bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analytic Framework to Improve Access for a State Medicaid Agency
Authors: Lewis Dwight , Freeman Nickolas , Orgut Irem Sengul , Tyner Thera , Tramp Ryan , Biligowda Niranjan , Hudnall Matthew , Yang Xin Thomas , English Thomas , Whitman Marilyn , Samsel Steven , Cochran James , Cambron Barry , Rush Danny , Seetala Kumari , Parton Jason
Published: May 2023

Analytics can help identify strategies to improve the equity and capacity of health services for populations. However, many government agencies experience challenges with heavy workloads, limited time for continued analytic education, and employee turnover among contracted staff. Therefore, streamlining analytical workflows has the potential to (1) improve labor cost-efficiencies and (2) identify strategies to improve health among enrollees. We describe an analytic framework design that automates several empirical methods and provides recommendations for increasing healthcare access for Alabama Medicaid Agency (AMA) enrollees. The described framework, which includes descriptive and prescriptive elements, has been successfully used to inform various day-to-day analyses conducted by AMA’s Analytics Department and comprehensively analyze AMA-enrolled youths’ accessibility to licensed dentists. Specifically, in the dental context, the framework assisted in identifying (1) dental procedures that were ideal candidates for increased reimbursement payments and (2) geographical locations that AMA should target for interventions to improve physical access to care for AMA’s youth enrollees. The insights offered by the framework for dental care impact more than 0.5 million underserved youth and roughly $90 million of annual revenue for licensed dentists through reimbursements.

History: This paper was refereed.

Funding: D. Lewis, J. Parton, M. Hudnall, R. Tramp, X. T. Yang, and S. Samsel received salary support from the Alabama Medicaid Agency during the execution of this study. B. Cambron, T. Tyner, N. Biligowda, and D. Rush were employed at the Alabama Medicaid Agency during the execution of this study. The other authors do not declare the receipt of funding associated with entities affiliated with this study.
Testing Pricing Errors of Models with Latent Factors and Firm Characteristics as Covariances
Authors: Zhang Chu
Published: May 2023

This paper extends the methodology of statistically extracting latent factors in settings with return-predictive firm characteristics as conditional covariances (betas) between returns and factors. The main feature is that the pricing errors (alphas) are specified to be orthogonal to the affine-transformed firm characteristics as the betas with one component of pricing errors lying outside the space spanned by the firm characteristics. The specification is shown to make substantial differences with the extant literature as the zero pricing error hypothesis is strongly rejected for various models with commonly used firm characteristics.

This paper was accepted by Agostino Capponi, finance.

Supplemental Material: Data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4768 .
Quality Strategies in Network Markets
Authors: Chan Lester T.
Published: May 2023

This paper studies network market problems in which firm(s)/platform(s) sets quality in addition to price. A well-established result in the network economics literature is that a profit-maximizing firm concerns only how quality is valued by the marginal consumer but not by inframarginal consumers, aka the Spence effect/distortion. For markets with strong network effects under which multiple market-tipping equilibria exist, I show that the validity of the previous result depends on the choice of the equilibrium selection criterion. Precisely, I show that all criteria commonly used in this literature give rise to the Spence effect, whereas the well-justified risk dominance criterion in game theory and its generalizations do not. Novel quality strategies are derived based on the latter criteria.

This paper was accepted by Joshua Gans, business strategy.
Stage or age? Confused early childhood education and care
Authors: Allingham Sue
Published: May 2023

Sue Allingham, author, trainer and consultant, discusses some of the recent news stories and developments in early years education which concern ‘age-related expectations’, as the summer term gets underway.
Transporting Play
Authors: Grimmer Tamsin
Published: May 2023

In the last article of this series about schematic play, early years consultant and trainer, Tamsin Grimmer, discusses ways to encourage different types of transporting play. This can allow children to explore their interest in, and build an understanding of, concepts such as space, shape, volume, capacity, distance and how we move things around.

Transporting – children move objects from one area to another, sometimes with their hands, in bags or via doll prams or trolleys. They may like to push their friends around in pushchairs or transport sand/water from one area to another.
Deaf children in the early years: A guide for practitioners
Authors: Fraser Emma
Published: May 2023

The National Deaf Children's Society warned earlier this year of an ‘educational emergency’ facing deaf children, as specialist support for them and their families has fallen to its lowest level on record. Here Emma Fraser, teacher of the deaf for the National Deaf Children's Society, outlines how early years practitioners can spot hearing loss in under-fives, and how to support deaf children to learn more effectively and feel more included in their settings.
Ofsted's inspections are inadequate for our sector
Authors: Swailes Ruth
Published: May 2023

Ruth Swailes, school improvement and early years advisor, discusses ways Ofsted could improve their inspection experience to work constructively with early years settings to maintain standards, rather than leaving behind so many accounts of bad experiences among professionals.
Time to fix our broken childcare system properly
Authors: O'Sullivan June
Published: May 2023

June O'Sullivan, CEO of the London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) gives her reaction to the Government's Budget announcements and discusses the impact they will have on disadvantaged children in the sector.
Loading test on the oil tank ground settlement performance monitored by an optical parallel scheme
Authors: Liu Tao , Liu Gang , Liu Guanghui , Lu Zhifeng , Wang Kai , Kiesewetter Dmitry , Jiang Tao , Victor Maliugin , Sun Changsen
Published: May 2023

A loading test of the ground settlement (GS) performance of the oil
tank must be examined before beginning its commercial service. This
test requires the sensors to be installed around the oil tank, and the
GS is measured while water is being filled in, where the liquid level
is read with an ultrasonic radar equipment, etc., to indicate the
applied water loads. During the service of the oil tank, loading and
unloading corresponding to the oil inlet and outlet are the critical
factors to cause the oil tank destruction in a fatigue way. Thus, a
regular in-service loading test is the means of evaluating the tank
base health condition. However, the sensors for GS measurement of the
oil tank are mostly based on a liquid hydraulic sensor, which is an
intrinsically static sensor determined by the fluidity of the
measurement liquid. In order to meet the instantaneous requirement of
the loading test, first, the configuration of the optical GS sensor
was designed to suit the simultaneous measurement. Secondly, a data
acquisition system was designed by combining the digital signal
processing with a field programmable gate array to carry out a
parallel multiple channel data collection. This ensures that the GS
sensors are interrogated simultaneously to snapshot a GS status of the
oil tank, even if its load was changed slowly. A practical oil inlet
process was recorded with an ultrasonic radar oil level measurement,
and the results of oil tank GS were verified with a manual measurement
by using the Electronic Total Station. The effectiveness of our sensor
monitoring of the oil tank GS performance during the loading test has
been proven.
Gut microbiota interspecies interactions shape the response of Clostridioides difficile to clinically relevant antibiotics
Authors: Hromada Susan , Venturelli Ophelia S.
Published: May 2023

In the human gut, the growth of the pathogenClostridioides difficileis impacted by a complex web of interspecies interactions with members of human gut microbiota. We investigate the contribution of interspecies interactions on the antibiotic response ofC.difficileto clinically relevant antibiotics using bottom-up assembly of human gut communities. We identify 2 classes of microbial interactions that alterC.difficile’s antibiotic susceptibility: interactions resulting in increased ability ofC.difficileto grow at high antibiotic concentrations (rare) and interactions resulting inC.difficilegrowth enhancement at low antibiotic concentrations (common). Based on genome-wide transcriptional profiling data, we demonstrate that metal sequestration due to hydrogen sulfide production by the prevalent gut speciesDesulfovibrio pigerincreases the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of metronidazole forC.difficile. Competition with species that display higher sensitivity to the antibiotic thanC.difficileleads to enhanced growth ofC.difficileat low antibiotic concentrations due to competitive release. A dynamic computational model identifies the ecological principles driving this effect. Our results provide a deeper understanding of ecological and molecular principles shapingC.difficile’s response to antibiotics, which could inform therapeutic interventions.
Ecological interactions of sand flies, hosts, and Leishmania panamensis in an endemic area of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Colombia
Authors: Posada-López Laura , Velez-Mira Andrés , Cantillo Omar , Castillo-Castañeda Adriana , Ramírez Juan David , Galati Eunice A. B. , Galvis-Ovallos Fredy
Published: May 2023

Background

The transmission dynamics of leishmaniasis are complex. There is also a lack of information about the ecological relationships between the vector/host/parasite at a more local and specific level. The Andean region concentrates more than 50% of Colombia’s cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) cases. The study of the ecological interactions of sand flies through the identification of blood sources has provided information on the female’s opportunistic behavior, feeding on various hosts. Therefore, this study aimed to determine sand flies’ ecological interactions with Leishmania parasites and their blood sources in an endemic area of CL.

Results

A total of 4,621 sand flies were collected, comprising 20 species, in which the most abundant were Nyssomyia yuilli yuilli (55.4%), Psychodopygus ayrozai (14.5%) and Ps. panamensis (13.4%). Sequences of 12S gene fragment were analyzed using the BLASTn search tool. Blood-meal source identification was successfully performed for 47 sand flies, detecting seven vertebrate species, human and armadillo being the most frequent. Leishmania DNA was amplified in four female pools, constituted by Ny. yuilli yuilli and Ps. ayrozai, and the identification through RFLP detected Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis in the positive pools.

Conclusions

The interactions between the sand fly species, local mammalian fauna and the Leishmania parasite in this active focus of CL, provide evidence of the potential role of two different species in the maintenance of the parasite transmission, important information for the understanding of the ecoepidemiology and transmission dynamics of the disease in Andean endemic areas. However its necessary further evaluations of the vector and host competence in the transmission and maintenance of Leishmania spp, in these complex and diverse areas.
Cancer survival in the United States 2007–2016: Results from the National Program of Cancer Registries
Authors: Ellington Taylor D. , Henley S. Jane , Wilson Reda J. , Senkomago Virginia , Wu Manxia , Benard Vicki , Richardson Lisa C.
Published: May 2023

Background

Cancer survival has improved for the most common cancers. However, less improvement and lower survival has been observed in some groups perhaps due to differential access to cancer care including prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Methods

To further understand contemporary relative cancer survival (one- and five- year), we used survival data from CDC’s National Program of Cancer Registries (NPCR) for cancers diagnosed during 2007–2016. We examined overall relative cancer survival by sex, race and ethnicity, age, and county-level metropolitan and non-metropolitan status. Relative cancer survival by metropolitan and non-metropolitan status was further examined by sex, race and ethnicity, age, and cancer type.

Results

Among persons with cancer diagnosed during 2007–2016 the overall one-year and five-year relative survival was 80.6% and 67.4%, respectively. One-year relative survival for persons living in metropolitan counties was 81.1% and 77.8% among persons living in non-metropolitan counties. We found that persons who lived in non-metropolitan counties had lower survival than those who lived in metropolitan counties, and this difference persisted across sex, race and ethnicity, age, and most cancer types.

Conclusion

Further examination of the differences in cancer survival by cancer type or other characteristics might be helpful for identifying potential interventions, such as programs that target screening and early detection or strategies to improve access to high quality cancer treatment and follow-up care, that could improve long-term outcomes.

Impact

This analysis provided a high-level overview of contemporary cancer survival in the United States.
Antibiotic treatment inhibits paclitaxel chemotherapy-induced activity deficits in female mice
Authors: Grant Corena V. , Jordan Kelley , Seng Melina M. , Pyter Leah M.
Published: May 2023

Chemotherapy, a mainstay in the treatment of cancer, is associated with severe and debilitating side effects. Side effects can be physical (e.g., gastrointestinal distress, anemia, and hair loss) or mental (e.g., fatigue, cognitive dysfunction). Chemotherapy is known to alter the gut microbiota; thus, communication through the gut-brain axis may influence behavioral side effects. Here, we used a clinically-relevant paclitaxel chemotherapy regimen in combination with antibiotics to test the hypothesis that gut microbes contribute to chemotherapy-associated fatigue-like behaviors in female mice. Data presented suggest that chemotherapy-altered gut microbes contribute to fatigue-like behaviors in mice by disrupting energy homeostasis.
Factors associated with mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 admitted to a tertiary hospital in Lambayeque, Peru, during the first wave of the pandemic
Authors: Aguirre-Milachay Edwin , León-Figueroa Darwin A. , Chumán-Sánchez Marisella , Romani Luccio , Runzer-Colmenares Fernando M.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

COVID-19 caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread worldwide, becoming a long-term pandemic.

Objectives

To analyze the factors associated with mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a tertiary hospital in the Lambayeque region of Peru.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19, hospitalized in a hospital in northern Peru, was conducted from March to September 2020.

Results

Of the 297 patients studied, 69% were women, the mean age was 63.99 years (SD = ±15.33 years). Hypertension was the most frequent comorbidity (36.67%), followed by diabetes mellitus (24.67%) and obesity (8.33%). The probability of survival at 3 days of ICU stay was 65.3%, at 7 days 24.2%, and 0% on day 14. Risk factors associated with mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 are age, male sex, tachypnea, low systolic blood pressure, low peripheral oxygen saturation, impaired renal function, elevated IL-6 and elevated D-dimer.

Conclusions

Mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 was 51.18 per 100 persons, Mortality was found to be associated with hypertension, type of infiltrating, and sepsis.
Prolonged cardiovascular pharmacological support and fluid management after cardiac surgery
Authors: Kontar Loay , Beaubien-Souligny William , Couture Etienne J. , Jacquet-Lagrèze Matthias , Lamarche Yoan , Levesque Sylvie , Babin Denis , Denault André Y.
Published: May 2023

Objective

To identify potentially modifiable risk factors related to prolonged cardiovascular pharmacological support after weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of two prospective cohort study in a specialized cardiac surgery institution in adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery with the use of CPB between August 2016 and July 2017. Prolonged cardiovascular pharmacological support was defined by the need for at least one vasopressor or one inotropic agent 24 hours after separation from CPB. Risk factors were identified among baseline characteristics and peri-operative events through multivariable logistic regression.

Results

A total of 247 patients were included and 98 (39.7%) developed prolonged pharmacological support. In multivariable analysis, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤ 30% (OR 9.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14; 79.25), elevated systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) > 30 and ≤ 55 mmHg (moderate) (OR 2.52, CI 1.15; 5.52) and sPAP > 55 mmHg (severe) (OR 8.12, CI 2.54; 26.03), as well as cumulative fluid balance in the first 24 hours after surgery (OR 1.76, CI 1.32; 2.33) were independently associated with the development of prolonged pharmacological support.

Conclusions

Prolonged cardiovascular pharmacological support is frequent after cardiac surgery on CPB. Severe LV systolic dysfunction, preoperative pulmonary hypertension and postoperative fluid overload are risk factors. Further studies are required to explore if those risk factors could be modified or not.
Multi-planar 2.5D U-Net for image quality enhancement of dental cone-beam CT
Authors: Ryu Kanghyun , Lee Chena , Han Yoseob , Pang Subeen , Kim Young Hyun , Choi Chanyeol , Jang Ikbeom , Han Sang-Sun
Published: May 2023

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) can provide 3D images of a targeted area with the advantage of lower dosage than multidetector computed tomography (MDCT; also simply referred to as CT). However, in CBCT, due to the cone-shaped geometry of the X-ray source and the absence of post-patient collimation, the presence of more scattering rays deteriorates the image quality compared with MDCT. CBCT is commonly used in dental clinics, and image artifacts negatively affect the radiology workflow and diagnosis. Studies have attempted to eliminate image artifacts and improve image quality; however, a vast majority of that work sacrificed structural details of the image. The current study presents a novel approach to reduce image artifacts while preserving details and sharpness in the original CBCT image for precise diagnostic purposes. We used MDCT images as reference high-quality images. Pairs of CBCT and MDCT scans were collected retrospectively at a university hospital, followed by co-registration between the CBCT and MDCT images. A contextual loss-optimized multi-planar 2.5D U-Net was proposed. Images corrected using this model were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively by dental clinicians. The quantitative metrics showed superior quality in output images compared to the original CBCT. In the qualitative evaluation, the generated images presented significantly higher scores for artifacts, noise, resolution, and overall image quality. This proposed novel approach for noise and artifact reduction with sharpness preservation in CBCT suggests the potential of this method for diagnostic imaging.
Roles of long non-coding RNAs in plant immunity
Authors: Huang Juan , Zhou Wenling , Zhang Xiaoming , Li Yi
Published: May 2023

Robust plant immune systems are fine-tuned by both protein-coding genes and non-coding RNAs. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) refer to RNAs with a length of more than 200 nt and usually do not have protein-coding function and do not belong to any other well-known non-coding RNA types. The non-protein-coding, low expression, and non-conservative characteristics of lncRNAs restrict their recognition. Although studies of lncRNAs in plants are in the early stage, emerging studies have shown that plants employ lncRNAs to regulate plant immunity. Moreover, in response to stresses, numerous lncRNAs are differentially expressed, which manifests the actions of low-expressed lncRNAs and makes plant–microbe/insect interactions a convenient system to study the functions of lncRNAs. Here, we summarize the current advances in plant lncRNAs, discuss their regulatory effects in different stages of plant immunity, and highlight their roles in diverse plant–microbe/insect interactions. These insights will not only strengthen our understanding of the roles and actions of lncRNAs in plant–microbe/insect interactions but also provide novel insight into plant immune responses and a basis for further research in this field.
Estimating the early-life exposure to two perfluorinated compounds (PFOS and PFOA) using PBPK modelling and biomarker measurements
Authors: Ratier Aude , Casas Maribel , Manzano-Salgado Cyntia , Zeman Florence A. , Vrijheid Martine , Brochot Céline
Published: May 2023

Children exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl acids substances (PFAS) is a major concern in health risk assessment as early-life exposures are suspected to induce adverse effects such as cardiometabolic, neurodevelopmental, or impact on immune response. Our work aims to estimate children exposure to PFOA and PFOS using a Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling approach.

A lifetime model for PFAS was updated to simulate the internal PFAS exposures during the
in utero life and childhood, and to include individual characteristics and exposure scenarios. Our approach was applied on the HELIX cohort, involving 1,239 mother-child pairs with measured PFOA and PFOS plasma concentrations at two sampling times: during pregnancy and in childhood (6 to 10 y.o).

Our model predicted an increase of the plasma concentrations during fetal development and childhood until 2 y.o when the maximum concentrations were reached. Higher PFOA plasma concentrations than PFOS ones were predicted until 2 y.o, and then PFOS levels gradually became higher than PFOA ones. From 2 to 8 y.o, mean concentrations decrease from 3.09 to 1.88 µg/L (PFOA) and from 4.77 to 3.56 µg/L (PFOS). The concentration-time profiles vary with the age and were mostly influenced by
in utero exposure (0-4 months), breastfeeding (5 months – 2 (PFOA) or 5 (PFOS) y.o), and food intake (after 3 (PFOA) or 6 (PFOS) y.o). Similar measured biomarker levels can correspond to large differences in the simulated internal exposures, highlighting the importance to investigate the child exposure over the early life to improve exposure classification of the child. The simulated internal concentrations in several infants and toddlers exceeded the HBM-I value threshold compared to the ones in older children, especially for PFOA.

Our approach based on PBPK modelling and HBM data demonstrates the possibility to simulate individualized internal exposures, that could be accounted to refine risk assessment in early life.
Comparative Analysis of Biochemical Parameters in Moderate & Severe Patients Infected With COVID-19
Authors: Meshram Komal , Tadas Arun
Published: May 2023

Background/Objectives: Corona virus disease 2019(COVID19) pandemic has caught the world into pronounced health crisis as number of patients are dramatically increasing worldwide. COVID19 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus2(SARSCoV2) which mainly infects respiratory system but can damage other systems also. So, its early diagnosis is very necessary. Biochemical Parameters can effectively diagnose COVID19 earlier. This study is to analyze alterations in biochemical parameters in COVID19 patients of our region as there is scarcity of COVID19 related biochemical data of our region & to compare them according to disease severity.

Methodology: This study involved 112 COVID19 positive patients admitted between 01/09/2020 & 30/11/2020 at IGGMC, Nagpur. Patients were categorized on the basis of ICMR guidelines into two groups i.e. moderate(n=56) & severe(n=56) each between 18 & 80 years of age. Blood samples were processed in ERBA-XL-640 autoanalyzer for estimation of serum levels of C-reactive protein(CRP), Ferritin, Lactate Dehydrogenase(LDH), Creatinine, Urea, Aspartate Transaminase(AST), Alanine Transaminase(ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase(ALP),Total Proteins(TP), Albumin. Results were compared between these two groups & evaluated using independent samples t-test.

Result: Severely ill patients had significantly higher levels of LDH(p=0.0001), CRP(p=0.0001), Ferritin(p=0.0001), Creatinine(p=0.0001), Urea(p=0.007), AST(p=0.02) & ALT(p=0.02) as compared to moderate patients. No significant difference was observed in values of TP(p=0.4), Albumin(p=0.6), ALP(p=0.7) between both groups.

Conclusion: Biochemical investigations of COVID19 patients are simple, cost-effective & rapid marker which helps in early identification of critically ill patients & monitoring of disease progression aiming to improve recovery & reduce mortality of COVID19 patients.
Intervensi Kelembagaan dalam Pengelolaan Publikasi Ilmiah sebagai Upaya Pengembangan Dalam Bidang Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial: Studi Kasus pada WELFARE : Jurnal Ilmu Kesejahteraan Sosial UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta
Authors: Umam Khotibul
Published: May 2023

Kajian ini mengidentifikasi terkait upaya pengelolaan jurnal dalam rangka meningkatkan kualitas publikasi ilmiah. dengan adanya Publikasi ilmiah saat ini sebagai tolak ukur tercapainya tridarma perguruan tinggi. Penelitian ini menjadi penting untuk dikaji dalam rangka mengetahui tentang bagaimana intervensi kelembagaan atau komunitas dilakukan dalam rangka meningkatkan kualitas jurnal. Penelitian dengan menggunakan metode kualitatatif, dengan metode pengumpulan data menggunakan wawancara dan dokumentasi. Metode analisis data yang digunakan adalah metode Miles dan Hubermen membagi menjadi tiga tahapan yaitu display data, reduksi data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil dari penelitian ini yakni bahwa upaya intervensi kelembangga yang dilakukan dalam praktek pekerjaan sosial bisa memberikan gambaran dalam proses pengelolaan jurnal. upaya peningkatan kualitas sumberdaya manusia baik secara operasional dalam manajemen OJS ataupun kualitas naskah dalam kerangka keilmuan pekerjaan sosial. Hal ini dilakukan melalui berbagai skema yakni pelatihan-pelatihan skala local dan nasional para pengelola, motivasi dan pendampingan proses akreditasi kepada para pengelola, pemberian reward. Sedangkan untuk menjaga ketersediaan naskah dan kualitas diantaranya melalui pelatihan dan pendampingan intensif, kegiatan-kegiatan coference internasioanal yang diajakan oleh fakultas dan prodi.

Kata Kunci : Intervensi kelembagaan, peningkatan kualitas, akreditasi jurnal.

 

This study identifies journal management efforts in order to improve the quality of scientific publications. With the existence of current scientific publications as a benchmark, the tridarma of higher education is achieved. This research is important to study in order to find out about how institutional or community interventions are carried out in order to improve the quality of journals. Research using qualitative methods, with data collection methods using interviews and documentation. The data analysis method used is the Miles and Hubermen method which divides into three stages, namely displaying data, reducing data, and drawing conclusions. The results of this study are that developmental intervention efforts carried out in social work practice can provide an overview of the journal management process. efforts to improve the quality of human resources both operationally in OJS management or the quality of manuscripts within the scientific framework of social work. This is done through various schemes, namely local and national scale training for managers, motivation and accreditation process assistance to managers, awarding rewards. Meanwhile, to maintain the availability of manuscripts and quality, including through intensive training and assistance, international conference activities held by faculties and study programs.

Keywords: Institutional intervention, quality improvement, journal accreditation
Two Jewish Physicians in Early Modern Germany: Koppel (Jacob) Mehler (AKA Copilius Pictor) and his son Juda Coppillia Pictor
Authors: Reichman Edward
Published: May 2023

The Mehler family was a distinguished German family from Bingen in the 17th and 18th centuries comprised of numerous rabbis and communal leaders. In this essay we draw attention to the physicians of the Mehler clan, a father and son in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Though graduating just forty years apart, they represent the transition of the medical training of students of Ashkenaz (Poland, Germany, and France) from Italy to Germany. Prior to the mid seventeenth century, a young Jewish student longing to attend medical school had essentially one option, the University of Padua. By the early eighteenth-century German universities began to welcome Jewish students. Our father and son physicians straddle this period and reflect the transition of Jewish medical training from Italy to Germany. We have identified some remarkable archival material allowing us to provide also an illustrated history of their medical careers.
Jüdische Spenden und Stiftungen im fraktalen Raum des Heiligen Römischen Reichs
Authors: Schmölz-Häberlein Michaela
Published: May 2023

The essay deals with the donation activities of Jewish people in the Franconian area during the 18th century. Helping those in need was an integral part of religious practice. Donations to co-religionists as well as to Christian institutions and individuals can be proven regularly. The five charitable foundations, which were set up by wealthy members of the Bamberg rural Jewish community, also served the purpose of maintaining the memory of the founder and his family in the long term. With the proceeds from the foundation capital, scholarships were financed and needy relatives supported. They represented important references for the family members, who often lived scattered. Thus had an effect of forming a Common identity. The case of Meyer Levi, who at the same time established religious foundations in the Franconian rural community of Zeckendorf and the suburban community of Pfersee beyond the gates of the imperial city of Augsburg, documents that the supra-regional and cross-territorial interdependencies of Jewish society can be seen within the Zedaka.
One fits all: a highly sensitive combined ddPCR/pyrosequencing system for the quantification of microchimerism after hematopoietic and solid organ transplantation
Authors: Häuser Friederike , Mittler Jens , Hantal Misra Simge , Greulich Lilli , Hermanns Martina , Shrestha Annette , Kriege Oliver , Falter Tanja , Immel Uta D. , Herold Stephanie , Schuch Brigitte , Lackner Karl J. , Rossmann Heidi , Radsak Markus
Published: May 2023

Objectives

A combined digital droplet PCR (ddPCR)/pyrosequencing assay system was developed that demonstrated advantages applicable to multiple qualitative and quantitative molecular genetic diagnostic applications. Data for characterizing this combined approach for hematologic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and allele quantification from graft-derived cell-free (cf) DNA in solid organ transplantation (SOT) is presented.

Methods

ddPCR and pyrosequencing assays targeting 32 SNPs/markers were established. ddPCR results from 72 gDNAs of 55 patients after allogeneic HSCT and 107 plasma-cfDNAs of 25 liver transplant recipients were compared with established methods/markers, i.e. short-tandem-repeat PCR and ALT, respectively.

Results

The ddPCR results were in good agreement with the established marker. The limit of detection was 0.02 % minor allele fraction. The relationship between ddPCR and STR-PCR was linear with R2=0.98 allowing to transfer previously established clinical STR-PCR cut-offs to ddPCR; 50-fold higher sensitivity and a variation coefficient of <2 % enable the use of low DNA concentrations (e.g. pre-sorted cells). ddPCR detected liver allograft injury at least as sensitive as ALT suggesting that ddPCR is a reliable method to monitor the transplant integrity, especially when other biomarkers are lacking (e.g. kidney).

Conclusions

Combining pyrosequencing for genotyping and ddPCR for minor allele quantification enhances sensitivity and precision for the patient after HSCT and SOT. The assay is designed for maximum flexibility. It is expected to be suitable for other applications (sample tracking, prenatal diagnostics, etc.).
Comparison and significance of grain size parameters of the Menyuan loess calculated using different methods
Authors: Shi Yunkun , E Chongyi , Zhang Zhaokang , Peng Qiang , Zhang Jing , Yan Wenting , Xu Chunxia
Published: May 2023

Grain size is a fundamental physical property of sediments, and its parameters are crucial indicators of the provenance, transport processes, and depositional environments. However, owing to the availability of graphic and moment method choices for the determination of grain size parameters, the associated data are characterized by inconsistencies, and these issues restrict the utilization of such data. Compared to other regions, comparative analyses of grain size parameters determined using the graphic and moment methods for aeolian sediments in the Tibetan Plateau are scant. To obtain more accurate information and optimize and integrate historical data, in the present study, sediments in the Yahecun section of the Menyuan Basin in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau were investigated. Data for the Menyuan loess show that the mean grain size, sorting, skewness, and kurtosis data obtained from the two methods can be converted using linear equations. However, differences in the descriptions following the establishment of relationships should be considered. Owing to its sedimentary characteristics, the moment method is more suitable for determining grain size parameters for the Menyuan loess. The results from the moment method indicate that the Menyuan loess originated from multiple sources involving varying dynamics, and the sediments recorded changes from a cold, dry to a warm climate.
What End of Thought? On the True and the False Problem of Philosophy
Authors: Leegsma Mark
Published: May 2023

The end of metaphysics problematizes philosophy, for it implies the end of thought “itself.” Though this raises the question how to think after the end of metaphysics, the question can only be asked on the condition that the “problem of philosophy” is posed, presupposing an answer to the question what the end of thought is. This article critically compares two ways of posing that problem. It argues that one, here called active nihilism, poses the problem falsely: it implies an answer to the question what the end of thought is, even as it makes that question impossible to answer, rendering the very problem unsolvable. The true problem of philosophy, the article argues, is what is here called the entanglement of thought and experience. In order to demonstrate what active nihilism and entanglement actually come down to, the article then presents two cases. One involves a detailed analysis of Meillassoux’s refutation of correlationism, showing how the problem of philosophy is rendered unsolvable in actual fact. The other case concerns what is called catastrophal thought. An effective demonstration of the end of thought, this first answers the question what the end of thought really is.
Effect of NB-UVB therapy on IL-6 and neopterin levels in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Sahin Emine Buket , Sanajou Sonia , Girgin Gözde , Akan Tülin , Baydar Terken
Published: May 2023

Background

Psoriasis is a chronic and non-transient disease with increased epidermal proliferation in the skin. Dysregulation of the immune system is an important factor in this pathology. Inflammation markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and immune cells are reported to be changed in psoriasis.

Study design

In the current cohort study, the possible changes in interleukin-6 (IL-6), neopterin levels, and kynurenine (Kyn) pathway in 42 psoriasis patients compared to 30 controls, and their change with narrow-band (NB) UVB treatment were investigated.

Methodology

IL-6 and serum neopterin levels were analyzed with ELISA kits. HPLC analyses were performed to detect urinary neopterin, serum Kyn, and tryptophan (Trp) levels.

Results

IL-6 levels were lower, while Kyn levels and the Kyn-to-Trp ratio were higher in psoriasis patients compared to control subjects (p < 0.01, all).

Conclusion

Narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) treatment decreased Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores and increased urinary neopterin levels of the patients (both, p < 0.01). Serum neopterin was correlated with Kyn and Kyn/Trp levels before and after NB-UVB treatment (p < 0.05, all). These findings point out that the measured parameters might be considered to support the PASI score in both diagnosis and prognosis of psoriasis rather than evaluating the severity of the disease.
PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN BERBASIS ANDROID PADA MATERI SANGGUL UKEL TEKUK DAN SANGGUL UKEL KONDE
Authors: Aprilliani Clarita
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to know how to develop an android-based learning media, examine the learning media's validity, and determine studentsâ€™ views toward using the learning media. The learning media was focused on the learning materials of Ukel Tekuk and Ukel Konde Indonesian traditional hair bun (sanggul) for beauty class students in SMK Negeri 3 Magelang. This learning media used  PPE (Planning, Production, and Evaluation) as the development model. This research and development study result showed that the online software MIT app Inventor was used to develop the android-based learning media. This learning media was also valid since the total validity percentage of the multimedia experts, and the experts of learning materials was 86.6% with very distinct criteria. By using a questionnaire of media validation to find out the studentsâ€™ views, it showed that the percentage of this learning media was 92% according to studentsâ€™ perspectives. This value is classified as high criteria, so it cam be conclude that the perspectives of students on learning media for Belajar Sanggul are this learning media is easy to use and material presented is easy to understand.
PEMANFAATAN LIMBAH KULIT JAGUNG SEBAGAI BAHAN PEMBUATAN BAKI HANTARAN PERNIKAHAN
Authors: Rahmadhani Kharina
Published: May 2023

Utilization of corn husk waste in the Boyolali area is still not optimal, causing a build up of the amount of organic waste in the Boyolali Regency area. According to data from the Central Statistics Agency for Boyolali Regency 2019, the corn harvest reached 25,984 kg. To optimize the selling value and artistic value, the waste is used to make handicrafts, one of which is a wedding gift tray. The purpose of the study was to determine the level of validity of the wedding delivery tray and to determine the level of preference for the wedding delivery tray. The research method used is research and development. Methods of data collection using the method of documentation and observation. Data collection using a questionnaire. The product validity was carried out by 3 expert panelists and the preference test was carried out by 15 untrained panelists. The analysis technique in this research uses descriptive percentage. The results of the validity test state that the delivery tray is valid with the average of all products above 90.00% so that it is feasible to do research. The results of the preference test stated that the products A1 and A4 were the most preferred with an average of 93.00%.
Kelayakan Aksesoris Dari Limbah Kulit Buah Mahoni
Authors: Lestari Mega Ayu , Ihsani Ade Novi Nurul
Published: May 2023

Abstrak. Kelayakan merupakan kepantasan suatu objek untuk dijadikan sesuatu yang memiliki daya jual. Limbah kulit buah mahoni dapat dibuat menjadi aksesoris karena kharakteristiknya yang kuat dan tidak mudah terurai, kulit buah mahoni juga memiliki motif yang khas sehingga cocok digunakan sebagai bahan pembuatan aksesoris. Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengetahui bagaimana proses pembuatan aksesoris, validitas serta kelayakan aksesoris dari limbah kulit buah mahoni. Metode penelitian adalah metode eksperimen, objek penelitian yaitu aksesoris limbah kulit buah mahoni. Teknik pengambilan data menggunakan penilaian angket atau kuisioner. Teknik analisis menggunakan diskriptif presentase. Hasil kelayakan berdasar uji indrawi aksesoris tema Naturalis N1 mendapat presentase 90.28 %, N2 81,94 %, N3 94.44 %, G1 87,50 %, G2 81,99 % dan G3 90,28 % berdasar uji kesukaan yang diujikan kepaada 30 panelis agak terlatih N1 mendapat presentase  89,67 %, N2 88,50 %, dan N3 89 % serta GK1mendapat persentase 89 % , G2 89 % dan G3 90 %. Simpulan penelitian, keenam aksesoris limbah kulit buah mahoni dinyatakan sangat valid oleh validator, serta dinyatakan sangat layak oleh ahli berdasarkan uji indrawi dan dinyatakan sangat suka untuk aksesoris limbah kulit buah mahoni berdasarkan uji kesukaan.
Makna Dan Filosofi Tata Rias Pengantin Khas Temanggung Paes Arga Mliwis Wana
Authors: Listiana Luluk Mei , Krisnawati Maria
Published: May 2023

Abstrak. Temanggung memiliki keanekaragaman budaya yang berbeda dari lainnya begitupula dengan pernikahan yang berkembang. Penelitian ini membahas bentuk tata rias dan busana serta makna dan filosofi pengantin Temanggung Paes Arga Mliwis Wana. Tujuannya untuk mengetahui bentuk tata rias dan busana serta makna dan filosofi pengantin Temanggung. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian Kualitatif yang dilakukan di Kabupaten Temanggung Jawa Tengah dengan narasumber perias dan budayawan. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan metode observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Instrumen penelitian yang digunakan berupa pedoman wawancara. Teknik analisis data menggunakan reduksi data, data yang diperoleh kemudian diolah menjadi deskriptif naratif diakhiri dengan penarikan kesimpulan.Adapun Hasil penelitian yaitu pengantin menggunakan bedak sesuai warna kulit, eyeshadow menyesuaikan warna baju, alis menyesuaikan bentuk wajah, blush on merah muda, lipstick merah, paes disebut paes arga mliwis wana. Busana pengantin putri menggunakan kebaya jaggan balak-balakan dan busana pengantin pria menggunakan beskap atilo sendang. Makna filosofi tata rias pengantin yaitu memunculkan aura kecantian pada pengantin. Saran masyarakat Temanggung harus ikut melestariakn, sosialisasi perlu dilakukan melalui kegiatan seminar.

Abstract. Temanggung has a cultural diversity that is different from others as well as a thriving marriage. This study discusses the form of make-up and clothing as well as the meaning and philosophy of the Temanggung Paes Arga Mliwis Wana bride. The aim is to find out the form of make-up and clothing as well as the meaning and philosophy of the Temanggung bride. This study uses a qualitative research method conducted in Temanggung Regency, Central Java, with make-up speakers and cultural observers. Data was collected using the methods of observation, interviews, and documentation. The research instrument used was an interview guide. The data analysis technique uses data reduction, the data obtained is then processed into descriptive narrative ending with drawing conclusions. called paes arga mliwis wana. The bride's attire uses a kebaya jaggan balak and the groom's attire uses a beskap atilo spring. The meaning of the philosophy of bridal makeup is to bring out the aura of beauty in the bride and groom. The advice of the Temanggung community is to participate in preserving it, socialization needs to be carried out through seminars.
Kelayakan Masker Clay Kunyit (Curcuma Domestica Val.) dan Tepung Beras (Gemma Oryzanol) Untuk Mencerahkan Kulit Wajah Jenis Berminyak
Authors: Azizah Ulfatin Nur , Marwiyah Marwiyah
Published: May 2023

Kunyit dan Tepung Beras memiliki banyak kandungan yang bermanfaat untuk kecantikan kulit wajah yang dapat dijadikan sebagai masker clay untuk mencerahkan kulit wajah. Tujuan penelitian yaitu untuk mengetahui validitas dan kelayakan masker clay kunyit dan tepung beras untuk mencerahkan kulit wajah jenis berminyak. Peneliti ini menggunakan metode eksperimen pretest dan postest, metode pengumpulan data penelitian adalah observasi, dan dokumentasi, analisis data penelitian ini menggunakan deskriptif presentase. Hasil penelitian berdsarkan uji indrawi mendapatkan rata-rata total 92% dengan kreteria sangat layak, uji kesukaan mendapat rata-rata total 86% dengan kreteria sangat disukai responden, uji klinis mendapat rata-rata total 66,07% dengan kereteria tingkat kecerahan pada wajah signifikan, sedangkan uji laboratorium dilakukan untuk mengetahui takaran dan pengaruh terhadap sediaan masker clay kunyit dan tepung beras. Berdasarkan hasil uji laboraturium di pilih formula F3 dikarenakan memenuhi kreteria masker clay. Simpulan masker clay kunyit dan tepung beras untuk mencerahkan kulit wajah jenis berminyak dinyatakan layak berdasarkan hasil uji indrawi, uji kesukaan, dan uji klinis.
Kelayakan Masker Lumpur Untuk Mengeringkan Jerawat
Authors: Larasati Kurnia , Setyowati Erna
Published: May 2023

Abstrak. Jerawat adalah suatu penyakit radang yang mengenai susunan pilosebaseus yaitu kelenjar palit dengan folikel rambutnya. Oleh sebab itu dibutuhkan solusi untuk memperbaiki kondisi kulit berjerawat dengan melakukan perawatan salah satunya menggunakan masker tradisional yaitu masker lumpur. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui kelayakan masker lumpur untuk mengeringkan jerawat. Subyek dalam penelitian ini adalah kulit wajah responden baik perempuan maupun laki-laki yang berumur 17-24 tahun yang berjerawat papula dengan batasan maksmal 10 lesi sebanyak 9 orang.Validitas instrumen menggunakan expert judgment. Teknik analisis data uji inderawi,uji kesukaan,uji klinis menggunakan rerata. Hasil penelitian diperoleh bahwa masker lumpur dinyatakan sangat layak dengan rerata uji inderawi 3,4. Jika ditinjau dari uji kesukaan, mendapatkan rerata 3,2 dengan kriteria disukai. Ditinjau dari uji klinis mendapat rerata 3,5 menunjukkan kriteria sangat layak dan dapat dikatakan sangat layak karena banyak mengalami perubahan karena terdapat perbedaan antara sebelum dan sesudah diberi perlakuan
PEMANFAATAN GULMA KENCANA UNGU (RUELLIA TUBEROSA L) SEBAGAI PEWARNA ALAMI KAIN SUTERA MENGGUNAKAN PROSES POST MORDANTING
Authors: Hidayah Nurul , Syamwil Rodia , Nurrohmah Siti
Published: May 2023

Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu untuk mengetahui apakah gulma khususnya tanaman kencana ungu dapat digunakan sebagai pewarna alami tekstil yang diujikan pada kain sutera menggunakan mordan tunjung, tawas dan kapur tohor dengan lima konsentrasi yang berbeda dan mengetahui hasil kualitas pewarnaan dalam aspek arah warna, ketuaan warna, dan ketahanan luntur warna terhadap pencucian. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian eksperimen dan hasilnya diuji secara kualitatif. metode yang digunakan yaitu metode dokumentasi dan hasil uji laboratorium. Hasil kualitas uji arah warna yang dihasilkan oleh ketiga jenis mordan berbeda. Mordan tunjung menghasilkan warna iron mordan tawas menghasilkan warna crocodile dan mordan kapur tohor menghasilkan warna hazelnut. Hasil uji ketuaan warna diperoleh kategori sangat tua namun tingkat ketuaan warna paling baik adalah mordan tunjung sedangkan hasil ketahanan luntur warna terhadap pencucian paling baik diperoleh mordan tawas dengan kategori baik dan cukup baik. Simpulan dari penelitian ini adalah tanaman kencana ungu dapat digunakan sebagai pewarna alami tekstil dan jenis mordan yang digunakan berpengaruh terhadap hasil kualitas pewarnaan yaitu arah warna, ketuaan warna dan ketahanan luntur terhadap pencucian.