bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MODEL PERILAKU KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN PRODUK BERBASIS AGEN: FENOMENA PENGARUH MEDIA SOSIAL
Authors: Ambara Purusottama
Published: September 2021

Influencer media sosial dalam pemasaran digital telah menjadi fenomena baru karena mereka dapat menggantikan peran influencer tradisional. Namun, diskusi tentang fenomena ini masih kurang jelas dalam literatur akademis sejauh pengetahuan kita. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memahami peran social media influencer dalam interaksi sosial dan implikasinya terhadap keputusan pembelian produk kecantikan untuk memberikan gambaran suatu perusahaan dalam mengambil keputusan bisnis menggunakan Instagram. Simulasi pemodelan berbasis agen (ABM) digunakan untuk memahami fenomena ini. Simulasi tersebut merupakan kombinasi dari pendekatan deduksi yang memanfaatkan teori perilaku terencana (TPB) dan pendekatan induksi melalui observasi kehidupan nyata. Beberapa parameter digunakan untuk mendukung proses simulasi, antara lain jumlah pengikut, jumlah suka/komentar, jumlah posting, dan daya tarik influencer. Berakhir dengan memutuskan untuk membeli suatu produk atau tidak, yang diidentikkan dengan angka penjualan. Penelitian ini mengklasifikasikan tiga influencer yang berbeda dengan karakteristik yang telah ditentukan. Simulasi menunjukkan bahwa penjualan produk menggunakan Influencer [B] menghasilkan penjualan tertinggi melalui iterasi berulang, diikuti oleh Influencer [A] dan Influencer [C]. Beberapa parameter juga menjelaskan fenomena social media influencer dalam keputusan pembelian produk. Studi ini menemukan bahwa jumlah konten yang diposting merupakan parameter paling signifikan dalam keputusan pembelian produk. Namun, parameter lain juga memberikan kontribusi yang signifikan. Melalui kombinasi yang tepat, organisasi dapat mempertimbangkan parameter ini mengenai kontribusi influencer media sosial terhadap penjualan produk mereka. Keterbatasan penelitian dan rekomendasi disajikan secara lengkap dalam artikel ini.
PENGARUH STATUS PEGAWAI DAN JOB EMBEDDEDNESS TERHADAP TURNOVER INTENTION KARYAWAN UNIVERSITAS NEGERI JAKARTA
Authors: Sholikhah  , Christian Wiradendi Wolor
Published: September 2021

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui 1). Gambaran tenang status pegawai, job embeddedness dan turnover intention 2) Pengaruh antara startus pegawai terhadap turnover  intention  dan 3).Pengaruh  job embeddedness terhadap turnover intention karyawan Universitas Negeri Jakarta. Populasi  pegawai yang berstatus kontrak atau honorer  khususnya tenaga non kependidikan dengan teknik pengambilan sampel random sampling dan jumlah renpoden 170. Data yang digunakan adalah data primer diperoleh dari hasil jawaban responden dan diolah dengan SPSS 22.

Variabel bebas terdiri dari status pegawai dengan dimensi perjanjian waktu kerja tertentu dan perjanjian kerja waktu tidak tertentu sementara job embeddedness  dengan dimensi fit organization, fit community, link organization, link community, sacrifice organization dan sacrifice community sedangkan variabel terikatnya adalah turnover intention dengan dimensi.

Hasil analisa deskriptif status pegawai baik karyawan kurang mempermasalahkan statusnya dan job embeddedness baik, kondisi tersebut diindikasikan karena sebagian besar karyawan merasa nyaman dalam lingkungan kerja dan sulitnya peluang kerja, Disisi lain  hasil analisa statistik menunjukkan bahwa status pegawai dan job embeddedness secara signikan mempengaruhi turnover intention
Pengaruh Etika Bisnis Islam dan Bauran Pemasaran terhadap Loyalitas Nasabah dengan Keputusan Menjadi Nasabah Sebagai Variabel Intervening (Studi pada BPD Jateng Syariah, BRI Syariah dan Bank Muamalat) di Kota Semarang
Authors: Salam Abdus , Habibah Muzayyidatul
Published: September 2021

These study aims to determinew the system from the application of Marketing Mix and Islamic Business Ethicss there is Customer loyalty in Islamic Banking (BRI Syariah, Bank Jateng Syariah and Bank Muamalat) in Semarang City. By using the variables of Marketing Mix and Islamic Business Ethics as Exogenous Variables and Customer Loyalty as Endogenous Variables, besides that, intervening variables are also used to seasure the mediating effect of exogenous to endogenousfactors. Sampling using purposive sampling. The data used is primary data from 3 Islamic Banking customers who are 100 respondents. The results of the study explain that first, the Marketing Mix affects the decision to becomea customer. Second, Islamic Business Ethics influences the decision to became a customer. Third, Marketing Mix has an effect on Customer Loyalty. Fourth, Islamic Business Ethics has no effect on Customer Loyalty. Fifth, the decision to become a customer affects customer loyalty. Sixth, the decision to become a customer is able to mediate between marketing and customer loyalty. Seventh, the decision to become a customer is unable to mediate Islamic Business Ethics on Customer Loyalty.
Pitanje žanra u stripu na primjeru Andrije Maurovića
Authors: Brozović Domagoj
Published: September 2021

U ovom prilogu naglasak je na definiranju stripa i na problematizaciji tema i žanrova u tom mediju na primjeru opusa Andrije Maurovića. Semiotički gledano, strip razvija drugačiji tip tekstualnosti od tradicionalnoga književnoga teksta jer u procesu formiranja značenja paralelno uključuje vizualnu i verbalnu sastavnicu svojega diskursa. Također, primjeri odabranih Maurovićevih naslova i njihov tematsko-žanrovski presjek implicitno vode u smjeru prihvaćenoga književnoteorijskoga zaključka o relacijskom karakteru pojma žanra i subverzivnom karakteru umjetnosti. S obzirom na složenu evoluciju stripske umjetnosti, u prilogu se okvirno raspravlja i o umjetničkim medijima i formama koje sa stripom imaju neke dodirne točke, kao što su književnost, dječja književnost, ilustrirane knjige, slikovnica, itd.
Discipline predicts Work Integrated Learning (WIL) practice in Science courses
Authors: Rowland Susan , Blundell Daniel
Published: September 2021

Australian mathematics and science students have low participation in WIL, posing implications for student employability. To better understand this problem we examined the industry-placement and coursework-incorporated WIL offered across the Faculty of Science at a large research-intensive university. The aim of the study was to provide an evidenced discussion of the types and amounts of WIL that different disciplines offer their students. A matrix was used to measure the inclusion of WIL activities in 265 courses (units of study) across all undergraduate programs in a Faculty of Science. The results, which show comparisons between disciplines, year levels, and class sizes. Indicate that a high proportion of courses incorporate WIL, but that some disciplines are significantly more likely to incorporate WIL than others. This study provides important insights into how science students in different disciplines and in different levels of their degree are prepared for the workplace. As we consider how to address graduate employability through integrating WIL in university STEM coursework, this study provides evidence-based justification to initiate reflection about pedagogy.
Policy Responses of Australian Governments to the Health Consequences of Greenhouse Gas and Brown Pollution in the Urban Planning, Environment, and Energy Sectors.
Authors: McGreevy Michael Patrick , Baum Fran , Harris patrick
Published: September 2021

Greenhouse gas and brown pollution from urban land uses, transport, infrastructure, and energy generation harms population health and health equity. This article reports on an standard document analysis of policies from the urban planning (land use, transport, infrastructure, housing), energy, and environment sectors of Australian state, territory, and federal governments and their responses to the health and health equity implications of greenhouse gas and brown pollution from their sector. Our analysis shows there is awareness in all jurisdictions and sectors of their contribution to greenhouse gas pollution but significantly less when it comes to brown pollution. It also shows that commitment to action on reducing pollution varies between jurisdictions and between sectors within jurisdictions. In conclusion, Australia could do significantly more to reduce the health harms from urban pollution through more innovative and coordinated policy responses across jurisdictions and sectors.
Groundwater Flow Algorithm: A Novel Hydro-geology based Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Guha Ritam , Ghosh Soulib , Ghosh Kushal Kanti , Sarkar Ram
Published: September 2021

A novel meta-heuristic nature-inspired optimization algorithm known as Groundwater Flow Algorithm (GWFA) is proposed in this paper. GWFA is inspired from the movement of groundwater from recharge areas to discharge areas. It follows a position update procedure guided by Darcy's law which provides a mathematical framework of groundwater flow. The proposed optimization algorithm has been evaluated on 23 benchmark functions. The significance of the results is statistically validated using Wilcoxon rank-sum, Friedman and Kruskal Walis tests. To prove the robustness of the algorithm, it has been further applied on several standard engineering problems. From these exhaustive experiments, it has been observed that the proposed GWFA can outperform many state-of-the-art optimization algorithms.
Patient with Nutcracker Syndrome Treated by Spiral Vein Graft Bypass
Authors: alşalaldeh drmohammad , Özcan Ali Vefa , TANRISEVER Gökhan Yiğit
Published: September 2021

Nutcracker syndrome is a vascular pathology result from compressing the left renal vein between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and abdominal aorta. Patients usually complain of abdominal pain and symptoms from renal venous hypertension. In this case, a 32-year-old male patient presented with chronic abdominal pain for two years. İnvestigations showed the left renal artery compressed between SMA and abdominal aorta. He was operated on by using a spiral saphenous vein graft. The operation was done successfully with no complications.
Combination of Circulating Cell-Free DNA and Metabolic Tumor Burden to Distinguish Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer from Tuberculosis
Authors: Zheng Wen-qiang , Zhang Puhong , Quan Bin , Gao Guang-jian , Chen Qing , Dai Yun-hai , Zhai Jian
Published: September 2021

Background: Non-small cell lung (NSCLC) holds high mortality owing to the difficulty to early detection from other lung mass, such as tuberculosis. This study evaluates the clinical value of the combination of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) quantification and metabolic tumor burden to distinguish NSCLC from tuberculosis. Methods: A total of 149 NSCLC patients, 151 tuberculosis patients and 150 healthy controls were included. Quantifying serum cfDNA fragments from ALU (115 bp) gene by RT-PCR. Metabolic tumor burden (SUV-Maxa) values were detected by preoperative the 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT). A549 cell, NCI–H460 cell, NSCLC and tuberculosis mice model were used to elucidate the specific mechanism. Results: Serum cfDNA levels and SUV-Maxa were higher in NSCLC patients than those in healthy controls and those in tuberculosis. Meanwhile, mice models showed the similar discovery. In addition, obvious correlations of cfDNA and metabolic tumor burden were only existed in NSCLC patients and mice model, rather than tuberculosis and control. Moreover, the combination of cfDNA and metabolic tumor burden displayed better effect to distinguish NSCLC from tuberculosis than alone use. Mechanistically, upregulated Glucose transporter 1 (GLU1) increased necroptosis-induce cfDNA rise by FasL/caspase 8/caspase 3 pathway and promoted metabolic tumor burden in NSCLC. Conclusions: The combination of cfDNA and metabolic tumor burden displayed better effect to distinguish NSCLC from tuberculosis, owing to upregulated GLU1 increased cfDNA levels by FasL/caspase 8/caspase 3 pathways and promoted metabolic tumor burden in NSCLC.
Prognostic Significance of Low Serum Apolipoprotein A1 Levels at Diagnosis are Independent Prognostic Factors in De Novo Myelodysplastic Syndrome, and with Higher Frequency of TP53 Mutation
Authors: Shi Cong , Gong Shengping , Wu An , Yang Shujun , Zou Duobing , Zhang Yi , Wu Ningning , Ma Chao , Shi Songqiu , Chen Ying , Wu Ying , Zheng Xiaojiao , Huang Zhenya , Ding Jianghua , Ouyang Guifang , Mu Qitian
Published: September 2021

Background: Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is a group of heterogeneous myeloid clonal diseases originating from hematopoietic stem cells. It has been demonstrated that apolipoproteins A1(ApoA1) is associated with disease risk in many cancer types. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the link between ApoA1 and MDS. This study was designed to investigate the prognostic value of ApoA1 levels in MDS patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 231 MDS patients to explore the prognostic value of the serum ApoA1 levels at diagnose. Patients were divided into high ApoA1 group and low ApoA1 group. The prognostic significance of it was determined by univariate and multivariate Cox hazard models.Results: MDS patients with low ApoA1 had significantly shorter overall survival (OS)(P<0.001) along with higher frequency of TP53 mutation(P=0.001). Based on univariate analysis, age (≥60 years), gender(male), lower hemoglobin level(<10g/dl), higher bone marrow blast percentage (>5%), poorer karyotype and higher IPSS-R score(P<0.0001) were significantly associated with OS. But low ApoA1 had no significantly for Leukemia-free survival (LFS)(P=0.359). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis indicated that low ApoA1 level(≤1.02g/L) was also an independent adverse prognostic factor for OS in MDS(P=0.020). Conclusions: Decreased levels of ApoA1 could predict a poor prognosis independent of the IPSS-R and provide a novel evaluation factor for MDS patients.
A Novel Computer Vision Based Machine Learning Approach For Online Tool Wear Monitoring In Machining
Authors: Bagga Prashant J , Makhesana Mayur A. , Pala Adarsh D. , Chauhan Kavan C. , Patel Kaushik M
Published: September 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Efficiency of Soft Chemically Synthesized MAl2O4 / Activated Carbon Based Composite in the Removal of Toxic Malachite Green Dye Under Visible Light
Authors: Arunkumar Manasai , Nesaraj Arputharaj Samson , Christy Clementz Edwardraj Freeda , Kennady Chinnappan Joseph
Published: September 2021

Composites of spinel aluminate (MAl2O4) based materials having activated carbon (AC) as the base materials were synthesized using chemical precipitation method. The as synthesized photocatalyst was characterized using X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform Infrared Spectrophotomatry (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDS) and UV- DRS studies. The XRD confirms the presence of amorphous phase along-with crystalline spinel phase. The bonds related to tetrahedral and octahedral sites of the spinel were confirmed by FTIR. EDS confirmed the presence of appropriate elements. The presence of pores in the sample was shown by SEM. The UV-Visible spectra of the spinel – AC composites exhibited λmax in the range of 365–400 nm. The composites were very effective in the photo-degradation of MG dye from water. The photocatalytic degradation of MG follows pseudo first order reaction mechanism i.e., Langmuire and Hinshelwood kinetic model. Among the photocatalysts studied, Co0.85Ni0.15Al2O4−δ /AC exhibited excellent degradation efficiency in removing MG completely within 90 minutes under visible light irradiation.
The Effect of Growth Hormone on In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes During Ovarian Stimulation: A Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Kurtz Jillian , Clements Nicolle , Bloom Allison , Orris John J. , Glassner Michael , Anderson Sharon H
Published: September 2021

Background. While growth hormone (GH) is commonly used as an adjuvant treatment to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) for in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, the data regarding its efficacy is inconsistent. Design. A retrospective matched cohort study of poor responder patients who underwent COS without the use of GH (COS-GH) subsequently followed by COS cycles that included adjuvant GH (COS+GH) treatment. Materials and Methods. A list of all patients having filled a prescription for GH from January 2018 – March 2020 was obtained. GH was administered daily at 3mg (9IU) starting on the first day of stimulation and ending on the day of trigger. Only women who had documentation of a previous cycle without the use of GH were included in the study. Results. 182 cycles (91 patients) were included in the study, and COS-GH cycles were compared to COS+GH cycles. The total dose of gonadotropins used (5757 vs 4252 mIU, p=0.002), duration of stimulation (10.4 vs 10.1 days, p=-.045), maximum Estradiol (E2) (2411 vs 1932 pg/ml, p=0.010), endometrial thickness (11.2 vs 10.6 mm, p=0.010), number of oocytes retrieved (14.2 vs 11.8, p=0.001), number of mature oocytes (11.1 vs 9.7, p=0.028), number of blastocysts (3.98 vs 2.56, p=<0.001) and number of usable blastocysts (2.5 vs 1.6, p=<0.001) were all significantly greater in the GH group. Conclusions. Adding GH to the COS protocol in poor responder patients may lead to improvements in the number of oocytes retrieved, number of mature oocytes, endometrial thickness, number of blastocysts, the number of usable blastocysts.
A Prospective Comparison of TL-400 and NICOM for Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy in Gastrointestinal Tumors Surgery
Authors: Li Min , Ding Jiahui , Peng Mingqing
Published: September 2021

Objective: Goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) based on NICOM(CheetahMedical, Vancouver, Washington) was highly associated with improved postoperative prognosis, but has several limitations. T-Line-400(TL-400, TensysMedical, San Diego, California) which is an emerging non-invasive hemodynamic monitor may be applicable for GDFT. Thus, the trial was to determine whether GDFT based on TL-400, when compared to GDFT based on NICOM, would lead to similar outcomes on patients undergoing gastrointestinal tumor resection.Methods: 100 patients who underwent laparoscopic resection of gastrointestinal tumors in Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from October 2020 to May 2021 were randomized into either TL-400 GDFT group (group T) or NICOM GDFT group (group N). The intraoperative fluid volume and the postoperative complications within 30 days were recorded.Results: There were no significantly statistical differences between groups with respect to the total fluid volume (2360 ±282ml vs 2295 ±223ml), the colloid volume (1167±153ml vs 1126±109ml), the crystalloid volume(1193 ±156ml vs 1173±157ml). Both GDFT based on TL-400 and NICOM strategies were equivalent for the first flatus(57.3±7.9 vs 58.5±8.5hours), wound healing time(11.2 ±1.2days vs 10.9±1.1days) and LOS(hospital length of stay) (13.3±1.4days vs 13.1±1.2days). In addition, the TL-400 had less data missing than the NICOM.Conclusion: TL-400 performs similarly to NICOM in guiding GDFT, with no significant differences in perioperative fluid infusion and postoperative prognosis in patients undergoing gastrointestinal tumor resection. Compared with NICOM, TL-400 can avoid the interference of electrocoagulation and can capture more data.Trial registration: This study has been registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100046350) (http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx).
Transcriptomic Changes of The Buccal Epithelium Exposed To Combustion Emissions of Smoky Coal in Xuanwei and Fuyuan, A Rural Region of China
Authors: Yang Qin , Guo Wancheng , Li Hui
Published: September 2021

Indoor air pollution generated from solid fuels affects over half of the world's people. The smoky coal is one of the major sources of indoor air pollution and has been associated with the exceptionally high lung cancer incidence and mortality of non-smoking female residents in rural region Xuanwei and Fuyuan, China. Although some studies have characterized the etiology of the relationship between the smoky coal and the disease risk, the underlying molecular mechanism is still poorly understood. Thus we downloaded RNA sequence data (GSE64277) including 35 non-smoking female residents (26 smoky coal users and 9 smokeless coal users) of Xuanwei and Fuyuan, and conducted Gene Ontology Analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Analysis and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis for transcriptomic changes in the buccal epithelium. The bioinformatics analysis of transcriptional data revealed that combustion emissions of smoky coal significantly altered the genes expression in the buccal epithelium. Activation of inflammation appeared to be a critical response and key risk factor in buccal epithelium associated with smoky coal-related indoor air pollution exposure. We identified 2318 differentially expressed genes, enriched-biological processes/cell components/pathways, gene co-expresssion relationships, 3 significant modules and 45 hub genes. This study contributes to understanding the uncovering molecular mechanism in the respiratory system that occurs with combustion emissions from smoky coal burning and carrying out potential effective interventions to prevent disease burdens.
Evolutionary Game Analysis on Behavioral Strategies of Multiple Stakeholders in Inclusive Green Growth
Authors: Qu Ying , Cang Yaodong , Guo Lingling , Liu Yue
Published: September 2021

Inclusive green growth has been set as an important initiative to solve the severe problems of environmental degradation and severe income inequality. It requires the joint participation of local government, enterprise and public. However, these stakeholders are not enthusiasm enough as there are divergences among their interest goals. Hence, this paper analyses how to balance the stakeholders’ interest goals based on the central supervision and local regulation in environmental protection and income inequity alleviation. Therefore, an evolutionary game model between central and local government, and an evolutionary game model among local government and enterprise and public are conducted. The conclusions are drawn as follows: (1) The local government should play a leading role in promoting IGG, and the decrease of the economy proportion in the assessment on local government will significantly promote its enthusiasm; (2) When the penalty on enterprise increase, both enterprise and the public will choose positive participate behavior faster; (3) The high public monitoring cost will hinder both enterprise and public’s participation. Finally, some recommendations are put forward.
Influence of Sex on Survival Rates of HPV Positive Oropharyngeal Cancers
Authors: Preissner Sally H , Nahles Susanne , Preissner Saskia , Heiland Max , Beck-Broichsitter Benedicta , Koerdt Steffen
Published: September 2021

The role of human papillomavirus (HPV) status for the prognosis of oropharyngeal cancers (OPCs) is discussed controversially. Here, we present an analysis of about 144,969 head and neck cancer cases (ICD-10 codes: C00-C13) with a sub-cohort of 62,775 tumor cases of the oropharynx (C02, C09, C10). To this end, de-identified data from electronic health records (EHRs) of about 40 health care organizations from 30 different countries were used. Odds ratios (ORs), hazard ratios (HRs) and Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to compare outcomes between different cancer entities of neoplasms of the dorsal surface, of the tongue (C02), of tonsils (C09) and of the oropharynx (C10) of females and males with and without HPV infection. To avoid the bias from different age-distributions, the cohorts were balanced using propensity score matching.The 5-year survival rate for HPV positive patients is somewhat better than for HPV negative patients but for age- and sex-balanced cohorts there remains no significant advantage for HPV positive patients (HR 1.126 (0.897-1.413). Looking at the different entities and HPV status for age-matched male and female patients separately, HPV is a significantly positive prognostic factor for females in all entities, whereas for male patients it is only a positive prognostic factor for malignant neoplasms of oropharynx (C10) (HR 1.077 (0.602-1.926)).
Mucosal Immune Responses and Total Carotenoid Content of Juvenile Male Guppy Fish (Poecilia Reticulata) Fed With Different Herbal Supplements ​
Authors: Mousavi Seyed Nesa , Mohammadiazarm Hamid , Azadbakht Fatemeh
Published: September 2021

In this experiment, the influences of dietary garlic, onion, and sweet red pepper meals as herbal supplements were studied on some immunological parameters, total carotenoid content, and growth performance of male guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata) in the juvenile stage. The experimental diets were fed to fish as a control (0), and three other diets contained 20 g kg− 1 garlic, or 20 g kg− 1 red onion, and or 20 g kg− 1 sweet red pepper powders. The male guppies with the early weight of 0.642g ± 0.07 were stocked in twelve circular tanks (40 L capacity) at density of 30 fish per tank. Fish were fed to satiation the diets thrice daily. The results showed that dietary herbal additives induced a significant increase (P < 0.05) in some mucosal immunological parameters contained alternative complement (ACH50), total immunoglobulin (Ig), lysozyme, and total protein compared to control, which were the highest in the group with 20 g kg− 1 garlic powder. Also, various dietary herbal additives resulted in higher (P < 0.05) total carotenoids levels of lateral skin body and caudal fin of fish than control, which were the highest in the group with 20 g kg− 1 sweet red pepper. The growth performance and feeding indices enhanced significantly (P < 0.05) in experimental groups compared to the control. As a result, used herbal supplements had beneficial effects on immunological parameters and total carotenoid content of fish. So, the highest immunity and coloration was obtained separately at 20 g kg− 1 respectively with garlic and sweet red pepper meals.
The Use of Water To Reduce Physiological Infra-Cardiac Tracer Uptake in Stress Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography: First Experience in Indonesia
Authors: Prasetyo Nora Anggun , Soeriadi Erwin Affandi , Budiawan Hendra , Kartamihardja Achmad Hussein Sundawa
Published: September 2021

BackgroundCoronary artery disease (CAD) remains an important cause of morbidity and the main global cause of death. Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) used in diagnosing and evaluating in myocardial ischemia has been shown to be more cost effective and sensitive than other modalities. Milk is usually used to reduce the physiological uptake by infra-cardiac organs. However, some of our patients were lactose intolerant that can cause diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of water, instead of milk, to reduce the physiological infra-cardiac tracer uptake.MethodsSixty patients were referred to undergo MPI procedure between October 2020 to December 2020. They were divided into 2 groups, first group received 500 mL of milk and the second group received 330 mL of water after MIBI injection. Stress procedure was performed using treadmill with modified Bruce protocol. Image acquisitions were performed 30 minutes after MIBI injection. A semi-quantitative assessment was made by evaluating the myocardial activity and the infra-cardiac tracer uptake. Qualitative assessment was made by determining whether the infra-cardiac tracer uptake interferes the MPI interpretation.ResultsPatients consist of 30 males and 30 females. The age of the patients was between 29 – 80 years old (mean: 53.3). The semi-quantitative and qualitative images were done in both groups. The results showed that, there were no physiological infra-cardiac tracer uptake in both groups, which caused interference.ConclusionsWater is able to reduce physiological infra-cardiac tracer uptake and it can be used in patients with lactose intolerant. Trial registrationNot applicable.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy With X-Ray Free Technique in Morbidlyobese Patients: Outcomes and Skills From A Large High-Volume Stone Management Center
Authors: Xiao Bo , Zeng Xue , Ji Chaoyue , Zhang Gang , Hu Weiguo , Jin Song , Su Boxing , Tang Yuzhe , Li Jianxing
Published: September 2021

Objectives

This study was performed to investigate the feasibility and safety of complete ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) in morbidly obese patients and to introduce the US skills used in a high-volume stone management center.
Methods

We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 40 kg/m2 who underwent X-ray-free PNL for treatment of upper urinary tract stones from October 2013 to March 2020. The patients’ demographic information and intraoperative and postoperative parameters were collected and analyzed. Surgical complications were recorded and classified according to the modified Clavien classification system.
Results

In total, 52 patients were included. Their mean BMI was 45.5 kg/m2 (range, 40.3–61.6 kg/m2), and their mean age was 46 years (range, 28–58 years). The mean stone burden was 2.8 cm (range, 2.1–8.8 cm). Thirty-nine patients underwent surgery in the prone position, and the remaining 13 underwent surgery in the lateral position. All procedures were completed successfully with no major intraoperative complications. The mean operative duration was 68 min (range, 38–97 min). The mean time required for establishment of each access was 6.6 min (range, 3.5–14.7 min). No blood transfusion or embolization was needed for any patient. The initial stone-free rate was 80.8% (42/52 patients). Five patients required second-look PNL. Two patients underwent flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy. The final stone-free rate was 90.4% (47/52 patients).
Conclusions

Complete US-guided PNL was technically feasible and safe in morbidly obese patients. The stone-free rate and complication rate were acceptable and comparable with those in non-obese patients.
Identify Environmental And Health Threats In Unconventional Oil And Gas Violations: Evidence From Pennsylvania Compliance Reports
Authors: Bi Dan , Guo Ju-e , Zhao Erlong , Sun Shaolong , Wang Shouyang
Published: September 2021

With unconventional oil and gas booming commercial development, its inevitable damage to the environment arouses the vigilance of the public. It is of great necessity both for practitioners and governors, to learn from the history, find the pattern of violations then build a sound production warning system. In this respect, we utilized the “Oil and Gas Compliance Report” from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection from 2000 to 2019. After the preprocessing, a total of 5737 violation records were obtained. Through LDA (Latent Dirichlet Allocation) analysis combined with the decision tree model, our research attained the following conclusions: first, we find that the LDA themes of violations as "Erosion and sediment" and "Water pollution" are key factors for “Failed” enforcement results. Therefore, policymakers and practitioners should pay more attention to these two types of accidents. Second, it is noted that counties are also one of the important features that matter the enforcement results. Third, we need to consider the role of economic punishment dialectically, while it is not a significant feature for successful enforcement results. That is to say, monetary punishment may not necessarily improve the effectiveness of the company’s handling of violations.
In Silico Studies of The Human IAPP In Presence of Osmolytes
Authors: Khan Ashma , Jahan Ishrat , Nayeem Shahid M
Published: September 2021

The human islet amyloid polypeptide or amylin is secreted along with insulin by pancreatic islets. Under the drastic environmental conditions, amylin can aggregate to form amyloid fibrils. This amyloid plaque of hIAPP in the pancreatic cells is the cause of Type II diabetes. Early stages of amylin aggregates are more cytotoxic than the matured fibrils. Here, we have used the all-atom molecular dynamic simulation to see the effect of water, TMAO, urea and urea:TMAO having ratio 2:1 of different concentrations on the amylin protein. Our study suggest that the amylin protein forms β-sheets in its monomeric form and may cause the aggregation of protein through the residue 13-17 and the C-terminal region. α-helical content of protein increases with an increase in TMAO concentration by decreasing the SASA value of protein, increase in intramolecular hydrogen bonds and on making the short range hydrophobic interactions. Electrostatic potential surfaces shows that hydrophobic groups are buried and configurational entropy of backbone atoms is lesser in presence of TMAO, whereas opposite behaviour is obtained in case of urea. Counteraction effect of TMAO using Kast model towards urea is also observed in ternary solution of urea:TMAO.
Use of Serum Creatinine and Cystatin C Improves Risk Stratification for Mannitol Therapy in Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Ding Chang , Chen Wei , Zhao Jieyi , Tian Yuan , Luo Huiyang , Chen Jing , Wang Xiaoyu
Published: September 2021

Objectives: An accurate assessment of renal function is key to the hyperosmolar mannitol therapy of patients after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), yet a comprehensive report of this safety concern is not available. This study aims to investigate the risk stratification of patients with ICH receiving mannitol treatment using the measurements of serum creatinine, cystatin C, or both in real-world settings. Methods: This population-based, observational, retrospective study was conducted with patients with an acute ICH admitted to a tertiary care university hospital from October 2010 to December 2018. Admission cystatin C and creatinine levels were measured in serum samples; these data were used to calculate the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). An eGFR value less than 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 of body-surface area was considered abnormal. Mannitol doses were recorded by the mean dose range per day (≤50, 51–100, 101–150, and >150 g/day). Results: A total of 1,946 patients (mean age 59 years; 68.6% male) were included in the present analysis. Among patients with abnormal eGFR values calculated from serum creatinine, cystatin C, or both creatinine and cystatin C, moderate-dose (101–150 g/day) and high-dose (>150 g/day) mannitol use were associated with an increased risk of all-cause in-hospital mortality compared with a mannitol dose of ≤50 g/day in analyses adjusted for ICH risk factors. For patients exhibiting normal eGFR values estimated based on serum creatinine and cystatin C, high-dose mannitol administration was also independently associated with death during hospitalization. However, this association was not observed among patients with a normal eGFR derived from combined creatinine and cystatin C measurements. Conclusions: The findings in this study provide encouraging support that eGFR use based on a combination of creatinine and cystatin C measurements for risk stratification among patients with ICH receiving hyperosmolar mannitol treatment in clinical practice.
Getting Lost in the Matrix? On How the Characteristics and Arrangement of Linear Landscape Elements Influence Ecological Connectivity
Authors: Anderson Calum , Travis Justin M. J. , Palmer Stephen C. F. , Crick Humphrey Q. P. , Lancaster Lesley T.
Published: September 2021

ContextLinear landscape elements (LLEs) such as ditches and hedgerows can increase the ecological connectivity of habitat embedded within agricultural areas by acting as corridors for animal movement. However, we lack knowledge on how the spatial arrangement of LLEs influence dispersal, impeding our ability to offer robust advice on how best to add new LLEs to improve connectivity.ObjectivesTo examine how the width and spatial orientations of LLEs composing an intersecting network might influence connectivity across landscapes.MethodsWe used an individual-based dispersal model to simulate the stochastic movement of small organisms through stylised LLEs of different characteristics. Landscapes were composed of two habitat patches separated by a grid-like network of LLEs composed of two types: 1.) connecting-edges (touching patches on either end) and 2.) transecting-edges (running perpendicular to connecting-edges). By altering the numbers and widths of each LLE type we sought to understand the effect of these variables on inter-patch dispersal rates.ResultsIncreasing the number or width of connecting-edges improved connectivity but, conversely, increasing the number or width of transecting-edges reduced it. The greater freedom of movement offered by increasing numbers of transecting-edges may have inhibited connectivity, as individuals with limited perceptual-range were more likely to become trapped in complex networks and thus fail to navigate to suitable habitat patches.ConclusionsThe orientation of LLEs with respect to landscape resources greatly affects their impact on connectivity. The addition of LLEs to landscapes may decrease their connectivity for small, flightless species if they do not directly channel dispersers toward landscape resources.
Severity, Duration, and Magnitude Regionalization of Standardized Precipitation Index Over Iran During 1993-2016
Authors: Fathian Farshad , Dehghan Zohreh , Vaheddoost Babak
Published: September 2021

Drought is a natural phenomenon that has environmental and socio-economical drawbacks. Especially in arid and semi-arid regions, human activities are closely linked to the water supply and agricultural water use. Although the consequences of drought are prolonged, immediate actions are needed in practice which urges the continuous need for drought monitoring. The present study addresses a regional frequency analysis (RFA) for extreme drought events including severity, duration, and magnitude over Iran. Standardized precipitation index (SPI) time series with 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 moving averages are determined from 106 meteorological stations for the period 1993-2016. Using Ward’s clustering analysis, the drought characteristics are grouped into different clusters and their homogeneity is confirmed by the heterogeneity measure test based on the L-moment approach. The results of RFA indicate that both generalized Pareto (GP) and Pearson type 3 (PE3) distribution functions are the best-fitted regional models to the most identified homogenous clusters of all three drought characteristics, by which the quantiles of each drought characteristic related to different return periods, T = 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 years, are estimated. The spatial pattern of the drought characteristics for all SPI time scales shows that extreme droughts in terms of severity, duration, and magnitude may occur everywhere in the country regardless of local climate conditions. As such, even humid and rainy regions including northern, northwestern, and western parts of Iran that receive high annual precipitation would encounter extreme and severe drought characteristics. It is concluded that the drought risks in the region are mostly the outcome of mismanagement, water resource allocation, and agricultural water use but could be exacerbated due to climatic events.
Asthma in Paediatric Intensive Care in England Residents: Observational Study
Authors: Mukherjee Mome , Cunningham Steve , Bhuia Mohammad Romel , Lo Tsz-Yan Milly , Been Jasper V , Sheikh Aziz
Published: September 2021

Purpose Despite high prevalence of asthma in children in the UK, there are no prior report on asthma admissions in paediatric intensive care units (PICU). Methods PICANet, a UK national PICU database, was queried for asthma as the primary reason for admission, of children resident in England from April 2006 till March 2013. Results There were 2,195 admissions to PICU for a median stay of 1.4 days. 59% were males and 51% aged 0-4 years. The fourth and fifth deprivation quintiles represented 61% (1,329) admissions and 73% (11) of the 15 deaths. Deaths were most frequent in 10-14 years age (n=11, 73%), with no deaths in less than 5 years age. 38% of admissions (828/2193) received invasive ventilation, which was more frequent with increasing deprivation (13% (108/828) in least deprived to 31% (260/828) in most deprived) and decreasing age (0-4-year-olds: 49%, 409/828). Conclusions This first multi-centre PICU study in England found that children from more deprived neighbourhoods represented the majority of asthma admissions, invasive ventilation and deaths in PICU. Children experiencing socioeconomic deprivation could benefit from enhanced asthma support in the community.
Assessment of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Experiences Within a Large Southeast Training Program
Authors: Walker Zachary W. , Appah Mary , Aban Inmaculada , Lindeman Brenessa M. , Elopre Latesha E. , Goepfert Alice R. , Hill Samantha V.
Published: September 2021

Background

The United States has become increasingly diverse resulting in greater strides to improve workforce diversity and inclusivity.
Objective

The objective of this study is to identify trainees in Graduate Medical Education who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Questioning (LGBTQ) and compare their experiences as a trainee to non-LGBTQ trainees within the medical workplace.
Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, exploratory survey from December 1, 2020 to January 14, 2021 at a single, large teaching institution. We collected data anonymously and stored it in a REDCap database. We excluded surveys in which trainees did not respond to sexual orientation. We used contingency tables and Fisher’s exact test to identify outcomes associated with sexual orientation and gender identity particularly with regard to professionalism, well-being, and satisfaction with training.
Results

We distributed the survey to 840 trainees. 730 trainees were included with 23 (3.2%) self-identifying as LGBTQ and 707 (96%) as Straight. LGBTQ trainees were more likely to experience offensive remarks based on race/ethnicity (p = 0.03) and sexual orientation (p = 0.01). Secondary analysis based on race found that Blacks and Other were more likely to report differences based on professionalism and satisfaction with their training program. There was no difference seen among LGBTQ trainees based on race.
Conclusion

We found trainees who identified as LGBTQ were more likely to experience discrimination/microaggressions. Also, underrepresented minorities in medicine were more likely to encounter discrimination and dissatisfaction with their training. More efforts are needed in academics to promote safe and supportive LGBTQ and minority training experiences.
Deltamethrin Induces Apoptosis in Cerebrum Neurons of Quail via Promoting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Authors: Wu Pengfei , Han Bing , Yang Qingyue , Li Siyu , Wang Xiaoqiao , Li Jiayi , Deng Ning , Han Biqi , Liao Yuge , Zhang Zhigang
Published: September 2021

Deltamethrin (DLM) is a widely used and highly effective insecticide. DLM exposure is harmful to animal and human. Quail, as a bird model, has been widely used in the toxicology field. However, there is little information available in the literature about quail cerebrum damage caused by DLM. Here, we investigated the effect of DLM on quail cerebrum neurons. Four groups of healthy quails were assigned (10 quails in each group), respectively given 0, 15, 30, and 45 mg/kg DLM by gavage for 12 weeks. Through the measurements of quail cerebrum, it was found that DLM exposure induced obvious histological changes, oxidative stress, and neurons apoptosis. To further explore the possible molecular mechanisms, we performed real-time quantitative PCR to detect the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related mRNA. In addition, we detected ATP content in quail cerebrum to evaluate the functional status of mitochondria. The study showed that DLM exposure significantly increased the expression of ER stress-related mRNA and decreased ATP content in quail cerebrum. These results suggest that chronic exposure to DLM induces apoptosis of quail cerebrum neurons via promoting ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Furthermore, our results provide a novel explanation for DLM-induced apoptosis of avian cerebrum neurons.
Granulocyte Colony-stimulating Factor as Bridging Therapy for Pediatric Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis Prior to Liver Transplantation: an Open-label Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Rahayatri Tri Hening , Kekalih Aria , Harahap Alida , Hendarto Aryono , Oswari Hanifah , Munasir Zakiudin , Setiabudy Rianto , Taher Akmal
Published: September 2021

Decompensated cirrhosis in children is a leading indication of liver transplantation (LT). Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) therapy has shown promising results in adult decompensated cirrhosis. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of G-CSF on liver function, Pediatric End-stage liver disease (PELD) score, CD34+ cells mobilization, nutritional status, short-term side effects, and survival in children indicated for liver transplantation (LT).We performed an open-label, randomized controlled trial with decompensated liver cirrhosis between 3 months to 12 years old. The intervention group received a subcutaneous injection of G-CSF (5 μg/kg/day) for twelve courses in addition to standard medical treatment (SMT) for liver cirrhosis. We measured liver function, PELD scores, CD34+ cell mobilization, the change of leucocyte and neutrophil count, nutritional status, side effects, and survival within three months. Thirty-five pediatric patients were randomized into 17 interventional groups and 18 control groups. During the trial, 14 (82%) of the interventional group completed the intervention course. The median age was 18 months in the interventional group and 14.5 months in the control group. The alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level showed significant improvement in the intervention group, while other liver parameters, PELD score, nutritional status, and survival, did not. CD34+ cells mobilization rose in the interventional group but was statistically insignificant. Minor side effects of G-CSF were found in the intervention group.Multiple doses of G-CSF significantly improve ALT but did not improve PELD score, nutritional status, and survival in three months.
Primary Signal Phase Suppression Technique Based On Mutual Information Improved Variational Mode Decomposition
Authors: Yue Jiaying , Wang Sheng , Lyu Pinpin
Published: September 2021

Specific emitter identification (SEI) identifies targets mainly by unintentional modulation of the signal. However, due to the high energy of the primary signal, once the primary signal changes, the recognition becomes less effective or even impossible using a feature database that is not updated. In this paper, we propose to use a mutual information improved variable mode decomposition (VMD) algorithm to suppress the primary signal phase of the transmitter. Furthermore, we simulate the feature extraction of the unintentional phase modulation of the transmitter signal and use support vector machine (SVM) for individual identification. The simulation results show that the algorithm improves the recognition rate by about 6% (0 dB) compared to the retained primary signal. The results demonstrate that our proposed phase suppression technique improves the adaptability and accuracy of individual identification of transmitters.