bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building communities on civic terms
Authors:   , de Bruin - van de Beek Maria Elizabeth
Published: November 2024

This dissertation presents the research that was carried out – as part of the NWO VICI project ‘Citizenship Discourses in the Early Middle Ages, 400-1100’ – into the use of Latin terms of citizenship in the sermons by three late antique bishops, namely Maximus of Turin (bishop c. 398?-408/423 CE), Augustine of Hippo (bishop c. 396-430 CE, focusing on his Sermones ad populum) and Peter Chrysologus of Ravenna (bishop c. 425-ca. 450/458 CE). Preaching formed an important part of the duties of the late antique bishop as spiritual leader of the Christian community and often took place in an urban setting. The bishop was familiar with the arts of classical rhetoric and thus with the ways in which words could be used to effectively convey a message.
The central question posed by this research is how the bishops used terminology of citizenship, with special attention to the terms civis (citizen) and civitas (citizenship, citizen body, city), in their sermons to build and shape the Christian community and its members, and, more specifically, what function, relevance and meaning this terminology had in the instructions and exhortations about Scripture, the Christian faith, salvation, and the desired way of life.
The methodology applied in studying the three sermon corpora is threefold. It includes (1) distant reading, i.e. making an inventory of the employment of citizenship terminology in the three sermon corpora using the digital Library of Latin Texts, (2) a detailed, close reading study of the two key terms civis and civitas in particular within a selection of sermons, and (3) a comparative study of differences and similarities in the application of these key terms within and between the three sermon corpora.
The study shows that civis and civitas were meaningful and relevant terms for the bishops to employ in support of their various aims as a preacher, and, by extension, their efforts of building the Christian community. One of the study’s key findings is that the bishops made deliberate use of expectations and values that in late antique society were associated with citizenship and the city. They could address the congregants about their responsibilities as citizens or city leaders, as well as capitalize on the audience’s expectations with regard to civic well-being (salus) and civic belonging. The study also shows how the bishop could draw a connection between Christian identity, Christian membership and Christian lifestyle on the one hand, and notions and values of citizenship on the other. The research furthermore provides insight into the semantic fields of civis and civitas, by demonstrating the relationships between these two terms on the one hand, and co-occurrent terms – such as patria, peregrinus, and miles - on the other.
The effectiveness of a correlation diagram of the echographic and haemodynamic patterns in the brain
Authors: Cayuela-Domínguez A. , Flores-Cordero J.M. , Amaya-Villar R. , Rincón-Ferrari D. , Rivera-Fernández M.V. , Murillo-Cabezas F. , Muñoz-Sánchez M.A.
Published: November 2024

INTRODUCTION Transcranial Doppler (TCD) constitutes a valuable method for managing acute/critical neurological patients and it would therefore be interesting to reduce, as far as possible, the complexity involved in interpreting its findings. AIMs. The OBJECTIVE of this study was to design and validate a correlation diagram of the echographic patterns and acute haemodynamic situations in the brain that makes it easier to teach and optimises the effectiveness of TCD as a diagnostic aid. MATERIALS AND METHODS A diagram that represents the average speed and pulsatility index on a system of coordinates. Five fundamental echographic patterns were identified and the most frequent acute cerebral haemodynamic situations are detailed for each of them. The value of the diagram was tested in resident doctors with varying degrees of knowledge of TCD. In the first phase with no diagram (evaluation A), the interpretation of the TCD and diagnosis of the haemodynamic situation in the brain were evaluated in nine clinical cases. In the second phase, with a diagram (evaluation B), they were asked to draw up new reports on the same cases. We compared the number of times they were right in the two evaluations. RESULTS A total of 216 echographic reports were obtained. The mean number of correct answers in evaluation A was 2, interquartile range (0.25-3.75). In evaluation B the number of correct answers rose to 4 (3.25-6.75) (p= 0.005). Using the diagram increased the diagnostic capacity of all the residents, but especially so in those with less training. CONCLUSIONS Use of the diagram makes it easier for people who are not experts to learn to interpret TCD findings in acute/critical neurological situations.
Clinical factors predicting the appearance of vascular events following a transient ischemic attack
Authors: Álvarez-Sabín J. , Quintana M. , Arenillas-Lara J.F. , Ribó M. , Delgado P. , Montaner J. , Purroy F.
Published: November 2024

INTRODUCTION Patients who have suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA) have a high risk of undergoing a severe vascular event. Most of them do not receive early attention and cannot benefit from an adequate diagnosis and treatment. AIMS. The aim of this study is to identify the clinical factors that predict the appearance of a new vascular event in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS We conducted a prospective study of 104 TIA patients, who had been given attention during the first 24 hours after the onset of symptoms, for a mean follow-up time of 12.6 months. RESULTS The incidence rates of strokes, ischemic heart disease, peripheral arteriopathy and death were 13, 6, 3 and 8%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified the following aspects as independent predictors of new strokes: an age above 73 odds ratio (OR) 4.46 (CI 95%, 1.15-17.38) and an atherothrombotic aetiology OR 4.36 (CI 95%, 1.44-13.18); and episodes of ischemic heart disease, a history of suffering from such heart disease OR 30.65 (CI 95%, 2.94-319.17) and taking oral antidiabetic drugs OR 31.23 (CI 95%, 2.65-368.74). Leukocytosis OR 11.21 (CI 95%, 1.25-100.39) is linked to the deaths caused by vascular disorders, whereas an atherothrombotic aetiology OR 3.83 (CI 95%, 1.31-11.20) and being male OR 3.44 (CI 95%, 1.02-11.60) were seen to be predictors of the appearance of any vascular event. CONCLUSIONS Our findings showed that the risk of suffering severe vascular events after a TIA becomes higher. There are a number of useful clinical variables (age above 73, atherothrombotic aetiology, being male, taking oral antidiabetic drugs and leukocytosis) for identifying the patients at the highest risk.
Dural fistula in the craniocervical junction. A case report and review of the literature
Authors: García-Sola R. , Fortea-Gil F. , Villoria-Medina F. , Pulido-Rivas P.
Published: November 2024

INTRODUCTION Spinal dural fistulas consist in an artery that penetrates into the dura mater and drains into a perispinal vein. They are most commonly located in the dorsal or lumbar region; a craniocervical position is infrequent. The clinical features presented by these patients involve an progressive ascending myelopathy caused by severe venous hypertension, although they can also start with symptoms of a subarachnoid haemorrhage. CASE REPORT A 62-year-old male with symptoms of progressive myelopathy due to a dural fistula dependent on meningeal branches of the right PICA, which was treated surgically by fistula clipping performed using an extreme lateral suboccipital approach. In the literature that was reviewed there were 35 cases of dural fistulas located at the craniocervical junction. CONCLUSIONS The existence of clinical features compatible with cervical myelopathy and an anodyne cervical resonance justify the need to perform medullar arteriography owing to a suspected vascular malformation. An early diagnosis of a dural fistula and its proper treatment lead to a diminished morbidity and mortality rate in these patients.
The efficacy of a formula for estimating premorbid intelligence in the Spanish population
Authors: Seisdedos-Cubero N. , Bilbao A.
Published: November 2024

INTRODUCTION An important AIM of neuropsychological assessment is to identify impairment in higher cognitive or intellectual, functioning. In order to achieve this task the assessment of premorbid intellectual ability becomes crucial. The estimation of premorbid cognitive functioning will allow us to assess level of cognitive deterioration but also best cognitive functioning that can be expected in rehabilitation. Estimating premorbid cognitive ability is also crucial in forensic practice and for research purposes. Methods that allow the estimation of premorbid intelligence have been developed. Estimates derived from these methods are typically based on one or both of the following sources of information: (a) life history variables (b) measures of current cognitive functioning that are highly correlated with intellectual functioning and that are relatively unaffected by brain damage. OBJECTIVE. To present a method of estimating premorbid intelligence in Spanish population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS The method we present has been developed applying linear regression models to the standardization sample of the WAIS-III in Spanish population. The model is based exclusively on demographic and socio-educational variables, allowing estimation free of the influence of neurological lesions squeal. CONCLUSIONS The efficiency of the method we present is similar to that of other methods widely used in other countries.
Migraine with pleocytosis: a case of atypical progression
Authors: Pascual-Millán L.F. , Val L.J. López del , Larrodé-Pellicer P. , Tejero-Juste C. , Fabre-Pi O. , Garcés-Redondo M. , Pérez-Lázaro C. , Navarro-Calzada J. , Mártires-Armingol I. De Los , Sierra-Bergua B. , Santos-Lasaosa S.
Published: November 2024

AIMS. Migraine with cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis is a clinical pattern consisting in intermittent headaches accompanied by episodes of transient neurological deficit and lymphocytic pleocytosis, which last for varying lengths of time and have a spontaneous resolution. We describe the case of migraine with pleocytosis (MP) with atypical progression that responded well to corticoids. CASE REPORT A 27-year-old male with no familial or personal history of migraine who began with bouts of intense headaches that were preceded by neurological deficit (dysphasia and hemiparesis of the right-hand side) lasting varying amounts of time (including hours). The serial study of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed a notable degree of lymphocytosis (400/mm3) with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) (> 30 mmHg). The other explorations that were performed (microbiological study of CSF and blood, humoral and cellular immunity, MR angiography and thyroid hormones, among others) were all normal. The neurological exploration carried out in the following days revealed a mild paresis of the right lateral rectus muscle, which was attributed to the intracranial hypertension and which clearly disabled the patient. As a consequence of the recurrence of the seizures and the long-lasting increase in ICP, therapy was begun with 1 mg/kg/day of prednisone, at a descending rate; clinical remission and normalisation of the CSF was achieved within a period of two months. Discussion. We describe this case of MP because of how atypical the progression was (paresis of the right abducent nerve secondary to the increase in ICP) and the possibility of associating corticoids in cases in which the benignity of the entity is in doubt.
Attention deficit and understanding of non-literal meanings: the interpretation of indirect speech acts and idioms
Authors: Manghi D. , García G. , Cáceres P. , Crespo N.
Published: November 2024

AIM To report on the oral comprehension of the non-literal meanings of indirect speech acts and idioms in everyday speech by children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS The subjects in this study consisted of a sample of 29 Chilean schoolchildren aged between 6 and 13 with ADHD and a control group of children without ADHD sharing similar socio-demographic characteristics. A quantitative method was utilised: comprehension was measured individually by means of an interactive instrument. The children listened to a dialogue taken from a cartoon series that included indirect speech acts and idioms and they had to choose one of the three options they were given: literal, non-literal or distracter. RESULTS The children without ADHD identified the non-literal meaning more often, especially in idioms. Likewise, it should be pointed out that whereas the children without ADHD increased their scores as their ages went up, those with ADHD remained at the same point. CONCLUSIONS ADHD not only interferes in the inferential comprehension of non-literal meanings but also inhibits the development of this skill in subjects affected by it.
Cerebral gas embolism secondary to withdrawal of a central venous line
Authors: Laguillo-Sala G. , Cañete-Abajo N. , Castaño-Duque C.H. , Guardia-Mas E. , Juan-Delago M. de , Ruscalleda-Nadal J.
Published: November 2024

AIM To report a case of cerebral gas embolism secondary to the withdrawal of a central venous line in a patient who had recently undergone abdominal surgery. CASE REPORT An 82-year-old male who suddenly presented myoclonias in the right upper extremity and a sharp drop in the level of consciousness. A computerised tomography (CT) scan revealed air bubbles in the intracranial circulatory system and associated infarction in the right hemisphere. The patients clinical progression was poor and he died some days later. CONCLUSIONS Cerebral gas embolism can be diagnosed using a CT scan of the head if it is performed immediately after the entrance of air into the bloodstream inside the brain. In later phases, findings are unspecific and difficult to distinguish from ischaemic infarction or from diffuse leukoencephalopathy. Treatment is based on supportive measures and, in some cases, hyperbaric oxygen, although their true effectiveness is a controversial issue. Cerebral gas embolism is a potentially fatal and avoidable complication in patients with a central venous line or other iatrogenic procedures that can allow air to enter the arterial or venous circulatory systems.
Inpatient rehabilitation of working-age adults with ischemic stroke: comparing men and women clinical and functional characteristics at admission and predicting functionality
Authors: García-Rudolph A , Laxe S , Cegarra B , Saurí-Ruiz J , Opisso E , Tormos J M , Bernabeu M
Published: November 2024

Introduction: The role of gender in functional independence for activities of daily living after ischemic stroke is still controversial. We aim to a) compare clinical characteristics of men and women at inpatient rehabilitation admission b) compare their functional independence at admission and discharge c) identify predictors of functional independence. Materials and methods: Retrospective observational cohort study. State-of-the-art variables were used for admission and discharge comparisons and to predict total FIM (Functional Independence Measure) at discharge, FIM gain, FIM efficiency and FIM effectiveness using multivariate linear regressions. Results: 144 patients (33% women) admitted to inpatient rehabilitation in a Spanish specialized center, with less than 3 weeks since ischemic stroke onset were included. Men were older (p = 0.039), 19.6% of men had diabetes mellitus (6.4% of women) (p = 0.038), with 52.6% of men being non-smokers (72.3% of women) (p = 0.022). No significant differences were observed in FIM at admission, discharge, FIM gain, efficiency or effectiveness (total, motor either cognitive FIM). Regression analysis identified sex (ß = -0.13), stroke severity (ß = -0.25) and admission total FIM (ß = -0.69) as significant predictors of total FIM gain (R2 = 0.42). The same variables predicted discharge total FIM: sex (ß = -0.12), severity (ß = -0.23) and admission total FIM (ß = 0.59) (R2 = 0.51). FIM efficiency was predicted by admission total FIM (ß = -0.64), severity (ß = -0.24), age (ß = -0.17) and length of stay (ß = -0.45) (R2 = 39.9%). FIM effectiveness model explained only 13.5% of the variance. Conclusions: No functional differences between men and women in any independence measure were found. Sex was a significant predictor but leaving half of the variance unexplained.
Clinical and radiological effectiveness of natalizumab extended dosage interval in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis
Authors: García-Estévez D A , Pérez-Lorenzo G , Fernández-Pérez M J , Cid-Rodríguez C , Ozaita-Arteche G
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Natalizumab (NTZ) is a very effective treatment approved for highly active multiple sclerosis. The main risk of treatment with NTZ is the possibility of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, which is related to JC virus positivity and the number of NTZ infusions. This risk decreases with the extended dosage interval (EDI), which involves 9 or fewer infusions/year. However, it is a matter of controversy as to whether EDI remains effective in reducing recurrences and the presence of new lesions in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients and methods: A prospective observational study was conducted from 1 April 2019 to 30 June 2021, following up patients on NTZ treatment who switched to EDI. Patients should have at least one MRI six months after the start of EDI. The presence of attacks or MRI activity (new lesions in T2) during the EDI was recorded. Results: Twenty-three patients with a mean age of 43.5 ± 9.4 years were included. The median number of NTZ infusions was 68 (minimum, 25; maximum, 127). The median interval between the start of the EDI and the last MRI was 14 months (minimum, 6; maximum, 25), and 23 months from the last medical follow-up visit (minimum, 7; maximum, 28). Two patients (8.7%) presented with attacks and two others (8.7%) showed MRI activity. Conclusions: EDI with NTZ maintains high clinical and activity effectiveness in MRI.
Models of public care for the population with acquired brain injury in Spain: a study of the situation by Spanish autonomous communities
Authors: Fernández-Sánchez M , Aza-Hernández A , Verdugo-Alonso M A
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Rehabilitation after Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) is a dynamic, progressive process aimed at functional improvement of the affected person and their family. There is an international consensus on how the model that guides this process should be; however, in our country there are numerous territorial discrepancies regarding its application. Therefore, the objective of this work is to analyze and update the knowledge about the practices developed in the field of rehabilitation and the regulations available in each autonomous community. Subjects and methods: 62 participants (71.7% women), including both direct care professionals and public administration positions from the 17 Spanish Autonomous Communities and the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla. A questionnaire composed of 31 questions on the functioning of rehabilitation throughout the three phases of care that often follow ABI was developed. This questionnaire was applied to these professionals in each of the Autonomous Communities, through semi-structured interviews. Results: The results show the great territorial inequality existing in the functioning of rehabilitation during the recovery process of a person with ABI and the significant deficiencies of specific resources, specialized professionals such as neuropsychologists and necessary aspects such as socio-sanitary coordination. Conclusions: It is necessary to develop state regulations that guarantee the minimum basic aspects of the rehabilitation process in the DCA, in its different phases and in all the Autonomous Communities.
Pharmacological approach to neuropathic pain: past, present and future
Authors: Alcántara-Montero A , Pacheco-de Vasconcelos S R
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Neuropathic pain (NP) is difficult to treat due to the heterogeneity of causes, symptoms and underlying mechanisms. It constitutes a great medical need that is not covered, and has a high number of therapeutic failures in recent randomized clinical trials. Development: This narrative review presents an update on the pharmacological treatment of NP with emphasis on the new published clinical guidelines, new drugs in development, and the new challenges that arise in the therapeutic management of this entity. Conclusions: First-line drugs proposed include tricyclic antidepressants (particularly amitriptyline), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (particularly duloxetine), pregabalin, and gabapentin. However, the latest recommendations are still relevant and the most recent clinical studies even question the role of pregabalin as a first-line treatment. Therefore, we consider that periodic updates of the clinical guidelines in NP are necessary to better guide our daily clinical practice and rationalize the use of all available therapeutic options. Furthermore, the expansion of knowledge in NP has generated a series of challenges, such as the development of new drugs based on pathophysiological mechanisms investigated in animals, and the development of optimal therapeutic approaches in clinical trials, based more on personalized than etiological approaches.
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection without respiratory compromise
Authors: Lozano-Iraguen P , Arribas-Del Campo J , Castro-Pesce A , C Morales-García C , Chiang-Odeh F , Pelayo-Varela C
Published: November 2024

Introduction: COVID-19, the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), continues to grow all over the world since december of 2019. Although the main clinical manifestation is pulmonary disease, neurological manifestations are a prominent and increasingly recognized feature of the disease. The Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a rare autoimmune disorder, most commonly triggered by a viral infection. There are a few case reports of ADEM associated with COVID-19, almost all of them associated pulmonary disease. We report the case of a young patient with diagnosis of ADEM with SARS-CoV-2 infection without clinical respiratory symptoms. Case report: A 20-year-old woman with no relevant medical history was brought to the emergency department with a progressive confusional state lasted for 7 days. Family reported the development of smell and taste deficit since two weeks before the onset of neurological symptoms. There were no complaints of pulmonary symptoms. At admission, she was drowsy and disoriented. Left homonymous hemianopsia and an ipsilateral Babinski sign was identified. A brain magnetic resonance image was done showing multiple hyperintense bilateral, asymmetric patchy and poorly marginated lesions with gadolinium enhancement. She was SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive on nasopharyngeal swab. Intravenous high-dose glucocorticoids were administered with marked clinical improvement. Conclusion: ADEM is an extremely uncommon complication of SARS-CoV-2infection. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis should be considered a potentially treatable cause of encephalopathy or multifocal neurological deficits in COVID-19 patients, even in the absence of respiratory symptoms.
Glioblastoma and its interaction with neurogenesis
Authors: Rodríguez-Mendoza B , Figueroa-González A , Cano-Herrera G , Gutierrez-Rosas L E , Romero-Torres C I , Victoria-Garcia L O , Gonzalez-Castillo P , Guerrero-Cázares H , Ibarra A
Published: November 2024

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most frequent and aggressive malignant primary tumor of the central nervous system in adults, with an incidence of 3.23 per 100,000 people. Despite the existence of various therapeutic approaches, the absence of a cure and the unfavorable prognosis persist for this neoplasm, with a median survival of approximately 8-15 months and a 5-year survival rate of 6.9%. In this review, we address the epidemiology, histopathology, molecular characteristics, and treatment of GBM. We highlight the relationship of GBM with the microenvironment in the lateral ventricle wall and the cerebrospinal fluid. The location of GBM in this region results in more aggressive tumors and shorter life expectancy for patients. Understanding the malignancy mechanisms that hinder remission, treatment, and positive prognosis opens the possibility of improving diagnostic and therapeutic interventions against GBM.
Довідник-класифікатор моделей великовагових автотранспортних засобів за фактичними габаритними та ваговими параметрами рухомого складу України
Authors:   National Transport University, СЛАВІНСЬКА Олена , БУБЕЛА Андрій ,   National Transport University, УСИЧЕНКО Олена ,   National Transport University, СТЬОЖКА Віталій ,   National Transport University, ДАВИДЕНКО Олександр ,   National Transport University, КОЗАРЧУК Ігор ,   National Transport University, РАЗБОЙНІКОВ Олександр ,   National Transport University, ІВАНУШКО Олександр ,   National Transport University, РУТКОВСЬКА Інесса ,   National Transport University, ШПИГ Альона ,   National Transport University, СЕВОСТ’ЯНОВА Аліна ,   National Transport University, БОНДАРЕНКО Людмила ,   National Transport University, КЛОЧАН Арсен ,   National Transport University
Published: November 2024

Даний довідник-класифікатор встановлює габаритно-вагові параметри моделей навантаження для визначення вантажно-пропускної здатності автодорожніх мостів. У довіднику наведені відомості щодо 12 моделей навантажень визначених за допомогою статистичного аналізу рухомого складу великовагового автомобільного транспорту України.
Даний довідник-класифікатор розроблено в рамках наукового дослідження «Розробка моделі навантаження за фактичними параметрами великовагового рухомого складу для визначення вантажно-пропускної здатності автодорожніх мостів при їх відновлені та експлуатації у воєнний і повоєнний періоди» за сприяння Національного фонду досліджень України та Міністерства освіти і науки України.
PENGEMBANGAN MESIN CURING SABLON MENGGUNAKAN LAMPU CARBON FIBER UNTUK MENINGKATKAN NILAI EFISIENSI
Authors: Cahyono Aris tri , Pramitasari Retno Eka , Basuki  , Arif Irfa'i Mohammad
Published: November 2024

Sablon plastisol saat ini menjadi sablon standar internasional yang juga paling sering direkomendasikan untuk sablon kaos. Alat pengering tinta plastisol umumnya menggunakan Hot gun, Flash curing, dan Curing gas, namun semua alat tersebut memiliki kelebihan dan kekurangan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan dan menghitung nilai efisiensi mesin pengering tinta sablon menggunakan lampu carbon fiber. Pada penelitian ini peneliti mendeskripsikan bagaimana perancangan mesin pengering tinta sablon dan menganalisa efisiensi mesin pengering tinta sablon. Metode penelitian ini mengadopsi metode R&D (research and development). Pengujian alat menggunakan metode observasi dan angket dengan mengajukan beberapa pertanyaan atau angket, meliputi pengujian fungsional alat dan pengujian kesesuaian alat untuk verifier. Rata-rata hasil pengumpulan data yang diperlukan untuk pengeringan tinta sablon plastisol ukuran A4 kurang dari 1 menit dengan suhu yang dihasilkan mencapai 400ᵒC. Efisiensi arus yang dihasilkan mesin pengering tinta sablon mencapai 96% karena tidak terjadi kebocoran arus, sedangkan nilai efisiensi termal mesin pengering tinta sablon mencapai 45,4% karena memiliki desain yang tebuka sehingga menyebabkan ada panas yang terbuang.
PENGARUH PERSENTASE SEKAM PADI DAN TANAH GAMBUT SEBAGAI BAHAN BAKAR BRIKET TERHADAP KADAR KARBON
Authors: Setiawan Saeful , Wati Dian Anisa Rokhmah , Pramitasari Retno Eka , Rosadi Mohammad Munib
Published: November 2024

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah menganalisis pengaruh persentase sekam padi dan tanah gambut terhadap kadar karbon. Komposisi 70 % sekam padi 30 % tanah gambut, 75 % sekam padi 25 % tanah gambut, 80 % sekam padi 20 % tanah gambut, 85 % sekam padi 15 % tanah gambut, dan 90 % sekam padi 10 % tanah gambut. Data yang diperoleh dari penelitian ini akan diuji dengan menggunakan aplikasi SPSS 25 dengan metode nonparametrik yaitu uji Kurskal Wallis. Hasilnya menunjukan nilai signifikan sebesar 0,017 < 0,05 sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa terdapat perbedaan signifikan persentase sekam padi dan tanah gambut terhadap kadar karbon. Sehingga H1 diterima (terdapat perbedaan signifikan pengaruh proporsi sekam padi dan tanah gambut terhadap kandungan kadar karbon) dan H0 ditolak.
RANCANG BANGUN TUNGKU PELEBURAN ALUMINIUM KAPASITAS 2 KG MENGGUNAKAN BAHAN BAKAR LPG
Authors: Zuhrafi Zuhdi  , Mohammad Munib Rosadi  , Basuki  , Mochamad Arif Irfa’i
Published: November 2024

Tungku krusibel yaitu tempat yang mempunyai bentuk menyerupai mangkuk atau pot berfungsi meleburkan logam ringan seperti aluminium. prinsip dari tungku krusibel adalah gas yang keluar dari tabung LPG yang disemburkan melalui kompor pada saat masuk ruang tungku dalam keadaan hidup. Permasalahan dalam penelitian ini adalah bedasarkan proses pengujian tungku peleburan aluminium menggunakan bahan bakar LPG pada pengujian pertama, kedua, ketiga, dan kempat kami menunjukkan bahwa kosumsi bahan bakar yang dibutuhkan untuk meleburkan aluminium sebanyak 2 kg sebesar 738 gram sedangkan suhu yang dibutuhkan sebesar 707,25 oC dan waktu peleburan selama 27:51:00 detik. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan penulis adalah metode riset dan pengembangan, uji kinerja dilakukan setelah seluruh komponen tungku krusibel tersedia, terpasang dan berfungsi dengan baik.
Karakteristik Sensori dan Fisikokimia Seduhan Kopi Sangrai Liberika, Arabika, dan Robusta dari Indonesia
Authors: Kurniawan Muhammad Fakih , Qisthina Dalilah , Fitrilia Tiana
Published: November 2024

Jenis kopi yang terdapat di Indonesia beragam seperti kopi arabika, robusta, dan liberika. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mempelajari dan menganalisis perbedaan karakter fisikokimia dan sensori, serta mengkorelasikan karakter fisikokimia dengan sensori seduhan kopi sangrai medium liberika, arabika, dan robusta. Penelitian ini menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) 1 faktor dengan 3 taraf perlakuan yaitu kopi liberika Bengkulu, kopi arabika Gayo, dan kopi robusta Temanggung. Analisis data yang digunakan adalah ANOVA dan uji lanjut Duncan, Kruskal Wallis dan uji lanjut Mann Whitney’s, serta uji Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Hasil analisis sensori Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA) ketiga jenis kopi memiliki karakteristik aroma, flavor, sweetness, acidity, body, aftertaste, dan balance yang tidak berbeda nyata. Hasil analisis fisikokimia didapatkan ketiga seduhan kopi tidak berbeda nyata kecuali total asam tertitrasi pada kopi arabika lebih tinggi daripada kopi liberika dan robusta. Hasil analisis korelasi PCA kopi liberika memiliki aroma, sweetness, kadar sukrosa, flavor, balance yang tinggi, kopi arabika memiliki acidity, total asam tertitrasi, dan body yang tinggi, dan kopi robusta memiliki total padatan terlarut, aftertaste pahit, dan pH yang tinggi.
Pengaruh Bubur Kulit Pisang Terhadap Sifat Mikrobiologis Dan Kimia Nira Gewang Serta Fisik Dan Organoleptik Gula Cair
Authors: Lalel Herianus J. D. , Rubak Yuliana Tandi , Nalle Ryan P.I. , Saingo Silvia Marise
Published: November 2024

Nira gewang (Corypha utan Lamk) merupakan salah satu bahan baku gula cair di Pulau Timor. Nira mudah terfermentasin oleh mikroba camaran sehingga menurun mutunya. Untuk itu diperlukan bahan pengawet yang aman. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap (RAL) dengan 4 perlakuan  yaitu: kontrol (A0); 5% ekstrak kulit pisang kepok (A1); 10% ekstrak kulit pisang kepok (A2); 15% ekstrak kulit pisang kepok (A3) yang diulang sebanyak 3 kali. Bahan pengawet yang digunakan adalah kulit pisang kepok sedangkan parameter yang diamati adalah sifat mikrobiologis: total mikroba, dan sifat kimia: keasaman (pH) dan total padatan terlarut (TPT) nira serta sifat fisik: aktivitas air (Aw) dan sifat organoleptik gula cair. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perlakuan penambahan ekstrak kulit pisang kepok pada nira gewang mampu mempengaruhi sifat mikrobiologis dan kimia nira gewang serta sifat fisik dan organoleptik gula cair. Perlakuan terbaik ditunjukkan oleh A3 (15% ekstrak kulit pisang kepok) yang ditinjau dari segi sifat kimia dan  mikrobiologis nira, maupun sifat fisik gula cair. Sedangkan organoleptik terbaik dari gula cair ditemukan pada perlakuan 5% bubur kulit pisang.
Möjligheter och begränsningar vid samverkan om undervisningsnära skolutveckling och forskning i yrkesutbildning
Authors: Gustavsson Susanne
Published: November 2024

School development and practice-based research is now established as a type of collaboration to strengthen the scientific base of education, and to ensure that research addresses the needs of education. The example of collaboration in this study consists of teacher leaders in the role of leading teacher groups, and researchers. The purpose of the study is to identify opportunities and limitations in connection with teachers’ and researchers’ own initiatives for collaboration in teaching-related improvement work and practice-related studies in vocational education. The context is vocational education in upper secondary school. The study is practice-based, where data consists of researchers’ field notes, observations, as well as data from teacher leaders’ maps and analyses. The analytical tool is the theory of practice architectures. The results describe a culture and collaboration that promote school development, where teacher leaders and researchers are active in their respective roles and assignments. The result also makes visible limitations regarding the possibility of practical research despite a common interest. Practice-based research poses for example a greater challenge as it requires long-term commitment and temporal conditions. The discussion raises the questions of what type of collaboration is needed to meet the scientific basis of education, and to ensure that practice-based research addresses teachers’ questions and the needs of vocational education.
Bone remodeling simulation using spatial influence function in macroscopic cube case
Authors: Safira Isna Riski , Ramette Martin , Masouros Spyros D. , Bull Anthony M. J.
Published: November 2024

Bone has the capability to adapt its density in response to mechanical stimuli through a process known as bone remodeling, which has been simulated in silico using various algorithms in several studies, with Strain Energy Density (SED) being a commonly used driving parameter. A spatial influence function has been introduced in addition to the remodeling algorithm, which accounts for the influence of neighboring regions on local mechanical stimuli, thereby reducing artificial mesh dependency and mimicking cellular communication in bone. However, no study has implemented the SED-driven algorithm with spatial influence function on a macroscopic 3D bone structure, and there is no physiological explanation on the value used in remodeling parameter. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of the spatial influence function’s parameters on the resulting 3D simple cubic structure under compressive loading through a sensitivity analysis. The results demonstrated that the spatial influence function enabled the density distribution to propagate in directions not only aligned with external loads, thus simulating the work of cellular communication. This study also underscores the importance of selecting appropriate parameter values to accurately reflect physiological conditions in bone remodeling simulations, since different parameters influence not only bone mineral density but also the architecture of the resulting bone structure. This work represents a step forward in understanding the interplay between mechanical stimuli and bone remodeling in three dimensions, providing insights that could improve the accuracy of computational models in simulating physiology and pathophysiology.
Prostruc: an open-source tool for 3D structure prediction using homology modeling
Authors: Pawar Shivani V. , Banini Wilson Sena Kwaku , Shamsuddeen Musa Muhammad , Jumah Toheeb A. , Dolling Nigel N. O. , Tiamiyu Abdulwasiu , Awe Olaitan I.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Homology modeling is a widely used computational technique for predicting the three-dimensional (3D) structures of proteins based on known templates,evolutionary relationships to provide structural insights critical for understanding protein function, interactions, and potential therapeutic targets. However, existing tools often require significant expertise and computational resources, presenting a barrier for many researchers.

Methods

Prostruc is a Python-based homology modeling tool designed to simplify protein structure prediction through an intuitive, automated pipeline. Integrating Biopython for sequence alignment, BLAST for template identification, and ProMod3 for structure generation, Prostruc streamlines complex workflows into a user-friendly interface. The tool enables researchers to input protein sequences, identify homologous templates from databases such as the Protein Data Bank (PDB), and generate high-quality 3D structures with minimal computational expertise. Prostruc implements a two-stage vSquarealidation process: first, it uses TM-align for structural comparison, assessing Root Mean Deviations (RMSD) and TM scores against reference models. Second, it evaluates model quality via QMEANDisCo to ensure high accuracy.

Results

The top five models are selected based on these metrics and provided to the user. Prostruc stands out by offering scalability, flexibility, and ease of use. It is accessible via a cloud-based web interface or as a Python package for local use, ensuring adaptability across research environments. Benchmarking against existing tools like SWISS-MODEL,I-TASSER and Phyre2 demonstrates Prostruc's competitive performance in terms of structural accuracy and job runtime, while its open-source nature encourages community-driven innovation.

Discussion

Prostruc is positioned as a significant advancement in homology modeling, making high-quality protein structure prediction more accessible to the scientific community.
CISepsis: a causal inference framework for early sepsis detection
Authors: Li Qiang , Li Dongchen , Jiao He , Wu Zhenhua , Nie Weizhi
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The early prediction of sepsis based on machine learning or deep learning has achieved good results.Most of the methods use structured data stored in electronic medical records, but the pathological characteristics of sepsis involve complex interactions between multiple physiological systems and signaling pathways, resulting in mixed structured data. Some researchers will introduce unstructured data when also introduce confounders. These confounders mask the direct causality of sepsis, leading the model to learn misleading correlations. Finally, it affects the generalization ability, robustness, and interpretability of the model.

Methods

To address this challenge, we propose an early sepsis prediction approach based on causal inference which can remove confounding effects and capture causal relationships. First, we analyze the relationship between each type of observation, confounder, and label to create a causal structure diagram. To eliminate the effects of different confounders separately, the methods of back-door adjustment and instrumental variable are used. Specifically, we learn the confounder and an instrumental variable based on mutual information from various observed data and eliminate the influence of the confounder by optimizing mutual information. We use back-door adjustment to eliminate the influence of confounders in clinical notes and static indicators on the true causal effect.

Results

Our method, named CISepsis, was validated on the MIMIC-IV dataset. Compared to existing state-of-the-art early sepsis prediction models such as XGBoost, LSTM, and MGP-AttTCN, our method demonstrated a significant improvement in AUC. Specifically, our model achieved AUC values of 0.921, 0.920, 0.919, 0.923, 0.924, 0.926, and 0.926 at the 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, and 0 time points, respectively. Furthermore, the effectiveness of our method was confirmed through ablation experiments.

Discussion

Our method, based on causal inference, effectively removes the influence of confounding factors, significantly improving the predictive accuracy of the model. Compared to traditional methods, this adjustment allows for a more accurate capture of the true causal effects of sepsis, thereby enhancing the model's generalizability, robustness, and interpretability. Future research will explore the impact of specific indicators or treatment interventions on sepsis using counterfactual adjustments in causal inference, as well as investigate the potential clinical application of our method.
Case Report: Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery leading to cardiac arrest induced by sexual activity: a previously unreported pathogenetic condition
Authors: Tang Junchu , Li Da , Wang Shuizhu
Published: November 2024

Background

The Anomalous Origin of the Right Coronary Artery from the Left Coronary Sinus (ARCA-LCS) is a rare congenital cardiac condition where the right coronary artery emerges from the left sinus instead of the right coronary sinus of Valsalva. The clinical significance of ARCA-LCS lies in its potential to cause myocardial ischemia or sudden cardiac death, particularly under physical exertion. In this case, a patient experienced sudden cardiac arrest during sexual activity, which has not previously been reported.

Case presentation

Six years ago, a 37-year-old man was admitted with sudden cardiac arrest during sexual intercourse. No previous history of hypertension or diabetes. There was no abnormality in physical examination. Transthoracic echocardiogram, bilateral carotid Doppler ultrasound, and electrocardiogram were normal. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography showed no abnormalities. A treadmill exercise test revealed ischemic changes. Coronary computed tomography angiography showed ARCA-LCS, and passage through the vessel wall between the aorta and pulmonary artery.

Conclusion

This case illustrates a patient with asymptomatic ARCA-LCS for 37 years who did not receive appropriate treatment during a previous visit, but who subsequently experienced a serious cardiovascular event that demonstrated the potential harm of the disease. Therefore, timely intervention in patients with ARCA-LCS, especially in high-risk groups, is critical to prevent potentially catastrophic cardiovascular events. However, in the present case report, the patient did not experience a similar event during the 6-year follow-up by avoiding overexertion and changing his lifestyle at the time of previous onset of the disease. Further studies are needed to optimize diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for ARCA-LCS.
Non-linear relationship between platelet count and 28-day mortality in critically ill patients with infective endocarditis: a retrospective cohort study from MIMIC IV database
Authors: Huang Yingxiu , Ao Ting , Zhen Peng , Hu Ming
Published: November 2024

Background

The relationship between platelet count and 28-day mortality in critically ill patients with infective endocarditis (IE) is currently not well established.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the impact of platelet count on 28-day mortality in critically ill patients with infective endocarditis.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 450 participants diagnosed with infective endocarditis and admitted to intensive care units (ICU). Vital signs, laboratory parameters and comorbidity were collected for all participants to analyze the association between platelet count and 28-day mortality. In order to assess the independent association between platelet count and 28-day mortality, we employed multivariable cox hazard regression analyses and smooth curve fitting. A further analysis was conducted using a two-piecewise linear regression model to examine the nonlinear association between platelet count and in-hospital mortality.

Results

A total of 450 critically ill patients with infective endocarditis were included in the study. The mean age was 57.4 years, and 64.2% were male. The overall 28-day mortality rate was 20%. A non-linear relationship was observed between platelet count and 28-day mortality. Two different slopes were identified, with correlations between platelet count and 28-day mortality in patients with IE differing significantly below and above the inflection point, which was approximately 141 K/µl. On the left side of the inflection point, the hazard ratio was 0.990 (hazard ratio: 0.990, 95% confidence interval: 0.982–0.997, p = 0.006). However, on the right side of the inflection point, the hazard ratio increased marginally to 1.0004 (HR: 1.0004, 95% CI: 0.997–1.004, p = 0.825). Notably, the association lacked statistical significance on the right side of the inflection point.

Conclusion

A nonlinear association between platelet count and 28-day mortality was observed in critically ill patients with infective endocarditis. The optimal platelet count associated with the lowest risk of 28-day mortality was above 141 k/µl.
Comparing the low-frequency content of exploration seismic source - receiver combinations using surface waves: a field study in Hussar, Alberta
Authors: Wu Yu-Tai , Stewart Robert R.
Published: November 2024

The low-frequency content of seismic waves in exploration is of substantial value as it can benefit imaging and inversion by providing deeper penetration, broader-band energy, and wavelet stability. However, characterizing the factors contributing to low frequencies (the seismic source, response of the receiver, and spectral signal-to-noise) and their effects may be complicated. The Hussar, Alberta survey, conducted by the CREWES Project at the University of Calgary and used here, addresses this challenge with a range of sources and receiver types. We further analyze the low-frequency content of the Hussar data using surface waves - because of their significant coherent low-frequency energy. The multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) method is used. To improve accuracy, a nonlinear approach is applied to extract dispersion properties, overcoming the limitations of conventional methods at low frequencies. This allows for precise phase velocity measurements across frequencies and assesses the frequency content of different source-receiver type combinations based on surface-wave coherence. The extracted dispersion properties were validated by comparing the dispersion curves estimated using Vs from traveltime tomography and well-logging data. The survey tested 2 kg dynamite in addition to vibroseis sources with low-dwell and linear sweeps. The receivers evaluated included Vectorseis accelerometers, as well as 10 and 4.5 Hz geophones. Our dispersion results indicate that all source-receiver combinations contain considerable surface-wave energy down to about 2 Hz. The inverted 1-D Vs models provide Vs estimates to about 800 m, consistent with results from S-wave tomography and shear logging. Dynamite produced more low-frequency energy in surface waves than vibroseis sources, extending below 1.5 Hz. Low-dwell sweeps showed clearer coherence in surface waves at low frequencies than linear sweeps. Of the receivers tested, the 4.5 Hz geophone showed higher sensitivity to low frequencies than both the Vectorseis accelerometer and the 10 Hz geophone. Although the Vectorseis accelerometer recorded more coherent low-frequency surface waves than the 10 Hz geophone, its signals were affected by some instrument noise. Analyzing surface-wave energy and coherency to assess low-frequency content can complement other types of spectral analysis.