bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kemampuan Berpikir Kreatif Matematis Melalui Problem Based Learning “What’s Another Way” dan Discovery Learning
Authors: Purwaningrum Jayanti Putri
Published: October 2019

The students’ mathematical creative thinking ability which were not optimal became the reason for conducting this study. It was a quasi-experimental research through problem-based learning “what’s another way” and discovery learning. In this case, the population of the study were all seven grade students in a junior high schools in Pekalongan regency with two classes as the sample. The data were gathered by employing three research instruments such as mathematics creative thinking ability test, teaching materials, and observation sheet. The results of the study indicated that there was no difference between the achievement and the enhancement of the students’ mathematical creative thinking ability in two experimental classes. Besides, the overall students’ activities in both the class employing problem-based learning “what’s another way” and the class employing discovery learning had been very good.
Penerapan Strategi Pembelajaran Point-Counterpoint Bervariasi untuk Meningkatkan Daya Kritis dan Hasil Belajar pada Mata Pelajaran PKn Topik Usaha Pembelaan Negara Bagi Siswa Kelas IX E SMP Negeri 1 Mojosongo
Authors: Suwadi Suwadi
Published: October 2019

The objective of  this research  “The application of  Point- Counterpoint Variety” is to increase the students’ creativity capable and the outcome of  Pkn subject with “Pembelaan Negara” topic for the students of IX E  SMPN 1 Mojosongo the first semester  academic year 2013/ 2014. This  research using qualitative method with descriptive feature, describe the data and interprise the data. The kind of this research is action research (PTK)  that was done by the researcher directly. The setting of this reseach is IXE class SMP N 1 Mojosongo the first semester academic year 2013/2014  which has low capable from one of the sevent classses paralel. The technic of  collecting the data are test and non test. For collecting the data using the observation and the items of test. To know the efectiveness the process of learning using the strategy “Point-CounterPoint Variety”, the researcher and the collaborator  have done  the observation in the process of learning. While the validity of  the data using content validity and triangulasi. The analysis of the data using the analysis descriptive comparative and qualitative. Indicators which be hope in this research are : 1) Increase the students’ critical capacity from 13,33% (before treatment) become 26,00 %  in the 1st cycle, and 35,00 % in 2nd cycle; 2) Increase the students’ average 71,90 (before tretment) in the 1St cycle to 80,00 in the 1nd cycle and 85,00 in the 2 nd cycle. After the process of collected and analised the data, the result of the research is significant. This result show that the strategy of learning Point-counterpoint variety can improve :1) The students’s  critical capacity 13,33% ( before treatment) to 28,57% in the 1st cycle, and 41,90% in the 2nd cycle. 2) The students’ average 71,90 (before treatment) to 86,67 in the 1st cycle, and 92,14 in the 2rd cycle. Increase the critical capacity and the outcome for  “Pendidikan Kewarganegaraan” with topic “Usaha Pembelaan Negara” for the students IXE class SMP Negeri 1 Mojosongo the first semester academic year 2013/2014.
Pengaruh Problem Based Learning dan Group Investigation Terhadap Prestasi Belajar IPA Ditinjau dari Kecerdasan Interpersonal Siswa Kelas V SDN Sedabin Diponegoro
Authors: Ferawati Ferawati , Budiyono Budiyono , Yutmini Sri
Published: October 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui: (1) perbedaan pengaruh pembelajaran Problem Based Learning dan Group Investigation terhadap prestasi belajar IPA, (2) perbedaan pengaruh yang signifikan antara siswa yang memiliki kecerdasan interpersonal tinggi dan rendah terhadap prestasi belajar IPA, (3) interaksi pengaruh antara model pembelajaran dan kecerdasan interpersonal siswa terhadap prestasi belajar IPA. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif. Metode yang digunakan adalah eksperimen. Populasi dari penelitian ini adalah seluruh siswa kelas V di SDN dabin Diponegoro Ngringo Jaten Karanganyar tahun pelajaran 2013/ 2014. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan cluster random sampling, sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah SDN 04 Ngringo sebagai kelompok eksperimen dan SDN 07 Ngringo sebagai kelompok kontrol. Teknik pengumpulan data adalah tes prestasi belajar IPA dan angket kecerdasan interpersonal. Ujicoba instrumen tes meliputi validitas isi, tingkat kesukaran, dan reliabilitas. Ujicoba intrumen angket meliputi validitas isi dan reliabilitas. Uji prasyarat meliputi uji normalitas, uji homogenitas, dan uji kesetaraan. Uji hipotesis dengan uji anava dua jalan dengan sel tak sama. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan: (1) terdapat perbedaan pengaruh antara pembelajaran Problem Based Learning dan Group Investigation dalam menghasilkan prestasi belajar IPA. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan Fa=15.68 dengan Ftabel=7.31, keputusan uji H0A ditolak. (2) tidak terdapat perbedaan pengaruh yang signifikan antara siswa yang memiliki kecerdasan interpersonal tinggi dan kecerdasan interpersonal rendah dalam menghasilkan prestasi belajar IPA. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan Fb=0.59 dengan Ftabel=7.31, keputusan uji H0B diterima. (3) tidak terdapat interaksi pengaruh antara model pem-belajaran dan kecerdasan interpersonal siswa terhadap prestasi belajar IPA. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan Fc=0.036 dengan Ftabel=7.31, keputusan uji H0AB diterima.
Urgensi Pemanfaatan Multimedia pada Pendidikan Agama Islam Jenjang SMK
Authors: Setiawan Achmad , Asrowi Asrowi , Suryani Nunuk
Published: October 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memberikan suatu pandangan tentang penting dan mendesaknya pemanfaatan multimedia untuk digunakan pada pembelajaran mata pelajaran pendidikan agama islam (PAI) pada jenjang sekolah menengah kejuruan (SMK). Data tentang pemanfaatan multimedia dalam berbagai disiplin ilmu diperoleh melalui studi pustaka yang komprehensif. Selanjutnya data didiskusikan dengan berdasarkan teori dan diselaraskan dengan hasil temuan penelitian terdahulu tentang manfaat multimedia pada proses pembelajaran. Selanjutnya analisis tujuan pembelajaran PAI menunjukkan unsur pembentukan pribadi yang berakhlak mulia kepada sang Pencipta, sesama manusia dan alam. Berdasarkan wawancara dengan guru PAI SMK di Surakarta diketahui bahwa mata pelajaran PAI kurang begitu diperhatikan dalam pelaksanaannya. Hal ini terlihat pada alokasi jam belajar yang hanya 2 jam per munggu dengan cakupan materi yang sangat luas. Padahal luaran yang diharapkan pada mata pelajaran PAI ini sangat penting dan sangat bermanfaat dalam pembentukan moral para pekerja di masa depan. Sehingga, dapat disimpulkan bahwa pemanfaatan multimedia dalam pembelajaran PAI pada jenjang SMK sangat dibutuhkan agar siswa bisa belajar tidak hanya dikelas saja, melainkan bisa secara mandiri sehingga tujuan pembelajaran PAI bisa tercapai.
Single-Payer Health Care in the United States: Feasible Solution or Grand Illusion?
Authors: Brown Lawrence D.
Published: October 2019

The adoption of a single-payer health care system, a recurring dream of progressive American reformers, now enjoys sustained attention in the run-up to the 2020 national elections. Some compelling arguments support the case for single payer, and its political prospects may indeed be on the rise, but myriad obstacles beset it, and a full-throated Democratic endorsement of it carries disquieting risks.
Continuidade e variedade do neoliberalismo: reconsiderando maré rosa na América Latina
Authors: Plehwe Dieter , Fischer Karin
Published: October 2019

In this article we critically engage with the term and concept of “post-neoliberalism”, delineate different meanings in the literature and arrive at the conclusion that the term leaves more questions open than it answers. We therefore draw on literature that investigates the departure from (or persistence) of neoliberalism on a careful study of social power relations, i.e. Barry Cannon`s work on the rise of the right in Latin America. In taking his arguments further we present and examine transnational neoliberal think tank networks that are active in Latin America. We show the extent to which these networks have been developed across borders, investigate the key linkers within these networks are and situate the main currents within the contemporary constellation of right wing political ideologies. The article strengthens a relational perspective in the study of neoliberalism and its counter-forces and indicates research desiderata in the field of transnational ideological power structures.
Ensinar (História da) Antropologia no Brasil: um ensaio bibliográfico latino-americano
Authors: Ciacchi Andrea
Published: October 2019

Através de uma releitura de alguns momentos da história intelectual latino-americana, incluindo neles períodos e trajetórias frequentemente negligenciadas, neste trabalho se pretende, ao mesmo tempo repensar as abordagens brasileiras e globais à história da antropologia e propor uma nova estratégia para o ensino de antropologia na universidade brasileira. O pressuposto principal do ensaio é a convicção de que não é nem foi apenas a antropologia a disciplina que tem oferecido interpretações antropológicas dos vários aspectos da realidade social e cultural da América Latina. Assim, também se alcançaria, simetricamente, uma releitura “antropológica” da produção intelectual latino-americana dos últimos 150 anos
Abolição e Carnaval: performance e experiência social negra em Trinidad (cc. 1790-1850)
Authors: Brasil Eric
Published: October 2019

Esse artigo pretende analisar as relações entre o processo de abolição da escravidão em Trinidad e as formas de mobilização social e performances carnavalescas de homens e mulheres negras entre o início da ocupação britânica da ilha até as primeiras décadas pós-abolição (cc. 1790-1850). Para tanto, o texto está dividido em três tópicos: no primeiro, iremos analisamos as formas de participação de homens e mulheres negras durante a vigência do regime escravista na ilha, assim como as tentativas coloniais de repressão e controle e os argumentos da imprensa local na construção do mito do carnaval branco, ordeiro e civilizado (sic); em seguida, buscamos investigar os impactos demográficos, nas relações de trabalho e nas tensões sociais após 1834; por fim, focamos a análise na formação do Canboulay negro entre as décadas de 1830 e 1850, propondo uma reflexão sobre seus sentidos políticos num contexto de liberdade. A pesquisa utilizou um conjunto amplo de fontes primárias arquivadas na British Library e no National Archives em Londres, Inglaterra; obras de memorialistas, folcloristas e a produção historiográfica.
Желетелый макропланктон открытой пелагиали и шельфа Чёрного моря: распределение осенью 2016 г. и межгодовые изменения биомассы и численности
Authors: Аннинский Б. Е. , Игнатьев С. М. , Финенко Г. А. , Дацык Н. А.
Published: October 2019

Сообщество желетелого макропланктона Чёрного моря обновляется ежегодно и функционирует по-разному в зависимости от сложной системы трофических отношений и межгодовых колебаний биотических и абиотических факторов. Мониторинг этого сообщества необходим для оценки современного состояния и векторов возможной эволюции всей пелагической экосистемы. С этой целью в ходе планктонных работ по программе 89-го рейса НИС «Профессор Водяницкий» (сентябрь ― октябрь 2016 г.) в прибрежных и открытых районах моря к югу и юго-западу от полуострова Крым на 62 станциях собраны данные по составу, численности, биомассе и распределению массовых видов желетелых. Пробы отбирали сетью Богорова ― Расса (площадь входного отверстия ― 0,5 м², ячея ― 300 мкм) методом тотальных вертикальных ловов от дна до поверхности моря в области мелководного шельфа и от нижней границы кислородной зоны [по данным зонда CTD SBE plus (Sea Bird)] до поверхности моря ― в его глубоководной части. Сцифомедуза Aurelia aurita (Linnaeus, 1758) и три вида гребневиков (Mnemiopsis leidyi A. Agassiz, 1865; Pleurobrachia pileus (O. F. Müller, 1776); Beroe ovata Bruguière, 1789) присутствовали совместно на 56 станциях. В глубоководных районах моря отмечено увеличение средней биомассы каждого из видов (A. aurita ― до 260 г·м−2). Достоверных различий между показателями 2016 и 2010 г. не обнаружено (p > 0,05), при этом численность медузы возросла почти на порядок (p < 0,001), P. pileus ― в 2–5 раз (p < 0,001), B. ovata ― в 3–15 раз (p < 0,01). Более высокая численность M. leidyi наблюдалась лишь на внешнем шельфе (p < 0,01); в других районах моря её увеличению могло помешать хищничество B. ovata. Скорость соматического роста медузы в 2016 г. была одной из самых низких за последние 15 лет. Опережающий рост численности желетелых по отношению к их биомассе свидетельствует о тотальном уменьшении размеров особей как в популяциях гребневиков, так и в популяции медузы. Низкая скорость соматического роста медузы указывает на неблагоприятные условия существования этого вида в 2016 г. Тем не менее из-за высокой численности особей весеннего поколения биомасса медузы была выше, чем в прежние годы. Вследствие ослабления конкуренции со стороны гребневиков-планктофагов, в перспективе на ближайшие годы следует ожидать ещё большего увеличения экологической валентности A. aurita среди желетелых хищников.
ANALISA KELAYAKAN FINANSIAL PRODUKSI BIOPESTISIDA DARI BIJI MIMBA
Authors: Pramasari Dwi Ajias , Prianto Arief Heru
Published: October 2019

Neem seed is a potential material for biopesticides, due to its limnoid content in the oil-seed. One of the methods for extracting neem seed oil is using screw press. The study aimed to determine the financial feasibility of neem seed based-biopesticides production for industrial-scale using flow chart of production approach. The tools used in this research was the financial feasibility approach such as NPV, IRR, Payback Period and Profitability Index. The financial feasibility study showed that biopesticides production was obtained at NPV Rp 3,026,193,872.00, IRR 46.90 %, Payback Period at 2 years 1 month, and Profitability Index at 2.40. The result of financial feasibility indicated that the biopesticides production using a screw press method at an industrial scale was feasible to be done. Sensitivity analysis showed that fluctuation of raw material cost and price of biopesticides product, affected the feasibility of neem seed based-biopesticides production using screw press method. This feasibility study is expected to be used as an initial reference for developing the potential of neem seed as biopesticides.
The gut microbiota profile of adults with kidney disease: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Stanford Jordan , Charlton Karen , Stefoska-Needham Anita , Ibrahim Rukayat , Lambert Kelly
Published: October 2019

Background

There is mounting evidence that individuals with kidney disease have an abnormal gut microbiota composition. No studies to date have summarised the evidence to categorise how the gut microbiota profile of individuals with kidney disease may differ from healthy controls. Synthesis of this evidence is important to inform future clinical trials. This systematic review aims to characterise differences of the gut microbiota composition in adults with kidney disease, as well as to describe the functional capacity of the gut microbiota and reporting of diet as a confounder in these studies.

Methods

Included studies were those that investigated the gut microbial community in adults with any type of kidney disease and compared this to the profile of healthy controls. Six scientific databases (CINHAL, Medline, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library) as well as selected grey literature sources were searched up until August 2018. Quality assessment was undertaken independently by three authors. The system of evidence level criteria was employed to quantitatively evaluate the alteration of microbiota by strictly considering the number, methodological quality and consistency of the findings. Additional findings relating to altered functions of the gut microbiota, dietary intakes and dietary methodologies used were qualitatively summarised.

Results

Sixteen articles, reporting 15 studies met the eligibility criteria and included a total of 540 adults with kidney disease and 1117 healthy controls. Compared to healthy controls, individuals with kidney disease had increased abundances of Enterobacteriaceae, and decreased abundances of Coprococcus and Prevotella. Adults with kidney stones also had an altered microbial composition with variations to Bacteroides, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group, Ruminiclostridium 5 group, Dorea, Enterobacter, Christensenellaceae and its genus Christensenellaceae R7 group. Altered microbial functions in adults with kidney disease were reported, particularly in the context of metabolic pathways relating to urea and uremic toxin generation. Only three of the 16 articles accounted for diet, and of these studies only two used a valid dietary assessment method.

Conclusions

The gut microbiota profile of adults with kidney disease differs from healthy controls. Future study designs should include adequate reporting of important confounders such as dietary intakes to assist with interpretation of findings.
Transcriptomic analysis of Verbena bonariensis roots in response to cadmium stress
Authors: Wang Meng-qi , Bai Zhen-yu , Xiao Ya-fang , Li Yan , Liu Qing-lin , Zhang Lei , Pan Yuan-zhi , Jiang Bei-bei , Zhang Fan
Published: October 2019

Background: Cadmium (Cd) is a serious heavy metal (HM) soil pollutant. To alleviate or even eliminate HM pollution in soil, environmental-friendly methods are applied. One is that special plants are cultivated to absorb the HM in the contaminated soil. As an excellent economical plant with ornamental value and sound adaptability, V.bonariensis could be adapted to this very situation. In our study, the Cd tolerance in V.bonariensis was analyzed as well as overall analysis of transcriptome.
Results: In this study, the tolerance of V.bonariensis to Cd stress was investigated in four aspects: germination, development, pysiological changes, and molecular alterations. The results showed that as a non-hyperaccumulator, V. bonariensis did possess the Cd tolerance and the capability to concentration Cd. Under Cd stress, all 237,866 transcripts and 191,370 unigenes were constructed in the transcriptome data of V.bonariensis roots . The enrichment analysis of gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under Cd stress were predominately related to cell structure, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging system, chelating reaction and secondary metabolites, transpiration and photosynthesis. DEGs encoding lignin synthesis, chalcone synthase (CHS) and anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) were prominent in V. bonariensis under Cd stress. The expression patterns of 10 DEGs, validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), were in highly accordance with the RNA-Sequence (RNA-Seq) results. The novel strategies brought by our study was not only benefit for further studies on the tolerance of Cd and functional genomics in V. bonariensis , but also for the improvement molecular breeding and phytoremediation.
Association Of Childhood Socioeconomic Status With Edentulism Among Chinese In Mid-Late Adulthood
Authors: ZHANG XIAONING , CHEN SHUANG
Published: October 2019

Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the association between childhood socioeconomic status (SES) and edentulism using directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) for the selection of confounders , and after adjusting for childhood health, adult SES, adult health-related behaviors and father’s health-related behaviors. Methods Chinese respondents in a Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were assessed at age 45 and 59 years. Childhood SES was determined using the father’s education, parents’ occupation, father’s working status, family’s financial situation, self-perceived childhood health, relationship with the father, mother’s effort to care for her child, mother’s love and affection, parents quarrel and fight, residential community safety, primary residence, neighbors’ help, neighborhood relation, enough food availability and access to medical care and convenience. Father’ health-related behaviors were established by taking into account smoking and drinking habits. Childhood health was determined by considering childhood hospitalization and self-perceived childhood health status. Adult SES was established based on adulthood educational achievements. Adult health-related behaviors were determined by taking into account smoking and drinking habits, as well as physical activities and sleep time. Edentulism was determined using self-reported lost all of teeth . The mediators were selected using DAGs, cross-tabulation and binary logistic regression models based on DAGs. Model assessment of the regression equation was evaluated by Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. Results Data from a total of 7,459 respondents were available, 140 of whom were edentulous (1.9%). The prevalence of edentulism at ages 45 and 59 years was substantially higher among those with low childhood SES. In all adjusted models based on DAGs, edentulism was negatively associated with father’s occupation as farmer (OR = 5.7, 95% CI = 1.3–25.0) and neighbor’s unwillingness to help (OR = 4.9, 95% CI = 1.6–15.4). Conclusion Childhood SES was associated with the prevalence of edentulism among middle-aged Chinese adults, whereas the father’s occupation, and neighbor’s help were negatively associated with edentulism . The experiences in early life associated with low SES contributes to poor dental health. Therefore, more attention needs to be paid to childhood SES in order to determine optimal recommendations and develop more effective intervention strategies.
Distinct molecular etiologies of male and female hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Natri Heini M , Wilson Melissa A , Buetow Kenneth H
Published: October 2019

Background: Sex-differences in cancer occurrence and mortality are evident across tumor types; men exhibit higher rates of incidence and often poorer responses to treatment. Targeted approaches to the treatment of tumors that account for these sex-differences require the characterization and understanding of the fundamental biological mechanisms that differentiate them. Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with the incidence rapidly rising. HCC exhibits a male-bias in occurrence and mortality, but previous studies have failed to explore the sex-specific dysregulation of gene expression in HCC.
Methods: Here, we characterize the sex-shared and sex-specific regulatory changes in HCC tumors in the TCGA LIHC cohort using combined and sex-stratified differential expression and eQTL analyses.
Results: By using a sex-specific differential expression analysis of tumor and tumor-adjacent samples, we uncovered etiologically relevant genes and pathways differentiating male and female HCC. While both sexes exhibited activation of pathways related to apoptosis and cell cycle, males and females differed in the activation of several signaling pathways, with females showing PPAR pathway enrichment while males showed PI3K, 305 PI3K/AKT, FGFR, EGFR, NGF, GF1R, Rap1, DAP12, and IL-2 signaling pathway enrichment. Using eQTL analyses, we discovered germline variants with differential effects on tumor gene expression between the sexes. 24.3% of the discovered eQTLs exhibit differential effects between the sexes, illustrating the substantial role of sex in modifying the effects of eQTLs in HCC. The genes that showed sex-specific dysregulation in tumors and those that harbored a sex-specific eQTL converge in clinically relevant pathways, suggesting that the molecular etiologies of male and female HCC are partially driven by differential genetic effects on gene expression.
Conclusions: Sex-stratified analyses detect sex-specific molecular etiologies of HCC. Overall, our results provide new insight into the role of inherited genetic regulation of transcription in modulating sex-differences in HCC etiology and provide a framework for future studies on sex-biased cancers.
Socio-demographic characteristics and co-occurrence of depressive symptoms with chronic diseases among older adults in China: the China Longitudinal Ageing Social Survey
Authors: Wang Zhenjie , Yang Hanmo , Guo Zhanyuan , Liu Bei , Geng Shen
Published: October 2019

Background: The aim of the current study is to assess the cross-sectional association of chronic non-communicable diseases (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, and cerebrovascular) with depressive symptoms among older adults in China.
Methods: Data was obtained from the China Longitudinal Ageing Social Survey (CLASS) conducted in 2014. A total of 7505 participants were included. Depressive symptoms status was assessed by 9-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) Associations between depressive symptoms and chronic diseases, adjusting for so, demographics and chronic diseases risk factors were assessed by using logistic regression model.
Results: We found negative associations between depressive symptoms and several socioeconomic factors, including education attainment and economic level. Widowed/divorced/ unmarried individuals are more likely to suffer from depressive symptoms. Hypertension (Odds ratio:1.29 [95%CI:1.16, 1.42]), diabetes (1.41 [95%CI:1.19,1.67]), arthritis (1.72 [1.52, 1.96]), and cerebrovascular disease (1.69 [1.41, 2.02]) were found to be associated with depressive symptoms.
Conclusions: Most depressive symptoms cases were found to be significantly associated with chronic diseases. Our findings have provided evidence for understanding co-morbid depressive symptoms with chronic diseases, which could help clinicians to evaluate, diagnose and manage depression promptly.
Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria parasitaemia following mass testing and treatment in Pakro sub-district of Ghana
Authors: Ndong Ignatius Cheng , Okyere Daniel , Enos Juliana Yartey , Mensah Benedicta Ayiedu , Nyarko Alexander Kwadwo , Amambua-Ngwa Alfred , Merle Corinne Simone C. , Koram Kwadwo Ansah , Ahorlu Collins Kwadwo , Abuaku Benjamen
Published: October 2019

Background: Global efforts to scale-up malaria control interventions are gaining steam. These include the use of Long-Lasting Insecticide Nets, Intermittent Preventive Treatment and Test, Treat and Track (T3) using ACTs. Intermittent preventive treatment of children (IPTc) in Ghana has demonstrated a parasite load reduction of 90%. However, unanswered questions include – whether mass treatment of population sub-groups such as IPTc could be scaled-up to whole populations as in mass testing, treatment and tracking (MTTT)? What is needed to implement MTTT at scale? Can MTTT reduce asymptomatic parasitaemia levels in children under 15? And whether MTTT of populations complemented by community-based management of malaria (CBMm) using volunteers could be an effective strategy for malaria control at a lower cost.

Methods:
A population of 5,000 asymptomatic individuals in seven communities in the Pakro sub-district of Ghana participated in this study. A register was developed for each community following a census. MTTT engaged trained community-based health volunteers (CBHVs) who conducted house-to-house testing using RDTs every four months and treated positive cases with ACTs. Between interventions, CBMm was done on symptomatic cases.

Results:
MTTT Coverage was 98.8% in July 2017 and 79.3% in July 2018. Of those tested, asymptomatic infection with malaria parasites reduced from 1,795 (36.3%) in July 2017 to 1,303 (32.9%) in July 2018. Implementing MTTT significantly averted asymptomatic parasitaemia by 24% from July 2017 to July 2018 after adjusting for age, ITN use and temperature (OR=0.76, CI=0.67, 0.85 p ≤ 0.001). In comparison, treatment of symptomatic patients at the Health Centre reduced parasitaemia by 9% over the same period which was however, not statistically significant (OR=0.91, CI=0.67, 1.38 p = 0.672). A total of 223 (5.1%) cases were averted in children under 15 years (X² = 9.7, p < 0.002). An important observation was a decrease in hospital attendance, which negatively affected the internally generated funds (IGF) scheme of the participating health facilities.

Conclusion:
This study has demonstrated that implementing MTTT was feasible and could reduce prevalence of malaria asymptomatic parasitaemia in children under 15 years of age. Furthermore, the use of CBHVs could ensure high coverage at lower cost.
Evaluation of the reporting quality of observational studies in Master of Public Health’s dissertations in China: a systematic review
Authors: Dai ShuangYang , Zhou Xiaobin , Xu Hong , Li Beibei , Zhang JinGao
Published: October 2019

Backgrounds Master of public health (MPH) plays an important role in Chinese medical education, and the dissertations is an important part of MPH education. In MPH dissertations, most are observational studies. Compared with randomized controlled trial (RCT), observational studies are more prone to information bias. So, the reporting of the observational studies should be transparent and standard. But, no research on evaluating the reporting quality of the MPH dissertation has been found. Methods A systematic literature search was performed in the Wanfang database from January 1, 2014 to May 31, 2019. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observation Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement was adopted to evaluate the reporting quality of the selected studies. Results The median of compliance with STROBE statement of 165 articles was 67.82%. The mean (standard deviation) of STROBE score was 14.3 (1.91). Five items/sub-items were 100% reported: background, objectives, study design, report numbers of individuals at each stage, and key result. Fifteen items/sub-items were reported by 75% or more. Reporting of methods and results was often omitted: missing data (12.73%), sensitivity analyses (3.03%), flow diagram (15.15%), and absolute risk (0%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that funding support (OR=13.98, 95% CI=4.37-44.70) and more published papers during postgraduate period (OR=2.77, 95% CI=1.02-7.54) were related to high reporting quality. Conclusion In short, the reporting quality of observational studies in MPH’s dissertations in China is suboptimal. However, it’s necessary to improve the reporting of method and results sections. We recommend that authors should be stricter to adhere STROBE statement when conducting observational studies.
Food Insecurity among Senior Citizens in High Out-migration Areas: Evidence from Western Nepal
Authors: Singh Devendra Raj , Ghimire Saruna , Jeffers Eva M , Singh Sunita , Nath Dhirendra , Szabo Sylvia
Published: October 2019

Background: Food insecurity is a critical public health challenge, in particular in low and middle-income countries. Nepal, a low-income country, is undergoing rapid demographic and epidemiological transitions with a growing population of senior citizens. However, the determinants of food security status among Nepali senior citizens are still unknown. This study aims to fill this gap focusing on the elderly populations in the far-western region, one of the poorest regions of the country. The study also aims to assess the potential impact of adult child migration on the food security status of the left behind elderly parents. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 randomly selected senior citizens in the Kanchanpur district in far-western Nepal. The short form of the household food security scale, originally developed by the United States Department of Agriculture, was used to measure household food security. Associations were examined by means of logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of food insecurity, in senior citizens’ households, was 41.1%. Senior citizen households with their adult children’s migration (AOR= 0.49, 95% CI: 0.24- 0.98) had lower odds of being food insecure and households with lower family income (<$100 compared to ≥ $100) (AOR= 2.24, 95% CI: 1.08 - 4.65) had two times higher odds of being food insecure. Also, households owning a cultivable land/farm (AOR= 0.14, 95% CI: 0.05-0.37) and involved in agriculture (AOR= 0.29, 95% CI: 0.09-0.99) or business (AOR= 0.20, 95% CI: 0.05-0.74) had lower odds of being food insecure. Conclusion: The prevalence of food insecurity among households with senior citizen in Kanchanpur district was high and associated with migration status of adult children, household income and ethnicity. This calls for a greater policy response focused specifically on the households with elderly citizens and integration of gerontological evidence into the existing food security and nutrition strategies.
Comparison of Postoperative Pain between Patients who underwent Primary and Repeated Caesarean Section: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Duan Guangyou , Yang Guiying , Peng Jing , Duan Zhenxin , Li Jie , Tang Xianglong , Li Hong
Published: October 2019

Background: The presences of differences in post-operative pain are unclear between the primipara who underwent a primary cesarean section and multipara who underwent first repeat cesarean section. The study aimed to explore the possible difference in postoperative pain between primipara and multipara.
Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out, and only women who underwent cesarean deliveries under spinal anesthesia were included. Postoperative patient-controlled intravenous analgesia was performed for all subjects with 0.2 mg/kg hydromorphone and 4 mg/kg flurbiprofen, and the pump was programmed as 2.0 mL/h background infusion, and loading dose of 1 mL with a lockout period of 15 min. Postoperative incision and visceral pain intensity were evaluated using visual analogue scale, and inadequate analgesia was defined as visual analogue scale ≥40 during the postoperative 48 hours. Additionally, the patients’ pain statuses on postoperative week 1 and week 4 were also assessed during follow-up via telephone.
Results: From January to May 2017, a total of 168 patients (67 primipara and 101 multipara) were included. The relative risk for multipara to experience inadequate analgesia on incision pain was 0.42 (95% CI: 0.25 to 0.74) compared to primipara. In patients under 30 years old, inadequate analgesia on visceral pain in the multipara was higher than that on the primipara (RR, 3.56 [1.05 to 12.04], P=0.025). There was no significant difference in the combined incidence of inadequate analgesia in both types of pain between the multipara and primipara (33.7%vs.40.2%, P=0.381). No difference was found in PCIA consumption between two groups. (111.1 ± 36.0mL vs. 110.9 ± 37.3mL, P=0.979) Additionally, a significantly higher incidence of pain at 4 weeks after the surgery was noted in the primipara compared to the multipara (62.2%vs.37.7%, P=0.011).
Conclusions: Multipara who underwent first repeat cesarean section have lower risk to experience inadequate analgesia on incision pain during the first 48 hours after surgery compared to primipara. While multipara under 30 years may be more prone to experiencing postoperative inadequate analgesia on visceral pain.
Trail Registration: ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT03009955, Date registered: December 30, 2016.
CUTseq is a versatile method for preparing multiplexed DNA sequencing libraries from low-input samples
Authors: Zhang Xiaolu , Garnerone Silvano , Simonetti Michele , Harbers Luuk , Nicoś Marcin , Mirzazadeh Reza , Venesio Tiziana , Sapino Anna , Hartman Johan , Marchiò Caterina , Bienko Magda , Crosetto Nicola
Published: October 2019

Current multiplexing strategies for massively parallel sequencing of genomic DNA mainly rely on library indexing in the final steps of library preparation. This procedure is costly and time-consuming because a single library must be produced separately for each sample. Furthermore, library preparation is challenging in the case of low-input fixed samples, such as DNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. Here, we describe CUTseq, a method that uses restriction enzymes and in vitro transcription to barcode and amplify genomic DNA prior to library construction. We thoroughly validate CUTseq and demonstrate its applicability to both genome and exome sequencing, enabling multi-region genome profiling within single stained FFPE tissue sections, to assess intratumor heterogeneity at high spatial resolution. In conclusion, CUTseq is a versatile and cost-effective method for multiplexed DNA sequencing library preparation that can find numerous applications in research and diagnostics.
Container Size and Shade Duration Affect Growth of Flowering Dogwood
Authors: Witcher Anthony L. , Baysal-Gurel Fulya , Blythe Eugene K. , Fare Donna C.
Published: October 2019

Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is a valuable nursery product typically produced as a field-grown crop. Container-grown flowering dogwood can grow much faster than field-grown plants, thus shortening the production cycle, yet unacceptable crop loss and reduced quality continue to be major issues with container-grown plants. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of container size and shade duration on growth of flowering dogwood cultivars Cherokee Brave™ and Cherokee Princess from bare-root liners. In 2015, bare-root liners were transplanted to 23-L (no. 7) containers and placed under shade for 0 months (full sun), 2 months (sun4/shade2), 4 months (sun2/shade4), or 6 months (full shade) during the growing season. In 2016, one-half of the plants remained in no. 7 containers and the other half were transplanted to 50-L (no. 15) containers and assigned to the same four shade treatments. In 2015, plant height was greatest with full shade for both cultivars, whereas stem diameter and shoot dry weight (SDW) were greatest in full shade for Cherokee Brave™. In 2016, both cultivars in no. 15 containers had greater plant height, stem diameter, root dry weight (RDW), and SDW. Full shade resulted in the greatest height, stem diameter, RDW, and SDW for Cherokee Brave™, and improved overall growth for ‘Cherokee Princess’. However, vigorous growth due to container size and shade exposure increased the severity of powdery mildew (Erysiphe pulchra) in both years. Substrate leachate nutrient concentration (nitrate nitrogen and phosphate) was greater in no. 15 containers but shade duration had no effect.
Cerebrovascular Disorders Associated with Ph-Negative Myeloproliferative Diseases
Authors: Tanashyan M.M. , Kuznetsova Polina Igorevna , Melikyan A.L. , Raskurazhev A.A.
Published: October 2019

Background. Cerebrovascular disorders continue to be among the most common and socially significant worldwide. Among multiple reasons for circulatory disturbances special importance is attached to hemorheology and hemostasis disorders occurring also in patients with Ph-negative myeloproliferative diseases (MPD). Aim. To investigate typical characteristics of the course of cerebrovascular disorders in patients with Ph-negative MPD. Materials & Methods. The trial included 169 adult patients with neurological diseases. Among them the main group consisted of 104 patients aged 34 to 55 years (median 48.5 years) with Ph-negative MPD diagnosed at the National Research Center for Hematology. The control group consisted of 65 patients aged 51 to 58 years (median 55.5 years) with cerebrovascular diseases without concomitant hematological pathology. Results. The incidence of acute ischemic strokes was 26.2 % in polycythemia vera (PV), 20.5 % in essential thrombocythe-mia (ET), and 8.7 % in primary myelofibrosis (PMF). Conclusion. An acute ischemic stroke with a concurrent thrombotic occlusion of one of the major head arteries is a criterion for ruling out Ph-negative MPD. To identify cerebral lesions in patients with Ph-negative MPD (PV, ET, PMF) MRI of the brain is recommended.
Infectious Complications after Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cells Transplantation in Patients with High-Risk Tumors of Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Osipov Yurii Sergeevich , Bessmeltsev S.S. , Salogub G.N. , Ivanov V.V. , Mikhailov E.S. , Zhukova N.A. , Chechetkin A.V.
Published: October 2019

Aim. To determine the incidence of viral, bacterial, and fungal infections in post-transplant period and to assess the prognostic value of infections and their influence on early and long-term results of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cells transplantation (haplo-HSCT). Materials & Methods. Retrospective study included 61 patients older than 18 years with high-risk oncohematological diseases. In the period from 2015 to 2018 all patients received haplo-HSCT. Median follow-up after haplo-HSCT was 12.5 months (376 days, range 6-1202). Patients were divided into two groups. The first group (n = 26) received haplo-HSCT as salvage therapy. It included patients with refractory tumors without remission by the start of haplo-HSCT and patients with early relapses after HLA-matched related or unrelated allo-HSCT. The second group (n = 35) received haplo-HSCT on reaching the optimal pretransplant status (“non-salvage”). Results. The incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation, invasive mycosis, and bacterial infections was 70.4 %, 11.5 %, and 75.4 %, respectively. CMV reactivation and invasive mycosis did not affect either the 35- or the 100-day overall survival (OS). For the first time bacterial infections were stratified based on severity according to Sepsis 3 consensus, which allowed to identify groups of patients with unfavorable prognosis. Severe bacterial infections (sepsis and septic shock) correlated with worse early and long-term results, especially in patients without remission by the start of haplo-HSCT, whereas febrile neutropenia/bloodstream infection did not affect OS. On the whole, mortality associated with bacterial infections was 26.2 %. Conclusion. The main factor affecting early lethality after haplo-HSCT is a severe bacterial infection. The key risk factor is lack of remission by the start of haplo-HSCT. Sepsis 3 criteria can be applied in the period of postcytostatic cyto-penia to identify the group of patients with most unfavorable prognosis (septic shock). The implementation of current infection control methods (genotyping of multiple drug resistant strains and timely determining the strategy of antimicrobial chemotherapy on the basis of the results obtained) into everyday clinical practice can improve the treatment outcomes in this category of patients.
Can Management Practices Enhance Corn Productivity in a Rye Cover Crop System?
Authors: Patel Swetabh , Sawyer John E. , Lundvall John P.
Published: October 2019

Cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crops (RCC) have good potential to take up residual NO3 between grain crops and reduce loss to surface waters. However, studies in Iowa have shown a 6% corn (Zea mays L.) yield reduction in no‐till when grown following a RCC. The objective of this research was to study tillage and starter N agronomic practices that have potential to improve corn yield in a RCC system. This study was conducted at four sites from 2014–2016 with corn grown in rotation with soybean [Glycine max. (L.) Merr.]. Treatments included rye aerial broadcast into soybean before leaf drop and no RCC, tillage or no‐till, and starter N fertilizer (34 kg N ha−1) or no starter. The main fertilizer N was sidedressed. The aerial rye sowing, especially with dry fall conditions and planned RCC termination in the spring at 15–20 cm height, resulted in non‐uniform RCC stand with low biomass and N content (range 6–36 kg N ha−1). However, the profile soil NO3–N at rye termination was decreased, approximately the same amount as the RCC aboveground N content. The V6 stage corn height and V10 stage canopy sensing indexes increased with tillage and starter. Overall, corn yield was reduced with the RCC (0.2 Mg ha−1), tillage increased yield (3%), but starter N did not increase yield despite consistent increased early corn growth. If soil erosion potential is low, springtime tillage would be a practice to help improve corn early growth and yield in a RCC system.

Core Ideas

A cereal rye cover crop preceding corn can result in reduced grain yield.

Rye cover crop did not affect corn plant population.

Starter N improved early corn growth but not grain yield.

Corn yield was 1.6% reduced with the rye cover crop, but tillage improved yield by 3%.
Mean Performance and Stability in Multi‐Environment Trials II: Selection Based on Multiple Traits
Authors: Olivoto Tiago , Lúcio Alessandro D. C. , da Silva José A. G. , Sari Bruno G. , Diel Maria I.
Published: October 2019

Modeling the genotype × environment interaction (GEI) and quantifying genotypic stability are crucial steps for selecting/recommending genotypes in multi‐environment trials (METs). The efficiency in selection/recommendation could be greater if based on multiple traits, but identifying genotypes that combine high performance and stability across many traits has been a difficult task. In this study, we propose a multi‐trait stability index (MTSI) for simultaneous selection considering mean performance and stability (MPE) in the analysis of METs using both fixed and mixed‐effect models. Data from an MET where 14 traits were assessed in 22 genotypes ofAvena sativaL. were used to illustrate the application of the method. The genotypic stability was quantified for each trait using the weighted average of absolute scores from the singular value decomposition of the matrix of best linear unbiased predictions for the GEI effects generated by an linear mixed‐effect model (WAASB) index (lower is better). A superiority index, WAASBY (higher is better) was calculated to consider the MPE. The selection differential for the WAASBY index ranged from 9.7 to 44.6%. Positive selection differential (1.75% ≤ selection differential ≤ 17.8%) were observed for trait means that wanted to increase and negative (–11.7%) for one variable that wanted to reduce. The negative selection differential observed for WAASB (–63% ≤ selection differential ≤ −12%) suggested that the selected genotypes were more stable. The MTSI should be useful for breeders and agronomists who desire a selection for MPE based on multiple traits because it provides a robust and easy‐to‐handle selection process, accounting for the correlation structure of the traits. The application of the MTSI in future studies is facilitated by a step‐by‐step guide and an R package containing useful functions.

Core Ideas

The genotypic stability was quantified in multi‐environment trials (MET) using mixed models.

A superiority index that allows weighting between mean performance and stability was used.

A multi‐trait stability index (MTSI) for identifying superior genotypes in MET was proposed.

Using a real dataset from a MET, stable and high‐performance genotypes were identified.

The MTSI should facilitate the genotype selection in a multi‐trait framework.