bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Öğrenme Güçlüğü Olan ve Olmayan Öğrencilerin Kullandıkları Üstbilişsel Okuma Stratejileri
Authors: SOĞANCI Seyhan
Published: October 2023

Yapılan bu araştırmada 5. sınıfa devam eden ve aynı okuduğunu anlama düzeyindeki öğrenme güçlüğü olan öğrenciler ile tipik gelişim gösteren öğrencilerin okuma sürecinde kullandıkları üstbilişsel anlama stratejilerinin karşılaştırılarak incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaç doğrultusunda her iki gruptaki öğrencilerin okuduğunu anlama becerileri ile okuma öncesinde, sırasında ve sonrasında kullanmış oldukları üstbilişsel stratejiler değerlendirilmiştir. Katılımcılar belirlenirken tüm öğrencilerin kendi sınıf düzeyindeki bir metni bağımsız olarak okuyabilmesi ve anlama sorularını %90 doğrulukla yanıtlayabilmesi göz önünde bulundurulmuştur. Araştırmaya öğrenme güçlüğü olan 7 öğrenci ve tipik gelişim gösteren 7 öğrenci olmak üzere toplam 14 öğrenci katılmıştır. Araştırma nitel araştırma yöntemi kullanılarak planlanmış ve katılımcılar amaçlı örnekleme yoluyla belirlenmiştir. Okuduğunu anlama becerisine ilişkin veriler ‘’Okuma Becerileri Değerlendirme Aracı’’ (OBDA)’nda yer alan bilgilendirici bir metin ve aynı metne ilişkin anlama soruları kullanılarak elde edilmiştir. Öğrencilerin kullandıkları strateji türlerini belirlemek amacıyla da üstbilişsel görüşme tekniği kullanılmıştır. Üstbilişsel görüşmeden elde edilen veriler iki ayrı uzman tarafından çözümlenerek kategorilendirilmiştir. Kategoriler karşılaştırılarak kodlayıcılar arası güvenirlik hesaplanmıştır. Karşılaştırma sonuçlarına göre belirlenen görüş birliği ve görüş ayrılığı sayıları doğrultusunda kodlayıcılar arası güvenirlik katsayısı %90 olarak bulunmuştur. Araştırmadan elde edilen bulgular sonucunda her iki gruptaki öğrencilerin tüm okuma sürecinde kullanmış oldukları strateji türlerinin büyük ölçüde benzer olduğu görülmüştür. Bununla birlikte öğrenme güçlüğü olan öğrenciler tipik gelişim gösteren akranlarından farklı olarak okuma öncesinde metne ilişkin bilgi edinmek amacıyla çeşitli stratejiler kullanmışlar ve kendilerini okumaya hazırlamışlardır. Okuma sırasında öğrenme güçlüğü olan öğrenciler olmayanlara göre daha fazla türde strateji kullanmışlar ve dikkatlerini kontrol etmeye yönelik stratejilere yönelmişlerdir. Okuma sonrasında ise öğrenme güçlüğü olan öğrencilerin olmayanlardan farklı olarak metni hatırlamaya hizmet eden strateji türlerini daha sık kullanma eğilimi gösterdikleri görülmüştür.
Understanding consumers’ perceptions of smoke-affected wines
Authors: Bilogrevic Eleanor , Jiang WenWen , Culbert Julie , Francis Leigh , Herderich Markus , Robinson Ella , Parker Mango
Published: October 2023

Smoke taint in grapes and wine is complicated. If a vineyard is exposed to smoke, there are a whole range of factors that determine whether or not the wine eventually made from those grapes will be smoke-affected and to what degree. While many of those factors are now quite well understood (Coulter, 2022; Parker et al., 2023), questions still remain about what consumers think. Do they notice smoke characters in wine? Do they like or dislike them? How strong do smoke characters need to be to cause a reaction in consumers? And are all consumers the same when it comes to smoky wines?Three recent consumer sensory studies at the AWRI aimed to learn more about the answers to these questions. This article presents a summary of the results and conclusions of this work. Full details were recently published by Bilogrevic et al. (2023) as an open access article in the peer-reviewed journal, OENO One (https://doi.org/10.20870/oeno-one.2023.57.2.7261).
High eugenol content of Armagnac hybrid variety Baco Blanc, an asset in combating Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Hastoy Xavier , Poirier Anaïs , Franc Céline , Riquier Laurent , Ségur Marie-Claude , De Revel Gilles , Fermaud Marc
Published: October 2023

Baco Blanc is the grape variety specific to the wine spirit Armagnac. A hybrid vine with good tolerance, particularly to Botrytis cinerea, its berries have an atypical chemical composition. Specifically, they have a high concentration of the anti-fungal compound eugenol. This research demonstrates the effectiveness of eugenol concentrations against B. cinerea and their relationship to the ripeness of Baco Blanc This study explores the intra-varietal diversity of B. cinerea tolerance, a potential source of adaptation to environmental and climate issues.
On the Flavour States and the Mass States of Neutrinos
Authors: Roza Engel
Published: October 2023

A structure based analysis of the pion’s decay path reveals that neutrinos can show up in three eigenstates. It requires a proper understanding of the nature of charged leptons, such as why the loss of binding energy stops the lepton generation at the tauon level. The analysis quantifies this binding energy in terms of the weak interaction strength as embodied by the weak interaction boson and the strength of the energetic background field as embodied by the Higgs boson. Next to this it is shown that a reconstruction of Fermi’s neutrino theory allows a quantitative assessment of the Fermi constant straightforwardly from the weak interaction strength. The article ends with the conclusion that neutrino oscillation is not a physical phenomenon, but, instead, a measurement interpretation induced from projecting the statistical behaviour of a multi-particle ensemble onto a single particle.
General Quantum Gravity
Authors: Vadurie Shashwata
Published: October 2023

General Quantum Gravity (GQG) is a formalization of quantized gravity that emerges from General Relativity through Quantum Mechanics. GQG is formalized in three different aspects, such as: Semi-quantum Minkowski GQG, Quantum Minkowski GQG, and Quantum Non-Minkowski GQG. Every observable (3+1)D spacetime in GQG must have internal hidden unobservable (n+1)D spacetime inside it which yields extra hidden dimensions by a closed continuous mapping, so the overall system must acquire Supersymmetry. Strings are natural and universal but forever hidden inside every (3+1)D observable spacetime. Strings have eleven-dimensions by nature in GQG. If we replace Minkowski spacetime with an internal hidden spacetime, then M-theory acquires strings inside of this observable (3+1)D spacetime. Obtaining type IIA string theory from M-theory by dimensional reduction is now non-restricted for the 11th direction but universally for any nth direction. Instead of introducing the cosmological constant in Einstein field equation, we yield Dark Energy as well as Dark Matter from GQG quite naturally. We have developed here Gravitational Electroweak Dark Energy interactions (GED), where gravity and Dark Energy are combined with electroweak symmetry. Likewise, in Gravitational Chromodynamic Dark Energy interactions (GCD), we have combined QCD with gravitational and Dark Energy symmetries. Further in a Dark Matter gauge symmetry model, we have combined Dark matter along with GED and GCD. Finally, from GED, GCD and Dark Matter gauge symmetries, we have developed a Universal Model, SU(3)_{GED}\otimes SU(4)_{GCD}\otimes SU(5)_{DM}\subset SU(7)_{UM}, where it is clear that Dark energy field is homogeneous, as well as non-decaying, in all kind of matter fields.
Biopolymer Development from Acerola (Malpighia spp.) Waste: A Sustainable Approach to Nutraceutical, Pharmaceutical Applications and Environmental Preservation
Authors: Vega-Baudrit José Roberto , Camacho Melissa , Menezes Diego Batista , Corrales Yendry , Zúñiga Juan Miguel , Chacón Arturo Mora , Lecot Nicole , Castillo Henríquez Luis , Lopretti Mary
Published: October 2023

Acerola (Malpighia spp.) is a tropical plant genus of shrubs and trees whose fruit is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds. However, its production generates significant waste that could pose an environmental issue. This review aims to summarize recent research on the potential uses of acerola wastes, including the extraction of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, carotenoids, and pectins, as well as the development of materials such as nanomaterials, chitosan, and biofuels. Additionally, the paper discusses the potential medical applications of acerola wastes, such as wound healing, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. Finally, the paper explores the challenges and opportunities of using acerola waste as a sustainable source of raw materials and energy. The findings suggest that acerola waste could be a valuable resource for developing high-value products and promoting sustainable production practices in the fruit industry.
Differences in the Creative Thinking of Primary School Female Teachers in Al-Ahsa Governorate in Light of the Variables ofAl-Ahsa Governorate
Authors: Al-Shammari Waleed , RABEH Anas
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to reveal the creative thinking of primary school female teachers in Al-Ahsa Governorate, in addition to identifying differences in light of the variables of experience and specialization. The researchers followed the descriptive method. The study was applied to a sample of (340) female teachers. The Creative Thinking Scale, which was adapted by researcher Hawzam Salman (2021), was used. The study concluded that the female teachers of primary stage in Al-Ahsa Governorate have creative thinking at a high degree; in addition, there were no differences in light of the variables of experience and specialization.
Controversies in the Management of the Airway in Panfacial Fractures. Literature review and Algorithm Proposal
Authors: Marí Roig Antonio , McLeod Niall MH , De Lange Jan , Dubois Leander , Garcia Maria Fe , Minnen Baucke van , Essig Harald
Published: October 2023

Abstract: Panfacial fractures are complex injuries involving multiple regions of the facial skele-ton simultaneously, which may necessitate multiple surgeries over a relatively short period. They are often associated with polytrauma and other injuries including brain trauma, which re-quire either immediate airway management, prolonged intubation, or repeated intubations for staged surgeries. Given the frequent need for intermaxillary fixation and the potential involve-ment of the central nasal complex or skull base, conventional oro-tracheal or nasotracheal intu-bation often presents challenges. Submental intubation is the most reported method of airway management with the aim to avoid tracheostomy and its related complications. A review of the different techniques of airway management in the elective treatment of panfacial fractures was performed focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Most of the literature consisted of retrospective studies, with only one prospective study comparing submental intu-bation to tracheostomy in panfacial fractures. There is abundant literature that favours the sub-mental intubation for its rapid establishment and low complication rate. Other techniques less reported were retromolar intubation, nasotracheal to orotracheal switch, tracheostomy or crico-thyroidotomy. An algorithm for the management of the airway in panfacial fractures is pre-sented.
Effects of different tillage and fertilization methods on yield and nitrogen leaching
Authors: Xingfeng Qiu , Zhang Xuechan , Mo Zhaowen , Pan Shenggang , Tian Hua , Duan Meiyang , Tang Xiangru
Published: October 2023

Conservation tillage and deep side-fertilization both hold the potential to reduce nitrogen leaching and improve grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency in fragrant rice cultivation practices. However, the combined impact of different tillage practices with deep side-fertilization on nitrogen leaching remains uncertain. Therefore, this study conducted on-site experiments for four rice growing seasons in both early and late seasons in 2018 and 2019, using the fragrant rice varieties "Meixiangzhan 2"(MX) and "Xiangyaxiangzhan"(XY). The four experimental treatments included:conventional tillage with regular fertilization (T1), conventional tillage with simultaneous deep fertilization (T2), reduced tillage with simultaneous deep fertilization (T3) , and no-tillage with simultaneous deep fertilization (T4). Our results indicate that the T4 treatment exhibited higher nitrogen leaching rates and potential nitrogen losses throughout the entire rice growth cycle, with a 4.51% increase in total nitrogen leaching and a 1.86% increase in potential nitrogen leaching compared to T1. In contrast, the T2 treatment demonstrated the lowest nitrogen leaching rate, resulting in a 6.01% reduction in total nitrogen leaching and a 9.57% decrease in potential nitrogen leaching compared to T1, demonstrating the most optimal performance. For MX, the T1 treatment resulted in lower daily grain outputs compared to the other treatments, with disparities ranging from 5.35% to 9.94%. Similarly, for the XY, the T1 treatment yielded significantly lower daily grain outputs compared to the other treatments, with discrepancies ranging from 6.26% to 10.81% during the late season of 2019. Overall, this study shows that conventional tillage with deep fertilization effectively reduces nitrogen leaching and boosts fragrant rice yields. Minimizing nitrogen leaching enhances nitrogen utilization efficiency. These insights highlight the significance of strategic fertilization and cultivation for environmental conservation and agricultural sustainability.
Agricultural IOT, Cloud Computing and Mobile Based Application Integration for the Total Discharge Predication of Two Farms Smart Agricultural System to Avoid Flooding
Authors: Khan Marwan , Noor Sanam
Published: October 2023

The information technology has brought in a revolution in the area of digital agriculture and hydrological modeling . With the advent of IOT and AI such as machine learning is now capable of Predicating flood forecast , drought forecast and farms based water predications. In this article various machine learning algorithms , multiple sensors for environmental and agricultural has been proposed and used . The purpose is to acquire data of soil moisture , temperature , crop stages, irrigation and precipitation on a region constitute of two farms and then performed machine learning predications for total discharge predications at farms outlets so that in case of excessive rainfall or an irrigation event the water is adjusted in the second nearby farm or reroute to a reservoir for future use to avoid flooding. The focus is mostly to work on the concept and building of an andriod -ardiuno based mobile application for the endusers (agricultural system analyst, farmers) to provide an ease. The whole system of smart agricultural based on two farms and reservoir will provide an efficient ,fully automatic, proactive and decision support system to save water waste and reuse. In future the work is also in progress for developing a desktop based application .
Characterization of Phenolic Compounds in the Fruit Eugenia stipitata Mac Vaugh (Arazá)- a Systematic Review
Authors: Acevedo-López Alejandro , Morales-Rojas Daniel Felipe , González-Correa Clara Helena
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: In Eugenia Stipitata Mac Vaugh (Arazá), there is an abundance of flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids, which are bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiulcer, and cardiovascular disease prevention benefits. Therefore, the aim of this review is to compile the compounds that have been identified in the fruit and gather information about secondary metabolites to establish their potential preventive and therapeutic effects; (2) Methods: a literature search was conducted in repositories and databases such as Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Agriculture Collection Gale, SAGE, OXFORD University, DOAJ, among others. Articles identifying and quantifying bioactive compounds present in Arazá were included; (3) Results: Five studies meeting the inclusion criteria were incorporated, resulting in the compilation of 82 compounds, of which 24 were identified and quantified, while 58 were solely identified. This review was able to identify and report the concentration, and in some cases, the quantity, of phenolic compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities present in Arazá; (4) Conclusions: With this scope, it was possible to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the fruit's potential to potentially enhance health aspects, thereby providing greater prominence and added value to this product, allowing for more frequent inclusion in the diets of consumers, and even enabling exportation.
Uncertainty Quantification of GEDI Clear-Sky Terrain Height Retrievals Using a Mixture Density Network
Authors: Sipps Jonathan , Magruder Lori A.
Published: October 2023

Early spaceborne laser altimetry mission development starts in pre-phase A design, where diverse ideas are evaluated against mission science requirements. A key challenge is predicting realistic instrument performance through forward modeling at arbitrary spatial scale. Analytical evaluations compromise accuracy for speed, while radiative transfer modeling is not applicable at global scale due to computational expense. Instead of predicting arbitrary properties of a lidar measurement, we develop a baseline theory to predict only the distribution of uncertainty specifically for the terrain elevation retrieval based on terrain slope and fractional canopy cover features through a deep neural network gaussian mixture model, also known as a mixture density network (MDN). Training data was created from differencing geocorrected GEDI L2B elevation measurements with 32 independent reference lidar datasets in the contiguous U.S. from the National Ecological Observatory Network. We trained the MDN and selected hyperparameters based on regional distribution predictive capability. On average, the relative error of equivalent standard deviation of predicted regional distributions was 15.9%, with some anomalies in accuracy due to generalization and insufficient feature diversity and correlation. As an application, we predict the percent of elevation residuals of a GEDI-like lidar within a given mission threshold from 60°S to 78.25°N, which correlate to qualitative understanding of prediction accuracy and instrument performance.
The Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal Can Fully Replace Fish Meal in Practical Nursery Diets for Post-larval Penaeus vannamei under High-Density Culture
Authors: Nunes Alberto , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Simões João Paulo , Pisa João Luiz , Miyamoto Nelson , Leite Jordana Sampaio
Published: October 2023

The black soldier larvae meal (BSFLM) has been the most extensively studied insect protein source in shrimp nutrition. However, both the availability and prices of BSFLM are still a constraint for its widespread use as an ingredient in animal feeds. The present study investigated the growth and economic performance of post-larval (PL) P. vannamei fed nursery diets with a progressive replacement of fish meal (FML) for BSFLM at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%. These replacements corresponded to a dietary inclusion (% of the diet, as-is) of FML and BSFLM of 16.50 and 6.33%, 11.00 and 13.04%, 5.50 and 19.74%, and 0 and 26.46%, respectively. A total of 102,647 shrimp at the age of PL15 with 2.7 ± 0.2 mg body weight (BW) were stocked in fifty 1.5-m3 tanks under 1,369 PLs/m3 (2,053 ± 33 PLs/tank) and reared for 42 days. Final shrimp survival (90.5 ± 7.6%), daily weight gain (14.7 ± 1.1 mg/day), and apparent feed intake (0.67 ± 0.03 g of feed per stocked shrimp) were unaffected by dietary treatment. The highest gained yield (791 ± 52 and 776 ± 38 g/m3) and final BW (621 ± 7.2 and 632 ± 7.2 mg) were attained when FML was replaced for BSFLM at 50 and 75% with the lowest at 0% (726 ± 34 g/m3 and 598 ± 8.1 mg, respectively). Shrimp fed diets with 0 and 100% replacement of FML exhibited the highest feed conversion ratio (1.25 ± 0.04 and 1.24 ± 0.08) compared to those fed a diet with 50% (1.16 ± 0.06). At a price of USD 2.00/kg, BSFLM demonstrated a favorable ROI (Return of Investment) when compared to FML, irrespective of the replacement level. With 25 and 50% replacement, BSFLM remained cost-competitive up to 3.50 USD/kg. At 75% FML replacement, there were no significant differences in ROI with a price range of 2.00 up to 3.04 USD/kg. At full replacement, ROI dropped significantly at a BSFLM price of 2.50 USD/kg and beyond. It can be concluded that FML can be fully replaced for BSFLM in well-balanced nursery diets for P. vannamei. While the full replacement of FML for BSFLM was successfully accomplished, the competitive ROI was sustained only when the price of BSFLM did not exceed 3.04 USD/kg at its dietary highest inclusion of 19.74%. Further research may be necessary to fine-tune cost-effective inclusion levels of BSFLM to optimize the economic outcomes while considering the fluctuating prices of FML.
Numerical and Experimental Analysis of Side Polished Single Mode Fiber for Refractive Index Sensing
Authors: Bilal Muhammad Musavir , Thottoli Ajmal , Lopez-Aguayo Servando , Grande Marco
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we introduced a comprehensive study, based on both numerical and experimental analyses, of side polished (SP) single mode fibers (SMF) to investigate their evanescent field interaction with air and liquid analytes. In particular, the finite element method (FEM) and the beam propagation method (BPM) are employed to predict the optical properties of the SP-SMF. An ad-hoc experimental setup has been designed and built to characterize the side polished single mode fiber when air, water, and isopropanol are set in the side polished region. The sensitivity of the analytes is obtained as 1.207 V/RIU. The performance in terms of effective refractive index and transmittance are reported to show how these SP-SMF can be efficiently used for calculating the liquid refractive index. The simulation and experimental results display the significant performance of the SP-SMF as a sensing element.
A Potential Proof of Riemann Hypothesis
Authors: Seisdedos García Miguel
Published: October 2023

In this study, a simple approach to solving the Riemann Hypothesis, one of the most prominent unsolved problems in the field of Number Theory in mathematics and one of the “Millenium Prize Problems”, is presented. The Riemann Hypothesis, a conjecture about distribution of prime numbers, has remained unsolved since it was first proposed by German mathematician, Bernhard Riemann in 1859. This paper introduces an analytic continuation of the Zeta Function as well as symmetric approach through integration by parts to address this hypothesis. The proposed solution is obtained through analytical continuation in the critical strip 0<Re(s)<1 to establish that Re(s)=1/2.
An Experimental Study on the Impact of Minimum Quantity Lubrication Surroundings on the Machined Surface Quality during AISI 1050 Steel Circular Pocket Milling
Authors: Trung Ly Chanh , Phuc Tran Thien
Published: October 2023

AISI 1050 steel circular pocket milling under minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) surroundings including nozzle elevation angle, lubricant flow rate, air pressure and cutting speed was studied. The machined surface quality (Ra) was evaluated for Up-milling side and Down-milling side. In this study, to obtain an manifest explanation on the pivotal effective parameters of MQL surroundings and cutting speed on the machined surface quality (Ra) through analyzing Taguchi L9 (34-2) approach and ANOVA calculation to identify those parameters, by utilizing the experimental outcomes to interpret three-dimensional (3D) surface plots and the diagrams of Signal-to-Noise ratios and major impact plots of Mean. The obtained outcomes of optimal operating parameters indicated that the pivotal effective parameters of MQL surroundings are nozzle elevation angle and lubricant flow rate on the machined surface quality. Simultaneously, a quadratic mathematical paradigm generated by using response surface design (RSD) and desirableness function evaluation were utilized to forecast the optimal values of the machined surface quality compared to Taguchi method. The results unveiled that the optimal values of the machined surface quality are adjacent to experimental attained values. The machined surface quality has been significantly improved using MQL surroundings.
A Roadmap for Integrating Automation with Process Optimization for AI-powered Digital Transformation
Authors: Aldoseri Abdulaziz , Al-Khalifa Khalifa , Hamouda Abdelmagid
Published: October 2023

The integration of automation and process optimization within the context of AI-powered digital transformation has emerged as a pivotal strategy for organizations aiming to enhance efficiency, foster innovation, and competitiveness. This paper is devoted to present innovative contribution by providing a comprehensive structured roadmap that outlines the foundational principles necessary for the successful integration of automation and optimizing processes within the con-text of emerging AI technologies. The paper introduce a cohesive framework consisting of es-sential key pillars: Data-Driven Insights, Seamless Automation, Adaptive Learning and Contin-uous Improvement, Human-Centric Collaboration, Ethical and Responsible AI, Strategic Align-ment, Scalability, and Innovation. These pillars function as guiding principles to navigate the in-tricate landscape of automation-driven initiatives within AI-powered digital transformation. By embracing these pillars, organizations can embark on a transformative journey that maximizes the potential of automation, fosters innovation, and positions them as leaders in the ever-evolving landscape of AI-driven business operations.
The Effect of Propofol Combined with Psychological Intervention on Pain and Emotional Evaluation in Painless Colonoscopic Colonic Polypectomy Patients
Authors: Zhang Xiao- Mei , Yu Lu , Zhang Jia-Wei , Yuan Ya-Feng
Published: October 2023

Objective: To evaluate the effect of propofol combined with psychological intervention on pain and emotional evaluation in painless colonoscopic colonic polypectomy patients undergoing endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR).Methods: A total of 80 patients who underwent painless colonoscopic colonic polypectomy with EMR treatment between June 2020 and June 2022 were selected in order of admission and divided into two groups. The control group received conventional analgesia, while the observation group received propofol combined with psychological intervention. Pain visual analog scale (VAS) and emotional scale were used to evaluate pain and emotions in both groups of patients. Adverse reactions and clinical efficacy were also compared between the two groups.Results: The two groups of patients were generally comparable with no significant differences (P > 0.05). The VAS score in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05), and the emotional scale score was also improved compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The number of patients with adverse reactions in the observation group was less than that in the control group. The clinical effective rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Propofol combined with psychological intervention can effectively alleviate pain and improve emotional status in painless colonoscopic colonic polypectomy patients undergoing EMR treatment, thereby increasing the comfort and success rate of the surgery. The number of patients with adverse reactions in the observation group was less than that in the control group, and the clinical effective rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05).
ADDovenom: Thermostable Protein-Based ADDomer Nanoparticles as New Therapeutics for Snakebite Envenoming
Authors: Menzies Stefanie Kate , Arinto-Garcia Raquel , Amorim Fernanda Gobbi , Cardoso Iara Aime , Abada Camille , Crasset Thomas , Durbesson Fabien , Edge Rebecca J , El-Kazzi Priscila , Hall Sophie , Redureau Damien , Stenner Richard , Boldrini-França Johara , Sun Huan , Roldão António , Alves Paula M , Vincentelli Renaud , Berger Imre , Quinton Loïc , Casewell Nicholas R , Schaffitzel Christiane
Published: October 2023

Snakebite envenoming can be a life-threatening medical emergency that requires prompt medical intervention to neutralise the effects of venom toxins. Each year up to 138,000 people die from snakebite and 3-fold more victims suffer life-altering disabilities. Current treatment of snakebite relies solely on antivenom – polyclonal antibodies isolated from the plasma of hyperimmunised animals – which is associated with numerous deficiencies. The ADDovenom project seeks to deliver a novel snakebite therapy, through use of an innovative protein-based scaffold as a next-generation antivenom. The ADDomer is a megadalton-sized, thermostable synthetic nanoparticle derived from the adenovirus penton base protein with 60 high-avidity binding sites to neutralise venom toxins. Here, we outline our experimental strategies to achieve this goal using state-of-the-art protein engineering, expression technology, mass spectrometry, as well as in vitro and in vivo venom neutralisation assays. We anticipate that the approaches described here will produce antivenom with unparalleled efficacy, safety and affordability.
Identification and Pharmacological Characterization of A Low-Liability Antinociceptive Bifunctional MOR/DOR Cyclic Peptide
Authors: Li Yangmei , Eans Shainnel O. , Ganno-Sherwood Michelle , Eliasof Abbe , Houghten Richard A. , McLaughlin Jay P.
Published: October 2023

Peptide-based opioid ligands are important candidates for the development of novel, safer, and more effective analgesics to treat pain. To develop peptide-based safer analgesics, we synthesized a mixture-based cyclic pentapeptide library containing a total of 24,624 pentapeptides and screened the mixture-based library samples using a 55 °C warm-water tail-withdrawal assay. Using this phenotypic screening approach, we deconvoluted the mixture-based samples to identify a novel cyclic peptide Tyr-[D-Lys-Dap(Ant)-Thr-Gly] (CycloAnt), which produced dose- and time-dependent antinociception with an ED50 (and 95% confidence interval) of 0.70 (0.52-0.97) mg/kg i.p. mediated by the mu-opioid receptor (MOR). Additionally, higher doses (≥ 3 mg/kg, i.p.) of CycloAnt antagonized delta-opioid receptors (DOR) at least 3 hours. Pharmacological characterization of CycloAnt showed the cyclic peptide did not reduce breathing rate in mice at doses up to 15 times the analgesic ED50 value, and dramatically less hyperlocomotion than the MOR agonist, morphine. While chronic administration of CycloAnt resulted in antinociceptive tolerance, it was without opioid-induced hyperalgesia and significantly reduced signs of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal suggestive of reduced physical dependence as compared to morphine. Collectively, the results suggest this dual MOR/DOR multifunctional ligand is an excellent lead for the development of peptide-based safer analgesics.
From Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) to Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): Epidemiology, Incidence, Predictions, Risk Factors and Prevention
Authors: Motta Benedetta Maria , Masarone Mario , Torre Pietro , Persico Marcello
Published: October 2023

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects up to a quarter of the adult population in many developed and developing countries. This spectrum of liver disease ranges from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. The incidence of NASH is projected to increase by up to 56% over the next 10 years. There is growing epidemiological evidence that NAFLD has become the fastest growing cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in industrialized countries. The annual incidence of HCC varies between patients with NASH cirrhosis and patients with noncirrhotic NAFLD. In this review, NAFLD/NASH-associated HCC will be described, including its epidemiology, risk factors promoting hepatocarcinogenesis, and management of HCC in patients with obesity and associated metabolic comorbidities, including preventive strategies and therapeutic approaches to address this growing problem.
Splenic Stiffness Measured by 3-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Elastography Is Correlated with Age in Healthy Individuals
Authors: Poçan Süheyl , Karakaş Levent
Published: October 2023

Background: We aimed to determine the splenic stiffness (SS) values in healthy individuals as measured by 3 Tesla magnetic resonance elastography (3T MRE) and to investigate the possible effects of parameters such as age, sex, spleen volume, diameter, and parenchyma thickness on SS.Methods: A total of 54 healthy volunteers were included in this cross-sectional study. Participants' age and sex information were recorded, in addition to spleen craniocaudal and anteroposterior diameter, cortical thickness, spleen volume, and SS, which were measured using 3T magnetic resonance imaging and MRE. Results: Twenty-nine male and 25 female subjects with a mean age of 54.78±15.40 years were included in the study. Mean cradiocaudal diameter was 10.46±1.16 cm, anteroposterior diameter was 9.88±1.29 cm, parenchyma thickness was 4.08±0.67 cm, SS was 3721.94±709.69 Pascal (Pa), and median spleen volume was 292.54 (239.40-311.00) cm3. A significant positive correlation was observed between age and SS (r=0.779, p<0.001). The SS values were not associated with sex, craniocaudal diameter, anteroposterior diameter, parenchymal thickness, or volume.Conclusion:Age should be considered when using SS in the diagnosis and staging of relevant diseases such as portal hypertension and esophageal varices. Our results should be confirmed by future studies using 3T MRE in larger populations.
An Eccentricity Error Separation Method for Rotary Table Based on Phase Feature of Moiré Signal of Single Reading Head
Authors: Huang Yao , Che Shuangliang , Zhu Weibin , Ma Cheng , Zhou Yi , Zou Wei , Xue Zi
Published: October 2023

In view of the limitations of the existing eccentricity error separation method of the rotary table, an eccentricity error separation method based on the phase feature of the moiré signal of single reading head is proposed herein. A grating pair transmission model is established based on the analysis of the principle of the rotary table, thereby the influence of eccentricity error on the phase feature of the moiré signal in the rotation course of the rotary table is clarified, and the corresponding model between the phase feature spectral components and the eccentricity error is established. The verification experiments of the proposed method are carried out based on the laboratory-made circuit system. After verifying the accuracy of the data acquisition of the laboratory-made circuit board, the verification experiments of the eccentricity error separation effect of the proposed method are carried out. The experimental data are compared with those of the traditional method and the results show that the error between the two methods is 2.34μm and the relative error is 2.3%.
Endogenous Neuromodulation at Infra-Low Frequency:
Method and Theory
Authors: Othmer Siegfried , Othmer Susan FitzGerald
Published: October 2023

Clinical work conducted over the last seventeen years at the EEG Institute in Los Angeles and by other neurofeedback providers around the world has demonstrated the utility of extending frequency-based neurofeedback deep into the infra-low frequency (ILF) region, using the method of endogenous neuromodulation described herein. The method is characterized by the absence of any overt reinforcements, which makes it possible to extend the clinical reach to extremely low frequencies. As the training frequency is lowered, the signal becomes more difficult to discriminate, and ultimately it can only be discerned by the brain itself, in the process of endogenous neuromodulation. The method emulates how the brain does skill learning in general: It must observe itself performing the skill, with feedback on its performance.
While the immediate target of ILF neurofeedback is enhanced self-regulatory competence--with symptomatic relief and functional recovery the secondary consequences, progressive lowering of the target frequencies has led to improved outcomes in application to challenging dysfunctions such as episodic suicidality, migraine, seizures, and bipolar mood swings. The work has also yielded insights into how the frequency domain is organized. The training proceeds best at frequencies that are specific to each individual, and these are referred to as optimal response frequencies (ORFs).
These frequencies differ for various placements but stand in two fixed relationships to one another, one that holds over the EEG spectral range, and another that holds over the entire ILF range. Training in the ILF region engages the dynamics of the glial-neuronal networks, which govern tonic, resting state regulation. The collective clinical experience with ILF neuromodulation within a large practitioner network supports the case for making protocol-based, individualized ‘homeodynamic’ regulation a therapeutic priority, particularly for our most impacted clinical populations: addiction, trauma formations, traumatic brain injury, and the dementias. The case is made for further outcome studies and foundational research.
Microstructures and Deformation Mechanism of Hetero-Structured Pure Titanium under High Strain Rate
Authors: Wang Shuaizhuo , Yan Haotian , Zhang Dongmei , Hu Jianjun , Li Yusheng
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the microstructures and deformation mechanism of hetero-structured pure titanium under different high strain rates (500 s-1，1000 s-1，2000 s-1). The influence of strain rate on the deformation mechanism is examined. As the strain rate increases, the dominance of dislocation slip decreases while deformation twinning becomes more prominent. Notably, at a strain rate of 2000s-1, nanoscale twin lamellae are activated within grain with a size of 500nm, which is a rarely observed phenomenon in pure Ti. Additionally, martensitic phase transformation is also identified. These findings can greatly enhance our understanding of the mechanical responses of Ti and broaden the potential applications of Ti in dynamic deformation scenarios.
Progressive Exaptation of Endogenous Retroviruses in Placental Evolution in Cattle
Authors: Sakurai Toshihiro , Kusama Kazuya , Imakawa Kazuhiko
Published: October 2023

Viviparity is made possible by the placenta, a structure acquired relatively recently in the evolutionary history of eutherian mammals. Compared to oviparity, it increases the survival rate of the fetus, owing to the eutherian placenta. Questions such as “How was the placenta acquired?” and “Why is there diversity in placental morphology among mammalian species?” remain largely unsolved. Our present understanding of the molecules regulating placental development remains unclear, owing in no small part to the persistent obscurity surrounding the molecular mechanisms underlying placental acquisition. Many genes that characterize eutherian placental morphology likely evolved to be expressed at the fetal-maternal interface concurrently with those during embryogenesis. Therefore, identifying these genes, how they were acquired, and how they came to be expressed specifically at the fetal-maternal interface will shed light on some crucial molecular mechanisms underlying placental evolution. Exhaustive studies support the hypothesis that endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) could be evolutional driving forces for trophoblast cell fusion and placental structure in mammalian placentas including those of the bovine species. This review focuses on bovine ERVs (BERVs) and their expression and function in the placenta.
Nanobodies as Spray and Aerosol Particles: A Breakthrough in Treating Respiratory Viral Infections
Authors: Mustafa Mujahed , Mohammed Ahmed
Published: October 2023

Respiratory viral infections, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and, more recently, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, continue to pose significant global health threats. Conventional treatments for these infections often face challenges such as limited efficacy, the emergence of drug-resistant strains, and the requirement for frequent administration. In recent years, nanobodies have emerged as a promising class of therapeutic agents due to their unique properties, including small size, high stability, and specific binding capabilities. This mini-review article focuses on the application of nanobodies as spray and aerosol particles for the treatment of respiratory viral infections. Furthermore, we highlight the remarkable efficacy of nanobodies in preclinical and clinical studies against respiratory viruses, including their ability to neutralize viral particles, inhibit viral replication, and modulate the host immune response. We discuss the potential advantages of using nanobodies as inhalable formulations, including their improved delivery to the respiratory tract, enhanced stability in aerosol form, and reduced systemic side effects. Additionally, we explore the various strategies employed to engineer nanobodies for optimal aerosol delivery, such as conjugation to carrier particles or formulation as dry powders. We also examine the potential challenges and limitations associated with the development of nanobody-based aerosol therapies, including production scalability, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory considerations.
Özel Yeteneklilere Türkçe Öğretiminde Çocuklar için Felsefe (P4C) Uygulamaları
Authors: ÖZCAN Suna
Published: October 2023

Günümüzün temel dinamikleri arasında bireyin kendi öğrenme sürecini yönetmek ve üst düzey düşünme becerilerini kullanmak yer almaktadır. Bu dinamikleri en iyi şekilde kazandırırken aynı zamanda olayların sebep-sonuç ilişkilerini fark edip yaşama dair de bir fikre sahip olan bireylerin yetişmesi önemlidir. Bu durumda hem 21. yüzyılın bireyden beklediği üst düzey düşünme becerilerini hem de yaşama dair akla gelen soru işaretlerinin analiz edilmesine yönelik bir eğitim ortamının zorunluluğu ortaya çıkmaktadır. Çocuklar için felsefe yaklaşımı da bu disiplinleri bir araya getirerek çocukların erken yaşlardan itibaren bu konular üzerine akıl yürütmelerine olanak sağlamaktadır. Özellikle kendi yaşıtlarına oranla daha üst düzey düşünme potansiyeline sahip olan özel yetenekli çocuklara yönelik verilecek eğitimlerde çocuklar için felsefeden yararlanmak ihtiyaç duydukları öğretim ortamlarına kavuşmalarına olanak sağlayacaktır. Özel yetenekli çocuklar üst düzey düşünme becerilerinde olduğu gibi dil becerilerinin gelişiminde de yaşıtlarından daha ileri düzeydedirler. Bu çocuklar hem üst düzey düşünme hem de dil becerilerini bir arada kendi hız ve potansiyelleri doğrultusunda öğrenme olanağına sahip olurlarsa hem kendilerini gerçekleştirme hem de toplumu kalkındırmada daha etkin olabilme olanağına sahip olurlar. Bu durumlar göz önünde bulundurularak özel yetenekli çocuklara Türkçe öğretiminde kullanılabilecek P4C temelli etkinlikler geliştirilip pilot uygulamaları gerçekleştirilmiştir. Pilot uygulamalara göre özel yetenekli çocuklara Türkçe öğretiminde P4C temelli etkinliklerin kullanımı onların gelişimine destek olmaktadır.
P4c’de Ebeveyn İle İşbirliği: “Zihinsel Bağışıklık” Temalı İçerik Önerisi
Authors: BERKE Zeynep
Published: October 2023

Amerikalı düşünür ve eğitimci Matthew Lipman’ın kurucusu olduğu Çocuklar için Felsefe (P4C) yaklaşımı, yirminci yüzyılın ikinci yarısından günümüze uzanan süreçte tüm dünyada ve ülkemizde yaygınlaşmış ve kısa zamanda hatırı sayılır bir popülerlik kazanmıştır. Yapılan etkinliklerin, çocukların bilişsel ve sosyal becerilerinin gelişimine olumlu katkısının kısa vadede gözlemlenebilmesi ve ölçülebilmesi de P4C’ye yönelik ilgi ve talebin artışında rol oynamıştır. Öte yandan P4C nihai formuna ve içeriğine kavuşmuş statik bir yaklaşım değildir. Tıpkı diğer eğitim yaklaşımları gibi P4C de daha etkin ve verimli hale gelme olanaklarını barındıran, içerikleri ve metotları sürekli geliştirilen ve güncellenen bir yapıdadır. Nitekim bu çalışmanın amacı, P4C yaklaşımının niteliksel verimini artırmaya yönelik bir etkinlik önerisi ortaya koymaktır. P4C süreçleri planlanırken, çocukların, içinde bulundukları sosyal çevre ile sürekli etkileşim halinde oldukları, mental ve sosyal kimliklerinin bu etkileşimden beslenerek biçimlendiği ve bu formasyon sürecinde en etkili figürlerin ebeveynler olduğu hesaba katılmalıdır. Dolayısıyla ebeveynin P4C süreçlerine dâhil edilmesi, hatta süreçte aktif rol oynamaya teşvik edilmesi halinde, etkinliklerin dönüştürücü gücünde ve sağlayacağı kazanımlarda anlamlı bir artış olacağı öne sürülmektedir. Bu tespite istinaden çalışmamızın son kısmında, ebeveynler ile yapılması önerilen etkinliklerde kullanılabilecek “zihinsel bağışıklık” temalı bir içerik önerisi sunulmaktadır.
The Relationship between Perceived Psychological Barriers, Anxiety, and Rural Affiliation of Pakistani College Students to Communicate in English
Authors: Soomro Muhammad Arif , Rajper Mukhtiar Ali , Koondhar Mansoor Ali , Khan Imran Khalid
Published: October 2023

Learning a foreign language is always a challenging and complicated process. Learning other than the native language encounters several psychological barriers in the minds of learners, particularly, for students belonging to rural areas. The study goal is to identify the relationship between perceived psychological barriers, anxiety, and rural affiliation of Pakistani college students communicating in English. The objective of the study is to investigate perceived psychological barriers encountered by students speaking in English. The study used the mixed-method design of quantitative and qualitative research. The data were gathered through questionnaires from students and semi-structured interviews with teachers. Adopting purposive sampling of 50 students and 10 college teachers to know their perspective on the objective of the study. The main identified barriers were inferiority complex, peer pressure, loss of words, hesitation, lack of confidence, and shyness. The results also showed a negative relationship between students’ rural affiliation which caused psychological barriers and speaking anxiety among them. The study results contribute to the contemporary literature on pedagogical psychology, foreign language anxiety, and applied linguistics. In particular, to the well-being of rural learners and to understand the relationship between psychological development, anxiety, and social background.