Experimental Research Model Research Articles

Influence of 40 Hz and 100 Hz Vibration on SH-SY5Y Cells Growth and Differentiation-A Preliminary Study.

(1) Background: A novel bioreactor platform of neuronal cell cultures using low-magnitude, low-frequency (LMLF) vibrational stimulation was designed to discover vibration influence and mimic the dynamic environment of the in vivo state. To better understand the impact of 40 Hz and 100 Hz vibration on cell differentiation, we join biotechnology and advanced medical technology to design the nano-vibration system. The influence of vibration on the development of nervous tissue on the selected cell line SH-SY5Y (experimental research model in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s) was investigated. (2) Methods: The vibration stimulation of cell differentiation and elongation of their neuritis were monitored. We measured how vibrations affect the morphology and differentiation of nerve cells in vitro. (3) Results: The highest average length of neurites was observed in response to the 40 Hz vibration on the collagen surface in the differentiating medium, but cells response did not increase with vibration frequency. Also, vibrations at a frequency of 40 Hz or 100 Hz did not affect the average density of neurites. 100 Hz vibration increased the neurites density significantly with time for cultures on collagen and non-collagen surfaces. The exposure of neuronal cells to 40 Hz and 100 Hz vibration enhanced cell differentiation. The 40 Hz vibration has the best impact on neuronal-like cell growth and differentiation. (4) Conclusions: The data demonstrated that exposure to neuronal cells to 40 Hz and 100 Hz vibration enhanced cell differentiation and proliferation. This positive impact of vibration can be used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. It is planned to optimize the processes and study its molecular mechanisms concerning carrying out the research.

A High-Throughput Toxicity Screen of 42 Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Functional Assessment of Migration and Gene Expression in Human Placental Trophoblast Cells.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become ubiquitous environmental contaminants that have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in women and experimental research models. Adverse developmental and reproductive outcomes have been investigated for relatively few PFAS, and such studies are not scalable to address the thousands of unique chemical structures. As the placenta has been reported as a PFAS target tissue, the human placental trophoblast JEG-3 cell line was employed in a high-throughput toxicity screen (HTTS) to evaluate the effects of 42 unique PFAS on viability, proliferation, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). HTTS concentration-response curve fitting determined EC50 values for 79% of tested compounds for at least one of the three endpoints. Trophoblast migratory potential was evaluated for a subset of six prioritized PFAS using a scratch wound assay. Migration, measured as the percent of wound closure after 72 h, was most severely inhibited by exposure to 100 µM perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA; 72% closure), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS; 57% closure), or ammonium perfluoro-2-methyl-3-oxahexanoate (GenX; 79% closure). PFOA and GenX were subsequently evaluated for disrupted expression of 46 genes reported to be vital to trophoblast health. Disrupted regulation of oxidative stress was suggested by altered expression of GPEX1 (300 µM GenX and 3 µM GenX), GPER1 (300 µM GenX), and SOD1 and altered cellular response to xenobiotic stress was indicated by upregulation of the placental efflux transporter, ABCG2 (300 µM GenX, 3 µM GenX, and 100 µM PFOA). These findings suggest the placenta is potentially a direct target of PFAS exposure and indicate that trophoblast cell gene expression and function are disrupted at PFAS levels well below the calculated cytotoxicity threshold (EC50). Future work is needed to determine the mechanism(s) of action of PFAS towards placental trophoblasts.

Impact of Different Types of Argument Maps on Critical Thinking: A Quantitative Study with the Pre-Service Science Teachers in Turkey

The aim of the study was to examine the impact of the use of argument maps by final year students of the science-teaching program on critical thinking. In the research, out of experimental research models, quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test control group design was used. Sample of the study consisted of 84 final year pre-service science teacher studying in three different classes in the fall semester of 2017-2018 academic year. While one of these classes was identified as control group, the other two classes were determined to be experimental groups at the beginning of the study. In the control and experimental groups, lectures on the subject of “Optics” were held with the Argument Based Inquiry (ABI) approach for 8 weeks in total. Different from control groups, experimental groups created eight individual argument maps in total within the framework of weekly subjects. In addition to the individual argument maps, one of the experimental groups created collaboratively argument maps for 4 weeks. collaboratively argument map practices were performed with 17 small groups consisting of two persons. Researchers were involved in the collaboratively map creation process as guides. Critical Thinking Test was used as measurement tool at the beginning and end of the practices. Data were analysed through one-way ANOVA via the SPSS program. At the end of the analysis, it was concluded that individual and collaboratively argument mapping practices were effective in the development of critical thinking skills of the pre-service teachers.

STUDI PERBANDINGAN METODE MUBĀSYARAH DENGAN METODE HERBARTH PADA HASIL PEMBELAJARAN NAḤWU

<p><em>Based on the observations of the researchers, in learning Arabic, especially in the Naḥwu subject, the use of the lecture method, the rule and translation method, and the reading method were, in fact, less effective looking at the mid-semester exam results, the average student got a low score below the average. On average, on that basis, the researcher will offer a Mubāsyarah Method and the Herbarth Method to have experimented with the intent and purpose of improving student learning outcomes in the Naḥwu class II KMI learning outcomes at the Darul Huffadh Tuju-Tuju Islamic Boarding School, Kajuara Bone. The type of research in this scientific paper is quantitative research with an experimental research model. In this study, the researcher is a teacher directly supervised by one of the nahwu Pondok subject teachers. So in this research, the researcher applies the mubāsyarah method first and then the herbārth method in naḥwu learning. The method of collecting data is by testing, observing, and documenting using XL Microsoft in finding the average value</em><em>. </em><em>Based on the results of the recap of the average values of the classes (II B & II C), it was concluded that the herbārth method was more effective after being compared to the results of the mubāsyarah method with the average results of the mubāsyarah method in class II B 7.2 and II C 6 and the herbārth method II B 8.6 and II C 7.7.</em></p><p><strong><em>Keywords: Mubāsyarah Method, Herbārth Method, Nahwu Learning.</em></strong><em></em></p>

P29. DEVELOPING A LONG-TERM SURVIVAL HEMI-FACIAL VASCULARIZED COMPOSITE ALLOTRANSPLANTATION SWINE MODEL TO STUDY FACIAL NERVE REGENERATION

PURPOSE: We present a survival large animal model for preclinical facial transplant research to evaluate facial nerve regeneration. METHODS: 19 survival surgeries (16 auto-transplant, 3 allotransplant) were performed to develop and validate a hemi-facial composite flap based on the external carotid artery and vein. Assessment of nerve regeneration using serial compound muscle action potentials (CMAP), electroneurograms (ENG) and histology in a 3-4 month survival model was established. Immunosuppression in allotransplanted pigs started on POD-3 and maintained with weight-based Cyclosporin (CSA) (target levels of 200-300), mycophenolic acid and prednisone. Postoperative course and complications were documented. RESULTS: The buccal branch was selected to assess nerve regeneration using nerve conduction studies. In our allotransplant and auto-transplant models, minor wound breakdown and sialoceles in early postoperative period were managed conservatively or with superficial debridement. There were no flap losses. No systemic infections were experienced in the allotransplanted pigs (n=3); one pig developed an abscess requiring debridements, extended antibiotics usage, but had complete resolution at 8 weeks. At 3 months nerve regeneration reached 75% distance to target muscle with comparable ENG to normal side in auto-transplanted Sinclair mini-pig group (n=5), but a slower rate of regeneration in the allotransplanted group (n=3). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates proof of concept for an allotransplant large experimental animal model for research to inform post-surgical care to improve facial nerve regeneration and functional outcomes.

Brain injections of glial cytoplasmic inclusions induce a multiple system atrophy-like pathology.

Synucleinopathies encompass several neurodegenerative diseases, which include Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy. These diseases are characterized by the deposit of α-synuclein aggregates in intracellular inclusions in neurons and glial cells. Unlike Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, where aggregates are predominantly neuronal, multiple system atrophy is associated with α-synuclein cytoplasmic inclusions in oligodendrocytes. Glial cytoplasmic inclusions are the pathological hallmark of multiple system atrophy and are associated with neuroinflammation, modest demyelination and, ultimately, neurodegeneration. To evaluate the possible pathogenic role of glial cytoplasmic inclusions, we inoculated glial cytoplasmic inclusion-containing brain fractions obtained from multiple system atrophy patients into the striatum of non-human primates. After a 2-year in vivo phase, extensive histochemical and biochemical analyses were performed on the whole brain. We found loss of both nigral dopamine neurons and striatal medium spiny neurons, as well as loss of oligodendrocytes in the same regions, which are characteristics of multiple system atrophy. Furthermore, demyelination, neuroinflammation and α-synuclein pathology were also observed. These results show that the α-synuclein species in multiple system atrophy-derived glial cytoplasmic inclusions can induce a pathological process in non-human primates, including nigrostriatal and striatofugal neurodegeneration, oligodendroglial cell loss, synucleinopathy and gliosis. The present data pave the way for using this experimental model for MSA research and therapeutic development.

Comparison of Physical and Physiological Effects of Continuous and Interval Running Training in Elite Adults

Aim: It is known that endurance trainings increase physiological adaptations. However, knowledge on its effects on physical and motor performance is insufficient. Therefore, this study aims to compare the effects of 8-week continuous and interval endurance runs on physical and physiological performance in elite adults. Material and Methods: A total of 18 adult male athletes between the ages of 19-25, consisting of continuous runs (CR) n:9 and interval group (IG) n:9, participated in the study. While the continuous running group (CR) was subject to the continuous running method 3 days a week for 8 weeks, interval running method was used for the other group. Experimental research model, including pre-test and post-test, was used in the study. Body weight measurement, 20-meters speed, vertical and horizontal jump, cooper, balance, sit-reach tests were applied to the athletes participating in the study before and after the training program. Variance and homogeneity of the obtained data were tested, and Independent Samples t test and Paired Samples t tests were used in the analysis of the data. Results: After the interval and continuous running training programs, the change in body weight and Cooper test values before and after the interval training and continuous running groups were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). It was observed that the changes in the standing long jump, speed, vertical jump, balance and sit-and-reach flexibility test values of the interval training group before and after the training were statistically significant (p<0.05) while the change in the continuous running group was not statistically significant. In addition, it was determined that there was a significant change in the balance post-test values in the interval training group compared to the pre-test values. Conclusion: As a result, it shows that the interval and continuous running training programs applied have positive effects on body weight and endurance, and when interval training and continuous running training programs are compared, interval trainings can be efficient in terms of balance, flexibility, vertical and horizontal jump, and 20-meters speed performances. Keywords: Endurance, Continuous runs, Interval Training, Motor Performance

Physiological basis for longitudinal motion of the arterial wall.

As opposed to arterial distension in the radial plane, longitudinal wall motion (LWM) is a multiphasic and bidirectional displacement of the arterial wall in the anterograde (i.e., in the direction of blood flow) and retrograde (i.e., opposing direction of blood flow) directions. Although initially disregarded as imaging artifact, LWM has been consistently reported in ultrasound investigations in the past decade and is reproducible beat-to-beat, albeit with large interindividual variability across healthy and diseased populations. Emerging literature has sought to examine the mechanistic control of LWM to explain the shape and variability of the motion pattern but lacks considerations for key foundational vascular principles at the level of the arterial wall ultrastructure. The purpose of this review is to summarize the potential factors that underpin the causes and control of arterial LWM, spanning considerations from the arterial extracellular matrix to systems-level integrative theories. First, an overview of LWM and relevant aspects wall composition will be discussed, including major features of the multiphasic pattern, arterial wall extracellular components, tunica fiber orientations, and arterial longitudinal prestretch. Second, current theories on the systems-level physiological mechanisms driving LWM will be discussed in the context of available evidence including experimental human research, porcine studies, and mathematical models. Throughout, we discuss implications of these observations with suggestions for future priority research areas.

Interprofessional Consensus Regarding Design Requirements for Liquid-Based Perinatal Life Support (PLS) Technology.

Liquid-based perinatal life support (PLS) technology will probably be applied in a first-in-human study within the next decade. Research and development of PLS technology should not only address technical issues, but also consider socio-ethical and legal aspects, its application area, and the corresponding design implications. This paper represents the consensus opinion of a group of healthcare professionals, designers, ethicists, researchers and patient representatives, who have expertise in tertiary obstetric and neonatal care, bio-ethics, experimental perinatal animal models for physiologic research, biomedical modeling, monitoring, and design. The aim of this paper is to provide a framework for research and development of PLS technology. These requirements are considering the possible respective user perspectives, with the aim to co-create a PLS system that facilitates physiological growth and development for extremely preterm born infants.

Fostering sustainability-oriented knowledge-sharing in academic environment: A key strategic process to achieving SDGs through development of students' sustainable entrepreneurship competences

The development of sustainable entrepreneurship competencies (SEC) among students as future business owners be a key factor in reducing the destructive effects of unsustainable production. Accordingly, the Knowledge-Sharing Process (KSP) related to sustainable entrepreneurship was recognized as an important mediating variable in providing SEC. This process has been affected by an interrelated set of contextual factors and student inputs. Using a Mix-Methods approaches in the study, we depict the way these factors influence the KSP and their relationships with each other and improve the level of SEC among students. For this purpose, PRISMA flowchart in qualitative part and Structural Equation Model (SEM) in quantitative part were used. Fifteen articles were analyzed in qualitative part using NVivo11 software and a total of seven factors affecting the KSP were identified. The findings from SME revealed that university culture and education, respectively, have the highest impact on KSP and SEC among students. The experimental research model help university administrators to plan effectively in order to strengthen SEC among students. Moreover, a process-oriented structure of the factors affecting KSP and SEC is provided, which can be a basis for future research in this field.

İlkokul Öğrencilerinin Biyoloji Bilgi Metinlerinden İnfografik Tasarlama ve Özetleme Süreçlerinin Farklı Değişkenler Bakımından İncelenmesi

Technological developments have increased the importance of presenting and the processing of information as effective and memorable in the field of education. The aim of the study is to examine the effect of performing biology subjects in the elementary school science lessons with infographic design tasks in terms of the effects on students’ cognitive structures and knowledge levels in the learning - teaching process. As the research method was used the pretest-posttest control group design from the experimental research models. The sample of the research consists of 4th grade students of a primary school. The total of 48 students were studied from two different classes, each of 24 students including in the study. Word Association Test (WAT) and achievement Test were used as data collection tools. Mann Whitney U test and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test from non-parametric tests were used in the analysis of the data. As a result of the analyzes, it was seen that the students who carried out the infographic design activities were positively affected in terms of their cognitive structures.

The Effect of Sex Education Program on the Attitudes of the Families of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

It is extremely important to provide sex education to individuals with intellectual disabilities because they do not know where, when, and in which situations their sexual behavior is appropriate or not, and because they cannot control their sexuality. This study aimed to examine the effect of the Sex Education Program for Families of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities (ZACEP) on the knowledge level of families of adults with intellectual disabilities and their attitudes towards their children’s sexual development and sex education. The research adopted a single group pre-test and post-test model, one of the experimental research models. The sample consisted of nine mothers. The effectiveness data of the study were collected through the Parental Sex Education Attitude Scale. SPSS packet program was used for data analysis. The pretest and posttest items were first analyzed with descriptive statistics, then frequency, percentage, and maximum-minimum values were calculated. The t-test analysis for dependent samples is required to compare the pretest and posttest scores of a single group. However, due to the number of participants (N=9), the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, which is the nonparametric equivalent of t-test, was used. Research findings showed that the ZACEP did not affect the mothers' attitudes towards the sexuality of adults with intellectual disabilities. Besides, the ZACEP did not affect parents' attitudes towards sexuality at item level.

Gambaran Keefektifan Penggunaan Media Kartu dalam Meningkatkan Komunikasi Interpersonal

Communication is an inseparable part of human life, anybody can’t live without communication. As social beings who always interact with the environment, communication skills are needed, especially interpersonal communication. Devito (2007) explains, interpersonal communication is the communication that takes place between two persons who have an established relationship; the people are in some way connected, often interpersonal communication takes place face to face:This is the type of interaction that probably comes to mind when you think of conversation. The purpose of this study is to reveal the effectiveness of tehnique card media to improve interpersonal communication by using an experimental research model of one group pre test-post test design with a sampling technique that is purposive sampling. The results showed that there was a difference between the results of the pre-test and post-test with the acquisition of the Wilcoxon test results, namely the value of Zhitung 2.812 > Ztabel 1.960 indicating that Ho was rejected and Ha was accepted, so it can be concluded that the use of technique card media is effective to improve students' interpersonal communication

COMPARISON OF THE PERFORMANCE VALUES OF THE U-16 DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE FOOTBALL PLAYERS IN THE COMPETITION PERIOD

This study aims to compare the performance values of U-16 development league football players. The research was carried out according to the experimental research model. A total of 25 football players of a super league football team (age: 16, height: 170,36±7,31cm, weight: 56,89±8,88kg), all competing in the U-16 elite development league, participated voluntarily. The players wear Polar watches on the grass football field; Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 test was applied and aerobic endurance levels, maximal heart rate, and heart rate recovery times were measured. Tests and measurements were applied 1 week before the start of the league. After the first test, the competition period general training program was applied for 9 weeks, 4 days a week, and after that, the same tests and measurements were carried out again. After a 9-week competition training program, there were statistically significant differences in aerobic endurance levels and heart rate recovery times at the 1st minute (p<0.01), no statistically significant differences were found in maximal heart rate and heart rate recovery times at the 2nd minute (p>0.01). In conclusion, it can be said that the 9-week training program applied during the competition period is effective on the aerobic endurance level and heart rate recovery time in the 1st minute.
 
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Halkla İlişkiler BağlamındaKurumsal Sosyal Sorumluluğa Yönelik AlgınınÖrgütsel Bağlılığa Etkisi: Öğretim Üyelerine Yönelik Bir Araştırma(The Effect of Perception of Corporate Social Responsibility on the Context of Public Relations on Organizational Commitment: A Research Aimed at the Faculty Members)

Purpose – Current literature reveals that properly implemented public relations practices for corporate social responsibility develop a positive perception on the target audiences of the institutions. In this context, the significance of the concept of corporate social responsibility was highlighted by Carroll in terms of representing a good corporate citizen (Carroll, 1991: 40). Carroll has introduced the corporate social responsibility pyramid in line with this view. It is stated by Allen and Meyer there are psychological factors under the commitment of individuals to the institutions they work for. In this context, they developed the organizational commitment model (Allen ve Meyer 1990: 3-4). It is aimed in this study to reveal the effect of the perception of corporate social responsibility on the organizational commitment in the context of public relations, within the framework of the faculty members in foundation universities, based on the current literature. Design/Method/Approach – Within the scope of the study, an experimental research model was developed for the relationship between the steps of the corporate social responsibility pyramid and the dimensions of the organizational commitment model. This model has been tested with data obtained through an online survey as a quantitative method. Findings – According to the results of the Pearson product-moment correlation analysis to ascertain the relationship between the average scores obtained from the perception scale for corporate social responsibility and the average scores obtained from the organizational commitment scale on the context of public relations; on the context of public relations, it was revealed that as the perception score for corporate social responsibility increases, the affective commitment score increases, the continuance commitment score decreases, and the normative commitment score increases. Discussion – Based on the research findings, it can be predicted that affective commitment in universities can be increased with public relations practices for corporate social responsibility, when performed correctly.

Expression and distribution of synaptotagmin family members in the zebrafish retina.

Synaptotagmins belong to a large family of proteins. Although various synaptotagmins have been implicated as Ca2+ sensors for vesicle replenishment and release at conventional synapses, their roles at retinal ribbon synapses remain incompletely understood. Zebrafish is a widely used experimental model for retinal research. We therefore investigated the homology between human, rat, mouse, and zebrafish synaptotagmins 1-10 using a bioinformatics approach. We also characterized the expression and distribution of various synaptotagmin (syt) genes in the zebrafish retina using RT-PCR, qPCR, and in situhybridization, focusing on the family members whose products likely underlie Ca2+ -dependent exocytosis in the central nervous system (synaptotagmins 1, 2, 5, and 7). Most zebrafish synaptotagmins are well conserved and can be grouped in the same classes as mammalian synaptotagmins, based on crucial amino acid residues needed for coordinating Ca2+ binding and determining phospholipid binding affinity. The only exception is synaptotagmin 1b, which lacks 34 amino acid residues in the C2B domain and is therefore unlikely to bind Ca2+ there. Additionally, the products of zebrafish syt5a and syt5b genes share identity with mammalian class 1 and 5 synaptotagmins. Zebrafish syt1, syt2, syt5, and syt7 paralogues are found in the zebrafish brain, eye, and retina, excepting syt1b, which is only present in the brain. The complementary expression pattern of the remaining paralogues in the retina suggests that syt1a and syt5a may underlie synchronous release and syt7a and syt7b may mediate asynchronous release or other Ca2+ -dependent processes in different retinal neurons.

DIFFERENT EFFECT OF TACTICAL AND DRILL TRAINING METHODS ON IMPROVING CONTROLING ABILITY IN FOOTBALL ON BOY ATHLETS AGED 14-16 YEARS OLD CLUB JUNIOR SOCCER ACADEMY SUKOHARJO 2021

Aziz Umar. 2021. Differences in the Effect of Tactical and Drill Method Training on Controling Ability in Football in Male Athletes Age 14-16 Years Old Club Junior Soccer Academy Sukoharjo 2021. Thesis. Sports Coaching Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Tunas Pembangunan Surakarta. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of tactical and drill method training on controling skills in football in male athletes aged 14-16 at Club Junior Soccer Academy Sukoharjo in 2021. The sample in this study was the 2021 Club Junior Soccer Academy Sukoharjo men's athletes, which numbered 30 athletes. The research method used in this study is an experimental research method or research model used to compare one method with another method through pre-test calculation and post-test group. Through the results of the data analysis, it was found that : 1) There is an influence of tactical method training on controling ability in football in male athletes aged 14-16 years Club Junior Soccer Academy Sukoharjo in 2021. This is evidenced by the final test calculation of 2,237 with a signification rate of 5% is 2,145. 2) There is an influence of drill method training on controling ability in football in male athletes aged 14-16 years Club Junior Soccer Academy Sukoharjo in 2021. This is evidenced by the final test calculation of 4,251 with a signification rate of 5% is 2,145. 3) The drill method has a better influence than tactical methods on controling ability in football in the 14-16 year old male athletes of Club Junior Soccer Academy Sukoharjo in 2021. Based on the percentage of controling ability shows that group 1 is 1.93%, < group 2 is 18.03%.

Quantitative morphometric analysis of molar teeth and alveolar bone using micro-computed tomography in aged mice

ObjectivesIrreversible morphological regressions of the teeth or related structures in older people can diminish their overall health. However, research on human aging in dentistry is complicated by several confounding factors. In this study, we conducted a morphometric analysis of the mandibular second molars and surrounding alveolar bone in C57BL/6 mice to evaluate age-related changes in the oral cavity. MethodsThe animals were divided into five groups based on their age: 4 weeks (juvenile mice; n = 5); 20 weeks (n = 7), 50 weeks (n = 5), 77 weeks (n = 7), and 100 weeks (n = 5); changes were evaluated using micro-computed tomography. ResultsThe molars of juvenile mice had sharp and pointed cusps and presented maximum heights. With age and occlusal wear, the cusp heights demonstrated a significant decrease (up to 75%) until the last stage of life. Conversely, apparent lesions were not observed on the basal portion of the crown, even in the most heavily worn teeth. The roots of the molars continued to grow in length at 4 weeks of age. Alveolar bone resorption begins to occur in middle age and continues throughout life. The proportion of vertical bone loss reached approximately 40% of the entire root length, demonstrating a remarkable increase between weeks 77 and 100. ConclusionsOverall, these morphological changes were similar to those observed in humans. Therefore, it might be appropriate to use aged mice as an experimental model for basic and clinical research in geriatric dentistry.

New Insights into Development of an Environmental – Economic Model Based on a Composite Environmental Quality Index: A Comparative Analysis of Economic Growth and Environmental Quality Trend

In order to fill the research gap regarding the use of a comprehensive index that includes all dimensions of environmental pollution, this study sought to develop a composite environmental quality index to tackle with the possible bias and remove the possible linearity in the experimental research model. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) methods were used to obtain this composite index. This study used six environmental indicators from two groups of Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) during 2008-2019. According to the obtained error criteria related to the two methods, ANN method was used to calculate the weight of environmental indicators due to having the lowest error criteria and therefore reliable results. Finally, using this composite index, the trend of economic growth and environmental quality were analyzed graphically. The results showed that along with the upward trend of economic growth, the quality of environment follows a downward trend in OPEC countries and an upward trend in OECD countries. At the end of this paper, some limitations of study are presented, and some suggestions for future studies are provided as well.

ESC working group on cardiac cellular electrophysiology position paper: relevance, opportunities, and limitations of experimental models for cardiac electrophysiology research.

Cardiac arrhythmias are a major cause of death and disability. A large number of experimental cell and animal models have been developed to study arrhythmogenic diseases. These models have provided important insights into the underlying arrhythmia mechanisms and translational options for their therapeutic management. This position paper from the ESC Working Group on Cardiac Cellular Electrophysiology provides an overview of (i) currently available in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo electrophysiological research methodologies, (ii) the most commonly used experimental (cellular and animal) models for cardiac arrhythmias including relevant species differences, (iii) the use of human cardiac tissue, induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived and in silico models to study cardiac arrhythmias, and (iv) the availability, relevance, limitations, and opportunities of these cellular and animal models to recapitulate specific acquired and inherited arrhythmogenic diseases, including atrial fibrillation, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, sinus node, and conduction disorders and channelopathies. By promoting a better understanding of these models and their limitations, this position paper aims to improve the quality of basic research in cardiac electrophysiology, with the ultimate goal to facilitate the clinical translation and application of basic electrophysiological research findings on arrhythmia mechanisms and therapies.