bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partial Delaminated Quadriceps Tendon Rupture
Authors: O'Donnell Ryan , Dove James , Babu Jacob M. , Blood Travis , Hayda Roman A.
Published: March 2021

Case:

We present a case of a 41-year-old male bodybuilder with a partial delaminated quadriceps tendon rupture after a traumatic injury. Partial quadriceps tendon tears are rare overall and usually are treated nonoperatively with conservative management depending on the patient’s limitations. He was found to have an intact superficial quadriceps tendon with a partial thickness tear of the vastus intermedius and delamination of the undersurface quadriceps tendon precluding active knee extension.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, there has never been a reported partial quadriceps tendon tear with delamination of the undersurface, causing a complete extensor mechanism failure necessitating operative repair.
A Day in the Life
Authors: Hazzard Sean
Published: March 2021

Healthcare providers often wonder what the day of others in their profession looks like. This is a breakdown of an average day at the operating room of an orthopedic sports medicine physician assistant.
Klasifikasi Beras Menggunakan Metode K-Means Clustering Berbasis Pengolahan Citra Digital
Authors: Trisnawan Atriyan , Hariyanto Wahyudi , - Syahminan
Published: March 2021

Rice plants (Oryza Sativa L.) are important food crops that have become a staple food for more than half of the world's population. In Indonesia rice is the main commodity in supporting community food. The process of processing rice into rice is done in two ways, namely the processing of pulverized and modern processing using a grinding tool. Rice is an important component in daily food. There are several types on the market, namely: fragrant pandan rice, IR 64, IR 42, C 4, and others. With the variety of forms and types of rice on the market, there are many weaknesses that humans have in perceiving the classification of rice using the senses of vision. Therefore, digital image processing techniques are needed to help analyze the type of rice. This study aims to analyze the type of rice using the K-Means Clustering method based on RGB colors. Before the K-Means calculation, the RGB color feature extraction process must be carried out to get the red value, green value, blue value in each image. The results of this study found that image processing to determine the type of rice using the k-means clustering method can help users to know the type of rice.
Sistem Pejadwalan Kuliah Meggunakan Metode Algoritma Genetika pada Program Magister Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis
Authors: Afandi Yusuf , Setiyaningsih Wiji
Published: March 2021

As per the increase in students of the Masters Program, they will also increase the number of hours / lecture schedule. Willingness and readiness for lecturers make it difficult to determine the appropriate lecture schedule. In addition, the difficulty of making the lecture schedule is because there is still no automated system that can specifically schedule lectures. Limitations of available classrooms allow clash of schedules between classes and the complexity of scheduling courses is also experienced when 1 (one) course can be managed by 3 (three) lecturers (lecturer team). This causes a large number of errors in the scheduling process which results in collisions and delays in scheduling so that the learning and teaching process will be hampered if the scheduling process is still manual. This is important for an implementation to help the scheduling process in order to optimize collisions or collision schedules in the lecture process that occurs in the faculty. The results showed 93% of respondents from the aspects of the system, user aspects, and interaction aspects of designing and implementing a lecture scheduling system using genetic algorithms stated that it was very helpful and easy to apply as a tool to assist the process of optimizing lecture scheduling to minimize schedule clashes in lectures in the Masters Program.
LEMBAR KERJA PESERTA DIDIK BERBASIS INKUIRI TERBIMBING DENGAN MEDIA MANIPULATIF DALAM PEMBELAJARAN MATEMATIKA
Authors: Leha.Mc Yulia , Marsitin Retno , Fayeldi Trija
Published: March 2021

Salah satu bahan ajar yang digunakan sebagai panduan dalam melakukan kegiatan penyelidikan atau pemecahan masalah yaitu Lembar Kerja Peserta Didik (LKPD). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan bahan ajar berupa LKPD berbasis inkuiri terbimbing berbantuan media manipulatif pada materi bangun datar dalam pembelajaran matematika di SMP Negeri 5 Mukok Kalimantan Barat. Metode yang digunakan adalah Research and Development (R&D) dengan model ADDIE yang meliputi: Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, dan Evaluation. Teknik pengumpulan data yaitu wawancara dan angket. LKPD divalidasi oleh ahli materi, ahli media, dan ahli pembelajaran. Uji coba dilakukan pada kelompok kecil 9 peserta didik kelas VIIB dan kelompok besar 20 peserta didik kelas VIIA. Hasil validasi ahli materi, ahli media dan ahli pembelajaran dinyatakan valid. Hasil angket respon uji coba kelompok kecil dan kelompok besar masing-masing diperoleh skor 3,64 dan 3,68 dengan kriteria sangat layak. Keefektifan LKPD masing-masing diperoleh persentase ketuntasan sebesar 78% dengan kriteria baik dan 90% dengan kriteria sangat baik. Hasil tes diperoleh total persentase ketuntasan sebesar 84% dengan kategori sangat baik. Sehingga, disimpulkan LKPD ini valid, layak dan efektif diterapkan pada materi bangun datar. Saran untuk peneliti selanjutnya agar dapat mengimplementasikan LKPD dengan bantuan berbagai media pembelajaran matematika.
PENGARUH PBL BERBASIS FLIPPED CLASS TERHADAP PRESTASI DITINJAU DARI MOTIVASI BELAJAR SISWA
Authors: Sinmas Wolfharda Fitriani , Sundaygara Chandra , Pranata Kurriawan Budi
Published: March 2021

Kegiatan pembelajaran fisika hendaknya lebih melibatkan siswa secara aktif dalam menyelesaikan permasalahan yang dihadapinya dalam pembelajaran. Untuk memfasilitasinya diperlukan model ataupun metode pembelajaran inovatif, yang berorientasi pada masalah dan bersifat student centered. Salah satu model pembelajaran yang dapat digunakan adalah model pembelajaran PBL dengan metode flipped class. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh model pembelajaran PBL berbasis flipped class terhadap prestasi belajar ditinjau dari motivasi belajar siswa. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas X SMK Negeri 2 Singosari tahun pelajaran 2018/2019. Sampel diambil dengan teknik purposive sampling. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah quasy eksperimen dengan rancangan penelitian posstest only control grup design. Data dianalisis dengan menggunakan uji ANOVA dua jalur. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa (1) ada perbedaan prestasi belajar siswa yang belajar melalui model pembelajaran problem based learning berbasis flipped class dengan siswa yang belajar melalui model pembelajaran konvensional,  nilai signifikkansi 0.00 < 0.05; (2) ada perbedaan prestasi belajar antara siswa yang memiliki motivasi belajar tinggi dengan siswa yang memiliki motivasi belajar rendah,  nilai signifikansi 0.01 < 0.05; (3) terdapat interaksi antara model pembelajaran problem based learning berbasis flipped class dengan motivasi terhadap prestasi belajar siswa, nilai Fhitung > Ftabel ( 6.24 > 3. 91).
IMPLEMENTASI MODEL INKUIRI TERBIMBING SEBAGAI UPAYA MENINGKATKAN MOTIVASI DAN PRESTASI BELAJAR SISWA SMK
Authors: Lewe Robertus Ndara Ana , Sholikhan Sholikhan , Pratiwi Hestiningtyas Yuli
Published: March 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui (1) Agar dapat meningkatkan kualitas penerapan pembelajaran berbasis inkuiri terbimbing untuk meningkatkan motivasi dan prestasi belajar siswa kelas X Tbsm-2 SMK Negeri 10 Malang. (2) Penerapan pembelajaran berbasis inkuiri terbimbing dapat meningkatkan motivasi belajar siswa kelas X Tbsm-2 SMK Negeri 10 Malang. (3) Penerapan pembelajaran berbasis inkuiri terbimbing dapat meningkatkan prestasi belajar siswa kelas X Tbsm-2 SMK Negeri 10 Malang. Penelitian ini adalah Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK). Subjek penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas X Tbsm-2 SMK Negeri 10 Malang.

Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa keterlaksanaan pembelajaran siklus I (72,78%), dan siklus II (82,78%). Motivasi belajar siswa pada siklus I (76,02%) dan pada siklus II (87,22%), dan Prestasi belajar siswa pada siklus I (57,14%) dan pada siklus II (85,71%). Dapat di simpulkan bahwa penerapan model pembelajaran inkuiri terbimbing dapat meningkatkan motivasi dan prestasi belajar fisika siswa kelas X Tbsm-2 SMK Negeri 10 Malang Tahun Ajaran 2019-2020.
ANALISIS MISKONSEPSI SISWA KELAS VIII PADA SUB MATERI PENYELESAIAN SPLDV DAN PENERAPAN SPLDV MENGGUNAKAN THREE TIER-TEST
Authors: Dedeng Edwaldus , Fayeldi Trija , Ferdiani Rosita Dwi
Published: March 2021

Abstrak. Pemahaman konsep merupakan hal yang sangat diperlukan dalam pembelajaran matematika, sehingga bisa memecahkan masalah dalam pembelajaran matematika sesuai dengan konsep yang dipahami. Sebaliknya, apabila tidak memahami konsep yang selanjutnya disebut  miskonsepsi tidak bisa memecahkan masalah dalam pembelajaran matematika. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif dengan pendekatan penelitian kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data adalah tes tertulis dan wawancara. Soal tes yang digunakan adalah soal tes berbentuk three tier test. Siswa kelas VIII SMP yang berjumlah 28 orang siswa dijadikan sebagai populasi, dan sebanyak 6 siswa dari 28 siswa dijadikan sebagai subjek penelitian. Hasil penelitian ini, rata-rata siswa mengalami miskonsepsi pada soal nomor 3 dan 4 yang menanyakan tentang himpunan penyelesaian dan soal cerita yang berkaitan dengan kehidupan sehari-hari. Siswa yang mengalami miskonsepsi dikarenakan belum mampu menentukan sebarang bilangan untuk mengeliminasi salah satu variabel serta belum mampu menerjemahkan soal cerita ke dalam bentuk matematika. Selain mengalami miskonsepsi siswa juga lucky guess (menjawab benar dengan menebak). Adapun subyek yang mengalami miskonsepsi pada soal nomor 3 berjumlah 4 siswa dan soal nomor 4 berjumlah 4 siswa. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dengan menggunakan three tier test maka dapat disimpulkan  bahwa sebagian besar siswa mengalami miskonsepsi pada salah satu soal bahkan lebih. Selain mengalami miskonsepsi siswa juga mengalami lucky guess serta mengalami konsepsi ilmiah.
PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN KOOPERATIF TIPE STAD UNTUK MENINGKATKAN AKTIVITAS DAN PRESTASI BELAJAR SISWA
Authors: Hewen Siprianus Lawe , Fayeldi Trija , Farida Nur
Published: March 2021

Rendahnya aktivitas siswa yang menyebabkan prestasi belajar siswa menurun pada pembelajaran matematika di SMP Negeri 1 Gondanglegi. Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu: Sebagai upaya untuk menerapkan pembelajaran kooperatif tipe Student Team Achievement Division (STAD) yang dapat meningkatkan aktivitas dan prestasi belajar siswa. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan rancangan penelitian tindakan kelas. Tindakan dilaksanakan pada siswa kelas VIII SMP Negeri 1 Gondanglegi, yang terdiri  dari 31 siswa. Tindakan pada penelitian ini terdiri dari dua tindakan yaitu: tindakan I dan tindakan II, sedangkan prosedur pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan cara (1) lembar observasi aktivitas guru dan siswa, (2) angket siswa dan (3) kuis. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa hasil aktivitas belajar siswa menggunakan Model Kooperatif Tipe Student Team Achievement Division (STAD) pada siklus I sebesar 76% dan pada siklus II sebesar 94 %, sedangkan untuk prestasi belajar siswa pada siklus I sebesar 74,4 dan pada  siklus sebesar II 81. Dari hasil siklus diatas dapat disimpulkan bahwa pembelajaran kooperatif tipe Student Team Achievement Division (STAD) mampu meningkatkan aktivitas dan prestasi belajar siswa.
COVID-19 Infection among People with HIV/AIDS in Africa: Knowledge Gaps, Public Health Preparedness and Research Priorities
Authors: Essien Ekere James , Mgbere Osaro , Iloanusi Sorochi , Abughosh Susan V.
Published: March 2021

The emergence of novel virus SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19 has complicated Africa’s public health challenges, especially with the pre-existing epidemics such as HIV/AIDS. We highlight the known evidence related to COVID-19 infections among people with HIV (PWH) with specific reference to Africa. The knowledge gaps, level of public health preparedness and the potential research priorities are also outlined. Although the epidemiology and clinical course of COVID-19 in HIV patients are evolving, existing evidence indicate that the disease outcomes are comparable to that of the general population. However, PWH with low CD4 cell counts may have worse outcomes than individuals with restored immunity, whereas old age and co-morbidities such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes can further increase their overall risk. While there may be slight disruption of HIV service delivery in selected African countries, the resilience and resourcefulness of others have helped to sustain HIV service delivery and enhanced the level of public health preparedness and fight against the pandemic. The paucity of data and research studies on HIV-COVID-19 coinfection in Africa, call for concerted efforts to address these limitations.
Keywords: • COVID-19 • SARS-CoV-2 • HIV • PWH • Public Health • Research • Africa
 
Copyright © 2021 Essien, et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in this journal, is properly cited.
Development Strategy of Beef Cattle Business to Increase Farmers' Economic Value in Sukabumi Regency
Authors: Rusdiana S , Ishak Andi B. Lompengeng , Ferasyi Teuku Reza
Published: March 2021

The research objective was to determine the beef cattle business development strategy in increasing the economic value of farmers in Sukabumi Regency. The research was conducted in Ciracap District, Sukabumi Regency, West Java in 2020. The research used survey methods and interviews with 65 farmers and 9 extension workers from BPP Sukabumi Regency. Primary data and secondary data were analyzed using statistical analysis, economic analysis and Swot analysis descriptively and quantitatively. The results showed that the farmers' average land ownership was 1.57 ha/farmer. The farmer profit is IDR. 250.548.975 /year, the value of R/C is 1.14. The related variable (dependent) which affects farmer profit and business efficiency of beef cattle has an effect on the95% confidence level. Swot analysis of internal and external factors in the development of beef cattle business showed the strengths of the working area of the Sukabumi Regency BPP including available labor, agricultural land area, grazing land, the number of cows being raised and the support of government institutions, private companies and other institutions as  well as  livestock market opportunities wide open. The weaknesses are  limited land resources, business capital, increased feed prices and the price of beef cattle that were controlled by middlemen. It is suggested that strategies to increase beef cattle population and economic value of the farmers are by optimizing the function of empty land as grazing land and forage cultivation. Business cooperation, marketing networks and guaranteed beef cattle prices are pivotal in order to take advantage of relatively unfulfilled market opportunities.
Effect of Cultural-Based Breast Self-Examination Educational Program on BSE Self Efficacy Among Nursing Student, Indonesia
Authors: Juanita Juanita , Jittanoon Piyanuch , Boonyasopun Umaporn
Published: March 2021

The clinical breast self-examination is one of the strategies to prevent breast cancer to women. Previous study was conducting to promote breast self-examination, but the study did not consider about the role of culture on health behavior. The purpose of this quasi-experimental design was to examine the effect of cultural-based breast self-examination (BSE) educational program on BSE self-efficacy among nursing students. The cultural-based BSE educational program was developed based on Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory and Islamic Culture. A stratified proportionate random sampling method was employed to recruit nursing students at Public Nursing College, Faculty of Medicine, Syiah Kuala University in Aceh, Indonesia. Seventy-six students who met the inclusion criteria were recruited, 36 students were in the experimental group and 40 students were in the control group. The experimental group received the cultural-based BSE educational program including exploring Islamic mandate on prevention and individual responsibility in  health promotion and  cultural related beliefs toward BSE, health education, BSE training, and follow-up. The BSE self-efficacy scores were examined after 3 weeks of program implementation. The statistical analysis was conducted using dependent t-test and independent t-test. The results showed, the BSE self- efficacy of the nursing students in the experimental group were significantly higher than before participation ( t (35) =-5.02, p .001). Further, the BSE self-efficacy score in the experimental group was significantly higher than thecontrol group after participation the program (t (74) = 3.49, p .01). The result showed differences of the overall BSE self-efficacy and the subscale: BSE procedural efficacy (p .01), but not significant differences for the subscale: BSE barrier management efficacy (p .05). The cultural-based BSE educational program is effective in enhancing BSE self-efficacy among nursing students. The study suggests that the application of the cultural-based BSE educational program would be extended for other women and other nursing students in different areas.
A protocol to develop visual geographic models of socio-economic and public health data
Authors: Wells Joshua , Grant Robert , Chang John , Kayyali Reem
Published: March 2021

Understanding the impact of socio-economic inequality on health outcomes is arguably more relevant than ever before given the global repercussions of COVID-19. With limited resources, innovative methods to track disease, population needs, and current health and social service provision are essential. One approach of interest is the implementation and integration of mapping software. This approach develops multi-layered interactive maps to demonstrate relationships between socio-economic and health data. Paediatric vaccination uptake and readmission rates are used as an example; however, the wider application of this method is not limited to these sets of health data. This approach aims to improve the interpretation and accessibility of data by creating a simple visual model with little need for additional technical experience beyond the guidance of the protocol.
Expression of Foreign Proteins in Escherichia coli
Authors: Iftikhar Ali
Published: March 2021

BackgroundOptimization of conditions for the recombinant production of proteins in a prokaryotic expression system is essential as the recombinant proteins impose a metabolic burden on cell's growth leading to low protein yield and low protein expression resulting from cell death.Main textThe concentration of media components is optimized to accommodate for depleted nutrients due to foreign protein expression. The temperature is optimized to reduce proteolytic degradation and accumulation of protein as inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli. The concentration of inducer and time of induction for high protein yield is also optimized. These optimization conditions depend on the promoter under which the gene of interest is present and the characteristics of the target protein.ConclusionIn the past few years, many optimization conditions for the production of recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli have been studied. These conditions depend mainly upon the promoter used to produce protein and the type of protein produced. Optimizing the expression parameters of protein produced in Escherichia coli ensures maximum yield of the desired protein.
Hepatopulmonary Syndrome is Related to The Development of Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure and Poor Prognosis in Cirrhotic Patients
Authors: Han Seul Ki , Kim Moon Young , Kang Seong Hee , Suk Ki Tae , Baik Soon Koo
Published: March 2021

Background & Aims:Long-term prospective data on hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) from a large number of patients, especially in Asian patients, are lacking. We evaluated the long-term prognosis of HPS and the development of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), and related factors.Methods: A total of 142 patients with cirrhosis who underwent saline-agitated contrast echocardiography for the diagnosis of HPS were enrolled and observed prospectively from 2014 to 2019.Results: A total of 59 patients (41%) were diagnosed with HPS (24 grade 1, 23 grade 2, 12 grade 3). Thirty-eight and 37 patients died in the HPS and non-HPS groups, respectively (p < 0.01). The 5-year survival rate was 47% in the HPS group and 62% in the non-HPS group. In the Cox proportional hazards model, HPS and Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score≥18, and Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) class B/C were significant risk factors for mortality after adjusting for other risk factors (HPS hazard ratio [HR] = 1.9, p = 0.01; MELD score≥18 HR = 2.3, p < 0.01; CTP class B/C HR = 2.9, p < 0.01). Compared to that in non-HPS group, the HPS group had a significantly higher incidence of ACLF during follow-up (p < 0.01) and more frequently presented with lung involvement of ACLF (p = 0.03). Conclusions:In the long-term follow-up cohort, patients with HPS showed poorer prognosis than that of patients without HPS. HPS was a risk factor for ACLF development independent of hepatic dysfunction, and lung involvement was significantly common than without patients
Design and power analysis for multi-sample single cell genomics experiments
Authors: Schmid Katharina , Cruceanu Cristiana , Böttcher Anika , Lickert Heiko , Binder Elisabeth , Theis Fabian , Heinig Matthias
Published: March 2021

Single cell RNA-seq revolutionizes transcriptomics by providing cell type resolution for interindividual differential gene expression and expression quantitative trait loci analyses. However, efficient power analysis methods accounting for the characteristics of single cell data and interindividual comparison are missing. Here we present a statistical framework for design and power analysis of multi-sample single cell genomics experiments. The model relates sample size, number of cells per individual and sequencing depth to the power of detecting differentially expressed genes within cell types. It enables fast systematic comparison of alternative experimental designs and optimization for a limited budget. We evaluated data driven priors for a range of applications and single cell platforms. In many settings, shallow sequencing of high numbers of cells leads to higher overall power than deep sequencing of fewer cells. The model including priors is implemented as an R package scPower and is accessible as a web tool.
Investigating The Temporal Variation in the Frequency of Smog Precursors in the Ambient Air of Lahore
Authors: Shehzadi Rabia - , Mughal Tahira Aziz , Abbas Moneeza , Abrar Amina , Abbas Ali
Published: March 2021

In present study the seasonal prevalence of smog precursors was analysed to investigate the temporal trend of smog formation in the ambient air of Lahore. Data set of three years (November 2017- April 2020) was obtained from compact ambient air quality monitoring station, installed by Environmental Protection Department on Jail Road, Lahore. Statistical analysis of dataset of smog precursors revealed that in winter, the concentration range of PM10, PM2.5, NO, NO2 was significantly higher than Punjab Environmental Quality Standards and WHO Air Quality Guidelines. Whereas in summer, tropospheric ozone recurrence was higher and showed significantly negative correlation with NO >PM2.5 >NO2 >SO2 and null association with PM10. Seasonal impact on smog precursors concentration was further approved by correlation analysis of weather component with air pollutants. According to statistical analysis, Ozone (O3) was found to have high positive correlation with temperature >wind speed >relative humidity >sunshine hour while inverse relation with air pressure while NO, NO2, SO2, PM2.5 showed positive corelation with air pressure and negative correlation with temperature, sunshine, and wind speed. These factual figures revealed that ambient air of Lahore has been experiencing reducive-type smog in winter which is acidic in nature and oxidative-type photochemical smog in summer since 2017.
The Use of Birth Control Methods by Adult Males: A Case Study of the Amasaman, Accra, Ghana
Authors: AYITTEY HANNY-SHERRY
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Adult males are largely responsible for the production of babies. One healthy male can produce as many as 100 children over a 50-year reproductive lifespan through sex with many women. On the other hand, women are restricted to the production of a limited number of children in their reproductive lifespan due to biological factors related to pregnancy and menopause. Given the propensity of men to produce many children, effective family planning and birth control rests substantially on responsible role of men. Yet, there is little information on use of birth control methods and products by adult males in Ghana. Guided by the reproductive health life cycle theory of human behaviour, this study aimed at analysing the use of birth control methods and products by adult males in Ghana using a case-study of the Amasaman Area Council, in Accra, the capital city of Ghana. Methods: A scientific survey based on a random sampling procedure collected information from 300 adult males in all 39 communities of the Amasaman Area Council, Accra over two months from November to December 2019. This survey elicited information on the perceptions and use of birth control methods and acceptance of government reproductive health (RH) policies. The collected data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20. The analysis involved simple descriptive summaries of the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents and their perceptions and use of birth control method. A binary logit regression analysis was used to identify the factors that influenced current use of birth control methods by respondents. Results: The nine birth control methods and products indicated by the male respondents were in order of importance as follows: (1) traditional method of planned abstinence from the spouse for a period of time especially after the delivery of a child, (2) male condom, (3) withdrawal before ejaculation, (4) vasectomy (male sterilization), 5) rhythm or calendar method (of the woman’s monthly reproductive cycle), (6) traditional herbs, (7) outercourse (sex without penetration), (8) drinking of local gin before sex, and (9) men taking drugs to prevent pregnancy. Information from peers and friends was the major source of information. Based on the analysis, it was revealed that the likelihood of using birth control methods and products was significantly influenced by the extent of awareness of these methods and products. Conclusions: Adult male respondents largely had no external sources of information with regards to the majority of the identified birth control methods. Peers and friends were the major source of information about birth control methods. Current use of birth control methods was mainly influenced by the overall awareness of these products.
A Tin-Based Perovskite Solar Cell With an Inverted Hole-Free Transport Layer to Achieve High Energy Conversion Efficiency by SCAPS Device Simulation
Authors: liangsheng Hao , Tong Li , Xinxia Ma , jiang Wu , Lingxia Qiao , Xuefei Wu , Guoyu Hou , Haonan Pei , Xingbo Wang , Xiaoyu Zhang
Published: March 2021

Recently, organic-inorganic halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have received extensive research in the field of optoelectronic materials due to their unique optical and electrical properties, especially lead-based PSCs. However, the toxicity and stability of these devices, as well as the expensive hole transport layer (HTL) and other factors inhibit their commercial production. In this work, the non-toxic tin was applied as the battery material, the perovskite solar cell adopts an inverted HTL-free structure, and the one-dimensional solar cell capacitor simulator SCAPS-1D (Solar Cell Capacitance Simulator) was adopted for numerical simulation and found that FTO/CH3 NH3 SnI3 /C60 /Au structure PSCs also showed excellent photovoltaic performance. We studied the influence of the thickness of the absorber layer, the defect density, the doping concentration of different layers, and the thickness of the electron transport layer (ETL) under different directions of illumination on the battery performance. The simulation results show that the optimized inverted HTL-free tin-based PSCs based on C60 are with inspiring performance: a short-circuit current density (JSC ) of 30.1646 mA/cm 2 , open-circuit voltage (VOC ) of 1.0465V, fill factor (FF) of 59.49% and power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.78%. We also introduced light from different directions to irradiate PSCs, and the results show that the HTL-free perovskite adopting an inverted structure can retain the light intensity of the irradiated perovskite layer to the greatest extent and exhibit superior performance. Based on the inverted HTL-free tin-based PSCs, we also investigated the performance parameters of ETL batteries with different materials. This work provides new ideas for PSCs development in the future.
Hypothermal Effects on Expression of Regucalcin, A Calcium Binding Protein, in Livers of Seawater- and Fresh Water-Acclimated Milkfish, Chanos Chanos
Authors: Chang Chia-Hao , Lee Tsung-Han
Published: March 2021

Regucalcin (RGN) is a calcium-binding protein mainly expressed in the liver. It functions in regulating activities of several calcium-dependent enzymes related to energy metabolism, antioxidant mechanisms, and apoptotic pathways. Previous proteomics analyses revealed downregulation of regucalcin in milkfish livers when acclimated to low temperature (18°C) from normal temperature (28°C). This study first identified the full-length sequence of milkfish regucalcin from livers with high similarity in the protein structure and calcium-binding function compared to the regucalcin of other animals. The mRNA and protein expression of regucalcin in livers of fresh water (FW)- and seawater (SW)-acclimated milkfish under hypothermal acclimation were further analyzed. In FW milkfish, upregulation of regucalcin was found in mRNA and protein levels from two and four days, respectively, to one week after transfer to 18°C for the two. However, in SW milkfish, upregulation of regucalcin occurred quickly and returned to the basal levels in one (mRNA expression) or two days (protein expression) up until one week after transfer. These results suggested potential roles of regucalcin in maintaining calcium homeostasis and its correlation to differential physiological responses in livers of milkfish when they were acclimated to FW and SW.
Neuroprotective Role of Diosgenin, A NGF Stimulator, Against Aβ (1–42) Induced Neurotoxicity in Animal Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Som Swati , Antony Justin , Dhanabal Palanisamy , Sivasankaran Ponnusankar
Published: March 2021

Diosgenin is a neurosteroid derived from the plants and has been previously reported for its numerous health beneficial properties, such as anti-arrhythmic, hypolipidemic, and antiproliferative effects. Although several studies conducted earlier suggested cognition enhancement actions of diosgenin against neurodegenerative disorders, but the molecular mechanisms underlying are not clearly understood. In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of diosgenin in the wistar rats that received an intracerebroventricular injection of Amyloid-β (1–42) peptides, representing a rodent model of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Animals were treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg/p.o of diosgenin for 28 days, followed by Amyloid-β (1–42) peptides infusion. Animals were assessed for the spatial learning and memory by using radial arm maze and passive avoidance task. Subsequently, animals were euthanized and brains were collected for biochemical estimations and histopathological studies. Our results revealed that, diosgenin administration dose dependently improved the spatial learning and memory and protected the animals from Amyloid-β (1–42) peptides induced disrupted cognitive functions. Further, biochemical analysis showed that diosgenin successfully attenuated Amyloid-β (1–42) mediated plaque load, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and elevated acetylcholinesterase activity. In addition, histopathological evaluation also supported neuroprotective effects of diosgenin in hippocampus of rat brain when assessed using hematoxylin-eosin and Cresyl Violet staining. Thus, the aforementioned effects suggested protective action of diosgenin against Aβ (1–42) induced neuronal damage and thereby can serve as a potential therapeutic candidate for AD.
Spectral analysis of geomagnetically induced current and local magnetic field during the 17 March 2013 geomagnetic storm
Authors: Xu Wen-Hao , Xing Zan-Yang , Balan Nanan , Liang Li-Kai , Wang Yan-Ling , Zhang Qing-He , Sun Zi-Dan , Li Wen-Bin
Published: March 2021

Geomagnetically induced current (GIC) is known to be closely related to the rate of change of local horizontal magnetic field (dBx/dt); and their spectra can give better insight into the relationship. We study the spectral characteristics of GIC measured in Finland and dBx/dt measured 30 km away during the 17 March 2013 intense geomagnetic storm (SymHMin = -132 nT). Two bursts of large GIC (up to 32A) and dBx/dt occurred at ~ 16 UT and 18 UT during the storm main phase, though their values were generally small. For the first time, the Cross Wavelet Transform (XWT) and Wavelet Coherence (WTC) techniques are used to investigate the correlation and phase relationship of GIC and dBx/dt in time-frequency domain. Their WTC correlation is strong (over 0.9) over the entire storm period, indicating dBx/dt is the main factor causing GIC and dBx/dt leading GIC. Their XWT spectra show two enclosed periods (8–42 min and 2–42 min) in the high energy region corresponding to the two bursts of activity in GIC and dBx/dt. Moreover, we use continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and discrete wavelet transform (DWT) to analyze the spectral characteristics of GIC and dBx/dt. It is found that the CWT and DWT spectra of the two are very similar, especially in the low frequency characteristics, without continuous periodicity. Wavelet coefficients become large when GIC and dBx/dT are large; and the third-order coefficient, which corresponds to low-frequency part, best reflects the disturbance of GIC and dBx/dt.
Role of Convection–circulation Coupling in the Propagation Mechanism of the Madden–Julian Oscillation over the Maritime Continent in Climate Models
Authors: Wang Yi-Chi , Tseng Wan-Ling , Hsu Huang-Hsiung
Published: March 2021

This study investigates the role of convection–circulation coupling on the simulated eastward propagation of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) over the Maritime Continent (MC). Experiments are conducted with the European Centre Hamburg Model Version 5 (ECHAM5) coupled with the one-column ocean model – Snow-Ice-Thermocline (SIT) and two different cumulus schemes, Nordeng (E5SIT-Nord) and Tiedtke (E5SIT-Tied). During the early phase of MJO composites, the E5SIT-Nord simulation reveals stronger intraseasonal anomalies in the apparent heat source (Q1) over the convective center, however, the E5SIT-Tied produces a stronger background Q1, suggesting that deep convection prevails over the MC but does not couple with the MJO circulation. Similarly, in the E5SIT-Tied simulation, in-column moisture is kept mostly by local deep convection over the MC, which is in contrast to the well-correlated relationship between moisture anomaly and MJO circulation in E5SIT-Nord. A case study based on an observational MJO reveals similar biases concerning of convection–circulation coupling emerges within a few days of simulations. The E5SIT-Tied simulation produces weaker heating at the convective center of the MJO than the E5SIT-Nord a few days after model initiation, resulting weaker subsidence to the east and less favorable for propagation. The present findings highlight the instantaneous responses of cumulus parameterization schemes to MJO-related environmental changes can further affect intraseasonal variability through altering convection–circulation coupling over the MC. Physical schemes of moist convection are essential to realistically represent this coupling and thereby improve the simulation of the eastward propagation of the MJO.
“Should I inhale?” - Perceptions, barriers, and drivers for medicinal cannabis use amongst Australian women with primary dysmenorrhoea: A qualitative study.
Authors: Sinclair Justin , Armour Susanne , Akowuah Jones Asafo , Proudfoot Andrew , Armour Mike
Published: March 2021

Objective: This study sought to investigate the perceptions, barriers and drivers associated with medicinal cannabis use among Australian women with primary dysmenorrhea. A qualitative study via virtual focus groups involving 26 women experiencing regular, moderate or greater menstrual pain explored categories including cost, associated stigma, current drug driving laws, community and workplace ethics as well as geographical isolation within the context of patient access under current Australian laws and regulations. Results: A qualitative descriptive analysis identified that dissatisfaction with current management strategies such as over-the-counter analgesic usage was the key driver for wanting to use medicinal cannabis. A number of significant barriers to use were identified including patient access to medical prescribers, medical practitioner bias, current drug driving laws, geographic location, and cost. Community and cultural factors such as the history of cannabis as an illicit drug and the resulting stigma, even when prescribed by a medical doctor, still existed and was of concern to our participants. Conclusion: Whilst medicinal cannabis is legal in all states and territories within Australia, several barriers to access exist that require government regulatory attention to assist in increasing patient adoption, including possible subsidization of cost. The high cost of legal, medicinal cannabis was a key factor in women’s choice to use illicit cannabis. Overall, the concerns raised by our participants are consistent with the broader findings of a recent Australian Senate inquiry report into barriers to patient access to medicinal cannabis in Australia, suggesting many of the issues are systematic rather than disease specific. Given the interest in use of medicinal cannabis amongst women with primary dysmenorrhea, clinical trials in this area are urgently needed.
Broadband Reflector Based on Double-Layer Subwavelength Gratings
Authors: Wang Qi , Li Rui , Gao Xufeng , Cao Shuhua , Tao Chunxian , Hong Ruijin , Zhang Dawei
Published: March 2021

A broadband reflector with a reflectance up to 97.8% over a 144 nm spectral range from 1476 to 1620 nm was proposed by comprising double-layer subwavelength gratings with one grating layer embedded in SiO2 layer. An analysis of the resonance leaky modes with overlapping gratings showed the physical mechanism of the wide broad high-reflectivity band. The structural parameter tolerance was analyzed and the variation of bandwidth was explained by combining the behaviors of the two guided mode resonances. The guided mode resonance and high refractive index contrast properties led to a good angular tolerance that exhibited an angular insensitivity (~ 11°) at 1550 nm. Overall, the broadband reflector may benefit the monolithic integration of optoelectronic devices.
Hepatic Microsporidiosis of Mudskipper, Boleophthalmus Dussumieri Valenciennes, 1837 (Perciformes: Gobiidae), Due to Microgemma Sp.
Authors: Vandana V.R , Poojary Nalini , Tripathi Gayatri , A Pavan-Kumar , Sanil N.K. , Valappil Rajendran Kooloth
Published: March 2021

The present study reports a case of hepatic microsporidiosis caused by Microgemma sp in brackishwater fish, Boleophthalmus dussumieri (Valenciennes, 1837) (n = 60), from north-west coast of India. An eight-month study from September 2017 to April 2018 revealed a prevalence of 11.6% for this parasite. The microsporidian showed tissue-specific infection and did not reveal any gross pathology in infected fish. Large whitish cysts containing microspores of size 0.3–0.5 mm were observed in the liver of fish. The range of pyriform microsporidian spore size varied from 2.9–3.77 X 1.85–2.67 µm. Histological observations of infected liver revealed large xenoma of the microsporidian filled with spores and encircled by a cyst wall-like layer. Scanning electron microscopy of the spores showed a distinct groove on the anterior end of the spore for polar tube extrusion. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the DNA extracted from the microsporidian spores using primers targeting small ribosomal subunit DNA (SSU rDNA) yielded ~ 1340 bp amplicon and the genetic distance analysis showed a 0.2% variation with the reported M. tilanpasiri. Accordingly, in the phylogenetic tree, the present species of Microgemma clustered with M. tilanpasiri. Even though, the morphomeristic characters of the present Microgemma sp. was marginally different from the reported M. tilanpsasiri; the SSU rDNA showed considerably higher similarity with M. tilanpasiri. Thus, we report the species of Microgemma as Microgemma aff. tilanpasiri from a new host. This is the first report of a microsporidian from B. dussumieri and the first record of the genus Microgemma from India.
Quality of Dying in Hospital General Wards: A Cross-Sectional Study About the End of Life Care
Authors: Binda Filippo , Clari Marco , Nicolò Gabriella , Gambazza Simone , Sappa Barbara , Bosco Paola , Laquintana Dario
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

In the last decade, access to national palliative care programs have improved, however a large proportion of patients continued to die in hospital, particularly within internal medicine wards.
OBJECTIVES

To describe how adult patients die in the medical and surgical wards of a large tertiary-level university teaching hospital in the north of Italy, comparing the care and treatments between patients whose death was rated as highly, moderately or not expected by nurses.
METHODS

Single-centre cross-sectional study. Data on nursing interventions and diagnostic procedure in proximity of death were collected after interviewing the nurse and the physician responsible for the patient. Relationship between qualitative variables involving nursing procedures was summarized by means of multiple correspondence analysis (MCA).
RESULTS

Death was highly expected by nurses in 108 out of 187 patients included, whose primary diagnosis was respiratory (33.7%). Symptoms control was inadequate for the most severely ill patients: the most prevalent were asthenia (88.3%), mild or severe pain (69.0%), urinary incontinence (66.3%) and respiratory fatigue (64.8%). Physicians rated more frequently than nurses the quality of dying as good or very good, respectively 78.6% and 57.8%. The best quality of dying seems associated to the number of nursing interventions (mostly related to ensure comfort and to prevent pressure ulcers), female sex and low Norton scoring, as suggested by MCA.
CONCLUSION

Staff in medical and surgical wards still deal inadequately with the needs of dying people. Presence of hospital-based specialist palliative care could lead to improvements in the patients’ quality of life
Nickel-Catalyzed Regio- and Diastereoselective Arylamination of Unactivated Alkenes
Authors: Wang Chao , Wang Shenghao , Zhang Lanlan , Xie Leipeng , Zhao Lei , Luo Chun , Mu Linping , Wang Xiuguang
Published: March 2021

An intermolecular syn-1,2-arylamination of unactivated alkenes with arylboronic acids and O-benzoylhydroxylamine electrophiles has been developed with Ni(II) catalyst. The cleavable bidentate picolinamide directing group facilitated formation of stabilized 4-, 5- or 6-membered nickelacycles and enabled the difunctionalization of diverse alkenyl amines with high levels of regio-, chemo- and diastereocontrol. This general and practical protocol was compatible with broad substrate scope and high functional group tolerance. The utility of this method was further demonstrated by the site-selective late-stage modification of pharmaceutical agents.
High Risk Factors for Subjective Discomfort Due to Lower Limb Discrepancy After Medial Open Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy
Authors: He Axiang , Wang Yin , Chen Yanan , Zhou Ying , Zhang Hui , Mao Yanjie , Liu Wanjun , Zhang Xianlong
Published: March 2021

Background: Medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy(OWHTO) may result in lower limb discrepancy(LLD), and Some patients experience uncomfortable symptoms. Studies have found that the degree of LLD is one but not the only high risk factor for inducing symptoms. The main purpose of this study is to explore the risk factors for symptomatic LLD.Methods: Sixty-four patients who underwent OWHTO in our hospital between June 2018 and January 2020 were included in the study. Changes in tibia length, lower limb length, femorotibial angle（FTA）, LLD and KOOS score were evaluated before and 1 year after surgery. Questionnaire was used to investigate whether patients had uncomfortable symptoms of LLD after surgery. Binary Logistic regression was applied to analyze the risk factors of symptomatic LLD.Results: There were 18 patients with subjective LLD uncomfortableness, 13 of them were occasional and 5 were frequent. Patients had a mean correction angle of 11.7 ° ± 4.6 °, with a mean increase in tibial length (6.0 ± 3.5) mm, lower limb length (8.6 ± 2.9) mm, and LLD (7.7 ± 3.7) mm at 1 year post-operation. Preoperative and postoperative changes in tibia length and lower limb length were statistically significant (P < 0.0001).There were statistically significant differences in pain, symptoms, ADL ,sports/recreations, QOL of KOOS subclassification before and after surgery (P < 0.0001). Binary logistic regression revealed that age ≥ 55, BMI ≥ 28, and LLD ≥ 10 mm were high risk factors for symptomatic LLD (P = 0.022, OR= 4.957 ; P = 0.020, OR = 5.32; P = 0.020, OR = 4.720).Conclusion: Patients with age ≥55, BMI≥28 and postoperative LLD≥10mm are more likely to develop symptomatic LLD. Older or heavier patients, who are expected to have an LLD greater than 10mm after OWHTO should be fully informed of the possibility of postoperative LLD symptoms.