bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of L-lysine in food supplement based on amperometric biosensors
Authors: Umar L , Ibmar S R , Rosandi V A , Setiadi R N. , Linda T M , Arfianti A
Published: October 2023

L-lysine is an essential amino acid not synthesized by the body and is used as a nutritional supplement, and is considered an index of the nutritional quality of foodstuffs. The level of L-lysine consumption depends on age, where an imbalance in L-lysine levels can cause certain disease conditions. This study identified the effects of L-lysine contained in food supplements using the yeast-based amperometric biosensor Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which measures dissolved oxygen (DO) levels due to cellular respiration of yeast with an analyte assay sample. The measurements were made by calibrating pure L-lysine at 100, 200 and 300 mM concentrations. The results show that the higher the concentration of L-lysine, the smaller the level of DO remaining detected, where the percentage range of DO is 13.47% - 26.02%. The dietary supplement sample test, namely Curcuma Plus, has an error of 1.01% which states that the biosensor used can detect L-lysine levels in samples with high sensitivity and selectivity and can be applied to the food and health industries. The measurement results are clustered using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to see the resulting clusters and data patterns.
Analysis of Magnetic Nonpotentiality in the Flaring Active Region NOAA 12887
Authors: Nabilah J , Muhamad J , Fahdiran R
Published: October 2023

Solar flares are explosive events resulting from the release of stored magnetic energy in active regions. In this study, the Spaceweather Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager Active Region Patch (SHARP) data is utilized to extract nonpotential magnetic parameters of the NOAA 12887 active region, which produced an X1.0 class flare in October 2021. The analysis revealed that the electric current became non-neutral and unstable before the X-class flare due to an increase in the shear angle, exceeding 90 degrees through a collision of positive and negative polarities. We also assessed the magnetic nonpotentiality parameters, including free energy, vertical current, current helicity, and current neutrality. At the beginning, the parameters exhibited elevated values, reflecting the complex nature of the active region. Subsequently, it became even more complex following the collision event. Flare Ribbons and filaments were also observed by the AIA/SDO 1600 Å and 304Å images on this phase. However, the overall complexity decreased over time, with temporary increases after the collision event and subsequent flares. The development of new complex areas outside the collision zone had a lesser impact on the parameter values. The current neutrality value increased after the collision, implying an increasingly unstable region, but sharply decreased after the X-class flare, indicating a return to a more stable state for the active region.
Coda wave attenuation in Northern Aceh, Indonesia from a single station measurement: preliminary results
Authors: Anggono T , Syuhada S , Pranata B , Zulfakriza Z , Prasetio A D , Amran A , Ramdhan M , Hasib M , Muttaqy F , Aulia A N
Published: October 2023

Sumatra-Andaman subduction zone is one of the most active tectonic areas in the world. Understanding seismic risk in this region is important for hazard mitigation. One of the crustal physical properties is attenuation. Attenuation structure may affect the seismic propagation through the medium. It expresses the seismic wave amplitude decay when wave propagates through a medium. In this preliminary result, we report the seismic attenuation characteristics in Northern Aceh, Indonesia. We estimate coda waves attenuation from a single station from GE network. using a single back-scattering model. We analyze about 123 waveforms from local earthquakes (less than 3°) with magnitudes between 3 and 6 using a single back-scattering model. The depth of the events is selected to be shallower than 40 km depth. We estimate coda quality factor (Qc
) for each event at frequencies 1 – 8 Hz. The coda window is estimated from two times of S-wave arrival time with different window length ranging from 20 to 80 s. Reference coda quality factor (Q0
) is selected at frequency of 1 Hz. We obtain that Q0
varies from 74.34 ± 10.04 to 160.2 ± 5.96 at 20 s and 80 s window lengths, respectively. The frequency dependence factor (η) decreases from 1.12 ± 0.06 to 1.05 ± 0.03 at 20 s and 80 s window length, respectively. An increase of Q0
with window length may suggest the depth dependent of seismic wave attenuation at reference frequency of 1 Hz. Low Q0
and high η are also consistent with this region’s high tectonic activity.
Vulnerability in the Java northen region in association with earthquake sources of tectonic origin
Authors: Fahmi M N , Realita A , Risanti H , Prastowo T , Madlazim M
Published: October 2023

While threats from the subduction zone off the Java south coast remain persistent, potential sources of a tectonic earthquake centered in the Java northern areas come into play. Despite their enigmatic presence and a clear shift of the sources from the mainland to the north from hypocentre relocation studies, this poses a danger to the community in the Java northern coastlines, increasing vulnerability to earthquake and tsunami hazards. The main aim of this study is thus to evaluate seismic hazards and corresponding analysis, hence assessing vulnerability with respect to the presence of active faults in the northern regions. The methods used here included a-value and b-value calculations inferred from seismogenic zonation made available for the study area and source mechanism determination derived from seismic inversion for two recent events recorded at the Java Sea. The results revealed that the a-value reached 8.55 in Zone 1, reflecting a high seismicity rate over the northern areas of West Java and Banten provinces, and the b-value was about 0.8 in Central Java and East Java, implying a relatively high-stress tectonic regime. The moment tensor solutions yielded sizes M
w 6.7 at a depth of 539 km and M
w 7.0 at a depth of 594 km with a major double-couple component for the normal faulting types of mechanism, consistent with reference. The results suggest the significance of awareness of seismic threats possible to occur in the Java northern regions; hence more investigations into detailed seismicity in the regions of interest for future research direction.
Rainfall Variation on the West Coast of Sumatra during Each Phase of the Madden-Julian Oscillation from GPM Satellite Observation
Authors: Ilham R , Maari M , Vonnisa M , Ramadhan R , Yusnaini H
Published: October 2023

The West Coast of Sumatra has a significantly higher annual rainfall than its surrounding areas, making this region crucial in controlling precipitation in Sumatra. The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) heavily influences the West Coast of Sumatra. MJO is an intraseasonal activity that occurs in tropical regions and can be recognized by the eastward movement of convective activity from the Indian Ocean towards the Pacific Ocean for 30-60 days. Using Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) satellite data from 2014 to 2020, this study investigates the influence of MJO on rainfall on the West Coast of Sumatra. The data used in this study is the attenuation-corrected reflectivity (dBZ) of Ku PR (Z-Ku) and Ka PR (Z-Ka) from GPM DPR Level 2 data. For convective rainfall, the Z-Ku and Z-Ka reflectivity values are higher during the inactive MJO phase than the active MJO phase, consistent with previous research in Sumatra. Thus, during the inactive MJO phase, strong convection occurs, leading to updrafts and increased formation of larger raindrops through coalescence processes. During the active MJO phase, there is a significant decrease in raindrop size, indicating dominant break-up processes.
Arduino uno-based electronic control unit module remapping to achieve optimal engine rotation speed on spark ignition 2-stroke direct injection engine
Authors: Yoga N G , Syaka D R B , Prakoso H A
Published: October 2023

Direct injection technology in 2-stroke motorcycle engines can be a hope for overcoming exhaust emissions and optimizing ignition 2-stroke engine performance because direct injection engines use high-pressure pumps based on injection time and duration. On the TPS (throttle position sensor) to produce the optimal fuel mixture. This research will focus on Remapping the Arduino Uno-Based Electronic Control Unit (ECU) Module to Analyze Optimal Engine Rotation Speed in Spark Ignition 2-Stroke Direct Injection Machines. Experimental method using a Spark Ignition 2-Stroke Direct Injection engine with a capacity of 110cc. Variation of injection time angle 5°, 10°, and 15° Before BDC, 0° BDC, and 5°, 10°, and 15° after BDC, variations in injection duration based on TPS opening 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%, as well as the fuel injected duration of 3ms, 3.25ms, 3.5ms, 3.75ms and, 4.25ms. Arduino module as a control system for timing and duration of fuel injection. Then tested alternately to get the optimal engine speed using a tachometer. Optimal results are obtained on the injection time curve 15 before BDC produces optimal engine speed with a value of 5480 rpm with a duration of 3.75 ms based on TPS openings of 61-80%.
Use the hot spring’s Chloro-Alkaline Index (CAI) for the low enthalpy prospect of the Rawadanau geothermal field
Authors: Hartanto P , Lubis R F
Published: October 2023

The emergence of hot springs along the volcanic shelf in Indonesia is a feature of geothermal manifestations. The geothermal system is affected by heat sources, reservoir rocks, cap rocks, and meteoric water that fills and escapes as hot springs through fractures. The Rawadanau geothermal field in Serang Banten is low enthalpy prospects. Geothermal maintenance is defined by the chemical composition of the hot springs, one of which can be determined by the ion exchange rate, namely the chloro-alkaline index (CAI) method. There are 16 hot spring samples, with temperatures (31.2 - 54.6 °C), pH (6.2 – 7.3), and EC (1190 – 4460 μS/cm), respectively. The water types encountered are Na-Cl in the southern and Mg-Ca-HCO3, and Na-Mg-Ca-HCO3-Cl in the northern and western, respectively. Generally, samples taken in the rainy show negative CAI and positive CAI in the dry, while Cl-type is positive in two seasons. Based on water type and CAI show that the Na-Cl type tends to be positive in the two seasons. While the Ca-Mg-HCO3 type is positive in the dry and negative in the rainy, and the Mixed-type shows a negative CAI. The results of this study provide information for the maintenance of geothermal fields as they are developed.
Water quality status analysis based on a parameter of Physics and Chemistry using the STORET method in Bekasi river
Authors: Indrasari W , Nabilla Z , Sunaryo S
Published: October 2023

In the last 100 years, river water pollution has continued to increase along with industrial, agricultural, and human population developments. Various attempts are being carried out continuously to characterize river water quality. The status of water quality needs to be determined as an effort to monitor water systems for clean water need and the biota life need. The purpose of this study was to examine the water quality status of the Bekasi River based on Physics parameters (Temperature, Turbidity, TDS, Salinity, and Electrical Conductivity) and Chemistry parameters (pH, COD, content of Iron, Nitrite, Zinc, Chromium, and Copper), as an effort to river water pollution monitoring. Parameter measurements were carried out from August to September 2022 at six observation locations along the Bekasi River. The procedure for collecting samples refers to SNI 03-7016-2004. The data obtained were then compared with water quality standards based on applicable government regulations and analyzed using the STORET method. The index calculation results show that the six locations are lightly polluted, with a negative score of -8. Based on these results, the waters of the Bekasi River in the October-September period belong to class B with the “Good” category.
Development of an assessment instrument for critical thinking skills in Physics: a systematic literature review
Authors: Bhakti Y B , Arthur R , Supriyati Y
Published: October 2023

Critical thinking ability is one of the higher-order thinking skills. Assessing critical thinking ability requires a valid and reliable instrument. The assessment instrument for critical thinking ability is a measurement tool used to test critical thinking skills based on predefined indicators. This research aims to examine the development of research on critical thinking ability instruments, including methods of development, instrument forms, indicators, analysis, and instrument validity. The research utilizes the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) method. Data is 72 articles collected by documenting and reviewing articles in journals related to the development of instruments for assessing critical thinking ability using the Publish or Perish with the Google Scholar and Scopus databases from 2017 to 2023. The results of the study show that the assessment instrument for critical thinking ability can be developed through the R&D development model. The forms of the instruments used to measure critical thinking ability include Two-Tier Tests, Four-Tier Tests, Open-Ended, and Multiple Choice. The indicators developed in these critical thinking assessment instruments refer to the theories proposed by Ennis and Facione. Additionally, the feasibility of the critical thinking assessment instruments is evaluated through validity and reliability testing. The more research is conducted in this field, the more the understanding of the best ways to measure and develop critical thinking skills in physics lessons grows, which can also enhance the quality of physics learning.
Analysis of the utilization of the Learning Management System (LMS) as a learning media in the Physics Education Department Universitas Syiah Kuala
Authors: Mahzum E , Sofyan H , Nasrudin M F , Mailizar M , Herliana F
Published: October 2023

This paper presents an analysis of the use of the Learning Management System (LMS) as a learning media for students of the Department of Physics Education at Universitas Syiah Kuala. It aims to determine student and lecturer perceptions, assess the advantages and challenges of LMS, and study its correlation with learning outcomes. Data was collected through a survey distributed to 13 lecturers and 35 students. The survey questionnaire included 7 statements on LMS use by lecturers and 5 questions on student access frequency during learning. Data were analyzed with quantitative descriptive and descriptive statistics with correlation analysis to determine the correlation of LMS to student learning outcomes. The results showed that most students and lecturers had positive perceptions of LMS and often used it for physics courses. This study also found a significant positive relationship between the frequency of LMS use and student learning outcomes. LMS is highly beneficial, enabling flexible learning. However, some lecturers’ technical skill gaps hinder LMS-based lectures in some courses. Encourage instructors and administrators to support LMS use. This study contributes to the literature on LMS in higher education, especially for physics education.
The Lévy flight foraging hypothesis: comparison between stationary distributions and anomalous diffusion*
Authors: Dipierro Serena , Giacomin Giovanni , Valdinoci Enrico
Published: October 2023

We consider a stationary prey in a given region of space and we aim at detecting optimal foraging strategies. On the one hand, when the prey is uniformly distributed, the best possible strategy for the forager is to be stationary and uniformly distributed in the same region. On the other hand, in several biological settings, foragers cannot be completely stationary, therefore we investigate the best seeking strategy for Lévy foragers in terms of the corresponding Lévy exponent. In this case, we show that the best strategy depends on the region size in which the prey is located: large regions exhibit optimal seeking strategies close to Gaussian random walks, while small regions favor Lévy foragers with small fractional exponent. We also consider optimal strategies in view of the Fourier transform of the distribution of a stationary prey. When this distribution is supported in a suitable volume, then the foraging efficiency functional is monotone increasing with respect to the Lévy exponent and accordingly the optimal strategy is given by the Gaussian dispersal. If instead the Fourier transform of the distribution of a stationary prey is supported in the complement of a suitable volume, then the foraging efficiency functional is monotone decreasing with respect to the Lévy exponent and therefore the optimal strategy is given by a null fractional exponent (which in turn corresponds, from a biological standpoint, to a strategy of ‘ambush’ type). We will devote a rigorous quantitative analysis also to emphasize some specific differences between the one-dimensional and the higher-dimensional cases.
Tunable synaptic working memory with volatile memristive devices
Authors: Ricci Saverio , Kappel David , Tetzlaff Christian , Ielmini Daniele , Covi Erika
Published: October 2023

Different real-world cognitive tasks evolve on different relevant timescales. Processing these tasks requires memory mechanisms able to match their specific time constants. In particular, the working memory (WM) utilizes mechanisms that span orders of magnitudes of timescales, from milliseconds to seconds or even minutes. This plentitude of timescales is an essential ingredient of WM tasks like visual or language processing. This degree of flexibility is challenging in analog computing hardware because it requires the integration of several reconfigurable capacitors of different size. Emerging volatile memristive devices present a compact and appealing solution to reproduce reconfigurable temporal dynamics in a neuromorphic network. We present a demonstration of WM using a silver-based memristive device whose key parameters, retention time and switching probability, can be electrically tuned and adapted to the task at hand. First, we demonstrate the principles of WM in a small scale hardware to execute an associative memory task. Then, we use the experimental data in two larger scale simulations, the first featuring WM in a biological environment, the second demonstrating associative symbolic WM.
COIMMR: a computational framework to reveal the contribution of herbal ingredients against human cancer via immune microenvironment and metabolic reprogramming
Authors: Tian Saisai , Li Yanan , Xu Jia , Zhang Lijun , Zhang Jinbo , Lu Jinyuan , Xu Xike , Luan Xin , Zhao Jing , Zhang Weidong
Published: October 2023

Immune evasion and metabolism reprogramming have been regarded as two vital hallmarks of the mechanism of carcinogenesis. Thus, targeting the immune microenvironment and the reprogrammed metabolic processes will aid in developing novel anti-cancer drugs. In recent decades, herbal medicine has been widely utilized to treat cancer through the modulation of the immune microenvironment and reprogrammed metabolic processes. However, labor-based herbal ingredient screening is time consuming, laborious and costly. Luckily, some computational approaches have been proposed to screen candidates for drug discovery rapidly. Yet, it has been challenging to develop methods to screen drug candidates exclusively targeting specific pathways, especially for herbal ingredients which exert anti-cancer effects by multiple targets, multiple pathways and synergistic ways. Meanwhile, currently employed approaches cannot quantify the contribution of the specific pathway to the overall curative effect of herbal ingredients. Hence, to address this problem, this study proposes a new computational framework to infer the contribution of the immune microenvironment and metabolic reprogramming (COIMMR) in herbal ingredients against human cancer and specifically screen herbal ingredients targeting the immune microenvironment and metabolic reprogramming. Finally, COIMMR was applied to identify isoliquiritigenin that specifically regulates the T cells in stomach adenocarcinoma and cephaelin hydrochloride that specifically targets metabolic reprogramming in low-grade glioma. The in silico results were further verified using in vitro experiments. Taken together, our approach opens new possibilities for repositioning drugs targeting immune and metabolic dysfunction in human cancer and provides new insights for drug development in other diseases. COIMMR is available at https://github.com/LYN2323/COIMMR.
Voicing or Silence: Palestinian Israeli and Jewish Israeli Social Workers’ Relationships during Political Turmoil
Authors: Darawshy Neveen Ali-Saleh , Lev Sagit , Weiss-Dagan Shlomit
Published: October 2023

In this study, we examined Palestinian Israeli and Jewish Israeli social workers’ relationships in relation to events in May 2021 that involved serious political violent incidents between Palestinian and Jewish Israelis. The qualitative phenomenology approach was used. We interviewed twenty-five social workers from both groups who work in public social services in six ethnonational mixed Palestinian–Jewish cities in Israel. Participants, who were predominantly female and between the ages of 25 and 55, were recruited using a purposive sampling technique. In-depth interviews, conducted in Hebrew and Arabic, focused on the perceptions, experiencing and challenges in relationships between colleagues during crises. Findings revealed the complexity of relationships amid political violence. Most participants coped by remaining silent on political matters. Three themes emerged: subjects of silence, reasons for silence and instances of breaking silence within WhatsApp groups, staff meetings and private conversations amongst individuals of the same ethnic group. The authors make recommendations for research, practice and training for social workers concerning relationships in the context of ongoing political conflict. It is also important to raise ‘social-work-informed conflict awareness’ amongst social workers that relates to how political conflicts may influence their behaviours and relationships.
Unravelling the role of huntingtin: from neurodevelopment to neurodegeneration
Authors: Schultz Jordan L , Neema Mohit , Nopoulos Peg C
Published: October 2023

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Genetic topography and cortical cell loss in Huntington’s disease link development and neurodegeneration’ by Estevez-Fraga et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awad275).
Deep Learning Models Capture Histological Disease Activity in Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis with High Fidelity
Authors: Rymarczyk Dawid , Schultz Weiwei , Borowa Adriana , Friedman Joshua R , Danel Tomasz , Branigan Patrick , Chałupczak Michał , Bracha Anna , Krawiec Tomasz , Warchoł Michał , Li Katherine , De Hertogh Gert , Zieliński Bartosz , Ghanem Louis R , Stojmirovic Aleksandar
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims

Histological disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] is associated with clinical outcomes and is an important endpoint in drug development. We developed deep learning models for automating histological assessments in IBD.

Methods

Histology images of intestinal mucosa from phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials in Crohn’s disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC] were used to train artificial intelligence [AI] models to predict the Global Histology Activity Score [GHAS] for CD and Geboes histopathology score for UC. Three AI methods were compared. AI models were evaluated on held-back testing sets, and model predictions were compared against an expert central reader and five independent pathologists.

Results

The model based on multiple instance learning and the attention mechanism [SA-AbMILP] demonstrated the best performance among competing models. AI-modelled GHAS and Geboes subgrades matched central readings with moderate to substantial agreement, with accuracies ranging from 65% to 89%. Furthermore, the model was able to distinguish the presence and absence of pathology across four selected histological features, with accuracies for colon in both CD and UC ranging from 87% to 94% and for CD ileum ranging from 76% to 83%. For both CD and UC and across anatomical compartments [ileum and colon] in CD, comparable accuracies against central readings were found between the model-assigned scores and scores by an independent set of pathologists.

Conclusions

Deep learning models based upon GHAS and Geboes scoring systems were effective at distinguishing between the presence and absence of IBD microscopic disease activity.
An unmet need: arrhythmia detection by implantable loop recorder in the systemic right ventricle
Authors: Kakarla Jayant , Crossland David S , Murray Stephen , Adhvaryu Kaitav , Jansen Katrijn , Rybicka Justyna , Hermuzi Antony , Martin Ruairidh , Shepherd Ewen , Seller Neil , Coats Louise
Published: October 2023

Aims

Patients with systemic right ventricles are at high risk of sudden cardiac death. Arrhythmia is a significant risk factor. Routine Holter monitoring is opportunistic with poor adherence. The aim of this study was to determine if continuous rhythm monitoring with an implantable loop recorder (ILR) could allow early detection of clinically important arrhythmias.

Methods and results

Implantable loop recorder implantation was offered to patients with atrial switch repair for transposition of the great arteries. Recordings were made with symptoms or, automatically for pauses, significant bradycardia or tachycardia and reviewed by the multi-disciplinary team. Twenty-four out of 36 eligible patients underwent ILR implantation with no complication. Forty-two per cent had preserved ventricular function, 75% were NYHA functional class I, 88% had low sudden cardiac death risk, 33% had previous intra-atrial re-entrant tachycardia (IART), and none had known conduction disease. Eighteen out of 24 (75%) patients made 52 recordings (52% automated) over 39.5 months (1.6–72.5). Thirty-two out of 52 (62%) recordings in 15/24 (63%) of the cohort were clinically significant and included sinus node disease (two patients), atrioventricular block (two patients), IART (seven patients), and IART with sinus node disease or atrioventricular block (four patients). Implantable loop recorder recordings prompted medication change in 11 patients [beta-blockers (n = 9), anti-coagulation (n = 5), and stopping anti-coagulation (n = 1)] and device therapy recommendation in seven patients [five pacemakers (three: atrioventricular block) and two defibrillators]. Two patients declined intervention; one suffered an arrhythmic death. Intra-atrial re-entrant tachycardia and clinically relevant conduction disease were detected in patients irrespective of sudden cardiac death risk.

Conclusion

Continuous monitoring with an ILR in patients with systemic right ventricle following atrial switch detects clinically relevant arrhythmias that impact decision-making. In this cohort, clinically relevant arrhythmias did not correlate with sudden cardiac death risk.
Personality and Cognition: The Mediating Role of Inflammatory Markers
Authors: Stephan Yannick , Sutin Angelina R , Luchetti Martina , Aschwanden Damaris , Terracciano Antonio
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Five-Factor Model personality traits are associated consistently with cognition. Inflammation has been hypothesized as a biological pathway in this association, but this assumption has yet to be tested. The present study tested inflammatory markers as mediators between personality traits and cognition.

Methods

Participants were from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS; N = 4,364; 60% women; mean age = 64.48 years, standard deviation = 8.79). Personality traits and demographic factors were assessed in 2010/2012. Data on inflammatory markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP], interleukin-6 [IL-6], soluble tumor necrosis factor 1 (sTNFR1), interleukin-10 [IL-10], interleukin-1 receptor antagonist [IL-1Ra], and transforming growth factor [TGF]-β1) were obtained in 2016 from the HRS Venuous Blood Study. Cognition was assessed in 2020 using the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status.

Results

Higher neuroticism was related to lower cognition at follow-up, whereas higher extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness were associated with better cognition. Higher extraversion and higher conscientiousness were related to lower hsCRP, IL-6, IL-10, IL-1Ra, and sTNFR1, and higher openness was associated with lower IL-10, IL-1Ra, and sTNFR1 and to higher soluble TGF-β1. Lower sTNFR1 partially mediated the associations between conscientiousness, extraversion, and openness and cognition at follow-up, explaining an estimated 4%–12% of these associations. The mediating role of sTNFR1 persisted when physical activity and depressive symptoms were included as additional mediators.

Discussion

The present study provides new evidence on personality and inflammatory markers. Consistent with the inflammation hypothesis, the sTNFR1 finding supports a potential biological pathway between personality and cognition.
Lessons from a successful national sanitation programme: the case of Nyumba ni Choo in Tanzania
Authors: Aunger Robert , Mwambuli Kaposo , Cardosi Jason
Published: October 2023

Universal access to hygienic sanitation is a Sustainable Development Goal for international development. However, many countries are liable to miss this target by the deadline of 2030. As provision and subsidy are prohibitively expensive, promotion is the tactic commonly taken by governments and stakeholders in many countries, even though it is often not effective at generating significant changes in sanitation coverage. A recent 5-year programme used an international consortium made up of organizations’ experts in consumer research, creative communication, programme management and event implementation, media monitoring and programme evaluation, to achieve significant increases in the coverage of improved sanitation facilities throughout Tanzania, using adaptive programming. A number of lessons, outlined here, can be drawn from this experience which are likely to be applicable to promotion efforts in other countries and contexts and which can hopefully help countries to reach their sanitation targets. These lessons include the use of motivation and targeted expertise rather than reliance on training, the use of the theory of change to guide development processes, targeting of high-level government support, collaboration with private sector actors, testing and refreshing of messaging, continuous monitoring of on-ground conditions, use of multiple modes of outreach and branding of all programme outputs.
De Novo Crohn’s Disease in Children With Ulcerative Colitis Undergoing Ileal Pouch–Anal Anastomosis: A Multicenter, Retrospective Study From the Pediatric IBD Porto Group of the ESPGHAN
Authors: Martinelli Massimo , Romeo Erminia , Caldaro Tamara , Dimakou Konstantina , Papadopoulou Alexandra , Matar Manar , Assa Amit , Dipasquale Valeria , Romano Claudio , Aloi Marina , Alvisi Patrizia , Röser Dennis , Kolho Kaija Leena , Afzal Nadeem , Ledder Oren , Cohen Schlomi , Bronsky Jiri , Escher Johanna C , Brueckner Annecarin , Shamir Raanan , Staiano Annamaria , Miele Erasmo
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims

We sought to define the prevalence and to characterize possible predictive factors of Crohn’s disease (CD) occurring in children with ulcerative colitis (UC) after ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA).

Methods

This was a multicenter, retrospective study including 15 centers of the Porto IBD group of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Children with a confirmed diagnosis of UC undergoing colectomy with IPAA and a minimal follow up of 6 months were identified. The following data were collected: demographic data; endoscopic and histologic data; disease activity; laboratory exams; therapeutic history; indication for surgery, type, and timing; and IPAA functional outcomes and complications. In de novo CD cases, time of diagnosis, phenotype, location, and therapies were gathered.

Results

We identified 111 UC children undergoing IPAA from January 2008 to June 2018 (median age at colectomy: 13 years; age range: 1-18 years; female/male: 59/52). The median time from diagnosis to colectomy was 16 (range, 0-202) months. At the last follow-up, 40 (36%) of 111 children developed pouchitis. The criteria for de novo CD were met in 19(17.1%) of 111 children with a 25-month median (range, 3-61 months). At last follow-up, 12 (63.1%) of 19 were treated with biologics and in 5 (26.3%) of 19 children, the pouch was replaced with definitive ileostomy. In a multivariable logistic regression model, decreased preoperative body mass index z scores (odds ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-4.4; P = .01) resulted as the only variable associated with CD development.

Conclusions

Children with UC undergoing IPAA carry a high risk of developing subsequent CD. De novo CD cases showed decreased preoperative body mass index z scores, identifying a poor nutritional status as a possible predictive factor.
Numerical and experimental investigation of a wind rotor equipped with wind catcher system
Authors: Ezzine Marwa , Guidara Zied , Cherif Hiba , Sghaier Jalila
Published: October 2023

Wind energy is a key driver for the transformation towards a sustainable energy system. From a certain point of view, the main parameter is to increase the turbines' height and the rotor's size to improve the economic aspect and performance. On the other hand, ‘ducted wind turbines’, which can significantly improve the performance of smaller wind turbines, are attracting much attention. The objective is to create system compatible with urban environments and at the same time improve the efficiency of ducted wind turbines. This article studies a configuration, namely a wind turbine equipped with a wind catcher system, by studying it both experimentally and numerically. First, the tests are carried out on the system without inserting the wind rotor. Then the results of the developed model are compared via experimental tests, showing that it is possible to accept wind from all directions and from different heights by using the wind collector system and the cones. The results also show that the maximum wind speed increases by 2.5 times in the middle of the cylindrical part where the turbine is planned to be placed. Finally, the effects of inserting a vertical axis wind turbine inside the cylindrical part of the system on its power coefficient are studied. The results show that the system significantly improves the maximum power coefficient of the turbine.
Management Mathematics: The Audacity of BOPE
Authors: Tayur Sridhar
Published: October 2023

Accepted by: Aris Syntetos

Can mathematical research from a business school professor that is published in academic journals also substantially improve actual industrial practice in global supply chains? Yes. Can mathematics and operations management help improve fairness in access to organ transplants? Yes, again. Can mathematics developed for business applications facilitate the development of new types of quantum hardware? Also, yes. I have three main messages in this invited essay: (1) free yourself from self-imposed constraints and explore a wider range of new problems and arcane mathematics; (2) be bold and imaginative in developing novel solutions and (3) implement your ideas in practice, scaling them with a channel partner.
Interobserver Reliability of the Paris Classification for Superficial Gastrointestinal Tract Neoplasms: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gupta Sarang , Seleq Sam , Gimpaya Nikko , Khan Rishad , Scaffidi Michael A , Bansal Rishi , Grover Samir C
Published: October 2023

Background and study aims

The Paris classification characterizes the morphology of superficial gastrointestinal tract neoplasms. This system has been shown to predict the risk of submucosal invasion in certain subtypes of lesions. There is limited data that assesses its agreement amongst endoscopists. We performed a systematic review to summarize the available literature on the interobserver reliability (IOR) of the Paris classification.

Methods

We conducted a search through December 2020 for studies reporting IOR of the Paris classification. Studies were included if they quantitatively evaluated the IOR of the Paris classification with at least five participating endoscopists. Two authors independently screened studies and abstracted data using an a priori-designed data collection form. Evaluation of study quality and risk of bias was performed using an adapted version of the Guidelines for Reporting Reliability and Agreement Studies.

Results

Of the 1,541 studies retrieved, 5 were included in the review. All studies were observational cohort studies published between 2014 and 2020. The IOR of the Paris classification was moderate amongst all four studies evaluating colorectal neoplasms (range, κ = 0.42 to κ = 0.54) and substantial in one study that evaluated gastric neoplasms (κw = 0.65). An educational intervention was conducted by three studies with variable methodology and no significant change in IOR.

Conclusions

IOR of the Paris classification is moderate for superficial colonic neoplasms. Further study is needed to determine the reliability of this system for superficial gastric lesions. Standardized training programs are required to investigate the impact of educational intervention on the Paris classification amongst endoscopists.
Properties of the jet in M87 revealed by its helical structure imaged with the VLBA at 8 and 15 GHz
Authors: Nikonov A S , Kovalev Y Y , Kravchenko E V , Pashchenko I N , Lobanov A P
Published: October 2023

We present full-track high-resolution radio observations of the jet of the galaxy M87 at 8 and 15 GHz. These observations were taken over three consecutive days in 2009 May using the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA), one antenna of the Very Large Array (VLA), and the Effelsberg 100 m telescope. Our produced images have dynamic ranges exceeding 20 000:1 and resolve linear scales down to approximately 100 Schwarzschild radii, revealing a limb-brightened jet and a faint, steep spectrum counter-jet. We performed jet-to-counter-jet analysis, which helped estimate the physical parameters of the flow. The rich internal structure of the jet is dominated by three helical threads, likely produced by the Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) instability developing in a supersonic flow with a Mach number of approximately 20 and an enthalpy ratio of around 0.3. We produce a clean imaging bias-corrected 8–15 GHz spectral index image, which shows spectrum flattening in regions of helical thread intersections. This further supports the KH origin of the observed internal structure of the jet. We detect polarized emission in the jet at distances of approximately 20 milliarcseconds from the core and find Faraday rotation which follows a transverse gradient across the jet. We apply Faraday rotation correction to the polarization position angle and find that the position angle changes as a function of distance from the jet axis, which suggests the presence of a helical magnetic field.
First detection of X-ray polarization in thermal state of LMC X-3: spectro-polarimetric study with IXPE
Authors: Majumder Seshadri , Kushwaha Ankur , Das Santabrata , Nandi Anuj
Published: October 2023

We report a comprehensive spectro-polarimetric study of the black hole binary LMC X-3 using simultaneous Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), NICER, and NuSTAR observations in 0.5–20 keV energy band. The broad-band energy spectrum (0.5–20 keV) with NICER and NuSTAR is well described by the disc emission of temperature ∼1.1 keV and a weak Comptonizing tail beyond ∼10 keV. This evidently suggests a disc-dominated spectral state of the source with disc contribution of ∼96  per cent. The lack of variability (rms ∼ 0.5  per cent) in the power spectrum further corroborates the high/soft nature of the source. A significant polarization degree (PD) of 3.04 ± 0.40  per cent (>7σ) at a polarization angle of −44.24° ± 3.77° (>7σ) is found in 2–8 keV energy range of IXPE. In addition, PD is seen to increase with energy up to ∼4.35 ± 0.98  per cent (>3σ) in 4–8 keV band. Further, we attempt to constrain the source spin (a*) using broad-band spectral modelling that indicates a weakly rotating ‘hole’ in LMC X-3 with $a_{*}=0.273_{-0.012}^{+0.011}\,\text{to}\,0.295_{-0.021}^{+0.008}$ (90  per cent confidence). Based on the spectro-polarimetric results, we infer that the polarization in LMC X-3 is resulted possibly due to the combined effects of the direct and/or reflected emissions from a partially ionized disc atmosphere. Finally, we discuss the relevance of our findings.
Comparative Population Transcriptomics Provide New Insight into the Evolutionary History and Adaptive Potential of World Ocean Krill
Authors: Choquet Marvin , Lenner Felix , Cocco Arianna , Toullec Gaëlle , Corre Erwan , Toullec Jean-Yves , Wallberg Andreas
Published: October 2023

Genetic variation is instrumental for adaptation to changing environments but it is unclear how it is structured and contributes to adaptation in pelagic species lacking clear barriers to gene flow. Here, we applied comparative genomics to extensive transcriptome datasets from 20 krill species collected across the Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, and Southern Oceans. We compared genetic variation both within and between species to elucidate their evolutionary history and genomic bases of adaptation. We resolved phylogenetic interrelationships and uncovered genomic evidence to elevate the cryptic Euphausia similis var. armata into species. Levels of genetic variation and rates of adaptive protein evolution vary widely. Species endemic to the cold Southern Ocean, such as the Antarctic krill Euphausia superba, showed less genetic variation and lower evolutionary rates than other species. This could suggest a low adaptive potential to rapid climate change. We uncovered hundreds of candidate genes with signatures of adaptive evolution among Antarctic Euphausia but did not observe strong evidence of adaptive convergence with the predominantly Arctic Thysanoessa. We instead identified candidates for cold-adaptation that have also been detected in Antarctic fish, including genes that govern thermal reception such as TrpA1. Our results suggest parallel genetic responses to similar selection pressures across Antarctic taxa and provide new insights into the adaptive potential of important zooplankton already affected by climate change.
Chronic kidney disease increases the susceptibility to negative effects of low and high potassium intake
Authors: Gritter Martin , Wei Kuang-Yu , Wouda Rosa D , Musterd-Bhaggoe Usha M , Dijkstra Kyra L , Kers Jesper , Ramakers Christian , Vogt Liffert , de Borst Martin H , Danser Alexander H J , Hoorn Ewout J , Rotmans Joris I
Published: October 2023

Background

Dietary potassium (K+) has emerged as a modifiable factor for cardiovascular and kidney health in the general population, but its role in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is unclear. Here, we hypothesize that CKD increases the susceptibility to the negative effects of low and high K+ diets.

Methods

We compared the effects of low, normal and high KChloride (KCl) diets and a high KCitrate diet for 4 weeks in male rats with normal kidney function and in male rats with CKD using the 5/6th nephrectomy model (5/6Nx).

Results

Compared with rats with normal kidney function, 5/6Nx rats on the low KCl diet developed more severe extracellular and intracellular K+ depletion and more severe kidney injury, characterized by nephromegaly, infiltration of T cells and macrophages, decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate and increased albuminuria. The high KCl diet caused hyperkalemia, hyperaldosteronism, hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis and severe hypertension in 5/6Nx but not in sham rats. The high KCitrate diet caused hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis but attenuated hypertension despite higher abundance of the phosphorylated sodium chloride cotransporter (pNCC) and similar levels of plasma aldosterone and epithelial sodium channel abundance. All 5/6Nx groups had more collagen deposition than the sham groups and this effect was most pronounced in the high KCitrate group. Plasma aldosterone correlated strongly with kidney collagen deposition.

Conclusions

CKD increases the susceptibility to negative effects of low and high K+ diets in male rats, although the injury patterns are different. The low K+ diet caused inflammation, nephromegaly and kidney function decline, whereas the high K+ diet caused hypertension, hyperaldosteronism and kidney fibrosis. High KCitrate attenuated the hypertensive but not the pro-fibrotic effect of high KCl, which may be attributable to K+-induced aldosterone secretion. Our data suggest that especially in people with CKD it is important to identify the optimal threshold of dietary K+ intake.
Evaluation of Transparency and Openness Guidelines in Physical Therapist Journals
Authors: Plante Jacqueline , Langerwerf Leigh , Klopper Mareli , Rhon Daniel I , Young Jodi L
Published: October 2023

Objective

The goals of this study were to evaluate the extent that physical therapist journals support open science research practices by adhering to the Transparency and Openness Promotion (TOP) guidelines and to assess the relationship between journal scores and their respective journal impact factor (JIF).

Methods

Scimago, mapping studies, the National Library of Medicine, and journal author guidelines were searched to identify physical therapist journals for inclusion. Journals were graded on 10 standards (29 available total points) related to transparency with data, code, research materials, study design and analysis, preregistration of studies and statistical analyses, replication, and open science badges. The relationship between journal transparency and openness scores and their JIF was determined.

Results

Thirty-five journals’ author guidelines were assigned transparency and openness factor scores. The median score (interquartile range) across journals was 3.00 out of 29 (3.00) points (for all journals the scores ranged from 0 to 8). The 2 standards with the highest degree of implementation were design and analysis transparency (reporting guidelines) and study preregistration. No journals reported on code transparency, materials transparency, replication, and open science badges. TOP factor scores were a significant predictor of JIF scores.

Conclusion

There is low implementation of the TOP standards by physical therapist journals. TOP factor scores demonstrated predictive abilities for JIF scores. Policies from journals must improve to make open science practices the standard in research. Journals are in an influential position to guide practices that can improve the rigor of publication which, ultimately, enhances the evidence-based information used by physical therapists.

Impact

Transparent, open, and reproducible research will move the profession forward by improving the quality of research and increasing the confidence in results for implementation in clinical care.