bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Din Bağlamında Medya – Toplum İlişkileri
Authors: Okumuş Ejder
Published: March 2024

Medyanın toplumla ilişkileri çeşitli açılardan ele alınabilir. Medya-toplum ilişkilerine bakışlar, olguya ne şekilde, ne gibi ölçütlerle, nereden ve hangi yöntemle yaklaşıldığına göre değişiklik gösterir. Medyanın türü, medya teknolojisi, medya organının yayım yaptığı zaman ve mekân, ideolojik, dini ve siyasi konumu veya tutum alışı, medyanın toplum, toplumun da medya üzerindeki etkilerini incelemede mühim konulardandır. Bu çalışmada, kitle iletişim araçlarının din çerçevesinde toplumla etkileşimsel boyutları çeşitli yönleriyle ve farklı açılardan anlaşılmaya çalışılmaktadır. Bu araştırmanın amacı, medyanın din çerçevesinde toplumsal boyutlarını, toplum üzerindeki etkilerini ve toplumun yine din çerçevesinde medya ile ilgili boyutlarını, medya üzerindeki etkilerini anlamak ve değerlendirmektir. Medya çok değişik tür, araç, yöntem ve öğeleriyle toplum ile karşılıklı ilişki içinde bulunan büyük bir gücü ifade ederken, din toplumun, toplumsal ilişkilerin en varoluşsal boyutunda yer almaktadır. Bu manada bir yandan din medyayı, toplumu ve medya-toplum ilişkilerini etkilerken, diğer yandan da medya, toplum ve medya-toplum ilişkileri dini etkilemektedir.
Social Transformation of the Saribu Rumah Gadang Indigenous Tourism Area: Analysis of Nobert Elias Social Figures
Authors: Rahmaini Indah Sari
Published: March 2024

The reduced interest of the Minangkabau indigenous people in building and maintaining a Rumah Gadang is caused by the rapid acceleration of industrialization, modernization, and market competition. However, South Solok Regency has a Rumah Gadang which is still well maintained with a very good layout. This condition makes the area of high value and attracts tourists from various regions, including foreign tourists in the context of traditional tourism villages. This article aims to describe the regional social transformation that occurs in the traditional tourist area of Saribu Rumah Gadang. This paper uses the social figuration theory of Nobert Elias as his analytical knife. This article uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. The results are that there are various transformations of the concept of the Rumah Gadang, the transformation of space as a common space, and social transformation as ethical behavior in the Rumah Gadang. The conclusion of this study is that Rumah Gadang is no longer a residence for extended families, but is a traditional tourist destination. The transformation that occurs both physically and socially is caused by the interdependence, habitus, and figuration that are intertwined with the social relations established by the Minangkabau community with other communities.
special supplemental Nutrition Program for women, infants, and children (WIC): background, trends, and economic issues
Authors: Hodges Leslie , Toossi Saied , Todd Jessica E. , Ryan-Claytor Cayley ,   United States. Department of Agriculture. Economic Research Service,
Published: March 2024

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides supplementary foods, nutrition education, and referrals to healthcare and other social service agencies to low-income, nutritionally at-risk women, infants, and children up to 5 years of age. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service, WIC had an annual budget of $6 billion and served more than 6 million people each month in fiscal year 2022. The USDA's Economic Research Service periodically reports on research findings relevant to WIC policy and program operations, often following major changes in the program's design. This 2024 edition of the report explains how WIC works, discusses program trends, and summarizes research findings on key economic outcomes and policy issues facing the program. This report also outlines temporary changes to WIC in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the infant formula supply chain disruptions that occurred in 2022.
La música de acá. Crónicas de la Guadalajara que suena
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Sánchez Gutiérrez Alfredo
Published: March 2024

A partir de entrevistas con músicos de distintas generaciones y géneros, el autor realizó un ejercicio periodístico en el que conviven la crónica, el retrato y la historia de vida, cuyo objetivo es contribuir al registro de la historia cultural de esta región a través de testimonios, anécdotas y relatos que en conjunto muestran una panorámica local no sólo de la música y sus protagonistas, sino de los acontecimientos que han transformado Guadalajara en lo relativo a la convivencia social, al desarrollo económico y cultural.
La NAIRU y el problema de la regresión inversa
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, Liquitaya Briceño José D.
Published: March 2024

En este artículo se efectúa una reseña de la evolución histórica del concepto Tasa de Desempleo No Aceleradora de la Inflación (TDNAI o NAIRU, por su acrónimo en inglés). Se revisan algunos problemas metodológicos que enfrentan quienes se proponen estimar esta variable, y principalmente se demuestra que los cálculos de una virtual nairu a partir de la regresión muestral directa de ?t en función de ut siempre son sesgados debido a que el grado de asociación lineal entre ambas variables no es perfecta. Adicionalmente se demuestra que, aun soslayando los problemas examinados, la evidencia empírica cuestiona severamente la pertinencia de la nairu como guía para la política monetaria o como instrumento para el pronóstico de la tasa de inflación.
Integritas Kepemimpinan Kepala Sekolah dalam Meningkatkan Kompetensi Profesional Guru PAI
Authors: Hasannah Annis Watun , Rudiyanto Rudiyanto
Published: March 2024

The leadership behavior of a school principal who has an attitude of integrity is very much needed in an educational institution. So the aim of this research is to identify the integrity leadership attitude of school principals in improving the professional competence of Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers and identify obstacles to the leadership integrity attitude of school principals in improving the competency of Islamic Religious Education (PAI) teachers. The research method applied is a qualitative approach with descriptive research type. Data collection was carried out through interviews, observation and documentation. The research results show that the integrity leadership attitude of the principal at SD Plus Nurul Hikmah involves elements such as honesty, happiness in service, and commitment. Even though there are relatively minimal internal obstacles due to routine coaching and evaluation activities, there are external obstacles, especially from student parents who lack control over children's development at home.
INNOVATION CAPABILITY IN TALENT MANAGEMENT TOWARDS EMPLOYMENT CAPABILITY THROUGH LEADERSHIP
Authors: Manalu Mesya Natalia , Rahadi Dedi Rianto
Published: March 2024

This research investigates the impact of Innovation Ability on Talent Management in shaping Work Ability through Leadership within organizational contexts. Employing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) through Smart PLS software, the study reveals noteworthy insights. The results indicate a highly significant correlation between Work Ability and Leadership, as well as between Talent Management and both Work Ability and Leadership. Surprisingly, the statistical significance of the relationship between Innovation Ability and Work Ability or Leadership is lacking. This suggests that, within the scope of this study, Talent Management significantly contributes to both Employability and Leadership, while the effectiveness of Innovation Capability may be contingent on additional influencing factors. The findings underscore the intricate dynamics among innovation, talent management, employability, and leadership, offering valuable insights into the pivotal factors influencing organizational performance within this framework. This research contributes to a nuanced understanding of the interplay between these elements, shedding light on the complexity of their relationships.

 
THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL INFLUENCER TOWARD PURCHASE DECISION ON INDONESIAN STOCK MARKET (STUDY CASE OF GEN Z IN JABODETABEK)
Authors: Putri Tiara Whidi Suci Sukohadinoto , Rahmiati Filda
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this research is to analyze the impact of digital influencer toward purchase decision on Indonesian stock market. The population in this research is Gen z investor or trader in Jabodetabek area. The sample in this research was taken by non-probability using purposive sampling and had received 231 returned e-questionnaire. The research method used in this research is quantitative research and the analyze method was conducted by using Partial Least – Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS. The result of this research indicates that Digital Influencer has not significant influence on purchase decision. In mediating variable, Only the psychology that can significantly mediate the digital influencer on purchase decision but the herding behavior does not have a significant influence.
Ethical Leadership in the Eyes of Gen Z: A Literature Review
Authors: Lim Albert Theriono , Lianto Lianto -
Published: March 2024

Ethical Leadership emerges when a leader guides others using ethical principles and values, which include trust, integrity, empathy, justice, and charisma. Ethics also involves a person's moral character and intentions. This research focuses on a review of literature on ethical leadership in the eyes of Generation Z (Gen Z). Few articles provide an overview of the current library on this issue. The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief literary overview of Ethical Leadership in the vision of Gen Z. This paper will focus on the basic theories, definitions, dimensions, antecedents, consequences and managerial implications of ethical leadership within the eyes of Generation Z. It is hoped that this paper will be useful to researchers who are drawing up research proposals on the issue.
Cancer screening with multicancer detection tests: A translational science review
Authors: Rubinstein Wendy S. , Patriotis Christos , Dickherber Anthony , Han Paul K. J. , Katki Hormuzd A. , LeeVan Elyse , Pinsky Paul F. , Prorok Philip C. , Skarlupka Amanda L. , Temkin Sarah M. , Castle Philip E. , Minasian Lori M.
Published: March 2024

Multicancer detection (MCD) tests use a single, easily obtainable biospecimen, such as blood, to screen for more than one cancer concurrently. MCD tests can potentially be used to improve early cancer detection, including cancers that currently lack effective screening methods. However, these tests have unknown and unquantified benefits and harms. MCD tests differ from conventional cancer screening tests in that the organ responsible for a positive test is unknown, and a broad diagnostic workup may be necessary to confirm the location and type of underlying cancer. Among two prospective studies involving greater than 16,000 individuals, MCD tests identified those who had some cancers without currently recommended screening tests, including pancreas, ovary, liver, uterus, small intestine, oropharyngeal, bone, thyroid, and hematologic malignancies, at early stages. Reported MCD test sensitivities range from 27% to 95% but differ by organ and are lower for early stage cancers, for which treatment toxicity would be lowest and the potential for cure might be highest. False reassurance from a negative MCD result may reduce screening adherence, risking a loss in proven public health benefits from standard‐of‐care screening. Prospective clinical trials are needed to address uncertainties about MCD accuracy to detect different cancers in asymptomatic individuals, whether these tests can detect cancer sufficiently early for effective treatment and mortality reduction, the degree to which these tests may contribute to cancer overdiagnosis and overtreatment, whether MCD tests work equally well across all populations, and the appropriate diagnostic evaluation and follow‐up for patients with a positive test.
Analisis kekuatan, kelemahan, kesempatan, dan ancaman dalam pengembangan desa wisata
Authors: Taufiqi Muhammad Aulia , Sofy Malik , Purbaya Deden
Published: March 2024

Pengabdian ini bertujuan untuk menganalis kekuatan dan kelemahan yang terjadi dalam pengembangan desa wisata, bagaimana cara masyarakat mengembangkan Desa Wisata utamanya Pemancingan Jambu Manis (PJM) dan UMKM Keripik Pare di Desa Kepongpongan, Kecamatan Talun Kabupaten Cirebon, dan bagaimana masyarakat setempat menyelesaikan masalah yang terjadi dalam pengelolaan kegiatan tersebut. Pengabdian ini menggunakan metode Asset-Based Community Development, analisis data, dan wawancara dengan stakeholder (Pemangku Kebijakan/ Kepentingan). Dari pengabdian yang telah dilakukan, penulis menemukan bahwa dalam pengelolaan Desa Wisata dan UMKM yang ada di Desa Kepongpongan, masyarakat masih menemukan kendala dalam hal promosi, banyak dari mereka masih menggunakan gaya promosi lama atau masih dari mulut ke mulut belum menggunakan media sosial. Sehingga belum banyak masyarakat diluar Desa Kepongpongan mengetahui akan potensi wisata dan UMKM yang ada. Dari pengabdian ini pula, akhirnya masyarakat mulai mengetahui bagaimana mempromosikan Wisata dan UMKM yang ada dengan baik demi terwujudnya tujuan awal adanya pengelolaan kegiatan tersebut.
Improving the production and managerial performance of tempeh chip MSMEs
Authors: Setiawan Ferry , Wicaksono Dhimas , Rizki Ikbal , Hillal Raden Fatchul , Widagdo Djoko , Mahendra Dimas Aditya
Published: March 2024

The Community Service Program of STTKD Lecturers is funded by the Directorate of Research and Community Service of the Ministry of Education and Culture due to the problems faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) of tempeh chips brand "Tempe Krees", including; low production capacity, inability to meet market demand, poorly organized managerial processes, and unattractive product branding that hinder online market penetration. The solution provided by the Community Service Team in the technological field is to increase the productivity of tempeh chips by using appropriate technological equipment, such as a soybean skin separator machine, tempeh slicing machine, and oil separator machine. In the managerial field, management and marketing training is conducted to reach a wider market share and improve packaging design to increase product branding in order to penetrate the online market. The result of this program is that the managerial competence of the partners has improved, as can be seen from the results of the posttest which has a better value than the pretest results. With the application of appropriate technology equipment, the production of tempeh chips increased from 50-55 pieces @ 250 grams per day to 100-110 pieces @ 250 grams per day. Production costs have decreased from Rp11,025 to Rp9,932, so the profits of MSME partners have increased from before. The next step after this community service is to encourage partners to penetrate the modern market so that partner businesses can develop well and trigger economic growth in the community around the location of MSMEs.
Peran guru PAUD dalam mengimplementasikan kurikulum berbasis karakter
Authors: Pujianti Yuli , Nuryati Entin , Aminah Siti , Komara Endang , Mulyanto Agus
Published: March 2024

Lembaga PAUD, bersama dengan keluarga dan lingkungan anak itu sendiri, memainkan peran yang sangat penting dalam pembentukan karakter anak usia dini.  Guru di PAUD memiliki peran besar dalam meningkatkan pendidikan karakter anak. Guru harus memberikan contoh yang baik kepada anak agar anak dapat meniru apa yang dikatakan. Guru akan membantu anak menerapkan nilai-nilai karakter. Guru juga digugu dan ditiru oleh anak didiknya. Tujuan dari kegiatan PKM adalah untuk memberikan pemahaman kepada guru PAUD tentang implementasi kurikulum berbasis karakter pada anak usia dini sampai penilaian tentang implementasi kurikulum karakter yang sudah diterapkan oleh lembaga PAUD masing-masing. Lembaga mitra kegiatan PKM adalah ketua IGTKI Kecamatan Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan. Peserta dalam kegiatan ini sebanyak 22 orang terdiri dari kepala sekolah dan guru PAUD. Metode yang digunakan dalam kegiatan PKM adalah seminar dan workshop. Pengumpulan data dengan memberikan instrumen berupa angket kepada guru dalam bentuk google form. Hasil dari kegiatan ini adalah guru-guru sangat antusias ketika narasumber menjelaskan materi, hal ini terlihat dari banyaknya pertanyaan dari guru. Selain itu, guru mendapatkan buku saku yang berisi contoh penerapan kurikulum karakter pada anak usia dini.
VYBRANÉ PODOBY SPRACOVANIA TÉMY SEXU A SEXUALITA V PRÁVNEJ FILOZOFII – OD HERBERTA L. A. HARTA PO KVÍR TEÓRIE PRÁVA
Authors: Šoltys Dominik
Published: March 2024

Bližšie skúmania v oblasti práva a sexuality sa stali v súčasnosti narastajúcim trendom.2 Predložený príspevok sa zameriava na spracovanie témy sexuality v anglo-americkej právnej filozofii od polovice 20. storočia do súčasnosti. Popisuje rozdielne spôsoby náhľadu na sex a sexualitu, ako aj rozdielne účely využitia tejto témy pri získavaní poznatkov o povahe regulácie spoločenských vzťahov právom tak, ako sú uvedené v pozitívno-právnej teórii Herberta L. A. Harta, nových teóriách prirodzeného práva v podaní Johna M. Finnisa a Roberta P. Georgea, ekonomickej teórii práva Richarda A. Posnera, radikálnom právnom feminizme Catherine A. MacKinnon, lesbickej teórii práva a pokusoch o konštruovanie kvír prístupov k právu. Príspevok dochádza nielen k zisteniu o možnej variabilite právno-filozofických prístupov skúmania práva a sexuality, ale predovšetkým ukazuje, že zahrnutie tejto oblasti života jednotlivca a spoločnosti dokáže prispieť k pochopeniu aktuálneho rozsahu či želanej podoby a miery zahrnutia sexuálnej etiky v práve.
Hepatic mRNA expression of innate and adaptive immune genes in beef steers with divergent residual body weight gain
Authors: Ologunagba Deborah , Idowu Modoluwamu , Taiwo Godstime , Sidney Taylor , Treon Emily , Eichie Francisca , Bebe Frederick , Ogunade Ibukun M.
Published: March 2024

Immune function plays a pivotal role in dictating the overall health and productivity of cattle. In a proficient immune system, the liver assumes an integral function in detoxification and metabolic processes and contributes substantially to overall production and immunity. In this study, we evaluated the hepatic mRNA expression of genes involved in innate and adaptive immunity in crossbred beef steers with positive or negative residual body weight gain (RADG). Positive-RADG beef steers (n = 8; RADG = 0.73 kg/d) and negative-RADG beef steers (n = 8; RADG = -0.69 kg/d) were identified from a group of 108 growing crossbred beef steers (average BW = 556 ± 38 kg) after a 56-d performance testing period. At the end of the 56-d period, liver tissue samples were collected from the beef steers for RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis. The mRNA expression of 84 genes involved in innate and adaptive immunity were analyzed using pathway-focused PCR-based arrays. The mRNA expression of genes with false discovery rate-adjusted P-values (FDR) ≤ 0.05 and absolute fold change (FC) ≥ 1.2 were determined to be differentially expressed. Out of the 84 genes analyzed, four genes (IL-2, MYD88, CD-80, NFkB-1) were differentially expressed and were all upregulated in positive compared with negative-RADG beef steers. IL-2 is a cytokine that plays a critical role in the immune response by activating and proliferating T-cells, which are important for fighting infections. MYD88 is an adaptor protein that is essential for signaling by toll-like receptors, which are involved in pathogen recognition. CD80 is a protein that is expressed on the surface of antigen-presenting cells and plays a critical role in the initiation of an immune response. The activation of NF-κB leads to the production of cytokines and chemokines that help to recruit immune cells to the site of infection. The upregulation of the aforementioned genes in positive-RADG beef steers suggests that they had a better ability than negative-RADG beef steers to quickly recognize pathogens and initiate appropriate responses to effectively fight off infections without causing inflammatory reactions, potentially contributing to their better feed efficiency.
Characterization of the gut microbiota and fecal and blood metabolomes under various factors in urban children from Northwest China
Authors: Yang Yan , Chen Juanjuan , Gao Huiyu , Cui Minglu , Zhu Mingyu , Xiang Xuesong , Wang Qi
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Children have regional dynamics in the gut microbiota development trajectory. Hitherto, the features and influencing factors of the gut microbiota and fecal and plasma metabolites in children from Northwest China remain unclear.

Methods

Shotgun metagenomic sequencing and untargeted metabolomics were performed on 100 healthy volunteers aged 2-12 years.

Results

Age, body mass index (BMI), regular physical exercise (RPE), and delivery mode (DM) significantly affect gut microbiota and metabolites. Lactobacillus, Butyricimonas, Prevotella, Alistipes, and predicted pathway propanoate production were significantly increased with age while Bifidobacterium breve, B. animalis, B. pseudocatenulatum, Streptococcus infantis, and carbohydrate degradation were decreased. Fecal metabolome revealed that the metabolism of caffeine, amino acids, and lipid significantly increased with age while galactose metabolism decreased. Noticeably, BMI was positively associated with pathogens including Erysipelatoclostridium ramosum, Parabacteroides distasonis, Ruminococcus gnavus, and amino acid metabolism but negatively associated with beneficial Akkermansia muciniphila, Alistipes finegoldii, Eubacterium ramulus, and caffeine metabolism. RPE has increased probiotic Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Anaerostipes hadrus, acetate and lactate production, and major nutrient metabolism in gut and plasma, but decreased pathobiont Bilophila wadsworthia, taurine degradation, and pentose phosphate pathway. Interestingly, DM affects the gut microbiota and metabolites throughout the whole childhood. Bifidobacterium animalis, Lactobacillus mucosae, L. ruminis, primary bile acid, and neomycin biosynthesis were enriched in eutocia, while anti-inflammatory Anaerofustis stercorihominis, Agathobaculum butyriciproducens, Collinsella intestinalis, and pathogenic Streptococcus salivarius, Catabacter hongkongensis, and amino acid metabolism were enriched in Cesarean section children.

Discussion

Our results provided theoretical and data foundation for the gut microbiota and metabolites in preadolescent children’s growth and development in Northwest China.
Quantitative proteomics analysis reveals an important role of the transcriptional regulator UidR in the bacterial biofilm formation of Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Tian Feng , Zhang Binghui , Zhang Lishan , Chen Xiaomeng , Lin Xiaoke , Wang Yuqian , Lin Xiangmin , Liu Yanling
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Bacterial biofilm is a well-known characteristic that plays important roles in diverse physiological functions, whereas the current intrinsic regulatory mechanism of its formation is still largely unknown.

Methods

In the present study, a label-free based quantitative proteomics technology was conducted to compare the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between ΔuidR and the wild-type strain in the biofilm state.

Results

The results showed that the deletion of gene uidR encoding a TetR transcriptional regulator significantly increased the biofilm formation in Aeromonas hydrophila. And there was a total of 220 DEPs, including 120 up-regulated proteins and 100 down-regulated proteins between ΔuidR and the wild-type strain based on the quantitative proteomics. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that uidR may affect bacterial biofilm formation by regulating some related proteins in glyoxylic acid and dicarboxylic acid pathway. The expressions of selected proteins involved in this pathway were further confirmed by q-PCR assay, and the results was in accordance with the quantitative proteomics data. Moreover, the deletion of four genes (AHA_3063, AHA_3062, AHA_4140 and aceB) related to the glyoxylic acid and dicarboxylic acid pathway lead to a significant decrease in the biofilm formation.

Discussion

Thus, the results indicated that uidR involved in the regulatory of bacterial biofilm formation, and it may provide a potential target for the drug development and a new clue for the prevention of pathogenic A. hydrophila in the future.
Building resilience beyond the COVID-19 pandemic: can it work through creative play with digital puzzles?
Authors: Damayanti Ranie , Syarif Sumantri Mohamad , Nurani Yuliani
Published: March 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic worldwide has had significant repercussions for early childhood education. In this article, we begin by discussing the impact of a world health pandemic on education and the challenges of conducting a literature review following the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we examine the challenges of conducting a literature review on building resilience in young children in the digital era. The four sections categorize the resilience literature into the following themes: (1) defining resilience in young children, (2) powerful play for resilience in young children beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, (3) creative play building resilience in young children, and (4) digital puzzles for resilience: the case of early childhood classrooms in Indonesia. Each of the four themes is presented with a narrative whose content is current, followed by a literary consensus. The article ends with changes to build resilience in young children using creative play through digital puzzles. Digital puzzles as media for creative play support young children in developing skills that will make them happier and more resilient in overcoming daily hardships. Young children can become individuals who successfully face daily hardships creatively to reconstruct themselves after experiencing bad conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fostering teacher–student relationship-building competence: a three-year learning trajectory for initial pre-primary and primary teacher education
Authors: Borremans Liedewij F. N. , Koomen Helma M. Y. , Spilt Jantine L.
Published: March 2024

It is widely acknowledged that high-quality teacher-student relationships contribute to both student and teacher well-being. However, research shows that building these relationships can be challenging for teachers and signals opportunities for teacher education to better prepare them for building high-quality teacher-student relationships. As teachers’ relationship-building competence allows them to establish high-quality relationships with students, even those typically at-risk for conflictual relationships, we propose a learning trajectory targeting teachers’ dyadic relationship-building competence to be implemented in initial teacher education. Such a learning trajectory allows for progressively deepening the level of understanding and self-reflection throughout the three-year initial education program. To address teachers’ relationship-building competence in teacher education, relevant competencies, selected in previous research by an independent expert panel, were translated into specific learning goals, learning activities, and materials in close collaboration with partner university colleges. An overview of planned quantitative and qualitative data collection is presented. The learning trajectory could strengthen initial pre-primary and primary teacher education programs in supporting pre-service teachers’ relationship-building competence.
Sustainable water solutions:a Six Sigma approach to membrane-based filtration system design
Authors: Usman Ahmed , Khan Haris , Tariq Rasikh , Atta M. Shahrukh , Rehman Abdul , Iqbal M. Mubashir
Published: March 2024

Water contamination is a major problem nowadays which can not only be solved through technological innovations but also requires educational innovation. The contamination of water is caused by discharging harmful pollutants into the water. These harmful contaminants cause different diseases. The significance of water filtration has grown in recent years. The quality of water is affected majorly by residual waste, bacteria, and so on. Based upon these issues, the Six Sigma methodology is used in this research for the design of a portable filtration system. This methodology is based on five steps that align with the computational competencies involving abstraction, decomposition of problem, and algorithmic thinking. Initially, a questionnaire approach is used to identify the need for a portable water filter for potential users. The Quality Function Development (QFD) matrix is used to measure the user’s needs. Based on the user’s information, a decision matrix tool is being used in the Analyze stage. After this theoretical concept is generated, and selection is made among various options. The complete drawing was made in the design stage after several stages of concept generation and selection. Then a prototype is developed to conduct proof of concept testing. The hollow fiber membrane (HFM) that is being used is manufactured usually by melt spinning, dry spinning, and wet spinning. But usually, a wet spinning method is predominantly used for manufacturing hollow fiber membranes. Polymer liquid like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is used for the manufacturing of membranes with other liquids in different ratios. The size of pores varies from 0.01 to 0.1 microns. The flux rate usually depends upon the volume, length, and size of the cartridge. Backwashing at regular intervals is done for the presentation of fooling due to the accumulation of solutes. This filtration system is also proficient in rejecting bacteria that are being found in water and soil. This is done by a coliform test that is being performed for bacteria. The porosity of the membrane is also affected by the concertation of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as the concentration of polyethylene glycol increases the porosity of the membrane decreases. A Chemical Oxygen Demand test is also performed to check the presence of organic matter in water. After filtration, no organic matter was manifested in the water. Design for Six Sigma in a portable filtration system that uses membrane for filtration is a good start in looking for a new alternative concept. The implication of this research presents a multifaceted solution to water contamination issues, offering educational outreach programs, STEM education integration, community engagement, and innovative competitions as integral components for fostering awareness, sustainable practices, and creative solutions in the pursuit of clean water.
First-class – biosynthesis of 6-MSA and bostrycoidin type I polyketides in Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Bejenari Mihaela , Spedtsberg Eva Mie Lang , Mathiesen Julie , Jeppesen Alexandra Claire , Cernat Lucia , Toussaint Aouregane , Apostol Cristina , Stoianov Victor , Pedersen Tobias Bruun , Nielsen Mikkel Rank , Sørensen Jens Laurids
Published: March 2024

Fungal polyketides are a large group of secondary metabolites, valuable due to their diverse spectrum of pharmacological activities. Polyketide biosynthesis in filamentous fungi presents some challenges: small yield and low-purity titers. To tackle these issues, we switched to the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica, an easily cultivable heterologous host. As an oleaginous yeast, Y. lipolytica displays a high flux of acetyl- and malonyl-CoA precursors used in lipid synthesis. Likewise, acetyl- and malonyl-CoA are the building blocks of many natural polyketides, and we explored the possibility of redirecting this flux toward polyketide production. Despite its promising prospect, Y. lipolytica has so far only been used for heterologous expression of simple type III polyketide synthases (PKSs) from plants. Therefore, we decided to evaluate the potential of Y. lipolytica by targeting the more complex fungal polyketides synthesized by type I PKSs. We employed a CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing method to achieve markerless gene integration of the genes responsible for bostrycoidin biosynthesis in Fusarium solani (fsr1, fsr2, and fsr3) and 6-methylsalicylic acid (6-MSA) biosynthesis in Aspergillus hancockii (6MSAS). Moreover, we attempted titer optimization through metabolic engineering by overexpressing two enzymes, TGL4 and AOX2, involved in lipid β-oxidation, but we did not observe an effect on polyketide production. With maximum titers of 403 mg/L 6-MSA and 35 mg/L bostrycoidin, the latter being substantially higher than our previous results in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (2.2 mg/L), this work demonstrates the potential of Y. lipolytica as a platform for heterologous production of complex fungal polyketides.
Identification of potential biomarkers for idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension using single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing analysis
Authors: Du Yan , Zhang Jingqiu , Guo Kai , Yin Yongxiang
Published: March 2024

Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is a rare and severe cardiopulmonary disease with a challenging prognosis, and its underlying pathogenesis remains elusive. A comprehensive understanding of IPAH is crucial to unveil potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. In this study, we investigated cellular heterogeneity and molecular pathology in IPAH using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis. Our scRNA-seq results revealed significant alterations in three crucial signaling pathways in IPAH: the hypoxia pathway, TGF β pathway, and ROS pathway, primarily attributed to changes in gene expression within arterial endothelial cells. Moreover, through bulk RNA sequencing analysis, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) enriched in GO and KEGG pathways, implicated in regulating cell adhesion and oxidative phosphorylation in IPAH lungs. Similarly, DEGs-enriched pathways in IPAH arterial endothelial cells were also identified. By integrating DEGs from three IPAH datasets and applying protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, we identified 12 candidate biomarkers. Subsequent validation in two additional PAH datasets led us to highlight five potential biomarkers (CTNNB1, MAPK3, ITGB1, HSP90AA1, and DDX5) with promising diagnostic significance for IPAH. Furthermore, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) confirmed significant differences in the expression of these five genes in pulmonary arterial endothelial cells from PAH mice. In conclusion, our findings shed light on the pivotal role of arterial endothelial cells in the development of IPAH. Furthermore, the integration of single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing datasets allowed us to pinpoint novel candidate biomarkers for the diagnosis of IPAH. This work opens up new avenues for research and potential therapeutic interventions in IPAH management.
Hi-C, a chromatin 3D structure technique advancing the functional genomics of immune cells
Authors: Liu Ran , Xu Ruitang , Yan Siyu , Li Peiyu , Jia Changteng , Sun Haoqiang , Sheng Kaiwen , Wang Yongjie , Zhang Qi , Guo Jiao , Xin Xiangzheng , Li Xinlan , Guo Dianhao
Published: March 2024

The functional performance of immune cells relies on a complex transcriptional regulatory network. The three-dimensional structure of chromatin can affect chromatin status and gene expression patterns, and plays an important regulatory role in gene transcription. Currently available techniques for studying chromatin spatial structure include chromatin conformation capture techniques and their derivatives, chromatin accessibility sequencing techniques, and others. Additionally, the recently emerged deep learning technology can be utilized as a tool to enhance the analysis of data. In this review, we elucidate the definition and significance of the three-dimensional chromatin structure, summarize the technologies available for studying it, and describe the research progress on the chromatin spatial structure of dendritic cells, macrophages, T cells, B cells, and neutrophils.
Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy in sarcoma: a two-center study
Authors: Liao Zhichao , Teng Jianjin , Li Tao , Liu Haotian , Li Ting , Zhang Chao , Xing Ruwei , Teng Sheng , Yang Yun , Zhao Jun , Xiao Wanyi , Zhang Gengpu , Li Mulin Jun , Yao Weitao , Yang Jilong
Published: March 2024

Background

Sarcoma is a highly heterogeneous malignancy with a poor prognosis. Although chemotherapy and targeted therapy have improved the prognosis to some extent, the efficacy remains unsatisfactory in some patients. The efficacy and safety of immunotherapy in sarcoma need further evaluation.

Methods

We conducted a two-center study of sarcoma patients receiving PD-1 immunotherapy at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital and Henan Provincial Cancer Hospital. The treatment regimens included PD-1 inhibitor monotherapy and combination therapy based on PD-1 inhibitors. The observed primary endpoints were median progression-free survival (mPFS) and median overall survival (mOS). Survival curves were compared using the Kaplan−Meier method.

Results

A total of 43 patients were included from the two centers. The median follow-up time for all patients was 13 months (range, 1-48 months). In the group of 37 patients with advanced or unresectable sarcoma, the mPFS was 6 months (95%CI: 5-12 months), and the mOS was 16 months (95%CI: 10-28 months). The ORR was 10.8% (4/37), and the DCR was 18.9% (7/37). Subgroup analysis showed no significant differences in mPFS (p=0.11) and mOS (p=0.88) between patients with PD-L1 negative/positive expression. There were also no significant differences in mPFS (p=0.13) or mOS (p=0.72) between PD-1 inhibitor monotherapy and combination therapy. Additionally, there were no significant differences in mPFS (p=0.52) or mOS (p=0.49) between osteogenic sarcoma and soft tissue sarcoma. Furthermore, the results showed no significant differences in mPFS (p=0.66) or mOS (p=0.96) between PD-1 inhibitors combined with targeted therapy and PD-1 inhibitors combined with AI chemotherapy. Among the 6 patients receiving adjuvant therapy after surgery, the mPFS was 15 months (95%CI: 6-NA months), and the mOS was not reached. In terms of safety, most adverse events were mild (grade 1-2) and manageable. The most severe grade 4 adverse events were bone marrow suppression, which occurred in 4 patients but resolved after treatment. There was also one case of a grade 4 adverse event related to hypertension.

Conclusion

Immunotherapy is an effective treatment modality for sarcoma with manageable safety. Further inclusion of more patients or prospective clinical trials is needed to validate these findings.
Facial palsy after administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors: case report, literature review and clinical care management
Authors: Mezni Essia , Corazza Giovanni , Mari Roxane , Coze Stephanie , Charrier Nathalie , Chanez Brice , Chretien Anne Sophie , Rochigneux Philippe
Published: March 2024

Neurological immune-related adverse events (irAEs) due to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are rare complications of immunotherapy, particularly dreadful for patients and clinical teams. Indeed, neurological irAEs are potentially severe and their diagnosis require prompt recognition and treatment. Additionally, the spectrum of neurological irAEs is broad, affecting either neuromuscular junction, peripheral or central nervous system. Here, we described the case of a 55-year man with metastatic melanoma, facing a brutal right peripheral cerebral palsy after his third ipilimumab/nivolumab infusion. After the case presentation, we reviewed the literature about this rare complication of immunotherapy, and described its diagnosis work-up and clinical management.
The relationships between vertical variations of shallow gas and pore water geochemical characteristics in boreholes from the inner shelf of the East China Sea
Authors: Li Xue , Duan Xiaoyong , He Xingliang , Xie Yongqing , Yang Lei , Yin Ping , Cao Ke , Chen Bin , Gao Fei , Li Feng
Published: March 2024

Shallow gas was widely recognized in the coastal region, especially in the estuarine delta areas with high organic matter (OM) burial flux. In this study, the vertical variations of shallow gas and the related geochemical indicators from two boreholes in the coastal region of the East China Sea (ECS) were investigated. Two gas-bearing layers were identified in the sediments from the Holocene and late Pleistocene series. Both boreholes exhibit a “typical” and an “inverse” Sulfate Methane Transition Zone (SMTZ). The “typical” SMTZs (SMTZ1 and SMTZ3) were in the upper part of the gas-bearing layers, where sulfate levels decrease and methane levels increase with depth. Conversely, the “inverse” SMTZs (SMTZ2 and SMTZ4) were in the lower part of the gas-bearing layers, exhibiting an increase in sulfate levels and a decrease in methane levels with depth, a phenomenon rarely documented in previous research. The downward variations of pore water geochemical characteristics indicates that these ions were related to Anaerobic Oxidation of Methane (AOM) processes. The increase in Ca2+ and Ba2+ concentrations and the gradual decrease in sulfate at the SMTZ reflect a series of biogeochemical processes resulting from the dissolution of carbonate and other minerals by AOM. The research indicates that sulfate in AOM may originate from multiple sources. Through analyzing the vertical distribution of shallow gas and the geochemical properties of pore water, this study elucidates the shallow gas formation mechanism and the features of the SMTZ, laying the groundwork for further investigations.
Isoegomaketone exhibits potential as a new Mycobacterium abscessus inhibitor
Authors: Kim Ho Won , Lee Ji Won , Yu A-Reum , Yoon Hoe Sun , Kang Minji , Lee Byung Soo , Park Hwan-Woo , Lee Sung Ki , Whang Jake , Kim Jong-Seok
Published: March 2024

Although the incidence of Mycobacterium abscessus infection has recently increased significantly, treatment is difficult because this bacterium is resistant to most anti-tuberculosis drugs. In particular, M. abscessus is often resistant to available macrolide antibiotics, so therapeutic options are extremely limited. Hence, there is a pressing demand to create effective drugs or therapeutic regimens for M. abscessus infections. The aim of the investigation was to assess the capability of isoegomaketone (iEMK) as a therapeutic option for treating M. abscessus infections. We determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of iEMK for both reference and clinically isolated M. abscessus strains. In addition to time-kill and biofilm formation assays, we evaluated iEMK’s capability to inhibit M. abscessus growth in macrophages using an intracellular colony counting assay. iEMK inhibited the growth of reference and clinically isolated M. abscessus strains in macrophages and demonstrated effectiveness at lower concentrations against macrophage-infected M. abscessus than when used to treat the bacteria directly. Importantly, iEMK also exhibited anti-biofilm properties and the potential to mitigate macrolide-inducible resistance, underscoring its promise as a standalone or adjunctive therapeutic agent. Overall, our results suggest that further development of iEMK as a clinical drug candidate is promising for inhibiting M. abscessus growth, especially considering its dual action against both planktonic bacteria and biofilms.
Molecular identification and probiotic potential characterization of lactic acid bacteria isolated from the pigs with superior immune responses
Authors: Ma Wenjie , Zhang Wenli , Wang Xinrong , Pan Yu , Wang Mengjie , Xu Yunfei , Gao Junxin , Cui Hongyu , Li Changwen , Chen Hongyan , Zhang He , Xia Changyou , Wang Yue
Published: March 2024

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) belong to a significant group of probiotic bacteria that provide hosts with considerable health benefits. Our previous study showed that pigs with abundant LAB had more robust immune responses in a vaccination experiment. In this study, 52 isolate strains were isolated from the pigs with superior immune responses. Out of these, 14 strains with higher antibacterial efficacy were chosen. We then assessed the probiotic features of the 14 LAB strains, including such as autoaggregation, coaggregation, acid resistance, bile salt resistance, and adhesion capability, as well as safety aspects such as antibiotic resistance, hemolytic activity, and the presence or absence of virulence factors. We also compared these properties with those of an opportunistic pathogen EB1 and two commercial probiotics (cLA and cLP). The results showed that most LAB isolates exhibited higher abilities of aggregation, acid and bile salt resistance, adhesion, and antibacterial activity than the two commercial probiotics. Out of the 14 strains, only LS1 and LS9 carried virulence genes and none had hemolytic activity. We selected three LAB strains (LA6, LR6 and LJ1) with superior probiotic properties and LS9 with a virulence gene for testing their safety in vivo. Strains EB1, cLA and cLP were also included as control bacteria. The results demonstrated that mice treated LAB did not exhibit any adverse effects on weight gain, organ index, blood immune cells, and ileum morphology, except for those treated with LS9 and EB1. Moreover, the antimicrobial effect of LR6 and LA6 strains was examined in vivo. The results indicated that these strains could mitigate the inflammatory response, reduce bacterial translocation, and alleviate liver, spleen, and ileum injury caused by Salmonella typhimurium infection. In addition, the LR6 treatment group showed better outcomes than the LA6 treatment group; treatment with LR6 substantially reduced the mortality rate in mice. The study results provide evidence of the probiotic properties of the LAB isolates, in particular LR6, and suggest that oral administration of LR6 could have valuable health-promoting benefits.
Gut phageome: challenges in research and impact on human microbiota
Authors: Yu Xiao , Cheng Li , Yi Xin , Li Bing , Li Xueqin , Liu Xiang , Liu Zhihong , Kong Xiaomei
Published: March 2024

The human gut microbiome plays a critical role in maintaining our health. Fluctuations in the diversity and structure of the gut microbiota have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several metabolic and inflammatory conditions. Dietary patterns, medication, smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity can all influence the abundance of different types of microbiota in the gut, which in turn can affect the health of individuals. Intestinal phages are an essential component of the gut microbiome, but most studies predominantly focus on the structure and dynamics of gut bacteria while neglecting the role of phages in shaping the gut microbiome. As bacteria-killing viruses, the distribution of bacteriophages in the intestine, their role in influencing the intestinal microbiota, and their mechanisms of action remain elusive. Herein, we present an overview of the current knowledge of gut phages, their lifestyles, identification, and potential impact on the gut microbiota.