bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-operative patient education: a systematic review
Authors: Fredericks Suzanne
Published: May 2021

Knowledge of the effects of the specific approach, mode of delivery, and dose of educational interventions is essential to develop and implement effective post-operative educational interventions. Understanding the relationships of patient characteristics to outcomes is important for educational interventions. Purpose and methodology: The purpose of this systematic review was to examine who would most benefit from post-operative education, given in what type of approach and mode, and at what dose? The sample included 58 studies involving 5271 participants. Major results: Findings indicate delivery of post-operative patient education through the individualization of content, use of combined media for delivery, provision of education on a one-on-one basis, and in multiple sessions is associated with improvement in educational/health outcomes. Samples that contained individuals younger than 50 years of age and higher percentages of males showed benefits in outcomes of moderate magnitude. Application: The results highlight the importance of attending to the characteristics of both the elements of post-operative educational interventions and the individual patients in the design and delivery of patient education.
Bibliography on Immigration and Settlement in the Toronto Area, Third Edition
Authors: Doucet Michael , Hii Rebecca
Published: May 2021

"While not designated by the United Nations, as many falsely believe, as the world’s most multicultural city, Toronto in the early years of the 21 century is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world. Much st of this diversity has resulted from post-World War II migration to the city from all parts of the globe. Over the years, and especially during the last two decades, numerous studies have been produced in which various aspects of immigration and settlement in the Toronto area have been examined. This Bibliography, an update of earlier versions published by CERIS in 1999 and 2003, provides a listing of books, monographs, research reports, graduate theses, book chapters, and journal articles that deal with immigration and settlement in the Toronto area. Undergraduate theses are not included here. Access to some relatively obscure publications has never been easier, thanks to postings on the internet. Attention is directed to two websites in particular: www.settlement.org, which is home to a variety of community/agency-developed reports, and the ‘Search’ function found at http://ceris.metropolis.net, which provides digital access to CERIS Working Papers, the CERIS Policy Matters series, some theses, and a variety of other research reports and documents. Items available from these sites are so indicated within square brackets at the end of a citation. Moreover, readers are also directed to the Housing New Canadians website, which is located at http://www.library.utoronto.ca/hnc/biblio.htm. Two selected bibliographies, on Housing and Immigrants and Housing-Related Discrimination in Canada, can be found at this site. Items in this Bibliography cover the entire history of Toronto and include all “ethnic” and racial groups, including such institutions as the Orange Order. For ease of use, the listings have been divided into three broad categories. The first of these contains a variety of topics under the heading of Studies on Immigration and Settlement in the Toronto Area, while the second is subdivided on the basis of Studies of Particular Groups or Communities. In this edition of the Bibliography, all of the entries in this latter grouping also have been included under the appropriate category or categoriesin the first section. Several new subheadings have been added to each of these major groupings for this version of the Bibliography. A final division contains more than 150 works of fiction set in Toronto immigrant communities, with almost two dozen new entries in this edition." -- from p.iii
Peran dan Tugas Guru dalam Melaksanakan 4 Fungsi Manajemen EMASLIM dalam Pembelajaran di Workshop
Authors: Prihartini Yogia , Buska Wahyudi , Hasnah Nur , Ds Muhammad Ridha
Published: May 2021

Dalam dunia pendidikan, keberadaan peran dan fungsi guru merupakan salah satu faktor yang sangat signifikan. Guru merupakan bagian terpenting dalam proses belajar mengajar, baik di jalur pendidikan formal maupun informal. Oleh sebab itu, dalam setiap upaya peningkatan kualitas pendidikan di tanah air, tidak dapat dilepaskan dari berbagai hal yang berkaitan dengan ek`sistensi guru itu sendiri. Pembelajaran pada hakikatnya adalah proses sebab-akibat. Guru sebagai pengajar merupakan penyebab utama terjadinya proses pembelajaran siswa, meskipun tidak semua belajar siswa merupakan akibat guru yang mengajar. Oleh sebab itu, guru sebagai figur sentral harus mampu menetapkan strategi pembelajaran yang tepat sehingga dapat mendorong terjadinya perbuatan belajar siswa yang aktif, produktif, dan efesien. Guru hendaknya dalam mengajar harus memperhatikan kesiapan, tingkat kematangan, dan cara belajar siswa.Maka Guru menempati posisi kunci dan strategis dalam menciptakan suasana belajar yang kondusif dan menyenangkan untuk mengarahkan siswa agar dapat mencapai tujuan secara optimal. Untuk guru harus mampu menempatkan dirinya sebagai diseminator, informator, transmitter, transformator, organizer, fasilitator, motivator, dan evaluator bagi terciptanya proses pembelajaran siswa yang dinamis dan inovatif.
Sejarah Munculnya Disiplin Ilmu dalam Islam
Authors: Athief Fauzul Hanif Noor
Published: May 2021

Salah satu faktor utama penyebab kemajuan suatu peradaban adalah ilmu. Maka, Islam yang berjaya hingga belasan abad juga banyak mempunyai khazanah keilmuan yang mewarnai masa gemilang tersebut. Tentunya menjadi hal menarik untuk mencari akar kemunculan berbagai macam disiplin ilmu yang bahkan hingga saat ini terus dipelajari dan dilestarikan. Dengan menggunakan model penilitian  kepustakaan serta pengolahan data secara deduktif, penulis mencoba mengeksplorasi sejarah keilmuan dalam Islam. Penulis mendapati bahwa pada dasarnya setiap keilmuan mempunyai sejarah kemunculannya masing-masing. Namun, tidak bisa dielakkan bahwa kesemuanya mempunyai irisan yang sama, yaitu bertujuan untuk dapat lebih memahami wahyu yang diturunkan kepada umat Islam. Maka, tafsir terbentuk untuk memahami Alquran. Hadis ilmu hadis terbentuk untuk membantu menafsirkan Alquran serta Hadis Nabawi sendiri. Fikih, Usul Fikih serta ilmu bahasa menjadi alat yang juga membantu memahami serta menjabarkan Alquran dan Hadis. Kemudian ada juga ilmu ‘aqliyah yang tujuannya juga membantu menguatkan posisi Islam dalam ranah keilmuan secara umum.
Batik Incung dan Islam di Kerinci
Authors: Pitri Nandia
Published: May 2021

Artikel ini membahas tentang motif batik incung. Jenis apa batik incung itu? Apa adakah budaya dibalik motif batik incung? Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah pendekatan historis untuk menemukan sejarah dari batik incung. Siapa saja aktor yang melakukan perubahan budaya di Kerinci, terutama terkait dengan kemunculan motif batik incung yang berkaitan dengan islam. Berdasarkan sejarah, akan diketahui mengapa batik incung memiliki motif seperti itu. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahas berdasarkan sejarah Kerinci, motif batik mendapat pengaruh dari islam. Batik incung merupakan batik asli dari masyarakat Kerinci. Batik ini disebut sebagai batik incung karena kekhasannya menggunakan aksara incung sebagai motif utama. Aksara incung adalah aksara Kerinci kuno yang digunakan untuk menulis tambo, tanah wilayah suku, hukum adat, kesastraan suci, surat cinta, pantun, mantra-mantra dan kutukan yang dituliskan pada kulit kayu, tanduk kerbau, tanduk sapi, daun lontar, bambu dan kertas. Seiring dengan perkembangannya, aksara incung dijadikan sebagai motif batik di Kerinci yang dilakukan agar masyarakat mudah untuk memahami makna yang terkandung dalam aksara tersebut. Hubungan antara batik incung dengan Islam di Kerinci ini adalah ada beberapa motif incung yang digabungkan dengan unsur-unsur Islam. Motif-motif yang mengandung unsur islam, seperti kaligrafi incung, masjid agung Pondok Tinggi dan sebagainya.
Pemikiran Pendidikan Islam Buya HAMKA
Authors: Alfian Muhammad
Published: May 2021

Pendidikan Islam adalah hal yang sangat penting dalam perjalanan hidup umat Islam secara khusus, karena lewat pendidikan Islam inilah kita nengkaji, mengelola dan mengembangkan studi keislaman sesuai dengan keadaan zaman. Perubahan zaman, meniscayakan adanya perubahan interaksi antar umat manusia,khususnya umat Islam dan ajarannya, sehingga dibutuhkan penafsiran lebih lanjut dalam ajarannya, berkaitan pula dengan pemikiran pendidikan Islam. Hamka, sebagai salah satu tokoh Islam nusantara, mencetuskan beberapa hal berkaitan dengan Pendidikan Islam, yang jika direkonstruksi lebih lanjut, sangat relevan serta masih bisa diaplikasikan dengan keadaan keumatan sekarang. Diantara pemikiran tersebut berkaitan dengan tujuan pendidika, kurikulum, pendidik peserta didik dalam Islam, serta materi pendidikan Islam.
Situating Islamic Values in English Language Teaching
Authors: Irawan Yoki
Published: May 2021

Studies on the integration of moral, cultural, and religious values in language learning have recently increased. This is characterized by the number of these research topics. Indonesia as the world's largest Muslim-majority country must play a role in integrating Islamic values into learning, especially in learning English as a foreign language. However, in practice, there are many problems especially not all experts agree if topics related to religion are discussed in language learning. This article aims to discuss comprehensively the urgency and strategies in integrating Islamic values in English language learning in Indonesia. In general, the integration of Islamic values in language learning can be done through the integration of content and topics into the curriculum, teaching materials, and learning activities. Through the implementation of this, it is expected that students will be aware of the Islamic values in their daily lives in society to filter out irrelevant cultures and at the same time be able to acquire foreign language skills properly.
Peran Pesantren sebagai Salah Satu Lembaga Pendidikan Islam
Authors: Herningrum Indah , Alfian Muhammad , Putra Pristian Hadi
Published: May 2021

Salah satu lembaga pendidikan Islam yang telah lama berkembang dan berakar kuat tradisinya  adalah pesantren. Namun, nama pesantren sempat tercoreng namanya dengan dikaitkan sebagai asal muasal paham radikalisme di Indonesia, yang masih berupa isu semata. Oleh karenanya, menarik untuk diteliti dan diketahui mengenai berbagai sepak terjang pesantren di Indonesia dengan tradisi keislamannya serta kontribusi lainnya diranah pembentukan moral Islam, serta dalam ranah social serta ekonomi dalam ranah umumnya. Pesantren telah banyak berjasa dalam pembentukan pribadi serta daerah yang kental dengan tradisi ke Islaman. Awalnya hanya beroperasi pada sekitar “pinggiran desa”, meluas hingga berkembang keseluruh negeri. Perannya tidak hanya itu, dalam hal social ekonomi pun, lembaga pesantren berusaha hadir dan mengembangkan kosep-konsep brilian yang mampu menjawab masalah kesejahteraan masyarakat sekitarnya secara khusus, dan Indonesia secara umum.
Combination of Bawang Dayak Extract and Acarbose against Male White Rat Glucose Levels
Authors: Putra Aditya Maulana Perdana , Sari Ratih Pratiwi , Musiam Siska
Published: May 2021

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease with signs of increased blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes is common diabetes in adults. Bawang dayak is one of the plants believed to have the efficacy of curing various types of diseases. The purpose of this study was to find out the comparison of hypoglycemic effects between combinations of bawang dayak extract and acarbose with single acarbose. This study was an experimental study using 32 white mice divided into two groups. Group one was given a combination of bawang dayak at a dose of 100 mg/kg BW and acarbose at a dose of 40 mg/100 g BW, while group two was given acarbose at a dose of 40 mg/100 g BW. Treatment is administered after the test animal is induced with dexamethasone at a 1 mg/kg BW dose dissolved in NaCl 0.9% subcutaneously for 12 days. Measurement of glucose levels was carried out using a glucometer. Data retrieval was carried out every three days for 15 days after previously fulfilled for +10 hours. Blood glucose level data were analyzed with the General Linear Model test. The combination of bawang dayak-acarbose onion extract had a greater decrease in blood glucose levels than single acarbose. Average reduction in blood glucose levels for D+3; D+6; D+9; D+12; and D+15 was 187.31; 168.56; 140.81; 119.81; and 102.56 mg/dl, respectively. The General Linear Model test results showed a p <0.05 value that significantly impacted blood glucose levels between groups.
ЩОДО ПИТАННЯ НАБЛИЖЕННЯ НАЦІОНАЛЬНОГО ЗАКОНОДАВСТВА З ОХОРОНИ ПРАЦІ ДО МІЖНАРОДНИХ СТАНДАРТІВ У СФЕРІ ПРОФЕСІЙНОЇ БЕЗПЕКИ, ГІГІЄНИ ПРАЦІ
Authors: Івчук І. І.
Published: May 2021

Статтю присвячено питанню врегулювання відносин у сфері безпеки праці на міжнародному рівні, у законодавстві Європейського Союзу та України, а також проблематиці наближення національного законодавства з охорони праці до міжнародних стандартів та «acquis communautaire» ЄС. У науковій роботі проаналізовано основні міжнародні нормативно-правові акти у сфері безпеки праці, зокрема конвенції та рекомендації Міжнародної організації праці, впровадження положень яких у національній правовій системі є необхідним для дієвого регулювання відносин з охорони праці на якісно новому рівні. Досліджено акти законодавства ЄС, що регулюють правовідносини у сфері охорони праці та акцентовано увагу на основних директивах ЄС, які містять вимоги до роботодавців щодо забезпечення охорони праці працівників, в тому числі на їх робочих місцях і під час застосування засобів праці.  На основі проведеного аналізу «acquis communautaire» ЄС актуалізовано питання подальшої адаптації національного законодавства до європейських стандартів, що наразі є ключовим напрямком у рамках укладеної Угоди про асоціацію з ЄС. Автором виокремлені основні якісні характеристики національного законодавства, що обумовлюють недостатню ефективність правового регулювання відносин у сфері безпеки праці, серед яких нестабільність, недосконалість змісту положень законодавства, відсутність системності та неузгодженості норм у сфері безпеки праці. З урахуванням означених недоліків національного законодавства у сфері безпеки праці, автором визначено чинники, що обумовлюють необхідність удосконалення забезпечення безпечних умов праці та здоров’я працівників. На підставі аналізу національного законодавства висвітлені основні недоліки та прогалини у правововому регулюванні відносин у сфері безпеки праці, що потребують подальшої гармонізації згідно з вимогами та рекомендаціями МОП, а також стандартами ЄС.

Ключові слова: безпека праці, міжнародні стандарти, гармонізація, acquis communautaire.
Efficacy of topical tacrolimus 0.1% in the treatment of vitiligo
Authors: Nahid Afsana , Khondker Lubna , Khan Md Shirajul Islam , Hazra Samaresh Chandra
Published: May 2021

A clinical trial was carried out with thirty patients affected with vitiligo. Repigmentation was observed in 26.7% cases on the first follow up visit. At the end of 4th week with tacrolimus ointment in the next visit, it was perceptible in 15 cases 50.1% and after 12 weeks of therapy 83.3% yielded repigmentation. Among those who had repigmentation, 20% had > 75% repigmentation, 23.3% had 50-75% repigmentation. The percentage of repigmentation on head and neck (83.3%) was greater than that on extremities (55.6%). Complete (>75%) repigmentation was 33.3% cases on head and neck and 26.7% along with extremities. A total of 83.3% cases had some repigmentation and among them, 10 cases had focal presentation and 15 cases had generalised or segmental presentation. There was statistically significant (p<0.005) difference observed between presentation and pigmentation. By using topical steroid minimum side effects like pruritus in 6.7% cases and burning in 10% cases were evidenced. This study reflects that tacrolimus ointment 0.1% is an effective topical therapeutic option for vitiligo especially on the head and neck region with minimum side effects.

CBMJ 2014 January: Vol. 03 No. 01 P: 4-7
Oral candidiasis - Perleche Mimicking Malignancy
Authors: Rahman M Hasibur , Md Hadiuzzaman - , Islam Nahida , Islam Md Shahidul , Mumu Sabrina Alam , Sharmin Atia
Published: May 2021

Candida species inhabit the mucosal surfaces of healthy individuals. Major forms of oral candidiasis are pseudomembranous and atrophic form, but chronic hyperplastic candidiasis (CHC) is rarely seen. We encountered a case of whitish plaque with nodule and ulceration. When an intraoral nodule is observed, the possibility of CHC should be taken into consideration. Biopsy of the lesion failed to show any signs of malignancy, and patient responded well to oral fluconazole therapy only.

CBMJ 2014 January: Vol. 03 No. 01 P: 53-55
Source Image Based New 3D Rotational Angiography for Differential Diagnosis between the Infundibulum and an Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm : Pilot Study
Authors: Jang Hyeongyu , Jung Woo Sang , Myoung Seong Uk , Kim Jung-Jae , Jang Chang Ki , Cho Kwang-Chun
Published: May 2021

Objective : Distinguishing between an infundibulum and a true aneurysm is clinically important. This study aimed to evaluate whether using source image based new three-dimensional rotational angiography (S-n3DRA) can increase the rate of aneurysm detection and improve distinction between a true aneurysm and an infundibulum.Methods : Twenty-two consecutive patients with 23 lesions, were evaluated by time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), S-n3DRA, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). The data were retrospectively and independently reviewed by two neurointerventionists, and the diagnoses based on TOF MRA, S-n3DRA, and DSA were compared. The diagnostic efficacy (interobserver agreement and diagnostic performance) of S-n3DRA was compared with that of TOF MRA.Results : S-n3DRA showed higher interobserver agreement (κ=0.923) than TOF MRA (κ=0.465) and significantly higher accuracy than MRA in distinguishing an aneurysm from an infundibulum (p=0.0039).Conclusion : Compared to MRA, S-n3DRA could provide better screening accuracy and information for distinguishing an aneurysm from an infundibulum. Therefore, S-n3DRA has the potential to reduce the need for DSA.
Angka Morbiditas Provinsi Jawa Tengah dari Sudut Pandang Kemiskinan dan Pengangguran Tahun 2018
Authors: Samsudin Ahmad , Rizqi Ulul Azmi Afrizal
Published: May 2021

Degree of population health in an area can be illustrated by morbidity rate. Java Island is one area that has good health quality. The population of Java Island has the best degree of health compared to other regions. During the last two years there are still a number of provinces in Java whose morbidity is quite high or even higher than the national figures, including Central Java Province. The goal of this study is to analyze the morbidity rate and explore the factors that influence the morbidity in 35 district/city in Central Java 2018. Descriptive analysis was used with thematic maps and Inferential analysis using spatial autocorrelation analysis. Spatial autocorrelation was measured through the Lagrange Multiplier test. Based on spatial dependency test, seen that no spatial autocorrelation occurs, therefore Ordinary Least Squares model was used. With OLS model, found that the poverty level predictor variable and the open unemployment rate significantly affect morbidity rate at alpha 5 percent. Poverty and Open unemployment rate have a significant effect on morbidity rate in Central Java in 2018 without including spatial effects.

Keywords: autocorrelation; morbidity; poverty; unemployment

ABSTRAK

Derajat kesehatan penduduk di suatu wilayah dapat digambarkan dengan angka morbiditas. Pulau Jawa merupakan salah satu daerah yang memiliki kualitas kesehatan yang baik. Penduduk Pulau Jawa memiliki derajat kesehatan yang paling baik dibandingkan daerah lain. Dalam dua tahun terakhir masih terdapat beberapa provinsi di Jawa yang angka morbiditasnya cukup tinggi atau bahkan lebih tinggi dari angka nasional, salah satunya Jawa Tengah. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menganalisis angka morbiditas dan menggali faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi morbiditas di 35 kabupaten / kota di Jawa Tengah tahun 2018. Analisis deskriptif digunakan dengan peta tematik dan analisis inferensial menggunakan analisis autokorelasi spasial. Autokorelasi spasial diukur melalui uji Lagrange Multiplier. Berdasarkan uji ketergantungan spasial, terlihat tidak terjadi autokorelasi spasial, oleh karena itu digunakan model Ordinary Least Squares. Dengan model OLS ditemukan bahwa variabel prediktor tingkat kemiskinan dan tingkat pengangguran terbuka berpengaruh signifikan terhadap angka morbiditas pada alpha 5 persen. Tingkat kemiskinan dan pengangguran terbuka berpengaruh signifikan terhadap angka morbiditas di Jawa Tengah tahun 2018 tanpa menyertakan efek spasial.

Kata kunci: autokorelasi; kemiskinan; morbiditas; pengangguran
Hierarchical Porous Graphene Bubbles as Host Materials for Advanced Lithium Sulfur Battery Cathode
Authors: Han Wenjie , Li Qing , Zhu Hua , Luo Dan , Qin Xianying , Li Baohua
Published: May 2021

The serious shuttle effect, low conductivity, and large volume expansion have been regarded as persistent obstacles for lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries in its practical application. Carbon materials, such as graphene, are considered as promising cathode hosts to alleviate those critical defects and be possibly coupled with other reinforcement methods to further improve the battery performance. However, the open structure of graphene and the weak interaction with sulfur species restrict its further development for hosting sulfur. Herein, a rational geometrical design of hierarchical porous graphene-like bubbles (PGBs) as a cathode host of the Li-S system was prepared by employing magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles as templates for carbonization, potassium hydroxide (KOH) as activation agent, and car tal pitch as a carbon source. The synthesized PGBs owns a very thin carbon layer around 5 nm that can be comparable to graphite nanosheets. Its high content of mesoporous and interconnected curved structure can effectively entrap sulfur species and impose restrictions on their diffusion and shuttle effect, leading to a much stable electrochemical performance. The reversible capacity of PGBs@S 0.3 C still can be maintained at 831 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles and 512 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles.
Efficient N2- and O2-Sensing Properties of PtSe2 With Proper Intrinsic Defects
Authors: Yong Xin , Zhang Jianqi , Ma Xiangchao , He Weiming
Published: May 2021

Developing efficient N2 and O2 gas sensors is of great importance to our daily life and industrial technology. In this work, first-principles calculations are performed to study the N2 and O2 gas-sensing properties of pure and defected PtSe2. It is found that both N2 and O2 adsorb weakly on pure PtSe2, and adsorption of the molecules induces negligible changes in the electrical and optical properties. Whereas the Pt@Se anti-site defect significantly improves the N2 adsorption capacity of PtSe2 and induces notable changes in the electrical property. Similar results are also observed for the Pt and Se vacancies and Pt@Se anti-site defects when examining O2 adsorption. In addition, notable changes in the optical absorption spectra of the PtSe2 with Pt@Se defect are induced upon N2 adsorption, which also occurs for PtSe2 with Pt and Se vacancies and Pt@Se anti-site defects upon O2 adsorption. These results demonstrate that PtSe2 with the corresponding defects can be both excellent electrical and optical sensors for detecting N2 and O2 gases. Our work offers a new avenue for preparing efficient gas sensors.
Finding Our Way Through a Pandemic: Teaching in Alternate Modes of Delivery
Authors: Howe Edward R. , Watson Georgann Cope
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a dramatic pivot to online learning and has forced teachers to critically re-evaluate teaching strategies. Thus, the questions, framing this self-study were: 1) How will I be able to do the learning activities I normally do in the classroom online including individual work, group activities, debates, and whole class discussions? and 2) How will I be able to pivot my signature lessons to the alternate delivery model? This self-study of teaching and teacher education practices (S-STTEP) builds on previous research to transformtraditionalface-to-face lessons into effective online lessons using alternate modes of delivery. In this paper, Ted shares some of his signature lessons including ice-breakers, critical response questions, discussions, group activities, and jigsaws, utilizing Moodle, Big Blue Button, Padlet, Google Docs, and other online tools. With Georgann’s help as a critical friend, Ted critically analyzed his teaching of Master of Education graduate students through S-STTEP. In addition, he exploredcomparative ethnographic narrative(CEN) as another way of knowing within the S-STTEP space. Data included detailed weekly reflections. In addition, students provided written feedback at the end of each class, and at the end of term through a survey and course evaluation. Ted shared weekly electronic journal reflections and student feedback with Georgann, via email and teleconferences. Then, together Ted and Georgann made meaning from these field texts. The research text evolved fromteacher-to-teacher conversations. Promising pedagogies for synchronous and face to face learning were identified with several signature lessons the focus. Georgann, as Ted’s critical friend helped confirm and verify the most significant results amongst the many interesting reflections made.
Evolution of Energy and Exergy Efficiency in the European Road Freight Industry, 1978–2018
Authors: Martulli Alessandro , Galvin Ray , Ruzzenenti Franco
Published: May 2021

In the last four decades the European truck industry has made remarkable progress in energy efficiency, but this higher efficiency has failed to materialize in lower consumption per unit of load and distance (Tkm). One possible explanation is rebound effects due to average traveling speed and power enhancements. An original set of data covering forty years of truck tests of 526 commercial vehicles and 28 different European brands shows that energy efficiency (fuel economy) of heavy-duty trucks improved by 43% and (engine) power by 44%. We propose exergy as a metric to capture both dimensions and estimate that exergy efficiency increased by 73% over the same period, with an estimated speed rebound effect generally positive among the trucks tested on road conditions. Rebound effects caused by increased speed add to other sources of rebound like load, distance and frequency of journeys to potentially undermine gains delivered by higher energy efficiency. Our results provide evidence of the existence in the transport sector of a trade-off between power and efficiency as theoretically described by finite-time thermodynamics.
Soil Erosion and Controls in the Slope-Gully System of the Loess Plateau of China: A Review
Authors: Zhu Bingbing , Zhou Zhengchao , Li Zhanbin
Published: May 2021

The Loess Plateau has long been suffering from serious soil erosion of which erosion from the slope-gully system is now dominant. The slope-gully system is characterized with distinctive erosion distribution zones consisting of inner and inter gully areas wherein erosion patterns spatially vary, acting as both sediment source and the dominant sediment and water transport mechanism. In this paper, a substantial body of research is reviewed concentrating on the soil erosion processes and control practices in the slope-gully system. The inner gully area is identified as the main sediment source while runoff and sediment from the inter-gully upland is found to significantly affect down slope erosion processes. Correspondingly, the protective vegetation pattern and coverage should be strategically designed for different erosion zones with an emphasis on the critical vegetation cover and pattern to reduce sediment yield of the whole slope-gully system. Check-dam could change the base level of erosion and reduce the slope length of the gully side, which will further decrease the possibility and magnitude of gravity erosion. We concluded that understanding the erosion processes and implementing erosion practices for the slope-gully system are of importance and require more research efforts that emphasize: 1) the influence of upland runoff on erosion processes at downslope; 2) the relationship between hydraulic characteristics of overland flow and erosion process at a slope-gully system scale; 3) physical mechanisms of different vegetation patterns on the slope-gully erosion process.
Rock-Sourced Nitrogen in Semi-Arid, Shale-Derived California Soils
Authors: Bingham Nina L. , Slessarev Eric W. , Homyak Peter M. , Chadwick Oliver A.
Published: May 2021

Models suggest that rock-derived nitrogen (N) inputs are of global importance to ecosystem N budgets; however, field studies demonstrating the significance of rock N inputs are rare. We examined rock-derived N fluxes in soils derived from sedimentary rocks along a catena formed under a semi-arid climate. Our measurements demonstrate that there are distinct and traceable pools of N in the soil and bedrock and that the fraction of rock-derived N declines downslope along the catena. We used geochemical mass balance weathering flux measurements to estimate a rock-derived N flux of 0.145 to 0.896 kg ha–1yr–1at the ridgecrest. We also developed independent N flux estimates using a15N-based isotope mixing model. While geochemical mass-balance-based estimates fell within the 95% confidence range derived from the isotope mixing model (−1.1 to 44.3 kg ha–1yr–1), this range was large due to uncertainty in values for atmospheric15N deposition. Along the catena, N isotopes suggest a diminishing effect of rock-derived N downslope. Overall, we found that despite relatively large N pools within the saprolite and bedrock, slow chemical weathering and landscape denudation limit the influence of rock-derived N, letting atmospheric N deposition (7.1 kg ha–1yr–1) and N fixation (0.9–3.1 kg ha–1yr–1) dominate N inputs to this grassland ecosystem.
Genome-Wide Analysis of NLR Disease Resistance Genes in an Updated Reference Genome of Barley
Authors: Li Qian , Jiang Xing-Mei , Shao Zhu-Qing
Published: May 2021

Barley is one of the top 10 crop plants in the world. During its whole lifespan, barley is frequently infected by various pathogens. In this study, we performed genome-wide analysis of the largest group of plant disease resistance (R) genes, the nucleotide binding site–leucine-rich repeat receptor (NLR) gene, in an updated barley genome. A total of 468 NLR genes were identified from the improved barley genome, including one RNL subclass and 467 CNL subclass genes. Proteins of 43 barley CNL genes were shown to contain 25 different integrated domains, including WRKY and BED. The NLR gene number identified in this study is much larger than previously reported results in earlier versions of barley genomes, and only slightly fewer than that in the diploid wheat Triticum urartu. Barley Chromosome 7 contains the largest number of 112 NLR genes, which equals to seven times of the number of NLR genes on Chromosome 4. The majority of NLR genes (68%) are located in multigene clusters. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that at least 18 ancestral CNL lineages were presented in the common ancestor of barley, T. urartu and Arabidopsis thaliana. Among them fifteen lineages expanded to 533 sub-lineages prior to the divergence of barley and T. urartu. The barley genome inherited 356 of these sub-lineages and duplicated to the 467 CNL genes detected in this study. Overall, our study provides an updated profile of barley NLR genes, which should serve as a fundamental resource for functional gene mining and molecular breeding of barley.
Assessing Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Asylum Claims: Towards a Transgender Studies Framework for Particular Social Group and Persecution
Authors: Avgeri Mariza
Published: May 2021

In this article, I focus on gender identity and gender expression as grounds for international protection. After clarifying issues of terminology and theoretical framework, namely Transgender Studies, I criticize the current framework for determining membership in a Particular Social Group (PSG) for the purposes of the Refugee Convention, drawing on Berg and Millbank's work on the concept of self-identification and gender non-conformity as a means to assess transgender asylum claims (2013). I problematize the issues arising in the assessment of well-founded fear of persecution and the form it may take in transgender and gender non-conforming asylum claims. Drawing connections between sexuality and gender identity/expression claims, I attempt to provide a humanizing and depathologized framework for assessing the credibility of transgender and gender non-conforming applicants. Finally, by critiquing the work of Hathaway and Pobjoy and drawing from current human rights norms, I reflect on how to make good law with transgender cases without reproducing medicalized notions of gender identity or placing all the burden of proof on the applicants. In so doing, this article attempts to achieve a balance between theoretical and practical challenges that arise in the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) process involving transgender and gender non-conforming applicants. This article serves as an attempt to critically review the existing scholarship within the framework of transgender studies and offers insights for a refined framework of refugee status determination based on an inclusive reading of Particular Social Group and persecution drawing on the reading of crucial case law from anglophone countries.
The Role of Regulatory B cells in Kidney Diseases
Authors: Long Wang , Zhang Hedong , Yuan Wenjia , Lan Gongbin , Lin Zhi , Peng Longkai , Dai Helong
Published: May 2021

B cells, commonly regarded as proinflammatory antibody-producing cells, are detrimental to individuals with autoimmune diseases. However, in recent years, several studies have shown that regulatory B (Breg) cells, an immunosuppressive subset of B cells, may exert protective effects against autoimmune diseases by secretion of inhibitory cytokines such as IL-10. In practice, Breg cells are identified by their production of immune-regulatory cytokines, such as IL-10, TGF-β, and IL-35, however, no specific marker or Breg cell-specific transcription factor has been identified. Multiple phenotypes of Breg cells have been found, whose functions vary according to their phenotype. This review summarizes the discovery, phenotypes, development, and function of Breg cells and highlights their potential therapeutic value in kidney diseases.
Education and Research: A Symbiosis to Better Understand a Novel Coral Disease
Authors: Soper Deanna M.
Published: May 2021

Ongoing ecological events, such as new and emerging diseases, provide an important platform for education and research. Field courses and undergraduate research projects can be critical to assisting students with learning scientific skills and career discernment as these experiences provide more one-on-one instruction and an immersive learning environment. A novel coral disease called “Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease” (SCTLD) provided one such opportunity. SCTLD is characterized by rapid progression with entire coral heads dying within 2–3 weeks after initial observation of the onset of symptoms. At a wider geographic scale, the disease has migrated with extreme velocity and has now been documented across the Caribbean from as far North as the Southeast Florida Reef Tract, as far South as St. Lucia, and as far West as Honduras and Belize. Here, I summarize what is currently known about SCTLD and document an educational field course that involved eight undergraduate students with visits to multiple locations along the Florida Keys Reef Tract during the disease progression in March 2019. Students were able to observe sites where SCTLD had been present for over 2 years and sites where the disease was only just emerging for observational comparison. Student educational outcomes from field trips and activities will be discussed. Current research and educational activities can interact to enhance each other, creating a positive feedback loop. Future directions for research, educational opportunities, and their interaction to accelerate understanding of this novel disease are discussed.
A Review of Recent Research Results on Soot: The Formation of a Kind of Carbon-Based Material in Flames
Authors: Xi Jianfei , Yang Guoqing , Cai Jie , Gu Zhongzhu
Published: May 2021

As a product generated from incomplete combustion, soot is harmful to people’s health and the environment. In recent decades, much attention has been paid to the control of soot generation in combustion systems. Efforts to reduce soot emissions depend on a basic understanding of the physical and chemical pathways from fuel to soot particles in flames. At the same time, flame synthesis method has become an alternative method for the preparation of carbon nanomaterials because of its advantages of low cost and mass production. Carbon-based materials can be synthesized within the sooting zones in flames. The research of soot formation mechanism in flames can provide support for the synthesis of carbon nanomaterials. In this paper, the effects of additives, temperature, and fuel type on soot formation characteristics and soot nanostructure in diffusion flames are reviewed. The deficiencies and prospects are put forward for future research.
Dynamic Changes in Coagulation Function in Patients With Pneumonia Under Admission and Non-admission Treatment
Authors: Xu Jiasheng , Zhang Yongmei , Li Yiran , Liao Kaili , Zeng Xiong , Zeng Xiande , Meng Rui , Zhou Weimin , Wang Kai , Gong Yuanqi , Hua Fuzhou , Xu Jianjun , Qiu Jiehua
Published: May 2021

Objective: We aimed to explore the dynamic changes in coagulation function and the effect of age on coagulation function in patients with pneumonia under admission and non-admission treatment.

Methods: We included 178 confirmed adult inpatients with COVID-19 from Wuhan Union Hospital Affiliated to Huazhong University of Science and Technology (Wuhan, China). Patients were classified into common types, and all were cured and discharged after hospitalization. We recorded the time of the first clinical symptoms of the patients and performed blood coagulation tests at the time of admission and after admission. In total, eight factors (TT, FIB, INR, APTT, PT, DD, ATIII, and FDP) were analyzed. Patients were classified into four groups according to the time from the first symptom onset to hospital admission for comparative analysis. The patients who were admitted within 2 weeks of disease onset were analyzed for the dynamic changes in their blood coagulation tests. Further division into two groups, one group comprising patients admitted to the hospital within 2 weeks after the onset of disease and the other comprising patients admitted to the hospital 2 weeks after disease onset, was performed to form two groups based on whether the patient ages were over or under 55 years. Chi-square tests and T tests were used to explore the dynamic changes in coagulation function and the influence of age on the results of coagulation function tests.

Results: A total of 178 inpatients, 34 of whom underwent dynamic detection, were included in this analysis. We divided these patients into four groups according to the interval between the onset of COVID-19 pneumonia and the time to admission in the hospital: the 1–7 days (group 1), 8–14 days (group 2), 15–21 days (group 3), and >21-days (group 4). Eight factors all increased within 2 weeks after onset and gradually decreased to normal 2 weeks before the patient was admitted. The changes in coagulation function of patients admitted to the hospital were similar. After being admitted to the hospital, the most significant decreases among the eight factors were between week 2 and 3. There were distinct differences among the eight factors between people older than 55 years and those younger than 55 years. In the first 2 weeks after being admitted, the levels of the eight factors in patients >55 years were significantly higher than those in patients <55 years, and after another 2 weeks of treatment, the factor levels in both age groups returned to normal.

Conclusion: The eight factors all increased within 2 weeks after onset and gradually decreased to normal after 2 weeks regardless of treatment. Compared with patients younger than 55 years, patients older than 55 years have greater changes in their blood coagulation test values.
Gastric Adenocarcinoma Presenting as a Rheumatoid Factor and Anti-cyclic Citrullinated Protein Antibody-Positive Polyarthritis: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Silvério-António Manuel , Parlato Federica , Martins Patrícia , Khmelinskii Nikita , Braz Sandra , Fonseca João Eurico , Polido-Pereira Joaquim
Published: May 2021

A 64-year-old male presented with a 6-month history of symmetric polyarthritis involving proximal interphalangeal joints and metacarpophalangeal joints of the hands, wrists, and ankles. Associated symptoms included vomiting, progressive fatigue, and weight loss. Laboratory results showed microcytic anemia, leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, elevated C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated protein (ACPA) antibody positivity. Joints radiographs were normal, without erosions. Upper endoscopy and gastric endoscopic ultrasonography showed a gastric adenocarcinoma with lymphatic involvement. Intraoperatively, peritoneal carcinomatosis was documented, and the patient started palliative chemotherapy. A paraneoplastic seropositive arthritis was assumed, and treatment with low-dose prednisolone and hydroxychloroquine was started. Arthritis remission was achieved and sustained up to 18 months of follow-up, although gastric cancer progression was documented. We describe a unique phenotype of paraneoplastic arthritis (PA) presenting as a seropositive (RF and ACPA positivity) rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with a good response to both low dose corticosteroids and hydroxychloroquine therapy. We also review the literature of PA, mostly the RA-like pattern, and the association between PA and ACPA positivity. This case highlights the importance of considering underlying cancer in elderly male patients, presenting with polyarthritis and systemic symptoms, even in those with ACPA-positive RA-like arthritis.
Long Non-coding RNA EBLN3P Regulates UHMK1 Expression by Sponging miR-323a-3p and Promotes Colorectal Cancer Progression
Authors: Xu Xiang-hao , Song Wen , Li Jun-hua , Huang Ze-qi , Liu Ya-fang , Bao Qiang , Shen Zhi-wen
Published: May 2021

Background: Growing studies have demonstrated that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) can act as crucial roles during the progression of various tumors, including colorectal carcinoma (CRC). We aimed to determine lncRNA endogenous bornavirus-like nucleoprotein (EBLN3P) expression in CRC and examine its influence on tumor behaviors of CRC cells.

Materials and Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the expression levels of EBLN3P and miR-323a-3p in CRC tissues and cell lines. Cell viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were assessed by Cell Counting Kit 8, colony formation, Transwell assay, wound healing assays, and flow cytometry. Bioinformatics and dual-luciferase assays were used to investigate the interaction between EBLN3P and miR-323a-3p, as well as between miR-323a-3p and U2AF homology motif kinase 1 (UHMK1). Western blot was applied for detecting the expressions of the related proteins.

Results: EBLN3P was highly expressed in CRC, and its high expression was distinctly associated with increased tumor size, histology/differentiation and advanced TNM stage, and poor clinical outcome of CRC patients. EBLN3P silencing significantly inhibited the proliferation and metastasis and induced the apoptosis of CRC cells. Mechanistically, overexpression of EBLN3P exhibited tumorigenic effects through downregulating the inhibitory effects of miR-323a-3p on UHMK1 expression. The correlation analysis confirmed the positive or negative association among EBLN3P, miR-323a-3p, and UHMK1.

Conclusion: EBLN3P promoted the development of CRC via targeting miR-323a-3p/UHMK1, which provided a new idea for treating CRC.
Exosomal Circular RNA RNA-seq Profiling and the Carcinogenic Role of Exosomal circ-CYP24A1 in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Guo Hao , Yang Wenjia , Li Jiuhong
Published: May 2021

Objective: Aberrantly expressed exosomal circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported in various human cancers. Nevertheless, it remains elusive in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Herein, based on RNA-seq, we systematically uncovered the expression and implication of exosomal circRNAs in cSCC.

Methods: Plasma exosomes derived from cSCC and healthy subjects were characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and western blot. Differentially expressed exosomal circular RNAs (circRNAs) were screened by RNA-seq analysis, which were validated by RT-qPCR. Among them, the biological structure of circ-CYP24A1 was validated by Sanger sequencing and RNase R digestion. Si-circ-CYP24A1 was transfected into exosomes, followed by incubation with A431 and SCL-1 cells. Then, viability, apoptosis, migration, and invasion were evaluated by CCK-8, TUNEL staining and migration assays.

Results: This study identified 25 up- and 76 down-regulated exosomal circRNAs in cSCC than healthy subjects. Among them, circulating circ-CYP24A1 was confirmed to be up-regulated in cSCC. Circ-CYP24A1 had a covalently closed circular structure and was not sensitive to RNase R digestion. After incubation with si-circ-CYP24A1-transfected exosomes, proliferation, migration, and invasion were lowered while apoptosis was enhanced in A431 and SCL-1 cells. Meanwhile, si-circ-CYP24A1-transfected exosomes significantly decreased the expression of downstream targets CDS2, MAVS, and SOGA in cSCC cells.

Conclusion: Collectively, our study identified that targeting exosomal circ-CYP24A1 could suppress cSCC progression by weakening tumor malignant behaviors, which might provide a promising therapeutic target and non-invasive diagnostic biomarker for cSCC.
Build Your Own Mushroom Soil: Microbiota Succession and Nutritional Accumulation in Semi-Synthetic Substratum Drive the Fructification of a Soil-Saprotrophic Morel
Authors: Tan Hao , Yu Yang , Tang Jie , Liu Tianhai , Miao Renyun , Huang Zhongqian , Martin Francis M. , Peng Weihong
Published: May 2021

Black morel, a widely prized culinary delicacy, was once an uncultivable soil-saprotrophic ascomycete mushroom that can now be cultivated routinely in farmland soils. It acquires carbon nutrients from an aboveground nutritional supplementation, while it remains unknown how the morel mycelium together with associated microbiota in the substratum metabolizes and accumulates specific nutrients to support the fructification. In this study, a semi-synthetic substratum of quartz particles mixed with compost was used as a replacement and mimic of the soil. Two types of composts (C1 and C2) were used, respectively, plus a bare-quartz substratum (NC) as a blank reference. Microbiota succession, substrate transformation as well as the activity level of key enzymes were compared between the three types of substrata that produced quite divergent yields of morel fruiting bodies. The C1 substratum, with the highest yield, possessed higher abundances of Actinobacteria and Chloroflexi. In comparison with C2 and NC, the microbiota in C1 could limit over-expansion of microorganisms harboring N-fixing genes, such as Cyanobacteria, during the fructification period. Driven by the microbiota, the C1 substratum had advantages in accumulating lipids to supply morel fructification and maintaining appropriate forms of nitrogenous substances. Our findings contribute to an increasingly detailed portrait of microbial ecological mechanisms triggering morel fructification.