bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Locating Logic Faculty in the Mental System
Authors: Md Amin Mohamed Eusuff
Published: September 2022

Taken from Chomsky’s Knowledge of Language (1986), it is noted that logical form (LF) is not a direct reflection of deep structure (D-structure). It has induced a question, where is then 'logic' located in the human psychology (in the sense of the mind-system) if it is not in the D-structure. To answer this question, we will try to see how different languages (in this paper, English, Malay and Turkish) are structured differently on the surface (S-structure) yet can have the same internal syntax (D-structure). However, when there is a change in semantics (in the sense of intended meaning), a change in LF is noted, although the D-structure might remain the same. Making sense of this, we argue that D-structure is not the innermost faculty of the human innate system (mind) but rather, how S-structure is to D-structure, that is how D-structure is to the human logic faculty. In other words, with D-structure, logic faculty is more profound.
Psychoeducation and Family Intervention by Parents of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Sin Beaverly Swee Yan , Lee Ai Cheng Julia
Published: September 2022

Attention Deficiency Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that encompasses attention deficit and/or hyperactivity-impulsive issues. Parents, teachers, and caregivers are responsible for identifying children with ADHD by observing their social and emotional behaviour, examining their retention ability, and identifying their learning problems to provide the necessary remediation. This comprehensive review of over 54 articles examining the effectiveness of psychoeducation and suitable home-based therapy for children with ADHD was published between 1987 and 2022. It analysed concrete strategies parents can apply in delivering constructive teaching and training techniques for their children with ADHD in the home setting. Findings showed that the parental role is crucial in helping children with ADHD to self-regulate, reducing symptoms and potential comorbidities of ADHD, overcoming learning disabilities and improving the parent-children relationship via psychoeducation and family intervention.
PENGEMBANGAN EKSTRAKURIKULER KEAGAMAAN DAN UPAYA PENANAMAN AKHLAK DI SEKOLAH
Authors: Al Farabi Mohammad , Hamdani Maja
Published: September 2022

Abstract: This study aims to examine and analyze the model of religious extracurricular development and efforts to inculcate morals in schools, where the subject of this research is based on al-Washliyah 80 Kisaran Elementary School. This study uses qualitative methods with data collection techniques using observation, interviews and documentation, while data analysis consisting of data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of this study are (1) the religious extracurricular development model was developed through three models of developing teaching materials, namely the model of teaching materials based on a science approach; model of teaching materials based on an integrated thematic approach; and a model of teaching materials based on the direction learning approach. The three models of teaching materials are carried out in a measurable and systematic way so that they are able to have a good impact on the cultivation of morality in students at Al-Washliyah 80 Kisaran Elementary School.Keywords: Development Models; Teaching Materials; Religious Extracurriculars
PEMBENTUKAN KARAKTER RELIGIUS SISWA MELALUI PROGRAM FULL DAY SCHOOL DI SEKOLAH MENENGAH PERTAMA (SMP) ISLAMIC QON GRESIK KOTA BARU (GKB) GRESIK
Authors: Muizzuddin M. , Siska Siska
Published: September 2022

Abstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendalami Pembentukan Karakter Religius Siswa Melalui Program Full Day School di Sekolah Menengah Pertama (SMP) Islamic Qon Gresik kota Baru (GKB) Gresik. Teori yang digunakan dalam analisi pembahasan penelitian ini menggunakan teori Thomas Lickona. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif diskriptif dengan pendekatan studi kasus dengan analisi data miles Huberman dan saldana. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa dalam pembentukan karakter religious siswa di Sekolah Menengah Pertama (SMP) Islamic Qon sejalan dengan teori yang dicetuskan oleh Thomas Lickona. Hambatan yang dialami oleh sekolah dalam pembentukan karakter ini adalah perbedaan kemapuan siswa sehingga mengharuskan guru memberikan pendampingan yang lebih terhadap peserta didik yang yang mempunyai kemampuan dibawah rata-rata siswa.Keyword: Pendidikan Karakter, Karakter Religius, Full Day School
INTERNALISASI NILAI-NILAI ASWAJA MELALUI PENGAJIAN KITAB AL-MUQTATHAFAT DI ORGANISASI PAC IPNU-IPPNU DUDUK SAMPEYAN GRESIK
Authors: Maftuh Maftuh , Rofiqoh Rofiqoh
Published: September 2022

Abstract: A great nation is discernible in the quality or character of the nation (man) itself. Character building is something of temporal and spiritual competence. One of the defining characteristics of future nations is youth. But looking closely at the issues this beloved nation faces on a daily basis, causes concern, where generations of intelligent people lack an awareness of the importance of moral values and civility and essential values in social life. it is very important to breed amaliyah which print muslims that continue to grow in this regard. Faith, obedience to Allah, and glory. Like amaliyah. Amaliyah was done by nahdlatul scholars' citizens who have become a culture in our daily lives. So, through the practice of teaching the book of al-mugtathofat in the ipnu-ippnu organization that became the place of character building on young people who conform to aswaja values. The problem discussed is: 1) how does the ipnu-ippnu pac organization play Sampeyan gresik in imposing aswaja values? 2) how the process of scripture study activities al-muqtathafat in organitation IPNU-IPPNU PAC Duduk Sampeyan Gresik. The study employs a descriptive qualitative approach, with data analysis using data reduction, data presentation and deduction, so that the data obtained will produce naturally descriptive data, as for the data-collecting techniques using observation, interview and documentation and for the validity of the data relating to source, technik and time. Research shows: 1) the implanting of aswaja values Shared by IPNU-IPPNU PAC Duduk Sampeyan gresik is done through activities carried out either religious or public. Using aswaja kmowing and aswaja feeling. 2) the process of scripture muqtathofat in PAC IPNU IPPNU Duduk Sampeyan uses the method of speech and also aims to instill aswaja values to apply to his environment.Keyword: Ahlussunah wal jamaâ€™ah, reciting the book (al-Muqtathafat), IPNU-IPPNU
PERANCANGAN PLATE HEAT EXCHANGER SEBAGAI HIGH TEMPERATURE SHORT TIME PASTEURIZER SUSU
Authors: Sholikhah Mar’atus , Moentamaria Dwina
Published: September 2022

Pasteurisasi merupakan salah satu proses penting pada industri olahan susu untuk membunuh mikroorganisme  patogen. Proses pasteurisasi di industri dengan skala relatif besar biasanya menggunakan heat exchanger (HE),  dilakukan secara kontinyu dengan metode Low Temperature Long Time (LTLT) pada 72℃ selama 30 menit dan  High Temperature Short Time (HTST) pada 72℃ selama 15 detik. Efisiensi utilitas, perawatan mudah, higienis,  serta koefisien perpindahan panas lebih tinggi dibanding jenis HE yang lain, menjadikan plate heat exchanger (PHE) dengan sistem HTST sebagai alternatif metode pasteurisasi susu yang baik. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah  merancang PHE dengan metode HTST untuk pasteurisasi dengan laju alir masuk 1.000 kg susu /jam. Metode  perancangan PHE dilakukan dengan menentukan laju aliran susu masuk, suhu masuk dan keluar serta kondisi  properti aliran susu dingin dan panas. Flow arrangement, number of passes dan karakteristik pelat ditentukan  terlebih dahulu untuk membantu perhitungan. Berdasarkan hasil perhitungan, diperoleh spesifikasi rancangan  yang cocok digunakan untuk pasteurisasi susu skala industri yaitu dimensi panjang x lebar pelat sebesar 0,68 m  x 0,4 m, tebal pelat 0,005 m, serta jumlah pelat pada masing-masing bagian cooling, regenerating, dan heating,  yaitu 33, 118, 231, membutuhkan 52,04 kg/jam air panas bersuhu 850C, dan tidak membutuhkan air pendingin  dari unit utilitas.
STUDI LITERATUR PERENCANAAN BISNIS PEMBUATAN DISPROPORTIONATED ROSIN SEBAGAI KOMIDITI EKSPOR DENGAN BAHAN BAKU GONDORUKEM
Authors: Salsabila Afifa , Chumaidi Achmad
Published: September 2022

Indonesia merupakan salah satu negara yang kaya akan hasil hutan bukan kayu yaitu pohon pinus merkusii.  Pohon pinus merkusii dapat menghasilkan getah pinus yang memiliki dua produk yaitu gondorukem dan  terpentin. Gondorukem modifikasi dapat menghasilkan produk Disproportionated Rosin (DPR) yang bernilai  tinggi dan diminati oleh pasar dalam negeri maupun luar negeri dengan nilai komoditi ekspor hingga 80% dan  sisanya 20% untuk kebutuhan dalam negeri. Tujuan dari studi literatur ini adalah mengetahui analisis  perhitungan ekonomi DPR dengan bahan baku gondorukem berkapasitas 2700 ton/tahun dan mengetahui daya  saing gondorukem sebagai komoditi ekspor di Indonesia dengan membandingkan harga gondorukem Indonesia,  Cina, Brazil dan dunia. Studi literatur ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode analisis ekonomi yaitu dengan mencari nilai Total Capital Investment (TCI), kelayakan pabrik untuk didirikan dan menganalisis daya saing  komoditi ekspor DPR dengan perhitungan Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) untuk dibandingkan antara  harga gondorukem Indonesia dengan dunia. Berdasarkan hasil perhitungan analisis ekonomi diperoleh  keuntungan sebesar Rp. 30.263.407.337 jika kurs dollar pada angka Rp. 14.650,00 dengan nilai RCA>1. Dapat  dikatakan bahwa gondorukem memiliki Indonesia daya saing komoditi ekspor kepada dunia, dan pabrik DPR  layak untuk didirikan dengan kapasitas produksi sebesar 2700 ton/tahun. Dengan studi literatur ini diharapkan  gondorukem dapat bersaing dengan dunia sebagai daya komoditi ekspor, sumber pendapatan ekonomi dan  menambah devisa negara dengan mencukupi kebutuhan ekspor.
PENGARUH PENAMBAHAN PAC TERHADAP TINGKAT KEKERUHAN PADA PROSES PENJERNIHAN AIR SUNGAI DI PERUMDA DELTA TIRTA - SIDOARJO
Authors: Prianti Chrisly Dyzha , Hadiantoro Sigit , Prastijono Prastijono
Published: September 2022

Air tidak dapat dipisahkan dari kehidupan manusia khususnya air bersih. Ketersediaan air bersih saat ini sudah  sangat menipis. Namun Kebutuhan terhadap air bersih semakin meningkat, sehingga perlu adanya penetian  pengolahan air sungai yang berada dekat dengan masyarakat untuk digunakan dalam kehidupan sehari-hari.  Pada umumnya, pengolahan air dilakukan dengan penambahan bahan-bahan kimia tertentu (koagulan,  pengatur pH, dan disinfektan) ke dalam air. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh  konsentrasi PAC terhadap tingkat kekeruhan air sungai di PERUMDA Delta Tirta-Sidoarjo. Proses utama yang  dilakukan untuk pengolahan air baku menjadi air bersih adalah proses koagulasi menggunakan koagulan. Salah  satu bahan yang digunakan sebagai koagulan adalah PAC karena mudah didapat dan ekonomis. Pada penelitian ini, dilakukan proses pengolahan air sungai di PERUMDA Delta Tirta-Sidoarjo menggunakan proses koagulasi  dengan variabel konsentrasi PAC sebesar 177, 185, 193, 201, dan 209 ppm. Hasil yang didapatkan adalah  semakin besar konsentrasi PAC menyebabkan tingkat kekeruhan air semakin kecil. Hal ini menandakan bahwa  kualitas air semakin baik dan semua hasil yang didapatkan sudah sesuai dengan baku mutu.
STUDI PENGARUH INJEKSI MEG TERHADAP %MASS OF RICH MEG DAN HYDRATE FORMATION TEMPERATURE PADA GAS PROCESS MENGGUNAKAN SIMULASI HYSYS V12
Authors: Aqnivia Imelda Nur , Lusiani Cucuk Evi , Noersoesanto Eko , Noviarto Bonifasius  K. , Uzlah Pandega I.
Published: September 2022

Unit pengolahan gas alam seperti Dew Point Control Unit (DPCU) dirancang untuk mengurangi senyawa pengotor seperti uap air, hidrokarbon berat, CO2, senyawa BTEX (Benzene-Toluene-Ethylbenzene-Xylene), senyawa sulfur, dll. Pengotor tersebut dapat dihilangkan melalui proses  pendinginan gas alam pada suhu rendah untuk mengembunkan senyawa impurities sehingga dapat dipisahkan dari gas metana. Namun permasalahan yang sering dihadapi di lapangan adalah ketika  suhu operasi diturunkan serendah mungkin pada tekanan tinggi dapat menyebabkan terbentuknya  metana hydrate di DPCU. Untuk mencegah terbentuknya hydrate di Gajah Baru Central Process Platform dilakukan injeksi MEG (Mono-ethylene Glycol). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan pengaruh injeksi MEG terhadap %mass of rich MEG dan hydrate formation temperature dari gas  process dengan low molecular weight (16,54 lb/mol) dan low water content (0,0056 fraksi mol). Dalam praktiknya, simulasi ini dilakukan menggunakan software Hysys V12 dengan model  termodinamika yaitu Peng-Robinson. Variabel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah volumetric  rate dari MEG (dari 0 hingga 13,5 USGPM), molar flow rate dari gas process (72,5 dan 235 MMSCFD), serta tekanan dari Low Pressure Compressor (500 dan 660 psig) pada suhu operasi di Low  Temperature Separator (LTS) sebesar 40o˚F. Hasil simulasi menunjukkan bahwa injeksi MEG dapat  mengurangi pembentukan hydrate di gas process yang dibuktikan dengan semakin tinggi molar flow  rate dari gas process menyebabkan nilai %mass of rich MEG semakin meningkat (39,33% pada 660 psi dan 34,56% pada 500 psi). Tingginya nilai %mass of rich MEG menyebabkan nilai hydrate formation temperature menjadi semakin rendah (seperti yang terjadi pada Case A = 24,5348o˚F dan Case D = 23,9904o˚F).
PENGARUH JENIS KOAGULAN DAN VARIASI PH TERHADAP KUALITAS LIMBAH CAIR DI INSTALASI PENGOLAHAN AIR LIMBAH PT KAWASAN INDUSTRI INTILAND
Authors: Hutabarat Dicky Morina , Witasari Wianthi Septia , Baskoro Rio
Published: September 2022

PT Kawasan Industri Intiland merupakan salah satu Kawasan Industri di Indonesia tepatnya di Ngoro Mojokerto yang memiliki Instalasi Pengolahan Air Limbah (IPAL). IPAL ini merupakan bentuk kepedulian terhadap  lingkungan guna mengolah limbah dari proses produksi pabrik yang ada di dalam kawasan. IPAL ini menggunakan system pengolahan biologi lumpur aktif yang digabung dengan pengolahan kimia menggunakan  metode koagulasi-flokulasi. Salah satu faktor dalam keberhasilan proses koagulasi-flokulasi adalah  penambahan bahan kimia sebagai koagulan dan kondisi pH pada air limbah. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah  menganalisis pengaruh jenis koagulan dan pengaruh variasi pH pengolahan terhadap penurunan kadar  pencemar air limbah pada unit koagulasi-flokulasi. Penelitian dilakukan pada skala Laboratorium menggunakan  metode Jar test pada pengadukan cepat 100 rpm dan pengadukan lambat 50 rpm. Koagulan yang digunakan  adalah Al2(SO4)3, FeCl3, FeSO4, dan Ca(OH)2. Flokulan yang digunakan jenis Poly Anionic Acrylamide. Variasi pH  dilakukan pada pengolahan pH 7, 8, dan 9. COD, TSS dan Kekeruhan adalah parameter yang dianalisis pada  penelitian ini. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa koagulan FeCl3 dengan variasi pH 8 paling efektif  menurunkan kadar COD, TSS, dan kekeruhan dengan nilai masing-masing parameter tersebut yaitu kadar COD  160 mg/L, kadar TSS 16 mg/L, dan kadar kekeruhan 21 NTU.
PERHITUNGAN REFLUX PADA KOLOM III STASIUN DISTILASI DI PT X LUMAJANG
Authors: Artika Dian Islamiati , Sudarminto Hadi Priya , Wahyudi Fajar
Published: September 2022

Bahan yang digunakan berasal dari tetes tebu dari pabrik gula yang ada di Lumajang, proses pembuatan alkohol  menggunakan metode distilasi sehingga menghasilkan produk alkohol yang diinginkan kadarnya (96,5%).  Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui angka reflux dan untuk mengetahui nilai koreksi reflux actual sesuai  dengan nilai reflux yang disarankan referensi. Nilai reflux harus diketahui agar dapat mengoptimalkan kinerja  alat tersebut agar proses dapat berjalan dengan hasil akhir yang maksimal tanpa harus membuang energi dan  produk yang berlebih. Kondisi proses reflux pada PT X Lumajang didapatkan dari produk atas kolom 3 stasiun  distilasi dengan input etanol 795 kg/jam, air 4.505 kg/jam dan steam 830 kg/jam dengan keluaran atas yaitu  etanol 511,66 kg/jam, air 8,34 kg/jam dan keluaran bawah 5.600 kg/jam dan less sebesar 10 kg/jam. R  optimum berkisar 1,2 – 1,5 Rmin, berdasarkan penelitian yang dilakukan nilai reflux yang dihasilkan pada kolom  3 stasiun distilasi PT X Lumajang yaitu 4,29 didapatkan dari Ln/D dengan Ln sebesar 49,6 dan D sebesar 11,57.  Rm sebesar 1,4 didapatkan dari xD/Rm+1 yang mana xD sebesar 96% dan Rm+1 sebesar 2,4. R optimum  sebesar 1,68 didapatkan dari 1,2 x Rm yang mana Rm sebesar 1,4 dan didapatkan koreksi reflux aktual sebesar  1,55. Pengaruh reflux terhadap jumlah dan konsentrasi distilat yang dihasilkan pada stasiun distilasi adalah  apabila nilai reflux semakin tinggi maka jumlah distilat yang dihasilkan semakin sedikit akan tetapi  konsentrasinya tinggi begitu pula sebaliknya.
Optimal Allocation of Distributed Generation, Capacitor Banks and
D-STATCOM in Distribution Systems
Authors: Salkuti Surender Reddy
Published: September 2022

This paper demonstrates the problem of simultaneous optimal allocation of distributed generations (DGs), shunt capacitor banks (CBs), and distribution FACTSs based D-STATCOMs in distribution network for the improvement of the entire system performance. Here, two objectives, total power loss minimization, and overall voltage stability index (VSI) maximization are considered. In general, minimization of power loss is the primary objective, and VSI is considered for improved voltage stability. VSI must be positive to obtain a stable operation and a higher VSI value represents better stability of the RDS. These objectives are solved subject to constraints related to power balance, DGs, CBs, D-STATCOM powers, bus voltages, and VSI. Here, single objective problem is solved using Particle swarm optimization (PSO), and the multi-objective problem is solved using multi-objective PSO (MO-PSO). Standard 33 bus RDS is considered for solving this problem. The results obtained show that proposed optimization has improved the voltage profile and overall VSI of the RDS and minimized the system power losses.
Diabetic Retinopathy Binary Image Classification Using Pyspark
Authors: Kotiyal Bina , Pathak Heman
Published: September 2022

Diabetic Retinopathy is a significant complication of diabetes, caused by a high blood sugar level, which damages the retina. In its earliest stages, diabetic retinopathy is asymptomatic and can lead to blindness if not discovered and treated promptly. As a result, there is a need for a reliable screening method. According to studies, this problem affects a large section of the population, and it is thus linked to Big Data. There are several obstacles and issues with Big Data, but Deep Learning is providing solutions to these issues. As a result, academics are extremely interested in Big Data with Deep Learning. It has been our goal in this study to employ effective preprocessing and Deep Learning approaches to accomplish binary classification of Diabetic Retinopathy. The experiment is done out using a dataset from Kaggle that was collected from India. The peculiarity of the paper is that the work is implemented on the Spark platform, and the performance of three models, InceptionV3, Xception, and VGG19 with the Logistic Regression classifier is compared. The accuracy of the models is used as a comparison criterion. Based on the results of the trial, the accuracy of InceptionV3 is 95 percent, the accuracy of Xception is 92.50 percent, and the accuracy of VGG19 is 89.94 percent. Consequently, InceptionV3 outperforms the other two models.
Cost Optimization using Genetic Algorithm in Customers Intolerance Markovian Model with Working Vacation and Multiple Working Breakdowns
Authors: Jain Anamika , Raychaudhuri Chandrima
Published: September 2022

In this paper we consider a single server queueing model with working vacation and multiple working breakdowns. When on vacation, the server works at a different pace. Disturbances occur in the server due to multiple breakdowns. In working breakdowns server works at a different rate. During the time of interruption caused by working vacation and working breakdowns, the main server can find many implementations in operation. Both the server's lifespan and the time it takes to repair it are considered to be exponentially dispersed. Also, we have considered balking and reneging behaviours of customers. The stationary queue length distribution is computed using a matrix-analytic technique. Using Genetic Algorithm (GA) we optimize the cost function. The predicted length of a busy period, the expected length of a working vacation period, the expected length of a working breakdown period, the mean waiting time, and the average delay are all established. We compute numerical results to verify the analytical point of view. The effect of individual parameters is investigated using sensitivity analysis.
New genomic techniques and their European Union reform. Potential policy changes and their implications
Authors: Zimny Tomasz
Published: September 2022

The article discusses amendment options (no significant change, lowering of administrative burdens or exemption of certain products from the legislation) for the European Union (EU) authorization procedures of New Genomic Techniques’ (NGT) products and their consequences for the sector and research institutions, particularly in the context of internal functioning, placing products on the market and international trade. A reform of the EU regulatory system requires a change in the procedures for the authorization of NGT products, otherwise EU researchers and investors may still be at a competitive disadvantage (as compared to Argentina, Brazil, Canada, United States or the United Kingdom) due to the inefficiency of the current system and the committee procedure for authorization. New legislation, currently being adopted in the United Kingdom is also presented for comparison.
Biodegradable membrane of poly(l-lactide acid-dioxanone-glycolide) and stereocomplex poly(lactide) with enhanced crystallization and biocompatibility
Authors: Fan Tiantang , Qin Jingwen , Meng Xiao , Li Jiafeng , Liu Qing , Wang Guannan
Published: September 2022

The membranes of poly(l-lactide acid-p-dioxanone-glycolide) (PLPG) with stereocomplex poly(lactic acid) (sc-PLA) were prepared by the solution blending way. It was observed that sc-PLA significantly heightened the crystallizing behavior of PLLA segments of the PLPG matrix. The crystallizing behavior displayed that the temperature of crystallization shifted to a higher range than that of PLPG. Moreover, the half-time of crystallization sharply decreased in value as the sc-PLA content increased in value on account of the pre-eminent nucleation ability of sc-PLA. TGA results revealed the thermal stability of the samples with the increase of sc-PLA compared to PLPG. Meanwhile, enzymatic degradation results indicated that the mass loss rate of the membrane decreased with the introduction of sc-PLA, but the overall degradation ability was still greater than that of PLLA. In the meantime, the biological experiment indicated that the membrane possessed low cytotoxicity.
miRNA mediated downregulation of cyclase-associated protein 1 (CAP1) is required for myoblast fusion
Authors: Singh Anurag Kumar , Rai Amrita , Weber Anja , Posern Guido
Published: September 2022

Myoblast fusion is essential for the formation, growth, and regeneration of skeletal muscle, but the molecular mechanisms that govern fusion and myofiber formation remain poorly understood. Past studies have shown an important role of the actin cytoskeleton and actin regulators in myoblast fusion. The Cyclase-Associated Proteins (CAP) 1 and 2 recently emerged as critical regulators of actin treadmilling in higher eukaryotes including mammals. Whilst the role of CAP2 in skeletal muscle development and function is well characterized, involvement of CAP1 in this process remains elusive. Here we report that CAP1, plays a critical role in cytoskeletal remodeling during myoblast fusion and formation of myotubes. Cap1 mRNA and protein are expressed in both murine C2C12 and human LHCN-M2 myoblasts, but their abundance decreases during myogenic differentiation. Perturbing the temporally controlled expression of CAP1 by overexpression or CRISPR-Cas9 mediated knockout impaired actin rearrangement, myoblast alignment, expression of profusion molecules, differentiation into multinucleated myotubes, and myosin heavy chain expression. Endogenous Cap1 expression is post-transcriptionally downregulated during differentiation by canonical myomiRs miR-1, miR-133, and miR-206, which have conserved binding sites at the 3′ UTR of the Cap1 mRNA. Deletion of the endogenous 3′ UTR by CRISPR-Cas9 in C2C12 cells phenocopies overexpression of CAP1 by inhibiting myotube formation. Our findings implicates Cap1 and its myomiR-mediated downregulation in the myoblast fusion process and the generation of skeletal muscle.
An “on-off-on” fluorescence probe for glyphosate detection based on Cu2+ modulated g-C3N4 nanosheets
Authors: Qin Yingfeng , Huang Ruiqi , Ye Gao-Jie
Published: September 2022

The analysis of glyphosate is essential to agricultural production, environment protection and public health. Herein, we proposed a fast and convenient “on-off-on” fluorescence platform for sensitive detection of glyphosate via Cu2+ modulated g-C3N4 nanosheets. The fluorescence of the system was quenched by Cu2+. With the presence of glyphosate, the fluorescence could be restored due to the formation of Cu2+- glyphosate complex. The proposed method was cost-effective with label-free and enzyme-free. Moreover, it exhibits high sensitivity with a low detection limit of 0.01 μg/ml. Furthermore, the proposed method has been successfully monitored glyphosate in real samples.
Blood pressure response to exercise in children and adolescents
Authors: Alvarez-Pitti Julio , Herceg-Čavrak Vesna , Wójcik Małgorzata , Radovanović Dragan , Brzeziński Michał , Grabitz Carl , Wühl Elke , Drożdż Dorota , Melk Anette
Published: September 2022

Blood pressure changes during exercise are part of the physiological response to physical activity. Exercise stress testing can detect an exaggerated blood pressure response in children and adolescent. It is applied for certain clinical conditions, but is also commonly used as part of the assessment of athletes. The interpretation of blood pressure values in response to exercise during childhood and adolescence requires appropriate reference data. We discuss the available reference values and their limitations with regard to device, exercise protocol and normalization. While the link between an exaggerated blood pressure response and cardiovascular events and mortality has been demonstrated for adults, the situation is less clear for children and adolescents. We discuss the existing evidence and propose that under certain circumstances it might be reasonable to have children and adolescents undergo exercise stress testing as a rather non-invasive procedure to add additional information with regard to their cardiovascular risk profile. Based on the existing data future studies are needed to extend our current knowledge on possible links between the presence of certain clinical conditions, the detectability of an exaggerated blood pressure response during childhood and adolescence and the risk of developing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in later life.
Sox13 is a novel flow-sensitive transcription factor that prevents inflammation by repressing chemokine expression in endothelial cells
Authors: Demos Catherine , Johnson Janie , Andueza Aitor , Park Christian , Kim Yerin , Villa-Roel Nicolas , Kang Dong-Won , Kumar Sandeep , Jo Hanjoong
Published: September 2022

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease and occurs preferentially in arterial regions exposed to disturbed blood flow (d-flow) while the stable flow (s-flow) regions are spared. D-flow induces endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis by regulating endothelial gene expression partly through the flow-sensitive transcription factors (FSTFs). Most FSTFs, including the well-known Kruppel-like factors KLF2 and KLF4, have been identified from in vitro studies using cultured endothelial cells (ECs). Since many flow-sensitive genes and pathways are lost or dysregulated in ECs during culture, we hypothesized that many important FSTFs in ECs in vivo have not been identified. We tested the hypothesis by analyzing our recent gene array and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) and chromatin accessibility sequencing (scATACseq) datasets generated using the mouse partial carotid ligation model. From the analyses, we identified 30 FSTFs, including the expected KLF2/4 and novel FSTFs. They were further validated in mouse arteries in vivo and cultured human aortic ECs (HAECs). These results revealed 8 FSTFs, SOX4, SOX13, SIX2, ZBTB46, CEBPβ, NFIL3, KLF2, and KLF4, that are conserved in mice and humans in vivo and in vitro. We selected SOX13 for further studies because of its robust flow-sensitive regulation, preferential expression in ECs, and unknown flow-dependent function. We found that siRNA-mediated knockdown of SOX13 increased endothelial inflammatory responses even under the unidirectional laminar shear stress (ULS, mimicking s-flow) condition. To understand the underlying mechanisms, we conducted an RNAseq study in HAECs treated with SOX13 siRNA under shear conditions (ULS vs. oscillatory shear mimicking d-flow). We found 94 downregulated and 40 upregulated genes that changed in a shear- and SOX13-dependent manner. Several cytokines, including CXCL10 and CCL5, were the most strongly upregulated genes in HAECs treated with SOX13 siRNA. The robust induction of CXCL10 and CCL5 was further validated by qPCR and ELISA in HAECs. Moreover, the treatment of HAECs with Met-CCL5, a specific CCL5 receptor antagonist, prevented the endothelial inflammation responses induced by siSOX13. In addition, SOX13 overexpression prevented the endothelial inflammation responses. In summary, SOX13 is a novel conserved FSTF, which represses the expression of pro-inflammatory chemokines in ECs under s-flow. Reduction of endothelial SOX13 triggers chemokine expression and inflammatory responses, a major proatherogenic pathway.
Does Dapagliflozin influence arterial stiffness and levels of circulating anti-aging hormone soluble Klotho in people with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease? Results of a randomized parallel group clinical trial
Authors: Karalliedde Janaka , Fountoulakis Nikos , Stathi Dimitra , Corcillo Antonella , Flaquer Maria , Panagiotou Angeliki , Maltese Giuseppe , Mangelis Anastasios , Ayis Salma , Gnudi Luigi
Published: September 2022

Objective

The mechanisms that explain the cardio-renal benefits of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors are unknown. The effect of SGLT-2 inhibitors on arterial aging, measured by Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity (Ao-PWV) and Soluble Klotho (s-Klotho), a circulating anti-aging biomarker of arterial health are also unclear.

Design/Setting

A 24-week single center randomized controlled trial (registry number/ EudraCT Number: 2013-004042-42) comparing Dapagliflozin and Ramipril (D+R) versus Ramipril (R) on the primary endpoint of urine albumin excretion rate (AER) and pre-specified secondary endpoints of Ao-PWV and biomarkers of arterial aging [s-Klotho and Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF-23)]. People with type 2 diabetes who had estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 60 ml/min and residual microalbuminuria on maximum tolerated renin angiotensin system (RAS) inhibition were included in this study.

Results

In total, 33 participants (male 73%) were randomized to either D+R (n = 17) or R (n = 16) arms. After 24 weeks of treatment, Ao-PWV (mean ± SD) did not change significantly from baseline D +R [9.06 ± 1.91 m/s to 9.13 ± 2.03 m/s], and R [9.88 ± 2.12 m/s to 10.0 ± 1.84 m/s]. AER fell significantly by 43.5% (95% CI: −57.36%, −29.56%; p < 0.01) in people in the D+ R arm only. We do not observe any significant changes in FGF-23 or s-Klotho. HbA1c and Angiotensin 1–7 fell significantly only in D + R arm.

Conclusions

The combination of Dapagliflozin and Ramipril had no effects on Ao-PWV and s-Klotho which are biomarkers of arterial aging and cardio-renal risk. Our data suggest that the early cardio-renal benefits observed with SGLT-2 inhibitors are unlikely to be related to an improvement in arterial aging.
Systematic assessment of the quality and integrity of popular mental health smartphone apps using the American Psychiatric Association's app evaluation model
Authors: Rickard Nikki S. , Kurt Perin , Meade Tanya
Published: September 2022

Mobile phones are playing an increasingly important role in supporting mental health, by providing confidential, accessible and scalable support for individuals who may not seek or have means of accessing professional help. There are concerns, however, that many apps claiming to support mental health do not meet professional, ethical or evidence-based standards. App store search algorithms favour popularity (reviews and downloads) and commercial factors (in-app purchases), with what appears to be low prioritisation of safety or effectiveness features. In this paper, the most visible 100 apps for “depression”, “anxiety” and/or “mood” on the Google Play and Apple App stores were selected for assessment using the American Psychiatric Association App Evaluation model. This model systematically assesses apps across five broad steps: accessibility, integrity, clinical and research evidence base, user engagement and interoperability. Assessment is hierarchical, with the most fundamental requirements of apps assessed first, with apps excluded at each step if they do not meet the criteria. The relationship between app quality and app store visibility was first analysed. App quality was also compared across four different app function types: mental health promotion or psychoeducation; monitoring or tracking; assessment or prevention; and intervention or treatment. Of the 92 apps assessed (after eight failed to meet inclusion criteria), half failed to meet the first criterion step of accessibility, and a further 20% of the remaining apps failed to meet the second criterion step of security and privacy. Only three of the 10 apps most visible on app stores met the criteria for research/clinical base and engagement/ease of use, and only one app fulfilled all five criterion steps of the evaluation model. Quality did not differ significantly across app function type. There was no significant correlation between app quality and app store visibility, which presents a potential risk to vulnerable consumers. The findings of this review highlight the need for greater accountability of app developers to meet, and report, at least minimum quality and integrity standards for their apps. Recommendations are also provided to assist users and clinicians to make informed choices in their selection of reputable and effective mental health apps.
COMSOL-based investigation of the characteristics of microscopic water flooding and residual oil distribution in carbonate reservoirs
Authors: Jia Pin , Guo Hongxin , Wang Yichen , Peng Cong , Cheng Linsong , Ke Xianzhe
Published: September 2022

Carbonate reservoirs are rich in oil and gas reserves; thus, they have great exploitation potential. Therefore research on the microscopic mechanisms of carbonate reservoirs is of great significance. Based on the thin section images of core castings of typical Well 555 and its pore and fracture features in actual reservoirs, this study designed three kinds of images representing the pore and throat structure of real rocks by applying image stitching and binarization processing methods. A microscopic pore model of carbonate rocks was then established using COMSOL numerical simulation software. The microscopic water flooding characteristics and residual oil distributions of different schemes were observed by designing different fracture development forms. The fractures that developed in parallel main lines showed a more obvious influence on water flooding characteristics compared to fractures that developed in vertical main lines. The cluster residual oil was the main residual oil type in the early stage of water flooding in the pure matrix model. With the progress of water flooding, the continuous cluster residual oil gradually turned into mainly discontinuous porous and columnar residual oils. Vertical mainline fractures reduced the amount of residual oil in clusters and replaced it with columnar residual oil. In contrast, parallel main line fractures expanded the unswept area, with the residual oil appearing in contiguous clusters. This study microscopically analyzed the law and characteristics of water flooding in carbonate reservoirs to provide key theoretical support for enhancing oil recovery.
Experimental study on compatibility of reservoir and polymer gel profile control agent
Authors: Yang Sen , Shu Zheng , Zhang Qunshuang , Zhao Yuanshou , Chen Zongli , Zhang Lei
Published: September 2022

The coupling relationship between polymer gel system and reservoir pores is an important basis for scientific formulation of tertiary oil recovery programs. The polymer gel profile control agent can significantly modify the fluid migration path inside the reservoir. In this study, artificial cores were used to carry out indoor water flooding experiments after polymer gel injection that considering formation permeability, polymer concentration and polymer injection rates. Based on the accurate records of the breakthrough pressure and injection volume during water flooding, as well as a large number of observations of the microscopic morphology of the cores after the polymer gel profile control and displacement, a set of criteria for determining reservoir-matched polymer gel profile control agents is proposed. The experimental results show that a complex spatial network structure is formed after the gelation of the polymer gel system. As the polymer concentration increases, the network structure of the gel system becomes denser. At the same time, the unit network structure is becoming smaller, and the order of the grid chain structure becomes clearer. Under the condition of low polymer concentrations, the backbone structures of the gel are obvious, but there are a lot of fine pores. When the polymer concentration is greater than 1,500 mg/L and the injection rate is less than 0.15 ml/min, the water flooding breakthrough pressure is greater than 0.2 MPa, the plugging rate is greater than 95%, and a good plugging effect is obtained.
Imitating the effects of drilling fluid invasion on the strength behaviors of hydrate-bearing sediments: An experimental study
Authors: Pei Jun , Wei Na , Zhang Boning , Zhao Jinzhou , Kvamme Bjørn , Coffin Richard B. , Li Haitao , Bai Ruiling
Published: September 2022

The drilling fluid invasion into hydrate-bearing sediments will change the geomechanical properties of the reservoir and may lead to uncontrolled geological disasters in the worst case. Native sediments are replaced with artificial samples in this study to investigate the effect of drilling fluid invasion on the strength behaviors of hydrate-bearing sediments. The triaxial test is used primarily to assess the strength behaviors of hydrate-bearing sediments at varying temperatures, pressures, and hydrate saturation levels. The process of water-based drilling fluid penetrating into hydrate-bearing sediments is then experimentally imitated under various experimental conditions, with reservoir temperature of 4°C and pore pressure of 10 MPa. The possible repercussions of drilling fluid invasion and hydrate phase transition are identified by testing the mechanical properties of sediments under various invasion times and temperatures. The findings reveal that when hydrate saturation rises from 5% to 35%, the gas hydrate sediments shift from strain hardening to strain softening, with the critical hydrate saturation value of transition is between 15% and 25%. Peak strength increases with increasing hydrate saturation and pressure, and decreases with increasing temperature, whether drilling fluid invasion is present or not. The peak strength, Young’s modulus, shear modulus, and secant modulus of hydrate sediments all decreased significantly after drilling fluid invasion, although the Poisson’s ratio rose. These mechanical parameters are related to temperature and pressure under the action of drilling fluid. Finally, engineering and research recommendations for reducing the risk of drilling fluid invasion and hydrate dissociation are made based on experimental findings and theoretical analysis. This study innovatively examine the geomechanical mechanical properties of drilling fluid invading hydrate reservoir, which is critical for avoiding production concerns.
Teachers’ visual inspection of Curriculum-Based Measurement progress graphs: An exploratory, descriptive eye-tracking study
Authors: van den Bosch Roxette M. , Espin Christine A. , Sikkema-de Jong Maria T. , Chung Siuman , Boender Priscilla D. M. , Saab Nadira
Published: September 2022

In this exploratory descriptive study, we use eye-tracking technology to examine teachers’ visual inspection of Curriculum-Based Measurement (CBM) progress graphs. More specifically, we examined which elements of the graph received the most visual attention from teachers, and to what extent teachers viewed graph elements in a logical sequence. We also examined whether graph inspection patterns differed for teachers with higher- vs. lower-quality graph descriptions. Participants were 17 fifth- and sixth-grade teachers. Participants described two progress graphs while their eye-movements were registered. In addition, data were collected from an expert to provide a frame of reference for interpreting the teachers’ eye-tracking data. Results revealed that, as a group, teachers devoted less visual attention to important graph elements and inspected the graph elements in a less logical sequence than did the expert, however, there was variability in teachers’ patterns of graph inspection, and this variability was linked to teachers’ abilities to describe the graphs. Directions for future studies and implications for practice are discussed.
Antioxidant and antiradical activities depend on adrenal tumor type
Authors: Choromańska Barbara , Myśliwiec Piotr , Kozłowski Tomasz , Łukaszewicz Jerzy , Vasilyevich Harelik Petr , Dadan Jacek , Zalewska Anna , Maciejczyk Mateusz
Published: September 2022

The aim of the study was to assess the total antioxidant/oxidant status in the plasma and urine of patients with adrenal tumors. The study group consisted of 60 patients (31 women and 29 men) with adrenal masses, classified into three subgroups: non-functional incidentaloma, pheochromocytoma and Cushing’s/Conn’s adenoma. The number of patients was set a priori based on our previous experiment (α = 0.05, test power = 0.9). Antioxidant activity (Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), Total Oxidant Status (TOS), Oxidative Stress Index (OSI)) and antiradical activity (Radical-Scavenging Activity Assay (DPPH), Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP)) were measured using colorimetric methods. FRAP level was decreased in plasma and urine incidentaloma (p<0.0001), pheochromocytoma (p<0.0001) and Cushing’s/Conn’s adenoma (p<0.0001), while DPPH antiradical activity only in plasma of patients with adrenal masses (p<0.0001). Plasma TAC was increased in incidentaloma patients (p=0.0192), whereas in pheochromocytoma group (p=0.0343) was decreased. Plasma and urine TOS (p<0.0001) and OSI (p<0.01) were significantly higher in patients with adrenal tumors. In pheochromocytoma patients, plasma and urine TAC (p=0.001; p=0.002), as well as plasma plasma DPPH (p=0.007) and urine FRAP (p=0.017) correlated positively with normethanephrine. We are the first who showed reduced radical scavenging capacity in the plasma/urine of patients with adrenal masses. Nevertheless, plasma TAC was significantly higher in the incidentaloma group compared to controls. Therefore, plasma and urinary antioxidant and antiradical activities depend on the presence of the tumor. Lower levels of TAC, DPPH and FRAP clearly indicate a reduced ability to scavenge free radicals and thus a lack of effective protection against oxidative stress in patients with adrenal tumors. Both plasma and urine redox biomarkers can be used to assess systemic antioxidant status in adrenal tumor patients.
Hypothyroidism has a protective causal association with hepatocellular carcinoma: A two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Lu Likui , Wan Bangbei , Li Lingjun , Sun Miao
Published: September 2022

Objective

Observational studies suggest an association between hypothyroidism and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the causality and direction of these effects are still inconclusive. We aim to test whether hypothyroidism is causally associated with the risk of HCC by using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Methods

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with hypothyroidism were screened via a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 337,159 individuals of European descent (16,376 cases and 320,783 controls). The SNPs associated with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) were selected from a GWAS of 72,167 individuals of European descent. Summary-level data for HCC (168 cases and 372,016 controls) were extracted from UK Biobank. An inverse-variance-weighted (IVW) method was used as the primary MR analysis. Sensitivity analyses were examined via MR-Egger regression, heterogeneity test, pleiotropy test, and leave-one-out sensitivity test. The assumption that exposure causes outcome was verified using the MR Steiger test.

Results

Two-Sample MR analysis showed inverse associations between genetically predicted hypothyroidism and HCC risk (OR = 0.997, 95% CI, 0.995-0.999; P = 0.016). There were no statistical indications of heterogeneity among instruments (P-het = 0.667). Across five MR methods, genetically predicted hypothyroidism shows a consistent correlation with HCC. The leave-one-out analysis indicated that no single SNP changed the overall estimate (P = 0.016). In addition, the MR Steiger test revealed that hypothyroidism was causal for HCC and not the opposite (P = 0.000). Finally, there was no evidence for a direct causal effect of TSH level and FT4 level on HCC risk.

Conclusion

Our results provide some that genetically determined hypothyroidism decreases the risk of HCC, although the size of the causal estimate is small. Further research is required to comprehend the mechanisms underlying this putative causative association, and follow-up clinical trials need to be conducted to establish whether inducing hypothyroidism could be beneficial for patients who are suffering from HCC. During future treatment of hypothyroidism, close attention to liver function may also be required to prevent a possible increased risk of HCC.