bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“It’s what mothers do.” A qualitative exploration of mothers’ experiences of supporting their daughter to be physically active
Authors: Brennan Carol , O’Donoghue Grainne , Keogh Alison , Rhodes Ryan E. , Matthews James
Published: April 2024

Objective

Girls are more at risk than boys of the non-communicable diseases associated with insufficient levels of physical activity (PA), therefore it is important to explore the reasons why girls maintain or cease to be physically active. Maternal support plays an important role in girl’s PA, yet the factors influencing mothers’ support of their PA have received limited exploration. In response, the aim of this study was to explore, mothers’ experiences of supporting their daughters to be physically active and their perceptions of the factors that might influence these experiences.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of mothers (n = 29) of girls (Mean age = 10.9 years; SD = 0.6). Reflexive Thematic Analysis was used to analyse the data, with themes mapped to the relevant domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework.

Results

Themes highlighted how mothers described providing PA support as an inherent part of their parental role and how their role was influenced by their own PA identity. Mothers recognised that the type and amount of support they provided was impacted by the community setting in which they lived. Mothers acknowledged how the role of others (e.g., partners, grandparents, peers) added a layer of complexity to supporting their daughters to be active.

Conclusion

This study advances our understanding of maternal PA support behaviours recognising the complex interplay of individual, social and environmental factors. Additionally, the use of the Theoretical Domains Framework presents an in-depth behavioural diagnosis which can be used to inform future theory-based interventions to promote parent support of children’s PA.
Unraveling the genetic diversity of Ceiba pubiflora (Malvaceae) in isolated limestone outcrops: Conservation strategies
Authors: Brandão Murilo Malveira , de Almeida Vieira Fábio , Neves Abidã Gênesis da Silva , Santos Rubens Manoel dos , Carvalho Dulcineia de , Menezes Elytania Veiga , Moreira Patrícia Abreu de , Oliveira Dario Alves de , Júnior Afrânio Farias de Melo , Royo Vanessa de Andrade
Published: April 2024

Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests (SDTFs) located on limestone outcrops are vulnerable to degradation caused by timber logging and limestone extraction for cement production. Some of these forests represent the last remnants of native vegetation cover, functioning as isolated islands. Ceiba pubiflora (Malvaceae) is a tree frequently found on limestone outcrops in the central region of Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity and identify suitable populations for the establishment of Management Units (MUs) for conservation. Inter-simple sequence repeat markers were employed to assess the genetic diversity in ten populations sampled from the Caatinga, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest biomes. The species exhibited substantial genetic diversity (HT = 0.345; PLP = 97.89%). Populations SAH, JAN, and MON demonstrated elevated rates of polymorphic loci (> 84.2%) along with notable genetic diversity (He > 0.325). Additionally, these populations were the primary contributors to gene flow. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that most genetic variation occurs within populations (91.5%) than between them. In the Bayesian analysis, the ten populations were clustered into five groups, revealing the presence of at least three barriers to gene flow in the landscape: 1) the Central Plateau or Paranã River valley; 2) near the Espinhaço mountains or the São Francisco River valley; and 3) around the Mantiqueira mountain range, Chapada dos Veadeiros plateau, and disturbed areas. A positive and statistically significant correlation was observed between genetic (θB) and geographic distances (r = 0.425, p = 0.008). Based on these findings, we propose the establishment of Management Units in Minas Gerais state, encompassing the (1) southern region (MIN population), (2) central region (SAH population), and (3) north region (MON population), as well as in Goiás state, covering the (4) Central Plateau region. These units can significantly contribute to preserving the genetic diversity of these trees and protecting their habitat against ongoing threats.
Reproductive system, temperature, and genetic background effects in experimentally evolving populations of Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Baran Joanna K. , Kosztyła Paulina , Antoł Weronika , Labocha Marta K. , Sychta Karolina , Drobniak Szymon M. , Prokop Zofia M.
Published: April 2024

Experimental evolution (EE) is a powerful research framework for gaining insights into many biological questions, including the evolution of reproductive systems. We designed a long-term and highly replicated EE project using the nematode C. elegans, with the main aim of investigating the impact of reproductive system on adaptation and diversification under environmental challenge. From the laboratory-adapted strain N2, we derived isogenic lines and introgressed the fog-2(q71) mutation, which changes the reproductive system from nearly exclusive selfing to obligatory outcrossing, independently into 3 of them. This way, we obtained 3 pairs of isogenic ancestral populations differing in reproductive system; from these, we derived replicate EE populations and let them evolve in either novel (increased temperature) or control conditions for over 100 generations. Subsequently, fitness of both EE and ancestral populations was assayed under the increased temperature conditions. Importantly, each population was assayed in 2–4 independent blocks, allowing us to gain insight into the reproducibility of fitness scores. We expected to find upward fitness divergence, compared to ancestors, in populations which had evolved in this treatment, particularly in the outcrossing ones due to the benefits of genetic shuffling. However, our data did not support these predictions. The first major finding was very strong effect of replicate block on populations’ fitness scores. This indicates that despite standardization procedures, some important environmental effects were varying among blocks, and possibly compounded by epigenetic inheritance. Our second key finding was that patterns of EE populations’ divergence from ancestors differed among the ancestral isolines, suggesting that research conclusions derived for any particular genetic background should never be generalized without sampling a wider set of backgrounds. Overall, our results support the calls to pay more attention to biological variability when designing studies and interpreting their results, and to avoid over-generalizations of outcomes obtained for specific genetic and/or environmental conditions.
A comparison of software for analysis of rare and common short tandem repeat (STR) variation using human genome sequences from clinical and population-based samples
Authors: Oketch John W. , Wain Louise V. , Hollox Edward J.
Published: April 2024

Short tandem repeat (STR) variation is an often overlooked source of variation between genomes. STRs comprise about 3% of the human genome and are highly polymorphic. Some cause Mendelian disease, and others affect gene expression. Their contribution to common disease is not well-understood, but recent software tools designed to genotype STRs using short read sequencing data will help address this. Here, we compare software that genotypes common STRs and rarer STR expansions genome-wide, with the aim of applying them to population-scale genomes. By using the Genome-In-A-Bottle (GIAB) consortium and 1000 Genomes Project short-read sequencing data, we compare performance in terms of sequence length, depth, computing resources needed, genotyping accuracy and number of STRs genotyped. To ensure broad applicability of our findings, we also measure genotyping performance against a set of genomes from clinical samples with known STR expansions, and a set of STRs commonly used for forensic identification. We find that HipSTR, ExpansionHunter and GangSTR perform well in genotyping common STRs, including the CODIS 13 core STRs used for forensic analysis. GangSTR and ExpansionHunter outperform HipSTR for genotyping call rate and memory usage. ExpansionHunter denovo (EHdn), STRling and GangSTR outperformed STRetch for detecting expanded STRs, and EHdn and STRling used considerably less processor time compared to GangSTR. Analysis on shared genomic sequence data provided by the GIAB consortium allows future performance comparisons of new software approaches on a common set of data, facilitating comparisons and allowing researchers to choose the best software that fulfils their needs.
Mobile solutions to Empower reproductive life planning for women living with HIV in Kenya (MWACh EMPOWER): Protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ngumbau Nancy , Unger Jennifer A. , Wandika Brenda , Atieno Celestine , Beima-Sofie Kristin , Dettinger Julia , Nzove Emmaculate , Harrington Elizabeth K. , Karume Agnes K. , Osborn Lusi , Sharma Monisha , Richardson Barbra A. , Seth Aparna , Udren Jenna , Zanial Noor , Kinuthia John , Drake Alison L.
Published: April 2024

Background

Women living with HIV (WLWH) face unique reproductive health (RH) barriers which increase their risks of unmet need for contraception, contraceptive failure, unintended pregnancy, and pregnancy-related morbidity and mortality and may prevent them from achieving their reproductive goals. Patient-centered counseling interventions that support health care workers (HCWs) in providing high-quality RH counseling, tailored to the needs of WLWH, may improve reproductive health outcomes.

Methods and design

We are conducting a non-blinded cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) of a digital health intervention for WLWH (clinicaltrials.gov #NCT05285670). We will enroll 3,300 WLWH seeking care in 10 HIV care and treatment centers in Nairobi and Western Kenya. WLWH at intervention sites receive the Mobile WACh Empower intervention, a tablet-based RH decision-support counseling tool administered at baseline and SMS support during two years of follow-up. WLWH at control sites receive the standard of care FP counseling. The decision-support tool is a logic-based tool for family planning (FP) counseling that uses branching logic to guide RH questions based on participants’ reproductive life plans, tailoring counseling based on the responses. Follow-up SMSs are based in the Information-Motivation-Behavioral (IMB) Skills model of behavioral change and are tailored to participant characteristics and reproductive needs through separate SMS “tracks”. Follow-up visits are scheduled quarterly for 2 years to assess plans for pregnancy, pregnancy prevention, and contraceptive use. The primary outcome, FP discontinuation, will be compared using an intent-to-treat analysis. We will also assess the unmet need for FP, dual method use, viral load suppression at conception and unintended pregnancy.

Discussion

The Mobile WACh Empower intervention is innovative as it combines a patient-centered counseling tool to support initial reproductive life decisions with longitudinal SMS for continued RH support and may help provide RH care within the context of provision of HIV care.
Zoothamnium mariella sp. nov., a marine, colonial ciliate with an atypcial growth pattern, and its ectosymbiont Candidatus Fusimicrobium zoothamnicola gen. nov., sp. nov.
Authors: Kendlbacher Vincent , Winter Teresa Maria Rosa , Bright Monika
Published: April 2024

Ciliates are unicellular eukaryotes, regularly involved in symbiotic associations. Symbionts may colonize the inside of their cells as well as their surface as ectosymbionts. Here, we report on a new ciliate species, designated asZoothamnium mariellasp. nov. (Peritrichia, Sessilida), discovered in the northern Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean Sea) in 2021. We found this ciliate species to be monospecifically associated with a new genus of ectosymbiotic bacteria, here proposed asCandidatusFusimicrobium zoothamnicola gen. nov., sp. nov. To formally describe the new ciliate species, we investigated its morphology and sequenced its 18S rRNA gene. To demonstrate its association with a single species of bacterial ectosymbiont, we performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing, fluorescencein situhybridization, and scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, we explored the two partners’ cultivation requirements and ecology.Z. mariellasp. nov. was characterized by a colony length of up to 1 mm. A consistent number of either seven or eight long branches alternated on the stalk in close distance to each other. The colony developed three different types of zooids: microzooids (“trophic stage”), macrozooids (“telotroch stage”), and terminal zooids (“dividing stage”). Viewed from inside the cell, the microzooids’ oral ciliature ran in 1 ¼ turns in a clockwise direction around the peristomial disc before entering the infundibulum, where it performed another ¾ turn. Phylogenetic analyses assignedZ. mariellasp. nov. to clade II of the family Zoothamnidae. The ectosymbiont formed a monophyletic clade within theGammaproteobacteriaalong with two other ectosymbionts of peritrichous ciliates and a free-living vent bacterium. It colonized the entire surface of its ciliate host, except for the most basal stalk of large colonies, and exhibited a single, spindle-shaped morphotype. Furthermore, the two partners together appear to be generalists of temperate, oxic, marine shallow-water environments and were collectively cultivable in steady flow-through systems.
Improving the efficiency of adaptive management methods in multiple fishways using environmental DNA
Authors: Nakai Masahiko , Masumoto Taku , Asaeda Takashi , Rahman Mizanur
Published: April 2024

Dams and weirs impede the continuity of rivers and transit of migratory fish. To overcome this obstacle, fishways are installed worldwide; however, management after installation is important. The Miyanaka Intake Dam has three fish ladders with different flow velocities and discharges and has been under adaptive management since 2012. Fish catch surveys, conducted as an adaptive management strategy, place a heavy burden on fish. Furthermore, a large number of investigators must be mobilized during the 30-day investigation period. Thus, a monitoring method using environmental DNA that exerts no burden on fish and requires only a few surveyors (to obtain water samples) and an in-house analyst was devised; however, its implementation in a fishway away from the point of analysis and with limited flow space and its effective water sampling frequency have not been reported. Therefore, in 2019, we started a trial aiming to evaluate the methods and application conditions of environmental DNA surveys for the continuous and long-term monitoring of various fish fauna upstream and downstream of the Miyanaka Intake Dam. To evaluate the fish fauna, the results of an environmental DNA survey (metabarcoding method) for 2019 to 2022 were compared to those of a catch survey in the fishway from 2012 to 2022. The results confirmed the use of environmental DNA surveys in evaluating the contribution of fishways to biodiversity under certain conditions and introduced a novel method for sample collection.
Individual quality, insecure organizational attachment, and formalistic task completion: Social cognitive perspective
Authors: Wu Wenjun , Xiao Huan , Yu Dengke
Published: April 2024

Formalistic tasks are widely utilized in modern companies due to their ability to increase productivity and contribute to the achievement of corporate goals at a lower cost. However, these tasks are often meet with resistance from individuals because they do not provide direct short-term rewards for their efforts. Drawing on social cognitive theory, this study examined the influence of individual quality and organizational attachment on the completion of formalistic tasks. To address this, the study conducted a questionnaire survey to collect data from 602 Chinese respondents and built a structural equation model for data analysis. Through empirical research, the study confirmed the positive role of individual quality, including knowledge and personality, in the completion of formalistic tasks. Furthermore, the study proved that avoidant attachment could significantly weaken the effect of some components of individual quality on formalistic task completion. This paper is the first to reveal the influence of individual and environmental factors on individuals’ completion of formalistic tasks, progressing from bottom to top. The implications of these results are discussed.
An economic evaluation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease clinical pathway in Saskatchewan, Canada: Data-driven techniques to identify cost-effectiveness among patient subgroups
Authors: Kuwornu John Paul , Maldonado Fernando , Groot Gary , Cooper Elizabeth J. , Penz Erika , Sommer Leland , Reid Amy , Marciniuk Darcy D.
Published: April 2024

Background

Saskatchewan has implemented care pathways for several common health conditions. To date, there has not been any cost-effectiveness evaluation of care pathways in the province. The objective of this study was to evaluate the real-world cost-effectiveness of a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) care pathway program in Saskatchewan.

Methods

Using patient-level administrative health data, we identified adults (35+ years) with COPD diagnosis recruited into the care pathway program in Regina between April 1, 2018, and March 31, 2019 (N = 759). The control group comprised adults (35+ years) with COPD who lived in Saskatoon during the same period (N = 759). The control group was matched to the intervention group using propensity scores. Costs were calculated at the patient level. The outcome measure was the number of days patients remained without experiencing COPD exacerbation within 1-year follow-up. Both manual and data-driven policy learning approaches were used to assess heterogeneity in the cost-effectiveness by patient demographic and disease characteristics. Bootstrapping was used to quantify uncertainty in the results.

Results

In the overall sample, the estimates indicate that the COPD care pathway was not cost-effective using the willingness to pay (WTP) threshold values in the range of $1,000 and $5,000/exacerbation day averted. The manual subgroup analyses show the COPD care pathway was dominant among patients with comorbidities and among patients aged 65 years or younger at the WTP threshold of $2000/exacerbation day averted. Although similar profiles as those identified in the manual subgroup analyses were confirmed, the data-driven policy learning approach suggests more nuanced demographic and disease profiles that the care pathway would be most appropriate for.

Conclusions

Both manual subgroup analysis and data-driven policy learning approach showed that the COPD care pathway consistently produced cost savings and better health outcomes among patients with comorbidities or among those relatively younger. The care pathway was not cost-effective in the entire sample.
Predictability of intelligence and age from structural connectomes
Authors: Kopetzky Sebastian J. , Li Yong , Kaiser Marcus , Butz-Ostendorf Markus ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: April 2024

In this study, structural images of 1048 healthy subjects from the Human Connectome Project Young Adult study and 94 from ADNI-3 study were processed by an in-house tractography pipeline and analyzed together with pre-processed data of the same subjects from braingraph.org. Whole brain structural connectome features were used to build a simple correlation-based regression machine learning model to predict intelligence and age of healthy subjects. Our results showed that different forms of intelligence as well as age are predictable to a certain degree from diffusion tensor imaging detecting anatomical fiber tracts in the living human brain. Though we did not identify significant differences in the prediction capability for the investigated features depending on the imaging feature extraction method, we did find that crystallized intelligence was consistently better predictable than fluid intelligence from structural connectivity data through all datasets. Our findings suggest a practical and scalable processing and analysis framework to explore broader research topics employing brain MR imaging.
Investigating the dose-dependency of the midgut escape barrier using a mechanistic model of within-mosquito dengue virus population dynamics
Authors: Johnson Rebecca M. , Stopard Isaac J. , Byrne Helen M. , Armstrong Philip M. , Brackney Douglas E. , Lambert Ben
Published: April 2024

Arboviruses can emerge rapidly and cause explosive epidemics of severe disease. Some of the most epidemiologically important arboviruses, including dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV), Chikungunya (CHIKV) and yellow fever virus (YFV), are transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, most notably Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. After a mosquito blood feeds on an infected host, virus enters the midgut and infects the midgut epithelium. The virus must then overcome a series of barriers before reaching the mosquito saliva and being transmitted to a new host. The virus must escape from the midgut (known as the midgut escape barrier; MEB), which is thought to be mediated by transient changes in the permeability of the midgut-surrounding basal lamina layer (BL) following blood feeding. Here, we present a mathematical model of the within-mosquito population dynamics of DENV (as a model system for mosquito-borne viruses more generally) that includes the interaction of the midgut and BL which can account for the MEB. Our results indicate a dose-dependency of midgut establishment of infection as well as rate of escape from the midgut: collectively, these suggest that the extrinsic incubation period (EIP)—the time taken for DENV virus to be transmissible after infection—is shortened when mosquitoes imbibe more virus. Additionally, our experimental data indicate that multiple blood feeding events, which more closely mimic mosquito-feeding behavior in the wild, can hasten the course of infections, and our model predicts that this effect is sensitive to the amount of virus imbibed. Our model indicates that mutations to the virus which impact its replication rate in the midgut could lead to even shorter EIPs when double-feeding occurs. Mechanistic models of within-vector viral infection dynamics provide a quantitative understanding of infection dynamics and could be used to evaluate novel interventions that target the mosquito stages of the infection.
Characterization and genomic analysis of the Lyme disease spirochete bacteriophage ϕBB-1
Authors: Faith Dominick R. , Kinnersley Margie , Brooks Diane M. , Drecktrah Dan , Hall Laura S. , Luo Eric , Santiago-Frangos Andrew , Wachter Jenny , Samuels D. Scott , Secor Patrick R.
Published: April 2024

Lyme disease is a tick-borne infection caused by the spirochete Borrelia (Borreliella) burgdorferi. Borrelia species have highly fragmented genomes composed of a linear chromosome and a constellation of linear and circular plasmids some of which are required throughout the enzootic cycle. Included in this plasmid repertoire by almost all Lyme disease spirochetes are the 32-kb circular plasmid cp32 prophages that are capable of lytic replication to produce infectious virions called ϕBB-1. While the B. burgdorferi genome contains evidence of horizontal transfer, the mechanisms of gene transfer between strains remain unclear. While we know that ϕBB-1 transduces cp32 and shuttle vector DNA during in vitro cultivation, the extent of ϕBB-1 DNA transfer is not clear. Herein, we use proteomics and long-read sequencing to further characterize ϕBB-1 virions. Our studies identified the cp32 pac region and revealed that ϕBB-1 packages linear cp32s via a headful mechanism with preferential packaging of plasmids containing the cp32 pac region. Additionally, we find ϕBB-1 packages fragments of the linear chromosome and full-length plasmids including lp54, cp26, and others. Furthermore, sequencing of ϕBB-1 packaged DNA allowed us to resolve the covalently closed hairpin telomeres for the linear B. burgdorferi chromosome and most linear plasmids in strain CA-11.2A. Collectively, our results shed light on the biology of the ubiquitous ϕBB-1 phage and further implicates ϕBB-1 in the generalized transduction of diverse genes and the maintenance of genetic diversity in Lyme disease spirochetes.
Synthesis, Characterization of New Benzopyran Pyrimidines and Study of their Solvatochromic Behaviour
Authors: Suhasini Kilaru Padma , Kumar Jayanthi Suresh , Christopher Voosala , Naidu Challa Gangu
Published: March 2024

Five new benzopyran pyrimidines (5a-e) were synthesized in three steps by using silica-sulphuric acid as catalyst. All the synthesized benzopyran pyrimidines with various substituents were characterized by spectroscopic techniques such as 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR and mass spectroscopy. The structural features of these molecules containing pyrimidine ring with π-conjugated systems and various functional groups on the aromatic rings greatly influence their photophysical properties. Thus, they behave as better candidates for developing the photoelectric materials. Thus, it is proposed to synthesize, characterize and study their solvatochromic behaviour in various polar and non-polar organic solvents viz. dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, ethyl acetate, acetonitile and ethanol. Interestingly, all the target molecules exhibited greater Stoke’s shift (λf-λa) in dichloromethane except for compound 5e, which exhibited greater value in tetrahydrofuran, possibly due to the moderately polar nature of the solvent. The synthesized benzopyran pyrimidines displayed solvatochromic characteristics due to the presence of multiple substituted functional groups on the rings in different organic solvents. Due to their remarkable properties, they could serve as potential candidate molecules for future investigations into photoelectric materials.
Alves, Elder P. M. (2020). Perfil socioeconômico e cultural dos estudantes da UFAL. Maceió: Edufal.
Authors: Paula Brena Sirelle Lira de
Published: April 2024

Alves, Elder P. M. (2020). Perfil socioeconômico e cultural dos estudantes da UFAL. Maceió: Edufal.
Celiac Disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Are Associated With Increased Risk of Eating Disorders: An Ontario Health Administrative Database Study
Authors: Subramanian Lakshmimathy , Coo Helen , Jane Alanna , Flemming Jennifer A. , Acker Amy , Hoggan Benjamin , Griffiths Rebecca , Sehgal Anupam , Mulder Daniel
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Previous national registry studies have reported an increased risk of eating disorders in immune-mediated conditions (inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease). Our objective was to examine the association between immune-mediated gastrointestinal (GI) diseases and incident eating disorders in Ontario.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective matched cohort study of individuals <50 years of age with a diagnosis of an immune-mediated GI disease between 2002 and 2020 (“cases”). Those with a pre-existing eating disorder were excluded. Cases (n = 83,920) were matched with controls (n = 167,776) based on birth year, sex, and region of residence. Incidence rate ratio and hazard ratio were estimated using Poisson regression model and adjusted Cox proportional models, respectively.

RESULTS:

Over the follow-up period (up to January 31, 2022), 161 cases and 160 controls were identified with eating disorders. The overall incidence rate ratio (95% confidence interval, P-value) of eating disorders in immune-mediated GI disease was 1.99 (1.6–2.5, P < 0.001). The adjusted hazard ratio for eating disorder in cases with immune-mediated GI diseases was 1.98 (1.6–2.5, P < 0.001). In the pediatric group of incident cases (≤18 years of age), overall adjusted hazard ratio was 2.62 (1.9–3.7, P < 0.001) compared with 1.56 (1.02–2.4, P = 0.041) for adults (>18 years of age). The largest hazard ratio of 4.11 (1.6–10.3, P = 0.003) was observed for pediatric incident cases of ulcerative colitis.

DISCUSSION:

Inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease are associated with the development of eating disorders. The magnitude of the association was stronger in the pediatric age group, underscoring the need for early screening and detection.
INCULCATING CARING AND ENVIRONMENTALLY CULTURED CHARACTERS AMONG MADRASAH IBTIDAIYAH STUDENTS THROUGH THE ADIWIYATA PROGRAM
Authors: Fikri Alfarobi Brillian , Kusumawati Erna Risfaula , Setya Makhasin Ariffi
Published: March 2024

The character of caring for the environment needs to be instilled in students from an early age to increase their awareness. This caring is an attitude and action that tries to prevent damage to the surroundings. Therefore, this study aims to describe the formation of caring and environmentally cultured characters in students through the Adiwiyata program at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Negeri (MIN) 1 Kendal, Central Java, Indonesia. The descriptive qualitative approach was used and the informants were the principal, teachers, and students. Data collection was carried out through observation, interviews, and documentation. Furthermore, data analysis was carried out by reduction, presentation, and verification using source and technique triangulation. The results showed the Adiwiyata program at MIN 1 Kendal generated some character building for students and madrasah residents, such as discipline, cooperation and responsibility, as well as sincerity in charity. The formation of a caring and environmentally cultured character in students through the program is implemented with four essential elements, namely Adiwiyata Madrasah Policies, Curriculum, Participatory-Based Activities, and Support Facilities.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS' SCIENCE LITERACY CAPABILITIES IN DIY AND THEIR IMPLEMENTATION IN PREPARATION FOR THE ASESMEN STANDARDISASI PENDIDIKAN DAERAH (ASPD)
Authors: Pangesti Nindiasari Agung , Jumadi Jumadi
Published: March 2024

This research analyzes the science literacy skills of elementary school teachers in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) and their implementation in preparing the Regional Education Standard Assessment (ASPD). Teachers' science literacy skills significantly impact the quality of primary education, especially in preparing for ASPD. PISA defines science literacy as the ability to interact with science-related issues and ideas of science as a reflective citizen. This study uses a qualitative approach with descriptive analysis methods. The respondents in this study were five elementary school teachers from various schools in DIY—the data collection technique for teachers' science literacy skills used science literacy questions from PISA 2015. Meanwhile, data on the implementation of science literacy were obtained using a Likert scale. The study results show that elementary school teachers in DIY have science literacy skills with a score of 44.3%. Teachers who possess science literacy skills have generally implemented them in their teaching. However, some teachers have yet to receive science literacy training and implement it in the classroom.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCIENTIFIC APPROACH ON THE THEMATIC LEARNING CASE STUDY OF AL-ZAHRA PAMULANG ISLAMIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Authors: Fauzan Fauzan , Mawaddah Nurul
Published: March 2024

Scientific approach is important to increase student problem solving, however students are limited in exploring knowledge through student experience. This research has a goal, namely to find alternative solutions for teachers in implementing a scientific approach to thematic learning at Al-Zahra Elementary School (ES) Indonesia, Pamulang. This study used descriptive qualitative method. Data collection and processing techniques use observation, interviews and document analysis. The procedure for collecting and processing data passes through 3 stages, namely the preparation stage, the implementation stage, and the final stage. Data analysis techniques are data reduction, data display/data presentation, and drawing conclusions. Integrated thematic learning using a scientific approach in grade 2 Al-Zahra ES Indonesia is in the fairly good category. As for the process of making the lesson plans can be said to be good. However, there are some student activities during learning that the teacher has not been able to deal with. For future improvements, the solution that can be given or submitted by researchers to schools / homerooms in improving the quality of the scientific approach in thematic learning is to hold training in making lesson plans in order to maximize the quality of lesson plans made by teachers. Schools should also regularly hold advanced training on the implementation of thematic learning so that teachers have deeper insight and knowledge to apply in the classroom.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF INCLUSIVE LEARNING DESIGN AT AL AZHAAR TULUNGAGUNG ISLAMIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL IN THE 5.0 ERA
Authors: Erfiana Nita Agustina Nurlaila Eka , Mufidati Khusnul , Pusvitasari Rita
Published: March 2024

A phenomenon in society shows that normal children and children with disabilities cannot be separated as social communities. Inclusive education programs are designed to be implemented in schools to help children with disabilities receive an education alongside their peers and reach their full potential. This research aims to examine the implementation of inclusive learning design in the 5.0 era. Inclusive learning designs must be prepared and implemented with mature concepts based on students' goals, needs, and abilities. This research uses a qualitative descriptive approach with Al Azhaar Islamic Elementary School (IES) Tulungagung, Tumur Java, Indonesia as the research location. Data collection instruments in this research are observation, interviews, and documentation. The informants involved in this research were 40 people consisting of students, teachers, and inclusive school managers at Al-Azhaar Islamic Elementary School, Tulungagung, who were selected using purposive sampling techniques. Inductive data analysis was carried out in this research with stages of data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions or verification. The results of this research show the characteristics of inclusive learning that is friendly and comfortable for students with special needs. The design and development of inclusive learning is carried out by ensuring that life skills and technology learning are maintained and mastered by students as a scientific preparation for the future.
Michael-Simon type inequalities in hyperbolic space
H
n
+
1

${\mathbb{H}}^{n+1}$

via Brendle-Guan-Li’s flows
Authors: Cui Jingshi , Zhao Peibiao
Published: April 2024

In the present paper, we first establish and verify a new sharp hyperbolic version of the Michael-Simon inequality for mean curvatures in hyperbolic space

H

n
+
1

${\mathbb{H}}^{n+1}$

based on the locally constrained inverse curvature flow introduced by Brendle, Guan and Li (“An inverse curvature type hypersurface flow in

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1

${\mathbb{H}}^{n+1}$

,” (Preprint)) as follows
(0.1)

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ν

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1

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f

n

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1

n

$$\underset{M}{\int }{\lambda }^{\prime }\sqrt{{f}^{2}{E}_{1}^{2}+\vert {\nabla }^{M}f{\vert }^{2}}-\underset{M}{\int }\langle \bar{\nabla }\left(f{\lambda }^{\prime }\right),\nu \rangle +\underset{\partial M}{\int }f\ge {\omega }_{n}^{\frac{1}{n}}{\left(\underset{M}{\int }{f}^{\frac{n}{n-1}}\right)}^{\frac{n-1}{n}}$$

provided that M is h-convex and f is a positive smooth function, where λ′(r) = coshr. In particular, when f is of constant, (0.1) coincides with the Minkowski type inequality stated by Brendle, Hung, and Wang in (“A Minkowski inequality for hypersurfaces in the anti-de Sitter-Schwarzschild manifold,” Commun. Pure Appl. Math., vol. 69, no. 1, pp. 124–144, 2016). Further, we also establish and confirm a new sharp Michael-Simon inequality for the kth mean curvatures in

H

n
+
1

${\mathbb{H}}^{n+1}$

by virtue of the Brendle-Guan-Li’s flow (“An inverse curvature type hypersurface flow in

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n
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1

${\mathbb{H}}^{n+1}$

,” (Preprint)) as below
(0.2)

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∫

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∇

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f

λ

′

,
ν

⋅

E

k
−
1

+

∫

∂
M

f
⋅

E

k
−
1

≥

p

k

◦

q

1

−
1

(

W

1

(

Ω

)

)

1

n
−
k
+
1

∫

M

f

n
−
k
+
1

n
−
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⋅

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k
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\begin{align}\hfill & \underset{M}{\int }{\lambda }^{\prime }\sqrt{{f}^{2}{E}_{k}^{2}+\vert {\nabla }^{M}f{\vert }^{2}{E}_{k-1}^{2}}-\underset{M}{\int }\langle \bar{\nabla }\left(f{\lambda }^{\prime }\right),\nu \rangle \cdot {E}_{k-1}+\underset{\partial M}{\int }f\cdot {E}_{k-1}\hfill \\ \hfill & \quad \ge {\left({p}_{k}{\circ}{q}_{1}^{-1}\left({W}_{1}\left({\Omega}\right)\right)\right)}^{\frac{1}{n-k+1}}{\left(\underset{M}{\int }{f}^{\frac{n-k+1}{n-k}}\cdot {E}_{k-1}\right)}^{\frac{n-k}{n-k+1}}\hfill \end{align}

provided that M is h-convex and Ω is the domain enclosed by M, p

k
(r) = ω

n
(λ′)
k−1,

W

1

(

Ω

)

=

1

n

|
M
|

${W}_{1}\left({\Omega}\right)=\frac{1}{n}\vert M\vert $

, λ′(r) = coshr,

q

1

(

r

)

=

W

1

S

r

n
+
1

${q}_{1}\left(r\right)={W}_{1}\left({S}_{r}^{n+1}\right)$

, the area for a geodesic sphere of radius r, and

q

1

−
1

${q}_{1}^{-1}$

is the inverse function of q
1. In particular, when f is of constant and k is odd, (0.2) is exactly the weighted Alexandrov–Fenchel inequalities proven by Hu, Li, and Wei in (“Locally constrained curvature flows and geometric inequalities in hyperbolic space,” Math. Ann., vol. 382, nos. 3–4, pp. 1425–1474, 2022).
Becoming response-able with a protest placard: white under(-)standing in encounters with the Black German Other
Authors: Krause-Alzaidi Lara-Stephanie
Published: April 2024

This paper emerged from an encounter with the Black Lives Matter placard I understand that I will never understand but I stand with you in Leipzig, Germany, and it centers white understanding as a constitutive practice of whiteness. This is mainly a theoretical contribution (learning towards the philosophical), although it includes some interview data and observations from protest participation. I contribute to raciolinguistics by reading the concept of the white listening subject through Barad’s new materialist notion of apparatuses, asking what exactly constitutes white understanding. This allows me to bring out the potentials and pitfalls (i.e. the counter/productivity) of white understanding as a reflective practice, which I put into conversation with my embodied practice of under-standing (i.e. standing under) the placard at a BLM protest in Berlin. I show how the white body is measured by a Black norm in the protest space, producing a productive discomfort filled with opportunities for becoming response-able towards the Black Other, but also towards whiteness. Considering the ethico-esthetic framing of this collection, I pursue an aesthethics of wor(l)ding that inter-rupts, dis/entangles, and walks around with and in words. It gestures towards what we usually leave out when pursuing one analytical avenue over another.
Exploration of the genetic influence of MYOT and MB genes on the plumage coloration of Muscovy ducks
Authors: Sun Guo-Bo , Lu Yan-Feng , Duan Xiu-Jun
Published: April 2024

Plumage color, a pivotal attribute delineating diverse Muscovy duck strains, assumes considerable significance within the field of Muscovy duck breeding research. This study extends the existing research by delving into the hereditary aspects of genes associated with plumage coloration in Muscovy ducks. The principal objective is to discern marker genes conducive to targeted breeding strategies based on plumage color, thereby furnishing indispensable technical foundations for the development of novel Muscovy duck varieties. Our investigation focused on scrutinizing the impact of MYOT and MB genes on the genetic expression of plumage color at both the RNA and protein levels in Muscovy ducks. The results elucidate that black Muscovy ducks manifest markedly elevated mRNA and protein expression levels of MYOT and MB genes in comparison to their white counterparts, indicating that both genes may play a constructive regulatory role in the context of plumage coloration in Muscovy ducks. The outcomes of this study delineate a discernible correlation between MYOT and MB genes and the plumage coloration in Muscovy ducks. Employing gene expression analysis, we successfully identified candidate genes that may be intricately linked to the determination of plumage color in these ducks.
Spatial mapping of indoor air quality in a light metro system using the geographic information system method
Authors: Çoşgun Ahmet
Published: April 2024

It is known that one of the greatest problems of developed countries in the twenty-first century is traffic. For this reason, engineers have searched for alternative solutions to the problem of traffic. One such solution is the construction and utilization of rail systems instead of main roads. From an engineering perspective, rail systems can be divided into three groups: metro, light metro, and tram systems. Light metro systems, which are a form of public transportation, are not directly inside the traffic. Their most important advantages include the fact that they do not release combustion products such as CO, and metro and light metro systems may be considered environmentally friendly based solely on their electricity consumption. In this study, measurements of parameters affecting indoor air quality were made inside light metro cars and in and around light metro stations belonging to the light metro system of the Metropolitan Municipality of Antalya, known as the tourism capital of Turkey. In February and March 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic was first registered in Turkey, particulate matter (PM), temperature, and relative humidity measurements were made for testing indoor and outside air quality. Moreover, as outside air parameters, outside temperature, outside relative humidity, CO, normalized difference vegetation index, and ultraviolet aerosol index data were obtained from the General Directorate of Meteorology of Turkey. The measurement results were analyzed using the inverse distance weighting method in the geographic information system. Based on the results of the analyses, spatial maps were created for indoor and outside air quality parameters in the light metro system. Using these maps, the effects of passenger density and environmental factors both inside the metro cars and at the metro stations on indoor air quality were identified. In addition, the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the COVID-19 period was analyzed using spatial maps of the PM0.3 and PM0.5 parameters. It is believed that the results of this study will set an example for further indoor air quality studies worldwide, and this study is unique in that it employed a method that is used particularly in survey and geomatics engineering for analyzing indoor air quality in light metro systems.
Iron indices and hemogram in renal anemia and the improvement with Tribulus terrestris green-formulated silver nanoparticles applied on rat model
Authors: Wu Xiujuan , Shi Jingyan , Dai Yangping , Tang Weiqi , Cao Huijun , Chen Jieyu
Published: April 2024

The recent research was done to assess the hematological and biochemical disorders in nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin (100 mg/kg) in Wistar rats. The green-formulated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by Tribulus terrestris leaf were analyzed by XRD, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The shape of the recent nanoparticles was spherical in size of 48 nm. In the in vivo, the classical and novel kidney injury parameters were used to assess the nephroprotective properties of AgNPs in animal model. Gentamicin decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.01) the value of PCV, concentration of HB, and count of RBC. The value of serum iron, erythropoietin, Cr, and urea raised in the gentamicin group. Leucogram revealed thrombocytopenia, granulocytosis, and leukocytosis. AgNPs improved the iron, erythropoietin, thrombocytes, leukogram, and erythrogram. The levels of creatinine, urea, GGT, ALT, AST, and ALP significantly reduced and albumin and total protein increased in group treated with AgNPs. Also, AgNPs significantly raised the anti-inflammatory cytokines, i.e., IL3, TGFβ, IL10, IL5, and IL4, and decreased the pro-inflammatory cytokines, i.e., TNFα, IL18, IL12, IL6, and IL1. These findings may offer AgNPs as a nephroprotective agent that could be a suitable therapeutic supplement in blood disorders conditions.
Analysis of the Effect of Digital Financial Inclusion in Promoting Inclusive Growth: Mechanism and Statistical Verification
Authors: Yang Jingyi , Guo Xiaoyang , Zhang Xiuwu
Published: April 2024

As the main goal of economic development, inclusive growth (IG) is an important strategic measure to achieve common prosperity. Whether digital inclusive finance can make use of the advantages of scientific and technological innovation to promote IG is of great significance to promote the fairness, effectiveness, and inclusiveness of global development. Based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2011 to 2021 (excluding Tibet, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan), this article first measures the IG index of China from three dimensions: sustainable economic growth, income distribution, and social equity. Subsequently, the article uses a series of mathematical statistical models to verify the transmission path and mechanism of the influence of digital inclusive finance on IG. The findings are as follows: (1) The level of IG in China shows a decreasing trend from east to middle to west, while the average annual growth rate of IG in the eastern region is obviously lower than that in the central and western regions; (2) digital inclusive finance has a significant promotion effect on IG, and digital inclusive finance in the central and western regions has a more obvious promotion effect on IG; (3) digital inclusive finance can achieve IG by increasing innovation activity and improving the level of human capital. Finally, based on the research conclusions, the article puts forward relevant policy suggestions, which provide reference value for formulating high-quality national development strategies and promoting high-quality economic development.
Trachyspermum copticum aqueous seed extract-derived silver nanoparticles: Exploration of their structural characterization and comparative antibacterial performance against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Barabadi Hamed , Mojab Faraz , Ashouri Fatemeh , Jounaki Kamyar , Jahani Reza , Ramezani Ali
Published: April 2024

In this study, the aqueous seed extract of Trachyspermum copticum was employed to fabricate silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for their antibacterial performance. The structural characteristics of the phytofabricated AgNPs were investigated using ultraviolet–visible, energy dispersive X-ray, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, field emission scanning electron microscope, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Further, the antibacterial effects of AgNPs were evaluated against two standard gram-positive strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes and two standard gram-negative strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The findings showed the phytofabrication of spherical-shaped AgNPs with a Z-average diameter of 119.7 nm and the polydispersity index of 0.56. The minimum inhibitory concentration of AgNPs against S. aureus, S. pyogenes, E. coli, and K. pneumoniae strains was 0.25, 1, 0.5, and 0.5 μg·mL−1, respectively. In addition, the minimum bactericidal concentration of these nanoparticles (NPs) against the mentioned strains was 8, 16, 4, and 4 μg·mL−1, respectively. Furthermore, the AgNPs enhanced the generation of reactive oxygen species significantly in all studied bacteria compared to the control (P < 0.05) suggesting an oxidative-associated antibacterial mechanism of AgNPs. Moreover, a dose-dependent cell death was found in all bacterial samples based on flow cytometry analysis. Overall, this study showed a biological approach for the biosynthesis of AgNPs with significant antibacterial effects.