bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical investigations and simulation of calcium distribution in the alpha-cell
Authors: Singh Tejaswi , Adlakha Neeru
Published: May 2023

The α-cells are a part of islets of Langerhans located in the pancreas and are responsible for glucagon secretion. Calcium signaling is crucial for the regulation of the functions and structure of these α-cells and the same is still not well understood. Here a mathematical model is framed to obtain more insights into calcium signaling in α-cells. The non-linear reaction-diffusion equation for calcium signaling along with boundary conditions is employed to propose the model for a one-dimensional steady-state case. The numerical solutions were obtained using the Newton-Raphson method and the cubic spline method. The combination of Newton-Raphson and cubic spline has proved to be quite effective in numerical simulations and in generating deeper insights into calcium regulation in an α-cell under various conditions. The results provide information about changes in source influx, buffers, ER leak, and SERCA pump leading to disturbances in calcium homeostasis, which can be responsible for the development of diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
HOÀN THIỆN PHÁP LUẬT ĐỐI VỚI CÁC TỘI VI PHẠM QUY ĐỊNH VỀ BẢO VỆ ĐỘNG VẬT HOANG DÃ, ĐỘNG VẬT NGUY CẤP, QUÝ, HIẾM
Authors: Lục Lê Xuân
Published: May 2023

Các tội vi phạm quy định về bảo vệ động vật hoang dã, động vật nguy cấp, quý, hiếm gồm Tội vi phạm quy định về bảo vệ động vật hoang dã (Điều 234 Bộ luật Hình sự - BLHS) và Tội vi phạm quy định về bảo vệ động vật nguy cấp, quý, hiếm (Điều 244 BLHS). Bài viết tập trung phân tích các bất cập, tồn tại trong quy định về các tội phạm liên quan đến bảo vệ động vật hoang dã, động vật nguy cấp, quý, hiếm; từ đó, đưa ra các kiến nghị, đề xuất nhằm hoàn thiện quy định của pháp luật hình sự và các văn bản có liên quan đến các tội phạm này.
EFEKTIVITAS PENGGUNAAN EKSPERIENTAL LEARNING DALAM PEMBELAJARAN MENULIS WACANA
Authors: Ganar Kristina
Published: May 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan (1) mendeskripsikan kegiatan pembelajaran menulis wacana tanpa menggunakan model experiental learning, (2) mendeskripsikan kegiatan pembelajaran menulis wacana menggunakan metode model experiental learning, (3) mendeskripsikan efektivitas model experiental learning dalam kegiatan menulis wacana dalam bentuk pengalaman. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian eksperimen. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah keseluruhan siswa Kelas IX SMP YP PGRI 4 Makassar yang berjumlah 74 orang terbagi atas dua kelas dengan cara cluster sampling yaitu kelas IXa 37 orang sebagai kelas kontrol dan kelas IXb 37 orang sebagai kelas eksperimen. Instrumen yang digunakan yaitu Observasi, Tes, dan RPP. Teknik pengumpulan data adalah teknik tes dan observasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa dari 37jumlahmahasiswa kelas kontrol, terdapat 27mahasiswa yang memperoleh nilai diatas 75 atau 72,73%dengan kategori tuntas. Sedangkan hasil menulis wacana denganmenerapkanmetode model experiental learning pada kelas eksperimen 32 mahasiswa yang memperoleh nilai 75 keatas atau mencapai 86,45% dengan kategori tuntas yaitu telah mencapai kriteria yang ditetapkan yaitu 85%. Dengan demikian model experiental learning efektif digunakan dalam pembelajaran menulis wacana pada kelas eksperimen.
PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA PENGENALAN HURUF BRAILLE UNTUK ANAK-ANAK TUNANETRA BERBASIS MIKROKONTROLER
Authors: Haris Binari , Bakry Aminuddin , Riska Muhammad
Published: May 2023

Penelitian ini adalah penelitian pengembangan dengan tujuan a) Menghasilkan media pengenalan huruf braille untuk anak-anak tunanetra berbasis mikrokontroler, b) Mengetahui hasil kelayakan media pengenalan huruf braille untuk anak-anak tunanetra berbasis mikrokontroler, c) Mengetahui tanggapan pengguna terhadap media pengenalan huruf braille untuk anak-anak tunanetra berbasis mikrokontroler. Penelitian ini merupakan model penelitian R&D (Reseach & Development) dengan model pengembangan 4-D oleh Thiagarajan (1974) yang dimodifikasi menjadi 3-D (Define, Design, & Development). Teknik Pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah Observasi, Wawancara, Studi Dokumentasi dan Angket. Media pengenalan huruf braille divalidasi oleh 2 orang ahli media dan 2 orang ahli konten. Ujicoba pengguna dilakukan oleh 12 orang siswa dan guru kelas tunanetra di SLB Negeri 1 Makassar. Hasil validasi media pengenalan huruf menunjukkan nilai rata-rata presentase 96,43% dengan kategori sangat layak dan hasil validasi konten menunjukkan nilai rata-rata presentase 93.64% dengan kategori sangat layak. Tanggapan pengguna dari ujicoba responden menunjukkan nilai rata-rata presentase 96.83% dengan kategori sangat baik.
PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN PROBLEM BASED LEARNING (PBL) UNTUK MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR PESERTA DIDIK
Authors: Yuliani Ni Komang , Rahman Edi Suhardi
Published: May 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar serta mendeskripsikan keaktifan peserta didik kelas X AK 2 SMK Negeri 4 Negara melalui penerapan model pembelajaran Problem Based Learning (PBL) pada pembelajaran Konsep Dasar Keperawatan. Subyek penelitian ini adalah peserta didik kelas X AK 2 SMK Negeri 4 Negara pada Semester I tahun ajaran 2021/2022 yang berjumlah 25 orang. Penelitian ini dilakukan dalam tiga siklus pembelajaran, dengan tahapan-tahapan dalam tiap siklus terdiri dari perencanaan, tindakan, observasi/evaluasi, dan refleksi. Data hasil belajar dikumpulkan melalui tes kognitif. Data keaktifan peserta didik dikumpulkan melalui lembar observasi. Data yang telah terkumpul tersebut, selanjutnya dianalisis secara deskriptif. Hasil analisis menunjukkan: 1) terjadi peningkatan nilai rata-rata hasil belajar yaitu dari 68,80 dengan ketuntasan klasikal 72,00% pada siklus I menjadi 76,80 dengan ketuntasan klasikal 80,00% pada siklus II, serta 78,80 dengan ketuntasan klasikal 88,00% pada siklus III  2) Keaktifan peserta didik kelas X AK 2 selama penerapan model pembelajaran Problem Based Learning sangat baik. Hal ini terlihat dari rata-rata skor keaktifan peserta didik setelah siklus tiga adalah 80,84 pada kategori aktif. Hal ini menunjukkan bahwa penerapan model pembelajaran PBL dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar dan keaktifan peserta didik.
PENERAPAN CHATBOT KUIS MESSENGER PADA GOOGLE CLASSROOM DALAM PEMBELAJARAN PEMROGRAMAN BERORIENTASI OBJEK
Authors: Wijaya Mokhamad Hadi , Hafid Yuliati
Published: May 2023

Pemberian materi dan kuis khususnya pada pembelajaran dalam jaringan mata pelajaran pemrograman dasar dengan materi Pemorgraman Berorientasi Objek, sebagai media guru dalam penelitian ini yaitu tentang penerapan Chatbot Kuis dalam Platform Messenger. Penerapan platform dari Google Workspace Education pada SMKS Telkom Sandhy Putra Malang menggunakan Learning Management System Google Classroom untuk menyajikan materi Pemrograman Berorientasi Objek. Materi utama penyajian kuis pada chatbot adalah dari kurikulum Oracle Academy yaitu Java Foundation. Kuis diatur dalam tingkat/level dari mudah, sedang hingga sulit saat penyusunan soal untuk mengikuti kemampuan pengetahuan siswa dalam materi dasar. Materi juga disajikan dalam bentuk percakapan kepada siswa saat berinteraksi dengan chatbot ini. Penerapan chatbot pada pembelajaran diharapkan mampu membantu guru pengajar dalam penyajian materi dan pemberian kuis, siswa juga diharapkan dapat meningkatkan pemahaman terhadap materi pemrograman. Pengujian chatbot ini dari efektifitas dalam alat uji kualitas ISO 9126 tentang kualitas perangkat lunak menghasilkan persentase 100% akurat dalam membedakan level masing-masing siswa. Pengujian chatbot juga mendapat predikat sangat baik dan layak meski hanya meningkatkan sebesar 0,6 poin hasil ujian kelompok belajar konvensional. Ketika siswa berinterksi dengan chatbot, dapat meningkatkan sebesar 0,39 poin dari hasil pengerjaan postest pertamanya.
STUDI IMPLEMENTASI TECHNOLOGICAL PEDAGOGICAL AND CONTENT KNOWLEDGE (TPACK) DI SMK NEGERI 5 MAKASSAR
Authors: Hasrul Hasrul , Miru Alimuddin Sa'ban , Nensi Sri
Published: May 2023

Studi Implementasi Technological Pedagogical And Content Knowledge (TPACK) Di SMK Negeri 5 Makassar. Skripsi, Program Studi Pendidikan Teknik Elektro, Jurusan Pendidikan Teknik Elektro, Fakultas Teknik, Universitas Negeri Makassar. Dibimbing oleh Hasrul Bakri dan Alimuddin Sa’ban Miru. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif yang bertujuan untuk mengetahui implementasi Technological Pedagogical And Content Knowledge (TPACK) di SMK Negeri 5 Makassar. Sampel pada penelitian ini adalah 60 orang guru SMK Negeri 5 Makassar. Data dikumpulkan melalui kuisioner. Data dianalisis menggunakan teknik analisis statistic deskriptif. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian disimpulkan bahwa implementasi Technological Knowledge (TK) berada pada kategori baik, Pedagogical Knowledge (PK) berada pada kategori baik, Content Knowledge (CK) berada pada kategori baik, Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) berada pada kategori baik, Technological Content Knowledge (TCK) berada pada kategori baik, Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (TPK) berada pada kategori baik, dan Technological Pedagogical And Content Knowledge (TPACK) berada pada kategori baik. Secara umum disimpulkan bahwa implementasi TPACK di SMK Negeri 5 Makassar berada pada kategori baik.
PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN PROBLEM BASE LEARNING DALAM UPAYA MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR PESERTA DIDIK
Authors: Fitriana Rosa , Auliah Army , Agustinawati Agustinawati
Published: May 2023

Masalah dalam penelitian ini adalah bagaimana meningkatkan hasil belajar peserta didik kelas XII IPA 1 dengan penerapan model pembelajaran problem base learning di SMA Negeri 2 OKU. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar peserta didik melalui penerapan maodel pembelajaran problem base learning di kelas XII IPA 1 pada materi sel volta dan korosi. Metode penelitian ini merupakan penelitian tindakan kelas dimana subyek penelitian adalah peserta didik kelas XII IPA 1 SMA Negeri 2 OKU semester ganjil berjumlah 15 orang. Pengambilan data dilakukan dengan data tes hasil belajar dan observasi. Teknik analisis data menggunakan analisis statistic deskriptif dimana persentase ketuntasan masing-masing siklus adalah 60%, 73,4% dan 86,7%. Hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa penerapan model pembelajaran problem base learning dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar peserta didik.
PENERAPAN MODEL PROBLEM BASED LEARNING UNTUK MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR KIMIA MATERI POKOK REAKSI REDOKS DAN ELEKTROKIMIA
Authors: Ahdiani Nini , Burhan Muh. Iswal
Published: May 2023

Penerapan model pembelajaran Problem Based Learning (PBL) untuk  meningkatkan hasil belajar kimia Kelas XII SMAS Muhammadiyah Bulukumba. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian tindakan kelas yang bertujuan untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar Kimia melalui Model Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning (PBL). Subjek penelitian ini adalah peserta didik Kelas XII SMAS Muhammadiyah Bulukumba sebanyak 15 orang. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan sebanyak 3 siklus dengan metode yang digunakan diskusi dengan pendekatan saintifik-TPACK. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan menggunakan teknik observasi dan evaluasi di akhir pembelajaran di setiap akhir siklus. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa: (1).  Pada sikus I nilai rata-rata hasil belajar peserta didik adalah 66 dengan ketuntasan mencapai 60% , nilai rata-rata hasil belajar siswa pada siklus II terjadi peningkatan menjadi 76 dengan ketuntasan mencapai 86,67%, dan pada siklus III nilai rata rata mencapai paling tertinggi yaitu 88 dan ketuntasan mencapai 100%. Model Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning (PBL) dapat meningkatkan hasil belajar kimia  materi pokok reaksi redoks dan elektrokimia.
Evaluation of Scores to Reflect Toxicity Impact on Quality of Life of Patients With Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer: AURELIA Substudy
Authors: Lequesne Justine , Joly Florence , Peron Julien , Ray-Coquard Isabelle , Hardy-Bessard Anne-Claire , Selle Frédéric , Berton Dominique , Follana Philippe , Fabbro Michel , Lortholary Alain , Pujade-Lauraine Eric , Lefèvre-Arbogast Sophie , Coquan Elodie
Published: May 2023

Background: Current standards for toxicity reporting do not fully capture the impact of adverse events (AEs) on patients’ quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to evaluate the association between toxicity and QoL by using toxicity scores that take into account CTCAE grade grouping and AE duration and cumulation. Methods: Analyses were performed on the AURELIA trial dataset, including 361 patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer treated with chemotherapy alone or with bevacizumab. Global and physical functioning QoL were issued from the EORTC QoL Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30), collected at baseline and 8/9 and 16/18 weeks after treatment initiation. Four toxicity scores were computed: the total number of AEs, multiplied by their grade and not, and the cumulative duration of AEs, weighted by their grade and not. Each score included all AEs or only grade 3/4 nonlaboratory or treatment-related AEs. The relationship between toxicity scores and QoL was assessed through linear mixed regression. Results: We found that 171 (47.5%) and 43 (11.9%) patients experienced at least one grade 3 or 4 AE, respectively, whereas 113 (31.4%) experienced grade 2 AEs only. Physical QoL was negatively associated with all toxicity scores when computed with all grades of AEs (all P<.01), with a weaker association when treatment-related AEs were considered. Global QoL was negatively associated with toxicity scores computed with nonlaboratory all-grade AEs only (β, –3.42 to –3.13; all P<.01). Degrees of association were lower when considering the AE duration. Conclusions: In this analysis of patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, toxicity scores based on the cumulative number of AEs, modulated or not by grade, were more effective at predicting QoL changes than those based on AE duration. Toxicity impact on QoL was better reflected when grade 2 AEs were taken into account together with grade 3/4 AEs, whatever their treatment imputability, and when laboratory AEs were excluded.
NCCN Guidelines® Insights: Distress Management, Version 2.2023
Authors: Riba Michelle B. , Donovan Kristine A. , Ahmed Kauser , Andersen Barbara , Braun IIana , Breitbart William S. , Brewer Benjamin W. , Corbett Cheyenne , Fann Jesse , Fleishman Stewart , Garcia Sofia , Greenberg Donna B. , Handzo George F. , Hoofring Laura Herald , Huang Chao-Hui , Hutchinson Sean , Johns Shelley , Keller Jennifer , Kumar Pallavi , Lahijani Sheila , Martin Sara , Niazi Shehzad K. , Pailler Megan , Parnes Francine , Rao Vinay , Salman Jaroslava , Scher Eli , Schuster Jessica , Teply Melissa , Usher Angela , Valentine Alan D. , Vanderlan Jessica , Lyons Megan S. , McMillian Nicole R. , Darlow Susan D.
Published: May 2023

These NCCN Guidelines for Distress Management discuss the identification and treatment of psychosocial problems in patients with cancer. All patients experience some level of distress associated with a cancer diagnosis and the effects of the disease and its treatment regardless of the stage of disease. Clinically significant levels of distress occur in a subset of patients, and identification and treatment of distress are of utmost importance. The NCCN Distress Management Panel meets at least annually to review comments from reviewers within their institutions, examine relevant new data from publications and abstracts, and reevaluate and update their recommendations. These NCCN Guidelines Insights describe updates to the NCCN Distress Thermometer (DT) and Problem List, and to the treatment algorithms for patients with trauma- and stressor-related disorders.
Witnessing as an Existential Phenomenon
Authors: Ciocan Cristian
Published: May 2023

In this article, I propose an exploration of the phenomenon of testimony. I argue that the phenomenological viewpoint makes possible an integrative approach to testimony, understood as a phenomenon that engages the entire existential structure of the subject, articulating the relations between language, presence, memory, truth, and temporality. The witness is not only the one who testifies, but first of all the one who faces, in experiential presence, an event whose meaning is overwhelming and thereby institutes the subject as a witness : either as an “enduring witness” if what is at stake is primarily the ownmost self of the witness as such, or as an “eyewitness” if what is at stake is mainly the other. Testimony displays its peculiar significance in the tension between the ontological pole, where the witness is understood as “being there” in the presence of the event on the experiential level, and the hermeneutical pole, where the witness is summoned in front of the others on the level of language. A further difference should be traced between a “confessing-witness,” when the testimony concerns precisely what the witness endured, and the “third-party witness,” whose bearing witness concerns what one mainly observed without enduring it oneself.
Pourquoi la démonstration fait-elle progresser la connaissance ?
Authors: Valdivia Fuenzalida José Antonio
Published: May 2023

Cette étude tente de montrer que la démonstration est conçue par les commentateurs médiévaux comme un instrument permettant de faire progresser la connaissance du monde. Même si la théorie de la démonstration n’est pas une « logique de la découverte », elle aurait pour but spécifique de décrire les caractéristiques que devrait avoir un discours apte à manifester l’articulation causale de choses appartenant à un même genre. À partir de l’analyse de quelques textes de Thomas d’Aquin sur la distinction entre la connaissance propter quid et la connaissance quia, on montrera que ladite articulation représente la nouveauté même qui est censée être acquise par un syllogisme démonstratif. Cette conclusion sera confirmée par l’étude de quelques textes de la Logica d’al-Ghazālī qui semblent révéler des présupposés présents dans certains écrits des commentateurs latins comme Thomas d’Aquin.
ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION OF DIGITAL SOLUTIONS IN LOGISTICS AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE BUSINESS OF LOGISTICS OPERATORS IN SOUTHEAST EUROPE
Authors: Višković Radovan
Published: May 2023

In the last few years, new digital solutions have appeared that expand the horizons of logistics operators. These solutions improved the existing business, but also enabled them to deploy new services. While technology has made cargo delivery more efficient in the eyes of customers, it has also improved driver and cargo safety. These benefits create value for the supply chain, but can be difficult to achieve. The analysis of the impact and application of digital solutions in logistics on the operations of logistics operators in Southeast Europe gives the value of research into supply chains of both complete and partial segments in the domain of storage, transportation, distribution and production itself. They can accelerate the digitization of transport and logistics and the potential for growth in a multi-sector environment. Assumptions for the elimination of costs, as a result of the inadequate response of the administration (customs, border police, barriers, etc.) in Southeast Europe can be mitigated through e-CMR - a key investment in the new digital world. The world of transport and logistics is advancing rapidly. Digital development in particular is a game changer with new opportunities and challenges in the logistics sector, especially in terms of data security. Digitization is redefining the way logistics participants collaborate. It can be expected to increase efficiency and reduce costs within the supply chain, but significant performance requires much more than just networking between participants in the trade of goods and services in Southeast Europe. The aim of this work is to conduct research on the impact of digital business in logistics on the business and efficiency of logistics operators in Southeastern Europe. The data that was used in the data analysis is primary, which was researched by the author, through a questionnaire sent to the employees of logistics operators in the area of Southeastern Europe. Accordingly, a hypothesis was set up in the paper, which was examined, and reads: “There is a positive impact of improving business processes by applying digital solutions on the operations of logistics operators in Southeast Europe”. According to the results of the analysis and the coefficients presented in the previous table, it can be clearly seen that the hypothesis has been proven. Namely, according to the results, it is clearly seen that there is a positive and significant impact of the digital solution in logistics on the operations of logistics operators, and that the same is positive and statistically significant in terms of significance.
Quantum secure direct communication scheme based on the mixture of single photon and Bell state with two way authentication
Authors: Zhou Xian-Tao , Jiang Ying-Hua , Guo Xiao-Jun , Peng Zhan ,   Xizang Minzu University, School of Information Engineering, Xianyang 712000, China
Published: May 2023

In response to the demand for identity authentication in quantum secure direct communication, this paper proposes a quantum secure direct communication scheme based on a mixture of single photon and Bell state, by combining the bidirectional identity authentication. Before communication begins, both parties share a series of secret information to prepare a series of single photon and Bell state particles. Encoding four single photons and four Bell states yields eight types of encoded information, followed by identity authentication. The first step in identity authentication is to use a single photon to verify the legitimacy of the receiver. If the error exceeds the given threshold, it indicates the presence of eavesdropping. Otherwise, the channel is safe. Then, Bell state particles are used to verify the legitimacy of the sender, and the threshold is also used to determine whether there is eavesdropping. The present method is the same as previous one. If the error rate is higher than the given threshold, it indicates the existence of third-party eavesdropping. Otherwise, it indicates that the channel is secure. As for the specific verification method, it will be explained in detail in the article. Afterwards, Bell state particles are mixed with a single photon as a transmission carrier, and eavesdropping detection particles are added whenever the quantum state is sent. However, once the eavesdropper intercepts the transmitted particles, owing to incomplete information obtained, the eavesdropper is unable to recover the original information, and the eavesdropping behavior will be immediately detected, thus terminating communication. In this scheme, single photon and Bell states are fully utilized, and hybrid communication can effectively improve transmission efficiency, encoding capability, and quantum bit utilization. Security analysis shows that this scheme can resist common external and internal attacks such as interception/measurement replay attacks, auxiliary particle attacks, and identity impersonation attacks. The analysis of efficiency and encoding capacity shows that the transmission efficiency of this scheme is 1, the encoding capacity is 3 bits per state, and the quantum bit utilization rate is 1. Compared with other schemes, this scheme has significant advantages because it uses different particles for bidirectional authentication, making it more difficult for attackers to crack, and thus it has higher security than traditional schemes.
Magnetic and loss characteristics of γ'-Fe4N soft magnetic composites
Authors: Wang Wen-Biao , Wu Peng , Qiao Liang , Wu Wei , Tu Cheng-Fa , Yang Sheng-Yu , Li Fa-Shen ,   Key Laboratory for Magnetism and Magnetic Materials of Ministry of Education, Institute of Applied Magnetism, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
Published: May 2023

Soft magnetic composite materials are prepared by mixing magnetic materials and insulating materials, which possess both the excellent magnetism of magnetic materials and the low resistivity of insulating materials. They possess broad application prospects in emerging power electronics industries such as photovoltaic inverters, new energy vehicles, and charging stations. The third-generation high-frequency wide bandgap semiconductors, mainly composed of SiC and GaN, have the operating frequency of soft magnetic materials raised to MHz. However, current soft magnetic materials have significant core losses at high frequencies. Therefore, people are focus their attention on developing new soft magnetic composite materials to reduce iron core losses at high frequencies. In this paper, γ'-Fe4N with high resistivity is prepared by nitriding carbonyl iron powders, showing its excellent soft magnetic properties, and the γ'-Fe4N is ball-milled to become easy plane γ'-Fe4N powder. Compared with the none easy plane γ'-Fe4N powders, the none easy plane γ'-Fe4N powders are spherical in shape, the easy plane γ'-Fe4N powders exhibit a high aspect to thickness ratio in sheet shape. The obtained easy plane powders are mixed with polyurethane insulation to make the soft magnetic composite. There is a significant difference between the in-plane and out-of-plane hysteresis loop of the magnetostatic easy plane γ'-Fe4N soft magnetic composite, and the in-plane hysteresis loop is more easily magnetized to saturation state. The degree of plane orientation is 98.46%. The fitting analysis results of the Jiles-Atherton model also prove its easy plane characteristic, and has higher effective permeability and lower power loss than the counterparts of the none easy plane γ'-Fe4N composite that is not ball-milled. After loss separation, it is found that in a low frequency range, hysteresis loss is the main loss, while in a high frequency range, the excess loss will surpass the hysteresis loss, acting as the main loss, the magnetostatic easy plane γ'-Fe4N soft magnetic composites material reduces hysteresis loss and excess loss. Comparing with similar soft magnetic composites, the eddy current effect in magnetic iron particles is reduced by nitriding process, and the magnetostatic easy plane γ'-Fe4N soft magnetic composite has excellent high-frequency soft magnetic properties. Magnetostatic easy plane γ'-Fe4N provides a new idea for the high-frequency application of soft magnetic composites matching the third generation wide bandgap semiconductors.
Theoretical study of introducing spin into nonmagnetic graphene-based single-molecule junction by edge modifications
Authors: Qin Zhi-Jie , Zhang Hui-Qing , Zhang Guang-Ping , Ren Jun-Feng , Wang Chuan-Kui , Hu Gui-Chao , Qiu Shuai ,   School of Physics and Electronics, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China
Published: May 2023

Injecting spins into nonmagnetic molecular devices has attracted much attention in molecular spintronics. Herein, we propose a novel strategy to introduce magnetism into a single benzene molecule coupled with two armchair graphene nanoribbons (AGNR) electrodes, where the ends of two AGNR electrodes are cut into zigzag-edge triangular graphenes (ZTGs). The spin-dependent transport properties of the molecular junction are investigated by using the density functional theory (DFT) combined with the non-equilibrium Green’s function (NEGF) method. The analyses of the spin-dependent projected density of states and the net spin density distribution of the scattering region reveal that the intrinsic magnetism of the ZTGs is weakened, owing to spin transfer from ZTGs to AGNR electrodes and the benzene molecule. More interestingly, the attenuated intrinsic magnetism of the ZTGs can still contribute to a significant spin transport of the molecular junction. Transport calculations show that in the parallel spin configuration, a large spin polarization of nearly 90% current is obtained. However, the spin polarization of current is reversed in antiparallel spin configuration. Positive or negative tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) can be modulated by bias voltage. A TMR up to 53% is obtained in the device. The results are further analyzed from the transmission spectra and local density of states. This work presents a promising potential applications of the ZTGs in the field of molecular spintronics, which can contribute to the design of graphene nanoribbons based molecular spintronic devices.
Cesium doping for improving performance of inverse-graded 2D (CMA)2MA8Pb9I28 perovskite film and solar cells
Authors: Wang Shi-Dong , Yan Ya-Ting , Wang Rui-Ying , Zhu Zhi-Li , Gu Jin-Hua ,   Key Laboratory of Materials Physics of Ministry of Education, School of Physics and Microelectronics, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
Published: May 2023

Compared with three-dimensional (3D) perovskites, two-dimensional (2D) perovskites have excellent environmental stability. However, the efficiency of 2D perovskite solar cells is still lower than that of their 3D counterparts owing to the poor carrier transport. In order to improve the efficiency of 2D perovskite solar cells, the cesium (Cs) doping 2D (CMA)2MA8Pb9I28 films with an inverse gradient structure (small n quantum well (QW) located at the surface and large n QW at the bottom) are prepared. The inverse gradient QW structure has the advantages of being more moisture-resistant (small n QW protects the vulnerable large n QW from being attacked by water molecules) and favoring self-driven charge transport (type-II band alignment between different phases). The results show that the quality and thermal stability of 2D (CMA)2MA8Pb9I28 film can be effectively improved by using Cs doping. The SEM images show that the film grains become larger, and the surface is smoother and more compact with CsI content increasing. When CsI increases to 15%, the surface becomes coarse. From the XRD, it can be seen that the crystallinity of perovskite is improved with CsI doping, and it reaches saturation when CsI content increases to 10%. The PL intensity of the film with 5% CsI is higher than the others’, implying a relatively low non-radiative recombination loss and low defect state in that film. Therefore, the minority carrier average lifetime of film doped with 5% CsI is the longest. The absorption is almost unchanged when CsI is doped. The thermal stability of film can be effectively improved when CsI exceeds 10%. Considering the SEM images, crystallinity, PL intensity, light absorption and thermal stability of perovskite, the optimized CsI doped concentration is 10% in our work. Finally, the highest efficiency of (CMA)2MA8Pb9I28 perovskite solar cells doped with 10% CsI content reaches to 14.67%, with a short-circuit current density (JSC) of 23.16 mA/cm2, an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.05 V and a fill factor (FF) of 60.75%. The efficiency of the undoped cells is 10.06%, which is lower than that of CsI doped cells (10%). Therefore, CsI doping is an effective method to further improve the efficiency and thermal stability of 2D perovskite solar cells.
Numerical study on uniformity of atmospheric helium gas dielectric barrier discharge on non-smooth surface regulated by sinusoidal clipping voltage
Authors: Liu Kai , Fang Ze , Dai Dong ,   School of Electric Power, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
Published: May 2023

In practical applications of dielectric barrier discharges under atmospheric pressure, plasma usually acts on non-smooth surfaces. The electric field distortion and uneven surface charge distribution caused by its surface morphology will create an adverse effect on the uniformity and stability of the discharge. In this paper, we establish a simulation model of atmospheric pressure helium dielectric barrier discharge on a wavy lower dielectric plate, and use a sinusoidal clipping voltage to regulate the discharge uniformity. The results show that the discharge uniformity is improved compared with the unclipped case, and the discharge mode is changed from columnar mode to quasi-uniform mode. This can be attributed to the incomplete discharge dissipation caused by the reduction of air gap voltage; the subsequent electron backflow process neutralizes the the residual space electrons with the surface charge, which limits the accumulation of surface charges. With the increase of clipping ratio, the surface charge distribution becomes more uniform, and the radial fluctuation of electric field distribution weakens. In addition, the discharge efficiency is improved in a certain clipping range. This study reveals the mechanism of clipping voltage influence on non-smooth surface discharge, and provides a new idea for regulating the uniformity of dielectric barrier discharge.
Identifying liver metastasis-related hub genes in breast cancer and characterizing SPARCL1 as a potential prognostic biomarker
Authors: Chen Mingkuan , Zheng Wenfang , Fang Lin
Published: May 2023

Background

The liver is the third most common metastatic site for advanced breast cancer (BC), and liver metastases predict poor prognoses. However, the characteristic biomarkers of BC liver metastases and the biological role of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine-like 1 (SPARCL1) in BC remain unclear. The present study aimed to identify potential biomarkers for liver metastasis of BC and to investigate the effect of SPARCL1 on BC.

Methods

The publicly available GSE124648 dataset was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between BC and liver metastases. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were conducted to annotate these DEGs and understand the biological functions in which they are involved. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify metastasis-related hub genes and further validated in a second independent dataset (GSE58708). Clinicopathological correlation of hub gene expression in patients with BC was determined. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to explore DEG-related signaling pathways. SPARCL1 expression in BC tissues and cell lines was verified by RT-qPCR. Further in vitro experiments were performed to investigate the biological functions of SPARCL1 in BC cells.

Results

We identified 332 liver metastasis-related DEGs from GSE124648 and 30 hub genes, including SPARCL1, from the PPI network. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of liver-metastasis-related DEGs revealed several enriched terms associated with the extracellular matrix and pathways in cancer. Clinicopathological correlation analysis of SPARCL1 revealed that its expression in BC was associated with age, TNM stage, estrogen receptor status, progesterone receptor status, histological type, molecular type, and living status of patients. GSEA results suggested that low SPARCL1 expression in BC was related to the cell cycle, DNA replication, oxidative phosphorylation, and homologous recombination. Lower expression levels of SPARCL1 were detected in BC tissues compared to adjacent tissues. The in vitro experiments showed that SPARCL1 knockdown significantly increased the proliferation and migration of BC cells, whereas the proliferation and migration were suppressed after elevating the expression of SPARCL1.

Conclusion

We identified SPARCL1 as a tumor suppressor in BC, which shows potential as a target for BC and liver metastasis therapy and diagnosis.
Effects of bamlanivimab alone or in combination with etesevimab on subsequent hospitalization and mortality in outpatients with COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tai Yu-Lin , Lee Ming-Dar , Chi Hsin , Chiu Nan-Chang , Lei Wei-Te , Weng Shun-Long , Liu Lawrence Yu-Min , Chen Chung-Chu , Huang Shih-Yu , Huang Ya-Ning , Lin Chien-Yu
Published: May 2023

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused an enormous loss of life worldwide. The spike protein of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is the cause of its virulence. Bamlanivimab, a recombinant monoclonal antibody, has been used alone or in combination with etesevimab to provide passive immunity and improve clinical outcomes. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the therapeutic effects of bamlanivimab with or without etesevimab (BAM/ETE) treatment.

Methods

Our study was registered in PROSPERO (registry number CRD42021270206). We searched the following electronic databases, without language restrictions, until January 2023: PubMed, Embase, medRxiv, and the Cochrane database. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted based on the search results.

Results

Eighteen publications with a total of 28,577 patients were identified. Non-hospitalized patients given bamlanivimab with or without etesevimab had a significantly lower risk of subsequent hospitalization (18 trials, odds ratio (OR): 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): [0.29–0.49], I2: 69%; p < 0.01) and mortality (15 trials, OR: 0.27, 95% CI [0.17–0.43], I2: 0%; p = 0.85). Bamlanivimab monotherapy also reduced the subsequent risk of hospitalization (16 trials, OR: 0.43, 95% CI [0.34–0.54], I2: 57%; p = 0.01) and mortality (14 trials, OR: 0.28, 95% CI [0.17–0.46], I2: 0%; p = 0.9). Adverse events from these medications were uncommon and tolerable.

Conclusions

In this meta-analysis, we found the use of bamlanivimab with or without etesevimab contributed to a significantly-reduced risk of subsequent hospitalization and mortality in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients. However, resistance to monoclonal antibodies was observed in COVID-19 variants, resulting in the halting of the clinical use of BAM/ETE. Clinicians’ experiences with BAM/ETE indicate the importance of genomic surveillance. BAM/ETE may be repurposed as a potential component of a cocktail regimen in treating future COVID variants.
Comprehensive identification and expression analysis of CAMTA gene family in Phyllostachys edulis under abiotic stress
Authors: Liu Ce , Tang Dingqin
Published: May 2023

Background

Calmodulin-binding transcription factor (CAMTA) is a major transcription factor regulated by calmodulin (CaM) that plays an essential role in plant growth, development and response to biotic and abiotic stresses. The CAMTA gene family has been identified in Arabidopsis thaliana, rice (Oryza sativa) and other model plants, and its gene function in moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) has not been identified.

Results

In this study, a total of 11 CAMTA genes were identified in P. edulis genome. Conserved domain and multiplex sequence alignment analysis showed that the structure between these genes was highly similar, with all members having CG-1 domains and some members having TIG and IQ domains. Phylogenetic relationship analysis showed that the CAMTA genes were divided into five subfamilies, and gene fragment replication promoted the evolution of this gene family. Promoter analysis revealed a large number of drought stress-related cis-acting elements in PeCAMTAs, and similarly high expression of the CAMTA gene family was found in drought stress response experiments, indicating the involvement of this gene family in drought stress. Gene expression pattern according to transcriptome data revealed participation of the PeCAMTA genes in tissue development.

Conclusions

Our results present new findings for the P. edulis CAMTA gene family and provide partial experimental evidence for further validation of the function of PeCAMTAs.
Hepatic nuclear factor 4 alpha promotes the ferroptosis of lung adenocarcinoma via transcriptional activation of cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase
Authors: Besskaya Valeria , Zhang Huan , Bian Yunyi , Liang Jiaqi , Bi Guoshu , Shan Guangyao , Zhan Cheng , Lin Zongwu
Published: May 2023

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma is one of the most prevalent cancers while ferroptosis is crucial for cancer therapies. This study aims to investigate the function and mechanism of hepatic nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4A) in lung adenocarcinomas’ ferroptosis.

Materials and Methods

HNF4A expression in ferroptotic A549 cells was detected. Then HNF4A was knocked down in A549 cells while overexpressed in H23 cells. Cells with changed HNF4A expression were tested for cytotoxicity and the level of cellular lipid peroxidation. The expression of cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase (POR) expression was examined after HNF4A was knocked down or overexpressed. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative PCR (ChIP-qPCR) and dual-luciferase assays were performed to validate the regulation of HNF4A on POR. Finally, POR was restored in HNF4A-altered cells to check whether it restores the effect of HNF4A on ferroptosis.

Results

We found that HNF4A expression significantly decreased in the ferroptosis of A549 cells, and this change can be blocked by deferoxamine, an inhibitor of ferroptosis. Knockdown of HNF4A inhibited ferroptosis in A549 cells while overexpression of HNF4A promoted ferroptosis in H23 cells. We identified a key ferroptosis-related gene, POR serves as a potential target gene of HNF4A, whose expression was significantly changed in lung adenocarcinoma cells knocking down or overexpressing HNF4A. We demonstrated that HNF4A was bound to the POR’s promoter to enhance POR expression, and identified the binding sites via ChIP-qPCR and luciferase assays. Restoration of POR expression blocked the promoting effect of HNF4A on ferroptosis in lung adenocarcinoma.

Conclusion

HNF4A promotes POR expression through binding to the POR’s promoter, and subsequently promotes the ferroptosis of lung adenocarcinoma.
Prototype of a Method to Support the Walking of Visually Impaired by Detecting the Walkable Area Using Pedestrians
Authors: Murai Yasuyuki , Tatsumi Hisayuki , Ota Yumiko , Miyakawa Masahiro
Published: May 2023

The goal of this study is to support the walking of visually impaired people using AI and a small camera. It is difficult for the visually impaired to walk straight toward the target due to the characteristics of the disability. Even if they think they are walking straight, they will move off to the left and right. For this reason, they may have an accident such as falling from the platform of the train. In this report, in order to enable visually impaired people to walk safely toward the target, a small camera attached to the body captures the direction of travel, detects the area where the pedestrian can walk safely from the recorded pedestrian, and guide users there. We consider that the place where there are pedestrians is an area where we can walk safely. Pedestrians are detected from camera images using AI. Use sound to inform the user of the direction of travel. We prototyped these methods.
In-vitro Response of Gladiolus (var. American Beauty) towards Plant Growth Regulators Using Cormel Explants
Authors: Devi Khwairakpam Lily , Maitra Soumen , Mandal Manas , Thokchom Rocky
Published: May 2023

Gladiolus is one of the most potential bulbous cut flower crops cultivated widely in India due to its attractive and long lasting spikes. The plant is propagated vegetatively through corms and cormels, but due to low rate of multiplication, its cultivation is hindered. Also, it is grown through underground modified stems, they are more often attacked by soil borne diseases such as Fusarium corm rot. In-vitro propagation techniques, assumes significance, especially for securing rapid multiplication of quality planting propagules using dormant cormlet explants and media. The results of the study revealed that the MS growing medium supplemented with 2 mg/l BAP showed improved results in respect of sprouting of explants (54.46 %), days required for sprouting of explants (8.68 DAI) and shoot length at 30 (6.32 cm), 60 (12.40 cm) and 90 (13.21 cm) DAI. The in vitro regenerated gladiolus plantlets when placed in the rooting MS medium supplemented with 4 mg/l IBA showed earlier root initiation (8.31 DAI) and higher number of roots/shoot (5.37 DAI) as compared to the rest of the treatment combinations. Hardening medium consisting of garden soil + sand + vermicompost (1:1:1) showed greater survivability (50.98 %) of plantlets. Thus, the study has been initiated an efficient protocol for in-vitro propagation of gladiolus through cormlets cultured in MS media containing BAP and IBA as shooting and rooting plant growth regulators and subsequent acclimatization in garden soil + sand+ vermicompost medium.
Preoperative Anxiety and Depression among Parents of Children undergoing Anesthesia and Surgical Operations in a Tertiary Hospital in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Aggo A. T. , Okeafor C. U.
Published: May 2023

Introduction: In spite of pediatric surgical interventions being potentially curative, and the advancement in pediatric anesthesiology, the fear of morbidity and mortality still abounds among parents. Anxiety and depressive symptoms among parents of children undergoing anesthesia and surgery could threaten postoperative recovery. This study therefore assessed the prevalence and factors of preoperative parental anxiety and depression.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study comprising of parents whose children were scheduled for surgery at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Rivers State, Nigeria. Preoperative anxiety and depression were the dependent variables, and were determined based on the Hamilton Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), a validated and reliable tool. Socio-demographic and clinical-related variables comprised the independent variables. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed at 0.05 significant level.

Results: The study comprised a total of 100 parents whose children were undergoing surgical operations. The prevalence of preoperative parental anxiety and depression were 58.0% (95% CI: 48.3-67.7%) and 49.0% (95% CI:39.2-58.8%) respectively. Prevalence of preoperative parental anxiety was significantly higher among emergency surgeries (100.0%) in comparison to elective surgeries (56.5%) (p-value=0.034). The odds of preoperative parental anxiety was 50% lower with increasing existing number of children (AOR=0.505;95%CI:0.258-0.991). Parental depression had significantly lower odds with administration of general anesthesia (AOR= 0.022; 95%CI:0.001-0.701), and having higher existing number of children (AOR= 0.505; 95%CI:0.258-0.991).

Conclusion: The prevalence rates of preoperative anxiety and depression in the study setting are high. The findings highlight the need for evaluation of parental anxiety and depression pre-operatively especially those with single or lower number of children.
The Rise of Nanotechnology- Food Processing and Packaging
Authors: Kaur Harpreet , Ayoub Anjum , Kaur Sukhmandeep
Published: May 2023

The main concern of food processing is to satisfy the demand of excellent quality product and safety concerns related to product. Nanotechnology has contributed a lot in the area of eatable production, preservation and wrapping by increasing the product shelf life. The applications are not limited up to fresh foods, novel food products are also being designed through nano-delivery systems which act as food supplement carriers in the process. Packaging materials based on nanotechnology provides better barrier and mechanical properties with an opportunity of preservation, achieved by controlled release of preservatives or antimicrobials. Here, an outline has been specified on nanotechnology applications in the areas of food production, preservation and packaging.