bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PERTANGGUNG JAWABAN HUKUM TERHADAP ANAK SEBAGAI KORBAN CYBERBULLYING PADA MEDIA SOSIAL
Authors: Panjaitan Ranto Daniel , Zukriadi Diki
Published: February 2025

Social media has now become an inseparable need for human life, not only for adults and teenagers but hasspread to all levels, including young children. However, quite a few social media users misuse its benefits, oneof which is using social media for bullying or cyberbullying. Cyberbullying carried out by children under 12 yearsof age experiences a legal vacuum because responsibility towards the victim is deemed not to be in accordancewith the existing legal basis. The aim of this research is to find out how legal protection is for victims of childbullying in Indonesia and what legal accountability is for perpetrators of bullying who are children, usingnormative juridical research methods and analyzed using qualitative analysis methods. The results of theresearch are that in Indonesia cyberbullying is regulated in several regulations such as in the Criminal Codewhich is stated in article 310 paragraph (1) in the form of cyber harassment. Apart from that, cyberbullying isalso regulated in Law number 8 of 2008 concerning Information and Electronic Transactions, regulated inarticles 27 to article 29. Children as victims must be specially protected by the government and relatedinstitutions as regulated in Law number 35 of 2014 regarding changes to Law number 23 of 2002 concerningchild protection.
KAJIAN KOMUNIKASI BUDAYA MELAYU PADA CHANNEL YOUTUBE APRESIASI DARI KEPRI
Authors: Sitorus Ronalisa , Rorong Michael Jibrael
Published: February 2025

Budaya Melayu adalah budaya yang diwariskan dari generasi ke generasi dan dilakukan oleh masyarakat. Tidak dapat dipungkiri bahwa peradaban Melayu adalah salah satu dasar peradaban di Asia Tenggara, seperti Indonesia, Malaysia, Kamboja, Filipina, Sri Lanka, hingga Madagaskar dan Afrika Selatan, yang merupakan negara-negara anggota Asia Tenggara. Salah satu daerah di Indonesia yang menganut budaya Melayu adalah Provinsi Kepulauan Riau, di mana budaya ini dideskripsikan oleh salah satu akun channel Youtube, Kepulauan Apresiasi Dari Riau. Saluran ini menggambarkan budaya Melayu yang dikemas dalam bentuk konten video. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pola dan bentuk komunikasi yang ditemukan di saluran Apresiasi Dari Kepri, serta untuk melihat bagaimana budaya Melayu ditampilkan di saluran ini. Teknik pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini adalah teknik pengumpulan data dengan menggunakan netnografi yang dapat dilakukan melalui internet untuk berkomunikasi dengan peserta. Metode yang digunakan adalah netnografi dan pendekatan kualitatif. Hasil penelitian ini terdapat dua pola komunikasi yang terdapat pada saluran YouTube Apresiasi Kepri, yaitu pola komunikasi linier dan pola komunikasi timbal balik atau dua arah. Bentuk komunikasi yang ditemukan pada saluran ini adalah bentuk komunikasi massa, dan saluran ini menggambarkan budaya Melayu berdasarkan kebiasaan yang benar-benar terjadi dalam masyarakat Melayu di daerah tertentu.
Modulation of virulence and metabolic profiles in Klebsiella pneumoniae under indole-mediated stress response
Authors: Fang Xueyao , Chen Yanhui , Hu Longhua , Gu Shumin , Zhu Junqi , Hang Yaping , Cao Xingwei , Xiao Yanping , Luo Hong , Zhao Chuwen , Xiao Lianhua , Zhong Qiaoshi
Published: February 2025

Indole, a crucial bacterial signaling molecule, plays a fundamental role in regulating various physiological processes within bacteria, including growth, acid tolerance, biofilm development, motility, and other cellular functions. Its regulatory influence extends beyond indole-producing bacteria, significantly impacting the physiological activities in non-indole-producing species. In this study, we demonstrate that indole enhances the pathogenicity and viability of Klebsiella pneumoniae using the Galleria mellonella infection model and serum killing assay. Concurrently, indole has varying effects on biofilm formation in K. pneumoniae, with some strains showing enhanced biofilm formation ability. To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, transcriptome analysis revealed that indole exposure in K. pneumoniae led to the upregulation of genes associated with pili formation and iron acquisition systems, while simultaneously inducing oxidative stress responses. Additionally, our analysis uncovered extensive metabolic remodeling. Specifically, we observed significant upregulation of genes involved in simple carbohydrate utilization pathways, including those responsible for galactose, mannose, and maltose metabolism, as well as enhanced expression of genes associated with pyrimidine biosynthesis. These findings collectively indicate that indole enhances the intestinal colonization and pathogenicity of K. pneumoniae primarily by modulation of fimbriae expression and metabolic pathway regulation.
Identifying corridors for Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) in a part of Eastern Himalayas, India
Authors: Bhattacharya Malyasri , Sarkar Debanjan , Pandey Sneha , Mondal Indranil , Sathyakumar Sambandam , Kumar R. Suresh , Talukdar Gautam
Published: February 2025

The Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus), classified as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List, is an important mammal species found in the state of Sikkim, India. Studies carried out in Khangchendzonga National Park have documented the presence of these bears, highlighting their crucial conservation importance in the region. The population of Black bears are restricted to small habitat patches, which over the years have become fragmented by road networks and urban settlements. In such fragmented landscapes, connecting corridors play a crucial role in maintaining wildlife movement and genetic diversity. We assessed connectivity between eight protected areas in Sikkim using MaxENT and Circuitscape. 65 black bear presence locations (collected through Camera traps and sign surveys) and 24 environmental variables were used to model the corridors. Habitat suitability map was generated through MaxENT modelling approach. Our analysis suggests that there are multiple options to maintain connectivity for black bears in Sikkim. We mapped seven corridors and five pinch points (bottlenecks in connectivity), and calculated metrics to estimate their quality and importance. Our model output was supported by high AUC value (0.921) and field validation by questionnaire surveys and sign surveys to assess black bear presence and habitat use. Our results showed that 300 km² of the suitable regions are within the protected areas in Sikkim. The highest quality linkages as measured by the ratio of cost-weighted distance to Euclidean distance (CWD:EucD) and cost-weighted distance to least-cost path (CWD:LCP) were Khangchendzonga and Barsey, suggesting that these protected areas (National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries) and the developed corridors play important role in maintaining connectivity. We mapped pinch-points which are habitat where black bear movement is restricted due to unfavorable environments, linear infrastructures, built up/settlements or a combination of factors and our model predicted pinch points near few settlement areas; Mangan, Dikchu, Pangthang, Kabi, Yuksum and Lachen. Ground truthing confirmed that these areas also coincide with Black bear conflict zones in Sikkim.
CAR-CIK vs. CAR-T: benchmarking novel cytokine-induced killer cells as solid tumor immunotherapy in ErbB2+ rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Moser Laura M. , Heim Catrin , Koschade Sebastian E. , Wendel Philipp , Bozkurt Süleyman , Harenkamp Sabine , Kreyenberg Hermann , Merker Michael , Münch Christian , Gradhand Elise , Vogler Meike , Ullrich Evelyn , Bönig Halvard , Klusmann Jan-Henning , Bader Peter , Wels Winfried S. , Rettinger Eva
Published: February 2025

Introduction

CAR-T cell therapy, though successful in hematologic malignancies, faces challenges in solid tumors due to limitations of autologous T cells. Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells can be given safely across allogeneic barriers and constitute alternative effector cells generated from healthy donors. CIK cells are a heterogenous population of predominantly T cells with a mixed natural killer (NK) phenotype and combine non-MHC-restricted cytotoxicity with potent anti-tumor capacity of the adaptive immune system. Here, we characterize and compare efficacy, phenotypic subpopulations and modes of action of CAR-CIK cells and conventional CAR-T cells from same-donor samples in ErbB2+ rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS).

Methods

To benchmark CAR-CIK against conventional CAR-T cells, effector cells were generated from same-donor samples and lentivirally transduced with a second generation CD28-CD3ζ CAR. Effector subpopulations and their dynamics upon target cell exposure were phenotypically characterized by flow cytometry. Efficacy was assessed in human ErbB2+ RMS cancer cell lines and primary patient samples in vitro and ex vivo using cytotoxicity and spheroid co-incubation assays. Modes of action were assessed by comparing cytokine secretion profiles using bead-based multiplexed flow cytometry and by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry whole cell proteomics. Finally, we used an in vivo model of RMS mimicking minimal metastatic residual disease to compare anti-tumor potency of CAR-CIK vs. CAR-T cells and to assess their target organ infiltration.

Results

In vitro assays demonstrated superior cytotoxicity of CAR-CIK cells against RMS cell lines and primary tumor samples. Long-term co-incubation with tumor spheroids led to expansion of CAR-CIK cells and enrichment of CD3+CD56+ TNK cells. CAR-CIK cell cytokine signature showed significantly increased secretion of effector molecules like interferon-γ, perforin and granulysin, and lower secretion of Th2 cytokines IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10. Whole cell proteomics showed corresponding upregulation of chemokine signaling and NK-cytotoxicity pathways in CAR-CIK cells. In NSG mice xenografted with ErbB2+ RMS, a single injection of either CAR-effector cells strongly impeded metastatic tumor development and significantly improved survival.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that CAR-CIK cells are at least equipotent to CAR-T cells. Combined with their favorable safety profile and allogeneic applicability, these findings position CAR-CIK cells as promising immune effectors for solid tumors.
Charlson syndrome index predicted survival in pancreatic cancer patients received immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Nan , Chen Shiyun , Shi Yue , Wang Zhikuan , Jia Ru , Dai Guanghai
Published: February 2025

Objective

The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) is a widely utilized assessment tool for evaluating the mortality rate among patients with chronic diseases and tumors. Currently, there is a dearth of research investigating the correlation between CCI and survival rates in advanced pancreatic cancer patients received immunotherapy. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the association between CCI and survival rates in real-world settings for pancreatic cancer patients received immunotherapy.

Methods

A total of 104 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who received immunotherapy at the General Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army between September 2015 and September 2020 were included in this study. The patients were categorized into two groups based on their Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores: low CCI group (CCI <7) and high CCI group (CCI ≥7). The statistical analysis focused on examining the correlation between CCI score and survival outcome.

Results

The high CCI group exhibited significantly lower overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) compared to the low CCI group (p<0.05). The median OS for the high CCI and low CCI groups were 7.82 and 44.17 months, respectively, while the median PFS were 2.40 and 6.40 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that high CCI was independently risk factor for both OS (HR=2.801, 95%CI: 1.433-5.472, p=0.003) and PFS (HR=2.546, 95%CI: 1.389-4.668, p=0.003).

Conclusion

The CCI score serves as a significant independent predictive indicator for advanced pancreatic cancer patients received immunotherapy.
Evaluation of mucosal adjuvants to chitosan-nanoparticle-based oral subunit vaccine for controlling salmonellosis in broilers
Authors: Suresh Raksha , Olaitan Comfort Shekoni , Dolatyabi Sara , Schrock Jennifer , Singh Mithilesh , Renukaradhya Gourapura J.
Published: February 2025

Salmonellosis, a gastrointestinal disease, continues to be one of the major public health concerns worldwide. Poultry meat and eggs are recognized as the major source of Salmonella food poisoning in humans. Our study evaluated the protective efficacy of mannose-conjugated chitosan-nanoparticle (mChitosan-NP)-based subunit vaccine, consisting of immunogenic outer membrane proteins and flagella of Salmonella Enteritidis [mChitosan (OMP+FLA)/FLA-NP], coadministered orally with potent mucosal adjuvants to reduce the colonization of S. Enteritidis in the intestines of broiler chickens. We evaluated the adjuvant effects of three different doses of two well-known mucosal adjuvants, c-di-GMP (stimulator of interferon gene agonist) and whole cell lysate (WCL) of Mycobacterium smegmatis, to improve the efficacy of mChitosan (OMP+FLA)/FLA-NP vaccine. Our data reaffirmed the potent adjuvanticity of both of these adjuvants and identified their optimal dose when entrapped in mChitosan-NP to potentiate the immunogenicity and efficacy of orally delivered mChitosan (OMP+FLA)/FLA-NP vaccine. The physical characteristics of mChitosan (OMP+FLA)/FLA-NP, mChitosan-GMP/FLA-NP, and mChitosan-WCL/FLA-NP formulations revealed a high positive charge (Zeta potential +20–25 mV), size 235–260 nm, and polydispersity index 0.35–0.52, which are conducive for oral delivery. The efficacy in chickens that received oral administration with a combination of the vaccine-adjuvant formulations was evaluated by challenging with Salmonella Enteritidis. Our data showed that mChitosan (OMP+FLA)/FLA-NP WCL at 10 µg/dose formulation consistently reduced the S. Enteritidis load by over 0.5 log10 comparable to a commercial live vaccine at post-challenge days 4 and 10. Immunologically, we observed enhanced systemic and mucosal antibody and cellular (B cells and T-helper cells) immune responses as well as upregulation of expression of immune cytokine genes IFN-γ, TGF-β, and IL-17 in the cecal tonsils of adjuvanted mChitosan-NP Salmonella-subunit-vaccinated birds. Overall, particularly the mucosal adjuvant WCL consistently enhanced the efficacy of mChitosan (OMP+FLA)/FLA-NP vaccine by inducing effective immune responses.
The role of Akkermansia muciniphila in maintaining health: a bibliometric study
Authors: Gao Fangfang , Cheng Canyu , Li Runwei , Chen Zongcun , Tang Ke , Du Guankui
Published: February 2025

Background

Akkermansia muciniphila, as a probiotic, is negatively linked to IBD, obesity, and T2DM. The aim of this study was to comprehensively assess the research status of Akkermansia muciniphila over the past decade and explore the relationships between this bacterium and various health-related aspects.

Methods

Tools VOSviewer, Bibliometrix, and CiteSpace were used to analyze various aspects including publication metrics, contributors, institutions, geography, journals, funding, and keywords.

Results

Over the past decade, research on Akkermansia muciniphila has demonstrated a consistent annual growth in the number of publications, with a notable peak in 2021. China led in the number of publications, totaling 151, whereas the United States exhibited a higher centrality value. Among the 820 institutions involved in the research, the University of California (from the United States) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (from China) occupied central positions. Willem M. De Vos ranked at the top, with 12 publications and 1,108 citations. The journal GUT, which had 5,125 citations and an Impact Factor of 23.0 in 2024, was the most highly cited. The most cited articles deepened the understanding of the bacterium’s impact on human health, spanning from basic research to translational medicine. Thirty-nine high-frequency keywords were grouped into five clusters, illustrating Akkermansia muciniphila’s associations with metabolic diseases, chronic kidney disease, the gut-brain axis, intestinal inflammation, and Bacteroidetes-Firmicutes shifts.

Conclusion

Given Akkermansia muciniphila’s anti-inflammatory and gut-barrier-strengthening properties, it holds promise as a therapeutic for obesity, metabolic disorders, and inflammatory conditions. Therefore, future research should explore its potential further by conducting clinical trials, elucidating its mechanisms of action, and investigating its efficacy and safety in diverse patient populations.
Climate change and the sustainable use of medicinal plants: a call for “new” research strategies
Authors: Mykhailenko Olha , Jalil Banaz , McGaw Lyndy J. , Echeverría Javier , Takubessi Marce , Heinrich Michael
Published: February 2025

Climate change and human activities severely impact the viability of plants and ecosystems, threatening the environment, biodiversity, and the sustainable development of plant-based products. Biotic and abiotic (ecosystem) determinants affect species distribution and long-term survival, which in turn influence the quality of plants used as herbal medicines and other high-value products. In recent decades, diverse anthropogenic impacts have significantly affected these quality aspects. Climate change, excessive plant exploitation, habitat loss, species vulnerability, and other factors have adversely affected the growth, reproduction, and adaptation of species populations, as well as the quality and volume of primary plant materials supplied to pharmaceutical markets. Despite these growing challenges, there is limited knowledge of potential strategies to prevent or mitigate these impacts, particularly for vulnerable species collected from the wild or harvested from traditional production systems. Hence, effective strategies for preserving and increasing plant populations are urgently needed. In this study, we propose a new framework including the main sustainability factors to better understand and address the vulnerability of a species, hence mitigate the impact of climate change. We assess the applicability of our proposed framework via seven case studies of vulnerable species (i.e., Aquilaria malaccensis Lam., Boswellia sacra Flück., Crocus sativus L., Panax quinquefolius L., Pilocarpus microphyllus Stapf ex Wardlew., Rhodiola rosea L., and Warburgia salutaris (G.Bertol.) Chiov.) from main biogeographic realms, all widely used as medicinal plants. These species present various challenges related to the sustainability of their use, impacting their current and future status locally and globally. Their economic importance, combined with rising demands and specific risks of overexploitation, are also key factors considered here. The suggested framework for the sustainability of medicinal and other high-value plant-based products in the phytopharmaceutical industry emphasises strategies that promote conservation and sustainable resource use. It can also be adapted for other vulnerable species requiring urgent attention.
Deep phenotyping platform for microscopic plant-pathogen interactions
Authors: Lück Stefanie , Bourras Salim , Douchkov Dimitar
Published: February 2025

The increasing availability of genetic and genomic resources has underscored the need for automated microscopic phenotyping in plant-pathogen interactions to identify genes involved in disease resistance. Building on accumulated experience and leveraging automated microscopy and software, we developed BluVision Micro, a modular, machine learning-aided system designed for high-throughput microscopic phenotyping. This system is adaptable to various image data types and extendable with modules for additional phenotypes and pathogens. BluVision Micro was applied to screen 196 genetically diverse barley genotypes for interactions with powdery mildew fungi, delivering accurate, sensitive, and reproducible results. This enabled the identification of novel genetic loci and marker-trait associations in the barley genome. The system also facilitated high-throughput studies of labor-intensive phenotypes, such as precise colony area measurement. Additionally, BluVision’s open-source software supports the development of specific modules for various microscopic phenotypes, including high-throughput transfection assays for disease resistance-related genes.
Cognition and objective sleep quality in post-COVID-19 patients
Authors: Carnes-Vendrell Anna , Piñol-Ripoll Gerard , Targa Adriano , Tahan Nuria , Ariza Mar , Cano Neus , Segura Barbara , Junque Carme , Béjar Javier , Barrue Cristian ,   Nautilus Project Collaborative Group, Garolera Maite
Published: February 2025

In the current study, we aimed (i) to evaluate sleep quality via wrist actigraphy monitoring of nonhospitalized and hospitalized post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) participants; (ii) to correlate actigraphy measures with subjective measures of sleep quality, such as the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); and (iii) to investigate whether total sleep time or sleep efficiency could affect PCC cognitive performance. We included 49 individuals with PCC from the NAUTILUS Project (NCT05307549 and NCT05307575) who were monitored for 1 week via actigraphy and who were also assessed with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery and the PSQI. We found that there were significant differences between nonhospitalized PCCs and hospitalized PCCs in the number of awakenings. We also found a correlation between the total sleep time of both measures (actigraphy and PSQI), but we did not observe correlations between objective and subjective parameters of latency and sleep efficiency. Regarding cognition and actigraphy measures, there was a trend of statistical significance in the performance of immediate visual memory, attention span and social cognition according to sleep efficiency. In conclusion, results indicate that although the PSQI provides clinically relevant indicators of sleep, there are divergent results between self-reported and objective sleep measures (actigraphy). Furthermore, we found a tendency toward statistical significance in cognitive performance in PCC participants according to their sleep efficiency which could indicate that is more important for cognitive function of post-COVID-19 patients than total sleep time.
Leave or stay? A narrative inquiry of tensions in novice English teachers’ professional identity construction at China’s private universities
Authors: Zhang Xiangchen
Published: February 2025

Novice English teachers at China’s private universities are easily confronted with tensions when they constructed the professional identity in the early career stage. Drawing on a theoretical framework of social identity theory, self-discrepancy theory and situated learning theory, this narrative inquiry study explored the causes, manifestations, and solutions to teachers’ professional identity tensions through in-depth interviews. Data were interpreted through metaphorical biographies and thematic analysis. Results show that tensions were caused by discrepancies among three self-concepts and conflicts between the English teacher identity and the private university teacher identity. In tensions, many aspects of participants’ professional identities were impaired and they unfulfilled the organizational identification. Participants reconciled three selves and adopted two approaches (assimilation and dissimilation) to navigate PI tensions. Policy makers are suggested to offer a well-established identity policy and sufficient research funding to facilitate the academic development of both private universities and teachers there. Private universities are suggested to provide diverse supports to teachers for their career development. Novice teachers could take the initiative of adapting to the culture and regulations of private universities and combine their research interest with the working context.
Epidemiology and spatiotemporal analysis of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis in Zhejiang province, China (2004–2023)
Authors: Sun Wanwan , Chen Yijuan , Qin Shuwen , Miao Ziping
Published: February 2025

Background

Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) has become a significant public health issue in Zhejiang province. However, the analysis of epidemiological characteristics and spatio-temporal patterns of AHC in Zhejiang province has not been studied yet.

Methods

Monthly cases of AHC from 2004 to 2023 reported at the county level in Zhejiang province were obtained from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. Demographic features, yearly county incidence, global spatial autocorrelation, local spatial autocorrelation analyses, and temporal and space–time cluster analysis were performed to identify and visualize the spatiotemporal patterns of AHC cases in Zhejiang province. The epidemiological characteristics of AHC outbreaks in the same period in Zhejiang province were also compared.

Results

A total of 52,119 AHC cases were reported in Zhejiang province, yielding an average incidence rate of 5.37 per 100,000. No fatalities were reported. The average age of those affected was 25.44 ± 4.37 years, with the highest incidence (16.70%) among individuals aged between 10 and 19 years. Seasonal peaks occur from August to October each year. Students and farmers experienced the highest incidence rates of infection. Significant positive spatial correlations for AHC were observed in Zhejiang province in the years 2007 (Moran’s I = 0.095, p = 0.039), 2009 (Moran’s I = 0.075, p = 0.031), and 2011 (Moran’s I = 0.173, p = 0.034), indicating spatial clustering. Spatiotemporal scanning identified two distinct clusters: Cluster 1 and Cluster 2. Cluster 1, characterized by a relative risk of 21.44 (p < 0.001), was located in northeastern Zhejiang province, comprising 30 counties, with an active period from 1st September 2010 to 30th September 2010. Compared to low-risk regions, high-risk counties exhibited a different demographic profile with a higher proportion of men, older people, and farmers. Among the affected students during outbreaks, the predominant symptoms were conjunctival congestion, increased eye secretions, eye swelling, eye pain, photophobia and tearing, while the incidence of fever was relatively low.

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrate the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of AHC cases in Zhejiang province and underscore the necessity for targeted prevention and control measures in high-risk areas to mitigate transmission and occurrence.
Systematic identification and quantification of factors and their interactions with age, sex, and panel wave influencing cognitive function in Korean older adults
Authors: Kim Eunmi , Oh Jinkyung , Gim Jungsoo , Huh Iksoo
Published: February 2025

Background

Cognitive decline in older adults is influenced by diverse factors, and degrees of influence of these factors may vary depending on sex, age cohorts, and passage of time. Moreover, these factors differ in their responsiveness to general interventions. Thus, identifying these factors including their interactions with age, sex, and panel wave and conducting a systematic quantification of their influences on cognitive function are both necessary for developing efficient intervention strategies.

Methods

To identify the influencing factors and their interactions, we applied a systematic stepwise variable selection using 2,535 community-dwelling older adults who participated in the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging from Wave 5 (2014) to Wave 8 (2020). These factors were subsequently grouped based on their modifiability to investigate group-wise influences on cognitive function. For handling the longitudinal data, a generalized least squares method was used, and the degrees of influence of these factors were measured using the delta R2.

Results

Twelve variables had significant main effects on cognitive function in older adults. Among these variables, age interacted with sex, regular exercise, and marital status. Sex interacted with regular exercise, education level, and depressive symptoms. Wave number interacted with depressive symptoms and social activity. In addition, the group-wise delta R2 values were found to be 10.9, 6.3, and 5.9% in the difficult-to-modify, modifiable, and non-modifiable factor groups, respectively. Afterwards, we provided the delta R2 for each sub-population divided by the levels of age, sex, and wave number to examine how these factors changed the influences.

Conclusion

Based on the interaction and quantification results, we elucidated the characteristics of the influencing factors and their degrees of influence, and we suggest grouping factors based on their modifiability to systematically prevent cognitive decline in older adults.
Engagement in computerized cognitive training instructions by older people. A within-subject design to evaluate comprehension and acceptability of serious games instructions
Authors: Nahas Christelle , Gandit Marc , Monfort Emmanuel
Published: February 2025

This article emphasizes the advantages of using a within-subject experimental design to assess the impact of salient visual cues on the comprehension and acceptability of computerized cognitive training (CCT) instructions among older adults. The study would involve participants aged 65 and above, who will engage in an online experiment presenting two sets of instructions for serious games: one with salient visual cues and one without. This within-subject design eliminates the need for random assignment, improves internal consistency, and enhances statistical power. Participants serve as their own controls, providing a more robust comparison of how visual cues affect instruction comprehension and software acceptance. The primary objective is to identify indicators of acceptability for CCT serious games and to evaluate how well participants comprehend the instructions, influencing their intention to use the software. The hypothesis suggests that salient visual cues will improve instruction comprehension and foster greater software acceptability. By focusing on this design method, the study aims to enhance the engagement of older adults in cognitive training programs, reducing dropout rates. This research offers valuable insights into methodological strengths that can be applied in future studies to improve the usability and acceptance of CCT tools for older adults without cognitive impairments.
Coaching 5.0, coaching for the fifth industrial revolution
Authors: Rasool Jazz
Published: February 2025

The rising use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Metaverse and Blockchain technologies has influenced capabilities in a wide variety of industries. These have now started to provide affordances for automating provision of insight and empowerment in coaching business leaders and staff. This paper discusses the risk, that as such technologies become smarter, human beings may abdicate their thinking capabilities, especially related to creative problem solving, to machine intelligence. The author calls for prevention of cognitive decline in human beings as machines get smarter. A route to this can be mapped through use of Industry 5.0, Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR) approaches, that focus on a harmonisation of human and machine intelligence, ensuring human beings can make machines smarter and that machine intelligence can in turn make human consciousness advance. Practitioner Coaches, to future proof their practice, must ensure they embody 5IR mindsets, techniques and technologies. The coaching discipline that is fit for practice in 5IR environments and contexts is what the author has called “Coaching 5.0.” This paper looks at Coaching 5.0 components and how they can be adopted by coaches to ensure the future is sustainable, insightful and empowering one for their practice and for their clients.
Water insecurity is human: why social science must be at the core of water security research and practice
Authors: Wutich Amber
Published: February 2025

Many water scholars believe we are at an inflection point in which new approaches to water research and management are needed, and I agree. Water insecurity is fundamentally driven by human behavior and is socially determined. To address this, the emerging science of water security can build on well-established and theoretically-robust findings from social science. Foundational work establishes the formative role of human social structures in producing water insecurity, particularly for populations experiencing poverty, racial/ethnic minoritization, and political exclusion. While infrastructural and legal/regulatory reforms are essential to advance water security, they have failed vulnerable populations in patterned, predictable ways globally. New research highlights how social and engineered infrastructures that are hybrid, modular, adaptive, and decentralized can improve water security for the most vulnerable populations. However, reliance on such systems is inherently a feature of unjust, inequitable water governance. Social scientists have a valuable role to play in explaining these dynamics, addressing water system failures, and developing more equitable water solutions.
Case report: Suspected propofol associated Heinz body anemia in five mechanically ventilated dogs: a historical case series
Authors: Ireland Emily M. , Sharp Claire R. , Leister Ellie M. , Boyd Susan
Published: February 2025

Objective

The aim of this report is to raise awareness of the risk of oxidant-induced erythrocyte injury, including Heinz body (HB) anemia, in critically ill dogs by describing the condition in five dogs receiving constant rate infusions of propofol.

Case summary

This case series describes five dogs with suspected propofol-induced HB anemia undergoing mechanical ventilation (MV) for lower motor neuron disease. Four of the five dogs were treated for tick paralysis (Ixodes holocyclus) and one was treated for suspected eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) envenomation. Propofol constant rate infusions were administered as part of total intravenous anesthesia. All five dogs became anemic, and a complete blood count and blood smear interpretation by a specialist clinical pathologist confirmed the presence of oxidative red blood cell injury (eccentrocytosis and HBs). The duration of MV ranged from 76 to 131 h, with HBs identified within 47–96 h of commencing propofol. All five dogs survived to discharge, with one dog requiring a blood transfusion.

Discussion

While propofol-induced HB anemia is a recognized phenomenon in cats, to the author’s knowledge, this is the first case series detailing multiple occurrences in dogs. Veterinarians should be aware of the risk of propofol-induced oxidative erythrocyte injury in dogs receiving prolonged infusions of propofol, and consider risk mitigation by using propofol as part of multiagent intravenous anesthesia, keeping dose rates as low as possible, and daily monitoring of blood smears and red blood cell indices.
Molecular detection of piroplasms, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia species in Kazakhstan
Authors: Zeng Weixin , Kairat Zhumanov , Awulibieer Madina , Abylay Sansyzbay , Serik Khizat , Yang Meihua , Wang Yuanzhi , Hazihan Wurelihazi
Published: February 2025

Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are a global public health issue. However, there have been few reports on the prevalence of piroplasms, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia in Kazakhstan. To understand the distribution of piroplasms, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia pathogens carried by ticks in Kazakhstan, a total of 10,461 ticks were collected from natural hosts (e.g., cattle, sheep, and horses) in six oblasts in eastern, southern, and western Kazakhstan between 2022 and 2024. After morphological identification, 272 representative ticks were further used for species-level detection and partial genotyping analysis of TBPs. Two Babesia species (Babesia occultans and Babesia caballi), four Theileria species (Theileria orientalis, Theileria equi, Theileria annulata, and Theileria ovis), two Anaplasma species (Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Anaplasma ovis), and three Ehrlichia species were detected. Furthermore, genotype B of B. caballi, genotype 1 (Chitose) of T. orientalis, and genotype A of T. equi were confirmed. For the first time, A. phagocytophilum, three phylogeny-independent Ehrlichia spp., genotype B of B. caballi, and genotype A of T. equi were found in Kazakhstan. These findings expand our understanding of the geographical distribution of piroplasms, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia in Central Asia.
Immunomodulatory and growth-promoting effects of Rauwolfia serpentina root powder in broiler chicks challenged with Salmonella Gallinarum
Authors: Zhang Yingyu , Rehman Hiba , Khattak Farina , Tariq Maryam , Khan Bushra Nisar , Chaman Sadia , Riaz Ayaesha , Ovais Omer Muhammad , Ali Aqib , un Nisa Qamar , Muddassir Ali Muhammad , Saleem Gulbeena
Published: February 2025

Background

Amid growing concern about antimicrobial resistance due to the irrational use of antibiotics in treating common poultry diseases, particularly Salmonella which is a foodborne pathogen in humans. This study investigates the effects of ethnoveterinary supplementation of Rauwolfia serpentina (L. Benth. ex Kurz) powder (RSP) on three key immune-related genes; Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), the quiescence-related gene P20K (P20K), and the major histocompatibility complex Class IIβ (MHC class IIβ), gut morphology and growth performance of broiler chicks infected with Salmonella Gallinarum.

Methods

Two hundred and forty day-old Hubbard classic chickens were randomly assigned to four groups: non-challenged control (NC), and Salmonella Gallinarum challenge group (SGC), and two treatment groups fed a basic diet supplemented with 1.5% Rauwolfia serpentina powder (RSP) with SGC (RSP-1) and 3% RSP with SGC (RSP-2), respectively, from day 3 till 28 days of age. Each treatment was replicated 4 times with 15 bird/replicate pen. On day 7, all the birds in the RSP-1, RSP-2 and SGC groups received 1 ml of BHI broth containing 2 × 108 CFU of Salmonella Gallinarum via oral gavage. While control birds received an equivalent volume of sterile BHI broth. Gene expression analysis was conducted using real-time PCR to measure the expression of key immune-related genes: SOCS3, P20K, and MHC Class IIβ in spleen, liver, and caeca. Additionally, histopathological assessments of gut and growth performance parameters including feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were monitored throughout the experimental period.

Result

The gene expression analysis at 3 and 21 days post-challenge revealed that SGC birds had significantly higher SOCS3, P20K, and lower MHC class IIβ expression (p < 0.001) in the caecum, liver, and spleen of broiler chickens. In contrast, the RSP-1 and RSP-2 groups showed significantly lower SOCS3 and P20K expression (p < 0.001), alongside improved gut morphology, weight gain, and FCR compared to the SGC group, with these benefits increasing over time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these findings suggest that Rauwolfia serpentina supplementation modulates key immune-related gene expression (SOCS3, P20K, and MHC class IIβ), enhances intestinal health, and improves growth performance in broilers challenged with Salmonella Gallinarum.
Three-Dimensional Object Recognition Using Orthogonal Polynomials: An Embedded Kernel Approach
Authors: Mohammed Aqeel Abdulazeez , Al-sudani Ahlam Hanoon , Abdul-Hadi Alaa M. , Alwhelat Almuntadher , Mahmmod Basheera M. , Abdulhussain Sadiq H. , Alsabah Muntadher , Hussain Abir
Published: February 2025

Computer vision seeks to mimic the human visual system and plays an essential role in artificial intelligence. It is based on different signal reprocessing techniques; therefore, developing efficient techniques becomes essential to achieving fast and reliable processing. Various signal preprocessing operations have been used for computer vision, including smoothing techniques, signal analyzing, resizing, sharpening, and enhancement, to reduce reluctant falsifications, segmentation, and image feature improvement. For example, to reduce the noise in a disturbed signal, smoothing kernels can be effectively used. This is achievedby convolving the distributed signal with smoothing kernels. In addition, orthogonal moments (OMs) are a crucial technique in signal preprocessing, serving as key descriptors for signal analysis and recognition. OMs are obtained by the projection of orthogonal polynomials (OPs) onto the signal domain. However, when dealing with 3D signals, the traditional approach of convolving kernels with the signal and computing OMs beforehand significantly increases the computational cost of computer vision algorithms. To address this issue, this paper develops a novel mathematical model to embed the kernel directly into the OPs functions, seamlessly integrating these two processes into a more efficient and accurate approach. The proposed model allows the computation of OMs for smoothed versions of 3D signals directly, thereby reducing computational overhead. Extensive experiments conducted on 3D objects demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms traditional approaches across various metrics. The average recognition accuracy improves to 83.85% when the polynomial order is increased to 10. Experimental results show that the proposed method exhibits higher accuracy and lower computational costs compared to the benchmark methods in various conditions for a wide range of parameter values.
Effectiveness of Powered Hand Exoskeleton on Upper Extremity Function in People with Chronic Stroke
Authors: Yeh Shan-Ju , Wang Yi-Chuan , Fang Wei-Chien , Huang Shyh-Chour , Yang Yu-Sheng
Published: February 2025

Impairment of upper limb function is common after a stroke and is closely linked to decreased functional independence in activities of daily living. Robot-assisted training has been used in clinical settings to improve hand function in stroke patients; however, many existing devices are costly and require specialized training to operate. This study aimed to propose a novel powered hand exoskeleton (EO) and verify its effectiveness on upper extremity function in people with chronic stroke. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the control group. Each participant underwent 30 min interventions twice a week for 8 weeks. The experimental group received 15 min of conventional therapy followed by 15 min of training with the powered hand EO, while the control group received 30 min of conventional therapy. The primary outcome measures included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for upper extremity function (FMA-UE), the Box and Block Test (BBT), and handgrip dynamometer. Assessments were conducted at baseline and then at 4-week intervals throughout the 8-week period. Results showed that, after the 8-week intervention, the average changes in FMA-UE scores for the experimental group were significantly greater than those for the control group (p < 0.01). A clear upward trend in both FMA-UE and BBT scores was observed in the EO group. Statistical analysis revealed significant improvements in the overall, proximal, and distal components of the FMA-UE scores (all p < 0.01) and in BBT scores (both p < 0.05) in the EO group compared to the control group at 4 and 8 weeks, respectively. However, no significant differences in grip strength were observed between the groups at either time point. Our findings suggest that the proposed powered hand EO is both feasible and safe for training the impaired hand in stroke survivors. Given the characteristics of the device, it has potential for use in hand rehabilitation aimed at regaining upper extremity function.
Leading in the Digital Age: The Role of Leadership in Organizational Digital Transformation
Authors: Sacavém António , de Bem Machado Andreia , dos Santos João Rodrigues , Palma-Moreira Ana , Belchior-Rocha Helena , Au-Yong-Oliveira Manuel
Published: February 2025

In the modern digital age, organizations face unprecedented challenges and possibilities while managing the intricacies of digital transformation. Accelerated technological developments, changing customer preferences, heightened competition, and dynamic regulatory environments necessitate companies to synchronize their business goals with technological innovations. Leadership is crucial in steering businesses through changes, requiring a deep understanding of change processes and the capacity to adjust leadership accordingly. This research addresses the central question: How does leadership effectively promote organizational digital transformation? The study examines how leaders can effectively promote the adoption of advanced technologies and the promotion of innovation, by first exploring the nature of digital transformation within organizations and then analyzing the evolving dynamics of leadership in this context. An integrative review of the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases was conducted, using the search terms: “Leadership” and “Digital Transformation”. The findings emphasize that effective leadership is crucial for managing the minutiae of digital transformation, integrating technology into organizational processes to facilitate learning, collaboration, and agility, enabling companies to adapt to market shifts, reduce uncertainty, and enhance decision-making for sustainable growth. By using the right tools and with the right frequency, leaders may develop team cohesion—even at a distance. Attentive digital-age leaders will know how to leverage the right mechanisms, and herein, we hope to give some indication of how that may be achieved, so that digital transformation increases rather than decreases team motivation levels.
The Capacity of a Household Farming System with Women’s Decision and Action-Making Power: Rural Marginal Areas in Morocco
Authors: Alary Veronique , Romagny Bruno , Najjar Dina , Aderghal Mohammed , Moisseron Jean-Yves
Published: February 2025

Nowadays, women’s contribution to society through their social and human involvement at the household level in terms of education, care, and nutrition, as well as their added value to economic functioning, is increasingly recognized. However, most of the related research highlights the relative contributions of women and men. This paper proposes to analyze the link between women’s contribution to social, economic, and financial activities and the rural livelihood of the whole household farm. Based on a household survey that included a respondent section for women from over 285 families in the least rurally developed regions of Morocco, descriptive statistics and systemic analysis successively based on multiple factorial and clustering analyses were used to analyze the links between household adaptative capacity and women’s material and immaterial contributions. The results revealed that women play a crucial role in intergenerational knowledge transfer, which constitutes a critical factor in household capacities and reproduction, especially in the least endowed households. However, the women’s farm or off-farm activities did not guarantee their autonomy. So, the contribution of women to household farm livelihood through their know-how opens alternative pathways to reconsider their contribution to the overall goal of livelihood improvement.
Impact of Plastics in Agriculture
Authors: Hayes Douglas G.
Published: February 2025

Plastics are an integral part of crop cultivation, a practice often referred to as “plasticulture” [...]