bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANALISIS PARAMETER NILAI DIFUSIVITAS KAFEIN PADA EKSTRAKSI AMPAS KOPI BERBANTU GELOMBANG ULTRASONIK
Authors: Mustikaningrum Mega , Sawali Fikrah Dian Indrawati
Published: November 2023

Limbah ampas kopi yang sangat melimpah diakibatkan konsumsi minuman kopi yang meningkat dan menjadi gagasan penting bagaimana pengolahan limbah ampas kopi agar kemudian tidak menjadi limbah buangan yang tidak bermanfaat. Salah satu senyawa yang dapat dimanfaatkan kembali dari buangan limbah ampas kopi adalah kafein. Kafein merupakan senyawa yang bermanfaat bagi kesehatan. Kafein dapat di isolasi dari limbah ampas kopi dengan cara ekstraksi. Pada penelitian ini ekstraksi dilakukan dengan menggunakan bantuan gelombang ultrasonik dengan bantuan alat sonikator tipe bath. Sebesar 25 gram sampel ampas kopi dilarutkan pada 250 ml dan diletakan pada alat sonikator yang dioperasikan selama 45 menit pada 30 0C. Sampel hasil kemudian dianalisis menggunakan HPLC untuk mengetahui konsentrasi akhir kafein yang dihasilkan. Fokus penelitian ini adalah mencari nilai beberapa parameter uji seperti konstanta difusivitas (DA), konstanta kecepatan ekstraksi (k) dan konstanta kesetimbangan ekstraksi (K), dimana didapatkan masing-masing nilai parameter uji sebesar 0.014462 dm2/menit; 0,00256 dm/menit dan 103,218. Konsentrasi akhir kafein yang dihasilkan pada penelitian sebesar 0,08053 mol/dm3.
SINTESIS SENYAWA KOMPLEKS MN(II) N-ETILISOPROPILDITIOKARBAMAT SEBAGAI ZAT ADITIF PADA BAHAN PELUMAS
Authors: Ranggina Dian , Raya Indah , Junianti Fitri
Published: November 2023

Senyawa N-Etilisopropildiokarbamat dapat disintesis dengan ion logam yaitu Mn (II) dari unsur transisi dalam upaya menemukan zat aditif yang baik untuk bahan pelumas. Senyawa kompleks ditiokarbamat digunakan sebagai zat aditif dalam pelumas dapat mengurangi gesekan sehingga dapat meningkatkan efisiensi bahan bakar kendaraan bermotor. Senyawa kompleks Mn(II)-N-Etilisopropilditiokarbamat disintesis dengan metode  in situ, yaitu dengan penambahan 6 mmol N-etilisopropilamin, 6 mmol karbon sulfida, 2 mmol larutan logam MnSO4.H2O dan dilakukan karakterisasi senyawa kompleks dengan penentuan titik didih, analisis UV-Vis, FT-IR, konduktometer serta pengujian kekentalan ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan alat kinematic viscosity bath pada temperatur 40 0C dan  100 0C dengan mengukur waktu alir sampel pada viscosimeter. Data yang diperoleh menunjukkan bahwa sintesis senyawa kompleks Mn(II)-N-Etilisopropilditiokarbamat merupakan senyawa non elektrolit (muatannya = 0) dengan titik leleh 399,9 0C, spektrum hasil analisa UV-Vis menunjukkan puncak pada panjang gelombang  230 nm, 250 nm, 310 nm, analisis FT-IR untuk jarak dekat (4000-300 cm-1) kompleks Mn(II)-N-etilisopropilditiokarbamat terdapat puncak serapan yang kuat pada bilangan gelombang 2970,38 cm-1 yang menyatakan bahwa senyawa tersebut  mempunyai gugus C-H alifatik dengan diperkuat oleh adanya serapan gugus metilen pada 1473,62 cm-1 dan gugus metil pada 1411,89 cm-1 ,serapan 1195, 87 cm-1 menunjukkan vibrasi rentangan N-C-S. Hasil karakterisasi senyawa kompleks logam Mn(II) dengan ligan N-etilisopropilditiokarbamat dapat dijadikan sebagai zat aditif pada pelumas yang lebih efektif pada suhu 100 oC daripada suhu 40 oC.
KINETIKA VULKANISASI KARET MENGGUNAKAN BIOPLASTICIZER MINYAK KAKAO TEREPOKSI
Authors: Satwikanitya Pani , Saputra Andri , Sya’bani Muh Wahyu , Agustian Mertza Fitra
Published: November 2023

Kinetika vulkanisasi karet menggunakan bioplasticizer minyak kakao terepoksi dipelajari berdasarkan data output moving die rheometer. Data percobaan didekati dengan beberapa model kinetika, yaitu model reaksi orde 1, orde 2, dan Deng-Isayev. Konstanta laju reaksi (k) pada model reaksi orde 1 dan orde 2 dihitung dari data torsi yang merupakan fungsi waktu (M = f(t)). Sedangkan pada model Deng-Isayev, nilai k dan orde reaksi (n) ditentukan menggunakan optimasi multivariable dengan tools Solver pada aplikasi Excel. Nilai energi aktivasi (Ea) diperoleh dari persamaan Arrhenius. Hasil penelitian memperlihatkan model Deng-Isayev dapat merepresentasikan data percobaan dengan baik. Konstanta laju reaksi sebanding dengan kenaikan suhu vulkanisasi. Reaksi vulkanisasi karet menggunakan minyak kakao terepoksi berlangsung pada orde (n) 3 dengan energi aktivasi (Ea) sebesar 157,55 kJ/mol.
Comparative Analysis of Water Quality Parameters in Major Rivers of Southeast Asian Cities: A Literature Review"
Authors: Zubaidah Tien , Hamzani Sulaiman
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this research is to provide a complete understanding of the river water quality state in key Southeast Asian cities and determine the factors influencing water quality. A thorough search of electronic databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted. A checklist derived from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria was used to assess the quality of the selected studies. The study included 18 studies that examined several parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), and fecal coliform (FC). The findings suggest that water quality in Southeast Asian cities' major rivers is generally bad, with notable exceptions.
Efectos de la digitalización sobre el razonamiento jurídico: una aproximación postfoucaultiana
Authors: Vila-Viñas David
Published: November 2023

El artículo sistematiza algunos efectos de la digitalización de las relaciones sociojurídicas sobre el razonamiento jurídico desde la perspectiva de los governmentality studies. Para ello considera las normas jurídicas y las políticas públicas como parte del proceso moderno de racionalización de la incertidumbre. En el contraste entre racionalidades de previsión clínicas y actuariales, propone que la digitalización refuerza el peso de la previsión actuarial sobre las decisiones individualizadas, como las jurídicas, dominadas antes por las primeras. Todo ello tiene un efecto reformalizador sobre el razonamiento jurídico. Para presentar su hipótesis, el artículo recurre a dos ejemplos. Por un lado, muestra cómo las nuevas posibilidades de modelización de las decisiones judiciales pueden aumentar el peso de los antecedentes sobre los razonamientos y conductas futuras de todos los operadores jurídico-sociales. Por otro, indica cómo la recreación digital de los hechos relega la apreciación clínica de estos en favor de una apreciación automatizada. Así se fundamenta el mayor peso de los antecedentes sobre los nuevos razonamientos, pero también se abre la puerta a explorar esos razonamientos conforme a un árbol de decisiones transparente y, por lo tanto, reprogramable, con el consiguiente cambio en los operadores jurídico-sociales clave.
Research and Development of Smart Control Methods for Industrial Robots
Authors:   , Ārents Jānis
Published: November 2023

This thesis addresses the smart control methods for industrial robots, their applications, and learning strategies, in particular focusing on efficient data preparation, computer vision-based robot control, and knowledge acquisition from humans through demonstrations. The primary aim of the Thesis is to research and develop novel techniques in these fields to improve the potential deployment of industrial robots for working in dynamic environments and advance the operability of such systems. Based on the identified challenges and open issues during the literature review, the Thesis develops and evaluates novel synthetic data generation techniques for usage in computer vision-based robot control and an approach for learning from human demonstrations.
Chromosome-specific maturation of the epigenome in the Drosophila male germline
Authors: Anderson James , Henikoff Steven , Ahmad Kami
Published: November 2023

Spermatogenesis in the Drosophila male germline proceeds through a unique transcriptional program controlled both by germline-specific transcription factors and by testis-specific versions of core transcriptional machinery. This program includes the activation of genes on the heterochromatic
Y
chromosome, and reduced transcription from the
X
chromosome, but how expression from these sex chromosomes is regulated has not been defined. To resolve this, we profiled active chromatin features in the testes from wildtype and meiotic arrest mutants and integrate this with single-cell gene expression data from the Fly Cell Atlas. These data assign the timing of promoter activation for genes with germline-enriched expression throughout spermatogenesis, and general alterations of promoter regulation in germline cells. By profiling both active RNA polymerase II and histone modifications in isolated spermatocytes, we detail widespread patterns associated with regulation of the sex chromosomes. Our results demonstrate that the
X
chromosome is not enriched for silencing histone modifications, implying that sex chromosome inactivation does not occur in the Drosophila male germline. Instead, a lack of dosage compensation in spermatocytes accounts for the reduced expression from this chromosome. Finally, profiling uncovers dramatic ubiquitinylation of histone H2A and lysine-16 acetylation of histone H4 across the
Y
chromosome in spermatocytes that may contribute to the activation of this heterochromatic chromosome.
Folding of Prestin’s Anion-Binding Site and the Mechanism of Outer Hair Cell Electromotility
Authors: Lin Xiaoxuan , Haller Patrick , Bavi Navid , Faruk Nabil , Perozo Eduardo , Sosnick Tobin R.
Published: November 2023

Prestin responds to transmembrane voltage fluctuations by changing its cross-sectional area, a process underlying the electromotility of outer hair cells and cochlear amplification. Prestin belongs to the SLC26 family of anion transporters yet is the only member capable of displaying electromotility. Prestin’s voltage-dependent conformational changes are driven by the putative displacement of residue R399 and a set of sparse charged residues within the transmembrane domain, following the binding of a Cl
-
anion at a conserved binding site formed by amino termini of the TM3 and TM10 helices. However, a major conundrum arises as to how an anion that binds in proximity to a positive charge (R399), can promote the voltage sensitivity of prestin. Using hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, we find that prestin displays an unstable anion-binding site, where folding of the amino termini of TM3 and TM10 is coupled to Cl
-
binding. This event shortens the TM3-TM10 electrostatic gap, thereby connecting the two helices, resulting in reduced cross-sectional area. These folding events upon anion-binding are absent in SLC26A9, a non-electromotile transporter closely related to prestin. Dynamics of prestin embedded in a lipid bilayer closely match that in detergent micelle, except for a destabilized lipid-facing helix TM6 that is critical to prestin’s mechanical expansion. We observe helix fraying at prestin’s anion-binding site but cooperative unfolding of multiple lipid-facing helices, features that may promote prestin’s fast electromechanical rearrangements. These results highlight a novel role of the folding equilibrium of the anion-binding site, and helps define prestin’s unique voltage-sensing mechanism and electromotility.
Higher ratio of plasma omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids is associated with greater risk of all-cause, cancer, and cardiovascular mortality: a population-based cohort study in UK Biobank
Authors: Zhang Yuchen , Sun Yitang , Yu Qi , Song Suhang , Brenna J. Thomas , Shen Ye , Ye Kaixiong
Published: November 2023

Circulating omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been associated with various chronic diseases and mortality, but results are conflicting. Few studies examined the role of a balanced omega-6/omega-3 ratio in mortality.We investigated plasma omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs and their ratio in relation to all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a large prospective cohort, the UK Biobank. Of 85,425 participants who had complete information on circulating PUFAs, 6,461 died during follow-up, including 2,794 from cancer and 1,668 from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Associations were estimated by multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression with adjustment for relevant risk factors.Risk for all three mortality outcomes increased as the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 PUFAs increased (all P
trend
< 0.05). Comparing the highest to the lowest quintiles, individuals had 26% (95% CI, 15-38%) higher total mortality, 14% (95% CI, 0-31%) higher cancer mortality, and 31% (95% CI, 10-55%) higher CVD mortality. Moreover, omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs in plasma were all inversely associated with all-cause, cancer, and CVD mortality, with omega-3 showing stronger effects.Using a population-based cohort in UK Biobank, our study revealed a strong association between the ratio of circulating omega-6/omega-3 PUFAs and the risk of all-cause, cancer, and CVD mortality.
Physiological roles of endocytosis and presynaptic scaffold in vesicle replenishment at fast and slow central synapses
Authors: Mahapatra Satyajit , Takahashi Tomoyuki
Published: November 2023

After exocytosis, release sites are cleared of vesicular residues to be replenished with transmitter-filled vesicles. Endocytic and scaffold proteins are thought to underlie this mechanism. However, physiological significance of the site-clearance mechanism among diverse central synapses remains unknown. Here, we tested this using action-potential evoked EPSCs in mouse brainstem and hippocampal slices in physiologically optimized condition. Pharmacological block of endocytosis enhanced synaptic depression at brainstem calyceal fast synapses, whereas it attenuated synaptic facilitation at hippocampal CA1 slow synapses. Block of scaffold protein activity likewise enhanced synaptic depression at calyceal synapses but had no effect at hippocampal synapses. At calyceal synapses, enhancement of synaptic depression by blocking endocytosis or scaffold activity occurred at nearly identical time courses with a time constant of several milliseconds starting immediately after the stimulation onset. Neither endocytic nor scaffold inhibitors prolonged the recovery from short-term depression. We conclude that endocytic release-site clearance can be a universal phenomenon supporting vesicle replenishment across fast and slow synapses, whereas presynaptic scaffold mechanism likely plays a specialized role in vesicle replenishment predominantly at fast synapses.
A spatial-attentional mechanism underlies action-related distortions of time judgment
Authors: Cao Liyu
Published: November 2023

Temporal binding has been understood as an illusion in timing judgment. When an action triggers an outcome (e.g. a sound) after a brief delay, the action is reported to occur later than if the outcome does not occur, and the outcome is reported to occur earlier than a similar outcome not caused by an action. We show here that an attention mechanism underlies the seeming illusion of timing judgment. In one method, participants watch a rotating clock hand and report event times by noting the clock hand position when the event occurs. We find that visual spatial attention is critically involved in shaping event time reports made in this way. This occurs because action and outcome events result in shifts of attention around the clock rim, thereby biasing the perceived location of the clock hand. Using a probe detection task to measure attention, we show a difference in the distribution of visual spatial attention between a single-event condition (sound only or action only) and a two-event agency condition (action plus sound). Participants accordingly report the timing of the same event (the sound or the action) differently in the two conditions: spatial attentional shifts masquerading as temporal binding. Furthermore, computational modeling based on the attention measure can reproduce the temporal binding effect. Studies that use time judgment as an implicit marker of voluntary agency should first discount the artefactual changes in event timing reports that actually reflect differences in spatial attention. The study also has important implications for related results in mental chronometry obtained with the clock-like method since Wundt, as attention may well be a critical confounding factor in the interpretation of these studies.
Structural insights into the orthosteric inhibition of P2X receptors by non-ATP analog antagonists
Authors: Sheng Danqi , Yue Chen-Xi , Jin Fei , Wang Yao , Ichikawa Muneyoshi , Yu Ye , Guo Chang-Run , Hattori Motoyuki
Published: November 2023

P2X receptors are extracellular ATP-gated ion channels that form homo- or heterotrimers and consist of seven subtypes. They are expressed in various tissues, including neuronal and nonneuronal cells, and play critical roles in physiological processes such as neurotransmission, inflammation, pain, and cancer. As a result, P2X receptors have attracted considerable interest as drug targets, and various competitive inhibitors have been developed. However, although several P2X receptor structures from different subtypes have been reported, the limited structural information of P2X receptors in complex with competitive antagonists hampers the understanding of orthosteric inhibition, hindering the further design and optimization of those antagonists for drug discovery. We determined the cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the mammalian P2X7 receptor in complex with two classical competitive antagonists of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate derivatives, pyridoxal-5'-phosphate-6-(2'-naphthylazo-6'-nitro-4',8'-disulfonate) (PPNDS) and pyridoxal phosphate-6-azophenyl-2′,5′-disulfonic acid (PPADS), and performed structure-based mutational analysis by patch-clamp recording as well as molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Our structures revealed the orthosteric site for PPADS/PPNDS, and structural comparison with the previously reported apo- and ATP-bound structures showed how PPADS/PPNDS binding inhibits the conformational changes associated with channel activation. In addition, structure-based mutational analysis identified key residues involved in the PPNDS sensitivity of P2X1 and P2X3, which are known to have higher affinity for PPADS/PPNDS than other P2X subtypes.
Surprising Features of Nuclear Receptor Interaction Networks Revealed by Live Cell Single Molecule Imaging
Authors: Dahal Liza , Graham Thomas GW , Dailey Gina M , Heckert Alec , Tjian Robert , Darzacq Xavier
Published: November 2023

Type 2 Nuclear Receptors (T2NRs) require heterodimerization with a common partner, the Retinoid X Receptor (RXR), to bind cognate DNA recognition sites in chromatin. Based on previous biochemical and over-expression studies, binding of T2NRs to chromatin is proposed to be regulated by competition for a limiting pool of the core RXR subunit. However, this mechanism has not yet been tested for endogenous proteins in live cells. Using single molecule tracking (SMT) and proximity-assisted photoactivation (PAPA), we monitored interactions between endogenously tagged retinoid X receptor (RXR) and retinoic acid receptor (RAR) in live cells. Unexpectedly, we find that higher expression of RAR, but not RXR increases heterodimerization and chromatin binding in U2OS cells. This surprising finding indicates the limiting factor is not RXR but likely its cadre of obligate dimer binding partners. SMT and PAPA thus provide a direct way to probe which components are functionally limiting within a complex TF interaction network providing new insights into mechanisms of gene regulation in vivo with implications for drug development targeting nuclear receptors.
Вступ
Authors: Panieri Giuliana , Stiller-Reeve Mathew , Peftieva Olena
Published: November 2023

Ця книжка складається з п’ятнадцяти міждисциплінарних планів уроків, які надихають на те, щоб більше взнати про океан та усвідомлювати його через наші відчуття. Вихователі дитячих садків та вчителі середньої школи - основна наша аудиторія, але не лише вони. Ми сподіваємося, що люди будь-якого віку можуть їх використовувати. Батьки можуть експериментувати з дітьми вдома. Деякі уроки можна спробувати в будинках для літніх людей або в місцевих молодіжних групах. Інші плани можуть бути використані дорослішими учнями як керівництво для навчання молодших школярів або на наукових ярмарках. Усі плани уроків були розроблені в рамках дослідницького проєкту під назвою “Розширюємо знання про метан в Арктиці” (проєкт AKMA номер 287869). Проєкт AKMA фінансувався Норвезькою науковою радою та очолювався Арктичним університетом Норвегії в Тромсе (UiT) у співпраці з Інститутом океанографії Вудс Хоул (Woods Hole) США.
Вплив людини: Екологічні сліди
Authors: Maric Filip , Poto Margherita Paola , Panieri Giuliana , Peftieva Olena
Published: November 2023

Фокусуємося на:
значенні екологічного сліду людини. Учні поміркують над тим, як наші дії (зокрема, дослідження) впливають на навколишнє середовище та що ми можемо зробити, щоб зменшити вплив людини на океани.

Мета навчання:
На цьому занятті учні зрозуміють свій зв’язок з океанами та морським середовищем і, сподіваємось, отримають натхнення перетворити свої знання на дію.

Ключові слова:
Вплив людини, сліди, дії
Against Constitutionalism
Authors: Vodanovic Escudero Andrés
Published: November 2023

.
Problemas fundamentales para la delimitación de la "situación de competencia típica" en el delito de corrupción entre particulares en el "modelo de la competencia"
Authors: Artaza Osvaldo , Aldoney Rodrigo
Published: November 2023

En este estudio se analizan las principales dificultades interpretativas que en Chile estarían asociadas al delito de corrupción entre particulares y que derivan de que la conducta típica se restrinja al soborno de empleados o mandatarios para que en sus labores favorezcan la contratación de un oferente por sobre otro. Para esto, se contextualiza este tipo penal a propósito del modelo regulativo denominado “de la competencia” y se detectan una serie de divergencias de la doctrina comparada especializada respecto a qué clase de sobornos se llevarían a cabo en una “situación de competencia” y, por tanto, satisfarían tal requisito del tipo penal. Finalmente se proponen soluciones en base a los fundamentos del modelo regulativo escogido por el legislador y las consecuencias que legítimamente podrían extraerse de tal decisión.
Orthodontic Perspective on Marfan Syndrome: A Unique Case Report
Authors: Sil Shiladitya , Kerthna D , Ghosh Shubhankar , Saha Nilanjana
Published: November 2023

Marfan syndrome is considered a relatively rare genetic disorder that affects the connective tissues in the body. It is caused by a specific mutation in the Fibrillin 1 (FBN1) gene, which is a critical component of microfibrils. The elastic fibres in various connective tissues, composed of microfibrils, are affected in Marfan syndrome. This syndrome is associated with a vast array of clinical features involving the cardiovascular, ocular, musculoskeletal, respiratory, and nervous systems. Skeletal malocclusion is an early and characteristic manifestation of Marfan syndrome. Other cardinal features of the syndrome include tall stature, arachnodactyly, ectopic lentis, and thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection. Most clinicians fail to correlate the systemic features with the oral features, leading to misdiagnosis or under-reported. Marfan Syndrome requires thorough understanding of the genetic components that directly result in systemic manifestations, eventually leading to skeletal malocclusion, is crucial in managing the syndrome. A multidisciplinary approach is required to assess the condition before planning and implementing appropriate treatment protocols. In the present case report, authors presented a diagnosed case of Marfan syndrome. An 18-year-old female visited the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Oral Medicine and Radiology at a Tertiary Care Centre in Siliguri, West Bengal, India, seeking management for her skeletal malocclusion. After a thorough intraoral and extraoral examination, as well as smile assessment, orthognathic surgery was performed for preliminary tooth alignment using fixed appliances. The patient’s healing process was uneventful, and she is currently being followed-up without any evidence of relapse. Early diagnosis, intervention, and judicious treatment planning with a multidisciplinary approach are key to achieving long-term stable results in correcting skeletal malocclusions associated with Marfan syndrome.
Application of Coblation for Airway Disorder Management in ENT Practice: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Shriwastav Pooja , Marfatia Hetal , Sahai Anoushka , Gaikwad Ashwini Kumar , Sharma Monankita
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Coblation, a form of radiofrequency surgery, involves using radiofrequency energy to create a plasma field through a conductive medium. This technique dissociates the medium into high-energy ions that break intercellular bonds, leading to tissue dissociation. Coblation is performed at low temperatures, making it less painful and conducive to healing in airway surgeries. Aim: To evaluate the indications, advantages, and outcomes of coblation-assisted airway surgeries. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted from November 2019 to May 2021 at the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Patients with breathing difficulties, voice changes, or airway obstruction symptoms were included. A detailed history, physical examination, and diagnostic procedures were carried out. Coblation was employed under general anaesthesia for laryngeal or tracheal pathology. Data on intraoperative findings, blood loss, hospital stay, and postoperative improvements were recorded in a worksheet-based program, Numbers version 13.1 for macOS. Deductions based on the data were presented using bar charts and diagrams. Continuous variables were summarised using summary statistics, while categorical values were estimated using frequencies and percentages. Results: A total of 15 patients underwent coblation-assisted surgeries. Breathlessness was the most common symptom 11 (73.33%), followed by stridor in 10 (66.67%) and decreased oxygen levels in 8 (53.3%) were observed. Indirect laryngoscopy showed no findings compared to 70-degree scopy in detecting subglottic stenosis. Intraoperatively, 40% had Grade-II, and 27% had Grade-III subglottic stenosis. The average postoperative stay was five days. At one month, 73% showed improvement, particularly those with subglottic stenosis, while no improvement was seen in 27% of cases. Conclusion: Coblation-assisted airway surgeries offer benefits like minimal collateral damage and reduced blood loss. In this study, 73% of patients showed improvement, suggesting coblation’s potential advantages over other modalities. Although cost remains a concern, coblation’s ability to reduce postoperative morbidity and improve healing time makes it a promising tool in airway surgeries.
Assessment of back pain behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs of chiropractic research conference attendees after a biopsychosocial educational workshop
Authors: Schielke Alec L. , Daniels Clinton J. , Gliedt Jordan A. , Pohlman Katherine A.
Published: November 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess the behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs of attendees of a chiropractic research conference (which included chiropractic students, clinicians, researchers, and educators) toward chronic low back pain (CLBP) before and after a biopsychosocial (BPS)–based CLBP educational workshop.

Methods

This single-arm intervention study used the Health Care Providers’ Pain and Relationship Scale (HC-PAIRS) and CLBP-related clinic vignettes to assess behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs toward CLBP before and after a single 90-minute educational workshop. The HC-PAIRS is a self-reporting questionnaire that consists of 15 items rated on a 7-point rating scale, with a higher score suggesting a belief that pain is linked to movement and that recommendations should be given to avoid physical activities.

Results

The pre-education intervention HC-PAIRS and vignettes were completed by 40 of 56 attendees. A total of 18 participants completed the posteducation intervention HC-PAIRS and CLBP-related clinical vignettes. Most of participants identified as full-time clinicians, employees of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and musculoskeletal/neuromusculoskeletal providers. The pre-education intervention HC-PAIRS mean score was 44.8 (SD 9.22), and the postscore was 39.5 (SD 6.49).

Conclusion

Findings suggest an immediate change in HC-PAIRS scores following a BPS-focused CLBP education intervention for a chiropractic audience. However, due to limitations related to sample size and target population, findings should be interpreted cautiously.
Staff Performance and Extraneous Motivation at Microfinance Institutions (MFIs): A Case of Microfinance Institutions in Arusha -Tanzania
Authors: Bakari Stephen Jeuma
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to determine how extraneous motivators influence the performance of staff in Tanzanian microfinance institutions. 98 non-deposit-taking microfinance institutions in Arusha completed questionnaires to provide the information. The Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Coefficient Correlation to determine the significance of the impact of incentives, rewards, and salary packages on employees’ performance in the MFIs. According to the results, the majority of respondents thought that employee incentives had a significant impact on how well MFI employees performed. Further, the majority of participants had the view that prizes have a positive influence on performance. Likewise, the majority of respondents were of the view that employees’ performance is highly influenced by the salary packages offered by the MFIs. Employee performance and bonuses, rewards, and compensation plans also had statistically significant and positively correlated relationships. According to the study, MFI management should enhance their extrinsic incentives, such as salary packages, allowances, bonuses, commissions, prizes, and non-cash rewards, as a means of encouraging workers to perform.
Improving Students’ Attitude towards Mathematics to Enhance Their Achievement in Mathematics: An Action Research
Authors: Wangdi Karma
Published: November 2023

The success of students in the field of mathematics is inherently intertwined with their attitudes towards the subject. These attitudes play a pivotal role in determining students' levels of engagement and ultimately impact their achievements. The study was conducted with the objective of determining the relationship between student’s attitude and their mathematics achievement. The researcher employed a quantitative approach involving experimental research design. The research sample comprised a cohort of 27 participants, including 12 boys and 15 girls of grade five students. Data collection involved the administration of a closed-ended, self-reported statement questionnaire employing a Likert scale, alongside an achievement test. The gathered data underwent analysis through a paired sample t-test, which subsequently revealed a significant difference between the pre-test and the post-test mean score. The statistical significance level indicates a substantial improvement in both students' attitudes towards mathematics and their performance in the subject.
AI Alone Will Not Reduce the Administrative Burden of Health Care
Authors: Schulman Kevin A. , Nielsen Perry Kent , Patel Kavita
Published: November 2023

This Viewpoint considers AI’s limits in solving the medical billing quagmire and argues that standardizing health insurance claim forms and simplifying billing must occur before AI can shoulder the load.
Symptomatic Netarsudil-Induced Verticillata
Authors: Rivera Sean S. , Radunzel Nicole , Boese Erin A.
Published: November 2023

This case report discusses a diagnosis of bilateral corneal verticillata in a woman aged 80 years who was using netarsudil eye drops for the treatment of primary open-angle glaucoma.
Surgical Approach and Reoperation Risk in Intermittent Exotropia in the IRIS Registry
Authors: Oke Isdin , Elze Tobias , Miller Joan W. , Lorch Alice C. , Hunter David G. ,   IRIS Registry Analytic Center Consortium, Pershing Suzann , Hyman Leslie , Haller Julia A. , Lee Aaron Y. , Lee Cecelia S. , Lum Flora , Miller Joan W. , Lorch Alice C.
Published: November 2023

Importance

There is no consensus on the optimal surgical treatment for children with intermittent exotropia (IXT).

Objective

To compare the 5-year reoperation rates for children with IXT treated with horizontal muscle strabismus surgery using bilateral lateral rectus recession (BLR) vs unilateral lateral rectus recession with medial rectus resection (RR).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study examined data obtained from the Intelligent Research in Sight (IRIS) Registry on 7482 children (age, <18 years) with IXT who underwent horizontal eye muscle strabismus surgery between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2017. Children undergoing initial surgeries involving 3 or more horizontal muscles, vertical muscles, or reoperations were excluded.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the adjusted cumulative incidence of repeat horizontal muscle surgery within 5 years after the initial surgery. Reoperation risk was analyzed using adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) derived from multivariable Cox regression models, adjusting for individual demographic and surgical factors (age, sex, race and ethnicity, US Census region, and surgeon subspecialty). Data were analyzed between January 16 and September 20, 2023.

Results

The study included 7482 children (median [IQR] age at initial surgery, 6 [4-9] years; 3945 females [53%]) with IXT treated with horizontal muscle strabismus surgery. Bilateral lateral rectus recession was performed more frequently than RR (85.3% vs 14.7%, P < .001), especially in younger children (rates of BLR vs RR by age: age 0 to ≤4 years, 88.4% vs 11.6%; age 5 to ≤11 years, 84.7% vs 15.3%; age 12 to ≤17 years, 78.1% vs 21.9%; P < 0.001). After data adjustment, the 5-year cumulative incidence of reoperation was 21.3% (95% CI, 20.1%-22.5%). The adjusted 5-year cumulative incidence of reoperation was higher for BLR than for RR (22.2% vs 17.2%; difference, 4.9%; 95% CI, 1.9%-8.0%). Unilateral lateral rectus recession with medial rectus resection was associated with a lower 5-year reoperation risk compared with BLR (AHR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.64-0.93). Younger age at time of initial surgery was associated with a higher reoperation risk (AHR per 1-year decrease, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.07-1.11) after adjusting for all other covariates.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this nationwide registry, approximately 1 in 5 children with IXT underwent reoperation within 5 years after the initial surgery. Children treated with RR were less likely to require a reoperation within 5 years compared with those treated with BLR. Further efforts to identify modifiable risk factors for reoperation are needed to reduce the surgical burden and improve outcomes for children with IXT.
Partial Thyroidectomy With Incidental Metastatic Lymph Nodes
Authors: Alameer Ehab , Eagan Alana , Scholfield Daniel W. , Woods Robbie S. R. , Tuttle R. Michael , Wong Richard J. , Patel Snehal G. , Ganly Ian
Published: November 2023

Importance

The need for completion thyroidectomy in patients with incidental metastatic lymph nodes after partial thyroidectomy is unclear.

Objective

To investigate the outcomes of patients with incidental metastatic lymph nodes following partial thyroidectomy.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained thyroid cancer database from 1985 to 2015 was carried out at a head and neck surgery practice at a tertiary referral cancer center. A total of 74 patients who underwent thyroid lobectomy or thyroid isthmusectomy between 1985 and 2015 and were found to have incidental metastatic lymph nodes on final pathologic analysis and were selected to be observed without immediate completion thyroidectomy were included. A separate group of additional 11 patients who underwent immediate completion thyroidectomy was also identified and reviewed.

Main Outcome and Measure

Analysis took place from February to May 2022. Recurrence-free survival outcomes of patients found to have incidental metastatic lymph nodes on final pathologic analysis following partial thyroidectomy with no immediate completion thyroidectomy.

Results

A total of 74 patients were observed, with a median (IQR) age of 39 (28-49) years; 44 (59%) were women. Sixty-four patients underwent thyroid lobectomy and 10 patients had isthmusectomy. Classic papillary thyroid carcinoma was the most common histologic type (34 [46%]). Vascular invasion and microscopic extrathyroidal extension were present in 11 patients (16%) and 22 patients (30%), respectively. Positive margins were identified in 5 patients (7.8%). Size of metastatic lymph nodes ranged between 0.07 cm and 1.2 cm. No extranodal extension was reported. A total of 52 patients (70%) were classified as intermediate risk for recurrence based on the American Thyroid Association risk stratification system. The median (IQR) follow up was 48.15 (15.4-86.1) months, during which only 1 patient had a regional recurrence. Another patient underwent delayed completion thyroidectomy for a contralateral lobe malignant abnormality. Recurrence-free survival, disease-specific survival, and overall survival were 97.4%, 100%, and 96.2%, respectively. A separate group of 11 patients who underwent immediate completion thyroidectomy were reviewed. These patients were more likely to have tall-cell papillary thyroid carcinoma (6 [55%] vs 13 [18%]), multifocality (9 [82%] vs 28 [41%]), microscopic extrathyroidal extension (8 [73%] vs 22 [30%]), and positive margins (3 [30%] vs 5 [7.8%]) compared with patients who were under observation only.

Conclusion and Relevance

Completion thyroidectomy may not be necessary in appropriately selected patients who are found to have incidental metastatic lymph nodes (N1a) after partial thyroidectomy for localized well-differentiated thyroid cancer.
Maintaining understory vegetation in oil palm plantations supports higher assassin bug numbers
Authors: Stone Jake , Advento Andreas Dwi , Pashkevich Michael D. , Aryawan Anak Agung Ketut , Caliman Jean‐Pierre , Hood Amelia S. C. , Foster William A. , Naim Mohammad , Pujianto  , Purnomo Dedi , Suhardi  , Tarigan Ribka Sionita , Rambe Tuani Dzulfikar Siguga , Widodo Rudy Harto , Luke Sarah H. , Snaddon Jake L. , Turner Edgar C.
Published: November 2023

The expansion of oil palm agriculture across Southeast Asia has caused significant biodiversity losses, with the reduction in habitat heterogeneity that accompanies the conversion of forest to oil palm being a major contributing factor. However, owing to their long commercial lifespan, oil palm plantations can support relatively high levels of vegetation complexity compared to annual crops. There is therefore potential for the implementation of management strategies to increase vegetation complexity and associated within‐plantation habitat heterogeneity, enhancing species richness and associated ecosystem functioning within productive oil palm landscapes.

This study focusses on two species of asassin bugs Cosmolestes picticeps and Sycanus dichotomus, which are important agents of pest control within oil palm systems. Using a Before‐After Control‐Impact experimental manipulation in Sumatra, Indonesia, we tested the effect of three alternative herbicide spraying regimes and associated vegetation complexity treatments on assassin bug numbers. Our treatments encompass a range of current understory vegetation management practices used in oil palm plantations and include removing vegetation only in areas key to harvesting (“Normal”), removing all understory vegetation (“Reduced”), and allowing native vegetation to regrow naturally (“Enhanced”). We assessed both the long‐term (18 months) and short‐term (within 2 weeks) effects of our treatments following herbicide spraying.

Pre‐treatment, we found high numbers of assassin bugs of both species in all plots. Long‐term post‐treatment, the abundance of both C. picticeps and S. dichotomus declined in reduced understory plots, although this decline was only significant for C. picticeps (98%). In contrast, there were no significant differences in the post‐treatment abundance of either species in the short‐term.

These results suggest that the long‐term decline in assassin bug abundance was likely to be caused by loss of vegetation, rather than any immediate effects of the herbicide spraying. Our findings have clear management implications as they demonstrate that maintaining vegetation in oil palm understories can benefit an important pest control agent.
Nanostructured Ti–Ni–Co Alloys Showing Shape‐Memory Actuation of Large Work Output at Low Temperature
Authors: Dang Pengfei , Zhang Lei , Zhou Yumei , Li Cheng , Ding Xiangdong , Sun Jun , Xue Dezhen
Published: November 2023

In the present study, by combining the effect of point defect doping and nanostructure, low‐temperature shape‐memory alloys (SMAs) are developed showing good actuation property. The doping of Co into Ti–Ni host alloy suppresses the martensitic transformation to lower temperature. By post‐deformation annealing, the partially recrystallized state containing dense dislocations and nanoprecipitates is achieved. And, this remarkably strengthens the matrix to avoid irreversible strain under large external load. A alloy thereby exhibits a recoverable actuation strain of 4.5% under biased tensile stress of 800 MPa at temperatures below −50 °C. The work output up to outperforms most SMAs, showing a promise for low‐temperature actuator applications.
Photo‐Modulated Ionic Polymer as an Adaptable Electron Transport Material for Optically Switchable Pixel‐Free Displays
Authors: Wang Zehong , Dong Shilong , Yuan Wenqiang , Li Jin , Ma Xiaodong , Liu Feng , Jiang Xuesong
Published: November 2023

In addition to electrically driven organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) displays that rely on complicated and costly circuits for switching individual pixel illumination, developing a facile approach that structures pixel‐free light‐emitting displays with exceptional precision and spatial resolution via external photo‐modulation holds significant importance for advancing consumer electronics. Here, optically switchable organic light‐emitting pixel‐free displays (OSPFDs) are presented and fabricated by judiciously combining an adaptive photosensitive ionic polymer as electron transport materials (ETM) with external photo‐modulation as the switching mode while ensuring superior illumination performance and seamless imaging capability. By irradiating the solution‐processed OSPFDs with light at specific wavelengths, efficient and reversible tuning of both electron transport and electroluminescence is achieved simultaneously. This remarkable control is achieved by altering the energetic matching within OSPFDs, which also exhibits a high level of universality and adjustable flexibility in the three primary color‐based light‐emitting displays. Moreover, the ease of creating and erasing desired pixel‐free emitting patterns through a non‐invasive photopatterning process within a single OSPFD is demonstrated, thereby rendering this approach promising for commercial displaying devices and highly precise pixelated illuminants.
On the Durability of Tin‐Containing Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Lei , Fu Sheng , Li You , Sun Nannan , Yan Yanfa , Song Zhaoning
Published: November 2023

Tin (Sn)‐containing perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have gained significant attention in the field of perovskite optoelectronics due to lower toxicity than their lead‐based counterparts and their potential for tandem applications. However, the lack of stability is a major concern that hampers their development. To achieve the long‐term stability of Sn‐containing PSCs, it is crucial to have a clear and comprehensive understanding of the degradation mechanisms of Sn‐containing perovskites and develop mitigation strategies. This review provides a compendious overview of degradation pathways observed in Sn‐containing perovskites, attributing to intrinsic factors related to the materials themselves and environmental factors such as light, heat, moisture, oxygen, and their combined effects. The impact of interface and electrode materials on the stability of Sn‐containing PSCs is also discussed. Additionally, various strategies to mitigate the instability issue of Sn‐containing PSCs are summarized. Lastly, the challenges and prospects for achieving durable Sn‐containing PSCs are presented.
Rational Design of Oxygen Species Adsorption on Nonnoble Metal Catalysts for Two‐Electron Oxygen Reduction
Authors: He Chaohui , Xia Chenfeng , Li Fu‐Min , Zhang Jian , Guo Wei , Xia Bao Yu
Published: November 2023

Molecular oxygen can be electrochemically reduced to water via the 4e− transfer pathway or hydrogen peroxide via a 2e− pathway, which holds significant relevance within energy conversion and chemical synthesis. The specific oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) pathways intricately hinge upon the adsorption configuration and state of oxygen species. Precisely steering the adsorption state of oxygen species at the active sites serves as a crucial guiding principle for the design and preparation of ORR catalysts. This review succinctly summarizes the strategies employed to regulate the adsorption state of oxygen species on nonnoble metal catalyst surfaces, encompassing insights into the adsorption mechanism and state regulation of oxygen intermediates, with a particular focus on the 2e− ORR pathway to produce H2O2. Moreover, the persistent challenges that remain in the realm of non‐noble metal oxygen catalysts are pointed out and the prospects for their future development are meticulously evaluated.
Use of GIS‐based multicriteria evaluation for improved selection of suitable sites for cage fish farming in Mwanza Gulf, Lake Victoria
Authors: Mabula Makemie Jumanne , Kisanga Danielson , Pamba Siajali , Limbu Samwel Mchele
Published: November 2023

Stagnating capture fisheries and increasing fish protein demand necessitate aquaculture production to bridge the gap. Lake Victoria is a potential water body for increasing fish production through cage farming. The sustainability of Lake Victoria for cage farming depends on timely and holistic site selection. However, current site selection methods involve complex, resource‐intensive field surveys that lack a holistic approach to integrate multiple factors. Accordingly, information regarding suitable sites for sustainable fish cage farming in Lake Victoria remains scarce. In this study, a transparent geographic information systems (GIS) and multicriteria evaluation (MCE) here after reffered to as GIS‐MCE was used to reveal potential sites to be permitted or avoided during cage aquaculture development in the Mwanza Gulf of Lake Victoria (Tanzania). Our analysis involved weighting and integration of sub‐models representing ecologically sensitive areas, physical environment, and socio‐economic and water quality variables into a single spatial model portraying different site suitability levels in the Mwanza Gulf. The results indicated that the sub‐models identified relatively larger suitable and most suitable sites compared to the overall model. No site maintained its status across all sub‐models. The overall model designated a small area (5.10 km2 or 1.52%) as the most suitable site, with 24.20 km2 (7.44%) as suitable, 64.47 km2 (19.82%) as less suitable, and 42.63 km2 (13.12%) as unsuitable for cage fish farming. The remaining area (188.84 km2 or 58.06%) was a constrained site to be avoided during cage aquaculture development. Taken together, the individual sub‐models are ineffective in designating potential sites for fish cage culture and thus should not be used solely. The GIS‐MCE general model provides a fast and timely method for identifying potential sites for cage farming in Lake Victoria. Fish farmers and managers should use the GIS‐MCE overall model in inland waters to facilitate site selection for complying with licensing requirements and decrease field extensive surveys.