bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kesiapan Pelaksanaan Harmonisasi dan Sinkronisasi Perundang-Undangan pasca Terbentuknya Peraturan Omnibus Law dalam Undang-Undang Nomor 11 Tahun 2020 Tentang Cipta Kerja
Authors: Toruan Henry Donald Lbn. , Jamilus Jamilus , Simatupang Taufik H. , Sujatmiko Sujatmiko , Lamria Maria , Nurcahya Dian , Ajie Radita , Sari Intan Puspa , Imam Jody , Putra Andana Wiyaka , Rachma Nadia Dwi
Published: February 2023

Pemerintah telah mengambil alih model omnibus law dalam pembentukan Undang-Undang Nomor 11 tahun 2020 tentang Cipta Kerja (UUCK). Pengambilalihan model omnibus law sebagai bentuk simplikasi regulasi yang jumlahnya sudah over regulation, di mana regulasi tersebut saling bertentangan dan tumpang tindih sehingga menghambat masuknya investasi ke Indonesia. Penyederhanaan regulasi baru pada tingkat undang-undang, di mana sekitar 80-an undang-undang yang ditarik tersebut memiliki aturan pelaksanaan dalam bentuk peraturan pemerintah bahkan dijadikan pedoman dalam membentuk peraturan di daerah. Oleh karena itulah, ketentuan Pasal 181 UUCK memerintahkan untuk melakukan harmonisasi dan sinkronisasi terhadap peraturan perundang-undangan di bawah undang-undang yang bertentangan dengan UUCK, undang-undang lainnya maupun putusan pengadilan dan juga melakukan harmonisasi dan sinkronisasi peraturan daerah. Pelaksanaan harmonisasi dan sinkronisasi menurut ketentuan tersebut harus diatur dalam sebuah peraturan pemerintah, yang saat ini masih berupa rancangan. Dalam konsep draft RPP Harsin ini pengujian terhadap regulasi yang masih eksis dilakukan oleh Pokja yang bersifat ad hoc dengan keanggotaan dari berbagai unsur-unsur. Ketentuan UUCK bukanlah regulasi khusus yang mengatur pembentukan peraturan perundang-undangan, karena memang ada peraturan khusus dalam UU No.15 Tahun 2019 sebagai perubahan dari UU No. 12 Tahun 2011 (UUP3). Namun karena UUP3 tidak mengatur masalah harmonisasi dan sinkronisasi terhadap regulasi yang masih eksis, maka dibunyikanlah Pasal 181 UUCK berikut dengan peraturan pelaksanaannya. Dalam setiap pembentukan regulasi wajib menyertakan fungsional perancang sebagaimana diamanatkan dalam UUP3 dan aturan pelaksanaannya termasuk dalam Pokja seperti yang ditentukan dalam RPP Harsin. Namun para perancang sepertinya belum terlalu memahami cara melakukan harmonisasi dan sinkronisasi terhadap regulasi yang masih eksis, karena kegiatan pengharmonisasian yang dilakukan selama ini semuanya masih dalam tahap rancangan. Oleh karena itu, penting dilakukan peningkatan kemampuan para perancang dalam bentuk pelatihan dengan materi metodologi pembentukan regulasi, sehingga diharapkan perancang dapat membantu penyusunan regulasi yang baik.
PERAN ILMU FALAK DALAM MENENTUKAN ARAH KIBLAT
Authors: Syaputri Wulan , Tanjung Dhiauddin
Published: February 2023

Abstrak : Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui Peran Ilmu Falak dalam Menentukan Arah Kiblat. Jenis penelitan ini adalah penelitian kualitatif dengan teknik field research (Observasi, studi pustaka dan dokumentasi). Sumber data yaitu data primer dan data sekunder. Teknik analisis data dalam penelitian ini adalah miles and huberman, yaitu : reduksi data, penyajian data dan penarikan kesimpulan. Pembahasan pada penelitian ini adalah. Penentuan arah kiblat yang dilakukan oleh umat Islam di Indonesia mengalami perkembangan dari waktu ke waktu sejalan dengan perkembangan ilmu pengetahuan yang ada. Pertama kali, mereka menentukan arah kiblatnya ke barat dengan alasan Saudi Arabia tempat dimana Ka’bah berada terletak di sebelah barat Indonesia. Hal ini dilakukan dengan kira-kira saja tanpa perhitungan dan pengukuran terlebih dahulu. Oleh karena itu, arah qiblat sama persis dengan tempat matahari terbenam. Dengan demikian, arah kiblat itu identik dengan arah barat.

Kata Kunci: Ilmu Falak, Kiblat
Comparison of the WASPAS and MOORA Methods in Providing Single Tuition Scholarships
Authors: Daulay Nelly Khairani , Intan Bunga , Irvai Muhammad
Published: February 2023

Single Tuition Scholarship (UKT) is a grant provided by the Ministry of Education and Culture (Kemendikbud) to universities, both State Universities (PTN) and Private Universities (PTS). This aims to help underprivileged people so they can get education in higher education, both PTN and PTS. The large number of UKT recipient participants overwhelmed the University and made the decision not objective. For this reason, it is necessary to have a decision support system (SPK) in order to help deal with these problems. There are many methods that can be used in SPK including the MOORA method, WASPAS, TOPSIS, SAW, WPS and many more. In this study, researchers tried to compare two methods between the WASPAS method and the MOORA method in determining UKT scholarship recipients. There are five criteria for selecting recipients of UKT assistance, namely parents' income, electricity bills, water bills, land and building taxes and family expenses. The results of this study were students who got the first rank with the WASPAS method, namely 4,152 and students with the MOORA method, namely 3,218. This shows that these students are entitled to receive UKT grants
Design and Build a Web-Based People's Library Application in Jambi City
Authors: Hamdani Fahri , Zaen Mohammad Taufan Asri , Yuliadi Yuliadi , Julkarnain M
Published: February 2023

People's library is one of the libraries engaged in literacy and education that provides stalls for free. Free reading is prepared by the People's Library at certain locations, where the general public who are close to the lapak location can read their collection of books for free. The lack of literature and the desire to read the community requires special attention by collaborating with information technology which is used as a medium to publish writings and books by the people's library management and makes it easier for readers who are constrained by distance and time. The media is in the form of a Web-Based People's Library application in Jambi City which was built using the development method with the waterfall method. Programming using PHP programming language with laravel framework and MySQL database. This application can be used by the people's library manager to manage book data or visitors and the general public as a literacy medium to read books and view the collections owned by the people's library
Implementation of TOPSIS Method in the Selection of Candidates for the Student Skills Competition in Technical Competence Drawing Building
Authors: Lubis Juanda Hakim , Mesran Mesran , Ginting Garuda , Ramadhani Zahri Hubby , Syahfitri Delvi
Published: February 2023

The selection of prospective participants in the student skills competition is a prestigious event for all students who attend Vocational High Schools throughout Indonesia, a prospective LKS is tasked with providing the results of a job in the competence of the competition being contested.The selection of the expected LKS candidates is not easy, because the decision to accept or not LKS candidates is still carried out in the old way, namely based on the selection of teachers in the competency areas being contested. This results in inaccurate selection decision making and the results are not appropriate and not on target, for that a decision support system is needed that will later assist decision making. Decision support system with application of methodTechnique for Others Reference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) It is very much needed in order to be able to help make the right decisions in determining the selection of prospective student skills competitions (LKS) on building drawing engineering competencies. Technique For Others Reference by Similarity to Ideal Solution is a multi-criteria decision-making method or alternative choice which is an alternative that has the smallest distance from the positive ideal solution and the largest distance from the negative ideal solution from a geometric point of view by using distance.TOPSIS is known that from 3 three students the higher preference value is 0.8846, so that the result of the best student selection decision is the 2nd student. and accurate so that the resulting information can be used as decision support.
Analysis of Information Security in Data Leaks in The PeduliLindungi Application
Authors: Andani Sundari Retno
Published: February 2023

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indonesian government is trying to control the spread of COVID-19 in various ways, one of which is through the use of technology. The Indonesian government has built and developed a surveillance application called PeduliLindungi to help the government with tracing and tracking to stop the spread of COVID-19. This application requires personal data and utilizes the bluetooth network in location tracking for tracing contact history with COVID-19 sufferers. The search results will make it easier for the government to identify people who are exposed and need further treatment to stop the spread of COVID-19. But besides that, there are many public concerns about the leakage of personal data from the PeduliLindung application. This research focuses on the leakage of personal data and misuse of personal data from the PeduliLindung application from an information security perspective. This study is a study that aims to analyze data security in the PeduliLindung application
Design of a VLAN-Based Wireless Network Based on IEEE 802.11 Employing OSPF (Open Shortes Path First) at PT. Sepatu Bata (Tbk)
Authors: Subekti Rino , Kristantini RR Aryanti , Khair Rizaldy , Idris Iswandi
Published: February 2023

Wireless network is a technology that uses two devices to exchange data without the need for cables to transmit data, so this wireless network technology very popular nowadays both in personal use and in industrial use. This design is based on the increasing demand for data and technology. Therefore PT. Sepatu Bata (Tbk), requires the development of a computer network that can be developed easily and flexibly. Design and design of VLAN network technology using OSPF Routing Protocol at PT. Bata TBK shoes use a packet tracer. One alternative that can be used is an attempt to use Virtual Local Zone Network technology (VLAN), with the hope of sharing better results than LAN. VLAN a logical function of the switch, which is a special function configured for use software features. This function will divide the network into virtual networks that physically still connected to the same switch. With this function, computer technology can be made without depending on physical location, but based on needs and uses. VLANs can be used make flexible network arrangements with ministry segmentation match industry and can only broadcast to certain groups without relying on workstation position, besides the purpose of this study is to design a new network that more optimally by using a VLAN network with the OSPF routing protocol
Design and Build a Web-Based Service Information System at the Sejahtera Medika Clinic in Rangkasbitung
Authors: Triansyah Jully , Heti Heti , Nurachim Rusma Insan , Saraswati Sandra Dewi
Published: February 2023

Clinic is a health service facility that provides individual health services providing basic or specific medical services, organized by more than one type of health and led by medical personnel. The service activities carried out are in the form of public services. So far, the service system at the Sejahtera Medika Clinic starts from patient registration, input patient data, diagnoses and prescribes, payments and reports data that still uses the manual method, namely bookkeeping using a ledger. This causes several obstacles that often hinder the clinical management, especially in obtaining data related to patient service information. For this reason, it is necessary to develop a system that utilizes computer technology with a guaranteed security system, then the data is stored in a database and stored automatically. The development method used in this research is the Waterfall method, where there are 5 stages, namely: Analysis, Design, Implementation, Testing and Maintenance. In the implementation using UML (Unified Modeling Language) tools including Use Case Diagrams, Activity Diagrams, Class Diagrams and Sequence Diagrams
Development of Photography Interactive Learning Media at Politeknik Negeri Media Kreatif
Authors: Widiastuti Ni Made , Adryans Adryans
Published: February 2023

The absence of intelligent sight and sound in learning photography at Politeknik Negeri Media Kreatif (Polimedia) is the foundation of this examination. In the conveyance of photography material encountered a few hindrances. One of the primary obstructions is the absence of clear and simple to-work learning media. Polimedia Photography Study Program is the object of exploration. The particular motivation behind this exploration is to foster supporting instruments for photography topic through intuitive learning media identified with photography, and to help understudies and teachers in learning photography so quality learning expanded adequately and learning destinations. This review utilizes the Multimedia Development Life Cycle (MDLC) technique with six phases, specifically: idea, plan, material assortment, gathering, testing, and conveyance. To create an intuitive Learning Media Photography requires 11 sorts of perspectives, to be specific intro & background pages, fundamental photography, structure, openness, aperture & depth of field, Camera Basics, External Flash Photography Basics, Lens Basics, Practical photography, Types of Photography, Photography Techniques. The subsequent intelligent learning media for Photography endures a couple of moments, which utilized for understudies as Photography learning materials
Optimizing Attack Detection for High Dimensionality and Imbalanced Data with SMOTE, Chi-Square and Random Forest Classifier
Authors: Kurniabudi Kurniabudi , Harris Abdul , Veronica Veronica , Yanti Elvi
Published: February 2023

The rapid growth of the network generates a very large and varied amount of traffic which has an impact on data and information security. This study resolves two common problems in attack detection, namely high dimensionality and high-class imbalance of the network traffic. This study used the ISCX CICIDS-2017 dataset. This study used the ISCX CICIDS-2017 dataset.  The CICIDS-2017 dataset is imbalance that contains very diverse types of traffic including normal traffic and several types of attacks (multi-class). This study proposes a combination of the Chi-Square feature selection technique with the Tree-Based Classifier Random Forest. In the experiment first the Chi-Square Correlation Based feature selection technique was applied to the imbalance dataset. The selected features are then validated using several Random Forest algorithms. The test was also performed comparisons with other classification algorithms such as Naïve Bayes, Bayes Network, J48, REPTree, and Adaboost. This study also examines the implementation of SMOTE to overcome the problem of high calass imbalance. The test results also show that the proposed ensemble method has a very good performance from the Accuracy, TPR, FPR, Precision, F-Measure, and ROC values
Identification of Resistor Types Using Extreme Learning Machine Algorithms and Morphological Operation
Authors: Nuraini Rini
Published: February 2023

Electronic components are the basic elements to form a series of electronic devices that are usually used in everyday life. For someone who studies the field of electricity, knowledge of electrical components is an important thing. One of the components whose use is most often found in electronic circuits is a resistor. However, some people do not know about these types of resistors. Especially for someone or a student who will learn about electronic components. This study aims to develop an image processing system that can identify transistor type images using the Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) algorithm. This algorithm performs integrated learning through a special form of feedforward perceptron which has one hidden layer. In order for the ELM algorithm to work properly, information about the features contained in the object to be identified is needed. So, in this study the ELM algorithm is combined with morphological characteristics through parameters such as area, perimeter, eccentricity, major axis length, and minor axis length. Based on these parameters, features will be obtained which will be input in the identification process. At the evaluation stage, the precision value was 87%, recall was 84.47% and accuracy was 85.5%.
Google Data Studio Implementation for Visualizing West Java Province Toddler Stunting Data
Authors: Sholahuddin Muhammad Rizqi , Atqiya Firas , Faridah Husna , Nurianti Nuri
Published: February 2023

One of the world's most critical nutritional issues, stunting is particularly prevalent in impoverished and emerging nations, including Indonesia. West Java is one of the provinces having a relatively high proportion of children with stunted growth. This study intends to conduct data visualization about the number of stunted children under the age of five in each West Java city or district. The data visualization is an interactive dashboard with several interconnected charts that was created using Google Data Studio. This is intended to aid the analysis of the distribution of stunting among children under the age of five in West Java by city and district from 2014 to 2021. Open Data Jabar is the source of the data used to create the visualization of data on toddlers with stunting in West Java. The result of this research is a dashboard that can be facilitate data analysis process. From the dashboard, we can determine that the total number of cases of toddler stunting in West Java reduced between 2014 and 2021. Despite an increase in the number of instances between 2019 and 2020, the number of cases has reduced again in 2021
Identification of Freshwater Fish Types Using Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) Algorithm
Authors: Nuraini Rini
Published: February 2023

Fish as aquatic animals have several physiological mechanisms that land animals do not have. Differences in habitat cause fish to adapt to environmental conditions, for example as animals that live in water, both in fresh and marine waters. The number of species or types of freshwater fish means knowledge of the types of freshwater fish. Identification of freshwater fish images is useful for the community, because the types of freshwater fish have different nutritional content, prices and processing for each type. Likewise for cultivators, identification of freshwater fish species can be useful for providing fish handling and management because each fish has a different cultivation method. The purpose of this study was to identify freshwater fish species using the Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) algorithm based on color feature extraction using HSV. The LDA algorithm has the ability to reduce dimensions by dividing data into several groups by maximizing the distance between groups that are different or more. To make the identification process easier, color feature extraction with HSV can be used to extract a variety of information from the color in the image. Based on the results of the accuracy test, it produces a value of 84.5%, which is included in the good category.
Step by Step Examination of Tail Movement Sequences Reveals Functional Differentiation in Signals of Spotted Toad-Headed Agamas Phrynocephalus guttatus (Gmelin, 1789) (Reptilia: Agamidae)
Authors: Gorin Vladislav A. , Dunayev Eugeny A. , Vassiliev Boris D.
Published: February 2023

Phrynocephalus lizards are well-known for their remarkable tail movements. Possible function of such displays still remains unclear. We present a new approach for studying displays of Phrynocephalus, analyzing them as a sequence of movements. Here, we describe four tail movements of Phrynocephalus guttatus on the basis of observations on the population from the surroundings of Astrakhan, Russia. We found that movement sequences are structured and two main stereotyped patterns for movement sequences are suggested to distinguish depending on function they perform — aggressive or submissive. We also explain differences in preference and structure of movement sequences for lizards of different sex and age groups from the point of their social status.
Stem cuttings assessment for domesticating the medicinal melliferous plant, Combretum micranthum G. Don. in the Republic of Benin
Authors:   Ministère du Cadre de Vie et du Développement Durable, Republic of Benin, Amakpe Felicien , de Graaf Dirk C. ,   Laboratory of Molecular Entomology and Bee Pathology, Gent University, Belgium, Sinsin Brice ,   Laboratory of Applied Ecology, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Republic of Benin, Biaou Honore S. ,   Laboratory of Forestry and Ecology, University of Parakou, Republic of Benin
Published: February 2023

Combretum micranthum is a medicinal and melliferous plant from the dry tropical regions where it is threatened with extinction and it urges to develop suitable methods for its sustainable domestication. The challenges of producing seedlings from the seeds of the species make stem cutting, a potential approach for its domestication and this research evaluated the possibility to use such cuttings for seedlings production at a nursery located in the northern part of the Republic of Benin by determining the most effective season to harvest the stem cuttings, the parts of the branch which could yield the best rate of vigorous seedlings and the optimal transplantation time. An experimental dispositive of 4 plots of 35 cuttings of 25 cm long of the categories named A, B, C and D from the base to the apex of the branch was repeated in two seasons. The first trial consisted of cuttings harvested during the end of the dry season and the second trial was carried out with cuttings that were harvested at the heart of the rainy season. The results showed that the dry season cuttings yielded the best vigorous seedlings rate (46% against only 6% for those harvested in the rainy season). Basal cuttings of the dry season had the best survival rate at 49% while apical cuttings from the same season had the best vigorous seedlings rate at 43% versus 23% for the basal cuttings. Intermediate cuttings yielded low vigorous plantlet rates. The optimum nursery time was 90 days regardless of the harvest season. Dry season stem cuttings, based on basal and apical cuttings were the best approach for domesticating C. micranthum. The technology did not require any root activator and the vigorous seedlings were available during the relevant reforestation rain season. Keywords: Forestry, medicinal plant, melliferous plant, non-timber product, nursery, seedling, stem cutting.
MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THE SOIL COVER OF THE TERRITORY OF THE MITROPOLYCHI GARDENS OF THE CITY OF LVIV
Authors: Borys Yaroslav , Teleguz Oleksiy
Published: February 2023

Metropolitan gardens are gardens located on the territory of the complex of St. George's Cathedral in Lviv within the Lviv Plateau in a zone of increased complexity of geological conditions and a significant difference in relief. Metropolitan gardens are a kind of standard of nature, which allows to track the course of natural processes in the environment. The territory, which includes the Svyatoyurska Mountain with gardens, belongs to the UNESCO heritage.
Since the founding of the Metropolitan Gardens, there have been practically not conducted various studies of soil formation conditions, study of their features. Having studied the literary sources, it is worth noting that insufficient attention was also paid to the study of the soil cover of Metropolitan Gardens.
Within the territory of the study are widespread sod-carbonate, sod-silty soils with varying degrees of degradation and anthropogenic-variable soils (urban soils) are common. The presented soils undergo significant changes in the process of economic and recreational influence, intense anthropogenic load causes compaction of the upper layers of the soil cover, a decrease in field moisture capacity, and a decrease in porosity indicators. If natural (sod-carbonate, sod-glay) non-urbanized soils are characterized by high acidity and a lack of nutrients, then, unlike them, anthropogenic-modified soils (urban soils) are characterized by a neutral or alkaline reaction and a sufficient amount of nutrients. At the same time, they are often distinguished by high drainage and low water maintenance, as well as the imbalance of humic and fulvic acids.
The morphological features of the natural and anthropogenic-transformed soils of the Metropolitan Gardens of the city of Lviv. The data of the morphological descriptions of the soil horizons make it possible to trace a certain mosaic of the soil cover of the study area, which combines natural sloping areas and landscape-engineering objects in the form of embankment terraces.
Keywords: Metropolitan Gardens; Lviv Plateau; urban soil; turf-carbonate soils; sod clay soils; anthropogenically transformed soils.
Analysis of Small Medium Enterprise’s Sukuk Investment Intention Through Financial Technology Securities Crowdfunding
Authors: Luqman Hakim Arief , Zaerofi Afif , Mulyana Rahmat
Published: February 2023

The study is aimed at examining the determinants of retail investor to invest in small medium enterprise’s (SME) sukuk through Fintech Securities Crowdfunding (SCF) using the extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB). The cluster random sampling was applied and survey was conducted by distributing online questionairre to retail investors who already invested through SCF in Indonesia officially licensed by the OJK (Authority of Financial Services). The data of 218 respondent were analysed using SmartPLS 3.2.9. The result suggested that attitude, subjective norm and perceived behaviour control were statistically found significant to intention to invest in SME’s sukuk. The result also showed that other variables observed, knowledge, religious factor and risk & return have positively significant impact on attitude toward SME’s sukuk investment. Interestingly, sharia compliance factor not significantly impact to attitude.
MECHANISMS OF ACTION ULTRASONIC OSCILLATIONS IN THE PRODUCTION OF PERMANENT JOINTS
Authors:   S. K. Sundukov Moscow automobile and road construction state technical university (MADI), Sundukov S. K.
Published: February 2023

The paper provides descriptions of the mechanisms of action when using ultrasonic vibrations in the processes of obtaining permanent joints. The joints obtained by creating forces of molecular adhesion - welded, soldered, glued, and joints obtained using mechanical action - riveting and interference fit are considered. Also considered are products obtained by layer-by-layer synthesis, which makes it possible to replace the assembly operation with the manufacture of the entire connection.
Anti-Candida and Antibiofilm Activity of Selected Lamiaceae Essential Oils
Authors: Karpiński Tomasz M. , Ożarowski Marcin , Seremak-Mrozikiewicz Agnieszka , Wolski Hubert
Published: February 2023

Background: Candidiasis is a common oral and vaginal infection. Some papers have presented that the essential oils of Lamiaceae plants can have antifungal activity. This study aimed to investigate the activity of 7 essential oils of the Lamiaceae family with known phytochemical compositions against Candida fungi. Methods: Forty-four strains belonging to six species were tested: C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. guilliermondii, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis. During this investigation, the following methods were used: determination of the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs), biofilm inhibition studies, and in silicotoxicity tests. Results: Essential oils of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and oregano (Origanum vulgare) showed the best anti-Candida activity, with MIC values below 3.125 mg/mL. Lavender (Lavandula stoechas), mint (Mentha × piperita), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) essential oils were also very active (0.39 to 6.25 or 12.5 mg/mL). Sage (Salvia officinalis) essential oil presented the lowest activity, with MIC values ranging from 3.125 to 100 mg/mL. In an antibiofilm study using MIC values, oregano and thyme essential oils showed the greatest effect, followed by lavender, mint, and rosemary oils. The weakest antibiofilm activity was observed with the lemon balm and sage oils. In silico toxicity research suggests that most of main compounds of Lamiaceae essential oils probably do not exhibit carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or cytotoxicity. Conclusions: The obtained results showed that Lamiaceae essential oils have anti-Candida and antibiofilm activity. Further research is required to confirm the safety and efficacy of essential oils in the topical treatment of candidiasis.
The Prognostic Significance of Apoptotic Protease Activating Factor (Apaf-1) Protein Expression in Colon Adenocarcinoma Tissue-Preliminary Report
Authors: Brzozowa-Zasada Marlena , Matysiak Natalia , Piecuch Adam , Gawełek Ewa , Michalski Marek , Kucharzewski Marek , Łos Marek J.
Published: February 2023

Background: The Apoptotic protease activating factor 1 (Apaf-1) protein, as one of the factors involved in the activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, plays an important role in cancer biology. Apaf-1 expression in tumour cells has been shown to be downregulated, with significant implications for tumour progression. Hence, we investigated the expression of Apaf-1 protein in the Polish population of patients with colon adenocarcinoma without any therapy prior to radical surgery. Moreover, we assessed the relation between Apaf-1 protein expression and the clinicopathological factors. The prognostic activity of this protein was analyzed in relation to 5-year survival of patients. In order to show the localization of Apaf-1 protein at the cellular level, the immunogold labelling method was used. Methods: The study was conducted using the colon tissue material from patients with histopathologically confirmed colon adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemical expression of Apaf-1 protein was performed using Apaf-1 antibody at dilution 1:600. The associations between the immunohistochemistry (IHC) expression of Apaf-1 and clinical parameters were analyzed using the Chi2 test and Chi2Yatesa test. Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test were used to verify the relationship between the intensity of Apaf-1 expression and 5-year survival rate of patients. The results were considered statistically significant when p < 0.05. Results: Apaf-1 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining in whole tissue sections. Thirty-nine (33.23%) samples had strong Apaf-1 protein expression and 82 (67.77%) samples were characterized by low expression. The high expression of Apaf-1 was clearly correlated with the histological grade of the tumour (p = 0.001), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemical expression (p = 0.005), age (p = 0.015), depth of invasion (p < 0.001) and angioinvasion (p < 0.001). The 5-year survival rate was significantly higher in the group of patients with high expression of this protein (log-rank, p < 0.001). Conclusions: We can conclude that Apaf-1 expression is positively correlated with reduced survival of colon adenocarcinoma patients.
Quantitative Proteomics Reveals Neuroprotective Mechanism of Ginkgolide B in Aβ1-42-induced N2a Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Zhang Yidan , Zhao Yuan , Zhang Jian , Gao Ya , Li Shuyue , Chang Cui , Yang Guofeng
Published: February 2023

Objective: Ginkgolide B (GB) possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties against neurotoxicity induced by amyloid beta (Aβ), but the potential neuroprotective effects of GB in Alzheimer’s therapies remain elusive. We aimed to conduct proteomic analysis of Aβ1-42 induced cell injury with GB pretreatment to uncover the underlying pharmacological mechanisms of GB. Methods: Tandem mass tag (TMT) labeled liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was applied to analyze protein expression in Aβ1-42 induced mouse neuroblastoma N2a cells with or without GB pretreatment. Proteins with fold change >1.5 and p < 0.1 from two independent experiments were regarded as differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed to analyze the functional annotation information of DEPs. Two key proteins osteopontin (SPP1) and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) were validated in another three samples using western blot and quantitative real-time PCR. Results: We identified a total of 61 DEPs in GB treated N2a cells, including 42 upregulated and 19 downregulated proteins. Bioinformatic analysis showed that DEPs mainly participated in the regulation of cell death and ferroptosis by down-regulating SPP1 protein and up-regulating FTH1 protein. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that GB treatment provides neuroprotective effects on Aβ1-42 induced cell injury, which may be related to the regulation of cell death and ferroptosis. The research puts forward new insights into the potential protein targets of GB in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Digital Therapeutics for Insomnia: Assessing the Effectiveness of a Computerized Home-Based Cognitive Stimulation Program
Authors: Tapia Jose L. , Puertas Francisco Javier , Duñabeitia Jon Andoni
Published: February 2023

Background: Sleep disturbances represent a major health burden today, affecting up to one-third of the population worldwide. Computerized cognitive stimulation has been proven as an effective approach in diminishing negative symptomatology and improving the quality of life in a range of medical conditions. Given its nature in enhancing neural networks, such as those involved in stimulus monitoring and inhibitory processes, computerized cognitive stimulation is arising as a potential tool to overcome underlying cognitive deficits found among patients suffering from insomnia. In the current study, we report the results of Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical trials of a home-based computerized cognitive stimulation program. Methods: The cognitive stimulation intervention followed a home-based approach with online supervision by a psychologist. The training activities were gamified cognitive tasks that had been designed to improve executive functions, with a focus on inhibition skills. The Insomnia Severity Index and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scales were used as the main assessment measures. Data from the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, the Beck Depression Inventory, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Penn State Worry Questionnaire were also recorded before and after the intervention. During 15 consecutive days, participants performed on alternate days a total of 7 training sessions (each lasting 45 minutes). Results: Twelve patients with clinical insomnia were administered the home-based online cognitive stimulation program. After seven training sessions, mean changes in sleep quality, depressive and anxiety symptoms, worry thoughts, and everyday function were found, with significant improvements in these domains in the full absence of safety issues. Conclusions: In patients with insomnia, cognitive stimulation demonstrated improvements in sleep quality, mood, and cognitive performance over a 15-day protocol. No relevant side effects were reported. The long-term effectiveness of the intervention is still unknown. Clinical Trial Registration: The study protocol has been reviewed and published in ClinicalTrials.gov, assigning it the code NCT05050292 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05050292?term=NCT05050292&draw=2&rank=1.
The Influence of the Gut Microbiota on Alzheimer's Disease: A Narrative Review
Authors: Yin Jun-Ting , Xu Xiao-Wei , Jin Chen-Yang , Yuan Xiao-Ying , Wang Xu-Gang
Published: February 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disease that tends to occur in the elderly. The main symptom is hypomnesia. More and more older people are suffering from this disease worldwide. By 2050, 152 million people worldwide are expected to have AD. It is thought that the aggregation of amyloid-beta peptides and hyper-phosphorylated tau tangles contribute to AD. The microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) axis appears as a new concept. The MGB axis is a collection of microbial molecules produced in the gastrointestinal tract that influence the physiological function of the brain. In this review, we discuss how the gut microbiota (GM) and its metabolites affect AD in different ways. Dysregulation of the GM has been shown to be involved in various mechanisms involved in memory and learning functions. We review the current literature on the role of the entero-brain axis in the pathogenesis of AD and its potential role as a future therapeutic target in the treatment and/or prevention of AD.
Application of and Prospects for 3-Dimensional Printing in Transcatheter Mitral Valve Interventions
Authors: Mao Yu , Liu Yang , Zhai Mengen , Yang Jian
Published: February 2023

Mitral valve (MV) disease is one of the most common valvular diseases that endangers health status. A variety of catheter-based interventions have been developed to treat MV disease. The special anatomical structures of the MV complex increase the difficulty of interventional surgery, and the incidence of perioperative complications remains high. With the continuous development of cardiovascular 3-dimensional (3D) printing technology and of multidisciplinary cooperation, 3D printing for transcatheter mitral valve interventions (TMVI) has become a revolutionary technology to promote innovation and improve the success rate. Patient-specific 3D printed models have been used in measuring sizes and predicting perioperative complications before TMVI. By simulating a bench test and using multi-material printing, surgeons may learn how the device interacts with the specific anatomical structures of the MV. This review summarizes relevant cutting-edge publications in this field and illustrates the application of 3D printing in TMVI with examples. In addition, we discuss the limitations and future directions of 3D printing in TMVI. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration System (NCT02917980).
Clinical Outcome of FFR-Guided Revascularization Strategy of Coronary Lesions: The HALE-BOPP Study
Authors: Tebaldi Matteo , Gallo Francesco , Scoccia Alessandra , Durante Alessandro , Tedeschi Delio , Verdoliva Sebastiano , Cortese Bernardo , Bilotta Ferruccio , Watkins Stuart , Ielasi Alfonso , Valentini Giuliano , Pavasini Rita , Serenelli Matteo , D’Aniello Emanuele , Arena Marco , Pompei Graziella , Scala Antonella , Scollo Ennio , Gibiino Federico , Caglioni Serena , Mele Daniela , Marrone Andrea , Biscaglia Simone , Barbato Emanuele , Campo Gianluca
Published: February 2023

Background: Recently, questions around the efficacy and effectiveness of Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) have arisen in various clinical settings. Methods: The Clinical Outcome of FFR-guided Revascularization Strategy of Coronary Lesions (HALE-BOPP) study is an investigator-initiated, multicentre, international prospective study enrolling patients who underwent FFR measurement on at least one vessel. In accordance with the decision-making workflow and treatment, the vessels were classified in three subgroups: (i) angio-revascularized, (ii) FFR-revascularized, (iii) FFR-deferred. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of target vessel failure (TVF, cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction and ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization). The analysis was carried out at vessel- and patient-level. Results: 1305 patients with 2422 diseased vessels fulfilled the criteria for the present analysis. Wire-related pitfalls and transient adenosine-related side effects occurred in 0.8% (95% CI: 0.4%–1.4%) and 3.3% (95% CI: 2.5%–4.3%) of cases, respectively. In FFR-deferred vessels, the overall incidence rate of TVF was 0.024 (95% CI: 0.019–0.031) lesion/year. After a median follow-up of 3.6 years, the occurrence of TVF was 6%, 7% and 11.7% in FFR-deferred, FFR-revascularized and angio-revascularized vessels, respectively. Compared to angio-revascularized vessels, FFR-guided vessels (both FFR-revascularized and FFR-deferred vessels) showed a lower TVF incidence rate lesion/year (0.029, 95% CI: 0.024–0.034 vs. 0.049, 95% CI: 0.040–0.061 respectively, p = 0.0001). The result was consistent after correction for confounding factors and across subgroups of clinical interest. The patient-level analysis confirmed the lower occurrence of TVF in negative-FFR vs. positive-FFR subgroups. Conclusions: In a large prospective observational study, an FFR-based strategy for the deferral of coronary lesions is a reliable and safe tool, associated with good outcomes. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03079739.
Regulations relevant to (long-form) audio recordings in South Africa
Authors: Brun Elias , Leon Mathilde , Cristia Alejandrina
Published: February 2023

The present document concerns data protection legislation relevant to audio recordings gathered in South Africa. We focus on international, regional and national legislation.
Quantifying fire-specific smoke severity
Authors: Wen Jeff , Baylis Patrick , Boomhower Judson , Burke Marshall
Published: February 2023

Rapidly changing wildfire regimes across the Western US has driven more frequent and severe wildfires, resulting in wide-ranging societal threats from the wildfires themselves and the smoke that they generate. However, common measures of fire severity focus on what is burned and do not account for the societal impacts of the smoke generated from each fire. We combine satellite-derived fire scars, air parcel trajectories from individual fires, and predicted smoke PM2.5 to link source fires to resulting smoke PM2.5 experienced by populations in the contiguous United States from April 2006-2020. We develop a new metric of fire-specific severity based on the cumulative population exposed to smoke PM2.5 over the duration of a fire. This measure is only weakly correlated with common measures of wildfire severity, including burned area, structures destroyed, and suppression cost. We find that while recent California fires contributed nearly half of the country's experienced smoke severity during our study period, the most severe individual fire was the 2007 Bugaboo fire in the Southeast. We estimate that a majority of experienced smoke PM2.5 comes from sources outside the local jurisdictions where the smoke is experienced, with 87% coming from fires in other counties and 60% from fires in other states. Our approach enables broad-scale assessment of whether specific fire characteristics affect smoke toxicity or impact, informs assessment of the cost-effectiveness of how suppression resources are allocated, and helps clarify the growing transboundary nature of local air quality.
Performance-Weighted Aggregation: Ferreting Out Wisdom Within the Crowd
Authors: Collins Robert N. , Mandel David R. , Budescu David
Published: February 2023

This is a pre-print of a chapter intended for publication in the book "JUDGMENT IN PREDICTIVE ANALYTICS" (Ed. Matthias Seifert, Ph.D.). The chapter represents a primer and review of various performance-weighted aggregation techniques, including: history-based weighting methods, disposition-based weighting methods, and coherence-based weighting methods. Various formulas for applying these measures of 'performance' in practical weighted aggregation schemes are also discussed.
Spatial differentiation occurs in 6-8 months infants: A new view of the Spatial Orientation Paradigm
Authors: Ortiz Ivan López , Leon Alejandro , Eslava Varsovia Hernandez
Published: February 2023

The ability to locate events after a change of position of the observer has been studied with the Spatial Orientation Paradigm (SOP). Inconsistent results have been reported about the age and quality of the environment from which such ability is presented. Such inconsistencies could be due to the limited recording of a single discrete response during the test and could be resolved with the analysis of the spatiotemporal continuum of behavior. In the present study, we compared the process of spatial differentiation in prelocomotor infants aged 6 to 8 months under heterogeneous or homogeneous environment using a variation of the SOP. Six infants participated. Half of them were exposed to a homogeneous space and half to a heterogeneous space. In contrast to the standard SOP, the continuous behavior of the infants was analyzed in both training and testing. The results indicate differences in the spatial behavior of infants as a function of the homogeneity or heterogeneity of the environment. Under homogeneous space, infants limited their activity toward the target location during training and responded incorrectly during test trials. Under heterogeneous space, infants engaged in more inspection and comparison between the two potential locations throughout training, while during testing, they presented correct responses or response corrections. These results show spatial differentiation in prelocomotor infants aged between 6 to 8 months under a heterogeneous environment. The empirical and conceptual implications of these findings in the field are discussed, as well as the utility of incorporating continuous behavioral analysis into the SOP.
Predictive validity of the Oxford Digital Multiple Errands Test (OxMET) for functional outcomes after stroke
Authors: Webb Sam Sappho , Demeyere Nele
Published: February 2023

The Oxford Digital Multiple Errands Test (OxMET) is a brief computer-tablet based cognitive screen, intended as an ecologically valid assessment of executive dysfunction. We examined aspects of predictive validity in relation to functional outcomes.Participants (<2 months post-stroke) were recruited from an English-speaking stroke rehabilitation in-patient setting. Participants completed OxMET with a researcher. The Barthel Index, Therapy Outcome Measure, and modified Rankin Scale were collected from medical notes. Patients were followed up after 6-months and completed the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) scale.117 participants were recruited (M= 26.18 days post-stroke (SD=25.16), mean 74.44yrs (SD =12.88), median NIHSS 8.32 (IQR= 5-11)). Sixty-six completed a follow-up (M= 73.94yrs (SD =12.68), median NIHSS 8 (IQR= 4-11)). Significant associations were found between all outcomes, but the Barthel index did not survive multiple comparison correction. At 6-month follow up, we found a moderate predictive relationship between the subacute OxMET accuracy and NEADL (R2=.29, p<.001), and we did not find this prediction with MoCA taken at 6-months.The subacute OxMET associated with stroke relevant measures of holistic functionality and disability in a rehabilitation context, and in activities of daily living 6-months later. The OxMET is an assessment of executive function with good predictive validity on clinically relevant functional outcome measures that may be more predictive than other cognitive tests.