bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of artificial intelligence in advancing English as a foreign language teaching at Saudi universities
Authors: Alharbi Mohammed 
Published: September 2024

This article presents findings from a comprehensive sequential explanatory mixed-methods study examining the perception of the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence on English as a Foreign Language education at tertiary-level institutions. Through a 16-item psychometric scale purposefully designed survey, which was conducted with 192 EFL male and female teachers and in-depth, semi-structured interviews, insights were gathered into the challenges, opportunities, and evolving pedagogical approaches facilitated by AI-driven language learning platforms. Key findings indicate that AI-based applications and resources offer personalized learning experiences, catering to diverse learning styles, and enabling students to engage actively with language acquisition. However, while the majority of the teachers acknowledged the potential of AI to complement traditional instructions and pedagogies, enhancing individualized feedback and fostering EFL immersion some teachers expressed their reservations about students using AI in fear of academic dishonesty and disingenuity.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence; English as a foreign language; personalized learning; pedagogical innovation
STRATEGI PEMASARAN PRODUK PEMBIAYAAN MURABAHAH DALAM PENINGKATAN DANA RITEL KONSUMER (Studi pada KSPPS Karya Mandiri Jerowaru)
Authors: Oktaviani Intan , Sanurdi Sanurdi , Bonang Dahlia 
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this study is to find out how the strategy and effectiveness of the implementation of marketing of murabahah financing products carried out by KSPPS Karya Mandiri Jerowaru. The research method used is qualitative, with data collection techniques, namely observation techniques, interviews and documentation. The subject of this study was the chairman of the board and field employees of KSPPS Karya Mandiri. The results of this study show that the marketing strategy of murabahah financing products is to use a marketing mix and is quite effective.
The Current State of International Academic Partnerships in Orthopaedic Surgery Between High-Income and Low and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Flores Michael J. , MacKechnie Madeline C. , Brown Kelsey E. , O'Marr Jamieson M. , Rodarte Patricia , Socci Adrienne , Miclau Theodore 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Orthopaedic academic partnerships between high-income countries (HICs) and low and middle-income countries (LMICs) are an effective method to increase research and scholarly support. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic literature review of the current state of partnerships worldwide and assess the quality, quantity, and content of their research output.

Methods:
A systematic review was conducted using 4 academic databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL. Article eligibility criteria included articles published between January 2017 and 2022, with orthopaedic authors from at least 1 HIC and LMIC. Articles related to global orthopaedic surgery with exclusively HIC or LMIC authors were excluded.

Results:
The database search yielded 25,928 articles, and after deduplication, 21,145 articles were included in the screening. After title and abstract screening, 408 articles underwent full-text review for eligibility. The final list of eligible articles for extraction included 310 publications in 127 journals. Published articles increased over time (46 in 2017 to 88 in 2021) and were most commonly published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (20, 6.5%). Open-access articles (203, 65.5%) had a significantly greater Journal Citation Indicator (p = 0.024) than non-open-access articles. Most studies (40.7%) were observational, with few (3.6%) randomized controlled trials. Orthopaedic trauma (38.1%) was the most common subspecialty, followed by spine (14.8%) and pediatrics (14.2%). Most partnerships were sponsored by North American authors in 65 LMICs, primarily China, India, and the sub-Saharan African region.

Conclusion:
This study identified 310 articles published by orthopaedic international academic partnerships in 106 countries over the past 5 years, demonstrating that collaborations between LMIC/HIC partners nearly doubled over the study period. Sixty-five percent of the articles were published in open-access journals.
The long-term effect of SiO2 nanoparticles in drinking water induces chronic kidney disease in a mouse model with modern dietary habits
Authors: Ye Tzung Cheng , Chao Shu-Ju , Huang Chih-Pin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

SiO2 nanoparticles (SNPs), which reportedly have low potential side effects, are used in various applications, for example, as food additives, for drug delivery, and as semiconductors, but these NPs are a growing concern because a few studies have shown potential risks to human health, such as fatty liver formation. In recent years, dietary habits have changed, and more refined foods, sugary beverages, and fast food are being increasingly consumed during daily life; therefore, the dietary habits have changed toward increasing consumption of high-fat diets, which may increase the incidence of liver and kidney disease. Our in vivo study demonstrated that the administration of SNPs in drinking water in combination with a high-fat diet was associated with the accumulation of SNPs and triglycerides in renal tissue; elevations in the blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, and creatinine levels in serum; the formation of Basophilia and tubular cell sloughing; abnormal renal parenchyma, cysts, and hyaline casts; the induction of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and markers for chronic kidney disease such as vimentin, lipocalin 2, kidney injury molecule; the activation of fibrosis and inflammation; increased oxidative stress; and the development of chronic kidney disease. The evidence showed that long-term treatment of SNPs in drinking water might induce renal injury in individuals with modern dietary habits and provided important results for evaluating the safety of SNPs, especially for human health.
In Vivo, Exploring the Antidiabetic and Antimicrobial Effects of Okra Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Hyperglycemic Conditions
Authors: Alnasser Sulaiman Mohammed , Almutairy Ali F. , Ahammed Shakkeela Yusuf Erattil , Meshal Alotaibi , AlMutairi Khaled M. , Alhussain Faisal Abdulaziz , Alharbi Mohammed Askar , Khan Mohd Masih Uzzaman 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the phytochemical composition, quality parameters followed by antimicrobial and antidiabetic activity of Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) plant material. The study involved macroscopic examination of the plant material for visual characteristics, and phytochemical screening for various chemical constituents. The presence of flavonoids, amino acids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, reducing sugars, triterpenes, and lipids was detected, while glycosides, phlobatannins, and cardiac glycosides were absent. The foreign matter content was determined to be 0.17 gm on average. Ash value analysis revealed a mean total ash value of 1.21%, acid insoluble ash of 0.07%, and water-soluble ash of 0.98%. The pH of the plant extract was measured, and the moisture content was determined to be 6.3%. Additionally, the swelling index and foaming index were calculated as quality parameters. Notably, the antimicrobial activity of the okra plant extract showed no significant inhibition zones against various bacterial and fungal strains. The antidiabetic activity of Okra extract was evaluated in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in male albino Wistar rats. Blood glucose level, plasma insulin level and HbA1c% were checked in diabetic and treated groups. After day 21 of the treatment with Okra extract, there was a significant decrease in blood glucose level and plasma insulin level whereas increase in plasma insulin level was observed compared to diabetic group. The results indicated antidiabetic potential of Okra extract. However, further studies are required to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action and long-term effects of okra extract on glycaemic control.
A New Likelihood Based Estimation of Generalised Beta Parameters for Shape Robust Inventory Optimization
Authors: MUKHOTI SUJAY , Ghosh Soham , Sharma Pritee 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Shape of the probability distribution underlying a data generating process plays a crucial role in scientific and social studies. Generalised beta distribution provides a shape robust generic parametric probability model for such processes with finite support. Parameter estimation in Generalised beta model is limited to the moment based methods and maximum likelihood estimation in the existing literature. Both methods do not satisfy the sufficiency condition as some sample observations may lie outside the estimated support. In this work, we propose a new estimation method based on order statistics and transformed likelihood, which ensures feasible estimation. We have further studied the performances of the estimators in terms of bias and mean square error for both small and large samples using simulation experiments. We demonstrate the application of the proposed estimation method through estimation of the optimal order quantity in a popular inventory model called the newsvendor problem. In particular, deciding the nursing staff requirement for emergency departments of city hospitals is a critical issue. Here we assume the data generating process underlying demand to follow generalised beta distribution for shape robustness. We have demonstrated the advantage of the proposed method in estimating the optimal nurse requirement over the existing ones.
A Prospective Field Study to Evaluate the Performance and Acceptance of an Oral Fluid-Based HIV Self-Test in Canada
Authors: Galli Richard A. , Tian Jason M. Lo Hog , McBain Kristin , Maraj Darshanand , McFarland Abbey , Tharao Wangari , Nkala Nontobeko P. , Chan Arlene , Silva Mark Da , Thomas Rejean , Vassal Anne-Fanny , Lepage Martin , Ireland Laurie , Payne Mike , Star Jared , Fraser Chris , Selfridge Marion , Loutfy Mona , Halpenny Roberta , Jeyarajah Nirubini , Tran Vanessa , Mazzuli Tony , Rourke Sean B. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Blood and oral fluid-based HIV self-tests are important for reaching the undiagnosed especially in key populations. The study objectives were to: (1) evaluate the oral fluid-based OraQuick® HIV Self-Test (HIV-ST) performance compared with laboratory reference testing; (2) document if intended users can correctly perform the HIV-ST; (3) document if intended users can successfully interpret contrived positive, negative, and invalid results; and (4) document if intended users can understand the key messages in the product labeling.
Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited consenting adults who were representative of intended users of HIV self-testing from four community sites in Canadian provinces between June 2022 and January 2024. The results of the observed HIV self-tests were compared with results of the laboratory-based “gold standard” Abbott Alinity HIV Antigen/Antibody Combo test. Usability outcomes for critical and noncritical self-test procedure steps were also determined.
Results: Overall, 951 participants were recruited and consented with 911 available for all analyses. With respect to socio-demographics: 84% of participants were between 18-45 years of age, 73% had at least college education, 48% were cis-male, and 45% were employed; 26% identified as White, 23% as African, Caribbean or Black, 5% as Indigenous [First Nations, Métis or Inuit], 33% as Asian, and 6% as LatinX. Primary performance analysis on the 911 completed HIV-ST revealed a positive percent agreement of 100% (1/1) and a negative percent agreement of 100% (880/880, 95% CI: 99.9-100%) with the comparator method. For usability determination, the average success rate for steps identified as “critical” for successful completion of the test was 94.1%. Approximately 97% of participants found the instructions easy to follow, and 98% of participants indicated that they would use the test again. Of the 465 participants who interpreted the strong positive, weak positive, negative, and invalid contrived results, most participants were able to interpret the results correctly.
Conclusions: Having an oral fluid-based HIV self-test approved in Canada can offer an accurate, acceptable, and less invasive alternative to blood-based HIV self-testing. The addition of an oral-fluid self-test along with the current licensed blood-based HIV self-test could significantly increase HIV testing rates by offering individuals a choice of self-testing devices.
Blood immunomap for prediction of responses to aPD1 immunotherapy in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Verginis Panayotis , Semitekolou Maria , Paschalidis Nikolaos , Tartaro Domenico Lo , Tsitsopoulou Aikaterini , Stamou Panagiota , Mavroudis Alexandros , Markaki Effrosyni , Varveri Athina , Morianos Ioannis , Lavigne Matthieu , Fotsitzoudis Charalampos , Magkouta Sofia , Dede Konstantina , Kalomenidis Ioannis , Samitas Konstantinos , Potaris Konstantinos , Cossarizza Andrea , Mavroudis Dimitrios , De Biasi Sara 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Despite the immense success, still a significant proportion of patients do not develop durable responses, allowing disease progression accompanied by high mortality rates. Therefore, there is an imperative need for identification of reliable non-invasive predictive biomarkers to guide therapeutic decisions. Herein, we constructed a blood immunomap in NSCLC patients with metastatic disease, using a high-dimensional mass cytometry approach. Assessment of clinical responses to aPD1 immunotherapy revealed, among others, a significant expansion of CD8+PD-L1+ T cells in individuals not responding to immunotherapy. Of interest, CD8+PD-L1+ T cells were enriched in tumor biopsies and bronchoalveolar lavage of NSCLC individuals at early stages of disease as well as in pleural infusions of individuals with thoracic malignancies. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that CD8+PD-L1+ T cells exhibited a regulatory/exhausted phenotype, while various transcripts associated with the overall survival of NSCLC individuals, were mapped. Overall, our findings define an immunomap in the early stage and advanced NSCLC patients and identify immune-related events which may benefit the quest for identification of predictive biomarkers of immunotherapy responses.
Using network databases for data fusion to promote youth mental well- being
Authors: Krishna Harsha , Darwich Adam S. , Meijer Sebastiaan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The promotion of mental well-being among youth has been an immediate need for Sweden to reduce the deterioration of health in the next generation of Swedes. To achieve this, various programs have been adopted at the school and municipality levels. While overall observations are made via surveys, it has been difficult to attribute the impact back to strategies employed by municipalities. Different municipalities implement programs and monitor and collect data that affect youth well-being locally. Analysis of these data is difficult, as different data silos across different institutions exist. In this work, we propose the use of a data-fusion approach to compose a common dataset to study youth well-being with data gathered from different departments in Swedish municipalities. We identify the required datasets along with their schemas, metadata and definitions. We develop a network database design using a schema to identify common definitions and related points. We use the developed network-based common dataset to demonstrate queries for data spanning various institutions. We demonstrate this for two municipalities in Stockholm. Finally, we describe future work to employ this dataset in a participatory setting to gain better knowledge of the impact of various programs in different municipalities of different socioeconomic contexts.
Co-infection by Marssonina rosae and Alternaria alternata Alters Host Responses of Rose Black Leaf lesion Disease
Authors: liang chaowei , Shan Hongying , Liu Huiqin , Liang Hongchun , Chen Zhaorong 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Rose black Leaf lesion is one of the most severe diseases affecting roses and impacts the growth and ornamental value of rose plants. In this study, Marssonina rosae and Alternaria alternata were frequently isolated simultaneously from rose leaves exhibiting black Leaf lesion disease symptoms, and their pathogenicity was confirmed by Koch's postulates. In dual culture assays, M. rosae and A. alternata were co-cultured for their preliminary characterization, and the liquid culture filtrate of M. rosae promoted the growth of A. alternata. The interactions between M. rosae and A. alternata were investigated through in vitro leaf inoculation with M. rosae inoculated first, followed by A. alternata sequentially at 0, 4, or 6 days later, while the controls were inoculated with M. rosae or A. alternata individually. The results showed that the lesion area of the rose black Leaf lesion and the spore concentration of M. rosae on leaf surfaces significantly increased if M. rosae was inoculated four days prior to A. alternata subsequent inoculation. Moreover, comparative expression analyses were performed of several genes involved in plants' reactions to pathogens, such as the master regulators of salicylic acid (SA) or jasmonic acid (JA)-mediated defense signaling pathway networks. The results indicated that in susceptible roses, the inhibition of SA-related defense signaling through increasing SA levels in the early stage of M. rosae infection (0-4dpi) led to continued inhibition of a large number of plant–pathogen interaction-related and signaling-related genes, including OPR3, ICS, NPR1, MYC2, and WRKY70, which facilitated the invasion of Alternata as a saprophytic fungus. In the later stages of the disease (8–10 dpi), The expression of SA-related resistance genes was gradually decreased, and the antagonistic effect of SA on the JA pathway was weakened, which increased the pathogenicity and sporulation capacity of M. rosae and reduced the pathogenicity of A. alternata. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the co-infection by two fungi exacerbated the severity of rose black Leaf lesion disease through the regulation of SA- and JA-mediated resistance signaling pathways to promote the invasion of A. alternaria and further enhance the pathogenicity of M. rosae. The findings of this study revealed a new mechanism underlying the occurrence of rose black Leaf lesion disease, providing a novel theoretical framework and guidance for the prevention and control of this disease in roses.
Symbiotic Synergies: A Comprehensive Analysis of Antibacterial Potency, Antioxidant Proficiency, and Phytochemical Composition in Rhizoclonium hieroglyphicum and Spirogyra varians from Distinct Aquatic Habitats
Authors: Ahmed Syed Mansoor , Hameed Hajra , Tariq Muhammad , Hameed Afsa , Sharif Muhammad Shakeeb , Farraj Dunia A Al , Aljeidi Reem A. , Afareen Afshan , Waheed Abdul 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Terrestrial plants have been the main source of many active agents used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Many research studies have focused on different marine organisms like algae, fish, sponges, and crustaceans to obtain bioactive products like proteins and peptides for use in the pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries. In contrast to terrestrial plants, marine algae are a very abundant and important source of different constituents that have established beneficial effects on human skin and have been used in the cosmeceutical industry. Samples of algae were collected from two different aquatic sites. Identification of samples was made based on microscopic morphological and other key characteristics of algae, and they were found to be R. hieroglyphicum and S. varians. Extraction was carried out in methanol and in a mixture of DCM (dichloromethane) and methanol. Both samples collected from the two different sites showed significant antibacterial effects in various assays performed using the Disc Diffusion Method and the Well Method. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were also detected using a 2.2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. Quantitative and qualitative analyses showed significant quantities of phenolic and flavonoid contents. The stressful climatic factors lead to the synthesis and production of compounds with secondary metabolites, which are anti-stress and important for their antioxidant and therapeutic effects, resulting in various biological activities.
Function of floral fragrance-related microRNAs and their targets in Hedychium coronarium
Authors: wang Fang , Liu Liang , Yu Rangcai , Li Xin , Yu Yunyi , Li Xinyue , Yue Yuechong , Fan Yanping 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background Hedychium coronarium
is highly valued for its intense fragrance, which may be influenced by the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are a class of small RNAs that play conserved and pivotal regulatory roles throughout plant growth and development, modulating various aspects of plant metabolism. However, the specific functions of miRNAs in the growth and development of H. coronarium remain largely unexplored.
Results
Therefore, to identify miRNAs in H. coronarium and evaluate their relationship with the synthesis of floral fragrance compounds, we analyzed the volatile compounds and the miRNA patterns at three developmental stages (F1, F5, F9). Our results showed that the volatile emissions of major floral compounds (eucalyptol, ocimene, and linalool) increased with the flower development. Using small RNA sequencing, 171 conserved miRNAs from 24 miRNA families and 32 novel miRNAs were identified. Degradome sequencing revealed 102 mRNA degradation sites corresponding to 90 target genes from 30 miRNA families. The qRT-PCR results indicated that the expression levels of hco-miR393a and hco-miR167n were consistent with the release pattern of floral fragrance compounds, whereas the expression levels of HcTIR1 and HcARF8 were inversely correlated with hco-miR393a and hco-miR167n expression. Tobacco co-transformation demonstrated that HcTIR1 and HcARF8 are respective targets of hco-miR393a and hco-miR167n. Additionally, treatments with exogenous IAA and the auxin inhibitor PCIB affected both the release of floral fragrance compounds in H. coronarium and the expression of hco-miR393a and hco-miR167n. STTM and VIGS experiments indicated that hco-miR167n and hco-miR393a positively regulate the metabolism of floral fragrance compounds, while HcARF8 and HcTIR1 act as negative regulators. Dual-luciferase and yeast one-hybrid assays demonstrated that HcARF8 binds to the promoter of the terpene synthase gene HcTPS8, thereby regulating the synthesis of fragrance compounds.
Conclusions
This is the first report to identify miRNAs in H. coronarium and elucidate their expression profiles in petal tissues across different developmental stages. These findings provide new insights into the molecular regulation of floral fragrance compound synthesis and underscore the role of miRNAs in the Zingiberaceae family of plants.