bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INDOOR VISUAL UNDERSTANDING THROUGH IMAGE CAPTIONING
Authors: Fudholi Dhomas Hatta , Nayoan Royan Abida N.
Published: March 2024

Transformers have been widely used in image captioning tasks on English language datasets such as MSCOCO and Flickr. However, research related to image captioning in Indonesian is still rare and relies on machine translation to obtain the Indonesian dataset. In this study, the Transformer model is used to generate caption using the modified MSCOCO datasets to gain visual understanding in an indoor environment. We modified the MSCOCO dataset by creating new Indonesian text description based on the MSCOCO images. A few simple rules are made to create the Indonesian dataset by including the object’s location, colour, and its characteristics. Experiments were carried out using several CNN pre-trained models to extract the image features before feeding them to the Transformer model. We also performed hyper-parameter settings on the models by assigning different values for batch size, dropouts, and attention heads to get the best model. BLEU-n, METEOR, CIDEr, and ROUGE-L are used to evaluate the model. From this study, by utilizing the EfficientNetB0 with a batch size of 128, dropouts of 0.2, and attention heads of 4, the model can get the best score in four different evaluation matrices. The EfficientNetB0 model reached the highest score on BLEU-4 with a score of 0.344, ROUGE-L of 0.535, METEOR of 0.264, and CIDEr of 0.492.
ASSESSING RAINWATER HARVESTING OPTIONS IN TERESA, RIZAL: INCORPORATING USER PREFERENCES WITH MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION ANALYSIS
Authors: Amolato Rochie , Resurreccion Joanna , Lumbera Maxell
Published: March 2024

Water scarcity has emerged as a critical global challenge, necessitating the exploration of alternative water sources. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) presents a promising solution, given its abundance and ease of collection. Despite the Philippines' ample rainfall, RWH remains underutilized, capturing merely 6% of the annual precipitation. To bolster RWH adoption, this study aims to investigate residents' preferences for alternative water systems, with a specific focus on cost-effectiveness and reliability. By addressing these factors, we aim to identify key strategies for promoting and implementing RWH to mitigate water scarcity and foster sustainable water management practices in the Philippines. Preferences of rural residents (n = 185) in Teresa, Rizal on RWH alternative was then evaluated using a multi-criteria decision analysis. The main criteria assessed were reliability, cost, adoption factors, and benefits. The analysis involved assessing and converting the scores into Yield After Spillage (YAS) to establish rainfall reliability. The study employed Multi-criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to compare and evaluate various alternatives based on different factors, which were subsequently ranked under different scenarios. The study found that Alternative P10, a 1,000L plastic tank with a 20L first flush, exhibited the highest utility score among the assessed alternatives, with a score of 0.617. Notably, Alternative F30, featuring a 3,000L ferrocement tank with a 200L first flush, closely followed with a utility score of 0.614. The study employed the Jonckheere-Terpstra test and Kendall's tau with a significance level of 0.05 to determine the significance of these criteria concerning increasing income. The criteria of price, maintenance, and durability were identified as statistically significant (p-values: 0.007, 0.031, and 0.005, respectively) as residents' income increased. Consequently, residents with higher incomes placed greater importance on Alternative F50, a 5,000L ferrocement tank, due to its alignment with these influential criteria. Moreover, given the potential impacts of changing rainfall patterns and growing water demands, implementing larger storage tanks, like Alternative F50, is advisable to enhance future water sustainability in Teresa, Rizal.
ESTABLISHMENT OF BASELINE CONDITIONS FOR TRICYCLE RESEARCH IN TUGUEGARAO CITY, PHILIPPINES
Authors: Orpilla Michael , Tolentino Harley B. , Pagulayan Ian C. , Ibanez Arthur G. , Dumlao Florentina S.
Published: March 2024

There are a lot of initiatives to reduce the effect of global warming. In the Philippines, in the sector of transportation, shifting to a modernized mode of transportation (EVs), development of mass transport, and the like are being pushed. However, the effectiveness of each solution cannot be quantified without established baseline information. The objective of this study is to provide baseline information on 2-stroke and 4-stroke tricycles in Tuguegarao City. Experimental test runs are conducted to determine the effect of the general terrain, weight, road gradient, and age on the mileage efficiency of the tricycles. For general mileage efficiency, ten 2-stroke and ten 4-stroke tricycles are deployed on the same routes. Results show that the average mileage efficiency of the 2-stroke is 23.4 km/L, while that of the 4-stroke tricycle is 31.77 km/L. On a flat road, an additional load of one (1) kg on the tricycles decreases the mileage efficiency by an average of 0.4131% and 0.4095% on the 2-stroke and 4-stroke tricycles, respectively. The 4-stroke tricycle is 30% more efficient when tested on inclined roads. There is no direct relationship between the age of the tricycles tested and their corresponding mileage efficiency. A representative drive cycle for each type of tricycle is developed using a microtrip-based cycle construction. A load cycle is also developed based on the representative drive cycles constructed. The results of this paper will be a good input for future transportation-related studies in the city.  This could also be the basis of Local government unit (LGU) and other lawmaking bodies in drafting policies related to transportation and environment.
FPGA IMPLEMENTATION OF ADAPTIVE ZERO-TRACKING ALGORITHM FOR REAL-TIME DOA ESTIMATION USING A LINEAR ANTENNA ARRAY
Authors: Benahmed Aziz , Mekhfioui Mohcin , Hamzaoui El Mehdi , Guennoun Zouhair
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we employed blind separation techniques to estimate the direction of arrival (DOA) in a smart antenna system. Indeed, we have processed the antenna’s output signal through the Symmetric Pre-Whitening algorithm in order to isolate each incident wave. Since we are interested by defining the DOA of strongest wave, we have characterized each separated wave using the power spectral density. The most powerful wave is then modeled by a three order autoregressive model whose complex zeros, computed and tracked adaptively, will be plotted in the unit circle. After convergence of the zero-tracking process, we assumed that the DOA corresponds to the phase of the zeros whereas the radius will give an idea on its magnitude. To assess the efficiency of the developed method in real-time, we compared the simulation results with those obtained from implementing the Symmetric Pre-Whitening and zero-tracking algorithms on the Artix-7 FPGA board. The results obtained by simulation and hardware implementation are quite similar.
IMPACT OF GREEN CAMPUS TRANSPORTATION PROGRAMS ON EMISSION REDUCTION TARGET 2030
Authors: Handayani Dewi , Purnawan Candra , Nugraha Setya , Chrismaningwang Galuh , Ubaidillah Ubaidillah
Published: March 2024

The effects of climate change on the environment, human health, and economy are significant. Global warming and climate change are primarily caused by emissions of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide. In response, Sebelas Maret University, an Indonesian higher education institution located in Surakarta, Central Java, established the Emission-Free Day, held on the first Friday of every month beginning in July 2020. This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of the Emission-Free Day in achieving 2030 emission reduction goals. This study analyzes the effect of the Emission-Free Day on reducing emissions from motorized vehicles on college campuses. The Tier-1 method, applying emission factors from the Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventory published in 2006 by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), was used to estimate the emission reduction. The findings indicate that while the Zero Emissions Program aligns with the Sebelas Maret University Green Campus Policy, its contribution to the 2030 emission reduction targets specified in the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) is negligible. Additional measures are required to enhance emission reduction efforts, such as the establishment of a Centralized Parking Facility, the implementation of an RFID card system to restrict vehicle access to the campus, the introduction of a ridesharing program, the provision of employee shuttle services, and the promotion of the use of public transportation. These attempts will support global emission reduction efforts and significantly contribute to achieving NDC targets. The study emphasizes the significance of instituting a variety of complementary programs to effectively combat emissions from motorized vehicles and promote a sustainable and low-carbon campus environment.
AN EMPIRICAL STUDY TO IDENTIFY AND WEIGH THE RISK ATTRIBUTES THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF FMEA IN THE SOFTWARE INDUSTRY WITH FOCUS ON MSME AND SME IT FIRMS IN BENGALURU REGION
Authors: Soman Sandhya , Pareek Piyush Kumar
Published: March 2024

Uncertain events can occur anytime during the lifecycle of software. An organization's readiness to deal with these events determines its ability to mitigate the potential losses. Risk management is an essential component of the lifecycle process and is given due diligence in a typical multi-tiered environment of the technological giants. On the contrary, small IT firms, especially the ones falling under the belt of SME and MSME sectors, often follow a reactive approach to risk management. Consequently, the probable losses incurred can be huge and sometimes even challenge the firm's existence in the market. Considering the above issue, we have put forward this paper after performing an empirical study targeting only the Bengaluru region's MSME/SME IT firms. The study was primarily conducted with two objectives (1) to identify the risk attributes and (2) to determine the effectiveness of FMEA techniques and weigh these attributes through the FMEA process. 43 failure modes were identified, which were ranked by a panel of 12 QA experts based on their past project experiences. The top ten failure modes identified by the process will be considered for future analysis and for determining the mitigation steps as a part of the risk management process, particularly for start-ups.
CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS FOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (UAV) IMPLEMENTATION IN MALAYSIAN INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
Authors: Soon Tan Kheng , Teng Ng Chiew , Wei Ng Teck , Tiong Cheng Chin , Mukhlas Nurul ‘Azizah , Ahmad Shah Mohamad Shazwan
Published: March 2024

The usage of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) in infrastructure projects has inclined drastic recently due to its benefits. However, there is a slowness in transition from conventional construction approach to new innovation. Besides, there are lots of issues in current practices such as cost overrun, dangerous, delay of time completion and lack of an overall comprehensive scientific system. Furthermore, although there was high level of awareness on the advantages of using UAVs, the Malaysian construction industry are still reluctant for the changes. In response, to overcome issues that the construction industry faces, such as infrastructure projects thus, this study aims to develop a conceptual framework for promoting the applications of UAV in Malaysia infrastructure projects. The methods adopted include explanatory sequential research methods. For instance, questionnaire surveys and interviews are used to collect quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Besides that, a refined conceptual framework of the challenges and barriers of UAV adoption in Malaysia infrastructure projects were mainly contributed by the restrictive regulatory environment and industry point of view. For example, the privacy issues and guidelines on autonomous UAV and the industry lack of confidence in the adoption of UAV and education on the adoption of the UAV.  In addition, it offers some solutions for the issues that have been revealed in the preliminary conceptual framework for the challenges on UAV adoption in Malaysia infrastructure projects. For instance, amaze the contractor with the final data from the UAV.  Lastly, the identify solution served as a reference for other Malaysian construction stakeholders that have not used UAVs before. The recommendations for future scholarly research include the roles of UAV technology with other technologies such as Artificial Intelligent (AI) or integration of data with other software.
Sistem Teras Perbankan Dalam Ekosistem Kontrak Syariah Di Malaysia (Core Banking System in Shariah Contract Ecosystem in Malaysia)
Authors: Mohd Tarmizi Mohd Naufal , Buang Ahmad Hidayat , Daud Zaidi
Published: March 2024

Islamic core banking system is an enabler to banking activity that provides agile platform to achieve the corporate objective of Islamic banking as well as to meet Shariah compliance aspect. In Malaysia, Shariah compliance principle in Islamic finance has been stipulated in Part IV, Division 1, Islamic Financial Services Act 2013 (“IFSA 2013”). Nevertheless, the suitability of methodology on the development of Islamic core banking system in Malaysia is less discussed qualitatively in previous studies. Thus, the objective is to study on methodology of Islamic or Shariah contract based core banking system’s development that is suitable in Malaysia. This study found that the development of Islamic core banking system shall respect Shariah contract ecosystem in Malaysia. Shariah contract policy document issued by Central Bank of Malaysia (“BNM”) is resulting from Malaysia’s Shariah contract ecosystem in line with provisions of Shariah compliance under section 28 and 29, IFSA 2013. From these legal provisions, the stakeholders shall respect the power given to BNM, and Shariah contract policy document shall be the main reference in translating Shariah contract requirements onto each process within Islamic core banking system in Malaysia.
The Role of Women and the Contextualization of Peace in Modern Times: Analysis on Hadith Perspective
Authors: Hamisan@Khair Nur Saadah , Mohd Tawil Siti Fatimah , Ibrahim Norhasnira
Published: March 2024

Muslim women have been acknowledged for their huge contributions in building community, serving society, and promoting peace as reported in Hadith literature and Sīrah Nabawiyyah. This study aims to highlight related Hadiths concerning women and their roles in promoting peace, particularly from two authentic Hadith collections: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhāri and Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim. This study also intends to present ontology visualisation of the collected Hadiths concerning women and peace. It focuses on how the Hadith describes the concept of peace in relation to women, and how women can practice her rights in building and maintaining peace. As a qualitative study, there are different approaches applied in determining the relationship between women and peace. First, gathering Hadiths into several themes related to peace by applying the thematic approach. Second, is the ontological mapping approach which aims in building and exhibit the relationship between women and peace, from the Hadith perspective. Third, an analytical approach is applied in order to analyze historical, logical, and contextual aspects of the related Hadiths. The finding shows that though the number of Hadiths concerning women and peace might be limited, those related Hadiths give a massive impact, particularly on women, and all mankind.
Salah Faham Makna Dalam Terjemahan Buku Muhammad:Riwayat Hidup Berdasarkan Sumber Terawal (Some Fundamental Issues in The Translation of Key Concepts in The Work of “Muhammad: Riwayat Hidup Berdasarkan Sumber Terawal”)
Authors: Ramli Mohd Hilmi
Published: March 2024

Translation is a transferring of meaning from one language to the other language. In the process of translation, the translator (s) requires an in-depth knowledge of the languages being transferred as well as mastery of the subject matter of being translated. The recent work entitled Muhammad: Riwayat Hidup Berdasarkan Sumber Terawal originally belongs to Martin Lings, who was a renowned scholar in the fields of philosophy, religion, and taṣawwūf, has been translated from English into Malay. The translation work is commendable because it serves the need for Malay audience to understand the sirah of the Prophet in the national language. However, this study found some fundamental issues in the translation of the work, for example, the translation of God as “Allah” based on the Genesis, the misleading translation of the name of Islam as 'submission', and the nature of the letters of the Qur’ān. The study anaylyses the text and makes a comparison with the original text in English. In addition, this study referred to the early sources mentioned by the author and critically evaluated the intellectual background of the original author. This finding sheds some light on the problem of translation of the key concepts and terms stemmed from the incoherent worldview in understanding the religion of Islam and the Sirah of the Prophet.
Unsur-Unsur Ketamadunan Baghdad (Elements of Civilization of Baghdad)
Authors: Mohamad Ramli Yusri
Published: March 2024

Baghdad was once an important city and pride for Muslims. It was also a symbol of prosperity and human advancement. This achievement happened in the period of what scholars call the golden age of Islam. Through content, historical and conceptual analyses of data collected via library research, this qualitative study attempts to identify and describe the essential elements in Baghdad during that period that triggered its achievement. Such elements identified are the strength of religiosity, the utilization of diverse cultures and traditions, military strength, infrastructure development, economic growth, human capital management, and the advancement of knowledge. This discussion sheds significant light on human civilization’s current and future development.
The “Right to Life” in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): A comparative study between the UDHR and the Qur’an and Sunnah
Authors: Uddin Md Fakar , Osmani Noor Mohammad , Jamil Khairil Husaini
Published: March 2024

The “Right to Life” has been articulated in the third article of the “Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) 1948”. The Qur’an and Sunnah had also instructed about it centuries before. But the right has been violated throughout the world with impunity despite clear declaration and stern protection by the UN and paramount emphasis in the Qur’an and Sunnah for protecting it. This study explores the articulation of the "Right to Life" in both the UDHR and Islamic texts, examining how it is safeguarded by these entities and whether it aligns with Islamic teachings. The aim of this study therefore, is to explore how this “Right to Life” has been articulated in the UDHR and in the Qur’an and Sunnah; how it is being protected by UN and by the Qur’an and Sunnah; and whether this right is compatible with the texts of the Qur’an and Sunnah of prophet (PBUH). Utilizing descriptive, analytical, evaluative, and critical methods, this research delves into the UDHR and the Qur'an to analyze and evaluate the "Right to Life." The study reveals that the UDHR's formulation of this right aligns with Islamic teachings, with no apparent contradictions. Claims that it advocates for the abolition of the death penalty are refuted, as it emphasizes the elimination of genocide, murder, and unauthorized killings, consistent with the Qur'an and Sunnah's preference for diyyah or blood money as an alternative to the death penalty, promoting forgiveness. Also, despite protection of the UN for this right, the violations of it, such as homicide, democide, genocide, extrajudicial killing, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrest and detentions, are common across the world. The study recommends that if the Qura’nic teachings and protecting mechanisms that clearly bestowed regarding this right be recognised, the violations of it certainly be alleviated.
An Analysis of Harta Sepencarian Cases in the Syariah High Court of Ipoh
Authors: Noor Zanariah , Kamarul Zaman Muhammad Akramin , Husain Husna
Published: March 2024

Disputes over matrimonial assets, or harta sepencarian, as it is commonly known in Malaysia, are among the financial cases filed in the Syariah High Court of Ipoh. Although there are specific provisions in the Islamic Family Law Enactment (Perak) 2004 on the division of harta sepencarian, there are some questions, particularly regarding the judicial approach used by judges in determining which parties are entitled to make claims, categories of assets that are considered to be part of harta sepencarian, the interpretation of matters related to the direct and indirect contribution, as well as the proportion of distribution of the assets. This study applies document analysis techniques by referring to the files of the related cases recorded from 2011 - 2016 at the Syariah High Court of Ipoh, and also cases that were reported in law journals as a basis for comparison to clarify the issues discussed. The findings show that although the decisions of the Syariah High Court of Ipoh on issues raised in such cases are not much different from what is decided in the cases reported in the law journals or other Syariah Courts in Malaysia, there are several other aspects, namely on the matter of EPF savings, gratuity, and insurance compensation, where the decisions held by the Syariah High Court of Ipoh are different from existing fatwas (legal opinions on Islamic law) and approaches taken by other Syariah Courts in Malaysia. The different approaches are also noted in cases where the disputing parties have children. Although the rights of disputing parties are properly considered in deciding the cases, in certain cases priority is given to the welfare of the children, and the Court grants property rights to the children.
Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab oleh Pelajar Bukan Muslim Menerusi Penggunaan Transliterasi Arab-Rumi/ Learning Arabic by Non-Muslim Students Through the Use of Arabic-Roman Transliteration
Authors: Nasir Mohd Shahrizal , Amiruddin Ahmad Zaki , Osman Norasyikin , Mohd Noor Siti Salwa
Published: March 2024

The situation of non-Muslim students who learn Arabic language calls for the need to present specific teaching and learning methods that can help them in mastering the Arabic language. Thus, this paper will discuss several scenarios related to learning Arabic by non-Muslim students at the university level. The use of Arabic-Roman Transliteration in the learning process is emphasized in this paper as a method for Arabic for Specific Purposes (AFSP). This paper contains a study in the form of a qualitative study using a questionnaire technique with an open question format as a data collection instrument. The research data was obtained from a group of non-Muslim students studying Arabic course at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA). The findings of the study show that non-Muslim’s perception towards teaching and learning Arabic language is very positive if the learning process can be implemented effectively. The use of Arabic-Rumi Transliteration is seen as one of the innovative teaching approaches that can inculcate learning motivation to non-Muslim students in learning Arabic language.
Persepsi Belia Muslim Malaysia Terhadap Terorisme/ Perception of Muslim Youth in Malaysia towards Terrorism
Authors: Che Nordin Mohd Khairul Naim , Mhd Nazer Muhamad Syafriz , Mohd Mokhtar Ros Aiza , Saari Che Zarrina
Published: March 2024

Studies on modern terrorism over the past 20 years have shown an increase in youth involvement in violent activities. However, the findings of these studies mostly focus on the subjects of study, either specific organizations involved or the locations of their development. This study aims to examine the views of Muslim youth in Malaysia towards terrorist ideologies, with the goal of identifying their perceptions, understanding of national identity and acceptance or rejection of these ideologies. The research uses quantitative methods for data collection and analysis, including a survey of 850 participants aged 18-40 from across Malaysia, selected through random sampling with a focus on Muslim youth. The analysis includes descriptive statistics as well as inferential methods such as ANOVA and Pearson correlation to investigate differences and relationships among survey variables. The findings indicate that the majority of participants had a neutral stance towards terrorist ideologies and rejected elements of these ideologies. However, a minority of youth expressed acceptance of these ideologies. Based on these findings, the study suggests that ongoing education efforts that promote moderate and centrist interpretations of Islam from primary to higher education in Malaysia may help to prevent the spread of radicalism among youth.
The Relationship between Age and Level of Income with Understanding of Islamic Digital Banking
Authors: Ab. Aziz Muhammad Ridhwan , Jali Mohd Zalisham , Mohd Noor Mohd Nazri , Sulaiman Syahnaz , Harun Mohd Shukor , Mustafar Muhammad Zakirol Izat
Published: March 2024

The rapid growth of information and communication technology development has driven the Islamic banking and finance industry to digitalize all transactions and Islamic banking products to go fully online. However, there is a hindrance in developing Islamic digital banking which is the lack of understanding about Islamic digital banking among Malaysia community from different age and level of income. This study aims to investigate the relationship between age and level of income of Malaysian community with the level of knowledge about Islamic digital banking. This study employed a quantitative survey questionnaire of 100 respondents. The Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) software version 27 has been used in this study in analysing the data through descriptive analysis.  The general finding of this study showed that the young generation and people with lower income have more intention to adopt this new application compared to the older generation and people with higher income. By analyzing these relationships, the research could help Islamic banks tailor their services and products to various demographic groups, enhancing accessibility and understanding. Additionally, the findings might inform policymaking to create a more inclusive financial system, particularly in predominantly Muslim countries. Overall, the study appears to connect the fields of demographics, technology, economics, and cultural studies, potentially providing essential insights for the development and growth of Islamic digital banking.
Reducing Discordant Religious Relationships: Ahmadiyya Case in Indonesia
Authors: Ja'far Handoko
Published: March 2024

The Ahmadiyya have been labeled as a controversial religious group by the majority of Indonesians. Its inclusion as a component of religious diversity is regarded as a trumping-up divergence. This research aims to analyze the reasons for hostility toward the Ahmadiyya through a review journal, historical storytelling, and exposure to empirical facts, and to provide recommendations for reducing discord and improving relations between different religious groups. The article investigates the role of state law, religious authority, and civil society in shaping attitudes toward Ahmadiyya Muslims, as well as strategies for promoting interfaith dialogue and tolerance. Overall, the article argues that it is critical to promote mutual respect and understanding among religious communities in order to reduce conflict and promote social harmony in Indonesia.
Pentakrifan Kemiskinan Haid Menurut Perspektif Islam/ Defining Period Poverty According To The Islamic Perspective
Authors: A.M Latifah , Ibrahim Nurul Suhaida , Mohd Akib Mohd Manawi , Nazri Mohd Arif , Abdul Majid Mohd Nasir
Published: March 2024

Menstrual poverty is a current topic that is being discussed in both the print and electronic media. Menstrual poverty is a translation of the word "period poverty," which refers to difficulties in managing menstruation caused by a variety of reasons. Financial restrictions to purchase menstrual products, lack of information about menstruation, lack of infrastructure to manage menstrual waste, and a lack of privacy space to manage menstruation with dignity are among them. Menstruation management is a critical topic since it concerns a Muslim's personal cleanliness and worship. The purpose of this essay is to discover the real concept of menstruation poverty from an Islamic perspective by reviewing the perspectives of authoritative scholars. This article relates to the writings of experts in the subject of Islamic jurisprudence, both past and current, that are based on syar'i arguments derived from al-Quran and al-Sunnah texts. This study also employed the interview method to obtain data on menstruation poverty from an Islamic perspective. The Islamic definition of menstrual poverty has proven successful, based on the interpretation of the Quran and Hadith. According to the Islamic perspective, menstrual poverty refers to women who face challenges in meeting their need to clean oneself due to a lack of understanding about menstruation in syariah compliance, financial resources and having difficulty managing menstruation with dignity
The pathogenic roles of the p.R130S prestin variant in DFNB61 hearing loss
Authors: Takahashi Satoe , Zhou Yingjie , Cheatham Mary Ann , Homma Kazuaki
Published: March 2024

DFNB61 is a recessively inherited nonsyndromic hearing loss caused by mutations in SLC26A5, the gene that encodes the voltage‐driven motor protein, prestin. Prestin is abundantly expressed in the auditory outer hair cells that mediate cochlear amplification. Two DFNB61‐associated SLC26A5 variants, p.W70X and p.R130S, were identified in patients who are compound heterozygous for these nonsense and missense changes (SLC26A5W70X/R130S). Our recent study showed that mice homozygous for p.R130S (Slc26a5R130S/R130S) suffer from hearing loss that is ascribed to significantly reduced motor kinetics of prestin. Given that W70X‐prestin is nonfunctional, compound heterozygous Slc26a5R130S/− mice were used as a model for human SLC26A5W70X/R130S. By examining the pathophysiological consequences of p.R130S prestin when it is the sole allele for prestin protein production, we determined that this missense change results in progressive outer hair cell loss in addition to its effects on prestin's motor action. Thus, this study defines the pathogenic roles of p.R130S prestin and identifies a limited time window for potential clinical intervention.

image

Key points

The voltage‐driven motor protein, prestin, is encoded by SLC26A5 and expressed abundantly in cochlear outer hair cells (OHCs).

The importance of prestin for normal hearing was demonstrated in mice lacking prestin; however, none of the specific SLC26A5 variants identified to date in human patients has been experimentally demonstrated to be pathogenic.

In this study we used both cell lines and a mouse model to define the pathogenic role of compound heterozygous p.W70X (c.209G>A) and p.R130S (c.390A>C) SLC26A5 variants identified in patients with moderate to profound hearing loss.

As in patients, mice carrying one copy of p.R130S Slc26a5 showed OHC dysfunction and progressive degeneration, which results in congenital progressive hearing loss.

This is the first functional study reporting pathogenic SLC26A5 variants and pointing to the presence of a therapeutic time window for potential clinical interventions targeting the affected OHCs before they are lost.
Cathodal bilateral transcranial direct‐current stimulation regulates selenium to confer neuroprotection after rat cerebral ischaemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Wang Hui , Ma Wenlong , Hu Wenjie , Li Xiaohua , Shen Na , Li Zhuo , Kong Xiangyi , Lin Tao , Gao Jingchen , Zhu Ting , Che Fengyuan , Chen Juan , Wan Qi
Published: March 2024

Non‐invasive transcranial direct‐current stimulation (tDCS) is a safe ischaemic stroke therapy. Cathodal bilateral tDCS (BtDCS) is a modified tDCS approach established by us recently. Because selenium (Se) plays a crucial role in cerebral ischaemic injury, we investigated whether cathodal BtDCS conferred neuroprotection via regulating Se‐dependent signalling in rat cerebral ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury. We first showed that the levels of Se and its transport protein selenoprotein P (SEPP1) were reduced in the rat cortical penumbra following I/R, whereas cathodal BtDCS prevented the reduction of Se and SEPP1. Interestingly, direct‐current stimulation (DCS) increased SEPP1 level in cultured astrocytes subjected to oxygen‐glucose deprivation reoxygenation (OGD/R) but had no effect on SEPP1 level in OGD/R‐insulted neurons, indicating that DCS may increase Se in ischaemic neurons by enhancing the synthesis and secretion of SEPP1 in astrocytes. We then revealed that DCS reduced the number of injured mitochondria in OGD/R‐insulted neurons cocultured with astrocytes. DCS and BtDCS prevented the reduction of the mitochondrial quality‐control signalling, vesicle‐associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2) and syntaxin‐4 (STX4), in OGD/R‐insulted neurons cocultured with astrocytes and the ischaemic brain respectively. Under the same experimental conditions, downregulation of SEPP1 blocked DCS‐ and BtDCS‐induced upregulation of VAMP2 and STX4. Finally, we demonstrated that cathodal BtDCS increased Se to reduce infract volume following I/R. Together, the present study uncovered a molecular mechanism by which cathodal BtDCS confers neuroprotection through increasing SEPP1 in astrocytes and subsequent upregulation of SEPP1/VAMP2/STX4 signalling in ischaemic neurons after rat cerebral I/R injury.

image

Key points

Cathodal bilateral transcranial direct‐current stimulation (BtDCS) prevents the reduction of selenium (Se) and selenoprotein P in the ischaemic penumbra.

Se plays a crucial role in cerebral ischaemia injury.

Direct‐current stimulation reduces mitochondria injury and blocks the reduction of vesicle‐associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2) and syntaxin‐4 (STX4) in oxygen‐glucose deprivation reoxygenation‐insulted neurons following coculturing with astrocytes.

Cathodal BtDCS regulates Se/VAMP2/STX4 signalling to confer neuroprotection after ischaemia.
Structure, biophysics, and circuit function of a “giant” cortical presynaptic terminal
Authors: Vandael David , Jonas Peter
Published: March 2024

The hippocampal mossy fiber synapse, formed between axons of dentate gyrus granule cells and dendrites of CA3 pyramidal neurons, is a key synapse in the trisynaptic circuitry of the hippocampus. Because of its comparatively large size, this synapse is accessible to direct presynaptic recording, allowing a rigorous investigation of the biophysical mechanisms of synaptic transmission and plasticity. Furthermore, because of its placement in the very center of the hippocampal memory circuit, this synapse seems to be critically involved in several higher network functions, such as learning, memory, pattern separation, and pattern completion. Recent work based on new technologies in both nanoanatomy and nanophysiology, including presynaptic patch-clamp recording, paired recording, super-resolution light microscopy, and freeze-fracture and “flash-and-freeze” electron microscopy, has provided new insights into the structure, biophysics, and network function of this intriguing synapse. This brings us one step closer to answering a fundamental question in neuroscience: how basic synaptic properties shape higher network computations.
Collections are truly priceless
Authors: Davis Charles C.
Published: March 2024

Last month, Duke University in North Carolina announced that it was shuttering its herbarium. The collection consists of nearly 1 million specimens representing the most comprehensive and historic set of plants from the southeastern United States. It also includes extensive holdings from other regions of the world, especially Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies. Duke plans to disperse these samples to other institutions for use or storage over the next 2 to 3 years, but this decision reflects a lack of awareness by academia that such collections are being leveraged as never before. With modern technologies spanning multiple fields of study, the holdings in herbaria and other natural history collections are not only facilitating a deeper and broader understanding of the past and present world but are also providing tools to meet both known and unforeseen challenges facing humanity. Science and society can hardly risk the loss of such an important resource.
Postprandial glucose variability and clusters of sex hormones, liver enzymes, and cardiometabolic factors in a South African cohort of African ancestry
Authors: Masango Bontle , Goedecke Julia H , Ramsay Michèle , Storbeck Karl-Heinz , Micklesfield Lisa K , Chikowore Tinashe
Published: March 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to, first, determine the clusters of sex hormones, liver enzymes, and cardiometabolic factors associated with postprandial glucose (PPG) and, second to evaluate the variation these clusters account for jointly and independently with polygenic risk scores (PRSs) in South Africans of African ancestry men and women.

Research design and methods

PPG was calculated as the integrated area under the curve for glucose during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) using the trapezoidal rule in 794 participants from the Middle-aged Soweto Cohort. Principal component analysis was used to cluster sex hormones, liver enzymes, and cardiometabolic factors, stratified by sex. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess the proportion of variance in PPG accounted for by principal components (PCs) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) PRS while adjusting for selected covariates in men and women.

Results

The T2D PRS did not contribute to the PPG variability in both men and women. In men, the PCs’ cluster of sex hormones, liver enzymes, and cardiometabolic explained 10.6% of the variance in PPG, with PC1 (peripheral fat), PC2 (liver enzymes and steroid hormones), and PC3 (lipids and peripheral fat) contributing significantly to PPG. In women, PC factors of sex hormones, cardiometabolic factors, and liver enzymes explained a similar amount of the variance in PPG (10.8%), with PC1 (central fat) and PC2 (lipids and liver enzymes) contributing significantly to PPG.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that inter-individual differences in PPG responses to an OGTT may be differentially explained by body fat distribution, serum lipids, liver enzymes, and steroid hormones in men and women.
Persistence and safety of anti-TNF biosimilars versus originators in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: an observational study on the French National Health Data System
Authors: Jourdain Hugo , Hoisnard Léa , Sbidian Emilie , Zureik Mahmoud
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Biosimilar-originator equivalence has been demonstrated in phase 3 trials in a few indications of infliximab, etanercept and adalimumab. The objective of our study was to compare the persistence and safety of biosimilars versus originators in all the licensed indications of these molecules.

Methods

We used data from the French National Health Data System (SNDS), covering 99% of the French population, to identify infliximab, etanercept and adalimumab initiators from biosimilar launch (January 2015, May 2016 and October 2018, respectively) to 30 June 2021. Patients were then followed for 1 year. Treatment persistence (duration without treatment discontinuation or modification) and safety (including severe infections, all-cause hospitalisation and death) were compared between originator and biosimilar users by Cox regressions weighting the populations on the inverse probability of treatment. Analyses were performed by molecule, by disease and by biosimilar product.

Results

From January 2015 to June 2021, 86 776 patients were included in the study: 22 670, 24 442 and 39 664 patients had initiated infliximab, etanercept and adalimumab, respectively; 49 752 (53%) were biosimilar initiators. We did not find any risk of discontinuation (HRs were below or around 1, here all pathologies and products together: infliximab 0.88 (0.80–0.97), etanercept 0.85 (0.81–0.90) and adalimumab 0.96 (0.91–1.00)) or safety event (infection: infliximab 0.97 (0.78–1.21), etanercept 1.04 (0.81–1.33) and adalimumab 0.98 (0.83–1.16); hospitalisation: infliximab 1.08 (0.96–1.23), etanercept 0.99 (0.87–1.11) and adalimumab 0.91 (0.83–0.99)) associated with biosimilar versus originator use.

Conclusions

Our study shows reassuring results regarding the persistence and safety of biosimilar tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors compared with originators in all licensed indications.
On a Perturbed Risk Model with Time-Dependent Claim Sizes
Authors: Wei Longfei , Hao Jia , Song Shiyu , Bao Zhenhua
Published: March 2024

We consider a risk model perturbed by a Brownian motion, where the individual claim sizes are dependent on the inter-claim times. We study the Gerber–Shiu functions when ruin is due to a claim or the jump-diffusion process. Integro-differential equations and Laplace transforms satisfied by the Gerber–Shiu functions are obtained. Then, it is shown that the expected discounted penalty functions satisfy defective renewal equations. Explicit expressions can be obtained for exponential claim sizes. Finally, a numerical example is provided to measure the impact of the various dependence parameters in the risk model on the ruin probabilities.
Why Do Young Muslims Study Islamic Theology?
Authors: Aysel Asligül
Published: March 2024

What motivates young Muslims to study Islamic theology or religious education? Are they aiming for a specific professional qualification that requires the study of Islamic theology, or do they want to deepen their faith and aim for further personal development? The question of motives for studying Islamic theology is linked to the life goals and biographies of young Muslims, which opens up the issue of migration and Islam. This article aims to investigate the relationship between the study motives, professional aspirations, and life goals of Islamic theology students within the context of migration. Additionally, it seeks to explore their experiences with foreign and self-positioning in society. Empirical data gathered through qualitative and quantitative research methods will serve as the basis for this examination.
A review of the genus Neogreenia MacGillivray (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Qinococcidae) with descriptions of two new species
Authors: ZHENG XINYI , WATSON GILLIAN W. , ZHANG JIANGTAO , TAN ZHIXIANG , WU SAN’AN
Published: March 2024

The species of Neogreenia MacGillivray (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Qinococcidae) are reviewed. The genus is distributed in the Oriental and Palaearctic Regions and now contains seven species. The present study provides updated generic descriptions of all the developmental stages and a brief account of the biology and life cycle of Neogreenia. The genotype, Neogreenia zeylanica (Green, 1896), is redescribed. The following are described and illustrated for the first time: the second-instar nymph, third-instar female, and male third-instar nymph and pupa of N. zizyphi Tang; the second-instar nymph of N. lonicera Wu & Nan; and the second-instar nymph of N. sophorica Wu. Two new species are described and illustrated: Neogreenia ficus Zheng & Wu, sp. n. based on the adult female and Neogreenia tangi Zheng & Wu, sp. n. based on all female instars. These new species bring the total number of described species of Neogreenia to seven. An identification key to all the developmental stages of Neogreenia, and identification keys to species based on adult females and available nymphal instars are provided.
On the publication year of Sericini genera and species described by Brenske in “Die Serica-Arten der Erde” (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Sericinae)
Authors: AHRENS DIRK , BEZDĚK ALEŠ
Published: March 2024

The year of publication of Brenske’s species and genera described in his opus “Die Serica-Arten der Erde” is updated following up an overlooked delay of some of the fascicules of the Berliner Entomologische Zeitschrift, namely the volumes 42, 43, and 46. This change affects 201 species group names and 20 genus group names, many of which have been revised in the past three decades, but no change of priority of other names occurred. The spelling of Mericserica oberthueri Brenske, 1899 is corrected.
On the boundary of the jumping spider genus Rhyphelia Simon, 1902 (Araneae: Salticidae: Euophryini), with description of ten new species
Authors: NOBRE WELINGTON B. , RUIZ GUSTAVO R.S.
Published: March 2024

In this paper we synonymize Soesilarishius Makhan, 2007 with Rhyphelia Simon, 1902. We give new illustrations of the male holotype of the type species Rhyphelia variegata Simon, 1902 for comparisons, and describe the closely related Rhyphelia brevistylus sp. nov. (♂♀) from the state of Bahia, Brazil. Additionally, we describe nine other new species from different Brazilian regions: Rhyphelia barbado sp. nov. (♂) from Bahia, Rhyphelia bilineata sp. nov. (♂♀) from Minas Gerais, Rhyphelia cotriguacuensis sp. nov. (♂) from Mato Grosso, Rhyphelia gallina sp. nov. (♂) from Acre, Rhyphelia novalima sp. nov. (♂♀) and Rhyphelia okay sp. nov. (♂♀) from Minas Gerais, Rhyphelia otti sp. nov. (♂♀) from Rio Grande do Sul, Rhyphelia planaria sp. nov. (♂) from São Paulo, and Rhyphelia tocantinensis sp. nov. (♂) from Tocantins.
The genus Boreomysis G.O. Sars, 1869 (Peracarida, Mysida, Mysidae) in western Mexico
Authors: HERNÁNDEZ-PAYÁN J.C. , HENDRICKX M.E.
Published: March 2024

Two species of the genus Boreomysis, B. arctica (Krøyer, 1861) and B. californica Ortmann, 1894, were collected in western Mexico. In the eastern Pacific, Boreomysis arctica had previously been recorded from the Bering Sea to southern California. New records in Mexico extend its southernmost distribution limit to 17°25’33” N, off SW Mexico, including samples collected off the west coast of the Baja California Peninsula and the Gulf of California (25 specimens in 12 samples). In the eastern Pacific, B. californica has been reported from Alaska to Peru, with its type locality in the Central Gulf of California. During this study, it was by far the most frequently species collected (343 specimens in 58 samples) off the west coast of the Baja California Peninsula in the Gulf of California, and off SW Mexico (south to 16°58’00” N).
Four new species of Utivarachna Kishida, 1940 (Araneae: Trachelidae) from Sumatra
Authors: DHIYA’ULHAQ NAUFAL URFI , DUPÉRRÉ NADINE , BUCHORI DAMAYANTI , SCHEU STEFAN , DRESCHER JOCHEN
Published: March 2024

Four new species of trachelid spiders belonging to the genus Utivarachna Kishida, 1940 are described: U. angsoduo sp. nov., U. balonku sp. nov., U. rimba sp. nov., and U. trisula sp. nov. Part of the EFForTS project, the spider specimens were uncovered in a canopy fogging collection of tree crown arthropods along a land-use gradient from rainforest via jungle rubber (rubber agroforestry) to monocultures of rubber and oil palm in Jambi Province, Sumatra, Indonesia. Three of the proposed new species were found exclusively in rainforest or jungle rubber agroforest (U. angsoduo sp. nov., U. rimba sp. nov., U. trisula sp. nov.), and one of them exclusively in monocultures of rubber trees (U. balonku sp. nov.). We provide photographs and distribution maps for the proposed new species, and discuss their potential ecology based on their sampling locations. We also encountered a fifth species of the genus in all four land-use systems, U. phyllicola Deeleman-Reinhold, 2001, one of two species of the genus previously recorded from Sumatra, and also provide photographs and distribution maps for this species in the research area of the EFForTS project.