bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of optical 3D unpolarized lattices in a tightly focused random beam
Authors: Li Xiangyun , Zhu Xinlu , Liu Lin , Wang Fei , Cai Yangjian , Chen Yahong
Published: June 2023

We study the three-dimensional (3D) polarization properties of a tightly focused partially coherent vector beam whose initial spatial coherence structure exhibits a lattice distribution. By examining the 3D degree of polarization and the polarimetric dimension of the tightly focused field, we demonstrate that this initial spatial coherence structure induces a 3D isotropically unpolarized beam lattice in the focal plane. Along the longitudinal direction, we observe the formation of nearly 3D unpolarized channels spanning 16 wavelengths in length near the focal region. We demonstrate that the spatial distribution of the 3D unpolarized lattice can be conveniently controlled through engineering the spatial coherence structure of the incident beam.
Identification of a novel lipoic acid biosynthesis pathway reveals the complex evolution of lipoate assembly in prokaryotes
Authors: Tanabe Tomohisa Sebastian , Grosser Martina , Hahn Lea , Kümpel Carolin , Hartenfels Hanna , Vtulkin Evelyn , Flegler Wanda , Dahl Christiane
Published: June 2023

Lipoic acid is an essential biomolecule found in all domains of life and is involved in central carbon metabolism and dissimilatory sulfur oxidation. The machineries for lipoate assembly in mitochondria and chloroplasts of higher eukaryotes, as well as in the apicoplasts of some protozoa, are all of prokaryotic origin. Here, we provide experimental evidence for a novel lipoate assembly pathway in bacteria based on a sLpl(AB) lipoate:protein ligase, which attaches octanoate or lipoate to apo-proteins, and 2 radical SAM proteins, LipS1 and LipS2, which work together as lipoyl synthase and insert 2 sulfur atoms. Extensive homology searches combined with genomic context analyses allowed us to precisely distinguish between the new and established pathways and map them on the tree of life. This not only revealed a much wider distribution of lipoate biogenesis systems than expected, in particular, the novel sLpl(AB)–LipS1/S2 pathway, and indicated a highly modular nature of the enzymes involved, with unforeseen combinations, but also provided a new framework for the evolution of lipoate assembly. Our results show that dedicated machineries for both de novo lipoate biogenesis and scavenging from the environment were implemented early in evolution and that their distribution in the 2 prokaryotic domains was shaped by a complex network of horizontal gene transfers, acquisition of additional genes, fusions, and losses. Our large-scale phylogenetic analyses identify the bipartite archaeal LplAB ligase as the ancestor of the bacterial sLpl(AB) proteins, which were obtained by horizontal gene transfer. LipS1/S2 have a more complex evolutionary history with multiple of such events but probably also originated in the domain archaea.
Impact of community-based health insurance in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Eze Paul , Ilechukwu Stanley , Lawani Lucky Osaheni
Published: June 2023

Background

To systematically evaluate the empirical evidence on the impact of community-based health insurance (CBHI) on healthcare utilization and financial risk protection in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).

Methods

We searched PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, CNKI, PsycINFO, Scopus, WHO Global Index Medicus, and Web of Science including grey literature, Google Scholar®, and citation tracking for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, and quasi-experimental studies that evaluated the impact of CBHI schemes on healthcare utilization and financial risk protection in LMICs. We assessed the risk of bias using Cochrane’s Risk of Bias 2.0 and Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tools for RCTs and quasi/non-RCTs, respectively. We also performed a narrative synthesis of all included studies and meta-analyses of comparable studies using random-effects models. We pre-registered our study protocol on PROSPERO: CRD42022362796.

Results

We identified 61 articles: 49 peer-reviewed publications, 10 working papers, 1 preprint, and 1 graduate dissertation covering a total of 221,568 households (1,012,542 persons) across 20 LMICs. Overall, CBHI schemes in LMICs substantially improved healthcare utilization, especially outpatient services, and improved financial risk protection in 24 out of 43 studies. Pooled estimates showed that insured households had higher odds of healthcare utilization (AOR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.04–2.47), use of outpatient health services (AOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.22–2.05), and health facility delivery (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.61–3.02), but insignificant increase in inpatient hospitalization (AOR = 1.53, 95% CI: 0.74–3.14). The insured households had lower out-of-pocket health expenditure (AOR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.92–0.97), lower incidence of catastrophic health expenditure at 10% total household expenditure (AOR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.54–0.88), and 40% non-food expenditure (AOR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.54–0.96). The main limitations of our study are the limited data available for meta-analyses and high heterogeneity persisted in subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

Our study shows that CBHI generally improves healthcare utilization but inconsistently delivers financial protection from health expenditure shocks. With pragmatic context-specific policies and operational modifications, CBHI could be a promising mechanism for achieving universal health coverage (UHC) in LMICs.
Suicidal and aggressive behavior among populations within institutional quarantine and isolation centers of COVID-19 in eastern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Misgana Tadesse , Tesfaye Dejene , Tariku Mandaras , Ali Tilahun , Alemu Daniel , Dessie Yadeta
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The coronavirus disease is still not under the control globally and has caused various mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, suicide, and aggressive behavior in different populations. The pandemic-related issues which are applied to control the pandemic such as protection measures against COVID-19, social distancing, isolation, and quarantine can also trigger mental health problems.

Objective

This study aimed to assess suicidal behavior and aggression, and its correlates during COVID-19 among populations within institutional quarantine and isolation centers in Ethiopia.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted among a sample of 392 participants. The convenience sampling method was used to select the study participants. Suicide Behavioral Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) and the Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS)were applied to determine the suicide and aggressive behavior of study participants respectively. Epi-data 3.1 and SPSS 20.0were used to enter and analyze the data respectively. Logistic and linear regressions were fitted to explore correlates associated with suicidal behavior and aggression respectively.

Results

The prevalence of suicidal behavior was 8.7% (95% CI: 6.1, 11.5) whereas the mean total score of behavioral aggression was 2.45±5.90 (95% CI: 1.84, 3.08). Being female (AOR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.09, 6.32), having common mental disorders (AOR = 6.08, 95% CI: 2.32, 15.93), manifesting the symptoms of COVID-19 (AOR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.48, 2.86), and poor social support (AOR = 7.30, 95% CI: 1.44, 37.10) were significantly associated with suicidal behavior, whereas male gender (β coefficient = 3.0, 95% CI: 1.35, 4.70), low level of knowledge about COVID-19 (β coefficient = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.09, 3.41), and substance use (β coefficient = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.23, 6.47) were positively associated with mean overt aggression score.

Conclusion

The present study revealed that suicidal and aggressive behaviors were prevalent with significant correlates. Therefore, it is important and required to provide focused mental health and psycho-social services for the selected and high-risk populations such as those in quarantine and isolation centers for being suspected.
Expression of transglutaminase 2 in human gut epithelial cells: Implications for coeliac disease
Authors: Amundsen Sunniva F. , Stamnaes Jorunn , Lundin Knut E. A. , Sollid Ludvig M.
Published: June 2023

Background

Formation of complexes between transglutaminase 2 (TG2) and gluten can mechanistically explain why TG2 serves both as B-cell autoantigen and as an enzyme that creates deamidated gluten epitopes in coeliac disease (CeD). A model has been proposed where TG2 released from shed epithelial cells encounters high concentrations of dietary gluten peptides to form these TG2:gluten complexes. In this work we have characterised TG2 protein expression in gut epithelial cells in humans.

Methods

Western blot analysis, immunofluorescence staining and mass spectrometry in combination with laser capture microdissection to gain spatial resolution were used to characterise TG2 expression in the epithelial cell layer of healthy and coeliac disease affected duodenum.

Findings

TG2 is expressed in human duodenal epithelial cells, including cells in the apical region that are shed into the gut lumen. In untreated CeD the apical expression of TG2 is doubled. Enzymatically active TG2 is readily released from isolated human intestinal epithelial cells.

Conclusion

Shed epithelial cells are a plausible source of pathogenic TG2 enzyme in CeD. Increased epithelial TG2 expression and increased epithelial shedding in active CeD may reinforce action of luminal TG2 in this condition.
Graph drawing using Jaya
Authors: Dib Fadi K. , Rodgers Peter
Published: June 2023

Graph drawing, involving the automatic layout of graphs, is vital for clear data visualization and interpretation but poses challenges due to the optimization of a multi-metric objective function, an area where current search-based methods seek improvement. In this paper, we investigate the performance of Jaya algorithm for automatic graph layout with straight lines. Jaya algorithm has not been previously used in the field of graph drawing. Unlike most population-based methods, Jaya algorithm is a parameter-less algorithm in that it requires no algorithm-specific control parameters and only population size and number of iterations need to be specified, which makes it easy for researchers to apply in the field. To improve Jaya algorithm’s performance, we applied Latin Hypercube Sampling to initialize the population of individuals so that they widely cover the search space. We developed a visualization tool that simplifies the integration of search methods, allowing for easy performance testing of algorithms on graphs with weighted aesthetic metrics. We benchmarked the Jaya algorithm and its enhanced version against Hill Climbing and Simulated Annealing, commonly used graph-drawing search algorithms which have a limited number of parameters, to demonstrate Jaya algorithm’s effectiveness in the field. We conducted experiments on synthetic datasets with varying numbers of nodes and edges using the Erdős–Rényi model and real-world graph datasets and evaluated the quality of the generated layouts, and the performance of the methods based on number of function evaluations. We also conducted a scalability experiment on Jaya algorithm to evaluate its ability to handle large-scale graphs. Our results showed that Jaya algorithm significantly outperforms Hill Climbing and Simulated Annealing in terms of the quality of the generated graph layouts and the speed at which the layouts were produced. Using improved population sampling generated better layouts compared to the original Jaya algorithm using the same number of function evaluations. Moreover, Jaya algorithm was able to draw layouts for graphs with 500 nodes in a reasonable time.
A comprehensive analysis of transcriptomic data for comparison of plants with different photosynthetic pathways in response to drought stress
Authors: Karami Shima , Shiran Behrouz , Ravash Rudabeh , Fallahi Hossein
Published: June 2023

The main factor leading to a decrease in crop productivity is abiotic stresses, particularly drought. Plants with C4 and CAM photosynthesis are better adapted to drought-prone areas than C3 plants. Therefore, it is beneficial to compare the stress response of plants with different photosynthetic pathways. Since most crops are C3 and C4 plants, this study focused on conducting an RNA-seq meta-analysis to investigate and compare how C3 and C4 plants respond to drought stress at the gene expression level in their leaves. Additionally, the accuracy of the meta-analysis results was confirmed with RT-qPCR. Based on the functional enrichment and network analysis, hub genes related to ribosomal proteins and photosynthesis were found to play a potential role in stress response. Moreover, our findings suggest that the low abundant amino acid degradation pathway, possibly through providing ATP source for the TCA cycle, in both groups of plants and the activation of the OPPP pathway in C4 plants, through providing the electron source required by this plant, can help to improve drought stress tolerance.
Women’s experiences of anal incontinence following vaginal birth: A qualitative study of missed opportunities in routine care contacts
Authors: Parsons Joanne , Eccles Abi , Bick Debra , Keighley Michael R. B. , Clements Anna , Cornish Julie , Embleton Sarah , McNiven Abigail , Seers Kate , Hillman Sarah
Published: June 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to explore experiences of women with anal incontinence following a childbirth injury, and to identify areas of missed opportunities within care they received.

Design

This is a qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews.

Setting

Participants were recruited via five hospitals in the UK, and via social media adverts and communication from charity organisations.

Participants

Women who have experienced anal incontinence following a childbirth injury, either within 7 years of sustaining the injury, or if they identified new, or worsening symptoms of AI at the time of menopause.

Main outcome measures

Main outcomes are experiences of women with anal incontinence following childbirth injury, and missed opportunities within the care they received.

Results

The following main themes were identified: opportunities for diagnosis missed, missed opportunities for information sharing and continuity and timeliness of care.

Conclusions

Anal Incontinence following a childbirth injury has a profound impact on women. Lack of information and awareness both amongst women and healthcare professionals contributes to delays in accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Relative density clouds: Visualizing and exploring multivariate patterns of group differences
Authors: Del Giudice Marco
Published: June 2023

This paper introduces relative density clouds, a simple but powerful method to visualize the relative density of two groups in multivariate space. Relative density clouds employ k-nearest neighbor density estimates to provide information about group differences throughout the entire distribution of the variables. The method can also be used to decompose overall group differences into the specific contributions of differences in location, scale, and covariation. Existing relative distribution methods offer a flexible toolkit for the analysis of univariate differences; relative density clouds bring some of the same advantages to fruition in the context of multivariate research. They can assist in the exploration of complex patterns of group differences, and help break them down into simpler, more interpretable effects. An easy-to-use R function is provided to make this visualization method widely accessible to researchers.
Towards direct detection of tetracycline residues in milk with a gold nanostructured electrode
Authors: Raykova Magdalena R. , McGuire Katie , Peveler William J. , Corrigan Damion K. , Henriquez Fiona L. , Ward Andrew C.
Published: June 2023

Tetracycline antibiotics are used extensively in veterinary medicine, but the majority of the administrated dose is eliminated unmodified from the animal through various excretion routes including urine, faeces and milk. In dairy animals, limits on residues secreted in milk are strictly controlled by legislation. Tetracyclines (TCs) have metal chelation properties and form strong complexes with iron ions under acidic conditions. In this study, we exploit this property as a strategy for low cost, rapid electrochemical detection of TC residues. TC-Fe(III) complexes in a ratio of 2:1 were created in acidic conditions (pH 2.0) and electrochemically measured on plasma-treated gold electrodes modified with electrodeposited gold nanostructures. DPV measurements showed a reduction peak for the TC-Fe(III) complex that was observed at 50 mV (vs. Ag/AgCl QRE). The limit of detection in buffer media was calculated to be 345 nM and was responsive to increasing TC concentrations up to 2 mM, added to 1 mM FeCl3. Whole milk samples were processed to remove proteins and then spiked with tetracycline and Fe(III) to explore the specificity and sensitivity in a complex matrix with minimal sample preparation, under these conditions the LoD was 931 nM. These results demonstrate a route towards an easy-to-use sensor system for identification of TC in milk samples taking advantage of the metal chelating properties of this antibiotic class.
How Ghanaian secondary visual arts teachers perceive the role of creativity in their teaching
Authors: Swanzy-Impraim Enock , Morris Julia E. , Lummis Geoffrey W. , Jones Andrew
Published: June 2023

Globally, creativity is viewed as a twenty-first-century education competency that is acknowledged by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) and the Ghanaian Ministry of Education (MOE) pre-tertiary curriculum framework. Ghanaian teachers are required to inspire, teach and develop creativity in secondary visual arts students using a social constructivist pedagogy. This necessitates exploring how teachers value creativity and its role in learning. The article investigated sixteen Ghanaian secondary visual arts teachers’ perceived role of creativity in their teaching and the challenges they faced developing creativity in students, using a qualitative case study approach. Interviews and participant observations were used to gather data across eight secondary schools. Interviews with teachers produced insights into how they are enacting creativity through pedagogy and the challenges they currently face, including attitudinal, administrative, resource deficits and external factors. Implications for policy and practice in Ghanaian secondary education that benefit the Ghana Education Service (GES) are discussed.
(Extra)ordinary artistic and poetic responses to COVID lockdown (2020–21)
Authors: Burke Geraldine , Potts Miriam
Published: June 2023

This essay is about the making of a visual essay as a response to the conditions of COVID lockdown (2020–21). It explores how two artists worked together and apart to develop inquiries through making and sharing art and text. We worked apart to produce artworks and together to construct the visual essay. Applying a duoethnographic method we created this visual essay to reveal our making processes within the limitations of COVID lockdown.
Bridging the Divide: Working-Class Culture in a Middle-Class Society, Jack Metzgar (2021)
Authors: Phillips Jim
Published: June 2023

Review of: Bridging the Divide: Working-Class Culture in a Middle-Class Society, Jack Metzgar (2021)

Ithaca, NY and London ILR Press, x + 229 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-50176-031-0, h/bk, £35.00
The Banshees of Inisherin, Martin Mcdonagh (dir.) (2022)
Authors: Farrell Jenny
Published: June 2023

Review of: The Banshees of Inisherin, Martin Mcdonagh (dir.) (2022)

USA, UK and Ireland: Film4 Productions, Blueprint Pictures and TSG Entertainment
The 1972 Olympic Games: Utilizing posters for positive propaganda
Authors: Bothe Lauren
Published: June 2023

In 1972, worldwide political unrest caused major national division among nations. With the Olympics on the horizon, the games committee had made it their mission to use this event to promote worldwide unity and peace. 1972 marked the first time Germany had hosted the Olympic Games since the Second World War, which put Germany in the unique position to use this event to express a new more peaceful identity. One way that the Olympic committee decided to promote their new vision of Germany was through a heavy narrative between sports and art. They pursued this goal by commissioning several notable artists to complete works for this particular year, most notably Josef Albers and Jacob Lawrence. This year allowed for a new age of Olympic art as the Olympic committee intentionally sought out relevant artists to help design the promotional art for the games. This essay discusses how Germany strategically choose these specific artists to share how the Olympics were moving from traditional advertising to fine art, and how they used these artworks as propaganda to better shape the perception of Germany.
You be the judge: Teaching image-based advertising through a persuasive analysis of Olympic posters
Authors: Raser Lisa J.
Published: June 2023

As students are establishing themselves in an increasingly visual culture, images should be harnessed as important pedagogical tools for applying concepts and increasing student engagement. When students are given opportunities to analyse images in the classroom context, they become more aware of the variety of visual texts, from advertisements to websites, that frequently command their attention. This single-class activity employs visual texts as a site of inquiry for critique and application of persuasive strategies in an undergraduate level classroom. It is designed to help students explore applications of the concepts of image-based advertising and syntactic indeterminacy through a critical analysis of art posters from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Students role-play ‘becoming the judge’ on the International Olympic Committee as they seek to select and provide rationale for the poster that best communicates the ideals of the Olympic Games.
Entrepreneurial Orientation as support in solving the challenges of Agile Methods adoption: A case study in a Brazilian startup
Authors: Garcia Vanessa Mesquita Blas , Martens Cristina Dai Prá , Penha Renato , Martens Mauro Luiz
Published: June 2023

Study objective: empirically evaluate how the dimensions of Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) can help solve the challenges of Agile Method adoption (AM). Methodology/approach: single case study in a software startup. Key findings: confirmation of challenges in adopting AM across three dimensions (people, processes, and management and organization) in the studied startup, and identification of which dimensions of EO contribute most to solving these challenges. Relevance/originality: although EO and its dimensions are recognized by the interviewees as potential actions to solve the challenges of AM adoption, they are not encouraged when the team is allocated at the client's site due to cultural influence. This research is relevant as it aims to help understand these challenges and suggest ways to overcome them. Theoretical/methodological contributions: as an academic contribution, this study advances research on the adoption of AM and EO, as well as the relationship between these topics. Social/management contributions: understanding the inherent challenges in adopting and using AM and promoting actions that can assist in solving these challenges through the utilization of EO concepts.
Swine meat production integrated with energy cogeneration: challenges and opportunities in using anaerobic biodigestion
Authors: Leite Sibele Augusta Ferreira , Gomes Nicole Silva , Santos Lucas Alves B. dos , Dell’Isola Ana Teresa P. , Leite Brenno Santos
Published: June 2023

As environmental concerns and regulatory requirements increase over time, new alternatives for swine manure disposal emerge. Among them, anaerobic biodigestion is a relevant technology because it reduces the organic load of wastewater before its final disposal and provides economic benefits to farmers with biogas and biofertilizer production. Efficiently managing the anaerobic biodigestion process remains a challenge in developing countries, mainly due to the lack of information from swine meat producers to deal with the complexity of this system. A risk analysis can represent a promising tool for farm assistance because it provides a process overview. Hence, this study reports the results of a process mapping in a swine meat production farm in Minas Gerais, Brazil. This mapping was performed while monitoring biodigestion operational parameters and allowed the identification of the primary causes of process failures and potential environmental impacts. The results showed that anaerobic digestion promotes a relevant environmental gain. However, the need for improved process monitoring, investments in environmental assessment equipment, and technical training for producers also stood out as an improvement opportunity.
PRÁTICAS INTEGRATIVAS E COMPLEMENTARES EM SAÚDE E O POTENCIAL USO EM PACIENTES COM SEQUELAS POR COVID-19 NO BRASIL
Authors: Santana Eucilene Alves , Mendonça Francisco de Assis , Soek Felipe , Reis Priscilleyne Ouverney , Matos Karina Flávia Ribeiro
Published: June 2023

O trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a distribuição espacial dos estabelecimentos de saúde do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) com ofertas de serviços de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares em Saúde (PICS) com o propósito de despertar o uso destas práticas em pacientes com sequelas de Pós-covid-19. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório, a partir de dados públicos oficiais do Ministério da Saúde. Os resultados apontam que os serviços de PICS são encontrados com mais frequência nos Centros de Saúde, Unidades Básicas de Saúde, Clínicas, Centros de Especialidade, Postos de Saúde, Centros de Atenção Psicossocial, Centros de Apoio à Saúde da Família, Consultórios Isolados e Policlínicas. Quanto aos tipos de práticas oferecidas, das 29 registradas no SUS, as mais ofertadas, no período de 2019 a 2021, foram as práticas corpo e mente, acupuntura, outras práticas em medicina tradicional chinesa e fitoterapia. Os estabelecimentos que ofertam PICS estão presentes em 32,5% dos 5.570 municípios brasileiros, predominantemente na região sudeste do país. A análise comparativa entre os anos do quantitativo de municípios com oferta de serviços de PICS mostrou diferença significativa (p>0,01%) em todas as regiões do país. Apesar do baixo percentual de municípios com serviços de PICS há na rede instalada potencial para ampliação do atendimento de casos com sequelas de covid-19 pela atenção primária de todo o país, requerendo apenas o direcionamento de políticas públicas para essas ações pelos gestores do SUS.
Pemetaan Kerapatan Ekosistem Mangrove Menggunakan Analisis Normalized Difference Vegetation Index di Pesisir Kota Semarang
Authors: Safitri Fani , Adrianto Luky , Nurjaya I Wayan
Published: June 2023

Mangrove ecosystem in Semarang City has an important role for survival of the coastal area. This is due to the function of mangroves as a barrier to coastal erosion, wave barrier, carbon producer, as a habitat for biota in coastal areas, as well as improving water quality. However, as time goes by, mangroves condition in coastal of Semarang is decreasing every year and causing coastal disasters such as coastal erosion and tidal flooding which have identically occurred on the coast of Semarang. Mangrove ecosystem area in coastal of Semarang City in 2020 is 163,250 Ha. The aim of this study is to determine the density of mangroves ecosystem from 2013 to 2022 with Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2 satellites. The method used to classify and determine the density of mangroves ecosystem is NDVI or Normalized Difference Vegetation Index. The results of analysis show that the mangrove density in 2013 was 412.889 Ha, while in 2022 it was 142.562 Ha. The density of mangroves has decreased by around 270.327 Ha (65.5%), this is due to erosion, land conversion into pond areas, and recently the construction of the Semarang-Demak sea wall. Whereas Sentinel 2 satellite is better to use because it has better image quality, details, and accuracy to show objects on the earth's surface compared to Landsat 8.   Ekosistem mangrove di Kota Semarang memiliki peran yang penting bagi keberlangsungan hidup wilayah pesisir. Hal tersebut dikarenakan fungsi mangrove sebagai penahan erosi pantai, penahan gelombang, penghasil karbon, sebagai habitat bagi biota di wilayah pesisir, serta memperbaiki kualitas air. Namun seiring perkembangan zaman, kondisi mangrove di pesisir Semarang semakin tahun kian berkurang sehingga menimbulkan bencana pesisir seperti terjadinya erosi pantai dan banjir rob yang telah identik terjadi di pesisir Semarang.  Luas ekosistem mangrove di wilayah pesisir Kota Semarang pada tahun 2020 yaitu seluas 163,250 Ha. Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengetahui kerapatan ekosistem mangrove dari tahun 2013 hingga 2022 dengan citra satelit Landsat 8 dan citra Sentinel 2. Metode yang digunakan untuk mengelaskan dan mengetahui kerapatan ekosistem mangrove adalah metode NDVI atau Normalized Difference Vegetation Index. Hasil analisa menunjukkan bahwa kerapatan mangrove pada tahun 2013 seluas 412,889 Ha, sedangkan pada tahun 2022 seluas 142,562 Ha. Kerapatan mangrove mengalami penurunan sekitar 270,327 Ha (65,5%), hal tersebut disebabkan karena adanya erosi, alih fungsi lahan menjadi area tambak, serta baru-baru ini yaitu adanya pembangunan tanggul laut Semarang-Demak. Sedangkan citra satelit Sentinel 2 merupakan citra yang lebih baik digunakan karena memiliki kualitas gambar yang lebih bagus, detail, dan akurat untuk menunjukkan obyek dipermukaan bumi dibandingkan dengan citra Landsat 8.
Use of sugars as alternative to chemical control: trials carried out on thrips associated with olive tree
Authors: BOUHIDEL Ilhem , LOMBARKIA Nadia , RAZI Sabah
Published: June 2023

Foliar spraying of infradoses of sugars (glucose, fructose or sucrose) induces plant resistance to pests that are particularly difficult to combat. These include thrips, which can cause flower abortion, stunting and deformation of olives, resulting in significant crop losses. Randomised block trials were conducted during three years (2017 to 2019), on two cultivars Chemlal and Sigoise, in an olive grove in Batna province (Algeria), with the aim of determining the most effective dose and type of sugar on thrips populations, and to evaluate the effectiveness of combining sugar with chemical treatment, as well as the possibility of reducing the dose of the latter. The results showed that sucrose at a concentration of 100 ppm was the most effective and that the efficacy of sucrose was higher than that of glucose and fructose, on both cultivars tested. The combination of sucrose with insecticide resulted in a synergistic effect and a higher efficacy gain than sucrose alone, and that the efficacy of the combination sucrose + insecticide at low dose D1 was identical to the combination sucrose + insecticide at recommended dose D2. It is therefore possible to reduce the chemical insecticide dose while maintaining good treatment efficacy for the control of these pests.
Stowarzyszenie jako element społeczeństwa obywatelskiego
Authors: Gulińska Emilia
Published: June 2023

This article aims to analyse and assess legal regulations concerning associations as a feature of civil society. In this context, reference is made to the essence of civil society. It should be emphasised that such a society constitutes the foundation of a democratic state under the rule of law. The article presents legal regulations concerning the right to freedom to associate in associations. According to the provisions of the Polish Constitution, the Republic of Poland ensures the freedom of establish and operate trade unions, socio-professional organizations of farmers, associations, citizen movements, and other voluntary unions and foundations, and also guarantees freedom of association to everyone. The article also discusses the notion and attributes of an association, the activities of associations in practice, as well as the problems they face in these areas.The existing legal regulations concerning the establishment and functioning of associations should be assessed positively. However, they are not free of faults. Introducing a less formal process of applying for grants and curbing excessive bureaucracy would be a change for the better in Polish legislation. This would lead to increased cooperation between NGOs and public administration. It needs to be stressed that until non-governmental organisations, including associations, are treated as an equal partner of public administration, we cannot speak about the existence of civil society in Poland.
Interpreting two TSH results from the same patient
Authors: Åsberg Arne , Mikkelsen Gustav
Published: June 2023

Objectives

When the patient’s mean (setpoint) concentration of an analyte is unknown and the physician tries to judge the clinical condition from the analyte concentration in two separate specimens taken a time apart, we believe that the two values should be judged against a bivariate reference interval derived from clinically healthy and stable individuals, rather than using univariate reference limits and comparing the difference between the values against reference change values (RCVs). In this work we compared the two models, using s-TSH as an example.

Methods

We simulated two s-TSH measurement values for 100,000 euthyreot subjects, and plotted the second value against the first, along with a markup of the central 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 95 % of the bivariate distribution, in addition to the 2.5 and 97.5 percentile univariate reference limits and the 2.5 and 97.5 percentile RCVs. We also estimated the diagnostic accuracy of the combination of the 2.5 and 97.5 univariate percentile reference limits and the 2.5 and 97.5 percentile RCVs against the central 95 % of the bivariate distribution.

Results

Graphically, the combination of the 2.5 and 97.5 univariate reference limits and the 2.5 and 97.5 percentile RCVs did not accurately delineate the central 95 % of the bivariate distribution. Numerically, the sensitivity and specificity of the combination were 80.2 and 92.2 %, respectively.

Conclusions

The concentrations of s-TSH measured in two samples taken at separate times from a clinically healthy and stable individual cannot be accurately interpreted using the combination of univariate reference limits and RCVs.
Mechanical characterization and evaluation of pitting corrosion resistance of a superferritic stainless steel model alloy 25Cr–6Mo–5Ni
Authors: Uchôa Reis Francisco Evaristo , Mourão dos Santos Luis Paulo , Moura Lorena Braga , Oliveira de Castro Mirela , de Lima Neto Pedro , Cardoso Jorge Luiz , Gomes de Abreu Hamilton Ferreira
Published: June 2023

The mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of annealed superferritic stainless steel model alloy 25Cr–6Mo–5Ni were investigated in 0.6 M NaCl solution. The microstructure consisted of a ferrite matrix and eutectoid phase with a lamellar structure distributed at grain boundaries and within the ferrite grains with a spherical morphology. Tensile and impact results suggested brittle behavior of the model alloy. Fractography analysis revealed typical cleavage facets, river patterns and micro-cracks at grain boundaries and across the ferrite grains. Pitting corrosion began within the eutectoid phase, which contains in chrome depletion zones. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements suggest that the breakdown of passive films was more susceptible in the eutectoid phase.
Between rhetorical questions and information requests: A versatile interrogative clause in Estonian
Authors: Amon Marri
Published: June 2023

This article investigates the pragmatic and functional aspects of an interrogative question pattern in Estonian: questions introduced by the adjective huvitav (‘interesting’). Despite appearances, this question is usually not used to elicit an answer in an information request. Instead, its uses vary from self-addressed to rhetorical questions, also allowing the addition of a biased (critical, ironical) positioning to the interrogation. It can be related to subjective as well as intersubjective dimensions of language use. Examples primarily from two corpora are discussed: fiction texts and their translations (Estonian–French) from the Estonian–French bilingual corpus; excerpts from the debates of the Estonian Parliament; and to a lesser extent, examples from conversations are also included in the analysis. Like similar devices described in other languages (vajon in Hungarian, oare in Romanian), this pattern is impossible to use in situations where a clearly competent addressee is in a position to answer the question directly and the speaker is aware of it; instead, it is especially for cases where, for different reasons, the competence of the addressee is not questioned or challenged directly: asking tentative questions, using rhetorically designed questions to convey critics, or other biased meanings.
Pro bono önkéntes aktivitás a fiatal generáció körében értékrend-alapú megközelítésben
Authors: Garai-Fodor Mónika
Published: June 2023

A TANULMÁNY CÉLJA
A tanulmány célja a fogyasztói magatartás értékrend-alapú megközelítését hangsúlyozó modellek validálása az önkéntesség iránti aktivitás vizsgálatára. A tanulmány keretében azt elemeztem, hogy az önkéntesség, azon belül is a pro bono tudásmegosztáson alapuló önkéntes aktivitás iránti hozzáállás miként függ össze a fiatalok általános értékszeméletével.
ALKALMAZOTT MÓDSZERTAN
Jelen tanulmány keretében egy nemzetközi kvantitatív primer kutatás részeredményeit mutatom be, a hazai minta jellemzőire fókuszálva. Hólabda mintavételi eljárás keretében, előtesztelt sztenderdizált kérdőíves online megkérdezést alkalmaztunk valamennyi, a projektben résztvevő országban. Magyarországon ennek keretében 840 értékelhető kérdőív került feldolgozásra.
LEGFONTOSABB EREDMÉNYEK
A kutatás eredményei alapján sikerült igazolnom, hogy az önkéntességre való nyitottság és a tudásmegosztáson alapuló pro bono aktivitásokban való részvételi szándék összefüggésben áll az alapvető értékszemlélettel. Az értékszemlélet alapján négy, egymástól szignifikánsan megkülönböztethető szegmenst tudtam karakterizálni: az „Életigenlő segítőkész fiatalok” körét, akik a kalandok, az izgalmak és a kockázatok keresői. A „Külsőségeknek élők” csoportját, akik számára a társadalmi státusz kifejezésre juttatása volt a legfontosabb. A hedonisztikus értékeket követő „Énközpontú kalandorokat” és az „Empatikus felelősségvállaló fiatalok” szegmensét, akiket a szociális érzékenység, a társadalmi felelősségvállalás jellemzett. Az értékrend szerint kialakult szegmensek esetén statisztikailag igazolható összefüggést mutathattam ki az önkéntesség, azon belül is a pro bono aktivitásokban való részvételi szándékkal.
GYAKORLATI JAVASLATOK
A tanulmányban ismertetett primer eredmények alátámasztják, hogy az értékorientáció jól magyarázza a döntéseink mögött meghúzódó valós motivációkat az önkéntes aktivitások és a pro bono aktivitások esetén is. Az értékorientáció jól alkalmazható szegmentációs ismérvként az önkéntes programok népszerűsítése során is, mely jó kiinduló pont lehet a további potenciális célcsoportok megszólítására és az önkéntesség iránt elhivatottak motivációjának megerősítésére.
Social distinctions during the south Indian Neolithic: changing mortuary practices in a late prehistoric cemetery at Maski
Authors: Johansen Peter G. , Bauer Andrew M.
Published: June 2023

Human burials have been recovered from a wide variety of intra- and extramural settlement contexts at Neolithic period sites (3000–1200 BC) in southern India, yet formal cemeteries remain virtually unknown from this period. Research at MARP-79 in the Raichur District of the south Indian state of Karnataka, near the type-site of Maski, documents a large Neolithic cemetery, now with the largest number of radiometrically dated burials of any archaeological site in southern India. The cemetery demonstrates considerable, previously undocumented variation in mortuary ritual, involving new materials, technologies and burial practices, which challenge culture-historical models, pointing instead towards long-term incremental developments that alter how we understand the emergence of Neolithic social differences.
A Bridge Between DSM-5 Section II Personality Disorder Criteria and ICD-11 Personality Disorder Trait Domains
Authors: Levin-Aspenson Holly F. , Khoo Shereen , Stanton Kasey , King Brittany , Zimmerman Mark
Published: June 2023

The organization of personality pathology into trait domains (vs. specific disorders) in ICD-11 represents an important shift in personality disorder (PD) nosology. However, to facilitate clinical implementation, a bridge is needed between this system and the DSM-5 Section II system familiar to many researchers and clinicians. In this study, individual DSM-5 PD criteria were assigned to ICD-11 trait domains based on the published Clinical Descriptions and Diagnostic Requirements. This scoring scheme was examined empirically alongside DSM-5 PD dimensions (using SIDP ratings from the MIDAS project; N = 2,147 outpatients) in terms of descriptive properties and relations with psychosocial morbidity and functioning. Most PD criteria could be matched to at least one ICD-11 trait domain, indicating considerable cross-system continuity. However, points of incongruity are noteworthy for research and clinical applications. Results provide key information for bridging categorical and dimensional frameworks, indicating that the shift toward trait-based PD models need not be as disruptive as feared.
In Vitro Safety & Quality Analysis on Three Species of Tongkat Ali Plants & Their In Vivo Elevation of Testosterone in Fowls
Authors: Sharifah Aminah Tn Said , Vejayan Jaya , C.Y YASMIN AMIRAH
Published: June 2023

Eurycoma longifolia, Polyathia bullata, and Stema tuberosa are three species of plants sharing the synonym of "Tongkat Ali" and commonly known as Tongkat Ali Putih, Tongkat Ali Hitam, and Tongkat Ali Merah, respectively. However, less study has been done on its effectiveness to increase testosterone by P. bullata and S. tuberosa compared to E. longifolia. In this study, all three types of Tongkat Ali were compared for their testosterone elevations in fowls. The roots of the plants were encapsulated and given to fowls. Before being tested on animals, the capsules' content was analyzed on a few safety and quality parameters, i.e., pH and moisture tests, heavy metal content, microbial load, and steroid presence. A total of 12 mg of each Tongkat Ali powdered material included in a capsule and given to 14 fowls for 30 days. The outcome showed an increase in testosterone in fowls with the highest value of 9.73 ± 1.20 nmol/L obtained by P. bullata, followed by E. longifolia and S. tuberosa, 7.70 ± 0.59 nmol/L, and 6.25 ± 0.70 nmol/L, respectively compared to the control of only 4.08 ± 0.85 nmol/L. The results showed that P. bullata and S. tuberosa were safe to consume (in vitro) and able to increase testosterone level in the fowls (in vivo). Thus, it also provide added information on the less studied Tongkat Ali plants and their potential as an aphrodisiac plants.
Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) / Poly (Ether Sulfones) (PES) Blend Membrane For CO2/CH4 Separation
Authors: Ramzi Q , Abd Rahman Sunarti , Bijarimi Mohd , Alhadadi Waleed
Published: June 2023

In this study, a combination of Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and Poly (ether sulfones) (PES) blend membrane and DMF as solvent component was developed to evaluate the  CO2 and CH4 separation performance. The gas permeation test was thereafter conducted on the membrane produced. The separation through a membrane works on the theory of permeation based on permeability and selectivity. These two important values were estimated using a set of analytical functions. The membranes produced was then characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The result obtained revealed that a higher permeability for the CO2 and CH4 gases when the blending ratio of membrane and solvent of PVDF:PES:DMF/ 5:15:80 were applied. Moreover, the selectivity results showed that the use of the blending ratio of PVDF:PES:DMF/ 20:0:80 produce the highest selectivity (1.3086 GPU) while blending ratio of PVDF:PES:DMF/ 10:10:80 exhibited the least selectivity. In addition, the morphological elucidation revealed the presence of pores for every cross-section composite membrane and this aids the permeability properties of the membrane aggregates at different blending ratio. Also, the FTIR results showed nearly similar functional group characteristics.
SERVICE-ORIENTED CAREER PLANNING FOR MEDICAL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: CLOSING THE GAPS
Authors: Ping Zhang  , Boo Ho Voon  , Ellen Chung  , Margaret Lucy Gregory  , Fangyuan Wu
Published: June 2023

Medical students constitute a small part of the university population and are young people with high level of knowledge and creativity that the state focuses on training. They are important human resources to meet the industrial expectations, typically for national health. The employment of medical college graduates is not only related to the happiness of thousands of families, but also related to the quality of people's life and health, economic development, and social stability in China. In the face of increasingly severe employment situation, how to alleviate the "employment difficulty" of college students has aroused widespread concern in the society. In career planning education, the medical college students should be encouraged to know themselves, improve themselves, and improve their employment competitiveness. At present, the career planning education of college students in China still remains at the level of employment guidance, which needs to be constantly improved. The discussion on the service dimensions that need to be provided for the career planning of medical college students is not thorough and comprehensive. On the basis of the existing research, from the perspective of education, management and other disciplines, guided by relevant theories, this paper discusses the service dimensions of medical university students' career planning in a more in-depth and systematic way by using literature research methods. This paper follows the research idea of "status investigation -- finding problems -- suggestions". First in this paper, the medical college students' career planning service involved in the core concepts and related theories, and then influence the effect of medical college students' career planning services dimension analysis of the status quo to find the main problems and the reasons put forward to further strengthen and improve the service effect of medical college students' career planning. The service quality gap model is discussed and a career planning service quality framework is proposed.