bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A multivariate approach to assessing the water quality of the Bamako reach of the Niger River in Mali as irrigation water
Authors: Sangaré Lamine Ousmane , Sun Haixue , Ba Sidy , Konté Mahamadou Soumaïla , Samaké Mamoutou , Zheng Tong 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAgricultural production in the Bamako region has been raised, and its output quality has been questionable due to the discharge of wastewater into the Niger River. This study assessed the Niger River water body variations for irrigation application temporally and spatially. Thirteen parameters, potential of hydrogen, electrical conductivity, nitrate, total dissolved solids, phosphate, sulfate, chloride, ammonium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and bicarbonate, were analyzed at the 15 sampling locations. Parameters examination indicated that most pollutants had higher concentrations over the high‐flow phase than in the low‐flow period. All parameters were within the Food and Agriculture Organization's recommended values levels. Irrigation variables, sodium adsorption ratio, sodium percentage, soluble sodium percentage, residual sodium bicarbonate, Kelly's ration, permeability index, total hardness, and potential salinity showed the water samples' convenience for irrigation. However, the magnesium hazard concentration exceeded the recommended values levels. Besides, the chloroalkaline indices indicated a trend of degradation that should be addressed. Therefore, a river management plan and regular irrigation water quality monitoring are needed to reduce water hardness in Bamako. The Niger River's sustainable management process must be thrived on all actors' participation. A scientific assessment will be conducted using appropriate methods to identify pollution sources in Bamako. The results of this study will serve as a cornerstone for future investigations concerning the quality of surface water, which is essential for irrigation purposes.Practitioner Points
Human activities affected the Niger River water bodies in Bamako city.
Quantitative and qualitative assessments reveal the pollution status and trend of the Niger River.
The water quality trend is better in the low‐flow season, which is an ideal period for vegetable production in Bamako.
Most multivariate approaches indicated that the Niger River water is healthy for irrigation purposes.
Magnesium hazard exceeded the standard levels, and the chloroalkaline indices indicated a trend of the Niger River water quality deterioration.
Regulation of microRNA by circular RNA
Authors: Singh Suman , Sinha Tanvi , Panda Amaresh C. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractCircular (circ)RNAs have emerged as novel regulators of gene expression through various mechanisms. However, most publications focus on functional circRNAs regulating target gene expression by interacting with micro (mi)RNAs and acting as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs). Although the theory of miRNA sponging by ceRNAs suggests the inhibition of miRNA activity, many studies are biased toward the selection of miRNAs showing a reverse expression pattern compared with circRNA expression. Although several computational tools and molecular assays have been used to predict and validate the interaction of miRNAs with circRNAs, the actual validation of functional in vivo interactions needs careful consideration of molecular experiments with specific controls. As extensive research is being performed on circRNA, many questions arise on the functional significance of circRNA–miRNA interactions. We hope the critical discussion on the criteria for selecting circRNA–miRNA pairs for functional analysis and providing standard methods for validating circRNA–miRNA interactions will advance our understanding of circRNAs as novel gene regulators.This article is categorized under:
Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
Translation > Regulation
RNA Methods > RNA Analyses in Cells
Unsupervised Domain Transfer with Conditional Invertible Neural Networks
Authors: Dreher Kris K. , Ayala Leonardo , Schellenberg Melanie , Hübner Marco , Nölke Jan-Hinrich , Adler Tim J. , Seidlitz Silvia , Sellner Jan , Studier-Fischer Alexander , Gröhl Janek , Nickel Felix , Köthe Ullrich , Seitel Alexander , Maier-Hein Lena 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSynthetic medical image generation has evolved as a key technique for neural network training and validation. A core challenge, however, remains in the domain gap between simulations and real data. While deep learning-based domain transfer using Cycle Generative Adversarial Networks and similar architectures has led to substantial progress in the field, there are use cases in which state-of-the-art approaches still fail to generate training images that produce convincing results on relevant downstream tasks. Here, we address this issue with a domain transfer approach based on conditional invertible neural networks (cINNs). As a particular advantage, our method inherently guarantees cycle consistency through its invertible architecture, and network training can efficiently be conducted with maximum likelihood training. To showcase our method’s generic applicability, we apply it to two spectral imaging modalities at different scales, namely hyperspectral imaging (pixel-level) and photoacoustic tomography (image-level). According to comprehensive experiments, our method enables the generation of realistic spectral data and outperforms the state of the art on two downstream classification tasks (binary and multi-class). cINN-based domain transfer could thus evolve as an important method for realistic synthetic data generation in the field of spectral imaging and beyond. The code is available at https://github.com/IMSY-DKFZ/UDT-cINN.
Evaluating the New Secondary Informatics Curriculum in The Netherlands
Authors: Grgurina Nataša , Tolboom Jos , de Vries Bart Penning 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSince the introduction of Informatics as an elective course in secondary education in the Netherlands in 1998, the implemented curriculum is being regularly monitored. The results of the large 2013 secondary Informatics teachers survey contributed to the revision of the Informatics curriculum. This revised curriculum came into effect in 2019. In line with regular curriculum monitoring practices, the Netherlands Institute for Curriculum Development is polling the secondary Informatics teachers to understand their views and opinions on the intended curriculum and to learn about their implemented curriculum The results indicate that the majority of the respondents find the new Informatics curriculum better than the old one and that it offers a solid foundation for their teaching practice. A minority either misses some content in the curriculum or considers it overloaded with content, and some find it not to be up to date. Furthermore, the results of this survey are compared to the results of the 2013 survey to assess to what extent the new Informatics curriculum meets the teachers’ needs and recommendations better.
What Is AI-PACK? – Outline of AI Competencies for Teaching with DPACK
Authors: Lorenz Uwe , Romeike Ralf 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe changes brought by digital transformation have already been addressed in various places for schools and teacher training. Among other things, competence frameworks have been developed for practical orientation and to describe required skills. However, the reflective handling of the now widespread phenomena of the “AI world” requires different competencies than the handling of conventional informatics systems mainly discussed so far, because “AI systems” are based on a different design approach that gives these systems special properties. This, in turn, poses new demands on the professionalization of all teachers, since the development has clear implications for their central areas of action. The goal of this paper is to define a framework that outlines these new AI-related requirements to support the design of holistic education and study programs for teaching in the digitally networked “AI world” that give equal weight to the user-oriented, technological, socio-cultural perspective. This contribution approaches the topic theoretically: first, the need to delineate an area of AI-related digital competencies is justified. Then this area is located in the DPACK model. Since teachers combine pedagogical, subject-related, and technical competencies in their work, the domains of “AI related Pedagogical Knowledge" (AI-PK), “AI related Content Knowledge" (AI-CK), and “AI related Pedagogical Content Knowledge" (AI-PCK) are deductively determined and illustrated with exemplary competencies. The “AI-PACK” framework enables a structured description and investigation of AI teacher education requirements.
Implementing a Portable Learning Lab on Artificial Intelligence: It’s AI in a Box!
Authors: Lindner Annabel , Berges Marc , Rösch Mathias , Franke Florian 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis paper describes the conception, design, and first evaluation attempts of a learning lab on artificial intelligence (AI). The learning lab, which consists of 25 learning activities, aims to teach the central concepts of AI and its applications in everyday life, industry, and research. To design the learning arrangements, major concepts of AI were selected based on the literature and made accessible to the students through playful experiments. In addition, research- and industry-related activities were created in cooperation with experts. In the research-led development process, prototypes of the learning activities were tested with students and improved based on their feedback. An evaluation concept was created and used to assess the final activities.
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Bebras Computational Thinking Challenge: Comparing Numbers, Examining Reasons and Investigating Recommendations
Authors: Kandlhofer Martin , Baumann Wilfried , Futschek Gerald , Baumann Liam , Ludwig Steven 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe Bebras Challenge is organized in more than 70 countries worldwide. It aims to foster pupils’ interest and passion for informatics and computational thinking. Although the Bebras Challenge is by its nature an online activity, most countries had a decline in participation numbers compared to non-pandemic years. Some countries recorded larger relative declines than others, certain countries even recorded increases. In order to investigate this issue, a comprehensive study, applying quantitative and qualitative methods, was conducted. Based on reported participation data, an interactive online graphic was created in which the reach (participation per thousand inhabitants) of the Bebras Challenge in individual countries or groups of countries in the respective years can be compared with each other. Following an online research regarding homeschooling during the Bebras weeks in different countries, an online survey among 40 Bebras representatives worldwide delivered important key data, such as main reasons for an incline or decline of participation numbers or which measures have been taken to hold the challenge during the pandemic. This was accompanied by qualitative interviews with selected Bebras representatives. The results of this study could help organizers of national and international school activities to respond more effectively to possible future adverse situations.
Fortbildungen für KulturSchule: Die Bedeutung von Schulentwicklung für Kulturelle Bildung
Authors: Ackermann Heike 
Published: September 2023

ZusammenfassungFortbildung und Schule stellen jeweils eigene soziale Welten dar; für den Fortbildungsabsolventen besteht kein direkter Übergang zwischen beiden. Die teilautonom gewordene Schule ist angesichts neuer Anforderungen an den Lehrerberuf herausgefordert, Personalentwicklung zur Stärkung ihrer pädagogischen Merkmale zu betreiben und Unterrichtsentwicklung stärker zu unterstützen. Hierfür werden Hilfestellungen benötigt. Sie treffen auf einen Hiatus der Analyse: „Wozu ist die Schule da?“. Anstelle einer Aufklärung wird oftmals das Reich des Wünschenswerten betreten. Pädagogisch lässt sich nicht vertreten, dass die Schule als Institution am Ende von Lektionen und Schulhalbjahren Lerndefizite der Schüler festzustellen hat und nicht die Aufgabe annimmt, diese zu beheben. Dieses grundsätzliche Problem wird im Prozess von Schulentwicklung zumeist nicht angesprochen. Was bezweckt dann aber Schulentwicklung? Auf dieser Basis formuliert dieses Kapitel die Anfrage, welchen Rahmen Schulentwicklung in der KulturSchule hat, welche Grenzen sich zeigen, ein breites Lernfeld zu schaffen, in dem mit Freude und Spaß am Lernen Kinder und Jugendliche ohne Leistungsdruck kreativ sein und sich in diversen Ausdrucksmöglichkeiten üben können.
Zum Transferanliegen der Lehrkräftefortbildung
Authors: Ackermann Heike 
Published: September 2023

ZusammenfassungEin heuristisches Rahmenmodell des Transfers rückt die Bedingungen der Umsetzung des in der Fortbildung Erlernten als Aufgabenfeld der Schule in den Mittelpunkt. Dieses Modell fokussiert den Zusammenhang zwischen Lern- und Funktionsfeld, sodass sowohl didaktische Qualitätsgesichtspunkte im Lerngeschehen als auch ein die erweiterten Kompetenzen der Lehrkräfte wertschätzendes Transfermanagement der Schule in den Fokus der Forschung geraten. Es unterstreicht zudem, dass die konkrete Transfersituation für den Fortbildungsteilnehmer maßgeblich ist, um den Unterrichtsstil zu verändern. Letztlich zeigt sich, dass es nicht ausreicht, Fortbildungsmaßnahmen in der Schule durch eine Berichterstattung im Kollegium zu unterstützen. Um die Zielsetzung des KulturSchul-Programms zu realisieren, die Lernkultur insgesamt zu verändern, ist eine gemeinsame Praxis der Lehrkräfte notwendig, ästhetische Zugänge auszuprobieren und zu evaluieren, wie es den Schülerinnen und Schüler damit geht.
High Resolution Melt (HRM) Genotyping for Detection of Induced Mutations in Coffee (Coffea arabica L. var. Catuaí)
Authors: Gatica-Arias Andrés , Bolívar-González Alejandro , Sánchez-Barrantes Elodia , Araya-Valverde Emanuel , Molina-Bravo Ramón 
Published: September 2023

AbstractArabica coffee (C. arabica L.) is a highly valued agricultural commodity on the world market. Tons of products are traded internationally, and it has become an extremely valuable resource. However, the species is threatened by the alarmingly low genetic diversity present among its wild populations and agronomic varieties. It is highly relevant to exploit different mechanisms to increase genetic variability in coffee. One of such methods is the induction of variability through chemical or physical mutagenesis. In this work, a population of 320 coffee plants (Coffea arabica L. var. Catuaí) originated from chemically mutagenized embryogenic callus was analysed. Here we describe a protocol for detection of induced mutations using High Resolution Melting (HRM) on a Real Time PCR machine with HRM capabilities. The protocol allows to detect mutations in pooled DNA samples of up to four M2 mutant plants. The procedures and example data are presented for mutation detection in the CaWRKY1 gene. This procedure can be applied for mutation detection in other genes of interest to coffee breeders and scientists.
In Vitro Plantlet Establishment of Coffea arabica from Cut Seed Explants
Authors: Goessnitzer Florian , Jankowicz-Cieslak Joanna , Ingelbrecht Ivan L. W. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractArabica coffee is one of the most important products in the world market. As a perennial crop, conventional breeding of Arabica coffee is challenged by its long reproductive cycle and narrow genetic base. In vitro tissue culture in combination with mutation induction techniques provides an attractive alternative approach for the genetic improvement of coffee. In this chapter we describe a simple and robust method to rapidly establish in vitro Arabica coffee plantlets from cut seed explants. The method streamlines the germination process under in vitro environmentally controlled conditions and overcomes microbial contamination, often associated with coffee seed lots harvested from the field or greenhouse. Using this protocol, disease-free in vitro coffee plantlets can be generated within 5–6 weeks, useful for downstream tissue culture manipulations such as the production of friable embryogenic callus and cell suspension cultures or induced chemical or physical mutagenesis.
Somatic Embryogenesis and Temporary Immersion for Mass Propagation of Chimera-Free Mutant Arabica Coffee Plantlets
Authors: Tajedini Samira , Goessnitzer Florian , Ingelbrecht Ivan L. W. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractCoffee is one of the most valuable cash crops providing employment for millions of people worldwide. Arabica coffee is widely grown in Latin America where it is under threat of leaf rust. Conventional breeding of Arabica coffee is challenged by its narrow genetic base and long reproductive cycle, and it can take up to 30 years for variety development and release. In vitro somatic embryogenesis is a propagation technique whereby a single plant somatic cell can give rise to a somatic embryo under appropriate culture conditions. For tree crops such as Arabica coffee, single-cell mutagenesis using embryogenic cell cultures provides a powerful approach to produce chimera-free mutant lines directly from cells. Here we describe protocols to induce friable embryogenic callus, establish embryogenic cell suspensions, and convert somatic embryos into plantlets using a RITA® bioreactor for Coffea arabica var. Venecia. In addition, methods for gamma-ray mutagenesis of regenerable cell suspensions are described.
Aspects of higher-point functions in BCFTd
Authors: Chen Junding , Zhou Xinan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
We study three-point correlation functions of scalar operators in conformal field theories with boundaries and interfaces. We focus on two cases where there are one bulk and two boundary operators (B∂∂), or two bulk and one boundary operators (BB∂). We perform a detailed analysis of the conformal blocks in different OPE channels. In particular, we obtain the bulk channel conformal blocks of the BB∂ three-point functions for arbitrary exchanged spins in a series expansion with respect to the radial coordinates. We also study examples of such three-point functions in the simplest holographic dual where the AdSd+1 space contains a brane filling an AdSd subspace. Such a setup arises in top-down models with probe branes and is also relevant for the functional approach to boundary and interface CFT correlators. We systematically study the Witten diagrams in this setup both in position space and in Mellin space. We also discuss in detail how to decompose these Witten diagrams into conformal blocks.
Comparing outcomes following direct admission and early transfer to specialized trauma centers in open tibial fracture treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Joosten Pien Gabriele Francien , Borgdorff Marieke Paulina , Botman Matthijs , Bouman Mark-Bram , van Embden Daphne , Giannakópoulos Georgios Fredericus 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Guidelines on the management of open tibia fractures recommend timely treatment in a limb reconstruction center which offer joint orthopedic-trauma and plastic surgery services. However, patient’s transfer between centers remains inevitable. This review aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes and hospital factors for patients directly admitted and transferred patients to a limb-reconstruction center.

Methods
A research protocol adhering to PRISMA standards was established. The search included databases like MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library up until March 2023. Nine articles met the inclusion criteria, focusing on open tibia fractures. Exclusion criteria were experimental studies, animal studies, and case reports. Outcomes of interest were operation and infection rates, nonunion, limb salvage, and the Enneking limb score.

Results
The analysis involved data from 520 patients across nine studies published between 1990 and 2023, with the majority (83.8%) having Gustilo Anderson type III open tibia fractures. Directly admitted patients showed lower overall infection rates (RR 0.30; 95% CI 0.10–0.90; P = 0.03) and fewer deep infections (RR 0.39; 95% CI 0.22–0.68; P = 0.001) compared to transferred patients. Transferred patients experienced an average five-day delay in soft tissue closure and extended hospital stays by eight days. Patients transferred without initial surgical management underwent fewer total surgical procedures. The direct admission group displayed more favorable functional outcomes.

Conclusion:
Low- to moderate-quality evidence indicates worse clinical outcomes for transferred patients compared to directly admitted patients. Early treatment in specialized limb reconstruction units is essential for improved results in the management of open tibia fractures.

Level of evidence
Therapeutic level IIa.
Primary angiitis of the CNS and ANCA-associated vasculitis: from pathology to treatment
Authors: Sherri Alaa , Mortada Mohamad Mahdi , Makowska Joanna , Lewandowska-Polak Anna 
Published: September 2023

AbstractVasculitis of the central nervous system can be a localized process, such as primary angiitis of the central nervous system (PACNS), or systemic vasculitis, such as ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). Since both conditions share neurological manifestations, the following review will discuss the neurological aspects of both. This review aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of the pathogenesis, clinical manifestation and assessment, diagnostic workup, and treatment protocol for both PACNS and AAV with central nervous system involvement. To provide a comprehensive comparison and update, a literature review was conducted using PubMed and Ovid databases (Embase and Medline). Then, the references were retrieved, screened, and selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. PACNS and AAV share similarities in clinical presentation and neurological symptoms, especially in terms of headache, focal deficits, and cognitive impairment. Additionally, both conditions may exhibit similarities in laboratory and radiological findings, making brain biopsy the gold standard for differentiation between the two conditions. Moreover, the treatment protocols for PACNS and AAV are nearly identical. Comparing PACNS and AAV with CNS involvement highlights the similarities in clinical presentation, radiological findings, and treatment protocols between the two conditions. Further research should focus on establishing a practical diagnostic protocol.