bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive review of HVS‐I mitochondrial DNA variation of 19 Iranian populations
Authors: Amjadi Motahareh , Hayatmehr Zahra , Egyed Balázs , Tavallaei Mahmood , Szécsényi‐Nagy Anna 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIran is located along the Central Asian corridor, a natural artery that has served as a cross‐continental route since the first anatomically modern human populations migrated out of Africa. We compiled and reanalyzed the HVS‐I (hypervariable segment‐I) of 3840 mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences from 19 Iranian populations and from 26 groups from adjacent countries to give a comprehensive review of the maternal genetic variation and investigate the impact of historical events and cultural factors on the maternal genetic structure of modern Iranians. We conclude that Iranians have a high level of genetic diversity. Thirty‐six haplogroups were observed in Iran's populations, and most of them belong to widespread West‐Eurasian haplogroups, such as H, HV, J, N, T, and U. In contrast, the predominant haplogroups observed in most of the adjacent countries studied here are H, M, D, R, U, and C haplogroups. Using principal component analysis, clustering, and genetic distance‐based calculations, we estimated moderate genetic relationships between Iranian and other Eurasian groups. Further, analyses of molecular variance and comparing geographic and genetic structures indicate that mtDNA HVS‐I sequence diversity does not exhibit any sharp geographic structure in the country. Barring a few from some culturally distinct and naturally separated minorities, most Iranian populations have a homogenous maternal genetic structure.
Equity‐efficiency tradeoffs in international bargaining
Authors: Bagh Adib , Ederington Josh 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis paper analyzes the welfare impact of expanding the negotiation agenda of an international agreement between asymmetric countries (e.g., including specific negotiations over environmental regulations or labor standards in a conventional trade agreement) and demonstrates why such proposed expansions are contentious. A main result is that agenda expansions that provide more bargaining flexibility will increase the efficiency of the agreement but can result in a less equitable agreement that hurts the country that is at a bargaining disadvantage. Similarly, we demonstrate that decreases in bargaining game asymmetry can also make the disadvantaged country worse‐off even as it increases global welfare.
Patterns of attention‐sensitive communication contribute to 7–20‐month‐olds' emerging pragmatic skills
Authors: Dafreville Mawa , Guidetti Michèle , Bourjade Marie 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe present study aimed at investigating the ability of 7‐ to 20‐month‐old infants to display attention‐sensitive communication using either canonical markers of language acquisition (e.g., pointing gestures, canonical babblings) or other signals based on the physical features actually perceived by the mother in everyday interaction (e.g., body movements, mouth sounds). We studied 30 French mother‐infant dyads in naturalistic settings. We assessed the infants' attention‐sensitive communication through unimodal and cross‐modal adjustment, defined as the capacity of infants to address visually inattentive mothers by avoiding visual communication mismatches and/or favoring communication matches through audible‐or‐contact signals. Unimodal and cross‐modal adjustments were tested for specific signals across spontaneous “conditions” of maternal visual attention (attentive/inattentive) from video footage filmed in the home. Both canonical markers of language development and signals belonging to an extended repertoire of communication were used by infants to adjust to their mother's visual attention. Gaze‐coordinated signals were overall not significantly better adjusted to maternal attention than non‐gaze‐coordinated signals, except for specific silent‐visual signals at certain ages. Overall, these results indicate that attention‐sensitive communication is relevant to the development of early pragmatic skills and that the intentional use of signals may be more reliably approximated by this capacity than by gaze‐coordination with signals.
Genetic variation in ZmKW1 contributes to kernel weight and size in dent corn and popcorn
Authors: Zhang Long , Fu Miaomiao , Li Wenyu , Dong Yongbin , Zhou Qiang , Wang Qilei , Li Xinyu , Gao Jie , Wang Yan , Wang Han , Li Yayong , Wang Jiechen , Wu Yongrui , Li Yuling 
Published: January 2024

SummaryKernel weight is a critical factor that essentially affects maize (Zea mays) yield. In natural inbred lines, popcorn kernels exhibit overtly smaller sizes compared to dent corn kernels, and kernel weight, which is controlled by multiple genetic loci, varies widely. Here, we characterized a major quantitative trait locus on chromosome 1, responsible for controlling kernel weight (qKW1) and size. The qKW1 locus encodes a protein containing a seven in absentia domain with E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, expressed prominently from the top to the middle region of the endosperm. The presence and function of qKW1 were confirmed through ZmKW1 gene editing, where the mutations in ZmKW1 within dent corn significantly increased kernel weight, consistent with alterations in kernel size, while overexpression of ZmKW1 had the opposite effect. ZmKW1 acts as a negative regulator of kernel weight and size by reducing both the number and size of the endosperm cells and impacting endosperm filling. Notably, the popcorn allele qKW1N and the dent corn allele qKW1D encode identical proteins; however, the differences in promoter activity arise due to the insertion of an Indel‐1346 sequence in the qKW1N promoter, resulting in higher expression levels compared to qKW1D, thus contributing to the variation in kernel weight and size between popcorn and dent corn kernels. Linkage disequilibrium analysis of the 2.8 kb promoter region of ZmKW1 in a dataset comprising 111 maize association panels identified two distinct haplotypes. Our results provide insight into the mechanisms underlying kernel development and yield regulation in dent corn and popcorn, with a specific focus on the role of the ubiquitination system.
Modulation of phosphorylation status of MAP3 kinases under abiotic stress responses
Authors: Jeong Soongon , Lim Chae Woo , Kim Mirim , Lee Sung Chul 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPlants must face various environmental stresses that they cannot avoid, and they have developed numerous mechanisms to survive these challenges. Phosphate‐mediated signal transduction is a common method for regulating gene expression and protein activity in response to stresses. Phosphate groups can be transferred to other proteins by proteins called kinases. MAP3Ks are the largest kinase family in plants, and they comprise various group and individual pathways collectively known as MAPK cascades. When plants encounter environmental stresses, several MAP3Ks act as positive or negative regulators by phosphorylating downstream proteins within the MAPK cascade, as well as transcription factors, cytoskeletal proteins, enzymes, and kinases, through their kinase activity. In addition, other upstream kinases and phosphatases regulate MAP3Ks by adding or removing phosphate groups. Various MAP3Ks have been isolated in many plant species, and evidence suggests that they function as post‐translational modulators under various abiotic stresses, including ABA responses as well as salinity, osmotic, drought, oxidative, cold, and heat stress. This review focuses on how plant MAP3Ks affect various abiotic stresses as regulators and substrates through post‐translational phosphorylation.
Buddhist environmental ethics and climate change
Authors: Capper Daniel 
Published: January 2024

AbstractPhilosophically, Buddhist ethics would appear to be well‐prepared for the climate change age. Buddhists receive encouragement to extend compassion and nonharm throughout a universe that is utterly interconnected across time and space. Such positive extensions result in a strength of the tradition involving some welcome positive treatment of nonhuman animals. However, looking closely in terms of practical outcomes reveals some serious limitations regarding Buddhist environmental ethics. Not all animals receive ethical value and care, for instance, and the tradition provides a historically unstable platform for vegetarianism despite some popular beliefs to the contrary. Even worse, perceived sentience is required to receive substantial Buddhist moral value, in most cases leaving plants, stones, and bodies of water without ecological respect. Since managing climate change precisely includes the moral management of plants, stones, and bodies of water, our ethics regarding these entities must be clear. Buddhist environmental ethics, though, today provide us with few tools for developing such ethics for entities considered by Buddhism to be insentient, although perhaps views are changing.
Synergistic interplay of redox homeostasis and polysaccharide synthesis promotes cotton fiber elongation
Authors: Tian Xuehan , Ji Mengyuan , You Jiaqi , Zhang Yuqi , Lindsey Keith , Zhang Xianlong , Tu Lili , Wang Maojun 
Published: January 2024

SUMMARYCell polarity is the foundation of cell development and tissue morphogenesis. The investigation of polarized growth provides opportunities to gain profound insights into morphogenesis and tissue functionality in organisms. Currently, there are still many mysteries surrounding the mechanisms that regulate polarized cell growth. Cotton fiber cells serve as an excellent model for studying polarized growth, and provide important clues for unraveling the molecular mechanisms, signaling pathways, and regulatory networks of polarized growth. In this study, we characterized two functional genes, GhMDHAR1AT/DT and GhDHAR2AT/DT with predominant expression during fiber elongation. Loss of function of both genes contributed to a significant increase in fiber length. Transcriptomic data revealed up‐regulated expression of antioxidant genes in CRISPR mutant lines, along with delayed expression of secondary wall‐related genes and temporally prolonged expression of primary wall‐related genes. Experimental evidence demonstrated that the increase in GSH content and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) enzyme activity led to enhanced total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC), resulting in reduced H2O2 levels, which contributed to the extension of fiber elongation stage in CRISPR mutant lines. Moreover, the increased polysaccharide synthesis in CRISPR mutant lines was found to provide an abundant supply of raw materials for fiber cell wall elongation, suggesting that synergistic interplay between redox homeostasis and polysaccharide synthesis in fiber cells may facilitate cell wall remodeling and fiber elongation. This study provides valuable insights for deciphering the mechanisms of cell polarized growth and improving cotton fiber quality.
Development of a Microcontroller Programming Basic Module for Technology Design Students in the Topic of Electronic Design at Secondary Schools in Malaysia/ Pembangunan Modul Asas Pengaturcaraan Mikrobit Untuk Pelajar Reka Bentuk Teknologi Bagi Topik Reka Bentuk Elektronik di Peringkat Menengah Sekolah Harian di Malaysia
Authors: Hussain Mohd Azlan Mohammad , Mohd Shorkri Muhammad Firdaus , Basri Azizul Qayyum , Mohd Imam Ma'arof Nurul Nazirah , A/L Kolandan Subramaniam , Othman Muhammad Azri 
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study is to develop Microbit Basic Module Teaching Aids to be used in learning electronic design, RBT level 2 subject. Specifically, the objective of this study is to identify the essential elements to produce the Microbit basic module and develop the module to determine its usability. Furthermore, it is conducted using the learning theory of cognitivism and is developed based on the Addie model. This study will involve three expert parties: one daily high school design and technology subject teacher and two Sultan Idris University of Education lecturers in the engineering field to be interviewed and gain insight into the Microbit Basic Module Teaching Aids to be developed. As for the research instrument, this study will use an inventory of interview protocols with experts who have been appointed. The findings of the study show that this developed PDP module needs improvements that several experts will suggest. As soon as these teaching aids are available, they are expected to help improve achievement and understanding and serve as an additional reference for students.
English-Language Lecturers' Acceptance of E-Learning in Libyan Universities; Theoretical Models and Challenges: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Ali Badi Manal , Md Noor Norah 
Published: January 2024

In comparison to developed nations, the utilisation of e-learning in developing countries remains relatively uncommon. Consequently, this research addresses the prevailing call in the academic literature for increased investigation into the reception, integration, and utilisation of e-learning systems and applications among English-language educators in Libyan universities, aiming to contribute to the existing knowledge gap. This study conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. This rigorous method centred on theories and models related to the acceptance of e-learning technology, the pertinent issues and challenges encountered within Libyan higher education institutions. The findings of the PRISMA-guided review shown that Technological Acceptance Model (TAM) stands as the predominant theoretical framework employed to assess the adoption of e-learning in Libyan universities. Conversely, studies grounded in alternative technological acceptance theories, such as the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), are notably scarce. Therefore, this study advocates for the continued utilisation of the TAM framework in forthcoming research endeavours due to its comprehensive foundation in technology acceptance models and its capacity to offer novel insights. The results of this PRISMA-guided study hold potential significance for scholars engaged in the examination of technology adoption for teaching and learning the English language as a foreign language (EFL), particularly in the context of developing countries.
Mapping loneliness through social intelligence analysis: a step towards creating global loneliness map
Authors: Shah Hurmat Ali , Househ Mowafa 
Published: January 2024

ObjectivesLoneliness is a prevalent global public health concern with complex dynamics requiring further exploration. This study aims to enhance understanding of loneliness dynamics through building towards a global loneliness map using social intelligence analysis.Settings and designThis paper presents a proof of concept for the global loneliness map, using data collected in October 2022. Twitter posts containing keywords such as ‘lonely’, ‘loneliness’, ‘alone’, ‘solitude’ and ‘isolation’ were gathered, resulting in 841 796 tweets from the USA. City-specific data were extracted from these tweets to construct a loneliness map for the country. Sentiment analysis using the valence aware dictionary for sentiment reasoning tool was employed to differentiate metaphorical expressions from meaningful correlations between loneliness and socioeconomic and emotional factors.Measures and resultsThe sentiment analysis encompassed the USA dataset and city-wise subsets, identifying negative sentiment tweets. Psychosocial linguistic features of these negative tweets were analysed to reveal significant connections between loneliness, socioeconomic aspects and emotional themes. Word clouds depicted topic variations between positively and negatively toned tweets. A frequency list of correlated topics within broader socioeconomic and emotional categories was generated from negative sentiment tweets. Additionally, a comprehensive table displayed top correlated topics for each city.ConclusionsLeveraging social media data provide insights into the multifaceted nature of loneliness. Given its subjectivity, loneliness experiences exhibit variability. This study serves as a proof of concept for an extensive global loneliness map, holding implications for global public health strategies and policy development. Understanding loneliness dynamics on a larger scale can facilitate targeted interventions and support.
Adherence of randomised controlled trials using artificial intelligence in ophthalmology to CONSORT-AI guidelines: a systematic review and critical appraisal
Authors: Pattathil Niveditha , Zhao Jonathan Z L , Sam-Oyerinde Olapeju , Felfeli Tina 
Published: January 2024

PurposeMany efforts have been made to explore the potential of deep learning and artificial intelligence (AI) in disciplines such as medicine, including ophthalmology. This systematic review aims to evaluate the reporting quality of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluate AI technologies applied to ophthalmology.MethodsA comprehensive search of three relevant databases (EMBASE, Medline, Cochrane) from 1 January 2010 to 5 February 2022 was conducted. The reporting quality of these papers was scored using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials-Artificial Intelligence (CONSORT-AI) checklist and further risk of bias was assessed using the RoB-2 tool.ResultsThe initial search yielded 2973 citations from which 5 articles satisfied the inclusion/exclusion criteria. These articles featured AI technologies applied to diabetic retinopathy screening, ophthalmologic education, fungal keratitis detection and paediatric cataract diagnosis. None of the articles reported all items in the CONSORT-AI checklist. The overall mean CONSORT-AI score of the included RCTs was 53% (range 37%–78%). The individual scores of the articles were 37% (19/51), 39% (20), 49% (25), 61% (31) and 78% (40). All articles were scored as being moderate risk, or ‘some concerns present’, regarding potential risk of bias according to the RoB-2 tool.ConclusionA small number of RCTs have been published to date on the applications of AI in ophthalmology and vision science. Adherence to the 2020 CONSORT-AI reporting guidelines is suboptimal with notable reporting items often missed. Greater adherence will help facilitate reproducibility of AI research which can be a stimulus for more AI-based RCTs and clinical applications in ophthalmology.
Long short-term memory model identifies ARDS and in-hospital mortality in both non-COVID-19 and COVID-19 cohort
Authors: Chen Jen-Ting , Mehrizi Rahil , Aasman Boudewijn , Gong Michelle Ng , Mirhaji Parsa 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveTo identify the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and in-hospital mortality using long short-term memory (LSTM) framework in a mechanically ventilated (MV) non-COVID-19 cohort and a COVID-19 cohort.MethodsWe included MV ICU patients between 2017 and 2018 and reviewed patient records for ARDS and death. Using active learning, we enriched this cohort with MV patients from 2016 to 2019 (MV non-COVID-19, n=3905). We collected a second validation cohort of hospitalised patients with COVID-19 in 2020 (COVID+, n=5672). We trained an LSTM model using 132 structured features on the MV non-COVID-19 training cohort and validated on the MV non-COVID-19 validation and COVID-19 cohorts.ResultsApplying LSTM (model score 0.9) on the MV non-COVID-19 validation cohort had a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 57%. The model identified the risk of ARDS 10 hours before ARDS and 9.4 days before death. The sensitivity (70%) and specificity (84%) of the model on the COVID-19 cohort are lower than MV non-COVID-19 cohort. For the COVID-19 + cohort and MV COVID-19 + patients, the model identified the risk of in-hospital mortality 2.4 days and 1.54 days before death, respectively.DiscussionOur LSTM algorithm accurately and timely identified the risk of ARDS or death in MV non-COVID-19 and COVID+ patients. By alerting the risk of ARDS or death, we can improve the implementation of evidence-based ARDS management and facilitate goals-of-care discussions in high-risk patients.ConclusionUsing the LSTM algorithm in hospitalised patients identifies the risk of ARDS or death.
Web-based eHealth Clinical Decision Support System as a tool for the treat-to-target management of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus:development and initial usability evaluation
Authors: Parra Sanchez Agner Russo , Grimberg Max G , Hanssen Myrthe , Aben Moon , Jairth Elianne , Dhoeme Prishent , Tsang-A-Sjoe Michel W P , Voskuyl Alexandre , Jansen Hendrik Jan , van Vollenhoven Ronald 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundTreat-to-target (T2T) is a therapeutic strategy currently being studied for its application in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients and rheumatologists have little support in making the best treatment decision in the context of a T2T strategy, thus, the use of information technology for systematically processing data and supporting information and knowledge may improve routine decision-making practices, helping to deliver value-based care.ObjectiveTo design and develop an online Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) tool “SLE-T2T”, and test its usability for the implementation of a T2T strategy in the management of patients with SLE.MethodsA prototype of a CDSS was conceived as a web-based application with the task of generating appropriate treatment advice based on entered patients’ data. Once developed, a System Usability Score (SUS) questionnaire was implemented to test whether the eHealth tool was user-friendly, comprehensible, easy-to-deliver and workflow-oriented. Data from the participants’ comments were synthesised, and the elements in need for improvement were identified.ResultsThe beta version web-based system was developed based on the interim usability and acceptance evaluation. 7 participants completed the SUS survey. The median SUS score of SLE-T2T was 79 (scale 0 to 100), categorising the application as ‘good’ and indicating the need for minor improvements to the design.ConclusionsSLE-T2T is the first eHealth tool to be designed for the management of SLE patients in a T2T context. The SUS score and unstructured feedback showed high acceptance of this digital instrument for its future use in a clinical trial.
Call to digital health leaders: test and leverage this guideline to support health information technology implementation in practice
Authors: Harding Samantha Erin , Day Karen , Carswell Peter 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundHealth information technology (HIT) is increasingly used to enable health service/system transformation. Most HIT implementations fail to some degree; very few demonstrate sustainable success. No guidelines exist for health service leaders to leverage factors associated with success. The purpose of this paper is to present an evidence-based guideline for leaders to test and leverage in practice.MethodsThis guideline was developed from a literature review and refined by a set of eight interviews with people in senior HIT roles, which were thematically analysed. It was refined in the consultancy work of the first author and confirmed after minor refinements.ResultsFive key actions were identified: relationships, vision, HIT system attributes, constant evaluation and learning culture.ConclusionsThis guideline presents a significant opportunity for health system leaders to systematically check relevant success factors during the implementation process of single projects and regional/national programmes.