bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dock4 contributes to neuropathic pain by regulating spinal synaptic plasticity in mice
Authors: Fu Qiaochu , Li Hongyi , Zhu Zhuanxu , Li Wencui , Ruan Zhihua , Chang Ruijie , Wei Huixia , Xu Xueqin , Xu Xunliang , Wu Yanqiong
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Neuropathic pain (NP) conditions arising from injuries to the nervous system due to trauma, disease, or neurotoxins are chronic, severe, debilitating, and exceedingly difficult to treat. However, the mechanisms of NP are not yet clear. Here we explored the role of Dock4, an atypical Rac1 GEF, in the development of NP.

Methods

Mechanical allodynia was assessed as paw withdrawal threshold by a dynamic plantar aesthesiometer. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to investigate the expression and localization of Dock4, Rac1 and GluN2B. Quantitative analysis of Dock4, Rac1 and GluN2B were determined by qRT-PCR and Western blot assay. Spontaneous excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic currents in spinal cord slices were examined using whole cell patch clam. Dendritic spine remodeling and synaptogenesis were detected in cultured dorsal spinal neurons.

Results and discussion

We found that SNL caused markedly mechanical allodynia accompanied by increase of Dock4, GTP-Rac1and GluN2B, which was prevented by knockdown of Dock4. Electrophysiological tests showed that SNL facilitated excitatory synaptic transmission, however, this was also inhibited by Dock RNAi-LV. Moreover, knockdown of Dock4 prevented dendritic growth and synaptogenesis.

Conclusion

In summary, our data indicated that Dock4 facilitated excitatory synaptic transmission by promoting the expression of GluN2B at the synaptic site and synaptogenesis, leading to the occurrence of NP.
Dietary vitamin K intake in relation to skeletal muscle mass and strength among adults: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES
Authors: Wang Qiong , Chen Pei-pei , Guo Jia-yu , Wang Shi-jia , Bao Yuan-yuan , Zhang Yu , Yu Kang
Published: August 2024

Background

Previous studies revealed that vitamin K might help maintain muscle homeostasis, but this association has received little attention. We aimed to explore the associations of vitamin K intake with skeletal muscle mass and strength.

Methods

We included cross-sectional data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2011–2018). Vitamin K intake was assessed via 24-h recall. Covariate-adjusted multiple linear regression and restricted cubic splines were used to evaluate the associations of dietary vitamin K intake with skeletal muscle mass and strength, measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and handgrip dynamometer, respectively.

Results

Dietary vitamin K intake was positively associated with skeletal muscle mass in males (β = 0.05747, p = 0.0204) but not in females. We also revealed a positive association between dietary vitamin K intake and handgrip strength within the range of 0–59.871 μg/d (Pnonlinear = 0.049). However, beyond this threshold, increasing vitamin K intake did not cause additional handgrip strength improvements.

Conclusion

We provided evidence for a positive relationship between dietary vitamin K intake and skeletal muscle mass in males. Moreover, our study revealed a nonlinear relationship between dietary vitamin K intake and handgrip strength, highlighting an optimal intake range.
Vitamin D content and prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with epilepsy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Gong Chao , Li Jiawei , Ning Xin , Zeng Pei , Wang Luchuan , Lian Beibei , Liu Jiahao , Fang Liya , Guo Jin
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D levels in patients with epilepsy (PWE) were systematically evaluated, and the differences between subgroups were analyzed.

Method

We identified all articles investigating the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with epilepsy from the database established in March 2024 from PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. We divided them into anti-seizure medication (ASM) interventions and non-ASM interventions according to whether or not someone used ASM.

Results

A total of 68 articles were included. The prevalence of newly diagnosed epilepsy was 50.2% (95% CI: 38.7–61.7%), and the prevalence after ASM intervention was 47.9% (95% CI: 40–55.9%), including 7,070 patients with epilepsy. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed according to the diagnostic criteria, economic development level, region, age, ASM treatment, and other factors. The results showed that the differences were not significant. In addition, the vitamin D content of epilepsy patients (18.719 ng/mL) was lower than that of healthy people (20.295 ng/mL).

Conclusion

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in patients with epilepsy is very high. Still, the related factors have little effect on the high prevalence of vitamin D in epilepsy, and ASM intervention can reduce the vitamin D content in patients with epilepsy. Therefore, it is emphasized that monitoring vitamin D levels is part of the routine management of patients with epilepsy.

Systematic review registration

The protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). (registration number CRD42023493896). https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ # myprospero.
Exploring the health benefits of raw white garlic consumption in humans: a mini review
Authors: Fejes Rebeka , Bondonno Catherine P. , Radavelli-Bagatini Simone , Kühn Tilman , Wagner Karl-Heinz
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Raw white garlic, a fundamental food in both culinary and medicinal practices globally, has gained attention for its potential health benefits. Despite widespread use, clinical research has predominantly focused on aged black garlic or garlic extracts, leaving raw white garlic consumption in humans underexplored. This mini review aims to summarize the evidence from clinical and observational studies on the health effects of raw white garlic consumption.

Methods

A search in PubMed and Scopus databases was conducted to identify clinical and observational studies on raw white garlic consumption. Twelve clinical trials and 10 observational studies meeting the predefined inclusion criteria were selected for review.

Results

Results from clinical trials revealed diverse health effects of raw garlic consumption, including improved lipid profiles, blood pressure regulation, fibrinolytic activity, antioxidant status, and glucose metabolism. Observational studies reported the association of raw garlic consumption with improvements of important health outcomes, including cancer risk, cardiovascular disease, insulin homeostasis, and liver function. However, both clinical and observational studies were heterogenous in design, participant characteristics, durations, and outcome measures. Observational studies were limited to Asian populations.

Conclusion

While human studies indicate that raw garlic may exert various health benefits, larger randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up and cohort studies are needed to explore the full potential of raw garlic consumption in human health promotion. Our mini-review aims to summarize the currently available evidence on raw garlic consumption in humans.
Primary endobronchial multifocal Ewing’s sarcoma: a rare case report
Authors: Liu Dan , Liu Xiaoge , Li Xin , Liu Yisha , Yu Junlun
Published: August 2024

Extraskeletal Ewing’s sarcoma (ES) has been reported to originate from various sites. Primary endobronchial ES is an extremely rare bronchial tumor, especially multifocal lesions. This report describes a rare presentation of primary bronchial ES in a 31-year-old female who was referred to the emergency department of our hospital due to suspicion of a foreign body in the bronchus. Computed tomography and bronchoscopy revealed multiple polypoid nodules in the middle bronchus of her right lung, thus excluding the initial diagnosis. Infection-related laboratory tests and serum tumor markers were normal. The bronchial sleeve resection was performed to remove the tumor completely and the patient’s clinical symptoms obviously improved. Subsequent imaging, histopathological, immunohistochemical and genetic analyses made a conclusive diagnosis of primary endobronchial ES. To our knowledge, this is the eighth case of primary bronchial ES reported in medical literature.
Antihypertensive therapy during pregnancy: the prescription pattern in Italy
Authors: Locatelli Anna , Bellante Nicolò , Donatiello Gianluca , Fortinguerra Filomena , Belleudi Valeria , Poggi Francesca R. , Perna Serena , Trotta Francesco
Published: August 2024

Drug use during pregnancy should be evidence-based and favor the safest and most appropriate prescription. The Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) coordinates a network focusing on monitoring medication use in pregnancy. Hypertensive disorders are common medical complication of pregnancy and antihypertensive therapy is prescribed to reduce the risk of adverse feto-maternal complications. The objective of this study is to highlight the prescription pattern of antihypertensive drugs before pregnancy, during pregnancy and in the postpartum period in Italy and to evaluate their use with a specific attention to the prescription pattern of drugs considered safe during pregnancy. A multi-database cross-sectional population study using a Common Data Model (CDM) was performed. We selected all women aged 15–49 years living in eight Italian regions who gave birth in hospital between 1 April 2016 and 31 March 2018. In a cohort of 449.012 women, corresponding to 59% of Italian deliveries occurred in the study period, the prevalence of prescription of antihypertensive drugs in the pre-conceptional period was 1.2%, in pregnancy 2.0% and in the postpartum period 2.9%. Beta-blockers were the most prescribed drugs before pregnancy (0.28%–0.30%). Calcium channel blockers were the most prescribed drugs during pregnancy, with a prevalence of 0.23%, 0.33%, 0.75% in each trimester. Alfa-2-adrenergic receptor agonists were the second most prescribed during pregnancy with a prevalence of 0.16%, 0.26% and 0.55% in each trimester. The prescription of drugs contraindicated during pregnancy was below 0.5%. Only a small percentage of women switched from a contraindicated drug to a drug compatible with pregnancy. The analysis showed little variability between the different Italian regions. In general, the prescription of antihypertensive drugs in the Italian Mom-Network is coherent with the drugs compatible with pregnancy.
Designing electromagnetic resonators with quasinormal modes
Authors: Wu Tong , Lalanne Philippe
Published: August 2024

Micro- and nanoresonators, which enable light trapping in small volumes for extended durations, play a crucial role in modern photonics. The optical response of these resonators is determined by their fundamental resonances, known as quasinormal modes (QNMs). Over the past decade, the electromagnetic theory of QNMs has undergone significant development and has now reached a level of maturity that allows its reliable application to numerous contemporary electromagnetic problems. In this review, we explore recent applications of QNM theory for designing and understanding micro and nanoresonators. We highlight why QNMs provide deep physical insights and enhance computational efficiency in scenarios involving mode hybridization and perturbation.
Optimizing irrigation and nitrogen application strategies to improve sunflower yield and resource use efficiency in a cold and arid oasis region of Northwest China
Authors: Chen Xietian , Zhang Hengjia , Yu Shouchao , Zhou Chenli , Teng Anguo , Lei Lian , Ba Yuchun , Li Fuqiang
Published: August 2024

In arid regions, water scarcity, land degradation and groundwater pollution caused by excessive fertilization are the main constraints to sustainable agricultural production. Optimizing irrigation and fertilizer management regime is an effective means of improving crop water and fertilizer productivity as well as reducing negative impacts on the ecosystem. In order to investigate the effects of different irrigation and nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates on sunflower growth, yield, and water and N use efficiency, and to determine the optimal water and N management strategy, a two-year (2021 and 2022) field experiment with under-mulched drip irrigation was conducted in the Hexi Oasis area of Northwest China. The experiment design comprised three irrigation levels (W1, 55%−65% FC, where FC represents field water capacity; W2, 65%−75% FC; W3, 75%−85% FC) and three N application levels (N1, 120 kg ha–1; N2, 180 kg ha–1; N3, 240 kg ha–1), resulting in a total of nine treatments. The findings indicated that increasing irrigation and N application rates led to improvements in leaf area index (15.39%−66.14%), dry matter accumulation (11.43%−53.15%), water consumption (ET, 1.63%−42.90%) and sunflower yield (6.85%−36.42%), in comparison to the moderate water deficit and low N application (W1N1) treatment. However, excess water and N inputs did not produce greater yield gains and significantly decreased both water use efficiency (WUE) and nitrogen partial factor productivity (NPFP). Additionally, a multiple regression model was developed with ET and N application as explanatory variables and yield, WUE and NPFP as response variables. The results based on the regression model combined with spatial analysis showed that an ET range of 334.3−348.7 mm and N application rate of 160.9−175.3 kg ha–1 achieved an optimal balance between the multiple production objectives: yield, WUE and NPFP. Among the different irrigation and N management strategies we evaluated, we found that W2N2 (65%−75% FC and 180 kg N ha–1) was the most fruitful considering yield, resource use efficiency, etc. This result can serve as a theoretical reference for developing appropriate irrigation and N fertilization regimes for sunflower cultivation in the oasis agricultural area of northwest China.
Impact of inpatient self-efficacy and trust in physicians on inpatient satisfaction with medical services: the mediating role of patient participation in medical decision-making
Authors: Wang Haixia , Jia Jie , Fan Yafeng , Chen Hanlin , Lou Yi , Wang Xiaohe , Huang Xianhong
Published: August 2024

Objective

Patient satisfaction reflects the social benefits of hospitals and is an important indicator of hospital performance. This study explores the mechanism through which inpatients’ trust in physicians, self-efficacy, and participation in medical decision-making impact their satisfaction with medical services.

Methods

A questionnaire was administered to 814 inpatients in 10 randomly selected tertiary hospitals and 10 randomly selected secondary hospitals in Hangzhou, China. A correlation analysis and hierarchical linear regression were conducted to analyze the factors influencing inpatient satisfaction.

Results

The outcome measures of trust in physicians and participation in medical decision-making behaviors had significant positive effects on inpatient satisfaction.

Trust in physicians was shown to directly influence inpatient satisfaction, while inpatient participation in decision-making partially mediated this relationship. Inpatient participation in medical decision-making fully mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and inpatient satisfaction.

Conclusion

While inpatients were relatively satisfied, there is room for improvement. Healthcare providers should improve patient trust by actively listening to their needs and providing feedback, establishing effective communication mechanisms. Patient self-efficacy can be enhanced through health education, special lectures, and case sharing. Patients should also be encouraged to actively participate in medical decision-making.

Practical implications

Based on inpatient feedback during a preliminary survey, we refined this study’s questionnaire to enhance its feasibility for future research. This article shares key findings for healthcare managers and providers, advising that patient satisfaction can be enhanced through trust, self-efficacy, and participation.
Does tolerance to ethanol-induced ataxia explain the sensitized response to ethanol?
Authors: Reed Cheryl , Phillips Tamara J.
Published: August 2024

Under conditions of repeated exposure to ethanol, a sensitized locomotor stimulant response develops in some strains of mice. It has been hypothesized that the sensitized response is a consequence of tolerance development to the sedative/incoordinating effects of ethanol. Conversely, ethanol-induced sensitization and tolerance may be independent effects of repeated ethanol exposure. A published study in C57BL/6J by DBA/2J recombinant inbred strains concluded that the two phenomena are not genetically related and thus perhaps mechanistically distinct. To extend evaluation beyond the genetic variance found in C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice and examine phenotypic associations, we simultaneously measured ethanol-induced sensitization and tolerance in a genetically diverse panel of 15 standard inbred mouse strains and a genetically heterogeneous stock that was produced by the intercrossing of eight inbred mouse strains. Changes in activity counts and ataxia ratio across repeated ethanol treatments indexed sensitization and tolerance, respectively. Photocell beam breaks provided the measure of activity, and foot slip errors corrected for activity in a grid test provided a measure of coordination. The results were strain and individual dependent. The genetic correlation between magnitude of sensitization and tolerance was not significant in the panel of inbred strains, but when individual data were correlated, without regard to strain, there was a significant correlation. This relationship was also significant in the genetically heterogeneous population of mice. However, magnitude of tolerance explained only 10% of the variance in sensitization among individuals of the inbred strain population, whereas it explained 44% of the variance among individuals of the eight-strain cross. When repeated exposures to ethanol were disassociated from the test apparatus, this relationship in the eight-strain cross disappeared. Furthermore, days to peak sensitization and tolerance across days did not perfectly mirror each other. Overall, our data do not support shared genetic mechanisms in sensitization and tolerance development but suggest a partial relationship among individuals that could be related to drug–environment associations.
What does the history of Theraphosidae systematics tell us about the future of tarantula taxonomy?
Authors: Briggs Ethan J. , Hamilton Chris A.
Published: August 2024

Systematics provides the foundational knowledge about the units of biodiversity, i.e., species, and how we classify them. The results of this discipline extend across Biology and can have important impacts on conservation. Here we review the systematic and taxonomic practices within Theraphosidae over the last 260 years. We examine the rate of newly described species and investigate the contemporary practices being used in the description of new genera and species. There have been two large waves of theraphosid taxonomy, with an explosive growth of newly described species and author combinations in the last 60 years. We look back and find that during 2010–2024 contemporary practices in theraphosid systematics and taxonomy have remained largely static, being dominated by morphology-based approaches. Over this period, only 10% of newly described species incorporated DNA data or explicitly stated the species concept used. Similarly for genera, only five of the 37 newly described genera over that time were supported as distinct and monophyletic by DNA. We highlight the taxonomic movement of species among Theraphosidae, Barychelidae, and Paratropididae; however, given the limited molecular sampling for the two latter families, the boundaries of these families remain a significant area of needed research. To promote inclusivity, we provide a copy of this paper in Spanish as supplementary material.
Research on influencing factors of soybean yield in China’s northeast black soil region based on PLS-SEM
Authors: Tan Yuping , Wang Zhiqiang
Published: August 2024

Soybean yield is affected by soil, terrain, biology, and other factors. However, few studies have considered the main and secondary influencing factors of soybean yield and the interaction mechanisms among these factors within a catchment area in the black soil region. This study aims to explore the main influencing factors and the coupling mechanisms affecting soybean yield in China’s northeast black soil region. Using 46 samples from Heshan Farm, Nenjiang City, a driving factor model for soybean yield was developed using PLS-SEM, incorporating latent variables such as soybean yield, topographic characteristics, soil physical properties, soil chemical properties, and biological factors. The main factors, secondary factors, and their interactions affecting soybean yield were discussed. Topographic factors, soil physical properties, and soil chemical properties had positive total effects on soybean yield, while biological factors had a direct negative impact on soybean yield, with the total effects ranging from soil physical properties > biological factors > topographic factors > soil chemical properties. In terms of soil physical properties, the load value of soil bulk density was the largest (−0.917). This was followed by saturated water content (0.886), total porosity (0.855), capillary water holding capacity (0.837), field water holding capacity (0.763), black soil thickness (0.695), sand particle size (−0.664), clay particle size (0.450), and gravel ratio (−0.439). These findings demonstrate soil physical properties are the key factors affecting soybean yield. Thus, soil improvement in small catchment, by reducing bulk density, increasing porosity, and improving soil water retention capacity are key to improving soybean yield.
The role of syndromic knowledge in Ethiopian veterinarians’ treatment of cattle
Authors: Nyokabi Ndungu S. , Wood James L. N. , Gemechu Gizachew , Berg Stefan , Mihret Adane , Lindahl Johanna F. , Moore Henrietta L.
Published: August 2024

Veterinarians play a significant role in the treatment and prevention of livestock diseases at the farm level, safeguarding public health and ensuring food safety. In sub-Saharan Africa, access to quality veterinary services is a major challenge for livestock farmers due to the low number of publicly employed veterinarians, underfunding and privatisation of veterinary services. Low investment in veterinary services and infrastructure, including a lack of laboratories for diagnosis, has made veterinarians rely on their experience and knowledge of cattle disease symptoms developed over years of practice to diagnose and treat cattle diseases. A cross-sectional survey using a role-play approach was used to collect data on knowledge regarding cattle diseases among veterinarians in veterinary clinics and private practices in Addis Ababa, Oromia and Adama regions in Ethiopia. Veterinarians were given a number of disease scenarios based on “fictive disease symptoms” that are commonly manifested in a sick cow and asked to identify the disease what personal biosecurity they would use, diagnostic tests they would perform, treatments they would prescribe, treatment costs, and additional services and inputs they would recommend to the farmer. The results show that veterinarians could identify endemic cattle diseases through symptoms. The majority of veterinarians did not find it important to report notifiable diseases, a behaviour which could hamper disease surveillance and outbreak response. The advice and services the veterinarians said they would offer and recommend to farmers included improvement in feeding, vaccination, use of artificial insemination, and adoption of farm biosecurity measures that can reduce disease prevalence, and improve food safety, animal health and welfare. Low use of personal protective equipment and other protective biosecurity measures among veterinarians could expose them to zoonotic diseases. The study concludes that there is a need for increased funding for continuous training, improved access to animal health-related information, and investment in infrastructure such as laboratories to enable veterinarians to deliver quality animal health services.
Investigating comparative polymerase chain reaction for antigen receptor rearrangement analysis in different types of feline lymphoma samples
Authors: Siripoonsub Jedsada , Techangamsuwan Somporn , Sirivisoot Sirintra , Radtanakatikanon Araya , Rungsipipat Anudep
Published: August 2024

Cats have the highest incidence of lymphoma among all animal species. Lymphoma accounts for 41% of all malignant tumors in cats and is responsible for 90% of hematopoietic tumors in felines. Biopsies are considered the gold standard for diagnosis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based clonality assessment of antigen receptor gene rearrangements can be a valuable complementary tool for identifying infiltrating B-and T-lymphocyte clones. Many studies have focused on intestinal cases but few have addressed mediastinal lymphoma. This study aims to: (1) investigate the clonality patterns of lymphoma samples from various anatomical sites, with a particular focus on mediastinal lymphoma, and (2) evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the clonality analysis of pleural effusion samples in comparison with cytology, histology, immunohistochemistry, and immunocytochemistry for diagnosing mediastinal lymphoma. There were 82 cases, divided into 49 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens (FFPE), 22 cell pellets, and 11 fresh tissue. This study examined the sensitivity and specificity of PCR for antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR) compared to immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunocytochemistry. For T-cell receptor gamma chain genes, PARR demonstrated a sensitivity of 58.33% for both fresh tissue and FFPE samples, with a specificity of 100%. Cell pellet analysis exhibited a sensitivity of 64.71% and maintained 100% specificity. A combined analysis of fresh tissue and FFPE with cell pellets showed a sensitivity of 62.07%. For IGH, the sensitivity for fresh tissue and FFPE samples was 56.25%, while cell pellet analysis showed a sensitivity of 62.50%. When considering fresh tissue and FFPE samples, the sensitivity was 57.14%. In conclusion, molecular techniques have emerged as valuable tools for detecting lymphoma, especially in cases where traditional diagnostic methods yield inconclusive results, such as mediastinal lymphoma. While biopsy may not always be feasible, cytology and cell pellets obtained from pleural effusion offer alternative immunocytochemistry and molecular analysis samples, provided they are of sufficient quality and quantity. All sample types considered in this study were suitable for PARR to aid in cases with inconclusive results. Therefore, the sample selection should be tailored to the clinical situation.
Communication in the Digital Age: The Impact of Communication Skills and Cultural Restraint on the Use of Social Media Platforms in the Case of Jordan
Authors: Abdallah Rania Abdel-Qader , Hatamleh Islam Habis Mohammad , Nemer Abu Eid Yousef Sami , Mahroum Mohammad
Published: August 2024

The rapid proliferation of social media platforms has fundamentally transformed communication dynamics globally. This study investigates the impact of communication skills on social media usage, emphasizing the moderating role of cultural restraint within the context of Jordan. Employing a quantitative research design, data were collected from 415 young adult social media users through an online survey and analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via SmartPLS 4 software. The findings suggest that individuals with strong communication skills are more effective at using social media, supporting the ideas of Self-Efficacy Theory and Social Capital Theory, which propose that better communication abilities lead to more proficient social media usage. However, this positive relationship is moderated by cultural restraint, with higher levels of cultural restraint weakening the impact of communication skills on social media engagement. These results highlight the necessity of culturally sensitive approaches when promoting social media engagement, as cultural norms and values significantly influence digital behaviors. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence from a non-Western context and underscores the complex interplay between individual abilities and cultural factors in shaping social media usage. Future research should explore additional moderating variables and consider longitudinal and cross-cultural studies to further elucidate these dynamics.
Attention (to Virtuosity) Is All You Need: Religious Studies Pedagogy and Generative AI
Authors: Barlow Jonathan , Holt Lynn
Published: August 2024

The launch of ChatGPT in November of 2022 provides the rare opportunity to consider both what artificial intelligence (AI) is and what human experts are. In the spirit of making the most of this opportunity, we invite the reader to follow a suggestive series of “what if” questions that lead to a plausible settlement in which the human expert and the generative AI system collaborate pedagogically to shape the (human) religious studies student. (1) What if, contrary to the Baconian frame, humans reason primarily by exercising intellectual virtuosity, and only secondarily by means of rules-based inference? (2) What if, even though we train AI models on human-generated data by means of rules-based algorithms, the resulting systems demonstrate the potential for exercising intellectual virtuosity? (3) What if, by deprioritizing mechanistic and algorithmic models of human cognition while being open to the possibility that AI represents a different species of cognition, we open a future in which human and AI virtuosos mutually inspire, enrich, and even catechize one another?
The Impact of Highway Transportation Infrastructure on Carbon Emissions in the Yangtze River Delta Region
Authors: Nie Yongyou , Jiang Junhao
Published: August 2024

To address the increasingly severe issue of carbon dioxide emissions, the Chinese government has set dual carbon goals: achieving peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. Studying the impact of highway transportation infrastructure on carbon emissions is crucial for achieving these dual carbon goals and promoting sustainable development. Using balanced panel data from 41 cities in the Yangtze River Delta region from 2006 to 2019, this paper empirically analyzed the relationship and mechanisms of highway transportation infrastructure’s impact on carbon emissions using fixed effects models, mediating effects models, and threshold effects models. The empirical results indicate: (1) there is a nonlinear inverted-U-shaped relationship between highway transportation infrastructure and carbon emissions; (2) highway transportation infrastructure indirectly affects carbon emissions through foreign direct investment as a mediating variable; (3) the threshold effect model verifies that the impact of highway transportation infrastructure on carbon emissions exhibits threshold effects based on green technological innovation and industrial structure upgrading. This study enriches the research content in related fields to some extent and provides specific policy recommendations for achieving carbon reduction goals and promoting sustainable development.
PENGARUH TIGA MACAM MEDIA TANAM TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN KECAMBAH JERNANG (Daemonorops draco (Willd.) Blume)
Authors: Handayani Silvia Febri
Published: August 2024

Budidaya rotan jernang saat ini masih belum banyak dilakukan, dibandingkan dengan pemanfaatannya. Untuk mengasilkan bibit dalam jumlah banyak dapat dilakukan melalui pembiakan generatif (menggunakan biji). Produksi bibit yang berkualitas sangat diperlukan untuk menunjang pengembangan tanaman rotan. Salah satu faktor yang mempengaruhi pertumbuhan bibit tanaman adalah media tanam yang digunakan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui perbedaan pengaruh dari ketiga media tanam (cocopeat, tanah, dan pasir) terhadap pertumbuhan kecambah jernang (Daemonorops draco (Willd.) Blume) dan mengetahui media tanam yang terbaik untuk pertumbuhan kecambah jernang (Daemonorops draco (Willd.) Blume). Metode penelitian yang digunakan yaitu metode eksperimen yakni melakukan penelitian langsung terhadap seperangkat percobaan yang dilakukan berkaitan dengan masalah yang diteliti untuk memperoleh dan menguji hipotesis yang telah diajukan. Desain penelitian yang dirancang pada penelitian ini menggunakann rancangan acak lengkap (RAL) satu faktor. Pengujian yang dilakukan menggunakan metode uji beda rata-rata yaitu uji oneway anova (untuk lebih dari 2 kelompok perlakuan) dan uji lanjut DMRT (Duncan Multiple Range Test). Jenis media tanam yang digunakan berpengaruh nyata terhadap pertumbuhan (tinggi tanaman, panjang ibu tangkai daun, jumlah daun dan diameter batang) kecambah jernang (Daemonorops draco (Willd.) Blume). Jenis media tanam yang paling baik untuk pertumbuhan kecambah jernang (Daemonorops draco (Willd.) Blume) adalah media tanam cocopeat.
HUBUNGAN FAKTOR RISIKO DENGAN INFESTASI Pediculus humanus capitis PADA SISWA SDN BANDAR LOR 1 KOTA KEDIRI
Authors: Hermawan Rizal Aditya , Shofi Muh. , Moi Viorentin Natalia
Published: August 2024

Pedikulosis kapitis merupakan penyakit kulit kepala yang disebabkan oleh Pediculus humanus capitis. Penyakit ini dapat menular secara langsung maupun tidak langsung. Gejala klinis berupa rasa gatal pada kulit kepala. Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengetahui hubungan faktor risiko yaitu usia, jenis kelamin, bentuk rambut, jenis kulit kepala, dan tingkat pengetahuan dengan infestasi Pediculus humanus capitis pada siswa SDN Bandar Lor 1 Kota Kediri. Desain penelitian Cross Sectional dan menggunakan teknik sampling total sampling dengan jumlah sampel 72 responden dari siswa kelas I, II, dan III. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian didapatkan hasil bahwa terdapat 36% responden positif Pediculus humanus capitis dan sisanya tidak teridentifikasi Pediculus humanus capitis. Hasil analisa dengan menggunakan uji Chi Square diketahui bahwa terdapat hubungan usia, jenis kelamin, bentuk rambut, jenis kulit kepala, dan tingkat pengetahuan dengan infestasi Pediculus humanus capitis. Terdapat hubungan faktor risiko dengan infestasi Pediculus humanus capitis pada siswa kelas I, II, dan III SDN Bandar Lor 1 Kota Kediri.
INVENTARISASI MAKROALGA DI KAWASAN INTERTIDAL PANTAI UJUNG GENTENG, SUKABUMI, JAWA BARAT
Authors: Saputra Muhammad Rizky , Indarjani Indarjani , Jannah Miftahul
Published: August 2024

Makroalga merupakan salah satu sumberdaya hayati laut yang tersebar luas diperairan indonesia. Pantai Ujung genteng merupakan salah satu pantai di Indonesia dengan keanekaragaman makroalga yang cukup melimpah. Saat ini Pantai Ujung Genteng dimanfaatkan untuk berbagai kegiatan salah satunya sebagai objek pariwisata yang cukup terkenal di wilayah Sukabumi. Tingginya aktivitas di sekitar Pantai Ujung Genteng akan mempengaruhi keanekaragaman makroalga pada perairan tersebut. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui keanekaragaman makroalga di kawasan intertidal Pantai Ujung genteng. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada bulan Maret 2021-Desember 2021. Pengambilan sample dilakukan dengan metode line transek kuadrat.  Lokasi penelitian dibagi menjadi tiga bagian yaitu bagian barat, selatan, dan timur pantai, dimana pada setiap lokasi di tempatkan 5 buah transek  diletakkan  tegak lurus sepanjang 100 m terhadap garis pantai dengan jarak antar transek 50 m dan jarak antar plot 20 m. Dari hasil penelitian ditemukan 41 spesies yang berasal dari 28 genus, 19 familiy, dan 3 divisi Rhodophyta merupakan divisi dengan keanakaragaman spesies tertinggi dengan 22 spesies yang berasal dari 13 genus dan 10 family. Kondisi lingkungan di kawasan intertidal pantai ujung genteng termasuk dalam kisaran yang optimal untuk mendukung pertumbuhan makroalga.
Inventarisasi Keanekaragaman Tumbuhan Bawah di Kawasan Waduk Jatibarang Semarang
Authors: SARI AGISTA PUTRI ULAN
Published: August 2024

Tumbuhan bawah merupakan semua vegetasi yang tidak termasuk dalam golongan pohon yang biasa ditemukan di kawasan waduk salah satunya yaitu di Kawasan waduk Jatibarang yang banyak ditumbuhi keanekaragaman tumbuhan dengan kandungan manfaat yang melimpah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi keanekaragaman jenis tumbuhan bawah di kawasan waduk Jatibarang Semarang menggunakan metode sampling kuadrant dengan melakukan sampling melalui pembuatan petak ukuran 1x1 sebanyak 2 kali, metode observasi dan metode studi literature. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dengan ketiga metode tersebut maka dapat diketahui bahwa pada petak atau plot 1 tumbuh beberapa tumbuhan bawah antara lain tumbuhan Synedrella nodiflora, tumbuhan Chromolaena odorata L. ,tumbuhan bidens pilosa, tumbuhan Elephantopus Scaber L. , tumbuhan Cyanthillium cinereum L. , dan tumbuhan Desmodium triflorum. Sedangkan pada petak atau plot 2 terdapat penambahan jenis tanaman yaitu Mimosa pudica, Cleome rutidosperma dan Cyathula prostrata yang memiliki manfaat dan identifikasi tanaman.
THE EFFECT OF KNOWLEDGE AND PROMOTION ON INTEREST IN SAVING IN SHARIA BANK
Authors: Nur Mahfuz
Published: August 2024

Minat lebih dikenal sebagai keputusan pemakaian atau pembelian jasa/produk tertentu. Harapannya jika jamaah Masjid Raya Al-Barkah mempunyai pengetahuan tentang bank Syariah, dari segi dengan latar belakang pendidikan yang berbeda diharapkan jamaah masjid Al-Barkah mempunyai pengetahuan dan pemahaman yang sama mengenai Bank Syariah, pasti akan memunculkan motivasi untuk memunculkan minat menabung di Bank Syariah. Namun pada faktanya Pengetahuan dan pemahaman jamaah Masjid Raya Al-Barkah Kota Bekasi berbeda-beda, bahkan dari hasil wawancara yang diperoleh masih ada jamaah masjid raya Al-Barkah yang belum mengetahui tentang Bank Syariah.
Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui apakah pengetahuan mempengaruhi minat jamaah masjid menabung di bank syariah, untuk mengetahui apakah promosi mempengaruhi minat jamaah masjid menabung di bank Syariah. Metode pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui kuesioner yang disebarkan kepada jamaah di Masjid Raya Al-Barkah Kota Bekasi. Sampel yang diambil sebanyak 35 responden. Data yang diperoleh kemudian diolah dengan menggunakan alat bantu SPSS versi 23. Analisis ini meliputi uji reliabilitas, uji validitas, uji regresi berganda, uji asumsi klasik. Uji statistik melalui uji T, uji F, serta koefisien determinan (R2).
Hasil uji T menunjukkan bahwa pengetahuan secara parsial tidak berpengaruh positif dan tidak signifikan terhadap minat menabung Jamaah di masjid Al-Barkah Kota Bekasi. Sedangkan promosi secara parsial berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap minat menabung Jamaah di Masjid Raya Al-Barkah Kota Bekasi. Uji F menunjukkan pengetahuan, dan promosi secara simultan berpengaruh signifikan terhadap minat menabung Jamaah di Masjid Raya Al-Barkah Kota Bekasi. Dan koefisien determinasi (R2) dengan pengaruh sebesar 31,2% sisanya 68,8% dipengaruhi oleh variabel lain.
EFFECT OF RELATIONSHIP QUALITY TO BSI BRANCH PEMUDA JAKARTA CUSTOMER LOYALTY
Authors: Alifah Asyifa Putri , Khotimah Sylvia Husnul , Uyuni Badrah , Adnan Muhammad
Published: August 2024

The high level of competition requires banking companies to pay attention to the importance of the elements of relationship quality (relationship quality) as an effort to retain existing customers. And This study aims to determine what factors affect relationship quality (quality of relationship) to loyalty customers at Bank Syariah Indonesia Jakarta Pemuda Branch Office. Study This study uses a quantitative approach and for this research sample is taken by using the slovin formula with a sample of 100 customers. Research data collection techniques were collected using
observation techniques and questionnaires (questionnaire). Data analysis techniques in this study using Instrument Test (Validity & Reliability), Classical Assumption Test
(Normality & Multicollinearity), Model Test (Simple Linear Regression, Coefficient Determination & Partial Correlation), Hypothesis Testing (t Test). Data processing in
This research uses the SPSS (Statistical Package For Theft) software program Social Science) version 16.0 for windows. From the results of data processing Assumption Test Classical data is normal, from the results of the relationship quality t test (quality
relationship) has a sig value of 0.00 < 0.05 which means that it has a significant significant to customer loyalty, from the results of the Coefficient of Determination Test
The obtained R-Square value is 0.080 which means it has a strong relationship by 80% of customer loyalty while 20% is influenced by the variable other. The results of this study prove that relationship quality relationship) has a significant effect on customer loyalty at Islamic banks Indonesia Youth Branch Office.
ANALISIS PENGARUH TENAGA PENJUAL (AGEN) TERHADAP VOLUME PENJUALAN POLIS ASURANSI PRUDENTIAL PADA PT. INFINITEAM INDONESIA DI JAKARTA
Authors: Sekianti Atiek , Saepullah Asep
Published: August 2024

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis sejauh mana pengaruh tenaga penjual (sales force) terhadap volume penjualan. Untuk mengetahui bagaimana peranan brand image dalam rangka membantu tenaga penjual untuk menjual produknya sehingga berpengaruh pada volume penjualan. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu penelitian deskriptif kuantitatif, sampel pada penelitian ini yaitu sebagian dari tenaga penjual PT. Infiniteam Indonesia yang berjumlah 58 orang, sedangkan teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan rumus slovin. Jenis data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah data primer dan data sekunder, metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan yaitu obeservasi, wawancara dan Kuesioner. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu  analisis regresi linier sederhana, analisis koefisien korelasi, analisis koefisien determinasi serta uji hipotesis.
لتعامل بالنقود الرقمية في المنظور الإسلامي
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad Hamma'Adama
Published: August 2024

This research aims to show the dealing with digital money in the perspective of the Islamic .The researcher in this section has mentioned the talk about dealing in digital electronic money in the perspective of the Islamic. He mentioned the definition and the concept of money, and its history and types, and singled out the talk about digital electronic money in terms of its concept and history, and between the rule of dealing with it from the sayings of contemporary scientists that clarify the meaning of what is intended, and the position of the researcher in it, and the problem is currently that many people do not know digital electronic money as well as the rule of dealing with it, it has become necessary to find scientific research that shows and shows the legal ruling in dealing with it, and this study is based on combining approaches based on the nature and style of research, and highlighted The methods used and required by the study are the inductive method, the texts, and the analytical method, which analyzes these texts, and explains some strange words and terms if necessary. Then the researcher used the field study to collect data from books and studies, and then analyze these texts and studies from the sayings of contemporary scholars in electronic and digital money, such as the fatwas of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments in Dubai, the fatwas of the Palestinian Dar Al-Iftah, the fatwas of the Egyptian Dar Al-Iftah, and others and others. Then the position of the researcher and weighting. This section contained an introduction and four sections, and in conclusion, the researcher shed light on the most prominent in the section of the most important results reached by suggestions and recommendations, then references, sources and indexes.
KONTRIBUSI BAITUL MAAL WA TAMWIL DALAM PEMBERDAYAAN ZAKAT UNTUK MASYARAKAT UMKM MELALUI STUDI PEMBINAAN MASYARAKAT EKONOMI KECIL
Authors: M Safriadi , Asmawi Muhammad , Lubis Zulkarnain
Published: August 2024

Baitulmal Wattamwil (BMT) merupakan salah satu model lembaga keuangan syariah yang paling sederhana yang saat ini cukup banyak beroperasi di berbagai wilayah di Indonesia. Lembaga keuangan mikro BMT tetap harus memenuhi kriteria-kriteria layaknya sebuah bank syariah besar dengan ribuan anggota dan nasabahnya. Salah satu alasan yang sederhana adalah sebuah lembaga yang mengelola uang masyarakat, tentunya harus kredibel, dapat dipercaya oleh masyarakat. Siapapun pasti ingin dirinya diyakinkan bahwa uang yang dia simpan di lembaga keuangan mikro BMT aman dari resiko apapun dan setiap saat dapat mengambil uangnya kembali, (Nursali, dkk. 2004).
Zakat memiliki peran yang sangat penting dalam pemberdayaan masyarakat UMKM (Usaha Mikro, Kecil, dan Menengah). Berikut ini adalah beberapa peran penting zakat dalam pemberdayaan masyarakat UMKM: Sumber Modal Zakat dapat menjadi sumber modal yang signifikan bagi UMKM. Melalui pengelolaan yang baik, dana zakat dapat dialokasikan untuk memberikan modal usaha kepada pelaku UMKM yang membutuhkan. Modal tersebut dapat digunakan untuk meningkatkan produksi, memperluas usaha, memperbaiki infrastruktur, atau mengembangkan produk dan layanan baru. Dengan demikian, zakat dapat membantu masyarakat UMKM dalam mengatasi keterbatasan modal yang seringkali menjadi kendala dalam pengembangan usaha mereka, (Instruksi Menteri Agama RI Nomor 5 Tahun 1991).
Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian expost facto, yaitu suatu penelitian yang dilakukan untuk meneliti peristiwa yang telah terjadi dan kemungkinan merunut ke belakang untuk mengetahui faktor-faktor yang menimbulkan gejala tersebut. Berdasarkan jenis penelitian, penelitian ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif. Menurut Nur Indriantoro (2002: 256) penelitian deskripstif adalah penelitian untuk memberikan penjelasan mengenai karakteristik suatu fenomena yang telah terjadi. Berdasarkan jenis data dan analisisnya, penelitian ini tergolong penelitian kualitatif karena data yang didapatkan berasal dari observasi dan wawancara dari beberapa sumber .
Adapun tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah, untuk menggali potensi kontribusi Baitul Malwattamwil dalam pemberdayaan zakat untuk masyarakat UMKM melalui pendekatan edukasi muamalah syar'i. Adapun manfaat dari penelitian ini adalah
Dapat meningkatkan pemahaman masyarakat UMKM tentang pengelolaan zakat dan penerapan prinsip muamalah syar'i dalam kegiatan ekonomi mereka.
Memahami program penyuluhan yang akan dilakukan oleh Baitul Malwattamwil kepada masyarakat UMKM tentang pentingnya dan cara mengelola zakat dengan baik.
PENGARUH HARGA DAN CITA RASA TERHADAP KEPUASAN KONSUMEN (Studi Kasus ‘’Rumah Makan Ayam Bakar Pinggir Jalan’’ Pondok Kelapa)
Authors: Ridwan Muhammad , Sunarno S , Huda Ulumil
Published: August 2024

This study aims to determine the ''Effect of Price and Taste on Consumer Satisfaction at'' Pondok Kelapa Street Grilled Chicken Restaurant. The sample used was 100 respondents. This research uses validity test, reliability test, normality test, multicollinearity test, heteroscedasticity test. The analysis in this study uses multiple regression analysis, multiple correlation analysis, coefficient of determination and hypothesis testing. The results of this t-test study indicate that the price variable (X1) has a positive and significant effect on consumer satisfaction (Y) with a tcount of 4.696 > ttable of 1.661 and a significant value of 0.000 <0.05, the Taste variable (X2) has a positive and significant effect on Consumer Satisfaction (Y) with a tcount of 3.988 > ttable of 1.661 and a significant value of 0.000 <0.05. The correlation value of 0.702 means that it shows a strong and positive relationship. The coefficient of determination is 0.493. This means that the influence of price (X1) and taste (X2) on consumer satisfaction (Y) is 49.3% and the remaining 50.7% is influenced by other factors outside this study.