bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In-silico identification of deleterious non-synonymous SNPs of TBX1 gene: Functional and structural impact towards 22q11.2DS
Authors: Almakhari Maitha , Chen Yan , Kong Amanda Shen-Yee , Moradigaravand Danesh , Lai Kok-Song , Lim Swee-Hua Erin , Loh Jiun-Yan , Maran Sathiya
Published: June 2024

The TBX1 gene plays a critical role in the development of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS), a complex genetic disorder associated with various phenotypic manifestations. In this study, we performed in-silico analysis to identify potentially deleterious non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) within the TBX1 gene and evaluate their functional and structural impact on 22q11.2DS. A comprehensive analysis pipeline involving multiple computational tools was employed to predict the pathogenicity of nsSNPs. This study assessed protein stability and explored potential alterations in protein-protein interactions. The results revealed the rs751339103(C>A), rs780800634(G>A), rs1936727304(T>C), rs1223320618(G>A), rs1248532217(T>C), rs1294927055 (C>T), rs1331240435 (A>G, rs1601289406 (A>C), rs1936726164 (G>A), and rs911796187(G>A) with a high-risk potential for affecting protein function and stability. These nsSNPs were further analyzed for their impact on post-translational modifications and structural characteristics, indicating their potential disruption of molecular pathways associated with TBX1 and its interacting partners. These findings provide a foundation for further experimental studies and elucidation of potential therapeutic targets and personalized treatment approaches for individuals affected by 22q11.2DS.
“It was very nice to be in a room where everyone had ADD—that’s kind of VIP”: Exploring clients’ perceptions of group CBT for ADHD inattentive presentation
Authors: Strålin Elinor Eskilsson , Sunnhed Rikard , Thorell Lisa B. , Lundgren Tobias , Bölte Sven , Bohman Benjamin
Published: June 2024

Objectives

This qualitative study explored the perceptions of adult clients participating in a new psychological treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder inattentive presentation (ADHD-I, also called “attention deficit disorder”, ADD). The study aimed to explore (i) what aspects of treatment the participants found to be helpful, and (ii) if there were areas that ought to be developed to make the protocol more useful to clients with ADHD-I.

Methods

Participants were recruited from treatment groups following the protocol of cognitive-behavioral therapy for ADHD-I (CADDI), at three psychiatric outpatient units in Stockholm, Sweden. Individual semi-structured interviews, lasting on average 44,6 minutes, were conducted with 14 adults after the completion of CADDI. Interviews explored participants’ perceptions of CADDI, its usefulness, and asked for suggestions for improvement. Interviews were conducted by independent interviewers and were transcribed verbatim. The text was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

The analysis generated three themes: “Factors of importance for change”, with the subthemes; the group, therapeutic components, structure of treatment, and motivation,”Gains in treatment”, with the subthemes; insight and understanding, increased attention, and planning and acting, and “Challenges with ADHD-I and remaining needs”, with the subthemes; ADHD as a lifelong condition, maintaining gains in treatment, and wish for further support.

Conclusions

Participants emphasized the importance of the group setting as a facilitator of therapeutic effects of increased understanding and self-acceptance. Further, they considered the practice of mindfulness to enhance attention and awareness of thoughts, feelings, and activities and considered the structure of treatment as supporting the work in therapy. These findings support the value of the group setting and confirm the usefulness of CADDI. However, participants were concerned about how to maintain gains of treatment after its termination and suggested follow-up sessions to improve the CADDI protocol.

Trial registration

Preregistered at Clinical Trials: NCT05037903.
Nursing and midwifery students’ attitudes towards addressing patient sexual health in their future profession: Polish adaptation and validation of the students’ attitudes towards addressing sexual health extended questionnaire (SA-SH-Ext)
Authors: Ślusarska Barbara , Marcinowicz Ludmiła
Published: June 2024

The aim of the study was to assess the success of an adaption of the Students’ Attitudes Towards Addressing Sexual Health Extended Questionnaire (SA-SH-Ext) in meeting Polish linguistic and cultural norms, as well as to ascertain the nursing and midwifery students’ attitudes towards addressing sexual health using the SA-SH-Ext questionnaire. The sample size of the cross-sectional validation study consisted of 570 Polish nursing and midwifery students. The collected data was used to examine the internal consistency reliability and construct validity using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Internal consistency reliability showed a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.91, and construct validity measured by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) demonstrated good results. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy (KMO) was high and amounted to 0.923, and the Bartlett’s test of sphericity was significant (p = 0.000). The analysis of construct validity demonstrated five major factors: “Present feelings of comfortableness” (Factor 1), “Future working environment” (Factor 2), “Fear of negative influence on future patient relation” (Factor 3), “Educational needs—Awareness of knowledge gap” (Factor 4), “Educational needs—Awareness of the needs for competences” (Factor 5). The SA-SH-Ext v.PL questionnaire is a reliable and valuable instrument for assessing the level of perceived preparedness among nursing and midwifery students in addressing patient sexual health, a field often neglected in health and holistic care.
Expression of SDF-1/CXCR4 and related inflammatory factors in sodium fluoride-treated hepatocytes
Authors: Yang Rui , Shen Hongting , Wang Mingjun , Zhao Yaqian , Zhu Shiling , Jiang Hong , Li Yanan , Pu Guanglan , Chen Xun , Chen Ping , Lu Qing , Ma Jing , Zhang Qiang
Published: June 2024

At present, the mechanism of fluorosis-induced damage to the hepatic system is unclear. Studies have shown that excess fluoride causes some degree of damage to the liver, including inflammation. The SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling axis has been reported to have an impact on the regulation of inflammation in human cells. In this study, we investigated the role of the SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling axis and related inflammatory factors in fluorosis through in vitro experiments on human hepatic astrocytes (LX-2) cultured with sodium fluoride. CCK-8 assays showed that the median lethal dose at 24 h was 2 mmol/l NaF, and these conditions were used for subsequent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis. The protein expression levels of SDF-1/CXCR4 and the related inflammatory factors nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) were detected by ELISAs from the experimental and control groups. The mRNA expression levels of these inflammatory indicators were also determined by qPCR in both groups. Moreover, the expression levels of these factors were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group at both the protein and mRNA levels (P < 0.05). Excess fluorine may stimulate the SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling axis, activating the inflammatory NF-κB signaling pathway and increasing the expression levels of the related inflammatory factors IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β. Identification of this mechanism is important for elucidating the pathogenesis of fluorosis-induced liver injury.
LSTM-driven drug design using SELFIES for target-focused de novo generation of HIV-1 protease inhibitor candidates for AIDS treatment
Authors: Albrijawi M. Taleb , Alhajj Reda
Published: June 2024

The battle against viral drug resistance highlights the need for innovative approaches to replace time-consuming and costly traditional methods. Deep generative models offer automation potential, especially in the fight against Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as they can synthesize diverse molecules effectively. In this paper, an application of an LSTM-based deep generative model named “LSTM-ProGen” is proposed to be tailored explicitly for the de novo design of drug candidate molecules that interact with a specific target protein (HIV-1 protease). LSTM-ProGen distinguishes itself by employing a long-short-term memory (LSTM) architecture, to generate novel molecules target specificity against the HIV-1 protease. Following a thorough training process involves fine-tuning LSTM-ProGen on a diverse range of compounds sourced from the ChEMBL database. The model was optimized to meet specific requirements, with multiple iterations to enhance its predictive capabilities and ensure it generates molecules that exhibit favorable target interactions. The training process encompasses an array of performance evaluation metrics, such as drug-likeness properties. Our evaluation includes extensive silico analysis using molecular docking and PCA-based visualization to explore the chemical space that the new molecules cover compared to those in the training set. These evaluations reveal that a subset of 12 de novo molecules generated by LSTM-ProGen exhibit a striking ability to interact with the target protein, rivaling or even surpassing the efficacy of native ligands. Extended versions with further refinement of LSTM-ProGen hold promise as versatile tools for designing efficacious and customized drug candidates tailored to specific targets, thus accelerating drug development and facilitating the discovery of new therapies for various diseases.
Development of a low-cost robotized 3D-prototype for automated optical microscopy diagnosis: An open-source system
Authors: Dantas de Oliveira Allisson , Rubio Maturana Carles , Zarzuela Serrat Francesc , Carvalho Bruno Motta , Sulleiro Elena , Prats Clara , Veiga Anna , Bosch Mercedes , Zulueta Javier , Abelló Alberto , Sayrol Elisa , Joseph-Munné Joan , López-Codina Daniel
Published: June 2024

In a clinical context, conventional optical microscopy is commonly used for the visualization of biological samples for diagnosis. However, the availability of molecular techniques and rapid diagnostic tests are reducing the use of conventional microscopy, and consequently the number of experienced professionals starts to decrease. Moreover, the continuous visualization during long periods of time through an optical microscope could affect the final diagnosis results due to induced human errors and fatigue. Therefore, microscopy automation is a challenge to be achieved and address this problem. The aim of the study is to develop a low-cost automated system for the visualization of microbiological/parasitological samples by using a conventional optical microscope, and specially designed for its implementation in resource-poor settings laboratories. A 3D-prototype to automate the majority of conventional optical microscopes was designed. Pieces were built with 3D-printing technology and polylactic acid biodegradable material with Tinkercad/Ultimaker Cura 5.1 slicing softwares. The system’s components were divided into three subgroups: microscope stage pieces, storage/autofocus-pieces, and smartphone pieces. The prototype is based on servo motors, controlled by Arduino open-source electronic platform, to emulate the X-Y and auto-focus (Z) movements of the microscope. An average time of 27.00 ± 2.58 seconds is required to auto-focus a single FoV. Auto-focus evaluation demonstrates a mean average maximum Laplacian value of 11.83 with tested images. The whole automation process is controlled by a smartphone device, which is responsible for acquiring images for further diagnosis via convolutional neural networks. The prototype is specially designed for resource-poor settings, where microscopy diagnosis is still a routine process. The coalescence between convolutional neural network predictive models and the automation of the movements of a conventional optical microscope confer the system a wide range of image-based diagnosis applications. The accessibility of the system could help improve diagnostics and provide new tools to laboratories worldwide.
Offensive language detection in low resource languages: A use case of Persian language
Authors: Mozafari Marzieh , Mnassri Khouloud , Farahbakhsh Reza , Crespi Noel
Published: June 2024

THIS ARTICLE USES WORDS OR LANGUAGE THAT IS CONSIDERED PROFANE, VULGAR, OR OFFENSIVE BY SOME READERS.

Different types of abusive content such as offensive language, hate speech, aggression, etc. have become prevalent in social media and many efforts have been dedicated to automatically detect this phenomenon in different resource-rich languages such as English. This is mainly due to the comparative lack of annotated data related to offensive language in low-resource languages, especially the ones spoken in Asian countries. To reduce the vulnerability among social media users from these regions, it is crucial to address the problem of offensive language in such low-resource languages. Hence, we present a new corpus of Persian offensive language consisting of 6,000 out of 520,000 randomly sampled micro-blog posts from X (Twitter) to deal with offensive language detection in Persian as a low-resource language in this area. We introduce a method for creating the corpus and annotating it according to the annotation practices of recent efforts for some benchmark datasets in other languages which results in categorizing offensive language and the target of offense as well. We perform extensive experiments with three classifiers in different levels of annotation with a number of classical Machine Learning (ML), Deep learning (DL), and transformer-based neural networks including monolingual and multilingual pre-trained language models. Furthermore, we propose an ensemble model integrating the aforementioned models to boost the performance of our offensive language detection task. Initial results on single models indicate that SVM trained on character or word n-grams are the best performing models accompanying monolingual transformer-based pre-trained language model ParsBERT in identifying offensive vs non-offensive content, targeted vs untargeted offense, and offensive towards individual or group. In addition, the stacking ensemble model outperforms the single models by a substantial margin, obtaining 5% respective macro F1-score improvement for three levels of annotation.
Sensor based precise nitrogen application augmented productivity and profitability of mustard (Brassica juncea L.)
Authors: Meena Vasudev , Dotaniya Mohan Lal , Meena Murli Dhar , Jat Ram Swaroop , Meena Mukesh Kumar , Choudhary Ram Lal , Meena Hari Singh , Meena Bheeru Lal , Rai Pramod Kumar
Published: June 2024

Unremitting decline in crop productivity and nutrient recovery are resulted due to dearth of need based fertilizer recommendation over blanket application apart from nitrogen pollution in several means. An advance nutrient management tactic, GreenSeeker (GS) has developed and used in many field crops following the principle of four “R” (right source, right amount at right time, and place) nutrients stewardship technologies. But no studies have been conducted for evaluation of GS in mustard for improving productivity, profitability and nutrient use efficiency (NUE) while minimizing environmental risks. With this objective, a study was planned to conduct an experiment in rabi season of 2021–22 and 2022–23 to assess optical sensor based nitrogen management in mustard over blanket recommendation. The experiment was comprised of ten N treatments including control in randomized block design in triplicates. Research findings indicated that application of GreenSeeker based N significantly improved all growth traits and yield parameters in Brassica juncea L. Per cent enhancement in seed yield, net monetary returns and benefit-cost ratio was higher as 19.3 and 64.5%, 125.1 & 36.2% and 58.8 & 24.4%, respectively under GS based multi split N application over RDF and control. Further, real time N management with GS acquired higher crop production efficiency (CPE) (19.9 kg/day) with lesser cost/kg production (Rs 15.7/kg). Split application of N using GS increased oil yield by 79.9 and 26% over control and recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) with maximum oil content (42.3%), and increases soil organic carbon (SOC) content by 16.1% from its initial value. Moreover, GS crop sensor could be the probable solution to minimize the crop nitrogen requirement by 15–20% with a yield enhancement of about 18.7% over RDF.
Understanding migraine in Saudi society: An assessment of public knowledge and attitudes: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Alshehri Fahad S. , Ashour Ahmed M. , Alharbi Adnan S. , Hakami Alqassem Y. , Alorfi Nasser M.
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study aims to assess the knowledge and perceptions of the public toward migraine in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey assessed the knowledge and perceptions of migraine among Saudi Arabian individuals. The study was conducted over three months in 2023 (1st of June 2023 to 31st of August 2023) using a prevalidated online questionnaire divided into four sections.

Results

A total of 1,975 adults aged between 18 and 64 completed the web-based survey. Of these, over half were male (n = 1,268; 64.2%). The main causes of migraine identified by the participants were genetic disease (n = 540, 27.3%), followed by physical disease (n = 341, 17.3%), head trauma (n = 274, 13.9%), and psychiatric disease (n = 157, 7.9%). The main symptoms identified by the participants were photophobia (21%), followed by inability to control urine (14.1%), vomiting and nausea (13.8%), and vision loss (8.3%). The majority of the participants in this study had a good knowledge of migraines, while 49% had poor knowledge. The migraine knowledge score was significantly associated with the participants’ gender (p = 0.002), age (p = 0.0001), educational level (p = 0.001), employment status (p = 0.001), monthly income (p = 0.0001), region (p = 0.0001), and history of migraine (p = 0.0001).

Conclusion

Although one-third of the participants exhibiting good knowledge, deficiencies existed in certain clinical aspects, emphasizing the need for targeted educational interventions to enhance public awareness and understanding of migraines.
ern: An R package to estimate the effective reproduction number using clinical and wastewater surveillance data
Authors: Champredon David , Papst Irena , Yusuf Warsame
Published: June 2024

The effective reproduction number, R t, is an important epidemiological metric used to assess the state of an epidemic, as well as the effectiveness of public health interventions undertaken in response. When R t is above one, it indicates that new infections are increasing, and thus the epidemic is growing, while an R t is below one indicates that new infections are decreasing, and so the epidemic is under control. There are several established software packages that are readily available to statistically estimate R t using clinical surveillance data. However, there are comparatively few accessible tools for estimating R t from pathogen wastewater concentration, a surveillance data stream that cemented its utility during the COVID-19 pandemic. We present the R package ern that aims to perform the estimation of the effective reproduction number from real-world wastewater or aggregated clinical surveillance data in a user-friendly way.
The efficacy and safety of different Janus kinase inhibitors as monotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis: A Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: Qu Bingjia , Zhao Feng , Song Ying , Zhao Junyi , Yao Yuxin , Chen Yulan , Liao Ruobing , Fu Lingyu
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of patients with RA.

Methods

The databases CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, CBM, and PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs), all from the time of database creation to April 2024. Screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment (using Review Manager-5.3 software) were independently performed by at least two authors. The network meta-analysis was conducted using R 4.1.3 software. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022370444.

Results

Thirty-three RCTs included 15,961 patients The experimental groups involved six JAK inhibitors (filgotinib, tofacitinib, decernotinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib and peficitinib) and 12 interventions (different doses of the six JAK inhibitors), and the control group involved adalimumab (ADA) and placebo. Compared with placebo, all JAK inhibitors showed a significant increase in efficacy measures (ACR20/50/70). Compared with ADA, only tofacitinib, low-dose decernotinib, and high-dose peficitinib showed a significant increase in ACR20/50/70. Decernotinib ranked first in the SUCRA ranking of ACR20/50/70. In terms of safety indicators, only those differences between low-dose filgotinib and high-dose upadacitinib, low-dose tofacitinib and high-dose upadacitinib were statistically significant. Low-dose filgotinib ranked first in the SUCRA ranking with adverse events as safety indicators. Only the efficacy and safety of tofacitinib ranked higher among different SUCRA rankings.

Conclusion

Six JAK inhibitors have better efficacy than placebo. The superior efficacy of decernotinib and safety of low-dose filgotinib can be found in the SUCRA. However, there are no significant differences in safety between the different JAK inhibitors. Head-to-head trials, directly comparing one against each other, are required to provide more certain evidence.
Analysis of molecular subtypes and antibiotic resistance in Treponema pallidum isolates from blood donors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Muhammad Iqbal , Khalifa Eman H. , Salih Magdi M. , Ullah Waheed , Elseid Manal S. A. , Qasim Muhammad , Ali Sajid , Ullah Nadeem , Muhammad Noor
Published: June 2024

Syphilis, caused by Treponema pallidum, is resurging globally. Molecular typing allows for the investigation of its epidemiology. In Pakistan and other nations, T. pallidum subsp. pallidum has developed widespread macrolide resistance in the past decade. A study at the Peshawar Regional Blood Centre from June 2020–June 2021 analyzed serum samples from 32,812 blood donors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, to assess circulating T. pallidum strains and antibiotic resistance. Blood samples were initially screened for T. pallidum antibodies using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). CMIA-reactive samples underwent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeted the polA, tpp47, bmp, and tp0319 genes. PCR-positive samples were further analyzed for molecular subtyping using a CDC-developed procedure and tp0548 gene examination. All PCR-positive samples were analyzed for the presence of point mutations A2058G and A2059G in 23S rRNA, as well as the G1058C mutation in 16S rRNA. These mutations are known to impart antimicrobial resistance to macrolides and doxycycline, respectively. Out of 32,812 serum samples, 272 (0.83%) were CMIA-reactive, with 46 being PCR-positive. Nine T. pallidum subtypes were identified, predominantly 14d/f. The A2058G mutation in 23S rRNA was found in 78% of cases, while G1058C in 16S rRNA and A2059G in 23S rRNA were absent. The research found donor blood useful for assessing T. pallidum molecular subtypes and antibiotic resistance, especially when chancres are not present. The prevalent subtype was 14d/f (51.85%), and the high macrolide resistance of 36 (78%) indicates caution in using macrolides for syphilis treatment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
Study on the impact of smart city construction on the health of the elderly population——A quasi-natural experiment in China
Authors: Deng Juqiu , Yao Dong , Deng Yue , Liu Zhenyu , Yang Jiayu , Gong Dezhao
Published: June 2024

In the context of global aging, promoting the health of the elderly has become a critical issue. However, whether the development of smart cities can impact the health of older adults remains to be further validated. In this paper, based on panel data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a difference in difference model is used to empirically investigate whether smart city construction improves the health of older people in the region. The results show that smart city construction enhances the health of the elderly. Specifically, the construction achieved a significant improvement in the physical health of the elderly who did not live with their children. The health promotion effect of the smart city was more significant for the urban elderly than for the rural elderly. The elucidated mechanisms of influence suggest that smart cities bring about their effects through the promotion of urban leisure infrastructure, enhancement of medical service provision, advancement in urban environmental protection and stimulation of urban information and communication technology infrastructure development.
Effects of allopurinol and febuxostat on uric acid transport and transporter expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: van der Pol Karel H. , Koenderink Jan , van den Heuvel Jeroen J. M. W. , van den Broek Petra , Peters Janny , van Bunningen Imke D. W. , Pertijs Jeanne , Russel Frans G. M. , Koldenhof Jim , Morshuis Wim J. , van Drongelen Joris , Schirris Tom J. J. , van der Meer Andries , Rongen Gerard A.
Published: June 2024

Uric acid induces radical oxygen species formation, endothelial inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction which contributes to the progression of atherosclerosis. Febuxostat inhibits BCRP- and allopurinol stimulates MRP4-mediated uric acid efflux in human embryonic kidney cells. We hypothesized that endothelial cells express uric acid transporters that regulate intracellular uric acid concentration and that modulation of these transporters by febuxostat and allopurinol contributes to their different impact on cardiovascular mortality. The aim of this study was to explore a potential difference between the effect of febuxostat and allopurinol on uric acid uptake by human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Febuxostat increased intracellular uric acid concentrations compared with control. In contrast, allopurinol did not affect intracellular uric acid concentration. In line with this observation, febuxostat increased mRNA expression of GLUT9 and reduced MRP4 expression, while allopurinol did not affect mRNA expression of these uric acid transporters. These findings provide a possible pathophysiological pathway which could explain the higher cardiovascular mortality for febuxostat compared to allopurinol but should be explored further.
Qualitative behavioral assessment of dogs with acute pain
Authors: Zanusso Francesca , Contiero Barbara , Normando Simona , Gottardo Flaviana , De Benedictis Giulia Maria
Published: June 2024

Free Choice Profiling (FCP) methodology allows observers to qualitatively assess animal behavior using their own vocabulary. This study aims to investigate the ability of 3 different observer groups to recognize pain-related emotions in 20 dogs using FCP methodology, and to compare FCP data with the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale-Short Form (GCPS- SF) scores. The observer groups consisted of 10 dog owners, 10 veterinary students and 10 veterinarians. Ten healthy (“healthy”) dogs and 10 dogs showing clinical signs of pain (“pain”) were filmed, and the resulting 20 footages were shown to observers who were blind to the pain-related nature of the study. All observers described and scored animals’ emotional expression using FCP; then, students and veterinarians scored all dogs using GCPS- SF. FCP data were analyzed using Generalized Procrustes Analysis (GPA). Spearman correlation coefficient (ρ) was used to determine the correlation among observer groups’ FCP scores of the first two FCP dimensions (DIM1 and DIM2), and to compare GCPS-SF scores with FCP scores for the students and veterinarian observer groups. Each observer group reached a significant (p < 0.001) good consensus profile. “Healthy” dogs were mainly described as “quiet” and “lively”, while the majority of “pain” dogs were considered “in pain” and “suffering”. The correlation among FCP scores was high between owners’ DIM1 and students’ DIM1 (ρ = -0.86), owners’ DIM2 and students’ DIM2 (ρ = 0.72) and students’ DIM2 and vets’ DIM1 (ρ = 0.70). The correlation between GCPS-SF scores and FCP scores was high for students’ DIM2 (ρ = 0.77) and for veterinarians’ DIM1 (ρ = 0.92). Qualitative methods such as FCP could be used in association with semi-quantitative methods to evaluate the effect of pain on animal emotional expression. Observers’ cultural background and personal experience did not substantially affect qualitative behavioral assessment in dogs with acute somatic pain.
Art activities for staff in healthcare institutions
Authors: Oinas Niina , Huhmarniemi Maria
Published: June 2024

Arts and arts-based methods are increasingly used in professional development. This study involved two artists facilitating art activities for 21 staff members from three care institutions in Finland: a nursing home, a day-care centre for individuals with dementia and an organization that supports individuals facing challenging life situations (e.g. unemployment or the need to relearn everyday skills). The primary objective was to enhance work satisfaction and well-being among staff members. Initially, the staff members displayed scepticism towards art activities, but their attitudes became more positive as they engaged in the artistic process. Interviews revealed that the activities positively impacted group spirit, improved individual well-being and inspired the staff to explore new methods in their professional roles. Many participants suggested that art activities could be structured into regular work supervision sessions in their workplaces. The findings highlight the importance of further investigating the benefits of having artists and artistic activities within care organizations.
The tyro’s perspective: Art and science as an auto-didactic project
Authors: Crabtree Parker Isabel
Published: June 2024

The voice of the student reflecting on the processes of auto-didactic experimentation is little heard, yet their perspective provides insights into the interdisciplinary contexts that inform and constitute diverse art disciplines. The artworks and discussion offered in this visual essay were inspired by the photographic archives of the European Space Agency, focusing on Mars and Lunar imagery. The intention is to offer a feminist critique of neo-colonialist explorations of deep space and to project subtle visual messages in public space regarding the gendering of art. This visual essay conveys the need for closer engagement of formal art education with interdisciplinary knowledge, specifically science. Here, the esoteric and technical language of the earth sciences is enriched by the alternative meaning-making practices of visual art.
Analisis Laju Filtrasi dan Morfometrik Kerang Darah (Anadara granosa) pada Budidaya Sistem Kokultur dengan Berbagai Kombinasi Biota
Authors: Kabangnga Arnold , Heriansah Heriansah , Nursida Nur Fajriani
Published: June 2024

Keberadaan kerang dengan karakteristik filter feeder diperlukan untuk memanfaatkan limbah akuakultur yang tersuspensi di kolom air sehingga dapat direduksi. Penelitian ini, kerang darah dari empat sistem akuakultur dievaluasi untuk menentukan laju filtrasi, yaitu sistem monokultur, polikultur, kokultur IMTA non-padi, dan kokultur IMTA padi. Kerang darah, ikan nila, dan udang windu masing-masing ditebar sebanyak 20 ekor pada 90 L air payau, sedangkan kepadatan teripang adalah 10 ekor. Untuk padi, dipelihara dengan metode terapung menggunakan nampan. Selama 4 minggu, pakan diberikan 4 kali sehari sebanyak 10% dari biomassa.  biota sangat menentukan keberhasilan budidaya multibiota pada sistem ko-kultur. Hasil analisis ragam menunjukkan bahwa kombinasi biota berpengaruh nyata (P<0,05) terhadap konsentrasi amoniak, nitrat, dan fosfat. Konsentrasi ketiga bahan organik di akhir penelitian pada sistem polikultur dan sistem IMTA secara signifikan lebih rendah dibandingkan pada sistem monokultur. Sementara itu, pengaruh kombinasi biota terhadap karakteristik morfometrik tidak menunjukkan pengaruh nyata (P>0,05). Laju filtrasi dan morfometrik akan efektif jika dikultur dengan spesies trofik level yang lengkap melalui sistem IMTA. The existence of mussels with filter feeder characteristics is needed to utilize aquaculture waste suspended in the water column so that it can be reduced. In this study, blood cockles from four aquaculture systems were evaluated to determine the filtration rate, namely monoculture, polyculture, non-rice IMTA coculture, and rice IMTA coculture. Blood clams, tilapia and tiger prawns were each stocked with 20 individuals in 90 L of brackish water, while the density of sea cucumbers was 10 individuals. For rice, it is maintained by the floating method using trays. For 4 weeks, the feed was given 4 times a day as much as 10% of the biomass. biota greatly determines the success of multibiota cultivation in co-culture systems. The results of the analysis of variance showed that the combination of biota had a significant effect (P<0.05) on the concentrations of ammonia, nitrate and phosphate. The concentrations of the three organic matter at the end of the study in the polyculture system and the IMTA system were significantly lower than in the monoculture system. Meanwhile, the effect of the combination of biota on the morphometric characteristics did not show a significant effect (P>0.05). Filtration rate and morphometrics will be effective if cultured with complete trophic level species through the IMTA system
Monitoring Konsentrasi Timbal pada Kerang Hijau (Perna viridis) Budidaya Di Perairan Tambak Lorok
Authors: Rachman Rhima Rismiyati , Subagiyo Subagiyo , Ridlo Ali
Published: June 2024

Tambak Lorok termasuk perairan yang dikelilingi dengan banyak aktifitas manusia seperti industri, pemukiman, pelabuhan, serta dijadikan sebagai lokasi untuk melakukan budidaya kerang hijau. Kegiatan tersebut menghasilkan limbah padat, gas, dan cair yang diduga menjadi sumberpencemaran logam berat di perairan. Budidaya kerang hijau di Tambak Lorok menggunakan metode bagan dan bambu tancap dengan spat yang dibiarkan menempel alami. Kerang hijau hasil budidaya di Perairan Tambak Lorok banyak diminati oleh masyarakat karena harganya murah dan memiliki konsentrasi gizi yang tinggi. Penelitian ini betujuan untuk mengetahui kondisi budidaya dan mengevaluasi kerang hijau hasil budidaya di Tambak Lorok berdasarkan konsentrasi timbal. Uji konsentrasi timbal dilakukan menggunakan alat AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) dan analisis secara deskriptif. Hasil analisis menunjukkan pola sebaran kerang hijau merata dengan kepadatan yang tinggi. Konsentrasi timbal dalam kerang hijau berdasarkan hasil penelitian yaitu kurang dari 0,340 mg/kg. Nilai ini berada dibawah nilai – nilai pada tahun sebelumnya. Tambak Lorok includes waters surrounded by many human activities such as industry, settlements, ports, as well as being used as a location for cultivating green mussels. These activities produce solid, gas and liquid waste which are suspected to be the source of heavy metal pollution in the waters. Cultivating green mussels in Tambak Lorok uses the bagan method and sticking bamboo with spat which is left to stick naturally. Green mussels cultivated in Tambak Lorok waters are in great demand by the public because they are cheap and have a high concentration of nutrients. This study aims to determine the conditions of cultivation and evaluate green mussels cultivated in Tambak Lorok based on lead concentrations. Lead concentration test was carried out using AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) and descriptive analysis. The results of the analysis show that the green mussel distribution pattern is evenly distributed with high density. Based on research results, the concentration of lead in green mussels is less than 0.340 mg/kg. This value is below the values in the previous year.
Analisis Kadar TAN Terhadap Bobot Udang di Tambak Udang Mangrove Jembatan Api-Api, Kulonprogo
Authors: Anggoro Muhammad Faisal , Yulianto Bambang , Suryono Suryono
Published: June 2024

Budidaya udang vaname (Litopenaeus vanamei) menjadi andalan dalam budidaya karena menjadi komoditas ekspor unggulan di Indonesia dan mancanegara. Udang vaname memiliki tingkat kelangsungan hidup di atas 90 %, tingkat pertumbuhan cepat dan waktu pemeliharaan yang lebih pendek dibandingkan komoditas lainnya. Salah satu tantangan dalam praktik budidaya yaitu terjadinya pencemaran amonia yang disebabkan oleh limbah pakan dan kotoran udang dimana dinilai berbahaya bagi udang yang dipelihara. Penelitian ini dilakukan bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan kadar ammonia terlarut terhadap bobot udang di tambak udang Mangrove Jembatan Api-Api, Kulonprogo. Materi yang digunakan dalam penelitian di tambak udang Mangrove Jembatan Api-Api, Kulonprogo adalah kadar amonia terlarut, bobot udang dan kualitas perairan lainnya. Kadar amonia terlarut, bobot udang dan kualitas perairan diperoleh melalu metode survei yang meliputi kegiatan observasi lapangan dan pengumpulan data primer dilakukan 2 kali sampling dimana sampling pertama selama 4 hari (DOC 165) dan sampling kedua selama 3 hari (DOC 53). Data kadar amonia diperoleh melalui uji spektofotometri (uji lab), sedangkan bobot udang diperoleh melalui timbangan digital.Hasil penelitian meliputi kadar amonia B4 0,0564 mg/L, B6 0,1127 mg/L, BT2 0,0583 mg/L dan BT3 0,0699 mg/L, bobot rata-rata udang B4 34,66 gr, B6 36,86 gr, BT2 4,36 gr dan BT3 3,78 gr. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian kadar amonia terlarut pada lokasi penelitian rata-rata berada di bawah baku mutu tambak dan hubungan antara kadar amonia terhadap berat udang di tambak udang Mangrove Jembatan Api-Api, Kulonprogo yang didapat tidak menunjukkan pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap bobot udang karena terkontrol.
Tinjauan Perubahan dan Prediksi Garis Pantai: Studi Perbandingan Kasus di Sri Lanka dan Indonesia
Authors: Purwanti Renita , Koestoer Raldi Hendro
Published: June 2024

Garis pantai adalah fitur geomorfologi yang sangat dinamis dan rentan mengalami perubahan yang disebabkan oleh fenomena alam ataupun aktivitas manusia. Perubahan garis pantai akan berdampak pada pengelolaan kawasan pesisir dan mengancam kelangsungan sumber daya pesisir. Pengamatan perubahan garis pantai dapat dilakukan menggunakan analisis perhitungan statistik dengan variabel statistik maupun variabel fisik. Tulisan ini bertujuan untuk melakukan review dan membandingkan penelitian perubahan garis pantai dengan studi kasus di Sri Lanka dan Indonesia dengan menggunakan metode studi komparasi melalui penelusuran literatur ilmiah. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan pembangunan pelabuhan merupakan faktor paling berpengaruh dalam perubahan garis pantai di Sri Lanka, sedangkan di Indonesia dipengaruhi oleh faktor konstruksi pantai, estuari sungai, dan kedalaman dasar laut. Perubahan garis pantai di tahun 2031, dan 2041 masing – masing negara diprediksi akan mengalami erosi, abrasi, dan akresi. Dalam hal kebijakan, Perubahan garis pantai di Indonesia akan berpengaruh pada pengelolaan kawasan pesisir, khususnya dalam hal penghitungan Dana Alokasi Umum.  Shoreline is a very dynamic geomorphological feature and susceptible to changes caused by natural phenomena or human activities. Shoreline changes will have an impact on the management of coastal areas and threaten the sustainability of coastal resources. Monitoring of shoreline changes can be carried out by using statistical calculation analysis with statistical variables and physical variables. This paper aims to review and compare shoreline change research with case studies in Sri Lanka and Indonesia using the comparative study method through scientific literature review. The results of this study indicate that port construction is the most influential factor in shoreline changes in Sri Lanka, while in Indonesia it is influenced by several factors such as coastal construction, river estuaries, and seabed depth. Coastline changes in 2031 and 2041 for each country are predicted to experience erosion, abrasion and accretion. In terms of policy, changes to the coastline in Indonesia will affect the management of coastal areas, especially in terms of calculating the General Allocation Fund
Analisis Vegetasi dan Struktur Kommunitas Mangrove Di Taman Nasional Karimunjawa
Authors: Drajati Fathia , Soenardjo Nirwani , Nuraini Ria Azizah Tri
Published: June 2024

Mangrove tumbuh di daerah bersalinitas dan masih terpengaruh pasang surut atau biasa disebut daerah litoral. Ekosistem mangrove di Taman Nasional Karimunjawa tumbuh di sepanjang pesisir pantai dan muara sungai. Keberadaan ekosistem mangrove  penting untuk menjaga keseimbangan ekosistem pesisir. Kondisi Ekosistem mangrove di Taman Nasional Karimunjawa tergolong baik dan rapat.  Penelitian dilakukan untuk mengetahui kondisi vegetasi mangrove di Taman Nasional Karimunjawa. Metode eksplorasi ialah menjelajah seluruh kawasan stasiun penelitian sehingga diharapkan mewakili kondisi keseluruhan populasi dari objek yang diteliti. Stasiun penelitian terbagi menjadi empat yang ditentukan menggunakan metode purposive sampling. Data vegetasi dilakukan menggunakan teknik plot sampling di setiap stasiun dengan plot ukuran 10x10 m. Setiap individu kategori pohon dan anakan di dalam plot diukur keliling batang dan tingginya sementara kategori semai dihitung jumlah masing-masing jenisnya. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada bulan November 2022. Hasil penelitian ditemukan 9 jenis mangrove 8 diantaranya ditemukan dalam plot yaitu Lumnitzera racemosa, Bruguiera gymnorizha, Ceriops tagal, Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, Sonneratia alba, Excoecaria agallocha dan Xylocarpus granatum. Mangrove yang mendominasi lokasi penelitian ialah Rhizophora sp. Nilai Indeks Keanekaragaman tergolong kategori sedang dengan nilai keanekaragaman 0,932-1,464 dan Indeks Keseragaman tergolong kategori sedang dan tinggi dengan nilai yaitu 0,61 dan 0,88. Secara umum kondisi vegetasi magrove dalam kondisi baik.
Identifikasi Molekuler dan Uji Potensi Khamir Laut sebagai Penghasil Enzim Esktraseluler
Authors: Bolu Wa Ode Rima Alam Sari , Setyati Wilis Ari , Sedjati Sri
Published: June 2024

Khamir merupakan jamur bersel tunggal yang memiliki fase reproduksi aseksual berupa pembelahan sel serta reproduksi seksual yang tidak membentuk badan buah. Penelitian mengenai keanekaragaman khamir pada lingkungan terestrial telah dieksplorasi dengan baik, namun penelitian mengenai khamir laut tergolong relatif sedikit. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mengidentifikasi khamir laut secara molekuler dan menentukan potensi khamir laut sebagai penghasil enzim ekstraseluler. Metode dalam penelitian ini yaitu peremajaan isolat, uji aktivitas enzim, karakterisasi morfologi khamir secara makroskopis meliputi bentuk koloni, margin, elevasi, appearance, tekstur, dan warnanya, serta karakterisasi mikroskopis meliputi bentuk koloni dan kenampakan pertunasan sel. Identifikasi molekuler dilakukan menggunakan Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) dengan tahapan ekstraksi DNA, amplifikasi DNA, pengecekan kualitas DNA, analisis sekuens DNA dan pembuatan pohon filogenetik. Berdasarkan identifikasi molekuler menggunakan primer universal (ITS1 dan ITS4) dengan nilai percent similarity sebesar 99.05%, isolat PB3.2 teridentifikasi sebagai spesies Candida tropicalis. Isolat ini tidak menunjukkan adanya kemampuan dalam memproduksi enzim amilase dan enzim protease.  Yeast is a unicellular fungus with a phase of asexual reproduction through cell division and lacks the formation of fruiting bodies during sexual reproduction. Research on yeast diversity in terrestrial environments has been well-explored; however, research on marine yeast is relatively limited. This study aims to molecularly identify marine yeast and determine their potential as producers of extracellular enzymes. The methods employed in this study include strain isolation, enzyme activity assays, macroscopic morphological characterization of yeast, encompassing colony shape, margin, elevation, appearance, texture, and color, as well as microscopic characterization, involving colony shape and budding patterns. Molecular identification was performed through the stages of DNA extraction, DNA amplification, DNA quality assessment, DNA sequence analysis, and the construction of a phylogenetic tree. Based on molecular identification using universal primers (ITS1 and ITS4) with a percent similarity value of 99.05%, isolate PB3.2 was identified as Candida tropicalis species. This isolate did not exhibit the ability to produce amylase and protease enzymes.
Distribusi Klorofil-a dan Suhu Permukaan Laut terhadap Kelimpahan Ikan Cephalopholis argus dan Cephalopholis miniata Di Pulau Pieh, Sumatera Barat
Authors: Fauzan Rianda , Widianingsih Widianingsih , Endrawati Hadi
Published: June 2024

Kawasan Konservasi Perairan Pulau Pieh, Sumatera Barat memiliki produktivitas primer yang tinggi dan menandakan kesuburan perairan. Salah satu indicator kesuburan perairan adalah kandungan klorofil-a dan suhu permukaan laut. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk melihat hubungan kandungan klorofil-a dan suhu permukaan laut terhadap kelimpahan ikan Cephalopholis argus dan Cephalopholis miniata. Periode waktu yang digunakan adalah tahun 2019 – 2023. Data klorofil-a dan suhu permukaan laut diolah menggunakan perangkat lunak ArcGIS 10.8 dan hubungan antar variable dianalisis menggunakan analisis regresi linier berganda. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa hubungan Cephalopholis miniata dengan suhu permukaan laut linier dengan nilai signifikansi < 0,05 yaitu 0,044. Akan tetapi hubungan antar variable lainnya tidak signifikan secara statistik karena memiliki nilai > 0,05. The Pieh Island Marine Conservation Area, West Sumatra has high primary productivity and indicates the fertility of the waters. One of  indicators of water fertility is the chlorophyll-a content and sea surface temperature. The aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between chlorophyll-a content and sea surface temperature on fish abundance Cephalopholis argus and Cephalopholis miniate. The time period used is 2019 – 2023. Chlorophyll-a and sea surface temperature data were processed using ArcGIS 10.8 software and the relationship between variables was analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis. The results show that the relationship Cephalopholis miniate with linear sea surface temperature with a significance value <0.05, namely 0.044. However, the relationship between other variables is not statistically significant because it has a value > 0.05.