Scientific Reports Research Articles

Need Analysis Course Design: ESP Textbook Evaluation in The Psychology Faculty

This study aims to describe the 'need analysis' of English for Psychology courses and evaluate the ESP textbook from the point of view of the textbook users at the Faculty of Psychology. A need analysis survey in learning ESP and ESP textbook evaluation was conducted and then analyzed quantitively. The data sources of this research were students of the Faculty of Psychology who were taken by purposive sampling, which amounted to 20 people already in the 4th, 6th, and 8th semesters, the head of the Psychology department, and three lecturers in the Psychology Faculty. The data collection used was a questionnaire and documentation. The data is in the form of questionnaire results and interviews. Documentation technique is used in collecting data, while analysis technique is used in analyzing data, namely reduction, data display, and drawing conclusions and verification. The study results show that language skill materials are crucial for future Psychology students.
 Regarding speaking skills, students primarily require resources for conversing with current issues that are up-to-date. Regarding the students' need to access psychology journals and textbooks, writing and skills in composing scientific articles, reports, and lab documents are essential. However, the study reveals dissatisfaction among Psychology students with the current ESP textbook, particularly in appearance, visuals, design, layout, and writing materials. Despite some elements meeting their needs, such as layout, content, exercises, and speaking resources, improvements are needed in certain areas. Consequently, it is recommended that the ESP textbook be enhanced to better cater to these requirements, and future researchers undertaking similar studies should consider this focus on English for Specific Purposes (ESP).

Cybersickness as the virtual reality sickness questionnaire (VRSQ) measures it!? –an environment-specific revision of the VRSQ

Background: Virtual Reality (VR) does not only include the use of stereoscopic images, but also possibilities for an interaction with and participation in a computer-generated environment. However, laboratory studies primarily focus on the first part of the definition only. In this context, comparing results from different VR applications with diverging goals becomes difficult. This is especially true in the field of cybersickness research (visually induced motion sickness in VR), as self-report symptom questionnaires are used. The prominent Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) is criticized for the lack of specificity, the double factorial loadings, the outdatedness, and the unrepresentative sample. VR-specific revisions like the Virtual Reality Sickness Questionnaire (VRSQ) address these criticisms but lack generalizability.Methods: The current paper uses a Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the VRSQ with data from three different VR environments and a sample size of N = 244. The environments had different setups, visual complexities, and interaction possibilities. These characteristics influenced the factorial structure of the VRSQ as a moderator. Furthermore, to control for VR-unrelated effects Baseline ratings were taken into account.Results: The Confirmatory Factor Analysis indicated a moderate fit for the global model, but a misspecification for two of the three environments. Only the environment similar to the original VRSQ paper converged with the model.Conclusions: In conclusion, a detailed description of the VR environment is required in scientific method reports. Focusing on VR accessibility for physically impaired in addition to healthy subjects, an added Baseline measurement can address the discriminant validity. Until generalizable VR-specific revisions of the SSQ are validated, the paper suggests using the Δ-SSQ in aggregated raw format.

Mechanism For Asset Forfeiture In The Money Loundering Criminal Law And Asset Forfeiture Bill (Law Comparison With The United States)

Objective: This paper attempts to compare the law between Indonesia and The United States of America regarding the mechanism of asset forfeiture in the context of criminal law. In Indonesia, several criminal law provisions already regulate the possibility of confiscating and forfeiting the proceeds of criminal acts. However, under these provisions, asset forfeiture can only be carried out after the perpetrator of the criminal act is legally and convincingly proven to have committed a criminal act. The Asset Forfeiture Draft Law the text of which is just about to be submitted to parliament can bridge the norm of illicit enrichment or improperly obtained wealth, which is actually set out in the UN Convention Against Corruption, but not yet in Indonesian law.   Theoretical framework: To present Indonesian and U.S. experience in regulating the possibility of confiscating and forfeiting the proceeds and instruments of criminal acts. It takes a complete and comprehensive normative juridical approach to asset forfeiture law, presents theoretical elaboration from international scientific publications, reports, and empirical studies. This paper presents a comparison between Indonesian and United States law regarding the forfeiture of assets resulting from money laundering. The United States has been the initiator of the Non-Conviction Based Asset Forfeiture mechanism. As a result of applying the concept of Non-Conviction Based Asset Forfeiture, the United States has benefited by being able to recover state losses suffered due to corruption without having to go through criminal proceedings. Thus, it has been able to minimize state losses occurring due to corruption.   Methodology: There have been many studies examining asset forfeiture in various countries, but no study has been found thus far which adequately describes the norms and implementation of laws Indonesian and United States laws, respectively. It is important for Indonesia to understand the United States’ experience, both normatively as well as empirically. Therefore, the normative juridical approach with comparative study approach serves as a tool to investigate various legal aspects of the two countries. Articles with relevant themes that occur in various countries, including Indonesia and the United States, are included in this study.    Results and conclusion: An asset forfeiture mechanism is required in national law which adopts the model of forfeiture of assets resulting from criminal acts through civil law. The implementation of the model of criminal asset forfeiture by the means of civil law is needed for the prompt recovery of state losses without first having to prove the criminal act committed by the perpetrator. Originality/ value: This paper is a comparative study of Indonesian and U.S. law respectively which highlights money laundering and asset forfeiture. This study also demonstrates that the asset forfeiture mechanism applied in the United States of America using Non-Conviction Based Asset Forfeiture is a revolutionary concept in forfeiting the proceeds of crime. 

Promoting Road Safety for Sustainable Communities: Analysing Driving Anger, Aggressive Driving, and Road Accident Proneness with Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) Approach

Objective: Numerous studies have emphasized the web of factors contributing to a driver’s vulnerability to road accidents. These factors often stem from the interaction between drivers’ conduct, environmental conditions, and vehicle-related aspects. Among these elements, road rage and aggressive driving behavior are particularly noteworthy for their roles in road accidents. In this article, we delve into the connection between road rage, aggressive driving, and their combined impact on the likelihood of road accidents among Malaysian drivers.   Theoretical framework: Theoretical materials were based on international scientific publications, reports, and scientific papers. Empirical findings from previous studies were critically reviewed for a more complete and objective presentation of the road accident problem.   Methodology: This study used a cross-sectional design to administer self-administered questionnaires to drivers. The survey method made it possible to study the factors influencing susceptibility to traffic accidents quantitatively. The analysis reveals compelling insights using a rigorous structural equation modeling approach.   Results and Conclusion: Driving anger and aggressive driving significantly influence the likelihood of road accidents among Malaysian drivers. This study holds significant implications for theoretical understanding and practical intervention strategies to reduce road accident proneness within the Malaysian road user community. The findings provide valuable insights and recommendations to enhance road safety, ultimately contributing to the sustainability of communities through reduced road accidents.   Originality/value: The originality and value of the study lie in its in-depth examination of the relationship between driving anger, aggressive driving, and the likelihood of road accidents among Malaysian drivers. It goes beyond existing research by employing a rigorous structural equation modelling approach, drawing from international scientific publications and empirical findings. This comprehensive approach offers fresh insights into the specific context of Malaysia and provides a foundation for practical interventions to reduce road accident proneness, contributing to community sustainability and road safety.

Replication of the bSTAR sequence and open-source implementation.

The reproducibility of scientific reports is crucial to advancing human knowledge. This paper is a summary of our experience in replicating a balanced SSFP half-radial dual-echo imaging technique (bSTAR) using open-source frameworks as a response to the 2023 ISMRM "repeat it with me" Challenge. We replicated the bSTAR technique for thoracic imaging at 0.55T. The bSTAR pulse sequence is implemented in Pulseq, a vendor neutral open-source rapid sequence prototyping environment. Image reconstruction is performed with the open-source Berkeley Advanced Reconstruction Toolbox (BART). The replication of bSTAR, termed open-source bSTAR, is tested by replicating several figures from the published literature. Original bSTAR, using the pulse sequence and image reconstruction developed by the original authors, and open-source bSTAR, with pulse sequence and image reconstruction developed in this work, were performed in healthy volunteers. Both echo images obtained from open-source bSTAR contain no visible artifacts and show identical spatial resolution and image quality to those in the published literature. A direct head-to-head comparison between open-source bSTAR and original bSTAR on a healthy volunteer indicates that open-source bSTAR provides adequate SNR, spatial resolution, level of artifacts, and conspicuity of pulmonary vessels comparable to original bSTAR. We have successfully replicated bSTAR lung imaging at 0.55T using two open-source frameworks. Full replication of a research method solely relying on information on a research paper is unfortunately rare in research, but our success gives greater confidence that a research methodology can be indeed replicated as described.

A tale of girl-sends-nudes-to-boy? Unscripting sexting in a Dutch school

ABSTRACT Most studies of sexting attempt to delineate its main characteristics, to define it and quantify its prominence and its effects. This article studies sexting within a specific ethnographic case. Based on an ethnographic case of a girl’s nude picture being disseminated in a secondary school in the Netherlands, this paper argues that sexting is scripted through media and scientific reports, influencing the way it comes into being and is dealt with in practice. The script emphasizes the girls’ responsibility in sending the picture, taking it to signal a lack of self-confidence, and emphasizes her guilt in its dissemination. On the other hand, it erases several elements, notably the different networks of friends that were tapped into by the actors, and the ‘economy of pictures’ that the picture was part of. Focusing extensively on the days immediately after the picture was spread, as well as on reflections on the event several months later, shows how the sexting script not only describes the phenomenon of sexting, but also prescribes how it is dealt with in practice, and, to a degree, how it produces sexting.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation increases synaptic plasticity of cortical axons in the APP‐PS1 mouse model of amyloidosis

AbstractBackgroundRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is non‐invasive brain stimulation with therapeutic potential for use in diseases causing dementia. We previously demonstrated that low intensity (LI) rTMS induced functional improvements in the accuracy and rate of learning in adult mouse skilled reaching paradigms (Tang, Bennett et al, Scientific Reports, 2018) and induced dendritic spine changes in cortical motor neurons after a single application of LI‐rTMS (Tang, Bennett et al, Brain Stimulation, 2021). Here, we investigate the effect of LI‐rTMS on axonal boutons of excitatory axons in the presence of amyloid pathology in the APP‐PS1 mouse.MethodAPP/PS1 mice were crossed with Thy1‐GFPM mice to visualise excitatory axon circuitry in the presence of amyloid plaque pathology. Multiphoton imaging through a cranial window was used to identify cortical axons in the upper layers of the sensorimotor cortex in adult animals (10‐12 months old) and monitor the stability and turnover (gains and losses as a fraction of total number of synapses) of axonal boutons in the presence (APP‐GFPM) or absence (WT‐GFPM) of amyloid pathology. Axons were imaged at 48‐hour intervals for 8 days either side of a single session of LI‐rTMS.ResultThe density of axonal boutons along the axon shaft was stable and comparable in APP‐GFPM and WT‐GFP mice, before and after LI‐rTMS. The turnover of synapses was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in APP‐GFPM cortical axons compared to WT‐GFPM prior to stimulation. A single session of LI‐rTMS induced a significant (p < 0.01)and sustained increase in synaptic turnover in both genotypes. Interestingly the initial lower turnover of boutons in the APP‐GFPM cortex was increased to the levels observed in WT‐GFPM axons at baseline.ConclusionIn the presence of amyloid pathology, synaptic density in excitatory cortical axons is unchanged, however the dynamic fraction of synapses is reduced in compared to aged‐matched controls. LI‐rTMS boosts synaptic plasticity in mature cortical axons in both the presence and absence of plaque pathology. Together with our findings of improved functional performance following stimulation, these results suggest not only possible mechanisms of action but also a potential clinical benefit in the management of Alzheimer’s disease.

Deep Learning for EEG‐Based Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis

AbstractBackgroundElectroencephalography (EEG) could be a powerful tool to diagnose Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) because it is pervasive, non‐invasive, and cost‐effective [1]. However, EEG‐based AD detection has suffered from poor performance and low generalizability due to the noisy nature of the signal and high inter‐patient variability. Here, we show that emerging deep learning techniques can alleviate these challenges and pave the way for the clinical use of EEG in AD detection.MethodWe formulate the problem of EEG‐based AD detection as a binary classification task. We propose an end‐to‐end deep neural network that utilizes contrastive representation learning to automatically learn low‐dimensional features from EEG trials. These features are then fed into a non‐linear classifier that predicts the probability of AD.ResultWe evaluated the model on a public dataset comprising 23 subjects (12 AD; 11 control) that have 663 trials in total [2]. (1) Patient‐dependent setup. In line with existing work in EEG‐based AD detection, we randomly assigned 80% of trials for training and the remaining 20% for tests, where the same patient could have trials in both groups. Our model achieved an F1 score of 99.35% which is competitive with, if not superior to, the state‐of‐the‐art baselines. (2) Patient‐independent setup. We then investigate a more challenging setup, where trials from a particular patient were assigned either to training (19 subjects) or to testing (4 subjects). The deep learning system is evaluated on patients it has not encountered before. Our model attains an F1 score of 86.45%, outperforming baselines by a significant margin (>20%).ConclusionOur results demonstrate that our deep learning model significantly improves the accuracy of EEG‐based AD diagnosis. In particular, our model sets the state‐of‐the‐art performance in the patient‐independent evaluation. This suggests that our model can learn a distinctive pattern of AD from a small group of subjects and apply it to unseen individuals: which is indispensable for real‐world deployment.[1] Tait, X. et al. Eeg Microstate Complexity for Aiding Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease. Scientific Reports, 2020.[2] K. Smith, et al. Accounting for the Complex Hierarchical Topology of Eeg Phase‐Based Functional Connectivity in Network Binarisation. PloS One, 2017.

Update of the Xylella spp. host plant database - systematic literature search up to 30 June 2023.

This scientific report provides an update of the Xylella spp. host plant database, aiming to provide information and scientific support to risk assessors, risk managers and researchers dealing with Xylella spp. Upon a mandate of the European Commission, EFSA created and regularly updates a database of host plant species of Xylella spp. The current mandate covers the period 2021-2026. This report is related to the ninth version of the database published in Zenodo in the EFSA Knowledge Junction community, covering literature published from 1 January 2023 up to 30 June 2023, and recent Europhyt outbreak notifications. Informative data have been extracted from 47 selected publications. Seven new host plants were identified and added to the database. These plant species were naturally infected by X. fastidiosa subsp. multiplex in France, Spain and the United States. No additional data were retrieved for X. taiwanensis, and no additional multilocus sequence tipes (STs) were identified worldwide. New information on the tolerant/resistant response of plant species to X. fastidiosa infection were added to the database. The Xylella spp. host plant species were listed in different categories based on the number and type of detection methods applied for each finding. The overall number of Xylella spp. host plants determined with at least two different detection methods or positive with one method (between sequencing and pure culture isolation (category A), reaches now 439 plant species, 200 genera and 69 families. Such numbers rise to 696 plant species, 307 genera and 88 families if considered regardless of the detection methods applied (category E).

VuFind: відкрите рішення для інтеграції бібліотечних колекцій

The article discusses the VuFind system as an open solution for effective integration of library collections. VuFind is a powerful search interface designed to improve access to a variety of resources, including books, articles, journals, scientific reports, and other materials. The authors discuss the key features of VuFind, such as flexible customization, search capabilities, metadata support, and integration with various data sources. They emphasize the role of VuFind in simplifying search for users and optimizing the management of collections from different libraries. VuFind provides an open and available solution for building modern library systems, facilitating effective integration and increasing user satisfaction.

Preface: Application of Mathematics in Technical and Natural Sciences 15th International Conference - AMiTaNS’23

The Euro-American Consortium for Promoting the Application of Mathematics in Technical and Natural Sciences organized its 15th annual conference of the series AMiTaNS (Application of Mathematics in Technical and Natural Sciences). The event took place during June 21-26, 2023 in the Congress Centre of Black-Sea resort of Albena, Bulgaria. Its aim was to foster existing and new personal contacts, scientific discussion as well as to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and experience between specialists in the fields of Mathematics, Physics, Biology, Ecology, Economics, Computer Science and Technology. The event became a world conference covering 15 time zones between Chile and Nebraska through Texas, Indiana, Alabama, Florida, the UK, Europe, Cyprus, Russia, and China. The conference was managed from the Congress Centre in Albena where 40 participants and delegates were present in person and the other 40 attended the event via Zoom video platform.Interest in this conference is growing year by year. This year we registered 70 talks and scientific reports, more than 80 participants – contributors and delegates from 16 countries around the world, representing the continents of Europe, North and South America, and Asia. About 18% of them attended the conference for the first time, with 50% of them being young scientists. The accepted talks were delivered and attended both on-location at the big hall and Corolla hall in Flamingo Grand hotel and on-line. Every day the morning sessions started by plenary lectures followed by contributed sessions on the following topics: Applied Analysis, Biomathematics, Continuum Mechanics, Mathematical Physics, Numerical Methods, Scientific Computing. As part of the program, leaders of their respective fields organized three special sessions: Statistics & Modeling, Mathematical Methods in Reliability Theory, Algebraic and Geometric Aspects of Integrable Systems. A number of very interesting presentations were delivered, which sparked stimulating scientific discussions both on- and off-line. The reader can find comprehensive and detailed information about the talks and reports including their records on the conference website at http://2023.eac4amitans.eu.All contributed manuscripts were reviewed by anonymous independent referees via Morressier platform, and the approved revised manuscripts were accepted for publication in the present volume. The continued success of AMiTaNS in defiance of the extraordinary circumstances and challenges faced in the last few years undoubtedly enhances its reputation as an established annual meeting with an eminent and continuously growing core of contributors. Yet, the hybrid format turned out very flexible both for the organizers and contributors. It makes the conference accessible to all those who wish to attend either in person or remotely. We would like to thank the plenary speakers, who accepted our invitation and contributed to the conference through their elucidating lectures. We would also like to thank the special sessions organizers, hosts and co-hosts for the high scientific quality of the talks they selected, and for ensuring the smooth running of the conference in hybrid format. We are deeply indebted to the scores of anonymous referees all over the world, who approached their duties very professionally and thoroughly, and helped us to maintain high scientific standards. We highly appreciate the involvement of the members of the Program Committee and Steering Committee, who supported AMiTaNS from its inception, and worked tirelessly throughout the intensive labors of advertising, arranging, organizing, and reviewing. Special thanks go to our colleagues from the University of Essex at Colchester, UK, who worked with dedication so that parallel Zoom conference sessions could be held completely on-line.We are very grateful to our publisher Institute of Physics, Bristol, UK for the helpful cooperation during the preparation of this volume.List of Program Committee, Organizer, Sponsor, Participants are available in this Pdf.

The search for enchantment in times of climate change: Religious or spiritual responses to climate crisis

AbstractPublic discourse and political climate policymaking are based on scientific reports and propose technological solutions to solve the crisis, primarily by changing fossil fuels to renewable energy. Rather than questioning growth and the overuse of natural resources—which has been at the core of green concern for decades—green growth is the motor in an economy that aims for continuous economic spin, driven by new technological innovations that will enable us to go on as before, simply by replacing energy sources. It is no surprise that in such a discourse, the alternative voices—such as religious or spiritual responses—are left out, but to go from that and conclude that no such voices exist would be to rush to conclusions. I suggest that if we want to search for enchantment in times of climate change, we must look elsewhere. Searching for these voices means leaving the discourse framed by scientific rationalistic measurements because we can find an enchanted alter‐tale beyond this disenchanted tale. In this article, I account for voices from my field and answer the question: What motivates people to turn to spirituality in times of climate change?

Aesthetic Augmentation of the Trochanteric Gluteal Region in Patients with Gender Dysphoria: Lipoinjection, Gluteal Implants, and Hip Implants

Background: One of the surgical procedures most requested by patients with gender dysphoria is gluteus-trochanteric improvement, and there are few scientific reports on managing this region. We present our 14-year surgical experience combining different surgical procedures for trochanteric gluteal improvement in patients with gender dysphoria. Methods: From October 2007 to December 2022, patients with male-to-female gender dysphoria who requested feminization of the trochanteric gluteal region were operated on, undergoing combined liposuction, lipoinjection, and gluteal (GI) and hip implant (HI) placement. Results: One hundred seventy-two patients aged between 23 and 56 years (mean: 36.4 years) were included, with follow-up from 3 to 45 months (mean: 26 years). Lipoinjection alone was performed on buttocks and hips in 132 patients (76.7%), GIs plus hip lipoinjection were performed in 22 patients (12.7%), and 18 patients (10.4%) underwent GIs and HIs. Lipoinjection was added to eight patients in this last group. The overall satisfaction in all groups was 89%. The main reason for dissatisfaction was volume loss secondary to fat reabsorption (8%). There were no significant complications, with the most common adverse events being HI displacement in two of 18 patients (11.11%) and wound dehiscence secondary to GI placement in four of 40 patients (10%). Conclusion: With the appropriate combination of liposuction, lipoinjection, GIs, and HIs, it is possible to feminize the trochanteric gluteal region with highly satisfactory results.

ЗАРУБІЖНИЙ ДОСВІД УПРАВЛІННЯ РОЗВИТКОМ МЕРЕЖЕВИХ ВИРОБНИЧО-ТОРГІВЕЛЬНИХ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ

The study is devoted to the analysis of management strategies of network production and trading enterprises, with an emphasis on their role in the global economy, optimization of supply chains, adaptation to international market conditions. The purpose of the study is to investigate foreign experience in managing the development of network production and trading enterprises. The study used the methods of critical literature analysis, which included a study of scientific publications, journal articles and reports of international organizations to assess the existing theories and practices of managing production and trade networks. The method of case studies of leading international companies that demonstrate different approaches to the management of production and trade networks was also used. As a result of the study, it is found that network production and trading enterprises that integrate production with the distribution and sale of goods play a significant role in the development of national economies. It is found that the key management strategies of these enterprises include cost reduction by locating production in regions with lower wages, adaptation to protectionist policies, integration of new technologies, increasing the sustainability of supply chains, environmental responsibility and individualization of approaches to consumers. It has been found that successful management of these companies requires a deep understanding of the interdependencies between different stages of the value chain and the need to balance strategic and tactical aspects of activity. Prospects for further research in this area include analyzing and studying foreign experience in managing the development of these enterprises, with an emphasis on the ability of companies to be innovative and flexible in response to rapidly changing global trends. The practical significance of the study lies in obtaining tools for developing effective management strategies for networked production and trading enterprises adapted to changing global conditions. It also contributes to the optimization of management processes from production to sales, providing companies with a competitive advantage in the market.

La longue marche du remboursement des psychothérapies par l’assurance maladie en France

ObjectivesTo outline the procedure for obtaining reimbursement by the French National Health system for psychotherapy provided by private practitioners. MethodBy conducting a review of scientific literature, reports, plans, and governmental decisions. ResultsSome twenty years have passed since a recommendation was included in the “plan of action for the development of psychiatry and the promotion of mental health”, which was drafted in 2003. The contribution of epidemiology applied to psychotherapeutic practices in France, and comparisons with neighboring countries, highlighted the quantitative importance of the role of psychiatrists (they provide more than half of all psychotherapeutic interventions) in the implementation of the plan of action, including in the least endowed areas of the country. The 2010 decree on the use of the title of psychotherapist was an essential preliminary step, since, previously, no requisite training was required for that title, which involved substantial risk. Henceforth, fundamental and clinical knowledge have been imposed with mandatory limits of duration. Subsequently, the publication of high expenditures on mental health by the French National Health Program coupled with the establishment of the reimbursement for psychotherapy in the United Kingdom, resulted in a promising French medico-economic study as well asan experiment in four departments involving patients between the ages of 18 and 60 who were suffering from mild and moderate anxious and depressive disorders. The diagnoses were based on PHQ9 and GAD7 being applied by the general practitioner, excluding the most severe cases, which allowed them to provide their patients with an evaluation session by an office-based psychologist followed by 10 sessions of “supportive therapy”. In the case of no improvement, an evaluation by a psychiatrist was required before providing 10 additional “structured therapy” sessions. After a two-year evaluation period, the process was determined to be beneficial for patients, general practitioners, and the psychologists who were involved. This led to the establishment, in 2022, of an on-line platform labeled “Mon Parcours Psy” (My Psychiatric Path) which facilitates the payment for 8 sessions per year of psychotherapy treatment for minor disorders for patients as young as 3 years of age., Parental authorization is required for minors. DiscussionThe prescription of psychotherapy by general practitioners for mild or moderate disorders and the price of services provided by psychologists have been the object of criticism by the members of this profession: both the quantity of prescriptions and the tariffs for such services were deemed to be too low. ConclusionsMaking psychotherapy provided by psychologists available to the public at large, thanks to the introduction of a system to cover the costs involved by the the French National Health Insurance, is an important step forward for several reasons: it improves the relationship between psychologists and general practitioners; it decreases the use of psychotropic drugs, often the only solution for such patients; it will potentially relieve the pressure on the public psychiatric system, allowing it to refocus on the most severe patients. However, its implementation and results remain to be evaluated.

Dunking rusk: innovative food soaking behaviour in Goffin's cockatoos (Cacatua goffiniana).

Foraging innovations in animals involving the processing of resources that are already edible in an unprocessed state, yet of improved quality in a processed state, are rare but important to study the evolution of food preparation. Here, we present the first scientific report of food dunking behaviours in parrots by Goffin's cockatoos, a model species for innovative problem solving. Observations during lunch showed seven out of 18 cockatoos placing their food into water and soaking it prior to consumption. This was largely done with dry rusk which was eaten almost exclusively when dunked. Furthermore, their transport effort and waiting times before retrieving food from the water indicate their willingness to invest considerable time to prepare a soaked rusk piece of a higher texture quality. Our present results suggest that the function of this behaviour is to soak the food. Because only some individuals dunked food and dunking has not been observed in the wild, we believe this to be a spontaneous foraging innovation either by one or multiple individuals.

Geophagia in Nigeria: Perceptions and Practices of Pregnant Mothers versus Possible Health Outcomes

This study aimed at ascertaining the perceptions and practices of pregnant mothers on geophagia, as well as highlighting possible health outcomes. For the cross-sectional survey, a structured questionnaire was designed, content-validated by experts, pre-tested and used for data collection. The questionnaires were administered to 200 pregnant mothers at health care facilities in southern Nigeria (particularly in Calabar and Onitsha), who consented to be part of the study. The findings of this study show that about 75% of the pregnant mothers admitted to consuming edible clays both during and after pregnancy with 60% of them stating that it was a safe practice during pregnancy. Also, the results show that income level and educational attainment significantly (p<0.05) influenced the perception and practices of the respondents regarding geophagia. Of the 2 edible clays explored in this study, kaolin clay was more popularly consumed than bentonite clay. With regards to respondents’ health status, none of them admitted to developing anaemia or any chronic disease during pregnancy. In conclusion, edible clays are still commonly consumed by women in Southern Nigeria, irrespective of age and exposure. Scientific reports show that these clays contain appreciable amounts of certain anti-nutrients and heavy metals, hence it is necessary to create awareness on the possible dangers related to their increased consumption, particularly during pregnancy.

CPT1a Controls the Function of Long-Term Hematopoietic Stem Cells By Regulating the Balance between Fatty Acid Oxidation and Oxphos in Mitochondria

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) rely on the balance in place of quiescence and self-renewal to sustain stem cell potential and differentiation to generate mature blood cells. Appropriate regulation of cellular and mitochondrial metabolic processes such as glycolysis, OXPHOS, fatty acid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism are required for HSC maintenance. However, the mechanisms by which cellular and mitochondrial metabolisms regulate HSC quiescence, proliferation, and differentiation remain to be fully understood. Fatty acid oxidation (FAO) is a metabolic process involving the breakdown of fatty acids into acetyl-CoA, which is then transported into mitochondria by carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a (CPT1a). It has been reported that inhibiting FAO using non-specific inhibitors of CPT1a impairs HSC maintenance. Interestingly, CPT1a forms a complex with the Fanconi anemia complementation group D2 (FANCD2) protein (T Zhang et al., Scientific Reports, 2017). Given that Fanconi anemia is associated with HSC defects, this CPT1a complex may play a critical role in maintaining fatty acid dependent mitochondrial metabolism that mediates HSC dormancy and stemness. However, the exact role, in HSCs, of mitochondrial CPT1a, the rate-limiting enzyme in FAO, remains unknown. Here, we find that CPT1a is highly enriched in hematopoietic stem cells. Further, we investigated the role of CPT1a in hematopoiesis utilizing a CPT1aconditional knockout in mice driven by Vav1-Cre. The CPT1a knockout ( Cpt1a Δ/Δ) displays profound HSC defects, including loss of HSC self-renewal and accelerated differentiation. Mechanistically, we find that loss of Cpt1a results in increased ATP production, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δφm), and mitochondrial ROS accumulation in long-term HSCs (LT-HSCs), as well as defective LT-HSC function indicated by bone marrow transplantation and 5-FU genotoxic stress assays. Furthermore, utilizing mitochondrial complex formation assays and measurements of mitochondrial complex activity, BM cells of Cpt1a Δ/Δ mice display enhanced mitochondrial complex formation and up-regulation of mitochondrial complex activity. Our results suggest that Cpt1a regulates FAO transport and that loss of Cpt1a deregulates mitochondrial metabolisms including oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Taken together, our study suggests that CPT1a plays a key role in LT-HSC maintenance by controlling the balance between FAO and OXPHOS in mitochondria. Because of the noncanonical relationship between CPT1a and FANCD2 for the regulation of mitochondrial metabolism, correction of fatty acid metabolism and OXPHOS may present a novel therapeutic avenue for Fanconi anemia.

THE ROLE OF GEODESY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF DRONE TECHNOLOGIES FOR MEASURING, MAPPING AND MONITORING TERRITORIES

This study examines the relevance and importance of integrating geodetic methods into remote sensing technology from drones. The main focus is on exploring the possibilities of drones as an innovative tool that opens up new perspectives for measuring, mapping and monitoring territories. Advanced geodetic technologies and their applications in drone work are analyzed, including photogrammetry, laser scanning, and other data collection methods. The purpose of the article. Defining and systematizing the role of geodesy in the advancement of drone technologies used for precise measurements, mapping and monitoring of territories. Research task: to analyze the current state of geodetic methods in the context of their application in drone technologies; explore the possibilities of using unmanned aerial vehicles for geodetic work. Develop recommendations for the integration of drone technologies into geodetic practice. Research methods: analytical method - a systematic analysis of scientific publications, articles and reports that highlight current issues of geodesy and drone technologies, their development and application; empirical method - data collection and processing using drones, measurement, monitoring and mapping to assess the accuracy and effectiveness of these technologies; experimental method - conducting field tests of drone technologies to collect primary data, analyze them and compare them with traditional geodetic methods. An important part of the research is the evaluation of the effectiveness of the use of drones in comparison with traditional methods, with a special emphasis on increasing the accuracy, speed and reducing the cost of surveying work. The influence of legal aspects on the use of drones in geodesy is also considered, including the possibility of its adaptation to modern geodetic needs. 

Nutritional Composition, Mineral Profiling, In Vitro Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Enzyme Inhibitory Properties of Selected Indian Guava Cultivars Leaf Extract.

Psidium guajava L. is a small evergreen tree known for its magnificent medicinal and nutritional value. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional profile and in vitro pharmacological potentialities of the different leaf extracts of four cultivars of Psidium guajava namely Surka chitti, Allahabad safeda, Karela, and Lucknow-49. The standard procedures of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) were followed to carry out the nutritional analysis and all of the cultivars recorded the presence of elements at a nominal range. The highest presence of phenols (125.77 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (92.38 mg QE/g) in the methanolic leaf extract of the Karela cultivar was recorded. A wide range of minerals such as sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, and boron were recorded with a higher percentage in the Karela cultivar of Psidium guajava. In the enzyme inhibitory assays, Allahabad safeda showed potential inhibition with an IC50 of 113.31 ± 1.07, 98.2 ± 0.66 and 95.73 ± 0.39 μg/mL in α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and tyrosinase inhibition assays, respectively. The strong antioxidant effect was established by Lucknow-49 (IC50 of 74.43 ± 1.86 μg/mL) and Allahabad safeda (IC50 of 78.93 ± 0.46 μg/mL) for ABTS and DPPH assays, respectively. The ethyl acetate and methanolic leaf extracts of the Allahabad safeda cultivar showed better inhibition against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with an MIC of 14.84 and 28.69 µg/mL, respectively. A decent mean zone of inhibition was recorded in methanolic leaf extract that ranged from 21-25 mm in diameter against the tested bacterial strains (Proteus vulgaris, Bacillus subtilis, and P. aeruginosa). This is the first scientific report on the comparative and comprehensive analysis of indigenous guava cultivars to evidently shortlist the elite cultivars with enriched dietary nutrition and biological activities.