation during the process. Herein, an enzyme‐engineered assembly strategy that enables the in situ fusion of enzymes into the framework structure during the crystal formation process via the covalent‐polymerization‐permeation mechanism is demonstrated, utilizing the dynamic covalent chemistry property of covalent organic frameworks (COFs‐PB). By finely regulating the assembling order of building blocks, enzyme‐COFs composite with the spatial distribution structure of the enzyme (such as uniform, sub‐surfaces, or interface) can be evolved, featuring controllable activity and structural stability. Impressively, the apparent enzymatic kinetics of the enzyme can be well maintained after encapsulation in COFs‐PB, and enzyme@COFs‐PB composite has shown outstanding stability in strongly acidic environments. Benefiting from structural integration, a robust enzyme@COFs‐PB‐based immunosensor is built for the sensitive detection of isocarbophos pesticide, which performed a 56‐fold enhancement in sensitivity compared with that of the standard immunosensor. This study gives valuable insight into a comprehensive understanding of the interfacial interactions between enzymes and COFs in designing ideal biocatalytic nanosystems, providing important guidance for the development of advanced immunosensors in on‐site application.
Conformal iCVD‐Modified Electrodes for Enhanced Mass Transfer in High‐Rate CO2 Electroreduction
Authors: Chang Qingfeng , Zhang Gong , Wang Yixian , Lin Yan , Gao Hui , Guo Lanxin , Zhang Peng , Pei Chunlei , Wang Tuo , Gong Jinlong
Published: January 2025

Gas diffusion electrodes hold significant potential in the field of CO2 reduction, yet facing a major challenge of flooding within the catalyst layer. Common modification methods, such as coating with hydrophobic organics or incorporating them to catalyst inks, tend to seal gas transport pores or impact electrical conductivity, limiting the enhancement of current density during electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction. This paper describes the design and realization of a conformal hydrophobic modification, which is enabled by initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) that conformally deposits a controllable thickness of hydrophobic poly(1H, 1H, 2H, 2H‐perfluorodecyl acrylate, PFDA) (PPFDA) inside aggregated Ag nanoparticles with interstitial porosity, loaded on carbon paper. Characterization and electrocatalytic experiments reveal that the hydrophobic modification of iCVD not only prevents the sealing of gas‐transporting pores but also maintains electrode conductivity. This improvement facilitates enhanced mass transfer of gaseous CO2 during electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction, leading to an increase in current density. The iCVD conformally modified electrodes exhibited excellent electrocatalytic performance in both a flow cell and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) electrolyzers. A notable CO Faradaic efficiency of 93.5% is achieved at a current density of 300 mA cm−2 in a 4 cm2 MEA electrolyzer, accompanied by an exceptional stability improvement.
High‐Performance 3D Printed Mechanically Interlocked Soft–Hard Interfaces of Hydrogels and Polylactide
Authors: Kunkels L.B. , Saldívar M. Cruz , Putra N.E. , Kruize C. Pitta , Panahkhahi S. , Leeflang M.A. , Fratila‐Apachitei L.E. , Zadpoor A.A. , Mirzaali M.J.
Published: January 2025

High‐performance soft–hard interfaces are inherently difficult to fabricate due to the dissimilar mechanical properties of both materials, especially when connecting extremely soft biomaterials, such as hydrogels, to much harder biomaterials, such as rigid polymers. Nevertheless, there is significant clinical demand for synthetic soft–hard interfaces. Here, soft–hard interface geometries are proposed, designed with the aid of computational analyses and fabricated as 3D‐printed hydrogel‐to‐polylactide (PLA) structures. Two primary interlocking geometries (i.e., anti‐trapezoidal (AT) and double‐hook (DH)) are used to study the envelope of 2.5D geometric interlocking designs, fabricated through hybrid 3D printing, combining pneumatic extrusion with fused deposition modeling. Finite‐element analysis, uniaxial tensile tests, and digital image correlation (DIC) are used to characterize the geometries and identify parameters that significantly influence their mechanical performance. These findings reveal significant differences between geometric designs, where DH geometries performed significantly better than AT geometries, exhibiting a 190% increase in the maximum force, Fmax, and a 340% increase in the fracture toughness, W. Compared to the control groups (i.e., flat, inset, and 90° interfaces), Fmax and W values increased by 500%–990% and 350%–1200%, respectively. The findings of this study can serve as a guideline for the design and fabrication of efficient soft–hard interfaces with performances close to predicted values.
Targeting AD and its comorbidities with combination therapies
Authors: Leon Teresa
Published: January 2025

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex disease that is often accompanied by a range of comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and depression. These comorbidities can impact the progression of AD and can complicate treatment strategies. Targeting comorbidities in Alzheimer’s disease and developing combination therapies are emerging areas of research.

The following topics will be addressed:

• Review of main AD comorbidities

• Contributors to the pathophysiology and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (i. e neuroinflammation, vascular damage, etc) are common ground in some of the AD comorbidities

• Cognitive function can be impacted by the associated comorbidities (i.e depression and anxiety) and concomitant treatments (i.e sedatives)

• Developing combination therapies that target multiple aspects of Alzheimer’s disease and its comorbidities could prove more effective than targeting a single aspect of the disease

By also targeting comorbidities in Alzheimer’s disease and developing combination therapies, researchers and healthcare providers can find more effective ways to address the complex nature of Alzheimer´s. These strategies may ultimately lead to improve outcomes for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and its comorbidities.
Imaging of amyloid, tau and synaptic dysfunction in the brains of type 2 diabetic rats ‐ a multitracer PET study
Authors: Kong Yanyan , Zuo Chuantao , Xie Fang , Xiao Jianfei , Huang Qi , Guan Yihui , Ni Ruiqing
Published: January 2025

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with a greater risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Synaptic impairment and protein aggregates have been reported in the brains of T2DM rodent models. Here, we assessed the changes in synaptic vesicle 2A (SV2A), amyloid‐β, and tau that are featured pathologies in AD in T2DM rats in vivo.

Method

Positron emission tomography (PET) using [18F]SynVesT‐1 (SV2A), [18F]flumazenil (GABAA receptor), [18F]florbetapir (amyloid‐β), [18F]APN‐1607 (tau), was carried out in 12‐month‐old diabetic Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) and Sprague‒Dawley (SD) rats. Immunofluorescence staining as well as proteomic profiling and pathway analysis were performed on the brain tissues of ZDF and SD rats.

Results

Reduced cortical [18F]SynVesT‐1 uptake were observed in 12‐month‐old ZDF rats compared to SD rats. No difference was observed in the [18F]florbetapir and [18F]APN‐1607 uptake in the brains of 12‐month‐old ZDF and SD rats. Immunofluorescence staining revealed Thioflavin S‐negative, phospho‐tau‐positive inclusions in the cortex and hypothalamus of ZDF rats, without amyloid‐beta deposits. Proteomic analysis further demonstrated downregulated synaptic‐related proteins pathways in the hippocampus of ZDF rats compared to SD rats.

Conclusion

These findings provide in vivo evidence for synaptic impairment in the brains of aged T2DM ZDF rats.
Structural flexibility and heterogeneity of recombinant human glial fibrillary acidic protein
Authors: Gogishvili Dea
Published: January 2025

Background

Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is a promising biomarker for brain and spinal cord disorders. Recent studies have highlighted the differences in the reliability of GFAP measurements in different biological matrices. The reason for these discrepancies is poorly understood as our knowledge of the protein's 3‐dimensional conformation, proteoforms, and aggregation remains limited.

Method

Here, we investigate the structural properties of GFAP under different conditions. For this, we characterised recombinant GFAP proteins from various suppliers and applied hydrogen‐deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX‐MS) to provide a snapshot of the conformational dynamics of GFAP in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) compared to the phosphate buffer.

Result

Our findings indicate that recombinant GFAP exists in various conformational species. Furthermore, we show that GFAP dimers remained intact under denaturing conditions. HDX‐MS experiments show an overall decrease in H‐bonding and an increase in solvent accessibility of GFAP in aCSF compared to the phosphate buffer, with clear indications of mixed EX2 and EX1 kinetics. To understand possible structural interface regions and the evolutionary conservation profiles, we combined HDX‐MS results with the predicted GFAP‐dimer structure by AlphaFold‐Multimer. We found that deprotected regions with high structural flexibility in aCSF overlap with predicted conserved dimeric 1B and 2B domain interfaces.

Conclusion

Structural property predictions combined with the HDX data show an overall deprotection of GFAP in aCSF and signatures of aggregation. We anticipate that the outcomes of this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the structural flexibility of GFAP and ultimately shed light on its behaviour in different biological matrices.
Neurological and cognitive impairment in long‐term COVID‐19: clinical characterization in a longitudinal study and correlation with neuroimaging and biomarkers
Authors: Júnior José Wagner Leonel Tavares , Neto Manoel Alves Sobreira , Braga‐Neto Pedro
Published: January 2025

Background

COVID‐19 can course with persistent symptoms after infection in a condition called long Covid (NATH, 2020). In this context, cognitive complaints, sleep disorders, headache, smell disorders, in addition to anxiety and depression are common (DELGADO‐ALONSO et al, 2022; ISMAEL et al, 2021.). The present study aims to describe the cognitive manifestations in patients who had a previous COVID‐19 infection and is justified by the need to better explain the pathophysiological mechanisms behind these manifestations.

Method

This is a cross‐sectional view of a prospective longitudinal study carried out on an outpatient basis. Patients have been evaluated on an outpatient basis since March 2023. Patients were evaluated by a neurologist and sleep specialist, with the application of MMSE, GDS/BECK, Pittsburgh, Epworth, Pfeffer and CDR. In addition, a blood sample is collected to analyze APOE and markers of neurodegenerative and inflammatory processes (NfL, AB42, AB40, p‐tau, t‐tau, GFAP, alpha‐synuclein and clusterin). In addition, all patients will undergo cranial MRI, polysomnography and neuropsychological evaluation. The project is approved by the local CEP, all patients have signed an informed consent form.

Result

So far, 93 patients have been evaluated, with 79% female. 1.1% had <4 years of schooling, 4.5% between 4‐8 years and 94.3% > 8 years of schooling. The average duration of symptoms was about 2 years. The average age was 42.8 years. During the illness, only 13.9% were hospitalized, and 10.7% in the ICU. As for the applied batteries, 4.3% of the patients presented alterations in the Pfeffer, and 3.2% presented alterations in MMSE for education. As for post‐Covid symptoms, 96.7% had cognitive complaints, 73.1% sleep disorders, 63.4% anxiety, 35.4% headache, 32.2% depression and 24.7% smell disorders. Results of neuropsychological assessment, biomarkers, cranial MRI and PSNG are pending.

Conclusion

In our study, cognitive manifestations and sleep disturbances were common in the Long Covid phase, even in a population with x months after the acute infection. In addition, cognitive complaints were common even in a sample with a mean age < 50 years, after a mild case of Covid‐19 and with a high level of education.
Harmonization of diffusion MRI measures is crucial for white matter tract normative assessment in ADNI
Authors: Descoteaux Maxime , Girard Gabriel , Edde Manon , Dumais Félix , Dumont Matthieu , Houde Jean‐Christophe , Jodoin Pierre‐Marc , Belanger Jean‐Rene
Published: January 2025

Background

Diffusion MRI (dMRI) measures are variable across sites and MRI vendors, which leads to a site bias in the reported quantitative white matter metrics (Figure 1). ComBat is currently the go‐to method for harmonizing MRI data. However, to our knowledge, the harmonization power of ComBat has not been convincingly demonstrated on the ADNI cohort and was never tested in the context of normative assessment for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients.

Methods

We select 21 sites in the ADNI cohort with at least 10 healthy controls (HC) datapoints per site. Instead of harmonizing all patients from every site onto an average template, as done in ComBat, we identified a reference site containing a large number of HC of all ages and gender. We use the Cam‐CAN dataset, with 441 subjects aged 18‐87. Moreover, instead of computing the harmonization function from every subject (HC and AD), only HC are used. The harmonization function of each site is thus computed in a pairwise fashion between each ADNI site and the Cam‐CAN site. Finally, once the harmonization function of each site is computed, all subjects of every site are harmonized towards the Cam‐CAN site. All results are shown for the Mean Diffusivity and Apparent Fiber Density dMRI measures in the left arcuate fasciculus.

Results

The left panel of Figure 1 shows how dMRI measures vary across sites/vendors. The most striking bias is between Philips sites/scanners and the rest. The right panel of Figure 1 shows the successful harmonization effect of ComBat. In Figure 2, the Cam‐CAN reference is shown in gray with different percentile distributions across ages and AD patients from the GE ADNI site #127 before and after harmonization. Harmonization clearly moves HC and AD datapoints in the correct measurement “space” and preserves disease stage (HC vs AD).

Conclusions

We showed that harmonization is crucial in white matter dMRI in ADNI. Harmonization methods can correct site biases and are robust to pathology, as HC and AD patients are successfully harmonized across sites. Harmonization is thus crucial for data pooling and quantitative comparison in large multi‐site datasets such as ADNI.