bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
İKİNCİ/YABANCI DİL OLARAK TÜRKÇE ÖĞRETİMİ BAĞLAMINDA ÜSTSÖYLEM VE AKADEMİK DİNLEME İLİŞKİSİ
Authors: DEMİREL AYDEMİR Gül Deniz , GENÇ Ayten
Published: December 2023

Türkiye’deki öğretim dili Türkçe olan programlarda yüksek öğrenim görmek üzere gelip bölümlerine başlayan uluslararası öğrencilerin bölümlerinde ve diğer akademik ortamlarda karşılaştıkları akademik görevleri gerçekleştirme konusunda yaşadığı güçlükler ve bu konudaki ihtiyaçları gözetilerek üniversitelerde uluslararası öğrenciler için akademik Türkçe dersleri başlatılmıştır. Bu derslerin öğrencilerin söz konusu bağlamlarda etkin rol alabilmeleri için akademik ortamların uzlaşımları ve akademik söylemin özellikleriyle birlikte alımlayıcı ve üretici dil becerilerini geliştirmeye odaklanması beklenmektedir. Ancak günümüzde yaygın olarak okutulan akademik Türkçe ders kitaplarında akademik dinleme becerisinin bu bağlamda akademik okuma ve yazmaya göre daha az üzerinde durulan ve çoğunlukla yalnızca anlamaya yönelik sorularla çalıştırılan bir beceri olduğu görülmektedir. Halbuki ihtiyaç analizi çalışmaları ve öğrencilerin karşılaştığı güçlükleri araştıran çalışmalar, dinleme becerisinin öneminin altını çizmektedir. Bu çalışmada uygulamalı dilbilimin ikinci/yabancı dil öğretimindeki sorunlara çözüm önerileri getirme amacı olduğu fikrinden de yola çıkılarak dilbilimsel bir olgu olan üstsöylemin akademik dinleme öğretimi bağlamında işlevselliğine dikkat çekmek ve ilgili literatürü sunmak amaçlanmıştır çünkü ikinci/yabancı dil olarak Türkçe öğretiminde akademik dinlemeye odaklanan çok az sayıdaki çalışmada akademik dinlemede üstsöylemin işlevselliğine odaklanan bir çalışmaya rastlanmamıştır. Bu doğrultuda ikinci/yabancı dil olarak Türkçe öğretimi bağlamında akademik dinleme konusu üzerinde durulmuş; üstsöylem olgusu, ayrıntılarıyla açıklanmış ve ikisinin ilişkisini ortaya koyan çalışmaların bulguları bir araya getirilip sunulmuştur.
Antifungal Activity of Selaginella plana (Desv. ex Poir.) Hieron Extract Against Candida albicans In Vitro
Authors: Juen Carla Warella  , Khairunnida Rahma  , Agung Dwi Wahyu Widodo  , Rebekah Juniati Setiabudi
Published: December 2023

Highlights:
1. A study on the medical benefits of Selaginella plana has significant academic value due to its extensive traditional usage among the Moluccan people as a medicinal remedy, especially for its antifungal properties.2. The findings of this study will allow further screening to determine the mechanism of action of bioactive compounds in inhibiting the growth of Candida albicans
 
Abstract
Candidiasis is an opportunistic infection caused by Candida albicans. This infection commonly affects the skin, oral mucosa, vagina, and gastrointestinal tract. Excessive use of azole antifungals in the treatment of Candida albicans infections can lead to the development of resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to explore alternative treatments using medicinal plants such as Selaginella plana, commonly referred to as “rutu-rutu” in a local language spoken across Maluku, Indonesia. Selaginella plana contains active compounds belonging to various chemical classes, including terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, and saponins. This study aimed to determine the ability of Selaginella plana extract as an antifungal agent against Candida albicans by evaluating its inhibitory and antifungal effects. This study used an actual experimental design and broth dilution method. The research methodology involved the extraction of Selaginella plana using a solvent of 96% ethanol. The extract was then prepared in various concentrations, i.e., 100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.25%, and 3.125%. Additionally, ketoconazole and distilled water were included in the experiment for the positive and negative controls, respectively. The results of this study demonstrated that Selaginella plana extract inhibited the growth of Candida albicans when administered starting at a concentration of 12.5%. However, the antifungal potential of Selaginella plana extract that induced cell death was only observed at a concentration of 100%. The fungicidal activity was exclusively identified in the undiluted, pure extract. The inhibitory and cytotoxic effects of Selaginella plana on Candida albicans cells were attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds in Selaginella plana, including flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and saponins. These bioactive compounds had the ability to inhibit cell growth by altering membrane permeability, causing mitochondrial dysfunction, and disrupting ergosterol biosynthesis. It can be concluded that Selaginella plana extract can act as a fungistatic agent against the proliferation of Candida albicans.
Toxicity Test on the Combination of Caesalpinia sappan and Zingiber officinale in Rattus norvegicus Induced by Complete Freund's Adjuvant
Authors: Salma Nadiah Armadanti , Tukiran  , Suyatno Sutoyo  , Fauzia Indah Sabila
Published: December 2023

Highlights:1. This study determined the toxic effects of combining Caesalpinia sappan and Zingiber officinale extracts, aspeople need to be aware of the potential side effects of these common herbal remedies for the treatment ofrheumatoid arthritis.2. The combination of Caesalpinia sappan and Zingiber officinale extracts is efficacious and non-toxic as an antiarthritis treatment, hence, the ingredients can be upgraded to standardized herbal medicines andphytopharmaceuticals.
 
Abstract
Sappanwood (Caesalpinia sappan) and red ginger (Zingiber officinale) are plant species that have been studied for theirefficacy in treating inflammation related to rheumatoid arthritis. This study aimed to examine the effects of combiningsappanwood and red ginger in order to determine the potential toxicity of the herbal extracts in medicine. The toxicitytesting was carried out in vivo using 32 Wistar strain male white rats (Rattus norvegicus) grouped into eight groups of four.The rats were injected with complete Freund's adjuvant to induce a chronic inflammatory effect. The eight groups consistedof the negative control group, the positive control group, the normal group, and five treatment groups. This study wasconducted by observing the animals for toxic symptoms and death to determine the safety of the extracts and drugs. Theobservation results were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (p<0.05). The analysis results showed that weightgain and relative organ weight among the groups had no significant differences (p>0.05). Microscopic examination of theorgan preparations observed under a light microscope revealed no significant changes or adverse effects in rats treated withthe extracts or drugs. In conclusion, a combination of sappanwood and red ginger ethanol extracts administered orally hasno toxic effect in rats injected with complete Freund's adjuvant.
The Effect of Childhood Obesity on Psychomotor Behavior
Authors: Khalfani Muhammad Adrian , Purwo Sri Rejeki  , Sakina  , Nur Ezza Fazleen Mohd Fathil
Published: December 2023

Childhood obesity is a complex problem, and its prevalence among school-age children has been found to have a greater impact on their physical well-being compared to their learning difficulties. In some cases, teachers or schools may not pay enough attention to issues that have the potential to affect or delay the psychomotor development of children. Therefore, this study aimed to provide enhanced comprehension regarding the effect of childhood obesity on psychomotor behavior. This study used a systematic review methodology to synthesize information regarding the effect of obesity on children's health and development. The information and data presented in this study were obtained from several scientific sources accessed through online libraries such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library. A comprehensive search was conducted to identify scholarly publications, which resulted in a total of 815 papers published between 2013 and 2022. The selected papers exclusively consisted of original research articles that primarily focused on investigating the relationship between obesity in children aged 5–14 years and their psychomotor abilities and development outcomes. Following the screening process, five studies were found to meet the specified criteria. The findings of the selected studies revealed a substantial resemblance, specifically the correlation between childhood obesity and poor motor skills. Furthermore, the selected studies discovered that an increase in body fat is commonly associated with a rise in total body weight, or the relative body mass index (BMI), in both adults and children. Some studies demonstrated significant differences in the performance of diverse psychomotor variables according to children's BMI. According to the results of the studies, children with a higher BMI showed inferior performance in motor activities as a result of compromised body control and balance that inhibited the children's movement. This systematic review concludes that obesity has an effect on the psychomotor behavior of children.
Impact of testosterone levels and testosterone replacement ther-apy on men’s health
Authors: Karbowska Zuzanna , Cierpiszewska Katarzyna , Maruszczak Klara , Sukhachova Ivanna , Szwankowska Dominika , Piotrowski Igor
Published: December 2023

Various studies have shown that testosterone levels heavily impact many areas of a man’s health. Low serum testosterone (and, by analogy, late onset hypogonadism) may be responsible for such conditions as type 2 diabetes, obesity in abdominal area, and most of all, heightened cardiovascular risk (CV). Among other outcomes researchers have pointed out metabolic syndrome and dyslipidemia, as well as increased risk of anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder. There have also been reports of testosterone’s influence on fertility, bone mineral density and the development of polycythemia. All of these effects can be linked to the increased levels of inflammatory markers caused by low testosterone and lead to higher risk of premature death.
Overly high testosterone, however, has been proven to have a notable influence on men’s personality, as well as other psychological and social traits, both in endogenously elevated testosterone level, and in patients with history of anabolic- androgenic steroid use.
The last decade’s research of testosterone’s impact on the organism has brought contradictory results. Therefore, examination and understanding of the influence of its abnormal levels proves important to not only guarantee the best quality of hypogonadism treatment, but also to efficiently prevent any side effects or complications associated with testosterone use.
Clinical applications and efficacy of mirror neuron function
Authors: Musioł Aleksandra , Paluch Hanna , Samoń-Drzewicka Anna , Marcinkowska-Gapińska Anna
Published: December 2023

Mirror therapy aims to restore the function of a disabled body part by using the function of mirror neurons in the brain and mimicking the physiological activity of a healthy body part.  The existence of mirror neurons was first discovered in the monkey brain, then they were proven to occur in the human brain. The working pattern is always the same. If one limb moves, the correct part of the brain is activated and the mirror neurons responsible for stimulating the other limbs are activated. This is how the "mirror" in the brain works. The therapy uses a box with a mirror on one side and hides the impaired limb in it.. When a healthy limb moves, it is reflected in the mirror. The brain receives it as a movement of an inefficient limb, even though it is only an illusion. It drives the recruitment of neural joints and provides the reconstruction of neural pathways. The activity of mirror neurons is used in rehabilitation, in mirror therapy (MT), observational action therapy (AOT) and their variants, such as therapies based on Virtual Reality (VR). A significant effect of this treatment was observed in phantom limb pain (PLP) and post-stroke syndromes, such as motor aphasia, hemiparesis of the lower or upper limb. There are reports on the use of MT in some mental diseases or in autistic people in learning emotions. This review outlines the current possibilities and hopes for therapies based on mirror neuron functions based on selected cases.
PENAMBAHAN JENIS DAN LEVEL BAHAN PENGISI YANG BERBEDA TERHADAP NILAI PROFIL WARNA L*, a*, b* PRODUK CHIP TELUR
Authors: Kartina Kartina , Nahariah Nahariah , Hikmah Hikmah
Published: December 2023

Egg chips are not yet common in society so it is necessary to pay attention to appearance, especially color. Color is one of the determinants of food being accepted or not by consumers. This study aims to determine the effect of adding the type and level of fillers to the value of L*, a*, and b* in egg chips. Eighty-one eggs were used in the research. The studies were arranged based on a completely randomized design with a 3 x 3 factorial pattern with 3 replications. The first factor consisted of 3 types of fillers, namely tapioca powder, soybean protein isolate, and Porang powder. The second factor was the level of filler (%) 3, 6, and 9 respectively. Parameters measured were color (L*= brightness level, a*= redness level, b*= yellowness level). The addition of tapioca powder can increase the brightness of the egg chips, and Porang powder can increase the reddish and yellowish color of the egg chips. However, at the filler level, it can increase the color of the brightness, redness, and yellowness of egg chips.
The Discursive Construction of ‘Good Parenting’ by Romanian Parenting Influencers
Authors: Toader Florența
Published: December 2023

This article analyzes promotional and educational content published online by newly emerged parenting influencers in Romania to endorse parenting education programs, workshops, seminars, or books. The paper aims to investigate how these programs construct ‘good parenting’ practices at a discursive level, what (de)legitimation strategies they use to promote products or services, and how they shape power relations between experts and parents. The study uses a multidimensional thematic, critical, and pragmatic discourse analysis approach. The results show that, through discursive strategies, influencers portray ‘good parenting’ as an anxiety and value-driven process. This approach is rooted in a parental determinist view that emphasizes the influence of parental actions on children’s health and well-being. On the other hand, parenting expert influencers depict the ‘good parent’ as a ‘conscious parent’ (a parent that is both child-conscious, and attentive to their own needs and emotions) who should reform old parenting practices to ensure a secure relationship with their children and correct old parenting mistakes. The paper contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the changing nature of parental culture in post-industrial countries, with a particular focus on Romania.
THE ASSESSMENT OF ECONOMIC DAMAGE FROM TICK-BORNE ENCEPHALITIS BASED ON POTENTIAL YEARS OF LIFE LOST
Authors:   Northern State Medical University, Arkhangelsk, Russia, Sokolova Olga ,   Arkhangelsk Region Department of the Federal Service on Customers' Rights Protection and Human Well-Being Surveillance, Arkhangelsk, Russia, Ushakova Tatyana ,   Northern State Medical University, Arkhangelsk, Russia, Zykova Natalya ,   Northern State Medical University, Arkhangelsk, Russia, Buzinov Roman ,   Northern State Medical University, Arkhangelsk, Russia,   North-West Public Health Research Center, St. Petersburg, Russia, Tokarevich Nikolay ,   St. Petersburg Pasteur Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia,   North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov, St. Petersburg, Russia
Published: December 2023

Significance. The assessment of economic damage from infectious diseases is important for substantiating the ongoing preventive and anti-epidemic measures. It makes it possible to identify the most significant diseases and make effective management decisions to reduce the incidence. The average incidence of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in the Arkhangelsk region in 2004-2021 exceeds the Russian one 3.2 times. The Arkhangelsk region reports lethal cases every year. It is necessary to calculate the TBE economic damage to determine priority control measures and update preventive measures at the regional level. The purpose of the study is to calculate the economic damage from lethal cases of tick-borne encephalitis in the Arkhangelsk region and provide interpretations. Material and methods. The assessment of economic damage from lethal TBE cases was based on calculation of potential years of life lost (PYLL) according to Methodological recommendations [1]. The study used data on lethal TBE cases from the forms of Federal statistical observation # 2 "Information on infectious and parasitic diseases" in the Arkhangelsk region for 2011-2021, maps of epidemiological examination of TBE foci. Results. For the period from 2011 to 2021, the average economic damage incurred by the Arkhangelsk region because of the lost regional gross product associated with TBE deaths adjusted for inflation calculated on the basis of YPLL adds up to 12,136,771.6 Russian rubles per year. Conclusions. The economic damage calculation makes it possible to visualize the burden associated with TBE incidence in the Arkhangelsk region and substantiates the need to further improve preventive and anti-epidemic measures with regard to tick-borne encephalitis. Scope of application. The study results can be used to make management decisions to reduce the TBE incidence, including the development of plans and programs of preventive and anti-epidemic measures.
POPULATION-BASED RESULTS OF A SYSTEM OF MEASURES TO REDUCE MORTALITY FROM CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASES IN THE STAVROPOL TERRITORY
Authors:   Stavropol State Medical University, Stavropol, Russia, Muravyeva Alla , Mikhaylova Yulia ,   Federal research institute for Health organization and informatics of Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia, Sterlikov Sergey ,   Federal research institute for Health organization and informatics of Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
Published: December 2023

Significance. In order to fulfill the Presidential Decree dated May 7, 2018 No. 204, a system of social mobilization of the population and patient routing was created in the Stavropol Territory, including a rapid detection of patients with cerebrovascular diseases (CVD), their timely hospitalization in primary vascular departments, as well as care for patients with a combination of CVD and COVID-19. The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of the developed system of measures on the CVD mortality rate. Material and methods. The authors have analyzed mortality from CVD for the period from 2018 to 2022, Rosstat official statistical data on distribution of the diseased by sex, age group and cause of death. The dynamics in indicators was compared with similar data for the North Caucasian Federal District (NCFD) and the Russian Federation. Results. In the Stavropol Territory, non-standardized and standardized mortality rates decreased, while in other regions of the Russian Federation (RF) and the North Caucasus Federal District they grew. The number of years of life lost due to CVD in the Stavropol Territory decreased by 36.9% (NCFD - by 36.8%, RF - by 29.7%). The loss of labor potential due to the increased retirement age increased by 25.0% (other regions of the North Caucasus Federal District - 22.2%; RF - by 38.1%). The relative risk of death from CVD among rural residents compared with urban residents decreased from 1.06 [1.01-1.12] to 1.02 [0.97-1.08]; in other words, became equal due to the accelerated reduction in the risk of death in rural population compared to the urban one. The share of CVD in the structure of all causes of death decreased from 17.6% to 12.4%. In the structure of causes of death from CVD, there was a decrease in the share of unspecified strokes (from 6.1% to 4.1%), unspecified cerebrovascular disease (from 8.2% to 3.0%), while the share of CVD consequences increased (from 6.6% up to 12.6%). Mortality decreased from 5.7% to 4.9%. Conclusion. The developed system of measures made it possible to reduce the CVD mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. The medical effectiveness of this approach in terms of reducing mortality in relation to the entire range of measures used during this period in the Russian Federation equaled to 12.7%. The proposed approach made it possible to level out the CVD mortality in urban and rural population, get a higher reduction in the number of years of life lost, reduce the increase in the loss of labor potential, and lethality from CVD. Scope of application. The study results can be used by health executive authorities.
Blood Loss in Primary Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty with Limited Tourniquet Application
Authors: Diri Doried , Alasaad Hakam , Abou Ali Mhana Sedra , Muhammed Hussain , Ibrahim Jaber
Published: December 2023

Background:

Tourniquet application in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has many benefits and may have a role in the incidence of perioperative complications. Our aims were to examine the safety of applying a tourniquet for a limited amount of time during primary unilateral TKA (specifically, during cementation and final component fixation only) and to compare perioperative complications between the limited-application group and the full-application group.

Methods:

We conducted a randomized controlled study of 62 patients undergoing primary unilateral TKA. Patients were randomly allocated to either the limited or full tourniquet application. The follow-up period was 6 months. We evaluated intraoperative, postoperative, total, and hidden blood loss as the primary outcome measures and clearance of the surgical field, operative duration, and perioperative complications as the secondary outcome measures.

Results:

We found a significant difference in surgical field clearance between the groups. There was no significant difference in total, hidden, or postoperative blood loss between the groups. Mean intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the full-application group than in the limited-application group (171.742 ± 19.710 versus 226.258 ± 50.290 mL; p = 0.001). Perioperative complications, including allogeneic blood transfusion rates, did not significantly differ between the groups.

Conclusions:

Limited tourniquet application is safe to use in primary unilateral TKA and does not increase the incidence of perioperative complications or total blood loss when compared with a standard, full-time tourniquet application.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Fairness Principles in Islamic Social Funds: An Analysis of Zakat and Wakaf Management in Indonesia
Authors: Susila Sugeng , Alhadiansyah  , Djunastuti Erni , Marnita  , Prihatin Angga
Published: December 2023

This study explores the implementation of the fairness principle in the management of Islamic social funds through zakat and wakaf in Indonesia, guided by existing legal frameworks and theoretical sources. Employing a legal approach, it critically examines and evaluates various laws related to the management of Islamic social funds in Indonesia. The research method utilized is a normative legal study focusing on theoretical examination and analysis of relevant legal documents and regulations. The findings reveal that the management of zakat and wakaf in Indonesia reflects the Fairness Principle, aiming to ensure just and equitable distribution and utilization of Islamic social funds. Such just management has significantly positive impacts on economic empowerment and societal welfare in Indonesia, enhancing education access, social infrastructure strengthening, productive business development, and empowerment of vulnerable groups, thus reducing poverty and social inequality. Collaboration between Islamic social fund institutions, government, and society is crucial to ensuring effective and sustainable utilization in enhancing Indonesia's overall economic welfare and societal well-being.Highlights:

Implementation of the fairness principle in managing Islamic social funds (zakat and wakaf) ensures equitable distribution and utilization.
Management significantly impacts economic empowerment and societal welfare in Indonesia.
Strong collaboration between institutions, government, and society is key to effective and sustainable utilization of zakat and wakaf.

Keywords: Zakat, Wakaf, Fairness Principle, Economic Empowerment, Welfare Enhancement
Evaluating the Construction and Limitations of Opportunism Principle in Indonesian Judiciary
Authors: Ishwara Ade Sathya Sanathana
Published: December 2023

This research scrutinizes the construction, limitations, and parameters of the opportunism principle concerning public interest within the framework of progressive law in Indonesia, employing a normative legal research methodology. The study intricately analyzes legislative regulations through the lens of progressive law theory, incorporating primary legal materials such as the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, the Criminal Procedure Code, and the laws governing the Judiciary and the Prosecution Service. The preliminary findings indicate a nebulous state in the conceptual evolution of the opportunism principle in Indonesia, characterized by a lack of explicit standards and limitations in its implementation. Furthermore, the study identifies a pressing need for a more stringent selection mechanism and orientation towards the opportunism principle for prospective Attorney Generals to foster legal certainty and diminish community legal uncertainty. This study aims to contribute towards fostering a robust jurisprudential foundation, enhancing the role and moral authority of the Attorney General in the criminal justice system.Highlights: Conceptual Ambiguity: Current ambiguities in the opportunism principle necessitate clearer implementation standards in Indonesia. Legal Reforms: The study advocates for pivotal legal reforms to bolster the Attorney General's moral authority and role within the justice system. Implications on the Attorney General's Role: The research highlights the necessity for improved training and stricter selection procedures for prospective Attorney Generals. Keywords: Opportunism Principle, Progressive Law, Indonesian Judiciary, Legal Certainty, Attorney General
Intra-Africa student mobility: benefits for Africa and factors militating against it
Authors: Agbaje Olaide
Published: December 2023

Intra-Africa student mobility holds immense opportunities for students, institutions, nations and the African continent in general through the resourcefulness promoted by cross-border education and research capacity building. If well harnessed, the benefits of intra-Africa student mobility will enhance the visibility of Africa and its higher education institutions and serve as a vehicle through which the continent can profit from internationalisation. This paper argues that intra-Africa student mobility offers several benefits for both Africa and Africans, and is a viable means for turning the tide of the brain drain in the continent. The paper addresses an important question: In what way is intra-Africa mobility beneficial to Africa? The paper was developed qualitatively through a review of relevant literature.
The SDG agenda and university transformation in Africa: The decolonial turn deferred?
Authors: Motala Shireen , Sayed Yusuf YM , Maggott Terri
Published: December 2023

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agreed in September 2015 set the scene for a renewed and ambitious development framework in a global context of widening inequalities within and between countries, global economic crises, conflict and climate change. Higher education is framed in several of the targets that make up SDG 4 and is also argued as central to achieving all 17 goals. However, the extent to which they engage with higher education in the context of calls for responsive, decolonised higher education remains underexplored. It is this gap that this paper addresses, arguing that while the SDGs take a broad approach to education the focus on specific targets and indicators limit states’ autonomy by de-territorialising local frameworks (Sayed & Moriarty, 2020). As a result, universities in Africa struggle to assert their agendas as power is overly located at the supra national level. We use the case of South African higher education to examine how and in what ways the national education agenda articulates with the SDG agenda. In particular, we focus on the lack of a clear equity and anti-racist focus in the SDG agenda which fails to engage with the disciplinary hold of racism over knowledge. We use Boaventura de Sousa Santos’ (2014) notion of difficult questions in higher education with weak answers to address what a decolonised and deracialised higher education system might look like. In particular, we articulate how Western domination has marginalised knowledge present in the global South. In so doing, we describe the influence of the SDGs in higher education noting the strides made but also their limited application in the global South and the decolonial turn. We argue that the decolonisation of knowledge in higher education is a collective process in which disruptive disciplinary practices contribute to cognitive global justice.
A Deep Regression Method for Gas Well Liquid Loading Prediction
Authors: Chen Yan , Miao Bo , Wang Yang , Huang Yunan , Jiang YuQiang , Shi Xiangchao
Published: December 2023

Liquid loading occurs when gas production falls below the critical liquid-carrying flow rate of the gas well, resulting in the inability to remove the condensate or water in the gas well. Liquid loading can lead to a sharp reduction in production, which affects the gas well ultimate recovery. Accurate prediction of the timing of liquid loading is important for implementing mitigations that reduce liquid accumulation in the production tubing and prevent gas production impairment, as well as for the stability of production. Existing liquid-loading forecasting methods have a time offset in the determination of liquid loading, and there is great variation in the results for different gas wells. Currently, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems are widely used for gas well production data acquisition, but the data are not effectively utilized. Deep machine learning techniques are applied to the field data from gas wells and have achieved significant effectiveness. In this study, a bidirectional long short-term memory network (Bi-LSTM) was used to conduct feature extraction on the production data, and the extracted feature was spliced together with the geological and engineering parameter feature. These features were combined with self-attention mechanisms to predict the time of the next liquid loading. Because the modeling results fit the actual liquid loading in production scenarios better, our method also customizes the loss functions. Experimental verification was conducted using actual production data from 13 gas wells. The recall was 1 and F1 was 0.87 for the experimental data in the model, and the customized loss function led to a 6.5% improvement in F1. The experimental results verify that our method can accurately forecast liquid-loading onset in gas wells in a timely manner, which can help reduce costs and increase efficiency in shale gas production.
High performance of Amazonian Trichoderma strains in the control of southern blight caused by Sclerotium rolfsii in tomatoes
Authors: Cunha Arielton Nascimento , Netto Rosalee Albuquerque Coelho , Willerding André Luis , Assis Luiz Alberto , Sousa Thiago Fernandes , Caniato Fernanda Fátima , Silva Gilvan Ferreira da , Hanada Rogério Eiji
Published: December 2023

The Trichoderma genus is considered one of the most promising in the control of phytopathogens. The mechanisms of antagonism that are common among Trichoderma species are mycoparasitism and competition for space and nutrients. Some species also show antibiosis through the production of secondary metabolites with antimicrobial activity, lytic enzymes and volatile compounds. Trichoderma species-mediated biocontrol can be exerted by indirect mechanisms such as induction of resistance. In the search for efficient isolates of Trichoderma spp. for the biological control of southern blight in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum), 33 isolates were evaluated for the Sclerotium rolfsii mycelial growth inhibition (MGI) via a dual culture method and for incidence of disease reduction in tomatoes (Yoshimatsu L-3 cultivar) under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was with five isolates that showed the best results in the biocontrol of southern blight, and these isolates were identified via phylogenetic analysis based on partial sequencing of the tef1-α gene. Three isolates completely inhibited the disease symptoms, namely, INPA 2473 (T. endophyticum), INPA 2951 (T. asperelloides) and INPA 2957 (T. rugulosum); while the T. asperellum isolates INPA 2959 and INPA 2961 reduced the disease incidence to 6.6 and 13.33%. Although all the isolates showed a mycelial growth inhibition rate of over 50%, curiously, the isolates with the best performance in the dual culture assays were not the best at controlling the disease under greenhouse conditions. In addition, this work reports new record of Trichoderma rugulosum in Brazil.
Effect of cover crops on the suppressiveness of root rot and on the agronomic characteristics of cassava
Authors: Sousa Maria Cristiane Pereira , Diamantino Maria Selma Alves Silva , Hohenfeld Camila Santiago , Vidal Cristiana Bomfim Moreira , de Oliveira Saulo Alves Santos
Published: December 2023

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a major staple food in many developing countries, including Brazil. However, it faces significant challenges from diseases like dry root rot (DRR) and black root rot (BRR) caused by soil-borne fungi. This study explores the use of cover crops to suppress these diseases and improve cassava's agronomic traits. Over four cultivation cycles, various cover crops were alternated with cassava varieties 'BRS Kiriris' (resistant) and 'BRS Formosa' (susceptible) in soil infested with DRR and BRR pathogens. In the 2nd cycle, only germination showed significant differences, but by the 4th cycle, various agronomic parameters, including fresh weight (FW.AP), dry weight (DW.AP) of the aerial part, fresh weight (FW.Root), dry weight (DW.Root) of the roots, and plant vigor, exhibited significant improvements. Cowpeas were identified as the most effective cover crop in disease reduction (ID%) and promoting healthier and taller cassava plants. Jack beans and peanuts also had positive effects on vigor, FW.AP, DW.AP, FW.root, and DW.root. In contrast, cover crops like maize, black oats, Crotalaria ochroleuca, cassava, and fallow soil had minimal impacts. Throughout the cycles, these selected cover crops consistently contributed to disease reduction and improved cassava's agronomic characteristics. This research highlights their potential in holistic disease management strategies.
Differences in Sleep Quality and Timing Influence Long Term Forgetting of Verbal Episodic Memory, and Face Processing
Authors: Avery Mark , Lever Colin , Anderson Kirstie
Published: December 2023

We examined cognition-specific effects of sleep quality and timing in 145 cognitively-normal subjects (M=55.3 years), using self-report (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI) and actigraphy, testing whether NREM-rich sleep supports long-term consolidation of declarative memory, while REM-rich sleep supports facial processing. Good sleep is thought to improve declarative memory consolidation, but its potential role in longer-timescale forgetting (e.g., 2 weeks after the learning event) is largely unexplored. We modified a standard test of verbal episodic memory (VEM) to test 2-week retention relative to 30-minute delay performance. Subjects also completed other cognitive tasks and psychological questionnaires. We analysed predictors of VEM Long-Term Forgetting and Facial processing. Good quality sleep (PSQI), good psychological health (questionnaires) and being an early sleeper (actigraphy), i.e. likely obtaining more NREM-rich sleep, predicted better/lower VEM Long-Term Forgetting. Conversely, being a late sleeper (actigraphy), i.e. likely obtaining more REM-rich sleep, predicted better Facial processing. To our knowledge, this is the first indication that sleep quality influences long-timescale (2-week) consolidation of a single learning episode, and that later-sleeping community-living subjects have superior facial processing. These novel findings are consistent with research showing associations between good sleep quality and higher NREM sleep, and between early-stage NREM sleep and long-term memory consolidation. Since the benefits of good sleep for long-term forgetting applied to older as well as younger participants, these findings also re-emphasise the importance of sleep health in older adults.
STX11 p.R129P variant correlate with an in vitro impairment in NK and CD8+ T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity
Authors: Erra Lorenzo , Colado Ana , Brunello Francisco , Prieto Emma , Goris Verónica , Villa Mariana , Oleastro Matías , Martí Marcelo , Pozner Roberto , Borge Mercedes , Danielian Silvia , Almejun María Belén
Published: December 2023

STX11 encodes a t-SNARE protein essential for the final fusion of lytic granules with the plasma membrane of NK and CD8+ T-cells. Biallelic mutations in STX11 have been associated with familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) type 4. Here, we analyzed the functional relevance of an heterozygous STX11 variant (p.R129P) identified in a pediatric patient diagnosed with Evans syndrome. Structural analysis suggested that the proline replacement at position 129 could impact key protein-protein interaction with Munc18-2. We found that patient’ cells carrying p.R129P mutation showed a decrease in NK-cell degranulation and cytotoxicity, and in CD8+ T-cell degranulation as compared to healthy donors. In vitro treatment of patient derived cells with IL-2, restored both functions to levels comparable as those observed in healthy donors. We also observed reduced STX11 protein expression in patient PBMC’s and impaired TLR4 re-localization in the patient's monocytes. Our findings provide evidence for the pathogenic role of the p.R129P-STX11 variant, and suggest that aberrant NK-cell and T-cell function may contribute to the development of autoimmune disorders.
Free-Standing Microscale Photonic Lantern Spatial Mode Multiplexer Fabricated using 3D Nanoprinting
Authors: Marom Dan , Dana Yoav , Garcia Yehudith , Kukin Aleksey , Dallachiesa Lauren , Guerrier Sterenn , Fontaine Nicolas
Published: December 2023

Photonic lantern (PL) spatial multiplexers show great promise for a range of applications, such as future high-capacity mode division multiplexing (MDM) optical communication networks and free space optical communication. They enable efficient conversion between multiple single-mode (SM) sources and a multimode (MM) waveguide of the same dimension. PL multiplexers operate by facilitating adiabatic transitions between the SM arrayed space and the single MM space. However, current fabrication methods are forcing the size of these devices to multi-millimeters, making integration with micro-scale photonic systems quite challenging. The advent of 3D micro and nano printing techniques enables the fabrication of free-standing photonic structures with a high refractive index contrast (photopolymer-air).

In this work we present the design, fabrication, and characterization of a 6-mode, 375μm long PL that enables the conversion between six single-mode inputs and a single six-mode waveguide. The PL was designed using a genetic algorithm based inverse design approach and fabricated directly on a 7-core fiber using a commercial two-photon polymerization based 3D printer and a photopolymer. Although the waveguides exhibit high index contrast, low insertion loss (-2.6 dB), polarization dependent (-0.2 dB) and mode dependent loss (-4.43 dB) were measured.
Genetic and geographic population structure in the malaria vector, Anopheles farauti, provides a candidate model system for pioneering confinable gene-drive releases
Authors: Ambrose Luke , Allen Scott , Iro'ofa Charlie , Butafa Charles , Beebe Nigel
Published: December 2023

Indoor insecticide applications are the primary tool for reducing malaria transmission in the Solomon Archipelago, a region where Anopheles farauti is the only common malaria vector. Due to the evolution of behavioural resistance in some An. farauti populations, these applications have become less effective. New malaria control interventions are therefore needed in this region, and gene-drives provide a promising new technology. In considering developing a population-specific (local) gene-drive in An. farauti, we detail the species’ population genetic structure using microsatellites and whole mitogenomes, finding many spatially confined populations both within and between landmasses. This strong population structure suggests that An. farauti would be a useful system for developing a population-specific, confinable gene-drive for field release, where private alleles can be used as Cas9 targets. Previous work on Anopheles gambiae has used the Cardinal gene for the development of a global population replacement gene-drive. We therefore also analyse the Cardinal gene to assess whether it may be a suitable target to engineer a gene-drive for the modification of local An. farauti populations. Despite the extensive population structure observed in An. farauti for microsatellites, only one remote island population from Vanuatu contained fixed and private alleles at the Cardinal locus. Nonetheless, this study provides an initial framework for further population genomic investigations to discover high-frequency private allele targets in localized An. farauti populations. This would enable the development of gene-drive strains for modifying localised populations with minimal chance of escape and may provide a low-risk route to field trial evaluations.
Spatial Analysis of Holocene Delta Compound Clinoforms
Authors: Alabdullatif Jana , Olariu Cornel , Steel Ron
Published: December 2023

Recent recognition of compound delta clinoforms reveals pillars to understanding delta progradation and uncovers a significant misunderstanding in deltaic architecture. Little effort has been dedicated to spatially delineate subaqueous delta 3-D morphologies at and away the sediment sources, and relate these architectures to stratigraphy. Our assessment of over 35 Holocene deltas allowed a robust geospatial qualitative and quantitative analysis where we consistently observe one main gradient break at tens of meters water depth that display varying delineated geometries. The resulting geospatial framework reflects relatively steep shoreline and subaqueous clinoforms, reaching values of over 1 degree, separated by a gently dipping platform of maximum 0.11 degrees. Unique to this study, geometric variability is captured relative to the river sediment source and basinal energies. In most wave-dominated systems, the platform disappears in front of the sediment source and widens laterally away as a relatively smooth surface and in an arcuate fashion, whereas in tide-dominated systems the platform widens in front of active sediment sources and narrows in front of starved sediment sources while hosting erosional features and prominent tidal channel/bar couplets. As a result, platform width can range between few kilometers (Ebro Delta) to 60 kilometers (Fly Delta), and up to an unusual 200 kilometers (Amazon Delta). Consequently, varying basinal energies can modify the subaqueous clinoform where longitudinal swing is often observed even in tide-dominated systems. Quantitative and qualitative results of our study anchor our understanding of sediment transport in deltas and shallow marine systems, support delta numerical models, and facilitate the reinterpretation of ancient deposits’ stratigraphy.
Cardiometabolic Diseases Prevention Policy Models: A Systematic Review to Inform Conceptual Model Development
Authors: Putri Septiara , Ciminata Giorgio , Lewsey Jim , Kamaruzaman Hanin Farhana Binti , Duan Yuejiao , Geue Claudia
Published: December 2023

Background: Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are the leading cause of disability and mortality, as well as contributing to rising healthcare costs worldwide. In order to enhance disease prevention programs, the use of a decision model is beneficial to obtain long-term evidence of interventions, particularly in terms of effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and further policy directions. This study aimed to systematically review the existing published literature on CMD policy models. In particular, we intend to provide (i) a comprehensive overview of CMD policy models, and (ii) conduct a critical appraisal of CMD policy models and their application for primordial prevention programs.
Methods: The search strategy was developed and run on 6th December 2022 in MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), CINAHL, Google Scholar, and Open Grey restricting the publication year from 1st January 2000 to December 2022, applying Medical Subject Heading (MesH) for “cardiovascular”, “diabetes”, “decision model” and “policy model”. The retrieved full-text article was critically appraised by three independent reviewers using Phillips et al., checklist and we followed PRISMA guidelines for reporting the review process.
Results: Forty-one (n=41) articles were identified that met our inclusion criteria and were eligible for critical appraisal. We presented assessments for three distinct categories: structure, data, and consistency. Most policy models (81%) fulfilled the criteria for the ‘model structure’. Modeling input and objectives were mostly consistent with the stated perspective and initial justifications. Less than 60% of studies that clearly reported data and parameters used in the model as well as validation tests reported. There was also a limited amount of information on consistency. Overall, the discussed papers utilize various methodologies and modelling approaches, including parameters incorporation, modelling simulation, analysis, and expected outcomes. The suitability of a policy model depends on the specific research question and data availability.
Conclusion: There are heterogeneous results in terms of model structure, simulation level, type of data used, as well as its overall modelling quality. Based on our systematic review, we provided a list of recommendations to improve CMD policy model conceptualization and development.
Stem base and root anatomy of four young trees of Legume species from Cerrado
Authors: Pereira Thalissa Cagnin , Marrega Julia Oliveira , de Araujo Maycon Anderson , Martins Aline Redondo
Published: December 2023

Fabaceae is among the most representative families of the Cerrado, which is the second largest phytophysiognomy in South America and has the presence of fire. Thus, the anatomy of species present in the Cerrado is intrinsically related to their survival after a fire event. The objective of this study was to carry out an anatomical description of the base of the stem and root of four species of tree legumes present in the Cerrado, at 6 and 18 months of age. For this, the seedlings were grown in a greenhouse and then the base of the stem and the root were fixed and dehydrated. Some samples were cut using a sliding microtome, and others were sectioned using a rotating microtome. The presence of starch was checked using Lugol. The four species showed secondary growth, and in general there are no major differences between the ages of 6 and 18 months. The species have a large number of fibers and parenchymatic rays, which are generally uniseriate. In some organs it was possible to verify the presence of residual cortex and evident vascular cambium. A large amount of starch was found in the species analyzed, especially in the secondary xylem. Buds were observed at the stem base in Albizia niopoides, at both ages, and in Senegalia polyphylla, at 6 months. These characteristics can be advantageous in providing the persistence of these species in the Cerrado, especially after a fire event.