bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composición e iteración de color para desarrollar arte de concepto de entornos. Exploración de un procedimiento de análisis visual en el desarrollo creativo
Authors: López-Chao Vicente , Meira-Rodríguez Pedro
Published: February 2024

El desarrollo de ideas visuales es un objetivo principal de las industrias de contenido digital, animación y videojuegos. En la etapa inicial del producto, los artistas de concepto prueban numerosas posibilidades de diseño para lograr la imagen más coherente con la idea. El desafío es superar los diseños basados en referencias y proponer soluciones innovadoras que mejoren su singularidad. Por tanto, la capacidad de ofrecer múltiples soluciones basadas en fundamentos gráficos es fundamental. Este artículo arroja luz sobre la importancia de la toma de decisiones detrás del diseño en relación con la composición y el color. Para ello, el diseño de la investigación sigue las pautas del estudio de caso basado en el análisis de imagen de 6 muestras de arte de concepto de entornos. El método de investigación se basa en la superposición gráfica y la edición de imagen para identificar y describir los significados detrás de la toma de decisiones gráficas que determinan el arte de concepto de entornos. Los resultados demuestran que cada caso sigue un razonamiento diferente basado en soluciones gráficas específicas, lo que los convierte en una pieza única que comunica la idea del autor. Además, la investigación proporciona un protocolo visual para los artistas de concepto como estrategia de autocrítica en el proceso creativo.
¿El mejor ejemplo del minimalismo arquitectónico? El caso del Pabellón de Villanueva en 1967
Authors: Chávez Herrera Moisés Orlando
Published: February 2024

Este artículo presenta una revisión crítica sobre la arquitectura del Pabellón de Venezuela para la Expo 67. Aquí se propone un análisis arquitectónico, examinándole con base en sus eventuales vínculos con el Minimal Art (o Minimalismo), y evaluando simultáneamente las construcciones mediáticas escritas y difundidas a través de importantes publicaciones de alcance nacional e internacional. Estas particulares lecturas sobre la obra y su autor conducen al estudio del universo referencial que constituyó parte de los intereses de Carlos Raúl Villanueva y que determinaron la esencia del proyecto y la realización de esta edificación. El método empleado corresponde al del estudio documental, propio de la investigación histórica, basado no sólo en la revisión de la bibliografía asociada con el tema, sino sobre la lectura crítica de artículos aparecidos en periódicos, revistas y publicaciones alrededor del mundo, exponentes de una particular y libre interpretación. Al final, la detenida revisión del pabellón y de su autor posibilita comprender con sensatez las condiciones reales expresadas en esta obra, permitiendo así desmantelar la retórica construcción sobre su identidad minimalista. Tal interpretación provino en realidad de una rápida lectura inicial, epidérmica y parcializada sobre esta arquitectura ferial, oportuno sensacionalismo surgido como respuesta a la novedad del Minimalismo –la tendencia recientemente esbozada por la crítica de la época-, un hecho que fue ampliamente replicado como noticia trascendental por el aparato mediático internacional. Tal distorsión se mantuvo en el tiempo, fungiendo finalmente como discurso legítimo del pabellón y quedando desplazada su verdadera identidad arquitectónica y artística lecorbusieriana, gen referencial de una buena parte de los proyectos y realizaciones de Villanueva a partir de los años 50.
La Caja de Seguro Obligatorio y el Centro de Readaptación Los Maitenes: Arquitectura y medicina en la precordillera maulina (1935)
Authors: López Olivari Christian Andrés , García-Oteiza Samuel Alejandro , Guerrero Valenzuela David Andrés
Published: February 2024

El 15 de diciembre de 1935, la Caja de Seguro Obligatorio inauguró en la precordillera maulina un nuevo armamento de lucha antituberculosa. Este proyecto arquitectónico, denominado “centro de readaptación”, buscaba ser un espacio previo al retorno laboral de pacientes dados de alta desde los sanatorios.Este trabajo se centra en el estudio del Centro de Readaptación Los Maitenes, primer y único proyecto de su tipo en Chile. Se plantea que este centro constituye una pieza importante para conocer y comprender la traducción y habilitación de un proyecto político-médico a un proyecto arquitectónico en un contexto de transición en la relación entre arquitectura y medicina en Chile.El objetivo de la investigación es dar cuenta del valor patrimonial de esta desconocida y olvidada obra, situándola en su contexto de producción tanto nacional como internacional. Articulando distintas fuentes documentales y trabajo de campo fue posible realizar una primera y rigurosa recomposición histórica y arquitectónica del edificio. Actualmente el Centro de Readaptación Los Maitenes se encuentra absolutamenteen ruinas.
Exploring the Pedagogical Significance of Grammar: A Comprehensive Review of Its Role in Language Learning and Teaching
Authors: Ghafar Zanyar Nathir , Sawalmeh Murad Hassan Mohammed
Published: February 2024

In the contemporary era of interactive language instruction, there are several language instructors and students who think that grammar is not necessary when it comes to communication. On the other hand, some specialists maintain that grammar continues to be an essential component in the development of language learning capabilities among students. This review paper aims to explain the role of grammar as a set of rules that governs the structure and formation of sentences in a language. It is helpful because it provides a framework for effective communication by ensuring clarity, coherence, and precision in written and spoken language. A comprehensive investigation is carried out to investigate the significance of grammar in the process of language acquisition and pedagogy, as well as the methods that may be used to successfully include grammar training in language instruction. This review is based on the latest perspectives and findings of several researchers. The findings indicate that grammar encompasses more than a mere compilation of rules or structures. Moreover, possessing a comprehension of grammar might enhance the proficiency of English learners in the process of acquiring it as a foreign language.
Estructura de la comunidad fitoplanctónica en la Laguna Ojo de Liebre (B.C.S.) en febrero 2018.
Authors: Sánchez-Cobarrubias Génesis Verenice , López-Calderón Jorge , Ruiz-De la Torre Mary Carmen , González-Silvera Adriana
Published: February 2024

El propósito de este estudio fue caracterizar a la comunidad del fitoplancton en Laguna Ojo de Liebre, un sitio de gran importancia para la biodiversidad de la Reserva de la Biosfera El Vizcaíno. Utilizamos como parámetros la diversidad, abundancia y dominancia de los principales grupos del fitoplancton (microalgas) y las relacionamos con las variables hidrográficas temperatura y salinidad. Se utilizaron los análisis por microscopía óptica y cromatografía HPLC para cuantificar al fitoplancton en tres grupos de tamaño: microfitoplancton (diatomeas, dinoflagelados), nanofitoplancton (Chromophytas, Cryptophytas) y picofitoplancton (Cyanobacterias, Prochlorophytas). El análisis por HPLC mostró resultados similares al análisis por microscopía, en donde la fucoxantina (pigmento característico del grupo de las diatomeas) fue el carotenoide fotosintético más abundante y predominante en toda la laguna. En cuanto a la temperatura se observó una relación inversa con el microfitoplancton y una relación directa con el nanofitoplancton y el picofitoplancton.
Теорія та практика розвитку соціального інтелекту молодших школярів у сім’ях під час дистанційного навчання
Authors: Суходоля Юлія
Published: February 2024

Стаття присвячена опису теоретичної моделі розвитку соціального інтелекту молодших школярів у сім’ї під час дистанційної форми навчання, яка передбачає наявність мети, завдань, принципів, рівнів та рис взаємодії. Важливою передумовою успішного соціально-психологічного супроводу розвитку соціального інтелекту молодших школярів у сім’ях під час дистанційного навчання є співпраця між школою і сім’єю. При цьому наявність відповідного рівня педагогічної культури у батьків має велике значення. Можливо створити спеціальну програму взаємодії між педагогічним колективом школи і сім’єю, яка буде представляти собою цілісний комплекс методів і форм роботи, спрямований на досягнення загальної мети – створення ефективних умов для формування злагоджених відносин між батьками і дітьми молодшого шкільного віку. Вдала кооперація закладу освіти та сім’ї забезпечується зусиллями педагогів, з одного боку, та збагаченням педагогічних знань батьків та їх активною участю у виховному процесі, – з іншого.Здійснено опис програми авторського тренінгу розвитку соціального інтелекту молодших школярів у сім’ї під час дистанційної форми навчання. Відповідно до запропонованої моделі, яка ґрунтується на відповідному алгоритмі спільних дій сім’ї та школи, надано низку практичних рекомендацій батькам та педагогічним працівникам щодо розвитку компонентів соціального інтелекту молодшого школяра у сім’ї під час дистанційної форми навчання.
Ключові слова: сім’я, молодші школярі, соціальний інтелект, дистанційне навчання, модель, програма, практичні рекомендації.
Ruiz García, V. El navío Oriflame y su tiempo. Un patrimonio cultural de España en la costa de Chile
Authors: Fernández Villaseñor Noni
Published: February 2024

El objetivo, siguiendo el rastro de este buque, es demostrar que el Estado español es legítimo heredero de esa carga como sucesor de la Real Hacienda de Carlos III. Es un libro fundamental para entender el modo en el que se debe conservar y defender el patrimonio subacuático español, al mismo tiempo que pone en valor a los profesionales que se afanan por hacerlo posible.
Hernández León, E. (ed.) Cultura de la frontera, memoria y patrimonio cultural. De la Raya Hispano/Portuguesa y otras fronteras
Authors: Tapia Martín Carlos
Published: February 2024

Reseña del libro Cultura de la frontera, memoria y patrimonio cultural. De la Raya Hispano/Portuguesa y otras fronteras, coordinado por la antropóloga Elodia Hernández León y publicado por la Editorial Comares (Granada) en 2023.
El Manifiesto de Mallorca para el impulso del sector del vidrio artístico y artesanal ha visto la luz
Authors: Giménez Raurell M.ª Cristina
Published: February 2024

El Manifiesto de Mallorca para el impulso del sector del vidrio artístico y artesanal se firmó en Mallorca los pasados 16 y 17 de octubre de 2023 en el seno de la celebración de las II Jornadas Internacionales de Vidrio Contemporáneo. El vidrio en el siglo XXI. En el Manifiesto se recogen todos los aspectos más importantes a tener en cuenta en la protección de esta disciplina: enseñanza, historia, técnica, conservación, restauración, diseño y la difusión. El vidrio se incluyó en la Lista de Patrimonio Cultural Inmaterial de la Humanidad a finales de 2023. Con la firma de este documento, sus creadores persiguen la puesta en marcha de políticas de apoyo al sector.
Libro verde para la gestión sostenible del patrimonio cultural
Authors: Araujo Mamani Nestor
Published: February 2024

Reseña de la publicación digital con título Libro verde para la gestión sostenible del patrimonio cultural editado por la Dirección General de Patrimonio Cultural y Bellas Artes en 2023.
Halal Certification Education with Halal Business Actor Statements (Self Declare) at Kelompok UMK Sahabat in Rasau Jaya West Kalimantan
Authors: Lestari Oke Anandika , Komariyati Komariyati
Published: February 2024

This community service aims to increase the knowledge of MSE in Rasau Jaya, who are members of the “Kelompok UMK Sahabat (KUS)” regarding obtaining halal certification using a halal statement by business actors or Self Declare. The method stages carried out in this activity were identifying KUS profiles, consumer analysis, education, and evaluation. Evaluation was carried out using a questionnaire. The descriptive data obtained was presented in percentage form. The results of this activity showed that 92% of the products produced by KUS were snacks, 78% of KUS consumers stated that halal certification was a determinant in purchasing food products, educational media using brochures was considered to help understand the material provided, and this activity increases knowledge up to 71.43 %. Continuity of activities through assistance in submitting halal certification through the Self Declare was very necessary.
Pelatihan Teknologi Digital Dalam Pengembangan Bisnis Berbasis Smart Entrepreneur Model bagi UMKM SigekArt Silungkang Kota Sawahlunto
Authors: Ramadhan Muhammad Fikri , Stefvany Stefvany
Published: February 2024

This service activity aims to increase knowledge and skills in financial management based on digital technology in business development for SigekArt MSMEs. The method of implementing this community service uses training, which consists of several stages, namely activity administration, digital business management assistance and product innovation. The results of this service show that the understanding of partner business management has increased, especially in digital financial management. Partners are also able to increase production by more than 85% per day. The quality of production stitching is also better and neater, because the PKM team provides business capital and industrial sewing machine equipment to partners. Product innovation can also be carried out by partners because there is always assistance from the PKM team.
Penyuluhan Kesehatan Asuhan Komplementer untuk Mengurangi Ketidaknyamanan Fisiologis Kehamilan di Puskesmas Kalasan Sleman Yogyakarta
Authors: Wahyuni Kenik Sri , Mindarsih Eko , Wahyuningsih Melania , Olvianda Olvianda
Published: February 2024

This service aims to increase pregnant women's knowledge and skills regarding complementary care, which is useful for reducing physiological discomfort during pregnancy. The targets of this service were pregnant women who had complaints of physiological discomfort during pregnancy, especially pregnant women in the second and 3rd trimesters. The method of implementing this service used participatory action, including observation, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), counseling and training. Program evaluation used a questionnaire with descriptive data analysis to assess the knowledge and skills of pregnant women before and after the intervention. The results of the service showed that the characteristics of pregnant women were that most of them are of healthy reproductive age (20 - 35 years), were in their second pregnancy, were in their second trimester of pregnancy, have secondary education and work as private employees. After education and training, there was an increase in knowledge of 37.04% and an increase in skills of 25.92% regarding complementary care during pregnancy. It showed that the outreach and training programs implemented positively contribute and impact in the implementation of complementary pregnancy care to reduce physiological discomfort during pregnancy.
Japan’s Border Measures during Covid-19: How the Crisis Shaped ‘Others’ to Protect the ‘Stability of Self’
Authors: ŞAHİN Vuslat Nur , XIRU Zhao
Published: February 2024

The Covid-19 pandemic has prompted countries to implement a wide range of specific cross-border security measures. The fear and anxiety induced by this crisis have rapidly expanded and contracted countries’ understanding of ‘self’ and ‘other’. This study examines Japan’s shift from liberal pre- Covid-19 border policies to the most stringent border closure measures among the G7 countries during the pandemic. In this study, we argue that the pandemic-induced fear increased anxiety in Japan’s public health safety identity, rapidly reshaping the conceptualization of the ‘self’ and ‘other’ in crisis scenarios. This shift aligns with Japan’s historical narrative of combating unprecedented threats to public health.
Buying and Selling Cosmetics Not Labeled Halal in Bitung City Perspective of Muamalah Jurisprudence
Authors: Yusuf Nasruddin , Botutihe Magfirah , Gonibala Pedro Muhammad Arfi
Published: February 2024

Bitung City is a city located in North Sulawesi whose residents have a high interest in maintaining the performance of their appearance, both women and men. To get a good and beautiful performance and appearance, it is necessary to use beauty tools and cosmetics that support their appearance. The problem is that some cosmetics that are marketed do not have a halal label so they become safe and halal for use in the lens of Islamic law. Some respondents in Bitung City have different views regarding the law on the sale and purchase of cosmetics that are not labeled halal. From the results of the study, it was found that some Muslim users and sellers do not care about the halal label or not in cosmetic products, the most important thing for them is that it has been standardized safe for health issued by BPPOM RI, so in their view it is okay to buy and sell this kind of Some others view the provisions of halal law in products marketed as what causes buying and selling to be legal and halal according to Islamic law. Because the cosmetics marketed are not labeled halal, the cosmetics have the status of sunhat or doubt halalala. Therefore, buying and selling are also categorized as a syubhat buying and selling. Shubhat buying and selling is included in the category of buying and selling that is gharar or vague because of the uncertainty of the legal status of the contents contained in the cosmetics, whether halal or haram. Buying and selling gharar is buying and selling prohibited in the provisions of Islamic Sharia.
Keywords: Cosmetics, Buying and Selling, and Review of Muamalah Jurisprudence
Does Dividend Policy Moderate the Influence of Financial Performance on Firm Value ?
Authors: Kusumawati Rita , Hadiyanto Achmad Faisal
Published: February 2024

This study tries to demonstrate the elements impacting firm value for manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Leverage, profitability, and firm size are the variables that were examined in this study. Manufacturing firms registered on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) for the years 2017–2021 make up the study’s population. Purposive sampling was used to gather the data, and 246 samples were gathered as a result. Multivariate regression analysis (MRA) or interaction tests are used in the study methodology. According to the findings of the hypothesis test, leverage, profitability, and company size all have a positive impact on firm value. The dividend policy can then be used to control the connection between leverage and profitability for firm value.
Creating Millennial Generation Loyalty Through Customer Perceived Value on Halal Local Cosmetic Products
Authors: Immawati Siti Asriah , Jumarno Jumarno , Kasmo Arief Bowo Prayoga , Tafiprios Tafiprios
Published: February 2024

With the rapid growth of Indonesia's cosmetics industry, the cosmetic industry has the opportunity to compete by making halal labelled products.  The aim of this research is to find out how the value the customer considers affects customer loyalty by looking at how satisfied local millennials are with halal cosmetics.  This research involves 250 millennials living in Jabodetabek.  Using Smart-PLS, data is collected through questionnaires distributed through Google Forms.  The results of the analysis show that the value perceived by the customer has a positive and significant impact on the consumer loyalty, the value experienced by the client has a negative and significant effect on consumer satisfaction, and the satisfaction of consumers has a significant and positive effect on the customer loyalty and the average consumer’s satisfaction.
Analysis of The Influence of Digital Banking, Bopo and NPF on Profitability Levels of Sharia Commercial Bank
Authors: Mulatsih Listiana Sri , Purnomo Hadi , Prabantarikso Mahelan , Dhamayanti Sylvia Kartika , Sunarmi Sunarmi
Published: February 2024

This study aims to analyze and examine the factors influencing of digital banking, operating costs to operating income (BOPO) and Non Performance Financing (NPF) on Return on Asset (ROA) in the Islamic Commercial Banks in period 2018-2022. The method of research is using the quantitative and regression analysis. The sample is Islamic Commercial Banks are consistenly publish financial report period 2018-2022 listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange with a total sample of 3 companies. The sampling technique used a purposive sampling. The data analysed with IBM SPSS version 22 and was carried out by several tests such as validity test, realibility test, classic assumption test, linear regression analysis and coefficient of determination test. The results of this study indicate that the digital banking, BOPO and NPF simultaneously and significantly influence on ROA. The results of the partial test demonstrates that the digital banking and NPF has significant effect on ROA. While BOPO has a negative effect on ROA in the Islamic Commercial Banks in period 2018-2022. This research contributes to Islamic banking in order to make effective financing with results sharing and operational cost efficiency in operating income so that performance can be improve financial performance.
Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Šídlová K , Pechová M , Kotaška K , Průša R
Published: February 2024

Aim of the study was to evaluate serum levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in patients with liver cirrhosis and to compare serum IGFBP-3 levels with other liver function tests. Fifty-one patients with liver cirrhosis were selected for our study. We measured IGFBP-3 (1.67±1.06 mg/l, mean ± SD), albumin (32±8 g/l), prealbumin (0.22±0.14 g/l), AST (2.29±2.38 mkat/l), ALT (2.11±4.83 mkat/l) and cholinesterase (mean 78.6±45.2 mkat/l) in the serum. There was a significant positive correlation of serum IGFBP-3 with serum albumin and serum cholinesterase. The correlation coefficient was much lower between serum IGFBP-3 and serum prealbumin. There was no significant correlation between serum AST, ALT and IGFBP-3. Serum IGFBP-3 proves to be a better marker for the hepatic synthetic capacity than serum albumin or cholinesterase.
Does magnesium dysbalance participate in the development of insulin resistance in early stages of renal disease?
Authors: Šebeková K , Štefíková K , Polakovičová D , Spustová V , Dzúrik R
Published: February 2024

We investigated the potential role of magnesium (Mg) dysbalance in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance (IR) in patients with mildly-to-moderately decreased renal function (creatinine: 142.8±11.0 mmol/l). The data were compared to those of 8 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (CTRL). The standard oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT) was performed in 61 patients. Twenty-two patients were classified as IR according to their values on fasting and after-load immunoreactive insulin concentrations. Serum and total erythrocyte Mg (tErMg) (atomic absorption spectro-photometry) and free erythrocyte Mg (fErMg) concentrations (31P NMR spectroscopy) were determined prior to and two hours after the glucose load. Ten out of 39 insulin-sensitive (IS) patients, but only one out of 22 insulin-resistant (IR) patients, had a low basal fErMg concentration (<162.2 mmol/l, c2, p<0.01). IR patients had higher serum Mg, total erythrocyte Mg and bound erythrocyte Mg (bErMg) concentrations (both before and after glucose load) when compared with the IS group. Both groups responded to the glucose load with a significant decrease in serum Mg concentration (within the normal range), while the IR group also exhibited a decline in tErMg and bErMg. The mean sum of insulin needed to metabolize the same glucose load correlated positively with tErMg (r=0.545, p<0.01) and bErMg (r=0.560, p<0.01) in the IR patients. It is concluded that, at an early stage of renal dysfunction, IR is not associated with the decline in free erythrocyte Mg concentration, but the magnesium handling in red blood cells is altered.
Hematopoiesis-stimulating and anti-tumor effects of repeated administration of diclofenac in mice with transplanted fibrosarcoma cells.
Authors: Hofer M , Hoferová Z , Fedoročko P , Macková NO
Published: February 2024

Positive effects of repeated administration of diclofenac, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, in terms of prevention of tumor development and stimulation of hematopoiesis have been observed in C3H mice transplanted subcutaneously with G:5:113 fibrosarcoma cells. Fourteen-day treatment with diclofenac (3.75 mg/kg/day) started from day 5 after tumor cell transplantation. Measurements of tumors and hematological examinations were performed on day 30. The results strongly suggest the possibility that inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may be used in oncological practice where the observed effects are highly desirable.
Modulation of the phototoxic effect of hypericin in human leukemia CEM cell line by N-ethylmaleimide, amiloride and omeprazole
Authors: Miroššay A , Mirossay L , Šarišský M , Papp P , Mojžiš J , Šafarik PJ
Published: February 2024

Hypericin is a photosensitizing plant pigment from Hypericum perforatum with multiple modes of light-induced biological activities due to production of singlet oxygen and/or excited-state proton transfer with consequent pH drop in the hypericin environment. In the present work, we studied the effects of three inhibitors of crucial mechanisms responsible for intracellular pH (pHi) regulation on hypericin phototoxicity: N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), an inhibitor of H+-ATPase, 5'-(N,N-dimethyl)-amiloride (DMA), an inhibitor of Na+/H+ exchanger, and omeprazole (OME), an inhibitor of H+K+-ATPase. Our experiments show that the effect of hypericin at 1x10-5 and 1x10-6 mol.l-1 was significantly potentiated by NEM (1x10-7-1x10-9 mol.l-1) and DMA (1x10-6 and 1x10-7 mol.l-1) in leukemic CEM cell line. On the other hand, OME had no significant effect on hypericin cytotoxicity. Our results support the hypothesis that the excited-state proton transfer and the consequent acidification of hypericin environment could play a role in the biological activity of hypericin.
Stacking nitrogen mitigation strategies for future pasture-based dairy farms: impacts on leaching and profit
Authors: Beukes Pierre C. , Depree Craig , Macintosh Katrina A. , Silva-Villacorta David
Published: February 2024

Producers in New Zealand’s pasture-based, seasonal dairy sector are striving to reduce nitrogen (N) losses to the environment whilst maintaining or increasing farm profitability. This study examined the cost-effectiveness of stacking different combinations of five N leaching mitigation strategies within the whole farm system; 1) reduced N fertilizer input, 2) off-paddock infrastructure, 3) recycling N by growing maize silage on a dedicated area on the farm using effluent as a fertilizer source followed by a catch-crop, 4) dietary salt supplementation to dilute urinary N, and 5) applying a nitrification inhibitor (NI) to slow the release of nitrate in the soil. The reference point (baseline) was a typical current dairy farm (CF) system in the Waikato region of New Zealand. We modelled four Future Farm scenarios by stacking mitigation strategies as follows: baseline plus reduced N fertilizer input, reduced stocking rate, and off-paddock infrastructure (FF); FF plus a dedicated maize block (FFP); FFP plus dietary salt (FFPS); and FFPS plus NI (FFPSNI). These systems were modelled using the Whole Farm Model coupled with the Urine Patch Framework, and APSIM models, using observed climate and economic input data over five consecutive years from 2013-2018. Relative to CF, the FF system achieved a N leaching reduction of 31% with a reduction in profit of 16%. The FFP system had a smaller N leaching reduction (22%), but the reduction in profit was smaller (11%). The fully stacked system (FFPSNI) demonstrated the largest leaching reduction of 33%, but also the largest profit reduction of 27%, compared with the CF. Stacking these five N mitigation strategies can achieve substantial N leaching reductions at the farm-scale. Including a dedicated, effluent-fertilized maize block followed by a catch-crop as part of the stack can reduce the negative impact on profitability but has a trade-off in N leaching. Farmers will have to weigh up these compromises between profit and leaching, considering risk factors not modelled here.
Wnt signal-dependent antero-posterior specification of early-stage CNS primordia modeled in EpiSC-derived neural stem cells
Authors: Nakamura Kae , Watanabe Yusaku , Boitet Claire , Satake Sayaka , Iida Hideaki , Yoshihi Koya , Ishii Yasuo , Kato Kagayaki , Kondoh Hisato
Published: February 2024

The specification of the embryonic central nervous system (CNS) into future brain (forebrain, midbrain, or hindbrain) and spinal cord (SC) regions is a critical step of CNS development. A previous chicken embryo study indicated that anterior epiblast cells marked by Sox2 N2 enhancer activity are specified to the respective brain regions during the transition phase of the epiblast to the neural plate-forming neural primordium. The present study showed that the SC precursors positioned posterior to the hindbrain precursors in the anterior epiblast migrated posteriorly in contrast to the anterior migration of brain precursors. The anteroposterior specification of the CNS precursors occurs at an analogous time (∼E7.5) in mouse embryos, in which an anterior-to-posterior incremental gradient of Wnt signal strength was observed. To examine the possible Wnt signal contribution to the anteroposterior CNS primordium specification, we utilized mouse epiblast stem cell (EpiSC)-derived neurogenesis in culture. EpiSCs maintained in an activin- and FGF2-containing medium start neural development after the removal of activin, following a day in a transitory state. We placed activin-free EpiSCs in EGF- and FGF2-containing medium to arrest neural development and expand the cells into neural stem cells (NSCs). Simultaneously, a Wnt antagonist or agonist was added to the culture, with the anticipation that different levels of Wnt signals would act on the transitory cells to specify CNS regionality; then, the Wnt-treated cells were expanded as NSCs. Gene expression profiles of six NSC lines were analyzed using microarrays and single-cell RNA-seq. The NSC lines demonstrated anteroposterior regional specification in response to increasing Wnt signal input levels: forebrain-midbrain-, hindbrain-, cervical SC-, and thoracic SC-like lines. The regional coverage of these NSC lines had a range; for instance, the XN1 line expressed Otx2 and En2, indicating midbrain characteristics, but additionally expressed the SC-characteristic Hoxa5. The ranges in the anteroposterior specification of neural primordia may be narrowed as neural development proceeds. The thoracic SC is presumably the posterior limit of the contribution by anterior epiblast-derived neural progenitors, as the characteristics of more posterior SC regions were not displayed.
Optimized combination of MALDI MSI and immunofluorescence for neuroimaging of lipids within cellular microenvironments
Authors: Shafer Catelynn C. , Neumann Elizabeth K.
Published: February 2024

Proper neurological function relies on the cellular and molecular microenvironment of the brain, with perturbations of this environment leading to neurological disorders. However, studying the microenvironments of neurological tissue has proven difficult because of its inherent complexity. Both the cell type and metabolomic underpinnings of the cell have crucial functional roles, thus making multimodal characterization methods key to acquiring a holistic view of the brain’s microenvironment. This study investigates methods for combining matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI) and immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy to enable the concurrent investigation of cell types and lipid profiles on the same sample. In brief, 1,5-diaminonaphthalene (DAN), α-cyano-4-hydroxy-cinnamic acid (CHCA), and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB) were tested in addition to instrument-specific parameters for compatibility with IF. Alternatively, the effects of IF protocols on MALDI MSI were also tested, showing significant signal loss with all tested permutations. Ultimately, the use of CHCA for MALDI MSI resulted in the best IF images, while the use of DAN gave the lowest quality IF images. Overall, increasing the laser power and number of shots per laser burst resulted in the most tissue ablation. However, optimized parameter settings allowed for minimal tissue ablation while maintaining sufficient MALDI MSI signal.
An atlas of gross and histologic lesions and immunohistochemical immunoreactivity during the temporal progression of aerosolized Lassa virus induced hemorrhagic fever in cynomolgus macaques
Authors: Bohler Forrest , Cashman Kathleen , Wilkinson Eric , Johnson Joshua C. , Rosenke Kyle , Shamblin Josh , Hensley Lisa , Honko Anna , Shaia Carl
Published: February 2024

Lassa virus (LASV) causes an acute multisystemic hemorrhagic fever in humans known as Lassa fever, which is endemic in several African countries. This manuscript focuses on the progression of disease in cynomolgus macaques challenged with aerosolized LASV and serially sampled for the development and progression of gross and histopathologic lesions. Gross lesions were first noted in tissues on day 6 and persisted throughout day 12. Viremia and histologic lesions were first noted on day 6 commencing with the pulmonary system and hemolymphatic system and progressing at later time points to include all systems. Immunoreactivity to LASV antigen was first observed in the lungs of one macaque on day 3 and appeared localized to macrophages with an increase at later time points to include immunoreactivity in all organ systems. Additionally, this manuscript will serve as a detailed atlas of histopathologic lesions and disease progression for comparison to other animal models of aerosolized Arenaviral disease.
Mutation in the 26S proteasome regulatory subunit rpn2 gene in Plasmodium falciparum confers resistance to artemisinin
Authors: Gonçalves Adriana F. , Lima-Pinheiro Ana , Teixeira Miguel , Cassiano Gustavo Capatti , Cravo Pedro , Ferreira Pedro E.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Malaria parasites increasingly develop resistance to all drugs available in the market, hampering the goal of reducing malaria burden.

Methods

Herein, we evaluated the impact of a single-nucleotide variant, E738K, present in the 26S proteasome regulatory subunit rpn2 gene, identified in Plasmodium chabaudi resistant parasites. Plasmids carrying a functional rpn2 interspecies chimeric gene with 5’ recombination region from P. falciparum and 3’ from P. chabaudi were constructed and transfected into Dd2 P. falciparum parasites.

Results and discussion

The 738K variant parasite line presented increased parasite survival when subjected to dihydroartemisinin (DHA), as well as increased chymotrypsin-like activity and decreased accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins. We thus conclude that the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, including the 738K variant, play an important role in parasite response to DHA, being the first report of a mutation in a potential DHA drug target enhancing parasite survival and contributing to a significant advance in the understanding the biology of artemisinin resistance.
Lumbar disc herniation is an independent predictor of plaque burden in the patients with unstable angina
Authors: Wang Yongchao , Ge Junhua , Xu Hao , Li Jian
Published: February 2024

Objective

Assessing the impact of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) on the plaque burden of coronary atherosclerosis is our objective.

Methods

In this study, a total of 212 patients (age 46–80 years) with unstable angina (UA) who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) in our hospital from January 2018 to July 2022 due to UA were included. Patients were divided into LDH group (n = 106) and no LDH group (n = 106). Gensini scores were calculated to assess the plaque burden of coronary. Logistic analysis was used to examine potential risk variables linked to the Gensini score. The association between lumbar disc lesions grading and coronary plaque burden was analysed by Spearman's correlation test. LDH patients with higher plaque burden (n = 56) were further divided into evolocumab treatment group (n = 28) and conventional treatment group (n = 28). Cox regression analysis were performed.

Results

Patients with LDH had higher Gensini scores (P < 0.01) and triglyceride (TG) levels (P = 0.04), but HDL-C (P = 0.01) levels were lower. LDH was found to be an independent risk factor for higher Gensini scores (OR = 2.38, P < 0.01) by logistic analysis. The Spearman's correlation test suggested that the degree of lumbar disc lesions was related to the Gensini score and the level of blood lipid. Cox regression analysis showed that evolocumab treatment could significantly reduce the composite MACE events (cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and readmission due to angina) (HR = 0.26, P = 0.04) in higher coronary plaque burden patients.

Conclusion

LDH is an independent risk factor for the higher coronary plaque burden. Evolocumab treatment significantly reduced the occurrence of cardiovascular events in LDH patients with higher plaque burden. Additionally, our data indicate that LDH is associated with increased blood lipid, which may contribute to the development of plaque burden.
Fractional flow reserve measurements and long-term mortality—results from the FLORIDA study
Authors: Boeckling Felicitas , Stähli Barbara E. , Rudolph Tanja , Lutz Matthias , Schatz Anne-Sophie , Vogelmann Tobias , Stueve Magnus , West Nick E. J. , Boone Els , Erbay Aslihan , Leistner David M.
Published: February 2024

Background

Randomized evidence suggested improved outcomes in fractional flow reserve (FFR) guidance of coronary revascularization compared to medical therapy in well-defined patient cohorts. However, the impact of FFR-guided revascularization on long-term outcomes of unselected patients with chronic or acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is unknown.

Aims

The FLORIDA (Fractional FLOw Reserve In cardiovascular DiseAses) study sought to investigate outcomes of FFR-guided vs. angiography-guided treatment strategies in a large, real-world cohort.

Methods

This study included patients enrolled into the German InGef Research Database. Patients undergoing coronary angiography between January 2014 and December 2015 were included in the analysis. Eligible patients had at least one inpatient coronary angiogram for suspected coronary artery disease between January 2014 and December 2015. Patients were stratified into FFR arm if a coronary angiography with adjunctive FFR measurement was performed, otherwise into the angiography-only arm. Matching was applied to ensure a balanced distribution of baseline characteristics in the study cohort. Patients were followed for 3 years after index date and primary endpoint was all-cause mortality.

Results

In the matched population, mortality at 3 years was 9.6% in the FFR-assessed group and 12.6% in the angiography-only group (p = 0.002), corresponding to a 24% relative risk reduction with use of FFR. This effect was most pronounced in patients in whom revascularization was deferred based on FFR (8.7% vs. 12.3%, p = 0.04) and in high-risk subgroups including patients aged ≥75 years (14.9% vs. 20.1%, p < 0.01) and those presenting with ACS (10.2% vs. 14.0%, p = 0.04).

Conclusions

FFR-based revascularization strategy was associated with reduced mortality at 3 years. These findings further support the use of FFR in everyday clinical practice.
Serum amyloid beta 42 levels correlated with metabolic syndrome and its components
Authors: Li Kecheng , Zhou Xiaoli , Liu Youren , Li Dongyu , Li Yinyin , Zhang Ting , Fu Chunyan , Li Lin , Hu Yang , Jiang Li
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Beta-amyloid accumulation in the brain appears to be a key initiating event in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and factors associated with increased deposition of beta-amyloid are of great interest. Enhanced deposition of amyloid-β peptides is due to an imbalance between their production and elimination. Previous studies show that diminished levels of CSF amyloid beta 42 (Aβ42) is a biomarker in AD; however, the role of serum Aβ42 in AD is contradictory. BMI and obesity have been reported to be related to increased serum Aβ42 levels. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relation between metabolic syndrome (MetS), its clinical measures (abdominal obesity, high glucose, high triglyceride, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, and hypertension), and serum Aβ42 levels.

Methods

A total of 1261 subjects, aged 18–89 years in Chengdu, China, were enrolled from January 2020 to January 2021 to explore the correlation of serum Aβ42 levels with body mass index (BMI), blood lipids, and blood pressure. Furthermore, as the risk of MetS is closely related to age, 1,212 participants (N = 49 with age ≥ 80 years old were excluded) were analyzed for the correlation of serum Aβ42 level and MetS clinical measures.

Results

The results showed that log-transformed serum Aβ42 level was positively correlated with BMI (R = 0.29; p < 0.001), log-transformed triglyceride (R = 0.14; p < 0.001), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (R = 0.12; p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c) (R = −0.18; p < 0.001). After adjusting for age, sex, and other covariates, elevated serum Aβ42 level was correlated with higher values of BMI (βmodel1 = 2.694, βmodel2 = 2.703) and DBP (βmodel1 = 0.541, βmodel2 = 0.546) but a lower level of HDL-c (βmodel2 = −1.741). Furthermore, serum Aβ42 level was positively correlated with MetS and its clinical measures, including BMI and DBP, and negatively correlated with HDL-c level in the Han Chinese population. However, the level of serum Aβ42 did not show a significant correlation with high glucose or high triglyceride.

Discussion

These observations indicate that MetS and its components are associated with higher levels of serum Aβ42 and hence limit the potential of serum Aβ42 as a suitable diagnostic biomarker for AD. As such, we recommend serum Aβ42 serve as a direct risk biomarker for MetS rather than for AD.
Management of pasireotide-induced hyperglycemia in patients with acromegaly: An experts’ consensus statement
Authors: Störmann Sylvère , Meyhöfer Sebastian M. , Groener Jan B. , Faust Johanna , Schilbach Katharina , Seufert Jochen , Vergès Bruno
Published: February 2024

Pasireotide is a somatostatin analogue for the treatment of acromegaly, a chronic condition caused by excess growth hormone. Despite the therapeutic benefits of pasireotide as a second-line treatment for inadequately controlled acromegaly, a major concern is its hyperglycemic side-effect. Here, we provide guidance on how to select appropriate patients with acromegaly for treatment with pasireotide. We summarize baseline characteristics of patients at high risk for pasireotide-associated hyperglycemia and recommend a monitoring strategy based on the risk profile. Self-monitoring of blood glucose levels (SMBG), measurements of fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) and regular HbA1c measurements are the foundation of our proposed monitoring approach. The pathophysiology of pasireotide-induced hyperglycemia involves decreased secretion of the incretin hormones GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). Our expert recommendations address the specific pathophysiology of pasireotide-induced hyperglycemia by recommending the incretin-based therapeutics dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) in all appropriate patients as an alternative to first-line monotherapy with metformin. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of adequate control of acromegaly, excellent diabetes education, nutrition and lifestyle guidance and advise to consult expert diabetologists in case of uncertainty in the management of patients with hyperglycemia under pasireotide.
Wavelet decomposition and neural networks: a potent combination for short term wind speed and power forecasting
Authors: Kio Adaiyibo E. , Xu Jin , Gautam Natarajan , Ding Yu
Published: February 2024

The forecast of wind speed and the power produced from wind farms has been a challenge for a long time and continues to be so. This work introduces a method that we label as Wavelet Decomposition-Neural Networks (WDNN) that combines wavelet decomposition principles and deep learning. By merging the strengths of signal processing and machine learning, this approach aims to address the aforementioned challenge. Treating wind speed and power as signals, the wavelet decomposition part of the model transforms these inputs, as appropriate, into a set of features that the neural network part of the model can ingest to output accurate forecasts. WDNN is unconstrained by the shape, layout, or number of turbines in a wind farm. We test our WDNN methods using three large datasets, with multiple years of data and hundreds of turbines, and compare it against other state-of-the-art methods. It’s very short-term forecast, like 1-h ahead, can outperform some deep learning models by as much as 30%. This shows that wavelet decomposition and neural network are a potent combination for advancing the quality of short-term wind forecasting.
System effects mapping: a tool for promoting collaborative community ecological action
Authors: Baker Virginia , Walton Mat , Manning Suzanne , Ataria Jamie , Gee Carla , Taua-Gordon Robin
Published: February 2024

Across Indigenous scholarship and environmental sciences there is a growing recognition that community and stakeholder partnerships must underpin and guide the co-production of knowledge to better resolve the complex socio-political issues responsible for the production, and ultimately the mitigation, of pollution. This article reports work that aimed to support shared understanding within community stakeholder partners as part of two larger environmental science projects to understand and reduce pollution within an urban waterway. Utilizing participatory action research, transdisciplinary and translational ecology approaches, the research used System Effects Mapping to visualize a networked understanding of people’s connections to, and valuing of, their local water ways. This led to discussions on ways that community stakeholders felt they could act to improve the environmental conditions, taking into account how actions may interact. While actions identified were not necessarily novel, the approach supported shared understanding between researchers and community stakeholders and shared investment in the knowledge produced. Systems Effects Mapping was a useful method, with the social network output allowing for deeper exploration of transdisciplinary systems change.