bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PERFIL DOCENTE E O DESEMPENHO NO ENADE 2015 DOS CURSOS DE ADMINISTRAÇÃO E CIÊNCIAS CONTÁBEIS DO ESTADO DE SANTA CATARINA
Authors: Gripa Sidnei , Guarise Marinei Abreu Mattos , Hein Nelson
Published: November 2023

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a relação entre o perfil docente e a nota contínua do ENADE dos cursos de Administração (ADM) e Ciências Contábeis (CC) das IES Catarinenses. A pesquisa classificou-se como descritiva com abordagem quantitativa, utilizando-se de dados secundários provindos do censo da educação superior. Foram coletados dados de 148 cursos que participaram do ENADE de ADM e Ciências CC no ano de 2015 e obtiveram a nota contínua. Os dados foram analisados mediante regressão linear múltipla com utilização do software SPSS v.22. Os resultados indicam que as variáveis relativas ao perfil docente como, Número de Docentes, Nota Bruta de Mestres, Nota Bruta de Doutores e Nota Bruta do Regime de Trabalho, explicam 24% e 22% na Nota Contínua do ENADE dos acadêmicos dos cursos de ADM e CC, respectivamente. Analisando os dois cursos simultaneamente, o perfil docente explica 22% na Nota Contínua do ENADE. Ao analisar os dados dos cursos individualmente e de forma simultânea observou-se não haver diferença na relação entre a Nota Bruta do Regime de Trabalho e o desempenho dos acadêmicos, apresentando uma influência negativa. Conclui-se que apesar de essas variáveis do perfil docente terem uma grande relevância para o cálculo do CPC, elas pouco influenciaram o desempenho dos alunos na Nota Contínua do ENADE.

Palavras-chave: ENADE. IES. Perfil Docente. Administração. Ciências Contábeis.

 

ABSTRACT

The study had the aim to analyze the relationship between the teacher profile and ENADE continuous grading of Business Administration and Accounting Sciences, Courses of the IES Santa Catarina. The survey is classified as per of the descriptive with the quantitative approach, using secondary data census stemmed from higher education. It was collecting data from 148 courses that took part in the ENADE of Business Administration and Accounting Science in the year 2015 and obtained a continuous mark. Through multiple linear regression using SPSS software v. 22, the data were analyzed. The results indicated that the variables concerning teacher profile as, Number of Teachers, master’s Gross Grade, Doctors Gross Grade, and Working hours gross grade, explains the 24% and 22% on the ENADE Continuous Grading of the students of Business Administration and Accounting Sciences Courses, respectively. After analyzing simultaneously, the two Courses, teacher profile explains the 22% of the ENADE Continuous Grading. By analyzing the data of the courses individually and simultaneously, it observed that there is no difference in the relationship between the Gross Grade of Working hours and the academic performance, showing a negative influence. It concluded that despite these variables of the teacher profile has great importance for the calculation of the CPC, they barely influenced students’ performance on the ENADE Continuous Grading.

Keywords: ENADE. HEI. Teaching Profile. Business Administration. Accounting Sciences.
Peningkatan Kemampuan Pemecahan Masalah dan Motivasi Belajar dalam Pembelajaran Tematik dengan Model Arias Pada Siswa Kelas IV SD Negeri 27 Bengkulu Tengah
Authors: Nurralita Indah Nurralita , Winarni Endang Widi , Koto Irwan Koto
Published: November 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untukmendeskripsikan penerapan model ARIAS, peningkatan kemampuan pemecahan masalah, peningkatan motivasi belajarpada pembelajaran tematik siswa.Metode penelitian yang digunakan yaitu penelitian tindakan kelas (PTK). Subjek penelitian adalah Kelas IV SD Negeri 27 Bengkulu Tengah. Prosedur penelitian dengan metode siklus yakni siklus I sampai siklus III.Teknik pengumpulan data observasi, angket dan dokumentasi. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dan  pembahasannya,disimpulkan bahwa pembelajaran tematik dengan model ARIAS: (1) Dapat meningkatkan aktivitas pembelajaran siswa, (2) Meningkatkan motivasi belajar, dan (3) Meningkatkan kemampuan pemecahan masalah.
Pengaruh Model Concept Sentence dengan Pendekatan CLIL terhadap Pengetahuan dan Keterampilan Krangan Narasi Kelas V
Authors: Sari Ratna , Muktadir Abdul , Hambali Daimun
Published: November 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of the concept sentence model with the CLIL approach to the knowledge and skills of writing narrative essays in class V of the Rejang Lebong V. group This type of research is quantitative research using the Quasi Experimental Research method with One Group Pretest and Posttest Design. The population in this study were all fifth grade students of Rejang Lebong Public Elementary School grade A accredited A, totaling 222 students, namely SDN 110, SDN 111, and SDN 114. The sampling technique was using cluster random sampling. The sample in this study consisted of 1 study group, which was an experimental class consisting of 32 students from 111 Rejang Lebong Elementary Schools. The research instrument was used in the form of a 5W + 1H narrative essay knowledge and writing skill given through the pre-test before the learning took place and the post-test after the learning took place. The research data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, prerequisite tests, and inferential analysis, namely one sample t-test. Data were obtained from the results of the study of the average pretest experimental class knowledge (53) and the average pretest experimental class skills (42). While the research data of posttest average experimental class knowledge (68) and posttest average experimental class skills (69). One sample of the results of the t-test is knowledge of the posttest value indicating sig. (2-tailed) (0.468)> ? (0.05). For this reason Ho was rejected. And for the posttest test sample the narrative essay writing skills show sig. (2-tailed) (0.552)> ? (0.05). For this reason Ho was rejected. Because both hypotheses are Ho which is rejected, which means Ha is accepted. Thus it can be concluded that there is an effect of the application of the concept of sentence learning models with the CLIL approach to the knowledge and skills of writing narrative essays in class V SDN Group V Rejang Lebong. The difference is shown after students follow the narrative text learning by applying the concept of sentence learning models with the CLIL approach.
Rancang Bangun Dispenser Otomatis Untuk Tunanetra Berbasis Microcontroller
Authors: Febriandirza Arafat , Sahuri Abdiel Alpriyan Gempa Alamsyah
Published: November 2023

Air bagi manusia merupakan kebutuhan primer, karena 70% tubuh manusia terdiri dari air. Penggunaan dispenser di masyarakat sering ditemukan, karena kemudahan dan kebersihan untuk menyimpan persediaan air minum. Tunanetra adalah istilah di masyarakat untuk orang yang memiliki keterbatasan indra penglihatan. Tidak jarang penyandang tunanetra mengalami kesulitan dalam melakukan aktifitas pengambilan air. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membangun rancangan dispenser otomatis yang mampu membantu penyandang tunanetra untuk menghindari cidera saat mengambil air di dispenser. Dispenser otomatis dirancang menggunakan dua mikrokontroler yaitu atmega32 dan esp8266 dimana mikrokontroler esp8266 tersebut sudah memiliki fitur wifi yang dapat terkoneksi dengan internet. Dispenser otomatis memiliki 2 buah sensor ultrasonik sebagai input sinyal untuk mendeteksi objek yang menghalangi pancaran sensor ultrasonik. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa dispenser otomatis mampu bekerja dengan dua mikrokontroller dan dapat saling komunikasi antar mikrokontroller, dapat terkoneksi dengan telegram melalui modul wifi di nodemcu, saling mengirim dan menerima pesan. Mikrokontroler Arduino uno atmega32 sebagai pusat pengendalian sistem.Kata Kunci: Tunanetra, Dispenser Otomatis, Arduino Uno Atmega32, NodeMCU ESP8266, Sensor Ultrasonik
IMPLEMENTASI METODE FORWARD CHAINING DALAM PEMBUATAN SISTEM PAKAR PEMILIHAN JURUSAN KULIAH BERDASARKAN HASIL TES KEPRIBADIAN DAN KECERDASAN MAJEMUK (STUDI KASUS: CORIEN CENTER)
Authors: Andreswari Desi , Wijanarko Andang , Yolanda Gina Laxmi
Published: November 2023

Sistem Pakar Pemilihan Jurusan Kuliah Berdasarkan Hasil Tes Kepribadian dan Kecerdaan Majemuk merupakan sebuah sistem yang dapat memberikan rekomendasi jurusan kuliah bagi siswa sesuai dengan kepribadian dan kecerdasan majemuk yang dimiliki. Kepribadian yang dimaksudkan berdasarkan teori kepribadian pada buku Psikologi Islam yang Sempurna karya dr. Raaehanul Bahrean yang mana dr. Raehanul mengambil pengetahuan dari buku Personality Plus karangan Florence Littauer. Sedangkan Kecerdasan Majemuk yang dimaksudkan merupakan teori Howard Gardner seorang psikolog dan ahli Pendidikan dari Universitas Harvard dengan judul penelitian yaitu “Frames of Mind”.  Masing-masing jenis kepribadian akan dikolaborasikan dengan  jenis kecerdasan majemuk sehingga menghasilkan 672 kombinasi dan akan menghasilkan 168 kelompok jurusan kuliah menggunakan metode forward chaining sebagai mesin ineferensinya. Berdasarkan hasil uji akurasi antara hasil tes manual dan tes dengan sistem untuk jenis kepribadian adalah sebesar 76,66% dan hasil tes manual dan tes dengan sistem untuk jenis kecerdasan majemuk adalah sebesar 86,66%. Dari uji akurasi terhadap 47 mahasisa dari masing-masing program studi di Universitas Bengkulu yang membandingkan antara jurusan kuliah mereka saat ini dengan rekomendasi jurusan kuliah dari jenis kepribadian dan jenis kecerdasan majemuk didapatkan hasil sebanyak 63,83% mahasiswa mengambil jurusan kuliah yang tidak sesuai dengan kepribadian dan kecerdasan majemuk mereka. Pengujian keberhasilan fungsional sistem menggunakan black box testing sebesar 100%.Kata Kunci: Sistem Pakar, Kecerdasan, Kepribadian, Kelompok Jurusan Kuliah, Forward Chaining.
Model of spike propagation reliability along the myelinated axon distorted by axonal intrinsic noise sources.
Authors: Kuriščák E , Trojan S , Wünsch Z
Published: November 2023

We investigated how selected electromorphological parameters of myelinated axons influence the preservation of interspike intervals when the propagation of action potentials is corrupted by axonal intrinsic noise. Hereby we tried to determine how the intrinsic axonal noise influences the performance of axons serving as carriers for temporal coding. The strategy of this coding supposes that interspike intervals presented to higher order neurons would minimally be deprived of information included in interspike intervals at the axonal initial segment. Our experiments were conducted using a computer model of the myelinated axon constructed in a software environment GENESIS (GEneral NEural SImulation System). We varied the axonal diameter, myelin sheath thickness, axonal length, stimulation current and channel distribution to determine how these parameters influence the role of noise in spike propagation and hence in preserving the interspike intervals. Our results, expressed as the standard deviation of spike travel times, showed that by stimulating the axons with regular rectangular pulses the interspike intervals were preserved with a microsecond accuracy. Stimulating the axons with pulses imitating postsynaptic currents, greater changes of interspike intervals were found, but the influence of implemented noise on the jitter of interspike intervals was approximately the same.
Purification and properties of ornithine carbamoyltransferase from loggerhead turtle liver.
Authors: Bellocco E , Di Salvo C , Lagan G , Leuzzi U , Tellone E , Kotyk A , Galtieri A
Published: November 2023

Ornithine carbamoyltransferase has been purified from the liver of the loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta by a single-step procedure using chromatography on an affinity column to which the transition-state analogue, d-N-(phosphonoacetyl)- L-ornithine (d-PALO), was covalently bound. The procedure employed yielded an enzyme which was purified 373-fold and was judged to be homogeneous by nondenaturing and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The enzyme showed a specific activity of 224. The molar mass of the C. caretta enzyme was approximately 112 kDa, the single band obtained by SDS-PAGE indicated a subunit molar mass of 39.5 kDa; hence, the enzyme is a trimer of identical subunits. It catalyzes an ordered sequential mechanism in which carbamoyl phosphate binds first, followed by L-ornithine. The Michaelis constants were 0.858 mM for L-ornithine and 0.22 mM for carbamoyl phosphate, the dissociation constant of the enzyme-carbamoyl phosphate complex was 0.50 mM.
Condiciones de habitabilidad y usos del espacio público en migrantes internacionales de Temuco, Chile
Authors: Canales Urriola Jorge Ariel , Riquelme Brevis Hernán
Published: November 2023

The objective of the article is to describe the living conditions of theinternational migrant population and their practices of use of urban public spaces in the city of Temuco, Chile. Under a non-experimental, exploratory-descriptive and quantitative design, a survey was applied to a sample of Temuco’s foreigner residents (n= 200), using descriptive statistics for the analysis. The results indicate that the local real estate market shows incipient signs of exclusion, while low rates of use of urban spaces are observed.Theseevidencesareprobably related to the recent nature of migratory flows in the city. The article contributesto thediscussionabout the relationship between urban space and migration from a statistical approach to the intermediate cities ofsouthern Chile, still understudied. It is concluded that it is necessary to analyze the specific realities of neighborhoods to arrive at more conclusive answers.
Application by the court of an effective method of protection, which is not established by law or contract: some civil-procedural issues
Authors: Shabalin Andriy
Published: November 2023

The article deals with civil procedural issues related to the application of an effective method of protection by the court, if the law or contract does not establish such a method of protection of the violated, unrecognized or contested right, freedom or interest of the person who appealed to the court. court. The main theoretical provisions regarding the application of an effective way of protecting the violated right by the court have been studied, the civil procedural legislation and relevant judicial practice have been analyzed. It is noted that the procedure for determining the method of protection by the court, which is not defined by law or contract, should be considered in combination with other provisions of the Central Committee of Ukraine, in particular with the norms determining the form and content. statement of claim. It is noted that the court does not have the right to independently determine an effective method of protection of the violated, unrecognized or contested right, freedom or interest of the person who appealed to the court, if such a method of protection is not defined in the law or contract. A similar duty is placed on the plaintiff, who must independently determine such, as well as justifythe effectiveness of the chosen method of protection and prove that the chosen method of protection does not contradict the law, that is, such a method should not violate the rights of the defendant or other persons or cause harm. It is noted that when deciding on the application of an effective method of protection, if such a method of protection is not defined by the law or contract, the court must proceed from one of the following criteria: 1) the method of protection, which is defined in the law or the contract, is not effective for the protection of the corresponding violated or unrecognized right or interest; 2) the plaintiff's claim regarding the method of protection set forth in the lawsuit is not effective in terms of protecting the violated right and restoring it. 3) the method of defense chosen by the plaintiff does not contradict the law. Based on the results of the research, legislative proposals were formulated to improve the institutionof the court's use of an effective method of protection in civil proceedings.
KOMUNIKASI PSEUDONYM PENGGUNA MEDIA SOSIAL WHISPER
Authors: Adiyanto Wiwid , Putra Eagan Murtadho Dita
Published: November 2023

Studi ini berupaya mendeskripsikan pola komunikasi pseudonym dari pengguna media sosial Whisper. Whisper menawarkan pengalaman untuk bebas berekspresi di ruang siber, termasuk mengenai isu-isu sensitif ataupun tentang orang-orang terdekat tanpa teridentifikasi langsung secara personal oleh pengguna lainnya. Di sisi lain, tidak mudah untuk menjadi sepenuhnya anonim melalui pseudonym dalam berinteraksi. Anonim bukan sesuatu yang bersifat biner. Lebih jauh lagi, alih-alih mendapatkan jaminan untuk bebas berekspresi, media sosial berbasis anonim memungkinkan penggunanya melakukan cyberbullying, pelecehan seksual, penipuan, dengan kurangnya pertanggungjawaban. Penelitian ini berusaha untuk mendeskripsikan pola komunikasi pseudonym dari pengguna media sosial Whisper. Teori Difusi Inovasi dan teori Penggunaan dan Kepuasan digunakan sebagai pijakan akademis. Penelitian ini merupakan studi etnografi virtual dengan jenis penelitian kualitatif yang bersifat deskriptif. Paradigma dalam penelitian ini adalah interpretif. Temuan penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa komunikasi pseudonym melalui Whisper dijadikan sebagai penyalur ketidakpuasan, pengakuan, pencarian informasi, dan pencarian teman. Penelitian ini juga menemukan pelecehan dan titik masuk prostitusi. Komunikasi pseudonym tidak menjadikan para penggunanya menjadi setara. Literasi digital dan kesadaran untuk melakukan komunikasi di ruang publik berbasis internet oleh para penggunanya mutlak diperlukan.
Side-effects of laser weeding: quantifying off-target risks to earthworms (Enchytraeids) and insects (Tenebrio molitor and Adalia bipunctata)
Authors: Andreasen Christian , Vlassi Eleni , Johannsen Kenneth S. , Jensen Signe M.
Published: November 2023

With challenges posed by chemical and mechanical weed control, there are now several research and commercial projects underway to develop autonomous vehicles equipped with lasers to control weeds in field crops. Recognition systems based on artificial intelligence have been developed to locate and identify small weed seedlings, and mirrors can direct a laser beam towards the target to kill the weed with heat. Unlike chemical and mechanical weed control, laser weeding only exposes a small area of the field for the treatment. Laser weeding leaves no chemicals in the field after the treatment or does not move the soil which may harm crop roots and non-target organisms. Yet, it is well-known that laser beams can harm living organisms; the effect on the environment and fauna should be studied before laser weeding becomes a common practice. This project aimed to study the effect of laser on some living non-target organisms. We investigated the effect of laser treatment on the mortality of two species of earthworms (Enchytraeus albidus and Enchytraeus crypticus), larvae, pupas, and beetles of yellow mealworm beetles (Tenebrio molitor) and the two-spotted lady beetle (Adalia bipunctata) for increasing dosages of laser energy. In all earthworms experiments except one, the mortality rates of the worms living in the uppermost soil layer of clay, sandy, and organic soil exposed to laser heating were not significantly different from the controls even with laser dosages up to 23.8 J mm-2. Laser doses sufficient to kill plants were lethal to the insects, and lower doses that did not kill plants, killed or harmed the insects across all life stages tested. The larger beetles survived higher doses than smaller. Laser weeding is a relatively new technology and not yet widely practiced or commercialized. Therefore, we do not discuss and compare the costs of the different weeding methods at this early stage of the development of the technology.
Modeling relation among implementing AI-based drones and sustainable construction project success
Authors: Waqar Ahsan , Othman Idris , Hamah Sor Nadhim , Alshehri Abdullah Mohammed , Almujibah Hamad R. , Alotaibi Badr Saad , Abuhussain Mohammed Awad , Bageis Abdulrahman S. , Althoey Fadi , Hayat Saleh , Benjeddou Omrane , Alsulamy Saleh Hamed , Aljarbou Mishal
Published: November 2023

Project failure is a persistent challenge in the construction industry, rendering it one of the most demanding sectors. Many obstacles, including safety concerns, quality management issues, environmental preservation challenges, economic sustainability, privacy constraints, and legal regulations, weigh heavily on construction projects. However, a beacon of hope emerges in AI-powered drones capable of surmounting these challenges and paving the path to resounding project success. This study employed diverse methodologies, engaging subject-matter experts through interviews and conducting pilot and primary surveys. Our analytical arsenal featured Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) for the pilot survey and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) for the primary survey. Our research revolves around a singular mission: elevating building project success by dismantling the barriers that have impeded the widespread adoption of AI-driven drones in construction. The study’s verdict is clear: privacy and legal constraints, coupled with economic and sustainability challenges, alongside human resource management dilemmas, constitute the formidable triumvirate obstructing the ubiquitous embrace of drones in construction. Yet, the impact of breaching these barriers reverberates far beyond overcoming these hurdles. It cascades into public health and safety, environmental conservation, quality management, and economic sustainability, culminating in an amalgam of enhanced Building Project Success. The implications of our findings are profound for the construction industry. They beckon the sector to confront and surmount the legal and regulatory barriers to adopting AI-based drones. A clarion call to invest in human resources to empower technology integration resounds. And, perhaps most importantly, it beckons the industry to embrace the profound economic and sustainability advantages of embracing these cutting-edge technologies. Furthermore, our study underscores that adopting AI-powered drones in construction is not merely about project success; it catalyzes fostering public health, safeguarding the environment, ensuring top-tier quality management, and fortifying economic sustainability. These interwoven facets illuminate the broader canvas of drone technology’s transformative role in construction.
Non-contrast cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance-based radiomics nomogram for predicting microvascular obstruction after reperfusion in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Liu Xiaowen , Xu Ting , Peng Yongjia , Yuan Jialin , Wang Shuxing , Xu Wuyan , Gong Jingshan
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to develop and validate a cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-based radiomics nomogram model for predicting microvascular obstruction (MVO) following reperfusion in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

In total, 167 consecutive STEMI patients were retrospectively enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into training and validation cohorts with a ratio of 7:3. All patients were diagnosed with myocardial infarction with or without MVO based on late gadolinium enhancement imaging. Radiomics features were extracted from the cine CMR end-diastolic volume phase of the entire left ventricular myocardium (3D volume). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was employed to select the features that were most relevant to the MVO; these features were then used to calculate the radiomics score (Rad-score). A combined model was developed based on independent risk factors screened using multivariate regression analysis and visualized using a nomogram. Performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

The univariate analysis of clinical features demonstrated that only cardiac troponin I (cTNI) was significantly associated with MVO. LASSO regression revealed that 12 radiomics features were strongly associated with MVO. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that cTNI and Rad-score were independent risk factors for MVO. The nomogram based on these two features achieved an area under the curve of 0.86 and 0.78 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. Calibration curves and DCA indicated the clinical feasibility and utility of the nomogram.

Conclusions

A CMR-based radiomics nomogram offers an effective means of predicting MVO without contrast agents and radiation, which could facilitate risk stratification of patients with STEMI after PCI for reperfusion.
Employing convolution-enhanced attention mechanisms for earthquake detection and phase picking models
Authors: Wang Shuwang , Liu Feng , Yin Xin-xin , Chen Kerui , Cai Run
Published: November 2023

In response to the challenge of improving the performance of deep learning models for earthquake detection in low signal-to-noise ratio environments, this article introduces a new earthquake detection model called ECPickNet. Drawing inspiration from the EQTransformer, this model leverages Convolution-Enhanced Transformer technology, Conformer architecture, and incorporates the Residual Stacking Block Unit with Channel-Skipping (RSBU-CS) module. The manuscript provides a detailed overview of the model’s network architecture, parameter settings used during the training process, and compares it with several similar methods through a series of experiments. The experimental results highlight ECPickNet’s well performance on both the STEAD and Gansu datasets, particularly performing exceptionally well in the processing of low signal-to-noise ratio data. Interested readers can access and download the proposed method from the following website address: https://github.com/20041170036/EcPick.
Defect detection method for key area guided transmission line components based on knowledge distillation
Authors: Zhao Zhenbing , Lv Xuechun , Xi Yue , Miao Siyu
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The aim of this paper is to address the problem of the limited number of defect images for both metal tools and insulators, as well as the small range of defect features.

Methods: A defect detection method for key area-guided transmission line components based on knowledge distillation is proposed. First, the PGW (Prediction-Guided Weighting) module is introduced to improve the foreground target distillation region, and the distillation range is precisely concentrated in the position of the first k feature pixels with the highest quality score in the form of a mask. The feature knowledge of defects of hardware and insulators is used as the focus for the teacher network to guide the student network. Then, the GcBlock module is used to capture the relationship between the target defects of the hardware and the transmission lines in the background, and the overall relationship information of the image is used to promote the students’ network to learn the teacher’s network perception ability of the relationship information. Finally, the classification task mask and regression task mask generated by the PGW module, combined with the overall image relationship loss, form a distillation loss function for network training to improve the accuracy of students’ network detection accuracy.

Results and Discussion: The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by using self-build metal fittings and insulator defect data sets. The experimental results show that the student network mAP_50 (Mean Average Precision at 50) in the Faster R-CNN model with the knowledge distillation algorithm added in this paper increases by 8.44%, and the RetinaNet model increases by 2.6%. The Cascade R-CNN model improved by 5.28%.
Reduced grazing and changes in the area of agroforestry in Europe
Authors: Rubio-Delgado Judit , Schnabel Susanne , Burgess Paul J. , Burbi Sara
Published: November 2023

Agroforestry integrates woody vegetation with crop and/or livestock production to benefit from the ecological and economic interactions. The objective of this paper is to systematically determine the spatial distribution of agroforestry in the EU, and changes in the areas and types of agroforestry from 2009 to 2018. This was achieved using the Land Use/Cover Area Statistical (LUCAS) dataset. Agroforestry was categorised into silvopastoral, silvoarable, agrosilvopastoral, grazed permanent crops, intercropped permanent crops and kitchen gardens systems. In our categorisation of ‘agroforestry’, sites combing trees and shrubs with understorey grass or forage were required to show evidence of grazing. In 2018, the total area of agroforestry in the EU28 was 114,621 km2 equivalent to 6.4% of the utilised agricultural area (UAA), and a majority located in the Mediterranean bioregion. Silvopastoral was the most widespread system, representing 81% of the total agroforestry area (5% of UAA), with almost a third of that area present in Spain. An initial analysis of the LUCAS data suggested that the area of agroforestry increased from 2009 to 2012, before declining from 2012 to 2018. However our subsequent analysis suggests that the area of agroforestry in 2009 was underestimated due to a mis-categorisation of some grazing areas. After making corrections, we calculated that the area of agroforestry (using the above definitions) in the EU23 (a full-time sequence for the EU28 is unavailable) declined by 47% between 2009 and 2018. This decline is primarily due to a reduction in outdoor grazing, perhaps driven by reduced livestock numbers and/or permanent livestock housing. The only agroforestry system showing an increase was kitchen gardens (7%). The paper highlights the usefulness of the LUCAS dataset for studying the extent of agroforestry in Europe, but also potential limitations in terms of the consistency of the location of data points and the categorisation of grazing. The paper also argues that although the area of within-field agroforestry may be declining, the drive towards net zero greenhouse gas emissions may be re-establishing the link between increased tree cover and food production at a farm-level.
Advancements in the treatment of mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome: monoclonal antibodies, immunotherapies, and Janus kinase inhibitors
Authors: Quadri Iman , Reneau John C. , Hanel Walter , Chung Catherine G.
Published: November 2023

Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are forms of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) that pose significant challenges in their clinical management, particularly in refractory and advanced-stage disease. With the emergence of novel therapeutic modalities however, there are increasing opportunities to exploit the current understanding of pathophysiologic mechanisms of MF/SS for treatment. This review summarizes recent advances in the treatment of MF/SS, with a focus on monoclonal antibodies, immunotherapies, and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, including ongoing clinical trials.
Invariant NKT cells are more abundant in peanut-allergic adults and a subset of CD8+ iNKT cells are depleted after peanut oil exposure
Authors: Hopkins Georgina V. , Cochrane Stella , Onion David , Fairclough Lucy C.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Peanut allergy is one of the most prevalent food allergies globally. Currently, most research into the mechanisms involved in protein allergy focuses on the protein allergens under investigation, and information on the function of accompanying compounds, such as lipids, is scarce. Thus, this research investigates the role of peanut-associated lipids and invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells in peanut allergy using a novel, human, in vitro assay.

Methods

PBMCs from non-allergic and peanut-allergic subjects were stimulated with the glycolipid, α-Galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), over 14 days for iNKT cell expansion. Autologous dendritic cells (DCs) were stimulated with either peanut oil, the lipid-binding peanut allergen, Ara h 8, or both peanut oil and Ara h 8. The expanded iNKT cells were then immunomagnetically isolated and co-cultured for 5 h with autologous DCs, and cytokine expression was measured by flow cytometry.

Results

A 5-fold higher iNKT cell population was observed in peanut-allergic subject peripheral blood compared to non-allergic controls. In all subjects, conventional flow analysis highlighted iNKTs co-cultured with autologous α-GalCer-pulsed DCs displayed increased IL-4 and IFN-y secretion within 5 hours of co-culture. A 10-parameter unsupervised clustering analysis of iNKT phenotype found significantly more CD3+CD8+CD25+IL-4+IL-5+IL-10+IFNγ+ cells in non-allergic adults following culture with peanut oil.

Conclusion

For the first time, we show iNKT cells are more abundant in peanut-allergic adults compared to non-allergic adults, and peanut lipid-exposed iNKT cells resulted in the identification of a subset of CD8+ iNKT cells which was significantly lower in peanut-allergic adults. Thus, this study proposes a role for iNKT cells and peanut allergen-associated lipids in peanut allergy.
NK cell exhaustion in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Jia Hao , Yang Hongmei , Xiong Huaxing , Luo Kathy Qian
Published: November 2023

Natural killer (NK) cells kill mutant cells through death receptors and cytotoxic granules, playing an essential role in controlling cancer progression. However, in the tumor microenvironment (TME), NK cells frequently exhibit an exhausted status, which impairs their immunosurveillance function and contributes to tumor immune evasion. Emerging studies are ongoing to reveal the properties and mechanisms of NK cell exhaustion in the TME. In this review, we will briefly introduce the maturation, localization, homeostasis, and cytotoxicity of NK cells. We will then summarize the current understanding of the main mechanisms underlying NK cell exhaustion in the TME in four aspects: dysregulation of inhibitory and activating signaling, tumor cell-derived factors, immunosuppressive cells, and metabolism and exhaustion. We will also discuss the therapeutic approaches currently being developed to reverse NK cell exhaustion and enhance NK cell cytotoxicity in the TME.
Deriving fine-scale patterns of sea surface temperature in coral reef habitats using the Landsat 8 thermal infrared sensor
Authors: Zuo Xiu-Ling , Yu Ke-Fu , Qin Bin-Ni , Duan Xiao-Peng , Yao Zuo-Fang , Su Fen-Zhen
Published: November 2023

The available sea surface temperature (SST) products are too coarse to assess the fine-scale (<1 km) SST variations related to coral bleaching. In this study, we proposed an optimal SST inversion model using Landsat 8 thermal infrared sensor (TIRS) images to derive fine-scale SST patterns in the coral reef habitats of the Xisha Islands, South China Sea. Our study included two parts: 1) six SST inversion models were developed using the radiative transfer method and the split window (SW) algorithm in the hot season and cool season, from which the optimal SST inversion model was determined; and 2) the optimal model was applied to 47 Landsat 8 TIRS images to derive the SST spatial and temporal pattern among the geomorphic zones of six reefs in hot and cool season conditions. Compared with the measured sea temperature data and the verified MODIS SST products, the SST6 model using the SW algorithm was optimal, with an RMSE of approximately 0.64°C in the hot season. The average SST results usually had a pattern of reef flat > lagoon > reef slope/offshore sea. The reef flat was usually approximately 0.05°C–0.2°C hotter than the lagoon in the hot season. The SST in the lagoon also increased from south to north and the shallow lagoon was usually warmer than the deep lagoon in the hot season. Our results suggested that scleractinian corals in the reef flat and the lagoon were more susceptible to bleaching-level thermal stress than other geomorphic zones. During the cool season, the SST fluctuated markedly among coral reefs and geomorphic zones.
A follow-up study of 100 patients with acute brucellosis for its prognosis and prevention
Authors: Bai Long , Ta Na , Zhao Aoning , Muren Huhe , Li Xueyong , Wang Buhe Chaolu , Bagen Hurile , Wen Yongjun
Published: November 2023

Objective

To prevent chronic brucellosis, this study analysed the changes in patient antibody titers, and the trajectories of biochemical indicators at different stages of brucellosis, identified relevant biomarkers, and explored risk factors affecting the prognosis of brucellosis patients.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted to follow 100 patients with acute brucellosis. Laboratory serological test results [taken with a serum (tube) agglutination test (SAT)] and biochemical parameters (liver function, renal function, and hematological system) were measured repeatedly at four-time points: 0 weeks—baseline survey, 6 weeks after the first treatment, 12 weeks after the second treatment, and 3 months after the third treatment. The changes in the antibody titres and biochemical parameters at each time point were analysed for trend changes.

Results

One hundred patients with acute brucellosis were enrolled in this follow-up study, with 100% retention in follow-up. By the third follow-up, 21 patients had turned subacute and 11 had turned chronic. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance results showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) across the time points for the following five indicators: alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, serum creatinine (SCr) and platelet count. The clinical symptoms of patients in the acute stage were mainly joint pain, fatigue, and fever, while those in the chronic stage complained primarily of joint pain and fatigue. The results of multivariate logistic analysis showed that joint pain [odds ratio (OR) = 3.652, 95% confidence interval (CI) =1.379–9.672], monoarticular pain (OR = 6.356, 95% CI = 4.660–8.669), elevated SCr (OR = 15.804, 95% CI = 1.644–151.966) and elevated haemoglobin (Hb) (OR = 1.219, 95% CI = 1.065–1.736) were risk factors for poor prognosis (not cured or chronic) in patients with brucellosis.

Conclusion

The trajectory of changes in patient SAT posirates and antibody titers can be used to distinguish patients with chronic brucellosis. The brucellosis is preventable and treatable, and the standard treatment can be effective in reducing the clinical symptoms of affected patients. If patients are not treated in a timely manner, joint pain, monoarticular pain, and elevated SCr are risk factors for patients who are not cured. Therefore, the treatment cycle for these patients should be extended.
Pulmonary disease detection and classification in patient respiratory audio files using long short-term memory neural networks
Authors: Zhang Pinzhi , Swaminathan Alagappan , Uddin Ahmed Abrar
Published: November 2023

Introduction

In order to improve the diagnostic accuracy of respiratory illnesses, our research introduces a novel methodology to precisely diagnose a subset of lung diseases using patient respiratory audio recordings. These lung diseases include Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTI), Bronchiectasis, Pneumonia, and Bronchiolitis.

Methods

Our proposed methodology trains four deep learning algorithms on an input dataset consisting of 920 patient respiratory audio files. These audio files were recorded using digital stethoscopes and comprise the Respiratory Sound Database. The four deployed models are Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), CNN ensembled with unidirectional LSTM (CNN-LSTM), and CNN ensembled with bidirectional LSTM (CNN-BLSTM).

Results

The aforementioned models are evaluated using metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score. The best performing algorithm, LSTM, has an overall accuracy of 98.82% and F1-score of 0.97.

Discussion

The LSTM algorithm's extremely high predictive accuracy can be attributed to its penchant for capturing sequential patterns in time series based audio data. In summary, this algorithm is able to ingest patient audio recordings and make precise lung disease predictions in real-time.
A biological product of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens QST713 strain for promoting banana plant growth and modifying rhizosphere soil microbial diversity and community composition
Authors: Tian Libo , Zhang Wenlong , Zhou Guang-Dong , Li Shu , Wang Yongfen , Yang Baoming , Bai Tingting , Fan Huacai , He Ping , Zheng Si-Jun
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Bananas are not only an important food crop for developing countries but also a major trading fruit for tropical and semitropical regions, maintaining a huge trade volume. Fusarium wilt of banana (FWB) caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense is becoming a serious challenge to the banana industry globally. Biological control has the potential to offer both effective and sustainable measures for this soil-borne disease.

Methods

In order to explore the biocontrol effects of the biological agent Bacillus amyloliquefaciens QST713 strain on banana plants, two cultivars, Brazilian and Yunjiao No. 1, with varied resistance to FWB, were used in greenhouse pot experiments.

Results

Results showed that the plant height and pseudostem diameter of banana-susceptible cultivar Brazilian increased by 11.68% and 11.94%, respectively, after QST713 application, while the plant height and pseudostem diameter of resistant cultivar Yunjiao No. 1 increased by 14.87% and 12.51%, respectively. The fresh weight of the two cultivars increased by 20.66% and 36.68%, respectively, indicating that this biological agent has potential effects on plant growth. Analysis of the rhizosphere soil microbial communities of two different cultivars of banana plants showed that TR4 infection and B. amyloliquefaciens QST713 strain application significantly affected the bacterial and fungal diversity of Yunjiao No. 1, but not in the cultivar Brazilian. In addition, TR4 infection and QST713 application changed the bacterial community composition of both banana cultivars, and the fungal community composition of Yunjiao No. 1 also changed significantly. Relevance analysis indicated that the relative richness of Bacillus and Pseudomonas in the rhizosphere of both cultivars increased significantly after QST713 application, which had a good positive correlation with plant height, pseudostem girth, aboveground fresh weight, leaf length, and leaf width.

Discussion

Therefore, the outcome of this study suggests that the biological agent QST713 strain has potential application in banana production for promoting plant growth and modification of soil microbial communities, particularly in the TR4-infected field.
Homogeneous environmental selection mainly determines the denitrifying bacterial community in intensive aquaculture water
Authors: Zheng Xiafei , Yan Zhongneng , Zhao Chenxi , He Lin , Lin Zhihua , Liu Minhai
Published: November 2023

Nitrate reduction by napA (encodes periplasmic nitrate reductase) bacteria and nitrous oxide reduction by nosZ (encodes nitrous oxide reductase) bacteria play important roles in nitrogen cycling and removal in intensive aquaculture systems. This study investigated the diversity, dynamics, drivers, and assembly mechanisms of total bacteria as well as napA and nosZ denitrifiers in intensive shrimp aquaculture ponds over a 100-day period. Alpha diversity of the total bacterial community increased significantly over time. In contrast, the alpha diversity of napA and nosZ bacteria remained relatively stable throughout the aquaculture process. The community structure changed markedly across all groups over the culture period. Total nitrogen, phosphate, total phosphorus, and silicate were identified as significant drivers of the denitrifying bacterial communities. Network analysis revealed complex co-occurrence patterns between total, napA, and nosZ bacteria which fluctuated over time. A null model approach showed that, unlike the total community dominated by stochastic factors, napA and nosZ bacteria were primarily governed by deterministic processes. The level of determinism increased with nutrient loading, suggesting the denitrifying community can be manipulated by bioaugmentation. The dominant genus Ruegeria may be a promising candidate for introducing targeted denitrifiers into aquaculture systems to improve nitrogen removal. Overall, this study provides important ecological insights into aerobic and nitrous oxide-reducing denitrifiers in intensive aquaculture, supporting strategies to optimize microbial community structure and function.
Development of a recombinase-aided amplification combined with a lateral flow dipstick assay for rapid detection of H7 subtype avian influenza virus
Authors: Zhang Fuyou , Shang Jiajing , Luo Juan , Yin Xin , Yu Xiaohui , Jiang Wenming , Li Jinping , Yuan Liping , Hou Guangyu , Liu Hualei , Li Yang
Published: November 2023

Avian influenza viruses (AIV) pose a significant persistent threat to the public health and safety. It is estimated that there have been over 100 outbreaks caused by various H7 subtypes of avian influenza viruses (AIV-H7) worldwide, resulting in over 33 million deaths of poultry. In this study, we developed a recombinase-aided amplification combined with a lateral flow dipstick assay for the detection of hemagglutinin (HA) genes to provide technical support for rapid clinical detection of AIV-H7. The results showed that the assay can complete the reaction within 30 min at a temperature of 39°C. Specificity tests demonstrated that there was no cross-reactivity with other common poultry pathogens, including Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and infections bronchitis virus (IBV). The detection limit of this assay was 1 × 101 copies/μL, while RT-qPCR method was 1 × 101 copies/μL, and RT-PCR was 1 × 102 copies/μL. The κ value of the RT-RAA-LFD and RT-PCR assay in 132 avian clinical samples was 0.9169 (p < 0.001). These results indicated that the developed RT-RAA-LFD assay had good specificity, sensitivity, stability and repeatability and may be used for rapid detection of AIV-H7 in clinical diagnosis.
Dried tea residue can alter the blood metabolism and the composition and functionality of the intestinal microbiota in Hu sheep
Authors: Guo Liangyong , Yu Shiqiang , Cao Fang , Zheng Kaizhi , Li Manman , Peng Zhenying , Shi Xingyun , Liu Liping
Published: November 2023

Ruminant animals face multiple challenges during the rearing process, including immune disorders and oxidative stress. Green tea by-products have gained widespread attention for their significant immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects, leading to their application in livestock production. In this study, we investigated the effects of Dried Tea Residue (DTR) as a feed additive on the growth performance, blood biochemical indicators, and hindgut microbial structure and function of Hu sheep. Sixteen Hu sheep were randomly divided into two groups and fed with 0 and 100 g/d of DTR, respectively. Data were recorded over a 56-day feeding period. Compared to the control group, there were no significant changes in the production performance of Hu sheep fed with DTR. However, the sheep fed with DTR showed a significant increase in IgA (p < 0.001), IgG (p = 0.005), IgM (p = 0.003), T-SOD (p = 0.013), GSH-Px (p = 0.005), and CAT (p < 0.001) in the blood, along with a significant decrease in albumin (p = 0.019), high density lipoprotein (p = 0.050), and triglyceride (p = 0.021). DTR supplementation enhanced the fiber digestion ability of hindgut microbiota, optimized the microbial community structure, and increased the abundance of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes. Therefore, DTR can be used as a natural feed additive in ruminant animal production to enhance their immune and antioxidant capabilities, thereby improving the health status of ruminant animals.