bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analisis Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Berbasis Masalah Pada Sekolah Dasar di Gugus VI Kecamatan Sukawati
Authors: Jaya I Ketut Manik Asta
Published: January 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis penerapan model pembelajaran berbasis masalah pada tingkat sekolah dasar di Gugus VI di Kecamatan Sukawati. Penelitian ini menjadi penting untuk mengulas persiapan, pelaksanaan hingga kendala yang ditemukan guru dalam menerapkan model pembelajaran berbasis masalah. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif. Subjek dalam penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas empat pada Sekolah Dasar di Gugus VI Kecamatan Sukawati Kabupaten Gianyar, meliputi SD Negeri 7 Batubulan, SD Negeri 2 Batubulan, dan SD Ganesha Nusantara. Penelitian ini dapat dikumpulkan dari hasil observasi, wawancara dan studi pustaka. Hasilnya proses pembelajaran menggunakan model pembelajaran berbasis masalah diawali dengan (1) tahap persiapan yakni menyiapkan masalah yang berkaitan dengan materi serta berdasarkan RPP. (2) tahap pelaksanaan guru membentuk kelompok siswa, selanjutnya diarahkan untuk mengerjaan tugas berupa pemecahan masalah. Tahap ini guru juga lebih banyak memberikan bimbingan kepada siswa dalam menemukan penyelesaian masalah. (3) tahap evaluasi guru tidak hanya menilai hasil karya siswa, namun juga mengevaluasi permasalahan sebagai kendala yang dihadapi siswa selama proses pembelajaran. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa guru sekolah dasar di Gugus VI Kecamatan Sukawati telah dapat menerapkan model pembelajaran berbasis masalah, walaupun masih ditemukan sejumlah kendala namun hal tersebut masih bisa diatasi oleh guru.Kata Kunci:AnalisisPenerapanPembelajaran Berbasis Masalah
Pengaruh Permainan Susun Kata Terhadap Mata Pelajaran Bahasa Indonesia Materi Kalimat Efektif Pada Kelas V SD Negeri 69 Palembang
Authors: Andera Gustina , Armariena Dian Nuzulia , Noviati Noviati
Published: January 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh permainan susun kata terhadap mata pelajaran Bahasa Indonesia materi kalimat efektif pada kelas V SD Negeri 69 Palembang. Metode dalam penelitian ini menggunakan Kuasi Eksperimen dengan desain penelitian menggunakan Nonequivalent Control Group Design.  Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas V. Sampel dalam penelitian ini berjumlah 46 orang. Teknik pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan cara purposive sampling. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah uji-t. Hasil perhitungan dan analisis data diperoleh nilai rata-rata hasil posttest kelas kontrol sebesar 72,73 dan posttest kelas eksperimen sebesar 82,29. Berdasarkan hasil analisis uji t menunjukkan nilai  = 2,711 lebih dari  = 2, 015 sehingga  ditolak berarti  diterima. Begitu juga nilai sig. Sebesar 0,010 <  0,05. Dengan demikian terdapat pengaruh permainan susun kata terhadap mata pelajaran bahasa Indonesia materi kalimat efektif pada kelas V SD Negeri 69 Palembang.
Marine positioning independent of satellite systems using two consecutive solar elevations
Authors: Alipourgildeh Saeed , mohammadi ali
Published: January 2024

Oceanic navigation is highly dependent on the positioning of floating units. In the past, when satellite navigation did not exist, all floating units that navigated in the ocean calculated their position using celestial bodies and the sun. With the advent of satellite navigation, positioning using celestial bodies has faded and is only limited to emergency cases where the floating unit is unable to use satellite equipment. In this study, the position of a floating unit in the sea is calculated using two consecutive solar elevations using a recursive algorithm. The results of this study show that by determining the appropriate timing between two consecutive elevations of about 10 to 20 minutes, the best positioning result can be obtained and the accuracy of this method is about 10-1 minutes.
PROCEDURAL RULES IN THE CODE OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
Authors: dr. Varga Norbert
Published: January 2024

In this paper, I examine the current rules of the Code of Professional Ethics of the Hungarian Government Officials’ Corps., especially its procedural rules. The first part of the Code sets out ethical principles in the form of mandatory rules of conduct for Hungarian government officials. From a different approach, with some simplification, it can be stated that the intentional or negligent violation of the established principles of professional ethics gives rise to an ethical offense. In view of the mandatory nature of the substantive rules of public service ethics and the absence of a grey zone, the ethical procedure may be regarded as an irregularity procedure, the purpose of which is to reach a final decision on the question whether the person subject to the proceedings or a third person has committed an ethical offense and, if so, a warning or a reprimand can be the sanction imposed by the Ethical Council in relation to the Code during a procedure conducted with the exclusion of the public. My aim is not to examine whether it is appropriate for the Code to include both substantive and procedural rules, because such a uniform structure was an accepted codification solution in the case of codes of ethics for other professions, and I do not undertake to compare the Code with the codes of ethics of other professions, just as I do not mention law historical issues related to my topic.
Optimalisasi Program Nol Jamban di Bantaran Sungai Arut Kecamatan Arut Selatan
Authors: Noor Akhmad Fauzianp , Hidayah Ulul
Published: January 2024

The Arut River is a river that flows in South Arut District, West Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan. Communities along the Arut River use the river for transportation and fishing; the community also uses the Arut River as latrines. The habitual behaviour of the open defecation community on the banks of the Arut River is of concern to the local government. Based on the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Number 03 of 2014 concerning STBM on the first pillar, namely STOP BABS, the West Kotawaringin Regency Government is promoting the Zero Latrine Movement Program. This program aims to stop the spread of diseases from open defecation and provide essential services to the community. This study aimed to formulate a strategy for optimizing the Zero Latrine Movement Program with a Community Participatory Approach in the Arut Riverbanks, South Arut District. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative research,supported  by primary data and secondary data. Primary data were collected through observation and interviews, and secondary data  were in the form of an inventory of PUPR Office data for Kotawaringin Barat Regency. The study results found that the factors hindering the Optimization of the Zero Latrine Movement Program were the Budget/Funds, Infrastructure and Human Resources factors. The strategy that the government can implement to optimize  the zero-latrine program is to continue to approach and socialize, involve the private sector and local companies, and participate in the community.
Extraordinary variability in gene activation and repression programs during gonadal sex differentiation across vertebrates
Authors: Sánchez-Baizán Núria , Jarne-Sanz Ignasi , Roco Álvaro S. , Schartl Manfred , Piferrer Francesc
Published: January 2024

Genes involved in gonadal sex differentiation have been traditionally thought to be fairly conserved across vertebrates, but this has been lately questioned. Here, we performed the first comparative analysis of gonadal transcriptomes across vertebrates, from fish to mammals. Our results unambiguously show an extraordinary overall variability in gene activation and repression programs without a phylogenetic pattern. During sex differentiation, genes such as dmrt1, sox9, amh, cyp19a and foxl2 were consistently either male- or female-enriched across species while many genes with the greatest expression change within each sex were not. We also found that downregulation in the opposite sex, which had only been quantified in the mouse model, was also prominent in the rest of vertebrates. Finally, we report 16 novel conserved markers (e.g., fshr and dazl) and 11 signaling pathways. We propose viewing vertebrate gonadal sex differentiation as a hierarchical network, with conserved hub genes such as sox9 and amh alongside less connected and less conserved nodes. This proposed framework implies that evolutionary pressures may impact genes based on their level of connectivity.
Ultrafine food powders as clean-label flow additives
Authors: Kleinschmidt Sebastian , Heide Isa , Kleinschmidt Thomas
Published: January 2024

The aim of this work was to demonstrate the potential of the concept of clean-label-capable flow additives. These are spray-dried food ingredients whose particle size is small enough (<10 µm) to take over the function of classic flow additives such as highly dispersed silicas. Their acceptance by customers and consumers has been declining for years, as they are primarily mineral excipients that are becoming increasingly unpopular in foods. This poses major problems for the food industry, as many food powders have poor flow properties and handling problems. The idea of clean-label flow additives is to create an alternative to meet consumer demands and industry requirements. Using four different cohesive food powders as examples, the authors demonstrate the effectiveness of this concept. For this purpose, flow additives were prepared from low-concentration solutions in a laboratory spray dryer. Dry particle coating was carried out in a tumbling mixer for 30 min, after which the flow properties of the coated powders were determined using a Schulze Ring shear tester. The results show that a significant improvement in the flowability of cohesive food powders is possible by using these spray-dried flow additives. In addition, an anti-caking effect could be observed. There is still a need for optimization in the production of such flow additives in order to increase their economy and effectiveness. Overall, the concept of clean-label flow additives shows great potential.
Case Report: A case report of myocardial fibrosis activation assessment after unstable angina using 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT
Authors: Jiang Mimi , Zhang Guolan , Li Le , He Yuanyuan , Li Guo , Yu Jinmei , Feng Jian , Liu Xing
Published: January 2024

Myocardial ischemia may induce myocardial fibrosis, a condition that progressively leads to ventricular remodeling, heightening the risk of heart failure. The timely detection of myocardial fibrosis is crucial for intervention and improved outcomes. 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT shows promise in assessing fibroblast activation in patients with early myocardial infarction characterized by prolonged myocardial ischemia. However, there is a notable absence of data regarding patients with short-term myocardial ischemia, such as those experiencing unstable angina (UA). In this report, we evaluated a 49-year-old male with UA and severe stenosis in multiple coronary arteries using 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT. The results demonstrated tracer-specific uptake (SUVmax = 4.6) in the left anterior descending artery (LAD) territory, consistent with myocardial anterior wall ischemia indicated by the electrocardiogram. Following vascular recanalization therapy and regular medication treatment, the patient remained free of angina recurrence. A subsequent review at 2 months revealed a significant reduction in myocardial tracer uptake (SUVmax = 1.8). This case illustrates the validity of 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT in assessing the extent of early myocardial fibroblast activation in patients with UA. This approach offers valuable insights for early detection and visual evidence, providing information on disease progression and treatment response.
Engaging in continuous improvement: implications for educator preparation programs and their mentors
Authors: Brondyk Susan K.
Published: January 2024

This is a mixed method study in which I examined how one Educator Preparation Program designed and used an assessment tool to promote growth in their teacher candidates. The tool became central to the identity of the program and foundational to the work of the mentors. Data includes the statistical analysis of seven semesters of assessment data, along with qualitative interviews, recordings of mentor training sessions, three-way mentor conversations, and written materials. Research questions include: How do tools contribute to the identity of a program question? What value does using an internally-designed evaluation tool add to an educator preparation program? The findings indicate that the practice of the mentors became more developmentally-oriented over time. This suggests that engaging in the process of creating, adapting, and using an internally-designed instruments contributes to a shared identity that reflects the values of the program and provides direction to all.
Basic psychological needs and GRIT in Peruvian university students
Authors: Marcelo-Torres Nohemi , Manyari-Masias Maria Pia , Calderón-Sánchez Raymundo , Tutte Veronica , Brandão Regina , Caycho-Rodríguez Tomás , Reyes-Bossio Mario
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The present quantitative study of predictive design aims to determine the influence of basic psychological needs and some socio-demographic variables on GRIT, in a sample constituted by scholarship students financed by PRONABEC from a private university in Lima.

Methods

The GRIT Scale and Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration Scale were applied to 865 students, 54.7% were female, the ages fluctuated between 16 and 47 years of age, 74.5% were residents in Lima.

Results

The results demonstrated that Basic Psychological Need’s satisfaction has a positive influence on GRIT. On the other hand, there is a negative relationship between the GRIT dimensions (consistency and perseverance) and BPN frustration. In addition, women and first generation students showed higher GRIT levels.

Discussion

This research confirms a high degree of influence of the competence needs satisfaction dimension on the GRIT and the influence of sociodemographic variables in achieving objectives.
The conceptions of Spanish and Colombian students regarding processes of historical reconciliation
Authors: Ibagón Nilson Javier , Miralles-Martínez Pedro
Published: January 2024

In the field of history education research, the analysis of the construction, circulation and appropriation of controversial and difficult histories has become a particularly relevant issue. Based on this line of research, the present study seeks to analyze the historical judgments of Spanish and Colombian students regarding processes of historical reconciliation, linked to situations of a controversial and difficult nature. To achieve this objective, a quantitative, non-experimental, survey-based design was employed. A total of 648 Spanish and 764 Colombian students from schools located in the cities of Murcia (Spain) and Bogotá (Colombia) participated by answering a closed questionnaire. The results show that ethical judgments on controversial issues, established on what is considered to be politically correct, are more frequent when the problem being evaluated is situated in a frame of reference external to questions of national belonging. However, such judgments tend to decrease, or assume a neutral standpoint, when the controversial issue is related to the individual’s own sense of identity. Thus, it is clear that the learning of difficult and controversial historical issues is not only built on a cognitive dimension. It is also supported by political, ethical and aesthetic dimensions, leading to the processes of making and receiving historical judgments being even more complex.
Transient angle stability analysis of maximum Lyapunov exponent based on the key branch response information
Authors: Niu Zhenbo , Zheng Chao , Lv Sizhuo , Shan Yunjing , Ni Fengyi
Published: January 2024

Based on real-time access to response information on wide-area tributaries, in order to assess the system stability more quickly, this paper combines the simplified branch transient transmission capability (sBTTC) index and the largest Lyapunov exponent (MLE). An online identification method for transient power angle stability is proposed. Firstly, the method is based on a two-machine system to study the consistency of the power angle difference between the two ends of the critical branch and the change of the phase difference of the fleet. Secondly, the transient power angle stability problem is transformed into the MLE analysis problem according to the change rule of sBTTC index of the key branch. Then, by combining the characteristics of MLE curve and sBTTC index curve, the transient power angle stability criterion is given. Finally, the proposed method is verified and analysed by simulation examples. The method has strong industrial applicability because it does not need system model, the information source is easy to measure, it has strong anti-noise ability, and it overcomes the defect of the traditional method that needs to set a fixed symbolic observation window.
The experimental and numerical analysis of elastic rock mechanical properties in tight conglomerate rock samples: a case study in Junggar Basin
Authors: Qi Hongyan , Li Danyang , Zhao Jun , Ma Hailong , Wang Xueliang , Wang Xianhu , Zhu Bolong , Lin Jiaying , Zhao Xiangyun
Published: January 2024

Tight conglomerate rocks consist of gravels and rock matrices. The existence of these stiff gravels leads to heterogeneity in conglomerates and makes it difficult to characterize rock mechanical properties, which then affects drilling and hydraulic fracturing operations in tight conglomerate hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs. This case study introduces a series of experimental and numerical analyses for the better understanding of rock deformation and elastic wave propagation patterns in a tight conglomerate reservoir in Junggar Basin, China. Tri-axial compression tests, acoustic test, and finite element modeling of rock deformation and elastic wave propagation in conglomerate rocks are presented. Experimentally tested samples exhibit good brittleness and shearing failure patterns, while well correlated static-dynamic elastic moduli and P-S wave velocities are captured. Numerical results show that the existence of stiff gravels leads to strong direction-dependent stress and strain anisotropies. Stress concentrations are also induced by gravels radially and axially. In the elastic wave domain, stiff gravels facilitate the propagation of elastic waves. The gravel close to the wave source also induces stronger compressive/tensile states in the wave domain, indicating that the existence of gravels in conglomerates can alter waveforms. This integrated approach improves the quantitative understanding of stress, strain, and elastic wave responses in heterogeneous tight conglomerates. This case study also serves as a reference for the brittleness evaluation and geomechanical evaluation in the study area. The contribution of this work is primarily about the integrated experimental study, solid deformation modeling, and elastic wave modeling of tight conglomerate rocks.
The energy management strategy of a loop microgrid with wind energy prediction and energy storage system day-ahead optimization
Authors: Xu Bin , Zhang Feng , Bai Rui , Sun Hui , Ding Shichuan
Published: January 2024

Microgrid has been extensively applied in the modern power system as a supplementary mode for the distributed energy resources. The microgrid with wind energy is usually vulnerable to the intermittence and uncertainty of the wind energy. To increase the robustness of the microgrid, the energy storage system (ESS) is necessary to compensate the power imbalance between the power supply and the load. To further maximize the economic efficiency of the system, the system level control for the microgrid is desired to be optimized when it is integrated with the utility grid. Aiming at the aforementioned problem, this paper comprehensively analyzes the power flow of a typical loop microgrid. A transformer-based wind power prediction (WPP) algorithm is proposed and compared with recurrent neural networks algorithm. With the historical weather data, it can accurately predict the 24 h average wind energy. Based on the predicted wind energy and the time-of-use (TOU) electricity price, a day-ahead daily cycling profile of the ESS with particle swarm optimization algorithm is introduced. It comprehensively considers the system capacity constraints and the battery degree of health. The functionality of the proposed energy management strategy is validated from three levels. First, WPP is conducted with the proposed algorithm and the true historical weather data. It has validated the accuracy of the transformer algorithm in prediction of the hourly level wind energy. Second, with the predicted wind energy, a case study is given to validate the day-ahead daily cycling profile. A typical 1 MVA microgrid is utilized as the simulation model to validate performance of the daily cycling optimization algorithm. The case study results show that the ESS daily cycling can effectively reduce the daily energy expense and help to shave the peak power demand in the grid.
Acute retinal necrosis in a patient with cervical malignant tumor treated with sintilimab: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Pei , An Ming , Zhang Mengmeng , Yan Xiaoran , Tong Nianting
Published: January 2024

Acute retinal necrosis (ARN) is an inflammatory disease that is primarily caused by herpesvirus infection, most commonly varicella-zoster virus (VZV), followed by herpes simplex virus (HSV) and occasionally cytomegalovirus (CMV). Sintilimab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) that can enhance the body’s anti-tumor immune response. However, treatment with ICIs may lead to reactivation of the VZV. Here, we present a case of ARN caused by VZV infection in a patient receiving sintilimab for cervical cancer. A 64-year-old female patient developed vision loss and floaters with left eye redness for one week after 22 cycles of sintilimab for cervical cancer. Based on clinical manifestations, ophthalmological examination, and vitreous humor biopsy, the patient was diagnosed with acute retinal necrosis syndrome secondary to VZV. After receiving systemic antiviral and anti-inflammatory therapy, retinal necrosis lesions and visual function improved. In conclusion, clinicians should be aware of the risk of ARN when using sintilimab and should actively monitor patients for prompt diagnosis and optimal management of this rare adverse drug reaction.
ROS: Executioner of regulating cell death in spinal cord injury
Authors: Yin Zhaoyang , Wan Bowen , Gong Ge , Yin Jian
Published: January 2024

The damage to the central nervous system and dysfunction of the body caused by spinal cord injury (SCI) are extremely severe. The pathological process of SCI is accompanied by inflammation and injury to nerve cells. Current evidence suggests that oxidative stress, resulting from an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an imbalance in its clearance, plays a significant role in the secondary damage during SCI. The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a crucial regulatory molecule for cellular redox. This review summarizes recent advancements in the regulation of ROS-Nrf2 signaling and focuses on the interaction between ROS and the regulation of different modes of neuronal cell death after SCI, such as apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis. Furthermore, we highlight the pathways through which materials science, including exosomes, hydrogels, and nanomaterials, can alleviate SCI by modulating ROS production and clearance. This review provides valuable insights and directions for reducing neuronal cell death and alleviating SCI through the regulation of ROS and oxidative stress.
An omicron-specific neutralizing antibody test predicts neutralizing activity against XBB 1.5
Authors: Varvel Stephen , Galdzicka Marzena , Nystrom Stephanie , Liu Hong , Chen Ge , Ragan Izabela , Shabahang Shahrokh
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Understanding the immune status of an individual using neutralizing antibody testing is complicated by the continued evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Previous work showed that assays developed against the wildtype strain of SARS-CoV-2 were insufficient predictors of neutralization of omicron variants, thus we developed an omicron-specific flow cytometry-based neutralizing antibody test and performed experiments to assess how well it compared to an omicron-specific PRNT assay (gold standard) and whether it could predict neutralizing activity to more recent omicron subvariants such as XBB.1.5.

Methods

Accuracy of a novel flow cytometry-based neutralizing antibody (FC-NAb) assay was determined by comparison with an omicron-specific PRNT assay. A series of samples were evaluated in both the omicron FC-NAb assay and a second test was designed to assess neutralization of XBB.1.5.

Results

Good concordance between the omicron FC-NAb test and the omicron PRNT was demonstrated (AUC = 0.97, p <0.001; sensitivity = 94%, specificity = 100%, PPV = 100%, and NPV = 97%). A strong linear relationship between the omicron FC-NAb and neutralization of XBB1.5 was observed (r = 0.83, p<0.001). Additionally, the omicron FC-NAb test was a very strong predictor of positive XBB1.5 NAb activity (AUC = 0.96, p<0.001; sensitivity = 94%, specificity = 90%, positive predictive value = 90%, and negative predictive values = 94%).

Discussion

Our data suggest that despite continued evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, the omicron FC-NAb assay described here is a good predictor of XBB1.5 neutralizing activity, as evidenced by a strong correlation and good predictive performance characteristics.
A 16-year meteotsunami climatology in the coastal areas of southern Asia-Pacific Ocean
Authors: Lin Li-Ching , Liu Wen-Cheng , Wu Chin H.
Published: January 2024

This study presents the meteotsunami behavior in response to different storm types in the coasts of southern Asia-Pacific Ocean from 16 years water level records. Through the size- frequency analysis, the dangerous meteotsunami, wave height exceeding 0.3 m, can occur up to 44 events per year. Notably, during the extreme waves of the 2007 event, wave heights reached approximately 0.9-1.5 m in the Taiwan Strait and the western coastal areas of Taiwan. We have classified storms into six types by radar reflectivity images and satellite-derived precipitation. Findings indicate that predicted wave heights caused by bows and typhoons could reach hazardous magnitude of exceeding 2 m in a 100-yr interval. Spatial and temporal analysis reveals that meteotsunami occurrences are most frequent in the western regions during the winter to early spring months (December to April). Of all meteotsunami occurrences, cluster storms are identified as the most prevalent atmospheric forcing, accounting for 60% of meteostunamis. Typhoons have a 20% association with meteotsunamis along the east coasts of Taiwan during late summer to autumn. On the east coasts, typhoon type-induced events may be attributed to the combination effect of meteotsunamis and infra-gravity waves. Overall, this study provides the first comprehensive examination of meteotsunami-storm characteristics and their associated hazard risks in the coastal areas of the southern Asia-Pacific Ocean.
Deciphering the influence of dietary synbiotics in white shrimp gut and its effects in regulating immune signaling pathways
Authors: Das Sofia Priyadarsani , Abidin Zaenal , Huang Huai-Ting , Lin Yu-Ru , Huang Chih-Yang , Wu Yu-Sheng , Hu Yeh-Fang , Nan Fan-Hua
Published: January 2024

The health of the host is significantly influenced by the gut microbiota. Penaeus vannamei (white shrimp) is one of the most profitable aquaculture species globally. Synbiotics are typically used as a beneficial diet supplement for raising aquaculture species’ growth capacities and enhancing immunity against pathogenicity. However, the effects of synbiotics on the white shrimp intestinal microbiota remain poorly understood. In the present study, we targeted the V3–V4 region of 16S rRNA genes to analyze the effects of synbiotics on white shrimp gut microbiota. Dietary synbiotics, having Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Moringa oleifera leaf extract were added to the white shrimps’ feed in various proportions in the present study. In total, 490 operational taxonomic units yielding 23 phyla, 41 classes, 94 orders, 151 families, and 250 genera of microorganisms were obtained. The diet containing L. acidophilus at 1 × 107 CFU/g and M. oleifera at 2.5 g/kg led to an increase in the relative abundance of beneficial microorganisms through a significant decrease in the α diversity. Moreover, it upregulated several physiological pathways such as carbohydrate metabolism, signal transduction, lipid metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and environmental adaptation, which led to the upregulation of the AMPK, MAPK, P13K-Akt, lysosome, peroxisome, and ferroptosis signaling pathways; this enhanced growth and immunity in white shrimp. Whether a single species or a combination of different microorganisms improves growth and immunity remains unclear till now. Nevertheless, our results will facilitate further in-depth investigation into beneficial microbial communities for upliftment of white shrimp aquaculture.
Clogging risk of microplastics particles in porous media during artificial recharge: a laboratory experiment
Authors: Wang Huan , Zhang Junjie , Chen Yudao , Xia Yuan , Jian Peng , Liang Haozhi
Published: January 2024

Management aquifer recharge (MAR) technology is widely applied to solve seawater intrusion caused by groundwater overexploitation in coastal areas. However, MAR creates an important pathway for microplastics (particle size< 5 mm) to enter groundwater. To explore the clogging potential of microplastics in aquifer media, a series of laboratory-scale column experiments were conducted in this study. The hydraulic conductivity of porous media and deposition amount of microplastics were investigated under different experimental conditions. In our study, most of the microplastics were intercepted in the sand column’s surface layer. The difference of particle size in porous media greatly influence the clogging development. The hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer media decreased as the microplastic particle size decreased. When the particle size of microplastic was larger than 300 mm, most of the microplastics deposits on the surface of the porous media, forming a “microplastic accumulation layer”. Microplastics are affected by particle size, flow shear stress and preferential flow during migration. The migration ability of microplastics increased significantly with the increase of hydraulic head difference and decreased with the increase of sand column depth. The bacteria microorganisms are projected to be a new biological control strategy in conjunction with MAR. The study of clogging risk of microplastics particles in porous media during artificial recharge provides novel and unique insights for the management and control of microplastic pollution in groundwater systems.
Early removal of the etonogestrel contraceptive implant in Spanish women: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Ruiz de Viñaspre-Hernández Regina , Garrido-Santamaria Rosana , Urra-Martínez Raquel , Sáenz-Cabredo Paula , Garrido-Rivas Ana Elena , Juárez-Vela Raúl , Sánchez-González Juan Luis , Lafuente-Jimenez Alberto , Ramón-Arbués Enrique , Navas-Echazarreta Noelia , Santolalla-Arnedo Ivan
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To know the discontinuation rate and characterize predictors and reasons of contraceptive implant removal within 12 months of insertion in our community setting.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included women receiving the etonogestrel contraceptive implant at sexual and reproductive health centers between September 2019 and September 2020. The variables collected were implanted insertion timing, reproductive and demographic characteristics, medical conditions, sexual activity and counseling. Our primary outcome was implant discontinuation. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used to show the cumulative discontinuation rate of implants contraceptive within the first year of insertion. We also identified factors that increased the risk of implant removal using the log-rank test and the Cox regression model. Reasons for discontinuation were documented.

Results

199 women were followed up. Implant discontinuation was documented in 17.1% of implant users prior to 12 months. Factors that increase the risk of implant removal are living with a partner, being aged 25–34 years and not receiving comprehensive and structured counseling from the midwife. The main reason for removal was unsatisfactory bleeding (97.1%), but this was combined with other reasons such as cessation of sexual intercourse (58.8%), worsening mood (58.8%), weight gain (55.9%) or decreased libido (50.0%).

Conclusion

The rate of discontinuous implant uses in the first year is relevant in relation to cost-effectiveness, there is room for improvement that should not be overlooked. Comprehensive and structured midwife-led counseling can reduce early implant abandonment removal. The development in different countries of the role of midwives in the management of contraceptives can contribute to the economic benefit of health services and the satisfaction of women.
Communication training for general practitioners aimed at improving antibiotic prescribing: a controlled before-after study in multicultural Dutch cities
Authors: Lescure Dominique L. A. , Erdem Özcan , Nieboer Daan , Huijser van Reenen Natascha , Tjon-A-Tsien Aimée M. L. , van Oorschot Wilbert , Brouwer Rob , Vos Margreet C. , van der Velden Alike W. , Richardus Jan Hendrik , Voeten Hélène A. C. M.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Suboptimal doctor-patient communication drives inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics. We evaluated a communication intervention for general practitioners (GPs) in multicultural Dutch cities to improve antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections (RTI).

Methods

This was a non-randomized controlled before-after study. The study period was pre-intervention November 2019 – April 2020 and post-intervention November 2021 – April 2022. The intervention consisted of a live training (organized between September and November 2021), an E-learning, and patient material on antibiotics and antibiotic resistance in multiple languages. The primary outcome was the absolute number of prescribed antibiotic courses indicated for RTIs per GP; the secondary outcome was all prescribed antibiotics per GP. We compared the post-intervention differences in the mean number of prescribed antibiotics between the intervention (N = 25) and the control group (N = 110) by using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) test, while adjusting for the pre-intervention number of prescribed antibiotics. Additionally, intervention GPs rated the training and their knowledge and skills before the intervention and 3 months thereafter.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in the mean number of prescribed antibiotics for RTI between the intervention and the control group, nor for mean number of overall prescribed antibiotics. The intervention GPs rated the usefulness of the training for daily practice a 7.3 (on a scale from 1–10) and there was a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-intervention on four out of nine items related to knowledge and skills.

Discussion

There was no change in GPs prescription behavior between the intervention and control group. However, GPs found the intervention useful and showed some improvement on self-rated knowledge and communication skills.
Establishment of sex-specific predictive models for critical illness in Chinese people with the Omicron variant
Authors: Yang Rui , Guan Xin , Niu Ziguang , Zhang Rulin , Lv Siang , Xu Xiang , Zhao Yingying , Wu Jun
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The Omicron variant has rapidly spread throughout the world compared to the Delta variant and poses a great threat to global healthcare systems due to its immune evasion and rapid spread. Sex has been identified as a factor significantly associated with COVID-19 mortality, but it remains unclear which clinical indicators could be identified as risk factors in each sex group and which sex-specific risk factors might shape the worse clinical outcome, especially for Omicrons. This study aimed to confirm the relationship between sex and the progression of the Omicron variant and to explore its sex-biased risk factors.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study including 1,132 hospitalized patients with the COVID-19 Omicron variant from 5 December 2022 to 25 January 2023 at Shanghai General Hospital, and the medical history data and clinical index data of the inpatients for possible sex differences were compared and analyzed. Then, a sex-specific Lasso regression was performed to select the variables significantly associated with critical illness, including intensive care unit admission, invasive mechanical ventilation, or death. A logistic regression was used to construct a sex-specific predictive model distinctively for the critical illness outcome using selected covariates.

Results

Among the collected 115 clinical indicators, up to 72 showed significant sex differences, including the difference in merit and the proportion of people with abnormalities. More importantly, males had greater critical illness (28.4% vs. 19.9%) and a significantly higher intensive care unit occupancy (20.96% vs. 14.49%) and mortality (13.2% vs. 4.9%), and males over 80 showed worse outcomes than females. Predictive models (AUC: 0.861 for males and 0.898 for females) showed 12 risk factors for males and 10 for females. Through a comprehensive sex-stratified analysis of a large cohort of hospitalized Omicron-infected patients, we identified the specific risk factors for critical illness by developing prediction models.

Discussion

Sex disparities and the identified risk factors should be considered, especially in the personalized prevention and treatment of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.
Causal associations between circulating inflammatory cytokines and blinding eye diseases: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Teng Menghao , Wang Jiachen , Su Xiaochen , Tian Ye , Ye Xiaomin , Zhang Yingang
Published: January 2024

Background

Previous studies have explored the associations between circulating inflammatory cytokines and blinding eye diseases, including glaucoma, cataract and macular degeneration. However, the causality of these associations remains controversial. This study employs a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) study to investigate the causal relationships between 41 circulating inflammatory cytokines and these blinding eye diseases.

Methods

Summary data for glaucoma, cataract, macular degeneration and 41 circulating inflammatory cytokines were publicly available. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was employed as the main analysis method. Additionally, various sensitivity tests, including MR–Egger regression, weighted median, weight mode, Cochran’s Q test, MR pleiotropy Residual Sum and Outlier test, and leave-one-out test, were conducted to evaluate sensitivity and stability of results.

Results

The IVW analysis identified six circulating inflammatory cytokines causally associated with the risk of blinding eye diseases: Monokine induced by interferon-gamma (MIG) for glaucoma, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), IL-6, IL-10, and platelet derived growth factor BB (PDGFbb) for cataract, and MIG and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) for macular degeneration. However, it is noteworthy that none of these associations remained significant after Bonferroni correction (p < 0.0004). Reverse MR analyses indicated that cataract may lead to a decrease in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels (OR: 3.326 × 10−04, 95% CI: 5.198 × 10−07 − 2.129 × 10−01, p = 0.0151).

Conclusion

This study highlights the potential roles of specific inflammatory cytokines in the development of glaucoma, cataract and macular degeneration. Moreover, it suggests that VEGF is likely to be involved in cataract development downstream. These findings offer insights for early prevention and novel therapeutic strategies for these blinding eye diseases.
Research on multi-robot collaborative operation in logistics and warehousing using A3C optimized YOLOv5-PPO model
Authors: Wang Lei , Liu Guangjun
Published: January 2024

Introduction

In the field of logistics warehousing robots, collaborative operation and coordinated control have always been challenging issues. Although deep learning and reinforcement learning methods have made some progress in solving these problems, however, current research still has shortcomings. In particular, research on adaptive sensing and real-time decision-making of multi-robot swarms has not yet received sufficient attention.

Methods

To fill this research gap, we propose a YOLOv5-PPO model based on A3C optimization. This model cleverly combines the target detection capabilities of YOLOv5 and the PPO reinforcement learning algorithm, aiming to improve the efficiency and accuracy of collaborative operations among logistics and warehousing robot groups.

Results

Through extensive experimental evaluation on multiple datasets and tasks, the results show that in different scenarios, our model can successfully achieve multi-robot collaborative operation, significantly improve task completion efficiency, and maintain target detection and environment High accuracy of understanding.

Discussion

In addition, our model shows excellent robustness and adaptability and can adapt to dynamic changes in the environment and fluctuations in demand, providing an effective method to solve the collaborative operation problem of logistics warehousing robots.
Human iPSC-derived retinal organoids develop robust Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology
Authors: James Ethan , Vielle Anne , Cusato Karen , Li Helen , Lee Byoungin , Parween Shama , Howell Anna , Johnson Noah R. , Chial Heidi J. , Potter Huntington , Vergara M. Natalia
Published: January 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline, affects nearly 50 million people worldwide. Amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) of phosphorylated Tau protein (pTau) are key histopathological features of the disease in the brain, and recent advances have also identified AD histopathology in the retina. Thus, the retina represents a central nervous system (CNS) tissue highly amenable to non-invasive diagnostic imaging that shows promise as a biomarker for early AD. Given the devastating effects of AD on patients, their families, and society, new treatment modalities that can significantly alter the disease course are urgently needed. In this study, we have developed and characterized a novel human retinal organoid (RO) model derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from patients with familial AD due to mutations in the amyloid precursor protein gene (APP). Using immunofluorescence and histological staining, we evaluated the cellular composition and AD histopathological features of AD-ROs compared to control ROs from healthy individuals. We found that AD-ROs largely resemble their healthy control counterparts in cellular composition but display increased levels of Aβ and pTau. We also present proof of principle of an assay to quantify amyloid levels in whole ROs. Thisin vitromodel of the human AD retina constitutes a new tool for drug screening, biomarker discovery, and pathophysiological studies.
Headache providers' perspectives of headache diaries in the era of increasing technology use: a qualitative study
Authors: Minen Mia , George Alexis , Lebowitz Naomi , Katara Aarti , Snyder Ivy
Published: January 2024

Background

No matter what type of headache is being considered across various populations, one of the mainstays of headache medicine is headache tracking. This self-management tool enables patients and their providers to understand patients' underlying symptoms and the effects of treatments they have tried. This is important to determining whether headaches are related to menses for women's health, to determining the time of headache occurrence, e.g., hypnic headache, and the location and duration of symptoms, e.g., trigeminal autonomic cephalgia. Prior research has investigated what people with headaches perceive about headache diary use and how people with headaches utilize electronic headache diaries. However, headache providers' perspectives on the important factors related to headache diaries are less known. Previously, using the Modified Delphi Process, a panel of four experts opined what they perceived as the most important factors for a headache diary. We sought to better understand headache providers' perspectives about headache diary/app usage from providers working in various institutions nationwide.

Methods

We conducted 20 semi-structured qualitative interviews of headache providers across the US from various institutions and asked them their perspectives on headache diary use. We transcribed the interviews, which two independent coders then coded. Themes and subthemes were developed using grounded theory qualitative analysis.

Results

Six themes emerged: (1) Providers were generally agnostic regarding the headache tracking method, but nearly all recommend the use of smartphones for tracking; (2) Providers had concerns regarding the accessibility of headache trackers; (3) Providers noted benefits to integrating headache tracking data into the EMR but had mixed opinions on how this integration might be done; (4) Providers had mixed opinions regarding the utility and interpretation of the data, specifically regarding data accuracy and efficiency; (5) Providers generally felt that headache tracking lends itself to more collaborative plan management; (6) Providers recommend behavioral health apps for patients but stated that there are few digital behavioral health interventions for headache specifically.

Conclusion

Interviews of headache providers, recommenders, and users of headache data are vital informants who can provide a robust amount of information about headache diary development, use in different populations, integration, and more.