bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exoskeleton Design Using Kinematics Analysis for Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Post-Stroke Patients
Authors: Wahyu Eko , Sumartini Susy , Widyo Pringgo , Herdiman Lobes
Published: December 2023

Robotic technology in the last decade has developed to support the rehabilitation of post-stroke patients. The exoskeleton design model approach is carried out to simulate kinematics according to the needs of upper limb rehabilitation. The simulated design is identical to the structure of the human arm, so it requires planning and method according to the needs of human arm anatomy movements. The exoskeleton model must meet comfort and adjustment for medical rehabilitation, so it is essential to consider the kinematic analysis in its design. In this paper, we will analyze the kinematics of the exoskeleton and simulate flexion/extension and supination/pronation movements, with the targeted area being the forearm with the 3 Degrees of Freedom (DoF) mechanism consisting of two DoF. Kinematic simulations are carried out with the RoboAnalyzer software using predefined Denavit-Hartenberg parameters. The simulation results show that the end effector's initial position on the X axis is to coordinate 0 on the base 45o joint shoulder, then the rotational movement on the elbow is 1150 . In the wrist position, the action is supination and pronation because the joint is parallel to the elbow. Hence, the coordinates of the x and y-axis rotation changes follow elbow coordinates.
Factors Influencing Electric Motorcycle Adoption: A Logit Model Analysis
Authors: Yuniaristanto  , Sutopo Wahyudi , Hisjam Muhammad , Wicaksono Hendro
Published: December 2023

This research investigates the factors influencing the adoption of electric motorcycles in Indonesia. The background of the study lies in the growing interest in sustainable transportation and the potential of electric motorcycles as an eco-friendly alternative. The objective is to understand the impact of travel behavior and knowledge levels on the choice of motorcycles. The research utilizes a logit model to analyze the relationship between independent variables (knowledge levels and travel behavior) and the dependent variable (choice of motorcycles). The findings reveal that travel behavior, such as the usual commute mode and the number of weekend trips for hybrid electric motorcycles, significantly influence adoption. Additionally, knowledge factors like maintenance and charging costs play an essential role. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the decision-making process behind adopting electric motorcycles and provide insights for policymakers and manufacturers to promote the adoption of electric motorcycles in Indonesia.
Life Cycle Assessment of Electric Vehicle Batteries: Review and Critical Appraisal
Authors: Tri Setyoko Ajun , Nurcahyo Rahmat , Sumaedi Sik
Published: December 2023

The most environmentally damaging aspect of using electric vehicles is the batteries. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach has been widely used to conduct inventory analysis of energy usage and GHG emissions throughout battery production and assembly. There are many analytical frameworks and models for conducting LCA, but each method uses different results. This study aims to investigate numerous LCA studies on electric vehicle batteries using ISO 14040 and its derivatives. We propose the limits of a cradle-to-grave system so that LCA provides optimal results for comparative studies and potential for continuous improvement. A schematic overview of the electric car battery life cycle covers material extraction, material processing, product manufacture, product use, and end-of-life recovery measures. Global warming, eutrophication, acidification, ozone depletion, abiotic depletion, particulate matter, human toxicity, ecotoxicity, and Cumulated Energy Demand (CED) are all impact categories in LCA study.
Automation in the Food Industry: Design of a Machine for the Cutting of Native Potatoes
Authors: Michael Beraún-Espíritu Manuel , Marilú Moscoso-Paucarchuco Ketty , Gutiérrez-Gómez Edgar , González-Ríos Rosa Cecilia , Cárdenas-Bustamante Rosa Cecilia , Salcedo-Gonzales Juan Carlos
Published: December 2023

Due to the lack of technological development in the country's food industry, it makes sense to build an automated machine to obtain potato strips from native potatoes. The cutting of potato strips is a big problem for several companies. They are operated and processed manually, which results in the loss of part of the product in the peel, increased time for this operation, loss of money, work accidents, and the tiredness and fatigue of the workers in charge of the production. The design was developed to solve these problems. In the production process, the optimization of the synchronization of the described operations fulfils all production functions, but above all, it guarantees the quality of the final product, reduces losses caused by industrial accidents, and brings economic benefits to the company. Considering the design of the automated machine in the cutting process, the future development of the company aims to automate the entire processing plant as a first step for the cutting process by applying the mechanical design method. VDI 2221: This method goes deeper into the design process to find the best opportunities for research and development. It also concludes that, at the end of the process, an optimal machine has been designed that meets research and problem-solving requirements with regard to potato cutting.
A Conceptual Model of Indonesia's Renewable Energy Development
Authors: Sulistio Joko , Wirjodirdjo Budisantoso , Dana Karningsih Putu
Published: December 2023

Electricity is a vital sector in global renewable energy, and countries have committed to continuously developing their policies and practices. Each country must proceed with the most effort according to its situation, economically, socially, and politically. Likewise, Indonesia is mandated by the constitution to manage its vital resources according to the five principles of economic democracy. It is a terminology that has been developing since the 20s. It outlines democratic governance within companies running in a market environment. Based on those principles, this article aims to investigate the factors that strongly influence renewable energy development in Indonesia's electricity sector. The complex systems approach is incorporated to satisfy the objective. A Systematic Literature Review was conducted to elicit perspectives on economic democracy. Lastly, a causal loop diagram was developed to describe the complex feedback loops of the different sectors in renewable energy policy and practice.
Design and Implementation RESTful API for IoT Based Smart Home Systems
Authors: Ramelan Agus , Rahutomo Faisal , Kiswanto  , Dias Saputra Baharudin , Fairuz Hasna Dheanera , Priambodo Ridho , Izzan Ghaus Hasyim
Published: December 2023

The development of digital technology has created the Internet of Things (IoT), which consists of sensors and actuators embedded in physical objects, such as the concept of a smart home monitoring system. A smart home allows users to control and monitor electrical appliances automatically. In a home automation system, there are four main components: the user interface, transmission mode, hardware interface, and various electronic devices connected to the central control system. This research implements a smart home prototype using ESP32 as the controller and an API as the communication interface. The goal is to create an energy-efficient smart home system with device access and control through a website using internet connectivity. The methodology used involves analyzing existing problems, designing both software and hardware components, and finally implementing the design stages into the actual device and website. Based on the conducted research, the prototype has been successfully implemented with an API on the website.
Low-order fictitious domain method with enhanced mass conservation for an interface stokes problem
Authors: Corti Daniele C. , Delay Guillaume , Fernández Miguel A. , Vergnet Fabien , Vidrascu Marina
Published: December 2023

One of the main difficulties that has to be faced with fictitious domain approximation of incompressible flows with immersed interfaces is related to the potential lack of mass conservation across the interfaces. In this paper, we propose and analyze a low order fictitious domain stabilized finite element method which mitigates this issue with the addition of a single velocity constraint. We provide a complete a priori numerical analysis of the method under minimal regularity assumptions. A comprehensive numerical study illustrates the capabilities of the proposed method, including comparisons with alternative fitted and unfitted mesh methods.
Interaction of turbulent kinetic energy and coherent motion in the near field of the cylinder wake
Authors: Armaly Majd , Varea Emilien , Lacour Corine , Danaila Luminita , Lecordier Bertrand
Published: December 2023

The far aim of the study is to experimentally assess the exchange of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) of a wake behind a cylinder, as a function of the upstream flow. The wake behind the obstacle is composed of coherent motion (CM) and random motion (RM). Coherent motion, reminiscent of the Von Kármán street, interacts with the random flow, thus inducing locally enhanced turbulent cascade. This energy exchange between CM and RM is reflected by the kinetic energy budget at one point, and two points in space. In the experimental setup, a cylinder is placed in a closed loop wind tunnel to create a Von Kármán vortex street. The Reynolds number, based on the cylinder diameter and the free main stream velocity, is equal to Re = 2000. Two-dimensional, two-components in-plane velocity fields are measured behind the cylinder by Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). Two sets of measurements are explored: without and with synchronization, based on the CM. For synchronization, a microphone is used. CM is reconstructed, by filtering the flow at 9 phase shifts, for a detailed insight.
Le jumeau numérique en santé
Authors: Dumas Mathilde , Fay Anne-Florence , Charpentier Emmanuel , Matricon Julien
Published: December 2023

La recherche et développement en santé est très dynamique dans le champ de la simulation, et de nombreux projets se réclament du jumeau numérique (JN). Les JN sont voués à accompagner la transformation du soin, qu’il s’agisse de l’acte médical, du parcours de soins ou de leur organisation. Toutefois, cette technologie est naissante et nécessite d’être évaluée. L’objectif de cette synthèse est de dresser un état des lieux des cas d’usages du JN à l’hôpital. Nous revenons sur la définition du concept de JN et proposons un condensé des études en cours. Enfin, nous rappelons l’importance de créer un cadre propice au déploiement de ces outils, garantissant la confiance et la sécurité des acteurs et des patients.
La frontière latérale somitique, source des cellules somitiques multipotentes chez le xénope
Authors: della Gaspera Bruno , Chanoine Christophe
Published: December 2023

Les somites sont des structures embryonnaires qui donnent naissance au système musculosquelettique axial. Chez les vertébrés amniotes, ils sont composés de cellules somitiques multipotentes et se compartimentent en dermomyotome et sclérotome. Chez les anamniotes, la compartimentation débute avant la formation des somites par la mise en place du myotome primitif tandis que la frontière latérale somitique (FLS) est à l’origine du dermomyotome et du sclérotome chez le xénope. Dans cette revue, nous décrivons le rôle de la FLS dans la mise en place des lignages somitiques et proposons un modèle qui retrace l’histoire évolutive des somites à partir de précurseurs ancestraux associés au muscle strié squelettique.
Informationen zur Zukunft und Aktuelles
Authors: Nipshagen Sabine
Published: December 2023

Die Pflegefachverbände sind zukünftig nicht mehr in der „Nephrologie aktuell“ vertreten. Im nachfolgenden Artikel werden Alternativen zum Informationsaustausch aufgezeigt. Zudem wird die neue Veröffentlichung „Principles of Nursing in Kidney Care“ vorgestellt.
Kinderlungenregister (chILD-EU) – Zusammenarbeit
führt zu Fortschritten bei den seltenen und interstitiellen
Lungenerkrankungen
Authors: Griese Matthias , Gold Angelika , Gothe Florian , Kaiser Hannah , Kammer Birgit , Kappler Matthias , Krueger-Stollfuss Ingrid , Ley-Zaporozhan Julia , Michel Katarzyna , Rapp Christina K , Reu-Hofer Simone , Rock Hans , Schams Andrea , Tran Nguyen-Binh , Schwerk Nicolaus
Published: December 2023

Hintergrund Fortschritte bei den seltenen und interstitiellen
Lungenerkrankungen im Kindesalter können am effizientesten durch eine
systematische, registerbasierte Sammlung erzielt werden.

Fragestellung und Methode Wie sind die praktischen Abläufe und der
Nutzen einer Teilnahme am Kinderlungenregister/chILD-EU-Projekt? Wir
berichten unsere klinischen Erfahrungen.

Ergebnisse Kinderärzte und pädiatrische Pneumologen
identifizieren Kindern mit seltenen Lungenerkrankungen. Diese werden nach
Zustimmung der Eltern an das Kinderlungenregister gemeldet. Dazu werden
klinische Daten, Bildgebung und Blut an das Register gesendet. Bei Wunsch
können genetische Analysen veranlasst werden. Mit
Vollständigkeit der Daten erfolgt ein Peer-review Prozess durch
kinderradiologische, ggf lungenpathologische, klinische und ggf genetische
Experten in einer interdisziplinären Konferenz. Eine Arbeitsdiagnose
wird erstellt und dem zuständigen Arzt über das Register
mitgeteilt und ggf. in fallbezogenen Diskussionen weiter besprochen.
Hilfestellung bei der Eingabe der Daten erfolgt von Registerseite.
Verlaufsbeobachtungen erfolgen jährlich, alle im Register angemeldeten
Ärzte werden zu regelmäßigen, web-basierten
Falldiskussionen eingeladen. In wissenschaftlichen Projekten werden bedeutsame
Fragestellungen beantwortet und gemeinsam publiziert (>110 Publikationen
bisher).

Schlussfolgerungen Durch freiwilliges Engagement aller Beteiligten
über die klinische Routineversorgung hinaus, konnten bisher mehr als
1000 Kinder mit seltenen Lungenerkrankungen in das Register mit Biobank
eingeschlossen werden. Ein tieferes Verständnis der klinischen
Verläufe großer Kohorten seltener Erkrankungen und die
Erstbeschreibung neuer Entitäten trägt zu einer besseren
Versorgung dieser Kinder bei.
Impact of Reanalysis of Nitrogen Multiple-Breath Washout on its
Relationship with Chest Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Clinically Stable
and Pulmonary Exacerbated Children with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Meißner Maria , Steinke Eva , Wielpütz Mark Oliver , Joachim Cornelia , Sommerburg Olaf , Mall Marcus Alexander , Stahl Mirjam
Published: December 2023

Rationale Multiple-breath washout (MBW)-derived lung clearance index (LCI)
detects lung disease in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Correction of a
cross-talk error in the software of the MBW device Exhalyzer D in a new software
version has generated significant interest regarding its impact on previous MBW
findings. Since LCI and chest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) correlated before
in CF children, this study aims to reassess previous MBW data after
correction.

Patients/Methods Reanalysis of the main findings from a previously
published study comparing MBW and MRI in a pediatric CF cohort by reassessment
of nitrogen (N2) MBW of 61 stable children with CF, 75 age-matched
healthy controls (HC), and 15 CF children with pulmonary exacerbation (PEx) in
the corrected software version.

Results The corrected LCI (N2LCIcor) decreased in
the entire cohort (−17.0 (11.2)%), HC (−8.5
(8.2)%), stable CF children (−22.2 (11.1)%), and within
the PEx group at baseline, at PEx and after antibiotic therapy (−21.5
(7.3)%; −22.5 (6.1)%; −21.4 (6.6)%; all
P<0.01). N2LCIcor and
N2LCIpre correlated with chest MRI scores in stable CF
(r=0.70 to 0.84; all P<0.01) without a significant difference
between N2LCIcor and N2LCIpre.
Change in LCI from baseline to PEx and from PEx to after therapy decreased from
N2LCIpre to N2LCIcor, but these
changes remained significant (all P=0.001).

Discussion/Conclusions Our results indicate that
N2LCIcor is significantly lower than
N2LCIpre, but key results published in the original
study demonstrating N2MBW and MRI as complementary methods for
clinical surveillance in children with CF remain unaffected.
Endoscopic full-thickness plication for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Niu Chengu , Zhang Jing , Iyer Charoo , Saeed Hasaan , Zhu kaiwen , Elkhapery Ahmed , Okolo Patrick I
Published: December 2023

Background and study aims Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a widespread chronic gastrointestinal condition with an increasing worldwide prevalence. This research was a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes of endoscopic full-thickness plication (EFTP) for the treatment of GERD.

Methods A comprehensive search of databases was conducted for studies published up to April 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective observational studies that examined the use of EFTP in treating GERD among adult patients. We calculated pooled effect estimates using a random-effects model.

Results EFTP significantly improved GERD Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) scores at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up intervals. A considerable proportion of patients discontinued proton pump inhibitors, with cessation rates of 59% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47–0.71), 68% (95% CI: 0.58–0.78), and 67% (95% CI: 0.46–0.89,) at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. At 3 and 6 months, 61% (95% CI: 0.54–0.68) and 66% (95% CI: 0.56–0.76) of patients experienced ≥50% improvement in GERD-HRQL scores. EFTP demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with a low rate of severe adverse events. We observed a 6.76% reduction (95% CI: –14.53–1.02) in the percentage of time with esophageal pH <4, a decrease in DeMeester scores, and fewer total reflux episodes. The average procedure time was 22.75 minutes (95% CI: 22.03–23.48). Subgroup analyses suggest that both the GERDx system and the NDO Plicator are effective and safe in treating GERD.

Conclusions The findings from our study reveal that EFTP is a safe and effective treatment for GERD patients who have not responded adequately to conventional therapies. Given its minimally invasive nature, effectiveness, and limited adverse effects, EFTP emerges as a compelling alternative to conventional surgical procedures.
Thrombosis and Bleeding in Patients with Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia: A Systematic Review of Published Cases
Authors: Clerici Bianca , Pontisso Eleonora , Aloise Chiara , Peroni Benedetta , Perricone Rosaria , Pisetta Chiara , Scavone Mariangela , Birocchi Simone , Podda Gian Marco
Published: December 2023

Introduction Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a highly prothrombotic reaction to COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) adenoviral vector vaccines. Its distinct bleeding and thrombotic patterns compared with other platelet consumptive disorders remain unclear.

Methods We performed a systematic review of the literature (PubMed and Embase) up to July 31, 2022, including case reports and case series providing nonaggregate data of VITT patients. Accurate VITT diagnosis required fulfillment of the following criteria: (1) endorsement by the authors, (2) consistent vaccine type and timing, (3) presence of thrombocytopenia and thrombosis, (4) detection of anti-platelet factor 4 antibodies. Data are presented as frequencies with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) calculated with the exact binomial method.

Results We retrieved 143 eligible studies, describing 366 patients. Of 647 thrombotic events, 53% (95% CI: 49–56) were venous thromboses at unusual sites and 30% (95% CI: 27–34) were cerebral venous sinus thromboses (CVSTs). The ratio of venous-to-arterial events was 4.1. Thromboses in most sites were associated with at least another thrombotic event, with the exception of CVST and CNS arterial thrombosis (isolated in 49 and 39% of cases, respectively). Bleeding occurred in 36% (95% CI: 31–41) of patients; 68% (95% CI: 59–75) of bleeding events were intracranial hemorrhages (ICHs). Overall mortality was 24% (95% CI: 19–29), and 77% (95% CI: 58–90) in patients with isolated CVST complicated by ICH.

Conclusion VITT displays a venous-to-arterial thrombosis ratio comparable to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. However, VITT is characterized by a higher prevalence of CVST and ICH, which contribute to the increased bleeding frequency and mortality.
A Literature Review of Infracolic Gastrostomy Techniques and Outcomes
Authors: Rashid Sana , Jalil Harun , Ginawi Alaaeldin , Mironov Oleg , Mahmood Syed Umair
Published: December 2023

Percutaneous radiologic gastrostomies are traditionally done using a supracolic approach due to the perceived increased risk of postprocedural hemorrhage associated with an infracolic approach. Many interventional radiologists will decline attempts at placing a gastrostomy tube in situations of colonic interposition, requiring patients to undergo surgery. The goal of this review was to understand the safety and technique of infracolic gastrostomies to assess the validity of these concerns. There were 12 cases of infracolic gastrostomies identified across two retrospective studies and one case report. All gastrostomy tubes were inserted successfully with no abandoned procedures with the only minor variation in technique being that the colon was displaced superiorly as opposed to inferiorly like in the traditional supracolic approach. Across the two retrospective studies, the percentage of infracolic gastrostomies done during the study period was 1.18% (6 out of 508) and 0.43% (5 out of 1,156). There were no immediate postprocedural complications reported in the study done with six patients who underwent infracolic gastrostomies, but there were two deaths during the follow-up period, both of which were attributed to disease progression. In the study with five patients who had undergone infracolic gastrostomies, there was one minor complication of site soreness along with one case of death due to sepsis secondary to aspiration of the barium contrast used to delineate the colon prior to the procedure. This is a rare complication that can occur when a barium swallow is done, especially in this case where the patient was older and had comorbidities that increased the aspiration risk. Evidently, infracolic gastrostomies have been inserted in the past with minimal complications. However, due to the limited sample size, the safety of this technique cannot be established without future prospective studies.
Improving Out-of-Field Preparation of High School Physics Teachers
Authors: Garrett Carlee , Wang Anne , Perry Jonathan , Erukhimova Tatiana
Published: December 2023

It is well documented that a significant number of high school physics teachers around the country have little to no background in the discipline, which can result in reduced student learning in the classroom. The Mitchell Institute Physics Enhancement Program (MIPEP) was founded in 2012 to address this problem by targeting out-of-field high school physics teachers. MIPEP participants work with university faculty and master teachers over a two-week period during June each summer, focusing on both subject comprehension and pedagogy for implementation. Participant pre- and postprogram content knowledge and confidence were measured using an assessment compiled of questions from mechanics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and modern physics. We observed statistically significant improvement in both physics knowledge and confidence over the course of the program. A detailed analysis of the 2021 cohort showed that a majority of participants grew in knowledge and confidence for every topic covered. The data presented may encourage other institutions to implement similar programs.
Impact resistance of geopolymer concrete under different types of fiber admixtures
Authors: Zhi Jing , Zhang Chengyang , Wang Yunwen , Wei Libao , Zhang Pan
Published: December 2023

To investigate the dynamic mechanical response characteristics of geopolymer concrete under impact load, the effects of different curing ages and strain rates on the impact resistance of geopolymer concrete have been explored. First, this paper first obtains the optimal mix ratio of geopolymer concrete by optimizing the slump test of mix ratio. Second, the stress–strain constitutive relationship of geopolymer concrete at different ages is deduced, and the mechanical properties, such as axial compressive strength and elastic modulus, are determined. Finally, two different kinds of fibers, carbon fiber and steel fiber, are mixed into concrete, which are utilized to test the mechanical properties including compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact toughness. The results indicate that with the increase in carbon fiber content, the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength of geopolymer concrete decrease first and then increase. Moreover, with the increase in steel fiber content, the compressive strength of geopolymer concrete increases continuously, the splitting tensile strength increases first and then decreases, the flexural strength decreases first and then increases, and the impact toughness increases first and then decreases.
Improved Hurst exponent based on genetic algorithm in schizophrenia EEG
Authors: Ma Yijia , Luo Yuman , Zhong Chongzhou , Yi Wanyi , Wang Jun
Published: December 2023

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder, and event-related potentials can effectively reflect the differences between patients and healthy individuals. However, currently, there is no effective method to analyze the Hurst index of short-term electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. This paper improves the calculation method of the Hurst index based on a multipoint fractional Brownian bridge using a genetic algorithm and verifies its feasibility on simulated signals. Through the event-related potential analysis of EEG signals in schizophrenia patients, it was found that the greatest difference between patients and healthy people was in the frontal lobe, and there were differences in the N100 wave, the P50 wave, and the mismatch negativity (MMN) wave in the frontal lobe under sound and action stimulation, and their Hurst index increased. In conclusion, the study found differences in event-related potentials between the frontal and central regions of schizophrenia patients compared to healthy subjects. This research may aid in the diagnosis of schizophrenia patients in clinical practice.
Succinate dehydrogenase participation in porcine gamete function
Authors: Breininger E. , Rodriguez P. , Gutnisky C. , Alvarez G. , Satorre M. , Martinez S. , Pereyra V. , Vecchi Galenda B. , Cetica P.
Published: December 2023

Context Porcine gametes require energy for the physiological processes that allow fertilisation. Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) plays a pivotal role in both, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and the respiratory chain. Aims The aim of this work was to study the participation of SDH in the in vitro oocyte maturation, sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction in porcine species. Methods Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) from abattoir-derived porcine ovaries were collected by aspiration and were incubated in maturation media, with the addition of increasing concentrations (0, 1, 5 and 10 mM) of malonate (a specific inhibitor of SDH). Nuclear maturation and cytoplasmatic maturation were analysed. Semen samples were incubated for 2 h in capacitating medium with 40 mM sodium bicarbonate, as sperm capacitation inducer, and the addition of increasing concentrations of malonate (0, 1, 5 and 10 mM). Sperm capacitation state and true acrosomal reaction were evaluated. SDH activity was determined in sperm and oocyte extracts by the spectrophotometric method. Key results The addition of 10 mM of malonate decreased both nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation rates (P < 0.05) without affecting COC viability (assessed using fluorescein diacetate). A lower level of capacitation (induced by bicarbonate) and acrosome reaction (induced by follicular fluid) was observed with the addition of 5 mM of malonate (P < 0.05) without affecting motility and viability of sperm at this concentration. The activity of SDH was 0.35 ± 0.1 × 10−5 and 2.37 ± 0.9 × 10−5 U/COC for immature and in vitro matured COC extracts (P < 0.05) respectively, and 0.44 ± 0.16 U/1010 sperm for boar sperm extracts. Conclusions In conclusion, because it has been proposed that aerobic and anaerobic metabolic pathways of cells are changed depending on the oxygen availability and the composition of metabolic substrates in their environment, our results suggest that energy obtained through the mitochondrial respiration (TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation) is necessary to support oocyte maturation, sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction in the porcine species. Implications The study of enzymatic activity in gametes is essential for understanding the mechanisms that control the energy production required to achieve successful fertilisation. This knowledge has significant implications for the development of assisted reproductive technologies.
Rates of sexual partner acquisition from nationally representative surveys: variation between countries and by age, sex, wealth, partner and HIV status
Authors: Calvert Clara , Scott Rachel , Palmer Melissa , Dube Albert , Marston Milly , Wellings Kaye , Slaymaker Emma
Published: December 2023

Background Knowing levels and determinants of partnership acquisition will help inform interventions that try to reduce transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV. Methods We used population-based, cross-sectional data from 47 Demographic and Health Surveys to calculate rates of partner acquisition among men and women (15–49 years), and identified socio-demographic correlates for partner acquisition. Partner acquisition rates were estimated as the total number of acquisitions divided by the person-time in the period covered by the survey. For each survey and by sex, we estimated age-specific partner acquisition rates and used age-adjusted piecewise exponential survival models to explore whether there was any association between wealth, HIV status and partner status with partner acquisition rates. Results Across countries, the median partner acquisition rates were 30/100 person-years for men (interquartile range 21–45) and 13/100 person-years for women (interquartile range 6–18). There were substantial variations in partner acquisition rates by age. Associations between wealth and partner acquisition rates varied across countries. People with a cohabiting partner were less likely to acquire a new one, and this effect was stronger for women than men and varied substantially between countries. Women living with HIV had higher partner acquisition rates than HIV-negative women but this association was less apparent for men. At a population level, partner acquisition rates were correlated with HIV incidence. Conclusions Partner acquisition rates are variable and are associated with important correlates of STIs and thus could be used to identify groups at high risk of STIs.
Fighting the flames: site-specific effects determine species richness of Australian frogs after fire
Authors: Mitchell Brittany A. , Gorta Simon B. Z. , Callaghan Corey T. , Kingsford Richard T. , Rowley Jodi J. L.
Published: December 2023

Context Fire has played an integral role in regulating patterns of biodiversity for millions of years. However, anthropogenic disturbance and climate change has altered fire activity – driving increases in both fire severity and scale. The effect fire now has on the persistence of biodiversity is poorly known, especially for frogs. Studies examining frog responses to fire usually have small sample sizes, focus upon small geographic areas and are based on low-severity fires, which can mean results are not applicable to high-severity fires, such as those expected under future climate change. Aims Our aims were to examine (1) persistence of frog species, measured by species richness, up to 18 months post-fire, and (2) the effects of varying fire severity on frog species richness and recovery, where we expected higher fire severity to lead to lower species richness after fire. Methods Using large-scale citizen science data from the Australian Museum’s FrogID project, coupled with remotely sensed fire data, we present a spatially and taxonomically broad analysis examining post-fire recovery responses for Australian frog species after the 2019/2020 ‘Black Summer’ bushfires. Key results We reveal no overall decrease in the species richness of Australian frogs both in the short- and long-term post-fire. Furthermore, species richness did not decline with increasing fire severity. Instead, species richness and its response to fire was highly site-specific. Conclusions We provide evidence that widespread and common Australian frog species have persisted post-fire in most sites and concluded that this is potentially due to their ability to shelter from fire adequately and/or La Niña-driven high rainfall offering conditions conducive to breeding activity and persistence. Implications We show how citizen science provides critical data for conservation, especially in response to unprecedented disturbance events, such as the 2019/2020 megafires. Our research also highlights the need for ongoing and targeted scientific monitoring, especially for less common or threatened species.
Cu
2+
coordination-induced in situ photo-to-heat on catalytic sites to hydrolyze β-lactam antibiotics pollutants in waters
Authors: Li Jiazhen , Ma Dongge , Huang Qiang , Du Yangyang , He Qin , Ji Hongwei , Ma Wanhong , Zhao Jincai
Published: December 2023

For degradation of β-lactam antibiotics pollution in waters, the strained β-lactam ring is the most toxic and resistant moiety to biodegrade and redox-chemically treat among their functional groups. Hydrolytically opening β-lactam ring with Lewis acid catalysts has long been recognized as a shortcut, but at room temperature, such hydrolysis is too slow to be deployed. Here, we found when Cu
2+
was immobilized on imine-linked COF (covalent organic framework) (Cu
2+
/Py-Bpy-COF, Cu
2+
load is 1.43 wt%), as-prepared composite can utilize the light irradiation (wavelength range simulated sunlight) to in situ heat anchored Cu
2+
Lewis acid sites through an excellent photothermal conversion to open the β-lactam ring followed by a desired full-decarboxylation of hydrolysates. Under 1 W/cm
2
simulated sunlight, Cu
2+
/Py-Bpy-COF powders placed in a microfiltration membrane rapidly cause a temperature rising even to ~211.7 °C in 1 min. It can effectively hydrolyze common β-lactam antibiotics in waters and even antibiotics concentration is as high as 1 mM and it takes less than 10 min. Such photo-heating hydrolysis rate is ~24 times as high as under dark and ~2 times as high as Cu
2+
homogenous catalysis. Our strategy significantly decreases the interference from generally coexisting common organics in waters and potential toxicity concerns of residual carboxyl groups in hydrolysates and opens up an accessible way for the settlement of β-lactam antibiotics pollutants by the only energy source available, the sunlight.
Bonobos and chimpanzees remember familiar conspecifics for decades
Authors: Lewis Laura S. , Wessling Erin G. , Kano Fumihiro , Stevens Jeroen M. G. , Call Josep , Krupenye Christopher
Published: December 2023

Recognition and memory of familiar conspecifics provides the foundation for complex sociality and is vital to navigating an unpredictable social world [Tibbetts and Dale,
Trends Ecol. Evol.
22
, 529–537 (2007)]. Human social memory incorporates content about interactions and relationships and can last for decades [Sherry and Schacter,
Psychol. Rev.
94
, 439–454 (1987)]. Long-term social memory likely played a key role throughout human evolution, as our ancestors increasingly built relationships that operated across distant space and time [Malone
et al
.,
Int. J. Primatol.
33
, 1251–1277 (2012)]. Although individual recognition is widespread among animals and sometimes lasts for years, little is known about social memory in nonhuman apes and the shared evolutionary foundations of human social memory. In a preferential-looking eye-tracking task, we presented chimpanzees and bonobos (
N
= 26) with side-by-side images of a previous groupmate and a conspecific stranger of the same sex. Apes’ attention was biased toward former groupmates, indicating long-term memory for past social partners. The strength of biases toward former groupmates was not impacted by the duration apart, and our results suggest that recognition may persist for at least 26 y beyond separation. We also found significant but weak evidence that, like humans, apes may remember the quality or content of these past relationships: apes’ looking biases were stronger for individuals with whom they had more positive histories of social interaction. Long-lasting social memory likely provided key foundations for the evolution of human culture and sociality as they extended across time, space, and group boundaries.
Nonspecificity fingerprints for clinical-stage antibodies in solution
Authors: Herling Therese W. , Invernizzi Gaetano , Ausserwöger Hannes , Bjelke Jais Rose , Egebjerg Thomas , Lund Søren , Lorenzen Nikolai , Knowles Tuomas P. J.
Published: December 2023

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have successfully been developed for the treatment of a wide range of diseases. The clinical success of mAbs does not solely rely on optimal potency and safety but also require good biophysical properties to ensure a high developability potential. In particular, nonspecific interactions are a key developability parameter to monitor during discovery and development. Despite an increased focus on the detection of nonspecific interactions, their underlying physicochemical origins remain poorly understood. Here, we employ solution-based microfluidic technologies to characterize a set of clinical-stage mAbs and their interactions with commonly used nonspecificity ligands to generate nonspecificity fingerprints, providing quantitative data on the underlying physical chemistry. Furthermore, the solution-based analysis enables us to measure binding affinities directly, and we evaluate the contribution of avidity in nonspecific binding by mAbs. We find that avidity can increase the apparent affinity by two orders of magnitude. Notably, we find that a subset of these highly developed mAbs show nonspecific electrostatic interactions, even at physiological pH and ionic strength, and that they can form microscale particles with charge-complementary polymers. The group of mAb constructs flagged here for nonspecificity are among the worst performers in independent reports of surface and column-based screens. The solution measurements improve on the state-of-the-art by providing a stand-alone result for individual mAbs without the need to benchmark against cohort data. Based on our findings, we propose a quantitative solution-based nonspecificity score, which can be integrated in the development workflow for biological therapeutics and more widely in protein engineering.
Definite-like meaning of bare classifiers in Nung
Authors: Lam Esther
Published: December 2023

Nung (Tai, Kra-Dai) is a numeral-classifier language that contains the Classifier-Noun (cl-n, or ‘bare
classifier’) construction. Drawing on Langacker’s Cognitive Grammar (Langacker 1987,
2004, 2008, 2017) (CG), I argue that the use of a Nung cl-n phrase is only possible when it refers to a
unique instance in the current discourse frame of the current discourse space. This explains why cl-n
phrases show a definite-like meaning contrast with other types of nominal phrases (NPs) in Nung, as well as why Nung cl-n
phrases can be interpreted as either specific or non-specific indefinite. This paper makes two theoretical contributions. Firstly,
it shows that the existing theory of numeral classifiers within CG, which is based on the unitization function of numeral
classifiers, is not sufficient to account for the meaning contrast between cl-n and other types of NP in Nung. Secondly,
given that a referent that exists in the current discourse frame need not exist in the actual world or pre-exist in the
discourse, this paper illustrates how a referent can satisfy a presupposition of uniqueness without satisfying a presupposition of
existence in the actual world or in the discourse.
Animal Welfare Concerns of Farm-Based Education Programs
Authors: Kapral Suzanne M.
Published: December 2023

The integrating of farm animals with educational and therapeutic settings continues to expand, with Farm-animal-assisted interventions (AAI) being a method specifically designed to assist individuals, particularly children, who are dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, and addiction. Farm-based education includes standards-based curriculum such as agriculture, biology, ecology, nutrition, and science. AAI and education sessions may occur on-site (farm) or off-site (school, hospital, or residential treatment facility). This study delves into the benefits that farm-based activities can bring to children, while shedding light on the potential welfare implications for the animals involved.

Research supports that individuals of diverse ages and capabilities may experience positive outcomes from engaging in repetitive, structured interventions with farm animals. What remains unclear is the impact of these interventions on the well-being of the farm animals themselves.

Understanding and prioritizing animal welfare is of paramount importance when considering farm-based AAI. If we define welfare as how well an animal copes with its living conditions, we must ensure that animals are healthy, comfortable, well-nourished, safe and can express innate behavior, and are free from pain, fear, frustration, and distress. Another key area of animal welfare is how an animal responds to stress, which may occur when an animal is removed from its environment and required to interact with novel objects or unfamiliar individuals.

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The size effect and analogous boundary states in a circular non-Hermitian chain
Authors: Ma Xin-Yu , Guan Yi-Han , Li Qiao-Nan , He Ai-Lei , Qi Lu
Published: December 2023

We investigate the size effect and boundary states based on a circular non-Hermitian chain under the nonreciprocal intra-cell coupling and inter-cell coupling regimes. We find that the circular non-Hermitian chain exhibits an even–odd effect on the unit cell corresponding to a large chain, which is different from the open non-Hermitian chain only exhibiting the same effect for a small chain. Moreover, we find that the originally localized bulk states become totally extended via designing the boundary coupling strength appropriately. The extended bulk states reveal the fact of the disappearance of the non-Hermitian skin effect. In particular, we show that the circular non-Hermitian chain also possesses the analogous edge states under some parameter regimes, which is pretty counterintuitive since the circular chain usually cannot define a boundary. Our investigations supply the different non-Hermitian phenomena in a circular non-Hermitian chain.
Legislative Omission: Portrait of Regional Waste Management Arrangements in Gorontalo Province-Indonesia
Authors: Ngilu Novendri M. , Kasim Ramdhan , Towadi Mellisa , Badu Lisnawaty W. , Imran Suwitno , Kaluku Julisa Aprilia , Kakoe Rismanto , Rasyid Usman
Published: December 2023

This article intends to take images of waste management arrangements throughout the province of Gorontalo. This article was written using the statutory and case law approaches. The findings of this investigation are: (1) Four regions out of a total of 6 have established regional regulations on waste management in their formation exceeding the formation grace period stipulated in the law. (2) Gorontalo Regency and Boalemo Regency still need to establish regional regulations on waste management. (3) The absence of local regulations on waste management in the two districts is influenced by the view that waste management has been regulated in the Regent Regulations in the two districts. Therefore, it is important to encourage the formation of regional regulations in the two regions and for the Ministry of Home Affairs to periodically evaluate the formation of regional regulations in all regions throughout Indonesia.
The Antinomy of Green Economy Implementation Towards Indigenous People in Natural Resources Management
Authors: Yani Ahmad , Noviantika Tria
Published: December 2023

Is Green economy practices adaptive and universally applicable? There are certain conditions where the application cannot be imposed, such as in the environment of indigenous peoples. This research aims to determine the contradiction and explore the Actualization of local wisdom among indigenous peoples in natural resource management. This research uses socio-legal methods with the conceptual, case, and statute approaches. The results showed that: Firstly, conflicts arising from differences in management techniques, concepts, claims of ownership rights, access, and objectives of natural resource management between indigenous peoples and green economy are significantly different. Secondly, Actualization and implementation in Indonesia can be done by adjusting the projection of green economy development with the wisdom patterns of each region, the participation of indigenous peoples in the policy formulation process, and the values of local wisdom in natural resource management as a limitation of the implementation of the green economy.
The Potential use of Bio-mineralization Technique in Developing Eco-Sustainable Self-Healing Geopolymer Binder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lekshmi Sreedevi , Benjamin Babitha , Sudhakumar J
Published: December 2023

The enormous demand for concrete as a construction material over the globe has proliferated the production of cement. It has been reported that the production of one ton of cement produces approximately one ton of carbon dioxide gas to the atmosphere. In geopolymer system, the use of cement is eliminated by using aluminosilicate rich industrial and agricultural waste as source material, which is activated by an alkaline medium. Biomineralization in concrete by using microorganisms is a technique used to enhance the mechanical and durability performance of concrete by imparting self-healing of cracks generated in the system. This paper reviews the feasibility of microbial inclusion in geopolymers. In this review, the mechanical and durability characteristics of microbial geopolymer binders along with the observations of microstructural characterization are elucidated. The mechanical properties in terms of compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength are studied systematically from the existing literature. The durability studies of bio-mineralized geopolymer binder (BMGP) in terms of water absorption, sorptivity, acid attack resistance, sulphate attack resistance and resistance towards freeze thaw effect are analysed in the study. Also, the possible applications of biomineralized microbial geopolymer concrete are critically reviewed in this paper