bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spawning Conditions Affect Clutch Probability and Size in Laboratory-Housed Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Anderson Sydni , Sipes Elizabeth , Franke Megan , Hammond-Weinberger Dena
Published: June 2023

Zebrafish are common experimental models used in biological studies that are bred and raised in laboratory settings. Published studies, anecdotal evidence, and industry practices are variable and offer conflicting suggestions on maximizing reproductive success, particularly regarding sex ratios and segregating males and females before spawning. This study identified conditions that promote maximum reproductive success (clutch probability and average clutch size) in zebrafish. Clutch probability was higher when females were seven to ten months old and bred in groups with equal sex ratios and an artificial spawning substrate in the winter or spring. Clutch size was significantly larger when females were seven to ten months old, outnumbered by males, and bred with an artificial spawning substrate. Optional spawning substrates (marbles and plants) improved reproductive success, whereas other parameters had no impact. These data support the implementation of simple steps that reliably maximize reproductive success of laboratory zebrafish. KEYWORDS: Reproduction; Breeding; Seasonality; Behavior; Substrate; Sex Ratios; Captivity; Eggs
Theoretical and practical aspects of legal qualification of work made for hire
Authors: Shtefan Anna
Published: June 2023

According to Ukrainian law, work made for hire is work created in connection with the performance of duties under an employment agreement (contract). Qualification of work as a work made for hire is based on three criteria.Firstly, the creation of such a work is always conditioned by the labor relationship between the author and the employer. However, it does not matter whether the author is a full-time employee or a part-time employee.Secondly, the creation of a certain type of work must fall within the scope of the employee’s labor duties. Despite the fact that the provisions of the current legislation link a work made for hire to the fulfillment of a labor contract, this should not be interpreted as meaning that the obligation to create a work made for hire should be provided for exclusively by a labor contract. The obligation to create works made for hire may also be documented in the employee’s job description. In addition, a labor contract may provide for this obligation in general terms, and an assignment to create specific works may be given byorder, job assignment, or other acts of the employer.Thirdly, the creation of work must be the result of the employee’s performance of their labor duties. An employer cannot claim to acquire copyright to works created by an employee on their own initiative even if the creation of works of the same type is the basis of the employee’s labor function. The law makes it quite clear that work made for hire is only work created in connection with the performance of a labor contract, and not any work that can in principle be created by an employee; there must be a kind of cause-and-effect relationship where the result of the activity in the form of a created work is directly determined by the performance of the employee’s labor duty.There are no other conditions that must be satisfied in order to recognize a work as a work made for hire. In particular, it does not matter whether the employer provides the employee with certain financial, material or other assistance in creating a work.The law also does not provide that the material, technical and financial resources of the employer must be used when creating a work made for hire. Therefore, work made for hire must meet only the three criteria mentioned above without any additional conditions or requirements.
Accelerated examination of patent applications for «green» technologies: foreign experience for Ukraine
Authors: Starovit Oksana
Published: June 2023

The article is devoted to the study of international experience in implementing programs of accelerated examination of patent applications in the field of «green» technologies, as well as the impact of the approaches taken by the National Intellectual Property Offices of foreign countries on the implementation of this program in Ukraine. The author provides a thoroughanalysis of the peculiarities of obtaining legal protection for «green» technologies when filing patent applications for accelerated examination. The qualification requirements and process requirements for participation in the program are considered. The impact of the programs on the dissemination of «green» technologies and knowledge about them is also investigated. The objectives of the study are to determine the basic requirements for participation and processparameters in the programs of accelerated examination of patent applications in the field of «green» technologies, and the feasibility of introducing this program in Ukraine. In turn, accelerated examination programs have accelerated the dissemination of technological knowledge in the field of «green» technologies in the first years after the publication of patents. It seems relevant to introduce a program of accelerated expertise in the field of «green» technologies in Ukraine. Since the creation of such a mechanism will allow for a quick search for technical solutions to reduce the impacts and consequences of climate change in Ukraine; to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the effects of global climate change; to environmental threats associated with the war in Ukraine, where there is already a significant level of air, water and land pollution, problems with the generation, accumulation, storage, processing, recycling and disposal of waste; to energy saving technologies and alternative energy sources. A balanced program system would include broad subject matter qualifications (to include as many useful «green» technologies as possible) with reasonable process restrictions (to keep the workload of the examiners at a manageable level) and thus ensure a sufficiently high speed of examination.
Digital piracy and counterfeiting in the conditions of digital transformation: analysis of the situation, trends, defense mechanisms
Authors: Androshchuk Gennadi
Published: June 2023

In the work, based on the analysis of statistical data, the study of international sources, the economic and legal problems of digital piracy and counterfeiting in the world, the EU and Ukraine in the conditions of digital transformation are investigated:state and dynamics, impact on business and economy, causes and main factors, problematic issues that arise in connection with this phenomenon, the practice and the organizational and economic mechanism of countermeasures in this area. The sale of counterfeit goods causes millions of jobs and lost profits and is currently the world's largest criminal enterprise. It is expected that by 2024, in the US alone, the volume of sales of counterfeit goods in electronic commerce will increase to 6 trillion dollars. The rating of the most active pirate countries is given, Ukraine is the place. Criminal networks take advantage of the lack of law enforcement in some states and adapt the distribution of their products using new means of communication (Internet, social networks, etc.), distribution channels (transit, free zones, small parcels) and consumer requests. In addition, the return on investment is high, and the imposed fines are low and do not have a deterrent effect on counterfeiters and sellers. It is concluded that counterfeiting and piracy are global problems that know no borders. They are too big to be solved by individual companies, sectors of the economy or governments. Therefore, it is important to develop and strengthen cooperation between these subjects. To ensure a successful fight against digital piracy, counterfeiting and money laundering, coordination between governments at the international, national and regional levels is essential. The private and public sectors should join forces in the fight against the trade in counterfeit and pirated products by organizing special cooperation units that will be responsible for collecting information on the movement of funds obtained from criminal activities and for exchanging information in the field of combating money laundering. The protection of IP rights in the conditions of martial law is extremely important, as these are Ukraine's international obligations regarding EU accession and the vital need to protect Ukraine's economic interests.
Physical Quality of Eggs in Pengging Duck (Anas platyrinchos) after Administration of Nanochitosan as a Feed Additive
Authors: SUNARNO  , NURUL ANNISA  , SRI ISDADIYANTO
Published: June 2023

The problem often encountered by laying duck breeders is a decrease in the physical quality of eggs. Nanochitosan is a polysaccharide that has the potential as a feed additive to improve the physical quality of eggs in pengging ducks. The use of nanochitosan at levels of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 g/kg of feed can improve digestive performance and nutrient absorption in ducks. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of nanochitosan as a feed additive on the physical quality of eggs in pengging ducks. This study used a completely randomised design with five groups and five ducks per group. The treatments consist of control and the addition of nanochitosan as a feed additive with a concentration of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 g/kg of feed. The variables observed in this study included the haugh unit (HU), yolk index (IKT), yolk weight, white weight, egg weight, shell thickness, and egg shape index. The research data were analysed using ANOVA with a significance level of 5%. The results showed that the addition of nanochitosan at different levels (2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 g/kg of feed) had a significant effect on the measured egg quality consisting of HU, IKT, egg yolk weight, egg white weight, egg weight egg, shell thickness, and egg shape index. The study concluded that nanochitosan can be used as a feed additive to improve the physical quality of eggs in pengging ducks. The use of nanochitosan with different levels as a feed additive can be useful for others by providing a reference about the levels of nanochitosan used as a feed additive which can improve the physical quality of duck eggs and become important information in increasing exploration in the use of nanochitosan products. This study is expected to open opportunities for further research in the future about the mechanistic effects of nanochitosan in improving egg quality and productivity of laying ducks.
MEDIA OF LANGUAGE SHIFT IN BAJAU SAMA KOTA BELUD: SPEAKING, UNDERSTANDING, READING, AND WRITING
Authors: Renddan Berawati , Seruji Zuraini , Abdul Aziz Adi Yasran , Dani Noor Aina , Goyi Nalmon
Published: June 2023

This study investigated language shift among middle-age, adult, and youth age groups of the Bajau Sama Kota Belud indigenous people. The cross-sectional study involved 243 participants, selected using stratified sampling. The questionnaire was based on language transmission assessment by Brenzinger et al. (2003). Results showed that language shift across different skill areas — speaking, understanding, reading, and writing — showed that the Malay language in everyday life is more dominant than their mother tongue among adults and youths. The language skills and the language daily use scores of Bajau Sama adults and youths are not significantly correlated. The two groups manifest the four variables of language shift in Bajau Sama. This study shows that the language shift phenomenon in Bajau Sama is accelerated in the younger generation, and they serve as the living agent of language shift. Following this, there is an urgency to develop a Bajau Sama language corpus and to implement revitalisation initiatives in Kota Belud, Sabah.
ERROR ANALYSIS: INVESTIGATING THE PARAGRAPH WRITING OF ESL MALAYSIAN LEARNERS
Authors: ALI Zuraina , SHAHID Shahid Hussain , MOHD ALI Amy Zulaikha , BAKRI AHMED Abubaker Hassan , JAYAPALAN Evelyn
Published: June 2023

The study investigates an impromptu writing task administered to diploma students studying in one of the technical universities on the East Coast of Malaysia. In particular, it identifies their errors in writing a one-paragraph essay, the kind of errors students made in completing the task, and the least errors students made in writing the one-paragraph. The samples were 48 students undergoing Preliminary Semester taking English as one of the subjects in the particular semester. The study found that students made errors to a certain degree in using articles, tenses, and subject-verb-agreement (SVA), to name a few in the current study. More specifically, the highest number of errors students made were in tenses, SVA, and word choices, while the least errors were in possessive and attributive structures, gerunds, and infinitives. The study implied that assigning students impromptu writing contributed to their performance errors. Despite their low vocabulary knowledge, it also made them less expressive when writing in the condition.
Issues Regarding Adolescents Sexual and Reproductive Health in Sarawak: An Overview
Authors: Ahi Gerraint Gillan , Rahman Md Mizanur
Published: June 2023

Adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health is a commonly discussed topic in public health research. In Sarawak, similar challenges have been faced in other parts of the world which are, lack of access to accurate and comprehensive information about safe sex, contraception access and usage, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) whereby the adolescents will commit a risky sexual activity that affects their physical, mental and their socio-economic status. The Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development has stated that the cases of teenage pregnancy are rising in recent years as adolescents are engaging in risky sexual behaviour. Such cases occur due to adolescents experiencing sexual novelty during their growth and development period. Misconception about sex also contributes to risky sexual activity among adolescents as the source of information about sex they obtain is from media and pornography. Efforts have been made to enhance the knowledge of sexual and reproductive health among adolescents in Sarawak including school-based sex education and community outreach initiatives. However, there are still many efforts to be achieved to ensure that adolescents have access to the information and resources they need to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.
The Relationship between Motivation and Academic Achievement During Covid-19
Authors: Mohd Khairulzaim Nur Athirah , Tan Kock Wah
Published: June 2023

As per the government of Malaysia's movement control order during Covid-19 pandemic, students were required to take their classes online. This research aims to investigate the relationship between students' motivation and academic achievement, including how motivation differs by gender, place of residence, and academic year. This research had 62 participants from University Malaysia Sarawak. The questionnaires include the Academic Motivation Scale-College Version (AMS-C 28) by Vallerand et al (1993). Findings demonstrated a positive correlation between students' motivation and academic achievement. Furthermore, motivation varies significantly depending on gender and place of residence but not academic year. The findings of this study can be used as a reference point for future educational plan by the institution
Impoliteness on Twitter by Malaysians
Authors: Pung Wun Chiew , Siti Nur Amira Mohd Faizal
Published: June 2023

This study investigates impoliteness on Twitter in the context of Malaysian users. The objectives of the study are to examine the impoliteness strategies and triggers of impoliteness found in tweet replies on tweets on issues related to COVID-19. The data consist of 440 tweet replies on COVID-19, posted from May 2020 to May 2021 which contain elements of impoliteness. The study uses Culpeper’s (2005) impoliteness model and Culpeper’s (2011) framework for examining impoliteness triggers. The study is motivated by the dearth of studies on impoliteness on Twitter focusing on Malaysian users. The findings show that four types of impoliteness strategies are used in the tweet replies: bald-on record impoliteness, positive impoliteness, negative impoliteness, and sarcasm or mock impoliteness. The most dominant type of impoliteness strategy is positive impoliteness, while bald-on record impoliteness is the least employed impoliteness strategy. Pointed criticism is found to be the most often occurring impoliteness trigger in the study, followed by insult, negative expressive, and challenging or unpalatable question and/or presupposition. The findings suggest culture and the communication platform may play a role in the use of impoliteness strategies and impoliteness triggers in the tweets.
The Cyc-life
Authors: Lee Kelvin Kian Shie
Published: June 2023

A healthy lifestyle is the key element for a community that balances the mental and physical states of each individual.  Community interaction within the neighbourhood is one of the ways to boost one's mental health while exercising is to promote one's individual physical performance.  Cyc-life promotes a new urban lifestyle in which working and health conditions of each community resident are balanced by BLENDING the daily living routine with physical sports, and at the same time reconnecting back with nature.  A balanced economic cycle is also an element in the new urban lifestyle.  Vertical farming pods provide opportunities for the residents to farm fresh organic products for self-use and for economic purposes.
The Recyclocity; Green
Authors: Tang Gei Ai
Published: June 2023

The Recyclocity; Green is planned to be off-the-grid using solar orientation, passive cooling, and can generate income.  It acts as an educational learning hub utilising workshops.  There are also some proposed activities which I considered as part of the designed landscape.  They are open-air theatre during the night, a linear garden or park.  The internal connection between spaces and users' circulation is an absolutely essential attraction.  Re-use of shipping containers in order to create the structure of a building - due to their convenient size, shipping containers are well-suited for use in houses and their appeal lies in their apparent simplicity.
ANALISIS EKONOMI PRA RANCANGAN PABRIK PAKAN IKAN LELE BERBAHAN DASAR MAGGOT DENGAN KAPASITAS 5000 TON/TAHUN
Authors: Anang Arianto  , Profiyanti Hermien Suharti  , Heny Dewajani  , Aldyn Firstiano Afnan  , Bagos Tedy Arta  , Virsa Faliolla Tasyakuranti
Published: June 2023

Kegiatan budidaya perikanan di Indonesia sangat banyak salah satu diantaranya yaitu budidaya ikan lele. Hal ini disebabkan pertumbuhan penduduk yang terus bertambah sehingga meningkatkan kebutuhan masyarakat terhadap protein hewani dari ikan. Ikan yang dikonsumsi harus memiliki kandungan protein yang cukup untuk tubuh manusia. Peningkatan kandungan nutrisi pada ikan tidak terlepas dari jenis pakan yang diberikan. Salah satu pakan yang memiliki kandungan protein cukup tinggi adalah maggot. Maggot atau lalat black soldier fly (Hermetia illicens) merupakan organisme pengurai yang mengandung protein sebesar 39,95%. Pra rancangan pabrik pakan ikan lele berbahan dasar maggot dengan kapasitas 5000 ton per tahun diharapkan dapat menyumbang kebutuhan pakan ikan yang tinggi protein. Tujuan dari analisis ekonomi ini adalah untuk mendapatkan perkiraan mengenai kelayakan investasi modal dalam kegiatan produksi pakan ikan lele. Berdasarkan Undang-Undang No. 40 tahun 2007, pabrik ini didirikan dalam bentuk perseroan terbatas (PT) yang direncanakan akan didirikan di Kabupaten Malang dengan jumlah karyawan sebanyak 143 orang. Pabrik beroperasi 24 jam per hari selama 330 hari dalam setahun. Hasil analisis ekonomi menunjukkan bahwa pabrik membutuhkan total capital investment (TCI) sebesar Rp. 6.223.612.836 dan total production cost (TPC) sebesar Rp 43.966.583.687 dengan laba bersih yang didapatkan sebesar Rp. 2.366.064.723 per tahun. Laju pengembalian modal (ROI) setelah pajak dan lama pengembalian pajak (POT) setelah pajak berturut-turut sebesar 45% dan 1,83 tahun. Break even point dan shutdown point dihasilkan pada 56,20% dan 43,18% penjualan. Dengan demikian dapat disimpulkan bahwa pabrik pakan ikan lele dari maggot layak untuk didirikan.
THE EFFECT OF STIRRING SPEED AND COLLECTOR CONCENTRATION ON NICKEL RECOVERY FROM PYROPHYLLITE USING FROTH FLOTATION
Authors: Rifki Sakib Thalib Hanifah , Santosa Sandra , Mas'udah Mas'udah
Published: June 2023

Nickel is an important element in the metal alloy industry. In Indonesia, nickel resources are found in many areas in the form of rocks such as pyrophyllite. Froth flotation is a method commonly used in the mining industry to extract metals such as nickel from mineral rocks. However, the nickel concentrates yield tends to be relatively low. This is often influenced by several factors such as the stirring speed and the concentration of the collector used in the process. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of agitation speed and collector concentration on the nickel recovery results obtained from the froth flotation process. In this study, variations of stirring speed at 500, 600, and 750 rpm were used. Meanwhile, the collector concentration varied to 2,5%, 4,5% and 6,5%. The results showed that the stirring speed and collector concentration had a significant impact on nickel recovery. Optimum results were obtained at 750 rpm and 6,5% where the nickel concentration reached 2,475% from the initial concentration of 8,21%.
EVALUASI KINERJA COOLER-05 PADA CRUDE DISTILLATION UNIT DI PPSDM MIGAS CEPU
Authors: Virsa Faliolla Tasyakuranti  , Rosita Dwi Chrisnandari  , Arief Rahmatulloh  , Setiyono  , Nurul Kamaliya
Published: June 2023

Dalam proses pengolahan minyak dan gas bumi di Crude Distillation Unit PPSDM Migas Cepu diperlukan berbagai alat perpindahan panas, salah satunya adalah cooler. Di PPSDM Migas Cepu, Cooler-05 digunakan untuk mendinginkan Pertasol CB hasil keluaran dari kolom fraksinasi C2 sebelum masuk ke separaor S4. Dalam proses produksi Pertasol CB yang berlangsung secara kontinyu, proses produksi ini menyebabkan alat di Crude Distillation Unit harus beroperasi selama 24 jam. Hal ini dapat mempengaruhi kinerja Cooler-05 sehingga perlu dilakukan perhitungan efisiensi untuk mengetahui kinerja alat tersebut. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kinerja dari Cooler-05 yang ada di Crude Distillation Unit PPSDM Migas Cepu yang didasarkan pada beberapa paramater. Metode evaluasi kinerja Cooler-05 dilakukan dengan cara mengumpulkan dan mengolah data lapangan serta data literatur. Berdasarkan hasil perhitungan didapatkan nilai Dirt Factor (Rd) sebesar 0,0086 J.ft2.°F/Btu dengan selisih 7% dari Rd minimal, dimana toleransi selisih yang diperbolehkan maksimal sebesar 10%. Pada pressure drop (ΔP) didapatkan untuk sisi shell dan tube berturut-turut sebesar 0,0001 psi dan 0,00805 psi dengan nilai yang diperbolehkan sebesar 10 psi untuk liquid. Didapatkan pula besar efisiensi perpindahan panas (kalor) sebesar 73,16% dimana suatu alat masih optimal beroperasi jika memiliki efisiensi mencapai 80%. Dengan demikian, perlu dilakukan perawatan
An overview of Blockchain: Definitions, architecture, versions, applications and future directions
Authors: Litoussi Mohamed , Makkaoui Khalid , Ezzati Abdellah
Published: June 2023

Blockchain technology has been gaining popularity in recent years, with many industries exploring its potential applications. This innovative technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we do business and interact with each other. It has emerged as a revolutionary innovation that promises to transform various industries by enabling secure, transparent, and decentralized transactions. The blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that uses cryptography to ensure the integrity and immutability of data. In this article, we will provide an overview of blockchain, including definitions, architecture, security, applications, and future directions
Error Correction Using Quantum Computation
Authors: Khan Khalik , Jain Sapna
Published: June 2023

Quantum Error Correction (QEC) is an important technique for protecting quantum information against decoherence and errors. This involves the design and implementation of algorithms and techniques to minimize error rates and increase the stability of quantum circuits. One of the key parameters in QEC is the distance of the error- correcting code, which determines the number of errors that can be corrected. Another important parameter is the error probability, which quantifies the likelihood of errors occurring in the quantum system. In this context, the goal of a simulation sweeps like the one performed in the code is to study the performance of the QEC code for different values of the distance and error probability, and to optimize the code for maximum accuracy. By varying these parameters and observing the performance of the code, researchers can gain insights into how to design better codes and improve the reliability of quantum computing systems. We also discuss the challenges that need to be addressed for quantum computing to realize its potential in solving practical Error-correction problems.
Health Digital Indicators’ Juxtaposition
Authors: Antipova Tatiana
Published: June 2023

A study is discussed the comparison of main health performance indicators in two different countries: New Zealand and Republic of Cyprus, and globally by approaches from the particular to the general, and multi-dimensional measures of global health indication. The objective was to establish the content validity, the reliability and sensitivity, and the validity of rank order comparisons. This study analyzed 2021-2023 annual reports World Health Organization, European Union Commission, and NZ government. The finding of this work is synopsis of Health Digital Indicators. The result of synopsis has shown that there are so many different kinds of Health Indicators that unite by digital technology to collect data for them. Author juxtaposed regional (European and Pacific) and global health indicators counted for health goals.
E-cigarettes may serve as a gateway to conventional cigarettes and other addictive drugs
Authors: Chen Grace , Rahman Shafiqur , Lutfy Kabirullah
Published: June 2023

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are devices that allow the user to inhale nicotine in a vapor, and are primarily marketed as a means of quitting smoking and a less harmful replacement for traditional cigarette smoking. However, further research is needed to determine if vaping nicotine via e-cigarettes can be effective. Conversely, nicotine has been considered a gateway drug to alcohol and other addictive drugs and e-cigarettes containing nicotine may have the same effects. Previous reports have shown that e-cigarette use may open the gate for the use of other drugs including conventional cigarettes, cannabis, opioids, etc. The increasing prevalence of e-cigarettes, particularly among youth and adolescents in the last decade have led to an increase in the dual use of e-cigarettes with alcohol, cannabis, and other illicit drug use like heroin and 3-4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The advent of e-cigarettes as a device to self-administer addictive agents such as cocaine and synthetic cathinones may bring about additional adverse health effects associated with their concurrent use. This review aims to briefly describe e-cigarettes and their different generations, and their co-use with other addictive drugs as well as the use of the device as a tool to self-administer addictive drugs, such as cocaine, etc.
The Benefits of Using Case Study Focussed, Problem Based Learning Approaches to Unit Design for Biomedical Science Students
Authors: Posner Mareike G. , Dempsey Nina C. , Unsworth Amanda J.
Published: June 2023

As part of the Biomedical Sciences undergraduate degree course students are required to apply biological principles to the interpretation of clinical case studies and the diagnosis of patients. Case study-based learning, i.e., application of knowledge to patient diagnosis, is new to most students as case studies do not form part of non-applied A level courses in biological sciences. This approach is an example of Problem Based Learning (PBL) which has been shown to support higher levels of student learning, encouraging critical thinking and analysis. PBL approaches have also been shown to increase academic satisfaction and student engagement. In recent years we have observed a downwards trend in student engagement and historically student performance in applied case study-based assessments to be lower than that observed for assessments based on detailing fundamental biological principles. We hypothesised that PBL teaching delivery would support students in preparing for case study-based assessments, helping them to demonstrate their critical evaluation and problem-solving skills, and hence, improve student performance. We also hypothesised that the student learning experience would be enhanced by a PBL teaching delivery approach which would improve overall engagement. We therefore redesigned a second year Biomedical Sciences degree haematology and clinical biochemistry unit: “Blood Science,” with a stronger focus on PBL, including case study focussed activities throughout the unit. We subsequently analysed whether this PBL-focussed unit design improved student experience and feedback, student engagement and student confidence for biomedical science undergraduate students. We present here, our teaching strategy and the impact our changes had on student feedback for the 21/22 and 22/23 academic years. Our findings demonstrate that case study-based activities and tutorial PBL exercises, when incorporated into the curriculum design, can improve student experience in the Biomedical Sciences and other biological science undergraduate degree courses.
The main protease 3CLpro of the SARS-CoV-2 virus: how to turn an enemy into a helper
Authors: Belenkaya Svetlana V. , Merkuleva Iuliia A. , Yarovaya Olga I. , Chirkova Varvara Yu. , Sharlaeva Elena A. , Shanshin Daniil V. , Volosnikova Ekaterina A. , Vatsadze Sergey Z. , Khvostov Mikhail V. , Salakhutdinov Nariman F. , Shcherbakov Dmitriy N.
Published: June 2023

Despite the long history of use and the knowledge of the genetics and biochemistry of E. coli, problems are still possible in obtaining a soluble form of recombinant proteins in this system. Although, soluble protein can be obtained both in the cytoplasm and in the periplasm of the bacterial cell. The latter is a priority strategy for obtaining soluble proteins. The fusion protein technology followed by detachment of the fusion protein with proteases is used to transfer the target protein into the periplasmic space of E. coli. We have continued for the first time to use the main viral protease 3CL of the SARS-CoV-2 virus for this purpose. We obtained a recombinant 3CL protease and studied its complex catalytic properties. The authenticity of the resulting recombinant enzyme, were confirmed by specific activity analysis and activity suppression by the known low-molecular-weight inhibitors. The catalytic efficiency of 3CL (0.17 ± 0.02 µM-1-s-1) was shown to be one order of magnitude higher than that of the widely used tobacco etch virus protease (0.013 ± 0.003 µM-1-s-1). The application of the 3CL gene in genetically engineered constructs provided efficient specific proteolysis of fusion proteins, which we demonstrated using the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and GST fusion protein. The solubility and immunochemical properties of RBD were preserved. It is very important that in work we have shown that 3CL protease works effectively directly in E. coli cells when co-expressed with the target fusion protein, as well as when expressed as part of a chimeric protein containing the target protein, fusion partner, and 3CL itself. The results obtained in the work allow expanding the repertoire of specific proteases for researchers and biotechnologists.
Assay methods based on proximity-enhanced reactions for detecting non-nucleic acid molecules
Authors: Park Ye Seop , Choi Sunjoo , Jang Hee Ju , Yoo Tae Hyeon
Published: June 2023

Accurate and reliable detection of biological molecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, and small molecules is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. While simple homogeneous assays have been developed and are widely used for detecting nucleic acids, non-nucleic acid molecules such as proteins and small molecules are usually analyzed using methods that require time-consuming procedures and highly trained personnel. Recently, methods using proximity-enhanced reactions (PERs) have been developed for detecting non-nucleic acids. These reactions can be conducted in a homogeneous liquid phase via a single-step procedure. Herein, we review three assays based on PERs for the detection of non-nucleic acid molecules: proximity ligation assay, proximity extension assay, and proximity proteolysis assay.
Current development of biosensing technologies towards diagnosis of mental diseases
Authors: Zheng Yuhan , Liu Chen , Lai Nai Yeen Gavin , Wang Qingfeng , Xia Qinghua , Sun Xu , Zhang Sheng
Published: June 2023

The biosensor is an instrument that converts the concentration of biomarkers into electrical signals for detection. Biosensing technology is non-invasive, lightweight, automated, and biocompatible in nature. These features have significantly advanced medical diagnosis, particularly in the diagnosis of mental disorder in recent years. The traditional method of diagnosing mental disorders is time-intensive, expensive, and subject to individual interpretation. It involves a combination of the clinical experience by the psychiatrist and the physical symptoms and self-reported scales provided by the patient. Biosensors on the other hand can objectively and continually detect disease states by monitoring abnormal data in biomarkers. Hence, this paper reviews the application of biosensors in the detection of mental diseases, and the diagnostic methods are divided into five sub-themes of biosensors based on vision, EEG signal, EOG signal, and multi-signal. A prospective application in clinical diagnosis is also discussed.
Visualization and bibliometric analysis of 3D printing in cartilage regeneration
Authors: Yang Zhen , Li Jianwei , Deng Haoyuan , Li Hao , Zhao Tianyuan , Gao Tianze , Xing Dan , Lin Jianhao
Published: June 2023

The self-repair ability of cartilage defects is limited, and 3D printing technology provides hope for the repair and regeneration of cartilage defects. Although 3D printing technology and cartilage repair and regeneration have been studied for decades, there are still few articles specifically describing the relationship between 3D printing and cartilage defect repair and regeneration, and a bibliometric analysis has not been completed. To supplement, sort out and summarize the content in related fields, we analyzed the research status of 3D printing technology and cartilage repair and regeneration from 2002 to 2022. According to the set search strategy, the Web of Science Core Collection was used as the data source, and the literature search was completed on December 6, 2022. CiteSpace V and VOSviewer were used as bibliometric tools to complete the analysis of the research focus and direction of the published literature. Based on the analysis results, we focus on the occurrence and development of this field of combined medical and engineering research. Moreover, the current advantages and limitations of this field as well as future development prospects are discussed in depth. It will help to shape researchers’ understanding of 3D printing and cartilage repair and regeneration, inspire researchers’ research ideas, guide research directions, and promote related research results to clinical application.
Mechanisms of platelet activation in cancer-associated thrombosis: a focus on myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Bekendam Roelof H. , Ravid Katya
Published: June 2023

Platelets are anucleate blood cells that play key roles in thrombosis and hemostasis. Platelets are also effector cells in malignancy and are known to home into the microenvironment of cancers. As such, these cells provide central links between the hemostatic system, inflammation and cancer progression. Activation of platelets by cancers has been postulated to contribute to metastasis and progression of local tumor invasion. Similarly, cancer-activated platelets can increase the risk of development of both arterial and venous thrombosis; a major contributor to cancer-associated morbidity. Platelet granules secretion within the tumor environment or the plasma provide a rich source of potential biomarkers for prediction of thrombotic risk or tumor progression. In the case of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), which are characterized by clonal expansion of myeloid precursors and abnormal function and number of erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets, patients suffer from thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. The mechanisms driving this are likely multifactorial but remain poorly understood. Several mouse models developed to recapitulate MPN phenotype with one of the driving mutations, in JAK2 (JAK2V617F) or in calreticulin (CALR) or myeloproliferative leukemia virus oncogene receptor (MPL), have been studied for their thrombotic phenotype. Variability and discrepancies were identified within different disease models of MPN, emphasizing the complexity of increased risk of clotting and bleeding in these pathologies. Here, we review recent literature on the role of platelets in cancer-associated arterial and venous thrombosis and use MPN as case study to illustrate recent advances in experimental models of thrombosis in a malignant phenotype. We address major mechanisms of tumor-platelet communication leading to thrombosis and focus on the role of altered platelets in promoting thrombosis in MPN experimental models and patients with MPN. Recent identification of platelet-derived biomarkers of MPN-associated thrombosis is also reviewed, with potential therapeutic implications.
Roles of the RON3 C-terminal fragment in erythrocyte invasion and blood-stage parasite proliferation in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Ito Daisuke , Kondo Yoko , Takashima Eizo , Iriko Hideyuki , Thongkukiatkul Amporn , Torii Motomi , Otsuki Hitoshi
Published: June 2023

Plasmodium species cause malaria, and in the instance of Plasmodium falciparum is responsible for a societal burden of over 600,000 deaths annually. The symptoms and pathology of malaria are due to intraerythocytic parasites. Erythrocyte invasion is mediated by the parasite merozoite stage, and is accompanied by the formation of a parasitophorous vacuolar membrane (PVM), within which the parasite develops. The merozoite apical rhoptry organelle contains various proteins that contribute to erythrocyte attachment and invasion. RON3, a rhoptry bulb membrane protein, undergoes protein processing and is discharged into the PVM during invasion. RON3-deficient parasites fail to develop beyond the intraerythrocytic ring stage, and protein export into erythrocytes by the Plasmodium translocon of exported proteins (PTEX) apparatus is abrogated, as well as glucose uptake into parasites. It is known that truncated N- and C-terminal RON3 fragments are present in rhoptries, but it is unclear which RON3 fragments contribute to protein export by PTEX and glucose uptake through the PVM. To investigate and distinguish the roles of the RON3 C-terminal fragment at distinct developmental stages, we used a C-terminus tag for conditional and post-translational control. We demonstrated that RON3 is essential for blood-stage parasite survival, and knockdown of RON3 C-terminal fragment expression from the early schizont stage induces a defect in erythrocyte invasion and the subsequent development of ring stage parasites. Protein processing of full-length RON3 was partially inhibited in the schizont stage, and the RON3 C-terminal fragment was abolished in subsequent ring-stage parasites compared to the RON3 N-terminal fragment. Protein export and glucose uptake were abrogated specifically in the late ring stage. Plasmodial surface anion channel (PSAC) activity was partially retained, facilitating small molecule traffic across the erythrocyte membrane. The knockdown of the RON3 C-terminal fragment after erythrocyte invasion did not alter parasite growth. These data suggest that the RON3 C-terminal fragment participates in erythrocyte invasion and serves an essential role in the progression of ring-stage parasite growth by the establishment of the nutrient-permeable channel in the PVM, accompanying the transport of ring-stage parasite protein from the plasma membrane to the PVM.
Effectiveness of a short-term multimodal prehabilitation program in adult patients awaiting selective cardiac surgery: study protocol for an open-label, pilot, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gao Wen , Li Hongyan , Chen Yuaner , Zhang Yuping , Zhang Mao , Jin Jingfen
Published: June 2023

Background

Prehabilitation has been demonstrated to positively impact postoperative recovery in patients undergoing selective cardiac surgery. However, the optimal modules included in prehabilitation programs are yet to be fully explored, as existing studies have primarily focused on exercise. This study will explore the effectiveness of a three-arm prehabilitation program among adult patients awaiting selective cardiac surgery.

Methods and analysis

A single-center, parallel-group randomized controlled trial will be conducted at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine (SAHZU). A total of 152 adult patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery (coronary artery bypass grafting or valvular surgery) will be recruited from a tertiary teaching hospital. The patients will be randomly assigned to either the control group or the prehabilitation group. Patients assigned to the control group will receive standard care, which includes patient education and counseling as well as personal guidance on exercise, breathing, and coughing. Patients in the intervention group will be provided a multimodal prehabilitation program, including nutrition guidance, a diet journal, mindfulness training, and exercise guidance. The interventions will begin with home-based training and continue after hospital admission and before surgery. The primary outcome will be the perioperative 6-minute walk distance (6 MWD). The secondary outcomes will include preoperative readiness, postoperative recovery, and patient experience with the program.

Discussion

The purpose of the study is to examine whether a short-term multimodal prehabilitation program will be associated with improved preoperative readiness and postoperative outcomes. The findings of this study will provide evidence to support the development of a perioperative program aimed at enhancing patient recovery.

Clinical Trial Registration

www.ClinicalTrials.gov; identifier: NCT05503004.
Projection of the potential distribution of suitable habitats for Siberian crane (Grus leucogeranus) in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Zhang Zengxin , Zhang Jiamin , Zhu Bin , Tian Jiaxi
Published: June 2023

Introduction: The middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin (hereafter MLYRB) are one of the most important wintering grounds for waterbirds along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF). Climate change and human activities have greatly altered the habitats of waterbirds in this region.

Methods: The potential distribution of suitable habitats for the Siberian crane (Grus leucogeranus) in the MLYRB was projected using Maximum Entropy Models (MaxEnt) and three Global Climate Models (GCMs). Additionally, estimations for temperature and precipitation before 2060 were made using CMIP6 multi-model and multi-scenario data.

Results: 1) the MaxEnt model was highly applicable (AUC = 0.939) for analyzing the suitable habitat distribution and climatic suitability of Siberian cranes in the study area; 2) Precipitation of the driest quarter and altitude were the main factors affecting the potential suitable habitat distribution of Siberian cranes, accounting for 40% of the total contribution rate each; 3) The climatically suitable areas for the distribution of suitable habitats of Siberian cranes in the study area was mainly concentrated in parts of Poyang Lake, Dongting Lake, Taihu Lake, and the mainstream of the Yangtze River; 4) In the BCC-CSM2-MR, CanESM5, and CNRM-CM6-1 models, the suitable habitat area for Siberian cranes is expected to decrease under different SSP scenarios from 2021 to 2060 compared to 1970–2000.

Discussion: The BCC-CSM2-MR model’s SSP2-4.5 scenario shows the most significant decline in the suitable habitat area for Siberian cranes, with a maximum decrease of approximately 35.7%, followed by a maximum decrease of about 26.2% and 16.4% under the CNRM-CM6-1 and CanESM5 models’ SSP2-4.5 scenario, respectively. In general, the suitable habitat areas for Siberian cranes are projected to decline, indicating the need for comprehensive evaluation and uncertainty research using more models.
Measuring teachers’ competencies for a purposeful use of augmented reality experiments in physics lessons
Authors: Freese Mareike , Teichrew Albert , Winkelmann Jan , Erb Roger , Ullrich Mark , Tremmel Michael
Published: June 2023

Nowadays, teachers are facing a more and more digitized world, as digital tools are being used by their students on a daily basis. This requires digital competencies in order to react in a professional manner to individual and societal challenges and to teach the students a purposeful use of those tools. Regarding the subject (e.g., STEM), this purpose includes specific content aspects, like data processing, or modeling and simulations of complex scientific phenomena. Yet, both pre-service and experienced teachers often consider their digital teaching competencies insufficient and wish for guidance in this field. Especially regarding immersive tools like augmented reality (AR), they do not have a lot of experience, although their willingness to use those modern tools in their lessons is high. The digital tool AR can target another problem in science lessons: students and teachers often have difficulties with understanding and creating scientific models. However, these are a main part of the scientific way of acquiring knowledge and are therefore embedded in curricula. With AR, virtual visualizations of model aspects can be superimposed on real experimental backgrounds in real time. It can help link models and experiments, which usually are not part of the same lesson and are perceived differently by students. Within the project diMEx (digital competencies in modeling and experimenting), a continuing professional development (CPD) for physics teachers was planned and conducted. Secondary school physics educators were guided in using AR in their lessons and their digital and modeling competencies for a purposeful use of AR experiments were promoted. To measure those competencies, various instruments with mixed methods were developed and evaluated. Among others, the teachers’ digital competencies have been assessed by four experts with an evaluation matrix based on the TPACK model. Technological, technical and design aspects as well as the didactical use of an AR experiment were assessed. The teachers generally demonstrate a high level of competency, especially in the first-mentioned aspects, and have successfully implemented their learnings from the CPD in the (re)design of their AR experiments.