bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ISOLATION AND MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF INDIGENOUS BACTERIOCIN-PRODUCING WEISSELLA CIBARIA
Authors: Wayah Samson Baranzan , Abubakar Shehu , Saleh Jamila , Alvan Amos , Yado Simnom 
Published: October 2024

Globally, over 6.22 million deaths are associated with antibiotic resistance. Bacteriocins, a set of antimicrobial peptides synthesized on the ribosomes, are widely viewed as a potential answer to this issue. This is due to their pore-forming ability and antimicrobial activity against antibiotic-resistant pathogens. The aim of this study is to isolate bacteriocin-producing Weissella cibaria and evaluate its antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Proteus mirabilis, Streptococcus sp., Candida sp. and Rhizopus stolonifer. Weissella cibaria man1 was isolated by inoculating deMan Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) broth with small pieces of ripe Mangifera indica (mango), 24-hour incubation at 370C, 10-fold serial dilution and plating on MRS agar. Molecular identification was achieved by DNA extraction, amplification of the 16S rRNA gene through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), agarose gel electrophoresis, gene sequencing, and BLASTN homology searches in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Antimicrobial activity of the bacteriocin was determined by agar well diffusion assay. Mangifera indica (mango) was found to harbor bacteriocin-producing Weissella cibaria man1. The bacteriocin (weissellicin man1) exhibited a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Weissellicin man1 suppressed the growth of several target pathogens (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Proteus mirabilis, Candida sp. and Rhizopus stolonifer) but had no inhibitory action against Escherichia coli, Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus aureus. In conclusion, weissellicin man1 from Weissella cibaria man1 has a broad-spectrum of antimicrobial action. These findings will facilitate further evaluation of the antimicrobial potency of weissellicin man1.
La sostenibilidad de la balanza de pagos en Ecuador y Colombia: un análisis de sensibilidad, período 2000-2019
Authors: Pozo Rodríguez Santiago Estuardo , Rubio Delgado Nicole Paulina , Bermeo Pazmiño Katina Vanessa 
Published: October 2024

En el presente estudio, en primera instancia, se buscó identificar las variables relevantes que han afectado el saldo de la balanza de pagos de Ecuador y Colombia; y posteriormente, abordar cuestiones referentes a su sostenibilidad y solvencia, cuyos niveles óptimos permitirán cumplir con las obligaciones externas de cada economía. Metodológicamente, se lleva a cabo un análisis de la evolución y comportamiento de ciertas variables macroeconómicas, a través de diversos indicadores propuestos y, por medio de la restricción presupuestaria intertemporal, se obtiene un nivel de saldo comercial óptimo de la balanza de pagos necesario para lograr su solvencia y sostenibilidad. Los resultados obtenidos evidencian que los países objeto de estudio, bajo ciertos escenarios y con tasas de crecimiento positivas del PIB, su balanza de pagos puede ser sostenible. Sin embargo, dicha sostenibilidad está condicionada a la participación de las remesas, inversión extranjera directa y, en algunos casos, a la intervención del sector turístico. Además, a medida que los plazos de vencimiento de la deuda son más cortos, los países corren el riesgo de no cumplir con sus obligaciones.
Palabras clave: balanza de pagos, cuenta corriente, deuda externa, sostenibilidad
TEACHING COMPUTATIONAL THINKING IN SAUDI ARABIAN SCHOOLS USING SMARTPHONE APPS
Authors: Alenezi Abdullah 
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the efficacy of smartphone applications in teaching computational thinking to students in Saudi Arabian primary and secondary schools. Computational thinking, encompassing problem-solving, computational logic, and algorithmic thinking, is an essential skill in the modern world. The research assesses various educational apps that support the development of computational thinking and examines their integration into the Saudi curriculum.
This study incorporates qualitative and quantitative research techniques to provide an inclusive perspective. Participants included primary and secondary school students from various schools in Saudi Arabia. The research employed pre- and post-tests for quantitative analysis and interviews and questionnaires for qualitative data. Quantitative results include pre- and post-tests of the students in computational thinking with the aid of co-varying with Computational thinking, while interviews and questionnaires with teachers and students offer qualitative data. Best-selling educational applications for ScratchJr, Lightbot, Cargo-Bot, and Kodable are compared concerning how efficiently they introduce programming ideas and encourage rational thinking.
Results have suggested that smartphone applications have a positive influence on students’ computational skills. An enhanced standard is also noticed regarding the students’ aspects that involve problem analysis, identification of pattern, and formation of algorithm. The use of applications such as ScratchJr and Lightbot is justified regarding an application’s capacity to improve students’ motivation and willingness to learn computational concepts. Teachers indicate that their students have shown more concern and engagement mainly when the teacher integrates these apps.
Hence, based on the findings of the study, it is evident that incorporating Smartphone applications into the curriculum will lead to a reforming change in the teaching approaches towards efficiency as well as feasibility of the learners. These findings are valuable for the Saudi context for policy and teaching enhancement, signaling the need to provide more resources in digital tools and invest in the professional development of teachers to capture the virtues of advanced technology in improving learners’ performance.
METODE GERAK DAN LAGU UNTUK MENGENALKAN BAHASA INGGRIS PADA ANAK USIA DINI DI TK AISYIYAH BUSTANUL ATHFAL SINGARAJA
Authors: Marcelina Putu Dian , Antara Putu Aditya , Setyowahyudi Rendy 
Published: October 2024

Kemampuan bahasa inggris penting untuk dimiliki saat ini. Kemampuan bahasa inggris harus mulai dikenalkan sejak usia dini. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui penerapan metode gerak dan lagu untuk mengenalkan bahasa inggris pada anak usia dini di TK Aisyiyah Bustanul Athfal Singaraja. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah studi kasus. Subjek penelitian adalah guru dan kepala sekolah di TK Aisyiyah Bustanul Athfal Singaraja. Metode pengumpulan data menggunakan observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Uji keabsahan data menggunakan triangulasi. Analisis data dilakukan dengan model Miles & Huberman. Hasil yang di dapatkan adalah penerapan metode gerak dan lagu untuk mengenalkan bahasa inggris di TK Aisyiyah Bustanul Athfal dilakukan dalam tiga tahap yaitu (1) perencanaan saat guru mulai mempersiapakan peralatan, lagu dan barisan murid, (2) pelaksanaan saat gerak dan lagu mulai dilaksanakan dengan bimbingan guru dan (3) penutup/evaluasi yaitu saat guru melakukan recalling untuk mengetahui perubahan kemampuan bahasa inggris anak.
PENGARUH MINAT BACA DAN KECERDASAN EMOSIONAL TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR PENDIDIKAN AGAMA ISLAM (STUDI DI MIN 5 TANGERANG)
Authors: Firdiyani Fitria fitri , Al Fahmi Faiz Fikri 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRAK
Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui pengaruh minat baca dan kecerdasan emosional terhadap hasil belajar pendidikan agama Islam MIN 5 Tangerang. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah siswa-siswi kelas V Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Negeri 5 Tangerang. Jumlah populasi 146 orang siswa dengan sampel penelitian berjumlah 22 orang siswa. Adapun teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik sampel acak atau random sampling. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah analisis deskriptif. Instrument pengambilan data melalui penyebaran angket berbentuk model skala garis kepada siswa-siswa. Teknik analisis data menggunakan korelasi sederhana, ganda dan parsial, serta regresi sederhana dan ganda pada taraf signifikansi = 0,05. Hasil pengujian normalitas data untuk variable X1 adalah 0,200, variable X2 adalah 0,040 dan untuk variable Y adalah 0,200, dari semua variable angka probabilitas > 0,05 maka Ho diterima atau semua variable berdistribusi normal. Hasil analisis data menunjukkan: pertama terdapat pengaruh positif antara minat baca terhadap hasil belajar siswa, kedua terdapat pengaruh positif antara kecerdasan emosional terhadap hasil belajar siswa, dan ketiga terdapat pengaruh positif antara minat baca dan kecerdasan emosional secara bersama-sama terhadap hasil belajar siswa. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian di atas, dapat dinyatakan bahwa antara variable minat baca (X1), dan kecerdasan emosional (X2) baik secara sendiri-sendiri maupun secara bersama-sama ikut meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa (Y). Hal itu menunjukkan bahwa untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa diperlukan upaya peningkatan minat baca dan pengembangan kecerdasan emosional siswa.
Etik İklim ve Prosedür Adalet İlişkisi: Hastane Çalışanlarına Dayalı Bir Kanıt
Authors: Çakmakcı Muhammet Uğur , Sezgin Eray Ekin 
Published: October 2024

İş yaşamında çalışan tutumları üzerinde etkili olan etik iklim, onlarca yıldır önemli bir örgütsel çalışma iklimi olarak görülmektedir.	Hastane çalışanları, örgütlerin etik konuları nasıl ele aldığını algıladıklarında ve örgütlerin yaptıklarını onayladıklarında, daha yüksek düzeyde adalet algısı hissederler. Etik iklimin prosedür adaletin şekillenmesinde önemli bir rol oynamasına rağmen, etik iklimin prosedür adalet ile ilişkisi olup olmadığı hakkında çok az şey bilinmektedir. Bu nedenle, bu çalışma hastane çalışanlarından elde edilen ampirik bulguları kullanarak etik iklim ile prosedür adalet arasındaki ilişkiyi araştırmayı amaçlamaktadır. Bu kesitsel araştırmada, kolayda örnekleme yöntemi kullanılarak 248 hastane çalışanı seçilmiştir. Öz bildirim anketleri ile hastane çalışanlarının prosedür adalet ve etik iklim algıları değerlendirilmiştir. Sonuçlar, etik iklim ile prosedür adalet arasında pozitif yönde güçlü bir anlamlı ilişkinin olduğunu göstermiştir. Öte yandan regresyon modeli, etik iklimin prosedür adaletteki varyansın %71,5’ini açıklamıştır. Ayrıca, hastane çalışanları arasında etik iklim ve prosedür adalet ortalaması orta düzeydedir. Hastane çalışanlarının prosedür adalet algıları artırmak için hastanelerde uygun bir etik iklimin yaratılması önemlidir.
Over the counter hearing aids self-fitting using the Gaussian Process Classification
Authors: Boven Christopher , Turek Joseph , Dunckley Kathleen , Richter Claus-Peter 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionTo provide better access to hearing aids and lower the devices' costs for patients with mild to moderate hearing loss, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) changed its rules for hearing aid distribution, making them available to consumers over-the-counter without the supervision, involvement, or prescription of a licensed health care professional. While this regulation provides some patients direct access to hearing aids, the hearing aid fitting creates challenges for the patients and the hearing aid providers. OTC hearing aids should be programmable outside of a clinical setting. This study demonstrates that the self-fitting of hearing aids does not differ significantly from and is non-inferior to the fitting of the device by a licensed audiologist.MethodHearing aid and patient performance after fitting the device by the patient (self-fitting) and a certified audiologist (clinical fitting) were compared in a laboratory setting and a field trial. The laboratory session used a repeated-measures design to assess the reliability and validity of the self-fitting method. A 7–14 days of wear time was used for the field study. The outcome measures for the laboratory session were the differences in acoustical real-ear aided response (REAR). For the wear-time trial, the outcome was the clinical self-report measure of benefit (Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit, APHAB). The benefit of the hearing aid was tested after the self-fitting and the clinical fitting of the hearing aid with a speech-in-noise test (QucikSIN).ResultsThe test outcomes showed no statistically significant differences between repeated self-fitting and clinical fitting of the hearing aids. The hearing aid self-fitting was non-inferior to the clinical fitting.DiscussionIt is important to emphasize that the results and conclusion obtained in this study strictly relate to the specific self-fitting process using the Gaussian Process. Many other potential methods for fitting hearing aids exist and future field studies are required to compare the efficacy of the self-fitting methods.
The mediating role of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D on the association between reduced sensitivity to thyroid hormones and periodontitis in Chinese euthyroid adults
Authors: Yang Hao , Lu Yayun , Zhao Lina , He Yufeng , He Yuecheng , Chen Dong 
Published: October 2024

AimThyroid dysfunction is closely associated with periodontitis. We aim to explore the association between sensitivity to thyroid hormones (THs) and periodontitis and to investigate the mediating role of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D] in this relationship in Chinese euthyroid populations.MethodsThis population-based retrospective study included 2,530 euthyroid participants. Central sensitivity to THs was assessed by the thyroid feedback quantile-based index (TFQI), parametric thyroid feedback quantile-based index (PTFQI), thyrotrophic thyroxine resistance index (TT4RI) and thyroid-stimulating hormone index (TSHI), while FT3/FT4 was evaluated to assess peripheral sensitivity. Multivariable regression analysis and restricted cubic spline were performed to explore the association between sensitivity to THs and periodontitis. Threshold effect and subgroup analysis were also conducted. Mediation analysis was performed to estimate direct and indirect effects through 25(OH)D.ResultsMultivariable regression analysis indicated that central sensitivity to THs indices(per SD increase) were positively associated with periodontitis risk [TFQI: OR=1.19,95% CI (1.09, 1.31); PTFQI: OR=1.22, 95% CI(1.12,1.34); TSHI: OR=1.36, 95% CI (1.21,1.52); TT4RI: OR=1.43, 95% CI (1.25,1.63)](all P value&lt;0.001). TT4RI only had a non-linear relationship with periodontitis in euthyroid participants. Subgroup analysis showed that no significant correlations were founded among those aged over 65 years or with hypertension/diabetes. Mediation analysis revealed that the proportions mediated by 25(OH)D on the association of TFQI, PTFQI,TSHI, TT4RI and periodontitis risk were 16.37%, 16.43%, 9.93% and 10.21%, respectively.ConclusionsImpaired central sensitivity to THs is positively associated with periodontitis in euthyroid and serum 25(OH)D might be one of its biological mechanisms.
Identification of m5C-Related gene diagnostic biomarkers for sepsis: a machine learning study
Authors: Lin Siming , Cai Kexin , Feng Shaodan , Lin Zhihong 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundSepsis is a serious condition that occurs when the body’s response to infection becomes uncontrolled, resulting in a high risk of death. Despite improvements in healthcare, identifying sepsis early is difficult because of its diverse nature and the absence of distinct biomarkers. Recent studies suggest that 5-methylcytosine (m5C)-related genes play a significant role in immune responses, yet their diagnostic potential in sepsis remains unexplored.MethodsThis research combined and examined four sepsis-related datasets (GSE95233, GSE57065, GSE100159, and GSE65682) sourced from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO)database to discover m5C-related genes with differential expression. Various machine learning methods, such as decision tree, random forest, and XGBoost, were utilized in identifying crucial hub genes. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the diagnostic accuracy of these genetic markers. Additionally, single-gene enrichment and immune infiltration analyses were conducted to investigate the underlying mechanisms involving these hub genes in sepsis.ResultsThree hub genes, DNA Methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), tumor protein P53 (TP53), and toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8), were identified and validated for their diagnostic efficacy, showing area under the curve (AUC) values above 0.7 in both test and validation sets. Enrichment analyses revealed that these genes are involved in key pathways such as p53 signaling and Toll-like receptor signaling. Immune infiltration analysis indicated significant correlations between hub genes and various immune cell types, suggesting their roles in modulating immune responses during sepsis.ConclusionThe study highlights the diagnostic potential of m5C-related genes in sepsis and their involvement in immune regulation. These findings offer new insights into sepsis pathogenesis and suggest that DNMT1, TP53, and TLR8 could serve as valuable biomarkers for early diagnosis. Further studies should prioritize validating these biomarkers in clinical settings and investigating their potential for therapy.
Characteristics of blood lipid and metabolic indicators in subclinical hypothyroidism patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhu Lili , Jiang Xiaohong 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundThe characteristics of blood lipid and metabolic indicators were analyzed in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH), and the effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on SCH patients was determined.MethodsThe physical examination data of 2,119 residents in a university community were retrospectively divided into 2 groups (SCH and non-SCH groups). Furthermore, the SCH group was divided into SCH-T2DM and SCH–non-T2DM subgroups, and the data between the groups were analyzed.ResultsThe SCH group had significantly higher levels of triglycerides (p = 0.044), total cholesterol (p = 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.019), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.044), 2-h plasma glucose (p = 0.023), and globulin (p = 0.000) compared to the non-SCH group. The SCH–T2DM group was older (p &lt; 0.001), had a greater BMI (p = 0.028), a more rapid heart rate (p = 0.025), and a greater waist circumference (p &lt; 0.001) than the SCH–non-T2DM group based on the subgroup analysis. The SCH–T2DM group had significantly higher dyslipidemia and dysglycemia levels than the SCH–non-T2DM group.ConclusionPatients with SCH with or without T2DM may have dyslipidemia and dysglycemia and should be evaluated accordingly.
The experiences of newly qualified nurses in intensive care unit: a qualitative meta-synthesis
Authors: Wang Ligang , Chen Yuan , Yu Haiyan , Wu Linjing , You Aijun , Zheng Xutong , Zhang Yunfei 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundClinical rotation practicum provides NQNs with more opportunities to learn their professional knowledge and develop basic nursing skills. ICU is often used as one of the clinical practicum departments for NQNs. Nursing shortages have been particularly felt in ICU. Due to the characteristic fast-paced working environments, high acuity of patient care, and technical complexities of an ICU. The experience of NQNs is highly stressful and challenging in these settings, which hinders their professional development and impacts patient care.AimsThe study aimed to systematically review and synthesis the findings of qualitative studies exploring experience of NQNs in ICU rotation, to provide a basis for enhancing the quality of clinical nursing.MethodsNine databases were systematically searched for relevant publications from inception until February 2024. All qualitative studies in English and Chinese that explored the experience of NQNs in ICU rotation were collected. Two independent reviewers selected the studies and used The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool to evaluate the quality of the studies. Meta-synthesis was performed to integrate the results.ResultsA total of 13 studies revealed five descriptive themes and 14 sub-themes: ICU readiness, physical and psychological stress, positive self-perception, developing relationships, and ICU reflections.ConclusionStandardized training in ICU, the working ability of NQNs is exercised and their professional quality is improved. However, it is also adversely affected by various stressors. The appropriate guidance and monitoring should be given by hospital managers, so as to promote the development of NQNs and enhance the quality of clinical nursing.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, CRD42023475257.
Bone resorption as a marker for delayed esophageal perforation post anterior cervical spine surgery: a retrospective analysis and call for increased vigilance
Authors: Luo Hua , Wang Zhangfu , Mi Shuang , Yang Guangyong , Pan Wenjun , Feng Xingbing , Hong Zhenghua 
Published: October 2024

PurposeDelayed esophageal perforation following anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS) is a rare but serious complication. This study is to investigate the clinical characteristics, diagnostic approaches, and treatment outcomes of delayed esophageal perforation following ACSS, with a focus on the role of bone resorption around internal fixations as a potential diagnostic indicator.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed patients diagnosed with delayed esophageal perforation after ACSS from January 2010 to December 2023 and described their clinical characteristics, diagnostic approaches, and treatment outcomes. Through the analysis of the differences in the radiomics of patients, we identified the possible clinical signs of esophageal perforation and shared our experience in treating esophageal perforation.ResultsA total of five patients met our criteria. All five patients exhibited bone resorption around their internal fixations on radiography. Although bone resorption typically suggests local infection, none of the patients showed clear signs of neck skin infection, leading us to suspect esophageal perforation as the underlying cause. Further diagnostic procedures including CT, MRI, esophagography, and endoscopy were crucial for confirming the diagnosis of delayed esophageal perforation and assessing its severity. All patients underwent surgical intervention involving implant removal and esophageal repair using a sternocleidomastoid muscle flap transfer. All patients recovered and were discharged after treatment, with no recurrence of symptoms during follow-up.ConclusionDelayed esophageal perforation should be considered in patients with neck pain or nonspecific symptoms after ACSS, especially with bone resorption around internal fixations. Clinicians should maintain high vigilance and use multimodal imaging and endoscopy for timely diagnosis. Our study indicates a significant link between bone resorption and delayed esophageal perforation despite the limited number of cases. Highlighting this association aims to raise awareness and encourage further research. Larger studies are needed to validate our findings, improve clinical guidelines, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes in orthopedics.