bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short Communication: A Within- and Across-country Assessment of the Genomic Diversity and Autozygosity of South African and Eswatini Nguni Cattle
Authors: Lashmar Simon Frederick , Visser Carina , Okpeku Moses , Muchadeyi Farai Catherine , Mapholi Ntanganedzeni Olivia , Marle-Köster Esté van
Published: November 2021

In southern Africa, the Nguni cattle breed is classified as an indigenous and transboundary animal genetic resource that manifests unique adaptation abilities across distinct agroecological zones. The genetic integrity of various ecotypes is under potential threat due to both indiscriminate crossbreeding and uncontrolled inbreeding. The aim of this study was to assess the genetic diversity and autozygosity that exists both across countries (ES: eSwatini; SA: South Africa) and within-country (SA), between purebred stud animals (SA-S) and research herds (SA-R). Subsets of 96 ES, 96 SA-S and 96 SA-R genotyped for 40 930 common SNPs were used to study inbreeding, runs of homozygosity (ROH) and heterozygosity (ROHet) profiles as well as population structure. The highest proportion (0.513) of the 3 595 ROH was <4Mb in length, while the majority (0.560) of the 4 409 ROHet segments fell within the 0.5-1Mb length category. Inbreeding coefficients indicated low inbreeding (FROH range: 0.025 for SA-S to 0.029 for SA-R). Principal component (PCA) and population structure (K=5) analyses illustrated genomic distinctiveness between SA and ES populations, greater admixture for SA-R (mean±standard deviation proportion shared=0.631±0.353) compared to SA-S (mean±standard deviation proportion shared=0.741±0.123), and three subpopulations for ES. Overall, results illustrated that genetic distinctiveness in the Nguni resulted from both geographic isolation and exposure to different production strategies. Although no impending threat to genetic diversity was observed, further loss should be monitored to prevent endangerment of unique and beneficial indigenous resources.
Association of gene polymorphisms with body weight changes in prediabetic patients
Authors: Valeeva Farida V. , Medvedeva Mariya S. , Khasanova Kamilya B. , Valeeva Elena V. , Kiseleva Tatyana A. , Egorova Emiliya S. , Pickering Craig , Ahmetov Ildus I.
Published: November 2021

Background: Recent research has demonstrated that Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) risk is influenced by a number of common polymorphisms, including rs17782313 MC4R, rs1801282 PPARG, and rs7903146 TCF7L2. Knowledge of the association between these SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphism) and body weight changes in different forms of prediabetes treatment is still limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of polymorphisms within the MC4R, PPARG, TCF7L2 genes on the risk of carbohydrate metabolism disorders and body composition changes in overweight or obese patients with early carbohydrate metabolism disorders. Methods and Results: From 327 patients, a subgroup of 81 prediabetic female patients (48.7±14.8 years) of Eastern European descent participated in a 3-month study comprised of diet therapy or diet therapy accompanied with metformin treatment. Bioelectrical impedance analysis and genotyping of rs17782313 MC4R, rs7903146 TCF7L2, rs1801282 PPARG were performed. The MC4R CC and TCF7L2 TT genotypes were associated with increased risk of T2D (OR=1.46, p=0.05 and OR=2.47, p=0.006, respectively). PPARG СС homozygotes experienced increased weight loss; however, no additional improvements were experienced with the addition of metformin. MC4R ТТ homozygotes who took metformin alongside dietary intervention experienced increased weight loss and reductions in fat mass (p<0.05).Conclusions: We confirmed the previous association of the MC4R C and TCF7L2 T alleles with T2D risk. The obesity-protective alleles (MC4R T and PPARG C) were positively associated with weight loss efficiency.
MyD88 Mediates Colitis- and RANKL-Induced Microfold Cell Differentiation
Authors: Li Yang , Yang Shanshan , Huang Xin , Yang Ning , Wang Caiying , Zhao Jing , Jing Zhizhong , Willems Luc , Liu Guangliang
Published: November 2021

Intestinal microfold (M) cells are critical for sampling antigen in the gut and initiating the intestinal mucosal immune response. In this study, we found that the differentiation efficiency of M cells was closely related to the colitis severity. The expression levels of M cells differentiation-related genes were synchronized with the kinetics of pro-inflammatory cytokines expression originated from dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induction and Salmonella infection. Compared with wild-type (WT) mice, MyD88-/- mice exhibited significantly lower expression levels of M cells differentiation-related genes. However, DSS could induce colitis in MyD88-/- mice but failed to promote M cells differentiation. Furthermore, the receptor activator of the Nuclear Factor-κB ligand (RANKL) induced M cells differentiation in murine intestinal organoids prepared from both WT and MyD88-/- mice. However, less M cells differentiation were found in MyD88-/- mice as compared with WT mice. Hence, we concluded that myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) is an essential molecule for colitis- and RANKL-related M cells differentiation.
Essential Elements of and Challenges to Rapid ART Implementation: A Qualitative Study of Three Programs in the United States
Authors: Koester Kimberly A , Moran Lissa , LeTourneau Noelle , VanderZanden Lyndon , Coffey Susa , Crouch Pierre-Cedric , Broussard Janessa , Schneider John , Christopoulos Katerina A.
Published: November 2021

Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation on the day of an HIV diagnosis or as soon as possible after diagnosis, known as rapid ART (henceforth “RAPID”), is considered to be a safe and effective intervention to quickly reduce viral load and potentially improve engagement in care over time. However, implementation of RAPID programming is not yet widespread. To facilitate broader dissemination of RAPID, we sought to understand health care worker experiences with RAPID implementation and to identify essential programmatic elements. Methods: We conducted 28 key informant interviews with medical providers and staff involved in RAPID service delivery in three distinct clinical settings. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed.Findings: We identified seven (7) essential elements across settings associated with successful RAPID program implementation. These high-impact elements represent essential components without which a RAPID program could not function. There was no one requisite formation. Instead, we observed a constellation of essential elements that could be operationalized in various formations and by various people in various roles. The essential elements included: (1) presence of an implementation champion; (2) comfort and competence prescribing RAPID ART; (3) expedited access to ART medications; (4) expertise in benefits, linkage, and care navigation; (5) RAPID team member flexibility and organizations’ adaptive capacity; (6) patient-centered approach; and (7) strong communication methods and culture.Conclusions: The RAPID model can be applied to a diverse range of clinical contexts. The operational structure of RAPID programs is shaped by the clinical setting in which they function, and therefore the essential elements identified may not apply equally to all programs. Based on the seven essential elements described above we recommend future implementers identify where these elements currently exist within a practice; leverage them when possible; strengthen them when necessary or develop them if they do not yet exist; and look to these elements when challenges arise for potential solutions.
Robust ZnO/HNTs-Based Superhydrophobic Cotton Fabrics With UV Shielding, Self-Cleaning, Photocatalysis, and Oil/Water Separation
Authors: xu Wei , Xu LiHui , Pan Hong , Wang Liming , Shen Yong , Liu Yangchun , Li Tianyang , Li Keting , Li Jun
Published: November 2021

In this work, robust superhydrophobic cotton fabrics with UV shielding, self-cleaning, photocatalysis, and oil/water separation were successfully prepared based on micro/nano hierarchical ZnO/HNTs (halloysite nanotubes) hybrid particles and silicone elastomer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). ZnO/HNTs hybrid particles were prepared by in-situ growth of ZnO nanoparticles on the surface of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). ZnO/HNTs hybrid particles and PDMS were used to successively coat cotton fabric by dip-coating approach. The coated cotton fabric displayed excellent superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 162.5 ± 1° and photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue solution under UV irradiation owing to the roughness and photocatalytic performance provided by micro/nano hierarchical ZnO/HNTs hybrid particles and low surface energy achieved by PDMS. The as-prepared fabric also displayed outstanding self-cleaning and antifouling properties. In addition, due to its both superhydrophobic and superoleophilic characteristics, the as-prepared cotton fabric can be used to separate several oil/water mixtures and showed good recoverability. The superhydrophobic cotton fabric also exhibited excellent UV shielding performance with a large UV protection factor of 1643.28 due to strong ultraviolet-absorption, light scattering and frequent light reflection of ZnO nanoparticles in ZnO/HNTs composites coated on cotton fabric. Importantly, the as-prepared fabric retained superhydrophobic performance after 2000 cycles rubbing, 90h UV illumination, and immersing in acidic and alkali solutions with different pH values ranging from 1 to 14 for 1 h. These characteristics make multifunctional cotton fabrics a satisfactory candidate in various promising fields.
Utility of Plasma NGAL for the Diagnosis of AKI Following Cardiac Surgery Requiring Cardiopulmonary Bypass: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Sharrod-Cole Hayley , Fenn Jonathan , Gama Rousseau , Ford Clare , Giri Ramesh , Luckraz Heyman
Published: November 2021

The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of plasma neutrophil gelatinase‑associated lipocalin (pNGAL) for the early diagnosis of acute kidney injury (AKI) in adult patients following cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).
Electronic databases and other resources were systematically searched for relevant studies. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) tool. Studies were assigned to a sub-group based on the timing of the pNGAL sample in relation to the cessation of CPB. These were <4 h, 4-8 h, 12 h or 24 h post-cessation of CPB. Summary values for sensitivity and specificity were estimated using the hierarchical summary receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve model. A random-effects meta-analysis of each pair of sensitivity and specificity estimates from each included study was performed.
In total, 3131 patients from 16 studies were included. When taken at 4-8 hours following CPB, pNGAL had superior performance for the diagnosis of AKI in the defined population when compared to earlier and later time points. Prediction regions and confidence intervals, however, demonstrated significant variability in pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity. This is likely due to population and study design heterogeneity, lack of standardisation of assays and thresholds, and inability to distinguish the different molecular forms of NGAL.
In conclusion, the diagnostic utility of pNGAL in this clinical setting is inconclusive and large individual studies of representative populations of cardiac surgery patients using assays that specifically detect NGAL in its monomeric form are required.
Monthly Migraine Days, Tablet Utilization, and Quality of Life Associated with Rimegepant – Post Hoc Results from an Open Label Safety Study (BHV3000-201)
Authors: Johnston Karissa , Harris Linda , Powell Lauren , Popoff Evan , Coric Vladimir , L'Italien Gilbert , Schreiber Curtis
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to describe patterns in monthly migraine days (MMD) and tablet utilization, and to estimate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures in patients treated as needed (PRN) with rimegepant 75 mg over 52-weeks. METHODS: Eligible subjects were adults with ≥1 year history of migraine and ≥6 MMD at baseline, who used rimegepant 75 mg up to once daily PRN (at their discretion) for up to 52-weeks in an open-label safety study (BHV3000-201; NCT03266588). Mean MMD were calculated at each 4-week period, along with mean monthly tablets taken. Migraine-specific quality of life (MSQv2) data were mapped to EQ-5D utilities and used to characterize HRQoL over time. A published network meta-analysis was used to characterize pain hours as well as time periods spent migraine free.RESULTS: 1,044 subjects were included in this post-hoc analysis. Overall mean MMD were 10.9 at baseline and decreased to 8.9 by week 52. Tablet use remained stable over the follow-up period. A total of 0.08 incremental QALYs were associated with rimegepant use. CONCLUSION: For subjects with 6 or more MMD, acute treatment of migraine attacks with rimegepant 75 mg on a PRN basis over one year of follow-up was found to be associated with reduced MMD frequency without an increase in monthly tablet utilization, and improved HRQoL. There was no evidence of medication-related increases in MMDs when rimegepant 75 mg was used as needed for the acute treatment of migraine over 52-weeks. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03266588
Tingkat Pengetahuan dan Minat Mahasiswa Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta terhadap Media UKBI (Uji Kemahiran Berbahasa Indonesia)
Authors: Cahya Hilwa Suciati , Aini Shofi Alifah Nur , Nirwani Ilfat Isroi
Published: November 2021

UKBI is a test medium to measure a person's proficiency in the Indonesian language. The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge and interests of UNY students in UKBI media. The research method used is descriptive qualitative and simple quantitative, namely calculating the percentage and describing the characteristics of the survey results. The results of the study showing that UNY students who did not know UKBI. Even so, UNY students have a high interest in UKBI. Therefore, it is recommended that related party continue to promote UKBI and provide training related to UKBI.
Clinical factors associated with unfavorable outcomes in HIV-positive tuberculosis patients
Authors: Borovitskiy V. S. , Sinitsyn M. V.
Published: November 2021

The objective: to identify clinical factors with the highest sensitivity and speciﬁcity associated with an unfavorable outcome in the patient with tuberculosis and HIV infection.

Subjects. 363 patients with TB/HIV co-infection. Group 1 – 59 (16.3%) patients with the unfavorable outcome, Group 2 – 304 (83.7%) patients with a favorable outcome.

Methods: analysis of paired contingency tables by Pearson criterion, quantitative signs by Mann – Whitney test, simple and multiple logistic regression.

Results. The following factors promoting unfavorable outcomes in the patient with TB/HIV co-infection with the highest sensitivity and speciﬁcity were identiﬁed: hemoglobin level (sensitivity – 78.0%; speciﬁcity – 73.7%), gastrointestinal candidiasis (72.9% and 84.5%), loose stool (40.7% and 97.4%), no lymphadenopathy (89.8% and 57.2%), and headache (49.2% and 88.5%). The combination of these clinical manifestations provides sensitivity of 78.0% and speciﬁcity of 94.4%.

A formula is proposed for calculating the probability of an unfavorable outcome in the patient TB/HIV co-infection.
Emotional state of anesthesiologists and intensivists in diﬀerent periods of the COVID-19 pandemic�
Authors: Korehova M. V. , Kirov M. Yu. , Novikova I. A. , Soloviev A. G.
Published: November 2021

Objective: identifcation of the peculiarities of the emotional states of anesthesiologists and intensivists in diﬀerent periods of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Material and Methods. The study was conducted using an anonymous questionnaire survey in the frst and second waves of the pandemic COVID-19 among anesthesiologists and intensivists of the Arkhangelsk region: in May 2020 (in the frst wave of the COVID-19 pandemic), 58 doctors participated; the average age was 32.7 ± 1.7 years (M ± SD); in October 2020 (during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic), 43 doctors were involved; the average age was 28.0 ± 1.2 years (M ± SD). The repeated questionnaire survey was conducted among the same doctors.

Results. During the second wave of COVID-19, male doctors more often noted poor health, signifcant heaviness and intensity of their work versus the frst wave, while women on the contrary during the frst wave had a poorer emotional state and higher level of emotional burnout. During the second wave of COVID-19, anesthesiologists and intensivists involved in caring for patients with COVID-19 were more likely to experience poor emotional state, anxiety, low mood, irritability, and a high level of burnout compared to the frst wave.

Summary. The second wave of COVID-19 is accompanied by further exhaustion of emotional resources of anesthesiologists and intensivists.
Anesthesiological provision of open fetal surgery
Authors: Pyregov A. V. , Ostrik K. A.
Published: November 2021

Fetal surgery is a rapidly growing feld of medicine. Anesthetic provision of fetal operations is developing together with progressing surgical techniques. The fundamentals of the physiology of a pregnant woman and a fetus are considered. The features of transplacental drug transfer are described. The mechanisms of uteroplacental and fetoplacental interactions have been analyzed. The contemporary data are presented that allow judging about the method of choice and approach to anesthesia in open fetal surgery. Reviewed scientifc information, including reviews of recent years and randomized trials The perspective of an anesthesiologist is shown, involved in open fetal surgery, including perioperative and intraoperative management of two high-risk patients, i.e. a pregnant woman and fetus undergoing surgical intervention at the same time. Postoperative management of patient data. The impossibility of carrying out such operations without the well-coordinated work of a large multidisciplinary team of specialists is noted.
An interpretation of the deeming provisions in legislation in the context of a good tax system - a South African perspective
Authors:   , Mostert Tarita
Published: November 2021

The goal of this thesis is to analyse the relationship between deeming provisions in legislation and the principles of a good tax system. The need for a positive relationship between deeming provisions and the principles of a good tax system is demonstrated in the thesis. The research explains the historical development of deeming provisions, legal principles relevant to the interpretation of tax legislation, as well as the principles of a good tax system. Approaches to the interpretation of legislation are then described and illustrated by means of case law. Following this, the research focuses on a selection of provisions in the South African Income Tax Act, 58 of 1962, to determine whether the deeming provisions included in the Act reflect the application of the principles of a good tax system. In addition to the analysis of the selected statutory provisions, related case law is discussed, again in relation to the deeming provisions. A discussion of deeming provisions in two publications of the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) – the OECD Model Tax Convention and the OECD Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Measures to Prevent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting – follows, with an analysis of two related deeming provisions in the Income Tax Act, to illustrate the international approach to deeming provisions and the principles of a good tax system. Finally, the administration of tax legislation is discussed, together with organisations whose mission is to promote the principles of a good tax system in tax administration. The research is qualitative in nature and follows a legal doctrinal research methodology. This methodology is both reform-oriented and theoretical and focuses on understanding the application of the legal concepts: deeming provisions, legal principles and principles of a good tax system. The research concludes that, from a theoretical perspective, a positive relationship exists between deeming provisions in the Income Tax Act and the OECD Model Tax Convention and the principles of a good tax system, and therefore creates a positive environment for tax compliance.
Modelación de la generación de metano a partir de suero lácteo y excreta de ganado en codigestión anaerobia
Authors: López-Aguilar Héctor , Barrón Alejandra , Franco Mariana , Paz Alfonso , Pérez-Hernández Antonino
Published: November 2021

Introducción: la producción de biogás es una alternativa sostenible para el aprovechamiento energético de los residuos orgánicos. Esta investigación presenta el estudio y modelación de la producción de biogás, generada por la codigestión de excreta de vaca y suero de leche.
Método: se realizaron experimentos de Digestión Anaerobia (DA), utilizando reactores herméticos, a temperatura ambiente monitoreados por 75 días consecutivos con base en el método de potencial bioquímico de metano (BMP). Se utilizaron los modelos logísticos: exponencial de crecimiento máximo Gompertz y Richards modificados para representar la cinética del fenómeno de producción de metano.
Resultados y discusiones: se determinó la tasa máxima de producción de metano, la duración de la fase lag, y el potencial de producción de metano acumulado. Se comparó la suma de cuadrados residual y el coeficiente de correlación para identificar el modelo matemático que mejor describe el fenómeno. Se encontró que existe un potencial para la generación de biogás y el aprovechamiento de los residuos experimentados en codigestión.
Conclusiones: la experimentación y modelación matemática permitió describir el fenómeno de la producción de biogás, con residuos de la industria láctea y de los sistemas pecuarios. Los resultados de la investigación presentan el potencial de incentivar la producción de energía, en el sector agropecuario regional, a partir de la tecnología DA aprovechando los residuos de la industria láctea bajo el concepto de economía circular.
Use of the local energy resource in the El Carmen canton of the Manabí province
Authors: Pérez Antonio Vázquez , Ramos Jorge Líder Macias , Gámez María Rodríguez , Giler Beatriz Irene Caballero , Villavicencio Cesar Ivan Palma , Mendoza Marjory Elizabeth Caballero
Published: November 2021

The supply of energy to the entire Ecuadorian population constitutes a great challenge for the country, especially in rural areas where it is more difficult and expensive to extend the lines of the electricity system and where, despite efforts, the required quality of service is not achieved. presenting a negative impact on meeting the needs and socioeconomic development of rural regions. The objective of the research is to study the hydraulic potential of the De Oro River, for which 12 communities were visualized that are close to the riverbed and where technologies capable of taking advantage of the small existing potential in terms of improving quality could be used. electricity service, save natural resources and contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. Data series are presented in tables that allow to analyze the result of the study of the hydraulic potential in 12 river sites and its possible link in terms of benefiting the social element that resides near these points, the field study was implemented as a methodology.
Sistema compatible de ahusamiento-volumen para Pinus pseudostrobus Lindl. en el ejido Corona del Rosal, Nuevo León, México
Authors: Flores Morales Edgar Alan , Rodriguez Alemán Analí Celene , Aguirre-Calderón Oscar Alberto , Alanís Rodríguez Eduardo , Quiñonez Barraza Gerónimo
Published: November 2021

Una de las actividades más importantes en el manejo de los recursos forestales es la extracción de volumen maderable, siendo la variable de mayor importancia debido al valor económico que tiene. El objetivo del trabajo fue ajustar modelos de ahusamiento-volumen para Pinus pseudostrobus Lindl. en el ejido Corona del Rosal, municipio de Galeana, Nuevo León, México. Se emplearon 968 pares de datos de 82 árboles, provenientes de una medición no destructiva utilizando el dendrómetro Criterion RD1000®. El modelo segmentado de Fang resultó ser el más preciso para la especie, se obtuvo un coeficiente de determinación ajustado de 0.98 para el diámetro a diferentes secciones sobre el fuste y 0.97 para el volumen comercial; en los estadísticos raíz de error medio cuadrático y coeficiente de variación, el sistema superó a los modelos de Max y Burkhart y Parresol. La forma dendrométrica de neiloide a paraboloide presentó puntos de inflexión entre 6% y 9%, mientras que el cambio de paraboloide a cono ocurre entre 88% y 91% de la altura total. Los modelos fueron corregidos por autocorrelación y heterocedasticidad para disminuir el error estándar de los parámetros. Los resultados continuaron siendo favorables para el sistema Fang para predecir diámetros a cualquier altura y volumen a cualquier diámetro, lo que constituye un apoyo para la toma de decisiones en el desarrollo de las actividades forestales.
Design and Development of Alumni Career Information System using PHP MySQL
Authors: Hamid Mustofa Abi , Aribowo Didik , Anggraini Rini
Published: November 2021

Alumni data collection at the Electrical Engineering Vocational Education Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa was still performed manually and there were no career information media about soft skills training and development, tracer studies, and job vacancies information. Therefore, media is needed to accommodate career information and alumni data collection quickly and effectively. The web-based information system using PHP MySQL was developed and tested for feasibility as an information medium for soft skills training and development, tracer studies, job vacancies information, as well as career counseling and consulting. This study used a Modify RD as a development method and the waterfall method as a development model consisted of analysis, design, coding (implementation), and testing. The testing was carried out by 37 people consisted of software experts, admins, alumni, and students of Electrical Engineering Vocational Education. The test was based on the ISO9126 standard with functionality, usability, reliability, and efficiency aspects. Based on the results, the functionality aspect had a score of 77 (very feasible), the usability aspect had a score of 87.8 (very feasible), the reliability aspect had a score of 100% (very feasible) and the average page load time was 3.48 seconds (feasible).
The Effectiveness of Entrepreneurship Learning by Using Integrated Entrepreneurial Film-Based Media on Students’ Learning Achievement
Authors: Sudarwati Ninik , Prianto Agus
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to measure the effectiveness of entrepreneurship learning by using integrated entrepreneurial film-based media on students’ learning achievement. This study employed a quasi-experimental method with one group pre-test-post-test design by comparing the results of pretest and posttest and statistically analyzed the t test formula. The participants involved were 400 students from STKIP PGRI Jombang, STKIP PGRI Tulungagung, STKI PGRI Nganjuk, and UNWAHA Jombang. Findings suggest that there was an average difference of -4.41 with pretest (21.80) and posttest (26.21) results. Meanwhile, the standard deviation was 5.42, and the t value was 16.268. Besides, the probability value or sig (2 tailed) was 0.00 0.05. It can be concluded that Ho is rejected, and Ha is accepted. In conclusion, this study proved that entrepreneurship learning by using integrated entrepreneurial film-based media is effective.
Gamification on Chatbot-Based Learning Media: a Review and Challenges
Authors: Hidayatulloh Indra , Pambudi Sigit , Surjono Herman Dwi , Sukardiyono Totok
Published: November 2021

The mobile learning sector has exploded, implying that the e-Learning trend is shifting to mobile platforms. As a result, chatbots have become increasingly popular alternatives for online learning and examinations on mobile platforms. However, it did not provide enough motivation for the student. On the other hand, gamification in a typical e-Learning platform is a widely used technique for increasing students' learning motivation. Therefore, combining gamification with chatbot-based learning and examinations possibly offer benefits, including increase student learning motivation. This study explored the possibilities and future challenges of the development of gamification within chatbot-based learning media. We discussed four aspects: architecture's reliability, security and privacy issue, user’s acceptance and motivation, and gamification feature challenges.
Pengembangan modul biologi berbasis pondok pesantren untuk menanamkan sikap spiritual dan kemandirian siswa
Authors: Susanti Nunung , Djukri Djukri
Published: November 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan modul biologi berbasis aktivitas siswa di pondok pesantren yang efektif untuk meningkatkan sikap spiritual dan kemandirian siswa. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian pengembangan produk yang mengadaptasi model Borg dan Gall. Langkah-langkah yang dilakukan yaitu tahap pencarian dan pengumpulan informasi, perencanaan, pengembangan draf produk, uji coba lapangan awal, merevisi hasil uji coba awal, uji coba lapangan produk utama, dan revisi hasil uji coba produk utama. Subjek penelitian adalah siswa kelas X Madrasah Aliyah Ibnul Qoyyim Sleman. Data yang dikumpulkan berupa hasil penilaian modul, sikap spiritual, dan kemandirian siswa. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah: lembar validasi modul dan observasi kemandirian, angket keterbacaan modul, respon siswa, penilaian diri sikap spiritual, dan kemandirian. Hasil penelitian adalah: (1) produk modul yang memenuhi kriteria sebagai bahan ajar dengan kategori nilai sangat baik (A), (2) modul efektif untuk  meningkatkan sikap spiritual siswa dengan kategori tinggi (gain score 0,81) dan meningkatkan kemandirian siswa dengan kategori sedang ( gain score 0,52).Developing a biology module in ecosystem subject based on student’s activity at Islamic boarding school to inculcate the spiritual attitude and self-reliance of students AbstractThis research aims to develop a qualified biology module based on student’s activity in Islamic boarding school to improve students’ spiritual attitude achievement and students’ self-reliance. This research was research and development adapting Borg and Gall model. The stages of the research were research and collecting information, planning, developing a preliminary draft product, preliminary field testing, main product revision, main field testing, and operational product revision. The research subject were students of class X Madrasah Aliyah Ibnul Qoyyim Sleman. The data were collected in the form of module assessment results, students’ self-reliance and students’ spiritual attitudes achievement. The research instruments were a sheet of module validation and self-reliance, a questionnaire of module readability, students’ responses, self-reliance, and self-assessment to spiritual attitude. The results of this research are: (1)  a biology module based on Islamic boarding school which is qualified and feasible to apply as teaching material with a very good category (A), (2) module is effective to improve the spiritual attitude in high category (gain score 0,81)and of the students students’ self-reliance in middle category (gain score 0,52)
Pengembangan instrumen penilaian portofolio berbasis multiple intelligence untuk mengukur kemampuan berpikir kritis dan sikap ilmiah
Authors: Mediartika Nindi , Aznam Nurfina
Published: November 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui karakteristik, kelayakan, dan efektivitas penggunaan instrumen penilaian portofolio berbasis multiple intelligence untuk mengukur kemampuan berpikir kritis dan sikap ilmiah siswa SMA/MA. Prosedur pengembangan menggunakan model 4-D yang dikemukakan oleh Thiagarajan, yaitu define, design, develop, dan disseminate. Hasil penelitian: (1) karakteristik instrumen memiliki tingkat kesukaran pada kisaran -2,00 sampai +1,41 dengan reliabilitas pada kisaran 0,00 sampai 0,97; (2) instrumen dikatakan layak ditinjau dari validitas isi, empiris, dan reliabilitas; (3) hasil pengukuran kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa SMAN 4 Yogyakarta berada pada kategori sedang dan tinggi dengan kisaran sebesar 34,7% - 65,3% dan 72,2% - 78,8%, dapat dikatakatan instrumen efektif untuk mengukur kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa; (4) hasil pengukuran sikap ilmiah siswa berada pada kategori sedang dan tinggi dengan kisaran sebesar 36% - 66% dan 71% - 94%, dapat dikatakan instrumen efektif untuk mengukur sikap ilmiah siswa. Developing portfolio assessment based on multiple intelligence instrument for measuring critical thinking skills and scientific attitudes AbstractThis development research aims to find out characteristics, feasibility, and effevtiveness of portfolio assessment based on multiple intelligence instrument for measuring critical thinking skills and scientific attitudes. This developmental study refers to the model suggested by Thiagarajan which is define, design, develop, and disseminate. The results show that: (1) the characteristics of instrumen have good difficulty level -2,00 untill +1,41 and reliability 0,00 untill 0,97; (2) instrumen is feasible in terms of the contents and empirical validity, and reliabily; (3) the measurement of students’s critical thinking skills are in the medium and high category 34,7% - 65,3% and 72,2% - 78,8%, so that an effective instrument used to measure students’s critical thinking skills; (4) the measurement of students’s scientific attitudes are in the medium and high category 36% - 65,3% and 71% - 94%, so that an effective instrument used to measure students’s scientific attitudes.
COVID-19 Infection and Symptoms Among Emergency Medicine Residents and Fellows in an Urban Academic Hospital Setting: Cross-sectional Questionnaire Study
Authors: Frisch Stacey , Jones Sarah , Willis James , Sinert Richard
Published: November 2021

Background

COVID-19, an illness caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, affected many aspects of health care worldwide in 2020. From March to May 2020, New York City experienced a large surge of cases.

Objective

The aim of this study is to characterize the prevalence of illness and symptoms experienced by residents and fellows in 2 New York City hospitals during the period of March to May 2020.

Methods

An institutional review board–exempt survey was distributed to emergency medicine housestaff in May 2020, and submissions were accepted through August 2020.

Results

Out of 104 residents and fellows, 64 responded to our survey (a 61.5% response rate). Out of 64 responders, 27 (42%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Most residents experienced symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19; however, few received polymerase chain reaction testing. Out of 27 housestaff with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, 18 (67%) experienced fever and chills, compared with 8 out of 34 housestaff (24%) without SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Of the 27 housestaff with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, 19 (70%) experienced loss of taste and smell, compared with 2 out of 34 housestaff (6%) without SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Both fever and chills and loss of taste and smell were significantly more commonly experienced by antibody-positive compared to antibody-negative housestaff (P=.002 and <.001, respectively). All 13 housestaff who reported no symptoms during the study period tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that in our hospitals, the rate of COVID-19 illness among emergency department housestaff was much higher than previously reported. Further studies are needed to characterize illness among medical staff in emergency departments across the nation. The high infection rate among emergency medicine trainees stresses the importance of supplying adequate personal protective equipment for health care professionals.
Identification of ISSR-based Molecular Markers Associated with Ploidy Level of Orange Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai)
Authors: Salsabila Andra Jausa , Daryono Budi Setiadi , Subiastuti Aprilia Sufi
Published: November 2021

Indonesia is an agrarian country whose territory is partly used as an agricultural sector, has especially watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai). At present, the development of watermelons in Indonesia still requires a variety of colors, superior watermelons need to be developed by making triploid orange watermelons. The new watermelon cultivar (F₁) is the result of crossing 'Jelita' (♀) and 'BallyBall' (♂) which are expected to provide a combination of characters that can produce large and sweet fruits. The purpose of this study was to identify ISSR markers that were associated with ploidy levels of horticultural crops, particularly watermelon. The watermelons were growns on the agricultural land of Kebondalem Hamlet, Madurejo Village, Prambanan District, D.I.Y. and analyzed at the Laboratory of Biotechnology PAU, UGM and Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Biology UGM. Analysis of genetic variation was carried out using the PCR-ISSR method and the DNA bandwidth was calculated using Paint Apps, Microsoft Excel 2013, and Microsoft Word 2013. The results of crossing 'Jelita' and 'King Quality 'is sterile. The result of 'Jelita' with 'BallyBall' produces tillers until sterile harvest time. The results of the analysis of genetic variation using the PCR-ISSR method indicate that the ISSR BI, B3, B5, and CBTC 1 molecular markers cannot be used to distinguish ploidy from the tested watermelons.
Comparative Study of Different SDLC Models
Authors: Gupta Aparna
Published: November 2021

Abstract: The Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) refers to a methodology with clearly defined processes for creating highquality software which are cost effective and reliable. This method of software developing process is quite systematic and structural. SDLC defines the framework that has different activities and tasks to be administered during the software development process. Software development process is quite complex, and to do it without any proper planning would be inefficient. So, we use these SDLC models to make the Software development process simple and systematic. There are various software development life cycle models that are used in the software development process, all having their own advantages and limitations. In this paper, we have included six of these SDLC models - Waterfall Model, Spiral Model, V Model, Agile Model, Iterative Model and Rapid Application Development (RAD) Model. These Software Development processes have their own Advantages and Disadvantages, and the main purpose of this paper is to explain these models and know the difference between them. Keywords: Software Development life cycle, Models, Risk Analysis, Framework, SRS.
Reliability of Unconventional Concrete: Improvement in Mix Design and Addition of Bacterial Admixture
Authors: Afzal Burhan
Published: November 2021

Abstract: Portland cement is used by the construction industries, which is known to be a heavy contributor of carbon dioxide emissions and environmental damage. Adding of industrial wastes like demolished old concrete OF structures, silica fume (SF) fly ash (FA) as additional cementing materials (SCMs) could result in a substantial reduction of the overall Carbon dioxide trace marks of the final concrete product. Use of these additional materials in construction industry especially in the making of concrete is highly challenging. Remarkable research efforts are needed to study about the engineering properties of concrete incorporating such industrial wastes. Present research is an effort to study the properties of concrete adding industrial wastes such as demolished concrete, FA and SF The improvement of properties of RCA concrete with the incorporation of two ureolytic-type bacteria, Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus sphaericus to improve the properties of RCA concrete. The experimental investigations are carried out by experts evaluate the improvement of the compressive strength, capillary water absorption and drying shrinkage of RCA concrete adding bacteria. Seven concrete mixes are manufactured using Portland slag cement (PSC) partially changed with SF ranging from 0 to 30%. The mix proportions were obtained as per Indian standard IS: 10262-2009 with 10% extra cement when SF is taken as per the above the construction practice by experts. Optimal dosages of SF for maximum values of compressive strength, tensile splitting strength and flexural strength at 28 days are determined. Keywords: Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus sphaericus, RCA, PSC, Silica Fume.
El uso de Twitter en la campaña de elecciones nacionales en Uruguay
Authors: Escuder Rodríguez Santiago
Published: November 2021

El propósito del presente artículo es analizar la manera en que los diferentes candidatos a las elecciones presidenciales de 2019 en Uruguay utilizaron Twitter como herramienta de discusión y promoción en campaña. Se busca determinar si esta plataforma impacta en la difusión hacia nuevos adherentes o, por el contrario, pretende ser un espacio de mera presencia digital. Para el análisis se extrajeron todos los tuits de candidatos a la presidencia en el período marzo-octubre 2019 y se realizó un procesamiento descriptivo, análisis multivariado y redes de grafos. Entre los principales hallazgos se revelan un uso precario, principalmente de autopromoción, y una baja interacción entre electores y políticos. También se destaca la existencia de redes descentralizadas en bloques que reproducen las preferencias ideológicas partidarias del mundo offline y que están conformadas por seguidores que son, en su mayoría, adherentes partidarios. Se concluye que el uso de Twitter no hace más que difundir el discurso político entre “iguales” (“amigos de amigos” o militantes).
Interacciones digitales en un contexto transnacional: Prácticas comunicativas de estudiantes internacionales en Barcelona
Authors: Echauri Guillermo , Figueras-Maz Mònica
Published: November 2021

Este artículo tiene como objetivo describir de qué forma se produce la experiencia digital de socialización —entendida como la interacción mediante redes sociales— por parte de estudiantes universitarios internacionales en Barcelona, España, durante sus periodos de movilidad. Con base en una revisión de la literatura, que aborda conceptos como el de polymedia o copresencia, y a través de un enfoque de corte etnográfico, el estudio describe —en términos como su distribución y disposición o su impacto en la nostalgia que los jóvenes puedan padecer— las interacciones digitales que los estudiantes internacionales sostienen tanto con sus entornos de procedencia como con aquellos que han conocido en el sitio de acogida. Las conclusiones apuntan a que las interacciones digitales contribuyen a reducir el impacto de la separación física y emocional que los estudiantes experimentan al vivir temporalmente en otro país.
De entidad biológica a monstruo social: Una construcción semiótica del coronavirus durante la pandemia de COVID-19
Authors: Moreno Barreneche Sebastián
Published: November 2021

Durante la primera mitad del 2020, el ‘nuevo coronavirus’, una entidad biológica invisible al ojo humano, fue representado en múltiples imágenes, productos audiovisuales, descripciones, narrativas y otros modos de articulación visual y verbal. Muchas de estas articulaciones fueron producidas por organismos internacionales, gobiernos y medios de comunicación, entre otros actores sociales, con el objetivo de hacer más tangible la amenaza representada por el virus. Al mismo tiempo, estas representaciones ayudaron a moldear cómo las personas le atribuyeron un sentido al virus, tanto en términos cognitivos como emocionales. Con apoyo en la premisa de que la realidad social se construye en procesos e interacciones múltiples y dinámicos que implican la producción, la distribución y el consumo de sentido en varios niveles, este artículo examina desde una perspectiva semiótica uno de los modos en que el coronavirus fue representado durante la pandemia del COVID-19: el que presentó al coronavirus como un enemigo malvado que es una amenaza para la humanidad y que, por lo tanto, debe ser combatido. El artículo organiza el estudio de un conjunto de representaciones del coronavirus en tres niveles —icónico, axiológico y narrativo— y discute cómo la construcción discursiva de un enemigo involucra siempre una serie de mecanismos de naturaleza semiótica que, además de representarlo, contribuyen a su construcción social.
 
*Este artículo fue publicado originalmente en el año 2020, en inglés, con el título “From a Biological Entity to a Social Monster. A Semiotic Construction of the Coronavirus During the Covid-19 Pandemic”, en la revista italiana Fuori Luogo, 7(1), pp. 105-115. DOI https://doi.org/10.6092/2723-9608/7041. La traducción del inglés al español —que no presenta cambios respecto a la versión original, salvo por la incorporación de nuevas entradas bibliográficas— fue realizada por su autor.
Rural B-Learning Contexts to Support the Physics Area – An Academic Performance Analysis
Authors: Sotelo Gomez Fabinton , Solarte Mario , Ramirez González Gustavo
Published: November 2021

In this work, the academic performance of a tenth-grade physics course of high school is analyzed over three consecutive years, a b-learning educational context is configured in a rural area based on a framework that integrates Open Educational Resources (OER) to a Learning Management System (LMS). The performance of students who used b-learning is compared to other groups that received the same classes in a traditional way.
Implikasi Hukum Ketidakpatuhan Korea Utara terhadap Resolusi Dewan Keamanan PBB dalam Uji Coba Nuklir
Authors: Nuraisah Nuraisah , Erawaty Rika
Published: November 2021

Since 2006 to 2017 the Security Council has passed a resolution on North Korea's nuclear test act. Article 25 of the UN Charter states that Members of the United Nations agree to accept and implement the decisions of the Security Council in accordance with this Charter. North Korea as a UN member state that obtained the UN Security Council Resolution is obliged to implement the sanctions resolution. However, the sanctions contained in the resolution did not make North Korea stop its nuclear program and it shows North Korea's noncompliance with UN Security Council resolutions. Implications accompanying any denial by North Korea against the UN Security Council resolution which in general affects four fields, namely the fields of economy, politics, defense and international cooperation. In addition to non-military sanctions, the Security Council under chapter VII Article 42 of the UN Charter can impose military sanctions where possible, the Security Council can also impose sanctions through the UN General Assembly on its recommendation to suspend the rights of UN membership) and expulsion of a country from UN membership).