bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PEMBUATAN PUPUK ORGANIK DENGAN DAUN BALAKACIDA DAN STRATEGI PEMASARAN DI BATAM
Authors: Sihombing Anry S p , Rahmad Andreaz , Rusdi Salsabilla Anisa , Sakira Siti Nur
Published: January 2025

Pupuk organik didefinisikan sebagai pupuk yang sebagian atau seluruhnya berasal dari tanaman dan hewan yang telah melalui proses rekayasa, dapat berbentuk padat atau cair yang digunakan untuk mensuplai bahan organik untuk memperbaiki sifat fisik, kimia, dan biologi tanah. Pupuk organik merupakan salah satu solusi ramah lingkungan untuk memanfaatkan limbah organik menjadi sumber nutrisi tanaman. Bahan untuk membuat pupuk organik ini adalah tumbuh-tumbuhan dari alam dengan memanfaatkan daun balakacida, untuk menghasilkan pupuk organik yang sangat bernutrisi bagi tanaman. Inovasi daun balakacida dalam pembuatan pupuk organik sangat bermanfaat untuk memperbaiki kesuburan tanah bagi peningkatan produksi pertanian, baik secara kualitas maupun kuantitas, mengurangi pencemaran lingkungan dalam meningkatkan kualitas tanaman secara berkelanjutan. Tujuan jurnal ini adalah untuk memberikan solusi pupuk yang ramah lingkungan dengan memanfaatkan daun balakacida. Dari jurnal ini diharapkan pembaca bisa mengetahui cara pembuatan pupuk organik dan pemasarannya.
Microscopic Appearance of Cell Assembly and Proliferation in Agar Cultures of Synthetic DNA (E. COLI) Crown Cells with Monolaurin
Authors: Inooka Shoshi
Published: January 2025

DNA crown cells (artificial cells), in which the outside of the membrane is covered with DNA, can be synthesized in vitro using sphingosine (Sph)-DNA-adenosine-monolaurin compounds. These cells can proliferate within egg whites in vivo. In a previous report on the culture and synthesis of synthetic DNA crown cells, it was shown that different lines of synthetic DNA crown cells (i.e., E. coli, Human placenta, Akoya pearl oyster, Hepato-blastomaderived cell line; HepG2) could be prepared using egg white as a medium.

The present study examined whether the cell assembly and proliferation were observed when synthetic DNA (E. coli) crown cells were cultured on agar plates with monolaurin. In addition, the microscopic characteristics of the assemblies and the proliferated cells are described.
Efficacy of Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Male Genital Lichen Sclerosus
Authors: Laino Luigi
Published: January 2025

Background: Lichen sclerosus (LS) presents a therapeutic challenge due to its chronic inflammatory nature, leading to sclerosis and atrophy, primarily affecting the anogenital region.

Objective: Stem cell therapy, particularly using subcutaneous adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs), shows promise due to their regenerative and immunomodulatory properties.

Methods: 22 male patients with lichen sclerosus varying in degree from mild to severe were enrolled to undergo subcutaneous fat sampling using a sterile kit and subsequent processing of the stromal vascular fraction which was then freshly implanted in the same patients in an autologous manner.

Results: All patients reported a significant improvement in the signs and symptoms of the pathology already after a month and a half after therapy. Limitations: This study is limited to a small group of male patients only.

Conclusion: Our data confirm the usefulness of this regenerative adipose tissue mesenchymal stem cells autologous transplant therapy in male genital lichen sclerosus.
Neurological Complications Following mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination: Peripheral Axonal Neuropathy and Transverse Myelitis
Authors: López-Carriches Carmen , Leco-Berrocal M Isabel , Taheri Ricardo , Moreno-López Luis Alberto
Published: January 2025

Vaccines used in the coronavirus pandemic have reported some minor side effects such as pain at the injection site, headache, myalgia and fever. Also major neurological side effects have been experienced by some patients. Cases of complications have been found in the peripheral nervous system, especially Guillen Barre Syndrome, subacute axonal sensorimotor polyneuropathy, brachial plexopathy, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Also in the Central Nervous System, especially transverse myelitis, which responds well to treatment with corticosteroids.

We reviewed the literature to assess the frequency of this type of complication.
Dampak Penerapan Ekonomi Syariah terhadap Kinerja Keuangan Bank Syariah di Indonesia
Authors: Wafi Inngamul , Akhmadi Fauzan , Ngasifudin Muhammad , Nurfauzi Yogi
Published: January 2025

Implementasi prinsip-prinsip ekonomi syariah telah mengubah secara signifikan lanskap keuangan perbankan syariah di Indonesia, menghadirkan pemeriksaan kritis terhadap dampaknya pada kinerja keuangan. Penelitian kualitatif deskriptif dengan metodologi library research ini mengeksplorasi hubungan antara prinsip ekonomi Syariah dan kinerja keuangan bank syariah. Dengan menggunakan Teori Kelembagaan yang dikembangkan oleh Neil Fligstein, studi ini menyelidiki bagaimana kerangka kelembagaan dan struktur normatif memengaruhi strategi operasional dan keuangan lembaga keuangan syariah. Penelitian ini mensintesis literatur ekstensif dari jurnal akademik, laporan keuangan, dokumen regulasi, dan publikasi ilmiah untuk menganalisis dimensi multifaset kinerja perbankan syariah. Dengan menguji integrasi prinsip-prinsip Syariah ke dalam operasi perbankan, studi ini mengungkapkan tantangan dan peluang unik yang ditawarkan oleh model ekonomi syariah. Temuan menunjukkan bahwa penerapan prinsip-prinsip ekonomi Syariah secara signifikan meningkatkan transparansi keuangan, manajemen risiko, dan praktik keuangan etis di antara bank syariah di Indonesia. Dimensi analitis utama mencakup efisiensi keuangan, mekanisme tata kelola, tanggung jawab sosial, dan kepatuhan terhadap standar keuangan Islam. Penelitian ini berkontribusi pada badan pengetahuan yang ada dengan memberikan pemahaman komprehensif tentang bagaimana prinsip-prinsip ekonomi syariah berdampak pada kinerja perbankan, menawarkan wawasan bagi pembuat kebijakan, praktisi keuangan, dan peneliti akademik. Studi ini menyoroti potensi perbankan syariah sebagai sistem keuangan alternatif yang kuat yang menyeimbangkan pertumbuhan ekonomi dengan pertimbangan etis dan sosial.Implikasi penelitian ini melampaui Indonesia, menawarkan perspektif kritis tentang perkembangan global lembaga keuangan Islam dan potensinya untuk menciptakan ekosistem perbankan yang lebih inklusif dan bertanggung jawab secara sosial.
Infection with Vibrio aestuarianus limits the utility of increasing resistance of Pacific oyster Crassostrea (Magallana) gigas against OsHV-1 µVar
Authors: Cao A , Travers MA , Varela T , Villalba A
Published: January 2025

Infection with the oyster herpesvirus type 1 microvariant (OsHV-1 μVar) has caused mass mortalities of Pacific oyster larvae and spat in multiple countries. Selective breeding to enhance resilience against that virus had been shown as a promising defence strategy. Mass spat mortalities associated with OsHV-1 μVar affected Pacific oyster farms in Ría de Arousa (Galicia, NW Spain), which led us to explore the potential utility of selective breeding to increase cultured oyster survival. Thus, adult oysters that had survived through culture in that area, heavily affected by OsHV-1 μVar, and oysters collected from a naturalised oyster bed that had never been affected, were used as broodstocks in hatchery facilities to produce spat families from each origin. Spat families derived from each stock were transferred into a culture raft in Ría de Arousa; survival and occurrence of OsHV-1 μVar were monitored through cultivation. Spat mortality associated with OsHV-1 μVar was higher in the families deriving from the naïve stock. Adult oyster mortality was detected close to the end of growing-out, which was not associated with OsHV-1 μVar but putatively caused by Vibrio aestuarianus infection. Adult mortality was higher in the families with the highest V. aestuarianus loads; notably, the oyster families with the lowest spat mortality showed the highest adult mortality. Therefore, a potential increase of spat survival in Ría de Arousa through selective breeding to enhance oyster resilience against OsHV-1 μVar could be counteracted by high adult mortality associated with V. aestuarianus infection.
EFFECTIVE FIRST-AID EDUCATION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL CHILDREN: CURRENT METHODS AND LATEST INSIGHTS
Authors: HRUŠKOVÁ MARTINA , BÍLKOVÁ PAVLA , BOLTNAROVÁ MONIKA , JUNGVIRTHOVÁ MONIKA , BARTOŠOVÁ BARBORA , KUBOUŠKOVÁ PETRA , SIMANDLOVÁ LENKA , PODLEŠÁKOVÁ NIKOL
Published: January 2025

This article aims to analyse, through a questionnaire, whether the selected activating methods and the CLIL methods are effective in teaching first aid for secondary school children. Secondary school children (lower secondary level, N=231) from South Bohemia (municipalities with different populations) filled out questionnaires before and after a first-aid course between 2019 and 2023. Evidence-based educational pathway and current European Resuscitation Council guidelines were followed. The study was focused on the differences in the level of knowledge and attitudes of children educated partially/fully through activating methods/CLIL compared to common first-aid teaching (PowerPoint presentation, first-aid videos, worksheets). Through the questionnaire survey (a) significant differences were found in the mean values of knowledge of first aid in sum before and after a first-aid course in all subgroups with partial/fully teaching through activating methods/CLIL (p=0.00) as in all subgroups with conventional teaching (p=0.00), (b) the assigned role (rescuer vs. rescued) in simulations with moulage does not affect the increase in knowledge level (p=0.53) and children prefer the role of the rescued (p=0.04), and (c) children educated through activating methods/CLIL declare a higher attractiveness of teaching (100%), a greater motivation to continue learning first aid using the same methods (88%) and a greater willingness to pass another first-aid course (100%). In general, from the short-term perspective both approaches of teaching first aid are effective (p=0.00), but from the long-term perspective teaching partially/fully using activating methods/CLIL is more appreciated by children. After the first-aid course 96% of children evaluated that first aid is a very important or important part of the curriculum.
THE SOURCE FACTORS IDENTIFICATION OF HEALTH PERSONNEL MIGRATION IN TERMS OF EDUCATION - ISSUES AND FALLOUTS
Authors: MASÁROVÁ TATIANA , KORDOŠ MARCEL
Published: January 2025

The paper deals with the comparison of the attitudes of doctors and nurses towards education, professional development, and career advancement during and after the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in hospitals in Slovakia, and to identify sentiments related to emigration. In the study, we employed fundamental statistical techniques, including the calculation of sums and the determination of proportions. It is notable that the perception of education, professional, and career growth among healthcare personnel declined during the pandemic, with a notable 0.8-point difference between the pre- and post-pandemic periods. The primary factors motivating medical professionals to leave the Slovak Republic for another country are typically related to their working conditions and work organization.
SHAPING THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS THROUGH UNIVERSITY COURSES
Authors: PAĽOVÁ DANA
Published: January 2025

In European society, fostering entrepreneurship skills is more critical than ever, as the region faces challenges such as economic competitiveness, technological change, and the need for sustainable development. Equipping individuals, especially university students, with entrepreneurial skills offers a strategic path to ensuring long-term prosperity, resilience, and innovation across Europe. This paper presents our approach to building and developing our students' entrepreneurial skills. Within the framework of several subjects in our curricula, the individual skill set needed by a current entrepreneur is gradually built. The focus is not only on fostering hard skills but also on developing soft skills, which are equally important for success in the market. The aim is to investigate and describe possibilities of how to incorporate entrepreneurial education into higher education courses and enhance students’ interest in the topic via workshops provided by entrepreneurs.
Politics and Religion in Public Policy: A Review of the Alleged Hijab Ban in Paskibraka 2024
Authors: Mudfainna  , Asy'arie Bima Fandi , Rohmah Nisfatur , Mandaka Dwi Arian Putra , Al Fajar Adam Hafidz
Published: January 2025

Regarding the alleged ban on wearing the hijab for female “Pasukan Pengibar Bendera Pusaka” (Paskibraka) members in 2024, political and religious relations are very important. Public policies relating to religious expression must consider human rights, including freedom of religion, recognized and protected by the Indonesian constitution. This article aims to (1) identify the government's and religious groups’ responses to these policies, (2) analyze Islamic religious law, and (3) describe the solution to the polemic in the context of Indonesian democracy. This research is library research with a qualitative approach. The discussion in this research, namely: First, this prohibition is considered to cause controversy because it is deemed to violate religious freedom and the rights of Muslim women, which causes discriminatory, contradictory attitudes and policies that are not by Pancasila. Second, the obligation to wear the hijab as written in QS. Al-Ahzab: 59, and HR. Abu Dawud., Muslim women must wear the hijab when leaving the house. This is done to cover the private parts and can help in religious observance, religious identity, and self-protection from others. Third, Some solutions to this problem are providing freedom to adhere to religion, providing a space for inclusive dialogue, providing enforcement of the principle of non-discrimination, and creating principles based on Pancasila values. So, the policies established maintain harmony, justice, and unity in the diversity of society.
Comparative genomics of thermosynechococcaceae and thermostichaceae: insights into codon usage bias
Authors: Mou Qiao-Hui , Hu Zhe , Zhang Jing , Daroch Maurycy , Tang Jie
Published: January 2025

Members of the families Thermosynechococcaceae and Thermostichaceae are well-known unicellular thermophilic cyanobacteria and a non-thermophilic genus Pseudocalidococcus was newly classified into the former. Analysis of the codon usage bias (CUB) of cyanobacterial species inhabiting different thermal and non-thermal niches will benefit the understanding of their genetic and evolutionary characteristics. Herein, the CUB and codon context patterns of protein-coding genes were systematically analyzed and compared between members of the two families. Overall, the nucleotide composition and CUB indices were found to differ between thermophiles and non-thermophiles. The thermophiles showed a higher G/C content in the codon base composition and tended to end with G/C compared to the non-thermophiles. Correlation analysis indicated significant associations between codon base composition and CUB indices. The results of the effective number of codons, parity-rule 2, neutral and correspondence analyses indicated that mutational pressure and natural selection primarily account for CUB in these cyanobacterial species, but the primary driving forces exhibit variation among genera. Moreover, the optimal codons identified based on relative synonymous codon usage values were found to differ among genera and even within genera. In addition, codon context pattern analysis revealed the specificity of the sequence context of start and stop codons among genera. Intriguingly, the clustering of codon context patterns appeared to be more related to thermotolerance than to phylogenomic relationships. In conclusion, this study facilitates the understanding of the characteristics and sources of variation of CUB and the evolution of the surveyed cyanobacterial clades with different thermotolerance and provides insights into their adaptation to different environments.
Bacterial carrier-mediated drug delivery systems: a promising strategy in cancer therapy
Authors: Yan Sizuo , Gan Yu , Xu Huizhe , Piao Haozhe
Published: January 2025

Cancer is a major killer threatening modern human health and a leading cause of death worldwide. Due to the heterogeneity and complexity of cancer, traditional treatments have limited effectiveness. To address this problem, an increasing number of researchers and medical professionals are working to develop new ways to treat cancer. Bacteria have chemotaxis that can target and colonize tumor tissue, as well as activate anti-tumor immune responses, which makes them ideal for biomedical applications. With the rapid development of nanomedicine and synthetic biology technologies, bacteria are extensively used as carriers for drug delivery to treat tumors, which holds the promise of overcoming the limitations of conventional cancer treatment regimens. This paper summarizes examples of anti-cancer drugs delivered by bacterial carriers, and their strengths and weaknesses. Further, we emphasize the promise of bacterial carrier delivery systems in clinical translation.
How close is autophagy-targeting therapy for Alzheimer's disease to clinical use? A summary of autophagy modulators in clinical studies
Authors: Fernandes Sofia Miranda , Mayer Johanna , Nilsson Per , Shimozawa Makoto
Published: January 2025

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder clinically characterized by progressive decline of memory and cognitive functions, and it is the leading cause of dementia accounting for 60%–80% of dementia patients. A pathological hallmark of AD is the accumulation of aberrant protein/peptide aggregates such as extracellular amyloid plaques containing amyloid-beta peptides and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau. These aggregates result from the failure of the proteostasis network, which encompasses protein synthesis, folding, and degradation processes. Autophagy is an intracellular self-digesting system responsible for the degradation of protein aggregates and damaged organelles. Impaired autophagy is observed in most neurodegenerative disorders, indicating the link between autophagy dysfunction and these diseases. A massive accumulation of autophagic vacuoles in neurons in Alzheimer’s brains evidences autophagy impairment in AD. Modulating autophagy has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy for AD because of its potential to clear aggregated proteins. However, autophagy modulation therapy for AD is not yet clinically available. This mini-review aims to summarize clinical studies testing potential autophagy modulators for AD and to evaluate their proximity to clinical use. We accessed clinicaltrials.gov provided by the United States National Institutes of Health to identify completed and ongoing clinical trials. Additionally, we discuss the limitations and challenges of these therapies.
Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in genes associated with the vitamin D pathway related to clinical and therapeutic outcomes of American tegumentary leishmaniasis
Authors: Oliveira Iara Barreto Neves , Nunes Ramon Vieira , Leite Vanessa Rafaela Milhomem Cruz , Araújo Camila Freire , Silveira Murilo Barros , Pinto Sebastião Alves , Lamounier Lorena Andrade , Borges Clayton Luiz , Martins Edésio , Porto Iane de Oliveira Pires , Gomes Rodrigo Saar , Ribeiro-Dias Fátima
Published: January 2025

Background

The vitamin D pathway contributes to the microbicidal activity of macrophages against Leishmania infection. In addition to induction of this pathway, interferon-gamma (IFNγ), interleukin (IL)-15, and IL32γ are part of a network of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this study was to evaluate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the components of the vitamin D pathway and associated cytokine genes that could be related to resistance or susceptibility to American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL).

Methods

The expressions of IFNG, IL15, IL32, CYP27B1, VDR, and other pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF, IL6, and IL17 genes were evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in lesions of patients with localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) or mucosal leishmaniasis (ML). SNP genotypes/alleles (in IL15, IL32, CYP27B1, and VDR) were evaluated by TaqMan PCR assays using DNA from the blood of patients and healthy individuals. Serum vitamin D levels were determined by chemiluminescence.

Results

Vitamin D pathway-associated genes were expressed in cutaneous as well as mucosal lesions. IFNG, IL6, and IL17 were more highly expressed in ML than in LCL. In contrast, IL32γ/CYP27B1/VDR mRNAs were mainly correlated in LCL, and IL32γ in ML makes strong connections with all cytokines. The SNP IL32 rs1555001 was less frequent in patients with ML. In addition, some SNPs appear to influence the VDR and CYP27B1 (IL15 rs10519613 and IL15 rs3775597) and IL6 (VDR rs7975232) expressions in LCL and the IL17 expression in ML (IL15 rs3775597). Gene expression was also correlated with clinical parameters, such as number of lesions (CYP27B1 mRNA) and treatment failure (VDR mRNA). In addition, one SNP was associated with treatment failure in ML (VDR rs7975232).

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that some SNPs in the vitamin D pathway-associated genes can be related to resistance and therapeutic outcomes of ATL. They are promising candidates that need to be further evaluated to understand their biological effects in the control or immunopathogenesis of ATL.
Case Report: Painful left bundle branch block syndrome complicated with vasovagal syncope
Authors: Luo Jiangying , Xue Yajun , Liu Fang , Yang Jing , Zhou Boda , Zhang Ping
Published: January 2025

Background

Painful left bundle branch block (LBBB) syndrome is an uncommon disease that is defined as intermittent episodes of angina associated with simultaneous LBBB changes on an electrocardiogram (ECG) with the absence of flow-limiting coronary artery disease or ischemia on functional testing. Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the most common cause of syncope and can be provoked by sublingual nitroglycerin (NTG). Herein, we report a case of painful LBBB syndrome complicated with VVS, which was misdiagnosed as acute coronary syndrome and cardiogenic shock.

Case summary

A 62-year-old woman presented with intermittent exertional chest pain for 3 years and deteriorated for 2 weeks. An ECG, transthoracic echocardiography, and laboratory test results were all normal. Exercise treadmill testing induced chest pain, accompanied by new-onset LBBB. She fainted after finishing the test and receiving sublingual NTG, with a rapid decline in heart rate and blood pressure, which was relieved by 0.5 mg of atropine administered intravenously. Coronary angiography showed no evidence of obstructive lesions. Isoprenaline stress echocardiography induced chest pain and rate-dependent LBBB and showed interventricular/intraventricular desynchrony simultaneously. A head-up tilt test verified mixed VVS in the provocative phase. A diagnosis of painful LBBB syndrome complicated with VVS induced by sublingual NTG was made. The patient received an extended-release metoprolol succinate tablet and had no symptoms at a 1-year follow-up.

Conclusion

Painful LBBB syndrome is an uncommon cause of chest pain and is often overlooked by physicians. Misdiagnosis and mistreatment of painful LBBB syndrome may even cause secondary damage, such as VVS induced by sublingual NTG, which is usually used to alleviate angina.
A new IoT low-cost bi-directional wire extensometer for landslide monitoring
Authors: Cifaldi Daniele , Mazza Davide , Guadagno Francesco Maria , Revellino Paola
Published: January 2025

The monitoring of slopes’ dynamics is essential to ensure the safety of infrastructures exposed to landslide risk and to develop mitigation strategies. However, it is not always possible to perform proper and slope-distributed monitoring due to the high cost of professional instruments. In this context, we developed a low-cost Arduino©-based wire extensometer for landslide monitoring. This instrument is capable of measuring the bi-directional distance between two fixed points, which is useful in landslide areas to observe linear displacements over time. Traditional wire extensometers are equipped with potentiometers, which allow measuring only finite displacements. Instead, our low-cost extensometer exploits a capacitive rotary encoder, which is able to measure infinite displacements. In addition, the new instrument can measure both wire lengthening and shortening, thanks to a spring-loaded winding system. Furthermore, the instrument’s settings can be modified to reach a millimetric resolution. The device - developed on an Internet of Things (IoT) project - is equipped with an online data transmission system and with a data-log system for local data storage. Laboratory and field tests were carried out with the aim of evaluating the instrument’s accuracy and reliability. Preliminary results demonstrate the great potential of this low-cost sensor for displacement measuring in the field of landslide monitoring.
Continuous underground observation of the geomagnetic field in Xuzhou City, North China, and its time-varying characteristics
Authors: Han Mei , Guo Lianghui , Wang Yun , Wang Xiang
Published: January 2025

Underground space in Xuzhou City, North China, has become a favorable site for continuous geomagnetic observation to reveal geomagnetic-field variations and to monitor seismic activity due to its distinct advantage of an “ultra-quiet” and “ultra-clean” environment with low electromagnetic interference. In order to evaluate the underground electromagnetic environment at the Longdong coal mine area (LCMA) in Xuzhou City and establish an underground geomagnetic observatory, we conducted a pilot experiment of continuous geomagnetic observations synchronously underground and on the ground during May 2023. In this experiment, two close-space fluxgate magnetometers were deployed in the underground roadway of the LCMA to observe the variations of geomagnetic three components simultaneously, and a proton magnetometer was installed on its ground to observe the variation of geomagnetic total field. Furthermore, we analyzed the features of the wavelet spectrum of these observed data, variation curves of the geomagnetic field, and coupling of the geomagnetic-field variations between underground and ground. In addition, we investigated the characteristics of different frequency bands and horizontal gradient of the underground geomagnetic variation. Our achievements are as follows: 1) the underground geomagnetic environment has the advantage of being stable and clean with a low level of background noise and thus is suitable for high-precision, long-term, and continuous observation of the geomagnetic field; 2) the variation of the geomagnetic field underground is well coupled with that on the ground, with minor differences primarily attributed to an induced magnetic field generated in the surrounding rocks by the external magnetic-field variation; 3) underground geomagnetic observation can clearly record rich time-varying information of the geomagnetic field including calm variation, magnetic storms, geomagnetic pulsations and so on. Moreover, the geomagnetic gradient field contains higher-resolution time-varying information than the conventional geomagnetic field. Our pilot experiment suggests favorable underground sites with low background noise at the LCMA and provides valuable references for understanding the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of geomagnetic field. Based on the findings of our pilot experiment, an underground geomagnetic observatory and calibration station will be established at the LCMA, enabling high-precision, continuous geomagnetic and electromagnetic observation experiments in the future. These efforts will provide crucial constraints for the study of the variation of the geomagnetic-field variation, as well as seismic activity monitoring and disaster early warning related to the Tan-Lu fault zone.
Effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on background noise levels in Italian strong motion network
Authors: Ertuncay Deniz , Fornasari Simone Francesco , Costa Giovanni
Published: January 2025

Italy has been majorly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The government declared a full lockdown and limited human and commercial activities to keep the pandemic under control. The limited human activity reduced the spread of the virus and the cultural noise it created. The effect of the lockdown is detected by the Italian strong motion network, which covers the entire country with their stations mostly located in the settlements. To assess the effect of the lockdown, background noise information up to 1 s from 2022 is used as a comparison. It is found that the background noise levels dropped around 1.46 dB during the lockdown, with a nationwide reduction in almost all of the stations. Noise levels have dropped both in the daytime and nighttime during the lockdown, with a more significant noise drop during the nighttime, which can be linked to the ban on dining in restaurants and bars and the curfew. A similar trend is found in weekday and weekend comparisons; in both time ranges, 2022 was noisier regarding the lockdown period. Stations located in public spaces such as schools and city halls observed noise reduction of up to 7.99 dB, and this noise level reduction is visible in major cities. We analyzed the 10 most populated Italian cities and their surroundings and found noise reduction of up to 5.5 and 2.1 dB in the median.
Constructions of multi-scale 3D digital rocks by associated image segmentation method
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Yang Xuefeng , Zhou Cong , Yan Jingxu , Yu Jiaqi , Xie Kui
Published: January 2025

Digital rocks constructed from micro-CT image at a single-resolution face limitations in accurately identifying the entire pore space and mineral components of tight sandstones, due to their high content of nanoscale pores and clay. Consequently, the porosity values derived from such digital rocks are significantly lower compared to those obtained through laboratory measurements, resulting in discrepancies between the measured and calculated petrophysical properties. This study introduces a multi-scale digital rock modeling method by integrating three-dimensional micro-CT images acquired at two distinct resolutions and two-dimensional SEM images. Plunger-shaped core samples and their corresponding sub-samples were scanned at resolutions of 13.99 μm/voxel and 2.99 μm/voxel, respectively. The scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) image registration technique was employed to accurately align the two sets of grayscale CT images. Correlation curves between the grayscale value in low-resolution CT images and various mineral contents were established based on the aligned regions, and utilized to construct multi-scale digital rock models. Intragranular pores, unresolvable by the micro-CT images, were identified using SEM imaging, enabling the incorporation of fine-scale features into the models. The resulting multi-scale digital rock models exhibited bulk porosity values that closely matched laboratory helium porosity measurements. Additionally, the elastic moduli calculated by the differential effective medium (DEM) model and the finite element method (FEM) demonstrated good correspondence with experimental results. These results validate the proposed multi-scale digital rock modeling method as an effective approach for accurately characterizing the porosity and mineral components of tight sandstone reservoirs.
Innovative assessment based on multimedia proofs and social network sharing for introductory engineering courses
Authors: Correcher Antonio , Ricolfe-Viala Carlos , Ivorra Eugenio , Cordero Fernando , Blanes Carlos , Martínez-Turégano Jaime
Published: January 2025

Training and education quality are crucial worldwide even more in the area of technical vocation. The assessment validates the performance of the training and education process, however, the design of assessments that validate the acquisition of certain knowledge, abilities or competences is still unsolved and remains open for research. In this paper, the advance in new technologies is used in the assessment process in a step ahead. Since social media is a big part of the daily life for lots of students, an assessment method is proposed that uses social media as the learning motivation. In consequence, the proposed assessment method is completely aligned with the student way of life and this fact motivates the student learning process since generating new high impact social media contents is a very challenging task. The paper shows the results of an assessment innovation project in which the authors develop a methodology for evaluating laboratory practices that measures knowledge of introductory concepts in automatic control engineering courses. The innovation aims to actively involve students in the generation of social media resources through modern technologies that are attractive to them. Under this methodology, students are tasked with creating a series of short videos explaining how to solve a specific problem or elucidate a concept covered in theory lessons. These videos are shared with their peers via a social network. Lecturers evaluate videos considering the quality in the explanation of technical concepts and impact in the social network. Results show that the proposed assessment methodology increases student motivation compared to the traditional assessment process and increases marks.
Development of the Grammar Learning Awareness Scale
Authors: Taşdemir Fazilet , Atalay Elif , Ekinci Çelikpazu Esra
Published: January 2025

This study was conducted in order to develop a measurement tool to determine the awareness of why students learn grammar in their mother tongue. The sample of the research consists of 900 participants who continue their education at different grade levels in 6 high schools in a province in Turkey. As a result of the analysis, it was confirmed that the sub-factors of the scale were the components of the structure called grammar learning awareness and that they formed the determined structure together. The model-data fit indexes of the scale were found to be higher than the values accepted by the literature. Cronbach's Alpha internal consistency coefficient scale's sub-dimensions were 0.76 for “The Contribution of Grammar to Individual Development”, 0.76 for “The Contribution of Grammar to Language Skills”, 0.76 for “The Contribution of Grammar to Cognitive Functions” and 0.78 for “The Contribution of Grammar to Communication Skills”. The internal consistency coefficient for the entire scale was determined as 0.83. The obtained values provided evidence showing that the Grammar Learning Awareness Scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool. It is thought that the contribution of grammar learning awareness to individual development, language skills, cognitive functions and communication skills can be measured by this scale.
Development of a laboratory-based learning model via digital platform environment
Authors: Dao Van-Phuong , Nguyen Thi-Luong , Bui Van-Hong , Tran Vu-Hoang , Phan Phuong Nguyen-Truc , Nguyen Minh-Dao
Published: January 2025

The online teaching and learning method can implement synchronous and asynchronous processes for theory courses using digital platforms through digital education systems. Implementing online teaching and learning for laboratory courses presents challenges, as synchronous is infeasible due to the requirement for specialized tools, equipment, and experimental materials. An asynchronous teaching and learning model can be used instead. In this study, we proposed an Asynchronous online teaching and learning model tailored for practice laboratory-based courses in engineering and technology education. This model is named “Development of a Laboratory-Based Learning Model via a Digital Platform Environment.” This model is proposed based on the student-feedback interaction model, and called the online feedback practice model. The proposed model is experimented with teaching and learning laboratory-based subjects. The experiment involved two groups of 200 students, including 100 students in the control group (face-to-face practice) and 100 students in the experimental group (online feedback practice). Both groups participated in a final evaluation through direct in-class assessments. The research results demonstrated that the model yields higher effectiveness than the traditional method, based on evaluating statistical analysis to compare average scores, outcomes, achievement rate, and assignment completion rate of two student groups. The model also gathered feedback from instructors teaching in the same field regarding the course's learning outcomes, which have been validated to meet AUN-QA standards. The survey results are also statistically evaluated and calculated through means, variances, standard deviations, and hypotheses using t-tests to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Flexible switching method of control strategy for MMC-HVDC converter based on AC power grid strength
Authors: Peng Maolan , Feng Lei , Hao Xiaoyu , Sun Meihui , Jiang Wen , Guo Chunyi
Published: January 2025

Modular Multilevel Converter based High Voltage Direct Current (MMC-HVDC) has been widely used in the large-scale transmission of renewable energy sources (RESs). However, the operating conditions of MMC-HVDC system with RESs are complex and variable, making it challenging to apply a single converter control strategy to different operating conditions, which affects the safe and stable operation of the whole system. In this paper, a flexible switching method of control strategies is proposed for MMC-HVDC converter. Firstly, the state-space model of MMC-HVDC under different control strategies is established, and the small signal stability and stable operation ranges under these control strategies are analyzed. Then, according to the proposed control strategy switching principle, a flexible control switching method for MMC-HVDC converter is proposed. This flexible control switching method ensures a smooth switching between different control strategies and causes a minimal disturbance to the overall system. Finally, a simulation model is established on the PSCAD/EMTDC platform, and the feasibility of the flexible control switching strategy for the MMC-HVDC system is verified. The simulation results show that very small disturbance is observed during the control switching and the flexible control switching strategy can effectively maintain the stable operation of MMC-HVDC system under different operating conditions. The proposed flexible control switching method can be activated according to the change of AC grid strength and it will help improve the stable operation of MMC converter.
Elucidating the causal relationship between gut microbiota, metabolites, and diabetic nephropathy in European patients: Revelations from genome-wide bidirectional mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Song Siyuan , Ning Li , Yu Jiangyi
Published: January 2025

Objective

Previous observational studies suggest a potential link between gut microbiota, metabolites, and diabetic nephropathy. However, the exact causal relationship among these factors remains unclear.

Method

We conducted a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization study using summary statistics from the IEU OpenGWAS Project database to investigate gut microbiota, metabolites, and diabetic nephropathy. A range of methods, including inverse variance weighting, MR-Egger, weighted median, and simple median, were applied to examine causal associations. Sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the results. Additionally, reverse Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted, treating significant gut microbiota as the outcome, to evaluate effects and perform sensitivity testing. This comprehensive approach provided an in-depth assessment of the interactions among gut microbiota, metabolites, and diabetic nephropathy.

Result

The Inverse Variance Weighted estimates revealed that the abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Parasutterella, and Eubacterium exhibited negative causal effects on diabetic nephropathy, while Coprococcus, Sutterella, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Bacteroides vulgatus showed protective causal effects against the condition. However, reverse Mendelian randomization analysis did not identify any significant associations between diabetic nephropathy and the identified gut microbiota. Furthermore, the estimates indicated that Cholesterol, Pyridoxate, Hexanoylcarnitine, X-12007, Octanoylcarnitine, 10-nonadecenoate (19:1n9), X-12734, and the average number of double bonds in a fatty acid chain had negative causal effects on diabetic nephropathy. In contrast, Methionine, Glycodeoxycholate, X-06351, 1-stearoylglycerol (1-monostearin), 5-dodecenoate (12:1n7), X-13859, 2-hydroxyglutarate, Glycoproteins, Phospholipids in IDL, and the concentration of small HDL particles demonstrated protective causal effects. Notably, sensitivity analyses did not detect any heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy, ensuring the robustness of the findings.

Conclusion

Modulating gut microbiota diversity and composition offers a promising strategy for improving the incidence and prognosis of diabetic nephropathy. This highlights the need for future clinical trials focusing on microbiome-based interventions, potentially utilizing microbiome-dependent metabolites. Such approaches could transform the treatment and management of diabetic nephropathy and its associated risk factors, paving the way for more effective therapeutic strategies to combat this debilitating condition.
Intestinal rearrangement of biliopancreatic limbs, alimentary limbs, and common limbs in obese type 2 diabetic mice after duodenal jejunal bypass surgery
Authors: Li Heng , He Jipei , Hou Jie , He Chengjun , Dai Xiaojiang , Song Zhigao , Liu Qing , Wang Zixin , Huang Hongyan , Ding Yunfa , Qi Tengfei , Zhang Hongbin , Wu Liangping
Published: January 2025

Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), yet the precise mechanisms underlying its effectiveness remain incompletely understood. While previous research has emphasized the role of rearrangement of the gastrointestinal anatomy, gaps persist regarding the specific impact on the gut microbiota and barriers within the biliopancreatic, alimentary, and common limbs. This study aimed to investigate the effects of duodenal-jejunal bypass (DJB) surgery on obese T2DM mice. We performed DJB and SHAM surgery in obese T2DM mice to investigate changes in the gut microbiota and barrier across different intestinal limbs. The effects on serum metabolism and potential associations with T2DM improvement were also investigated. Following DJB surgery, there was an increased abundance of commensals across various limbs. Additionally, the surgery improved intestinal permeability and inflammation in the alimentary and common limbs, while reducing inflammation in the biliopancreatic limbs. Furthermore, DJB surgery also improved T2DM by increasing L-glutamine, short-chain fatty acids, and bile acids and decreasing branched-chain amino acids. This study underscores the role of intestinal rearrangement in reshaping gut microbiota composition and enhancing gut barrier function, thereby contributing to the amelioration of T2DM following bariatric surgery, and providing new insights for further research on bariatric surgery.
Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis identifies metabolic and immune-related diagnostic biomarkers shared between diabetes and COPD using multi-omics and machine learning
Authors: Liang Qianqian , Wang Yide , Li Zheng
Published: January 2025

Background

Diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are prominent global health challenges, each imposing significant burdens on affected individuals, healthcare systems, and society. However, the specific molecular mechanisms supporting their interrelationship have not been fully defined.

Methods

We identified the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of COPD and diabetes from multi-center patient cohorts, respectively. Through cross-analysis, we identified the shared DEGs of COPD and diabetes, and investigated alterations of signaling pathways using Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). By using weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA), key gene modules for COPD and diabetes were identified, and various machine learning algorithms were employed to identify shared biomarkers. Using xCell, we investigated the relationship between shared biomarkers and immune infiltration in diabetes and COPD. Single-cell sequencing, clinical samples, and animal models were used to confirm the robustness of shared biomarkers.

Results

Cross-analysis identified 186 shared DEGs between diabetes and COPD patients. Functional enrichment results demonstrate that metabolic and immune-related pathways are common features altered in both diabetes and COPD patients. WGCNA identified 526 genes from key gene modules in COPD and diabetes. Multiple machine learning algorithms identified 4 shared biomarkers for COPD and diabetes, including CADPS, EDNRB, THBS4 and TMEM27. Finally, the 4 shared biomarkers were validated in single-cell sequencing data, clinical samples, and animal models, and their expression changes were consistent with the results of bioinformatic analysis.

Conclusions

Through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, we revealed the potential connection between diabetes and COPD, providing a theoretical basis for exploring the common regulatory genes.
Case report: Looking for relationship between type 1 diabetes and chronic recurrent osteomyelitis: short literature review and case presentation
Authors: Snipaitiene Ausra , Radzeviciute Laura , Aleknaviciene Kristina , Dobrovolskiene Rimante , Stankute Ingrida
Published: January 2025

Background

Childhood autoimmune disorders involve the immune system attacking its own tissues, leading to varied symptoms, while autoinflammatory disorders result from innate immune system dysregulation, both requiring extensive diagnosis and multidisciplinary management due to their complexity.

Case presentation

We present a unique clinical case of a teenager with a combination of autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorders. The initial manifestation of hip pain, coupled with progressive symptoms over several years and findings in multiple magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, culminated in the diagnosis of chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO). Subsequently, the patient was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D), celiac disease, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

The therapeutic course proved challenging, marked by unsuccessful attempts with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and biphosphonates. However, a stable clinical status was ultimately achieved upon the introduction of methotrexate, concomitant with insulin therapy for diabetes and the implementation of a gluten-free diet for celiac disease.

Conclusions

Our case showed that the combination of autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases, brought not only a challenging diagnostic process, but also complicated treatment.