bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perjuangan dan Pendekatan Dakwah Ebit Lew Kepada Golongan Asnaf di Malaysia
Authors: Sabjan Muhammad Azizan , Abd Karim Kartina Sari
Published: October 2023

Golongan asnaf terdiri daripada faqir dan miskin mempunyai bahagian tertentu dalam zakat. Bilangan mereka semakin meningkat berikutan Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) yang terpaksa dikuatkuasakan bagi mengekang penularan wabak COVID19. Kajian ini menganalisis pemikiran dan perjuangan Ebit Irawan bin Ibrahim Lew dalam menjalankan dakwah dan menghulurkan bantuan kepada golongan asnaf di Malaysia. Kajian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan menganalisis dapatan data secara diskriptif. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan pemikiran dan perjuangan Ebit Lew dalam melaksanakan dakwah dan membela nasib golongan asnaf wajar dicontohi pada pelbagai peringkat dakwah dan misi kemanusiaan. Dalam erti kata lain, perjuangannya boleh dijadikan teladan dalam membasmi kemiskinan dan memperkasakan ekonomi ummah serantau di Malaysia secara bersasar dan menyeluruh.
The asnaf group of the poor and needy has a particular share in zakat. They are increasing following the Movement Control Order (MCO), which had to be enforced to curb the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic. This study analyzes the struggle and approach of of Ebit Irawan bin Ibrahim Lew in carrying out da’wah and extending help to the asnaf group in Malaysia. The study utilizes a qualitative method by analyzing data findings descriptively. The findings of the study show that the struggle and approach of Ebit Lew's da'wah in carrying out da'wah and defending the plight of the asnaf group should be emulated at various levels of da’wah and humanitarian missions. In a strict sense, his struggle and da'wah approach are pro-active. Complicated bureaucracy and endless procedures and protocols are set aside. Instead, he went to the field and directly helped those in need. Strictly speaking, this method should be exemplified in eradicating poverty and empowering the economy of the regional community in Malaysia in a targeted and comprehensive manner.
The Use of Machine Learning in Industry 4.0 as an Educational Tool to Address Plant Diseases for Small-Scale Farmers in Developing Countries: A Review Study
Authors: Kunda Barbara , Phiri Jackson
Published: October 2023

This review study aims to provide an overview of the current state of research on the use of machine learning techniques for the detection of tomato leaf diseases in the context of climate change in Zambia. Plant diseases pose significant challenges to small-scale farmers in developing countries, impacting crop yields and livelihoods. The emergence of Industry 4.0 technologies, coupled with the power of machine learning, offers promising opportunities to address these challenges and empower farmers with valuable knowledge and tools This review study aims to provide an overview of the use of machine learning in Industry 4.0 as an educational tool specifically tailored to tackle plant diseases for small-scale farmers in developing countries. The study offers insights into the potential of these techniques to enhance disease detection and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate change. Climate change has had significant impacts on agricultural practices worldwide, leading to the emergence and spread of various plant diseases. The study examines existing literature, research articles, and practical implementations to analyze the potential applications of machine learning in plant disease management. The review focuses on four key areas: disease identification, early detection and prediction, knowledge sharing and education, and decision support systems. With further advancements in machine learning techniques and the integration of cutting-edge technologies, the agriculture sector can benefit from improved disease detection and mitigation strategies to ensure food security in the face of climate change.
Oppisopimuskoulutus aikuiskoulutuksena
Authors: Rintala Heta , Nokelainen Petri
Published: October 2023

Yli 25-vuotiaat aikuiset ovat oppisopimuskoulutuksen tavoiteltava kohderyhmä kansainvälisessä koulutuspolitiikassa. Suomessa oppisopimuskoulutus on kuitenkin ollut poikkeuksellisesti pääosin aikuiskoulutusta. Artikkelissa tarkastellaan aikuisten oppisopimuskoulutukseen osallistumista odotusarvoteoriaan sisältyvien subjektiivisten tehtäväkohtaisten arvojen kautta. Ne voidaan jakaa kiinnostus-, tärkeys- ja hyötyarvoon sekä kustannuksiin. Näiden näkökulmien tarkastelu auttaa ymmärtämään, miksi aikuiset haluavat oppisopimuskoulutukseen ja millaisia hyötyjä ja kustannuksia he siihen yhdistävät. Tutkimusaineistona olivat aikuisten oppisopimusopiskelijoiden haastattelut (N = 8), jotka analysoitiin laadullisella sisällönanalyysilla, teoriasidonnaista lähestymistapaa hyödyntäen. Tulosten perusteella aikuisopiskelijoiden kokemia hyötyjä olivat 1) oppimismuodon kiinnostavuus, esimerkiksi tekemällä oppiminen, 2) ammatillisen kasvun tärkeys, esimerkiksi asiantuntijuudenvahvistaminen sekä 3) hyödyllisyys lyhyt- ja pitkäaikaisten tavoitteiden saavuttamisessa, esimerkiksi työsuhteen edut ja palkka ja tutkinto. Koetut kustannukset puolestaan liittyivät 1) ajankäytön vaateisiin, kuten paineeseen opiskella vapaa-ajalla, 2) emotionaaliseen ja psykologiseen kuormitukseen, esimerkiksi oppimisen ristiriitaisuuteen, 3) tukitoimien ja turvaverkkojen, kuten opiskelijayhteisön, puutteellisuuteen ja 4) tulevaisuuden näkymien rajoittumiseen, esimerkiksi kuiluun korkeakoulutukseen. Artikkeli tarjoaa yhtäältä aineksia oppisopimuskoulutuksen kehittämiseen, mutta tuo toisaalta esiin oppisopimuskoulutuksen merkityksen jatkuvan oppimisen väylänä ja aikuiskoulutuksen osana.
Summaries
Authors: Clarke Sario Esko
Published: October 2023

Tiedeartikkelien suomen- ja englanninkieliset tiivistelmät.
Deteksi Bola Multipola Memanfaatkan Ekstraksi Fitur Local Binary Pattern dengan Algoritma Learning Adaboost
Authors: Putra Muhammad Pajar Kharisma
Published: October 2023

Kontes Robot Sepakbola Indonesia 2017 yang mengacu  pada  rule  robocup  2016  mengalami peningkatan tantangan yang signifikan. Berbeda dengan tahun sebelumnya yang menggunakan bola tenis berwarna orange, tahun 2017 menggunakan bola standar FIFA 1 berdiameter 13 cm dengan warna 50% putih dan sisanya acak serta pola yang beragam. Sedangkan lapangan menggunakan rumput sintetis dengan ketebalan 2 cm dan gawang berwarna putih.. Banyaknya objek di lapangan yang memiliki warna serupa dengan bola membuat metode deteksi sebelumnya yang berbasis warna sudah tidak bisa lagi digunakan Begitupun dengan deteksi berbasis bentuk seperti transformasi hough, akan sulit dilakukan karena kondisi bola yang benar – benar bulat akan jarang ditemui saat pertandingan. Karena itu digunakanlah metode learning untuk melakukan deteksi bola. Metode ini dinilai efektif untuk mengenali pola bola yang beragam. Dari hasil pengujian, kondisi eksternal robot didapat melalui sensor passive berupa digital kamera PS Eye dan di otaki oleh komputer dengan processor Intel Cherry Trail yang bekerja pada clock 1.8 GHz, didapat bahwa strategi yang diajukan dapat melokalisasi bola sekaligus mengeliminasi noise dalam waktu 30 ms, sehingga robot masih dapat merespon perubahan kondisi lingkungan secara real-time.
Positional Comparison of Footballers' Ball Kicking Techniques, Leg Strength and Shooting Accuracy Percentages
Authors: ATASEVER Gökhan , KIYICI Fatih
Published: October 2023

The aim of the study was to investigate the differences of foot pressure points, shot accuracy percentages, leg strength values of footballers at the moment of kicking the ball with different techniques according to their positions. The research group consisted of U-17 and U-19 football players of Erzurumspor FK team. W-INSHOE brand device was used to determine the knee and hip strength of the footballers at 60o angular velocity and foot pressure points at the moment of kicking the ball. SPSS v20 package programme was used for data analysis and statistical significance was accepted as p<0.05. The normal distribution of continuous variables was analysed by Shapiro Wilk-W test, Kolmogorov Simirnov test, Q-Q graph, skewness and kurtosis. According to the results, it was determined that there was a statistical difference in favour of defenders in the pressure parameter in the L2 and L5 sensors inside the foot and in the L2 sensor outside the foot, in favour of forwards in the L6 sensor above the foot, in favour of forwards in the technical score parameter the second score when kicking the ball outside the foot and in the total score outside the foot, in the knee and hip strength parameter, in the peak torque extension movement in the hip joint, in favour of forwards. As a result, it is seen that the strikers who participated in the study are better in both technical scoring and hip strength in line with the needs of the position they play compared to other positions.
Kopi Telur Healthy Drink to Maintain Health during the Pandemic
Authors: Jayanti Gatra Ervi , Rahayu Tintrim , Saraswati Saraswati
Published: October 2023

This community service aims to provide information to the public about the benefits of coffee for health, and introduce kopi telur the healthy drink to maintain health. The method used is to provide information, make kopi telur and consume it. The results obtained are that people can feel the beneficial effects of kopi telur on health. One example is dizziness, participants felt better for dizziness atter consuming kopi telur. People have a health dependency on consuming kopi telur. Keyword: Drink, Health, Kopi Telur
Hyperoxia prevents carrageenan-induced enlargement of functional residual lung capacity in rats.
Authors: Fišárková B , Vízek M
Published: October 2023

Experimental pneumonia induced by intratracheal application of carrageenan or paraquat increases the functional residual lung capacity (FRC) in rats. The mechanism of this increase is not clear, but a decrease in PO2 may be involved. To test this possibility, we attempted to eliminate the PO2 decrease in carrageenan-treated rats by exposing them to hyperoxia. Animals of the first group were exposed to 7 days of hyperoxia (FIO2 0.78-0.84, group Car+O2) after intratracheal application of carrageenan (0.5 ml of 0.7 % carageenan in saline), whereas animals of the second group were given the same dose of carrageenan but breathed air (group Car+A). The third group of rats was kept for seven days in hyperoxia (group O2) and the fourth group served as controls (C). The animals were then anesthetized and intubated and their ventilatory parameters and FRC were measured during air breathing. Carrageenan application induced a FRC increase (Car+A 2.0±0.2 ml, C 1.6±0.1 ml), which was not seen in carrageenan-treated rats exposed to hyperoxia (Car+O2 1.6±0.1 ml). Hyperoxia alone did not affect the value of FRC (O2 1.5±0.1 ml). These results support the hypothesis that a decrease in PO2 plays an important role in the carrageenan-induced increase of FRC in rats.
Rusya –Ukrayna Krizinin Dünya Gıda Güvenliğine Etkileri
Authors: HARUNOĞULLARI Muazzez , AYHAN Gulsen
Published: October 2023

Savaşlar, toplumların yapısında büyük bozulmalar meydana getirir; bu bozulmalardan biri de tarımsal alanda ortaya çıkmaktadır. Çalışmanın odak noktası, Rusya ve Ukrayna arasındaki savaşın dünya gıda güvenliği üzerindeki etkileridir. Bu amaçla her iki ülkenin tahıl üretimi ve ticaretinin bölgesel ve küresel ölçekte ülkeler üzerindeki önemi değerlendirilecektir. Araştırmada durum çalışması yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Konu ile ilgili akademik yayınlardan ve FAOSTAT ve Trade Map verilerinden yararlanılmıştır. Elde edilen veriler şekil ve tablolar halinde yeniden düzenlenmiştir. Rusya-Ukrayna savaşıyla birlikte 10 milyonu aşkın kişi yerinden edilmiş, küresel ve bölgesel enerji ve gıda krizi yaşanmış, gıda güvenliği sorunları ortaya çıkmış, dünyanın en büyük ihracat bölgelerinin birinden, tarımsal üretimi ve ticareti sekteye uğratmıştır. Küresel kriz haline gelen tahıl sorununun çözümü için Türkiye’nin girişimiyle taraflar arasında 22 Temmuz 2022’de İstanbul’da “tahıl koridoru” anlaşması imzalanmıştır. Bu anlaşmayla Ukrayna'nın Karadeniz'deki üç limanından tahıl ihracatı yeniden başlamış ve dünyanın içine girdiği “gıda krizi” sorununun çözümüne yönelik önemli bir adım atılmıştır.
The Importance of CATZOC in Passage Planning and Prioritization of Strategies for Safe Navigation
Authors: ARICAN Ozan Hikmet , ARSLAN Osman , UNAL Ali Umut
Published: October 2023

Maritime transport has a significant share in world trade. The unsafe operation of ships causes loss of life, loss of cargo, and marine environmental pollution. Commercial ships are equipped with advanced types of equipment. The nautical charts as aids to navigation are used on commercial ships to navigate safely between ports. The officer of the watch can see the risks in the navigation area by checking these charts. The risks indicated on the chart should be taken into account during the navigation of ships, and if the correct calculations are not made, serious accidents may occur. These calculations are based on both sufficient maritime experience and knowledge. This research studied the category zone of confidence (CATZOC) areas in ECDIS on ships, the limitations of the system, and their solutions. Recommendations received from experts for the solutions to the identified problems were determined and explained according to the priorities with the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) method.
Nepal Television's Comedy Serials and Impact Among the People of Nepal
Authors: Neupane Madhusudan , Rupakheti Basanta Kumar
Published: October 2023

The media is an organized agency that creates awareness among the people. Media creates awareness to provide information, education, knowledge, motivation, surveillance and entertainment to the people. Only a few studies have been conducted on the issues and content of comedy soap operas and their effects on society. The main objective of this study is to examine the current situation of Nepali comedy series, analyze the reasons why audiences watch Nepali comedy series, and find out the current impact of Nepali comedy series on people. people and society are transmitted through Nepali television. More than two-thirds of people surveyed like comedy shows. Most audiences watch comedy shows for entertainment, satire, and humor. Most of the viewers love the Nepali comedy series broadcast by Nepal Television. Research shows that the educational, informational and economic content in Nepali comedy series is very poor. It must increase the knowledge and awareness of the younger generation and regular viewers. Political, satirical and humorous content meets the requirements in different episodes of existing Nepali comedy series. This study confirms that this must continue for comedy shows to be effective, impressive and interesting. The study shows that there is a negligible association between caste, ethnicity, family structure and satisfaction level of Nepali people and it has a significant impact on Nepali comedy series. Viewers prefer conventional comedy series to achieve a style of entertainment followed by satire of others. Most of the respondents were impressed with the socio-cultural content used in Nepali comedy series.
FORMATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ZOOTECHNICAL EVALUATION OF FEED AND FEEDING OF FARM ANIMALS OF THE FEDERAL WILLIAMS RESEARCH CENTER OF FORAGE PRODUCTION AND AGROECOLOGY
Authors: Popov Vladimir
Published: October 2023

In the book «The All-Russia Williams fodder research institute on service for science and practic» [1] the basic achievements of a science in sphere of an estimation and standardization of quality of forages are in short stated. In given article additional data on development in this field of knowledge are resulted, and the main thing - with deep bow and gratitude is given a tribute for inspired work for the blessing of a science to employees and the personnel of laboratory of a zootechnical evaluation of forages and feedings of agricultural animals.
ALFALFA COLLECTIBLE RESULTS
Authors: Makarenkov Mikhail
Published: October 2023

In the field, 39 alfalfa samples were studied from the collection of the VIC named after V. R. Williams. The results of studies and observations on the grass stand of the fourth and fifth years of life on the chemical composition, economically valuable and morphological characteristics are given. Statistical processing of the results showed mainly a high level of variation in indicators. The five best samples for the combination of features are highlighted. Several reliable positive and negative correlation relationships have been identified that can be used in the selection of promising forms.
Bastidores da pesquisa em torno das sugestões de Sérgio Abreu ao Concerto para Violão e Orquestra de Francisco Mignone
Authors: Orosco Maurício
Published: October 2023

Este artigo enfoca os bastidores de uma pesquisa de doutoramento envolvendo indagações, preocupações e apontamentos técnicos e musicais de Sérgio Abreu (1948–2023) na ocasião de escrita da tese e no momento em que ele elaborou sugestões para o Concerto para Violão e Orquestra de Francisco Mignone (1897–1986). Após análises preliminares de outras obras do repertório violonístico, associamos as sugestões do violonista à tradição revisional iniciada por Andrés Segovia (1893–1987) e ao conceito de “relação horizontal (não hierarquizada)” entre intérpretes e compositores. Posteriormente, subentendemos dois grupos visando enquadrar cinco dentre as trinta sugestões propostas, sendo uma delas representativa da conciliação entre técnica e música, de âmbito local, e outras quatro claramente alinhadas no segundo grupo, inventivo-musical, com base nas quais fazemos conjecturas macroestruturais e aportes consequentes à obra.
Duas transcrições inéditas de Sérgio Abreu: procedimentos, contextos e critérios das edições diplomáticas
Authors: Amorim Humberto , Dias Ricardo , Martelli Paulo
Published: October 2023

O objetivo do artigo é apontar não somente o quão a produção de Sérgio Abreu como arranjador/transcritor pode revelar contribuições decisivas para o alargamento do repertório do violão, a partir do levantamento, catalogação, organização e edição do material adaptado (conhecido e desconhecido) encontrado em seu espólio, mas também esboçar o entendimento de alguns dos eventuais procedimentos e processos que orientaram o pensamento de Sérgio na confecção de tais trabalhos (o conceito de montagem e a agregação de compreensão e valor artístico às obras adaptadas, por exemplo). Para tanto, , realizamos uma breve discussão sobre a terminologia “transcrição/arranjo”, discutimos as perspectivas históricas e as funções socioculturais das transcrições e arranjos para violão (com foco no caso de Sérgio Abreu), até elencarmos os critérios estabelecidos para as edições diplomáticas de dois arranjos inéditos recentemente descobertos, que passaram por revisão geral de Eduardo Abreu: Pachelbel e Gluck.
Effects of single and repeated shock wave application on the osteogenic differentiation potential of human primary mesenchymal stromal cells and the osteoblastic cell line MG63 in vitro
Authors: Haddouti El-Mustapha , Reinhardt Nina , Ossendorff Robert , Burger Christof , Wirtz Dieter C. , de la Fuente Matias , Schildberg Frank A.
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Extracorporeal shock wave therapy is a non-invasive and effective option for treating various musculoskeletal disorders. Recent literature indicates that the parameters for extracorporeal shock wave therapy, such as the optimal intensity, treatment frequency, and localization, are yet to be determined. Studies reporting on the effects of shock wave application on primary mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) as well as osteoblastic cell lines in vitro are barely available and not standardized.

Methods: In this study, we designed a special setup to precisely expose primary MSCs and the osteoblastic cell line MG63 to shock waves and subsequently analyzed the resulting cellular responses using standardized protocols to investigate their viability, proliferation behavior, cytokine secretion, and osteogenic differentiation potential in vitro. The shock wave transducer was coupled to a specifically designed water bath containing a 5 mL tube holder. Primary human MSCs and MG63 cells were trypsinated and centrifuged in a 5 mL tube and exposed to single and repeated shock wave application using different intensities and numbers of pulses.

Results: Single treatment of MSCs using intensities 5, 10, 15, and 20 and pulse numbers 100, 250, 500, 750, and 1,000 at a constant pulse repetition frequency of 1 Hz resulted in a decreased viability and proliferation of both cell types with an increase in the intensity and number of pulses compared to controls. No significant difference in the osteogenic differentiation was observed at different time intervals in both cell types when a single shock wave application was performed. However, repeated shock wave sessions over three consecutive days of primary MSCs using low intensity levels 0.1 and 1 showed significant osteogenic differentiation 4-fold higher than that of the extracted Alizarin Red S at day 14, whereas MG63 cells showed no significant osteogenic differentiation compared to their corresponding controls. More specifically, repeated shock wave application triggered a significant downregulation of COL1A1, upregulation of RUNX2, and sustained increase of OCN in primary MSCs but not in the cell line MG63 when induced toward the osteogenic differentiation.

Discussion: The effects of shock wave application on MSCs make it an effective therapy in regenerative medicine. We established a protocol to analyze a standardized shock wave application on MSCs and were able to determine conditions that enhance the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs in vitro.
Effect of lace-up ankle brace on the tibiotalar and subtalar joint during the landing
Authors: Luo Ye , Hu Mengling , Li Zhuman , Huang Xiaofan , Wu Danni , Li Feng , Wang Shaobai
Published: October 2023

Objective: Ankle braces can affect the kinematics of the ankle joint during landing tasks. Previous studies were primarily relied on traditional marker-based motion capture systems, which pose limitations in non-invasively capturing the motion of the talus bone. The effect of ankle braces on the in vivo kinematics of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints during landing remains unknown. This study used a high-speed dual fluoroscopic imaging system (DFIS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to investigate effect of ankle braces on the in vivo kinematics of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints during landing.

Methods: Fourteen healthy participants were recruited for this study. During the experiment, static three-dimensional MRI data were collected for each participant, and 3D ankle joint models for the calcaneus, talus, and tibia were constructed. The DFIS was used to capture the images of each participant performing a single-leg landing-jump task at a height of 40 cm. The images were captured once with and without a brace in the fatigue condition, which was induced by running. The six-degree-of-freedom (6DOF) kinematic data were obtained by 2D-3D registration.

Results: The flexion-extension range of motion (ROM) (42.73 ± 4.76° vs. 38.74 ± 5.43°, p = 0.049) and anterior-posterior translation ROM (16.86 ± 1.74 mm vs. 15.03 ± 1.73 mm, p = 0.009) of the tibiotalar joint were decreased. The maximum inversion angle (−3.71 ± 2.25° vs. 2.11 ± 1.83°, p = 0.047) of the subtalar joint was decreased.

Conclusion: The ankle brace limited the flexion-extension ROM of the tibiotalar joints and the inversion angle of the subtalar joint during landing.
Gut microbiome and prediabetes - a review
Authors: Rathi Kartik Kumar , Kumari Nimrata , Javaid Muhammad Daniyal , Saleem Umair , Mortensen Eric , Zhou Yanjiao , Maheshwari Narinder
Published: October 2023

While there is extensive information available on how the gut microbiota alters in composition between normal individuals and individuals with diabetes, there is little evidence available on whether the alterations become apparent at the prediabetes stage (a preliminary state to T2DM which is characterized by altered glycemic parameters relative to a normal euglycemic state), and if these variations are potentially linked with the progression from prediabetes into diabetes. In this review, we aim to summarize all the findings on compositional shifts in the gut microbiome that are shown to occur in individuals with prediabetes and diabetes in contrast to euglycemic states. Our review also highlights the potential pathophysiological mechanisms that could explain these alterations in metabolism due to the presence of varying microbial environments in the gut. Moreover, we also gather the available evidence on the role played by various factors, such as dietary changes and exercise, and their potential role in inducing a change in the gut microbiome. Last but not least, our review also assess the changes to the microbiota population brought about by a subsequent probiotic and symbiotic supplementation, Metformin and Acarbose. Additionally, we also evaluate the use of above mentioned interventions in mitigating the progression of prediabetes into subsequent diabetes mellitus. We believe this review can help understand the dynamic role played by the gut microbiome in the onset of prediabetes and if there is a possibility of reverting back to euglycemia with correct measures.
Regulation of otic neurosensory specification by Notch and Wnt signalling: insights from RNA-seq screenings in the embryonic chicken inner ear
Authors: Żak Magdalena , Støle Thea P. , Plagnol Vincent , Daudet Nicolas
Published: October 2023

The Notch and Wnt signalling pathways play key roles in the formation of inner ear sensory organs, but little is known about their transcriptional effectors and targets in this context. Here, we perturbed Notch and Wnt activities in the embryonic chicken otic vesicle using pharmacological treatment or in ovo electroporation of plasmid DNA, and used RNA-Seq to analyse the resulting changes in gene expression. Compared to pharmacological treatments, in ovo electroporation changed the expression of fewer genes, a likely consequence of the variability and mosaicism of transfection. The pharmacological inhibition of Notch activity induced a rapid change in the expression of known effectors of this pathway and genes associated with neurogenesis, consistent with a switch towards an otic neurosensory fate. The Wnt datasets contained many genes associated with a neurosensory biological function, confirming the importance of this pathway for neurosensory specification in the otocyst. Finally, the results of a preliminary gain-of-function screening of selected transcription factors and Wnt signalling components suggest that the endogenous programs of otic neurosensory specification are very robust, and in general unaffected by the overexpression of a single factor. Altogether this work provides new insights into the effectors and candidate targets of the Notch and Wnt pathways in the early developing inner ear and could serve as a useful reference for future functional genomics experiments in the embryonic avian inner ear.
Relative importance of left atrial reservoir strain compared with components of the HFA-PEFF score: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kim Minkwan , Bae SungA , Park Jin Hye , Jung In Hyun
Published: October 2023

Background

The relative importance of left atrial reservoir strain (LASr) regarding the Heart Failure Association Pre-test assessment, Echocardiography and natriuretic peptide, Functional testing, Final etiology (HFA-PEFF) score, a diagnostic tool for patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), remains unclear. We aimed to identify the relative importance of LASr compared with variables associated with HFpEF and HFA-PEFF scores.

Methods

Between August 2021 and July 2022, we obtained retrospective data from the participants visiting a single cardiovascular center with subjective symptoms of heart failure, such as dyspnea or chest discomfort. In total, 2,712 participants with sinus rhythm and ejection fraction of more than 50% were enrolled. Multivariable logistic regression analysis, random forest analysis, and supervised machine learning algorithms were performed to identify the relative importance of LASr to the HFA-PEFF score.

Results

The average HFA-PEFF score was 2.4 ± 1.6 points. Two hundred and thirty-eight participants had 5 or 6 points. LASr showed a moderate correlation with the HFA-PEFF score (r = −0.50, p < 0.001). Impaired LASr < 25.2% was an independent variable affecting a high HFA-PEFF score with traditional diastolic function parameters and components of the HFA-PEFF diagnostic algorithm. The odds ratio (OR) [1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23–2.47] for LASr was higher compared to that of left ventricular global longitudinal strain (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.14–2.21), septal E/e’ (OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.85–1.77), and relative wall thickness (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.76–1.89). LASr was also a relatively more important variable in estimating a high HFA-PEFF score than TR-Vmax, septal E/e’, septal e’, left ventricular mass index, and relative wall thickness, the major echocardiographic components of the HFA-PEFF score.

Conclusions

LASr is an important factor with components of the HFA-PEFF score and is a useful tool to assess patients with HFpEF.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL: https://clinicaltrials.org. Unique identifiers: NCT05638230.
Pushing the boundaries of innovation: the potential of ex vivo organ perfusion from an interdisciplinary point of view
Authors: Iske Jasper , Schroeter Andreas , Knoedler Samuel , Nazari-Shafti Timo Z. , Wert Leonard , Roesel Maximilian J. , Hennig Felix , Niehaus Adelheid , Kuehn Christian , Ius Fabio , Falk Volkmar , Schmelzle Moritz , Ruhparwar Arjang , Haverich Axel , Knosalla Christoph , Tullius Stefan G. , Vondran Florian W. R. , Wiegmann Bettina
Published: October 2023

Ex vivomachine perfusion (EVMP) is an emerging technique for preserving explanted solid organs with primary application in allogeneic organ transplantation. EVMP has been established as an alternative to the standard of care static-cold preservation, allowing for prolonged preservation and real-time monitoring of organ quality while reducing/preventing ischemia–reperfusion injury. Moreover, it has paved the way to involve expanded criteria donors, e.g., after circulatory death, thus expanding the donor organ pool. Ongoing improvements in EVMP protocols, especially expanding the duration of preservation, paved the way for its broader application, in particular for reconditioning and modification of diseased organs and tumor and infection therapies and regenerative approaches. Moreover, implementing EVMP forin vivo-like preclinical studies improving disease modeling raises significant interest, while providing an ideal interface for bioengineering and genetic manipulation. These approaches can be applied not only in an allogeneic and xenogeneic transplant setting but also in an autologous setting, where patients can be on temporary organ support while the diseased organs are treatedex vivo, followed by reimplantation of the cured organ. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the differences and similarities in abdominal (kidney and liver) and thoracic (lung and heart) EVMP, focusing on the organ-specific components and preservation techniques, specifically on the composition of perfusion solutions and their supplements and perfusion temperatures and flow conditions. Novel treatment opportunities beyond organ transplantation and limitations of abdominal and thoracic EVMP are delineated to identify complementary interdisciplinary approaches for the application and development of this technique.
Creating patients: how technology and measurement approaches are misused in diagnosis and convert healthy individuals into TMD patients
Authors: Greene Charles , Manfredini Daniele , Ohrbach Richard
Published: October 2023

The advances made in recent years regarding technological approaches to medical and dental diagnosis are impressive. However, while those tools, procedures, and instruments may produce an improved clinical diagnosis or discover a new disorder, they also can be misused and misinterpreted in various ways. In the field of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), the very nature of those conditions is similar to common orthopedic problems elsewhere in the body. Yet, beyond imaging of the affected areas, there have been few important new technological approaches to augment the traditional history and examination for a sufficient diagnosis of such problems. The traditional approach is exemplified by the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, which has high inter-examiner reliability and diagnostic validity; translations into over 20 languages allow for widespread use. In contrast and unfortunately, the TMD field is replete with a variety of so-called diagnostic instruments and procedures, which have not been tested for diagnostic validity; these instruments and procedures, through misuse, are capable of complicating a true diagnosis of patients who present with symptoms, while also creating new patients by finding so-called abnormalities in healthy subjects. This paper discusses those technological approaches and their misuse with respect to TMD diagnosis from a critical viewpoint, and the authors argue that there are significant risks for patients if their uncritical implementation becomes accepted and widespread. Therefore, dentists are encouraged to reject the proposed application of such technological approaches to diagnosis of the stomatognathic system.
Discovery of the large-scale thrust nappe and its geological significance in the southwestern Santanghu fold–thrust belt, NW China
Authors: Zhen Yu , Xu Xiongfei , He Dengfa , Li Xinning , Li Di
Published: October 2023

Studying the structural evolution of the piedmont fold and thrust belt is one of the most important methods to interpret the mechanism of intracontinental collision orogeny. In this study, we have discovered a long-distance large-scale thrust nappe with a width of approximately 20 km in the southwestern margin of the Santanghu Basin, which provides a good evidence for studying the Mesozoic–Cenozoic tectonic evolution mechanism of Moqinwula Mountain. Using the electromagnetic and high-resolution seismic profiles, we have determined that the hanging wall of the nappe is composed of the pre-growth strata of the Carboniferous–Middle Jurassic period and the syntectonic strata of the Cretaceous–Quaternary period. The nappe is subjected to two branch faults of the Baiyishan thrust, forming a breakthrough fault-propagation fold and a fault-bend fold along the detachment layer of the Haerjiawu Formation, and a large monoclinic is formed by the basement structural wedge near the mountain root. The growth strata and unconformity structure record that the fold–thrust belt has experienced five episodes of thrusting from the Late Triassic to Quaternary period. Based on sequential restoration and forward modeling, we propose that the southwestern margin of the Santanghu Basin has been shortened by at least 55 km, especially in the Late Jurassic and Late Cretaceous. Our results provide an excellent example for studying the mechanism of the transition from Yanshanian transpression to Himalayan thrust compression in the Eastern Tianshan region.
Applying Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development to understand autonomy development in children and youths with deafblindness: a systematic literature review
Authors: Rorije Marianne , Damen Saskia , Janssen Marleen J. , Minnaert Alexander
Published: October 2023

This systematic review revealed how children and youths with congenital deafblindness (CDB) exhibit autonomy characteristics and how caregivers perform autonomy support, which Erikson described as part of the first three stages of psychosocial development. This review comprises 22 studies that explicitly addressed one or more autonomy characteristics or autonomy support tasks. The results demonstrated that children and youths with CDB exhibited most characteristics of Erikson’s first stage (e.g., explorative behavior in their nearby environment and with objects within reach) and caregivers predominantly fulfilled autonomy tasks in the first stage (e.g., being present and near the child). In addition, children and youths with CDB exhibited independent acts at the second stage, although these were often limited to asking for or refusing concrete objects in the here-and-now situation. The limited degree to which the children with CDB exhibited autonomy characteristics from the second and third stages seems to co-occur with their struggle to develop symbolic communication. Additionally, the review revealed that caregivers supported autonomy by remaining present and nearby, even when autonomy support tasks from the second and third stages might be more appropriate in supporting the autonomy of children and youths with CDB (e.g., the second stage’s autonomy support task to balance between offering the child protection and encouragement, and the third stage’s task to support the child in taking initiative and setting goals). We recommend the use of a longitudinal video-feedback intervention that both supports the children’s and youths symbolic communication skills and supports caregivers in finding a balance between being present and nearby and fostering the autonomy characteristics of children and youths with CDB.
Pre-service teachers’ beliefs about linguistic and cultural diversity in schools: the role of opportunities to learn during university teacher training
Authors: Paetsch Jennifer , Heppt Birgit , Meyer Jakob
Published: October 2023

We investigated pre-service teachers’ beliefs about linguistic and cultural diversity in schools and the extent to which these beliefs differ between students at the beginning and at the end of university teacher training using a sample of 1,319 pre-service teachers at different stages of study from a large public university in Germany. Given the cross-sectional nature of our data, comparisons of the different student groups (Semesters 1–2 vs. Semester 6+) were based on a propensity score matching approach. We further examined the relationship between pre-service teachers’ beliefs and their opportunities to learn (OTL) using a subsample of 428 pre-service teachers. The findings suggest that beliefs about language-supportive teaching and egalitarian—but not multicultural—beliefs differed at the beginning and at the end of initial teacher training. Student teachers who studied German as a second language (GSL) more strongly endorsed beliefs about language-supportive teaching and egalitarian and multicultural beliefs than other students.
Dynamics of automatized measures of creativity: mapping the landscape to quantify creative ideation
Authors: Ul Haq Ijaz , Pifarré Manoli
Published: October 2023

The growing body of creativity research involves Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine learning (ML) approaches to automatically evaluating creative solutions. However, numerous challenges persist in evaluating the creativity dimensions and the methodologies employed for automatic evaluation. This paper contributes to this research gap with a scoping review that maps the Natural Language Processing (NLP) approaches to computations of different creativity dimensions. The review has two research objectives to cover the scope of automatic creativity evaluation: to identify different computational approaches and techniques in creativity evaluation and, to analyze the automatic evaluation of different creativity dimensions. As a first result, the scoping review provides a categorization of the automatic creativity research in the reviewed papers into three NLP approaches, namely: text similarity, text classification, and text mining. This categorization and further compilation of computational techniques used in these NLP approaches help ameliorate their application scenarios, research gaps, research limitations, and alternative solutions. As a second result, the thorough analysis of the automatic evaluation of different creativity dimensions differentiated the evaluation of 25 different creativity dimensions. Attending similarities in definitions and computations, we characterized seven core creativity dimensions, namely: novelty, value, flexibility, elaboration, fluency, feasibility, and others related to playful aspects of creativity. We hope this scoping review could provide valuable insights for researchers from psychology, education, AI, and others to make evidence-based decisions when developing automated creativity evaluation.
Elevated serum creatinine levels and risk of cognitive impairment in older adults with diabetes: a NHANES study from 2011-2014
Authors: Xiao Yanhua , Devakumar Veda , Xu Liyan , Liu Lei , Mo Hanyou , Hong Xuezhi
Published: October 2023

Background

The brain and kidney have similar microvascular structure, which makes them susceptible to certain common pathophysiological processes. In this study, we examined several indicators of kidney injury/function associated with cognitive function in older diabetic patients in the hope of finding effective markers for detecting cognitive impairment (CI).

Methods

A total of 2209 older participants (aged ≥60 years) from the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed for the association between diabetes and CI using a multiple linear regression analysis model. Using the same approach, we also analyzed the relationship between indicators of kidney injury/function and cognitive function (Animal Fluency Test, Digit Symbol Substitution Test) in the diabetic population.

Results

Diabetes was associated with CI. In age-adjusted model, older diabetics performed significantly poorer on tests of cognitive function compared to normoglycaemic individuals (1.145 points lower on the Animal Fluency Test (P = 0.005) and 7.868 points reduced on the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (P < 0.001)). In diabetics, we found elevated serum creatinine (SCr) (especially at SCr≥300uM) was associated with lower scores on cognitive function tests after strict adjustment for potential influences on cognitive function. While, albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) was only associated with Digit Symbol Substitution score (DSS) not Animal Fluency score (AFS), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was only associated with CI (AFS and DSS) at the end-stage renal disease.

Conclusion

SCr, as a sensitive indicator of kidney injury, was significantly associated with CI and can potentially be used as an effective marker for screening CI in older diabetics.
Serotonin stimulates female preoptic area kisspeptin neurons via activation of type 2 serotonin receptors in mice
Authors: Buo Carrie , Bearss Robin J. , Novak Alyssa G. , Anello Anna E. , Dakin Jordan J. , Piet Richard
Published: October 2023

Background

The neuroendocrine control of ovulation is orchestrated by neuronal circuits that ultimately drive the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus to trigger the preovulatory surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. While estrogen feedback signals are determinant in triggering activation of GnRH neurons, through stimulation of afferent kisspeptin neurons in the rostral periventricular area of the third ventricle (RP3VKISS1 neurons), many neuropeptidergic and classical neurotransmitter systems have been shown to regulate the LH surge. Among these, several lines of evidence indicate that the monoamine neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) has an excitatory, permissive, influence over the generation of the surge, via activation of type 2 5-HT (5-HT2) receptors. The mechanisms through which this occurs, however, are not well understood. We hypothesized that 5-HT exerts its influence on the surge by stimulating RP3VKISS1 neurons in a 5-HT2 receptor-dependent manner.

Methods

We tested this using kisspeptin neuron-specific calcium imaging and electrophysiology in brain slices obtained from male and female mice.

Results

We show that exogenous 5-HT reversibly increases the activity of the majority of RP3VKISS1 neurons. This effect is more prominent in females than in males, is likely mediated directly at RP3VKISS1 neurons and requires activation of 5-HT2 receptors. The functional impact of 5-HT on RP3VKISS1 neurons, however, does not significantly vary during the estrous cycle.

Conclusion

Taken together, these data suggest that 5-HT2 receptor-mediated stimulation of RP3VKISS1 neuron activity might be involved in mediating the influence of 5-HT on the preovulatory LH surge.
A molecular dynamics investigation on CO2–H2O–CH4 surface tension and CO2–CH4–H2O–graphite sheet contact angles
Authors: Yong Wei , Wei Zhi-jie , Liu Yu-yang , Wang De-qiang , Cui Yong-zheng
Published: October 2023

Introduction: We perform molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of nanoscopic liquid water drops on a graphite substrate mimicking the carbon-rich pore surface in the presence of CH4/CO2 mixtures at temperatures in the range 300 K–473 K.

Methods: The surface tension in MD simulation is calculated via virial expression, and the water droplet contact angle is obtained through a cylindric binning procedure.

Results: Our results for the interfacial tension between water and methane as a function of pressure and for the interfacial tension between water and CH4/CO2 mixtures as a function of their composition agree well with the experimental and computational literature.

Discussion: The modified Young’s equation has been proven to bridge the macroscopic contact angle and microscopic contact with the experimental literature. The water droplet on both the artificially textured surface and randomly generated surface exhibits a transition between the Wenzel and Cassie–Baxter states with increased roughness height, indicating that surface roughness enhances the hydrophobicity of the solid surface.
Development of regional height growth model for Scots pine using repeated airborne laser scanning data
Authors: Janiec Piotr , Tymińska-Czabańska Luiza , Hawryło Paweł , Socha Jarosław
Published: October 2023

The rapid development of remote sensing technologies is creating unprecedented opportunities for monitoring and inventorying forest ecosystems. One advantage of remote sensing data is that it can be used to monitor and measure tree growth in near real-time, providing extremely useful data for growth modelling. This study used Aerial Laser Scanning (ALS) data from 14,920 Scots pine stands for the Katowice Regional Directorate of State Forests in southwestern Poland. We tested the possibility of calibrating a regional height growth model for Scots pine for a study area covering 754 thousands of hectares of forests. The model was validated with models developed for Scots pine using the traditional approach based on field data. Our results show that the model calibrated using remote sensing data does not differ significantly from the model calibrated using traditional field measurements from stem analysis. What is more, using a model developed from ALS data gives even better accuracy in modelling height growth than a traditional model calibrated with ground data. Our results are promising for the application of repeated ALS data to the development of regional height growth models, allowing long-term prediction of tree growth under current climatic conditions.