bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengembangan Lembar Kerja Peserta Didik (LKPD) Berbasis Critical Thinking pada Materi Nafsu Syahwat dan Ghadlab
Authors: Widyaningrum Retno , Izzati Leni Nurul
Published: February 2024

Student Worksheet are one of the teaching materials that are the teacher's choice. Student Worksheet can facilitate the delivery of messages from teachers to students, improve the ability to think, feel, pay attention, increase students' interest in learning, and the learning process run as expected. Based on the results of review at MA Muhammadiyah 1 Ponorogo in learning activities the teaching materials used were printed teaching materials available in schools. Assignments given to students based on textbooks used during the learning process. Student Worksheet cannot be fully implemented, whereas if using Student Worksheet in learning activities, the Student Worksheet used is still in a simple form containing only questions that must be worked on by students. This study aims to: (1) Determine the feasibility of Student Worksheet based on Critical Thinking on Lust and Ghadlab materials. (2) Knowing students' responses to Critical Thinking-based Student Worksheet on Lust and Ghadlab materials. (3) Knowing the effectiveness of Student Worksheet based on Critical Thinking on Lust and Ghadlab materials.This type of research uses a development research methodology (Research and Development/ RND). With reference to the ADDIE research model, namely Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. The subjects of data collection in this study were 3 validators and class X students of MA Muhammadiyah 1 Ponorogo. The research instruments were validation sheets, student response questionnaires, and test. The results of the study show that: (1) LKPD based on Critical Thinking is declared valid after repair or revision. LKPD has met the criteria according to the Aiken's V test and obtained a validation coefficient of 1.00. So that LKPD based on Critical Thinking is suitable for use in learning. (2) LKPD based on Critical Thinking gets a good response from students with an average response value of 15% of students answering quite agree, 31% answering agree, and 60% answering strongly agree, then student responses to LKPD based on Critical Thinking categorized as good. (3) LKPD based on Critical Thinking is effectively used in learning. In the results of the Paired T Test the significance generated is 0.000 and the N Gain test results obtain an average value of 0.6107, the level of effectiveness of LKPD based on Critical Thinking is categorized as moderate.
PENGARUH KECERDASAN SPIRITUAL TERHADAP EFIKASI DIRI MAHASISWA JURUSAN BPI IAIN PONOROGO TAHUN 2023
Authors: Efendi Yusuf
Published: February 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui ada tidaknya pengaruh kecerdasan spiritual terhadap efikasi diri mahasiswa jurusan BPI IAIN Ponorogo Tahun 2023. Populasi berjumlah 246 mahasiswa. Sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian sebanyak 106 mahasiswa, yang ditentukan melalui teknik pengambilan sampel disproportionate stratifed random sampling. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah kuantitatif dengan jenis regresi linier sederhana. Analisis pada penelitian ini menggunakan statistik deskriptif. Instrumen penelitian menggunakan skala kecerdasan spiritual dan skala efikasi diri. Dari hasil penelitian diperoleh F hitung: 34,270 pada tabel signifikansi (p) 0,000 < 0,5, maka Ha diterima dan Ho ditolak. Berarti terdapat pengaruh kecerdasan spiritual terhadap efikasi diri mahasiswa jurusan Bimbingan Penyuluhan Islam IAIN Ponorogo Tahun 2023. Semakin tinggi tingkat kecerdasan spiritual maka semakin tinggi pula efikasi diri mahasiswa, begitupun sebaliknya semakin rendah tingkat kecerdasan spiritual maka semakin rendah pula tingkat efikasi diri mahasiswa.
Hubungan Antara Dukungan Sosial Dengan Successful Aging Pada Lansia Di Desa Malingmati Kecamatan Tambakrejo Kabupaten Bojonegoro
Authors: Mirnawati Neli , Faruk Ahmad
Published: February 2024

Dukungan sosial dan Successful Aging. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui ada tidaknya hubungan antara dukungan sosial dengan successful aging pada lansia di Desa Malingmati Kecamatan Tambakrejo Kabupaten Bojonegoro. Dengan sampel sebanyak 53 lansia. Metode penelitian yang digunakan untuk penelitian ini adalah kuantitatif dengan jenis korelasional. Selain itu menggunakan analisis kuantitatif. Dari penelitian ini penulis menarik kesimpulan bahwa dari data yang di peroleh mendapatkan koefisien korelasi sebesar  berarti data tersebut menunjukan bahwa rendahnya hubungan antara dukungan sosial dengan successful aging pada lansia di Desa Malingmati Kecamatan Tambakrejo Kabupaten Bojonegoro dan kemudian uji hipotesis thitung dengan ttable menghasilkan thitung > ttabel yaitu > 0, 312. dengan hasil tersebut dapat di simpulkan bahwa Ha diterima dan Ho ditolak. Artinya terdapat hubungan antara dukungan sosial dengan successful aging pada lansia di Desa Malingmati Kecamatan Tambakrejo Kabupaten Bojonegoro.Kata kunci : dukungan sosial; successful aging; lansia.
PERAN GURU AQIDAH AKHLAK DALAM MENGATASI BULLYING DI MIS AT-TA’AWUN KEDIRI
Authors: Aisyiyah Waladatuts Tsalitsah Layinatul , Purwaningrum Septiana , Khotimah Husnul
Published: February 2024

Abstrack : The role of the Aqidah Akhlak teacher is needed to internalize Islamic moral values so that students become human beings with noble character. This study aims to find out the forms of bullying, what is the role of the Aqidah Akhlak teacher in overcoming bullying, and the impact of the Aqidah Akhlak teacher's role in overcoming bullying. This study uses a qualitative approach, namely by obtaining data sources from the Aqidah Akhlak teacher and MIS Atta'awun Tugurejo students, Ngasem District, Kediri Regency. Collecting data using interview, observation, and documentation. Data analysis in this study used three stages, namely, the reduction stage, the data presentation stage, the verification stage and conclusions. Checking the validity of the data in this study used source triangulation techniques and technical triangulation. Research Results: 1) The forms of bullying that occurred at MIS Atta'awun Tugurejo, Ngasem District, Kediri Regency were in the category of physical and verbal bullying, such as mocking, scribbling on books, saying dirty words, tearing books, and making fun of friends. 2) The role of the Aqidah Akhlak teacher is to carry out his role as a teacher, namely to provide a good example of speaking and dressing politely. Aqidah Akhlak teachers also provide advice and solutions, then are also able to understand the characteristics of their students, and apply methods that are suitable for their students. 3) The impact of the Aqidah Akhlak teacher's role in overcoming bullying yielded positive results including students being able to self-reflect, not repeating bullying, students feeling guilty and apologizing, and learning in the classroom became more conducive due to reduced bullying.Keyword : role, teacher, bullying, student
Dampak Pernikahan Beda Agama terhadap Perkembangan Psikologi Anak
Authors: Khairina Safira Nafa
Published: February 2024

Pernikahan merupakan sarana bagi laki-laki dan perempuan untuk menempuh kehidupan rumah tangga, pernikahan juga merupakan sunnatullah yang diamalkan oleh umat islam, dalam menentukan calon pasangan hidup diharapkan menikahi berdasarkan empat hal yaitu: keturunanya, kecantikanya, kekayaanya, dan agamanya, maka menikah dengan yang beragama lebih beruntung (H.R Bukhari Muslim) tujuanya adalah agar dapat membentuk keluarga Sakinah mawaddah warrahmah. Namun dengan berbagai dalil Al-Quran maupun Hadist tentang pernikahan, Pernikahan beda agama tetap marak dilakukan bahkan semakin meningkat, dengan banyaknya fenomena tersebut maka perlu dikulik apa faktor penyebab pernikahan beda agama masih terus berjalan khususnya di kota salatiga, serta dampak yang diterima pasca pernikahan beda agama khususnya pada anak terutama pada perkembangan psikologisnya. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode field research yaitu penelitian lapangan dengan mendatangi lokasi kejadian dan melaksanakan wawancara, dan bersumber dari literatur lainya berupa buku dan jurnal. Hasil penelitian menyebutkan bahwasanya pernikahan beda agama tetap berjalan di Kota Salatiga dikarenakan ada Lembaga yang memfasilitasi pernikahan tersebut yaitu Lembaga Percik dan GKJ Sidomukti. Dampak pernikahan beda agama terhadap perkembangan psikologis anak diantaranya adalah ketidak konsistenan dalam memilih terlebih dalam pedoman hidup dan akibat fatalnya bisa menimbulkan trauma apabila anak tidak diarahkan oleh orangtua dan hidup di lingkungan yang tidak mendukung. Dampak baiknya adalah anak dapat bertoleransi sejak dini sehingga mampu lebih banyak menerima perbedaan.
Strategi Guru Dalam Pembelajaran Menghafal Juz Amma Anak Usia Dini Di TK Aisyiyah Bustanul Athfal 3
Authors: Iftitah Selfi Lailiyatul , Habibah Ummul , Sa'adah Fira , Fitriani Eka Helawati , Es Isrowiyah Em
Published: February 2024

Artikel ini membahas mengenai strategi yang diterapkan oleh guru di TK Aisyiyah Bustanul Athfal 3 dalam proses pembelajaran menghafal Juz Amma bagi anak usia dini. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menggali berbagai metode dan pendekatan yang efektif dalam membantu anak-anak menghafal Juz Amma, serta bagaimana guru dapat memotivasi dan menciptakan lingkungan belajar yang kondusif bagi anak. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah kualitatif dengan pendekatan deskriptif. Data dikumpulkan melalui observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Hasil dari penelitian bahwa dalam menerapkan hafalan juz amma terhadap anak usia dini yakni menggunakan strategi pembelajaran metode menghafal yang dipadukan dengan akliyah (gerakan), dan selama pembelajaran berlangsung yakni memadukan kegiatan pembelajaran dengan nyanyian sehingga anak dapat merasa nyaman ketika sedang dalam proses belajar mengajar dalam kelas.
Pengaruh Pemanfaatan Media Bahan Alam Terhadap Kemampuan Motorik Halus
Authors: Herlambang Divanie Normayulia , Khosiah Siti , Fahmi Fahmi
Published: February 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji Pengaruh Pemanfaatan Media Bahan Alam Terhadap Kemampuan Motorik Halus pada anak usia 4-6 tahun di TK Islam Tirtayasa Serang-Banten. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif dengan desain penelitian Ex-post Facto. Populasi penelitian adalah 30 anak usia 4-6 tahun di TK Islam Tirtayasa Serang-Banten, dan seluruh populasi dijadikan sampel (30 anak). Pemanfaatan media bahan alam memberikan pengaruh sebesar 83,7% terhadap pengembangan kemampuan motorik halus. Uji Hipotesis menggunakan Uji t dengan hasil thitung 11,973, yang melebihi nilai t tabel sebesar 1,701. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan dari pemanfaatan media bahan alam terhadap pengembangan kemampuan motorik halus. Dengan demikian, penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa pemanfaatan media bahan alam mempunyai pengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap pengembangan kemampuan motorik halus pada anak usia 4-6 tahun di TK Islam Tirtayasa Serang-Banten.
Cohort profile: an observational population-based cohort study on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness in the Netherlands – The VAccine Study COvid-19 (VASCO)
Authors: Huiberts Anne J. , Hoeve Christina E. , Kooijman Marjolein N. , de Melker Hester E. , Hahne Susan J. , Grobbee Diederick E. , Binnendijk Rob van , Hartog Gerco den , de Wijgert Janneke H.H.M. van , Hof Susan van den , Knol Mirjam J.
Published: February 2024

Purpose - VAccine Study COvid-19 (VASCO) is a cohort study with 5-year follow-up that was initiated when COVID-19 vaccination was introduced in the Netherlands. The primary objective is to estimate real-world vaccine effectiveness (VE) of COVID-19 vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Netherlands, overall and in four subpopulations defined by age and medical risk.
Participants - The cohort consists of 45,547 community-dwelling participants aged 18-85 years who were included irrespective of their COVID-19 vaccination status or intention to get vaccinated. A medical risk condition is present in 4,289 (19.8%) of 21,679 18-59 year-olds and in 9,135 (38.3%) of 23,821 60-85 year-olds. After one year of follow-up, 5,502 participants had dropped out of the study. At inclusion, and several times after inclusion, participants are asked to take a self-collected fingerprick blood sample in which nucleoprotein and spike protein receptor binding domain-specific antibody titers are assessed. Participants are also asked to complete monthly digital questionnaires in the first year, and 3-monthly in years 2-5, including questions on sociodemographic factors, health status, COVID-19 vaccination, SARS-CoV-2-related symptoms and testing results, and behavioral responses to COVID-19 measures.
Findings to date - VASCO data has been used to describe VE against SARS-CoV-2 infection of primary vaccination, first and second booster and bivalent boosters, the impact of hybrid immunity on SARS-CoV-2 infection and VE against infectiousness. Furthermore, data was used to describe antibody response following vaccination and breakthrough infections and to investigate the relation between antibody response and reactogenicity.
Future plans - VASCO will be able to contribute to policy decision-making regarding future COVID-19 vaccination. Furthermore, VASCO provides an infrastructure to conduct further studies and to anticipate on changing vaccination campaigns and testing policy, and new virus variants.
Registration - VASCO is registered in the online Dutch clinical trials register (trialsearch.who.int) with registration number NL9279.
The Effect of Economic Growth, Investment and Unemployment on Renewable Energy Transition: Evidence from OECD Countries
Authors: Güler İlkay , Atan Murat , Adalı Zafer
Published: February 2024

In today's world, where the dramatic effects of climate change continue to increase, it is critical to turn from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources to achieve the CO2 emission reduction targets that countries have committed at the Paris Climate Agreement and COP 27 conference. This study analyzes the effects of macroeconomic factors, including economic growth, investments, and unemployment, on the transition to renewable energy in OECD countries. From 1996 to 2020, long-run relationships between variables were examined using advanced econometric methodologies for empirical analysis. For this purpose, panel data analysis, second-generation panel unit root tests, cross-sectional dependence tests, and panel cointegration tests were applied. Economically, in the long run, according to Panel CCEMG and AMG estimator, while economic growth enhances the renewable energy transitions, investment does not statistically promote an impact on the renewable energy transitions. Renewable energy transition increases with unemployment. Moreover, the role of the considered variables in the renewable energy transition varies among country-specific. Within the framework of the results obtained, it has been proven that before determining policies for renewable energy transformation, it is necessary to do the necessary groundwork in the economy to increase economic growth and investments and reduce unemployment.
JEL Classification: O11, Q43, Q42
How to estimate the ARDL model using R software
Authors: Mestiri Sami
Published: February 2024

AutoRegressive Distributed Lag Models (ARDL) are dynamic models that involve variables lagged over time, unlike static models. The aim of the paper is to present how to apply ARDL models using the R software, show how to use the package Dynamac. The Dynamac makes interesting recommendations for estimating ARDL models using R. Then, in this paper, I present the benefits of dynamac package for the statistical language R, demonstrating its main functionalities in a step-by-step guide.
JEL codes: C15, C88
FGF4 and Ascorbic acid enhance the maturation of induced cardiomyocytes by activating JAK2-STAT3 signaling
Authors: Lim Do-Sun , Jun Seongmin , Song Myeong-Hwa , Choi Seung-Cheol , Noh Ji-Min , Kim Kyung Seob , Park Jae Hyoung , Yoon Da Eun , Kim Kyoungmi
Published: February 2024

Direct cardiac reprogramming represents a novel therapeutic strategy to convert non-cardiac cells such as fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes (CMs). This process involves essential transcription factors - Mef2c, Gata4, and Tbx5 (MGT), MESP1 and MYOCD (MGTMM). However, the small molecules responsible for inducing immature induced CM (iCMs) and the signaling mechanisms driving their maturation remain elusive. Our study explored the effects of various small molecules on iCM induction and discovered that the combination of FGF4 and ascorbic acid (FA) enhances CM markers, exhibits organized sarcomere and T-tubule structures, and improves cardiac function. Transcriptome analysis emphasized the significance of ECM-integrins-focal adhesions and the upregulation of JAK2-STAT3 and TGFB signaling pathways in FA-treated iCMs. Notably, JAK2-STAT3 knockdown affected TGFB signaling, ECMs, and downregulated mature CM markers in FA-treated iCMs. Our findings underscore the critical role of the JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway in directly reprogrammed CMs by activating TGFB signaling and ECM synthesis.
Association of Hypertension Defined by the 2017 ACC/AHA Guideline and Choroidal Thickness Changes in Type 2 Diabetes: A 2-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Huang Wenyong , liu kaiqun , fu yihang , Mao Yuxiang
Published: February 2024

Purpose To explore the longitudinal association between hypertension (HTN) defined by the 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/ American Heart Association (AHA) blood pressure (BP) guideline and choroidal thickness (CT) changes among patients with type 2 diabetes.Methods This prospective cohort study included patients aged 30 to 80 years in the Guangzhou Diabetic Eye Study. BP categories were defined based on the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline as non-HTN, stage 1-HTN and stage 2-HTN. Macular and parapapillary CT were measured using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) device. The decline rates of macular and parapapillary CT over time were analyzed through mixed linear regression models. The associations between HTN and the decline rate of both macular and parapapillary CT were assessed using mixed linear regression analysis.Results A total of 803 patients with diabetes were enrolled in the study. Compared with none-HTN group, stage 2-HTN group showed significantly thinner macular and parapapillary CT at each visit (all P < 0.05). After adjusting multiple confounding factors, the stage 2-HTN group yielded significantly decreased rate of CT thinning in the macular area (coefficient [coef]=-9.88µm/year; 95% confidence intervals [CI], -16.24 to -3.51; P = 0.002), but not parapapillary area (coef=-0.54µm/year; 95% CI, -5.47 to 4.39; P = 0.830). Further stratified analyses showed that participants with stage 2-HTN had faster decline rates of macular CT in groups of males (coef=-15.41µm/year, 95% CI -25.72 to -5.10; P = 0.03), BMI > 25 kg/m2(coef=-14.54µm/year, 95% CI -24.12 to -4.96; P = 0.03), duration < 10 years (coef=-11.86µm/year, 95% CI -20.60 to -3.11; P = 0.08), and HbA1c > 6.5% (coef=-11.15µm/year, 95% CI -18.67 to -3.65; P = 0.04).Conclusion Stage 2-HTN is parallel with the progression of CT loss in the macular but not parapapillary area among patients with diabetes. Regular BP monitoring for this population may contribute to early screening and identification of macular damage.
CO2 Laser in Benign Vocal Fold Lesions - An Observational Study
Authors: Showkat Showkat Ahmad , Jallu Aleena Shafi , Bhat Mohd Shafi , Malik Bashir Ahmad
Published: February 2024

Background
To evaluate the clinical and functional outcome of patients having benign vocal fold lesions who were treated with carbon dioxide laser.
Methods
For this research, a total of 41 individuals who had hoarseness of voice and satisfied the inclusion criteria were included. A thorough medical history was obtained, and a thorough ENT examination was performed, including an anterior rhinoscopy, an oral cavity examination, an indirect laryngoscopy, a 70-degree Hopkins rod examination, and a stroboscopy. Voice evaluation was done using (G)rade, (R)oughness, (B)reathiness, (A)sthenia….weakness (S)train (GRBAS), voice handicap index (VHI), and maximum phonation time (MPT) scores.
Results
All 41 patients reported hoarseness of voice as their primary complaint, and most of them developed their symptoms gradually. The following causes seem to have contributed to the presence of hoarseness of voice: LPR in 8 patients, smoking in 25 patients, voice abuse in 14 patients, and irritation exposure in 6 patients. The most frequent lesion in 25 (60.97 percent) of the research participants was a vocal polyp. This study showed majority of patients 35 (85.4%) had posterior phonatory gap and 6 (14.6%) had anterior gap preoperatively. All patients had incomplete glottic closure preoperatively whereas glottic closure was complete at 1st follow-up postoperatively. The mean pre-operative GRBAS score in study subjects was 10.972 with an SD (standard deviation) of 2.1724 and a median of 10.000. The mean postoperative GRBAS score at six months was 0.268 with an SD of 0.4486, median 0.000, Z score − 5.618, and p-value < 0.001 which is statistically significant.
Conclusion
Precision, hemostasis, and minimal postoperative oedema are benefits of using carbon dioxide laser. This research therefore supports the idea that benign vocal fold lesions might be successfully treated with the super-pulsed micro-spot carbon dioxide laser, which offers good voice outcomes.
Registration number :IECGMCSGR 2018/221/171, Dated- 05/11/2018.
Serum Alpha-Synuclein and Inflammatory Markers profile in an Egyptian Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Heikal Shimaa A. , Fawi Gharib , Moustafa Sara A. , Barakat Mai , Ragab Gaafar , Hegazy Mohamed Tharwat , ElFarash Sara , Salama Mohamed
Published: February 2024

Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's disease are the most common neurodegenerative diseases. In the current study, we explored the potential of blood-based markers to differentiate Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) from healthy controls using ELISA assays via measuring the serum level of α-Syn and panels of inflammatory cytokines in the small pilot cohort of Egyptian volunteers. With the ongoing genetic studies, upcoming data suggest that it is not trivial to revisit the findings reported in specific populations to be tested in each ancestor of different genetic and environmental backgrounds. A total of 42 participants were recruited from the Neurology department, Suhag University Hospital, including 18 AD cases, 9 PD cases, and 15 healthy controls. Clinical and demographic characteristics were well-matched among the three groups. The current data is the first to provide evidence in an Egyptian cohort that aligns with earlier reports that serum level of α-synuclein can be a specific marker for distinguishing PD patients from healthy individuals but not AD patients. Both AD and PD, however, exhibited shared neuroinflammatory profiles with elevated IL-6 and decreased IL-10, hinting at a common inflammatory component despite their distinct etiologies. While trends toward increased IL-1β and TNF-α were observed in AD, the lack of statistical significance suggests a more limited role in its pathogenesis or the need to expand the sample size. These findings, although promising and the first of a kind to be conducted in Egyptian patients, necessitate further investigation with larger sample sizes to solidify these markers' potential for diagnosis and fully unravel the specific roles of individual cytokines in each disease.
Hybrid Allosteric Modulators of M1 Muscarinic Receptors Enhance Acetylcholine Efficacy and Decrease Locomotor Activity and Turning Behaviors in Zebrafish
Authors: Widman Corey J. , Ventresca Sestina , Dietrich Jillian , Elmslie Gwendolynne , Smith Hazel , Kaup Gina , Wesley Aaron , Doenecke Madeline , Williams Frederick E. , Schiefer Isaac T. , Ellis John , Messer William S.
Published: February 2024

Allosteric modulation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChR) has been identified as a potential strategy for regulating cholinergic signaling in the treatment of various neurological disorders. Most positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of mAChR enhance agonist affinity and potency, while very few PAMs selectively enhance G-protein coupling efficacy (e.g., amiodarone). The key structural features of amiodarone responsible for enhancement of mAChR efficacy were examined in CHO cells expressing M1 receptors. Subsequent incorporation of these structural features into previously identified allosteric modulators of potency (i.e., n-benzyl isatins) generated hybrid ligands that demonstrated similar or better enhancement of mAChR efficacy, lower in vivo toxicity, and higher allosteric binding affinity relative to amiodarone. Notable hybrid ligands include 8a and 8c which respectively demonstrated the strongest binding affinity and the most robust enhancement of mAChR efficacy as calculated from an allosteric operational model. Amiodarone derivatives and hybrid ligands were additionally screened in wildtype zebrafish (Danio rerio) to provide preliminary in vivo toxicity data as well as to observe effects on locomotor and turning behaviors relative to other mAChR PAMs. Several compounds, including 8a and 8c, reduced locomotor activity and increased measures of turning behaviors in zebrafish, suggesting that allosteric modulation of muscarinic receptor efficacy might be useful in the treatment of repetitive behaviors associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
Occurrence in France of 1,4-dioxane, an emerging pollutant of high concern in drinking water
Authors: Bach Cristina , Boiteux Virginie , Dauchy Xavier
Published: February 2024

In recent years, 1,4-dioxane has emerged as a pollutant of increasing concern following widespread detection in the aquatic environment of several countries. This persistent contaminant with specific physical and chemical properties can be rapidly dispersed and transported to river banks, groundwater and drinking water. Given the limited data on its occurrence in France, it was considered necessary to assess the potential exposure of the French population to this compound in drinking water. An analytical method based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) combined with gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was developed and validated during this study with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.15 µg/L. Recoveries in natural water matrices ranged from 113–117% with a relative bias not exceeding 17%. This method was used for a nationwide campaign at almost 300 sites, evenly distributed over 101 French départements (administrative units), including some that were overseas. 1,4-Dioxane was detected mainly (63%) in raw and treated water from sites associated with historical industrial practices related to the use of chlorinated solvents. The maximum concentration of 1,4-dioxane found in a raw water sample was 4.80 µg/L. Drinking water treatment plants using ozonation, granular activated carbon and chlorination have limited effectiveness in the removal of 1,4-dioxane. The results of this study are the first step towards bridging the knowledge gap in the occurrence of 1,4-dioxane in France. Further investigations are needed with priority being given to several sites where 1,4-dioxane has been found in substantial concentrations (> 1 µg/L).
Investigation of N3C5 and B3C5 bilayers as anode materials for Li-ion batteries by first-principles calculations
Authors: Kasprzak Grzegorz T. , Durajski Artur
Published: February 2024

The best choice today for a realistic method of increasing the energy density of a metal-ion battery is to find novel, effective electrode materials. In this paper, we present a theoretical investigation of the properties of two-dimensional B3C5 and N3C5 bilayer systems as potential anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The simulation results show that N3C5 bilayer is not suitable for anode material due to its thermal instability. On the other hand B3C5 is stable, has good electrical conductivity, and is intrinsically metallic before and after lithium intercalation. The low diffusion barrier (0.27 eV) of Li atoms shows a good charge and discharge rate for B3C5 bilayer. Moreover, the high theoretical specific capacity (579.57 mAh/g) connected with moderate volume expansion effect during charge/discharge processes indicates that B3C5 is a promising anode material for Li-ion batteries.
Resonance of Vector Vortex Beams in a Triangular Optical Cavity
Authors: Rodrigues Laura Martins , Fagundes Lucas Marques , de Salles Daniel Carvalho , Santos Gustavo Henrique dos , Kondo Jorge Douglas Massayuki , Khoury Antonio Zellaquet , Ribeiro Paulo Henrique Souto , de Araújo Renné Luiz Câmara Medeiros
Published: February 2024

We experimentally demonstrate resonance of first-order vector vortex beams (VVB) with a triangular optical cavity. We also show that, due to their symmetry properties, the so-called radial and azimuthal VVBs do not resonate at the same cavity length, which could be explored to use the triangular resonator as a mode sorter. In addition, an intracavity Pancharatnam phase shifter (PPS) is implemented in order to compensate for any birefringent phase that the cavity mirrors may introduce.
Gender-based differences in the representation and lived experiences of academic leaders in medicine and dentistry: a mixed method study from Pakistan
Authors: Shahzad Muhammad , Jamil Brekhna , Mehboob Bushra , Mahboob Usman , Elmigdadi Fayig
Published: February 2024

Background:
Research evidence suggests gender-based differences in the extent and experiences of academic leaders across the globe even in developed countries like USA, UK, and Canada. The under-representation is particularly common in higher education organizations, including medical and dental schools. The current study aimed to investigate gender-based distribution and explore leaders' experiences in the medical and dental institutes in a developing country, Pakistan.
Methods:
A mixed-method approach was used. The quantitative arm collected data about the gender-based distribution of academic leaders in all medical and dental colleges of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews with ten academic leaders.
Results:
Gender-based disparities exist across all institutes with the greatest differences among the top-rank leadership level (principals/deans) where 84.5% of the positions were occupied by males. The gender gap was relatively narrow at mid-level leadership positions reaching up to as high as > 40% of female leaders in medical/dental education. The qualitative analysis found gender-based differences in the lived experiences under four themes: leadership attributes, leadership journey, challenges, and support.
Conclusions:
The study showed that women are not only significantly under-represented in leadership positions in medical and dental colleges in Pakistan, they also face gender-based discrimination and struggling to maintain a decent work life balance. These findings are critical and can have important implications for government, organizations, human resource managers, and policymakers in terms of enacting laws, proposing regulations, and establishing support mechanisms to improve gender-based balance and help current and aspiring leaders in their leadership journey.
A Study on diagnosis and therapeutic management of cryptosporidiosis in calves
Authors: G Sateesh A , A. Patil N. , Kasaralikar VIivek R. , Sandeep Halmandge , G Ravindra B. , S Pradeep B. , T Rajendrakumar
Published: February 2024

The cryptosporidiosis is the major protozoal disease of calves. The overall prevalence of cryptosporidiosis was found to be 14.63 per cent in 205 diarrhoeic calves. The mZN staining method was economical and sensitive tool for diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis compared to other microscopic examinations. The positive samples were subjected to nPCR analysis and confirmed the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in the 30 suspected samples at 834bp on agarose gel electrophoresis. The nPCR products were sequenced and revealed the presence of C.parvum in the two samples. The phylogenetic tree of sequenced samples suggested that the present samples were in close relation with isolates of Punjab (India), Bangladesh and China. Haemogram indicated that the calves were marginally anaemic and dehydrated along with corresponding alterations in erythrocyte indices. There was significant increase in the total leukocyte count in the present investigation. Hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia were observed with corresponding decrease in the A:G ratio although the alterations were marginal. Histologically, there was desquamation of epithelial cells on intestinal mucosa and atrophy of villus crypts thus reducing the crypt to villi ratio. Nitazoxanide and azithromycin were equally effective in eliminating the infection with proper supportive therapy, however treatment with azithromycin was cost effective.
Temporal trends of liver cancer burden, comparative analysis of risk factors and trend forecasts to 2025 in China, the United States, Republic of Korea and Mongolia——systematic analysis based on multiple data sources from GBD 2019, GLOBOCAN, and CI5
Authors: yao xing , Ling Xinchun , zhu ziyi , cao xiaolu , Tang Shaoliang
Published: February 2024

Objective This study aims to analyze the epidemiological burden of liver cancer in China, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea, and the United States, by combining multiple data sources.
Design An analysis of liver cancer burden (GLOBOCAN, GBD and CI5) data in four countries.
Setting China, Mongolia, the Republic of Korea, and the United States.
Participant Data were obtained from the GLOBOCAN, GBD and CI5. This study assessed age-standardized incidence rates (ASR), age-standardized incidence ratios (ASIR) and age-standardized mortality rates (ASDR).
Main outcome measures Time trends were calculated using Joinpoint regression, incidence rates were predicted using an ARIMA model, and aetiological studies were conducted for different countries based on changes in the percentage of causes of incidence.
Results Between 1990 and 2019, ASR values for liver cancer declined globally. The downward trend was most pronounced in China, where the AAPC of ASIR reached -3.13 (95 CI%: -2.90, -3.35), much higher than the world average of -1.16 (95% CI: -0.96, -1.36). The ASIR in the United States continues to improve and has reached 5.23 *105 in 2019. Relatively speaking, HBV remains the main causative agent of liver cancer in China and Korea. For Mongolia, both HBV and HCV account for a large proportion of the country's liver cancer burden. In the United States, the proportion of liver cancer cases caused by alcohol consumption has been increasing. Projections show that the burden of liver cancer in the United States, China, and the Republic of Korea will slowly increase in 2025, while the ASIR value in Mongolia will rapidly decrease.
Conclusions The ASR for liver cancer has declined over the past 30 years in most countries around the world, but in recent years the burden of liver cancer has begun to deteriorate in some countries due to aging and various unhealthy living habits.
Controlling Inter-Particle Distances in Crowds of Motile, Cognitive, Active Particles
Authors: Negi Rajendra Singh , Iyer Priyanka , Gompper Gerhard
Published: February 2024

Distance control in many-particle systems is a fundamental problem in nature. This becomes particularly relevant in systems of active agents, which can sense their environment and react by adjusting their direction of motion. We employ agent-based simulations to investigate the complex interplay between agent activity, characterized by Péclet number Pe, reorientation maneuverability Ω, vision angle θ and vision range R0, and agent density, which determines agent distancing and dynamics. We focus on semi-dense crowds, where the vision range is much larger than the particle size. The minimal distance to the nearest neighbors, exposure time, and persistence of orientation direction are analyzed to characterize the behavior. With increasing particle speed at fixed maneuverability, particles approach each other more closely, and exhibit shorter exposure times. The temporal persistence of motion decreases with increasing Pe, reflecting the impact of activity and maneuverability on direction changes. For a vision angle θ = π/4, we observe the emergence of flocking aggregates with a band-like structure, reminiscent of the Viscek model. Additionally, for vision angles θ ≥ π/2, several quantities are found to display a universal scaling behavior with scaling variable Pe3/2/Ω. Our results are in good agreement with recent experiments of pedestrians in confined spaces.
Improved Porosity Estimation in Complex Carbonate Reservoirs Using Hybrid CRNN Deep Learning Model
Authors: Mehrabi Amirreza , Bagheri Majid , Bidhendi Majid Nabi , Delijani Ebrahim Biniaz , Behnoud Mohammad
Published: February 2024

An accurate estimation of rock porosity is essential to determine the storage capacity of hydrocarbon reservoirs. As the most realistic technique, the porosity value can be measured directly for core samples. However, laboratory core analysis is costly and sometimes unfeasible, leading to developing other indirect estimation methods from geophysical well logs or seismic data. Besides, estimating porosity in carbonate reservoirs is often difficult due to inherent heterogeneity and complex geological environments. In this paper, we proposed a hybrid deep learning model that integrates the CNN and RNN architectures to predict the porosity in heterogeneous carbonate reservoirs based on well-log data. The novelty of this approach lies in the hybridization of CNN and RNN architectures, which allows the effective extraction and combining of relevant information from the well log data and an accurate estimate of porosity in challenging heterogeneous carbonate reservoirs. The ability of CRNNs to capture the complex spatial dependencies within these reservoirs can lead to more accurate porosity estimations and valuable insights into reservoir characterization. This hybrid deep model consists of several hidden layers, convolutional, pooling, recurrent, and dense layers. The dataset consists of well-log and core analysis from the Iranian carbonate oil field, which was used to build a predictive model. well-log data was used as model input and core data for model validation. We compare the performance of the CRNN model with the MLP model for predicting porosity values from well-log data. Results show the proposed model can accurately predict porosity values at new locations where only well-log data are available, and they outperform conventional neural network models in terms of accuracy and generalization. The correlation coefficient between the model and core data improves from 0.67 for the MLP model to 0.98 for the CRNN model.
Dynamical simulations of 3D fractional WBBM model: Mathematical and graphical analysis with the impact of fractionality and unrestricted parameters
Authors: Shahen Nur Hasan Mahmud , Amin Md. Al , Foyjonnesa Foyjonnesa , Rahman M. M.
Published: February 2024

This work retrieves some novel exact solutions to the family of 3D space-time fractional Wazwaz– Benjamin–Bona–Mahony (WBBM) equations in the context of diverse nonlinear physical phenomena resulting from water wave mechanics. The family of WBBM equations is transformed for this purpose using a space and time fractional transformation into an ordinary differential equation (ODE). The ODE then uses a strong method, namely the Unified Method. Consequently, lump solutions, dark-bright soliton, singular and multiple soliton solutions, and periodic solutions are investigated. The disparities between the current study's conclusions and previously acquired solutions via other approaches are examined. All wave solutions produced are determined to be novel in terms of fractionality, unrestricted parameters, and implemented technique sense. The impact of unrestricted parameters and fractionality on the obtained solutions are visually presented, along with physical explanations. It is observed that the wave portents are varied with the increase of unrestricted parameters as well as fractionality. Finally, we dynamically showed that the appropriate transformation and the applied Unified approach more proficient in the study of water wave dynamics and might be used in future researches to clarify the many physical phenomena.
Effects of global sea surface temperatures to Kiremt rainfall in the contrasting topography of northern Ethiopia
Authors: Hadush Kibrom , Mariam Haileselassie G. , Shiferaw Henok , Gebru Girmay , Kelem Goitom , Zenebe Amanuel
Published: February 2024

Studies on rainfall variability in relation to the Sea Surface Temperature (SST) effects in arid and semi-arid parts of northern Ethiopia have been less investigated. This paper explores the rainfall variability in relation to SST over northern Ethiopia during the main rainy season "Kiremt” on monthly and dekadal (Ten days) time scales. Daily rainfall records (1988–2017) from 41 meteorological stations were used across four homogeneous rainfall zones in the northern highlands and lowlands of Ethiopia. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression models were introduced to examine the relationships between global SST and Kiremt rainfall and to predict monthly and dekadal rainfall. The results show that there is a unique rainfall pattern in the contrasting area of northern Ethiopia (< 80mm/month in the lowlands and about 350mm/month in the highland). The variability in sub-seasonal rainfall in the lowlands and highlands is mainly attributed to SST in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Changes in SST in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans have also had a profound impact on seasonal rainfall variability, regardless of their strength and the lag-time effect. Increasing SST in the western equatorial Pacific and tropical Atlantic Ocean enhances rainfall over the northwestern highlands and northeastern lowlands, whereas warming SST in the eastern and central equatorial Pacific Ocean causes a decrease in monthly and dekadal rainfall. Overall, prediction of monthly and dekadal rainfall variations in the study site performed well with R2 28% − 61%.
Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluation of the Image Quality of MDCT Multiphasic Liver Scans in HCC Patients
Authors: Sayed Mohamed El , Rawashdeh Mohammad , Safwany Mohamed M. El , Khedr Yasser I. , Soula Moustafa A. , I.E Islam , Ali Magdi A.
Published: February 2024

Background:
The quality of CT images obtained from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is complex, affecting diagnostic accuracy, precision, and radiation dose assessment due to increased exposure risks.
Objectives:
The study evaluated image quality qualitatively and quantitatively by comparing quality levels with an effective radiation dose to ensure acceptable quality accuracy.
Materials and Methods
This study retrospectively reviewed 100 known HCC patients (Li-RADS-5) who underwent multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) multiphasic scans for follow-up of their health condition between January and October 2023. The evaluation involved quantitative and qualitative analyses of parameters such as SD, SNR, and CNR, as well as a qualitative assessment by two radiology consultants. The outcomes were compared, and the effective dose was calculated and compared with both quantitative and qualitative assessments of image quality.
Results:
ROC curve analysis revealed significant differences in CT image quality, with high to moderate specificity and sensitivity across all the quantitative parameters. However, multivariate examination revealed decreasing importance levels, except for the CNR (B, 0.203; p = 0.001) and SD BG (B, 0.330; p = 0.002), which increased in B. The CNR and SD BG remained independent variables for CT image quality prediction, but no statistically significant relationship was found between the effective dose and image quality, either quantitatively or qualitatively.
Conclusion:
This study underscores the vital role of both quantitative and qualitative assessments of CT images in evaluating their quality for patients with HCC and highlights the predictive importance of the CNR, SNR, and SD. These findings emphasize the value of these devices in assessing and predicting outcomes to minimize the effective dose.
Fear of cancer recurrence in adolescent patients with malignant bone tumors: A cross-section survey
Authors: Ye Qun , Xue Meng , Yu Qunfei , Ren YING , Long Yao , Yao Yuhong , Du Jinlei , Ye Tian , Feng Xiuqin
Published: February 2024

Aim: To investigate the current status and factors influencing fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) related to malignant bone-tumors in adolescent patients.
Design: A cross-sectional survey.
Methods: In total, 269 adolescent malignant-bone tumor cases were treated at two hospitals in Zhejiang Province, China from January 2023to December2023. Patients completed a General Information Questionnaire, Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF), Family Hardiness Index (FHI), and a Simple Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ).
Results: The total FoP-Q-SF score for adolescent malignant-bone tumorpatients was 33.07 ± 5.85, with 122 (45.4%) patients scoring ≥ 34; the FHI score was 57.88 ± 5.01; and the total SCSQ score was 32.14 ± 3.43. Pearson’s correlation analyses showed that family resilience and positive coping negatively affected FoP in patients, with total effect values of -0.559 and -0.468 (P < 0.001), respectively, and negative coping positively affected FoP in patients, with a total effect value of 0.483 (P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that per capita-monthly family income, disease duration, tumor stage, family hardiness, a positive coping score, and a negative coping score were the main factors influencing FCR in these patients (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: FCR in malignant-bone tumor adolescent patients is profound. Healthcare professionals should develop targeted interventional strategies based on the identified factors, which affect these patients; helping patients increase family hardiness, helping patients to positively adapt, and avoid negative coping styles.